Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Jaycee Park renovation approved

The key points of the public-private partnership proposal are a target for substantial completion within 15 months, a not-to-exceed price with the city and Fortress Secured to share in any cost savings In addition, there is a private investment component with Black Diamond Real Estate Group for $1.37 million with a separate concessionaire agreement to manage and operate the food truck and The Reef.

Cape City Council candidates turn toward General Election

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers

com

Cape Coral voters have determined the Cape Coral City Council faceoffs for the General Election on Nov 5

Now, in the wake of Tuesday’s primary, candidates who have moved on are looking ahead to what’s next on the campaign trail, and the steps that they will take to earn a seat on the dais Advancing in District 2 are Laurie Lehmann and incumbent Dan Sheppard; in District 3 advancing are Derrick Donnell and Deborah Lee McCormack; in District 4 Jennifer Nelson and incumbent Richard Carr advance; and in District

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Cape Coral and Lee County residents will have the opportunity next week to learn more about the Cape Coral Bridge project, as well as provide their input

The hearing, which will take place Aug 28 from 5 to 7 p m , continues Lee County’s and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Project Development and Environment Study, which is required to happen prior to design and construction

County officials said the project is a strategic priority, and has been the subject of several board workshops as well as a public meeting related to bridge and roadway approaches

The Aug 28 meting will take place at Florida SouthWestern State College, Lee Campus, U Building, Room U102, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers For those attending in person, there will be an openhouse drop-in style format from 5 to 6 p m , with a formal presentation at 6 p.m. There also is an option to attend virtually

“The Cape Coral Bridge replacement has been a project Lee County has been in planning for several years in response to the westbound span nearing the end of its useful life,” said County Commissioner Kevin Ruane “As a part of those plans, our Board directed DOT to evaluate adding an additional lane in each direction on the bridge to enhance capacity between Cape Coral and the rest of the County DOT incorporated

Laurie Lehmann Dan Sheppard Derrick Donnell Deborah McCormick

2

3 District 4

5

Jennifer Nelson Richard Carr Charlie Pease Joseph Kilraine

Corridor coalition hails Burnt Store resurfacing

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Concerns voiced by the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition were answered when a 5-1/2 mile section of road that expands from the Charlotte County line to Lee County was paved, now providing a safer evacuation route during a hurricane

“A paving crew was resurfacing that area of Burnt Store Road on Aug 13 I was happily surprised that the first section of the road had been completed so quickly, and the rest would be done shortly, prior to the height of our hurricane season,” said Germaine Hyatt, Lee County, BSCC representative

BSCC Chair John Fleming said the 5-1/2 mile stretch that goes from Burnt Store Road in Charlotte County to Van Buren Parkway in Lee County is the only part of the road that has not been widened yet He said that part of the road has deteriorated very quickly

“When it rains really bad, it floods out a lot,” Fleming said When Hurricane Ian came there was some sort of confusion of where it was going to hit, and the road became congested with people from Cape Coral heading north and

“Meeting with the Burnt Store Road Coalition was timely Through that discussion, the Coalition brought forward problems with Burnt Store Road from Charlotte County to Van Buren Parkway I was happy to bring to fruition the paving of that 5-1/2 mile stretch of Burnt Store Road to make it safer for our residents who travel Burnt Store Road daily ”

the road beginning to flood

According to county staff, that section of the road was showing signs of deterioration based on a countywide review of roadway pavement conditions Due to no funding in place in the next five years for the four-lane of Burnt Store Road, resurfacing was addressed in the interim

“Resurfacing of Burnt Store Road will provide a safe and efficient roadway for the area residents,” said Lee DOT Director Rob Price in an email “We also went out in advance of the resurfacing and rebuilt some of the shoulder areas that were showing signs of wear and tear Drivers should see improved pavement conditions and shoulder conditions along this stretch of the roadway ”

BSCC went to Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane to seek help, as they wanted to see improvements to the road before the height of hurricane season got underway

Kevin Ruane, Lee County Commissioner

“Meeting with the Burnt Store Road Coalition was timely,” Ruane said in an email “Through that discussion, the Coalition brought forward problems with Burnt Store Road from Charlotte County to Van Buren Parkway I was happy to bring to fruition the paving of that 5-1/2 mile stretch of Burnt Store Road to make it safer for our residents who travel Burnt Store Road daily ”

The resurfacing contract was $1,058,414

“He found that money and got it done for us,” Fleming said “Rob Price made it a priority on the worklist He did a major thing They got it done on time ”

He said now if a hurricane impacts the area people can be rest assured – they can use the road without any puddling, ponding or standing water

District updates student progression plan

B y M E G H A N B R A D B U RY

n e w s @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s . c o m T h e r e h a v e b e e n s o m e u p d a t e s t o t h e s t u d e n t p r og r e s s i o n p l a n f o r t h e 2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5 s c h o o l y e a r f o r e l em e n t a r y , m i d d l e , a n d h i g h s c h o o l s t u d e n t s T e a c h i n g a n d L e a r n i n g D i r e c t o r L o r i H o u c h i n s a i d t h e y w e r e w a i t i n g o n t h e t e c h n i c a l p a p e r f o r t h i r d g r a d e r e t e n t i o n l a s t y e a r S h e s a i d a s t u d e n t c a n n o w b e m o v e d f o r w a r d d u r i n g a m i d - y e a r p r o m o t i o n o p t i o n , i f t h e y s h o w d e m o n s t r a t i o n o f t h e s k i l l

H o u c h i n s a i d t h e r e i s a l s o t h i r d g r a d e m a t h a c c e l e r at i o n , w h i c h b e g i n s w i t h t h i r d g r a d e m a t h “ A s t h e y p r o g r e s s t h r o u g h , t h e r e i s n o g a p i n s t a nd a r d s f o r s t u d e n t s T h a t c o h o r t w i l l c o n t i n u e t o t a k e

a c c e l e r a t e d c o u r s e s , ” s h e s a i d

T h e r e w a s a l s o a n u p d a t e i n t h e s t u d e n t p r o g r e s s i o n p l a n f o r m i d d l e s c h o o l s t u d e n t s T h i s y e a r t h e d i s t r i c t w i l l b e g i n t o p h a s e i n c o m p r e h e n s i v e s c i e n c e t o c h a n g e t h e m i d d l e s c h o o l s c i e n c e p r o g r e s s i o n H o u c h i n s a i d p r i n c i p a l s h a v e b e e n a s k i n g t h e m t o m o v e b a c k t o c o m p r e h e n s i v e s c i e n c e c o u r s e s b e c a u s e t h e c e r t i f i c a t i o n b e c a m e a c h a l l e n g e t h e r e f o r e m a ki n g i t h a r d t o f i n d t e a c h e r s “ W e h a v e h a d a s e v e r e l a c k o f t e a c h e r s i n s c i e n c e , ” s h e s a i d T h i s y e a r s i x t h g r a d e s t u d e n t s w i l l b e m o v e d

CAPE CORAL BREE ZE

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher

VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor

CHRIS STRINE, Editor

2510 Del Prado Blvd • Cape Coral, FL, 33904

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

Member Florida Press Association

Right plan, right place

Jaycee Park will now join the Yacht Club as a stop on the Cape Coral ghost tour.

Cape Coral City Council on Wednesday approved a $1618 million redevelopment plan in conjunction with a publicprivate partnership for the riverfront park at the end of Beach Parkway

The approval came 6-2 after an extended period of citizen input, with council members Jessica Cosden and Richard Carr, who said he agreed with the concept but not with the final plan as presented, dissenting

The decision now paves the way for another clean sweep, a near clearing of an older park site, including the removal of the decades-old Australian pines along the Caloosahatchee Redevelopment will include the planting of numerous new shade trees, the installation of pathways, a boardwalk, boat docks, a band shell and a food truck court with a bar via a concessionaire agreement with a local firm that will invest about $1 37 million to make the food-and-drink component happen

The angst expressed by those Cape residents who define parks as greenspace with no-cost/low-cost amenities and improvements is not unique

Nor is the philosophy expressed by the Council majority that parks should capitalize on the unique attributes each offers, minimize the cost of amenities by partnering with the private sector and yes, parks should bring in some money to offset maintenance and other costs

As Cape residents lined up to speak again before Council Wednesday night to argue for pines and quiet, news sites began to report similar demands statewide

On Monday, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced its 2024-25 Great Outdoors plan, an “initiative to increase public access, recreation and lodging at Florida State Parks ”

The initiative “ensures Florida’s conservation lands can be enjoyed by Floridians today and tomorrow,” the 11th hour public meetings notification from FDEP to media outlets states

How?

Well, in looking at the proposed plans for Jonathan Dickinson State Park, it means adding two 18-hole and one 9hole golf courses to a park that currently is mostly preserved as natural habitat It means a clubhouse and ancillary structures

This week’s poll question:

Are you pleased the state has approved the removal of the Chiquita Lock?

∫ Yes

∫ Yes, but I would have preferred a new one be installed ∫ No ∫ Not an issue of concern for

Previous poll question

Are you planning vote in Tuesday’s primary?

∫ Already have I vote by mail 53 25%

Celebration, and support, for Ukraine

As Southwest Florida prepares to celebrate Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day on Aug 24, we are excited to present the regional premiere of the documentary “Back to Bucha Finding the Spirit in Ukraine” as part of local Ukrainian Independence Day events.

On the other hand, this celebration raises a thought-provoking question: Why do Southwest Florida’s House Republicans Byron Donalds and Greg Steube vote down bipartisan Ukraine funding as opposed to their East Coast Republican counterparts?

Recently, the House of Representatives held a historic vote to provide crucial aid to Ukraine We are proud that MiamiDade Republican Congressmembers Maria Elvira Salazar, Carlos Jimenez, and Mario Diaz-Balart voted in favor of this important measure Notably, Congressman Diaz-Balart’s district stretches across the Everglades, connecting to the west coast, which we can consider a “yes” vote for the southwest, and his office has provided welcome collaboration with our efforts These Ukraine-supporting Congressmembers highlight the Republican Party’s longstanding commitment to defending democracies worldwide and opposing Russian and Soviet threats

Could it be that Southeast Florida’s Republicans, many of

Many thanks

To the editor:

GUEST COMMENTARY

Ukrainian Independence Day

Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations will kick off at the Downtown Cape Coral Farmers Market, at Club Square on Southeast 47th Terrace and Southeast 10th Place in South Cape at 8 a m this Saturday, Aug 24 Attendees can purchase homemade Ukrainian donuts, known as Ponchiki and Pampushki, with all proceeds supporting Ukraine’s military

The sale will continue on the following Saturdays

whom are Cuban-Americans, possess a deeper understanding of the dangers posed by Russia, given their families’ experiences with Soviet influence, much like Ukraine’s? Perhaps they place a higher value on liberty and the importance of sup-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Jaycee

Park plan: Whose idea was this?

To the editor:

Thank you I am honored to have received enough support from our residents to advance to the general election I want to extend my gratitude to the other candidates for their participation in this campaign; I have appreciated their insight and commitment to our city I will continue to work hard to earn the confidence and votes of those I didn’t reach in the primary

Since my appointment on Dec 13, 2023, I have done my best to assess every decision from all perspectives listening to residents and staff, considering available data, and applying my background and experience to make choices that benefit our city and its residents My approach has always been to prioritize the needs of others, as reflected in my record as your current council member

I am excited about the opportunity to continue representing our city as the District 4 Councilmember and to help guide our growing community forward Thank you for your ongoing support

Richard Carr District 4 Councilmember

Thanks to all

To the editor:

Cape Coral residents, friends, & colleagues,

Thank you

Thank you for believing in me and supporting me in my race for Cape Coral City Council District 4 It would be my privilege to serve and provide transparency to our residents

Thank you to Representatives Botana, Giallombardo, and Persons-Mulicka for endorsing me Having the support of such incredible elected officials and community leaders is an honor

Thank you to the Cape Coral Professional Fire Fighters Local 2424 Political Committee, The Hispanic Vote of Southwest Florida, the Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association, and the Lee Building Industry Association – your support throughout this process means more to me than you will ever know

Thank you to my family, friends, and everyone that has worked on my campaign without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Thank you to Nice Guys Pizza & Merrick’s for hosting campaign events And thank you to everyone who has donated to the campaign thus far

But most importantly, thank you to the voters Thank you for showing up at the polls and getting me through to the General Election I promise, I will not let you down

The work is not over and we have a lot of it to do Let’s go!

All my best,

Jennifer Nelson District 4 candidate

I sent the follow letter to Cape Coral City Council in advance of Wednesday’s vote:

Mayor Gunter and Council members,

This has mystified me for months. Why is it that the city government, mayor and Council continue to ramrod the Jaycee Park project down our throats? As far as I know, there was no citizen’s group requesting the proposed changes I asked Connie Barron in an email of June 14th who initially proposed this project but did not receive an answer so I am left to speculate Was it developers who saw an opportunity for profit? government employees who saw a way to get more money into the city coffers? a planner detached from the pulse of the neighborhood and the citizens who use the park? a boaters group that wants a few more dock spaces on the river? Chamber of Commerce to promote business? But who and why?.... It makes no sense.....and when it makes no sense information is missing So, whose idea was this?

What we do know that a $12 million project has ballooned into an $18 million dollar project reportedly more than $800,000 has been committed to a design company other Florida cities have found ways to keep Australian pines or replace them eventually without complete destruction and removal all at once, “amenities” proposed already exist or will exist abundantly in other places in the Cape a tranquil Riverside retreat will be changed to a shadeless concrete overlook commercial ventures will be brought into a park thousands of citizens oppose this

And so, I ask, again whose idea was this and why is this mayor and Council so adamant about going forward with a plan over so much opposition?

I strongly urge you to reconsider your position, and listen to the voices of the thousands of people who love Jaycee Park rather than listening to whomever devised this idea

How about a different idea?

1 Repair existing pathways and roadways including river facing parking spots

2 Plant native shade trees along existing pathways and remove Australian Pines as they die

3 Add two new Pavilions, another restroom, a splash pad, additional parking along the Eastern perimeter, water fountains for pets and humans, additional entrance/exit roads at the north and south boundaries of the park

4 SAVE the taxpayers MILLIONS of dollars from this project to use for new parks

Respectfully submitted,

Remember the Mast Canal To the editor:

Pat Germinario Cape Coral

Recently the Cape Coral Breeze posted this question to

Candidates for Cape Coral City Council: “How will you weigh projects with a potential citywide benefit but also a perceived neighborhood impact?”

So, before Jaycee Park, the food truck court, the Yacht Club, Pine Island expansion and the recent developments in South Cape, there was the Mast Canal The city approved giving the property owner of a commercial lot the right to fill-in the Mast Canal for Tommy’s Carwash at Santa Barbara Boulevard and Kamal Parkway The Council told the residents impacted by this monstrous piece of construction there was nothing they could do about it The city wouldn’t even require the building of a wall to protect the resident's privacy along with noise and light pollution this business would create Concerned and impacted residents were told numerous times in numerous ways to pound sand.

I would like you to remember the Mast Canal when you are voting during this election

Jennifer Nelson was on the City Council then First she ignored the problem and then she defended the city’s right to do nothing It is difficult to unseat an incumbent, but we worked hard to do it We were so motivated to get her out of office; we voted for Patty Cummings We went from bad to worse and obviously we don’t want to go back to bad

The negative impact on our neighborhoods is real

Who wants to live next to Tommy’s Carwash, or a food truck court, or a party park?

There are many houses for sale in my neighborhood, just like in the Jaycee Park neighborhood. A house next to the carwash was handed back to the bank and the owner who thought he had found his dream retirement home has left the state The current city council and city manager don’t care about our neighborhoods, they care about unbridled development Why should we take pride in our neighborhoods when they don’t? And don’t think it can’t happen to your neighborhood Those of us from large metropolitan cities know that commercial development prioritized over existing neighborhoods leads to blight and urban flight It is happening

If you are a resident, you have several ways to impact development One is to vote for candidates that believe in managed development and the care of neighborhoods not those currently in office; not Jennifer Nelson; and not someone who is in the development business But if you really want to have an impact vote with your wallet Boycott businesses that negatively impact us and take away the financial incentive to build

Please, remember the Mast Canal Use your ballet and your wallet to Protect Your Neighborhoods Nancy Cavanaugh, on behalf of the Mast Canal Preservation Group

Commercial briber y, with taxpayer money

To the editor:

Thanks for your informative article on tax “incentives” to be offered by the city in the Cape Coral Grove Project (CCB, 08-20-2024)

These incentives are a form of naked interference by the city in the operation of the Free Market Taxpayer money is being used to encourage one form of economic activity over another, here by incentivizing large developers The city is picking winners and losers This is done at taxpayer expense

This kind of undertaking is actually “mission creep” of the first order of magnitude Plainly put, municipalities are actually empowered by the people to hire police and firemen to keep crooks and fires down to a low roar; other city employees help to keep our water clean; that sort of thing Getting actively involved in the Free Market is NOT what governments should be doing

Lemme put it this way: It is commercial bribery, but with taxpayer money

My party, the Libertarian Party of Florida, says in its 2022 platform: “ [VI PAYING FOR GOVERNMENT, Section 3 Tax Favoritism]: As long as we have taxes, equal protection of the law requires that for each type of tax, the rates should be the same and the tax base should be calculated in the same way for every individual or business There should be no abatements, subsidies, credits, refunds or other preferential treatments as incentives to businesses to invest or create jobs, or as a privilege to individuals or classes of individuals, such as age, race or location Such tax favoritism should be unconstitutional ”

Larry Gillis Cape Coral

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

You could tell from the first packed meeting concerning their new design for the park Mayor Gunter said it’s not your park, it is a city park. Memo to Mayor: We are the city.

Jaycee Park was misclassified right from the beginning, anyone can see that Just look at the geography, but council just forges ahead disregarding that past error

Does anyone also notice how council members refer to Australian pines as being harmful and invasive? These trees have been there for decades and thousands of our residents love them In fact, the people go to Jaycee Park precisely for these trees and the shade they provide Whoever planted them had a stroke of genius, they have not blown down in all of our severe hurricanes including Charley and Ian and have held our shoreline intact against erosion

Now all of a sudden they are harmful and invasive because council wants to cut down 126 tall mature shade trees and rob Jaycee park of all of its shade! Whoever heard of making a peaceful park better by cutting down all of the shade trees? You will not get the kind of shade we have now for 10 years from any new plantings Most of the elderly people living adjacent to the park now will have passed on by then So why this attack on this elderly community by city council now?

You know, we always read about developers capturing government agencies This sure looks like a classic case for sure

Their horrendous new design will turn this quiet, serene little park into a carnival atmosphere but we’ll install canopies One preposterous idea after another.

I believe the people have had it with this council Remember the stipend and at least there are five seats up for grabs in November Too bad we can show them all the door in the next vote

R O’Rouke

Cape Coral

Clean water roulette

h i n g n e w I

h a s b e e n g o i n g o n f o r m a n y y e a r s S o m e m o n t h s a r e

b e t t e r t h a n o t h e r s , b u t t h e l o n g - t e r m t r e n d i s t h e s a m e ,

p o o p y w a t e r s ! S o f a r , t h e c h i l d r e n a n d a d u l t s t h a t f i s h ,

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

I d o w o n d e r t h o u g h h o w m a n y i n f e c t e d w o u n d s , s o r e t h r o a t s , r u n n y n o s e s a n d u p s e t s t o m a c h s a r e t h e r e s u l t o f t h e c o n t a m i n a t e d w a t e r I n m y o p i n i o n i t ’ s j u s t a

m a t t e r o f t i m e b e f o r e p e o p l e g e t s e v e r e l y s i c k f r o m t h e l a c k o f p r o p e r s t e w a r d s h i p o f o u r l o c a l w a t e r s T h e m o s t c o m m o n a n s w e r f r o m m o s t c i t y o f f i c i a l s i s i t ’ s t o o e x p e n s i v e t o c l e a n u p t h e w a t e r Y e t t h e y c o nt i n u e t o u n d e r c h a r g e d e v e l o p m e n t f e e s f o r n e w c o ns t r u c t i o n L o c a l g o v e r n m e n t s a r e k i c k i n g t h e c a n d o w n t h e r o a d t h e n c o m p l a i n t h a t t h e c o s t h a s g o n e u p s o m u c h t h a t t h e y c a n n o t a f f o r d t o p r o v i d e c l e a n , s a f e w a t e r f o r t h e r e s i d e n t s W h a t g o o d w i l l p a r k s b e i f t h e w a t e r t h a t f l o w s t h r o u g h t h e m a r e c o n t a m i n a t e d a n d u n s a f e t o u s e I f t h e s a m e s t a n d a r d s t h a t a p p l y t o s w i m -

m i n g a r e a s w e r e a p p l i e d t o a l l o u r r e c r e a t i o n a l w a t e r s t h e g o v e r n m e n t s w o u l d h a v e c l o s e m o s t a c c e s s I t ’ s j u s t n o t r i g h t !

D a n C a r n e y C a p e C o r a l

Freedom and the future

To the editor:

‘The city’ is its people

To the editor:

My, city council members or at least some seem to have quite a bit of animosity toward the Save Jaycee Park group

M e d i c a i d a n d e l i m i n a t e h o u s i n g a l l o w a n c e s f o r t h e

D e p a r t m e n t o f D e f e n s e T h e r e i s a w r i t t e n p l a y b o o k f o r t h e f i r s t 1 8 0 d a y s o f c o n s e r v a t i v e g o v e r n a n c e N e w e m p l o y e e s a l r e a d y c e r t if i e d w i l l b e p l a c e d i n j

y a l i

h e c o n s e

t i v e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n S o o n D a y 1 f e d e r a l a g e n c i e s c a n b e e l i m i n a t e d o r

c h a n g e d I b e l i e v e i n t h e f u t u r e a n d f r e e d o m ; I w a n t y o u t o v o t e f o r K a m a l a H a r r i s K a t h l e e n C a l l a r d R N B S N o r t h F o r t M y e r s

Vote intelligently

T o t h e e d i t o r : T h e m e d i a a n d p r o g r e s s i v e s c l e a r l y d o n o t u n d e rs t a n d s

N

T a b o u t r a c e , g e n d e r , r e l i g i o n , o r c u l t u r e I t i s a b o u t s e l e c t i n g t h e p e r s o n w h o i s m o s t c a p a b l e o f d o i n g t h e j o b p r o p e r l y C l e a r e x a m p l e t h a t D e m o c r a t s v o t e f o r a p e r s o n a n d n o t p o l i c y T h a t i s w h a t i s w r o n g w i t h t h i s c o u n t r y . P e o p l e s h o u l d n o t v o t e w i t h f e e l i n g s i n s t e a d o f d a t a , I w i l l a d m i t , I a m n o t a h u g e f a n o f D o n a l d T r u m p t h e p e r s o n , b u t h i s p o l i c i e s w e r e b e t t e r f o r t h i s c o u n t r y , n o w a r s , l o w i n f l a t i o n a n d g a s p r i c e s , r e a l w a g e g r o w t h I t d o e s n ’ t g e t m u c h s i m p l e r t h a n t h a t A p e r s o n s h o u l d n o t v o t e f o r s o m e o n e b e c a u s e t h e y w i l l b e t h e “ f i r s t ” o f a n y t h i n g o r t h e y s a y t h e y a r e g o i n g t o g i v e y o u f r e e s t u f f w i t h o u t r a i s i n g y o u r t a x e s T h i s i s n ’ t A m e r i c a n I d o l o r L e t ’ s M a k e a D e a l H o w i n s u l ti n g i s i t t o e v e r y o n e D o n ’ t t h i n k , d o n ’ t r e s e a r c h , d o n ’ t q u e s t i o n , d o n ’ t a s k , d o n ’ t l o o k a t a c a n d i d a t e ’ s v a l u e s o r b e l i e f s , d o n ’ t c o n s i d e r y o u r s i t u a t i o n i n t e r m s o f w h i c h p o l i c i e s w i l l i m p r o v e y o u r l i f e a n d t h e c o u n t r y , d o n ’ t b e i n d i v i d u a li s t i c J u s t v o t e f o r a p a r t y m e m b e r , t h a t ’ s w a n t t h e y w a n t T h i s i s r e a l l i f e w i t h r e a l e f f e c t s , s o v o t e i n t e l l i -

g e n t l y i n a l l e l e c t i o n s L o u W a l k e r C a p e C o r a l

Debunking rhetoric

criminalizing immigration

T o t h e e d i t o r : “ N u r s i n g S t u d e n t K i l l e d b y I l l e g a l I m m i g r a n t i n

G e o r g i a ” T h e m e d i a h e a d l i n e s s c r e a m e d a l l a r o u n d t h e c o u n t r y ! T h e r e a r e a b o u t 8 0 0 h o m i c i d e s c o m m i t t e d i n

G e o r g i a e a c h y e a r a n d n o n e h a s r e c e i v e d a s m u c h

m e d i a a t t e n t i o n a s t h i s o n e

I t m a y s u r p r i s e y o u b u t t h e r e i s a b u n d a n t e v i d e n c e t h a t i m m i g r a t i o n i s n o t l i n k e d t o h i g h e r c r i m e r a t e s !

A r r e s t a n d i n c a r c e r a t i o n d a t e s t u d i e s :

■ T h e a r r e s t r a t e f o r i l l e g a l i m m i g r a n t s w a s 4 0 p e rc e n t b e l o w t h a t o f n a t i v e - b o r n A m e r i c a n s a n d t h e h o m i -

c i d e a r r e s t 4 6 p e r c e n t l o w e r t h a n t h e o n e f o r n a t i v e -

b o r n A m e r i c a n s ( N o w r a s t e h 2 0 1 8 )

■ A s a g r o u p , i m m i g r a n t s h a v e h a d l o w e r i n c a r c e r at i o n r a t e s t h a n t h e U S - b o r n f o r 1 5 0 y e a r s . M o r e o v e r , r e l a t i v e t o t h e U S - b o r n , i m m i g r a n t s ’ i n c a r c e r a t i o n r a t e s h a v e d e c l i n e d s i n c e 1 9 6 0 : i m m i g r a n t s t o d a y a r e 6 0 % l e s s l i k e l y t o b e i n c a r c e r a t e d ( A b r a m i t z k y , e t a l 2 0 2 3 )

I a m s t r e s s e d a b o u t f r e e d o m ! I b e l i e v e i n t h e f u t u r e o f m y g o v e r n m e n t I w a n t R o e c o d i f i e d , v o t i n g r i g h t s , m y S o c i a l S e c u r i t y , t o h a v e c l e a n e n e r g y , b a n a s s a u l t w e a p o n s a n d m y r i g h t s a s a w o m a n I n F l o r i d a A m e n d m e n t 4 i s o n t h e N o v e m b e r b a l l o t L e g a l l y t h e F l o r i d a g o v e r n m e n t i n t e r f e r e s w i t h m y h e a l t h c a r e a n d t h e h e a l t h c a r e o f m y g r a n d d a u g h t e r a n d g r e a t g r a n d d a u g h t e r s A 6 - w e e k a b o r t i o n b a n i s o u r F l o r i d a l a w , b e f o r e w o m e n r e a l i z e t h e y a r e p r e g n a n t . P u t t h e w o m a n ’ s d e c i s i o n f o r h e a l t h c a r e t o t h e w o m a n , t h e d o c t o r s , t h e h e a l t h c a r e p r o v i d e r s S a v e I V F , t o o J D V a n c e , R e p u b l i c a n v i c e p r e s i d e n t i a l c a n d i d a t e p r o p o s e s a F e d e r a l A b o r t i o n B a n V o t e Y e s o n a m e n d m e n t 4 A s a c u r i o u s v o t e r I a m r e v i e w i n g P r o j e c t 2 0 2 5 I r e a d a b o u t t h e P r e s i d e n t ’ s A d m i n i s t r a t i v e A c a d e m y i n t h e p r o j e c t p a g e s T h e c o u r s e w o r k i n c l u d e s k n o w l e d g e a b o u t b a c k g r o u n d s , g o v e r n m e n t e x p e r t i s e , p o l i c y g o ve r n a n c e a n d , a t t i m e s , p e r s o n a l t r a i n i n g s e s s i o n s a n d t h e a d v a n c e m e n t o f a c o n s e r v a t i v e l o y a l t y p r o g r a m T h e p r o g r a m i s o n l i n e a n d w i t h t h e c o m p l e t i o n o f a l l t h e m o d u l e s t h e s t u d e n t i s c e r t i f i e d a n d a d d e d t o t h e e m p l o y m e n t l i s t f o r t h e n e x t c o n s e r v a t i v e a d m i n i s t r at i o n I n P r o j e c t 2 0 2 5 t h e p l a n w i l l e l i m i n a t e 1 m i l l i o n f e d e r a l w o r k e r s , d i s s o l v e t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f E d u c a t i o n , t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f H o m e l a n d S e c u r i t y , t h e J u s t i c e D e p a r t m e n t , d i s m a n t l e c l i m a t e r u l e s a n d o f f i c e s , c h a n g e v e t e r a n s h e a l t h c a r e , c u t S o c i a l S e c u r i t y ,

H i g h e r i m m i g r a t i o n a n d l o w e r c r i m e r a t e s : ■ I n c r e a s e d c o n c e n t r a t i o n s o f u n d o c u m e n t e d i m m ig r a n t s a r e a s s o c i a t e d w i t h s t a t i s t i c a l l y s i g n i f i c a n t d e c r e a s e s i n v i o l e n t c r i m e ( L i g h t a n d M i l l e r 2 0 1 8 ) ■ A s t h e n u m b e r o f i m m i g r a n t s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s h a s r i s e n i n r e c e n t y e a r s , c r i m e r a t e s h a v e f a l l e n B e t w e e n 1 9 9 0 a n d 2 0 1 3 F B I d a t a i n d i c a t e t h a t t h e v i ol e n t c r i m e r a t e d e c l i n e d 4 8 p e r c e n t L i k e w i s e , t h e p r o pe r t y c r i m e r a t e f e l l 4 1 p e r c e n t T h i s d e c l i n e i n c r i m e r a t e s i n t h e f a c e o f h i g h l e v e l s o f n e w i m m i g r a t i o n h a s b e e n a s t e a d y n a t i o n a l t r e n d a n d h a s o c c u r r e d i n c i t i e s a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y ( M a r t i n e z a n d R u m b a u t 2 0 1 5 ) T h e e v i d e n c e i s c l e a r , w e n e e d t o s t o p d e m o n i z i n g i m m i g r a n t s a s c r i m i n a l s ! S i g f r e d o H e r n a n d e z B o n i t a S p r i n g s

Editorial:

It means removing the Hobe Mountain observation tower, one of the most popular observation sites in the state It means hotels, the aforementioned additional “lodging ” It means a pickleball complex

At other parks there’s a total of eight in the rollout it means a whole lot more than natural coastline, trails, camp grounds and native Florida in all its preserved glory for which Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites are renown, attracting some 30 million visitors last year alone

FDEP officials cited the positives, pointing out that the “traditional” amenities will be expanded along with those that will attract visitors who want more a “destination,” to use the touchstone polished by city officials and staff when touting the near demolishment and more intensive rebuilds for Jaycee Park and the Yacht Club

“In addition to increasing the number of campsites, cabins and lodges on park property, the initiative will increase the number of outdoor recreation opportunities available at

Florida’s state parks, including pickleball, disc golf, golf and paddling,” FDEP stated

With the prospect of golf courses, 350room hotels excuse us, “lodges,” at two state park preserves protests started immediately with a Change org petition to protect Jonathan Dickinson State Park garnering more than 10,000 signatures in little more than a day

Unhappy officials in whose communities the affected state parks are located say they were not informed of the state initiative

Residents, meanwhile, responded much like those in the Cape who did not want food trucks, a bar, and a designated adult-beverage “wet zone” at Jaycee Park, like those who vehemently opposed replacing the historic mid-century Yacht Club Ballroom with a two-story “resort-style” community complex

A pair of public-private partnerships, which bring private funding to the table, are what will allow the commercial components at Jaycee Park, the Yacht Club and the eight parks across the state

Environmental groups, who say FDEP

“pulled a fast one,” with an initiative that will destroy “swaths of eight Florida state parks in order to develop golf courses, resort-style hotels, and pickleball courts” are outraged

So the same issues, same arguments pro and con, but on a statewide scale

Call it the preservation vs. progress divide: Where some see preservation of history and nature, others see progress and opportunity

Can we have both?

On the state level, let us be blunt and let us be clear: The 2024-25 Great Outdoors plan would be better dubbed the 2024-25 Great Resorts plan

It would undo generations of conservation and preservation efforts that have made Florida parks loved by locals and visitors alike

Here in the Cape?

“Destinations” designed to attract highintensity use of any kind in developed residential neighborhoods on proportionally small sites with limited ingress and egress can be problematic at best and traffic and noise nightmares at worst

With two done deals approved, elected and municipal officials must be held accountable and responsible for mitigation should either become an issue at Jaycee Park or the Yacht Club

We do, however, agree that public-private partnerships can and do have a place in public places, particularly when a P3 allows for services compatible with the unique nature of the park at no cost to the public and yes, provides some cold cash to boot

The old golf course’s 178 acres and Festival Park come immediately to mind

Let us turn, just a bit, a master gardener phase often quoted here in Florida: Right plan, right place.

It is the responsibility of our elected officials and administrative staff to assure right plan, right place compatibility when eyeing public parks and lands

And it is our continuing responsibility to make sure right plan, right place is the priority at every level of government

Guest commentary: Community invited to celebrate Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day on Saturday

From page 4

porting an ally through military and economic aid, especially when that ally is bearing the brunt of the fight While it is easy to attribute disunity to disinformation, particularly with the relentless propaganda from Moscow and Putin’s regime, there seems to be a more complex and concerning reason behind the stark contrast in views among Republicans separated only by the Everglades

We are among the Americans who have witnessed how bad things are in Ukraine Without robust American weapons systems, it is a plausible reality that things can only get worse Meanwhile we are left in the dark to Steube and Donald’s lack of support or strategy on Ukraine. This election season we need to push for candidates to hear their strategies And we must not accept this lowball defeatist attitude of cessation of

territory Time and time again the public has asked for a defined strategy for victory And time and time again Ukraine has proven they have what it takes to gain back their Ukrainian territory when we provide them with American weapons. Gaining full restoration of Ukrainian territory is a completely attainable objective We just need to send more advanced American weapons systems, much more, and now We can only have peace through strength

“Back to Bucha Finding the Spirit in Ukraine” features footage from April/May 2022 and January 2023, showcasing the physical destruction caused by the invasion and the remarkable resilience of Ukrainians as they rebuild their lives and communities The screening will take place on Sept 24, at the Naples United Church of Christ (naplesucc org) from 1 to 3 p m followed by a Q&A session Special guests, includ-

ing stars from the film, are expected to attend via Zoom, with potential surprises in store

For more information, please visit theoeco org/BackToBuchaNaples

About the contributors:

Alexandra Zakhvatayev, a Cape Coral-based defense advocate for Ukraine, has recently returned from teaching at the Ukrainian Catholic University’s English Summer School where she led an discussion-based elective on Freedom

Steve Richards, co-founder and managing director of the TheoEco Institute, is a producer and director of socially conscious documentaries He recently directed two documentaries about Ukraine: “Trek to Bucha” (2022) and “Back to Bucha” (2023) He is currently working on a third titled “Beyond Bucha ”

Breeze editorial

Primar y Election Winners School Board

Districts 2 & 3

General Election Runoff School Board District 7

At-lar ge race; ever yone votes countywide

Giovannelli holds

Dist.

2 seat, Ribble wins in Dist. 3, runoff set for District 7

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

District 2 incumbent Melissa Giovannelli will serve another four years on the Lee County School Board

Giovannelli, a real estate agent, had the most votes with 12,660, or 56 71% beating her opponent Carol Frantz, a retired radiologic technologist, who received 9,665 votes, or 43 29%

“I am excited I appreciate the confidence the community has in me I will continue to do what I do holding people accountable and trying to be as transparent as possible,” Giovannelli said “I am ready to serve four more years That is what I enlisted to do, and I am ready to do it I am excited I look forward to doing four more.”

Giovannelli was first elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020 to the school board A native of Lee County, she is a graduate of Riverdale High School She has a Florida Real Estate License from Ed Klopfer of Real Estate and a paralegal certification from Barry University

District 2 was determined by voters within the district only as was the District 3 race

Bill Ribble, who worked as a VP of corporate operational development with UPS, won the District 3 race with 12,307 votes, or 50.38% against opponent Kaityln Schoeffel, a car dealership spokesperson and mother, who received 12,120 votes, or 49 62%

Vanessa Chaviano and Sheridan Chester will advance to a runoff in District 7

The at-large district provided all voters countywide with the opportunity to cast a ballot in the three-way race featuring Chaviano, Chester and Joshua Molandes

There is a run-off in the General Election if there is no majority winner, 50%+1 vote, in the Primary Election

Chaviano had 47 11%, 45,631 votes, Chester had 31 42%, or 30,432 votes, and Molandes had 21 48%, or 20,807 votes with all the precincts reporting

Chaviano holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminal forensics from Florida Gulf Coast University, a master’s degree in criminal forensics, behavioral analysis from Florida Gulf Coast University and a master’s degree in business administration from Ashford University

A 25-year resident in Lee County, she works at LIV Digital Marketing in marketing operations She is a former teacher, school administrator, and coach and currently has two children in the school district

“I am very excited, proud, and happy for everyone that has supported me,” Chaviano said of those that came out to the Primary Election “We did everything as far as marketing, door knocking grassroots efforts We will continue those grassroot efforts here in the community keep doing what we have been doing ”

She said obviously it continues into November

“Hopefully, everyone comes out in November Every voice matters making sure every voice is heard, and everyone is accounted for. I’m looking forward to serving them on the school board,” Chaviano said Chester received an AA degree from CUNY, Borough of Manhattan Community College, a bachelor’s from John Jay College of criminal justice, as well as certified recovery peer specialist

Also, a 25-year resident of Lee County, Chester has been a substitute teacher for the Lee County School District Her top three issues include salaries, hire and retention of qualified teachers and safety

“This has been an odyssey and everyone played such an important role in us arriving at this place,” she said via email “So much of your time and effort went into this, candidates and volunteers and supporters and citizens I know that love and beauty reside here and we are going to see to it that Our Paradise is protected on all levels, starting with Education Thank you so much We now move on to November and win this campaign ”

Sheridan Chester

Melissa Giovannelli, incumbent, Distrist 2

Bill Ribble District 3

Vanessa Melbis Chaviano

Economic impact of Cape Coral Grove project estimated at $1.3 billion

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

As part of what the city of Cape Coral called an “historic day,” Cape Coral City Council approved plans for a muchanticipated mixed-use development.

Cape Coral Grove, to be located on a 131-acre lot on Pine Island Road between Chiquita Boulevard and Burnt Store Road, got the green light at the Aug 7 council meeting

The project will feature a variety of retail spaces, entertainment venues, hotel, and luxury apartments and townhomes, with the economic impact expected to be as high as $1 3 billion

“The Cape Coral Grove development is a testament to our city’s commitment to partnering with forward-thinking developers,” said City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn, in a release following the meeting “This project will not only enhance the quality of life for our residents but will also attract new visitors and businesses, further solidifying Cape Coral as a dynamic and thriving community ”

During the first public meeting that involved Cape Coral Grove in July, Ilczyszyn told Council he and city personnel have been in talks with the project’s development team, L&L Development Group, for some time, as they first showed interest in bringing the project to Cape Coral in the summer of 2021

Ilczyszyn said under the development agreement, there are two main components under consideration: the development agreement itself which has been developed under a Florida State Statute; and an inter-local agreement with the Community Development District overseeing the project, also pursuant to the same Florida Statute

Ilczyszyn said in the development agreement, the term is a 25-year term with a forced majority clause that may allow it to be extended, as long as both parties mutually agree

The developer does have multi-family residential units on the property, which are capped at 1,312 units Ilczyszyn said those units were taken into consideration when performing the amendment to the Pine Island Road district land use

Ilczyszyn said there is an ability for the developer to include vertically integrated mixed-use multi-family over the town center in the core area Any of those units would not impact the cap, and would be a bonus

City Council approves $123 million incentives grant for Cape Coral Grove

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Cape Coral City Council approved a $123 million Enhanced Property Value Recapture Grant to support development for the $1 3 billion Cape Coral Grove project Wednesday..

Cape Coral Grove, to be located on 131-acre parcel on Pine Island Road between Chiquita Boulevard and Burnt Store Road, is to feature a variety of retail spaces, entertainment venues, hotels, and luxury apartments and townhouses

According to the city’s Economic Development Office website, the city’s Enhanced Property Value Recapture Grants are “designed to attract larger-scale private capital investment and/or redevelopment into a mixed-use or nonresidential project site to create a destination, town center or mixed-use development” or to redevelop properties within the Community Redevelopment Area

Such projects “expand the tax base, create employment opportunities, or attract targeted industries and businesses ”

They work by establishing a “base year” assessed property value from the Property Appraiser’s database for the project, then computing a percentage of the incremental increase in ad valorem taxes on real and/or tangible personal property paid by the Project above the base year amount

The difference, up to 20 percent of the total project cost, is then available as a grant to incentivize the project

“Total project cost” is defined as the cost of development

Ilczyszyn added the city has created a first-of-its-kind breakthrough project management delivery method never before used in the city with the developers

He said the city is going to have dedicated reviewers and inspectors within each department and division to accomplish a five-day turn around for all reviews. He added that the developer has agreed to compensate the city on an hourly basis for all actual time spent by the qualified assigned professional, or a team at the city, to meet these deadlines

Ilczyszyn said once inspections are required, the city will

To be located on 131-acre parcel on Pine Island Road between Chiquita Boulevard and Burnt Store Road, Cape Coral Grove is to feature a variety of retail spaces, entertainment venues, hotels, and luxury apartmentsand townhouses.

of the project “including all, site development, and public infrastructure, and building and site amenity costs necessary to complete the project ”

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said the incentive agreement was structured similar to the developer agreement for Cape Coral Grove

“The incentive is to get the developer to develop fast and as big a magnitude as possible in there,” he said

The highlights include $123 million in incentives payable in a 25-year period, Ilczyszyn said

The first payment would not be granted until the developer hits 50,000 square feet of nonresidential. All the revenue would begin flowing after 200,000 square feet is met

“The project is $1 2 billion, and our maximum incentive would be about $123 million We are sitting at a 10% investment,” Ilczyszyn said

“They have to deliver it quickly If they hit the 50,000 mark and stall out, don’t start flowing all the funds, only revenue coming off that square foot that is delivered ”

further initiate a priority inspection team to perform ondemand and next-day inspections as required by the developer The developer has also agreed to compensate the city for actual time spent performing such inspections

“Today, we have laid the foundation for the future of Cape Coral. These projects will redefine our city and ensure that Cape Coral remains a place where opportunities flourish,” Ilczyszyn said of the vote

For more information on Cape Coral Grove, visit www capecoralgrove com

Primar y Election

Primar

Mulicka, Greenwell

B y N AT H A N M AY B E R G

n m a y b e r g @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

L e e

C o u n t y R e p u b l i c a n s h a v e k e p t

L e e C o u n t y B o a r d o f C o u n t y

C o m m i s s i o n e r s C h a i r m a n M i k e

G r e e n w e l l a s t h e p a r t y ’ s n o m i n e e f o r t h e

D i s t r i c t 5 s e a t i n a p r i m a r y T u e s d a y w h i l e a l s o c h o o s i n g D a v i d M u l i c k a f o r

t h e D i s t r i c t 3 s e a t .

G r e e n w e l l w i t h s t o o d a c h a l l e n g e f r o m

A l v a R e p u b l i c a n A m a n d a C o c h r a n i n o n e o f t h e t i g h t e r c o u n t y r a c e s o f t h e

n i g h t G r e e n w e l l b e a t C o c h r a n 5 5 3 3 %

t o 4 4 6 6 %

C o c h r a n r a n a c a m p a i g n a g a i n s t

o v e r d e v e l o p m e n t a n d s p e c i f i c a l l y o b j e c t -

e d t o a d e v e l o p m e n t p r o p o s a l f o r p r o p e r -

t y G r e e n w e l l o w n s i n t h e r u r a l N o r t h

O l g a n e i g h b o r h o o d T h e p r o p e r t y h a d

b e e n r e z o n e d b y 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 C o m m i s s i o n e r s w h i l e G r e e n w e l l

w a s o n t h e b o a r d t o a l l o w f o r 4 0 0 , 0 0 0

s q u a r e f e e t o f c o m m e r c i a l s p a c e a n d 1 2 2

m u l t i f a m i l y u n i t s

G r e e n w e l l c o n t e n d e d t h a t h e n e e d e d

t o d e v e l o p t h e p r o p e r t y a f t e r l o s i n g p a r t o f h i s l a n d t o s t a t e r o a d e x p a n s i o n p r o j -

e c t s t o a c c o m m o d a t e i n c r e a s e d t r a f f i c f r o m B a b c o c k R a n c h

G r e e n w e l l w i l l n o w f a c e D e m o c r a t

K i z z i e F o w l e r i n t h e N o v e m b e r e l e c t i o n

D i s t r i c t 5 i n c l u d e s A l v a , L e h i g h

A c r e s , B u c k i n g h a m , O l g a a n d e a s t e r n u n i n c o r p o r a t e d F o r t M y e r s t h o u g h v o t i n g i s o p e n t o a l l o f t h e c o u n t y ’ s e l e c t o r a t e M u l i c k a , o w n e r o f H O N C

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

r e c e i v e d 6 4 2 9 % o f t h e v o t e o v e r h i s

o p p o n e n t ' s n e a r 3 5 7 1 % T h o r n t o n r a n a

c a m p a i g n a g a i n s t w h a t h e c o n t e n d e d w a s

o v e r - a g g r e s s i v e d e v e l o p m e n t i n t h e

c o u n t y

M u l i c k a i s t h e h u s b a n d o f D i s t r i c t 7 8

S t a t e R e p r e s e n t a t i v e J e n n a P e r s o n s -

M u l i c k a H e f a c e s a w r i t e - i n c a n d i d a t e , J a k e

C a t a l d o , i n N o v e m b e r

D i s t r i c t 3 i n c l u d e s F o r t M y e r s B e a c h ,

B o n i t a S p r i n g s , E s t e r o a n d t h e I o n a -

M c G r e g o r s e c t i o n o f u n i n c o r p o r a t e d L e e

C o u n t y

C o u n t y c o m m i s s i o n e r s m u s t r e s i d e i n t h e d i s t r i c t i n w h i c h t h e y r u n b u t a r e

e l e c t e d b y v o t e r s c o u n t r y w i d e

O t h e r r a c e s

L e e C o u n t y v o t e r s c o u n t y w i d e ,

r e g a r d l e s s o f p o l i t i c a l p a r t y , w e r e a b l e t o t a k e p a r t i n a u n i v e r s a l p r i m a r y t o k e e p L e e C o u n t y P r o p e r t y A p p r a i s e r M a t t C a l d w e l l a n d L e e C o u n t y 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 i n o f f i c e B o t h w o n i n l a n d s l i d e s C a l d w e l l e a s i l y t u r n e d b a c k t h e c a mp a i g n o f S t e v e C u n n i n g h a m , w h i l e D o y l e d e f e a t e d M i c h a e l “ M i c k ” P e t e r s i n u n iv e r s a l p r i m a r i e s o p e n t o a l l L e e C o u n t y v o t e r s E l e c t i o n r e t u r n s s a w C a l d w e l l r e c e i vi n g 7 0 3 7 % o f t h e v o t e a n d D o y l e r e c e i v i n g 8 0 4 2 % o f t h e v o t e i n t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e r a c e s . P e t e r s d i d w i n a r a c e t o b e L e e C o u n t y ’ s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e a s a S t a t e R e p u b l i c a n c o m m i t t e e m a n w i t h 5 9 % o f t h e v o t e o v e r A n d r e w S u n d P e t e r s i s a l s o o n t h e e x e c u t i v e b o a r d o f t h e L e e C o u n t y R e p u b l i c a n C o m m i t t e e M e l i s s a G i o v a n n e l l i a n d T a r a J e n n e r w e r e i n a c l o s e r a c e f o r S t a t e R e p u b l i c a n C o m m i t t e e w o m a n r e p r e s e n t i n g L e

Matt Caldwell property appraiser Tommy Doyle supervisor of elections

Mike Greenwell

Caldwell tops 70% of the vote, is re-elected Lee property appraiser

h i s e l e c t i o n c y c l e , b o t h R e p u b l i c a n , t h e

w i n n e r o f t h i s P r i m a r y i s n o w e l e c t e d " W e a r e h o n o r e d t o h a v e t h e o v e r -

w h e l m i n g s u p p o r t o f o u r c o m m u n i t y , "

C a l d w e l l t o l d T h e B r e e z e “ I l o o k f o r -

w a r d t o c o n t i n u i n g t o s e r v e a s y o u r

P r o p e r t y A p p r a i s e r O u r o f f i c e w i l l c o n -

t i n u e t o b e a d v o c a t e s f o r t h e t a x p a y e r i n e v e r y w a y p o s s i b l e ”

C a l d w e l l h a d 7 0 3 7 % o f t h e v o t e t o

C u n n i n g h a m ' s 2 9 6 3 % w i t h a l l p r e c i n c t s

r e p o r t i n g . E l e c t i o n r e s u l t s a r e u n o f f i c i a l u n t i l c e r t i f i e d

A s e v e n t h g e n e r a t i o n F l o r i d a n a t i v e ,

C a l d w e l l a t t e n d e d F l o r i d a G u l f C o a s t

U n i v e r s i t y , f r o m w h i c h h e r e c e i v e d a

d e g r e e i n H i s t o r y H e w o r k s a s a r e a l

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

M a x w e l l , H e n d r y & S i m m o n s i n F o r t

M y e r s , h a v i n g a t t a i n e d t h e h i g h e s t s t a t e

c e r t i f i c a t i o n i n h i s f i e l d a n d b e i n g q u a l if i

S t r a t e g i c C o n s u l t i n g H e w a s a m e m b e r o f

B y M E G H A N B R A D B U RY

n e w s @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

T h e L e e C o u n t y B o a r d o f

C o m m i s s i o n e r s p r e s e r v e d m o r e t h a n 4 0

a c r e s o f l a n d i n N o r t h F o r t M y e r s o n t h e

C a l o o s a h a t c h e e T u e s d a y a f t e r a p p r o v i n g

a n o t h e r p u r c h a s e d e d i c a t e d t o t h e 2 0 / 2 0

L a n d A c q u i s i t i o n p r o g r a m

T h e 4 0 5 6 a c r e s s e v e n p a r c e l s

i s l o c a t e d o n t h e e a s t s i d e o f M o o d y

R o a d o n t h e n o r t h e r n b a n k o f t h e r i v e r

T h e p r o p e r t y o w n e r i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r r e m o v i n g i m p r o v e m e n t s o n t h e s u b j e c t p r o p e r t y a t t h e i r e x p e n s e

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e a g r e e m e n t , “ t h e r e a r e c u r r e n t l y o n e , o r m o r e u n o c c u p i e d h o u s e s , s h e d s , f e n c e s , b o a t d o c k / l a u n c hi n g p a d , f o r m e r s w i m m i n g p o o l , a n d o t h e r a b o v e g r o u n d a n d u n d e r g r o u n d i m p r o v e m e n t s o n t h e p r o p e r t y ” T h e a g r e e m e n t s t a t e s t h a t t h e b o a t d o c k a n d s e a w a l l s w i l l r e m a i n , w h i l e w e l l s a n d s e p t i c t a n k s , a s w e l l a s r e m o vi n g s w i m m i n g p o o l c o n c r e a t e a n d f i l l i n g i t w i t h c l e a n d i r t , g r a d i n g a n d l e v e l i n g t h e g r o u n d s h a l l b e d o n e T h e s e l l e r h a s o b t a i n e d a p r o p o s a l f r o m H O N C D e s t r u c t i o n , I n c w h i c h w i l l d o t h e d e m o l i t i o n w o r k a f t e r c l o s i n g “ I w i l l p r o u d l y m a k e a m o t i o n t o a p p r o v e , ” D i s t r i c t 4 C o m m i s s i o n e r B r i a n

,

n d m i

t a r y

f f a i r s , a n d o v e r s i g h t o f g o v e r n m e n t o p e r a t i o n s , s u c h a s p e n s i o n s a n d e l e ct i o n s

Lee County purchases 40-plus riverfront acres Like THE BREEZE?

C o m m i s s i o n e r B r i a n H a m m a n

H a m m a n s a i d “ I t ’ s a m a z i n g T h i s i s g o i n g t o b e a j e w e l t o h a v e t h i s p r e s e r v e d f o r e v e r I t h i n k i t ’ s g o i n g t o b e g r e a t f o r o u r d i s t r i c t ” T h e c o m m i s s i o n e r s a p p r o v e d t h e p u rc h a s e a g r e e m e n t f o r $ 7 9 m i l l i o n a n d a n e s t i m a t e d c l o s i n g c o s t o f $ 2 0 , 0 0 0 T h e p r o p e r t y a p p r a i s a l s w e r e $ 8 m i l l i o n a n d $ 8 . 1 m i l l i o n . T h e r e a r e c u r r e n t l y 3 1 , 4 4 4 a c r e s w i t h i n t h e C o n s e r v a t i o n 2 0 / 2 0 L a n d A c q u i s i t i o n P r o g r a m “ U n l e s s y o u a t t e n d t h e s e m e e t i n g s , p e o p l e d o n ’ t r e a l i z e h o w m u c h 2 0 / 2 0 l a n d w e h a v e p u r c h a s e d , ” C h a i r M i k e G r e e n w e l l s a i d H e s a i d p e o p l e h a v e s a i d t h e c o m m i ss i o n e r s d o n o t d o a n y t h i n g t o s l o w

We e k ly B R E E Z E R e c ap

City gets state permit for Chiquita Boat Lock removal

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

As of Monday, the city of Cape Coral can move forward with the removal of the Chiquita Boat Lock, as it received an Environmental Resource Permit for the South Spreader Waterway Enhancement Project from the Florida Department of Environment Protection

Councilmember Dan Sheppard said it’s a big win and very exciting

“It was an equivalent of having a chain link fence in your backyard with a waterproof gate,” he said of the lock. “That was the equivalent of what it basically did It really didn’t serve a purpose "

The removal of the water control device will raise the values of all the homes around the lock, as well as keep manatees and dolphins from being killed and boaters from getting injured, Sheppard said

The permit both grants permission and imposes conditions.

“The permittee is authorized to improve the South Spreader Waterway by employing several projects to improve water quality The permittee is authorized to remove the Chiquita Boat Lock and associated uplands, and to install a 165linear foot seawall along the north end of the South Spreader waterbody The applicant also seeks to plant over 3,000 mangrove seedlings along the Waterway, as well as to install oyster reef balls in the area where the lock is removed,” language

from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection states

The permit further states that projects have been proposed to “improve the water quality in the Spreader waterbody and receiving waters ”

Those include replacement of stormwater catch basins that drain to the waterway; improvement of the stormwater management system associated with Rotary Park dog park; contributions to the endangered smalltooth sawfish study; aquatic vegetation removal program implementation as well as planting of the mangrove seedlings along the waterway and the installation of oyster reef balls around the installation of the seawall

In addition, an interlocal agreement has been negotiated with the city of Fort

Myers for the city of Cape Coral to purchase and dispose of reclaimed water that is generated by Fort Myers – the Connect Project There will also be a detailed public education program to touch upon endangered species, boater safety and water quality protection

Cape Coral resident Dennis Costello lives within walking distance of the lock. He supports its removal

“The lock has killed/crushed eight manatees in the time I have lived here,” Costello said

With the removal of the lock, there will no longer be a device that kills manatees in Cape Coral, he said, adding he did not support the effort to retain the structure by those who said local waters would be polluted if the decades-old device was

removed

“The petition to oppose the removal of the lock was a frivolous action The judge in her recommended order said the petitioner’s experts offered no credible evidence of harm to the environment, nor did they do any analysis regarding removal of the lock,” Costello said “This has cost the taxpayers of Cape Coral a significant sum of money to defend The petitioners and their qualified representative should repay the attorney cost and fees to the city.”

According to a release from the city, staff has already taken immediate steps to secure necessary permits from the U S Army Corps of Engineers to advance the lock removal project The city has also been in contact with the lock’s removal contractor to ensure there is no delay with the project’s progress

In June of this year, an Administrative Law Judge issued a recommended order authorizing FDEP to grant the ERP to the city, which came after a multi-week evidentiary hearing that concluded on Dec. 20, 2023

A crucial step in the permitting process was the final administrative hearing with the administrative law judge, as it ordered the city and FDEP to submit their proposed recommended orders by April 29, 2024 The judge determined that the city’s environmental resource permit application met the standards necessary under the Florida law and the Florida Administrative Code

Cape Council eyes ‘rollback’ rate for property tax levy

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Cape Coral City Council may opt to approve the “rollback” rate for property taxes, essentially leaving revenues from that source flat

After hearing how using the lower rate would affect the city's working budget for the new fiscal year, multiple members of Council said at Tuesday's workshop that they could support the rate of 5 0888 mills

“When we go to the public hearings there will be two options – you can go to the rollback or adopt the half back budget You now have both pictures in front of you,” City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said

“The way I look at this – this alternative is really no different as far as projects are concerned, or the budget, except there is a different philosophy of how we are paying for it,” Mayor John Gunter said “We are still doing the golf course, still have five police officers – adjusted how we are paying for the golf course. We are still achieving exactly what we are achieving in the half back rate ”

He said residents would get somewhat of a break this year in their taxes

Councilmembers Jessica Cosden, Dan Sheppard and Richard Carr also voiced that they were in favor of the rollback rate.

“I always came into it – the rollback would be great, but if it hurts the city and residents, it’s not the right way to go,” Cosden said “I came into this year saying to myself I will keep an open mind I believe this budget works and I am pleasantly surprised ”

Financial Services Director Mark Mason said there would be a decrease of $6 3 million from the original proposed budget at the rollback rate

“This is the amount that we would reduce in order to get to the rollback rate,” he said

The additional general fund revenue –net adjustment – is $1 2 million

The new proposed budget included the removal of three proposed new positions from the city attorney’s office, and the addition of five traffic officers for six months

“The additional change would be to remove the reallocation of the old golf course purchase,” Mason said, which originally had $4 million set aside

In addition, it would remove the golf course remediation of $1 3 million from the General Fund from which most city operations are paid

The city is still looking at acquiring the golf course acreage, as well as putting remediation cost, annual maintenance cost and potential improvement costs to the old golf course aside As now proposed, those funds would come from the 2024 unassigned fund balance of $17 6 million

With those funds available, Mason said they would recommend using $3 4 million from the General Fund to purchase the old golf course, as well as hold back half of the funds from the Community Redevelopment Agency

“We believe there will be additional items over the course of several years to use the funds for,” he said

The CRA portion went from

$5,395,643 to $2,697,821 50, adding to reduce the CRA portion of the acquisition, they swapped out $2 3 million with stormwater due to the number of lakes of the property, as well as stormwater ponds and maintaining them

Mason said they will put $8 million aside for remediation, maintenance and improvements for 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028

Ilczyszyn said he had put the golf course in recurring revenue to take care of such things as lot mowing expenses, cart path renovations and exotic removals He said the intent of putting aside the $8 million is for intermediate recurring revenue

Ilczyszyn said they are utilizing the revenue that they have today to fund them up to the point where City Council and the administration need to make decisions of what will be built at the old golf course, and how to pay for operations

“We are going to fund the first couple of years with the money we have and let those decisions be made by the council at the time,” he said

The city was also notified of receiving the CDBG-DR Grant Match for Resiliency Hub

“We will be awarded a grant from the CDBG-DR grants for recreation center/shelter in the north part of the city

The original request was $40 million. We will be receiving $35 million,” Mason said “We explained at the time that we will certainly see what comes out of their proposal With that proposal, we are looking to tie up $5 35 million ”

At the rollback rate, the all-funds pro-

posed budget is $996,199,502 and the general fund proposed budget is $237,4414,765

There was also discussion about the solid waste assessment, which will be voted on at the final public hearing on Aug 28 Carr wants to consider a reduction of the solid waste assessment, as it is another way to reduce the overall tax burden on citizens

There is a proposed 14 7% increase in solid waste rates

Ilczyszyn said when they originally had the discussion of the solid waste contract date ending in three years, there were a few different options They included letting the existing rate ride for three years and then have a 100% increase to get to the market rate; each year over next three years increase the rate about a third each year, so at the end of the three years, revenues collected would become hurricane reserves and tapper into a longer period of time where the first three years would be over collecting, followed by under collecting

Further information will be brought before the council at the Aug 28 meeting before the vote

The first public hearing, approving the tentative millage rates and proposed budget will take place at 5:05 p m , Thursday, Sept. 12.

The city’s final public hearing to adopt the millage rates and budget, will take place at 5:05 p m , Thursday, Sept 26

A boat coming through the Chiquita Lock FILE PHOTO

Study: School district employee compensation below goal

Board looks to rectify disparities but concedes it may be a multi-step,

M o r g a n s a i d t h e g r o w t h t h

d s t o t

k

c e i n a p o s i t i o n i s t h e g r o w t h r e f l e c t e d i n c o m p e n s a t i

W h i c h e l s a i d t h e b e s t p r a c t i c e f o r s c h o o l

d i s t r i c t s i s t

4 4 %

F o r s a l a r y d i s t r i b u t i o n , W h i c h e l s a i d

7 2 % a r e b e l o w t h e m i d p o i n t t o c u r r e n t

r a n g e “ T h a t i s a s i g n i f i c a n t l e v e l o f e m p l o y -

e e s b e l o w m i d p o i n t , ” s h e s a i d

F o r t h e m a r k e t r a t e e m p l o y e e s – 3 4 %

a r e p a i d a t t h e r a t e s l i g h t l y d i f f e r e n t f r o m

t h e s e t m a r k e t r a t e F o r g r a d e p r o g r e s s i o n t h e d i s t a n c e

b e t w e e n p a y g r a d e s i t s i t s a t 7 % f o r m o s t a r e a s

T h e t o p t h r e e i s s u e s b a s e d o n e m p l o y -

e e f e e d b a c k w e r e c o m p e t i t i v e p a y w i t h m a r k e t p e e

f u n c t i o n s

h i c h e l s a i d

S h e s a i d t h e s

5 0 % f o r t h e

n g e s p r e a d a n d 6 % b e t w e e n e a c h p a y g r a d e t o a l l o w t h a t r o o m t o g r o w T h e p r o p o s e d S P A L C p a y p l a n h a d

1 5 g r a d e s w i t h a m i n i m u m , m i d p o i n t a n d

m a x i m u m d o l l a r a m o u n t F o r e x a m p l e ,

g r a d e 1 0 h a d a m i n i m u m a m o u n t o f

$ 2 6 1 9 t o a m a x i m u m $ 3 9 2 8

T h e i m p l e m e n t a t i o n s t r a t e g y c o n s i s t -

e d o f t w o o p t i o n s b r i n g t o n e w m i n i -

m u m a n d m i n i m u m y e a r d a t a f a c t o r “ A s y o u p r o g r e s s t h r o u g h 2 - 7 , 7 - 1 4

( y e a r s ) w e a d j u s t e d y o u a n a d d i t i o n a l

c o u p l e o f p e r c e n t a g e s N o t r e a l l y i n f l a t -

i n g p o s i t i o n s , ” s h e s a i d

T o b r i n g i n a n e w m i n i m u m t h a t

i m p a c t e d 4 , 3 7 5 e m p l o y e e s i t w o u l d h a v e

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

$ 3 5 m i l l i o n W i t h t h e m i n i m u m y e a r d a t a f a c t o r

p i e c e , t h a t i m p l e m e n t a t i o n c o s t w o u l d b e

a l i t t l e m o r e t h a n $ 6 1 m i l l i o n

B o a r d m e m b e r C a t h l e e n M o r g a n

t h o u g h t t h e d a t a w a s f a s c i n a t i n g S h e

s a i d t h e b i g g e s t c h a l l e n g e i s c r e a t i n g a n d

i m p l a n t i n g a p e r f o r m a n c e r e v i e w s y s -

t e m “ I d o n ’ t k n o w h o w y o u c h a n g e t h a t

c u l t u r e , ” s h e s a i d

Cape Council: 5 seats on 8-seat board up for grabs in November

From page 1

5, Charlie Pease and Joseph Kilraine will face off, edging out incumbent Robert Welsh

The District 7 race, which with two candidates did not appear on Tuesday’s Primary Ballot, will appear on the General Election ballot.

District 2

Lehmann was the top vote-getter in the Primary for District 2, receiving 10,789 votes (40 81%), Sheppard was second with 8,608 votes (32 56%), and Craig Unroe finished third with 7,038 votes (26 62%)

“All of the candidates worked very hard on their campaigns for the primary,” Lehmann said “I came through the primary working hard and now I have to work even harder to make sure I am representing all the citizens in Cape Coral and their concerns and issues, that will no longer be ignored ”

As for what’s next for her campaign, she said, “I want to make sure I am well versed with city issues and problems always keeping the citizens in the forefront I will keep my nose to the grindstone ”

S

received

“I’m thankful that the citizens are supporting me I think that I do the right thing and move the city forward That’s what I plan on continuing to do ”

Sheppard also said he was a bit discouraged with the voter turnout during the Primary only 23% countrywide and that he will continue work hard heading into the General Election.

“Unfortunately, there is continued low voter turnout in Primary elections,” he said

“Moving forward, I will continue to share the vision and challenges with the citizens of Cape Coral

“I will educate them on our successes, and let them know of our new challenges as a community I look forward to working with them being a full-time proactive council member ”

District 3

Donnell was the leading vote-getter in District 3, with 8,409 votes (32 27%), with McCormack finishing second with 7,757 votes (29 76%)

Daniel Ludlow received the third-most votes with 5,386 (20 67%), and Chad Bruening fourth with 4,509 votes (17 30%)

As for what he took away from the Primary, Donnell told The Breeze, “My primary take away from the results (Tuesday) night was that our residents do not feel that the current council listens to their input and thus they voted for a change

“I will continue to encourage the residents to stay connected with council and know that as the first step, I have already started the work to have our volunteer committees reinstated ”

When asked what changes he would make en route to the General Election, Donnell said, “I will work harder ”

McCormack said “The election results said that the voters want someone who is one of them on city council They don’t want someone who is only there for their personal interests They want someone that knows their struggles and is ready to serve I am that person I’m a grandmother, mother, 50-year resident, Christian, and career civil servant running to represent the people of Cape Coral on City Council I wish the best of luck to Mr Donnell, but I maintain that I’m the best choice for council because of my lived experience and career in public service ”

As for what’s next for McCormack, she said, “Going into November, we’re going to be campaigning hard We’ll be going door-to-door to spread my message of rescinding the stipend, compromising on and protecting Jaycee Park, supporting first responders, restoring citizen advisory boards, and more My passion for my message hasn’t decreased, it’s only increased ”

District 4

Nelson, a former District 4 council member, was the t o p v

(34 40%) Carr was second with 6,833 votes (25 86%)

William Matthews finished third with 6,013 votes

(22 76%), and Robert Sutter was fourth with 4,484 votes (16 97%)

“Last night’s results told me that our community has trust and faith in me to get our city back on track with our residents and their voice,” Nelson said

“The road to the general will be paved with diligent, hard work and I’m up for that challenge

“I look forwarded to meeting as many residents as possible over the next few months to listen to their concerns and I’m grateful for this opportunity to earn their trust ”

On what the election results meant to him, incumbent Richard Carr told The Breeze, “I’m certainly no expert on election statistics, but my takeaway is that my genuine commitment and effort as the appointed incumbent did not go unnoticed, and the unfortunate negative connotation often associated with the ‘incumbent’ label did not knock me out of the race ”

“I have a lot of work ahead I need to reach as many residents and voters as possible, clearly explaining and demonstrating why I’m the best choice for them and our city as we move forward Now is not the time to go backward ”

As for potential changes on the road to November, Carr said, “It’s not about changing my behavior, but rather putting in more effort to show voters and residents that my intentions are genuine and that I have the public’s best interests in mind with every decision I make I’ve received wonderful feedback from those I interact with, and I hope others will see what I have to offer as their elected city councilmember ”

District 5

In District 5, the top vote-getter was Pease with 9,004 votes (34 61%), a narrow margin over the second-place finisher, Kilraine, who received 8,468 (32 55%)

Incumbent Welsh finished third with 5,674 votes (21 81%), while Jason Conzelman was fourth receiving 2,869 votes (11 03%)

On the Primary results, Pease said “Cape Coral voters showed that they’re ready for a change There’s a collec-

See CAPE COUNCIL, page 17

Cape Council: Ten candidates vying in five municipal races

From page 16

tive sense of lack of trust, and our residents are looking for leaders who are proactive communicators and problem solvers They want to know our leaders are listening and willing to change their minds when it makes sense ”

“I look forward to engaging with our residents and community stakeholders over the next few months as we lead up to the Nov 5 General Election Connecting with people and listening to their concerns is vital to being an effective representative for them on Council,” he said

As for tweaks in his campaign heading into the General, Pease said, “No big changes in strategy planned I hope voters will find that I’m the best candidate in District 5 to help build a better future for Cape Coral. I’m rooted in our community born and raised I’m involved in our community, and I’m a leader with a demonstrated record of getting things done for our community ”

Kilraine said he was thankful

“First of all, I am humbled and greatly appreciative to the voters and all my supporters in the Cape,” he said “I look forward to a robust and competitive general election campaign and invite all my partner Cape residents to join me in a united effort to re-energize ‘we the people’s voice’ and move the city forward to that wonderful place we are proud to call our home ”

“We can and will emerge from the recent difficulties, restoring trust for a brighter future where the wonders and memories of our paradise are preserved and protected and safety and enjoyment of life is experienced by all We can smartly evolve through infrastructure properly paced to growth, unneeded and wasted spending controlled, tax burdens reduced and exciting new developments are brought into fruition in a manner that adds to resident satisfaction without added cost, infrastructure and traffic burdens Please join me as it can only be done by and through your support,” he said

Welsh declined comment on the primary results

Also on the General Election ballot in November, will be Michael David Harper and Rachel Kaduk vying for the District 7 seat

Harper told The Breeze, “Since I first started this process in late February, I have learned quit a bit about the city and what it’s needs are I plan on continuing to research the best possible solutions for those needs and to update the public on the how I’m going to resolve those issues ”

Harper said he plans on making a few changes down the stretch

“I plan on being more active now that the primary is over,” he said “Being the only district with two candidates and already in the General Election, I was active in getting my message out, but I wanted more of the attention on the four primary races ”

Kaduk said the voter turn-out in the Primary was eyeopening for her

“I was surprised to learn that only a very small portion of our community votes in the Primary Election compared to the General Election,” Kaduk said “I also l

reminders of how the primaries work and when they are, especially in Cape Coral I have been volunteering and working at precincts for years, and decided to sit this one out because so many people contacted me about not seeing my name on the ballot It was flattering but also alarming ”

About Cape Coral Gover nment

Cape Coral has a city manager/council form of government

A Council-appointed, contract city manager runs the day-to-day operations of the city

Cape Coral City Council is an elected eight-member board comprised of a mayor and seven council members who set policy and are accountable to the voters

The mayor may live in any district. Council members are elected “at large” meaning while candidates must live in the district they seek to represent, the seats are filled via non-partisan, citywide elections

Every registered Cape voter, no matter their party affiliation or city address, may cast a ballot in every race in both the Primary and General Election

As for her mindset heading into November, Kaduk said, “My mindset going into the General Election is extremely focused I very much looking forward to continuing to serve our community in a new and different capacity

“I am continuing to listen to the residents, getting the word out about who I am and what I stand for, and raising funds to be able to successfully win in November ”

Cape Coral has a city manager/council form of government

A Council-appointed, contract city manager runs the day-to-day operations of the city

Cape Coral City Council is an elected eight-member board comprised of a mayor and seven council members who set policy and are accountable to the voters

The mayor may live in any district. Council members are elected “at large” meaning while candidates must live in the district they seek to represent, the seats are filled via non-partisan, citywide elections

Every registered Cape voter, no matter their party affiliation or city address, may cast a ballot in every race in both the Primary and General Election

Michael David Harper District 7

Rachel Kaduk District 7

From page 1

o f t h e c a r r y i n g c o s t o f t h e l o a n n e e d e d t o

h e o n l y w a y h e c o u l d s u p p

J

P a r k p l a n , w a s w h e n h e k n e w w h e r e t h e y s t o o d w i t h t h e $ 6 0 m i l l i o n P a r k s G o B o n d H e s a i d t h e c i t y h a s w e l l e x c e e d e d t h a t v o

c i t y i s n o w $ 2 8 5 m i l l i o n o v e r b u d g e t “ W e h a v e t a k e n o u t t h e Y a c h t C l u b

a n d w e a r e s t i l l $ 2 8 m i l l i o n t h a t w e a r e

o v e r , ” h e s a i d , a d d i n g t h a t t h e m o n e y

c a m e f r o m m u l t i p l e s o u r c e s , s u c h a s

F E M A a n d C O V I D r e i m b u r s e m e n t a n d

d i s a s t e r r e l i e f “ T h e $ 6 0 m i l l i o n i s g o n e t o d a y , s p e n t o r i n c u m b e r e d ”

G u n t e r s a i d u n t i l t w o w e e k s a g o h e w a s g o i n g t o v o t e n o “ I w a n t e d t o m a k e s u r e w e a r e g o i n g t o f u l f i l o u r c o m m i t m e n t f o r t h e $ 6 0 m i l -

l i o n I a m p l e a s e d t o t e l l y o u w e

e i t h e r h a v e , o r a r e g o i n g t o d o t h a t , ” h e s a i d

G u n t e r s a i d h e t h i n k s t h e b e n e f i t s o f t h e p r o j e c t o u t w e i g h s o m e o f t h e c o n -

Jaycee Park final concept plan.

c e r n s r e s i d e n t s h a v e e x p r e s s e d A s t h e p r o j e c t m o v e s f o r w

p

a b o u t t h e i r r e a s o n s b o t h s i d e s w a n ti n g t h e i r v o i c e t o

h e c i t y

o t e c t r e s i d e n t s a n d m a k e s u r e a n y p r o b l e m s t h a t a r i s e a r e a d d r e s s e d d i l ig e n t l y “ I w a n t t o m a k e s u r e y o u r q u a l i t y o f l i f e i s n ’ t i m p a c t e d t o

n

t i v e l y ,

n y a m o u n t o f n e g a t i v i t y f r o m t h i s p r o j e c t , ” h e s a i d T h e p u b l i c c a m e o u t i n d r o v e s t o s p e a k d u r i n g t h e f i n a l p u b l i c h e a r i n g t o s h a r e t h e i r t h o u g h t s o n b o t h s i d e s l e a v i n g t h e A u s t r a l i a n p i n e t r e e s a l o n e

w i t h s m a l l e n h a n c e m e n t s o r g i v i n g a n o d o f a p p r o v a l t o m o v e f o r w a r d w i t h t h e

c i t y - p r o f f e r e d p l a n , a s J a y c e e P a r k i s o u t d a t e d

S p e a k e r s r a n g e d i n a g e f r o m y o u n g

p a r e n t s w i t h t h e i r c h i l d r e n i n a t t e n d a n c e

t h a t w e l c o m e d t h e c h a n g e t o r e t i r e e s w h o

l i v e c l o s e t o J a y c e e P a r k a n d w a n t t h e i r p a r k l e f t a l o n e , s o i t m a i n t a i n s i t s t r a n -

q u i l i t y a n d g a t h e r i n g p l a c e f o r t h e o l d e r

g e n e r a t i o n

T h e c h a m b e r s b e c a m e s p l i t t o t h o s e i n f a v o r t o t h o s e a g a i n s t b o t h p a s s i o n a t e

CITY OF CAPE CORAL

Jaycee

From page 18

b e g

F o r t r e s s S e c u r e d , w h i c h a p p r o a c h e d t h e

c i t y w i t h a n u n s o l i c i t e d P 3 p r o p o s a l i n

S h e s a i d n o c o m p e t i n g p r o p o s a l s w e r e

r e c e i v e d “ T h i s w a s n o t a c o m p l i c a t e d p r o j e c t

W e d i d n o t t h i n k i t w a s n e c e s s a r y t o

e x t e n d i t f o r a l o n g p e r i o d o f t i m e

b e c a u s e t h e r e w a s n o t t h a t m a n y c o m p l i -

c a t i o n s w i t h i t , ” s h e s a i d

D u e t o p r o v i s i o n s t h a t w e n t i n t o e f f e c t

J u l y 1 , t h e W e d n e s d a y m e e t i n g w a s t o

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

S o m e o f t h e b e n e f i t s o f a P 3 i s h a v i n g a p r o j e c t o n t i m e a n d o n b u d g e t , s h e s a i d , a l s o c i t i n g t h e n o t - t o - e x c e e d c o s t c a p , a s

l a s a c c o u n t a b i l i t y “ Y o u h a v e o n e t e a m y o u w o r k w i t h

t h r o u g h o u t t h e p r o j e c t , ” s h e s a i d o f a q u a l i t y p r o j e c t b e c a u s e t h e r e i s a t e a m

w o r k i n g t o g e t h e r “ Y o u a l w a y s m a i n t a i n c o n t r o l o v e r t h e p r o c e s s a n d p r o j e c t ”

T h e J a y c e e P a r k i m p r o v e m e n t s a d d r e s s s e v e r a l d e f i c i e n c i e s r e p l a n t in g n a t i v e t r e e s , a c t i v e f a c i l i t i e s , a s w e l l a s u p g r a d i n g e x i s t i n g p l a y g r o u n d s a n d

b a t h r o o m s , i n a d d i t i o n t o a d d i n g a y o u t h w a n t o p e n m i c n i g h t a n d c a f e .

T h e p r o p o s e d e n h a n c e m e n t s r e f l e c t r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s i n t h e p a r k s m

Jaycee Park final concept plan showing the “wet zone” area where alcoholic beverages will be permitted and served The initial investment by the concessionaire will be $1,370,488 for the planning, design, and construction of the Improvements, including soft costs, hard costs, and kitchen equipment

$ 2 . 4 m i l l i o n .

B a r r o n s a i d t h e c o s t b r e a k d o w n

a l l t h o s e b i g n u m b e r s i s b e c a u s e t h e y

d i d n o t g o c h e a p o n a n y t h i n g w h e n i t

c a m e t o J a y c e e P a r k

T h e p a v i l i o n s a r e $ 4 3 4 , 0 0 0 ; l a r g e

r e s t r o o m i n t h e c e n t e r $ 6 5 0 , 0 0 0 ; b a n d -

s h e l l $ 6 3 9 , 0 0 0 ; T h e R e e f $ 9 0 0 , 0 0 0 ;

p l a y g r o u n d s $ 6 0 6 , 0 0 0 a n d t h e s p l a s h

p a d $ 7 3 4 , 0 0 0

n s u

n c e , b o n d

r m i tt i n g , m o b i l i z a t i o n a n d s c h e d u l i n g a t $ 1 9 m i l l i o n a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n m a n a g e m e n t ,

,

c o n t i n g e n c y a n d a d m i n i s t r a t i o n f e e s i s

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

w h i c h h a s e s t i m a t e d d e b t f u n d i n g o f

$ 1 5 7 m i l l i o n , w h i c h i s c u r r e n t l y i n t h e

F Y 2 5 b u d g e t w i t h a n n u a l p a y m e n t s t o

CITY OF CAPE CORAL

Florida-Friendly Landscaping

Principle #8 - Reduce stormwater runoff

By JANETTA FOX news@breezenewspapers com

“Be the solution, not the pollution ” - Abhijit Naskar Florida receives a considerable amount of annual rainfall, especially during the summer The stormwater can remain and soak in where it falls, evaporate or wash away This latter occurrence is known as stormwater runoff Why should we be concerned about runoff? After all, it is just water, right? Not quite Let’s look at residential areas as an example

Rainfall that flows off the property does so without the benefit of the natural filtering of impurities

CLUB OF CAPE CORAL

t h a t t r e e s , t u r f , g r o u n d cover and other permeable s u r f a c e s s u c h a s p a v e d walkways provide Therefore, the flow, and the various sediment and pollutants gathered up along the way work their way, unchecked, into sewer systems, aquifers, streams, canals, rivers and other waterways

No matter where we live, whether or not in the vicinity of a body of water, we all live in a watershed and our local actions have considerable impact "downstream " Until I began looking into the negative impact runoff has on the environment, I never gave much thought to it I now recognize that, as homeowners, we can help reduce the amount of runoff on our properties by asking a few questions, a handful of which are shared below, and then taking mitigating action

Are grass clippings allowed to remain on the lawn? After mowing, if you notice that portions have migrated to your driveway or into the roadway, sweep or blow the clippings back into the landscape, where they will add beneficial nutrients for turf health during decomposition The same goes for leaves and other yard debris Otherwise, the vegetation and the nutrients they contain, i e , nitrogen and phosphorus, will get caught up in the flow And, as we know, these two nutrients have been known to feed algal blooms which lead to fish kills

How are downspouts positioned? Are they positioned so water remains in the landscape and away from the driveway? By making simple adjustments to spouting, rainwater can flow into landscaped areas for use by vegetation You could also consider placing a rain barrel or cistern in the area to capture downspout water, which would serve to harvest the rainwater for future use

If you observe that an area accumulates too much water in a storm’s aftermath, think about turning the area into a rain garden, making certain that the native or other Florida friendly plants you choose for inclusion not only enjoy wet feet but are also drought tolerant With proper selection and a focus on right plant/right place you will better ensure that, once established, the plants will prove hardy with no special care or use of fertilizers and pesticides normally needed A win-win for both your wallet and the environment!

And speaking of fertilizers and pesticides, do you use only as needed and according to label directions? When applying more than necessary for either, the excess nutrients that fertilizers contain and chemical content of pesticides have to go somewhere and, when it rains, that somewhere is into our waterways

Is animal waste disposed of properly or left where deposited? And, if you have a septic system, is it wellmaintained? Animal waste and leakage from a malfunctioning system contribute bacteria and harmful microorganisms to the runoff mix Therefore, be sure to pick up waste when walking your dog and get your septic system

See PRINCIPLE, page 27

County Domestic Animal Services to hold ‘Shelter Behavior Seminar’ Aug. 30-31

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The No. 1 reason owners relinquish their pet to a shelter is behavior problems

Kelley Bollen, a certified animal behavior specialist and shelter animal behavior specialist, has been in the animal welfare field for 25 years teaching shelter staff and volunteers, veterinary staff and the public about animal behavior

“My goal in life is to educate people about the animals they care for at work, or home to improve the animal’s welfare and the humananimal bond,” she said

A two-day video program, “Shelter Behavior Seminar,” will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 30-31, at 10 a m for dog owners and 11 a m for cat owners, at Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers The sessions are free for the public Those in attendance will receive a goodie bag for their pet

“The seminar for the public addresses the common behavioral issues in cats and dogs that pet owners struggle with and how to understand and resolve these problem behaviors,” she said “Most people don’t understand their pet especially why they do what they do, especially the behaviors that they don’t like They also don’t understand how animals learn and how best to train them in a positive way, so that they behave the way that the owner wants.”

Bollen said those who adopt a pet and see behavioral problems should call the shelter and ask for help

“If the shelter can’t help them, the hope is that they are able to refer them to trainers and behavior professionals in the area that use scientifically based positive methods to modify behavior,” she said

For additional information, please visit www LeeLostPets com or call 239-533-7387 (LEE-PETS)

Executive Home Care of Fort Myers honors local seniors with roses on National Senior Citizens Day

Executive Home Care of Fort Myers, a leading in-home care provider, participated in the national “Roses for Resilience” initiative to honor seniors in the Lee and Collier county area on National Senior Citizens Day, Wednesday, Aug 21

As part of this heartwarming program, caregivers personally delivered roses to each of their senior clients, symbolizing appreciation and respect for their wisdom and resilience

Danika Miller, director of operations of Executive Home Care of Fort Myers stated, “We're excited to show our gratitude to the seniors in our community. Each rose represents our commitment to providing compassionate care and enhancing the lives of those we serve ”

In addition to client deliveries, Executive Home Care of Fort Myers also distributed two dozen roses to Park Royal Hospital- Geriatric Treatment Team on behalf of the seniors they serve in their Geriatric Unit for inpatient and outpatient care, further extending the reach of this initiative to show appreciation and honor those seniors under their care

Miller explained the significance of the program: “The ‘Roses for Resilience’ initiative is about more than just delivering flowers It's our way of recognizing the strength and invaluable contributions of seniors in our community. We hope to raise awareness about the importance of quality in-home care and foster even stronger connections between our caregivers and clients This gesture is a small but meaningful way to show our seniors that they are truly appreciated ”

Executive Home Care of Fort Myers provides highquality in-home care services to seniors in Lee and Collier counties It is committed to delivering care that respects

Florence, left, an 89-year-old client of Executive Home Care, receives a rose from Director of Operations Danika Miller as part of the company’s nationwide “Roses for Resilience” initiative on National Senior Citizens Day

the dignity of each client while fostering independence and improving quality of life For more information about inhome care services, please visit https://executivehomecare com/fort-myers/ or call 239-433-2273

GCWA announces winners of 2024 Writing Contest

The Gulf Coast Writers Association this week announces the nine winners of this year’s Annual Gulf Coast Writers Association Writing Contest The awardwinning stories can be read on GCWA’s website under “Contest ” Fiction

1st Place -- Richard Drummer, Bonita Springs, “Prey for Me”

2nd Place -- Bradley Burt, Fort Myers, “My Whiffenpoof”

3rd Place -- Linda Saether, Cape Coral, “Woman in the Adidas Shirt” Nonfiction

1st Place -- Patti Walsh, Fort Myers, “Between the Heat and the Bugs”

2nd Place -- Sheryl Stillman, Fort Myers, “What I Learned About Grief After My Dog Died”

3rd Place -- April James, Fort Myers, “Down the Rabbit Hole” Poetry

1st Place -- Daniel Moreschi, Wales, U K , “Maracaibo Melodies”

2nd Place -- Ed Sessa, Fort Myers, “The Last Decoy” 3rd Place -- Amelie Flagler, Raleigh, N C , “Illogical Imaginings”

A celebration, where the winning authors will read their celebrated stories, will be held Saturday, Sept 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road in Fort Myers

For more about the GCWA, visit www GulfWriters org

PHOTO PROVIDED

South Cape BaconFest Walking Pub Crawl Aug. 31

Preparations are being made for the South Cape BaconFest Walking Pub Crawl to be held Saturday, Aug 31, from 7-11 p m Patrons are being urged to dress to impress in their bacon themed attire as they visit South Cape, sampling drinks and appetizers along the way

Participating locations will be competing for “Best Drink” and “Best Appetizer,” and guests can sample some unique and savory options and vote for their favorite(s) at the end of the night!

Limo buses will transport guests to four strategic locations, making it convenient to hop between nearby participating establishments on foot

Tickets, which are only $25 in advance ($20 for designated drivers), are available online via Eventbrite

Each attendee will be provided a passport to have stamped at all 11 locations To enter the grand prize drawing, leave your completed passport on a limo bus or at a

participating location

Check-in begins at 6 p m at Big John's Plaza or Dolphin Key Resort (under the front awning)

Participating locations include BackStreets Sports Bar,

Cruiser's Lounge, The Dive, Dixie Roadhouse, Hooked Island Grill, Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood, Rack’em Spirits & Times, Ralph's Place, Rusty's Raw Bar & Grill, Tiki Bar and Tito's Cantina

LCEC Community Response Team to host Pop-Up Event in Cape

LCEC Energy Experts and Community Response Team will give away LCEC hurricane guides, informative brochures and giveaways at a Pop-Up Event inside the Lowe's Home Improvement store at 1651 NE Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, this Saturday, Aug 24, from 10 a m to 1 p m

In addition, the LCEC team will answer questions on the LCEC GenerLink and surgeSense products This event is one of the many efforts to help Southwest Florida residents stay prepared for hurricane season

LCEC is Southwest Florida’s electric cooperative providing reliable, cost-competitive electricity to members throughout the region The LCEC headquarters are in North Fort Myers, the same location where the cooperative originated in 1940 Approximately 430 skilled employees are positioned throughout the six-county service territory, including Immokalee, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Sanibel/Captiva, Pine Island, Useppa, Cabbage Key, Marco Island, Everglades City, Ave Maria, and parts of Lehigh Acres

EDUCATION

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Thibodeaux to enter Kutztown University

KUTZTOWN, Pa -- Saige Thibodeaux of Cape Coral will enter Kutztown University in the fall as the newest member of the Golden Bear family The fall semester begins Monday, Aug 26

Comprising four colleges - Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences and Visual and Performing Arts - Kutztown University offers a wide range of outstanding academic programs to prepare individuals for successful careers

Located on 289 acres, the campus is adjacent to the Borough of Kutztown in Berks County, Pennsylvania

K

8 6 6 a s

Keystone Normal School The school became Kutztown State Teachers College in 1928, Kutztown State College i n 1 9 6 0

Kutztown University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

KU students select from more than 130 areas of study in a diverse liberal arts academic environment For more information, please visit us at www kutztown edu

School District of Lee County to host Transpor tation Job Fair Sept. 16

The School District of Lee County is set to host a Transportation Job Fair for job seekers in Southwest Florida Monday, Sept 16, from 5-7 p m , at East County Regional Library in Lehigh Acres

School bus drivers working with the District are responsible for providing safe, timely, efficient and courteous transportation services for Lee County students Required job qualifications for bus drivers include at least five years of driving experience, a satisfactory driving record and a social security card

Starting pay is $18 90 per hour The District provides training for candidates who do not already possess a commercial driver’s license The District offers flexible hours, a training stipend and a benefits package for fulltime employees

The School District of Lee County is among the largest school districts in Florida and the United States with a growing enrollment of more than 99,000 students and 116 schools

The event will take place at East County Regional Library, located at 881 Gunnery Road, N , in Lehigh

careers@leeschools net or call 239-337-8676 To learn m

LeeSchools net/Careers

School District ear ns 2024

Aetna

Workplace Well-being Award

announced it has received a Leading the Way Aetna Workplace Well-being Platinum Award for the second year in a row The District has a strong commitment to improving employee health and features a comprehensive well-being strategy that employees are passionate about The award is the culmination of the employees’ desire to live healthier, more active lives and make wellbeing a priority

The District’s workplace well-being program provides resources to assist employees in creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle Nutrition classes and mental well-being classes are offered There is a fitness center, health coaching, virtual wellness resources and more available The District encourages a doctor patient relationship with financial incentives for yearly physicals and offers reimbursement for fitness center fees

The Workplace Well-being award was established in 2017 and recognizes middle market, public and labor employers throughout the US who offer an Aetna medical plan to employees Award recipients are selected based on information on their well-being strategy and design, communications and organizational engagement, and program implementation and evaluation.

The Platinum level, the award’s highest honor, is awarded to employers who successfully create, provide, and support a healthier workplace for employees with effective programming, tools, and resources to help everyone on their own personal well-being journey

AUGUST 23, 2024

Cape resident among recipients of Valerie’s House scholarships

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A Cape Coral resident, Madison McKinnon, who attended Valerie’s House grief support program after her mom passed away, was named one of 10 scholarship winners

Along with McKinnon, the recipients include Gabriel Dang of Naples, Abigail Dotzler of North Port, Talia Hall of Lehigh Acres, Jessica McKee of Fort Myers, Melanie Para of Lehigh Acres, Anthony Pham of Fort Myers, Sean Sorrick of Naples, Siena Sulmasy of Naples and Hayden Toms of Fort Myers

McKinnon graduated from North Fort Myers and is attending Penn State University

At first she wanted to attend George Mason University for forensic science, but after her mom, Julia McKinnon, passed away, she switched her choice to Penn State, as both of her parents attended the school

“Me going there made me feel so much closer to her and gave me closure I feel like I am walking in her shoes,” McKinnon said

She is pursing a degree in forensic science because she has always been interested in anything medical

“We believe it is important to empower our youth to strive for big things and to know that loss doesn’t have to limit their dreams,” Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin Churchill said in a prepared statement “We are very grateful to our donors who have made this scholarship program possible ”

The nonprofit organization awarded $60,000 in college scholarship for graduating seniors who found support at Valerie’s House Each student received $1,500 and has the option to renew for up to three additional years for a total of $6,000 per student – all depending on individual achievement

The scholarship helped McKinnon pay for her summer session at Penn State

“It makes me feel as though I know Angela is there for me, helping me, and trying to do everything she can for me even though I am on my own,” she said “I don’t even know how to explain it When I lost my mom, I was in a really hard place I was beginning my senior year My life

PROVIDED Valerie’s House Scholarship winner Madison McKinnon, left, and House founder and CEO Angela Melvin Churchill.

just stopped Angela has been absolutely amazing Without her help, I would not be in Penn State, or made it through senior year ”

Her mother passed away on Aug 3, 2023 She was diagnosed with stage four gall bladder cancer while McKinnon was in Pennsylvania She said she was told her mom had cancer, but it was not until she got home two weeks later that she learned what stage Her mother started chemotherapy right away

“My mom was up and around doing something – never not doing something,” she said of her mother, who always had make-up on and heals on – always presentable “To see her not get up and get ready and be in bed all day was hard ”

The chemo started to quit working and her mother was in the hospital more than at home

“That was really hard,” McKinnon said, spending her days at the hospital – as soon as she could arrive until as late as she could stay

“I had spent the night that night and I woke up and she was gone,” McKinnon said the day her mother passed away. “I am happy I was able to spend 17 years with her. I got to know my mom and I got to grow up with her still here ”

Her heart goes out to her three younger sisters, especially the two in middle school, as they never got to spend their full teenage years with their mom

“My mom worked at Gulf Elementary She was a teacher 18 years, 19 years She taught for as long as I could remember,” McKinnon said

The recipients wrote an essay about their personal grief story, as well as how that shaped them as the person they are today, and who they want to become

“The students, whose families are all a part of the Valerie’s House grief support program, are asked to check in with Valerie’s House each college semester and tell us something that they worked through that was challenging during the semester, and something great that they believe they might have accomplished," Melvin Churchill said in a prepared statement

PHOTO

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bridge: Opportunities for public input

From page 1

that direction into the scope of the project To add the capacity to the bridge, we need to also improve the capacity on both sides of the bridge to get the highest benefit from the project To that end, the project incorporates improvements along Cape Coral Parkway all the way to the Del Prado Boulevard intersection and along College Parkway all the way to the McGregor Boulevard intersection The PD&E Public Hearing will detail these improvements to add capacity and enhance transportation efficiency for the entire corridor ”

The PD&E study is evaluating potential improvements to the Cape Coral Bridge, which connects Cape Coral Parkway in the city of Cape Coral to College Parkway in south Fort Myers County officials said its purpose is to address roadway capacity and overall traffic operations to alleviate existing traffic congestion, accommodate future growth, improve safety conditions and enhance bicycle and pedestrian connectivity

The hearing is being conducted to present the preferred alternative and all analysis to date, as well as to give interested residents an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed improvements

DOT Director Rob Price said the public hearing summarizes the proposed improvements of this preferred alternative and the study findings Attendees, in person, virtual and via the website, will also have the opportunity to comment Additionally, county and consultant staff will be available in person and online to answer questions during the meeting’s open house period

Price said the hearing gives “potentially affected residents an opportunity to offer comments on the proposed preferred alternative All comments, within and outside of the public hearing comment period, are documented and discussed They are officially part of the project record and will be included in the Final Study Documentation ”

Price added the opinions and evidence submitted create part of the record upon which the decision-makers base their decisions

“After the public hearing, public comments are compiled, discussed and documented in the project reports,” Price said “The final project reports are then sent to FDOT, acting on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration

(FHWA), for review If FDOT agrees that the study was conducted in accordance with FHWA guidelines and the preferred alternative meets the project’s purpose and need, then study approval, which is called Location and Design Concept Acceptance (LDCA), will be granted Design completion, right-of-way acquisition, and construction will follow ”

Lee County DOT is sending notices to property owners, business owners, interested persons and organizations within at least 300 feet of the project to provide the opportunity to give comments to DOT regarding this project

Meeting presentation materials were posted online at the project website Aug 7 Project documents also will be available for public viewing until Sept 11 at the Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, 921 S W 39th Terrace, Cape Coral; and at Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers

For those who want to attend virtually, registration in advance is required by visiting www.capecoralbridgeproject com The project team will be available for online discussion from 5 to 6 p m , and then virtual attendees can view the 6 p m formal presentation and provide comment

A third option exists for those unable to attend in person or virtually Comments can be provided through the project website or via email at info@capecoralbridgeproject com Individuals can also mail comments to Lee DOT (attention Vince Miller), 1500 Monroe St , Fort Myers, FL 33901; or call 239-533-8580

Lee County officials said the LDCA issuance is anticipated in early 2025, with design completion anticipated in the fall of 2026

DOT Director Rob Price said the public hearing summarizes the proposed improvements of this preferred alternative and the study findings. Attendees, in person, virtual and via the website, will also have the opportunity to comment. Additionally, county and consultant staff will be available in person and online to answer questions during the meeting’s open house period

The hearing gives “potentially affected residents an opportunity to offer comments on the proposed preferred alternative. All comments, within and outside of the public hearing comment period, are documented and discussed. They are officially part of the project record and will be included in the Final Study Documentation.”

Lee County operations adjust schedules for Labor Day

Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed Monday, Sept 2, in observance of Labor Day

The county’s holiday schedule adjustments are as follows:

Solid Waste

All garbage, recycling and yard waste collections in unincorporated Lee County, the City of Bonita Springs, the Village of Estero and the Town of Fort Myers Beach will take place one day after the regularly scheduled collection day following the Labor Day holiday This means that if your regular collection day is Monday, Sept 2, the pickup day will be Tuesday Tuesday’s regularly scheduled pickups will be on Wednesday and so on for the rest of the week through Saturday, Sept 7

Regular collection schedules resume on Monday, Sept 9

Lee County Solid Waste facilities and offices are closed on Monday, Sept 2, in observance of the holiday This includes operations at the Household Chemical Waste Collection Facility, 6441 Topaz Court, the Resource Recovery Facility on Buckingham Road and the Lee/Hendry Regional Solid Waste Disposal Facility

Solid Waste urges all residents to recycle plastic, metal and glass containers from Labor Day activities

Lee County Utilities

The offices of Lee County Utilities, the Call Center and drive-thru window will be closed on Monday, Sept 2, in observance of Labor Day A drop-box is on-site at the front door and another accessible via the drive-thru for payments by check

Libraries

All library locations will be closed on Monday, Sept 2 Each branch will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, Sept 3. The library is always available online at www leelibrary net/online

Community Development

The Community Development Permitting Lobby, 1500 Monroe St , Fort Myers, and the permitting phone line will be closed on Friday, Aug 30, and Monday, Sept 2

Both the lobby and the phone line will

Tuesday, Sept 3

Domestic Animal Ser vices

Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed for the holiday on Monday, Sept 2, but will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept 3

LeeTran

ULTRA on-demand, or paratransit service on the holiday, Monday, Sept 2 Service resumes Tuesday, Sept 3 Route schedu

www rideleetran com

Parks & Recreation

Parks, beaches, pools and preserves remain open on Labor Day Offices and recreation centers are closed Monday,

Sept 2, and will reopen Tuesday, Sept 3 Check www leeparks org for the list of open locations, hours and amenities

remember that no alcohol is permitted in county parks

Lee County reminds residents and visitors that the Causeway Islands Park on the S

watercraft, pedestrian and bicycle traffic d

Transportation’s active construction zone

People launching boats, kayaks or other watercraft at Lee County facilities in the greater Pine Island area should be aware that construction is also underway on the Little Pine Island Bridge The FDOT states that work on the bridge, which is on the

through the Labor Day holiday weekend, so motorists and boaters are asked to use caution in the area

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at

Facebook, www facebook com/

County sets new hours for the Household Chemical Waste Collection Facility

Lee County Solid Waste will adjust service hours of its Household Chemical Waste Collection Facility, 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers, to 7:30 a m to 4:30 p m , Monday through Friday, effective Sept 2

The change – opening and closing 30 minutes earlier – is being implemented to improve customer service and better align with the facility’s demand

The facility will continue to operate from 8 a m to noon on the first Saturday of each month, except for holidays

Unwanted household products labeled flammable, toxic, corrosive and/or reactive are common household chemical wastes that should be disposed of at the Topaz Court Annex Lee County Solid Waste reminds residents to be aware of proper rechargeable battery disposal

An increasing number of products contain lithium-ion batteries, which can be hazardous when disposed of improperly Lithium-ion batteries are found in these common products along with others:

■ Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets and Bluetooth devices

■ Power tools

■ Game controllers ■ Digital cameras

■ Portable power packs

■ Greeting cards

■ Electric toothbrushes

■ Toys

■ E-bikes, e-scooters, electric lawn mowers and hover boards

Please visit www LeeGov com/SolidWaste/Dispose for more information

Businesses that need chemical waste

Services, LLC at 276-477-0947 to schedule an appointment for the monthly business collection held at the county’s perma-

To

Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida

The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida are encouraging students to participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month student art and essay contests with the theme “Honoring Hispanic

C

s s ” Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from Sept 15 to Oct 15

“Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month contests provide students with the opportunity to learn about the many Hispanic Floridians who contributed to our state’s s

s i o n e r o f Education Manny Diaz Jr “The influence of Hispanic culture is evident throughout Florida and I look forward to seeing the inspiration students gain from the many excellent examples of Hispanic achievement in our state ”

“I am honored to recognize the profound impact Hispanic cultures have on the fabric of our nation," said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “As a proud C

Month is an opportunity to both celebrate and educate future generations about the

importance of community and serving others ”

All Florida students are invited to participate in academic and creative contests based on this year's theme Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay con-

teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award

About the Student Art Contest

The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to all Kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year's theme Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a 1-year pass to Florida State Parks

About the Student Essay Contest

The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12 Six

winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4-5), two middle school students (grades 6-8), and two high school students (grades 9-12) Each w

College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies Contestants must be Florida residents, attend school in Florida in grades 4-12 (including public, charter, private, home or virtual) and able to provide a Social Security Number Each student may enter only one essay, written in English, no longer than 500 words

There are many examples throughout our state’s history of Hispanic Americans and their contributions to Florida’s success Using your own words, write about a Hispanic-American who has had an impactful effect whose story should be shared The subject of the essay should be a Floridian

Some examples are Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, Florida’s first Hispanic female lieutenant governor; Manny Diaz, Jr , Commissioner of Education; Juan Ponce

De Leon, first Spanish explorer to reach Florida; Madeline Pumariega, first female president of Miami Dade College; Alex Rizo, Florida State Representative; and Esteban Bovo Jr , mayor of Hialeah

About the Excellence in Education Award

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady

Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida Four winners will be selected, and nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida

Contest entries and nominating forms and guidelines

Student contest forms and educator

Volunteer

or submitted online

www FloridaHispanicHeritage com

Scholarships: Cape Coral resident McKinnon one of the recipients

McKinnon said to be honest when she first heard about Valerie’s House and her dad telling her about it, she was skeptical and did not want to deal with it – as she wanted to grieve on her own time. Once they started to go she began to realize she was not alone

“It was really nice to hear how other people are feeling They are feeling the exact same things as you do It’s a lot more comfortable to share your stories,” she said

M c K i n n o n f i r s t s t a r t e d a t t e n d i n g Valerie’s House at the old house in downtown Fort Myers

“It was amazing to see the difference,” she said of the new forever home “As soon as you walk in, there’s a huge wall of just teddy bears There are s o m a n y o f t h e m I t ’ s already welcoming to children There are blankets The lighting, the decora-

tions is beautiful ”

Valerie’s House, which now has three locations in Southwest Florida, began in Fort Myers in January 2016 The organization, since then, has served more than 5,000 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties by offering a safe, comfortable space to share, grieve and heal together after the death of a close family member

“All I can do is be grateful that I had Angela. I still know she is there for me and my family,” McKinnon said “After my mom passed away I did everything I could She made me realize I don’t have to be the strong person all the time I can have my moments and tell people I am not OK She made me realize my self worth I was in

such a bad place ” Looking back at her senior year of high school, she said she still does not know how she achieved good grades, as she left school every single day “I was having attendance problems, but

I still maintained all A's my senior year and got my AICE diploma,” McKinnon said For additional information, or to donate to the Valerie’s House scholarship fund, p l e a

/ donate

September programs set at Northwest Regional Library

Next month’s roster of activities at Northwest Regional Library offers topics for all ages The following activities are free to the public:

Adult

Programs

Tech Tuesdays: One-on-One Help

2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3

Need help with a laptop, tablet, e-reader or other device? Are you looking to gain basic technology skills? We can help with a 15 minute, one-on-one technology help session Registration required

Center Stage Fun and Games

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 10, 24

Tuesdays mean later hours at the Northwest Library Come join us centerstage to enjoy games, chess, puzzles and more

Knit and Stitch

10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4, 18

A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters that join together to share projects, ideas and techniques Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects and tools Basic materials and supplies are available for newcomers

A “Deep Dive” into Weeki Wachee Springs

1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 9

From local swimming spots to roadside attractions to state parks, the mermaid performances are the only constant at Weeki Wachee Springs over its 75-year history Entertaining audiences since 1947, this unique roadside attraction has a natural spring with water at a constant temperature of 72-74 degrees Join Rebecca Schwandt for a deep dive into the springs' past

Books and Bagels

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11

Do you enjoy robust, engaging book discussions? Join us and share your latest reading recommendations Bagels, coffee and tea will be served

Adult Crafternoon: Alcohol Ink Coasters

1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12

This month we will be exploring abstract art using alcohol inks Alcohol inks will stain, so dress for mess Registration is required

Tabletop Game Time

5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17

Meet up at the library for a monthly board game night featuring modern tabletop games The library has a rotating collection of light to medium weight games or bring your own games to teach and share New and experienced players welcome

Children’s Programs

Center Stage Fun and Games

5:30 p m , Tuesday, Sept 3, 10, 24

Tuesdays mean later hours at the Northwest Library Come join us centerstage to enjoy games, chess, puzzles and more

Toddler Tales

10:30 & 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25

For ages 18-36 months and caregivers Toddlers and caregivers move and groove during this interactive storytime. Space is limited to 14. Arrive early and visit the Youth Desk to check in First-come, first-served

Kids Read Down Fines

4:30-5:30 p m , Wednesday, Sept 4, 11 11 a m to noon, Saturday, Sept 21

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session Please bring your library card

Preschool Storytime

10:30 & 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26

For ages 3-5 years Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby Space is limited to 14 Arrive early and visit the Youth Desk to check in First-come, first-served

Super Fun Saturday

10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 7

Come play with us at the library Activities change monthly and vary from dancing, storytelling, art projects and more Fun for the whole family

Baby Rhyme Time

10:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30

For babies up to 18 months. Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment Space is limited Arrive early and visit the Youth Desk to check in

City seeks community participation in Median Beautification Program

The city of Cape Coral invites the community to participate in beautifying roadway medians through the Median Beautification Program

This program allows residents, businesses and organizations to fund the “adoption” of a median by installing landscaping that the city would then maintain. The city also provides signage to show appreciation to program participants, allowing the public to recognize the generous donation

To participate in the Median Beautification Program,

prospective participants should review online information and familiarize themselves with the approved landscape design elements, which include design templates, plant palette, roadway theme, and intensity level

Before completing the application, applicants must schedule a meeting with the Public Works Department to provide direction on the proposed design and landscape plan

For more information, contact the City Arborist Omar Leon at 239-242-3216 or oleon@capecoral gov

Melody in Motion

6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17

Enjoy making art inspired by music Children are invited to paint along and learn about the music from the Baroque period (1600-1750) Registration is required

Family Storytime

10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21

For children through age 5 years and caregivers

Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement

Books and Blankets

6:15 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24

Join us with your blankies and pajamas for this nighttime edition of storytime Your whole family is invited to this enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories

LEGO Club

2 p m , Saturday, Sept 28

For all ages Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy No registration required All materials are provided

Teen Programs

Center Stage Fun and Games

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 10, 24

Tuesdays mean later hours at the Northwest Library

Come join us centerstage to enjoy games, chess, puzzles and more

Kids Read Down Fines

4:30-5:30 p m , Wednesday, Sept 4, 11

11 a m to noon, Saturday, Sept 21

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session Please bring your library card

Tech Free Thursday

2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5

Let's play like it is 1985 and pretend there is no digital technology, at least for one day For teens ages 12-18 years

The Northwest Regional Library is located at 519 Chiquita Blvd , N , in Cape Coral For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4700 Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www leelibrary net to find out about programs at other locations Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239-479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program

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

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, c

2 3 9 - 5 3 3 - 8 7 8

, Florida Relay Service 711, or rperoba@leegov com Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requester Requests should be made at least five business days in advance

Get ready, red snapper and gag grouper seasons are coming

Get your tackle and boats in order and hope for good weather and calm seas ahead for your upcoming red snapper and gag grouper outing

September 1st marks the first of 14 weekend harvest dates marked for red snapper with the final dates falling on Nov 28-30 (Must measure 16 inches total length, two per person with a 10-person aggregate). Gag grouper fans get their shot on the 1st as well but make it count as it’s a short window closing again on the 15th of the same month (Must measure 24 inches total length with two per person with a four-fish aggregate) Red grouper fans will have to wait until after Christmas on Dec 31 to bring some of these guys back to the dinner table

Before heading off to the horizon for a great day of bottom fishing, make sure you have up to

e renewed annually Check

o u t G o O u t d

ida com and MyFWC for

GPS location numbers

My first gag grouper

t o o k p l a c e decades ago on a cool November day when a 1 0 - p o u n d o r s o P i n e Island Sound “redfish” inhaled my gold spoon on an undercut mangrove shoreline and took off, burning drag This is typical cooling weather behavior as gag grouper are often known to move in shallow surprising flats anglers and usually providing the fight of the day Moving off the flats and fishing a line of deeper water docks with bait one at a time or precision trolling along the line is also another cool water tactic that produces bites

Most times, deep water is home to this hard fighting structure dweller that truly hates leaving home Old salts know that grouper battles are often won or lost in the first few seconds of the fight as the fish grabs your bait or lure and instantly heads back to his home, which is usually in or around line-shredding structure

This isn’t time for wimpy rods or lite line as these fish

Oasis football team looks to build upon last season’s success under new head coach

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

It’s that time of year once again where shoulder pads are being strapped on, chin straps are being tightened and high school football programs start chomping at the bit to get back onto the field

Friday nights are about to get turned up across Southwest Florida as countless talented teams call the region home

The Breeze is highlighting West Zone and other local teams leading into the regular season to give fans an early look at their favorite team We sat down with each head coach and select players a series of questions on what they expect from their program

Look for continued coverage of local high school programs in The Breeze in upcoming editions as we continue the journey to Friday nights where the lights shine the brightest Oasis High School

Head Coach: Brice Bearman (1st year) 2023 record: 6-4

Competes in: Sunshine State Athletic Conference First regular season game: Aug 22 at home vs Gateway Charter; 7 p m

The Sharks look to build on a successful season last year in coach Brice Bearman's first year at the helm Oasis reached the semifinals of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference 5A State Championships last season before falling in overtime to Saint Stephen's Episcopal

How do you feel as a program heading into the season?

“I actually feel a lot better than I did when I came in, and that wasn’t due to the kids, it was just getting caught up with everything, getting programs set, establishing standards, implementing new systems,” Bearman said “There has been a lot to get caught up on, but we are getting there and the kids, the administration, the parents and the faculty here at Oasis have been fantastic It's been so good in fact that we are at 59 players in a school of just over 900 with a full JV squad that is playing five games They have all welcomed me with open arms and we are all on the same page ”

Expectations from the team on and off the field?

“The expectations that I have for this team are the same for both on and off the field. I expect them to give their best effort in everything they do I expect them to be intense and aggressive in every task they take on I expect them to be loyal and committed to their families, their teammates, this program, Oasis Charter High School and this community I expect them to be the standard that others in this school and community can look at and be proud of, on and off the field ”

How do you plan to build off of last season?

“Last season was undoubtedly a success and we have a lot of pieces left over from that team that will help us this

Tuesday

Volleyball

year But we can’t look back Each and every team is different and has its own unique feel to it As a team we are focused on the little things and the things that we can control We have implemented some n e w s c h e

focused on getting better every time that we step out onto the field whether it be the practice field or the game field These are smart kids with high effort high energy motors They are focused on doing the little things that will make them better and as a coach that is awesome to be around,that is how we get better and build, not just from the year before, but the practice before ” How would you describe your coaching style/team identity?

“I’ve been around for a while and I am old school at heart I believe that this is a physical game and that it needs to be played with physicality and intensity That does not mean that we are 3 yards and a cloud of dust Offensively we have skill players all over that we need to put in positions to be successful, but we would be crazy not to do that, offensively you can have finesse and still be physical On defense, which is where I cut my teeth, we will be fast, physical and we will relentlessly run to the ball ”

What do you hope to take as a whole from this upcoming season?

“To teach this young group of men that the only thing that they can control is what they put into it Effort is the only thing that we can’t coach, everything else can be fixed They are really buying into that and the practices are highly competitive We are two platoons at almost every spot and the practices are intense They are competitive and the kids are really getting after it in the right way ”

Expected challenges?

“I can only say that our biggest challenge is staying focused on us, and that is not to say that our schedule is not challenging It absolutely is and it will be difficult to traverse this year I mean that no matter who is across the field from us on any Friday night, that the things we can control are us, and that we need to focus on that and take care of the little things that are important to our success If we do that every Friday night then win or lose we will have done everything we could have and will leave the field with our heads up ”

Players to watch this year?

Captains:

■ Parker Smith, quarterback, senior

■ Colin Anderson, linebacker, senior

■ Josh Vasallo, offensive line, senior

■ Fredrick Harley Jr , running back, senior

■ Nolan Cox, offensive line, senior

■ Sean McFee, defensive line, senior

■ Rex Williams, defensive back, senior

PREP REPORT

21-25, 25-19.

Oasis 3, Gateway Charter 0: Jordan Baksh had 12 kills to lead a 25-9, 25-16, 25-12 Sharks sweep Vanessa Moriarty had 9 kills and Sophia Skala 7

Port Charlotte 3, North Fort Myers 1: The Red Knights won the first set before the Pirates rallied for a hard-fought 21-26, 25-19, 26-24, 26-15 victory

Bishop Verot 3, Naples 0: Haylee Masiero had 10 kills and Chase Hathaway 19 digs as the Vikings rolled 25-12, 25-10, 25-23

East Lee County 3, Island Coast 0: The Jaguars downed the Gators 26-24, 25-19, 25-13

Ida Baker 3, Cypress Lake 0: Cassara Easterwood and Madison Autrey had eight kills each in a 25-13, 25-20, 25-12 Bulldogs victory Laurynn Mayberry had 14 digs and Taylor Foster made 30 assists

Lehigh 3, Mariner 1: The scores were 25-9, 26-24,

Cape Coral 3, Gateway 1: The Seahawks took the last three sets, including a hard-fought final set, for a 23-25, 25-12, 25-19, 27-25 victory

Boys Golf

Westminster Christian Invite: Easton Green tied for second with a round of 72 and JC Iglesias shared fourth with a 73 as Bishop Verot came in second with a team score of 305

Oasis 158, Babcock 186

At Babcock National Golf Club

Oasis (158): Rhys Skillrud 36, Gabe Gair 38, Job Wodby 39, Aiden Pietras 45, Corbin Odjick 48, Vance Javis 57

See PREP REPORT, page 30

Capt George Tunison

Cape Coral Power and Sail Squadron announces upcoming seminars and release of a new book

The Cape Coral Power and Sail Squadron, America’s Boating Club Cape Coral, has been a fixture in the city since 1964 Its members have seen many changes in the short period of time and have an in-depth knowledge of local waterways

With over 50,000 registered vessels on the waters, boaters new to Lee County find boating in one of Florida’s largest estuaries not like anything they experienced “back home ” Many are overwhelmed by the shear number of boats traversing the navigable areas of the estuary, and they end up with many questions and get many different answers

Inspired by the questions our members are asked by new boaters, the squadron created a “local waters” seminar In the seminar, squadron members try to provide information about the things people have said they wish they knew before heading out on the waters

The seminar has been so successful that member Tom Dawson has written a book

that covers the material for those who want to know just a bit more: "Barret Bonden’s Local Knowledge Recommended - Things you wish someone had told you about boating here!"

Included in this new book is a bit of history to help the reader begin to understand the environment The Caloosahatchee River used to be a true estuary. Today it is a drainage ditch for the waters that used to feed and nourish the “River of Grass” that made up the Florida Everglades

The Intracoastal Waterway System has also played a role in changing how boaters navigate local waters Boaters need to learn to use intracoastal navigation aids or find themselves running aground

The waters in Southwest Florida are also very shallow The dredged navigational

channels have depths ranging from 9 to 12 feet, with spoil areas lurking for the unwary Venture outside the any of the marked channels and you will be likely to be turning up muck or destroying seagrass beds Even offshore, in the Gulf of Mexico, boaters will likely have to go out more than 10 miles offshore to find water over 40 feet deep.

Like the seminar, the newest book discusses the safest way for new boaters to get to some of the popular spots in Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, San Carlos Bay, Estero Bay and on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River

This is the second book Dawson has written specifically about local waters "Safe Boating in Southwest Florida, Your Guide to the Many Channels on our

Waterways" looks at over 80 marked channels boaters will pass as they travel from the Franklin Lock and Dam, into San Carlo Bay and up to Bokeelia

The Southwest Florida Boating Seminar is being offered Tuesday, Nov 12, and Tuesday, Jan 14 Seating is limited and pre-registration is needed to make sure there is a seat available Registration information can be found on the Events Page at ccsaps org Copies of both of Dawson’s books will be available for purchase after the seminar along with local charts and Chart Art’s Boaters Destination Guide

If you are out and about on Saturday mornings, stop by the Cape Coral Sail & Power Squadron booth at the Cape Coral Farmer’s Market at Clubhouse Square Squadron members have lots of local knowledge and are happy to answer any questions you have about local boating, squadron courses, seminars and the benefits of being a member of the largest boating club in Cape Coral

Application deadline Sept. 1 for Tommy Bohanon Foundation Sports Equipment

Southwest Florida school-based athletic programs again can receive funding or equipment for their athletes through the Tommy Bohanon Foundation Applications are now available through Sept 1 for the Sports Equipment Grant

To complete the application process, applicants must have the following information:

■ Copy of the proposed program’s budget for the 2024/2025 school year

■ A letter from the Athletic Director or

a School Administrator, on the school’s official letterhead, acknowledging that the program is requesting funding

■ Information about the coaches/staff who are involved with the athletic program (This information should include years working at the school, experience, position and any special accolades they have received)

■ Any additional information or documents pertinent for the proposed program to be selected as a Sports Equipment Grant

Recipient

“We are proud to be able to support these programs through the Sports Equipment Grant,” said Foundation President Tommy Bohanon “Our goal is to remove barriers for kids who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities, helping t h e m t o d r e a m b i g a n d a c h i e v e t h e i r goals ”

This initiative is part of the foundation's ongoing efforts to empower youth through sports and ensure that every child can par-

ticipate, regardless of financial constraints

Over $135,000 has been awarded to nearly a dozen schools since the grant’s inception in 2018

To apply please visit https://tommyboh

grant/ Grant recipients will be notified by Monday, Sept 9

For more information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, please call 239-6710441 or visit https://tommybohanonfoundation.org/.

Get ready: Short red snapper and gag grouper seasons start soon

From page 29

are not only powerful but get big like the world and Florida state record fish weigh-

ing 80 3 pounds caught in Destin in 1993

Deeply bend the rod and pour on the cranking power to try and get the fish moving in your direction or you will probably go

Looking for a loving home

Mallorca is a 5 to 7-year-old female

She is super sweet and a friendly little dog with a happy-go-lucky personality She's got energy for days and a heart full of love Meeting new people is one of her favorite things, and she always greets everyone with a wagging tail and a big smile

Godzilla is a 1 to 3-year-old female

She is a friendly female cat with a luxurious coat that she is quite proud of She absolutely loves people and is very affectionate Whether it’s snuggling up on the

couch or getting pets and scratches, she is always ready to show her love

If you are interested in meeting any of the animals available for adoption at The Cape Coral Animal Shelter, visit its website at www capecoralanimalshelter com for additional information The shelter is located at 325 S W 2nd Ave , Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p m , and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p m

Please call 239-573-2002 for additional information

home alone

If sitting around in one spot dropping baits below while you bake in the Gulf sun doesn’t float your boat, then fire up the motor and start trolling To the uninitiated, trolling means tossing a couple lures out the back of the boat and hoping for the best In this scenario, hope would definitely be your only friend Precision and or just successful trolling is an angling art that takes practice Ask any northern walleye or musky angler that’s spent years with his or her eyes glued to the electronics with a hand on the tiller-steered outboard making constant direction changes to keep their lures running right along a weed edge, wall, bottom contour or break line at just the right speed and depth Making successful runs over, around and sometimes even through saltwater bottom structure without hanging up is the same game when gag grouper trolling There are boatloads of big

plugs to pull with the Mann’s Stretch Series deep diving plugs a favorite of many grouper anglers

Snook are still on the Gulf beaches and around any structure, on both sides of the barrier islands and in the passes. Various under- and over-slot redfish are eating lures but also enjoying much easier-tocatch dead baits along cooler shady mangrove shorelines

Tarpon are still strung out along the coast from Sanibel to Sarasota, but central Charlotte Harbor is becoming home to more and more fish as summer progresses Inside, along the Intracoastal Waterway in Pine Island Sound, random fish are still showing up and catchable

Capt George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide You can contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol co

PREP REPORT

From page 29

Late Monday

Boys Golf

John Ryan Invitational: Oasis finished eighth in the Venice tournament, led by Gabe Gair's round of 74

Oasis: Gabe Gair 74, Job Woodby 93, Rhys Skilrud 82, Corbin Odjick 88, Aiden Pietras 105

Friday, Aug 23

Football

North Fort Myers at Cape Coral

Island Coast at Port Charlotte

Bonita Springs at Ida Baker

Fort Myers at Mariner

Gateway Charter at Oasis

Tampa Jesuit at Bishop Verot

Volleyball

Oasis vs Jacksonville Harvest Community, Bell Creek Academy and Lakeland

Christian (SSAA Invitational)

Bishop Verot in Oveido tournament vs Oveido, Lakewood Ranch

Saturday, Aug 24

Volleyball

Port Charlotte at Ida Baker

Oasis in SSAA Invitational

Bishop Verot in Oveido tournament vs St Edwards

Godzilla Mallorca