Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

Idalia's impact on islands minimal; serves as trial run

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

Eleven months after Hurricane Ian raged across the islands, Sanibel and Captiva braced for the first major storm of the new season with the potential to cause damage and came out seemingly unscathed

Substance abuse disor der s on rise among older residents

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

There has been a rise of addictive behaviors and mental health issues among the senior population since COVID and the devastation of Hurricane Ian

Post-Ian, Lee County centers of all types have seen an increase in addiction and substance abuse disorder in the older a d u l t d e m o g r a p h i c , L P G B e h a v i o r a l Health System Director Dawn Belamarich said, adding that increases have been seen a t o u t p a t i e n t c l i n i c s , h o s p i t a l s a n d SalusCare since last September

“The trauma of the storm and COVID, there has been a rise in alcohol use disorders and addictive behaviors as well,” she said

The increase is not limited to prescription drugs

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

An annual food extravaganza sees a record number of participants for its 2023 event, with proceeds benefitting a local nonprofit that addresses child hunger

Sizzle Dining will run from Sept 7-27 and gives participants the chance to sample Southwest Florida flavors and delectable cuisines This year, foodies will have the opportunity to dine at 95 restaurants throughout the month for less It will feature a set-price menu at $19 or $29 for twocourse lunches and $29, $39 or $49 for three-course dinners

The charity-driven promotion gives diners the experience of new restaurants, hidden gems to be discovered and established favorites around Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Marco Island, Naples, Sanibel and Babcock Ranch Each

in

the Big Bend area as a Category 3. The maximum sustained winds of 125 mph and record storm surge

Sizzle Dining to feature participating island restaurants

participating location will offer special Sizzle Dining menus, so diners can try types of food that may normally be outside their comfort zone price-wise

“This is a special event that takes place in the restaurant where everyone from the dishwasher to the valet, hostesses, cooks, chefs and owners participates,” Sizzle Dining founder Guy Clarke said “It’s a way for them to give back and do something

“It’s heartwarming,” he added “To get the kind of positive feedback we receive and to see the donation checks each restaurant sends to the charity, knowing how hard everyone is working That’s why Sizzle Dining is a success ”

For every meal purchased during the event, each restaurant will donate $1 directly to Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida, a local chapter of a national nonprofit charity that feeds 7,500 food-insecure elementary-aged students each weekend in Lee and Collier counties during the school year

“Blessings in a Backpack is an obvious choice,” Clarke said “We’re in the industry and we feed people every day But there are children in our community who don’t have access to food on a daily basis ”

Although Lee Health's numbers are not broken down by age, from April 2022 through March, it has conducted 24,605 visits with patients needing mental health

IDALIA, page 18 Guest

Last year’s hurricane-shortened event raised more than $20,000 for the non-profit

“It’s been a wonderful partnership in the sense that we are able to pull together the restaurant community and give back to help

Commentary 4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 B u s i n e s s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Preserving Paradise.....................10 Island Living................................12 S p o r t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 Classifieds 27 alsOInsIdetOday Isl anderInsIde

Potential Hurricane Idalia property tax refunds

Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell reminded property owners that t h e “ R e f u n d o f t a x e s f o r r e s i d e n t i a l improvements rendered uninhabitable by a catastrophic event” (FS 197 319) may apply to properties impacted by Hurricane Idalia

P r o p e r t y o w n e r s w h o s e r e s i d e n t i a l property eight units or less was rendered uninhabitable for more than 30 days following Idalia can apply for the refund starting on Sept 30

The deadline to apply for Hurricane Idalia Property Tax Refunds is April 1

The Lee County Property Appraiser noted that if one's property was already categorized as uninhabitable as of Jan 1 due to Hurricane Ian, then the Idalia refund process does not apply

For more information or to apply, visit www leepa org

F o r q u e s t i o n s , e m a i l h u r r i c a n e u pdate@leepa org and reference “Hurricane Idalia ”

Substance abuse

and addiction treatment, both inpatient and outpatient care. During that same period, 3,580 visits were in Lee Health's addiction medicine clinic

According to a study in the peerreviewed journal JAMA Psychiatry, hospitalizations for opioid overuse among Medicare beneficiaries increased by 10% each year between 1993 and 2012, with an average 211,200 patients hospitalized every year

In addition to substance abuse and mental health issues, smoking and alcohol use is also on the rise for seniors. In Southwest Florida, there is more of an island kind of vibe, a vacation vibe where drinking more sociable is acceptable and is normalized in the culture, Belamarich said

The path to take when someone suspects an addiction or substance abuse is to speak up and talk to the person, to have a

From page 1

conversation and show support

“Ask those questions, so we can line them up with the correct resources based on their needs,” she said “The more we can talk about it, the more we can find resources to get them the help they need ”

Addiction lives in the shadows and people do not talk about it openly, but addiction is a disease and there is no s h a m e i n r e a c h i n g o u t f o r h e l p , Belamarich said

Loved ones should look for behaviors that are not typically representative of that individual or if they start doing things outside of their routine Those with an addictive use disorder can also become isolative by checking out off friend and social groups

“The biggest trigger is a change in the norm,” she said

If there is addiction or substance abuse, Belamarich encourages people to call the

Rare sighting

NANCY LANDRUS

A flamboyance of flamingos was spotted on the Sanibel Causeway the morning of Aug 30, after Hurricane Idalia passed along the coast of Southwest Florida

Behavioral Health Program at Lee Health

There are outpatient services available that provide medication and counseling to help stabilize an addictive disorder

T h e r e a l s o i s a m o b i l e f o r c r i s i s response team for mental health, Center for Progress Excellence She said the licensed workers will deploy to the home for a mental health emergency

There also are support groups for families and individuals struggling with substance abuse, as well as inpatient treat-

Sizzle Dining

support children,” Blessings in a Backpack Executive Director Cecilia St Arnold said in a prepared statement

Created to cater to every type of palate and diner, options range from small, independently owned specialty restaurants to high-end dining establishments Sizzle Dining provides the opportunity to discover and try new things, while restaurants get to showcase their best menu items

Clarke said the menu tends to be the deciding factor when diners are choosing what restaurants they want to visit Deciding what the menu will feature, is not always easy for participating restaurants Factors to consider include staying within budget, adjusting portion-size and keeping true to the brand of the establishment

“I consider our existing production load, the seasonality of local products and the feel of the group of items within our existing culinary identity,” Marcus Preece, general manager of Cielo on Sanibel, said in a prepared statement

He noted that one $49 Sizzle Dining dessert course selection will feature a classic caramelized vanilla bean custard, served with the bounty of fresh fruits and

ment if needed There are Nar-Anon and Al-Anon meetings for individuals who are taking care of their loved ones

For additional information, visit leehealth org

Other resources include:

∫ Dubin Center, dubincenter com

∫ The Rizzie Difference, therizzidifference com

∫ Ellie Mental Health, elliementalhealth com

From page 1

berries from South Florida this summer

On the islands, Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen on Sanibel is also taking part Sizzle Dining was founded in Naples in 2016 Clarke is also the creator of BaconFest Naples along with his wife, Erin Clarke, a culinary school-trained chef and restaurant management consultant The promotional event originally launched with 26 restaurants as dinner only Today, Sizzle Dining has grown into a 21-day event that draws thousands of visitors to restaurants

“Last year, we really focused on the power of collaboration,” he said “Through Sizzle Dining, restaurant owners see that the best way to pivot is to pivot together instead of seeing the restaurant down the street as a competitor ”

To see the list of the participating restaurants and menus, which are added daily, visit www sizzledining com and make a reservation directly with each restaurant

For more information on Blessings in a Backpack, visit swfl blessingsinabackpack org

Web Po ll

Guest Commentary Empowering women and empowering voters

By LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEE COUNTY

Aug 26, Women's Equality Day, commemorated women's right to vote through ratification of the 19th Amendment Over the last 100-plus years, much progress has been made in the fight for women's rights and equality, but there remains much to be done Since 1920, the League of Women Voters has worked to create a more inclusive and equal society and to ensure the rights of all voters.

Today, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education and litigation at the local, state and national levels. The league does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties

Informed citizen participation and voting are at the heart of what we do We are now just over 14 months until the next General Election and, throughout Southwest Florida, the league is committed to providing nonpartisan information about issues in our region

In 2023 and 2024, we will be providing the citizens of Lee County, Sanibel Island, Charlotte County and Collier County opportunities to participate in sessions that cover issues that impact all of us Here are just some of the topics our leagues are addressing:

∫ Protection and expansion of voting rights in Florida

∫ Privacy in healthcare decisions and

reproductive rights

∫ Clean water rights for our citizens

∫ Resiliency in response to natural disasters

∫ Affordable housing and responsible development

∫ Accountability in funding public education

Your vote is your voice Voting is a fundamental right Prepare yourself to vote in 2024

C o n t a c t y o u r c o u n t y ' s S u p e r v i s o r o f Elections Office to register to vote or check y o u r r e g i s t r a t i o n s t a t u s : c o n f i r m y o u r address, that your signature is current and that your party designation reflects your intent to vote in Florida's closed primaries

Update your request for vote by mail if you have not done so in 2023 Florida law now requires that you request a vote-by-mail ballot every election cycle

Watch for local LWV events and participate to educate yourself about your local candidates and issues.

Use League of Women Voters of Florida's resources for persons with completed sent e n c e s t o r e g a i n t h e i r r i g h t t o v o t e a t

“ R e s t o r a t i o n o f V o t i n g R i g h t s ” a t https://lwvfl org/returning-citizens/

Use the league's nonpartisan information to educate yourself on issues important to you and your community and candidates' positions on important topics VOTE411 at h t t p s : / / w w w v o t e 4 1 1 o r g / i s t h e l e a g u e ' s “one-stop-shop” for registration and election in f o r matio n . A ll in f o r matio n is r eceiv ed

directly from each candidate, and it includes tools to create a personalized sample ballot to inform your vote

Be informed and make your voices heard with elected officials and at the ballot box It is up to all of us to defend democracy

More information on league principles, issues, priorities and resources are available a t t h e L e a g u e o f W o m e n V o t e r s a t www lwv org, League of Women Voters of Florida at www lwvfl org and through the local leagues in Southwest Florida that are listed below:

∫ LWV Lee County, www lwvlee org, PresidentSandy Frank

∫ L W V S a n i b e l , h t t p s : / / w w w f a c e b o o k c o m / l w v s a n i b e l , President Cathie Kozik

∫ LWV Charlotte County, www lwvccfl org, President Jean Finks

∫ LWV Collier County, www lwvcolliercounty org, President Diane Preston Moore League community educational events and conversations provide additional opportunities to learn about topics that impact all our lives

The League of Women Voters of Lee County is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n g o v e r n m e n t , w o r k s t o i n c r e a s e u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f m a j o r p o l i c y issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy For more information, visit www lwvlee org

Questions to ask about donating to hurricane relief

By BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Since Hurricane Idalia has made landfall in Florida, generous donors will seek to support relief efforts that are engaged in disasterrelated activities. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance recommends contributors ask five questions to help them make wise giving decisions

∫ Does the disaster appeal describe the charity’s activities?

Look for appeals that are upfront and clear about what disaster relief services you are supporting

∫ How experienced is the charity in disaster relief? D

∫ Have you checked out the charity?

expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a

We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, found at the BBB's Give.org.

∫ What about crowdfunding requests?

If engaging in crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you personally know and trust Also review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take measures to vet

See HURRICANE RELIEF, page 7

e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , S e p t e m b e r

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m I s l a n d R e p o r t e r

CEPD reviews proposed budget, millage rate

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

At a recent workshop, Captiva Erosion Prevention District staff presented the commission with its proposed budget for fiscal y e a r 2 0 2 3 - 2 4 f o r r e v i e w , including a tentative millage rat of 0 3948

On Aug 31, Executive Director Daniel Munt and Deputy Director John

Ri ert presented the commissions with the draft budget for the upcoming year, with a representative from the CEPD's a c c o u n t i n g f i r m i n a t t e ndance to answer any questions that the commission had n the figures Munt gave an overview of general fund millage rates since

0 3919 mills and 0 4395 mills for 202122 Staff prepared the proposed budget with a rate of 0 3948

He presented information from the Lee County Property Appraiser and explained the issue that some taxing authorities are facing this budget cycle because of the significant loss in property value from the damages from Hurricane Ian and how that loss impacts the state's calculation for the rolled-back rate

County library system offering virtual programming

The Lee County Library System, which includes the Captiva Memorial Library, is offering the following free virtual programming:

Adult programs

∫ Sept 19: Online Wellness Book Club at 12:30 p m

The Online Wellness Book Club will feature a variety of books on this month's topic, “Time Management ” Guest panelists will share their expertise and participate in the book discussion Participants are invited to share books that they have read related to the topic Advance registration required before Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, visit leelibrary librarymarket com Questions can also be directed to 239-479-INFO (4636)

Download books, stream video and other online content at www leelibrary net

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

The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva

Normally, the rolled-back rate produces about the same amount of revenue as the current year

Munt continued that the calculated rolled-back rate for the CEPD is 0 3511 mills. However, using that rate would result in a revenue collection of $602,152 an 11 2% decrease from the 2022-23 budget In order to attain a similar general operating budget of $677,100, the mill-

See CEPD, page 7

County offers household yard waste cleanup tips

L e e C o u n t y S o l i d W a s t e o f f e r e d reminders for residents who are cleaning up their yards and households following t h e L a b o r D a y w e e k e n d a n d p o s tHurricane Idalia

Residents should not use black plastic bags for yard waste Yard waste set-out should follow the county's ordinance, such as being sure it is tied, bundled or put in containers prior to being put curbside for collection

Specifically, yard trimmings can be set out in waste cans, paper lawn and leaf bags, or tied with cotton string into bundles weighing 50 pounds or less and no longer than 6 feet Palm fronds do not need to be tied if they are stacked neatly at the curb in piles weighing less than 50 pounds

See CLEANUP TIPS, page 7

Captiva Public Meetings

T h e f o l l o w i n g p u b l i c meetings/hearings are scheduled:

∫ S e p t 1 1 : C a p t i v a E r o s i o n Prevention District meeting at 3 p.m. via Zoom For more information or the agenda, visit mycepd com

∫ S e p t 1 1 : C a p t i v a E r o s i o n Prevention District first budget hearing at 5:01 p m via Zoom For more i n f o r m a t i o n o r t h e a g e n d a , v i s i t mycepd com

∫ Sept 12: Captiva Community Panel meeting at 9 a m via Zoom For more information or the agenda, visit captivacommunitypanel com

∫ Sept. 13: Captiva Island Fire Control District meeting at 4 p m at the fire station, at 14981 Captiva Drive, Captiva For more information or the agenda, visit captivafire com

∫ Sept 13: Captiva Island Fire Control District first budget hearing at 5:01 p m at the fire station, at 14981 Captiva Drive, Captiva For more information or the agenda, visit captivafire com

LEE COUNTY

CEPD

age rate of 0.3948 is required.

He noted that an affirmative vote from four of the commissioners will be needed to approve it

Staff presented the proposed general fund budget and capital projects fund for the new fiscal year

Using the 0 3948 mills, the projected total income which includes ad valorem tax, early payment discount, interest and other would be $702,100 Total expenditures would come to $420,200 and is broken down by $102,500 for administrative expenses, $178,250 for

Cleanup tips

wages, $35,000 for professional fees and $20,000 for the cost of collecting taxes, plus a transfer of $84,450 to the operating reserves

The income and expenses would result in a projected net income of $281,900 in the general fund

As for the capital projects fund, the projected total income including grants, special assessments, parking fees, reserves transfer, interest and other would be $2,730,937 The total expenditures would come to $4,205,059 and is broken down by $34,500 for admin-

From page 6

Also, fencing and ornamental wood borders are not yard waste Please dispose of the items in the regular household garbage

This week, due to the holiday, curbside collection of household garbage is taking place one day later than usual Continue to use the normal garbage bin and place it curbside at least 3 feet from objects such

as mailboxes

Remember to place empty, clean and dry recyclables glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans and such loose in the provided recycling bin Information about what should put in your recycling bin and what you should keep out is available at www leegov com/solidwaste/recycling

Hurricane relief

From page 4 posts, others do not

The following BBB Accredited Charities, meaning that they meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, announced that they are collecting funds to assist Hurricane Idalia relief efforts:

∫ American Red Cross, https://www redcross org

∫ Americares, https://www americares org

∫ Direct Relief, https://directrelief org

∫ GlobalGiving, https://globalgiving org

istrative expenses, $141,500 for the Alison Hagerup Beach parking lot, $260,000 for wages, $110,000 for professional fees, $865,000 for project expenses and $2,794,059 for debt service

The income and expenses would result in a projected net income of -$1,474,122 in the capital fund

Based upon the commission's discussion during and after the presentation, staff will present the proposed budget using the 0 3948 rate at the first budget hearing set for Sept 11 at 5:01 p m

Household chemical waste, such as paint, rechargeable batteries or motor oil, s h o u l d b e t a k e n t o t h e H o u s e h o l d C h e m i c a l W a s t e a n d E l e c t r o n i c s Recycling Center, at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers Hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a m to 5 p m The center is open one Saturday per month; this month it will be open on Sept 9 from 8 a m to noon

∫ Heart to Heart International, https://hearttoheart org

∫ Matthew 25: Ministries, http://www m25m org

∫ Salvation Army, https://www salvationarmyusa org

∫ Save the Children, https://www.savethechildren.org

∫ World Vision, https://www worldvision org

The list will be updated at https://give org/news/fiveq

C o n t r a c t o r s a r e r e m i n d e d o f t h e i r responsibility regarding construction and demolition debris If the project requires a permit, it will be subject to mandatory recycling regulations Residents and busin e s s e s c a n f i n d d e t a i l s a t www leegov com/solidwaste/business/rec ycling/constructiondebris

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior For more information, v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w . b b b . o r g / . T h e B B B W i s e G i v i n g Alliance is a standards-based charity evaluator that seeks to verify the trustworthiness of nationally soliciting charities by completing rigorous evaluations based on 20 holistic standards For more information, visit https://give org/

REFUGE/DDWS

Dr H Randall Deming Endowed Scholarship for Conservation & Environmental Studies recipient Ella Guedouar with wooly monkeys at a rescue center on the Amazon River in Peru.

DDWS awards $29K for environmental studies scholarships

This summer, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge awarded $29,200 in conservation education scholarships to 13 students from the fivecounty area. Over its 18 years, the DDWS Environmental Scholarship Program has awarded a total of $262,400 to students

“The society is committed to educating today's youth to become future conservation stewards,” DDWS Education Committee Chair Nancy Felker said “We partner with businesses, families and individuals to provide annual scholarships to award to outstanding students pursuing degrees related to conservation, wildlife biology, environmental engineering, policy and science ”

Of the 13 scholarships, three are permanently endowed Individuals passionate about helping students make a difference in all areas of conservation donate the other scholarships on an annual basis

The Richard Bailey Scholarship, named in memory of a longtime refuge volunteer and donated by his family, went to Stanley Carter Oleckna, a graduate of Imagine High School in North Port He is pursuing a major in biology, with minors in chemistry and climate change, at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

The Mike & Terry Baldwin Scholarship, named for DDWS' past president and his wife, an emeritus board member, went to Chase Qurollo, a Cape Coral High School alumnus who is heading to the University of Central Florida in Orlando to study environmental engineering

Robert Marlin Smith, a North Fort Myers High School and FGCU graduate entering his first year of FGCU's environmental science master's program, received the Dr Andrew and Laura Dahlem Scholarship The Dahlems live part-time on Sanibel; their family honors them with a named scholarship.

Ella Guedouar, an Estero High School and FGCU alumnus entering the University of South Florida's integrative biology Ph D program, received the Dr H Randall Deming Endowed Scholarship for Conservation & Environmental Studies. Deming's family established the scholarship in 2016 as a permanently endowed scholarship in his memory

Liliana Salazar-Juarez graduated from Immokalee High School and will represent the first generation in her family to attend college She will study wildlife biology at Florida State University in Tallahassee and received the “Ding” Darling Conservation Scholarship, made possible by an anonymous donor

Two Leslie & Hans Fleischner Scholarships went to:

See SCHOLARSHIPS, page 9

Eikenberg to chamber: Water quality an economic issue

At the SanCap Chamber's luncheon meeting on Aug 23 at Rosarita's Cantina on Sanibel, The Everglades Foundation Chief Executive Officer Eric Eikenberg told the roomful of business leaders, “We have to ensure that restoration is not just looked at from an environmental lens … but economically, business-wise, it's the only way we're going to solve it ”

“We can have smart development with the protection of our environmental treasures like the Everglades,” he added

Eikenberg expressed pleasure at being invited to speak a t t h e f i r s t g a t h e r i n g h e l d b a c k o n S a n i b e l s i n c e Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and commended the business community for its mutual support

“Because I will tell you, the progress that we're making is because of the business community in Southwest Florida, in Southeast Florida, and all points between c o m i n g t o g e t h e r t o t e l l o u r e l e c t e d o f f i c i a l s i n Washington and Tallahassee that the return on the investment, the economic drivers that make the Florida economy thrive and sustain is right here in this room,” he said “This audience represents the diversity of what we call the 'clean water economy '”

Eikenberg commended the chamber, Captains for C l e a n W a t 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 for the roles they have played in communicating the impact of bad water and algae on the region's livelihood

“The business community standing up that was a game changer, and the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce was leading the way on this back in 2016,” he said “Because you remember these discharges weren't one off, (they’re still) not one off ”

Eikenberg reported on the progress being made on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, thanks to business pressure: the completion of one reservoir on the east side of Lake Okeechobee, the near-completion of others to the west and south, and the hardening of dike walls around the lake, which already has lessened the need for discharges

He also reported on the costs needed to go forward and complete the Everglades restoration project, which he hopes to see finished in this decade The pressure on state and federal representatives needs to continue for that to happen, he impressed upon chamber members

“We can then pivot to the operations of these projects to make sure we are managing these projects not just for special interest but that we are managing it for f i s h i n g a n d b o a t i n g a n d r e a l e s t a t e a n d t o u r i s m , ”

The Everglades Foundation Chief Executive Officer Eric Eikenberg commends the SanCap Chamber and business community for effectively influencing environmental restoration and its economic bonus at the chamber's business luncheon meeting on Aug 23 at Rosarita's Cantina on Sanibel

Eikenberg said “So that all these economic drivers are on equal footing.”

He advised chamber members to take advantage of the election year and “the adage, don't let a good crisis go to waste” when voicing their demands for funding to government leaders

“There will be a moment when we will ask you to lend your voice to tell officials what's important,” Eikenberg said “Having a chamber like this front and center will help us make a difference ”

“Water quality is at the top of the chamber's list of priorities into perpetuity,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said “We thank Eric for so effectively steering our efforts to influence state and federal budgets in favor of our water We find respite, we find quality of life, we make our living on the water ” Bank of the Islands sponsored the luncheon

SCBWA accepting scholarship applications

The Sanibel Captiva Business Women's Association is taking applications for its 2023 Scholarship Program

The scholarships are open to any woman who lives on, works on or supports Sanibel-Captiva and is a U S citizen Recipients can use the scholarship money toward education or career advancement

Up to five non-renewable scholar-

ships ranging from $500 to $5,000 will be awarded

“Supporting women in the pursuit of continuing education and career advancement are integral parts of who we are as an organization,” SCBWA President Taylor Osborne said “We are very excited to begin taking applications for our 2023 Scholarship Program to aid local women who aspire to better themselves through

Business Notes

education or career advancement, which in turn, betters our community ”

The application deadline is Oct 1 Recipients will be notified by Nov 1

For more information or to obtain a copy of the application, contact SCBWA Board Member and Scholarship Committee Chair Emily Ankerson at emily ankerson@ccacaptiva org

The EDO noted that the survey is not an application for disaster assistance The results of the survey will help state and federal officials determine the needs for assistance and to See BUSINESS NOTES, page 13

SANCAP CHAMBER

Scholarships

Chloe Lowman, a Cypress Lake High School (Fort Myers) graduate intending to study environmental science and law at UCF; and Fort Myers High School graduate Elise Brown, who plans to double-major in environmental engineering and music at the University of Florida in Gainesville The Fleischners were part-time Sanibel residents whose love of the island's environment has inspired them to sponsor the scholarships for several years

Tori Guarino, an alumnus of Golden Gate High School in Naples and now attendee at FGCU majoring in biology, with minors in environmental education and chemistry, received the Mary Elaine Jacobson Memorial Scholarship, made possible by the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society

Established as a permanently endowed scholarship by the estate of a longtime DDWS board and Education Committee member and her husband, the Win and Marilyn Kloosterman Memorial Scholarship went to Blade Kalikow, a Community High School of Naples alumnus He studies environmental engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Emelia Valentz, a graduate of Port Charlotte High School who will attend USF to double-major in pre-architecture and computer science, received the Barry & Francine Litofsky Scholarship, in memory of two former refuge volunteers made possible by their children

The Tarpon Bay Explorers Scholarship went to Mark Leone, who graduated from Estero High School and is attending Stanford University in California, where he is pursuing a degree in engineering for extreme environments TBE, the “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's recre-

From page 8

ation concession, started the original DDWS scholarship program in 2006

Three Jane Werner Endowed Environmental Scholarships, established in 2011 as the DDWS' first permanently endowed scholarship fund, went to: Dara Craig, a Cypress Lake High School and Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee) alumnus earning her doctorate at the University of Oregon in environmental science, studies and policy; and Mallory Poff, an alumnus of Barron Collier High School (Naples) and Elon University in North Carolina who is starting work on her master's degree in mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke University in North Carolina The late Jane Werner, who volunteered at the refuge for 25 years, established the fund prior to her death

“These students become part of the greater 'Ding' Darling family It is wonderful to see what they are accomplishing through their studies and their enthusiasm for making a real difference in conservation,” Felker said “We welcome them back as scholarship applicants next year and as fellow conservation stewards in years to come.”

The DDWS will award scholarships starting at $1,000 each at the end of the 2023-24 school year High school seniors and college students from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties who are pursuing careers in biology, conservation and environmental studies are eligible

For an application and to read full descriptions of the scholarship winners and donors, visit dingdarlingsociety org/articles/student-scholarships Those interested in establishing a named scholarship can contact DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller Gresham at 239-292-0566

PRESERVING PARADISE

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel:

∫ T h e r e f u g e w i l l k i c k o f f H i s p a n i c / L a t i n e Heritage Month with a Family Fun Night on Sept 15 at Lakes Park in Fort Myers

∫ A Federal Duck Stamp Exhibit will open on Oct 10-29 in the Visitor & Education Center Auditorium.

∫ Art in the Wild Day will take place on Oct 212 2 a t t h e r e f u g e F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w d i n g d a r l i n g s o c i e t y o r g / a r t i c l e s / a r t - i nthe-wild

∫ A Holiday Shopping Night is scheduled for Nov 29

∫ An inaugural Ice Cream Social is planned for Dec 13

∫ Photo-artist Niki Butcher will mount an exhibition of her work in January and February in the Visitor & Education Center

∫ The refuge will offer Free Winter Programs on Jan 8 through March 30

∫ The “Ding” Darling Lecture Series will return to the refuge from Jan 11 through March 21 For more information, visit https://www dingdarlingsociety org/articles/lecture-series

∫ Wild Days of Wellness will take place at the refuge and beyond on Jan 18-21

∫ A free Estate Planning Seminar will be held on Jan 30 at the refuge

∫ The Go Wild for “Ding” Into the Night fundraiser is slated for Feb 7

∫ Sounds of the Sand will take place on March 23-24 at Bell Tower in Fort Myers

∫ The refuge will host a unique Solar Eclipse Viewing event on April 8

∫ T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g D a y C o n s e r v a t i o n Carnival will be held on April 20 at Lakes Park in F o r t M y e r s F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w d i n g d a r l i n g s o c i e t y o r g / a r t i c l e s / d i n gdarling-days

∫ The 12th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament will take place on May 10 For m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / d i n g d a r l i n g s o c i e t y . o r g / a r t i c l e s / t a r p o n - t o u rnament-1

SCCF, Calusa Waterkeeper withdraw from challenge

By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers com

A pair of environmental organizations recently withdrew from a multi-entity challenge to the city of Cape Coral's bid to remove the Chiquita Lock

The Calusa Waterkeeper on Aug. 24 and the SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation on Aug 25 issued statements that said their organization remains committed in its opposition to the removal of the water control device intended to prevent pollution from entering state waters, but the city's threat to recoup its escalating legal fees is made the potential financial risk too burdensome for their non-profit.

The SCCF issued the following statement:

“ T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n (SCCF) has withdrawn as a petitioner from the legal challenge to stop the removal of the Chiquita Lock in Cape Coral.

“SCCF 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 Although it is unclear whether SCCF would have been able to remain in the challenge, the City of Cape Coral used the threat of running up massive attorneys’ fees paid for by Cape Coral taxpayers to make continuing the challenge too dangerous to our non-profit organization

“'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

“While unable to remain in the legal case, SCCF believes that the merits of the case are strong and will continue to monitor the ecology and water quality in the areas impacted by the project

“The Chiquita Lock remains the last backstop in preventing polluted water from entering the estuary from the south spreader system If the lock is removed, it will likely result in a further decline of water quality and impacts to the surrounding mangrove ecosystems

“'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,' said Evans

“SCCF’s Marine Lab will continue to monitor water quality in the area to ensure that all pollution is accounted for, the appropriate parties are held responsible, and fish and wildlife habitat, including oysters, seagrasses, and mangroves, are protected into the future ”

The Calusa Waterkeeper issued the following statement:

“The Calusa Waterkeeper Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to withdraw as named peti-

tioners challenging the removal of the Chiquita Lock in Cape Coral

“This decision was made not on the merits of the case, but over a technical argument of when our organization became a 'notified party,' and thus began the window for f i l i n g t h e c h a l l e n g e i n t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f

Administrative Hearings

“The challenge to the permit will continue with other named petitioners

“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 non-profit organizations and individual citizens have partially worked

“However small the probability that the citizen petitioners may lose the case and be burdened with paying the opposing side’s legal fees, the Calusa Waterkeeper board could not expose the organization to that potential monetary risk

“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.

“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 i s h c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t ) i n t h e Caloosahatchee River and Matlacha Pass, among other concerns brought forward by the petitioners

“The city’s latest request to remove the lock should be denied on many of the same grounds it was denied a few short years ago in Administrative Law Judge Francis Folkes’ December 2019 ruling

See CHALLENGE, page 11

FWC reschedules snook management workshop

T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n ' s s n o o k r e g i o n a l m a n a g e m e n t v i r t u a l w o r k s h o p o n A u g 3 1 w a s p o s t p o n e d d u e t o H u r r i c a n e I d a l i a a n d r e s c h e d u l e d f o r S e p t 7 a t 6 p m

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

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

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

∫ M a k i n g s n o o k c a t c h - a n d - r e l e a s e

o n l y i n t h e T a m p a B a y R e g i o n b e g i n -

n i n g i n 2 0 2 4

∫ A d d i n g S e p t e m b e r t o t h e c l o s e d s e a s o n f o r t h e S o u t h w e s t R e g i o n

∫ E s t a b l i s h i n g a t w o - f i s h v e s s e l l i m i t s t a t e w i d e T o c o n n e c t t o t h e v i r t u a l w o r k s h o p , v i s i t M y F W C c o m / M a r i n e a n d c l i c k “ R u l e m a k i n g : S u b m i t a

C o m m e n t / A t t e n d a W o r k s h o p ” a n d t h e n “ U p c o m i n g P u b l i c W o r k s h o p s ”

T h e F W C w i l l c o n s i d e r t h e f e e d b a c k

w h e n m a k i n g i t s d e c i s i o n o n a f i n a l r u l e a t a n u p c o m i n g m e e t i n g T h o s e u n a b l e t o a t t e n d c a n s t i l l s u bm i t c o m m e n t s o n l i n e b y v i s i t i n g t h e S a l t w a t e r P u b l i c C o m m e n t s p a g e a t h t t p s : / / m y f w c c o m / f i s h i n g / s a l t w a t e r / r u l e m a k i n g / s a l t w a t e r - p u b l i c - c o m m e n t s / . A r e c o r d i n g w i l l b e a v a i l a b l e b y S e p t 1 5 o n t h e F W C S a l t w a t e r F i s h i n g Y o u T u b e c h a n n e l

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Sanibel Sea School provides educational youth outreach

As part of the Sanibel Sea School's outreach efforts, it partners with the Joseph H Messina Children's Center in Fort Myers part of the Child Care of Southwest Florida network to offer free and educational field trips, providing young minds the opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the ocean's creatures

Three field trips occurred over the summer on July 3 and 24 and on Aug 7, taking the children on a journey of beach exploration, learning about sea turtles and seining

“We uncovered the mysteries of the marine world as we engaged in seining and exploration activities With nets in hand, the young adventurers carefully explored the shallow waters,” Sanibel Sea School Director and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Youth Education Director Shannon Rivard said “As they gathered around the net, they were thrilled to identify fish, crabs, shrimps and other fascinating creatures caught in their haul ”

M a r i n e s c i e n c e e d u c a t o r s h e l p e d p r o v i d e insights about each animal, its unique characteristics and its role in maintaining the ocean's ecolog-

Challenge

ical balance

“These field trips have allowed the children to connect with nature and fostered a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the environment,” she said

Monthly classroom visits and field trips to the beach are already scheduled for the academic year, and marine science educators will continue exploring with students for its sixth year of programs Rivard explained that through these partnerships, the Sanibel Sea School hopes to exemplify the true spirit of community outreach and inclusivity

“These unforgettable experiences will undoubtedly impact students, inspiring them to cherish and protect the oceans for generations to come,” she said “As we continue to invest in partnerships through A Chance to Sea, we pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future deeply connected to the wonders of the natural world ”

The Sanibel Sea School is part of the SCCF family

For more information, visit https://www.sanibelseaschool org/ocean-outreach

From page 10

“The fact that the City of Cape Coral refused to take 'no' for an answer and immediately doubled down their spending on more outside consultants and law firms to try to reframe the same action again, should alarm its residents Similarly, anyone who cares for our environment should be equally alarmed as to why the Florida Department of Environmental Protection continues to approve and aid in these activities

“An improved, higher capacity lock has been discussed multiple times within the City government over the last few

decades In our view, an upgraded lock remains the 'win-win' solution to this issue 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 s t o r m w a t e r r u n o f f c o n t r i b u t e s t o t h e

growth of harmful algal blooms such as red tide and blue-green algae

“ I t i s t h e m i s s i o n o f C a l u s a Waterkeeper to protect and restore the C a l o o s a h a t c h e e R i v e r f r o m L a k e O k e e c h o b e e t o t h e c o a s t a l w a t e r s 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 ”

The city does not comment on pending or ongoing litigation but did respond to an email on Aug 24

“Due to the fact that we do not comment

on active legal matters we will not be responding at this time; however, we will address the statements made in the future,” the city’s Communications Office said

On Aug 24, 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 r e s o l v e m a t t e r s w i t h t h e c h a l l e n g e r s before filing the motion for relief

T h e D i v i s i o n o f A d m i n i s t r a t i v e

H e a r i n g w a s s c h e d u l e d t o h o l d a n Evidentiary Hearing on Aug 29

SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL

Isl and lIvIng

SPD releases weekly blotter

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

Other enforcement actions

∫ On Aug 22, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for unlawful speed (66 mph in a 35 mph zone)

∫ On Aug 28, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for never having a driver's license issued and a warning for speeding

Enforcement operations statistics

Sanibel library offers range of programs, topics

The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children

W i t h s u p p o r t f r o m t h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders The next one will take place on Sept 7 at 7 p m with award-winning television host and bestselling author Lidia Matticchio Bastianich She will talk about her memoir, “My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food,” as well as preview and chat about her new cookbook, “Lidia's From Our Family Table to Yours: More Than 100 Recipes Made With Love For All Occasions: A Cookbook ”

Bastianich is the author of 15 previous cookbooks and is the Emmy Award-winning host of public television's “Lidia’s Kitchen,” which also airs internationally She was a judge on “Junior MasterChef Italy” and has appeared on Italy's daily program “La Prova del Cuoco ” Bastianich is also the co-host of “Nonna Senti Che Fame Pensaci Tu,” which airs on Discovery+ in Italy She owns Becco and several other acclaimed restaurants and is a partner in the acclaimed Eataly.

A question-and-answer session with the author will follow

To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc org/sanlib/upcoming

For help setting up or logging into webinars, contact notices@sanlib org or 239-472-2483

Additionally, the library has scheduled upcoming programs Family Storytime for ages 5 and under will be held today, Sept 6, at 10:30 a m with Megan Willis Literacy is a family bonding experience with stories read aloud, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, develop motor skills and increase creativity The program will include an art/craft center

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on Sept 7 with Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

health and other resources for people affected by disasters

The goals of Project HOPE are to: assess the emotional needs of survivors and make referrals to community agencies as needed; identify needs and link survivors to community resources and disaster relief services, and provide emotional support, education, basic crisis counseling, resource materials, and connections to family and community support systems

Youth programs are designed for children and accompanying adults

For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at www sanlib org

Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge

Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee

The Sanibel Public Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a m to 5 p m

checks: 1,207

∫ Reported burglaries: 2

∫ Reported thefts: 0

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,469

From August 2023 to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 22

∫ Non-emergency calls: 81

∫ Traffic crashes: 7

∫ Radar details: 347

∫ Traffic stops: 147 Citations issued: 63 Written warnings issued: 11 Verbal warnings issued: 81

∫ Field interviews: 5

∫ Residential area checks: 2,706

∫ Business area checks: 789

∫ Total area checks: 5,077

∫ Reported burglaries: 3

∫ Reported thefts: 3

∫ Total CAD calls: 6,145

Impor tant reminders

The Lee County Commission has waived tolls on the Sanibel Causeway on Sundays until Sept 10 However, patrons visiting Sanibel's Beach Parks must still pay the hourly rate of $5 per hour or have a valid beach parking sticker affixed to their vehicles windshield

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

Updated information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp:

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

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

On Sept 11, CPE Project HOPE representatives will provide information from 11 a m to 1 p m Project HOPE provides information, emotional support, and links to mental

For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit www sanlib org

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

CHR thanks cleanup crew

C o m m u n i t y H o u s i n g a n d Resources reported that the SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation and volunteers recently helped to clean up and beautify the yard at C a s a M a r i p o s a o n S a n i b e l I t expressed its gratitude for their generous efforts For more information a b o u t C H R , v i s i t h t t p s : / / s a ncapchr org/

COMMUNITY HOUSING AND RESOURCES

American Legion

Sanibel Public Meetings

∫

∫ There is no

access at the Sanibel Boat Ramp at this time

Blotter From page 12

∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250 Roadside parking on Sanibel is not allowed except in the case of special events requiring a permit It is enforced and can result in a $150 fine Dewatering of a pool or spa directly into a waterbody, into the city’s stormwater system or onto any thirdparty’s property without the third party’s consent is expressly prohibited

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

Repor ting suspicious activity

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

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

∫ W e b t i p s c a n b e s u b m i t t e d a t https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert group id=2245 0.

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

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239-472-3111

Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice

San Cap Community Bank donates office space

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank reported that it has donated rent-free office space to the Guardian ad Litem Foundation at its Gateway Branch building in Fort Myers It had previously donated the space to the SanCap Chamber after its offices on Sanibel were destroyed from Hurricane Ian The foundation manages programs that support children, adolescents and teens

who have been abused, neglected or abandoned as they navigate the judicial and child welfare systems Its children's needs program allows volunteer child advocates to request funds for expenses that foster parents and caregivers cannot afford and other agencies do not provide In addition, the foundation assists with emergency needs

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has donated rent-free office space to the Guardian ad Litem Foundation at its Gateway Branch in Fort Myers SANIBEL CAPTIVA COMMUNITY BANK

Business Notes

From page 8

generate disaster recovery resources

T o c o m p l e t e t h e s u r v e y , v i s i t https://floridadisaster biz/BusinessDamageAssessments

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

If your business is in need of immediate assistance due to damage or loss of property, contact the EDO at edo@leegov com so it can assist with local recovery efforts

F.I.S.H. staffer, volunteers nominated for ENPYs

F I S H o f S a n i b e l -

C a p t i v a D i s a s t e r

A d m i n i s t r a t i v e D i r e c t o r

M a n u e l a M a r t i n e z a n d

F I S H volunteers Jim and Joan Bajek are finalists for the Cape Coral Community

F o u n d a t i o n ' s 7 t h A n n u a l

ENPYs Excellence in N o n p r o f i t P e r f o r m a n c e

Yearly awards

Manuela Martinez was n o m i n a t e d f o r t h e N e x t Generation Award It goes to a dynamic leader who is an 18-35 year old staff member (part time or full-time) working for a nonprofit organization

T h e B a j e k s were nominated f o r t h e N o n p r o f i t Volunteer of the Year Award. It honors a volunteer(s) who goes above and beyond to support the objectives of an organization to enhance its ability to deliver on its mission for maximum impact on the community and the lives of those it serves

The CCCF believes that too often the ones doing the work to better the community do not get recognized and chose 33 finalists out of a record number of nominations this year The ENPY Awards highlight the efforts of Southwest Florida nonprofits and accomplishments of nonprofit leaders.

The awards presentation will broadcast on CTN Television and livestreamed online at www ctntelevision com on Sept 28 from 7:30 to 8:30 p m

DeBruce appointed to IWA board

The Island Water Association recently welcomed Laura DeBruce to its board of directors.

She was appointed at the board's August meeting to fill a vacancy left by President Jeffrey Springer, who resigned in July after selling his Sanibel property DeBruce is an attorney and partner in DeBruce Blackman

She serves as secretary for Community Housing and Resources' Board of Directors, as a board trustee for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and on the Sanibel Planning Commission DeBruce is also a founding member of the Sanibel Captiva Business Women's Association

Springer was an integral member of the board since 2018 During his tenure, he was critical to the development of the initial collective bargaining agreement, creation of the strategic plan and modernization efforts of the utility

San Cap Community Bank named top lender

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank reported that it has been named to the Independent Community Bankers Association's 2023 top lenders list

The national list recognizes community banks that are successful loan producers in different lending categories and asset sizes The bank is ranked 19th in the consumer mortgage category for banks with $300 million to $1 billion in assets the only Florida bank and earned an 87 4 consumer lender score

Using 2022 FDIC data, a lender score was calculated out of 100 for every community bank in the nation The score combines the average of the bank's percentile rank for lending concentration and loan growth over the past year in various lending categories

of

Realty Group

VIP Realtors attend convention, trade show

Several Realtors with VIP Realty Group traveled to Orlando for the annual Florida Realtors Convention & Trade Expo on Aug 16-17

VIP Realty reported that the event is a time for top industry leaders to share their success strategies and a chance for real estate professionals to network and boost their business opportunities

The general session guest speaker this year was Tim Tebow, former University of Florida Gators' quarterback and author of “Mission Impossible: Go Create a Life That Counts ”

Shell Point recognized for four th year

Shell Point Retirement Community reported that it has been recognized as a premier retirement destination, earning a spot on ideal-LIVING magazine's annual list of the “100 Best Places to Live” for the fourth consecutive year

Shell Point's campus was lauded for its amenities, sense of community, walkability, proximity to healthcare, and beautifully maintained homes and landscaping

The accolade was noted in the magazine's summer issue

PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTO PROVIDED

Becky Mulka, Connie Walters, Jim Hall and Tina DiCharia

VIP

Manuela Martinez

Joan and Jim Bajek

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , S e p t e m b e r

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W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , S e p t e m b e r

DOH-Lee issues precautionary swim advisory

T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f H e a l t h i n L e e C o u n t y i s a d v i s i n g t h e p u b l i c n o t t o e n t e r t h e w a t e r d u e t o t h e p o s s i b l e i n c r e a s e d r i s k o f w a t e r - b o r n e i l l n e s s W a t e r q u a l i t y h a s b e e n a f f e c t e d b y H u r r i c a n e I d a l i a S w i m m i n g i s n o t r e c o m m e n d e d P u b l i c b e a c h e s H e a v y w i n d s a n d r a i n c a n n e g a t i v e l y i m p a c t c o a s t a l w a t e r s E x c e s s i v e a m o u n t s o f r a i n a n d s t o r m s u r g e c a n i n c r e a s e t h e l e v e l s o f h a r m f u l b a ct e r i a i n t h e s e w a t e r s T h e s o u r c e s o f t h e b a c t e r i a c a n v a r y a n d i n c l u d e f a i l i n g s e p t i c s y s t e m s , s e w e r l i n e b r e a k s , o v e r f l o w i n g m a n h o l e s a n d w i l d l i f e S t o r m s u r g e a n d f l o o d w a t e r s m a y h a v e a l s o b r o u g h t d e b r i s o n t o t h e b e a c h e s . T h i s d e b r i s i s h a z a r d o u s a n d h a s a l s o b e e n s u b j e c t e d t o h a r m f u l b a c t e r i a U n d e r n o c i r c u m s t a n c e s h o u l d a n y p e r s o n h a n d l e d e b r i s w h o i s n o t w e a r i n g p r o p e r s a f e t y e q u i p m e n t T h e p u b l i c s h o u l d a v o i d s w i m m i n g i n c o a s t a l w a t e r s u n t i l b a c t e r i a l t e s t i n g i n d i c a t e s s a m p l e r e s u l t s w i t h i n t h e s t a t e a n d E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n A g e n c y ' s s t a n d a r d s T e s t i n g w i l l b e g i n a s s o o n a s c o n d i t i o n s a r e s a f e , a n d a r e a s a r e a c c e ss i b l e T e s t r e s u l t s c a n b e a c c e s s e d a t t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f H e a l t h H e a l t h y B e a c h e s a t h t t p s : / / w w w . f l o r i d a h e a l t h . g o v / e n v i r o n m e n t a lh e a l t h / b e a c h - w a t e r - q u a l i t y / i n d e x h t m l S w i m m i n g p o o l s T h e p u b l i c s h o u l d a v o i d s w i m m i n g i n a n y p o o l u n t i l i t h a s b e e n p r o p e r l y c l e a n e d a n d i s f u l l y f u n ct i o n a l A f u l l y f u n c t i o n a l p o o l h a s :

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

∫ L i f e - s a v i n g e q u i p m e n t t h a t i s a v a i l a b l e a n d o p e r a t i o n a l ∫ C l e a r w a t e r ∫ P r o p e r l y b a l a n c e d c h e m i c a l s

A d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n o n s w i m m i n g p o o l w a t e r a n d s a f e t y c a n b e f o u n d o n t h e F l o r i d a D O H ' s s w i m m i n g p o o l w e b p a g e a t h t t p s : / / w w w f l o r i d ah e a l t h g o v / e n v i r o n m e n t a l - h e a l t h / s w i m m i n gp o o l s / i n d e x h t m l

F l o o d w a t e r s

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

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

Extension for Gulf red snapper season

The 2023 recreational Gulf red snapper season in Florida was recently extended

Those fishing from private recreational vessels in state and federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico and charter vessels without a federal reef fish permit that are limited to fishing in state waters can participate

The remaining extended dates include:

∫ Sept 8-10

∫ Sept 15-17

∫ Sept 22-24

∫ Sept 29 to Oct 1

∫ Oct 6-8

∫ Oct 13-15

∫ Oct 20-22

∫ Oct 27-29

∫ Nov 3-5

∫ Nov 10-12

∫ Nov 17-19

∫ Nov 23-26

Even those exempt from fishing license requirements must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida com to participate

Find more information on recreational snapper regulations, visit https://myfwc com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/

City reminds beach-goers payment still required

The city of Sanibel reported that t h e L e e B o a r d o f C o u n t y Commissioners recently waived tolls on the Sanibel Causeway on Sundays from now through Sept 10 in support of the “Savor the Shore” campaign organized by the Lee County

Visitor and Convention Bureau

While the causeway tolls have b e e n w a i v e d , p a t r o n s v i s i t i n g Sanibel's beach parks must still pay the hourly rate of $5 per hour or have a valid beach parking sticker affixed to their vehicles windshield

For information on Sanibel Beach Park parking and Beach Parking Permits, visit https://www mysanib e l c o m / g o v e r n m e n t / p u b l i c - w o r k sd e p a r t m e n t / u s e f u l - l i n k s / p a r k s - p u bl i c - b e a c h e s / p a y i n g - f o r - p a r k i n g - o nsanibel

Periwinkle Park general manager recognized

P e r i w i n k l e P a r k G e n e r a l M a n a g e r D a v i d M u e n c h w a s recently honored by Sanibel City C o u n c i l m e m b e r H o l l y S m i t h with a special commemorative coin The recognition was for his tireless work and serving as an integral part of the island's recove r y f o l l o w i n g H u r r i c a n e I a n

Additionally, Muench acknowledged Smith's former role as mayor and a leading voice in the recovery

PERIWINKLE PARK

Rec center provides update on programming

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

Martial Arts with Sensei Gary Thomas is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30 p m and on Saturdays at 10:30 a m

Martial arts help practice balance, builds structure and boosts confidence Open to all ages Pre-registration is required The

group lessons are $100 for members and $125 for non-members per month.

W e i g h t R o o m 1 0 1 w i l l t a k e p l a c e o n S e p t 1 2 a t 1 p m w i t h C o n n o r R u s s e l l

I t w i l l i n c l u d e w e i g h t r o o m o r i e n t a t i o n , s p e c i f i c i n s t r u c t i o n o n u p p e r a n d l o w e r b o d y e x e r c i s e s , a n d c a r d i o v a s c u l a r t r a i n i n g t i p s I n s t r u c t i o n a n d g u i d a n c e o n h o w t o p r o p e r l y t r a i n o n e ' s e n t i r e

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

a n d c a r d i o v a s c u l a r e n d u r a n c e C l a s s i s

l i m i t e d t o 1 0 p a r t i c i p a n t s ; p r e - r e g i s t r a -

t i o n i s r e q u i r e d C l o s e d - t o e f o o t w e a r i s

r e q u i r e d T h e c e n t e r i s o p e n o n M o n d a y s , Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a m to 5 p m and on Tuesdays and

Thursdays from 7 a m to 5 p m

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

For more information, call 239-4720302 or visit www mysanibel com

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel

Sanibel

“We went into full preparation mode,” S a n i b e l D e p u t y C i t y M a n a g e r S t e v e Chaipel said

The island experienced some localized street flooding, including on Bailey Road and Sanibel-Captiva Road and in the Blind Pass area He reported that it was

not unexpected with the rain and high tides

“But the water receded pretty well,” Chaipel said Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Fire Chief Kevin Barbot echoed that, explaining that there was standing water in lowlying areas but that typically occurs during high tide and rainy events

He gave kudos to the city's Public W o r k s D e p a r t m e n t s t a f f t h a t w o r k e d through the night, including immediately responding to Blind Pass when rocks and sand washed out over the roadway He explained that the debris was an issue for the Captiva Island Fire Control District to respond and assist on calls

“As soon as we called them, they were out there cleaning that up for us,” Barbot said

He also praised the Sanibel Police Department for increasing its staff in preparation for the storm

Chaipel reported that Idalia had no major impact on the island's beaches

“We saw some sand erosion that was

carried in that we had to clear out,” he said

At Lighthouse Beach Park, the sand collected in the parking lot and road

“Interestingly enough, it brought it some more sand and actually kind of helped the beachfront,” Chaipel said, referring to the loss of sand and erosion sustained nearly a year ago due to Ian

As of Sept 1, the city had almost completed its damage assessment for Idalia, with no damages to report to the city's physical assets at that time The fire district also had no damage to report on

B a r b o t n o t e d t h a t t h e r e w a s o n e downed tree on Periwinkle Way due to the hurricane

“That was the extent of it, which was shocking,” he said, adding that weak or dying vegetation had probably already come down during Ian, which made landfall with winds short of a Category 5

Barbot reported that crews responded to multiple fire alarms and possible structure fires during Idalia, but none of them

See IDALIA, page 19

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

Flooding at Sanibel-Captiva Road and Pine Avenue on Sanibel from Hurricane Idalia

CAPTIVA ISLAND FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT

Sanibel and Captiva fire trucks maneuver through the debris and flooding pushed into the Blind Pass area from Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 29-30.

Idalia

From page 18

amounted to anything They also responded to electrical line and power line issues

“We had one power line and power pole down on Sanibel-Captiva Road,” he said, noting that LCEC's crews immediately responded and got it up “LCEC did a fantastic job on staffing crews out here ”

“It was an eventful night and a busy night, but also uneventful,” Barbot added “I feel like the island was lucky with the path, the outcome and how everything held up ”

Chaipel echoed that sentiment

“All in all, fairly minor in the grand

scheme of things,” he said “We came out on the other side of it excellent,” Chaipel added Barbot explained that he hoped residents, however, took the storm seriously by having a plan, stocking up on supplies and being prepared to evacuate, if neces-

sary, because it could have impacted the area

He added that electric vehicle owners should have also had a plan to remove those

“This was a good trial run for the city, See IDALIA, page 20

Flooding on Bailey Road on Sanibel from Hurricane Idalia.

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

‘Mama Carmen Suite’

“First Encounters of the Close Kind”

She was less than five feet tall and plumper than a calabaza, yet she could touch the floor with the palm of her hand and chop a roasted pig into a hundred pieces while chewing a cigar stump and saving the crinkly cuerito skin ears and tail as candy for her grandchildren

I met her when I was four on the island of Vieques just before the Navy came to protect the island by taking over two thirds of the land and removing one third of its population

She was milking a goat in the yard behind the shack of planks and leftover corrugated iron that served as home and centerpiece for her animals and plants; sent on ahead by my mother I introduced myself to her in my best broken Spanish, and when I asked her what she was doing and pointed to parts of the goat she immediately enriched my Spanish vocabulary with the words for udders and vagina

It was love at first sight: the first americano in the family became her favorite among the forty-two grandchildren whose names she couldn’t always remember and she moved up instantly to number one on my list of grown-ups

“Mama Carmen Meets Old Man”

When four years later my mother told us she was coming to live with us in New York City because the Navy needed the land on which she had lived all her life, I could not have been happier My memory of her, ruling and protecting her ramshackle kingdom of chickens, goats and pigs scattered among the makeshift orchards of orange, banana, avocado, mango and almond trees was still as fresh and warm as the rich flow of Spanish language and expletives that had poured from her

On a cold winter’s day we went to the muelles (piers) in Brooklyn and I watched her shiver down the gangplank wearing a burlap brown coat someone had given her for her journey to the frozen north of New York City, but that day the temperature was fifty degrees colder than she had ever experienced in her seventy-two years, and frightened by seeing her own breath for the first time she greeted us with demands to be returned at once to Vieques, demands accompanied by descriptions of the weather and her discomfort that made my mother, my aunt and even the crew members blush

Joe Pacheco Poetic

License

Idalia

From page 19

the fire district and all agencies to come together to ensure staffing and to ensure that we all work together through these events,” Barbot said

Captiva

Part of unincorporated Lee, Captiva's post-Idalia reports were similar to those of Sanibel

L e e C o u n t y G o v e r n m e n t Communications Director Betsy Clayton explained that there were no structural damages nor major flooding reported in the initial assessments conducted by staff

“Some roads were temporarily flooded, but (they) were evaluated and there was no damage to repair,” she said.

As of Aug 31, assessments of the coastal areas and beaches were continuing

C l a y t o n a d d e d t h a t t h e c o u n t y ' s Department of Transportation appreciated the assistance from its partners at the city and the fire districts for their assistance in clearing up the Blind Pass area

Captiva Island Fire Control District

Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported t h a t c r e w s r e s p o n d e d t o normal weather-related calls during the hurricane, such as d o w n e d t r e e s and vegetation

i n t h e r o a dways

T h e y a l s o r e s p o n d e d t o the fire alarms on Sanibel to

assist

“The biggest impact from the storm was the amount of water that was pushing up onto the roadways due to the tidal surge,” he said

“Obviously, that Blind Pass area was the worst as far as hazards went,” Pawul added “You had that added riprap that was pushed out on the road So that was the worst as far as debris went ”

The station, The Green Flash and South Seas Island Resort saw localized flooding

“We had standing water related to the high tides and the surge,” he said

While older low-lying houses may have had water intrusion, no damage reports were received

Pawul also noted that there was less vegetative debris and downed trees

“I think we actually saw less of what we normally would have,” he said

“We definitely dodged a bullet,” Pawul adding, noting that Idalia should be a reminder to be prepared, regardless of a storm's track “If it had turned and come here, we would have had another Ian ”

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT Flooding remains on Bailey Road on Sanibel the morning of Aug 30 after Hurricane Idalia passed

CITY OF SANIBEL

Overnight flooding from Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 29-30 makes Periwinkle Way on Sanibel impassable toward the fishing pier

Bob and Jane go to a bar

Bob and Jane were single and alone Each had gone the online dating service route but to no avail But then one day they connected online and agreed to meet each other for cocktails Each sensed that the other’s background, personal experience and neuroses were similar.

They found each other at the cocktail lounge and viewed each other warily Each of them had gone t h r o u g h t h i s p r o c e s s countless times Would it be different this time?

Bob: Hi, Jane Good to meet you You, Jane, me Bob (Bob laughs uproariously)

Jane: (already wishing s h e w e r e s o m e w h e r e else) That’s very funny, B o b I g u e s s y o u ’ r e a huge Tarzan fan

Refuge, DDWS announce inaugural Art in the Wild to include competition

Set for Oct 21-22 at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, the second day of the inaugural Art in the Wild will be devoted to a Paint Out among plein-air artists along Wildlife Drive and at the Bailey Tract Admission to Wildlife Drive and the refuge will be free from 7 a m to 3 p m

Participating artists can enter one 9-by-12-inch work, which will go on display in the Visitor & Education Center for visitors to vote on through Oct 30 for the People's Choice Award

Art Stevens

Shell Shocked

Bob: I sure am Listen to this Aghh,eee,aghh, ee, aghh (Bob is now standing on the bar counter emitting a Tarzan like scream that shatters the glass behind the bar After a few moments of negotiating with the bartender, Bob and Jane find their way to a private table in the rear )

Jane: Bob You sure know how to bring down the house. That’s the best Tarzan scream I’ve heard in ages How is your Godzilla imitation?

Bob: I just love movies I can see them over and over

Jane: Well, we certainly have that in common I’m a movie lover myself What are your favorite movies?

Bob: I simply love “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” and “Bugs Bunny Does Dallas ”

Jane: I love those movies, too, Bob Are you a “Casablanca” fan?

Bob: Am I a “Casablanca” fan? Round up the usual suspects Of all the gin joints There will always be Paris

Jane: Bob, what do you do for a living?

Bob: I’m a parallelogram

Jane: Now you’re being funny Everyone knows that a parallelogram is a symbolic abercenture

Bob: Say, what? I’m only kidding, of course I’m a meter reader

Jane: Our careers parallel each other, no pun intended I’m an expert on Dewey decimal systems In other words, I’m a librarian

Bob: A librarian who loves movies Who could ask for anything more?

Jane: Isn’t that the verse of a popular song? I’m also a huge fan of the great American songbook.

Bob: Do you like “Night and Day” by Cole Porter?

Jane: I thrive on it You and I certainly have some things in common What else do you like?

Bob: I enjoy collecting ants

Jane: Oh, my God, me too I’ve never met anyone else who enjoys collecting ants Could this be the start of something new?

Bob: You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

Jane: Bei Meir bist di shcein, I’ll sing that refrain

Bob: I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill

Jane: Do you give your ants names? I do

Bob: Yes, I do too. I name them after Broadway musical characters like Aunty Mame, Sweeney Todd, The Music Man, Jesus Christ Super Star and Hello Dolly

Jane: Oh, Bob Is this really happening? After so many dating disappointments could it be that I’ve finally found my match?

Bob: (jumping on top of the table) Aghh, eee, aghh, eee, aghh Me Bob, you Jane

Jane: (jumping on top of the table) Top of the world, ma

They embrace and tap dance to “Stars Fall on Alabama.”

Fade out

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

Check-in for participants will take place on Oct 22 from 7 to 8 a m at The Roost, the forthcoming outdoor flex pavilion at the center's entrance ramp Artists will submit their completed piece by 3 p m inside the center, where visitors will begin to view and place their votes The art will be available for purchase through the Refuge Nature Store, with profits benefiting refuge research and conservation

Artists must provide their own canvases At check in, canvases must get stamped with the official “Ding” stamp to enter the People's Choice contest Participating artists will receive a $10 Nature Store gift card for entering The winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive a $50 gift card

The first day of Art in the Wild will include duck stamp and other noted nature artists' presentations, signings, workshops and demonstrations The 2023-24 Duck Stamp winner Joe Hautman will lead the roster of presenting artists Wildlife Drive will also be open fee-free on Oct 21 from 7 a m to 5 p m

Art in the Wild will celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week and the 146th birthday of refuge namesake Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, a Pulitzer-winning editorial cartoonist, artist and influential conservationist of the mid-twentieth century

“We invite all interested plein-air artists to participate in this first-of-its-kind event,” event organizer and Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said “It will become an annual fall tradition to celebrate 'Ding' Darling's art legacy and role in creating the Federal Duck Stamp Program, which has continued for nearly 90 years and preserved six million acres of sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitat ”

The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will host its inaugural Art in the Wild on Oct 21-22

If you go

What

Art in the Wild

When

Oct 21-22

Where

J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel

Details

Free and open to the public

For more information about Paint Out and Art in the Wild, contact Westland at Toni Westland@fws gov or 239-940-0169 or visit dingartinthewild com

For sponsorship opportunities, contact April Boehnen at aprilb@dingdarlingsociety org

The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel

Tickets available for SCBWA annual fundraiser

T h e S a n i b e l C a p t i v a B u s i n e s s W o m e n ' s Association will host its 2023 fundraiser, with the theme “The Golden Age of Hollywood,” on Sept 22 from 5:30 to 8 p m at C i e l o , 1 2 4 4 P e r i w i n k l e Way, Sanibel

The event will feature an evening of food and company, along with the opportunity to bid on silent auction items. The fundraiser's emcee will be Sanibel artist and SCBWA member Rachel Pierce

The proceeds raised will support

the SCBWA's scholarship opportunities and its mission of women supporting women, while continuing t o h e l p w o m e n o f t h e i s l a n d s t a k e t h e i r n e x t career steps T h e S C B W A p i c k e d Sept 22 as it is National American Business Women's Day

“We are very excited to be hosting our 2023 annual fundraiser at Cielo,” President Taylor Osborne said “This event embodies many aspects of what SCBWA stands for by raising funds to contribute to our

scholarship program, while paying tribute to the history of women in business by holding the event on National Business Women's Day ”

Tickets are $150 per person

Tickets are limited and registration is required

For more information or to register, visit https://www facebook com /SanCapBWA or on Eventbrite or contact Osborne at taylor@irisprintdesigns com

S p o n s o r s h i p o p p o r t u n i t i e s a r e a v a i l a b l e F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t E m i l y A n k e r s o n a t emily ankerson@ccacaptiva org

Call to ar tists for exhibit

The Sanibel Art Colony is accepting submissions for “There's Calm In Your Eye,” a digital exhibition that will be posted on its website from Sept 27 to Nov 27 It is open to artwork inspired by the impact of Hurricane Ian on Southwest Florida in all media, including painting, photography, collage, mixed media, printmaking/intaglio, drawing, cartoon, digital art, sculpture, fabric art, glass, assemblage, video/time-based art, installation and more There is no entry fee The submission deadline is Sept 20 by 11:59 p m For more information, visit https://sanibelartcolony com/hurricane-ian-callfor-art/.

REFUGE/DDWS

F.I.S.H. presents 10K/5K sponsors

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva recently announced several sponsors for its 15th Annual F I S H 10K/5K on Dec 2 Pfeifer Realty Group is a premier sponsor, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille and the Law Offices of Janet Strickland are silver sponsors, Nanny's of Sanibel and Superior Title Services are bronze sponsors, and Tree West is a sponsor The race will be held at The Community House on Sanibel, with a virtual option available Hosted in partnership with the Sanibel Recreation Center, there will also be a kids' race and family fun day this year For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH. For sponsorship information, visit http://fishofsancap org/ or contact Race Committee Co-chairs Diane Cortese at Dianerc10@gmail com or Leah Winkler at leahwinkler12@gmail com

F I S H OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

F r o m l e f t , H e a t h e r C h e v a l i e r, M a r k P f e i f e r, Cecilia Liichow and Savannah Smith with Pfeifer Realty Group

The team from Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille

From left, Janet Strickland and Jodi McConnell with the Law Offices of Janet Strickland.

Nanny's of Sanibel owner Heather Termini

d a Curran, second from left, with Dustyn Corace, Chelsea Aiello and Tina Achinapura

From left, Tree West Manager Earl Persinger and owner Jeurgen Schreyer

Sanibel Captiva

ISL AND HOME islander

UF/IFAS, partners to hold compost workshop

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and industry partners will host “Get the Dirt on Compost” on Sept. 14 from 8:30

Southern showstopper

Confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is an intoxicatingly fragrant vine that causes me to take deep breaths to draw in the scent I associate with the heat of summer and lazy days on the porch

It is a quintessentially southern vine that grows r a m p a n t a c r o s s a n y structure or surface you will allow it on With its winding tendrils, it will quickly wind through a fence or trellis to create a living green wall I've used this vine to “hide” fences and pool equipment and to accent arbors leading into my garden, and I will wander out of my way to smell the wonderful rich fragrance of the plant

Confederate jasmine produces clusters of small, white waxy blooms that look like little pinwheels, while the scent they provide is a rich sweet perfume that can scent an entire garden The leaves are a lovely, dark glossy green that keeps it looking great all year long

Careful placement of this hardy vine is essential as it does grow quickly On the other hand, it's very easy to keep this vine trimmed to the shape you prefer.

Enjoy this evergreen vine with the lovely scent It takes little watering when established and prefers full sun to promote its generous blooms

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-395-5859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

the workshop will unravel the mysteries of compost with information based on the latest research. Participants will learn the benefits of composting, what to compost and monitor, the s c i e n c e b e h i n d t h e process, how to use compost for plant nutrition, alternative soilless media, vermicomposting and more.

Highlights of some of the topics will include:

∫ Compost Basics: A Review

Learn the basics of creating, monitoring and evaluating compost products Experts will discuss compost quality standards and the science behind compost and dive into feedstock selection, utilizing bioassays and what changes to expect over time

∫ Use of Compost for Containerized Production of Native Ornamentals

Learn from case studies that utilized compost to supplement or replace peat-based soilless media to produce ornamentals native to different ecosystems of Florida.

∫ Plant Nutrition Considerations for Compost in Soil and Media A Real World Evaluation

Get the facts on advantages and limitations of compost

use in Florida's landscapes, turf and nurseries Nutrient contents, pH and longevity factors will also be highlighted

∫ Organics Recycling: Understanding Regulatory and Legislative Landscape around Composting in Florida

As an effective recycling tool, composting can address up to 30% of organic waste present in our waste stream Despite this benefit, local and state regulations can hinder initial composting practices This session examines existing rules and sheds light on factors that shape and influence them

∫ Kenaf compost as an alternative soilless media

Concerns about climate change, the sustainability of peat, supply chain disruptions, and increased freight and substrate costs have led to broader adoption of alternative substrates Kenaf, a warm-season, annual and fast-growing fiber crop, may provide an alternative soilless media option for Florida's commercial growers Learn the intricacies of producing, composting, and using kenaf

Advance registration is required

The in-person cost is $50 and includes lunch and the virtual cost is $25

r , v i s i t https://UniversityofFloridaCompostWorkshop eventbrite com

Coral bean is showy, color ful tree

By

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

T

o r

r d a l e R e s e a r c h a n d Education Center is 3205 College Ave , Davie

F.I.S.H. distributes back-to-school items

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva reported that its school supplies drive assisted an overwhelming number of students with essential items for the 2023-24 school year Most of those receiving assistance cited unexpected expenses from Hurricane Ian, coupled with inflation and reduced work hours, as the main reasons for seeking assistance “We are tremendously appreciative to our community for their contributions to our Back-to-School drive,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said “The support of businesses, service clubs and individuals helped our students feel confident and organized for the school year ”

Coral bean (Erythrina herbacea) is a multi-trunk tree that grows about 15 feet high The leaves fall off in the winter and return in early spring, along with a showy spike of red tubular flowers Coral bean leaves have two lobs that come to a point in the middle and seem to come in sets of three on a single long petiole The seed pods are about 4 inches long and open to bright red with red seeds The tree sometimes forms a wide base or stump at ground level It grows best in full sun to part shade and in moist soils It can handle salt spray but not saltwater

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

PHOTO PROVIDED Confederate jasmine

UF/IFAS

F I S H OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

Coral bean

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Recipe of the Week: Peach Almond Chiffon Cake

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

I have very fond memories of growing up in Italy In the summer months, I used to spend lots of time at my maternal grandmother's house Lucky for me, she had a big garden and a fruit orchard where I would sit in the cool shade and read my favorite books. The sweet ripe fruits were such a delicious treat served just after being picked in a big bowl or sometime as the main ingredient in a cake This is one of my grandmother's special desserts; it is a real summer treat when the peaches are at their peak Serves 12 (Chef tip: Egg whites will whip better at room temperature with a pinch of cream of tartar or salt )

3/4 cup sifted flour

1/4 cup almond flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

CROW Calendar

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

∫ Today, Sept 6

Program of the Week at 11 a m

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

∫ Thursday, Sept 7

Program of the Week at 11 a m

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

∫ Friday, Sept 8

Program of the Week at 11 a m

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

at CROW

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

In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife W a l k H o s p i t a l T o u r o n W e d n e s d a y s through Fridays after the daily presentation Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required To register, contact 2394 7 2 - 3 6 4 4 e x t 2 2 9 o r reservations@crowclinic org

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t http://www crowclinic org/ or call 239472-3644

The Community House Calendar

T h e C o m m u n i t y H o u s e , a t 2 1 7 3

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:

Shellcrafters

The Shellcrafters will meet on Sept 11 from 10 a m to 1 p m in the lobby A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a m ; it is free and supplies range from $510 Items will be available for sale All s a l e s b e n e f i t t h e o p e r a t i o n s o f T h e

Community House

TCH is seeking volunteers and sponsors for its Fall Festival Party on Oct 28

1 t teaspoon grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

2 large egg yolks

6 large egg whites (at room temperature)

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3 cups peaches, sliced

Preheat oven to 350°F Combine flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl; stir well Add oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, almond extract, vanilla and egg yolks; beat mixture at medium speed in a stand mixer until smooth Beat egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form using clean, dry beaters; do not over beat

Gently stir 1/4 of the egg white mixture into the batter; gently fold in remaining egg white mixture. Spoon batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan, spreading evenly; break air pockets by cutting through batter with a knife Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched Invert pan; let cool for 40 minutes

Loosen cake from sides of pan using a narrow metal spatula Invert cake onto a plate, and cut cake into 12 slices, and serve with sliced peaches

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

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

Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

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

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

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

Rev Dr Doug Dortch

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

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida

www.chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida.org

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

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

from 5 to 7 p m

For more information, contact Executive Director Teresa RiskaHall at teresa@sanibelcommunityhouse net or 239-472-2155

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

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

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

The Santiva Islanders Calendar

The Santiva Islanders will present the following:

Coffee Bistro

Coffee Bistro will be held on Sept 7 from 10 a m to 2:30 p m at The Gathering Place @ St Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Coffee and other beverages will be served Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, offer signups for activities and more Enter off of Dunlop Road

Cardio and Strength

Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Sept 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a m at The Gathering Place @ St Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretch-

ing Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members Enter off of Dunlop Road

September Birthdays Celebration

A September Birthdays Celebration will be held on Sept 7 from noon to 12:30 p m at The Gathering Place @ St Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Come celebrate September birthdays

Birthday cupcakes and candles will be provided Enter off of Dunlop Road

Fun and Games

Fun and Games will be held on Sept 7 from 12:30 to 2:30 p m at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304

∫ Sanibel Community Church

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

Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Sanctuary Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

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

Senior Minister Rev Dr Mark Boyea

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

∫ St. Isabel Catholic Church

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

Father Edward Martin

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

∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

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

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

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

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Options will include cards, board games, puzzles, Bridge, Mahjong and more For more information about Bridge, contact Bryant Korn at bryantekorn@gmail com For more information about Mahjong, contact Robin Christian at fwrobin01@att net Enter off of Dunlop Road

Stretch and Tone

Mahnaz Bassir will host Stretch and Tone on Sept 7 from 1 to 2 p m at The Gathering Place @ St Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church,

at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel It will involve toning exercises, balance movements and total body stretches Bring water and a towel; the exercises are done standing or sitting in chairs, so no mat is needed Cost per class is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers Enter off of Dunlop Road

Happy Hour at MudBugs

Happy Hour at MudBugs will be held on Sept 11 from 4 to 6 p m at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Loretta Paganini

Sanibel Captiva

Students at Harns March Elementary's summer camp in Lehigh Acres learn to use microscopes.

REFUGE/DDWS

Refuge’s WoW to kick off new school year

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels team has been gearing up for the 2023-24 school year by updating curriculum and scheduling visits

It will kick off the season with participation in Goodwill's Pathways to Opportunity adult training program Sept 26-29 in Tice The educators have six schools on the calendar starting on Oct 2 and will add more

From page 25

Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials Participants will order and pay individually For more information, contact event host Susan Talmage at 214-2066822

Coffee Bistro

o m 1 0 a

r

o

schools This year, the WoW staff will also hand out ecofriendly bamboo toothbrushes to students in its crusade for anti-plastic awareness

“WoW has made a true Community Connection, in keeping with the U S Fish and Wildlife Service's outreach mission,” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said “Urban Education Leader Melissa Maher has created partnerships and programs with lasting impact We hear nothing but high praise from faculty wherever WoW stops ”

e

R e f u g e r e p o r t e d t h a t J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i

To donate to support the upkeep and programming for the WoW efforts, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net /weblink/WebLink aspx?name=E54182&id=12

The Santiva Islanders Calendar

cises, and stretching Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members Enter off of Dunlop Road

Cardio and Strength

Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Sept 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a m a t T h e G a t h e r i n g P l a c e @ S t Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exer-

Page Tur ners

e l a n d A

l

E

will be “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus For questions or to receive the Zoom login information, contact santiv a i s l a n d e r s @ g m a i l c o m E n t e r o f f o f Dunlop Road

The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age The cost is $20 for an annual membership The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities For more information, visit https://santivaislanders org/ or contact santivaislanders@gmail com

5:30

Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m. SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m

Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel BUCKEYE KEN

JOSH ROWLAND AND DANI LIGHTNER 6:30 p.m. KARAOKE 8 to 10 p m

MICHAEL DAVID 5:30 to 8:30 p m TRIVIA 7 to 9 p m

REFUGE/DDWS Refuge outreach update