Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Heavy holiday travel weekend predicted

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

While the holiday season is full of wonder, cheer, spending time with loved ones, and joyful gatherings, it also brings a “hustle and bustle” atmosphere that can crowd not just stores, but streets.

This year, AAA predicts 54.6 Americans and more than 2.9 million Floridians will travel this holiday weekend, the most since 2005.

“Travel is still roaring back from the pandemic,” stated Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group.

“While gas prices and other inflationary pressures weigh on budgets, travel remains a top priority for Americans, particularly during the holidays. Travel spending is at the highest level since the pandemic began, which is a

WATER SCHOOL

driving force behind our projections this year. AAA expects busy roads and long lines at the airport, so leave early and be flexible with your travel plans.”

Of those 2.9 million Sunshine State residents anticipated to travel 50 miles or more, the majority will hit the roadways despite rising gas costs. AAA forecasts 48.65 million Americans will set out for a holiday road trip.

That’s 203,000 more drivers than last year. In Florida, 2.7 million (91% of travelers) will take a road trip; an increase of 28,000 people from last year’s holiday.

Luckily for those drivers, Florida gas prices were falling as Thanksgiving approached.

“Florida drivers may have something extra to be thankful for this Thanksgiving,”

said AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins. “Prices at the pump are likely to drop through the holiday weekend. Gas prices could ultimately fall 20-30 cents per gallon. The downturn is being driven by strong refinery output, which led to a big gain in gasoline supplies.”

Pump prices already dropped 10 cents per gallon last week. On Sunday, Florida gas prices averaged $3.46 per gallon. That’s 10 cents per gallon more than what Thanksgiving travelers paid last year. The most expensive Thanksgiving gas price on record was $3.46 per gallon in 2013. Based on current trends, it’s possible the state average could dip below last year’s levels by Thanksgiving day.

So, when is the best time to hit the road

Restoration crews aid recovery

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

The long and arduous road to recovery following Hurricane Ian still has miles to go for many residents across Southwest Florida.

Since the near Category 5 storm made landfall on Sept. 28, various restoration crews and volunteer organizations have come out to lend a hand.

One non-profits here working locally to rebuild the community is Team Rubicon.

Local businesses hoping for support post-Ian — and they’re geared up with

Black Friday deals, too

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

While the holidays might look a little different for Southwest Florida residents still dealing with Hurricane Ian restoration, the biggest shopping weekend of the year is upon us. Cape Coral is a small-business community, with hundreds of locally owned stores and establishments that felt the impact of the storm, many of which had just gotten back on their feet following COVID.

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday this weekend is a chance for residents to check off their shopping lists while supporting their neighbors.

Studying Ian’s impact

FGCU researchers from the Water School have returned from a week-long research cruise where they studied Hurricane Ian’s impact on the ocean. The team focused on water quality sampling, red tide development and benthic ecosystem monitoring, or the marine life at the lowest level of the ocean.

“It is incredibly important to support small local businesses at this time because of the unfortunate effects of Hurricane Ian on South Cape,” said South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association spokesperson Shannon Quinn. “Many businesses are still suffering from the damages and need the community’s help to recover. With holidays around the corner, shopping locally is an easy way to help.”

An estimated 166.3 million people are planning to shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey. That figure is nearly 8 million more people than 2021 and the highest estimate since NRF began tracking data in 2017.

“While there is much speculation about inflation’s impact on consumer behavior, our data tells us that this Thanksgiving holiday weekend will see robust store traffic with a record number of shoppers taking advantage of value pricing,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay, in a release. “We are optimistic that retail sales will remain strong in the weeks ahead, and retailers are ready to meet consumers however they want to shop with great prod-

ucts at prices they want to pay.”

According to the NRF survey, more than twothirds (69%) of holiday shoppers plan to shop during Thanksgiving. Top reasons consumers plan to shop are “because the deals are too good to pass up” (59%), because of tradition (27%) or because it is “something to do” (22%) over the holiday.

Black Friday continues to be the most popular day to shop, according to the survey (114.9 million), followed Cyber Monday(63.9 million). Among the 114.9 million Black Friday shoppers, 67% say they expect to head to stores, an increase from 64% in 2021.

Gift cards remain quite the popular item, with total spending expected to reach $28.6 billion ($28.1 billion in 2021). Like last year, holiday shoppers plan to purchase between three to four gift cards and spend an average of $51.47 per card ($165.87 per person), according to the NRF. Consumers are most likely to purchase a gift card for a restaurant (27%), department store (26%) or bankissued gift card (25%). Another 10% plan to purchase a food delivery service gift card such as

See SHOP SMALL, page 11A

A Strike Team lead with Team Rubicon, Chris Mederos traveled from Texas on Nov. 4 to serve the residents of Southwest Florida. He and his team, which also involves members of non-profit IsraAid, were out and about for two weeks fulfilling work orders. The team recently helped a property in Cape Coral for three of four days, gutting for the homeowner the entire house, which sustained substantial damage from Ian.

Mederos said their work varies depending on how much needs to get done and the size of home. Sometimes they can service two or three houses in a day. Sometimes they spend multiple days at one location.

Team Rubicon sends experts to survey damage and speak with homeowners on what type of relief assistance they need. Different groups go out and provide services such as debris removal, roof tarps, removal of flooring, walls, ceilings, bathrooms, furniture, and more.

“We help take all that stuff out, so that way when you come back home, any contamination will be removed and you can move forward from there and hire contract workers and begin remodeling,” Mederos said.

During his two weeks in Southwest Florida, Mederos has worked on homes in Bonita Springs, North Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. He said Team Rubicon has a fleet of volunteers in the area working to assist residents.

“On a personal level, it definitely hits to be here,” Mederos said. “Seeing it on the news or online, you can’t really get that sense of connectivity to what people are

Cultural Park Theatre’s Holiday Concerts to commence

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

There’s a timeless saying in theater: “The show must go on.”

For those at Cultural Park Theatre Company in Cape Coral, that saying is ringing true following devastation that Hurricane Ian brought to Southwest Florida.

The city’s longest-running community theater announced its back in action following a months-long pause, and will present all of its Special Holiday Concerts throughout the month of December starting Dec. 2 with Alyssa LeMay.

“Everyone is thrilled to be back up and running,” said CPT Executive Director Mark Fleming.

He said they really never had a

moment to enjoy all of the exciting new things around the theater on which they all worked so hard, including the totally revitalized lobby/lounge, the entirely repainted theater, new dressing room options and rehearsal spaces.

“It was so busy kicking off the 60th season with ‘School of Rock,’ putting finishing touches all around, and then our ribbon cutting with reception and Opening Night reception. We didn’t really breathe,” Fleming said. “And then we all know what happened a few days later.”

As for damage sustained, Fleming said there was a sizable crack to the building that needed to

IF YOU GO

What:

Cultural Park Theatre Company Special Holiday Concerts When:

Alyssa LeMay - Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.; Neil Zirconia - Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 3 p.m.; David Morin - Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.; Michael D’Amore - Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.

The 2022-23 Broadway Season continues with “The Sound of Music” Jan. 12 to 22; “Pippin” Feb. 16 to 26; “Grease” March 9 to 19. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m. Where: Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral Tickets: Purchase online at www.culturalparktheater.com/online-ticket-sales or by calling 239-772-5862

Technical colleges awarded grants.

Popular weekly sports feature continues: The Cape Coral Breeze presents Athletes of the Week.

“We need our residents' support now more than ever after Ian. Some businesses never will reopen.

“The benefits of supporting local that this is our way of giving back to our residents, and they are, in turn, helping us at the same time.”

— Kerry Krieg, owner of Merrick Seafood Company and Fish Tale Grill

“Travel is still roaring back from the pandemic. While gas prices and other inflationary pressures weigh on budgets, travel remains a top priority for Americans, particularly during the holidays. Travel spending is at the highest level since the pandemic began, which is a driving force behind our projections this year. AAA expects busy roads and long lines at the airport, so leave early and be flexible with your travel plans”

— Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group

Red tide reported at multiple Lee County sites

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has documented a resurgence of red tide in waters off Fort Myers Beach and Lee County following tests this month.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of three red tide blooms in Lee County. Alert levels, also considered to be “medium

levels” of red tide, were found at Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach, New Pass at Lovers Key State Park on Fort Myers Beach on Nov. 16 and at Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel on Nov. 17. A cautionary level of red tide was found at Bonita Beach Park.

Red tide was observed in 13 different samples throughout Lee County over the past week. The highest concentrations were off of eastern Sanibel and northern Captiva.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is alerting the public to exercise caution in and around Lee County coastal waters at this time and to stay away from the water. Town of Fort Myers Beach officials are also urging residents not to go into the water due to pollution from Hurricane Ian and dangerous objects in the waters. Since Hurricane Ian, environmental observers have been expecting a resurgence of red tide.

Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received over the past week in Southwest Florida from Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties over the past week.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is cautioning residents and visitors to take the following precautions:

■ Do not swim in waters with dead fish.

■ Those with chronic respiratory problems should be especially cautious and stay away from this location as red tide can affect your breathing.

■ Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from this location. If caught live and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted, and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.

■ Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide.

■ Keep pets and livestock away and out of the water.

■ Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications.

■ If outdoors near an affected location, residents may choose to wear masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing.

red tide harmful?

Is

Red tide, known scientifically as K. brevis, produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can be harmful to the health of both wildlife and people. Wind and wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release toxins into the air.

People in coastal areas can experience varying degrees of eye, nose and throat irritation during a red tide bloom. Some individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic lung disease might experience more severe symptoms. Red tide toxins can also affect the central nervous system of fish and other marine life, which can lead to fish kills and increased wildlife strandings or mortalities. Eating contaminated seafood can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting; tingling of the mouth, lips and tongue; and slurred speech and dizziness.

To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 1-800-636-0511 or at https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/.

“Fish kills and respiratory irritation are almost certain at these high levels,” said Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Lab Director Dr. Eric Milbrandt. “We also found areas on the higher end of medium near South Seas Resort,” Milbrandt said.

Paychecks for Patriots hiring event set for Dec. 1 in Fort Myers

CareerSource Southwest Florida will participate in the state’s 10th annual Paychecks for Patriots, a special hiring fair dedicated to employing veterans.

Most statewide events were held in conjunction with Veterans Day however, due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, the CareerSource Southwest Florida event was rescheduled for Thursday, Dec. 1, at Next Level Church, 12400 Plantation Road, Fort Myers.

Event hours will be 10 a.m.–11 a.m. (This first hour is reserved for veterans and family only) and from 11a.m. – 2 p.m to the general public.)

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Florida National Guard, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and participating Florida employers are partnering with CareerSource Florida regions to connect veterans with available careers in their community.

To address the employment needs of service members and veterans across the state, the annual Paychecks for Patriots event works to bring employers with current employment opportunities in Florida to the table with great military and veteran candidates.

Through Paychecks for Patriots, businesses will be connected with talented, well-trained veterans to join their team. In the past nine years, more than 8,000 veteran candidates and military family members who participated in Paychecks for Patriots across the state have gained employment.

“Veterans and their families bring dedication, a special set of skills and diversity to Florida’s workforce,” a release states. “CareerSource Southwest Florida will aim to match veterans with employers who value the knowledge, skills, and attributes attained during military service.”

A list of employers attending the event will be available on www.careersourceSWFL.com.

CAPE CORAL

BREEZE

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor

2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904 • Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693

#SouthwestFloridaStrong

To say this year has been a hard one for Southwest Floridians would be an understatement.

Many of our neighbors lost jobs, lost homes, lost businesses. Far too many lost everything.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian and with Thanksgiving pending as we write this, let us list some of the things for which we are most grateful: The volunteers, the organizations and the businesses that have been working tirelessly to not only rebuild but to help those impacted by one of the most devastating storms ever to hit the U.S.

Despite the hardships and heartaches of their own, there are many who have pulled together to organize fundraisers and drives for food, set up meal sites and collected money to provide for basic necessities for those who never expected to find themselves homeless. Thank you for your efforts.

We are grateful they are ongoing.

And we urge those who can to take part.

Food drives remain in full force with annual toy drives — a collection and donation effort near and dear to local public safety agencies’ hearts — also now under way as the December holidays approach.

Among them are those organized annually by the Cape Coral Fire and Police departments.

The CCFD is accepting new toys, gifts and gift cards at 11 of its fire stations throughout the city for children who have special needs, suffer from chronic illnesses such as cancer, are in foster care, or have families struggling with financial difficulties — there are lots of them this year.

Unwrapped donations for children of all ages — that’s from birth through 17 — are being accepted through Dec. 19 at collection boxes at the following fire stations as well as City Hall:

■ Station 1 – 4610 Coronado Parkway

■ Station 2 – 521 Nicholas Parkway

■ Station 3 – 1627 Everest Parkway

■ Station 4 – 2007 Santa Barbara Blvd.

■ Station 5 – 1029 Diplomat Parkway

■ Station 6 – 4540 Chiquita Parkway

■ Station 7 – 3942 Burnt Store Road N

■ Station 8 – 707 S.W. 1st St.

■ Station 9 – 4107 Pelican Blvd.

■ Station 11 –1038 Burnt Store Road

■ Station 12 – 2129 Chiquita Boulevard

■ City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.

Station 10, at 3623 Gator Circle West, is closed due to Hurricane Ian damage.

Gifts for teens are often in short supply so the CCFD asks those who take part to consider donating gift cards, makeup, body soaps and lotions, perfume or cologne, arts and crafts supplies, sports equipment, or entertainment items for this age group.

Last year, the CCFD was able to make the holiday brighter for more than 500 children.

This year the need is greater and they hope donations will keep pace, if possible.

For more information on the toy drive, including specific gift needs and requests, to become a business partner, or to make or request a donation, visit capecoralfire.com/toy-drive.

The CCPD, meanwhile, will hold its 16th annual Fill the Boat Toy Drive the first weekend in December.

CCPD will collect new unwrapped toys for children in Cape Coral at the Walmart Supercenter at 1619 Del Prado Blvd., S.

Donation dates are:

■ Friday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

■ Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

■ Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Those wishing to participate can purchase a new unwrapped toy and place it in the boat. At the end of the drive, the toys will be taken to the Cape Coral Police Department, where they are distributed to children in need throughout Cape Coral in time for the holidays.

If you are shopping this holiday weekend, a few suggestions as you take advantage of all those Black Friday sales.

— As you select gifts for those you love, consider picking up one or two for someone in need — a toy or gift card for one of the drives, something for the adult who needs, well, everything.

— This year especially, consider “buying local,” including gift cards for use specifically at local shops and restaurants. There are some pretty good bargains out there and these types of presents are often the ones that will be remembered as they are thoughtful and unique.

— We confess this one isn’t ours but we love it — consider donating the “get one” parts of your grocery store BOGOs to a food drive or food bank.

You aren’t paying more and you’re helping someone in need of that extra staple or holiday item. (It would be nice if stores would allow or provide food bank donation boxes to make this easy.)

— Lastly, cash is always needed, needed by those food banks, needed by the numerous organizations that are repairing damages or have seen donations dwindle. Tuesday is “Giving Tuesday” for those who may have even just a little extra to share this year.

Happy Thanksgiving.

We hope your holiday weekend is a good one. And may those of us who can help make this a merry Christmas and a happy holiday as well.

Collectively, we can make a very big difference.

#SouthwestFloridaStrong.

Agree?

Small Business Every Saturday

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to helping the nation’s 32.5 million small businesses start, grow, and scale. This Small Business Saturday, the SBA along with our resource and community partners are encouraging consumers to shop small. It has been an extraordinarily difficult couple of years for many of our small business owners across the country. Florida’s 3 million small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ historically busiest shopping season. Last year there was an estimated $23.3 billion economic impact for small businesses across the country on Small Business Saturday according to the 2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey. Let’s start here and commit to supporting at least one or more small businesses on Nov. 26, 2022. If we all do our part to support independent retailers and restaurants, then the impact can be seen and felt in our local communities.

Allen M. Thomas

Guest Commentary

It is a good place to start, and we must keep the momentum going all year. The SBA is here to support our small businesses through our programs and services. The agency provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses. Additionally, the SBA is on the ground with our federal and local partners when there is a disaster helping business owners and homeowners get back on track with low interest disaster loans. Visit www.sba.gov to learn more.

Small businesses are a wealth of support and resources in their local communities.

SBA partners with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, SCORE, Jacksonville Women’s Business Center, the Florida Veterans Business Outreach Center, and the Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center to bring small businesses access to a wide range of support services. These free and low-cost services include much needed services like technical assistance, counseling, mentoring, and training.

We have seen small business owners like Dennis Chan, owner of Blue Bamboo Canteen and Bistro out of Jacksonville who has been able to purchase his own restaurant building space and hire 30 employees through SBA and resource partner assistance. He was recognized by the SBA as the 2021 State of Florida Small Business Person of the Year.

Small businesses are often members of the communities in which they live and work. There is a story behind every small business. Each business owner has a vision and a dream they want to bring to life. We can bring these dreams to life and keep our local economies thriving simply by supporting our local owned coffee shop, diner, boutique, and so many other businesses. Let’s support these businesses on Nov. 26 and commit to supporting them every Saturday in 2023 and beyond.

—Allen M. Thomas is the regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration. He is the White House appointed official responsible for the Southeastern Region Including: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

It takes a village: Help a small business

This holiday season, pitching in to support a small business may be easier than you think.

Many small towns are proud to feature a vibrant main street, and rightfully so. Busy storefronts are a sign of activity and growth. They also indicate strong community support.

But not every small business gets their start in a brick and mortar location. With the popularity of online shopping, more small entrepreneurs are learning that their dream of selling locally-produced food, artwork, and handmade items can be achieved from the comfort of their own home.

While home-based businesses have their benefits, they also deal with their own set of challenges. Walk-in traffic isn’t practical. The curiosity that comes from filling a storefront isn’t going to materialize. Catching the attention of community members with a bright sign or colorful display isn’t going to be as effective in a residential area.

Instead, these home-based businesses rely on word of mouth. That’s where you come in.

Many new entrepreneurs take to social media to advertise their goods. Give them a follow. This allows you to stay up to date on new products or special sales.

Your vote for governor impacted electric bills

To the editor:

editorial

Disagree?

Weigh

in!

Letters, guest opinions, comments welcome

The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be emailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com, or mailed to 2510 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33904. All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes. Readers are also invited to comment on any letter, guest opinion, or editorial online at: capecoralbreeze.com.

It also shows the business owner they have your support.

Consider sharing their information in a post on your own page. Your credibility can carry a lot of weight—when you share a local business with your friends and family, they’ll see you as a trusted source and give that business the benefit of the doubt. This can do more to drive sales than any catchy slogan ever could.

Finally, remember a positive review can make all the difference. Many consumers spend time researching a business before making a purchase. Letting others know you’ve had a good experience can help them feel confident in their investment.

Small entrepreneurs and business owners have been working hard to prepare for the holiday season. Now, it’s time to do your part.

— Jessica Campos, Women’s Business Center director, Center for Rural Affairs

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR

For years we stayed on a tight budget, worked hard and paid our $120 on average electric bill. This past year however, we received a shock when our electric bill rose to $600.

I did some research to get to the bottom of this. I found out the following:

We have our power through LCEC and LCEC has a contract to get energy from FPL.

Florida Power & Light asked the state if they could raise rates.

J.R. Kelly a consumer rights attorney had been fighting monopoly corporations requests to raise rates for years. He worked at the Florida Office of Public Counsel.

DeSantis signed a bill and our consumer utility rights attorney who had fought to keep rates affordable for years, J.R.Kelly, was forced to resign.

FPL was then allowed to raise rates by over a billion dollars!! And they are making record profits!

FPL then donated to Ron DeSantis. They have a PAC called NextEra.

Ron DeSantis then bought lots of fancy TV ads for this past election with the money

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t give LCEC or FPL permission to overcharge me so they could give our money to DeSantis or make record profits off our backs. I’m sick and tired of corruption at the expense of hard-working Floridians!

Next time vote him out. Until then we will need to vote every GOP lawmaker who also signed legislation to force J.R. Kelly out of office.

Under Crist, a former governor who ran against DeSantis for governor for the seat again, our electric rates were low and affordable. I remember.

C.A.Hughes,

MSW Cape Coral

Use of unmarked patrol cars for traffic stops can be frightening

To the editor:

I was recently stopped by a Cape Coral police officer in one of those unmarked and police vehicles. I felt so strongly about this officer’s behavior in this event that I wrote two letters to Police Chief Sizemore, one of them certified. I have lived in Cape Coral for 15 years and this is the first time I have ever had to pay a traffic ticket.

I have been told on several occasions that the purpose of the unmarked vehicles on our streets is to make them safer and not for the purpose of garnering additional revenue for city coffers. I have my doubts about that after recently having been frightened by a police officer in one of these unmarked cars that made me think I was caught up in a road rage incident.

I noticed a vehicle following me for a couple of miles going west on Diplomat Parkway from Santa Barbara. I was slowing down for the stop sign at Chiquita when this car came charging up on my left and slammed on his brakes. This scared the bejesus out of

me and I immediately took off before coming to a complete stop. An eighth mile later this vehicle comes charging up alongside of me again and my blood pressure (I’m 81 years old) went through the roof. I was just about to do a panic stop when he dropped back, pulled in behind me and turned on his lights.

Once I saw the lights I immediately pulled over and made a right hand turn onto Northwest 18th Place and stopped. When the officer came up to my window I admonished him in the strongest verbiage for his reckless driving and scaring the hell out of me. He said that he had been following me for two miles at speeds up to 54 mph. I told him if he had just turned on his lights sooner I would have pulled over just as I did. But this way a 9 mph over ticket was parlayed into an18 mph over speeding ticket with a failure to stop thrown in.

I’m hoping that this was a one-off event and that not all the officers that drive these vehicles do so in such a manner that it frightens an older people. If not, it is just a matter of time before one instigates an accident or medical emergency and Cape Coral ends up in a lawsuit.

Since this incident no one will ever convince me that the primary reason for these cars is safety. I’m sure that the citizens of Cape Coral never intended these UNMARKED cars to be used in such a manner.

—Breeze

Michael Newton Cape Coral

Jessica Campos Guest Commentary

Two returning, two new Cape City Council members sworn into office

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council welcomed two new and two returning members to the elected board on Friday.

Newcomers William Steinke and Patty Cummings were sworn in for their four-year terms in District 1 and 4, respectively.

“It’s an incredible honor and responsibility. It’s a long road to here and once you’re here, the magnitude and responsibility hits you,” Steinke said. “It all becomes real today. More than half the voters said I was fit for the job and it’s humbling.”

For Cummings it was more emotional, for on top of everything that happened in her life post Hurricane Ian, she had another with personal issue with which to deal. When her hand was on the Bible, she thought about her dad.

“I just lost him and he would be proud. He told me to never give up on your dreams because anything is possible,” Cummings said tearfully. “It would be an honor to work for this great city and for the citizens of Cape Coral.”

Also sworn in were Mayor John Gunter and District 6 Councilmember Keith Long. As they were previously appointed to their seats, this will officially be their first term in office.

Gunter said at the end of the meeting that the council has a huge task ahead.

“We are looking towards the future of our city. A lot of the decisions we make in the coming years we may not even see while we’re here in this seat,” Gunter said. “We’ll be planning for our future and I’ll be looking for input and expertise.”

The remainder of the meeting was devoted to determining to which committees the council members would be assigned.

Councilmember Tom Hayden was named mayor pro

tem, while Gunter will remain council's office manager.

Gunter was correct: council will have a lot on its plate. It will have to determine how to maneuver through the rest of hurricane recovery, including a major decision on FEMA's 50 percent rule coming on the board’s first meeting on Nov. 30.

The rule requires rebuilding to current standards, codes and requirements if damage exceeds 50 percent of the property's value. While the city cannot change the rule, it dos have some say in how value is determined.

Steinke knows there is a lot to tackle and is ready to get to work.

“We have a lot of infrastructure that was damaged

during Ian and we need to get our water quality back. We have to bring the people to our community and help rebuild it,” Steinke said. “We’re one of the largest cities in the state, so we have a big job, but we’re fit for the task.”

Cummings said she wants to be part of a positive change for the city.

“We have a dynamic team on the dais with different skill sets and I think with all of us working together we’re going to move forward and make positive changes happen for the city,” Cummings said. “You have to go through storms to see the light. We’ve been through our storm, but the light is just radiant.”

Housewarming party held for Green Day at city’s Rotary Park

Special to The Breeze news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife recently held a housewarming party for Green Day the Iguana to celebrate Green Day’s new cage and the beautiful wildlife mural adorning its walls, at Rotary Park.

CCFW's Cheryl Anderson, the event's organizer and Green Day's biggest defender, wrote the following about the life of Green Day.

During a “cold” spell in 2010 a green iguana was brought to Rotary park after falling from a tree. The Rotary park personnel, all reptile and wildlife lovers, warmed the iguana and kept him in a cage. He was named Green Day due to his beautiful green color. Green Day was kept in a cage because, as a non-native animal, he could not be released back into the wild. Green Day became an educational animal to show people what iguanas look like and the consequences of releasing non-native wildlife in Florida.

Green Day then moved into the Tom Allen Butterfly House since it was a larger enclosure. He lived quite happily with the butterflies until he got too large for the enclosure. A really nice outdoor screen enclosure near the front park was built for him and some other exotic reptile species. Green Day became the park mascot since he was the first animal most people saw as they came to the

park. Many of the park regulars would stop and talk with him and bring him treats (he is a vegetarian).

In 2021, the Florida Wildlife Commission established new regulations for non-native wildlife enclosures. The regulations required a concrete structure with a concrete floor and double screening. The cost for the new enclosure was over $20,000! The consequences of not building the enclosure would have been death for Green Day. The FWC would have confiscated him and euthanized him.

So the Friends of Green Day, the Rotary Club and the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife came up with the funds to build the new enclosure. This was a community supported project.The beautiful new mural was also a contribution by the Friends of Green Day.

“We like to think that Green Day has given his life to educate humans about the problems with non-native wildlife,” Anderson said. “He certainly deserves special treatment. It is hopeful to see how many people can care about an animal.

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

On Saturday, there were hundreds of bikes parked in the middle parking lot at the Shell Factory, their riders listening to music and admiring their rides during the first Bike Night of the season.

The event kicked off what will be an entire month of fun at the historic destination, with December events including Santa Claus and even the first huge fundraiser for the Nature Park, as it is being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian.

The holiday funs starts Friday with Santa visiting the Christmas House on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. Children will have the opportunity to give him their gift ideas and take pictures with the jolly old elf.

Santa will be back on Sunday, Dec. 11, and on Monday, Dec. 19, at the same time.

There will be a breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec.

18. Children 12 and under are $5.50 and adults are $8.95. Reservations are required and they are going fast, organizers said. The number to call is 995-2141, extension 110.

“Santa will be here on other dates, too. So, check the website to see when he’ll be here,” said Anne Sheridan, general manager of the Shell Factory.

In the Holiday House, there will be 20 percent off all collectibles throughout the entire month of December.

But the biggest event in December will be the Nature Park fundraiser at Scallywags Fun Park on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under, and it includes a free carousel ride, free mini golf, a free pass to the Nature Park when it reopens, and the opportunity to see several of the animals up close, including Hootie the Owl.

“We’re bringing the animals to the people. The animals are fine, but their homes are messed up,” Sheridan

said. “With what you get for the price of admission really makes this a bargain.”

All proceeds will go towards the rebuilding of the Nature Park, which was badly damaged during the storm and will take around $300,000 to repair.

Sheridan said they are looking for corporate sponsors for the event, with three levels at which companies can participate.

“A company may want to have their name on an enclosure, they can donate $5,000 or $3,000. We’ll take anything we need. We hope to be open by Christmas,” Sheridan said.

Of course, Tommy’s is open, the Southern Grill has reopened and The Players Circle Theater has shows on stage. “The Lady with All the Answers,” a production about famed advice columnist Ann Landers, will run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 18.

For more information, visit www.shellfactory.com or call 995-2141.

Bill Steinke, left, newly elected City Council member for District 1, poses with Green Day, above, at the housewarming party.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

New District 4 councilmember Patty Cummings is sworn in by Aaron Bathory during the Cape Coral City Council meeting Friday at City Hall. Councilmember Dan Sheppard holds the Bible.

CHUCK BALLARO

Annual Christmas Carol Sing set for Dec. 6

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The popular Christmas Carol Sing will return for its 31st annual year at First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Fort Myers with two sing-alongs on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to benefit Community Cooperative.

Doors will open 30 minutes before the 90 minute singalongs, which will be held at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“It’s a feel-good event,” said First Presbyterian Pastor Dr. Paul deJong. “The price of admission is any canned food, dry goods, or toss what you can into the plate when it passes. Every cent goes to those in need right here in Fort Myers. As a church we don't take one red cent. Everything they get goes to those in need right here.

“With what has transpired in the last several months, the community need has been in flux, so many in need that weren’t before. It is an easy, calm, pleasant way to do something to help our community who we all love.”

Cash donations received can purchase five times as much food for the same amount residents spend at the grocery store. The canned, nonperishable goods will go directly to Community Cooperative.

Christmas Carol Sing is simple: Everyone gathers together to sing popular Christmas carols. The performance includes the First Presbyterian Church Choir, soloists, as well as other special guests.

“When my mother was growing up in the Netherlands, men used to walk down the street singing together. Now we have earbuds in our ears and we are listening to other people sing,” he said. “I don’t care how poorly you can sing, you can belt out some Christmas music (during Christmas Carol Sing) and it is just fun. It is a joy to sing together. When it is all of us together you can sing as much as you want.”

Roger Peterson, the minister of music at First Presbyterian Church, said they will sing advent songs, such as “Joy to the World,” and “Silent Night,” as well as secular songs like “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.”

This January will mark 21 years that Peterson has been involved with the church.

“It’s a great way to get the community to come together. Where you worship on Sunday morning is not nearly as important as being part of a big family that loves the Lord and loves to sing,” Peterson said. “Everybody is welcome. It’s carols that we all sing together and all fill our hearts with joy and that is why this season is so special.”

In addition to the music, Santa will also be in attendance to listen to all the boys and girls, while offering an opportunity for attendees to take photographs.

The Christmas Carol Sing is sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and the Galloway Family of Dealerships.

Community Cooperative is a world- class organization that helps those in need, deJong said. The organization started in their church as a dream a few decades ago and has now developed into an organization that is first rate in helping those in need.

“When you are in the midst of recovering from a disaster storm, the need is more profound, more prolific and challenging in so many ways. They know how to get the gifts to those who need it most. They know how to get the gifts to those who need it most,” he said.

deJong said there were so many people in need before

First

Hurricane debris collection paused in the city of Cape Coral for the Thanksgiving holiday

The City of Cape Coral's debris removal contractor will pause operations to allow employees time to travel home and spend the Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones.

Debris collection was scheduled to pause on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and resume on Monday, Nov. 28.

“The haulers have been working from sunrise to sunset to remove debris since

October 5, and many have been away from their families in states as far as Michigan and Wisconsin,” the city said in a release issued Tuesday. “We are grateful for their assistance and commitment to helping our City recover from Hurricane Ian.”

The city's public drop-off sites will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving Day:

■ Vegetative Debris Drop-off: 2930 NW 13th Street

No construction and demolition debris will be accepted.

■ Construction and Demolition Debris Drop-off: 1821 SW 42nd Street

No hazardous waste or vegetation will be accepted.

Proof of Cape Coral residency is

required to use the public drop-off sites.

Items brought in a bag must be emptied at the site, and the bag must be taken with the resident when they leave.

REMINDER: Hurricane debris should NOT be placed in plastic bags. The debris hauler WILL NOT collect it. Vegetation may be stacked or placed in a paper lawn bag ONLY.

Hurricane Ian impacted Lee County meaning there are more people who are unexpectedly in need.

“It’s even more challenging to raise funds because so many who would otherwise give are now struggling themselves. An event like this is even more important,” he said.

Community Cooperative provides more than 26,000 meals each month through its programs Community Cafes, Meals on Wheels and school programs. In addition it distrib-

utes more than 1.4 million pounds of groceries through its Mobile Food Pantries and serves 9,000 individuals and families with homeless and comprehensive case management services.

Presbyterian Church is at 2438 Second St. between Lee Street and Royal Palm Avenue, Call (239) 334-2261, or visit fpcfortmyers.org for more information.

ABOVE: The Rev. Roger Peterson, First Presbyterian Church minister of music, leads the annual Christmas Carol Sing at a past event.

LEFT: First Presbyterian Church Pastor the Rev. Dr. Paul deJong and his daughter Sarah deJong.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

New coalition to target housing crisis

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

A coalition has been formed to address Southwest Florida’s housing crisis.

Bright Community Trust will coordinate the Collaboratory’s effort to bring groups together to tackle the issue in the five county area — Lee, Hendry, Glades, Collier and Charlotte counties.

The initiative began after Collaboratory, a Fort Myers based non-profit, issued a Call for Information and 30 to 40 organizations recognized the need and expressed a desire to participate in the solution.

“The first step for Bright Community Trust will be to help invite these organizations together and explore the definition of a coalition,” said Chief Collaboration Officer for Collaboratory Terry Mazany. “How that would be organized around the region’s priority that this was done before Hurricane Ian and it was already a crisis in housing. Now the housing crisis is 100 times of that. The urgency and magnitude of the housing challenges are even greater.”

The effort has been in the works for sometime.

“We have been in conversation with the Collaboratory for several years about establishing regional housing work,” Bright Community Trust President and Chief Impact Officer Frank Wells said. “With the pandemic we had to put the idea on pause for a while. Four, five, six months ago we got back in the conversation. Housing issues have become more acutely challenging.”

Mazany said this is part of Collaboratory’s commitment in coordinating and solving the region’s social issues. The Call for Information was issued last spring to see where the interest was. Housing came to the top.

“Bright has experience and work doing this type of organizing around housing solutions in the region, to the north of us, but Florida generally,” Mazany said.

Mazany said he believes the need is twofold: to have an immediate solution and

long-term one.

“We are not going to say within 30 days we would have housing units to fill the gap from the hurricane, but recognizing that we need to demonstrate to the community that there are solutions for new housing opportunities coming out of the ground. At the same time knowing this is a long-term realistically for three to five years adding substantial progress,” he said.

When looking at these glimmers of opportunity within a difficult time, Mazany said they look at entanglements, how everything connects. When looking at housing, there are also issues of construction cost, land availability, insurance, as well as the market itself and location of where housing is relative to the need and transportation.

The Collaboratory has already had employers on the record stating there needs to be affordable employee housing.

Mazany said it’s about building to a higher standard to resilient construction that can withstand hurricane force wind and weather.

“There is a consensus from people that we work with at the Collaboratory that we don’t want to go through this level of devastation again. How do we help to build to the new standards? Most of the construction standards and building codes are already on the books. How do we make those affordable? Strengthen those?” Mazany asked.

There likely will be another hurricane, but the focus is not having people displaced from their homes at the numbers they are currently at as a result of Hurricane Ian.

“It’s really fortunate timing that we were in the midst of standing up this collaboration for housing with organizations that are doing

the work and have the know how, experience and relationships with communities, so that all voices are heard at the table,” Mazany said.

Mazany said one of the premises for the collective efforts with coalitions is they will have the ability to do things that individual organizations cannot. For example, Future Makers has more than 150 partners, which is the kind of scale they need given the magnitude of devastation in Southwest Florida.

“They will have the ability to secure resources beyond the ability of any one of the organizations,” he said of a collective, united approach. “We will be able to make a case for the need and wherewithal to move quickly to help people get rehoused and remain in our community, so they are not displaced and have to leave to pursue opportunities elsewhere.”

Wells said it is going to be a big task, but there is a lot to bring to the conversation about making sure housing recovery really is a recovery for everyone living in Southwest Florida. Conversations and planning will stem around how do they plan for more resilient building efforts for individual housing, or apartment buildings at a neighborhood, city and regional scale.

The idea is to look at how they rebuild to make sure options are available at every income level and stage of life. Wells said they want to make sure options are income affordable that are safe and well built.

“From our previous experience with recovery work, the immediate response effort includes FEMA and emergency vouchers that get people into having a roof over their heads. The next step of short-term immediate hous-

ing solutions is just starting to get under way. That will be one of the most critical parts of the recovery,” Wells said. “The next stage of work, bringing the workforce back and making sure people can get back to their lives as much as possible and as quickly as possible.”

Bright Community Trust began in 2008 when it was realized that money was being put into affordable housing with rent below market rates for those with lower income to ensure they had a good, safe and affordable place to live, which only lasted for a certain period of time with more money being put into them to replace units.

Wells said they use a Community Land Trust model that allows a developer to build on a site by paying a small ground lease, which could potentially be free. The ground lease is for 99 years.

“It’s a way to extend the affordable period to a permanent affordability level,” he said. “We have been part of developing 17 apartment complexes that rent below market rate. There are 18 under construction next year in Orlando.”

A couple of years into their work, the same kind of thing was happening for affordable loan ownership opportunities.

“You are getting a home at an affordable price in exchange for affordability for the next family. You can stay in the home for five years, or 35 years, (it will remain an) affordable resale for the next family," he said. “We love this tool for preserving affordability. It is an affordable home sale, or affordable home rental. It remains affordable forever.”

Bright Community Trust has also helped with a pandemic emergency food access program, COVID testing in neighborhoods, as well as emergency rental assistance dollars.

“We are super excited about the opportunity to work with the Collaboratory. They do some really amazing work and the way that they are framing the approach in addressing those issues is really ambitious. There are big challenges ahead, but really excited to be a part of the team working to solve it,” Wells said.

Lee County property tax bills for 2022 are in the mail

More than 538,000 property tax bills were mailed to home and business owners in Lee County Wednesday.

This information can also be accessed online at LEETC.com.

”These bills reflect the value of the property as of January 1, 2022, when Florida law required them to be assessed. They do not reflect any damage or destruction caused by Hurricane Ian,” a release from the Lee County Tax Collector issued Tuesday states.

Those whose property was completely destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by the Hurricane will receive an extension on both the tax deadline and the discount period under the Governor’s Executive Order 22-242.

If property owners feel they qualify, they must contact the Property Appraiser’s Office at leepa.org or 239-533-6100.

Those who meet the criteria will have until May 31, 2023, to pay their taxes, with a

Those

4% discount in November, December, and January, 3% in February, 2% in March and 1% in April.

“We know that many in our community have lost everything, and we are focused on helping them to make a path forward,” said Matt Caldwell, Lee County Property Appraiser. “It is important that those who have suffered damage contact my office so we can take your information and keep you informed about any actions that could provide tax relief.”

If a property owner does not qualify under the Governor’s Executive Order, the

Tax Collector has extended the 4% discount period until Dec. 31, with taxes due March 31, 2023. Typically, that level of discount ends in November. Those paying in January will have a 2% discount, and those paying in February will see a 1% discount.

“We know that nearly all home and business owners in Lee County were affected by the storm in some way and we are doing everything that we can to help them,” said Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector. “We are also working to be thoughtful of our Taxing Authorities whose resources have been depleted as they work toward recovery

in the wake of Hurricane Ian.”

This year’s property tax collections are expected to be $2,060,969,659 before discount and any potential action by the Legislature which may come during a Special Session in December. Money collected is distributed by the Tax Collector to the taxing authorities in Lee County which pay for many services, including fire and rescue, law enforcement protection, and infrastructure such as schools, roads, and utilities.

By law, the Tax Collector is required to mail and collect property tax bills. Property taxes are payable anytime between now and March 31, 2023, unless you qualify for an extension under the Executive Order.

Property owners whose property taxes are paid through an escrow account should contact their mortgage company for information about the company’s plan for remitting escrowed property tax payments.

“From our previous experience with recovery work, the immediate response effort includes FEMA and emergency vouchers that get people into having a roof over their heads. The next step of short-term immediate housing solutions is just starting to get under way. That will be one of the most critical parts of the recovery. The next stage of work, bringing the workforce back and making sure people can get back to their lives as much as possible and as quickly as possible.”

— Frank Wells, Bright Community Trust president and chief impact officer

whose property was completely destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by the Hurricane will receive an extension on both the tax deadline and the discount period under the Governor’s Executive Order. If property owners feel they qualify, they must contact the Property Appraiser’s Office at leepa.org or 239-533-6100.

Animal Services celebrates with annual Gift Giving Tree

Lee County Domestic Animal Services will celebrate the upcoming holiday season with its annual Gift Giving Tree.

The tree in the adoption lobby at Animal Services is decorated with ornaments that have a wish list of gifts for the shelter pets on it. Visitors may pick one up and return them to Animal Services by Wednesday, Dec. 21, to help make the animals’ holiday a little brighter. The ornament is yours to keep for your tree.

The adoption center is open 10:30 a.m.

to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers. The center has dogs, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs looking for a home just in time for the holidays. Visit www.leelostpets.com to see pets available for adoption.

The adoption package includes spay or neuter, microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, county license and a 10-day health guarantee. This is a $600 package. Volunteers and staff are waiting to introduce your new family member to you.

Cultural Park: Back in the spotlight

From page 1A

be inspected and reported on by an engineer, but thankfully they got the green light that the building is safe and they can proceed. He said smaller issues around the property with concern to hurricane damage will be addressed over time.

“We count our blessings and our thoughts and prayers go out to those less fortunate,” Fleming said.

A night out taking in a show can be a welcomed distraction for those that have spent the last few months full of stress and anxiety.

“It is easier said than maybe actually done, but attending any of CPT’s upcoming events can help us escape for some time from the stress that has impacted us all,” Fleming said. “We want to offer a few moments of entertainment that may help moving forward during this holiday season a little bit easier.”

CPT will also be collecting canned goods/non-perishable food and/or a new unwrapped toy through the end of their season in 2023.

“Hopefully that can help those who may not be able to attend, but need some cheering up,” Fleming said.

Opening their holiday month is Alyssa LeMay with her One Night Only performance on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Neil Zirconia, The Ultimate Faux Diamond, returns to the stage with his tribute to Neil Diamond and others on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. Another CPT favorite, David Morin, brings his Holiday Tribute to Elvis and others on Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. Michael D’Amore’s annual Evening of Christmas Cheer takes place Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.

On Dec. 16, the Cape Coral Museum of History and CPT will welcome local residents and guests to an evening viewing of two episodes of the 1960s TV show “Route 66” that were filmed in Cape Coral. “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” is sponsored by the Gunterberg Charitable Foundation and held at Cultural Park Theatre. The night will feature 1960s music, food, drinks, 50/50 raffle, silent and chance auction items, and the viewing

On Dec. 16, the Cape Coral Museum of History and Cultural Park Theatre will welcome local residents and guests to an evening viewing of two episodes of the 1960s TV show “Route 66” that were filmed in Cape Coral. “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” is sponsored by the Gunterberg Charitable Foundation and held at Cultural Park Theatre. The night will feature 1960s music, food, drinks, 50/50 raffle, silent and chance auction items, and the viewing of both episodes. The fundraising event will benefit both the museum and the theater. Tickets are $20 and include food and two drinks.

of both episodes. The fundraising event will benefit both the museum and the theater. Tickets are $20 and include food and two drinks.

The 2022-23 Broadway Series continues with “The Sound of Music," which runs from Jan. 12 to 22. “Pippin” runs from Feb. 16 to 26, and “Grease” is onstage from March 9 to 19.

Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m.

CPT’s comedy show schedule will be rearranged for some time after March.

CPT is now offering tickers for purchase on their website. Tickets to all concert and Broadway Series events can be purchased online at www.culturalparktheater.com/online-ticket-sales. Patrons can also purchase their tickets by calling the box office directly as well at 239-7725862.

Fleming said anyone interested in auditions, both adults and teens, or those who would like to volunteer, can call the theater to inquire.

CPT is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd.

Shop Small: ‘Buy local’ promoted

From page 1A

For those buying for children, top toys for boys this year include 1. Lego, 2. Hot Wheels, 3. cars and trucks, 4. PlayStation, 5. video games, 6. Pokemon, 7. Nerf, 8. electric/remote control cars, 9. dinosaurs, and 10. Xbox. For girls, the top toys are 1. Barbie, 2. doll, 3. L.O.L. dolls, 4. Lego, 5. makeup, 6. Squishmallows, 7. American Girl and apparel (tied), 8. Disney-related items, 9. baby doll, and 10. cell phone and Magic Mixies (tied).

This Small Business Saturday, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with its resource and community partners, is encouraging consumers to “shop small.”

“It has been an extraordinarily difficult couple of years for many of our small business owners across the country,” said SBA Administrator for the Southeastern Region Allen Thomas in a release. “Florida’s 3 million small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.”

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and cosponsored by the SBA since 2011. In 2021, there was roughly $23.3 billion in economic impact for small businesses across the country on the holiday according to a consumer insight survey.

“Let’s start here and commit to supporting at least one or more small businesses on November 26, 2022,” Thomas said. “If we all do our part to support independent retailers and restaurants, then the impact can be seen and felt in our local communities.

“It is a good place to start, and we must keep the momentum going all year. The SBA is here to support our small businesses through our programs and services.”

There are also advantages of shopping small rather than at a big box store.

“There are many perks of shopping at a small business including positive impact on local economy, better customer service & product diversity,” Quinn said. “These businesses are also likely to give back more to our community.”

SCHEA is working to support local businesses this Saturday with this South Cape Gift-or-Treat event.

The gift-or-treat starts at noon and runs until 4 p.m. where parents can bring their little ones to have their stockings filled with goodies at South Cape businesses. There are gifts for kids and adults alike, as some businesses will pass out treats of higher value, such as gift cards to local establishments. A limo bus will transport children and families safely across Cape Coral Parkway from Big John's Plaza to Zak’s Jewelry.

“The Business Gift-or-Treat is a twist on our Trick-or-Treat,” Quinn said. “Kids love to dress up and get involved. It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays with your family. Also, it brings people to businesses that they may not have known were there. Right before the holidays, we want to build up the South Cape hype and shop-

ping local.”

If free gifts aren’t enough to entice, children also will have the opportunity to take a free photo with Santa Claus.

Participating locations include: Art in the Cape, The Cole Team at RE/MAX Realty Group, Duval Street, Eight-Foot Brewing, John Michael's Diamond & Jewelry Studio, Karma and Coconuts, Lehne Burger, No. 3 Craft Brews & Beer Bar, Perk & Brew, Pure Joy Massage & Wellness, Salt Life, Mortgage, Trebing Tile & Carpet, and Zak's Jewelry.

“Our community is working together to rebuild,” Quinn said. “Many businesses have been able to slowly reopen. At SCHEA, we’ve monitored the social media of our South Cape neighbors to share any updates we can. The more information we can share, especially to those newly reopened, the quicker they can get back to normal operations.”

Merrick Seafood Company, at 1229 Southeast 47th Terrace, is offering a Black Friday deal with its gift cards: buy $100 get $50 free.

“We need our residents’ support now more than ever after Ian,” said Kerry Krieg, owner of Merrick Seafood and Fish Tale Grill in the South Cape. “Some businesses never will reopen.

“The benefits of supporting local that is this is our way of giving back to our residents, and they are in turn helping us at the same time.”

FOS Furniture is having its annual Black Friday sale with “big deals” and markdowns throughout the store. As one of the largest independents in Southwest Florida, FOS says it is able to offer competitive prices all year long.

“It is so important to support local because we all live in the community and it has the trickle-down effect,” said FOS Furniture owner Pat Corlew. “If our businesses are open and doing well, we can continue to keep our employees which in turn have them shopping and buying local.”

His No. 1 reason to shop local?

Customer service.

“I am at the store everyday doing anything that needs to be done,” he said. “Most of our employees have been with us for 10-plus years and quite a few over 20 years. We all are committed to customer satisfaction. Customers also enjoy being able to buy and pick up and take it home the same day.”

FOS is at 790 Del Prado Blvd. N.

DoorDash or Uber Eats.

“It is so important to support local because we all live in the community and it has the trickle-down effect. If our businesses are open and doing well, we can continue to keep our employees which in turn have them shopping and buying local.”

— Pat Corlew, owner, FOS Furniture

Holiday season treats

What’s better than the house-filling smell of a slow roasting Thanksgiving turkey and a freshly cut holiday tree? For me not a whole lot but for others the odor of freshly caught Gulf red snapper cooking under the broiler or frying in the skillet really gets them going.

If you want your own, then take advantage of the short holiday season starting Nov. 25 through the 27. Catching your own is the best way to insure you’re not buying the most faked commercial fish in the world. Estimates range from 75% to 90% of red snapper sold to restaurants and the public are actually something other than red snapper.

When buying red snapper, never buy any which are skinned. You want to see a bright pink red skin on fillets. Popular, plentiful and also very tasty mangrove snapper are open to harvest all year with a 5 per person limit and a 10-inch total length rule in state waters and 12 inches in Federal.

If you head offshore, make sure you comply with the rules and have a “rigged and ready” descending device or venting tools onboard as well as having your personal State Reef Survey Designation. Check My FWC for up to date info.

While others are smelling holiday treats, many are smelling toxic red tides and dead fish. This past week FWC sampling indicated medium to high concentrations of red tide extending from Sarasota to Estero Bay. Local high concentrations were along our barrier islands and in Pine Island Sound as well as scattered mats in Charlotte Harbor. Since freshwater is a red tide killer, hopefully predicted rains and stronger winds will help move it out of here. With hurricane-caused fuel and sewage contamination still present and now a red tide event, our environment and sea creatures are taking a beating.

At the current rate of increasing man-made and mostly greedbased water pollution, present and future council/developer planned overcrowding of the local natural resources, disastrous results to the environment like our ever disappearing local sea-grasses and dead sea life tell

the tale. It’s a simple formula; Water pollution = No seagrass = No fish.

To keep track of red tide blooms visit your FWC website for current maps and info, or simply call 866-300-9399 for red tide conditions.

Speaking of contamination, make sure to have an upto-date first aid kit on board with hydrogen peroxide and Iodine for cuts. Some swear by bleach. Whatever your remedy, make sure to treat on the water cuts seriously as flesh eating diseases are a real possibility.

With cooling waters, Marvin the Manatee and his happy brothers and sisters are moving about looking for warmth so keep a sharp eye out for them as you navigate shallow waters as well as obeying speed zone signs. To report a manatee in distress or dead, call 888-404FWCC.

If you’re boating along with fish flying out of the water, you might be in a Midwest river dodging 15-pound high jumping kamikaze carp trying to knock you out of the boat or at least super slime you. Imagine wearing helmets and pads to go river boating. Hopefully, you’re in Southwest Florida on an 80 degree day and the fish that you’re making jumpy are actually delicious pompano.

In that case, quietly circle back and fan cast the area with small shrimp-tipped jigs. Hop the jig, making sure to keep making bottom contact. Great fun on lite tackle and always fine eating.

Dodge areas of algae bloom and you’ll find the inshore gang still hungry and biting. Trout, snook, reds are along both sides of the harbor and in Bull and Turtle bays.

With holiday family in town, take the kids out and find a school of ladyfish or Spanish mackerel for some fast-paced fun and great photo opportunities.

Make sure your on-the-water tow policy is in effect.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. Contact him at 239-2829434 or captgeorget3@aol. com.

CAPE CORAL BREEZE SPORTS

Utah, Mississippi State win openers in Fort Myers Tip-Off

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Some of the best college basketball programs in the nation have arrived in Fort Myers for the annual Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off.

The high-stakes Beach Division games took place Monday night at Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida Southwestern State College.

In the first match-up, Utah outlasted Georgia Tech 68-64 in a game that came to the final minute.

The Utes had five players post double-digit scoring performances, led by guard Gabe Madsen who went 5-for-11 from the floor and added five rebounds and four assists.

"Well that's a good win," said Utah head coach Craig Smith. "Good bounce-back. We had a tough loss the other night and I thought we had two great days of preparation. Really proud of how we responded. Loved how we played connected."

The Utes had a great first half and opened the game on a 23-4

run and took an 8-point advantage into the break. The Yellow Jackets fought their way back in the second half, nearly coming out on top. They outscored their opponent 36-32 in the second half.

Georgia Tech guard Deivon Smith led his team with 15 points, six reboots and four assists over 31 minutes.

"Credit to our young men to fight back," said Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner. "In the second half we got a 4-point lead, but couldn't extend it. Give Utah credit, we weren't able to get some key stops late."

In the second game, Mississippi State held on for a 58-55 win over Marquette in a defensive battle. The Bulldogs were led by guard Eric Reed Jr., who dropped 15 points (6-of-7 on free throws), adding two rebounds.

"Our offense is a work in progress," said Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans. "We knew (Marquette) was going to compete at a high level. They were giving us problems. But we shot the three well and didn't turn over the ball.

We knew this was going to be a battle."

The Golden Eagles were down 6 at the break and with a little under 8 minutes to play in the second half, had a 4-point lead. Mississippi State eventually took over down the stretch and escaped with a win.

"We're disappointed in the end result but really proud of our guys with the way they fought back," said Marquette head coach Shaka Smart. "This was probably about as challenging a start as we've had, to a game, in two years. And Mississippi State had a lot to do with that. We knew we were going to be playing against five guys on defense. I think in the second half when our guys got to cutting and moving, we were able to run better offense. The way our guys defended for most of the night is how we need to defend."

Mississippi State will take on Utah in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Championship Game Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. on FS1. Marquette and Georgia Tech will play in the third-place game at 6 p.m., also on FS1.

Voting begins for November Athlete of the Month

Breeze Staff Report news@breezenewspapers.com

Voting for the Cape Coral Breeze Athlete of the Month for November is now open.

There were countless top performances from student-athletes in The Breeze coverage area to start the new school year and now it’s up to readers to decide who will earn top honors for the month.

Due to Hurricane Ian, the only set of Athletes of the Week in October have been included in this voting period.

Nominees for November include:

■ Melissa Blaine, junior, Cape Coral Seahawks: Blaine helped the Seahawks finished second as a team in the district, contributing two first-place finishes in the 200 IM and 500 Freestyle.

■ Adam Belof, senior, Bishop Verot Vikings: The senior rolled an impressive 268 in a match against North Fort Myers for an undefeated Vikings team that finished as the district runner-up and headed to the state championships.

■ Cole Tolbert, senior, Cape Coral Seahawks: Tolbert won medalist honors shooting the top score of 75 in the 2A-13 District Golf Championships.

■ Jaxon Mcardle Sykes, senior, Oasis Sharks: The do-it-all playmaker for the Sharks had a bigtime performance in the Sharks' Sunshine State Athletic Conference opening round 42-14 playoff win versus Bell Creek Academy. Mcardle Sykes caught two touchdowns and ran for two more, compiling 86 rushing and 52 receiving yards.

■ Matthew Turner, junior, Bishop Verot Vikings: The speedy wide-out reeled in 3 touchdown passes during the Vikings' 48-14 dismantling of Key West on the way to a district title. Turner led the team with five receptions for 144 yards and three scores, and also popped off a 26-yard run.

■ Katarina Hagler, junior, Oasis Sharks: The stellar bowler finished the year as the No. 1 seed heading into the FHSAA State Championships. There, she set a Lee County record for a single game with a 288, and increased her county record for 3 games with a 768.

■ Levontai "Bo" Summersett, senior, North Fort Myers Red Knights: The two-way star galloped for 272 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown run, and recorded an interception during the Red Knight's FHSAA 3S Region 4

Cape Coral Breeze Athletes of the Week

opening-round 49-13 playoff win over Barron Collier.

■ Samantha Chitu, junior, Oasis Sharks: The junior started off the season with a scoring touch, netting four goals and assisting on two others in the first two games for the now 3-0 Sharks. In the first match, she scored a hat trick versus Southwest Florida Christian.

■ Carter Smith, sophomore, Bishop Verot Vikings: The standout quarterback threw for 270 yards, rushed for 109, and scored five touchdowns on the ground as part of the Vikings' 42-39 FHSAA 2S Region 4 semifinal win versus Clewiston.

■ Stephanie Saracione, junior, Mariner Tritons: The Triton forward netted five goals and tallied an assist over two games for an undefeated Mariner team, including a four-goal performance against Bishop Verot.

Athlete of the Month nominees are comprised of the Breeze’s staff-selected Athletes of the Week for that respective month.

To vote, visit www.capecoralbreeze.com and click the Athlete of the Month Vote Now icon along the right-hand side. Voting is open until Dec. 1 at noon.

Week of the

Sponsored by:

Capt. George Tunison

From page 1A

going through until you get here.”

Mederos said in speaking with local residents and homeowners, he can feel the strife and sense of loss they feel. He’s there to help lessen the burden. Often times he’s carrying people’s lifelong possessions out to the curb.

“When you’re here and you’re doing work for them, for me personally, I treat it as if it were my home,” Mederos said. “I can empathize and connect with them. This is their lives. A lot people don’t have a helping hand, and that’s why we step out to come out and do as much as we can while we’re here.”

Mederos and his Team Rubicon and IsraAid peers are all volunteers. He said he felt compelled to join after being in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Jose in 2017.

“Being able to experience that... it made me want to step out into the arena and help,” Mederos said. “I had heard about Team Rubicon a little bit after, and when I found out there was another hurricane going to hit Puerto Rico and Florida, I felt that this was the time. I needed to do something.”

Mederos and his mother signed up and they both were deployed to Florida on Nov. 4. They went and worked on homes around devastated areas and when their week of duty was up, Mederos wanted to continue working, and requested an extension.

“I know I’m only one person, but one person is better than nothing,” Mederos said. “I got to continue to help and continue to connect with residents here. Being able to come out and just help and take a little bit of stress off the homeowner’s shoulders and be there in any way we can and see them gain a smile back, that’s more than words.”

Team Rubicon serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service by leveraging their skills and experience to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises. Founded following the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the organization has grown to almost 150,000 volunteers across the United States and has launched more than 800 operations both domestically and internationally.

“To see Team Rubicon and other people from all different parts of the U.S. and from overseas come together, it shows it doesn’t matter your race, age, ethnicity or religion, at the end of the day, we’re all human beings and we all go through things together. When you see people from all type of backgrounds come together to assist a community, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Now back in Texas, Mederos said he’ll be back in Southwest Florida to continue to assist residents on the 25th.

Another response team working around the region is ARS Global Emergency Management.

Their team of more than 440 industry experts is currently in Cape Coral, Captiva Island, Sanibel Island and Fort Myers working on many properties. One of their properties was even able to open up again for business just 13 days after ARS began restoration efforts.

ARS in an emergency management firm that started planning and preparing for the storm prior to Ian making landfall. They offer a number of services for response, ranging from search and rescue, support for critical infrastructure, mobile power generation and distribution, and damages to buildings and properties.

“The final piece is recovery, and that’s the long road,” said ARS Vice President Nathan Normoyle. “And that’s not only putting back what was damaged from a

construction perspective, but also instituting more resilience in a given scenario to prevent or lessen amount of damage if that event happened again.”

ARS has been a licensed general contractor in Florida since 2017, and has an office in Miami where ongoing operations took place prior to the storm. Normoyle said they mobilized resources to Florida for hurricane response from five of their bases as far away as Texas.

ARS was staged in Gainesville a few days prior to the storm, allowing them to track its “dynamic” path at a relatively safe distance while being a few hours away from being able to tangibly assist.

“We had boots on the ground about 11 hours after first landfall,” Normoyle said, as his was the first ARS truck in the convoy of response down to the area. “For the first two days of our engagement here, we had teams running our search and rescue boats primarily on the barrier Islands.”

Normoyle still remains in the Southwest Florida area post-Ian, and said the storm was unique in that it just about stalled when it hit Florida’s west coast.

“It kind of stopped and stood there for hours,” he said. “The amount of damage that would have been experienced if the storm kept moving at its previous speed would have been far less. We don’t often see that amount of sustained wind or rain in one area.”

He added that heavy damage to coastal cities and towns proved a logistical challenge getting to and from the areas.

ARS has team members all over the region, from the islands to Cape Coral and beyond. Normoyle said there are crews working on various properties in the Cape that sustained flooding and wind damage.

ARS’ clients are primarily commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-family.

“We’ve been involved with 3,000 to 4,000 multi-family units and helped in many cases stabilize the units and people with getting their belongings out of the buildings,” Normoyle said. “We’ve supported other with putting temporary power and HVAC equipment to allow them to continue to reside in their place of residence if safe.”

ARS also as a humanitarian-based arm that has in several local areas partnered with organizations such as the Cajun Navy to provide services such as power, medical triage and supplies, fuel, and other basic needs such as food and water.

In the initial days following the storm, ARS ran barge and cell service operations that supported first-responders on Sanibel and Captiva.

“There was so much done in the first 20 days here,” Normoyle said. “I’ve done this for 20 years and I’ve seen all shapes and forms of disaster... what was really touching in this instance was the amount of people that we were able to help on the firstresponder and humanitarian side.”

Nomoyle recalls sitting around a table with senior leadership roughly 10 days after the storm and saw smiles all over despite having just put in 20-hour days of work for multiple days.

“I had to stop for a minute and ask, ‘Why is everyone smiling?’” Normoyle said. “And the answer was so organic and natural: ‘Do you see what we’re here to do?’ It had nothing to do with money or size of equipment, it had everything to do with the impact on the community. It was a real moment for me watching seven or eight seasoned 20- and 30-year veterans of this disaster emergency space tired beyond belief and with the biggest smiles on their face. It was so cool.”

ARS has a long way to go before they take off. Normoyle said they are currently slated to continue working between the

“The

“From

aged.”

For more information on Team Rubicon, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org.

For more information on ARS, call 1800-500-3213 (24-hours) or visit www.ARSGEM.com.

—Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj

Travel: Traffic on the roads expected to be third-busiest ever

From page 1A

exactly? AAA officials had one message: leave early. Travelers should expect much heavier than normal congestion Monday through Wednesday afternoon and early evening. AAA officials anticipate traffic to be lighter during the morning and late evening hours and on Thanksgiving Day.

On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol launched the “Safe Holiday Travel” campaign to ensure the safety of all road users this holiday season. Officials said millions of Floridians and visitors are expected to travel on local roadways over the next two months, the busiest long-distance travel period of the year, and FLHSMV will be educating Floridians and visitors throughout the holiday season on all aspects of safe driving.

The multi-phased safety messaging will be staggered throughout November and December, starting first with a focus on having a road-ready vehicle. Officials said tires are a vehicle’s first line of defense on the road, so it’s critical to check your tires before hitting the road. FHP said 2021, there were 2,811 tire-related crashes in Florida, resulting in 176 serious bodily injuries and 32 fatalities.

“Florida continues to be a top holiday destination for visitors and residents, making our roads some of the busiest during the upcoming months,” stated FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “As you prepare to hit the road this Thanksgiving, or at any point this holiday season, make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the trip, always buckle up, and remember that safety is always in season.”

Last year, during the five-day Thanksgiving travel period (Wednesday to Sunday), there were 4,585 crashes (49 fatal) on Florida roads. The most crashes occurred on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day, while the least crashes occurred on Thanksgiving Day during that period.

“Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be out in force this holiday season to keep our roadways safe,” said Col. Gene Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Please make good decisions and Arrive Alive this holiday season. Never drive

Traveling this Thanksgiving?

Arrive early and pack some patience

The Lee County Port Authority offers the following tips for those traveling out of Southwest Florida International Airport this Thanksgiving:

■ Holiday travel may be different than in the past, but officials still expect a busy Thanksgiving at RSW and ask travelers to plan ahead. Please be in line at your security checkpoint at least two hours before your flight departure.

■ Parking lots may fill up more quickly between Friday, Nov. 18, and Wednesday, Nov. 23. Please give yourself extra time to find parking and consider alternative ways to get to RSW, such as being dropped off by friends or family or using commercial transportation. If necessary, RSW will post parking updates on the airport’s website and Facebook to keep travelers informed on availability.

■ Local roads are extremely busy, so allow extra time to get to the airport. To avoid congestion, use the I-75 Direct Connect to get to and from RSW.

■ If there is inclement weather forecasted at destination or connecting airports, travelers should check with their air carrier to see if there are any changes to their flight schedules.

■ Visit the Transportation Security Administration’s website at tsa.gov for tips about what you can and cannot bring through the security checkpoint.

For more airport information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

impaired.”

In addition to congestion on the roads, AAA officials said Thanksgiving travelers are likely to find long lines at the airport, too.

Air travel is up nationwide roughly 8% from last year, with 4.5 million Americans flying to their Thanksgiving destinations this year — an increase of 330,000-plus air passengers and nearly 99% of the 2019 volume.

It’s not uncommon for flight delays and even cancellations this time of year, due to inclement weather, staffing challenges, and high demand.

The Lee County Port Authority had some advise for travelers flying out of the Southwest Florida International Airport — expect a busy Thanksgiving weekend at RSW. Officials advise allowing for additional time for travel and parking so as to be in line at your security checkpoint at least two hours before flights departure.

AAA officials advised those taking to the skies to check in early online, monitor your flight status via the airline’s mobile app, and packing medications and extra set of clothes in your carry-on in case your flight is delayed or cancelled.

If you haven’t booked your flight yet,

AAA officials advised to take a flight that leaves earlier in the day, as afternoon and evening flights are more susceptible to delays. They also advise booking a direct

flight or considering traveling on Thanksgiving Day -- which could offer the best combination of availability and price.

“It’s not too late to purchase travel insurance, which can be extremely valuable for air travelers,” Haas said. “There are policies that can provide compensation for flight delays for as little as three hours. And if your flight is cancelled, passengers can receive compensation for covered out-of-pocket expenses.”

Travel prices have also increased in 2022.

AAA said airfare costs are up 22%, hotels up 17%, while car rental costs are 7% less. The No. 1 travel destination according to AAA this holiday season is Orlando.

As more people share the roads, the danger is multiplied for those on the roadside. AAA is reminding drivers to slow down and move over for first responders, tow trucks, and disabled vehicles.

“We want to make sure all holiday travelers, tow truck drivers and first responders make it home safely this Thanksgiving,” said Jenkins. “Please be courteous and move over for flashing lights, whether it’s a tow truck or a disabled vehicle with its hazard lights on.” For more information, visit www.AAA.com.

Tow to Go offers drivers a safe ride

AAA will be working to keep impaired drivers off the road during Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The Auto Club Group is activating its Tow to Go program, which provides transportation for the would-be impaired driver and their vehicle.

Tow to Go will be active from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, to– 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28. The number to call is (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.

AAA has offered Tow to Go during major holidays for almost 25 years. During that time, AAA has removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the road.

How does it work? When someone calls Two to Go, AAA dispatches a tow truck to transport the would-be impaired driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10 mile radius. The service is free for anyone, yet AAA asks that it be treated as a last resort.

Nationwide, AAA expects this to be the third-busiest Thanksgiving on the roads in history. Crash data from NHTSA proves that combining cocktails with crowded roads can be deadly. During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, from 2016-2020, more than 800 people died in crashes involving a drunk driver (NHTSA).

“AAA is proud to offer this service to help everyone make it home safely this Thanksgiving,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Alcohol, drugs and even prescription medications can affect your ability to drive. So don’t put yourself at risk. Find a designated driver or ridesharing program. If you’re tempted to drive impaired, call AAA instead and we’ll get you to a safe location.”

Tampa and Naples area for a minimum of two years, as there’s lots left to do.

work is endless,” Normoyle said.

what we seen the ground, I would venture to guess there remains at least half of the properties that were impacted that haven’t been sufficiently responded to or dealt with — some haven’t been touched at all, and that’s alarming. Maybe it’s the sheer number of properties that were dam-

A Strike Team with the non-profit Team Rubicon led by Chris Mederos traveled from Texas on Nov. 4 and has worked on homes in Bonita Springs, North Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. Team Rubicon and its IsraAid peers are all volunteers.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

My historical plant

By KATHY WOODLOCK news@breezenewspapers.com

As I was leaving a Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Flower Show many years ago, I happened to see Berne Davis, a long-time resident of Fort Myers and former Florida Garden Club President, discard some cuttings from her yard. I went over and grabbed a few of her cuttings and was successful in rooting a few of them. The one I call my historical plant is one of my favorite plants. I have given subsequent cuttings to a number of people, one of whom planted it at Lakes Park.

GARDEN

CLUBOF CAPE CORAL

The plant in question is a small shrub called Balfour Aralia, Polyscias piñata. The beauty of this small shrub is its upright growth habit, comprised of many stems. It is columnar in shape which lends itself to small areas. The leaves are especially pretty as they are variegate and are glossy with irregular milk white marking at it’s margins. This plant works well as a hedge, screen, specimen or in a container for the lanai. Although it is not native it is definitely Florida friendly.

Balfour Aralia grows well in our Cape Coral area (zone 10) and diseases are not a major concern. This plant prefers part shade/part sun but will also grow in shade. It can grow to a height of 6 to 10 feet with a spread of 2 to 4 feet. Balfour Aralia will grow in our sandy, alkaline Cape Coral soil but will also grow in loam and clay soils.

I will have several cuttings potted and ready for sale at the Garden Club’s annual sale, March in the Park, on March 11, 2023.

A close relative of the Balfour Aralia is another favorite of mine. This one has confused new visitors to my garden. They will comment that they didn’t know parsley grew so tall. I respond, “It doesn’t.” The plant in question is Parsley Aralia, Polyscias fruticosa, “Elegans.” It is an evergreen small shrub from the Pacific Islands with curled leaves resembling parsley. As with all aralias, it is grown for the attractive foliage. In our area this plant prefers part sun/part shade and well drained soil. Parsley Aralia can also be used for bonsai.

As with both of these Aralias, they are easy to grow and to propagate. A stem cutting placed in potting soil is all that needs to be done. Parsley Aralia works well in floral designs as the light green color complements the flowers used in the design.

As we approach the drier months of the year, remember to keep the citrus watered. A drip irrigation or letting the hose dribble on the ground to supplement the sprinkler and natural rain fall is suggested.

FGCU Water School researchers studying Hurricane Ian’s impact

By JENNA HACKEMAN news@breezenewspapers.com

Seven FGCU researchers from the Water School have returned from a week-long research cruise where they studied Hurricane Ian’s impact on the ocean. The team focused on water quality sampling, red tide development and benthic ecosystem monitoring, or the marine life at the lowest level of the ocean.

“The Gulf of Mexico was really altered by a lot of the pollution that got introduced into the water from the storm,” James Douglass said, a Ph.D. associate professor of marine science at The Water School. “It could take weeks or months to have all of the data out from the samples we took, but I think we’ll find that we lost a lot of sea bottom life, and it's going to take a while for that biodiversity to come back. I also think that the pollution levels are going to be elevated for a long time, and that’s going to cause a series of algae blooms that we're already seeing the start of.”

Douglass said the two major effects of Ian they saw during the cruise were pollution flushed out into the ocean by heavy rain and the destruction of sea-bottom habitats. Some areas of the sea floor Douglass described as looking like the “inside of a cement mixer.”

Four of the seven researchers were FGCU students, each with a different task to focus on while aboard the nearly 80foot research vessel.

One of those students was FGCU senior Gavin Costello, a marine science major in charge of studying the DNA of algae on top of the water.

Even though the data hasn't come back yet, Costello said he could tell the water was abundant in algae by the color it left behind when filtered.

“I could tell there’s a high abundance of algae because a lot of my filters were a yellowish, almost brown color,” Costello said. “That usually means there’s a high concentration of algae everywhere, but that was expected with all the nutrients swirling around in the water.”

This nutrient pollution brought by the storm gives the algae something to feed off of, causing it to become more abundant. According to Douglass, while a small amount of algae in the ocean is OK, too much can block sunlight from sea life and underwater plants at the bottom level of the ocean. Another issue is when the algae does eventually die, it consumes the oxygen in the water. This lack of oxygen and light makes the water uninhabitable and kills the aquatic life in it.

“There's a lot of algae out there, and there's a lot of harm that has come from it,” Douglass said. “The waters are very different from normal, especially near shore. Right now, protecting sea life wherever we can, especially on the edges of the area affected by the hurricane, is our best chance at giving the ocean a chance to recover.”

Douglass said the pollution that got loaded into the ocean from the hurricane will start to spread out to other places before gradually changing form and breaking down. Because it will be in the ocean in one form or another, Douglass predicts it will be a couple of years before the ocean is “back to normal.”

Kathy Woodlock is Past President of the Garden Club of Cape Coral, a Master Gardener and flower show judge.

Florida Gulf Coast University students and faculty conducted post-Hurricane Ian research in the Gulf of Mexico aboard the W.T. Hogarth.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Fort Myers Technical College, Cape Coral Technical College both receive workforce development grants

The School District last week announced that Fort Myers Technical College and Cape Coral Technical College have received nearly $1.2 million in grants from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grant program and the

“We

Technical College to expand program offerings in a few key areas. Workforce training for Diesel Maintenance Technicians and CNC Production Specialists are now on the horizon for job opportunities in Lee County.”

The $973,000 grant to Fort Myers Technical College supports the addition of new programs in Diesel Maintenance Mechanic and Computerized Numerical Control programs. Both programs will start offering classes in the 2023-2024 school year. The funding provides two years of seed funding to hire instructors for the programs as well as purchase the necessary fixtures, tools and equipment.Students in the diesel mechanic program will graduate with the necessary training and certificates for entry into the diesel service industry. Computer Numerical Control students will be trained and certified in the automated control of machine tools through the use of software embedded in a microcomputer attached to the tool.

Cape Coral Tech received $200,000 to renovate the school’s Nursing Simulation Lab and enhance the existing Practical Nursing program. The program is the top ranked LPN program in Florida.

“This is a great opportunity to immediately strengthen the nursing programs at Cape Tech,” said Charlie Pease, Cape Coral Technical College Director. “The funds awarded will help us expand and enhance our nursing simulation lab and ensure that it’s up to industry standards. The key to excellence is to never stop improving.”

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grant

EDUCATION NOTES

Palmer College of Chiropractic accepts Cape students for enrollment

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- The following students from Cape Coral were accepted for the fall 2022 trimester in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida.

■ Sofia Alonso has been accepted for enrollment for the fall 2022 trimester in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida Campus in Port Orange.

■ Jeslyn Kolasa has been accepted for enrollment for the fall 2022 trimester in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida Campus in Port Orange.

■ Joseph Perez has been accepted for enrollment for the fall 2022 trimester in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida Campus in Port

Orange.

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida.

Prejean attending Lasell University

NEWTON, Mass. -- Ionna Prejean of Cape Coral joined the Lasell University community this fall.

Prejean is majoring in fashion design and production. The fall semester at Lasell has been a busy one for new and returning students alike; the community celebrated the new academic year at its annual UBelong festival and will showcase original student research and scholarship at the upcoming Connected Learning Symposium.

Founded in 1851, Lasell University is located in Newton, Massachusetts. The University is known for its Connected Learning curricular approach, which takes students beyond the classroom and into their field of study. Every major includes practical, hands-on activities in the form of internships, service learning, study abroad, and collaborate research opportunities.

For more information about Lasell University, visit www.lasell.edu

Job Growth Grant Fund. The funding will support new and existing programs at the technical colleges.

are extremely grateful to have received workforce training funds from the Governor's Reserve and Job Growth Grant made available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act,” said Fort Myers Tech

Director John Roszell. “This award will further the Governor’s goal to make Florida number one in the nation for workforce education. The grant will allow Fort Myers

PHOTO PROVIDED

Gov. Ron DeSantis, far left, presenting the grants to Fort Myers Technical College and Cape Coral Technical College.

Lee County Band Christmas celebration Dec. 11 at Cape High

The Lee County Community Band will present its annual Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 11. This fun-filled, free program begins at 3 p.m. at Cape Coral High School.

The band will perform a variety of sacred and secular music, including traditional carols and beloved holiday songs that will rekindle the wonder of Christmas from years past. The program includes “Santa Baby,” with vocalist Jan Fenn;

“White Christmas,” “Celtic Bell Carol,” “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Feliz Navidad” and “‘Twas the Night Before.”

The 50-member adult band presents six concerts between November and April. Programs reflect the band’s well-earned reputation for lively, upbeat music and promise an entertaining mix of old favorites, energetic marches, beloved patriotic tunes, Broadway and Silver Screen hits, solos with vocalists Norman

Jones and Jan Fenn, and a sing-along.

Additional concert dates are Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 12, and April 23.

Band members are musicians from all walks of life who reside in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

The band welcomes new members every year. Persons interested in joining may phone Frances Pace at 239-6913115.

Lee County Community Band concerts

RELIGION NOTES

will be received for this event.

are free of charge (donations accepted), and open to the public.

All concerts will be at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd., one block north of Veterans Parkway, beginning at 3 p.m.

Plan to arrive early for best choice of seating.

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org

'Advent

One Trio Recital Program' Sunday at

First Presbyterian Church

On the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, at 4 p.m., the community is invited to the “Trio Recital Program” at Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway in Cape Coral. The Trio Recital features three students from Florida Gulf Coast University with their accomplished accompanist.

Lisa Acevedo, soprano, sang the role of Hansel in FGCU’s 2021 spring production of "Hansel and Gretel," and in Opera Naples last fall. She is a member of the FGCU Chamber Choir and served as soloist with the FGCU Women’s Chorus.

Daniela Pepa, mezzo-soprano, is a junior at FGCU and most recently studied in Salzburg, Austria, for five weeks as she

learned and performed the role of Marcelina in Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” as part of the American Austrian Mozart Academy.

Aaron Levine, bass, aspires to sing opera professionally, and is working toward that goal with numerous solo and ensemble performances in the Naples and Fort Myers area. He has performed Bastien and Bastienne at FGCU as well as at the Wang Opera Center.

The accompanist for the Trio Recital is Arturo Fernandez, born and raised in Trujillo, Peru, who performed with the Trujillo Symphony Orchestra at age six. While at FGCU, he received the honor of winning the MTNA Senior Piano Competition for the State of Florida.

The recital features work by Purcell, Schumann, Brahms, Mozart, Puccini and Verdi. Everyone is welcome to this Sunday afternoon recital, and a freewill donation

Founded in 1961, Faith Presbyterian is one of the oldest churches in the Cape and was the first to erect a church building in 1963. Worship is at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. For more information, please call the office at (239) 542-2858, visit www.fpcfl.org, or go to the church’s Facebook page.

Living Nativity Diorama returning to Messiah Lutheran Church in Cape

After three years, the Living Nativity Diorama is returning to Messiah Lutheran Church on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. But even though there have been many obstacles like COVID, participation and even Hurricane Ian, the congregation at Messiah has responded this year with a renewed passion for this live event.

The long tradition, which begun in 1988, has been a much-awaited event each year for people in the area. Hundreds of cars come each year to drive through the scenes that depict the events leading up to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and show the life of the people of the time through live actors. There will be live music to add to the experience, reminding us of the season.

Messiah has vowed to do whatever it takes to bring the diorama back to life and provide a little bit of Christmas hope for the people of our community. Visit the Living Nativity Diorama on Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, from 7-9 p.m., at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2691 N.E. Pine Island Road, in Cape Coral. The entrance is on Corbett Road.

For more information call the church office at 239-995-0133.

Issues with deeding a property to a family member

Dear Mr. Feichthaler:

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

Dear Patricia: The challenges the aftermath of Hurricane Ian has brought can seem overwhelming at times. The repairs, the insurance, the constant calls or “drop-ins” by unknown contractors can take its toll on our patience. However, there are many issues to consider before deeding a property to a family member.

— Patricia D.

What a difference a year makes in our real estate market!

Last year at this time when we were recapping the October 2021 sales numbers, we were writing about being on the verge of setting another record for the year in Cape Coral home sales. This year, with the number of closed home sales already slowing down considerably in the second half of the year due to sharply rising interest rates, Hurricane Ian delivered a severe blow to our lives and our real estate market. This reality is borne out by the fact that the number of overall closed home sales for the month of October (shown below) hit their lowest single monthly total since back in January 2014, when there were only 185 closed sales for the month. Median sales prices have softened this year, but are hanging in there so far in Ian’s aftermath, as we are about two months into the storm recovery process.

Homing In

homes under contract with buyers as pending sales in the Cape.

In the overall Cape Coral single-family home market, there were only 217 closed home sales in October, which was 60.5 percent lower than the 550 closed sales in October 2021, and 43 percent below the 381 sales in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, there were a total of 5,088 closed sales in the Cape’s overall single-family home market, which was 13.6 percent less than the 5,892 closed sales in the first 10 months of 2021.

The median sales price in the overall Cape Coral single-family home market was $445,000 in October, or 20.3 percent higher than the $369,950 posted in October 2021, and 8.5 percent above the $410,000 in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, the overall median sales price for homes in the Cape averaged $429,720 per month, which was 25.6 percent more than the average of $342,030 per month in the first 10 months of 2021.

homes

Indirect gulf access canal

Real Estate Law

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

Also, with the property in your daughter’s name, she will have total ownership and control of the property, and will possess the ability to sell the property, and keep the proceeds. Depending on your relationship and family dynamic, this could also lead to stress and serious financial losses.

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

As of Tuesday, Nov. 22, there were 1,320 active Cape Coral single-family homes listed for sale through a Realtor in the Multiple Listing Service at prices ranging from $240,000 to $4,999,999. This is up from 1,260 active listings a week ago. The median list price came in at $500,000 with 534 listings, or 40.5 percent of the 1,320 active listings, at $450,000 and under. Of these homes, 363 were at $400,000 and under with only 8 homes available for less than $300,000. There are 146 homes listed for sale in the Cape at $1 million and above. Pending single-family home sales totaled 551 at prices ranging from $170,000 to $2.85 million, with only 14 homes under contract at $1 million and above. A total of 356 Cape Coral homes, or 64.6 percent of the pending sales were at $450,000 and under, with 281 of these pending at $400,000 and below, including 20 homes under $300,000. We are now firmly in a cooling buyer’s market with declining sales and a rising inventory.

A year ago on Nov. 22, 2021, there were only 545 active single-family home listings in the Cape through the MLS at prices ranging from $212,500 to $5.995 million and we were in a red hot, low inventory seller’s market. The median list price was at $480,000 back then, before peaking at $610,000 in April of this year (based on our weekly market survey). A year ago there were 1,005

Spear celebrates 25 Years as a Florida Bar board certified specialist

in real estate law

The law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., recently announced that Bonita Springs attorney John Spear has completed his recertification, marking his 25th year as a Florida Bar board certified specialist in real estate law. Board certification is Florida’s official, independent determination of a lawyer’s expertise to practice in a specialty field of law. It is the gold standard for Florida lawyers that they have attained a level of professional expertise in their chosen fields.

Prior to joining Henderson Franklin, Spear was managing lawyer of his own law firm for 37 years. He has spent the majority of his 40-year career representing sellers and buyers in residential and commercial real estate transactions, as well as matters of title insurance and other real property issues throughout Southwest Florida.

Spear graduated with his

In the Cape Coral single-family indirect gulf access canal home segment (meaning canal homes with bridges in the canal system), there were 18 closed home sales in October. This was 66 percent lower than the 53 closed sales in October 2021, and 41.9 percent below the 31 sales in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, we had 507 closed sales in this segment, or 25.8 percent less than the 683 sales in the first 10 months of 2021.

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family indirect gulf access canal home segment was $859,500 in October, which topped the $705,000 posted in October 2021 by 21.9 percent, and it was 15.4 percent above the $745,000 in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, the median sales price in this segment averaged $805,200 per month, or 28 percent above the average of $629,100 per month in the first 10 months of 2021.

B.A. from Valparaiso University. He went on to obtain his J.D. from the University of Illinois. Spear may be reached at john.spear@henlaw.com or by phone at 239-344-1351.

Henderson Franklin has served the legal needs and communities of Southwest Florida since 1924. The firm is the largest, locally-based law firm between Tampa and Miami, with over 55 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers' compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Sarasota (by appointment). For more information, please visit www.henlaw.com.

MK Architecture named Firm of the Year

MK Architecture has been named the 2022 Architectural Firm of the Year by the Lee BIA Summit Awards program, in addition to two other commercial design awards.

MK Architecture specializes in commercial architecture including multi-family developments, hospitality, medical offices, industrial buildings, schools and religious facilities with offices in Fort Myers, Naples, and Lexington, Kentucky.

MK Architecture's local office is at 8200 College Parkway, Suit 101, Fort Myers. For additional information, call 239-482-2121 or visit mk-arch.com

Eric P. Feichthaler

Bob and Geri Quinn

Deeding issues: Family

From page 4B

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

I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Southwest Florida to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community

through the Cape Coral Caring Center, Cape Coral Museum of History, and Cape Coral Kiwanis. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for over 20 years, and they have four children together. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney.com, or 239542-4733.

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

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

From page 4B

CRE Consultants announces recent transactions

CRE Consultants has announced the following real estate transactions:

∫ Gulf Shore Cooling, LLC leased 18,537 square feet of industrial space at 2970 Cargo St., Fort Myers, from Magic Bus, LLC. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants represented the lessee and Bill Young & Biagio Bernardo of Lee & Associates represented the lessor in negotiating the transaction.

∫ Covenant Metabolic Specialists, LLC leased 7,580 square feet of office space in Renaissance Center at 9530 Marketplace Road, Suites 105 & 108, Fort Myers, from Brookwood SFL I, LLC. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants represented the lessor and Susan Goldstein of MSC Commercial & Robyn Farnsworth of MVP Realty represented the lessee in negotiating the transaction.

∫ Core Cleaning Services, Inc. leased two units totaling 4,000 square feet of office space in Metro Commerce

Center at 11220 Metro Parkway, Units 14 & 26, Fort Myers, from Metro Commerce Center, LLC. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants negotiated the transaction.

∫ Alternative Audio Solutions, Inc. leased a 1,600-square-foot office space in Metro Commerce Center at 11270 Metro Parkway, Unit 24, Fort Myers, from Metro Commerce Center, LLC. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants negotiated the transaction.

∫ Travis Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. leased a 1,600square-foot office space in Metro Commerce Center at 11270 Metro Parkway, Unit 9, Fort Myers, from Metro Commerce Center, LLC. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants negotiated the transaction.

∫ JJ Accounting Services, LLC leased an 890-square-foot office space at 1620 Medical Lane, Suite 211, Fort Myers, from Ferreira MD Investments, LLC. Enn Luthringer, CCIM of CRE Consultants negotiated the transaction.

CRE Consultants is at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 102, Fort Myers, Call 239-481-3800 for more information.

Difference: Year to year totals

From page 4B

Direct sailboat access canal homes In the Cape Coral single-family direct sailboat access canal home segment (homes with no bridges in the canals to reach open water), there were 10 closed home sales in October. This was the worst single month for the number of closed sales in this segment dating back to November 2011, when there were only 11 sales registered. It was also a whopping 77.8 percent lower than the 45 closed sales in October 2021, and 65.5 percent below the 29 sales in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, there were 435 sales in this segment, or 30.6 percent less than the 627 sales in the first 10 months of 2021.

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family direct sailboat access canal home segment was $920,000 in October, or 24.7 percent above the $737,500 in October 2021, and 9.5 percent higher than the $840,000 in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, the median sales price in this segment averaged $887,853 per month, or 30.9 percent more than the average of $678,243 per month in the first 10 months of 2021.

Freshwater canal and lake homes

In the Cape Coral single-family freshwater canal and lake home segment, which consists of landlocked canals and lakes with no boating access to the river or the Gulf of Mexico, there were 30 closed home sales in October. This was 55.2 percent lower than the 67 closed sales in October 2021, and down 26.8 percent from the 41 closed sales in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, there were 539 closed sales in this segment, or 17.3 percent less than the 652 sales in the first 10 months of 2021.

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family freshwater canal and lake home segment was $570,000 in October, or 29.5 percent above the $440,000 posted in October 2021, and 3.6 percent higher than

the $550,000 in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, the median sales price in this segment averaged $533,435 per month, or 33.2 percent more than the average of $400,624 per month in the first 10 months of 2021.

Dry lot homes

In the Cape Coral single-family dry lot (non-canal) home segment, there were 159 closed sales in October, which was 58.4 percent lower than the 382 closed sales in October 2021, and it was 42.8 percent below the 278 closed sales in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, there were 3,575 closed sales in this segment, or 8.2 percent less than the 3,893 closed sales in the first 10 months of 2021.

The median sales price in this segment was $391,000 in October, or 18.2 percent above the $330,750 posted in October 2021, and up 5 percent from $372,500 in September of this year. In the first 10 months of 2022, the median sales price for dry lot homes in the Cape averaged $381,380 per month, or 31 percent more than the average of $291,229 per month in the first 10 months of 2021.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of Nov. 21, 2022, unless otherwise noted. It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single-family homes, and does not include condominiums, short sales or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 43 years. Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.

Cape Coral Hospital named one of the best maternity care hospitals in the U.S.

Cape Coral Hospital made Leapfrog and Money’s list as one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in the country.

The Money Group, a digital platform that was originally founded as a print magazine, partnered with Leapfrog to create this list and, using Leapfrog's data, facilities were selected that consistently delivered the safest, highestquality maternity care. The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization focused on quality and safety in health care in the United States.

The list showed that Cape Coral Hospital has a cesarean section rate of 13.8%, which is well-below the national benchmark for a cesarean section at 23.6%. The hospital’s rate was at 31.9% in 2019. Bringing it down by almost 20 points was the result of collaboration and teamwork across a variety of departments. This is significant because there are less complications with vaginal births and having a cesarean section can lead to complications with the next pregnancy.

To be included in the list, eligible hospitals had to carry an ‘A’ or ‘B’ letter grade on the spring 2022 Leapfrog Hospital Survey and meet criteria specific to providing

maternity care. These included:

■ Having less than 5% of deliveries before 39 weeks for no medical reason

■ A cesarean birth benchmark lower than the national benchmark of 23.6%

■ An episiotomy benchmark less than 5%

■ Being at least 90% compliant in providing DVT prophylaxis to women and preventing blood clots for women undergoing a cesarean section

■ And screening for bilirubin in more than 90% of newborns

“The hospital safety grade and maternity list distinction show that Cape Coral Hospital is one of the best resources in the community for women’s health care and we’re very proud of that. We work hard to make sure our patients receive the best possible care here,” said Cherrie Morris, M.D., chief physician and operations executive at Cape Coral Hospital.

“I am extremely proud of our staff and being named to this list shows how much our Women’s Services Team goes above and beyond for their patients and their little bundles of joy,” said Candace S. Smith, Ph.D., chief nurs-

ing and operations executive at Cape Coral Hospital. “It’s a testament to the hard work and collaboration with everyone including nurses, doctors and midwives.”

In addition to being named one of the best maternity hospitals, Cape Coral Hospital also received an “A” grade from Leapfrog’s Fall 2022 Hospital Safety Grades, based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harms.

To view the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care list, visit https://money.com/best-hospitals/maternity/.

To learn more about Leapfrog’s Fall 2022 Hospital Safety Grades, please visit http://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/.

De Jong appointed to lead Lee Health

Cardiovascular Services

With almost 20 years of progressive leadership with hospitals, health care systems and cardiovascular service lines, Adam de Jong has been appointed as the new vice president of Lee Health’s Cardiovascular Services.

De Jong comes to Lee Health from Atrium Health’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he served as the assistant vice president of the Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery and Cardiac Rehabilitation programs across the cardiovascular service line at five Atrium Health hospitals.

In his new role at Lee Health, de Jong will be responsible for further establishing the vision and strategic direction for cardiac services in partnership with the Heart and Vascular Chief Physician Executive. De Jong will also collaborate with key medical leadership in evaluating new technology, innovations in the delivery of patient care, and opportunities to change the delivery model to be more progressive and effective.

Lee Health has a long history of excellence in cardiac care, with HealthPark Medical Center having been recognized multiple times as one of the Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals in the country by IBM Watson.

De Jong earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Honor a loved one with Hope Hospice’s

Tree of Lights

Hope Hospice’s Tree of Lights tradition offers a meaningful way to commemorate loved ones while providing essential funds for those in need of hospice care and grief support.

Hope’s Care Centers in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres will each feature a Tree of Lights adorned with white paper butterflies. With a $50 gift, Hope will customize a butterfly with the name of your loved one and place it at the location of your choice. Donors who give $100 will also receive a 2022 keepsake metal ornament engraved with the Hope Hospice logo.

To learn more about honoring a loved one this holiday season, visit MoreHope.org/Tree or call 239-482-4673.

With more than 40 years of experience as a local, notfor-profit healthcare organization, Hope Hospice provides comfort for people in life’s closing chapter. A compassionate team of staff and volunteers offers practical, spiritual, and emotional support for the entire family. For more information on hospice care, visit HopeHospice.org.

Lee Health heart physicians earn appointments

Two doctors from the Lee Health Heart and Vascular Institute have been recognized with prestigious appointments.

Dr. Richard Chazal, a senior cardiologist and the Medical Director of Lee Health Heart and Vascular

HEALTH NOTES

Institute, has been elected treasurer of the World Heart Federation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, for 2023-24. Chazal has served on the WHF Board for the past four years.

Dr. Juan Lopez-Mattei, Medical Director of Cardiac Imaging at Lee Health Heart and Vascular Institute, has been elected vice chair of the Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement Certification Board of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and, in three years, he will be the chair.

Since 1983, Chazal has practiced clinical cardiology in Fort Myers with a focus in echocardiography, diagnostic catheterization and coronary computerized tomography angiography.

Lopez-Mattei is a nationally recognized

expert in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, cardiovascular computed tomography and cardiooncology.

Learn more about Lee Health Heart and Vascular Institute at www.leehealth.org.

Celebration of Life Jan. 15

To honor the memory of loved ones in our community, Hope Hospice is hosting a Celebration of Life Memorial Service online Sunday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. Friends and families are invited to participate in this virtual gathering that is appropriate for all faith traditions. There is no charge to attend.

To RSVP, please visit HopeHospice.org/RSVP before Friday, Dec. 16. When you have completed your registration, you will receive a confirmation by email. For more information, please contact Manager of Bereavement Services Michelle Milita at 239-489-9189.

With more than 40 years of experience as a local, not-for-profit healthcare organization, Hope Hospice provides comfort for people in life’s closing chapter. A compassionate team of staff and volunteers offers practical, spiritual, and emotional support for the entire family.

For more information on hospice care, visit HopeHospice.org.

Family Initiative welcomes Mitchell to its board of directors

newest member of its board of directors, Margie Mitchell.

Mitchell will work alongside 10 board members as well as David Brown and Anjali Van Drie, the co-founders of the organization, to promote compassionate care and support to children and families living with autism spectrum disorder through community awareness and outreach.

Mitchell is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Cape Coral over 20 years ago. She met and married her husband, Danny Mitchell, raised their children and now help raise their grandchildren here is Southwest Florida.

The Mitchells own and operate FabriTech Screen Enclosures, the largest screen enclosure company in Southwest Florida.

Mitchell will join the board of directors where she joins forces with fellow advocates who help enhance the lives of all the children and families that Family Initiative

supports. Mitchell’s impact on the community through both her philanthropy and event planning have been critical to expanding services for families across Southwest Florida.

Established in 2015, Family Initiative, Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting children with autism and strengthening their families. Its team of clinicians serves children from a compassionate, personalized approach through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Occupational Therapy (OT) services, and offers autism play groups, teen meetings, parent education, community conversations and more. In addition, the organization provides child welfare caregiver training and support through its Family Impact Program. Visit fi-florida.org or find Family Initiative on Facebook and Instagram at @FamilyInitiative and on Twitter at @FI_Inc.

IMAG History & Science Center announces Winter Camps

The IMAG History & Science Center announces its day camps for students over the Winter School Break. This year, IMAG STEAM Camps are bringing science, technology, engineering, art and math to life for campers.

What’s more, campers also get to choose two clubs to attend (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) for specialized activities in smaller group settings.

IMAG STEAM Camps are scheduled for the first week of the Winter break, Monday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Dec. 30, and the second week, Monday, Jan. 2, through Friday, Jan. 6.

During the first week of camps, clubs include Maverick’s Top Flight Club, New

Year’s Party, Egyptian STEM Club and Gingerbread Engineers Club. During the second week of camp, clubs include Winter Chemistry Club, Winter Physics and Engineering Club, Winter Snack Artists and Winter FabLab Club. In addition to the clubs, campers also enjoy the museum, experience our live animal encounters, see science shows and a 3D movie, get up close with sea life in our Touch Tank, and much more.

Camp IMAG camps are inspiring, fun, and educational for your child. For more information and to register for camp, please visit: theIMAG.org.

The IMAG History & Science Center is at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-243-0043.

Grants: Technical colleges

From page 2B

demand industries.

“Today’s awards will go a long way for Southwest Florida communities that are still working to get back on their feet following Hurricane Ian, and I look forward to the opportunities these programs will create for Floridians,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle. CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard added, “The Governor’s investment will provide additional resources to connect Floridians with rewarding new careers.”

Family Initiative, a nonprofit, Cape Coral-based charitable organization dedi-

cated to supporting children with autism and their families, has announced the

program and the Job Growth Grant Fund support short-term, high-impact training for students who want careers in high