Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

County waives tolls on Sanibel Causeway for campaign

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

Visitors to the islands can skip the Sanibel Causeway tolls on Sundays from now through Sept 10

O n A u g 1 , t h e L e e C o u n t y B o a r d o f C o u n t y

Commissioners voted to waive the tolls for six consecutive Sundays beginning on Aug 6 in support of the “Savor the Shore” campaign that was recently initiated by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau The campaign is intended to encourage residents to enjoy access to local restaurants and attractions during the off-season

Officials noted that the tolls remain active and have not been waived for the county's other bridges

On July 26, the county's VCB announced that it was sponsoring the awareness and advocacy campaign. Savor the Shore will be a multi-week effort, which will include print, radio and television promotions

The Lee County Commission has waived the Sanibel Causeway tolls on Sundays through Sept. 10. SANCAP CHAMBER

Islands reiterate opposition at second county meeting

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

Last week, Lee County held its second public meeting scheduled in response to c o n c e r n s r a i s e d o v e r p r o p o s e d L a n d Development Code height and density amendments that would apply to Captiva M o d e r a t e d a g a i n b y L e e C o u n t y Commissioner Kevin Ruane, the Aug 2 meeting at BIG ARTS on Sanibel included a presentation by county staff, the chance for panel participants from the first meeting to provide input and the opportunity for attendees to express their thoughts during public comment

Intending to continue with and build on the first meeting on July 31 on Captiva, Lee County Department of Community Development Zoning Division Manager Anthony Rodriguez started with a summary of what the panel of participating stakeholders had discussed during the first event.

He outlined the following as the principal areas of concern: the increase in building height on Captiva from 53 feet, 42 feet and/or 28 feet to 35 feet; inconsistencies in the build-back provisions and policies, including the LDC and post-disaster O r d i n

n on hotel units for the South Seas Island Resort and concerns about the impacts on the built environment, impacts on the demand for services and feasibility of future septic to sewer conversation efforts, lack of connection to resiliency and creating pressure on Captiva and Sanibel, such as traffic; and elimination of South Seas from Captiva-specific land development r e g u l a t i o n s , t o i n c l u d e a l l o w i n g a n increase in building height and exempting hotel units from the density calculation Rodriguez highlighted the following as

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers

com

T h e L e e C o u n t y S c h o o l B o a r d approved a tentative budget of $2 4 billion for the 2023-24 school year during its first public hearing on July 31

h e t e n t a t i v e b u d g e t

e n e r a l F u n d o f $1,142,749,696 for operations, 47% of the total budget; and a capital budget of $ 8 7 6 , 8 9 3 , 8 9 5 , o 36% of total

h e r e m a i n i n g c o m p o n e n t s i n c l u d e internal services at $189,362,870, 7% of the budget; debt services of $94,744,982, 4%; special revenue food services of $71,772,463, 3%; and special revenue grants of $67,647,468, 3% of the budget total

BUDGET, page 17

See CAMPAIGN, page 18 Guest

See COUNTY MEETING, page 17

On Aug 2, crews from the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District responded to report of a pickup truck on fire in the parking lot of the Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel

Sanibel crews extinguish truck on fire at beach park

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently responded to a vehicle on fire in a parking lot

On Aug 2 at about 2:30 p m , crews were dispatched to the Lighthouse Beach Park, at 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, about a report of a vehicle fire The involved vehicle was a Dodge Ram pickup truck

“When they responded, they found that the entire cab and engine compartment were fully engulfed in flames,” Deputy F i r e C h i e f J o h n D i M a r i a s a i d “ T h e y

quickly and efficiently extinguished the fire ”

It took the crews about five to 10 minutes to put out the flames.

DiMaria reported that no other vehicles were involved and there was no additional damage

“ E v e r y t h i n g w a s m i t i g a t e d p r e t t y quickly,” he said.

“Nobody got hurt,” DiMaria added

The cause of the fire was unknown as of Aug 5; mechanical failure may have been involved

The Sanibel Police Department also responded and provided assistance

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

Web Po ll

Previous Web Poll Question

Did you attend the Lee County meeting on July 13 on Captiva?

∫ Yes, in person, 7% ∫ Yes, via Zoom, 40% ∫ No, will watch it later, 33%

No, 20%

Current Web Poll Question

Did you attend the Lee County meeting on Aug 2 on Sanibel?

Yes, in person

Stay informed as 2024 election cycle nears

Lee Elections hosted the 2023 Florida Supervisors of Elections Summer Conference i n M a y a t t h e b e a u t i f u l M a r r i o t t S a n i b e l H a r b o u r Resort It was remarkable that the conference was held in Lee C o u n t y o n l y s e v e n m o n t h s after Hurricane Ian devastated our county

The resort made an exceptional recovery effort to ensure our election colleagues would enjoy their stay in one of the most beautiful landscapes Lee County offers Conferences are essential for Florida's election administrators to come together, share b e s t p r a c t i c e s a n d r e c e i v e guidance from the Division of Elections about how the new election laws will affect us moving forward

Tommy Doyle

Guest Commentary

W h i l e t h e r e w e r e m a n y educational opportunities during the conference, networki n g w i t h f e l l o w e l e c t i o n administrators was among one of the best benefits Meeting and sharing with staff members from other counties with similar positions and responsibilities gives us a fresh perspective on our jobs It builds relationships that help us during the many stresses of conducting elections.

As we near the 2024 election cycle, it is vital that our office remains your trusted source for election informat i o n A s o f f i c i a l e l e c t i o n a d m i n i s t r a t o r s , y o u c a n b e sure that we will provide you with credible and accurate information We must remain vigilant in this new era of

advancing technology and artificial intelligence. Bad actors can use this technology to fabricate false new stories, images, audio bites and videos to erode confidence in the successful administration of elections in Lee County and the United States

Florida set the gold standard for conducting elections in the 2020 and 2022 elections We aim to continue this standard and provide our voters with a safe and secure environment to cast their votes and protect the accuracy and integrity of elections in Lee County, w h i l e r e m a i n i n g o p e n a n d t r a n s p a r e n t through every aspect of the elections process. My staff and I are always available to answer questions Stay informed about election happenings via our newsletters, social media and website

T o m m y D o y l e i s t h e L e e C o u n t y Supervisor of Elections For more information, visit https://www lee vote/ or call 239533-8683

Attorney General warns about screen-sharing scams

By FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General Ashley Moody is continuing the “Summer Scams Series: Tech Traps” with a warning about screen-sharing scams An umbrella term, screen-sharing scams include banking, tech support and any scam where fraudsters trick targets into giving full remote access to their computer, allowing personal and financial information to be stolen These scams often target seniors sometimes costing the victim's entire life savings The Federal Bureau of Investigation tracks the origin of many of these scams to India, including this one scamming U S citizens out of more than $20 million, yet it is known to occur worldwide

“As we continue our Summer Scams Series, it's important that Floridians know to never share their screens or access to their devices with anyone they don't know or trust,” Attorney General Ashley Moody said “If scammers do get access, then they will be able to steal personal and financial informat i o n t o e n a c t a l l s o r t s o f d e v a s t a t i n g schemes ”

Screen-sharing scams work like this: A target answers an illicit robocall or online message and connects with a scammer who claims to be a representative from a trusted business, such as a bank or technology company The scammer then tells the victim that the account is compromised, and that the scammer will need to download screen-sharing software to help Once the screen-sharing s o f t w a r e i s d o w n l o a d e d , t h e f r a u d s t e r receives full access to the victim's computer and can hack accounts, steal personal infor-

mation and set traps to further the scam. The F B I ' s B o s t o n d i v i s i o n r e p o r t s a 1 3 7 % increase nationwide in losses from tech-support scams from 2020 to 2021 Screen-sharing scams can be financially devastating. Once a victim agrees to share a screen, the fraudster will try to gain a victim's confidence and lay a trap to further the scam One common scheme occurs when a scammer pretends to be giving a victim a refund and “accidentally” sends more money than originally intended The fraudster then brings up a second website displaying what looks to be the victim's bank account, but it's really a fake screen that has been tampered with to show a fake bank balance, “proving” that they sent too much money Taking advantage of the victim's generosity, the scammer pleads to have the money returned If the victim goes through with the return, it will soon become clear that no money ever transferred, and the victim's money is now stolen The scammer may also use that fake website to steal the login credentials of the victim, allowing total control of the account.

There are reports of fraudsters verbally berating seniors over the phone and schemes resulting in major losses from victims, like a Tamarac couple who lost $99,000 in life savings after falling victim to a screen-sharing scam

To avoid screen-sharing scams:

∫ Never share your screen or allow remote access with a stranger a bank will never need to access a screen to view account information

∫ Avoid clicking on any suspicious links.

∫ Ignore unsolicited contact from supposed tech-support companies

∫ Be aware that phone numbers and emails can be tampered with, making it look like a call is originating from a trusted source.

∫ Verify the validity of a call that appears to come from a legitimate business by hanging up and calling the number listed on the company's website

To stay ahead of scams, check out the “Summer Scams Series: Tech Traps” at MyFloridaLegal.com.

T h e F e d e r a l T r a d e C o m m i s s i o n h a s r e l e a s e d r e s o u r c e g u i d e s a t h t t p s : / / c o nsumer ftc gov/features/how-stop-unwantedcalls with tips for consumers to stop unwanted robocalls. Floridians should report roboc a l l s t o t h e F T C o n l i n e a t FTC gov/Complaint

Victims of cybercrimes should report incidents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Computer Crime Center at https://www fdle state fl us/FCCC aspx/

Anyone who receives an illegal robocall c a n f i l e a c o m p l a i n t w i t h t h e F l o r i d a A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l ' s O f f i c e o n l i n e a t MyFloridaLegal com or by calling 8669NO-SCAM (866-966-7226)

The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts to inform Floridians of emerging scams, new methods used to commit fraud, increased reports of common scams, or any other deceptive practice For more information, visit MyFloridaLegal.com.

Ministry foundation at Shell Point agrees to settlement

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

A Fort Myers ministry foundation accused of violating the Controlled Substances Act by the U S Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida will pay $250,000 to settle the civil case

On July 31, the Middle District of Florida reported that The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation has agreed to pay the settlement to resolve allegations that it violated the CSA by failing to maintain records as required The foundation facility is at 15051 Shell Point Blvd , Fort Myers

The ministry foundation is with The Village Church at S h e l l P o i n t , l o c a t e d a t t h e S h e l l P o i n t R e t i r e m e n t Community; it is an accredited church with The Christian and Missionary Alliance Shell Point's website states that its community is a nonprofit ministry of the alliance denomination

According to the U S Attorney's Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated an inspection of the foundation's facility on July 14, 2021, and determined that the foundation had committed 176 violations of the CSA They included failing to take a new inventory of all controlled substances on hand at least once every

two years, failing to maintain records of the number of units acquired from other persons and failing to notify the DEA of a theft or loss within one business day of the discovery

“Scrupulous recordkeeping is essential to maintaining the CSA's closed system of distribution and preventing dangerous drugs from falling into the wrong hands,” Middle District U S Attorney Roger Handberg said in a prepared statement “We expect all DEA registrants, no matter their size, to be especially meticulous in their recordkeeping because the CSA and the welfare of the public demand it ”

The foundation reported that it “learned of pharmacy r e c o r d - k e e p i n g d e f i c i e n c i e s ” i n D e c e m b e r o f 2 0 2 1 “through internal processes,” according to a prepared statement provided by officials on Aug 2

“ U p o n s e l f - r e p o r t i n g t o t h e D r u g E n f o r c e m e n t Administration, an investigation occurred and fines were assessed as is normal course,” the foundation added

The U S Attorney's Office said the foundation relinquished its DEA registration on Feb 4, 2022

“Due to the complexity of regulatory compliance, the foundation chose to outsource pharmacy services and subsequently returned its DEA registration,” foundation

officials said

Assistant U S Attorney Chad Spraker pursued the civil settlement According to the U S Attorney's Office, the result was a coordinated effort by the Middle District and DEA's Miami Field Division.

“DEA registrants are obligated to comply with the regulations set forth in the Controlled Substances Act, ensuring accurate inventorying, tracking and recordkeeping, as the failure to do so can lead to the diversion of controlled substances, which jeopardizes the safety and h e a l t h o f o u r c o m m u n i t i e s , ” M i a m i F i e l d D i v i s i o n Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter said in a prepared statement “ (The) DEA remains committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to hold registrants accountable and ensure these regulations are followed ”

The U.S. Attorney's Office reported that the claims resolved by the settlement were only allegations, and that there was no determination of liability in the case

“The organization cooperated fully, and the matter was resolved without any determination of liability,” foundation officials said. “The foundation remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and integrity in all operations ”

School district continues to tweak media access policies

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The School District of Lee County's new Media Center Access form was further tweaked at the July 31 school board meeting in an effort to get language agreed upon for the start of the new school year

The district came up with two different forms following the prior week's board meeting to provide a different option as a default if parents do not sign the form that tells the district what materials a student may have access to and to which they may not.

The board gave consensus for the second form, which states “My child has full access to check out books from the school media center except for those books that have been restricted based upon the determination of the book challenge process or those that require parent/guardian consent ”

Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier said as soon as a parent clarifies their desire for their child, if different, they can change the option

“The board is acting in a manner and means until we have a parent signature on a document, the board is acting as 'loco parentis' assuming the child is not permitted to check out certain books,” he said

Board Member Cathleen Morgan said with the second option the board is overriding the recommendation of the curriculum advisory committee

“With form B you are telling the student that the district is acting on their behalf and you are again overriding community input after a book has been evaluated,” she said. “I think these forms are not accomplishing really what we want to do of educating the parents ”

In addition, Morgan said the form includes the word “challenged” too much She said she would like to see the form changed to something along the lines of “Your child will have access to media center materials except for those books that have been restricted, or those that require parent, or guardian consent ”

Morgan said the concern is the child who wants access to a book that has been reviewed and found appropriate for his or her age

“Why are we saying we are acting on that child's behalf on accessing that book?” she asked “I don't think that is our responsibility That is not the authority we have been given ”

Morgan said she would start from the point of frequently asked questions about books children are reading First it would include “Can I restrict my child's access to a book or author?” If yes, she said you can put that book in the Destiny system Another question would be “If I read a book in the media center that contains information a parent does not think is suitable for their child, how do they ask the school to remove the book?” The last would highlight information on how the parent can sign a form that now has limited access for their child

The other selections a parent can select on the form is my child is not permitted to check out books from the school media center and my child is not permitted to check out books from the school media center that have been formally challenged, based on potentially objectionable material, using the district's Challenge to Instructional/Media Form regardless of the outcomes.

The form also includes a list of materials that have been challenged and reviewed by the district's Challenge to Instructional/Media Ad Hoc Committee or Directors of Curriculum Instead of a link to a book challenge webpage, the form now includes a link to the school year and the challenged materials and decisions

Chief Academic Officer Dr Jeff Spiro said he was “super excited” to share information they received on July 28 from Destiny. He said emails can be sent to parents whenever a child checks out a book from the media center, so the parent is aware of any book their child is reading

“We need to work with information technology and create a process document There is some work that will have to happen over the next week and a half,” Spiro said.

Bernier said Destiny is a software system that governs the media collection that allows for check out and return of books

House Bill 1069

At the board meeting on July 26, the school board was also led through a lengthy presentation regarding media center and classroom library processes as new HB 1069 was signed

Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said HB 1069 not only includes media library materials, but also includes classroom library material

“The challenge material form, at some point, will be prescribed by the State Board

of Education,” she said

The new bill includes material that is pornographic in material or depicts or describes sexual conduct must be removed from the shelf within five school days of receipt of an objection and remain unavailable until the objection is ultimately resolved

“Parents also have the right to read passages that are subject to objection during public comment at school board meetings,” Dupuy-Bruno said “If the school board denies the right to read the passages due to

the content, meeting the pornography prong, then the material must be discontinued from use by the school district If the school board finds that any material violates any of the prongs such as it is pornographic, or depicts sexual conduct as defined, is not suited to the student, is inappropriate for the grade level and age group, then the school board has an obligation to remove the material ”

In addition, HB 1069 mandates committee meetings to resolve objections to instruc-

See MEDIA ACCESS POLICIES, page 18

County library system offers virtual programs

T h e L e e C o u n t y L i b r a r y S y s t e m , which includes the Captiva Memorial Library, is offering the following free virtual programming:

Adult programs

∫ Aug. 15: Online Wellness Book Club at 12:30 p m T h e O n l i n e W e l l n e s s B o o k C l u b w i l l f e a t u r e a v a r i e t y o f b o o k s o n t h i s m o n t h ' s t o p i c , “ P h y s i c a l H e a l t h ” G u e s t

Chamber ribbon-cutting marks RC Otter's reopening

Th e f i r s t t o o p e n o f S a n d y S t i l w e l l Y o u n g q u i s t ' s r e s t a u r a n t d y n a s t y o n C a p t i v a c a l l e d f o r a c e l e b r a t i o n a n d S a n C a p C h a m b e r r i b b o n - c u t t i n g a t R C O t t e r ' s I s l a n d E a t s o n J u l y 2 7 . T h e r e s t a u r a n t o f f i c i a l l y r e o p e n e d o n F a t h e r ' s D a y , J u n e 1 8 , a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n r e c o n s t r u ct i o n O r i g i n a l l y o p e n e d i n 1 9 9 8 , R C O t t e r ' s c a m e u n d e r

Youngquist's ownership in 2003 She expects her flagship restaurant, the Keylime Bistro, to open in September in time for the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest In the meantime, Youngquist set up Rico Suave's Mexican Cuisine on the Go food truck outside her Captiva Cantina and opened a second Keylime Bistro, which was in the works pre-Ian, in Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island to the north

Like the rest, RC Otter's flooded but quick remediation, followed by clean-up and restoration work on the part of Youngquist's team of employees, got the breakfast, lunch and dinner spot back on its feet

Youngquist's team has been instrumental in supporting the community since the days after the storm hit, with two to three boats running workers and residents to the islands to begin the recovery process

“Initially, when the hurricane hit, the firemen on the island didn't have vehicles, so I loaned them my jeep and my S Car Go Trolley that pulls the tram,” she said “It was pretty funny to see the first responders running around the island in my Jeep that looks like a snail ”

Youngquist donated food from her restaurants' refrigerators and helped with island fundraisers She is also serving as chairman of the Lee County Recovery Task Force's Planning and Capacity Branch to come up with a master plan for the storm

The Captiva Memorial Library is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a m to 12:30 p m and 1 to 4 p m For more information, contact the library branch at 239-533-4890

The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva

Phase reopening for Captiva resort following storm

T h e S o u t h S e a s I s l a n d R e s o r t o n Captiva recently celebrated its first phase of reopening following Hurricane Ian, w i t h m o r e t h a n a d o z e n r e f u r b i s h e d a c c o m m o d a t i o n s n o w a v a i l a b l e f o r guests Led by the Timbers Company, it is undergoing a rebuilding process slated to continue into next year

Accommodations now open for reservations include beach villas and beach homes. By late summer, it will have more than 50 available, with the addition of marina villas, beach villas and tennis villas

“Hurricane Ian posed significant challenges for our beloved Captiva Island and South Seas, yet we found an opportunity to thoughtfully plan for future rejuvenation and improvement of our amenities and services, while preserving the resort's distinctive charm and heritage,” resort General Manager Shawn Farrell said

See CAPTIVA RESORT, page 7

Offshore Sailing School announces anniversary contest

By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers

com

The Offshore Sailing School, which has a location at the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva, is hosting a p h o t o - e s s a y contest to win a one-week charter for its 60th anniversary

The 60th Anniversary Contest is open to sailing school graduates and Colgate Sailing Adventures flotilla sailors The grand prize winner will receive a gift certificate for a six-night seven-day charter aboard a Moorings 40-foot monohull or catamaran in the British Virgin Islands next year, along with a $500 gift certificate from the Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina to use during their charter week. To enter, create an original photograph or artwork painting or sketch that illustrates or was inspired by taking a sail-

See CONTEST, page 7

SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting on July 27 celebrates the recent reopening of RC Otter's Island Eats on Captiva. SANCAP CHAMBER

Captiva resort

From page 6

“While our closure has been challenging for everyone involved, and our rebuilding continues, we aim to further enhance the experiences our guests have cherished for generations,” he added “We are continuing to work tirelessly to bring the Captiva magic back to South Seas, and while we finish these next phases of restoration and construction, we cannot wait to share South Seas with guests ”

The resort's restoration is underway with the goal to build resilient accommodations and amenities designed to withstand severe weather conditions and safeguard the community from prolonged periods of loss and recovery South Seas reported that it is working with the county, local homeowners and community groups to address redevelopment plans

The resort added that it remains committed to environmental sustainability and conservation, which will be

Ribbon-cutting

reflected in its upcoming upgrades, including a more resilient golf course design and replacement of invasive species with native plants, as well as initiatives such as the restoration of the Red Fish Pass revetment and reconstruction of the fishing pier

The Yacht Harbour Marina is offering short- and long-term dockage with all boating essentials, including fuel, electricity, bait, ice and snacks Fishing and boating charters are available, as well as eco-cruises and nature tours The Bayview Fishing Pier (T-Dock) is being rebuilt for reopening.

By mid-November, the resort will open the 12-hole, B e a u W e l l i n g r e d e s i g n e d g o l f c o u r s e N a m e d T h e Clutch, the short course will be family-friendly and offer something for beginners to avid golfers

By late fall, South Seas Bayview (North Village) will open as a landscaped complex of three family-friendly

From page 6

build-back and coordinate with the county municipalities to make positive changes for future resiliency

“Sandy is an iconic member of the islands' business community, and her leadership has been an inspiration,”

Contest

SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT

pools, to include waterslides, private cabanas, the Tarpon Bar and dive-in movie nights

Starbucks is open, while Provisions formerly the Captiva Provision Company will open in the fall with a redesigned market Two food trucks, Shell City Burgers and Island Tacos, will soon be introduced at the resort Previously called The Pointe, the new Redfish Grille will open in early 2024

“We extend our gratitude to our past guests for their outpouring of encouragement and well wishes,” Farrell said. “We are thrilled to invite our guests back to create more unforgettable memories ”

For more information, visit www southseas com or contact 800-237-6000

The South Seas Island Resort is at 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva

From page 6

ing or powerboating certification course with the sailing school or by participating in a Colgate Sailing Adventures flotilla Entrants must also include a 100-word typed essay about how the experience changed their life

Entrants must be age 21 or older to be eligible

Entries must be received by Aug 31

Entries will be judged by a three-person panel

In addition to the grand prize, the first place winner will

chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “We congratulate her as she puts back together her Captiva Island Inn and restaurants complex to restore charm and hope to the Captiva community ”

receive a $1,500 gift certificate to apply toward an Offshore Sailing School course The second place winner will receive a copy of Onne van der Wal's “Sailing” coffee table book Three honorable mentions will receive an autographed copy of “OFFSHORE High,” the biography of owners Steve and Doris Colgate and their sailing school

The restaurant is open daily from 8 a m to 8 p m RC Otter's Island Eats is at 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

Maryland T

h t

For more information and the full contest rules, visit h t t p s : / / l n g c - z g p h m a i l l i s tmanage net/click/13698b7781976cc6/13698b778196 dcc7

Business Notes

Province Proper ty ear ns accreditation

T h e P r o v i n c e P r o p e r t y G r o u p earned accreditation f r o m t h e N a t i o n a l H o m e W a t c h Association for its second year

T h e a s s o c i a t i o n w a s f o r m e d i n 2 0 0 9 i n o r d e r t o establish and maint a i n t h e h i g h e s t i n d u s t r y s t a n d a r d s f o r H o m e W a t c h and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada.

With over 20 years in the banking industry and the owner of a residential and commercial cleaning business, Nicole King started the Province Property Group with Matt Jantos With expertise in housekeeping, Home Watch and concierge services, she is a graduate of the NHWA's Home Watch Boot Camp and she has earned the designation of Certified Home Watch Professional

As partner in Province Property, Jantos is the owner of an audio/video company and has been prov i d i n g s o l u t i o n s f o r c u s t o m e r s i n N e w J e r s e y , Pennsylvania and Florida for the last 20 years.

The Province Property Group serves Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Estero, Naples, Naples Park and Fort Myers Beach

For more information, visit www provinceproperty net or contact 239-722-9276 or info@provinceproperty net

Refuge welcomes new intern

JT Rohrbough recently joined the team at J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel as the Sue Tray Visitor Services intern, working full-time with S u p e r v i s o r y R e f u g e R a n g e r T o n i Westland through the summer

“We welcome JT's energy and enthusiasm,” she said “We thank our friends group for making our internships possible With our shrinking staff, due to federal budget cuts, this sort of partnership is crucial to keep the refuge running, especially as we rebuild after Hurricane Ian's destruction last fall ”

R o h r b o u g h a r r i v e d f r o m C o r v a l l i s , Oregon, where he studies fisheries and wildlife conservation sciences as a rising senior at Oregon State University He last interned for the U S Marines in Beaufort, South Carolina, when he first became familiar with Sanibel and started spending time here

“My favorite part about Sanibel is the nature side of it,” the Ukiah, California, native said “I love all the protected areas and especially the refuge I like how every-

thing and everyone is so wildlife conscious ”

Rohrbough looks forward to helping the refuge with its ongoing hurricane recovery

“While I am here, I am looking forward to interacting with the public and volunteers in the Visitor & Education Center, learning more about the refuge, and hopefully helping with the various ongoing biology projects,” he said

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge provides housing, living stipends and other benefits for six to eight interns each year Since the hurricane destroyed onsite intern housing, the DDWS has procured temporary housing on and off island

One DDWS internship remains available for the 2023-24 year, beginning in September and ending in May. For more information about the internship program, call Westland at 239-472-1100, ext 237

The DDWS is accepting donations for three future named intern funds For more information about supporting the program, call DDWS Associate Director AnnMarie Wildman at 239-789-8991

TCH gives update on post-stor m recover y

The Community House on Sanibel recently provided an update on the progress of its posthurricane rebuilding phases On July 18, officials r ep o r ted th at th e co n cr ete f lo w ab le f ill w as poured the previous week in the Founders Room It was a next step to Phase III the final phase to getting TCH ready for a complete reopening in October The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

Bank of the Islands par tially reopens

Bank of the Islands announced that its Sanibel office is partially reopened for customers and community groups

Following Hurricane Ian, the bank worked quickly to open its island offices Since that time, banking services have been available out of temporary on-site operations at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Effective Aug 7, meeting rooms and space for private banking transactions, including loan consultations, are available in the building while lobby renovations continue

Visitors are welcome to iced water, coffee and freshly baked cookies in all of the bank's offices.

The Sanibel office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a m to 4 p m

Museum provides update on hurricane repairs

Last week, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village provided an update on hurricane repairs taking place during its seasonal closure Officials reported that All Trades Historical Restoration has begun power washing the old Bailey General Store It is the first step to the exterior repairs of select buildings damaged by the storm Synergy General Contractors is responsible for the overall repairs The village will reopen on Oct 17 To support the post-hurricane recovery, visit https://donate sanibelmuseum org/ The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

SANIBEL

JT Rohrbough

PHOTO PROVIDED

HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND VILLAGE

Beckmann joins SCA board

T h e C o m m u n i t y H o u s e a n n o u n c e d t h a t C l a i r B e c k m a n n h a s j o i n e d t h e S a n i b e l C o m m u n i t y A s s o c i a t i o n ' s B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s . S h e g r a d u a t e d w i t h a f i n a n c e d e g r e e f r o m t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f M i s s o u r i a n d h a d a 3 0 - y e a r c a r e e r w i t h J P M o r g a n C h a s e a n d v a r i o u s p r e d e c e s s o r i n s t it u t i o n s , s e r v i n g i n m a n y c a p a c i t i e s i n c l u d i n g a s r e g i o n a l p r e s i d e n t f o r B o u l d e r C o u n t y i n C o l o r a d o B e c k m a n n a l s o s e r v e d a s p r e s i d e n t o f a N a t i o n a l B a n k i n C o l o r a d o . A f t e r r e t i r i n g , s h e b e c a m e t h e p l a n n e d g i v i n g o f f i c e r f o r t h e B o u l d e r C o m m u n i t y H o s p i t a l F o u n d a t i o n B e c k m a n n h a s s e r v e d o n d o z e n s o f n o n - p r o f i t b o a r d s , i n c l u d i n g a s b o a r d c h a i r o f t h e C o m m u n i t y F o u n d a t i o n s e r v i n g B o u l d e r C o u n t y , C o m m u n i t y F o o d S h a r e , B o u l d e r E c o n o m i c C o u n c i l , L o u i s v i l l e C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e , B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l M u s e u m a n d m o r e S h e h e l p e d r a i s e f u n d s f o r H o s p i c e , I m p a c t o n E d u c a t i o n , t h e W o m e n ' s F o u n d a t i o n o f C o l o r a d o , C o m m u n i t y F o o d S h a r e a n d o t h e r i n s t i t u t i o n s B e c k m a n n r e c e i v e d t h e B o u l d e r C h a m b e r M e m b e r

o f D i s t i n c t i o n A w a r d , C o m m u n i t y F o o d S h a r e L i f e t i m e A c h i e v e m e n t A w a r d , B o y S c o u t ' s D i s t i n g u i s h e d C i t i z e n A w a r d , B o u l d e r C h a m b e r ' s B u s i n e s s p e r s o n o f t h e Y e a r A w a r d , Y W C A ' s W o m a n o f t h e Y e a r a n d B o u l d e r C a m e r a ' s P a c e s e t t e r a w a r d , a m o n g o t h e r s S h e a n d h e r h u s b a n d h a v e b e e n v i s i t i n g S a n i b e l a n n u a l l y s i n c e 1 9 8 1 a n d h a v e b e e n p a r t - t i m e r e s i d e n t s f o r a b o u t 1 5 y e a r s , s p l i t t i n g t h e i r t i m e b e t w e e n t h e i s l a n d a n d L o u i s v i l l e , C o l o r a d o

Miller-Ber g joins CHR team

C

announced that Savannah Miller-Berg is the new executive assistant

In the role, she will support CHR Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale and the organization's mission to provide affordable housing

Growing up in Eugene, Oregon, Miller-Berg volunteered for a daycare that provided a safe place for housing-insecure parents to drop off their children while searching for housing, employment and other opportunities

She came to Florida in 2019 to study public health at Florida Gulf Coast University and earned her bachelor's degree At FGCU, Miller-Berg was able to take courses about the nonprofit industry

After finishing her studies, she decided to make the island her home and her cause

Miller-Berg's energy, insight and community mindset are a perfect fit for CHR

San Cap Community Bank rewards staff

F

Community Bank's board of directors and executive management rewarded bank employees with a mid-year bonus from the bank's savings under the federal tax law

The bonus is an acknowledgment of team members' commitment and dedication to the bank All employees, except for the executive management team, were eligible and included

In recognition of the bank's 20th anniversary, a second bonus was distributed in July to all 112 employees.

Shell Point named Great Place to Work

S h e l l P o i n t R e t i r e m e n t C o m m u n i t y r e c e n t l y announced that it has been certified as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute for the third consecutive year.

Ranked 16th among the area's Top 100 Employers by the Lee County Economic Development Council, Shell Point employs over 1,100 people in a variety of positions including health care, administration, construction and trades, dining and hospitality, transportation, sales and m a r k e t i n g , r e s i d e n t l i f e , h o u s e k e e p i n g , l a n d s c a p i n g , security, maintenance and more

T h e G r e a t P l a c e t o W o r k c e r t i f i c a t i o n p r o c e s s involved surveying 100% of employees and evaluating more than 60 elements of team members' experience on the job These included employee pride in the organization's community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning Nearly 80% of employees who responded to the survey indicated Shell Point is a great place to work

Clair Beckmann

PRESERVING PARADISE

Team tracks toxic blue-green algae bloom

T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n Foundation reported that scientists at its Marine L a b o r a t o r y r e c e n t l y developed an experiment to sample a toxic bluegreen algae bloom as it moved from freshwater, t o b r a c k i s h , t o s a l i n e w a t e r s i n t h e Caloosahatchee Estuary

SCCF: Lake Okeechobee reaches 15 feet

T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n reported that the new regulation schedule for Lake Okeechobee is not finalized yet, but the local area is already seeing a preview of what the management system could look like

“

T h e r i s k o f h i g h d a m a g i n g r e l e a s e s t o t h e Caloosahatchee and St Lucie estuaries looms as tropical activity increases in the fall months,” SCCF Research and Policy Associate Leah Reidenbach said on July 26 “One tropical storm or hurricane could trigger sudden damaging releases that could contain toxic blue-green algae, which is currently covering 84% of the lake ”

The Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) is expected to be finalized in December after the completion of a biological opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine the effects of LOSOM on red tide and sea turtles For now, the U S Army Corps of Engineers is managing the lake under LORS08

The SCCF reported that LOSOM will minimize the number of days of damaging discharges to the Caloosahatchee, while also maintaining the lake at higher levels, which has been made possible with the rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike to prevent flooding in the communities surrounding the lake

Under LOSOM, flows to the Caloosahatchee will not exceed 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79) until the lake is over 16-17 feet, depending on the time of the year As of July 26, the lake was at 15 feet, and the Corps schedule was for a seven-day average pulse release of 2,000 cfs at S-79, while LORS08 calls for “up to 3,000 cfs” at S-79

“The lack of larger releases during the dry season, when we were contending with red tide, has led us to the ecologically damaging situation we are in now with high lake levels in the wet season,” she said “High lake levels are damaging to the lake's submerged aquatic vegetation, which provides important h a b i t a t f o r y o u n g - o f - t h e - y e a r a n d j u v e n i l e b a s s Multiple years of high lake levels can have devastating effects on the bass fishery ”

The SCCF reported that once submerged aquatic vegetation and emergent plants are damaged, it can take several years for them to recover, but only if lake levels remain low for extended periods of time

Additionally, higher releases in the late summer could coincide with oyster spawning season and have negative effects on oyster survival due to the combi-

See LAKE OKEECHOBEE, page 13

Along with partners from the University of F l o r i d a a n d S o u t h F l o r i d a W a t e r M a n a g e m e n t D i s t r i c t , the team targeted a visible blue-green algae bloom that had formed near Fort Myers on about July 17

Water samples revealed the bloom as the toxic species Microcystis aeruginosa, which is known to form in nutrient-rich freshwater. It was predicted to move downstream toward the Shell Point Retirement Community over a one- to two-week period based on regional bloom transport models previously developed by researchers on the team

“The bloom likely formed due to warmer temperatures and freshwater conditions typical this time of year,” Marine Lab Director Dr Eric Milbrandt said

Additional water samples on July 20 and 24 confirmed that the bloom was at or near where it was projected to be Samples were also taken to a microscopy lab

at UF to determine patterns in the shapes of the colonies as the bloom progressed downstream

“Our goal is to understand how the progression of the bloom impacts water conditions in the estuary over time through the production of toxins and release of toxins and nutrients into the water column,” he said

The Marine Lab and UF have been sampling microscopic algae in the Caloosahatchee since 2018 On the first week of every month, they collect water samples from Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee from the Franklin Lock to Shell Point, and the Gulf of Mexico

“Our results are identifying the drivers of seasonal phytoplankton blooms throughout the system,” Milbrandt said

CROW announces new Animal Ambassadors

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel welcomed two new Animal Ambassadors last week Eastern screech owls Wallace and Gromit were admitted to CROW after sustaining injuries that deemed them as nonreleasable Wallace was admitted as a nestling after falling from the nest, causing head trauma and inflammation around the brain. Despite treatment, the injury to the brain resulted in permanent deficits, which prevent survival in the wild Gromit was admitted after being found on the side of the road with wounds on both feet His

wounds were so severe that some of his toes had to be surgically amputated, which prevents successful hunting in the wild Both received approved federal permitting from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. CROW reported that they will receive training and care from its certified wildlife rehabilitators and will be used for educational purposes It added that Wallace and Gromit have been bonding well with their trainers and are becoming more comfortable in their new outdoor and indoor enclosures As a bonded pair, they will continue to be raised together

SCCF attends Everglades restoration ribbon cutting

Project

The project is a component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a mission working to restore water quality to the Everglades watershed across South Florida The U S Army Corps of Engineers and SFWMD have overseen the project's implementation while collaborating with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, land owner ALJO Groves and the Florida Legislature, which funded the project

The project will hold 20,000 acre-feet of water from the project area for storage and treatment

“The system works using a Rapid Infiltration Basin to allow water to pass into an aquifer, purifying the water before it enters the local surface waters From this, an estimated 1 2 metric tons of phosphorus and 39-plus metric tons of nitrogen can be removed from the water per year,” SCCF Environmental Policy intern Katie Gretter said “Removal of these nutrients is critical in improving water quality and reducing the effects of harmful algal blooms.”

Throughout the event, speakers echoed the importance

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

of the collaboration

that led to the project's formation

Primarily, it highlighted an example of private and public interests working together

o

c t s c o m e online, we will begin to see incremental progress being m

DePaolis said “Every drop of water captured, stored, treated is one less drop of polluted water that is impacting our coastal environments ”

CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE

Lake Okeechobee

nation of high temperatures and low salinity

“The El Niño forecast is expected to b r i n g h i g h e r - t h a n - a v e r a g e r a i n f a l l i n Florida for the rest of the year and into next year's dry season, meaning high lake levels might be expected for at least

From page 12

a n o t h e r y e a r , ” R e i d e n b a c h s a i d “ W e encourage the U S Army Corps to prioritize utilizing all available outlets, when safe and possible to do so, to reduce lake levels ”

“While LOSOM will not eliminate d a m a g i n g d i s c h a r g e s t o t h e

REFUGE/DDWS

Architectural rendering of The Roost at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Ribbon-cutting set for refuge’s The Roost

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that as Hurricane Ian hit on Sept 28, the building of The Roost pavilion was well underway at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel The storm set back its completion by a year The $1 million project will serve as an outdoor classroom for visiting schools and other groups. The DDWS envisions creative new uses for it to reflect the refuge's arts legacy and experiential mission, including music and artist events, puppet shows, lectures, mindfulness classes and culturedriven programs As a kickoff to the inaugural Art in the Wild, the DDWS and SanCap Chamber will host a ribbon-cutting for the facility on Oct 21 at 9 a m Local officials, refuge staff and volunteers, and distinguished artists will be present for the event

Caloosahatchee estuary, it will greatly reduce the number of days that we are receiving those discharges. The plan isn't perfect, but it represents an improvement over the current system, with a more equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of the water,” SCCF Environmental

Policy Director Matt DePaolis added “ O n c e a d d i t i o n a l C o m p r e h e n s i v e Everglades Restoration Projects projects come online, like the EAA reservoir, we will see compounding benefits to our e n v i r o n m e n t , o u r e c o n o m y , a n d o u r ecosystems across Southwest Florida ”

Isl and lIvIng

SPD releases weekly blotter

As Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued on Tuesday that will include real time information about law enforcement response to criminal activity

Other enforcement actions

∫ On July 28, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed The driver was subsequently issued a citation for unlawful speed and a notice to appear for never having a driver's license issued

∫ On July 30, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed The driver was subsequently issued citations for unlawful speed, failing to have a child in a car seat and a notice to appear for driving with a suspended license

∫ On July 31, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed The driver was subsequently issued a citation for unlawful speed and a notice to appear for never having a driver's license issued

Enforcement operations statistics

73

warnings issued: 3

∫ Field interviews: 5

∫ Residential area checks: 2,810

∫ Business area checks: 905

∫ Total area checks: 5,812

∫ Reported burglaries: 3

∫ Reported thefts: 4

∫ Total CAD calls: 6,891

Impor tant reminders

The city of Sanibel's 2021 and 2022 Hurricane Re-entry Passes are still valid If you have one, you do not need to re-apply for a new pass

Updated information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp:

∫ The boat ramp is open to permit holders on weekdays, weekends and holidays

∫ The boat ramp is open to the public (non-permit holders) on weekdays that are not holidays for a $40 daily fee

∫ There is no beach access at the Sanibel Boat Ramp at this time.

∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250

See BLOTTER, page 15

The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on Aug 15 with Robert Jones Jr SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

library offers mix of programs

t h e l i b r a r y h a s l a u n c h e d a s e r i e s o f v i r t ua l a u t h o r t a l k s t o i n c l u d e b e s t s e l l i n g a u t h o r s a n d t h o u g h t l e a d e r s T h e n e x t o n e w i l l t a k e p l a c e o n A u g

1 5 a t 4 p m w i t h N e w Y o r k T i m e s b e s t s e l l i n g a u t h o r R o b e r t J o n e s J r H e w i l l d i s c u s s h i s a w a r d - w i n n i n g n o v e l , “ T h e P r o p h e t s ” F o r m e r l y k n o w n o n l i n e a s “ S o n o f B a l d w i n , ” J o n e s i s a n a w a r d - w i n n i n g w r i t e r . “ T h e P r o p h e t s ” w o n t h e

2 0 2 2 P u b l i s h i n g T r i a n g l e E d m u n d W h i t e A w a r d f o r D e b u t F i c t i o n , a n d i t w a s a f i n a l i s t f o r t h e 2 0 2 1 N a t i o n a l B o o k A w a r d f o r F i c t i o n H i s w o r k h a s b e e n f e a t u r e d i n T h e N e w Y o r k T i m e s , E s s e n c e , V a r i e t y a n d T h e P a r i s R e v i e w , a s w e l l a s i n t h e a n t h o l o g i e s “ F o u r H u n d r e d S o u l s ” a n d “ T h e 1 6 1 9 P r o j e c t ” J o n e s ' l a t e s t w o r k c a n b e f o u n d i n h i s o n l i n e n e w s l e t t e r , W i t n e s s A q u e s t i o n - a n d - a n s w e r s e s s i o n w i t h t h e a u t h o r w i l l f o l l o w T o r e g i s t e r f o r t h e a u t h o r t a l k , v i s i t h t t p s : / / l i b r a r y c . o r g / s a n l i b / u p c o m i n g . F o r h e l p s e t t i n g u p o r l o g g i n g i n t o w e b i n a r s , c o nt a c t n o t i c e s @ s a n l i b o r g o r 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 2 4 8 3 S u m m e r B o o k B i n g o i s a s e l f - d i r e c t e d r e a d i n g c h a l l e n g e f o r a d u l t s , w i t h o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r p r i z e s

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F o r t h e m o s t u p - t o - d a t e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t t h e c a le n d a r a t w w w s a n l i b o r g L i b r a r y c a r d s a r e a v a i l a b l e t o r e s i d e n t s o f S a n i b e l a n d L e e C o u n t y a t n o c h a r g e V i s i t o r l i b r a r y c a r d s a r e a v a i l a b l e f o r a $ 1 0 a n n u a l f e e T h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y i s o p e n M o n d a y t h r o u g h F r i d a y f r o m 9 a m t o 5 p m a n d S a t u r d a y f r o m 9 a m t o 1 p m

2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 2 4 8 3 o r v i s i t w w w s a n l i b o r g

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l

T h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y i s a t 7 7 0 D u n l o p R o a d , S a n i b e l

The Sanibel School

Blotter From page 14

Roadside parking on Sanibel is not allowed except in the case of special events requiring a permit. It is enforced and can result in a $150 fine

Dewatering of a pool or spa directly into a waterbody, into the city’s stormwater system or onto any third-party’s property without the third party’s consent is expressly prohibited

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel com or use Tip411

Repor ting suspicious activity

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

∫ W e b t i p s c a n b e s u b m i t t e d a t https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert g roup id=22450

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111

F i n d t h e S P D o n F a c e b o o k a t https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice

SPORTS

Rec center provides update on programming, facility

The Sanibel Recreation Center reported on the following new and upcoming activities

Local artist Sherry Diaz will host a Watercolor Painting Class on Aug 14 from 10 a m to noon Explore the classic painting style with an experienced professional Registration required as space is limited Cost is $35 for members and $44 for non-members All supplies included with the cost

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District will offer complimentary blood pressure screenings on Aug 15 from 9 and 11:30 a m High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and even blindness in some cases The screenings are offered as a first step in determining if further examination by a health care professional is necessary

Weight Room 101 will take place on Aug 15 with Connor Russell It will include weight room orientation, specific instruction on upper and lower body exercises, and cardiovascular training tips Instruction and guidance on how to properly train one's entire body safely and e f f e c t i v e

r strength and cardiovascular endurance The class is limited to 10 participants; registration is required Closedtoe footwear is required

In addition, the center features new weight room equipment It will offer multiple sessions of Weight Room 101 to help members get comfortable with it Also, the multipurpose Egret Room will be revamped Members can take advantage of a new smart bike, painted agility ladder, TRX suspension, elevated stretch plat-

form and more.

The center's Summer Camp program recently created a garden with recreation aide specialist Cassie Hill It is filled with native plants, such as horsemint and coral honeysuckle There are also vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes and dill The campers painted the tire pots and learned about gardening and growing vegetables The center thanked Southwest Florida Wheel Repair for donating the tires to be reused as plant holders

Also, the center thanked local residents Lorenzo and Tracy Lopez for recently donating a ping pong table The table is available for members to use Sign out a paddle and the balls at the front desk.

The center is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a m to 5 p m and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a m to 5 p m

Daily, weekly, semi-annual and annual memberships are available

For more information, call 239-472-0302 or visit www mysanibel com

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

Sanibel golf course open to public

The Sanibel Island G o l f C l u b r e p o r t e d that it is the only public golf course open on the islands postH u r r i c a n e I a n O f f i c i a l s r e p o r t e d that thanks to staff's hard work and dedic a t i o n , t h e c o u r s e r e o p e n e d i n December. The current rates are: $60 for 18-holes riding, includes sales tax and cart; and $40 for 18-holes walking, includes sales tax To book a tee time, text 239-822-1012 For more information, visit sanibelislandgc com The Sanibel Island Golf Club is at 1100 Par View Drive, Sanibel

City accepting fitness instructor proposals

T h e c i t y o f S a n i b e l i s s e e k i n g f i t n e s s i n s t r u c t o r p r op o s a l s f o r f i s c a l y e a r 2 0 2 4 , w h i c h s t a r t s O c t 1 I n s t r u c t o r s m u s t b e a b l e t o o f f e r h i g h - q u a l i t y f i tn e s s c l a s s e s i n o n e o r m o r e o f t h e f o l l o w i n g : c y c l i n g , y o g a , P i l a t e s , B O S U a n d s t a b i l i t y b a l l , Z u m b a , w a t e r e x e r c i s e , l a n d a e r o b i c s , b o d y s c u l p t i n g , T a i C h i , g r o u p w e i g h t r o o m i n s t r u c t i o n , s p e c i a l t y s m a l l g r o u p f i t n e s s c l a s s e s , p e r s o n a l t r a i n i n g a n d s u c h T h e y m u s t b e a b l e t o m e e t t h e v a r i o u s n e e d s a n d f i t n e s s l e v e l s o f m e m b e r s .

S e l e c t e d f i t n e s s i n s t r u c t o r s m u s t s u b m i t t o a n d p a s s a c r i m i n a l b a c k g r o u n d c h e c k P r o p o s a l s m u s t c o n t a i n t h e f o l l o w i n g i n f o r m a t i o n :

∫ C o p y o f c u r r e n t g r o u p f i t n e s s c e r t i f i c a t i o n ( s ) a n d / o r s p e c i a l t y t r a i n i n g c e r t i f i c a t i o n ( s )

∫ C o p y o f c u r r e n t A E D / C P R / F i r s t A i d

C e r t i f i c a t i o n

∫ C o p y o f c u r r e n t l i a b i l i t y i n s u r a n c e

∫ A m i n i m u m o f t h r e e r e f e r e n c e s

∫ C o l l e g e d e g r e e e a r n e d i n a h e a l t h / f i t n e s s r e l a t e d

f i e l d o r e q u i v a l e n t w o r k e x p e r i e n c e i n t h e f i e l d

∫ P r o p o s e d f i t n e s s c l a s s e s q u a l i f i e d a n d a v a i l a b l e t o i n s t r u c t , i n c l u d e c l a s s t y p e ( s ) a n d d e s c r i p t i o n , d a y s o f t h e w e e k a n d t i m e s P r o p o s a l s a r e r e q u e s t e d n o l a t e r t h a n A u g 1 4

E m a i l a n d r e a m i l l e r @ m y s a n i b e l c o m , o r m a i l o r s u b m i t i n - p e r s o n t o t h e C i t y o f S a n i b e l , R e c r e a t i o n

D e p a r t m e n t , A t t n : A n d r e a M i l l e r , R e c r e a t i o n

D i r e c t o r , 3 8 8 0 S a n i b e l C a p t i v a R o a d , S a n i b e l , F L

3 3 9 5 7 .

DOH-Lee cautions about blue-green algae blooms

On Aug 3, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County cautioned the public o f t h e p r e s e n c e o f b l u e - g 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 rSoutheast 32 Terrace, near Swan Canal and Moody Canal It issued the same caution on July 28 in the Caloosahatchee River-San Marino Canal. Blooms have the potential to produce toxins Since bloom conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution as if the bloom were toxic, even if toxin presence has not yet been confirmed

The public is advised to take the following precautions:

∫ Do not drink, swim, wade, water ski or engage in activities that may cause you to come in direct contact with waters where there is a visible bloom

∫ Exercise caution when using personal watercraft or boating to avoid stirring up or contacting the algae or the affected water

∫ Avoid getting affected water in your eyes, nose or mouth

∫ Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with

algae or discolored or smelly water

∫ Keep pets and livestock away from the waters in the location

∫ 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 caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.

∫ Do not eat shellfish from the location

T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f Environmental Protection and partners c o l l e c t a l g a e s a m p l e s f r o m r e p o r t e d bloom locations for toxin analysis Once completed, the results will be posted on t h e D E P A l g a l B l o o m D a s h b o a r d a t h t t p s : / / f l o r i d a d e p g o v / A l g a l B l o o m a n d can also be viewed on the Protecting Florida Together website at https://prot e c t i n g f l o r i d a t o g e t h e r . g o v / , w h e r e y o u can sign up to be notified of the latest conditions

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater 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

rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors

Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins

Is it har mful?

Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals For additional information on potential health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins

F i n d c u r r e n t i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t

Florida’s water quality status and public h e a l t h n o t i f i c a t i o n s f o r h a r m f u l a l g a l blooms and beach conditions by visiting P r o t e c t i n g F l o r i d a T o g e t h e r g o v Protecting Florida Together is the state’s joint effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environ-

mental transparency and commitment to action

What do I do if I see an algal bloom?

T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n c o l l e c t s a n d analyzes algal bloom samples. To report a bloom to the DEP, call the toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903 or report online at http://www surveygizmo com/s3/344494

8/Algal-Bloom-Reporting-Form

To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511

Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center; call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately.

C o n t a c t y o u r v e t e r i n a r i a n i f y o u believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water

If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-690-2100

CITY OF SANIBEL

The Sanibel Recreation Center's Summer Camp program creates a garden with help from staff

Breakfast, lunch available at no cost to students

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

No child attending school in Lee County will go hungry this school year

Once again, when students return on Aug 10 they will receive a free breakfast and lunch throughout the 2023-24 school year, including at The Sanibel School on Sanibel

“Our priority has always been and will continue to be student focused They are the heart of our business,” Food and Nutrition Services Director Kandy Messenger said “Providing meals to all of our students at no cost for them is vital to their ability to learn A child cannot learn if they are hungry ”

Due to the overall economic need in Lee County, the

School District of Lee County has qualified for the Community Eligibility Program since 2017 With the district qualifying for the program, every student in the district's 82 traditional schools, as well as the four special centers, will receive free meals

“To produce a meal the average cost is $3.98 per plate,” Messenger said “The reimbursement from the federal government helps us cover the cost of doing business so we are able to provide meals to our students It is my responsibility to ensure that we are fiscally responsible and stay within the budget to operate The department is self-funded meaning that we do not ask for money from the general fund, we have to earn the money to run the operation ”

Last year, the district served 3,627,806 meals for break-

fast, 7,408,476 meals for lunch, 271,938 after school snacks and 399,001 supper meals

“We are hopeful that we will increase the number of meals served this school year There are menu changes and new food items coming for the students to enjoy school meals,” she said.

This year the menu will include such new breakfast items as a breakfast pizza and breakfast ham and cheese croissant The new lunch menu items include pizza crunchers, buffalo mac and cheese, enchilada lasagna and a burrito rice bowl

Parents can view the menu daily under the School District of Lee County's Food and Nutrition Services at leeschools net

Elections office: Mail ballots expired in December

L e e C o u n t y E l e c t i o n s w a n t s t o e n s u r e v o t e r s a r e a w a r e t h a t a l l p r e v i o u s V o t e - b y - M a i l B a l l o t r e q u e s t s e x p i r e d a s o f D e c e m b e r d u e t o a c h a n g e i n F l o r i d a l a w A s a r e s u l t , v o t e r s w h o p l a n t o v o t e b y m a i l i n 2 0 2 4 m u s t s u b m i t a n e w r e q u e s t t o t h e o f f i c e “ T h e c h a n g e i n t h e l a w m a r k s a n u n p r e c e d e n t e d e v e n t f o r o u r o f f i c e W e h a v e a s i g n i f i c a n t l y l o w n u m -

b e r o f V o t e - b y - M a i l r e q u e s t s c o m p a r e d t o p r e v i o u s y e a r s , ” S u p e r v i s o r o f E l e c t i o n s T o m m y D o y l e s a i d “ O u r o f f i c e b e g a n a p r o a c t i v e c a m p a i g n e a r l i e r t h i s y e a r a h e a d o f t h e 2 0 2 4 e l e c t i o n c y c l e i n o u r e f f o r t t o i n f o r m v o t e r s o f t h i s c h a n g e a n d e n s u r e v o t i n g a c c e s s i b i l i t y f o r a l l . ” V o t i n g b y m a i l i s a s a f e , s e c u r e a n d c o n v e n i e n t v o t -

School board budget

The board also approved the tentative proposed 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 0 018

The tentative proposed basic discretionary millage of 0.748 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 socalled 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 2023-24

From page 1

school year is 5 430 mills, a decrease of 0 127 mills from the 2022-23 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 0 018 for a total required local effort of 3 182 We also request that you levy 0 748 discretionary millage and 1 5 capital mills, which is the total 5 430 mills ”

The millage is a negative 0.127 from previous years

“As the millage rate goes down from year to year, it is because the tax roll goes up As the tax roll goes up the millage rate will go down,” she said “We are given the amount for the required local effort from the state and you must levy that in order to participate

County meeting

the stakeholders' positions: maintain the 2 8 - f o o t m a x i m u m h e i g h t o n C a p t i v a ; hotels, including South Seas, should continue to be subject to the three-unit-peracre limitation on Captiva; and future zoning and development actions at South Seas should be subject to the Captiva-specific provisions of the LDC

In the presentation, he spoke about building height increases, including the current regulations on Captiva and how the proposed amendments would apply; build-back policy regarding nonconforming buildings and structures; definitions for use, density and intensity; density for residential versus hotel; rezoning process and considerations involved, including required specific findings; and next steps

o f t h e panel members offered input, including Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson, Captiva Civic Association Board Member and Land Use Committee Chair Lisa Riordan, a n

Committee Chair David Mintz

From page 1

Johnson reiterated that Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands and one cannot get to Captiva without going through Sanibel He added that at its recent meeting, the Sanibel City Council endorsed a set of principles proposed by the CCP and sent a letter to the county board to make it aware of its position

Johnson also noted the importance of maintaining and preserving the island community as it is

Riordan pointed out that the islands officials, nonprofits, businesses and residents are all on the same page in opposition. She urged county staff and the county board to listen what is being said

M i n t z r e f e r e n c e d t h e p r e s e n t a t i o n , honing in on what was reported on the build-back provisions

“Nonconforming structures, even the ones on South Seas, can be built back while accommodating base flood elevations,” he said of the information “(There i s ) n o n e e d f o r i n c r e a s e d d e n s i t y o r height ”

Mintz also addressed three “outstand-

i n g m e t h o d V o t e r s a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o a c t n o w a n d s u bm i t t h e i r V o t e - b y - M a i l r e q u e s t s b e f o r e t h e 2 0 2 4 e l e ct i o n c y c l e t o e n s u r e t h e i r v o i c e s a r e h e a r d V o t e - b y - M a i l B a l l o t r e q u e s t s c a n b e m a d e o n l i n e a t h t t p s : / / w w w l e e v o t e / , b y m a i l , e - m a i l o r f a x , o r i n p e rs o n a t a n y o n e o f t h e b r a n c h o f f i c e l o c a t i o n s . N e w r e q u e s t s a r e v a l i d t h r o u g h D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 4

in the Florida Education Finance Program ”

With the millage rate that the district is proposing, if the tax roll was an 8 34% increase, and it was a $100,000 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 owneroccupied 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

“While that does generate more than it did last year, the required local effort portion, as that goes up, our state funding goes down in the same amount,” she said “We will not generate any additional dollars from the required local effort than what the state says we can do through the Florida Education Finance Program ”

The basic discretionary millage of 0 748

ing issues” posed as questions on a recent county document

∫ Should height be limited to 28 feet on Captiva Island?

“There is no compelling reason to go from 28 feet to 35 feet above base flood elevation,” he said

∫ S h o u l d d e v i a t i o n s / v a r i a n c e s t o allow increased height be prohibited on barrier islands?

“We're saying that the long-standing rule should not be changed,” Mintz said

∫ Should amendments related to South S e a s b e i n c l u d e d i n t h e p r o p o s e d Ordinance?

“ M y a n s w e r t o t h a t i s , ' N o , t h e y shouldn't,'” he said

Mintz added that while the Timbers Company, one co-owner of South Seas, has shared that it does not intend to ask for increased heights, it could change its mind or the property could change hands

During the half-hour public comment, a b o u t a d o z e n a t t e n d e e s s h a r e d t h e i r thoughts on the proposed amendments and not one spoke in favor of them Along

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 the total anticipated for the Family Empowerment Scholarships Letcher said it was a $77 million increase from the previous year and $75 million of that is the increase for the teacher salary increase allocation

She said the district will receive $8,933 per FTE and the base student allocation is $5,139 73, an increase of $552 33 Letcher said they are funded by the state, 42% of the amount

She said the sources of operating revenues is 60.92% local, 38.59% state and 49% federal

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

with residents and business owners from both Captiva and Sanibel, the speakers i n c l u d e d S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n Foundation Chief Executive Office James Evans and Environmental Policy Director M a t t D e P a o l i s a n d B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l M u s e u m E x e c u t i v e Director Sam Ankerson

The county will hold its third and final public meeting today, Aug 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p m in Conference Room 1B at the Lee County Public Works Building, at 1500 Monroe St , Fort Myers

In addition, a county board workshop is set for Aug. 29 at 1:30 p.m. Rodriguez explained that county staff will share input from the meetings and the board can propose and consider potential changes

Both the meeting and workshop are open to the public

In closing, Ruane welcomed the public to provide comments via email to all the commissioners

To watch the meeting or county prese n t a t i o n , v i s i t t h e c i t y o f S a n i b e l ' s Facebook page

Campaign From page 1

“ W h i l e H u r r i c a n e I a n a f f e c t e d t o u r i s m , m a n y e s t a b l i s h m e n t s h a v e w o r k e d d i l i g e n t l y t o r e o p e n a n d s e r v e t h e p u b l i c d u r i n g r e c o v e r y f r o m t h e s t o r m , w h i c h m a d e l a n d f a l l i n L e e C o u n t y o n S e p t 2 8 , ” t h e V C B r e p o r t e d i n a p r e p a r e d s t a t e m e n t “ S a v o r t h e S h o r e e n c o u r a g e s r e s i d e n t s t o v i s i t i m p a c t e d c o a s t a l a r e a s , e a t a t a l o c a l r e s t a u r a n t , s h o p , g o t o t h e b e a c h a n d p a r t i c i p a t e i n a c t i v i t i e s ” T h e V C B a d d e d t h a t i t i s c o m m i t t e d t o s u p p o r t i n g t h e b u s i n e s s c o m m u n i t y ' s r e c o v e r y b y c r e a t i n g a w a r en e s s a n d e n c o u r a g i n g p e o p l e t o s p e n d l o c a l l y a n d m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e i n t h e l o c a l e c o n o m y F o l l o w i n g t h e c o u n t y b o a r d ' s a p p r o v a l a n d i n c o o p -

e r a t i o n w i t h t h e S a n i b e l C i t y C o u n c i l , t h e S a n C a p C h a m b e r a n n o u n c e d b r a n d i n g t h e p r o g r a m “ S a v o r S a n C a p , ” i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h t h e V C B ' s e f f o r t .

“ W e m a d e t h i s r e q u e s t t o t h e c i t y , c o u n t y m a n a g e r a n d V C B w e e k s a g o i n a n t i c i p a t i o n o f t h e s l o w e r f a l l m o n t h s , ” c h a m b e r P r e s i d e n t a n d C h i e f E x e c u t i v e O f f i c e r J o h n L a i r e p o r t e d i n a p r e p a r e d s t a t e m e n t “ W e a r e s o a p p r e c i a t i v e f o r t h e c o m m i s s i o n e r s ' s u pp o r t p a s s i n g t h i s a b a t e m e n t w i t h a v o t e o f 5 - 0 , a l o n g w i t h s u p p o r t f r o m c o u n t y s t a f f a n d t h e V C B ” A t t h e c o u n c i l ' s m e e t i n g o n J u l y 1 8 , C i t y M a n a g e r D a n a S o u z a s h a r e d t h a t t h e c h a m b e r w a s g o i n g t o a s k t h e c o u n t y b o a r d t o f o r g i v e t h e t o l l s f o r a p e r i o d o f

Media access policies

tion materials that are properly noticed and open to the public. The committee must include parents of the students who have access to such materials throughout the district

“If a parent disagrees with a determination by the school board after a decision is rendered through the final process, which is an appeal to the school board, the parent may request the Commissioner of Education to appoint a special magistrate,” she said, adding that it must be done within 30 days of request made by a parent

The State Board of Education must approve or reject that is more than seven calendar days, but less than 30 days Dupuy-Bruno said the cost of the special magistrate is borne by the school district

Media, classroom library materials

Also at the board meeting on July 26, Elementary C u r r i c u l u m a n d I n s t r u c t i o n D i r e c t o r D r B e t h a n y Quisenberry said each school now is required to have a school committee review process that has a media specialist, literacy coach, an administrator that oversees the media center and a parent representative from SAC or PTO They review the list and make a recommendation to the principal, which then is approved by the certified media specialist

From page 5

Teachers also must have their classroom libraries vetted, the books they personally purchase, and those libraries are required to be searchable on school websites The books are scanned into Beanstack's Classroom Library Connector Allevato said they have 10 certified media specialist who are working the 98 schools and almost 6,000 teacher classroom libraries

With the new system, teachers will automatically see if the book is either rejected or approved when the books are scanned into Beanstack If a book is not approved, the book needs to be removed, but if approved the book can go on the shelf automatically

Teachers can also search a book title before purchasing a book to see the status of the book.

“Teachers get immediate feedback about materials for their classroom,” Allevato said

She said now when a district media specialist approves or rejects a book, the entire district can see the outcome “Classroom libraries are also searchable,” Allevato said “Every school has a link posted ” Beanstack will provide a URL link, which will be posted to the school's website

“These are the classrooms inside of the school It is not tied to individual teacher names,” she said

t i m e o n b e h a l f o f t h e i s l a n d s ' r e s t a u r a n t s “ W e r e a l l y h o p e t o m o t i v a t e m o r e p e o p l e t o c o m e o u t t o t h e i s l a n d s f o r S u n d a y s h o p p i n g , v i s i t i n g a t t r a ct i o n s , l u n c h a n d d i n n e r , ” L a i s a i d “ A n y t h i n g w e c a n d o t o h e l p o u r b u s i n e s s e s , w e ' r e g i v i n g i t a s h o t ”

The chamber added that it is aiming to bring more p e o p l e a c r o s s t h e c a u s e w a y d u r i n g t h e r e m a i n i n g Sundays of summer vacation

For more information about Savor the Shore, visit visitfortmyers com

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e c h a m b e r , v i s i t https://sanibel-captiva org/

Challenges from parents, community

Allevato said if a family, community member or stakeholder want to submit a challenge, they now submit a form to mediaservices@leeschools.net. From there a new step was added, directors can now remove the material if there is a violation based on pornography or sexual conduct

The book must be pulled within five days, which is streamlined through Destiny, and which titles their child has checked out District staff will log into Destiny to determine which materials are at schools

“If a parental consent form is placed on a book, then that will let schools know and flagged inside of Destiny to provide the parental position,” she said

Allevato said they have created a Google sheet, which contains any challenged materials submitted on the Challenge Form The principals get the link of the book title and author and if it is located in their media center they can pull the books

The Ad Hoc Committee meets and makes a recommendation to the chief academic officer, and then submits it to the superintendent The school board and attorney then receive the outcome

a g

2 3

Algae

(sung to the melody of “ W h a t ' s I t A l l A b o u t , Alfie?”)

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , A u g u s t 9 , 2 0

W h a t ' s i t a l l a b o u t , Algae?

I s i t j u s t f o r t h e moment we swim

What's it all about

W h e n y o u f e e d t h e fish, Algae

A r e w e m e a n t t o breathe in Red Tide

Or are we meant to be kind?

And if, if only fools are kind, Algae

Then I guess it is wise to do laps

A n d i f l i f e b e l o n g s only to Olympics swimmers, Algae

F.I.S.H. announces registration open and more for annual 10K

By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers com

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva reported that its Annual 10K Race 4 F I S H planned for this year has been restructured, including a new title and additional activities, to celebrate the resilience of the islands

The 15th Annual F I S H 10K/5K will be held on Dec 2 beginning at 7:30 a m at The Community House on Sanibel

Art Stevens Shell Shocked

What will you do in an old golden pool?

As sure as I believe there's a swimming pool above

Algae, I know there's something much more

Something even non-believers can believe in I believe in chlorophyl, Algae

Without a true Speedo we just exist, Algae

Until you find the lap you've missed

You're nothing, Algae

When you infect water let your bacteria lead the way

And you'll find an Olympic medal one day Algae, Algae

Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander. His tongue-in-cheek humor is always offered with a smile

Shell Find

This year marks the first in-person event in recent years In 2020 and 2021, F I S H offered a virtual race only because of COVID, and the 2022 event was canceled due to Hurricane Ian This year's event will offer a virtual option, but F I S H is encouraging runners to join in-person and enjoy the islands

“Our islands have been through a lot since (Hurricane) Ian, and F I S H has been here every step of the way,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said “We want our race event to be joyous and one that not only raises funds for F I S H , but also revels our community and how far we've come since Ian's landfall ”

New this year, the F I S H Race Committee has added a 5K to the day's activities There will also be a kids' race and family fun day, hosted in partnership with the Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel

“We feel the 5K will draw additional runners looking to do a shorter race and see it as the perfect opportunity to add other festivities to celebrate our islands,” committee Co-chair Diane Cortese said “I'm especially excited about this year's event and raising funds for F I S H while bringing folks to our special islands for a fun-filled day ”

Co-chair Leah Winkler noted that this year's event will b e “ n o

t h i n g s h o r t o f s p e c t a c u l a

“The Sanibel Recreation Department is excited to partner with F I S H to offer a fun-filled holiday themed event, with something for everyone, at the recreation center,” Miller said “We look forward to bringing the community together again for some holiday joy ”

The registration fees are as follows:

∫ In-person 10K/5K: $45 from now through Sept 25

∫ In-person 10K/5K: $50 from Sept 26 through Dec 1

∫ In-person 10K/5K: $55 on Dec 2

∫ In-person 10K/5K (age 18 and under): $35 from now until Dec. 1

∫ Virtual 10K/5K: $50

Race packets will be available for pick up on Dec 1 from 8 to 11 a m at the Sanibel Recreation Center, at

Saint

Michael,

3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, and from 1 to 6:30 p.m. at Fleet Feet Fort Myers at the Bell Tower Shops, at 13499 S Cleveland Ave , Unit 209, Fort Myers Packets will also be available on event day Dec 2 at the race site when registration is open from 6:30 to 7:15 a m

To register, visit runsignup com/Race/FL/Sanibel/ 10K5KRace4FISH

In addition, F I S H is seeking volunteers for various positions throughout the morning, including cheering on runners and water station assistance Other opportunities include assisting at TCH with set up, registration and clean up, handing out ribbons, award ceremony assistance and assisting at the recreation center for the kids' race and family fun day.

“We need many individuals to man driveways and water stations during the race to ensure the safety and health and wellness of our runners It's a great way to show support for F I S H and our community and can be loads of fun,” committee Member Nancy Craig said “Although the race isn't until early December, we need as many commitments as possible ahead of time ”

I n t e r e s t e d i n d i v i d u a l s c a n c o n t a c t C r a i g a t ncraig64@gmail com or F I S H at 239-472-4775

Also, sponsorship opportunities are available For more information, visit http://fishofsancap org/

For more information about the event, contact Cortese at Dianerc10@gmail com or Winkler at leahwinkler12 @gmail com

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

All Angels to host gathering

PHOTO PROVIDED Junonia found on Sanibel

Lauralee Bennett, 11, of Nashville, Tennessee, found a junonia on July 28 on a sandbar near Nerita Street on Sanibel Reid Bennett reported that her daughter was poking around with a stick on the dry sandbar and saw what she thought was a piece of a junonia Lauralee dug around and pulled out the shell Bennett noted that her daughter has been to Sanibel every year since she was born and she found the junonia on the last day of their vacation She added that the family did not think they would get to come this year because their condo was damaged in the hurricane. However, a family friend whose house was spared let them come visit to see the island To report a s h e l l f i n d , c o n t a c t

2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 1 5 8 7 o r

Decal program results in donation

Bank of the Islands recently made a donation through the We Love Our Islands program Winner Clark Rambo was spotted with the program's decal on his vehicle, winning him the chance to decide which local non-profit would receive a charitable contribution He c h o s e t o d o n a t e t h e $ 4 0 0 t o t h e Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club. The bank has donated $101,800 to date through the program All islanders are invited to visit the bank’s branches to learn more about the We Love Our Islands program.

From left, David Lowden of Bank o f t h e I s l a n d s , R o t a r i a n D o n M c D o n a l d , S u s a n S c h u l t e a n d Kelsey Hamilton of Bank of the Islands, winner Clark Rambo, and Rotarian Roger Grogman

BANK OF THE ISLANDS

ISL AND HOME islander

Alocasia “Regal Shields” is becoming a popular Alocasia cultivar to use in landscape and as an indoor or patio plant Originally from Africa, they are i n c r e a s i n g l y b e i n g grown in Florida as a new favorite The cultiv a r i s a l s o k n o w n a s

“Elephant Ear” for the s h a p e o f i t s l e a v e s , which can measure from 8-20 inches each

The leaves are large a n d b l a c k i s h - g r e e n i n color with lighter veins

Each leaf stands on a long and erect stalk-like stem The coloration and size of the leaves make a lovely and original statement in the landscape Select an area with enough room as an Alocasia will grow to about 6 feet and fairly wide

The Alocasia “Regal Shields” makes a striking addition indoors as a potted plant or on a patio or balcony They prefer indirect sunny conditions, but the sun should not hit directly on the leaves, which would cause some leaf burn Rotate your plant periodically as it will grow toward the light It is a hardy plant and can take windy conditions on a balcony or patio just fine; again, no direct sun on the leaves

Water about once a week, depending on planting conditions whether inside or out The soil should dry out between waterings Fertilize sparingly in spring and summer It is an easy plant to maintain and brings an easy elegance to any area.

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help

Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www SouthFloridaAl-Anon org Meetings are held every day in Lee County Al-Ateen meetings are also offered for ages 10-18

Sanibel Captiva

Property fraud prevention program launches

The Lee County Clerk announced a new requirement for filing a property deed Effective Aug 1, a government-issued photo identification is required for filing deeds in-person or by mail in the county

The requirement is a result of HB 1419, a property fraud prevention program initiated by Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes and state lawmakers to make it harder to file fraudulent deeds in Lee County

The county was chosen to be the state's pilot location for the new program.

It requires all persons listed on a deed to provide a g o v e r n m e n t - i s s u e d p h o t o I D b e f o r e t h e d e e d i s processed The program will be rolled out in phases E-

Recorded deeds, typically submitted by property professionals and title agencies, are not impacted at this time Identification requirements for e-recorded deeds will be implemented after technical updates are applied to the office's systems

The most up-to-date requirements will be posted at www leeclerk org/deeds

P r o p e r t y o w n e r s a r e a l s o e n c o u r a g e d t o s i g n u p f o r t h e L e e C l e r k ' s f r e e P r o p e r t y F r a u d A l e r t s e r v i c e , w h i c h n o t i f i e s p r o p e r t y o w n e r s w h e n a d e e d , m o r t g a g e o r o t h e r d o c u m e n t w i t h t h e i r n a m e h a s b e e n r e c o r d e d T o l e a r n m o r e a n d r e g i s t e r , v i s i t w w w l e e c l e r k o r g / f r a u d a l e r t

F.I.S.H. to hold distribution event

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva continues to distribute furnishing and rebuilding products through its Hurricane Ian Point of Distribution (POD) program. The next event will take place on Aug 11 from 9 to 11 a m at the Walk-In Center, at 2430-B Periwinkle Way, Sanibel The program is available to Sanibel and Captiva residents and workers on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last Items may include, but are not limited to, mattresses, bed frames, chairs, tables, accent furniture and more For more

Martinez

239-472-4775

LCEC announces Power Cost Adjustment

LCEC reported that a Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) decrease of about 3% (average bill of 1,000 kWh) was implemented for its customers on Aug 1 It was the second PCA adjustment in three months

PCA charges are determined to adjust for or anticipate costs for purchased power. The decrease is the result of cost recovery forecasts and budget projections related to purchased power costs passed on from the LCEC power supplier In June, LCEC reduced the PCA by 9 4%, bringing the total decrease this year to 12 4% per 1,000 kWh

LCEC reported that power cost adjustments fluctuate and increase or decrease as the cost to generate power rises and falls Since 2014, there have been seven PCA decreases There are no margins (profit) earned on the power cost portion of the customer bill It is solely a pass-

Let the native planting begin

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that its Native Landscapes & Garden Center recently received a large shipment of plants and is fully stocked for all one's native plant shopping needs Take a look at the selection and get advice from SCCF's staff on Tuesdays through Thursdays

f r o m 1 0 a m t o 3 p m a t 1 3 0 0

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

through to the power supplier

Power cost adjustments happen regularly throughout the energy industry Power suppliers make adjustments based on variable fuel costs related to power production and the costs, or savings, are passed on to customers

Residential customer bill per 1 ,0 0 0 kWh:

∫ Base Rate: $99 20

∫ PCA Rate: $36 80

∫ Total: $136

PHOTO PROVIDED

Alocasia “Regal Shields”

‘Regal Shields’ is a popular cultivar

Recipe of the Week: Garden Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

A vibrant salad can make a wonderful addition to any meal Add any fresh vegetables to it that you would like and add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal To keep my salad from wilting, I like to serve it in a large glass bowl in the center of the table and I serve the salad dressing in a small pitcher next to it Serves eight (Chef tip: Use a salad spinner after washing your greens to remove the excess water, and use the best extra virgin olive oil when making your dressing )

4 cups romaine salad, trimmed and chopped

2 cups ripe salad tomatoes, seeded and diced

2 cups English cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 cup carrot, peeled and chopped

CROW Calendar

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

∫ Today, Aug. 9

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW.

∫ Thursday, Aug. 1 0

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW

∫ Friday, Aug. 1 1

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The program will cover a variety of top-

ics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW

Admission to the center is currently free Admittance includes the above daily presentations, and no reservations are required to attend

In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Wednesdays through Fridays after the daily presentation Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required To register, contact 239-472-3644 ext 229 or reservations@crowclinic org

For more information, visit http://www crowclinic org/ or call 239-472-3644

Being good stewards of creation

This year, as it does every year, the Jewish holiday of Tisha B'av came and went in July The ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, according to Jewish tradition, is the day that both the First and Second Temple were destroyed It is also the day Jews were expelled from England in 1290, from Spain in 1492, and the beginning of the deportations from the Warsaw Ghetto to Treblinka in 1942 It is a fitting day to mourn

Tisha B'av is a day that a majority of American Jews ignore Some folks ignore it because it comes in the middle of summer vacation, some just simply forget, and some never even knew

Faces on Faith

For many years I ignored Tisha B'av willfully I no longer mourn the destruction of the ancient nation of Israel/Judea It's been back for 75 years I don't mourn the destruction of the temple I don't want it rebuilt if it means we have to go back to sacrificing animals all day long. No thank you.

But then, as we swelter through the hottest year on record, with boiling seas and vast swaths of forest burning worldwide, I thought about the impending loss of the temple that God created for us Our planet

This Tisha B'av we mourn the destruction of not a building or a biblical nation, we mourn the loss of species and habitat, clean air and water Most of all, I mourn for our grandchildren who will inherit the disastrous results of previous generations' hubris and selfishness.

It is fitting that there is a holiday to do a deep dive into the causes and effects of environmental destruction, because the Bible has a lot to say about environmental issues

In Jewish law, ecological concerns are

reflected in biblical protection for fruit trees, rules against harming the public domain, ancient rabbinic debate over noise and smoke damages, and more modern Jewish legal responses to agricultural pollution

The first of these basic teachings, known as Baal Tashchit, is a prohibition against wasteful misuse of the world's resources Based on a verse in Deuteronomy chapter 20 which reads: “When in your war against a city you have to besiege it for a long time in order to capture it, you must not destroy its fruit trees You may eat of them but you must not destroy the fruit trees ”

Our rabbis explained that Baal Tashchit applies to any pointless destruction of resources

Another more subtle area of Jewish law are the Laws of Neighbors, Hilchot Shekeinim These laws are based in the rabbinic discussion of the necessity of properly disposing human waste so that it does not affect the health and well-being of our neighbors It is later expanded to prohibitions on allowing the smoke from a fire used for heating and cooking to blow into a neighbor's home Yes, two thousand years ago rabbis were dealing with the effects of secondhand smoke and carbon emissions

The Jewish tradition also insists that we maintain species diversity under the principle called Tzaar Balei Chayim The Bible prohibits inflicting emotional or physical pain on animals. We read in Deuteronomy 22:6: “If you come across a bird's nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young ”

1 cup broccoli florets

1 red pepper, seeded and chopped

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

4 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing:

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 cup Champagne vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Wash greens and spin dry Place all ingredients in a large bowl Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes Remove and top with crumbled cheese and serve at once

Prepare dressing by whisking together vinegar, parsley, basil, Dijon, honey, salt and pepper Slowly incorporate the oil Serve prepared dressing

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/

Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail com

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea

Rev Dr Doug Dortch

Services will return for season in November Videos of services from the past season can be found on the chapel's website and Facebook page

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida

www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m via Zoom Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p m via Zoom Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a m via Zoom

An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p m via Zoom For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail com

∫ Sanibel Community Church

1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/

Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Sanctuary Sunday service at 4 p m at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/

Senior Minister Rev Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a m at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers

∫ St. Isabel Catholic Church

3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/

Father Edward Martin

Friday Mass at 9 a m Weekend Masses on Saturday at 4 p m and Sunday at 10 a m

∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www saintmichaelssanibel org/, https://www facebook com/saintmichaelssanibel/

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Saturday service at 5 p m with a social to follow Sunday service at 9:30 a m with a coffee hour to follow Services take place at The Gathering Place @ St Michael's at the church; enter off of Dunlop Road

The sage Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, also known as Nachmanides, in the 13th century explains: the crime here is that catching the mother and young together is taking a step towards the animal's extinction In our era, each year as many as 50,000 plant and animal species die off primarily because of human activity One need only read of the dying of coral reefs off the Florida coast to understand the immediacy of species extinction

It is up to us to be good stewards of creation To nurture and restore it It is the responsibility of humanity to do so for this generation and for the generations that will

follow us The priority for all people of faith must be, I believe, to make the investment of creativity, intellect and spirituality to respond to the dramatic and unprecedented circumstances of our 21st century ecological crisis Our shared biblical tradition demands it Nothing we do in our churches, mosques, synagogues and ashrams can be more important than this

The challenge for our generation is to evolve a theological and spiritual worldview, and accompanying rituals, as a meaningful response to our situation and to inspire us to change our behaviors of con-

Loretta Paganini

Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

The Santiva Islanders Calendar

Formerly called the Island Seniors, The Santiva Islanders will present the following:

Coffee Bistro

Coffee Bistro will be held on Aug 10 from 10 a m to 3 p m at The Gathering Place @ St Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Coffee a n d o t h e r b e v e r a g e s w i l l b e s e r v e d

Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, offer signups for activities and more Enter off of Dunlop Road

Exercise with Mahnaz

Mahnaz Bassir will host Exercise with Mahnaz on Aug 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 a m a t T h e G a t h e r i n g P l a c e @ S t

Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members Enter off of Dunlop Road

Hot Dog Lunch

Hot Dog Lunch will be held on Aug 10 from noon to 1 p m at The Gathering

Place @ St Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Enjoy hot dogs with all of the fixings Cost is $5 per person Enter off of Dunlop Road

Fun and Games

Fun and Games will be held on Aug 10 from 1 to 3 p m at The Gathering Place @ St Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Options will include cards, board games, puzzles, Bridge, Mahjong and more For more information about Bridge, contact Bryant K o r n a t b r y a n t e k o r n @ g m a i l c o m F o r more information about Mahjong, contact Robin Christian at fwrobin01@att.net. Enter off of Dunlop Road

Happy Hour at MudBugs

Happy Hour at MudBugs will be held on Aug 14 from 4 to 6 p m at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way,

‘Birthday Poem For Marjorie’

What if all our moments are still there, Embedded in some microprocessor, Awaiting recovery and editing, Waiting to be relived?

Which ones would I save or delete, And which restore exact or alter most?

Would I revisit sites of loss and failure Inserting in some a better might-have-been, Limiting regret and pain at others, Perhaps at two or three undoing all?

Or keep first times refreshed

And error free with bits of newness, Surging still with great discovery And micro-eternities of dreams fulfilled?

Sanibel Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials Participants will order and pay individually For more information, contact event host Susan Talmage at 214-206-6822

Coffee Bistro

Coffee Bistro will be held on Aug 15 from 10 a m to 3 p m at The Gathering Place @ St Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Coffee a n d o t h e r b e v e r a g e s w i l l b e s e r v e d Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, offer signups for activities and more Enter off of Dunlop Road

Exercise With Mahnaz

Mahnaz Bassir will host Exercise with Mahnaz on Aug 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 a m a t T h e G a t h e r i n g P l a c e @ S t Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members. Enter off of Dunlop Road.

The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age The cost is $20 for an annual membership The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities

For more information, visit https://santivaislanders org/ or contact santivaislanders@gmail com

Would I through special search and sort Create an album of epiphanies

Shared with friends and lovers kept and lost Each moment pasted fresh in glittering frame?

Or restore in full each second lived with you And spool unending copies of our love Till all of memory and space exhaust And nothing else could save

What if all our moments are still there, Embedded in some microprocessor, Awaiting recovery and editing, Waiting to be relived? Which ones would I save or delete, And which restore exact or alter most?

The Community House Calendar

T h e C o m m u n i t y H o u s e , a t 2 1 7 3 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:

Shellcrafters

The Shellcrafters will meet on Aug 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby. A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a m ; it is free and supplies range from $510 Items will be available for sale All s a l e s b e n e f i t t h e o p e r a t i o n s o f T h e Community House

TCH is accepting art vendors for the 87th Sanibel Historical Annual Shell Festival on March 7-9 Reservations are available for 8-foot tables for $150 and include all three days

TCH office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a m to 1 p m

For more information, visit www sanibelcommunityhouse net or contact 239472-2155 or office@sanibelcommunityhouse net

Good stewards

sumption We must build a creation theology rooted in an ecological perspective and the essential unity of all creation and the divine We are out of time and, “If not now,

From page 23

when?”

Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer is with the Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

5:30 to 8:30 p m JENNY VE 6:30 to 9:30 p m

JOSH ROWLAND AND DANI LIGHTNER

DAVID

to

Joe Pacheco Poetic License

Day of peace, connection for teachers

T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e S o c i e t y - F r i e n d s o f t h e R e f u g e r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e R e f u g e r e c e n t l y p a r t n e r e d w i t h t h e S c h o o l D i s t r i c t o f L e e C o u n t y t o w e l c o m e f i r s t - y e a r t e a c h e r s f r o m P u e r t o R i c o , r e c r u i t e d t o t e a c h l o c a l l y

w i t h t h e h e l p o f D D W S

C o m m u n i t y C o n n e c t o r M a r i a

S a n t i a g o I n t e r n a t i o n a l t e a c h e r s

w h o h a v e t a u g h t i n L e e C o u n t y f o r a t l e a s t o n e y e a r j o i n e d t h e m f o r a d a y o f p e a c e a n d c o n n e c t i o n o n

S a n i b e l R e f u g e s t a f f p l a n n e d a d a y w h e r e t h e y e x p l o r e d B o w m a n ' s

REFUGE/DDWS

B e a c h , s a t i n a g u i d e d b e a c h m e d it a t i o n , j o u r n e y e d t h r o u g h t h e

V i s i t o r & E d u c a t i o n C e n t e r a n d N a t u r e S t o r e , e n j o y e d l u n c h , a n d t o o k a t r i p d o w n W i l d l i f e D r i v e T h e D D W S s u p p o r t e d t h e d a y o f p a r t n e r s h i p a n d g o o d w i l l

Music and Coffee Night planned

St Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will host a Music and Coffee Night today, Aug 9, from 6:30 to 8 p m at The Gathering Place @ St Michael's, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel There will be live music by local musicians, coffee and snacks, along with a place to relax and converse with friends and family. The event is free and open to all ages Enter off of Dunlop Road For more information, visit https://www saintmichaels-sanibel org/

Trailways Camps receives relief funding

The Trailways Camps recently reported that it was approved for hurricane relief funds from the United Way. The monies will go toward replacing the AED device used at the Riverside Retreat in Hendry County during its camp sessions and activities Camp officials r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e y a r e s o g r a t e f u l f o r t h e c o n t r i b ution to the health and s a f e t y o f t h e i r c a m p e r s , s t a f f a n d volunteers

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , A u g u s t 9 , 2 0 2 3 c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m S a n i b e lC a p t i v a I s l a n d e r

Cones, whelks found on Sanibel

Maggie Riegel, 9, and Max Riegel, 6, both of Farmersville, Ohio, found alphabet cones on July 31 and Aug 1 after 4 p m on the east end of Bowman's Beach on Sanibel They also found a couple of large lighting whelks on Aug 1 Their father, Damon Riegel, reported that his family is fortunate enough to visit Sanibel while on vacation almost every year They were amazed at the recovery on the island and thanked all of the hard working people who have made it possible. Riegel added that his family found more and higher quality shells this year than any previous year To report a shell find, contact 239-4721587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com

PHOTOS PROVIDED

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

The West Coast Muscle Car Club recently presented checks to Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Lt Brian Howell and Division Chief of Fire Prevention Larry Williams, third and fourth from left, to assist with their personal hurricane recovery

Club presents checks to Sanibel fire staffers

The

Howell sustained major damage to their homes from Hurricane Ian and lost much of their personal belongings The district extended its appreciation to the club for assisting its staffers, as well as thanked the Fort Myers Fire Department for hosting the ceremony