Pine Island Eagle by BreezeNewspapers

Then & Now

VolumE 48, NumbEr 21

Islander writes a book about Hurricane Ian

‘The Visit’ is the first published by retired teacher

By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Katharine Adams is a wife, mother, grandmother and retired teacher/librarian “The Visit,” a two-part book written just after Hurricane Ian, is her first published book to date

“The book was written in two stages A fable that personifies the ocean and coastline, characterizing them as compassionate for the residents, who seem unconcerned that Storm is coming The character, Storm arrives with vicious laughing winds, while, Ocean and Coastline are unable to remain in their places,” Adams said

As a school media specialist, Adams had the opportu-

nity to create all kinds of curriculum Her interest in writing has been rooted in historical stor i e s , a n d t u r n i n g t h o s e i n t o something digestible for children has always held her interest, she said

Adams admits she loves the idea of writing about someone who should be well known, but, for whatever reason, is not

“I do love expressing myself in the written word, if it has purpose,” Adams said

Local artist completes mural for Island Bikeworks

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

StJames City resident and local artist Ashley Johnson has lived on Pine Island since she and her husband sold everything, bought a motor home and moved here to be near his parents shortly after Hurricane Ian Although coming here was supposed to have been temporary, they have decided to stay Johnson, who was asked to do a mural on the wall of Island Bikeworks at its new location, said she has been into art for the whole of her life

“My mother’s an artist, and I grew up with a family friend who was a mural artist I entered the graphic design world where I was self-taught,” Johnson said While growing up, Johnson said artistic expression was always a creative outlet for her. Although she admits the drawing medium is not one of her gifts, she said she always liked to doodle and was often found drawing on the walls, or somewhere she should not be drawing Shortly after taking a job at Tarpon Lodge, Johnson said she began "playing around" on canvases and also painted her family’s shrimp buggy It did not

take long for folks to begin to ask about her availability as an artist and she soon agreed to paint the Barnhill’s

Matlacha

“That’s when it really kind of took off I painted that and I painted several inside murals it’s been just crazy I’m so thankful it’s humbling really,” Johnson said

Before painting the mural on the wall of Island Bikeworks, owner Judd Payne said although Johnson would have preferred a sketch of what they’d had in mind, they just told her what they’d wanted

“We told her the elements of what we would like We told her it would be nice to represent a bike path,

See MURAL, page 14

Island artist Ashley Johnson in front of the mural she painted at Island Bikeworks

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JUDD PAYNE AND ASHLEY JOHNSON

When Hurricane Ian landed in September 2022, Adams was teaching at a private middle school in Southwest Florida In the coming weeks after the hurricane subsided, she followed news of the storm from home, along with her students, many of whom were Pine Island residents

“My students were coming back and forth through Matlacha on their way to school and home every day and several of them were now dealing with anxiety seeing the only home they’d ever known destroyed by the storm It was there every day and they couldn’t get away from it and they were having trouble dealing with it As part of the curriculum that spring, I assigned a creative writing

Elks hold groundbreaking for new lodge

Special to The Eagle pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Officials said Thursday that Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge members finally saw groundbreaking begin on their vacant, weed-covered property

When Hurricane Ian damaged much of the Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge nearly two years ago, the immediate vows to rebuild were a testament to the unwavering determination of the Elks Possessing a prime piece of land in the heart of the island, their resilience was a beacon of hope for the community

For decades the building at 5630 Pine Island Road was more than just a social hub for the Greater Pine Island community It was a place where memories were made and bonds were strengthened Its absence was keenly felt, but its return is eagerly anticipated

With a hefty membership roll of 450, the lodge knew members’ unique access to that mid-island “clubhouse” with its bar and dining services kept the organization so healthy in an era when other fraternal and service clubs were shrinking and shutting down

So, the decision to rebuild after the Sept, 28, 2022, hurricane damaged nearly everything was easy The work? That was to take a lot more than anyone imagined There were many challenges, but the Elks Lodge members remained undeterred.

Just ask the building committee chairman

“I knew it was going to be tough,” said PER Bob Hoogstra, “I didn’t know it would be this tough ”

If all goes well, the lodge could open in late February or early March, approaching the 2 1/2-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian The anticipation for the grand opening, marked by a week-long series of celebrations, is palpable and fills us with excitement

Embarking on the rebuilding of a 5,000-square-foot structure was daunting from the start Those who have tackled much smaller home remodels know how it goes Still, Hoogstra said the job could have been done in six to eight months had permitting gone smoothly

Kathy Adams

Sheriff faces accusation of hiring ‘ghost employee’

Marceno issues denial, says claims ‘baseless,’ ‘politically motivated’

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@newspapers com

A former Lee County Sheriff’s Office

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

Carmine Marceno as a write-in candidate in the upcoming November election, is a c c u s i n g M a r c e n o o f h a v i n g h i r e d a “ghost employee” as a consultant and then asking him to help pay for a luxury vehicle for Marceno’s dad

Mike Hollow first posted the explosive allegations on the Facebook page of his e l e c t i o n c a m p a i g n e a r l i e r t h i s m o n t h

Hollow posted audio, which has been edited, from a telephone call he said was made between himself and the former Sheriff’s Office consultant Ken Romano in which Romano alleges he made the payments to Marceno’s father to help pay for a Mercedes

The story was first reported by the Florida Trident, a news site published by t h e F l o r i d a C e n t e r b y G o v e r n m e n t

Accountability

R o m a n o , a B o n i t a S p r i n g

e w e l r y store owner, had a consulting contract with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 2022 to assist with communications and social media According to Lee County Sheriff’s Office records, the contract was terminated that same year after the office said it found out Romano was under investigation by another law enforcement agency Romano did not respond to messages seeking comment and Hollow said he didn’t know which agency is said to be investigating Romano at the time

Marceno called the allegations against him “politicallymotivated and baseless from a disgruntled employee ”

Hollow worked for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for 1

Hollow said he didn’t like the direction the organization was taking and said he had a different mindset

“I didn’t want to work for a

n y longer,” Hollow said

Sheriff Carmine Marceno

In a statement issued through the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in response to Hollow’s allegations, Marceno said “It’s unfortunate that politics have reached this

baseless claims from a disgruntled former employee are obviously untrue It’s sad that some people would engage in such vicious personal attacks for political purposes I’m proud to be the Sheriff of Lee County We provide an outstanding level of service to the great residents of the county and will continue to do so ”

County Sheriff’s Office formerly had with Romano ran from January of 2022 to August of that year, according to records provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office The contract initially called for Romano to be paid $4,000 a month and was amended in March of that year to pay Romano $5,700 a month The contract was slated to run one year until it was ter-

minated early

Romano said $1,700 of the increased amount was being paid monthly to Marceno’s father for the vehicle

“ H e m i s a p p r o p r i a t e

dollars,” Hollow alleged of Marceno

According to the contract provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Romano was brought on as a consultant after Marceno determined “a need exists for a consultant to assist the Sheriff’s personnel by providing guidance regarding public relations including but not limited to social media presence and strategic communications ”

Romano had “the ability, certifications and experience to perform the services.”

social media presence on platforms such as Facebook

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office maintains consulting contracts with other individuals and businesses who are not county employees

The office currently has a $9,000 a

Solutions, whose president is former State Sen Lizbeth Benacquisto, a Republican who formerly represented parts of Lee County The contract calls on her firm to attend government, community and business meetings and provide advice.

Another consulting contract lists John E M

Consulting, Inc at a rate of $5,000 a month for helping to recruit members of the civilian support unit and to support them with marketing and community outreach activities

$65,000 a year to Big Events Southwest Florida LLC to produce videography and m

Sheriff’s Office.

Other consulting contracts include con-

physical evidence consulting, community

Cruelty Task Force

“You can be a consultant but not a ghost employee,” Hollow said Hollow said Romano “didn’t provide any services to the taxpayers,” alluding to Romano’s comments on their taped conversation

Hollow said he learned of the alleged

See SHERIFF, page 9

Pine Island Community Church seeks support for island residents

Pine Island Community Church is reaching out to the community for assistance in continuing its vital services to island residents The church has been blessed to be a part of this community for over 17 years, providing essential support to those in need

Each month, PICC's food pantry distributes food to over 1,000 islanders Additionally, in the past few months, the church has allocated more than $10,000 t o h e l p r e s i d e n t s w i t h u n e x p e c t e d expenses, such as car repairs, veterinary bills and utility costs On Wednesdays, volunteers from the church lend a helping hand to island residents by assisting with deliveries, yard work, housekeeping and junk removal.

Pine Island Community Church is committed to being a positive force in the island community The congregation

and staff are grateful for the support They've received, but they need help to continue serving their neighbors

To raise funds and increase awareness, PICC will be hosting meat raffles on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 2-4 p m at The Eagle's Nest in Bokeelia The inaugural raffle will take place Sept 28, featuring fresh cuts of meat and locally-sourced seafood The event is open to the public.

n e Island Community Church and its services, please visit www pineislandcommun

Michelle

Pine Island Community Church is at 5320 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City Call 239-283-9944 for additional information

OPINIONS

Publisher Raymond M Eckenrode

reckenrode@breezenewspapers com

Executive Editor

Valarie Harring

vharring@breezenewspapers com

Editor Paulette LeBlanc

pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Advertising Director

Laurie Ragle

lragle@ breezenewspapers com

Advertising Sales

Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers com

Design & Layout

Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers

Voter registration deadline approaching

With the national news cycle filled with the latest doings and undoings of the candidates on the two major party presidential tickets, local races can be overshadowed.

Still, those who serve at the local level Cape Coral City Council, on the Lee County Commission and School Board, the new post of School Superintendent an more have a pretty big impact on our lives, specifically our day-to-day lives How much we pay in property taxes What capital improvement projects get priority How are children are educated

Election is a pretty big

from the top down.

For those following any of the races, the clock is ticking if you plan to vote and have not registered

The deadline to vote, or change party affiliation, is Monday, Oct. 7.

If you are among those already registered

Democrats and 143,336 “Other” there are some deadlines as well

The first wave of mail ballots, to be sent to those who have requested one, will be sent Oct 1

If you plan to vote by mail and have not requested a ballot for this year’s election cycle the primary that was held in August or the Nov. 5 General Election you need

Letters to the Editor Eagle Editorial

to do so State law has changed and all previous request expired in 2022 The direct link to register is registertovoteflorida.gov.

The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Oct 24 at 5 p m

The good news is that you can accomplish these tasks, as well as change your party affiliation or fill out an application to update your signature online and in one place at lee vote

The Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office also has a wealth of information there including candidate campaign reports The site is useful, informational and well worth checking out

Web Poll

Pine Island gone To the editor:

“Our hearts are down, our heads are turning around

“We left Pine Island for another town ”

When we were children in the 1950s, Florida was a distant, exotic dream, especially during those dreary winter months of grey skies, frequent snowfalls and an elusive sun

Pennsylvania for me and Ohio for Beth On rare occasions, our families would do a slow road atrip to the Sunshine State, driving down Route One before the interstates crissc

Florida in a day or so of speedy travel I remember catching my very first fish off the Naples Pier and wading for discarded queen conch shells in Key West So the seed of the Florida Dream was planted early.

In 2009 we bought a waterfront CBS home in St James City We put in a dock and boat lift, bought a 17-foot skiff and began pursuing that "dream" in real time Our quarter-acre lot became the site of an “edible l

orange, longan, lychee, key lime and fig trees took root and usually prospered, although Ian took some away

Our boat took us into St James Creek, Matlacha Pass and Pine Island Sound in pursuit of redfish, snook, seatrout and mangrove snapper which we caught with enough regularity that we became constant customers at Pine Island Bait and Tackle

Yet time, as it always does, marches on This year we decided the demands of island

life were just too much to handle It was time to relocate to an inland destination that afforded a more sedate lifestyle And so we will soon leave with memories of many good years intact

What will we miss most of this very special island?

1 First and foremost, the people "Pine Island Strong" is more than a motto The folks here are dedicated and the volunteer ethic is deeply rooted We’ve tried to do our part Beth has chaired the Pine Island Garden Club Gala for six years, and it’s been my honor to emcee both the Gala and the Calusa Land Trust Duck Race

2 The wildlife that thrives in the forests, marshes and waters From pelicans and wood storks, manatees and porpoises, rabbits and coyotes, and this year, even a bear, the island maintains incredible populations of God’s creatures, great and small

3 I m p r o m p t u t r a f f

c s

o p s o n Stringfellow as a motorist helps a gopher tortoise to cross that busy highway No one honks, no one is impatient as the Good Samaritan completes the task!

4 Tennis and pickleball games at The Center where racket players gather Monday t

games Score is kept but it’s the participation that matters.

5 Sunsets at the northern tip of our island w

after there’s always time for pie at Captain Con’s

6 Mangoes are now our favorite fruit Each year we relish fresh Hadens, Glenns

and Keitts Pine Island is justly the “Mango Capitol of Florida ”

7 The 4th of July celebration from the morning parade to evening fireworks at the American Legion It’s a day to recognize we live in a country that brings out our best because we’re founded on “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ”

8 T h e r e s t a u r a n t s o f t h e i s l a n d a n d Matlacha that had to weather first COVID and then Ian Eating locally makes both economic and culinary sense

9 The Duck Race that transforms Monroe Canal into a mass of yellow rubber ducks, all vying for first place Three thousand ducks go into the water, herded by volunteers in kayaks as wind and tide determine the lucky winner. The ticket proceeds help the Calusa Land Trust preserve and protect Pine Island for another year

10 Finally, we’ll miss morning coffees (Perfect Cup beans) on our old boat dock, watching the Florida clouds gather for a morning T-storm during summer season Another day in paradise

Clearly, we’ll miss our island home and the wonderful friends we’ve made over the years Our only advice to those we’ve left behind is to cherish what you have and make every day here count.

Beth and Herb Smith Formerly of St James City

One death is too many

To the editor:

A recent contributor concluded his contribution by saying, “we need to stop demonizing immigrants as criminals ” A pretty broad statement apparently concluding that “we” are demonizing all immigrants as criminals and, while the author may believe that the r e s t o f u s

However, illegal immigrants, those running a

nation, broke the law by doing so and hence, they are all criminals Those that brought in illicit drugs or trafficked human beings committed at least one more crime and by doing so they are criminals The fact they are not being prosecuted or deported does not mean they did not break the law

The Biden/Harris administration contin-

Cape seeks reimbursement from plaintiffs in Chiquita Lock challenge

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

The city of Cape Coral has asked an administrative law judge to require the three Cape Coral residents who contested the permit to remove the Chiquita Lock to pay the city’s legal fees which are reported to be well over $1 million

The judge must first decide whether the city’s motion to seek legal fees and other costs is legally sufficient to hold a hearing

Attorneys for the residents, John R Thomas and J Michael Hannon, contend the city motion does not meet that legal requirement.

According to Hannon, who provided The Breeze with an 84-page motion to strike, the administrative pleading states that the city of Cape Coral threatened these three residents with the prospect of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees spent by the city on the litigation

The estimates that the city’s legal fees are “well over $1 million” and “hundreds of thousands of dollars” were provided by Hannon

The city’s Communications Office said it could not provide an answer as to the city’s total expenditure

“Regarding your question on ‘how much has the city spent on legal fees ’ that will need to be a public records request,” city spokesperson Melissa Mickey said via email

No records were provided as of press time nor was an answer to the cost question, which was copied to the City Attorney’s Office

Hannon said their pleading reveals that the three residents accepted an offer of settlement from Cape Coral to refrain from seeking to recoup the fees, provided they would withdraw their petition and allow the initial order to become final

“However, the offer to settle had a wrinkle,” Hannon said “Attorneys for the City of Cape Coral also required that the Petitioners’ attorneys agree to never represent anyone else in challenging the removal project ”

In a letter to the attorney for the City of Cape Coral, Kevin Hennessy of the Tallahassee law firm Lewis, Longman & Walker, P A , Hannon wrote that ethical standards for Florida attorneys prohibit attorneys from even negotiating such a provision. He said such provisions would enable large municipalities to eliminate attorneys willing to represent citizens who disagree with the actions of the city

According to documents submitted in the plaintiffs’ motion to strike the city’s filing for renewed sanctions and additional grounds for sanctions, the city communicated the following settlement demand to Petitioners’ two representatives by email on June 11, 2024:

“ the City is anxious to move forward with this permit and project and if you and your clients would agree to enter into a settlement withdrawing this challenge,

Recommended Order, and agreeing not to challenge any other permits or approvals associated with the project, and further agreeing that neither of you will represent any party in any future challenge to the project, the City will not pursue its entitlement to sanctions ”

Mickey via email confirmed there is currently pending litigation, but said that “...no agreement has been made” And that “ no such agreement ever existed ”

“You are making inaccurate assumptions based on incomplete information provided by the petitioner’s representative No agreement has been made, nor does one exist,” Mickey said.

She followed up when The Breeze requested clarification as to the filing attachment

“No agreement has been made I don’t know how to make that more clear for you,” Mickey said in a followup email

Hannon wrote in a letter to Hennessy that “the additional condition for settlement -- that the attorneys agree not to represent others -- was against public policy; therefore, acceptance of the remaining elements of the offer constitutes a binding agreement ”

Hannon contends the city of Cape Coral then rejected

the settlement and authorized its attorneys to file a motion for sanctions

According to the petitioners’ motion to strike in the documents provided, The city has moved at least four times for an award of fees against the Petitioners (most recently on Sept 13) for pursuing this matter for an improper purpose “to cause unnecessary delay, to pursue frivolous purposes, or to needlessly increase the cost of litigation ”

According to the filing provided city attorneys, in their motion, state, in part, “Petitioners repeatedly caused unnecessary delay of this proceeding. In so doing, they also attempted to try this case by surprise Petitioners’ experts never provided final opinions before the Final Hearing began, and then during the Final Hearing attempted to testify as to undisclosed opinions ”

The lock, which provides access in and out of the South Spreader Waterway for boats, has had long-term maintenance and boating constriction issues reasons cited by the city as it pursued its removal for the last several years

The city has worked towards obtaining permits from the Florida Department of the Environment and Army Corp of Engineers. The city, as of Aug. 16, obtained the Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit It is currently seeking an Army Corps of Engineers permit, as both are needed to remove the lock and move forward with the marine improvements

According to city documents, the removal of all existing utilities, proper containment and removal of all hydraulic fluids, tanks, lines, operations building, and lock gates are part of the scope of work Other items to be removed include all concrete, earth, and seawall in the north side of the lock’s footprint

The installation of the new seawall on the north side of the lock will be done prior to the removal of the existing one The seawall on the south side of the lock will remain, as well as the concrete channel base There will be oyster reef balls placed once the construction is done

October programs, classes set at Pine Island Public Library

Next month’s roster of activities at the Pine Island Public Library offers topics for all ages The following programs are free to the public

Adult Programs

DIY Pumpkin Spice Coffee Blend

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct 2

Kick off pumpkin spice latte season by crafting your own special pumpkin blend Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and browse our seasonal book display for fall inspiration

Tech Thursdays: One-On-One Help

2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24

Need help with a laptop, tablet or ereader? Are you looking to gain basic computer skills? We can help Bring your fully charged device and any passwords for a 15-minute, one-on-one technology session Registration is required

Family Pumpkin Painting Party

2 p m , Saturday, Oct 12

movie is rated G A light snack will be provided Sponsored by Friends of the Pine Island Public Library

Fall Wreath Craft

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16

Bring your creativity and join us for a fall wreath crafting program The library will supply the wreaths and basic decorations; you bring your fall specialty items t

Registration is required

Children’s Programs

Family Pumpkin Painting Party 2 p m , Saturday, Oct 12

Bring the family to this fun-filled fall event Craft pumpkins will be available for painting, along with other spooky crafts and a showing of the movie “It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown ” This movie is rated G A light snack will be provided Sponsored by Friends of the Pine Island Public Library.

Family Storytime

10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 3, 10, 17

For children through age 5 years and caregivers Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement

First Baptist Church of Pine Island starting Teamkid and J.A.M. Youth Groups Oct. 2

First Baptist Church of Pine Island will be starting its Teamkid and J.A.M. Youth Group Wednesday, Oct 2 The youth groups are for ages kindergarten through 12th grade from 6:30- 7:45 p m A light dinner is provided for the students along with games and a devotion to follow

This great opportunity for students is FREE of cost All students are welcome

to come have a blast at the church each Wednesday night throughout the school year

First Baptist Church of Pine Island is

School in The Center If you have any

office at 239-283-1737

Help Me Grow:

Books, Balls and Blocks

10:30 a m , Thursday, Oct 24

For families with children through age 5 years Children will participate in games and activities while parents complete a screening to ensure that their children are developmentally on track Parents will also be provided with resources for activities they can do at home with their children In partnership with Healthy Start of SWFL/Help Me Grow

A Spooky Family Storytime

10:30 a m , Thursday, Oct 31 J

Halloween themed storytime Don't be afraid to wear your costume. Stories, songs, games, crafts and a light snack will be provided

Teen Programs

Family Pumpkin Painting Party

2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12

Halloween Escape Room

10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 19

Halloween escape room Teens and adults will be challenged as they solve the clues to find out how to escape

Teen Crafternoon

4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29

Bring your friends and join us for a crafternoon of creating fall and holiday crafts A light snack and games will also be available

Bokeelia For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4350 Check the Lee C

www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Raphaela Morais-Peroba, 239533-8782, Florida Relay Service 711, or

requester Requests should be made at least five business days in advance

Oktoberfest is coming to the American Legion Post 136 Oct. 12

On the second Saturday of October, American Legion Post 136 will celebrate Oktoberfest with delicious German food and drinks, auctions, prizes, games, great music with Barstool Rodeo from 1-4 p m All are welcome to celebrate a fun and exciting time with the post, as well as helping our next year‘s graduating seniors

Festivities start around noon and will continue throughout the day. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Post 136 Scholarship Fund for the graduating seniors of 2025 from Pine Island Please come and have a great time!

American Legion Post 136 is at 4106 Stringfellow Road in St James City Contact the post at 239-283-4434

Fall fishing in Southwest Florida

W e h a v e o f f i c i a l l y l e f t s u m m e r b e h i n d a n d t r a n s it i o n e d t o t h e f a l l s e a s o n . I t ’ s s t i l l h o t a n d h u r r i c a n e s e a -

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

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

2 0 i n c h e s , w e r e c a u g h t a c r o s s v a r i o u s a r e a s a r o u n d P i n e I s l a n d , i n c l u d i n g n o r t h M a t l a c h a P a s s , t h e p e r i m e t e r o f C h a r l o t t e H a r b o r , t h e

n o r t h e a s t s i d e o f P i n e I s l a n d

S o u n d a n d g r a s s f l a t s

b e t w e e n S a n i b e l ’ s T a r p o n

B a y a n d B l i n d P a s s B i g g e r t r o u t w e r e b l o w i n g u p o n t o p - w a t e r l u r e s a r o u n d o y st e r b a r s o v e r t h e e a r l y m o r ni n g h o u r s a f t e r f i r s t l i g h t a n d

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

c h a n n e l e d g e s a n d p o t h o l e s

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

O v e r s i z e d s n o o k w e r e

c a u g h t a n d r e l e a s e d a r o u n d B l i n d , R e d f i s h a n d C a p t i v a

p a s s e s w h i l e d r i f t i n g l i v e b a i t s o v e r t h e b o t t o m n e a r s t r u c t u r e L i v e b a i t e r s h o o k e d s n o o k o f f t h e e a s t e r n a n d w e s t e r n w a l l s o f C h a r l o t t e H a r b o r , m i d - P i n e I s l a n d

S o u n d a n d t h e J u g C r e e k a r e a o f B o k e e l i a F r o m s h o r e , s n o o k w e r e h o o k e d a f t e r d a r k f r o m t h e M a t l a c h a

D r a w b r i d g e a n d d a y l i g h t h o u r s f r o m t h e B o k e e l i a

F i s h i n g P i e r

R e d f i s h w e r e l o c a t e d a r o u n d C h a r l o t t e H a r b o r s e a s t -

e r n s h o r e , m i d t o n o r t h e r n P i n e I s l a n d S o u n d a n d i n s i d e

t h e G u l f p a s s e s M a n y o f t h e f i s h a r e r u n n i n g 3 0 i n c he s o r b e t t e r a n d w e r e o f t e n i n s c h o o l s f r o m a d o z e n t o a

h u n d r e d o r b e t t e r S m a l l e r r e d s w e r e h o o k e d a r o u n d o y s t e r b a r s a n d p o t h o l e s n e a r B u c k K e y a n d s o u t h o f

D e m e r e K e y i n P i n e I s l a n d S o u n d . O n t h e h i g h e r w a t e r ,

r e d s f r o m 1 7 - 2 6 i n c h e s c a m e f r o m m a n g r o v e o v e r -

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

P i n e I s l a n d S o u n d n e a r P i n e l a n d

F i n d t h e b a i t a n d f i n d t h e f i s h T h a t w a s t h e k e y f o r s t e a d y a c t i o n w i t h S p a n i s h m a c k e r e l , b i g l a d y f i s h a n d

s e a t r o u t F i v e t o 7 - f o o t d e p t h s i n t h e S o u n d a n d

C h a r l o t t e H a r b o r w i t h a g r a s s / s a n d b o t t o m m i x h e l d

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

t o r s M a n y a n g l e r s r e p o r t n o n - s t o p a c t i o n o v e r t h e

i n c o m i n g w a t e r

S h a r k s u p t o 6 f e e t w e r e h o o k e d w h i l e a n c h o r i n g u p

a l o n g c h a n n e l s a n d t r o u g h s i n P i n e I s l a n d S o u n d C u t m u l l e t a n d l a d y f i s h w e r e t h e b a i t s o f c h o i c e , w i t h b u l l s ,

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

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

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

n e a r - s h o r e G u l f w a t e r s S n a p p e r a r e m o v i n g c l o s e r t o s h o r e , p l u s c o o l e r w e a t h e r t o t h e n o r t h w i l l s e n d m i g r a ti n g o r p e l a g i c s p e c i e s o f f o u r c o a s t a s t h e w a t e r c o o l s

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

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

e n j o y i t !

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

u p t o d a t e b y v i s i t i n g w w w m y f w c c o m A l s o , u p l o a d t h e F i s h R u l e s a p p o n y o u r p h o n e I t h a s c u r r e n t r e g u l at i o n s a n d s e a s o n s w i t h p i c t u r e s t o h e l p i d e n t i f y f i s h H a v e a s a f e w e e k a n d g o o d f i s h i n ’

The Beacon of Hope is offering GED (high school or general equivalency diploma) classes

Classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a m until 2 p m in the Beacon of HOPE classroom at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St James City

The Beacon can also study in other ways that will help individuals pass the four tests to get their diploma.

If you have any questions about the classes or want to just sign up, call Mary Lou at 239-565-7012

Fall is a great time for catching redfish. Megan caught this big redfish in upper Pine Island Sound fishing an incoming tide with Capt Tanner Peer

Capt Bill Russell

On the Water

Firefighters battle Bokeelia house fire

Last Thursday, Sept 19, around 11 a m , Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District units Capt-150, E-151, E-152, E-153, E-154, T-151, PI-1, PI-2 and PI-3 responded to a two-story residential structure fire in Bokeelia off Manheim Road Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire and smoke showing from the first and second floor Crews quickly sprung into action to extinguish the fire and were able to prevent the fire from spreading The home unfortunately has sustained heavy damage The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Hurricane Ian recovery event this Saturday at RE/MAX Sunshine office

The Matlacha Civic Association will be hosting the second annual Hurricane Ian recovery event Saturday, Sept. 28, at 6 p m , at the RE/MAX Sunshine office at the corner of Pine Island Road and Island Avenue, Matlacha

This year’s theme is the butterfly, as the islands are in recovery and transforming into beauty

There will be live music, recognition of

Elyssa

community heroes with the Island Angel Awards, along with a guest speaker Local artists have hand-painted butterflies that will be displayed the night of the event Over 300 LED butterflies will be lit in honor of our courage, strength and transformation of the islands

Please join us in this uplifting evening F o r m o r e o n t h e M C A , v i s i t https://matlachacivic org/

Cat of the Week

This 8-year-old beauty is very much a princess She asked us to let you know that her beautiful calico coloring looks amazing in almost any setting. Sitting next to you on the sofa, draped at the foot of your bed or with her fur dancing in the breeze through a window. Not only is she a stunning conversation piece, but she will even allow you to pet her How generous! Her royal-ness asks that you not fight over her, just simply come and meet her She's sure to choose you as her companion For more information, call Helping Paws Animal

Parkway E, Unit D, St. James City, FL, 33956 or there’s always o

pawsanimalsanctuary com PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTO PROVIDED

Greater Pine Island Elks holding Oktoberfest dinner Oct. 5

The Greater Pine Island Elks #2781 is hosting an Oktoberfest dinner Saturday, Oct 5, at the VFW Post 4353

THE Oktoberfest celebration will be held at the VFW Biergarten from 5-7 p m with a pork schnitzel dinner

St. John’s Episcopal Church to host Blessing of the Animals

The Blessing of the Animals on Pine Island will be held Saturday, Oct 5, from 10 a m to noon at St John’s Episcopal Church

Lutheran Church, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal C

Church, and C R O W Animal Rescue

This is a free event, just bring your pet and join the fun

St John’s Episcopal Church is at 7771 Stringfellow Road, St James City For more information, contact the church at 239-283-5439.

Letters to the Editor

From page 4

ues to ignore the immigration laws that we have in place in the United States Through this open invitation, they have made all that wish to cross our border be a part of their insidious plan for election cheating contributing to their undisguised socialist agenda for our country

Crime happens every day across our country but the crimes that take place against our citizens committed by illegal immigrants simply would not have occurred if they weren’t here. That is why murders, rapes, kidnappings, citizens dying in traffic accidents at the hands of illegal immigrants and all the other criminal activity brought to us courtesy of the Biden/Harris open border policy is significant and magnified compared to other domestic criminal activity by the legal citizens of our country All those victims would not have been victimized by illegals because they would not have been here That does not seem too difficult to understand just like it’s not difficult to understand the bitterness and loss created by these acts in the hearts and minds of the surviving family members and friends

Max Christian St. James City

From page 2

dealings between Romano and Marceno after “Ken and I got connected ”

Hollow said he owns two businesses since leaving the Lee County Sheriff’s Office though he declined to name them According to his election filings, he currently maintains a business as a Realtor He previously ran unsuccessfully for Cape Coral mayor in 2017

Hollow also announced that he has filed an ethics complaint against Marceno for allegedly not having properly declared the purchase of a home in Sarasota in his election filings

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office budget totals $283 million according to Lee County Government records The budget has increased more than $80 million since the 2019-20 budget was approved While Marceno controls his own budget, the budget is approved by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners

Messages left with Lee County commissioners were not responded to as of press time

Hollow said although Marceno has not been charged or convicted of any crime, he believes there is an investigation into Marceno’s dealings.

If so, it is not with the State Attorney’s Office

“We are aware of the allegations but we are not involved in any investigation that may exist,” said Samantha Syoen, communications director for State Attorney Amira Fox

with braised red cabbage and potato or German bratwurst with sauerkraut

Reservations to attend the dinner are requested and

can be made by calling 570-335-8887 or by visiting the VFW Post 4353, 8150 Stringfellow Road, St James City

Lee County Library System celebrates 60 years

Lee Board of County Commissioners commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Lee County Library System Tuesday by reading a resolution celebrating the resources and services provided and urging everyone to get a library card to make the most of all that is offered

The board’s resolution recognized the historic date of Sept 23, 1964, when commissioners officially voted to establish, operate and maintain a countywide, tax-supported free library system Six independent libraries in Lee County joined together in order to expand what each library could offer alone

In the 60 years since, the Lee County Library System

has grown to include 13 libraries, mobile, live chat, outreach and home borrower services along with a host of online services and resources

With more than 273,000 library cardholders and close to 1 5 million visitors this fiscal year, the Lee County Library System continues to support, engage, and enrich the community

Information about the Lee County Library System and access to online resources is available 24/7 at leelibrary net where you can find out about library services, programs and events, locations, and more Telephone Reference is available at 239-479-4636

Sheriff

Groundbreaking

Instead, the process was burdened by the maze of county regulations and the need to ensure that the new structure would be entirely up to code A year-long holdup occurred when Lee County's permitting inspectors for the job were changed, requiring some plans to be redrawn New requirements for ADA ramps and parking further complicated the work. These challenges and unexpected delays have tested the Elks members' patience and resilience, and they appreciate islanders' understanding and support

“I think we’ve become experts at jumping over hurdles and through hoops,” Hoogstra said "We are immensely grateful for the support and patience of our members and the community throughout this challenging process Your unwavering support has been a source of strength for us "

Brief history of the Greater Pine Island Elks #2781

District New Lodge Chairman John Arena conceived the idea of developing an Elks Lodge on Pine Island, and the Mother Lodge would be Cape Coral Elks# 2596 In early November 1992, an ad was placed in the Pine Island Eagle advising that a meeting to start an Elks Lodge on Pine Island would be held at Port Hole Pete's, now the Eagles Nest

At the first meeting, it was decided that there was enough interest to start an organizational committee to begin forming an Elks Lodge PDDGER Leroy F Lippmann from New Jersey was selected to be the chairm

Justynski was the secretary and Don Ware from Fort Myers Elks Lodge was the treasurer

The organizational meetings began filling Port Hole Pete's, and arrangements were made to meet at the American Legion in St James City The committee continued to meet at the American Legion, and the membership grew On Aug 26, 1993, the goal of 250 members was met, and dispensation was received to be an Elks Lodge. Much discussion was had on what the name of the Lodge would be Some wanted Bokeelia, some wanted St James City, etc The decision was made to call it "Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge" and received the number 2781.

Ed Kiser, Larry Walworth and Sandy Walworth; and back row, Cliff

Terry Smayda and Thelma Hotzfield

On Nov 21, 1993, at the Cape Coral Elks Lodge, the Greater Pine Island Elks# 2781 was instituted, officers installed and new members initiated Past Grand Exalted Ruler Robert Grafton and his wife were in attendance, along with many PERS from other lodges, district officers, the committee chairman and members from the district and state

The Lodge continued to meet and hold events at the American Legion in St James City As time passed, the building at the four corners of Pine Island was bought from the Greater Pine Island Civic Association

Even though our Lodge was no longer standing after Hurricane Ian, the Elks stood together to help the community. Because that’s what Elks do. Elks always care.

The resilience and unity the Elks have witnessed in the community during these trying times have been truly inspiring

The Elks members are currently at a new stage with their Lodge Under current leadership and members, the Elks are working hard toward rebuilding and having a new Elks Lodge at the current site

The Elks look forward to its new venture, which will benefit the members, the community and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks

If you are interested in becoming an Elk and want more information about the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, go to elks org or contact the Greater Pine Island Elks at pineislandelks@gmail.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pictured at the groundbreaking are, front row from left, ER John Hotzfield, Chris Conrad, Sandy Madey, Cheryl Combs, PER George Smith, Ben Madey, Linda Brown, PER Jack Rovaldi, Donna Stone,

Bruner, Sarah Bruner,

Mural From page 1

we’d like some palm trees and foliage island colors, sunset or sunrise, and we’d like a couple of bikes in there She put together a rough sketch in photoshop and what she showed us originally was a far cry from what it is today,” Payne said, explaining how the project took off as Johnson’s natural artistic bent took control

There were bike rims, painted in island colors, Payne explained, which were added to the mural, creating an air of realism to the illusion she created Adding "island time" to the mural was essential since "Rolling on Island Time" happens to be the Island Bikeworks tagline

"I think it will be a highly photographed spot on the island,” Payne said

Painting around town has become a main focus, and has been incredible, Johnson said,

‘The Visit’ From

page 1

project, and whenever I assign something like that, I always do it as well,” Adams said

In completing the writing assignment herself, Adams said she’d wanted to create something healing for her students.

T h e f a b l e p o r t i o n o f t h e b o o k , s h e explained, was written as an example to her students, of what she’d wanted them to do with their stories Writing the story,

admitting that she feels very blessed by the commission work as it’s come in on the island

“Everyone has given me elements of what they’ve wanted, but they’ve also given me creative freedom It’s definitely made a difference in how things go out on the walls,” Johnson said

She explained the process by which she operates, saying how it is all done by freehand with no use of a projector, large drops are then placed where future elements will go and it all comes out without hesitation, she said

“You just have to trust in the process,” Johnson said

Coming up, Johnson said she has plans to do a mural for the Beacon of Hope

To contact Johnson, email her at APJVISIONS@gmail com

she said, was very healing, as it became a way for her to separate the ocean, which she said she loves, from a dangerous storm In total, she said, the entire book project came together in approximately a month. Overall, Adams said she hopes her book helps folks come to the conclusion that, following a devastating event like Hurricane Ian, there is hope in recovery

“You can separate our love for the area

the ocean and beautiful beaches, the coastline all the beauty of Southwest Florida you can separate them from that devastating storm We saw people loving one another in a way we hadn’t before,” Adams said.

Although there was much loss due to this storm, she said, she felt the provision was also obvious and abundant

“The strength and effects of Hurricane Ian were both surprising and heartbreaking for me I underestimated everything about it, but people came together and help poured in and I’ve never experienced anything like that either Hurricane fury and devastation was no longer a news report about an unfamiliar place Like

A close-up look at the mural with the actual bike rims attached to it

PHOTO PROVIDED

those who haven’t,” Adams said.

Going forward, she said she may do some revising o

possibly getting them prepared as works that can be published

The book is available

@ gmail com

From Amazon: "The Visit: A Hurricane Fable" is a delightful tale that is beautifully written and cleverly illustrated By

hand-painted VW Bug as the family car, both children and adults will find its

story helps children who have survived a hurricane find words to express their experience, grief, and questions while also educating young and old about the devastating aftermath that

making this heartfelt book available to children,

schools. Katharine Adams writes with heart and hope, and even a

The cover of the book “The Visit.”