Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME 37, NUMBER 49

Shrimp boats getting back in water

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

It’s been two months since Hurricane Ian and three of an estimated 45 shrimp boats have made it off the land off Fort Myers Beach and back into the water with the third an approximately 80 feet long, 160 ton steel boat named “Miz Shirley” making it back into the bay Tuesday

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers

School students took a graduate class in civics Tuesday when they joined their families, school staff and members of the community in speaking up at a meeting of the Lee County School Board meeting to save their school amid concern over whether the board and administration will act to rebuild the school after it suffered dam age from Hurricane Ian

A lack of remedial work inside the building since Hurricane Ian has led to increasing worries that the district is not moving quickly to help clean and repair the building while other schools they say are less hard hit have been re opened

More than 30 people spoke at the school board meeting, including three elementary school students, a couple staff members, many parents and mem bers of the community

Jesse Field, a parent of two students at Beach Elementary School, said he and his family moved from California to F l o r i d a d u r i n g t h e c o v i d p a n d e m i c

Double E after the cranes put it back in the water.

TRACEY GORE

The return of the shrimp boats to water has been a Herculean effort that has made colossal strides in recent weeks but is still far from complete

The first shrimp boat to make it off Erickson and Jensen’s property was one of the company’s 11 shrimp boats “Double E ” Grant Erickson and his fam ily have been in the shrimping business

on Fort Myers Beach for approximately 70 years They have operated a shrimping busi ness at its present location on Shrimp Lane off Main Street in San Carlos Island since 1964

“It’s a slow process but it’s happening,” Erickson said

Steve Beyel of Beyel Brothers Crane &

Community Foundation, Woman’s Club looking to help

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

If you have a Fort Myers Beach address in the 33931 ZIP code on island or off, the Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation and Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club wants to find you and help you

T h e t w o o r g a n i z a t i o n s h a v e r a i s e d more than half a million dollars since H u r r i c a n e I a n f o r t h e i r 3 3 9 3 1 #WeAreFMB Fund

More than 800 residents have been sent an eMastercard worth $500 to help with expenses incurred from Hurricane Ian They also have grossed more than $20,000 on the sale of #WeAreFMB Resilient shirts and hats with more contin uing to be sold

What are we supposed to tell our kids that have been through so much? Hey, when things get hard, you are supposed to just give up? My job as a father is to raise strong women and that is exactly what I'm going to do They know that tough times never last, tough people do. We really hope you do what's right."

JESSE FIELD,

Father of two Fort Myers Beach Elementary School students

“Once we came over the bridge to Fort Myers Beach we thought we hit the lot tery,” Field said He said educators went above and beyond to help his two daugh ters receive a proper education Field noted that the school has been named a school of excellence by the State of Florida four years in a row. “We should be figuring out a way to save a huge asset, not a way to shut it down,” he said

“What are we supposed to tell our kids that have been through so much? Hey, when things get hard, you are sup posed to just give up? My job as a father is to raise strong women and that is

exactly what I’m going to do,” Field said “They know that tough times never last, tough people do We really hope you do what's right ”

Lee County Schools Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier said options on whether to rebuild the school or pursue

See BEACH SCHOOL, page 3

Out of more than $525,000 raised, Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation President Robin Bush said there are still enough funds to help another 100 200 households

The organizations joined forces in the aftermath of Ian and have been sending out $500 eMastercards to each household in the 33931 ZIP code that applies

As long as individuals have a Fort Myers Beach address on their license with the 33931 ZIP, whether it is on San Carlos Island or down further off San Carlos Boulevard, the Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation and Fort Myers beach Woman’s Club will provide one card per household

“We joined forces right after Ian came through,” Bush said. “We have two larger nonprofits joining together instead of competing for resources ”

Donations have arrived speedily Bush said checks have ranged from $25 to $20,000 from individual dona tions, nonprofits, concerts, events and e

Students, parents, community ask board to clean, rebuild elementary school

Shrimp boats

Rigging has gotten the first two boats out of the water The first boat’s recovery was funded by Texas businessman Luis Garcia who is hoping to get state approval to remove debris on the island by barges

Beyel said he is awaiting possible state and federal funding for more equipment He is expecting the state to put out a request for proposals for a contract to rescue all the boats. The Florida Division of Emergency Management didn’t respond to questions before the time of publication though a con tract is believed to be in the works

Beyel, who said he worked on saving shrimp boats after Hurricane Katrina, said the weight of the shrimp boats laying on their side has made the recovery efforts dif

From page 1

ficult “You have 230 ton steel shrimp boats full of fuel, wooden ones covered in fiberglass Some of them are completely destroyed,” he said He estimates about 85% of the 45 boats can be saved

It’s the shrimpers that helped put Fort

Myers Beach on the map and it is the photos of shrimp boats washed up on land on top of each other that may be some of the most enduring images of Hurricane Ian

Erickson said some of the out of work fishermen are sleeping in tents

“It’s a tough situation on everybody in this industry,” Erickson said “These people still need to eat People are wondering where their next meal is coming from ”

An estimated 40 or more shrimp boats were damaged by Hurricane Ian and taken out of commission after being swept up out of the water

Former Fort Myers Beach mayor Tracey Gore, who operates Gore Seafood Inc. with her husband Henry, has been closely involved in working with contractors, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and state government authori ties on rescuing the boats The Gore Seafood Inc boat Lexi Joe was the second

People are wondering where their next meals are coming from.”

Erickson and Jensen

owner Grant Erickson, on the plight of some shrimp boaters living in tents and waiting on their boats to be put back into the water

Lexi Joe floating after cranes put her back in the water (next to the boat with yellow stern).

Beach school

other avenues will be presented at the board's meeting on Dec 13 “There will be other options for the board to consider and we will dig deeper into those ques tions we are still answering,” Bernier said

“There will be an option, it could be a very expensive one, but there will be an option potentially to rebuild the school and other options for you to consider It was never an option not to bring that but there are difficult decisions ahead for all of us,” Bernier said

A decision on whether to rebuild the school may not be made until January, Bernier said E l e m e n t a r y

Schmucker were among the speak ers

“Beach School is so important to all of us kids on the island That is why I don't understand why you haven't even started cleaning it for us to go back,” Schmucker said

School board members voiced support for the speakers. School Board Vice Chair Samuel Fisher was visibly moved by the students and said they and their parents should be proud “That was very brave of the three of you to speak,” he said “We're listening and I do really appre ciate you coming out,” Fisher said after t h e s p e a k e r s “ Y o u g u y s h a v e g o n e through the unimaginable ” Fisher said the board has not made any decisions yet on the school's future

Beach School is so important to all of us kids on the island. That is why I don't understand why you haven't even started cleaning it for us to go back. ... Aren't we important to you? Don't we matter, too? I am asking you to please hurry and clean our school "

SCHMUCKER,

There will be an option, it could be a very expensive one, but there will be an option potentially to rebuild the school and other options for you to consider. It was never an option not to bring that but there are diffi cult decisions ahead for all of us ”

CHRISTOPHER BERNIER, Lee County Schools Superintendent

The Beach Elementary School had an e n r o l l m e n t o f 7 9 s t u d e n t s b e f o r e Hurricane Ian according to figures provid ed by the district, and currently has 50 students considered to be enrolled at the school, though they attend San Carlos Park Elementary School.

Parent Ethan Mackey, whose home has been gutted as he rebuilds from Hurricane Ian, said he spends two hours a day on the road bringing his children to San Carlos Park Elementary School while his family stays at a friend's home He expects it will

take another six months to rebuild his home

“The community is pretty upset that (the school) hasn't been cleaned,” Mackey said “It feels like we have lost enough ”

Many speakers said Fort Myers Beach would cease to be a community without its school and that it would be a devastat ing blow to a town which already has endured the worst impacts of the deadly Hurricane Ian, which has displaced many residents

Several speakers said the community

w o u l d o f f e r v o l u n t e e r s t o c l e a n t h e school

Natalie Hinckley said she was con cerned the school was being overlooked due to its lower enrollment numbers com pared to other schools Hinckley, who moved to Fort Myers Beach five years ago, said “we lost everything” in the hur ricane “Our kids are struggling,” she said “They need some sort of normalcy ” Hinckley said the school has been like a family

“Please don't take it away from us Our c h i l d r e n ' s l i v e s a r e i n y o u r h a n d s , ” Hinckley said. “Right now all we need is for our school to be opened and not just sit there and rot,” she said “Everything is just rotting and it's molding up and it is disgusting ”

Beach Elementary School parent John Koss told the board “We have lost our h o m e s a n d a l m o s t e v e r y t h i n g w e ' v e owned but what we have not lost is our hope for our community's future But know this, a vote to shut down the beating h e a r t o f o u r c o m m u n i t y , B e a c h Elementary, is the first step in taking that hope away ”

Bernier said “We are focused on Fort Myers Beach Elementary We understand and are getting a better handle on the his toric building information and the require ments related to the historic structure that's located on Fort Myers Beach "

Bernier said efforts have been made to

TESSA

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School fourth grader

DR

NATHAN MAYBERG

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School fourth grader Tessa Schmucker was one of three student speakers at a Lee County School Board meeting who spoke in support of saving the school.

Emma Vanasse (left to right), Chantal Blais, Shannon Orlandini, Gage Scasny and J.C. Koss were among the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School families rallying in support of saving the school at a Lee County School Board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 22

19260 San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

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Editorial Save the Beach School

Fort Myers Beach families have a lot on their minds these days Many are trying to rebuild their homes and still cleaning up after a hurricane that left an untold amount of destruction on an island of about 5,500 resi dents and an elementary school that had 79 students before Hurricane Ian struck

Families are dealing with contractors, flood insurance companies, wind insurance providers, adjusters, car insurance compa nies, car rental companies, FEMA, town gov ernment, state government, county govern ment, the 50% rule, living with friends and family or making arrangements for tempo rary housing

enough

The Lee County School District has exten sive insurance for such a disaster

We don’t yet know the extent of the dam age or the specifics as the district has yet to share those precise details. After two months of not being remediated, there is certainly some extensive mold damage

We don’t know how many months it will take to remediate

But something must be done, if only to send a message to the Fort Myers Beach com munity that of all its losses, its school will not become another victim of Hurricane Ian

Board member Chris Patricca, whose District 5 encompasses Fort Myers Beach, said she hasn’t yet made a decision on whether to rebuild the school She will be holding a forum at SkipOne Seafood on San Carlos Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach on Monday, Dec 5, from 6 p m to 7:30 p m to meet with constituents This is a good oppor tunity for the community to show Patricca how much our school means again

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They shouldn’t have to worry about their children’s school but they do because the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School has been closed and shuttered for the past two months after being damaged by Hurricane Ian Most concerning to many Beach families is the lack of repair work at the school It is not clear if the building will have to be demol ished and rebuilt or how much damage there was Many have offered to clean up One contractor has gone so far as to announce his company will clean up the school at no cost

In the meantime, some families are spend ing up to two hours a day on the road trans porting their children back and forth from San Carlos Park Elementary School Others travel each day to Walmart to put their chil dren on a bus for a 45 minute bus ride to the school All they would like is for their school to re open

“We have lost enough,” some stated through signs at a recent meeting of the Lee County School Board

We agree Fort Myers Beach has lost

By KELLY WILLIAMSON

As I am typing the house is much quieter than usual The usual murmurs of the refrig erator, the sounds of ice cubes dropping from the freezer, and the hum of steady cool air rushing from the air conditioning unit are all silent In the place of normal household sounds are buzzes from generators outside and the recollection of violent wind gusts from Hurricane Ian My first turtle nesting season volunteering with Turtle Time was brought to an end with Hurricane Ian As I reflect on this past nesting season, I recall three lessons the turtles have taught me this year: home is imprinted on your heart, fol low the light, and just keep swimming

After about thirty years, adult loggerhead females travel thousands of miles from their

We believe it’s not too late to save the school though it may be expensive due to time delays in addressing the damage The county and town have also been allowing debris removal contractors to stack up hurri cane debris on property adjacent to the Beach Elementary School which is worrisome

We were encouraged by the reaction of the school board this past week to students, their parents, school staff and members of the community who made strong cases for saving the school Who could argue with fourth grader Tessa Schmucker, who asked the school board “Aren't we important to you? Don't we matter too? I am asking you to please hurry and clean our school."

Several school board members appeared to be moved by the words of the community, particularly the new Vice Chair Samuel Fisher (District 1) who lauded three students Miss Schmucker, Ella Alfaro Maldonado and Olivia Hicks for their bravery in speaking at the school board meeting

"You guys have gone through the unimag inable," Board member Fisher said

Ms Patricca said the issue is “very com plicated” and district superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier said “there will be an option, it could be a very expensive one, but there will be an option potentially to rebuild the school ”

That also is encouraging We encourage strongly encourage options that pro vide for a rebuild and we place an interium option on the table: A temporary, “portable classroom” campus such as the district has n o w a p p r o v e d f o r H e c t o r A C a f f e r a t a Elementary School in Cape Coral if it will get our kids and teachers back to class sooner

Our school is smaller, the cost will be lower and our children will benefit from an education a lot closer to home

The Lee County School Board is sched uled to meet again Tuesday, Dec 13 This will be an important meeting to attend for those who care about saving the Beach Elementary School, a building which is on the U S National Registrar of Historic Places and which dates back to the 1940s

If you can, we urge you to attend and make your support known

feeding grounds to nest on the same beach where they took their first crawls The beach may look very different from their first crawl, however they are imprinted to know h o m e I n t h e n i g h t a f e m a l e w e i g h i n g between 200 lbs and 350 lbs emerges from the surf to crawl up the beach Once she finds a suitable nesting spot, she creates a body pit to then spend nearly an hour with her rear flippers digging an egg chamber In the egg chamber, she lays approximately one hun dred ping pong sized eggs She then covers her eggs with her front flippers to protect them from predators and crawls back down the beach leaving behind an ATV style track

in the sand

Like the female sea turtles, many in our community are returning home to unrecog nizable physical structures, but we have the imprint of laughter, warmth, sunshine, and home on our heart and that is never forgotten After the mother returns to the sea, the eggs incubate for between 45 days and 70 days That’s when the Turtle Time volunteers get to work

In addition to searching for new tracks, we monitor existing nests for raccoon prints, ghost crab holes, and ant colonies that are all seeking to destroy the incubating eggs In the

shield of the night, the mature hatchlings emerge from their egg shells and follow the lighter seaward horizon to the gulf Without electricity you miss the little lights like the night light in the back hall that is simply enough to allow you to walk around You also yearn for the sun to rise, so you can stop forgetting your flashlight every time you walk into a closet We can work in this darkness and destruction by fixing our eyes on the good, the lighter horizon that will soon turn into day (when power is

Shrimp boats

From page 2

boat floated back onto the water this past week

Gore described the feeling of seeing her com pany’s boat back on the water as “pure relief. Just the weight of the world watching my husband work on that boat day after day ”

Gore said “Lexi Joe” and “Miz Shirley” will both go to Alabama to get hauled out She said they have insurance for the damage

Gore thanked Governor Ron DeSantis and state officials for getting the shrimp boats back onto water

“I think it’s important to note that after meeting face to face with Gov DeSantis, he told me that he would get those massive shrimp boats, vital to the tradition and character of our small town commu nity charm and a huge impact to the local econo my, back in the water and he’s a man of his word He’s doing it,” Gore said “Everything they said they were going to do, they have done ”

Gore also was able to meet with President Joe Biden when he made a joint appearance together with DeSantis on Fort Myers Beach last month Gore spoke to him about the importance of the shrimping industry to the community as an economic engine

“He listened and explained that there is FEMA money out there,” Gore said

“The Republican governor of Florida and the Democratic president came together for the community We need both of them,” she said

Beach school

c o l l e c

M y e r s B e a c h E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l f o r teachers and additional requests have been made by staff for personal items "We will do our best to recover those teacher items," he said

The Fort Myers Beach Elementary School was added to the U S National Register of Historic Places in 1999 and dates back to the 1940s.

Bernier will be meeting with the direc tor of the Florida Division of Historical Resources and Florida's State Historic Preservation Office

B e r n i e r s a i d S a n i b e l ' s e l e m e n t a r y school could reopen in January F o r t M y e r s B e a c h C h a m b e r o f Commerce President Jacki Liszak said the school was "very important to our com munity "

The business community, Liszak said, "really benefits from this school."

Liszak said that without the school, there was fear that the town would change

From page 3

restored please turn off your artificial lights near the beach during nesting season as the sea turtles can wander and become disoriented)

Once the hatchlings hit the water they have no option other than to keep swimming One of my favorite mem ories from Turtle Time was releasing 10 hatchlings into the Gulf of Mexico As they were swimming away I thought about their intense survival mission. They would have to dodge sharks, elude carnivorous fish as they pass

over their reefs, and evade detection by sea birds all to make it to a nice natural marine made raft or ocean cur rent As we rebuild, there will be a lot of threats to our community Our sharks simply look different They are financial stressors, physical exhaustion, and simply wait ing However challenging it gets, we can’t stop our gen erosity with our time, talents, and resources We can’t stop giving to those in need. We can’t stop exercising patience We can’t stop swimming!

“Some of them are salvageable Some we are still assessing,” he said Some of the boats have holes in them. Two or three of the boats he knows won’t be operational again They don’t have insurance, he said

“They need more heavy lifting equipment,” Erickson said of the effort to get the boats back in the water Erickson said he believes it is a matter of state funding “There is such a long ways to go,” he said

Erickson said he doesn’t know what the shrimping business will look like by the time all the boats are back in the water “The shrimping is terrific There are lots and lots of shrimp,” he said. The problem is the price of shrimp is low and the cost of fuel is high

Gore said the process won’t be quick “It takes a minute to get things in order. It’s not a simple operation. It’s a mas sive operation,” she said

Erickson is looking forward to more of his shrimp boats making it back into the water but it may take time as there is currently only one crane available Some of his boats are laying on their sides with holes in them

into just a vacation destination and just a tourist stop "We do not want to see that," she said

Charlie Whitehead, whose children went to Beach Elementary School, said the school is "the heart of our community These people here speaking to you have been punched hard in the gut Please don't cut out the community's heart "

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said the community's "outsized contribu tion" to the school district's tax receipts warrant continued support of the Beach S c h o o l " O u r c o m m u n i t y n e e d s y o u r help," Allers said "We ask that you give them comfort and permanency in this extraordinary time of upheaval "

Speaking to the school board, Tom Torgerson, developer of Margaritaville on Fort Myers Beach, said Fort Myers Beach "is going to be a jewel again You can count on it. You have to believe in us. Do not write us off " He said "The businesses that are going to rebuild need you "

$400,000 back to the community,” Ms Bush said

The organizations are looking to get the word out more as applications have slowed down for the cards

“We know there is more than 800 (households),” Ms. Bush said. “People need to apply ”

Those wishing to apply for the cards, can visit https://fmbcommunityfounda tion com or www fmb wc org for more information, or to donate All donations will go directly to the 33931 fund and directly to the applicants

“We are only at the beginning of addressing the needs of the businesses and i n d i v i d u a l s o n F o r t M y e r s B e a c h Organizations like the Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation and Woman's Club will continue to work to raise money and identify where they can help most as the island restoration evolves,” Bush said

“Immediately after Hurricane Ian, our two groups came together to see how we could pool our resources to help the resi dents of Fort Myers Beach,” stated Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club President D a w n T h o m a s “ T h e C o m m u n i t y

Erickson has been through many hurricanes before, here on Fort Myers Beach and else where “In Texas, we went right through the eye of Hurricane Harvey and it was nothing like this one,” he said “It’s such a disruption to life as we know it ”

Erickson called the situation “dire ”

In addition to the damage to his boats, there was damage to his buildings and offices Ian ruined the docks around his property “There is so much infrastructure that was com pletely destroyed,” he said. “I don’t know how we get back into business ”

Torgerson said "We have never ever been a financial burden to the school dis trict" and spoke of the "excess contribu tion" of the community’s taxpayers to the school district "We need your support "

L e e C o u n t y S c h o o l s B o a r d C h a i r Armor Persons called the comments "a tremendous display of not only school spirit but community spirit "

Board member Chris Patricca, whose district encompasses Fort Myers Beach, said the school isn't being overlooked She will hold a forum at SkipOne Seafood on San Carlos Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach on Monday, Dec 5 from 6 p m to 7:30 p m to meet with constituents "in a less formal setting "

Patricca said she has not made a deci sion on rebuilding the Beach Elementary School and is awaiting more information and data that Bernier and staff does not yet have.

"This has become just about the only thing we are talking about," she said

Foundation has been wonderful to work with Each nonprofit group has been responsible for a process in the fund giv ing We thank the donors who have sent money from all across the country to help us with the 33931 Fund ”

Additional events are continuing to occur to help individuals and organiza tions on Fort Myers Beach

“It has been amazing how so many people have worked together to make this happen,” added Thomas

Bush said the organizations will re evaluate what their next steps are to help

"This is an incredibly complicated issue " Patricca said more information is being gathered in order to make a decision

D i s t r i c t 4 B o a r d m e m b e r D e b b i e Jordan said she and her family has worked on Fort Myers Beach for years and said "I understand what you are going through "

D i s t r i c t 6 B o a r d m e m b e r J a d a Langford Fleming said "the majority of my vacations were on Fort Myers Beach growing up " She said she was "incredibly touched by all of the stories Please know that we are listening "

L a n g f o r d F l e m i n g s a i d t h e s t u d e n t

speakers "took my breath away "

Field said after the meeting that the lack of remedial work on the school had led some to believe that a decision had been made by some in the school district's leadership not to rebuild the school but b e l i e v e s t h a t t h e c o m m u n i t y ' s s t r o n g showing at the meeting Tuesday made an impact "It's never too late," he said

the community at the end of the year

“Right now we are trying to hit as many people as possible,” she said “We need to figure out what the next level of need is ” Bush also credited the Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club for their efforts in providing free clothing to a community in which so many people lost their belong ings

T h e W o m a n ' s C l u b a n d T h e Community Foundation are both 501C3 organizations and all donations are tax deductible

TRACEY GORE

Carousel Inn sold for $7 million

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Carousel Inn, a Fort Myers Beach landmark since the 1960s on the southern beach side, was sold for $7 million this month to Dublin Real Estate Investment Group, LLC of Illinois

The deal was anticipated as the purchaser acquired a neighboring parcel for $4 5 million in 2021 with a two phase plan to build four luxury homes on the adjacent site and another eight residences in place of the Carousel Inn

A demolition of the Carousel Inn could take place in the next 30 to 45 days, according to Kristen Sklad, a spokesperson for the developer Sklad said the Carousel Inn suffered “catastrophic” damage during Hurricane Ian The plans were before Ian to tear down the 27 room hotel to make way for the luxury residences

Tim O’Neill, CEO of Dublin Real Estate Investment Group, LLC, called Fort Myers Beach “a great family vacation spot, with a very fun low key atmosphere It's going to be rebuilt and the structures will be built to code which will make the community stronger and more resilient, but just because it's new does not mean it will be different ”

The company broke ground earlier this year on four luxury residences next door to the Carousel Inn At about 4,000 square feet each, the developer planned to price the homes at $3 million or more before Hurricane Ian

The Carousel Inn has been on the Lee County proper ty tax rolls since 1964

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council unanimously approved the project in 2018 The master concept plan was passed as an ordinance with deviations for the height which would rise up to five stories.

Michael Keilty, who is part of the ownership group which purchased the Carousel Inn in 2016 for $5 million in 2016 and the neighboring parcel for $2 million, said earlier this year that Dublin Real Estate Investment Group LLC would have an opportunity to buy the Carousel Inn The firm had a deposit on the parcel and an

option to buy

The development is being called Gulfside Twelve. Dublin Real Estate Investment Group LLC is marketing the project as 12, five bedroom luxury residences, each with 4,000 square feet of space There will be a luxury style community pool, O'Neill said

The cost of the units would be north of $3 million, between $3 5 million to $3 6 million, O'Neill said

The hotel was among the more affordable places to stay on Fort Myers Beach in season and out of season

with dedicated guests who returned annually The spot attracted a large contingent of travelers from the Midwest who would socialize at the property, even if they stayed at other hotels or properties

“It's got a kitchen You can cook your own food, you don't have to go out and eat,” Diana Statham, of Illinois, said in January

“I would sure hate to see that it ever disappeared We need more like this, not less ” Ruth Guy said at the time “We love it here,” she said

Pink Shell Beach Resort restores power, water

STAFF REPORT

P i n k S h e l l B e a c h R e s o r t a n d M a r i n a announced that power, water, and all utilities have been restored on the Fort Myers Beach property

“We are incredibly grateful to the local author ities who have been working around the clock to bring back these vital services,” said Robert B o y k i n , c h a i r m a n o f B o y k i n M a n a g e m e n t Company, which owns and operates Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina “Now that we have power and running water, the clean up process will be expedited, allowing us to partially open next month We want to especially thank the Town of Fort Myers Beach, FPL, TECO Gas, and Fort Myers Beach Water, which have all been e x t r e m e l y s u p p o r t i v e a s o u r t e a m w o r k s t o rebuild ”

The resort expects to have rooms and one onsite dining outlet available in December.

“We have made big strides in a very short peri od of time, but we still have a long way to go until we are a vacation destination again,” Boykin said “These milestones are all important to recognize in the process It’s a testament to our local gov ernment and the work the men and women are doing on the ground to rebuild our community.”

With cleanup well underway, the resort will be reopening rooms in phases with the restaurant being open for guests, as well as the local com munity Hours of operation are still in the works

FILE PHOTO

Fire District seeking community relations manager for $95K

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District has been posting online seeking candidates to fill the new position of community relations manager The new job title for the department carries a starting salary of $95,000

Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Ron Martin said the department saw a need for such a position in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

“The coordination of public information and commu nity relations is an important task,” Martin stated in an email “These essential functions have been historically ancillary tasks assigned to several individuals One of the lessons learned from Hurricane Ian is that we can no longer rely on these crucial functions being an ancillary duty.”

The benefits for the new hire will include health, den tal and vision insurance coverage as well as a take home vehicle

The salary was decided upon based on “state, region al, and local data comparisons,” Martin said “We also consider the scope of work, the regional cost of living, and inflation when determining salaries ”

According to the job description posted by the depart ment, the community relations manager will plan, devel op, coordinate and administer districtwide public infor mation, a marketing plan and community engagement programs for the community. They will also create, man age and distribute social media content

The responsibilities of handling media requests and public relations matters are currently split between the fire chief, assistant chiefs, fire official and director of finance

The new position arrives at a time when the depart ment is dealing with the loss of their firehouse off Donora Boulevard and ongoing plans to build a new station

“Our new community relations manager will need to love people, enjoy interactions with the community, and have a passion for helping through education, training,

Hurricane Ian taught us all the importance of coordinating information being provided to the community ”

RON MARTIN,

and dissemination of information Our new community relations manager will be the face of our organization; as such, they will need to be able to provide a professional presentation to a variety of community groups, business groups, elected officials, and partnering agencies,” the job description states

The community relations manager will work directly for the fire chief, creating opportunities for the district and its Board of Fire Commissioners to interact with the community The community relations manager will build relationships with numerous media partners and provide critical information to the community through on scene media interviews, social media, telephone, and written communications

“Hurricane Ian taught us all the importance of coordi nating information being provided to the community,” Martin said “The men and women of this Fire District desire to bring our community close to the good work we do on a routine basis and to create the opportunity to engage our community in becoming active participants in their safety ”

Martin said the new hire will be “the first of many mit igation actions the Fire District will be taking in the after math of the devastation of Hurricane Ian to enhance com munity resiliency moving forward ”

A full job description and application for the commu nity relations manager can be found on the district’s web site The deadline to apply is Dec 9

United Way campaign kick-offs Dec. 14

STAFF REPORT

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades will be host ing its annual campaign kick off on Dec 14 The event will be held at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, located on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College Networking and light breakfast items will be available at 8:30 a m The program will start at 9:00 a m Tickets are on sale for $15, available through the Barbara B Mann website https://bit ly/UWKickoff22 23 The kickoff event is the start of United Way’s annual fundraising effort United Way team members, partner agencies, and volunteers will unite to raise awareness and excitement in the community through the testimonials of donors, advocates, and recipients Pacesetter results will be announced at this time United Way Pacesetters are companies that run their campaigns early in order to set the pace for the rest of the community The event also allows attendees to network with hundreds of United Way supporters

United Way Campaign Co Chairs Sally Jackson and Matt Humphreys will lead the Kickoff to the goal of $11,186,558

The theme of this year’s campaign has shifted to “United More Than Ever” Regarding this year’s cam paign theme, Jackson said, “United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is our United Way With one gift, you can help 90 agencies and over 260 programs that make a dif ference to people from early childhood through senior life One person, one donor, one volunteer can make a difference in the lives of many of our friends and neigh bors We want United Way to be your way to make a dif ference ”

“Being the chair of the United Way Campaign is an honor and a challenge,” Humphreys added “It is a huge responsibility to raise nearly $11 2 million for our United Way especially in the aftermath of a disaster, but I will pursue the goal with passion and enthusiasm When people ask me why I support our United Way, I answer that it is one of the most efficient, effective, and compassionate ways to give back to the community I love It is the best way to connect people who need help with people who can help ”

A two year lease for a 2022 Acura from Scanlon Auto Group will be given away to an annual contributor of $240 or more from the 2020 2021 United Way Campaign Five donors to the campaign are drawn at ran dom, and one will discover the keys in a gift box at the event

All money raised in the United Way campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network United Way Partner Agencies and ini tiatives include: The Alvin A Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Harry Chapin Food Bank, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and United Way 211, to mention a few These agencies serve a diverse range of needs in our community such as nurtur ing children and youth, strengthening families, and meet ing critical needs like helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering communities by bringing health and human services to neighborhoods

In addition to raising funds for human service organ izations in our community, the United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies and ini tiatives, helping them to work together focusing on issues and solutions that continue to improve lives For more information, please call United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades at (239) 433 2000 or visit www UnitedWayLee org

FILE PHOTO

Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief

Beach Living

Mini Christmas tree festival and auction

Staff Repor t

The Fort Myers Beach Woman’s C the 5th Annual “Mini” Christmas Auction Dec 10t at the Man Caves Suites located at 10950 Old Sou Myers from 3 pm 7 pm

Beach Kids Foundation collecting toys, gifts

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Beach Kids Foundation was hoping to have its annual fundraising dinner gala at the DiamondHead Resort this year for the first time since the covid pan demic, and then Hurricane Ian happened

Unlike every other year when the Beach Kids Foundation conducts their annual toy drive for chil dren on Fort Myers Beach, they no longer have the l u x u r y o f c o l l e c t i n g w i s h l i s t s f r o m t h e B e a c h Elementary School either since that has been closed, Beach Kids Foundation President Linda Beasley said

This year, the organization will be collecting toys for Beach youth in a slightly different way. The organization has an Amazon wish list up under “Beach Kids Foundation” which the public is wel come to buy gifts for children under The organization is also asking that any toys and gifts alternatively pur chased be dropped off at the Fort Myers Beach Fire District station on San Carlos Boulevard

On Dec 17 at noon, parents of Beach Elementary School students will be invited to the SkipOne Seafood Restaurant on Fort Myers Beach to “shop” and pick up the donated gifts for their children for the holidays

Beasley said the foundation has received a large amount of donated toys and gifts She said the gifts range from baby items to teen items and bikes There will be wrapping paper and tape available for the gifts

Beasley said the need to help the children was more now than ever before

“They have lost their homes, they’ve lost every thing,” she said

She estimated that half or more of the youth from Fort Myers Beach are living off island so there won’t be the usual delivering of gifts with the fire depart ment. The streets are still difficult to pass through.

While there won’t be a fundraising dinner to sup port scholarships for Beach students this year, the foundation will still be accepting donations Checks made out to the Beach Kids Foundation can be sent to:

Beach Kids Foundation

Care of Outer Island Mortgage 13881 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, FL 33912

“Thanks to the gracious donation o the owner of the White Egret in Anna M Florida, the Fort Myers Beach Woman able to continue our tradition of creatin kind trees for the public to purchase ” sa Allers, Co Chair of the Christmas Tree “We have received over 100 trees and that have been decorated and will be r deliver immediately ”

“We also will have decorated trees mitted from local non profit organizat on Fort Myers Beach,” said Fort My Beach Woman's Club Board memb Mari Torgerson “We are also thrilled have local food trucks participating so that we can continue this beach tradi tion ”

The trees will be available online to bid on starting Dec 32auctions com/theminitreefestival e Woman’s Club will be donating 50 who were affected by Hurricane Ian and Fort Myers Beach If you have a fami like to nominate for a free tree, you can ir story and register their name ww surveymonkey com/r/9HSTCYL rom the donated trees will go towards the WeAReFMB Fund. This fund donates ack to the residents of Fort Myers Beach ve losses suffered from Ian The trees by area non profits will retain their s raised

e Festival is open to the public and free harge VIP tickets are available for pur se on our website The Woman’s Club o asks that guests bring an unwrapped y for the Beach Kids Foundation

For more information visit https://www fmb wc org/index .php/upcoming fmb events/ or email events@fmb wc org

DOH-Lee issues red tide alerts for islands, county

On Nov. 22, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County issued a health alert for the presence of an addition al red tide bloom The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was observed at very low to high concentrations in Lee An alert level of red tide was found at the Alison Hagerup Beach on Captiva

In addition, it issued a health alert on Nov 21 for the presence of an additional red tide bloom An alert level of red tide was found at the Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel Both alerts were issued in response to water samples taken on Nov 17

The DOH Lee also issued a health alert on Nov 18 for the presence of three blooms. Alert levels of red tide were found at Lynn Hall Park on Fort Myers Beach and at New Pass on Lovers Key; a cautionary level of red tide was found at Bonita Beach Park

It reported that the alert was issued in response to water samples taken on Nov 16

The public should exercise caution in and around Lee County coastal waters at this time

The public is advised to take the following precautions:

∫ Look for informational signage posted at most beaches

∫ Stay away from the water, and do not swim in waters with dead fish

∫ Those with chronic respiratory problems should be especially cautious and stay away from the locations as red tide can affect your breathing

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

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

∫ Keep pets and livestock away and out of the water, sea foam and dead sea life If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash it as soon as possible

∫ Those living in beach areas are advised to close win dows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specifica tions

∫ If outdoors near an affected location, people may choose to wear masks, especially if onshore winds are blow ing

What is red tide?

Red tide is one type of harmful algal bloom caused by high concentrations of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia bre vis (K brevis), a type of microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico It typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents Once inshore, these organisms can

use nearshore nutrient sources to fuel their growth. Blooms typically last into winter or spring, but in some cases, can endure for more than one year

Is it harmful?

K brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can be harmful to the health of wildlife and people Wind and wave action can break open K brevis cells and release toxins into the air This is why you should monitor condi tions and use caution when visiting affected water bodies. People in coastal areas can experience varying degrees of eye, nose and throat irritation during a red tide bloom Some individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma or chronic lung disease, might experience more severe symptoms Red tide toxins can also affect the central nerv ous system of fish and other marine life, which can lead to fish kills and increased wildlife strandings or mortalities Eating contaminated seafood can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans Symptoms include nausea and vomit ing; tingling of the mouth, lips and tongue; and slurred speech and dizziness

To find current information about Florida's water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal blooms and beach conditions, visit Protecting FloridaTogether gov and floridahealth gov/environmental health/aquatic toxins For local shellfish harvesting status, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at https://www fdacs gov/Agriculture Industry /Aquaculture/Shellfish Harvesting Area Classification

Where to report issues related to red tide?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission collects and analyzes red tide samples and results are updat ed multiple times daily at MyFWC com/redtidemap/ Status updates are issued twice weekly during blooms at https://myfwc com/research/redtide/statewide/ To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state, call the toll free hotline at 866 300 9399

To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute via the FWC Reporter App, call 800 636 0511 or report online at https://myfwc com/research /saltwater/health/fish kills hotline/

Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center Call 800 222 1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately

Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with red tide affected water or contaminated marine life

For other health questions or concerns about red tide blooms, call the DOH Lee at 239 690 2100

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

football game scheduled to raise funds for students, educators and teachers

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

An event scheduled next month came to bring the community together throug while raising funds for students, educa through a Hurricane Ian relief fund

The Hurricane Ian Relief Flag Footb will be held at 8 a m Saturday, Dec High School, 3800 Edison Ave , Fort M

“As a teacher at The Sanibel School, blessed with the outpouring of support f nity and strangers near and far,” tourna Joe Camputaro said “I felt that it would forward and serve as a goodwill ambass program that I have implemented with my fifth grade students at our school titled, Blueberry Ambassadors ”

Camputaro, a 2021 Golden Apple recipient, is an advocate of the work that the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools CEO and President Marshall Bower does for the students and educators of the county

“I have also served as league coordi nator for various adult intramural leagues through the School District’s employee wellness program When I returned home from evacuating the hurricane, I shared my vision with employee wellness and the foundation Both were incredibly supportive and let me run with the ball, so to speak, to organize this tournament Since its inception, many individuals from the foundation and the school district, including full support and endorsement of district leadership, have made this possible,” he said

Participation is $10 per person and will go towards the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Hurricane Ian Relief Fund Those interested must register by 11:50 p m , D e c 1 , b y v i s i t i n g h t t p s : / / p l a y p a s s .com/HurricaneIanFlagFootballFundraiser.

A d d i t i o n a l d o n a t i o n s a r e e n c o u r a g e d , b u t n o t required

“There is no max number for registration The tourna

Lynyrd Skynyrd headlining Hurricane Ian benefit show

STAFF REPORT

There will be 500 people impacted by Hurricane Ian with free seats when Lynyrd Skynyrd headlines a benefit show at Hertz Arena in Estero Dec. 1.

The Hallberg Family, of Naples, purchased the tickets after concert organizers Boots in the Sand Inc worked with local nonprofit groups, churches, local law enforce ment agencies and first responders to identify ticket recip ients

Joining Lynyrd Skynyrd will be musicians Gavin DeGraw, Ted Nugent, Ira Dean, Brian Kelley, Tracy Lawrence, RaeLynn and John Rich Naples comedian Jim Breuer will host the festivities

The event is produced by Live Nation and Ira Dean for Boots on the Sand, Inc Proceeds from the concert will be directed to the Florida Disaster Fund through Volunteer F l o r i d a , a n d C o l l i e r C o m m u n i t y F o u n d a t i o n ,

Collaboratory Community and Charlotte Community Foundation

Boots on the Sand, Inc , is dedicated to the recovery of Southwest Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

ment will be 7 vs 7 adult only (18 plus years or older) to play. There is a men’s division and a co ed division. Teams can have as many players on their roster as they wish, however only seven players can be on the field for their respective team during the game,” Camputaro said

He said the event would not be possible without the incredible support of the School District of Lee County, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools and those who are volunteering for the tournament

“In order to ensure all funds go directly to the Hurricane Ian Relief Fund, myself, our officials and any one else who is helping us on the 3rd are volunteering their time to bring our community closer and support our a m a z i n g S c h o o l D i s t r i c t e m p l o y e e s a n d f a m i l i e s , ” Camputaro said

To make donate to the fundraiser, scan the QR Code or visit https://thefoundationforleecountypublicschools n e t w o r k f o r g o o d c o m / p r o j e c t s / 1 7 2 8 4 0 f l a g f o o t b a l l

hurricane ian relief fundraiser

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / p l a y p a s s c o m

/HurricaneIanFlagFootballFundraiser

500 Tickets to Dec. 1 concert donated to those affected by disaster

Christmas Carol Sing

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

Cash donations received can purchase five times as much food for the same amount residents spend at the grocery store The canned, nonperishable goods will go directly to Community Cooperative Christmas Carol Sing is simple: Everyone gathers together to sing popular Christmas carols The perform ance includes the First Presbyterian Church Choir and soloists, as well as other special guests.

“When my mother was growing up in the Netherlands, men used to walk down the street singing together Now we have earbuds in our ears and we are listening to other people sing,” deJong said “I don’t care how poorly you can sing, you can belt out some Christmas music and it is just fun It is a joy to sing together When it is all of us together you can sing as much as you want ” R o g e r P e t e r s o n , m i n i s t e r o f m u s i c a t F i r s t Presbyterian, said they will sing advent songs such as “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night,” as well as secular songs like “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire ” January will mark 21 years that he has been involved with the church

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

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

The Christmas Carol Sing is sponsored by First

Presbyterian and the Galloway Family of Dealerships Community Cooperative is a world class organization that helps those in need, deJong said. It started in their church as a dream a few decades ago and has developed into an organization that is first rate in helping those in need

“When you are in the midst of recovering from a dis aster storm, the need is more profound, more prolific and challenging in so many ways They know how to get the gifts to those who need it most They know how to get the gifts to those who need it most,” he said deJong said there were so many people in need before Ian impacted Lee County, meaning there are more people who are unexpectedly in need

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

Community Cooperative provides over 26,000 meals each month through its programs Community Cafes, Meals on Wheels and school programs In addition it dis tributes more than 1 4 million pounds of groceries

For more information, call 239 334 2261 or visit fpcfortmyers org

First Presbyterian Church is at 2438 Second St , Fort

through its Mobile Food Pantries and serves 9,000 indi viduals and families with homeless and comprehensive case management services.

ABOVE:

JoAnn Beaumont, Genevieve Beaumont and Emmaline Beaumont enjoy a previous Christmas Carol Sing

LEFT:

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

PHOTOS PROVIDED

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

Collecting food for Community Cooperative is Renae Kosecki.

‘Joy to the World!’ Lee County Band Christmas Celebration to be held Dec. 11

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

The band will perform a variety of sacred and secular music, including traditional carols and beloved holiday songs that will rekindle the wonder of Christmas from years past The program includes “Santa Baby,” with vocalist Jan Fenn; “White Christmas,” “Celtic Bell Carol,” “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “‘Twas the Night Before ”

The 50 member adult band presents six concerts between November and April Programs reflect the band’s well earned reputation for lively, upbeat music and promise an entertaining mix of old favorites, energetic marches,

beloved patriotic tunes, Broadway and Silver Screen hits, solos with vocalists Norman Jones and Jan Fenn, and a sing along Additional concert dates are Jan 8, Feb 5, March 12, and April 23

Band members are musicians from all walks of life who reside in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties The band wel comes new members every year Persons interested in join ing may phone Frances Pace at 239 691 3115

Lee County Community Band concerts are free of charge

(donations accepted), and open to the public All concerts will be at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd , Cape Coral, one block north of Veterans Parkway, beginning at 3 p m

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

Local musicians are coming toge er to support a local nonprofit’s h day toy drive by presenting “A V Rowdy Christmas” (A Totally N Rowdy Event) concert on Saturd Dec 17 from 6 to 9 p m at Fort My Brewing Company

A production by The Music H the free, family friendly Christm spectacular will feature multiple l music acts including Irish pub s and showband The Rowdy Bar along with special guests Shee Brook and Chris Bepko The sho will also spotlight lively performan es by students of the Naples Schoo of Irish Dance as well as a specia solo sung by concert emcee and 96 9 WINK FM on air personality Maggie Potts

The Christmas spirit will come alive with a big, old fashioned Christmas carol sing along and free photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs Claus Fort Myers Brewing will also be pouring an array of specialty holiday brews and several local food trucks will be serving up food onsite

A t t e n d e e s a r e e n c o u r a g e d come in their most festive attire a t o b r i n g d o n a t i o n s o f n e w , unwrapped toys to benefit the Lewis P T a b a r r i n i C h i l d r e n ’ s M u s i c Outreach Foundation’s annual toy d r i v e , b r i n g i n g h o l i d a y c h e e r t o children in need across the region Additionally, all contributions to the musicians’ tip jar that evening will go directly to the Foundation, which provides musical instrument group lessons through the School of Rock Fort Myers to local children who are unable to afford lessons In 2021 22, the organization provided over 300 hours of music education to d e s e r v i n g k i d s w h o o t h e r w i s e

wouldn’t have the resources to be exposed to music at all “Our Christmas concert will be packed with great entertainment and holiday spirit it’ll be just as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids,” said Slim Gillian, chief visionary of The Music Hub “Our nonprofit benefici ary for the show has a special place in our hearts, and we’re excited to shine the spotlight on their work As artists and musicians, we all had people in our lives to help foster our love of music, and the Foundation is doing the same for dozens of children who oth erwise wouldn’t have access ”

“A Very Rowdy Christmas” is pre sented by Dorcey Law Firm Additional event sponsors include Worthington Realty, FrontLine Cyber Solutions, MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, Builders Glass of Bonita, York Services, The Treasure Chest, Adam’s Glass Services & Repairs, Lacy McClary Studio & Gallery, Gibson Pro Service and Cadence Music

The holiday festivities will be held at Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers For more informa tion and latest event updates, visit TheMusicHubUS com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Lee County Band

The SWFL premiere of ‘SISTAS: the Musical’ to open

Theater of Florida

A f t e r Grandma’s death, the women in the family clean out h e r a t t i c a n d unpack love and m e m o r i e s T h e y sing hit tunes that trace the history of Black women, from the trials of t h e 1 9 3 0 s t h r o u g h t h e g i r l groups of the ’60s to the empowerment of the ’90s.

Nominated for the 2012 Tony for Best New Musical and just months off its Off Broadway run, this uplifting hit show highlights the musical journey of a multigener ational African American family Featuring songs such as “Oh Happy Day,” “Stormy Weather,” “Strange Fruit,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “R E S P E C T , ” “I Will Survive,” “Single Ladies,” “We are Family” and more, this musical will lift your spirits and leave you singing all the way home

This show replaces “Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Story” and is included in the Season 14 pass Those holding tickets to “Ain’t Misbehavin'” will have those automatically exchanged for identical tickets (in the same seats and on the same night of the week) for “SISTAS: the Musical ”

Artistic Director Annette Trossbach says, “Audiences are going to love this show The music is iconic, the actors are so talented, and the set is beautiful Songs like these often mark milestones in our own lives: we all remember what was playing in the background of special moments like our first dance, our first kiss, and special gatherings with friends and family The journey of this show isn’t just the music, but how that music has been the soundtrack to our own lives.”

Director Sonya McCarter says, “The Oxford English Dictionary defines sisterhood as ‘the feeling of kinship with and closeness to a group of women or all women ’ That feeling of kinship can’t be forced or coerced; it has to live and breathe organically and does not require familial ties “SISTAS: the Musical” explores the bond of sisterhood: the good, the bad, and the ugly It takes us

on a journey through time using music and song as a vehicle to reflect on lessons that should be passed on to the next generation It reminds us of what’s important: togetherness and love even when we don’t agree It cel ebrates what it means to be a woman in all her cultured, frustrated, enlightened, steady, vulnerable, and sophisti cated glory. My hope is that you leave reminded of the need to cultivate that very special relationship that exists within a sisterhood Gather your sisterhood and come cel ebrate the women who have impacted your life!”

Directed by Sonya McCarter, “SISTAS: the Musical” f e a t u r e s M y r t l e O c t o b e r ( S i m o n e ) , M a k a y l a D a v i s (Roberta), Simone Farrell (Gloria), Julissa Jean Bart ( T a m i k a ) , a n d C h e l s e a F l e e m a n ( H e a t h e r )

Choreography by Isabel Isenhower and music direction by W Earl Sparrow

Playwright Marcic says, “Ultimately, “SISTAS: the Musical” is a story of family, of the history that binds us, and of the love we share that transcends our differences. It is a joyous celebration of strong women ” “SISTAS: the Musical” is sponsored by Art Zupko

Rehearsal space sponsored by Winged Foot Title

Performance dates: ∫ Dec 16, 17, 28, 29, 30 at 8 p m ∫ Dec 18 at 2 p m

Jan 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 8 p m ∫ Jan 8*, 15 at 2 p m

Special Events: ∫ H a l f p r i c e p r e v i e w nights: Dec. 14, 15 at 8 p.m. ∫ Staging Teen Success Through Theater: Dec 17 at 8 p m ∫

Post performance talk back: Jan 8

Tickets are $37 each or $15 for students with valid student IDs There are half priced pre views on Nov 2 and 3 at 8 p m and a new Thursday night special ticket price of $30 each for adults. For tickets, please call the box office at 239 218 0481 or online at www labora torytheaterflorida com

Notes on your visit

While masks are encour aged, they are not currently required

Photography and videogra p h y o f t h i s p r o d u c t i o n a r e strictly prohibited Thank you for your cooper ation and your support of The

F l o c k y e a h , w e ’ r e ( F I N A L L Y ) i n t r o d u c i n g t h e f i r s t e v e r F r i n g e F o r t M y e r s ! S a v e t h e d a t e s f o r J u n e 1 4 , 2 0 2 3 F r i n g e F o r t M y e r s i s t h e n e w e s t F r i n g e t h e a t r e f e s t i v a l i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , a n d t h e f i r s t e v e r i n S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a

F r i n g e F o r t M y e r s w i l l m a i n t a i n t h e l o n g s t a n d i n g t r a d i t i o n s o f b e i n g 1 0 0 % u n c e n s o r e d , 1 0 0 % u n j u r i e d a n d 1 0 0 % i n c l u s i v e E v e n b e t t e r , 1 0 0 % o f t i c k e t s a l e s g o d i r e c t l y t o t h e a r t i s t s . W h i c h m e a n s y o u ' r e 1 0 0 % g u a r a n t e e d t o h a v e t h e s i n g l e g r e a t e s t e x p e r i e n c e o f y o u r l i f e

W i t h 3 0 p e r f o r m a n c e s o n 4 d i f f e r e n t s t a g e s , F r i n g e F o r t M y e r s h a s s o m e t h i n g f o r e v e r y o n e ! F r o m o n e p e r s o n s h o w s , t o d a n c e a n d m u s i c , m a g i c , s t a n d u p c o m e d y a n d s o m u c h m o r e M o s t s h o w s a r e 6 0 m i n u t e s i n l e n g t h , s o m e a r e s h o r t e r

W a n t t o b e o n e o f t h e s h o w c a s e d a r t i s t s ? A r t i s t A p p l i c a t i o n s a r e a v a i l a b l e n o w , w i t h t h e e a r l y b i r d p r i c i n g o f $ 2 5 P r i c e s w i l l i n c r e a s e a f t e r N o v 2 8 , a n d a l l a p p l i c a t i o n s m u s t b e s u b m i t t e d b y 5 p m M o n d a y , D e c 1 2 . A l o t t e r y d r a w i n g w i l l b e h e l d o n M o n d a y , D e c 1 9 , 2 0 2 2 b o t h i n p e r s o n a n d o n l i n e

F r i n g e F o r t M y e r s i s a p a r t n e r s h i p b e t w e e n A l l i a n c e f o r t h e A r t s a n d t h e B r o a d w a y P a l m D i n n e r T h e a t r e a n d i s p r o u d l y s p o n s o r e d b y B r u c e & J a n e t B u n c h

F r i n g e F o r t M y e r s k i c k s o f f o n J u n e 1 , 2 0 2 3 w i t h t h e f u n a n d f r e n e t i c T e a s e r S h o w , w h e r e e a c h p e r f o r m a n c e g r o u p g e t s 2 m i n u t e s t o s e l l y o u o n t h e i r s h o w a n d h o w t h e y d o i t i s u p t o t h e m ! O v e r t h e n e x t 4 d a y s w e w i l l p l a y h o s t t o 3 0 p e r f o r m a n c e s o n 4 d i f f e r e n t s t a g e s a t t h e A l l i a n c e f o r t h e A r t s a n d B r o a d w a y P a l m D i n n e r T h e a t r e .

A f t e r t h e f i n a l c u r t a i n , F r i n g e F o r t M y e r s w i l l h o s t o u r f i r s t F r i n g e a w a r d s c e r e m o n y c e l e b r a t i n g t h e a r t i s t s t h a t m a k e F r i n g e a n i n c r e d i b l e e x p e r i e n c e T h e A l l i a n c e ' s y o u t h t h e a t r e w i l l a l s o o f f e r K i d s F r i n g e , w h i c h w i l l o p e r a t e a f a m i l y f r i e n d l y p e r f o r m a n c e w i t h i n F r i n g e F o r t M y e r s

The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present the southwest Florida premiere of Dorothy Marcic’s “SIS TAS: the Musical ” The show runs from Dec 16 through Jan 15

y e r s B e a c h O b s e r v e r

Sistas: (L R) Simone (Myrtle October), Tamika (Julissa Jean-Bart), Roberta (Makayla Davis) and Gloria (Simone Farrell) PHOTOS PROVIDED

Dress for Success SW Florida is hosting its “Season of Giving” online auction that features vacations, stayca tions, designer accessories and tickets to concerts and sporting events.

Held Dec 4 10, proceeds from “Season of Giving” will support Dress for Success’ mission to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by pro viding professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life Programs help women find and maintain employ ment, as well as achieve health and wellness, as they address social and economic needs

“The last few months have been challenging for everyone in Southwest Florida, which is why this holiday season is so important,” said Nickole Hendra, executive director of Dress for Success SW Florida. “‘Season of Giving’ offers an opportunity to show our loved ones how we really feel by giving them a truly unique gift while simultaneously providing resources to a nonprofit that serves so many women in our community ”

The full auction lot catalog will be revealed Dec. 4, but several travel packages have already been unveiled, including:

A Taste of New Orleans: Hotel accommodations, din ner and a cooking class

Explore Old Savannah: Hotel accommodations, din ner, walking tour and cemetery tour

Monserrat Caribbean Villa: 3BR, 3BA mountain and ocean view suite with private pool and terrace

Nashville Fine Dining: Hotel accommodations, dinner and distillery tour

Dress for Success’ “Season of Giving” online auction runs Sunday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 10. Auction lots and bidding instructions will be available online on Dec 4 at one bidpal net/seasonofgiving22

Bromeliad sale at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

E

r s h i p w i t h t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e B r o m e l i a d S o c i e t y , D e c 3 a n d 4 , f r o m 9 a m t o 4 p m B r o m e l i a d g r o w e r s w i l l h a v e t e n t s u n d e r t h e o a k t r e e s , n e a r t h e h i s t o r i c B a n y a n a n d w i l l o f f e r h u n d r e d s o f d i f f e r e n t s p e c i e s f o r s a l e S e v e r a l e x p e r t s w i l l b e o n h a n d f r o m t h e S o c i e t y t o a n s w e r q u e s t i o n s a b o u t B r o m e l i a d s T h e B r o m e l i a d S o c i e t y w a s f o r m e d m o r e t h a n 3 0 y e a r s a g o a n d h a s h e l d a n a n n u a l s a l e s i n c e 1 9 8 4 . T h i s e v e n t i s t h e l a r g e s t B r o m e l i a d s a l e i n t h e s t a t e o f F l o r i d a G r o w e r s f r o m o t h e r a r e a s , i n c l u d i n g M i a m i , S a r a s o t a a n d V e n i c e w i l l b e p a r t i c i p a t i n g

P a r k i n g a n d a d m i s s i o n t o t h e s a l e i s f r e e ( d o e s n o t i n c l u d e t o u r s o r a d m i s s i o n t o t h e m u s e u m , l a b o r r i v e r s i d e o f t h e p r o p e r t y ) T h e G a r d e n S h o p p e w i l l a l s o b e o p e n a n d i s s t o c k e d w i t h a v a r i e t y o f p l a n t s a n d t r e e s A l i m i t e d n u m b e r o f g a r d e n c a r t s w i l l b e a v a i l a b l e ; g u e s t s a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o b r i n g t h e i r o w n R e f r e s h m e n t s w i l l b e a v a i l a b l e f o r p u r c h a s e E d i s o n a n d F o r d W i n t e r E s t a t e s i s a t 2 3 5 0 M c G r e g o r B l v d . , F o r t M y e r s .

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The full auction lot catalog will be revealed Dec. 4, but several travel packages have already been unveiled, including:

ABOVE: A Taste of New Orleans: Hotel accommodations, dinner and a cooking class

ABOVE RIGHT: Explore Old Savannah: Hotel accommodations, dinner, walking tour and cemetery tour

BELOW: Monserrat Caribbean Villa: 3BR, 3BA mountain and ocean view suite with private pool and terrace

BELOW LEFT: Nashville Fine Dining: Hotel accommodations, dinner and distillery tour

The Alliance for the Arts is accepting artwork for its White E l e p h a n t s t y l e e x h i b i t i o n o f unwanted art, “Not On My Walls,” that will be on display from Dec 1 31 at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

It will open with a tacky holiday reception on Dec 1 from 5 to 7 p.m., judged and hosted by Marc Collins and Stephanie Davis They w i l l a w a r d o n e p i e c e t h e

“Crowning Jewel” award, along with a free membership to the alliance Light refreshments will be provided Tickets for the reception are $10

Those interested in participating can drop off their unwanted art work on Nov 28 between 9 a m and 5 p m Each person may donate up to five pieces. A $10 entry fee will apply, and you will receive one reception ticket Artwork should be priced to sell at a flat price of $25, $50, $75 or $100 Art that does not

sell should be picked up on Jan 2 before 5 p.m.

All of the sales will be “cash and carry,” meaning that purchasers can take their piece home with them when they buy it All the proceeds

generated from the sales of the art work will benefit the alliance.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www artinlee org/event/not onmywalls/

IMAG announces its Winter Camps

The IMAG History & Science Center announces its day camps for students o v e r t h e W i n t e r S c h o o l Break. This year, IMAG STEAM Camps are bring i n g s c i e n c e , t e c h n o l o g y , engineering, art, and math to life for campers What’s more, campers also get to choose two clubs to attend (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) for s p e c i a l i z e d a c t i v i t i e s i n smaller group settings

IMAG STEAM Camps are scheduled for the first week of the Winter break, Monday, Dec 26 through Friday, Dec 30, and the second week, Monday, Jan 2 through Friday, Jan. 6. During the first week of c a m p s , c l u b s i n c l u d e M a v e r i c k ’ s T o p F l i g h t Club, New Year’s Party, Egyptian STEM Club, and G i n g e r b r e a d E n g i n e e r s Club. During the second w e e k o f c a m p , c l u b s include Winter Chemistry Club, Winter Physics and Engineering Club, Winter Snack Artists, and Winter FabLab Club In addition to their clubs, campers also enjoy the museum, experi e n c e o u r l i v e a n i m a l e n c o u n t e r s , s e e s c i e n c e shows and a 3D movie, get up close with sea life in our T o u c h T a n k , a n d m u c h more Camp IMAG camps are inspiring, fun, and educa tional for your child. For more information and to register for camp, please visit theIMAG org

Registration open for camps at Edison, Ford estates

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers offers educational programs for grade school children throughout the year Day camps are held when Lee County schools are closed and camp is h e l d d u r i n g t h e s u m m e r m o n t h s

Registration is open for camps during the 2022 23 school year Camps take place in the “living labora

tory,” where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford made history No experience is required to participate Each camp is designed for students currently in grades K 5, unless otherwise noted Campers must bring their own lunch and snacks All camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The scheduled camp offerings include: ∫ D e c 2 2 2 3 : S i m

Science

The engineering camp is focused on the six simple machines: wheel and axle, wedge, lever, screw, ramp, and pulley Campers will engage in engineering chal lenges that relate to each simple machine A l l a c t i v i t i e s d e m o n s t r a t e h o w e a c h machine applies a mechanical advantage to make work easier Cost is $90 for member and $100 for non members

∫ Dec 26 30: Designing the Future (Engineering and Design)

In the design and innovation camp, campers will learn how to manage “the p r o b l e m s p a c e ” w i t h a n e n g i n e e r i n g design process In addition to solving engineering challenges, campers will also l e a r n s i m p l e c o m p u t e r a i d e d d e s i g n (CAD) and get to work with 3 D printers and 3 D pens Cost is $160 for member and $185 for non members

∫ Jan 2 6: The Four Forces of Flight (Rockets and Flight)

The camp focuses on the four forces of f l i g h t : l i f t , g r a v i t y , d r a g , a n d t h r u s t

Activities include paper airplane design, foam rockets, and water rockets all tied to concepts of Newton’s Laws of

Motion and the forces of flight Cost is $160 for member and $185 for non members

∫ M a r c h 2 0 2 4 : C r e a t i v e C o d i n g (Grades 2 5 only)

The camp is only for grades second through fifth, as it requires basic literacy skills Campers will learn Scratch and other “word block” coding Essentially, it is a code crash course Campers will work to create a finished program that can be a story, game, or an interactive card to a family member or friend Campers will learn the basics, such as “if/else” state ments, with the main focus on learning how to use variables Cost is $200 for member and $230 for non members

∫ April 7 (Good Friday): STEAM Explorers

In the camp, campers will learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, along with history Cost is $45 for member and $50 for non mem bers

For more information or to register, visit EdiAonFord org

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

When school is out, camp is in!

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Science shows

ABOVE: Bubbles out of control

LEFT: Hands-on fun.

Engineering solutions

Magic Chefs

Red Sox seeking singers for Spring Training National Anthem

Auditions to be held at JetBlue Park Dec. 7 and 8

If you think you have what it takes to sing the national anthem in front of a crowd of 10,000 people, the Boston Red Sox want you to audition for them for 2023’s Spring Training season at JetBlue Park

The Red Sox are currently looking for new talent to fill approximately 18 spots to perform the National Anthem for the upcoming 2023 Spring Training sea son in Lee County

Auditions will be held at JetBlue Park, located at 11500 Fenway South Drive in Fort Myers, on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 7 and 8 from 4 to 6 p m All ages are welcome to audition

Reservations must be made in advance by contact ing Liah Lasval at llasval@redsox com or by calling 239 226 4735 to reserve a timeslot If anyone is unable to attend these dates, he or she may contact Lasval about submitting an audio recording Space is limited

The 2023 season is the Red Sox’ 12th at JetBlue Park at Fenway South located at 11500 Fenway South Drive in Fort Myers The team will launch the s e a s o n w i t h a g a m e a g a i n s t t h e N o r t h e a s t e r n University Huskies and will play 18 home games and 16 away games, including 32 Grapefruit League games against seven American League teams and four National League teams Red Sox Spring Training is presented by CVS Health

For the first time since 2017, a World Baseball Classic exhibition game will be played at JetBlue Park on Wednesday, March 8 The Red Sox opponent for the World Baseball Classic matchup will be announced at a later date

Game times and ticket sale details for the 2023 S p r i n g T r a i n i n g s e a s o n w i l l b e f i n a l i z e d a n d announced at a later date.

Twins’ Spring Training schedule features 17 games at Hammond Stadium

The Minnesota Twins recently announced the home schedule for its 2023 Spring Training campaign the club’s 33rd season at the Lee County Sports Complex in Fort Myers

The schedule features 33 total games (17 home and 16 road), including a home exhibition on March 9 against a to be determined opponent from the upcoming World Baseball Classic tournament The Grapefruit League openers are set for Feb 25; the Twins will play a pair of split squad games that day, including a home game at Hammond Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays

Highlights of the Twins’ 17 Grapefruit League home games include three contests against the Rays (Feb. 25 and March 16 and 21) and Atlanta Braves (Feb 28 and

March 19 and 25); two games apiece against the Boston Red Sox (March 3 and 11), Baltimore Orioles (March 7 and 17) and Pittsburgh Pirates (March 14 and 27); as well as single games against the Philadelphia Phillies (March 1), Detroit Tigers (March 5), New York Yankees (March 13) and Toronto Blue Jays (March 23)

The Twins will conclude its Spring Training schedule on March 28 with a road game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, before beginning the regular season on March 30 with an Opening Day contest against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium

For more information, visit www twinsbaseball com or call 800 33 TWINS.

Local Red Sox Foundation scholarship applications are now available online

$80,000 in scholarship funds to be awarded

The Boston Red Sox Foundation will once again be awarding $5,000 scholarships in the spring of 2023 to one deserving student from each of the 15 public high schools in Lee County

Again this year all Lee County charter and ALS schools are also included with one $5,000 scholarship also being awarded to a student from this category for a total of 16 scholar ships worth $80,000.

Applications are now open and available at https://www redsoxfoun dation org/leecountyscholarship/

The deadline to apply is Jan 13, 2023 All applications should be sub mitted to flscholarships@redsox com

“The Red Sox are great partners with the School District of Lee County, and we sincerely appreciate their con tinued commitment to our students,”

said Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier “I encourage our seniors to apply for this scholarship Selecting just one student from each high school will not be easy, but I look forward to meeting the selected recipients "

The scholarships are for academi cally talented students who have shown a commitment to community service and are pursuing a two or four year degree at any college or university.

Scholarship funds are raised annual ly from proceeds of the Red Sox annu al Swings for the Sox Golf Tournament To date, the Swings for the Sox has raised more than $497,000 for local charities and specifically $437,175 for the scholarship program

Due to Hurricane Ian this year’s tournament was cancelled

“The Red Sox Foundation contin

ues its commitment to providing the funds for these scholarships,” said Brennan Whitley, senior manager Florida business operations for the Boston Red Sox “Our 11th annual Swings for the Sox golf tournament was cancelled but we are proud to still be giving more money for these schol arships for deserving students ”

The Red Sox Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official team charity of the Boston Red Sox The foundation’s primary focus locally is in serving the health, education, recreation and social service needs of children and families across Southwest Florida The Red Sox Foundation is one of the most success ful in all of Major League Baseball

For more information about the Red Sox Foundation, please visit its website at www redsoxfoundation org