Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 29, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 48

Observer 11/29/23

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 29, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 48

Christmas Boat Parade to return Saturday

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Salty Sam's Marina at 2500 Main St. (left) will be the gathering place for at least 32 boats to gather for the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade this Saturday at 6 p.m.

The Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade returns this Saturday, Dec. 2, to Salty Sam's Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

After a two-year absence due to Hurricane Ian, the parade will kick off at 6 p.m. with boats leaving from Salty Sam’s Marina at 2500 Main Street/ This will be the 35th anniversary of the annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat

FILE PHOTO

Parade and the first since 2021.

"Things are progressing very well," Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said. "We have 32 boats signed up with more coming in."

Parade participant vessels will assemble in front of the docks at Salty Sam’s Marina at 5:30 pm. At 6:00 pm, the boats will begin to leave Salty Sam’s Marina going past Parrot Key Caribbean Grill See BOAT PARADE, page 13

Chief open to study for Iona-FMB fire merger

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Land owners near walkover deny Florida Audubon access to their properties

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

T

wo days after the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council voted in late September to grant a building permit to Kurt Kroemer and Ed Rood for their controversial 298-foot beach walkover at 8150 and 8170 Estero Blvd., emails started arriving to the Florida Audubon Society from nearby property owners.

The Florida Audubon Society say they received emails and correspondence from the owners of 11 properties over a

two-week period, barring the nonprofit environmental organization from those properties near the walkover that crosses state lagoons which flow into the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area.

The notifications do not restrict access to any lands not privately owned.

Rood and Kroemer completed construction of the boardwalk this past week and have stated that 11 neighboring properties will have access to the lagoon walkover, which crosses state lands, marshland, wetlands and other vegetation near mangroves next to the critical

wildlife area.

At present, Florida Audubon also will not have access to that privately-owned structure, either.

“Unfortunately, the Florida Audubon See WALKOVER, page 16 Ed Rood and Kurt Kroemer have completed their controversial lagoon walkover at 8150 and 8170 Estero Blvd. on Fort Myers Beach where a great blue heron and anhinga were spotted Monday.

Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth does not see a lot of sense in merging the Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs fire districts. Neither do the unions representing the firefighters of both departments.

Wirth does see some potential in merger the Iona-McGregor fire district with the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District and said he supports a study to determine if it is viable.

State Rep. Adam Botana (R-80), whose covers Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach, originally proposed involuntarily merging the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District before agreeing to require a local referendum which is required by state law. State law also requires a feasibility study before involuntarily merging special districts.

Botana's proposed bill will be on the agenda of the Lee County Delegation of state legislators on Thursday morning at Southwestern State College. The meeting begins at 7 a.m. Also scheduled to be discussed is the state's proposed merger of the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District with Lee County.

The Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners Fort Myers Beach Council has voted to oppose the fire district mergers.

Botana recently expanded his bill which would turn the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District along San Carlos Boulevard up to the Matanzas Pass Bridge into the Iona-McGregor Fire District while putting the rest of the district under Bonita Springs.

NATHAN MAYBERG

Beach Living............................................8 insidetoday Opinions.......................................4 Business............................................6 Beach Bulletin..................................19-24

See MERGER, page 17

Classifieds.............25

Fort Myers Beach Observer

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FILE PHOTO

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Lee County announced Lynn Hall Memorial Park will close between Tuesday and Friday for the demolition of its restroom facility, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian. system is vital to Lee County residents, as well as our Sandelli, whose district includes Fort Myers Beach, valued visitors and guests,” Lee County Commissioner said "this is another positive step in the complex process Ray Sandelli (R-District 3) said. as we move forward."

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STAFF REPORT Sections of the beach at Lynn Hall Memorial Park and its parking lot will temporarily close to the public Tuesday for a restroom facility demolition project that will begin Wednesday morning and is expected to last through Friday, Lee County Government Communications Director Betsy Clayton announced.

The restroom facility at the county-owned park on Fort Myers Beach was destroyed by Hurricane Ian last year. At a meeting of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners this month, commissioners urged town management to make the replacement of the facility and the county-owned Fort Myers Beach Pier a priority.

Work is expected to begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and last through 5 p.m. The demolition will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the additional days of work, Clayton said. Lynn Hall Memorial Park is expected to reopen immediately after the demolition work is completed.

Updates on the design and construction of a new restroom facility will be provided at www.leeparks.org as well as other county communications platforms, Clayton announced.

Alternate parking for beach-goers during the temporary closure is available at Bowditch Point Park, 50 Estero Blvd. Parking fees are $2 per hour. Lee County Transit’s LeeTran seasonal beach tram will continue to be available. The free tram runs about every 35 minutes, seven days a week from Fort Myers Beach Public Library to Bowditch Point Park. Service begins at 9:30 a.m. daily at Fort Myers Beach Public Library and ends with the last tram leaving Bowditch Point Park at about 10:35 p.m.

Visit www.rideleetran.com for additional details.

“As we continue to recover, the county team makes every effort to assess co-operative priorities, work with Town leadership, and listen to the community. Our park

Page 3 n Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Lynn Hall Memorial Park to close for restroom facility demolition

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 4

OPINIONS

What a year it has been for county school board!

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Web Poll Previous Web Poll Results Does Fort Myers Beach need tolls on its bridges? ∫ Yes, 48% ∫ No, 52% ∫ Not sure, 0%

Current Web Poll Question Do you support the proposal to develop three hotels at Moss Marina? ∫ Yes. ∫ No. ∫ Unsure.

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Teachers and staff

I have just completed my first year as a Lee County School Board member and collectively one year together for this school board.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, we have confronted challenges from Hurricane Ian, managed rapid growth and navigated daily challenges. Previously, I discussed our first 100 days together.

Now, I present to you a recap of the year and a look ahead to the future.

lragle@breezenewspapers.com

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Safety and security

Sam Fisher

Guest Commentary

Ensuring the security of all is a top priority for both the board and the School District of Lee County. ∫ Open gate technology: Smart weapons detectors, designed for minimal intrusion, have been installed in schools, allowing students and staff to move through entrances seamlessly without delays. ∫ Guardian Program: Thanks to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Carmine Marceno, we have implemented the Guardian Program together. Guardians are armed non-instructional staff that are utilized as force multipliers to solely stop armed assailants. It’s a highly selective program that requires over 170 hours of rigorous training by law enforcement. ∫ Students tracking on buses: The district has implemented a system to keep track of students via ID when they get on and off the bus.

Teachers and staff are the backbone of our schools, thus it’s important they are supported and valued. ∫ Compensation: The board has agreed to a new contract for staff and teachers with significant increases to help retention.

Starting teacher salary is now at $50,000 and there is a focus on ensuring our veteran teachers (5 years and up) are valued for their hard work and dedication. ∫ Substitutes: The district has partnered with Kelly Services to address the significant need for guest teachers.

Parents As a parent of children in the district, I am all too familiar with the challenges we face. ∫ Return to schools: A concerted effort is under way to welcome parents and families back to schools, as student success grows with the relationship between our families and our schools. So please come in for activities, conferences and to volunteer. ∫ New policies: As part of our comprehensive board policy overhaul, there is a dedicated focus on ensuring that parents’ rights and choices serve as a cornerstone in the district.

School reconstruction A year after the hurricane’s devastation, I am excited to share some great news.

∫ Fort Myers Beach Elementary: Undergoing a substantial renovation, it is set to reopen in December. ∫ Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary: Reconstruction will start at a new location in northwest Cape Coral, with plans to expand from a K-5 to a K-8 facility. The anticipated opening date is 2025. The existing Hector land may be repurposed to facilitate the expansion of the adjacent Cape Coral Technical College. ∫ Major repairs: Substantial progress has been made in completing repairs, particularly at heavily impacted schools such as Lexington Middle School.

Transparency Transparency and public trust are paramount for any public organization. ∫ Lee County Clerk: The board has agreed to have the Clerk perform an audit consultation of the district’s audit functions at no additional cost. ∫ Internal Auditor: The board has decided to hire a separate internal auditor that will improve compliance and further increase transparency.

Year two brings several initiatives, such as a continued emphasis on student achievement, focus on middle school proximity, legislative attention towards deregulation, and additional plans for career and technical education. We are looking forward to another great year!

Sam Fisher is vice chair of the Lee County School Board and holds the District 1 seat, which includes Sanibel and Captiva.

Letter to the Editor Don’t link humanitarian parole programs with border security To the editor: An open letter to Sen. Marco Rubio and other members of Congress re: Ukraine Aid and “Border Security” Dear Sen. Marco Rubio: As a Republican constituent of Southwest Florida, I am appalled by the fallacy produced by certain Republicans in Congress, who promote the termination of Humanitarian Parole for displaced people as a “solution” to border security.

Recently, my family and I sponsored a young Ukrainian couple on Humanitarian Parole. They fled their war-torn country when mass murderer Vladimir Putin launched his brutal killing spree in Ukraine.

Together with friends, we have invested our time and energy to resettle this couple.

But the “border security” proposal under consideration would needlessly undo all of our efforts to help our friends resettle in the U.S. Also known as the “Senate Republican

Working Group Solutions for the Southern Border Crisis,” the proposal would limit grants of humanitarian parole to one year, with up to one 1-year extension, or shorter.

The refreshed talks of HR-2, which came dead on arrival in the Senate earlier this year, would force Ukrainians to leave the US one year after their current parole expires.

The reforms on Humanitarian Parole actually contradict “border security” because the creation of these programs have actually REDUCED unauthorized entries along our southern border, according to DHS. The added twist we cannot ignore, is that these needless reforms are being tied to urgent military aid to Ukraine.

Given the fact that an overwhelming three-quarters of Americans view the southern border situation as a “crisis” of “serious concern” (per Gallup), one might think authentic border security policy should be able to stand on its own, without the added bonus of Ukraine Aid, and certainly without flawed immigration laws under the guise of “national security.”

Yet in the press, Sen. James Lankford

insisted that the talks were about the border and not immigration.

“It really is,” Lankford said to the Hill.

“It’s a national security bill, so we’re dealing with all national security issues.”

But it’s really not.

If Congress showed any discretion for national security, they would not have tied border politics that lawmakers routinely fail to solve, with critical military aid that is urgently needed in Ukraine’s counteroffensive. As winter approaches, when ice and mud will make it impossible to move incoming heavy artillery, where is the sense of urgency in Congress? This is the second time in two months that Congress failed to make progress on urgent military aid to Ukraine.

Always with something to write home about, our very own Congressman Byron Donalds during an Oct. 31 interview on Fox Business stated, “LOOK, I'VE BEEN VERY CLEAR ABOUT UKRAINE. WE NEED TO SECURE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER.” In Donalds’ isolationist purview, he See LETTER, page 5

We want your opinion The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Fort Myers Beach Observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; faxed to 239-765-0846; emailed to news@breezenewspapers.com; or posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com. Letters are due no later than noon Monday. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: fortmyersbeachtalk.com.

bringing motivated people to America during a worker crisis. These people are coming legally looking to work. Why would we set aside compassion even when it makes sense?”

Ukrainian refugees aren’t the only ones who would be severely impacted by the reforms, but also the Haitians, Afghans, Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Columbians, El Guatemalans, and Salvadorians, Hondurans, and many other foreign nationals, all of whom would face termination of their humanitarian parole under the passage of HR-2.

From what I’ve seen through my humanitarian work since Russia’s fullscale invasion, is that the process of resettling people does put a certain strain on our society — both as individuals and as a state, yet many Americans have taken up this strain voluntarily.

This is precisely why one year is barely enough time for refugees to overcome the strain of resettlement before they would have to endure displacement all over again.

A May 2023 study conducted by the Congressional Budget Office concluded that of the two-thirds of aliens already on humanitarian parole in our country, an estimated half of them would end up residing unlawfully in the United States under the passage of HR-2 border policy.

The policy is lose-lose. At best would

actually invalidate the legal status of refugees based on an arbitrarily decided period, and at worst, would spark more mass migration, and even mass death by sending parolees back to the brutal conditions they fled in the first place. Think of Russian asylum-seekers who, if deported back to Russia, would be forced to fight to the death against our Ukrainian allies.

These reforms do not enhance national security.

Sen. Lindsay Graham stated, “We must make policy changes to reduce the flow of immigration. The world is on fire and threats to our homeland are at an all-time high.”

But we also cannot allow emotionallydriven policy to lead us down that same Soviet-style communistic path after World War II, when we turned away thousands of Jewish refugees, fearing they were Nazi-spies. It’s completely backwards that Congress entertains this kind of policy today.

Pastor Surber said, “I’m convinced that the highest principles of our JudeoChristian societal moral inclinations to love the stranger and welcome the sojourner are appropriately conveyed in a continued willingness to embrace peoples from war-torn areas around the world.

“What we need is more support from government, church, and the community for these refugees. These are the same hurting hoping masses that many of our

great grandparents were just a few generations ago.”

Americans are interested in a path to immigration for humanitarian parolees and asylum-seekers — we have helped them integrate, intertwine within our society, and become a part of our economies, our families, our lives.

I hope Congress chooses to create a long-term legal pathway for the humanitarian parolees who have come here legally, so they can take stake in our country and live meaningful lives—instead of telling them they’ll be forced to leave in a matter of one year or less.

Sen. Rubio, I wrote to you because throughout 15 years of observing your public work, you always struck me as a defender of oppressed people, no matter where they came from.

Please appeal to your colleagues to pass Ukraine Military Aid on its own merits, and please do not cripple Humanitarian Parole programs in the name of “Border Security.”

CC: Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. James Lankford, Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Byron Donalds Alexandra Zakhvatayev Cape Coral

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From page 5 seems to grasp in the fog of his own equivocation—for him there is no distinction from “border security” and the “blocking” of aid to Ukraine. I bet Donalds would find himself hard-pressed to explain why axing humanitarian parole to Ukrainian war refugees is a “solution” to end the influx of Fentanyl being peddled into our country by Mexican cartels.

Americans want real border security solutions. Not flawed policy changes which ultimately fall short of the action required to stop masses of illegal border crossings. It takes more than a wall. But Congress failed, and now is doing the most–at the expense of innocent people who entered our country LEGALLY. Pastor Chris Surber, D.Min., of First Congregational Church of Naples knows a thing or two about Humanitarian Parole.

Through these programs, he has helped many refugees resettle into the Southwest Florida community, and his mission “Supply and Multiply” has been instrumental in helping Haitians fleeing dire conditions.

“Let’s not confuse illegals of questionable vetting at the Southern Border with the man whose family we sponsored after knowing him like a brother in our mission work. We’ve sweat, bled, and cried together in Haiti. He’s family,” said Surber. “This program is saving lives and

Page 5 n Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Letter

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 6

BUSINESS

Arches Bayfront hotel plans back on

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

More than a month after The Arches Bayfront project at Moss Marina on Fort Myers Beach was put on hold, Moss Marina owner Ben Freeland said the three-hotel development has been resubmitted to the town for planning review.

Freeland had previously cited a recent joint meeting of the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council and Local Planning Agency regarding the town's comprehensive plan in explaining the decision to pull back the application.

"After a thorough review we are confident we have the right plan and re-activated our CPD application and look forward to working with the LPA and Council as we proceed," Freeland said Wednesday.

Moss Marina is situated on the bay downtown at Harbor Court near Matanzas Pass.

Freeland had submitted two applications to the town for the bayside project including a map amendment which would include the Arches Bayfront properties in the Pedestrian Commercial future land use, and another application which would entitle the properties under a Commercial Planned Development (CPD) with uses of hotel, marina, restaurant, retail and civic spaces.

See ARCHES BAYFRONT, page 7

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PROVIDED

The plans for Arches Bayfront include three hotels at the Moss Marina location on Harbor Court in Fort Myers Beach.

Bonita Bill’s repairs docks

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Bonita Bill's Waterfront Cafe, off Fishermans Wharf on Fort Myers Beach, has rebuilt their docks after damage from Hurricane Ian. Bonita Bill’s took all the shots Hurricane Ian had to give and is still standing despite two boats crashing into its docks that still are lodged there.

"The launch of our floating docks was a huge success and we are excited to have guests come by land and sea again," said owner Katie Reynolds.

Reynolds' father Bill Semmer, who founded Bonita Bill's and ran the business for more than 30 years, died in January from Melanoma.

The welcoming and laid-back atmosphere still persists with the same affordable breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

Business has been up and down, mirroring changes on the island. Reynolds said business has been picking up as a new season starts.

“It’s been such a rollercoaster,” Reynolds said. Reynolds said opening in March was critical to giving the restaurant a boost in business for the end of season and is now looking forward to the start of a new season.

"Things have definitely been picking up this past month at Bonita Bills - seeing lots of new faces and still lots of those returning. It’s a good mix and heartwarmSee BONITA BILL’S, page 10

KATIE REYNOLDS

Bonita Bill's Waterfront Cafe, off Fishermans Wharf, has rebuilt their docks after damage from Hurricane Ian.

Bonita Bill's Waterfront Cafe has bounced back from Hurricane Ian at its Fisherman's Wharf location on the bay.

NATHAN MAYBERG

A boat lodged on the dock of Bonita Bill's Waterfront Cafe is a symbol from Hurricane Ian. The cafe's owners have been working with the state to get it removed.

NATHAN MAYBERG

Page 7 n Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Arches Bayfront From page 6

FILE PHOTO

Moss Marina is currently housing the U.S. Coast Guard and also offers wet slips for boaters. long boats and up to 29,000 pounds," Freeland said.

Moss Marina has also continued to host the U.S. Coast Guard station while their new Fort Myers Beach station is rebuilt.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

age with up to 90 additional slips and can handle wet slips at its marina.

"Equally as exciting, we have received approval to rebuild our 90 dry-stack boat storage system and our brand new forklift the Beast can handle up to 50-feet

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Freeland held a meeting with the public earlier this year to discuss the project and solicited public opinion online, in which traffic concerns were raised for the downtown site. Freeland had incorporated a water ferry friendly development as part of the feedback and a publicly accessible bayfront park."

Freeland haa proposed three hotels at the Moss Marina site which would range in size from 150 rooms each for two of the hotels that will have mid-range and extended stays. A third hotel, which Freeland described as a boutique hotel, would be smaller with 100 rooms.

Two of the hotels would be six stories high and another hotel would be five stories.

Under the redevelopment plans, the four-acre bayfront property overseeing Matanzas Pass and the bay would open up access to pedestrians and bicyclists along a 1,000-feet linear park overlooking the bay down to Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant, Bayside Park and Nervous Nellie’s. Freeland envisions spots along the baywalk being opened up to vendors. He is also exploring options for restaurants and shops.

Water ferries, waterboats, kayaks and charter boats would also be welcome at the marina with a focus on water ferries, or water taxis, in order to facilitate more efficient travel on and off the island. Freeland said he has spoken with other businesses and marinas about coordinating ferry service.

"I am hopeful a compromise position can be found between supporters of the project and those who feel it needs to be scaled down a bit," Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said.

Freeland also purchased Smokin' Oyster Brewery on Old San Carlos Boulevard, which he hopes to rebuild and reopen next summer. He said there are also expansion plans for RUDE Shrimp Co, which rents property from Freeland near Moss Marina.

Freeland is also planning to expand its drystack stor-

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 8 Fort Myers Beach Observer

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Margaritaville More than five years after the Fort Myers Beach Council approved the sprawling 254-room Margaritaville resort along both sides of Estero Boulevard, the hotel is three weeks away from opening at the intersection of Crescent St. NATHAN MAYBERG

Page 9 n Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023

NATHAN MAYBERG

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Alexis Von Holle, of Cincinnati, used her sharp eyes to spot a vibrant starfish in the shallow water of Fort Myers Beach recently. The rare find is a good indicator for the water's health.

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Starfish found on Fort Myers Beach

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 10 Fort Myers Beach Observer

County mayor, merger bills on agenda for legislative delegation

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Lee County Delegation of state legislators will have a full agenda of proposed bills Thursday to discuss that could dramatically alter the balance of power in county government by introducing a new elected county mayor, an expansion of the board of county commissioners, and reshaping the taxing districts of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District and Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District through mergers.

All of the proposed state bills would require referendums.

The delegation of eight state legislators whose districts cover Lee County are scheduled to meet at 7 a.m. at Southwestern State College in Fort Myers, in the Nursing Building, Room AA-177. A vote by the legislators at the delegation would be the first step in moving the legislation up to state legislative committees.

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in Commission Chambers at the Old Courthouse, 2120 Main St., Fort Myers. The commissioners are expected to discuss the proposed county mayor bill and a bill which would create two new at-large seats on the county board beginning in 2026.

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-1 last month to oppose a new elected mayor.

State Rep. Mike Giallombardo (R-79), whose district includes Cape Coral and Matlacha, has introduced the legislation to create an elected county mayor. State Rep. Adam Botana (R-80), whose district covers Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, Estero and Sanibel, has proposed the legislation to expand the board of county commissioners. Botana’s bill would also expand the board of county commissioners to a sixth single-member district for a total of eight seats once Lee County’s population surpasses 1 million residents. The chair of the board would be required to be elected by all residents.

Currently, county voters elect five commissioners through their districts to the commission and the com-

“I don’t know that by passing this resolution the delegation would just say ‘oh, they didn’t like it so we are not going to do it.’ Typically, resolutions and letters haven’t swayed or been persuasive to delegations in the past.”

Brian Hamman Lee County Commissioner (R-District 4) missioners appoint a county manager who answers to the board. Lee County Manager Dave Harner succeeded longtime county manager Roger Desjarlais in August. A new elected county mayor would change the county government into a system where the county mayor would have more power over decisions while drawing power away from the county commissioners and county managers.

Under Giollombardo’s bill, the county mayor would gain the executive powers and responsibilities, away from the commissioners. Among the new powers of the county mayor would be the ability to fire staff in the executive branch at will and limit employee contracts.

The bill also makes the office of the hearing examiner to review zoning cases in unincorporated Lee County, a part of the legislative branch of county government.

The county mayor would also have the ability to veto legislation by the commissioners.

A referendum could be held as early as Nov. 5, 2024.

If voters approve the establishment of the county mayor position, the first special election for a county mayor would take place in November, 2026 with a two-year term. The county mayor would appoint the county manager and county attorney with a three-fifths vote by the county commissioners.

Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass (R-District 2), whose district covers Fort Myers, led opposition to the proposal after being approached about the proposal by one of the county’s state legislators.

Commissioner Brian Hamman (R-District 4), whose district includes Cape Coral and Fort Myers, has made statements supportive of the concept and was the lone vote against issuing a letter of opposition to the proposed

bill.

On Monday, Hamman said “I have always supported the voters and their right to determine the structure of their government. Should the question appear on the ballot, I will support whatever the voters decide.”

Commissioners were sharply divided during a debate last month on the subject.

Pendergrass said “it’s really important to protect Lee County that we bring this up now so it’s not brought up without us knowing about it in the future.”

At the October meeting, Hamman said he believed “I think we are actually searching for a problem here that doesn’t need to be solved right now. I don’t understand why we would put this on the radar of the delegation if it’s not something that they are already looking at you know. The other question that I would ask is what would be the actual consequence or reaction to passing this resolution? I don’t know that by passing this resolution the delegation would just say ‘oh, they didn’t like it so we are not going to do it.’ Typically, resolutions and letters haven’t swayed or been persuasive to delegations in the past.”

Hamman said the county commissioners needed to go into the legislative session unified to work together with the state delegation to bring back Hurricane Ian funds to the community and “not get distracted.”

Hamman said the issue should be up to the voters.

“The voters of Lee County voted in a charter for their board of county commissioners and they voted in a charter with the current setup that it has but should they ever want to change it, it will be the voters of Lee County who want to change that as well,” he said.

See LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, page 13

Neptune Resort presentation set for Nov. 30

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The developers and planners for the Neptune Resort redevelopment project will hold a meeting for the public on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. at the DiamondHead Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach.

Due to catastrophic damage from Hurricane Ian, the owners of The Neptune Resort are planning a new resort which will replace the old buildings with a single building that has twice as many rooms.

One of the oldest family resorts on the island, the hotel dates back to the 1960s.

Under the plans unveiled this summer

by Continental Hospitality Group and Springboard Hospitality, the 71-room hotel would morph from a two-building resort to a one-building complex with four floors and 140 rooms. The companies acquired the property two years ago for $27 million.

Planner Patrick Vanasse, whose firm The Neighborhood Co. is representing the owners in their redevelopment plans, said the old buildings would be demolished under the plans.

Vanasse said the developer want to

retain the resort as a hotel.

The increase in density at the site would require rezoning through a Commercial Planned Development through the town’s Local Development Agency and would need approval from the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council.

Previous presentations for the resort’s plans were made to local businessowners, Realtors and the public in August.

Vanasse said the plans have not changed and have been submitted to the town for review.

Under the current proposal, there

would be a parking garage with two levels and four stories for the hotel above that, Vanasse said. There will be two pools, like before. The plans would also include a gathering place for neighbors and the public to enjoy the sunsets.

In addition, the plans call for improving the public beach access by widening the access point near Mango St. The owners would also construct 16 public parking spaces along Delmar Avenue, Vanasse said.

The DiamondHead Beach Resort is at 2500 Estero Blvd.

The meeting room has been rebuilt and recently hosted a Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The event room is equipped for multimedia uses. The room could also be used as a yoga studio.

"We’ve seen more booking with our event room and we are grateful to continue to serve the community," Reynolds said.

Bonita Bill's is hiring too.

"We are currently still hiring up for season - looking for cooks, food runners, dockhands and bartenders. Folks can pick up an application at the bar," Reynolds said.

"We don’t fully know what to expect this season but keeping our hopes high

and fingers crossed for a good year."

The survival of Bonita Bill’s is a testament to its construction by Semmer in the early 1990’s. Most of the bar and café are still fully intact though the tiki bar needs work. In an interview before he died, Semmer said “there was no floor, nothing” when he purchased what was then known as Bonita Fish Company and Fish House.

She has also been working with the state to try and get the boats removed off her property. Bonita Bill’s leases its docks from the state though a submerged land lease.

“We’re hoping for a good comeback,” Reynolds said. “We’re keeping our hopes high.”

Bonita Bill’s From page 6 ing to know folks are still willing come down here for their vacations or winter escape and make the trip to the beach and support local businesses," Reynolds said.

"We opened The Place Dock Bar right under the boat that’s still up on the dock - because as Bill Semmer always said, 'There ain’t no place like this place, so this must be the place.' And now everyone can come hang out at The Place.”

Bonita Bill's is still operating with only about half of its normal seating due to the damage at the tiki bar.

"It's great to see Bonita Bill’s packed on weekends and of course Taco Tuesdays.

Friday nights have become our big night of the week with D-ROX Music dance parties.

We brought in steel drum music for Sundays

and working on a future Sunday Brunch special," Reynolds said.

"We are working hard to get more seating in and finish some repairs before high season and hopeful for a strong season to help us weather another summer. It’s a grind but we’re doing it day by day to rebuild and ensure the long term success of Bonita Bills."

An updated menu is on the way as well.

"We’re going to be launching a menu refresh at the beginning of the year that will highlight and celebrate our amazing local wild caught pink shrimp and other Florida Fresh seafood and expand our range of beverage selections too," Reynolds said.

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 12

The county could change its executive form of government through a charter review commission, by a petition of voters or by a vote of the commissioners, Hamman said.

“I would certainly hope that if the delegation wanted to bring this forward, they would give the commissioners or the charter review commission or even the citizens a chance to use the current process to amend the charter without doing it through legislation,” Hamman said.

Commissioner Mike Greenwell (R-District 5), who was recently elevated to chairman of the board in the commission’s annual rotation process, said it was important for the commissioners to get its message out.

“I don’t believe in adding another layer to government,” Greenwell said. “We elect five commissioners across the county.”

Greenwell said a new elected county mayor would make it “more difficult” to get things done and would take power away from the commissioners.

Pendergrass noted that the county commissioners each selected three representatives to the county charter review commission which has been meeting and did not act to change the county’s form of government.

“I’m not sure why this one issue about our form of government would be an issue for the (state) delegation,” Pendergrass said. “I know one person wants to see that changed but I’m not going to set policy based on one person’s personal objectives.”

Rep. Giallombardo did not return a message seeking comment.

Lee County Commissioner Ray Sandelli (R-District 3), whose district includes Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs and Estero, said the county’s “system works.”

Sandelli said “it goes back to if it’s not broken what are you trying to fix? The second thing is we are seeing division at almost every level from the federal level to the state level down to the local level.” Sandelli said “I think

“I’m not sure why this one issue about our form of government would be an issue for the (state) delegation.”

Cecil Pendergrass Lee County Commissioner (R-District 2)

“I don’t believe in adding another layer to government.”

Mike Greenwell Lee County Commissioner (R-District 5) it’s important that we do state a position going forward.”

Hamman said “90% of the time the system works really well but I would also say that my personal experience and now having been able to serve people on the county commission for 10 years, is that there are times when the system really breaks down. There are times when an appointed person who doesn’t seem to have their finger fully on the pulse of the residents would make decisions more from a bureaucratic mindset than a mindset of reaction to the voters. I think evidence of that is how Gov. DeSantis had to step (after Hurricane Ian) in to build the Matlacha bridge.”

Pendergrass said the Matlacha bridge issue was more about funding and jurisdiction of the waterways.

Hamman said there were initiatives he wanted to push that didn’t go far because of disagreements with a county manager.

“I am always open minded,” Hamman said. “To just take a blanket statement without ever exploring anything, to me I think that is short-sighted. You can always have a

workshop on something, understand it, and then say no to it.”

Botana’s legislation would also limit the commissioners to three terms on the board.

The fire district and mosquito control district mergers had been previously discussed at the last state delegation meeting in October though the fire control district merger bill proposed by Rep. Botana that was to join Fort Myers Beach with Bonita Springs, now also includes the IonaMcGregor Fire & Rescue Control District. The original proposal was opposed by the Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners, Fort Myers Beach Council and the firefighter unions representing Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs.

Botana had originally proposed that the bills didn’t require a referendum even though state law requires local referendums to involuntarily merge special districts.

Botana’s new bill would require a referendum. State law also requires study of the effects of the merger, which has not yet occurred.

heading northwest passing by Erickson & Jensen seafood, the shrimp fleet, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Dixie Fish, Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Café, then heading under the Matanzas Pass Bridge.

They will travel past the Coast Guard station and the homes along the back bay through Estero Pass, Hurricane Pass and into Pelican Pass behind San Carlos Island. After traveling through Pelican Pass and circling Pelican Island, they will turn back through Estero Pass and into San Carlos Bay heading toward the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina.

The parade will turn south in front of the Pink Shell and head back toward the Matanzas Pass bridge. The boats will travel past Moss Marina, Snug Harbor and Nervous Nellies going back under the Matanzas Pass Bridge. After passing Matanzas on the Bay and Petey’s Upper Deck, boats will continue south along the Ft. Myers Beach (Estero Island) shoreline and then cross the Matanzas Harbor mooring field toward Salty Sam’s.

Depending on time, the parade may make another short loop around the Back Bay area.

"Folks are super excited for the evening and we know that it will bring with it a hefty dose of holiday spirit which we all need," Liszak said.

The two lead Chamber boats will be carrying the Chamber’s Board of Directors, ambassadors and others including Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Music and MC services on the lead boat will be provided by local beach musician and resident, Barry Lawrence. Adventures in Paradise will be providing the lead boats.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce encourages visitors to come early and support the recovering businesses on Fort Myers Beach by enjoying a late lunch or early dinner. For information on who is open, visit: www.fortmyersbeach.org/whos-open-for-business.

The best options for parade viewing are along the pedestrian walkway atop Matanzas Pass Bridge, at the shoreline by Bayside Park at the base of Old San Carlos, all bars, and restaurants long the back bay areas, aboard private vessels in the bay area and from numerous homes along the waterway.

"We anticipate that the evening will be a huge boost to the businesses in the area.

Being able to present an event that not only helps businesses, island workers and residents but one that gets us back on the track to normal feels really good," Liszak said.

To vote for the People’s Choice Award the night of the parade, visit People’s

Choice voting information, www.fmbboatparade.com.

In a change this year, there will not be an awards party directly after the parade but it will follow the following Wednesday on Dec. 6 at Parrot Key Carribean Grill at Salty Sam's Marina.

Parade participants will be in attendance to accept awards and the general public is welcome to join us for a $5 donation.

Complimentary h'dourves that evening and a cash bar. The party will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Liszak said the boat parade needs more boats to enter the parade and encouraged those interested in participating to get their applications in.

For more information, contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber at 239.454.7500 or visit www.fortmyersbeach.com.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Boat parade From page 1

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legislative delegation From page 10

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 14

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Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 16 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

NATHAN MAYBERG

A great blue heron and anhinga at the boardwalk behind the property of Ed Rood and Kurt Kroemer that cross state lagoons that flow into the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area.

Walkover From page 1 has filed a lawsuit against our Town of Fort Myers Beach, so we have banned the Audubon from the walkover and our property,” Kroemer and Rood said in an email to the Fort Myers Beach Observer.

They said other property owners and condo associations have joined them “until the Audubon is willing to dismiss their lawsuit against the Town” challenging the town council’s approval of the special exception permit for the walkover.

For years, Florida Audubon has worked closely with Fort Myers Beach property owners near the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area as part of a shorebird stewardship program to help protect the bird nests in the lands within and surrounding the critical wildlife area, particularly near Carlos Pointe Beach, which is the only location within the Florida peninsula where all four Florida threatened bird species nest. American oystercatchers, black skimmers, least terns and snowy plovers are all protected in Florida and all nest on Fort Myers Beach.

Brad Cornell, Southwest Florida Policy Association for Audubon Florida, said the emails will hurt the organization’s efforts to protect bird nests.

"We have verbal agreements with most of the properties owners,” he said. “It’s been a pretty successful nesting area.”

Among the letters the Florida Audubon Society has received from properties along the beach near the walkover prohibiting them from accessing their lands are the Eden House and Carlos Pointe Beach Club.

The property owners include John Cameron, who sent a letter to the Florida Audubon notifying them “it’s representatives and volunteers are not allowed on my property” at 8246 Estero Blvd. where a Luxury Vacation Rentals sign sits.

Cameron is among the property owners who will gain access to Kroemer and Rood’s boardwalk. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force and Florida Audubon, describing their lawsuit against the town as “a war.”

While biologists from the Florida Audubon have assisted the FWC in identifying nests to be roped off and protect for threatened shorebirds, Rood said he believes the walkover will help his neighbors “have direct access to aid the FWC in monitoring the beach, the seabirds and nesting shorebirds.”

Some of the neighbors are also considering becoming certified bird monitors, he said.

The FWC recently conducted a site visit at Rood’s property and observed the walkover.

“The purpose of the site visit was to engage with local stakeholders and increase stakeholder awareness of shorebird nesting and conservation actions ahead of the 2024 shorebird nesting season,” FWC spokesperson Adam Brown said. “The intended outcomes were increased awareness of shorebird nesting and improved understanding of species conservation measures by local stakeholders.”

Brown said Florida Audubon has assisted the FWC with bird monitoring activities upon request.

“We appreciate Audubon Florida’s

efforts with shorebird stewarding, which includes outreach and education to beachgoers,” Brown said. “FWC staff will continue to work with our local partners to ensure that imperiled beach-nesting birds are protected with sufficient posting and signage during the breeding season.”

Rood said he has given the FWC permission to use the walkover for access to the seabird and shorebird nesting areas.

He and Kroemer have started a 501c3 they say will be used for “raising the money necessary to till and groom the beach nesting area preparing it for the seabird and shorebird nesting season.”

Kroemer and Rood say they are “willing to work with the Audubon the same way we are working with the FWC, but not until they agree to dismiss the lawsuit against (Fort Myers Beach).”

Cornell said statements from Kroemer and Rood don't "show a spirit of wanting to protect these birds," adding their efforts will “prevent Audubon from its work to conserve and protect the many hundreds of imperiled coastal birds that use the unique habitats on the southern end of Fort Myers Beach.”

Combined, the no-access letters from the walkover neighbors will block the organization from about 15 privatelyowned acres just south of the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area.

Cornell said staff can still monitor the birds from the beach and in the critical wildlife area but won’t be able to closely observe them on the private properties of those who have written to them. Many of the homes in the area were badly damaged

by Hurricane Ian and are being rebuilt.

Some have been demolished, like Kroemer's home.

“This area and the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area are among the most important beach nesting areas on Florida’s coast during spring and summer and during fall and winter for many species of migratory species like the See WALKOVER, page 17

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The long-running concept for a veterans tribute at Bayside Park has attracted a heavy hitter. Sanibel artist Lucas Century, who helped devise the system for etching the names into the Vietnam War Memorial Wall, has been brought on to help Fort Myers Beach construct a veteran memorial.

Plans are still in the preliminary stages, Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt and Cultural and Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board Chair Barbara Hill said.

They recently met together with Century at Bayside Park, along with Fort Myers Beach Operations Director Frank Kropacek to discuss plans. Hill, who has a back-

ground in the arts as the former director of the Von Liebig Art Center and former consultant to the City of Fort Myers Public Arts Program, reached out to Century to get him involved.

“We felt he would be the perfect artist,” Hill said of Century. Hill said Century’s work at the Vietnam War Memorial Wall has been “revered for its power.” Century has also worked on arts projects on Sanibel at the BaileyMatthews National Shell Museum and Florida Gulf Coast University.

Atterholt said the project is important to him.

“I really feel passionately,” Atterholt said. “I feel like council needs to keep that promise to the people.”

The concept had been discussed several times by the previous town council before Hurricane Ian.

Atterholt said the current plan is to place two quotes from former U.S. Presidents John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan at the four-feet high memorial. At the bottom, will be the message to veterans that ‘The Town of Fort Myers Beach thanks you,’ Hill said.

Plans are still being finalized.

“We want to keep it very simple,” Hill said. “We want it to be inclusive.”

The next steps are for Century to meet with a stone cutter, Atterholt said. Hill said that Century will be locating a source for Florida native coral stone that will be infused with granite to be placed at Bayside Park, off Old San Carlos Boulevard.

“There is a collective commitment to make it happen,” Hill said. “It’s very exciting.”

Merger From page 1 "We work with Iona 10 times more than Bonita," Wirth said.

Iona and Fort Myers Beach also share the same air packs, which Bonita Springs does not. It would about $100,000 more for Fort Myers Beach to change equipment, Wirth said.

One thing the two districts don't share is emergency medical transport services.

Fort Myers Beach paramedics provide

"We've never said no to merging," Wirth said. "We've said 'follow the statute.' Put it to a people's vote."

In the meantime, Wirth said the merger talks are further delaying plans to design a fire station.

"I am not getting the fire station designed while I'm worried about this," Wirth said.

plans to prepare for the 2024 breeding season.”

Cornell said the land around the critical wildlife area “is one of the very unique and amazing attributes of the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Audubon is saddened to see such a cavalier disregard for its protection. We have for many years appreciated the partnership we’ve had with the Town and now that seems pre-empted by a desire for more private beach access.”

Meanwhile, the Florida Audubon lawsuit challenging the town council’s

approval of the walkover is proceeding in Lee County Circuit Court.

The Town Council approved the special exception permit in March for the walkover by a 3-2 vote, despite objections from town planning staff which recommended denial based on the boardwalk being located in the town’s environmentally critical zone and not conforming to the town’s land development code and comprehensive plan.

“Our primary objective is to protect these threatened species that use this beach for nesting,” Cornell said.

Walkover From page 16 endangered piping plover which spends the winter with us,” Cornell said. “There are very few places that have these qualities for shorebird and seabird nesting.”

Cornell said the area at the terminus of the walkover is an important habitat for shorebird nesting.

“While all these birds are still protected, it becomes much more difficult with fewer biologists and volunteers who help educate beachgoers about ways to enjoy and protect these amazing wildlife species,” Cornell said. “FWC has had a biologist there during nesting

season in the past, but no volunteers.

There are very few places in the world like these habitats which is why it was designated as a Critical Wildlife Area back in 1992.”

Brown said the FWC “typically employs one dedicated seasonal biologist from late March through August to conduct monitoring and posting at shorebird sites on Estero Island.” The FWC, he said, “will continue with efforts to conserve imperiled beachnesting birds at this important nesting area and are currently evaluating work

PHOTO PROVIDED

The walkover at sunset.

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

medical transport services, something Bonita Springs does not.

Wirth said that he and leaders of the Iona-Mcgregor fire district are open to starting the study on their own rather than wait for the state though he would prefer the state pay for it. Wirth said he would like to work out the nuances and details of what needs to be addressed and then hire a firm to conduct the study.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Wirth said neither concept would save the town money and would actually cost the district more money. Wirth said merging the entire district with Iona makes more sense since they use the same equipment and both are part of the state retirement system, whereas Bonita Springs belongs to a private pension system.

"There would be an astronomical cost" to switch over, Wirth said.

Page 17 n Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Veterans memorial project gets big lift

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 18 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Recovery Task Force launches online survey for feedback The Lee County Recovery Task Force (RTF) is launching an online survey for public engagement to provide residents an opportunity to review and comment on draft Initiative Profiles for the ResilientLee Recovery and Resilience Plan.

The draft will be published at www.resilientlee.com this week and will remain available for comment for two weeks. The Initiative Profiles describe potential actions to enhance longterm recovery and resiliency following the impact of Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Lee County on Sept. 28, 2022. They were developed in response to

input collected via community feedback surveys and town hall meetings hosted last spring.

Launched in February, the RTF was established to serve as an advisory committee to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners to inform the region’s Ian response and recovery. It comprises 13 leaders from across the county, including mayors of municipal jurisdictions, senior representatives from the school district, public safety entities and other public agencies. Like the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Disaster Recovery Framework, the RTF consists of eight branches that bring together public, private and nonprof-

it sector subject matter experts to support key areas of recovery.

The primary objective of the RTF is to develop the ResilientLee Recovery and Resilience Plan to serve as a roadmap for county commissioners to implement recovery measures throughout the region. The plan will identify proven as well as proposed new innovative and resilient solutions to community challenges aligning resources, partners and priorities. Upon completion, the ResilientLee Recovery and Resilience Plan will be presented to the county commission for final consideration at a regularly scheduled board meeting in February.

Report your news to THE OBSERVER: fortmyersbeachtalk.com

WHERE TO GO

WHAT TO DO

WHO TO SEE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 29, 2023

VISIT US ONLINE FORTMYERSBEACHTALK.COM

Christmas Carol Sing returns for 32nd year —Page 20

Southwest Florida Symphony to perform seasonal tunes at Fort Myers High STAFF REPORT he Southwest Florida Symphony will return to Fort Myers Senior High School for a special Holiday Pops concert on Saturday, Dec. 9.

The symphony will be joined by local favorite guest artist Maestro Andrew Lipke for an evening of classic holiday songs, including an extraordinary blues version of “I’ll be Home for Christmas” which features a surprise guest soloist, to commemorate the orchestra’s homecoming to the venue. The performance begins at 7 p.m.

Individual tickets are priced at $20. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit swflso.org/tickets/.

Southwest Florida Symphony, formerly the Fort Myers Symphony, held its premier concert at the Fort Myers Senior High School auditorium on April 15, 1961, conducted by the founding Music Director Arlo Deibler and assisted by members of the Florida West Coast Symphony Orchestra. Fort Myers Senior High School has seen prominent local alumni, including

T

Deibler, Barbara B. Mann, Frank Mann, Mary Lee Mann, Berne Davis, Eunice Bremner, Alexandra Bremner, Kevin Anderson, Connie Mack IV, Charles Ghigna, Nick Thompson, Jenna Persons, Gary Russell Libby and more.

Lipke, a Philadelphia-based critically acclaimed and sought-after arranger, producer, composer, performer and educator, was born in South Africa and attended The University of The Arts. He has performed as a vocalist with several prominent American orchestras, including the Indianapolis Symphony, North Carolina Symphony and Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, in addition to touring the country with the critically acclaimed Led Zeppelin tribute band Get The Led Out. He has produced dozens of records for local and regional artists and released five solo albums.

The Southwest Florida Symphony made its debut as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961, playing in schools and community centers, with a roster of only 24 volunteer musicians. Today, the symphony boasts a ros-

insidetoday Pet Pals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

ter of 70 world-class professional musicians and is Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra and fourth oldest in the state. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 63rd year continues the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence and innovation as Music Director Maestro Radu Paponiu leads another season of spectacular performances. Maestro Paponiu, the sixth music director in the organization’s history, also serves as the associate conductor and youth orchestra director for the Naples Philharmonic in addition to guest-conducting with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe.

For more information about the Southwest Florida Symphony, upcoming season performances and subscription and ticketing information, visit swflso.org or call 239-418-1500.

Maestro Andrew Lipke PHOTO PROVIDED

What’s Happening . . . . . . .22

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 20 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Christmas Carol Sing returns for 32nd year

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

An annual Christmas tradition will return with two performances again this year to celebrate the holidays and help feed the hungry.

The 32nd annual Christmas Carol Sing will be held at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 5, at First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St. in Downtown Fort Myers between Lee Street and Royal Palm Avenue.

After each performance attendees are invited to visit the church’s courtyard, as there will be such goodies as cookies and hot cider. Rumor has it that Santa Claus will also make an appearance.

It’s about “getting into the Christmas spirit and sharing Christmas cheer,” Music Director Roger Peterson said.

Although admission for the event is free, organizers ask attendees to bring at least two cans of nonperishable food for the Community Cooperative operated The Soup Kitchen, or a voluntary cash donation. With cash donations, Community Cooperative can buy five times as much food for the same amount residents spend at grocery stores.

“The need has never been greater with so many people struggling after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. The food that is donated will go immediately to those in our community who desperately need it,” First Presbyterian Pastor Dr. Paul deJong said in a prepared statement.

Due to the popularity of the event, attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as the doors open 30 minutes before each performance.

“If you like to sit toward the front, come early. They fill up quickly,” Peterson said.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Roger Peterson leads the audience in song in a previous Christmas Carol Sing.

This year the two performances will feature such songs as “Carol of the Bells,” “In the First Light,” “Joy to the World,” “Go Tell it to the Mountain, “Frosty the Snowman,” “Deck the Halls” and “Winter Wonderland.”

The performance will end with everyone singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” which is a tradition that Mr. Galloway Jr. started years ago, Peterson said.

There will also be violins, saxophones

and other wonderful instruments joining the choir.

The shows are about an hour and a half long.

“We don’t want to wear anybody out and we sing long enough so they can truly get into the Christmas spirit,” Peterson said. “Everybody is invited, just come.

Sometimes we get caught up in our own things and the stresses we have in our lives. We want to make this Christmas the best time of the year. We are going to do our best to make everyone feel that way.”

The community choir consists of choir members of First Presbyterian Church and friends that come from various churches.

“This is a community carol sing,” Peterson said, adding that it provides the community an opportunity to sing their favorite carols.

He said he enjoys being able to stand on the stage and watch hundreds of people sing their hearts out with the wonderful carols and what the season means. He said it is amazing to see their faces, raise their voices and sing loud.

Community Cooperative, a nonprofit organization, is fighting to end homelessness and hunger for the community. It provides more than 26,000 meals each month through Sam’s Community Cafe, Meals on Wheels programs and school programs, as well as distributes more than 2.1 million pounds of groceries through its Mobile Food Pantries. More than 14,000 individuals and families are serviced with homeless and comprehensive case management services through the Social & Education Resources Center.

For more information, call First Presbyterian Church at (239) 334-2261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org.

The holiday season is one of the most beautiful times to visit Southwest Florida with perfect weather, beautiful beaches and sunsets. As the busy season begins, many traditional events return along with a few new ones.

Welcome the season with a visit to the 48th annual Historic Holiday Nights Celebration at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates; Christmas boat shows in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral; a holiday stroll past 20 decorated windows in downtown Fort Myers; and lots of indoor and outdoor entertainment.

Here is a sampling of upcoming activities and visit visitfortmyers.com/events for more.

A brightly decorated boat in one of the holiday boat parades on Pine Island.

FILE PHOTO

Holiday events Florida Repertory Theatre, downtown Fort Myers “A Sherlock Carol” at the historic Arcade Theatre Through Dec. 17 floridarep.org/show/a-sherlock-carol Broadway Palm holiday shows, Fort Myers Main theatre through Dec. 25: “Elf, the Musical” Off-Broadway Palm Dec. 23-Dec. 25: “A Doublewide Texas Christmas” broadwaypalm.com 48th annual Historic Holiday Nights Celebration Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers Through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-31 https://tinyurl.com/36ana8ky Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade 6 p.m., Dec. 2 Leaves from Salty Sam’s Marina, Fort Myers Beach fortmyersbeach.org/events/christmas-boat-parade

Deck the Halls, Gulf Coast Symphony, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers 7 p.m., Dec. 3 bbmannpah.com/events/detail/deck-the-halls-1 Holiday in the Park, downtown Bonita Springs 4:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 5 cityofbonitasprings.org/news/what_s_new/holiday_in _the_park_2023 Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 9 Beginning at BayWater Boat Club bonitaboatparade.com Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Holiday Pops with guest artist Andrew Lipke 7 p.m., Dec. 9, at Fort Myers High School; 4 p.m., Dec. 10, at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs; 7 p.m., Dec. 11, at the

Village Church in Shell Point. swflso.org Breakfast and photos with Santa at the Shell Factory, North Fort Myers 9-11 a.m., on Dec. 10: pancake breakfast with Santa at Tommy’s Eats & Spirits. Reservations: 239-9952141 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 11, 17, 23: photos with Santa in the Christmas House. Bring your camera. shellfactory.com “The Nutcracker,” Gulfshore Ballet, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers Presented by Gulfshore Symphony 2 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 16 bbmannpah.com/events/detail/nutcracker-with-gulfshore-ballet Cape Coral Boat-A-Long and holiday fun 4-9 p.m. Dec. 16, at Four Freedoms Park, Cape Coral https://tinyurl.com/4upxmdyz For more information, please to visitfortmyers.com.

Santa Claus is coming to the 5th Annual Breakfast with Santa event

PHOTO PROVIDED

Families enjoy the festive holiday lights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Decorate Christmas cookies at Edison and Ford Winter Estates Visitors are invited to decorate Christmas cookies at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. This event provides families with a chance to decorate cookies and see the holiday lights all in one night. Cookie decorating class nights are Dec. 21 and 22 and run from 6-8 p.m. each night.

The ticket cost includes a do-it-yourself cookie bundle kit with six unfrosted sugar cookies (three different holiday shapes), three types of icing, two types

of sprinkles, and an instruction card. A hot cocoa bar and admission to Holiday Nights is included. The river pavilion will be festively decorated and holiday music will be played in the background.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, online at EdisonFord.org.

Tickets for Edison Ford members are $40 per person, and $50 per person for non-members.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

Premier Mobile Health Services is pleased to announce their 5th Annual Breakfast with Santa Event will be held at the City of Palms Park at 2201 Edison Ave. in downtown Fort Myers. The event will be held on Saturday, Dec.9, from 9 am to noon and will be a morning of joy, laughter, and the chance to create lasting memories for children in our community.

Families will enjoy breakfast and the children will visit with Santa and receive a toy.

There will be chance prize giveaways of bicycles and a doll house. There will be a DJ, free facepainting and fingerprinting, plus Premier will provide free medical screenings for children. The Lions Club will provide free vision and hearing screening and Liberty Dental will provide free dental screenings. The Lee County Health Department will be providing free flu shots.

We will be joined by other organizations such as The Fort Myers Fire Department, The Fort Myers Police Department and Golisano Children’s Hospital.

The National Psychiatric Resource Center, VITA – Free Income Tax Preparation Services, Safe Kids of SW Florida, Healthy Start, Sunshine Health, SW FL insurance,

Optimum Health Care, will also in attendance.

Our amazing supporters have already donated a large number of toys and bikes for this year's event. We look forward to making this the most magical Breakfast with Santa yet!

To donate, sponsor, volunteer, or learn more, email us at info@premiermobilehealth.org or call 239-288-7949.

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Wine and Wonder Uncorked at Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs 5:30 p.m., Dec. 2 Stroll and wine tasting in the gardens. wondergardens.org/wine

Festival of Trees, downtown Fort Myers Through Dec. 3 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center fortmyersfestivaloftrees.com

Page 21 n Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Busy holiday season expected across Southwest Florida

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 22 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

WHAT’S HAPPENING Holiday Wreath Auction at Edison and Ford Winter Estates Edison and Ford Winter Estates is partnering with the Fort Myers Woman's Community Club for its annual wreath auction, which will be held on Nov. 30, from 6-9 p.m. Dozens of handmade holiday wreaths will be auctioned, with the proceeds benefitting restoration and preservation efforts at the Estates. The event is sponsored

by Riverview Wealth Partners of Raymond James.

The auction will take place in the Estates' river pavilion, along the Caloosahatchee. Guests will be able to stroll the decorated grounds and enjoy the animated lights and decorations during Holiday Nights, and appetizers and a cash bar will be available.

Tickets for the wreath auction are $20 per person and include Holiday Nights admission and appetizers.

Advance, online registration is required by Nov. 22 at EdisonFord.org.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

Coconut Point Mall to ring in the holidays with a Tropical Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting, Toys for Tots Drive and photos with Santa Dec. 2 Spread the holiday cheer and join Coconut Point for an entertaining evening of tropical festivities and the muchanticipated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec.2, from 5 to 8 p.m. The SWFL community is invited to embrace the vibrant fusion of tropical celebration and holiday cheer as we bring together a plethora of entertainment, delectable coconut and Caribbean-inspired bites and the spirit of giving back to the community.

Get ready for an electrifying start at 5 p.m. as we kickoff the evening with an array of performances including live steel drum music, tropical and Polynesian-inspired performances by the New Alliance Performing Arts and more.

Guests are invited to participate in a singalong of a Hawaiian version of "12 Days of Christmas" before the parade starts.

Be a part of the excitement as local high school bands, mascots, The Caloosa Jeepers Club of SWF, Oak Creek Charter School, Estero High School Football Team, Estero Fire Rescue, the LCSO and more join Santa Claus in a dazzling parade.

At 7 p.m., witness the magic unfold as Santa Claus leads the lighting of our 32-foot Christmas tree, marking the beginning of a joyous holiday season! Santa will be available for photos sponsored by Lennar Homes, LLC until 8 p.m. following the tree lighting ceremony. Participating food trucks will offer a tropical menu of coconut-themed and Caribbean-inspired items, while vendors will showcase shell art, coconut carvings, and palm leaf weave designs.

Moreover, we invite the community to join us in spreading the spirit of Christmas by participating in the Toys for Tots Toy Drive. Visitors are encouraged to donate a new, unopened toy at Toy World, located on Fashion Drive by Dillards, and be a part of brightening the lives of children in need. The CaloosaJeepers of SWFL will be collecting donations during their Meet & Greets, delivering all contributions to Santa’s workshop at Toy World at the end of the event.

Additionally, on Dec. 3, Santa will be available in the Play Area sponsored by Toy World, ready to capture the magical moments with your family. Bring your own camera and take memorable photos with Santa from 1 to 5p.m.

Join us for an unforgettable night of music, entertainment and shopping, as we celebrate the holiday season in tropical style at Coconut Point!

Coconut Point Mall is at 23106 Fashion Dr., Estero.

Wonder Gardens to host Wine and Wonder Uncorked Dec. 2 Wonder Gardens is hosting a tasting in the garden from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 2 for guests 21 and older.

The new event will present wines from the Boisset Collection’s wineries in Napa, Sonoma and Burgundy.

Tickets are $50 per person for tasting 8 wines or tickets can be exchanged for a larger glass. Wines will be paired with an array of cheeses, crackers and fruits. Food trucks will be available with food for sale, and guests can stroll the grounds. Proceeds support the quality of life for resi-

dent animals and proper husbandry of the horticultural collection. For information, visit WonderGardens .org/Wine.

7th Annual Porsche & Friends Parade to Golisano Children’s Hospital Dec. 2 The event delivers holiday cheer in style to patients while raising critical funds For the 7th year, a parade of Porsches and other exotic automobiles will deliver Santa and holiday cheer to patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 2. In addition, a live auction will raise critically needed funds to help build the new Golisano Pediatric Surgery Center.

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

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

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

Participants are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for infants to teens and be ready to give to the mission. Donated toys are also being accepted until Dec. 1 at Maverick Grill, 4480 Fowler St. in Fort Myers and at Porsche Fort Myers, 10064 Daniels Interstate Ct. in Fort Myers. Register for the event by calling John Petracco at 239-464-7080 or via email at jpetracco@comcast.net.

11th Annual Holiday in the Park to be held at Roberto Clemente Park Dec. 2 The Lee County Black History Society will host Holiday in the Park from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Roberto Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave., Fort Myers. With the theme “Soulful Lights and Shining Stars,” the free community event includes food trucks live entertainment, the Soul Santa Parade, community tree lighting, tours of the Williams Academy Black History Museum, bounce houses, toy giveaway, vendors and more. For information, visit LeeCountyBlackHistory Society.org.

Bromeliad Show and Sale to be held at Edison and Ford Winter Estates Edison and Ford Winter Estates is hosting the annual Bromeliad Show and Sale in partnership with the Caloosahatchee Bromeliad Society, Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to view the plants in the show and growers will have hundreds of bromeliads available for sale.

Society judges from around the state will evaluate member's plant entries and winners will be awarded with ribbons. A large tent under the oak trees will provide shade during the event.

Parking and admission to the Bromeliad Show and Sale is free (does not include tours or admission to the museum, lab or riverside of the property). The Garden Shoppe will also be open and is stocked with a variety of plants and trees. A limited number of garden carts will be available; guests are encouraged to bring their own.

Refreshments will be available for purchase at the Banyan Café. Visit the event calendar on EdisonFord.org for other upcoming events.

Joy to the World!

Lee County Band Christmas Celebration to be held Dec. 10 Sit back and enjoy the gaiety and wonder of Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 10, when the legendary Lee County Community Band presents its annual Christmas concert.

This fun-filled, free program begins at 3 p.m. at Mariner High School, Cape Coral.

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

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

Additional concert dates are Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 10, and April 7.

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

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

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

Plan to arrive early for best choice of seating.

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org.

Chanukah celebration, Menorah lighting to be held at Mercato of Naples Dec. 11 The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples hosts a community-wide Chanukah celebration and Menorah candle lighting to commemorate the eight-day Festival of Lights on Monday, Dec. 11, 5-6 p.m. in North Naples.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include music by the Naples Klezmer Revival Band, donuts, holiday candy and balloon creations for children, as well as Israeli food for sale. It will be held on the Mercato lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples. Advance registration is requested at Chanukah Celebration 2023 (regfox.com).

Fort Myers Brewing announces Winterfest set for Dec. 14-17 Fort Myers Brewing Company has announced the dates for its annual winter celebration, Winterfest, to take place Thursday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 17.

The event will feature four days of beer releases, food trucks, live music, a holiday night market featuring local handcrafted items, and a festive “Movie in the Parking Lot” screening of The Grinch. Fort Myers Brewing will have its popular Keg Nog on tap, a holiday-inspired imperial stout, along with other festive drinks to be announced. There will also be plenty of free photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch for attendees and their furry friends.

The event will have local food truck favorites Wicked Streatery, King’s Tacos & Burritos, Don’t Give Up and more. There will be live music from Hat Trick, Briz & Lady, Brian Markley, Jeff Lyons and others throughout the weekend.

Taproom hours will vary each day of the event. The full event schedule and beer lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.

Winterfest will be held at Fort Myers Brewing Company, located at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit FMBrew.com or call 239-313-6576. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seats tend to fill up quickly.

Fort Myers Brewing will also host a variety of other holiday happenings throughout the month of December, including photos with Santa and Christmas ornament painting for kids and adults. For more details and the brewery’s latest schedule, visit FMBrew.com.

See WHAT’S HAPPENING, page 24

Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue

Two beautiful girls looking for forever homes few weeks without anyone being there with them. Glad we were able to save them. Both are vaccinated, spayed and microchiped. If you are interested in adopting (can be separated) these girls please call or text Isabelle at 239-281-0739.

By ISABELLE WELLS Co-founder of the Find a Home, Give a Home pet rescue organization of Fort Myers Beach

Both girls came from the same home.

The lady who had them is ill and could not keep them. They were kept in a house for a

Lola the Frenchie Lola is the sweetest most loveable girl.

She loves snuggles and kisses. She follows us around snorting and grunting until we give her all the attention. She gets along well with any dog and even cats. She greets anyone new with her grunts and wiggly hips. Lola listens very well and sometimes follows commands (she is a girl after all).

She prefers to steal socks and play with her foster sister Dixie, then play with toys.

Lola is not a barker or a yappy pup unless there is knock at the door. Her presence has kept us happy and always laughing at her cute little attitude. I take Lola everywhere I go, if possible. Car rides are her favorite thing besides snuggles and food. Her appetite is amazing but has to be watched to maintain her girly curves. Lola has so much love to give and along with many laughs. Lola is 4 years old and weighs 14 pounds.

Dixie the Bernedoodle Dixie is such a sweetheart. Although shy at first, she will give you the most love once she warms up to you. She is extremely dog and cat friendly and loves to play with whichever will give her attention. Socks are her favorite toys. It is quite comical to watch her play with them. Tug-of-war is her choice of games with her foster sister, Lola the Frenchie.

She has lots of energy so fetch and chase is another favorite. Car rides were not her choice of things to do, but we've worked on that and she is starting to enjoy them. She is very quiet and does not bark unless alarmed by a knock or loud noise. Her love is endless and would make anyone happy. Dixie is 2 years old and weighs 21 pounds.

Please note our new PO Box #864, Bonita Springs, Fl 34133 You can also make a donation at www.findahomegiveahome.com using the donation tab using PayPal Please make sure you do it through “Friends and Family” so there is no fee and all the donation comes to us directly.

Save Our Strays Feline Rescue Fort Myers Beach

Four beautiful kittens 10 weeks old can be pre-adopted

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com Founder of Save Our Strays Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach

Tara, Marcie, Giselle and Merritt , three females and one male are very special and small

for their age. They love to play with all the toys and chase each other. They will be wonderful pets and would be best if adopted in pairs so they can keep that sibling connection.

Please call 239-851-3485 if you would like to make an appointment to come see them

or just play with them.

Come see kittens and cats for adoption at our Pet Supermarket Stores on Majestic Palm Boulevard off San Carlos or College and 41 in Ft. Myers. We also have donation bins in both those stores.

Our web site is up and running. Check it out. www.saveourstraysfmb.org, click on donate for PayPal or donations also can be made by mailing to Save Our Strays at P.O. Box 5014, Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33912

Check out our facebook page Save our Strays Feline Rescue Email us at saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Follow us on Facebook at Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue and see all the amazing pets we saved these past few months

Page 23 n Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

PET PALS

Island pets seeking forever homes

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 24 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

High School Student Enrollment Showcase to be held Dec. 16

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

If You Go

news@breezenewspapers.com

All 15 traditional high schools of the Lee County School District, as well as Lee Virtual School, will be present during the second annual High School Student Enrollment Showcase next month providing eighth grade students with the opportunity to see what each school has to offer for academic programs, career academies and activities.

“The showcase is an opportunity to meet administrators from every high school in a student’s attendance zone at one time. They can ask questions, learn about the programs and offerings, and better select the high school that best fits their needs. We want them to leave knowing no matter what they are interested in, we have a high school for them,” District spokesperson Rob Spicker said.

With each of the district’s high schools being unique and competing for the best students, he encourages eighth grade students and their families to take advantage of the showcase.

“Take advantage of the chance to compare schools side by side. The showcase is your opportunity to make the right choice for the next four years,” Spicker said.

The showcase will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Lee County Public Education Center, 2855 Colonial Blvd. Those who attend the showcase are asked to park outside the main entrance where they will be provided with a map to each school’s location in the lobby. There will be representatives from student enrollment, Adult and Career Education and the Early Learning Coalition to assist families with questions.

“High schools will be able to detail their academic programs, career academies, clubs, athletics and activities,” Spicker said. “While some of these are the same at every school, career academies, in particular, vary. For students interested in these opportunities it is important they research which schools offer the certifications they

The High School Student Enrollment Showcase for eighth graders is divided into time slots for the district’s three zones: n The West Zone showcase will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. for Cape Coral High School, Ida S. Baker High School, Island Coast High School, Mariner High School, North Fort Myers High School and Lee Virtual School. n The East Zone showcase will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Dunbar High School, East Lee County High School, Gateway High School, Lehigh Senior High School, Riverdale High School and Lee Virtual School. n The final showcase, South Zone, will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. for Bonita Springs High School, Cypress Lake High School, Dunbar High School, Estero High School, Fort Myers High School, South Fort Myers High School and Lee Virtual School.

want to pursue.”

The schedule is broken down into the district’s three zones. n The West Zone showcase will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. for Cape Coral High School, Ida S. Baker High School, Island Coast High School, Mariner High School, North Fort Myers High School and Lee Virtual School. n The East Zone showcase will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Dunbar High School, East Lee County High School, Gateway High School, Lehigh Senior High School, Riverdale High School and Lee Virtual School. n The final showcase, South Zone, will be held from

noon to 1:30 p.m. for Bonita Springs High School, Cypress Lake High School, Dunbar High School, Estero High School, Fort Myers High School, South Fort Myers High School and Lee Virtual School.

Rising eighth grade students can register for high school from Jan. 16 through Feb. 29 during open enrollment. Applications are tentatively due by Jan. 26 for IB, Cambridge, Arts, FGCU and STEAM advanced programs.

“We recommend eighth graders take advantage of this opportunity to be ready in January to submit their applications,” Spicker said. “They can ask questions about IB and Cambridge to see which might be better suited to their skills. They can plan out how to get accepted into one of our two Collegiate Programs or use dual enrollment to their advantage. For the arts schools, they can learn about the audition process and what will be required.”

The inaugural showcase was very well received, Spicker said, which is why the event is returning this year.

“Not every family has the evenings free to attend four or five high school open houses, so the showcase makes all the schools available to them at one time. Once they know which one or two is the best possible fit, they can visit just those schools and make an informed choice when entering the school assignment lottery,” Spicker said.

He said it is important for eighth graders to know how much more is going to become available to them once they enter high school.

“They can choose a path to graduation that has them academically prepared for college or certified in a trade with highly sought-after job skills. They can find likeminded students in any number of clubs or activities. We are excited for them to be moving up and each school is eager to demonstrate why they are the perfect fit,” Spicker said.

Educational sunset birding cruises planned Captiva Cruises and the SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation will offer a series of educational sunset birding cruises, departing from McCarthy's Marina, at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

While cruising the Pine Island Sound, participants will hear about the ecology of the back bay estuary, learn about the SCCF's shorebird monitoring program, watch birds coming in to roost for the night, identify birds seen along the way and receive updates on the islands' bird populations.

The following cruises are planned: n Jan. 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. n Feb. 16 from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. n March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Tickets are $45 per person and $35 for ages 2-12.

The proceeds will help to support the SCCF’s shorebird program.

For more information or reservations, call Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5300 or visit https://sccf.org/calendar/.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

What’s Happening From page 22

‘Celebration in the Sky’ largest fireworks show in Southwest Florida, comes to Seminole Casino Hotel Jan. 13 Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will light up the sky with “Celebration in the Sky,” Saturday, Jan. 13 at 9 p.m. The fireworks display will be choreographed to

lights and a custom soundtrack. Violinist Timothee Lovelock, who is nationally recognized for his one-of-a-kind violin and DJ shows, will perform.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive early. Parking at Seminole Casino Hotel will be limited, with clearly identified overflow parking nearby. All ages are welcome and admission is free. Guests should bring their own chairs to the view-

ing area for the show. Food and beverage options will be available for purchase at the event.

“Celebration in the Sky” is the largest land-based fireworks show in Southwest Florida. The show is produced by Zambelli Fireworks, one of the largest fireworks companies in the world. A traditional outdoor Zambelli Fireworks production is a complete sensory experience unlike any-

thing else! Zambelli’s productions are some of the largest in the world, and their displays include a variety of shells and high-intensity multi-shot devices that awe and inspire.

For more information, call toll-free 800218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/Seminole CasinoHotel/.

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is at 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee.

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Page 27 n Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com Fort Myers Beach Observer

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 29, 2023 n Page 28

Observer 11/29/23

Observer 11/29/23