Hurricane Milton damage on the islands
Hurricane Milton caused widespread damage on Pine Island and Matlacha when it swept across Southwest Florida last week. Above, power company crews work to restore power to the islands after Milton’s winds nearly knocked down a number of poles along Pine Island Road in Matlacha, and elsewhere Bokeelia also took a strong punch from the hurricane, with stormpushed water flood much of the area, including Capt’n Cons and other locations at the northern end of Pine Island With islanders still reeling from past hurricanes, restoration and repairs will continue in the coming months
County continues to clean up after Hurricane Milton
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
More than 200,000 homes and businesses lost electricity during Hurricane Milton, leaving the county with downed power lines, flooded roads and scattered debris while leaving its worst damage for counties to the north
Residents were also asked to avoid local beaches for the next couple days while the cleanup continues The Lee Department of Health also issued health warnings to avoid going into the water due to health risks
H u r r i c a n e M i l t o n h i t Captiva and Boca Grande hardest The approach to B l i n d P a
County crews worked to r e s t o r e a c c e s s t o B o c a Grande after sections of G a s p a r i l l
washed out, Lee County
Ben Abes said
Other roads were damaged and the county is also assessing all of its bridges, Abes said
In Matlacha, a tornado touched down ahead of Hurricane Milton on a day when the National Weather Service reported a record number of tornadoes for Florida Homes and businesses were damaged. The tornado spread through the back bay of Fort Myers Beach to Hickory Island
In Matlacha, a tornado touched down ahead of Hurricane Milton on a day when the National Weather Service reported a record number of tornadoes for Florida. Homes and businesses were damaged The tornado spread through the back bay of Fort Myers Beach to Hickory Island
The good news was there were no deaths reported in the county attributed to Hurricane Milton a scenario far different than two years ago when Hurricane Ian killed dozens in a Category 4 hurricane Forecasts had been warning of a catastrophic hurricane that could bring damage as bad as Ian though the worst part of the storm was felt in Sarasota County where Ian made a direct hit as a Category 3 hurricane
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to more than 600 storm-related calls He said low-lying areas of the barrier islands in the county saw “significant surge ” The worst storm surge was seen in the county’s barrier islands, where surge levels approached six feet
The National Weather Service recorded the secondhighest storm surge on record for their Fort Myers station - second to Hurricane Ian
“This is when strangers help strangers,” Marceno said More than 9,000 people sought safety in county shelters during the storm
U S Sen Rick Scott joined county officials for a briefi n g o n T h u r s d a y a t t h e L e e C o u n t y E m e r g e n c y
Operations Center Scott said he was thankful nobody appeared to have died in Lee County during Hurricane
See HURRICANE MILTON, page 5
PAULETTE LEBLANC
Shattered glass artist opens gallery in Cape Coral
Prior to Hurricane Ian, Janet Sams had shop in Matlacha
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
A Cape Coral artist who upcycles glass and turns it into works of art will host a grand opening of her studio in the South Cape this weekend.
On Oct 5, award-winning shattered glass artist Janet Sams officially marked the opening of her gallery and studio along Southeast 47th Street
“I’ve got my gallery set up so people can stop in and browse,” Sams said
Sams has been creating glasswork art for more than a decade, starting in an at-home studio first in Cape Coral, and then in Matlacha before Hurricane Ian came along and wreaked havoc Her signature technique involves meticulously shattering glass and then reassembling the pieces to create multidimensional sculptures and installations that capture light and color in mesmerizing ways
Having retired as a chemical engineer, Sams was encouraged by friends to send her glasswork to local gal-
leries, and did so after some hesitation The rest, as they say, is history
“For some reason, I just started doing research into glass, because glass would always catch my eye, and I just let myself go and explore this, and now I’m hooked,” she said “It was a hobby at first Just me enjoying working with glass And then it turned into much more ”
Sams moved to a small commercial space along Del Prado Boulevard after Ian before settling into her new spot at 869 Southeast 47th Street
“And now I’m in heaven over here,” she said
The 2,200-square-foot location is divided into a gallery in the front of the house, and a studio workspace in the back
Sams sources her materials from glassblowers all across the country, bringing in their scrap or broken items She also finds glass at local yard sales, thrift stores, and from friends
“There’s a constant stream coming in,” Sams said.
“It’s really important to me that the majority of it is being repurposed ” There is no limit to the creations that Sams can fash-
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Two of Janet Sams’ artworks The artist, who had a gallery in Matlacha prior to Hurricane Ian, now has a shop located in Cape Coral, on Cape Coral Parkway
Power problem
One of many leaning power poles in
crews were on the islands shortly after the storm working to restore power.
Moose Lodge to host Lee Health Bloodmobile Saturday
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
H e a l t h , w h i c h i n c l u d e s t h e G o l i s a n o Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, the Regional Cancer Center and the only Trauma Center within a 5-county radius. T h e b l o o d a l s o s u p p o r t s C a p e C o r a l
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 i m p
health Regularly donating blood helps men in particular to reduce the amount of iron in the blood This can reduce the
%
Additionally, regular blood donation can lower the risk of severe cardiovascular events such as stroke by 33%
p u s m a
r g o a l 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. Call 343-2333 for information
oPinions
10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste 60 Bokeelia, FL 33922
Phone: (239) 283-2022
Fax: (239) 283-0232
Web: pineisland-eagle com
Publisher Raymond M Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers com
Executive Editor
Valarie Harring
vharring@breezenewspapers com
Editor Paulette LeBlanc
pleblanc@breezenewspapers com
Advertising Director
Laurie Ragle
lragle@ breezenewspapers com
Advertising Sales
Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers com
Design & Layout
Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers com
Obituaries Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers com
Subscriptions
1 Year $52
To Pay For Your Subscription
P O Box 151306
Cape Coral FL 33915
Circulation (239) 574-1936
Classified Advertising (239) 574-5644
Display Advertising (239) 283-2022
The Eagle is published every Wednesday
Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30
sible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication Postal Information: Bulk rate postage paid at Fort Myers, FL Postmaster Send address changes to the Pine Island Eagle Permit # 521
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 Web Poll Question:
Should improvements be made to Pine Island Road to keep it from flooding during storms?
■ Yes
■ No
■ I don’t think there’s anything that can be done
Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle com
Another hit
Hurricane Milton may not have been as bad as feared, but the storm, hard on the heels of Helene, while our communities continue to recover from Ian, was bad enough.
Making landfall at Siesta Key in Sarasota County as a Category 3 hurricane, Milton brought record-breaking rain what meteorologists are calling a 1,000-year deluge
Southwest Florida saw dozens of tornadoes with the National Weather Service documenting at least 126 as Milton made its way across the state
As of Friday morning, the storm-related death toll was at 16 as rescue and recovery efforts continued
AccuWeather puts the preliminary estimate for damage and economic between $160 billion and $180 billion
Again, we begin to recover
Again, we begin to rebuild
Dismantle NOAA, NHC, the National Weather Ser vice?
To the editor:
I live in Florida As I write this, we await news about the pathway Hurricane Milton will travel and whose lives and homes are most threatened My updates come every six hours from the NHC, the National Hurricane Center, which provides weather and climate forecasts and warnings
As I get all the current details of the storm in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NHC (National Hurricane Center) site Project 2025 authors candidate Trump supporters all are outlining how to cripple it, which documents the plan his transition team intends to use to broadly dismantle government agencies should he win
Project 2025 takes four pages to describe how NOAA,the National Weather Service and its NHC “should be broken up and downsized ”
But we need these protective service across the country
The League of Conservation Voters has said that Project 2025, which describes the NOAA as “a primary component of the climate change alarm industry,” would dismantle the National Weather Service and NOAA
T h o s e
agency’s independence from the executive branch and eliminate internal departments, hence life-saving information about hurri-
Letters to the Editor Eagle Editorial
Again, we stress our resiliency
For we Floridians, it’s SOP
For our leaders at the state level, it may be more than hyperbole and promises this go around
The 1000 Friends reports that “legislative leaders are already talking about prioritizing resilience as our communities rebuild We welcome this objective, which has long been a priority of 1000 Friends ”
It’s long been a priority for many of us who have, literally, weathered the storm and we, too, wait with interest to see how preparing for the next one and the next for our vulnerable piece of paradise plays out
As we did two weeks ago, we add continuing federal recovery funds and insurance
canes, heat waves and extreme weather events would be reduced
Project 2025 says the agency “should focus on data gathering services and should commercialize its forecasting ” This is a considerable limit on the work and services they provide the intent seems to be render the agencies in effective
I do not support their proposal
Vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
Vote by mail
Check your voter registration Kathleen Callard, RNBS North Fort Myers
Progress with the positive
To the editor:
In the life of a teacher, as we live our dayto-day lives, it is easy to focus on the negative things Lately I have been trying to step into the positive The solutions that I have come up with are simple, yet they work
1. Keep your expectations realistic
2 Plan ahead
3 Idle time is not helpful
4 Expect the unexpected
5 Clearly state your expectations
6 Offer reasonable choices
7 Catch your children doing good
8 Stay calm
9 Use phrases like first and then
10 Model for success
If we put positive into practice, we should be instrumental in making our little piece of
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: Pine Island Eagle, 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60, Bokeelia, FL 33922; e-mailed to pineisland@ breezenewspapers com; posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com or faxed to 283-0232. 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
reform at both the state and federal level
As a state and as a nation we must address how casualty claims are processed and paid as well as how risk pools affect premiums, already unaffordable for many
This includes an overhaul of national flood insurance policies, a program under the a u s p
y Management Agency, which also is needed to bring in more low-risk policy holders with low-cost polices that will make premiums more affordable for everyone who wants one.
Recovery will happen
We have no doubt
Reform and resiliency for the future
Those are the hard tasks that lay ahead
the world a happier place
Pamela Martin preschool curriculum coordinator Cape Coral
Florida law requires lifesaving medical care
to a mother without delay
To the editor:
I would like to respond to a recent letter from Kathleen Callard, RNBS, concerning false information concerning miscarriage care in Amendment 4
This is a recent provider alert sent to all licensed medical providers in Florida from the Florida Dept of Health-
“Notice to Health Care Providers Regarding Misinformation About Abortions in Florida
“This Provider Alert is being issued to address misinformation currently being spread concerning Florida’s abortion laws The law is clear: abortion is permissible at any stage of pregnancy in Florida to save the life and health of the mother Abortion is also available when the pregnancy results from rape, incest, or human trafficking, or has a fatal fetal abnormality
“Section 390.0111(1), Florida Statutes, currently lists express exceptions that allow for an abortion at any point in pregnancy to save the pregnant woman’s life or avert a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function These exceptions allow treatment, including abortions, for women who experience premature rupture of membranes (PROM), ectopic, or molar pregnancies, and as such, physicians in Florida are expected to follow standards of care regarding the most appropriate course of action in these situations Exceptions also exist up to 15 weeks for pregnancies resulting from rape, incest, or human trafficking
“Health care facilities and providers must be aware that a physician providing life-saving treatment for pregnant women does not violate Florida law and that failure to do so
Elks holding Soccer Shoot Program
Event for island youth Oct. 26 at Phillips Park
Special to The Eagle pleblanc@breezenewspapers com
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Greater Pine Island Lodge #2781 is launching the Elks Soccer Shoot Program As organizers said in a press release, the program aims to keep our youth focused and engaged in positive activities, steering them away from undesirable influences
Soccer has become the sport of choice for many young people, from toddlers to teens, in urban and suburban settings The Elks Soccer Shoot Program offers a structured and fun way for children to develop their soccer skills while participating in friendly competitions
The program, which will take place at Phillips Park,
Hurricane Milton
features two distinct contests tailored to different age groups and skill levels:
Five Goal Contest: This contest is designed for U-8 participants (ages 7 and younger) and consists of five goals that decrease in size from 48 inches to 17 inches Contestants will kick from a distance of 15 feet from the face of the goal Boys and girls will compete separately in this exciting challenge
Grid Goal Contest: This contest utilizes a full-size goal sectioned off to allow participants to score points by kicking the ball into designated areas
The age groups for this contest include U-10 (ages 89), U-12 (ages 10-11), and U-14 (ages 12-13) Similar to the Five Goal Contest, boys and girls will compete
From page 1
Milton but said residents had to be extra cautious not to get hurt while recovering from Milton and repairing damage
“Don’t use a chain saw if you don’t know how to use it,” Scott said “We all have to be careful Take your time ” Scott said unexpected tornadoes throughout the state led to deaths including several in St Lucie County, Scott said “We had some horrible tornadoes ”
The Associated Press reported at least 16 deaths statewide from Hurricane Milton
Thursday morning
“He agrees that Congress needs to comeback and make sure federal agencies are fully funded,” Scott said Scott said he has spoken with Biden about getting block grants to farmers and ranchers and getting FEMA centers open as close to impacted residents as possible
GoldenFest XIV Nov. 17 at Hammond Stadium
Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida will host GoldenFest XIV from 10 a m to 2 p m , Sunday, Nov 17, at the Lee Health Sports Complex - Hammond Stadium, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers
Open to well-behaved leashed dogs of all breeds, the event includes vendors, a huge raffle, live music, other
www grrswf org, info@grrswf org or 239-369-0415
separately
Winners from each contest will have the opportunity to advance through various levels of competition, including local lodge, district, state and region The top performers at both the state and region levels will have their scores submitted to the national level, where a national champion will be determined for each age and gender group
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a nationwide organization dedicated to community service, charitable giving, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie among its members The Greater Pine Island Elks #2781 is committed to positively impacting the local community through various events and initiatives, including the Elks Soccer Shoot Program
For more about Elks Lodge #2781, visit https://www elks org/lodges/home cfm?LodgeNumber=2781
Scott called on the public to contact his office if they have any problems with FEMA
Abes urged residents using power generator to do so safely and recommended users follow tips online and on Lee County Government’s website at www leegov com
Abes also announced that the Southwest Florida International Airport resumed operations and flights Friday morning
Debris pickup began Monday at sunrise Abes said residents should keep separate piles for yard debris, appliances, electronics, construction and demolition debris Do not put out debris in plastic bags (FEMA restriction)
“There are a lot of neighbors helping neighbors,” Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Greenwell said “That’s what makes Lee County strong Please help your neighbors ”
Shorebirds and hurricanes
I have been somewhat obsessed with where our shorebirds go during a hurricane I have written about where dolphins and sharks go, but I have always wondered how our shorebirds survive as Hurricane Milton was approaching as a category 4 hurricane.
Florida is known for its abundance and diversity of birds Strangely enough, some birds ride out the storm by flying into the eye of the storm where the weather is calmer They move with the storm as it dissipates
Other research shows that some birds opt for the strategy of riding out the storm by seeking densely vegetated habitat farther inland This helps protect them from storm surge, heavy winds and rain
Smaller songbirds may also seek shelter within cavities of buildings or trees That makes sense Birds seem to always be prepared for a storm before it approaches
I have heard this story more recently. Many birds become trapped in the storm
Radar images show birds in the eye of the hurricane
They are unable to escape through the eyewall and become displaced The birds are blown off course
Again, some species will shelter in place, finding places for refuge and holding on to thick branches with their little feet
Hurricanes are renowned for blowing birds many miles off course In Southwest Florida, we have seen rare seabirds and Caribbean birds here after a hurricane makes landfall Recently, the pink flamingos were blown in We haven’t seen them in 20 years!
But most of our non-migratory birds seek shelter inside thick bushes or on the leeward side of trees. Trees and shrubs can dramatically reduce wind speeds and can keep birds dry, even during a torrential
Dolphin Tales
Kiwanis Club’s 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 57 p m
All Pine Island children and families are encouraged to attend this FREE 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 Organizations and businesses that 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 business/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
The Kiwanis would like to thank islanders in advance for helping to make this event possible again this year
For additional information about this Kiwanis funtime special event, please contact Tonya Player, cell 239-203-4682.
downpour
Since the birds have adapted to sleeping while perched, their feet automatically close tightly when they are relaxed or asleep, thereby making it easier
Birds can hear ultrasounds and are sensitive to barometric pressure They know when a storm is on its way -- especially when the storm is as large and as powerful as Hurricane Milton Hang on friends!
Captain Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating on our local waters As a professional charter captain, she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy com or call /text 239 9942572 Welcome aboard!
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
Ways to Apply for Disaster Aid: FEMA Disaster Assistance Online: www DisasterAssistance 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
■ 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/disasterassistance Call: 1-800-659-2955
Capt. Cathy Eagle
Household chemical waste collection event this Saturday at Phillips Community Park
Pine Island residents will be able to safely and responsibly dispose of household chemical waste such as leftover paints, cleaners, herbicides, pesticides, automotive fluids and pool chemicals this Saturday, Oct 19
The collection event will be held from 9 a m to 1 p m at Phillips Community Park, 5675 Sesame Drive Dropoff is an easy, drive-through process available to all residents at no charge
Businesses that need chemical waste disposal can call MXI Environmental Services at 276-477-0947 to schedule an appointment for the monthly business collection held at the county’s permanent Household Chemical Waste drop-off location, 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers.
Lee County Solid Waste reminds residents to be aware of proper battery disposal. Please bring all rechargeable or lithium-ion batteries to the collection event or to the Topaz Court facility Do not throw rechargeable batteries in with your regular garbage service
An increasing number of products contain lithium-ion batteries, which can be hazardous when disposed of improperly Lithium-ion batteries are found in these common products along with others:
■ Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and Bluetooth devices
■ Power tools
■ Game controllers
■ Digital cameras
■ Portable power packs
■ Greeting cards
■ Electric toothbrushes
■ Toys
■ E-bikes, e-scooters and hover boards
Visit Household Chemical Waste Collection Events (leegov com) for more information
To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www leegov com/resources/
Facebook, www facebook com/leecountyflbocc
‘Captiva Coven’ Local author ’s ninth novel published
A local author has written his ninth n o v e l , “ C a p t i v a C o v e n , ” w h i c h w a s recently published
The author, John D Mills, is a fifth generation native of Fort Myers who grew up fishing the waters of Pine Island Sound, according to his biography on the book’s jacket
This novel tells t h e t a l e o f “ F o u r young women from different parts of the w o r l d b e c o m e friends while working at South Seas Resort on Captiva in 2002. During their friendship, they discover they have an u n c a n n y b o n d –they all come from a legacy of witches
One night while camping on a deserted beach under a full moon, they decide to form their own coven to bind them together forever They agree to return every 10 y e a r s t o c e l e b r a t e t h e i r f r i e n d s h i p , cemented by forming their own coven
Over the next 20 years, two of the witches are murdered in sadistic ways When the police are not able to solve the murders, the two remaining members of the Captiva Coven decided to find the responsible person and administer their own version of justice ”
M i l l s i s a g r a d u a t e o f M e r c e r University in Macon, Ga , with a degree in finance and law He started his career as a
prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office in Fort Myers He later started a private practice specializing in divorce and criminal defense Mills’ other novels are: “Reasonable and Necessary” (published in 2000), “The M a n a t e e M u r d e r s ” ( 2 0 0 2 ) , “ T h e Objector” (2004), “Sworn Jury” (2007),” The Trophy Wife Divorce” (2011), “The Hooker, the Dancer and the Nun” (2016), “Pineland Gold “(2017) and “Cayo Costa Cross” (2019).
Tropical Plant Sale Saturday in Cape Coral
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
Approximately 200 hybrid tropical hibiscus plants in 20 varieties will be available for sale Since these plants are not available through garden centers, this s a l e o f f e r s t h e b e s t o p p o r t
Southwest Florida residents to establish or
Huntington
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 o n t h e C h a p t e r w e b s i t e : www hendrychapterhibiscus com
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
Cat of the Week
Kittens, kittens everywhere
Although we have many kittens in all different colors and sizes, we decided to feature Huntingt o n t h i
passed over for weeks, along w
black kitties. We realize many people aren't in a position to adopt because of storm damage, but if you have room in your heart and home for a new fur baby, we have all different models to choose from! Call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239283-9100 for more information If y o u ’ d r a t h e r j u s t d o n a t e , o u r address is 10060 Mallory Parkw a y, E . , U n i t D , S t . J a m e s City or there’s always our website at www.helpingpawsanimalsanctuary.com
John D. Mills
Lee County to open temporary permitting office at the Pine Island Public Library
Office will help residents obtain permits for repairs to Hurricane Helene- and Hurricane Milton-damaged buildings
T
e L e e C
Community Development will open a temporary, remote permit office at the Pine Island Public Library, 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia, beginning Wednesday, Oct 16, to allow residents to obtain permits for repairs to existing buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton
The remote location means staff will be readily accessible to help island residents navigate the permit process, especially those residents without internet service
The remote permit office will be open
y s , W
through the end of October. Hours at the
remote permit office will be 10 a m to 3 p m (Note: It will not be open on Tuesday this week, because it does not start until Wednesday, Oct 16 )
Residents acting as their own contractor can submit
them reviewed and – in some
remote office The applicants need only a description of the work and their address, and staff will walk them through the process
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 D
office at 1500 Monroe St , Fort Myers
Lee County Government is reminding residents in unincorporated areas to pull permits for work on their homes to repair
Helene
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 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/BldPermit Serv/disaster-recovery or by calling 239533-8948
The county may add additional temporary, remote permitting office locations elsewhere in unincorporated Lee County as needed
Hurricane Milton public debris drop-off site open on Pine Island
Residents who have the ability and desire to self-haul Hurricane Milton debris while waiting for roadside pickup can use public drop-off sites These sites, which opened Monday, Oct 14, will be for both vegetative and construction and demolition debris
Be prepared to show identification and b e a r e s i d e n t o f u n i n c o r p o r
County Accepted forms of ID include driver’s license, utility bill, rental or lease agreement, or local business license You will be asked to complete a waiver confirming the debris came from your propert y W a i v e r
c a n b e f o u n d o n l i n
a t https://www leegov com/solidwaste/hurricane, or you can receive a form on site
For residents:
Only storm debris will be accepted, and you must be prepared to unload your t
Monday with operating hours 7 a m to 5 p m daily No more than 5 cubic yards of debris may be dropped off at a time
■ 5031 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia, FL 33922
■ 50 South Road, Fort Myers, FL 33907
■ 18078 Cypress Point Road, San Carlos Park, FL 33967
■ 13801 Orange River Blvd , Buckingham, FL 33905
For businesses
Lee County commercial businesses are encouraged to take their storm debris to t
W
Buckingham Road, and will be charged by weight It will be open regular hours from 6 a m to 6 p m
For landscaping companies
Landscaping companies hauling vegetative storm debris cleared from residential properties will need a signed declarat
address where the debris was generated No debris will be accepted without a signed declaration
Trash pickup reminder
Lee County Solid Waste garbage collection will resume Monday on the normally scheduled day for all routes in Lee County franchise areas that are accessible to collection trucks This collection is for household garbage only − everyday trash items and all spoiled food. Collection of recycling will resume at a later time
To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at w
Facebook, www facebook com/leecountyflbocc
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades supports storm recovery across Southwest Florida, calls for monetary donations, volunteers
H
As the clean-up and recovery from
earnest over the next several days and weeks, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is working to ensure all those in n e e d
Financial donations and volunteers are needed to support the region’s recovery
United Way’s 211 helpline is still operating 24 hours a day, providing free information and referral services to anyone in Southwest Florida in the wake of the storm Community Resource Specialists provide real-time information and support Just dial 211 or 239-433-3900
United Way’s staff has been reaching out to partner agencies to assess where the most aid is needed Some of the most affected neighborhoods include Cabana City and Lake Fairways in North Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers S
, P
Island, and Captiva Island.
Agencies to ensure the community has its immediate needs met, United Way is looking for volunteers to help distribute meals, assist with home clean up, debris removal, and more Volunteers can view available opportunities and register at Volunteer UnitedWayLee org
United Way, along with the Collaboratory, has relaunched the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund This easy-to-use portal for monetary donations is active at UnitedWayLee org/donate Donors can
Pine Island Food Pantry to hold Halloween Festival at Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church Saturday
select “Disaster Relief” to contribute to the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund When you give to the SWFL Relief Emergency Relief Fund, you directly support the survivors of Hurricane Milton 100% of the funds will support people affected by Hurricane Milton
Funds will be allocated to meet immediate needs, including food, clothing, and other related items Resources will also help individuals facing financial hardship due to lost wages from business closures, ensuring they can cover essential expenses during recovery
“This storm, including tremendous tornado damage in many neighborhoods, and
combined with existing damage from Hurricane Helene, has caused serious issues and negatively affected thousands of people,” said United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades CEO, Jeannine Joy ” “We know there are significant needs in the community and along with our Partner Agencies we are going to support those needs in any way we can ”
For more information on how you can support United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, please call 239-433-2000 or visit UnitedWayLee org
About United Way
In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies, helping them to work together focusing on issues that continue to improve lives United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades was established in 1957 and over $232 million has been raised and distributed since that time For more, please call 239-4332000 or visit UnitedWayLee org
Church of God of Prophecy taking orders for turkey dinner Nov. 28
All Greater Pine Island Children and families are welcome
The Pine Island Food Pantry will once again host a Halloween Festival for island kids (up to 12 years old) Saturday, Oct 19, from noon to 2 p m , at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 12175 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia 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 A donation of one non-perishable food item per family is requested
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
1 5 1 4 6 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia
The Church of God of Prophecy will be having a turkey dinner Nov 28 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
a
St James City Civic Association has
events and activities:
Thursday, Oct 17
■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a m
■ Mahjongg, 1-4 p m
SJCCA Schedule
Tuesday, Oct. 22
■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a.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
Boaters safety class Oct. 23
A boaters safety class will be held at t h e S t J a m e s C
,
Wednesday, Oct 23 at 9 a m This is an awesome opportunity to stay on the island to complete this course
T
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
The St James City Civic Center is at 3300 Fourth Ave , St James City Visit SJCCAPI ORG for additional information
Thursday, Oct. 24
■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a.m.
■ Mahjongg, 1-4 p m
Additional details, contacts and ticket sales are available on the SJCCAPI ORG website
All activities are held at St James City Civic Association, which is located at 3300 Fourth Ave , at the corner of Lemon Street, in St James City
Woman from St. James City struck, killed in Lehigh Acres
A St James City woman was killed last week after being struck by a car as she walked along Joel Boulevard in Lehigh Acres
According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, at 6:30 a m , Tuesday, Oct. 8, the 39-year-old woman was walking near the northbound Joel Boulevard outside lane edge when she was struck by
a sports utility vehicle driven by a 34year-old Lehigh Acres woman who was headed north on the boulevard near East 16th Street
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, FHP said, indicating in the report that the accident remains under investigation
Edison and Ford Winter Estates to hold third annual Fall Festival Oct. 26
On October 26, from 9 a m to 4 p m , Edison and Ford Winter Estates will cele-
Festival This family-friendly event will include craft vendors, food trucks, music, and several fun activities for children
Activities include a new inflatable obstacle course, a mobile teddy bear shop, pumpkin patch, a flower truck to make
climb A large selection of pumpkins will be available for purchase, and participants will have the option to paint the pumpkins and enter them into a contest (paint will be provided)
The popular Banyan tree climb will be open to adults and children Tickets for the Banyan tree climb are $35 per person and should be purchased in person, during the event
There is no charge to stroll around the craft vendor booths and listen to music; however, there is a fee to participate in each activity and visitors are encouraged to bring cash Parking is free in the Edison Ford lots Admission to the museum, laboratory and riverside of the property requires a separate ticket For information about the site, or to purchase tickets for tours, visit EdisonFord org
Shattered glass artist
ion from glass She takes her pieces, lays them out to create an image, and layers resin for it to stick She has her glass separated by color, so that she can easily choose what's needed for any given piece
“It’s like painting with glass, because your hand just knows what color to reach for next to get it to blend,” Sams said
Sams uses the glass virtually as-is, using nippers to cut it into whatever shape or size she needs, and occasionally sanding corners down to dull the edges
H a v i n g r e l o c a t e d t o F l o r i d a f r o m Kentucky and Ohio 12 years ago, she said the surroundings of Southwest Florida have really made an impact on her style choices
“To take the boat out, or go kayaking, and go to the state parks or even swamps or gardens, it’s just gorgeous,” Sams said “There's a reason we all live here.”
Her favorite works to create?
“The one that I really like is birds,” Sams said “Birds are little (where I’m from) Down here, they’re humongous I remember when I first moved thinking how large they are I spend a lot of time on egrets, herons, flamingos, pelicans
“I also really like flowers, trees more of nature I like underwater things,
like seahorses and jellyfish And I like landscape; palm trees looking out over the water, boats Sort of everything that’s coastal ”
Sams’ artwork can be found in galleries all over the country She will ship works to areas in New England, the Midwest, Georgia, the Carolinas, all the way down to Key West.
Along with original works, Sams creates custom pieces and takes on commissions, something she said she enjoys very much
“I love it,” she said. “I do it all the time It pushes me outside of my ordinary window of what I’m capable of And I get to try new things ”
Pieces range in size and stature, from small to large Sams said she just created a massive five-piece abstract work for a home down in Naples, where each image continues a story
Works can go from anywhere from $100, to $10,000 depending on the size
The exciting move marks a significant milestone for Sams, allowing her to showcase her stunning creations in a dedicated space and expand her artistic endeavors
The new location is conveniently situated within the city of Cape Coral’s designated
Letters to the Editor
From page 4
Community Redevelopment Area, the parent initiative of the Creative Cape Arts Incentive Program
The program offers financial assistance to individuals, non-profit organizations, and developers contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape Eligible expenditures accepted for the program include the acquisition, development, construction, renovation, expansion, or improvements of real property within the CRA, including living and workspaces
“ I a m i n c r e d i b l y g r a t e f u l t o h a v e received support through the Creative Cape Arts Incentive Program,” said Sams “Our award from the city was instrumental in creating a beautiful and inspiring environment to create and display my artwork I am proud to participate in our city’s dedication to the vibrant art scene of Cape Coral ”
Sams has a staff of just under 10 employees, all local, including students from Florida Gulf Coast University and Cape Coral High School
“We employ kids who are in the art f i e l d w o r k i n g t o w a r d a d e g r e e o r a career,” she said
Sams has hopes for expanding her studio in the future, as well as her staff, doubling down on wanting to pave the way
for young, local aspiring artists
“These kids do such a great job, and they have an eye for art,” she said. “I love making art, but I also love watching them develop
“I see myself continuing to work with these kids to watch them flourish ”
Sams is available for custom, commissioned art requests specific to customer preferences
In addition to her Cape Coral location, artworks by Sams are available at select galleries and online For more informa-
www.JanetSams.com.
may constitute malpractice Additionally, a miscarriage is not an abortion Section 390 011(1), Florida Statutes, defines “abortion” to mean the termination of human pregnancy with an intention other than to produce a live birth or to remove a dead fetus A miscarriage does not produce a live birth ” Anyone in the medical field should know this
Scott Dary Cape Coral
Another of Janet Sams’ artworks.
30yearsexperienceinall phasesofHomeRepair
Painting Woodwork PowerWashing
Interior&ExteriorRepairs Soffits,Gutters, Downspouts
CBC#1266112
Clean&NeatWork/FreeEstimates ServingCapeCoral&SurroundingAreas 201-390-7698 Givemeashout,IámintheCape
;<36+</; C&89 %835 C 355 3:< C :+.371 C%2/55 %<87/ C :8;387 87<:85 C 8< -:/+1/ 8?371 C :3>/?+A; $8+.;
;92+5< #+<-2 %/+5
=5>/:< #39/; C +7. 5/+:371 C 7>+;3>/ @8<3- $/68>+5
C 85/; +5871 %/+?+55; C%85=<387; <8 9885371 ?+</: 3-/7;/. 7;=:/. ??? -+693875+7.;-+9/ -86
CompleteRemodeling OfYourHome *
)3553+6 $37/2+:< +7.A6+7 /< 6/ 9=< 6A A:; 80 /@9/:3/7-/ <8 ?8:4 08: A8= %8003<; =<</:; 8?7;98=<;
C#:/;;=:/ )+;2371
C#+37<371 C +:9/< C +637+</ 588:371
C&35/ !/? $/9+3: $/1:8=<371 C 8695/</ )88.?8:4371 C 88: )37.8? $/9+3: C(37A5 /7-371 :// ;<36+</; 3- 7;=:/.
