The community will have the chance to recognize U S military service members next week.
Presented by the MG James L Dozier Lee Coast Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the Annual Veterans Day Celebration will take place on Nov 11 at 10:55 a m at the flagpole outside of the Sanibel City Hall Music will be performed at 10:45 a m before the program's start
“It is to celebrate and recognize the veterans,” retired U S Air Force Lt Col Fred Bondurant, an organizer of the event and former chapter president, said of the long-standing island tradition
See VETERANS DAY, page 20
If you
go
What Annual Veterans Day Celebration When Nov 11 starting at 10:55 a m
Where Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Details Free and open to the community
Keeping an eye on red tide in Southwest Florida
(FWC) reported that the red tide organism (Karenia brevis) was found in background to high concentrations in 49 samples offshore of Southwest Florida, according to t h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s
Foundation
The SCCF reported that red tide a harmful algal bloom caused by K brevis can develop or intensify due to multi-
upwellings of nutrient-rich water from storms Once a red tide bloom is present, p
Okeechobee releases can lead to intensification It can have massive impacts on ecosystems, communities and economies
N a
In Lee County, data from the NOAA
C e n
e r f
C
a s t a l O c e a n Science (NCCOS) and the FWC indicate multiple offshore samples with very low to medium red tide concentrations The SCCF Marine Laboratory's samples from the beach on Sanibel on Oct 29-30 did not detect K brevis
“The dynamics of this event are hard to
See RED TIDE, page 21
Count y board OKs Lee Health pr ivatization
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers
, referred to by Lee Health as the “conversion to a com-
away the public’s ability to vote on the board members of the Lee Health S
Board of Directors and it also will transfer assets into the new entity
Officials said the conversation will not have a negative impact on patient
VoLumE 62, NumBER 51
City consultant presents concept for intersection
p e r i o d , a n d s o l i c i t i n g c o m m u n i t y f e e d b a c k t h r o u g h p u b l i c w o r k s h o p s a n d s u r v e y s , t h e c o n s u l t a n t t e a m r e c e n
m y s a n i b e l c o m / c o n t e n t / d o w n l o a d / 3 2 7 0 1 / f i l e / 2 0 2 4 1
0
P r e s e n t a t i o n p d f T o d o w n l o a d
Army Corps lowering Lake O heading into dry season
T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n
F o u n d a t i o n r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e Caloosahatchee River and Estuary receive freshwater from two sources: watershed runoff, which largely comes from precipitation, and Lake Okeechobee releases
On Oct 26, the U S Army Corps of
E n g i n e e r s ' J a c k s o n v i l l e D i s t r i c t b e g a n using the operation flexibility in the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) to start releasing water from the lake to the Gulf Coast for the first time since mid-June Under LOSOM, it is aim-
ing to release an average of 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to the Moore Haven Lock and Dam (S-77)
The Army Corps aims to use the discretionary releases to lower the lake to 14 feet by the end of dry season The SCCF reported that the releases should build more resilience into the lake prior to the next wet season and provide needed flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary during the dry season, when watershed runoff is not enough to meet the demand
In May, the lake entered the rainy sea-
son at about 13 7 feet, with enough capacity to absorb water from summer rains and what was predicted to be an extremely active hurricane season As of Oct 28, it was over 16 feet That height is detrimental to the lake's ecology, hindering the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation and preventing essential filtration to the ecosystem
“ I n s t e
2024’s sequence of tropical storms and
hurricanes as the lake has done in the past with storms like Hurricanes Ian and Irma lake height rose gradually over the season,” SCCF Policy Associate Allie Pecenka said “Regions like Apalachicola and Tampa Bay saw torrential rainfall during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, while areas feeding directly into Lake Okeechobee remained relatively drier ” Watershed runoff to the estuary has
See LAKE O, page 21
City taking applications for planning commission
The Sanibel City Council is taking applications to fill two three-year terms on the Sanibel Planning Commission The term appointments will begin on Jan 21 and will expire on Jan 17, 2028
Responsibilities include:
b e l Charter section, visit https://library muni-
nances?nodeId=SPAGEOR CH2AD AR TIIIBOCOCO DIV2PLCO
∫ Attend commission meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every
Performance Hall at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel T
The council will make the appointments at its Dec 3 meeting For more information, contact the City Clerk's Office at 239-472-3700.
CITY OF SANIBEL
OPINIONS
Web Poll
Previous Question
How was your island home/business impacted by Hurricane Helene?
∫ Much impact, 40% (4)
∫ Some impact, 60% (6)
∫ No impact, 0% (0)
Current Question
Did you cast a ballot in the nov 5 General Election?
∫ Yes, by mail
∫ Yes, early
∫ Yes, day of
∫ No, I did not
Time to share drug savings with Medicare patients
A simple reform to Medicare’s prescription drug program could put billions of dollars back into seniors’ pockets over the next decade That’d help them better manage their chronic conditions and significantly lower overall health spending Concerningly, that reform is gathering dust. That’s a huge problem for seniors and one we need to fix sooner rather than later
More than two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries have multiple chronic illnesses They face health care costs five times higher than their peers without any chronic conditions And right now, because of the way Medicare is structured, they overpay for the medicines they need.
Currently, drug companies give the insurers that sponsor Medicare drug plans hefty discounts off the nominal “list” price of medicines
In return, those insurers agree to provide better access to those companies’ brand-name medicines, rather than similar medications from other drug companies
In theory, those discounts should help patients But they typically don’t because the negotiated discounts remain secret And that secrecy leads to inflated out-of-pocket payments for seniors.
Most Medicare plans require beneficiaries to pay a certain fraction of a drug’s cost an obligation known as “co-insurance ” When
pharmacists calculate what seniors owe in co-insurance, they use the publicly disclosed list price of a drug not the secret, substantially lower discounted price
For instance, let’s say a senior needs a medication that nominally costs $100 per month, and her Medicare plan requires her to pay 25% of a drug’s cost in co-insurance That’d put her on the hook for $25 in out-ofpocket payments
But imagine that the drug was actually secretly discounted by 75% to $25 The insurer would collect $25 from the woman, pass it along to the drug company, and pay absolutely nothing itself despite collecting a considerable monthly premium.
In an alternate world, one in which insurance plans had to disclose the discounted prices they negotiate, that woman’s co-insurance would instead be just 25% of $25 or $8 25 a month. Over the course of a year, she’d save hundreds of dollars just on that one medicine And many seniors with chronic conditions rely on multiple treatments to stay healthy Thankfully, some lawmakers are trying to make that better world a reality In 2023, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill the Share the Savings with Seniors Act to reduce Medicare beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket costs It’d allow seniors with Part D prescription drug plans to pay cost-sharing based on the real,
Letters to the Editor
No ur gency, no accountability, no real updates
To the editor:
I wrote the following letter to the Lee County School Board on Nov. 1 concerning the lack of comm u n i c a t i o n t o p a r e n t s a t T h e Sanibel School on Sanibel:
T o t h e L e e C o u n t y S c h o o l Board,
I am writing to express my deep frustration regarding the complete lack of communication about the reopening date for The Sanibel
S c h o o l Y o u r w e e k l y u p d a t e s every Friday at 5 p m have done nothing to clarify when our school will resume operations, and this is unacceptable
T h e i m p a c t o f t h i s o n g o i n g uncertainty is severe My family, l i k e c o u n t l e s s o t h e r s ,
i n g sleep and enduring daily hardships not only with our homes, but with l a t e b u s s i n g ( B u s s e s t h e k i d s
wouldn't even have to take if you reopened the school and had any sense of urgency )
I drop my kids off at Heights Elementary every morning now It's 25 minutes there, an hour back to my office on Sanibel I lose an hour and 25 minutes of work every d a y W h y ? B
urgency
It is imperative that you provide a definitive reopening date for The S a n i b e l S c h o o l W e n e e d t h i s information now to plan our lives and alleviate the immense stress we are facing
It is not an election year for most of the school board of Lee County, and as this in no way effects their daily life, I for one am sick of being at the mercy of a board who is incompetent The same board that was incompetent for Hurricane Ian and not support-
See LETTERS, page 5
discounted price of medicines, instead of the list prices
Yet, the bill is stuck in a House committee and isn’t moving forward That’s terrible news for America’s aging population
Many seniors currently struggle to afford necessary medications, leading to skipped prescriptions and costly health complications Research indicates that an increase in out-ofpocket prescription drug costs can escalate health care spending due to increased hospitalizations and ambulatory care For each additional dollar patients pay out-of-pocket, total Medicare spending rises by $1 80
The cumulative financial and personal toll is staggering Medicare is projected to spend $18 billion annually by 2030 on avoidable health complications linked to medication non-adherence, which contributes to the premature deaths of 112,000 seniors each year
The Share the Savings with Seniors Act would ensure that patients who face the highest out-of-pocket costs those with chronic illnesses would benefit from drug discounts This straightforward adjustment not only promises immediate relief for seniors, but also supports better health outcomes by improving access to vital medications
Kenneth E Thorpe is chairman of the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University He is chairman of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. For more information, visit https://www fightchronicdisease org/ This piece originally ran in Medical Economics
M
d elections: This cartoon b y J a y N o r w o o d “Ding” Darling, penned i n O c t o b e r
, continues to hold rele-
winning editorial cartoonist produced hund
e d s o f f r o n t - p a g e graphic commentaries f o r t h e D e s M o i n e s Register and a slew of syndicated newspapers across the country in the early 20th century A s t a u n c h c o n s e r v ationist, Darling saw to t h
W i l
f e R e f u g e i n 1945, renamed for him upon his death in 1962 This month we also celebrate his 148th birthday The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge owns the copyright of the “Ding” Darling cartoons.
REFUGE/DDWS
Kenneth E Thorpe Guest Commentary
FDOT provides update on causeway project
Transportation reported that crews have moved traffic to the permanent lanes on
y islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and closed to public access, including from the water
The following work activities above are scheduled to occur. However, unforeseen underground conditions and weather may affect the schedule:
East from toll plaza
∫ On Nov 1, the McGregor Boulevard work area was expected to shift to the north side of the road Both directions of McGregor traffic will shift to the south side of the road from approximately 1/2 mile from Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road. The shift is necessary for the contractor to reconstruct the underground pipe crossing under the north side of the road McGregor is scheduled to remain reduced to one lane in each direction through early 2025
∫ The eastbound (south/beach side) s h o u l d
closed to access Crews have installed underground devices (marine mattresses) to reinforce the shoreline and are scheduled to finalize shoulder work by late November.
∫ Motorists should expect temporary daytime lane closures on McGregor, both
e
Point to Punta Rassa Road, for crews to move equipment and materials as necessary
West from toll plaza
∫ Motorists should expect traffic to be intermittently stopped at the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road with materials for work on the south side of McGregor and on the south side of the toll plaza
installing sod for roadway stabilization
weeks Earthwork and debris removal continues along the Causeway Islands Expect construction equipment periodi-
when necessary The contractor is limiting the interruption during peak hours.
∫ The westbound merge location is west of the toll plaza Motorists are urged to use caution and obey the 20 mph speed limit Construction vehicles and equipment continue to enter/exit the staging area near the location
∫ Crews continue work in the area of the off-island U-turn under Span A
Many oversized vehicles are crossing
efforts on the island Please be patient as
Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway and pedestrians are not permit-
reminded to obey the posted speed limit of 20 mph throughout the work zone
For more information about the proj-
Causeway
Letters
From page 4
ing the barrier island schools of Lee County At least they're consistent
The Lee County School Board needs to give the parents of Sanibel a timeline, the Sanibel city government needs to help the parents of The Sanibel School by demanding the same answers that we are Where are you, city of Sanibel officials? The Sanibel School staff, teachers, and Sanibel
Recreation Center has shown nothing but helpfulness, support, and smiles during this time I thank them from the bottom of my heart
I look forward to that 5 p m email
reopening date, one thing is very clear no urgency, no accountability, and no real updates = Lee County School Board Erin Field Sanibel
CCA to kick off season’s Porch & Patio series
By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com
Reservations are open for the Captiva Civic Association's first Porch & Patio event of the year
The Porch & Patio Season Kick Off Party will take place on Nov 11 from 5 to 7 p m outdoors on the porch and patio at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. The first of five events scheduled this season, the casual cocktail party will offer live
entertainment and a chance for the island community to mingle
“We love to do the Porch & Patio
series,” CCA Events Coordinator Kathryn Sisson said “It's just a fun night for everyone to get together, have a good time and really just come together as a community ”
Guitarist and steel pan musician Mark Dupuy will perform
“We'll have live music,” she said Hors d'oeuvres will be provided for attendees
“Refreshments will be available, along
Chapel to start season as post-storm work continues
By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com
On Nov 10, Sunday services will resume at the Captiva Chapel by the Sea for the 76th season
The Rev Dr Doug Dortch invites all to attend the interdenominational worship, which will be held weekly at 11 a m through April He and his wife, Judy, will mark their second year of a three-year ministry with the chapel Due to Hurricane Milton, the first service will take place in the chapel yard
“This is a time when worshipping together helps the community to heal from the two hurricanes in October, plus the residue of sadness from 2022's storm,” Dortch shared.
In an update on Oct 20, officials reported that the chapel has been deemed unsafe to occupy
“The condition of the chapel has become clearer as the sea of sand has been gradually removed from the surrounding lane and yard It was one to four feet deep when Bob Johnson, our construction manager, began this project with a new bigger machine,” they shared “We now believe the chapel has been moved off its foundation and needs a lift ”
Officials will work to restore a level building and perhaps also elevate it for future prevention
“In the chapel building's 122-year existence first as a schoolhouse it has withstood many storms and avoided most damage,” they shared “In 2022's Hurricane Ian, the wet sand beneath the floor necessitated the floor's replacement and prevented its use for 80% of our November to April season ”
The chapel typically offers indoor and outdoor seating for its services
The
“For anyone who has attended a service in the years from 1948 until 2024, you have seen how many attendees prefer the outside seating to the small, 90-seat chapel building,” officials shared
Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and social media
Services from the past season can also be found online.
The chapel is a mission church, offering support to not-forprofits locally and worldwide Nearly half of its offerings go to support: Community Cooperative, Community Housing &
Foundation and The South Fort Myers Food Pantry
For more information, contact Dortch at 850-322-9752 or douglas dortch@gmail com
Facebook or YouTube
The Captiva Chapel by the Sea is at 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
with a cash donation bar,” Sisson added. “The proceeds go to support the CCA, so we can continue to have fun events like this ”
The Pfeifer Realty Group is the sponsor for the 2024-25 Porch & Patio series
Tickets will be required to attend
The community is invited to reserve a spot and come out
“It's a great get-together to see all the
See CCA, page 7
CAPTIVA CIVIC ASSOCATION New Captiva Civic Association and CCA Foundation Executive Director Zach Tucker with his family.
CCA, foundation welcome new executive director
The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) and CCA Foundation (CCAF) recently named Zach Tucker as the new executive director He started in the position on Oct 21
Tucker formerly served as director of development and communications at the Central Colorado Conservancy, and he o w n s h i s o w n f i r m , T e a m T u c k e r Consulting
Although having recently moved to Southwest Florida with his wife and two children, Tucker is familiar with Captiva and Sanibel, having visited every year as
See EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, page 7
Captiva
CAPTIVA CHAPEL BY THE SEA
Captiva Chapel by the Sea will resume its seasonal weekly services on Nov 10 on Captiva
County reports on schedules for upcoming holiday
Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day
The county’s holiday schedule adjustments are as follows:
∫ Community Development
Lee County Community Development offices, including permitting lobby and p h o n e s , w i l l b e c l o s e d o n N o v 1 1 Contractors may utilize the electronic permitting portal during the closure
∫ Domestic Animal Ser vices
Lee County Domestic Animal Services, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed on Nov 11 It will resume regular business hours on Nov 12
∫ LeeTran
LeeTran bus, trolley and paratransit services will continue to operate on Nov 11 Route schedules and maps are available at www rideleetran com
∫ Midpoint Bridge
The Midpoint Madness Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk will close the Midpoint Bridge on Nov 11 from 6 to 9 p m Motorists are encouraged to use the Cape Coral Bridge or the U S 41 and Business 41 bridges as alternate routes The Lee C o u n t y D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r
n placed message boards on Nov 1 to alert motorists of the closure
CCA
From page 6
people on the island and make new connections,” she said “Music, friends, community, food and drinks ”
For tickets or more information, visit
∫ Parks & Recreation
offices, recreation centers and pools will be closed on Nov 11 and will reopen on Nov 12 Parks, preserves, beaches and boat ramps will remain open on Nov 11
For a list of open locations, hours and amenities, visit www leeparks org
remember that no alcohol is permitted in county parks
It also reminds residents and visitors that the Causeway Islands Park on the
watercraft, pedestrian and bicycle traffic due to the active construction zone
∫ Solid Waste
Garbage, recycling and yard waste collections in unincorporated Lee County, city of Bonita Springs, village of Estero and town of Fort Myers Beach will continue to operate on Nov 11 Residents are asked to place solid waste and recycling curbside on the normal collection day
Lee County Solid Waste offices will be closed on Nov 11 It includes operations
Collection Facility, at 6441 Topaz Court,
County library system offers virtual programs
which includes the Captiva Memorial Library, is offering the following free virtual programming:
Adult programs
∫ Nov 7: Online The Interesting Historical Evolution of Crime in the United States from 10 a m to noon
The seminar will feature the strange
Disposal Facility will continue to operate on Nov 11
https://ccacaptiva org/ or call 239-4722111
The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva
Executive director
a child Originally from the St Louis area, he attended the University of Central Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in communications and digital media production
“CCA Board of Governors looks forward to Zach bringing his leadership talents and expertise to CCA and the community,” Board President Lisa Riordan said “Zach is particularly qualified to help grow the organization, as well as advancing its mission to preserve the quality of life and the integrity of our unique barrier island community ”
As for his new role, Tucker highlighted his long-term goals for the organization and also acknowledged the islands' immediate needs following the significant damages from Hurricanes Helene and Milton
From page 6
“Right now, my focus is on addressing both the immediate needs of our community and the long-term vision for the Captiva Civic Association The impact of
reminded us of our islands' vulnerability
resilience,” he said “I am here to meet this challenging moment head-on, working alongside our dedicated team and board to strengthen the CCA and ensure our organization is prepared to sustain and support this beautiful community we all call home for generations to come ”
A membership organization founded in 1936, the CCA has been a mainstay in the island community for almost 90 years Its
Center and offices, as well as the Captiva Memorial Library building The CCA also
American history In colonial times, very little distinction was made between sin and crime The emphasis was on morality issues and teaching repentance. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the emphasis shifted to crimes against property and individuals with emphasis on
n a n d / o r p u n i s h m e n t Registration is required before Nov 6 at 8 p m
∫ Nov 7: Online Author Event with Stanley Milford Jr from 7 to 8 p m
Join Navajo Ranger Stanley Milford Jr as he discusses his memoir, “The Paranormal Ranger,” which details his investigations into bizarre paranormal cases in Navajoland His law enforcement background and Native American worldview combine to offer an eerie account of the unexplained The event is part of the Online Author Events Series Registration is required
owns the historic Belcher House, which houses a Lee County Sheriff's Office deputy and his family as part of a program housing deputies locally on island
The CCA offers meeting space for community and governmental organizations, social events, art shows, lectures, musical performances, wellness programs and more After Milton, it provided space for FISH of Sanibel-Captiva to offer hot meals, ice, snacks and cool drinks to first responders and emergency crews, resi-
∫ Nov 9: Online Author Event with J a v i e
3 p m (Spanish)
Sintoniza una conversaci n especial con el autor m s vendido del New York Times Javier Zamora mientras conversa con nosotros sobre su fascinante historia de supervivencia y perseverancia, tal como se cuenta en sus memorias premiadas “Solito ” The event is part of the O n l i n e A u t h o r E v e n t s S e r i e s
Registration is required
∫ Nov 13: Online Aging In Place
What You Need To Know from 3 to 4 p m
Morgan VanDyke, registered nurse and community liaison with Assisting Hands Home Care, will give a presentation for aging adults on staying safe, maintaining quality of life, and planning for long term care. She will speak from her experiences as a nurse and from her personal experience caring for family m e m b e r s a t h o m e R e g i s t r a t i o n i s required before Nov 13 at 3 p m
Download books, stream video and
brary net
All library branches will be closed on Nov 11 for Veterans Day
The library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
dents, business owners and employees, along with contractors working on the damaged roads, electric lines and structures
Additionally, the CCA's work with the Protect Captiva coalition seeks to preserve the island's historic low density and low building height development pattern
For more information, visit www ccacaptiva org or contact 239-472-2111 or info@ccacaptiva org
County closes two public debris drop-off sites
Lee County closed two of the four hurricane debris public drop-off sites on Nov 3 at 5 p m , due to the declining use from residents. The locations were at 13801 Orange River Blvd , Buckingham, and 50 South Road, Fort Myers
The county thanked park patrons for their patience while it works on reopening Brooks Park Although the park closed as a debris site, the county must remediate the land before it reopens for public use For more information, visit www leeparks org
Residents who wish to self-haul Hurricane Milton debris can use the two remaining drop-off sites at 5031
Pine Island Road, Bokeelia, and 18078 Cypress Point Road, San Carlos Park The locations remain open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Only storm debris will be accepted, and users must be prepared to unload their own trucks No more than 5 cubic yards of debris may be dropped off at a time Debris drop-off must occur during business hours; anyone who dumps material after 5 p m could be charged for illegal dumping
Be prepared to show identification and be a resident of unincorporated Lee County Accepted forms of ID include driver’s license, utility bill, rental or lease agree-
ment, or local business license Users will be asked to complete a waiver confirming the debris came from their p
www leegov com/solidwaste/hurricane or printed forms are available on site
In addition to the debris drop-off sites, the county and its contracted vendor continue debris-collection operations For questions, contact Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000 For additional information, visit www leegov com/ storm
BUSINESS
Market outlook and portfolio strategy
By KRISTIAN R. JHAMB and LOGAN S. WEBB
As we approach the end of another decidedly positive year in U.S. markets, it bears noting that 2024 holds a great similarity to 2023, insofar as the key themes driving performance Equities are hovering near all-time highs, buoyed by optimism that A
I n t e l l i g e n c e (AI) will propel revenue, earnings, and productivity gains for both the enablers and adopters of t
Paired with the rate-cutt
g b a c kdrop to equities for the balance of the year
T h e r e a r e 5 0 d a y s between the conclusion of the Fed’s September and November gatherings, the longest such inter-meeting period of the year, and one that occurs at a time of particularly heightened tension and uncertainty on economic, political, and geopolitical fronts The Fed strives to be politically agnostic, and while we expect it to continue to make decisions solely on the data, market expectations for future rate cuts have been aggressively dovish of late, with inflation on the wane, just as the Fed’s other mandate of full employment begins to reflect increasing softness Just prior to the meeting, the futures market was anticipating 1 25% in total cuts to the Fed Funds rate by the end of 2024, which remains tentatively the case after the Fed’s initial 0 5% cut on Sept 18 Notably, the market’s expected year-ending 2025 rate of 2 75% is well below where the Fed expects it to be based on its most recent economic projections
If such a slashing of rates over a short period of time were to materialize, it would suggest that either the Fed successfully “stuck the soft landing,” or that the U S economy experienced a growth scare, or perhaps even recession, triggering highly accommodative policies We have seen this type of dissonance between the market and the Fed before, in fact all throughout 2023 and 2024, during which the speed of rate cuts was continuously over-estimated by market participants Each time these rate hopes have been dashed, but the market has powered on Should the bridging of this latest expectations gap bring about volatility, we would encourage investors to remain focused on their longer-term objectives, just as our team of portfolio managers will remain attuned to revenue and earnings growth and quality, and fundamental relative value
As we take a step back to contemplate the extraordinary performance of U S markets, one cannot help but make a comparison with U S chief rival, China, amid its economic and financial struggles in the postCOVID period While for many years China reigned as the world’s growth engine often accounting for
See MARKET OUTLOOK, page 10
From left, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Adult Education Director Jenny Evans and Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club President Emily Ankerson
Education Director Jenny Evans as its guest speaker at a recent meeting She provided insights on managing island landscaping in the aftermath of the recent storms,
and she shared an update on the area's butterfly population The club meets on Tuesdays at 8 a m at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, at 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel For more information, visit www sanibelkiwanis org
Shell club to hold monthly meeting
The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club will meet on Nov 10 at 2 p m in the Pelican Room at
Captiva Road, Sanibel The guest speaker will be Bailey-
Museum & Aquarium curator and Science Director Dr Jos H Leal He will speak on “Greater Than Ever Before: The New Great Hall of Shells
National Shell Museum and
account of the work being done toward the renovation
exhibits area, including the
Leal is also the editor of The Nautilus, a scientific journal about mollusks. Prior to the meeting, a silent auction will be held at 1:30 p m in the Osprey Room The meeting is free and open to the public For more information, visit http://sanibelshellclub com
Dr José H Leal
BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM & AQUARIUM
Kristian R Jhamb
Logan S. Webb
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB
Kiwanis holds meeting with speaker
Kathryn Kelly Ali Kendall John Talmage
Chamber to host business luncheon
The SanCap Chamber will hold its next business luncheon on Nov 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, at 1501 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel
The guest speakers will be The Heights Foundation President and Chief Executive
Community Relations Ali Kendall and
Office Director John Talmage They will address issues concerning economics of
development
Investments is sponsoring the luncheon
Cost is $35 for chamber members
Registration is required by Nov 8 at 5 p.m. at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva org or 239-472-8759 Payment is due at the time of registration
Market outlook
From page 8
Rotar y Club holds meeting with speakers
welcomed a panel of Rotarian community leaders as its guest speakers at a recent
Director Dolly Farrell, they spoke on
Hurricane Milton with respect to their organizations and the islands The panel consisted of Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium Executive Director Sam Ankerson, The Heights
Espinoza, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation
Director Alison Charney Hussey, city of Sanibel Public Information Officer Eric Jackson, FISH Disaster Administrative
S avannah Miller-Berg The club meets on Fridays at 8 a m at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and via Zoom For more information, visit sanibelrotary org
growth as well as the destination for much of the world’s foreign direct investment (FDI), and an equally superlative stock market the script has reversed of late In 2022 and 2023, the U.S. delivered almost half of the world’s global growth, while China in fact detracted from global growth by 0 3% FDI has collapsed to levels last seen in 1993, and the Chinese stock market has retreated 8% over the past five years, compared to the S&P’s 89% advance While perhaps less stark, these favorable comparisons can be made for the U S relative to virtually every other global peer The U S remains the unchallenged leader in innovation, technology, R&D, management talent, corporate transparency, complemented by deep and liquid capital markets, flexible labor markets and, critically, the rule of law and robust regulatory oversight. So should we encounter any choppiness in the period ahead, we would remind investors that the
U S has the best house in the neighborhood, by some distance
Kristian R Jhamb is chief investment officer and Logan S Webb is senior portfolio manager for The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ROTARY CLUB
c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , N o v e m b e r 6 , 2 0 2 4 ■ P a g e 1 2
PRESERVING PARADISE
The benefits of living shorelines
A m e r i c a n C o n s e r v a t i o n E x p e r i e n c e w i l d l i f e m o n i t o r i n g m e m b e r J a c o b B a k e r , w h o i s w o r k i n g w i t h J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e R e f u g e b i o l o g i c a l s c i e n c e t e c h n i c i a n A v e r y R e n s h a w , r e c e n t l y r e p o r t e d o n l i v i n g s h o r e l i n e s S h o r e l i n e s t a b i l i t y i s a n i m p o r t a n t a s p e c t o f a
h e a l t h y c o a s t a l e n v i r o n m e n t C o a s t a l s h o r e l i n e s a r e v e r y d y n a m i c e c o s y s t e m s d u e t o t h e c o n s t a n t m o v e m e n t o f w a t e r a n d s e d i m e n t s S h o r e l i n e e r os i o n “ t h e p r o c e s s b y w h i c h l o c a l s e a l e v e l r i s e ,
s t r o n g w a v e a c t i o n , a n d c o a s t a l f l o o d i n g w e a r
SanCap Resilience to hold community program
SanCap Resilience will host its next communi ty event, “Home Elevation Workshop: T Sanibel Case Studies,” on Nov. 13 at 6:3 p m at The Community House on Sanibe and via Zoom
The program will revolve around three case studies of homeowners on Sanibel who have been through the home elevation process The coalition's Resilient Building Working Group will present the case studie which will be followed by an audience Q discussion with a panel of the homeowners
“I can't tell you how many people I've talked to who are tired of flooding and ready to do something about it,” working group Chair Kip Buntrock said. “We're excited to share the experience of people who have been through the process ”
Some of the questions to be addressed will include:
∫ What are the financial implications of elevating a home?
∫ Does it make sense to elevate before or after I restore or renovate my home?
∫ How do I find a contractor?
∫ What is the home elevation experience like?
∫ How long does the process take?
SanCap Resilience noted that the program presenters
will not be contractors or experts in the building d The information presented and advice fered should not replace attendees' own esearch and due diligence for those who plan to go through the home elevation process
“We are so grateful to the homeowners who have volunteered their time to share heir experience and insights so others can n
ring Committee liaison for the working group, said “We hope to have a good back and forth discussion that is helpful to attendees as they work to make their homes and the community more resilient ” The event is free to attend, but registration is required. The program is made possible with the support of the Ashton Kirchner Group of Keller Williams Realty
Homeowners and businesses with ground-level buildings who are considering elevation are encouraged to attend Those already working on building renovations are encouraged to invite their contractors
https://bit ly/48ghoZ3
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Sea turtle nesting season comes to end
In Florida, sea turtle nesting season officially ended on Oct 31 The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that it was another busy year for its sea turtle team
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i m p a c t s o f n a t u r a l e r o s i o n p r o c e s s e s B o t h o f w h i c h c a n c a u s e p r o b l e m s l i k e h a b i t a t l o s s o r d a m -
a g e t o h u m a n i n f r a s t r u c t u r e
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l i n e a n d p r e v e n t o r r e d u c e e r o s i o n . O n e o f t h e s e m e t h o d s i s a g r e e n i n f r a s t r u c t u r e t e c h n i q u e c a l l e d a
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o r s e a w a l l s T h e s e a r e l a r g e c o n c r e t e s t r u c t u r e s w h i c h l o c k t h e s h o r e l i n e i n p l a c e T h o u g h s h o r el i n e “ h a r d e n i n g ” d o e s p r e v e n t e r o s i o n , i t a l s o n e g -
a t i v e l y i m p a c t s m a n y a s p e c t s o f a s h o r e l i n e ’ s n a t u -
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A c o m m o n l i v i n g s h o r e l i n e t e c h n i q u e i s p l a n ti n g n a t i v e v e g e t a t i o n F o r e x a m p l e , p l a n t i n g r e d m a n g r o v e s a t t h e w a t e r ’ s e d g e a n d n a t i v e d u n e v e g e t a t i o n b e h i n d t h e m h e l p s t o l o c k s o i l i n p l a c e , t r a p s e d i m e n t s t o b u i l d e l e v a t i o n , s e q u e s t e r a t m o sp h e r i c c a r b o n d i o x i d e , a n d p r o v i d e e s s e n t i a l h a b it a t C o n s t r u c t i n g o y s t e r h a b i t a t i n t h e w a t e r i n f r o n t o f t h e v e g e t a t i o n s l o w s t h e e n e r g y
As of Oct 30, its preliminary season totals across Sanibel and Captiva were as follows:
∫ 839 loggerhead nests
∫ 16,722 emerged loggerhead hatchlings
∫ Three green nests
∫ 34 emerged green hatchlings
∫ One leatherback nest
∫ 40 emerged leatherback hatchlings
Statewide, preliminary nest counts show solid years for loggerheads and leatherbacks, a lower year for greens a normal fluctuation and potentially a recordbreaking season for Kemp’s ridley nests
The SCCF also thanked all of its volunteers who helped the team throughout the nesting season
Wildlife on Sanibel is asking for volunteers now through Nov. 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to assist with hurricane cleanup Volunteers will help re-sand the outdoor enclosures, power wash and refill washed out areas in the gravel parking lot No signups are required Stop by the Visitor Education Center to check in with the volunteer coordinator and stay for as long as you can CROW’s Visitor Education Center is at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE
Coastal Watch holds mangrove adoption event
Coastal Watch hosted its second Adopt-A-Mangrove Adoption of the season on Oct 24 at the Bailey Homestead Preserve on Sanibel It reported that over 20 mangrove mamas and propagule papas took home 127 baby mangroves to plant in loving homes across Southwest Florida For more information about the program, visit https://sccf org/adoptamangrove/
COASTAL WATCH
Isl and lIvIng
SPD releases weekly blotter
The Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued to include recent information about law enforcement response to criminal activity
Arrests
∫ Ryan Tyler Anderson, 35, of 688 Cardium St , Sanibel, was charged on Oct 25 with one count of probation violation.
∫ Jeffrey Paul Fairbanks, 57, of 116 Lantern Place, North Fort Myers, was charged on Oct 28 with one count of operate motor vehicle without valid license third subsequent
∫ Marcos Francisco Tojin Mejia, 27, of 3861 Edgewood Ave , Fort Myers, was charged on Oct 24 with one count of drive while license suspended revoked or revocation equivalent status
Other enforcement actions
∫ On Oct 26, a records check during a traffic stop revealed the driver had a suspended driver’s license and the vehicle had a seize tag order The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for driving with a suspended license over six months and the driver’s license and vehicle license plate were seized Arrangements were made to remove the vehicle from the scene
Enforcement operations statistics
From Oct 22-28
∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 6
∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 14
∫ Traffic crashes: 0
∫ Radar details: 42
∫ Traffic stops: 48
Citations issued: 12
Written warnings issued: 2
Verbal warnings issued: 35
∫ Residential area checks: 406
∫ Business area checks: 223
∫ Total area checks: 901
∫ Reported burglaries: 0
∫ Reported thefts: 0
∫ Total CAD calls: 1,158
October 2024 to date:
∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 48
∫ Non-emergency calls: 57
∫ Traffic crashes: 6
∫ Radar details: 145
∫ Traffic stops: 157
Citations issued: 58
Written warnings issued: 3
Verbal warnings issued: 99
∫ Residential area checks: 2,124
∫ Business area checks: 820
∫ Total area checks: 4,080
∫ Reported burglaries: 3
∫ Reported thefts: 2
∫ Total CAD calls: 5,098
Important reminders
Roadside parking is not allowed on Sanibel and is enforceable with a $150 fine
When leaving Sanibel, motorists are encouraged to travel east on Periwinkle Way In order to minimize the number of vehicles driving through residential neighborhoods and increase traffic flow, priority is being given to vehicles eastbound on Periwinkle Motorists using Bailey Road southbound, Lindgren northbound and
Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics
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 on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. with Navajo Ranger Stanley Milford Jr , author of “The Paranormal Ranger” and investigator of the History Channel's “Beyond Skinwalker Ranch” and the Netflix series “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch ” He will chat about the chilling and clear-eyed memoir of his investigations into bizarre cases of the paranormal and the unexplained in Navajoland
Milford graduated from the United States Indian Police Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in New Mexico and worked as a sworn law enforcement officer for over 23 years He served as the delegated chief Navajo ranger for more than two years through March of 2019 While with the rangers, Milford oversaw a section called the Special Projects Unit, whose responsibilities included the investigation of cases that did not fit within everyday parameters of law enforcement or criminal investigation, many of which involved reports of the paranormal or supernatural After leaving the rangers, he served as the senior investigator for the Navajo Nation's White Collar Crime Unit
A question-and-answer session with the author will follow
To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc.org/sanlib/upcoming.
Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled:
Crafternoon will be held today, Nov 6, from 3 to 4:30 p m The project will be “Lego Crafts ” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance
On Nov 7, Craft & Chat will take place from 3 to 4 p m The program is designed to introduce a range of crafters to each other From scrap booking, to decoupage and even needle point stitching, all are encouraged to bring their own equipment and in-progress projects to work on Those who do not have a craft to work on will be able to complete a knitting project during the program Light refreshments and snacks will be provided
LEGO Club will be held on Nov 7 from 3 to 4 p m Participants can meet new friends, create a masterpiece, play and display their creation
On Nov 8, Documentary Showcase “The Blue
SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on Nov 7 with Stanley Milford Jr
Angels” will take place from 10 to 11:30 a m and 3 to 4:30 p.m. Directed by Paul Crowder, the film delves into the lives of the United States Navy's elite pilots Refreshments will be available The movie is rated G
Family Storytime for ages 5 and under will be held on Nov 8 from 10:30 to 11 a m Sing, read, question and move around during the stories, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, motor skills and creativity The program will include an art/craft center
On Nov 9, Saturday Crafterday will take place from 11 a m to noon with professional artist and coloring book creator Melissa Gindling Participants will create a themed craft to take home
A Virtual Author Talk will be held on Nov. 9 from 2 to 3 p m with Javier Zamora (program is only in Spanish) Sintoniza una conversación especial con el autor más vendido del New York Times Zamora mientras conversa con nosotros sobre su fascinante historia de supervivencia y perseverancia, tal como se cuenta en sus memorias premiadas “Solito ”
On Nov 12, Baby & Toddler Storytime and Playdate will take place from 10:30 to 11 a m Open to ages 4 and under, babies and their caregivers will take part in a short story time, sensory play, literacy activities and more S T E A M Club will be held on Nov 12 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The program will be “A Tech-y Thanksgiving.” Participants will set sail on the Mayflower, test out turkey nests and make flying turkeys
On Nov 12, Makerspace 3D Printing Workshop will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p m An open lab session to explore the world of 3D printing Discover beginner tech-
See LIBRARY, page 15
City reports on holiday operation hours, refuse
page 14
niques for selecting and printing objects and get hands-on experience with the basics of 3D printing.
Crafternoon will be held on Nov 13 from 3 to 4:30 p m The project will be “Autumn Spiced Candles ” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance
For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at https://sanlib org/
From now through Nov 12 at 5 p m , the library is taking registrations for its Author Series event with Sarah Penner on Dec 12 Utilizing a “lottery system” procedure, those selected to receive tickets will be notified with more information after Nov 15 by the email provided during registration For more information or to register, visit www sanlib org or call 239-472-2483
Blotter
From page 14
Periwinkle westbound may experience additional delays as traffic flows are adjusted for efficiency
Information for the Sanibel Boat Ramp:
∫ Parking and boat launching fee is $40 per day
∫ Parking and boat launching on weekends and holidays is with AC/BC permit only.
∫ Commercial use is prohibited
∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $500
Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel com or use Tip411
Those with library items that were damaged due to Hurricane Milton can email reference@sanlib.org or call 239-472-2483; provide the titles of the damaged items Fees for the items will be waived
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 library is open on 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 It will be closed on Nov 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
For more information, call 239-4722483 or visit https://sanlib org/
The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
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 gro up id=22450
∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device.
The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111
Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice
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CITY OF SANIBEL
Recreation center provides update on activities, events
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DDWS reports on refuge programming and more
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel:
∫ In observance of Veterans Day, Wildlife Drive will be fee-free on Nov 11
∫ Celebrate Holiday Shopping Night on Nov 20 at the Refuge Nature Store
∫ Photographer-artist Niki Butcher's “Daydreaming” exhibition will be on display from Dec 14 through Feb 27
∫ The refuge's free Winter Programs will run from Jan 6 through March 26
∫ The free Winter Lecture Series will take place on select Thursdays from Jan 9 through March 20
∫ Wellness in Nature is planned for Jan. 23-26.
∫ Go Wild for “Ding” is set for Feb 12, with the theme “Dreaming of White Pelicans ” Tickets will go on sale on Nov 14
∫ Project Refuge: Castoffs to Couture will return on April 2 Tickets will go on sale on Nov 21
∫ The “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival is scheduled for April 26 at Lakes Park in Fort Myers
∫ The 13th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s T a r p o n T o u r n a m e n t w i l l t a
M
y 9 Registration will open on Nov 8
REFUGE/DDWS
“Python Huntress” Amy Siewe is one highlight of the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Winter Lecture Series
Sanibel Sea School to hold seasonal camp
This year, the Sanibel Sea School will offer a four-day Winter Camp from Dec 30 to Jan 3 no camp will be held on Jan 1 for campers ages 6-13 and Counselors in Training (CITs) ages 13-17
The theme for the week will be “Wrackin' Around the Beach Week ”
“This year, we're learning all about the wrack line, aka the line of treasures left behind on the beach from the last high tide It's where ghost crabs find their meals, where sand collects to create dunes, and a transitional haven for many coastal creatures,” it reported “With each new tide comes endless discoveries: sea urchin tests, shells galore, mermaid purses, sponges, and more Wintertime on Sanibel brings with it chilly water and winds, which makes the winter wrack especially fun to explore ”
Camp participants will also enjoy some hot chocolate and some surfing, as well as take part in the traditional Give Your Worries to the Sea Ceremony that will take place on New
Year's Eve
The cost is $375 for campers and $265 for CITs
Registration will open on Nov. 9 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/.
Part of the Sanibel-Captiva 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
Refuge reopens Bailey Tract post-stor m
As J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge staff continues work on Wildlife Drive and the Visitor & Education Center, the hiking/biking trails of the Bailey Tract recently reopened The Bailey Tract hours are daily sunrise to sunset with free admission The refuge added that the Wildlife Drive tram tours will resume when the drive reopens. For updates, monitor the refuge's Facebook page REFUGE/DDWS
SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL
Veterans Day
“We try to make it as much of a small-town community event that we can,” he added
Led by new Music Director and conductor Melissa Calkin, the BIG ARTS Concert Band will play
“Like (John Philip) Sousa marches,” he said of the music before the start
Opening the program, Bondurant will provide the welcome Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack 1740 will then raise the flag at 11 a m , with the help of the Sanibel Police Department's Honor Guard
He noted that the flag is raised at 11 a m in recognition of the World War II armistice and end of fighting “on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month ”
“We try to do that at 11 a m , ” Bondurant said “That's why we start at 10:55 a.m.”
The Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem will be next, followed by the invocation offered by chapter President, American Legion Post 123 Vice Cmdr and retired U S Air Force Col Tim Moore
“And we'll be announcing the change in the name of our officers association chapter,” he said of adding retired U S Army Maj Gen James L Dozier's name to the Lee Coast group's title
Bondurant explained that Dozier is a Florida native who grew up in Acadia and attended the U S Military Academy He was a prisoner of war with the Red Brigades in the 1970s. Since his retirement, Dozier has been involved with helping veterans, and he is also a member of the Lee Coast chapter
“Because of his service,” he said of renaming the group in his honor “And he's been an important member of our chapter since its founding ”
Mayor Richard Johnson will provide remarks and the veterans among the city's workforce will be recognized Next, the winners of the Annual Veterans Day Essay Contest will be presented with their award Bank of the Islands will present the winners with $100 checks and the runner-up with $50
Brenna Rheinhart, a graduate of The Sanibel School
and U S Navy Naval Flight Officer, has been selected as the special guest speaker to provide the Veterans Day address After separating from active duty in 2021, she joined the U S Navy Reserves and currently serves as the Manpower Department head at the Volunteer Training Unit in San Diego, California
“She's going to talk about her experience in the Navy,” Bondurant said
Afterward, the Sanibel school fourth and fifth graders will perform for the first time at the celebration Led by Music Director Joey Giangreco, they will do “American Tears” and “The Spirit of America ”
“They will sing a couple of melodies, patriotic songs,” he said.
Typically, veterans who passed in the last year would be remembered during the program
“Fortunately, we don't have any this year,” Bondurant
said
Next, “Veterans Remembrances” will give attendees the chance to say a few words
“We give an opportunity to a friend or a relative of a veteran to talk about their veteran's experience,” he said “Sometimes a veteran will get up and say something ” The playing of “Taps” will conclude the celebration
The community is encouraged to come out
“To recognize and honor people who have answered their country's call,” Bondurant said
Billy’s Rentals will provide bottles of water for those in attendance
For more information, contact Bondurant at fred@thebrg.net
City Hall is at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Lee Health
County's largest healthcare system.
“Patients can expect the very same level of reliable, quality healthcare they have come to expect from Lee Health today, tomorrow, next month, and next year,” Lee Health President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Larry Antonucci said “This change gives us the opportunity to provide additional access to care, bring in new clinical and business opportunities for providers, and expand healthcare options for our community Converting to a community-focused nonprofit is not just about governance; it’s about ensuring a sustainable, high-quality healthcare system that serves the diverse needs of the community now and in the future.”
The members of the elected board currently serving will have the option of remaining in their seats for the new nonprofit entity, Lee Health System Inc , which became effective on Nov 1
“The current board members will remain in place through the transition,” Lee Health spokesperson Jaclyn Bevis said “The board of directors will then work through a process to repopulate and be self-perpetuating, possibly through a governance committee or something similar They will seek talent from around the community and grow through similar processes of many other nonprofit board of directors.”
The board had previously voted to pursue the path of
Red
tide From page 1
predict,” Marine Lab Director Dr. Eric Milbrandt said on Oct 30 “Over the last week the bloom seems to have gone from larger and higher counts around Tampa and where Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area, to being transported south, and now it seems to be moderating and getting smaller ”
Fish kills have been reported along Boca Grande and on Manasota Key, but they could be concentrated cases
“We don’t know if it’s going to get worse or going to get better. The possibility of fish kills and wildlife in distress, that’s certainly something we’re watching out for,” he said “Otherwise we are in wait-and-see mode ”
K. brevis cells release a toxin that attacks the nervous system of animals
The neurotoxins, called brevetoxins, are often fatal to fish, birds, sea turtles and marine mammals and can have adverse i m p a c t s i n h u m a n s R e p o r t w i l d l i f e behaving erratically unable to stand or fly, displaying tremors, or apparent weakness or confusion to the Clinic for the R e h a b i l i t a t i o n o f W i l d l i f e ( C R O W ) , w h e r e t r e a t m e n t c a n b e a d m i n i s t e r e d Contact CROW's Wildlife Hospital at 239-472-3644, ext. 222.
The SCCF reported that although Lake Okeechobee releases to the west coast of Florida began on Oct 26, average flows to the Caloosahatchee remain in the optimum range for estuarine health If the red tide bloom does intensify, it will advocate f o r n o s t r e s s f u l o r d a m a g i n g f l o w s (greater than 2,100 cubic feet per second at the W P Franklin Lock and Dam) from Lake Okeechobee
From page 2
remained high over the wet season, lowering the water’s salinity The 14-day avera g e f l o w o f w a t e r e n t e r i n g t h e Caloosahatchee, measured at the Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79), has fluctuated between the stress and damaging thresholds for approximately the past 130 days Runoff has since tapered off to about 700900 cfs (optimum flows are 750-2,100 cfs), which gave salinity a short break to recover
privatizing from a publicly-overseen nonprofit to a private nonprofit The organization has always been nonprofit
Lee Health Board Chair Donna Clarke, a former state representative, said the mission agreement will reinforce the commitment of Lee Health to treat patients “regardless of their ability to pay ” She said the privatization will allow Lee Health to “compete effectively,” while continuing “our critical safety net mission ”
Lee County resident Steve Maxwell expressed skepticism of the decision and gathered 100 signatures regarding the vote by the county commission to approve the agreement with Lee Health. He said he reached out to the county attorney’s office for an explanation of the new agreement but did not receive a response Maxwell said his family worked for Lee Health for more than 35 years
“Hopefully the public will know what’s going on behind closed doors We are losing the idea of a public hospital Remember, we were always nonprofit,” he said
The votes allow for the conversion of the health system from a public/special district of government to a community-focused nonprofit and clears the path for Lee Health to finalize the conversion through the complete transfer of assets and liabilities of Lee Health to the successor community-focused nonprofit entity, Lee Health System Inc
Changes to Lee Health’s Enabling Act in 2023 allowed the board of directors to evaluate if conversion to a community-focused nonprofit was in the best interest of Lee County residents Following the course prescribed by the legislation, the board commissioned an independent study, engaged expert, third-party counsel, collaborated with federal, state and local governments and held multiple work sessions, community town halls and public workshop meetings
“We appreciate the important work done by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners in developing and approving the mission agreement,” Clarke said “With broad community engagement, Lee Health is now poised to complete the process of becoming a community-focused nonprofit Providing quality healthcare to everyone in our community is our fundamental responsibility and we are committed to carrying that mission forward ”
The vote by the county commission took place with few questions by any of the commissioners for county staff or Lee Health representatives Following approval of the mission agreement, the commissioners also voted to approve the Industrial Development Agency’s reissuance of Lee Health bonds not to exceed $850 million The re-issuance of the assigned indebtedness ends Lee Health’s ability to issue tax exempt debt directly
What it means for estuar y, dr y season
“We must remain vigilant for impacts to the lake and estuary a while longer but can then begin looking ahead,” she said of the official end of hurricane season on Nov 30
Water managers are formulating their dry season strategy, which includes minim i z
stakeholders, and considering the health
of the lake's ecology
“As we enter the dry season, SCCF’s primary concerns are protecting the health of the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary and the species inhabiting these ecosystems,” Pecenka said “Inherent in these goals are ensuring the estuary receives enough freshwater ” Moving out of the wet season, conditions become more favorable for red tide
detected in various concentrations offshore of Southwest Florida By drawing water out of the lake in the smaller releases, the Army Corps hopes to avoid the larger releases that are more likely to exacerbate a red tide bloom later in the season
The SCCF reported that it will continue to monitor the potential development and it will advocate against nutrient-rich releases during active red tide and other HABs
CONRAD PELOQUIN
Conrad Peloquin, of Walnut Creek, California, came in second with a photograph of flamingos titled “Anyone Know Where We Are Going?”
April Sue Billings, of Taneytown, Maryland, won third place with her “I Hide Nothing!” osprey portrait.
APRIL SUE BILLINGS
Wayne Kliewer, of Clinton, New Jersey, took first place for his portrait of a roseate spoonbill titled “Pretty in Pink ”
WAYNE KLIEWER
The art of procrastination: A master class in delaying the inevitable DDWS presents winners of annual, amateur nature photography contest
Ah, procrastination the fine art of putting off until tomorrow what you could’ve done yesterday, if only there were fewer cat videos on the internet It’s a u n i v e r s a l s t r u g g l e , a s familiar as the sound of your alarm clock going off at 6 a m , followed by the i m m e d i a t e d e c i s i o n t o "just five more minutes" for the next two hours
Procrastination is like that friend who always shows up late to the party but somehow still manages to have a good time
Let’s face it: procrastin a t i o n h a s b e c o m e a n Olympic sport in the 21st century People are training hard for gold medals in the 10,000-Meter Delay
While some athletes train rigorously, we are perfecting the art of scrolling through our phones, turning every moment of productivity into a potential nap opportunity It’s impressive, really I mean, who needs a to-do list when you can create an elaborate, intricate, and deeply emotional relationship with your couch?
You might wonder why we procrastinate. The reasons are as varied as the snacks in a college dorm Some of us fear failure, while others are just too busy pondering the philosophical implications of why we never seem to have enough time to do anything But for most of us, the real problem is just plain laziness, wrapped in the guise of self-reflection “I’ll write that report later,” we say, while convincing ourselves that a full-blown existential crisis is warranted
Ah, but there’s a silver lining! Procrastination isn’t just a personal flaw; it’s a thriving industry Ever heard of the “procrastination planner”? It’s a fancy term for a notebook where you can write down all the things you need to do eventually I bought one last month, and it’s been quite the investment It sits proudly on my desk, looking at me with judgmental blank pages while I sit nearby, binge-watching yet another season of a show I’ve already seen
And let’s talk about those “productive procrastination” moments. You know, when you put off that important task and instead decide to reorganize your sock drawer or scrub the bathroom tiles until they gleam like they’ve just been baptized It’s like you’re participating in a triathlon of chores while avoiding the marathon of responsibilities. You might even find yourself in a cleaning frenzy, convinced that if you don’t scrub every surface in the house, the universe will implode
Then there’s the delightful phenomenon known as “deadline pressure ” It’s the moment when you realize that the project you’ve been ignoring is due tomorrow, and somehow, it’s like a light switch flipped on in your brain You suddenly morph into a productivity ninja, fueled by pure panic and maybe a questionable amount of caffeine You can type like you’re being chased by a bear, and your focus is sharper than ever. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you’re racing against the clock, even if you’ve just spent three weeks staring at a blank page
In the end, procrastination is a bittersweet dance We know we should be doing something anything but instead, we’re crafting elaborate plans for future endeavors while ignoring the mounting laundry. Yet, somehow, we all manage to survive and even thrive, if only by the skin of our teeth and an occasional last-minute miracle
So here’s to procrastination! The unwelcome companion that helps us discover new depths of creativity, resilience, and the ability to function under pressure Let’s raise a glass (preferably filled with coffee, because let’s be real, we’ll need it) to the art of delay-
On Sept 19, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge (DDWS) held the official judging for its 32nd annual “Ding” Darling Amateur Nature Photography Contest. It recently announced the 2024 winners
Judges selected three winners and nine honorable mentions out of 81 entries from 15 states and two countries All entries were shot at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge complex The judges included a refuge staffer, photographer/artist and member of the Sanibel community
“Despite the decrease in refuge visitors from Hurricane Ian's ongoing after-effects, the contest generated much excitement and nostalgia among photographers and our judges,” contest coordinator and DDWS Manager of Events, Marketing and Communication April Boehnen said “The photographers found our resilient wildlife and enduring beauty once again ”
First place went to Wayne Kliewer, of Clinton, New Jersey, for his portrait of a roseate spoonbill titled “Pretty in Pink ”
“The composition is wonderful, the spoonbill's expression is contemplative, and the wonderful blurred reflection finishes off this beautiful photo,” judge and Breeze
Account Executive Mark Martens said
In second place was Conrad Peloquin, of Walnut Creek, California, with a photograph of flamingos titled “Anyone Know Where We Are Going?”
“Pink flamingos in flight is an incredible sight,” judge Elizabeth Simler, a community member and refuge volunteer, said “The blue, blue water as a backdrop for their gorgeousness makes this photo vibrant I hope to see these visitors come back often to the refuge ”
April Sue Billings, of Taneytown, Maryland, took third place with “I Hide Nothing!”
“The osprey is showing us how resilient they are, like Sanibel Island,” judge and refuge Urban Ranger Yvette Carrasco said
The winners received cash awards from the DDWS: $300 for first place, $225 for second place and $175 for third place Each honorable mention winner received a $25 award, which reflects a refund of the contest entry fee
The honorable mentions included:
∫ Iris Aloia, of Sanibel, for “Mr Halloween”
∫ Scott Becque, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for “Gotcha”
∫ Kathleen Colligan, of Beach Lake, Pennsylvania, for “Flamboyant Flamingos”
∫ H
“Changing Colors”
∫ J. Nicholas Linsmayer, of Sanibel, for “My Very Lucky Day”
∫ Sara McVey, of Sanibel, for “I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty”
∫ Vince Thomalla, of Marshfield, Wisconsin, for “Beats Me?”
∫ Ben Vanos, of Petoskey, Michigan, for “Spoonbill Stretch”
∫ Gretchen Wilson, of Amherst, New Hampshire, for “Doing the Dew”
∫ Nate Arnold, of Florida, for “The Strut”
The winning photographs and honorable mention award entries will be on display in the refuge's Visitor & Education Center throughout the year However, it is currently closed for hurricane repairs
To view all of the top-ranking entries, visit dingdarlingsociety org/photo-contests The page also contains information on the 2025 photo contest The deadline for submissions will be Sept 15, 2025
The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel
San Cap Bank ser ves as sponsor
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank served as a sponsor of the San Cap Pink Project's 12th Annual Pink Out Picnic on Oct 24 at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's Station 171 on Sanibel The proceeds will benefit uninsured or underinsured island residents with cancerrelated needs
Shell Find
Junonia found on Sanibel
Mellisa White, of Sanibel, found a junonia on Oct 18 near the Nerita Beach access on Sanibel She reported that she has been an island homeowner since 2014 and that it is great to finally find one since her street is named after the shell. To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com
PHOTO PROVIDED
Art Stevens Shell Shocked
From left, Bank of the Islands Vice President David Lowden and Kelsey Hamilton, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva Executive Director Maria Espinoza and the bank's Richard Shera
Bank of the Islands renews giving challenge
In addition to serving as a drop-off site f o r F I S H o f S
through Nov 15, Bank of the Islands will make a $100 donation each to the nonprofit in honor of first 25 individuals to
donate food items for a possible total of contribution of $2,500 Bank of the
Sanibel It also offers a donation chest year-round to support FISH
FISH OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA
Staff from Bank of the Islands and FISH of Sanibel-Captiva
Shell Find
Junonia found on Sanibel
A n d r e a R
o , o f Elk Grove Village, Illinois, found a junonia on Feb 20 west of the Gulfside City P a r k B
“This was a really special find for me since it was n e a r w h e r e m y h u s b a n d p r o p o s e d , ” s h e s a i d T o report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com
PHOTO PROVIDED
Captiva announced that Bank of the Islands is a sponsor for its JOG N JAM, scheduled for Dec 7 For more information
BANK OF THE ISLANDS
ISL AND HOME islander
IN THE GARDEN
Salt-tolerant muhly grass is blooming grass
Fun, whimsical and versatile only begin to describe a Florida plant known as muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), with its long green stalks and fluffy blooms making its showcase amongst your landscape. This particular type of grass prospers easily throughout the year, blooming its beautiful stalks of feathery flowers, ranging from classic tones of pink and purple, to elegant fluffs of white in the fall
As an easily adaptable plant requiring little maintenance, muhly grass is a great choice if you lack a green thumb Providing water to newly planted stalks until they are well established sets the road for later on, as they have a high drought tolerance once mature Sunny spots are best for the wild sprouts, which flourish rapidly in the spring to reveal their slender, dark green foliage Trimming them in the winter helps maintain a manageable size for the rest of the year Because muhly grass can grow to great sizes of 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with flower stalks reaching a whopping 5 feet in length, planting this type of vegetation about 24-36 inches apart gives them plenty of room to grow
If you’re looking to make muhly grass the next addition to your landscaping, it’s the perfect choice for coastal atmospheres, considering this beauty is a native Whether you prefer a flowing border of these fountaining flowers or instead opt for a large group of them, either choice will leave you with an equally beautiful appearance And if you decide you want more, you can easily divide mature clumps of the grass in the spring to create several new plants
So, keep your eyes peeled for this wonderfully delicate yet highly tolerant plant as it’s a reliable, easily maintainable shrub to add a pop of flare to your garden
In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-395-5859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden
FISH kicks off holiday food donation drive
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is holding its Thanksgiving Food Drive from now through Nov 15
It is in need of the following items: rice, canned corn, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, any kind of stuffing, canned green beans, canned or jarred gravy, canned or packaged beans, canned protein like tuna and chicken
See FOOD DRIVE, page 28
FISH to host monthly luncheon with speaker
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva will hold its
Luncheon on Nov 12 at 11 a m at the Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel, with a virtual option available
Community Liaison Jennifer Dorning, with the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) District One, as the guest speaker She will talk about recent infrastructure projects, including the restoration of the causeway
Dorning has 20 years of experience as a public outreach consultant for transportation and infrastructure projects throughout Southwest Florida She represented the FDOT on the emergency restoration of the causeway Dorning lives in Iona with her family and her son attends The Sanibel School Her family has vacationed on Captiva for years and her husband and she were married at the Captiva Chapel by the Sea
“We hope everyone will join us for our November luncheon to connect with others and learn about critical infrastructure projects that impact our community,” Senior Services Director Erika Arnowitz said “It's an opportunity to hear more about the
informed is so important “
Prepared by the Sanibel Deli, the lunch w
attend in-person
The program will also include giveaways and interactive group games R
required by Nov 8
For more information or to make a reservation, contact Arnowitz 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
FEMA: Helene, Milton frequently asked questions
Those who live in a county included in the disaster declarations for Hurricanes Helene and Milton may have questions about the assistance available to help with disaster recovery.
FEMA provided answers to frequently asked questions
∫ What does Individual Assistance cover?
FEMA's Individual Assistance may include financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses The assistance cannot duplicate the benefits provided by other sources, such as insurance, and may not pay for all losses caused by a disaster
∫ What does a FEMA inspector look for?
After you apply for disaster assistance, FEMA may schedule a home inspection. The inspector checks structural soundness, functionality of electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, and whether the home is safe to live in
The inspector doesn't decide your eligibility but verifies your information (name, address, et cetera) and notes any disaster-caused damage Inspectors never ask for bank details or charge a fee Sometimes, homes have damage but are still safe to live in For more information on FEMA home inspections, visit https://www fema gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/home-inspections
∫ FEMA says I'm “not approved.” What can I do?
You may need to provide additional information Common reasons for a “not approved” status include missing:
Proof of insurance (Declaration Page) or Insurance Settlement
Proof of identity (passport, military ID, Social Security card with federal/state ID)
Proof of occupancy (lease, rent receipts, utility bills)
Proof of Ownership (Deed, Title, Mortgage Statement
If you have questions about FEMA's decision, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, call 800-621-3362 or visit https://www fema gov/fact-sheet/common-reasons-femamay-find-you-ineligible-assistance-and-how-address-them
∫ Is my vacation home covered?
No, FEMA can provide disaster assistance only for a primary residence Second homes, vacation homes or homes used as vacation rentals (AirBnB/VRBO) do not qualify for FEMA assistance
∫ Do I have to wait for an insurance denial before filing for FEMA assistance?
You do not have to wait for an insurance claim denial before applying with FEMA Homeowners and renters affected by a disaster are encouraged to file their insurance claim and apply for FEMA assistance When you apply to FEMA, you'll be asked if you have insurance, and this information will be considered during the processing of your application If you haven't received your settlement or denial
letter, you can upload it to your FEMA application when you receive it
In many cases, disasters can cause power outages or lead to damage from extreme temperatures. Homeowner's and renter's insurance often covers repairs for these types of damage However, if your policy doesn't cover it, FEMA might be able to provide additional help
∫ What home repairs are covered?
Financial assistance may be available to homeowners to repair disaster-caused damage to their primary residence that is not covered by insurance FEMA assistance is not meant to return a home to its condition before the disaster It can help make essential repairs to critical structural items and others like water wells, septic tanks, furnaces, AC/HVAC systems, among others
∫ How does FEMA define a “household”?
FEMA's Individual Assistance program defines a “household” as a group of people who live together and share financial support This usually includes:
Primary applicant: The person who applies for help
Spouse/partner: The husband, wife or partner of the applicant
Dependents: Children or others, like older family members, who live with and depend on the applicant for support
∫ I'm self-employed and work from home. Do I qualify for FEMA assistance?
Yes, FEMA can help replace tools and equipment required for self-employment, or not provided by an employer but required for employment Eligible items may include:
Computers
Uniforms
Occupational tools: Essential tools and equipment not provided or supplied by an employer and required by an employer as a condition of employment
∫ I'm a renter. Can I apply for FEMA assistance?
Yes, renters affected by a disaster may qualify for federal assistance to cover temporary housing and to replace or repair personal items like furniture, appliances, clothing, or tools for work.
∫ Will I have to pay back any FEMA disaster assistance I receive?
No, FEMA grants do not need to be repaid, aren't taxable, and won't affect eligibility for federal benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, or other programs
∫ How can I apply for FEMA assistance?
To apply, homeowners and renters can: Go online to DisasterAssistance gov
Download the FEMA App for mobile devices Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 Help is available in most languages If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other
See FEMA, page 28
Muhly grass
Jennifer Dorning
Recipe of the Week: Hazelnut Crusted Grouper with Mango Salsa
By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI
There are so many fish in the sea and so many choices at your local fish store I like to be flexible with my fish choices and I always ask what came in that day This recipe can be made with a variety of fish fillets Makes four servings. (Chef tip: When purchasing fish, make sure to buy from a reputable fish monger Look for moist fish fillets with no fishy smell )
12 ounces fresh grouper fillets, 3/4 inch thick
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 teaspoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Loretta Paganini
Rinse fish; pat dry with paper towels Cut into four (3-ounce pieces) Sprinkle grouper with salt and pepper
CROW Calendar
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:
∫ Wednesday, Nov 6
Program of the Week at 11 a m
T h e p r e s e n t a t i o n w i l l b e “ A b o u t CROW.”
∫ Thursday, Nov. 7
Program of the Week at 11 a m
The presentation will be “A Day In The Life ”
∫ Friday, Nov. 8
Program of the Week at 11 a m
The presentation will be “If You Care, Leave it There ”
∫ Monday, Nov 1 1
Program of the Week at 11 a m
The presentation will be “Ecosystems Of Florida.”
∫ Tuesday, Nov. 1 2
Program of the Week at 11 a m
The presentation will be the presenter’s choice
∫ Wednesday, Nov 1 3
Program of the Week at 11 a m
Change ”
Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under
In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Mondays through F r
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 239-4723644 ext 229 or reservations@crowclinic org
http://www crowclinic org/ or call 239472-3644
BIG ARTS Calendar
B I G A R T S
Sanibel, will present the following:
Workshop
Sketching In A Watercolor Journal with Sunny Krchmar will be held on Nov 14-15 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $92 for donors and $115 for non-donors The deadline to register is Nov 7
Fine Ar ts
“ G h o s t H o r i z o n s : P o e t r y a n d Printmaking” will be on display from now through Jan 31 in the Dunham Family Gallery Inspired by personal experience and shared concerns about the waters of Southwest Florida, the works presented
Chanda Jamieson and visual artist Andy Owen In addition, “Springs: Assemblage in Four Mediums” by Peter Page will be on display from Nov 8 through Jan 19 in the Mezzanine Gallery The exhibit is an
artist reception will take place on Nov 9 from 5 to 7 p m It will feature complimentary wine and light bites, with live music.
Registration is required for workshops by calling 239-395-0900
For more information or tickets, visit www bigarts org or call 239-395-0900
In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt In a wide flat bowl, combine parsley, bread crumbs and ground hazelnuts Place grouper filets into the eggs and then in the hazelnut mixture to generously coat the fish on all sides
In a large non-stick saute pan, melt butter and oil together over medium heat. Sear grouper until golden brown on each side, about four minutes per side
Serve immediately with mango salsa
Mango and Black Bean Salsa (serves six)
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup red onion, minced
1 mango, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup green onion tops, chopped Squeeze of lime juice
Salt, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive mixing bowl Season, to taste, with salt Serve over hazelnut crusted grouper
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 Torah (Bible) Study on
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
In-person service on Sunday at 11 a m through April Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page Services from the past season can also be found online.
∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida P O Box 722, Sanibel, www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org
Shabbat service on Friday at 7:30 p m Torah Talk on Tuesday at 7:30 p m There are also speakers, discussions and informal “schmoozes ” 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 Sanctuary Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel
∫ 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 the Sanctuary
∫ Saint 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 Saturday Vigil Mass at 5 p m Sunday Mass at 10 a m
∫ Saint 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 in the Sanctuary, with a social to follow Sunday service at 9:30 a m , with a social to follow; service is available via livestream and the link on the website
Santiva Islanders Calendar
The Santiva Islanders will present the following:
Cardio & Strength
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength today, Nov 6, from 10 to 11 a m at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members
Social Bridge
Social Bridge will be held on Nov. 7 from 1 to 3:30 p m at the Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road,
Sanibel. Cost is $5. For more information, contact Bryant Korn at bryantekorn@gmail com
Social Mahjong
Social Mahjong will be held on Nov 7 from 1 to 3:30 p m at the Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Cost is $5. For more information, contact Beth Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail com
Cardio & Strength
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength on Nov 8 from 10 to 11 a m at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members
Cardio & Strength
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength on Nov 11 from 10 to 11 a m at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.
See SANTIVA ISLANDERS CALENDAR, page 28
Cheeburger
Cheeburger, 1975 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
MudBugs
Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Old Captiva House at 'Tween Waters, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva
RC Otter's Island Eats, 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva
Cantina, 975 Rabbit Road, Sanibel
Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
islandBEAT islander
Santiva Islanders Calendar
The Community House Calendar
P a i n t i n g W i t h F r i e n d s
P a i
r s w e l -
c o m e B r i n g y o u r o w n s u p p l i e s C o s t i s $ 1 0 d o n a -
t i o n a t t h e d o o r
S a n i b e l H e a r t s C l u b
T h e S a n i b e l H e a r t s C l u b w i l l m e e t o n N o v 8
f r o m n o o n t o 3 p m B e g i n n e r s t o e x p e r t s a r e w e l -
c o m e t o p a r t i c i p a t e a n d p l a y t h e c a r d g a m e N o
r e s e r v a t i o n s a r e r e q u i r e d S u g g e s t e d d o n a t i o n o f
$ 5 T h e w i n n e r s o n O c t 2 5 w e r e : P e g g y M a r i a n s k i a n d T r u d y W i l l i a m s , t i e d f o r f i r s t p l a c e ; a n d M a r y
B e t h Z e r b y , t h i r d p l a c e
S h e l l c r a f t e r s
T h e S h e l l c r a f t e r s w i l l m e e t o n N o v 1 1 f r o m 1 0
a m t o 1 p m i n t h e l o b b y A s h e l l c r a f t i n g c l a s s w i l l t a k e p l a c e a t 1 0 a . m . ; i t i s f r e e a n d s u p p l i e s
r a n g e f r o m $ 5 - 1 0 I t e m s w i l l b e a v a i l a b l e f o r s a l e
A l l s a l e s b e n e f i t t h e o p e r a t i o n s o f T C H
S h e l l C r i t t e r K i t s a r e a v a i l a b l e f o r p u r c h a s e i n a v a r i e t y o f d i f f e r e n t o p t i o n s C o s t i s $ 5 p e r k i t w i t h a l l o f t h e s u p p l i e s i n c l u d e d , e x c e p t f o r g l u e O r d e r t h e m i n - p e r s o n a t T C H o r c a l l 2 3 9 -
Social Hour Social Hour
held on Nov 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, at 1200 Periwinkle
Attendees will order and pay individually.
Page Tur ners Book Club P
meet on Nov 12 from 1 to 2:30 p m
From page 26
service, give FEMA your number for that service
Visit any Disaster Recovery Center For locations and hours, visit fema gov/drc
Documents and information you will need when applying include:
Any other nonperishables will be
pantry
Donations can be dropped off at
Sanibel, and at:
∫ Bank of the Islands, at 1699
Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Carlos Blvd , Fort Myers ∫
Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (purchase pre-made bags at front)
∫ Sanibel Captiva Community
via Zoom The book for discussion will be “James” by Percival Everett For questions or to receive the Zoom l o g i n , c o n t a c t santivaislanders@gmail com
Cardio & Strength
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength on Nov 13 from 10 to 11 a m a t S a n i b e l C o n g r e g a t i o n a l United Church of Christ, at 2050 P e r i w i n k l e W a y , S a n i b e l B r i n g water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost
Current phone number where you can be contacted
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
Your Social Security numbers
is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members
The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age The cost is $25 for an a n n u a l m e m b e r s h i p T h e I s l a n d Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://santivaislanders org/ or contact santivaislanders@gmail com
General list of damage and losses and cause of damage
Banking information, if you choose direct deposit
Policy number, type of coverage and/or the company name if insured
College Parkway, Fort Myers
Sanibel Captiva Community
College Parkway, Fort Myers ∫ Sanibel Captiva Community
Bank Downtown Branch, at 1533
Hendry St , Fort Myers
∫ Sanibel Captiva Community
Bank Gateway Branch, at 11691
Gateway Blvd , Fort Myers
∫ Sanibel Captiva Community
Bank Main Office, 2406 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Sanibel Captiva Community
Bank McGregor Branch, at 15975
McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers ∫ Sanibel Captiva Community
Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
∫ Sanibel Captiva Community
Winkler Road, Fort Myers
∫ Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
∫ The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine, at 362 Periwinkle Way, Suite 4, Sanibel
https://www.fishofsancap.org/.
Island store film available to watch
WGCU's new documentary, “Untold Stories: Sanibel Island's Store,” is now available to livestream online The film explores the power of community and family legacy on a barrier island ever threatened by storms It highlights the
General Store, established in 1899, as the family business rebuilds for the third time after Hurricane Ian To watch the
https://www youtube com/watch?v=Md
videos at https://video wgcu org/video /sanibel-islands-store-yymhp7/
WGCU
Shell Find
Junonia found on Sanibel
Falyn Grabowski, of Sanibel, found a junonia on Oct 20 at Silver Key Beach on Sanibel She reported that she was walking with her dog, Max, when they saw it right off the shore sitting next to a pile of shells Grabowski added that she grew up here and her family and she moved back earlier this year “I love this island with all my heart It definitely feels like home here for us,” she said “If you were looking for a junonia, I would definitely recommend bringing your lucky charm Mine just happens to be Maxy!” To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com
PHOTO PROVIDED
Bailey's ornament features historic family photo
ornament, which honors the past, present and future of the store through the generations as it celebrates 125 years in business
It features a historic family photo of “Francis, Sam, and John Bailey with their mother, Annie Mead Matthews Bailey, in the bow of the Success, crossing San Carlos Bay to Sanibel” from the mainland in the late 1920s, according to information from the historical archives at the Sanibel Public Library
“As we celebrate 125 years in business, it is important we look back and celebrate those that came before us,” Bailie Johnson, one of the fourth generation owner-operators, shared of why the image was picked for this year's ornament “We are standing on the shoulders of their hard work and tenacity.”
father, Frank, the founder After taking the reins from Frank, Francis stewarded the business through challenges of years past
Causeway, as well as many of the same difficulties islanders still face today, such as Hurricane Donna
shared.
This year's annual ornament is a small way for the third and fourth generations of owner-operators to maintain a connection with customers while the fourth iteration
of the store and center is rebuilt
The tradition began in 2009 with an idea driven by one of Bailey's longtime staff members, Pat Kiely Kiely's unfailing dedication to the Bailey's brand led to her creation of the first ornament, custommade and gold-plated by the Charleston Mint, which featured the Bailey's logo It has since sold out forever
The 2024 ornament can be purchased from The Island Store on Captiva, which is also operated by the family and its staff, or by visiting Bailey's online store at https://baileysofsanibel myshopify com/
The Island Store is at 1500 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva
BAILEY'S GENERAL STORE
‘Deport Yourself’
Deport yourself, it’s later than you think, Deport yourself, or you’ll end up in the clink
The year’s gone by, economy’s on the blink
Deport yourself, deport yourself, it’s greater than you think
You’ve worked at jobs no gringos want, you’re always on the go,
To make enough for your family here and the one in Mexico,
But every time you settle down and think you’ve got it made,
You lose your latest job again to another Migra* raid.
Deport yourself, it’s easier than you think, Deport yourself, stop standing on the brink, When you’re back home, your life will be in synch, Deport yourself, deport yourself, have a tequila drink
You’ll let our tomatoes go unpicked and rot upon the vine,
There won’t be places cheap enough where we can sit and dine, Our lawns and grounds will go ungroomed, our beds will be unmade, But you’ll be rich in your home town where no one’s ever paid
Deport yourself, your green card’s long extinct, Deport yourself, get back into the pink, Your wife and kids will either swim or sink, Deport yourself, deport yourself, it’s greater than you think
*Immigration authorities
Procrastination
ing the inevitable Just remember tomorrow is another day to procrastinate!
Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for
From page 24
the Sanibel-Captiva Islander His tonguein-cheek humor is always offered with a smile
