Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023

VOLUME 61, NUMBER 50

Commission sends building height changes on to council

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Sanibel Planning Commission recommended that the city council consider a proposed ordinance that adjusts maximum building heights to support more resilient build-back efforts post-hurricane.

At its Oct. 24 meeting, the commission voted unanimously 7-0 to accept an ordinance that would amend the Sanibel Code to change the heights in ecological zones and to recommend that the Sanibel City Council review the draft. The council will discuss the ordinance at its meeting today, Nov. 1.

Prior to the vote, Planning Department Director Paula McMichael provided a presentation on the proposed ordinance.

She explained that staff looked for a proposal that does not require a Sanibel Plan amendment, does not increase heights above 45 feet NAVD — standardized measurement above mean sea level — See COMMISSION, page 22

IslanderInsIde SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Nesting season for sea turtles concludes on islands The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that the last remaining sea turtle nest on Sanibel and Captiva was inventoried on Oct. 13, concluding

the islands' record-breaking loggerhead nesting season.

This year, the islands had a record 1,177 loggerhead nests, as well as 24 green sea

turtle nests — about average for Sanibel and Captiva. A total of 27,368 hatchlings emerged into the Gulf of Mexico.

See NESTING SEASON, page 21

School board continues discussion on superintendent pay

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The School District of Lee County’s first elected superintendent since the '70s will be district’s top-paid administrator and will receive fulltime employee benefits, including raises comparable to those granted unionized staff.

Last month, the school board approved a policy for “discretionary compensation,”

meaning that the elected body will determine annually what the elected superintendent will earn.

According to the policy, “the superintendent’s base salary shall be based on and adjusted at the beginning of each fiscal year in the manner prescribed by Florida Statutes. The superintendent shall be entitled to all salary increases and supplements allowable by law.”

The policy further states that the superintendent is entitled to full-time employee benefits and shall not make less than any other employee at any given time.

“Therefore, the superintendent’s final salary shall be more than the highest administrator’s salary per the administrative salary schedule,” the policy states.

The policy also addressed when the superintendent is entitled to salary increases, or bonuses.

School Board Member Melisa Giovannelli said they needed to include See SCHOOL BOARD, page 22

alsOInsIdetOday Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................14 Island Living................................18 Sports.........................................20 Classifieds 31

Residential Customer ECRWSS

Ft MYERS, FL Permit #5733

PRSTD STD US POSTAGE PAID

Island Reporter

captivasanibel.com

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 2

Page 3 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Report your news to CAPTIVASANIBEL.COM

What to know about lung cancer for Lung Cancer Awareness Month Lung cancer kills more men and women each year in the United States than any other cancer. To lessen your risk of getting lung cancer, kicking any nicotine habit will make an impact.

Breathing in other substances, such as asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust and some forms of silica and chromium can also put you at risk of developing lung cancer over time.

Link between cigarettes, lung cancer

Family history of lung cancer

According to the Centers Your risk of developing for Disease Control and lung cancer may be higher if Prevention (CDC), nearly nine your parents, brothers, sisters out of 10 lung cancers are or children have had lung canDr. Shyam Kapadia caused by smoking cigarettes. cer.

Those who are exposed to secIf you’ve personally had ondhand smoke also raise their lung cancer, there is also a risk of getting lung cancer by chance that you could get lung 20% to 30%. cancer again if you do not quit Cigarette smoke contains smoking. thousands of chemicals, and many of them are carcinogens. The human Screening for lung cancer body can detoxify and get rid of carcinogens, It’s recommended to get screened before but when it’s unable to do so, leftover car- age 50 if you have a family history of lung cinogens can cause the cells in the body to cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task mutate, and sometimes transform into can- Force recommends yearly lung cancer cerous cells. When these cancerous cells screening with a low dose computed tomogdevelop in the lungs, it’s called lung cancer. raphy (CT scan) if you: The more smoke that’s inhaled, the more ∫ Smoke 20 packs of cigarettes a year chance there is for mutations to develop. If ∫ Smoke now or have quit within the past someone smokes frequently for a long period 15 years of time, they will have a higher risk of devel∫ Are between 50 and 80 years old oping lung cancer.

If you meet any of these requirements or if There is not enough research to suggest you’d like more information, contact your that vaping leads to lung cancer, but many of primary care provider. For more information, the carcinogens that are in cigarette smoke visit www.leehealth.org. are also in vape smoke.

The most impactful way to decrease the Advances in lung risk of developing lung cancer is to stop smoking completely. Unfortunately, there is cancer detection Lee Health has added the ION roboticno number of cigarettes you can smoke in a assisted bronchoscopy platform to its robotday that is considered “safe.”

captivasanibel.com

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 4

OPINIONS

Island Reporter

Guest Commentary

Other risk factors for lung cancer

Web Poll Previous Web Poll Question A year later after Ian, how much recovery work does your home/business need? ∫ None, fully recovered, 8% ∫ Some, mostly recovered, 17% ∫ Much, some recovered, 67% ∫ All, nothing recovered, 8%

Current Web Poll Question Are you planning to attend any island Halloween events? ∫ Yes, all of them. ∫ Yes, one/some. ∫ No, none.

Share your opinion at captivasanibel.com

Radon and other substances can also cause lung cancer. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. The naturally occurring gas forms in rocks, soil and water and it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. Radon can get through cracks or holes and become trapped and built up in the air. Tests can be done to see if radon is in a home or building.

The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is higher for smokers versus nonsmokers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year and about 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.

ics program. The ION helps physicians perform minimally invasive biopsies to help detect lung cancer much sooner than traditional methods.

Early detection is the key to improving chances of survival and the ION will undoubtedly help save lives.

The ION has an ultrathin, ultra maneuverable catheter that allows physicians to reach into the lung. The ION also offers more range of motion and stability that allows the physician to aim the catheter at small targets, even if they’re located outside the airway.

The robotic lung biopsy is performed by a physician who plans and navigates their path to the nodule. As the guided catheter approaches the nodule, the physician can confirm the lesion’s location with an intraprocedure CT scan. Then, the physician secures the catheter in place to perform the biopsy.

Free lung cancer screenings In honor of National Lung Cancer Screening Day, Lee Health will offer the public free lung cancer screenings. Those interested in attending must be prescreened before Nov. 11 and be 50-80 years old, smoke 20 packs of cigarettes a year or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.

The screenings will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lee Health Sanctuary Outpatient Center, at 8960 Colonial Center Drive, Fort Myers.

Visit http://www.leehealth.org/lung-cancer-screening or call 239-343-5864 (LUNG) to complete the prescreen.

Dr. Shyam Kapadia is a pulmonologist with Lee Health.

‘Ding’ cartoon of the month Pulitzer-winning editorial cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling rarely missed an opportunity to use holidays to make a point. This one, titled “Halloween forever,” published on Oct. 31, 1938, in more than 100 syndicated newspapers across the nation. Today, Darling is recognized for his prescient messaging and controversial cartoons that stand the test of time. Enough said! The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge owns the copyright of the “Ding” Darling cartoons.

REFUGE/DDWS

We want your opinion The views expressed on the Opinions Pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of The Island Reporter. Opposing views are welcome. All letters must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. Letters considered for publication must relate to subjects of public interest. Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to Tiffany Repecki at trepecki@breezenewspapers.com; posted to the virtual newsroom at captivasanibel.com; or mailed to 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Letters are due no later than noon Thursday. The Island Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.

Page 5 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Hearing set for proposed changes from county

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Lee County Commission will hold a public hearing next week to consider adopting amendments to the Captiva chapter of the Lee Plan that eliminate the current building height limitations on the island.

The board will consider the proposed changes at the Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment Hearing on Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Old Lee County Courthouse, at

2120 Main St., Fort Myers.

Last week, the Captiva Civic Association's Land Use Committee — representing the position of the “Protect Captiva” coalition and whose members consist of Captiva and Sanibel stakeholders opposed to the amendments — shared that it had been advised that the county “may soon” schedule the hearing. “ … Notwithstanding the comments from the state's Bureau of Community

Planning and Growth calling the county amendments a 'false flag' operation, and despite opposition from almost everyone on the islands of Captiva and Sanibel,” the committee said in a prepared statement.

As part of the process for adopting the changes, the county had to transmit them to the state for review per Florida Statute. State agencies could not reject the amendments, but they could offer comments.

On Oct. 6, Florida Department of

CCA to host reception for first art exhibit of season

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

T

he Captiva Civic Association will kick off its Art Show Series for the 2023-24 season this week with an opening reception for the first of four exhibitions scheduled at the gallery in the coming months.

“Rauschenberg Residency: Explorations & Experimentations” will be on display from Nov. 2 through Dec. 14 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. It will feature pieces created over the years by 30 artists who have taken part in the Rauschenberg Residency at the Rauschenberg property on the island.

“We like to showcase and support local artists,” CCA Executive Director Emily Ankerson said.

With the works varying in mediums, from painting and digital print, to collage and photograph, the exhibit has a local connection to the community as the residents created them during their residencies.

“It's all visual art,” she said. “Some artists have more than one piece.”

“These are works that have been left for the residency or gifted to them,” Ankerson added.

She noted that it is the third time the CCA has attempted to host the exhibition. The first year, the pandemic and lockdowns put it on hold, then Hurricane Ian in 2022 delayed it for another year.

Robert Rauschenberg's 20-acre estate on Captiva, which was his home and studio for 40 years, has been transformed into a creative center that welcomes artists from around the world to live, work and create. The Robert

Commerce's Bureau of Community Planning and Growth Chief James D. Stansbury provided the following written comment to the county commission and its staff: “The amendment appears to fly a 'false flag' of 'resilience' as a primary purpose.

When, in reality, the amendment is clearly at least in-part for the purpose of an increase in hotel room density. Whether or not an See HEARING, page 7

Captiva library, county system offer programs Part of the Lee County Library System, the Captiva Memorial Library is offering the following free programming:

CAPTIVA CIVIC ASSOCIATION

The Captiva Civic Association's first exhibit of the season, “Rauschenberg Residency: Explorations & Experimentations,” will be on display from Nov. 2 to Dec. 14 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva.

Rauschenberg Foundation launched the residency program at the site in 201213.

The residency advances new work, extends practices into diverse mediums, and serves as a research and development lab. It fosters the ideal that artistic practice advances mutual understanding, and it stimulates cross-disciplinary collaborations and engenders a focus on the conservation of a sensitive and pristine environment.

The program offers eight five-week residencies annually that serve more than 70 artists and other creative individuals of exceptional talent and promise from a diverse mix of disciplines, backgrounds and ages. Since 2012, almost 500 artists have been in residence, briefly making Captiva their home.

The opening reception for WAYNE WHITE

ADAM KUBY

“Rauschenberg Residency: Explorations & Experimentations” will be held on Nov. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. It is free and open to all, with bar refreshments and light fare available.

“It'll be a way to see the show on opening,” Ankerson said.

“We'll have some local live music,” she added.

The participating artists have been invited to attend if able.

Ankerson noted that some of the pieces will be available for purchase.

On Nov. 9, Residency Director Ann Brady will hold an “Illustrated Talk” at 5 p.m. at the center.

“There's been a lot of curiosity about the Rauschenberg property and what's going on with the program and projects,” Ankerson said. “This will be an opportunity to get a presentation from Ann about it.”

She explained that Brady will talk about the history of the residency and See CCA RECEPTION, page 7

Children programs ∫ Nov. 6: Scarecrow Clothespin Craft (daily during operating hours) Celebrate fall and make a scarecrow clothespin craft. ∫ Nov. 6: Turkey Pompom Fall Craft (daily during operating hours) Create a turkey pompom craft to celebrate fall and Thanksgiving. ∫ Nov. 8: Scarecrow Clothespin Craft (daily during operating hours) Celebrate fall and make a scarecrow clothespin craft. ∫ Nov. 8: Turkey Pompom Fall Craft (daily during operating hours) Create a turkey pompom craft to celebrate fall and Thanksgiving.

The library is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information about a program or to register, call 239-533-4890.

Download books, stream video and other online content at www.leelibrary.net.

The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

New CCA series to teach Mahjong, provide game time

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

A new series will offer the community the opportunity to play and learn how to play a game.

The Captiva Civic Association will host a free Mahjong Mondays on Nov. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m., Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon, and Nov. 20 and 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva.

Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China.

“This is something new,” Executive See MAHJONG, page 10

“Rarely has an elected political body so ignored the nearly unanimous views of the community it represents,” it said in its statement. “Now, as part of the 'Protect Captiva' coalition's efforts to represent the Captiva community, our attorney was asked to critically analyze the legal issues raised by the proposed amendments and to provide his legal opinion to the county.”

The committee also reiterated its beliefs that the changes: ∫ Eliminate Code protections that preserve the character and integrity of the island. ∫ Jeopardize public safety and hinder evacuation efforts. ∫ Are unnecessary for rebuilding after Hurricane Ian. ∫ Really only benefit one property owner — Timbers Resorts, a co-owner of South Seas.

It summarized its attorney's full legal opinion as follows: “The current Captiva Code, the current Lee Plan and the county's current build-back provisions already allow for property owners on Captiva to build new structures in compliance with updated federal flood elevation standards, and to rebuild damaged

nonconforming structures in compliance with updated federal flood elevation standards without a reduction in use, density, intensity, size or square footage of their structures.

“His legal analysis concludes that the proposed amendments to the Lee Plan and Land Development Code are unnecessary to allow property owners to build back their damaged properties and have, ironically, compelled county staff to endorse an interpretation of the county's build-back provisions which actually hinder the ability to build back.

“The proposed amendments also grant special development benefits for one landowner on Captiva, thus subjecting the county to colorable federal equal protection claims. This discriminatory benefit for a single property owner also sets a precedent for more intense development over the entire island.”

The committee added that in light of the concerns, its attorney is requesting in advance of the hearing that the county commissioners revisit the entire matter and cease any effort to amend the Lee Plan.

“It is hoped that the county will evaluate its liability associated with these legal issues,

and agree that the proposed amendments discard long-held community standards on Captiva and allow for an ill-advised increase in hotel rooms and additional floors of buildable living space on a narrow barrier island within the Coastal High Hazard Area with limited evacuation capacity just one year after that island was devastated by Hurricane Ian,” it concluded in its statement.

To view the full legal opinion, visit this article online for free at http://www.captivasanibel.com/.

The committee is comprised of representatives from the CCA, Captiva Community Panel, Presidents Council of Associations — a coalition of 12 homeowner and condo associations at South Seas — SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge.

Requests submitted to the county board and staff for comment on the hearing and amendments and whether they would be presented as is, without modification, were unanswered as of press time.

The hearing is open the public and will be held in commission chambers.

new exhibition.

“It's an opportunity to view firsthand some of the work that has come out of the program in this community, and it's for people who are interested in art and what comes out of local art communities,” she said.

For more information, visit the CCA website or contact 239-472-2111 or info@ccacaptiva.org.

The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

CCA reception From page 6 why it was created, what it has been able to do since opening its doors in 2012, and what the residents do and have available to them.

While the opening reception and talk are free, RSVPs are requested.

To make a reservation, visit the

Captiva Civic Association on Eventbrite or https://ccacaptiva.org/.

Bank of the Islands is the sponsor for the Art Show Series.

“That's why we're able to offer this for free for the community,” Ankerson said.

The public is welcome to check out the

captivasanibel.com

increase in hotel room density is appropriate is for the community to decide. Rather, we are simply urging you to have a transparent discussion with the community about the actual purpose of the amendment.”

He also reminded the county that state Statute authorizes other agencies to provide comments.

“If the county receives reviewing agency comments and they are not resolved, these comments could form the basis for a challenge to the amendment after adoption,” Stansbury wrote.

At the time, the committee reported that the Captiva-Sanibel community has maintained since the changes were brought forward in June that they were not primarily for resiliency purposes as claimed by the county, but intended to increase density and building heights on Captiva and at South Seas.

With the period closed for state comments, the county had six months to set the hearing to take action, which can include adopting the amendments as written, making modifications or not adopting them.

On Oct. 27, the county advertised the legal notice for the hearing and the committee confirmed it.

Page 7 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Hearing From page 6

Captiva Current

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 8 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

BUSINESS Protecting yourself from cyber scams at any age

By CAROLYN ROGERS No matter what age we are, cybercriminals are coming up with new ways to part us from our money and identities every day. Sadly, most scams go unreported because the victim feels foolish for being tricked.

Don’t! These bad actors are shrewd and convincing. Some of the brightest and most savvy people have fallen victim to these scams. By reporting them, you can help battle the problem and save others from financial loss and identity theft.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable, Carolyn Rogers because many may not keep pace with changes in technology and stay up on the latest scams. High-net-worth individuals are also at elevated risk, especially if they hold high liquid assets and are active social media users where cybercriminals can scour the web for more personal data to design more targeted scams. However, with the right knowledge and precautions, all of us can better protect ourselves.

Phishing: Cybercriminals often use emails, phone calls or text messages that appear to be from legitimate organizations (e.g., banks, government agencies) to steal personal information or money. Be vigilant by looking up contact information to those organizations yourself and calling them to verify if they sent the communication to you. Never open any links or call the number provided in the original communication unless you know the sender.

Spear phishing: Spear phishing scams are highly targeted attacks on high-net-worth individuals, companies and even government organizations. Cybercriminals conduct intense personal research on the target and are more likely to succeed. Learning what signs to be aware of in both spear phishing and phishing emails can be helpful in avoiding these attacks: ∫ The email may seem to be from someone you know. It is urgent and requires your login details to manage a time-sensitive matter. ∫ The email address looks odd and the domain is not correct. ∫ Has grammatical and spelling errors. ∫ Asks for sensitive information and personal details. ∫ Links are misspelled and don’t match the address when the cursor hovers over the link. ∫ The email has unnecessary attachments with odd file names. ∫ Pretexting: Urging you to use the attached link to keep your login credentials from expiring.

Fake sweepstakes and lottery scams: Fraudsters call or email claiming the target has won a lottery or sweepstakes, but to claim their prize they must pay fees or taxes upfront. This scam has cost many people thousands of dollars and even life savings. Remember, legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes never ask winners to pay fees in advance.

The Grandparent Scam: Fraudsters pose as a grandchild or close family member in distress, claiming they need immediate financial assistance due to an emergency. They are counting on the victim’s sympathy and the urgent timing of the matter to gain access to protected information. Stop and think! Verify their phone numSee SCAMS, page 10

Report your news to CAPTIVASANIBEL.COM

A crowd of well-wishers cheered on the SanCap Chamber's ribbon-cutting at the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery on Sanibel on Oct. 20.

SANCAP CHAMBER

Chamber celebrates artist with gallery ribbon-cutting It did not take long following the washout Hurricane Ian unleashed at the new Rachel Pierce Art Gallery on Sanibel before Pierce's island-bright cheering sign was back up and the artist and businesswoman had reinvented her brand of industry. Pierce has managed to keep her business alive in her gallery parking lot, inviting island businesses and non-profits to her marketplace, but on Oct. 20, she officially reopened her remastered gallery building with a SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting.

“Rachel has been such a force in this community since she first opened her gallery in January 2022,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “It was heartbreaking that her gallery was destroyed so soon

after she had restored and redesigned the building’s interior. But the positive spirit reflected in her island-themed, interpretive art prevailed and triumphed. She never left the scene, but we welcome her back to where she started her career as a gallery artist.”

Pierce became involved on the islands as a TV news anchor for NBC2, participating in fundraisers and, as she pivoted her career to full-time art, artist-in-residence for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Her affinity for the island community helped her decide to open her first gallery on Sanibel — a dream fulfilled for her, her husband and four children.

See RIBBON-CUTTING, page 10

Community engagement fellow joins refuge staff Leandro “Leo” Cabrera, of Cape Coral, recently joined the staff at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel for six months to help the education staff as a bilingual interpreter.

In partnership with the Hispanic Access Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides support for urban community engagement fellows A native of Cienfuegos, Cuba, he speaks Spanish as a first language and attends Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, pursuing a degree in environmental studies with a minor in water resources.

Cabrera assists the refuge's Wildlife on Wheels mobile classroom faculty, which teaches at Title I schools in the Tice and Lehigh Acres communities.

“I love the refuge, and every day is like an adventure,” he said. “There's always something new to do, so things always feel varied. Working on the WoW has been quite an experience — teaching kids about conservation and wildlife. It's always amazing when kids shoot up their hands and ask questions about wildlife and how we can do more to protect them.”

Cabrara enjoys kayaking, biking and, since he began working at the refuge, birdwatching.

“The thing I love most is every day I know I'm going to impact someone to learn more about wildlife and conservation,” he said.

“Leo has been such an asset to our WoW team,” refuge Urban Ranger Yvette Carrasco. “You can see the light in the eyes of the kids when they hear our lessons in Spanish and come to better understand about nature and wildlife because of it. He assists us in con-

REFUGE/DDWS

Leandro “Leo” Cabrera helps build community bonds as a bilingual interpreter for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. tinuing to strengthen our relationships with the communities we serve.”

Page 9 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 10 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

Visit Florida official speaks at chamber meeting The functions of Visit Florida, the state’s official destination marketing organization, are multi-pronged, but one has to do specifically with Disaster Response, SanCap Chamber member learned at the monthly business luncheon on Oct. 25 at the Pink Shell Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach.

“We work to help areas like yours that are impacted by crisis — most recently, obviously, Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Idalia,” President and Chief Executive Officer Dana Young said.

She said Visit Florida commissioned a study that found the negative impact of national media coverage of the hurricanes valued at $164 million, with 1.5 million media impressions.

“So, we are working with (the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau) to do a national TV campaign with a recovery message,” Young, who was scheduled to tour the islands that afternoon, said.

“We are constantly working as we travel to get the message out that the area is open,” she added. “I’ll be able to talk more authoritatively when I meet with groups about exactly what things are looking like. You know, I can get people to come here, that is not the problem. But I want them to understand what they’ll be seeing. It’s all about spin. 'Imagine the shells you’re going to find on the beach after no one’s been looking for a year. Think about a beach where you may not see another person … and the newly renovated hotel rooms.’”

Earlier in the morning, Young met with key local tourism players in a chamber-hosted round table that included Visit

SANCAP CHAMBER

Visit Florida Chief Executive Officer Dana Young spoke about the organization's successes and initiatives and how they impact Sanibel and Captiva at the SanCap Chamber's business luncheon on Oct. 25.

Florida staff; Sen. Jonathan Martin, who represents the Southwest Florida district in the state senate; and Niki Welge, with FloridaCommerce's Division of Economic Development.

“People who have Florida in their souls are going to continue to come here,” she said as she listened to attendees' recovery challenges and needs. “We’ve got to give people reasons to come back again and again.”

At the chamber meeting, Young shared statistics demonstrating Florida “is beating the pants off the competition.”

Most importantly, overseas visitations are up and Visit Florida is moving steadily in the direction of in-state promoting. She explained current initiatives to promote beyond beaches, such as culinary video series and regional marketing in partnership with Expedia to fill in seasonal gaps in visitation. Young indicated Southwest Florida would be benefiting from the latter program on a year-round basis to help with hurricane recovery.

“The progress of our recovery resides in the hands of our destination marketers — the VCB and Visit Florida,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai, who also serves as vice chair for the Visit Florida executive board, said. “We need them like oxygen, and we thank Dana for taking the time to come down to truly witness our recovery and what we need to shorten the timeline to get businesses here back up and running.”

Comcast and Clive Daniel Home sponsored the luncheon.

Ribbon-cutting From page 8 So, when Ian threatened to crush that dream, the Pierces stood their ground.

“It was never a question for us. We knew we would rebuild, even if we had to do the work ourselves, which we sure did a ton of work ourselves,” she said. “I went from painting canvases to painting walls. A lot of own blood, sweat and tears went into the rebuild, but worth it. This island is worth it.”

The idea of opening a community marketplace outside the gallery evolved from selling her own paintings, jewelry and handpainted clothing from the front porch. Pierce went to work replacing the art lost to the storm — fortunately she had digital copies — to sell. When she mentioned the idea to other businesses unable to open at first, she immediately heard eight yeses.

The city got behind the idea, and nonprofits joined in after she debuted the market on Jan. 2 — the day the Sanibel Causeway opened to general traffic. At the height of its reign through Sep. 18, the market included 17 businesses and nonprofits.

In the meantime, Pierce put her energy to work helping charities like the Sanibel-

Captiva Conservation Foundation, The Sanibel School, refuge and SanibelCaptiva Kiwanis Club with her art. For the chamber, she designed a special jersey for the Mighty Mussels baseball team to wear on Islands Night in May. The chamber later auctioned them off for charity.

The Rachel Pierce Art Gallery is at 1500 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

computer has a virus or other issues that require immediate attention. They will ask for remote access to your device where they can locate personal and financial information to steal your identity. They may request

a credit card number to charge you for their bogus services. Never give remote access or credit card information to anyone who initiates a call to you.

Report a scam at www.usa.gov/fea-

tures/five-tips-for-reporting-a-scam.

Participants can learn how to play the game or get matched up to play if they are already familiar.

“That's why we're saying all levels are welcome,” she said.

While the series is currently only planned through November, more sessions may be added.

“If it's popular,” Ankerson said.

While the series is free and open to all,

advance registration is requested.

“They sign up per session,” she said.

“They don't have to commit to the whole series.”

The community is welcome to register and take part.

“It's something that we're offering for people who are looking for something to do and as a way for people to meet new people with similar interests,” Ankerson

Scams From page 8 ber by checking a website or contacting a related family member for their number to be sure it’s legitimate.

Tech support scam: Cybercriminals pose as tech support professionals and claim your

Carolyn Rogers is senior vice president and wealth services advisor for The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.

Mahjong From page 6 Director Emily Ankerson said of the CCA offering the series.

Mary Jane Vinson will lead the sessions, which will be open to beginners to those who play.

“She's a Captiva resident and CCA member,” she said.

Ankerson added that Vinson loves to play Mahjong and offered to facilitate a series for the CCA.

said. “And learn something new.”

To register, visit https://ccacaptiva.org/events-classesmeetings/.

For more information, visit online or contact the CCA at 239-472-2111 or info@ccacaptiva.org.

TheCaptiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

Page 11 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 12 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

Business Notes

FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES

The Florida League of Cities recently held its federal advocacy trip, known as the Federal Action Strike Team Fly-In.

Councilmember takes part in FAST Fly-In Municipal officials representing all regions of the state recently participated in the Florida League of Cities' (FLC) federal advocacy trip, known as the Federal Action Strike Team (FAST) Fly-In. Nearly 50 city officials, including Sanibel City Councilmember Holly Smith, came together in the nation's capital to meet with Florida’s congressional delegation members and advocate for key federal issues that affect municipalities.

They urged Congress to oppose HR 3557, the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023, because it would pre-empt local authority to manage public rights-of-way and land use for telecommunications infrastructure. In addition, they advocated for a long-term National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reauthorization and supporting legislation that would simplify the

Kingfisher announces top producers for month Kingfisher Real Estate agent. Moving to the islands announced its top producin 2004, she has been in real ing agents for the month estate since 2005 and was of September. previously a systems anaSue Plein was the top lyst. Moran is a Realtor and selling agent. She relocatholds the Sanibel Captiva ed to Southwest Florida Island Specialist designain 1979. Plein started in tion. She has a strong attenthe mortgage industry as tion for detail, is a talented a licensed broker on the home stager and knows marislands and was instruket values. mental in the construction For more information, lending at the South Seas call 239-472-4411 or visit Plantation, plus other area www.kingfisherrealestate Sue Plein Robyn Moran beach developments. A .com.

Realtor since 2008, she Kingfisher Real Estate is Second-Home Property Specialist holds the Sanibel Captiva Island designations. at 2402 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 3, Specialist and the Resort and Robyn Moran was the top listing Sanibel. federal grants process.

The group also focused its advocacy efforts on finding a long-term solution to PFAS in soil and water and providing federal liability protection for cities, among other issues.

Before heading to Capitol Hill, representatives from the FLC and National League of Cities' (NLC) federal advocacy team provided a federal briefing. The group met with most members of Florida’s congressional delegation, including Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.

Shell Point to host presentations, tours Shell Point Retirement Community will host informational meetings on Nov. 7, 15 and 28 at 9:30 a.m. to learn about its resort-style retirement options and lifecare from a retirement counselor.

The presentations will be followed by a tour that highlights the community's neighborhoods and campus amenities, including the Tribby Arts Center. It includes

visits to furnished models.

Admission is free; however, seating is limited.

Reservations are required by visiting www.shellpoint.org/seminars or calling 239-466-1131.

Shell Point Retirement Community is at 15101 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers.

SCCF receives grant for RECON The West Coast Inland Navigation District and Lee County recently awarded a new grant to the SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation's Marine Lab for its River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON).

The funds will replace all of the equipment for the weather stations that were lost in Hurricane Ian. The SCCF reported that a significant amount of customization is needed to get the stations installed and working with the other RECON components, so it will take time to get the stations back online.

Page 13 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 14

PRESERVING PARADISE

Island Reporter

captivasanibel.com

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Volunteers take part in mangrove restoration The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that 60 volunteers recently took part in a mangrove planting event that was made possible by partner MANG, which donated 1,000 mangrove seedlings to plant.

On Oct. 14, they gathered on a small SCCF preserve located adjacent to McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, just before the Sanibel Causeway. The land was acquired in 2021 to help protect the critical habitat along the highly trafficked roadway.

However, Hurricane Ian dealt a hard blow to the property, leaving it severely damaged and showing minimal signs of recovery.

The SCCF reported that it wanted to kickstart the regrowth of the mangrove habitat in the area.

Given the extent of defoliation, natural regeneration would have taken many years due to the lack of hydrologic flow pushing seeds into the region.

By planting the seedlings, the effort effectively gave the restoration an estimated head start of five to 10 years.

“These new mangroves are going to stabilize the sediment in this area. We need to plant now so that, in the future, this area doesn’t wash away,” MANG Foundation Executive Director Keith Rossin said.

“Ultimately, we are restoring the ecological value of this area.”

The SCCF reported that once the mangroves grow their roots, they protect the coast from flooding and erosion. With a lifespan of 100 years, the trees will help preserve Southwest Florida.

“This mangrove planting event was an illustration of how our community, with the support of passionate partners like MANG, can come together to restore and preserve our natural ecosystems,” Coastal Watch Director Kealy McNeal said. “The impact of this event will be felt for generations to come, ensuring the protection and vitality of our beloved Southwest Florida coastline.”

SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL

Local youths explore beach with Sanibel Sea School educators The Sanibel Sea School reported that Florida beaches can serve as the perfect place for youths to learn all about marine science thanks to the variety of marine life present throughout the local ecosystems.

Unfortunately, many children in inland communities, like Hendry County, do not always have the opportunity to visit the beach. The Sanibel Sea School’s A Chance to Sea Program is working to change that.

The first field trip of the year was with fifth-graders from Upthegrove Elementary in LaBelle. Sanibel Sea School marine science educators taught a hands-on

course about all things fish-related. The students spent their morning working at multiple stations at the Lighthouse Beach Park. About 40 fifth-graders participated in a fish dissection, played a fish teeth matching game and even seined for fish.

For the past six years, the Sanibel Sea School has been collaborating with students from Hendry and other rural school districts under the program, with a focus on introducing more children to the wonders of the ocean. Its marine science educators will provide three more field trips for Upthegrove students this year.

CROW provides update on enclosure project On Oct. 25, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel reported that all of the foundations for its six, new outdoor enclosures had been laid. The pools in the large flight, pelican and shorebird enclosures had been poured. Its two songbird enclosures were up and the wire mesh are being installed. Each enclosure is specialized to the species that it is used to mimic their natural behaviors. All six of the enclosures were destroyed in Hurricane Ian. To support the project, contact CROW Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey at ahussey@crowclinic.org or 239-395-0031.

CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE

Volunteers sought for restoration trip The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Coastal Watch is signing up volunteers to plant mangroves on Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Hemp Key in the Pine Island Sound. Transportation to the restoration site is provided. For more information or to sign up, visit https://dash.pointapp.org/ events/96651.

Page 15 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Sanibel fire educates island youths

captivasanibel.com

T h e Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently visited The S a n i b e l School and Children's Education Center of the Islands on Sanibel.

Students at school the received fire extinguisher education, including how fire extinguishers work on a real fire and how to use them. They even had the opportunity to extinguish a live fire, giving them a true understanding of how extinguishers work and the importance of using a proper technique. The CECI youths learned about fire safety and what it looks and sounds like when a firefighter is in SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT their personal protective equipment. They also had a chance to tour one of the disThe Sanibel Fire and Rescue District provides fire extinguisher educa- trict's engines and have some fun with the fire hose. tion at The Sanibel School on Sanibel.

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District provides fire safety education at the Children's Education Center of the Islands on Sanibel.

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

School District of Lee County schools will now have Narcan, a lifesaving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids.

Student Services Executive Director Dr. Jessica Duncan said Narcan is something they hope they never have to use, but it is another step to ensure students have access to everything they may need in schools to remain safe.

“Narcan saves lives. It is medication that rapidly reduces and reverses opioid overdoses from the likes of heroin, fentanyl and prescription medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone,” Assistant Director for Health Services Wildaliz Colon said. “Narcan can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if the breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose.

Narcan should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected.”

Those signs and symptoms include limp body, clammy face, blue fingernails or lips, slowed breathing, or stopped breathing.

Narcan will be used as a nasal spray and can be repeated every two to three minutes as needed. It does not have any harmful effects on an individual who does not have an opioid in their system.

When it is administered, the school is calling 911 and waiting for emergency responders to respond, Colon said.

“Narcan nasal spray will be used by trained school personnel and any person in good faith who renders emergency care or emergency treatment for expected opioid overdose is immune from civil liability under the Good Samaritan Act,” Colon said.

Senate Bill 544 allows public schools to purchase a supply of Naloxone, a generic of Narcan, from a distributor or enter into an arrangement to have the medication on campus.

The district is working with Lee Health to provide a non-patient specific standing order and administration protocol for Narcan. The supply will be kept in the school clinic in proper storage.

School board members all agreed they are grateful for the district’s forward thinking in providing the medication for the schools.

“I think it is a scary topic, but it is a conversation that we have to have,” Board Member Melisa Giovannelli said. “At this point, I am excited we are going to have this in our schools. It’s a touchy subject for people, but it is the reality.”

Island Reporter

Lee County public schools to stock Narcan

captivasanibel.com

captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 16

Page 17 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023

captivasanibel.com

captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 16

Page 17 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 18 captivasanibel.com

Island lIvIng

SPD releases Sanibel library offers range weekly blotter of programs and topics As Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure. To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued on Tuesday that will include real time information about law enforcement response to criminal activity.

Arrests ∫ Jiri Kralicek, 50, of 827 Rabbit Road, Sanibel, was charged on Oct. 22 with one count each of operate motor vehicle without valid license and DUI unlawful blood alcohol refuse to submit to DUI test after license suspended.

Other enforcement actions ∫ On Oct. 21, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for not having a valid driver’s license and a citation for unlawful speed.

Enforcement operations statistics

Island Reporter

Report your news to CAPTIVASANIBEL.COM

From Oct. 17-23: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 6 ∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 13 ∫ Traffic crashes: 2 ∫ Radar details: 53 ∫ Traffic stops: 23 — Citations issued: 11 — Written warnings issued: 3 — Verbal warnings issued: 15 ∫ Residential area checks: 444 ∫ Business area checks: 190 ∫ Total area checks: 995 ∫ Reported burglaries: 0 ∫ Reported thefts: 3 ∫ Total CAD calls: 1,264 October 2023 to date: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 24 ∫ Non-emergency calls: 31 ∫ Traffic crashes: 5 ∫ Radar details: 179 ∫ Traffic stops: 73 — Citations issued: 31 — Written warnings issued: 5 — Verbal warnings issued: 46 ∫ Residential area checks: 1,668 ∫ Business area checks: 686 ∫ Total area checks: 3,603 ∫ Reported burglaries: 2 ∫ Reported thefts: 5 ∫ Total CAD calls: 4,354

Important reminders The city of Sanibel's 2021 and 2022 Hurricane Re-entry Passes are still valid. If you have one, you do not need to re-apply for a new pass.

Updated information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp: ∫ The boat ramp is open to permit holders on weekdays, weekends and holidays. ∫ The boat ramp is open to the public (non-permit holders) on weekdays that are not holidays for a $40 daily fee. ∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited. ∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250.

Roadside parking on Sanibel is not allowed except in the case of special events requiring a permit. It is enforced and can result in a $150 fine.

See BLOTTER, page 19

The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children.

With support from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders. The next one will take place today, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. with actor John Stamos. He will talk about his memoir, “If You Would Have Told Me.” A three-time Emmy nominee, Stamos has earned a reputation as a highly regarded actor and producer throughout his over 40-year career in television and film and on Broadway. His rise to fame began with his role in “General Hospital,” and he has since captivated viewers with his diverse performances in “Big Shot,” “You,” “ER,” “Grandfathered,” “Full House” and “Fuller House” and on stage in “Cabaret,” “Bye Bye Birdie” and Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man.” Stamos is also a skilled musician, collaborating with The Beach Boys since 1985, and he serves as an ambassador for Childhelp.

A question-and-answer session with the author will follow.

To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc.org/sanlib/upcoming.

For help setting up or logging into webinars, contact notices@sanlib.org or 239-472-2483.

The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk today, Nov. 1, with John Stamos.

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

See LIBRARY, page 19

Progressive Club launches learning program The Progressive Club of the Islands recently announced the launch of an Intergenerational Learning Center. Programs will take place on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. The Nov. 4 program will be on Spanish. Future topics will include music,

world religions, safety and health, and more; participants are welcome to suggest topics. For more information, contact pcisancap@gmail.com and provide a telephone number and email address. For more about the club, visit https://pcislands.org.

The Sanibel School

by Coach Edna Dykhuizen, they will compete on Nov. 10. One student also qualified for the State Championship, which was held on Oct. 28 in Lakeland.

STEM Showcase planned

THE SANIBEL SCHOOL

Members of the cross country team recently qualified to move on to the District Championship.

The Sanibel School, at 3840 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, reported the following:

Cross country runners qualify At the Regional Meet on Oct. 19 at Lexington Middle School in Fort Myers, runners on the cross county team qualified to move on to the District Championship. Led

The school will host a STEM Showcase on Nov. 14 from 8 to 8:55 a.m.

STEM teacher Paul Warren and several of his students will display innovative projects, offering a glimpse of the program focused on STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The program is available thanks to support from the community.

Light refreshments and snacks provided.

The community is invited to attend.

Attendees are asked to check in at the school's front office upon arrival.

For more information, call 239-472-1617 or visit sbl.leeschools.net.

Sanibel Public Meetings The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ Today, Nov. 1: Sanibel City Council special meeting at 5:30 p.m. at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, and via Facebook Live. For more information or the agenda, visit www.mysanibel.com. ∫ Nov. 7: Sanibel City Council

meeting at 5:30 p.m. at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, and via Facebook Live. For more information or the agenda, visit www.mysanibel.com. ∫ Nov. 8: Sanibel Fire and Rescue District special meeting at 9 a.m. at Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel. For more infor-

mation or the agenda, visit www.sanibelfire.com. ∫ Nov. 8: Sanibel Fire and Rescue District meeting at 10 a.m. at Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel. For more information or the agenda, visit www.sanibelfire.com.

Additionally, the library has scheduled upcoming programs.

A Chess Tournament will be held today, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All skill levels and ages are invited to compete for a special prize — or to just play for fun. Chess sets will be provided.

On Nov. 2, a Study Session will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Come to the library after school for study hall. Snacks will be provided and attendees will receive volunteer hours for participating.

Family Storytime for ages 5 and under will be held on Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m. with Megan Willis. Literacy is a family bonding experience with stories read aloud, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, develop motor skills and increase creativity. The program will include an art/craft center.

On Nov. 7, a Virtual Reality Reef Tour will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Explore a

Page 19 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Library From page 18 vivid underwater world full of sea life in the Coral Reef, Whale Encounter, and Deep Sea Experience. Open to ages 10 and older, the HTC Vive VR experience is five to 10 minutes. One user per session; first come, first served.

Youth programs are designed for children and accompanying adults.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at www.sanlib.org.

Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge.

Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.

The Sanibel Public Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 239-4722483 or visit www.sanlib.org.

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

CALUSA WATERKEEPER

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel. Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel.com or use Tip411.

Reporting suspicious activity Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411: ∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411.

∫ Web tips can be submitted at https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert _group_id=22450. ∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device.

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239-472-3111.

Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SanibelPoli ce.

Monthly water sample results The Calusa Waterkeeper recently released it and the Florida Department of Health's monthly water sample results for fecal indicator bacteria on Oct. 21. For more information, including historical data, visit https://calusawaterkeeper.org/.

captivasanibel.com

Blotter From page 18

Island Reporter

Report your news to CAPTIVASANIBEL.COM

Registration open for annual tennis tourney The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will hold its 30th Annual Tennis Tournament on Nov. 11-12 at the Beachview Tennis Club, at 1101 Par View Drive, Sanibel.

The first day of the tourney will feature men's and women's doubles 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0, followed by mixed doubles 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 on the second day. Player cost is $100 per day or $150 for both days.

All entrants receive event T-shirts, as well as breakfast and lunch on both days.

Winners and runners-up will receive Luc Century etched wine glasses.

Entries and payment must be received by Nov. 4.

To register, contact tournament Director Toni Halski at 239-472-9099.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Cheryl Giattini at 239-822-6121 or tourney Chair Lisa Cochrane at 239-246-8875.

For information about the event, visit https://sccf.org/event/30th-sccf-tennis-tournament/.

captivasanibel.com

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 20

SPORTS

Rec center provides update on activities, events PHOTO PROVIDED

Island Reporter

The Annual Howard S. Danner, Jr. Wheels for Wheels Cycling Challenge was created by Rotarian and the Rev. Dr. John Danner in memory of his father, the Rev. Howard S. Danner Jr., who spent 17 years in a wheelchair after being struck by a vehicle.

Rotary to host Wheels for Wheels Cycling Challenge The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club will host the 5th Annual Howard S. Danner, Jr. Wheels for Wheels Cycling Challenge on Nov. 4 to raise money for the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Trust Fund.

All monies donated will go to the Wheelchair Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, promote the joy of giving, create global friendship and deliver a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one.

Rotarian and the Rev. Dr. John Danner created the fundraiser in honor of his father, the Rev. Howard S. Danner Jr., a pastor and college professor who was struck by a drunk driver while biking and was paralyzed from the waist down, leaving him in a wheelchair for his remaining 17 years.

On Danner’s 60th birthday in 2013, he rode his bike from just north of Fort Lauderdale to Key West — a total of 190 miles — as a fundraiser for wheelchairs. He called it the Wheels for Wheels/60 for 60.

His goal was to raise enough money for 60 wheelchairs. Danner raised $22,000 and helped to distribute over 200 wheelchairs in Trinidad. The fundraiser was later renamed and expanded to include the club.

“I am so pleased that this yearly effort honors the memory of my dad, who spent 17 years as a paraplegic in a wheelchair. Over the years of the club event in his name, and the first solo ride when I turned 60, we have funded close to 750 life-changing wheelchairs,” Danner said.

For more information, visit https://sanibelrotary .org/.

The Sanibel Recreation Center reported on the following upcoming programming.

Swimming Lessons with Shelley L. are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:30 to 3 p.m. for ages 4-5 and from 3 to 3:30 p.m. for ages 6 and older. Monthly cost is $56 for members or $70 for non-members.

Registration is required.

A Youth Indoor Soccer Series with Connor Russell will be offered on Fridays from Nov. 3 through Jan. 26; age groups will include Tiny Tots from 4 to 4:30 p.m., grades K-

3 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and grades 4-8 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The series will cover the fundamentals of soccer, from basic drills to scrimmaging. Participants must wear sneakers; shinguards are not required. Cost is $46 for members or $58 for non-members. Registration is required.

In partnership with American Legion Post 123, a Red White and Brew will take place on Nov. 8 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces are invited to stop by for a hot cup of

coffee to celebrate the upcoming Veterans Day holiday.

The center is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available.

For more information, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/government/recreation2.

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SCCF to host guided bird walks Leading up to the 124th Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 16, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers are holding multiple bird walks on Sanibel and just off-island.

Participants will learn basic birding skills and brush up on their local bird identification. The walks will take place on: ∫ Nov. 4 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at

the Bailey Homestead, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Nov. 14 from 7:15 to 9:45 a.m. at Bunche Beach, at 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers ∫ Nov. 28 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Lighthouse Beach Park, at 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Dec. 9 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Bailey Homestead, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Dec. 12 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Bailey Homestead, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Spots are limited to 12 per event so that participants get the best birding experience. For more information or to register, visit https://sccf.org/blog/2023/10/24/joi n-a-guided-bird-walk-with-sccf/.

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The School District of Lee County continues to boost the safety and security of its campuses.

During the school board’s meeting on Oct. 17, Safety, Security & Emergency Management Executive Director David Newlan discussed some of the district’s best practices in terms of school safety and security as a result of the Florida Safe Schools Assessment Tool, which is intended to identify threats, vulnerabilities and appropriate safety controls for schools.

Newlan said practices include security camera upgrades in such areas as exterior parking lots, blind spots and enhanced single point of entry.

He said access control will be completed this year for exterior and interior doors.

Law enforcement also has access to the school cameras and access control in case of

an emergency.

“Every single law enforcement officer, if had to respond to a school, had immediate access to that school,” Newlan said. “That has been completed. An officer can get into that school immediately.”

Schools also have interior and exterior Knox boxes at the school sites that provide law enforcement officers direct access to secure areas of the school.

Law enforcement also has Collaborative Response Graphics — grid mapping of the schools — enabling them to understand the layout of a campus, so they know where to respond. Newlan said this offers law enforcement the ability to explain and describe where to go.

Other practices include the Bosch security alarm system, or the intrusion alarm system, which will be completed this year at all of the district’s schools.

Another safety and security roll out this

year has been the OPENGATE weapons detection device. Newlan said they are working on their third deployment, which should be done by the first week of November. More than 50 schools have OPENGATE at every entry.

The goal is to have an OPENGATE at every school before the end of the school year.

A force multiplier has also been added to campuses as another layer of safety and security through the Guardian Program.

Newlan said they have received positive comments from the public and staff about the implementation of the program.

“We will continue to monitor the program,” he said.

Newlan said it is layers of security, rather than just one thing that enhances safety and security. That security is based on the design of the school and walk-throughs with different departments to figure out the best fit for

the school.

The review of the completed FSSAT reports for schools on future safety and security requests include: ∫ Looking at additional fencing for various school sites, construct enclosed walkways at some schools. ∫ Continue upgrading security cameras for the second phase to include exterior areas. ∫ Lighting improvement at night in parking lots. ∫ Additional safety and security specialist position request. ∫ Continuation of high-liability training and other staff training throughout the school year to improve on standardized procedures for threat assessment, active assailant, reunification, legal issues, tactical communications and procedural training.

“We are always looking to add enhancements to schools every year,” Newlan said.

On Oct. 25, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that President Joseph R. Biden Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Florida to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Ian between Sept. 23, 2022, and Nov. 4, 2022.

Biden authorized the federal cost-share for public assistance to be increased from 75% to 90% of total eligible costs.

“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

Nesting season From page 1 How sea turtle nests are handled

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Total annual loggerhead sea turtle nests on Sanibel and Captiva from 2018-23.

grants to more than 386,000 households in 26 counties. ∫ The U.S. Small Business Administration approved $1.94 billion in disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. ∫ FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program paid $4.38 billion for more than 47,300 claims filed. ∫ FEMA obligated more than $1.8 billion to reimburse state and local applicants for emergency response, debris removal and repair or replacement of public facilities.

Source: Federal Management Agency

Emergency

Island Reporter

The SCCF reported that marked sea turtle nests on the islands are inventoried several mornings after they have hatched.

An inventory is an evaluation of the nest contents to help quantify the nest's reproductive success. It is done by excavating each nest and determining the fate of each egg.

“We wait a couple of days to inventory a nest to allow any remaining sea turtle hatchlings to emerge before removing or counting eggs,” sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza said.

He explained that during an inventory, the clutch size — number of eggs in the nest — is determined. The proportion of eggs that produced hatchlings represents the nest's hatch success, while the proportion of hatchlings that made their way out of the nest to the ocean represents emergence success.

Nests that never hatch or were never

observed to have hatched but reached their full incubation period are also inventoried.

“After an inventory is completed, the contents of the nest are reburied within the egg chamber. This maintains the natural process and, most importantly, contributes to nutrient cycling within the coastal ecosystem,” Brzoza said. “Remaining materials from sea turtle nests supply a host of nutrients to the beach, which can be taken up by dune vegetation and various wildlife.”

The SCCF reported that healthy vegetation can help stabilize dune systems, which in turn helps maintain healthy natural beaches that sea turtles rely on for nesting habitat. Stabilized dunes also help bolster shorelines against the effects of storms and erosion, offering a line of defense for inland ecosystems and developed areas.

“That cycle is really important,” he said. “We want to do our best to conserve these species and protect habitats by and through maintaining the integrity of some of these natural processes.”

over 33,000 survivors were displaced from their homes,” Criswell said. “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 costshare 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.”

As of Oct. 25, federal support following Ian for Florida totaled $8.69 billion: ∫ FEMA provided $1.13 billion in

captivasanibel.com

President increases federal cost-share for Ian recovery

Page 21 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023

School district provides updates on school safety efforts

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 22 captivasanibel.com

School district works to improve student enrollment process

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The School District of Lee County continues to make strides in providing better customer service for those who are enrolling their child in the district for the first time or reenrolling with new technology and online options.

Student Enrollment Executive Director Soretta Ralph said they launched the QLESS system in late June, which is an online appointment scheduling service. Families can make an appointment to join the line and get information of when the appointment is, enabling them to leave and come back if time allows. Parents can use their cell phone to text an appointment or use the kiosk at the district office.

“QLESS provides updates to the cell phone every 15 minutes through a text to tell them how much time until the

next appointment,” she said.

The system also provides the district with metrics to see how many families are using the program by showing customer appointments, customers that left the line, no shows and customers actually served by staff.

Ralph broke down data from Aug. 28 during the school board meeting on Oct. 3. There were 997 customers who used the app on that day alone to make an appointment or join the line. Of those, 347 were no shows.

“They held the spot, but after five minutes they did not arrive to the staff member,” she said, which could be for a number of reasons, such as parents not being able to wait that long.

The data further showed that 145 were in the virtual line but put their status to wanting to leave the line.

“Five hundred and five customers were summoned and received customer care,” Ralph said.

On average, an enrollment specialist spends 22 minutes assisting a family.

Parents now have the opportunity to also register their child or re-enroll their child through FOCUS. She said her staff receives notification when submitted, they validate and review the information, and follow-up through FOCUS. The presentation also went over enrollment numbers: ∫ Aug. 10, 2022 — 82,956 students ∫ June 6, 2023 — 88,269 students ∫ Sept. 1, 2023 — 90,276 students “We are still enrolling students every day,” Ralph said.

Read the full article for free by visiting it online at www.captivasanibel.com.

Island students take part in squid dissection program Seventh-graders at The Sanibel School recently got to explore the physiology of squids in a hands-on dissection, which was led and taught by marine science educators from the Sanibel Sea School.

The Sanibel Sea School reported that the squid dissection program is designed to be a lab-based exercise that examines the external and internal morphology of squids. Its educators worked with the island school's teachers to model the program based on the standards for seventh-graders.

“The hands-on approach of dissection allows students to see, touch and explore the various organs,” Sanibel-Captiva

Conservation Foundation Youth Education Director Shannon Rivard said. “Seeing organs and understanding how they work within a single animal with strengthen students' comprehension of biological systems.”

The students learned about the classification of mollusks and then worked in teams, following the directions of the educators, to systematically dissect thawed shortfin and market squids and to explore the adaptations that they have for survival in the marine environment.

Squids are invertebrates, meaning they lack a true backbone, in the phylum

Mollusca, which includes a variety of organisms including clams, snails and limpets.

They are in the class Cephalopoda — which translates to “head foot” — along with octopus, cuttlefish and nautilus.

The Sanibel Sea School reported that through the dissection of a sustainably harvested squid, the students observed how form fits function in cephalopod anatomy and learned about adaptations that help squids act as both predator and prey.

Part of the SCCF family, the Sanibel Sea School's mission is to improve the ocean’s future one person at a time.

SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL

Island Reporter

Commission From page 1 does not increase number of stories, and does not require voter referendum approval.

The aim was to enable residents to elevate their homes while maintaining the community's character.

McMichael explained how building height is regulated by the Sanibel Charter, Plan and Code and outlined references to building height within each guiding document and what the regulations entail.

She continued that within the Code, single-family homes, duplexes, multifamily that are not resort housing and institutional uses are subject to a secondary limitation on height referred to as the “angle of light.” McMichael added that the angle of light helps to reduce the size, mass and bulk of buildings.

As for the draft ordinance, staff proposed: ∫ Removing the limitation for residential or institutional/civic structures of 35 feet above predevelopment grade, but maintaining the maximum height of 45 feet NAVD. ∫ Changing the primary angle of light measurement from 20 feet above predevelopment grade to 30 feet NAVD to maintain the 15-foot difference between the maximum building height and the height at the setbacks and to make the measurements consistent from the same starting point. ∫ Changing the secondary angle of light measurement from 25 feet above predevelopment grade to 35 feet NAVD. She explained how it all translates with

a minimum predevelopment grade of 3.3 feet NAVD. Under current regulations, 3.3 feet plus 35 feet equals 3.83 feet NAVD and the lowest permissible height.

With the change to 45 feet, property owners would receive an additional 6.7 feet in permitted height.

McMichael outlined the effects of the proposed ordinance on the Code as: ∫ Does not require a Plan amendment or voter referendum approval. ∫ No changes to three-story limitation. ∫ Modest increase on average of 5 feet would allow homeowners to anticipate potential increases to required base flood elevations and to voluntarily elevate above required base flood elevations. ∫ Addresses all issues related to height and build-back currently before staff.

As part of the presentation, City Attorney John Agnew spoke to whether the proposal would require a referendum.

He determined in his legal review and analysis that one is not required as the references to 45 feet and three stories in the Plan are suggestions, not mandates, and simply offer context and color.

Agnew also cited additional factors, including input from one of the founders of the Plan.

McMichael summarized staff's recommendations as: ∫ Maintain the limitations of the Sanibel Plan — three stories above base flood elevation. ∫ Amend the Sanibel Code to allow for a moderate increase in height for residential and institutional uses, including

for angle-of-light. It will encourage people to elevate their homes, creating a more resilient community, while maintaining the existing character of Sanibel. ∫ No proposed changes to existing height regulations for commercial and resort housing districts.

In discussing the ordinance, the commissioners shared their thoughts.

“I think it's perfect,” Commissioner Ken Colter said.

Vice Chair Eric Pfeifer agreed.

“I think these are excellent changes,” he said. “I'm definitely in favor of these changes.”

Commissioner Laura DeBruce echoed that.

“I think these are good and important changes for our residents and for our city,” she said.

Chair Roger Grogman and Commissioner Paul Nichols shared the sentiment.

“I absolutely concur,” Grogman said.

“I'm anxious to be able to move forward on this because I think it's the right thing to do.”

“I agree with everything,” Nichols said. “I'm very much in favor of this. I think it's a great move.”

While Commissioners Ty Symroski and Lyman Welch also voiced their support for the ordinance as proposed by staff, they noted some concerns about the practical application of its implementation.

“What we have with us today, I think, looks fine,” Symroski said.

“I think it's going to build higher houses and change the character of neighborhoods,” he added. “But it'll be neighborhoods that withstand hurricanes and that's a good thing — that's why I'm in favor.”

Welch preferred to keep residential heights lower than commercial versus at the same level.

“But I recognize the need for resilience for people who are rebuilding to help protect us from different hurricanes, so I understand why we're doing that,” he said.

“This is going to change the character of the community as people are building larger structures.”

“I think this is a good result for what we're trying to accomplish now,” Welch added. “I like keeping the limit at 45 feet.

I wouldn't want to go any higher than that, for residential structures especially.”

In her presentation, McMichael reported that the proposal is phase I for building heights.

City Manager Dana Souza addressed the commission and explained further.

“This change will resolve the majority of the issues that are before us in terms of people that are trying to build back and that give us an expeditious opportunity to be able to allow people to build back,” he said, adding that phase II will also be important and may include changes via ordinance or referendum.

“The discussion on resiliency is not going to begin and end around the proposal that's in front of you today,” Souza said.

time in due consideration of TALC and SPALC. Changes to this initial compensation may be made either on the anniversary date of his/her election or at other times when special circumstances occur, such as salary raises for other employees on the administrative salary schedule. At

its sole discretion, and by majority vote, the board may provide the superintendent with a supplement by official board action above the prescribed noted salary for any given fiscal year based on student achievement, communication, and operational performance.”

School board From page 1 SPALC and TALC, as far as when considering an increase in pay.

“Administrators received a pay increase when staff did not,” she said.

“We did give an administrative salary increase when SPALC and TALC did not get one at the time. It is important. I want-

ed to make sure it was in this actual policy.”

The approved policy also reads: “The superintendent shall also be entitled to all salary increases or bonuses that other employees on the administrative salary schedule may receive from time to

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023

CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife will host its 42nd Taste of the Islands on Nov. 5-19.

Page

CROW announces return of Taste of the Islands 24 aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday

Shell Shocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Island Worship . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Island Beat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 In the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Recipe of the Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Santiva Islanders Calendar . . . . . . . . 28 CROW Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 BIG ARTS Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The Community House Calendar . . . . 28

Week of November 1, 2023 n Page 24 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander

Captain Syntax to the rescue It was the middle of the night. Someone had broken in the front door of the house and yelled: “This is the Grammar Squad. Come out with your hands up. Do not, repeat, do not go near a pen, pencil, computer, tablet or anything else you can write with. Your writing privileges are hereby rescinded effective immediately.”

The next thing I knew I was surrounded by four goons who tied me up and blindfolded me. I was ushered into a waiting car. I heard the static of walkie talkies and someone saying Art Stevens “Got him. Get the interrogation room ready.”

And that’s how my experience with the Grammar Squad began.

I was dragged to the Grammar Squad headquarters with my wrists clasped in dangling participles. My eyes were covered with transitive verbs. I was ushered into the facility’s waiting room and spent an anxiety-ridden two hours waiting to be told why I had been abducted in the middle of the night. Finally, my eyes were uncovered and I was taken to the notorious subjunctive clause interrogation center.

Captain Syntax reviewed the file in front of him. He took a long time to scan through it and the long silence caused my legs to twitch involuntarily. He barely noticed. Finally, he looked up at me.

He said: “On June 7 you left a hand written note on your kitchen table informing your wife that you would be out playing bocce. Do you recall this incident?”

Is that what this was all about? “Yes, that is true. Is it now a crime to leave a note for one’s wife? Or is the crime playing bocce?” I shouted.

Captain Syntax reacted as though I had punched him in his solar plexus. He set his reading glasses on the table and stared at me. “Do you mean to tell me that you don’t know why you’re here? Haven’t your rights been read to you?”

I twitched some more. “All I know is that when my wife read my note she fainted dead away and had to be revived by neighbors. Apparently, in my haste to write the note I made some sort of an error. Why that error unnerved her as it did I’m not sure. I write her notes all the time.”

Captain Syntax could no longer control his rage. “An error you call it. You have committed a crime against the English language that cries out for justice. You are a cold blooded murderer. With malice aforethought you have deliberately left off the dot on the letter “i.” That’s why you’re here and you will pay the price for it.”

Various thoughts passed through my brain. Yes, I’ve forgotten to take the garbage out. Guilty. Yes, I forgot to return a carton of milk to the fridge once. Guilty. But having my wrists bound and interrogated in something called the “subjunctive clause interrogation center”? I never came close to anything this bizarre. Was I having a nightmare?

“Murder? I’ve never murdered anyone in my life. I’m not that kind of person. I resolve matters through reason and discussion. I’m not violent. Are you sure you have the right person? If I didn’t dot an i it’s because I was in a hurry to play bocce.”

Captain Syntax seemed to sympathize with my plight and began to lecture me as though I was a misbehaving pupil banished to the principal’s office. “Do you realize that if the framers of our Declaration of Independence had forgotten to dot their i’s, all of civilization would have been altered?

“Supposing the i in ‘when in the course of human events’ hadn’t been dotted? It could have mistakenly read ‘when on the course of human events’. That would have changed the entire meaning of this vital American

Shell Shocked

See CAPTAIN SYNTAX, page 29

CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE

On-island and off-island restaurants to support annual Taste of the Islands The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife will host its 42nd Taste of the Islands on Nov. 5-19.

As Sanibel continues to rebuild from the effects of Hurricane Ian, “Taste of Islands — REBUILDING” will aim to aid in the recovery of CROW, Sanibel-Captiva restaurants and the Sanibel community.

This year, participating off-island restaurants will support CROW for the first week of the event, with the traditional on-island restaurants participating during the second week. On island, Taste of the Islands will be held from Nov. 13-19 with the CROW “Crawl” on Nov. 18, encouraging patrons to visit the CROW Ambassador Tent and get a “taste” of special dining opportunities on Sanibel and Captiva.

Event proceeds will support CROW’s mission of saving wildlife and its rebuilding efforts post-Ian. “Our islands are rebuilding. CROW is rebuilding.

Taste of the Islands 2023 will definitely show the resilience of our local community,” Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey said. “CROW needs our community’s support to rebuild what Hurricane Ian destroyed and our restaurant partners need it, too. We’re so blessed that many restaurants are open and ready for patrons to enjoy and that our off-island restaurant supporters are getting to join in the fun.”

CROW will offer physical and digital copies of the “Taste Passport” this year. The passports will include a list of participating restaurants, advertising for local businesses and a QR code linking to the People’s Choice Award voting page. Passports will be available at CROW’s Visitor and Education Center, Bank of the Islands on Sanibel and participating off-island restaurants.

For the 14th year, Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank has returned as the presenting sponsor.

“We are honored to continue to support Taste of the Islands again this year as our islands and our community rebuilds,” bank Chief Executive Officer Geoff Roepstorff said. “CROW’s mission is vital to the essence of Southwest Florida and we see how important their work is after Hurricane Ian.” For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities or advertisements, or to become a participating restaurant, contact CROW Development at development@crowclinic.org.

Shell Find Junonias found on Sanibel Eric Mayhew and Ashley Wood, of Hyattsville, Maryland, each found a junonia near the Island Inn on Sanibel. Wood reported that her husband found his shell on Oct. 16 and she found her shell on Oct. 19. Married at Casa Ybel in October of 2018, they were back on Sanibel celebrating their anniversary. “We are grateful to be back on the island where we were married five years ago and absolutely ecstatic that we both found a junonia!” she said. The couple have been visiting for 10 years and love shelling. “We are just so happy to be back and happy to support the island in any capacity that we can,” Wood added. To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Junonia found on North Captiva

PTA deems school fundraiser a success that the event was made possible through the support of the island community, including parents, families and teachers.

The PTA extended a thank you to all who contributed to the fundraiser's success and its gratitude to the local businesses and sponsors that also contributed. For more information, contact SanibelSchoolPTA@gmail.com.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

The Sanibel School Parent Teacher Association held its Seahorse Social Tropical Nights on Oct. 7 at The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center in Fort Myers. The PTA reported that it reached its fundraising goals, with the event proceeds to provide resources for educational materials, instruments and enriching activities for the school's students. It noted

captivasanibel.com

LIMOR NAGY PHOTOGRAPHY

Lisa Putman, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, found a junonia on Sept. 29 on North Captiva. She and her husband were on the shelling cruise with Captiva Cruises. She reported that the water was a bit rough, so she spent most of her time searching for shells on the beach and at one point decided to try her luck in the water. The visibility was a bit tricky with the rough water, but Putman noticed something spotted rolling up with the waves. She quickly grabbed it and immediately realized it was a junonia. “This was my first-ever junonia find and I was so excited,” Putman said. She and her husband discovered Sanibel-Captiva four years ago and have vacationed multiple times on the islands ever since. “We love shelling and are always on the hunt for the elusive junonia,” she added. To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewsPHOTO PROVIDED papers.com.

Page 25 n Week of November 1, 2023

Shell Find

Week of November 1, 2023 n Page 26 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander

ISLAND HOME

islander

Sanibel Captiva

Report your news to CAPTIVASANIBEL.COM

F.I.S.H. to host monthly luncheon with speaker

PHOTO PROVIDED

Variegated ginger

Variegated ginger adds color to shady areas The variegated ginger is a beautifully striped plant with green and yellow foliage that many homeowners and gardeners utilize as part of their landscape design.

The flowers are pearly white with a touch of pink that blooms in the late spring or summer.

The flowers are slightly fragrant but when the leaves are bruised or crushed it will emit fresh spicy aroma.

Variegated ginger is a great choice to add color in a shaded area.

Although they will grow in sun areas, they prefer at least some shade to prevent the leaves from burning. They are a moderate grower, reaching maximum heights of about 5 feet, but will spread and will need plenty of room to grow. Most often it is a great choice to fill around a shade tree or as an anchor plant within a garden. Other great options for the variegated ginger is as a container plant within a patio or pool area.

The foliage also makes a great filler for tropical, fresh flower arrangements.

While the variegated ginger prefers well drained soils, it is recommended to include peat moss or a good compost and topsoil when first planting. They do not require much trimming other than some selective pruning and dead leaf removal.

Overall, the variegated ginger is a great choice to add to the plant palette to create that tropical look within the landscape.

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www.facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is continuing its community-wide Friendly Faces Luncheon. The next one will be held on Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center, with a virtual option available.

It will feature yoga instructor Patricia Gennity. She will discuss breath work and provide a demonstration on meditation and movement.

Originally from New York, Gennity has been living in Florida for 15 years and teaching yoga on Sanibel for the past 12 years. She teaches all levels of yoga and different styles at different locations on the islands. Gennity also offers private individual and group classes.

“Our monthly luncheons offer an opportunity to connect or reconnect, while learning from guest speakers,” F.I.S.H. Senior Services Director Erika Broyles said.

“We're excited to learn about the important practice of breath work and meditation.”

Prepared by the Sanibel Deli, the lunch will be complimentary for those who attend in-person.

Reservations and meal choices are required by Nov. 10.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact

F.I.S.H. OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

Patricia Gennity Broyles at 239-472-4775. Once registered, Zoom instructions will be provided to those planning to attend virtually.

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel.

COMMUNITY HOUSING AND RESOURCES

CHR receives donation from beach resort Community Housing and Resources reported that the Sanibel Island Beach Resort donated $5,000 at its reopening on Sept. 28. CHR Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale thanked it for its generosity.

Deadline nearing for housing needs survey The city of Sanibel reported that with the help of Bright Community Trust and the FEMA Community Assistance Program, it is conducting a Housing Needs Survey online from now through Nov. 2.

It is a first step in the process to obtain available funding for city and local non-

profits, like Community Housing and Resources and F.I.S.H. of SanibelCaptiva, to meet unmet affordable housing needs.

Any member of the Sanibel community is encouraged to complete the survey, especially those on a fixed income or those who commute to their Sanibel place

of work from off-island. The questions are designed to better understand the needs of the workforce and low-moderate income residents that will guide decision-making for the Below Market Rate Housing (BMRH) Program administered by CHR. The city asked that survey responses be limited to one per person.

To access the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sanibel-bmrh-20231002.

For more information, contact the Planning Department at 239-472-4136.

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI My hometown Bologna is known throughout Italy for its homemade pasta. One of the town's most popular pasta is tagliatelle — my favorite; it is a wider and thinner version of fettuccine, about 8 mm. Both are made by rolling out the dough thin, then roll up and cut into strips. This recipe combines the city's best homemade tagliatelle pasta with my family's Bolognese sauce, truly a marriage of flavors made in heaven. Serves eight.

3 cups “00” Italian or all-purpose flour 1/4 cup dry white wine 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon sea salt

CROW Calendar ∫ Wednesday, Nov. 8 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW. Admission to the center is currently free. Admittance includes the above daily presentations, and no reservations are required to attend.

In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Wednesdays through Fridays after the daily presentation. Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older. The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required. To register, contact 239-472-3644 ext. 229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.

For more information, visit http://www.crowclinic.org/ or call 239472-3644.

BIG ARTS Calendar BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

Workshop Intro to Glass Fusing with Petra Kaiser today, Nov. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $39 for donors and $48 for non-donors.

Workshop From Life with Juli Bobman on Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Cost is $128 for donors and $160 for nondonors.

Film Series “Perfumes” (2020) will be shown on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.

Workshop Fluid Art with Tammy DeCaro today, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $39 for donors and $48 for non-donors.

Open Studio Open Studio on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $10 for donors and $12 for non-donors per hour.

Workshop Watercolor Fundamentals with Sunny Krchmar on Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Workshop Glass Fusing with Petra Kaiser on Nov. 2, 9, 16, and 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $135 for donors and $168 for non-donors.

Workshop Zentangle Drawing with Donna Lee Cole on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost is $39 for donors and $48 for nondonors.

Registration is required for workshops by calling 239-395-0900.

For more information or tickets, visit www.bigarts.org.

This is my family’s version of Bolognese sauce. My Nonna used to make it every Sunday for our family dinner. As children with my cousins, I used to sneak by her and dip bread in the sauce as it was cooking. The wonderful flavor was worth her getting mad at us and chasing us all over the house. Notice that there is no milk added in our Bolognese sauce. (Chef tip: To make the perfect sauce, always use a stainless-steel heavy bottom saucepan. It will prevent the sauce from scorching and from having the acidity of the tomato sauce react with an aluminum pan.)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 carrot, peeled, finely minced 1 stalk celery, trimmed, finely minced 1 small yellow onion, peeled, finely minced 2 pounds lean ground veal 1/2 cup Pancetta (Italian bacon), finely diced 1 cup dry red wine 2 cans (16 ounces each) tomato sauce 1 can (16 ounce) chopped tomatoes 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper In an eight-quart heavy bottomed, non-reactive stockpot, cook carrot, celery and onion in olive oil at medium heat until onion turns transparent, about seven to 10 minutes. Add pancetta and ground veal. Cook until meats are cooked thoroughly and light brown in color.

Add wine and cook until it evaporates, about 10 more minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and sauce to meat mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Lower heat and simmer, partly covered, stirring once in a while, for 45 minutes to an hour, until sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning before serving with tagliatelle pasta.

Island Worship ∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www.batyam.org/, https://www.facebook.com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p.m. and via Zoom. For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com. ∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www.captivachapel.com/, www.facebook.com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch Services will return for season in November. Videos of services from the past season can be found on the chapel's website and Facebook page. ∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www.chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida.org Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a.m. via Zoom.

An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail.com. ∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch.com/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne Sunday service at 10 a.m. in the SCC Sanctuary. Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday. ∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www.sanibelucc.org/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelucc/ Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Mark Boyea Sunday service at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. ∫ St. Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www.saintisabel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Edward Martin Friday Mass at 9 a.m. Weekend Masses on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. ∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www.saintmichaelssanibel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss Saturday service at 5 p.m. with a social to follow. Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. with a coffee hour to follow. Services take place at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at the church; enter off of Dunlop Road.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following: ∫ Today, Nov. 1 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW. ∫ Thursday, Nov. 2 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW. ∫ Friday, Nov. 3 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW.

Ragu Alla Bolognese

captivasanibel.com

Loretta Paganini Place flour on wooden board and form into a mound.

Make a deep well in the center and break eggs into it. Add salt and wine. Use a fork to break up egg and mix contents of the well.

Slowly add flour, beginning at the top of the well so that the walls collapse and blend into the mixture. When flour is almost totally absorbed, begin kneading, pressing with the palms of your hands. Knead dough for about 20 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. (If dough is dry, add a few drops of water. If it is sticky, add a sprinkle of flour.) Gather dough into a ball, place in mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.

Roll out dough using either a rolling pin or a pasta machine into a thin and long strip; allow dough to dry for five minutes so that the edges of the dough start to curl up. Brush both sides of the dough with flour, roll it up and cut into 1/4 inch wide strips of tagliatelle.

Bring a 10-quart pot of water to a boil, add two teaspoons of sea salt and add the

prepared pasta. Stir and cover the pot until water comes to a boil; remove the lid and stir the pasta and cook until “al dente” to the tooth, about two to three minutes.

Drain and place in a large bowl; toss with the prepared Bolognese sauce. Sprinkle with plenty of Parmesan cheese and serve at once.

Page 27 n Week of November 1, 2023

Recipe of the Week: Homemade Tagliatelle with Ragu Bolognese Sauce

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

SLIMTRONIC5000 5 to 8:30 p.m.

YARD DOG CHARLIE 5 to 8:30 p.m.

PRESTON HAMILTON 5 to 8:30 p.m.

BRIAN BEARDEN 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

DANNY MORGAN AND JOHN McLANE DUO 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

CHRIS WORKMAN 6 to 9 p.m.

JENNY VE 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

MONDAY

TUESDAY SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

ROY SCHNEIDER 5 to 8:30 p.m.

MICHAEL DAVID 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Santiva Islanders will present the following:

Coffee Bistro

BANK OF THE ISLANDS

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

JOSH ROWLAND AND DANI LIGHTNER 6:30 p.m.

KARAOKE 8 to 10 p.m.

SUNDAY

J.D. INGALLS 5 to 8:30 p.m.

ANTHONY PICONE 5 to 8:30 p.m.

JOHN McLANE 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

LAST CALL TRIVIA 7 to 9 p.m.

Santiva Islanders Calendar

captivasanibel.com

Week of November 1, 2023 n Page 28

islandBEAT islander Sanibel Captiva

Kelsey Hamilton of Bank of the Islands, Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors' Chief Executive Officer Bill Robinson, bankers Richard Shera and David Lowden, SCIAR RPAC Chair Dave Arter and banker Vanessa Flynt.

Bank of the Islands serving as sponsor

Cardio and Strength Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Nov. 2 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required.

Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members. Enter off of Dunlop Road.

Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank was a gold sponsor for the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors' Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC) golf outing on Oct. 11 and it contributed a branded gift basket for the silent auction. In addition, the bank was a wrangler angler sponsor for The Heights Foundation's Saltwater Cowboy benefit on Oct. 20.

The Heights Foundation Executive Director Annia Campbell with David Lowden, of Bank of the Islands.

Fun and Games

The Community House The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:

Painting with Friends Painting with Friends will be held today, Nov. 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring you own supplies. Cost is $10 donation; register and pay at the door. For more information, contact Jane Hudson at janehudsonpainter@yahoo.com.

Shellcrafters The Shellcrafters will meet on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby. A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a.m.; it is free and supplies range from $510. Items will be available for sale. All sales benefit the operations of The Community House.

Coffee Bistro will be held on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Coffee and other beverages will be served. Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, offer signups for activities and more. Enter off of Dunlop Road.

Oil Class Artist Suzette Heeres will host an Oil Painting Class on Nov. 7 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The subject will be “Colorful Cottages.” Cost is $55 for members and $65 for non-members; all supplies included.

To register, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblin k/WebLink.aspx?name=sanibel&id=73.

TCH is accepting art vendors for the 87th Sanibel Historical Annual Shell Festival on March 7-9. Reservations are available for 8-foot tables for $150 and include all three days.

TCH office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net or contact 239472-2155 or office@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.

Fun and Games will be held on Nov. 2 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Options will include cards, board games, puzzles, Bridge, Mahjong and more. For more information about Bridge, contact Bryant Korn at bryantekorn@gmail.com. For more information about Mahjong, contact Robin Christian at fwrobin01@att.net. Enter off of Dunlop Road.

Stretch and Tone Mahnaz Bassir will host Stretch and Tone on Nov. 2 from 1 to 2 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve toning exercises, balance movements and total body

stretches. Bring water and a towel; the exercises are done standing or sitting in chairs, so no mat is needed. Cost per class is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Enter off of Dunlop Road.

Happy Hour at MudBugs Happy Hour at MudBugs will be held on Nov. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials. Participants will order and pay individually. For more information, contact event host Robin Christian at 817-975-7166.

Coffee Bistro Coffee Bistro will be held on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Coffee and other beverages will be served. Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, offer signups for activities and more. Enter off of Dunlop Road.

Cardio and Strength Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Nov. 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required.

Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members. Enter off of Dunlop Road.

The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age.

The cost is $20 for an annual membership. The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities.

For more information, visit https://santivaislanders.org/ or contact santivaislanders@gmail.com.

Keep Sanibel beautiful...Please recycle!

ship and future employment. CITs are a vital link between the younger campers and counselors in programs.

Registration for the camps will open on Nov. 4 at 10 a.m.

Scholarships are available. Those in need should contact sanibelseaschool@sccf.org before the registration opens and include camp of interest, campers' full names and ages, and a phone number.

For more information or to register, visit https://sanibelseaschool.org/programs/camps/. of the Sanibel-Captiva Part Conservation Foundation family, the Sanibel Sea School's mission is to improve the ocean’s future one person at a time. For more information, visit sanibelseaschool.org.

Kingfisher donates to CROW

captivasanibel.com

For this year's Winter Camp, the Sanibel Sea School will offer a three-day week in December and a four-day week in January for youths ages 6-13 and Counselors in Training (CITs) ages 1317.

Week 1: Jingle All the Way Week ∫ Dec. 27-29 at the Bailey Homestead campus, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Camper cost is $225 and camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ∫ CIT cost is $159 and camp runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Week 2: Chiton Countdown ∫ Jan. 2-5 at the Bailey Homestead campus, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Camper cost is $300 and camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ∫ CIT cost is $212 and camp runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The CIT program is designed to teach older campers the skills needed for leader-

Page 29 n Week of November 1, 2023

Sanibel Sea School announces Winter Camp

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

KINGFISHER REAL ESTATE AND VACATION RENTALS

Kingfisher Real Estate and Vacation Rentals recently donated $3,250 to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel to further assist with CROW’s efforts to save wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, research, education and conservation medicine.

Captain Syntax From page 24 document and robbed generations of Americans of their freedom and liberty.”

I was dazed. “I never thought about it that way.”

“That’s the problem with you language defilers. You never stop to think about the consequences. The reason your wife fainted when she saw your note is because the failure of dotting your i rendered an entirely different meaning. She thought you were telling her that you were going to rob a liquor store.”

He then explained to me why different languages have their own sacred symbols which if left out of words would give them entirely different and undesirable meanings.

He explained the German umlauts and the French accents.

It all made sense to me now. I realize that it was pure carelessness that caused me to forget to dot my i’s. But then the door

opened and two giant goons walked in.

Captain Syntax removed my bonds and looked me over solemnly. “Since this is your first known offense, we will go easy on you.

We will give you a light sentence this time but if you’re ever caught not dotting i’s again I can assure you that the English language will have its way with you.”

“But where are these men taking me?” I stammered.

“To the probation facility where you will be placed in front of a blackboard. You will then dot 1,000 i’s and cross 1,000 t’s until their correct use in language is embedded in your mind. You will be released then. If you have learned your lesson, you will never see me again.”

Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander. His tongue-incheek humor is always offered with a smile.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

captivasanibel.com

Week of November 1, 2023 n Page 30

5340',$- 03,4,0/ $/,%(- 5%-,& ,%2$29 )23 0&2 7&&+ .%&2 (&.&2", %*2&$4*/. 0&2'/2-3 $534/%*", 3&26*$ &3 *. +&&0*.( ,*#2"29 ".% (2/5.%3 -"*.4"*.&% "33*343 7*4) 30&$*", &6&.43 02&0"2"4*/. ,*()4 -&$)".*$", 3+*,,3 " 0,53 0&2'/2-3 2&,"4&% %54*&3 "3 "33*(.&% ,&8*#,& 3$)&%5,& 3/-& .*()43 ".% 7&&+&.%3 2&15*2&% /,,3 0"*% &.% 2&35-& /2 "00,9 "4 ".*#&, 5#,*$ *#2"29 5.,/0 /"% ".*#&,

$"-&2/. 3".,*# /2(

Automobiles

Contractors

Screening :

Residential/Commercia l Full Service General Contractor

âNo Bull - Just Quality Work You Can Trustã

Free Estimates

30 Years Experience Veteran Owned

Licensed & Insured

2&-*5- +( -*,&3 ,&". "2'"8 2*34*.& /.% &",&2 &26*$&%

$-- $6,'

Annual Rentals

07 ,2,/* 81(2,(/&(' &2((/ /34$--(23

Tree Service

# 1(/ #052 ($30/$- 0.( ((4 0/42$&4023 02 (-,6(2,(3 20&(29 +01 33,34 7,4+ 0-,'$9 (&02$4,0/3 !

#

2.$/'0:3 2(( (26,&( 2*- 2&&3 45-0 &-/6", /4 ,&"2*.( ".%3$"0*.( &3*%&.4*", /--&2$*",

07 ))(2,/* $6(2 /34$--$4,0/

*$&.3&%

".% .352&% Sanibel-Captiva Islander

$/,%( )*3 (/2(&/53 2&-/%&,&% 0*,*.( )/-& /''&23 #&%2//-3 #"4)3 $"2 ("2"(& 3$2&&.&% *. ,"0 0//, ,/4 3*4& /$"4&% -*% *3,".% /. " ",, '/2 %&4"*,3 4/ 6*&7 -/ 5,' &"$) 2/0&24*&3 .$ &",4/2 "5, !*--&2-". &26*.( 4)& 3,".%3 2&.4", .&&%3 '/2 /6&2 9&"23

License #CGC1532266

Bonded - Lic CBC058576 - Insured

BulldogBuildersInc.com

,&(/3(' /352('

239-560-5448 bestorcontracting.com

239-707-0654 Home Watching (2&('(3

captivasanibel.com

Residential ¯ Commercial New Construction Remodels ¯ Repairs Room Additions

*Additions *Remodels *Renovations

"

Page 31 n Week of November 1, 2023

Help Wanted

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

captivasanibel.com

Week of November 1, 2023 n Page 32