Pine Island Eagle

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VolumE 48, NumbEr 23

GPICA discusses post-hurricane help for islanders

Last Tuesday, Oct 1, the Greater Pine Island Civic Association had its monthly general meeting, via Zoom, providing an update on how islanders were doing posthurricane Helene

Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane was asked to attend and give an overview of how the hurricane is impacting the county and what resources Pine Islanders have available. Greater Pine Island Alliance co-founder Aaron Barreda as well as Executive Director Erin LollarLambert were also asked to give a presentation

According to Ruane, Hurricane Helene created a lot

m

Reimbursement from this storm is going to be challenging, he said

Additional stor m-related infor mation is provided inside today’s Eagle

“There are so many thresholds that we have to meet whether it’s roads, whether it’s parks, whether it’s debris Our worst fear is that we’re going to be paying for everything, probably with no opportunity for reimbursement,” Ruane said

Hurricane Helene was enough of a flood event to wreak havoc, but not enough to see any real reimbursement, he said. Help from FEMA is stretched from having gone through multiple states after Helene, and considering that, Lee County is doing very well

“We’re fortunate to be in the place we are and I’m grateful that our area has the resiliency to take care of this

Hurricane Helene floods much of Pine Island

As CW Fudge Factory owner William Tidball surveyed the scene in Matlacha, he couldn’t help but compare Pine Island’s post-Helene conditions to something out of science fiction

“We flooded We did a lot during Hurricane Ian recovery to mitigate our losses, but we’re wet again It’s Ground Hog Day. William and Carlos are hamsters on a wheel, who cannot get off of it,” Tidball said, half joking

Tidball was quick to include all of the island, saying it seems everyone who went through Hurricane Ian two years ago is likely experiencing the same deja vu as he and partner Carlos Gomez He did say that he felt

there was more storm surge from Hurricane Helene than Hurricane Ian

“It caught me off guard, because I thought it’s so far off the coast, we’re not gonna feel it It felt like more water than Ian because my house flooded It’s another day of closing my eyes and saying to myself, ‘What can I live without that got wet? It’s gone, let it go ’ Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be spending the 2-year anniversary of Ian, living it

See HURRICANE HELENE, page 14

Storm surge from Hurricane Helene flooded Matlacha.

without a lot of help from state or federal not to say we’re not gonna go for funding, it’s just gonna be a lot more challenging from a priority point of view,” Ruane said

Barreda said not only county but also state officials are checking in with the GPIA to make sure Pine Island’s needs are met

“There are volunteer organizations that are active in disasters We are here for preparedness, response and recovery we coordinated with the American Red Cross to make sure supplies could come,” Barreda said When talking about emergency response or disaster recovery before a storm, state EOC stands up, Barreda said One of those functions is volunteer coordination

See GPICA, page 19

‘Adopt

a Dolphin’ wall sculpture auction Sunday at Tarpon Lodge

Fourth annual fundraiser for Greater Pine Island Chamber

The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce is hosting its fourth annual wall sculpture auction, “Adopt a Dolphin,” Sunday, Oct 13, from 4-7 p m The event will be held at the Tarpon Lodge, in the shade at Island House This lovely outdoor setting will set the tone for a wonderful fun casual time The bar will be open and a lighter fare menu offered if you would like. Bob Mueller will provide some entertainment

Starting at 4 p m there will be time to see and enjoy the 22 dolphin on display Make sure you arrive early, as a free Wicked Dolphin cocktail will be available as well as free door prizes being given away before 5 p.m. Thanks to Matlacha on Shoreview for a two-night stay giveaway, valued at over $500, and a Wicked Dolphin gift basket

At 5 p m , island resident auctioneer Isacc Holeva will take the microphone and start things rolling

The chamber thanks the 20 island businesses that

See ‘ADOPT A DOLPHIN,’ page 20

One of the dolphins created for the auction.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Owners working to save Capt’n Cons

Restaurant damaged by Hurricane Helene

Very recently, Capt’n Cons restaurant owner Luretta Wilson described herself as a very hard worker who loves the restaurant business In her own words, all she had when she came to Pine Island in the 1980s was a baby and a little box of clothes but she made it and ended up going to work in the Bokeelia Crab Shack Restaurant When the owner told her they were leaving and that they would sell to her if she wanted, Wilson asked a few of the help if they wanted to go in with her to buy the business, to which they said yes.

“I took everything I had, went to the bank, got the money whatever I had to do, then I paid the rent and bought some g r o c

since,” Wilson said Wilson is no stranger to hard work, indeed, as she explained that even a broken hip did not stop her from returning to her great love Capt’n Cons, whether it was to do prep work or to bus her own tables

“Back a few years ago I fell and broke my hip and it’s just been one thing after another For years and years I used to go in there and cook, and probably until the last year or so, I would go in there and do dishes for hours, I would bus tables I don’t ask my employees to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself,” Wilson said

Without calamity creating a reason, Wilson is likely to have kept at her position, running Capt’n Cons, the same as she has for years Although Hurricane Ian basically left the Bokeelia side of Pine Island intact, Bokeelia residents and business owners did not have the same for-

along with two of her daughters who help run the business, are now tasked with figuring out a way to save Capt’n Cons Had the restaurant caught fire or been robbed or vandalized, insurance would have covered any losses, Wilson said Flood was the one catastrophe not covered.

“We lost every piece of equipment we had, plus, almost every bit of food we had The freezers were full but, in the

over, so all the product that I thought was safe is ruined,” Wilson said

Wilson admits that she has regrets for not purchasing the building along with Capt’n Cons, back in 1995, and says that she is likely owner of one of the oldest restaurants on Pine Island For 20 years or better, Wilson said she has been on a 30-day notice with the building owners

This has worked for many years, as she said they know by now exactly who she is Since Wilson is dealing with health

flood waters right into the restaurant, Wilson and her daughters will need help to continue

“I have a hard time using my arms and my hands I’m just in really bad shape Before I would work 16 hours a day, whatever it took to keep the restaurant up and going,” Wilson said Wilson’s daughter Rachel has sent out an S O S to all of Pine Island, via word of mouth and social media for help during this uncertain time After all these years, as the owner of Capt’n Cons Fish House, Wilson and her family’s name has come to equal something steady and well counted on She’s built her career as a restaurateur on Pine Island proving exactly that

Pine Island Food Pantry Halloween Festival Oct. 19

The Pine Island Food Pantry will once

island kids (up to 12 years old) Saturday, Oct 19, from noon to 2 p m , at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 1

There will be a deejay, costume contest,

candy, games, prizes, bake sale, hot dogs and more. There will be gift baskets to raffle and a silent auction, too

food item per family is requested

All Greater Pine Island Children and families are welcome

OPINIONS

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Lessons learned?

Bad memories of the past marked the twoyear anniversary of Hurricane Ian here in Southwest Florida

Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island and Matlacha all saw inundating storm surge again with Fort Myers and the Cape seeing flooding as well as Hurricane Helene raced off Florida’s Gulf Coast to make landfall in the Big Bend community of Perry as a devastating category 4 storm

Locally, homes and streets took on water while sand, muck and mire filled coastal roadways, yards and pools more heartbreak for those of us, residents and businesses alike, who have rebuilt or are in the process still

Regionally, Helene became the deadliest s t o r m

havoc though six southeastern states from Florida up through Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and parts of Virginia with a death toll exceeding 200 as of press time and hundreds of individuals still unaccounted for

Whole towns are gone Entire families are missing.

Damage is expected to top $35 billion

We, as a community, can say with heart that we feel their pain, share their loss, and that we stand behind them as they mourn, recover and rebuild

May the post-storm challenges Southwest

Hurricane Ian be lessons learned so the structural and material recovery efforts, at the least, not be a second wave of trauma for those who saw homes, businesses and the efforts a lifetime swept away

First, federal funds, yes, and that includes the votes of conservatives in the House and Senate as efforts move from the approved

Recovery is a bipartisan mandate

Web Poll

Previous Web Poll Question: Does continuous off-island development along Pine Island Road concern you?

■ Yes, the road is our only access to the island 41%

■ Only when it encroaches too close to the islands 13%

■ Not really 37%

■ It’s gonna happen, what can you do? 9%

Current

■ Yes

■ No

■ I don’t think there’s anything that can be done

Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle com

Existential threat to the sur vival of the United States of America

To the editor:

K a m a l a H a r r i s r e p r e s e n t s a p o t e n t i a l fourth term for Obama and his globalist elite cabal consisting of George Soros, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer She never had an original thought as V P , and she has never had an original thought as the Democratic presidential nominee She reads ideas from others off a teleprompter while giggling like

Eagle Editorial

Two, mandates for expedited claims processing and appeals as well as a call for a paradigm change at the national level to assure comprehensive coverage for natural disasters of all kinds is long overdue Make it happen

Two years after Ian, too many Southwest Floridans are still waiting to be made whole and too many are now paying insurance premiums that have tripled or more for coverage that, well, may pay pennies on the dollar for the “next time” that is now

Three, in conjunction with addressing national disaster coverage, there needs to be an overhaul of national flood insurance policies, a program under the auspices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Politico has reported that among the states that have experienced the worst flooding in their history, fewer than 1% of homes and b u s i n e s s

national program Flood risk was perceived to be minimal, though, as we as a county have now learned, not non-existent

Bringing in more low-risk policy holders with low-cost polices will make premiums more affordable for everyone who wants one

One more, wholly at the local level

As those of us who repaired or rebuilt in t h e

learned, FEMA enforces its rules and regulations and it does so to the standards it sets FEMA plies the honed hook of its flood insurance discounts and can and will yank it back hard if it believes its regulations have been abridged

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County, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel are urging strongly urging that permits be obtained before any repairs necessitated by Hurricane Helene are made

This is particularly important for all prop-

Letters to the Editor

an original “valley girl ” She is plagiarizing conservative ideals for the sole purpose of misinforming legal voters until she is in office and then, the gloves will come off on taxes, social welfare programs designed to buy votes and pass laws allowing illegals that are voting illegally to become legal minions of the socialist Democratic Party She did not suddenly grow a brain, but she is being propped up by the liberal media in a desperate attempt to create that illusion just like in

to pineisland@ breezenewspapers com; posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com or faxed to

All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: pineisland-eagle com

erties within FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Area

That’s most, if not all, of those damaged

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Improvement/Substantial Damage application is also required

Community Development has opened a temporary, remote permit office at the Pine Island Public Library, 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia, beginning Oct 8, to allow residents to obtain permits for repairs to existing buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene

Lee County Government is reminding residents in unincorporated areas to pull permits for repairs as well, stressing “This is particularly important for unincorporated residents in coastal areas, along rivers and in areas that typically flood during weather events ”

Those whose properties incurred water intrusion or other damage are urged to email FIRMinfo@leegov com for assistance with permit requirements and resources Provide contact information, property address, type of damage and the height of the water that entered the home Permits for hurricane damage are being prioritized for review

Summed up succinctly, when in doubt, reach out Pull a permit Do the paperwork

Lastly, donations especially cash can make a big difference in a lot of lives

State disaster funds like the Florida Relief F u n d a

where needed

FEMA recommends checking nvoad org National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster for other vetted groups or charities The site can be searched by the state you would like to specifically assist. If you can, even a small donation can help

the “debate,” which was nothing more than a Harris campaign ad sponsored, aided and abetted by ABC Biden and Harris simply followed orders from the Obama machine and never did anything except what they were told to do That is why neither of them can defend their illegal open border policy It was just an order carried out by a president thought to be unfit to stand trial if charges were ever to be brought and a vice president acting like a cheerleader, and both have done everything they can to carry out the directives of their Socialist benefactors

The inflation caused by their policies has devastated tens of millions of Americans and isn’t going away All those grocery prices t

Biden/Harris took office will never be seen again without a recession Mortgage rates below 4% disappeared almost immediately after they were sworn in and have created long-term renters out of would-be home buyers because they can’t qualify or can’t afford the current mortgage rates

The deaths of Americans at the hands of

Climate, wetlands and the right to clean, healthy waters

I live on Southwest 1st Court in Cape Coral, in a house built in 1967. Back then, few people worried or even knew about climate change Those days are gone

Hurricane Ian, supercharged by global warming, inflicted $120,000 of damage upon my house, mostly by storm surge, and my home and flood insurance premiu m s c u r r e n t l y t o t a l i n g $ 9 , 7 0 0 r e f l e c t future risk

Climate change now impacts our daily lives, and combatting it isn’t just about fossil fuels

When it comes to mitigating the causes and effects of our climate crisis, water is a “super-power ” The final declaration of the United Nations climate conference known as COP27 recognized “the critical role of protecting, conserving and restoring water and water-related ecosystems in delivering climate adaptation benefits and co-benefits ”

Regarding the sequestration and storage of carbon, coastal wetlands such as many Cape Coral, Sanibel, and other Lee County residents are fortunate to have are powerhouses.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that “mangroves and coastal wetlands annually sequester carbon at a rate ten times greater than mature tropical forests and, according to Economist Impact, fifty-five times faster than tropical forests They also store three to five times more carbon per equivalent area than tropical forests ”

Thus, Florida’s important means of reducing greenhouse gases and mitigating the effects of climate change worsening floods, storm surge, saltwater intrusion is its wetlands, especially its coastal wet-

lands

The flipside of this is that w h

destroyed, not only do we lose their important sequestration and storage capabilities, but the carbon they have long stored is released and adds to greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, exacerbating our climate crisis

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placeable local benefits, too

A Nature Conservancyfunded study showed that

storms, Florida’s mangroves

25 5% to properties behind

Guest Commentary

Irma, more than 626,000 people living behind mangrove forests saw reduced flooding and mangroves averted $1 5 billion in surge-related flood damages to properties

Finally, wetlands, of course, also offer valuable water filtration services, shoreline erosion protection, and serve as crucial fish and wildlife habitat, all profoundly important to Floridians

Unfortunately, even though Florida has already lost 9 3 million acres, reckless development continues to swallow up more wetlands Developers, with the aid of our state government that passes atrocious laws like 2023’s “sprawl law,” will not stop unless we stop them

There are hundreds of acres of mixed wetlands and uplands, mostly wetlands, directly south of Rotary Park Southwest 1 s t C o u

Knowing that Cape Coral is one of nine cities most at r i s k f r o m f u t u r e s t o r m s , community residents want as much storm protection and flood mitigation as we can get, and those wetlands provide it

But they are under threat of development as the property owner continues to seek an amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan changing the current zoning of t h e i r p r o p e r t y f r o m “Preserve” to “Mixed Use” d e s p i t e s t r o n g o p p o s i t i o n from a concerned community

C i t y d e p a r t m e n t h e a d s bear out those concerns “With the looming threat of sea level rise and climate change,” one has stated, “I don’t believe it would be good for community climate change resiliency policy to continue permitting developments close to high hazard zones next to water.”

“Removal of mangroves,” says another, “would weaken the buffering capacity of the mangrove area which protects the city against storms ”

But department heads don’t make the final decision, and if our current or a future city council changes the zoning of this p r o p e r t y , a n d i f t h e A r m y C o r p o f Engineers issues a 404 permit, there is little if anything the community can do to stop this climate-blind Redfish Pointe development

By failing to protect our wetlands, we undermine our ability to confront a crisis

that poses such an enormous threat to F l

“Right to Clean and Healthy Waters” State Constitutional Amendment can be of crucial help.

When it comes to wetlands, both local

Because the amendment enables us to hold agencies accountable for harm or threatened harm to our aquatic ecosystems, with this fundamental right we could protect Florida’s wetlands when other means fail

including carbon storage, water filtration, and risk mitigation for drought, erosion, and floods ”

Other states have environmental rights enshrined in their constitutions We need this right in ours More than two hundred organizations and businesses throughout the state agree, including Calusa Water-

Foundation, SWFL Conservancy, Friends of the Everglades, VoteWater, Florida Sportsman, and the League of Women Voters

But they can’t place the amendment on the ballot for voters to vote on, and our legislature won’t, so it’s up to us Attend “Climate, wetlands, and the right to clean and healthy waters,” Oct 8, 6-7 p m , at Cape Coral Public Library to learn more about all of the above

Joseph Bonasia is operations and communications director for FloridaRightTo CleanWater org Voters can sign the petition at FloridaRightToCleanWater org

Construction engineering, inspection services authorized for repairs to Matlacha Drawbridge

Span hasn’t been opened since before Hurricane Ian

The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize construction engineering and inspection services for various repairs to restore the function of the Matlacha Drawbridge, which has not opened since before Hurricane Ian in September 2022

The $269,446 supplemental task authorization is for

Hardesty & Hanover and includes contract administration, inspection and materials sampling and testing for the various repairs needed to the Matlacha Drawbridge on Pine Island Road.

The work includes repair and replacement of several electrical, mechanical and structural components, including work to repair the bridge tender structure and will begin in early 2025 Repairs are expected to be complete in about 18 months

The Federal Highway Administration and State of Florida have funded the construction of the improve-

Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island members with Pine Island Elementary School fourth graders holding their new atlases

Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island presents atlases to PIE 4th graders

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Shevlin, Cindy Bickford, Aaron Barreda and Tonya Player from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island presented each 4th grader at Pine Island Elementary School

w

Illustrated Atlas."

“We are very grateful to the Kiwanis club for this

generous gift Learning geography is a critical component in being a well-rounded student educated in word affairs - a skill that will greatly serve our students in the future The Kiwanis atlas distribution has been an ongoing tradition for many years at Pine Island Elementary School and is greatly appreciated,” Principal Galbreath said

ments The county portion is for the inspection and engineering team

Tuesday’s board action is independent of the Florida Department of Transportation project to restore the Little Pine Island Bridge and portions of Pine Island Causeway Additional information on that project is available at www swflroads com/project/451937-2

To receive updates from Lee County Government, s i g n u p f o r t h e n e w s l e t t e r a t w w w l e e g o v c o m / resources/newsletters Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www facebook com/leecountyflbocc

Pine Island Potter's Guild to hold seasonopening show Saturday

The Pine Island Potters Guild is looking forward to a full season of monthly shows and sales in the courtyard of K o u c k y S

Saturday, Oct 12, from 10 a m to 2 p m Now in its 11th season, this outdoor venue hosts local artisans showing hand-made pottery, crafts and painting in various mediums New artisans will attend, joining those who have been with the guild show for many years Please plan to attend, say hello, enjoy the community spirit, and support our local artisans The Guild shows will continue on the second Saturday of each month from this upcoming show through April 12, 2025

Some of this month's featured mediums are pottery, jewelry, hand-stitched leatherwork, woodworking, readyto-wear art, island T-shirts, tropical-themed home décor, paintings and prints, note cards, books by local authors, locally made gourmet jams, hot sauces and honey, hand painted table linens and other snacks.

If you are interested in Pottery Classes from beginners to advanced, talk with Chuck Koucky about his class schedule Classes are now held year-round in the studio Be sure to ask for a tour!

Soak up some Pine Island spirit, relax in the islandstyle atmosphere of the courtyard at Koucky Studios, at 5971 Baypoint Road, Bokeelia, and enjoy talking with all the artisans about their beautiful and unique products

For more information on November's show and sale, please call Nancy Koucky at 239-233-3003

PHOTO PROVIDED

Lee County provides an update for post-Hurricane Helene debris removal

Lee County Solid Waste resumed normal operations Monday, Sept 30, while working in partnership with contracted crews to begin cleaning up storm debris from neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Lee County

To facilitate storm debris removal, Solid Waste will collect three types of storm debris Each type must be in a separate pile for collection, and will be collected in multiple passes:

■ Construction and demolition debris: This includes carpet, furniture, drywall and other materials resulting from storm damage to homes and structures

■ V e g e t a t i o n : T h i s i n c

r e e branches, palm fronds, logs and plants

Vegetative debris should not be placed in plastic bags and can be left at the curb.

■ Appliances: Please leave appliances at the curb with all food removed

Residents can help expediate storm debris collection by doing the following:

■ Separate all storm debris

■ Place debris at the curb or roadside

■ Empty out appliances and either secure the doors or remove them

■ Be mindful not to block fire hydrants, mailboxes or any other structures

■ Do not place storm debris into bags

Keep in mind that your curbside debris may not be picked up immediately In addition, Lee County is monitoring the weather and urges residents to continue to

place debris at the curb unless instructed otherwise Please visit the county website for more information

Residents who download the Recycle Coach app may receive push notifications

more: www.leecounty.gov/recyclecoach.

Residents who may have had sand washed on their property by the storm are asked to not pile sand on sidewalks or alongside roadways Do not sweep sand from driveways to the street

Beachfront residents with overwashed sand on their property must follow a process to remove it They can put it back on the beach only after receiving approval

Environmental Protection FDEP has a link with information about how private property owners can receive proper permission before placing overwashed sand

Visit https://floridadep gov/sites/default/fil es/CCCL%20Post%20Storm%20Informa tion%20Handout Private 06242022 0 pdf

As residents place debris out for collection, please remember:

Any unincorporated Lee County residents or businesses within the Special Flood Hazard Area with any damage to their homes or businesses, including water intrusion, must obtain a permit for all repairs Email FIRMinfo@leegov com for

Boaters safety class Oct. 23 at St. James City Civic Center

A boaters safety class will be held at t h e S t J a m e s C i t y C i v i c C e n t e r , Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 9 a.m. The class is an awesome opportunity to stay on the island to complete this course

assistance with permit requirements and resources, and be sure to include the following information:

■ Contact information

■ Property address

■ Type of damage

■ Height of the water that entered the

home

Residents also can find more information at www leegov com/dcd/BldPermitSe rv/disaster-recovery

The county continues to update its landing page dedicated to Hurricane Helene Visit www.leegov.com/storm.

The St James City Civic Center is at 3300 Fourth Ave , St James City Visit SJCCAPI ORG for additional information

T h e r e a r e r e c e n t a c c o m m o d a t i n g upgrades to the Civic Center as well The center purchased a 110-inch projection screen, projector and audio system that are required to host the boaters safety class. It is homed that additional boaters safety classes will be held in the future

PHOTO PROVIDED BY WILLIAM TIDBALL
Storm debris ready for disposal outside an island business

County reminds residents permits must be pulled for repair work due to Hurricane Helene damage

Lee County Government is reminding residents in unincorporated areas to pull permits for work on their homes to fix storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene

This is particularly important for unincorporated residents in coastal areas, along rivers and in areas that typically flood during weather events

Permits for hurricane damage are being prioritized for review

Any unincorporated Lee County residents or businesses within the Special Flood Hazard Area with any damage to their homes or businesses, including water intrusion, must obtain a permit for all repairs. Email

F I R M

requirements and resources, and be sure to include the following information:

■ Contact information

■ Property address

■ Type of damage

■ Height of the water that entered the home

Residents also can find more information at www leegov com/dcd/BldPermitServ/disaster-recovery or by calling 239-533-8948

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Development will open a temporary, remote permit office at the Pine Island Public Library, 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia, beginning Oct 8, to allow residents to obtain permits for repairs to existing buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene

The remote location means staff will be readily accessible to help islanders navigate the permit process, especially those residents without internet service

The remote permit office will be open Tuesdays,

Applying for FEMA disaster assistance

Florida homeowners and renters in counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

C

clude: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, H

Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla

Ways to apply for Disaster Aid: FEMA Disaster Assistance

Online: www Disaster Assistance gov Call: 1-800-621-3362

When you apply, have the following information on hand:

■ The address of your damaged home or apartment

■ Names of people living in your household

■ A description of your disaster damages

Wednesdays and Fridays through the end of October Hours at the remote permit office are 10 a m to 3 p m

Residents acting as their own contractor can submit permit applications, have them reviewed and – in some cases – issued from the remote office The applicants need only a description of the work and their address, and staff will walk them through the process

Letters to the Editor

From page 4

immigrants who are here illegally grows every single day along with the power of the Mexican drug cartels who are unabashedly running deadly drugs across our open border, killing tens of thousands of Americans every year and condemning untold thousands to a life in the sex trade business through their human trafficking operations

In 1956, when Nikita Khrushchev was first secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union he famously said, “We will take America without firing a shot We do not have to invade the U S ”

The “ammunition” they have used to accomplish this is the socialist Democratic Party of America and one honest look at Kamala and Tim, reviewing their history, not what they are telling you now but what they’ve actually done and said as politicians, should tell you that neither of them is qualified nor should even be allowed to represent our country Unquestionably, we have no leadership at the president and vice president level and have not had it for four years We are living in, what I believe, is the most dangerous time for the survival of our country that I’ve seen in my lifetime since the Cuban Missile Crisis Max Christian, St. James City

■ Insurance information

■ Your Social Security Number

■ A telephone number where you can be reached or left a message

■ An address where you can get mail

■ If you want your disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank, provide FEMA your bank information

SBA Disaster Assistance Loans Online: www SBA gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance Call: 1-800-659-2955

USDA - Agriculture Assistance Online:

Hired contractors are asked to continue to use the existing electronic permitting process Residents seeking a full demolition or complete replacement of a structure still need to visit the main Department of Community Development permitting office at 1500 Monroe St , Fort Myers

To receive updates from Lee County, sign up for the newsletter at www leegov com/resources/ newsletters

Florida’s 2024-2025 Fish Art Contest begins

T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e

C o n s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n ( F W C ) , i n partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the 2024-2025 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest The annual program invites youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing Since its founding in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has reached over 85,000 youth in 46 countries building future stewards of the outdoors.

The free contest is accessible to students from kindergarten through 12th grade Each year, thousands of entries pour in from across the globe, reflecting t h e p r o g r a m ’ s w i d e s p r e a d a p p e a l a n d impact Florida students can submit their artwork to Wildlife Forever using the Florida Fish Art Contest entry form page

“We are proud to support Wildlife Forever's Fish Art Contest, a program that not only fosters creativity but also deepens young Floridians' connection to our

state's rich aquatic heritage,” said FWC C o m m i s s i o n e r S o n y a R o o d “ W e a

committed to preserving Florida’s natural resources by encouraging students K-12 to participate in this contest and celebrate the beauty of our waterways and wildlife while educating the next generation about conservation ” One first place winner and one runner up will be selected for each grade bracket (kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth

grade, and tenth through twelfth grade), one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish species Visit MyFWC com/FishArt for more information on state prizing The 2024-25 contest is open for submissions until Feb 28, 2025 The contest

Participants can find more information,

guidelines at MyFWC com/FishArt

Lee County Parks & Recreation seeks public input on amenities at local preserves

Lee County Parks & Recreation invites the public to participate in shaping the future of local preserves by providing input on potential new amenities and trails. This project aims to enhance outdoor experiences at four key preserves through a partnership with the National

Conservation Assistance Program

The four preserves under consideration

are:

■ Four Mile Cove Preserve – 2151

Four Mile Cove Parkway, Cape Coral

■ Oak Hammock Preserve – 2200

Carter Lane, Alva

■ Pine Lake Preserve – 27225 Kent

Road, Bonita Springs

■ West Marsh Preserve – 6571 Felix

Romano Ave, Fort Myers

Following Hurricane Ian, Lee County

enlisted the National Park Service Rivers,

Program to provide recreation planning assistance as part of Lee County’s

addresses public demand for additional passive recreational opportunities within the preserves

The public is encouraged to share feedback on what they would like to see at the

Input can be provided in two ways:

Myers Family Fall Festival, from 6-8:30 p m , Friday, Oct 25, at North Fort Myers

Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers

The survey will remain open until Friday, Nov 1, 2024 Public participation

County’s preserves and recreational sites, as it allows residents and visitors alike to offer valuable input on potential improvements

A Marci hibiscus

James E. Hendry Chapter of American Hibiscus Society to participate in Tropical Plant Sale at Rotary Park Oct. 19

The James E Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society will participate in the Tropical Plant Sale at Rotary Park in Cape Coral on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a m to 2 p m

A p p r o x i m a t e l y 2 0 0 h y b r i d t r o p i c a l hibiscus plants in 20 varieties will be available for sale Since these plants are not available through garden centers, this s

Southwest Florida residents to establish or add to their hybrid tropical hibiscus collection Plants will be sold for $20 each and all credit cards will be accepted The varieties available for sale can be viewed on the Chapter website: www hendrychap-

terhibiscus com

Anyone who would like to learn more about how to grow the hybrid tropical hibiscus plant can do so by joining the J a m

f t h e American Hibiscus Society at the sale

The JEH Chapter meets monthly at the Berne Davis Botanical Garden at 2166 Virginia Ave , Fort Myers, on the second Sunday of each month (September to April) at 1:30 p m

Rotary Park is at 5505 Rose Garden Road Parking and admission are free

More information is available at the chapter website at www hendrychapterhibiscus.com

FILE PHOTO

Kiwanis Club set to host Pine Island

Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat Oct. 25

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island will once again be hosting the Pine Island Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat (Halloween Party) This year the event will be at Pine Island Elementary School, Friday, Oct 25, from 5-7 p m

All Pine Island children and families

event The Kiwanis Club will provide a safe place to receive candy and prizes as well as play supervised games Children will receive a goody bag with candy and treats

Cotton candy, popcorn, drinks and hot dogs will also be available

The Kiwanis would appreciate any and all donations to help make this great community event possible In past years,

more than 300 children and their families have attend Items needed include:

■ Businesses and organizations to provide games or decorate trunks for Trunk or Treat

■ Candy, candy, candy

■ Small bottles of water

■ Small bags of chips

■ Items for prizes

■ Sponsors for bounce houses, food and general expenses

■ Volunteers

sponsor a game, booth and/or a Trunk for Trunk or Treat have a wonderful way to market their organization to area residents Those who sponsor a game need to bring signage to promote your busi-

ness/organization, a game or activity the children can play and prizes and/or candy for the children who visit your booth Remember, everything is free at the Fall Festival and nothing is sold at the festival

Donations may be dropped off at First Horizons Bank and Century 21 Realty on Pine Island, or mailed to:

PI Kiwanis Club Foundation Fall Festival P O Box 111, St James City, FL 33956

islanders in advance for helping to make this event possible again this year For more information, please contact Tonya Player, cell 239-203-4682

CLT work/fun parties resume this Saturday

The Calusa Land Trust's first monthly work/fun party of the season will be held t h i s S a t u r d a y , O c t 1 2 , a t t h e Wigert/Barron Preserve beginning at 9 a m This preserve is located in Bokeelia

at the east end of Barrancas Avenue at its intersection with Aura Lane. Work will be concentrated on invasive plant and more hurricane debris removal

The 32-acre preserve boasts three dis-

Lee Health Bloodmobile at Moose Lodge Oct. 19

The Lee Health Bloodmobile will be visiting The Pine Island Moose Lodge at 8903 Stringfellow Road in St James City on Saturday, Oct 19, from 8 a m to noon All the blood collected remains in Lee Health, which includes the Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, the Regional Cancer Center and the only Trauma Center (which is located in the Lee Memorial Hospital) within a 5-county radius The blood also supports Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center

One in three people will need blood in their lifetime. You never know when you or someone you know or love will need blood So come out and Give the Gift of Life!

All donors will receive a free health checkup, cholesterol screening and gift

New studies show that donating blood

health Regularly donating blood helps men in particular to reduce the amount of iron in the blood This can reduce the

y 8 8 %

Additionally, regular blood donation can lower the risk of severe cardiovascular events such as stroke by 33% You also burn 650 calories! It's a win-win!

of 20 units of blood

Requirements for donating blood:

■ Weigh at least 115 pounds

■ Be at least 16 years old (16 requires parental written consent)

■ Be relatively healthy

■ Provide photo ID

■ Have 56 days between donations

Eat a meal before donating blood and be sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after donation

Questions about donating? Call us at 343-2333

tinctive habitats: a rare coastal scrub environment, transitional uplands and a mangrove forest abutting Jug Creek The former contains a thriving gopher tortoise colony The upland portion has undergone a major invasive plants removal project

An informational kiosk, interpretative signs and trail markers have been added, which allow hikers to follow the “Nancy Rogers Nature Trail” and loop through the various habitats and view Rubye's Pond, the alligator slide and the Sara Schwandt bench along the way

The Calusa Land Trust is an all-volunteer land conservancy and relies upon motivated Pine Islanders to assist in the stewardship of its 2,400-plus acres of preserved lands Happy participants should include work gloves/clothing and pruning tools and for their efforts will be rewarded with cold beverages, a pizza lunch, shared warm friendships and a sense of accomplishment

For more information, contact Robert Ballard at 239-770-0070 or mrobertballard64@gmail com

again,” Tidball said

He also said there will have to be compassion for everyone who has lost their home or their business and that at this time, it’s not about making profits, but about people and the devastation that’s come about on the island

“There are people starving at ground zero and hanging on by a thread People scraped their pennies together to get through Ian and re-open and many of them have reached their limits on where they can scrape their pennies from,” Tidball said

He explained that he and Gomez have not yet had the time necessary to get the money put back into their business from the effects of Ian He said the community spirit is why he keeps at it and that, no matter the weather, he wants to always be a part of Pine Island

“We’re all having flashbacks We all have the same pain 'I’m fine' is not an answer We all need to ask each

other what do you need? Do you need me there with a shovel?” Tidball said, explaining that since Pine Island was not ground zero during Hurricane Helene, there is not likely to be as much help

Overall, Tidball said he has seen mattresses that folks brought out to the garbage since Hurricane Helene, which means someone has nowhere to sleep, which is a great deal more pressing to him than how his business will bounce back.

Blue Dog Bar and Grill co-owner John Lynch said the Blue Dog is drying out and rebuilding again The hope is that they will be open by Tuesday, Oct 8

Miceli’s owner, Ellen Lane, wanted to stress that although there was, of course, some flooding during Hurricane Helene, the plan for the restaurant was always to remodel at this time and Hurricane Helene had nothing to do with it

“We were going to do renovations before the hurricane even came We’re painting and renovating the inside bar and just making it look refreshed,” Lane said

The hurricane did manage to ruin some things in the kitchen, she said, but it was decided that this was a good time to get things done

Cat of the Week

Although we have many kittens in all different colors and s i z e s ,

c

d e d to feature Huntington this week. He

along with several

tens No one ever wants the black kit-

We

many people aren't

e o f storm damage, but if you have room in y o u r h e a r t a n d home for a new fur baby, we have all different models to choose from! Call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239-283-9100 for more information If you’d rather just donate, our address is 10060 Mallory Parkway, E , Unit D, St James City or there’s always our website at www helpingpawsanimalsanctuary com

PHOTOS BY JOHN LYNCH
More of the flooding in the Matlacha area, left and above, during Hurricane Helene

FDOT update on Little Pine Island Bridge project

BARTOW, Fla – This weekly report was prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation to inform the public about upcoming road work in Southwest Florida Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge Permanent Repairs:

Construction project: As part of the Emergency Restoration of the Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge, crews will be working in the project boundaries along CR 78 Pine Island Road from west of Little Pine Island Bridge (Bridge No 120111) to West of Shoreview Drive

■ Phase 1 of construction on Little Pine Island Bridge has begun The bridge is reduced to one lane as part of the Phase

remain one lane through the duration of Phase 1. Temporary signals are placed on both ends of the bridge and variable message signs are in place to alert drivers

■ The Little Pine Island bridge has been reduced to a single lane width of 12 feet through the duration of Phase 1

■ Motorists can expect occasional lane

delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment as crews perform work on the south side

■ Motorists are reminded not to block driveways or entrances and to follow all posted signage throughout the construction zone

SJCCA Schedule

St James City Civic Association has

events, classes and activities:

Thursday, Oct 10

■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a m This is a fun way to meet the neighbors and play ping pong

■ Mahjongg, 1-4 p m This is a great place to learn to play mahjongg!

■ Paint with Kellie, 5:30-9:30 p m

Enjoy a great local artist and paint with friends - $35, RSVP on website

Friday, Oct. 11

■ Bingo, doors open, 5 p m , games begin at 5:30 p m – Progressive jackpot is $275

Tuesday, Oct. 15

■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a m

Thursday, Oct. 17

■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a m

■ Mahjongg, 1-4 p m

Wednesday, Oct. 23

■ Boater’s Safety Class, 8-9 p m The entire day is dedicated to boater’s safety - $45, RSVP on website

Additional details, contacts and ticket sales are available on the SJCCA website at SJCCAPI ORG

All activities are held at St. James City Civic Association at 3300 Fourth Ave , at the corner of Lemon Street, in St James City

■ Since the start of construction with the Little Pine Island Bridge, boaters are asked to be aware of construction equipment and erosion control measures that are in place

■ Please be alerted to construction equipment in the construction zone To maintain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas.

■ Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted within the construction zone

■ Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway

■ Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected

Motorists are asked to please be patient and plan for additional travel time as it may be slower than usual in the area

Travelers can visit www FL511 com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state.

VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen Essay scholarship contests underway

The Veterans of Foreign War, VFW

Auxiliary at 8150 Stringfellow Road, St James City, are sponsoring scholarship

Democracy essay contest and the Patriot Pen Essay Contest Voice Of Democracy is a written and spoken essay on “Is America Today our Forefathers Vision?”

Thursday, Oct. 31.

requirements

be found at VFW org,

“Youth & Education scholarship ” If you have any questions, can contact VFW Post 4353 Commander Sarah J Yacko at 330-242-3260 or Auxiliary Post 4353 Joyce Lake at 616-283-7121 If there is no answer please leave a message and they will get back to you

This essay contest is open to students in 9th through 12th grades The finished material must be received no later than Thursday, Oct 31, at VFW Post 4353 Patriot Pen is a written essay contest on “My Voice in America’s Democracy”

Cape Coral Breeze Athletes

Week of the

(Selected by the Breeze

Sports staff)

German American Social Club in Cape Coral to hold 39th Oktoberfest Oct. 18-20 and 25-27

O’zapft is’! It's time once again for the community to come together and enjoy Southwest Florida’s biggest party the 39th Annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest

The German American Social Club is getting ready for Munich in Cape Coral which will be held Oct. 18, 19, 20, and 25, 26, 27 the last two full weekends of the month The festival kicks off on Fridays from 4 pm and goes to midnight and opens again on Saturdays from noon until midnight and on Sundays from noon until 8 pm

The Southwest Florida community is invited to the event filled with fun, delicious food, German beer and spirits, live

From page 1

across the state He and Lambert are associate board members of the state level volu

Volunteers are needed on Pine Island The challenge, he said, is that help will not come as fast as it did with Hurricane Ian

“We as islanders have always been independent One of the things we need to do is get the volunteers We’ve been inundated with phone calls We could even use help answering our phones. If you can spend a couple hours answering phones or calling people back, that would help right now The magnitude is large, but we are stronger than the surge,” Barreda said Lambert reminded everyone to document everything they can, even if just using a smartphone to take pictures of

music, laughter, and dancing everything from Polka to Fliegerlied, and, of course, the Bobb and Chicken Dance Oktoberfest represents German heritage at its finest, also known as German Gemütlichkeit

After its success in 2023, the VIP program is back, featuring exclusive seating, drink specials from sponsor Jägermeister, a sit-down meal in the Von Steuben Hall, a beer stein with refills, and much more Welcoming back as the main band

Zimmerer Kapelle, the big band from the small town of Biberach, Germany Also flying in from Germany are Die Flotten

their things

“Anything that you move, please take multiple pictures As we learned after Ian, photographs do work in lieu of receipts it’s documentable of your own property, in your own home,” Lambert said She reminded everyone that the water

Oberkrainer, featured often on Germany’s

T

Love Boat

favorites like The Boots, D eb & the Dynamics, A’Finnity and award-winning acts such as Pure Country and Martini Russa, an international blues and rock

Trachtenverein Also, Cape Coral’s own Hafenkapelle, Manni Daum Trio, and many more!

F

vendors that offer both German food and international, or a sit-down dinner in the

in the streets is not clean and to wear masks when mucking and gutting anything, in an attempt to advise everyone to stay safe during this cleanup period

To get help, volunteer or donate to the GPIA, visit GPIALLIANCE org and click on the help tab Or call the office, which is

Von Steuben Hall, Oktoberfest has so much to offer

Looking for a photo opportunity? Stop for a photo shoot with our beautiful Ms O

Reifschneider!

The dedicated GASC members, each one of them volunteering their time and effort to create the region’s most successful event, welcome you to enjoy German heritage O

grounds of the German American Social Club at 2101 S W Pine Island Road in Cape Coral Ein Prosit der Gem tlichkeit!

GPICA Facebook page

GED classes available at Beacon of Hope

The Beacon of Hope is offering GED ( h

diploma) classes.

C

Thursday from 10 a m until 2 p m in the

Beacon of HOPE classroom located at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle in St James City.

The Beacon of Hope can also offer study in other ways that will help indi-

viduals pass the four tests to get their diploma

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

American Legion Post 136 Oktoberfest Saturday

American Legion Post 136 will celebrate Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct 12, from 1-4 p m , with delicious German food and drinks, auctions, prizes, games and great

music with Barstool Rodeo Everyone is welcome to celebrate a fun and exciting time with the post, as well as helping next year‘s graduating seniors.

Persechino voted Athlete of the Month for September

The votes are in for the Cape Coral Breeze’s September Athlete of the Month, and t

g h School's Skye Persechino

D

swimmer captured two individual first place finishes, and was part of two first-place relay teams versus Charlotte High School

The sophomore was tops in the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly, and swam with the wining 200 medley relay and 400 free relay teams

“I'm so proud of the work we have put

in, and I feel the need to work

team,” Persechino told The Breeze “I feel very good about the start to our season We are succeeding both individually, and as a team Our relay teams are improving every day, and it's amazing to see how far we've come ”

V o t i n g f o r O c t o b e r ' s Breeze Athlete of the Month will open toward the end of the month

Stay up to date with the Cape Coral Breeze’s Athlete of the Week selections on capecoralbreeze com

Church of God of Prophecy taking orders for turkey dinner Nov. 28

The Church of God of Prophecy will b e h

e

N o v 2 8 Dinner will be takeout only, no dine in The price is $10 per dinner turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn or green beans, dinner roll and dessert Turkey is fried in peanut oil Gluten

free and baked chicken available upon request

Call your order in to 239-283-2128 as soon as possible, quantities are limited Pick-up will be from 12:30-3 p m T h e c h u r c h i s l o c a t e d a t 1 5 1 4 6 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia

Festivities start around noon and will continue throughout the day All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Post 136 Scholarship Fund for the graduating

seniors of 2025 from Pine Island Please come and have a great time!

American Legion Post 136 is at 4106 Stringfellow Road in St. James City.

dolphins available for “adoption” at the chamber auction, above and below. PHOTO

‘Adopt a Dolphin’

have sponsored the wall sculptures Each business sponsored a blank template of the dolphin and then organized a local

From page 1

artist to produce the masterpiece

Prior to the event the dolphin can be viewed on Facebook on the Greater Pine Island Auction Group page, where a preauction bid can be placed, which will be the opening bid on the day. (Contact the Chamber of Commerce, 239-283-0888 to continuing bidding if you cannot make it to the live auction )

The Tarpon Lodge Hotel is at 13771 Waterfront Drive, Pineland For more about the lodge call 239-283-3999 or online visit https://tarponlodge com/

Shell Factory closure marks end of an era

Old-Florida-style tourist attraction opened in 1938

Whenever local residents had visitors come to town, one of the first places they would take them was to the Shell Factory, a kitschy little place in North Fort Myers where you could go to buy souvenirs, play mini-golf, see some animals, feed the fish and turtles and so much more

To the locals, it was part of their lives, some for decades That famous arch was always there and there was always something to do

That all came to an end Sunday, when the Shell Factory & Nature Park part of North Fort Myers for more than 70 years closed for the last time And many came back to say goodbye and share memories of one of the last "Old Florida" attractions

There were clearance prices at the shops and a limited menu at the two restaurants for those who wanted to share a farewell meal or enjoy a final round

And there was huge support for the Shell Factory as many wanted to pay one last visit before its closure

Pam Cronin, who with her late husband Tom brought the place back from the brink in the late 1990s, said it was just time as the place was developing issues faster than they could fix them, especially after the pandemic and Hurricane Ian

“All the things became overwhelming It has always been a struggle We got close a couple times where we thought we might make a profit and it didn’t happen,” Cronin said “It’s gotten to the point

where between retail and restaurant sales being less nationwide, and the huge number of repairs, it just did not make sense ”

Looking around you could see the lingering effects of the near Category 5 storm that devastated Southwest Florida almost two years to the date

“We haven’t listed the property. We had been looking into some inquiries from companies that have contacted us about purchasing and keeping it as an attraction,” Cronin said “We contacted them for interest, but they got the financials as it is, the interest waned It wasn’t financially feasible ”

Cronin said they are in the process of rehoming the animals in the Nature Park for which they have gotten tremendous support, and are making sure that those

employment

Cronin also said that unsold items will be put up for auction The Chamber of Commerce will continue to be housed there for the time being, as will the Gulf Coast Fudge Company

F

Factory all these years, it’s going to be a great loss, as it represented one of the few old-time tourist attractions the area had

Kimberly Indyk of Cape Coral has brought her children here since they could remember

“We’re very sad to see it go I think something like this should be here We don’t have any good tourist areas,” Indyk said “It’s a great place to bring the kids and family and we enjoyed the Nature

Owner Pam Cronin in the Shell Factory’s Christmas Shop on the North Fort Myers landmark’s final day of business Sunday, Sept 29

Park all these years It’s something that’s been special and sentimental to me ” “We were here twice a month. I’ve been coming here since I could breathe,”

said her daughter, Christine “I have pictures of me at age 2 here. I always went here because this was one of the only things we could do in the area ”

Angel Corrente had been coming to the Shell Factory since the late 1980s, and it was one of her first memories about Florida

“I thought it was the most amazing place When I moved here and had children, this was one of the first places we took them,” Corrente said “I am so sad to see this happen It’s such a wonderful place. It’s why I moved up the road.”

Tina Bartholomew of North Port found the Shell Factory by accident when she discovered the flea market in the front parking lot

“We went in and it became one of our favorite places to go to It’s very sad to see it go When I saw that church made of shells, that was amazing,” Bartholomew said “And they had the Christmas store and the zip line and when they opened up Tommy’s, they had great food ”

Jan Walimire was there with her grandkids eating ice cream She brought them regularly to do all the fun things offered from mini-golf to bumper boats to the popular Nature Park with its 400-plus animals, many of them rescues.

They also came for the myriads of events

“We’ve been coming for 11 years We loved seeing Santa Claus and sitting in the s l e i g h a n d t h e y l o v e d t h e H a l l o w e e n store,” Walimire said “We loved the stuffed animals and the rides and the Nature Park We had to come one more time ”

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