Pine Island Eagle by BreezeNewspapers

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023 FLIER INSIDE

SCCF-tagged box turtle found on Pine Island — INSIDE PINEISLAND-EAGLE.COM

VOLUME 47, NUMBER 26

School district provides updates on school safety efforts By MEGHAN BRADBURY

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

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The School District of Lee County continues to boost the safety and security of its campuses. During the school board’s recent meeting, 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

— David Newlan, Safety, Security & Emergency Management executive director 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 complet-

ed 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 immedi-

ate 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 See SAFETY, page 19

Creative Coast Preschool receives scholarships from Beacon of Hope By PAULETTE LeBLANC

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Deb and the Dynamics coming full circle to the Saint James City Civic Center By PAULETTE LeBLANC

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Many Southwest Floridians have seen Deb and the Dynamics performing around town, but what many fans may not know, is they got their start at Bert’s Bar and Grille on Pine Island. Now they look forward to playing at the Saint James City Civic Center on three Sundays in November, as well as this year’s Stone Crab Fest. According to band leader, Deb Biela, what started as a three-piece ensemble has now blossomed into an eight-piece band. “I just want to bring our music back to Pine Island because I love the people there—we started there,” Biela said. Over the years, the group has gained popularity, becoming known as a local favorite flavor. However, Biela said, no matter what event the band plays, she is always interested in bringing the party back to Pine Island, where she can play to dear old friends. The music will cover a wide variety, incorporating some new songs for the band, as well as classics, such as Janis Joplin, which Biela admits is one of the her favorites. “Every little thing’s gonna be all right—bring the

IF YOU GO: What: Deb and the Dynamics “Party in the Park” When: Nov. 5, 19 and 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. Where: St. James City Civic Center, Fourth Avenue and Lemon Street Tickets: For tickets visit eventbrite.com party back to Pine Island and forget about the past, we’re moving on and we’re gonna have a good time. Hopefully we’ll get some people out there having a great time. Bring your golf-cart,” Biela said. PHOTO PROVIDED BY DEB BIELA

According to Beacon board member, Mary Ryan, the Beacon of Hope has worked to support Creative Coast Preschool since Hurricane Ian hit last year. “We purchased a playground for them because it got lost in the storm and the fence required in order to have the daycare open. We’ve also purchased equipment, like computers and some other odds and ends,” Ryan said. The Beacon of Hope funded 10 scholarships for the months of October and November, and is already discussing a long-term strategy to further education for the island youngsters of Creative Coast throughout the end of the year, or possibly longer, Ryan said. She explained that the only preschool on the island needed some help since many folks lost jobs and homes during the storm and couldn’t keep up with the cost of daycare or preschool. Due to her love for the children, Creative Coast operator owner, Maria Ramirez often finds herself going above and beyond in looking after her students. News that the Beacon of Hope has decided to fund 10 of her kids was nothing short of extraordinary, and couldn’t have come at a better time. “It was amazing because I didn’t know how much longer I could keep my doors open. We lost 11 kids after July first, so I was drowning, I couldn’t sustain. We’ve been cutting back on a lot of stuff but it was just getting too hard for me to keep my doors open,” Ramirez said. It was at that point, Ramirez reached out to Ryan at the Beacon asking for help. Ryan asked her if some of the students who have left might come back if they were offered financial assistance. Ramirez was more than certain those kids would come back if the school was more affordable to them. See SCHOLARSHIPS, page 18

Athlete of the Week.........28 Island Mahjongg...............9 Local Tides......................29 insidetoday Cat of the Week...............12 Letters to the Editor..........4 On the Water....................22 Classifieds & Obituaries

Candlelighters of Southwest Florida invites the community to participate and support the 20th Annual Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament to be held on Saturday, Nov. 11. Captain’s Meeting and registration will be held at Scotty’s Bierwerks in Cape Coral from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10. Brian Stockbridge owner of Gulf Coast Kayak will be on hand to explain the rules of this catch-and-release tournament while volunteers will distribute event T-shirts, goodie bags, sell raffle tickets etc. to registered anglers. The kayakers will launch from various locations within Lee County beginning at 6:30 a.m. Prizes will include:

∫ 1st Place Prize $1,000 ∫ 2nd Place Prize $500 ∫ 3rd Place Prize $250 ∫ Prizes for Longest Red, Snook & Trout ***Door Prizes, giveaways, raffles & silent auction items* Candlelighters of Southwest Florida, a 501c3 charity, established over 40 years ago to support children with cancer and blood disorders throughout Southwest Florida will be the recipient of the proceeds from the event. “We are so grateful to once again have the opportunity to work with these ambitious anglers, have some fun and come together as a community to

support the Candlelighters” said Klair Snellbaker, Candlelighters executive director. In conjunction with the Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament, there is an on line auction via RallyUp for the public to support the Candlelighters of Southwest Florida. You can view the items and place a bid at https://go.rallyup.com/candlelighters-kayak For more information on this year’s Kayak Fishing Tournament, please visit https://gulfcoastkayak.com/ kayak-fishing/fishing-tournament Friends can learn more about the Candlelighters at https://www.Candlelightersswfl.org “… Because Kids Can’t Fight Cancer Alone”

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20th Annual Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament to be held Nov. 11

PHOTO PROVIDED

Food pantry festival volunteers.

Pine Island Food Pantry Halloween Festival a big success The Pine Island Food Pantry hosted a fun-filled Halloween Festival at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, on Saturday, Oct. 21. Close to 100 attended, this family event, and enjoyed a multitude of games, candy and

prizes. The Food Pantry also raised $2,500 and 280 pounds of non-perishable food items at the festival. This will help feed many “in need” on the Island over the coming months. A huge thanks goes out to all our generous sponsors, donors

and volunteers who helped make this event a big success. We are an amazing island community made up of generous businesses, organizations, and individuals who always help each other in so many ways. Thanks to ALL.

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OPINIONS 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60 Bokeelia, FL 33922 Phone: (239) 283-2022 Fax: (239) 283-0232 Web: pineisland-eagle.com Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com Editor Paulette LeBlanc pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@.breezenewspapers.com Advertising Sales Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers.com Design & Layout Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers.com Obituaries Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers.com Subscriptions 1 Year $52 To Pay For Your Subscription P.O. Box 151306 Cape Coral, FL 33915 Circulation (239) 574-1936

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The Eagle is published every Wednesday Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays. Letters to the editor must be typed or handprinted. Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy. In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself. We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication. Postal Information: Bulk rate postage paid at Fort Myers, FL Postmaster. Send address changes to the Pine Island Eagle. Permit # 521.

Web Poll Previous Web Poll Question: Are you concerned about development in Cape Coral along Pine Island Road and Burnt Store Road? n Yes, especially encroachment and increased traffic. 39% n No, it’s out of our hands. 2% n Why worry, local development is inevitable. 57% n Other. 2%

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

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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.

no number of cigarettes you can smoke in a day that is considered “safe.”

Other risk factors for lung cancer

Radon and other substances can also cause lung Link between cancer. Radon is the secondcigarettes, lung cancer leading cause of lung cancer According to the Centers behind smoking. The naturalfor Disease Control and ly occurring gas forms in Prevention (CDC), nearly nine rocks, soil and water and it out of 10 lung cancers are cannot be seen, tasted or Dr. Shyam Kapadia caused by smoking cigarettes. smelled. Radon can get Those who are exposed to secthrough cracks or holes and ondhand smoke also raise their become trapped and built up risk of getting lung cancer by in the air. Tests can be done to 20% to 30%. see if radon is in a home or Cigarette smoke contains building. thousands of chemicals, and The risk of lung cancer many of them are carcinogens. The human from radon exposure is higher for smokers body can detoxify and get rid of carcinogens, versus nonsmokers. According to the but when it’s unable to do so, leftover car- Environmental Protection Agency, radon is cinogens can cause the cells in the body to responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer mutate, and sometimes transform into can- deaths every year and about 2,900 of these cerous cells. When these cancerous cells deaths occur among people who have never develop in the lungs, it’s called lung cancer. smoked. The more smoke that’s inhaled, the more Breathing in other substances, such as chance there is for mutations to develop. If asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust and some someone smokes frequently for a long period forms of silica and chromium can also put of time, they will have a higher risk of devel- you at risk of developing lung cancer over oping lung cancer. time. There is not enough research to suggest that vaping leads to lung cancer, but many of Family history of lung cancer the carcinogens that are in cigarette smoke Your risk of developing lung cancer may are also in vape smoke. be higher if your parents, brothers, sisters or The most impactful way to decrease the children have had lung cancer. risk of developing lung cancer is to stop If you’ve personally had lung cancer, smoking completely. Unfortunately, there is there is also a chance that you could get lung

Guest Commentary

cancer again if you do not quit smoking.

Screening for lung cancer It’s recommended to get screened before age 50 if you have a family history of lung cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening with a low dose computed tomography (CT scan) if you: ∫ Smoke 20 packs of cigarettes a year ∫ Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years ∫ Are between 50 and 80 years old If you meet any of these requirements or if you’d like more information, contact your primary care provider. For more information, visit www.leehealth.org.

Advances in lung cancer detection Lee Health has added the ION roboticassisted bronchoscopy platform to its robotics 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 See LUNG CANCER, page 7

Letters to the Editor Not the first hostage crisis initiated by Iran To the editor: In November of 1979, Iranian Students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran taking 60 hostages. They were held for 444 days, during Jimmy Carter’s Presidency. They were released on January 21st, 1981, within hours after Ronald Reagan’s inaugural address. Jimmy Carter was one of the weakest Presidents this country had ever seen until the arrival of Joe Biden.

Biden’s weakness is responsible for Russia invading Ukraine, Iran being on the verge of possessing nuclear weapons, the emboldening of Iran to start a war with Israel, opening our borders for any and all to just walk across and terrorize our citizens at a point in time of their choosing and ultimately, for China to take possession of Taiwan before Biden leaves office. His “leadership” has fostered unbearable runaway inflation for those who can least afford it. The “big stick” that belonged to the USA since before World War I has been reduced,

We want your opinion The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Pine Island Eagle, 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60, Bokeelia, FL 33922; e-mailed to pineisland@ breezenewspapers.com; posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com or faxed to 283-0232. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: pineisland-eagle.com

by this President, to a burnt-out cinder, feared by no one but revered by those who despise this country and can’t wait to see her fall. Those socialist leaders and students at our illustrious “elite institutions of higher learning” that are openly supporting the animals of Hamas that slaughtered civilians in Israel, primarily helpless women, children, and babies, are the future of our country under the Socialist Democratic rule. We are watching an incredible parity unfold before our eyes of Israel’s fight for survival of their country, freedom, and the rule of law (American ideals) and Iran’s undeterred and unequivocal vow to wipe them off the face of the planet employing any and all means necessary (Socialist Democratic Ideals of winning at all costs). We have all seen the future of our government in the hands of the Socialist Democrats. They are in lockstep in everything they do. Much like the Peoples Republic of China, nobody votes against Xi Jinping. There is no debate amongst Dems for their speaker, they do what they are told to do. Republicans are of a totally different ilk. They openly chalSee LETTERS, page 20

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United Way neighborhood campaigns: 25 years of giving There is no single gift that supports as Lago, Grandezza, and many other Southwest many different nonprofits in our community Florida communities, the United Way’s as a gift to United Way. The power of colleccommunity campaign allows individuals to tive giving to address the diverse needs in our collectively support United Way alongside region is what first inspired me to become their neighbors who share the same passion involved in a United Way campaign. Each for improving the lives of those around gift is combined with thousands of others, them. magnifying and multiplying the power of The first local community campaign your contribution. This is true whether you launched in 1998 in Bonita Bay. This year, give as an individual, through a company gift the community is on track to surpass $20 such as payroll deductions, or through neighmillion in funds cumulatively raised over the borhood or community campaign giving. past 25 years. I can’t think of a better examThis is how we get to a big number like ple of what a community can do collectively $11.3 million and how we support 260 prothan what Bonita Bay has accomplished. Barbara Hartman grams and initiatives from the nonprofit Their community has a strong base of supagencies in our tri-county area. porters, including many Alexis de My first exposure to United Way of Lee, Tocqueville donors who give at the $10,000 Hendry, and Glades was through Florida’s or above level annually. When asked what Workplace Development where I was invited inspires the community to continue giving, to lead our employee giving or pacesetter Bonita Bay’s community campaign chair campaign. I quickly found myself loving the and Alexis de Tocqueville donor Gary work that I was doing with United Way and took on larger Brooks shared this: volunteer leadership roles. “The speed at which United Way responds to the changI learned so much about the great needs in our communi- ing needs of the community, such as Hurricane Ian, hunger, ty and how United Way adapts to address and fund those and housing shortages, is what inspires me and others in needs. The full transparency and accountability of the orga- Bonita Bay to continue giving. They have a pulse on the nization’s distribution of funds to its partner agencies greatest areas of need. There are strong checks and balances assured me that the dollars were well managed. This inspired in place to ensure the dollars raised go directly to the organme to become an Alexis de Tocqueville donor and to join the izations and people in need. Unlike so many charities, the board of directors for United Way. Giving back to the com- money I give to United Way stays local and positively munity that I grew up in was incredibly rewarding, and I still impacts the community.” feel that way. In 2008, United Way contacted another supporter and After my retirement 10 years ago, I was asked by Cliff asked her to start a campaign at Riva Del Lago, a luxury Smith, former president of United Way, to start a communi- high-rise community in Fort Myers. Katherine Caldwell ty campaign for my neighborhood, The Landings. Through founded the Riva Del Lago campaign, but like me, she my outreach to neighbors and our committee’s community began her journey with United Way through employee givcampaign, I came to realize that many of my own neighbors ing. While working at Colonial Bank, she first gave to leverage United Way’s partner agencies to help them. Many United Way through their employee payroll deduction proothers serve as volunteers for United Way. I’m proud to gram. share that since our first campaign in 2014, The Landings “We didn’t have a goal,” said Katherine, who is also an has been able to expand our influence. To date, The Alexis de Tocqueville donor. “We just wanted to see how Landings has donated a total of $232,545 to United Way much we could raise.” over just nine years. After the first year, they set a goal of $10,000 and slowWhile I have lived in Southwest Florida for most of my ly worked their way up. This past year, the community’s life, many of those involved in the community campaigns goal of raising $25,000 was surpassed, and a record-breakare seasonal or have relocated from other parts of the coun- ing $33,000 was raised. In total, Riva Del Lago has raised try. Some have been involved in United Way in other $226,956 since 2008. regions or states, while some are introduced to United Way When asked how the community was inspired, Katherine for the first time through their neighborhood involvement. said that the best way to inspire is to lead by example and to For residents in The Landings, Bonita Bay, Riva Del get involved.

Guest Commentary

The Grandezza Community Campaign is spearheaded by fellow board member and Alexis de Tocqueville donor Bill Motzer. His involvement with United Way began through a neighborhood campaign. He and his wife were inspired after visiting a United Way Partner Agency, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida which provides services to abused children. That's when they made their first gift. Each year, they have increased their contributions. When it comes to inspiring Grandezza homeowners to give, letters of appeal are distributed to neighbors and the campaign committee hosts several events during the campaign, including an activity day, raffle, and silent auction. The community has found fun and creative ways to engage residents, including a helicopter golf ball drop. For this event, residents purchase a raffle number, which is placed on a golf ball, and then a helicopter soars over the golf course and drops the balls. The person with the number that lands closest to the hole is declared the winner. It’s regarded as the most memorable event of the campaign. “The more you’re around this particular United Way, the more impressed you are with the dedication,” said Motzer. "They make sure the money goes directly to deserving charities. Through their fund distribution program, we are all assured that our money is efficiently invested into the community.” Motzer shared that 75% of the community’s fundraising pool is earned from direct donations, and the remaining 25% comes from events. When the Grandezza community campaign began in 2009, $2,000 was raised. Just last year, the community, which consists of nearly 1,000 homeowners, came together to raise over $200,000. Over the last 14 years, Grandezza and its homeowners have raised $1.5 million. Add up just the four communities mentioned above and you can start to see the collective impact of the dollars raised. During the 2022-23 campaign season, 11 communities collectively raised $4,479,983, making up 40% of United Way’s overall total of $11.2 million raised. As Lee County residents, we have such an important role to play in our community. Whether you support a company, give to a community campaign, or simply donate directly — consider the impact of our shared efforts. Nothing compares to the power of uniting together for a shared mission, and for 25 years, the United Way’s community campaign has proven this to be undeniable. Barbara Hartman is a board member, Alexis de Tocqueville donor and community chair for the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Campaign Committee. For more information, visit UnitedWayLee.org.

port and remind them that they are not alone in life’s storms. We are so grateful to have the assistance of our dedicated volunteers and church partners who help us offer hope and relief to those who need it during these challenging times. Our first stop was the south Fort Myers neighborhood of Harlem Heights. Not even the Florida afternoon storms could stop us. Our team and volunteers went doorto-door with solar-powered lights, provided valuable hurricane preparation information and shared additional ways Better Together can help provide aid. We distributed over 300 lights to more than 100 families in the matter of a few hours. Our next stop was Suncoast Estates, where we delivered hundreds more lights. Ahead of Hurricane Idalia, we spent the day on Pine Island making sure that families had resources ahead of the storm. After the storm passed, we packed up our truck and delivered lights and supplies to families in North Florida as well. These distribution experiences are so impactful. They not only allow us to connect with families in need of our programs, but they also allow us to offer hope. When one of our teams in Suncoast knocked on Jacqueline’s door, they were greeted with big smiles. “We are so blessed and grateful for all of your help,” Jacqueline said. Through this outreach, we have found that many families are still struggling with storm recovery. Many rent but their landlords have not completed repairs. Some own their homes, but government resources and private insur-

ance did not make them whole. On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian, we rallied volunteers to deliver much-needed supplies to 15 of these families in the Harlem Heights, Suncoast Estates and Pine Island communities, providing a variety of necessities including beds, diapers, sheets and pillows, wipes, toys for the children and gift cards. And we’re not done yet. Just as we responded to our community one year ago, Better Together continues to serve the evolving needs of our local neighbors today and beyond. Recovery is not a process that can be accelerated by a quick influx of dollars and short-lived support. It requires commitment and a long-term investment of resources and relationships to maintain momentum. We’re here. We’re in it for the long haul. But we can’t do it alone. To reach our goal of helping as many people as possible, we need volunteers and support. I invite you to join us in being the light for families in crisis. If you are interested in becoming part of our campaign and volunteering at our upcoming events, you can visit BetterTogetherUS.org/Give-Help or text 239470-2733 to get involved. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see all that we can accomplish together!

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.

Megan Rose is CEO of Better Together, a nonprofit organization that helps parents and families. To help families in your community, get help or donate, visit bettertogetherus.org or call 239-470-2733.

Lung cancer From page 4 confirm the lesion’s location with an intra-procedure 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.

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By Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together Hurricane season can be a frightening and traumatic time for all of us. It’s crucial to make sure your family is prepared. Unfortunately, many families in our local community are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, let alone preparing for the next storm. It’s been one year since Ian, and some are still left without a job or a permanent place to call home. The moment the storm hit, we at Better Together knew the natural disaster could push more families into crisis. Every day, we help families weather life’s storms, homelessness, addiction, medical emergencies. As soon as Ian passed, we mobilized hundreds of volunteers to go door-to-door, eventually going to 10,000 homes, to meet the needs of those most affected, delivering meals and supplies, tarping roofs, connecting job seekers to employers and providing host families to care for children who were displaced by the storm. During our outreach events, as night would settle in, staff and volunteers noticed how dark the homes were without power. We realized the need for light. This is how our “Be the Light” campaign came to be. We wanted to share a little positivity and light with the community, while also assessing families’ needs and preparing them for any future storms. With help from the Florida Disaster Relief Fund and sponsor CITY Furniture, we are distributing solar lights to the residents of Harlem Heights, Suncoast Estates, Pine Island and beyond. We not only want to help support families physically, but also provide emotional sup-

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What it means to ‘Be the Light’ in our community

Dr. Shyam Kapadia is a pulmonologist with Lee Health.

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Fish transitioning from summer to winter patterns This month we combine summer and winter fishing together in southwest Florida. As cool fronts drop down the state our coastal waters are cooling down. With the change, fish are transitioning from summer to winter patterns. November brings a mix of warm and cool weather. Fishing for sea trout is a great option as the weather cools, they’re often plentiful and feeding heavily on small bait fish. As we near the end of the month and water temperature continues to drop, shrimp and shrimp type artificial lures Capt. Bill Russell could become the top baits. As we switch to shrimp, pompano catches increase as they feed on crustaceans and mollusks. Small bucktail and pompano style jigs work great when slowly bounced across a sandy bottom. When under power, if you notice one or several silver dinner plate size fish skip off your wake, it is most likely pompano. Not sure why they do it, but it’s a great way to locate them, and they run in schools. Circle back around and fish the area and you’re often rewarded. It can be a great month for targeting redfish and snook if it doesn’t get too cold too quick. Redfish can tolerate a sudden drop in temperature, but snook not so much. Snook are on the move from their summer homes around the beaches and relocating throughout the inshore waters. If it remains relatively warm, they are feeding over inshore flats, oyster bars, shorelines, and sand holes. If it turns cold quick, they will seek shelter from the cold in protected areas like canals, rivers, and shorelines with deep water. Schools of redfish that prowled the inshore waters over the last few months move offshore or break up. It’s still possible to run into a school, but most reds will be in pairs or small bunches. Look for reds tailing over shallow flats on the lowest tides and in the same areas as previously mentioned for snook. The end of October brought good numbers of undersize reds across the inshore waters, that should continue through the month as they continue to feed and grow. For fun and action, mackerel, bluefish, small sharks, ladyfish, and jack crevalle are foraging on bait schools inshore and off the beaches. A short distance offshore bait pods get harassed by both

On the Water

PHOTO PROVIDED

With the abundance of bait fish and cooler waters, large sea trout are on the prowl around the inshore shallows. John Sophia caught this big girl while freelining a live shiner in mid-Pine Island Sound fishing with Captain Bill Russell. Spanish and king mackerel, plus bonito, and an occasional blackfin tuna. Expect some big sharks and possibly tarpon or cobia hanging around the feeding activity as well. As the month wears on and the water gets cooler, sheepsheads are on the move and make home around structure in nearshore gulf waters and inshore. Fish them inshore along the beaches and passes, and around deeper oyster bars, creeks, and docks or bridges. Our first run of sheepsheads generally show on nearshore reefs and hard bottom or ledges. Nearshore reefs are a good place to run into everything from tasty snapper to giant goliath grouper. Coordinates for all man-made artificial reefs are available to the public and make a great day trip on a calm day. Some of the most productive reefs are well within sight of land in 30-to-50-foot depths. Sheepsheads sighting was increasing over the past several weeks inshore, so it’s almost time.

For whatever reason the so-called experts determined, both red and gag grouper, plus founder are closed or out of season. You really need to stay on top of the rules as they change often and times without much notice. Keep up to date with fishing regulations by visiting Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at www.myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish. If you have a fishing report or for charter information, contact Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239-4108576 (call or text); on the web at www.fishpine island.com; or via email at gcl2fish@ live.com. Have a safe week and good fishin’. As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Flori-da, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years.

Voting for Cape Coral Breeze October Athlete of the Month is now open; cast your ballot STAFF REPORT Voting for the Cape Coral Breeze Athlete of the Month for October is now open. We had countless top performances from studentathletes in our coverage area to start the new year and now it’s up to readers to decide who will earn top honors for the month. Nominees for October include: ∫ Jazlyn Forbes, Oasis Sharks, sophomore: Forbes placed first in a field of 88 at the Mark McGarity Lely Invitational, posting a time of 17:41.26 in her 5K run. ∫ Zachary Poskon, Oasis Sharks, Swimming: At the 45th Florida Swimming Pool Association Developmental Meet in Orlando, Poskon took home two individual first place finishes in the 100-meter breast stroke and freestyle, and was part of two relay teams that finished first in the pool. ∫ Hayden Tedhams, Cape Coral Seahawks,

Sophomore: Tedhams took home four LCEC titles at FGCU last week. He placed first in the 500-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, and was on two medleywinning teams. He also performed well the previous week at the Florida Swimming Pool Association meet. ∫ Saige Thibodeaux, Ida Baker Bulldogs, Senior: The senior leader for the Bulldogs performed well over three games for the club last week, totaling 31 kills, 6 aces, and 67 digs. She leads the team this year in kills, digs, and hitting percentage. ∫ Gervaris Leaphart, Island Coast Gators, Junior: The running back scored the game-winning touchdown with 2:45 left to play in the Gators' 12-9 win over Cape Coral. On the night he carried 29 times for 126 yards and two touchdowns. ∫ Andrew Marino, Bishop Verot Vikings, Junior: The team captain captured the first individual Private 8 Conference title for the boys in Verot school history

with a time of 16:47. The win comes a week after he shattered the school 5K record. ∫ Lexi Lenius, Oasis Sharks, Senior: Lenius set a new Lee County girls single-game record, rolling a 290 against Bonita Springs that included 11 strikes and a spare. ∫ Pierre Holmes, Island Coast Gators, Junior: Holmes came up with two crucial plays in the final minutes of a 13-7 win over Gateway. He first went up and caught a 15-yard touchdown pass to put the Gators up late, and then broke up the would-be go ahead touchdown as a defensive back on fourth and goal to seal the win. Athlete of the Month nominees are comprised of the Breeze’s staff-selected Athletes of the Week for that respective month. Voting is open until Nov. 2 at noon. To vote, visit www.capecoralbreeze.com and click the "Vote Now" icon on the homepage.

∫ Holiday House will be at the Tarpon Lodge Dec. 13. More later. ∫ The Cutest Pet Contest will go on from Nov. 1 to 17. Bring your pictures with $5 entrance fee to the Beacon or to Winn Dixie on the 4th or 11th. Judging will be on the 20th. Benefit will be the Transportation Program. ∫ Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, will also benefit the Transportation Program. ∫ It's open enrollment time for Medicare. Todd VanOyen will be at the Beacon on Monday, Nov. 13 from 1 to 2 pm. to let you know about United Health but also to answer any questions you may have. ∫ Samaritan Health and Wellness, a primary care clinic, is now open at the Beacon every other Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon. This Clinic provides care for the uninsured and underinsured. The cost is $50. Help is available if needed. People of all ages are welcome. Mental health services are also available. Call 239-3607520 to make an appointment. ∫ Coffee Klatch – We have all been affected by Ian in countless ways. The Beacon of Hope wants you to know

November - March every 2nd Friday night First Baptist Church of St. James City will have a FREE Outdoor Family Movie Night. The first one of the year will be Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. They will be showing "Family Camp" and will have popcorn & drinks. Everyone is Welcome...bring a friend and a chair... First Baptist Church is at 3417 8th Ave. St. James City.

ments is available to any place in Lee County. Please call and reserve 48 hours before your appointment. ∫ Strange Arrangement – Monday 6 – 7 p.m. Lessons given. A musical experience. ∫ Wellness Committee – Next meeting will be Monday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. ∫ Fundraising meeting – Monday, Nov. 20, at 10 a.m. ∫ Pine Island Boy and Cub Scout troop meets Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. ∫ Girl Scout Troop meets on Friday at 6 p.m. ∫ GED classes are on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ∫ ESOL classes are held every Monday from 7 p.m. and every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. ∫ The Attic (Thrift Store) is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations are accepted until 2:30 p.m. unless occasionally they get overloaded. Every Tuesday is 50% off clothing, shoes, and similar items. 50% off “almost everything” will be on Nov. 5 and Black Friday Nov. 24.

Pine Island Sketchers begin season Pine Island Sketchers meet on Tuesdays from 10 am to noon at different venues on Pine Island from November through April. Just bring your art supplies and a lawn chair. There is no charge. Beginners are most welcome. Tuesday, Nov. 7: Matlacha Community Park, a Lee County Park, 4577 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. Tuesday, Nov. 14: Capt’n Cons, 8421 Main Street,

Bokeelia, in the outdoor parking field past the building. Tuesday, Nov. 21: Pinewoods Trail Park, take Pine Island Road westward off the 4-way stop, past the fire station, and turn left onto Frankie Lane. Park is on the right. Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023: Randell Research Center at Calusa Heritage Trail, 13810 Waterfront Drive, Pineland, across from Tarpon Lodge.

St. John’s Episcopal Church to change Sunday worship time Fr. Bill Gilmore, Vicar of St. John’s Episcopal Church announced to the congregation that effective with the change back to Standard Time, St. John’s will change its Sunday worship service to begin at

10 a.m., starting on Sunday, Nov. 5. All are welcome to attend our services and to enjoy our coffee hour in Comfort Hall following the service. Fr. Bill looks forward to meeting all of those snowbirds coming back

to the Island, as well as any new people searching for a church to attend on Pine Island. St. John’s is located at 7771 Stringfellow Road, St. James City.

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First Baptist Church Outdoor Family Movie Night set for Nov. 10

we are here to support you. We hope you will join us for a gathering of conversation, coffee, and support. We are providing a safe space to share, be heard, and connect with others to lift our spirits and honor our strength and resilience as we move forward. Join us at 10 am on Friday mornings. Any questions call Ronda – 239-383-1302. ∫ Beacon of Hope is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Computers, fax and printer are available for use. Case Managers are available at these times. Call and make an appointment. ∫ The Food Bank is presently on hold. The Emergency Pantry is open whenever we are open. ∫ Blood pressure screening is held every Monday from 1 to 2 pm and every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon. ∫ The Veteran’s Support Group meets on the first Friday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 239-283-5123 to make an appointment. ∫ Beacon Bites (our meals on wheels) is available. Call if you need to sign up. ∫ Transportation to medical appointments and treat-

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Beacon of Hope activities for November

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The American White Pelican Healthy adult white pelicans are winter visitors to the state of Florida and are particularly prevalent in our local waters around Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor in the winter months. In the summer, white pelican adults breed in colonies on lakes in the interior of western Canada and the northwestern United States. Because white pelicans are only in Florida during the winter, they must migrate back up north for breeding season Capt, Cathy Eagle in the late winter/early spring. The nesting period for white pelicans lasts 63-70 days from late March to early May. The white pelicans are graceful flyers and one of the largest birds in North America. Their wingspan can reach up to nine to ten feet. The bird is snowy white with black feathers visible only when the wings are spread. Despite spending the winter together and then traveling north together, none of the males and females are paired up on their journey north and they only have a few months to mate and raise a family in the summer. These large birds follow their annual migration route north utilizing preserves and protected areas as rest stops along the way. During the migration, the males grow a dazzling while plumage and a frizzy top notch along with a bright orange plate on their bill. Pelicans have ritualized displays that help them form a bond fast. The male offers a nodding greeting to a prospective female. The female will lead the male on a courtship walk and that’s about it. It’s kind of like speed dating. The relationship only lasts for one breeding season. The pair chooses a relatively flat nest site on gravel, sand, or soil near other nesting pelicans at the same stage of the breeding cycle. It takes a month or so for the eggs to hatch. Male and female pelicans swap places on the nest every few days. Both parents will fish for the chick during the summer. It is rare to see baby pelicans because the adults will nest far away in inland or remote locations in large breeding colonies as mentioned.

Dolphin Tales

“What a wonderful bird is the pelican. His bill will hold more than his belican”. Dixon Lanier Merritt Captain Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating in our local waters. As a professional Charter Captain, she specializes in Dolphin and Nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or call /text 239 994-2572. Welcome aboard!

Cutest Pet contest to begin Nov. 1 Who has the cutest pets on the Island? The Beacon of Hope is going to hold a Cutest Pet contest. There will be three categories – Dog, Cat, and Other. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 1, through Friday, Nov. 17, you can bring a picture of your pet to the Beacon. It will cost $5 to register. We will also be available in front of Winn Dixie on Saturday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 11. The winners will be chosen on

Nov. 20. They will receive a gold award medal, their pictures will be in the Eagle, and you will also have “bragging rights.” The money donated will be used for the Beacon’s Transportation Program which takes Islanders to medical appointments and treatments anywhere in Lee County for free. The money given on “Giving Tuesday,” which is Nov. 28, will also go to this tremendous program.

Matlacha Holiday Lighted Boat Parade set for Dec. 10 The Matlacha Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will be held Sunday Dec. 10. Boats shall gather on the south side of Matlacha Bridge at 5:30 PM. The parade starts at 6 p.m. The parade will go north

under the bridge along the shoreline of Matlacha. All boaters are welcome to participate in the parade. All participants should embrace the joy of the holidays. Please refrain from political signs

or references. Best viewing is from the bridge or along the shoreline of Matlacha. For more information call Rick at 269-330-0274 with the Yacht Club of Matlacha

Lee County announces reopening of Pine Island Commercial Marina on weekends for recreational boaters Lee County’s Pine Island Commercial Marina, which has been closed since July 2022 for dredging, seawall replacement and ADA parking improvements that were delayed due to Hurricane Ian damage, will reopen for recreational boater use at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. The ramp at 6001 Maria Drive, Saint James City is open to the public on weekends and Lee

County recognized holidays. There is a daily parking fee of $10. The Lee County Annual parking sticker is accepted. Due to improvements, the parking area has changed. Boaters are reminded to follow all posted signage. Staff will be on-site to assist and answer questions. Boaters seeking other, nearby county ramps can go to Matlacha

Park, 4577 Pine Island Road N.W., or Lavender’s Landing, 7290 Barrancas Ave. N.W., Bokeelia, seven days a week. For more information about Lee County Parks and Recreation locations, amenities, and other special events, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275 or email leeparks @leegov.com.

Pine Island Elementary invites all veterans to attend a Veterans Day Remembrance celebration Pine Island Elementary would like to invite all Veterans to attend a Veterans Day Remembrance celebration on Friday, Nov. 10, at Pine Island Elementary School. The event will begin at 8:45 a.m. with light refreshments in the cafeteria and the program will begin at 9:15 a.m. in the courtyard. The program includes a presentation of the colors, a welcome from the principal, guest speakers, and students singing patriotic songs. This annual event celebrates our local veterans, but also provides our students an opportunity to understand the sacrifices that were made

by our veterans. Due to School District policies each attendee and/or visitor must clear a security check before entering

the school—a Driver’s License is required. We look forward to seeing you at this event!

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Monthly water sample results

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CALUSA WATERKEEPER

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/.

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Tips for transitioning into senior living

Pet Vaccine Clinic Thursday Join Lee County Domestic Animal Services and the Lee County Sheriff's Office for a pet vaccine clinic for the residents on Pine Island. This will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, at 5630 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia, just east of the fire station. The following vaccines and services will be available: ∫ Rabies ∫ DA2PPV (Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parvovirus) ∫ FVRCP (feline Rhinotracheitis- CaliciPanleukopenia) ∫ Deworming ∫ Microchipping Appointments are required. Call 239-533-7387 today to schedule an appointment. The first 100 vaccines are free. This clinic is for Pine Island residents. We will also have a limited supply of dog and cat food available. For more information about Lee County Domestic Animal Services go to www.LeeLostPets.com or call 239-533-7387 (LEE-PETS). To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook .com/leecountyflbocc.

Leaving your home is hard. Regardless of the situation, making the move to a senior living community is a big decision with many factors to consider including cost, independence, lifestyle and downsizing, often from a larger home to a one- or two-bedroom apartment or condo-style unit. Ideally, the move should be a proactive one, before any health challenges come up. However, that is not always the case and health changes may necessitate a move more quickly. It’s important to consider your options while you are still healthy and can make the decisions yourself before something changes. While moving is admittedly difficult, there are ways to ease your way through the process of relocating into a Continuing Care Retirement Community, where residents can transition through different levels of care through the aging process. A common concern among seniors is that they will lose their independence by moving into a senior living community, but this is not the case. At Gulf Coast Village, a nonprofit CCRC in Cape Coral, independent living is offered so that seniors can maintain their independence, while still having access to vital care opportunities that are best fit for them, when needed. CCRCs have countless healthcare resources and multiple levels of care from assisted living to memory care to skilled nursing, which makes them a great option for seniors to consider for their long-term healthcare needs. According to LeadingAge Florida, 31,000 seniors in Florida live in a CCRC. With the number of seniors choosing to age in a continuing care community rising, the need for tips on how to properly transition into living in a senior community has grown more important. The first step is the most important: make sure you’ve found the perfect community. When choosing a community that best fits your lifestyle, consider the levels of care offered, amenities and staff in addition to the cost and location. Next, consider your budget and what you know you can afford. According to EBRI’s 2019 Retirement Security Projection Model, nearly 41% of retirees are projected to run out of money during their retirement period. Though CCRCs are perceived to be a costlier alternative to aging in place, they make budgeting possible through fixed entry fees and predictable monthly costs. CCRCs can provide flexible, allinclusive plans that include a refundable entrance fee, potential tax deductions and protection from the rising costs of healthcare. Another tip is to make sure that the environment feels like home. Though nothing will be quite the same as living in your own home, the welcoming staff have the ability to make you feel happy and at home. Visit communities, meet the staff and get a sense of the

Guest Column environment. Be sure to meet current residents and ask them what they enjoy most. When visiting, ask for a tour of the community, the various Independent Living floorplans or model homes, and be sure to check out the health services, amenities and activities available. Senior health research shows the highest levels of happiness come from socialization, exercise and purpose-driven activity. And older adults that are physically active show lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and other illnesses. Relocating can be quite a feat, so bring help with you if you are able. Have assistance when deciding what you want to bring with you to your senior living community, such as photographs of grandchildren, books or decor to make your new home resemble your old one. Many seniors face the issue of feeling that they will not be moving to a ‘home,’ and they fear losing the connection to their previous home. However, it is possible to bring that sense of home with you to a senior living community through furniture, decorations and mementos that remind you of your own home. Also, it’s important to plan out your moving process ahead of time. Rather than going with the flow and attempting to bring all of your belongings with you to your new home, have a plan set in stone of what you are keeping, donating or leaving with friends or family. Professional movers can take care of everything from early planning to the move, or picture hanging, Friends or loved ones can also be a huge help in the process of moving into a senior living community, so utilize them if they are available to you. Overall, it’s crucial to take your time when making such a large life decision. Through thoughtful planning and research, making the move to a senior living community offers older adults the opportunity to engage in more purposeful connections for a longer, happier life without the worry of climbing the ladder, dealing with the handyman or planning what’s for dinner. — Submitted by Gulf Coast Village. For more information, visit GulfCoastVillage.com.

First Baptist Church of St. James City offer free breakfasts First Baptist Church of St. James City is starting its free breakfast every Thursday morning from November - March, at 8 a.m., at 3417 Fourth Ave., St. James City. This will be the 12th year the church has served free breakfast for the community. The first breakfast will be held Nov. 2, at 8 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend. Bring a friend. Come and get to know your neighbors. For additional information, contact the church at 239-283-0982.

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Matlacha Hookers’ blood drive Saturday at Winn-Dixie The Matlacha Hookers are hooking up with Winn-Dixie on Saturday, Nov. 4, in the Winn-Dixie Plaza on Stringfellow Road in St. James City for a blood drive from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.¬† Look for the Big Red Bus.¬† As a thank you for a pint donation, donors will receive a $20 eGift Card and a OneBlood Blanket. All donors also

Cat of the Week

receive a wellness check that includes blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. Space is limited and donors are encouraged to schedule appointments online. Please visit www.oneblood.org/donatenow and use sponsor code #10492. For more information, contact DJ at 239-910-3829.

OLMM Ladies Guild’s Christmas Bazaar Nov. 4 The Ladies Guild of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church is having its annual Christmas Bazaar, Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held in the Parish Hall at the OLMM Church. The Christmas Bazaar is the first event that starts the church's island festivities of the year. The Ladies Guild table will have affordable preloved items refurbished by our Guild Elves. The raffle is always an amazing collection of items donated by islanders.

There will be 25 local vendors in addition for your shopping. This is a great way to start your Christmas shopping early. Admission is free but¬†there will be a donation box for the Pine Island Pantry asking for dried food items and canned goods. The Ladies Guild offers a "thank you" in advance for helping. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 12175 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.

Mango Roar? This 2 year-old ball of fluff isn't exactly the king of the jungle type. He would much rather chase a ball, roll in some catnip and eat treats. Mango is a total sweetheart. He is in that playful stage, which makes him the perfect companion for a child who needs a friend. Is there room in your family for this ball of fun? Call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239-283-9100 for more info. If you’d rather just donate, our address is 10060 Mallory Pkwy E, Unit D, Saint James City 33956 or there’s always our website www.helpingpawsanimalsanctuary.com

Church of God of Prophecy to serve Thanksgiving dinner The Church of God of Prophecy will be having a Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner on Nov. 23. Dinner will be takeout only, no dine in. The price is $10 per dinner— Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn or green beans, dinner roll, and dessert. Call

your order in to 239-283-2128 as soon as possible, quantities limited. Pick-up 12:30-3 p.m. Turkey is fried in peanut oil. Gluten free and baked turkey available upon request. The church is at 15146 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The Lee County Clerk of Courts has offered to audit the School District of Lee County's operations, likely without charge. With the school district moving from an appointive superintendent to one who is elected, Clerk of Court & Comptroller Kevin Karnes brought the concept forward for the school board’s consideration during its board meeting on Oct. 17. “This is not a specific ask — a concept for your consideration. I am going to walk through this concept and you all can decide if it’s valuable for you all or not,” he said. Karnes presented an organizational chart, where the superintendent’s office would be an elected position and the world of audits would be through a multi-layered

strategy. He offered his office as a potential option for the board to consider. “I might be able to provide assistance with fraud, waste and abuse,” Karnes said of the multi-layered approach to make sure entities are providing value in areas of specialty. The approach was broken down into the entity and audit scope: ∫ Internal Auditor — performance and compliance ∫ External Auditor — financial statements ∫ RSM — special/complex ∫ Clerk’s Office — fraud, waste and abuse “I really put this together to make sure the board has the proper checks and balances in place before the election. It’s a transparency tool for the citizens we serve. You are going through massive amounts of change to move quickly from superintendent’s office for a preemp-

tory checks and balance,” he said. “It will allow us some time to work together on that change.” Karnes said when they do an investigation at the Clerk’s Office, there are three likely outcomes for findings: substantiated, not substantiated and unfounded. He said there is a 10-day period where a certified inspector general is doing that review to make sure fraud, waste and abuse determination is made. If the answer is yes, the complaint is launched. The report of waste, fraud and abuse would most likely go through the Clerk’s Office general hotline. “I love moving waste, fraud and abuse outside of the district entirely,” Board Member Chris Patricca said. “You don’t need to worry about retaliation when you are reporting to someone completely independent from the district.” Other board members also agreed that it would be beneficial to move waste, fraud and abuse audits to an outside entity, as it would provide a level of comfort for employees and the board.

President increases federal cost-share for Ian recovery Lee County’s share so the impact is more a savings to the state. The School District of Lee County saw its shared reduced to 5%. “It has been a little over a year since Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers and surrounding communities in Florida. Sadly, more than 140 people lost their lives, and over 33,000 survivors were displaced from their homes,” 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. The state of Florida has agreed to pick up Lee

To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has provided over $8 billion in federal assistance, and this latest cost-share adjustment means that even more federal assistance is on the way. The road to recovery is long, and at times difficult, but FEMA will be there every step of the way.” As of Oct. 25, federal support following Ian for Florida totaled $8.69 billion: ∫ FEMA provided $1.13 billion in 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 Emergency Management Agency

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The federal government will pay a larger share of Hurricane Ian damage in Florida. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced last week that President Joseph R. Biden Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Ian between Sept. 23, 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. This means that now the state and local governments will split the remaining costs, 10% instead of the previous 25%, or 12.5% each. The state already has agreed to pick up

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Clerk of Court offers audit services to county school district

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARY RYAN

Creative Coast Preschool students made cards thanking Beacon of Hope for its support.

Scholarships From page 1 “I told her (Ryan) I would ask if, by the Beacon being able to sponsor them, they were willing to come back—and they (parents of the students) were extremely happy. Some of them cried. They couldn’t believe that we were offering that kind of assistance for them,” Ramirez said. Offering scholarships to Creative Coast students, will allow some of the singleincome family parents to go out and look for jobs, Ramirez said, as recovery from

Hurricane Ian has been nearly impossible for them. Ryan agrees that making it possible for children to attend daycare or preschool for families who could not otherwise afford to send their children is the ultimate goal for the Beacon in this endeavor. “We are very interested in having Creative Coast continue because the children are gaining so much by being there,” Ryan said.

Island Mahjongg We had eight Mahjongg players on Oct. 26. We are happy to welcome Tom Kopec back to our group! Judy Burchianti raced into first place with a score of 195, Stephanie Latimer was not too far behind with 120. Kathy Richardson was in third place with 95 points. The Mahjongg group meets every Thursday at the Moose Lodge on Stringfellow Road St. James City. Starting Nov. 2, we will begin play at 11 am. The Moose has lunch available for purchase for those who wish to stay and eat after the games. Call Carolyn on 239-233-7682 if you need more information

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

If you see a box turtle, take a photo and notify the SCCF at 239-472-3984 or clechowicz@sccf.org.

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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that a Pine Island resident recently posted photos of a Florida box turtle on a Pine Island Facebook page because they had never seen the species locally and were wondering if it was someone’s lost pet. Immediately after that, people started responding that it was a native species to the area and to let it go. Luckily, someone noticed that the turtle had peculiar marks — round holes— on the ends of the shell. Others started commenting that the turtle must be part of a research project, as turtles are often marked with scute notching as an identification method. The marking also serves as a deterrence to poachers because notched turtles likely have an identification microchip implanted as part of the study. The SCCF was notified within an hour of the posting and the turtle ended up being a Sanibel turtle that was last processed in 2021 as part of its Box Turtle Project. “This is the second instance of a box turtle being found post-Hurricane Ian somewhere else. The first one was found in a saltwater canal in Cape Coral,” Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz said. “Although many of our study turtles ended up weathering the storm fine on Sanibel, we are confident a good number of turtles got swept off the island and ended up in other places.” The SCCF reported that such movement due to storms is considered natural colonization and is a reminder of just one of the methods by which wildlife inhabit the islands of the Pine Island Sound. Many of the movements are human-influenced due to the transportation of goods such as plants, sod, mulch or dirt. Other translocations are incidental such as a beetle, frog or lizard hiding in a crevice in a vehicle or on luggage. Other times, pets escape or are released intentionally, often with good intent by the owner, but without knowledge of the risks to other wildlife.

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SCCF-tagged box turtle found on Pine Island

Safety From page 11 “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. 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.

Pine Island Eagle

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. 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.

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Local Red Sox scholarship application open The Boston Red Sox Foundation will award $5,000 scholarships in the spring to one deserving student from each of the 15 public high schools in Lee County. Lee County charter and ALS schools are also included with one $5,000 scholarship to be awarded, for a total of 16 scholarships worth $80,000.

The scholarships are for academically talented students who have shown a commitment to community service and are pursuing a two- or four-year degree at any college or university. Scholarship funds are raised annually from proceeds of the Red Sox annual Swings for the Sox Golf Tournament.

To date, it has raised $530,000 for the scholarship program. Applications are open at https://www.redsoxfoundation.org/leecountyscholarship/. Applications should be submitted to flscholarships@redsox.com. The deadline to apply is Jan. 12.

Letters From page 4 lenge each other’s ideas and plans for the future of our country, and it often looks like arguments occur in the British Parliament when they are fighting for their constituents, rather than fighting for total control, total power, and the elimination of freedom as we have known it for over 200 years. The billions of dollars paid to Iran, under the guise of recovering hostages or returning frozen assets have provided their regime with the capital needed to fund the global terror campaigns they wage against all free peoples of the world in favor of totalitarian slavery and the likes of Obama and Biden have filled their coffers to the brim with blood money. Many of us are waiting for that old adage to finally come to fruition: You can fool some of the people all the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all of the time. Max Christian, Saint James City

Help guarantee clean & healthy waters To the editor: Water is a way of life in Florida. Yet our way of life is threatened daily by such toxins as blue-green algae, red tide, fecal bacteria, nitrates, brain-eating amoeba and all manner of pollutants in our gulf, streams, rivers, lakes and aquifers. Repeatedly, Florida voters have supported conservation measures designed to protect our water, but often, those measures have not been enacted or funded by the State Legislature, which too often is beholden to special interests. Meanwhile, our manatees, Florida’s beloved “sea cows,” are starving because pollution is killing the sea grass that is a staple of their diet. Our coral reefs are in critical condition for the same reason. Our wetlands are being developed.The push for rampant development outweighs conservation concerns. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Every single resident of Florida should be guaranteed the right to clean and healthy water, and volunteers are working to make

that a reality. Now and in the coming months, hundreds of volunteers are soliciting the signatures of registered voters on petitions to get the Right to Clean and Healthy Waters Amendment on the 2024 primary ballot. It’s not an easy task. To qualify, supporters need to collect almost 900,000 signatures statewide by Nov. 30. Every single signature counts. If you see volunteers collecting signatures, please take a moment to sign, if not for yourself, for your children and grandchildren. You also can download a copy of the petition at floridarighttocleanwater.org. Simply print the petition and provide your name, address and birth date and mail it to the address provided. This is one issue Republicans and Democrats can agree on in this divided nation. Please join the effort. Sue Beard Fort Myers

Page 21 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 breezenewspapers.com

Pine Island Eagle

Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 22

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Plants & Trees

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Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 24