Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

FWC seeks input on burrowing owl guidelines

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

The official city bird of Cape Coral will be the topic of discussion at various webinars this month hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as they welcome public input on burrowing owl conservation and permitting guidelines

On three different dates this month, FWC staff will present draft revisions to

Public webinars will broadcast today, Aug 4, at 2:30 p m , Aug 14 at 4:30 p m , and on Aug 23 at 10:30 a m

the Species Conservation Measures and P e r m i t t i n g G u i d e l i n e s f o r F l o r i d a Burrowing Owls

“FWC staff will present draft revisions to the guidelines during the scheduled webinars, with each of the three online workshops providing the public with the

All webinars will feature the same presentation by FWC staff To

opportunity to give feedback and offer sugg e s t i o n s , ” F W C o f f i c i a l s s t a t e d i n a release “As a component of the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Plan, these guidelines outline biological background, recommended survey methodology and voluntary conservation practices designed

Lee County cheerleading squad takes home top honors at national competition

n g L e e C o u n t y t o o k h o m e t o p h o n o r s a t a n a t i o n a l c o m p e t it i o n i n C o l u m b u s , O h i o l a s t w e e k

T h e C h a m p i o n s i n M o t i o n L C 3 - C h a o s c h e e r t e a m e a r n e d a f i r s t - p l a c e f i n i s h a t t h e

N Y A A s s o c i a t i o n C h e e r l e a d i n g N a t i o n a l s i n

L e v e l 4 c o m p e t i t i o n T h e s q u a d i s m a d e u p o f

y o u t h a g e s 8 t o 1 5 t h a t c a l l C a p e C o r a l ,

L e h i g h , a n d F o r t M y e r s h o m e “ T h i s t e a m h a s b e e n t h r o u g h a l o t , e s p e -

See CHEER, page 29

Champions in Motion LC3-Chaos cheer team earned a first-place finish at the NYA Association Cheerleading Nationals in Level 4 competition

UNIVERSAL EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

to improve conditions for the state-designated Threatened Florida burrowing owl ” Public webinars will broadcast today, Aug 4, at 2:30 p m , Aug 14 at 4:30 p m , and on Aug 23 at 10:30 a m All webinars will feature the same presentation by FWC staff

Members of local conservation group Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife are hopeful new guidelines presented will only bolster

See BURROWING OWL, page 30

Clear The Shelters

Low-cost pet adoption initiative under way

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Now might be the perfect time to add a new four-legged friend to the family, as local shelters are taking part in a nationwide campaign to help animals find new homes

Throughout the month of August,

N B C U n i v e r s a l Local’s nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign, “Clear The Shelters,” will return for its ninth consecutive year

As part of the initiative, Lee County Domestic Animal Services, NBC, and Telemundo are partnering to promote pet adoption.

From Aug 1 through 25, all dog adoptions will be reduced to just $20 and cats/kitten adoptions to $10 with an approved application The month-long event will culminate from 10 a m to 4 p m on Aug 26, with the waived adoption event at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers

“The marketing involved with Clear The Shelters helps get the word out about the benefits of adoption versus buying and also the importance of helping shelter pets,” said

See SHELTERS, page 28

4 ,

A u g u s t

Cape Council will not fill BRC vacancies

n e w s @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m I n t h e w a k e o f c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r s r e s i g n i n g e n m a s s e a f t e r t h e o u s t e r o f t h e i r c h a i r , C a p e C o r a l C i t y C o u n c i l w i l l n o t a d v e r t i s e t h o s e v a c a n c i e s o f t h e B u d g e t R e v i e w C o m m i t t e e C i t y C l e r k K i m b e r l y B r u n s t o l d t h e e l e c t e d b o a r d W e d n e s d a y n i g h t t h a t t h e r e w a s o n e a l t e r n a t e p o s i t i o n f i l l e d w i t h s e v e n v a c a n c i e s “ I a m s u p p o s e d t o f i l l v a c a n c i e s w i t hi n 3 0 d a y s , ” s h e s a i d I n t e r i m C i t y M a n a g e r M i c h a e l I l c z y s z y n s a i d t h e C l e r k ’ s O f f i c e t y p i c a ll y , w h e n a v a c a n c y p o p s u p , a d v e r t i s e s a n y v a c a n c i e s t o f i l l t h e p o s i t i o n I n l i g h t o f r e c e n t d i s c u s s i o n s i n t e r m s o f h o w m a n y m e m b e r s w o u l d f i l l t h e b o a r d ,

M a y o r J o h n G u n t e r s a i d e v e n i f t h e c i t y a d v e r t i s e s r i g h t n o w a n d g o e s t h r o u g h t h e 3 0 - d

a p p o i n t e d , d i d n o t n e e d t o b e f i l l e d

M a y o r J o h n G u n t e r s a i d e v e n i f t h e

c i t y a d v e r t i s e s r i g h t n o w a n d g o e s t h r o u g h t h e 3 0 - d a y p r o c e s s a n d p u t s i t

o n t h e a g e n d a s c h e d u l e t h e c i t y w i l l b e f i n i s h e d w i t h t h i s y e a r ’ s c i t y b u d g e t

c y c l e “ M y r e c o m m e n d a t i o n i s I w o u l d w o r k o n t h e c h a n g e s a n d b r i n g i t b a c k t o a

w o u l d w o r k o n a n d C o u n c i l m e m b e r

( B i l l ) S t e i n k e ( w o u l d ) b r i n g b a c k a r e c -

,

C o u n c i l d e c i d e d v i a c o n s e n s u s t h a t t h e p o s i t i o n s , w h i c h a r e C o u n c i l

C o m m i t t e e o f a W h o l e m e e t i n g I t ’ s a g o l d e n o p p o r t u n i t y t o b r i n g b a c k w h a t I

o m m e n d a t i o n a n d c o l l e c t i v e l y h a v e t h a t d i s c u s s i o n a t t h e n e x t C o m m i t t e e o f a W h o l e m e e t i n g , ” G u n t e r s a i d C o u n c i l m e m b e r T o m H a y d e n a g r e e d t h a t t h e r e i s n o r e a s o n t o a d v e r t i s e t h e v a c a n c y a n d s e l e c t c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r s b e c a u s e t h e b u d g e t c y c l e w i l l b e o v e r S t e i n k e s a i d h i s i n t e n t i o n i s t a k i n g t h e e x i s t i n g r e s o l u t i o n f o r t h e B u d g e t R e v i e w C o m m i t t e e a n d r e d l i n i n g i t t o p r o v i d e s o m e m o d i f i c a t i o n s a n d a l i t t l e t r i m h e r e a n d t h e r e T h e d i s c u s s i o n w a s p l a c e d o n t h e n e x t C o u n c i l w o r k s h o p , s c h e d u l e d f o r W e d n e s d a y , A u g 2 3 , i n C o u n c i l C h a m b e r s , 1 0 1 5 C u l t u r a l P a r k B l v d

Court denies request for intervention in Cummings residency complaint

Investigation by State Attorney’s Office will continue

BREEZE STAFF REPORT

vharring@breezenewspapers com

A judge has denied a pair of requests asking the Circuit Court to intervene in an i n v e s t i g a t i o n u n d e r w a y a t t h e S t a t e Attorney’s Office involving a Cape Coral City Council member accused of not living in her district when she qualified to seek office

In a hearing Thursday morning Circuit Court Judge Leigh Frizzell Hayes denied a request for a “writ of prohibition” filed by attorney Jay P. Lechner on behalf C o u n c i l m e m b e r P a t t y C u m m i n g s t h a t said Cummings had established proof of the required residency to run in District 4 and that Cummings had been denied due process rights outlined in the city’s charter

Patty Cummings

The petition filed on July 13 asked the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit to prohibit Cape Coral City Council’s action in forwarding to the State Attorney its independent investigative report that found Cummings did not reside in District 4 until March of this year Hayes, who allotted Lechner and the city each half an h o u r t o p r e s e n t a r g u m e n t s , a l s o d e n i e d l a s t F r i d a y Lechner’s request an expedited ex parte hearing on the matter

Cummings, who was not present for the hearing Thursday, could not immediately be reached for comment

The City does not comment on pending legal investigations, officials said

The State Attorney’s Office investigation remains open

The residency complaint, initiated by a resident who initially requested whistleblower anonymity, was referred to the State Attorney’s Office by Council in June

Council first rejected a bid to charge Cummings with violating the city’s charter residency requirements when she qualified, s a y i n g t h e i n d e p e n d e n t “ f a c t f i n d i n g ” report it commissioned was incomplete

The report was prepared by attorney Vicki L Sproat of Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller, who was retained by the city on M a r c h 2 4 t o c o n d u c t t h e t h i r d p a r t y inquiry

Using what she called a “preponderance of evidence standard,” Sproat found that “Cummings was not a full-time or parttime resident” of the home she listed on Palm Tree Boulevard during the relevant period and that “Cummings did not reside in District 4 until March 22, 2023.”

Sproat also found that “Cummings failed to cooperate in the investigation,” citing what she called “the greater weight of the evidence ”

Council’s decision to request assistance from the State Attorney’s Office was made as Sproat did not have subpoena power to compel witnesses with whom she wished to speak and to obtain all documents sought As an investigative agency, the State Attorney’s Office has that authority

Cummings has denied the allegations and Lechner has said Cummings co-operated with the investigation and that documents establishing residency as required by the city’s charter have been provided

Department of Health issues blue-green algae alert

T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f H e a l t h i n L e e C o u n t y i s c a u t i o n i n g t h e p u b l i c o f t h e p r e s e n c e o f b l u eg r e e n a l g a e b l o o m s i n t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e R i v e r - S o u t h e a s t

3 2 T e r r a c e n e a r S w a n C a n a l a n d M o o d y C a n a l

B l u e - g r e e n a l g a e a r e a t y p e o f b a c t e r i a t h a t i s c o m m o n i n F l o r i d a ’ s f r e s h w a t e r e n v i r o n m e n t s

A b l o o m o c c u r s w h e n r a p i d g r o w t h o f a l g a e l e a d s t o a n a c c u m ul a t i o n o f i n d i v i d u a l c e l l s t h a t d i s c o lo r w a t e r a n d o f t e n p r o d u c e f l o a t i n g m a t s t h a t e m i t u n p l e a s a n t o d o r s B l o o m s h a v e t h e p o t e n t i a l t o p r od u c e t o x i n s , a n d w h a t t r i g g e r s t h e m

t o d o s o r e m a i n s p o o r l y u n d e r s t o o d S i n c e b l o o m c o n d i t i o n s c a n c h a n g e a t a n y t i m e , i t i s i m p o r t a n t t o e x e r c i s e c a u t i o n a s i f t h e b l o o m w e r e t o x i c , e v e n i f t o x i n p r e s e n c e h a s n o t y e t b e e n c o n f i r m e d , h e a l t h o f f i c i a l s s a i d O t h e r p r e c a u t i o n s i n c l u d e : ■ Y o u s h o u l d n o t d r i n k , s w i m , w a d e , w a t e r s k i o r e n g a g e i n a c t i v it i e s t h a t m a y c a u s e y o u t o c o m e i n d i r e c t c o n t a c t w i t h w a t e r s w h e r e t h e r e i s a v i s i b l e b l o o m ■ E x e r c i s e c a u t i o n w h e n u s i n g p e r s o n a l w a t e r c r a f t o r b o a t i n g , t o a v o i d s t i r r i n g u p o r c o n t a c t i n g t h e a l g a e o r t h e a f f e c t e d w a t e r

■ A v o i d g e t t i n g a f f e c t e d w a t e r i n y o u r e y e s , n o s e , o r m o u t h ■ W a s h y o u r s k i n a n d c l o t h i n g w i t h s o a p a n d w a t e r i f y o u h a v e c o n t a c t w i t h a l g a e o r d i s c o l o r e d o r s m e l l y w a t e r ■ Y o u s h o u l d k e e p p e t s a w a y f r o m t h e w a t e r s i n t h i s l o c a t i o n ■ E a t i n g f i l l e t s f r o m h e a l t h y f i s h c a u g h t i n f r e s h w a t e r l a k e s e x p e r i e n c i n g b l o o m s i s s a f e R i n s e f i s h f i l l e t s w i t h t a p o r b o t t l e d w a t e r , t h r o w o u t t h e g u t s a n d c o o k f i s h w e l l ■ Y o u s h o u l d n o t e a t s h e l l f i s h f r o m t h i s l o c a t i o n

OPINIONS

CAPE CORAL BREE ZE

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher

VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor

2510 Del Prado Blvd

• Cape Coral, FL, 33904

• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693

A tale of two facilities

A pair of iconic complexes in Lee County face a similar fate possible demolition for a future bright and new

Both the Lee County Civic Center and the Cape Coral Yacht Club have passed the point of practical repair for the same reason: deferred maintenance

For those who do not speak bureaucratese, “deferred maintenance” is the lack of routine upkeep and the regular replacement of things that break or wear out

Things like roofs, wiring and plumbing

Things that add up to big bucks when the price of doing nothing comes down to doing everything at once.

The number for the Lee County Civic Center, the location for every concert and event that mattered after it opened in 1979?

Approximately $15 5 million for the center itself, more than $22 million throughout the complex off Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers

Replacement costs would total more than $53 million, with $42 2 million of that for the main building alone

The number for the Cape Coral Yacht Club Ballroom, built by the city’s founding developers and opened in 1962?

According to the city’s conditional assessment for deferred maintenance it’s $2.55 million, $5-$6 million total throughout the park on Driftwood Parkway

Replacement costs are still pending, depending on where Cape Coral City Council lands with any redevelopment effort The number has been as high as $100 million

There is a difference, though, and that difference is how Lee County and the city of Cape Coral have handled their similar challenges of deciding whether to repair, replace or repurpose these public facilities whose histories are intertwined with the memories and emotions of generations of residents, many of whom have adamantly spoken against any plans for demolition or “re-purposing” of the sites

We received next-step updates this week from each of the government entities edging closer to a final determination.

Lee County, which launched a series of informational meetings and a citizen survey when its lease with the Lee County Fair Association came up for renewal and its “Invitation to Negotiate” drew a purchase offer from a developer looking to build, among other things, a shopping center, is readying for a drop-in style public meeting

The meeting will be held from 6-8 p m on Aug 17 at the North Fort Myers Rec Center with more public comment to be accepted virtually beginning the following day

The city of Cape Coral, which launched its exploration of demolishing the hurricane-damaged complex including the Ballroom which escaped largely unscathed despite its disrepair at a City Council “retreat,” took a different route

It has not scheduled a town hall, has refused a resident request for a public hearing as per a city ordinance concerning historic structures, and has not conducted a similar survey

Council has opted to accept input at regular meetings and now through the establishment of a stakeholder group for which it is accepting applications due no later than today

“The City of Cape Coral is creating a stakeholder group to help shape the future of the Yacht Club,” its solicitation states “The Stakeholder group will help determine which stylistic elements from the existing ballroom will be considered for incorporation into the new building(s) and will include members of City staff, the Youth Council, and Cape Coral residents ”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Development impacts on existing residents must be considered

To the editor:

I have addressed the following to members of the Cape Coral City Council on the issue of the proposed development of the Redfish Pointe area at Rotary Park:

Dear Council Members

I’m normally not one to stand in the way of progress That being said, the progress must make sense for the masses and not just for the developers! Not only do I feel that this development is bad for our environment and very fragile eco system, it also has major implications to our surface streets with regard to what will be very heavy traffic through an older and well established local neighborhood

Looking at the proposed entrance/exit to this development concerns me as a resident of SW 5th Avenue

As I’m sure you are aware the proposed entrance/exit to this project is shown to be directly across from the intersection of SW 6th Place where it dead ends on Rose Garden Road The proposed entrance/exit would be an extension, if you will, of SW 6th Place to cross over Rose Garden Road

Additionally there is currently a four way stop at Pelican and Eldorado Roads which is where the heavy traffic exiting the proposed development would pile up Thus causing major delays at that intersection which also leads into Rotary Park and the heavily used Dog Park Even now, when there is an event at Rotary Park, the traffic flow and parking all over the median strip on Rose Garden Road is a nightmare to get through

In order to avoid that traffic back up at the four way stop, drivers try to beat the “back up” by turning onto 6th Place, then turning right onto 5th Avenue and proceeding to Eldorado making a left then a right onto Skyline in order to beat other traffic to Cape Coral Parkway. I’d like to say that they only drive at 15 miles per hour but I can assure you that isn’t the case This happens now whenever there is an event at the park I can’t imagine what it will be like should this proposed development be allowed to continue

Perhaps this development doesn’t effect your neighborhood but it will have a potentially devastating effect on ours You will put our children at risk as there are no sidewalks on these roads Our residents live, walk and ride bikes on these roads

The total impact on our roads, residents and property values must come first

Respectfully,

Council in the box?

To the editor:

Council in the box:

First we have Mayor Gunter “restoring faith” in Council Now, we have Council in the box

Here are some items also in the box

Sunset all advisory boards except budget committee

Proceeded to box Mr Shadrack and the Budget Review Committee with new “restrictions” so they all resigned Council, what are you hiding in the budget that you can not take a group of knowledgeable advisory board members’ input?

Out of the Box: It is now time to call for an independent State Budget audit Let the voters see what else is in the council's budget box

Lou Navarra Cape Coral

Elections should be sacrosanct

To the editor:

The party advocating disengagement from the truth in their election propaganda has been exposed for having knowingly instigated violence against the will of the national voters by Rudy Giuliani's own admission in court last week

ERIC (Electronic Registration Information Center) is used to verify accuracy of voter rolls The system is designed to allow county registrar of voters to ensure that all the voters participating in a federal election vote only ONCE The program tracks the one vote back to the state the voter claims as their main residence

Should we predict what will happen if Florida and the other GOP-led states are allowed to “opt out” of this fact-checking ERIC program? The usual round up of election deniers, including Floridan GOP, have all removed their respective states from the ERIC program's scrutiny of residency in anticipation of the next Presidential election We in Florida should demand that the GOP not block a fair vote in 2024 and recommit to fair elections by resubscribing to ERIC This would help prevent one voter casting multiple votes

Heck, maybe we should even demand that our own Cape Coral City Council stop firing citizen review boards? This behavior is especially suspect of evidence tampering, suggesting the goal of escaping review is to hide misconduct

Elliott Sacks Cape Coral

Save the Cinema Paradiso of Cape Coral

To the editor:

As a homeowner and taxpayer I oppose the demolition of our historic Cape Coral Public Yacht Club Many of us have memories there The Yacht Club building is a symbol of the Cape It is an historic building It is also of MidCentury design Those who appreciate architecture would want to save it These rare buildings are attractive also for potential film locations, and we must save them

Many of us have seen the film Cinema Paradiso and the audience wonders why the Theater in the film was neglected and torn down I call on city leaders to do the right thing and save the Yacht Club

The current insurance policy for the Yacht Club building is over $1 million The repairs needed are estimated to only be $25,000

Why should taxpayers have to pay for an expensive new building?

Also, there is a perfectly good parking lot where a newer building could be built if taxpayers really want to foot the bill

I believe there is a middle ground save the Yacht Club, build a newer building elsewhere.

Respect our city’s history

I will be supporting those that do Mr Barry Anderson does not speak for the rest of us I support Gloria Tate in her call to save this historic site I have many happy memories of taking lessons there and spending time with my grandmother or attending city events there

Today we contend with the continued presence of an alleged illegally sitting council member; Patty Cummings, a ringer who is accused of not living in the district she “represents” on the City Council when she filed for office and lied about her residency

This is the sort of behavior that calls every decision that follows into question Sometimes into legal question

We as taxpayers may wind up having to pay for all the overturned city council decisions in which she participated without duly being eligible to serve

I would urge all Republicans of good faith to reground themselves in the truth politically Demand that the party do the same It is the only way forward

Ellen Starbird Cape Coral

Slaver y beneficial to slaves?

To the editor:

My congressman, Byron Donalds, and I don’t agree on much, but we do agreed that this section of the new Florida education curriculum needs to change Donalds was concerned with the section of Florida’s new African American history standards that said, “How slaves developed skills which in some instances could be applied for their personal benefit ”

In a recent press conference, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis said Black people learned beneficial skills as slaves “They’re probably going to show that some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith into doing things later in life ”

Gov DeSantis doubled down on those comments, in promoting that slavery was good for the slaves He said, “You got to choose Are you going to side with Kamala Harris? In liberal media outlets? Or are you going to side with the State of Florida? Don’t side with Kamala on that Stand up for your state where there are beneficial aspects to slavery ”

See LETTERS, page 6

Member Florida Press Association

Really? This is embarrassing and shameful to think that my state would teach our children that as Ron DeSantis stated, “there are beneficial aspects to slavery ” NO ONE should be in public office who thinks that

I am standing up for my state of Florida when I say, DeSantis needs to resign

Janine Vitray Mohl Cape Coral

Grandma does know best

To the editor:

Yes, grandma knows best

Not in the tongue-in-cheek manner far right Republican and frequent purveyor of narratives that letter writer John Benedict likes to create

My grandmother was widowed with eight children in 1927

In rural Maine at that time there was little public assistance and no SSI or Medicare

My mother was the youngest of the eight

My grandmother managed to raise them all who became one teacher, two office managers, four RNs and a Navy shipwright.

When Franklin D Roosevelt, the best Democrat in history came to power, to counter the Republican President Hoover’s great depression, he launched the Social Security system among other programs amid Republican opposition

My grandmother worked as a cook in a local inn in the 1930s and ’40s and, thanks to FDR, received a Social Security pension which allowed her to eventually retire with a small stipend

She once served breakfast to Eleanor Roosevelt who complimented her baking

My grandmother was a staunch Democrat for good reason.

Those reasons are still alive today

To counter:

Open boarders? During my grandmother’s lifetime we Americans welcomed immigrants on Ellis Island with open arms

Ironically, many of the grandchildren of these 20th Century immigrants are now the loudest anti-immigrant bellowers

The Republican captains of industry quickly exploited this turn-of-the-century immigrant labor pool with sweatshops leading to the formation of labor unions to fight the abuses Democrats are union supporters

Immigrants today are mostly from Central and South America where our CIA has supported repressive regimes to protect American businesses exploiting their natural resources Republicans complain of the resulting scenarios they created

Of course, immigration was less during the disastrous Trump administration as we closed the borders because of the pandemic

Abortion is a personal choice between a woman and her doctor

The Republican far right has found niche voters in these conservative Christian extremists Illegal religious lobbyists for years have been attempting to turn our republic into a Theocracy What’s next? Prohibition? Gay rights denial?

Electric cars:

Electric cars today are NOT geared to long-distance travel, however for local driving in an urban environment, a great alternative to fume belching gasoline engine driven cars in our cities College:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I paid my own way through the university earning a Mechanical Engineering degree

Half of my tuition I earned by buying savings stamps at school with money I earned delivering newspapers.

My parents matched the money I earned to buy savings stamps, stamp books became savings bonds when full

Tuition was affordable then in the late ’60s

My daughter is faced with high student loans after earning her NP degree

She will be in her late 50s and still paying

The letter is clueless as to how it is to be a person of color in America

I volunteered for the draft after graduation and was give a 1Y classification because of a skin condition

I joined the American Peace Corps to do my service for my country

I was exposed to people of color, different religions, and culture

At first it was all strange as I noticed the differences

After a while I began to recognize how much we were alike

Those who have walked in such footsteps as mine have a different opinion of minorities

Richard Bowie Cape Coral

Just the facts

To the editor:

Let me first say that I mean no disrespect to the Varidhireddy family, concerning the climate change letter, posted recently in The Breeze newspaper

There was a TV show back in the ’60s and ’70s called “Dragnet ”

The mantra of the main character, Jack Webb, was “Just the facts ma'am, just the facts ”

Here are some real today facts about climate change China is putting a new coal-fired power plant online every month

During its last Olympics, the air quality in the city where the Olympics was being held was so bad that large factories were shut down temporarily, to try and clear the air

China is the world’s worst polluter, and contributer to climate change It is putting millions of new vehicles on the road every year Tens of thousands of construction vehicles that run on diesel are spewing out poison every day. China is about to lead the world in new cases of asthma, and other breathing illnesses, where polluted air was the catalyst Their drinking water often comes from severely polluted, and in some cases toxic, water sources

Despite all of this, the current administration gave a waiver to China, and India, two of the world’s biggest polluters, to not have to pay for energy credits with the Paris Climate accord Our government also rejoined that accord with this current administration, and the American taxpayers are on the hook to pay for climate negligence of these two countries, and others, who are big polluters, that are not Paris Accord members

The pollution in China is so severe that the toxic plume that drifts over the Pacific ocean that originated in China, causes many heavily forested, and lightly populated counties in Washington, and Oregon states, to receive pollution fines from the EPA

China refuses to commit to any meaningful air and water pollution changes

It was recently calculated by American scientists, that even if the USA cut its green house emissions to zero, there is still enough pollution coming from Asia to cause climate change all on their own

India has taken a first step by building the world’s largest solar array However, the air pollution coming from its cities can be seen from dozens of miles away from aircraft, and even space.

And how ridiculous is it when former VP AL Gore flies to an energy conference in a Gulfstream jet, which creates more air pollution every trip than the average American family of four makes in an entire year

Climate alarmists also neglect to take into account that cows belching, and other bodily functions, are estimated to make up to 5 percent of the world’s air pollution Are we to kill all the cows, and shut down all of the world’s airports (another 5 percent) to make meager air quality improvements?

The only way that an significant improvement is going to happen, is to stop the deforestation of the Amazon, and to significantly fine countries that exceed their alloted air and water pollution quotas

Oh, by the way, electric cars are creating more pollution than they are saving This is due to the fact that 70 percent of the world’s power plants run on fossil fuels Millions of electric cars trying to charge up in the evening time cause offset pollution from these plants that is significantly more than they save

And lastly, the geologic record for air quality for the last tens of thousands of years, taken from ice core samples, proves that the earth goes thru cycles of warming, and cooling, all on its own, even before man came along Only one large volcano erupting causes years of climate catastrophe, all by itself Man had nothing to do with this

History recorded the “year without a summer” in the 1800s, that ruined most of the crops in the USA, and caused tens of thousands of people to die of starvation, due to a large volcanic eruption in Indonesia

Some places on the earth are actually cooling steadily

Sea rise is definitely not good for a world where almost 40 percent of the population lives within 100 miles of the ocean

Also, for the record, there is a reason why Florida has so much coral far from the coast Florida was underwater at one time, and man wasn’t even around in any significant numbers then

“Just the facts ma’am just the facts ”

Chris Kimball Cape Coral

This week’s poll question:

What do you think about the latest indictment of Donald Trump?

∫ I have little to no issue with entities pursuing investigations or charges

∫ I think he’s being persecuted

∫ I’m just watching the parade move on by

Previous poll question

What do you think about Florida’s new Black history standards?

∫ I have no issue with the standards 39 5%

∫ I disagree 53%

∫ I’m not following this issue 8%

Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate Vote at capecoralbreeze com

Editorial: Lee County, city, choose differing paths in wake of controversies

From page 4

Too little, too late?

We think so

Too much pre-determined for the input to matter much?

Yes, again

Unless “saving” a beam or a fireplace or a chandelier is enough for those calling for preservation of the last remaining public building dating back to the community’s founding, a building the state found worthy of historic dedication, a building that qualified

for still-pending consideration in the National Register

We urge City Council to take a page out of Lee County’s book and acknowledge the value of public input on a project their constituents have told them is of major importance

Consider:

The city received 400 applications for the Cape Coral Yacht Club stakeholders group within two hours of opening submissions on

the city’s website, capecoral gov this week

As of Thursday morning, with two full business days to go, the city had received 1,336 completed surveys for the panel whose makeup will be selected randomly

That, too, is a pretty big number and it depicts a whole lot of public interest

Give former Cape Coral City Council member Gloria Tate the public hearing she has requested

Or schedule a town hall meeting to pro-

vide an update on the various moving parts: where the city is with federal reimbursement and FEMA’s report; the breakdown on demolition costs, repair costs, and, most of all, the cost and funding sources for rebuild options that are yes, “undecided,” but in the works and have not been publicly presented Transparency? Citizen input?

In Cape Coral it’s not the best of times... Breeze editorial

r g ue s t c o l umns may be e - mai l e d to v harri ng @ bre e z e ne w s pape rs c o m A l l l e tte rs and g ue s t o pi ni o ns mus t be s i g ne d and mus t i nc l ude a pho ne numbe r f o r v e ri f i c ati o n purpo s e s . Re ade rs are al s o i nv i te d to c o mme nt o n any l e tte r o r e di to ri al o pi ni o n o nl i ne at: c ape c o ral bre e z e . c o m.

Roundtables intended to build city-private sector relationships

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

The city of Cape Coral has launched a series of roundtable discussions in various areas of local business in hopes to bolster relationships and find best practices

Once each month at City Hall, a roundtable discussion that is invite-only will see experts and city staff sit down together to chat about a specific arena of business

“The City of Cape Coral launched the Business & Industry Roundtable Series to provide an opportunity for open and honest conversations about how the City can help s m a l l b u s i n e s s o w n e r s , ” s a i d S h a r

“The City of Cape Coral launched the Business & Industry Roundtable Series to provide an opportunity for open and honest conversations about how the City can help small business owners ”

Sharon Woodberry, Economic and Business Development Officer

W o o d b e r r y , E c o n o m i c a n d B u s i n e s s Development Officer, via email

According to city officials, the Business and Industry Roundtable Series aims to meet the following objectives:

■ Allow industry leaders to connect and discuss challenges specific to Cape

Coral

■ Provide a forum for the economic outlook and opportunities for industries

■ Determine future initiatives and programs needed to retain businesses and industries to strengthen the local economy

and Tourism/ Recreation and Sports

A roundtable is scheduled once a month through April 2024 for a total of 12 roundtables in all

Each roundtable focuses on a specific industry in the City of Cape Coral Those who work in the industry featured at each roundtable can register to attend by emaili n g K a r e n R a m o s a t kramos@capecoral gov

CRA approves grant program to aid building demolitions

South Cape redevelopment agency looks to help expedite removal of damaged or dated structures

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

To spur redevelopment efforts, the South Cape Redevelopment Agency plans to provide grants for teardowns

The CRA board approved a Demolition Incentive Program during its Tuesday meeting that will award up to $75,000 to help expedite the removal of obsolete buildings

City Economic and Business Development Officer Sharon Woodberry said this would make way for redevelopment as the goal of the program is to revitalize, spur economic growth and enhance the overall appearance of the district for residents and visitors

The grant measure includes two paths to obtain a grant

The first method would be to establish a cooperative agreement with privately-owned

properties to demolish structures

The applicant would provide all legal documents allowing CRA to demolish their structure The CRA project manager would secure and manage the demolition work, which includes pulling permits, overseeing demolition, disposal of debris and site restoration, coordinating permit inspection, as well as process payment requisitions and pay applications

The second would be to award demolition grants to property owners, or developers, reimbursing 100 percent of costs up to $50,000 and a prorated grant for an amount not to exceed $75,000

The eligible projects include the demolition of principal existing structures and the demolition of secondary and/or accessory structures

Woodberry said the rate for reimbursement is a $50,000 cap at 100 percent fund-

ing If the demolition project was $35,000, the grant provided would be $35,000

If the project exceeds $50,000, it would included 50 percent of the additional costs For example, if a demolition costs $70,000, there is a $20,000 difference. Half of that difference would be $10,000 totalling a $60,000 grant for the project

The maximum amount of the grant would be $75,000

Grant approval must be secured prior to the commencement of demolition work; three bids from licensed contractors must be obtained; a study into the presence of contaminants at the time of application would need to be conducted; and all required permits and approvals must be obtained In addition, all projects must be completed within four months of the grant or permit issuance

CRA Executive Director and interim City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said they have

looked at what the needs of people are who do not have the technical assistance The measure will give business owners and property owners a real chance on making a decision on demolition

The program would help eliminate older buildings in disrepair, or those needing substantial capital inflows to get to a newer and fresher building, Ilczyszyn said He said instead of putting $120,000 into the building, knocking it down and building a new one for more money will provide cheaper run costs

“We are trying to be aggressive with this program After Hurricane Ian there was substantial damage in CRA, South Cape Not all of them have moved yet to fix, sell, or demo The timing of this in retrospect should probably have been out of the gate in February. There are some serious decisions that need to be made,” Ilczyszyn said

School board gets presentation on Spring State Assessments

School District Superintendent: 'We will get learning gains back into the grading system. We must drive for world class.’

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

While acknowledging the impact of Hurricane Ian on schools and classrooms, Lee County School Board members have asked for a comparison to tests and testing past A

d Research Director Joy Marks provided the presentation Monday regarding the Spring State Assessments for English Language Arts, mathematics, science and social studies, which saw both increases and decreases in student proficiency, defined as performing at grade level or above

The presentation began with a rehash of how Lee County students did on the new tests as compared to statewide averages

The assessments included the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST),

Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) and End of Course Exams (EOC)

Marks said for language arts, FAST elementary grade levels saw a decrease in grades 3 and 5, with similar decreases seen in the state average Fourth grade ELA saw increases

For third grade, the district had 48 percent proficiency in fiscal year 2022, compared to 42 percent reading at grade level or above this spring. The state proficiency number was 53 percent for fiscal year 2022 and 50 percent for fiscal year 2023

In fifth grade, the district had 48 percent proficiency reading at grade level, compared to 50 percent last year The state had a 54 percent proficiency for 2023, compared to 55 percent for fiscal year 2022

For fiscal year 2023, fourth graders had 56 percent proficiency, compared to 52 percent in fiscal year 2022 The state had 58 percent proficiency in fiscal year 2023, compared to 57 percent in 2022

For secondary grade, the district was in alignment with the state, which showed decrease Tenth grade, she said, saw a 1 percent increase in overall proficiency

For 10th grade, the district had 45 percent performing at grade level or above in fiscal year 2023, compared to 44 percent in fiscal year 2022 The state proficiency for 2023 was 50 percent, compared to 49 percent for 2022

For sixth, seventh and eighth grade, there was a 44 percent proficiency rate in language arts and 46 percent proficiency for ninth grade students

Marks said for FAST mathematics in grades third through eighth there was an overall improvement of 5 percent this year

When broken down, 55 percent of students were at grade level or above in math for third grade, 61 percent for fourth grade, 52 percent for fifth grade, 52 percent for sixth grade, 37 percent for seventh grade and 60 percent for eighth grade

Marks said secondary mathematics saw increases in sixth and eighth grade, but a decrease in seventh grade. She said the number of students shifted in regards to the tests they took

Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier said mathematics for middle school students is not measured by grade level in if for elementary school students As an example, sixth graders are not in "sixth g r a d e m a t h , " a s t h e y m a y b e t a k i n g advanced coursework, such as geometry and algebra

Marks said for Algebra 1 the largest

“Our principals will rise to the level of expectation They want our children to do well ”

Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier, adding that the word “proficiency,” and the phrase “students who are proficient,” are being used in length at the school buildings.

population of students taking the end-ofcourse exam are ninth graders, which had an overall 2 percent decrease in proficiency with 55 percent proficiency

For geometry the majority of the students were 10th graders, who saw an overall 3 percent increase on the EOC exam at 55 percent proficiency

For NGSSS Social Studies exams there was a 4 percent decrease in civics, 59 percent proficiency, and 3 percent decrease, 53 percent proficiency, in U S History, which aligned with overall decreases of state proficiency

For Science NGSSS, fifth graders had a 50 percent proficiency, eighth graders 44 percent efficiency and biology EOC had a 50 percent proficiency.

Marks said moving forward a briefing will be held on Aug 8 from principals and supervisors to share structures they plan to use to increase proficiency She said that re-imagining for proficient readers by third grade is also being conducted, as well as monitoring all cohorts to provide assurance of ontime graduation

“We do have that raw data to dig down deep,” she said “Principals are contacting the department to see where they were last year and this year The team is working individually with those schools.”

Board member Cathleen Morgan said she assumes the district has been doing this all along, as it is the natural way to evaluate performance in schools at levels, but it has not worked before

“What is different?” Morgan asked

Bernier said it lies in the fidelity of that plan and the amount of accountability of individuals and principles related to the improvement

“Our principals will rise to the level of expectation. They want our children to do well,” he said, adding that the word “proficiency,” and the phrase “students who are proficient,” are being used in length at the school buildings

“We will get learning gains back into the grading system We must drive for world class ”

In addition, there is ongoing progress monitoring partnerships with academic services and principals, which is not always comfortable

Other board members shared that they are very proud of the scores, as parts of Lee County were ground zero after Hurricane Ian leaving many students and teachers homeless

“We rebounded quite well,” Chairman Armor Persons said “I am sure we will do better next year ”

B o a r d m e m b e r J a d a L a n g f o r dF l e m i n g s a i d t h e s c o r e s w e r e q u i t e i m p r e s s i v e a s m a n y s t u d e n t s w e r e d i sp l a c e d i n t h e s p r i n g a n d s c h o o l s w e r e n o t

See ASSESSMENTS, page 9

School board ponders salary point for elected superintendent

Agrees that market study, more analysis, needed before baseline compensation can be determined

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County School Board agrees: A market analysis report is needed before they can decide how much an elected superintendent should be paid

“I think that a market rate analysis is appropriate to determine what salary feels appropriate,” Board member Chris Patricia said “A market analysis gives us a specific number ”

The board also suggested including other elected official salaries in Lee County as part of their analysis

Lee County voters approved a change from an appointed superintendent to an elected superintendent via a referendum in November of 2022

The measure, which was placed on the ballot by the State Legislature and was opposed by the board, passed with 62 15 percent of the voters in favor, making the superintendent’s post another elected constitutional office as of the 2024 General Election

The existing system of having the superintendent appointed by the School Board had

Assessments:

From page 8

f u l l y p u t b a c k t o g e t h er

been approved by Lee voters in 1974

The elected superintendent will serve a four-year term

As a result of the voter mandate, the qualifications will change The only qualifications will be that candidates must live in the district and be a registered voter in the county As with other constitutional officers, only the governor could remove or terminate them from office and only for malfeasance

The conversation began by Board member Sam Fisher stating that he thought $200,000 should be a starting point for a superintendent salary

“Superintendent is such a time-consuming job You are pretty much on call all the time,” he said “I think when we are looking at salaries it needs to reflect that, somewhere north of $200,000 ”

Other board members agreed that could possibly be the baseline salary

— Board member Chris Patricia

“I think we should really talk about a policy and market rate analysis,” Board member Cathleen Morgan said

Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier’s annual base salary is $255,000

Chair Armor Persons also offered a suggestion of providing a salary that is 15 percent above the highest paid administrator

“I believe that would put us somewhere in the correct market level,” he said “The superintendent has a tremendous amount of responsibility The safety of 100,000 kids, huge budget and large amount of employees I do think we need to try to move forward with a set salary as soon as we can They should know what they are running for ”

He went on to say that the board needs to set the salary high enough to get good, qualified candidates “The public will elect the right person, I am confident with that,” Persons said

Persons said they should also talk about the Florida Retirement System, as those who run for a superintendent may be a former retired school teacher who cannot go back into the system The board may have to put something into policy that an alternate retirement system may be needed

Morgan said they do not have enough information to continue the conversation

“I think we ought to come back and have the conversation again with more information and understanding we will identify the criteria that will go into policy,” he said

Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno reminded the board that they do not want to get into a position where they are negotiating a salary

“This is an elected superintendent The scope is very narrow This isn’t your employee It’s an employee of the constituents Really, the only boss is the constituents and governor,” she said

District staff will conduct additional research to bring back more information at a later meeting

District looks to help children achieve grade-level proficiency

“While it is not an excuse, I am pleased to see some of the scores where they are,” she said

Langford-Fleming said her concern is getting kindergarten, first and second grade students ready for the FAST ELA test She

said it is important to find ways to get kids to love reading

“We need to get them to actually love to read and they will become better readers and comprehend what they are reading,”

Langford-Fleming said

She said she was able to observe a classroom in the spring doing the FAST testing, which was cumbersome and took quite a

bit of time in the classroom

“We got enormous feedback about the length of time,” Bernier said. “The state suspended testing, so they could figure out what was taking so long We will do more research and come back ”

Board member Sam Fisher said he was not satisfied with where the district stands in proficiency and asked if they could look

at scores in the fall, winter and spring to see where the proficiency percentages fall in each testing window.

Bernier said they could provide that information in the FAST testing areas and break it down to individualized school data

“I think that a market rate analysis is appropriate to determine what salary feels appropriate. A market analysis gives us a specific number.”

w w w . c a p e c o r a l b r e e z e . c o m 2 0 2 3 ■ P a g e 1 2

Parking spot requirement changes proposed for South Cape

A u g u s t 4 ,

B y M E G H A N B R A D B U RY n e w s @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m P a r k i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r p r o p e r t i e s n e a r c i t y p a r k i n g l o t s i n t h e S o u t h C a p e m a y c h a n g e P r o p o s e d n e w r e q u i r e m e n t s w e r e p r es e n t e d t o t h e C o m m u n i t y R e d e v e l o p m e n t A g e n c y T u e s d a y , p o t e nt i a l l y a f f e c t i n g s i x p l a c e s “ T h e c o d e c h a n g e w o u l d e l i m i n a t e m i n i m u m p a r k i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r a s e l e c t g r o u p o f p r o p e r t i e s i n t h e S o u t h C a p e z o n e d i s t r i c t , ” P l a n n i n g T e a m C o o r d i n a t o r M i k e S t r u v e s a i d “ P r o p e r t i e s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h s i x c i t y p a r ki n g a r e a s ” T h e a f f e c t e d p l a c e s i n c l u d e L e e T r a n P a r k a n d R i d e , 4 4 a c r e s , 3 9 s p a c e s ; N e v e r m i n d , 7 9 a c r e s , 7 4 s p a c e s ; I g u a n a M i a , 1 9 7 a c r e s , 1 7 9 s p a c e s ; B i g J o h n s P l a z a , 2 9 5 a c r e s , 3 7 3 s p a c e s ; C l u b

“The code change would eliminate minimum parking requirements for a select group of properties in the South Cape zone district. Properties associated with six city parking areas.”

Planning Team Coordinator Mike Struve

S q u a r e ; . 3 8 , a c r e s , 4 6 5 s p a c e s a n d O l d S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a V e t e r a n s M u s e u m ,

1 2 1 a c r e s , 2 2 0 s p a c e s f o r a t o t a l o f

1 , 3 5 0 v e h i c l e s p a c e s “ C i t y p a r k i n g a r e a s a r e t h o s e w h e r e p e o p l e c a n p a r k , a r e a s o w n e d b y t h e c i t y , o r m a n a g e d b y t h e c i t y f o r p a r k i n g P a r k i n g s i t e s r e f e r t o s m a l l e r p r o p e r t i e s t h a t e i t h e r a b u t t h e c i t y p a r k i n g a r e a s , o r s e p a r a t e d b y a w a l k w a y o r a l l e y T h e s e a r e p r i v a t e p r o p e r t i e s , m o s t d e v e l o p e d b y

s m a l l b u s i n e s s e s , ” h e s a i d .

T h e p r o p o s e d c h a n g e s i n c l u d e :

■ M i n i m u m p a r k i n g s t a n d a r d s f o r t h e S o u t h C a p e D i s t r i c t s h a l l n o t a p p l y t o a n y s i t e a b u t t i n g a c i t y p a r k i n g a r e a o r a n y s i t e w i t h i n 2 5 f e e t o f a c i t y p a r k i n g a r e a , e x c l u d i n g a l l e y s a n d w a l k w a y s

■ E l i m i n a t e s p a r k i n g c r e d i t s a n d l a n g u a g e a s s o c i a t e d w i t h p a r k i n g c r e d i t s

■ E l i m i n a t e p a r k i n g a l l o c a t i o n f a ct o r s S t r u v e s a i d t h e a d v a n t a g e s i n c l u d e

e l i m i n a t i n g a c o s t l y m a n d a t o r y r e q u i r em e n t ; i n c r e a s e s l a n d a v a i l a b i l i t y ; r e d u c e s d r i v e w a y s , e n c o u r a g e s w a l k a b i l i t y , f a c i li t a t e s i m p r o v e m e n t s t o u r b a n f o r m a n d s t i m u l a t e s e c o n o m i c v i a b i l i t y H e s a i d t h i s i s a n a r e a o f t h e c i t y t h a t i s r e a l l y q u i t e w a l k a b l e W i t h m o r e b u i l d i n g s l o c a t e d c l o s e r t o t h e s i d e w a l k , S t r u v e s a i d i t i s a m o r e i n v i t i n g d o w n t o w n a r e a A s t h e u r b a n i m p r o v e m e n t s t o t h e a r e a a r e m a d e , i t s h o u l d a t t r a c t m o r e p e o p l e t o t h e d o w nt o w n a r e a , a n d h o p e f u l l y s p e n d m o r e m o n e y i n t h e S o u t h C a p e D i s t r i c t T h e p r o p o s e d o r d i n a n c e a l s o h a s s o m e d i s a d v a n t a g e s a s i t e l i m i n a t e s t h e p e r c e i v e d e n t i t l e m e n t , i t m a y c r e a t e c o nf u s i o n a b o u t w h e r e c u s t o m e r s c a n p a r k a n d i t w o u l d c o n s t i t u t e a p e r m a n e n t c h a n g e

Higher valuations gives CRA budget revenues a boost

C R A E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r a n d i n t e r i m

D u e t o i n c r e a s e d p r o p e r t y v a l u a t i o n s , a n i n c r e a s e i n t h e a d v a l o r e m t a x o f $ 1 , 2 2 5 , 3 6 5 i s p r o j e c t e d

2 0 2 4 w i t h a d d i t i o n a l f u n d s t o b e u s e d f o r p r og r a m s D u e t o i n c r e a s e d p r o p e r t y v a l u a t i o n s , a n i n c r e a s e i n t h e a d v a l o r e m t a x o f $ 1 , 2 2 5 , 3 6 5 i s p r o j e c t e d

T h e 2 0 2 4 p r o p o s e d b u d g e t i s $ 5 , 9 2 0 , 8 7 9 w i t h p r o j e c t i o n s o f

$ 6 , 1 5 7 , 7 1 5 f o r F Y 2 0 2 5 , $ 6 , 4 0 4 , 0 2 4 f o r 2 0 2 6 , $ 6 , 6 6 0 , 1 8 6 f o r 2 0 2 7 a n d $ 6 , 9 3 3 , 1 0 1 f o r 2 0 2 8 . T h e C R A i s f u n d e d w i t h t h e d i f f e re n c e i n p r o p e r t y t a x r e v e n u e b e t w e e n i t s e s t a b l i s h e d b a s e l i n e v a l u a t i o n a n d c u r -

r e n t v a l u a t i o n T h e c i t y a n d L e e C o u n t y r e c e i v e t h e t a x e s a t t h e b a s e l i n e l e v e l T h e i n c r e a s e d r e v e n u e p r o j e c t e d t h i s y e a r w a s r e c o m m e n d e d t o p u t t o w a r d s b u s i n e s s a n d e c o n o m i c i n c e n t i v e s w i t h i n t h e C R A d i s t r i c t

C i t y M a n a g e r M i c h a e l I l c z y s z y n s a i d w h a t t h e y a r e a s k i n g i s t o a l l o c a t e t h e a d d i t i o n a l r e v e n u e i n t o t h e i n c e n t i v e b u d g e t , w h i c h h a s d i f f e r e n t g r a n t p r og r a m s “ W e a r e a s k i n g y o u t o a m e n d w h a t y o u p r e v i o u s l y a d o p t e d t o t a k e a d d i t i o na l r e v e n u e a n d p u t i t o u t t h e r e t o t h e p r iv a t e s e c t o r t o d o m o r e w i t h , ” h e s a i d “ T h i s m o n e y i s n o w g o i n g t o b e a d d it i o n a l f u n d i n g f o r a l l o f o u r p r o g r a m s . ”

REAL ESTATE

National luxury market ‘gets no respect’ as sales drop

Before we get to our main headline topic, the big news impacting the real estate market over the past several weeks revolved around the Federal Reserve’s most recent meeting and its decision on July 26 to raise the Federal Funds Rate by a quarter %age point

Mr. Feichthaler:

I am considering selling my house in Cape Coral, but for tax reasons the sale cannot be completed until the new year However, the buyer wants to move in as soon as possible, and the property is currently vacant Although I am considering this, I think the buyer should pay the costs of the property while living there, including paying for utilities, insurance and property taxes Is this allowed, or do we have to base the costs and everything else on when the property closes, Jan 1?

Angelo R

This was followed by the other big breaking news story this week, which was the decision by the credit rating agency Fitch to lower the credit rating on U S long-term debt from a AAA rating to a AA+ rating Fitch cited out-of-control government spending, a high and growing government debt burden and an erosion of governance as the primary reasons for the downgrade. At the same time, Fitch removed U S government debt from its negative credit watch list, changing its rating to “stable ”

eliminated a fairly large segment of buyers from the market because they can no longer qualify for a loan due to the higher financing costs. These higher mortgage rates are also keeping some potential sellers from putting their homes on the market because they are locked in at record low mortgage rates on their existing homes and they do not want to trade their current 2 to 3% mortgage rates for a 7%-plus rate on a new home This has contributed to existing home inventories remaining tight in many parts of the country

Dear Angelo,

As a seller of real e s t a t e , y o u h a v e t h e p o s i t i o n t o n e g o t i a t e n e a r l y a n y t e r m s y o u wish A Purchase and Sale Agreement should always be prepared to c l a r i f y t h e r i g h t s a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s o f t h e parties Standard terms will include sales price, escrow deposit, time for inspection and closing date. However, you can also include a wide variety of other terms that address cost allocation and pre-occupancy matters Your contract can provide that your buyer can occupy the property if certain conditions are met, namely that they reimburse you for costs like utilities, provide a liability policy insuring you from any claims while the buyer is in place and other protections You can also require that tax prorations take effect on movein date, effectively having your buyer pay property taxes from the day they take occupancy

We would expect that what should be taken as a warning to the politicians in Washington over their fiscal policies and the way they are running our government, will likely be long forgotten by the time their next opportunity to tack on more wasteful pork barrel spending presents itself With mortgage rates hovering a bit above 7% before this downgrade, the news is still being digested by the markets

Eric P. Feichthaler Real Estate Law

It is important that the contract addresses all of your concerns, including the consequences if the buyer doesn’t follow through with the purchase. How will you get him out? By structuring the contract with your interests in mind, you can minimize the possibility of negative, unforeseen consequences

Eric P Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral After completing law school at G e o r g e t o w n U n i v e r s i t y i n W a s h i n g t o n , D C , h e returned to Southwest Florida to practice law and raise a family He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, Cape Coral Museum of History, and Cape Coral Kiwanis He has been married to his wife, Mary, for over 20 years, and they have four children together He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney com, or 239-5424733

This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations

Turning our attention back to the Fed and the topic of interest rates, after pausing at its June meeting, the Jerome Powell-led Federal Reserve raised the rate on the key ultrashort-term Federal Funds Rate at the Federal Open Market Committee meeting July 26, as expected This was the 11th rate hike since March 2022, bringing the Fed Funds Rate to a 22-year high, and putting it in a current range of 5 25 to 5 5% This move from a near 0% Fed Funds Rate to 5 5% has been the fastest and steepest interest rate move by the Fed in the past 40 years, and it has come with some growing economic repercussions

For now, the Fed seems committed to maintaining a “higher for longer” stance with interest rates as inflation has moderated, while keeping the potential for another rate hike on the table for its September meeting So far it has managed to avoid the long-awaited predictions of a severe recession, with a growing optimism that it has managed to engineer an elusive “soft landing” with our economy

One of the intended repercussions of the Fed’s war on inflation has been through sharply higher mortgage interest rates in the attempt to bring the housing market down to stall speed This has created several issues in the real estate market nationally, as well as locally, in that it has

As we have been noting for the past year, locally we started to see a dramatic change in our market in April and May of last year as the Fed started to change direction and move towards higher interest rates This showed up in our market statistics as a significant decline in closed home sales last July, along with a drop in median sales prices and a sharp rise in the number of homes being listed for sale Over the past several weeks we have been pointing out the slowdown in the number of closed sales in the Cape Coral luxury home and condo markets in the first half this year compared to last year Although the price points in our luxury market do not come even remotely close to the various ultra-high-end luxury real estate markets from around the country, we have experienced a similar trend towards lower sales volumes as experienced on a national level

This decline in luxury market sales was pointed out in an article written by Katherine Clarke and E B Solomont in the July 28, 2023, edition of the Wall Street Journal, as they noted that luxury sellers from all across the country are struggling to get their homes sold They indicated that, “the high-end real estate market faces a perfect storm of rising interest rates, recession fears and population shifts in the wake of the pandemic ” Various Realtors pointed out in the article that quality of life issues in big cities, including rising crime rates, combined with people and businesses fleeing from high taxes and moving to low tax states have put additional downward pressure on sales Generally speaking, sellers who have adjusted to the shifting market conditions by lowering their prices are able to find buyers, while sellers who refuse to accept the current market realities have their homes stagnate on the market

One of the featured homesellers in the article was Joan

See ‘NO RESPECT,’ page 15

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

Christopher Alan Homes promotes Ross to vice president of corporate marketing

Christopher Alan Homes recently announced the promotion of Kim Ross from director to vice president of corporate marketing Ross oversees all marketing efforts and strategies throughout Southwest Florida and regional emerging markets for the company

With 25 years of industry experience, Ross holds a b a c h e l o r ’ s d e g r e e i n p u b l i c r e l a t i o n s f r o m A u b u r n University and a master’s degree in advertising from Northwestern University

Christopher Alan Homes is also the exclusive builder in the Creekside Run neighborhood at Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town, builds single-family homes in Burnt Store Village and recently introduced the second development phase of The Hammocks in West Port The company also builds on scattered homesites in Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties in Southwest Florida and Melbourne and Palm Bay on Florida’s east central Space Coast and is planning to open a new division in Tampa mid-2023

For more information about Christopher Alan Homes, call 855-44-MYCAH or online visit www Christopher AlanHomes com

MK Architecture par ticipates in groundbreaking for Punta Gorda Airpor t warehouse

MK Architecture recently participated in a groundbreaking ceremony in Punta Gorda for a new 139,000square-foot distribution warehouse building developed by Zahra, LLC

The facility will be located on 8264 Duffie Drive at the Punta Gorda Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park, Punta Gorda This project will be a distribution warehouse with 18 truck bays as well as executive offices

MK Architecture specializes in commercial, multi-family and hospitality architecture with offices in Fort Myers, Naples and Lexington, Kentucky

Contact the Fort Myers office, located at 8200 College Parkway, Suite 101, at 239-482-2121 or online at www MK-ARCH com

Bob and Geri Quinn Homing In

Properly prepared sales contract can include items seller deems necessary

Eight factors that impact hurricane damage

A d r i v e t h r o u g h n e i g h b o r h o o d s a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n r e v e a l e d d i s p r o p o r t i o n a t e d a m a g e t o h o m e s a n d b u s i n e s s e s S o m e s t r u c t u r e s w e r e b a t t e r e d a n d b r u i s e d , w h i l e t h e p r o p e r t y n e x t d o o r a p p e a r e d i n m i n t c o n d i t i o n H o w c a n t h e s a m e s t o r m c a u s e s i gn i f i c a n t d a m a g e t o o n e h o m e a n d n o t t h e n e x t ? B e y o n d j u s t l u c k , e i g h t f a c t o r s c o m e i n t o p l a y I m p a c t o f w e a t h e r F l o r i d a i s t h e S u n s h i n e S t a t e , b u t i t a l s o f e a t u r e s t h e n a t i o n ’ s m o s t s e v e r e w e a t h e r I n t e n s e h e a t , h i g h h u m i d i t y a n d p r e p o n d e r a n c e o f t r o p i c a l s t o r m s a n d h u r r i c a n e s c a n d a m a g e e v e n t h e b e s t - b u i l t s t r u c t u r e s O b v i o u s l y , t h e s e v e r i t y o f w e a t h e r c a n i m p a c t h u r r ic a n e d a m a g e , e s p e c i a l l y f o r a r o o f s t r u c t u r e : ∫ Wi nd s pe e ds : W h e n m e t e o r o l og i s t s r e p o r t h u r r i c a n e s t r e n g t h , t h e y r e f e r t o t h e m a x i m u m s u s t a i n e d w i n d s t h a t a s t o r m p r o d u c e s W i t h i n a s t o r m , t h e r e a r e p e r i o d s w i t h h i g h e r g u s t s a n d p e r i o d s w i t h c a l m e r b r e e z e s T h i n s q u a l l l i n e s c a n p r o d u c e s h a r p w i n d g u s t s , m i c r o - b u r s t s a n d e v e n t o r n a d o e s T h i s i s w h y h o m e s o n s o m e s t r e e t s a p p e a r t o s u s t a i n m o r e h u r r i c a n e d a ma g e t h a n h o u s e s o n t h e n e x t b l o c k ∫ D i re c ti o n o f w i nd: I n t h e n o r t h e r n h e m i s p h e r e , t r o p i c a l s t o r m s a n d h u r r ic a n e s s p i n c o u n t e r c l o c k w i s e T h a t m e a n s a s t o r m ’ s w i n d s b l o w i n a l l f o u r

d i r e c t i o n s W h e r e t h e s t o r m ’ s e y e m a k e s l a n df a l l a n d i t s d i r e c t i o n o f t r a v e l d e t e r m i n e s w h e t h e r a s t r u c t u r e w i l l s e e w i n d s f r o m t h e n o r t h , s o u t h , e a s t o r w e s t , o r a l l f o u r d i r e c t i o n s A r o o f ’ s s l o p e a n d d i r e c t i o n c o u l d e i t h e r b e a n a s s e t o r a l i a b i l i t y d e p e n d i n g o n t h e w i n d d i r e c t i o n ∫ Obs truc ti o n o f w i nd: B e a c h f r o n t h o m e s g e n e r a l l y e x p e r i e n c e s i gn i f i c a n t h u r r i c a n e d a ma g e b e c a u s e w i n d i s u n i m p e d e d I n l a n d , t h o u g h , w i n d s c a n p o t e nt i a l l y b e s l o w e d b y o t h e r s t r u c t u r e s , t r e e s o r b e r m s T h e s m a l l e s t h o m e a l o n g a s t r e e t , f o r e x a m p l e , m a y b e s o m e w h a t p r o t e c t e d i n a r o w o f t w o - s t o r y h o m e s A t w o - o r t h r e e - s t o r y h o m e , t h o u g h , m a y f a c e t h e f u l l f o r c e o f h u r r i c a n e w i n d s b e c a u s e i t s t a n d s a b o v e t h e r e s t I m p a c t o f r o o f c o n d i t i o n T h e r o o f i t s e l f p l a y s a v i t a l r o l e i n w h e t h e r i t w i l l s u r v i v e a h u r r i c a n e T h e s e a r e t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t r o o f - r e l a te d f a c t o r s i n p r e v e n t i n g h u r r i c a n e d a ma g e : ∫ A g e o f ro o f : I n F l o r i d a , t h e a v e ra g e e x p e c t e d l i f e s p a n o f a r o o f i s a b o u t 1 2 t o 2 0 y e a r s L i k e m a n y p r o d u c t s

Rast Bryant Guest Commentary

e x p o s e d t o t h e e l e m e n t s , r o o f s b r e a k d o w n o v e r t i m e d u e t o h e a t , m o i st u r e , w i n d a n d e v e n r o d e n t s o r i n s e c t s R o o f s t h a t a r e 2 5 o r 3 0 y e a r s , o r o l d e r , a r e f a r m o r e l i k e l y t o s u s t a i n h u r r i c a n e d a ma g e t h a n n e w e r r o o f s ∫ Ty pe o f ro o f i ng mate ri al s : I n F l o r i d a , t h e r e a r e t h r e e p r i m a r y t y p e s o f r e s i d e n t i a l r o o f s , t i l e , s h i n g l e a n d m e t a l C o m m e r c i a l s t r u c t u r e s c a n a l s o f e a t u r e t h e s e m a t e r i a l s , b u t m o s t a r e f l a t r o o f s t h a t r e q u i r e a P V C o r T P O m e m b r a n e r o o f i n g s y s t e m O f t h e f o u r , m e t a l i s o f t e n c o ns i d e r e d t h e m o s t h u r r ic a n e r e s i s t a n t , b u t n o n e i s i m m u n e t o a C a t e g o r y 4 o r 5 h u r r i c a n e W i n d c a n p u l l u p n a i l s o r s c r e w s a n d t e a r a w a y a d h e s i v e s h o l d i n g s h i n g l e s a n d t i l e s i n p l a c e W i n d a l s o c a n s e n d d e b r i s f l y i n g i n t o t i l e s , c r a c k i n g t h e m i n h a l f H e a v y r a i n c a n c a u s e p o o l i n g o r p o n d i n g o n f l a t r o o f s ∫ Qual i ty o f ro o f i ng mate ri al s : A t o p - o f - t h e - l i n e p r o d u c t , w h e t h e r i t ’ s a n a p p l i a n c e , v e h i c l e , f u r n i t u r e o r r o o f i n g m a t e r i a l , i s t y p i c a l l y w o r t h t h e e x t r a c o s t I n f e r i o r p r o d u c t s m a y c o s t l e s s i n it i a l l y , b u t o f t e n b r e a k d o w n s o o n e r o r h a v e a s h o r t e r l i f e e x p e c t a n c y , e a t i n g

a w a y a t a n y p o t e n t i a l s a v i n g s

∫ Wo rkmans hi p o f i ns tal l ati o n: A r o o f i s o n l y a s g o o d a s i t s r o o f e r

M a n u f a c t u r e r s o f f e r g u i d e l i n e s o n h o w t h e i r p r o d u c t s s h o u l d b e i n s t a l l e d T h e k e y i s h a v i n g h i g h l y t r a i n e d , e x p e r ie n c e d r o o f e r s w o r k i n g w i t h f a m i l i a r p r o d u c t s a n d r o o f s t y l e s S o m e m a n uf a c t u r e r s e v e n i n v a l i d a t e w a r r a n t i e s i f a r o o f i n g c o m p a n y d i d n o t a d h e r e t o i n s t a l l a t i o n g u i d e l i n e s

∫ D ate o f l as t i ns pe c ti o n: H o m e o w n e r s a n d p r o p e r t y m a n a g e r s o f t e n a s s u m e a r o o f i s i n g o o d w o r k i n g c o n d i t i o n i f t h e y d o n ’ t s e e a n y v i s i b l e s i g n s o f d a m a g e o r e x p e r i e n c e a l e a k H o w e v e r , i t t a k e s t i m e f o r w a t e r i n t r us i o n t o r o t w o o d a n d r o o f i n g m a t e r i a l s , p e n e t r a t e i n s u l a t i o n a n d f i n a l l y t h e c e i li n g I n s p e c t i o n s a t t h e s t a r t a n d e n d o f r a i n y s e a s o n c a t c h c o n c e r n s b e f o r e t h e y b e c o m e c o s t l y p r o b l e m s

A g o o d r o o f i s a n i n v e s t m e n t t h a t p r o t e c t s y o u r l o v e d o n e s , v a l u a b l e s a n d p r o p e r t y N o t a l l h u r r i c a n e d a m a g e i s p r e v e n t a b l e , b u t t h e f i r s t s t e p i n b e i n g p r e p a r e d f o r t h e n e x t s t o r m i s p a r t n e r i n g w i t h a t r u s t e d r o o f i n g c o n t r a c t o r f o r a t h o r o u g h i n s p e c t i o n

Rast Bryant is general manager for Lloyd Roofing’s Southwest Florida division, which provides roof installations, repairs and replacements for residential a n d c o m m e r c i a l c u s t o m e r s V i s i t LloydRoofingServices com for more information

‘No respect:’ Sales decline in national, and local, luxury home market

From page 14

Dangerfield, wife of the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who has had her Los Angeles home on the market for $17 8 million since February of this year She was quoted as saying, “I figured it would sell in a week, but it didn’t quite work out that way ”

She added that, “It was a shock for me to just watch it sit there on the market,” although we are guessing it came as no surprise to Rodney in a “No respect, I tell you” one liner kind of way! This is the same thing some local sellers have been feeling over the past year as our local market shifted from boom to normal

One of the other factors cited in the article that is impacting luxury home sales in Los Angeles, including the Dangerfield home, was the imposition of the new local

“Mansion Tax” that went into effect in L A on April 1 of this year As is often the case with changes to the tax law, when people did the math they raced to close their sales by March 31 to avoid having to pay the additional tax Realtors in L A are saying luxury home sales there have largely been reduced to a trickle since this tax went into effect

Here is a snapshot from the WSJ article about the drop-off in luxury sales from around the country in the three-month period ending on June 30, 2023, compared with the year earlier period Sales volumes were down about 40% in Miami; down over 39% in Nassau County on New York’s Long Island; down almost 36% in New York; down 36% in Los Angeles; and off by some 3 % in Chicago

As of Tuesday, Aug 1, the active listings and pending sales through the MLS

for single-family homes in Cape Coral remained range bound with 1,768 homes listed for sale on the market, along with 786 pending home sales in the pipeline waiting to be finalized The median list price came in at $529,450 and the median pending sales price was $395,597 There were 216 luxury homes listed for sale in the Cape (defined as having a list price of $1 million and above), and 28 luxury homes under contract with buyers as pending sales One year ago on Aug 2, 2022, there were 1,387 active listings in the Cape with a median list price of $530,000 and there were 679 pending sales At that time there were 188 luxury homes listed for sale and 26 pending sales in our luxury home market

The sales data for this article was o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e F l o r i d a R e a l t o r s

Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla , as of Aug 1, 2023, unless otherwise noted It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single-family homes, and does not include condominiums, short sales or foreclosures The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, h o w e v e r , t h e y c o u l d b e u p d a t e d a n d revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the R E / M A X R e a l t y T e a m o f f i c e i n C a p e Coral They have lived in Cape Coral for over 43 years Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined with Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014 Their real estate practice is mainly focused on C a p e C o r a l r e s i d e n t i a l p r o p e r t y a n d vacant lots

T HE BREE ZE COMMUNITY

Water features in the home garden

By DEBORAH HAGGETT news@breezenewspapers com

Water features in our home gardens offer countless rewards for gardeners and wildlife visitors as well These water features can be as simple as a bird bath or as elaborate as a fountain or small pond Whatever you choose, water features provide the home gardener with a peaceful oasis while also providing wildlife with fresh water and a resting place in your neighborhood or on their migratory journey

The Gallery at Cape Coral to hold ‘Under the Sea’ dance for its residents

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The Gallery at Cape Coral will put on its first “Under the Sea” semi-formal dance for its residents and loved ones this month

The Gallery at Cape Coral Director of Health & Wellness Shannon Rademacher said with August being a boring month as far as activities planned, as well as it being too hot to host events outside, they tried to come up with a fun event for its residents

sent out giving residents the opportunity to RSVP, as there is a sit down dinner

A few days after they were sent out, about half had already responded

“We have done some promposals,” Rademacher said, adding that residents are inviting their significant others “We have videos of them doing their promposals ”

Gallery of Cape Coral is promoting the event for the residents by doing such activities as providing weekly dance lessons to learn different dances both standing and sitting in chairs to get ready for the big event

GARDEN CLUB OF CAPE CORAL

If you would like to get your feet wet with a quick and relatively easy water feature, consider a bird bath Bird baths are readily available at gard e n c e n t e r s , o n - l i n e o r m a d e f r o m e v e r y d a y i t e m s f o u n d i n y o u r h o m e I f a s h i o n e d o n e from an inverted flower pot and a large flower pot saucer, measuring about two to three inches deep Place the bird bath in an area with some shade Nearby shrubs offer a perch for the birds to rest upon and protection from predators Provide a cleared space around the base of the bird bath so as not to unwittingly conceal predators

Change the water every few days to keep the bird’s bath clean and full of fresh water Do not use any harsh chemicals to clean the surface Remove any algae build-up with a scrub brush and water. To keep mosquitoes from breeding in the bird bath, change the water regularly and add Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural microbial insecticide Bt is not harmful to humans, pets, birds, butterflies or bees It is a microbe specifically toxic to mosquito larvae and is sold in stores or on-line as Mosquito Dunks or Mosquito Bits

For a more elaborate water feature, consider a fountain or small pond Preformed ponds are available commercially or can be homemade with a shovel and a rubber liner by the creative home gardener Plan a site for your pond in an area with filtered light Shade will help limit algae growth while the sun will foster growth of native pond plants

As with bird baths, fountains and ponds will require care and maintenance Monitor your water feature for algae, rotting plants and debris Clean out any decomposing debris Cut back overgrown plants and consider adding barley straw balls which contain an organic extract known for controlling algae and blanketweed growth These can also be found on-line and at retail outlets

Maintain a balance of nutrients by not over-fertilizing pond plants Adding rocks and plants to your pond foster beneficial bacteria growth Beneficial bacteria converts excess nitrogen and phosphorus rendering it unavailable to nuisance algae Beneficial bacteria is also available commercially in fish stores and on-line Bt will control mosquito larvae in fountains and ponds as well A low voltage or solar powered water pump, fitted with an aerator, installed in your water feature can help control algae and keep the water fresher

Ponds create a flourishing habitat for a variety of plants and fish Next month I will describe a selection of native plants and fish which thrive in the Southwest Florida home pond With a bit of effort, the home gardener can create a tranquil and picturesque water feature which will bring hours of peace and enjoyment to your day

Happy gardening!

Deborah Haggett is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral Visit us at www gardenclubofcapecoral com

With August being the month when kids go back to school, and lots of residents never attending a prom when they were younger, the Under the Sea semi-formal dance came to fruition

“We don’t want them to rent tuxes and get ball gowns,” Rademacher said of why it is being coined as a semi-formal dance

The event includes a limo, as well as community partners donating a DJ, photographer and someone doing makeup, hair and nails A king and queen will also be crowned

“It has grown into this huge event,” she said Approximately a month ago, 103 residents received a “Save the Date for Under the Sea ” Then invitations were

“We are trying to give back to the residents,” she said of the Aug 19 event “They have earned this ”

Rademacher said many of the residents lived in a time when doing fun things such as attending a prom was not always there for them

“Their later days (should be) just as fun Just because they are retired and getting older doesn’t mean they can’t have fun We make it lively around here,” she said

The Gallery at Cape Coral is at 2219 Chiquita Blvd , S , Cape Coral For additional information about the assisted living and memory care facility, call 239-376-0417 or visit its website at https://experiencesrliving com/gallerycape-coral/

Local dancer competes for Team USA

Skylar Socey, a dancer at Studio 8 Dance, recently competed on Team USA at the 2023 World Acrobatic Championships in Monterrey, Mexico She placed in the top 20 in the world for her age division

Socey has been dancing since she was 2 years old She started at Studio 8 at age 7 and has been a member of the competitive team for the past 5 years Her acrobatic dance routines have garnered several regional titles in addition to winning numerous other awards at regional and state competitions. In April, she was selected by Team USA Head Coach Mark Nash from Acrobatic Arts to represent America with her solo routine "Pop Drop and Roll" choreographed by her teacher, Bridey Clevenger

In Monterrey, Socey competed in the teen acrobatic dance division Turning 13 the week prior to the competition, she was the youngest competitor in a category that included girls up to 16 years old She received high marks from the judges and was ultimately ranked 17th in the world

Socey said she is extremely proud of her performance in Monterrey and is grateful for the opportunity to represent Team USA. She said it was exciting to meet so many talented dancers from all over the world, and to be able to walk in the opening ceremonies "Parade of Nations" under the American Flag

Socey said she is looking forward to continuing her training and competing on national and international levels in the future

Studio 8 Dance is located at 1025 Santa Barbara Blvd , Cape Coral For more information call 866-9850371 or visit https://www studio8dance com/

Lee County Commission waives tolls on Sanibel Causeway for next six Sundays

Tuesday to waive tolls on the Sanibel Causeway for the next six Sundays in support of the “Savor the Shore” campaign organized by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

Tolls on the Causeway will be waived each Sunday through Sept 10

Savor the Shore encourages residents to visit impacted coastal areas, eat at a local restaurant, shop, go to the beach and participate in activities

The VCB is committed to supporting the business community’s recovery by creating awareness and encouraging people to spend locally and make a difference in the local economy

Tolls are waived each Sunday on the Causeway only, not additional Lee County bridges

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www leegov com/resources/ newsletters Follow the Lee County Government on Facebook, www facebook com/leecountyflbocc

PHOTO PROVIDED Team USA dancer Skylar Socey

T HE BREE ZE EDUCATION

Collaboratory awards $1,155,834 in scholarships

164 scholarships presented through 87 total funds

Collaboratory recently granted $1,155,834 and 164 scholarships to local high school seniors, undergraduate, graduate students and adult learners from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties This year, Collaboratory awarded 28 of the scholarships as multi-year awards which will continue to help the students each year towards completion

“This scholarship season we had 663 applications submitted, which is a 51 7 percent increase from the previous year,” said Dr Harrison Knight, scholarship committee chair and Collaboratory Board of Directors member

Cape Fire Department offering free backpack flashers

Back-to-school safety devices available at all 13 city stations

In preparation for the first day of school next week, the Cape Coral Fire D e p a r t m e n t i s g iv i n g o u t r e f l e c t ive backpack flashers

“Many students walk or wait for the bus in the mornings when it is still dark out,” said Fire Chief Ryan W Lamb

“To help them be more visible as they make their way to school, we encourage parents to pick up a free backpack flasher from any of our Cape Coral fire stations ”

Reflective backpack flashers are available at all 12 Cape Coral fire stations and Fire Headquarters through August 21, or while supplies last

Station 1 – 4610 Coronado Parkway

Station 2 – 521 Nicholas Parkway

Station 3 – 1627 Everest Parkway

Station 4 – 2007 Santa Barbara Blvd

Station 5 – 1029 Diplomat Parkway

Station 6 – 4540 Chiquita Blvd

Station 7 – 3942 Burnt Store Road

Station 8 – 707 SW 1st St

Station 9 – 4107 Pelican Blvd

Station 10 – 3623 Gator Circle

Station 11 – 1038 Burnt Store Road

Station 12 – 2129 Chiquita Blvd

Fire Headquarters/EOC – 1115 S E 9th Ave

For additional information about the backpack flashers or any of the other services or programs provided by the Cape Coral Fire Department, call 239574-0501 or visit the department website at www capecoralfire com

“This is despite the challenges faced during the year due to a hurricane,” said Crystal Maldonado, Collaboratory scholarship coordinator “The rise in applications this year can be greatly attributed to the additional support from FutureMakers Coalition and the networks it has in place that expanded the outreach to students across Southwest Florida ”

FutureMakers Coalition is a collective impact initiative working along the cradleto-career pathway to create a skilled and sustainable workforce pipeline The coalition aims to transform Southwest Florida’s workforce by increasing the proportion of working-age adults with college degrees, workforce certificates, industry certifications and other high-quality credentials to 55 percent by 2025

Collaboratory is committed to making its scholarship application accessible to all students regardless of circumstances and abilities Some examples of the scholarships available through Collaboratory are based on community service, academics, fields of study, athletics, or even students that are attending or attended a particular school

If you are interested in becoming a scholarship reviewer next year or starting a scholarship fund, contact Collaboratory at scholarships@collaboratory org or call 239-274-5900

The complete list of scholarship winners includes:

■ Kaci Barber, AAUW Sue Gottcent Memorial Scholarship

■ Vianca Chambergo, Alli D Brett Scholarship for Nursing

■ Krista Sciulla, Anne Sturrock Nursing Scholarship

■ Jayce McMillan, Southwest Florida Incorporated- Ralph A Richardson

Setzer graduates from Roger Williams University

B

University has announced that Kyle Setzer of Cape Coral has graduated with a bachelor of science degree in finance in May as part of the Class of 2023

Roger Williams University, a private university with over 6,000 students, offers 50 majors and graduate and professional programs across eight schools of study, including Rhode Island's only law school, with campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R I

For additional information about Roger W i l l i a m s U n i v e r s i t y , p l e a s e v i s i t

https://www rwu edu/

Chamber Scholarship

■ Sofia Duque, Southwest Florida Incorporated- Ralph A Richardson Chamber Scholarship

■ Lucas Habash, Bruce T Gora Photography Scholarship, Matt Harmon Memorial Scholarship, and Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ Rodrigo Velasco-Hernandez, Carl E Brooks Scholarship and Judge William J Nelson Scholarship

■ Chasann Samuels, Carl E Brooks Scholarship and Jane H Berktold Scholarship

■ Eric Feichthaler Jr , Carol Patti McLaughlin Scholarship and Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ Aliyah Morgan, Chet and Janett Perry Rotary Club of Fort Myers Scholarship

■ Kaleb Dotson, Chip Johnson Memorial Scholarship

■ Isabel Gequelin, Chip Johnson Memorial Scholarship

■ Tori Guarino, Chip Johnson Memorial Scholarship

■ Shirley Mazariegos, Couse Gram Scholarship

■ Nicholas Nease, Dave's Scholarship

■ Bryan Adams, David C Barton Scholarship

■ Jordan Walker, David G Robinson Fund for the Arts

■ Madison Cockram, Doc Keen Memorial Scholarship

■ Samantha Jean, Doctors Ira and Udaya Dash Nursing Scholarship

■ Jessica Newman, Doris W Frey

Scholarship

■ Raven Gadson, Doris W. Frey Scholarship, Jordan Ashley Gutheim Scholarship, and Edna & Felix Swain Scholarship

■ Daniel Marquin Mendoza, Doris W Frey Scholarship Fund

■ Maddie Levy, Dorothy Curtis Brown Scholarship Fund in Memory of Ann Nutt and Lloyd and Shirley Matthai Scholarship

■ Olivia Cabrera, Dr Janet Marderness Scholarship and Tommy Bohanon Foundation Scholarship

■ Mckinley Davis, Ellen Sheppard Scholarship

■ Jessenia Peralta, Faye Lynn Roberts Education Scholarship Fund

■ Jack Calder, Frances H Gresham Scholarship and LEAD Estero Scholarship

■ Audriana Larrea, G Napier and Ellen T Wilson Scholarship and John and Ruth

EDUCATION NOTES

FPL awards $20,000 Robotics Scholarship to local Princeton-bound student

Florida Power & Light Company surprised a local student Tuesday with its FIRST Robotics Scholarship at his home in Fort Myers

T h e F I R S T R o b o t i c s S c h o l a r s h i p rewards $20,000 to FIRST Robotics students whose experience has inspired their interest in an engineering or information management career This scholarship is awarded annually to one high school senior who has two or more years in a FIRST Tech Challenge (or FIRST Robotics Competition program in FPL's service area

FPL surprised the winner, Aum Dhruv,

Childe Scholarship

■ Trystan Chavers, George E Judd Scholarship

■ Pablo Guerrero, George E. Judd Scholarship

■ Keehnon Jackson, George E Judd Scholarship and Southwest Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association Scholarship

■ Valentina Spalletta, George E Judd

Scholarship

■ Sofia Modica, George E Judd

Scholarship

■ Ashleigh Carson, George E Judd

Scholarship

■ Madison Greene, George E Judd

Scholarship

■ Katie Doden, George E. Judd Scholarship

■ Jade Ziegler, George E Judd Scholarship

■ Sophia Gurule, George E Judd

Scholarship

■ Daniel Medina Rincon, Gerard C Mehr Scholarship

■ Lauren Hogan, Howard P and Magdalen K Breitenbach Scholarship

■ Gabriel Dickerson, Howard P and Magdalen K Breitenbach Scholarship

■ Harrison Bauer, Howard P and Magdalen K Breitenbach Scholarship

■ Oswaldo Santana Lauriano, Immokalee Achievement Award

■ Derline Biassou, Isabel Mayer Kirkpatrick Scholarship and Judge Isaac Anderson Scholarship

■ Rebecca Jasinto, James Bilder Scholarship

■ Kamar Wallace, James Bilder Scholarship

■ Solange Gonzalez, Jane H Berktold Scholarship

■ Cassandra Thatcher, Jane H. Berktold Scholarship and Julie Willard Mikell

Scholarship

■ Catherine Uceta, John and Ellen Sheppard Humane Student Scholarship, Charles and Margaret Foster Scholarship, and LEAD Estero Scholarship

■ Dalevyon Knight, John and Ellen Sheppard Humane Student Scholarship and Richard S and Marion L Thompson Memorial Scholarship

■ Brittany Curley, John M and Mary A Shanley Memorial Scholarship

■ Alexandra Odar, John M. and Mary A. Shanley Memorial Scholarship

■ Laurel Kalin, John M and Mary A Shanley Memorial Scholarship

See SCHOLARSHIPS, page 39

a n i n c o m i n g f r e s h m a n a t P r i n c e t o n University, at home with a large check, university swag and balloons for winning the $20,000 scholarship

“Princeton is not a cheap school to go to, but its educational benefits definitely pay off, and through this scholarship I’m able to do that,” said Dhruv Dhruv was selected for his work as an award-winning, multi-time inventor He has developed a red-tide reader which uses dissolved oxygen levels to predict harmful algal blooms and a chitosan-based suture that would aid in injury/surgery care VisionBound, his latest invention, is a retinal disease diagnostic device to identify diabetic retinopathy in less developed countries

A backpack safety flasher

We e k ly B R E E Z E R e c ap School Board approves $2.4 billion budget; sets tax rates

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County School Board approved a tentative budget of $2 4 billion for the 2023-24 school year during its first public hearing Monday night

The tentative budget, $2,444,171,374, breaks down to a General Fund of $1,142,749,696 for operations, 47% of the total budget; and a capital budget of $876,893,895, or 36% of total

The remaining components include internal services at $189,362,870, 7% of the budget; debt services of $94,744,982, 4%; special revenue food services of $ 7 1 , 7 7 2 , 4 6 3 , 3 % a n d s p e c i a l r e v e n u e g r a n t s o f $67,647,468, 3% of the budget total

T h e b o a r d a l s o a p p r o v e d t h e t e n t a t i v e p r o p o s e d required local effort millage of 3 1820 mills The required local effort millage includes basic required local effort of 3 1640 and a prior period adjustment millage of 018

The tentative proposed basic discretionary millage of 748 mills was also approved

The proposed capital outlay millage of 1 500 was also approved The total millage will equal 5 43 mills, or $5 43 per $1,000 of taxable assessed property valuation

The total millage is higher than the so-called rollback rate, the rate at which the impact on owner-occupied home

would remain flat The increase over the roll back rate is 11 17%

Budget Director Kelly Letcher explained the millage rollback rate is the rate which applies to the current year's tax rolls net adjustments for new growth, which will produce the same dollars as received in the previous year

The calculated roll back rate is 4 8844 mills The proposed rate for the 2023-2024 school year is 5 430 mills, a decrease of 127 mills from the 2022-2023 millage rate of 5 557 mills

"The new millage rate will generate an additional $41 9 million from the previous year because of the increase in the tax roll," Letcher said

The required local effort portion is 59% of the total millage, she said

"One of the things we like to point out is the change in the roll back rate from year to year," Letcher said "The tax roll this year is $145 billion and the required local effort portion is 3 164 We also have a prior period adjustment 018 for a total required local effort of 3 182 We also request that you levy 748 discretionary millage and 1 5 capital mills, which is the total 5 430 mills "

The millage is a negative .127 from previous years. With the millage rate that the district is proposing, if the tax roll was an 8 34% increase, and it was a $100,000

City seeking members for Yacht Club Stakeholder Group

Survey submittal deadline today

The city of Cape Coral is creating a stakeholder group to help shape the future of the Yacht Club

The group will help determine “which stylistic elements from the existing ballroom will be considered for incorporation into the new building(s)” and will include members of city staff, the city's appointed Youth Council and Cape Coral residents

“We are seeking community representatives who have lived in Cape Coral for varying amounts of time,” city officials said in a release issued this morning

The survey submittal deadline is Friday, Aug 4

Those interested in being a part of this stakeholder group can visit the city website at www capecoral gov and find the pop-up on the home page to provide the following information:

■ First and last name

■ Year you first started living in Cape Coral

■ Total Years You’ve Lived in Cape Coral

■ Email address

■ Phone number

Participants will be chosen via a lottery, city officials said

“If we receive multiple interested persons, the names will be entered into a lottery and chosen at random,” the release states “Chosen stakeholders will be contacted by the City if they are selected This group will first meet near the end of August 2023 ”

The city reported receiving 400 applications for the stakeholders group within two hours of opening submissions on its website and as of Thursday morning had received 1,336 completed surveys for the panel

Source: City of Cape Coral

home, that new value is $108,340 Letcher said at last year's rate, the homeowner would have paid $555 70 compared to this year's $588 29, a $32 59 increase in their school tax

Homestead Exemption and Save our Homes only allows for 3% a year for owner-occupied properties So a $100,000 home would have a new value of $103,000

Last year's rate, the homeowner paid $416 78, compared to this year's $423 54, a $6 76 increase

According to the presentation, the required local effort millage of 3 182 would generate $443,197,701 in total

The basic discretionary millage of 748 would generate $104,183,496 The capital outlay of 1 500 mills would generate $208,924,120 The total millage of 5 430 would raise $756,305,316 from total millage

The Florida Education Finance Program is $932 million in total revenue with approximately $42 million of t h e t o t a l a n t i c i p a t e d f o r t h e F a m i l y E m p o w e r m e n t Scholarships Letcher said the district will receive $8,933 per FTE and the base student allocation is $5,139 73, an increase of $552 33 She said they are funded by the state, 42% of the amount

The final budget hearing will be held Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 5:05 p m , at the School District of Lee County board room, 2855 Colonial Blvd , in Fort Myers

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, R-19, weighed in on the state’s controversial new Black history teaching standards, giving them an overall thumbs up with one caveat

He called them “good, robust and accurate That being said, the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong and needs to be adjusted ”

In a post on Twitter X, the Naples Republican who is the GOP’s lone Black congressman representing Florida, also said that the attempts to feature the personal benefits of slavery “obviously wasn’t the goal and I have faith that FLDOE (Florida Department of Education) will correct this ”

Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz responded to Donalds the same day on Twitter by saying, “The federal government won’t dictate Florida’s education standards This new curriculum is based on truth We will not back down from teaching our nation’s true history at the behest of a woke White House, nor at the behest of a supposedly conservative congressman ” Donalds’ district covers Fort Myers Beach and most of Lee County

Last week, the Florida Board of Education approved a revision of the state’s Black history curriculum for Social Studies classes which was meant to satisfy the requirements of the Stop W.O.K.E. Act approved by the Florida legislature and signed by Gov Ron DeSantis last year

The new standards include instruction that enslaved people benefited from skills that they learned The issue became a lightning rod on the presidential campaign trail for DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president

The response from Donalds to the issue further grew the national attention to the subject as DeSantis has been running for president and he has been questioned repeatedly about the curriculum changes

While answering a question from the press last week about the state revisions to the Black history curriculum, DeSantis said he wasn’t involved in devising the Board of Education’s standards but defended the components concerning how enslaved people benefited

“They’re probably going to show is some of the folks that eventually parlayed being a blacksmith into doing things later, later in life But the reality is: All of that is rooted in whatever is factual,” he said

Donalds responds to state’s changes in Black history instruction standards

GCWA announces writing contest winners

The Gulf Coast Writers Association

I n c , S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a ’ s 2 8 - y e a r - o l d meeting ground for writers, editors and their associates, announced Saturday the winners of its annual writing contest for adults and youth Awards in the adult section were made to persons 18 years and older in three categ o r i e s : n o n f i c t i o n , p o e t r y a n d f i c t i o n Awards were made in the youth section (ages 11-17) in one all-inclusive category

Of the 12 winners, nine live in Florida; one lives in Ontario, Canada, but winters in Fort Myers; one lives in Vermont but also winters in Fort Myers and one lives in Boston (Roxbury) The Florida winners reside in Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lake Placid and Lake Mary.

The winners’ names, home towns and titles of their work are:

Adult Section

Non Fiction

1 s t P l a c e - - P a m e l a P o h l m a n , F o r t Myers, "A Picture of Hell"

2nd Place -- Patricia Sheehy, Estero, "Searching for Me"

3rd Place -- MaryLou Williams, Fort Myers, "Audrey Hepburn and Me"

Poetry

1st Place -- Sandy Dahlhofer, Lake Placid, Fla , "Snowflake"

2nd Place -- Amy Pontius, Fort Myers & East Fairfield, Vt , "Moon Dance"

3rd Place -- Grace Brendel, Cape Coral, "The Land Before This"

Fiction

1st Place -- Brad Burt, Fort Myers & Oakville, Ontario, Canada, "But He Didn't"

2 n d P l a c e - - P a t t i M M a r s h , F o r t Myers, "Ghosts of Clothesline Past"

3rd Place -- Pauline Hayton, Naples, Fla , "Somewhere in England"

Macomber providing foreword to GCWA’s Hurricane Ian anthology

The Gulf Coast Writers Association I n c , S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a ’ s 2 8 - y e a r - o l d meeting ground for writers, editors and their associates, announced this week that Robert N Macomber, well-known author of naval historical fiction, has written the f o r e w o r d t o i t s a n t h o l o g y o f s t o r i e s , poems and photos to be published this September recalling personal experiences during Hurricane Ian

Macomber had to be evacuated after the hurricane exploded his Pine Island, Fla , home He now lives elsewhere on the island.

Macomber says in the foreword: “In this collection of stories, you will read of that storm’s [Ian’s] profound effects on the people and places of this coast, told by those who endured it I am proud to be

Youth Section

1st Place -- Eric Zhu-West, Roxbury, Mass , "Right Hand Raised"

2nd Place -- Kurukulasuriya Fernando, Fort Myers, "Perfect Little Things"

3 r d P l a c e - - S t o r m i T h o m a s , L a k e Mary, Fla , "Secret Miracles"

T h e a n n o u n c e m e n t w a s m a d e b y Christie Zarria at GCWA’s monthly meeting at the Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd , in south Fort Myers

“This contest advances our organization’s goal of stimulating writing --and recognizing outstanding writing at all levels,” said Zarria, contest coordinator

Winners will receive their prizes and selected winners will read from their prizewinning work at GCWA’s regular August monthly meeting at the Word of Life

part of this literary endeavor, for the heart of it is a powerful, v i v i d s t o r y a b o u t t h e b e t t e r angels of human nature, which emerge when least expected and most needed ”

The book, "Storm StoriesHurricane Ian," will be available as a trade paperback and hard cover at local book stores, the gift shop at the Alliance for the Arts and the Alliance’s popular monthly Night Market, and Leoma Lovegrove’s Art Gallery in downtown Fort Myers It also will be available in other Southwest Florida outlets, including Copperfish in Punta Gorda and Annette’s Book Nook on Fort Myers Beach It will be obtainable

Robert N. Macomber

Church on Aug 19 The meeting, open to the public, takes place from 10 a m to noon All of the 12 winners, their families a n d t h e i r g u e s t s h a v e b e e n i n v i t e d t o attend The meeting will be available via Zoom For information about attending via Zoom, go to https://gulfwriters org/

About GCWA

F o u n d e d i n 1 9 9 5 , t h e G u l f C o a s t Writers Association Inc provides a forum for fellowship, education, and information for writers, editors and associates Based in Fort Myers, the organization attracts m e m b e r s f r o m t h r o u g h o u t S o u t h w e s t Florida, including Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel and Punta Gorda At monthly meetings, s p e a k e r s a n d w o r k s h o p s o f f e r e x p e r t

online from Amazon.com in ebook, paperback and hard cover versions

Pre-publication orders for the e - b o o k o n A m a z o n a r e n o w being accepted

H u r r i c a n e I a n w a s t h e nation’s third costliest storm and Florida’s costliest, according to t h e U S N a t i o n a l H u r r i c a n e Center It hit the Gulf Coast last September before continuing on a path of destruction through the state and up the Atlantic coast. O v e r a l l , 1 5 6 d e a t h s i n t h e United States, including 150 in Florida, are attributed to Ian

The GCWA’s website is https://gulf writers org/

advice on such topics as writing techniques, publishing, and marketing

Participants at GCWA meetings also have the opportunity to read their works

The literary genres run the gamut from poetry, adult fiction and nonfiction to children’s and young adult, historical fiction, romance, mystery/thriller, memoir, essay and screenplay Members include full-time writers as well as corporate professionals, teachers, and business owners, working or retired GCWA monthly meetings are open to the public There is no cost to attend GCWA monthly meetings for members and first-time guests; subsequent visitors pay $5

G C WA ’ s w eb s ite is h ttp s ://g u lf w r iters org/

Cape Elks, Moose lodges donate bus passes for veterans

On Monday, Cape Coral Elks 2596 teamed up with Cape Coral Moose Lodge 2395 to present 80 LeeTran bus passes to the Department of Veterans Affairs Lee County Healthcare Center in Cape Coral. The passes will be used by local veterans who need transportation to and from the health center and other appointments in the area. The Elks and the Moose Lodge each raised $500 to cover the cost of the bus passes Presenting the bus passes at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in the Cape were Elks Loyal Knight John Nugent, far left, and Moose District 23 President James Fraser, far right Accepting the passes from the facility were, from left, Justina Wells, assistant director; Eliud Pico Torres, voluntary services specialist; and Shasta Dorisca, chief of social work southern clinics

Cape Lions Club’s 4th Annual Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament Aug. 12

The Cape Coral Lions Club will be holding its 4th Annual Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament Saturday, Aug 12, at the German American Social Club, 2101 Pine Island Road, to raise money for the club's ongoing charitable work. There is no charge to attend.

Doors open at 5 p m and th tournament starts at 6:45 p m Players donate $60 for a seat in the tournament and can win $750, $350 and $150

There is also an Early Bird Special -- get tickets before Aug 1 and receive an additional $3,000 in chips

For tickets, go to www capec r a l l i o n s c l u b o r g / p o k e r o r c a l l L i o n Frank Lee at 214-695-4180 Lions Club members also sell tickets

Don't play poker? No problem! Just come, have a great evening out and support a worthwhile cause Food will be available from well-known food trucks and there will be an open bar Guests can also bid on silent auction items and/or take a chance on the 50/50 raffle The silent auction and raffle close at 6:30 p m

Lions provide free preschool vision and hearing screenings The club collects, recycles and distributes eyeglasses all over the world Lions also provide free diabetes screenings and do other charitable work in the Cape Coral community

For additional information about the Cape Coral Lions C l u b a n d i t s a c t i v i t i e s a n d p r o g r a m s , p l e a s e v i s i t https://www capecorallionsclub org/

PHOTO PROVIDED

Longtime Cape Coral business owner Miloff joins board of directors for Valerie’s House

Longtime businessman Jeff Miloff of Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group has joined the board of directors of Valerie’s House, a n o n p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n i n S o u t h w e s t Florida helping children grieve the loss of a loved one

“Jeff has been a long-time volunteer for Valerie’s House and has his own personal s t o r y o f l o s s t h a t r e s o n a t e s w i t h o u r Valerie’s House families,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin “His passion for our mission combined with his decades of experience leading successful boards and our community will be an asset to Valerie’s House ”

Losing his father when he was 8 years old, Miloff knows firsthand why the mission of Valerie’s House is so important

“My mother had five children to raise on her own after my Dad died,” he said

“We could have really benefitted f r o m a p l a c e l i k e V a l e r i e ’ s House ” Miloff has been involved in the Valerie’s House Val’s Pals mentoring program for the past year He spends time with 12year-old Landon who also lost h i s f a t h e r T h e t w o u s e t h e i r shared experience to heal from their losses together The two also bond through their love of sports.

Jeff Miloff

Miloff has twice been named Humanitarian of the Year by the Cape Coral Association of Realtors, is past presi d e n t o f R o n a l d M c D o n a l d H o u s e Charities SWFL and is a past recipient of t h e P r e s i d e n t ’ s A w a r d f r o m R o n a l d McDonald House Charities

Originally from Florida’s east coast, Miloff served six years in the U S Coast Guard He met his wife Jacque in New Jersey and the couple made the decision to r e t u r n t o F l o r i d a a n d m a k e Southwest Florida their home

H e p a r t n e r e d w i t h G a r y Aubuchon of Aubuchon Homes in 1999 to initiate a real estate c o m p a n y , M i l o f f A u b u c h o n Realty Group, which has become one of the top independent firms in Southwest Florida with nearly 90 real estate agents

Giving back to his community is important to Miloff, who has organized dozens of f u n d - r a i s i n g e v e n t s f o r l o c a l c h a r i t i e s , including fishing and poker tournaments, and serving on several local non-profit

boards of directors Miloff and Jacque also were instrumental in the fund-raising and building the Cape Coral Animal Shelter

Valerie’s House opened in 2016 in Fort Myers with 20 children and has grown to serve more than 3,000 children and parents in the past seven years, by providing a safe, comfortable place for children and their families to heal together following the death of someone they love Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at a home on 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace Valerie's House also holds g r o u p m e e t i n g s i n C h a r l o t t e C o u n t y Valerie's House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations

M o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c a n b e f o u n d a t www valerieshouse org

Lee County Commission approves creation of 23 Community Development positions

Additional help needed to handle county’s increasing number of building permit requests

The Lee Board of County Commisis i o n e r s v o t e d T u e s d a y t o a p p r o v e t h e immediate creation of 23 new positions w i t h i n t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f C o m m u n i t y

Development to address increasing building permit volumes

Increased permitting volumes are projected to continue over the next several years as Lee County’s population continues to grow and as residents continue to rebuild follow ing H urricane Ian F rom Oct 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, staff a c c e p t e

45,411 of which were identified by the applicant as being hurricane related Staff issued 68,362 permits, 43,006 of which were identified by the applicant as being hurricane related

In the same period, 207,056 inspections were requested and 131,323 inspections were completed, of which 108,831 were hurricane related

The estimated cost of the 23 new positions for the remainder of the current fiscal year, including benefits, indirect, computers, licenses and vehicles for Building

Inspectors only is $806,033 For the next full fiscal year 23/24, this equates to a $2 8 million increase over the proposed budget Community Development has implemented strategies to address permit backlog and review times, including filling of a l l v a c a n c i e s , s h i f t i n g i n t e r n a l s t a f f resources as available, paying overtime and using consultants

I n F e b r u a r y , t h e B o a r d o f C o u n t y

C o m m i s s i o n e r s a u t h o r i z e d a m i d - y e a r budget adjustment to hire 11 new posi-

t i o n s t o a d d r e s s p e r m i t t i n g d e m a n d s a m p l i f i e d b y r e c o v e r y f o l l o w i n g Hurricane Ian

Building Services operations are funded by building permit fees as permitted under Florida Statutes There are currently 113 positions in DCD funded by building permit fees

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www leegov com/resources/newsletters Follow Lee County Government on F a c e b o o k , w w w f a c e b o o k c o m / l e e c o u ntyflbocc

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Council delegates attend

56th National Council Session of the Girl Scout Convention

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Council has announced the participation of its delegation at the 56th National Council Session of the Girl Scout Convention Held

from July 18-22 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla , this triennial business meeting brought together delegates from across the world to discuss,

debate and vote on vital issues significant to the Girl Scout Movement

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council was represented by four delegates and four accomplished delegate alternates The delegation comprised two adult delegates, Juliana Meek and Christina Ottman, and two girl delegates, Julianne A of N a p l e s a n d B r y a n n a S o f B r a d e n t o n Serving as alternate girl delegates were Olivia T of Cape Coral and Michaela F of Fort Myers

Mary Anne Servian, GSGCF CEO, and Richard Cyphers, GSGCF board president, held the positions of alternate delegates

During the National Council Session, the delegates and alternates engaged in discussions, debates and voting on various business items that would shape the future of the Girl Scout Movement They collaborated with the Gulfcoast board of directors president and CEO to plan information gathering and report back to the council,

ensuring effective representation and decis i o n - m a k i n g o n b e h a l f o f t h e e n t i r e Gulfcoast Florida council

Upon their return, the delegates and alternates have shared insights and decisions made during the National Council Session with the Gulfcoast board of directors and the council's membership

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in 10 c o u n t i e s , i n c l u d i n g M a n a t e e , H a r d e e , Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry and Collier

The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction

For additional information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, please visit www gsgcf org

Quarter Action fundraiser to benefit Cape Coral for the Children’s scholarship fund

A Quarter Auction fundraiser for Cape Coral for the Children's scholarship fund will be held Tuesday, Aug 8, from 6-9

Vincennes Blvd , Cape Coral

The public is invited to the “fun-raising” event, which will feature door prizes, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a Chinese auction and more

Vendors will also be on hand with cash and carry items.

Food and beverages will be available

Paddles for the auction are $3 each

Cape Coral for the Children is a registered 501(c)3 charity formed in 2012

For additional information about the charity, visit www capecoralforthechildren org

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left are Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida delegates Juliana Meek, Tina Ottman, Bryanna and Julianne

CRA gets update on Cape Coral Bridge project

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The Community Redevelopment Agency board got an update on the preliminary design for the new Cape Coral Bridge Tuesday afternoon

The project is 2 1 miles in length from Del Prado Boulevard to McGregor Boulevard

Transportation Principal Planner Laura Dot went over some of the related changes, which include lane re-purposing at Del Prado Boulevard and Cape Coral Parkway intersection to improve the level of service and reduce delays

This includes the addition of a third lane in each direction east of Del Prado Boulevard to increase capacity.

“They are going to have to keep that bridge flowing while they are building the new bridge and shifting lanes It is going to be an interesting project ”

interim Public Works Director Persides Zambrano, adding that it will take eight to nine years before the new bridge is completed.

“The widening is proposed to occur in the inside of the existing median with a re-purposing of the center left turn lane,” she said, which is intended to enhance safety

The opposing traffic will be separated by a continuous concrete median barrier From east bound to west bound, a u-turn lane is proposed under the bridge and within Bernice Braden Park

Of those changes, she brought forward

five key elements Specifically, Waikiki Avenue will go from a two-lane east-bound with a designated south-bound right turn to a three-lane east-bound with a designated pedestrian island

Another key element is that Southeast 17th Avenue will change from a one-way southbound with on street parking and eliminate the right turn off of Cape Coral Parkway

Dot said three other items worth noting

includes the relocation of the Veterans Monument as that area will include a continuous median up to the bridge, and lastly the uturn movement has now been accommodated

Interim Public Works Director Persides

Zambrano said it will take two years to complete the design, with permitting taking three years Construction will take 48 months

“They are going to have to keep that bridge flowing while they are building the new bridge and shifting lanes. It is going to be an interesting project,” she said, adding that it will take eight to nine years before the new bridge is completed

More information can be found at https://capecoralbridgeproject com/

Cape Coral Animal Shelter online auction kicks off Aug. 13

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter is gearing up for its second annual Online Auction to raise money for animals of the shelter

The virtual auction will start on Aug 13 and end at 5 p m on Aug 18 Last year, the shelter raised $22,000, and officials are hoping to exceed that amount this year

Donated items will be shown online, and supporters will have the opportunity to bid on various items through a secure online platform The highest bid at 5 p m on Aug 18 wins the item

Many local businesses and individuals came forward to help the animal shelter, and some of the auction items are “just incredible,” officials said Bidders will be able to view the link on the CCAS website, social

“We have everything from exquisite jewelry and boating excursions to beautiful artwork from local artists and, of course, pet themed items Some of my favorite auction items feature experience packages from local attractions such as Tarpon Point, Downtown Fort Myers, and Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda.”

CCAS Executive Director Liz McCauley

media, and through shared links throughout the community

“We have everything from exquisite jewelry and boating excursions to beautiful artwork from local artists and, of course, pet themed items,” said CCAS Executive Director Liz McCauley “Some of my favorite auction items feature experience packages from local attractions such as Tarpon Point, Downtown Fort Myers, and Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda ”

There are handcrafted, one-of-a-kind treasures, spa packages, and unique getaways all available for you to bid on from your computer or your phone All proceeds from this virtual fundraiser will go to assist the Cape Coral Animal Shelter in caring for the 100-plus animals in their care daily

“This past year has been our most challenging year so far with Hurricane Ian wreaking havoc on our community,” McCauley said “We operate at maximum capacity

every single day and often take animals with severe medical conditions, puppies, kittens, senior animals that have been abandoned, and heartworm positive dogs We are constantly reinventing the way we’ve always done things to continue to raise enough money to care for our animals We hope this community will enjoy the auction and continue to support our mission ”

More information on the auction can be found online at www capecoralanimalshelter.com/online-auction.

Since opening in March of 2020, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter has found loving, forever homes for over 3,600 unwanted and abandoned animals, and their low-cost clinic provides full services to more than 5,000 clients and their pets Adoption info may be found at capecoralanimalshelter com

Clear The Shelters: Reduced adoption fees offered throughout August

From page 1

spokeswoman for Lee County Domestic Animal Services Karen Frick “It also increases traffic into our facility and drives our adoption rate up not only for the day of our event, but the entire month

LCDAS currently has more than 80 dogs and 60 cats/kittens in its care, with more returning from foster care each day

Frick said this number changes daily as does the intake rate

With Hurricane Ian having displaced so many pets from their families for a multitude of reasons, Clear The Shelters helps those that have been thinking about adding an addition to their family save money

“Now is the perfect time to adopt and give a possibly displaced pet a new home,” Frick said “Our adoption floor has seen a steady

increase in pets over the past six months and many have been obviously well cared for and we would love for them to go back into a loving home as soon as possible ”

Of course, with a new pup or cat comes new responsibilities

“We encourage prospective pet adopters to do some research ahead of adopting,” Frick said “For example, what type of pet will fit into your family and lifestyle? Is one breed a better fit, or a certain age or activity level?”

Since its inception in 2015, Clear The Shelters has helped more than 860,000 pets find new homes In 2022, the campaign established a new single-year record with more than 161,000 adoptions, while also raising more than $540,000 Nearly 1,400 animal shelters and rescues in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam participated in last year’s efforts

“We are proud that Clear The Shelters supports the many outstanding shelters and rescues in our communities that perform the vital work of caring for vulnerable animals, so we are very excited for the campaign’s return this August to help them find new homes for animals in need and raise more money to fund their efforts,” said Meredith McGinn, NBCUniversal Local’s executive vice president of Diginets & Original Production, in a release “We are so thankful for our many generous supporters and partners, including our employees, participating shelters, affiliate stations and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, who enable Clear The Shelters to make such a meaningful impact each year ”

Another local shelter taking part in Clear The Shelters, as it has over the past six years, is Gulf Coast Humane Society

“It has been a wonderful experience with

dual purposes in helping as a fundraiser and as an adoption campaign,” said GCHS spokesperson Brian Wierima

Currently, GCHS has 70-plus dogs and 80-plus cats in its care Wierima said not all are up for adoption, but will be eventually The impacts of Hurricane Ian are still being felt for pets, with Wierima saying, “Since the hurricane, adoption numbers have been down and owner surrenders up. With one adoption, forever families can make an impact on numerous shelter animals, since it opens up kennel space and GCHS can take in more rescues ”

For more information on Clear The Shelters or to donate, visit www clearthesheltersfund org Adoptable pets may be found at leegov com/animalservices/adopt/search and gulfcoasthumanesociety org

Cheer: Young athletes come from Cape Coral, Lehigh and Fort Myers

From page 1

c i a l l y w i t h t h e h u r r i c a n e , ” s a i d h e a d c o a c h G a b r i e l l e W o j c i k , a d d i n g t h a t t h e t e a m f o r m e d i n A u g u s t o f 2 0 2 2 “ I t ’ s j u s t b e e n a y e a r - l o n g j o u r n e y w i t h t h e m w i t h a b u n c h o f h i g h s a n d l o w s t h r o u g ho u t t h e s e a s o n T o s e e i t p a y o f f w i t h a m o n u m e n t a l w i n w a s j u s t e x t r e m e l y r e w a r d i n g ” C h a m p i o n s i n M o t i o n w a s c r e a t e d m o r e t h a n 3 5 y e a r s a g o a n d i s d e s i g n e d t o p r o v i d e c h e e r l e a d i n g a n d o t h e r s p o r t s o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o y o u t h s w h o m i g h t n o t o t h e r w i s e b e a b l e t o t a k e p a r t f o r f i n a nc i a l o r o t h e r r e a s o n s T h e y w o r k w i t h y o u t h s a r o u n d t h e c o u n t y t o p r o v i d e t h o s e t h a t w i s h t o p a rt i c i p a t e i n t h e s p o r t t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o d o s o L C 3 - C h a o s L e v e l 4 i s t h e t o p p r og r a m w i t h t h e m o s t a d v a n c e d l e v e l a t hl e t e s , a n d t h e y s h o w e d j u s t w h a t t h e y ’ r e m a d e o f o n a n a t i o n a l s t a g e T h e i r w i nn i n g s c o r e o f 2 6 3 5 l e d t h e p a c k a s t h e y d a n c e d , l i f t e d , a n d t u m b l e d t h e i r w a y t o a t i t l e “ G e n u i n e l y , I ’ v e b e e n a c o a c h f o r g o i n g o n s e v e n y e a r s n o w , t h i s g r o u p o f

“Genuinely, I’ve been a coach for going on seven years now, this group of athletes is just very special They’re extremely committed, and have a sense of sportsmanship unlike anything I’ve seen as a coach ”

head coach Gabrielle Wojcik, Champions in Motion

a t h l e t e s i s j u s t v e r y s p e c i a l , ” W o j c i k s a i d “ T h e y ’ r e e x t r e m e l y c o m m i t t e d , a n d h a v e a s e n s e o f s p o r t s m a n s h i p u n l i k e a n y t h i n g I ’ v e s e e n a s a c o a c h ” T h e r o a d t o n a t i o n a l s s a w L C 3 - C h a o s t a k e h o m e t w o f i r s t p l a c e f i n i s h e s a t s t a t e - l e v e l c o m p e t i t i o n t o e a r n t h e i r b i d t o C o l u m b u s T h e g i r l s p r a c t i c e e v e r y S u n d a y a t T o p G u n C h e e r l e a d i n g T r a i n i n g C e n t e r i n F o r t M y e r s , p e r f e c ti n g t h e i r c r a f t a s m u c h a s t h e y c a n i n a f e w h o u r s “ W e t r y a n d k e e p c o s t s l o w a n d t i m e s o f a m i l i e s c a n a c c o m m o d a t e w h a t e v e r t h e c a s e s m a y b e , ” W o j c i k s a i d H u r r i c a n e I a n , a s i t d i d t o c o u n t l e s s

a c r o s s S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a , d i s t u r b e d t h e t e a m ’ s s e a s o n b o t h o n a n d o f f t h e m a t W o j c i k s a i d t h e y l o s t t h r e e a t h l e t e s a f t e r t h e s t o r m a s t h e i r f a m i l i e s h a d t o r e l oc a t e T h e o b s t a c l e s t h e y f a c e d d i d n ’ t s t o p t h e m f r o m w o r k i n g t h e i r w a y t o t h e t o p s p o t “ T h e y a r e j u s t a d r i v e n g r o u p o f a t hl e t e s a n d s o s p e c i a l , ” W o j c i k s a i d “ T o s e e t h e i r d e d i c a t i o n p a y o f f , e s p e c i a l l y w i t h t h e h u r r i c a n e f a m i l i e s w e r e i m p a c t e d b y t h a t T h i n g s o f t h a t n a t u r e h a v e p u s h e d t h e m t o w h e r e t h e y a r e t o d a y ” W o j i c k c o a c h e s t h e t e a m a l o n g s i d e h e r h u s b a n d C a m e r o n

T h e f u l l L C 3 - C h a o s t e a m c o n s i s t s o f :

∫ A n e t t e R o m e r o , 1 0 , o f L e h i g h

∫ A r m a n i P i e r r e , 9 , o f F o r t M y e r s

∫ A v a M c C o r q u o d a l e , 1 2 , o f L e h i g h

∫ C a m e r o n D e m o s , 1 1 , o f C a p e

C o r a l

∫ F a l l o n L e a c h , 1 2 , o f L e h i g h

∫ I z a b e l l a S i m s , 8 , o f L e h i g h

∫ J a y l e e M c A r d l e , 1 3 , o f C a p e C o r a l

∫ J o l e e n a S p a i n h o w a r d , 1 5 , o f L e h i g h

∫ K a i a h E a r l y , 1 1 , o f L e h i g h

∫ K a y l a R o b e r t s o n , 1 5 , o f L e h i g h

∫ K e i r a C a m e r o n , 1 4 , o f L e h i g h

∫ L e i y a h S m i t h , 9 , o f L e h i g h

∫ M a c K e n z i e D e m o s , 1 3 , o f C a p e

C o r a l

∫ M a K e n z i e S m i t h , 1 2 , o f L e h i g h

∫ M a r i s s a W i m b i s h , 1 1 o f L e h i g h

∫ N o r a H a m m o n d s , 1 3 , o f C a p e

C o r a l

∫ P a i s l e e H e n n e c y , 8 , o f L e h i g h

∫ S h a ’ M a r i H o l m e s , 9 , o f L e h i g h

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n C h a m p i o n s i n M o t i o n , v i s i t w w w c h a m p i o n s i n m ot i o n c o m

Public ‘drop-in’ info session on Lee County Civic Center set for Aug. 17

Lee County Parks & Recreation will host a drop-in style public meeting regarding the Civic Center complex from 6-8 p m Thursday, Aug 17, at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers

A public survey was created in March t o g a r n e r p u b l i c i n p u t o n l o n g - t e r m options for the Lee County Civic Center complex The public meeting will give res-

idents the opportunity to view the survey results and help give input on the future of the complex.

The meeting will be a drop-in format so residents can attend at whatever time is convenient for them to view presentation materials and interact with staff

Lee County has launched a landing p a g e , w w w l e e g o v c o m / C i v i c C e n t e r , t o provide easy access to information about

the Civic Center, including interactive maps, history, timelines and more in a user-friendly format.

The site also includes summaries of recent Board of County Commissioners’ actions and links to videos so residents can watch the Board discussions

A virtual comment card will be available on the Civic Center landing page for one week following the meeting for those

who were not able to attend F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t L e e County Parks and Recreation locations, a m e n i t i e s a n d s p e c i a l e v e n t s , v i s i t www leeparks org, call 239-533-7275, e m a i l l e e p a r k s @ l e e g o v c o m o r visit@leeparksandrecreation on Facebook and Instagram

FWC PHOTO BY ANDY WRAITHMELL

Burrowing owl: Webinars offered

From page 1

protection for the unique species

“We certainly hope that the changes will be beneficial to the burrowing owl and their h a b i t a t , ” s a i d C C F W C o r r e s p o n d i n g Secretary Janet Windisch “We don’t know what they are, but we’re hopeful that they’re going to be positive for the burrowing owls ”

Windisch said while CCFW members are invested in what’s on the horizon for the protected species, she hopes all members of the public take a similar interest in the burrowing owl

“We hope all interested residents, not just our members, take the time to learn about what’s going on and make comments once we hear (proposed guidelines),” she said

Windisch also said education regarding interactions with burrowing owls is important

“Respect the burrows don’t go near them, make sure to keep equipment away, and don’t pile trash on burrows,” she said “And if you see someone interfering with an owl nest, contact CCFW or FWC ”

The burrowing owl is the smallest owl in Florida and is found in open areas with short vegetation throughout the Florida peninsula, with a large population in Cape Coral The owls use burrows, which are typically 5-10 feet long, for nesting and shelter The Florida burrowing owl was listed as a state-designated Threatened species in 2017

“We’re really dedicated to the thousands of burrowing owls that make Cape

Coral their home,” Windisch said “We think it adds so much to the character of the city and quality of life, and we’re really dedicated to maintaining a healthy population in our area ”

With constant construction and development happening in the city, it will be the voice of the residents, Windisch said, that can keep the burrowing owl protected

“We have so much support from the residents,” she said “The size of our organization is growing We have the Burrowing Owl Festival each year. That’s growing and has been very successful Money raised is being used to purchase land to maintain burrowing owl nests that are here If the community is behind the burrowing owls, we think we’re holding the line and helping the owls live despite all of the increased development in the area We need residents to keep up on what’s going on, staying active and involved, and giving their input to FWC and the city ”

Information on joining the webinars is available at MyFWC.com/wildlifehabitats

t h e n c l i c k i n g o n “ W i l d l i f e ” a n d t h e n “ S p e c i e s C o n s e r v a t i o n M e a s u r e s a n d

Permitting Guidelines ” Participation in the webinars requires access to the internet A copy of the webinar agenda can be obtained by emailing Imperiled@MyFWC com In addition to the opportunity to provide feedback at the webinars, public comment can b e s u b m i t t e d a t : Research net/r/BurrowingOwls Feedback A copy of the presentation will be posted online following the webinars

The burrowing owl is the city of Cape Coral’s official bird

Harner starts job as Lee County Manager

D a v e H a r n e r s t a r t e d w o r k t h i s w e e k a s L e e County Manager, reporting to the Lee Board of County Commissioners and overseeing a $2 6 billion budget and 2,800 employees

C o m m i s s i o n e r s n a m e d Harner, who formerly was deputy county manager, to fill the role on June 6 They voted June 20 to approve a five-year contract that commences today “ I ’ m e x c i t e d t o b e g i n w o r k i n g w i t h o u r n e w C o u n t y M a n a g e r D a v e Harner Having him in this n e w r o l e w i l l p r o v i d e a seamless transition for our operations and for our resid e n t s , ” B o a r d C h a i r m a n Brian Hamman said “Dave has the experience and the tools to successfully lead our organization, and our board is excited to continue the important work we have ahead of us as a county ”

H a r n e r h a d s e r v e d a s d e p u t y c o u n t y m a n a g e r since February 2019 and h a s 3 2 y e a r s w i t h L e e County. Harner served as d i r e c t o r o f P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n b e g i n n i n g i n

2012 and more recently as a s s i s t a n t c o u n t y m a n a g e r since 2015 He also has stepped in to serve as interi m d i r e c t o r o f D o m e s t i c Animal Services. As deputy county manager, he was the chief operations officer for Lee County and oversaw all assistant county managers and had direct supervision of the county’s Human Resources, Natural Resources and Transportation departments

H a r n e r h a s p l a y e d a n integral part in many county challenges and issues, including overhauling and u p d a t i n g c r i t i c a l a g r e em e n t s w i t h s t a k e h o l d e r s and partners, streamlining processes through involvement in inter-departmental committees and overseeing H u r r i c a n e I r m a d e b r i s removal and flood mitigation projects He led Lee County operations during t h e C O V I D - 1 9 r e s p o n s e and Hurricane Ian response and recovery

Lee County Government established the position of county manager in 1971 Harner is the ninth to serve in the role

To receive updates from L e e C o u n t y G o v e r n m e n t , sign up for the newsletter at w w w l e e g o v c o m / r esources/newsletters

New hurricane re-entry pass and policy announced for Fort Myers Beach

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

A new system for receiving hurricane passes this season as well as a new policy for hurricane re-entry has been developed by the Town of Fort Myers Beach, the town's communications director Jennifer Dexter announced recently The plan was d e v e l o p e d b y t h e t o w n w i t h t h e L e e County Sheriff's Office and Fort Myers Beach Fire District

The new plan specifies that access back onto the island after a future hurricane will be closed for “at least 48 hours after the storm ends” depending on the severity of the hurricane, Dexter said

Under the plan, the time for island reentry “could possibly be longer Even those with hurricane re-entry passes will not have access until the various agencies involved have worked through the above benchmarks. Information will be posted on various social media sites and shared with local media,” Dexter said

The plan was formulated by Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt, Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers and representatives from the Fort Myers Beach Fire District and officials with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office West District staff

“We worked together with the town’s leadership team and representatives from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office West District and the Fort Myers Beach Fire District to streamline this process,” Hyatt said “Most everyone in the discussions had operational experience from Ian and were eager to make this process simple and viable ”

Efforts by the town to restrict re-entry onto the island after Hurricane Ian, in p l a n s d e v e l o p e d a l o n g w i t h t h e L e e

C o u n t y S h e r i f f ' s O f f i c e , L e e C o u n t y Government and Fort Myers Beach Fire District in the days after the hurricane were widely criticized and became a campaign issue in last year's town council elections in which two new councilmembers were elected

“It is unfortunate that so many were unhappy with not being allowed to return to the island in what most believed to be a timely manner after Hurricane Ian,” Hyatt said “As a result, we are working to ensure that those who have a vested interest in Fort Myers Beach are allowed to return as soon as the FMB Fire Department o f f i c i a l s a n d L e e C o u n t y S h e r i f f Department officials deem it safe enough for those affected to return ”

Under the new policy, anyone who lives in town, owns property in the Town of Fort Myers Beach, or owns or manages

a business in the Town of Fort Myers Beach is eligible to receive two hurricane re-entry passes Everyone who is eligible must secure new passes Prior year passes will not be honored, the town announced.

Town of Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said, “I would like to see some additional clarity to the policy surrounding hurricane re-entry There is understandable cynicism from the public regarding the underutilization of re-entry passes after Ian We need to be very clear as to when and how people will be allowed back on the island after a hurricane This should be a public discussion that involves all the stakeholders This is a conversation that needs to occur prior to the next storm not afterwards ”

Allers couldn't be immediately reached for comment

To receive passes, visit the temporary T o w n H a l l c o m p l e x a t 2 5 4 5 E s t e r o Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a m to 4:30 p m One form of identification that confirms status as a resident, property owner, or b u s i n e s s o w n e r n e e d s t o b e p r o d u c e d before a pass can be issued Identification can include driver’s license (if it shows a beach address), utility bill, deed, rental agreement or mortgage statement, or tax records

If you are out of Town, the Town of Fort Myers Beach requests that you email hurricane@fmbgov com with pictures or files of the document that shows eligibility Include the address that the Town should use to mail passes

Benchmarks for opening access to the island after a storm, as specified under plan provided by Dexter, include:

∫ The island must be safe and secure for residents to return Several emergency management agencies determine this

∫ Activation of emergency operations must be complete This involves the town, fire department, Sheriff's Office, and other local, county, state and federal agencies

∫ A s s e s s a n d m i t i g a t e f i n d i n g s t h r o u g h o u t t h e e n t i r e i s l a n d f r o m t h e ground

∫ Assess and mitigate findings over the entire island from the air

∫ Search and rescue and/or recovery

∫ Secure hazards such as electricity, gas leaks, road washouts, water lines, unstable structures threatening public right of ways, and bridges

∫ Debris assessment and management

∫ Clearing and fixing roads, determining threats to traffic patterns

∫ Set up and determine how best to manage perimeter control

Lee County to host Florida-Friendly and Native Plant Swap & Seed Exchange Aug. 19

Lee County Parks & Recreation will host a Florida-Friendly and Native Plant Swap & Seed Exchange from 9 a m to noon, Saturday, Aug 19, at the Karl Drews Community Center, 18412 Lee Road, Fort Myers

Participants can expect a morning of

with fellow plant enthusiasts The event features a Plant Swap & Seed Exchange, the UF/IFAS Master Gardener Help Desk, a Native Plant Sale , local nurseries, consultation firms and more

To participate, bring one or more clearly labeled healthy plants or seeds Plant species listed by Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, Federal Noxious Weed or USDA Invasive Species will not be permitted

To RSVP and reserve a table, call 239533-1470 or email TRossi@leegov.com.

For more about Lee County Parks and Rec locations, amenities and events, visit www leeparks org, call 239-533-7275, e m a i l l e e p a r k s @ l e e g o v c o m o r v i s i t leeparksandrecreation on Facebook and Instagram

BUSINESS BRIEFS

MNMW welcomes Siu as associate

Recently, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co , P A , welcomed Betania Siu as an associate in its tax division In this role, she will assist clients with tax research, preparation, and filing

Siu is a Florida International University graduate with a bachelor of science in accounting and is pursuing her enrolled agent credential Her experience includes four years of public accounting and two years in governmental accounting

Her areas of expertise include individual and business taxation and tax research

Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P A is a public accounting and consulting firm with offices in Fort Myers and Naples. Along with traditional tax and accounting services, the firm offers a wide range of other services, including general business consulting, construction business consulting, medical practice consulting, not-for-profit services, family mediation services, forensic accounting, and litigation support Call 239433-5554 or visit www Markham-Norton com for more information

Uhler & Ver tich Financial Planners and Scott White Advisors mer ge to for m Uhler Ver tich White Advisors

Uhler & Vertich Financial Planners and Scott White Advisors have announced their merger, resulting in the formation of a new company called Uhler Vertich White Advisors The merger brings together two financial planning firms with a shared vision of delivering tailored, concierge services to its clients, including asset diversification, trusts, estate plans, investments and retirement

Uhler & Vertich Financial Planners was founded in 2002 by principals Tom Uhler and Corey Vertich The firm has an established clientele and is known for helping its clients become and remain financially independent with comprehensive plans designed to maximize income, minimize taxes, protect against the unexpected and provide for efficient transfer of accumulated wealth

Scott White Advisors was founded in 2006 by Scott White and is similarly known for serving families with significant net worth develop estate and financial plans

The newly formed Uhler Vertich White Advisors will operate under the leadership of the three principals from both merging companies

Uhler Vertich White Advisors, an independent registered investment advisory firm, is dedicated to the success of its clients’ personal, family, financial and charitable goals Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Inc , member FINRA/SIPC To learn more about the team, located at 1510 Royal Palm Square Blvd #103 in Fort Myers, visit www uvwadvisors com or call 239-936-6300

Investment advisory services are offered through Uhler Vertich White Advisors Uhler Vertich White Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank hires Gar mager

Britton Garmager joined Sanibel Captiva Community Bank as a teller at the bank’s College Branch, located at 7500 College Parkway, Fort Myers He is responsible for assisting customers with personal and business banking transactions

Garmager has prior work experience in local government, education and the customer service industry He is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor of science degree in environmental and civil engineering

Founded in 2003, and celebrating its 20th anniversary, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has seven open locations throughout Lee County A visual timeline of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s 20-year history is available at cheersto20years sancapbank com

PJ’s Coffee open on Pine Island Road

By KATIE EGAN news@breezenewspapers com

PJ’s Coffee has landed in Southwest Florida, bringing its famous beignets and cold brew coffee to Cape Coral.

Located at 1519 N E Pine Island Road, PJ’s also offers fresh-baked pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, coffee, teas, smoothies and more

Owner Susan Wright has always wanted to own a coffee shop and she loves PJ’s Coffee

Wright and co-owner Mike Herren chose Cape Coral because they wanted to be near the water and thought Cape Coral was a great up-and-coming area for a new business

“The site came available in 2020 and we knew we had to jump on it,” Wright said “It had a drive-through We knew we needed it ”

For Wright and Herren, it’s about meeting new people and having fun.

“Some customers come in two or three times a week,” Herren said “Part of my vision for doing this was to get to know people, seeing people come in and try new things

To Go:

Who: PJ’s Coffee

When: 7 a m to 7 p m , Monday through Saturday; 8 a m to 6 p m , Sunday

Where: 1519 N E Pine Island Road, Cape Coral

More information: www pjscoffee com and 239-257-2280

every time, becoming part of the community We’ve hired really good people It’s just been fun ”

Wright worked for PJ’s Coffee corporation for about 20 years as a design and construction director before joining the Five Guys corporation

“I really just enjoyed the coffee Phyllis (Jordan, PJ's founder) has a great story She wanted to take care of people The story was captivating and pulled me in and just kept me there,” Wright said, adding that the menu has also largely stayed the same throughout the years, which appeals to a lot of customers

PJ’s Coffee specializes in cold brew and beignets It is also known for its granitas, a frozen coffee drink with cold brew, espresso, milk and sugar It’s like a slushie dressed up however you want it

“The brand has held its own,” Wright said “It’s been super consistent Once you have it and know about it, you’ll fall in love with it because it has a great story ”

PJ's Coffee of New Orleans was founded in 1978 by Phyllis Jordan, a pioneer in the coffee industry who had a passion for the art of coffee making It has more than 160 locations nationwide, with 23 new stores opening just last year

9th Annual BaconFest Trolley Event Aug. 19

The 9th Annual BaconFest Trolley Event, hosted by the South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Association, is Saturday, Aug 19, from 7-11 p m This 21+ nightlife celebration takes you to 10 locations to enjoy bacon-themed drink and appetizer samples at each stop Trolley hosts will keep you entertained along the way with bacon trivia and giveaways!

Each attendee will be provided a passport to have stamped at all 10 locations Be sure to enter the grand prize drawing for a bacon-themed gift basket, sponsored by J Van Hart Provisions To do so, drop a completed passport on a Trolley or limo bus, at a participating location, or at the South Cape Hub (909 S E 47th Terrace, #105)

All-inclusive advance tickets are just $30 in advance ($25 for DDs) Day of tickets are $35 ($30 for DDs)

Participating locations and samples include:

■ BackStreets Sports Bar, Breakfast Shot & Grand Slam Bread

■ BIG8 BBQ, The Tipsy Pig & Bourbon Bacon BBQ Pork Sliders

■ Cruiser's Lounge, Bloody Mary & Candied Bacon

■ Dixie Roadhouse, High on Hog & Maple Bacon Popcorn

■ Fish Tale Grill, Maples Bourbon Cream & Bacon Bourbon Zeppoles

■ Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood, Arnold Palmer & Mac'n'Cheese with Bacon

■ Rack'em Spirits & Times, Expresso Martini & Bacon Brownies

■ Ralph's Place, Red Sangria & Maple Chipotle Glazed

Pork Belly

■ Rusty's Raw Bar & Grill, The Lumberjack Shot & Bacon Cheese Croquettes

■ Tiki Hut Bar & Grill, Pinot Noir and Hot & Spicy Bacon

Get your tickets online via Eventbrite

Early check in is from 6-7:30 p m on Aug 19 at the Big John's Plaza (near Pinch-a-Penny) or Dolphin Key Resort (under the front awning) Late check in runs 8:3010 p m at Dolphin Key Resort (under the front awning) All ticket holders must be present with ID to receive a wristband, passport & check-in trinket.

Take the trolleys or walk to each location to enjoy a bacon-themed event with drink and appetizer samples (included in ticket price) and get your passport stamped Vote for your favorite appetizer & drink and turn in your completed passport to enter the grand prize drawing

For more information, visit the SHEA website at https://southcapeentertainment com

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The interior of PJ’s Coffee on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral.

Lloyd Roofing reaching milestone in Hurricane Ian recovery

Contractor nearing 1,000 roof repairs, replacement after storm

FORT MYERS – Lloyd Roofing is a p p r o a c h i n g 1 , 0 0 0 r o o f s r e p a i r e d o r replaced since Hurricane Ian, a significant milestone in Southwest Florida’s poststorm recovery Hurricane Ian was a strong Category 4 storm when it made landfall Sept 28 in Lee County with 150 mph winds, torrential d o w n p o u r s an d p o w er f u l s to r m s u r g e Statewide, Ian caused $109 5 billion in damage, making it the costliest hurricane to ever affect Florida In Lee County, at least 52,514 structures were impacted, including 5,369 that were destroyed and 14,245 that sustained major damage Thousands more residential and commercial buildings were damaged in Collier and Charlotte counties

“

T h e d a y a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n , w e deployed roofers into the hardest-hit areas,

From page 33

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s team members provide customized individual and business banking services and specialize in residential and commercial lending

The bank offers free personal and business checking, deposit accounts with competitive interest rates, instant issue debit cards and a full array of digital banking products and services, including mobile banking apps, CardValet, online bill pay, Zelle®, Positive Pay and ACH Manager

To learn more about the local bank, please visit www SanCapBank com

and our teams have been working nonstop ever since,” said Travis Lloyd, president of Lloyd Roofing “Each job we complete means one more family can move back into their home or one more business can reopen its doors That’s why reaching the 1,000-roof milestone is so important to us

it means we have played a significant role in helping our community get back to normal ”

From its office in Fort Myers, Lloyd Roofing has deployed post-storm roofing crews from Marco Island through Port Charlotte, serving the hardest-hit areas of Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Pine Island and Fort Myers

“Going through Hurricane Ian was a traumatic experience for all of us, including our team members whose own homes were damaged during the storm,” said Rast

Bryant, Lloyd Roofing’s general manager for Southwest Florida “The stress and frustration of dealing with insurance companies, adjusters, contractors and permitting delays can be overwhelming In these types of situations, residents and businesses just want a roofing company that is honest, responsive and gets the job done, and that’s what Lloyd Roofing has done since day one ”

In the months since Hurricane Ian, Lloyd Roofing has used more than 1 5 mill i o n s q u

, including tile, shingle, metal, membranes and underlayment, on storm-related projects That is roughly equivalent to 26 footb

As rainy season continues in Southwest Florida and the region marches toward the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian, Lloyd Roofing has begun to receive service

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Above Board Chamber hosting workshops to assist businesses with marketing potential

The Above Board Chamber of Florida will be hosting two workshops in August focusing on marketing and the tools needed to use to keep your organization at the top The first workshop will take place Thursday, Aug 10, at the Crowne Plaza in Fort Myers followed on Monday, Aug 14, by the second workshop at the Hilton Naples

Each workshop will feature marketing experts that will dive into tools and tactics that businesses can use such as: Facebook,

Instagram, Canva, websites, SEO, direct mail, promotional materials, video marketing and more

Representatives from marketing agencies and departments in Southwest Florida will be represented at the workshops They include Acuity Public Relations, LLC; Allegra Print Naples; CONRIC

Norton Mosteller Wright & Company; M&M Multimedia; Partnership Marketing & Brand Communications; SBDC; TLC M a r k e t i n g & C r e a t i v e S e r v i c e s a n d

Wildman Design

The Fort Myers meeting will run from 11:30 a m to 1:30 p m at the Crowne

calls about leaky roofs

o u n d e d i n 2 0 1 0 , L l o y d R o o f i n g employs a team of highly trained, experienced roofers to complete roof installations, replacements, restorations, repairs and routine maintenance The company’s c o m m e r c i a l d i v i s i o n p a r t n e r s w i t h builders, developers, contractors, business owners and property managers to service high-rise buildings, condominiums, apartment complexes, hotels, churches, retail centers, schools and other buildings Its residential division services single-family homes with a variety of roof types, including shingle, tile, metal, flat and wood s h a k e L l o y d R o o f i n g h a s o f f i c e s i n Tallahassee, Fort Myers and Kissimmee. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e v i s i t L l o y d R o o f i n g S e r v i c e s c o m o r e m a i l info@LloydRoofingAndConstruction com

Plaza Bell Tower, 13950 Bell Tower Drive The Naples meeting is set for the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail North, from 11:30 a m -1:30 p m

To register for any of the events go to AboveBoardChamber com or call 239910-7426. Lunch is included. The cost for the Fort Myers event on or before Monday, Aug 7, is $33 for members and $35 for non-members After August 7, it is $35 for members and $40 for non-members The cost for the Naples event on or before Thursday, August 10, is $33 for members and $35 for non-members After August 10, it is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers

Antonucci celebrates 40 years on Lee Health's medical staff

This year, Dr Larry Antonucci is celebrating his 40th year on the Lee Health medical staff, 24 years as a practicing o b s t e t r i c i a n a n d g y n e c o l o g i s t a n d t h e chance meeting that brought him to Fort Myers Antonucci has witnessed how Lee Health and the community have evolved and expanded over the years, especially since he became Lee Health’s CEO in 2017 Antonucci has been a driving force in Lee Health’s patient safety program, which has won numerous awards and consistently ranks high in CMS’s Quality Star program During stints as chief administrative officer

for Cape Coral Hospital and as chief operating officer for Lee Health, he frequently embedded himself with frontline work teams, such as housekeeping and patient transport, to stay connected to the care provided to patients each day and identify ways to improve quality and remove barriers

“Dr Antonucci lives the mission of Lee Health every day to build a healthier future for our Southwest Florida community He has been a healthcare leader for four decades and has worked to make Lee Health one of the best healthcare systems in Florida since he joined our leadership

HEALTH NEWS

Area Agency on Aging for SWFL offering free A Matter of Balance training classes

Chances are you know someone who has fallen or who is afraid of falling A Matter of Balance is a proven program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is looking for volunteers to help provide this program

A M a t t e r o f B a l a n c e : M a n a g i n g

Concerns About Falls is conducted in 8 two-hour sessions and uses group discussion, problem-solving strategies, videos and gentle physical exercise Older adults learn positive coping methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent

A Matter of Balance coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls by believing that they can increase their strength, find ways to reduce falls, and protect themselves if they do fall In addition, participants r e p o r t t h a t t h e y h a v e i n c r e a s e d t h e amount they exercise on a regular basis

A Matter of Balance coaches need good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults Coaches also need to be able to lead low to moderate level exercise

T h e A M a t t e r o f B a l a n c e C o a c h Training will be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, Aug 29, and Wednesday, Aug 30, from 1-5 p m Space is limited and advance registration is required To participate, you must reside in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee or Sarasota county

To register for the classes, please cont a c t C l o r i v e l L a p p o s t , A A A S W F L ’ s

H e a l t h & W e l l n e s s C o o r d i n a t o r a t Clorivel Lappost@aaaswfl org or by calling 239-652-6914

Free autism screening for young children Aug. 18

G o l i s a n o C h i l d r e n ’ s H o s p i t a l o f Southwest Florida, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to five years of age

T h e n e x t s c r e e n i n g w i l l b e h e l d Friday, Aug 18, from 9 a m to 2 p m , at the Pediatric Specialist Office, 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers

It is estimated that one in every 44 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined

Medical consultants for the project stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families

They say early intensive behavioral intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well

The ASD screening is conducted by t h e G o l i s a n o C h i l d r e n ’ s H o s p i t a l o f Southwest Florida The screenings are administered by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.

A physician referral is not required To schedule a screening, please call 239343-6838

See HEALTH NEWS, page 36

t e a m 1 6 y e a r s a g o D r

Antonucci has made compassionate, high-quality care a cornerstone of Lee Health and continues to introduce new technologies, bring positive innovation, recruit quality physicians and enhance Lee Health’s core offerings I am proud to work alongside such a passionate, community-focused leader,” said Lee Health Board of Directors chairperson Donna Clarke.

Forty years ago, a handshake in the Edison Mall food court was all it took for Antonucci to move to Fort Myers from Virginia and join an independent OBGYN practice with another prominent area physician

Larry Antonucci

“You never know what a chance meeting will bring,” Antonucci said “The littlest things can make the biggest difference I’ve created a home here in Fort Myers and this is where we have raised our family I couldn’t imagine living and working anywhere else. I am truly blessed to live in paradise and lead one of the best healthcare systems in Florida We have built an incredible team and I am proud to be a part of that ”

A n t o n u c c i w e n t t o s c h o o l a t t h e University of Miami, but he’d never been to the west coast of Florida A friend in Tampa recommended he call Dr Allen Shevach to explore practice opportunities in Fort Myers Antonucci jokes that if he didn’t answer, he probably wouldn’t have called back. But Shevach did answer and as fate would have it, he was also looking for a partner The two met and solidified everything with a handshake at the Edison Mall food court A lot has happened since

then and times have certainly changed

At that time, Lee Health was still known as Lee Memorial Health System and there was only one hospital Now, there are four adult hospitals, one children’s hospital and many Lee Physician Group offices scatt e r e d t h r o u g h o u t S o u t h w e s t Florida

Prior to joining Lee Health, A n t o n u c c i c o - f o u n d e d Physicians Primary Care in Lee County in 1995 He joined Lee Health in 2007 as the chief administrative officer for Cape Coral Hospital In 2009, he was appointed chief operating officer of Hospital Services for the health system and a s s u m e d r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r P h y s i c i a n Services in early 2010 The next year in October 2011, Antonucci was named chief operating officer for the health system He became its president and CEO in 2017

About Lee Health

Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health Health care services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care Learn more at www LeeHealth org

Dr.

27th Annual Fall Home & Garden Show coming to downtown Fort Myers Aug. 26-27

Free event to be held at Caloosa Sound Convention Center

On Saturday and Sunday, Aug 26 and 27, the free admission 2023 Annual Fall Home & Garden Show returns to the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, adjacent to the Luminary Hotel, in Fort Myers

“The Home & Garden Show is always a great opportunity to meet with contractors, remodelers and home specialists to help residents,” said Bill Anderson, president of

Expo Management that produces the Home & Garden Shows “During this show, attendees can find experts to address all their home improvement needs under one roof over two days ”

Now in its 27th year, the annual Home & Garden Show features local and regional companies that display and present products and services to homeowners The free

event takes place from 10 a m to 4 p m on Saturday and Sunday

Attendees can experience the newest inhome improvement products and services inside and out from furnishings, accessories, decorating and remodeling ideas to landscaping and more Hourly drawings and door prizes will also be given away Expo Management Inc was established

in Fort Myers in 1987 The company has successfully produced 615 events over the past 36 years In 2023, they will operate 2 4 e v e n t s i n F l o r i d a ,

Carolina and Tennessee

For additional information about the Home & Garden Show, please contact David Pardi of Expo Management at 239205-6139, email fldave@expomanagem e n t i n c c o m o r v i s i t e

mentinc com

Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council installs 2023-24 officers

The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council has installed 2023-2024 officers:

Garden Council officers are, from left, President Sylvia Swartz; Second Vice P r e s i d e n t a n d P r o g r a m C h a i r W e n d y Sprague; Treasurer Gail Shaw; Assistant T r e a s u r e r R i a B e n t o n ; R e c o r d i n g

From page 35

Chronic Pain Self-Management Workshops scheduled

Would you like to learn how to better manage chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, headaches and more?

Lee Health’s “It’s All About You,”

Secretary Paula Smith; and Corresponding Secretary Sylvia Lightbody Not available for the photo was First Vice President Susan Faro

The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council was formed in 1957 and now comprises various clubs, societies and

affiliate members in the area Membership provides an opportunity to learn about floral design, growing plants suitable for our locale, and conservation methods

The council assists in educating and beautifying the community, and improving the environment

HEALTH NEWS

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program” a Self- Management Resource Program with the SMRC is offering a research based Chronic Pain Self-Management program for the community. The workshops are free and meet weekly for six weeks

Information presented in the workshops c a n h e l p y o u b e c o m e e m p o w e r e d t o improve your quality of life Learn how to

more easily manage your medications; understand the benefits of exercise; manage symptoms of stress, pain and fatigue; and make smarter decisions related to health eating. Participants will also receive a copy of the book “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain”

The sessions will be held on:

■ Wednesdays beginning Aug 23, from 9-11:30 a m (In-person session – located at Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers

■ Fridays beginning Aug. 25, from 9:30–11:30 a m (virtual session)

Please call 239-424-3121 for more information and to register

Lee Health ranked among top 15% of hospitals in the U.S.

High-quality, compassionate care and patient safety are Lee Health’s top priorities, and the health system has announced that all four of its acute care hospitals have been awarded four or five stars by the C e n t e r s f o r M e d i c a r e a n d M e d i c a i d Services, with this year being the first for H e a l t h P a r k M e d i c a l C e n t e r a n d L e e Memorial Hospital to receive the five-star accolade This puts Lee Health hospitals in the top 15% of hospitals in the country Gulf Coast Medical Center maintained

A speakers bureau provides speakers for meetings and events

For additional information about the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council, please contact Sylvia Swartz at fmlcgardencouncil@gmailcom

its four-star status and Cape Coral Hospital increased to four stars while HealthPark M e d i c a l C e n t e r a n d L e e M e m o r i a l Hospital brought their four-star rankings up to a prestigious five stars. Children’s hospitals are not included in this ranking system

In the past six years, all Lee Health hospitals have risen to four and five stars by finding ways to constantly improve patient care These newly released ratings reflect the continuous improvements Lee Health takes to provide the highest quality of care to the Southwest Florida community

The CMS overall star rating is based on how a hospital performs across different areas of quality, such as treating heart attacks and pneumonia, readmission rates and safety of care The rating shows how individual hospitals perform compared to all hospitals across the country

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families, and caregivers compare hospitals more easily

The scores are based on quality and safety data points, including readmissions, safety of care, patient experiences, outcomes, and timeliness of care.

Learn more about Lee Health’s awards and recognitions at www leehealth org

Acting auditions and behind-the-scenes roles announced for Florida Rep’s production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Youth actors invited to audition for theatre education program

Florida Rep’s education program seeks interested youth actors to audition for the c o m p a n y ’ s c o n s e r v a t o r y p r o d u c t i o n o f

“Little Shop of Horrors ” Auditions are open to youth ages 12-18 and will be held Aug 17-19

Advanced registration is required and may be done by visiting floridarepeducation org/conservatory

There is no fee to audition; students cast in the production must pay a tuition fee of $340 and attend rehearsals which begin in late August

Youth interested in participating in behind-the-scenes roles may register for Florida Rep’s theatre tech program, which includes two weeks of instruction (Aug 14-21) in the areas of stage management, props/set design, lighting, sound and cos-

tumes, plus 1:1 mentoring with a theatre tech professional to support behind-thescenes roles associated with the “Little Shop of Horrors” conservatory production Tuition is $340.

Florida Rep’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” is directed by Monique Caldwell, with music directed by Emily Turtle Performances will be held in the Historic Arcade Theatre in downtown Fort Myers from Sept 28 through Oct 1 and Oct 5-8 Both evening and matinee showtimes will be offered

Tickets are $30 for adults/$15 for students and may be purchased by visiting floridarepeducation org/little-shop-of-horrors or calling 239-332-4488

“Little Shop of Horrors” is based on the 1960 film by Roger Corman and features a

book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken The horror comedy rock musical follows meek plant store attendant Seymour, his co-worker crush Audrey, her sadistic dentist of a boyfriend, and the man-eating plant that threatens them, and the world at large!

Florida Repertory Theatre’s education program is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people and families throughout Southwest Florida with exceptional theatre experiences; nurturing an appreciation for theatre in our students, audience, and community; educating and engaging young people, new artists, and adults with the high standards of performing arts training including classes, internships, and volunteer opportunities; advocating for the arts and making them accessible to all; creating

To Go:

Who: Florida Repertory Theatre Conservatory

What: “Little Shop of Horrors”

When: Sept 28 through Oct 1 and Oct 5-8

Where: Historic Arcade Theatre, Fort Myers

Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for students

Info: Call 239-332-4488

lasting relationships with community partners and artists; investing new efforts to expand and improve upon existing programming; inspiring greatness in a future generation of artists and art patrons

Alliance for the Arts and Southwest Florida International Airport issue a call to artists for Art in Flight program

The Alliance for the Arts and the Southwest International Airport have continued the longstanding partnership to bring back the Art in Flight exhibition Selected artworks, from Florida based artists, will be on display in two of the airport's concourses for a period of 6 months

In a rapidly changing world, from technology to the physical environments, it can feel daunting to try to keep up For this exhibition, artists are asked to meditate on themes of change through a hopeful lens. A

a r e a s k e d t o c r e a t e w o r k t h a t explores ideas of growth, progress, and resilience

Artworks can represent the artist’s per-

sonal self-growth or images that relate to growth they see in the world around them Artworks can be traditional media, such as painting and drawing, as well as alternative approaches such as mixed media or fiber arts

The call is open to all artists currently residing in the state of Florida There is a non-refundable entry fee of $25 plus $5 for

any additional entries, up to 3 Members of AFTA are eligible to receive $10 off the entry fee with use of code Member10 Individual memberships are $55 and are good for one year. Sign up for membership here

Interested artists can submit their artwork at https://artist callforentry org/festivals unique info php?ID=12193

In this heat, protect yourself -- and the fish

With this heat, slow your lure presentations, seek shade and depth during the day, and fish at night when the big fish come out to play Be sure to give the fish a break and don’t play them till exhaustion, especially big fish like tarpon The heat plus the fight can kill any fish, so don’t under-tackle and take the time to thoroughly revive your catch before release or unnecessarily feed the sharks with a 25-year old beautiful gamefish

The tarpon report remains p r e t t y m u c h t h e s a m e t h i s week with the main body of tarpon still seeming to prefer Boca Grande Pass over the harbor and coastline possibly due to relatively cooler and more oxygenated Gulf waters in the pass

Crabs up top or threadfins are always good choices with b i g g e r a n d c a t c h a b l e threadfins reported over and around the 20-foot holes in the harbor Remember that lots of bait with insufficient a e r a t i o n a n d r o o m c o u p l e d with Southwest Florida heat equals dead, wasted bait, and time

Lots of little tarpon in the Cape and PGI canals if you want to drive yourself crazy, trying to get one to bite Just keep telling yourself they have to get hungry sometime

If you want to start collecting your own bait, you don’t need a net as Sabiki rigs work well but the process is often time consuming If you go the Sabiki route, it’s a good plan to buy a dedicated Sabiki rod outfit that houses all those tiny hooks internally preventing a tangled mess and wasted time

Buying expensive bait locally from shop holding tanks often gives less than desirable results as typically it’s already weakened from the capture and storage process Learning to throw the cast net is much more productive

Choosing the net mesh size and diameter will depend on the size baits you intended to collect A general rule might be a 1 inch mesh or larger for big baits like mullet for tarpon and big snook down to 3/8 inch mesh for general duty, then down to 1/4 inch for minnows and small shiners Seasoned pros throw 12-footers, but the typical inshore guide or causal collector can do just fine with an all-purpose 8-footer Good nets open well and sink fast not allowing bait to escape so buy the best net that you can afford and take care of it and it will pay for itself

There are Lots of small snook and some redfish hanging around shady mangrove shorelines on both sides of Charlotte Harbor Beach front or night bridge fishing puts you in bigger to trophy-sized snook territory Spanish macs are in the harbor, around the passes to almost anywhere offshore and don’t be surprised if my favorite light tackle fish, the bonito, occasionally moves in to feed with the mackerel

Make sure you check the FWC website before heading out to the 150-foot depths and beyond as seasonal closures for popular species like red snapper and red grouper are in effect. Red grouper re-opens Jan. 1 and red snapper re-opens again in October and November for 3-day harvest weekends

Grey or mangrove snapper are open year-round with a 10-inch total length in state waters, 12-inch total length in federal

If you want to deeply bend a rod and your back, amberjack opened this past Tuesday but ends quickly on

See PROTECT YOURSELF, page 39

Whorff dominates D-Jays as Mighty Mussels even series

DUNEDIN, Fla – Jarret Whorff fanned a career-high nine batters Wednesday, turning in his longest professional start to lead the Mighty Mussels to a 5-2 win over the Dunedin Blue Jays at TD Ballpark.

The Louisiana Tech product went a career-best six innings, allowing just two hits without walking a single batter The 24-year-old averaged 93 6 h his fastball, inducing eight whi ten swings against his changeup

Fort Myers (47-51, 13-19) w ed no time jumping in front fo t h e s e c o n d s t r a i g h t n i g h t Triple-A rehabber Hernan Perez began the game with a single to center before advancing to third o a balk and a passed ball. Danny Andrade then drove in Perez on a groundout to make it 1-0 With two outs, Luke Keaschall singled to center and promptly stole second base Nate Baez then dropped a single into center to extend the lead to 2-0

Still up by that margin in the top of the third, Perez walked to lead off the frame Two batters later, Ricardo Olivar lifted a two-run homer to left to double the lead and make it 4-0 Mussels

In the bottom of the inning, Angel Del Rosario singled up the middle to lead things off He then stole second before moving to third on a wild pitch With two outs, Nick Goodwin singled past Perez at shortstop to get Dunedin (45-53, 13-19) on the board at 4-1.

Fort Myers tacked on a run in the top of the eighth on

two singles and a wild pitch before Dunedin mounted a comeback in the bottom of the ninth After two straight walks, Del Rosario ripped a single into left to cut the deficit to 5-2. The Mussels then turned to Gabriel Yanez, who struck out J C Masson to end the game and notch his second save Twins’ second round pick Luke Keaschall notched three hits Wednesday, and has now begun his Low-A career by going 5-for-7 with two doubles

The Mussels will look to take the series lead at 0 p m today RHP Juan Mercedes (1-0, 11 12) he start for Fort Myers, opposed by LHP Kendry 3-4, 3 65) of the Blue Jays Coverage begins at m on the Mighty Mussels Baseball Network Mussels strand 16 runners, lose 4-3 to Dunedin

DUNEDIN, Fla – The Mighty Mussels stranded a season-high 16 runners Tuesday, allowing the Dunedin Blue Jays to come back and walk off with a 4-3 victory at TD Ballpark

The 16 stranded runners set a new season high, as Fort Myers (46-50, 12-19) failed to take advantage of 12 walks and eight hits The loss drops the Mussels into last place in the FSL West

Despite the loss, starting pitcher Jose Olivares was outs t a n d i n g T h e V e n e z u e l a n r i g h t - h a n d e r w a s p e r f e c t through three innings and went on to match a career high

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers one day boating safety class Aug. 19

Boating enthusiasts seeking to obtain the state boating safety certificate are encouraged to enroll in a one-day responsible boating class on Saturday, Aug 19, from 9 a m to 5 p m The course will be held at the Pine Ridge Community Center, located at 15699 Pine Ridge Road, in Fort Myers, next to the fire station and across from the tax collector’s office Completion of the course will make participants eligible for the state boating certificate

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers the one-day program every third Saturday of the month Greg Masonick, the Flotilla Commander of Fort Myers Beach Flotilla 91, stresses the importance of education and awareness of boating hazards

Masonick said, "Attending an in-person class is an excellent opportunity for students to interact, share perspectives, and gain local knowledge Participants learn about the importance of life jackets, risk reduction, preparedness, and exercising sound judgment "

According to Florida law, anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1988, who plans to operate a boat in Florida waters

with an engine of 10 horsepower or more must complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida boating safety ID card This card certifies that the person has completed the required boating safety course, but it is not a boating license

The one-day class costs $45 per person and includes study materials Mandatory registration is required and may be completed at www.Aux91FMB.org or by calling 239-690-6780, option 1

Boating is a popular recreational activity in Southwest Florida, but it can also be dangerous for the unprepared or uninformed Human error and poor decision-making can increase the risk of accidents According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, statewide in 2022, there were 735 reportable recreational boating accidents resulting in 67 fatalities

For additional information about boating safety classes or registration for a class, contact Kevin McTaggart,

Lee County Archers earn top finishes at World Archery ‘Outdoor 720 Championship’ event

Lee County Archers from Fort Myers made history on July 29 at the prestigious Easton Newberry Archery Center in Newbury, Fla , during the inaugural 72-arrow World Archery "Outdoor 720 Championship" event This highly anticipated tournament featured an array of archers in categories, including Barebow (Recurve), Compound, Compound Fingers, Longbow, Recurve, and Traditional Recurve, attracting archers from across the nation

The local archers earning top honors included Butch Nichols, Master 60 class; Tim Gross, Master 50 class; Tim Walker, Master 60 class; John Lackey, Master 70 class

and Rick Dubrueler, Master 60 class

The Lee County Archers earned five first-place victories, and each of the archers achieved state records in their respective classes

Lee County Archers is a close-knit community of archery enthusiasts dedicated to promoting the sport and fostering talent at all levels With a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and camaraderie, the club has become a hub for archery development in the region.

Capt George Tunison

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County accepting registrations for after-school program

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County are accepting registrations for after-school programs that begin Aug 10 at six locations across the county

Clubs provide homework assistance and tutoring services, as well as project-based learning activities, arts instruction, sports and recreation programs, and service and leadership projects Clubs also offer technology centers to enhance learning and play

After-school programs are designed for youth ages six through 18 and focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation

Snacks are provided daily

For the 2023-24 school year, after-school programs will be offered at the following six locations in Lee County:

■

Community Clubs

Meadows Drive, Fort Myers): until

■ Lehigh Acres Community Club (1262 Wings Way, Unit 201, Lehigh Acres): until 6:30 p m

School-based Clubs

■ North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts (1856 Arts Way, North Fort Myers): until 6 p m

■ James Stephens Elementary (1333 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers): until 6 p m

Neighborhood Clubs

■ Pueblo Bonito (26120 Pueblo Bonito Blvd , Bonita Springs): until 6 p m (restricted to residents of Pueblo Bonito)

■ Renaissance Preserve (1633 Joust St , Fort Myers): until 6 p m (restricted to residents of Renaissance Preserve)

Weekly membership fees vary by location; scholarship assistance and sibling discounts are available There is a one-time $30 registration fee

To register or inquire about the availability of transportation, please call 239-334-1886 or visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County website at BGClee.org.

Scholarships: Collaboratory presents awards valued at over $1.1 million

From page 18

■ Kie'Niyah James, John M and Mary A Shanley Memorial Scholarship

■ Lindsey Zajdowicz, John I and Madeleine R Taeni Scholarship and Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ Rachel Kelly, Lewis B Barber Scholarship

■ Hannah Atkinson, Linda L. Mann Scholarship Fund for Music Majors

■ Shion Simms, Love of Bonita Empowerment Scholarship

■ Miguel Guerrero, Norman Marcus Scholarship

■ Aum Dhruv, O Fred and Bernadine Stuefer

Scholarship

■ Brendan Chavarria, Patricia Means Scholarship

■ Jamy Jorvelus, Patricia Means Scholarship

■ Jose Zendejas, Patricia Means Scholarship

■ Esther Hernandez-Sabanilla, Patricia Means Scholarship

■ Yulissa Garcia-Martinez, Paul B and Aline Flynn

Scholarship

■ Lily Perkins, Paul B and Aline Flynn Scholarship

■ Britton Deleacaes, Richard S and Marion L

Thompson Memorial Scholar-ship

■ Kylie Thomas, Richard S. and Marion L. Thompson

Memorial Scholarship

■ Jasmine, Seda, Richard S and Marion L Thompson

Memorial Scholarship

■ Makenzie Davenport, Richard S and Marion L

Thompson Memorial Scholarship

■ Jahnaya Octavien, Richard S and Marion L

Thompson Memorial Scholar-ship

■ Casey Pearl Obien, The Ricky Pigott Memorial Scholarship

■ Berk Aydogmus, The Ricky Pigott Memorial Scholarship and Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ David Aleman, Robert A Kleckner Scholarship

■ Ronald James, Robert B and Dorothy Pence

Scholarship

■ Kenise Jackson, Robert C and Margaret A Schikora Scholarship

■ Geneva Paisan, Ruth Messmer Scholarship

■ Kaitlin Combs, Southwest Florida Deputy Sheriffs

Association Scholarship

Mighty Mussels:

From page 38

■ Sophia Cabrera, Tommy Bohanon Foundation Scholarship

■ Fedrick Harris, Tommy Bohanon Foundation Scholarship

■ Sofija Valancius, Tommy Bohanon Foundation Scholarship and Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ LilyAnne Rodriguez, William L Graddy Law School Scholarship

■ Nicholas Cerabona, Jordan Abdo Memorial Scholarship Fund and Building Futures (Fiddlesticks) Scholarship

■ John Gracey, Herbert E Hussey Scholarship

■ Benjamin Fenuccio, Mary Ann Elder Scholarship

■ Ariana Guijosa, D&A Scholarship

■ Jason Bishop, Ann and Tom Smoot Scholarship

■ Madelyne Guerrero-Bravo, Barbara's Friends Scholarship

■ Akisha Fleuridor, Barbara's Friends Scholarship

■ Rebekah Kilpatrick, Barbara's Friends Scholarship

■ Madeline Osinski, Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ Abby Malloy, Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ Makayla Ashley, Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ Alexandria DeCamp, Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ Jennifer Gongora Caruncho, Cape Coral Mayor's Scholarship

■ Ivan Moorer Jr , Dunbar Heritage Scholarship

■ Kie'Niyah James, Dunbar Heritage Scholarship

■ Dhira Sharma, James D & Eleanor F Newton Children's Scholarship

■ Thor Wikman, James D & Eleanor F Newton Children's Scholarship

■ Derrian Russaw, Dunbar Heritage Scholarship

■ Anijah Wiley, Dunbar Heritage Scholarship

■ Josh Diggs, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks) Scholarship

■ Angelina Jimenez Sebastian, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks) Scholarship

■ Jensen Diggs, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks) Scholarship

■ Emma Bement, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks)

Scholarship

■ Peter Engdahl, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks) Scholarship

■ Aliz Lopez, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks)

Scholarship

■ Joseph Denoy, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks) Scholarship

■ Ashley St George, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks)

Scholarship

■ Dalton Clemens, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks)

Scholarship

■ Edrik Pedraja, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks) Scholarship

■ Preston Grinder, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks)

Scholarship

■ Koltan Bauer, Building Futures (Fiddlesticks) Scholarship

■ Ny’teria Grant, Edna and Felix Swain Scholarship

■ Maxine Martin, Edna and Felix Swain Scholarship

■ Shriell Warren, Edna and Felix Swain Scholarship

■ Olivia Zeltman, Mrs Cathy Riedel Scholarship

■ Annabelle Mahrhoff, USMC Cpl Thomas J Jardas

Scholarship

■ Rubi Garcia, Frances H Waldron Scholarship

■ Corris McIntosh III, Quality Life Center/Emma Lee Thomas Memorial Scholarship

■ Justin Christensen, Sanibel Com-munity Church

Scholarship

■ Jianna Senkeleski, Sanibel Com-munity Church

Scholarship

■ Blake Dellenback, Sanibel Com-munity Church

Scholarship

■ Lora (Ruth) Rendall, Sanibel Com-munity Church

Scholarship

■ Jadyn Wilson, Charles and Margaret Foster

Scholarship

■ Emily Samlall, Gail Markham Believing in Girls Scholarship

■ Ariana Gutierrez, Cyan's Bright Light Scholarship

■ Kaia Miller, Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship

■ Kaylee Kwek, Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship

■ Kylie Sutton, Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship

■ Alyssa McHale, Jane Cavanna Bleakly Scholarship

■ Justin Breitenstein, LEAD Estero Scholarship

■ Nathalie Rodriguez, LEAD Estero Scholarship

To learn more or to become involved, with Collaboratory, call 239-274-5900 or visit www collaboratory org

Fort Myers and Dunedin split first two games of series

with 5 2 innings pitched He allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits while fanning four Olivares’ fastball averaged 94 2 mph and topped out at 96

TIDES CHART

Olivares’ fine pitching allowed Fort Myers to jump out to a healthy lead In a scoreless game in the top of the first, Hernan Perez walked before Danny De Andrade advanced him to third on a double to the right center field fence Two batters later, Luke Keaschall drove a sacrifice fly to center to put the Mussels up 1-0 After De Andrade stole second base, Rafael Cruz lined a single to left to cap the inning at 2-0

Still leading by that margin in the second, Perez singled to center with one out After stealing second, Ricardo Olivar pulled a single to left to extend the lead to 3-0 However, Fort Myers failed to score despite many opportunities after that

The Mighty Mussels maintained their 3-0 lead until the bottom of the fourth After a throwing error and a Tucker

From page 38

the 25th of the month My favorite aquarium fish, the triggerfish, is also outstanding on the plate and also opened to harvest Tuesday You only get to keep one with a 15-inch fork length measured with the mouth closed Inshore seatrout aren’t big fans of hot water but there are schools of smaller fish so bending down jig head barbs

Toman steal set the table, Roque Salinas ripped a single into right to make it 3-1

With Fort Myers still leading 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth, Olivares retired the first two batters before Toman drew a walk The next batter was Salians, who pulled an RBI double into the right field corner to make it 3-2

In the bottom of the seventh, Edward Duran walked before Bryce Arnold pulled a double to the left field wall J C Masson followed with a sacrifice fly to left to tie the game 3-3

Ricardo Velez (1-1) then entered for the Mussels and struck out the side in the eight before blowing the game in the ninth After a leadoff walk, a groundout moved Brennan Orf to second With two outs, Masson smoked a single into center to score Orf and end the game

saves

Hard to believe but happy that fall redfish schooling season is right around the corner starting in September, in the meantime stay well hydrated

Capt George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide You can contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol com

in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).

CallUsTodayforAFREEEstimate IsraelNegron

239-645-0881

ONEMANPAINTINGCO. Residential Interior&Exterior DetailOriented, TidyandPersonal Nojobtoosmallorlarge utilizingathreepersoncrew. Andalways,freeestimates andreferencesfurnished. Givemeacalltodiscussallof yourpaintingneeds.

ThankYouInAdvance Steve (239) 339-7361

AFFORDABLE FREE ESTIMATES

NewInstallation IncludesPermit

2YearWarranty

RainBirdContractor

A+RATED-ANGIESLIST

Screens_Plus@aol.com