Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 22, 2023

VOLUME 62, NUMBER 1

Officials: Lee schools safer with system

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,” Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said 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 See SYSTEM, page 22

Chamber supports businesses and organizations celebrating ‘Luminary Season’

D

ue to the uncertainty of the retail business scene this year on Sanibel and Captiva, the SanCap Chamber has postponed its traditional Holiday Luminary until Dec. 6-7, 2024, as a kick-off to the 13month celebration of the city of Sanibel's 50th anniversary.

However, the chamber is supporting island businesses and organizations planning special promotions, “mini-Luminary” events and other celebrations during this year's holiday season with luminary bags and publicity efforts.

See LUMINARY, page 22

IslanderInsIde

The traditional tree-lighting and fireworks at 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva will start the holiday season on the islands with a bang.

SANCAP CHAMBER

City provides update on beach recovery, resilience project The city of Sanibel reported that the start of the Hurricane Ian Beach Recovery & Resilience Project is now anticipated to begin on Dec. 13, with the project's completion expected on or before April 15.

Sand will be trucked to the island and placed along the open beach, primarily between the mean-high water line and existing dune vegetation line, and to fill accessible gullies/washouts that occurred as the storm surge receded. Once completed, the beach profile will be very close to pre-Ian beach conditions.

The final implementation plan will be developed once the contractor is selected.

To view the full project plans, visit https://outlook.office365.com/owa/redir.a s p x ? R E F = D 4 6 Z Z _ 55wirom_fiK1GyM7uSh_kEeHNdw0i8l aWOZcECZSs8ObbCAFodHRwczovL3I yMC5yczYubmV0L3RuLmpzcD9mPTA wMWJVNnRtaGJnT2dkWG5ONDBfQ1 9oWlRtM2hTMGxDc01ON0F6TkJkT2 xrbzlnb3JZUmJRaF9YQTVRVTVVUT AxeEpLUEpLZzVBeXNFU3NQUjhhalZ Eb3pDSHg0RU9RR3hhMVRYdmhiaW hhOVhTdlc0b1RldG93R3V6UndTck1z UWdJaTlHd1Z6MnVpamJIM21sVWw4 U2Fja0dYTVBCcVJoMXJUY0MxS2Jia lJvMFNpMjk3RDZQcW51ZDlKYjA0b

V9aeGE2WGZqVkxlZzd0ZDZpTko5cm xzM1FyUDlVNkpDbHNnJmM9OVJIO HZKb3hFWEpCclBpSG1JeTNNYWE0d Hc4cFVYZW1pVVNVLWpDVmdLcW pCV09zbVlFWkZ3PT0mY2g9dDc2WE xFMUZFSl9ES1dsbnR3WkE4OUExU2 psc2hETUtaRmJJU3FUc2RiRTFYMTQ 3bzZnWHhRPT0.

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Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................14 Temporary agreement forms Island Living................................18 The city reported that it is not too late for Gulf-front property owners to return Sports.........................................20 their

signed

Temporary

Beach

See UPDATE, page 22

Classifieds 31

Residential Customer ECRWSS

Ft MYERS, FL Permit #5733

PRSTD STD US POSTAGE PAID

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 2 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

School district works to keep positions as relief funds come to end The district received ESSER I, II and III funds, which were federal stimulus funds received by the Department of With federal stimulus money coming to Education following COVID. an end, School District of Lee County staff ESSER I, which is 100% expended, is looking into how to transition the little was in the amount of $21,837,924 and more than 300 employee positions that are was used for triage — personal protective funded through Elementary and Secondary equipment, online curriculum, hot spots School Emergency Relief III funds. and such support personnel as counselors, Grants Program Administrator Leta nurses and social workers.

Dietz Smith said last week that the district ESSER II — $84,144,216 — 99% is working on solidifying plans for the tranexpended for stability. It addressed sition of 302 current employees.

COVID-related health insurance costs, ESSER III funds will close on Sept. 30, online curriculum, hot spots, tutoring and which includes all emergency relief-funded summer programs, professional developDr. Christopher positions ending in June on district conBernier ment, stabilization pay, class coverage and tracts, all of whom have been notified personnel for teachers, paraprofessionals, through a letter.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said the dis- counselors, nurses and social workers.

The final funds, ESSER III, is 59% expended at trict is making plans for the continuation of positions.

“The individuals who are ESSER funded have been $189,170,730 for path forward. It addresses online curnotified the positions are set to sunset,” he said, adding riculum, tutoring and summer programs, professional that shortly after the holidays they will convene as a cab- development, stabilization pay, class coverage, instrucinet to begin the conversations around the budget — tional materials and personnel for teachers, paraprofeswhat the strategic plan wants staff to accomplish and sionals, counselors, nurses and social workers.

Smith said the top expenditures includes stabilization align with expenditures.

Bernier said the focus is to bring forward some under- pay with $68 million; class coverage with $38 million; standing of what the district can afford and continue to sup- school positions with $27 million; charter school allocaport students, especially around the needs of mental health. tions for $23 million; technology for $15 million;

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

COVID health insurance for $14 million; summer programming for $13 million; Personal Protective Equipment for $9 million; mental health supports for $8 million; and tutoring for $6 million.

Last year alone, there were 51,532 instances of class coverage during the 2022-23 school year. In addition, there were 6,607 instances where certified teachers earned an additional $1,000 for covering 15 times.

Some of the highlighted projects funded through ESSER dollars include Close Up Student Ridership, Scholastic Projects, Jump Start Kindergarten Readiness and Summer Sizzlin’ Series.

Smith said the Close Up project allows 160 high school English Language Learner students to travel to Tallahassee to research issues facing their neighborhood.

Those students will learn about the state and federal government, tour the capital, meet officials and provide professional development for educators.

Student Ridership, another ESSER-funded project, allows parents to view their children boarding and disembarking their school bus.

The Scholastic Project provided books for elementary students to take home both during the summer and winter breaks. There were also books provided to classroom libraries, and new students enrolling into the district.

The Jump Start Kindergarten Readiness took place at 24 schools and 739 teachers attended the Summer Sizzlin’ Series.

Lee County breaks ground for new Public Safety Center On Nov. 2, Lee County broke ground on a two-story addition to its existing Emergency Operations Center.

Located at 2675 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers, the $28.7 million facility will be renamed the Lee County Public Safety Center when it is completed in about 19 months. The Lee County Commission awarded the contract for the 36,873square-foot expansion in September. The new center will operate year-round, housing various departments, and activating for weather emergencies when needed.

“During blue-sky normal operations, the expanded building will house Public Safety Administration, Emergency Medical Services and a new Emergency Communications Center, with space for Public Safety's Division of Emergency Communications, Lee County Sheriff's Office Communications and the Lee County Department of Transportation's Traffic Operations Center,” county officials said in a prepared statement. “Lee County Emergency Management will remain in its existing location.”

“When activated for an emergency

LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT

such as a hurricane, the center will be staffed with key personnel from firstresponder agencies, emergency relief organizations, county departments, municipalities, utility companies and other essential agencies,” officials added.

To accommodate the numerous personnel on-site during activation, the facility will be equipped with technology and equipment, restrooms, showers and sleeping accommodations, an extensive training facility and additional amenities to contribute to the building's efficiency and operational requirements.

“This expansion was being planned well before Hurricane Ian made landfall in 2022,” officials said.

The county commission approved a contract with an architectural firm in 2019. BSSW Architects designed the expansion, and Manhattan Construction was selected through a bidding process to provide construction services. The project is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and State Appropriation Funds, with support from county's legislative delegation.

Page 3 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Report your news to CAPTIVASANIBEL.COM

Protect Captiva needs your help

By PROTECT CAPTIVA COALITION In direct response to Lee County’s efforts to increase building heights and density on Captiva, Adam Botana, our elected representative to the Florida House of Representatives, has offered to sponsor a bill to create a Captiva Island Conservation Area to protect and maintain Captiva’s current building heights and density.

The legislation, modeled after the Gasparilla Island Conservation District Act which protects building heights and density on Boca Grande, would do the following for Captiva: ∫ Limit building heights to the current 28 feet above base flood elevation. ∫ Limit density (including hotels and motels) to the current three units per acre. ∫ Limit zoning to what exists currently. ∫ Permit the build back of nonconforming buildings damaged by natural disaster in compliance with updated federal flood elevations without a reduction in use, density, intensity, size or square footage of the damaged buildings.

In order to get the legislation to the floor of the Florida House and eventually approved by the full Legislature, we need an immediate show of support from our community. Our state senators and representatives in our local delegation will be meeting on Nov. 30 to discuss the bill, and they need to hear from us as soon as possible.

captivasanibel.com

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 4

OPINIONS

Guest Commentary Please send an email with the following or similar message to each of our elected state officials.

“We support Representative Botana’s efforts to create a Captiva Island Conservation Area which will protect our fragile barrier island and its vulnerable infrastructure and population by maintaining Captiva’s current building heights and density. We ask our Local Delegation to do everything possible to assist in the passage of this vital legislation.”

Our elected state officials' email addresses are listed below: ∫ Rep. Tiffany Esposito at Tiffany.Esposito@myfloridahouse.gov ∫ Rep. Mike Giallombardo at Mike.Giallombardo@myfloridahouse.gov ∫ Senate President Kathleen Passidomo at Passidomo.Kathleen@flsenate.gov ∫ Senate President Designate Ben Albritton at Albritton.Ben@flsenate.gov ∫ Sen. Jonathan Martin at Martin.Jonathan@flsenate.gov ∫ Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka at Jenna.Persons@myfloridahouse.gov ∫ Rep. Spencer Roach at Spencer.Roach@myfloridahouse.gov ∫ Rep. Adam Botana at Adam.Botana@myfloridahouse.gov

Thank you for helping to protect Captiva.

To view a draft of the legislation, visit https://outlook.office365.com/owa/redir.asp x?REF=VxRZrAfC6hcBj8IC_TuDpzD_Wf x Z C o p m u X P5cdWzUjyikO4hefbCAFodHRwczovL3Iy MC5yczYubmV0L3RuLmpzcD9mPTAwM U1DR1JfRFdYelU2UzZHX2lQX1Q0MW 0wM25NdXd5WURHR1ZaNkNmRHY1Rj dOUmpXZElrcHRQX3FYN2Jxb3ExTnc4N EV6MzRFN2ZTY2VqaEI2TXgtaTRiSV9f OGwzQVg1LTNzTkNLbWxOZm1DN3hU OFBpZkhpN0dCMGE5Tl9CMlgyZWNNd 18ydlJxcUpONGJ0T1htY0w1OFg0QVIyb ENHYUgwenc1eG5CS1lNbVJYcV9zZklo UDE0V2VqRmdGUC0ybDBjampmblZEQ WFxLUNneVFZdnRoUldqMWJvTGR5cElJ ZlktelVZYnFqY1U9JmM9YTM5RHkzUml WV0ltRzVMWWpFamE2RlRnRXBMYXd maV9yVjc3VFZkNDFUQ25ZWXlObmJrU mtnPT0mY2g9cjRxNnJCYVVlaWNhbWI5 R080N3RHVkN4TWtsNGZUR1lTc0hZM kllUG8waFpjcHhXQUZjbDFBPT0.

The Protect Captiva Coalition represents a group of stakeholders on Sanibel and Captiva, including the Captiva Civic Association. For more information, visit the CCA at https://ccacaptiva.org/.

Island Reporter

Restoration is cure for drowning Everglades

By CAPT. DANIEL ANDREWS, ERIC EIKENBERG, JAMES EVANS and MARK PERRY South Florida’s dry season began on Nov. 1, but as of a week later, Lake Okeechobee’s water level sat at 16 feet, threatening coastal communities with potentially devastating discharges.

Wet season runoff from sugarcane operations within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is still having a disproportionate impact on the current flooding in the central Everglades, posing a threat to wildlife.

While short-term measures may alleviate the problem, the ultimate solution is completion of road raising, additional culverts and bridges along the Tamiami Trail to allow more water to flow through the Everglades area. These roadway modifications were assumed in the 2014 Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and recognized as being a critical means of flowing water into Everglades National Park in the 2000 Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

Recent investments by both the federal and

state governments have already greatly improved the situation and given water managers at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers greater tools to manage the vast volumes of water sustainably and responsibly. Looking out onto the flooded tree islands today, one can only imagine what would have happened had we not already bridged parts of the Tamiami Trail to allow large volumes of water to flow south.

Nevertheless, more needs to happen — and soon.

See RESTORATION, page 5

Letter to the Editor

Web Poll Previous Web Poll Question Are you planning to attend the Veterans Day Celebration at Sanibel City Hall? ∫ Yes, have before, 50% ∫ Yes, first time, 25% ∫ No, not attending, 25%

Current Web Poll Question Are you getting any vaccinations this year? ∫ Yes, flu and COVID. ∫ Yes, flu only. ∫ Yes, COVID only. ∫ No. Share your opinion at captivasanibel.com

Remove angle of light from Code To the editor: Angle of light should be removed from the Sanibel planning Code. It was not in the Code when we moved here over 35 years ago and was put in as an unreasonable disingenuous spite tactic. It is not protected by any proclamation from above.

Angle of light belongs in high-rise markets like New York City with skyscrapers.

On Sanibel, it is inappropriate where a home

meets sideline and height requirements. It was designed to be punitive and penalizes attractive home functional design.

Now in reality what is happening is homes are being built in the opposite direction from normal, instead of sideline to sideline.

Homes wind up built as narrow, very deep, awkward, massed structures, lot frontline to lot backline, like you would see in zero lot line developments.

The result is less light and views to natu-

ral beauty in the homes and a strange arrangement within homes, frankly, that are not as attractive as they could be, plus awkward as to day-to-day usefulness and functionality. This will come up and bite everyone eventually — be aware.

Simple solution: If a home meets sideline and height requirements, angle of light should not apply.

Vincent Martin Wolanin Sanibel

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

three separate lawsuits they have filed to stop construction of the Reservoir project.

Considering that their own fields are already being drained causing the drowning of the Everglades tree islands, their litigation is particularly tone-deaf to the current conditions while creating a tremendous expense to taxpayers.

In the meantime, the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, South Florida Water Management District and other groups concerned about the health of the Everglades have urged the Corps to open some nearby flood gates to allow water to flow into the Big Cypress Natural Reserve, to relieve flooding of the tree islands.

The Corps, well aware of the high water conditions, is working with the SFWMD to alleviate the problem.

Ultimately, however, the solution to the current flooding is for us to keep our eyes on the ball and proceed with our investments in Everglades restoration.

Capt. Daniel Andrews is co-founder and executive director of Captains for Clean Water. For more information, visit captainsforcleanwater.org.

Eric Eikenberg is chief executive officer of The Everglades Foundation. For more information, visit www.evergladesfoundation.org.

James Evans is chief executive officer of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. For more information, visit www.sccf.org.

Mark Perry is executive director of the Florida Oceanographic Society. For more information, visit www.floridaocean.org.

captivasanibel.com

The current flooding of the tree islands within the central Everglades should serve as a catalyst for both Washington and Tallahassee to redouble investments in restoring the natural sheet flow of water south from Lake Okeechobee. Toward that end, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a robust $425 million for Everglades restoration for fiscal year 2024.

Water storage reservoirs to the north, east, west and south of Lake Okeechobee are envisioned by CERP. Only one of these, along the St. Lucie River to the east of the lake, has been completed so far, although the Corps is still working with contractors through operational testing to correct seepage problems.

Ground has been broken and construction contracts awarded for the most significant of these projects, the “EAA Reservoir” that will be built south of Lake Okeechobee. The 10,500-acre reservoir and its adjacent 6,500-acre engineered wetland will have a combined footprint larger than the island of Manhattan and will store 240,000 acre-feet of water (an “acre foot” is the amount of water needed to fill a single acre to a depth of one foot).

By any measure, when it comes to reducing flooding and decompartmentalizing the central Everglades, the EAA Reservoir is a game-changer. In conjunction with the other projects already authorized, the new storage and treatment facility will allow for an average of 370,000 acre-feet of clean freshwater to flow south into Everglades National Park each year.

That’s why it is so important that Big Sugar, operating in the EAA, withdraw the

Page 5 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Restoration From page 4

Island Reporter

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 22, 2023

County reports on schedule for upcoming holiday Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed on Nov. 23-24 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The county's holiday schedule adjustments are as follows: ∫ Domestic animal services Lee County Domestic Animal Services, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed on Nov. 23-24. The Lost & Found Pet Center will open on Nov. 25 for regular hours at 8 a.m. and

the adoption center will open at 10:30 a.m. ∫ LeeTran No bus, trolley and passport services on Nov. 23. Normal services will resume on Nov. 24. Route schedules and maps are available at www.rideleetran.com. ∫ Library System All library branches will be closed on Nov. 23-24, including the Captiva Memorial Library. The Captiva branch

will resume normal hours on Nov. 27. ∫ Parks & Recreation Lee County Parks & Recreation administrative offices will be closed on Nov. 23-24 and will reopen on Nov. 27.

Some recreation centers and pool will resume normal operating hours on Nov. 25. Beaches, parks, preserves and boat ramps will remain open on Nov. 23-24.

For a list of open locations and amenities, visit www.leeparks.org.

∫ Solid waste All county facilities will be closed on Nov. 23 and no garbage, yard waste or recycling will be collected. Collections will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

On Nov. 24-25, the Waste-to-Energy Facility in Buckingham, Lee-Hendry Landfill and LaBelle Transfer Station will be open. All other Solid Waste facilities will be closed.

CAPTIVA CIVIC ASSOCIATION

The Captiva Civic Association hosted its Porch & Patio Social and Season Kick-Off Party on Nov. 13 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva.

CCA hosts first events of new season

By STAFF REPORT

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

Captiva Cruises receives Junonia Award from VCB

T

he Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau presented its annual Junonia Award to the owners of Captiva Cruises on Nov. 9 at its Tourism Outlook Annual Meeting at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers.

The VCB reported that Captiva Cruises is a family-owned and operated cruise excursion service that is recognized as a leader in the Florida ecotourism industry. Owners Capt. Bob Rando, Jenny Rando, Capt. Brad Junghans and Leslie Junghans have lived in Southwest Florida and have worked on Captiva their entire adult lives.

Under the leadership of founder Paul McCarthy, a known conservationist recognized for tourism and eco-innovation, they have helped cultivate the growth of Captiva Cruises for nearly 30 years. Together, they took over the business in 2018.

Each have an important role to play in the daily operations at Captiva Cruises. Jenny Rando serves as office manager, Leslie Junghans handles social media and marketing, Capt.

Brad Junghans is the general manager and Capt. Bob Rando is the charge captain. Between the four, they have more than 70 years with the company.

“Captiva Cruises’ vessel, The Lady Chadwick, made her first trip to Cabbage Key last month, marking the first time since Hurricane Ian that their full fleet of vessels is once again See CAPTIVA CRUISES, page 7 Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Executive Director Tamara Pigott with 2023 Junonia Award recipients, Captiva Cruises owners Capt. Bob Rando, Jenny Rando, Leslie Junghans and Capt.

Brad Junghans. LEE COUNTY VCB

The Captiva Civic Association recently reported on the success of two, opening season events.

The opening reception for “Rauschenberg Residency: Explorations & Experimentations,” the first of four exhibitions in its 2023-24 Art Show Series, was held on Nov. 2 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. On Nov. 13, the CCA hosted the Porch & Patio Social and Season Kick-Off Party — its first “Porch & Patio” series event of the season — at the center.

The CCA reported that “Rauschenberg Residency: Explorations & Experimentations” is a captivating exhibit that showcases the artistic legacy of the Robert Rauschenberg Residency Program. It features works by 30 artists who have participated in the program, each bringing their perspectives and artistic styles to the forefront.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of artistic exploration and experimentation, as they witness the transformative power of art,” the CCA shared.

The reception was a celebration of art and community and the enduring impact of Rauschenberg, who called Captiva home for 40 years. The CCA reported that through his vision and dedication, he left a lasting legacy, including the establishment of the residency program that See CCA EVENTS, page 7

By STAFF REPORT

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

CAPTIVA ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Captiva Island Historical Society Director and Capt. Brian Holaway regaled attendees with stories about the history, people and culture of the Roosevelt Channel and Gulf islands during “On the Water with Captain Brian” on Nov. 8.

The Captiva Island Historical Society recently launched its first event of the season with a sold-out sunset cruise onboard the Lady Chadwick, which is operated

by Captiva Cruises out of Captiva.

The CIHS reported that the evening signaled a return to post-Hurricane Ian normalcy after the storm had devastated its 2022-23 programs and the vessel herself.

Eight events are scheduled this season.

“The joy and laughter of the passengers onboard and a beautiful sunset made for a perfect trip,” CIHS Board Member Mary Jane Vinson said.

During “On the Water with Captain Brian” on Nov. 8, CIHS Director and Capt. Brian Holaway regaled attendees with stories about the history, people and culture of the Roosevelt Channel and Gulf islands.

Before the sun set, CIHS Board Vice President Mike Boris presented Captiva Cruises co-owner Bob Rando with a Paul Arsenalt painting of the 118-year-old building that houses the offices of the marina.

The CIHS reported that “Pops” Randall had built the structure as a house for himself and his wife in 1905. The next owners were Andy and Tessa Rosse, who lived there and ran a store and bar at the end of the dock. Bob and Jenny Rando and Leslie and Brad Junghans have owned the marina since Paul McCarthy's passing, In 2018, the CIHS had donated a plaque for the building to honor its history.

The 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa provided platters of appetizers for the cruise.

The CIHS also thanked The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company for its support as a seasonal sponsor.

Page 7 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

CIHS kicks off season with sold-out cruise

CCA events From page 6 captivasanibel.com

raderie. The CCA reported that it brought together community members and visitors for an unforgettable evening.

Live music and refreshments were provided by Pfeifer Realty Group, the series sponsor.

“The Captiva Civic Association looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering community spirit, camaraderie and celebration on Captiva,” the CCA shared.

“Join us for upcoming events and experience the magic of this vibrant island community.”

For more information about the CCA, visit https://ccacaptiva.org/.

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

CAPTIVA CIVIC ASSOCIATION

The Captiva Civic Association held an opening reception on Nov. 2 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva for “Rauschenberg Residency: Explorations & Experimentations,” its first exhibit of the new season.

Captiva Cruses From page 6 operational,” VCB Executive Director Tamara Pigott said. “Captiva Cruises continues to attract visitors, giving them the opportunity to experience the beauty and learn about the history of Southwest Florida.”

The four took care of their staff during the pandemic and after Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Lee County on

Sept. 28, 2022. Once the storm passed, they ensured everyone was safe and had a place to stay.

“They gathered our whole team to help each other and gut the houses that were destroyed, move belongings that could be saved and begin the long healing process,” one Captiva Cruises employee said. “They brought the whole team

together. They were there to lead us through one of the most difficult times many of us had seen. During this entire time there were so many uncertainties about their business. They have constantly stayed positive and let us know that we all have a position here and that we are all working toward the same goal of restoring Captiva Cruises.”

Created in 2006, the VCB’s Junonia Award recognizes individuals who positively impact the county’s tourism community by demonstrating unique capabilities, leadership, commitment and dedication. The award is named for the junonia, a treasured shell known for its rarity and exceptional quality that is on every sea sheller’s bucket list.

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Captiva Current

has nurtured the creativity of countless artists.

Attendees were treated to an array of refreshments and live music.

CCA Executive Director Emily Ankerson extended her gratitude to those who contributed to the event's success, with special thanks given to sponsor Bank of the Islands for its support and commitment.

“Rauschenberg Residency: Explorations & Experimentations” is on display through Dec. 14.

Held under the enchanting starlit sky, the Porch & Patio Social and Season Kick-Off Party aimed to showcase the beauty and charm of Captiva, while fostering a sense of community and cama-

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 8 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

BUSINESS

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Is next generation ready for their inheritance?

By ROBIN L. COOK Are your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews ready to inherit your wealth? Have you set up your estate to protect and keep your assets within your family, and take advantage of the current high estate and gift tax exemption limits?

Over the next two decades, Americans are expected to pass down trillions of dollars in what some are calling “The Great Wealth Transfer,” but almost half of adults expecting an inheritance in the next decade say they don’t feel ready and Robin L. Cook confident about their ability to manage the money, according to a survey by New York Life. ∫ Just 42% of adults expecting an inheritance said they feel comfortable about their ability to manage their new wealth, according to the survey. ∫ On average, adults expecting an inheritance anticipate more than $700,000. ∫ Respondents expect higher prices, interest rates and credit card debt could impact their inheritance.

There are some strategies that you can employ now to help prepare the next generation to inherit your wealth, provide asset protection and maybe even reduce estate taxes. ∫ Have a conversation with your children/heirs to learn about any personal, financial or medical concerns they may have about inheriting your wealth. ∫ Meet with your estate planning attorney and make any estate document updates needed to keep assets within your family, protect against creditors, spendthrift, special needs, substance abuse, unstable marriages and other concerns. ∫ Conduct a family meeting along with your wealth advisor and your estate planning attorney to discuss how the estate plan is set up and why it was constructed that way. You don’t necessarily need to share the dollar amount of your estate. Take this opportunity to share your wishes for your legacy and any philanthropic desires. If you are placing inheritance assets into a trust rather than giving an outright distribution, an explanation as to why you are putting these funds into this protective wrapper can help alleviate future confusion and disappointments. ∫ If your finances allow, consider making monetary gifts to your children now. This can be a learning experience and may provide you with a window into how they handle money. In 2023, you and your spouse can each give up to $17,000 to any person.

You can make gifts above this amount; however, the IRS will require you to file a 709-gift tax return to track amounts you have used of your lifetime gift exclusion. ∫ If your children already have considerable assets, speak to your estate planning attorney to determine if a generation skipping trust could be of value. ∫ Keep an eye on the sunset date Jan. 1, 2026, of the current federal lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion amounts. In 2023, that amount is $12.92 million ($25.84 million per married couple). If unchanged, the estimated federal lifetime exclusion will drop to See INHERITANCE, page 10

SANCAP CHAMBER

From left, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman, SanCap Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland and Tarpon Bay Explorers Manager Adam Sauerland.

Refuge reps look back and ahead at chamber luncheon From the survival of a raccoon family born shortly before Hurricane Ian to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Learning Lavatories at the SanCap Chamber's visitor center, representatives spoke about the refuge's goings-on during the chamber's Nov. 15 monthly business luncheon at The Community House on Sanibel.

Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland introduced the “perfect trifecta” of speakers, that included herself, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman and Tarpon Bay Explorers Manager Adam Sauerland.

Sauerland explained that TBE — the official refuge recreation concession — is currently operating paddlecraft rentals and tours and Wildlife Drive tram tours on a limited schedule with limited staff. But he plans to bring back everything to pre-hurricane status, hopefully by summer 2024.

Westland reported wildlife appears to be bouncing back and visitation to the refuge has increased in the past week.

“When you have people coming to visit you for the holidays and in season and you need to get them out of your house, send them to ‘Ding’ Darling,” she said. “Our goal this year is getting people back to the island, so we’re planning lots of free events and activities.”

Upcoming events will include a Holiday Shopping after-hours on Nov. 29 and Holiday Ice Cream Social on Dec. 13 — both part of the islands’ “Luminary Season”

that local businesses and nonprofits have organized in lieu of the regular Holiday Luminary this year. Wellness in Nature at “Ding” will take place in January, and the refuge lecture series and free ranger-led programs also start that month.

Wildman and Westland also announced two new big refuge projects.

Westland said the Roving Ranger, “a visitor center on wheels,” will hopefully be in action by mid-February as a food truck-sized mobile exhibit that will visit events around the community.

“We have the privilege of working with the chamber to develop their Learning Lavatories,” Wildman said.

Modeled after the award-winning restrooms at the refuge's Visitor & Education Center, it will introduce chamber visitors to island wildlife and habitat.

“We have a captive audience for a few minutes to make use of,” she said. “It’s a good way to give visitors an introduction. We’ll be rolling it out in the spring.”

“We are extremely excited about this partnership with ‘Ding’ Darling and the energy of the refuge team in keeping Sanibel Island on visitors’ radar,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “The vitality of the refuge directly drives the vitality of island commerce, so the forward-thinking of the team is much appreciated.”

The DDWS and SCORE sponsored the luncheon, and Sweet Melissa Café catered it.

Page 9 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 10 captivasanibel.com

Inheritance From page 8 about $6 million to $7 million per person or $12 million to $14 million per married couple. The current marginal tax rate for dollars exceeding this lifetime amount is 40%. ∫ If your net worth exceeds the exemption limits mentioned above, speak to your estate planning attorney and wealth advisor about strategies you can utilize to move funds or assets out of your estate now. If you have assets that may increase dramatically in value during your lifetime these strategies can add even more value. ∫ If your spouse predeceases you, be sure to discuss with your estate planning attorney and tax preparer the advantages of the portability election to capture your deceased spouse’s unused lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion amount. ∫ Consider making your charitable bequests by naming qualified nonprofits as beneficiaries of your traditional IRA rather than using after tax dollars. IRA withdrawals for a person are subject to ordinary income tax. If your estate exceeds the federal gift and estate tax exclusion limits, IRA assets could also be

subject to federal estate tax (double taxation). If you or your children are residents outside of Florida, there may be state taxes as well. ∫ Make sure your assets are titled properly. Proper estate documents and trusts are only part of the equation. Working with your wealth advisor to coordinate the retitling of your assets, also known as funding your trusts, or other entities is a critical part of the process. ∫ Keep communications open with your family and financial professionals.

Circumstances and tax laws change, and your estate documents should change with them.

For many, an inheritance can be a blessing but for some it can be a curse.

You know your family members better than anyone. With careful planning, you can help alleviate discord, and prepare your beneficiaries for success.

Robin L. Cook is a senior vice president and wealth advisor for Suncoast Prosperity Advisors, a division of Suncoast Equity Management, and a Sanibel resident.

Report your news to THE REPORTER:

Island Reporter

captivasanibel.com

The League of Women Voters of Sanibel will hold a program on Nov. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Founders Room at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

“Lunch With The Mayor” will feature Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson as the guest speaker. He will provide an informal talk about the city's plans for the upcoming year.

Lunch will be provided at no cost in celebration of the return to near-normal post-Hurricane Ian. All are welcome, but RSVPs are requested.

To RSVP, visit https://us14.list-manage.com/survey?u=94a12e52d003c61a1 c5f7ac23&id=e0de24b8d7&e=4ba86ce 635. more information, visit For

Richard Johnson https://www.facebook.com/lwvsanibel or email lwvsanibel@gmail.com.

Business Notes SCBWA to host sunset cruise The Sanibel Captiva Business Women’s Association will hold an end-of-the-year celebration on Nov. 30 at 4:15 p.m. during a Sunset Cruise with Captiva Cruises.

The 1.5-hour cruise will depart from McCarthy’s Marina, at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network and celebrate the SCBWA. Members and non-members are encouraged to attend.

Tickets are $35 plus tax; parking is $5 at the marina and carpooling is suggested.

To register, contact Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300 and specify the SCBWA's event.

For more information, email Taylor Osborne at taylor@irisprintdesigns.com.

For SCBWA updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/SanCapBWA or on Eventbrite.

captivasanibel.com

Realty Group VIP announced its top producers for the month of October.

Deb Smith had the top sales. She has a background in accounting and holds the Second Home and Resort Specialist, Sanibel Captiva Island Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative and Senior Real Estate Specialist certifications.

Karen Bell and the Bell Team, which includes John Bates, Holly Peeples and Deb Smith Debbie Ringdahl Sherrill Sims, had the top 2017. The Bell Team was recognized as listings. Since 1986, Bell has been a the “Best of the Islands” Best Real Estate prominent broker in the region. She was Team in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, recognized as the “Best of the Islands” 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022.

Best Realtor in 2011, 2012, 2013 and Debbie Ringdahl was top producer. With sales exceeding $90 million, she specializes in luxury homes, condos and new home lots in waterfront and golf communities.

Ringdahl is a 20-year member of the VIP President’s Club and receives over 130 hours of continuous advance sales training annually.

For more information, call 239-472-5187 or go to SanCapIslandRE.com.

VIP Realty Group is at PHOTO PROVIDED The Bell Team of Sherrill Sims, Holly Peeples, 1560 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Karen Bell and John Bates.

LWV of Sanibel to host in-person program

Page 11 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

VIP Realty Group announces top producers for month

See BUSINESS NOTES, page 12

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 12 captivasanibel.com

Business Notes

Robyn Moran

From page 11

Rotary recognizes Paul Harris Fellows The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club recently recognized more members as Paul Harris Fellow Award recipients.

For every $1,000 one contributes cumulatively, the member receives the award. Members can achieve multiple awards, such as +2, +3 and on up to +9. After the +9, the member become a major donor. In addition, an Arch Klumph Society member has donated $250,000 or more, cumulatively.

At a recent meeting, the club recognized its following members: Barb Ellis +2; Don McDonald +3; John Danner +4; Roger Grogman +4; John Henshaw +8; Bill Harkey, Major Donor Level 2; and Eldon Bohrofen, Arch Klumph Society. Recipients not in attendance included: Cindy Carter Lee +1; John White +2; Gary Dyer +3; and Bill Letendre +3.

San Cap Community Bank hosts event

Island Reporter

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank recently held a Customer Celebration event in honor of its 20th anniversary at its Bridge Branch in Fort Myers.

Attendees, which included customers and employees,

Sue Plein

Kingfisher announces SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ROTARY CLUB top producers for month enjoyed complimentary food and drinks, live music, children's activities, games and more.

A visual timeline of bank's history is available at cheersto20years.sancapbank.com.

Islander nominated for Grammy Sanibel resident Whitney Wolanin has been nominated for a Grammy as a video producer of “In Your Love”

by Tyler Childers.

The song is up for “Best Music Video” in the Children's Comedy, Audio Books, Visual Media & Music Video/Film category at the 66th Grammy Awards, which is set for Feb. 4 in Los Angeles, California.

The video was directed by Bryan Schlam and produced by Kacie Barton, Silas House, Nicholas Robespierre, Ian Thornton and Wolanin.

She attended The Sanibel School, Fort Myers High and Vanderbilt University.

Also a recording artist, Wolanin's Billboard hits include “Never Said No” (2017), “Forever” (2014), “Silver Bells” (2013), “Wrong Guy (I Did It This Time)” (2013), “Run, Run Rudolph (Up Tempo Mix)” (2013), “Honesty” (2012) and “Frosty the Snowman” (2012).

Kingfisher Real Estate announced its top producing agents for the month of October.

Robyn Moran was the top selling agent. Moving to the islands in 2004, she has been in real estate since 2005 and was previously a systems analyst. Moran is a Realtor and holds the Sanibel Captiva Island Specialist designation. She has a strong attention for detail, is a talented home stager and knows market values.

Sue Plein was the top listing agent. She relocated to Southwest Florida in 1979. Plein started in the mortgage industry as a licensed broker on the islands and was instrumental in the construction lending at the South Seas Plantation, plus other area beach developments. A Realtor since 2008, she holds the Sanibel Captiva Island Specialist and the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist designations.

For more information, call 239-472-4411 or visit www.kingfisherrealestate.com.

Kingfisher Real Estate is at 2402 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 3, Sanibel.

Page 13 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 14 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

PRESERVING PARADISE DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

REFUGE/DDWS

Debbie and Bill Michels

Refuge welcomes back resident volunteers The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the first of three couples have arrived to work as J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Resident Volunteers this season.

Although Hurricane Ian caused destruction to the maintenance area where the volunteers park their RVs in exchange for helping out with workloads, three spots remained post-storm with utilities.

Debbie and Bill Michels were welcomed for a return engagement. They served in 2021, and again will work in maintenance and visitor services. They arrived from the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. The couple hail from Lexington, Kentucky, but have been traveling the country full-time as resident volunteers for six years.

“Alaska and at Zion and Glacier national parks have been among our favorites,” Debbie Michels, a retired registered nurses and diabetes educator, said.

“We love being back home at 'Ding' as everyone genuinely cares for the refuge and the island. We were excited to return and help after Ian.” Bill Michels is a retired electrician.

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel: ∫ A Holiday Shopping Night is scheduled for Nov. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. ∫ A Hautman Exhibition is on display from now through Nov. 30. ∫ An inaugural Ice Cream Social is planned for Dec. 13. ∫ Photo-artist Niki Butcher will mount an exhibition, “Daydreaming,” from Dec. 21 to Feb. 25. ∫ The refuge will offer Free Winter Programs on Jan. 8 through March 30. ∫ Novelist Barbara Kingsolver and her daughter, Lily, will speak at a special ticketed gathering on Jan. 11. ∫ The Winter Lecture Series will return from Jan. 18 through March 21. ∫ Wellness in Nature @ “Ding” will take place at the refuge and beyond on Jan. 18-21. ∫ A free Estate Planning Seminar will be held on Jan. 30. ∫ The Go Wild for “Ding” — Into the Night fundraiser is slated for Feb. 7. ∫ Carl Hiaasen will present at a ticketed program on Feb. 29. ∫ Sounds of the Sand will take place on March 23-24 at Bell Tower in Fort Myers.

Florida Legislature holds special session The Florida Legislature recently met in a special session to pass legislation regarding Hurricane Idalia relief, support to guard against antisemitic violence and hate crimes, and additional funding for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that while it is in full support of providing relief to communities impact-

Shell museum to host sunrise stroll T h e B a i l e y Matthews National Shell Museum will host a guided Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Stroll on Nov. 28 at 7 a.m. at t h e Lighthouse Beach Park, at 1 1 0 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Participants will join a marine biologist to learn about local mollusks and their shells and to search for live mollusks during low tide — excellent shelling conditions due to the timing and cooler temperatures. They will also gain a closer understanding of molluscan biology

∫ The refuge will host a unique Solar Eclipse Viewing on April 8. ∫ The “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival will be held on April 20 at Lakes Park in Fort Myers. ∫ The 12th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament will take place on May 10.

and biodiversity. Advance registration is required. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for museum members and ages 17 and under; parking is not included. For more information or to register, contact Associate Director of Education Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum.org or visit ShellMuseum.org/sunrise-stroll.

ed by Idalia, the Legislature has added a one-year extension to a provision from last year's Hurricanes Ian and Nicole relief bill that prohibits changes to local comprehensive plans that are considered burdensome or restrictive to the local building process. The provision, which was included in the final bill passed by both the House and Senate, will be in effect until Oct. 1 2026. It prevents any effort to restrict new con-

struction, including in the most vulnerable or dangerous areas prone to storm surge and flooding.

The SCCF reported that it will continue to oppose local government preemption and work to promote development in areas that are appropriate to protect human lives and preserve habitat for wildlife. It will support all efforts to preserve and protect natural systems when the full legislative session begins on Jan. 9.

Participants needed for annual Christmas Bird Count The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society will host the Sanibel-Captiva Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 16 from 8 to 11 a.m. on the islands.

It is a part of the Audubon Society's 124th Christmas Bird Count, which will take place between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5.

The count was started in 1900, when a group of birders proposed to count birds on Christmas Day — rather than shoot them — as had been the past tradition.

The SCCF is seeking volunteers to make this year's count a success.

Volunteers do not need to be an expert to participate — birders of all experience levels are welcome. In addition to identifying and counting birds, volunteers are needed that can spot birds, record data, and tally up the count's results.

On the day of the count, participants will meet at the SCCF’s headquarters, at

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, before breaking into their routes.

Instructions will be provided closer to the event.

For more information or to volunteer, contact SanCapCBC@gmail.com.

Those interested in participating but not in the local area can find a count near them, with instructions about signing up, by visiting https://www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count.

Breakaway Vacation Properties owner Kim O'Brien was recently honored with a commemorative coin from the city of Sanibel.

Mayor Richard Johnson presented it during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Driftwood Inn. City Councilmembers Holly Smith and John Henshaw were also in attendance. The recognition was for O'Brien's contributions to the island community.

BREAKAWAY VACATION PROPERTIES

County board ends funding for library association

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners recently became the latest government entity to enter the political fray surrounding public libraries.

Citing the unspecified politics of the American Library Association, the commission on Nov. 7 voted unanimously 5-0 to end the $2,472 annual contribution to the organization.

The measure was brought forward by Commissioner Brian Hamman, whose district covers Cape Coral and Fort Myers.

“Some parents have reached out to me with some concerns about the American

Library Association,” he said. “These are concerns that have grown statewide and even nationwide. Earlier this week, the state of Florida has dropped their membership with the American Library Association.”

Hamman said he is “very concerned about what appears to be the pushing of an agenda on kids, you know, a political agenda on kids. I think if this group ever gets back to just political neutrality and really just starts to focus on libraries again, we can think about joining again.”

He also called for asking for a refund of the county’s dues.

Commissioner Kevin Ruane, whose district includes Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island

and Cape Coral, said he was contacted by many parents.

“It seems to be an agenda that is not really consistent with where we are going. I hope and pray that we can come back to neutrality sometime in the future,” he said.

County resident Marcia Ellis called the vote by the commissioners to pull away from the association a “personal attack” and an “affront.”

“There are mechanisms available that parents can pursue to take more control of the materials their children are exposed to through proper supervision,” she said. “This is fundamental to who we are as a nation.”

captivasanibel.com

Lee County reported that motorists with unpaid county tolls from Oct. 1, 2019, to present will be rebilled beginning this month as LeeWay transitions to a new invoice system. It includes crossings on the Sanibel Causeway, Cape Coral Bridge and Midpoint Memorial Bridge.

The new system was scheduled to be operational on Nov. 13.

All existing unpaid tolls will be assigned a new reference number in the new system. Payment instructions will be included in the mailed invoices, or motorists can call the LeeWay Service Center at 239533-9297 to obtain the new reference number.

LeeWay will introduce a “Quick Pay” feature to its website at www.leegov.com/tolls that will allow users to check for unpaid tolls by entering their license plate number. Tolls unpaid after 60 days may result in a registration stop that does not allow motorists to renew their auto registration.

Motorists who use an active toll transponder prepaid account will not be affected by the changes.

Business owner recognized

Page 15 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

LeeWay introduces new, pay-byplate invoice system

See FUNDING, page 16

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 16 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

County board selects chair, vice chair for new year On Nov. 7, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners selected District 5 Commissioner Mike Greenwell to serve as chairman for the coming year and District 1 Commissioner Kevin Ruane to serve as vice chairman.

The board selects a chairman and vice chairman annually in November from among the five commissioners. Greenwell previously served as vice chairman.

Greenwell was appointed to the board in 2022 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Ruane was elected to the board in 2020.

For complete biographies of all of the commissioners, visit www.leegov.com/bocc.

Nonprofit proffers new vision for county Civic Center

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com A local nonprofit wants to transform the Lee County Civic Center into a destination with profits going back into the community — an option it hopes will be among those discussed by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners in December.

The Charity Pros, which was established a few years ago, would like to improve the county-owned facility off Bayshore Road by including an 18,000-seat amphitheater on the grounds where the Southwest Florida Lee County Fair has long been held.

With the 100-acre civic center complex being under-

utilized and unavailable, The Charity Pros Vice President of Operations/Events Brad Maloney said they want to make it more accessible with an outdoor amphitheater with 8,000 seats under-roof and 10,000 lawn seats.

The nonprofit has dubbed it as its Legacy Project — the give-back project.

“What we do as a nonprofit is we help other charities raise money,” he said.

The plan would be to donate proceeds from the amphitheater back to local charities, including 4-H, which has long used the site for its programs.

“We love the 4-H and want to continue to support See NEW VISION, page 21

Funding From page 15 Ellis said children’s access to a “wide range of materials” is being eroded.

County resident Christine DeVigili, a former candidate for the Lee County School Board, said the county’s action to remove itself from the association is not the same as restricting public access to libraries.

“The only difference is now you are choosing to protect children from radical ideologies that are pushed by a radical organization. I would love to see the American Library Association turn around and change their ways,” she said.

DeVigili framed the issue as “children’s safety” and thanked the commissioners for their vote.

Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, whose district covers Fort Myers, said

“this is about paying $2,000 a year to an organization that we do not support their ideology.”

He said the move by the commissioners was not about restricting access to libraries but “paying an organization that is out of state so they can fund their own beliefs.”

According to Lee County Government spokesperson Betsy Clayton, the county’s membership with the association included: ∫ Subscriptions to professional journals from ALA and Divisions are included with membership. ∫ Access to specific programs/initiatives (such as for children and early literacy — Every Child Ready to Read, a foundation of the county’s story time programs).

∫ Access to the Library Salary Database for position-by-position salary analysis. ∫ Access to awards, grants and scholarships. ∫ Discounted purchase of professional resources, library merchandise, conference fees and continuing education activities. ∫ Discounted job listings in national marketplace of library opportunities.

The vote put the commissioners into the middle of a debate in which state and national social and religious conservatives have pushed to ban books in schools and libraries that have content they oppose or believe is not suitable for children and, more recently, pushing back against the American Library Association. In some

states, libraries have been closed as the movement against non-conservative ideas gains traction amongst some.

“I am absolutely not asking to any restriction of access to the libraries,” Hamman said, adding the majority of people who pay the taxes in the county do not agree with the politics of the association.

“I have a lot of moms that are very concerned,” he said.

While the commissioners referred to the “politics” of the association, they did not specifically cite any specific disagreements with their politics or cite instances of where the association had interfered with the libraries of Lee County.

Emails sent to all five commissioners seeking comment and further specificity were not immediately returned.

Page 17 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 captivasanibel.com

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 18 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

Island lIvIng

Report your news to CAPTIVASANIBEL.COM

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

“Sanibel Pickleball”

Arrests ∫ Stephen George Gibbs, 65, of 5627 Bartusrol Court, Sanibel, was charged on Nov. 8 with one count of DUI unlawful blood alcohol DUI damage to property or person of another. ∫ Nicolas Jeremias Marcos Terraza, 22, of 3303 Armstrong Court, Fort Myers, was charged on Nov. 8 with one count each of hit and run leave scene of crash involve damage to property, DUI unlawful blood alcohol DUI damage to property or person of another and operate motor vehicle without valid license.

JOLENE RAHO

Other enforcement actions ∫ On Nov. 7, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for knowingly driving with a suspended license and a citation for speeding. The driver’s license and vehicle’s tag were also seized due to a state order and the vehicle was towed from the scene. ∫ On Nov. 10, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for expired registration. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for an expired driver’s license of more than six months.

Enforcement operations statistics From Nov. 7-13: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 7 ∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 19 ∫ Traffic crashes: 2 ∫ Radar details: 56 ∫ Traffic stops: 56 — Citations issued: 22 — Written warnings issued: 6 — Verbal warnings issued: 31 ∫ Residential area checks: 474 ∫ Business area checks: 189 ∫ Total area checks: 1,053 ∫ Reported burglaries: 1 ∫ Reported thefts: 1 ∫ Total CAD calls: 1,372 November 2023 to date: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 15 ∫ Non-emergency calls: 27 ∫ Traffic crashes: 2 ∫ Radar details: 101 ∫ Traffic stops: 79 — Citations issued: 28 — Written warnings issued: 9 — Verbal warnings issued: 46 ∫ Residential area checks: 932 ∫ Business area checks: 378 ∫ Total area checks: 2,036 ∫ Reported burglaries: 2 ∫ Reported thefts: 1 ∫ Total CAD calls: 2,580

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

See BLOTTER, page 19

Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children.

On Nov. 27, Crafternoon Crew will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Children can make their own hedgehog out of leaves.

Help with Hoopla will take place on Nov. 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. Get instant access to millions of audiobooks, ebooks, comics and more with the app. Get help signing up with a library card.

Youth programs are designed for children and accompanying adults.

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

From now through Dec. 31, the Sanibel-Captiva Art League has an exhibit on display. “Resilience” features

17 pieces in a variety of mediums that show the ways Sanibel has remained strong in the face of Hurricane Ian and illustrate the recovery effort of the past year.

Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge. Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.

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

It will be closed on Nov. 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information, call 239-472-2483.

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

City reports on holiday operation hours and refuse collection The city of Sanibel's Administrative Offices will be closed on Nov. 23-24 in observance of Thanksgiving. They will resume regular office hours on Nov. 27. For more information, contact City Hall

at 239-472-3700.

Refuse, recycling and vegetation waste collection will not have trash pick-up on Nov. 23, resulting in a one-day delay to the schedule. For more information, contact Waste

Management at 239-334-1224.

The Sanibel Recreation Center will be closed on Nov. 23-24. It will resume regular operating hours on Nov. 25. For more information, contact the center at 239-472-0345.

American Legion American Legion Post 123 reported that the Tiki Hut will be open on Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dinner will start at 3 p.m., provided by Tarzan.

To coordinate bringing a covered side dish, contact Pattee at 239-257-

7032. A cash donation bar will be available. In addition, the Tiki Hut is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It serves burgers, hotdogs and specials. There are TVs available for sports. The Post is open to the public. Membership applica-

tions are also available. For more information, call 239-579-0130 or visit American Legion Post 123 Sanibel Florida on Facebook. Post 123 is at 4929 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

For over 30 years, every class of sixth-graders at The Sanibel School has taken a nine-week course, “How to Boat Smart,” that introduces them to local waters from the perspective of a boat owner. Lead instructor Marti Squitieri, of the America's Boating Club of SanibelCaptiva, and a team of teachers cover a range of topics.

Students demonstrate their nautical knowledge and skills in using emergency equipment, docking and anchoring a boat, tying knots, using the correct VHF radio procedures, recognizing and preventing hypothermia, reading local water charts, knowing the Rules of the Road, fitting the correct Personal Flotation Device — life jacket — and more. They are also given the opportunity to take the Florida Certification Exam to earn a Florida Safe Boating Certification Card.

Page 19 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Island six-graders complete boating course

AMERICA'S BOATING CLUB OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

Blotter From page 18 Updated information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp: ∫ The boat ramp is open to permit holders on weekdays, weekends and holidays. ∫ The boat ramp is open to the public (non-permit holders) on weekdays that are not holidays for a $40 daily fee. ∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited.

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250.

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

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel.

Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel.com or

use Tip411.

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

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_g roup_id=22450. ∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device.

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111.

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

captivasanibel.com

America's Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva members John Fridlington and Ed Holden work with the six-graders at The Sanibel School during the “How to Boat Smart” course.

Island Reporter

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 20 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

SPORTS

Report your news to CAPTIVASANIBEL.COM

F.I.S.H. welcomes instructor for 10K/5K race warm-up

CITY OF SANIBEL

Rec center provides update on activities and events The Sanibel Recreation Center reported on the following upcoming programming.

Throughout November, Wild Card Wednesday will be offered on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Access an array of card and board games. Free for members; non-members must purchase a pass.

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District will offer complimentary blood pressure screenings on Nov. 28 from 9 and 11 a.m. in the lobby. High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and even blindness in some cases. The screenings are offered as a first step in determining if further examination by a health care professional is necessary.

The center is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available.

It will be closed on Nov. 23-24 in observance of Thanksgiving.

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

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

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva announced that Sanibel Recreation Center instructor Maura Doherty will lead the runners' warm-up on Dec. 2 for the 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K on Sanibel.

“We want everyone to be as prepared as possible to do their very best at our race,” 10K/5K Race Committee Cochair Leah Winkler said. “Maura is an amazing instructor and athlete, who will provide a thorough warm-up for our runners.”

The warm-up will take place approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of the 10K. Doherty is an A.C.E. certified group fitness instructor with a background in indoor cycling, yoga, strength and barre instruction. She has been in the industry for over 25 years, where she has taught several other fitness modalities. Doherty serves as the lead instructor at several barre studios and continues her education in the health and wellness field.

“Anytime we can encourage fitness with the outdoors and pair that experience with a charitable cause, is a magic moment for our special island,” she said. “In keeping with the goal of F.I.S.H. to enrich the lives of our island neighbors, I gladly support the 10K/5K race. The sense of community that this organization fosters and the resilience our residents have demonstrated is reason for celebration.”

The race will begin and end at The Community House, with a virtual option also available.

The funds raised will benefit F.I.S.H. as it continues to meet the needs of islanders daily.

For more information or to register, visit RunSignUp. For sponsorship opportunities, visit http://fishofsancap.org/. For more information, contact Winkler at leahwinkler12@gmail.com or Race Committee Co-chair Diane Cortese at Dianerc10@gmail.com.

Tips on conscious boating The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation recently launched an online resource that promotes “Conscious Boating.” It connects boaters with tips and ways to protect and care for Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems. For more information, visit https://sccf.org/getinvolved/conscious-boating/.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

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

Maura Doherty

TBE reports on holiday schedule Tarpon Bay Explorers on Sanibel will be closed on Nov. 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday. In light of the closure, Tram Tours have been rescheduled to Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and a Kayak Trail Tour has been added on Nov. 24 at 10 a.m.

Concession for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, it offers recreation activities like guided tours and kayak and paddlecraft

rentals; reservations are recommended for tours. It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with rentals stopping at 3 p.m. TBE also features a nature-themed gift shop. For more information or reservations, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call the gift shop at 239-472-8900. TBE is at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.

Page 21 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Trailways Camps hosts retreat Trailways Camps hosted a residential camp for 20 adults with special needs, along with 50 staff, volunteers and invited guests, on Nov. 13-16 at the Riverside Retreat in Labelle. It was packed with activities that provided opportunities for fun, creating friendships and establishing connections as a community of diverse individuals. A highlight of the camp was a family-style Thanksgiving feast, followed by a talent show. Every retreat includes a Community Give Back project, where campers are asked to participate as volunteers in giving back.

At the November camp, they created baskets of Thanksgiving side dishes to give to the Alva Food bank, which is also distributing hams and turkeys.

captivasanibel.com

Kelly Education Services to provide substitute teachers

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Kelly Education Services will provide substitute teachers for the School District of Lee County, at least until the end of the school year.

District staff said last week that the transition for the Guest Teacher Program will be seamless, as existing subs will be contacted to “simply transition their employment to the company.”

The transition will take place in January and the contract will run through June.

Although the outsourcing is bringing angst to the substitutes, the agreement brings a pay raise, officials said of the contract approved by the Lee County School Board. ∫ Less than a bachelor’s degree: $17 an hour ∫ Bachelor’s degree or higher: $22 an hour ∫ Verified retired educator: $27 an hour

There is also a $500 bonus pay for 30 days of coverage.

The contract also includes Kelly Services handling the administrative tasks of hiring subs, which includes screening, vetting potential candidates and ensuring they meet necessary qualifications and background check requirements.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said the important part of working with Kelly Services is the online interface for both teachers that need a substitute and providing substitutes with the option to continue to work at the school they love.

“They allow substitutes to make their choices,” he said.

Board Member Jada Langford-Fleming said the district has to do something, as teachers are struggling with covering classes.

“The guest teachers, as far as I am concerned, will

always be a part of the Lee County School District. We are all one team, and you are part of that team. That is how I feel about it,” she said. “I am comfortable moving forward as long as the term of the contract allows us to terminate that it is in fact costing taxpayers money and not fulfilling the goal we are trying to meet.”

Langford-Fleming said she wants to see a quarterly updates on how things are going, which could come before the board as early as March.

Before the board’s approval on Nov. 7, members of the public spoke against the piggyback with Orange County Public Schools for substitute teacher services, awarded to Kelly Services of Orlando, for the period of Nov. 7 through June 30 for up to $8,500,000, with the option to cancel if deemed to be in the best interest of the district.

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

New vision From page 16 them — build bigger and better. We want to be a financial partner, the prime charity partner out there,” Maloney said. “We want to help keep the fair every year and have the outside vendor come in and work with the fair board. We want to make the fair bigger and better — tie entertainment in with the fair.”

The bottom line, The Charity Pros wants to expand what is at the civic center grounds.

“We want to redevelop the acres and

utilize all of it,” he said, adding the music and amphitheater would only take up 30% to 40% of the site.

Other visions include adding a rodeo to the grounds and creating a space for cultural, community and agriculture events, all family-oriented, affordable events.

Maloney said The Charity Pros would operate the land with an operational philosophy of giving back to the community through sharing revenue.

He said they would like to do a long-

term lease of the grounds from the county and build the amphitheater, which he said is not a new concept as areas such as Tampa and West Palm Beach have fairgrounds and amphitheaters that go well together.

“The county might want to build it and that is OK, too. We have our designs and renderings already. (We have) architects and engineers already working on this,” Maloney said.

Another portion of the redevelopment

of the entire grounds would be implementing a clean surface water management plan, which has the opportunity to benefit the entire region, as it would eliminate flooding in the area.

He said there are older stagnant lakes on the property that they want to clean. In addition, they want to tear out the asphalt and return it to all grounds.

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

Island Reporter

TRAILWAYS CAMPS

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 22 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter

Luminary From page 1 “The holiday spirit lives on these islands despite Luminary's postponement this year,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “The chamber is helping to promote activities that will keep the spirit alive and visitors visiting during the days between Thanksgiving and New Year's. The city of Sanibel will once again decorate the Periwinkle Way bike path canopy with lights to add to the festivities.”

Some highlights already planned for the coming season include: ∫ Nov. 24: The 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva will light up a gigantic tree and its beloved holiday decorations accompanied by live music, snow and fireworks. For more information and tickets, visit tween-waters.com/tree-lighting-celebration/. ∫ Nov. 29: The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel has scheduled Holiday Shopping after-hours at the Refuge Nature Store from 4 to 6 p.m., with refreshments and special promotions. For more information, visit dingdarlingsociety.org. ∫ Dec. 1: The Community House and

Saint Michael and All Angels Church on Sanibel will jointly celebrate Sanibel Lights from 4 to 7 p.m., including a treelighting, Christmas carols, bounce house and photo booth, The Sanibel School Elementary Choir, hot dogs, punch and cookies, and adult beverages for purchase.

For more information, visit sanibelcommunityhouse.net and saintmichaels-sanibel.org. ∫ Dec. 1: The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village on Sanibel will host “Deck the Shore” from 4 to 6 p.m. with a tree-lighting, caroling, cookies and beverages. For more information, visit sanibelmuseum.org. ∫ Dec. 1: BIG ARTS on Sanibel will hold an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m.

Stroll the three galleries, shop for unique holiday gifts, visit with Santa, enjoy beverages and bites, and do not miss the live artist instructor demonstrations. For more information, visit bigarts.org. ∫ Dec. 1: Bailey's General Store and the Grog Shop will cooperatively greet visitors with apple cider and beverage tastings at the historic service station at the Bailey Center on Sanibel from 5 to 7

p.m. ∫ Dec. 1: Sanibel retail shops that have relocated or expanded to the Bell Tower shops in Fort Myers will participate in the Annual Bell Tower Tree Lighting & Luminary from 6 to 9 p.m.

Santa and the Grinch make appearances, along with other family activities. For more information, visit belltowerfl.com. ∫ Dec. 2: F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva has planned its 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K on Sanibel to coordinate with Luminary activities, with a virtual option available. After the run, it will host a benefit Sound+Waves Music Festival starting 5 p.m. on the beach at the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva.

Fireworks will follow the live performances by eight artists. For more information, to register for the race or for festival tickets, visit fishofsancap.org. ∫ Dec. 2: The Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel will host a Holiday Event & Youth Reindeer Run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring pizza, BBQ, hot cocoa, face painting, crafts, a bounce house, crafts and pictures with Santa. The run will kick off at 11 a.m. inside of the

gym. For more information, visit mysanibel.com. ∫ Dec. 8: Jerry's Foods on Sanibel will celebrate from 5 to 8 p.m. with food and wine sampling, Boy Scout hot dogs by donation, ornament decorating, caroling and Santa’s arrival. For more information, visit jerrysofsanibel.com. ∫ Dec. 8: The Sanibel Community Church on Sanibel will celebrate its Luminary from 6 to 9 p.m. with a free petting zoo, pony rides, arts and crafts stations, snow pit, food, firepits for s'mores and Christmas lights. For more information, visit sanibelchurch.com. ∫ Dec. 13: The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will host a free, neighborly Holiday Ice Cream Social beginning 2 p.m. at The Roost outdoor pavilion at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. For more information, visit dingdarlingsociety.org.

To have an event or promotion added to the Luminary Season calendar, contact chamber Operations Manager Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759.

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 district 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.”

LCSO 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 LCSO 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 U.S. 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.”

who did not received a letter are asked to contact Natural Resources Department Director Holly Milbrandt at 239-4723700 or holly.milbrandt@mysanibel .com. Those who received the letter and easement documents but have questions can also contact her.

The city noted that for most condominium properties, it has been working with property managers and HOA boards to obtain the executed documents; individual owners do not need to grant the easement.

All property owners are encouraged to

sign up for the city's News You Can Use email announcements at https://www.mysanibel.com//government/city-manager-s-office/usefullinks/sign-up-for-city-announcements to stay up to date on the latest information and updates regarding the beach project.

System From page 1 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 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

Update From page 1 Management and Access Easement forms to the city. Returning the executed form will ensure that the city can accomplish the beach renourishment activity island-wide.

Communication concerning the needed easement was mailed to each parcel owner on Oct. 4. Gulf-front property owners

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 22, 2023

THOM MILSAP

Naples painter Thom Millsap is the featured artist for this year's Sanibel Master Art Festival, set for Nov. 24-25 at The Community House on Sanibel.

Page

Dozens of artists to take part in festival, fair 24

aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday

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

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 24 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander

The snowbirds are coming, the snowbirds are coming Ah, the familiar sound of flip-flops echoing in the air, golf carts racing down the golf courses like it's the Daytona 500, and license plates from every state imaginable creating a colorful mosaic of snowbird migration. Winter is here, and so are the snowbirds, descending upon Florida like a flock of retirees chasing eternal summer.

Most of us stayed in our other freezing homes this past winter thanks to Hurricane Ian. But we snowbirds are ready to fly once again to our promised land.

In what can only be Art Stevens described as the world's slowest migration, we are returning to dear Sanibel and our seasonal friends.

Many restaurants have reopened, the golf courses are playable, and the beaches cleaned. Hallelujah. I am truly excited to return to an invigorated Sanibel and the optimism for the future that now prevails. I am much more flexible in my desires and would even welcome an alligator in my swimming pool. Or even yet another pickleball court somewhere. The excitement is felt throughout Florida as sun worship now overtakes wind and flood. We are snowbirds and are proud of our calling.

Let's talk fashion, shall we? Snowbirds, in their infinite wisdom, have perfected the art of combining comfort and style. Witness the majestic pairing of knee-high socks with sandals — a look that says, “I'm ready for the beach, but I might also drop by the early bird buffet later.” And let's not forget the iconic Hawaiian shirt, a staple in every snowbird's wardrobe.

It's not just a shirt; it's a commitment to living life in full technicolor, and who needs subtlety when you have a shirt that can be seen from space?

As we settle into our winter abodes, the thought of snow and cold weather become figments of our imagination. As has been the case in the past, we luxuriate at poolside sipping a Margarita when our significant other arrives with the news that it’s minus ten degrees at our northern home. We smile at this latest weather report and continue sipping the Margarita and apply fresh sun tan lotion in between.

We think about our golf game and try to figure out how to get more than forty yards out of our driver.

And we think about the past winter without golf.

Lots of catching up to do.

But it's not all fashion faux pas and golf cart wars; the return of snowbirds brings a certain charm to the Sunshine State. Communities come alive with potlucks, shuffleboard tournaments and debates over the best early bird specials in town. It's a time when Floridians trade stories of hurricane survival like war veterans swapping tales of battle.

So, as I get off the auto train and imbibe sweet warm air, I welcome back my snowbird friends with open sunscreen-laden arms. Let's appreciate the unique blend of style and quirkiness they bring to our sunny paradise. After all, where else can you witness a conga line of retirees doing the Macarena at the community center while debating the merits of a 4 p.m. bedtime? Only in Florida, where even the snowbirds are a spectacle worthy of applause.

Shell Shocked

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

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

Nearly 50 vendors will participate in the Arts & Craft Fair on Nov. 26 at The Community House on Sanibel.

TCH to host artists at festival and fair

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

Residents and visitors will have the chance to shop for that perfect holiday gift this weekend.

Held in partnership with Boulderbrook Productions, The Community House will host the Sanibel Master Art Festival on Nov. 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring about two dozen artists. On Nov. 26, TCH will hold its monthly Arts & Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcasing nearly 50 vendors.

Sanibel Master Art Festival The 26th annual event will consist of artists skilled in a range of mediums, including painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, glass, clay and more. This year's featured artist for the festival will be painter Thom Millsap, based out of Naples. He has been a professional artist for over 20 years.

“The spontaneity, action and the beauty of the moment is what Thom strives for whenever his brush touches the canvas,” Richard Sullivan, owner of Boulderbrook Productions, said. “His work reflects the wonderful charms of Sanibel and Southwest Florida.”

“Inspiration for paintings is a diverse montage of Thom's travels,” he added. “The flowers on a table may be from a hotel in Spain, the vase from a shop in London, the rocking chairs from a house on Sanibel and the landscape appearing thru a window has been inspired by the views from 'Tween Waters on Captiva.”

TCH Executive Director Teresa Riska-Hall explained that she and Sullivan have worked together for years and he organizes festivals statewide. Usually held outside, this year's event will take place inside.

“Because of the not knowing of whether or not The Community House would be ready or if the community would be ready for a full-blown art festival,” she said.

Riska-Hall reported that the artists will come from all over.

“A lot are coming from inside of the state, but there are a few coming from outside of it,” she said. “Which is bringing that money into our area and is very important right now.”

Arts & Craft Fair Celebrating local artisans and the resilience of the islands, the event will feature handmade and homemade arts and crafts. There will be an eclectic array of original art in diverse mediums on display, including paintings, shell crafts, jewelry, baskets, night lights, pottery, hand-sewn items such as pillows, housewares, glass art, baked goods and culinary items, greeting cards, wearable art and more.

See FESTIVAL AND FAIR, page 25

If you go

If you go

What Sanibel Master Art Festival

What Arts & Craft Fair

When Nov. 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Where The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels has been interacting with Harns Marsh Elementary in Lehigh Acres the past couple of weeks. The team wowed students with a real smalltooth sawfish rostrum that had been turned over to the refuge after government confiscation from illegal possession.

After Thanksgiving, the team will move on to Varsity Lakes Middle School in Lehigh from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21. To donate to support the upkeep and programming for the WoW efforts, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/W ebLink.aspx?name=E54182&id= 12.

Page 25 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Refuge’s WoW visiting students LEFT: J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge intern Ashley McGovern leads a hands-on lesson about the critically endangered smalltooth sawfish using a resin-encased rostrum.

RIGHT: A Harns Marsh Elementary student learns the steps for drawing a duck.

REFUGE/DDWS

artists have been severely hit with challenges.”

Some of the vendors participating in the Sanibel Master Art Festival will be taking part.

“A couple of the artists are going to be the same that Sunday,” she said.

The three days of activities will benefit TCH and help support its post-hurricane rebuild.

There is a suggested donation for the Sanibel Master Art Festival.

“We have, in the past, had very generous donations at the gate,” Riska-Hall said. “We

appreciate everything that comes in.”

There is no suggested donation for the Arts & Craft Fair.

“But there will be a jar at the Shellcrafters' table,” she said. “All that money comes back to TCH.” The community is welcome to swing by and browse the treasures.

“I think we're at a critical time with people and their psyche. It's been a long haul and it's very traumatic for a lot of people,” Riska-Hall said, referring to last year's Hurricane Ian and the ongoing recovery since. “I think it is important to see there is a

step into the future that we're going to.”

She added that it was all smiles and laughter at last month's fair.

“To see all these people come out and be a part of the community,” Riska-Hall said. “I just think that's an important part of our healing process out here.”

For more information, visit https://sanibelcommunityhouse.net/.

For questions, contact TCH at 239472-2155; the office will be closed on Nov. 23-24.

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

“The mission of The Community House is to enrich the community spirit,” Riska-Hall said.

Most of the vendors are involved with local groups, such as the Sanibel-Captiva Art League.

“They'll meet people from their own community working in the profession,” she said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle and meet the artists.

“It gives us the opportunity to meet local people and also to help sustain the local area,” Riska-Hall said. “Because those

captivasanibel.com

Festival and fair From page 24

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 26 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander

ISLAND HOME

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Lions to sell Christmas trees for fundraiser PHOTO PROVIDED

Blue porterweed

Blue porterweed is butterfly attractant Blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta cayennensis) is part of the Verbenaceae family. The bright green leaves have a quilt-like appearance and a toothed leaf margin. Small deep blue to purple flowers appear starting at the bottom of the bloom spike and extending up toward the top of the spike over time. The purple blooms appear throughout the year and the plant grows to about 3 feet to 4 feet in height.

Blue porterweed is salt tolerant and relatively drought tolerant making it a good fit for the island environment. It does well in full sun to light shade and is native to the American tropics.

Its growth pattern is more sprawling than upright and looks particularly good in a casual garden setting.

Mixed with other butterfly plants its blue-purple flowers and dark green leaves make an attractive border planting or as a mass planting with other mixed butterfly flowering plants to create a cottage-style garden.

Other interesting names it goes by are blue snakeweed, verbena azul and cayenne snakeweed.

Blue porterweed is a must for every butterfly garden and you are sure to find it at most butterfly conservatories. Its deep blue to purple flower spikes provide a consistent source of nectar throughout the year, attracting butterflies such as the Gulf fritillary, monarch and large orange sulphur. It is also a larval host plant for the tropical buckeye caterpillar. The plant attracts, bees, moths and beetles, all of which are beneficial to a garden.

Technically, blue porterweed is a perennial, although with proper pruning it can last for three to four years. It is a good practice to cut it back each year or anytime it gets too leggy so the new growth can fill in and create a fuller plant. The plant is self-seeding and most seedlings will come up in the spring or early summer. You can also propagate it from stem cuttings.

There are two other species that also do well in South Florida, a lighter blue version Stachytarpheta jamaicensis and a red porterweed called Stachytarpheta mutabilis.

There are very few plants in the tropical plant palette that have deep blue-purple blooms. Blue porterweed brings that striking contrast into the garden to offset the reds, oranges and yellows so prevalent in tropical landscapes. Plant this in your butterfly garden or put some in a pretty piece of pottery and attract more butterflies to your yard.

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

The day after Thanksgiving marks a Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club holiday tradition — its annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser will kick off. The back parking lot of The Community House on Sanibel will turn into a wonderland of 75 premium fraser firs, freshly cut and shipped in from Michigan.

From Nov. 24-26, the trees will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. After that weekend, they will be available on Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last.

The trees are between 5 feet and 10 feet tall.

“We are fortunate to have a wonderful source of full, healthy and long-lasting premium trees,” club member Steve Schulz, chair of the annual tree project, said. “Our customers return year after year due to the quality of our trees.”

Due to Hurricane Ian, the Lions were unable to hold the sale last year.

In 2021, the trees sold out within two weeks, so the

community is advised to shop early.

The club began selling fresh Christmas trees more than 40 years ago. The project has since grown to become one of the Lions' largest fundraisers, as well as a tradition on the islands.

“The entire club pitches in, from set up to selling, which ensures 100% of our earnings goes directly to the charitable work of the Lions Club,” President Valerie Tutor said.

The club thanked TCH for providing space in its parking lot for the sale and for its continued support of the club. It also thanked the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, which helped to unload the trees.

The Lions welcome anyone who would like to help with the fundraiser.

For more information, contact Schulz at 239-6261233.

For more information about the club, visit https://www.sanibelcaptivalionsclub.com/.

TCH is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

SAC exhibit on display online The Sanibel Art Colony's digital exhibition, “There's Calm In Your Eye: Art Inspired by the Impact of Hurricane Ian on Southwest Florida,” is available on its website from now through Nov. 27. Comprised of 86 pieces from 47 artists, it aims to foster an inclusive, healing and thought-provoking conversation. The exhibit captures some of the moments Southwest Florida been living through post-Ian and reflects the creative response of artists to their personal storm-related encounters. To view the exhibition or for more information, visit https://sanibelartcolony.com/therescalm-in-your-eye/.

“Sanibel Strong” MYRA ROBERTS

BANK OF THE ISLANDS

David Lowden and Richard Shera, of Bank of the Islands, with winner Fernando Montecillo and Bank of the Islands representatives with F.I.S.H. Community Housing and Resources representa- of Sanibel-Captiva Executive Director Maria Espinoza and winner Fernando Montecillo. tives.

Decal program results in donation Bank of the Islands recently made a donation through its We Love Our Islands program. Winner Fernando Montecillo was spotted with the program's decal on his vehicle, winning him the chance to decide which local

non-profit would receive a charitable contribution. He chose to donate $400 to F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva and $400 to Community Housing and Resources. The bank has donated $102,600 to date through the pro-

gram. All islanders are invited to visit the bank’s branches to pick up a decal and learn more about the We Love Our Islands program.

1/4 cup dry white wine 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch lengths 2 cups green cabbage, shredded 2 cups fresh baby spinach, stems trimmed and leaves cut into thin strips 1 (15 ounces) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese 12 crostini

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI A favorite soup in Tuscany, ribollita is usually made one day and reheated and served the next day to enhance the flavor. Serve it with a crostini, a sprinkle of cheese and it will become your favorite too. Serves 12. (Chef tip: I use delicate cannellini beans, cooked until tender or if using cans, drained and well rinsed before you add them to the soup.)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 small onion, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 carrot, peeled and cut into a 1/4-inch dice 1 small zucchini, 1/4-inch dice 1 yellow squash, 1/4-inch dice 1 Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice 4 Roma tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice 8 cups vegetable stock, preferably homemade

Loretta Paganini

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

In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Wednesdays through Fridays after the daily presentation. Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older. The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required. To register, contact 239472-3644 ext.

229 or reservations@crowclinic.org.

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

Jews in America are threat of “Zoombombing” experiencing at this by antisemites. Bomb moment, the highest numthreats and hate speech ber of antisemitic incidents flood our telephones and since the start of compilasocial media pages. For tion of such statistics the first time since the beginning in 1979. Jewish founding of the United students on American colStates, Jews feel threatlege campuses are threatened by an organized, and ened, bullied and in some simultaneously chaotic, cases assaulted. Police last upwelling of hatred directmonth had to protect and ed at them. surround a Jewish student Regardless of senticenter at Cornell University ments about the current Rabbi Sunny after online threats to shoot war between Hamas and Schnitzer up the dining hall. Jewish Israel and shared horror students are calling parents over the number of innoinforming them that they cent civilians, men, are leaving campus because women, children and the they do not feel safe. aged killed or kidnapped Closer to home, the son and held hostage in the of a lay leader in the Southwest Florida conflict, on our shores we are all Jewish community was physically Americans “endowed by their Creator attacked by a neighbor he had known for with certain unalienable Rights, that 12 years, striking him while spewing anti- among these are Life, Liberty and the pursemitic vitriol. suit of Happiness.”

American Jews are beset by fear.

The Jewish community needs all Despite securing our synagogues and Americans to stand with us now against community facilities with security hatred and evil. When we battle against upgrades and engaging armed police to evil in this world it is a holy call and it stand guard during worship, some mem- is one that we must answer. Because 70 bers have begun to stay away for fear of years ago when called to the battle, we attack. failed. In the face of Hitler’s evil, a We cannot forget the murder of 11 great sin occurred, the sin of silence, worshippers five years ago on Oct. 27 in and too many Americans joined in that Pittsburgh. Here in Southwest Florida, a sin. synagogue was attacked earlier this year.

Here’s what you can do about it. If you Our online services are under continual belong to a church or a civic or social

Faces on Faith

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www.batyam.org/, https://www.facebook.com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p.m. and via Zoom. For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com. ∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www.captivachapel.com/, www.facebook.com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch A Thanksgiving Eve service will be held today, Nov. 22, at 4:15 p.m. In-person service on Sundays at 11 a.m. through April. Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page. Services from the past season can also be found online. ∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www.chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida.org Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a.m. via Zoom.

An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail.com. ∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch.com/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne Sunday service at 10 a.m. in the SCC Sanctuary. Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday. ∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www.sanibelucc.org/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelucc/ Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Mark Boyea Sunday service at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. ∫ Saint Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www.saintisabel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Edward Martin Friday Mass at 9 a.m. Weekend Masses on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. ∫ Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www.saintmichaelssanibel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss Saturday service at 5 p.m. with a social to follow. Sunday services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. with a coffee hour to follow each. Services take place at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at the church; enter off of Dunlop Road. organization, educate your members about antisemitism. Everyone should know about the history of antisemitism and the Holocaust. In a recent survey, 63% of students surveyed born after 1980 did not know that 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. And a larger percentage could not name a single concentration camp. People should also be informed about the history of the struggle between Jews and Arabs in Israel and Palestine from its beginning in the early 20th century. This is the lens through which Israelis and Palestinians view the conflict.

Don’t know where to begin? Contact the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties. They will put you in touch with resources. If you are a leader of a local organization or house of worship, reach out to local synagogues. Build relationships and strengthen existing relationships. Lastly, talk with your Jewish friends. They need your support more than ever.

Stand with the American Jewish community as allies. As one.

Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer is with the Bat Yam Temple of the Islands.

Island Reporter

Will you stand with us?

Island Worship

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The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following: ∫ Today, Nov. 22 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW. ∫ Thursday, Nov. 23 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW. ∫ Friday, Nov. 24 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW. ∫ Wednesday, Nov. 29 Program of the Week at 11 a.m.

Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash and potatoes; cook, stirring frequently for 10 minutes.

Add salt. Stir in the tomatoes and cook five minutes longer.

Pour in the vegetable stock and wine, then add the green beans, cabbage and spinach.

Simmer the soup uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes.

Stir in the cannellini beans into the soup. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.

Simmer for 10 more minutes.

Serve in large bowls with plenty of parmesan cheese and a crostini.

Page 27 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Recipe of the Week: Ribollita Vegetable Soup

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.

MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

SLIMTRONIC5000 5 to 8:30 p.m.

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

PRESTON HAMILTON 5 to 8:30 p.m.

BRIAN BEARDEN 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

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

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

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

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

Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

CHRIS WORKMAN 6 to 9 p.m.

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

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

SUNDAY

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

ROY SCHNEIDER 5 to 8:30 p.m.

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

KARAOKE 8 to 10 p.m.

MONDAY

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

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

ANTHONY PICONE 5 to 8:30 p.m.

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

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

LAST CALL TRIVIA 7 to 9 p.m.

Shell Find

captivasanibel.com

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 28

islandBEAT islander Sanibel Captiva

Junonia found on Sanibel Alex Bober, of Sanibel, found a junonia on Nov. 8 on the beach near West Gulf Drive and Rabbit Road on Sanibel. He reported that the water was completely calm and clear. As Bober was walking in the shallow water, he looked down and there was the shell. He added that his family moved to Sanibel last year right before Hurricane Ian for an opportunity with the island community. Both Bober and his wife work on Sanibel. To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

COMMUNITY HOUSING AND RESOURCES

CHR hosts Fall Fest for community Community Housing and Resources hosted its first-ever Fall Fest on Oct. 29 in the courtyard of its Woodhaven property on Sanibel. The community enjoyed an afternoon of pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating, fall games, and

laughter and fun. CHR extended its appreciation to those who attended and supported the event, including sponsors F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, Boy Scouts, Island Pizza, Publix and The Shack of Sanibel.

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

Painting with Friends Painting with Friends will be held today, Nov. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring you own supplies. Cost is $10 donation; register and pay at the door. For more information, contact Jane Hudson at janehudsonpainter@yahoo.com.

Shellcrafters The Shellcrafters will meet on Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby. A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a.m.; it is free and supplies range from $510. Items will be available for sale. All sales benefit the operations of The Community House.

Painting with Friends Painting with Friends will be held on Nov. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring you own supplies. Cost is $10 donation; register and pay at the door. For more information, contact Jane Hudson at janehudsonpainter@yahoo.com.

Santiva Islanders Calendar The Santiva Islanders will present the following:

Cardio and Strength

Coffee Bistro

Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Nov. 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required.

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

Coffee Bistro will be held on Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Coffee and other beverages will be served. Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, offer signups for activities and more. Enter off of Dunlop Road.

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

The cost is $25 for an annual membership. The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities.

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

Happy Hour at MudBugs Happy Hour at MudBugs will be held on Nov. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials.

Participants will order and pay individually. For more information, contact event host Robin Christian at 817-9757166.

Shell Critter Kits are available for purchase in a variety of different options.

Cost is $5 per kit with all of the supplies included, except for glue. Order them inperson at TCH or call 239-472-2155.

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

BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, TCH office hours are Monday through Sanibel, will present the following: Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net or contact 239- Film Series 472-2155 or office@sanibelcommunity“The Good Boss” (2021) will be house.net. shown on Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are

BIG ARTS Calendar $12.

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

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

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

SANIBEL CAPTIVA COMMUNITY BANK

captivasanibel.com

From left, Sanibel Community Association Board President Carol Townsley, The Community House Executive Director Teresa Riska-Hall, SCA Secretary Lynn Butkiewicz, SCA Director Christine Szymanczyk, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Kyle DeCicco and bank Vice President and Office Manager Sandy Doubles.

San Cap Community Bank donates to SCA Sanibel Captiva Community Bank recently donated $50,000 to the Sanibel Community Association to help restore

The Community House on Sanibel from damage caused by Hurricane Ian.

Gianni Vitiello, Melissa Byrne, Angela Larson-Roehl, Hollingsworth and Andrew Newman of Rosier Insurance.

Glen

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SCCF thanks sponsors with cruise The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation hosted its 14th annual Wines in the Wild on Nov. 17 at the Bailey Homestead Preserve on Sanibel. As a thank you for their support, event sponsors were treated to a brunch cruise on Oct. 29 aboard the Lady Chadwick. The supporters included: Bank of the Islands as presenting sponsor; Roberta and Philip Puschel as diamond sponsors; Deborah LaGorce, John and Kay Morse, and Joyce and Don Rice as platinum sponsors; Susan and Cliff Beittel, Tory and Bill Burch, Billye Curtis, Barbara and Tom Dunham, Friends of Diane, Doug and Sherry Gentry, Susan and George Heisler, Janie Howland and Jack Thomas, McCallion & McCallion Realty, MHK Architecture, Jennifer and Dave Nichols, Nancy and Chip Roach, Lucy and Paul Roth, Kris and Doug

Ryckman, and Sandy Shepard as gold sponsors; and Linda Graves Arnold and Robert Mitchell, Nancy and Bob Adams, Nancy and Bob Brooks, Cathy and Jim Cryder, Laura DeBruce and Jeff Blackman, Nancy Dehmlow, Beatriz Estrada-Pascual and Guillermo Pascual, Rita and Clay Ewell, Allison and Chauncey Goss, Greenwood Consulting Group, Shelley and Bill Greggs, The Health Whisperer, Louise and Tim Huyck, Jane and John Henshaw, Elissa and Nik Khakee, Mernie and Tom Libonate, Linda and Nick Linsmayer, Barbara and Bill Millar, Joleen and John Raho, Sanibel Air and Electric, Laura and Shawn Shaffer, Liz and John Simler, Daneza Socarras and Robert Beans, Law Office of Janet M. Strickland, Betty and Bob Van Tassel, and Sally and Peter Wiese as silver sponsors.

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva announced that R.S. Walsh Landscaping, Rosier Insurance and Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market are sponsors of its 10K/5K music festival. The 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K will be held on Dec. 2 at The Community House on Sanibel, with a virtual option available. Hosted by the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, the Sound+Waves music festival will be held on Dec. 2 starting at 5 p.m. on Captiva. For more information or to register for the race, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace 4FISH. For more information or festival tickets, visit https://FISHmusicfestival.rsvpify.com. For sponsorship information, visit http://fishofsancap.org/ or contact Race Committee Co-chairs Diane Cortese at Dianerc10@gmail.com or Leah Winkler at Mark Blust of Timbers Restaurant leahwinkler12@gmail.com. & Fish Market.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

F.I.S.H. presents event sponsors

Sponsors of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Wines in Wild enjoyed a brunch cruise on Oct. 29 aboard the Lady Chadwick.

Page 29 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

The Walsh family of R.S. Walsh Landscaping.

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 30

JENNIFER CEDENO

captivasanibel.com

One of the winners was Dunbar High School student Jennifer Cedeno for “Bee.”

Cartoon contest winners announced The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that more than 100 student entries were submitted for this year's “Ding” Darling Conservation Cartoon Contest in honor of Pulitzer-winning cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge staff judged entries from 10 schools and awarded winners at an ceremony on Oct. 21 during Art in the Wild.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander

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Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 32