Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

Council passes millage hike after clash

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

An extended and vigorous debate over policy initiatives preceded a unanimous vote by the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council to raise the town's millage rate four cents from .95 to .99 per thousand dollars of assessed value.

While most of the council argued that the raise was small (approximately another $4 for every $100,000 in assessed property value), Councilmember Dan Allers signaled he would vote against the rate increase

which would require the council to go to a rollback rate and make $56,000 in further cuts.

Allers called on the council to make cuts to $500,000 in retrofitting for Bay Oaks. Allers said he believed the bids for the Bay Oaks project would end up higher than the town anticipates, that the cost for the project would be higher and that the cost of furniture could be cut.

“We're at a time where we need to tighten our bootstraps,” Allers said.

Vice Mayor Rexann Hosafros disagreed

with Allers in his characterization.

“I don't want to build cheap, crappy furniture that is going to break when the kids are using it,” Hosafros said.

“My tax bill is going to go up less than $20,” Hosafros said. “I have checked with neighbors and friends around on the street. Some of them are $25, some of them are $30. I am certainly willing to pay an additional $20, $25 extra a year, $2 a month to get all of the things people are telling me they want,” Hosafros said. “They tell me they want streetlights. They tell me they

want community policing. They tell me they want to address affordable housing,” Hosafros said.

“I don't get the idea of trying to save my wallet $20 in a year and that we are going to hack at these things that people are saying all year that they want to see accomplished. It doesn't make any sense to me. If you want these things, then we are going to have to pay for them,” Hosafros said.

Allers didn't disagree on whether the tax increase was minimal. “Although it is a

DeSantis declares state of emergency

Festival on the Beach

Alana Springsteen (pictured) helped open the Island Hopper Songwriters Festival on Fort Myers Beach at Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille Friday night with a performance alongside musicians Lala Deaton, Katie Lyon and Autumn Nicholas. The Female Empowering Musicians kickoff show was headlined by Fort Myers Beach musician Sheena Brook, who played the nightcap with Meghan Linville and Kayley Bishop. The festival ran throughout the weekend at restaurants and resorts on the island.

NATHAN MAYBERG

Lee County among 24 counties under order ahead of possible hurricane

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for Lee County and 23 other counties ahead of the hurricane that was potentially expected to make landfall in Florida Tuesday or Wednesday. The storm was being categorized as Tropical Depression Nine at the time of the announcement.

The Mound House was being boarded up and closed Friday and Newton Beach Park was also boarded up in anticipation of the potential storm.

DeSantis has requested a federal prelandfall emergency declaration in anticipation of impacts from the storm. This declaration will make available resources and support, as well as free up funding sources for emergency protective measures. Under this emergency order, members of the Florida National Guard were activated and

Gov. Ron DeSantis

Romcoe announces opposition to dune walkover at council candidate forum

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The first forum featuring the four candidates for two seats up for election on the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council, was notable in at least one way: a changing of position by a candidate on a key issue.

Patrick Romcoe, an English Language Arts teacher in the Lee County Schools system, became the first candidate in the race to oppose the controversial dune and lagoon walkover near the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area. Romcoe opposed the walkover at the “Commotion by the Ocean” forum held last Wednesday by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at the Beach Baptist Church.

Romcoe said he had a change of mind after discussions with those in the community. “My current position is that I don't agree with the bridge walkover, the dune walkover and I wouldn't vote for it,” Romcoe said in response to a question on the topic. “I don't want to lose the birds,” he said.

The other candidates, Mayor Ray Murphy, John R. King and Karen Woodson all support the walkover.

Woodson, in her support of a permit for the walkover, said she didn't want to lose the birds either but cited a 2019 vote by the town's Local Planning Agency in favor of a special exception permit for the walkover (though Councilmember Jim Atterholt, who was voted for the permit on the LPA, no longer supports the walkover) as one of the reasons she supported the walkover. The town council that year ultimately rejected the permit.

The walkover issue has been a topic of concern for the town council for more than seven years, involving lawsuits and state environmental regulators over a 298-feet boardwalk proposed by two property owners to cross a

lagoon on land that is adjacent to the protected wildlife area. The town council has repeatedly rejected special exception permits for the walkover though with two candidates on the board in support of issuing the permit (Mayor Ray Murphy and Councilmember Dan Allers), just one additional vote is needed to approve the permit. The Department of Environmental Protection is currently defending the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area from a challenge by property owners Kurt Kroemer

and Ed Rood over the state's ownership of the critical wildlife area. The department has moved to dismiss the suit and Rood recently lost a lawsuit alleging the town's denial of the permit violated the Americans with Disability Act.

Rood has made $1,000 donations to the campaigns of Murphy and Woodson, according to filings.

NATHAN MAYBERG

John King (left to right), Mayor Ray Murphy, Patrick Romco and Karen Woodson took the stage in the “Commotion by the Ocean” forum for the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council candidates last Wednesday at the Beach Baptist Church.

Fort Myers Beach

OPINIONS

Lee County budget: Lower tax rate; key services prioritized

19260 San Carlos Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

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We b Po ll

Previous Web Poll Question

Do you support the Town of Fort Myers Beach constructing a new Bay Oaks building and raising fees at Bay Oaks?

∫ Yes, I support a new building and higher Bay Oaks fees, 17%

∫ No, don't construct the new Bay Oaks building and keep fees flat, 53%

∫ Construct the new Bay Oaks building but don't raise fees, 14%

∫ I support higher Bay Oaks fees but no new building, 16%

Current Web Poll Question

Do you think the new Bayside Park renovations were worth it?

∫ Yes

∫ No

∫ I like the renovations but it was too expensive

∫ Unsure, I haven't seen it yet

Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

It remains an honor and privilege to serve as your chairman on the Lee Board of County Commissioners. As is done every year around this time, your Lee County government worked tirelessly to present a clear and concise budget for the Board’s consideration. I want to recognize our County Administration, department directors and staff on another successful budget year. I am excited to share that your county commission recently passed this Fiscal Year 2022/2023 budget, which provides more funding for services and savings for you, the taxpayer.

Guest Commentary

I believe we live in the best county in the State of Florida and these last few years have only further confirmed this to be true! We stood strong and prevailed over the pandemic while dismissing outrageous policies and mandates that infringed on your personal freedoms and right to a quality of life. The whole nation and world witnessed how our great Gov. Ron DeSantis and local

government responded to the epidemic, resulting in many fleeing their liberal, authoritarian states and finding refuge in our “freest” State of Florida. In order to address this continued growth and uphold your quality of life, the Lee Board of County Commissioners continues to make sound policy decisions that plan for the future.

The Lee County budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 was finalized and adopted this past Tuesday. This budget included a countywide millage (property) tax rate decrease from 3.86 to 3.76 mills. This happened after lowering the countywide tax rate from 4.05 to 3.86 mills last year and from 4.15 to 4.05 mills in 2017. Your countywide tax rate now is 3.76 compared to 5.34 in 2004. Please know we do not have control over the other taxing districts listed on your tax bill. I recommend you contact those separate agencies and urge them to follow the Lee County Board of County Commissioners' lead and

implement fiscally conservative policies. In decreasing your tax rate, we have also provided for an increase in funding for services most beneficial to you!

Over the years we have maintained a stable reserve balance; through oil spills, waterquality issues, Hurricane Irma and the latest pandemic, we still kept our reserves in place. This year with our $2.6 billion budget we still had $135 million in undesignated General Fund reserves. We are using some of those reserves to fund needed projects within the county that will create a better and safer community for all.

These projects will increase jobs, provide for safer and faster transportation, SROs for school safety, parks and recreation improvements, water quality projects, utilities and more. Major projects include the renovation of South County Regional Library, Lehigh Acres Community Park expansion, Alico Road and Three Oaks North connectors, $10 million for road resurfacing, and the Three Oaks Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion.

As a 25-year retired police officer, I know the main priority of government is to provide safety for all our residents! That is why again

See LEE COUNTY BUDGET, page

Elected superintendent referendum a threat to the quality of our schools

Quality Schools for the Future of Lee County, a political action committee, was formed in response to a referendum that will appear on the Nov. 8, 2022, General Election ballot for all voters in Lee County, Florida. The referendum asks that the Superintendent of Schools in Lee County be an elected, partisan, political office to be placed on the ballot every four years, instead of a professional appointed position, as

is currently the case.

The appearance of this referendum is peculiar, since it was back in 1974 that voters in Lee County established the current system of having the Superintendent appointed by the School Board. With that long-ago decision, Lee County joined the rest of nation in making sure its school system was headed by an appointed, professional educational leader instead of by a politician.

Letters to the Editor

Quality Schools for the Future of Lee County believes that going back to ole’ boy networks, machine politics, cronyism, and endless fundraising can only hurt students, teachers, and families. Only two states — Alabama and Florida — still allow for elected superintendents, since both Tennessee and Mississippi recently voted out the election of political superintendents. Nine of the

See REFERENDUM,

Taxpayers take hit with new budget

To the Editor:

On September 22, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council voted to increase your taxes. By a 5 to 0 vote the millage rate was increased from .95 to .99. This tax increase is beyond the increase your property tax bill went up because of the uptick in property values. For some of the debate each Councilor bragged about what they were giv-

ing up in the budget. The reality is none of them are giving anything up! It's the taxpayers giving up their hard earned money to fund some of the foolishness in this budget. The Council should have put their money where their mouth is. The difference between keeping the millage rate at the current .95 versus the increase to .99 was $175,000. That's according to the Town Manager, but his figures kept changing. At one time it was as low as $162,900. The 4 Councilors should have given up their yearly taxpayer

We want your opinion

funded salaries of $16,800 each. The Mayor could then brag that he is giving in the most because he could add his compensation of $19,200. That $86,400 would've gotten the Town nearly halfway to $175,000. The Town Attorney & Town Manager could then kick in the remainder of the $88,600. We'll call it a fee for poor job performance. There you go, the taxpayers wouldn't have to give up more of their money.

John R. King Fort Myers Beach

The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range

do

necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views

may be mailed to: Fort Myers Beach Observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd.,

Myers Beach,

33931; faxed to 239-765-0846; emailed to news@breezenewspapers.com; or posted to

www.breezenewspapers.com. Letters are due no later than noon Monday. All letters and

and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: fortmyersbeachtalk.com.

Cecil Pendergrass

Bobbi D’Alessandro

Guest

Fried shares charitable giving best practices for Puerto Rico relief efforts

Contributed

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which regulates charitable organizations soliciting in or from the state of the Florida, released the following information for Floridians wishing to donate to relief efforts supporting our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and others devastated by Hurricane Fiona.

“We are praying for the strength and safety of our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico impacted by Hurricane Fiona. This most recent storm has caused widespread devastation to the island’s infrastructure and residents that are still recovering five years after being struck by Hurricane Maria, a deadly category 5 storm,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “I

Lee County budget

the BoCC made law enforcement, school SROs and EMS a priority in staffing, equipment and retention of staff.

We have increased the Sheriff’s, EMS and Port Authority’s public safety budgets so those who protect our homes, businesses and serve our residents are paid a fair wage and have the necessary tools to com-

Referendum

applaud the Biden Administration’s swift response in declaring an emergency and providing federal resources to assist Puerto Rico in the wake of this storm.  We also encourage Floridians looking to support recovery efforts to review our list of best practices to avoid scams and sham charities so that your generosity can make the most impact possible for our neighbors in need.”

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), through its administration of the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act, helps create a safe environment for individual donors to give confidently in response to needs in their community and to causes they care about. All charities soliciting within the state of Florida (excluding religious, educational, political, and governmen-

From page 4

bat crime and provide service to our community.

Our RSW airport was named No. 1 in the country in recovery of flights in 2021, and our passenger numbers are still breaking records. The Board just approved a $375 million expansion of RSW that will serve our area needs for the next 25 years,

From page 4

largest Florida districts — of which Lee is one — all have appointed professional superintendents.

An elected, partisan political superintendent of schools need have no qualification other than to be 18 years of age and a resident of Lee County. Under the current system, the elected School Board Members may search nationwide for the best educational leader. This leader, hired by the School Board, can also be fired by the School Board if need be. This will not

be so if the referendum is approved. Instead, a local politician in charge of our schools and in charge of a $2 billion annual budget, will report to no one in the school district. The elected, non-partisan School Board will have no oversight over an elected partisan, political superintendent.

Quality Schools For The Future sees this referendum as a dangerous power grab, a threat to the quality of our schools, that, if successful, will introduce political

tal agencies) are required to register and file financial information with FDACS. While it is up to the donor to determine if their contribution will be spent the way they intend, FDACS makes it easier for donors to access that information by making registration and financial documentation available online at FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

According to FDACS and Commissioner Fried, here are several tips to help consumers give safely:

Don’t respond to high pressure tactics. A legitimate charity will welcome your donation whenever you choose to make it.

Check if the organization is properly registered with the

with more gates, expansion of TSA check points, more concessions within the secured area, expanded parking and a newly completed $82 million state of art air control tower. This was all funded by FDOT, FAA and passenger fees.

All of these projects will provide service to ALL of our residents for years to

come and to make your life better and safer.

As your Commission chairman, I want to again thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing serving you for years to come.

— Cecil Pendergrass is chairman of the Board of Lee County Commissioners.

money into the management and everyday operations of the district. An elected, partisan, political superintendent will have the ability to raise unlimited money from political parties, at the local and national level, from companies doing business with the district, from employees and from parents. As with all elected politicians, fund-raising for the next election can begin as soon as they take office. An appointed professional superintendent has no ability, or need, to raise money.

The group will send speakers to community events, host a Website and Facebook page, and help inform voters about how to keep political money out of our schools.

Quality Schools For The Future is not affiliated with any political party, provides no funding to any political party or candidate, and accepts no funding from any political party.

— Bobbi D’Alessandro, Quality Schools For The Future.

Nor-Tech signs as major sponsor for Roar Offshore Powerboat Races

STAFF REPORT

Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats announced it would be a major sponsor of the 2022 Roar Offshore powerboat races on Fort Myers Beach Oct. 6-8.

“Nor-Tech is passionate about the boating industry and is always looking for ways to make a difference in the community. What better way than a free, family-friendly world-famous boat race in our own backyard!” said Trond Schou, Co-Founder & CEO of NorTech Boats. “Tim and Cyndee Hill do a phenomenal job of putting this event together each year and we are grateful for the partnership we have with them and for the opportunity to raise money for local charities. It’s also a great way to network help further the marine industry while boosting the local economy. We get to expand our reach while exposing Southwest Florida and all it has to offer to the people from around the globe.”

Roar Offshore are the producers of the APBA Offshore National Championship races attracting over 70 of the largest race teams from around the world, including Australia, Dubai, Italy, and New Zealand. It brings additional exposure and recognition to the boating, recreational, and entertainment opportunities that Fort Myers Beach and Lee County have to offer while increasing tourism and community involvement during a traditionally slower period of the year.

“The races feature some of the world’s top performance boats reaching speeds in excess of 180 miles per hour,” said Roar Offshore organizer Tim Hill. “Fort Myers Beach is the perfect location to watch the race. It’s the closest you can get to the boats while also enjoying the beautiful beaches, live entertainment, and great food.”

Nor-Tech, leading the way in innovative custom boat manufacturing and design since 1991, will supply the pace boat for the race, a 39' 390 Sport with quad 450R 1800 Horsepower Mercury Racing engines. They will also have a boat in the parade which kicks off the weekend of events on Thursday, Oct. 6, followed by the Roar Offshore Street Party. A full schedule of events can be found at roaroffshore.com/schedule.

Report your business news to THE OBSERVER:

Do you have an interesting feature story worthy of print or know of someone who has accomplished something that needs to be noted in a local paper? Send an email to: nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com and plug your angle.

Lani Kai to host Roar Offshore kickoff party, awards ceremony

STAFF REPORT

The Lani Kai Island Resort will host a kickoff party for the Roar Offshore championship races Wednesday, Oct. 5, as well as an awards ceremony after the races Saturday, Oct. 8. The resort will also offer three venues for patrons to watch the races.

“Since the first annual event, we continue to be proud sponsors of the Roar Offshore championship races, and excited to not only host great locations throughout our location the day of the races, but we're also proud to host the awards ceremony that evening, as well as a kickoff party/meet-and-greet a few days beforehand,” Lani Kai Island Resort Marketing Director Melissa Schneider said. “We're also proud to once again sponsor world-champion team Team RumRunners, who continues capturing the checkered flag each race they run.”

The kickoff party will take place Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. along the ground-level Club Ohana and beach bar location, with Val's Corner Bar opened for the occasion.

“Enjoy a meet-and-greet with one of the world-champion race teams and get pics with the crew and their beautiful boat, live entertainment, and enjoy meeting the Patron girls, too,” Schneider said. There will be no cost to enter.

The resort's rooftop Island View and Sun Deck restaurants, as well as first-floor Sabal Palm Bar and Grill will be overlooking the start and finish line will be prime viewing locations with reservations for the races. Patrons can enjoy free food and drinks up to the cost of their reservation that day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Schneider said. “We'll also have all of our beach bars open for people to

Businesses Supporting Communities seeking vendors

enjoy, as well as our beachside tables and plenty of room in the sand, beach games and live DJ hosting fun for people of all ages.”

The awards ceremony will take place after 5 p.m. from the Lani Kai Island Resort's beach stage after the races. The live band Radio Ghost will close out the evening in the Club Ohana nightclub from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Those looking to reserve a seat or table for the races, can contact the resort at 239-463-3111.

Business Briefs

To learn more and/or register, please contact Alexis Buchanan at 239-322-5371 or alexis.buchanan@hopehcs.org.

Businesses Supporting Communities events is calling upon all Southwest Florida food trucks, restaurants and vendors. BSC hosts events throughout Southwest Florida, including WINK Taste of the Town, which will now take place on three separate dates in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda.

BSC’s mission is to connect Southwest Floridians with local businesses, and local charities through their events. Each of its events will feature and contribute to a local charitable organization. Its 2022 events will benefit Cameo of Lee County, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Caloosa Rotary Club of Cape Coral and more.

BSC's 2022 event schedule includes Taco FestBonita Springs, Oct. 22, 2022, at Riverside Park; WINK Taste of the Town – Fort Myers, Nov. 5-6, 2022 at Centennial Park; and Taco Fest - Cape Coral, Nov. 19, at Mercola Market

Visit bscevent.com/ to learn more about these events, vendor registration, sponsorship information, and more.

Hope Healthcare to host virtual Career Fair with interviews

Hope Healthcare will host an online Career Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On-the-spot interviews will be offered for multiple positions including RNs, LPNs, CNAs and Social Workers.

Interested candidates are required to register for a time slot by Oct. 10. Applicants will be asked to provide a resume or CV prior to their appointment. All participants will be entered in a drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card.

With more than 40 years of experience as a local, notfor-profit healthcare organization, Hope Healthcare is dedicated to providing care and comfort for people in life’s closing chapter. A team of staff and volunteers offers practical, spiritual and emotional support for the entire family. For more about Hope Healthcare, visit HopeHCS.org.

Southwest Florida International announces August passenger count

During August, 620,532 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a decrease of 4 percent compared to August 2021; however, it was still the second-best August in the 39-year history of the airport. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 11 percent compared to last year.

The traffic leader in August was Delta with 162,532 total passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (115,590), American (105,547), JetBlue (72,551) and United (68,624).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 5,143 aircraft operations, a decrease of 23 percent compared to August 2021. Page Field (FMY) saw 16,125 operations, an 82 percent increase compared to August 2021, which made it the best single month at FMY in nearly 40 years.

Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 10.3 million passengers in 2021 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

PHOTO PROVIDED Lani Kai Island Resort General Manager Ken Conidaris (left) presents Roar Offshore chairman Mike Sheperd with the beach resort's annual sponsorship check.

BEACH LIVING

Kiwanis Club to welcome Beach Elementary principal

Staff Report

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers Beach will be hosting Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Principal Dr. Traci Kohler at their next meeting on Friday, Oct. 14, at 7:30 a.m. at Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Café. Kohler is expected to speak about what’s new this fall at the Beach Elementary School.

On Sept. 16, the club hosted students Brianna Levy and Christopher Prisco, two of the club’s educational scholarship recipients. Levy is a junior at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she is majoring in Sports Management. In January, Prisco will begin his studies in the EMT program at Florida SouthWestern State College.

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers Beach provides educational scholarships and supports many local non-profit organizations through funds raised at its thrift shop. The Kiwanis Thrift Shop is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located at 11050 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers Beach. New merchandise arrives daily. Check the board at the shop entrance for items on sale.

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers Beach is welcoming new members, and now is a great time to join! Membership meetings are open to the public and no RSVP is required. Meetings are $3, which covers the 50-50 raffle and a never-ending cup of coffee. A delicious breakfast of your choice (cash only) is available for purchase from the Bonita Bill’s menu. Bonita Bill’s is located at 702 Fisherman’s Wharf (San Carlos Island).

Learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers Beach and how you can become a member at: www.fortmyersbeachkiwanis.org.

Fort Myers Beach Community Pool closed

Staff Report

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Community Pool has been closed temporarily until further notice.

The town issued the closure Wednesday for the pool located at its Bay Oaks Recreational Campus in consultation with the Florida Department of Health.

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Roger Hernstadt said he was awaiting more information on what caused the closing of the pool. The town is working to secure a company to address the closure.

Please recycle!

PHOTO PROVIDED Brianna Levy (left to right), Secretary Paula McCarthy and Christopher Prisco. Brianna and Christopher are Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club scholarship recipients.

Working waterfront tours resume

STAFF REPORT

The Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center announced it will be renewing its popular and longstanding San Carlos Island Working Waterfront tours Wednesday, Oct. 5 and every Wednesday.

The tour includes a guided visit to the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center featuring a history of the industry and area ecosystems with many exhibits.

The tour includes visits to the San Carlos Island commercial fishing industry properties as well as a video of how a shrimp net works underwater. The tour continues with a visit to the commercial fishing industry docks, includ-

ing Erickson & Jensen Seafood Packers, EE&J Supply House and net shop, Trico Shrimp Co. Loading Docks and Market.

Participants in the tour will see how the fishing boats are unloaded, the trawl doors are built, the shrimp nets are hand-sewn, the seafood is processed, and other important factors used in the local unique industry. Attendees are encouraged to bring cameras for a memorable experience.

The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

For more information, visit the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center website at www.ostegobay.org to make reservations or call 239-7658101.

Upcoming activities at the Fort Myers Beach Library

Fort Myers Beach Library, at 2755 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, will present the following:

Boxcar Exhibit

Arriving Monday, Oct. 3

Parking Lot

Stop by this month and see the Boxcar Exhibit which is on loan to the Library from Jack and F.E. Nortman and the Boxcar Foundation. It is being transported here from the Holocaust Museum and Cohen Education Center in Naples. The boxcar was manufactured in the Vorm Schumann Factory in Germany in 1919 and was in the service of the German Railway System until 1945 and from 1945 to 1969 was in the service of the Austrian State Railway. The boxcar was known by soldiers as “40 and 8” because it could carry 40 soldiers or 8 horses. It is also estimated that anywhere from 70-120 men, women and children were put in these boxcars at one

time by the Nazis.

Meet and Greet the Artist of the Month

Tuesday, Oct, 4, 3 to 5 p.m.

3rd Floor commons area

Come meet and talk with Sherry Diaz (the new Art Teacher at the Beach Elementary School) Don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite painting. Enjoy the artwork of Diaz displayed on the 3rd Floor Commons Area through the end of October.

Don’t forget to share your comments and cast your vote for your favorite one. The one receiving the most votes will be awarded a blue ribbon at the end of the month

Story Time

Every Wednesday in October at 10:30 a.m.

Children can enjoy hearing stories underneath the tree

in the children’s area followed by working on an accompanying craft activity.

Scrabble

Thursday, Oct. 6, 3 to 5 p.m.

Community Room B

Love playing board games? Then come and join the fun and meet new friends while playing this classic word game.

Voter Registration Assistance

Monday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

1st floor

Election Office representatives will be here to answer questions, take new voter registrations or make changes or updates to your current voter registration.

Mound House announces change in fees beginning Oct. 1

STAFF REPORT

The Mound House on Fort Myers Beach will be changing fees around beginning this October for admission, programs and kayak tours, Fort Myers Beach Director of Culture, Parks and Recreation Alison Giesen announced.

Admission will go up from $12 to $15 for adults, with prices staying the same for students at $8 for students with ID, and $5 for ages 6 to 12. Children under age 5 will continue to be allowed in free.

Fort Myers Beach residents will still get 50% off admission, with the price

going up to $7.50 for adults – and staying at $4 for students with ID and $2.50 for ages 6 to 12.

Programs will be $20 for adults (a $5 increase), with the price remaining the same for students and children ages 6 to 12.

Kayak tour prices will be $50 per person and $20 for Mound House members starting Oct. 1.

Family Fun kayak tours will be $30 per person and $15 for Mound House members starting Oct. 1.

Crist visits Fort Myers and hits DeSantis hard

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist made an appearance in Fort Myers on Sept. 20 and went on the offensive in describing his opponent, Gov. Ron DeSantis, as a political opportunist who is more interested in social issues and running for president in 2024 than for governor.

Crist spoke at Cafeteria La Familia on Fowler Street, surrounded by supporters and fellow candidates, and attacked DeSantis on his record regarding abortion and education, his lack of empathy and what he said was a political stunt where DeSantis sent nearly 50 Venezuelan migrants from Texas to Florida to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.

“I talk about having a Florida for all, everybody included, nobody discriminated against,” Crist said. “The way the governor treats people is not that way. The stunt he pulled last week is horrifying. That he is willing to use human beings as pawns for his political game is disturbing and it exposes the true nature of him.”

Crist, who was Florida’s attorney general before becoming governor as a Republican from 2006-10, said he has called on the Department of Justice to look into possible criminal charges against DeSantis. A sheriff in Texas is also looking at possible charges.

Crist also attacked DeSantis on his handling of the homeowner’s insurance crisis, saying he “cares more about the White House than your house,” and on the price of housing and how even one-room apartments have become unaffordable.

Regarding education, Crist said he

would care about students and teachers and teach facts, not what DeSantis wants to conform to his culture wars and his desire to divide people.

“He is trying to divide Florida and he is tearing her apart. That’s his MO. Pitting black against white, men against women, gay against straight, you name it,” Crist said. “We are such a diverse state and you would think Ron doesn’t have a clue.”

Crist said the governor is anti-democracy and trying to strip people of their freedom and making it harder for people to vote.

“This race is not right versus left. It has

gotten so raw that it is right versus wrong,” Crist said. “The other side is loud and proud and that’s OK. But we need to be loud and proud, too. Don’t let anyone intimidate you from the Ron DeSantis election police.”

Crist finished by saying he would make sure the right for women to have an abortion stays intact. DeSantis signed a 15-week bill that has no exception for rape or incest.

“That’s how little he respects women. Imagine your daughter gets raped and she would have to bear a child because of the bill the governor signed,” Crist said. “Who could vote for that person? A woman’s right to choose is the issue of this election.”

Alethia Shapiro, a mother of three, spoke about having to get an abortion in her 17th week of pregnancy because of a fetal anomaly. She said people abort because they have to, usually for medical reasons.

“Thank God I was living in New York and had family support and the best doctors and hospitals who took care of a very heartbreaking situation,” Shapiro said. “If I lived in Florida, I would not have qualified and I feel like stories like mine are missing from the narrative. I didn’t know about it until I got my amnio (amniocentesis) after 16 weeks.”

Many office seekers came to watch. Cindy Banyai, a Democrat running for the U.S. Congress in the 19th District against Republican incumbent Byron Donalds, said she was happy to see Crist come to the district.

“He knows how important this area is and how many voters we have. Charlie is a great vote flipper and he’s going to help us win Southwest Florida,” Banyai said. “He can bring unity because he can talk to people on both sides of the aisle.

Howard Sapp, a Democrat who is running in the State House race in District 78 against Republican incumbent Jenna Persons-Mulicka, said one side is looking at some of the national issues from a perspective that does not seem inclusive.

“We see what’s happening with abortion and immigration and education and those things are a concern to a lot of people and they are not being adequately addressed,” he said. “We know it won’t happen overnight, but we have to begin somewhere and that will be on Nov. 8.”

CHUCK BALLARO

Florida Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist speaks during a campaign event on Sept. 20 at Cafeteria La Familia in Fort Myers.

Fire commissioners keep millage rate flat

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners has approved a $28.89 million budget that will keep its tentative millage rate flat at $2.9851 per thousand dollars of assessed property value pending a final budget hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The millage rate is the same rate the Fort Myers Beach Fire District has had for the

past three years, according to the district's director of finance Jane Thompson.

Attached is copy of the budget that will be advertised in advance of the Final Budget Hearing on September 28th, this version lists the reserves in detail.

The tentative millage rate is 2.9851, which is the same millage rate the District has assessed for the past three years.

The budget includes $11.9 million for a 63-member staff and $12 million for

reserves largely intended for a new firehouse at the former Topps lot next to town hall on Estero Boulevard. The district purchased the two vacant lots in 2020 for $3.99 million.

“We are currently saving funds toward the construction of the new Station 31/headquarters facility,” Thompson said. “The increased costs of materials and labor, cou-

pled with supply chain issues, have escalated the overall cost of the project. We thought it prudent to build our station project reserve while waiting to see the impacts of our current economy. However, in the interim, we continue to work with our contracted professionals for site plan development and architectural services.”

small increase on the surface, when you compile that with the increased fees, when you compile that with the increased property values, when you compile that with the gas prices, when you compile that with what it costs you to buy a gallon of milk, what it costs for these families to take their kids to school every day, all that adds up,” Allers said.

Hosafros said Allers was confusing the town with another place. “People here are not getting less milk for their children because they don't have enough money,” Hosafros said. “This is not a community where people are scraping to get by.”

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Roger Hernstadt said the council could

choose not to furnish the new Bay Oaks buildings and put off the project.

Hosafros, Murphy and Veach called on Allers to compromise on his budget stance or risk further cuts.

“No one's compromised more than me,” Murphy said. “I'm the big compromiser here. I didn't want the lighting at all. I still don't believe the town should light a county road. I don't believe it. I agree with Councilman Veach. I'm not convinced about community policing. Not at all. But I am willing to give it a shot,” he said.

Murphy was taken aback by the suggestion by Allers to take away funds for the Bay Oaks project.

“We've been discussing these items for

years,” Murphy said.

Murphy said the Bay Oaks project had been a compromise project which had been reduced in scope.

“Bay Oaks is the crown jewel of these three projects,” Murphy said. “This is the one that the whole community is going to be able to appreciate and you know that, you know it. You are on the committee (as the council's liaison).”

Veach said the town had already cut back on its Bay Oaks project plans. “We scaled back Bay Oaks,” Veach said. Veach said that to set aside money for Bay Oaks but not equip it didn't make sense.

With Allers refusing to budge from his vote against the budget, Hosafros said the council would have to make other cuts. Hosafros suggested the council remove $250,000 from the budget for a new community policing program, which the council rejected last year. The program would provide more funds to the Lee County Sheriff's Office for additional coverage. Some councilmembers objected to the premise of paying more funds to the Lee County Sheriff's Office last year for the $250,000 when the town is already to fund the department, which has a budget of $230 million. The department also has an outreach center at Beach Baptist Church with another one planned downtown.

Hosafros called the $250,000 annually the town would have to pay to the Lee County Sheriff's Office under the community policing model a “ripoff.”

Veach had introduced the concept of video cameras in town last year in place of community policing.

“I'm really not convinced about the community policing myself,” Veach said. “We haven't negotiated anything. We don't know what it is we get. We've gotten general ideas, concepts but there is really not a lot of specificity on what we get for that $250,000.”

Councilmember Jim Atterholt, who had strongly supported a budget tax increase two weeks earlier, said he would vote against the budget if it removed funds for community policing.

If Atterholt had voted against the budget, the council would have had to make up about $265,000 in cuts, Hernstadt said. Hernstadt said the town would have to cut about $175,000 to get back to the same millage rate last year of .95.

“This was all created by the legislature to put you in this exact pickle,” Hernstadt said to the council.

Other items in the budget include $1 million for sand for the town's beach re-nourishment project and $500,000 for Estero Boulevard lighting.

The council is also losing about $112,000 from the county for its gas tax revenue, due to a formula which penalizes the town for having lost nearly 1,000 people in its population count since the formula was last changed in 2019.

Hosafros also said that beach renourishment and street lights should be paid for by the county. “The beach renourishment used to be paid for by the TDC (Tourist Development Council),” Hosafros said.

Allers said the town could also take away from workforce housing funding.

Ultimately, Allers voted for the budget, saying the street lighting was too important.

on standby awaiting orders.

“Today, I signed an Executive Order issuing a State of Emergency due to the threat of Tropical Depression 9,” said DeSantis on Friday. “This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations. We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm.”

Tropical Depression 9's potential to strengthen and become a major hurricane spurred his decision, DeSantis stated.

The governor urged Floridians and their families to begin preparing and ensuring their family emergency supply kit is ready and stocked with food, water, and medicine.

"By declaring a state of emergency, Governor DeSantis is ensuring that state and local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to prepare," his office declared in a press release.

The severity and track of Tropical Depression 9 continues to evolve with officials fearing the potential for dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, strong winds,

Giving

page 5

state through our Check-a-Charity tool or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-FLAYUDA en Español) to find out if a charity is properly registered, how much the charity is spending on administration and fundraising, and how much money goes to programming.

Search the organization’s name online along with key words like “complaint” and “scam.” Also look for reviews and feedback about the organization. Don’t assume solicitations on social media or crowdfunding campaigns are legitimate — even posts that are shared or liked by your friends.

flash flooding, and the potential for isolated tornadic activity.

Local officials were closely monitoring Tropical Depression Nine early on in anticipation of it potentially turning into a hurricane.

The Fort Myers Beach community pool at Bay Oaks Recreational Campus remains closed.

The Fort Myers Beach Fire District advised residents to start going through early hurricane preparations.

Lee County Department of Transportation prepared to stage equipment near areas that typically experience flooding. The county also coordinated with its fire district partners to ensure accessibility in areas that typically experience wet roadways.

Residents were encouraged to check for debris and obstructions around their properties, including driveway culverts and neighborhood ditches. Private communities should inspect their internal drainage systems’ outfalls and grates.

County staff stands ready to continue monitoring and adjusting as necessary throughout the anticipated storm event.

Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails, texts, Facebook, or Twitter fundraising messages. They can unleash malware.

Ask how much of your donation will go to cover administrative costs like overhead and fundraising expenses. Every charitable organization will have operating expenses, but Wise Giving Alliance recommends that at least 65% of a charity’s total expenses should go directly to serving its mission.

Verify whether your donation is taxdeductible since only certain organizations are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Ask for the organization’s tax-

The American Red Cross is urging families to be prepared, safe and informed.

“Our teams are coordinating with partners, reviewing our response plans, mobilizing volunteers, and preparing supplies, to be ready to provide aid, as needed,” said Josett Valdez, chief executive officer, American Red Cross, South Florida Region, in a prepared statement. “And we urge our neighbors to monitor the storm closely and take the time to prepare.”

Preparedness tips and resources include:

∫ Create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate.

∫ Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.

exempt number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. Donations to individuals are not taxdeductible. Remember that crowdfunding campaigns are not tax deductible.

Always obtain and save a printed copy of your donation or a receipt showing the amount of the contribution.

Pay with a credit card or check to be safe. Do not donate in cash, by gift card, or wire transfer — these forms of payment lack any security measures, making them appealing to scammers.

Don’t give personally identifying information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account number to charitable solicitors.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a partner agency to FDACS at the federal level and has helpful consumer information on how to donate wisely and avoid charity scams. If consumers have concerns or questions about charities, they can file a complaint or find answers at FloridaConsumerHelp.com or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español.

Candidate forum

Disturbance to the lagoon, marshland and other vegetation at the walkover site has been opposed by the Florida chapter of the National Audubon Society over concerns about its impact to the large nesting shorebird population in the area and birds whose status is threatened such as black skimmers, least terns, little blue herons, roseate spoonbills and snowy plovers.

Other issues

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said the questions posed to the candidates at the forum were generated ahead of time through emails to the chamber and its Facebook page. Liszak said the questions were chosen at random at the event.

While the walkover issue generated among the most questions, there were other questions ranging from vacation rental fees, Bay Oaks Recreational Campus, the town's relationship with Lee County government, taxes, climate change and workforce housing.

The town council's workforce housing initiative was an issue during the debate, with several candidates opposing the idea. The council has supported workforce housing at a time of rising rents and vacation rentals in town, has displaced working families on the island.

Murphy defended the workforce housing concept. Island workers used to be able to afford to live on Fort Myers Beach, Murphy said. They “can't live on this island anymore,” he said.

Woodson, who operates a short-term vacation rental, spoke against the town's workforce housing concept. “We don't

have any experience in workforce housing,” Woodson said.

Romcoe said “I don't want to be taxed out of this island with workforce development.”

Woodson said she was also unhappy about the town's increase in short-term vacation rental registration fees and other fee increases. Murphy replied to Woodson by stating that the fee increases proposed for Bay Oaks were approved by the advisory committee Woodson sits on.

“We raised some of them, others (fee increases for Bay Oaks) were left smaller,” Woodson said.

Murphy said the increase in fees and an increase in the millage rate from .95 per thousand dollars of assessed property value to .99 per thousand dollars of assessed property value were necessary to pay for projects important to the community, such as lighting, beach re-nourishment, workforce housing and Bay Oaks. “It could not have been done at the rollback rate,” Murphy said.

“I don't have a problem raising fees if I can see what they are going for,” Woodson said.

A question about climate change brought a range of answers. Murphy said the town was working with Florida Gulf Coast University on a study addressing rising sea levels and the effects of global warming on the beach. Romcoe said he wanted to make sure future generations enjoyed “the same island we came here for.” Woodson said the town's environment was “our most important attribute.”

King took another approach. “I don't have all the answers. I'm just a condo

CANDIDATE FORUM, page 15

John R. King

Mayor Ray Murphy

Patrick Romcoe

Karen Woodson

Candidate forum

owner who wants to do the right thing,” he said. “I'm very skeptical on climate change.”

Getting to know them

The forum was an opportunity for the candidates to tell their personal stories.

Murphy spoke of his mother, a visiting nurse from Canada, and Army veteran father meeting at St. Pete Beach after World War 2 before beginning to invest in real estate on Fort Myers Beach in the 1970's. King spoke about his grandfather immigrating from Italy and working coal mines in Iowa before starting a donut business which the grandson would go on to work for, along with work as a disc jockey and a career with a phone company. Romcoe spoke of growing up on the south side of Chicago, becoming an Eagle Scout mentoring other scouts, dropping out of school, working as a district manager at McDonald’s and eventually becoming a teacher. Woodson's career was spent in human resources management for several companies in Minnesota before retiring to Fort Myers Beach in 2017 and serving as a member of the town's Bay Oaks Recreational Advisory Committee and Local Planning Agency.

“What you see is what you get,” Woodson said.

Referendum on manager

King, Romcoe and Woodson said they did not support Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Roger Hernstadt.

“One of the first things I will try to do is move on to a new town manager,” King said. King said he objected to a recent raise in town fees.

“The town manager has done a total disservice to this town,” Woodson said. “I don't think there is a question as to should we actually renew his contract.”

Mayor's record

As the sole elected incumbent on the council running for re-election in November (Vice Mayor Rexann Hosafros

declined to seek another term), Murphy touted his accomplishments including campaign promised he said he fulfilled.

Murphy's tenure on the town council goes back to the incorporation of the town when he sat on the first council. Due to term limits, Murphy left the council but returned in 2019 and cited efforts to improve water quality and took credit for helping to usher in Margaritaville by saying he encouraged the dropping of a lawsuit which threatened to further delay the resort.

Murphy cited the ongoing projects

being done by the town, including waterline and water main infrastructure projects which he had campaigned on. “If given the chance again, I will continue these

projects. I will finish all these other projects,” he said.

NATHAN MAYBERG

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy with supporter and former mayor Anita Cereceda

Officials: Swatting calls are a nationwide hoax

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The “swatting” call that recently put South Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers in lockdown is part of a nationwide hoax and is currently under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A “swatting” call is a hoax emergency notification intended to initiate a largescale police response.

“The FBI is currently investigating 31 separate situations. Thirty-one separate school systems,” School District of Lee County Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said during a school board meeting following the incident.

He said last they checked the phone calls are originating from a foreign country and the calls are still being made. The South Fort Myers High incident was not a student prank, but rather a national epidemic of swatting and hoax phone calls.

On Sept. 16, a false 911 call came in with a school address alerting law enforcement of an active shooter on the school campus. The 911 calls said there was a gun on campus, which is attached to very specific information,

such as a shooter is armed and students are already perishing, Bernier said.

At the same time, a call was made to a school on the east coast of Florida. Bernier said the Lee County Sheriff’s Office does not call to ask questions, or to see if it is true — they move. If there is an active shooter, time is of the essence.

“Within two short minutes help was on the way,” he said, adding that the Cape Coral Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department, Collier County and Charlotte County also reached out, ready to provide additional support if needed.

“That response and knowing our community is being well served and children have a police force that will respond like that is incredibly important,” Bernier said.

The call came in at 1:04 p.m., and the lockdown occurred by 1:06 p.m. and 1:07 p.m. The students were placed in classrooms, locked behind doors.

TheLCSO issued a statement shortly after the incident, saying “All resources were allocated and deployed to the school” and determined the call to be a hoax.

“Out of an abundance of caution, all schools within Lee

County’s jurisdiction were searched and cleared as deputies and School Resource Officers ensured there were no threats,” Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said in the statement posted to the agency’s Facebook page. “Thank you to the dedicated deputies that diverted their resources to the schools as well as the School Resource Officers. In addition, we are grateful for the Lee County School District’s cooperation and professionalism as all 67 schools in our jurisdiction were checked.”

The message Bernier provided was to make sure students are taught, “See Something. Say Something.” He said when students provide information, the source of that information will be kept private.

“If I do say something, my principal, SRO or teacher will keep my identify under wraps and private. Once we build that, it will make us safer. Our kids in our school buildings represent the communities they come from. They are coming from our neighborhoods, homes and environments. They bring all the greatness and some of our society’s ills,” Bernier said. “I am so deeply grateful for our principals taking the enormity of this task on to read into the cultures of their school buildings.”

An interagency shade, or private, meeting was scheduled for Sept. 22 to continue to look at all options.

Challenge app gives opportunity to win prizes, explore attractions

The new Fort Myers Discovery Challenge app gives residents and visitors a unique way to discover arts, historic and nature attractions throughout Lee County.

Launched by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, the free mobile challenge app includes about 100 attractions, some offering discounts on admission and exclusive deals to participants.

“From inspiring art galleries and

breathtaking nature preserves to varied historic sites, there is so much to discover in our area,” VCB Executive Director Tamara Pigott said. “Both longtime locals and first-time visitors can participate in this challenge and discover all the hidden gems Lee County has to offer.”

Among the 100 participating locations are the Alliance for the Arts, BaileyMatthews National Shell Museum, Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery,

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, Koreshan State Park, Randell Research Center & Calusa Heritage Trail, Sanibel Historical Museum and Village and Williams Academy Black History Museum.

Visit visitfortmyers.com/challenge to download the app to any mobile device. The app can be used to check-in at participating locations to earn points toward a variety of prizes, including:

∫ Fort Myers Tervis Tumbler (15 check-ins)

∫ Fort Myers specialty T-shirt (30 check-ins)

∫ A chance to be entered into a drawing for a stay at the Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers (50 check-ins)

The challenge will end on Dec. 20.

For the complete list of locations and prizes, visit https://www.visitfortmyers .com/challenge.

Parade scheduled for O ct. 6, powerboat races to take place Oct. 8

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Roar Offshore powerboat races are scheduled to hit the waves of Fort Myers Beach Saturday, Oct. 8 with a preview parade downtown on Thursday, Oct. 6. Organizers Tim and Cyndee Hill say they are expecting 70 powerboats this year, two more than participated last year. Teams from around the country are expected to take part this. Last year's event drew boats from as far away as Texas and Kansas.

Those looking to get a close-up view of the boats this year will find the parade the best way to do so. The parade will begin at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 over the Matanzas Pass Bridge and go down along Old San Carlos Boulevard, ending at intersecting streets, Mr. Hill said.

“The parade is the best part of the weekend,” he said.

The boats will be stationed at the American Legion hall on Buttonwood Drive in Fort Myers Beach. There will be no public parking.

Ms. Hill urged folks to arrive on the beach early to

avoid traffic and parking issues.

Lee County will be offering free tram shuttles, Ms. Hill said. There will be a meet-and-greet with the powerboat drivers Friday evening, Oct. 7 at The Whale on Estero Boulevard.

The races begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 and will run until 4 p.m. The races will culminate with an awards ceremony at the Lani Kai Island Resort on Saturday evening. Oct. 8 at 5 p.m.

Edison, Ford estates to host Orchid Sale and

FILE PHOTO

Community Cooperative’s 16th Annual Becoming Cosmopolitan: ‘Gone Country’ fundraising event planned for Oct. 13

Tickets for the popular event to help combat hunger and homelessness now on sale

Community Cooperative, along with presenting sponsor FineMark National Bank & Trust, will host the return of the popular annual fall fundraiser, Becoming Cosmopolitan: “Gone Country,” Thursday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

It’s the 16th year of Community Cooperative’s signature fundraising event, promising Southwest Florida a darn tootin’ good time! Guests will put on their cosmopolitan cowboy boots and two-step over to The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon for an evening featuring cowboy cuisine, country cocktails at the watering hole, line dancing, boutique shopping and incredible silent and live auctions — all while raising money to support the mission of ending hunger and homelessness in Lee County.

“With the rising costs of gas, food and rent, people in our community are relying on us now more than ever,” said Stefanie Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “We are extremely excited to be able to host the fundraiser this year after having to take a couple of years off due to the pandemic.”

Tickets now on sale. Save the date and invite friends for the 16th annual Becoming Cosmopolitan: Gone Country.

Sponsorships as well as donations for silent and live auctions are needed. Contact Beth@CommunityCooperative .com or call 239-332-7687 ext. 101 for more information.

About Community Cooperative

For 37 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sus-

tained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity. For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Tami Holliday at Tami@communitycooperative.com or call 239-3327687. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at www.CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

Edison, Ford estates to host Orchid Sale and Symposium

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold its annual Orchid Sale and Symposium on Oct. 1-2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Workshops will be offered and vendors will have rare and unusual orchids for sale.

Orchids also will be available in the Garden Shoppe.

The workshop schedule is as follows: Oct. 1:

∫ “Introduction to Orchids” with Mickey Carnell from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

∫ “Benign Neglect” with Robert Riefer from 11 a.m. to noon

∫ “Orchid Mounting” with Debbie Hughes from 1 to 2 p.m.

∫ “Growing Orchids from Seed” with Jim Davison from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 2:

∫ “Growing Orchids in Trees” with Debbie Hughes from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

∫ “Unraveling the Mysteries of Orchid Potting” with Stan Grigiski from 11 a.m. to noon

∫ “Democratization of Affordable

Orchids” with Robert Riefer 1 to 2 p.m.

∫ “My Favorite Orchids” with John Hampton from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

A daily ticket of $20 for members and $25 for non-members will be required for the workshops.

Participating vendors will include Bello Tropicals, OFE Orchid Supplies, Palmer Orchids, Smiley's Orchids & Greenery, So Orchids, Sunland Orchids, and Tropiflora. A limited number of garden carts will be available; attendees are encouraged to bring their own.

Live music will be provided, plus food and beverage vendors will have items available for purchase. Southwest Florida Orchid Society representatives will have information about the group and membership. Attendees can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a rare native vanilla orchid.

For more information, visit EdisonFord.org.

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

Annual Fright Night at Bay Oaks to be held Oct. 21

Volunteers needed for games, haunted house and candy distribution

The annual Fright Night, a Halloween tradition in the Town of Fort Myers Beach for young and old alike, will be held at Bay Oaks Recreational Campus on Friday, Oct. 21.

The event will be held inside the gym from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The fun will include a climbing rock wall, bounce houses, games and prizes, toddler zone, costume contest, haunted house and food for purchase.

The cost is $5 a person or $15 for a family of four. Payment in the form of cash only will be accepted at the entrance.

Volunteers are also needed for this event. To volunteer or find out more information, call Bay Oaks at 239-7654222.

Donations of unopened bags of candy are also needed. These can be dropped off at the FMB Community Pool at 2600 Oak Street or at Bay Oaks at 2731 Oak Street.

Attendees attend an

workshop at the

and Ford

in Fort Myers.

PHOTO

Wine and cheese pairing event at Edison and Ford

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is partnering with The Wine Room and Grazing Haus to offer visitors the opportunity to sample wine and cheese at the historic site. The event will take place on Friday, Oct. 7, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the river pavilion, along the Caloosahatchee River.

Guests are invited to sip wine, enjoy relaxing music and have a chance to see a beautiful sunset. Each participant will receive two red wine tastings and two white from different regions, paired with four cheese samples. Instructors from The Wine Room and Grazing Haus will discuss the pairings and will have additional wine and cheese available for purchase.

Tickets are $75 for non-members and $65 for Edison Ford members. Advance, online registration is required by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 3. Space is limited. Register at EdisonFord.org.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers.

Estates

Rock the Stage holding auditions for competition

An annual music competition for all ages has returned to Southwest Florida.

A community event and fundraiser presented by the Lewis P. Tabarrini Children’s Music Outreach Foundation, the 2nd Annual Rock the Stage is the largest music competition in the region.

Singers, groups, bands, instrumentalists, choirs and more are encouraged to audition. Anyone of any age can participate; a solo or group, performing covers or original music. All participants who audition will receive input from professional musicians to help them grow as musicians.

Auditions are held on Sundays from now through Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in two divisions: Under 18 and 18 and Over. To schedule an audition, visit rockthestageswfl.com or call 239-932-7625.

Video audition submissions are also being accepted.

Send them to rockthestage2021@gmail.com before Oct. 30. If chosen to perform live, those submitting videos will be required to attend.

The top 12 from each age group will perform and showcase their talent on Nov. 19 at Rock the Stage Semifinals Showcase at the Alliance for the Arts, at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. General admission tickets are $10 and VIP tickets are $100. For tickets or more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-the-stage-2022-semifinal-showcase-tickets-400848878787.

The top five from each age group will then compete in the finals on Dec. 11 at the 2nd Annual Rock the Stage Fest, a family-fun event and fundraiser at the Alliance for the Arts with local and national acts, vendors, food, drinks and more. The music lineup will include School of Rock House Band, The Patina Turners, Roxx Revolt & the Velvets, Bargain Bin

Heroes, KISS Alive, the ultimate Kiss Tribute Band, and A/C DC tribute band Shoot to Thrill. General admission tickets are $10 (bring your own chairs) and VIP tickets are $25. For tickets or more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-the-stage-fest-tickets400901054847.

The winner in each division will receive recording session time to record a four-song EP at MOON SOUND and other recording studios. They will also receive a free year of the Performance, Songwriting or Band Coaching programs from School of Rock Fort Myers, a custom (EPK) press pack from S2R Studios, local news coverage by ABC7 Southwest Florida, a headline slot or opening act for a national headliner at Buddha LIVE, a paid performance at Rock the Stage 2023 and more.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Guests enjoy beverages and a sunset along the Caloosahatchee River at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Year-round water conservation helps protect water resources

By SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District operates water management infrastructure to store excess water that can be used in drier conditions?

Additional storage infrastructure projects like the EAA Reservoir Project, Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir and C-44 Reservoir will help reduce the harmful discharge of excess water out of the system while storing it for when communities and the environment can use it.

In South Florida, water is a precious resource that must be managed and conserved year-round to protect our communities and natural systems. Right now, conditions are drier-than-normal the last couple of months. Even in the wet season, residents and businesses are always encouraged to conserve water.

The following simple water conservation tips can be used to help save water year-round and protect South Florida's water resources — rain or shine:

∫ Watch the weather. Check the forecast to see if rain is on the way before turning on your irrigation system. Most South Florida residents can turn off their irrigation

systems completely during the wet season.

∫ Water efficiently. A healthy landscape only needs 1 inch to 1.5 inches of water per week during the summer. South Florida typically receives sufficient rainfall throughout the summer, and supplemental irrigation is not needed.

∫ Install a rain sensor. It recognizes when nature provides the water your lawn needs and shuts off automatic sprinklers. The sensors go bad from time to time. Check it to make sure they are working properly.

∫ Use a rain barrel. It can be used to store water onsite and supplement irrigation in your garden.

Conserving water is always in season, regardless of the weather outside. The SFWMD reminds all residents to conserve water and follow your local landscape irrigation restrictions.

For more information, visit https://www.sfwmd.gov /community-residents/water-conservation?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.

Monthly water sample results

The Calusa Waterkeeper recently released it and the Florida Department of Health's water sample results for fecal indicator bacteria for the month of September. For more information and an interactive map, visit https://calusawaterkeeper.org/.

PROVIDED BY CALUSA WATERKEEPER

Use caution around overhead power lines

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation

Foundation recently provided an update on Eden Oak. It reported that the zoning case will go before the Lee County Commission for a vote at its Nov. 2 meeting.

County rules prohibit direct communication with the board on zoning issues, but those who testified at the Hearing Examiner level will be allowed to present public comments at the meeting. The SCCF reported that it is working with community leaders in the Shell Point Retirement Community area to set up a pre-zoning vote informational meeting. For all of the county documents and latest updates, visit the SCCF Eden Oak

By LCEC

If you take the time to look up, you’ll notice that overhead power lines are everywhere. Practicing caution around these lines is the responsibility of everyone. When it comes to being safe around overhead power lines, it is essential to:

∫ Look up to locate all overhead power lines.

∫ Stay at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines.

∫ Never touch anything that comes into contact with a power line.

∫ Always carry ladders or tall equipment horizontally. It is smart to use wooden or fiberglass ladders outdoors since metal ladders conduct electricity, but remember, even wood can conduct electricity if it is even somewhat wet.

∫ Never climb trees near power lines.

∫ Never fly kites, remote control airplanes, drones or balloons around power lines.

If you see a downed line, stay away. It is best to always assume that a downed power line is live and could be deadly. If you see a downed power line:

∫ Call 911.

∫ Never try to move a downed line.

∫ Never drive over or near a downed power line or anything in contact with them. Downed lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away. This distance can increase in wet conditions.

For more ways to be safe around overhead power lines and electricity, visit lcec.net.

webpage at https://www.sccf.org/ourwork/environmental-policy/eden-oak.

SCCF

Return of the garage sale!

By ISABELLE WELLS

Our garage sale is back!

It will be held Oct. 1 and 2 starting at 8 a.m. We found a great place right across from the corner house where we held the event previously; it’s at 7878 Buccaneer Drive. Thanks to Tom and Joan for letting us use their driveway.

We will be collecting gentle items the week before the sale. We also are looking for help that week to transport everything we have in storage and help with set up.

Please or text Isabelle at 239-2810739, thank you! If you would like to bake for us please let us know as well!!

In desperate need of fosters

We desperately need fosters. If you can spare some time and help it would be great. Also needed is transporters please call Isabelle at 239-281-0739.

Island pets seeking forever homes

Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue

Saving four little ones!

We need your help. I understand it might be a lot but we are hoping to rescue four little Yorkies from a breeder. Two females (one young and one older) and two males (one young and one older as well). If you can take all of them that is great but if you can’t that is OK. Maybe a couple of them. They will need to be bathed frequently since they have ringworms. All veterinarian costs will be paid. It is contagious so if you have other dogs it won’t work unless you are extremely careful. These little guys do not deserve this!! We do not have a lot of information except that the dogs need to go in a safe place.

Thanks for your interest and hope we can save them.

If you would like to foster please email us at pets@findahomegiveahome.com or call/text Isabelle at 239-2810739. There are multiple dogs there but we can only get 4 out at this time.

Visit us on Facebook Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue

P.O. Box 2312, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932. Donations can be made at: www.findahomegiveahome.com

Save Our Strays Feline Rescue Fort Myers Beach

Call

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com

Founder of Save Our Strays Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach Cats are still being left behind at various locations where people are either moving or just dumping their cats. Three domestic cats were at three different colonies where they had been dumped off. This is not acceptable and no animal deserves to be dumped somewhere they have never been before. It is not that hard to pick up the phone and call a rescue if you can’t keep your animal or take it to a safe shelter but please, do not just dump it off where you think it might get fed.

Drag Queen Bingo to benefit save our strays feline rescue

Come and join the fun on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 1520 Broadway in downtown Fort Myers and also Friday, Oct. 7, at Page Field Commons. Starts at 7 p.m. Come out and have a great night, some great food and drinks and help us raise money for our rescue. 50/50 Raffle tickets will be available also.

Alana

Alana is a gorgeous steel gray female cat with white bib and white feet. She is 2 years old and is a laidback cat that would be excellent in a condo environment. She has an offspring named Jill who looks just like her and would enjoy staying with Alana also if possible.

Chelsea has very rare coloring as is brown and white and has brown eyes. She is approximately 18 months old. She, too, is laid-back and once she gets to know you is very affectionate.

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

WHAT A CATCH!

Capt. Dave’s Fishing Report

With September being pretty slow, I took a bus-man's holiday with my wife Friday morning, Sept.17, to fish for a few hours in southern Estero Bay. We were after anything that would provide a meal of fish tacos. We used live shrimp to catch four keeper mangrove snapper to 12 inches, along with three sheepshead, all around 14 inches--mission accomplished!

Captain Dave's Fishing Tips

Fishing tip #1: Lots of folks love the thrill of a goliath grouper on their line. These fish are a protected species. Care must be taken to release them while they are still in the water; anglers who do not do so face penalties. These fish can get huge. The largest I have caught, using girth and length measurements was estimated at 384 pounds! For these monsters, I use a 9/0 Aftco Star rod with 125# test (Andi) with 250 lb. steel cable, and a small piece of 20 oz. weight. I use a 14/0 Sea Demon hook with BIG live bait--

Stingrays and batrays work best. Good luck!

Fishing tip #2: The king mackerel bite is hot a few times per year around here. Live, rocky bottom in 25’ to 35’ has historically produced steady action. My favorite way to fish for them is with light tackle which, in my opinion, provides an edge over heavy tackle. With either mono or braided line, a three-foot, 30 # leader and 6 “ of Tyger Leader, I use an extralong 1/0 or 2/0 hook. Shrimp, herring and blue-runners are top choices for live bait. A light drag will help decrease break-off when he hits and heads for the horizon. A small amount of live chum will keep the action steady. A commonly known small ledge off the Waldorf Astoria in north Naples is often a good spot, if the kings are running yet, and water temp is in the mid-70s: This spot should appear on local charts.

–Capt.DaveHanson

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Angler Aaron Matlock with a 12-inch mangrove snapper, one of eight mangrove snappers he and his friends caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on a recent inshore Fishbuster Charter.

ABOVE: Angler Jack Eaves with a 25-inch redfish, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on a recent inshore Fishbuster Charter. Redfish opened on September 1st, so this one was a keeper.

LEFT: Angler Dave Schorrenberg with a 14-inch sheepshead, one of three this size he and his friends caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on a recent inshore Fishbuster Charter.

Angler Dave Schorrenberg with a 13-inch sand bream, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on a recent inshore Fishbuster Charter.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Beach Baptist Farmers Market starts Wednesday, Oct. 5

Beach Baptist Farmer's Market offering fresh local produce, seafood, Cuban Food, BBQ, baked goods, coffee, dips, arts, crafts, clothing, organic skincare and jewelry.

Wednesdays and Fridays, October-May, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 130 Connecticut St. on Fort Myers Beach. Proceeds benefit church. Info at 41markets.com.

Registration begins for ‘Scarecrows in the Park’

The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation invites the Southwest Florida community to participate in its 13th annual “Scarecrows in the Park” competition. Entries will be exhibited Oct. 14-30 in the Children’s Garden at Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, and will be part of the of the Lakes Park Fall Festival.

Businesses, organizations, school and youth groups and individuals are encouraged to participate. The deadline for registration and naming your scarecrow is Sept. 30. Entries must be brought to the park fully assembled.

A team of celebrity judges will select the winners opening night from 5-6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14, and People’s Choice voting will continue throughout the festival.

Proceeds will benefit park-enhancing projects and programs funded and managed by the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation.

Registration is open now, and full details and registration forms are at www.LakesPark.org. Call 239-5337578 or email Info@LakesPark.org with questions.

Wet and specialty walks planned at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

The Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve announced the schedule for the Guided Wet Walks at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, at 7751 Penzance Road, Fort Myers.

The walks allow participants to see a cypress swamp up close. They are led by trained guides along a trail immersed in the heart of the slough that is usually closed to the public. Water levels may reach chest high, depending on recent rainfall. The trail is safe and has welcomed visitors for over 50 years.

The schedule for the walks is as follows:

■ Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

■ Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

■ Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

■ Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

■ Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

■ Oct. 29 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

In addition, there are new specialty walks being offered at the preserve.

On Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., “Gifts of Wetland Plants” will be led by slough volunteer Heather Gienapp. The walk will focus on ethnobotany. Gienapp has spent years learning and practicing wilderness skills and crafts. She will focus on the ways some of the plants in the slough can be used by humans for everyday needs, such as shelter, fire, food and medicine.

The cost per walk is $15 for members or $25 for non-members. In addition, the parking fee is $1 per hour per vehicle or $5 per day; Lee County Annual Parking

Trio of October performances rounds out Fall Concert Series at Shell Point’s Tribby Arts Center

Shell Point Retirement Community Fall Concert Series concludes with three October performances in Connie Brown Hall at the Tribby Arts Center.

Isaac FernándezHernández will perform “Colors in Rhythm” on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Hernandez received his Master of Music degree from Boston University under the supervision of timpanist Tim Genis and completed his undergraduate studies at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He was appointed as section percussionist of the Southwest Florida Symphony in 2014 and in 2015, he made his Carnegie Hall debut as principal timpanist of the International Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. He performs regularly with the Naples Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Orlando Philharmonic, The Florida Orchestra and Palm Beach Opera.

On Tuesday, Oct 13 at 7 p.m., the Southwest Florida Symphony String Quartet brings another creative and educational TinyConcert to the Tribby Arts Center. This performance features a

Stickers are accepted.

For reservations, contact sloughfriendswetwalks@yahoo.com.

For more information, visit www.sloughpreserve.org.

San Carlos Bay Sail & Power Squadron upcoming classes

San Carlos Bay Sail & Power Squadron is a local subordinate unit of United States Power Squadrons.  Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects.

Upcoming classes:

∫ Oct. 8, at 8:15 a.m. - America’s Boating Course (8 hr)

For more information visit http://www.scbps.com or call 239-4664040.

KLCB fundraiser to offer resort stay as ball drop prize

Keep Lee County Beautiful recently reported that a five-day four-night stay at the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva is the winning prize for its golf ball drop fundraiser, set to take place on Oct. 21 at its 32nd annual “GO GREEN” Golf Tournament at The Plantation Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers.

Organized by an all-volunteer board of directors, the golf tourney is KLCB’s largest fundraiser. The sold-out tournament in 2021 was the most profitable ever with a net profit just shy of $40,000.

This year, KLCB hopes to raise even more for a new initiative called “Growing Community Roots,” a program putting agriculture back into schools. The program sees high school students caring for native trees on their campuses. When the trees reach maturity, they are used in

small ensemble, so the audience has an opportunity to become acquainted with individual musicians and the unique and beautiful sound they each contribute to the full orchestra.

The Ben Rosenblum Trio will perform Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. Described as an impressive talent by “All About Jazz,” Ben Rosenblum is a New York City-based jazz pianist, accordionist and composer and a recent graduate of the joint program between Columbia University and The Juilliard School of Music. His work has garnered numerous awards, including the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award and two Downbeat Student Music Awards for composition and arrangement. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, the Allen Room at Lincoln Center, Ryles Jazz Club, Webster Hall, Symphony Space, and The Blue Note.

Tickets are $40 for each concert. Visit TribbyArtsCenter.com for tickets or call 239-415-5667 for more information.

KLCB beautification projects and/or sold to raise funds for the school and KLCB.

Ball drop participation is open to players and non-players; winners do not have to be present.

The cost is $20 per ball or $100 for six balls.

For more information or to purchase balls, visit https://bit.ly/KLCB_Balldrop.

Al-Anon and Al-Ateen meetings

Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help.

Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-5645098 or visit www.SouthFloridaAlAnon.org. Meetings are held every day in Lee County.

Al-Ateen meetings are also offered for ages 10-18.

Have an event, meeting, concert or fundraiser coming up?

Let

news@breezenewspapers.com

HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Editor’s note: Those looking for service information are urged to call their house of workship of choice as many are making changes due to recommended social distancing parameters.

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church of Fort Myers Beach

Rev. Shawn Critser 130 Connecticut St., 463-6452, BeachBaptist.org

CATHOLIC

St. Columbkille

Catholic Church 12171 Iona Road, 489-3973 StColumbkille.com

Church of the Ascension 6025 Estero Blvd., 463-6754 ascensionfmb@yahoo.com

EPISCOPAL

St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church

Rev. Jean Hite 5601 Williams Drive, 463-6057 StRaphaelsChurch.org

Iona Hope Episcopal

Rev. Ray Buchanan 9650 Gladiolus Drive, 454-4778 Fort Myers, FL 33908 IonaHope.org

LUTHERAN - ELCA

St. Peter Lutheran Church

Rev. Sharon Taylor 3751 Estero Blvd. 463-4251, St.PeterFMB.com

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE

Temple Beth El

Rabbi Nicole Luna 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers 239-433-0018

Temple Judea

Rabbi Marc Sack 14486 A&W Bulb Road 433-0201, TJSWFL.org

PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

Chapel by the Sea

Rev. Dr. James Berger 100 Chapel St., 463-3173 ChapelBTS.org

Westminster (pca)

Pastor Byron West 9065 Ligon Court, 481-2125 office@wpcfortmyers.org

SWEDENBORG WORSHIP

New Church of Southwest Florida

Rev. Gabriella Cahaley 10811 Sunset Plaza Circle 481-5535 NewChurchFlorida.org

UNITARIAN

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

Rev. CJ McGregor 2756 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 239-226-0900

UNITED METHODIST

Beach UMC

Pastor Samantha Aupperlee 155 Bay Road, 463-9656 BeachUnitedMethodist.org

Faith UMC

Pastor Dennis Lewis, Jr. 15690 McGregor Blvd. 482-2030, FaithUM.com

September 28,

Coconut Point in Estero to host Bridal Walk event

In celebration of the grand openings of bridal vendors Vow’d and Laura Jacobs Bridal, Coconut Point will host a Bridal Walk on Sept. 30 at the outdoor mall, at 23106 Fashion Dr, Estero.

All day long, participating stores will offer in-store events and consultations.

From 5 to 8 p.m., brides-to-be can visit stores for the chance to enter to win a free bridal gown at Vow’d, bridal accessories at Laura Jacobs Bridal, $500 toward jewelry at Blue Diamond jewelers, or a photo shoot overlooking the lakes of Coconut Point.

Participating stores will provide interactive experiences and demos to help attendees find almost all their wedding needs — from bridal gowns, flowers, rings, registry items, catering and more.

For more information, visit the “Events” tab at https://www.simon .com/mall/coconut-point.

IMAG to feature ‘Tutankhamun: Return of the King’ exhibit

In association with The Origins Museum Institute, the IMAG History and Science Center in Fort Myers invites the public to its opening on Oct. 1 for the “Tutankhamun: Return of the King” exhibition.

Thirty-four centuries ago, a young pharaoh, worshiped as a god, was laid to eternal rest in all his splendor, his rule mysteriously cut short by an unknown tragedy. Hidden in darkness beneath the desert sand for over 3 millennia, his spectacular golden treasures were finally brought to light by Howard Carter in 1922, to begin fulfilling their ancient magical task of ensuring that the name of Tutankhamun, the long-forgotten boy pharaoh, would live forever.

While the experience of seeing the original artifacts is unsurpassable, there are enormous benefits to viewing the reproductions in the exhibit. The sheer number of replicas in the Tutankhamun exhibit collection far exceeds the number of original objects from the tomb which have been allowed to leave the Egyptian Museum for view abroad. Many of the more impressive artifacts will never be seen in the United States but for these replicas, including such spectacles as the golden Canopic Shrine, the golden State Chariot, the iconic golden Mummy Case and the Bejeweled Mummy of the pharaoh himself.

Superbly reproduced, the magnificent collection of legendary artifacts faithfully preserves the grandeur and mystery of the most astonishing archaeological treasure ever discovered. Because all pharaohs were buried with the same sacred artifacts, more or less, Tutankhamun’s own treasures were replicas in their day. Crafted from the same ancient, traditional designs, the riches in this collection of 130 artifacts are presented as a portrait of an ancient individual and the remote times in which he lived. Instead of traditionally focusing on the chambers of the tomb, the artifacts in the exhibit are grouped according to aspects of the pharaoh’s life: the Introductory Hall, the Hall of the Discovery, the Private Pharaoh, the Public Pharaoh and the Sacred Burial.

The exhibition brings to life the opulent age of 18th Dynasty Egypt. The replicas of the pharaoh’s sacred and personal pos-

sessions, along with associated artifacts from the period surrounding Tutankhamun’s reign, reconstruct the historic discovery of the tomb and the life and times of Egypt’s celebrated boy king. Ten years in the making, from the artisans of the Pharaonic Village in Egypt and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the collection of Tutankhamun treasure reproductions celebrates the centennial discovery of the tomb recreating the richest archaeological find in all its glory.

For more information, visit theIMAG.org or call 239-2430043.

The IMAG History and Science Center is at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers.

Registration open for children's camps at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates offers educational programs for grade school children throughout the year. Day camps are held when Lee County schools are closed and summer camp is held during the summer months. Registration is open for camps during the 2022-2023 school year.

Camps take place in the "living laboratory,” where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford made history. No experience is required to participate in these fun and fast-moving camps. Each camp is designed for students currently in grades K-5, unless otherwise noted. Campers must bring their own lunch and snacks. All camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Edison Ford members receive a discount on camp registration. Register at EdisonFord.org.

Camp offerings are:

∫ Spooky Science

Oct. 14

This one-day chemistry camp is a tradition at Edison Ford with a spooky twist.

Students will watch a lava lamp demonstration with black lights and fluorescent colors, a dry ice demonstration with ghost bubbles and spooky foggy effects, and make glow-in-the-dark slime. Cost: $50 for non-members; $45 for Edison Ford members.

∫ Fantastic Physics

Nov. 21-23

This camp will explore experiments that relate to all kinds of waves, including water, sound, and light. Students will explore different experiments that relate to Newton’s Laws of Motion. This is a conceptual physics camp and a math prerequisite is not required. Cost: $150 for non-members; $135 for Edison Ford members.

∫ Simple Machine Science

Dec. 22-23

This engineering camp is focused on the six simple machines: wheel and axle, wedge, lever, screw, ramp, and pulley. Campers will engage in engineering challenges that relate to each simple machine.

Powerboat races From page 17

The races starts and finishes in the Gulf of Mexico near The Beach Bar, with the first turn in the area in front of the Junkanoo and the final turn near the Fort

Myers Beach Pier.

“We do this for the love of the sport,” Mr. Hill said. “We're just passionate about the sport and our community.”

All activities demonstrate how each machine applies a mechanical advantage to make work easier. Cost: $100 for nonmembers; $90 for Edison Ford members.

∫ Designing the Future (Engineering and Design)

Dec. 26-30

In this design and innovation camp, campers will learn how to manage “the problem space” with an engineering design process. In addition to solving engineering challenges, campers will also learn simple computer aided design (CAD) and get to work with 3D printers and 3D pens. Cost: $185 for non-members; $160 for Edison Ford members.

∫ The Four Forces of Flight (Rockets and Flight)

Jan. 2-6

This camp focuses on the four forces of flight: lift, gravity, drag, and thrust. Activities include paper airplane design, foam rockets, and water rockets -- all tied to

concepts of Newton’s Laws of Motion and the forces of flight. Cost: $185 for nonmembers; $160 for Edison Ford members.

∫ Creative Coding (Grades 2-5 only)

March 20-24

This school break camp is only for grades second through fifth, as this camp requires basic literacy skills. Students will learn Scratch and other “word block” coding. Essentially, this is a code crash course. Campers will work to create a finished program that can be a story, game, or an interactive card to a family member or friend. Campers will learn the basics, such as “if/else” statements, with the main focus on learning how to use variables. Cost: $230 for non-members; $200 for Edison Ford members.

∫ STEAM Explorers

April 7 (Good Friday)

In this camp, students will learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, along with history. Cost: $50 for non-members; $45 for Edison Ford members.

Tim and Cyndee Hill belong to Fort Myers Offshore, a group of offshore boating enthusiasts. The group raises funds to help students pursue higher education.

A full schedule for the Fort Myers Beach Roar Offshore event can be found at www.roaroffshore.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED A replica of King Tut’s burial mask.

AFFORDABLE

Myers Beach Observer