Pine Island Eagle by BreezeNewspapers

WEEk of octobEr 18, 2023 FLIER INSIDE

2023 Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade effort under way — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com

VolumE 47, NumbEr 24

Beacon of Hope donates golf cart: Pine Islanders looking out for Pine Islanders By PAULETTE LeBLANC

places and found that Kuztum Designs had a good, used cart available for purchase; in fact, they offered a small discount,” Ryan said. Peculis contacted the Beacon of Hope to see if the organization could help, Ryan said and the Beacon stepped up immediately to buy the cart. Peculis added a final touch by having Kuztum personalize the cart for Hazinger and the cart was presented to Barbie at the Low Key Tiki on Saturday, Oct. 7, just after her birthday. Board members Carlyn Herring and Mary Ryan attended the presentation as did Joanne Lembo, the

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According to Beacon of Hope board member, Mary Ryan, most Pine Islanders, especially St. James City residents, likely know “Barbie,” Hazinger who used to run a fruit and vegetable stand in Saint James City. Hazinger lost everything in Hurricane Ian, Ryan said. “She lost the stand and the golf cart that enabled her to work that stand. As always, Pine Islanders look out for one another. Sandy Peculis of Saint James City, took action to help Barbie. She contacted a number of

See GOLF CART, page 24

Celebrating Pine Islanders: Lisa Dence By PAULETTE LeBLANC

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Island Time Village coming to Bokeelia By PAULETTE LeBLANC

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y now, most islanders have seen the small sheds on Ficus Tree Lane and Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia. Palm Source owner Dan Sheppard is rebuilding his farm, after it was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. In addition to fixing the irrigation system, he said he is making a farmer’s market and interested in doing agrotourism. Sheppard, who also is a Cape Coral City Council member, has plans to make a community place, with the possibility of animals for children to pet, complete with

beautiful landscaping, coming in the future. “I just want to build something for the community. I want a place for families to go that doesn’t cost a lot of money. I ordered a bunch of sheds to replace some of my buildings and had them painted in island colors. The sheds that people are seeing are for me to sell farm products. It’s not just about farm products but it’s about crafters—we have a lot of unique people in the area—we have artists and people that make things. Our island is known for havSee ISLAND TIME VILLAGE, page 29

The nature of relationships among Pine Islanders is often likened unto a big family who are always looking out for one another. Salty Girl’s Island Café owner, Lisa Dence, said first and foremost, she’s a daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, adding that these are the components that shaped her into who she is today and she owes all of her success to her family. There is hardly a space or person PHOTO PROVIDED BY LISA DENCE on Pine Island Lisa with husband, Darrell that has not Dence been affected by her outreach, in one form or another. In addition to her father having been a pastor, Dence credits her giving spirit to having had a younger cousin who was born with a disability. “I remember when I was growing up I would do physical therapy with him, and I would tell my mom, when I grow

PHOTO BY CHARLENE RUSS

See LISA DENCE, page 24

Athlete of the Week.........28 Island Mahjongg...............8 Local Tides......................26 insidetoday Dolphin Tales.....................8 Letters to the Editor..........4 On the Water....................26 Classifieds & Obituaries

Week of Wednesday, October 18, 2023 n Page 2

2023 Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade effort under way FISH is excited to announce that the 2023 Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade is underway, and we are gearing up to bring holiday joy to families in need within our community. Over the years, our program has grown significantly, thanks to the incredible support and generosity of individuals like you. In 2022, we proudly served 125 families and over 300 children. This growth reflects the compassionate spirit of our community, and we are grateful for your continued support. Requests or referrals for Pine Island and Matlacha residents who could benefit from this program should be submitted to Darcy at 954-816-9779 or Carolyn at 707-291-0310 no later than Nov. 8. This allows us the necessary time for shopping, wrapping, sorting, and assignment of gifts.

To ensure that we provide meaningful gifts to the children, we kindly request that parents provide suggestions regarding the types of gifts their children would enjoy (please note, we cannot accommodate electronic requests due to budgetary limitations). For those who wish to contribute to the brigade, you can send donations to Pine Island FISH, P.O. Box 357, Matlacha, FL 33993, with "Brigade" written in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at pineislandfish.org. If you would like to learn more about our organization or have specific questions about the Basket Brigade, please visit our website at www.pineislandfish.org or contact Darcy Conner or Carolyn Ryzanych at the numbers provided above. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making the holiday season brighter for those in need. Together, we can make a difference in our community.

Pine Island Eagle

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PROVIDED

This year, we are returning to the Giving Tree model, where adopters can select a child's “ornament gift wish” from trees placed throughout Greater Pine Island. Adopters will then shop, wrap, and return gifts to the same location where they picked up their ornaments. If you would like to host a “Giving Tree” at your location or place of business, please do not hesitate to contact Darcy or Carolyn at the numbers listed above. We are also excited to inform you that this year's distribution location has changed to the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Rd., Saint James City, (just South of Center on the East side of the Stringfellow). The distribution will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

About Pine Island FISH Pine Island FISH (Fellow Islanders Sending Help), is a 501c3 nonprofit and all-volunteer association of neighbors organized to help those living in the Matlacha and Pine Island Communities. Pine Island FISH offers the following services: Non-emergency transportation to medical facilities, grocery stores, pharmacy, bank, etc. to those with no access to transportation; mobility equipment lending: wheelchairs, walkers, etc., assistance with special needs: emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, medical costs, etc., respite information for family caregivers and a list of providers that serve our island communities, and is the lead agency in the Pine Island “Basket Brigade” programs. There is no charge for FISH services, however, equipment and monetary donations are welcome. For more information about the organization, visit the website at www.pineislandfish.org.

Mobile VFW, Post 4353 and Auxiliary accepting entries for essay contests Food The Veterans of Foreign War, VFW Patriot Pen is a written essay conPantry Post 4353 and VFW Post 4353 test which asks, “How are you inspired Auxiliary are sponsoring a scholarship by America?” for students sixth Will Be on program which is the Voice of through eighth grades. The finished Democracy essay contest and the essay must be received at VFW Post Patriot Pen Essay Contest. 4353 no later than Oct. 31. the Island Voice of Democracy is a written Essay applications and eligibility and spoken essay on “America - requirements can be found at Friday “What are the greatest attributes of our VFW.org, then under Community, Democracy?” This essay contest is open to students in ninth through 12th grades. The finished material must be received no later than Oct. 31, at VFW Post 4353, 8150 Stringfellow Road, St James City, FL 33956

look for Youth & Education, scholarship. If you have any questions you can contact VFW Auxiliary Post 4353's Joyce Lake at 616-283-7121. Please leave a message and she will get back to you.

The Mobile Food Pantry will be in the Pine Island United Methodist Church parking lot on Friday, Oct. 20., 1011:30 a.m. You will need to park and show your ID at registration. Bring your own bags. The church is located at 5701 Pine Island Road, across from the fire station near the four-way stop.

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Pine Island Eagle

Week of Wednesday, October 18, 2023 ■ Page 4

OPINIONS

We stand with Israel 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

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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

Last week in Florida, our state Capitol was lit with lights of blue and white. Last week in Florida, flags flew at a halfstaff in honor of the victims of the terrorist strike against Israel. And today, tomorrow and through the fight that has followed the heinous holiday attack by Hamas terrorists upon both the State of Israel and the Jewish people, we stand with Israel. Not because we don’t understand that among the innocent lives lost are Israeli and Palestinian victims alike. Not because we don’t know that war and all of its repercussions will cause more suffering. But because Israel has the right to exist. No matter the belief of those who hope to drive her into the sea, to stamp out her people. No matter the belief of extremists who write political policy with blood. No matter the pablum of justification being espoused by those who fail to understand the history of our ally and those who stand against her. In the wake of this “act of sheer evil” launched on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, in the wake of the carnage and the kid-

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The Eagle is published every Wednesday Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays. Letters to the editor must be typed or handprinted. 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: 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: Are you concerned about development in Cape Coral along Pine Island Road and Burnt Store Road? ■ Yes, especially encroachment and increased traffic. 39% ■ No, it’s out of our hands. 2% ■ Why worry, local development is inevitable. 57% ■ Other. 2%

Current Web Poll Question: What improvement should be made to the Pine Island Road/Stringfellow intersection? ■ A stoplight. ■ A roundabout. ■ Nothing. ■ Other. Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle.com

Eagle Editorial napping of non-combatants and children, President Joe Biden has summed our country’s proper position well: “This is terrorism. “But sadly, for the Jewish people, it’s not new. “This attack has brought to the surface painful memories and the scars left by a millennia of antisemitism and genocide of the Jewish people. “So, in this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack. “There is no justification for terrorism. There is no excuse. “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Its stated purpose is the annihilation of the State of Israel and the murder of Jewish people.” United we stand, President Biden said. “Today, Americans across the country are praying for all those families that have been

ripped apart. A lot of us know how it feels. It leaves a black hole in your chest when you lose family, feeling like you’re being sucked in. The anger, the pain, the sense of hopelessness. “This is what they mean by a ‘human tragedy’ — an atrocity on an appalling scale. “But we’re going to … continue to stand united, supporting the people of Israel who are suffering unspeakable losses and opposing the hatred and violence of terrorism.” And lastly: “This is a moment for the United States to come together, to grieve with those who are mourning. “Let’s be real clear: There is no place for hate in America — not against Jews, not against Muslims, not against anybody. We reject — we reject — what we reject is terrorism. We condemn the indiscriminate evil, just as we’ve always done. “That’s what America stands for.” This is what America stands for. — Eagle editorial

Letters to the Editor

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When will Americans say “Enough”? To the editor: Biden is AWOL (absent without leave) from his job, his responsibilities and his moral compass is MIA (missing in action). His weakness encouraged Russia to invade Ukraine. His bailout in Afghanistan cost billions of taxpayer dollars and so many lives of our allies. His unfreezing of $6 billion to Iran has undoubtedly funded the horrific terrorist attack in Israel and his visible dementia is known worldwide. Biden has left no doubt that leadership in Washington has been completely abdicated, and next, China will strike Taiwan. His lack of leadership has caused untold damage from his inflationary policies that have made everything too expensive and survival difficult or impossible for many of our citizens. This President, in name only, is dismantling our country faster than all the enemies of democracy and freedom could have ever dreamed of or hoped for. Our borders are intentionally left open and unguarded for the sole purpose of buying future votes for the Socialist Democratic Party. We know, after the fact, about 151 known terrorists crossing our borders. How many have crossed that we don’t know about?

We have an incompetent fool at the helm of our ship, and he was put there by the Socialist Democrats that hate this country yet call themselves Americans. They hide in plain sight while supporting the policies of a party that is hell-bent on destroying the country our Forefathers built with their blood and sacrifice. They are a disgrace, and they elect people like Ocasio-Cotez, Tlaib, Omar and Pressley and still pretend to be Americans. These elected Democratic Socialist “officials” are condemning Israel for the slaughter perpetrated on innocent civilians by the very people they are shielding. You should be ashamed of what you have done to the greatest country this world has ever known. You will not win, you will not convert us into China and we will fight you to the end to protect the America we love. max Christian, Saint James City

Request for donations for Annual Kiwanis Fall Festival To the editor: Dear Fellow Pine Islanders: The Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island will once again be hosting the Pine Island Fall Festival (Halloween Party). This year we are

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: 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

having the event at Pine Island Elementary School, Oct. 27th from 5 - 7 p.m. All Pine Island children and families are encouraged to attend this FREE event. We provide a safe place to receive candy and prizes as well play supervised games. Children will receive a goody bag with candy and treats. Cotton candy, popcorn, drinks, and hot dogs will also be available. We appreciate any and all donations to help make this great community event possible. Items needed include: ∫ Candy, candy, candy ∫ Small bottles of water ∫ Small bags of chips ∫ Items for prizes ∫ Sponsors for bounce houses And last but not least volunteers are needed! We are also looking for local organizations or businesses to sponsor a game or booth. This is a wonderful way to market your 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. Donations may be dropped off at First Horizons Bank and Century 21 Realty on Pine Island, or mailed to: Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island Fall Festival P.O. Box 111, St. James City, FL 33956 We would like to thank you in advance for helping to make this event possible again this year. For more information please contact: Tonya Player, cell 239-203-4682. Sincerely, Tonya Player Pine Island See LETTERS, page 6

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Pine Island Eagle

Week of Wednesday, October 18, 2023 ■ Page 6 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle

County board budgeting on an even keel The headlines out of Washington, D.C., This year’s process was unlike any were hard to miss and hardly ever change. before it. Ian is the third costliest storm in Congress was bickering over the budget U.S. history, only behind Hurricanes with the threat of another government shutKatrina and Harvey. It wiped out $9.5 bildown looming over their heads. For everylion worth of our tax base. However, day Americans, inflation is skyrocketing despite the daunting impact to our budget, while D.C. politicians are perpetually camfiscally conservative commissioners were paigning. But here at home your local govable to keep the tax rate the same as last ernment is quietly working to serve you year. In fact, over the past 10 years we and to protect your quality-of-life day in have reduced the tax rate by 9.5%, even and day out. Even though we have spent though in that same period our population the last year rebuilding from Hurricane Ian, has increased by 25%, bringing with it a Lee County and the state of Florida remain higher demand for services. steady in a sea of dysfunction. The countywide general fund budget When Lee County commissioners pays for core services whether you live Brian Hamman began working on the budget for next year, inside a city or not. It provides for things we focused on three core areas: mitigating like the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the financial impacts from Ian, supporting ambulance service and parks. It also pays law enforcement, and moving forward on for the other local constitutional offices our road projects needed to deal with our like the Clerk of Courts, Tax Collector, growing population. The county not only Supervisor of Elections and Property accomplished each of those goals, but also was able to do Appraiser. Next year’s budget prioritizes public safety it without an increase in the property tax rate, known as and provides salary increases for the LCSO to ensure that the millage. law enforcement officers can afford to live in our com-

Guest Commentary

munity 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 I road projects for the next 10 years. Some of the projects on this list include the Alico Road 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 bluegreen algae and red tide outbreaks to COVID-19 and 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 chairman of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners.

Letters From page 4

Pay attention when choosing the next superintendent To the editor: Every vote we cast matters. We voted to change the superintendent to an elected position, which has cost us our current leader. We all must thoroughly vet the folks who do run for the office. This is a big job with a $1 billion-plus budget, and the person who takes the reins has to understand not only the core issues facing the district but also how to implement meaningful change. I am sure we will hear a lot of blustery rhetoric from candidates and cute oneliners that make you feel good. The person in this position must have classroom experience AND administrative experi-

ence. This is not the type of role where you can successfully lead the organization while attempting to figure out how it works. Our children will be directly impacted by the actions of the winner, and we all reap the benefit if it is done well, if done poorly we will be picking up the pieces for decades. Todd Maurer Cape Coral

Dr. Bernier will be missed To the editor: Dr. Christopher Bernier’s decision not to run for the Lee County School District elected position next year will be a great loss for Lee County. In the last 30 years he had to be the best superintendent. Historically, Lee County favored the

elected superintendent position until voters made the position appointive on Nov 5, 1974. Ray L. Williams was our last elected superintendent, serving from 1965 to 1977. His successor, Dr. Ray V. Pottorf, was the first appointed, serving from 1977 to 1984. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Bernier. His door was open to our meetings twice a year. He was astute. He is a visionary. I do agree with him that his career would be better off served somewhere else. I can see him as a dean in a college of education at a university. Good Luck, Dr. Bernier. Lou Navarra Cape Coral

Hurricane Ian edition appreciated To the editor: Congratulations to all on the threepart special section commemorating the anniversary of Hurricane Ian's impact on our community. You did a thorough job covering our area, from Fort Myers Beach to Sanibel, and Pine Island to the Cape. As a former community newspaper owner, I know how much work goes into planning and executing a special section, especially for the editorial and ad sales staff and press operators. Thanks for a job well done. Katy Odell Cape Coral

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

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The Lee County School Board was presented with six main areas for this year’s legislative platform Wednesday. Priority areas include increasing student achievement, safety, teacher certification and retention, school facilities utilization, post Hurricane Ian recovery and deregulation.

letting the legislature know we have skin in the game and will match every dollar for every dollar. The total is $5 million,” Gomez said. The last is to increase per student funding by at least 5% from $8,933 to $9,350. Safety Gomez said the first request is to support an increase in the Safe Schools Allocation in the Florida Education Finance Program. In addition, the district will request $500,000 to continue the success with after-school programming. Bernier said they did not have beforeand after-school care programs at each of the elementary schools.With the help of the amazing principals there are now before- and after-school programs at each school at one base fee. There was also a small break for employees who have childcare needs. Bernier said the programs are self-sustaining due to the fees, which could be increased, as well as the increase in enrollment. Another ask in safety is for $1 million for such measures as perimeter fencing as

some of the outdoor corridors are not being fenced in. A new request is for funding for the School District Mobile Disaster Leadership Response Vehicle. Bernier said the mobile disaster unit would be used for such things as post natural disasters incidents. He said they did not have the ability to meet after Hurricane Ian. “It gives us an area to work from with connectivity and air condition,” Bernier said, as well as response to other emergencies, such as a bottled-water crisis when a main water break occurred. “It’s a place to be a part of the process and work from there.” The recommendation came from Safety, Security and Emergency Management Executive Director David Newlan based on what other school districts have when they need to respond to an emergency. Teacher Certification and Retention The request is to exclude school social workers from taking and passing the Professional Education Exam — Florida Teacher Certification Examination, to

School facilities and utilization Gomez said they are asking to include pre-kindergarten in the Florida Inventory of School Houses calculations, as the program is already in the schools and would generate more revenue. Post Hurricane Ian Recovery Gomez said the district was very successful following the needs and asking for appropriations and different requests from the state legislature following Hurricane Ian. “We want to continue to keep the ball rolling and remind everyone that we understand other districts were hit by a storm,” he said. The request is for a one-year extension to “the previously approved legislative action, so that roofing projects can process using pre-positioned continuing contracts for the remaining recovery efforts.” “We still have a lot of roofs to be replaced, construction that needs to take place. It’s great for us to continue the piggyback and extend it for another year,” Gomez said. Deregulation Gomez said the ultimate goal would be to have the same regulatory flexibility for all public schools.

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With teachers asking for greater compensation, and surrounding districts having extra operational millage to put towards salaries, the Lee County School Board heard a presentation of what it would take to have that tax flow. Board member Cathleen Morgan said she pushed for this to be brought before the board, but not for advocacy. She said during the salary discussions it was frequently stated that the district is competing with counties that have additional millage funds.

“If there is an interest this is something we need to be looking at sooner, rather than later,” Morgan said. “I did not do this because I am advocating and will be advocating to move forward on this.” Rather, the public and staff need to hear they are acknowledging the concern of compensation. Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ami Desamours said millage is the property tax that is applied to individual real property for every $1,000 of property value. The current millage for the school district is 5.430 mills, which is $5.43 for every $1,000 of real property taxable val-

uation. Desamours said the district has the opportunity of two possible additional millage levies. Each is allowable for a voter referendum, and both can be used towards the district’s operational cost. She said one is not to exceed two years and the other is not to exceed four years. Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said the board would have to pass a resolution at a regular meeting. Then it would go to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners which would need to call for an election. The ballot initiative have to be includ-

ed in a General Election, or even-numbered, year. Dupuy-Bruno said the board would have to pass a resolution in March, or April, so it could then be presented to the County Commissioners by May. “We have about 120 days to make sure it gets on the election,” she said. The most common use of the added millage is to enhance salaries for teachers. After the two or four years it would have to go back out to the voters. If not passed again, that funding source then would disappear or “sunset.” See SCHOOL BOARD, page 10

Pine Island Eagle

Lee School Board opens discussion on new taxes By MEGHAN BRADBURY

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Increase Student Achievement The first plank is state appropriations for the expansion of career and technical education programs at Cape Coral Technical College of $2.1 million to continue the work for the actual construction phase. Angel Gomez, chief communications and government relations, said last year the district received an appropriation of $2.5 million for preconstruction. “This is the ask for phase two for the construction part to start building classrooms,” he said. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said more information regarding the Cape Technical College and where it stands will be forthcoming. “One of the reasons why the expansion has been delayed is because of the placement of the Hector A. Cafferata campus,” he said. There is also a request for a specific appropriation project of $2.5 million to create a new Career and Technical Education College in the east side of Lee County. “It will not be an addition to a school. The plan is to have its own small little annex. We are asking for $2.5 million and

The first plank is state appropriations for the expansion of career and technical education programs at Cape Coral Technical College of $2.1 million to continue the work for the actual construction phase. Last year the district received an appropriation of $2.5 million for preconstruction for the new annex.

maintain employment in a public school. The second is to permit retired classroom teachers and administrators to return to the classroom after two months, rather than the current requirement of waiting a year.

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Lee School Board sets legislative priorities

Week of Wednesday, October 18, 2023 ■ Page 8 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Elementary invites all Veterans to attend Dogs and dolphins a Veterans’ Day Remembrance celebration Nov. 10 Both dogs and dolphins are curious, playful aniPine Island Elementary would like to invite all Veterans to attend a Veterans’ Day Remembrance celebration on Friday, Nov. 10, at Pine Island Elementary School. The event will begin at 8:45 a.m. with light refreshments in the cafeteria and the program will begin at 9:15 a.m. in the courtyard. The program includes a presentation of the colors, a welcome from the principal, guest speakers, and students singing patriotic songs. This annual event celebrates our local Veterans, but also provides our students an opportunity to understand the sacrifices that were made by our Veterans. Due to School District Policies each attendee and/or visitor must clear a security check before entering the school—a Driver’s License is required. We look forward to seeing you at this event!

mals. In fact, scientists believe that dolphins evolved from a hoofed, land-living mammal called “Mesonyx.” Dolphins may have looked like a large dog originally, but as they evolved over millions of years, forelegs became pectoral fins and they adapted to life in the sea. Stories abound about dogs and dolphins that have had long-term, playful friendships. Gunner, a golden retriever, and Delta, a bottlenose dolCapt. Cathy Eagle phin, met 11 years ago at the Florida Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key. They have been best buds ever since. Gunner’s owner works at the sanctuary and began bringing Gunner to work with her as a puppy. Delta would toss Gunner a ball and of course Gunner would chase it and toss it back In January, 2022, a group of snorkelers were swimming in the Red Sea with spotted dolphins when a four-legged friend joined them. Antar is a golden retriever living with his owner on a liveaboard vessel run by Red Sea Explorers. The dog seemed to be obsessed with dolphins and his owner told the divers that Antar spends his days watching out for dolphins and loves jumping overboard to swim with them. Snorkelers reported that the dolphins would regularly swim up and investigates Antar as he swam in the water. Another pairing of dog and dolphin is Zyzz and Jojo. Zyzz is a spaniel and Jojo is a bottlenose dolphin. In 2013, Zyzz was aboard a boat with his owners in the waters of Turks and Caicos when he noticed a wild dolphin in the waters. While most dogs would've been taken aback by the sea creature, Zyzz immediately became friendly. For seven years, Zyzz and Jojo enjoyed countless numbers of hours playing and swimming together in the waters. Of course, we can’t forget about the stars of Flipper, the 1964 series, and Zeus and Roxanne, the 1997 movie about a dog and a dolphin. Some friendships cannot be fully explained, but are special for spreading joy among others. In times such as these, we all need to hear some stories of joy.

Dolphin Tales

Captain Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating in our local waters. As a professional charter captain, she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or call 239-994-2572.

Island Mahjongg It was a jolly group of 5 for a relaxing, fun game of Mahjongg today, Oct. 12. Some of us struggled to get any score, but leading the pack was top scorer Linda with 105 points, closely followed by Clem with 95 and Bonnie with 70. The Mahjongg group meet every Thursday from 1-4 p.m. at the Moose Lodge on Stringfellow Road, St. James City. New players are always welcome. If you are new to the game we will be happy to teach you. Come and enjoy the good food at the Moose before play begins. For more information call Carolyn on 239233-7682.

Best of Pine Island voting under way Voting is under way for the Best of Pine Island and ballots are included in this week’s edition of the Pine Island Eagle starting on page 13. Voting utilizing the ballots printed in The Eagle or online at pineisland-eagle.com continues until Friday, Oct. 27.

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Pine Island Eagle

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Hibiscus Society’s Tropical Plant Sale set for Oct. 21 By MEGHAN BRADBURY

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For the first time, the James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society will have plants for sale at the popular Tropical Plant Sale at Rotary Park this month. Cathy Dunn, of the James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society, said with the demand for hibiscus plants remaining consistently strong, they decided to try the Tropical Plant Sale in Cape Coral to help meet the demand from their hibiscus enthusiasts. The Tropical Plant Sale, which also will feature edible plants, orchids, succulents, bromeliads, palms, as well as fruit and flowering trees, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Rotary Park, 5600 Rose Garden Rd. The sale will feature 180 plants from a Sarasota nursery, 10 each of the 18 varieties, for only $20 a plant. Those include A Mother’s Dream, Fire & Ice, Gypsy Rom, Joan of Arc, Lightning Jack, Love Pat, Masked Bandit, Randy Henson’s Legacy, Red Planet, Sebastian, Sonny’s Passion, Stargazer, Sweetie Pie, Tarantella, Texas Wild, Vibrance and White Hot & Yellow Bird. The hibiscus plants for sale are from a nursery in the Sarasota area. “They only sell wholesale plants, so this sale provides a rare opportunity to purchase these beautiful hibiscus plants,” Dunn said. “Hybrid tropical hibiscus prefer temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees, so they thrive in our Southwest

White Hot will be among the varieties of hybrid hibiscus plants offered for sale at the Tropical Plant Sale at Rotary Park next Saturday. Florida climate.” Hibiscus require light soil, so their delicate roots are not constantly wet, or in heavy, compacted soil. They also need at least 12 hours of sunlight each day. “Each plant that we sell will have a detailed care sheet and a larger pot that can be used to pot the plant after a few weeks,” she said. Those who wish to learn more about hibiscus are encouraged to join the chapter’s monthly meeting. “I encourage any readers who are interested in learning more about hybrid tropical hibiscus to attend one of our meetings,” Dunn said. “We have educational programs at each meeting, which are held on the second Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m., at the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council Building, adjacent to the Edison Ford Winter Estates at 2166 Virginia Avenue in Fort Myers.”

Work continues on permanent repairs to Pine Island Road As part of the Emergency Restoration of the Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge, crews will be working in the project boundaries along CR 78 Pine Island Road from west of Little Pine Island Bridge (Bridge No. 120111) to West of Shoreview Drive. ∫ Crews are driving sheet piling on the north side of the roadway. The contractor is completing the concrete cap on the south side. ∫ Later this month, motorists can expect a traffic shift and overnight flagging operations as crews work on underground utilities and barrier wall. ∫ Motorists can expect occasional lane closures and traffic shifts with flagging operations for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment to the

north side of the causeway. Crews are maintaining two-lane traffic on causeway. ∫ Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted within the construction zone. ∫ Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected. ∫ Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. ∫ Please be patient and plan for additional travel time as it may be slower than usual in the area. For additional information, visit the FDOT project web page at https://www.swflroads.com/project/451937-2 or email at PineIslandinfo@qcausa.com.

School board From page 7 Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Ken Savage said some districts put out the scenarios to help the voters understand what happens if they lose the millage and the different ways those cuts could be addressed. After the presentation there was a mixed review as to whether the board wanted to move forward. “From my standpoint, looking at it, I don’t support moving further with this at the moment,” Board member Sam Fisher said. Board Chair Armor Persons said he would have to think long and hard before

he could offer support. “What scares me the most about this is what do you do at the end of the two or four years,” he said, adding that there is an increase in salary for the next four years and then all of a sudden those funds are not there anymore. Board member Debbie Jordan on the other hand said she would be interested in having further conversation. “We do have a need,” she said, asking how do they accommodate that need. “I would definitely be interested in having more conversation.”

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GCWA meeting to feature discussion of editing important to determine the type of editing YOU “All editing is not created equal,” said veterneed.” an editor and book coach Claudia Volkman. Volkman should know about editing: She’s She’ll cover the power and the art of editing had more than 35 years of experience in acquisiwhen she discusses “Why Every Author Needs tions, product development, line editing and typean Editor: A Look at Different Types of setting. She has worked full-time for several trade Editing” at this month’s get-together of Gulf publishing houses. Now, as the owner of Creative Coast Writers Association, Southwest Florida’s Editorial Solutions in North Fort Myers, she assists 28-year-old meeting ground for writers, editors publishers, authors, entrepreneur, and speakers and their associates with their editorial needs. Services include book The meeting, open to the public, will be held at the Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Claudia Volkman coaching, developmental editing, book doctoring, copyediting, proofreading and creating book inteBlvd., Fort Myers, Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 riors. a.m. to noon. General admission for the meeting is free for first-time vis“I’ll give an overview of the importance of hiring a good editor, and I’ll describe the different types of editing,” says itors; $5 for subsequent visits, payable via PayPal; and free for members. Volkman. “There will be time for Q&A at the end.” Not just newspaper reporters and magazine writers need About GCWA editors, notes Volkman. Founded in 1995, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, “Many writers undervalue the importance of an editor — or have had negative experiences working with one. So it’s Inc. (GCWA) provides a forum for fellowship, education,

and information for writers, editors and associates. GCWA’s well-regarded annual writing contest draws a wide range of authors. Its recent book launch at the Alliance for the Arts for its new anthology Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian--available on Amazon and at local outlets-was a sell-out event. Based in Fort Myers, GCWA attracts members from throughout Southwest Florida. At monthly meetings, speakers and workshops offer expert advice on such topics as writing techniques, publishing, and marketing. Participants at GCWA meetings also have the opportunity to read their works. The literary genres run the gamut from poetry, adult fiction and nonfiction to children’s and young adult, historical fiction, romance, mystery/thriller, memoir, essay and screenplay. Members include full-time writers as well as corporate professionals, teachers, and business owners, working or retired. GCWA’s website is https://gulfwriters.org/ .Follow GCWA on X (Twitter): @GCWA_SWFL .

Friends of the Pine Island Library announces exciting programs and fundraising for the 2023/2024 season Welcome to our new Friends of the Pine Island Library season for 2023/2024. We have some exciting programs and fundraising planned for this year and next. Let’s talk about our first book sale December 16th. I know we usually have an earlier date for the book sale but PIUMC is using the Hall for their events. We will use this later date as an opportunity for a Christmas cookie bake sale. Christmas cookies in bags for sale and some tins or platters for serving to put them in will be offered. We will not be meeting in November

due to Thanksgiving. I would like to try to get some volunteers and get some sale input early. As always, our book sale will be at the Pine Island United Methodist Church on Saturday December 16th 9am-2pm. I have decided to make paperback books and children’s books for $1.00. All other books will be priced at $2.00. At 1 pm on Saturday afternoon we will be offering “fill a paper bag of books” for $5.00. Refreshments and Lunch will be provided on Saturday for all volunteers. We will have our Friends members only

book sale on Friday evening, December 15, 6-8 pm. The transfer of the book trailer to PIUMC has already been scheduled. The church youth group will set up the tables on Wednesday evening, December 13th. The Friends will be setting up the books on Thursday morning, December 14th at 9 am. Most of the books in the book trailer are already in their correct boxes and will just need to be alphabetized on Thursday. Hopefully with many volunteers we will be able to set everything up for the sale on Thursday. We can

also work on Friday morning. Volunteers will be needed, as cashiers, raffle sale, bakers, traffic directors, people helping shoppers, greeters for the door, and the bake sale. I would like someone to be in charge of the bake sale. This is an important job that can be done by two people working together. Thank you for all your help. I will be able to answer any questions at our meeting on October 17th at the Library or email me: cathypiazza@hotmail.com

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The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. John’s Episcopal Church will host a Game/Card Party on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables are usually reserved for from 4 to 6 players (note: only have 2 tables for 6) and normally players decide what game or cards they are going to play and bring them with them. People enjoy playing games, such as Mahjong, Mexican Train, Scrabble, or whatever games they choose. Others

‘Sanibel Revegetation Post Ian’ topic at garden club monthly meeting

drinks or tea and lemonade - all for the ticket price of $25 per person. For tickets, please contact Janette Shirley by email at jsherley0309@gmail.com All tickets must be paid for in advance (tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door). The event will be held in St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Comfort Hall at 7771 Stringfellow Road, St. James City.

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This Thursday, Oct. 19, at its monthly meeting beginning at 9 a.m., the Pine Island Garden Club, will host Mariana Pardo to discuss her experience in efforts to rejuvenate Sanibel Island’s flora after Hurricane Ian. After several decades in the DC metro area she escaped to Sanibel Island in 2020. She has been active as a volunteer in various local organizations, including CROW and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. She is a Florida Master Gardener. The meeting will be held at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Road, St James City. Founded in 1975 the Pine Island Garden Club mission includes the protection and conservation of natural resources, encouraging island beauty and stimulating the study of the fine art of gardening. Its civic duties include the creation and maintenance of the grounds at Philips Park, Museum of the Islands, Bokeelia Post Office and the butterfly garden at PI Elementary School. It produces the annual Garden Gala, the proceeds from which are utilized to financially support several island benevolent organizations, such as, the Calusa Land Trust, CROW, Beacon of Hope, Kiwanis Children’s Park and the PI Food Pantry. For more information, one may visit pineislandgardenclub.org or contact Marty Kendall at 239-283-8175.

enjoy playing cards such as Euchre, Uno, Rummy, Poker, Pinocle, Bridge, Mahjong (now in the form of a card game) or whatever card games they choose. Both men and women come to enjoy 4 hours of fun! So get your friends together and come have a great time playing games or cards, winning door prizes and having a delicious lunch with decadent desserts, and coffee, soft

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St. John’s Episcopal Church to host Game/Card Party

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Lee County Parks & Rec offers Fall Festival events The Lee County Parks & Recreation Department plans Fall Festival events throughout October. Events include: ■ 6-9 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 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 information visit www.leeparks.org/lakespark or call 239533-7578. ■ 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 deejay, 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 239-5337200. ■ 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 239-5332923. ■ 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 Trunkor-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 239533-1470. For more information about Lee County Parks & Recreation locations, amenities, and other special events, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275 or email leeparks@leegov.com.

Pine Island Food Pantry hosting children’s Halloween Festival Oct. 21 A Halloween Festival for children up to age 12 hosted by the Pine Island Food Pantry will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, from noon to 3 p.m., at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church at 12175 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia. There will be a deejay, a costume contest, games, hot dogs, face painting and more. Entry is a donation of one nonperishable food item per person .

Sponsors for the Halloween Festival include American Legion, Beacon of Hope, Honc Industries, Kiwanis, Matlacha Hookers, 0LMM Church, Pelletier Rickert, Project Hope, Sun Shrimp and many individuals. For additional information, contact the Food Pantry at 760-529-7238 or visit its website at http://pineislandfoodpantry.org.

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Left to right: Carlyn Herring, Mary Ryan, Barbie Hazinger and Joanne Lembo. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MARY RYAN

Golf cart From page 1 Beacon’s new grant manager. “The Beacon of Hope is so proud to have assisted Barbie in regaining her independence and taking another step

towards being able to return to selling fruits and vegetable in Saint James City,” Ryan said.

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Lisa Dence From page 1 up, I want to be a physical therapist. That was me wanting to give back and help people. I think that was instilled in me at a very young age,” Dence said. Dence and her husband, Darrell, originally came to Florida in 2002, when their daughter, Nicole, was still a teenager. Being a serious high school softball pitcher, Dence said, they were looking for someone to give Nicole private pitching lessons. They found a man who was a coach at FGCU. Although the meet-up with this potential pitching coach took the family on a drive through Matlacha, it wasn’t until two years later, when Nicole was dating a Pine Islander, that the couple really took notice of Pine Island. “I ended up getting a job at the Pink Motel across the street from Bert’s. Someone told me, you should get a job at Bert’s and I took one look at the building and thought, I don’t think that place is for me,” Dence said. As it turned out, Bert’s was the place for her, as Dence took a job there tending bar. It wasn’t long until she found herself on the phone with someone claiming to be a Matlacha Hooker, who was asking if she could park at the motel across the street while she came to Bert’s to have a drink. “I remember telling the person training me about the phone call and saying, what the??? And everybody at the bar started laughing. I went home that night and said to my husband, there is something different about this island, but I’ll tell you what, this is my kind of place,” Dence said with a chuckle. As a result of Dence’s presence on Pine Island, she admits being able to help with a sense of community. Being the owner of the Olde Fish House in Matlacha enabled Dence the opportunity to provide a place where folks could have gatherings of all kinds.

“I think everyone knew that if they needed something, they could always come and ask. Whether it was a turkey for Thanksgiving, or a place to have a Thanksgiving meal. We fed 60, 70, 100 people on Thanksgiving. The islanders always knew that if they needed a place, I had their back on that,” Dence said. This facet of her personality has not changed, as now Dence finds herself welcoming folks into her Salty Girls Island Café in Bokeelia for meetings, such as the Elks Club, Pine Island Kiwanis, and the Matlacha Hookers. Although it’s a smaller space, islanders can still count on her hospitality and fundraising efforts for anything that comes up, she said. “It’s a different type of atmosphere, but I think that the islanders know if they need me, I’m there. If they need a donation, I’m there. We’re doing the Meals on Wheels— the Beacon Bites. We’re giving back to the community in a way like never before,” Dence said. Being in Bokeelia now, she said, has opened doors to all kinds of new relationships that she is happily building. She’s looking at the past year, since Hurricane Ian, as a blessing that has expanded her friendship circle and customer base. At the Olde Fish House, she said, people came to have fresh seafood and a beer, now they come in to have coffee and eggs. The biggest wish Dence has for Pine Island now is that islanders come back from Hurricane Ian in even better shape. “We can come back stronger than we were. Our island can be more beautiful than it ever was. I hope we never lose our sense of community, or what our little island was before Ian,” Dence said.

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Windy week of fishing For the better part of Over the windy days, fishthe week anglers experiing leeward side of islands enced breezy or windy with decent water clarity conditions. It wasn’t good worked for trout up to twenfor running offshore but ty inches while cast Berkley over most days inshore Gulps and DOA Cal jigs. was fishable. Both sharks and cobia While many anglers were hooked in Charlotte are not having much luck Harbor near Bokeelia and on sea trout of any size, Pine Island Sound near others are bringing home Useppa Island. One angler their limits. Trout to ninereports a big cobia followteen inches were hooked ing a hooked sea trout to the while drifting grass botboat and other anglers Capt. Bill Russell tom in four to eight-foot hooked cobia up to 36 inchdepths west of Bokeelia es, that had as many as four and in the southern Sound more cobia following. between Red Light Shoals Large live pinfish under a and Regla Island. float were the mentioned Ladyfish, Spanish mackbaits. Bull sharks, nurse, erel, jack crevalle, and small sharks and bonnethead were also hooked from were also the same areas on live pinfish and hooked while chunks of fresh caught ladyfish. drifting. Live Many redfish caught over the week shrimp under a were either under the 18-inch minimum float, live slot-size or over the 27- inch maximum. pilchards, and Fishing live pinfish, either whole or silver or gold with the tail trimmed, and small ladyspoons were fish chunks got the attention of reds up baits mentioned. to thirty-two inches around oyster bars

On the Water

PHOTO PROVIDED

Be on the look out for cobia as our weather cools down. Bob Pettigrew visiting from California hooked this uncooperative cobia on a live pinfish in Charlotte Harbor fishing with Captain Bill Russell. on the east side of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor near Pirates Harbor and Bull Bay. Shrimp, pilchards, and lures hooked a good share of reds of a smaller size in south Matlacha Pass, Punta Blanca, and Cayo

Costa Islands, and around Buck Key. Snook were hooked around islands near Saint James and the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River, plus Pine Island Sound near the gulf passes. Baits

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Cape Coral

Breeze

Athletes of theWeek

(Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)

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Island Time Village From page 1

PHOTO BY CHARLENE RUSS

Fishing From page 26 included a host of lures, live handpicked shrimp, pilchards, pinfish, and pigfish or grunts. From land, snook went for live shrimp and pinfish from the Matlacha Draw Bridge and Bokeelia Fishing Pier. A few pompano were boxed by anglers bouncing white or chartreuse pompano or silly jigs across sand bar edges inside Redfish Pass and off the gulf side of Sanibel Causeways A-span.

Pompano were hooked over the late stage of the incoming and beginning of the falling tides. As I write this column, we are expecting a change in weather as our first real cool front of fall is dropping in. It’s been hot and humid so that will be a welcome change. With the northern waters of the gulf cooling, we can expect increased numbers of bait and predator fish moving

down the coast with the weather. Once the wind settles, we should have good fishing. Get out there! If you have a fishing report or for charter information, contact Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239-410-8576 (call or text); on the web at www.fishpine island.com; or via email at gcl2fish@ live.com. Have a safe week and good fishin’.

As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Flori-da, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years.

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ing people with talents and abilities—let’s put them out there,” Sheppard said. He wants to be clear in that he has no intentions of competing with FruitScapes neighbor Stephen Cucura as they have been friends for years. While Cucura has the fruit handled, Sheppard emphasizes, he will be doing other farm products. “I am embracing the entire island, that means I’m shutting no farms or businesses from being a part of this. If there’s some other farm on the island that wants to sell their product here, that’s what it’s all about,” Sheppard said. Products from other islanders is a big part of Sheppard’s plan in his vision of Island Time Village, he said, emphasizing that this business will not be about him, but rather the community as a whole. “I want to bring in petting-zoo animals. If anyone on the island has small animals, I want to talk to them. I would love to meet them and build an area where they can bring their animals and display them. I want to get everyone involved and let them bring their expertise to the project. I want a place where people can go with their family and the kids have activities, and they’re not going to spend hundreds of dollars. That’s really what I want to create. I want to make this a home-run for the island. That’s my goal, ” Sheppard said.

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BulldogBuildersInc.com

WE BUILD QUALITY DOCKS HAWLEY CONSTRUCTION OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ALL IN LEE COUNTY. FREE ESTIMATES www.marinedocks.net

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