INSIDE: Beach reopening nears Cape Coral’s Community Newspaper Since 1961
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WEEKEND EDITION, OCTOBER 27, 2023
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Weekend Edition, October 27, 2023
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Yacht Club beach reopening may be near By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
The city of Cape Coral has received the OK to move forward with beach nourishment at the Yacht Club and expects the beach to re-open by mid November. Capital Improvements Director Paul Clinghan said the city is waiting on the Army Corps of Engineers and DEP permits for the marine side of the park. The Army Corps of Engineers approved
The Army Corps of Engineers approved the addition of sand to the beach on Tuesday and the city of Cape Coral anticipates re-opening the beach on Nov. 10. the addition of sand to the beach on Tuesday and the city anticipates re-opening the beach on Nov. 10.
“We did get approval for putting sand on the land side,” Clinghan said. The demolition of the park’s structures
is expected go out to bid in the next couple of weeks. Kimley-Horn will present the Yacht Club master plan, with some concepts from the last retreat, on Nov. 8, he said. The next step for council will be to determine how the city’s first public amenity will be rebuilt, including what elements will be included.
See YACHT CLUB, page 38
City looks at parking solutions for South Cape
AOW
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
The Cape Coral Breeze presents Athletes of the Week — Page 46
INDEX Business...........35 Classifieds...........48 Community................17 Editorial & Letters..........4 Pets Corner.................28 Puzzles.........................48 Real Estate..................14 Sports.......................44 Weekly Recap...............19
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Final weekend opens today By CHUCK BALLARO
news@breezenewspapers.com
T
he German-American Social Club’s 38th annual Oktoberfest will roll into its final weekend today. If opening weekend is any indicator, it’s going to fill the grounds with those who love German music, German food — and beer. Thousands attended the open-
ing of the two-weekend, six-day festival that is the largest of its kind in the state. Attendees — many dressed in Bavarian garb — did the Chicken Dance and polka, and enjoyed beer and brats aplenty after the festival kicked off last Friday night with a grand opening parade and the ceremonial opening of the first keg. The festival in Cape Coral
continued on a high note Saturday and Sunday with another full three-day weekend yet to come,
See OKTOBERFEST, page 9 Andi Peltier plays the role of St. Pauli Girl with a full mug in each hand during the 38th annual Oktoberfest at the GermanAmerican Social Club on Sunday. CHUCK BALLARO
Parking garages and some form of paid parking are possible options to address the South Cape’s parking needs. The South Cape Parking Management Plan, which explores existing conditions and provides findings, was presented to the Cape Coral City Council for discussion during its workshop on Wednesday. Council recognized the need and agreed the issue needs to be addressed with most acknowledging that given the fact that Mayor half the land within John Gunter the South Cape is already dedicated to parking — and there still is a need — going vertical needs to be explored and that likely means some cost to those visiting the entertainment district. “It is going to be a need that we are going to have to provide vertical parking at some point,” said Mayor John Gunter. “Look at how it has grown in the last three years. Other businesses are coming to the downtown Cape area. At some point, I believe, especially for those structures, you are going to have to have some paid parking. That’s the reality.” The presentation to council was made
See PARKING, page 40
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 2
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
The city of Cape Coral has been notified that the state will pick up its matched share of damages related to Hurricane Ian. Financial Services Director Mark Mason said Wednesday the city was notified last week of an additional award made possible in a special post-storm legislative session. Senate Bill 4A included a provision that allowed those affected to request a reduction in property taxes, as well as an appropriation of $350 million through the Florida Department of Emergency Management for Hurricane Ian and Nicole recovery, Mason said. FEMA was to pick up 75% of recovery funds associated with hurricane damage, the state 12.5% and the city was to pick up the remaining 12.5%. “We were one of the first municipalities in the state to apply for it,” he said of the appropriation. There were initial issues in the program that did not allow the city to immediately sign the document, which have now been resolved. With this waiver program, Mason said the state will
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State to pay Cape’s share of hurricane recovery matching funds
Cape Coral Breeze Vol. 62, No. 84
“Our original estimated cost was $7.3 million. The state will pick up the full (share match) now. This is a good thing. I don’t think it will cost us anything for the project worksheets through FEMA. These items will be picked up by the state.” — Mark Mason, Financial Services director
pick up the city’s share. “Our original estimated cost was $7.3 million. The state will pick up the full 25% now. This is a good thing. I don’t think it will cost us anything for the project worksheets through FEMA. These items will be picked up by the state,” he said. Mayor John Gunter echoed the sentiment that this is good news to hear. “This will save us a considerable amount of money,” he said. There has been one subsequent change that will affect the state’s required match share. On Wednesday FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Ian between Sept. 23 – Nov. 4, 2022. The President authorized the federal cost-share for public assistance to be increased from 75% to 90% of total eligible costs. This will mean less of a burden on state and local governments with the feds now picking up a greater portion of overall qualifying losses. Instead of the state and local governments splitting their combined 25% share of loss, the will split the 10% not reimbursed through FEMA recovery funds. “The City has been expecting the Federal Register to make this change since the storm,” Mason said via email Thursday morning. “With this change, the State
will be picking up the City’s 5% cost share.” “It has been a little over a year since Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers and surrounding communities in Florida. Sadly, more than 140 people lost their lives, and over 33,000 survivors were displaced from their homes,” said Criswell in a prepared statement. “However, Floridians remained strong in the face of this tragedy, and with the support of our federal, state and local partners, we have used every tool at our disposal to help Florida recover from this disaster. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has provided over $8 billion in federal assistance, and this latest cost-share adjustment means that even more federal assistance is on the way. The road to recovery is long, and at times difficult, but FEMA will be there every step of the way.” Mason’s Wednesday’s presentation also included the fourth quarter general grant report. Mason said the city has pending awards of six grants, which gives them 12 grants for the whole year. Of those six grants for the fourth quarter, the city received two federal grants and four state grants. The city has applied for 21 grants during the fourth quarter – 15 federal, five state and one other grant. Mason said they have applied for 15 federal grants, which went out in August and early September. “Every project worksheet is basically a grant for the recovery of any of the funds associated with permanent work and repairs on facilities,” Mason said. For the fourth quarter, the city has 96 active grants for a total award of $165,484,546 and a total available to draw of $86,483,724. Development Services had the majority of the grants with 14 active with a total awarded of $27,953,020. The others include: ■ Fire – 12 active grants for a total awarded of $10,986,233 ■ Police – 17 active grants for a total awarded of $1,831,201 ■ Parks and Recreation – 11 active grants for $4,288,877 ■ Public Works – 19 active grants for $11,188,240 ■ Utilities – 16 active grants for $56,722,658 ■ Financial Services – 6 active grants for $48,987,662 ■ Information Technology – 2 active grants for $94,427 ■ City Manager’s Office – 1 active grant for $4,020,401 for Victory Park infrastructure Mason said in Public Works, most of the grant money is associated with the sidewalk program. An interesting one is through the USDA for the Investing in America Urban Reforestation Grant in the amount of $1 million.
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Cape Coral Breeze
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 4
OPINIONS RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor • Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693
www.capecoralbreeze.com
OCTOBER 27, 2023
veteran firefighters their VA benefits CAPE CORAL BREEZE Guarantee Both civilian and military firefighters use Undoubtedly, firefighting is one of the
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More recovery mitigation money The city of Cape Coral got some good news this week as Hurricane Ian recovery continues. City staff submitted an application to the state for a share of a $350 million Legislature-approved appropriation for local governments through the Florida Department of Emergency Management for recovery efforts related to hurricanes Ian and Nicole. The money is specifically earmarked to aid with the Public Assistance Match Requirement. FEMA was to pick up 75% of qualifying hurricane damage costs, the state 12.5%, with the city and other local governments to pick up their remaining 12.5%. The city was notified last week that its application was approved and the state would pick up Cape Coral’s 12.5% match. Some additional good news at the federal level has changed that for the better for all Florida taxpayers. On Thursday, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that President Joe Biden made additional disaster assistance available to the state to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the devastating storm that made landfall on Cayo Costa last Sept. 28 as a Category 4 hurricane, devastating many parts of Lee County. The president authorized the federal cost-share for public assistance to be increased from that 75% to 90% of total eligible costs, a release from FEMA states, adding to date, approximately $8.7 billion in federal assistance has been provided to Florida for things such as relief to 26 counties, including Lee; disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration and National Flood Insurance Program claims for 47,300 property owners. Lee County received a Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery award of $1.1 billion to support long-term recovery efforts and $9.1 million in Hurricane Housing Recovery Program funds in addition to various other FEMA allocations. Since the state already has committed to picking up Lee County’s match requirement, the move by the Biden administration to increase FEMA’s cost share has more direct benefit on state coffers. That doesn’t mean the recovery piggy bank is finally full. The School District of Lee County is, unfortunately, among the many still awaiting needed recovery money. With district damage estimates as high as $277 million, it has only received $10.9 million from FEMA to date with insurance paying only $44.7 million thus far. So yes, good news but still a ways to go. — Breeze editorial
This week’s poll question: Are you getting vaccinations this year? ∫ Yes, flu and COVID. ∫ Flu only. ∫ COVID only. ∫ No.
Previous poll question Is City Council listening to the residents? ∫ Yes. 2.5% ∫ Sometimes. 3% ∫ No. 94.5 * 164 votes at press time
Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate. Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.
AFFF to put out Class B fires, those stemming most dangerous jobs in the world. On any from combustible and flammable liquids and given day, firefighters can be exposed to hazfires like petroleum, lacquers, alcohol, jet fuel, ardous materials, natural disasters, electrical and gasoline. Unfortunately, while PFAS exporisks, and burning structures as they attempt to sure is a significant health threat to firefighters’ save lives. Toxic exposure is very common health, military firefighters whose health was among this occupational group, as they regucompromised by toxic exposure cannot access larly come in contact with harmful substances the VA benefits they are entitled to, such as like asbestos, hydrogen cyanide, benzene, healthcare and disability compensation. Because formaldehyde, polychlorinated biphenyls, as the VA does not recognize the connection well as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl between “forever chemicals” exposure and the substances. Also known as PFAS or “forever numerous diseases it can cause, it refuses to chemicals,” these dangerous agents persist in Stan Gottfredson grant benefits to these courageous people who the environment and the human body for a are in a lot of suffering. Michael Lecik was a long time. Exposure to PFAS can result in a U.S. Air Force firefighter who served between myriad of serious health problems, includ1999 and 2008. After his discharge from the ing kidney and testicular cancer. The primary military, the man continued to work as a firesource of “forever chemicals” exposure among firefighters is their use of AFFF, a fire suppressant that fighter for various agencies. In 2019, Lecik developed multiple myeloma, which might be related to his toxic exposure. sometimes contains up to 98% of these toxic substances. Upon trying to access VA benefits, Lecik’s claim was The Division of Operations of Cape Coral is the main division of the department, with 180 members spread out over 10 denied, which left him uncovered in terms of healthcare and fire stations that respond to emergency incidents such as struc- disability compensation. Two years later, the military fireture fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and fighter died of multiple myeloma. Still, his death might not be water rescues. On July 15, 2023, firefighting crews were able in vain, as when hearing his heartbreaking story, to contain a multi-acre brush fire in the city. The brush fire Representative Abigail Spanberger introduced the Michael burned roughly seven acres of land before the crews were able Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act. The purpose of the to contain it. Firefighting entails countless risks, and these bill is to establish presumptions of service connection for brave people put their lives on the line to protect their com- health issues associated with firefighting. If it became law, the munities every time a blaze needs to be extinguished. Cancer bill would enable military firefighters injured by toxic expohas become one of the leading causes of death among fire- sure to access the VA benefits they are entitled to. Some of the fighters, as they now have a 9% higher risk of developing it diseases the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection and a 14% greater risk of dying from a malignant disease than Act would cover are bladder cancer, heart disease, kidney canthe general population. PFAS exposure from their frequent cer, leukemia, testicular cancer, and lung disease. Eligible vetAFFF use is a major contributing factor to these grim statis- erans would be those who served with a primary responsibilitics. See GUEST, page 6
Guest Commentary
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Notice would have been nice
If I were mayor
To the editor: As the former chairperson for the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners (CRA), it was a total surprise to our Board that the City Council voted to terminate us! On Tuesday, Oct 17, our board had a Special Meeting for a budget item. Time and place of future meeting etc. The meeting was adjourned. The very next day, City Council voted 5–3 to terminate our Board and to have City Council become CRA Commissioners and take over this responsibility. No heads up, no discussion, even when Council Members Cosden, Welsh and Hayden thought that perhaps there should be discussion and perhaps bring this up at the Committee of the Whole meeting. It appears that the five other council members had their minds made up prior to the meeting that this is what they were going to do. This action on their part was totally disrespectful to those of us who have served, given our time, knowledge and efforts to make the CRA a better place. It was certainly not the best business practice. To not even have a say or given our opinion was wrong on many levels. My term would have been up in January. It would have been nice to finish my term (as well as former Commissioner Keim’s) on a high note rather than a termination! It does make you think twice about volunteering your time for these committees. The Council’s goal seems to be to eliminate the committees which are made up of our residents. So, my advice is to think twice before you volunteer. It is disheartening that our Board is no longer. We did good work for our District. We’ve made improvements, had great visions to enhance the area and bring art to our district. I personally am proud of our accomplishments. I hope that this new “board” will understand that there is more to our area than just economic development. We have residents, we have parks, and yes businesses. We need sidewalks, we need road improvements etc. I wish them well. Linda Biondi former CRA Chairperson
To the editor: If I were mayor... My No. 1 priority would be to gather all possible assistance from city staff, council members, the governor, state regulators and senators to settle the permitting and other issues to open the city beach. Then continue with the demolition of the Yacht Club building and the swimming pool. Build a marina building and restrooms. Why have a swimming pool by the beach? This would result in more available parking eliminating the need for a parking ramp. Next I would table the Jaycee Park initiatives. Settle the stalemate regarding environmental issues for the old golf course property. I would take the planned Jaycee design and overlay it onto the old golf course. Take the expected $12 million for Jaycee Park and buy the golf course land and build a city community center on that site. The golf course property has the potential for walking paths, bike paths, swimming pool, tennis, basketball and pickle ball courts. It can be the centerpiece for all to use. Given the proximity to “downtown” there could be shuttle service between the new Grand Get Together and downtown restaurants. Imagine. Oh, and it wouldn’t it be grand to raise the Cape Coral Parkway bridge over the Rubicon Canal into the Bimini Basin so the boating community could come downtown? It could be paid for by increased property values. We could even have a water taxi! I would reassign city employees who currently have duties to continue to grow the city (and doing to good of a job of it) to work on existing infrastructure. Things like traffic, crime, pollution, beautification and other general issues. The city growth is in treadmill where we need more housing, then more schools, then more jobs, then more police and fire prevention, then more restaurants, then more car washes, then more storage facilities, then a wider bridge, then more… I still prefer living in a growing community, but this is ridiculous. We are creating just another busy city with noise, pollution, traffic and crime. A little Atlanta perhaps? Jim Wiedl Cape Coral See LETTERS, page 6
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Cape Coral Breeze
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 6 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR From page 4
Mangroves the best storm defense To the editor: Concerned families have good reason to fear that development of 110 acres directly south of Rotary Park will increase the risk of harm during future storms. This is a primary reason we oppose the potential Redfish Pointe Development. The facts are on our side. A study by the Nature Conservancy and University of California states that “During Hurricane Irma, over 626,000 people living behind mangrove forests saw reduced flooding” and mangroves “averted $1.5 billion in surge-related flood damages to properties.” Furthermore, it found that “mangroves reduce flood damages by 25.5% to properties behind them.” That level of protection is substantial. (Who wouldn’t be excited about a 25.5% salary increase?) Our city’s website affirms the protective value of wetlands. Under “Natural and Beneficial Functions of Wetlands,” it says “By preserving the native vegetation consisting of salt marshes and mangrove communities, residents of Cape Coral gain significant protection. The mangroves, in particular, stabilize the shoreline during hurricanes. The mangroves have prop roots, leaves, and branches that offer frictional resistance to flowing water. This reduces storm erosion and decreases the speed of the flow of tidal inundation.” In a document made available through a public records request, and regarding the mangroves threatened by the Redfish Pointe Development, our Cape Coral Public Works Environmental Resources Manager General states, “Removal of mangroves would weaken the buffering capacity of the mangrove area which protects the city against storms.” She adds, “Placing infrastructure, residences, businesses, and people in a wetland that has very poor drainage and in the coastal flood hazard zone has potentially extensive impacts financially, for livelihoods, or life in general.” Earlier this year, the Lee County Board of Commissioners heard testimony from residents and experts about the proposed Eden Oak Development that would have destroyed 30 acres of wetlands. Resident Warren Myers told commissioners, “My house is directly next to a mangrove area on Shell Point and were it not for those mangroves my house would have been inundated by feet of water rather than inches. It saved me, it saved the house, it saved the contents.” Among other experts, commissioners heard from County Development Manager Anthony Rodriquez. “Mangroves,” he stated, “are the best defense against storms and storm surge and mangroves can't get bigger if you cut them down.” He also addressed the developer’s claim that the mangroves in question were of low quality, a claim made about the wetlands south of Rotary Park. Mr. Rodriquez stated emphatically, “Just because they might not be the highest quality according to some standards doesn’t mean that they don’t protect the public, that they don’t protect the land, and that they aren’t the best thing to be there for Lee County.” He alerted the commissioners that “Impacts (from development) on the mangrove swamp and saltwater marsh that exists on this site would exacerbate flooding storm surge and other erosion related impacts.” After hearing from these residents and experts, the LCBC voted unanimously to reject the proposed development. “The mangroves did exactly what they were intended to do,” Commissioner Kevin Ruane declared. “And with that in mind, my motion is for a complete denial.” It is also important to note that Hurricane Ian is a harbinger of similarly potent storms to come, and that a recent study determined that “Cape Coral is in the top nine for cities (in the nation) when it comes to gradually increasing risk. Cities in this category face a ‘chronic physical threat’ and are not tied to a single event, but face changes over a longer period.” Cape Coral City Council should protect these critical wetlands by rejecting the property owner’s application to amend the city’s comprehensive plan to change the designation of these wetlands from “preserve” to “mixed use.” Furthermore, adhering to city comprehensive plan objectives, the council should pursue purchase of this property through a combination of city, county, and state funds. We cannot afford to compromise the natural storm and
flood protection these wetlands provide. Facts and wisdom are on the side of hundreds of families living near Rotary Park who strongly oppose this potential development. Joseph Bonasia Cape Coral
Help guarantee clean & healthy waters To the editor: Water is a way of life in Florida. Yet our way of life is threatened daily by such toxins as blue-green algae, red tide, fecal bacteria, nitrates, brain-eating amoeba and all manner of pollutants in our gulf, streams, rivers, lakes and aquifers. Repeatedly, Florida voters have supported conservation measures designed to protect our water, but often, those measures have not been enacted or funded by the State Legislature, which too often is beholden to special interests. Meanwhile, our manatees, Florida’s beloved “sea cows,” are starving because pollution is killing the sea grass that is a staple of their diet. Our coral reefs are in critical condition for the same reason. Our wetlands are being developed.The push for rampant development outweighs conservation concerns. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Every single resident of Florida should be guaranteed the right to clean and healthy water, and volunteers are working to make that a reality. Now and in the coming months, hundreds of volunteers are soliciting the signatures of registered voters on petitions to get the Right to Clean and Healthy Waters Amendment on the 2024 primary ballot. It’s not an easy task. To qualify, supporters need to collect almost 900,000 signatures statewide by Nov. 30. Every single signature counts. If you see volunteers collecting signatures, please take a moment to sign, if not for yourself, for your children and grandchildren. You also can download a copy of the petition at floridarighttocleanwater.org. Simply print the petition and provide your name, address and birth date and mail it to the address provided. This is one issue Republicans and Democrats can agree on in this divided nation. Please join the effort. Sue Beard Fort Myers
Hamas wants casualties in the Gaza Strip To the editor: Israel follows the laws of war and international law and is trying to evacuate all the northern parts of the Gaza Strip and mainly the area of Gaza City, because this is the most crucial center of gravity of Hamas. Most of their assets are located there, and Israel doesn’t intend to harm innocent people, and Israel doesn’t want collateral damage. And therefore they are trying to convince the population to leave because the area is saturated with Hamas assets. The latest intelligence has produced evidence that now Hamas may be seeking the use chemical weapons. The reason that Israel must bomb and demolish so many buildings is because Hamas is everywhere where their basic organizing rationale is to use their people as human shields. They do it in the most cynical and brutal manner, and they wish to have casualties to use the international media and international tribunals in order to demonize Israel and gain empathy and support. It is the ultimate absurdity when these barbarians who do not respect any international law or norms are using these platforms to make their case. Israel has to clear the area and prepare the best conditions for ground forces to enter to accomplish the mission to deal with all underground infrastructure and to finish the job. We now know that Israel was falsely accused by Hamas of allegedly killing 500 in a hospital in Gaza, that turned out to be a misfire of a Hamas rocket. Again, Hamas wishes to have casualties to use the international media and international tribunals to demonize Israel and gain empathy and support. I reiterate that any support of Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah and any other radical ISIS movements, whether verbal or physical, should be addressed as an act of incitement when encouraging these heinous and barbaric acts. And, that any protest in the United States, whether in a congressional office building (obstructing Congress), streets of America or on college campuses in support of this recent call for global jihad supporting
these barbaric acts by Hamas and their partners, should be prosecuted the same manner as the incitement on Jan. 6, 2021 on grounds of endangering public peace and safety. We have seen violence erupt from these recent Palestinian protest marches in New York City and other cities across the U.S. on the police and others. Furthermore, any foreign non-citizen engaged in this support by protesting in the streets of America should be expelled for our nation to their country of origin immediately. Jack Wagner Cape Coral
Forgiving student loans dates back to Bush To the editor: The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLFP) was signed into law over 20 years ago by President G.W. Bush and almost never delivered. It’s not a new law, new forgiveness, or a new drag on the federal budget. President Biden is committed to enforcement of what was already in the loan agreement students made with the federal student loan system since 2007. Student loans are “forgiven” after 10-20-25 years of payments — only if the borrower works in public service, assuming the borrower is making payments under an income based repayment plan. They have often paid their original loan amount and then some — due to predatory interest rates — all while working in low-paying public service jobs to benefit the American people as part of their contract stipulated. These plans are VERY SPECIFIC in nature and only apply to public servants in exchange for a subsidized degree — or a forgiveness of the loans for said degree. The purpose was to get people to choose public service, since the public needs servants, like teachers and firefighters, as opposed to them taking higher-paid private sector jobs. In recent years, the inept administration of these programs caused most of the valid applications to be denied. Then Trump/Devos basically put a full stop to even processing them because they resented public servants. Biden is simply holding up the federal government’s end of a contract that people signed long ago. Anyone arguing against PSLFP is woefully uninformed. How would you like it if you’d signed a contract and made life choices that had serious financial implications for you and then the other person just bailed on it? Because that is what has been happening to these people up to this point. They ARE fulfilling their promise. These are programs that millions of people relied on when making choices about where and what to study, as well as what career commitments (and salary tradeoffs) to make after graduation. The government needs to honor their end of the bargain. I already got my hand-out and paid off my student loans in full in the ’70s when government-subsidized tuition was much less than what it is now. State schools like I went to were heavily subsidized by state taxpayer money. I don’t object to student loan forgiveness for others who entered these contracts. Inflated tuition price forgiveness is no more of a subsidy than the original low tuition that we older students were paying when we went to college. Angry sour grapes people who paid for their own education and maybe their children’s did so with the benefit of an entirely different economic universe than today’s students experience… and is not comparable if they used private loans and work in the private sector. Private bank loans are not eligible. Education subsidy of any kind benefits the public good. And what about K-12? Taxpayers still pay for that and nobody claims that this is an unfair handout. There’s no argument against paying for college that wouldn’t also apply to K12. People must have a right to a free public education or society becomes permanently locked in an oligarchy run by those rich enough to pay for education. The U.S. is the only “advanced” country that turns so many of its non-rich children into long-term debt slaves. Huge tax breaks for the uber wealthy 1%ers and corporations are not benefitting society either. “Trickle down economics” is a big scam as are “scam” universities that are not regulated. Our country is trillions of dollars in debt. Tuition subsidy or loan forgiveness pales in comparison to the money give aways the GOP gave their donors in tax cuts. Lynn A. Hagedorn Cape Coral
Guest: Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act would help veterans From page 4 ty for firefighting or damage control for at least five years. “We know that Mike’s service to our country — his devotion to our nation’s strength and security — led to his multiple myeloma. And that’s what makes the VA’s denial of his benefits all the more shameful,” said Spanberger.
Sadly, many firefighters affected by toxic exposure struggle with the high cost of cancer treatment, considering that they do not receive help from the VA. For instance, the cost of surgery for testicular cancer, one of the most common malignant diseases occurring in firefighters, can reach $13,000, which, for many firefighters, is unaffordable in the absence of VA assistance. If the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters
Protection Act was signed into law, military firefighters would no longer have to struggle financially due to the tremendous cost of cancer treatment. Furthermore, we might also observe a decrease in the high rate of cancer among this occupational group. The bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. We should not let stories such as that of Lecik remain unheard, and more awareness needs to be
raised of this important problem, which is currently impacting thousands of firefighters. — Stan Gottfredson is president and CEO at Atraxia Law, a paralegal firm providing assistance to civilian and military firefighters who intend to file a toxic exposure claim for the diseases they developed as a result of their career.
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Cape Coral Breeze
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 8 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze
Organizers gearing up for Veterans Day Parade By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
The Cape’s ode to its rich veteran population makes its return this year, as the city’s Veterans Day Parade is to step off onto Cape Coral Parkway on Nov. 11. Marching down the parkway starting at 11:11 a.m. — the same time and date the armistice was signed 101 years ago marking the end of World War I — Southwest Florida’s proud military and veteran community will be on full display as American flags are to be waved, red, white and blue garb worn, and military gear proudly displayed. The route travels along the parkway west, from Cape Coral Street to Chester Street. Veterans Day is a special celebration to honor all of the men and women who have served across all spectrums of the United States Armed Forces, and to commemorate their sacrifice to ensure the freedoms we have today as Americans. Parade organizer Linda Biondi said she’s thrilled to able to once again put on the event, as Hurricane Ian halted the celebration in a Purple Heart City. “We know that our veterans have done so much, and if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn't be in the position we are today,” Biondi said. “They sacrifice so much.” Biondi said the staging area has been expanded this year, with part of Del Prado Boulevard south of the parkway to host the large number of participants that will march. A plethora of local veterans and their organizations representing various branches of the military will fill Cape Coral Parkway, along with countless members of the community who want to show their support. Restored vintage military vehicles
motoring down the parkway to patriotic music alongside veterans is sure to drum up a feeling of pride. The Cape Coral Police Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Office will also take part, including a flyover from LCSO. This year’s Grand Marshal is Sgt. First Class (retired) La’Keshia Penn. Penn is a Haha, Nebraska native and second-generation military veterans. She served in the Army from Oct. 1991 to July of 2012. Her accomplishments include the Joint Service Medal, Meritorious Commendation Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, to name a few. Penn moved to Cape Coral three years ago, and began volunteering with the 20th Judicial Circuit Teen Court diversion program. She currently serves as the Adjutant and Chapter Service Officer for the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 108, and as the Post Veterans Service Officer for American Legion Post 90. Biondi said numerous volunteers organize the parade “to give our time to celebrate the veterans in our community. “This is just a small thing in comparison to the time and energy in keeping us safe. Our country is strong because of them, and in a small way, this is to thank them.” Parade organizers always enjoy seeing veterans get together, talk shop, and be recognized for all they’ve sacrificed. “It’s fabulous to see,” Biondi said. “We’ve got Vietnam veterans, Korean War veterans... it’s just a great day. And the people who cheer them on along the parade route, it's just a wonderful thing.” Veterans looking to participate (including transportation assistance), or for more information, contact Biondi via email at linda@rasorealty.com.
Kids invited to Cape animal shelter’s howl-aween By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
While Halloween is all about getting dressed up and collecting your favorite treats door-to-door, Cape Coral’s animal shelter is encouraging the community to throw a bone to its four-legged friends. The annual “Trick or Treat for the Animals of CCAS” takes place this Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., where kids and their families are welcome to visit the cats and dogs of the shelter, and give them treats. “It’s super cute to see the kids, and the dogs and cats dressed up,” said Cape Coral Animal Shelter Executive Director, Liz McCauley. Participants will be able to share in a moment with the animals at the shelter, provide them the fulfillment of a snack, and then be treated to their own goodies afterwards . “This is a very fun event that has become tradition here at the shelter” McCauley said. “We provide a safe environment for kids to show off their costumes, treat the animals, and get some treats of their own. This community is so supportive of our shelter, and we constantly look for ways to give back.” CCAS is quickly approaching 4,000 adoptions since opening in March of 2020.
The affordable care clinic provides veterinary services to thousands of animals each year. Plans have been announced for a major expansion, with the addition of a 18,000-square-foot shelter and a renovation of the existing clinic to service more patients. This expansion is planned for early spring of 2023. CCAS is at 325 Southwest 2nd Ave. For more information, visit www.capecoralanimalshelter.com.
By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
‘Concert in the Park’ series,” said Cape Coral Senior Recreation Specialist Emily Haeger. “We look forward to showcasing three different parks around the city. We kick off the series at Jaycee Park with Nashville Artist Dennis Caravello.” Attendees can enjoy the live music, as well as dinner, drinks, and giveaways. Caravello, a Chicago native now residing in Nashville, hits the stage at 5:30.
“Make sure to come hungry because we will have a food truck and dessert truck at each concert,” Haeger added. “Chairs, blankets, and snacks from home are allowed.” Caravello is a solo guitarist who combines the sounds of blues, jazz, country, and soul. He will play some original music and covering some of the classics. In March of 2019, Caravello independently
released his first full-length body of work titled, “The Way It Is.” Next, the concert series travels to Cultural Park on Feb. 1, 2024, with a performance by The Freecoasters. “Cultural Park is newly renovated, and we are excited to show it off,” Haeger said. The series finale takes place at Four Freedoms Park on April 4, with live entertainment by Sheena Brook, a Southwest Florida local featured on NBC’s “The Voice!” To hear a sample of Caravello’s music, visit www.Denniscaravello.com. Jaycee Park is at 4215Southeast 20th Place.
Oktoberfest: Annual festival continues tonight through Sunday Oktoberfest make-up in February.” Even as the gates opened on Sunday, there were cars lining up on Pine Island Road and the parking lot was nearly filled by early afternoon. After what the GASC believes are record sales from this weekend, if the weather holds out next weekend, this Oktoberfest could be the biggest one ever. Throughout the first weekend, countless volunteers and Miss Oktoberfest Lissette Ortiz-Teleweck, who is serving for the second year after last year’s event was cancelled, worked hard to make things went off with nary a hitch. “Since I wasn’t able to experience it last year and have my reign, they allowed me to come back and have my time in the sun,” said Ortiz-Teleweck, whose mother-in-law, Angela Teleweck, was Miss Oktoberfest in 1998. “It’s been very busy. Jam-packed. People are having an awesome time and it’s been very lively.”
The newest offering this year is the VIP experience, where for $100, a pass will allow you to stay in a dedicated area of the big tent, tickets for dinner at Von Stueben Hall, a filled glass bier stein with four refills, a Jagermeister drink and a gift bag. All weekend, bands from Germany performed music that made everyone get out on the dance floor, including Maselheimer Musikanten, a 17-piece ensemble from the southern portion of the country that is performing here for the fifth time. “We live between Stuttgart and Munich and play traditional German party music,” said band member Mareike Caus. “We come from one village and meet every week for rehearsal and have a lot of fun here.” Other entertainment included KaBeGl, another band from Germany; Hafenkapelle, the GASC’s German band; the Manni Daum Trio; the Guns and Hoses, Pipe and Drums Corps; and much more. That includes the Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish
Dance Academy, which brought the people in the big tent on their feet with their brand of stepping. “They use to hold the Irish Festival here and they were impressed by how we honored the tradition and thought it would be great for us to dance at their events,” said Jaime Knauz, co-owner and dancer, whose company has been doing Oktoberfest for 12 years. “They’re like family, though we don’t teach German dancing, which includes waltzes and polkas.” Oktoberfest continues tonight, from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight and Sunday noon to 8 p.m. The GASC is at 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road. Tickets are $10 at the gate, $8 in advance at a variety of locations, including the GASC. For more information, including this week’s entertainment itinerary, visit capecoraloktoberfest.com.
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From page 1 all the more welcome as Hurricane Ian caused the cancelation of last year’s event. “We’re back, better than ever and we love it. It was tough to call things off last year because we put so much work into it. Everybody wanted some relief and to enjoy themselves but we couldn’t offer it because everyone was trying to get their lives back together,” said Suzie Zimmer, GASC spokesperson. Steig Bauer, GASC president, said it's good to be back. “It’s a running joke that we were one for three with Oktoberfest (2020 was cancelled by COVID). It's been said that missing an Oktoberfest would be a disaster, but we’ve recovered from two missed Oktoberfests, which tells us about our sustainability. If we can have it every year, we’ll be as strong as we ever were,” Bauer said. “We did a lot of events after the pandemic and Ian which we blew up into bigger events. We had an
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Music lovers can grab a chair or blanket and head to Jaycee Park next Thursday for an evening of free music with a view. Cape Coral’s Park and Recreation Department will present a free “Concert in the Park” on Nov. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring Dennis Caravello. The event is perfect for friends, family, date night, or anyone that enjoys good tunes. “The city is excited to showcase one out-of-town artist and two Southwest Florida natives during our traveling
Cape Coral’s Park and Recreation Department will present a free “Concert in the Park” in Jaycee Park on Nov. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring Dennis Caravello. It will be the first of three traveling Concerts in the Park.
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City of Cape Coral to host free ‘Concert in the Park’ series
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‘The Problem of the Hero’ to have two local screenings Film producer & Cape resident Ayana Johnson to be among the attendees at the Naples International Film Festival event By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
A film with Cape Coral ties that dives into social issues that still ring true today will be shown at the Naples International Film Festival this weekend. “The Problem of the Hero,” will have two screenings — Oct. 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the Paragon Theaters Pavilion in Naples, and Oct. 28 at 8:15 p.m., also at the Paragon Theaters Pavilion. One of the film’s producers is a current Cape Coral resident, Ayana Johnson, who will be in attendance with several others who made the film possible. “The Problem of the Hero,” from EbzB Productions & WhyNot Theatricals, debuted this past February at the Santa Fe Film Festival, and this weekend will be the film’s Florida premiere. Both screenings will take place in Auditorium 10. Johnson said she’s thrilled to have the film play in her backyard, and looks forward to mingling with attendees during a panel discussion Saturday morning. She’s been a Cape Coral resident for two years after moving to Fort Myers from North Carolina. “I’m really excited to have it so close to home,” Johnson said. According to the film’s synopsis: “The story starts in March 1941, at the St. James Theatre in New York. On the eve of opening night, a difference of opinion over a single page of the script threatens an impasse between two literary giants of the 20th Century. As dress rehearsals led by the mercurial Orson Welles, continue around Richard Wright (renowned, controversial author of Native Son) and Paul Green (Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright & social justice advocate), the ensuing argument, delving deeply into race, class, patriotism, politics, and personal story & agency, seems destined to dissolve the writers’ genuine friendship. The Problem of The Hero is based on EbzB’s stage play Native by
“The Problem of the Hero,” will have two screenings at the Paragon Theaters Pavilion in Naples. One of the film’s producers is a current Cape Coral resident, Ayana Johnson, who will be in attendance with several others who made the film possible./PHOTO PROVIDED Ian Finley, and upon Richard Wright’s own play, The Problem Of The Hero, moving from the novel’s backdrop of 1930s Chicago and into the film’s backdrop of the United States on the precipice of entering World War II.” “They build a great relationship and friendship — Richard Wright being an African American man (and) Paul Green a white male,” Johnson said. “They live in a time where race relations were not at its greatest. But they build a great relationship and work well together, until the very end. The film is basically reliving the last
moments of their relationship where they had this contentious disagreement on how the play should end. The question is, ‘Who gets to tell the story?’ And it was amazing to watch (the actors) bring that to life.” Johnson said the main takeaway for the audience to have to wrestle with that internal dialogue, as well as create conversation. “We hope that everyone will wrestle with (race relations, social justice, classism, etc.), even the production team producing the film wrestled with that as well,” she said. “We all have our opinions, but we wanted to make sure we brought their stories to life without bias and allowing everyone to see both sides.” As far as Johnson’s role, you can look at it as sort of leading coach on a team. She had to make sure all of the right players were in place. She hired the crew, actors (casting and extras), historical accuracy, meeting the Screen Actors Guild requirements, being on task and on time, collaborating with different aspects of filming, wardrobe, and much more. The film has received positive reception thus far, as seven reviews on the popular site “Rotten Tomatoes” all give favorable showings. “It’s causing people to want to dialogue, and that's what we want,” she said. Johnson said the timing of the film comes during a current climate that is still divided, with race relations at the forefront. “This is really timely with the issues we continue to have,” she said. “What we want to accomplish is to get people back to having respectful dialogue, rather than threatening. We should respectfully be able to discuss our beliefs.” For more information on the screening, visit www.artisnaples.org/naples-international-film-festival/2023/films/the-problem-of-the-hero. “The Problem of the Hero” is directed by Shaun Dozier, and written by James A. Hoge and Ian Finley.
Melody Lane Performing Arts Center will put on the high school version of the girl-power hit By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Kai'a McCann, Adriana Farrugia, Aubrey Barnhouse and Georgia Rainero are among those performing in Melody Lane Performing Arts Center’s production of “Mean Girls High School Version.” The show runs through Oct. 29 at Cultural Park Theater./PHOTO PROVIDED which we definitely enjoy,” Alvarez said. “So, for our students, ages 13-18, it has been a really ‘fetch’ endeavor.” Melody Lane also had the special privilege of having a workshop with original cast member and Tony-nominee Kerry Butler, who coached their students. As to what to expect from the show and how it compares to the hit film, Alvarez said the soundtrack.
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acters such as Regina George, Janis Ian, and Damian Hubbard, while still allowing their performers to put their own unique spin on them. The music has also been quite the task for Melody Lane performers, but they’ve been up to the task. “This show requires a lot of belting, range, and stamina, so it has been a musical and choreographic challenge as well,
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A Cape Coral based theater group is putting on the musical adaptation of a cult classic movie this weekend, as “Mean Girls High School Version” hits the stage. Melody Lane Performing Arts Center will put on the show based on the book by actress Tina Fey at Cultural Park Theater across four shows running Oct. 26 through 29. Melody Lane Theater Department Director Dana Alvarez said she and her team have had their eye on the show for a while. “We were waiting ‘impatiently’ for the rights to the high school version to come out so we could snatch it up,” she said. “I guess for a group of Millennials, the 2004 ‘Mean Girls Movie’ has been iconic for us and we jumped at the opportunity to bring this story to our students. The teens have caught the excitement of bringing a cultclassic to the stage and have been having so much fun.” Alvarez said the show is unique in the sense that it has five leading female characters, which gives a lot of young women a chance to shine. “And is a real win for girl power,” she added. “That being said, all of the roles are awesome at showcasing everyone. ‘Mean Girls’ is one of the funniest scripts ever written, in our humble opinion; both the movie and stage adaptation having been written by comedy genius, Tina Fey.” Alvarez said it has been a challenge to present the story with a delicate balance of capturing the essence of these iconic char-
“The audience can expect a fresh, modern score of original Broadway songs composed for the stage version of ‘Mean Girls.’ And as amazing as a movie can be, music can transcend the written and spoken word, and take the story to new heights. Music can make the audience feel deeply, invoke memories, and dance to the beat. You will really enjoy a musical twist on this cautionary tale.” The directors at Melody Lane are all proud of how their cast has taken on the challenging script, and have developed the show into something of their own while having an important life-lesson shine through. “‘Mean Girls” is not just a funny story full of amazing one-liners. It really contains important messages regarding selfworth, bullying, cliques, social pressures, and the lengths people go to be accepted,” Alvarez said. “It shows the dangers of being mean and the benefit of appreciating each other for who they are. This is incredibly relevant to young people. We have seen our cast grow past just finding these lines and scenes ‘funny’ or ‘savage’ and truly understanding what underlies unkind behavior, how to get to the root of bullying, and how powerful words can be, mean or nice.” “Mean Girls” goes on a CPT Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information on Melody Lane and for tickets, visit www.MelodyLanePAC.com. Cultural Park Theater is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd.
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‘Mean Girls’ takes the stage this weekend
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REAL ESTATE
THE BREEZE OCTOBER 27, 2023
‘Beware the Cape’s third quarter results reflect rising home inventories great deal’ Dear Mr. Feichthaler: I stumbled upon a “For Sale by Owner” sign a few months ago for a property in a neighborhood I wanted to move to. I knocked at the door and the owner was very nice. He said he was moving out of state to take care of a family member, and needed to sell quickly. He offered me a great deal $250,000 for a house where the cheapest house is $350,000. He signed over a quitclaim deed and gave it to me to record after I had funds wired to him. I recorded the deed the Eric P. Feichthaler same day. Afterwards, I noted that the property appraiser still shows the prior owners, and they have different names than the man that sold me the property. I asked for a title search and it came back showing it is owned by someone other than the man that sold it to me. I tried to reach the seller but he is not responding to calls or emails. Did I make a mistake? —Drew N.
Real Estate Law
Dear Drew: I am incredibly hesitant to give you the bad news, but it is likely you are a victim of fraud. From your description, it sounds like you didn’t confirm the man at the house was the actual owner. He could have been a renter or squatter with no ownership rights in the property. Additionally, there are two main types of deeds that are given in a transaction: A Warranty Deed and a Quitclaim Deed. A Warranty deed contains language where the seller attests that the seller is the actual owner. In contrast, a quitclaim deed only transfers whatever rights the Grantor possesses. In other words, if the “seller” in your case had no ownership interest in the property, the quitclaim deed transferred all he had to you, which is nothing at all. I would recommend you seek legal counsel immediately to determine the path forward. Possible actions include contacting the Cape Coral Police Department to report the fraud, or a quiet title action to take possession of the property. However, if the owners of the property had no knowledge of this deed and didn’t profit from it, they will have no obligation to you to provide anything. Your only recourse is most likely against the person pretending to be the seller, which may be a difficult task based on the facts presented. You should also advise your bank from which you sent the wire about this and ask them to recall the wire. Given the amount of time that has passed, this also has little chance of success, but you need to do anything you can to reclaim those funds. Your situation demonstrates the importance of utilizing a firm to handle the title work and escrow funds. Having an intermediary work with buyers and sellers confirms that all parties are acting at arm’s-length and with good intentions. Plus, as buyer, you receive a Title Insurance Policy as buyer that protects you from situations just like this. Of course, the firm would quickly note the person try-
See BEWARE, page 15
Cape Coral through the MLS, giving us a We continue to come across a lot of 9% increase in listings in just the last three conflicting data and opinions about the weeks. On Oct. 3, the median list price current state of the real estate market, was $511,225 and there were 610 pendalong with the multitude of “expert” ing home sales in the pipeline with a opinions about where home prices are median pending sales price of $399,900. headed next. With mortgage rates now One year ago on Oct. 25, 2022, less than pushing 8%, concerns about housing a month after Hurricane Ian hit, there were affordability continue to grow, along 1,276 active single-family home listings with the supply of Cape Coral homes through the MLS in the Cape at a median being listed for sale. list price of $499,694. As we have noted Generally speaking, our median home in the past, based on our weekly market sales prices have remained in a somewhat surveys, the median list price hit its peak lower but tight range in 2023, as the varlevel of $610,000 on April 19, 2022. ious segments of our market have shifted There were 571 pending home sales in the into either a neutral or a seller’s market in Cape one year ago, as our market was the third quarter of this year. This shift Bob and Geri Quinn sorting out the storm damage. has coincided with the build-up in the Getting back to our current market, in inventory of homes listed for sale. the overall Cape Coral single-family Anecdotally, one of leading daily market home market, there were 413 closed indicators is the number of price reduchome sales in September, which was up tions being made by sellers as they try to attract a buyer. The other big indicator of a slowing market 7.3% from the 385 homes sold in September 2022, but are the incentives being offered by home builders trying to down 11.6% from the 467 sales in August of this year. In attract “traffic” to their new developments throughout the third quarter, there were 1,300 closed home sales in our overall market, which was 1.3% above the 1,283 Southwest Florida. As of Tuesday, Oct. 24, there were 2,225 active list- homes sold in the third quarter of 2022, but 13.9% lower ings for Cape Coral single-family homes in the MLS at list than the 1,510 sales in the second quarter of this year. In prices ranging from $249,900 to $11.9 million, with the the first nine months of 2023, a total of 4,020 homes were second highest-priced home listed at $6.9 million. The sold overall in the Cape, for a decrease of 17.9% versus median list price came in at $508,805 in our weekly mar- the 4,894 sales in the first nine months of 2022. The median sales price in the overall Cape Coral singleket survey. Currently, 38.2% of the active listings in the Cape are priced at $450,000 and under, while 11.3% are family home market was $400,000 in September, down listed at $1 million and above. Pending home sales have 2.4% from the $410,000 posted in September of 2022, also been edging a bit higher, while remaining in a tight but up a fraction versus the $399,900 in August of this range, coming in with 617 homes under contract on Oct. year. In the third quarter, the median sales price averaged 24 at prices ranging from $175,000 to $3.895 million. $403,300 per month, down 4.4% from the average of The second lowest-priced pending home sale in the Cape $421,667 per month in the third quarter of 2022, and came in at $215,000 while the third lowest priced pending 3.6% below the average of $418,333 per month in the secsale was at $250,000. The median pending sales price for ond quarter of this year. In the first nine months of 2023, single-family homes in the Cape was $399,900 and 65% the Cape’s overall median home sales price averaged of the homes under contract with a buyer were priced at $411,100 per month, for a 3.9% decrease versus the aver$450,000 and under, while 3.6% were at $1 million and age median sales price of $427,778 per month in the first nine months of 2022. above. By comparison, at the beginning of this month, on Oct. 3, See THIRD QUARTER, page 15 there were 2,042 active listings for single-family homes in
Homing In
REAL ESTATE BRIEFS Stevens Construction begins Bermuda Lakes RV Resort
Worthington Realty adds veteran real estate professional Miller to the agency
Stevens Construction has started construction of Bermuda Lakes RV Resort located at 5181 Tice St. in Fort Myers, announced Daniel Adams, Stevens Construction executive vice president. Situated on 48 acres, Bermuda Lakes will have six buildings including maintenance, two laundry facilities, guardhouse, compactor and a 14,099-square-foot clubhouse with commercial kitchen, gathering hall, fitness center, storage, offices, cyber cafe and restrooms to accommodate 152 RV pads. Stevens Construction is also building outdoor amenities, which include a pool, spa, gazebo, pickleball and bocce ball courts and a dock. The project is slated for completion in fall 2024. In addition to construction, Stevens Construction also provided preconstruction services such as design team selection, cost-saving suggestions, budgeting, scheduling and permitting. With offices in Fort Myers, Sarasota and Orlando, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensbuilds.com or call 239-936-9006.
Worthington Realty has announced the addition of longtime real estate professional Tanner Miller to the agency. Miller joins Worthington as a sales associate, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique perspective having sold more than 200 homes over his career. Miller began his career in real estate in 2015 as construction manager for a national home builder before making the shift to sales in 2017. His background spans various sectors of the real estate business, from construction best practices to negotiating both sides of a deal, mortgage knowledge and title expertise. Miller spent the last five years as one of the top salespeople at Babcock Ranch, the first solar powered town in the country. His experience in Babcock will give Worthington the added advantage necessary to meet the needs of its clients in that community. Founded in 1989, Worthington Realty is a boutique real estate company specializing in residential sales, rentals and development within Lexington Country Club in Fort Myers, Babcock Ranch and surrounding communities. Its office headquarters are located at 8880 Gladiolus Drive, Suite 102, in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-437-3334, email info@worthingtonrealty.com or visit WorthingtonRealty.com.
See REAL ESTATE BRIEFS, page 15
third quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $782,000 per month, or 2% above the average of $766,667 per month in the third quarter of 2022, but it was 2.5% below the average of $801,667 per month in the second quarter of this year. In the first nine months of this year, the median sales price averaged $783,722 per month in this segment, or 1.9% below the average median sales price of $798,894 per month in the first nine months of 2022.
Direct sailboat access canal homes In the Cape Coral single-family direct sailboat access canal home segment (meaning no bridges in the canals to get out to open water), there were 26 closed sales in September. This was 10.3% lower than the 29 sales in both September 2022, and in August of this year. In the third quarter, there were 82 closed sales in this segment, which was 2.4% below the 84 sales in the third quarter of 2022, and 22.6% lower
than the 106 sales in the second quarter of this year. In the first nine months of this year, there were a total of 300 direct sailboat access canal homes sold in the Cape, or 29.4% less than the 425 sales in the first nine months of 2022. The median sales price in the Cape’s direct sailboat access canal home segment came in at $805,000 in September, down 4.2% from $840,000 in September of 2022, but up 7.3 % versus $750,000 in August of this year. In the third quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $785,000 per month, down 4.7% from the average of $823,542 per month in the third quarter of 2022, but 1.8% above the average of $770,990 per month in the second quarter of this year. In the first nine months of this year, the median sales price averaged $762,830 per month in this segment, down 13.7% versus the average median sales price of $884,281 per month in the first nine months of 2022. Due to space limitations, we will have the closed sales and median sales price data
for the Cape Coral freshwater canal and lake home segment, along with the dry lot home segment in our column next week. The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, FL, as of October 23, 2023, unless otherwise noted. It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single-family homes, and does not include condominiums, short sales, or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 44-years. Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined with Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.
Beware: Scammers may sell you a house they don’t own tion like this. Wishing you the best for a good outcome. Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Southwest Florida to practice law and raise a family. He
served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, Cape Coral Museum of History, and Cape Coral Kiwanis. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for over 20 years, and they have four children together. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar. He is AV Preeminent rated
by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney.com, or 239-542-4733. This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone. Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations.
REAL ESTATE BRIEFS From page 14
Christopher Alan Homes raises $2,500 for Sam’s Community Kitchen and Cafe Christopher Alan Homes has raised $2,500 for Sam’s Community Kitchen and Cafe, Community Cooperative’s cafeteria where over 1,200 hot meals are served and distributed daily to residents living in the surrounding community. Recently, Christopher Alan Homes team members presented a check with the funds raised by the company’s employees to Community Cooperative. The donation will be used to purchase new kitchen equipment for Sam’s Community Kitchen and Cafe.
After presenting the check, Christopher Alan team members worked alongside Community Cooperative kitchen staff to prepare and package nutritious foods for Meals on Wheels, Community Cooperative’s meal-delivery service that provides fresh food to senior, disabled or chronically ill adults who cannot shop or cook for themselves, and Sam’s Kitchen and Cafe. Headquartered in Southwest Florida, Christopher Alan Homes is a single-family builder in Babcock Ranch, The Hammocks at West Port, Burnt Store Village and Deep Creek. The company also builds on individual homesites in Charlotte, Sarasota and Lee counties in Southwest Florida and is planning to open a new division in Tampa in 2024. For
more information about Christopher Alan Homes in Palm Bay and the East Central Space Coast, visit the Christopher Alan Homes sales center at 5240 Babcock St. N.E., Suite 218, Palm Bay; online at www.ChristopherAlanHomes.com; or call 855-44-MYCAH.
Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association members volunteer at Community Cooperative The Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association members volunteered their time recently to the ongoing efforts of Community Cooperative, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida.
RPCR members spent their time assisting in the kitchen preparing food, prepackaging meals for distribution, stocking pantry shelves, cleaning and other duties. Marlissa Gervasoni, 2024 RPCRA President Elect said, "We are proud to partner with Community Cooperative and extend our commitment to community service beyond the real estate realm. RPCRA members are enthusiastic about contributing their time and energy to this worthy cause. By working together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those less fortunate in our community. Though this kind of work is never finished, RPCRA members and staff are always here to lend a helping hand."
Cape Coral Breeze
From page 14 ing to sell doesn’t own the property in this case. As technology becomes more advanced and thieves become more emboldened, it is as important as ever to protect your hard-earned money from situations like this. Vigilance, and professional services when appropriate, can go a long way to avoid a terrible situa-
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From page 14 Indirect gulf access canal homes In the Cape Coral single-family indirect gulf access canal home segment (meaning homes with bridges in the canal system), there were 38 closed sales in September, which was 22.6% higher than the 31 closed sales in September 2022, and 100% more than the 19 sales in August of this year. In the third quarter, there were 88 closed sales in this segment, which was 14.6% lower than the 103 closed sales in the third quarter of 2022, and 42.5% below the 153 closed sales in the second quarter of this year. In the first nine months of this year, there were a total of 349 indirect gulf access canal homes sold in the Cape, or 28.9% less than the 491 sales in the first nine months of 2022. The median sales price in the Cape’s indirect gulf access canal home segment came in at $765,000 in September, up 2.7% from the $745,000 posted in September 2022, but it was 13.2% below the $881,000 in August of this year. In the
Page 15 ■ October 27, 2023
Third quarter: Results reflect rising home inventories
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 16 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze
Rumrunners celebrates two decades of success Anniversary festivities kick off Saturday By KATIE EGAN
news@breezenewspapers.com
Rumrunners is celebrating its 20-year anniversary and everyone is invited. The popular Cape Harbour restaurant has been putting on community events for the past couple of years and the series of free events for its two-decade celebration will be some of its best yet. The anniversary celebration kicks off Saturday with Rock the Dock and the American Made classic rock band on Oct. 28 from 1-4 p.m. The rest of the family-friendly events last until the end of the year: ■ Oct. 29: Trunk or Treat with live music. A costume is encouraged. ■ Oct. 31: Halloween party starting at 5 p.m. with live music and food and drink specials ■ Nov. 20: Fall Fest starting at 1 p.m. with live music all day, a water slide, special guest Robbie the Robotic Dog, ice cream truck and exhibits from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office ■ Dec. 2: Rock the Dock with the American Made band from 1-4 p.m. ■ Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24: The whole family can enjoy taking photos with Santa and the Grinch from 1-4 p.m. Located at 5848 Cape Harbour Dr., Rumrunners is known for beautiful views, great food and live music. Patrons can enjoy fresh seafood, daily brunch and live music seven days a week. General manager Joe Henning said about 1,000 people came out to past Rock the Dock events and it’s one of the restaurant’s most popular draws.
“We wanted to open the restaurant up to the community,” Henning said. “That’s why we started doing these and we wanted to bring more family-friendly events to the area.” “People can come and bring their lounge chairs and watch the band. It’s been a big success.” The waterfront steak and seafood restaurant encourages patrons to come by boat or car. Surrounding Rumrunners is a treasure trove of antiques, memorabilia and activities including a beach, mobile tiki bars, and much more. Its namesake is a Rumrunner boat built by Hugh Saint, Inc., Custom Boats in Cape Coral, Florida. The 37-foot Commuter, powered by twin Crusader 8.1 HO 8-cylinder engines rated at 425-hp each, seats 20 people with a very versatile design that can be used as a day boat or pocket cruiser. Another restaurant fixture is a black 1941 Ford Deluxe Coupe, a favorite for rumrunners in the 1940s and ’50s. Not only is the 20-year anniversary series of events a chance to give back to the community, but the two-decade milestone itself is a testament to the restaurant’s success and commitment to moving forward. Rumrunners got a major revamp last year with upgraded seating and tables inside and outside, new floors, new decor, new bathrooms, kitchen equipment and more. Rumrunners is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Call 239-790-5786 or visit https://rumrunners.cc/ for more information.
Rumrunners in Cape Harbour is celebrating its 20th anniversary beginning Saturday with “Rock the Dock.” A Halloween party is set for Sunday with a variety of familyfriendly events to follow. PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
OCTOBER 27, 2023
Lee County’s longest practicing physician retires after 56 years
The colorful berries on a Beautyberry bush.
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COMMUNITY
THE BREEZE
Public reception for Dr. John Ritrosky Jr. this Saturday
Planning your fall garden (Editor's note: The following column was published previously in The Breeze.) news@breezenewspapers.com
If you are a transplant to Southwest Florida, you probably intuitively feel that now is the time to give your garden a final clean up and store your tools until spring. The good news is that the fun is just beginning! As our days shorten and temperatures start to inch down, fall is the ideal time to head outside to enhance your established beds, nurture your trees and palms and plant herbs and vegetables. If your summer beds look a little bedraggled, it ARDEN is easy to brighten them up quickly with new bursts of LUB OF color. Perennials such as crossandra, gerbera daisies APE ORAL and milkweed will provide color all year long and will also attract butterflies to your outdoor spaces. Annuals welcome cooler temperatures and will refresh your existing planters and beds; nasturtium, celosia, wax begonias, impatiens, alyssum, dianthus and scarlet sage are excellent choices for incorporating annuals into your plantings. If you miss the traditional fall plants you have enjoyed in the past, you can add marigolds, mums or ornamental peppers; these plants are available at all local garden centers. Fall is an excellent time to experiment with bulbs in the garden; October is an ideal month to plant gladiolus every 2 weeks to stagger blooming. You can also divide existing bulbs that need rejuvenation or to give away to friends! In October bulbs such as agapanthus, rain lily and Clivia Lily can be planted for blooms next spring or summer. Make sure you plant bulbs in a well-drained area and incorporate organic matter to our sandy Florida soil for best results; since we don’t experience prolonged cold winters days here you won’t need to plant your bulbs deeply as you did in northern climates. Since October temperatures remain relatively warm, it is a perfect time to plant most of your favorite “summer” vegetables such as carrots, eggplants, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon and peppers. Herbs that tolerate warmer temperatures (tarragon, mint, rosemary and basil) can be grown in beds or pots and will be a welcome addition to your fall cooking! October is also the month that you can plant vegetables that thrive in shorter days and cooler temperatures, such as beans, broccoli, lettuce, spinach and green onions. A wide range of herbs can be planted now from either seeds or transplants; dill, fennel, parsley and cilantro are popular herbs for fall plantings. I always feel a bit smug when I post pictures of my fall vegetable and herb plantings while my friends up north are tuning up the snow blowers and getting the
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See FALL GARDEN, page 45
Couples can say ‘I Boo’ to love this Halloween at the Lee County Clerk’s office Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes will be hosting spooktacular wedding ceremonies for anyone who would like to get married on Halloween. The Halloween-themed wedding ceremonies will take place Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Clerk’s downtown Fort Myers Official Records office, located at 2115 Second St. on the 2nd floor. Couples can dress in their Halloween attire or stick to more traditional attire.
Anyone wishing to have a Hallowedding must apply for their marriage license by Oct. 27 or have the mandatory 3-day waiting period waived by completing a premarital counseling course with an approved provider. Visit www.leeclerk.org/marriage for more information. Appointments are encouraged and can be made by visiting www.leeclerk.org/marriage and clicking on “Marriage Ceremonies.”
Cape Coral Breeze
By CATHY DUNN
the Air Force was just coming to an end. Icon. Tireless advocate. Compassionate I saw the outdoor life and fishing in Fort doctor. Myers and figured this was a great spot Those are the words colleagues and for me,” he says now. patients use to describe Sanibel resident As the medical practice grew, Dr. Dr. John Ritrosky Jr., a Fort Myers pediaRitrosky became one of the founding trician, who is hanging up his stethoscope partners of Physicians’ Primary Care of after 56 years of caring for Southwest Southwest Florida in 1996. One of his Florida’s children. partners was Dr. Larry Antonucci, now At age 86, he is retiring as the longestCEO of Lee Health. practicing physician in Lee County and the “I had the honor of working closely only physician with 56 years of continuous with Dr. Ritrosky in the mid-90s when service on the Lee Health medical staff. creating Physicians’ Primary Care. We “WOW – it’s been a long time. When I joined forces with other OB/GYN, family came to Fort Myers in 1967, there were medicine and pediatric practices to only four pediatricians in Lee County and become one large group caring for only 77 doctors of any kind,” he said infants, children and families. recently from his office at Physicians’ “I have always admired Dr. Ritrosky’s Primary Care of Southwest Florida. Today, Dr. John Ritrosky Jr collegiality, commitment to building relathe Lee County Medical Society has 2,296 tionships with colleagues, patients and physicians and 53 pediatricians and pedifamilies and dedication to compassionate care. Dr. atric specialists. During his half-century of service to Lee County, he Ritrosky, you are truly an icon in pediatric healthcare, and started the Child Protection Team to provide care for phys- we are lucky to have had you serving and caring for our ically abused children. The organization is now known as community,” Dr. Antonucci said. Dr. Mary Yankaskas, former managing physician of the Child Advocacy Center. A few years later, he became medical director of the local Children’s Medical Services Physicians’ Primary Care of SWF, said Dr. Ritrosky team providing care for physically and mentally handi- always focused on the best possible care of patients and capped children. It was a role he held for 32 years until the their families. “As a pediatric leader, he has contributed significantly State of Florida assumed responsibility for the team in to the ongoing expectation of excellent pediatric healthcare 2019. Children with cleft lips and palates also have a friend in in Lee County. He has touched the lives of an untold numDr. Ritrosky. He launched the Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate and ber of children and adults which will never be surpassed. Craniofacial Anomalies Program and wrote the first rules As a community, we are indebted to his many years of faithful service,” Dr. Yankaskas said. and regulations for the advisory council. That dedication to care has resulted in an estimated Along the way, he has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Florida Medical 300,000 patient visits during the past 56 years, including many multi-generational families, such as Betsy White, Association and the Lee County Medical Society. her daughter FrenZella White and grandson Omari WhiteIt’s a career that almost didn’t happen. He was born and raised by his Ukrainian parents in Hines. Betsy recalled how Dr. Ritrosky stepped in after one of Hudson, New York, a farming community where his uncle was a veterinarian. At the urging of his uncle, he applied to her children received a third-degree burn on her hand in an Cornell University, Department of Agriculture, and was accident. Child Protective Services was called, but Dr. Ritrosky convinced authorities that it was indeed an acciaccepted. “We spent a half-day in a muddy field one day helping dent. He also arranged for the child to have skin graft sura cow with a prolapsed uterus. My uncle turned to me and gery performed by his son, Dr. John D. Ritrosky, a local said ‘you will be able to practice more medicine if you plastic surgeon. “So when my baby girl had her first child and my first become a physician instead of a veterinarian,’” Dr. grandchild, I knew I wanted Dr. Ritrosky to be the first to Ritrosky said. Dr. Ritrosky changed his major to biochemistry and oversee his care,” White said. “Dr. Ritrosky is the sweetest went on to State University of New York at Syracuse to doctor I’ve come into contact with when it comes to kids.” White’s daughter FrenZella agrees. obtain his medical degree. “Dr. Ritrosky made me feel safe and heard about hav“If it hadn’t been for my uncle, I probably never would ing my first child Omari. He always made sure my son and have gone to college,” Dr. Ritrosky says now. After pediatric residency and two years in the Air Force I felt comfortable, he would make jokes and would always at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, opportunity knocked shake our hands each visit, including my son. Dr. Ritrosky in Fort Myers, where a four-physician group recently lost would take his time explaining what was going on with my one of its pediatricians in a car accident. See DR. RITROSKY, page 45 “They needed a pediatrician right away and my time in
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UF/IFAS PHOTO
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 18 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze
EDUCATION
THE BREEZE OCTOBER 27, 2023
Sanibel students raising funds to perform in New York City By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
A fundraising campaign is supporting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Sanibel students. The Sanibel School's middle school choir, the Seahorse Chorale, has been selected to perform at the New York Invitational Music Festival April 1 at Carnegie Hall in New York City, New York. The Sanibel School Fund has launched a campaign to cover the cost of the trip for the youths. With activities planned on- and off-island to support the effort, a matching grant challenge is also underway. School Music Director Joey Giangreco explained that earlier this year, he submitted an audition recording and application on behalf of the Seahorse Chorale for consid-
EDUCATION BRIEFS Orthmann awarded degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Nicholas Orthmann of Cape Coral graduated with a doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida, on Sept. 22. Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange. For more about Palmer College of Chiropractic, visit https://www.palmer.edu/
Van Horn named to the Dean's List at Palmer College of Chiropractic DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Bryce Van Horn of Cape Coral has been named to the summer 2023 Dean's List at Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida. Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange. For more about Palmer College of Chiropractic, visit https://www.palmer.edu/
FSW Career Connections Lecture Series to continue in November Florida SouthWestern State College continues its Career Connections Lecture Series in November. This engaging series of talks will provide students and the community with valuable insights and real-world experiences from industry experts, empowering them to make informed career choices and take steps toward their professional aspirations. Lectures will be held in Building U, Room 102 at the FSW Fort Myers Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. FSW's Career Connections November schedule: ■ Wednesday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. - Healing Horizons: Exploring Careers with Lee Health with Michael Wukitsch, chief people officer, Lee Health, and Jennifer Thayer, manager, workforce planning and development, Lee Health. ■ Tuesday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. - Crafting Scientific Success: Inside the Lab with NeoGenomics with Ben Sylvia. The Career Connections Lecture Series is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Whitney Rhyne, assistant vice president, Division of Workforce Education, at 239-433-6943 or whitney.rhyne@fsw.edu. Florida SouthWestern State College annually serves nearly 20,000 students globally, offering a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
eration for the festival. “They were very enthusiastic about our audition and our story,” he said of the event organizers. “It has always been a dream of mine to have a group perform at such a prestigious hall as Carnegie Hall.” Giangreco was ecstatic when he learned that they had been selected to participate. “I could not contain my excitement,” he said. “I was so proud of my students for earning this incredible honor and excited for them to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” When Giangreco told them, they were in disbelief at first and did not believe him. “They are so excited now,” he said, adding that they understand what an honor it is to be picked.
The Seahorse Chorale will be joined by middle and high school choirs from around the county at the festival. The Sanibel students will have their own 15-minute time slot to perform on the big stage. “We haven't selected the exact repertoire yet,” Giangreco said. “However, we are exploring options throughout the school year and we will come to a final decision on our program in the spring.” Comprised of sixth- through eighth-graders, the choir currently has 33 students. “It's our largest enrollment size to date,” he said. Giangreco founded the Seahorse Chorale in 2016, which was his second year teaching at the school.
See SANIBEL STUDENTS, page 45
Collaboratory scholarship applications to open Wednesday Collaboratory’s scholarship application for the 20242025 school year will open Wednesday, Nov. 1. Since 2014, FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory has been working toward a goal of transforming Southwest Florida’s workforce by increasing the percentage of working age (25-64 years old) adults who hold post-high school credentials to 55 percent by 2025. Collaboratory’s scholarships support this goal by providing funding to a variety of students including traditional college-bound individuals as well as those that want to earn a credential after high school and adults looking to reconnect with education to start or advance a career. Scholarships are available for students seeking or continuing education at vocational and technical colleges, community colleges, and state colleges and universities. FutureMakers Coalition Navigators are available to connect adults needing training programs to acquire better paying jobs as well as students who previously attended college but did not complete a credential or certification. In 2023, Collaboratory awarded more than $1.1 million and 164 scholarships to local high school students, adult learners, undergraduate and graduate students from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. One in five students who applied received a scholarship. Collaboratory had over a 50 percent increase in applicants compared to the previous year and awarded 28 of the scholarships as multi-year awards which will continue to
help the students each year towards completion. Students can apply at https://collaboratory.org/. The scholarship application process will close Jan. 12, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships and can upload a transcript, letter of recommendation, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Submission Summary, which is a summary of the data provided on the FAFSA form. All scholarships require the FAFSA form available at www.fafsa.gov, which is set to open in December this year. “FutureMakers Coalition partners throughout Southwest Florida have been vital in spreading the word about the scholarships offered and helping increase the number of awards,” said Crystal Maldonado, scholarship coordinator at Collaboratory. “We have scholarships available for students across many categories and encourage all to apply to expand their educational opportunities.” For those interested in starting a Collaboratory scholarship fund, email scholarships@collaboratory.org or call 239-308-1214.
‘Florida Crunch’ event to be held at Trafalgar Middle School Nov. 30 Students from the School District’s Agriculture and Food & Natural Resources Programs will commemorate National Farm to School Month by participating in the annual Florida Crunch. The students will be tasting produce from a Florida grower, a local community garden, and their own school gardens. The tasting will feature romaine lettuce, dragon fruit, sugar cane, Barbados cherries, and sweet potatoes. The classroom-based event will be an opportunity for students to celebrate the first harvest of the year by tasting the produce they grow in the school gardens and will highlight their leadership and involvement in Farm to School (F2S). In the School District, F2S focuses on school gardens, which allows the Food and Nutrition Services Department to diversify their procurement strategy and strengthen the nutritional value of school meals. “Our goal is to expose as many students as we can to fresh produce grown right in their home state – including school gardens.” said Amy Carroll, Registered Dietitian and Coordinator of Special Projects for Food & Nutrition Services in Lee County schools. “Participating in Florida
Crunch events raises awareness of Florida-grown produce and healthy eating by highlighting fruits and vegetables for students to learn about and sample in a taste test.” The first Crunch Event was Wednesday, Oct. 25, at East Lee High School in Lehigh Acres. A second will be held Thursday, Nov. 30, at Trafalgar Middle School 2120 Trafalgar Parkway, Cape Coral, from 8:35 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Florida Crunch is held in partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension (UF/IFAS) Family Nutrition Program, and the Lee County School District - Healthy Living Collaboration. National Farm to School Month occurs each October to highlight the importance of farm to school programs such as school gardens, nutrition education, and the sourcing of local products for school lunches. These programs help to improve child nutrition, support local economies, and educate children about the origins of their food. For more information and resources on National Farm to School Month, visit FarmtoSchool.org
BOO BASH set for Saturday in South Cape By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
costume contest. Lanzieri said he and SJC Technolo-gy put on the BOO BASH last year when the city's annual event was canceled due to Hurricane Ian. He, and participating businesses in the Cape, are excited to bring it back once again after an exceptional turn-out last Halloween. “We're all-in on this,” Lanzieri said. “Everything is free. There will be plenty of candy and games for the kids. Free raffles. It's just a big day of fun, and people, and community. “We hope everybody gets a sense of community. To go out and meet face-to-face, see who the people are, and feel the energy that people give off. Events like this cause people to be happy. You feel better. Anybody who may be down and a little out... everybody is feeling it. It doesn't cost anything to come out and have a good time.” John Michael's Diamond & Jewelry Store at 1331 Cape Coral Parkway, E.
Tommy Bohanon Foundation delivers $50,000 in sports grants to local programs The Tommy Bohanon Foundation continues its commitment to supporting young athletes by delivering $50,000 in sports grants to local programs in Southwest Florida. Last week, the foundation proudly awarded grants to five deserving programs, making it a significant day for sports and community development. Tommy Bohanon and his wife, Katie, traveled to local high schools, dedicated to empowering young athletes on and off the field. These grants were awarded to the following programs: Mariner High School Athletics Program, North Fort Myers High School Athletics Program, Dunbar High School Athletics Program, Pathways to Opportunity Program, Riverdale High School Athletics, and Island Coast High School Athletics. The funds provided support diverse needs, from purchasing shoulder pads to renovating sports facilities and more, making a tangible difference in each school's athletic program. Tommy Bohanon, former NFL fullback and founder of the foundation, stated, "We are thrilled to support these outstanding programs that contribute to the growth and development of our local youth. Sports can be a transformative force, and we believe every young athlete deserves the opportunity to excel in a supportive environment." As a former student-athlete, Bohanon understands the challenges that come with using old and outdated equip-
ment and is thrilled to provide opportunities that might not have otherwise been afforded to today's student-athletes. The foundation's Sports Grants Award represents another significant step in its mission to empower at-risk youth and create opportunities for their success. Since its inception in 2017, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation has donated nearly $1,000,000 back into the Southwest Florida community. By providing financial support to these programs, the foundation contributes to the growth of local communities, allowing young athletes to reach their highest potential. The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to supporting young athletes to reach their highest potential on and off the playing field. Its programs and community outreach events have helped countless kids in the Southwest Florida area. Opportunities to help through volunteering, participating, or donating, can be found at https://tommybohanonfoundation.org/. For more information, please contact Katie Bohanon at 239-671-0441 or katie@tommybohanonfoundation.org.
Tommy Bohanon and his wife, Katie, far left, present a $7,500 grant to the Mariner High athletic programs. PHOTO PROVIDED
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted last Tuesday to award a construction contract to widen Littleton Road from Corbett Road east to U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers. The project is part of an ongoing effort to improve a key commuter route between Cape Coral, North Fort Myers and Fort Myers. In 2021, a joint effort between Lee County and the city of Cape Coral was completed that realigned Littleton Road and Kismet Parkway with a roundabout at Corbett Road. This project will further improve the route with turn lanes to keep traffic flowing along Littleton Road. This effort will widen the existing two-lane undivided Littleton Road to a three-lane undivided roadway. The project includes widening an existing bridge crossing, drainage improvements, two on-road bike lanes, 6- to 8foot sidewalks on both sides and utility relocations and improvements. The contract for the $20.4 million project was award to Fort Myers-based Wright Construction Group. Construction is expected to begin after January 2024. To watch a video about the 2021 Littleton Road project, visit www.youtube.com/@LeeCountyFLBOCC/ videos.
Weekly Farmer’s Market back at Mercola Market The Mid-Cape Sunshine Farmer’s Market is back every Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Mercola Market & Solspring Café, located in central Cape Coral at 125 S.W. 3rd Place. Residents are invited to soak up the sun and shop small by supporting local artists, farmers and bakers, as they display their creations on the west side of the Mercola Market grounds. Coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, this weekly event is growing and features numerous vendors selling organic produce, fresh salsa and guacamole, handmade jewelry, candles, clothing and more. Locals can make their Sundays even more delightful by also checking out the Sunday Brunch Buffet at the Solspring Café, inside Mercola Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The buffet starts at $19 per person. For additional information about the Mid-Cape Sunshine Market and other events, visit mercolamarketcc.com.
Cape Coral Breeze
County Commission awards contract to widen Littleton Road in North Fort Myers
www.capecoralbreeze.com
A community event giving families the opportunity to enjoy some Halloween fun is set for its second year of festivities this Saturday. The annual BOO BASH takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at John Michael's Diamond & Jewelry Store and Big Johns Plaza, where a day full of excitement, games, and community spirit awaits. The free event is open to the public, and includes a Trunk or Treat extravaganza, games, food trucks, and more. “We are thrilled to host the BOO BASH once again and provide a safe and exciting Halloween experience for families in our community,” said Bob Lanzieri, owner of John Michael's Diamond & Jewelry Studio. “It's our way of giving back and saying 'thank you' to the wonderful people who have supported us.” The event is presented by John Michael's, in collabora-
tion with SJC Technology. Attendees, both children and adult, are encouraged to show up in their best costumes while filling Trick or Treat bags to the brim. Highlights of the BOO BASH include: ■ Trunk or Treat: An area in the Big John's Parking Lot will be specially roped off for families to decorate the back of their vehicles and participate in a thrilling trunk or treat experience. ■ Candy Galore: Children will be delighted with plenty of sweet treats to satisfy their Halloween cravings. ■ Face Painting: Talented artists will be on hand to transform kids' faces into their favorite spooky characters. ■ Games & Activities: Fun-filled games and activities will keep children entertained throughout the event. ■ Food Trucks: Various food trucks will be on-site to offer a delectable selection of eats and treats. ■ Best Costume Awards: Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween best to win prizes in the best
Page 19 ■ October 27, 2023
Weekly BREEZE Recap
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 20 www.capecoralbreeze.com
Programs for November set at Northwest Regional Library Kids Read Down Fines 4:30–5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Nov. 1, 8 11 a.m.–Noon, Saturday, Nov. 18 Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card.
Next month’s roster of activities at Northwest Regional Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:
Adult Programs Knit and Stitch 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1 A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters that join together to share projects, ideas and techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects and tools. Basic materials and supplies are available for newcomers.
Preschool Storytime 10:45 a.m., Thursdays, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30 For ages 3-5. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby. Space is limited. Arrive early and visit the children's desk to check in. First come, first served.
Tech Tuesdays: One-on-One Help 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7 Need help with a laptop, tablet, e-reader or other device? Are you looking to gain basic technology skills? Staff at the Northwest Regional Library can help with a 15-minute, one-on-one technology help session. Registration is required. Books & Bagels 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8 Do you enjoy robust, engaging book discussions? Join us and share your latest reading recommendations. Bagels and coffee will be served.
Birthday Club 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 Come celebrate your child's birthday month with us at our monthly birthday bash. All supplies and light refreshments provided. For ages 1-5. Registration for birthday child required. Registration begins Oct. 11 and is guaranteed until the start of the program. discussions? Join us and share your latest reading recommendations. Tea and cookies will be served.
Cape Coral Breeze
Children’s Programs Chess at the Library 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14 Enjoy chess at the library in a casual environment. Chess boards will be provided, but you can also bring your own. All ages and skill levels are invited. Tea Time Talks 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28 Do you enjoy robust, engaging book
Toddler Tales 10:45 a.m., Wednesdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29 For ages 18-36 months and caregivers. Toddlers and caregivers move and groove during this interactive storytime. Space is limited. Arrive early and visit the children's desk to check in. First come, first served.
Baby Rhyme Time 10:30 a.m., Mondays, Nov. 6, 13, 27 For babies up to 18 months. Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment. Space is limited. Arrive early and visit the children's desk to check in. First come, first served. Kindness Club 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14 Join us at the library to create kindness in our community. Kids can participate in fun activities designed to encourage kindness and help make the world a better place. For ages 5-11. Registration begins
Oct. 10 and is guaranteed until the start of the program. Chess at the Library 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14 Enjoy chess at the library in a casual environment. Chess boards will be provided, but you can also bring your own. All ages and skill levels are invited. Family Storytime 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 18 For children through age 5 and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement. Books and Blankets 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28 Join us with your blankies and pajamas for this nighttime edition of storytime. Your whole family is invited to this enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories.
Teen Programs Kids Read Down Fines 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Nov. 1, 8 11 a.m.–Noon, Saturday, Nov. 18 Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card. Tech Free Thursday 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9
See NORTHWEST LIBRARY, page 34
Cape Coral Computer Club to meet Wednesday
Camera Club to resume bi-monthly meetings Photographers at all levels of ability throughout Lee County are invited to the regular bi-monthly meetings of the Fort Myers Camera Club. Meetings are held the first and third Wednesday each month (from Nov. 1 to April 3) from 6:30-8:30 pm. Meetings are held at the All Faiths Church, 2736 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Annual dues for membership are $30. Novices are welcome and mentoring is available. Various speakers at the meetings cover topics such as critiquing, competition and instruction. See ftmyerscc.com website or email carolheff23@gmail.com for additional information about the Camera Club.
Ancient Order of Hibernians expands into Southwest Florida
Pine Island Democrats and friends will meet Saturday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m., at the Pine Island Library meeting room. The library is located in The Center, at Russel Road, Bokeelia. Topics to be discussed GOTV (Get out the vote), how to contact voters and gift basket donations from ROAR for the November Gala. A few ideas for gift baskets: spa/beauty day, pet basket, boat tours, Yeti/cooler basket, etc. If you have any donations, please bring them to the meeting. All are welcome we look forward to seeing you there. Any questions, please contact Kathy
The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the oldest and largest Irish Catholic lay order, has expanded into Southwest Florida with a new division (the local unit of the AOH). The Naomh Padraig (St. Patrick) Division 1 Lee County was formed to serve the communities in Lee County. The division will be based in the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area and is welcoming new members. Catholic gentlemen who are Irish by birth or decent are welcome and encouraged to join. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish Catholic fraternal organization founded concurrently in the
Heritage and serving the local community, such as the Hibernian Hunger Project, scholarships and National History Day and Irish Heritage Month. The AOH has provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are generations removed from their ancestral homeland. Hibernians have been at the forefront for issues concerning the Irish, such as immigration reform, veterans assistance and human rights issues. For more information, contact Steve McPhillips, president, Naomh Padraic Division 1, Lee County Ancient order of Hibernians; naohmpadraig@gmail.com; visit the website at www.aoh.com; or go to aoh.com/join/ to join on line.
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Pine Island Democrats to meet Saturday at Pine Island Library
coal-mining region of Pennsylvania and New York City in May 1836. The order can trace its roots back to a series of similar societies that existed in Ireland for more than 300 years. Today the AOH exists in other countries, however, while the organizations share a common thread, the American AOH is a separate and much larger organization. The many divisions and club facilities located throughout the U.S. have traditionally welcomed new members to the social atmosphere of the Irish American community. Here, the Irish culture — art, dance, music and sports - are fostered and preserved. The AOH sponsors many programs associated with promoting the Irish
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The Cape Coral Computer Club will meets via Zoom the first and third Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting being from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 1. This meeting will include information about QR codes, what they are, how to use them and Learning the New Outlook with time for questions and answers. All skill levels are welcome to join. For more information, visit the club's website at https://www.capecoralcomputer.club/ Use the “CONTACT US” feature to register for a complimentary Zoom link. If you have any questions or need help with Zoom, call 321-430-5959. Club Zoom meetings are recorded. If you become a member and miss a meeting you have the opportunity to watch the presentation at a later date.
Fanny at kfanny1@yahoo.com.
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RELIGION BRIEFS First Christian Church in Fort Myers to celebrate 100th anniversary Nov. 10&12 First Christian Church will joyfully mark its 100th anniversary with celebratory events to take place on Nov. 10 and 12, at the historical church campus located at 2061 McGregor Blvd. First Christian Church’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, titled “This is Our Story, This is Our Song,” will include a night of worship, featuring music from the past 10 decades, on Friday, Nov. 10th at 7 p.m. That evening the church will also unveil a special exhibit of church history. Then on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 10:30 a.m., the church will hold a special celebratory service with Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson, followed by a picnic reception in the church green space between Clifford and Tournament streets. To also commemorate the 100 years of ministry, the congregation is currently completing 100 Acts of Service throughout Lee County. FCC is steeped in Fort Myers history - it’s first congregation met at the Gwynne Institute, and the church has called McGregor Boulevard home since 1931. For a century, FCC has been more than just a place of worship, it has been a pillar of support for the city, dedicated to outreach programs that feed the homeless, provide essential
Saint Hilary’s Helping Hands Ministry to hold Wine & Cheese Fundraising Event Saint Hilary’s Helping Hands Ministry is hosting a Wine & Cheese Fundraising Event, Saturday, Nov. 18, at Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Fort Myers, from 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, call 239-936-1000 for information and tickets. All proceeds will go to the Community Corporative: Soup Kitchen and Orange River Elementary School in Fort Myers. This will be the church's opportunity to continue to purchase essential items. For over 5 years Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church has been assisting Community Corporative: Soup Kitchen with hygiene products for the homeless men, women and children that it serves in Lee County. Each year the
homeless rate continues to increase in Lee County. According to the Lee County Homeless Coalition, there are almost 900 homeless individuals in Lee County. Of that number more than 100 of these individuals are children and almost 100 are veterans. Saint Hilary’s Helping Hand’s Ministry is determined to be an integral contributor to assisting this population who suffers from homelessness. This population is supported by prayers, goodwill, and tangible donations to help them know that they are not alone. In addition, in 2022, Saint Hilary’s Helping Hands Ministry answered the call to help the children of Orange River Elementary School. This school educates children from grades Pre-K – 5th grade. Currently, the church has contributed Christmas gifts, school supplies, uniforms and hygiene products for 800 students. The church's mission is to continue to support the students at this school knowing that 86% of the students at Orange River Elementary school are at poverty level compared to the 61% state average. Saint Hilary’s Helping Hand’s Ministry is asking the community to support it in its mission to give back to those in need. St. Hilary's Episcopal Church is at 5011 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-936-1000 for more information.
Northwest Library: Programs, activities, events set for November From page 20
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car care, empower local youth and send missionaries to touch lives across the globe. Its mission is simple yet profound - connecting all people to Jesus and each other. First Christian Church welcomes and invites the Fort Myers and Lee County communities to celebrate with the congregation at any of the anniversary events. For any additional information about the church or the special 100th anniversary celebration, please visit www.fccfm.org, or contact the church at mhillman@ fccfm.org.
Let's play like it is 1985 and pretend there is no technology, at least for one day. For teens ages 12-18. Chess at the Library 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14 Enjoy chess at the library in a casual environment. Chess boards will be provided, but you can also bring your own. All ages and skill levels are invited.
The Northwest Regional Library is located at 519 Chiquita Boulevard N. in Cape Coral. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4700. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239-479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program. To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/
newsletters. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Joan LaGuardia, 239-533-2314, Florida Relay Service 711, or jlaguardia@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requestor. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.
BUSINESS BRIEFS Dixie Fish Company named in Yelp’s Top 100 Florida Restaurants 2023
The Lee County Port Authority recently announced that Spirit Airlines will inaugurate nonstop service between Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), starting Dec. 15. The flight will operate four times weekly. To book a flight or find out more information, please visit spirit.com/. For more information about Southwest Florida International Airport, please visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.
Southwest Florida International Airport announces September traffic count During September, 560,358 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was an increase of 9% compared to September 2022. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 12%. The traffic leader in September was Delta with 138,742 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (104,075), American (86,950), United (74,892) and JetBlue (55,364). Southwest Florida International Airport had 5,294 aircraft operations, an increase of 14% compared to September 2022. Page Field saw 15,835 operations, which was a 23% increase compared to September 2022. Southwest Florida International Airport served a record-breaking 10.3 million passengers in 2022 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.
Priority Marketing hires Bigord as public relations coordinator Priority Marketing has added Jada Bigord, a 2023 graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, as a public relations coordinator. Bigord supports Priority Marketing clients by drafting, editing and distributing news releases, media advisories, guest articles, blogs and calendar listings. She also pitches client stories to media, maintains a database of award opportunities for clients, updates media distri-
See BUSINESS BRIEFS, page 36
GMA Architects & Planners has unveiled its initial architectural designs for Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House, which will be located at Bimini Square in Cape Coral. The 8,000-square-foot waterfront restaurant will feature spectacular views of Bimini Basin, a waterway offering direct access to the Caloosahatchee River from two sides. The building’s exterior will be concrete masonry with neutral stucco, punctuated with complementary stone wainscot on support columns. Ambient lighting and tropical landscaping will provide restaurant patrons and passersby with a sense of place, and outdoor seating will be elevated to provide unobstructed water views. A deepblue, low-profile standing seam metal roof with dormers will create synergy with the sky and water. Inside, the restaurant will feature a refined coastal elegance characterized by a classy, but less formal, dining experience. A nautical theme will permeate the dining room with mounted game fish, ocean-themed artwork and a living aquarium, establishing an ambiance reflective of an upscale New England fishing village. Deep Lagoon, operated by Phelan Family Brands, is recognized for its expansive menu of epicurean adventures, from fresh, locally sourced seafood, a raw bar and seasonal specialties to prime cuts of steak, chowders, pastas, salads and desserts. The restaurant also offers an abundant selection of top-shelf wines and cocktails. GMA
In addition to Deep Lagoon, Bimini Square, a project of Crown Development, will include luxury apartments, a Lee Health medical facility and variety of retail shops. The development’s boat slips and on-site parking garage will allow guests to travel by land or water. Bimini Square broke ground on Oct. 19 and construction is expected to be complete in 2025. Architects won Summit Awards from the Lee Building Industry Association for its designs for Deep Lagoon restaurants in Fort Myers and Naples. In addition to Deep Lagoon, Bimini Square, a project of Crown Development, will include luxury apartments, a Lee Health medical facility and variety of retail shops. The development’s boat slips and on-site parking garage will allow guests to travel by land or water. Bimini Square broke ground on Oct. 19 and construction is expected to be complete in 2025. Since 1981, GMA Architects has been a top Southwest Florida architectural design firm. The firm has provided award-winning architectural and interior design services for a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors, including several leading area developers. For more information, call 239-275-0225 or visit www.GMAarchitect.com.
Indoor drone racing facility to open at Caloosa Trains and Hobbies R/C Park Caloosa Trains and Hobbies Indoor R/C Park (Future Hobbies, Inc.) has announces the addition of Indoor Drone Racing in its 8,000-square-foot facility -- beginning tonight, Oct. 27. “While there are thousands of drone racing competitions around the country each year, less than 5% are indoors. Attendees to our drone races here at Caloosa Trains and Hobbies Indoor R/C Park will experience thrilling racing as the drones maneuver through elevated obstacles, ‘challenge’ rooms and hit speeds from 90 to 120 miles per hour on the straightaway. The sport adds a whole new level of race excite to our indoor R/C Racing Center and is popular with young and old. Drone racing combines the thrill of high speed flying with heart-pounding eye-hand coordination, nerve-shattering quick thinking and advanced skills to maneuver through really tough hairpin turns. It's a mile per second
entertainment and we have the only indoor drone racing facility in Southwest Florida.” said Vincent Stephen, founder of Future Hobbies, Inc. Drone pilots control their aircraft by viewing through a set of First Person View (FPV) goggles that allows them to see the view from the drone's camera. Some of those FPV goggles even allow the pilot to share that real-time view with spectators and even race judges. Today marks the start of Caloosa Trains and Hobbies' Indoor R/C Park Drone Racing season, with racing beginning at 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, while thrill-a-minute indoor R/C racing continues during the day. Caloosa Trains and Hobbies Indoor R/C Park is at 1490 N.E. Pine Island Road, Building 10, Cape Coral. For additional information, call 239-205-6654 or visit https://caloosatrainsandhobbies.com/
Edison and Ford Winter Estates to hold second annual Fall Festival Saturday This Saturday, Oct. 28, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates will celebrate fall with its second annual Fall Festival. This family-friendly event will include 40 craft vendors, food trucks, music and several fun activities for children. Activities include inflatable axe throwing, mobile teddy bears, face painting, spin art, fairy hair and caricatures. Families will be able to select and purchase pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch with the option to paint the pumpkins (paint will be provided) and enter a contest. The popular Banyan Tree climb (open to adults and children) will be offered again; registration is recom-
mended since a limited number of people will be able to participate. The climb is sponsored by the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association. Tickets for the Banyan Tree climb are $35 per person and may be purchased online at EdisonFord.org. 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 is not included. For information about the site, or to purchase tickets for tours, visit EdisonFord.org.
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Spirit Airlines to start Fort Myers-San Juan service this winter
GMA Architects & Planners completes designs for Deep Lagoon restaurant at Bimini Square
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Dixie Fish Company was named in Yelp’s Top 100 Florida Restaurants 2023 list, which is based on the community’s ratings and reviews. Yelp identified businesses in the restaurants category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume of ratings of reviews between Jan. 1, 2022 and Jan. 1, 2023. “Dixie has a rich history that we’re proud to uphold and carry forward with great food, service and atmosphere,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Dixie Fish Company. “This award is a tribute to our amazing staff, who put forward an immense amount of pride and professionalism into each one of our customer’s experiences.” An original Florida fishhouse, Dixie Fish Company’s origins date back to 1937 when it was primarily a fish market. Today, it’s an award-winning waterfront restaurant on Fort Myers Beach that serves fresh food in an ideal location to enjoy the beach atmosphere, complete with live music and picturesque views. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant is renowned for delivering a legendary guest experience. The restaurant is at 714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach. For additional information, call 239-233-8837 or visit https://www.dixiefishfmb.com/
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Janet Sams Art Studio expands presence with artwork featured in Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Lexington Janet Sams of Janet Sams Art Studio has announced her new affiliations with three well-established art galleries: Chasen Galleries of Sarasota, Shapiro’s Gallery in downtown St. Petersburg, and Artique Gallery Jewelry and Gifts in Lexington, Kentucky. The new relationships with regional galleries are part of Sams’ expansion plan to become a featured artist in gallery locations throughout the United States. Sams specializes in creating artwork from discarded glass collected at various scrap locations, ranging from recycling facilities and thrift stores to glass blowers with whom she has built supplier relationships. Sams, a nature lover and advocate of reducing her carbon footprint, enjoys upcycling trash into treasure. “I’ve always been fascinated with 3D art in all forms, so transforming glass scraps and other unwanted materials into gorgeous works of art is a real pleasure. I understand how wanting creative, comment-worthy artwork feels, so I create
Janet Sams specializes in creating artwork from discarded glass collected at various scrap locations, ranging from recycling facilities and thrift stores to glass blowers with whom she has built supplier relationships. Sams, a nature lover and advocate of reducing her carbon footprint, enjoys upcycling trash into treasure glass art pieces that demand attention and invite conversation,” said Sams. After Hurricane Ian devastated Sams’ home, studio and gallery, she searched for new locations to create and distribute her artwork to art lovers beyond her local region. “Our latest challenge was Hurricane Ian. We lost our vehicles, house and business to that monster storm. But I have experienced many silver linings despite the hurricane, including a new studio with better lighting, air conditioning, and location, plus new relationships with highquality galleries throughout Florida and the southeastern United States,” she said. “Artique,” she continued, “with its proximity to Kentucky’s renowned ‘horse
country,’ seemed an excellent outlet to inspire new equestrian-themed shattered glass art that has proven to have mass appeal.” Artique Gallery was founded in 1981 as a ‘Celebration of Creativity,’ according to the gallery’s website. Artique Gallery features handmade gifts, jewelry, and art created by individual artists and micro businesses from across the United States. Shapiro’s Gallery, located in the heart of Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg, is situated amidst numerous cafes and restaurants. According to the gallery’s website, they offer blown glass, jewelry, wall art, metal, yard art, clay, kaleidoscopes, and other artworks handmade in America.
Chasen Galleries Sarasota is a fine art gallery representing contemporary artists, glass artisans, and sculptors from around the world. Shattered glass artwork by Janet Sams is featured in Chasen’s 5000 square foot showroom on Osprey Avenue in the center of Sarasota’s Southside Village. Janet Sams Art Studio in Cape Coral is the creative workspace of award-winning shattered glass artist Janet Sams. The space includes a gallery-style display of artwork available for viewing or purchase and an adjacent classroom environment where the general public can participate in basic glass art classes taught by the Janet Sams Art Studio staff. Limited artworks by Sams are for sale online from the Janet Sams Art Studio website. Sams is also available for custom, commissioned art requests specific to customer preferences. For more information, call 239-940-6851 or visit JanetSams.com. The local studio is at 3048 Del Prado Boulevard South, Ste. 125.
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BUSINESS BRIEFS From page 35 bution lists, and captures videos and photos for media use. Bigord is also responsible for monitoring TV, print, radio and online media sources for news coverage, as well as completing monthly PR analytics reports. Bigord earned a bachelor of arts degree
in communication, with a concentration in public relations, from Florida Gulf Coast University and an associate of arts degree from Florida SouthWestern State College Founded in 1992 by Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing is a Southwest Florida full-service marketing, advertising, public relations, website development and digital marketing agency. The firm has grown to
include 60 creatives and strategists whose areas of expertise include brand development, public relations, graphic design, social media and email marketing, media planning, web solutions, event planning, video production, digital advertising and more. Priority Marketing serves clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including
hospitality and tourism, retail, health care, senior living, construction, legal, financial, government, education, locally owned businesses and charitable organizations. For additional information, please call 239-267-2638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com.
Cape Coral High, Lehigh High, North Fort Myers High and Lehigh Acres Middle recognized for Special Olympics efforts By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
on this mission of inclusion,” she said. In addition to having a Best Buddies Club, which has about 30 students on a regular basis, Lehigh Senior also offers seven unified sports — bowling, basketball, flag football, community soccer, track and field and community cornhole. Smith said she works with two others for unified sports, which includes Chelly Ramon and Kendris Mathews. “Most of our teams have anywhere between five to 12 participants. It’s a great opportunity for the students to come together of different abilities and coach each other,” Smith said. “Through this I have seen general education students grow in acceptance and leadership and becoming mentors and partners with the students of special needs.” Students who have special needs are also growing, as they are not as quiet, offering inspiration to the rest of the team before a competition. “These kids are so amazing,” Smith said, adding that it is an outlet and opportunity “to show how amazing they are and for the world to see how amazing they are.” The hope is to inspire others in her field, so they too can make these opportunities happen for their students. “We are the only school in the East Zone doing this at this level. I would love to see other schools jump on board,” Smith said, adding that she is here ready and willing to share her knowledge with others. During a pep rally for homecoming Thursday afternoon, a celebration was held for the National Banner Unified Champion Schools recognition.
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true unification. This is the first time Cape Coral High School has received the National Banner Unified Champion Schools status. He said last year he reached out to Mariner High School to collect tips on how to reach this level. “Overall, the totality of inclusive experience is how we achieve the National Banner status,” Gamache said. On Friday, Nov. 3, the National Banner will be unveiled with special representatives, as well as a unified basketball game against Mariner High School. He said the two teams will break bread and eat together. “We are expecting to have a fun day that day,” Gamache said. As an ESE teacher and coach for many years, it only made sense to combine the two things he is personally passionate about. “The kids are so much fun to work with. I experienced it as a support person at Mariner. I always left feeling so good about life. Everyone else had the same feeling. When I came to Cape a few years ago I wanted to start our own program. It’s exciting to see the work pay off,” Gamache said. The opportunity to see the relationships between students in general education and special education grow and carry throughout the year is empowering for both students. “It’s really my main driving force. I really enjoy seeing that,” he said. Lehigh Senior High School ESE teacher Michelle Smith said receiving the National Banner Unified Champion Schools award is a huge honor and accomplishment that has taken many staff and students to come together to achieve. “We want to continue to keep improving
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Three Lee County School District high schools and one middle school have been selected as 2023 Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion Schools. Schools that are a National Banner Unified Champion school demonstrate their commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence, which includes Special Olympics Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership and whole school engagement. Schools must reapply for banner status every four years to ensure that the 10 standards are continuously being met. Cape Coral High School, Lehigh Senior High School and Lehigh Acres Middle School received their first national banner, while North Fort Myers High School was awarded its second national banner. North Fort Myers High was first honored in 2019. Both Mariner High School and Fort Myers High School were honored in 2022 as Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion Schools. They can reapply in 2026. “North Fort Myers High School is honored to receive recognition as being a Special Olympics National Unified Champion School,” North’s Director of Athletics and Activities Joe Bowen said in a prepared statement. “Having been recognized in 2019 and again in 2023, it demonstrates the continued commitment to inclusive practices involving all students in our Red Knight student body. Students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates and work together to participate in activities including Unified bowling, basketball, and track, along with the
Un-Knighted Club and Student Government Association. We are proud of our students and staff.” There were only 16 schools in Florida who achieved this status and 205 in the United States. “We are absolutely thrilled to have been honored as a Special Olympics National Banner School,” Cape Coral High School Unified Sports Coordinator Dr. Rob Gamache said in a prepared statement. “This achievement holds special significance for us, as it not only acknowledges the outstanding efforts of our Special Olympics athletes but also underscores the culture of inclusivity we have fostered here at Cape High. This accomplishment serves as a true testament to the dedication and unwavering commitment to inclusivity for all students that permeates our school’s ethos.” Gamache said they are very excited about the award, as well as very appreciative of all the support. “We could not have done this without all the support from the school community and district. This is really reflective of the work that a lot of Cape High has been doing for a few years,” he said. Gamache said to reach the National Banner level they have to show they have inclusion programs developed at the school both for sports and beyond. Among some of those include a Best Buddies program where general education students and special education students do activities together. There are currently between 30 to 40 students involved in the Best Buddies program. As far as sports, Gamache said they have a basketball team where there is a mixture of students with different abilities demonstrating
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Yacht Club: Beach to open; bids for building demolition to go out From page 1 City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said a recent development at the Yacht Club is that it now encompasses a bit more land. The corner next to the pier where the jagged edge goes to the Boat House and then into a semi-circle has natural soil growing every year to fill in the keyway. “Four months ago, an Army Corps reviewer stopped the project and said they saw on the TV that the Boat House was opening and creating soil and beach into the river,” Ilczyszyn said. “We had to get our surveyor involved.” He said over the last two decades that area has been naturally growing. “We now have a new line and more rounded and adjusted to the mean highwater land,” Ilczyszyn said, adding that they have gained land. Because a reviewer at the federal level raised concern it halted the entire review of the rest of the project and as a result, the city got more land, he explained. Clinghan said Kimley-Horn has scuba divers inspecting the pier piles this week and engineers are inspecting above the water. He said there will be a determination of the condition and what can be salvaged. Mayor John Gunter said if the pier is in good condition, and if they can utilize the structure, he would like to see that happen. He said if there are any modifications needed, they can go back and apply for those later. “May not be exactly what we want now. Let’s at least get a pier back there,” Gunter said. Ilczyszyn said they are in appropriations asking the state to assist them with the redecking of the pier.
Updates on other city parks By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
Wednesday’s parks presentation to the Cape Coral City Council also went into detail about the voter-approved $60 million Parks General Obligation Bond. The 15-year bond approved in 2018 was intended to improve existing parks and build new ones. Status updates included Gator Trails Park, Cultural Park, Sands Park, Joe Coviello, Park, Yellow Fever Creek, Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, Crystal Lake Park, Festival Park, Lake Meade Park and Tropicana Park. Giuffrida Park and Del Prado Linear Park have already opened Capital Improvements Director Paul Clinghan said six of the parks are open, two are in construction and three are in the bidding process for the fourth quarter. Councilmember Patty Cummings said she is happy to see that there are six parks that are almost completed, already opened. “I think that is a positive. I think you are doing very well under the circumstances that we have been facing as a city,” she said. Clinghan provided the last update for Gator Trails during Wednesday’s workshop. The additional scope includes replacing trees and irrigation that was damaged by Hurricane Ian. In addition, the city is adding shade over existing benches and equipment. After evaluation, staff said there were no additional trees required for this park. The contract amount for Gator Trails was $2,114,558. With a 5% contingency the budget is $2,220,317. Clinghan said Cultural Park was included in the 2023 Florida Recreation and Parks Association Annual Showcase, which provided this park with recognition. An additional 60 trees are currently being planted, which will probably go into November. Shades over benches have been added, as well as land-
scaping in process for the three medians that are curbed. Any additional trees needed for this project will come through future grants. The contract amount for Cultural Park was $2,938,141. With a 5% continency, the budget is $3,085,048. There has been a soft opening at Sands Park with a ribbon cutting scheduled for December. The city is in the process of adding palm trees with irrigation and sod at the entrance of the park, as well as Cypress trees with irrigation at the detention areas. The contract for Sands Park is $3,188,751. With a 5% contingency, the budget is $3,348,189. There was also a soft opening held at Joe Coviello Park. The city is adding sod at the park entrance. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for December. The contract amount for Joe Coviello Park is $1,996,981. With a 5% contingency, the budget is $2,096,830. Clinghan said the completion for Yellow Fever Creek is scheduled for February. After an evaluation, they do not believe any additional trees are required. After issues, the site contractor was terminated and a new superintendent was hired, putting the park back on track, he said. The contract amount for Yellow Fever Creek is $6,739,321. With a 5% contingency, the budget is $6,026,287. City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said Yellow Fever Creek is a primitive camping site with pads and fire pit, as well as restrooms, showers and an environmental welcome center that has a ranger station to get such supplies as firewood, bug spray and sunscreen. There will also be a disc golf station and trails that link from the park to county parks. The Lake Kennedy Racquet Center is going well, Clinghan said. They will do an evaluation of additional trees and sod when they are closer to completion, as only 35% is
See PARKS, page 39
Cape Council conundrum: How to boost eco-tourism after businesses leave city complexes By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
He said he will work with the parks director to brainstorm some ideas to bring back to a future workshop. Councilmember Bill Steinke wanted to find a solution, so continued eco tours can be conducted out of parks. Currently the ordinance that passed prevents commercial activity taking place. “My intent was not necessarily to carve
one business out. My thought was somehow, someway to make it happen on the east coast of Cape Coral (what) has been happening on the west coast of Cape Coral,” Steinke said. He said he wants to look into ways of expanding operations that are currently being used on the east coast of Cape Coral or put something out for a public-private
partnership, or P3, to provide an amenity to attract eco-tourism. I want to “fill the gap of what happens on Dec. 31 when the amenity is gone,” Steinke said. The Commercial Recreational Watercraft Rental Permit Program began in July 2020 as a way to address issues regarding boats and personal watercraft using Horton Park, Rosen Park and Burnt Store boat ramps for commercial purposes. The program became a topic of discussion when the city began receiving input of overuse by commercial vendors at public boat ramps.
Parks: City staff provides update on GO bond improvements, expenditures From page 38 million bringing the cost to $10,293,147. “Because there was one qualified bid through the procurement process, we are able to negotiate with them. We sat down with them to see if they can lower the prices,” he said. The bid opening for Festival Park begins on Nov. 15. The base bid is for four sports fields with the opportunity to go up to 10 fields. Before moving forward with bid additives, Clinghan said they are going to wait to see the cost. All the permits have been received for Lake Meade Park. There is a possible public-private partnership, or P3, for the community center, pool and indoor
recreation. Once details are worked out, Clinghan said they could move forward with a P3 with the hopes of going out to bid in December for the majority of the park. The contract duration estimate for this project is 420 days. Ilczyszyn said they have a seriously interested party for Lake Meade Park to build out the phase two community center. “We have held off on that because the size community center they are looking at building on our site may require some small modifications of utilities, or site location,” he said. So far, Ilczyszyn said they have had three very positive meetings with the
interested party. “They began developing renderings and building programs to see if they have enough space,” he said. As far as Tropicana Park, Clinghan said the city has obtained the Southwest Florida Water Management District permit, as well as completed the exotic tree removal and eagle nest take has been completed. As far as the Army Corps permit, he said there potentially may be someone coming from New Mexico to review that. “Army Corps is swamped with projects and don’t have the manpower,” he said.
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completed currently. The completion is scheduled for June 2024. The contract for Lake Kennedy Racquet Center is $10,707,648. With a 5% contingency, the budget is $11,243,030. “So far, I can say all the parks are still within the contingency,” Clinghan said. Councilmember Tom Hayden said they are at least out to 2025 looking at finishing the parks originally designated in the GO Bond. Clinghan said they received one bid in September for Crystal Lake Park with a base bid of $9 million. With the additives of such things as exercise equipment and playground the bid was $1.2
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How to expand eco-tourism after the end of the year will be brought back before the Cape Coral City Council at a future workshop. Earlier this year Council discontinued the Commercial and Jet Ski and Boat Program, requiring businesses to leave city parks by the end of the year. City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said staff was directed to let those commercial enterprises with which the city has an agreement know that they have to leave city parks by Dec. 31.
Earlier this year tthe Cape Coral City Council discontinued the city’s Commercial and Jet Ski and Boat Program, requiring businesses to leave city parks by the end of the year.
Page 39 ■ October 27, 2023
Commercial use deadline for parks vendors approaching
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 40 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze
Parking: City looks to address parking issues in the South Cape From page 1 by Uyen Dang, transportation engineer, who presented the existing condition analysis. “Ultimately our objective is to focus on data collection,” she said. “We visited the city many times — spent several days here with the team, residents and walking the streets.” From that, priority key issues were identified, which will develop a strategic plan for bite size pieces for both the short-term and long-term. The project kicked off in early July by working with staff, key stakeholders and residents and is now currently in the public involvement phase. Dang said they have done some data collection and reviewed existing plans, policies and parking accounts. A survey contributed 170 responses, which she said captured a desire to make some modifications to the existing system itself. Key survey results include visitor data that finds: ■ 70% age 35 and older ■ 62% visit on weekend evenings ■ 80% visit by car
The parking inventory includes 7,308 parking spaces: ■ Public – 756 on street, 1,133 off-street marked for a total of 1,889 spaces ■ Private – 3,283 off street marked and 2,136 off street marked for a total of 5,419 spaces ■ 31% would prefer visiting by ondemand vehicle ■ 38% would consider bikes, scooters, golf cars, transit, or ride share ■ 66% trouble finding parking ■ 41% trouble near destination ■ 79% would walk up to two blocks ■ 74% not willing to pay for parking ■ 58% support improvements “Every parking space has its uses. It’s like real estate,” she said. Councilmember Keith Long said there is a sensitivity of willingness to pay for things and at the end of the day nobody wants to pay for things. He said it’s about finding a balance — such as maybe free parking for the first couple of hours followed by a fee for additional time, incentivizing people to move if they do not want to pay for parking. “The psychology of a parker,” Dang said. “Everyone has a price and what is your temperature.”
Dang said maybe there needs to be consideration for 15-minute and 30-minute parking spaces to create more turnover, so businesses can benefit from the availability of spaces. “Because parking is free and some spaces have no policy, it allows people to park all day. We want turnover for businesses to grow and have better user experience,” she said. A lot of the programming that they see in parking garages right now is the first 30minutes are free, enabling individuals to grab that quick cup of coffee. Dang said it incentivizes people to park there and then after there is a charge, demand base pricing. Other options include a parking demand management plan, shared programming such as a valet program, or a circulator — a shuttle service to provide circulation for residents. “It’s a balancing act. Balance of affordability, accessibility, and availability,” Dang said, adding that there is already a golf cart service that was started organically. Councilmember Bill Steinke said nothing aggravates him more than finally finding a parking space, then waiting 40 minutes for a table, eating for 90 minutes, and then rushing to move the car due to a time limit on parking spaces. He said he would support more vertical parking as it could encourage more walkability and bring more people to the area.
A desk analysis was done of parking spaces, followed by going out to the South Cape District during the daytime, nighttime and on the weekend. The parking inventory includes 7,308 parking spaces: ■ Public – 756 on street, 1,133 offstreet marked for a total of 1,889 spaces ■ Private – 3,283 off street marked and 2,136 off street marked for a total of 5,419 spaces “What we found is the majority, twothirds of spaces are private on private property,” Dang said. “A quarter of that is public access, about 190 parking spaces that are private parking within alleyway. Onethird of spaces are unpaved.” During the field analysis, they found there is high use of the parking spaces during the daytime. Steinke said one of the challenges Cape Coral has are the demands from seasonal residents on restaurants. He said they need to look at a seasonal study as well. Dang said more than 50% of the land is dedicated to parking. She said every city goes through this change and it is good to go through the process now and have a playbook of strategies to implement when things do change on the streets. City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said half the land mass is being used for parking and everyone is saying there is a problem. He asked how much land in the Community Redevelopment District needs to be dedicated to parking. “We need to increase density and intensity in parking by going vertically. Clearly, we have to do better in that regard. We need to explore ways to set policies in place to accomplish that,” he said.
Accomplishments, good behavior, and birthdays get kids golden tokens to spend on favorite or new reads By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
www.capecoralbreeze.com Caloosa students take part in a unique reading-incentive program./PHOTO PROVIDED had to qualify based on their needs ranking and socioeco- their birthday, exhibiting positive behavior, becoming a student of the month, meeting their Accelerated Reading nomic data. “Huge publishers, Penguin, Random House, donate goal and achieving academic success. “It doesn’t matter what they read, just that they do books to First Book,” she said, adding that they have an entire room with thousands of books waiting for students. read,” Roberts said. “We truly hope this book vending “Last year First Book had a really good deal on ‘Wimpy machine ignites the passion for reading and literacy in stuKids.’ We took some money and bought a bunch of those dents at Caloosa for many years to come. Our entire stuand the kids couldn’t believe it. They were ordering the dent population will be able to select and keep many amazing books while achieving great things behaviorally and new ‘Wimpy Kids’ and it was already in the machine.” The students receive golden tokens for such things as academically.”
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A golden token has become the item to earn for students at Caloosa Elementary School as it gives them a trip to the book vending machine. The way to get one is through such things as achieving academic goals, or by exhibiting indicators of excellence in behavior, “It’s about growing kids’ passion for reading and becoming lifelong literary learners,” said Suzanne Roberts, Caloosa Elementary School fourth grade teacher. “This is coming from two grassroot efforts and about making kids have a better experience. This is something we can do for them in a pretty easy way that can change their entire existence in school.” Roberts said she saw this vending machine for books and thought what a cool idea it was, which evolved into a project to pursue. She first put the project together on a wing and prayer at Diplomat Elementary. It came to fruition with the help of a match from John Legend, as well as national group helping Roberts get funded, with one of them being Elvis Duran. “I thought I was reading it wrong. Funded. Holy guacamole,” she said. Roberts then moved to Caloosa Elementary School three years ago after an opening presented itself and encouragement from her best friends. “I came over with the intention of getting a machine,” she said. “We came in and did a Read-A-Thon and raised exactly enough money and ordered the machine outright. We got to custom design it,” Roberts said. Students read more than 7,297 hours during a twoweek period and collected pledges from friends and family, she said. Teachers and staff began working overtime and collected more than 5,000 brand new books to fill the machine for months to come. The book vending machine is a “sunshiny yellow” with Caloosa blue and their cougar mascot. “It’s neat art,” Roberts said. “The kids love it.” They work with First Book Marketplace, for which they
Page 41 ■ October 27, 2023
Caloosa Elementary students earn trips to the book vending machine
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 42 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze
Lee County GOP to host Veterans Day Breakfast Fundraiser The Republican Party of Lee County will host a Veterans’ Day Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. Tickets for the breakfast are $50 each, which will be used to create multiple scholarships for local high school graduates going into the U.S. Armed Forces. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, who served in the U.S. Navy, will be the keynote speaker, along with Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass and Michael Thompson, Chairman of the Lee County Republican Party. “Supporting our youth in their dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is our duty as community leaders,” said Chairman Michael Thompson in a prepared statement. “We need to help those patriotic youths in Lee County who want to join
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, who served in the U.S. Navy, will be the keynote speaker, along with Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass and Michael Thompson, chairman of the Lee County Republican Party. Money raised will be used to create multiple scholarships for local high school graduates going into the U.S. Armed Forces.
the United States Military. Not all students are able to meet scholarship requirements for a variety of reasons. The Lee County GOP are helping to bridge that gap for those students interested in joining the military.” Tickets can be purchased at the Lee County GOP website, www.LeeGOP.org. For more information, contact Chairman Thompson at (239) 936-8779.
Sinatra tribute show set for Nov. 5 at Cape Cabaret You’ll never get a chance to see Frank Sinatra, or even Frank Sinatra Jr., perform in concert, but some people say that Tony Sands is the next best thing. Sands is a lifelong Sinatra fan who has been perfecting his act as one of the nation’s best-known Sinatra impersonators for more than 25 years. He’s performed all over the country and on Sunday, Nov. 5, he’ll be at the Cape Cabaret for one show only. His show, “The Rat Pack Together Again,” came to the Cape Cabaret earlier this year. His new show is titled “Sinatra The Musical.” “Reviews of “Sinatra The Musical” have praised Sands not only for his uncanny vocal re-creation of Sinatra, but for his mannerisms
that help create the illusion that Ol’ Blue Eyes is Back,” a release announcing the show states. The show will include numbers from Sinatra’s early days with Tommy Dorsey, to his era as a film star and through the Vegas years. It’s billed as a “multi-media” show, so there’s more to it than Sands’ vocals. The show will also include videos, vintage photos, stunning graphics, and interesting narration from the past. Sands does six different costume changes with a total of 21 of Sinatra greatest songs. Doors will open 5:30 p.m. The show will start at 7 p.m. Cape Cabaret 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral. For tickets call 239-549-3000.
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
That waiting period can be waived by completing a pre-marital counseling course with an approved provider.
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huge wait or delay, as the ceremony goes relatively quickly. Karnes said there is a small convenient fee to perform the ceremony. “We put on the cheapest wedding ceremony. Come to the Clerk’s Office and have a good time, dress up and celebrate your special day with us,” he said. The ceremony — anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes — is a simple exchange of vows. The couple can have the ceremony at the front counter, or in the office’s little marriage ceremony room. “It’s a pivotal moment in people’s lives. It’s going to be a good day,” Karnes said. For more information, or to make an appointment, visit www.leeclerk.org/marriage and click on Marriage Ceremonies.
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Couples have the opportunity to propose their love with an “I Boo” this Halloween in costume during a special Hallowedding at the Lee County Clerk’s Office. “It’s such a fun and cute way of celebrating people’s special day,” Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes said. Although in past year’s Lee County Clerk staff has dressed up on Halloween, this is the first time they are doing an official “I Boo” to love asking happy couples to join the fun and dress in costume as well. “Customer’s love it. People can get creative and have their special day in a special way,” he said. Those who wish to get married on Halloween must apply for their marriage license by today, Friday, Oct. 27, for the three-day waiting period. That waiting period can be waived by completing a pre-marital counseling course with an approved provider. From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. couples can partake in the Halloween-themed wedding ceremonies Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Clerk’s downtown Fort Myers Official Records office, 2115 Second St., on the second floor. If it works out better for the couple’s friends and family, an appointment can be made within the specified time slot. Karnes said they are not expecting any
Those who wish to get married on Halloween at the Lee County Clerk’s Office must apply for their marriage license by today, Friday, Oct. 27, for the three-day waiting period.
Page 43 ■ October 27, 2023
Couples looking to marry get an opportunity to say ‘I boo’
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 44 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze
SPORTS
THE BREEZE OCTOBER 27, 2023
Nights are prime Voting for Cape Coral Breeze time for the big ones October Athlete of the Month
Many anglers just want to go out and catch “a mess of fish” for the table while others are happy to challenge a snook, trout, or redfish on lite tackle, carefully releasing them after the fight. Still others are just happy to be on the water enjoying a beautiful Southwest Florida day, fish or no fish. There is yet another group of dedicated anglers that think big fish all day and dream of them at night. Actually, for this group the night is prime fishing time as they know that the night time is the right time to catch a fish of a lifetime, especially a Capt. George jumbo snook. Tunison If a monster snook is your goal you’re in luck as it’s the perfect time of year to bag a big one as hungry snook move inshore and away from the beaches relocating to their winter homes in Cape Coral and Ft. Myers canals and further upriver throughout the Caloosahatchee. Put away your lite tackle as that 30 pound snook under that next dock with 3 bent and broken hooks already in its lip will just laugh as it overpowers your puny tackle. This is the time to gear up to the task at hand which means upsizing your tackle and baits in a big way. Customized surf rods, big reels, and heavy line and leaders are called for when accurately casting big live baits like a heavy 15” mullet or ladyfish to a dock edge or bridge piling and having the power to hook and turn a huge snook away from its tackle shredding cover. Many local guides can produce night trophies but in Sarasota lives a guide at the top of the trophy snook game. How about four hundred documented snook over 25 pounds? Two hundred, over 30 lbs. and two, over 40 lbs. including a 44 lb. 11 oz. giant. Capt. Dave Pomerleau wrote the book on trophy snook angling and even guarantees you’ll catch snook on your trip. Although he can’t guarantee a giant every time you are definitely fishing with the right guy to make your giant snook dreams come true. (727-570-9711) Back home look to river docks and bridges where big fish roam, eat, and sleep on their inland journey. Think 80100 pound test braid and leaders with a half dozen or so big live mullet or ladyfish in the well aerated livewell. 7/0 to 9/0 hooks, usually J hooks for instant hook sets, as by the time a fish turns back to cover to properly sink a circle hook in its jaw the battle is often lost to sharp barnacles. This is definitely close quarter combat fishing and you must power that big rod keeping the fish away from its home base which it will run to most every time. Besides having the right equipment, baits, and locations, patience, or on bug filled, sweaty nights, hard headed endurance is key to becoming a true trophy snook hunter. Be prepared to not catch anything as many snook will see your big mullet bait during a nights fishing and will pass it up as it’s simply too big to eat which is fine as these aren’t the fish you’re looking for anyway. Lob cast and then free line or use a float to keep your bait in the strike zone around promising docks. On slower tides I often pick a bridge then use the trolling motor to slowly pull my baits along piling edges. You can also station the boat up tide with the electric then float big baits down along structure edges, letting the moving tide carry it. No takers? Reel it back then move over to the next piling and repeat. Get creative and envision where that big fish might be positioned in the current or structure, then present your bait. Putting a “by-catch” resident bridge tarpon in the air only adds to the night time excitement. Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.
is now open; cast your ballot STAFF REPORT Voting for the Cape Coral Breeze Athlete of the Month for October is now open. We had countless top performances from studentathletes in our coverage area to start the new year and now it’s up to readers to decide who will earn top honors for the month. Nominees for October include: ∫ Jazlyn Forbes, Oasis Sharks, sophomore: Forbes placed first in a field of 88 at the Mark McGarity Lely Invitational, posting a time of 17:41.26 in her 5K run. ∫ Zachary Poskon, Oasis Sharks, Swimming: At the Florida Swimming Pool Association 45th Developmental Meet in Orlando, Poskon took home two individual first place finishes in the 100-meter breast stroke and freestyle, and was part of two relay teams that finished first in the pool.
∫ Hayden Tedhams, Cape Coral Seahawks, Sophomore: Tedhams took home four LCEC titles at FGCU last week. He placed first in the 500-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, and was on two medleywinning teams. He also performed well the previous week at the Florida Swimming Pool Association meet. ∫ Saige Thibodeaux, Ida Baker Bulldogs, Senior: The senior leader for the Bulldogs performed well over three games for the club last week, totaling 31 kills, 6 aces, and 67 digs. She leads the team this year in kills, digs, and hitting percentage. ∫ Gervaris Leaphart, Island Coast Gators, Junior: The running back scored the game-winning touchdown with 2:45 left to play in the Gators' 12-9 win over Cape Coral. On the night he carried 29 times for 126 yards
See ATHLETE of the MONTH, page 45
PREP REPORT Wednesday
VOLLEYBALL Region 5A-3 playoffs Wednesday's scores St. Petersburg 3, North Fort Myers 0: The Red Knights' season ended at 19-8 as St. Petersburg swept North by scores of. 25-15, 25-6, 29-27. Barron Collier 3, Freedom 0: 25-11, 25-6, 25-7 Braden River 3, Bonita Springs 0: 26-24, 25-11, 2517 Gulf Coast 3, Port Charlotte 0: 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 Saturday's semifinals Gulf Coast at Braden River St. Petersburg at Barron Collier Tuesday
GIRLS BOWLING District 6 Tournament At Lightning Strikes, Fort Myers * Qualified for state Team: 1. Oasis* 2,588. 2. Cape Coral* 2,413. 3. Cyp[ress Lake 2,316. 4. Bishop Verot 1,888. 5. Mariner 1,673. 6. Dunbar 1,593. 7. Fort Myers 1,569. 8. Lehigh 1,379. 9. Bonita Springs 1,285. 10. East Lee County 1,273. 11. Estero 1,267. 12. Ida Baker 941. 13. North Fort Myers 934. 14. Gateway 755, 15. South Fort Myers 581. 16. Riverdale 303. 17. Island Coast 289. Baker bracket Championship bracket: First round -- Oasis 3, Bishop Verot 0; Cape Coral 3, Cypress Lake 1. Semifinal -- Oasis 3, Cape Coral 1. Championship -- Oasis 3, Cape Coral 1. Consolation bracket: Cypress Lake 3, Bishop Verot 0; Cape Coral 3, Cypress Lake 2. Individual (series): 1. Lexi Lenius# (O) 798. 2. Katarina Hagler (O) 677. 3. Cole Kennedy (CL) 646. 4. Brooke Pabst (CC) 639. 5. Mackenzy Stouffer (CL) 541. 6. Paige Williams (CC) 499. 7. Tashi Baez (CC) 454. 8. Kaylee Margurger (IB) 454. 10. Meesha Neujahr (O) 436. Also: 11. Regan Tucker (M) 428. 13. Haruna Mescallado (CC) 422. 14. Sienna Gasperini (BV) 420. 17. Joanna Beal (CC) 388. 18. Grace Hollopeter (NFM) 378, 19. Malia Araujo (M) 375. 20. Isabella Lentz (BV) 372. 23. Emma Neujahr (O) 358. 31. Adriana Montes (IB) 321. 32. Alyssa Jenkins (M) 319. 39. Molly Dysarczyk (O) 303. 40. Samantha Contino (M) 300. 44. Victoria Palomo-Castro 389. 45. Winter Rode (NFM) 287. 48. Mia Brooks (BV) 271. 49. Melanie Lamb (NFM) 269. 63. Aaliyah Baskins (IB) 166. 64. Sophia Smith (BV) 166. 66. Delaney Tucker (M) 129. 67. Lorelai Schippel
(M) 122. 68. Kylee Petersen 121. 69. Livia Kiszka (BV) 87. 74. Cosma Pina (O) 16. Individual state qualifiers: Cole Kennedy (CL), Mackenzy Stouffer (CL) # Lexi Lenius (O) set a new District 6 record with her 287-254-257--798 series. FHSAA State Championships: Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center, Orlando
GIRLS GOLF District 2A-13 At Bay Colony Golf Club, Naples Par 72 * Qualified for region Team: 1. Fort Myers* 385. 2. North Fort Myers* 583. 3. LaBelle* 515. 4. Clewiston 5365. Individual: 1. Amelia Alonso (FM) 77. 2. (tie) Jada Kohlmeier (M), SeiNa Chappell (FM) 102. 4. (tie) Nina Perez (FM), Richelle Britto (FM) 103. 6. Heather Diaz (LaB) 106. 7. (tie) Sydney Caldwell (NFM), Isabella Lauzon (CC), 112. 9. Megan Waters (NFM) 114. 10. Addison Berta (FM) 116. Also: 12. Ellie Zink (NFM) 130. 14. Evalyn Klein (CC) 132. 16. Keren Harhart 135. 21. (tie) Lucy Molloy (NFM), Gracie Sand (NFM) 147. Individual regional qualifiers: Jada Kohlmeier (M), Islabella Lauzon (CC), Olivia Branaman (Clew). Region 2A-4 tournament: Grand Palms--Sable/Grand, Pembroke Pines, Oct.30. District 1A-12 At Valencia Golf & Country Club, Naples Par 72 * Qualified for region Team: 1. Community School of Naples* 318. 2. Bishop Verot* 323. 3. First Baptist Academy* 345. 4. Oasis 383. 5. St. John Neumann 419. Individual: 1. Isabella Michetti 76. 2. Caraline Hartfield (VS) 78. 3. Morgan Franklin (BV) 78. 4. Samantha Loninger (BV) 78. 5. Eva Lye (FBA) 80. 6. Alayna Freidt (CSN) 80. 7. Amelia Loninger 81. 8. Emmey Siek 81. 9. Reilly Kirwin (CSN) 81. 10. Ava Sparacio (CSN) 83. Also: 14. Ava Aloia (BV) 86. 14. Riley Fritz (O) 86. 18. Raleigh Currin (BV) 91. 22. Savanna Odjick (O) 95. 23. Adisen Lindsey (O) 96. 25. Willow Cain (O) 106. Individual regional qualifiers: Caraline Hartfield (VS), Ariana Petrovic (SJN), Lauren Collins (SCD). Region 1A-3 tournament: Valencia Golf Club, Naples, Oct. 31.
The Cape Coral Junior Football Association cheerleading teams have kicked off their competition season with a remarkable performance, earning a number of top finishes Here's a recap of CCJFA's achievements at the recent competition at Hertz Arena this past Sunday: ■ Varsity, Level 2 - Large: First Place ■ Junior Varsity, Level 3 - Large: First Place ■ Pee Wee, Level 2, Large: First Place with Zero Deductions
■ Junior Pee Wee, Level 2 - Large: First Place with Zero Deductions ■ Mitey Mites, Level 1 - Large: 2nd Place ■ Tiny Mites, Level 1 - Large: 3rd Place CCJFA's six competitive cheerleading teams secured top positions and earned spots in the upcoming Regionals Competition in Orlando, scheduled to take place over Thanksgiving weekend. Sponsorship opportunities are available to support the teams as they prepare for regionals and the possible journey to
Nationals. Sponsorship contributions are tax-deductible and come with the unique opportunity to have your name featured on the Regional T-shirts that over 200+ parents will wear during the competition. To become a sponsor, please submit your funds no later than Monday, Nov. 13, to the following address: CCJFA 3010 Lake Butler Court Cape Coral, FL 33909 For more information about the cheerleading squads, please contact CCJFA Cheer Director Doti Reynolds at 239-2579353 or via email at dotidale@gmail.com
or the CCJFA President Jason Punyahotra via email at jason.punyahotra@gmail.com. --The Cape Coral Junior Football Association is a dedicated youth sports organization committed to fostering young athletes' physical, mental and emotional development. CCJFA's cheerleading program encourages teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship while providing a supportive community for its participants. For more information, please visit www.capejr.com.
From page 44 and two touchdowns. ∫ Andrew Marino, Bishop Verot Vikings, Junior: The team captain captured the first individual Private 8 Conference title for the boys in Verot school history with a time of 16:47. The win comes a week after he shattered the school 5K record.
∫ Lexi Lenius, Oasis Sharks, Senior: Lenius set a new Lee County girls single-game record, rolling a 290 against Bonita Springs that included 11 strikes and a spare. ∫ Pierre Holmes, Island Coast Gators, Junior: Holmes came up with two crucial plays in the final minutes of
a 13-7 win over Gateway. He first went up and caught a 15-yard touchdown pass to put the Gators up late, and then broke up the would-be go ahead touchdown as a defensive back on fourth and goal to seal the win. Athlete of the Month nominees are comprised of the Breeze’s staff-selected
Athletes of the Week for that respective month. Voting is open until Nov. 2 at noon. To vote, visit www.capecoralbreeze.com and click the "Vote Now" icon on the homepage.
Sanibel students: Raising funds to perform in New York City
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Athlete of the Month: Lots of qualified contenders
Page 45 ■ October 27, 2023
CCJFA cheerleading teams advance to regionals
From page 18 “We frequently perform at school and community events throughout the year,” he said. The choir has also performed multiple times at Walt Disney World in Orlando. For the Carnegie Hall festival, the goal is to raise $100,000 to cover the cost for all the students. As of Oct. 20, about $6,500 had been raised. Recently, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands announced that with its assistance, an anonymous donor has estab-
lished a $25,000 matching grant to help the students reach their fundraising goal. “The donor wishes to make the gift anonymously so the focus remains on the students and their trip,” CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell said. Giangreco reported that he was in disbelief when he learned about the grant. “I am so grateful to the anonymous donor who has generously offered this,” he said. “I thank them on behalf of all of my students and, from the bottom of my heart,
I provide my sincere thanks and appreciation for their support.” The deadline for the matching grant challenge is Dec. 31. To donate, visit https://sanibelschoolfund.betterworld.org or use the QR Code. For more information, contact Giangreco at JosephAG@LeeSchools.net. The Sanibel School is at 3840 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel.
Fall garden: What to plant in the cooler, drier local seasons From page 17 snow shovels ready! The fall months also offer a great opportunity to incorporate new native shrubs in your landscape. Firebush, Dahoon Holly, Marlberry and Beautyberry are selections that will provide berries for the birds and other wildlife. October is the last month of the year that fertilizer is recommended for trees and shrubs; a controlled release fertilizer is your best choice for maintaining nutrients over the next several months. If you would like additional details and information on gardening schedules in
Southwest Florida, there are two excellent resources available from the University of Florida: The Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/ VH/VH02100.pdf) provides a detailed guide to recommended varieties, yield, spacing, and planting times, as well as guidelines for soil preparation, fertilizer, irrigation requirements, and pest control. The South Florida Gardening Calendar (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep452#SECTION_8) provides a month by month guide to “what to plant” and “what to do”
to keep your gardens and lawn at their very best. With cooler temperatures and lower humidity, fall is the perfect time to improve your established plantings, incorporate new shrubs and plants and perhaps start your first vegetable and herb garden. Take advantage of this beautiful season to venture outside and expand your gardening skills. As the famous American botanist Luther Burbank stated: “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medi-
cine for the soul.” Cathy Dunn is a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Lee County Extension. You can contact Cathy and other Master Gardeners with your gardening questions at extgardener@leegov.com or call 239-533-7504 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Join us on Instagram at lee_ufifas.
Dr. Ritrosky: County’s longest serving physician set to retire From page 17 son in a way a new parent would understand,” FrenZella said. Medicine definitely runs in the Ritrosky family. In addition to his son John being a local plastic surgeon, his other son Steven is an anesthesiologist with Lee Health.
Daughter Susan Beth Hill is an internal medicine physician in Orlando. What does Dr. Ritrosky plan to do in retirement? “Walk the beach, go fishing and relandscape my Sanibel home that was heav-
ily damaged by Hurricane Ian,” he says. What he will miss most is “being a significant force in the lives of our parents and children. I was blessed by influential people throughout my life to have this career. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Families are invited to wish him well at a public reception in his honor on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 2-4 p.m., at Physicians’ Primary Care pediatric office at 9350 Camelot Drive in Fort Myers.
The Cape Coral Breeze welcomes news from our community! Send news tips & releases to news@breezenewspapers.com
Cape Coral Breeze
Involved in choir himself at a young age, he explained that it is something he is passionate about. “I wanted to bring that opportunity to The Sanibel School, so my students could have the same experiences,” Giangreco said. The Seahorse Chorale performs music from a variety of different genres, and the curriculum for the students covers everything from learning about proper vocal techniques, to musicality and expression.
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 46 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze
Cape Coral
Breeze Athletes of theWeek (Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)
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Cape Coral Breeze
October 27, 2023 ■ Page 48 www.capecoralbreeze.com
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