Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 38

MERTF advises council against issuing building permit

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

For the second time, the Fort Myers

B e a c h M a r i n e a n d E n v i r o n m e n t a l Resources Committee has voted to advise the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council to not issue a building permit for the applicants seeking to build a 298-feet long bridge adjacent to the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area across state lagoons and wetlands

The second vote follows the re-introduction of the issue by new town attorney Becky Vose at a town council meeting on Sept. 11. Vose had inquired as to whether the council wanted to change its stance on issuing the building permit despite ongoi n g l i t i g a t i o n i n i t i a t e d b y F l o r i d a Audubon challenging council’s decision to approve a special exception permit for the boardwalk

The council voted 3-2 against issuing

the permit but voted 4-1 to take up the issue again on Sept 25 so that all parties can address the permit’s issuance

MERTF previously voted in June to advise the town against issuing the building permit while talks were ongoing about an indemnification agreement with the special exception permit applicants that would seek to prevent the town from being held liable for damages if the building permit was issued while the litigation

Murals bring messages of hope to devastated tourist center

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Chris Primeau had a vision for Times Square after Hurricane Ian had left most of the tourist destination bare All he needed was two artists to transform his corner of Times Square from a gray elevator shaft into a towering backdrop fitting for a Cecil B Demille epic

Local artists Lacy McClary and Summer DeSalvo responded to Primeau’s call for artists to paint the elevator shaft They donated their time, talent and energy as Primeau raised funds for equipment and supplies to turn the elevator shaft that once serviced the demolished Sandal Factory into a new welcoming sign overlooking the ruins of Times Square

Primeau, who owns the former Sandal Factory building and the lot where La Ola Restaurant sits at Times Square, now also owns a giant iconic piece of art With the sight

was in progress

Former town attorney John Herin Jr had advised council of the potential damages the town could be liable for if it issued a building permit for the work to b e g i n o n t h e l a g o o n w a l k o v e r w h i l e awaiting a Lee County Circuit Court decision on the legal case Vose acknowledged that risk while also advising the council that she didn’t believe the council

See MERTF, page 14

New Times Square clock ready to rock

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The new clock at Times Square will be a little greener than the blue clock that stood there for 21 years until Hurricane I a n w a s h e d i t away, but will be a welcoming sight when it is

u n v e i l e d S e p t

28 to returning

v i s i t o r s a t t h e

t o w n ’ s b u s y tourist destinat i o n o v e r l o o king the Gulf of M e x i c o a n d

L y n n H a l l Memorial Park

T h e c l o c k was donated by G e o r g e a n d L i n d a Merschman, of Michigan, as a replacement for t h e f o r m e r

T i m e s S q u a r e icon Town council approved the acceptance of the clock in June The clock's value is estimated at about $40,000, town operations and compliance director Frank Kropacek said The clock was built by the Verdin Company, the Cincinnati company that constructed the original clock

The old Times Square clock dated to 2001 and was a popular fixture at Times Square, attracting visitors and tourists who took photos or sat nearby while relaxing with some ice cream or a shake from the old Dairy Queen near Lynn Hall Memorial Park

The clock will be unveiled after the town holds a remembrance ceremony on the anniversary of Hurricane Ian Sept 28

See NEW CLOCK, page 18

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . 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

County commissioners approve changes to code, land use plan

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners a

Development Code and Lee County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, including changes for Captiva and the South Seas Island Resort.

At its regular meeting on Sept 5, the board voted 4-1 to adopt an ordinance amending LDC Chapters 30, 33, and 34 Among the changes was establishing a uniform way of measuring building height countywide, which will allow for the construction of higher buildings on Captiva, and removing the Administrative Interpretation governing the resort, which will allow it to proceed through zoning

On Sept 6 at its Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment hearing, the board again voted 4-1 to approve amendments to the Lee Plan that remove oneand two-story building heights on Captiva.

Commissioner Kevin Ruane (R-District 1), who represents Sanibel and Captiva, cast the dissenting vote at both the meeting and hearing

Opponents of the proposed amendments have been arguing that the changes provide a pathway for South Seas to request rezoning that could lead to increased density and higher buildings at the resort

More than 13,000 people signed a petition from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation opposing the amendments

"Just pure and simple, these changes will make our barrier island communities less resilient to future storm events," Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation CEO James Evans said “The reality is that you’re paving the way for the developer to come in and ask for more density and more intensity of use ”

The consideration by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners of the amendments had been postponed in June and stakeholder meetings were later held for county staff to collect feedback from the community On Sept 5, Ruane asked staff to summarize the public input

received and staff reported that they received a lot of public feedback

“Staff has not made any changes to the ordinance b e f o r e y o u t o d a y , ”

Community Development Zoning Division Manager Anthony Rodriguez said in terms of the input

During the nearly three hours of public comment at the meeting, more than 50 speakers shared their opinion with the board The majority of them opposed the changes and asked the board to vote no.

“Captiva is different than the rest of Lee County and it needs to be treated different than the rest of Lee County,” Captiva Community Panel President Jay Brown said, noting that the community supports increased resiliency and the ability for property owners to build back what they had pre-Hurricane Ian

“This has nothing to do with resiliency,” he said of the amendments

“Please vote no,” Captiva Civic Association Director Emily Hess Ankerson said

“There’s a number of voices here,” Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson said, listing off the organizations being represented from both islands “All the voices speaking out today they’re in opposition ”

O t h e r s w h o s p o k e i n o p p o s i t i o n i n c l u d e d : t h e Presidents Council of Associations, representing the coalition of 12 homeowner and condo associations in South Seas, as well as the Bayside Villages Condo Association, Gulf Beach Villas Condo Association and Marina Villages Condo Association; others on the Sanibel City Council; Bailey-Matthews National Shell

Museum; Committee of the Islands; residents and business owners from Sanibel and Captiva; and others, including one worker from South Seas, who spoke about her love for the islands and history with the resort

“The ordinance in front of you isn’t about resiliency,” she said, adding that she believes it is about increased density, increased intensity and taller buildings “Please do not accept these changes ”

On the other side, Timbers Company Chief Executive Officer Greg Spencer which is part of the ownership group of South Seas reported that the resort’s efforts to rebuild are stalled because of the current LDC and Lee Plan. He continued that they need clarity on height in order to move forward

“ W e w a n t t o r e t u r n S o u t h S e a s t o i t s p r i o r grandeur,” Spencer said

Others who spoke in support of the amendments included the resort’s legal team and some of its consultants, general manager, an owners representative, two directors and a few employees

Prior to the vote, some of the commissioners shared their thoughts

“I think we’ve all wrestled with what this means c h a n g e i s a c h a l l e n g e a n d uncomfortable,” Commissioner Ray Sandelli said. “I’m in favor of moving forward ”

“This has been a long time coming,” Vice Chairman M i k e G r e e n w e l l s a i d “ S t a n d a r d i z i n g t h e L a n d Development Code is very important It’s important for the future of Lee County and how we develop ”

“Everybody else in Lee County has the right to ask for a rezoning except for South Seas right now Because of the administrative determination they can’t even ask and that doesn’t seem fair to me at all,” Chairman Brian Hamman said, citing the right to petition government and the right to due process

“It doesn’t guarantee that we have to say yes, but it guarantees that we should let you ask,” he added

Ruane explained that he did direct staff to bring back

See LAND USE, page 14

“I think this is a mistake. I certainly am not in favor of this by any means.”

KEVIN RUANE

Lee County Commissioner

OPINIONS

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

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

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

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

Advertising Sales

Lyn

McElhaney

lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers com

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

Supporting MERTF and waiting on walkover permit

At a time when a steady drumbeat of Fort Myers Beach residents, business owners and town officials say that delays in permitting are the biggest challenge to the island’s rebuild, one permit has gained special attention

That is the special exception permit for a 298-feet bridge bordering the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area, which would cross state lagoons that feed into the critical wildlife area

While the permit was controversially approved by the town council in a 3-2 vote in March despite years of opposition from previous councils that included two votes rejecting the permit and numerous lawsuits, the building permit has not been issued due to litigation from Audubon Florida challenging council’s decision

That could change The town’s new attorney, Becky Vose, brought the building permit issue back to life at a council meeting Sept. 11 for discussion at which the council voted 3-2 against issuing the building permit Councilmembers John King and Karen Woodson voted to issue the permit while Mayor Dan Allers, Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt and Councilmember Bill Veach voted against doing so The matter will again be on the council’s agenda Sept 25 Council could potentially issue the building permit despite the pending court case

The decision will rest on Mayor Allers, who voted in March in favor of the special exception permit but who has supported waiting to issue the building permit in light of the ongoing litigation from Audubon Florida That’s standard practice in most lawsuits challenging government decisions

Mr Allers said he wanted the item discussed Sept. 25 to give all sides a chance to speak on the issue Ms Vose said Sept 11 that she had contacted the attorney for the permit applicants but not Audubon Florida

In a recent exchange with the Fort Myers Beach Observer, Mr Allers said “our biggest challenge we face today is getting our permit process fixed ” Building a 298-feet boardwalk next to a critical wildlife area would not seem to be as important as permits for those rebuilding their homes or businesses

Vice Mayor Atterholt said he was surprised the building permit issue was raised again since “nothing has changed” regarding the litigation, which is awaiting action from a circuit court judge for a show order cause

“An inordinate amount of time has been spent on this issue,” Mr Atterholt said “I continue to feel this dune walkover is not in the public’s interest ”

Florida Audubon challenged the issuance of the permits over concerns for the intrusion of

Web Poll

Previous Web Poll Results

∫ Yes, one of the most important priorities, 60% ∫ Important, but there are many other equally important projects, 29% ∫ It's not a top concern of mine, 11%

Current Web Poll Question

Should the Fort Myers Beach Council issue a building permit for the 298-feet lagoon walkover near the Little Estero Critical Wildlife Area or wait until the lawsuit by Audubon Florida has concluded?

∫ Wait until lawsuit has concluded, once the boardwalk is built the damage will be done

∫ Issue the permit, the boardwalk can be dismantled if the town loses the suit

∫ No opinion

heavy equipment into the area they say will encroach on wetlands and disturb the nearby nesting sites of threatened and protected birds such as snowy plovers, least terns, black skimmers and Wilson’s plovers Former town attorney John Herin Jr warned the council of the risk of being held liable for damages to the area if it issued the building permit despite the active litigation. There could be double damage to the sensitive environmental if the bridge was installed and then ordered to be removed

Town staff recommended denial of the special exception permit in March yet council persisted in approving the permit Councils since 2016 have opposed what they saw as a threat to the fragile ecosystem in the area Fort Myers Beach is considered one of the most important shorebird nesting sites in Florida, according to Florida Audubon

MERTF

The recent push to issue a building permit for the walkover coincides with a social media campaign against sitting members of the town’s Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force, which has opposed the issuance of the permits.

Three members of the advisory committee are up for reappointment Vice Chair Dr Gregory Fossum, Wendy DeGaetano and Mary

See SUPPORTING MERTF, page 5

Guest Commentary: Hope Clubhouse provides hope

By Dottie Pacharis

Although September has been designated Suicide Prevention Month, every month should be Suicide Prevention Month U S suicides hit an all-time high of nearly 49,500 in 2022, the highest number ever according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention In Florida, suicide rates in 2022 were higher than any of the last four years at just more than 3,400 people

Higher rates of depression and limited availability of mental health services have contributed to this increase according to the CDC Nine in 10 Americans believe this country is facing a mental health crisis according to U S Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier

Becerra

Psychopath, wacko, crazy, nuts, maniac words I frequently hear used to describe people suffering from mental illness. Would we refer so callously to people with cancer, muscular dystrophy, or Parkinson’s disease? Mentally ill individuals have a disease, and they need treatment

I am the mother of a son who struggled with severe bipolar disorder for 13 years After his first attempt at suicide, and again following his second attempt, his family begged him not to ever do it again Yet despite the extraordinary and loving efforts of his family who supported

him and advocated for him, his brain was telling him he wanted to die His third attempt was successful. He had just turned 40 years old.

Today, behind so many of those smiling faces we see are people like my son suffering from depression and other mental disorders who battle suicidal thoughts 24/7

Some people reach such depths of despair and pain that they begin to believe that they would be better off dead

Many believe their families would be better off without them

Mental illness is cruel and embarrassing It is not something people choose It is not a character flaw. It is not a sign of laziness or weakness. It does not discriminate based on age, class, or ethnicity It is an illness that can be successfully treated with medication Mental illness does not have to result in suicide

The behavioral health community in Fort Myers is in crisis While the prevalence of mental health disorders continues to increase, the number of crisis-care centers, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors continues to decline Many residents are unable to access the care they need and succumb to a psychiatric episode.

Hope Clubhouse of Southwest Florida is the only non-profit organization in the Fort Myers community that supports adults living with

mental illness These adults can spend a lifetime in and out of emergency rooms, jails, and psychiatric hospitals. The power of the Clubhouse program is its effectiveness in keeping its members out of the hospital, reducing their encounters with law enforcement, and on a continuous path to recovery

Hope Clubhouse provides opportunities for paid employment, access to education, affordable housing, and assistance in obtaining appropriate medical and psychiatric services The Clubhouse is not a treatment facility Rather, it is a gathering place with structure that promotes healing, opportunity, purpose, and empowerment. It offers three programs for development Business, Culinary, and Horticulture

Members work in the unit of their choice

Membership is open to anyone over the age of 18 with a history of mental illness at no cost to members For more information on Hope Clubhouse - (www hopeclubhouse org)

Fort Myers is the sixth fastest growing city in the nation according to the Census Bureau Access to mental health resources has not kept pace with this surge in population There is no health without mental health

Dottie Pacharis is a mental health advocate and author of the book, Mind on the Run

A Bipolar Chronicle She lives in Fort Myers

Rose Spalletta Dr Fossum and Ms Spalletta are longtime veterans of the committee. Ms. DeGaetano and Ms. Spalletta are retired teachers who have helped the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School with environmental projects and have extensive knowledge in the committee’s subject matter Ms Spalletta is a volunteer for Turtle Time and Ms DeGaetano is a Florida Master Naturalist

The campaign to replace them was orchestrated by those friendly to the efforts of Kurt Kroemer and Ed Rood, the applicants for the boardwalk permit At a council meeting this summer, John Cameron, one of several neighbors who stand to gain access to the boardwalk, called on the council to remove members of MERTF during a tirade that lasted more than five minutes during public comment After going over his three minutes of time to speak Mayor Allers told Mr Cameron to “take his time” during which Mr Cameron continued to denigrate the volunteers of the task force

Councilmember Woodson would follow up by calling Mr Cameron’s comments “brave” and said she agreed.

Why? Because MERTF opposed the special exception permit and building permit for a walkover in an environmentally critical zone? MERTF exists to remind the town council of the marine and environmental resources issues and the town’s environmental codes

We are concerned town council may choose to replace members of MERTF with those who may have opinions that align with the majority of council

Of the five people (excluding the three members who reapplied) to apply for the MERTF seats, only two are registered voters

in the town and one of them is Mr Rood Mr Rood unsuccessfully sued the town in federal court claiming the denial of the walkover violated his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act Mr Rood even challenged the legality of the state’s ownership of the critical wildlife area a case currently on hold

Appointing Mr Rood would represent a cynical and dismissive view of the committee

Asked whether he could consider appointing replacements to MERTF, Mr Allers said he “will review all submitted applications and give them equal consideration ”

The town’s code relating to its advisory committees does not treat all candidates equally, though Preference is given to registered voters or property owners The code also states that consideration should be given to those with expertise and experience in the subject matter That would give the sitting members of the committee a clear edge

We spoke to several former mayors and councilmembers who served multiple terms on the town council going back to its founding in 1995 and only one could cite a specific instance where an advisory committee member seeking reappointment was replaced

All three MERTF members up for reappointment are registered voters in the town with vast experience Replacing them would signal to the community that this council is not interested in hearing from opposing views or interested in protecting the environment

Observer editorial

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . 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

NATHAN MAYBERG

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy H y a t t s p e a k s t o t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon at Bonita Bill's Waterfront Cafe this past week.

Hyatt gets acquainted with Beach Chamber

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

T o w n o f F o r t M y e r s B e a c h M a n a g e r A n d y H y a t t i n t r o d u c e d h i m s e l f t o t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e a t a l u n c h e o n t h i s p a s t w e e k h e l d a t t h e n e w l y - r e n o v a t e d m e e t i n g r o o m o f B o n i t a B i l l ’ s W a t e r f r o n t C a f e o n S a n C a r l o s I s l a n d A t a s t a n d i n g - r o o m o n l y e v e n t w i t h f r e s h l y p a i n t e d w a l l s a n d n e w f l o o r i n g , H y a t t d e t a i l e d h o w h e c a m e t o F o r t M y e r s B e a c h i n a c a r e e r t h a t t o o k h i m f r o m b e i n g b o r n i n C h a r l e s t o n , S o u t h C a r o l i n a t o g r o w i n g u p i n e a s t e r n T e n n e s s e e a n d t a k i n g o n j o b s i n F l o r i d a i n c l u d i n g h i s p r e v i o u s s t i n t a s m a na g e r o f S u r f s i d e w h e r e t r a g e d y s t r u c k w h e n a c o n d o t o w e r c o l l a p s e r e s u l t e d i n t h e d e a t h o f 9 8 p e o p l e H y a t t s p o k e a b o u t g e t t i n g t h e c a l l a b o u t t h e c o ll a p s e i n t h e m i d d l e o f t h e n i g h t a n d t h e f o u r t o f i v e w e e k s o f r e s c u e e f f o r t s t h a t f o l l o w e d “ I t w a s a s l o w s t a r t , ” H y a t t s a i d M u c h o f t h e r e s c u e e f f o r t s w e r e d e l a y e d u n t i l o n e o f t h e b u i l d i n g s w a s b r o u g h t d o w n . H y a t t s p o k e a b o u t e f f o r t s t o f i n d s h e l t e r , c l o t h i n g , f o o d a n d o t h e r a i d s f o r r e s i d e n t s a l o n g w i t h t h e h e l p o f t h e A m e r i c a n R e d C r o s s H y a t t , w h o t o o k o v e r a s t o w n m a n a g e r M a y 1 , s a i d “ t h e p e o p l e h a v e b e e n w e l c o m i n g ” H e s a i d h e w a n t s t o h e l p p e o p l e “ g e t b a c k t o t h e w a y t h i n g s w e r e ” W h i l e h e s a i d h e f e l t “ o v e r w h e l m e d ” b y t h e a m o u n t o f d a m a g e t h e i s l a n d t o o k f r o m H u r r i c a n e I a n a n d s a i d h e i m m e d i a t e l y k n e w h e w o u l d n e e d m o r e h e l p t o r e b u i l d , h e a l s o s a i d t h i n g s “ w e r e n ’ t a s b a d a s I e x p e c t e d ” H e s a i d “ a l o t o f t h e h e a v y l i f t i n g ” t o r e m o v e d e b r i s a n d c l e a n u p t h e i s l a n d w a s c o m p l e t e d b e f o r e h e s t a r t e d T h e t o w n h a s a p p l i e d f o r f u n d i n g f o r a l o n g l i s t o f p r o j e c t s t h r o u g h t h e s t a t e ’ s D i v i s i o n o f E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e n t h u r r i c a n e r e c o v e r y p r og r a m t o h e l p r e b u i l d b u t s o f a r H y a t t s a i d t h e s t a t e h a s o n l y p r o v i d e d f u n d i n g f o r t h e d e m o l i t i o n o f t h e f o r m e r t o w n h a l l H y a t t h o p e s h e c a n g e t F o r t M y e r s B e a c h “ a l i v e a n d b r e a t h i n g a g a i n ” a n d “ g e t i t b a c k t o w h e r e i t w a s a n d m a y b e e v e n b e t t e r ”

NATHAN MAYBERG

The Pink Shell Beach Resort has retrofitted its pool with turtle-friendly lights in a partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, which provided the resort with a $130,000 grant for the work

All of the Pink Shell Beach Resort’s windows will be tinted at 15%, well beyond what is required by the Fort Myers Beach code, once the turtle-lighting project is completed. All of the Pink Shell’s rooms now open have been tinted as part of the project.

In addition to a $130,000 grant from the Sea Turtle Conservancy, the Pink Shell Beach Resort has spent $100,000 installing turtle-friendly lights and new windows with 15% tint in all of its rooms

Pink Shell named finalist for Lee County Industry Appreciation Award

The Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office announced the Pink Shell Beach Resort as a finalist for Lee County’s 30th Anniversary of Industry Appreciation Awards

The resort was one of three finalists for large business of the year The other finalists are Christopher Alan Homes and Lee County Electric Cooperative, Inc

Bill Waichulis, general manager of the Pink Shell Beach Resort, said “the team is very proud of the nomination with Horizon Council We have been through a lot with Hurricane Charley, the housing crash, BP Oil Spill, r e d t i d e , C O V I D , a n d n o w t h e b i g g e s t c h a l l e n g e Hurricane Ian, and through all these disasters the team was able to shift and continue to grow the business I am very proud of our team ”

A month before Hurricane Ian, the resort announced a $7 4 million renovation project for all its rooms The hotel is nearing completion of its renovations as it also rebuilds its restaurants and poolside bar That work is expected to be completed later this fall

The hotel also is nearing completion of its turtle light project By the end of October, Waichulis said the hotel expects to have all of its windows installed with 15% tint, going above and beyond what the state recommends as well as above the level required by the town

The degree of tint installed means guests won’t have to close their blinds during turtle season Waichulis said the tint doesn’t affect the way guests can view through their windows, either It saves the hotel time and money making sure all blinds are closed at night during turtle season or having to call up a room to ask them to close their blinds

“We have completed 70% of the resort to date,” Waichulis said of the window tinting and room renovations. “We will also have all lighting at the resort turtle compliant ”

The resort accepted a $130,000 grant from the Sea Turtle Conservancy to retrofit all of its outdoor lighting with turtle-friendly fixtures that will not disturb or disorientate nesting sea turtles or their hatchlings

The Industry Appreciation Awards celebrate Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries The winners will be announced at the Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon on Oct 27

Other Finalists include:

∫ Small Business of the Year: LSI Companies, Inc., Pushing the Envelope and Tech in a Flash

∫ Diversity in Business Award: Advanced Hurricane T e c h n o l o g y , J e s i C a s o n P h o t o g r a p h y a n d T L C Marketing & Creative Services

∫ Innovative Technology Award: HF scientific, a Watts Brand, Spigot Inc and Timilon Corporation

∫ Manufacturer of the Year: Architectural Metal Flashings, B&I Contractors and Botanical Brewing Co

∫ Nonprofit Partnership Award: City Tavern/Family Initiative, Matter Brothers Furniture/United Way of Lee County and ReVital Development Group/Lee County Housing Authority

The Oct 27 event will take place at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center at 1375 Monroe St in Fort Myers Networking begins at 10 a m and the program will start at 11 a m and conclude at 1 p m F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e e v e n t , v i s i t IndustryAppreciationAwards com

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The white rectangular and cylinder-shaped ornaments on the Pink Shell Beach Resort’s pool balcony are turtle friendly lights, supplied with a grant through the Sea Turtle Conservancy. The resort has been undergoing major renovations since Hurricane Ian, including the rehabilitation of its restaurants and bars poolside.

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

Beach Living

The infamous Salty Sam’s Marina pirate ship survived Hurricane Ian After undergoing repairs this summer, the ship is back open for business and will be taking Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce members for a cruise this Thursday for the organization’s September business afterhours

FMB Chamber pirate cruise set for this Thursday

Traffic advisory issued for McGregor Boulevard to Sanibel Causeway

STAFF REPORT

T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f

T r a n s p o r t a t i o n h a s i s s u e d a t r a f f i c a d v i -

s o r y t h i s w e e k f o r t h e a r e a b e t w e e n

M c G r e g o r B o u l e v a r d a n d S a n i b e l

C a u s e w a y

As part of the emergency restoration of the Sanibel Causeway, crews continue

work on McGregor Boulevard and the Sanibel Causeway from Port Comfort Road to Sanibel Island The Causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and are currently closed for public access, including from the water

This week, through Friday, Sept 22,

Tur tle Time nest data

For t Myers Beach

Nests: 71

Non-nesting emergence: 201

Nests Hatched: 58

Bonita Beach

Nests: 151

Non-nesting emergence: 268

Nests Hatched: 136

6 6 r i g h t a w a y

Turtle Time volunteers ask that Beach residents and visitors remember to turn off or shield their lights at night, and remind everyone never disturb a sea turtle or nest. For more information or to report a nest, please contact Turtle Time, Inc. at 481-5566. visit Turtle Time at turtletime.org.

(excluding weekends), from 6:30 a m to 11 a m , motorists leaving Sanibel should expect eastbound McGregor Boulevard to be reduced to one lane from just east of the toll plaza to Port Comfort Road This closed lane will be used as a dedicated lane for concrete delivery trucks arriving to the project Concrete trucks will be escorted by Florida Highway Patrol when using this lane

During this time, motorists traveling to Sanibel should expect FHP to intermittently stop traffic to allow concrete trucks

to cross westbound travel lanes Delays are expected

Many oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway to assist with recovery efforts on the island Please be patient as t r a v e l m a y b e s l o w e r t h a n u s u a l

Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation

T h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f

Transportation urges that motorists and bicyclists use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway

Town announces street sweep

The Town of Fort Myers Beach will conduct a five-day “island beautification” project to clear small piles of construction debris and yard waste that are littering sidewalks and curbsides

The town issued the following message regarding the sweep: P r o p e r t y o w n e r s a n d r e s i d e n t s a r e asked to participate by using compostable trash bags supplied by the Town to collect yard waste and small construction debris near their properties (Please, no chemical waste such as paint, pool or automotive liquids, etc ) Place the filled bags curb-

side according to the following streets and pickup days

The upcoming dates are:

∫ Hercules Drive to Williams DriveSept 20

∫ Avenida Pescadora to Flamingo Street - Sept -21

Driftwood Lane to Estrellita DriveSept 22

Set bags out the night before this special pickup day

Each household will receive five bags This special pickup is in addition to the usual regular pickup day

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

Lee Health, CDC urge COVID vaccines; DeSantis questions booster shots

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

L e e H e a l t h a n d t h e C e n t e r s f o r Disease Control continue to recommend that the public obtain the most up-todate COVID vaccinations at a time when Florida Gov Ron DeSantis maintains the vaccines are not sufficiently proven to be effective

Former St. Raphael’s pastor John Adler dies

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Pastor John Adler, who led St Raphael’s Episcopal Church on Fort Myers Beach through multiple terms of service, died Sept 10 at the age of 81

The church announced his passing An Illinois native, Adler’s tenure with the Williams Drive church dates back to the 1990s when he services the church as a supply priest

From there, Adler went on to become a founding pastor of St Monica’s Episcopal Church in Naples before starting IonaHope Episcopal Church When he retired from Iona-Hope, Adler returned to St Raphael’s He led the congregation through Hurricane Irma and covid, the

church announced through Facebook

Adler was credited with helping to rebuild the church, including refurbishing the windows in its worshipping hall, refurnishing the parish hall and rehabilitating the rectory

In 2020, he oversaw the placement of a donated iron cast bell from a church family More than 100 years old, the 50-pound cast iron bell was donated by the Heyd family to St Raphael's Episcopal Church

Adler was an Army veteran who flew with the 18th Aviation Company on transport and resupply mission during the Vietnam War In addition to his career in the ministry and the military, Adler was a former trial lawyer

“We loved him,” said congregation

The remarks by DeSantis this past week followed a discussion he led with his appointed state Surgeon General Dr Joseph Ladapo and several other public health professionals who shared his v i e w a b o u t t h e r e c e n t l y f e d e r a l l y approved COVID-19 mRNA boosters.

L a d a p o a d v i s e d a g a i n s t t h e u s e o f

C O V I D b o o s t e r v a c c i n e s f o r t h o s e under the age of 65

“I will not stand by and let the FDA and CDC use healthy Floridians as guinea pigs for new booster shots that have not been proven to be safe or effective,” DeSantis said in a prepared statement

The CDC stands by its public guidance

Mandy Cohen, CDC Director, called e f f o r t

member Tracey Gore

In an interview with the Fort Myers Beach Observer in 2019, Adler spoke about his preaching style He said he tried to keep his sermons short and humorous

“unfounded and dangerous ”

C o h e n s a i d " v a c c i n a t i o n a g a i n s t COVID-19 remains the safest protection for avoiding hospitalizations, longterm health challenges, and death As we head into the fall and winter seasons, it is important that Americans get the updated COVID-19 vaccine They are proven safe; they are effective, and they have been thoroughly and independently reviewed by the FDA and CDC Since t h i s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s l a u n c h o f t h e largest adult vaccination program in our nation’s history, COVID-19 vaccines have saved millions of lives and kept countless people out of the hospital ”

Lee Health is following protocols

“Lee Health is following all recommendations regarding COVID and the n e w b o o s t e r f r o m t h e C e n t e r s f o r Disease Control and Prevention The CDC says updated COVID-19 vaccines a r e r e c o m m e n d e d f o r e v e r y o n e s i x m o n t h s a n d o l d e r , ” L e e H e a l t h spokesperson Katie Egan said

Lee Health hospitals had four people hospitalized for COVID as of Sept 12, Egan said

“I try to keep them real I’m an aisle preacher. I don’t like to use a pulpit. It’s more personal that way,” Adler said Information regarding burial service was not available as of press time

John Adler

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

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . 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

e 1 3 n 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 f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m F o r t M y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

was prevented by any law from issuing the building permit

The town council had originally pursued an indemnification agreement with Kurt Kroemer and Ed Rood, the property owners seeking to build the bridge, but ultimately pulled back

This past week in light of the new discussion, the MERTF advisory committee voted unanimously to remind the council of the potential damage that could be done to the area if a building permit were issued before the legal case was settled.

MERTF Chair Steve Johnson said the discussion by council at the Sept 11 meeting was missing consideration of the “potential devastation that would in that area if (the walkover) was erected and removed ”

Johnson said that after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Idalia, that the boardwalk’s placement in an environmentally critical

Land use

zone should be avoided due to the potential for increased damage to the area if it has to be removed “when it is avoidable” by not issuing the building permit

Johnson and the committee voted to “re-advise the town council as they deliberate on the issuance of a permit, to reconsider the fact that if construction occurs (and) the applicant loses the appeal, and the bridge has to be removed, it will cause unnecessary destruction in the environmentally critical zone ”

Multiple town councils have previously opposed the disturbance that a lagoon walkover could cause to the area around the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area, including multiple votes opposing the issuance of the special exception permit, litigation defending the town’s right to require that the applicants request a special exception permit to disturb an area within the town’s environmentally critical

From page 3

possible post-storm amendments regarding heights, setbacks and additional regulations, but what staff drafted was not what he asked for

“No place in my motion did I talk about density,” he said “This is not what I put in my motion ”

Ruane noted that there are two things

at play: changes for outside of the resort and changes for South Seas itself He continued that outside of the resort, the island of Captiva never asked for changes

“When you remove height and you talk about 75 feet, that could possibly happen When you remove three units per acre i t c o u l d

zone. The town also successfully defended a federal lawsuit from Rood alleging

Disabilities Act were violated Rood and Kroemer have also sued the state to challenge the creation of the critical wildlife area

Florida Audubon considers the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area to be one of the most critical shorebird nesting sites in Florida for threatened black skimmers, least terns, snowy plovers and Wilson’s plovers. The site also provides habitat and core needs like foraging and resting for the federally protected migratory American oystercatchers and piping plovers

In its lawsuit, Florida Audubon contended that the town violated the due process rights of the public and Florida Audubon by not leaving enough time for the public and Florida Audubon to review

documents submitted only one business day before the council’s hearing on the s p e c i a l e x c e p t i o n p e r m i t h e a r i n g i n March Town planning staff had recommended denial of the project and had stated they did not have enough time to review the submittal of documents one business day before the hearing

The two lagoons that would be crossed are part of state tidal lands that merge with the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area The area is home to 68 species of o v e r - w i n t e r i n g , n e s t i n g a n d f o r a g i n g coastal birds according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida Audubon considers the critical wildlife area to be one of only two such imperiled shorebird and seabird nesting areas of its magnitude in all of Southwest Florida

said “We don’t have a master plan and until we go to zoning, that’s it But in a zoning matter, and having sat here for three years, zoning certainly seems to be an easier pathway and with some of these restrictions removed, I’m certainly against this ”

“I think this is a mistake,” Ruane

said “I certainly am not in favor of this by any means ”

Following the vote, Evans said “We’re very disappointed that the commission voted in favor of these land development code changes on Captiva ”

Murals

From page 1

of a giant seahorse on one side, next to a painting of a sailboat, another mural of a shrimp boat along with baby sea turtle hatchlings heading from the sand to the Gulf of Mexico, the mural can be seen from the edge of Times Square to the beach at Lynn Hall Memorial Park Motorists traveling over the Matanzas Pass Bridge see the words “Welcome to Fort Myers Beach” over a painting of the Fort Myers Beach Pier which currently stands broken and in distress

Primeau, who also owns Norm’s Beach Parking, said “I’m super impressed ”

For McClary, a professional artist who does largescale commission work for a living, the Times Square project was personal Just across the Matanzas Pass Bridge, her gallery on Main Street next to Semmer Electric was wiped out by Hurricane Ian She lost the gallery and almost everything inside except for a couple paintings and a few supplies she saved Her Sanibel home survived but she had to move out after the owner sold the place The Oklahoma native now works out of a temporary garage in Fort Myers, while hoping to return to Sanibel

“I thought it would be a really good way to spread positivity and happiness,” McClary said about the mural Her sailboat rendering depicts two sisters who grew up on Fort Myers Beach She spraypainted the giant seahorse, which she said is a “good omen ” Finding a seahorse at sea is thought to bring good fortune and protection, she said.

“It’s a good way to keep us safe, to remind us what we went through ”

McClary said “things are still broken in town but they are getting put together ” She sees “a lot of positivity” in talking to people visiting Times Square

McClary called her Times Square mural work a “labor of love ”

DeSalvo, who grew up in Bonita Springs and attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, is a professional mural artist

“I am lucky to make a living out of it,” she said Her Times Square mural features baby turtles hatching and heading for the Gulf She also painted a sunset with a shrimp boat in the water In the sand at the bottom, are the words “legacy matters ” She also painted the shipping container that has been converted by La Ola for their makeshift outdoor restaurant

The work wasn’t easy for DeSalvo, who worked in sweltering summer temperatures

“The humidity is killing me,” she said in August

The sacrifice was worth it for DeSalvo The feeling of accomplishment and pride in beautifying the area is

“indescribable,” she said. “I’m very honored to say the least ”

DeSalvo said “it’s very rewarding” when she sees people walking up to the mural and taking photographs

The mural is a victory for DeSalvo, who had to find a new place to live after Hurricane Ian when her landlord sold her place She had to move from San Carlos Park to Fort Myers off of Summerlin Road about two miles from Fort Myers Beach

While the murals are also a victory for the rebuilding of Times Square, the town still doesn’t have a plan for rebuilding the area No funds have flowed from FEMA or the state to help rebuild Times Square. The town borrowed funds for a previous plan that was being worked on for revamping Times Square before Hurricane Ian Primeau would like to “see some progress” in rehabilitating Times Square

“There is too much bureaucratic red tape,” he said The owners of the Sandal Factory want to return to their old Times Square location though they would have to be in a trailer until the building can be reconstituted, Primeau said He received full reimbursement for the loss

of the structure from his insurance carrier but said that would not be enough to cover the cost of rebuilding to the new codes post-Hurricane Ian which will require building to a higher elevation

His sister, Lisa, lost her home on San Carlos Island “She lost everything,” Primeau said

Primeau raised $13,577 of the $15,000 goal towards paying for the materials, equipment and time spent by the artists on the mural through a GoFundMe page at: https://gofund me/8cfa1beb

The iconic energy potential of the mural has a strong believer in Primeau

“It’s going to bring people in,” he said. “People are going to drink around it It’s positive for the beach

“The coolest part is I kept my hands off it,” Primeau said “I gave the artists some freedom and the community supported it ”

To view more art from DeSalvo, visit www summadazeart com To view more art from McClary’s studio, visit www lacymcclary com

Lacy McClary lost her Fort Myers Beach art studio but has painted a testament at Times Square that is attracting a lot of attention back to the island

NATHAN MAYBERG

Artist Lacy McClary painted the left side of the mural with a sailboat and seahorse while artist Summer DeSalvo painted the right side with the sea turtle hatchlings and shrimp boat, along with a message facing the Matanzas Pass Bridge saying "Welcome to Fort Myers Beach" with a painting of the Fort Myers Beach Pier

School board continues to tweak pay for superintendent

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County School Board continued to nail down a salary amount for a tobe-elected superintendent recently, with t h e l a t e s t p r o p o s a l b e i n g b e t w e e n

$204,000 to $205,000 annually

The board took a consensus to move forward with what the state attorney and public 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

Board Member Sam Fisher said he

b e l i e v e s t h a t a m o u n t i s $204,000, or $205,000

Board Member Cathleen Morgan suggested that the elected superintendent shall make the highest administrative salary, plus a minimum of 15%

“I would put it at a minimum and leave it at discret i o n a r y a b o v e t h a t , ” s h e 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

Leonard Dietzen, an attorney with Rumberger/Kirk, said with 38 elected superintendents and 29 appointed superintendents in Florida, there is not 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

Sam Fisher

New clock

From page 1

at Bayside Park That ceremony is scheduled to take place between 9 a m and 10 a m

Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said “although the island faces many challenges, the Times Square clock’s renewal is a great encouragement to people I believe it’s worth celebrating ”

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council voted to waive its competitive procurement policy at the request of Kropacek in order to approve several contracts with Kelly General Contracting and Precision Power to install electric lines at Bayside Park as well as Times Square, which will allow for the installation of a new Times Square clock

Council approved contracts of $96,000 and $55,000 for the installation work at Times Square with Kelly General Contracting and Precision Power. According to the resolution approved, the electrical, site, and paver work is required due to storm surge damage from Hurricane Ian to the electric at Times Square

The town had also received a proposal of $55,893 from Berkshire Bay Contractors for the work though that did not include the use of ground-penetrating radar and other additional work and services offered through Kelly General Contracting and Precision Power

Kropacek said the town needed to use ground-penetrating radar since the town’s records for the electrical layout at Times Square has been lost

“We had reached out to four other electrical companies These were the only games in town to meet our deadline,” Kropacek said

At a town council meeting, Councilmember Bill

Veach expressed concern with the cost of the electrical work (a total of $151,000 at Times Square) after just two quotes were obtained, and asked if the work could be reimbursed from FEMA.

Kropacek said the town could request reimbursement from FEMA from the work

Atterholt, who was not in attendance for a vote on the matter, said “I would not support this as common practice nor do I believe the town wants this to become common practice ”

Mayor Dan Allers referred questions regarding the waiving of the town’s procurement policy to Kropacek and town manager Andy Hyatt

At Bayside Park, the council approved contracts not to exceed $83,400 and $60,000 for electric work there after the council also voted to waive its procurement policy, which requires purchases over $25,000 be approved by town council unless competitive procurement is waived

The upcoming Island Hopper Songwriters Fest this month was the impetus for the council rushing to approve the contract at Bayside Park so that concert performances can be held there All of the electric and equipment at Bayside Park needs to be replaced due to damage from Hurricane Ian The work includes the removal and reinstallation of the existing pavers in coordination with electrical repairs around the park The electric will be prepared for when the replacement lights arrive at a later date, according to the resolution The work entails underground electric and site work

NATHAN MAYBERG

Fort Myers Beach Public Works employees but the finishing touches on the installation of a new donated clock at Times Square to replace the old clock that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

The new Times Square clock is wrapped up before an unveiling scheduled for the morning of Sept 28

WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE

PASS THE SUGAR

Kri stia n Bush, of Sugarla nd, to pe rfor m on Fort Myer s Be ach duri ng I sland Hopper

ABy NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

s a founding member of the country group Sugarland, Kristian Bush has sold millions of albums and won two Grammy Awards He could probably be just about anywhere he wants next week He chose to return to Fort Myers Beach to perform several shows at the Island Hopper Songwriters Fest including co-headlining the Pink Shell Beach Resort Pool Party show with Chris Janson Oct 1

In addition to the signature feature of the festival, Bush will also play two free shows on Fort Myers Beach one at Bayside Park on Sept 29 and another at the DiamondHead Beach Resort’s upper terrace poolside on Sept 30

This will be the fourth time Bush has p l a y e d t h e I s l a n d H o p p e r S o n g w r i t e r s Fest

Five years ago, he performed here with the Southwest Florida Symphony Bush enjoys coming to town and playing at the festival

“It’s a lot of fun A lot of times you have no idea who you are playing with,” Bush said “I think what they are doing is special for the community ”

R e g a r d i n g t h e G r a m m y A w a r d s , w h i c h Sugarland won in 2009 for best country song and best country performance by a duo or group, Bush said “they are harder to win than you think they are ” Bush has played guitar, mandolin, harmonica on various Sugarland albums, and has also co-produced several In 2011, the group also won best vocal duo at the County Music Awards

While he has been performing solo the last several years, Bush said Sugarland could reunite at any point “when it is convenient” for bandmate Jennifer Nettles Their last album “Bigger” was released in 2018

IF YOU GO:

Who: Kristian Bush

What: Island Hopper Songwriter ’s Fest

Where: Fort Myers Beach

When: Sept 29-Oct 1

Venues: Bayside Park, Sept 29 at 9 p m (free); DiamondHead Beach Resort upper terrace poolside Sept 30 at 8:15 p m (free); Pool Party at Pink Shell Beach Resort with Chris Janson Oct 1 at 5 p m ($55)

Bush describes his music as “groove-based country music that stems from Atlanta rather than Nashville ”

Tennessee before cris-crossing to Connecticut where he attended boarding school He graduated from the

PHOTO PROVIDED

See KRISTIAN BUSH, page 21

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . 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

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest to feature free live performances

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 year, Cape Coral venues have been added

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

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

Kristian Bush

prestigious Emory University in Atlanta, where his musical career began

He cites his musical influences as noncountry 1980s alternative rock groups like R.E.M. and the Replacements, as well as 1970s punk group The Clash Bush said he was influenced by the post-punk melodic sounds of The Replacements He has also cited the Atlanta folk-rock duo Indigo Girls as a major influence

His first band was the Atlanta-based folk rock duo Billy Pilgrim, named after a

From page 19

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 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

character from Kurt Vonnegut’s book “Slaughterhouse-Five ”

Bush described his music then as more of what country music became in the early 2000s. “I really didn’t have to move much I was at the right place at the right time,” he said He described the group’s style of music as similar to what made Hootie and the Blowfish successful With hits like “Stay” and “All I Want to Do,” Bush and Sugarland took a more traditional route to country music success

FORT MYERS ISLANDS, BEACHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS

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

along with the mix of Bush alternating from acoustic and electric guitar

I n a d d i t i o n t o h i s s u c c e s s w i t h Sugarland, Bush also produces albums for other artists out of his Atlanta studio, i n c l u d i n g M e g a n M a r o n e y a n d M a t t Nathanson

“It never felt right for me to play pop,” Bush said He compared himself to Jimmy Buffett as “a guy knocking on the doors of Nashville and not getting in ”

Bush teased that he has an affinity for

Margaritaville themes, saying he recently played a “Meeting of the Minds” show in Key West for Jimmy Buffett fans Bush said the show opened up his music to a new audience.

“In country music, my music is a little too happy and groove happy ”

For more information on the Island Hopper Songwriters Fest and for a schedule of performances, visit www islandhopperfest visitfortmyers com

Chris Janson, with special guest Kristian Bush (pictured) 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

Edison and Ford Winter Estates to host Annual Clothesline Quilt Show

On October 7, from 10 a m to 2 p m , Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host the annual "Airing of the Quilts" quilt show Dozens of quilts from the Southwest Florida Quilters Guild will be on display, suspended from clotheslines between the palms in front of the historic homes Quilters Guild participants will also have quilts available for sale

Certified quilt appraiser, Lars Cain, will be on site and conducting appraisals from 10 a m to 2 p m His vast experience includes the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution He has been sharing his expertise for many years and has spoken to more than 1,500 quilt groups throughout the Midwest, New England area and south to Florida. Since 1977, he has appraised more than 20,000 quilts Visitors may bring antique quilts for assessment Verbal appraisals will be offered for $25 and

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Sanibel Ar t Colony seeking ar twork for Hurricane Ian exhibition

The Sanibel Art Colony is accepting submissions of artwork inspired by Hurricane Ian for an upcoming exhibition titled “There’s Calm In Your Eye ”

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

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

The digital exhibition on SanibelArtColony.com will take place from Sept 27 through Nov 27

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

Interested artists may see the full exhibition prospectus and submit work to “There’s Calm In Your Eye” online at: https://sanibelartcolony com/hurricane-iancall-for-art/

Leoma Lovegrove 30 Days of Ar t and Culture Give-Away

T h e R i v e r D i s t r i c t A l l i a n c e ( R D A ) h a s p a r t n e r e d w i t h t h e A l l i a n c e o f t h e A r t s t o c r e a t e a N E W p r o m ot i o n , 3 0 D a y s o f A r t & C u l t u r e , h e l d t h r o u g h o u t t h e m o n t h o f S e p t e m b e r i n t h e C i t y o f F o r t M y e r s 3 0 D a y s o f A r t & C u l t u r e p a r t n e r s m o r e t h a n a d o z e n d i ff e r e n t a r t i s t s , m u s e u m s , t h e a t e r s , c u l t u r a l o r g a n i z at i o n s , a n d e v e n t s i n F o r t M y e r s t o s h o w c a s e t h e m a n y c u l t u r a l o f f e r i n g s t h r o u g h s p e c i a l p r o g r a m m i n g , d i sc o u n t s , a n d o n e - o f - a - k i n d e x p e r i e n c e s K i c k i n g o f f 3 0 D a y s o f A r t & C u l t u r e i s a s p e c i a l p r o m o t i o n w i t h r e n o w n e d a r t i s t L e o m a L o v e g r o v e F r o m S e p t 1 – 3 0 L o v e g r o v e w i l l c r e a t e 3 0 p i e c e s o f o r i g i n a l a r t w o r k t o b e p l a c e d t h r o u g h o u t d o w n t o w n i n s h o p s a n d a t t r a c t i o n s P a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l h a v e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o w i n t h i s o r i g i n a l a r t w o r k t h r o u g h a r a ff l e E a c h d a y a n e w l o c a t i o n w i l l b e r e l e a s e d a n d p a rt i c i p a n t s c a n e n t e r t o w i n L o c a t i o n s c a n b e f o u n d o n t h e R D A w e b s i t e : w w w e x p l o r e f o r t m y e r s c o m L o v e g r o v e ’ s w e b s i t e : w w w . l e o m a l o v e g r o v e . s t o r e o r o n F a c e b o o k ( D o w n t o w n F o r t M y e r s a n d L e o m a L o v e g r o v e ) L o v e g r o v e p l a n s o n o p e n i n g h e r n e w 3 , 0 0 0 s q u a r e f o o t s t u d i o a n d g a l l e r y o n D e a n S t r e e t i n d o w n t o w n F o r t M y e r s l a t e r t h i s F a l l L o v e g r o v e i s a n i m p r e s s i o n i s t - e x p r e s s i o n i s t p a i n t e r k n o w n w o r l d w i d e f o r h e r v i v i d c o l o r f u l p a i n t i n g s

3 0 D a y s o f A r t & C u l t u r e b e g i n s S e p t e m b e r 1 a n d r u n s t h r o u g h S e p t e m b e r 3 0 F o r a c o m p l e t e l i s t i n g o f e v e n t s , d i s c o u n t s a n d g i v e a w a y s v i s i t w w w e x p l o r ef o r t m y e r s c o m

Foghat to headline opening show of 2023 Season at Caloosa

Sound Amphitheater, Oct. 12

Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, the premier outdoor entertainment venue located adjacent to Luminary Hotel & Co., is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated inaugural show of 2023 featuring legendary rock band, Foghat On Thursday, Oct 12, Foghat will rock the stage, taking concertgoers on a “slow ride” of musical nostalgia with a show that promises to relive classic hits and make new memories celebrating music, community, and the vibrant spirit of Downtown Fort Myers

Foghat was a mainstay of 1970s rock and roll with a rich musical history spanning more than five decades Achieving eight gold records, one platinum and one double platinum album, they are known for such hits as “Slow Ride,” “Fool for the City,” “Ride, Ride, Ride” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You.” Drummer and f o u n d i n g m e m b e r R o g e r E a r l a n d l e a d g u i t a r i s t Bryan Bassett (a 24-year member of Foghat) lead the band Scot Holt, former Buddy Guy guitarist, and Rodney O’Quinn round out the group

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at CaloosaSoundAmp com A selection of VIP, reserved seating, and general admission tickets will be available, ranging from $37 general admission (seat not provided) to $120 VIP on stage Concertgoers can enjoy food and drinks served inside Caloosa Sound Amphitheater; outside food, drinks, and coolers are prohibited Small lawn chairs and blankets are permitted in the general admission lawn area

For more information about the event, ticket availabili t y , a n d f u t u r e s h o w s c o m i n g t o C a l o o s a S o u n d Amphitheater, visit CaloosaSoundAmp com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

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

Pace Center for Girls, Lee will host its Faces of Pace Celebration & Gala on Saturday, Oct 21, from 6 to 10 p m at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater, at 1375 Monroe St Fort Myers

The gala will feature dinner, dancing and live music by Bay Kings Band, as well as a spirited live auction with proceeds benefiting Pace programs and services Recognizing all the Faces of Pace who have played an integral part of the center’s mission to change the lives of girls and young women, the evening will include messages from founding members and alumni of Pace Lee

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

The signature event is led by co-chairs Noelle

the fee for a written appraisal will be $35 per quilt

"Quilts have a long history with the Edison and Ford families," said Brent Newman, Chief Curator at the Estates "Henry Ford and his wife, Clara, collected quilts and other historical objects that were created and used by people from all across the United States The quilts were often made from modest scraps of material, demonstrating the resourcefulness of American women " The quilt show is included with admission Tickets may be purchased online or at the ticket counter A d m i

s

Refreshments will be available for purchase at the Banyan Café Visit EdisonFord org to purchase tickets Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

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

For more information, visit PaceCenter org/Locations/Lee or call 239-425-2366

Better Together to host ‘A Night of a Million Dreams’ Gala on Nov. 10

Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, is hosting ‘A Night of a Million Dreams’ Gala at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs The gala will raise funds to support Better Together’s mission of helping parents find employment and provide a loving, safe and supportive foundation for their children

The Wizard of Oz-themed gala will take guests on a magical journey to the wonderful land of better families and better jobs with an evening of dinner, impactful stories and live and silent auctions, with all proceeds to benefit Better Together programs that serve families across the state The event is chaired by Dr Alise and David Bartley

Better Together is made up of two programs – Better Families and Better Jobs – that help parents who are going through a hard time to keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive Established in Southwest Florida just over five years ago, the nonprofit’s programming has rapidly expanded to reach families in 21 counties across the state To date, the organization has served over 7,800 children and kept 98% of families together, while helping 39,000 job seekers across 22 states find employment

The gala will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Rd , Bonita Springs and tickets are $350 per person and $2,500 for tables of eight. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit BetterTogetherUS org/Gala

The For t Myers Beach Obser ver & Beach Bulletin welcomes news from our community! Send news tips & releases to news@breezenewspapers.com

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

PHOTO PROVIDED

Quilts blow in the breeze at the annual "Airing of the Quilts" quilt show at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

PET PALS

My heart is with shelter dogs

By ISABELLE WELLS

Co-founder of the Find a Home, Give a Home pet rescue organization of Fort Myers Beach

Many of you will never put a foot in a shelter and many years ago I was the same. If you have empathy and compassion it will be so hard to walk a building with barking dogs small and big, pitt bull and chihuahuas right next to each other You wonder how any dogs and cats can make it there I wonder too I go a visit our local shelter every week and meet the dogs who will never make it out without us rescues A list is sent sometimes twice a week with pets who could not go in adoption because they were so scared, nipping, shaking, rolling like gators, biting. All of those behaviors are out of fear Can you find aggressive dogs? Yes but rarely and generally it is out of fear and because someone did something to them I review the list and wait until all the other rescues including the Humane Society pick who they want to save Then I go at the shelter and look at all the dogs remaining, take pictures (ones they provide are not good at all) and give the info to our team who post on social media and help those left

behind Our rescue is a last-resort rescue; we only take dogs that no one else wants and get a great feeling about it This is what drives me Do some of them get euthanized? Yes, and it is hard especially when you met them and know that if only you had the space and resources they would be great dogs So we concentrate on the positive only and think of all the ones we freed It is a constant battle and a hard one Hard to motivate volunteers when they see how many pets are euthanized I have great volunteers helping and without them I would not be able to save so many lives. We are a small rescue but still do over 130 adoptions a year After 12 years of going to the shelter I don’t see many changes Yes, they added a building, got a few things here and there but at the end of the day too many dogs and cats are euthanized for space and lack of help That is my biggest frustration

It seems every government entity gets improved, not our shelter In the next few weeks I will be writing more about our experience and what shelters are all about Not every county shelter is the same. Ours do need improvements for sure and it seems not many people are listening

Shelter dogs we saved last week

Judy (1-year-old) has adjusted great into her foster family She is a sweet little love bug weighing in at about 19 lbs She gets along with all the dogs and does fine with kids She walks beautifully on a leash and is not reactive to other dogs or people passing by She loves being out in the fenced yard where sometimes she gets the zoomies Interested please text or call 239-281-0739

If you are interested in a Pretty girl please text or call 239-281-0739

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

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

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

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

Still need help feeding cats

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo com

Founder of Save Our Strays

Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach

We are still needing help with feeding the Ian survivor cats on and off island Please call 239-851 3485 if you can spare a half hour a couple times a week to help feed Food can be provided We desperately need help Too much for one person to do 10 areas every day

Also food and litter donations are always appreciated as we rescue new cats and kittens every week A new m o m w i t h h e r 4 - w e e k - o l d k i t t e n s arrived yesterday after being found at an industrial site which was not a safe place for kittens They are domestic as well as their mom who will be adoptable after being vetted and spayed

Also need helpers to come to the rescue and assist with various duties such as playing with the kittens, cleaning, feeding, etc Call 239-851-3485 if you have any time to spend helping out It would be most appreciated

Pepper and Smokey

Pepper and Smokey are 5-month-old male black kittens They look like twins and are very bonded so would be best if adopted together They have medium to long hair making them even more attractive Both are timid at first when meeting new people but will adjust once together in a permanent home They love to play and chase each other as well as interact and play with their siblings.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Deadline nearing for 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K early registration

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 m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o r e g i s t e r , v i s i t runsignup com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH

Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish open

T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n Commission reported that the 2023 recreational season for gray triggerfish in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters opened on Aug 1

The season is scheduled to close on Jan 1

If you plan to fish for gray triggerfish or other specific reef fish species in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation (annual renewal is required) As a State Reef Fish Angler, you could be selected for a mail survey component of the State Reef Fish Survey By participating in the survey, you are improving recreational data that is used to provide optimum recreational fishing opportunities For information, visit MyFWC com/SRFS

For current recreational gray triggerfish regulations, visit M y F W C c o m / M a r i n e a n d c l i c k o n “ R e c r e a t i o n a l Regulations” and “Triggerfish ”

Red grouper in state waters

At a recent meeting, the FWC issued an executive order to close recreational harvest of red grouper in state waters of the Gulf, excluding state waters off Monroe County

T h e 2 0 2 3 r e c r e a t i o n a l s e a s o n w i l l r e m a i n c l o s e d through the end of the year, consistent with the closure in Gulf federal waters Consistent state and federal recreational seasons for red grouper will help prevent quota overages and ensure future harvest opportunities

For current recreational red grouper regulations, visit M y F W C c o m / M a r i n e a n d c l i c k o n “ R e c r e a t i o n a l Regulations” and “Grouper ”

Greater Fort Myers Chamber announces sponsorship opportunities, registration for golf classic on Oct. 20

T h e G r e a t e r F o r t M y e r s C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e h a s a n n o u n c e d s p o n s o r s h i p o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d r e g i s t r a -

t i o n f o r i t s a n n u a l G o l f C l a s s i c , t a k i n g p l a c e F r i d a y , O c t 2 0 , i n F o r t M y e r s T h e G o l f C l a s s i c w i l l b e h e l d o n t h e g r e e n s o f E a g l e R i d g e G o l f C l u b , l o c a t e d a t

1 4 5 8 9 E a g l e R i d g e D r i v e i n F o r t M y e r s C h e c k - i n o p e n s a t 1 0 : 3 0 a m , f o l l o w e d b y a s h o t g u n s t a r t a t n o o n P a r t i c i p a n t s c a n e x p e c t a f u l l a f t e r n o o n o f g o l f i n g a n d n e t w o r k i n g w i t h l o c a l b u s i n e s s l e a d e r s , t a s t y f o o d a n d g o o d t i m e s T h e e v e n t w i l l f e a t u r e “ T a s t e o f t h e C h a m b e r , ” w h e r e l o c a l m e m b e r r e s t a u r a n t s w i l l b e s e t u p a r o u n d t h e g o l f c o u r s e o f f e r i n g d e l i c i o u s s a m p l e s o f t h e i r s p e c i a l t i e s R e g i s t r a t i o n i s $ 8 0 0 p e r g r o u p o f f o u r a n d i n c l u d e s c a r t a n d g r e e n f e e s , T a s t e o f t h e C h a m b e r s a m p l i n g s a l o n g t h e c o u r s e , b o x e d l u n c h a n d b e ve r a g e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e d a y a n d g o l f e r p r o m o t i o n a l m a t e r i a l s C o r p o r a t e f o u r s o m e s a r e a l s o a v a i l a b l e a t $ 1 , 0 0 0 f o r f o u r p e o p l e w i t h a l l t h e b e n e f i t s o f

t h e s t a n d a r d f o u r s o m e r e gi s t r a t i o n i n a d d i t i o n t o t w o m u l l i g a n s , $ 2 0 i n p r i z e d r a w i n g t i c k e t s , 5 f e e t o f g o l f r o p e a n d o t h e r p r o m ot i o n a l m a t e r i a l s p r o v i d e d t o e a c h g o l f e r F u n d s r a i s e d d u r i n g t h e e v e n t w i l l s u pp o r t t h e C h a m b e r – a

5 0 1 ( c ) ( 6 ) n o n p r o f i t – i n s e r v i n g t h e b u s i n e s s c o mm u n i t y t h r o u g h i t s e f f o r t s t o e m p o w e r , c o n n e c t a n d u n i t e m e m b e r b u s i n e s s e s a n d o r g a n i z a t i o n s T h e r e a r e a v a r i e t y o f s p o n s o r s h i p o p p o r t u n i t i e s a v a i l a b l e , i n c l u d i n g : R e g i s t r a t i o n s p o n s o r f o r $ 2 , 0 0 0 , P u t t i n g G r e e n s p o n s o r f o r $ 1 , 0 0 0 , W h o l e H o l e s p o n s o r f o r $ 7 5 0 , H o l e i n O n e s p o n s o r f o r $ 5 5 0 , B e v e r a g e C a r t s p o n s o r f o r $ 5 5 0 , L o n g e s t D r i v e s p o n s o r f o r $ 5 0 0 , C l o s e s t t o t h e P i n s p o n s o r f o r $ 5 0 0 , M u l l i g a n s p o n s o r f o r $ 5 0 0 , E v e n t G o o d y B a g s p o n s o r f o r $ 5 0 0 , “ B e t h e B a l l ” s p o n s o r f o r $ 5 0 0 a n d G o l f T o w e l s p o n s o r f o r $ 5 0 0 T o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e e v e n t , s p o n s o r s h i p o p p o r t u n i t i e s o r t o r e g i s t e r o r s i g n u p t o v o l u n t e e r a t t h e e v e n t , v i s i t F o r t M y e r s o r g o r e m a i l i n f o @ f o r t m y e r s o r g

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

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 /

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