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Cape council member suspended in wake of arrest

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The city of Cape Coral was notified late Thursday that Cape Coral City Councilmember Patty Cummings has been suspended by the governor in the wake of her arrest on allegations she falsified her address to run for office.

The executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis was confirmed by city officials but was not immediately available at press time.

A special City Council meeting has been

Related Stories ■ Arrest warrant issued; Cummings turns herself in, page 8.

■ Cummings’ attorney responds to charges client faces, page 9. called for 3 p.m. today.

Cummings, who was arrested Tuesday, faces three felony charges related to her residency.

She has been charged with fraudulent

application for driver license and two counts of false swearing in connection with or arising out of voting or elections.

The lead investigator’s conclusions detail the reasons the State Attorney’s Office

— Page 46

INDEX Classifieds...........48 Community................17 Editorial & Letters..........4 Puzzles.........................50 Real Estate..................14 Sports.......................45 Weekly Recap...............21 Your Health..............28-33

Today’ s Ad Inserts*

Helping Hands for the Holidays returns for its 25th year Proceeds to benefit three charities

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

A

n event that is now entering its 25th year will continue its tradition of raising funds for three local charities that touch the lives of residents.

“I have a great affection and love for Southwest Florida and for me it’s an opportunity not just to be reacquainted with friends and colleagues, but to bring everyone together in the spirit of giving. I am See HELPING HANDS, 40

Santa Claus will make an appearance during the annual Helping Hands for the Holidays. * Selected ZIP Codes

See INVESTIGATION, page 16

Siesta Lakes breaks ground

AOW

The Cape Coral Breeze presents Athletes of the Week

believed there was probable cause to arrest Cummings on the felonies with which she is charged.

SAO investigator Martin J. Kenney’s conclusion into a complaint that alleged Cummings did not live in District 4 when she sought the seat, as cited in a 26-page booking document, states: “Investigator Kenney believes that probable cause exists showing Cummings violated

PHOTO PROVIDED

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

More housing in on its way to Cape Coral, as another development broke ground Tuesday morning.

Siesta Lakes, a 412-unit Class-A rental community just off Pine Island Road, had shovels put to dirt this week, with competition estimated for 2025.

The project is a collaboration between Shoreham Capital, Bridge Investment Group, and Wynkoop Financial. The team secured a $66 million construction loan with Curran Young Construction serving as the general contractor.

“We’re excited to announce the groundbreaking of Siesta Lakes, a best-in-class rental community that will bring muchneeded housing to the Cape Coral area,” said Doug Faron, managing partner at Shoreham Capital, in a statement. “We believe Siesta Lakes will raise the bar and help bring better housing to this rapidly growing submarket. We are thrilled to bring this new standard of apartment living to life alongside our partners at Bridge Investment Group and Wynkoop Financial.”

The 26-acre site was acquired in July 2022, and is at 186-254 Tierra De Paz Loop. The project will offer a “top-tier” amenity package and “premier finishes” in its one-, two-, and three-bedroom floorpans. The units feature an open-concept living area, and private balconies with views of a private lagoon.

Other amenities will include a gym, pool, dog park, pickleball courts, business center and more.

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 2

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The ability to talk the same language, while having the same map in front of them, is now a requirement under House Bill 301, which the School District of Lee County already implemented prior to the bill being passed as another layer of protection in schoolhouses.

“Critical incidents are often chaotic and ever changing.

Having the ability to quickly know where first responders are — and where they need to go — can save a life when every second counts,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno in a prepared statement.

Critical Response Group Chief Operating Officer Alex Carney said the school safety mapping originated from the military special operation community. He said when you think about oversees, operating somewhere in the Middle East, or Iraq, military special operation units are forced to go to villages, places, or towns they have never been before every night.

Carney said the challenge was figuring out how to communicate.

The simple concept, the grided reference graphic, was

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Mapping system makes Lee County schools safer

Cape Coral Breeze Vol. 62, No. 92

developed as a template on how they could communicate with each other in new places. The graphic would include an overhead imagery of places with a grid overlayed of such things as buildings and intersections.

“Everyone that is going to support an operation got the same map. It didn’t matter if you were flying a helicopter, jet, jumping off the back of a helicopter,” Carney said.

They all talked the same language about a site regardless of the military unit and experience.

“The technique has been used in probably tens of thousands of operations over the last 20 years. It was required in a special operations community,” he said. “The technique is in the military community and unifies people in different military services, agencies, communicating common language about a place.”

With House Bill 301 becoming law, Carney said a lot of the features of how they plan and communicate using maps was adopted on how to plan and communicate during a school safety event.

“The concept of what the bill is trying to solve is how do you make sure accurate maps that are usable for communicating during a school safety event, are distributed and accessible to the public safety community,” he said. “It mandates it is accessible to public safety agencies at the city, county, state and federal level in the software platforms they are already using.”

Situations can stretch on over hours and, if everyone is talking over the same map, things can be done faster while making better decisions because everyone is talking the same language, he said.

“How is that law enforcement officer communicating where he or she is, where the threat is, causalities located, safe for ambulance and medical services to enter the building,” Carney said. “It’s complex things that require police, fire, EMS, 911 professionals to communicate over hours.”

The legislation was passed in the spring and $14 million in grant funding was associated for schools to meet the mandate. Critical Response Group was involved because they had done a lot of mapping in Florida prior to the bill.

Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Seminole, St. Johns and Highlands included the safety school mapping in their dis-

trict prior to the bill being passed. Now the remaining districts in Florida are required to work with a vendor to get maps done to meet the requirements of the bill.

Carney personally worked on the maps for the School District of Lee County.

“It’s a big district and multiple law enforcement agencies. Lee County Sheriff, Fort Myers Police, Cape Coral Police Department, Sanibel, multiple EMS and fire agencies. Two or three 911 centers in Lee County that dispatch and answer calls for different agencies,” he said. “It’s a complex situation.”

That complexity, for example, could be one that falls on the border of two different jurisdictions, as both agencies may have different software and technology platforms, but need to be looking at the same map.

To ensure that to happen, it requires human beings walking through the buildings to make sure a room is indeed that room.

“Making sure year after year updated maps are accessible to multiple law enforcement agencies and other agencies,” he said. “In our experience about a year seems to be fair. Schools tend to make changes at the end of the year before the start of the year.”

Lee County Sherriff’s Office Lt. Todd Olmer said the Critical Response Group mapping began implementation in 2020 and as the mapping and capabilities grew, the program was expanded.

“The mapping gives all parties — deputies, pilots, incident command, etc., a Common Operating Picture (COP).

For schools, having a layout that is specifically intended for making entry and navigating quickly is instrumental in getting care where it is needed as efficiently as possible,” he said.

Olmer said the lessons learned from the unfortunate and horrific events of past mass casualty events led the Sheriff’s Office to see the benefits that the Critical Response Group system provides.

“Large campuses to rural areas present obstacles in orienteering and locating locations or each other,” Olmer said.

“The CRG systems help mitigate these issues efficiently and in a platform that is common and easily understood. In scenario training the benefits were immediately seen in schools directing resources to and from locations, and when doing table-top exercises to train from a patrol level to an incident command.”

He said during Hurricane Ian the system was used during recovery efforts and could be quickly understood by the incredible amount of assistance they were receiving from other agencies and departments.

“This helped streamline communication,” Olmer said.

As a former special operation officer in the Marine Corps, Carner said it is always a stressful operation to try to communicate with different people in a place you have never been before.

“No matter how sophisticated technology gets and tools you get, if you don’t have a radio that talks to people, or a map then you are instantly going to fail as a commander, in my opinion,” Carner said. “To be successful as an incident commander, you have to have the guts to step up and take charge, radio to talk to people and a map that everyone can gather around to communicate the common language. You have to have those three ingredients to be successful in the chose of an emergency and really help and solve problems.”

Page 3 ■ November 17, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 4

OPINIONS CAPE CORAL BREEZE RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor 2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693 Member Florida Press Association

Another one bites the dust In June, Cape Coral City Council eliminated five of its appointed advisory boards and changed its Youth Council to a fact-finding board.

With a 5-3 vote, the elected board eliminated the city’s Golf Course Advisory Board, Nuisance Abatement Board, Waterway Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Cape Competes Advisory Board.

Council in fact, with council members Tom Hayden, Robert Welsh and Jessica Cosden dissenting, eliminated all of the city’s citizen advisory panels that are not mandated by law, save one, the South Cape Community Redevelopment Board.

On Wednesday, the board whose efforts helped decide how tax dollars earmarked for the Cape’s historic downtown were spent was eliminated as well — a formality as Council, without notice, terminated all five members of that board en route to assuming their duties as state statute requires that CRAs have a board though not necessarily a board separate from the local government that sponsored the creation of the agency.

Council members Hayden, Welsh and Cosden again voted in the minority, arguing for citizen involvement, in this case for those with businesses or other interest in the redevelopment district created in 1989 to foster the revitalization of the city’s first business zone, dating back to the ’60s.

A couple of things.

First, we do get the argument of the Council majority that the members of advisory boards and panels are not elected, that the only direct representatives of the people are the eight officials sitting on the City Council dais.

Who, of course, appoint the individuals who serve — as volunteers, mind you — on what previously were deemed boards where citizen input and feet-on-the-street expertise was not only welcome, but needed.

If these appointments had devolved into unproductive political payback, well, Council could have fixed that in a manner that retained the baby while tossing the bath water Council itself had sullied.

But we don’t see that.

What we do see is a Council that increasingly wants to not only manage policy, but micromanage it from start to pre-determined outcome.

Let us be blunt: That’s not vision, that’s tunnel vision.

And elected officials who step on that track do so not only at their own peril but to the detriment of the community they promised to serve.

Since no one apparently is going to do so, let us thank those who most recently served on the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners, former chair Linda Biondi, vice chair James Brantley, Gregory Gebhard, Janis Keim and Thomas Slaughter.

Our thanks as well to those who volunteered on all those boards recently dissolved .

We urge you to stay involved.

There are many who do appreciate your efforts and believe that input from those of us who live and work here is not a part of a process of governance but the part of a process that best reflects the people governance is intended to serve.

THE BREEZE NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Superbugs threaten us all — It’s time for Congress to act of death among patients on dialysis.

Up to 37 million Americans have chronic We can’t sit idly by as a patient, who has kidney disease -- but nine in 10 of them don’t been waiting years for a transplant, contracts a realize it. The illness typically causes no drug-resistant infection that delays their eligibilsymptoms until it reaches advanced stages, ity to receive the organ. Or while a patient on which gives the condition its reputation as the dialysis succumbs to a superbug. “silent killer.” For around 800,000 Fighting AMR is within our scientific reach.

Americans with end-stage kidney failure, kidThe problem is that the market for the treatments ney function is so impaired they must receive we need to do so is broken. dialysis to survive -- or a transplant.

To preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials, Unfortunately, dialysis increasingly exposespecially the newest ones, physicians must prees patients to another killer: drug-resistant scribe them only when they’re appropriate for infections, or “superbugs.” the patient. This careful use -- known as stewAntibacterial-resistant infections conLaVarne A. Burton ardship -- helps slow the rate of resistance. But it tributed to nearly 5 million deaths worldwide also limits their sales potential, making it nearly in 2019. In the United States, superbugs were impossible for drug developers to sustain the third leading cause of death from disease through their upfront investments. in 2019.

Fortunately, the PASTEUR Act would corWe must act to combat superbugs -- and fast. Thankfully, there's a common-sense solution at hand. A rect this market contradiction by creating a new, alternative bill known as the PASTEUR Act would jump-start the arsenal payment model for antimicrobials.

The government would enter into contracts with antimiof new medicines we need to counteract the accelerating crobial innovators. These contracts would not be based on volsuperbug pandemic.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when pathogens like bac- ume, but rather access to novel treatments. Antimicrobial teria and fungi evolve to fend off currently available antimi- developers are assured the revenue they need to innovate new crobial medications. It’s hard to overstate how pervasive treatments, while clinicians focus on using antimicrobials as AMR is. A stunning 92% of urinary tract infections are resist- judiciously as possible.

For the sake of all patients -- but especially those with ant to at least one antibiotic. Nine in 10 cases of the hospitalchronic conditions like kidney disease -- lawmakers should associated fungus Candida auris are drug-resistant.

Nobody is immune to superbugs, but certain patient groups waste no time passing the PASTEUR Act. It’s a smart idea are at much higher risk of infection. People with chronic con- that would put us on the path to outrunning superbugs. ditions, like kidney disease, or weakened immune systems, are more likely to contract a drug-resistant infection.

— LaVarne A. Burton is the president and CEO of the According to one CDC study, people on dialysis are 100 times more likely to contract a staph bloodstream infection American Kidney Fund. than those who are not on dialysis. Infection is a leading cause

Guest Commentary

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR County withdrawal from American Library Association lacks actual basis

To the editor: As a retired English teacher and frequent user of the county library system, I am dumbfounded by the Lee County Commissioners’ vote to cease the county’s annual membership with the American Library Association (ALA).

Your Nov. 10 story quoted the commissioners making vague statements about “concerns” from parents and using terms such as “agenda” and “ideology” regarding the ALA, but nowhere did commissioners articulate a particular issue, despite your reporter’s inquiry.

For those unfamiliar with it, the ALA is a non-profit organization founded in October 1876 by several men including Melvil Dewey, who established the Dewey Decimal system of library classification. It’s the oldest and largest library association in the world.

Its stated mission, according to its website: “to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.”

Membership in the ALA includes subscriptions to professional journals, access to awards, grants and scholarships, and access to early literacy programs.

Doesn’t sound too scary after all, does it?

Not sure what our local parents and commissioners find so controversial about the ALA, since they can’t seem to explain it themselves, beyond offering nebulous statements.

I’ll bet our commissioners didn’t think to ask the county’s professional library director her thoughts on membership in this important organization, how it impacts our local libraries, and what it would mean to cease membership.

—Breeze editorial Sadly, our commissioners appeared to simply react in knee-jerk fashion to uninformed citizens lodging misguid-

ed complaints about a widely respected professional organization dedicated to literacy and the sharing of knowledge. What they all need — ironically — is a trip to their local library to inform themselves.

Katy Odell Cape Coral

Help save Cape Coral’s official bird To the editor: Every year the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife promotes our fund raising with some extraordenary Christmas gifts for all ages. One is our Adopt an Owl fund raiser. With your donations you can get a wonderful picture of burrowing owl on an adopt-an-owl glossy certificate. Other perks are earrings, magnets and our popular T-shirts depending on the level you choose. We just got in our young children’s T-shirts and you had better hurry as they go fast.

Please go to CCFRIENDSOFWILDLIFE.org and click on the an Adopt an Owl link for all the details and ordering information. People from all over our great country have been deighted with this gift.

Another popular gift at Thanksgiving or Christmas is chocolate from Noela Chocolates on 1307 S.E. 47th Terrace. Every year this premiere 5-star chocolate shop donates $5 for every designated container of chocolates sold. We get the stipend for the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife which helps us preserve and protect our wildlife.

The donation occurs when you purchase a box of chocolates from this fine merchant. The shop is open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Just mention CC Friends of Wildlife donation when ordering their outstanding sweets.The store is located just East of Merrick Seafood Company. Even the way the package is wrapped looks so delightful. Noela also donates to our silent auction coming up after the new year.

Lastly, another way to donate is this Sunday, Nov. 19 from 2 til 6 p.m. at Forever Tattoos. Their tattoo parlor comes well recommended. Located at 1505 S.W. 47th See LETTERS, page 6

Page 5 ■ November 17, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 6 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

SCCF provides legislative update on Week 1

By SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION The 2023 Florida Legislative Session formally began last week with the governor proposing a $114.8 billion budget along with close to $2 billion in tax cuts for fiscal year 2023-24. The governor has also a proposed $3.5 billion investment over four years for Everglades restoration and protection of our water resources. Legislators have identified nearly $5 billion in requests for hurricane recovery.

Legislators have been busy filing legislation and discussed several bills in committee during the pre-session interim committee weeks that ran from December to February. As of March 10, the House had filed 1,723 bills and the Senate had filed 871. A record number of those bills seek to limit local government’s authority over its land development process. Smart growth advocates are concerned that the one party supermajority formed by the 2022 elections will make it that much harder to stop or even amend these bad bills that promote urban sprawl. The imbalance of a supermajority means that the party in charge can strictly limit debate and procedurally block amendments to bills further limiting the voices of Floridians concerned about growth and its direct impact on our environment and water quality.

Prior to the opening of session, Gov. Ron DeSantis presented Executive Order 23-06 Achieving Even More Now for Florida’s Environment, which contains several proposed funding projects designed to preserve and protect the state’s natural environment. Many bills that were already moving in the first week of session run counter to the environmental mandate of the governor’s order.

Growth Management House Bill 359 — Local Government Comprehensive Plans is one of those bills that runs contrary to the governor’s order commitment to

GUEST COMMENTARY Growth Management House Bill 359 — Local Government Comprehensive Plans “tacks on the payment of prevailing party attorney’s fees to citizen’s challenges of local comprehensive plan amendments. If this wasn’t chilling enough, citizens that lose a challenge must also pay “intervening parties legal fees” which include developers and their attorneys sometimes charging as much as $600-plus per hour. Growth management advocates argue that protections against frivolous lawsuits already exist in statue and that this added punishment only serves to block citizen involvement.” “improve local governments long-term comprehensive planning that ensures sustainable growth while protecting natural resources ...” HB 359 sailed through its first two of three committee stops — the first committee stop was scheduled during interim committee week and the second committee hearing occurred on the first Thursday of session. This bill tacks on the payment of prevailing party attorney’s fees to citizen’s challenges of local comprehensive plan amendments. If this wasn’t chilling enough, citizens that lose a challenge must also pay “intervening parties legal fees” which include developers and their attorneys sometimes charging as much as $600-plus per hour. Growth management advocates argue that protections against frivolous lawsuits already exist in statue and that this added punishment only serves to block citizen involvement. This action, coupled with the 2019 bad growth management bill, HB 7103, that served to add prevailing party attorney’s fees to comprehensive plan challenges, risks the end to citizen involvement in planning for their communities. Jane West, policy and planning director for the growth management advocacy non-profit 1000 Friends of Florida, offered two fixes to the

bill which garnered some interest from two committee members. Until any amendments are filed, the SCCF remains adamantly opposed to this bill. This bill has one more stop in the House State Affairs Committee. The similar Senate bill, SB 540, has not yet been heard in its first committee.

Florida Wildlife Corridor — SB 106 Florida Shared Nonmotorized Trail Network: One of Senate leadership’s priorities is a focus on the increased public access and protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. SB 106 and the identical House version HB 871 passed their first two committee stops last week. These bills seek to fund improvements to the existing corridor's public access network through a dedicated non-recurring investment of $200 million.

Visit the 2023 SCCF Legislative Tracker at https://www.sccf.org/our-work/environmental-policy.

Founded in 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. For more information, visit www.sccf.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR From page 4 Terrace they will have many ways to donate at their store.

All tattoos fees that day will be given to the Cape Coral Friends Wildlife. But wait, there are more contributions, too. Get a haircut and we get the payment for the trim.

Two food trucks will be there. We get a percentage of their take. Come out and have a Sunday dinner, get a tattoo or haircut and thus give a gift for our Cape wildlife.

CCFW will have our mechanise displayed to buy. See our outstanding collection including the youngsters Tshirts. Hope to see you there. Happy Holidays!

Join our club on the email address above.

Carl Veaux Cape Coral

Why would anyone change Jaycee Park?

To the editor: I am a visitor to Cape Coral. Having visited Jaycee Park and then looked for more information about it on the web site.

I was astounded (negatively) by the proposed changes and wonder how many residents are aware of what their City council is planning. I wrote to the Mayor and members of Council the following letter. I would appreciate a share: Dear Mayor Gunter, I am visiting a friend in Cape Coral. She took me to the wonderful Jaycee Park twice. I looked for information on the park and was surprised at the proposed changes. The Frequently Asked Questions page (https://cms4files.revize.com/capecoralfl/Jaycee%20Park%2 0Forum%20FAQ’s.pdf) left me puzzled on a number of fronts. Surely with the number of citizens in Cape Coral I saw using the park, there would be more questions — or were these questions designed by City employees? Having worked for the Canadian Government for 25 years, they have the feel of bureaucratic questions and answers used to sway people in the direction the Government wanted to go.

Any city would feel so blessed to have such a wonderful piece of nature available to all their citizens and visitors. I loved the openness of the river — no roaring boats or distractions. The length of the beach was open to all —not closed off

in sections for boaters. Surely there are enough boating areas around Cape Coral that you would not want to desecrate the wonderful park with docks. I noticed that boats were using the river, so no doubt there are docks in the area. Why would the City want to risk the oyster beds and aquatic wildlife near the park with more boats and pollution?

It was so nice to see the open areas and family and other groups gathering and having picnics or just sitting and enjoying the nature around them with no band stand spoiling the view, no noisy tennis courts, no food trucks, no bars.

I noted that on another page of the city’s website that “Alcoholic Beverages — Alcohol is not permitted in any park unless pre-permitted for a City-approved event.” This begs the question of why a bar would be suggested for a place where children are playing and most people would probably drive to get to the park, resulting in potential drinking and driving violations. Really, would someone having had a few drinks on a hot day have the reflexes to avoid a child chasing a ball? I think having a bar would be a recipe for disaster. Would you want to risk your child’s life? And think of those living in the neighborhoods abutting the park — would they want to have the noise of food trucks, band stand activities and bars and the added noise and other pollution? Would you want all this next to your yard?

Why would anyone even consider changes to wonderful Jaycee Park!! I think the suggested changes would deter a number of local citizens and also visitors from using this beautiful park.

Also, just think of the cost of maintaining the band stand and docks on a regular basis, let alone replacing them after hurricanes. Can Cape Coral afford this extravagance? Have these costs been analyzed and added to the city budget for years to come? How do citizens feel about the extra tax money for things that many of them may never use?

Would it become a place for those who could afford to buy food at concessions, drink (and drive), and pay for docking privileges, rather than a park that all could visit and enjoy regardless of income?

Think of those living in apartments who want to take their children somewhere safe to play and to enjoy nature.

I note that removal of trees along the shoreline is being considered. Have you taken into consideration the erosion that

Agree? Disagree? Weigh in! Letters, guest opinions, comments welcome The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the editor or guest columns may be e-mailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com. All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes. Readers are also invited to comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: capecoralbreeze.com.

could happen with waves, especially more due to more boats on the river docking there, let alone hurricane weather, if the trees and their roots were removed along the shoreline?

Surely it should take more than the votes of councilors — some of whom may not even visit the park — to decide on such changes. Why not save the tax dollars of Cape Coral citizens who are already financially challenged with higher costs for everything else in their lives and leave things as they are?

I would think before even one shovel is put into the ground that the development of plans would be a great expense.

As a visitor to Cape Coral and having visited Jaycee Park, I wouldn’t go again if these changes would be implemented and I were looking for a quiet spot in nature to sit and enjoy the river and the people having fun in the park. Are you trying to deter tourists and families from using your park?

I look forward to your response.

Ellen Muise Quebec, Canada

This week’s poll question: Do you take part in holiday food drives? ∫ Yes, I donate. ∫ Yes, they help me feed my family ∫ I would be I can’t afford to this year. ∫ No

Previous poll question What do you think of the concept plans for the Yacht Club park? ∫ Love both. I look forward to the new amenities.

21.25% ∫ I like the concept with the meandering resort-style pool and larger two-story community center among amenities that include two piers, an open beach area and a second restaurant. 24.5% ∫ I like the concept with the smaller resort-style pool, separate children’s pool, and yes, the rest. 15.25% ∫ Like some on Council, I like some aspects of the first plan, some in the second concept. I’d like to see an option that combines the best of both. 21.25% ∫ It don’t like either. 2% ∫ Let’s not kid ourselves. What’s being proposed will not be a park but pay-to-play commercialization of the riverfront site. 15.5% * 442 votes at press time

Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.

Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

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Cape Coral Breeze

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 8 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Arrest warrant issued; Cummings turns herself in from City Management on this matter,” the release states.

Cape Coral City An early evening press Councilmember Patty conference was later called Cummings voluntarily turned with Mayor John Gunter sayherself in to the Lee County Jail ing he expected the matter Tuesday afternoon after a warwould be referred to the rant was issued for her arrest on Governor’s Office. three third-degree felony counts.

Referral by the arresting The warrant was issued agency is a standard proceMonday after the State dure following the charges Attorney's Office completed a against a public official. city-requested investigation into The residency complaint, allegations that Cummings did not live in District 4 as required Patty Cummings initiated by a resident who requested whistle-blower by the city's charter when she qualified initially anonymity, was referred to the State for the seat.

Cummings, 51, has been charged with Attorney’s Office by Council in June.

Council first rejected a bid to charge Fraudulent Application for Driver License and two counts of False Cummings with violating the city’s charSwearing in Connection with or Arising ter residency requirements when she qualified, saying the independent “fact Out of Voting or Elections.

According to the release from the finding” report it commissioned was Office of the State Attorney Twentieth incomplete.

The report was prepared by attorney Judicial Circuit, the warrant for Vicki L. Sproat of Boy Agnew Potanovic Cummings' arrest reads: Miller, who was retained by the city on ■ On or about May 9, 2022 in Lee County, Florida, did unlawfully and March 24 to conduct the third-party knowingly make a false statement, know- inquiry.

Using what she called a “preponderingly conceal a material fact, or otherwise commit a fraud in an application for ance of evidence standard,” Sproat found a driver license or identification card, that “Cummings was not a full-time or contrary to Florida Statute part-time resident” of the home she listed on Palm Tree Boulevard during the rele322.212(5)(a). vant period and that “Cummings did not ■ On or about June 14, 2022 in Lee County, Florida, did unlawfully and will- reside in District 4 until March 22, fully swear or affirm falsely to an oath or 2023.”

Sproat also found that “Cummings affirmation in connection with or arising out of voting or elections, contrary to failed to cooperate in the investigation,” citing what she called “the greater weight Florida Statute 104.011(1). of the evidence.”

■ On or about November 18, 2022 in Council’s decision to request assisLee County, Florida, did unlawfully and willfully swear or affirm falsely to an tance from the State Attorney’s Office oath or affirmation in connection with or was made as Sproat did not have subpoearising out of voting or elections, con- na power to compel witnesses with whom she wished to speak and to obtain trary to Florida Statute 104.011(1).

Assistant State Attorney John all of the documents she sought.

As an investigative agency, the State Dommerich Jr., chief of Special Prosecutions, is prosecuting the case and Attorney’s Office had that authority.

Cummings has steadfastly denied the has been handling the investigation, along with State Attorney’s Office inves- allegations and the attorney representing her at the time of Sproat's investigation, tigators.

City officials had little comment in Jay P. Lechner of Lechner Law, previously said Cummings cooperated with the wake of the arrest.

“This, of course, is very unfortunate the investigation and that documents and since it remains a very fluid case, I establishing residency as required by the will wait until we are informed of our city’s charter were provided.

As for what comes next, historically, next steps,” District 3 Councilmember City Council has presented incidents Tom Hayden said.

The city's Communications Office awaiting adjudication to the Governor's issued a release shortly after the State Office which, in the past, has suspended the official facing the allegation or alleAttorney's Office announced the arrest.

“The State Attorney’s Office (SAO) gations. City Council then has appointed concluded its investigation surrounding an interim council member to represent allegation(s) regarding Councilmember the district.

Cummings, who was booked shortly Patty Cummings and the residency requirement(s) needed for elective before 2 p.m., remained in in-take at the office. The investigation determined the Lee County Jail late Tuesday afternoon.

District 4 Councilmember violated sev- Total bond was set at $7,500 bond.

Her first hearing is scheduled for Dec. eral Florida laws.

“This is an ongoing legal process, and 18 at 8:30 a.m. as such, there will be no further comment

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Check us out online.

Visit www.capecoralbreeze.com

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

— Paul M. Sisco, attorney for Councilmember Patty Cummings Attorney’s Office completed a cityrequested investigation into allegations that she did not live in District 4 as required by the city’s charter when she qualified for the seat.

Cummings, 51, has been charged with fraudulent application for driver license and two counts of false swearing in connection with or arising out of voting or elections.

Cummings was released Tuesday on $7,500 bond. Her first hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18 at 8:30 a.m.

The residency complaint originated from a resident who at first requested whistle-blower anonymity.

It was referred to the State Attorney’s Office by Council in June after Council rejected a bid to charge Cummings with violating the city’s residency requirements when she qualified, saying the independent “fact finding” report it commissioned in the wake of the complaint

Cape Coral Breeze

Meanwhile, Cummings, who voluntarily remanded herself to the Lee County Jail Tuesday afternoon, is entitled to due process, he said.

“There seems to be a belief among some (in Cape Coral) that if you bring some allegations to the State Attorney’s Office that you get a political reward of eliminating your political opponent,” Sisco said. “That’s not the way America works. It’s not the way Cape Coral works and it’s certainly not the way any of America should work.”

He also criticized how the city’s charter is written, specifically the language pertaining to the requirements to qualify for office.

“I’ve been practicing for 31 years, and the ambiguity in that language is as bad as I’ve ever seen in a statute,” Sisco said.

The warrant for Cummings’ arrest was issued Monday after the State

was incomplete.

The report was prepared by attorney Vicki L. Sproat of Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller, who was retained by the city on March 24 to conduct that third-party inquiry.

Using what she called a “preponderance of evidence standard,” Sproat found that “Cummings was not a full-time or part-time resident” of the home she listed on Palm Tree Boulevard during the relevant period and that “Cummings did not reside in District 4 until March 22, 2023.”

Sproat also found that “Cummings failed to cooperate in the investigation,” citing what she called “the greater weight of the evidence.”

Council’s decision to request assistance from the State Attorney’s Office was made as Sproat did not have subpoena power to compel witnesses with whom she wished to speak and to obtain all of the documents she sought.

As an investigative agency, the State Attorney’s Office had that authority.

Cummings has steadfastly denied the allegations and the attorney representing her at the time of Sproat’s investigation, Jay P. Lechner of Lechner Law, previously said Cummings co-operated with the investigation and that documents establishing residency as required by the city’s charter were provided.

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Politics, not any attempt to obtain elective office illegally, is the root cause of the charges Cape Coral City Councilmember Patty Cummings is now facing, her attorney said Wednesday morning.

Paul M. Sisco, Esq., said Cummings was targeted by political adversaries and some Council members who wanted her out after she won the District 4 seat last year.

Sisco said he doesn’t fault the State Attorney’s Office, which on Monday obtained a warrant for Cummings’ arrest on three felony charges related to whether she met city charter residency requirements to qualify for the District 4 seat.

However City Council’s decision to bring the matter to the SAO was a “contingency plan” for her opponents to use, he added.

“I believe the State Attorney’s Office is a victim of the larger effort to have her removed from City Council,” Sisco said.

“The State Attorney’s Office was shown a micro-level sketch of a few facts, and it was removed from the greater context of the fact that Councilmember Cummings upset the ‘machine’ and some of the powers-that-be would like her off of there. And they can’t beat her in an election, so they want to prosecute her.”

“I believe the State Attorney’s Office is a victim of the larger effort to have her removed from City Council. The State Attorney’s Office was shown a micro-level sketch of a few facts, and it was removed from the greater context of the fact that Councilmember Cummings upset the ‘machine’ and some of the powers-that-be would like her off of there.

And they can’t beat her in an election, so they want to prosecute her.”

Page 9 ■ November 17, 2023

Attorney responds to allegations related to Cummings’ arrest

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November 17, 2023 ■ Page 10

Page 11 ■ November 17, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

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November 17, 2023 ■ Page 12 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

First responders honored at Business After Hours

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

An annual recognition of local first responders took place Thursday night at FOS Furniture in Cape Coral, as their Business After Hours event paid homage to those who protect and serve.

Members of the Cape Coral Police Department, Cape Coral Fire Department, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office were honored and presented with awards based on their service that were selected by their individual departments.

The night featured food, drink, door prizes, all put on by FOS Furniture and the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral.

“This is one of our favorite Business After Hours of the year,” said chamber President and CEO Donna Germain in an interview before the event. “We often take for granted what our first responders go through on a daily basis and what they face just by going to work. Our hearts go out to these heroes and their families. They sacrifice so much to keep our community safe and we are truly honored to be able to recognize them each year.”

FOS Owner Pat Corlew, who has long hosted the event, added, “We are fortunate to have a well-trained, and dedicated group of first responders, and we want to let them know all of the hard work is appreciated.

This is a‘thank you‘ for all they do to keep us safe each day and night. We live in a much larger city now from when we started the awards night 22 years ago. To meet each one and have the chance to hear the stories makes us all feel so very proud.”

The Cape Coral Police Department’s Officer of the year was Officer Patricia Gould.

“We are fortunate to have a well-trained, and dedicated group of first responders, and we want to let them know all of the hard work is appreciated. This is a ‘thank you‘ for all they do to keep us safe each day and night. We live in a much larger city now from when we started the awards night 22 years ago. To meet each one and have the chance to hear the stories makes us all feel so very proud.”

—FOS owner Pat Corlew, who has long hosted the event Gould was presented with a dangerous situation in January of 2022, when she responded to a home in the 100 block of Southeast 13th Avenue for a checkup request after a 9-1-1 hangup, with no information as to what was happening. When she arrived, a woman exited the house in an aggravated manner, muttering something about a man with a gun inside.

Moments later, multiple gunshots were heard by Gould near the front of and inside the house, and she immediately moved the woman out of view of the front of the home. Gould took a tactical position ensuring the safety of the woman, while relaying information to dispatch. A murder-suicide had taken place inside the home, and the woman she protected most likely would have been the next victim.

The Cape Coral Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year went to Lt. Laurel Cornelius.

“It is the totality of the body of the work, the person, the positive attitude, and the benefit to the department that earned her this award,” said CCFD officials. “In just a year, she earned a promotion to the position of Lieutenant, became a member

of Labor Management, and attended multiple conferences, including a Women in Leadership workshop. Her ability to work hard, while consistently doing the ‘right’ thing is easy to go unnoticed, but it is for that reason it should be commended."

CCFD officials said Cornelius always takes responsibility for keeping her crew safe, and is constantly working to better herself.

Following Hurricane Ian’s full-blown impact, when winds subsided around 11 p.m. that night in the pitch black, Cornelius and her crew immediately left the station to start answering the numerous calls for help that had come in throughout the day. Her crew responded to a structural fire, and after discovering the water was too deep for the truck to get through on the road, they waded to the residence to ensure no one was in the home who needed help.

“She is also a role model for women and an excelled representative of the department,” CCFD officials said.

The LCSO Deputy of the Year was Deputy William Weaver.

Weaver, being on-duty as the LCSO School Resource Officer at Three Oaks

Elementary school, noticed a frantic parent in the drop-off line. A mother told Weaver her 5-month old infant had stopped breathing, and he immediately provided life-saving actions until the child began to breathe again. The child had been suffering with a respiratory illness, and it is believed that mucus may have caused the child to stop breathing.

“If it wasn’t for Deputy Weaver’s quick actions, the outcome may have been very grim for the child,” stated Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

A new award was bestowed as the chamber and FOS presented the “Community Lifesaver Award” to CCFD Chief Ryan Lamb, firefighters of Station 2, and local Good Samaritans.

In October, shortly after 8 p.m., Cape resident Roger Tabor was walking out to the car after watching his grandson’s football practice at a local field when he felt he was going to pass out. The last thing Tabor remembers is trying to hold onto his car door handle. He fell onto the car of a man named Jason Robinson, who jumped into action yelling for help and rolled Tabor on his side. Robinson stayed on-site, using a flashlight to help aid those working to help Tabor, and called 9-1-1.

Another Good Samaritan, Celeste Suiter, ran over to the scene and moved Tabor from under the car where he fell, and immediately began giving him CPR. “She worked tirelessly to keep him with us,” said Tabor's daughter, Shauna Conway.

As Suiter began to grow tired from compressions, another individual, Katy See HONORED, page 13

Page 13 ■ November 17, 2023 Deputy William Weaver was named Lee County Sheriff's Office Deputy of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Business After Hours event at FOS Furniture Thursday night. With him is Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

Honored: Lifesaving efforts recognized at annual Chamber event at FOS Furniture From page 12

is neurologically sound, and that his doctor reported there was no damage to the muscle of his heart due to the event.

“He went from ICU, to a step down unit, to home less than one week later,” Conway said. “It is said that the outcome of survival from this particular type of event is less than 10%. Due to the quick action and bravery of all individuals involved, Roger is able to be grateful for these angels on Earth that saved his life that night and allow him another day on this Earth to spend with family and praising God for his miracles and every breath. Words are never enough to convey our gratitude for these heroes.”

Cape Coral Breeze

Williams, jumped in and switched on and off performing CPR to Tabor.

“These women did not give up and kept blood flowing to his brain and other vital organs when his heart could not,” Conway said.

Fire Chief Lamb, who was coaching at the field, got word of the situation and immediately jumped into action, running to the scene. He detected no pulse, nor respirations. Lamb gave his keys to the league president who retrieved an AED out of Lamb’s truck.

Lamb applied the shock, and CPR continued, as EMS and the fire department arrived on scene to perform

advanced care.

Tabor, once in the hands of EMS, was en route to Gulf Coast when he had to be brought to Cape Coral Hospital to be stabilized. From there, Tabor was moved to Gulf Coast and immediately went into surgery.

“The health care workers both at the field, en-route, and at the hospitals played a vital role in bringing him back again and keeping him alive,” Conway said. “The heroic efforts of these angels kept Roger alive and performed nothing short of a miracle.”

Conway said that Tabor had a “widow maker” heart attack, receiving two stents, and that without the brave actions of countless individuals at the field that night, he would not be here today. Conway also reported that Tabor

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CCPD Officer Patricia Gould has been named Cape Coral Police Officer of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Business After Hours event at FOS Furniture Thursday night. With her are Cape Councilmember Keith CCFD Lt. Laurel Cornelius has been named Cape Long and Chief Anthony Sizemore.

Coral Firefighter of the Year. .

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 14

REAL ESTATE

www.capecoralbreeze.com

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Issues with deeding Cape’s 2023 luxury condo sales a property to a breaking bad in first 10 months family member (Editor’s note: The following column was published previously in The Breeze.)

Cape Coral Breeze

THE BREEZE

Dear Mr. Feichthaler: After going through this hurricane, I have decided to give my house to my daughter, who currently rents in Fort Myers. I may keep living in the house, but I just don’t want the hassle of home ownership anymore. Should I just deed her the property?

— Patricia D. Dear Patricia: The challenges the aftermath of Hurricane Ian has brought can seem overwhelming at times.

The repairs, the insurance, the constant calls or “dropins” by unknown contractors can take its toll on our patience. However, there are many issues to consider before deeding a property to a family member.

First, it is likely you are homesteaded in your propEric P. Feichthaler erty. This designation can lead to hundreds, even thousands of dollars of property tax savings annually. When you transfer the property, any of the “save our homes” savings that have accrued over the years will be lost, leading to higher property taxes in future years. Additionally, if you have a loan on the property, the transfer can lead to two significant issues. First, the transfer may result in a default of your mortgage, which could lead to a higher interest rate and even foreclosure. Also, the state will look at the transfer, even if nothing was paid, as if the amount of the mortgage was paid for the house. The transfer tax, or “Documentary Stamp” tax as it is referred to in Florida, would apply. Depending on the size of the mortgage, this could cost thousands as well.

Also, with the property in your daughter’s name, she will have total ownership and control of the property, and will possess the ability to sell the property, and keep the proceeds.

Depending on your relationship and family dynamic, this could also lead to stress and serious financial losses.

Also, certain types of deeds can invalidate the title insurance policy you acquired when you purchased the property.

Correcting or reversing real estate transactions can be very expensive, therefore I recommend contacting a real estate attorney prior to proceeding with the proposed transfer.

I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Real Estate Law

Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Southwest Florida to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, Cape Coral Museum of History, and Cape Coral Kiwanis. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for over 20 years, and they have four children together. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney.com, or 239-542-4733.

This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone. Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations.

This week we will examine the per2022. The highest priced condo sale in formance of the Cape Coral luxury the third quarter of 2023 was for condo market for the first 10 months of $735,000 on July 17, and the highest2023 in our salute to the champagne priced condo sale in the second quarter wishes and caviar dreams of Robin of this year was for $740,000 on April Leach, the late great host of “Lifestyles 6. of the Rich and Famous.” With oil prices Back in the first quarter of this year plunging recently, the recent inflation we had nine of the top 10 luxury condo numbers have eased which is leading to sales posted so far in 2023, ranging a drop in mortgage rates. If rates continfrom $750,000 to $2 million, with five ue moving lower we could see a nice of these first quarter sales at $1.55 milbounce in real estate sales that coincides lion and above. We have been in a with our winter tourist season. For the drought since March 24 when it came to record, we define the Cape’s luxury million dollar-plus condo sales in the condo market as units selling at Cape, until there was finally a break$500,000 and above. through on Oct. 23 with a closed sale Bob and Geri Quinn The slowdown we noted in this colbeing registered for $1.65 million in umn back in July for the first half of this Tarpon Landings. Back in 2022, there year in our luxury condo market went were 10 units sold in the first 9 months into a breaking bad mode in the third of the year at prices between $1 million quarter when there were only three and $1.5 million, with three sold in the closed luxury condo sales in the Cape. One unit sold for first quarter, six in the second quarter and one sold in the $735,000 in July, with a second unit selling for third quarter. There were two more sales at $1.41 and $510,000 in August, followed by the third sale at $1.45 million in October 2022. $540,000 in mid-September. There have been a total of Currently, as of Tuesday, Nov. 14, there were 361 34 luxury condos sold in the first 9 months of this year, active listings in the MLS for Cape Coral condos at askwith 17 sales posted in the first quarter, and 14 sales in ing prices ranging from $159,500 to $3.9 million, with the second quarter to go with the 3 sales in July through the overall median list price coming in at $300,000. A September. Things also remained slow in October with total of 123 condos, or 34% of our market, were listed at only four luxury condo sales, bringing the 10-month total $275,000 and under, with 58.4% of the condos in Cape to 38 sales over the first 10 months of 2023. On a posi- Coral listed at $325,000 and under. At the other end of tive note, the condo market ended its drought of million our price spectrum, there were a total of 44 condos listed dollar-plus sales in October. for sale in our luxury market, equalling 12.2% of the 361 By comparison, in the first nine months of 2022, there active listings priced at $500,000 and above, with 11 of were a total of 55 luxury condo sales in Cape Coral, with these units listed for more than $1 million.

22 sales posted in the first quarter of last year and 20 sales There are currently 46 condos in the Cape under conin the second quarter, followed by 13 closed sales in the tract as a pending sale at prices ranging from $120,000 to third quarter. Three of the 13 third quarter sales in 2022 $1.195 million, with the median pending sales price comoccurred in September and all three were prior to ing in at $284,450. There were two other units under conHurricane Ian. Breaking it down, the number of closed tract in our luxury segment at $550,000 and $659,500 to luxury condo sales in the Cape over the first nine months go along with the unit at $1.195 million. The fourth highof 2023 declined by 38.2% compared to the first nine est priced condo under contract was at $425,000 with the months of 2022. In the aftermath of Ian there were an remaining 42 pending condo sales priced at $393,000 additional four closed luxury condo sales in October of and under. last year, bringing the 10-month total up to 59 sales in Looking back about four months ago, on Tuesday, July 2022.

11, there were a total of 282 condos in the Cape listed for As far as sales prices were concerned, over the first sale through the MLS at prices ranging from $150,000 to three quarters of 2022 the median sales price for a luxury $3.9 million, and the median list price was $325,000. At condo in the Cape was $630,000 and when we included that time there were 58 luxury condos on the market at the month of October 2022 into the equation, it edged up $500,000 and above, including 14 units priced above $1 to $639,000. This year the median sales price in our lux- million. So the number of overall active condo listings has ury condo segment came in at $599,000 over both the increased by 28% in the last four months, while the medifirst three quarters and in the first 10 months of 2023, for an list price has declined by 7.7%, with the number of declines of 4.9% and 6.3%, respectively, compared to See LUXURY CONDO SALES, page 15

Homing In

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS Stevens honored for 35 years at Stewart Title

National economist to present housing market forecast at REIS meeting Dec. 12

Stewart Title recently honored Doug Stevens for 35 years of service with the company and to the community.

As branch operations manager in Fort Myers and seasoned real estate closing expert, Stevens uses his three-plus decades of title insurance experience to create new business development for Stewart Title across Southwest Florida.

He holds a bachelor of science degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and earned his certified land closer designation by the Florida Land Title Association. He has been recognized as both the Fort Myers Association of Realtors’ “Affiliate of the Year” and Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s “Ambassador of the Year.”

Stewart Title is at 12800 University Drive, Suite 360, Fort Myers. For additional information, call 239-8722570.

Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae, will provide insight on the outlook for housing and financing markets at the Dec. 12 meeting of the Real Estate Investment Society.

Duncan has been named one of Bloomberg/BusinessWeek's 50 Most Powerful People in Real Estate and Inman News’ 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate. He is Fannie Mae's source for information and analyses on demographics and the external business and economic environment; the implications of changes in economic activity on the company's strategy and execution; and for forecasting overall housing, economic, and mortgage market activity.

The presentation is also expected to look at the effects

See REAL ESTATE BRIEFS, page 15

From page 14

and on Sept. 25, 2006, for $797,100. The highrise condos in Tarpon Landings were being completed right around the peak of the market leading into the Great Recession, with many buyers walking away from their 20% deposits, leading to the developer going bankrupt.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of Nov. 8, 2023, unless otherwise noted.

It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral condominiums, townhouses, and villas, and it does not include any singlefamily homes, short sales or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 44-years. Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS From page 14

Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association's 2023 Leadership Academy raises funds for Community Initiative The Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association's 2023 Leadership Academy class has announced its commitment to giving back to the local community by raising funds for Community Cooperative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger and homelessness in Fort Myers.

One of the primary objectives of the Leadership Academy is to actively engage within the community, creating a positive impact, fostering community growth, and enhancing our leadership skills. This year, the class project was centered around contributing to the community through volunteer work at Community Cooperative.

Throughout the year, the Leadership Academy members dedicated their time and efforts to support Community

Worthington Realty partners with general contractor for concierge renovation services With more and more construction taking up general contractors’ time, homeowners are having a challenging time finding contractors to do renovation work on their personal homes or rental properties. Boutique real estate company Worthington Realty has come up with a solution for its clients. The company is partnering with general contractor Tanner Miller to offer expanded and enhanced services for their renovation needs.

The new concierge service offering will allow Worthington clients to get timely estimates for renovation projects than if they were to call an outside contractor, prompt responses to their questions, open communication throughout the duration of the job, and above all, work completed within the client’s budget.

Beyond many property owners completing restorations after Hurricane Ian, renovations to update older homes is a common strategy for increasing property values and attracting sales or rentals. This concierge service will support Worthington’s clients in getting their properties on the market more quickly and better prepared to sell or rent.

Miller recently joined Worthington as a sales associate and has nearly a decade of experience in the real estate business, several as a construction manager for a national builder and five as one of top salespeople at Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County.

Founded in 1989, Worthington Realty is a boutique real estate company specializing in residential sales, rentals and development within Lexington Country Club in Fort Myers, Babcock Ranch and surrounding communities. Its office headquarters are located at 8880 Gladiolus Drive, Suite 102, in Fort Myers.

For additional information, please call 239-437-3334, email info@worthingtonrealty.com or visit Worthington Realty.com.

B&I Contractors Inc. welcomes Bianchi as corporate safety manager B&I Contractors recently announced that Patrick Bianchi has joined the team as corporate safety manager.

Bianchi brings a wide scope of experience in safety and project management to this important role. As corporate safety leader, he will work closely with B&I’s field and operations teams to ensure safety practices consistently support the company’s goals and high safety standards.

He will focus on training and technology to reduce risks and eliminate accidents.

Bianchi is a safety trained supervisor in construction (STSC). His qualifications and training include HAZMAT Operations, OHSA 10 & 30, 502 Construction Industry Outreach Trainer and 510 Standards for the Construction Industry.

Established in 1960, B&I offices are located in Fort Myers, Tamarac, Sarasota and Tampa. The employeeowned company provides HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building maintenance services for commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities throughout Florida. To learn more, call 239- 332-4646 or visit www.bandiflorida.com

Cape Coral Breeze

of long-term interest rates on economic growth, business investment, and housing affordability. Following the presentation, Mr. Duncan will respond to specific questions from the attending real estate and development professionals.

Fannie Mae, officially the “Federal National Mortgage Association,” is a government-sponsored enterprise and a public company, founded in 1938. It is a leading source of mortgage financing in the United States by purchasing mortgage loans from lenders.

The meeting is sponsored by Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University and will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. Dec. 12 in the Osprey Room at Pelican Preserve’s Clubhouse, on Treeline Avenue at Colonial Boulevard, one mile east of I-75 exit 136 in Fort Myers. Admission is $30 for members and $45 for guests, which includes lunch. Reservations are required by Dec. 7 and may be made at the REIS website at www.reisswfl.org.

Cooperative’s mission. They stocked pantries, assisted in food preparation, and provided nourishment to those in need. They also conducted a food donation drive at the October RPCRA Realtor trade show, and for the group project, they organized a 50/50 raffle to raise funds for the benefit of Community Cooperative.

The proceeds generated from the raffle sales amounted to $6,140, which was presented to the Janelle Olson, Community Cooperative engagement manager. The Leadership Academy is a program designed to nurture and develop emerging leaders within the real estate sector. The academy provides participants with an array of skills, tools and knowledge to excel in their careers and contribute to their communities. As part of this program, RPCRA encourages its members to engage in philanthropic endeavors that support important local causes.

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luxury condos listed for sale falling by 24%, and the million dollar plus condo listings down by 21.4%. To illustrate how much things have changed, back on June 28, 2022, there were only 118 active condo listings in the Cape with an overall median list price of $299,900 and there were 11 luxury units listed at $500,000 and up, including only two units priced above $1 million.

About four months ago, on July 11, there were a total of 50 condos under contract with buyers as pending sales in the Cape at prices ranging from $169,000 to $749,000. The median pending sales price for condos at that time was $279,900 and there were only three units under contract at $500,000 and above. Going back to June 28, 2022, there were 80 Cape Coral condos in the pending sales pipeline at prices ranging from $169,700 to $2.2 million, including 12 condos that were pending at $500,000 and above, with two of those units under contract above $1 million.

Our featured luxury condo today is the most recent million dollar-plus sale from October which is currently

holding the position as the fourth highest priced condo sale in Cape Coral so far in 2023. This sixth floor unit, originally built in 2006, has a private elevator leading to the spacious 3,048-square-foot luxury unit with three bedrooms, plus a den. Each bedroom features its own private ensuite bathroom, with an additional half bathroom available when entertaining guests. The kitchen features granite countertops, an induction cooktop, a beverage station and black stainless appliances. The private balconies provide sweeping gulf access water views combined with incredible sunrise and relaxing sunset views. This unit has an enclosed two-car garage and access to two resort-style amenity areas with three swimming pools, two fitness centers, tennis courts, bocce, a sauna, plus boutique shopping and waterfront dining in the Tarpon Point Marina complex.

This unit was initially listed for $1.75 million on Sept.

17, and it went under contract as a pending sale on Oct. 18, before closing on Oct. 23 for $1.65 million in a cash deal. The seller, who was the third owner of this unit, purchased it back on Dec. 11, 2015, for $785,000. Prior sales on this unit were on Dec. 31, 2009, for $729,700

Page 15 ■ November 17, 2023

Luxury condo sales: Breaking bad over the first 10 months of year

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 16 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Investigation: Special Council meeting today From page 1 FSS 322.212(5)(a) when she knowingly concealed a material fact, or otherwise committed a fraud when she entered the Lee County Tax Collectors office knowingly to obtain a Florida Driver License and submitted as proof of residence a fraudulent voter registration card, and a falsely certified FLHSMV Form 71120 (Certificate of Address) containing the false legal primary permanent residence address to a property that was not her fixed abode. Investigator Kenney believes probable cause exists showing Patty Lee Cummings intentionally and willfully violated Florida State Statute (FSS) 104.011(1), when on June 14, 2022, Cummings swore or affirmed in person, and presented as proof of identity a Florida Driver License, before Cape Coral City Clerk Kimberly Bruns, a DS DE 302NP (Candidate Oath of Nonpartisan Office), both containing a false legal primary permanent residence address to a property that was not her fixed abode. Lastly, Investigator Kenney believes that probable cause exists showing that Cummings intentionally and willfully violated FSS 104.011(1), when by means other fabricated narrative of maintaining a fraudulent legal primary permanent residence address to a property that was not her fixed abode, fraudulently qualified and was elected City of Cape Coral District 4 Councilmember; and that on November 18, 2022, Cummings did knowingly and willfully swear to her oath of office.”

Based on the conclusions, the State Attorney’s Office, 20th Judicial Circuit, obtained a warrant on Monday and charged Cummings with the three felony counts.

Cummings turned herself in Tuesday afternoon and later bonded out of the Lee County Jail on a $7,500 bond.

Kenney found there was probable cause to believe that the law was violated on May 9, 2022, through Nov. 18, 2022.

The summarized findings include: 1. On or about May 9, 2022, in Lee County, Florida, Patty Lee Cummings did unlawfully and knowingly make false statement, knowingly conceal material fact, or otherwise commit fraud in an application for driver license or identification card, contrary Florida State Statute 322.212(5)(a).

2. On or about June 14, 2022, in Lee County, Florida, Patty Lee Cummings did unlawfully and willfully swear or affirm falsely to an oath or affirmation in connection with or arising out of voting or elections, contrary to Florida State Statute 104.011(1).

3. On or about November 18, 2022, in Lee County, Florida, Patty Lee Cummings did unlawfully and willfully swear or affirm falsely to an oath or affirmation in connection with or arising out of voting or elections, contrary to Florida State Statute 104.011(1).

Cummings, who attended Wednesday’s Cape Coral City Council meeting, has steadfastly denied the allegations.

Her attorney, Paul M. Sisco, said Tuesday that Cummings has been targeted by political adversaries and some Council members who wanted her out after she won the District 4 seat last year. Going to the State Attorney’s Office was a “contingency plan” for those who want to unseat her, he added.

“I believe the State Attorney’s Office is a victim of the larger effort to have her removed from City Council,” Sisco said. “The State Attorney’s Office was shown a micro-level sketch of a few facts, and it was removed from the greater context of the fact that Councilmember Cummings upset the ‘machine’ and some of the powers-that-be would like her off of there. And they can’t beat her in an election, so they want to prosecute her.”

The months-long investigation by the State Attorney’s Office included interviews with various public officials, including Lee

County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle, Cape Coral City Councilmembers Dan Sheppard and Robert Welsh, as well as the homeowners of the District 4 address at which Cummings said she lived.

Also questioned were neighbors at residences at two other addresses.

The initial complaint letter sent to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and copied to Gov. Ron DeSantis alleged that Cummings never lived at the Palm Tree Boulevard she listed as her address to qualify to run for the District 4 seat.

The person who lodged the signed complaint, Julia Ettari-Bartlett, initially requested whistle-blower protection.

The homeowners, Jill Hiatt, and her husband Robert Hiatt, have owned the Palm Tree Boulevard home listed as Cummings’ address since 2011 and were interviewed as part of the investigation, the court document states.

The document states that Mrs. Hiatt, told investigators there was a handwritten document between her and Cummings “stipulating terms and conditions to let her use my house while we were gone, because we are gone lot, especially over the summer.”

“She stated that she wasn’t leaving her home for good; that she allowed Cummings access to her home from approximately April 2022 until they returned home in late August or early September 2022; and that her intention was, ‘I offered this as a temporary stop gap until she found a place, and then we had a hurricane.’ She continued that, ‘No, I would not say that was my understanding, she was going to reside there. The terms and conditions of our written agreement that I wrote was come and go as you please, so she could stay the whole time, she could stay there one night. I didn't care it was up to her, whatever she needed.

“She stated that she offered Cummings their extra bedroom and bathroom; that she assumed Cummings stayed there; that she can neither confirm or deny Cummings did or didn’t stay there; and that she did not require Cummings to notify her when she came or went. She stated that only she and her husband reside in their home; and that Cummings access was only temporary while they were gone on vacation; that it is not up to her to define residence; and that she doesn’t know, nor does she care.”

She said she had not informed her husband of the arrangement and he told investigators he had been unaware of any arrangement.

Robert Hiatt told investigators that they “have never rented their home to anyone.”

The document further states that he said he “was not associated with Cummings’ election campaign; that he had (a) lawn sign for her election in his front yard; that Cummings’ election campaign was not run from his home; and that he believes Cummings may have received mail at his home.”

Other addresses that were part of the investigation included 2842 SW 50th Terrace and 2425 Embers Parkway W. According to documents and audio recordings with Cummings and LCEC, service started on Oct. 17, 2022, and stopped on March 21, 2023, at 2425 Embers Pkwy West. The report further states that services at 2842 SW 50th Terrace began on Nov. 5, 2021, and stopped on Oct. 17, 2022.

The owner of 2842 SW 50th Terrace rents his property through Milhoff-Aubuchon Realty Group. The lease for the property was for the move in date of Nov. 5, 2021, and move out date of Oct. 10, 2022. The investigation stated that the “form disclosed Cummings forwarding address as 2425 Embers Parkway West.”

Cummings, according to the report, had a term of the lease for 2425 Embers Parkway West from Oct. 9, 2022, to Feb. 8, 2023.

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Cape woman celebrates 100th birthday

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

Colorful amaryllis plants make great holiday gifts.

news@breezenewspapers.com

Perfect holiday plants

By CATHY DUNN

news@breezenewspapers.com

G C

C

C

See HOLIDAY PLANTS, page 45

PHOTO PROVIDED

One of the things she misses most about living in New York are the seasons.

“I miss the changing of the season. It is too hot down here all the time. I used to ride a motorcycle. We would go riding up through New York state this time of the year. The mountains were so beautiful. I miss that,” Terry said.

When looking back at her life, she said she grew up in the best of times in this country and in Brooklyn — having a very good time.

Some of her memories include riding the subway to school, Girls Commercial, located in the middle of Brooklyn, which her dad gave her a 50-cent allowance for, as it was 5 cents each way.

“Allowance was to take myself to school. It was about 20 minutes on the subway. About a two-block walk from school and the house,” Terry said.

She said Girls Commercial was the only high school in Brooklyn and it had a great big swimming pool and a nice big gym and offered mostly commercial subjects, which she did not take.

“I wasn’t interested in being a secretary. That’s what they thought. I took all the math and science that they had.

They made me take French. It took me four years to pass two years of French. Because I was taking an academic course, I had to take a language,” Terry said.

See100th BIRTHDAY, page 45

Gulf Coast Village recognizes veteran residents at annual Veterans Day program Last Thursday, Nov. 9, Gulf Coast Village hosted its annual Veterans Day service for its residents and their families. The event was held in collaboration with Volunteers of America National Services, Gulf Coast Village’s sponsoring partner.

Gulf Coast Village’s 59 veteran residents of all branches of the military were recognized and honored for their service. Gulf Coast Village hosts a Veterans Day program each year to recognize its residents.

The service included a welcome ceremony, color guard performances, the singing of the National Anthem, an opening prayer, a telling of the history of Veterans Day, a Veterans poem read by Sophie Barry, a medal of honor ceremony, two music videos, a Veterans story and a closing word.

Veteran residents and Pastor Bob Inkenbrandt were among the events speakers. Inkenbrandt shared stories of his own military experience and his personal connection to the military.

“At Gulf Coast Village, we honor veterans on Veterans Day and throughout the year,” said Greg Anderson, executive director at Gulf Coast Village. “Being able to recognize our residents who have done so much for our country makes this day incredibly memorable. We look forward to

PHOTO PROVIDED

Members of the Color Guard at the Gulf Coast Village Veterans Day program. this event each year, as do our Veteran residents.”

Founded in 1989, Gulf Coast Village is the premier Continuing Care Retirement Community in Cape Coral.

Gulf Coast Village is located at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991. For more information, call 239772-1333 or visit GulfCoastVillage.org.

Cape Coral Breeze

Do you find yourself faced with that perennial dilemma of finding a perfect holiday gift? One of the best suggestions I can provide is the gift of a decorative plant!

A colorful blooming plant or a festive evergreen will bring a bit of the outdoors inside during the holidays, and most can be planted in our Southwest Florida landscape in the New Year. Local nurseries and garden centers are stocked with a variety of plants that you can choose from, and you’re certain to find a plant that will provide enjoyment over the ARDEN holidays and then as a reminder of your friendLUB OF ship during the coming years. There are also many APE ORAL online sources for ordering gift plants that are delivered directly to your gift recipient; online plant offerings range from familiar holiday favorites to exotic and unusual plants that are sure to please the most discriminating friend.

Evergreen plant gifts can include traditional plants such as holly, beautifully scented rosemary (which was a favorite of the Victorians), or Norfolk Island pines that can serve as decorative tabletop trees.

Hollies will need to be replanted outdoors as they do not like the confines of a pot, so make sure your gift recipient has room in their landscape for this plant.

Norfolk Island pines can be kept indoors in a pot indefinitely; if transplanted outside please be aware that they can grow quite large in our semi-tropical environment.

Rosemary plants are often found trimmed into topiary shapes for the holidays and will thrive outside if given sufficient light and space to grow; this wonderful plant is also welcome as a fresh herb for cooking throughout the year.

Flowering plants available for holiday giving include amaryllis, cyclamen, Christmas cactus, orchids and the beloved poinsettia. You can find amaryllis bulbs both ready for potting or already planted and ready to bloom.

In Southwest Florida, amaryllis bulbs can be planted outside without fear of frost, and they will multiply and bloom for many years in the garden. Cyclamens bloom in cooler weather and can be grown as winter annuals in Southwest Florida; their long-lasting bright red, lavender, pink or white flowers beautifully complement the plant’s dark green or silvery leaves. Christmas cactus are usually grown as houseplants as they prefer filtered sun, high humidity and moderate watering; these low maintenance plants provide beautiful blooms on their graceful hanging branches when the days grow shorter, and temperatures drop.

An exotic flowering orchid is a wonderful holiday gift that will bloom with proper care for several months.

Orchids flourish outside in our humid semi-tropical environment if they receive bright filtered light and are quite

Coral Trace resident Grace Terry celebrated her 100th birthday on Nov. 10 with family and friends.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

UF/IFAS

For one Cape Coral resident, the secret to reaching her 100th birthday is attributed to taking the best vitamins she can buy of those needed, staying away from sugar and salt, and still working.

Grace Terry was born on Nov. 10, 1923, to Iris and Errol Watts, both from Barbados, in Brooklyn, New York.

She had one sister and brother.

“We grew up without a lot of sugar and salt. We had candy at Easter and Christmas. Watch what you eat and read the labels,” she said.

To beat boredom, Terry said she still works.

The business she still works for is one she was in before it started 50 years ago, Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil. She said the business was the first company to put synthetic oil out there to save money on gas.

“At the time, gas was $7 a gallon in New York. That is insane. You can’t go very far unless you got gas in your car,” Terry said.

She has remained with the company, as she likes automotive and mechanical things and how they work.

“I’m still doing my business here. I can’t do it like I used to do it. I used to have an oil room in my house,” Terry said of adding a 40 x 40 extension to her home.

“They would come and shop for their oil, pick out whatever they wanted. I had a door into the oil room.”

Terry said she gets paid according to how much she sells.

“They have different levels of sales. As long as I do $50 a month, I get a commission on what I have done,” she said.

Terry moved to Cape Coral seven years ago after visiting the area for many years after her parents moved here in 1968 to one of the first houses near the Yacht Club. Her sister followed to be near her parents.

Terry now lives at Coral Trace.

“I had to sell my house in Long Island. I had to come down here with the family,” Terry said, adding that when her father retired, they moved to the area. “We all just eventually ended up down here.”

Terry loved her old house where she lived for 58 years on Long Island. She and her husband and family moved in the 100-year-old house in 1950. Throughout the nearly 60 years, Terry added her personal touches, which transformed the house and made it look very different from when the home was purchased.

“We paid $7,500 for it and I got $700,000,” she said, adding that the man who purchased the house kept in touch, sharing what upgrades he was doing.

Page 17 ■ November 17, 2023

COMMUNITY

THE BREEZE

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 18 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

EDUCATION EDUCATION NOTES Pre-registration now open for 2024-2025 school year The School District of Lee County last week announced that students entering the district in August 2024 can now pre-register. This advanced registration period is open to any incoming student who is: ■ Entering Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year.

■ Moving from a private or charter school to a Lee County Public School for the 2024-2025 school year.

■ Relocating to Lee County from another county or state and will be attending a Lee County Public School for the 2024-2025 school year.

Pre-registration can be managed online through the FOCUS Parent Portal, eliminating the need to visit the Student Enrollment Office in-person. Parents with children already in the District can us their existing FOCUS account to upload the necessary documents. Parents new to the District can create a FOCUS Parent Portal to complete the registration process.

The documents required to pre-register include: ■ Copy of parent photo ID ■ Copy of birth certificate ■ Health examination (physical) - The exam must be dated within 12 months prior to registration. Physical is required for Kindergarten registration.

■ DH680-Florida Certificate of Immunization - Form can be obtained free by taking immunization record to the Lee County Health Department, 3920 Michi-gan Ave., Fort Myers, FL. Appointment is required please call 239-461-6100.

■ Social Security card (optional) ■ Custody documents (if applicable) ■ Proof of address More information about pre-registration, FOCUS accounts and answers to some frequently asked questions are available at https://www.leeschools.net/ cms/One.aspx?portalId=676305&pageId=4149534.

Parents needing further assistance can email studentenrollment@ leeschools.net

Reilly has been accepted for enrollment at Palmer College of Chiropractic Brooke Reilly of Cape Coral has been accepted for enrollment for the 2023 summer trimester in the doctor of chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida.

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida. For information, visit https://www.palmer.edu/

Bokeelia resident Francis inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Isabel Francis of Bokeelia was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Francis was initiated at University of South Florida.

Francis is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.

Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

THE BREEZE NOVEMBER 17, 2023

District to host Second Annual High School Student Enrollment Showcase The School District of Lee County invites all 8th grade students and their parents to the Second Annual High School Student Enrollment Showcase on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Lee County Public Education Center.

All 15 traditional high schools and Lee Virtual School will be represented and available to answer questions about their academic programs, career academies and activities they offer.

“We want our incoming high school students to choose a school that meets their interests but recognize not every family has the ability to attend each school’s open house”, said Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier.

“By holding a showcase, with every school available on the same day, we are making it easier on our families to compare the high schools in their zone. All of our high schools have done a great job creating unique opportunities so that every student can find their place.”

The High School Showcase will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 16. The Lee County Public Education Center is located at 2855 Colonial Blvd. The schedule is as follows:

West Zone 8-9:30 a.m.

Cape Coral High School Ida S. Baker High School Island Coast High School Mariner High School

North Fort Myers High School Lee Virtual School

East Zone 10-11:30 a.m.

Dunbar High School East Lee County High School Gateway High School Leigh Senior High School Riverdale High School Lee Virtual School

South Zone 12-1:30 p.m.

Bonita Springs High School Cypress Lake High School Dunbar High School Estero High School Fort Myers High School South Fort Myers High School Lee Virtual School Attendees should park outside the main entrance and will be provided a map to each school’s location in the lobby. Representatives from Student Enrollment, Adult and Career Education and the Early Learning Coalition will also be available to assist families with any questions.

Open enrollment for rising 8th graders will tentatively take place January 16th to February 29th. Applications for IB, Cambridge, Arts, FGCU and STEAM advanced programs will be tentatively due by January 26th.

School District of Lee County to host Winter Virtual Recruitment Fair Dec. 7 The School District of Lee County is hosting a Winter Virtual Recruitment Fair from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, to recruit for a range of positions for the 2023-24 school year.

During the virtual event, principals and department hiring managers will be interviewing and hiring teachers, school counselors, instructional support professionals and bus drivers. High-demand positions include English, elementary education, science, math and special education, as well as non-instructional positions. Applicants can register at LeeSchools.net/Careers/Virtual_Recruitment_Event.

The School District of Lee County is among the largest school districts in Florida and the United States. To be considered for a teaching or school counselor position, candidates must meet one of the following criteria: ■ Hold a valid standard teaching certificate (Florida or out-of-state) OR ■ Expected to graduate from a college of education by December 2023 OR

■ Hold a bachelor’s degree in an area where certification can be obtained or any degree major and a passing score on a subject area exam AND ■ School counselors must hold a master’s degree in the proper area The District’s efforts to put “The Right Talent in the Right Place” means that new hires will receive the support and necessary resources that will enable them to succeed upon entering the field of education. The District offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation plan for its employees, and additional benefits and earning opportunities are also available via advanced degree supplement, summer school, athletic coaching and more. Upon hire, a personal benefits selection process will be made available to eligible employees.

For support or additional questions, email careers@leeschools.net or call 239-337-8676.

To learn more about available career opportunities, visit LeeSchools.net/Careers.

Saint Michael Lutheran School 6th Annual TOUCH-A-TRUCK event set for Jan. 20 Saint Michael Lutheran School will hold its 6th Annual TOUCH-A-TRUCK event, presented by Southern Aluminum, Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free family event is open to the public and takes place at the Saint Michael Lutheran School and Church campus at 3595 Broadway, Fort Myers.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK transforms Saint Michael’s campus into a hands-on interactive experience that allows kids to get up close with vehicles of all kinds. The event gives truck-obsessed children a chance to turn their imagination into reality. Kids can honk horns, open doors, climb into the driver’s seat and learn from community leaders and vehicle operators.

Parked along the streets of Saint Michael’s campus, attendees will see construction equipment, fire trucks and

police vehicles, bucket trucks, dump trucks, farm equipment, mail and delivery trucks, and more. The soccer field will showcase commercial lawn mowers, side-by-sides, ATVs, and everyone’s favorite, a helicopter (weather permitting). Participating vehicles will be announced on the event's Facebook page, search 6th Annual TOUCH-ATRUCK. Saint Michael’s gymnasium offers even more kids activities including bounce houses, family-friendly vendors, face painting, food, and drinks.

The first hour of the event, from 10-11 a.m., will be a sensory-safe time. During this time, lights, sirens, horns, and other sounds that might disturb young or sensory-sensitive children, are prohibited.

South Cape Business Gift-or-Treat and South Cape Jolley Trolley set for Nov. 25

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

— SCHEA spokesperson Shannon Quinn nesses that they may not have known were there. Right before the holidays, we want to build up the South Cape hype and shopping local.”

Participating locations include: Art in the Cape, Annie's Restaurant, RE/MAX Nautical Realty Group, Cape Coral Art Center, Cape Coral Mattress, Cape Coral re:MADE, Family Traditions Home Decor & Furnishings, The Greek Spot, John Michael's Diamond & Jewelry Studio, Karma & Coconuts, Lehne Burger, Penny's Coffee Bar, Pizza Parma, A Pooch's Paradise Pet Grooming, Salt Life Mortgage, Sidecar Treats, Simply Golden Boutique, Starbucks, Trebing Tile & Carpet, and Zak's Jewelry.

Cape Coral Breeze

South Cape Jolley Trolley From 7 to 11 p.m. attendees can board trolleys and frolic around to some of the city’s most popular spots to enjoy a drink and appetizer sample themed around the holidays. Tickets include a wristband to board the trolleys, a passport of locations to be stamped (collect them all to be entered to win the grand prize sponsored by Truly Hard Seltzer), eligibility to win prizes for

answering trolley trivia, entry into the photo booth contest where the winning photo will receive four tickets to SCHEA’s New Year’s Eve Trolley Event, access to the official photo booth at Dolphin Key Resort, and samples at each location. Make sure to dress in your most festive-themed garb.

“We’re kicking off December festivities,” Quinn said. “We invite hundreds of locals and visitors to dress up for the holidays and visit local participating locations.

While SCHEA is focused on building awareness of the South Cape, we also LOVE a good event that gets the community interactive. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to combine the both.”

Participating locations and their samples include: ■ BackStreets Sports Bar – White Christmas & Cranberry Brie Bites ■ The Dive – TBD ■ Dixie Roadhouse – The Grinch Heart & Winter Treat Oreo ■ Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood -Jolly Monkey & Chicken Wings ■ Pizza Parma – Runaway Turkey & Christmas Wrap Bites

■ Rack’em Spirits & Times – Winter Sangria & Rudolph’s Cookies ■ Ralph’s Place – Grinch Punch & Holly Jolly Bruschetta ■ Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill – Mistletoe Margarita & Sweet Corn Nuggets with Spicy Honey Aioli ■ Tiki Bar – Santa’s Sleigh & Coconut Shrimp Part of the fun is also seeing attendees dress up in their most festive garb.

“We encourage onesies and pajamas,” Quinn said. “With that said, we’ve seen our fair share sightings of the Grinch, Santa & even the Abominable Snowman. We cannot wait for this year’s turnout. We will have a photo booth with an Elf as well. The images from that are going to be something to look forward to.”

Guests can check-in from 6 to 7:30 p.m. under the entry awning of the Dolphin Key Resort (1502 Miramar St.) and at Big John’s Plaza. Late check-in will take place until 10 p.m. at Dolphin Key. This event is 21-plus. Valid ID at check-in will be required.

Tickets are $30 with designated driver tickets at $25. Tickets are available on Eventbrite only. Designated driver include everything the normal ticket does, other than the drink sample, which can be replaced with a non-alcoholic beverage.

Day-of tickets are $35, if available.

Tickets and more information can be found at www.SouthCapeEntertainment.com.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

The holiday season will be in full swing next weekend in the South Cape with two events geared towards both families and adults take over downtown.

The South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association will host the South Cape Business Gift-or-Treat and its third annual South Cape Jolley Trolley on Nov. 25.

“Tis the season,” said SCHEA spokesperson Shannon Quinn. “We look forward to this every year. We want to give the community the opportunity to kick off the holidays early. The South Cape Jolley Trolley is a continually growing event.

Each year we get a better turnout. We expect over 600 this year.”

The gift-or-treat starts at noon and runs until 4 p.m. where parents can bring their little ones to have their stockings filled with goodies at South Cape businesses.

There are gifts for kids and adults alike, as some businesses will pass out treats of higher value, such as gift cards to local establishments. A limo bus will transport children and families safely across Cape Coral Parkway from Big John’s Plaza to Zak’s Jewelry.

Be sure to visit the official photo booth to have a free picture taken with Santa Claus.

“The Business Gift-or-Treat is a twist on our Trick-or-Treat,” Quinn said. “Kids love to dress up and get involved. It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays with your family. It also brings people to busi-

“We’re kicking off December festivities. We invite hundreds of locals and visitors to dress up for the holidays and visit local participating locations. While SCHEA is focused on building awareness of the South Cape, we also LOVE a good event that gets the community interactive.

The holidays are the perfect opportunity to combine the both.”

Page 19 ■ November 17, 2023

Holiday events help jump start the season

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 20 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Music and Arts Fusion Walk set for Saturday

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

The city of Cape Coral is bringing back a combination of music and arts to the downtown area this Saturday night.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will present the Cape Coral Music and Arts Fusion Walk on Nov. 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. along Southeast 47th Terrace.

The city invites the community to enjoy a familyfriendly showcase of local musician and artists, going down between Vincennes Boulevard and Southeast 15th Avenue.

“The City’s first Music and Arts Fusion Walk was a great introduction of the event,” said Cape Coral spokesperson Lauren Kurkimilis. “Attendees got to enjoy art from local vendors and music acts. The event was located near some of the best restaurants in the South Cape area, and this will be the same for this year.”

Artists, designers, and makers with high-quality, handmade, original work are invited to participate in Cape Coral Music and Arts Fusion Walk. Acceptable categories are candles, clay, digital, glass, jewelry, leather, living plants, mixed media, paintings, photography, soaps/lotions, and woodwork.

Artists performing at this upcoming fusion walk include, Alessandro Giangola, Collin Roberts, and Jesse King.

Giangola is a singer/songwriter based on the East End of Long Island who fuses elements of folk, blues, pop, jazz, rock, and funk into his solo acoustic performances where his flair for improvisation sets him apart on the stage.

Roberts is from Fort Myers and began creating his own music from the ground up at the age of 14 producing pop-influenced music.

Jesse King is a singer songwriter from the Naples/Fort Myers area.

There will be more than 25 vendors, including artists, designers, and makers with high-quality, handmade, original work.

“The Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department is proud to bring local artists, musicians, and the community together,” Kurkimilis said. “Attendees can expect an evening of live music, artist vendors, and the

chance to support local businesses. This family-friendly event will feature pop-up shops by local artists and performances from local singer/songwriters."

For more information, visit www.capecoral.gov and find Music and Arts Fusion Walk under the special events tab via the Parks and Recreation Department.

Friends of the Cape Library Fall Book Sale starts today

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

There will also be large selection of “special” books, such as those by Florida authors, autographed books, collectibles and more, that are priced somewhat higher, but are still at bargain prices.

“These would be for collectors, or some are first editions,” Rahman said. “There are some really cool books there.”

Proceeds from the event are used to support the Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library branch.

“Our mission is to provide direct support to the Cape Coral Library, and enhancements to the library experience,” Rahman said.

The FOCCL funds the Summer Reading Programs at the Cape Coral Library, funds library programs all year for all age groups, organizes exhibits by local artists, organizes and sponsors the annual “Coloring the Earth” environmental art contest, acts as a sponsor for the Southwest Florida Reading Festival, collaborates with the Garden Club of Cape Coral to support the Butterfly Garden at the Cape Coral Library, and more.

“We also fund many projects as requested,” Rahman said.

The Cape Coral Library is located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace. For information, visit www.capefriends.org.

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

City holds Veterans Day Parade Hundreds of residents and visitors lined Cape Coral Parkway Saturday for the Cape Coral Veterans Day Parade. The tribute to veterans featured a number of veterans groups and organizations, above, along with numerous floats, marching bands, JROTC cadets, law enforcement officers and much more. At right, Fran Marsino’s half of the “Touch A Truck” float honored her father, Cpl. Kenneth E. Simmers Sr. PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD

In its annual salute to veterans, more than 600 Mariner High School JROTC cadets gathered Friday morning to pay tribute to the brave men and women of our country.

Mariner's “Salute to Service” veterans appreciation ceremony saw the cadets honor military veterans and leaders of veteran organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, Lee Health Military Support Program and the Blue Star Mothers from all over Lee County. Dozens of military veterans who are family members of Mariner students also attended the ceremony.

“I consider this one of the most important events our staff and student body participate in each year,” said Mariner Principal Dr. Tim Michel. “The service and sacrifice of our military veterans deserves our attention and respect.”

Joining the cadets in honoring our nation's heroes were 500-plus students and faculty members.

Mariner student Jonathan Semple said, "It's hard to imagine living such a difficult and dangerous lifestyle, all just to protect our freedom."

Semple, a former JROTC cadet and current band leader, performed “Taps” as a tribute to fallen service members.

JROTC Instructor First Sgt. (retired) Steve Jaramillo said, “It's important our young people not only appreciate our veterans, but preserve our American traditions. We teach our students about values such as selfless service, honor, personal courage and respect in our classrooms every day. However, applying those values during an event like (the Salute to Service) is where the real learning takes place.”

Mariner's “Silver Magic” band played service songs -tunes to pay tribute to each of the branches of the armed forces.

Coincidentally, Mariner's new band director, Jimmy Ortega, is a Mariner alumni and the former JROTC commander. Ortega reminded his music students how special he feels to be part of Mariner.

“What an honor to come back to the place where my music career started and to be able to give back, not only to my students, but the men and women who served, right here from our community,” Ortega said.

The day would not have been possible without the dedicated planning and execution from the Mariner JROTC cadets. Students created special programs, escorted local veterans, gave remarks and led formations.

Cape Coral Breeze

Mariner High hosts ‘Salute to Veterans’

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Book and media lovers will have the chance to find some great deals this weekend at the Cape Coral Library.

The Friends of the Cape Coral Library, a non-profit organization that supports the library, is hosting its annual Fall Book Sale Fundraiser this Friday and Saturday in the meeting room.

Thousands of books, CDs and DVDs will be for sale, most under $2.

"In our huge meeting room, we'll have tables wall-towall filled with books," said FOCCL Publicity and Art Gallery Chair Monica Rahman. "It's pretty impressive the first time a book-lover sees it."

These book sales serve as fundraisers for FOCCL, and are usually held each year in April and November.

Member volunteers thoroughly enjoy opening the cartons of donated books as they arrive in a huge truck from their storage facility, with well over 500 boxes full of selection. Members then arrange books by type and category.

The sale will be open to the public on Nov. 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. A special FOCCL members-only preview sale will be held Thursday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The sale will feature lots of fiction for adults, and a large section for children and teens. Attendees can find non-fiction sorted by subject, such as Art, Crafts, History, Biography, Cookbooks, Gardening and more. The Friends of the Cape Coral Library recently received a large donation of brand new non-fiction books, primarily on historical topics, and these will be offered for purchase at this sale. Shoppers can also find audio books and music CDs, plus movies on DVD. Most items are $1 or $2, with small paperbacks at less than a buck.

Attendees should bring cash or personal check, as credit cards are not accepted.

“All of the items are donated, and all year round we accept donations and sort them,” Rahman said. “We make sure all the books that go to the sale are quality books. Some of the books donated, it looks like they were not even read. There's just such quality.”

New this year will be a book craft table, where member volunteers will show off their talents in creating crafts from books.

“We have very creative volunteers who donate crafts donated from repurposed books and book pages,” Rahman said, noting that members create bracelets, book marks and even holiday-themed trees.

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November 17, 2023 ■ Page 22 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Cruise Club celebrates 60 years

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Sixty years of creating lifelong memories and friends was recently celebrated for a club that gathers to make the most of the Sunshine State by boat.

In 1963, the Cape Coral Cruise Club was founded by nine couples, who over the years have embarked on numerous voyages along Florida’s coastline and rivers, the Florida Keys, as well as distant shores, such as a threeweek voyage to Abacos, Bahamas.

To celebrate this huge milestone, the Cape Coral Cruise

At left, members of the Cape Coral Cruise Club enjoying one of their many excursions. Far left is an aerial photo of the local group’s “Hidden Island” gathering spot.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Club had a special picnic with a steel drum player in October and one of its members is planning a cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean ship.

Laurie Carlson said she joined the Cape Coral Cruise Club with her husband in 2012 after first learning about the club in 2008.

“We are longtime residents of Cape Coral and boaters ourselves,” she said. “I was so surprised not more people knew about it that I kind of took up the mission of spreading the word. It is kind of a way to encourage people to use their boats more.”

In 1975, the club leased “Chino Island,” which became a hub for gatherings, relaxation and oceanic exploration for members and their families.

A little more than 10 years later, in 1987, the club purchased “Hidden Island,” and later constructed a pavilion

and state-of-the-art dockage facilities with electric and water for 16 boats in the heart of the Caloosahatchee River. The club members have monthly picnics on their island, except for the humid months of July and August.

“It is a beautiful old Florida feel with big mossy oaks and private dockage,” Carlson said. “We own a waterfront lot with a pontoon boat that we dock there. It never rains on Cruise Club picnics. The weather is almost always beautiful up there,” she said.

Thankfully, Hurricane Ian did not cause much damage to their island, as they lost only a few tree branches.

“The pandemic hurt us more than the hurricane.

Marinas were closed for a long time and a lot of people were hesitant to go to functions,” Carlson said.

See CAPE CORAL CRUISE CLUB, page 30

Next month’s roster of activities at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:

Adult Programs English Café 10 a.m., Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 6 p.m., Tuesdays, Dec. 5, 12 Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.

Crafts at Cape: 3D Paper Quilled Holiday Card 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 7 Create DIY Holiday cards using paper quilling techniques. Instructions and supplies will be provided.

Registration is required and is guaranteed until the start of the program.

Spanish Conversation Club 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13 Improve your Spanish fluency by chatting with other adults. Practice speaking with others on a variety of topics, including current events and everyday situations.

Download Drop-In 11 a.m., Thursdays, Dec. 14, 28 Receive personalized help downloading e-books, movies, music and more from Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers. Bring your fully charged digital device for this hands-on help session. Note: Please bring any passwords you may need for downloading apps.

Kindle users will also need an Amazon account and their password for accessing it.

Crafts at Cape: DIY Gift Tags 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 14 Make your holiday packages special by creating fun, DIY gift tags. Instructions and supplies will be provided.

Registration is required and is guaranteed until the start of the program.

Children’s Programs Kids Read Down Fines 1-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20 Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card.

Please check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

Baby Play Date 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5

Friends of Cape Coral Library General Meeting Dec. 2 FOCCL General Meetings, which take place in the large meeting room of the Cape Coral Library at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, are free and open to the public. You may also bring a guest or two.

For more information on Friends of the Cape Coral Library, please visit www.capefriends.org and follow us on Facebook.

Lego Club 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6 For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. All materials are provided.

Snowy Storytime 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 Join us for stories, rhymes and songs about winter fun.

For children through age 5 with a caregiver. Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Services desk.

Holiday Storytime 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13 Families with children through age 5 are invited to a special holiday storytime with a special visitor from the North Pole. Registration is required. Your registration is only guaranteed until the start of the program.

STEAM Club 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13 For ages 5-11. Be ready for fun experiments and projects as we explore the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Dress for a mess. Registration is required and is only guaranteed until the start of the program. All materials will be provided.

Family Movie Night 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19 For ages 4-11. Don your pajamas and enjoy an interactive showing of a holiday film. Refreshments provided.

Registration is required and is only guaranteed until the start of the program. Please check in upon arrival.

See DECEMBER PROGRAMS, page 30

Cape Coral Breeze

All are invited to the next Friends of the Cape Coral Library General Meeting Saturday, Dec. 2. The morning will begin at 9:30 a.m. with light refreshments.

The business portion of the meeting will start at 10 a.m. followed by a presentation by members of the Garden Club of Cape Coral on using local plants in holiday decorating.

For babies up to 18 months. Meet new friends and explore winter-themed sensory activities that promote the development of early literacy skills through free play, games and toys. Dress for mess. No registration required, but space is limited. Tickets are available 30 minutes before the start of the program.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Book Discussion: “How Can I Help You”

by Laura Sims 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6 Accepting a position at a small-town public library, a recent graduate student and failed novelist discovers a patron dead in the library bathroom and begins to dig up her co-worker’s past as a nurse with a trail of premature deaths.

Intermediate to advanced Spanish-speaking skills are recommended in order to get the most out of the session.

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December programs planned at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

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Pine Island Democrats to meet Saturday in Cape Coral Pine Island Democrats and friends will meet this Saturday, Nov. 18, from 1011:30 a.m., at the Cape Coral Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd.

the guest speaker. Lerner is also a Pine Island ROAR member.

Other topics to be discussed include canvassing for Lerner and other candidates

on Pine Island, and the group's continuing work on GOTV. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting.

Cape Coral Cruise Club: Boating enthusiasts celebrating 60 years From page 22 The voyages are a great way to explore on planned trips with other boating enthusiasts.

Carlson said the boating is beautiful, especially being out in nature and witnessing it firsthand. She said one time there was a migration of stingrays – several hundred of them.

“We cut our engines and glided through them. It was just beautiful,” she said.

In addition to their monthly picnics at the island, they also do a long cruise once a year and gather once a month for lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

She said the beautiful thing about their club is members can become honorary members.

“Some of our ladies whose husbands pass away, they can stay in the club and become honorary members. They can come to the island by car. We shuttle people back and forth with the pontoon boat.

It’s a beautiful club. A great organization.

We have a lot of fun,” Carlson said.

The membership includes 34 to 36 families who have a diverse fleet of 25-foot vessels to 65-foot cruisers. The club can accommodate a maximum of 50 boats with the requirement of having full night accommodation with sleeping quarters, a

galley and a bathroom.

Carlson said not all of the members currently have boats, as they lost them in the hurricane, or some have aged out of boating and have remained in the club.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian took the Carlson’s new dream boat, a 43-foot yacht, in its wake and carried it poolside at the condos near Pinchers leaving them shopping for another boat.

“We saved for that boat for five years.

Because of the pandemic it took us two years to find the right boat. We bought it on Aug. 28, and it was our lifelong dream. We pulled it into a marina at Pinchers on Sept.

1 and we were supposed to go on our first

trip on Sept. 29,” Carlson said.

The silver lining, they were able to climb up a ladder into their boat, as it was not submerged, and salvage their belongings.

For those who would like to learn more about the club, or join, call Terry Carlson at 239-770-6955, visit www.capecoralcruiseclub.com, or www.Facebook.com/ CapeCoralCruiseClub/.

“We are eager for more members. We have plenty of room for several new members,” she said. “Last year we had five new members join. We are always transitioning.

People age out of boating, new members come in and bring fresh new perspectives.”

December programs: Schedule of activities at Cape Coral Library From page 23

Teen Programs

Cape Coral Breeze

Club members and friends are urged to notice this is a new meeting location.

Kari Lerner, who is running for Congress against Byron Donalds, will be

Kids Read Down Fines 1-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20 Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card. Please check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

Crafting Origami Cranes

2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5 Destress and learn the art of origami while assisting the Wishing Crane Project charity organization. Snacks provided.

Hunger Games Survival Challenge 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14 Test your survival skills and find out if you can survive the Hunger Games Library Edition. All supplies provided.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library. For ages 11-18.

The Cape Coral Lee County Public

Library is located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace in Cape Coral. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4500. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/ newsletters.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Joan LaGuardia, 239-533-2314, Florida Relay Service 711, or jlaguardia@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requestor.

Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.

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By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

More than a year after Hurricane Ian devastated the area, a barrier island has reopened to visitors.

Effective Oct. 25, the Cayo Costa State Park beach is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset for those with private vessels. The Friends of Cayo Costa State Park reported that restrooms are available on the Gulf of Mexico side of the island. However, ferry services, docks, electricity, drinking water and overnight accommodations remain

unavailable at this time.

Visitors are asked to adhere to all posted signs and to avoid closed areas.

“Please leave no trace of your visit,” the FoCC added.

Following the September storm last year, the park was closed for repairs.

“Cayo Costa State Park was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian, a devastating Category 4 storm that destroyed much of the park's infrastructure,” the park manager reported via an update.

At the time, cleanup and demolition

extraordinary ability to capture the essence of animals, wildlife, and the natural beauty of Florida.

In addition to the auction of this exclusive painting, Roberts will be offering limited-time pet portrait commissions, with a portion of the proceeds earmarked for ARC's fundraising efforts. This unique opportunity allows art enthusiasts and animal lovers alike to contribute to a meaningful cause while acquiring a cherished piece of artwork.

For more information about ARC’s Starlight auction or to inquire about tickets, please visit www.Animalrefugecenter.com or contact Betty Hughes, Auction Director, at 239-841-0810.

The Animal Refuge Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of animals in need. Committed to the welfare of all creatures, ARC strives to make a positive difference in the lives of animals through rescue efforts, education, and community outreach.

Cape Coral Breeze

The Animal Refuge Center will hold its 29th Annual Starlight Auction at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa Saturday, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. This event promises to be an unforgettable evening of art and philanthropy, with Myra Robert’s original acrylic painting, Bailey’s, dedicated to supporting ARC's vital mission.

“We are thrilled to have Myra Roberts support for the Animal Refuge Center,” said ARC Board Treasurer Betty Hughes.

“The Starlight Auction is our signature event and largest fundraiser of the year.

Having a Myra Roberts original available for sale during the live auction could attract a record setting sale to benefit the care of our cats and dogs, community education and eliminating euthanasia.”

Roberts has captivated art enthusiasts not only across the United States but also in Europe, earning her a place in the private collection of none other than the legendary Robert Rauschenberg. Her signature style encompasses the nostalgia of retro bathing beauty art, as well as an

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Animal Refuge Center’s 29th Annual Starlight Auction Nov. 25

efforts had been finished and staff were working on repairing and rebuilding the infrastructure. They also were working on repairs and managing natural resources.

“The native flora and fauna are already bouncing back with palm trees, hardwoods and pines showing signs of life, while gopher tortoises, shorebirds, manatees and alligators are thriving in their habitats,” the park manager added.

In March, the FoCC provided an update based on reports from park staff.

At the time, the dock was in permitting for total replacement. The maintenance shed, ranger residences and cabins were all lost, but the FoCC was working with the

park to obtain approval for researching a replacement for the cabin camping experience.

For more information about the park, visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/ CayoCosta.

Based on Pine Island, the FoCC is a subcommittee of the Barrier Islands Parks Society — a nonprofit that is the official citizens support organization for Cayo Costa, Gasparilla, Stump Pass, Don Pedro State Parks, Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum, Gasparilla Island Lighthouse and Amory Memorial Chapel. All funds raised by the FoCC are used exclusively for Cayo Costa State Park.

The FoCC's mission is to preserve, protect and promote the unique unspoiled natural beauty and heritage of the Cayo Costa for present and future generations. Its goal is to preserve and protect one of the few remaining undisturbed/undeveloped barrier islands left in Florida, while educating the general public and local community on the natural and cultural resources found on the island.

For more about the FoCC, visit http://www.friendsofcayocosta.org/.

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Cayo Costa State Park beach reopens to public

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 34 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Newborn, Toddler, or Husband— We Take Care of Kids of All Ages.

PEDIATRICS • Open every day, all year • Well-child checkups • Same-day sick appointments • Newborn care

ADULT HEALTH • Annual physical exams • Comprehensive care and treatment • Treatment of chronic conditions • Preventative medicine

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT. PPCSWFL .com | (239) 275-5522 Cape Coral | Fort Myers | Lehigh Acres LET OUR FAMILY TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY.

BUSINESS BRIEFS The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village appoints Trapani as director of sales and marketing

Natural health company Mercola celebrates its 26th anniversary in Cape Coral after officially moving to the growing Southwest Florida city five years ago from Chicago.

Currently, the company employs more than 150 employees in Cape Coral, including marketing, accounting and IT positions, and continues to welcome a diverse set of skilled individuals who enjoy creativity, collaboration, innovation, and overall health and wellness. As the company expands, it remains dedicated to fostering a work environment that nurtures professional development and personal well-being for its staff.

During its anniversary week, Mercola celebrated three of its longest standing employees, highlighting their exceptional dedication and commitment to its mission. Their time with Mercola ranges from seven to 17 years.

The company’s local Mercola Market & Solspring Café is located at 125 S.W. 3rd Place.

For the most up-to-date health news and information, visit mercola.com; to browse over 1,000 natural health products, visit mercolamarket.com; and to learn more about the local Mercola Market and its events, visit mercolamarketcc.com.

Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz offices collecting Toys for Tots donations For the 17th year, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. offices are collecting toys to be distributed by the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. Toys will be collected through Dec. 15, when they will be picked up and distributed by Toys for Tots to approved local social welfare agencies, church groups and other organizations.

In 2022, Toys for Tots in Lee County distributed 47,572 toys to 27,064 children. In Collier County, Toys

See BUSINESS BRIEFS, page 36

Dollar General has announces it recently remodeled its store at 1612 Skyline Blvd. in Cape Coral and now offers produce in addition to the same categories, brands and products customers trust Dollar General to carry.

“At Dollar General, we strive to be a positive business partner and good community neighbor in Cape Coral,” said Matthew Simonsen, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “Although we are not a grocery store, we believe the addition of produce in our Cape Coral store highlights our commitment to deliver a pleasant shopping experience that includes affordable prices on quality products in a convenient location.”

Dollar General’s produce set offers the top 20 items typically sold in traditional grocery stores and covers approximately 80 percent of produce categories most grocery stores carry. It will include fresh fruits and vegetables including, tomatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes, and more. The store will also continue to offer frozen and refrigerated food offerings, in addition to the same categories, brands and products that customers trust Dollar General to carry.

Dollar General currently offers fresh fruits and vegetables in more than 4,400 stores and plans to offer produce in more than 10,000 total stores in the coming years, with a meaningful number in current USDA-defined food deserts. Additionally, in January 2024, Dollar General expects to offer fresh fruits and vegetables in approximately 5,000 stores, giving the Company more individual

points of produce distribution than any other U.S. mass retailer or grocer.

DG stores are proud to provide customers with affordable and convenient access to household essentials including components of a nutritious meal (canned and frozen vegetables, canned fruits, proteins, grains, dairy, and more), cleaning supplies, paper products, over-the-counter medicines, hygiene products, baby items and more through its mission of Serving Others. Normal hours of operation may be found through the Dollar General website or app.

Furthermore, DG strives to be a good neighbor and is committed to the communities it calls home, evidenced by support of literacy and education initiatives through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The Cape Coral store provides the opportunity for schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of the store to apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants. Since 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $238 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 19.6 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education. For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, visit www.dgliteracy.com

4th Annual Business Gift-or-Treat & FREE Santa Photo Booth Nov. 25 The 4th Annual Business Gift-or-Treat & FREE Santa Photo Booth is Saturday, Nov. 25. Hosted by the South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Association, this free event will provide a fun and safe way for families to celebrate the holidays. From noon to 4 p.m., parents can bring their children to have their stockings filled with goodies at South Cape businesses. Holiday attire - even pjs - are encouraged!

The South Cape Business Gift-or-Treat is a spin on SHEA's annual Business Trick-or-Treat. Visit businesses to get candy, trinkets or one of the many great treats of higher value - like gift cards to awesome local places. Cape Coral re:MADE at 1327 Cape Coral Parkway, E., Cape Coral, will be the designated location for the photo booth where you can snap a FREE picture with Santa.

Limo bus transportation will be provided to get kids and parents safely across Cape Coral Parkway. Check out the Google Map of locations!

Participating Locations include Annie's Restaurant, Art in the Cape, Cape Coral Art Center, Cape Coral Mattress, Cape Coral re:MADE, Family Traditions Home Decor & Furnishings, The Greek Spot, John Michael's Diamond & Jewelry Studio, Karma & Coconuts, Lehne Burger, Penny's Coffee Bar, Pizza Parma, A Pooch's Paradise Pet Grooming, RE/MAX Nautical Realty Group, Salt Life Mortgage, Sidecar Treats, Simply Golden Boutique, Starbucks, Trebing Tile & Carpet and Zak's Jewelry.

For more details follow us at South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Association on Facebook or visit the official Facebook event.

RSW providing reserved parking option for Thanksgiving holiday Southwest Florida International Airport will offer passengers a reserved parking option, located on the north side of the airport, this Thanksgiving called RSWRemote. The RSWRemote parking lot will be accepting cars to enter for parking from Saturday, Nov. 18 through Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. Cars can exit from Thanksgiving Day through Sunday, Dec. 3.

The cost will be a flat $40 fee, no matter how many days you choose to park and is non-refundable. You must reserve and prepay for a parking space prior to coming to the airport. To book and prepay for your RSWRemote parking spot, please visit jpass.rswremoteparking.com or download the RSWRemote Park App. The Transportation Security Administration recommends getting to the airport at least two hours prior to your flight departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. We recommend adding 30 more minutes to your travel time to use RSWRemote. Shuttles will be operating from the remote lot to the terminal from 3 a.m. until 7 p.m.; and will take parkers from the terminal to the remote lot from 8 a.m. until the last daily flight arrival.

How does it work? Reserve and prepay for your spot; You will receive an email with a QR code or your booking will show up in the passes section of the RSWRemote Park

App; Arrive at the lot and show the attendant your QR code; Park your car; Take the complimentary shuttle bus, which will take you to the upper level (departures) terminal curb past Door #6. When you arrive back at RSW, you will need to take a return shuttle back to the remote lot from the same location where you were dropped off. Please look for signage.

The RSWRemote parking lot is located off Chamberlin Parkway, on the north side of the airport property. Please enter Chamberlin Parkway from Daniels Parkway and follow signs. Make a right onto Regional Lane (near the original Airport Traffic Control Tower). You will need to show the parking attendant your QR code for admittance to the lot. For questions or more information, please call ABM Parking at 239-768-1818 or email RSWParking@ abm.com.

The Lee County Port Authority expects a very busy holiday and still encourages travelers to consider alternative ways to get to the airport, like being dropped off by friends and family or using commercial transportation. If necessary, LCPA will post parking updates on the airport’s website and Facebook to keep travelers informed on availability. For additional information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

Cape Coral Breeze

Mercola celebrates 26th anniversary and five years in Cape Coral

Dollar General store in Cape remodeled, offering fresh produce

www.capecoralbreeze.com

The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village this week announced the appointment of Jennifer Trapani as director of sales and marketing. An experienced hospitality industry leader, recognized for her work across Marriott International for nearly three decades, she will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for the waterfront resort.

Additionally, Trapani will be responsible for identifying innovative business-generating strategies, implementing targeted sales techniques to broaden guest outreach, and optimizing revenue growth.

Trapani has spent the entirety of her 27-year hospitality career with Marriott International. Starting as a restaurant manager, she worked her way up to leadership roles within sales and marketing at hotels and resorts throughout the East Coast, including Westin Hilton Head Resort and Spa; Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa; Marriott Hilton Head; Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Resort; and The Wardman Park Marriott. At the Mid-Atlantic Multi Sales Office, she received several promotions taking her from group and catering sales leader to the director of sales for North and South Carolina, and finally director of hotel sales for the entire Mid-Atlantic Sales Team. In 2021, she was selected as the director of group sales for the Renaissance Washington, D.C., hotel. During these two years, she was an integral part of the hotel’s transformation to the Westin brand which included a 94-million-dollar renovation.

Trapani attended Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in business hotel management.

For more, visit www.westincapecoral.com.

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American Legion Riders kick off ‘Winter Stamping Tour’ How would you like to support local veterans while patronizing businesses that you probably already frequent? Now you can!

American Legion Post 90 Cape Coral is part of a charity “Winter Stamping Tour” that started on Nov. 1 and runs until Feb. 28, 2024.

The American Legion Riders of Florida’s District 13, of which Post 90 in Cape Coral is a part, includes 17 Legion posts in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and

Hendry counties. Legion Riders have visited businesses all over the area and signed them up to be a sponsor. For $100 a business gets a coupon in a “stamp passport booklet”. These booklets are available to Legion members and the public for $10.

Money raised will be used to help American Legion Posts in Lee County that were severely damaged by hurricane Ian to repair and rebuild. Many posts suffered storm damage, but four posts -- Fort Myers Beach, Port Charlotte, Sanibel/Captiva and

Bonita Springs -- had catastrophic damage.

The book includes 63 businesses that are participating. Anytime a person visits one of these businesses with their book, they can get it stamped. No purchase is necessary.

At the end of the four months if you have at least 10 businesses “stamped,” you can mail in the booklet and have a chance to win up to $500.

Legion Riders are a part of the American Legion Family which also

includes the Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion. Together they support veterans in need, community organizations and youth programs.

To locate a post where you can purchase a booklet, go to www.floridalegion. org/findpost/. Follow the tour on Facebook at “District 13 Winter Stamping Tour."

AmericanLegion Post 90 Cape Coral is located at 1401 S.E. 47th St. For additional information about the post, please call 239-540-8128.

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS From page 35 for Tots distributed 21,888 toys to 5,199 children. Coordinators pick up the donated toys and store them in central warehouses where the toys are sorted by age and gender. At Christmas, coordinators, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups and other local community agencies, distribute the toys to the less fortunate children of the community.

The public is invited to bring new, unwrapped toys for newborn children through age 12 to any of the five Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz offices. In addition, members of the firm also donate toys for the drive.

Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz locations accepting Toys for Tots donations include: ■ Fort Myers - 1515 Broadway, 239334-1146 ■ Cape Coral - 461 Del Prado Blvd., 239-574-5575 ■ Naples - 2590 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 105, 239-514-0924

■ Lehigh Acres - 4802 Lee Blvd., 239368-6101 ■ Port Charlotte - 2602 Tamiami Trail, 941-624-2393 In addition to donations of toys, monetary donations are also accepted at www.toysfortots.org.

With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte, attorneys can be reached by calling 239500-HURT or visiting JusticeStartsNow.com.

Breeze Airways starts nonstop flights from Southwest Florida International Airport Breeze Airways started nonstop service to eight new markets this week at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers. This includes the inaugural flight to Portland, Maine, not currently served with nonstop service from RSW, on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

The other new Breeze nonstop flights starting this week at RSW will be: Akron-

Canton, Ohio (CAK), Columbus, Ohio (CMH), Louisville, Kentucky (SDF), Pittsburgh (PIT), Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU), Richmond, Virginia (RIC) and Syracuse, New York (SYR)

Brodeur Carvell celebrates, ‘Giving Tuesday’ with exclusive event to benefit ACT Ron Brodeur, founder of Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear, has been an active supporter in the community by partnering and donating to local Fort Myers charities for the last 30 years. Brodeur is continuing to give back by celebrating “Giving Tuesday” with an exclusive “Ladies Day” event at Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear, Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 6420 Plantation Park Court, Suite 104.

The event will directly benefit Abuse Counseling Treatment, Inc. (ACT) of Fort Myers.

The “Ladies Day” event will be an opportunity for women to come together and shop for their loved ones while also

directly giving back to ACT. Ten percent of all sales will be donated to ACT in support of “Giving Tuesday,” a day dedicated to encouraging people to do good for others. Event attendees will enjoy wine, champagne and light appetizers as they shop, in addition to 20% off any two select items.

Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear is an upscale men’s specialty store that has offered exclusive brands and designs to SWFL residents and visitors since 1993.

The store specializes in custom-made clothing and shirts, where Ron Brodeur has over 30 years’ experience curating clothes from top brands specifically for his clients.

Ron has a trade certification as a “Master Custom Clothier,” from the Custom Tailors & Designers Association of America. Ron works with clients from Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota, and throughout Florida by appointment in the store, or at their offices/homes. The shop recently welcomed Personal Clothier, Mike Smith who joined Brodeur Carvell with 6 years of men's clothing experience from Naples, Florida.

Page 37 ■ November 17, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 38 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Lee schools restructuring its HR Department

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

School Board of Lee County members all agreed that a major change needs to happen in the district’s Human Resource Department, now undergoing a major transformational change to better their customer service.

Hilary McClain with McClain Resources Consulting arrived at the district in June 2023 as the interim chief human resource officer.

“Human resources needs to be structured from the outside in. The Lee County School District for as long as I know of has been structured from the inside out,” she said during her presentation to the school board Wednesday afternoon. “We have to have a structure where human resources can say yes to the organization, how can I help you get your goals accomplished in your school, department. We are not structured appropriately to make that happen.”

The School District of Lee County’s human resources redesign objectives include developing a strategy level in human resources with a Chief Human Resource Officer position — a position currently undergoing interviews, develop Centers of Excellence to drive best practices and develop support for the schools to drive a world class organizational culture.

The transformation will be initiated in three phases with the first one taking place through March 2024. Those include HR operations, PeopleSoft optimization, compensation — rates, structure and job descriptions and hire recruiter, talent sourcing specialist.

The first phase includes getting a national recruiter onboard to increase the funnel of employees for June and before.

The second phase will be done from

“Human resources needs to be structured from the outside in. The Lee County School District for as long as I know of has been structured from the inside out. We have to have a structure where human resources can say yes to the organization, how can I help you get your goals accomplished in your school, department. We are not structured appropriately to make that happen.”

— Hilary McClain, McClain Resources Consulting, interim chief human resource officer.

March through June 2024 and will include employee relations, HR business partners and talent management. The third phase will be conducted from June through October 2024 and will include benefits and wellness review and integration of professional development.

A transformation is under way for the Human Resources Department of the school district, as there needs to be ongoing conversations about modernizing and enhancing the way they deliver services to their customers.

That change will occur in the operational models, technology systems, developing centers of excellence and using leading industry standards from hire to retire.

“How do we get there if we don’t have world-class people practices?” McClain said.

“It’s a continuous process — not a one and done. It’s something we should do every single year — everywhere — what can we do to be better and more effective for our customer.”

She went through the top five human resource metrics and where the district stands: ■ time to fill/time to hire – which is hard to get people hired, and they cannot track it ■ turnover/retention – the district has no data, as it does not measure retention ■ open positions – not tracked in real time ■ employee relation issues – the district

does not have an employee relations function ■ employee engagement – survey not done, action places not followed up on McClain said she needs to know minute by minute where things are as far as positions that are open, as it is a fluid measurement.

As far as employee relations, she said they do not have an outlet, an ear for people to speak up.

“We need structure. It’s about putting systems and strategies in place, so we truly have speak up,” McClain said.

The presentation also included an HR organizational chart, which includes positions such as the director of HR operations, director of talent acquisition, director of talent management, director of benefits and wellness and director of professional development.

“The new structure you won’t see clerical roles. We have PeopleSoft that does that piece of it,” she said.

The chart also includes a leave of absence coordinator, McClain said as she is proposing the district has more of a human interaction with human resources.

“Any time they are going on a leave it is a very personal situation that is emotionally driven. We need to acknowledge that,” she said.

There is a budgetary impact with this transformation. The overall payroll cost is $934,533.

The goal is to have the right people with the right work, which district staff believes they will have a job for everyone.

“It is really important for us to say there are really committed people that are working hard. Can we have them work smart and develop a better model, so they get some of the recognition they deserve. It’s important to value the individuals that are there already,” Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said.

“We will find the dollars within the budget that we have to make that happen.”

McClain said the bulk of what they are seeing stems from the additional eight HR business partners, which is very important.

The business partners will work in the schools with the goal of resolving issues right there, or connecting the individual with the right resources with the Center of Excellence and following up to make sure they receive what they needed.

“What we really need is 13 business partners. Eight is a road test to see what else we need and where it goes,” McClain said. “The idea is they will be at their site once every two weeks for a half day in the cafeteria with their laptop with a designated time. We will keep track of the work and solve the need at the building.”

She said the school district used to be a place where people were prideful in working for the district.

“We can restore that and bring that back.

We have to have the right structure and do the right work to make that happen,” McClain said.

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

— Human Resources Executive Director Robert Dodig Unites States Census Bureau. As a whole, the diversity index for the Lee County population is 50.5%.

The school district’s student population diversity index is 64%, administration diversity at 37.3%, instructional diversity at 39.2% and non-institutional diversity is 64.8%. These numbers are from October 2023 for the district.

Dodig said they want to increase the diversity of employees. He said the support staff mirrors the data of students, while teachers and administrators fall short of the population.

The presentation also highlighted the school based instructional hires, retirements and terminations by fiscal year.

“Coming off a year in which we hired 634 instructional staff, we lost 853 instructional staff members,” Dodig said.

“The gap for fiscal year ‘23 is 219. Last year it was 170. This is consistent with the amount of vacant positions advertised over the last six months.”

With this said, the district opened two schools and added seats to another, which all required to be staffed.

Dodig said there were a total of 929, and 924 at the top of fiscal year 2022 and 2023 that represent the total number of employees that left the district for retirement and terminations.

The district hired 984 support staff members in 2023 and 919 noninstruction-

al staff members left the district, which increases to 1,045 if they count retirements.

There was a small percentage of noninstructional turnovers from 36.24% to 37.72%.

Many strategies have been put into place in an effort to retain and recruit employees. For instance, the district just increased the payrate by 8%, which was retroactive to July 1. The starting salary for teachers is now $50,000.

As far as recruiting efforts are concerned — there have been many. The district has added 25 international teachers to the district, as well as partnering with FSW and FutureMakers. The district has also attended recruitment events in Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

This fall the district also implemented an internship pilot program, releasing interns early to work in vacant classrooms, enhanced social media presence with real employee stories and a new tagline of “discover your purpose, join our story.”

Cape Council makes it official; assumes duties of the CRA board

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Mayor John Gunter said with the CRA board resolution approved, Council needed to approve a meeting calendar change.

The CRA meetings will be held at 9 a.m. Jan. 17, March 13, May 8, July 17, Sept. 11, and Nov. 13, which will then be followed by Council workshops in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Cape Coral Breeze

City Council voted to dissolve the Community Redevelopment Agency board, therefore making City Council the elected board.

The vote was not unanimous.

“I am against dissolving the CRA,” Councilmember

Robert Welsh said, adding that residents help the council, rather than hurting it. “I’m not against becoming the CRA board. I do like involving other citizens and residents and I do like their advice that what they bring to us council members.”

Councilmembers Tom Hayden, Jessica Cosden and Welsh voted against dissolving the board.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

The challenge of filling vacancies and finding new ways to recruit and retain employees continues to be an undertaking for the School District of Lee County.

The Wednesday afternoon meeting took the school board through different strategic plans with recruiting, developing, and retaining highly effective staff through various objectives such as reducing employee turnover and increasing the diversity of employees.

Human Resources Executive Director Robert Dodig said for October 2023 the termination rate was 16.6% for teachers, 19.5% for support staff and 7.6% for administrators.

“Termination includes employees separated from the district voluntarily or involuntarily,” he said.

The 2023-2024 target is 15% for teachers, 18% staff and 6% administrators.

For diversity, the district uses the methodology commonly used for the

“Coming off a year in which we hired 634 instructional staff, we lost 853 instructional staff members. The gap for fiscal year ‘23 is 219. Last year it was 170. This is consistent with the amount of vacant positions advertised over the last six months.”

Page 39 ■ November 17, 2023

School district continues to wrangle with hiring, retention

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 40 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Helping Hands: Annual event raises money for charities; goal is $55,000 this year From page 1 always humbled by how many people show up and open their wallets and give freely of their treasure,” Aubuchon Homes President Gary Aubuchon said.

“It’s a great community. It makes this night so special for me and for everyone — bonding with each other for a good cause.”

The 25th annual Helping Hands for the Holidays, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at Aubuchon Team of Companies Corporate Headquarters in Club Square, 4707 S.E. 9th Place in downtown Cape Coral.

Aubuchon refers to the event as a large family reunion where leaders and people in the community come together once a year to celebrate the reason for the season and take a moment to give thanks and give back to these charities.

“People can expect wonderful food, beautiful decorations, traditional Christmas music and a visit by Santa Claus,” Aubuchon said.

Aubuchon said the goal is to keep doing what they are doing — raising money for three wonderful charities — Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Ronald McDonald House Charities of SW Florida and LEE BIA Builders Care.

Aubuchon said he has had an employee who needed to stay at the Ronald McDonald House because of health issues with their newborn child, as well as an employee’s daughter who was a Make-A-Wish recipient as she was born

Donations can also be made online at Online Donation (iphiview.com). A partnership has been created with Collaboratory for donations, which can be made payable to “Collaboratory” and sent to Team Aubuchon (Helping Hands), 4707 S.E. 9th Pl., Cape Coral, FL 33904.

with a heart defect.

“Builders Care does so much to help the elderly in Lee County, especially with building handicap ramps for accessibility into their home, or widening doors with people that have mobility issues,” he said.

The goal this year is to raise $2,500 more than the previous year, making the goal $55,000, which will be split among the three charities.

Last year the annual event raised $52,500, which was a record-breaking year. The mantra every year — raise a dollar more than the prior year — has an exception this year in honor of the 25th anniversary.

More than $600,000 has been raised for the three local charities to date.

In the beginning years of the event, charities were rotated before three were

Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus are always a part of the Helping Hands for the Holidays festivities, which are free and open to the public. This year’s celebration will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at Aubuchon Team of Companies Corporate Headquarters in Club Square, 4707 S.E. 9th Place in downtown Cape Coral. locked in within the last 20 years. The three were selected because of their connectivity both to the people in the Aubuchon Team of Companies, as well as their connection to the people they serve in Southwest Florida.

Donations can be also made online at Online Donation (iphiview.com). A part-

nership has been created with Collaboratory for donations, which can be made payable to “Collaboratory” and sent to Team Aubuchon (Helping Hands), 4707 S.E. 9th Pl., Cape Coral, FL 33904.

“All early donations are encouraged,” Aubuchon said.

Parks & Recreation

Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Other schedules will be adjusted.

The adjustments include:

■ Thursday, Nov. 23, Friday, Nov. 24, and through the

Solid Waste ■ Thursday, Nov. 23: All county facilities are closed

p.m. to accept waste. The Lee-Hendry Landfill will be open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Clewiston and LaBelle Transfer Stations will be open 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

All other Solid Waste facilities will be closed.

LeeTran ■ Thursday, Nov. 23: No bus, trolley or Passport serv-

ice.

■ Friday, Nov. 24: Normal service resumes.

Lee County Band Christmas celebration Dec. 10 Additional concert dates for the band are Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 10 and April 7.

Band members are musicians from all walks of life who reside in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties. The band welcomes new members every year. Persons interested in joining may phone 239-600-9052. (Flute players are needed!)

Admission to the concert is free, although the band relies on the contributions of audience members and patrons to meet its expenses. All concerts this season are at Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd., N., Cape Coral, beginning at 3 p.m. All concerts are open to the public.

An institution in Southwest Florida, the band enjoys a large, loyal and enthusiastic audience at every concert.

Plan to arrive early for best choice of seating.

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org

22, except: Captiva Memorial Library closes at 4 p.m. and Home Borrower Services closes at 5 p.m.

■ Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24: All libraries will be closed. The library always is available online at www.leelibrary.net/online.

■ Saturday, Nov. 25: Normal library hours resume.

Domestic Animal Services ■ Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24: The shelter,

5600 Banner Drive in south Fort Myers, will be closed.

■ Saturday, Nov. 25: The Lost & Found Pet Center will reopen for regular hours at 8 a.m. The adoption center will open at 10:30 a.m.

Utilities ■ The Call Center and the drive-thru window at 7391

College Parkway are closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24, and will reopen Monday, Nov. 27.

A drop-box is on-site at the front door and another accessible via the drive-thru for payments by check.

A drop-box is also available at the Lee County Community Development/Public Works Center located at 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers (near the east entrance on Monroe Street).

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/ resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

Cape Coral Breeze

Sit back and enjoy the gaiety and wonder of Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 10, when the Lee County Community Band presents its annual Christmas concert. This funfilled, free program begins at 3 p.m. at Mariner High School in Cape Coral.

The band will perform a variety of sacred and secular music, including traditional carols and beloved holiday songs. The program includes “Sleigh Ride;” “An English Christmas;” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” with vocalist Jan Fenn; “The Christmas Song,” with vocalist Fred Lamb; and Christmas “Pop” Sing-a-Long.

The 50-member adult band presents six concerts between November and April.

Programs reflect the band’s well-earned reputation for lively, upbeat music and promise an entertaining mix of old favorites, energetic marches, beloved patriotic and seasonal tunes, Broadway and Silver Screen hits, and a sing-a-long.

Library System ■ All branches will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.

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and no garbage, yard waste or recycling will be collected.

Collections will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

■ Friday, Nov. 24: Thursday collections will be picked up. The Waste-to-Energy Facility in Buckingham will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accept waste. The LeeHendry Landfill will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The LaBelle Transfer Station will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All other Solid Waste facilities will be closed.

■ Saturday, Nov. 25: Friday collections will be picked up. The Buckingham site will be open from 6 a.m. to 6

holiday weekend: Boat ramps, beaches, parks and preserves will be open. Check www.leeparks.org for the list of open locations, hours and amenities.

■ Administration offices, pools and recreation centers are closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24. Some recreation centers and pools resume normal operating hours Saturday, Nov. 25. Administration offices resume normal operating hours Monday, Nov. 27.

Page 41 ■ November 17, 2023

County operations adjust schedules for Thanksgiving holiday

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 42 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Golden Boat Lifts brings in dealers from around the world for boot camp-style seminar A former Navy Seal, a marching band and global attendance highlighted a recent three-day leadership and training seminar hosted by North Fort Myers-based Golden Boat Lifts for its dealers.

Attending the boot camp-themed event at the Westin Hotel Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village were over 160 dealers and employees of Golden Boat Lifts, which specializes in various types of boat lifts and floating dock systems.

The three-day event opened with a cocktail reception where attendees had the opportunity to meet and connect with some of the dealers attending from as far away as Australia, Sweden and Norway. The first full day consisted of the dealers taking a bus ride to "Camp Golden,” where Golden employees provided guided tours of the boat lift and dock factories. The tours showcased what Golden does differently in production from the industry standard to produce the most durable and safe products.

Following the tour, the new hydraulic lifts and floating lifts were demonstrated, with the uniqueness of each lift highlighted. Finally, training on current products and installation tips was conducted.

On the third day, the Cape Coral High School band opened the day by marching into the conference room to a stirring version of reveille, followed by the Cape Coral High JROTC unit presenting our nation’s colors, and the band performing the national anthem.

Former Navy Seal Jacob Werksman inspired the crowd with a speech on leadership. Golden Boat Lifts owner Bill Golden also provided an overview of the company and the value of the relationships his company has established with all its dealers.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing high sales performance, milestone achievements, and dealers who aided in Hurricane Ian recovery.

“Bill Golden has instilled in us a sense of quality that I don’t see in the competitors,” said dealer Chuck Archer of Inlet Marine in Portsmouth, Va. “Not only in the quality of our work but also in how we treat others in the industry. The camaraderie is unmatched, we’re a group of salesmen and yet I haven’t heard one person boast about their sales.”

Added Steven Coletti of Marathon Seawalls & Docks, “It was first-class from start to finish. The highlight for me was getting to see your facilities.”

Golden Boat Lifts hosts such an event every three years to honor the performance of its dealers and the accomplishments of the company.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team of dealers from around the world,” said Bill Golden, owner of Golden Boat Lifts. “Our global success is because of their incredible dedication and world class performance.”

Golden Boat Lifts is headquartered at 17611 East St., in North Fort Myers. Learn more at www.GoldenBoatLifts.com or call 239-337-4141.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services to host Pet Fest and photos with Santa Join Lee County Domestic Animal Services for its annual Pet Fest event 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., this Saturday, Nov. 18, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers.

This fun-filled event will feature “Rescue Row” with area shelters and rescues, a craft fair, garage sale and silent auction − all in time for the holidays. Santa is flying in for pet photos. You will receive two digital photos and one animated photo with your $10 donation to the Animal Care Trust Fund. Please call 533-7387 to schedule an appointment today as time slots are filling quickly.

Adoption fees are reduced for the entire month of November, so visit www.leelostpets.com to complete an adoption applica-

tion prior to the event to save time. All adoptions are just $20 with an approved application.

The adoption package includes spay or neuter, microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, county license and a 10-day health guarantee. This is a $600 package. Volunteers and staff are waiting to introduce a new family member at the adoption center, open 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

AllerVie Health rebranded; Cape, Fort Myers locations upgraded

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to five years of age.

The next screening will be Friday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Pediatric Specialist Office, 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers.

Medical consultants for the project stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families. They say early intensive behavioral

For the 7th year, a parade of Porsches and other exotic automobiles will deliver Santa and holiday cheer to patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 2. In addition, a live auction will raise critically needed funds to help build the new Golisano Pediatric Surgery Center.

The 7th annual event is organized by John and Valerie Petracco on behalf of the Everglades Region of the Porsche Club of America, which covers Southwest Florida from Punta Gorda to Marco Island. The event is held in partnership with the Gulf Harbor Porsche Owners Group, Porsche Fort Myers, Terra Nostra Italian Ristorante and the Iona McGregor Fire District. Since 2016, the groups have raised more than $1 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Participants with their cars will gather on Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m. at Glory Days Grill, 5056 Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers, before heading to Golisano Children’s Hospital with a Lee County Sheriff’s Office escort. Once at the hospital, drivers will hand off their gifts to Child Life staff and gather to watch the Iona McGregor Fire District and Lee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT teams who dress as elves and repel from the roof of the hospital to tap on patients’ windows to share holiday cheer.

Drivers will then participate in a live Funda-Need call, with the goal of raising funds to help build the new pediatric surgery center. This center will expand surgeries and outpatient services so that all children can get the surgery they need, without waiting or being delayed because of a lack of operating space.

Participants are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for infants to teens and be ready to give to the mission. Donated toys are also being accepted until Dec. 1 at Maverick Grill, 4480 Fowler St. in Fort Myers and at Porsche Fort Myers, 10064 Daniels Interstate Ct. in Fort Myers.

Register for the event by calling John Petracco at 239-464-7080 or via email at jpetracco@comcast.net.

Cape Coral Breeze

Autism screening for young children Dec. 1 at Pediatric Specialist Office

7th Annual Porsche & Friends Parade to Golisano Children’s Hospital Dec. 2

www.capecoralbreeze.com

AllerVie Health, a leading national provider of allergy and immunology services, has announced that Allergy & Asthma Care Centre, acquired in 2021, will be rebranded as AllerVie Health.

Both Fort Myers and Cape Coral clinic locations will receive upgraded technologies to provide patients with a new digital experience. Additionally, the Cape Coral office will relocate to a larger, more modern facility that will allow AllerVie to better serve patients in the community.

At the forefront of the transformation is a new state-of-the-art Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system and a cutting-edge patient portal. These advancements are designed to elevate patient care, allowing AllerVie to provide more comprehensive and secure healthcare services. The new patient portal will facilitate easier communication between providers and patients, ensuring a seamless and secure exchange of information and enhanced access to vital medical records.

Additionally, another board-certified allergist, Dr. Thomas J. Shen, will join the practice in late Q4 of this year. Dr. Larry Castillo and Shen's extensive experience and dedication to allergy and immunology make them invaluable in the evolution of the practice.

Amid these significant changes, AllerVie's Cape Coral office has relocated to a larger, more advanced facility at 3208 Chiquita Blvd. This decision was made to elevate the overall patient experience, offering heightened levels of comfort and convenience.

Headquartered in Dallas, AllerVie Health served over 100,000 patients in 2022 with world-class allergy and immunology services.

To learn more, visit www.allervie.com.

intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well.

The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.

A physician referral is not required. To schedule a screening, please call 239-3436838.

Page 43 ■ November 17, 2023

HEALTH NOTES

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 44 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

SPORTS

THE BREEZE NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Push-poles and 6th Annual Lee County Volleyball All-Star being stealthy Game Dec. 6 at South Fort Myers High Be it an old dented-in and leaking 10-foot duck boat, a modern high-end hi-tech saltwater skiff, a kayak or even a shiny new metalflake lake rocket bass boat, they all share one item of equipment – a push pole. Stealth equals angling success and in some cases thousands of dollars in tournament prize money.

Most saltwater anglers don’t think of big winnings bass kings like Kevin Van Dam pushpoling a Nitro bass boat on Lake Okeechobee but Mr. D knows there’s no better way to sneak up on clear-water bedding bass than with a push pole.

From Keys bonefish to a pumpkin-hued Pine Island redfish, stealth is the ticket to angling happiness.

Capt. George After spending a couTunison ple decades on local waters, I’ve always thought it odd seeing the huge numbers of poling platform-equipped skiffs out there, but with very few anglers actually using them, instead choosing the Motor Guide or Minn Kota to get around. If this is you and your poling platform is just really a lunch table, a seat, a got-ta-have decoration or tackle station and you don’t even own a push-pole – that’s fine as it means more fish for me.

If you’re ready to get serious and kick your shallowwater fishing experience up a notch or two, then purchase the best pole you can afford, climb up there and go to work. Poling not only keeps the noise down but the height off the deck puts you in perfect position to spot fish far off that deck-bound anglers never see except for the fishes' wakes as they’re scared off from approaching boat noises. Think of your hull as a long hollow drum transmitting your footsteps, slamming lids and dropped tackle, half a football field away in skinny waters meaning nothing to a 10-inch trout or pufferfish but a sure danger warning to a wise old snook that was caught a few times in its youth or an even wiser gator sized seatrout. Think of your “quiet” electric trolling motor as a noise maker as well because it simply is, especially in very thin water. Sound travels over four times faster underwater as it does through the air.

My first push-pole was a PVC pipe then later I graduated to a real “pro” pole which was a well-known but heavy as lead fiberglass pole that kept getting heavier and heavier as the day and the hot sun wore on. If big arms and saving bucks is the goal then stick with fiberglass. The next step up would be aluminum which are, of course, lighter than fiberglass but somewhat noisy. If you want to get serious about poling then bite the (expen-

See PUSH-POLES, page 45

TIDES CHART at Cape Coral Bridge Height Sunrise Moon Time Feet Sunset

Day

High /Low

Tide Time

% Moon Visible

Sa 18 18

High Low

4:44 AM 2:27 PM

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Cailin Daugherty (MH/OPPO) South Fort Myers Jasmin Castaneda (L/DS) - South Fort Myers Jasmin Wicks (OPPO) - South Fort Myers

The 6th Annual Lee County Volleyball All-Star Game will be held Wednesday, Dec. 6, at South Fort Myers High School. The players are divided in to four team (North, South, East, West) and play games at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Players selected for each squad include: North Team Hailey Painter (S) - North Fort Myers Presleigh Lucas (L) - North Fort Myers Payton Tshiams (MB) - North Fort Myers Brianna Gutierrez (L/DS) - Fort Myers Jessica McKee (MB) - Fort Myers Ella Chevalier (L/DS) - Fort Myers Miya Shields - Dunbar Cynthia Mauvais (S) - Dunbar Kerrigan Habing (OH) - Bishop Verot Marissa Peck (L) - Bishop Verot Ella Portu (OPP) - Bishop Verot Jules Schwartz (MH) - Bishop Verot Sydney Storm (OH) - ECS Sierra Sharp (S/RS/DS) - ECS Demi Ritchie (L/DS) - ECS

East Team Jasmin Uriostegui - East Lee Paisley Bates - East Lee Rylee Taber (L) - Gateway Gia Lopez (S/OPPO) - Gateway Lucy Engler (OH) - Gateway Ashley Zimny (DS) - Gateway Maria Juantorena (OH) - Gateway Charter Emily Salas (RS) - Gateway Charter Rachel Book (OH) - Lehigh Alexah Martinez (S) - Lehigh Bianka Noah (OH) - SFCA Grace Coggins (MB) - SFCA Savannah Spiker (S/L) - Riverdale Macy Costigan (OH) - Riverdale

South Team Victoria King (OH) - Bonita Springs Kiara Kelley (S) - Bonita Springs Addison Piotrowski (OPP) - Bonita Springs Addison Piatt (OH) - Canterbury Oliva Hoy (MB) - Canterbury Madison Hammermeister (OH) - Canterbury Evelynn Mufalli (S) - Cypress Lake Olivia Mufalli (OH) - Cypress Lake Mia Guzman (L/DS) - Cypress Lake Gia Rosencrans (MH) - Estero Ashlynn Ban (OH) - Estero Sophie Perkins (OH) - Estero

West Team Maria Higgins (OH) - Cape Coral Mackenzie Hepola (OPP) - Cape Coral Saige Thibodeaux (OH/S/L) - Ida Baker Savannah Scott (OH) - Ida Baker Kaylee Lambert (DS) - Ida Baker Keala Millentree (OH) - Island Coast Genesis Walsh (S) - Island Coast Aubrey Curry - Island Coast Micaela Barraza (L/S/OH) - Mariner Anna Ward (OH/RS/M) - Mariner Emily Nunez (M/S) - Mariner Ellie Peterson - Mariner Mia Poskon (S) - Oasis Alison Ortiz (M) - Oasis Valentina Calleja (L/DS) - Oasis South Fort Myers High School is at 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers.

PREP REPORT Wednesday

Preseason Basketball BOYS Oasis 52, Riverdale 49: Down by 12 at halftime, the Sharks rallied behind Javarius Jackson's 21 points for the win. Zach Louzao scored 14 points with 7 rebounds, Lloyd-Jean Baptiste had 8 rebounds, 3 steals and three charges taken; and Brendan Overbaugh added 9 points.

Tuesday

Girls Golf FHSAA Class 1A Championship At Las Colinas Course Mission Hills Resort & Club Howey-in-the-Hills Par 71 Team (16): 1. FAU High 282. 2. First Academy 291.

3. Sagemont Prep 296. 4. Windermere Prep 297. 5. Lake Mary Prep 298. 6. Circle Christian 306. 7. Brevard HEAT 311. 8. SLAM Academy 314. 9. St. Andrews 316. 10. (tie) Carrollton, Community School of Naples, Pine Crest 323. 13. Benjamin 326. 14. Bishop Verot 328. 15.

Episcopal 330. 16 Bolles 333.

Individual: 1. Mi Li (FA) 66. 2. Victoria Renzi (MV) 67. 3. (tie) Ava Zhang (WP), Kayla Bryant (FAU) 68, 5. (tie) Ariana Silva (SP), YVette O'Brien (G) 69. 8. (tie) Grace Carter (BH), Isabelle Dovhey (CC), Nanci Dai (LMP) 70. Also: Samantha Loninger (BV) 75, Morgan Franklin (BV) 78, Amelia Loninger (BV) 82, Raleigh Currin (BV) 93, Ava Aloia (BV) 94.

Boys Soccer Mariner 3, Bishop Verot 2: Sami Bedoya, Frank

Garcia and Maximo Gorosito scored for the Tritons (1-1), and goalie Jacob Glover had four saves in the second half to earn the victory. The Vikings slipped to 1-2.

Canterbury 2, Cape Coral 0: The Seahawks were held scoreless for the first time this season, leaving them 1-1-1.

Oasis 2, Charlotte 2 (draw): The Sharks (1-2-2) played to a tie for the second time in as many days. Mario Acosta had a goal and an assist for Oasis, and Matty Zea also scored.

Gateway 7, Island Coast 2: The Gators lost their second match in a row, falling to 1-2.

Ida Baker 10, Gateway Charter 2: Bryce Bruni posted a hat trick and Reed Verblaauw scored twice to lead the Bulldogs (1-1-1). Scoring single goals were Dylan Padilla, Daniel Barata, Cooper Siefert, Kevin Perez and Jesus Euseubio.

Girls Soccer Bishop Verot 1, Mariner 0: Caroline Pelfkowski scored the only goal of the match thanks to an assist by Katherine Pelfowski. Her first-half tally kept the Vikings perfect at 4-0 while handing the Tritons their first defeat of the young season (1-1).

Cape Coral 3, Canterbury 2: Angelina Toro led the unbeaten Seahawks (5-0) with a goal and an assist. Sophia Vianest and Isabella Cruz also scored for Cape Coral, and Carmen Fallacara made an assist.

Oasis 1, Charlotte 0: The Sharks outlasted both the Tarpons and the rain. Samantha Chitu set up Jazlyn Forbes' goal to provide the margin of victory.

See PREP REPORT, page 45

Development Academy, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (Minnesota’s Low-A affiliate) and the organization’s rookie-level Florida Complex League Twins. The location also hosts various other games and tournaments, bringing thousands of teams and visitors to Lee County each year.

“We are incredibly proud to align our Fort Myers complex with a like-minded, locally-based and community-driven business that shares our desire to shape a better tomorrow for all,” said Twins Executive Vice President & CBO Meka White Morris. “Southwest Florida is a special part of Twins Territory, with our presence here extending beyond baseball. Lee Health’s work to provide the very best in health and wellness is both inspirational and aspirational, while our shared civic pride in Lee County made this partnership a natural fit.

We are excited for what the future holds!”

Beyond naming rights, this cornerstone partnership also features many initiatives to benefit the greater community. Programs at the Lee Health Sports Complex may

include free health checks during Twins spring training home games and additional non-gameday health fairs, fitness classes for all ages, softball leagues, yoga nights and more. Lee Health also becomes the presenting partner for the Twins’ annual Southwest Florida-based lineup of free youth baseball and softball clinics, held at both the complex and youth league sites throughout the region.

“We have worked with the Twins in numerous capacities over the years and we are thrilled to enter into this partnership with the Twins organization. They share Lee Health’s vision of community service with a focus on a long-lasting, positive impact on Southwest Florida,” said Chief Development, Marketing and Communications Officer for Lee Health Chris Simoneau. “We are proud to be the Twins’ official healthcare provider and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together for health and wellness in the Southwest Florida region in the next decade.”

Lee Health Sports Complex, located at

14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers, is inclusive of the 8,730-seat Hammond Stadium in which the Twins play spring training home games and conduct select workouts (while also serving as the Mighty Mussels’ home ballpark); five full practice fields (including the home field for the FCL Twins) and two halffields; a minor league building with locker rooms, training and video facilities; the Twins Player Development Academy, which features a 58-room residence hall for players and staff, dining facilities, recreational spaces, meeting rooms, educational classrooms and the 220-seat Champions Hall; and four community softball fields.

The Twins are set to play 18 spring training home games at the Lee Health Sports Complex in 2024; fans can access spring season, group and “Pick Five Pack” ticket plans starting now. For more information, including a complete schedule and a ballpark seating chart, please visit twins.com/springtraining.

PREP REPORT From page 44

Football The Bishop Verot Vikings have a home regional semifinal game Friday against Estero, but star quarterback Carter Smith has already made plans for his future.

Smith announced Tuesday that he has committed to play college football at the

University of Michigan. The Vikings' signal-caller should pass 7,000 career passing yards on Friday (he only needs 31) and is within reach of 2,000 rushing yards at Verot.

(Send scores and game statistics to The Breeze at cstrine@breezenewspapers.com)

Push-poles: Equipment to help you stay stealthy on the water From page 44 sive) bullet and go high tech as in carbon fiber equipment. Fiberglass poles start in the $100 to $150 range and expect to fork out $700 to over a grand for a carbon fiber pole.

Besides price, length and weight are the other two important considerations

when purchasing. High atop a standard skiffs poling platform think 16 to 22 feet in length but half that or less to power a bass boat from the front end. Carbon fiber poles weigh a fraction of their fiberglass cousins, which makes a huge difference when pushing a boat, tackle, batteries, fuel, ice and an angler or two on a hot and humid Florida day.

If you don’t have a poling platform, try a cooler firmly secured to the deck. An unsecured cooler on a fiberglass deck is a sure ticket to broken-bone unhappiness.

Tarpon are still around in Boca Grande and the deep holes in Charlotte Harbor but getting them to chew is another matter.

Right now king and Spanish macs are the hot ticket and can be found around and

near the passes to 10 miles out waiting for your trolled spoons, plugs and live offerings.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.

100th birthday: Resident, family and friends mark milestone event From page 17 After high school she worked in a bank in New York City, which she said she hated. When a girlfriend told her about going to New Jersey for a defense job, she joined, and was hired at Bakelite Corporation. She said she was getting $8 to $9 a day working at a bank, compared to $15 at her new job.

“They hired me as a lab assistant. I didn’t know anything about what I was doing,” Terry said.

She ended up working in the secret room.

“Every other day the boss would come in and change it all — throw it all out and do something else,” Terry said, adding that she had no clue of what they were working on. “No one talked about atomic anything.

Nobody was talking about it. We didn’t

find out until D Day when they dropped the atomic bomb in Japan.”

After that they were given three days off from work. She received a certificate from the United States of America War Department, Manhattan District.

Terry’s daughter, Ginny Huffer, said it was to certify that “Grace W Terry, Bakelite Corporation, has participated in work essential to the production of the atomic bomb, thereby contributing to the successful conclusion of World War II. This certificate is awarded in appreciation of effective service, Aug. 6, 1945 – signed by the secretary of war.”

“We learned a lot. It was a very interesting job and always new and different. I worked there until the war was over. I was living in Brooklyn and was commuting every weekend back to Jersey. It was a great job. We felt we were contributing to

something; we didn’t know what we were contributing to at the time,” Terry said.

She was married during the war in 1943 to George, who was in the Merchant Marines and assigned to the George Washington.

Another great memory was camping on the beaches when she was young — twoweek vacations in tents. They then went to Montauk, Long Island, where one day they were greeted with no parking signs along the beach. Terry recalled her uncle and father saying, “Why don’t we buy the beach.”

“We thought they were kidding,” she said, adding that they bought 500 feet from the ocean to the highway — two city blocks. “We camped on that for two years.”

The family decided to build a motel in 1950, The Sea Crest Motel on the right-

hand side of the ocean.

“Back then in those days when you rented a motel it was a one room and a bathroom — if it had a bathroom. A lot had outhouses still,” Terry said. When we built that we had a nice living room, a whole kitchen. We had one bedroom and a bathroom, a little apartment.”

Sea Crest is no longer in the family, as her niece sold it six years ago after her husband passed away. Terry said there were about 60 or 70 units when they left.

“We had a lot of good times in our life,” she said.

To celebrate her recent 100th birthday, family and friends came down from such places as Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut and Long Island to join a party being thrown for Terry.

Holiday plants: Colorful gifts to help brighten someone’s season From page 17 successfully grown when attached to trees where the orchid roots will adhere to the tree and support the plant.

No other plant signals the holiday season like the classic poinsettia; these beautiful and festive plants will maintain their color through March if kept away from drafts and direct sun. After the holidays, your poinsettia can be planted outdoors in

full sun in moist, well-drained soil.

Pinching the plant back several times over the summer will produce a full plant with numerous flower heads, and as the days shorten the plant will develop brightly colored bracts.

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a "plant person," it’s easy to choose a gift plant. Examine the plant to make sure that the foliage is healthy and full and that roots are not emerging from the bottom of

the pot.

Prior to delivering your gift plant, keep it in filtered sun and lightly water it. Your gift can be made even more special if you include a decorative pot or basket. It is also a good idea to include some basic instructions with your gift plant; the University of Florida has detailed information on care as well as outdoor planting guidance for a variety of holiday gift plants: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/out-

door-living/holiday-gift-plants.html The holidays are a special time to celebrate friendships, and holiday plants provide a cheerful and long-lasting expression of your very best wishes that are sure to provide happiness for months to come!

Cathy Dunn is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a Garden Club of Cape Coral member.

Cape Coral Breeze

Ida Baker 10, Gateway Charter 2: Allie Nlackburn led the Bulldogs' onslaught with two goals and an assist, and Giovanna DaSilva had a goal and a helper.

Lexi Klutsarits, Annabelle Barbot, Brooke Schaal, Laila Farley and Aubrey Tansley

also scored. Madison Reynolds made two assists, and Taylor Rauh and Gailyn Gorski had one each for Ida Baker (1-2).

Gateway 8, Island Coast 0: Eagles freshman Mikayla Medina scored six goals against the Gators (0-4).

www.capecoralbreeze.com

The 2023 American League Central Division Champion Minnesota Twins and Lee Health this week announced a 10-year partnership that designates Lee Health as the Twins’ official Florida healthcare provider, sets the foundation for future collaborations community-enhancing throughout Southwest Florida, and renames the club’s Fort Myers facilities as the “Lee Health Sports Complex."

This new agreement further evolves the relationship between these two organizations with a shared commitment to Lee County and its residents, as the Twins and Lee Health will continue their longstanding practice of teaming up to provide free health clinics and other community-enriching opportunities.

The Twins and the club’s six minor league affiliates have called the Lee Health Sports Complex their spring training home since 1991; the 2024 spring campaign will be the organization’s 34th in Fort Myers.

Additionally, Lee Health Sports Complex is the year-round home of the Twins Player

Page 45 ■ November 17, 2023

Twins, Lee Health announce 10-year partnership

November 17, 2023 ■ Page 46 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral

Breeze Athletes of theWeek (Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)

Page 47 ■ November 17, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

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November 17, 2023 ■ Page 48 www.capecoralbreeze.com

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November 17, 2023 ■ Page 50 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Obituaries

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