Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

WEEK OF OCTOBER 11, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 41

Observer 10/11/23

WEEK OF OCTOBER 11, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 41

Funding for turtle-friendly lights approved for FMB

By NATHAN MAYBERG

ing has been approved for Lee County to install new turtle-friendly lights along Estero Boulevard as part of Hurricane Ian recovery funding. The turtle-friendly amber lights have long been advocated for on Fort Myers Beach by Turtle Time.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach requested $1.9 million in funding for the lights earlier this year as part of the state legislature’s

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

After years of wrangling, hundreds of thousands of dollars in studies and occasional verbal sparring between the Fort Myers Beach Council and Lee County Government over the lighting on Estero Boulevard, it took a hurricane to bring new lighting to the town’s main thoroughfare.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lee County announced more than $7.6 million in fund-

FILE PHOTO

See TURTLE-FRIENDLY LIGHTS, page 18

State aid figures get more defined

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

By NATHAN MAYBERG

W

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

ith the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area being in the news so much lately, some may wonder what makes the Fort Myers Beach preserve so impor-

tant.

Rebecca Schneider, Southwest Regional Species Conservation Biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had some of those answers during a presentation to the Fort Myers Beach Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force.

One fact many might not know about the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area is that it’s the only location in all of Florida where all four of the state’s threatened shorebird species nest. American oystercatchers, black skimmers, least terns and snowy plovers all nest on Fort Myers Beach, Schneider said.

Snowy plovers are the most rare in florida, with only about 200 adult breeding pairs.

American oystercatchers have only a few hundred breeding pairs in Florida. Black skimmers and least terns, while threat-

ened, are slightly less rare.

Fort Myers Beach also supports federally protected migratory birds such as the piping plover and red knot.

Most snowy plovers are located in Pinellas County or Lee County with very few in the peninsulas.

Another bird species, the Wilson’s plover, is a listed species of great concern with only about 1,000 in Florida.

Fort Myers Beach is one of the most critical habitats for nesting shorebirds and this year was considered an above-average year for nesting likely due to less human activity after Hurricane Ian. Shorebird nesting on Fort Myers Beach in the Little Estero See CRITICAL HABITAT, page 14 The Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area and its surroundings on Fort Myers Beach is the only location in Florida where all four of the state’s threatened shorebird species nest. American oystercatchers, black skimmers, least terns and snowy plovers all NATHAN MAYBERG nest on the island.

A $350 million fund the state legislature approved for Hurricane Ian recovery throughout the state will largely be felt in the way of interest-free loans in Lee County.

For Fort Myers Beach, the final aid figures for now are an $8 million grant for beach renourishment and a $5 million loan for several projects out of a $338 million distribution announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis on the anniversary of Hurricane Ian, Sept. 28. The funds are part of a process in which municipalities requested aid through the Division of Emergency Management for various projects.

The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District was awarded $14 million from the state. Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth said $9 million of the funds will help relocate and replace Fire Station 31 off Donora Boulevard, which he said was “damaged beyond repair by the devastating effects of storm surge and wind.” The remaining $5 million will be used to help the district make up for approximately $7.5 million in lost property tax revenue for the 2022-23 and 2023-25 budget years.

The town will also benefit from a nearly $7.7 million grant to Lee County that will be used for turtle-friendly lighting on Estero Boulevard. The town had requested the funds though they are being directed to Lee County, which owns Estero Boulevard.

Those funds are on top of a separate $11.9 million emergency bridge loan from the state earlier in the year that the town is seeking to have forgiven and a $10 million stormwater grant.

Out of the $338 million in funds announced by DeSantis Sept. 28, $51 million will be in the form of interest-free loans for the School District of Lee County and $51 million will go to the city of Cape Coral in the form of interest-free loans. Those loans are meant to help with projects that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be reimbursing. The city of Sanibel has been earmarked for $28 million.

Beach Living............................................8 insidetoday Opinions.......................................4 Business............................................6 Beach Bulletin..................................19-24

See STATE AID, page 18

Classifieds.............25

Fort Myers Beach Observer

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OPINIONS

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Editorial 19260 San Carlos Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 574-1110 Fax: (239) 574-5693 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk.com Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com Editor Nathan Mayberg nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@breezenewspapers.com

Advertising Sales Lyn McElhaney lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers.com

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Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed. Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy.

In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself. We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication.

Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL. Permit 521.

Postmaster: Send address changes to the Beach Observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931,

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

∫ Wait until lawsuit has concluded, once the boardwalk is built the damage will be done, 77%

∫ Issue the permit, the boardwalk can be dismantled if the town loses the suit, 19% ∫ No opinion, 5%

Current Web Poll Question Do you think the Fort Myers Beach Council was right in replacing members of MERTF? ∫ Yes ∫ No ∫ No opinion Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Pip, pip hurray The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam’s 12th season took flight on a wing and a prayer last Sunday: It looks like international star M15 has found a new mate and fans everywhere are hoping a new brood of eaglets can erase some of the sadness of matriarch Harriet’s apparent demise last season.

Since its launch on the Pritchett property in September of 2012, the 24/7 raptor reality show has recorded more than 210 million views from more than 190 countries worldwide.

It has a near cult following and no, we can’t explain why any more than we would even attempt to expound on the popularity of The Kardashians.

What we do know is that for many of us here in Southwest Florida, the eagle cam is more than a guilty pleasure — it’s a seasonal tradition with a huge fan base of social media pages filled with photos of the family happenings from nest refurbishment and the laying of the latest clutch, to the first pip breaking through the shell and the raising of the hatchlings through their first flights.

There’s happiness to be found at the host site, https://dickpritchettrealestate.com/.

And there’s drama as well because, as anyone who’s ever watched “The Lion King”

M15 with potential new mate. / PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA EAGLE CAM/WWW.SWFLEAGLECAM.COM

knows, natural selection is not always pretty.

But through the harshness of eaglet deaths, great horned owl attacks, and even the passing of the original nesting pair Ozzie and Harriet, we continue to watch, we continue to learn, and we continue to hope for the successful raising of those eaglets that grow from raggedy fuzz balls

to young adults on the hunt in a matter of mere months.

To M15 and the young miss with whom he is apparently engaging in a bit of nest building.

We’ll be among those tuning in, once again.

—Observer editorial

County budgeting on an even keel The headlines out of This year’s process was Washington, D.C. are hard to unlike any before it. miss and hardly ever change.

Hurricane Ian is the third Congress is bickering over the costliest storm in U.S. history, budget with the threat of only behind Hurricanes another government shutdown Katrina and Harvey. It wiped looming over their heads. For out $9.5 billion worth of our everyday Americans, inflation tax base. However, despite is skyrocketing while D.C. the daunting impact to our politicians are perpetually budget, fiscally conservative campaigning. But here at home Commissioners were able to your local government is quikeep the tax rate the same as etly working to serve you and last year. In fact, over the past to protect your quality-of-life 10 years we have reduced the day in and day out. Even tax rate by 9.5%, even though Brian Hamman though we have spent the last in that same period our popuyear rebuilding from lation has increased by 25%, Hurricane Ian, Lee County and bringing with it a higher the state of Florida remain demand for services. steady in a sea of dysfunction.

The countywide general When Commissioners fund budget pays for core began working on the budget for next year, services whether you live inside a city or not. we focused on three core areas; mitigating It provides for things like the Sheriff’s the financial impacts from Hurricane Ian, Office, ambulance service, and parks. It also supporting law enforcement, and moving for- pays for the other local constitutional offices ward on our road projects needed to deal with like the Clerk of Courts, Tax Collector, our growing population. The county not only Supervisor of Elections, and the Property accomplished each of those goals, but also Appraiser. Next year’s budget prioritizes was able to do it without an increase in the public safety and provides salary increases property tax rate, known as the millage. for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to ensure

Guest Commentary

that law enforcement officers can afford to live in our community while protecting our residents. The budget continues to provide the level of service our citizens deserve and expect from county government departments.

To make sure we have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate our growing population, Commissioners have budgeted $535 million on our most important Tier 1 road projects for the next 10 years. Some of the projects on this list include the Alico extension to State Road 82, Three Oaks Parkway Extension, the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge, and the new Cape Coral Bridge.

It has been a trying few years for all of us, from blue-green algae and red tide outbreaks to COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian. Each time we’ve faced adversity, our county has rallied.

We will rebuild our homes and businesses and keep this county the destination of choice for people to live, work and raise a family. I am excited to see us finish the job of rebuilding, and I promise that the steady leadership you have come to expect from your local elected officials will continue.

—Brian Hamman is the Chairman of the Lee County Commission

We want your opinion The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Fort Myers Beach Observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; faxed to 239-765-0846; emailed to news@breezenewspapers.com; or posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com.

Letters are due no later than noon Monday. 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: fortmyersbeachtalk.com.

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

making the superintendent’s post another elected constitutional office in Lee County as of the 2024 General Election.

While two candidates have filed paperThe existing system of having the superinwork to run for the newly-created elected tendent appointed by the School Board had superintendent seat, the current Lee Schools been approved by Lee voters in 1974.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier The elected superintendent will serve a announced Thursday he will not seek the post four-year term. to be decided in 2024.

“After extensive contemplation and reflecThus far, Denise Carlin and Morgan tion, I have chosen not to pursue the upcomWright, both Republicans, both educators, ing elected position of Superintendent of have filed, according to the Lee County Schools,” Bernier wrote in an email sent to Elections Office website. Carlin is from Fort the Lee County Schools community Myers and Wright resides in Cape Coral.

Thursday. “I want to assure you that this deciBernier took office just last year. sion was not made lightly; it demanded careDr. Christopher Lee County voters approved the change of Bernier ful consideration. I want to underscore that the superintendent's office from being my decision is founded on a profound respect appointive to an elected office via a referenfor our School Board and the dedicated students, families, dum in November of last year.

The measure, which was placed on the ballot by the state teachers, and staff who collectively contribute to our thrivlegislature and was opposed by the School Board of Lee ing educational community.”

He went on to write that although he supports the comCounty, passed with 62.15 percent of the voters in favor, news@breezenewspapers.com

munity’s decision, which was based on the referendum vote, “becoming an elected superintendent was never my aspiration. Ultimately, this realization led me to determine that running for election was not a reasonable course of action for my educational journey.”

Bernier will remain the superintendent throughout his existing contract term.

According to Bernier’s contract “should the outcome of the November 2022 Lee County election result in the approval of the ballot initiative to create an elected superintendent of schools position, the terms of this agreement will officially end upon the swearing in of the elected superintendent in November of 2024.”

“We must remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing the challenges that impact the future of the children we serve. Our communities’ commitment to our students and educational mission continues to inspire us. I have the utmost confidence that together, we can continue to lead our School District toward our stated vision of being a World-Class School System,” Bernier said.

Voting democratic is counterintuitive

Clarification mass illegal immigration including the explosion of illegal drugs that are killing too many of our young citizens.

This is all to maintain control of our citizens by a deep state of unelected, overpaid, self-appointed masterminds using a collection of illegal Biden presidential executive orders. It is no wonder we have out of control inflation and massive federal deficits in the trillions.

In conclusion, any vote for any Democrat is just plain stupid no matter who is the opponent.

Neil Miller Cape Coral

In the Sept. 20, 2023, issue of the Fort Myers Beach Observer, it was reported that a petition opposing proposed amendments to Lee County's Land Development Code and Lee County Comprehensive Land Use Plan came from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.

The petition came from the Captiva Civic Association's Land Use Committee, of which SCCF is a member.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

To the editor: Human-caused global warming is a total lie. Finally, thousands of scientists and meteorologists are fed up with being used as the source of these lies and are making their voices heard. Democrats and socialists are using these lies as their excuse for their nonsensical push to reduce or eliminate fossil fueled anything and everything. Thus, government promotion of electric vehicles and expensive specification modifications to all our home appliances, the latest being gas

fired furnaces. This is all political propaganda as none of it will have any significant effect on global air temperatures, certainly not when populous countries like China and India ignore the whole thing.

Anyone who ever took an Earth Science class in high school should remember the benefits of CO2 in the atmosphere. Nature uses CO2 to stimulate plant growth that has provided abundant food throughout history.

Eliminate CO2 and we will have mass starvation.

Then there is the inexcusable mess at the borders, both North and South. Biden should be jailed for deliberately promoting

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Letter to the Editor

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Bernier will not run for elected superintendent post

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 6 Fort Myers Beach Observer

BUSINESS

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Doc Ford’s location in St. Pete tops Tripadvisor list For the second time, Tripadvisor has named a Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille location the best in the country for its “Everyday Eats” list. This time it was the Doc Ford’s location at the St. Pete Pier, which was rated the No. 1 restaurant in the country on its 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats list. Winners were selected by real diners who have left their feedback on Tripadvisor within the past year.

The Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Fort Myers Beach location was named No. 1 in the country in 2021 and came in second place in 2022 for “Everyday Eats.”

“We are honored to have been named the No. 1 restaurant in the country on the Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats list,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company. “We strive every day to bring the best hospitality and experience to our guests. It’s extremely gratifying to have our phenomenal staff’s efforts recognized by our patrons. This award is a result of our staff's hard work and commitment to our mission of creating legendary experiences.”

The list highlights restaurants known for laid-back fare that go above and beyond without breaking the bank. The Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on the St. Pete Pier has received more than 2,700 reviews labeling the restaurant “Excellent.”

Award-winning Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Beloved for its sauces, spices and passion, Doc Ford’s is known by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant, serving up its signature Yucatan shrimp daily.

Tripadvisor states on its website that “fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence.”

HM Restaurant Group owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. First established on Sanibel in 2003, there are now four Doc Ford’s locations: Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and two in St. Petersburg, on the St. Pete Pier and in Jungle Terrace. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurants are renowned for delivering a legendary guest experience.

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.

FILE PHOTO

Pink Shell earns Condé Nast Traveler award STAFF REPORT The travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler announced that Pink Shell Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach has been recognized as the 15th best resort in Florida based on its annual reader’s poll.

More than 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting, according to a media release.

“Being recognized by Condé Nast, once again, as a top resort in Florida is a tremendous honor for Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina,” said Bill Waichulis, president of Boykin Management Company. “This achievement is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional services and experiences for our guests. We are grateful to our dedicated team and our valued guests for making this recognition possible.”

Situated on 12 acres of private beachfront property, the Pink Shell Beach Resort features 200 one- and two-

bedroom villas, each offering a full-service kitchen, unique furnishings and breathtaking views to make families and friends feel right at home. Approximately half of the rooms are open as the resort has been undergoing extensive renovations since Hurricane Ian. The resort just completed a major lighting upgrade to install all turtlefriendly lighting on its outdoor fixtures.

The property also offers two resort-style pools and a variety of water sports right on-site, a full-service spa, and fitness center. The resort recently hosted its annual Pool Party at the Island Hopper Songwriters Fest with country music stars Chris Janson and Christian Bush.

To celebrate this award, the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina announced they are offering a fourth night free special promotion package to all guests who book a stay at the resort between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1.

The 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee has begun taking information out to the community on what they do, and how the half cent penny sales tax is being used in the School District of Lee County.

The first presentation was brought before the Foundation of Lee County Public Schools last month with more than 50 in attendance.

“It was a complete and fun presentation, and a lot of information was shared and well-received,” Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee Liaison Susan Malay said.

The district provides a Change for Change summary for each school highlighting the Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee projects completed by the half cent penny sales tax funds.

Malay said the Change for Change Program campaign was launched in 2017 with a goal to collect sales tax and reinvest it in new or aging schools. The voters authorized four categories for expenditures — construction and major renovation, safety and security, technology and maintenance.

The district has eight schools that are between the ages of 40 to 49 years old, seven schools between 50 to 59 years old and 21 schools that are more than 60 years old. Malay said there were depleted revenues, or taxes coming in for funding for repairs and maintenance of the buildings.

“The sales tax funds for Fiscal Year ’24 is about $383.3 million,” she said.

After the voters passed the referendum for the half cent penny sales tax in the fall of 2018, the oversight committee was formed with the first meeting held in

March 2019 and every quarter since then. The committee continues to vote that the district’s expenditures are consistent with the plan and approved project list.

According to the district’s Change for Change website there has been a total spent of $92,593,169.26 for planned projects; $92,601,936.69 for maintenance projects, $51,066.528.31 for safety projects and $82,119,486.83 for technology projects.

One of the planned projects is for the Cape Coral Technical College expansion, which includes an estimated amount of $2,435,397.98 with $80,926.20 spent so far.

The maintenance projects include such items as PE and playground improvements with a total spent so far of $959,528.71, roof replacement with a total spent so far of $16,141,126.41 and school equipment with a total spent so far of $901,844.62.

Safety and security included the purchase of OPENGATE weapons detection system, which has been installed in about half of the schools in the district. The system had a price tag of $3.2 million.

Plumbing Nerds introduces new Cooling Nerds division

committed to resolving plumbing issues with cutting-edge equipment and technology while maintaining their unique brand of "nerdy" enthusiasm.

For more information or to schedule plumbing or HVAC services, please visit www.plumbingnerds.com or www.coolingnerds.com.

Waste Pro awards $10,000 to 10 employees celebrating 20 years of service Waste Pro Founder and Executive Board Chairman John Jennings and

President and CEO Sean Jennings surprised 10 employees on Sept. 27 with breakfast, a plaque and a $10,000 bonus, thanking them for their 20 years of dedication and service.

Among the employees honored during the celebration were Jeannie Amaro – Sanford, FL Customer Service Supervisor, Dave Black – Flagler County, FL, Roll-Off Driver, Derrick Davis – Daytona, FL Residential Route Supervisor, Tim Dolan - Vice President of Government Affairs, Christopher Dudley – Fanning Springs, FL Residential Driver, See BUSINESS BRIEFS, page 12

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Plumbing Nerds, one of Southwest Florida's providers of plumbing solutions, has introduced its new innovative HVAC division, appropriately titled Cooling Nerds, in response to growing customer demand for comprehensive home services.

Cooling Nerds will be a source for homeowners throughout Southwest Florida seeking reliable and professional HVAC services. The new division will specialize in emergency HVAC repair and

diagnostics, air conditioning repair and replacement, heat pump repair and replacement, indoor air quality enhancements, routine HVAC maintenance and system upgrades and retrofitting.

Plumbing Nerds and Cooling Nerds maintains offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and Bonita Springs, covering a broad service area across Southwest Florida.

Established in 2007 and locally owned and operated, Plumbing Nerds is a fully licensed and insured plumbing and drain services company that serves all Southwest Florida. Plumbing Nerds is

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Business Briefs

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School district committee bringing sales tax info to the public

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 8 Fort Myers Beach Observer

Beach Living

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PHOTO PROVIDED

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is resuming its memorial bench program after many of the town's memorial benches were destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

Memorial benches available for purchase The Fort Myers Beach Memorial Bench Program the town had in place before Hurricane Ian is available again.

This program provides a unique and visible way to honor loved ones.

A bench can be purchased from the Town and inscribed with a memorial tribute of the customer’s choice. The cost of the bench is $565 plus $4 per letter. Three lines are available for inscription. The application is on the Town’s website and it can be accessed directly here.

LeeTran to resume shuttle service on Beach in November

Because many of the previous benches were destroyed or displaced due to Ian, this program provides the opportunity for the public to help restore seating throughout the Town and beach accesses.

Locations where benches will be placed are listed on the application for customers to choose their preferred spot. Every effort will be made to accommodate this choice though Town staff do have discretion on where to place benches if the desired location is unavailable.

Purchasing a bench is considered a donation to the Town. The Town does not have a responsibility to replace a newly-purchased bench, but will restore benches at no cost that were placed before Hurricane Ian. Installation times vary depending on demand and material delivery times.

Questions can be addressed to the Public Works Department at 239-765-0202, ext. 1701, or by emailing publicworks@fmbgov.com.

Times Square at night

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

LeeTran will resume its free beach tram shuttle service on Fort Myers Beach on Nov. 16, Lee County Communications Director Betsy Clayton said.

The free tram will run about every 35 minutes, seven days a week from Fort Myers Beach Public Library to Bowditch Point Park. Service will begin at 9:30 a.m. daily at Fort Myers Beach Public Library and end with the last tram leaving Bowditch Point Park at about 10:35 p.m.

The tram service has not been in operation since before Hurricane Ian.

The new Times Square clock, equipped with turtlefriendly lights to light up at night, as seen this past week on Fort Myers Beach.

BILL VEACH

Page 9 n Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 10 Fort Myers Beach Observer

FWC investigating new virus threatening freshwater turtles STAFF REPORT The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is researching a virus present in Florida known to be fatal in freshwater turtles, called turtle fraservirus 1 (TFV1). To aid in that effort, the FWC recently launched a new way to report sick, abnormal or dead turtles through a reporting form online at MyFWC.com/TFV1. This data will assist staff and partners as they work to better understand TFV1.

A turtle could be infected with TFV1 if it displays any of the following signs: ∫ Appears sluggish, unresponsive or reluctant to flee. ∫ Stays in shallow water or beached on banks for prolonged periods of time. ∫ Head and neck outstretched flat along the ground. ∫ Sunken, swollen crusty and/or cloudy eyes. ∫ Reddened skin on head, neck, limbs or bottom of shell. ∫ Swims irregularly (sideways, in circles or is unable to submerge).

Through the new report form, the public can help the FWC by answering a few simple questions, providing location information and uploading any photographs that help document instances of sick or dead turtles. Submitted reports are still helpful even if the observer is unable to confidently identify the turtle.

Observers can indicate on the report form if they approve of the FWC contacting them in the case that follow up questions arise from their reports.

The FWC has been studying TFV1, formerly known as turtle bunyavirus, since early 2018. The virus has been confirmed in turtles from Brevard, Collier, Indian River, Lake, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, and Seminole counties, but could be present in additional counties throughout the state.

TFV1 has been detected in softshells, cooters, sliders and snapping turtles. Reports of sick or dead turtles from the public can help the FWC detect TFV1 in other counties more quickly and understand if it infects other species of turtles.

To reduce the geographic spread of TFV1 and lessen potential impacts of this virus, FWC enacted Executive Order #21-19 in 2021, which remains in effect. This order prohibits the unpermitted take and transport of softshell turtles and yellow-bellied sliders and is intended to limit human-assisted spread of the virus. Turtles should not be captured, transported or released in a new location even if they appear healthy. If road conditions make it safe to do so, Good Samaritans may still help healthyappearing turtles cross the road in the direction they were headed.

There is no current evidence to suggest that humans or wildlife other than turtles can be infected with TFV1. Turtles that appear sick or are dead should be reported to the FWC but not handled.

Turtles that are acting strangely or appear unhealthy should not be consumed. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators can be contacted for care and treatment of sick or injured turtles.

FWC’s Florida State Fish Art Contest is open Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s annual Fish Art Contest is now open!

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can create an original piece of artwork and compete in this free contest for a chance to win state and national honors and prizes.

In partnership with Wildlife Forever, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is excited to announce the second annual category for a Florida Native Fish Award! This State Specialty Award is an additional award to the national Fish Art Contest that participating students will qualify for by submitting a Florida native species.

The goal of the Florida Native Fish Award is to celebrate fish species native to Florida’s inland and marine waters.

“The Florida Native Fish Award is an amazing opportunity to introduce students to some of Florida’s most iconic native fish species in a fun and creative way,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood. “This award helps connect Florida’s students to the fish species that help make Florida the Fishing Capital of the World, which is critical in inspiring the next generation of fisheries resource stewards.”

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 10th through 12th grade),

one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish species. Digital artwork will not be accepted this year, all submitted pieces must be created with a traditional media.

All first-place winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, such as Best of Show. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28, 2024, so start designing!

To enter, students from Florida should submit their entry at Wildlife Forever – Florida Art, consisting of the following: ∫ An original piece of physical artwork featuring any fish including one or more of the following Florida native species from the same category: ∫ Category 1 – Freshwater: largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, channel catfish, Florida gar, chain pickerel, bowfin ∫ Category 2 – Saltwater: snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon, mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, hogfish, queen snapper, black grouper ∫ A piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about the chosen species (required for grades 412). ∫ A Florida State-Fish Art Contest entry form.

Note: Digital artwork will not be accepted this year, all submitted pieces must be created with a traditional media.

Visit https://myfwc.com/education/programs/fish-art/

Health warning lifted for Bowditch Point Park STAFF REPORT The Florida Department of Health has lifted a swim advisory for Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach issued last week.

The department also lifted the health advisory for the Cape Coral Yacht Club. "Testing results indicate bacteria levels are within the accepted health level," the department stated in a media release.

The beach water quality monitoring program continues year-round in Lee County and samples are collected and tested on a weekly basis. The

results are posted on the Florida Healthy Beaches Program website at: https://lee.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmentalhealth/healthy-beaches/index.html.

Tests completed on Sept. 28, indicate that the water quality at Cape Coral Yacht Club and Bowditch Point Park do not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.

Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. Due to these

County launches proactive educational campaign Lee County Solid Waste has launched its “Take Charge” campaign to educate residents and visitors on proper battery disposal.

Residents are reminded not to place any batteries in their recycling carts.

The county reported that household alkaline batteries, AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt and button batteries can be disposed of in the regular garbage can. Any other type of battery — rechargeable, nickel-cadmium, automotive, lithium-ion, lead-acid

— should be recycled at the Household Chemical Waste Facility, at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers.

“Rechargeable batteries have become a hazard in the solid waste industry and our department wants to be proactive in educating our residents and visitors about proper battery disposal in Lee County,” Solid Waste Director Doug Whitehead said. “This campaign is meant to engage our residents and visitors and to empower them to share this

information with their friends and families.”

An increasing number of products contain lithium-ion batteries, which is why Lee County Solid Waste is encouraging residents to be aware of how to properly dispose of these items.

Lithium-ion batteries can be found in the following common products: ∫ Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops tablets and Bluetooth devices ∫ Power tools

Turtle Time nest data

∫ Remote car keys ∫ Vaping devices ∫ Game controllers ∫ Digital cameras ∫ Portable power packs ∫ Greeting cards ∫ Electric toothbrushes ∫ Toys ∫ Medical equipment ∫ Smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors ∫ E-bikes, e-scooters and hover boards For more information, v i s i t www.leegov.com/solidwaste/battery-disposal.

Volunteers needed for mangrove restoration

Fort Myers Beach Nests: 71 Non-nesting emergence: 201 Nests Hatched: 58

Bonita Beach Nests: 151 Non-nesting emergence: 268 Nests Hatched: 136 Turtle Time volunteers ask that Beach residents and visitors remember to turn off or shield their lights at night, and remind everyone never disturb a sea turtle or nest. For more information or to report a nest, please contact Turtle Time, Inc. at 481-5566. visit Turtle Time at turtletime.org.

risks, no wading or swimming at Cape Coral Yacht Club or Bowditch Point Park is recommended.

Enterococcus bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of an elevated concentration of these bacteria is an indicator of possible pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife, or sewage.

Elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria have been associated with an increased risk of swimming-associated gastroenteritis illness (diarrhea and abdominal pain).

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is looking for volunteers to help plant mangroves on Oct. 14 in Fort Myers. It has partnered with MANG to help restore the SCCF property located adjacent to McGregor Boulevard.

MANG is donating several hundred mangroves to the restoration effort. For more information or to sign up, visit https://dash.pointapp.org/events/91357.

Page 11 n Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 12 Fort Myers Beach Observer

New United Way in DeSantis orders flags at half-staff South Fort Myers STAFF REPORT The United Way has announced a new United Way House in South Fort Myers. United Way Houses are essential links in providing human services to people who need them in the counties served by United Way Lee, Hendry, and Glades. United Way Houses provide space for agencies to reach clients who may not be able to access services outside of their neighborhood or near their work. Many resources are available in a single location.

The new United Way House serves as an expansion for Jewish Family Services and is located at The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties: 9701 Commerce Court; Fort Myers, FL 33908. The ribbon cutting and open house was held September 21, 2023. The Jewish Federation has been an excellent partner and has already engaged numerous agencies to serve the community including Harry Chapin Food Bank and Midwest Food Bank, Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Healthy Start, Dress for Success, Center for Progress and Excellence, as well as United Way’s VITA and WeCare Programs.

The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties’ mission is to strengthen and enrich the Jewish Community by providing and supporting philanthropic, educational, and social service programs locally, in Israel, and throughout the world. Together with Jewish Family Services, they believe in strengthening the community by providing vital services to those in need. Jewish Family Services, a non-sectarian, nonprofit human service division of the Jewish Federation, strives to enhance the well-being of those in need throughout Lee & Charlotte Counties.

United Way Houses act as centralized locations for social services in traditionally marginalized or underserved communities. Any given location may offer services such as emergency food, education programming like after-school tutoring, English as a second language, or GED classes, counseling services for domestic violence or mental health needs, and access to programs like SNAP and direct assistance. If the needs of a family or individual are greater than what is initially provided at the United Way Houses, the location also acts as a connector to United Way 211 information and referral hotline, so that those in need can be linked to the hundreds of available resources in its database.

These sites provide many benefits, but the core of them is that they reduce the barrier that many people in Lee County face to accessing services because of a lack of reliable transportation. Agencies are able to invest more in community programs serving all of Lee County, without the overhead of multiple brick and mortar facilities in the areas of highest need. The isolation many of our vulnerable population feel is overcome by providing a safe space to access services and be heard right in their community. In 2022, over 420,000 units of service were provided throughout the United Way House network.

People in need of information and referral assistance to health and human services should contact United Way 211.

Simply dial 2-1-1, (239) 433-3900, or visit the United Way website at www.UnitedWayLee.org.

in solidary with Israel after attack

By NATHAN MAYBERG

families, as well as the elderly.

“This is a direct assault on the peoGov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags at ple of Israel and the Jewish communithe Capitol in Tallahassee to be flown ty,” DeSantis said. “We reinforce our at half-staff and lit in the Israeli flag commitment to Israel and our fight colors of blue and white in honor of against anti-Israel sentiments. Florida more than 900 Israelis who were killed stands with the State of Israel and by an invasion from Hamas terrorists Israeli citizens. As a mark of respect over the weekend. for the victims and in solidarity with On Oct. 7, the Jewish holiday of the State of Israel, I hereby direct the Simchat Torah and one day after the flags of the United States and the State 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur of Florida to be flown at half-staff at War, the Hamas terrorists from Gaza all local and state buildings, installakilled more than 900 people and took tions, and grounds throughout the more than 150 hostages in attacks on State of Florida from sunrise until sunGov. Ron DeSantis southern Israel communities and at a set on Friday, Oct. 13.” peace festival.

Hamas is designated by the United States and More than 250 young Israelis died at the festival. Israel as a terrorist organization. The group controls Victims of the attacks by Hamas included at least 11 the Gaza Strip, an enclave between Israel and Egypt.

Americans and others from around the world. The terror group is sponsored by Iran.

Americans were also among the hostages taken.

DeSantis also directed that the Capitol to be lit in Many of the hostages taken were young women from blue and white from sunset to sunrise until Friday, the festival. Hostages also include children and their Oct. 13. nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Calusa Sportsman Foundation fishing tourney raises funds for Valerie’s House The Calusa Sportsman Foundation raised $170,000 for Valerie’s House and its new forever home during the third annual fishing tournament recently at The Westin at Tarpon Point in Cape Coral. Over three years, the foundation has raised $470,000 for Valerie’s House, which provides ongoing grief support for children and families grieving the death of a loved one.

As Valerie’s House continues to grow and support families in need, a larger facility was essential to expand and provide the necessary services for the Southwest Florida community. These funds have contributed to making that dream a reality with the new forever home to open soon at 3551 Shoemaker Lane in Fort Myers.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s turnout with over 70 boats on the water,” said Mark Wiles, one of the founders of the Calusa Sportsman Foundation. “The Captain’s Dinner was packed with fun, laughter and camaraderie that set the tone for the weekend’s activities. The kindness that filled the

room at the Awards Dinner that held 375 guests was truly humbling. Thank you to all our anglers, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who each played a role in the event’s incredible success. “ About Calusa Sportsman Foundation The Calusa Sportsman Foundation is a group of prominent business leaders in the community that have come together to host fundraising events for the avid sportsman. The founding members of this organization are Mike Dannenhauer (Five County Insurance), Mark Wiles (Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings) and Jeff Richards (Better Buildings, Inc.).

They are dedicated to creating fun outdoor activities with an overall goal of helping less fortunate resident’s in SWFL. These lifelong residents share a deep sense of community stewardship that is coupled with a passion for the camaraderie their events provide. We hope that you will join them in support of this great cause.

Business Briefs From page 7 Nancy Finley – Northeast Florida Sales Representative, Russell Mackie – Southeast Florida Vice President of Business Development, Cindi Tiger – Cocoa, FL Office Supervisor, Garrey Thompson – Ft. Pierce, FL Roll-Off Driver, and Denis Zeledon - Daytona, FL Grapple Driver.

Waste Pro USA, Inc. operates in 10 southeastern states and is one of the country’s fastest-growing privately-owned waste collection, recycling, processing, and disposal companies. Waste Pro serves more than two million residential and 100,000 commercial customers from over 90 operating locations. Waste Pro is headquartered in Longwood, Florida, and maintains approximately 300 exclusive municipal contracts and franchises.

Thomas joins Henderson Franklin’s Land Use and Environmental Law Team Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., has announced the addition of Colten Thomas as an associate in the Land Use and Environmental Law department. His appointment follows two successful summer associate internships with the firm.

Thomas, a third-generation Fort Myers native, brings a deep connection to the community and a commitment to preserving the attributes of the city while fostering its growth. He sees land use law as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the development of Southwest Florida while respecting its rich history.

A key pillar of Thomas’ approach to advocacy is his unwavering commitment to communication, transparency, and diligence. Commenting on his new role at

Henderson Franklin, Thomas stated, Thomas is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts. He earned his bachelor of arts in political science from Duke University, where he also competed at the Division-1 level in wrestling. Thomas obtained his juris doctor from Florida State University College of Law. He may be reached at colten.thomas@henlaw.com or by phone at 239-344-1213.

Henderson Franklin has served the legal needs and communities of Southwest Florida since 1924. The firm has over 55 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law.

Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples. For

more information on Thomas or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.

City Electric Supply holding grand opening of new facility City Electric Supply is celebrating the grand opening of CES Fort Myers East today, Oct. 6, from 2-6 p.m., at 5719 Corporation Circle, Unit 2, Fort Myers.

The branch will also be raising money for Make-A-Wish.

The event will feature product demonstrations, raffle prizes and more.

City Electric Supply is a family-owned electrical wholesale business dedicated to providing the best service and support for customers in the residential, commercial, and industrial markets since 1983.

For additional information, please visit https://www.cityelectricsupply.com/ or call 239-900-0995.

Page 13 n Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 14 Fort Myers Beach Observer

NATHAN MAYBERG

The Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area on Fort Myers Beach is one of the most important breeding habitats for imperiled Florida shorebirds.

This is the area where a 298-feet long boardwalk would cross state lagoons, marshland, mangroves and other vegetation from the properties of Ed Rood (home at left) and Kurt Kroemer (at center) to connect to the beach. They have received approvals from the State Department of Environmental Protection as well as town approval and maintain the project will not harm the nesting area.

Critical habitat From page 1 Island Critical Wildlife Area this year was one of the best in recent years, according to Schneider.

There were 15 fledging (meaning they could fly) snowy plover chicks that hatched this year on Fort Myers Beach.

The Florida Audubon Society counted nearly 400 black skimmer chicks fledging at Carlos Point and more than 300 least tern chicks this year. There were also 15

Wilson’s Plover chicks and one oystercatcher.

The results weren’t as good in nearby Collier County, where a group of black skimmers in the Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area did not nest though there were 100 black skimmer nests counted at Second Chance Critical Wildlife Area.

Across Collier County, There were also 15 Wilson’s Plover chicks and one oyster-

catcher on Fort Myers Beach this year.

Schneider covers nesting on the area that runs from Hernando County down here to Lee County and Collier County, as well as inland to DeSoto County.

Schneider spoke about regulations regarding impacts to areas around birdnesting sites, including developments.

“All native species in Florida are protected from take,” Schneider said. Take by harm

for state-threatened species is defined as “an act that actually kills or injures fish or wildlife,” Schneider said. “Such acts may include significant habitat codification or degradation that significantly impairs essential behavioral patterns including breeding, feeding or sheltering.”

Construction and developments in areas which will impact beach-nesting See CRITICAL HABITAT, page 15

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

walkover. Most recently, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council approved a building permit for the boardwalk despite an ongoing lawsuit filed by the Florida Audubon Society challenging the council’s March decision to approve a special exception permit. The special exception permit was issued although previous councils opposed the permits and the boardwalk for not conforming to the town’s Land Development Code which prohibits construction of such structures in the town’s environmentally critical zone.

A town council election in 2022 in which voters elected John King and Karen Woodson changed the balance of the council to one that favored the efforts of Kroemer and Rood.

Environmental advocates remain concerned about shorebird nesting near where the boardwalk would go with some nests this year being documented in close proximity to the area in which the boardwalk would be placed.

Kroemer and Rood, who initially proposed the boardwalk inside the Critical Wildlife Area, have argued that they received approvals from the State Department of Environmental Protection conditioned on town approval, which they maintain shows that birds will not be threatened by the work.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

habitats require permits and mitigation through the FWC through on-site conservation activities like a temporary, seasonal refuge for birds or off-site measures restoring or creating habitats, or financial contributions to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

If a permit was given for construction within 300 feet of a nesting area of black skimmers where it was estimated that 20% of a colony would be impacted — mitigation would be $810 per breeding pair for three pairs, Schneider said. The costs are based on their rarity, how many breeding pairs have used the sites over the last five years of the agency’s records on a three-tier system and the cost of habitat restoration projects. The cost of the financial contribution for building a single-family home that causes a significant habitat disruption for impacting an area within 300 feet of a two-tier snowy plover nesting area with indirect impacts would be just under $12,000, Schneider said.

Schneider said that if the work is conducted between September and February 15 permits aren’t necessary if it is out of season. If the project creates significant habitat modification, permits are required.

The Little Estero Island NATHAN MAYBERG There are less than 1,000 breeding adult Wilson’s plovers left in Florida, according to Critical Wildlife Area has been at data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Audubon the center of a seven-year battle over a 1,491 square-feet lagoon Society.

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Critical habitat From page 14

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 16

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Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 18 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Turtle-friendly lights From page 1 budget process though the cost estimate eventually grew to $7.9 million when the town resubmitted an application for the funds this summer. The state ultimately awarded $7.66 million to Lee County, which owns Estero Boulevard to install the lighting.

Lee County Chief Financial Officer Pete Winton told the Lee County Board of County Commissioners at a recent meeting that the funding for the lighting was in addition to a $100 million, zero interest loan provided by the state in lieu of FEMA funding. The funding is part of $338 million announced by DeSantis as part of $350 million that the state legislature set aside for Hurricane Ian recovery funding throughout the state.

Turtle Time founder Eve Haverfield said the new turtlefriendly lights have “been a long time coming.”

Haverfield said the new lights will be beneficial to hatching sea turtles who can be disoriented by bright lights, and nesting turtles who can be discouraged by lighting.

“That street is so close to the turtle-nesting beach,” she said.

“We have been encouraging the different councilmembers and councils through the years to go to turtle-friendly lighting,” Haverfield said. “These turtles count on the beach to nest.”

For Haverfield, protecting sea turtles is “not just a hobby” but a duty she feels to help protect the entire ecosystem. “Turtles take care of the health of the ocean,”

Haverfield said. Sea turtles keep grass beads healthy for fish eggs and sand loose for fish that lay eggs in the sand, and eat jellyfish that prey on fish eggs.

Cindy Johnson, a volunteer with Turtle Time, said “our Fort Myers Beach residents and business owners have long desired safe, uniform lighting down Estero Boulevard.

These wildlife-friendly amber LED streetlights will not only provide the appropriate, safe illuminance levels as required by the Florida Department of Transportation Green Book for Roadway Safety, but also emit less glare and sky glow. The state has provided funding for a solution to a longstanding issue for our town and we are truly grateful.”

State aid From page 1 The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District is also getting $8 million from the state.

Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said the town applied for approximately $24 million in aid from the state.

Those projects include roads, temporary trailers for Town Hall, Times Square, stormwater drainage, water towers and water lines.

Allers said he will be going up to the state capitol this month to request funding from the state legislature in its next budget session for revenue reimbursement, a new town hall and infrastructure.

The town still hasn’t received word from state officials as to whether the town’s $11.9 million bridge loan from the state will be forgiven. State Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-33), who represents Fort Myers Beach, said there are talks ongoing about forgiving the loan or the interest. The interest balloons to 10% after a year.

Allers said that when the $13 million the town is receiving directly from the state in its

latest package is coupled with the approximately $7.7 million in aid the county will be using for the lights, it is close to the $24 million sought by the town. Allers said the town was advised by Tidal Basin, the contractor it has been working with on state and FEMA aid requests, to apply for loans as well as grants.

A large amount of the town’s aid requests were for loans.

The town did not seek aid in its application to the Florida Division of Emergency Management for a permanent town hall project in its application as it continues to finalize plans for the town hall. Town officials currently envision working out of trailers for its town offices for the next three to four years.

Earlier this year, the town’s previous managers Chris Holley and Keith Wilkins forwarded a request for $24 million to the state legislature to replace town hall, but those funds were never included in the state budget. The town also sought $8 million in

aid during the state budget process for a reimbursement of revenue loss, which the state legislature and Gov. DeSantis did not put into the budget.

In the town’s 2023-24 budget, approximately $3.47 million of the state’s bridge loan will be used to balance the town’s budget in order to avoid a tax increase.

Other aid figures announced by DeSantis for Lee County include $4.3 million to Lee Memorial Health Systems, $1 million to Captiva Erosion Prevention District, $600,000 to the City of Fort Myers and $350,000 to Captiva Fire Control District.

Lee County Government Chief Financial Officer Pete Winton announced last week that the county is receiving a $100 million, zero-interest loan from the state to help with cash flow. Winton said the funds will also be used for FEMA projects that the county expects to be reimbursed for through FEMA. Winton said the $100 million was only a partial amount of what the county is expecting to spend on Hurricane Ian recov-

ery. The county has spent approximately $125 million on rebuilding projects already, and is looking at an estimated $280 million in total recovery projects.

Winton said the funds will help reimburse what the county has already spent on debris removal as well as current and future projects at Boca Grande Community Park, the countywide lift station, LeeTran Beach Park, Lee County Sports Complex Stadium lighting, Matanzas Pass Preserve repairs, the Sanibel Toll Plaza, the county’s waste to energy facility, water reclamation facility and Kelly Road Soccer Complex. No mention was made of the Fort Myers Beach Pier, Lynn Hall Memorial Park or Bowditch Point Park.

The Fort Myers Beach Observer requested from the Florida Division of Emergency Management a full list of all the allocations for which the $338 million has been earmarked. That list has not yet been released.

WHERE TO GO

WHAT TO DO

WHO TO SEE WEEK OF OCTOBER 11, 2023

VISIT US ONLINE FORTMYERSBEACHTALK.COM

Lee County Parks & Recreation Fall Festival events —Page 21

Mound House hosting events for children Monday

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Fun days are back on Fort Myers Beach at the Mound House.

With Lee County public schools scheduled to be closed Monday, Oct. 16, for Professional Duty Day, the Mound House will be hosting activities for children.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach announced the event,

which will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Mound House, located at 400 Connecticut St. Activities include will include a trip to Six Mile Slough Preserve in Fort Myers, a scavenger hunt and a movie.

The cost for residents is $20 and the cost for non-residents is $30. The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 13.

insidetoday Pet Pals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Families are asked to pack a lunch for their children and to supply sunscreen. Children will return to the Mound House around 1 p.m. Pickup is no later than 4 p.m. Spots are limited to 20 children.

For more information, contact Nicole Berzin at Nicole.Berzin@FMBgov.com.

To register for the event, visit www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/997/Youth-Programs.

Sports & Recreation . . . . .24

What’s Happening . . . . . . .22

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 20

Submit your full name, high school, grade and an original photograph that you took of nature and/or wildlife in the open outdoors. Include a title for the photograph and a written description (minimum 100 words) of the “moment” captured and how it reflects what nature and wildlife mean to you. You and your entry must comply with the following requirements: ∫ Students attending schools in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte (Florida) counties in grades 9 through 12 may enter the contest. ∫ Only digital images are accepted and may be taken with any camera, including smartphones. ∫ Images must be submitted in JPEG format and must have a size of at least 2000-by-1500 pixels or resolution of 2 megabytes. ∫ The photograph must be taken of nature and/or wildlife in the open outdoors in the state of Florida, which may include parks, refuges, backyards, and other open spaces. ∫ Panoramic photos are not allowed. ∫ Filters, cropping, enhancements and boarders are permitted. However, adding any elements not existing in the original scene will not be allowed.

Judges, at their discretion, will disqualify any photos that appear to be manipulated beyond these guidelines. ∫ Each participant may enter up to two photos but is eligible to win only one award. ∫ Judging will be anonymous. Please do not put your name or anything that will identify you on your photograph. ∫ There are three judges: a refuge staff person, professional photographer and resident of the fivecounty region. ∫ Judging criteria: technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure); creativity; and explanation of photograph (minimum of 100 words). ∫ All photos will become the property of the DDWS. Photos may be used by the society in any way with appropriate credit.

Find guidelines and prize information at www.dingdarlingsociety.org/articles /photo-contests.

For more information, contact the DDWS at 239-292-0566.

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

The 11th annual “Ding” Darling-Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest has kicked off with a deadline of Jan. 15. It invites high school students in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties to compete for prizes that include a Canon digital SLR camera package, one-year subscription to Adobe photography software and an annual pass to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.

Cross, who lived part-time on Sanibel, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; advised the Johnson and Nixon administrations on anti-poverty programs; wrote the influential book “Black Capitalism,” among others; played a prominent role in President Barack Obama’s election; and created Birders United — a birding website that ranked legislators according to their record of bird protection support.

Late in life, Cross decided to indulge his love for birds and photography and traveled the world to collect stunning portraits and stories to chronicle his adventures. He shot often at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, and a number of the images in his book reflect his love for it. Cross published “Waterbirds” in 2009 at age 85; he passed away shortly after that in 2010.

“The Theodore Cross Family Charitable Foundation has made possible this contest with a generous grant to the 'Ding' Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge,” DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller Gresham said. “We couldn’t be more thrilled that they wanted their donation used in this way for a 11th year.”

“We are so happy to be supporting a contest in my father’s name, a contest that will get our youth involved with nature by looking at it — as my father so loved doing — through a camera lens,” daughter Amanda Cross said.

Digital image entries can be shot from any outdoor venue in Florida. A writing component to the contest requires entrants grades 9-12 to submit a 100-word description of the “moment” captured and how it reflects what nature and wildlife mean to the photographer.

The entry rules and guidelines are as follows: Entries and information must be submitted in digital format to ddhsphotocontest@gmail.com.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Refuge opens annual photo contest for high schoolers

The Lee County Parks & Recreation has announced plans for Fall Festival events throughout October.

Events include: ∫ 6-9 p.m., Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday starting Friday, Oct. 13, through Sunday, Oct. 31, Fall Festival, Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers.

The Fall Festival will include a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, hayrides, Scarecrows in the Park, the very popular Halloween Express train and concessions.

Parking for the Fall Festival event is $3 per vehicle.

Prices vary per activity.

For more information visit www.leeparks.org/lakespark or call 239-533-7578. ∫ 6-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20, Family Fall Festival, North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers.

This is a free family event for all ages. Activities include a costume contest, candy, games, a photo booth, a live DJ, bounce house, prizes and more. Community businesses and organizations will have booths setup with information, samples of products and candy.

Admission is free.

For more information visit www.leeparks.org/nfm or call 239-533-7200. ∫ 3-5:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, Fall Festival, Boca Grande Community Center, 131 1st St., Boca Grande.

This is a free family friendly festival for kids of all ages.

Activities include bounce houses, a cake and pumpkin walk, tractor pictures, guess the candy jar count and goodie bags. One bag of individual wrapped candy per child is appreciated and may be dropped off at the community center before Oct. 24. Sponsored by the Boca Grande Women’s Club, The Friends of Boca Grande and Lee County Parks & Recreation.

For more information call 239-533-2923. ∫ 6-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, Trunk or Treat and Movie in the Park, Veterans Park, 55 Homestead Road South, Lehigh Acres.

Everyone is invited to this family friendly event.

Activities include a Trunk-or-Treat and a Movie in the Park, featuring “Coco”, rated PG. Movie starts at 8 p.m.

Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District providing popcorn and water.

Admission is free.

For more information visit www.leeparks.org/veterans or call 239-369-1521. ∫ 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28, Spooktacular Night, Estero Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero.

Come out to the park for a night of family friendly and spooktacular fun. Activities include a trunk-or-treat and a Movie in the Park, featuring “Halloweentown” rated PG. Admission is free.

For more information visit www.leeparks.org/estero or call 239-533-1470.

Page 21 n Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023

CHASE QUROLLO

Chase Qurollo, of Cape Coral High School, won first place in last year's contest with “Nature's Bandit.”

Lee County Parks & Recreation offers Fall Festival events

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 22 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

WHAT’S HAPPENING Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball to be held Oct. 14 The American Cancer Society is pleased to announce the 2023 Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa Coconut Point on Saturday, Oct. 14. The Cattle Baron’s Ball is the American Cancer Society’s signature western event with more than 50 events nationwide. This year, we celebrate 19 years and an amazing history of support in Lee County. Since its inception, the event has raised $4 million to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

This year’s mission moment will support the newly created Lee and Collier County Health Equity Fund.

Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it does not affect everyone equally. Many barriers can impact a person's ability to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer and the American Cancer Society is committed to actively working towards ending cancer disparities. This fund will support programs related to transportation and lodging grants, as well as increasing screening efforts with partners in our community.

The 19th annual Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball will feature music from "Whiskey County," along with an exciting live and silent auction, bull riding, axe throwing, Heaven’s Door bourbon tasting, Dunkin’s Diamonds Diamond Heist and a custom designed menu from the Hyatt. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, or to purchase tickets, please visit leecattlebarons.com or contact Nina Gasparrini, Associate Director of Development, at 239321-5018 or nina.gasparrini@cancer.org.

Southwest Florida Symphony to host open house Oct. 17 The Southwest Florida Symphony, the only professional orchestra in Lee County and fourth oldest orchestra in the state, will host its annual meeting at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the symphony’s new Artistic & Operations Center at Coconut Point, 23050 Via Villagio Ste. 101, Estero. An open house reception will immediately follow the annual meeting with refreshments provided by South Fork Grille.

Maestro Radu Paponiu, Southwest Florida Symphony’s music director, will introduce the symphony’s upcoming season. Both events are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend. Admission is free, but donations will be graciously accepted.

The Southwest Florida Symphony made its debut as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961, playing in schools and community centers. Today, the symphony boasts a roster of 70 world-class professional musicians and is Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra and fourth oldest in the state. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 63rd year continues the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence and innovation as Music Director Maestro Radu Paponiu leads another season of spectacular performances.

Maestro Paponiu, the sixth music director in the organization’s history, also serves as the associate conductor and youth orchestra director for the Naples Philharmonic in addition to guest-conducting with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe.

For more information about the Southwest Florida Symphony, upcoming season performances and subscription and ticketing information, visit swflso.org

Woman’s Club Christmas Tree Festival scheduled The Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club will be hosting the sixth annual Christmas Tree Festival sponsored

by Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 at the Mound House, located at 451 Connecticut St, Fort Myers Beach.

This two-day event is a fundraiser which supports participating nonprofits in the greater Fort Myers Beach area. The event has raised more than $30,000 for local nonprofits since 2018, festival co-chair Megan Allers said.

The festival includes two days of silent bidding on custom Christmas trees and holiday wreaths. All trees and wreaths are donated and decorated by area nonprofit organizations and local businesses. All funds raised for each tree will go back to their designated charity.

An early preview and cocktail Party will be held Dec. 8 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. featuring live music, cash bar and food trucks. Access will be limited to 50 pre-sold VIP ticket holders. Tickets are $50 each and available to purchase online. All auction items will be on display for preview and bidding though out the evening.

On Saturday, the festivities begin at 1 p.m. and feature a holiday vendor market, bake sale, and the 6th annual Chili Tasting and Cook-Off. The Chili Cook-off begins at 4:30 p.m. and will feature cash prizes.

At 8 p.m. on Saturday, winners will be announced for the highest bidders of the trees and wreaths, the top chili Producers, along with the Grand Prize winner of the Holiday Raffle.

For more information visit https://www.fmbwc.org/index.php/holiday-raffle-2023.

Calling all South Floridians: Create Christmas in October to Honor Military Heroes

Celebration & Gala on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater, at 1375 Monroe St. Fort Myers.

The gala will feature dinner, dancing and live music by Bay Kings Band, as well as a spirited live auction with proceeds benefiting Pace programs and services. Recognizing all the Faces of Pace who have played an integral part of the center’s mission to change the lives of girls and young women, the evening will include messages from founding members and alumni of Pace Lee. Presented by B&I Contractors, a range of sponsorship opportunities are still available for the gala, including the Creating Partnerships sponsor at $10,000, Invest in the Future sponsor at $7,500, Focus on Strengths sponsor at $5,000, Honor the Female Spirit table sponsor at $1,500 and in-kind sponsorships.

The signature event is led by co-chairs Noelle Casagrande and Lt. Angelo Vaughn with honorary chair Sandy Stilwell Youngquist. B&I Contractors is the gala’s title sponsor.

The fundraising event supports Pace Lee in providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.

Programs are based on the belief that all girls and young women, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, should be uniquely cared for, supported and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves through a path of healing and recovery. Through Pace Lee, 100% of students improved their academic performance, 100% had no involvement with the juvenile justice system within one year of exiting the program and 95% were either in school or gainfully employed after leaving Pace Lee. For more information, visit PaceCenter.org/Locations/Lee or call 239-425-2366.

Every fall for the past 10 years, caring South Floridians have teamed up with the American Red Cross to create a little holiday cheer for our troops overseas and local veterans in hospitals and nursing homes. The organization’s Holiday for Heroes project invites your community to write messages of thanks and donate snacks, playing cards and other small items for holiday care packages — which are delivered in colorful stockings hand-sewn by Red Cross volunteers.

More than 1,200 stockings were distributed during last year’s holiday season as a way to honor local veterans and active-duty soldiers around the world.

This year’s deadline for donations is Oct. 16, and it’s easy for South Florida residents to get involved. Simply purchase some of the most needed care-package items (listed below) from your favorite local store or online retailer. Ship them directly to the Red Cross collection site at 7051 Cypress Terrace, #110, Fort Myers, FL 33907. Or drop off donations at any of the following South Florida Red Cross chapters / your local Red Cross chapter location between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.: ∫ Greater Miami and the Keys Chapter: 335 SW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33135 ∫ Broward County Chapter: 3696 North Federal Highway, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 ∫ Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter: 1250 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 ∫ Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter: 7051 Cypress Terrace, #110, Fort Myers, FL 33907 Needed care-package items ∫ Individually packaged/travel-size snacks (nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, Slim Jim)* ∫ Protein bars, granola bars, breakfast bars* ∫ Non-perishable meat (individual packets of tuna, chicken, salmon; not canned)* ∫ Decks of playing cards and fidget spinners ∫ Gum, mints, hard candy (no chocolate) ∫ Individual packets of flavored drink mixes (Crystal Light, electrolytes) ∫ Individual packets of powdered hot cocoa or apple cider mix ∫ Holiday cards and letters of appreciation (Please do not use glitter or write the date, your last name, address or personal contact information. Please use wording that will encompass the holiday spirit without reference to religion as these will go to a diverse group of service members.)

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

Lee Van Asten, Mark Sanders, and Bonnie Lancaster in concert Oct. 22 at St. Columbkille Catholic Parish A concert presenting Lee Van Asten, Mark Sanders, and Bonnie Lancaster will take place Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m., at St. Columbkille Catholic Parish in Iona Hall, 12171 Iona Road, Fort Myers.

Music you love to hear, Jazz, Classical, Standards, Broadway & more.

No tickets to purchase, this is a free will concert. Open seating - no seats reserved! A free will offering will be taken.

For more information visit www.stcolumbkille.com.

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help.

Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www.SouthFloridaAl-Anon.org. Meetings are held every day in Lee County.

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

Pace Center for Girls, Lee will host its Faces of Pace

The Fort Myers Beach Observer & Beach Bulletin welcomes news from our community!

Send news tips & releases to news@breezenewspapers.com

Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue

Looking for forever homes

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

Just a little guy!

Petie is a very chilled little poodle with a big heart. Just a total love. He will stay right with you. He loves to be right in your lap. Friendly with all dogs and people. Petie comes from a breeder and was used as a stud for the first part of his life. He is a year old, working on the potty training (getting better every day). Just got groomed, neutered and vaccinated. 239-281-0739.

Page 23 n Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023

PET PALS

Island pets seeking forever homes

No chicken, just a Nugget!

Petie

Nugget ing, energetic dogs and very good for families. They are loyal, resourceful, and love to hunt. All of which nugget shows signs of having.”

Please call or text 239-281-0739 for more information.

Please note our new PO Box #864, Bonita Springs, Fl 34133 You can also make a donation at www.findahomegiveahome.com using the donation tab using PayPal Please make sure you do it through “Friends and Family” so there is no fee and all the donation comes to us directly.

Save Our Strays Feline Rescue Fort Myers Beach

Beautiful pair needs home together

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com Founder of Save Our Strays Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach

Snickers and Sonya are siblings that have been together since they were born inside.

Three of their litter mates did not make it.

Sonya is a female diluted calico which you dont see very often. Snickers is a male white with tabby markings. These two have been through a lot as both survived Ian when the floods hit and water rose quickly. Snickers was found two and a half weeks later across the canal. How he got there is a mystery.

Two others were with him. Sonya was swimming for her life as the waters got deeper and deeper inside. Unfortunately some of the cats got out when the doors all blew out and ten are still missing along with other domestic cats from the neighborhood. Very important to call us at 239 851 3485 if you see or feed any strays on your property or see any roaming around.. We need to get them back home.

Check out our facebook page Save our Strays Feline Rescue Email us at saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com. Cat donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 5014, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

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

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Nugget was and owner surrender after the shelter found her in unsanitary conditions. She was in an outside kennel with her puppies (adopted) and left at the shelter to die. She was flinching and so nervous that it was impossible to have her adopted right from the shelter. The stress is unbelievable. So we took her just a few hours before being euthanized. Nugget is incredible and so sweet. Just looking at in her eyes and you can see it. She is great with other dogs and only a year and 10 months old and 39 pounds. Nugget lives with a female dog and is just fine. The is what her foster Mom Olivia is saying about her: “Nugget is almost 2 years old and is about 39 pounds.

She is labeled as a pit mix but her foster parents believe she is at least partial black mouth cur which are amaz-

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 24 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

SPORTS & RECREATION

Lovers Key State Park to offer guided nature programs The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history and wildlife throughout the month of October. All programs will take place at Lovers Key State Park at 8700 Estero Blvd.

Space is limited for all events; reservations are required. To register, visit the Friends of Lovers Key’s Eventbrite page.

The park offers many recreational opportunities for visitors with disabilities. For accommodations assistance, please contact the park office at 239707-6328.

October 2023 programs include: ∫ Saturday, Oct. 14, at 10:30 a.m.

Sensational Sharks Program is free with paid park entry Join a park ranger for an interesting and informative lecture on sharks, the ocean’s most sensational residents. Discover why these awe-inspiring elasmobranchs are often misunderstood by the public, what crucial roles they play in our ecosystems, and how you can help protect them. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit the Friends of Lovers Key’s Eventbrite page. ∫ Friday, Oct. 20, at 10:30 a.m.

Walk on the Wild Side Program is free with paid park entry Join a park ranger for a guided hike along our Black Island Trail. Learn about the fascinating vegetation and wildlife that reside in our maritime hammock ecosystem and enjoy a little local history along the way. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit the Friends of Lovers Key’s Eventbrite page. ∫ Saturday, Oct. 28, at 10:30 a.m.

Sensational Sharks Program is free with paid park entry Join a park ranger for an interesting and informative lecture on sharks, the ocean’s most sensational residents. Discover why these awe-inspiring elasmobranchs are often misunderstood by the public, what crucial roles they play in our ecosystems, and how you can help protect them. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit the Friends of Lovers Key’s Eventbrite page.

HOLLY GELARDI

Summerset Regatta The Summerset Regatta, an annual sailing event off Fort Myers Beach (as seen from the beachfront view of the Lani Kai Island Resort), was held Sunday.

The Club at Renaissance to host The Autumn Classic Golf tourney raises funds for Golisano Children’s Hospital The Club at Renaissance in Fort Myers will host “The Autumn Classic” golf tournament Thursday, Oct. 26, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

Proceeds will support critical care needs within Golisano Children’s Hospital’s pediatric neurosurgery program.

The new program, a collaboration with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, will help diagnose and treat children with diseases of the brain, spine and nerves. These services will allow children who have neurological conditions that require surgery to receive that high level of care at Golisano Children’s Hospital instead of traveling outside of the area to larger cities, like Miami or St. Petersburg, reducing stress on the child and their family.

Participants in the tournament will receive a first-class day on the championship-level private course at The Club at Renaissance, gourmet lunch and dinner buffets as well as on-course beverages, live entertainment and the opportunity to participate in live and silent auctions featuring dining experiences, trips and travel, airline certificates and high-value sports memorabilia.

Longtime friend to Golisano Children’s Hospital, World Champion Major League Baseball retired pitcher Derek Lowe will headline the event and serve as a sponsor. Jaguar LandRover of Fort Myers will be the Classic’s exclusive automotive sponsor and provide a hole-in-one prize.

Single golf slots are $275, with foursomes available at $1,000. Tickets for dinner and the auction are $75.

Business sponsorships and hole signs are also available.

The tournament is expected to sell out, and space can be reserved by calling 239-343-6076 or visiting LeeHealthFoundation.org/Renaissance by Oct. 16. For

information on the new Johns Hopkins medical partnership, visit LeeHealth.org/Our-Services/PediatricNeurosurgery.

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” three times by The Leapfrog Group. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. Since 2019, Golisano Children’s Hospital has been a proud member hospital of the Children’s Miracle Network. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, October 11, 2023 n Page 28

Observer 10/11/23

Observer 10/11/23