Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 35

Hurricane Idalia’s impact could bring flooding today

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Tropical Storm Idalia was officially upgraded to a hurricane overnight into Tuesday and was expected to make landfall Wednesday north of Tampa in the Big Bend area

At press time, county officials expect ed the county to be spared by the worst of the hurricane though flooding remained a t h r e a t T h e c o u n t y o p e n e d t w o s a f e

havens in Estero and North Fort Myers as a precaution

While Lee County expects the hurricane to miss the area, Lee County Board 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 Brian Hamman said the storm could still bring flooding risks Wednesday as the storm passes off the coast The National Weather Service has stated there is a low probability that Fort Myers Beach will feel the impact of Idalia though there is

Offi cials urge cau tion , warn of st orm su rge ah ead o f trop ical storm

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

On the day of the 11-month anniversary of when Hurricane Ian hit, Town of Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth said the hard words nobody on Fort Myers Beach wanted to hear but were the words that were on everybody’s mind as the island braced for the possibility of a hit from Hurricane Idalia

Last year’s path for Hurricane Ian, Wirth said Monday, “is very similar to what we are seeing now ”

Initially forecasted as a tropical storm that could develop into a low-category hurricane, Gov Ron DeSantis said Monday that the storm would strengthen into a hurricane and was on a trajectory to reach Category 3 status The hurricane was expected to make landfall in the Big Bend region above Tampa sometime Tuesday or Wednesday Yet last year most forecasters also had Ian heading that way only to see it change course and deliver a direct hit on Fort Myers Beach

In a town still reeling from Ian and trying to gather its feet, Fort Myers Beach could potentially see two to four feet of storm surge, the National Weather Service predicts The National Weather Service forecasted a low probability that Hurricane Idalia would deliver tropical storm winds Tuesday

Fort Myers Beach was expected to feel the effects from the hurricane some time Wednesday

In a town where more than 1,000 structures have been approved for demolition and debris remains scattered around the island, town officials were particularly concerned Monday with debris from Hurricane Ian being blown away during the hurricane and causing more damage

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt said town staff was cleaning out storm drains and as much debris as possible Hyatt said Waste Management was going around picking up debris as well The town was also making free sand bags available to residents Monday and Tuesday

Hyatt called on contractors to secure their construction sites The Mound House is being secured as are all town vehicles, which are being moved off island, Hyatt said Portable restrooms were also being picked up and secured, Hyatt said

the potential for two to four feet of storm surge along with two to four inches of rain

Lee County had no plans to issue evacuation orders Hamman advised residents Tuesday not to visit the beach as weather is expected to deteriorate later in the day Hamman also advised residents to stay home Tuesday tonight Hamman said

Disorientations on the rise

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

It’s 7 a.m. and Turtle Time founder Eve Haverfield has already been moving along Fort Myers Beach on her motorized golf cart since the break of dawn checking for loggerhead sea turtle nests and for any signs of hatchings

It’s a good day There was one loggerhead nest that hatched and she will be checking on another nest that hatched three days earlier There have been 71 sea turtle nests on Fort Myers Beach this year and 62 have hatched

Haverfield knows Fort Myers Beach could use some good news after its toughest year She has good news and bad news

The bad news is sea turtle disorientations are up By a lot It’s the most the organization has seen since it was founded on Fort Myers Beach in 1989 to track, monitor and help preserve nesting sea turtles on Fort Myers Beach

There have been horrific cases of hatchlings breaking out from the nest and instead of heading to the Gulf of Mexico, following lights toward Estero Blvd. and getting crushed or dying of exhaustion Turtle Time volunteers were lucky that during one disorientation turtles were found in a pool across the street and able to be saved

In response to the disorientations, Haverfield and Turtle Time have place silt screens behind some of the nests to help

Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth speaks about the prospects of Hurricane Idalia during a press conference Monday at the town hall complex while surrounded by the town council.

n W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , A u g u s t 3 0 , 2 0 2 3 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

OPINIONS

Five-pronged path to economic recovery

There are multiple efforts underway to aid in the recovery of Southwest Florida's hospitality-related businesses

P u b l i s h e r R a y m o n d M E c ke n r o d e re cke n ro d e @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

E x e c u t ive E d i t o r Va l a r i e H a r r i n g v h a r r i n g @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

E d i t o r N a t h a n M a y b e rg n m a y b e rg @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

A d ve r t i s i n g D i re c t o r L a u r i e R a g l e l rag l e @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m

Advertising Sales

Lyn McElhaney lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers com

O b i t u a r i e s D e b b i e C a r l e t t i o b i t s @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m P ro d u c t i o n m a n a g e r R o b B r a i t l i n g r b ra i t l i n g @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m S u b s c r i p t i o

Just shy of one year since Hurricane Ian wiped out Fort Myers Beach, devastated Sanibel, Captiva and Matlacha, and whacked Cape Coral and Fort Myers, many of our tourism-reliant enterprises continue to struggle Various entities and indeed many businesses themselves have rallied in the wake of Ian, first pulling together to aid those who looked to regroup or rebuild and now to let locals and visitors alike know there are opportunities again to “Savor the Shores ”

Last month, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners waived tolls on the Sanibel Causeway for six Sundays in support of a campaign organized by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau to “encourage residents to enjoy access to local restaurants and attractions during the off-season ”

“Savor the Shore encourages residents to visit impacted coastal areas, eat at a local restaurant, shop, go to the beach and participate in activities,” officials said in a release promoting the program “The VCB is committed to supporting the business community's recovery by creating awareness and encouraging people to spend locally and make a difference in the local economy ”

The multi-week effort is being boosted via print, radio and television promotions, as well as through community efforts such as the SanCap Chamber's “Savor SanCap” initiative in conjunction with the VCB effort

“We really hope to motivate more people to come out to the islands for Sunday shopping, visiting attractions, lunch and dinner,” S a n C a p C h a m b e r P r e s i d e n t a n d C h i e f Executive Officer John Lai said “Anything we can do to help our businesses, we're giving it a shot.”

The Sunday toll waiver continues through Sept 10, with the county commission set to consider an extension to Sept 24 during its regular meeting on Sept 5

T h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h C h a m b e r o f Commerce has a similar message

“We’re Still Rebuilding, but we’re ready for you!” the chamber’s website invites “Like a phoenix from the ashes, Fort Myers Beach businesses are rising up, ready to welcome you back to our island with accommodation, food and fun!

“A lot of rebuilding remains to be done, but we still have the sunshine, our sugar-sand beach and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets our island is famous for So please come see us, and support our community as we build back better than ever!”

Web Poll

Previous Web Poll Results

Do you support Rick Loughery and his protest against the town and state decision that would require him to tear down his garage?

∫ Yes, his garage shouldn't come down, 75% ∫ No, the town must follow the codes, 19%

Unsure, 6%

Current Web Poll Question

Should repairing the Fort Myers Beach Pier be a top priority for Lee County?

∫ Yes, one of the most important priorities

∫ Important, but there are many other equally important projects

∫ It's not a top concern of mine

∫ Unsure

Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

And one more from the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce: “Come for a day, you will want to stay ”

“Pine Island and Matlacha suffered many losses due to Hurricane Ian However, island businesses and residents are resilient and strong and many of our businesses have already re-opened, and others are opening soon Please plan to include us in your travels We are here and welcome you to explore our wonderful island ”

Let us add one more point to that fourpronged approach: All of us are looking for little bit of normalcy: Dinner and a sunset A beverage and a shared appetizer or two A shopping stop at a unique hometown business to pick up an item or two

All of the things we took for granted a year ago.

For more information about Savor the Shore, visit visitfortmyers com or check out the chamber websites where listings of open businesses and more may be found at: sanib e l - c a p t i v a . o r g , f o r t m y e r s b e a c h . o r g o r pineislandchamber org

Rainy seasons and algal bloom trends Guest Commentary

By TRICIA McCORMACK

S u m m e r h a s c o m e t o S o u t h F l o r i d a a n d t h e r a i n y s e a s o n i s i n f u l l e f f e c t W h e t h e r y o u a r e f i s h i n g , b o a t i n g o r w a l k i n g o n t h e b e a c h w h e n t h e w a t e r i s b e a u t i f u l i t s e r v e s a s a n e s c a p e f r o m t h e d e v a s t a t i o n S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d i a n s h a v e e x p e r i e n c e d o v e r t h e l a s t y e a r a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n H o w e v e r , a l o n g w i t h t h e y e a r l y r a i n s , t h e r i s k o f t o x i c h a r m f u l a l g a l b l o o m s , d a m a g i n g l a k e r e l e a s e s a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l h a r m c a n f o l l o w W i t h t h e w a t e r q u a l i t y i s s u e s i n S o u t h F l o r i d a c o m p o u n d i n g o v e r t h e s u m m e r , w e h a v e t o b e p r e p a r e d f o r p o t e n t i a l e c o l o g i c a l , e c o n o m i c a n d h u m a n h e a l t h i m p a c t s t o o u r c o m m u n i t y

A s L a k e O k e e c h o b e e r i s e s w i t h t h e r a i n s , t h e w a t e r m u s t b e r e l e a s e d s o m ew h e r e , i n c r e a s i n g t h e r i s k o f d a m a g i n g d i s c h a r g e s t o t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e E s t u a r y

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

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

T h e s e t w o e v e n t s w i l l e x a c e r b a t e e x i s t i n g w a t e r q u a l i t y i s s u e s b y h i t t i n g F l o r i d a w i t h

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

d a m a g i n g e v e n t s a t o n c e

Hurricane Ir ma, red tide

The region has previously experienced long-term impacts on water quality from hurricanes In September of 2017, Hurricane Irma struck South Florida and brought with it an excessive amount of water, leading to long-lasting ecological ramifications including flooding Lake Okeechobee with excess nutrients and harm to aquatic wildlife

In the wake of a hurricane such as Irma, Lake Okeechobee can have above average water levels for months after a storm's landfall When the lake's water level exceeds its s t a n d a r d t h r e s h o l d , t h e w a t e r m u s t b e released through lock and dam structures along the Caloosahatchee These lake flows send ample amounts of the lake's fresh water down the Caloosahatchee and into the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in damaging discharges

Damaging discharges are the high influxes of freshwater into a body of saltwater, which causes dramatic changes in salinity and can cause harm to species like tape grass and oysters “Optimal” flows can also have

damaging effects when the water being discharged contains other pollutants

Any additional high influx of water to Lake Okeechobee such as from a hurricane or uncharacteristically rainy dry season from an El Niño will increase flows and discharges This harms the ecological health of Southwest Florida by pushing the salinity envelope, and excessive nutrients that come from agricultural and stormwater runoff (mainly phosphorus and nitrogen) also create the perfect conditions for harmful algal blooms

As blue-green algae dies entering saltwater, its nutrients are freed into the saltwater and readily taken up by Karenia brevis diatoms, resulting in red tide blooms Along with harming the marine environment, red tide blooms cause respiratory inflammation among beach-goers and may lead to massive amounts of wildlife death. These issues have ultimately cost Florida millions of dollars in lost tourism revenue

Last El Niño's effects on summer

Lee County Supervisor of Elections to mail vote-by-mail request notices

In preparation for the upcoming 2024 election cycle, the Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office will mail approximately 150,000 Vote-by-Mail Request Expired Notices to registered voters who had previously requested a Vote-by-Mail Ballot for the 2022 General Election but have not yet submitted a request for the upcoming election cycle.

“This notice will serve as a reminder for voters to update their request with our office,” says Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle “I encourage voters to request their Vote-by-Mail Ballot even if they plan to vote in person; life is unpredictable, as seen with last year's hurricane Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot acts as an insurance

Algal bloom trends

conditions for red tide, El Niño events facilitate the presence of blue-green algae in freshwater, which lead to toxic Harmful

A l g a l B l o o m s ( H A B s ) L a k e Okeechobee's blue-green algal blooms h a v e b e c o m e i n c r e a s i n g l y c o m m o n

However, El Niños while they make hurricanes less frequent often bring more rain to South Florida during the dry season

With the additional rain, flows must be released from the lake And since El Niño events cause this to occur during the dry season, algal blooms become more prominent and last longer As nutrient-rich lake w a t e r i s r e l e a s e d d o w n t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e , i t b r i n g s e x c e s s i v e amounts of nutrients into the Gulf to be taken up by K brevis diatoms, resulting in red tide blooms

Although algal blooms occur naturally, water releases from Lake Okeechobee can

policy in the event of an emergency ”

Lee County will hold the following three elections in 2024: the Presidential Preference Primary Election on March 19, the Primary Election on August 20, and the General Election on November 5

Voters who receive a Vote-by-Mail Request Expired

From page 4

transport them to other areas and threaten the health of people, wildlife and the environment

Both hurricanes and El Niño events facilitate the conditions that exacerbate red tide and other HABs The lasting ramifications from Ian, in combination with this year's El Niño event, provide optimal conditions for larger and longer lasting blooms to occur during this upcoming dry season Their intensification contributes to the detriment of Southwest Florida's economy, human health and ecological health.

As of June, this year's patterns of lake heights, flows,and resulting algal blooms closely follow those of 2018 Both Irma a n d I a n h i t i n m i d - l a t e S e p t e m b e r

Following these hurricanes, Florida suffered red tide blooms beginning in midNovember and lasting for several months in both 2017 and 2022

Notice may update their request status online, by phone (239) 533-8683, by mail, e-mail, fax, in person at any one of our branch offices locations, or by scanning the QR code on the postcard New requests are valid through December 2024

Voting by mail is a safe, secure, and convenient voting method. Voters are encouraged to act now and submit their Vote-by-Mail requests before the 2024 election cycle to ensure their voices are heard!

The mission of the Lee County Supervisor of Elections is to deliver superior election services to the voters of Lee County.

In May of 2018 and 2023, Lake Okeechobee reached its lowest lake levels of each year; however, in each of these years the lowest lake level was still about a foot or two above ideal lake height for the peak of dry season Lastly, in 2018, a significant blue-green algae bloom covered much of Lake Okeechobee from May u n t i l S e p t e m b e r A b l u e - g r e e n a l g a e bloom covered over 80% of the lake at points this July and August and has since been fluctuating in percentage The simil a r i t i e s b e t w e e n e c o l o g i c a l e v e n t s i n 2017-18 and 2022-23 could imply a possible increase in the presence of HABs in Southwest Florida this fall

Call to action

To effectively combat a potentially damaging rainy season, Lake Okeechobee discharge protocols and nutrient-management modifications are urgently needed

Since things like hurricanes and El Niño events cannot be controlled, we need to focus on what we can control nutrient pollution in our water sources

There is hope in current projects to improve water quality, such as the ALJO Four Corners Rapid Infiltration project, which will create 20,000 acre-feet of new water storage, remove 1 2 metric tons per year of total phorphorus and remove 39plus metric tons per year of total nitrogen Projects like these must continue to be prioritized to achieve and maintain adequate water quality in Southwest Florida.

Tricia McCormack is an environmental policy intern with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Founded in 1967, the SCCF's mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems For more information, visit www sccf org

State issues warning of contaminated gas supplied by Citgo and 7-Eleven

T

Consumer Services has identified a potentially widespread fuel contamination involving Citgo gas that was caused by human error at the Port of Tampa Fuel purchased after 10 a m on Saturday, Aug 26, at stations supplied by Citgo from the Port of Tampa has a strong likelihood of being contaminated, the department reported

Citgo released the following list of affected Florida gas stations:

∫ Big Dan's Car Wash: 39522 US Highway 19 N , Tarpon Springs

∫ 7-Eleven: 3437 US Highway 19, Holiday

∫ 7-Eleven: 13411 Fish Hawk Boulevard, Lithia

∫ 7-Eleven: 4325 Lee Boulevard, Lehigh Acres

∫ 7-Eleven: 12750 South Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers

∫ 7-Eleven: 290 Lakeland Park Road, Lakeland

∫ 7-Eleven: 720 Chiquita Boulevard, North Cape Coral

∫ 7-Eleven: 2604 Skyline Boulevard, Cape Coral

∫ 7-Eleven: 940 S Broad St , Brooksville

∫ 7-Eleven: 1626 Meadow Road, Lehigh Acres

∫ 7-Eleven: 2401 James Redman Parkway, Plant City

∫ 7-Eleven: 601 Pine Island Rd S W , Cape Coral

∫ 7-Eleven: 6050 Dean Dairy Road, Zephyrhills

∫ 7-Eleven: 714 Burnt Store Road, Cape Coral

∫ BJ's Wholesale: 1929 Pine Island Road N E , Cape Coral

∫ BJ's Wholesale: 9372 Ben C Pratt Six Mile Cypress Pkwy , Fort Myers

∫ BJ's Wholesale: 13585 NE 86th Path, Lady Lakes

∫ Handy Foods Store #86: 21321 Palm Beach Blvd , Alva

∫ Handy Foods Store #87: 3205 Lee Blvd , Lehigh Acres

∫ Superday CITGO: 1595 South McCall Road, Port Charlotte

∫ Bolton One LLC: 15434 US Highway 19, Hudson

∫ JHW #310 - DBA Avenue CITGO: 11867 N Williams St , Dunellon

∫ AL Prime - Daytona Beach: 1898 S Clyde Morris Blvd , Daytona Beach

∫ Quick & Easy Stop: 4529 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota

∫

Sarasota

∫ Faulkenburg CITGO: 5320 Faulkenburg Road, Tampa

∫ Choice Food & Gas: 310 N Central Ave , Umatilla

∫ 2K Express 5: 6202 N 40th St , Tampa

∫ Perfection Station 5: 9931 N Florida Ave , Tampa

Myerside owners to present redevelopment plans

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The owners of Myerside Resort and Cottages, which was devastated by Hurricane Ian at its location off Oak and School Street near the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School, have new plans to rebuild the property with a 42unit hotel

The property, owned by Beverley Milligan and Rolan Weinmann, would require a new rezoning to a commercial planned development

The developers will be making a presentation to the community Thursday at the DiamondHead Beach Resort at 5 p m to introduce the project

small restaurant space Architectural plans are not yet finalized though the project is being designed by Patrick Vanasse’s The Neighborhood Company According to Ken Gallander, vice president of the firm, the overall building height will be less than the town library which is more than 50 feet in height

Contaminated gasoline and diesel have the potential of causing engine damage or affecting operability, the department said Impacted stations have been asked to stop selling gas until the contaminated fuel is replaced and tanks are cleaned

See CONTAMINATED GAS, page 12

The property, which was approved for a rezoning by the town council in 2021, formerly consisted of a group of cottages on the 14-lot property A rezoning allowed the owners to construct a restaurant and boutique story at the property.

Under the new plans, a 42-unit hotel with four additional work or housing units would be constructed at the site which fronts Estero Boulevard on one side, the Fort Myers Beach Library on another side and the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus on the other end.

The developers are proposing a hotel with 8,500 square feet of commercial, retail, personal services, and

Aiming to preserve the town’s cottages, the Fort Myers Beach Council in 2021 approved a rezoning of the property from residential conservation to commercial planned development and gave the go-ahead for the property to have a boutique store and restaurant which would allow for the sale of alcohol despite opposition from the Lee County School District and some in the community over its location next to the Fort Myers Beach Little League and Bay Oaks Recreational Campus

Town staff had recommended denial of that project for being inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and the residential neighborhood

As part of the stipulations of the 2021 agreement, the hotel had noise restrictions barring music until after school hours on weekdays The owners delivered a check to the town in 2021 for $12,000 to help pay for a new sidewalk in front of the property and had hoped to preserve the cottages before Hurricane Ian.

NATHAN MAYBERG

Myerside Cottages was largely destroyed by Hurricane Ian, with little left and little expected to be saved on the property located across from the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School

Beach Living Beach Elementary School Rebuild Begins

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

With 100-day contracts in place for contractors to finish the work, the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School is on target for a reopening in November

This week, work began on the reconstruction of the historic school building, following the demolition of the outer buildings earlier this summer

Rehabilitation work at the school had been completed earlier in the year to stabilize the school and address mold.

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Principal Dr Traci Kohler was all smiles at the school Wednesday as construction crews worked in earnest to install heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment while overhauling the interior of the school which is on the National Registrar of Historic Places

“It’s very exciting It’s nice to see progress being made,” Kohler said

K o h l e r h a s b e e n w o r k i n g a t S a n C a r l o s P a r k Elementary School since last year, helping to oversee approximately 50 Fort Myers Beach Elementary School students who have been attending school there since after Hurricane Ian Students returned there for the new school year on Aug 10

“They are doing so well They are happy because they know this is the year they get to return to their Beach school,” Kohler said The school could be ready to open by Nov 13 with about a dozen rooms including classrooms and offices, she said The cafeteria was lost in the demolition of the two outer buildings Lunch will be delivered from Lexington Middle School and eaten in classrooms, Kohler said The school district intends to use Bay Oaks Recreational Campus for in-school and after-school programming.

Kohler said teachers “lost a lot of materials” in the school during the hurricane “Not much was able to be saved,” Kohler said While many books, supplies and instructional materials were lost in the hurricane Kohler said many of the supplies teachers rely on were compensated through generous donations from the Fort Myers Beach community, including the Fort Myers Beach

Community Foundation Kohler said she was able to save a few historical photos of Fort Myers Beach that were on her office wall with the help of Lee County Schools Supt Dr Chris Bernier

NATHAN MAYBERG

The reconstruction of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School began last week, nearly 11 months after Hurricane Ian, with work on the historic school taking classrooms and hallways to their bare bones

See SCHOOL REBUILD BEGINS, page 9

School rebuild begins

Kohler said the loss of instructional m a t e r i a l s w a s t h e “ g r e a t e s t l o s s ” t o teachers at the school “It was personal t o t h e m t o h e l p s t u d e n t s l e a r n a n d teach ”

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School parent Monica Schmucker, co-treasurer of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Parent Teachers Association and a candidate for the school board, said “I am just glad that we are finally moving forward Of course, it comes with mixed

From page 8

emotions and built-up anxiety, because we should have been here many months ago But I do want to focus on the positive and on moving forward from here I just hope that everyone involved in the rebuild understands, and acts with, the sense of urgency that our community has been feeling to get our kids back on the island ”

The estimated cost of the first phase of construction is $10 4 million with another $9 million for the second phase

if enrollment warrants it The current school is meant to accommodate 80 students If enrollment increases past 80 students, the outer buildings would be built along with a new cafeteria The school needs to hit a targeted enrollment increase by the 2026-27 school year or it could turn into a charter school. Lee

C o u n t y S c h o o l D i s t r i c t s p o k e s p e r s o n

Rob Spicker said the district expects the construction to be covered mostly by insurance and the Federal Emergency

Management Agency The district has received $50 million from its insurance p a y o u t a n d a b o u t $ 1 1 f r o m F E M A , Spicker said

“We’re real excited that it’s getting started what this community wanted,” Spicker said “They have 100 days to finish. We’re preparing to deliver.”

S c h m u c k e r s a i d “ I a m a n x i o u s l y keeping my fingers crossed that the next couple months go smoothly, as I am sure many people are ”

NATHAN MAYBERG

The reconstruction of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School began last week, nearly 11 months after Hurricane Ian, with work on the historic school taking classrooms and hallways to their bare bones

Calusa Waterkeeper, SCCF pull back from suit over Chiquita Lock

Citing the possibility of being liable for legal fees if they lose the case over a technicality, The Calusa W a t e r k e e p e r a n d S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n Foundation (SCCF) pulled back from a suit challenging the city of Cape Coral’s bid to remove the Chiquita Lock, a move they say will lead to the degradation of the environment and water quality

A previous attempt by the city of Cape Coral to do so was denied in 2019

In a statement, the Calusa Waterkeeper said its Board of Directors made the decision “over a technical argument of when our organization became a ‘notified party,’ and thus began the window for filing the challenge in the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings ”

The challenge to the permit will continue with other named petitioners, the Calusa Waterkeeper said

“The City of Cape Coral hired an outside legal firm that specializes in cases and tactics that quash citizen involvement in local government affairs Their strategies of ‘papering’ the case, running up fees (on the taxpayers’ dime), and intimidating the nonprofit organizations and individual citizens have partially worked ”

The Calusa Waterkeeper cited the possibility it could be liable for legal fees if it lost the case as a reason for dropping the suit.

“The law firm representing the City of Cape Coral and Florida Department of Environmental Protection have assigned no less than six attorneys to this case to both overwhelm the citizen petitioners with various motions and filings while also running up the time and cost of their activities This is another example in a long line of systematic efforts to diminish and discourage citizen initiatives by those in power throughout the state of Florida,” the Calusa Waterkeeper said

“Despite our decision to withdraw, and despite the

outcome of this challenge, Calusa Waterkeeper remains opposed to the removal of the Chiquita Lock. Removing this control structure will have negative impacts on the water quality (increased stormwater and nutrient loading) and surrounding habitat (degrading the mangrove fringe a n d s m a l l t o o t h s a w f

t ) i n t h e Caloosahatchee River and Matlacha Pass ”

The Calusa Waterkeeper said the City of Cape Coral’s refusal to accept a 2019 ruling by a state administrative law judge over its previous attempt to remove the Chiquita Lock “should alarm its residents Similarly, anyone who cares for our environment should be equally a l a r m e d a s t o w h y t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f

Environmental Protection continues to approve and aid in these activities ”

The City of Cape Coral communications office declined to comment The Department of Environmental Protection’s communications office did not respond to requests for comment

“In our view, an upgraded lock remains the win-win solution to this issue,” the Calusa Waterkeeper said in its statement “A new modern lock can be engineered to both safeguard the water quality and groundwater table in the area, while also improving conditions for safe and convenient navigability for both marine wildlife and boaters.

“It’s time for the City of Cape Coral to step up and maintain the south spreader system as it was designed; to detain and treat stormwater runoff before being discharged into the estuary Nutrient laden stormwater runoff contributes to the growth of harmful algal blooms such as red tide and blue-green algae ”

The Florida Department of Administrative Hearings denied a request for petition from the city regarding an award of expenses motion, saying "the City did not attempt in good faith" to resolve matters with the chal-

lengers before filing the motion for relief

The Division of Administrative Hearing held an evidentiary hearing Monday

In a statement, the SCCF said it was forced to step away from the legal challenge due to issues of whether or not the parties had received adequate notice prior to filing our petition and the City of Cape Coral’s threat of running up massive attorneys’ fees

“We are disappointed that we are not able to continue as a petitioner However, we remain committed to our position that the lock should remain in place and to our mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems,” said SCCF CEO James Evans

SCCF monitors the ecology and water quality in the a r e a s i m p a c t e d b y t h e p r o j e c t , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h e

Caloosahatchee River

The SCCF contends that the Chiquita Lock remains the last backstop in preventing polluted water from entering the estuary from the south spreader system Its removal will likely result in a further decline of water quality and impacts to the surrounding mangrove ecosystems, the organization believes

“We believe that the City of Cape Coral should honor the agreement formed in the original consent decree and repair the lock to ensure that its pollution is remediated, manatees are protected, and the spreader system continues to function,” Evans said

SCCF’s Marine Lab monitors the water quality and its impact on fish and wildlife habitat, including oysters, seagrasses, and mangroves, are protected into the future

The Calusa Waterkeeper said its mission was to “protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal waters Informing the public on the potential harm to water quality and estuarine habitat by the removal of the Chiquita Lock structures is not easy, but it is our duty "

Communications draft plan introduced

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 A n e w d r a f t c o m m u n i c a t i o n s p l a n p r e s e n t e d b y T o w n o f F o r t M y e r s B e a c h C o m m u n i c a t i o n s D i r e c t o r J e n n i f e r D e x t e r w o u l d i n c r e a s e s p e n d i n g f o r m o r e p e r s o n n e l a n d t e c h n o l o g y , a l o n g w i t h a n e w p o l i c y f o r m e d i a r e q u e s t s D e x t e r s a i d s h e w a n t s t o h a v e a “ p o l i c y f o r m e d i a r e q u e s t s ” i n w h i c h “ a l l o f t h o s e i n t e r v i e w r e q u e s t s c o m e t h r o u g h t h e P I O ( P u b l i c I n f o r m a t i o n O f f i c e r ) . ” D e x t e r s a i d t h a t w a s s t a n d a r d p r a c t i c e D e x t e r s a i d c o u n c i l m e m b e r s “ c a n d o t h e i r o w n t h i n g o b v i o u s l y a n d i f y o u d o , d o t h a t , t h e i m p o r t a n t t h i n g w o u l d b e t o l e t m e k n o w b e c a u s e I d o k e e p t r a c k o f i n f o r m a t i o n I d o k e e p t r a c k o f i n t e r v i e w s a n d a l s o i t h e l p s m e t o k e e p t r a c k b e t t e r o f t h e m e ss a g e s w e a r e p u t t i n g o u t ” D e x t e r s a i d s h e w i l l b e i n t r o d u c i n g a f o r m a l p o l ic y i n S e p t e m b e r A s u r v e y o f r e s i d e n t s b y t h e t o w n s h o w e d a d e s i r e f o r m o r e t e x t m e s s a g e s , e m a i l s a n d v i d e o s a b o u t p e rm i t t i n g , D e x t e r s a i d . D e x t e r s u g g e s t e d a w e e k l y F a c e b o o k L i v e v i d e o w i t h c o u n c i l m e m b e r s a n d m o r e m e d i a a v a i l a b i l i t y f o r o f f i c i a l s d u r i n g a n e m e r g e n c y D e x t e r s a i d W G C U “ w o u l d b e o u r g o - t o i f w e w e r e d o w n t e c h n o l o g y - w i s e ” d u r i n g a n o t h e r h u r r ic a n e I n a r e v i e w o f t h e t o w n ’ s c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n , D e x t e r s a i d s h e w a s i n u n d a t e d w i t h “ P I O ( p u b l i c i n f o r m a t i o n o f f i c e r s ) s u p p o r t , q u o t e o n q u o t e ‘ s u p p o r t , ’ a f t e r t h e s t o r m , ” D e x t e r s a i d “ T h a t b e c a m e , f r a n k l y , m o r e t r o u b l e t h a n i t w a s w o r t h i n a

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

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h M a y o r D a n A l l e r s a s k e d D e x t e r “ W h y w a s i t m o r e t r o u b l e t h a n i t w a s w o r t h ? ”

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I w a s b u s y g e t t i n g t h e i n f o r m a t i o n o u t a n d t r y i n g t o g e t o u r s y s t e m s b a c k u p s o t h e r e w a s n ’ t a n y t h i n g f o r t h a t m a n y p e o p l e t o d o a t a l l , ” D e x t e r s a i d “ I n s t e a d o f b e i n g a b l e t o d o t h e w o r k I w a s h a v i n g t o m a n a g e a l l o f t h e m a n d i t w a s j u s t n o t w o r k i n g c o r r e c t l y ” D e x t e r s a i d h e r c o m p u t e r c r a s h e d a n d s h e h a d n o c o m p u t e r f o r t h e f i r s t w e e k a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n u n t i l t h e F e d e r a l E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e n t A g e n c y p r o v i de d h e r a c o m p u t e r . D e x t e r s a i d a p u b l i c i n f o r m a t i o n o f f i c e r f r o m L o u i s i a n a w o r k i n g r e m o t e l y w a s h e l p f u l a s w a s t h e N e w Y o r k C i t y F i r e D e p a r t m e n t “ I ’ m j u s t a l i t t l e c o n c e r n e d t h a t w e a r e t a k i n g a p o s i t i o n t h a t t h e y w e r e m o r e h a r m f u l t h a n h e l p f u l , ” A l l e r s s a i d “ T h e r e w a s p l e n t y o f i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t n e e d e d t o g e t o u t a n d i t w a s j u s t n o t g e t t i n g o u t I w o u l d h a v e t h o u g h t m a y b e w e h a d a n i n t e r n a l i s s u e w i t h n o t g e t t i n g t h e r i g h t i n f o r m a t i o n o u t I j u s t w a n t t o m a k e s u r e w e a r e n o t s l a p p i n g t h e h a n d t h a t r e a c h e d o u t t o g i v e u s a h a n d ” S o m e o f t h e p u b l i c i n f o r m a t i o n o f f i c e r s w h o c a m e t o a s s i s t t h e t o w n r e p r e s e n t e d v a r i o u s e m e r g e n c y m a n a g e m e n t a g e n c i e s w h o “ I h a d n o c l u e w e r e c o mi n g , ” D e x t e r s a i d “ T h e y j u s t d e s c e n d e d T h e y w e r e n ’ t a s k e d t o I t w a s a p r o b l e m I ’ m n o t s a y i n g o v e r a l l i t w a s a p r o b l e m t o h a v e f o l k s h e r e I t w a s

g r e a t W e j u s t n e e d e d i t i n a m e a s u r e d w a y ”

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D e x t e r s a i d s h e n o w h a s c o n t a c t s t h r o u g h t h e

F l o r i d a A s s o c i a t i o n o f P u b l i c I n f o r m a t i o n O f f i c e r s a s s o c i a t i o n t h a t t h e t o w n c a n u t i l i z e i n t h e e v e n t o f a f u t u r e e m e r g e n c y A l l e r s s a i d “ c o m m u n i c a t i o n w a s o u r b i g g e s t

b r e a k d o w n a f t e r t h a t s t o r m b y f a r a n d n o b o d y c a n a r g u e t h a t ” A l l e r s s a i d “ I t w a s n ’ t m a n a g e d v e r y w e l l i n a t i m e t h a t w e n e e d t o g e t t h e i n f o r m a t i o n o u t ”

D e x t e r s a i d s h e w a s a b l e t o g e t m e s s a g e s o u t o n

F a c e b o o k o v e r h e r p h o n e d a y s a f t e r t h e s t o r m A l l e r s s a i d o t h e r o f f i c e r s c o u l d h a v e h e l p e d t h e t o w n g e t m e s s a g e s o u t o n F a c e b o o k “ I t n e e d s t o b e a c o o r d i n a t e d e f f o r t , ” D e x t e r s a i d

D e x t e r a l s o p r o p o s e d a n u m b e r o f s p e n d i n g i t e m s t o g o w i t h t h e p l a n i n c l u d i n g h i r i n g a n i n t e r n f o r s o c i a l m e d i a s u p p o r t a t a c o s t o f a b o u t $ 6 0 0 a m o n t h , a p e r m i t t i n g m o d u l e a t a n e s t i m a t e d c o s t o f $ 2 5 , 0 0 0 f o r t h e f i r s t y e a r a n d $ 1 2 , 0 0 0 a n n u a l l y , a w e b s i t e a p p a t a c o s t o f $ 1 5 , 0 0 0 , h i r i n g a d i g i t a l c o m p a n y t o w o r k o n v i d e o s , $ 2 , 5 0 0 f o r p r o m o t i o n a l i t e m s a n d a t e n t , a n d s p e n d i n g $ 1 2 , 0 0 0 o n a n i n f o s h e e t t o g o w i t h u t i l i t y b i l l s A m o n g t h e p r o p o s a l s w a s $ 1 5 , 0 0 0 f o r a w e b s i t e r e f r e s h T h e t o w n l a s t d i d a r e f r e s h o f i t s w e b s i t e t w o y e a r s a g o A l l e r s s a i d t h e t o w n ’ s w e b s i t e i s s u e s a r e m a k i n g i n f o r m a t i o n m o r e e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e D e x t e r s a i d t h e r e i s a l o t o f c r i t i c i s m o f t h e w e b s i t e

,

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said residents should not consider their trailers safe during a hurricane and should evacuate them if an evacuation order is given “Do not stay in your trailers Even with a minor surge, they could float away,” Allers said. “We want you to get out of there as soon as you can ”

Allers urged residents to secure their belongings, particularly items that could be blown away and caused damage, from garbage cans to boats “We want to make sure we are in front of it," Allers said “Don’t be complacent ”

In another message sent out by town communications director Jennifer Dexter, residents were advised to move their trailers off island

Fort Myers Beach Councilember Bill Veach said Monday afternoon that he hadn’t yet made up on his mind on what do with his trailer, which was hooked up to sewer “I don’t have the ability to move my trailer on my own,” Veach said He would need assistance and said it would be difficult to move the trailer since the

sewer connection is “rigid” and drilled down It would be difficult to re-attach it in the same location, Veach said “It’s not easy,” he said Veach said he was concerned about his garage, which is exposed from Hurricane Ian

Wirth said there could be two to four feet of storm surge though in a worst-case scenario there could be seven to 11 feet of storm surge

“We know from Ian that the track can change in one cycle,” Wirth said

Wirth said fire officials may need to evacuate the island depending on the severity of the storm The fire department would also move its operations off the island if the hurricane worsens and the storm surge is greater than expected

Re-entry onto the island could be delayed depending on the severity of the hurricane, officials said The town is issuing hurricane passes to residents and island business owners at the town hall complex “We’re going to secure the scene,” Wirth said If the town gets hit with hurricane-force or tropical storm

Contaminated gas

If you purchased gas from affected stat i o n s a f t e r 1 0 : 0 0 a m o n S a t u r d a y , August 26, the Florida Department of Agriculture of Consumer services advises consumers that vehicles or generators may not properly function

From page 6

The department opened up the consumer hotline to receive complaints from impacted consumers If you believe you were sold contaminated gasoline, you can file a complaint by calling 1-800-HELPFLA online at www fdacs gov

winds, Wirth said the fire department would ensure that downed power lines were secured and life hazards were not in the way before residents could return

Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt, who has been renting out a residence near town hall since units at his Bermuda Dunes condo building became uninhabitable after Hurricane Ian, said another hurricane would be tough on he and his wife Brenda Atterholt said he liked “the relationships between the town, fire and county The relationships have never been better ”

Allers said “I’m really hoping that we never have to worry about this again,”

Allers said Lee County School District closed its schools on Tuesday and Lee County Government closed its offices as well do the impending tropical storm DeSantis issued a state of emergency for more than 30 counties in Florida, i n c l u d i n g L e e C o u n t y D e S a n t i s s a i d many Florida residents could expect to see a loss of electricity from Idalia “Be

prepared to lose power,” he said DeSantis s

Florida could see “major, major impacts” though forecasts had the hurricane landing north of Tampa

FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Idalia beginning Aug 27

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the effects of the emergency Emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Brett H Howard has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas

In a statement, the department said it w a s w o r k i n g w i t h t h e D i v i s i o n o f Emergency Management, which is “coordinating with petroleum retailers, ports and all additional stakeholders to ensure that this disruption won’t be widespread

and that residents can have seamless access to fuel At the direction of the Governor, FDEM has already waived size, weight, and hour restrictions to get resources into the state as quickly and efficiently as possible "

Disorientations

guide the hatchlings to the Gulf

From page 1

The good news is 71 sea turtle nests this year on the board with 58 hatches so far

This past week, Haverfield was out checking on nest 59 which hatched “We’re very happy That was one of the many nests we were worried about ”

Three days after a nest hatches, Haverfield will excavate the nest to see how many eggs were in the nest and how many didn’t hatch. On this day, she was checking on a nest that had 123 eggs Of those 112 hatched and 11 didn’t That’s a good number especially for late in the season when the numbers start to go down

“That’s what its all about Our job and our satisfaction is to know as many hatchlings made it into the Gulf,” Haverfield said

While 71 nests is down from 109 last year, 87 the year before and 2020’s record of 132 nests, Haverfield said the lower number might not be so bad this year due to all of the disruptions on the island that could make it tougher on hatchlings

On Bonita Beach, there have been 151 nests and 268 false crawls

Standing near where the stone remnants of Tiki on the Beach Resort stood on Fort Myers Beach before it was destroyed in Hurricane Ian, Haverfield said the loss of so many buildings on the island has meant more lights being visible on the beach from Estero Boulevard and the side streets than there used to be Lights from those buildings that were previously not visible to sea turtle hatchlings and

Flooding

From page 1

there could be flooding risks Wednesday as the storm passes Hamman said forecasts called for a rapid intensification of Hurricane Idalia that will see it grow from a Category 1 to Category 3 storm Wednesday though the county expects the storm to miss Fort Myers Beach, passing off its coast Hamman said county residents can expect to feel indirect impacts from the hurricane, with thunderstorms beginning this afternoon

nesting sea turtles, can now cause disorientations Dozens of homes and businesses that once lined the beachfront of Fort Myers Beach are now gone, leaving large spaces of light to shine through

Still, the 71 nests this year is much better than the five nests Turtle Time documented in its first year on the island back in 1989 and part of the great recovery of sea turtles who are considered threatened and protected under the Endangered Species Act.

It’s why Haverfield gets up every day at 4:30 a m to begin her tours of Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach She estimates she only has taken two days off since turtle nesting season began in late April She has a large group of volunteers on both islands who assist her in looking out for nests and false crawls when a mother turtle gets spooked or doesn’t find a location suitable for nesting

That’s part of the bad news as well There have been 201 false crawls on the island this year, a record That’s largely attributed to the loss of plant life on the beach during the hurricane The turtles prefer to nest near plants, and on slightly elevated ground where their nests will be protected from erosion and predators

The good on news that front is the town’s emergency berm, provided with funds from the county and state, has provided sand at an elevated level that the sea turtles are using to nest in

The Town of Fort Myers Beach did not make available the number of violations issued for its turtle light ordinance this year In a three-month span last year, the town issued

“ D o n o t g o t o t h e b e a c h t o d a y , ”

Hamman said Tuesday morning Hamman said parents shouldn’t allow children near standing water

“Be vigilant,” Hamman said

Hamman recommended that residents not drive in the evening

“Tonight’s a good night to just stay home,” Hamman said. “Use common sense

T h e c o u n t y c l o s e d i t s g o v e r n m e n t offices Tuesday and Lee County School

220 violations for its turtle light ordinance

With a background in nursing and mental health counseling, Haverfield became an expert on sea turtle nesting since first tracking sea turtle nests on Sanibel more than 40 years ago with Caretta Research She was eventually asked by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to start tracking sea turtle nests on Fort Myers Beach and to lead conservation efforts here after she said sea turtle hatchlings were dying in large numbers after getting disoriented and heading out to Estero Boulevard

Over the years, Haverfield has built a team of volunteers helping her to identify the nests, the hatchlings, the false crawls and disorientations They help save disoriented turtles and take care of dead sea turtles that was ashore They also educate curious onlookers who frequently stop by to ask questions about the taped-off nests particularly after a hatching when the fresh, small footprints of dozens of turtles can be seen from the nest to the water in a series of straight lines

Haverfield will hand out pamphlets and information about the sea turtles and Turtle Time to tourists and visitors

“I have tremendous volunteers These volunteers are awesome, dedicated, educated, concerned and diplomatic They have to deal with people who are almost as enthralled with turtles as we are Turtles need the beach to survive We need to share the beach responsibly,” Haverfield said

District canceled classes as well

“We will get through this,” Hamman said “We are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best ”

L e e C o u n t y h a s o p e n e d t w o s a f e havens in Estero and North Fort Myers for residents with housing not secure due to p r e v i o u s s t o r m d a m a g e , L e e C o u n t y Communications Director Betsy Clayton announced in response to Tropical Storm Idalia

The safe havens are located at:

∫ N o r t h F o r t M y e r s R e c r e a t i o n

C e n t e r , 2 0 0 0 N o r t h R e c r e a t i o n P a r k Way, North Fort Myers, FL, 22903

∫ Estero Recreation Center, 9200 C o r k s c r e w P a l m s B l v d , E s t e r o , F L , 33928

Clayton said the safe havens “are not shelters They are a safe place for anyone who does not feel secure in their housing situation and who perhaps does not have a friend’s home or a family member’s home to go to ”

NATHAN MAYBERG

Turtle Time founder Eve Haverfield attends to one of 71 loggerhead sea turtle nests on Fort Myers Beach Tracks from the hatchlings are still visible the morning after a nest hatched overnight Nests are down this year, while disorientations and false crawls are up.

Lee County schools open doors to volunteers

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Lee County schools are looking to increase parental involvement as the doors are open for teers again

L e e C o u n t y S c h o B o a r d M e m b e r S a m

Fisher said last week now that parents are allowed back into the b u i l d i n g s t o v o l u nteer, he wanted to see what the board could further do to help Th goal is to make sure th are good partners with parents of the district

“I want to see wh do to further help our community get back in the school and understand how important it is to get into the school,” he said in the Aug 22 meeting, asking if there is “something we as a board can help try to promote ”

Board Member Jada Langford-Fleming believes that when they talk about the district's mission of being a world-class system, that also means outside the four walls of a classroom by bringing in families to make sure they feel welcome in the schools

“I would love to see that more unified across the district in every zone Some schools have great programs,” she said One of those programs is called the

Watchdog Program, which brings fathers into the school to volunteer doing such tasks as opening car doors in the morning at parent pickup lines or having i n t h e c a f e t e r i a , ford-Fleming said

“ P r o g r a m s l i k e t h a t en't spread throughout he county as much as in some of the schools with strong PTO/PTA

g r o u p s , ” s h e s a i d , adding that conversations with staff should

a p p e n t o b r a i n s t o r m me ways they can partwith parents in all of hools

n t e n d e n t D r

Christopher Bernier said both PTA and PTO groups form in particular ways He said the PTA is very different, as it has to be adopted by the Florida PTA He said the PTO lacks the necessary step of being certified as the PTA

Bernier said the strategic plan includes school improvement plans, which need to have a strategy for parental involvement

Langford-Fleming said there are several businesses willing to partner with the schools to provide assistance and develop relationships.

“It is important we as a district make sure local businesses here in town are made aware of these needs People want to help, but don't know how,” she said

WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE

SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendars, the always popular “Putt & Pub” is returning to Fort Myers Beach The Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club will be hosting the 12th annual Putt & Pub – Saturday, Jan 20, on Fort Myers Beach

Sponsored by The King Family Foundation, this day event draws over 300+ “golfers” and hundreds of spectators to the center of Fort Myers Beach, while promoting 10 nonprofit organizations and supporting local bars and restaurants for a full day of putt-putt golf and outdoor excitement

“We are proud to be able to support this event once again,” said local Realtor Alex King “For over 60 years,

The King Family has made their home on Fort Myers Beach We are still committed after Hurricane Ian to continue our support We are sponsoring the Fort Myers Beach Women’s Club Putt & Pub because we feel that they are the BRIDGE to so many organizations and causes who give back to our island ”

T h e P u t t & P u b i s h o s t e d b y t h e F o r t M y e r s Beach Woman’s Club, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support all area non-profit organizations through events and fundraisers Each year, nine local non-profit groups and nine area bars and restaurants, create a championship “golf course” throughout the North end of the island Teams of four come in costume to

compete for one of the many coveted prizes and to have a great day eating and drinking at the beach

“ E a c h h o l e i s m a n n e d b y a p a r t i c i p a t i n g n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d f e a t u r e s d r i n k s s p e c i a l s , g a m e s , a n d o t h e r f u n d r a i s i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s , ” s t a t e d D a w n T h o m a s , t h i s y e a r ’ s c o - c h a i r a n d W o m a n ’ s C l u b P r e s i d e n t “ P r o c e e d s a r e d i v i d e d b e t w e e n t h e p a r t i c i p a t i n g n o n - p r o f i t g r o u p s T h i s y e a r , w e w i l l h o l d o u r a w a r d s c e r e m o n y a t t h e n e w M a r g a r i t a v i l l e S u n D e c k T h i s i s o n e b e a c h e v e n t y o u w o n ’ t w a n t t o m i s s ” T o R e g i s t e r Y o u r T e a m a n d R e c e i v e m o r e

Information: Go to https://www fmb-wc org/

Fort Myers Beach Art Association summer show hits final week

STAFF REPORT

Works from the Fort Myers Beach Art Association are among more than 50 paintings by 37 regional artists now on display through Sept 7 at the Tribby Arts Center in Fort Myers

The show, entitled “Fortitude: Works by the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Sanibel-Captiva Art League” presents paintings created in a wide range of mediums, from delicate watercolors to fabric collages

The Tribby Arts Center, located at Shell Point R e t i r e m e n t Community, is the latest organization to feature works by the art associations after damage to their communities in Hurricane Ian

If You Go:

What:

“Fortitude: Works by the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and SanibelCaptiva Art League

Where: Tribby Arts Center, Shell Point Retirement Community, 17281 On Par Blvd , Fort Myers

When: Through Sept. 7

Admission: Free

“Because so many artists in the region were and continue to be displaced or impacted by Hurricane Ian, we were uncertain how many artists would be able to respond to Fortitude’s Call for Entries,” said Tribby Arts Center resident curator Marge Lee “But this exhibition of 58 engaging works proves that our local artists hag the fortitude and are creating excellent work ”

The show features drawings; paintings with watercolors, oils, acrylics and pastels; hand-pulled prints; serigraphs; woodcuts; and batiks. The art show includes interpretations surrounding the show’s theme of fortitude, along with depictions of popular locations in the region, florals and landscapes

The Tribby Arts Center will also be featuring a new exhibition in the Collaborations Gallery with poems by Bruce Bunch and related paintings of David Tompkins, both Shell Point residents In the Tribby Legacy and Overlook Galleries, “New Horizons: Artworks by Shell Point Glass Artists, Photographers, and Potters” is on display

After viewing the exhibition on display, visitors also can visit Serendipity, the Shop in Tribby Arts Center that offers a wide variety of artist-made gift items and jewelry Tribby Arts Center is located at 17281 On Par Blvd , in Fort Myers The galleries and Serendipity are open free of charge to all from 10 a m until 3 p m Tuesday through Saturday

Works that are available for sale may be claimed by buyers at the exhibition's conclusion The Tribby Arts Center Galleries and Serendipity, the Tribby Arts Center Gift Shop, are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a m to 3 p m

7.

Artists spotlight for refuge event

The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will welcome current Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest winner Mila Linyue Tong, 15, of Virginia, and Florida Junior Duck Stamp Contest Best-ofShow winner Jenny Liu, 16, of Port Orange, to its Art in the Wild Tong

will make a presentation about her art on Oct 21 and sign junior duck stamps that feature her winning design of a hooded merganser Liu took first place out of more than 1,200 entries in the Florida contest judging, held every year at the refuge The Junior Duck Stamp

Program, which started on Sanibel, raises funds to educate and engage the nation's youth in wildlife and wetlands conservation and outdoor recreation Jaye Boswell, former art teacher at The Sanibel School who started the program, helps judge the Florida contest each year

PHOTOS PROVIDED ABOVE: "After the Storm" by Fort Myers Beach Art Association artist Tamara Culp will be displayed at the Tribby Arts Center as part of a show running through Sept. 7. LEFT: "Henry the Eighth" by Fort Myers Beach Art Association artist Helen Kinkin, is one of several works by association members being featured at the Tribby Arts Center at the Shell Point Retirement Community through Sept.

Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida encourage students to participate in 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests

The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida encourage students to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month student contests with the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heroes and their Contributions to Freedom ” Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from Sept 15 to Oct 15

“I am proud to honor the contributions and influence the Hispanic cultures have on the United States,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo “As a CubanAmerican, Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to not only celebrate but to educate our future generations on the value of community and serving others.”

“Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month contests provide students with the opportunity to learn about the many Hispanic Floridians who fought for freedom,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr “I am proud of my Cuban-American heritage and am grateful for the contributions these heroes made I look forward to seeing students’ inspirational and imaginative art and essay submissions ”

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 contest Additionally, students, parents, 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

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest is open to all Kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida Each student will submit original, twodimensional 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 1year pass to Florida State Parks

About the Student Essay Contest

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ 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 winner will receive a 2-year Florida 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 freedom Using your own words, write about a HispanicAmerican who has had an impactful effect whose story should be shared The subject of the essay should be a Floridian

Some examples are:

∫ Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Florida’s First Hispanic Female Lt Governor

∫ Adrianna Swearingen, Florida’s 2024 Teacher of the Year

∫ Esteban Bovo, Cuban Exile and Bay of Pigs Veteran

∫ Meredith Sasso, Florida Supreme Court Justice

About the Excellence in Education

Award

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage 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 nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www FloridaHispanicHeritage com

Volunteer Florida

Hispanic Heritage Month Committee

1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250 Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET), Monday, Sept 18

For more information about the contests, please visit www FloridaHispanicHeritage com

Sanibel Art Colony seeking artwork for Hurricane Ian exhibition

STAFF REPORT

The Sanibel Art Colony is accepting s u b m i s s i o n s o f a r t w o r k i n s p i r e d b y

Hurricane Ian for an upcoming exhibition titled “There’s Calm In Your Eye ”

Sanibel Art Colony (SAC) is inviting artists to submit images or videos of artwork in all mediums that depict hope for the future of Sanibel Island and Southwest Florida, express the artist’s feeling and experiences before, during and after the hurricane; shows changes in landscapes, landmarks and wildlife due to Hurricane Ian; incorporates found materials from after Hurricane Ian and is influenced by the hurricane recovery and rebuilding process

The deadline for submissions is Sept

Fort Myers Latin Music Festival set for Sept. 16 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater

Latin music lovers will rock the day and night away Saturday, Sept. 16, when

-

a i m e d artists from Cuba, Puerto Rico and South America perform at the first-ever Fort Myers Latin Music Festival at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater on Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers

The family-friendly event will include music, food trucks, and a kids’ zone with four bounce houses and will run from noon to 10 p m

Headlining the music festival will be some of the most well-known artists in Latin music along with rising stars in the music industry Among the performers will be:

∫ Osmani Garcia is a popular Cuban singer and songwriter known for the catchy and upbeat reggaeton and Latin music Garcia participated in the National Festival of Cuba and received several awards He co-founded El Duo de Cristal, which played three domestic Cuban tours with songs reaching number one on the Cuban charts;

∫ Lucy Grau is a Miami-based singer and songwriter who has been dubbed the “Latin Disco Queen” for her soulful and electrifying performances She masters both English and Spanish as she proves in her hits “Last Dance” and “On the Radio” (salsa version), the Donna Summer classics she chose as a rendition to the late singer

∫ The Celia Cruz All Stars is a group of musicians and singers who once played with the legendary “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz Fans call the group “classic Celia” with a funky, contemporary twist

∫ Bianca Leony was born in Miami of Cuban-American parents who made the Latin rhythm part of her soul Her grandmother Bianca Varela was a renowned

opera singer in Cuba and is the inspiration for Leony’s music.

The festival also will feature some rising Florida Latin stars, including Joe Hernandez y su Orchestra Classica, Sessi, Aivy and DJ LEXX

The festival will showcase a variety of L a t i n m u s i c g e n r e s , i n c l u d i n g s a l s a , bachata, merengue, reggaeton, and more, according to organizers

“Attendees can enjoy Latin cuisine, shop for unique crafts and souvenirs and experience the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of the festival,” said organizer Eddie Latour of Nice Guys Productions ” The festival promises to be a fun-filled celebration of Latin culture that will bring people together and create lasting memories ”

The event is presented by Hyundai of Fort Myers with a dozen other sponsors providing support

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will support local non-profit organization Music aLIVE SWFL, formed in O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 2 , i n t h e a f t e r m a t h o f Hurricane Ian to preserve and promote live music in Southwest Florida Music aLIVE SWFL will provide financial assistance, education and other support to local musicians and others that support the live music industry, Latour said

Tickets are $40 presale and $50 at the door Children under age 5 are free VIP tickets cost $150 and include VIP parking, buffet dinner from 3 Pepper Burrito, exclusive walk-in bathrooms, meet and greet with the performers, a VIP tent with shade and a designated area to dance by the stage Tickets can be purchased at https://outertix com/niceguys/20

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www niceguysproduction com

Leoma Lovegrove 30 Days of Art and Culture Give-Away

20 This is a digital-only exhibition that will be posted on the newly-launched SanibelArtColony com website and promoted online through Sanibel Barometer, Sanibel Art Colony, and other Barometer Media platforms

T h e d i g i t a l e x h i b i t i o n o n SanibelArtColony com will take place from Sept. 27 through Nov. 27.

Entries should be limited to 1 to 3 artworks All artists must be 18 years or older

Interested artists may see the full exhibition prospectus and submit work to “There’s Calm In Your Eye” online at: h t t p s : / / s a n i b e l a r t c o l o n y c o m / h u r r i c a n eian-call-for-art/

N E W p r o m o t i o n , 3 0

D a y s o f A r t & C u l t u r e , h e l d t h r o u g h o u t

t h e m o n t h o f S e p t e m b e r i n t h e C i t y o f

F o r t M y e r s . 3 0 D a y s o f A r t & C u l t u r e

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

o r g a n i z a t i o n s , a n d e v e n t s i n F o r t M y e r s t o s h o w c a s e t h e m a n y c u l t u r a l o f f e r i n g s

t h r o u g h s p e c i a l p r o g r a m m i n g , d i sc o u n t s , a n d o n e - o f - a - k i n d e x p e r i e n c e s

Kicking off 30 Days of Art & Culture is a special promotion with renowned artist Leoma Lovegrove From Sept 1 – 30 Lovegrove will create 30 pieces of original artwork to be placed throughout downtown in shops and attractions. Participants will have the opportunity to win this original

artwork through a raffle Each day a new location will be released and participants can enter to win Locations can be found on the RDA website: www explorefortmyers com Lovegrove’s website: www leomalovegrove.store or on Facebook (Downtown Fort Myers and Leoma Lovegrove) Lovegrove plans on opening her new 3,000 square foot studio and gallery on Dean Street in downtown Fort Myers later this Fall Lovegrove is an impressionist-expressionist painter known worldwide for her vivid colorful paintings 30 Days of Art & Culture begins September 1 and runs through September 30 For a complete listing of events, discounts and giveaways visit www explorefortmyers.com.

Grammy Award-Winners Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin to perform live Sept. 28 at Seminole Casino Hotel

Tickets

now on sale

Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin bring their Grammy Award-winning country and folk music to Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee Thursday, Sept 28 at 8 p m with doors opening at 7 p m Tickets are $59 or $89 from Ticketmaster or at www moreinparadise com

Attendees must be 21 years old Parking is free

With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” Mary Chapin Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards (with 16 nominations), two CMA awards, two Academy of Country Music awards and is one of only 15 female members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Over the course of her acclaimed career, Carpenter has sold more than 16 million records. In 2020, Carpenter recorded two albums –“The Dirt And The Stars” released in August 2020, and “One Night Lonely,” recorded live without an audience at the legendary Filene Center at Wolf Trap in Virginia- during the COVID-19 shut down “One Night Lonely” was nominated for “Best Folk Album” at the 64th Grammy Awards in 2022

Shawn Colvin stopped the industry in its tracks with her arresting 1989 debut “Steady On ” The following spring, Colvin took home the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album, establishing herself as a mainstay in the singer-songwriter genre In the ensuing 30 years, Colvin has won three Grammy Awards,

released 13 superlative albums, written a critically acclaimed memoir, maintained a non-stop national and international touring schedule, appeared on countless television and radio programs, had her songs featured in

major motion pictures, and created a remarkable canon of work

About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination Located at 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida The 51,000-square-foot casino offers 1,400 slots and 41 live table games Dining options include the award-winning 1st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and the EE-TOLEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call, as well as the new Corner Bar Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system The Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and upscale features. Seminole Casino Hotel participates in the Unity Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem Unity points at all Seminole Casinos in Florida For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit mor-

PHOTO PROVIDED Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin

Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday for consumers

Consumers in Florida can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from tax during the 2023 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which will run through Sept 8

∫ Dog and cat food if sold individually and the equivalent if sold in a box or case costing $10 or less

∫ Manual can openers, collapsible or travel-sized pet food or water bowls, cat litter pans, pet waste disposal bags, and hamster or rabbit substrate costing $15 or less

∫ Reusable ice, pet leashes, pet collars, muzzles and pads, and pet pads costing $20 or less

∫ Cat litter weighing 25 or fewer pounds costing $25 or less

Charity Pros announces Hurricane Ian ‘Heroes’

Heroes to be recognized at Hurricane Heroes All-Star Concert Oct. 7

C h a r i t y P r o s r e c e n t l y a n n o u n c e d i t s “ H u r r i c a n e Heroes,” a group of local officials, business owners and community leaders in the Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach areas who stepped up for the community in the wake of Hurricane Ian The Heroes will be honored at the organization’s Hurricane Heroes All-Star Concert on Oct 7, which features a star-studded lineup including headliner Matchbox Twenty as well as Don Felder, Red Hannah, Jay Allen, Matty Jollie, Sheena Brook and more

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office were recognized as heroes for their efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, particularly the work in coordinating the Lee County Sheriff’s Office with outside agencies and search and rescue missions that took place after the storm’s devastation

Mayor Dan Allers of Fort Myers Beach has been named a hero for his work in the development and recovery of Fort Myers Beach Allers was appointed mayor of Fort Myers Beach two months after Hurricane Ian and has spent the past 10 months leading the island back to a state of recovery Dan and his business partner at the time, Tim Ryan, turned their golf cart business at 820 Buttonwood Drive into a location for people to drop off donations and supplies for victims The location is now home to Fort Myers Beach Strong, a registered 501(c)(3) organization

Ed and Kim Ryan, founders of Beach Talk Radio, assisted in raising funds for Fort Myers Beach. The pair collected donations and held fundraisers, using the funds collected to purchase supplies to donate to victims of Ian They provided information to Fort Myers Beach residents and homeowners across the country throughout the hurricane’s journey Their radio show was an accurate resource and a voice for impacted Floridians before, dur-

ing and after the hurricane ”

Pastors Shawn and Mallie Critser of Beach Baptist Church were recognized for establishing their church as a central resource and a disaster recovery center for FEMA, then turning it into a long-term recovery resource center for the community The church continues to provide groceries, supplies, bus passes, gift cards and more daily to those still in need as well as pastoral counseling and Sunday church service

Doug Miller and Amy Eldridge, owners of FK Your Diet, have been named heroes for providing more than 500,000 meals and countless truckloads of supplies to those affected by Ian Their restaurants continue never to turn away anyone needing a meal, whether they can pay or not Originally founded to help Foster Kids & Families, FK Your Diet continues to support local neighborhoods heavily impacted by the storm by delivering groceries and supplies every week

“There are so many stories and unsung heroes out there We will try to honor all we can at the concert event,” said Charity Pros’ Co-Founder Brad Maloney “An event like this takes an entire community coming together. Our goal is to make the public aware that Hurricane Ian relief efforts are ongoing, and this isn’t over, so many folks still need help ”

The honorees and their stories of activism will be highlighted during the All-Star Concert event at 6 p m on Saturday, Oct. 7. The event will take place at Hammond Stadium at 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers Proceeds from the event will help support Music Alive SWFL, the Tabarrini Children’s Outreach Foundation and the Charity Pros “Megan’s Wish” program

For tickets, sponsorships, and more information, visit

∫ Laundry detergent and supplies (powder, liquid and pods), fabric softener, dryer sheets, stain removers, bleach, toilet paper, paper towels, paper napkins and tissues, facial tissues, hand soap, bar soap, body wash, sunscreen and sunblock, dish soap and detergents (powder, liquid and pods), dishwasher rinse agents, cleaning or disinfecting wipes and sprays, hand sanitizer, and trash bags costing $30 or less

∫ Portable self-powered light sources and pet beds costing $40 or less

∫ Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, weather-band radios, gas and diesel fuel tanks, and AAcell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, six-volt and nine-volt batteries including rechargeable ones costing $50 or less

∫ Nonelectric food storage coolers and portable power banks costing $60 or less

∫ Smoke detectors and alarms, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors costing $70 or less

∫ Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting, ground anchor systems, portable pet kennels and carriers, dog and cat food weighing 50 or fewer pounds, and over-the-counter pet medications costing $100 or less

∫ Portable generators used to provide light or communications or to preserve food in a power outage costing $3,000 or less

For more information, visit https://floridarevenue com/disasterprep/Pages/default aspx

www TheCharityPros org Attendees are encouraged to wear yellow to show support for Hurricane Ian survivors and those who lost their lives

About Charity Pros

Founded in 2019 by young entrepreneur Megan Maloney, the Charity Pros is a Fort Myers 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates and supports children’s programs focused on health, child protection, poverty, education and equality In addition, the organization has established Megan’s Wish, with a mission to grant wishes to children coping with traumatic circumstance, life-threatening medical conditions or those who have lost a parent or guardian Charity Pros partners with community events and produces fundraisers including concerts, festivals and expos to support community causes For more information, visit thecharitypros org

Source: Charity Pros

First T.G.I.M. of the season to be held Sept. 4

The Fort Myers Film Festival holds its indie film series T G I M Monday, Sept 4, at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers Local celebrity judges and attendees get a chance to watch and then weigh in on how they feel about short indie films Doors open at 6:30 p m ; the show begins at 7 p m

Participants are invited to grab a drink and intellectualize with host Eric Raddatz and co-host Melissa DeHaven on the first Monday of every month from September through March Special guests, musical acts and interviews are announced prior to each T.G.I.M. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors

Details regarding each show are as follows (subject to change):

∫ Monday, Sept. 4

Hosted by Eric Raddatz with co-host Melissa DeHaven and guest celebrity judges Steve Hilfiker, Kelly Fayer and Pat Mitchell

∫ Monday, Oct 2

Hosted by Eric Raddatz with co-host Melissa DeHaven and celebrity guest j u d g e s R o s e B u r s t e i n , S t e f a n i e I n kEdwards and Keith Wallace

∫ Monday, Nov 6

Hosted by Eric Raddatz with co-host Melissa DeHaven and guest celebrity judges Sommer Senne, Pam Cronin and Lexi Baca

∫ Monday, Dec 4

Hosted by Eric Raddatz with co-host Melissa DeHaven and guest celebrity judges Michael Braun, Stephanie Davis and Marc Collins

∫ Monday, Jan 1

Hosted by Eric Raddatz with co-host Melissa DeHaven and celebrity judge Jamie Kirschner, Don Molloy and Connie Bottinelli

∫ Monday, Feb 5

Hosted by Eric Raddatz with co-host Melissa DeHaven and guest celebrity judges Molly Rowan Deckart, Noelle Casagrande and Steven Ceracche

∫ Monday, March 4

Hosted by Eric Raddatz with co-host Melissa DeHaven and guest celebrity judges Justin Verely, Mark Krzos and Mark Anthony DelNegro

The annual Fort Myers Film Festival is set for May 22-26, 2024 Screenings, panels, events and gatherings will be held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center a n d o t h e r v e n u e s a r o u n d t o w n

Submissions are now open for the 14th annual event Submit your film here

For tickets and more information, call 239-333-1933 or head to the website at https://fortmyersfilmfestival com/ Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is at 2301 First St, Fort Myers

PHOTO PROVIDED

Hurricane Heros

WHAT’S HAPPENING

First T.G.I.M. of the season is set for Sept. 4

The Fort Myers Film Festival holds its indie film series T G I M Monday, Sept 4, at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers Local celebrity judges and attendees get a chance to watch and then weigh in on how they feel about short indie films Doors open at 6:30 p m ; the show begins at 7 p m

Participants are invited to grab a drink and intellectualize w ith hos t Eric Raddatz and co-hos t M elis s a DeHaven on the first Monday of every month from September through March Special guests, musical acts and interviews are announced prior to each T G I M The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. .

The annual Fort Myers Film Festival is set for May 22-26, 2024 Screenings, panels, events and gatherings will be held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and other venues around town Submissions are now open for the 14th annual event Submit your film at https://fortmyersfilmfestival com/

For tickets and more information, call 239-333-1933 o r h e a d t o t h e w e b s i t e a t https://fortmyersfilmfestival com/

Faces of Pace Celebration & Gala to benefit Pace programs in Lee County on Oct. 21

Pace Center for Girls, Lee will host its Faces of Pace Celebration & Gala on Saturday, Oct 21, from 6 to 10 p m a t t h e C a l o o s a S o u n d C o n v e n t i o n C e n t e r & Amphitheater, at 1375 Monroe St. Fort Myers.

The gala will feature dinner, dancing and live music by Bay Kings Band, as well as a spirited live auction with p r o c e e d s b e n e f i t i n g P a c e p r o g r a m s a n d s e r v i c e s

Recognizing all the Faces of Pace who have played an integral part of the center’s mission to change the lives of girls and young women, the evening will include messages from founding members and alumni of Pace Lee

Presented by B&I Contractors, a range of sponsorship opportunities are still available for the gala, including the Creating Partnerships sponsor at $10,000, Invest in the Future sponsor at $7,500, Focus on Strengths sponsor at $5,000, Honor the Female Spirit table sponsor at $1,500 and in-kind sponsorships

Th e s ig n atu r e ev en t is led b y co - ch air s N o elle

Casagrande and Lt Angelo Vaughn with honorary chair Sandy Stilwell Youngquist B&I Contractors is the gala’s title sponsor

The fundraising event supports Pace Lee in providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy

Programs are based on the belief that all girls and young women, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, should be uniquely cared for, supported and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves through a path of healing and recovery Through Pace Lee, 100% of students improved their academic performance, 100% had no involvement with the juvenile justice system within one year of exiting the program and 95% were either in school or gainfully employed after leaving Pace Lee

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t PaceCenter org/Locations/Lee or call 239-425-2366

For t Myers Mighty Mussels home games

T h e M i g h t y M u s s e l s p l a y h o m e g a m e s a t H a m m o n d S t a d i u m i n F o r t M y e r s t h r o u g h m i dS e p t e m b e r T i c k e t s s t a r t a t $ 1 0 a n d t h e s c h e d u l e f e at u r e s n u m e r o u s p r o m o t i o n s , i n c l u d i n g c o n c e r t s , f o o d a n d d r i n k s p e c i a l s , p o s t g a m e f i r e w o r k s c e l e b r a t i o n s , b e e r f e s t s a n d m o r e F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n g a m e s , t i c k e t s o r s p e c i a l e v e n t s , v i s i t M i g h t y M u s s e l s c o m o r c a l l 2 3 9 - 7 6 8 - 4 2 1 0

Wonder Gardens offering enhanced guest experiences for the summer

T h e W o n d e r G a r d e n s i s o f f e r i n g e n h a n c e d g u e s t e x p e r i e n c e s f o r t h e s u m m e r G u e s t s w i s h i n g t o g e t u p c l o s e a n d p e r s o n a l w i t h s o m e o f t h e a t t r a c t i o n s c a n s c h e d u l e a W i l d W o n d e r s A n i m a l E n c o u n t e r H a b i t a t C h a t s p l a n n e d o n T h u r s d a y s a l s o o f f e r n e w a n d a d d it i o n a l e x p e r i e n c e s W i l d W o n d e r s A n i m a l E n c o u n t e r s w i l l a l l o w g u e s t s t o f e e d S u l c a t a t o r t o i s e s , R a i n b o w L o r i k e e t s a n d A m e r i c a n a l l i g a t o r s T h e A n i m a l C a r e a n d E d u c a t i o n s t a f f w i l l l e a d g u e s t s o n a n a d v e n t u r e t h a t l a s t s a n y w h e r e f r o m 3 0 m i n u t e s t o a t l e a s t a n h o u r . E n c o u n t e r s a r e o f f e r e d a t t h e d i s c o u n t e d o f f - s e a s o n r a t e s o f $ 2 0 p e r p e r s o n f o r W o n d e r G a r d e n s m e m b e r s a n d $ 2 5 p e r p e r s o n f o r n o n m e m b e r s , p l u s p a r k a d m i ss i o n G u e s t s m a y v i s i t W o n d e r g a r d e n s o r g t o v i e w a v a i l a b i l i t y a n d b o o k a n e n c o u n t e r f o r 1 1 : 3 0 a m o n s e l e c t d a y s I n a d d i t i o n , W o n d e r G a r d e n s h a s a d d e d H a b i t a t C h a t s a t 1 p m o n T h u r s d a y s H a b i t a t C h a t s a r e a n e w a n d i n t e r a c t i v e w a y g u e s t s c a n l e a r n a b o u t t h e a n i m a l s a t t h e G a r d e n s C u r r e n t l y , t h e e x p e r i e n c e c o m b i n e s a n a l l i g a t o r f e e d i n g d e m o n s t r a t i o n w i t h i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t d i e t , c o n s e r v a t i o n a n d f u n f a c t s . T h e C h a t s a r e o f f e r e d f o r a l l W o n d e r G a r d e n s F o r i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w o n d e r g a r d e n s o r g / p r o d u c t / w i l d - w o n d e r s / o r c a l l

Berne Davis garden tours now available

The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers, is open for Tuesday morning garden walks from now until October between 9 a.m. and noon. Admission and parking are both free; handicap parking is on Virginia Avenue; regular parking is on Larchmont

The botanical garden is a project of the Fort Myers Lee County Garden Council, whose headquarters are at the Virginia Avenue address The garden is staffed by Garden Council volunteers Those viewing the garden may also just walk the path and enjoy the gardens

The garden is the home of the Lorelei statue that was part of the old Fort Myers Library as well as the Mina Edison Botanical Library Many of the displays in the garden have been provided through the talents and contributions of the 29 local garden clubs, plant societies, and other affiliate members, representing over 1,700 members which comprise the Garden Council

The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council was formed in 1957 and now comprises various clubs, societies, and affiliate members in the area The Council is a member of the National Garden Clubs, the Florida

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium upcoming events

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is at 3450 Ortiz Ave , Fort Myers It sits on 105 acres of wilderness within the city limits In the Nature Center there are over 35 different animals including 3 bald eagles, 2 adult alligators and 2 baby alligators. There is almost 2 miles of walking/hiking trails one a 1/3 mile shell path that is an easy walk the other 1 ½ miles that takes you out into the w i l d e r n e s s a r o u n d t h e p r o p e r t y T h e B u t t e r f l y Aviary is stocked with native butterflies, native plants and a Raptor Aviary which houses birds of prey

In addition, the Calusa Nature Center has the only Planetarium within 90 miles of Fort Myers The Planetarium does 4 different shows per month broke out by even and odd days with 2 shows occurring each day, one at 12:15 p m and the other at 2:15 p.m.

Between Planetarium shows there is a live animal talk in the Nature Center at 1:15 p m

Upcoming events:

∫ Saturday, Sept 9, from 9 to 11 a m

Monthly Nature Explorers Program for children 5 to 11 This month is Predators and Prey "Predators have ways to get their prey and Prey have ways to not get caught We are going to have fun while learning about the amazing lives of Predators and Prey "

∫ Sunday Sept 10, at 10:30 a m

M o n t h l y S e n s o r y S u n d a y P r o g r a m " W i l d e s t Weather in the Solar System"

"A spectacular journey to witness the most beautiful, powerful, and mysterious weather phenomena in the solar system Find out on which planet it rains diamonds! Audiences will fly through the thick acid clouds of the atmosphere of Venus, g i g a n t i c m a g n e t i c s t o r m s o n t h e S u n , l i q u i d m e t h a n e s h o w e r s o n T i t a n , a n d a n t i c y c l o n e s whirling at hundreds of miles per hour on Jupiter "

The show has been altered to remove loud noises, soften the lighting, and remove abrupt changes t h a t m i g h t d i s t u r b p e o p l e w i t h s e n s o r y i s s u e s .

Tickets $ 5

∫ Wednesday, Sept 13, at 7 p,m, Monthly Nature Speaker Series This month Kenny Coogan will be speaking about Carnivorous Plants " Florida has more native species of carnivorous plants than any other state in the country These plants use appealing scents, leaves, and sticky fluids to trap and imprison insects Learn why Florida is a hotspot of carnivorous plants "

Presented by Kenny Coogan, author of the book “Florida’s Carnivorous Plants”.

Non-members $15 / Members Free

Things get busy with the Friendly Forest celebration, Sept 23 and 24, Haunted Walk beginning in October and Holiday lights in December

The Calusa Nature Center is open from 10 a m to 4 p m , Tuesday through Sunday Admission, w h i c h i n c l u d e s a l l o u r p r o g r a m m i n g , a n i m a l s , trails, and Planetarium cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 3 - 12 years of age Discounts offered for seniors and military

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.calusanature.org/.

Federation of Garden Clubs, and American Public Gardens Association

For additional information about the Council, contact the president, Sylvia Swaartz, President, fmlcgardencouncil@ gmail com

PET PALS

Island pets seeking forever homes

It’s puppy time!

Jackie Chin

Jackie Chin (Jack

R u s s e l t e r r i e r ) i s super cute and was born Oct 4, 2022

He is of course full of life and loves to p l a y w i t h a l l t h e dogs Super social and funny He is in a home with multiple d o g s a n d h a s n o issues Jack has a c e r t i f i e d p e d i g r e e and comes from a breeder who could not sell him so we t o o k h i m ! N o regrets Lovely little guy A note from his foster Mom:

“Jackie is a ball of energy! Loves to be outside playing He could probably play the entire day away He's always ready to chase a ball or other toy He does well playing with other dogs or by himself. He free feeds but walks away when he's full

H e i s w e l l m a n n e r e d a n d d o e s n ' t jump He is a good little watch dog too He likes to tell on the other dogs when they are getting into mischief.”

Call Isabelle at 239-281-0739 for more information

Royce

Every once in a while, a beagle e n t e r s y o u r l i f e a n d c h a n g e s everything ” Royce was born on New Year's Day! 01/01/2023

Royce can be a little timid with new people at first but warms up quickly Once he realizes you’re a friend, he is glued to you He loves his toys and very easily entertains himself, will happily play with you, or another dog

He's been around dogs much larger than him and much smaller, neither seem to bother him He isn’t a picky eater and will gladly accept what's offered He’s currently free feeding but doesn’t overindulge and will walk away with food still in the bowl Bed time he will quiet right down in is bed or is more than happy to snuggle up next to you He is definitely a lover Call Isabelle at 239-281-0739 for more information.

Follow us on Facebook at Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue and see all the amazing pets we saved these past few months

Please note our new PO Box #864, Bonita Springs, Fl 34133

You can also make a donation at www.findahomegiveahome.com using the donation tab using PayPal

Please make sure you do it through “Friends and Family” so there is no fee and all the donation comes to us directly.

Sweetie Pie & Pearl

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo com

Founder of Save Our Strays Cat Rescue

a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach

Sweetie Pie is a 5-month-old female gray and white striped kitten She is timid but will come around when in a forever home She has the tabby circles on her sides and loves to play with her litter mates that were all rescued from a dangerous outside area She is getting spayed this

week and will be ready for adoption

Pearl is a 6-week-old female kitten rescued when only 4 weeks old and left to die in some bushes at a trailer park Mom nor any other kittens were around in the area Thank goodness for the man who was there doing some w o r k a n d h e a r d h e r c r y i n g H e watched over her while doing his work and brought her to me when he returned home He saved her life as she would have certainly died a cruel death out in the h e a t w i t h n o f o o d o r water He even bought a can of formula to feed her as soon as he got back to Fort Myers A very happy e n d i n g f o r a b e a u t i f u l , sweet and playful kitten

Please call 239-8513485 if you would like to meet Pearl or Sweetie Pie and other cats and kittens that are available for adoption

SPORTS & RECREATION

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva

announces registration open and more for annual 10K

STAFF REPORT

trepecki@breezenewspapers com

F I S H o f S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a r e p o r t e d t h a t i t s

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

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

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

“ O u r i s l a n d s h a v e b e e n t h r o u g h a l o t s i n c e (Hurricane) Ian, and F I S H has been here every step of the way,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said “We want our race event to be joyous and one that not only raises funds for F.I.S.H., but also revels our community and how far we've come since Ian's landfall ”

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

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

Co-chair Leah Winkler noted that this year's event will be “nothing short of spectacular,” while Sanibel R e c r e a t i o n D e p a r t m e n t D i r e c t o r A n d r e a M i l l e r encouraged the public to stay tuned for further details

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

The registration fees are as follows:

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

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

∫ In-person 10K/5K: $55 on Dec 2

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

∫ Virtual 10K/5K: $50

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

Mighty Mussels

Promotional Calendar

Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex is at 14400 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers

For Mighty Mussels ticket information call 239-768-4210 or visit https://www milb com/fort-myers/tickets/ All giveaways, promotions and event dates are subject to change. All Times ET. Subject to Change.

Tuesday, Sept 5 @ 7 p m vs Bradenton Marauders

Game Highlight: Two For Tuesday

All fans get 2 for 1 on Beer, Soda & Hot Dogs! | Presented By Coors Light, 96 KROCK & ESPN Southwest Florida

Game Highlight: Publix 2 for 1 Ticket Tuesdays

All fans can get 2 for 1 tickets to all Tuesday Mussels home games by showing a Publix receipt dated from the previous two weeks at the Mussels box office | Presented By Publix

Wednesday, Sept 6 @ 7 p m vs Bradenton Marauders

Game Highlight: Dollar Dog Night

Every Wednesday home game, all fans can get $1 hot dogs all game long | Presented By 102 9 BOB FM

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

T o r e g i s t e r , p l e a s e v i s i t r u n s i g n u p c o m / Race/FL/Sanibel/ 10K5KRace4FISH

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

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

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

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

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

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Registration continues for 27th Annual LCEC Fishing Tournament

Angler registration is now open for the 27th Annual LCEC Fishing Tournament to benefit the United Way The catch-and-release tournament will take place Saturday, Sept 9, at D&D Bait and Tackle at 3922 Pine Island Road, N W , Matlacha

Fish will be measured and pho-

t o s s u b m i t t e d u s i n g t h e

FishDonkey app An awards event will happen at 3 p m and include food, raffle drawings and a silent auction

Information on the Captain’s M e e t i n g , t o u r n a m e n t r u l e s a n d

more can be found at uw lcec net C o n t a c t f i s h @ l c e c n e t o r 2 3 9656-2204 for any additional information

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades

Game Highlight: Guaranteed Win Night

We are guaranteeing a Mussels victory! If the Mussels lose all fans in attendance get a free ticket to the next day's game

Game Highlight: Silver Sluggers

It's Silver Sluggers Wednesday! Join our Silver Sluggers Club to get free tickets and parking to each Wednesday home Mussels game | Presented By Amavida

Game Highlight: Ladies' Night

Ladies get 2 for 1 Seltzer's & Wine at each Wednesday Mussels Home Game

Thursday, Sept. 7 @ 7 p.m.

vs Bradenton Marauders

Game Highlight: $1 and $2 Beer Night

It's the biggest party in town every Thursday with the Mussels with $1 12 oz cans & $2 draft beers during the game! | Presented By Budweiser, Twin Peaks & Gator Country 101 9

Game Highlight: Miracle Throwback Nights

Every Thursday we're throwing it back to the Miracle days and the Mussels will wear Miracle uniforms! Plus get $1 and $2 beers!

Game Highlight: College Night

All College Students get $5 tickets with Student ID

Game Highlight: Golf Giveaway Night

We'll be giving away great golf prizes and free rounds to lucky fans throughout the game!

Friday, Sept 8 @ 7 p m vs. Bradenton Marauders

Game Highlight: Pre-Game Happy Hour

Get 2 for 1 on all Bacardi drinks at the Rusty's bar at Hammond Stadium from 6-7 P M | Presented By Rusty's, Bacardi

Game Highlight: Fan Appreciation Night

Game Highlight: Friday Fireworks

After each Friday game the Mussels will light up the sky with the best fireworks show in Southwest Florida!

Saturday, Sept 9 @ 6 p m, vs Bradenton Marauders

Game Highlight: Guaranteed Win Night

We are guaranteeing a Mussels victory! If the Mussels lose all fans in attendance get a free ticket to the next day's game

Game Highlight: Bark in the Park

Bring your dog to the game as all dogs get in free and join Lee County Sheriff's Office as they spread the word against Animal Cruelty! | Presented By Lee County Sheriff's Office

Game Highlight: Hispanic Heritage Night

Game Highlight: Cancer Sucks Night #9

In the ongoing battle to fight Cancer the Mussels will partner with area organizations to raise money for the fight | Presented By Budweiser

Source: www milb com

Tony’s Tree Service

n W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , A u g u s t 3 0 , 2 0 2 3 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r