Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will host

The Watch Party on Sept 29 from 5:30 to 9 p m at its soon-to-be-reopened Sanibel headquarters, with the proceeds to benefit Coastal Watch

Part of the SCCF family, Coastal Watch is dedicated to preserving Southwest Florida's estuaries and oceans for future generations a mission that it carries out with the help of committed volunteers who execute projects, such as mangrove planting, oyster gardening, beach litter cleanup and more

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

Hootenanny, plus a shrimp boil and other good eats Point Ybel Brewing will serve up craft beers, with wine and non-alcoholic beverages also available

In addition, there will be several fun ways for attendees to support Coastal Watch Whitney's Bait & Tackle is sponsoring a Whitney's Casting

See THe WATCH PARTY, page 14

Library board approves tentative millage rate and budget

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel Public Library District's Board of Commissioners recently adopted the tentative millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2023-24 at its first budget hearing

On Sept 12, the commissioners voted 4 - 0 t o a p p r o v e a n o p e r a t i n g r a t e o f 0 5667 mills which is greater than the

City c ou nci l OKs ten tativ e bud ge t, mi lls

B y T I F FA N Y R E P E C K I

t r e p e c k i @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m T h e S a n i b e l C i t y C o u n c i l a d o p t e d t h e t e n t a t i v e m i l l a g e r a t e a n d b u d g e t f o r t h e i s l a n d f o r f i s c a l y e a r 2 0 2 3 - 2 4 d u ri n g i t s f i r s t b u d g e t h e a r i n g l a s t w e e k O n S e p t 1 1 , i t v o t e d u n a n i m o u s l y 50 t o a p p r o v e a n o p e r a t i n g r a t e o f 2 . 5 0 0 m i l l s w h i c h i s l o w e r t h a n t h e n o t - t oe x c e e d r a t e o f 2 9 5 9 8 t h a t i t h a d a p p r o v e d i n J u l y a n d l o w e r t h a n t h e 2 5 0 6 4 t h a t i t h a d d i r e c t e d s t a f f a t a n A u g u s t w o r k s h o p t o u s e w h e n p r e p a ri n g t h e p r o p o s e d b u d g e t f o r t h e f i r s t h e a r i n g I n c l u d e d i n t h e m i l l a g e r a t e r e s o l ut i o n , t h e c o u n c i l a l s o a p p r o v e d t h e v o t e d d e b t s e r v i c e m i l l a g e r a t e s , i n c l u di n g 0 0 6 2 4 m i l l s f o r t h e t e n t a t i v e s e w e r a n d 0 . 1 3 0 5 m i l l s f o r t h e t e n t a t i v e r e c r e a t i o n c e n t e r

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

T h e c o u n c i l a l s o v o t e d 5 - 0 t o

rolled-back rate of 0 3642 by 55 60%, but lower than the not-to-exceed rate of 0 6260 mills they had set in July The millage rate can be lowered during the budget process but not raised

V i c e C h a i r L i n d a U h l e r , S e c r e t a r y S u s a n H o l l y a n d C o m m i s s i o n e r R o y Gibson were absent

The commissioners also voted 4-0 to approve a tentative budget of $2,390,348

for the coming year

The Lee County Property Appraiser's Office certified that the gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt from taxation within Lee County to the district as $4,217,789,351.

The second and final budget hearing was scheduled for Sept 18 at 5:01 p m

City council green lights comments on county plan, funds

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel City Council approved p r o p o s e d c o m m e n t s a b o u t t h e Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Action Plan and sending them to Lee County at its recent meeting

On Sept 11, the council voted unanimously 5-0 to approve the comments drafted by staff on the county's plan for the $1 1 billion in federal funding The city's recommendations will include:

Waivers and clarifications

∫ Seek clarification from HUD that funds expended on programs and projects that create employment opportunities for low-to-moderate income (LMI) populations are in the heavily damaged coastal communities with populations less that 5 0 % L M I p o p u l a t i o n s a r e e l i g i b l e expenses

∫ The county should seek waivers from the secretary, where necessary, to fund Sanibel's affordable housing, economic revitalization, infrastructure, public services and planning needs to recover from Hurricane Ian

Allocations

∫ Allocate funding to economic revitalization by a minimum of $29 4 million Reduce housing allocation to fund economic revitalization

∫ Provide direct funding to Sanibel for e c o n o m i c r e v i t a l i z a t i o n , w i t h o u t a requirement to apply for funding through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

∫ Collaboration with Lee County, Fort

CITY OF SANIBEL

The Sanibel City Council presented the Employee Service Awards at its meeting on Sept. 11. Shown with the council members are, front from left, Scott Robbins, Scotty Ly n n K e l l y, S t e v e n C h a i p e l , Jocelyn Upchurch Hawkins and C h a r l o t t e D u r a n d ; N i c h o l a s Gleason was not present

Myers Beach and business leaders to d e v e l o p m o r e s p e c i f i c p r o g r a m s a n d activities that will assist businesses recover quickly

Housing

∫ Priority funding should be directed t o S a n i b e l / C o m m u n i t y H o u s i n g a n d Resources to redevelop lost and damaged units directly and outside of any NOFA issued for housing project proposals The same should apply to any other community that lost housing directly from the impacts of Ian

∫ Likewise, priority funding should be granted to Sanibel as one of the most impacted communities to acquire land and

develop new affordable housing on the island that will better serve low-income

a n d m o d e r a t e - i n c o m e e m p l o y e e s o f Sanibel businesses

∫ F u n d i n g s h o u l d b e p r o v i d e d t o develop near-island affordable housing units that could benefit workers who travel to Sanibel and Forty Myers Beach daily for work. Affordable housing units are needed near coastal communities

∫ P r o v i d e i n d i v i d u a l a s s i s t a n c e t o q u a l i f i e d r e s i d e n t s a s s i s t a n c e t o include: home renovations, home elevations and home reconstruction

Infrastructure

∫ Allocate funds directly and without having to apply for a NOFA to Sanibel for s i g n i f i c a n t i n f r a s t r u c t u r e r e p a i r s a n d reconstruction

∫ Sanibel agrees that the local match f o r H a z a r d M i t i g a t i o n G r a n t P r o g r a m (HMGP) projects should be funded from Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDB-DR) funds

Public services

∫ Partner with F I S H of SanibelCaptiva to deliver services on Sanibel

∫ Assist F I S H with its renovating and expanding its building to better service LMI clients

Planning

∫ Plan for barge landing facilities on Sanibel and Lee County mainland to plan for any future natural disasters that may make the Sanibel Causeway inaccessible

∫ Plan for high-speed broadband fiber network on Sanibel for resiliency and reliability

Also during the meeting, the council discussed Sanibel's building heights

Planning Director Paula McMichael explained that some council members recently asked for more information as to how building heights are measured, as questions have been raised as to whether they should be tied to required flood elevations for all uses: residential, institutional which could be government, church, school, fire station and such commercial districts, and resort housing district

She reported that the Sanibel Plan establishes a blanket limitation on buildings of three stories and approximately 45 feet above mean sea level Staff's interpretation is exceeding 45 feet would require approval of registered voters through a public referendum and ballot vote The only land use where building height is dependent on the required base flood elevation is within the resort housing district

After some discussion at the dais and at

s t a f f ' s r e c o m m e n d a t i o n , t h e c o u n c i l d i r e c t e d t h e S a n i b e l P l a n n i n g Commission to evaluate heights and provide a recommendation if changes are suggested

In other news

∫ The council voted 5-0 to approve an o r d i n a n c e t h a t a m e n d s t h e L a n d Development Code relating to extending t h e d e a d l i n e f r o m 1 2 m o n t h s t o 2 4 months for re-establishing a nonconforming use following a natural disaster

∫ The council voted 5-0 on an amending resolution to extend the temporary waiver or discount of certain permit fees charged for certain permit and development fees

∫ The council voted 5-0 on three separate resolutions to approve the labor a g r e e m e n t s b e t w e e n t h e c i t y a n d t h e Fraternal Order of Police representing Sanibel's police officers and dispatchers and Sanibel's sergeants and the American F e d e r a t i o n o f S t a t e , C o u n t y a n d Municipal Employees for general staffers

All three agreements included a 5% wage increase, which even non-union employees will receive

∫ The council voted 5-0 to approve a lease agreement between the city and Local Roots to provide the farmers market on city grounds for a term of five years, with the option of two one-year extensions

∫ The council voted 5-0 to approve an amendment to the agreement between the city and CHR to temporarily reduce the annual funding that the city provides by 20%, due to Ian's financial impact on the city Staff noted that council can amend the funds later based upon the city's financial situation

∫ The council held the first reading for a n o r d i n a n c e t h a t a m e n d s t h e L a n d Development Code relating to architectural design requirements for multifamily housing to clarify regulatory language and ensure redevelopment will be conducted consist with island style character and scenic preservation within the built environment The second reading will be held on Oct 3

∫ The council presented the following Employee Service Awards: Steve Chaipel for 10 years; Charlotte Durand for 10 years; Nicholas Gleason for 10 years; Jocelyn Upchurch Hawkins for 10 years; Scotty Lynn Kelly for 10 years; and Scott Robbins for five years

∫ T h e c o u n c i l r e c o g n i z e d S t e v e S c h w e i t z e r , w i t h t h e P u b l i c W o r k s

Department, for achieving his Associate of Science in business management, with honors, from Rasmussen University

At its Sept 11 meeting, the Sanibel City Council recognized Public Works Department employee Steve Schweitzer, fourth from left, for achieving his Associate of Science in business management, with honors, from Rasmussen University

FDOT issues traffic advisory for causeway

T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f Transportation reported that as a part of the emergency restoration of the Sanibel C a u s e w a y , c r e w s c o n t i n u e w o r k o n McGregor Boulevard and the causeway from Port Comfort Road to Sanibel The causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and are closed to public access, including from the water

T h e F D O T a l s o r e p o r t e d t h e f o l l o wi n g :

∫ From now through Sept. 22 (excluding weekends) from 6:30 to 11 a m , motorists leaving Sanibel should expect eastbound McGregor to be reduced to one lane from just east of the toll plaza to Port Comfort The closed lane will be used as a dedicated lane for concrete delivery trucks arriving to the project Concrete trucks

will be escorted by the Florida Highway Patrol when using the lane

∫ During this time, motorists traveling to Sanibel should expect the FHP to intermittently stop traffic to allow concrete trucks to cross westbound travel lanes

∫ Please plan ahead for delays

The FDOT added that many oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway to assist with recovery efforts on the islands Please be patient as travel may be slower than usual Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway Expect shoulder closures throughout the project Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit of 20 mph Use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway

Falls Prevention Awareness health fair planned

designed

empower those 65 and older with education and awareness The classes aim to ensure that seniors and caregivers can access methods and techniques to reduce the risk of falls and improve

safety in their lives Free vision, hearing and balance screenings will be offered. T h e e v e n t i s f r e e , b u t r e g i s t r a t i o n i s required by calling 239-351-5550

School board continues to tweak pay for superintendent

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

T h e L e e C o u n t y S c h o o l Board continued to nail down a salary amount for a to-beelected superintendent recently, with the latest proposal being between $204,000 to $205,000 annually

The board took a consensus to move forward with what the s t a t e a t t o r n e y a n d p u b l i c defender is making in terms of the annual salary to determine the salary of an elected superintendent, a new post in Lee County as of the next election Currently, the superintendent is an appointed contract employee

Sam Fisher

Board Member Sam Fisher said he believes that amount is $204,000, or $205,000.

Board Member Cathleen Morgan sugg e s t e d t h a t t h e e l e c t e d s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s h a l l m a k e t h e h i g h e s t a d m i n i s t r a t i v e salary, plus a minimum of 15%

“I would put it at a minimum and leave it at discretionary above that,” she said “The fact that the public voted to elect the superintendent does not speak to me that they assumed, or knew what the salary was ”

Fisher said he gets the 15%, but he is not on board with that decision

“I do agree we do need someone that is fantastic

It is still an elected position,” he said

L e o n a r d D i e t z e n , a n a t t o r n e y w i t h

R u m b e r g e r / K i r k , s a i d with 38 elected superintendents and 29 appointe d s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s i n F l o r i d a , t h e r e i s n o t a great deal of information of exactly who is getting paid what for precise salaries

“There is a vast variety of how boards can give elected superintendents additional pay,” he said

The base amount for an elected superintendent in Lee County is $178,000, which Dietzen said is going to present a challenge

“You currently have employees making more than that,” he said. “You will have a management issue ”

The board can also provide discretionary funds for an elected superintendent

Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said any discretionary would be job performance related

OPINIONS

,

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

Web Po ll

Previous Web Poll Question

How concerned are you about the millage rate increases being proposed for islands?

∫ Very concerned, 77%

∫ Slightly concerned, 8%

∫ Not concerned, 15%

Current Web Poll Question

What do you think of the Lee County board amending the LDC and Lee Plan?

∫ Agree with it

Share your opinion at captivasanibel com

Editoridal

Southwest Florida: It’s not just for tourists

Nothing says “normalcy” better than a return of events, festivals and other traditions

The roof many still have a tarp, the insurance company may still be balking, but the ability to walk away for an afternoon or evening and enjoy a little music, a little food and a beverage of choice with family, friends or neighbors known or not shows there is a bright spot on a familiar horizon

T h e r e t u r n o f t h e I s l a n d H o p p e r Songwriter Fest is one of those events, and the addition of Cape Coral venues into the 10-day queue of music makes this year's all the more welcome

Launched nine years ago by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau as a way to attract visitors during the lag between summer and “season,” the festival kicks off on Captiva and runs from Sept 22-24 at The M u c k y D u c k , T h e G r e e n F l a s h , ' T w e e n Waters Island Resort & Spa, RC Otter's Island Eats, Keylime Bistro and the South

Seas Island Resort performance tent

It then moves to Cape Coral, thanks to the Westin, which is providing rooms for out-oftown artists. In the Cape, the fest will be celebrated Sept 25-26 at The Westin Cape

C o r a l R e s o r t a t M a r i n a V i l l a g e ' s N a u t i Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill, Gather, High Tide Social House and Pinchers

Downtown Fort Myers is the next stop on Sept 2-28,at City Tavern, the Banyan Hotel

F o r t M y e r s , , D o w n t o w n S o c i a l H o u s e , Luminary Hotel and Sidney & Berne Davis

Art Center

The festival wraps up on Fort Myers Beach with performances from Sept 29 through Oct. 1 at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & M a r i n a , D i a m o n d H e a d B e a c h R e s o r t , Matanzas Inn, Lighthouse Tiki Bar & Grill, Bayside Park and Mound House

C h r i s J a n s o n , a w i n n e r o f m u l t i p l e Academy of Country Music Awards, is one of the 90 or so performers and will headline the Pink Shell Beach Resort Pool Party on

Oct 1

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h m u s i c i a n S h e e n a Brook, known for her selection in NBC’s season 12 of “The Voice,” is scheduled for multiple performances on both the beach and Sanibel-Captiva

A local songwriters event is also scheduled It will be on Sept 27 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, at 2301 First St , Fort Myers

Some of the shows require tickets Most are free

For a full list of shows, performers and a d m i s s i o n i n f o r m a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g t i c k e t c o s t s , i f a n y , v i s i t www.IslandHopperFest.com.

I t ' s b e e n a l o n g d o z e n m o n t h s s i n c e Hurricane Ian

And it's time for a little staycation

Southwest Florida: It's not just for tourists Get out Kick back And enjoy Island Reporter editorial

One year after hurricane and many still hurting

B e f o r e , d u r i n g a n d a f t e r

H u r r i c a n e I a n , t h e U n i t e d

W a y o f L e e , H e n d r y , a n d

G l a d e s h a s p r i o r i t i z e d t h e needs of our community with a focus on those who lost their homes, belongings or jobs due to the storm's impact on our region, as well as those strugg l i n g w i t h t h e i r e m o t i o n a l health

In addition to our direct r e s p o n s e w i t h b o o t s - o nground volunteers and staff in the region's hardest hit areas, t h e U n i t e d W a y s u p p o r t e d

Challenge to explain reasoning for vote

To the editor:

Jeannine Joy Guest Commentary

In the movie “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” Bert Reynolds said, “I've got a pretty good BS detector I can tell when somebody's peeing on my boot and telling me it's raining ”

On Sept. 5, the Lee County Board of C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r s d i d j u s t t h a t

Ignoring the pleas and arguments of their constituents, they voted with big money to change the Land Development Code to allow for higher building heights and population

local agencies and programs with gift cards, funding and d o n a t e d g o o d s T h e U n i t e d Way led distribution sites and even provided hands-on support for debris removal and repairs

While we continue to prov i d e d o n a t i o n s a n d o t h e r essentials as folks continue the various phases of rebuilding, r e n o v a t i n g o r m o v i n g b a c k home, the mental health needs of hurricane survivors continue to be the number one reason p e o p l e r e a c h o u t t o U n i t e d

Letter to the Editor

density on Captiva

Public meetings held over several weeks indicated the vast majority were against the proposed changes A petition against the proposal garnered over 13,000 signatures At the Sept 5 meeting, dozens of speakers argued against the proposed changes The commissioners listened politely, then without any public discussion or explanation of their reasoning voted to approve the proposal

The lone dissenting commissioner gave only a brief explanation of his reasoning

None of the other four commissioners offered any explanation as to why they ignored the

Way 211 for help

Experts have long documented that natural disasters, such as a hurricane, can trigger anxiety and depression or contribute to an existing mental illness At the United Way, we want to reassure the community that there are different stages of grief, and that the United Way is committed to recovery for the long haul. It's not over because we hit the one-year mark since the hurricane Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as a hurricane, that can linger for years

See ONE YEAR, page 5

arguments of the people who will be most negatively impacted by the decision Their minds were made up well in advance Shame on them

I challenge Chairman Brian Hamman, V i c e C h a i r m a n M i k e G r e e n w e l l , a n d Commissioners Cecil Pendergrass and Ray Sandelli to explain publicly their reasons for voting against the obvious desires of their constituents Otherwise, it appears that once again big money has won out over the common people and that these four commissioners just don't give a damn

William H Harkey Sanibel

We want your opinion

The views expressed on the Opinions Pages are just that opinions These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of

views are welcome All letters must be signed and must contain a

considered for publication must relate to subjects of public interest

or mailed to 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Letters are due no later

Repecki at trepecki@breezenewspapers com; posted to the

reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.

SCCF, Sanibel Sea School contribute to K-8 education

For over 20 years, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Sanibel Sea School have partnered with The Sanibel School to integrate environmental education within curricula for grades K-8 The SCCF reported that the collaboration is underway once again this school year.

Sanibel Sea School educators and/or SCCF environmental educator Richard Finkel will meet with each grade level twice throughout the year one visit with a hands-on activity in the classroom that prepares students for a field excursion, and one outdoors around campus

“With each grade level, we focus the content on one of SCCF's program areas and introduce students to our mission,” Sanibel Sea School Director and SCCF Youth Education Director Shannon Rivard said “The content was designed with science standards in mind ”

Projects will include a squid dissection, a long-term mangrove project and more.

Oneyear

From page 4

In fact, 75% of 211 callers show signs of mental stress, and our 211 community resource specialists lend an empathetic e a r a n d c o m p a s s i o n a t e l y g u i d e t h o s e struggling with resources to help them It's important for people to recognize that the h u r r i c a n e i m p a c t e d p e o p l e f r o m a l l socioeconomic backgrounds We've had calls from affluent members of our community with high-paying jobs who suddenly found themselves financially devastated after losing everything Fighting unexpected insurance battles, many people are maxing out their credit cards and finding themselves in a desperate place

for the first time in their lives Thankfully, our 211 team is able to help them navigate these challenges, offer them help and, more importantly, give them hope for the future

We can't emphasize enough it is OK to ask for help, no matter the circumstance The more you can free up the stressors you are feeling and gain some control, the better you feel mentally

One year later, the best thing we can do is not to forget Check on your family, friends and neighbors, because they might not be OK, even if they have new floors and have moved back into their home If

Nature's kaleidoscope

Led by Finkel, kindergartners recently used their senses and explored nature's kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, sizes and textures SCCF reported that the students enjoyed exploring and discovering the diversity of nature around the school campus

Mangrove study project

Guided by the SCCF, middle-school students recently initiated a year-long mangrove growth study project that will culminate with them planting the mangroves at a SCCF habitat restoration site in the spring Finkel met with the students to discuss the importance of mang r o v e s , b a c k b a y e c o l o g y , a n d S C C F ' s M a r i n e

Laboratory and Coastal Watch departments

He challenged the students to experiment with growing red mangrove propagules in different conditions to try and determine their optimum growing environment Their results could benefit the SCCF's restoration efforts.

you think they need help, they probably do. Call 211 together.

Consider volunteering Research has found that volunteering provides physical and mental health benefits, and the need for volunteers continues in our community Visit Volunteer UnitedWayLee org to sign up

M o s t i m p o r t a n t l y , b e e x c e p t i o n a l l y kind, show empathy and reach out for help Just dial 211 or 239-433-3900

The United Way is here to connect you to resources available If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please dial 988.

The 988 Lifeline provides free and confi-

dential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States

Jeannine Joy is president and chief executive officer for the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties It is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in the community through fundraising, fund distribution, community building, volunteer advancement, and information and referral. For more information, visit https://unitedwaylee org/

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

CEPD approves tentative millage rate, budget

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers co

T h e C a p t i v a E r o s i o Prevention District's commission recently adopted the tentative millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2023-24 during its first budget hearing, as well as held its monthly mee ing

On Sept 11, the commissioners

voted 4-0 to approve an operating e of 0 3511 mills which is ower than the not-to-exceed rate of 0 3948 that staff had previously been directed to use in preparing the proposed budget The tentative rate is equal to the rolled-back rate of 3511 mills and lower than current year's millage rate, is 0 3919 Treasurer Dick

Pyle was not present for the hearing. The millage rate can be lowered in the budget process but not raised

The commission also voted 4-0 to approve a tentative budget of $602,152 for the upcoming year

The Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office certified that the gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt from taxation within Lee County to the CEPD as $1,715,045,280

Fire commission OKs tentative millage rate, budget

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Captiva Island Fire Control District's commission recently adopted the tentative millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2023-24 during its first budget hearing, as well as held its monthly meeting.

On Sept 13, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to approve an operating rate of 2 0850 mills which is lower than the not-toexceed rate of 2 2200 that they had approved last month The tentative rate is 34 17% greater than the rolled-back rate of 1 5540 mills the 2 2200 mills was 42 86% greater

The millage rate can be lowered during the budget process but not raised

The commission also voted 3-0 to approve a tentative budget of $4,880,887 for the upcoming year

The Lee County Property Appraiser's Office certified that the gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt from taxation within Lee County to the district as $1,715,045,280

Prior to the voting, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul provided an

overview of the proposed budget He reported that he and Commissioner Jeff Brown worked on it and were able to reduce the rate to the 2 0850

They decreased the allocation for a replacement truck from $200,000 to $100,000 Pawul explained that the district traditionally pays upfront to lock in the current pricing for an apparatus, but now trucks are taking so long in the queue to be built estimated three years, at least that it is not an option.

Brown added that the earlier budget had it as if the district was going to start paying on Oct 1

“We really just need half of the year's lease on the truck for this year's budget,” he said

In addition, Pawul and Brown reduced the proposed increase for the reserves The district's reserves currently sit at 20% and the commission had agreed to increase the amount to 25%, in particular given the impacts of Hurricane Ian Pawul explained that they reduced the full 5% increase down to 2 5%

Using the 0.3511 mills, the General Fund's total income including ad valorem tax, early payment discount, interest and other will be about $603,066 T o t a l e x p e n d i t u r e s w o u l d c o m e t o $ 3 8 8 , 9 5 0 a n d i s b r o k e n d o w n b y $101,500 for administrative expenses, $148,000 for wages, $35,000 for professional fees and $20,000 for the cost of c o l l e c t i n g t a x e s , p l u s a t r a n s f e r o f

See CEPD, page 7

CCP updated on county changes to LDC and Plan

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

T h e C a p t i v a C o m m u n i t y P a n e l r e c e i v e d a n u p d a t e o n t h e L a n d Development Code and Lee Plan amendments recently approved by the county board, as well as heard about ongoing projects

At the panel's meeting on Sept 12, Vice President and Government Affairs Committee Chair David Mintz reported that 13,600 people signed a petition opposing the amendments, which included changes for Captiva and the South Seas Island Resort Still, the county commissioners voted 4-1 to approve.

“There was no consultation with the panel,” he said of the whole progress of moving the amendments forward, noting that the county board ignored the community's wishes in the end by approving them

“That seriously undermines the role of the panel in protecting Captiva,” Mintz added

He gave an overview of the changes that were approved at the commission's Sept. 5 meeting.

O u t s i d e o f S o u t h S e a s , b u i l d i n g heights were increased from 28 to 35 feet above base blood elevation

“That potentially would permit over time the construction of a third floor,” Mintz said

In regards to the resort, four changes were made Building heights were governed by an administrative interpretation

See CCP, page 7 See FIRE COMMISSION, page

TIFFANY REPECKI

Fire Chief Jeff Pawul

$84,450

of the operating reserves

The income and expenses will result in a projected net income of about $214,116 for the fund

The second and final budget hearing was set for Sept 19 at 5:01 p.m.

Monthly meeting

Before the hearing, the commission held its monthly meeting and reviewed the proposed budget

Executive Director Daniel Munt gave an overview of the millage rates since 2008, including the current 0 3919 mills and 0 4395 mills for 2021-22 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

Normally, the rolled-back rate produces about the

Fire commission

Brown added that it will be 2.5% this year and 2 5% the next year to reach the 25% in reserves

“We're doing our best to bring it down and provide funds for the district moving forward,” he said

Pawul also reported that the district's f u n d b a l a n c e w o u l d s t a r t o u t a b o u t $277,000 less than 2022-23 However, operating expenses were reduced about $68,000 and total use of funds only rose about 7 6%

“I feel comfortable that we can go to the lower rate,” he said of the 2 0850

Pawul noted that if it had not been for the hundreds of millions of dollars in property value loss from Hurricane Ian and the state's method for calculation, the rolled-back rate would have been 2 0693

Using 2 0850 mills in the proposed budget, the total sources of funds for the

From page 6

that limited it to 35 feet above grade or 42 above sea level He noted that the panel has always encouraged South Seas to amend the regulations to be covered by the Captiva Code's language

M i n t z c o n t i n u e d t h a t t h e c h a n g e exempts the resort from the Captiva building heights

“They are now governed strictly by outlying suburban, which permits them to go between 45 feet above base flood elevation up to 75 feet above base flood elevation, if they meet certain criteria,” he said, explaining that South Seas is now 45 feet but can request up to 75 feet if it meets the criteria.

“They can also get a variance from the board of county commissioners to go higher than that,” Mintz added “So that's a significant increase in building height ”

A n o t h e r c h a n g e a p p r o v e d w a s a n exemption from the three hotel units per acre regulation The administrative interp r e t a t i o n a n d C a p t i v a C o d e l i m i t a l l resorts to a density of three units per acre

“Under a planned development proposal, which South Seas will be permitted to make, the hotel density is unlimited,” he said, adding that the resort can ask for whatever it thinks is compatible with the area

The density limitation still applies to others like 'Tween Waters, Jensen's on the Gulf and such

The third change was a provision related to the implementation of the administrative interpretation or Captiva Code

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 will result in a revenue collection of about $602,152 an 11.2% reduction from the current year. In order to obtain a similar general operating budget of $677,100, the millage rate of 0 3948 is needed

Staff also presented the proposed General Fund budget for the new year

During the following discussion with staff, the commissioners asked if the rolled-back rate of 0 3511 mills could be used instead of 0 3948 and if the reserves could be used to cover that revenue loss Staff reported that the option was feasible and the commission directed staff to adjust the proposal as such

Also at the meeting, Munt shared that Vice Chairman John Silvia had submitted his resignation, effective Sept. 30 In the letter, Silvia reported that he and his family are relocating to Tampa

Applications are being accepted to serve the reminder

From page 6

district would be $4,880,887. It is broken down as $1,422,074 for the beginning reserves fund balance and $3,458,813 for revenues ad valorem taxes, intergovernmental, charges for services, and miscellaneous

As for expenditures, it would total $3,595,634 and consist of: $2,696,599 for personal services, $476,905 for operating expenses, $62,500 for capital outlay and $359,630 for debt service Balancing the budget as far as total sources and uses of funds is an ending reserves balance of $1,285,253

The second and final budget hearing is set for Sept 27 at 5:01 p m

Monthly meeting

Before the hearing, the commissioners held their monthly meeting

The commission voted 3-0 on a resolu-

Mintz explained that if the resort found itself no longer in compliance with its own interpretation, then it was bound to the regulations in the Code. The provision has now been removed

The final change approved by the county board was redefining South Seas to include about 3 acres owned by the Timbers Company part of the ownership group south of Captiva Drive It includes Chadwick's Square, Shirley's lot, and the lot where Island Management and the sheriff's office was

“Once you redefine South Seas to include those additional three acres, then those three acres are exempt from the Captiva Code because the current amendment exempts South Seas,” he said

Mintz added that the acres may not be incorporated into the administrative interpretation

“So they're not governed by the administration interpretation and they're not governed by the Captiva Code They're probably just governed by outlying suburban which does not have density and height requirements,” he said, explaining that it was basically a rezoning and may have been done without any communications to adjacent property owners “So, that's just another wrinkle in this whole problem ”

“I think a lot of the proposed changes in the Code were not really thought through and not really fully understood,” Mintz added

of his term, which expires in 2024

The requirements to serve include:

∫ Being a resident on Captiva

∫ Being a registered elector of Captiva

∫ A Statement of Financial interest is required

Applicants must provide an original signed application and a copy of their voter registration card

F o r a n a p p l i c a t i o n , v i s i t https://www mycepd com/become-a-cepd-commissioner or contact the CEPD office at mycepd@mycepd com For questions, those interested can call the office at 239472-2472

In other news

∫ At the meeting, the commission voted 3-0 to approve a grant agreement with the county for the maintenance of the Alison Hagerup Beach Park The Lee County Tourist Development Council will reimburse the C E P D f o r t h e m a i n t e n a n c e c o s t i n a n a m o u n t o f

tion adopting an amendment to the district's current Fund Balance Policy and eliminated the Cancer Reserve Fund Prior to the vote, Pawul explained that those previously budgeted for reserve funds would now be reallocated to the unassigned fund balance

Also at the meeting, Pawul presented two annual agreements from Zoll for the maintenance of the district’s two heart monitors One service agreement was quoted at $5,733 and the second agreement, which included accidental damage coverage plus any services issues, was quoted higher at $6,939

Pawul recommended the lower quoted agreement and the commissioners voiced their approval

In other news

∫ Pawul reported that he heard back

changes that were approved at the commission's Sept 6 hearing

Mintz reported that the amendments to the Lee Plan removed Captiva's goal and language of having one- and two-story structures, along with all references to the 28 feet above base flood elevation

Panel Member Ann Brady asked if the changes open the door for other property owners

Mintz reported that the South Seas exemption establishes a precedent While other Captiva resorts voiced opposition to the amendments, he noted that they also have shareholders and investors

“I think the answer to the question is it will increase pressure on the county to a l l o w t h e s a m e e x e m p t i o n f o r o t h e r resorts,” he said, adding that it may also increase pressure on Sanibel

In wrapping up his update on the LDC and Code changes, Mintz also reported on the Captiva Civic Association's Land Use Committee and law firm it hired to represent the opposed island stakeholders

“The lawyers are reviewing the legal options at this point,” he said

Mintz explained that the amendments w i l l b e t r a n s m i t t e d t o t h e s t a t e f o r approval, which will entail various state departments reviewing the changes and having the opportunity to submit comments

“They basically have input into it,” he said “Usually, they don't have a lot to say ”

One option for the stakeholders group

from the owners of McCarthy's Marina about the possibility of installing a boat lift for the district's fire boat to get it out of the water and help extended its lifetime He explained that the owners are OK with idea if the district can figure out how to get county approval

“I don't foresee the county really having a big issue with it,” Pawul said

∫ The district responded to 46 incidents in August less than for the same month last year

“It is a spike over the month before,” Pawul said, attributing the increase to Hurricane Idalia calls

∫ Pawul reported that one employee resigned because he is moving to New Hampshire The job opening will be posted, and he has already received interest from a few potential candidates

would be to submit comments to the various state agencies regarding the amendments, including advising them of the problems and lack of community support.

Mintz continued that once the county receives back any comments from the state, it has to decide how to respond to that The county will then hold another hearing to finalize its approval of the changes

If they are finalized, the amendments c o u l d b e c h a l l e n g e d a d m i n i s t r a t i v e l y through the courts He added that another option for the stakeholders group may be to petition the courts for a review

“We're a barrier island. We just went through a hurricane,” Mintz said “Why are we increasing density and building height? Who does that?”

H e r e p o r t e d t h a t i t w i l l e n d w i t h Timber submitting a new planned development for South Seas The consideration of the plan will be public hearings before a hearing officer, and the public can take part in the process It is also when traffic, sewer, Captiva compatibility and such studies will come into play

“ C o m m u n i t y i n v o l v e m e n t w i l l b e important,” Mintz said

“I think it is our responsibility and obligation to represent the community,” he added

A motion for the panel to continue supporting the legal and other community efforts taking place to maintain the density and building height regulations on

See CCP, page 13

BUSINESS

Northerners fly south for Florida's tax benefits

By CAROLYN ROGERS

So many people are making the transition from their northern home states to reside along the beautiful Gulf coast of Florida We know it's not just the ideal temperatures and white sand beaches that attract retirees, but the tax structure and economy that is ideal for their lifestyle, as well as that of growing families and privately-held businesses

Every state can determine a tax structure to drive how they want to derive revenues Florida is one of nine states that does not impose income taxes on its residents We do not tax pensions, IRA distributions or Social Security income New Hampshire and Washington do assess state tax on certain investment earnings Additionally, Florida does not have its own separate estate tax These are tactical programs designed to attract retirees living on a fixed income, as well as wealthy retirees We rank 48th in all the states for state tax collections of just $2,264 per capita But we also fare well in our state and local debt per capita coming in 43rd, indicating we are successfully balancing the budget with our main source of tax revenue sales tax that generates 80% of our revenue

Out of a United States population of 332 million, Florida now ranks third in the country with 21 8 million residents We have experienced a massive migration to Florida with a reported 506,000 out-of-state licenses being exchanged for Florida licenses in just the past year Some recent changes in taxation at the state level have compelled more northerners to join their snowbird friends

In November, Massachusetts voted to amend the state constitution from a flat individual tax rate to a graduated tax rate that imposes a 4% increase on income over $1 million The change is estimated to increase tax revenue by $2 billion, but critics project it will have negative economic effect on small business owners and cause further migration of high earners from a state that has experienced a net outmigration of $23 billion of adjusted gross income to other states since 1993

Even though Minnesota had a $17 6 billion budgetary surplus, it passed a new tax bill on May 24. The proposal was born out of the governor's objective of making Minnesota the best place to raise a family The Minnesota Department of Revenue will be issuing refund checks for many working families with a new child tax credit Retirees were not entirely forgotten Minnesota has been one of the few states levying state taxes on Social Security (SS) benefits The new tax act will no longer tax SS benefits for couples with under $100,000 income This will eliminate tax paid on SS benefits for approximately 75% of Minnesotans A 2021 Minnesota tax study determined the poorest households pay a larger share, up to 25% of their incomes towards taxes, compared to the wealthiest that contribute 12% of their income to state and local taxes The passed bill is an effort to redistribute wealth downward

COVID caused many people to re-evaluate city life, making Florida a destination for those previously living in metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago Later, Hurricane Ian caused others to pause their plans to move to the Sunshine State There will always be factors that create an ebb and flow to the population of Florida While we can't predict Mother Nature's next move, the recent tax acts passed by Massachusetts and Minnesota demonstrate that we can continue to count on several northern states to pass legislation that will make Florida an attractive tax haven for the foreseeable future

Island restaurateurs to open Wickie’s Lighthouse and The Magic Bus

A partnership between the owners of The Island Cow and The Mad Hatter Restaurant, Wickie's Lighthouse Restaurant and The Magic Bus Caffeine & Creamery are both currently being built on Sanibel by longtime island restaurateurs Brian and Elke Podlasek and Max and Bridget Kolshak

With plans for opening in November, the two new venues will be located in the plaza formerly occupied by The Lighthouse Cafe and Sanibel's Best Homemade Ice Cream at 362 Periwinkle Way

The couples teamed up after the Podlaseks' the Island Cow was destroyed by fire last August and the Kolshaks' The Mad Hatter was lost to Hurricane Ian last September Their goal is to establish the island's east end district as a destination with the new concepts a blend of their former restaurants

“It's been a tough year to say the least, and this is a great comeback story of two business owners who lost everything coming together to bring the island some great new venues for amazing food and fun,” Brian Podlasek said “While plans are coming together to rebuild The Island Cow restaurant in its original location, this gives an opportunity to more immediately employ some former employees of both restaurants, while revitalizing the east end of the island ”

Wickie's, the nickname given to lighthouse keepers

Kiwanis holds meeting with speaker

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club welcomed BaileysMatthews National Shell Museum Executive Director Sam Ankerson as its guest speaker at its recent meeting He shared the impact of Hurricane Ian on the museum and its mission, highlighting the resilience and determination to restore the facility Ankerson reported that the museum sustained extensive damage, including over 5 feet of surge and two breaches in the roof, and that more than 80% of their marine life perished The damage amounted to over $2 million total He shared the progress being made to restore the aquariums and sea life exhibits, adding that the museum is on track to be fully operational by the late fall

derived from the task of trimming the wick of the lamps, will feature breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a full bar and signature drinks The fresh menu and decor will be casual and approachable, while also matching the elegance of The Mad Hatter

The Magic Bus will feature a vintage VW-inspired decor Indoor and outdoor seating will offer an old-fashioned ice cream shop and candy store feel, plus modern coffee beverages, refresher drinks and baked goods.

“Both concepts are a nod to the past with an eye to the future,” Max Kolshak said “Wickie's honors the history of the island and its original lighthouse keepers, Dudley Richardson and Henry Shanahan, but with a modern, updated decor and a fresh, coastal dining experience A few doors down, The Magic Bus serves up nostalgia with a modern twist ”

The Kolshaks, who suffered an especially tough year after the death of their head chef followed by the loss of their business, believe the offerings will be just what the island needs a beacon of hope

“Our joint venture is a sign that the people and businesses of Sanibel are stronger than ever and ready to welcome guests and residents back home,” Kolshak said For more information about Wickie's, visit https://wickieslighthouserestaurant com/

B a i l e y s -

M a t t h e w s

National Shell

M u s e u m

E x e c u t i v e

Director Sam Ankerson, second from left, was the guest speaker at the recent meeting for the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB

Ankerson also thanked the club for its support of the Mollusks on the Move program, which provides educational opportunities for school children The club meets on Tuesdays at 8 a m at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel For more information, visit www sanibelkiwanis org

Business Notes

Island individuals honored at E Awards

The Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau held i t s 2 3 r d A n n u a l E l a i n e M c L a u g h l i n O u t s t a n d i n g Hospitality Service Awards (E Awards) on Aug 24 at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral

The awards honor tourism professionals and their extraordinary customer service and dedication

This year, 590 individual nominees were recognized with residents, visitors and colleagues submitting 784 total nominations Awards were presented in eight categories and an Honor of Distinction award went to the overall nominee who best represents the spirit of hospitality in Lee

Noah and Josh Stewart, of Adventures in Paradise, received the Hurricane Hero award for their response and assistance in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ian and following weeks They were also gifted a custom painting created live by local artist Leoma Lovegrove during the ceremony

Additionally in the Accommodations category, Tim Wodjeski with the Sanibel Moorings Condominiums received an honorable mention

Sanibel fire official presents at symposium

Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams was a speaker at the Lithium Ion Battery Symposium on Sept 7-8 at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala

He talked about the district's response to electric vehicles post-Hurricane Ian

Williams discussed the dangers that first responders faced and specific techniques and precautions that should be considered when dealing with vehicles containing lithium ion batteries

SCCF staffer speaks at meeting

Resilience Manager Dr Carrie Schuman led a discussion surrounding climate change, hurricanes and their impacts on wildlife at the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife's general meeting on Sept 12

Her talk described projected increases in high heat days and intensity of Atlantic hurricanes, shifting patterns of wildlife and ecosystems in response to climate change, and what Floridians can do to lessen negative impacts

Carolyn Rogers is senior vice president and wealth services advisor for The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company

Carolyn Rogers

PRESERVING PARADISE

SCCF: How hurricanes impact sea turtles

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that following Hurricane Idalia on Aug 30, sea turtle staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to respond to impacts to sea turtle nests

It includes confirming the presence or absence of nests that may have had their marking materials washed away, or nests that were buried under in some instances several feet of sand After digging out nests, SCCF creates a “ramp” for hatchlings

On Sept. 13, the SCCF reported that while the process is ongoing and at least 62 nests have been completely lost, 27 were found and remain on the beach One even hatched the day after the storm

How nests fare during stor ms

Sea turtle nests that are incubating on the beach as a hurricane arrives do not have the ability to move and occupy a space more sheltered from a storm's path

“It's important to note that it is not feasible for humans to remove the eggs from the beach to incubate elsewhere in anticipation of a storm's arrival,” SCCF sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza said “This would likely have a detrimental effect on the embryonic development and hatch success and is not a tactic that is permitted here in Florida ”

Whimbrel, a banded least tern, was sighted for the first time since 2021

SCCF: 4.9K sightings during Global

Shorebird Count

T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n reported that early September marks an important time for shorebird research and conservation Every year, professionals, volunteers and citizen scientists around the world participate in a Global Shorebird Count the first week of the month leading up to World Shorebirds Day on Sept 6

This year, the SCCF shorebird team surveyed Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva and various Fort Myers locations. Over the week, it counted 4,918 s h o r e b i r d s , s e a b i r d s a n d w a d i n g b i r d s f r o m 4 1 species

Most abundant species

∫ Sanderling (Calidris alba)

∫ Sandwich tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)

∫ Willet (Tringa semipalmata)

∫ Laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla)

∫ Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

“This unified counting event benefits shorebirds by yielding valuable information about the abundance and distribution of species worldwide, and also by promoting the public's awareness of and involvement in shorebird conservation,” SCCF shorebird intern Jessie Macaluso said

The team was also fortunate to re-sight multiple banded birds They included piping plovers from the Great Lakes region, a newly banded royal tern fledgling from Georgia, and even one of Sanibel's own 2023 snowy plover fledges

“Probably the most exciting was the re-sighting of a banded least tern nicknamed Whimbrel,” she said “This bird hadn't been seen since it left its natal colony on Outback Key in 2021 It was a cheerful moment for both the SCCF shorebird team and Whimbrel's monitors up north ”

Up to 45 shorebird species can be seen at some point during the year on Sanibel and Captiva

F o r m o r e a b o u t W o r l d S h o r e b i r d s D a y , v i s i t https://www.worldshorebirdsday.org/.

Storms often affect incubating nests through tidal inundation and through changes to nesting habitat resulting from erosion or accretion

The eggs are permeable, allowing for gas, water and

See SEA TURTLES, page 11

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e Society-Friends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel:

∫ A Federal Duck Stamp Exhibit will be on display from Oct 10-29

∫ 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 from Dec 21 to Feb 25

∫ T h e r e f u g e w i l l o f f e r F r e e

Winter Programs on Jan 8 through March 30

∫ Novelist Barbara Kingsolver will speak at a Distinguished Author gathering on Jan 11

∫ The Winter Lecture Series will return from Jan 18 through March 21

∫ Wellness in Nature @ “Ding” will take place at the refuge and beyond on Jan 18-21

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

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

∫ Carl Hiaasen will speak at a D i s t i n g u i s h e d A u t h o r p r e s e n t a t i o n on Feb 29

∫ 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 on April 8

∫ T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g D a y Conservation Carnival will be held on April 20 at Lakes Park in Fort Myers.

∫ The 12th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament will take place on May 10

Volunteers sought for planting project

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is signing up volunteers to plant native plants on Sept 21 from 8 to 10 a m at the Puschel Preserve on Sanibel to create a pollinator garden When fully restored, the front acreage of the preserve will feature a welcome plaza, pollinator garden, walking-biking trail, sculpture garden and demonstration marsh For more information or to sign up, visit https://dash pointapp org /events/91076

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 Native Landscapes & Garden Center intern Julianna Zeltman, left, and Coastal Watch i n t e r n S a r a D u r b i n r e c e n t l y unloaded a delivery of plants for the pollinator garden

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SCCF asking coastal property owners to take survey

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation wants to learn more about how much Hurricane Ian damage may have been reduced where coastal property owners' and renters' homes and businesses were protected by mangroves or coastal dunes

It has created a short survey for those who rent or own property close to the shoreline

The survey should not take more than 10 minutes to complete

Stor y behind the sur vey

T h e S C C F r e p o r t e d t h a t a m o n g t h e m a n y s e r v i c e s t h e y p r o v i d e , m a n g r o v e s a n d c o a s t a l d u n e s s e r v e a s a n a t u r a l d e f e n s e a g a i n s t s t o r m s D e s p i t e t h e s h e e r m a gn i t u d e o f t h e w i n d , w a v e s a n d w a t e r t h a t I a n i n t r od u c e d t o S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a l a s t f a l l , t h e S C C F h a s h e a r d o f m a n y i n s t a n c e s w h e r e c o a s t a l p r o p e r t y o w ne r s b e l i e v e t h i n g s w o u l d h a v e s i g n i f i c a n t l y b e e n w o r s e i f t h e y d i d n o t h a v e a d u n e o r m a n g r o v e s b e t w e e n t h e m a n d t h e o n r u s h i n g s t o r m

Sea turtles

From page 10

heat exchange, which is necessary for successful incubation and embryonic development Prolonged submersion from tidal inundation or significant storm surge can cause embryonic mortality if submerged too long, the eggs essentially drown

“However, the arrival of a hurricane or major storm do not mean the loss of all nests on the beach due to drowning In some instances, nests may be washed over by the tide, but only briefly,” he said “Nests can survive a wash-over event or e v e n s e v e r a l w a s h - o v e r s I n s o m e instances, it may be beneficial by having a cooling effect on the nest ”

Sand erosion and accretion

E r o s i o n c a n r e s u l t i n t o t a l n e s t washouts when sections of beach are lost to tides and storm surge Less severe erosion may reduce the distance from the eggs to the sand surface This can alter temperature of the egg chamber, which has the potential to affect hatch success Storms can also deposit additional sand o n t o t h e b e a c h a n d i n c u b a t i n g n e s t s , known as sand accretion Additional sand on top of a nest can also create temperature differences and make it more difficult and energy-demanding for hatchlings to reach the surface of the sand.

S C C F ' s P f e i f e r F e l l o w P r o f e s s o r E m e r i t u s T h o m a s T A n k e r s e n , w i t h t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f F l o r i d a ' s L e v i n C o l l e g e o f L a w , a n d S C C F C o a s t a l R e s i l i e n c e M a n a g e r D r C a r r i e S c h u m a n c r e a t e d t h e s h o r t s u r v e y f o r c o a s t a l p r o p e r t y o w n e r s t o s h a r e d e t a i l s a b o u t h o w t h e i r p r o p e r t y f a r e d “ T h e s c i e n t i f i c l i t e r a t u r e c o n t a i n s a l o t o f d a t a a n d a n a l y s i s s u g g e s t i n g t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f m a n g r o v e s a n d d u n e s i n p r o t e c t i n g p r o p e r t y , b u t v e r y l i t t l e o f i t f o c u se s o n i n d i v i d u a l p r o p e r t i e s , ” A n k e r s e n s a i d . “ B e y o n d p r o t e c t i o n f r o m w i n d , w a v e s a n d w a t e r , m a n g r o v e s t r a p d e b r i s w h i c h c o u l d o t h e r w i s e i n f l i c t a d d i t i o n a l d a m a g e H o p e f u l l y , w e c a n g e t s o m e s e n s e o f t h e c o nt r i b u t i o n s o f t h e s e n a t u r a l s y s t e m s t o c o a s t a l p r o p e r t y p r o t e c t i o n ” “ W h e n w e t a l k a b o u t b u i l d i n g b a c k m o r e r e s i l i e n tl y , w e w a n t t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n t o i n c l u d e b u i l d i n g b a c k o u r n a t u r a l i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , ” S c h u m a n s a i d

T o t a k e t h e s u r v e y , v i s i t h t t p s : / / s c c f o r g / w h a t - w ed o / e n v i r o n m e n t a l - p o l i c y / c o a s t a l - r e s i l i e n c e - s u r v e y /

Stor ms, adults out in the ocean

During extreme weather events, some sea turtles alter their behavior. Studies have shown usually through data collected via satellite transmitters that adult sea turtles will change their diving p a t t e r n s , o f t e n d i v i n g d e e p e r a n d f o r longer periods while a storm passes

Other turtles have been observed moving into areas closer to the storm's periphery, where changes in wind speed, press u r e a n d / o r t e m p e r a t u r e m a y b e l e s s severe These movements to calmer or deeper waters are typically not the result of long journeys but rather a shift in use of habitat they currently occupy within the

path of the storm

Data obtained from the transmitters b e f o r e , d u r i n g a n d a f t e r a s t o r m h a s p a s s e d c o n f i r m t h e t u r t l e s ' s u r v i v a l

However, in some instances, turtles' transmitters stopped sending a signal posts t o r m W h i l e u n c e r t a i n , i t c o u l d b e explained by the turtles not surviving or the transmitters failing or falling off

“In essence, through such behavior, many turtles have been observed to 'ride out' storms, which shows their adaptability and resiliency to these natural occurrences,” Brzoza said

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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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

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

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

Arrests

∫ Geovane Alves Mendes, 38, of 4833 S W 28th St., Lehigh Acres, was charged on Sept. 5 with operate motor vehicle without valid license

Other enforcement actions

∫ On Sept 6, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for failure to stop at a stop sign The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for never having a driver's license issued and a citation for the stop sign violation

∫ On Sept 11, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for failure to stop at a stop sign The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for never having a driver's license issued and a warning for the stop sign violation

Enforcement operations statistics

Sanibel library lends passes to Edison and Ford estates

The Sanibel Public Library is now offering passes to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers Take an inspiring journey back in time to the winter homes of inventor Thomas Edison and his friend, automobile mag-

The

Sanibel Public Library is

1,166

∫ Reported burglaries: 0

∫ Reported thefts: 3

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,392 September 2023 to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 5

∫ Non-emergency calls: 27

∫ Traffic crashes: 2

∫ Radar details: 94

∫ Traffic stops: 46 Citations issued: 14

Written warnings issued: 1 Verbal warnings issued: 33

∫ Field interviews: 0

∫ Residential area checks: 849

∫ Business area checks: 352

∫ Total area checks: 1,862

∫ Reported burglaries: 0

∫ Reported thefts: 3

∫ Total CAD calls: 2,243

Important reminders

The Lee County Commission has waived tolls on the Sanibel Causeway on Sundays through Sept 24, including on Sept 23 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 Reentry 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:

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Borrow an Edison and Ford Winter Estates pass from the Sanibel Public Library

nate Henry Ford

To listen to audio content during the tour, download the free Edison Ford app The content covers the homes and gardens and takes approximately 60 minutes Using the library pass for admission, visitors can upgrade to a guided tour for $5; guided tour tickets can be purchased onsite at the ticket booth

Additionally, the library has scheduled upcoming programs.

Family Storytime for ages 5 and under will be held today, Sept 20, at 10:30 a m with Megan Willis

City mailing out storm emergency permit refunds

T h e c i t y o f S a n i b e l r e c e n t l y r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e S a n i b e l C i t y Council approved a resolution at its Feb 7 meeting authorizing a 25% reduction in fees for certain emergency repair permits The reduced fees were effective Feb. 7 through Aug 7 On April 12, the council approved a resolution reducing certain emergency repair permits 50% from the original fee amount retroactive to Nov 1

All permit fees paid since April

13 reflect the 50% reduced amount For emergency permits paid prior to that date, a refund amount per permit will be automatically issued

The city reported that the refunds are being processed as a physical check and will be mailed to the owner of record associated with the property that the permit was issued for, according to the Lee County Property Appraisers To check the a d d r e s s , v i s i t h t t p s : / / l e e p a o r g / Search/PropertySearch aspx Checks

will be accompanied by a letter that shows the permit numbers that are subject to the refund

From now through Sept 29, the c h e c k s a r e b e i n g p r o c e s s e d a n d mailed in batches by strap number Those who are expecting a refund and have not received a check by Oct 13 should contact the Finance D e p a r t m e n t a t r e f u n d s @ m y s a n i b e l c o m T h e c i t y thanked the public for its patience while it works through the process

American Legion Sanibel Public Meetings

second and final budget hearing at 5 :

3 0 p m a t S a n i b e l

n g a t 5 : 0 1 p m a t Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel For more information o r t h e a g e n d a , v i s i t w w w s a n ibelfire.com.

One borrowed pass provides entry for one adult and one child for a self-guided tour Passes may be checked out for one week using a SPL library card You can borrow one pass per library card To place a hold for a pass, visit www sanlib org or call 239-472-2483

hosting “In the Wa k e o f t h e F l o o d : C o m m u n i t y P h o t o s o f Hurricane Ian and Its Aftermath,” an exhibit curated

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

A Saturday Crafterday! will take place on Sept 23 at 11 a m Professional artist and coloring book creator Melissa Gindling will will lead a How-to-Draw session

No registration is required

CPE Project HOPE representatives will provide information on Sept 25 from 10 a m to 1 p m Project HOPE provides information, emotional support, and links to mental health and other resources for people affected by disasters

Youth programs are designed for children and accompanying adults.

Blotter

From page 12

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

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

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

∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp

CCP

From page 7

Captiva was approved in a majority vote

The panel also directed staff to compile a report on annexation, the laws and options

In other news

∫ The panel approved a motion to not form a Nominating Committee for the expiring seat of Panel Member Linda

are $250

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

The library is hosting “In the Wake of the Flood: Community Photos of Hurricane Ian and Its Aftermath,” an exhibit curated by the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum It features photos of Ian's aftermath taken by island residents and others living in Southwest Florida Photographs from the exhibition will be digitized and added to the library's digital archive at sanlib org/digitalarchive

An online version of the exhibit is available at https://www shellmuseum org/ian-photo

From now through Oct 21, the Sanibel-Captiva Art League has a juried exhibit on display “Food for Thought” features 18 artworks from 12 members in

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

Laird and instead later approve her second eligible term to maintain consistency.

∫ Panel Member John Jensen reported that Alfredo Fermin, of AAA Wildlife Trapping and Removal Services, would start coming out to the island two days a week beginning this week for trapping.

∫ Lee County Sheriff's Office Lt

mediums such as oil, textile and watercolor

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

and

Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a m to 5 p m

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

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel

Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel com or use

Tip411

Reporting suspicious activity

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

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then

Mike Sawicki explained that deputies observed a continuing trend during the h

quickly filling up

“We're running into people getting creative about where they are parking,” he said, adding that motorists are parking on

your tip to 847411

∫ Web tips can be submitted at https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert gro up id=22450

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

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

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

vacant properties and even in construction zones to go to the beach.

Sawicki encouraged property owners to keep an eye on adjacent properties, especially if they know their neighbors are not home, and to contact him if they see anything so deputies can look into it.

The Watch Party

Challenge for the chance to go head-tohead with Whitney and have the winner's name put on the Golden Rod Trophy. Participants can qualify during the first hour of the event Three casts are $25 no limit on purchases with the goal of getting in or as close to the target as possible The five best casters will then compete against each other for the opportunity to go up against Whitney The final showdown between the cast-off champion and W h i t n e y w i l l d e t e r m i n e w h o w i l l b e crowned the ultimate caster and win the trophy

“This will be a spectacle not to be missed, as we have a lot of fun surprises and should we say disadvantages to place upon our casters,” Coastal Watch Director Kealy McNeal said “Spectators will have a chance to get in on the action, so make sure to have some $20s in your wallet ”

There will also be the chance to help Coastal Watch secure a truck of its own The staff have been borrowing vehicles from other SCCF departments to conduct their work. Attendees can help with the vehicle purchase by “building” one part by part Truck parts like a tire, an engine and even spark plus will be available for purchase on a scale of values

Attendees will also have the opportunity to buy tickets for a custom-designed, d i a m o n d m a n g r o v e n e c k l a c e f r o m

Congress Jewelers, which will be worn by Sanibel's own mermaid Realtor Valerie

Tutor Made of 14-karat gold, the exclusive pendant has a retail value of $1,300 Tutor will sell the tickets and present the necklace to the winner, with another ticket-holder to win half of the drawing's pro-

ceeds

A customdesigned, diamond mangrove necklace from Congress Jewelers will be presented to one lucky ticket-holder at the The Watch Party on Sept 29 to benefit Coastal Watch.

Those unable to attend can purchase t i c k e t s f o r t h e n e c k l a c e a t https://sccf org/the-watch-party

T h e d e s i g n w i l l b e a v a i l a b l e a t Congress Jewelers after the event and can be made with or without diamonds It has been contributing a portion of the sale proceeds to the SCCF since Earth Day Bank of the Islands is the corporate presenting sponsor again for the fundraiser

There is no parking on site at the S C C F ' s h e a d q u a r t e r s P a r k i n g w i l l b e across the street from The Community House, at 2190 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, with shuttles leaving starting at 5:15 p m

For more information or event tickets, visit https://sccf org/the-watch-party

For more information about Coastal W a t c h , v i s i t h t t p s : / / s c c f o r g / g e tinvolved/coastal-watch/

The SCCF's headquarters are at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel

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SWFMD reports on King Tide season forecast

With approximately 700 miles of shoreline and 40-plus gravity coastal structures upstream of tidally i n f l u e n c e d c a n a l s , t h e S o u t h F l o r i d a W a t e r Management District's water management mission is influenced by sea levels. Along with rainfall and surge, high tide events also contribute to flood risks in South Florida The variation in strength and direction of the gravitational pull of the moon, especially during the new and full moon phases in the fall, contributes to King Tide occurrences

As the 2023 King Tide season approaches, the SFWMD is continuing efforts for the monitoring, operational response and documentation of the events As part of its efforts, it is sharing some of its new data and tools with the public as they are available

The SFWMD reported that extreme high tides are p r e d i c t e d b y t h e N a t i o n a l O c e a n o g r a p h i c a n d Atmospheric Administration to peak above 2 5-3 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) along the South Florida coast during the following days (peak varies by location):

∫ Sept 26 to Oct 4 (full moon)

∫ Oct 14-19 (new moon)

∫ Oct 24 to Nov 2 (full moon)

∫ Nov 11-17 (new moon)

∫ Nov 24-29 (full moon)

DOH-Lee lifts blue-green algae bloom alerts

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has lifted the health alerts issued on July 7 and Aug. 4 for the p r e s e n c e o f h a r m f u l b l u e - g r e e n a l g a l t o x i n s i n t h e

Caloosahatchee Coral Point Drive and Caloosahatchee Southeast 32 Terrace, respectively

The DOH-Lee reported that follow-up water samples taken by the Department of Environmental Protection did not detect algal toxins, indicating the public may resume water-related activities

It noted that it is important the public continue to exercise caution and good judgement Blue-green algae blooms can move around or subside and then reappear when conditions are favorable again The public is advised to avoid contact with the water if blooms are observed The latest sample results can be viewed on ProtectingFloridaTogether gov

Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal b l o o m o r a n y a q u a t i c t o x i n t o t h e F l o r i d a P o i s o n Information Center Call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately

Early registration deadline nearing

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva will hold its 15th Annual F I S H 10K/5K on Dec 2 at The Community House on Sanibel, with a virtual option also available Hosted in partnership with the Sanibel Recreation Center, there will also be a kids' race and family fun day taking place this year In-person early registration for the 10K/5K is open now through Sept. 25 for $45. From Sept. 26 through Dec. 1, the in-person fee will be $50; ages 18 and under can register for $35 from now until Dec 1 On race day, the in-person fee will be $55 The virtual fee is $50 For more information or to register, visit runsignup com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH

Rec center provides update on facility, programs

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

A Fun Day will take place on Sept 25 from 8 a m to 5:30 p m It will offer a variety of fun craft activi t i e s , g a m e s a n d s w i m t i m e Enrollment is open for kindergartners through eighth-graders Each child will need to bring a lunch, water, swimsuit, goggles, towel and sunscreen T h e B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i

f r o m 8 a m t o 5 p m a n d o n Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a m to 5 p m

9 to 11

m at Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Bring a water bottle and sunscreen Cost is $10 for members and $12 50 for non-members; participants will receive a special coupon for The Great White G r i

o n S a n i b e l R e s e r v a t i o n s required at 239-472-0302.

The center is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Daily, weekly, semi-annual and annual memberships are available For more information, call 2394 7 2 - 0 3 0 2 o r v i s i t www mysanibel com

The Sanibel Recreation Center is a t 3 8 8 0 S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a R o a d , Sanibel.

Puschel Preserve to support diverse wildlife

Newly shaped wetlands near the entrance of the Puschel Preserve on Sanibel will be planted as a demonstration marsh habitat with walkingbiking trails and a pollinator garden As an edge habitat, the open canopy will meet with the naturally wooded area back by the Sanibel River, providing two different habitat types for wildlife

T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a Conservation Foundation reported that the ephemeral wetlands, which have a maximum depth of 2 feet, are evidence that the wet season has finally arrived

“These temporary wetlands are very important for the breeding of many invertebrate and vertebrate s p e c i e s s u c h a s a q u a t i c i n s e c t s , amphibians and live-bearing fish,” Wildlife and Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz said

The presence of the species also makes the wetlands important for predators, such as snakes, turtles, wading birds and meso-mammals, i n c l u d i n g r a c c o o n s a n d o t t e r s Wildlife on Sanibel is adapted to o p e n c a n o p y l a n d s c a p e s T h o s e habitats support the highest diversity, especially when there is a nearby edge habitat

Edge habitats

“Edge habitats are where two d i f f e r e n t h a b i t a t t y p e s m e e t , ” Lechowicz said “On Sanibel, the most obvious edge habitat is where

the open grassy zone meets the closed canopy forest ”

Wildlife thrives in the zone by being able to quickly move between the two, such as a bobcat hunting for cotton rats in a grassy open canopy field Then, they quickly retreat into the nearby wooded area for cover as people approach

The preserve will support both habitat types to enhance wildlife u s e T h e f r o n t s e c t i o n a l o n g Periwinkle Way will feature a hiki n g - b i k i n g t r a i l a n d a l r e a d y h a s some plantings of native vegetation. After the trail is completed, final plantings will be installed

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Sanibel River wildlife corridor

“The back section naturally had more tree cover since it is near the Sanibel River,” he said “It will not be accessible to the public and will support a contiguous wildlife corridor along the river ”

The area is bordered with buttonwood and other species that can tolerate rainwater inundation and will remain that way The wetlands near the front will be planted with cord grass, sawgrass, arrowhead, pickerel weed and water hyssop There will not be dense plantings of canopy trees on the north end to ensure that the property does not become a dense forest again, which decreases wildlife diversity

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

The absence of Mallomars Island Hopper Songwriter Fest to feature free live performances

It all started at a Publix store in Fort Myers I had drawn up a shopping list and was looking forward to satisfying all my taste buds High on my list were S m u c k e r ’ s C h e r r y P res erves , V ita H erring, A m y ’ s M a c a r o n i a n d Cheese, and Mallomars

I w h e e l e d m y c a r t t h r o u g h t h e a i s l e s a n d p l u c k e d o u t a l l m y favorites and was almost finished when I realized I hadn’t been through the cookies aisle I made a sharp left turn and almost knocked over an elderly lady who was deliberating o n w h a t t e a b a g s t o choose

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Now in its ninth year and spanning over 10 days, the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest will kick off on Captiva with an abundance of performances at six different venues.

The festival began because September is the “neediest” month in Southwest Florida and the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau wanted to drive the economy by putting heads in beds, as that is how it is funded Lee County VCB event lead Nancy MacPhee said that in the beginning, the festival was held for two weekends one on Fort Myers Beach and the other on Captiva In order to bring room nights and overnight stays to the area, they bridged the two weekends with midweek performances in downtown Fort Myers This yea, Cape Coral venues have been added

FORT MYERS ISLANDS, BEACHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS

Art Stevens Shell

Shocked

I l o o k e d f o r m y M a l l o m a r s w h i c h w e r e u s u a l l y n e x t t o t h e f i g n e w t o n s a n d v a n i l l a wafers They weren’t on the top shelf as they usually are and thought they must have been relocated to another shelf I looked far and wide, covering the same ground three or four times I began to panic Where were they?

Just then a Publix employee walked by and I asked her where the Mallomars are She said that they are usually on the top shelf where I had previously searched. She couldn’t find them either. She asked me to wait a moment so that she could check the inventory in the back of the store She indicated that a fresh shipment in Mallomars had most likely arrived and needed to be stocked

My confidence was returning It must have been an oversight on the part of the Publix inventory managers After all, Mallomars are among this country’s finest assets and can be found in most households

The Publix employee returned after a few minutes with a clipboard in her hand She was still reviewing some sheets of paper on it and then looked up

She said “It appears that Publix doesn’t stock Mallomars anymore But I can help find you a substitute ”

I didn’t know what to say “No Mallomars? You’ve got to be kidding Mallomars is a national brand I’ve always found them in Publix How could you not carry them?”

She frowned and said: “I really don’t know why Must be some policy from up above The inventory sheet says we don’t carry them anymore ”

I began to whimper “But I love Mallomars What am I to do? I can’t go home without a supply of Mallomars. Are you sure this isn’t some mistake? Maybe they’re in a different aisle? Maybe they’re next to the pretzels?”

“There’s no mistake,” she said “We simply don’t carry them anymore I don’t know the reason but it appears to be a company wide decision ” I began to whimper “But I need my Mallomars Don’t you understand? I can’t live without Mallomars This is a medical emergency ”

The Publix lady began to feel uncomfortable “Sir, we can call for an ambulance if you’re feeling ill ”

I shouted: “I want my Mallomars and I’m not leaving until I get them. You have no right to treat me this way ”

I began to jump up and down, turn blue and foam at the mouth And then I started screaming at the top of my lungs: “I want my Mallomars I want my Mallomars ” A number of shoppers panicked and ran from the store Several Publix employees ran to the scene to try to calm me down I wasn’t buying it I started throwing cans of Campbell’s Vegetable Soup at them and continued my belligerence

The rest of what followed appears hazy to me now The employees surrounded me There was a strait

See MALLOMARS, page 23

With the islands still recovering from Hurricane Ian, she said they are encouraging attendees to arrive on Captiva by boat or carpooling or scheduling an Uber This year, songwriters performing on the island will get around by Uber

“Captiva is still recovering and there are limited places to park and limited lodging available,” MacPhee said “This year, the lodging is slim pickings out there ”

She added that the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa is ready for boats

“Arrive by boat The venues are only so big They are intimate small type of performances,” MacPhee said

On Captiva, the festival will run from Sept. 22-24 at the South Seas Island Resort performance tent, The Mucky Duck, The Green Flash, 'Tween Waters, RC Otter's Island Eats and Keylime Bistro The Captiva Cruises performance were already sold out as of last week

“When you hear many of them,” MacPhee said of the songwriters scheduled to sing this year “Eighty percent of their songs are recognizable and are on the radio It's really kind of fun ”

The festival will continue in the Cape on Sept 25-26 at the Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, Gather, High Tide Social House and Pinchers Downtown Fort Myers is the next stop on Sept 27-28 at City Tavern, the Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Downtown Social House, Luminary Hotel and Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

The final days will be held on Fort Myers Beach from Sept 29 through Oct 1 at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, DiamondHead Beach Resort, Matanzas Inn, Lighthouse Tiki Bar & Grill, Bayside Park and Mound House

MacPhee said they work with BMI, the largest organization representing songwriters and rights with songs, which calls for songwriters to participate in the festival.

“Many of them are alum because they come back year after year,” she said, adding that this year there is a very good group of new songwriters

As for the venues, MacPhee said they only use BMIlicensed venues that are in a walkable footprint with parking and hotels nearby

“We are luring people in out of the area to spend a

Chris Janson, with special guest Kristian Bush of Sugarland, is the headliner for the 9th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest taking place from Sept. 22 through Oct. 1 on Captiva, in Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers, and on Fort Myers Beach

If you go

What

9th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

When

Sept 22 through Oct 1

Where

Captiva, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach

couple of days and we want them not to get back into the car,” she said “It is 10 days In a songwriter's festival world, it is probably the longest It's a big undertaking While we would love to touch every community, we think it is a model that other people can replicate It has worked for us, and we encourage other communities to do the same ”

MacPhee said last year's estimated attendance was about 13,000 people over the course of the 10 days PreCOVID in 2019, the festival attracted 21,000 the largest crowd since its inception

“The storm hit two days after Island Hopper,” she said of Ian “Some new friends kept in touch and checked on us Our partners at BMI and some of the songwriters themselves organized a benefit for the Lee County hospitality workers ”

MacPhee said the fundraiser helped 400 hospitality workers

“The reaction and hospitality from our bars, hotels and staff, they love everything about Fort Myers island beaches and neighborhoods,” she said

For the full schedule for Captiva, visit this article for free at www captivasanibel com

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e f e s t i v a l , v i s i t www IslandHopperFest com

Shell Find

Lion's paw found on Sanibel

Chris Dobrozsi, of Montgomery, Ohio, found a lion's paw on Sept. 4 off of West Gulf Drive on Sanibel. He was in town visiting friends on the east end of the island for a few days and the group decided to have a beach day on L a b o r D a y F r i e n d L i s a C o l e m a n r e p o

Dobrozsi was walking the beach, he found something interesting, bright and colorful that caught his eye Never hearing of a lion's paw, he showed everyone his cool find and no one could believe their eyes “Chris had no idea what a rarity he had stumbled upon, as he is not at all what one would call an avid sheller,” she added “His prize shell will certainly be proudly displayed back in Ohio and be a forever reminder of his trip!” To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com

Shell club’s annual show to feature exhibitors, displays

T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a S h e l l C l u b a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h e a n n u a l S a n i b e l S h e l l S h o w w i l l t a k e p l a c e o n M a r c h 89 a t t h e M a r r i o t t S a n i b e l H a r b o u r R e s o r t , a t 1 7 2 6 0

H a r b o u r P o i n t e D r i v e , F o r t M y e r s T h e e v e n t w i l l f e a t u r e t h e j u r i e d s h o w w i t h s c i e n t i fi c a n d a r t i s t i c s h e l l d i s p l a y s , m a r i n e a n d s h e l l v e n d o r s , a n d a l i v e m o l l u s k d i s p l a y T h e s h o w w i l l i n c l u d e e x h i b i t o r s a n d v e n d o r s f r o m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d I n a d d it i o n , t h i s y e a r ' s n e w v e n u e w i l l o f f e r a m e n i t i e s , i n c l u di n g f r e e p a r k i n g a n d n o t o l l s A l s o t h i s y e a r , t h e r e w i l l b e t w o e v e n t s g o i n g o n a t t w o l o c a t i o n s f o r s h e l l e n t h u s i a s t s t o e n j o y O n M a r c h 7 - 9 , T h e C o m m u n i t y H o u s e w i l l h o l d t h e 8 7 t h S a n i b e l H i s t o r i c a l A n n u a l S h e l l F e s t i v a l a t 2 1 7 3

P e r i w i n k l e W a y , S a n i b e l T h e e v e n t w i l l f e a t u r e a r t s a n d c r a f t s v e n d o r s t o b r o w s e a n d s h o p T h e c l u b e n c o u r a g e d t h e p u b l i c t o a t t e n d b o t h e v e n t s f o r t w i c e t h e f u n T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a S h e l l C l u b a w a r d s g r a n t s f r o m t h e p r o c e e d s o f i t s s h o w T h e g r a n t s a r e g i v e n t o w a r d e d u c a t i o n a n d r e s e a r c h i n t h e f i e l d s o f c o n c h o l o g y a n d m a l a c o l o g y , a s w e l l a s f o r c o n s e r v a t i o n a n d w a t e r q u a l i t y p r o j e c t s , p r i m a r i l y i n S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a 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 a n i b e l s h e l lc l u b c o m

Mallomars

From page 22

jacket, the police arrived, I was tasered and taken to Lee Memorial I woke up and to my astonishment I found a Mallomar on the table beside me

A friendly nurse popped in and said:

Shell Find

Junonias found on Sanibel

K e i t h C o l e m a n , o f G a l e n a , Ohio, found two junonias on Sept 6 at the Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel. Lisa Coleman reported that her husband had been digging in the water hoping to find alphab e t c o n e s , h i s f a v o r i t e s h e l l Coleman was shocked when he looked down in his hand and saw he instead pulled up a junonia Even more remarkably, after a few minutes of celebration, he pulled another shell from the water at the same location They own a home on the east end, and Coleman has been on the hunt for the illusive junonia for four years “He is now an elite and proud member of the double J club!” she added To report a shell find, contact 2394 7 2 - 1 5 8 7 o r trepecki@breezenewspapers com

PHOTO PROVIDED

“ Y o u r t r a u m a i s o v e r W e f o u n d Mallomars in another super market and once the sedatives wear off you can go home and enjoy them ” Tears of joy flowed from my eyes. I

made the decision then and there to stock up with five years worth of Mallomars regardless of where I had to hunt for them I would no longer be humiliated like this again.

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

ISL AND HOME islander

CFI collecting, sharing stories of island renewal

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands is inviting the community to share stories of how strangers, neighbors, first responders and others helped during the recovery after Hurricane Ian on Sept 28

“I'm sure we all recall the trauma we felt during and after the hurricane,” Executive Director Dolly Farrell said “We hope to ease that somewhat by uncovering the heartwarming stories, the moments of kindness, the shows of strength ”

Throughout September, the CFI will collect short

Golden dewdrop is beauty queen of butterfly garden

With such an intriguing name, the golden dewdrop (Duranta erecta) sounds magical, and its beauty is a tell-tale sign for that If given proper love and attention, the Florida shrub can bring a touch of eleg a n c e a n y w h e r e i t s planted V i o l e t b l o o m s a n d g o l d e n b e r r i e s e n c o mp a s s t h i s w i l d p l a n t , often appearing at the same time to give off a b e a u t i f u l m u l t i - c o l o r l o o k B o t h p r o d u c t s bloom on and off yearround, attracting curious b u t t e r f l i e s a n d h u m -

mingbirds The whimsical groupings of flowers and berries look quite appealing, but do not be tempted to snack on this fruit, as it is toxic to humans Just enjoy the drooping effect they provide, which fits suitably as an anchor tree for butterfly gardens when trained to a standard or as a lovely small hedge or background planting

Speaking of growth, this plant has got a wild side

With the potential of growing up to 18 feet in height and width, you are going to want to stick to a routine shaping to keep the shrub to a 5-foot to 6-foot maximum Training the golden dewdrop as a tree or standard from an early start is also a promising option

This blooming shrub yearns for full sun, but can manage under partial shade Fertilization can keep it growing strong and full if done three times per year, in the spring, summer and fall. Also, pruning in spring and early fall is helpful for maintaining a manageable size, and trimming off old berry bunches promotes the growth of fresh ones Regular watering is ideal Do not fear planting this native among your coastal scene, as it is moderately tolerant to salty winds All your hard work and care will pay off once you see the golden dewdrop mature in its magnificence

This plant is a native beauty queen, as it calls for much attention to retain its attractive appearance, though offers a pleasing affect in its prime state Consider its rapid growth patterns when planting this islander, and allow for plenty of room to flourish. This piece would fit great in your next butterfly garden or cottage-style landscape

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

Green thatch palm is suited for islands

By SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

O n e o f t h e t o u g h e s t p l a n t s a r o u n d , g r e e n t h a t c h p a l m (Thrinax radiata) is the epitome of a Florida survivor Tolerating sun or shade, salt exposure, and dry conditions, it is perfectly suited for o u r i s l a n d e n v i r o n m e n t F o u n d t h r o u g h o u t S o u t h F l o r i d a , t h e Bahamas, Caribbean and Yucatan peninsula, it lends a tropical feeling to any landscape, and when blooming it is abuzz with insect pollinators The white berries that grow after the flowers are pollinated are also a nutritious food source for birds

Power squadron donates to CHR

Community Housing and Resources recently reported that the Sanibel-Captiva Power Squadron donated essen-

videos and written reflections Business owner and Board Member Rachel Pierce is overseeing the project and will share them on Facebook and other social media outlets throughout the month

“We should feel good about how far we've come, and how much hope, resilience and strength are out there turning things around for Sanibel and Captiva,” Pierce said For more information, contact Farrell at dfarrell@sancapcfi.org.

tial equipment and supplies

The items will replenish and restore CHR's power tools and equipment that were damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian It expressed its appreciation and thanks to the power squadron for its generosity

Sanibel Captiva

PHOTO PROVIDED Golden dewdrop

Green thatch palm SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Recipe of

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

the

Week: Zucchini Soup with Lemon Creme Fraiche

A wonderful soup for those hot, lazy days of summer

It can be served hot or cold, and it can be made with zucchini or summer squash or a combination of the two The spinach helps giving the soup its vibrant color, and the shallot and the leeks gives it body. I love making it ahead and having it ready in my refrigerator Serves eight (Chef tip: Buy unsalted butter and keep it in the freezer until ready to use it It has 20% less water than the salted butter )

1 pound fresh zucchini, rinsed and chopped

1 pound baby spinach, washed and trimmed

4 cups chicken stock

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup shallots, minced

1 cup leeks, whites only, well rinsed and minced

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

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. 2 0

Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

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

∫ Thursday, Sept 2 1

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 2 2

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 p r e s e n t a t i o n s , a n d n o r e s e r v a t i o n s a r e 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 Santiva Islanders Calendar

The Santiva Islanders will present the following:

Coffee Bistro

Coffee Bistro will be held on Sept 21 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 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a m a t T h e G a t h e r i n g P l a c e @ S t Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members Enter off of Dunlop Road

Fun and Games

Fun and Games will be held on Sept 21 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 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Options will i n c l u d e c a r d s , b o a r d g a m e s , p u z z l e s , Bridge, Mahjong and more For more information about Bridge, contact Bryant K o r n a t b r y a n t e k o r n @ g m a i l c o m F o r more information about Mahjong, contact Robin Christian at fwrobin01@att net

Enter off of Dunlop Road

Stretch and Tone

Mahnaz Bassir will host Stretch and Tone on Sept 21 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 non-members Enter off of Dunlop Road

Happy Hour at MudBugs

Happy Hour at MudBugs will be held on Sept 25 from 4 to 6 p m at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials Participants will order and pay individually For more information, contact event host Robin Christian at 817975-7166

Coffee Bistro

Coffee Bistro will be held on Sept 26 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 26 from 10:30 to 11:30

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon white pepper

2 cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped

1/2 cup creme fraiche

1 lemon, zested and juiced

In a small bowl, combine creme fraiche with lemon zest; reserve for garnish

In a medium stockpot, melt the butter over medium high heat When foamy, add the shallots and leeks and cook until tender, about five minutes Add the chopped zucchini, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for five minutes Add the garlic and spinach and cook until fragrant, about two minutes Add the stock and lemon juice, and simmer until the zucchini are very tender, 15-20 minutes Remove from the heat

With a hand-immersion blender or in batches in a food processor, puree the soup until smooth Adjust the seasoning to taste Add the cream Cook, stirring, until the soup is warmed through, about five minutes.

To serve, place the soup in small cups and drizzle with chives and place a dollop of creme fraiche on top and serve

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

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

Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

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

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

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

Rev Dr Doug Dortch

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

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida

www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

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

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

∫ Sanibel Community Church

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

Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Sanctuary 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

a m a t T h e G a t h e r i n g P l a c e @ S t

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

Enter off of Dunlop Road

A Santiva Islanders Trivia night will take place on Sept 27 from 6 to 8 p m at Rosalita's Cantina, at 975 Rabbit Road, Sanibel Prizes will include a $100 gift

card to Rosalita's Free guaco and queso will be provided, with food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets are $15 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Santiva Islanders There will also be a 50/50 raffle to benefit of the Santiva Islanders For tickets, visit rosalitascantina com/sanibel or call 239-955-7673

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://santiv a i s l a n d e r s . o r g / o r c o n t a c t s a n t i v a i slanders@gmail com

Loretta Paganini

S a n i b e lC a p t i v a I s l a n d e r c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 , 2 0 2 3 ■ P a g e 2 6

islandBEAT islander

‘New York Minutes’

9 :3 7 AM, September 1 , 2 0 0 1 , JFK Airport never mind nanoseconds we used to say there is no time in the universe like a New York minute for getting it done with speed and style never mind the smile try a New York minute today is too late tomorrow never comes yesterday is the time for a New York minute not in L A or D C London or Paree Manhattan’s the place for a New York minute

1 :1 0 PM, September 2 , 2 0 0 1 : Manhattan streets I saunter, pondering how my city is booming, changing, scaffolding skeletoned over buildings being reborn, cell phone voices darting by in all directions, construction and traffic in constant cacophony but taxis still playing chicken with pedestrians, buses belching like buffalos, illegal parking everywhere welcome back lover, native son

7 :2 3 PM, September 7 , 2 0 0 1 (Times Square)

The old and the young, the chic and the tourists, the shapers and the shapeless, the hopeless and the hip the buyers and the beggars, the idle and the busy, the blacks, whites, browns, yellows and rainbows, all pounding and surging in thousands, America singing East Side, West Side, on the sidewalks of New York my pulse up and revving again in New York minutes

8 :4 6 AM, September 1 1 , 2 0 0 1 (Sanibel Island)

O, the poetry I was bringing back! In and out of love with you all over again, Mannahatta of Walt Whitman, your streets and sidewalks sauntered, strolled, meandered, dallied, ambled and rambled upon

Joe Pacheco

Poetic License

by all your poet sons and daughters I was set like them to celebrate and sing your energy, the majesty of your towers and spires, set also to catalogue your contradictions, rue your faults, forgive your indifference O, the praise and ironies I would wring from my latest two weeks in New York

but on this morning as the whole CNN’d world watches, America’s heart stops beating while the new millennium of terror and consequences is spawned in humanity’s newest, most horrible moment:

the September 11 New York minute

like no time in the universe

1 0 :1 5 AM, September 1 1 , 2 0 1 0 Manhattan streets I walk again, watching scaffolds rise on buildings being reborn refilling the temporary vacancies in the sky, cell phone voices singing all around me, construction and traffic in ringing cacophony, the heartbeat of America and all the glowing cities of the world pulsing stronger than ever in New York minutes

like no time in the universe

Nine artists will demonstrate their skills, eight others will lead workshops and handson art stations, five duck stamp celebrities will present and sign, and an estimated 20plus plein-air artists will create at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel for Art in the Wild on Oct 21-22

In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week and Jay “Ding” Darling's 146th birthday, the refuge and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will introduce the inaugural, all-free event, which was originally scheduled for October 2022 but canceled due to Hurricane Ian

Activities will honor 2023-2024 Duck Stamp artists and the legacy of refuge namesake Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, a Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist and artist of the early 20th century

The Hautman brothers multiple Federal Duck Stamp Contest winners will make personal appearances. A special exhibition of their nature art also will be on display in the refuge's Visitor & Education Center auditorium during the month Also appearing will be 2023-24 Junior Duck Stamp winner Mila Linyue Ton, of Virginia, and Florida's best-of-show placer Jenny Liu, of Port Orange

Other artists will demonstrate their skills on Oct 21 from noon to 4 p m They will include world-renowned bird sculptor Jim Sprankle, pottery artist and educator Tim Smith and Andrew Corke, who used recycled bike tires to sculpt the refuge's manatees at its Best Restroom exhibit Other demonstrators include pen-and-ink artist Jaye Boswell, painter Lacy McClare, fish fly tyer Stan Bunick, origami artist Cabe Rieck, stained glass artist Deborah Kramer, polymer clay artisan Christine Keyworth and

woodblock printer Gus Mezetta

Sanibel artist Rachel Pierce will conduct a workshop, “Paint on a Queen Palm,” and former Junior Duck Stamp winner John Brennan will teach hands-on how to paint ducks Refuge Artist-in-Residence Jacqui Roch will lead a Community Mural project in the afternoon

Other hands-on art activities will include painting wine glasses, a nature journal hike, painting seashells, making recycled jewelry and decorating tea towels

On Oct 22, the refuge expects more than 20 regional plein-air artists to participate in its first-ever Paint Out Attendees can observe the painters along Wildlife Drive and at the Bailey Tract, then later place their vote for People’s Choice Award Admission to Wildlife Drive is free both days

Other activities will include live music, yoga instruction, a nature puppet show, a Federal Duck Stamp art exhibition, and awards to winners of youth art contests and amateur nature photography contest

Some activities will limit participation Visit DingDarling Eventbrite com to preregister

“The event offers something for everyone, all free of charge,” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said

The DDWS is seeking sponsors Current event sponsors include: Wayne and Linda Boyd as Roseate Spoonbill; Friend of “Ding” Darling as Great Egret; LCEC and WooBamboo as Reddish Egret; Palm Printing, Maureen and Gary Saage, She Sells Sea Shells, and Brian and Susan White as Snowy Egret

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

The Community House Calendar

from 5 to 7 p m For more information, contact Executive Director Teresa RiskaHall at teresa@sanibelcommunityhouse net or 239-472-2155

Shellcrafters

The Shellcrafters will meet on Sept 25 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

TCH is accepting art vendors for the 8 7 t h S a n i b e l H i s t o r i c a l A n n u a l S h e l l Festival on March 7-9 Reservations are available for 8-foot tables for $150 and include all three days

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

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

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

Sanibel Captiva

Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel PETER REDPATH

to 8:30 p m

DANNY MORGAN AND JOHN McLANE DUO 5:30 to 8:30 p m DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p m PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p m JOHN McLANE 5:30 to 8:30 p m DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p m

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

McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m

McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m

BUCKEYE KEN

to 8:30 p m JENNY VE

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

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva announced that Jerry's Foods, MudBugs Cajun Kitchen and Macaroni KID are sponsors for its 15th Annual F I S H 10K/5K on Dec 2 The race will be held at The Community House on Sanibel, with a vir-

tual 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

JIM HAUTMAN

Ar tists spotlight for refuge event

The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will welcome artists Jim Hautman and Jacqui Roch to its Art in the Wild on Oct 21 from noon to 4 p m in the Visitor & Education Center One member of the Hautman brothers trio,

One-year anniversar y ser vice planned

Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will host a “Community Service of Hope: 1 Year Anniversary of Ian” on Sept 28 at 3 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

The community is invited to mark the one-year anniversary of the hurricane with an interfaith service of prayers, song, scripture and reflections A reception will follow All are welcome Enter off of Dunlop Road For more information, visit https://www saintmichaelssanibel org/

Hautman has won the Federal Duck Stamp Contest six times, most recently in 2022-23 He and his brothers will speak at the event, as well as sign their recent winning stamps The brothers will also have a wildlife art exhibition on dis-

play in Visitor & Education Center, with a portion of sales proceeds benefiting the r e f u g e C u r r e n t A r t i s t - i n - R e s i d e n c e Roch has been creating, exhibiting and demonstrating her nature-inspired art at the refuge for the past months during

JACQUI ROCH

trips from her home and art-teaching job in Miami She paints pastels in a style she terms “tropical realism ” For the e v e n t , R o c h w i l l l e a d a h a n d s - o n Community Mural activity

F.I.S.H. hurricane packets available

F I S H o f S a

Hurricane Preparedness Resource Packet is available for free To receive one, contact 239-472-4775 or erika@fishofsancap org They may also be downloaded from the “Hurricane Ian Resources” and “Social & Senior Service” drop-down tabs at fishofsancap org Appointments can be arranged for those who would like a more detailed discussion on how to prepare

Macaroni KID Cape Coral publisher and editor Samantha Zamfir

From left, Dan Howes, Franny Dolph, Kerri St John, Isabella Valenzuela, Alyssa Normandin and Lena Mulinaro with MudBugs Cajun Kitchen

F I S H OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

From left, Grant Wagoner, Tina Herzog, Trevor Sampson, General Manager Rick Winningham, Jeff Reinhardt, Marguerite Cadet, Dean Faust and Randy Wyatt with Jerry's Foods.

Refuge's WoW continues

Micro-Mania

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

Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels has been incorporating the use of microscopes into its teaching plans, beginning with this summer's Micro-Mania curriculum During the school year, the WoW team will use microscopes in different ways for various grades:

∫ F i r s t g r a d e : S t u d e n t s w i l l observe the gills of a fish to understand how fish get oxygen

∫ Second grade: Students will observe a butterfly wing and discuss the life cycle of a butterfly

∫ F i f t h g r a d e : S t u d e n t s w i l l observe a scale of a fish and dogfish shark to compare and contrast them, along with observing the tube feet from a sea star and radula from a mollusk also to compare and contrast

∫ Seventh grade: Students will observe basic animal and plant cells to identify cell organelles

∫ Eighth grade: Students will observe dinoflagellates while relating to red tide

To donate to support the upkeep a n d p r o g r a m m i n g f o r t h e W o W e f f o r t s , v i s i t https://interland3 donorperfect net/ weblink/WebLink aspx?name=E54

182&id=12

Trailways Camps offers volunteer oppor tunities

Trailways Camps is seeking volunteers, whether for a few hours, a half-day or full day It provides residential camping experiences for adults with special needs and respite for their families/caregivers Upcoming camps will be held on Oct 16-19, Nov 13-16 and Feb 12-15, with the “I AM SPECIAL Trailways Camper Reunion set for April 13 Volunteer and camper registration is open year-round at www trailwayscamps org For more information, contact Camp Director Jamie Senkeleski at trailwayscampdirector@gmail com

In addition, Trailways Camps is seeking volunteers interested in serving the nonprofit organization as advisors, board members, project leaders and more For more information, contact founders Sharon and Jerry Miller at RV BG MillerLegacy@gmail com

CFI receives donation from Bailey's

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands reported that it recently received a $25,000 donation from Bailey's General Store and the Johnson Family The funds were raised at the Waterline Wine Auction held in April, where bottles of wine salvaged from the store after Hurricane Ian were auctioned off

From left, Charitable Foundation of the I s l a n d s B o a r d C h a i r C h i p R o a c h , Bailey's General Store owner-operator M e a d J o h n s o n a n d C F I E x e c u t i v e Director Dolly Farrell

CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS