Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's com mission signed off on several agreements and contracts at its recent meeting, including one for the fire chief, as well as was updated on the pos storm recovery

On Nov 9, Fire Chief Kevin

C o m m i

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o

y Muench asked if the revi sions include the 12 month probationary period

B a r b o t c o n f i r m e d t h a t his agreement does, explain ing that before the year is u p , t h e c o m m i s s i o n w i l l hold a public meeting to assess his progress and per formance and will make a decision at that time

Restoration crews aid local recovery efforts post-storm

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

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

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

O n e n o n p r o f i t w o r k i n g l o c a l l y t o rebuild the community is Team Rubicon

A S t r i k e T e a m l e a d e r w i t h T e a m Rubicon, Chris Mederos traveled from Texas on Nov 4 to serve the residents of Southwest Florida He and his team, which a l s o i n v o l v e s m e m b e r s o f n o n p r o f i t IsraAid, were out and about for two weeks fulfilling work orders The team recently helped a property in Cape Coral for three of four days, gutting for the homeowner the entire house, which sustained substan tial damage from Ian Mederos said their work varies depend ing on how much needs to get done and the size of home Sometimes they can service two or three houses in a day Sometimes they spend multiple days at one location

See RESTORATION, page 10

A Strike Team with the non profit Te a m R u b i c o n , l e d b y C h r i s Mederos, traveled from Texas on Nov 4 and has worked on homes in Bonita Springs, North Fort Myers a n d F o r t M y e r s B e a c h Te a m Rubicon and its IsraAid peers are all volunteers.

New coalition to target area housing crisis

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

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

Bright Community Trust will coordi n a t e C o l l a b o r a t o r y ’ s e f f o r t t o b r i n g g r o u p s t o g e t h e r t o tackle the issue in the f i v e c o u n t y a r e a Lee, Hendry, Glades, Collier and Charlotte counties

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

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

The effort has been in the works for some time

“We have been in conversation with the Collaboratory for several years about e s t a b l i s h i n g r e g i o n a l h o u s i n g w o r k , ” Bright Community Trust President and Chief Impact Officer Frank Wells said. “With the pandemic, we had to put the idea on pause for a while Four, five, six

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sion was presented with the annual contract for the dis trict’s medical director, Dr Benjamin Abo There had been a delay in signing it due to Hurricane Ian

p r e s e n t e d t h e c o m

i s s i o n e

h a revised contract and job description for his position, which were reviewed and approved by the district's attorney The district has lacked job descriptions for various positions, so Barbot spent the summer updating the contract and job description for the chief's position, along with additional administrative and opera tional roles

C o m m i s s i o n e r R i c h a r d McCurry asked if his salary would start immediately or get backdated Barbot reported that he is not requesting any backdate for pay, so it would start with their approval

A motion to approve the chief's con tract and job description passed unani mously in a 3 0 vote.

Also during the meeting, the commis

S t a f f r e p o r t e d t h a t although the district is sup posed to gradually increase his rate each year, Abo has agreed to maintain his cur rent rate until next year due t o t h e d i s t r i c t ' s f i n a n c i a l state post storm

There were no proposed changes to the contract

A m o t i o n t o a p p r o v e Abo's contract also passed unanimously 3 0

In addition, the commissioners voted u n a n i m o u s l y 3 0 a t t h e m e e t i n g t o approve:

PHOTO PROVIDED

Fire Chief Kevin Barbot

Sanibel fire crews respond to another fire involving golf carts

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

flooded in Hurricane Ian recently caught on fire on Sanibel

At about 3:45 p m on Nov 18, the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District respond ed again to The Dunes Golf & Tennis

Club, at 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel The district reported that it arrived on scene to another incident involving multi ple carts on fire, but crews contained all of the hazards to the carts

It added that no structural damages were reported at the site

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District responded to another fire involving multiple electric golf carts on Nov. 18 at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club on Sanibel.

injuries from it reported

He cited the cause as “lithium battery thermal runaway” caused by submersion in saltwater

The district previously reported that hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles are

designed to be safe in the water, even when fully submerged However, submer sion especially in saltwater can damage low and high voltage compo nents, resulting in an electrical short and potential fire once that vehicle is no

longer submerged

The Dunes had previously reported via social media that it removed the carts from its cart barn as a precautionary meas ure, as their storm surge soaked lithium batteries were a known fire hazard

months since Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel and forced us to close our doors. It is with a heavy heart that I write this Last week would usually have been a busy one for us as chil dren flood our campus again over the Thanksgiving break, filling it with laughter, cheer and new discoveries

I dare say the Sanibel Sea School is the quietest it's ever been The floors are covered in a layer of silt that not even our s a n d y b u c k e t s c h o o l c o u l d handle The walls have been cut in half, and precious con tents taken out to the curb Our p a s s

Guest Commentary

able experiences in and around the ocean with you over the last five years, and it truly has become a home away from home

Sanibel since the storm All of the SCCFs departments have rallied together to work on facilities clean up It has brought us even closer together, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of this organization It is unknown at this time when we will re open for normal operations, but our focus is on rebuilding We will reopen better than before, and visions for a new and improved campus are coming to life while, of course, holding onto the charm that makes the Sanibel Sea School special

e

v a n s S n o o k , P e l i c a n , S e a T u r t l e , S e a Creature and Seahorse that take us farther than our feet can travel have all been towed away But in all of the chaos and turmoil that fol lowed in the wake of this storm, I have found great comfort and strength in our community, my coworkers and in you my Sanibel Sea School family I have shared so many valu

We are facing the most dif ficult time in the Sanibel Sea School's history trying to e n s u r e o u r s t a f f s t a y f u l l y employed and our facilities are built back better All while post traumatically reinforcing children’s love of the ocean and joy in the natural world around them But I am no stranger to challenge. I started during Hurricane Irma, taught programs creatively through o n e o f t h e w o r s t r e d t i d e events on record, continued to connect meaningfully to chil dren through the pandemic, and kept the Sanibel Sea School's traditions alive through o u r i n t e g r a t i o n i n t o t h e S a n i b e l C a p t i v a Conservation Foundation family This is by far the biggest challenge yet, but I'm confi dent we'll get through it with your support just as we always have. Our team has been working tirelessly on

I cannot wait for the day when we open our doors and campers come running in tracking sand all over the floor as they joy fully chatter about the seahorse they found in a dip net, the sand dollar that turned their fin gers yellow or the manatee that stuck its snout out for a breath It might not be for a while, but we'll get there one sandy step at a time.

Shannon Rivard is director of the Sanibel Sea School Part of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation family, its mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person a t a t i m e 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.sanibelseaschool.org/.

Hurricane did not deter voters from making their voices heard

The 2022 General Election was a histor ical election unlike any other for Lee County.

Before Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County, our office was ready to conduct the Nov 8 General Election Early Voting and Election Day voting locations were secured and prepared to be staffed with suf ficient coverage Our dedicated staff and poll workers were available and ready to serve the citizens of Lee County

The devastation of Ian in Lee County generated uncertainty around the availabili ty of Election Day voting sites and suffi cient poll workers to staff those sites. It sig nificantly impacted our ability to conduct the election in the manner to which voters are typically accustomed

My team and I are incredibly thankful for your patience, support and understanding

t h r o u g h o u t t h i s e l e c t i o n cycle, especially on Election Day as you waited in line.

The aftermath of a near Category 5 hurricane did not d e t e r v o t e r s f r o m m a k i n g their voices heard

Lee County had a 53 per c e n t v o t e r t u r n o u t , a n astounding number consider ing the challenges Ian pre sented to our office and many voters in Lee County This number is also consistent with v o t e r t u r n o u t i n c o u n t i e s across Florida

Thank you for voting in this election, whether by mail, in person during Early Voting or on Election Day

I am grateful to my staff, election support staff, voting l o c a t i o n c o o r d i n a t o r s a n d our dedicated poll workers Our office conducted this e l e c t i o n u n d e r e m e r g e n c y conditions, yet we remained committed to ensuring the voters could cast their votes safely and securely We look forward to the next election and serving the voters of Lee County

Tommy Doyle is the Lee C o u n t y S u p e r v i s o r o f Elections For more infor m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www lee vote/

Shannon Rivard

Tommy Doyle

SPD releases weekly blotter County dedicates building to former commissioner

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

Last week, the SPD provided the following updates:

Arrest reports

∫ Nov 19: Scott Garvin Shankster, 45, of 1494 Centre St , Sanibel, was charged with one count of con tempt of court violation injunction within 500 feet of peti tioner's residence school or employment

Other enforcement actions

∫ Employees of a scrap metal business were escorted off the island for not having a contractor hurricane pass.

∫ Contractor hurricane passes were confiscated for misuse in four separate instances All involved parties were escorted off the island without incident

∫ One misdemeanor summons request was in process

∫ One search warrant was in process

Enforcement operations statistics

Week to date for Nov 18 21:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 5

∫ Non emergency calls: 3

∫ Traffic crashes: 1

∫ Traffic stops: 15

∫ Residential area checks: 326

∫ Business area checks: 141

∫ Total CAD calls entries: 642

Month to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 38

∫ Non emergency calls: 44

∫ Traffic crashes: 7

∫ Traffic stops: 123

∫ Residential area checks: 908

∫ Business area checks: 414

∫ Total CAD calls entries: 2,405

Reminders from the SPD

Food trucks are only allowed on island in association with a special events permit However, existing island restaurants can apply for a temporary use permit to work out of a temporary structure while their building is being repaired

Sanibel Residential Hurricane Passes are not trans ferrable In addition, Sanibel Commercial Reentry Passes are not transferrable; unauthorized use of passes by indi viduals other than the contractor to whom a pass was issued will result in immediate revocation of the commer cial entry pass. Contractors from whom passes have been revoked will be ineligible to receive new passes

Multiple search warrants have been issued and execut ed as part of post hurricane investigations, resulting in the discovery of items that may be missing property Residents, property owners and business owners are encouraged to review photos at http://www mysanibel us/police/property/

Residents who have reported missing jewelry are encouraged to submit detailed information and descrip tions to Sanibel police investigators

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel.com or use Tip411

Reporting suspicious activity

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activi ty can be submitted via Tip411:

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

∫ Web tips can be submitted at https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert group id=22450

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device

The SPD's non emergency line is 239 472 3111

Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www face book com/SanibelPolice

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

John Manning was a man who served his community for so long, many people, e v e n c o u n t y c o m m i s s i o n e r s , c a n n o t remember a time when he did not

Manning, who served as a Cape Coral City Council member and Lee County commissioner, was instrumental in bring ing a number of projects to fruition, including the building of a county center in the Cape

On Nov 17, that building was dedicat ed in his name

Friends and dignitaries gathered in the parking lot of the Lee County Government Center in Cape Coral to honor Manning, with the cere mony taking place pretty much where he parked his car as he had an office in the building

Four of the five current commissioners told stories of Manning, who passed away in July, what he meant to the community and dedicated a plaque in his honor that will be placed near the entrance of the building

Commissioner Brian Hamman started the event right at 10 a m because Manning liked to be prompt, and praised him for his fiscal responsibility and conser vatism with our land

Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass said Manning’s sense of humor and timing kept everyone on their toes

Manning was also always the first one to work

“No matter what time I got there, he was always there first I asked him if he slept here and he said ‘Maybe,'” Pendergrass said “He always loved his job I will miss that and his kindness to people ”

Donna Manning was there to help unveil the plaque in his honor and said she was always proud to stand beside her husband

“ H e l o v e d e v e r y l i t t l e b i t o f L e e County, the people in it, this is what John was all about From the bottom of my heart, thank you all, to everyone who touched him in a meaningful way,” she said

Manning was appointed to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners in 1988 after serving six years on the Cape city council, where he remained until 2000 Manning returned to the coun ty commission in 2010 following the death of Bob Janes and served another 10 y e a r s b e f o r e r e t i r i n g i n 2 0 2 0 Commissioner Kevin Ruane now holds the seat

Manning retired as the fourth longest serving com missioner in the history of Lee County

Brian Hamman, District 4 county commissioner and a lifelong Cape resident, said he could not really remem ber a time when Manning was not in government

“When you serve as long as John did, you see the fruits of things he voted on By having a physical reminder like this building is something that will help the community remember him,” he said “John always joked with me that he had socks older than me, and he’s right He was in office since I was 8 years old ”

Joe Mazurkiewicz, former Cape mayor who served with Manning in the 1980s, said after becoming a com missioner, Manning came back to speak in regards of a government building he wanted to create behind City Hall, and he was able to do it.

“John was short and to the point, had a dry, quick wit and the fact that this building has his name would make him pleased because he was about cutting edge governing,” Mazurkiewicz said “This is an example of that ”

County property tax bills for 2022 in the mail

T h e L e e C o u n t y T a x C o l l e c t o r r e p o r t e d t h a t m o r e t h a n 5 3 8 , 0 0 0 p r o p e r t y t a x b i l l s w e r e m a i l e d t o h o m e a n d b u s i n e s s o w n e r s i n L e e C o u n t y o n N o v 2 3

T h e i n f o r m a t i o n c a n a l s o b e a c c e s s e d o n l i n e a t L E E T C c o m

“ T h e s e b i l l s r e f l e c t t h e v a l u e o f t h e p r o p e r t y a s o f J a n 1 , 2 0 2 2 , w h e n F l o r i d a l a w r e q u i r e d t h e m t o b e a s s e s s e d , ” a p r e s s r e l e a s e i s s u e d l a s t w e e k s a i d “ T h e y d o n o t r e f l e c t a n y d a m a g e o r d e s t r u c t i o n c a u s e d b y H u r r i c a n e I a n . ”

T h o s e w h o s e p r o p e r t y w a s c o m p l e t e l y d e s t r o y e d o r r e n d e r e d u n i n h a b i t a b l e b y t h e h u r r i c a n e w i l l r e c e i v e a n e x t e n s i o n o n b o t h t h e t a x d e a d l i n e a n d t h e d i s c o u n t p e r i o d u n d e r t h e g o v e r n o r ’ s e x e c u t i v e o r d e r 2 2 2 4 2 I f p r o p e r t y o w n e r s f e e l t h a t t h e y q u a l i f y , t h e y m u s t c o n t a c t t h e L e e C o u n t y P r o p e r t y A p p r a i s e r ’ s O f f i c e a t l e e p a o r g o r 2 3 9 5 3 3 6 1 0 0

T h o s e w h o m e e t t h e c r i t e r i a w i l l h a v e u n t i l M a y 3 1 t o p a y t h e i r t a x e s , w i t h a 4 p e r c e n t d i s c o u n t i n N o v e m b e r , D e c e m b e r a n d J a n u a r y , 3 p e r c e n t i n F e b r u a r y , 2 p e r c e n t i n M a r c h , a n d 1 p e r c e n t i n A p r i l

“ W e k n o w t h a t m a n y i n o u r c o m m u n i t y h a v e l o s t e v e r y t h i n g , a n d w e a r e f o c u s e d o n h e l p i n g t h e m t o m a k e a p a t h f o r w a r d , ” L e e C o u n t y P r o p e r t y A p p r a i s e r M a t t C a l d w e l l s a i d “ I t i s i m p o r t a n t t h a t t h o s e w h o h a v e s u f f e r e d d a m a g e c o n t a c t m y o f f i c e s o w e c a n t a k e y o u r i n f o r m a t i o n a n d k e e p y o u i n f o r m e d a b o u t a n y a c t i o n s t h a t c o u l d p r o v i d e t a x r e l i e f ” I f a p r o p e r t y o w n e r d o e s n o t q u a l i f y u n d e r t h e e x e c u t i v e o r d e r , t h e T a x C o l l e c t o r h a s e x t e n d e d t h e 4 p e r c e n t d i s c o u n t p e r i o d u n t i l D e c 3 1 , w i t h t a x e s d u e M a r c h 3 1 T y p i c a l l y , t h a t l e v e l o f d i s c o u n t e n d s i n N o v e m b e r T h o s e p a y i n g i n J a n u a r y w i l l h a v e a 2 p e r c e n t d i s c o u n t , a n d t h o s e p a y i n g i n F e b r u a r y w i l l s e e a 1 p e r c e n t d i s c o u n t “ W e k n o w t h a t n e a r l y a l l h o m e a n d b u s i n e s s o w n e r s i n L e e C o u n t y w e r e a f f e c t e d b y t h e s t o r m i n s o m e w a y a n d w e a r e d o i n g e v e r y t h i n g t h a t w e c a n t o h e l p t h e m , ” L e e C o u n t y T a x C o l l e c t o r N o e l l e B r a n n i n g s a i d “ W e a r e a l s o w o r k i n g t o b e t h o u g h t f u l o f o u r t a x i n g a u t h o r i t i e s w h o s e r e s o u r c e s h a v e b e e n

d e p l e t e d a s t h e y w o r k t o w a r d r e c o v e r y i n t h e w a k e o f H u r r i c a n e I a n . ”

T h i s y e a r ’ s p r o p e r t y t a x c o l l e c t i o n s a r e e x p e c t e d t o b e $ 2 , 0 6 0 , 9 6 9 , 6 5 9 b e f o r e d i s c o u n t a n d a n y p o t e n t i a l a c t i o n b y t h e L e g i s l a t u r e , w h i c h m a y c o m e d u r i n g a S p e c i a l S e s s i o n i n D e c e m b e r M o n e y c o l l e c t e d i s d i s t r i b u t e d b y t h e t a x c o l l e c t o r t o t h e t a x i n g a u t h o r i t i e s i n L e e C o u n t y w h i c h p a y f o r m a n y s e r v i c e s , i n c l u d i n g f i r e a n d r e s c u e , l a w e n f o r c e m e n t p r o t e c t i o n , a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e s u c h a s s c h o o l s , r o a d s , a n d u t i l i t i e s

B y l a w , t h e t a x c o l l e c t o r i s r e q u i r e d t o m a i l a n d c o l l e c t p r o p e r t y t a x b i l l s P r o p e r t y t a x e s a r e p a y a b l e a n y t i m e b e t w e e n n o w a n d M a r c h 3 1 , u n l e s s y o u q u a l i f y f o r a n e x t e n s i o n u n d e r t h e e x e c u t i v e o r d e r

P r o p e r t y o w n e r s w h o s e p r o p e r t y t a x e s a r e p a i d t h r o u g h a n e s c r o w a c c o u n t s h o u l d c o n t a c t t h e i r m o r t g a g e c o m p a n y f o r i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e c o m p a n y ’ s p l a n f o r r e m i t t i n g e s c r o w e d p r o p e r t y t a x p a y m e n t s

John Manning

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T h e C a p t i v a I s l a n d H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y r e p o r t e d t h a t i t h a s c a n c e l e d i t s 2 0 2 2 2 3 s e a s o n o f e v e n t s I n a n n o u n c i n g t h e n e w s , o f f i c i a l s n o t e d t h a t t h e y a r e “ o v e r w h e l m e d w i t h g r a t i t u d e ”

“ W e g i v e t h a n k s f o r t h e g e n e r o s i t y o f t h o s e w h o j u m p e d i n t o a c t i o n t o a s s i s t

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m

o t h e r s i n n e e d , ” C I H S

P r e s i d e n t T o m L i b o n a t e s h a r e d o f t h e p o s t H u r r i c a n e I a n e f f o r t s “ T h e t e a r s a n d s m i l e s , a s w e h e a r o f o n i s l a n d r e u n i o n s o f o u r f r i e n d s a n d n e i g h b o r s A n d w e a r e g r a t e f u l f o r t h e k n o w l e d g e o u r b a r r i e r i s l a n d s w i l l , a s t h e y h a v e h i s t o r i c a l l y , r e c o v e r f r o m M o t h e r N a t u r e ' s f u r y

a n d b l o s s o m o n c e a g a i n ”

T h e C I H S p l a n s t o r e t u r n i n t h e f a l l o f 2 0 2 3 w i t h a f u l l s c h e d u l e o f e v e n t s I n t h e m e a n t i m e , t h e c o m m u n i t y c a n a c c e s s t h e C I H S o n l i n e a r c h i v e s a n d s t r e a m i t s d o c u m e n t a r i e s o n A m a z o n .

“ O n S e p t 2 8 , 2 0 2 2 , H u r r i c a n e I a n m a d e h i s t o r y , ” L i b o n a t e s h a r e d “ O u r i s l a n d i s f o r e v e r c h a n g e d , y e t w e a r e f o r e v e r s t r o n g T o g e t h e r w e w i l l p e r s e v e r e ”

The CIHS also expressed its gratitude to season sponsor The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company After learning of the plans to cancel the upcoming season, it chose to continue its support The CIHS will use the funding to help defray the cost of needed repairs to the Historical Gallery at the Captiva library

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 : / / w w w c a p t i v a i s l a n d h i s t o r i c a l s o c i e t y o r g /

County library system offering virtual programs

T h e L e e C o u n t y L i b r a r y S y s t e m , which includes the Captiva Memorial Library, is offering the following free vir tual programming:

Adult programs

∫ T o d a y , N o v 3 0 : O n l i n e B o o k Discussion for Adults at 10 a m

Calling all readers! A live virtual book discussion for adults There is no assigned title Instead, participants take turns shar ing about the latest books that they have r e a d A d v a n c e r e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d before today, Nov 30, at 10 a m

CCA brings together islanders for

Community

com T h e C a p t i v a C i v i c A s s o c i a t i o n h o s t e d a Community Social on Nov 17

at the Captiva Civic Center Free and

∫ Dec 6: Online Beyond the Usual Sources: Using Government, Academic Libraries, and Archival Materials at 10 a.m.

The seminar will help participants sup plement their genealogical research using g o v e r n m e n t a l , a c a d e m i c l i b r a r y a n d archival materials It will cover some of the most productive but lesser known sources that often enhance the research process and patron success Advance reg istration required before Dec 6 at 10 a m

For more information or to register, visit leelibrary librarymarket com

Questions can also be directed to 239 479 INFO (4636)

Download books, stream video and other online content at www leelibrary net

The Captiva Memorial Library is cur rently closed due to Hurricane Ian

T h e C a p t i v a l i b r a r y i s a t 1 1 5 6 0 Chapin Lane, Captiva

CAPTIVA CIVIC ASSOCIATION

SBA updates Business Recovery Center operations

T h e U S S m a l l B u s i n e s s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n announced that it will discontinue Sunday hours at its Florida Business Recovery Centers. It opened the cen ters to assist business owners with applying for SBA disaster loans for Hurricane Ian The SBA is operat ing the following Business Recovery Centers in Lee County:

∫ The Hub at SWFL, at 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Bonita Springs Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

∫ Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, at 360 Santa Barbara Blvd S , Cape Coral Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a m to 6 p m

Applicants may apply using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at h t t p s : / / d i s a s t e r l o a n a s s i s t a n c e s b a g o v / e l a / s / a n d should apply under SBA declaration #17644

To be considered for all forms of assistance, appli cants should register at DisasterAssistance gov or download the FEMA mobile app If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants can call the FEMA toll free helpline at 800 621 3362. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800 621 3362

Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer S e r v i c e C e n t e r a t 8 0 0 6 5 9 2 9 5 5 o r e m a i l i n g

DisasterCustomerService@sba gov Loan applica tions can also be downloaded from sba gov/disaster

The filing deadline to return applications for phys ical property damage is Jan 12

The deadline to return economic injury applica tions is June 29

Paychecks for Patriots hiring event scheduled

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

Most statewide events were held in conjunction with Veterans Day Due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, howev er, the CareerSource Southwest Florida event was resched uled for Dec 1 at the Next Level Church, at 12400 Plantation Road, Fort Myers The first hour from 10 to 11 a m will be reserved for veterans and family only, then open to the general public from 11 a m to 2 p m

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

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity,

Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and participating Florida employers are partner ing with CareerSource Florida regions to connect veter ans with available careers in their community

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

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

For a list of employers attending the event, visit www careersourceSWFL com

Lee Health reports on COVID testing sites

Lee Health reported that Dec 2 will be the last day of o p e r a t i o n s f o r C u r a t i v e ’ s COVID 19 testing sites in Lee County It partnered with Curative during the pandemic to create additional access to COVID testing for communi ty members

The sites, which are set up a t L e e H e a l t h ’ s L e e Convenient Care locations in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, have served thousands in the region with free COVID test ing during the past year

A n y o n e w h o w a n t s t o receive a COVID test on or before Dec. 2 can do so by making an appointment at www curative com There are still a variety of COVID community testing sites open and available to the public They can be found at www leehealth org by searching “Community COVID 19 Testing Sites ” At home tests are also available at local drug stores

Lee Health continues to encourage the public to take necessary precautions to pro t e c t t h e m s e l v e s a n d t h e i r l o v e d o n e s f r o m C O V I D , influenza and other illnesses, e s p e c i a l l y w h i l e g a t h e r i n g for the holidays Get vacci nated, wash hands frequent l y , g a t h e r o u t s i d e i f t h e w e a t h e r a l l o w s a n d s t a y home if you are sick

L e e H e a l t h n o t e d t h a t i t i s a l s o i m p o r t a n t t o k n o w w h e r e t o g o w h e n y o u a r e i l l V i s i t y o u r p r i m a r y c a r e p h y s i c i a n f o r g e n e r a l c o n c e r n s a n d h e a d t o t h e e m e r g e n c y r o o m f o r s e v e r e c o n d i t i o n s , s u c h a s c h e s t p a i n o r s h o r t n e s s o f b r e a t h L e e C o n v e n i e n t C a r e i s a r e s o u r c e w h e n q u i c k c a r e f o r a m i n o r i n j u r y o r i l l n e s s l i k e t h e f l u i s n e e d e d F o r a n o n d e m a n d u r g e n t c a r e s e r v i c e , L e e T e l e H e a l t h i s a v a i l a b l e 2 4 / 7 a t h t t p s : / / l e e t e l e h e a l t h o r g

Business Note

DiCharia joins

VIP

Kiwanis moves meetings to new location

The Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club reported that it has moved to a new site for its meetings on Tuesdays at 8 a m

The new temporarily location will be the Sunflower Cafe, at 11410 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers For more

information, visit www sanibelkiwanis .org.

S h e h a s b e e n i n t h e mortgage and r e a l e s t a t e i n d u s t r y f o r over 15 years D iC h ar ia h as been involved in everything f r o m m a r k e t ing and post close mortgage processes

reno vations, staging, staging consultations and appraisals

H a v i n g r a i s e d h e r c h i l d r e n i n M in n es o ta, s h e is ex cited ab o u t h er return to Fort Myers

VIP Realty

Realty Group announced that Marilyn DiCharia has joined as part of the real estate team of Glen Simmons and T i n a DiCharia, her sister

to home

Marilyn DiCharia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recently back in Texas, Mederos said he would be back in Southwest Florida to continue to assist residents on Nov 25

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

Its team of more than 440 industry experts is in the Cape, on Captiva and Sanibel, and in Fort Myers work ing on many properties One of its properties was even able to open up again for business just 13 days after ARS began restoration efforts

ARS in an emergency management firm that started planning and preparing for the storm prior to Ian making landfall It offers a number of services for response, rang ing from search and rescue, support for critical infra structure, mobile power generation and distribution, and damages to buildings and properties

“The final piece is recovery, and that’s the long road,” ARS Vice President Nathan Normoyle said “And that’s not only putting back what was damaged from a con struction perspective, but also instituting more resilience in a given scenario to prevent or lessen amount of dam age if that event happened again ”

ARS has been a licensed general contractor in Florida since 2017 and has an office in Miami, where ongoing

operations took place prior to the storm Normoyle said t h e y m o b i l i z e d r e s o u r c e s t o F l o r i d a f o r h u r r i c a n e response from five of their bases as far away as Texas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARS also as a humanitarian based arm that has in sev eral local areas partnered with organizations such as the Cajun Navy to provide services such as power, medical

triage and supplies, fuel, and other basic needs such as food and water

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

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

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

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

ARS has a long way to go before it takes off Normoyle said they are currently slated to continue working between the Tampa and Naples area for a mini mum of two years, as there is lots left to do

“The work is endless,” Normoyle said “From what we seen the ground, I would venture to guess there remains at least half of the properties that were impacted that haven’t been sufficiently responded to or dealt with some haven’t been touched at all, and that’s alarming Maybe it’s the sheer number of properties that were dam aged ”

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n T e a m R u b i c o n , v i s i t www teamrubiconusa org

For more information on ARS, call 800 500 3213 (24 hours) or visit www.ARSGEM.com.

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

PHOTO PROVIDED

T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n

Commission's Wildlife Alert System is using a safe and effective new system for submitting anonymous tips The public can contact FWC Law Enforcement by downloading the iPhone or Android app “FWC Wildlife Alert ”

The new Tip411 system will enable the public to anonymously communicate with members of FWC law enforcement via text, which will allow officers to receive the information they need to address violations more quickly and efficiently The system replaces the Tip@MyFWC com text and email functions, which have been phased out of operation

You can still submit anonymous text tips by text, phone or via the FWC website

To report a violation, you can use any one of these methods:

∫ Download the iPhone or Android “FWC Wildlife Alert” app from your phone’s app store

∫ Send a text to 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information you can about the violation.

∫ Call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888 404 FWCC (888 404 3922)

∫ S u b m i t a t i p o n l i n e a t

MyFWC com/WildlifeAlert

“We are excited to begin using the new Tip411 sys tem to connect the public and FWC law enforcement,” Wildlife Alert Board Chair Virginia “Jenny” Brock said “We believe in this digital age the text and app options will increase public safety and conservation efforts by encouraging more people to report viola tions ”

The Wildlife Alert program began over 30 years ago to encourage the public to contact FWC with informa tion regarding wildlife violations When the information leads to a citation or arrest the tipster is eligible to receive reward money ranging from $100 $1,000 The program is administered by the Wildlife Alert Reward Association, which is funded primarily by court ordered fines paid by violators The members of the association promote the program and raise private, tax deductible, charitable donations to supplement the rest of the fund

From page 1

months ago we got back in the conversa tion. Housing issues have become more acutely challenging ”

M a z a n y s a i d t h i s i s p a r t o f

Collaboratory’s commitment in coordi nating and solving the region’s social issues The Call for Information was issued last spring to see where the interest was. Housing came to the top.

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

Mazany said he believes the need is two fold: an immediate solution and a long term one

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

When looking at these glimmers of o p p o r t u n i t y w i t h i n a d i f f i c u l t t i m e , Mazany said they look at entanglements, how everything connects When looking at housing, there are also issues of con struction cost, land availability and insur ance, as well as the market itself and loca tion of where housing is relative to the need and transportation

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

∫ A purchase agreement with Boss Floors, doing business as Floor Mart, to replace the flooring at Station 171.

∫ A p u r c h a s e a g r e e m e n t w i t h Motorola Solutions for three hand held radios

∫ An agreement with Deidra “Dee” N e l s o n , t h r o u g h t h e C P A f i r m C o n s t a n t i n o , N e l s o n a n d W e r l i n e , t o assist staff on an as needed basis at an hourly rate

∫ A ratification of the commission's decision at a prior meeting for the district to enter into an agreement with Hagerty Consulting.

Also at the meeting, the commissioners heard about a conference call between

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

“There is a consensus from people that we work with at the Collaboratory that we don’t want to go through this level of dev astation again,” Mazany said “How do we help to build to the new standards? Most of the construction standards and building codes are already on the books H o w d o w e m a k e t h o s e a f f o r d a b l e ?

Strengthen those?”

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

“It’s really fortunate timing that we were in the midst of standing up this col laboration for housing with organizations that are doing the work and have the know how, experience and relationships with communities, so that all voices are heard at the table,” Mazany said

Mazany said one of the premises for the collective efforts with coalitions is they will have the ability to do things that i n d i v i d u a l o r g a n i z a t i o n s c a n n o t F o r example, Future Makers has more than 150 partners, which is the kind of scale they need given the magnitude of devasta tion in Southwest Florida

“They will have the ability to secure resources beyond the ability of any one of the organizations,” he said of a collective united approach “We will be able to make a case for the need and wherewithal t o m o v e q u i c k l y t o h e l p p e o p l e g e t

rehoused and remain in our community, so they are not displaced and have to leave to pursue opportunities elsewhere ”

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

The idea is to look at how they rebuild to make sure options are available at every income level and stage of life Wells said t h e y w a n t t o m a k e s u r e o p t i o n s a r e income affordable that are safe and well built

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

B r i g h t C o m m u n i t y T r u s t b e g a n i n 2008 when it was realized that money was being put into affordable housing with rent below market rates for those with lower income to ensure they had a good, safe and affordable place to live, which only lasted for a certain period of

time with more money being put into them to replace units.

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

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

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

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

B r i g h t C o m m u n i t y T r u s t h a s a l s o helped with a pandemic emergency food access program and COVID testing in neighborhoods, as well as emergency rental assistance dollars

“We are super excited about the oppor tunity to work with the Collaboratory They do some really amazing work and t h e w a y t h a t t h e y a r e f r a m i n g t h e approach in addressing those issues is really ambitious There are big challenges ahead, but really excited to be a part of the team working to solve it,” Wells said.

staff and the district's consultant with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f E m e r g e n c y Management and state mitigation to dis cuss storm reimbursements, including rebuilding Station 172

The district will work with a private engineer on a required damage descrip tion and dimension report that will break down and justify the cost to rebuild Station 172 to the current codes and stan dards

In terms of a temporary structure for Station 172, Barbot obtained quotes for a single wide that contained all the necessi ties for three personnel to reside in it He noted that temporary structures are reim

bursable through FEMA, but it does take time and would be an upfront cost for the district.

As far as Station 171, staff reported that personnel have contributed to compil ing a parts and supplies list in order to per sonally fix damaged items and equipment, if possible, to save the district money

In addition, the insurance adjusters completed and submitted their reports for both stations

In other news

∫ Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams recently attended a Fire Marshal Association Conference in Sarasota, and one class focused on the danger and risk

factors of lithium batteries He has been in contact and working with members of the Florida State Fire Marshal office given its interest in the district's effective handling of on island electric vehicles following the storm

Barbot added that the district's han dling of electric vehicles post hurricane has gained state level attention, as well as recognition for its level of proactivity in completing the mission If there were ever another such incident, the mission would most likely become part of any disaster response plans

He noted that the focus would be to p r i o r i t i z e r e m o v i n g t h e v e h i c l e s i n advance of a storm

Eagle cam duo rebuild in Hurricane Ian’s wake

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

Southwest Florida’s most famous eagle pair have rebuilt their nest in the wake of the worst storm to ever hit Southwest Florida

Harriet and M15 had their nest destroyed by Hurricane Ian

But, as they have in the past, the duo quickly put to rest the question of whether the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam would end if the adults decided to rebuild off the Pritchett property on Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers

Within just a few days of their rebuilding process, Harriet and M15 had the foundation of their new nest completed. As of two weeks ago, the entire nest was nearly finished, with only the soft downy part to be placed in the nest for the anticipated eggs

If the past egg layings hold true, that should come in the next couple weeks, opening up a whole new 24/7 eggs to flight season for the viewing of nature lovers worldwide

“Within a few days of rebuilding, they had a sub stantial nest that they are going to use in the same tree in the same spot,” Andrew Pritchett, founder of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, said “It’s amazing and it’s a testament to the eagles ”

Also amazing is that the cam is gearing up for the new season

At first, there was not a camera to allow viewing and the typical egg watch discussion in the chatroom, but the website has come alive once again Not only is the “nestcam” functioning, but videos have been posted on YouTube of Harriet’s and M15’s daily happenings The Eagle Cam is ready to broadcast its 11th season of covering the eagles, which has attracted millions of views

The cam launched in 2012; last year’s brood of two were dubbed E 19 and E 20 for eaglets 19 and 20

“The cameras are actually working, but not fully operational We’re fortunate the cameras survived the storm The connections were still usable,” Pritchett

SCCF, partners sample local waters for red tide

Recently, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Laboratory scientists partnered with Captains for Clean Water and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute to sample 26 sites offshore Sanibel and Captiva for the presence of Karenia brevis, the micro algae that causes red tide

On Nov 18, the SCCF reported that the team found K brevis in every water sample Most sites had low to medium concentrations of K. brevis, while several had

high concentrations The highest concentrations were located off of eastern Sanibel and northern Captiva

“Fish kills and respiratory irritation are almost cer tain at these high levels,” SCCF Marine Lab Director Dr Eric Milbrandt said “We also found areas on the higher end of medium near South Seas resort ”

The SCCF reported that the results provide missing red tide counts in the region and will help inform gov ernment partners on the scope and intensity of the red

SANIBEL CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Shell museum presents vir tual program

T h e B a i l e y M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l M u s e u m o n S a n i b e l p r e s e n t e d a f r e e v i r t u a l p r o g r a m o n N o v . 1 0 . M u s e u m c u r a t o r a n d S c i e n c e D i r e c t o r D r J o s é H L e a l d i s c u s s e d t h e k i n d s o f i m p a c t s t h a t c a n b e e x p e r i e n c e d b y m o l l u s k s d u r i n g a n d a f t e r m a j o r

Red tide

From page 12

t i d e b l o o m , w h i c h e x t e n d s f r o m Manatee County to Collier County The b l o o m w a s l i k e l y i n t e n s i f i e d b y H u r r i c a n e s I a n a n d N i c o l e , w h i c h washed in nutrients and pollution, as well as elevated the Lake Okeechobee water table

“ A f t e r t h e s t o r m , a l o t o f t h e resources were taxed, so we’ve had a huge data gap in the sampling effort,” SCCF Chief Executive Officer James Evans said “We’re trying to fill that gap s o t h a t t h e U S A r m y C o r p s o f Engineers has the data that they need to m a k e m a n a g e m e n t d e c i s i o n s o n h o w t h e y r e l e a s e w a t e r f r o m L a k e Okeechobee ”

A l t h o u g h n u t r i e n t s f r o m L a k e Okeechobee water releases have been found to contribute to feeding red tide, lake releases during the period have been minimal No releases had been made since Nicole hit, and flows were in the optimal flow envelope (750 2,100 cubic feet per second) for 22 days The SCCF and Captains for Clean Water also recently partnered in a joint letter urging the Corps to refrain from author i z i n g a d d i t i o n a l r e l e a s e s i n t o t h e Caloosahatchee Estuary while red tide is at such levels

The SCCF reported that dead fish and o t h e r w i l d l i f e , i n c l u d i n g t u r t l e s a n d b i r d s , h a v e b e e n w a s h i n g a s h o r e o n S a n i b e l , C a p t i v a a n d o t h e r i m p a c t e d a r e a s d u e t o h i g h c o n c e n t r a t i o n s o f brevetoxins, which are produced by red tide and can also cause respiratory irrita tion in humans Red tide can also con tribute to fish kills by depleting the water of dissolved oxygen

“A lot of red tide blooms are trans ported by ocean currents, and those are dictated by the climate, so there’s not r e a l l y m u c h i n t e r v e n t i o n w e c a n d o other than trying to reduce flows (from Lake Okeechobee) if possible, or man

s t o r m s , s u c h a s H u r r i c a n e I a n E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r S a m A n k e r s o n i n t r o d u c e d t h e p r o g r a m , a s w e l l a s p r o v i d e d a p o s t s t o r m u p d a t e o n t h e m u s e u m T o w a t c h t h e f r e e p r o g r a m , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w y o u t u b e c o m / w a t c h ?v=Bltoq4MfobM&feature=youtu be

Monthly water sample results

The Calusa Waterkeeper recently released it and the Florida Department of Health's water sample results for fecal indicator bacteria for the month of November For more information and an interactive map, visit https://calusawaterkeeper org/

age the flows and allow for discharges at a later time when there aren’t as many h a r m f u l e f f e c t s s e e n o n t h e c o a s t , ” Milbrandt said

In addition to K brevis, water sam ples collected on the research trip will be tested for nitrogen, phosphorous and dissolved oxygen concentrations

Despite poor conditions, Milbrandt s aid th at th er e ar e w ay s to mitig ate future blooms

“Hurricane Ian has really changed the water quality in a negative way, but over time through dilution, through sea sonal changes we hope that nature will be able to absorb this blow, along with the communities on our barrier islands in Southwest Florida,” he said “But we do have to continue to reduce our nutrient footprint We need to try and convert septic to sewer in more places We need to reduce the use of fer

tilizers where possible, and try to build more treatment wetlands in the water shed to slow down the water before it gets to the Gulf of Mexico ”

T o s e n d a n e m a i l a s k i n g C o r p s

Jacksonville District Commander Col James Booth to hold off on releasing water from Lake Okeechobee until the t h r e a t o f r e d t i d e h a s p a s s e d , v i s i t https://p2a co/wVMwhRp

said “Right now, we have one camera (Cam 1) that’s live and it’s the one over the nest ”

Pritchett said the other cameras are OK, but there have been connection issues that have made Cam 2 inoperable The

“Pondcam” is working

As for the eagles, Pritchett said he expects Harriet to lay her eggs soon The two have been actively working on the nest and getting it ready for eggs.

“Time will tell if the schedule is off due

to the storm, but we’re expecting them to lay their eggs as they normally would, within the next two weeks,” Pritchett said “Harriet is up there in age, but she’s work ing on the nest and showing signs that she’s still healthy

“We’re excited for the year and the eagles rebuilding their nest is a testament to them and the area We’re going to rebuild together,” he said

For more on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, visit dickpritchettrealestate com

SANIBEL CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Isl and lIVInG

Sanibel library to present next lecture in virtual series

W i t h s u p p o r t from the Sanibel P u b l i c L i b r a r y F o u n d a t i o n , t h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y h a s launched a series of virtual author t a l k s t o i n c l u d e b e s t s e l l i n g a u t h o r s a n d thought leaders

Geraldine Brooks

The next lec ture will be held on Dec. 6 at 7 p m a n d w i l l f e a t u r e G e r a l d i n e B r o o k s , t h e a u t h o r o f “ H o r s e , ” “ M a r c h ” a n d “ P e o p l e o f t h e Book ” Based on t h e r e m a r k a b l e true story of the r e c o r d b r e a k i n g t h o r o u g h b r e d , Lexington, who b e c a m e America’s great e s t s t u d s i r e , “Horse” is a gripping, multi layered reckoning with the legacy of enslavement and racism in America Brooks is an author and journalist who grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia, and attend ed Bethlehem College Ashfield and the University of Sydney She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in fiction in 2006 for her novel “March.” Her first novel, “Year of Wonders,” is an international bestseller, and “People of the Book” is a New York Times bestseller Brooks is also the author of the nonfiction works “ N i n e P a r t s o f D e s i r e ” a n d “ F o r e i g n

”

Correspondence

A question and answer session with the author will follow

T o r e g i s t e r f o r t h e a u t h o r t a l k , v i s i t https://libraryc org/sanlib/20733

While recovering from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Public Library continues to move forward by provid ing online services 24/7 including books, music, movies, magazines and more

Fines and fees are being waived for books and other materials borrowed now checked out and now overdue, damaged, wet, moldy, lost, lost on island or at other living arrangements For questions about borrows, email notices@sanlib org Those on holds lists will not be dropped or lose their place in line

In addition, if you have photographs taken during I a n o r p o s t s t o r m d a m a g e o r r e c o v e r y a r o u n d Southwest Florida, consider allowing the library to archive the images. It is also looking for photographs of the islands before the causeway, during the land boom of the early 1920s, and of notable locals Images, videos and stories can be emailed to sani belpubliclibrary@gmail com

For more information, call 239 472 2483 or visit www sanlib org

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

City provides updates on hurricane recovery information and resources

The city of Sanibel provided the follow its recent Facebook Lives and updates:

Access for island employees

As of Nov 28, brick and mortar busi nesses that will reopen on Sanibel and Captiva may obtain authorization for their employees to access the islands by follow ing the below listed steps:

∫ The business must provide the ci with the name and address of the business the date it will reopen

∫ The employer must provide the city with a list of the employees who need access to the island The list must include the employee's name, address and title ∫ The above information must be submitted to D

steve chaipel@mysanibel com

Chaipel may require follow up information, which he will request via email

Once the list of employees is approved by city, Chaipel will notify the employer pproval may take up to 48 hours after all e q u i r e d i n f o r m a t i o n a n d f o l l o w u p requests have been received

∫ The employees approved to access the island(s) will not need a hurricane reentry pass Instead, the following process will be followed:

The database of approved employees l be maintained in a cloud based document aw enforcement will have access to at the

Sanibel Causeway checkpoint

At the checkpoint, employees will be required to pro vide the name of their employer and present a valid dri ver’s license to law enforcement

Law enforcement will verify the IDs of drivers against the approved list Individuals on the approved list will be granted access to the island(s) Anyone who is not on the list will be denied access

F.I.S.H. provides update on post-storm activities

F I S H of Sanibel Captiva is con tinuing to work around the clock to provide support for the community in this time of crisis following Hurricane Ian

“Daily we assist islanders residing in shelters and temporary homes, indi viduals who are unemployed and seeking new employment, seniors without local family, and anyone reaching out for a helping hand during this incredibly difficult time Some of those we assist are familiar to F I S H and our services, while others are 'first timers' in requesting assistance,” officials reported last week “As we have had for over 40 years, F I S H has something for everyone ”

F I S H is settling into its tempo rary office space, at 15550 McGregor Blvd , Suite 204, Fort Myers, and is working to restart its existing pro grams, in addition to immediate hurri cane response needs It is also present on Sanibel daily, handing out cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items as it partners with different agencies to provide hot meals from its island home base

On Sanibel, F I S H reported that it is:

∫ Managing pods of ice and water through its partnership with the United Way and Lee County Emergency Operations Center in mul tiple locations

∫ Working side by side with the American Red Cross to provide hot meals daily

Providing supplies and limited food supplies for islanders, such as shovels, tarps, cleaning products and other items as they clean up their homes

∫

Offering a comfort station at the American Legion Post 123 for per sonal hygiene and laundry needs

Coordinating with partner agen cies, such as the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank and others, to bring additional resources includ ing food to the islands

From its Fort Myers office, F I S H social service professionals are: ∫

Delivering resources and con ducting regular check ins to displaced seniors

Connecting people with tempo

rary housing, information and resources related to food, government assistance programs, mental health services and other recovery services

∫ Assisting islanders with FEMA and SBA applications for emergency assistance ∫

Providing immediate needs, such as gas cards

∫

Connecting unemployed work ers with work opportunities off island.

∫ Connecting with volunteers ready, willing and able to assist

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, call F I S H at 239 472 4775 during business hours or 239 472 0404 during the off hours People can also contact info@fishofsancap org

IWA rescinds precautionary boil water notice

On Nov 21, the Island Water Association reported that the precau tionary boil water notice issued for the service territory extending from Tarpon Bay Road east to Lighthouse Beach has been rescinded following the satisfactory completion of a bac

teriological survey that shows the water is safe to drink

The IWA added that until further notice, water services in the Caloosa S h o r e s A s s o c i a t i o n c o n t i n u e t o remain under a boil water notice due to low pressure delivery to the area

As a precaution, it advised that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and wash ing dishes be boiled A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient As an alter native, bottled water may be used

RANDI BAIRD

Flounder recreational harvest to reopen

Twins’ Spring Training schedule features 17 games at Hammond Stadium

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 addi tional 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 precau tions:

∫ 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 dis tressed 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 bot tled 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 windows and run the air conditioner, making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications

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

Hurricane reentr y passes

T h e c i t y n o t e d t h a t t h e r e a r e n o changes to the existing process for island residents, business owners and contractors who wish to obtain a hurricane reentry pass to gain access to Sanibel or Captiva

∫ To obtain a hurricane reentry pass, visit the hurricane reentry pass distribu tion center at the Fort Myers Regional Library's Meeting Rooms, at 1651 Lee St , Fort Myers

∫ For a copy of the pass application, visit https://www mysanibel com/govern ment/police/useful links/emergency man agement Please print and complete the

What is red tide?

Red tide is one type of harmful algal bloom caused by high concentrations of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (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 har mful?

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 moni tor conditions 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 respira tory conditions, like asthma or chronic lung disease, might experience more severe symptoms Red tide toxins can also affect the central nervous system of fish and other marine life, which can lead to fish kills and increased wildlife strandings or mortalities. Eating con taminated seafood can cause neurotoxic shellfish poison ing in humans Symptoms include nausea and vomiting; 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 a l g a l b l o o m s a n d b e a c h c o n d i t i o n s , v i s i t P r o t e c t i n g F l o r i d a T o g e t h e r g o v a n d floridahealth gov/environmental health/aquatic toxins For local shellfish harvesting status, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at h t t p s : / / w w w . f d a c s . g o v / A g r i c u l t u r e I n d u s t r y / A q u a c u l t u r e / S h e l l f i s h H a r v e s t i n g A r e a

Classification

Where to repor t issues related to red tide?

T h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n Commission collects and analyzes red tide samples and r e s u l t s a r e u p d a t e d m u l t i p l e t i m e s d a i l y a t MyFWC com/redtidemap/ Status updates are issued t w i c e w e e k l y d u r i n g b l o o m s a t

application before arrival at the center

Printed copies are available at the center The name of the individual who will be issued the pass will be written on the pass Reentry passes may not be assigned or transferred to another person

∫ Off island businesses will be limited to five passes; they must provide an employee name for each pass issued Additional passes will be handled on a one on one or as needed basis

∫ Passes are distributed on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a m to noon and from 1 to 5 p m and on Tuesday from 8 a m to noon and from 1 to 4 p m

In other news

The Minnesota Twins recently announced the home schedule for its 2023 Spring Training cam paign 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

F o r m o r e i

f o

m a t i o n , v i s i t www twinsbaseball com or call 800 33 TWINS

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, c a l l 8 0 0 6 3 6 0 5 1 1 o r r e p o r t o n l i n e a t 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

∫ Sanibel Postmaster Tirzah Althouse reported that island mail is still being picked up at the Jetport Loop Facility, at 14080 Jetport Loop, Fort Myers Those who cannot pick up their mail weekly, as mail and packages cannot be held for more than 10 days, are asked to contact tirzah j althouse@usps gov

T o c h a n g e o r f o r w a r d a m a i l i n g address, visit https://www usa gov/post office

To sign up for “Informed Delivery,” v i s i t h t t p s : / / r e g u s p s c o m / p o r t a l / r e g i s ter? gl=1*1p5ghgo* ga*NDkxMTkyNT

* ga 3NXP3C8 S9V*MTY2OTE2ODcxMC4xLjAuMT Y2OTE2ODcxMC4wLjAuMA ∫ LCEC suggested customers call about disconnecting if they cannot receive service for a long time

∫ City Manager Dana Souza reported that island deliveries are allowed with proper paperwork

∫ The Sanibel City Council will hold its next meeting on Dec 6 at 9 a m at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n Facebook Live

SANIBEL CAPTIVA/THE

Sanibel Sea School provides post-storm update on facilities

On Nov 22, the Sanibel Sea School reported that structurally, both of its build ings held up OK, and neither roof was damaged during Hurricane Ian The interi ors met a worse fate as a result of the surge

The big blue front building facing Periwinkle Way on Sanibel experienced about 2 feet of flooding, with nearly all con tents a loss, as well as major tree damage that took out the power feed The Kennedy Building had about 3 feet of flooding that submerged the electrical panel and caused the wood floors to buckle, one window was broken, and the fence surrounding the picnic table area was destroyed

The Sanibel Sea School reported that its safety equipment, microscopes and program supplies were mostly destroyed More diffi cult though were the archives of photos and art projects created by campers over the years. It lost an incredible collection of shells, bones, feathers and other treasures that students and staff have collected and sorted over time Anything salvageable was removed from the campus and is being stored at an alternate location that was unaf fected by the storm until it reopens

Ian turned the island’s green vegetation brown and uprooted numerous trees on cam

pus The Sanibel Sea School lost a lot of veg etation, including the large “handprint tree” in the picnic table area

The storm surge also took out its fleet of vans and truck, with evidence of water com ing up to the seats The “Ripple Effect” pon toon boat floated off its trailer and into a nearby tree The Sanibel Sea School report ed that it is still not sure if it will be able to recover the vessel. The new mobile SEA lab was found a good distance away from where it was parked before the storm It is likely a loss, and the Sanibel Sea School will have to start over with that program Its kayak trailer and SUP trailer were also a total loss Two of its kayaks were destroyed, but the rest of its paddle craft survived.

The Sanibel Sea School reported that a contracted company began working in both buildings shortly after the storm to mitigate mold impacts and dry them out The drywall has been cut in the front building. In the Kennedy Building, the wood floors were removed and the walls were cut halfway It plans to save the wood from the Kennedy Building, treat it and creatively reuse it when it rebuilds

To support the recovery efforts of the Sanibel Sea School, visit https://www.sani belseaschool org/support the cause

SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL

Christmas Carol Sing to raise donations for those in need

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

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

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

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

“With what has transpired in the last several months, the community need has been in flux, so many in need that weren’t before,” 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 through its Mobile Food Pantries and serves 9,000 indi viduals and families with homeless and comprehensive case management services

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

First Presbyterian Church is at 2438 Second St., Fort Myers

ABOVE:

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

LEFT:

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

SCCF suppor ts SanCapStrong campaign

rate of $1,000 each, for a $5,000 contribution The design features the Sanibel Lighthouse, which was wounded in Hurricane Ian but still stands The limited edition shirts are priced at $50 for long sleeved and

Lynyrd Skynyrd to headline benefit concert

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group Lynyrd Skynyrd will headline the “Boots on the Sand: Hurricane Ian Benefit Concert” on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hertz Arena, at 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero

It will also feature performances by Ira Dean, Gavin DeGraw, Brian Kelley, Tracy Lawrence, Ted Nugent, RaeLynn and John Rich Naples resident comedi an Jim Breuer will host the evening

“You know we are a Florida band and true Floridians, we have grown up with hurricanes being a part of our lives Hurricane Ian did major damage and people lost loved ones and everything they had The folks in Lee and Collier county, took the direct impact of the storm, guitarist Rickey Medlocke and our tour manager, both live in Fort Myers,” Johnny Van Zant, of Lynyrd Skynyrd, said “We couldn’t sit by and not try to help people in a time of need Hopefully, we can raise a bunch of money for the victims of the storm, get some musician friends to come down and join us, and bring some smiles to the

faces of those people that have lost so much ”

Proceeds from the concert will be directed to disaster relief efforts through Volunteer Florida and Community Foundations of Southwest Florida

“My better half, Jennifer Parisi, and her whole family are from Naples, so Florida is my second home I think we all have seen the news footage of cars turned upside down, but this doesn’t cap ture the full picture down here Spending a ton of time in Southwest Florida, I know that it is largely made up of blue collar, hardworking folks,” Dean added “I didn’t realize the devastation that Ian left in its path until I got down here to check on the house I spent the week with Jennifer in Naples and saw people sleeping in their front yards, and wit nessed people in tears that lost loved ones ”

The event is produced by Live Nation and Dean, for Boots on the Sand

For tickets or more information, visit Ticketmaster com com or https://hertz arena com/

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation Chief Executive Officer James Evans, third from left, with Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce Board Members Mark Blust and Ron Clayton, Chair Calli Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai and Board Member JR Ramirez

$30 for short sleeved All profits will support the recovery efforts of island businesses and organizations The shirts will go on sale to the public through the chamber's e commerce site launching later this month

PHOTO PROVIDED Gaillardia

The best part about the native is the showy blooms that remind you of a ray of sunshine The petals of the flower even resemble a ray with their fringed edges and bright sunny colors They come in all colors from solid oranges, pinks and yellows to multi colored orange red or reddish purple with yellow tips being the favorite The individual flowers are only 1 inch to 3 inches wide on slender stems Their growth pattern is spreading and they look best planted in wide swaths or patches, giving them a wildflower appearance

Pollination of the gaillardia is accomplished by non specialist insects, including bees and a soldier beetle So be kind to your garden insect buddies They do a lot of the hard work needed to keep these flow ers, and others like them, blooming.

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239 395 5859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

Sanibel Captiva

Report your

FEMA extends deadline to apply for disaster assistance

At the request of the state of Florida, Hurricane Ian survivors who suffered damage to their property have additional time to apply for federal disaster assistance

FEMA has extended the application deadline to Jan 12 for survivors in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, F l a g l e r , G l a d e s , H a r d e e , H e n d r y , H i g h l a n d s , H i l l s b o r o u g h , L a k e , L e e , M a n a t e e , M o n r o e , Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St Johns and Volusia counties

T h e r e a r e D i s a s t e r R e c o v e r y C e n t e r s o p e r a t i n g throughout the impacted areas To find a center close to you, go online to DRC Locator or floridadisaster org, or text DRC along with your zip code to 43362

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply Survivors can go online to disasterassistance gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800 621 3362 The line is open every day from 7 a m to 11 p m Help is available in most lan

guages If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply, visit https://www youtube com/ watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

If you have insurance, you are encouraged to file a claim for damage to your home, personal property and vehicles before you apply for FEMA assistance FEMA cannot duplicate other sources of assistance you may have received

County launches improved hurricane debris website

Lee County has launched a new Hurricane Ian Debris website to better provide information to residents with features such as a one stop location with tips, data, timelines, photos, videos and other important informa tion about debris collection efforts

At www leegov com/debris, resi dents can learn how types of debris are classified and how they should be separated at the curb Residents can track Lee County’s progress in col

lecting debris from unincorporated areas and see how they can haul their own debris to one of four sites, if they choose to

The site explains the process for getting debris collected from private or gated communities or from com mercial property Learn how the coun ty’s partners are assisting with water way and marine cleanup

Site visitors can also connect with the Together, Lee Can campaign to

share inspiring stories and photos about how residents and businesses owners have worked together and joined with the Lee County Commission in the effort to rebuild and restore the community

For Hurricane Ian response updates and information, visit www leegov com/storm or follow “Lee County Government” on Facebook or at www facebook com /leecountyflbocc.

Mitigation experts offering storm rebuilding advice

As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricane Ian can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms

FEMA mitigation specialists will be at several locations to answer q u e s t i o n s a n d o f f e r f r e e h o m e improvement tips and proven meth ods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters It will be infor m a t i o n g e a r e d f o r d o i t y o u r s e l f

work and general contractors

Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster The FEMA specialists will be avail able at the following locations:

∫ Home Depot, at 11941 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs 7 a m to 6 p m Monday through S a t u r d a y a n d 8 a m t o 5 p m Sunday

∫ Home Depot, at 4040 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park

7 a m to 6 p m Monday through S a t u r d a y a n d 8 a m t o 5 p m Sunday

T h e F E M A M i t i g a t i o n l i n e i s available to survivors who are inter ested in talking with a mitigation specialist about rebuilding stronger Call 833 336 2487 from 8 a m to 6 p m Monday through Friday

FYZICAL collecting toys for Boys & Girls Clubs

S e v e r a l F Y Z I C A L T h e r B a l a n c e C e n t e r s i n S o u Florida, including four locat Lee County, are collecting t help brighten the holidays local children and teens.

Now through Dec 6, donat of new, unwrapped toys and cards can be dropped off at clinics in Lee, Collier and Ch counties The items will be bro FYZICAL East Fort Myers grand opening celebration on and provided to the Boys & Clubs of Lee County

well as gift cards for retail and online marketplaces onations can be dropped off at llowing Lee locations: B o n i t a S p r i n g s : 2 5 2 4 1 ntary Way ∫ East Fort Myers: 10676 nial Blvd West Fort Myers: 15620 gor Blvd , Suite 115 North Fort Myers: 16251 N nd Ave , Suite 3

Gaillardia pulchella, gaillardia or blanket flower is one of our fun Florida natives It is a colorful flower ing plant often found along dunes, coastal areas and r o a d s i d e s T h e p l a n t thrives in full sun and open well drained areas. It prefers sandy soil, is salt tolerant and is highly drought tolerant Under natural condi tions in South Florida, gaillardia is an annual w i t h t w o g e r m i n a t i o n cycles possible in one year They usually begin germinating in February and then again in late summer, putting their peak flowering period from March into June The plants may become more woody and sparse into the late summer, which a good trim ming can address If you can leave the spent flower heads on the ground you may be surprised by a sec ond generation of plants These are usually shorter lived plants and probably fewer flowers You could also save the seeds from dry flower heads, store in a cool dry place and sow them in the spring for a new blanket of color

Salt-tolerant gaillardia is blanket of sunshine

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

Delicate cheese ravioli tossed with spicy vodka sauce is a dish served in many trattoria in Rome Here is my ver sion of this classical dish for you to enjoy Serves eight (Chef tip: Do not overfill your ravioli or they will open up while cooking.)

Dough:

2 cups 00 or all purpose flour

1/4 cup dry white wine

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon sea salt

Filling:

2 pounds well drained whole milk ricotta cheese

1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

Sauce:

1 cup sofritto (finely chopped celery, carrots and onions)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

2 cups ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped

2 cups tomato sauce

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup vodka

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped

o n i s o f f e r i n g s e a s o n a l e v e n t s t h r o u g h o u t D e c e m b e r

T h e s c h e d u l e o f e v e n t s w i l l i n c l u d e :

∫ D e c 3 : C o m m u n i t y Y a r d S a l e f r o m 8 a . m . t o 1 p . m . a t V e t e r a n s P a r k , a t 5 5 H o m e s t e a d R o a d S o u t h , L e h i g h A c r e s

C l e a n o u t c l o s e t s , g a r a g e s a n d h o m e s t o t u r n t r a s h i n t o a n o t h e r ’ s t r e a s u r e T a k e a d v a n t a g e o f t h e c r o w d s t h a t a c o m m u n i t y y a r d s a l e c a n g e n e r a t e o r , i f y o u d o n o t h a v e a n y t h i n g t o s e l l , j u s t s t o p b y a n d s h o p P r e r e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d a s s p a c e s a r e l i m i t e d T h e p r i c e i s $ 5 p e r s p a c e w i t h a m a x i m u m o f t h r e e s p a c e s p e r p e r s o n B r i n g y o u r o w n t a b l e s a n d c h a i r s . P r e r e g i s t e r a t w w w l e e p a r k s o r g / r e g i s t e r F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t t h e V e t e r a n s P a r k R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r a t 2 3 9 3 6 9 1 5 2 1 ∫ D e c 3 : N o r t h F o r t M y e r s B r e a k f a s t w i t h S a n t a f r o m 9 : 3 0 t o 1 1 : 3 0 a m a t t h e N o r t h F o r t M y e r s R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r , a t 2 0 0 0 N R e c r e a t i o n P a r k W a y , N o r t h F o r t M y e r s C o m e h a v e b r e a k f a s t w i t h t h e j o l l y o l ’ m a n h i m s e l f E n j o y m a k i n g a h o l i d a y c r a f t , p l a y i n g r e i n d e e r g a m e s , w r i t i n g a l e t t e r t o S a n t a a n d t a k i n g a p h o t o w i t h h i m C o s t i s $ 3 p e r p l a t e P r e r e g i s t e r a t w w w l e e p a r k s o r g / r e g i s t e r F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t t h e c e n t e r a t 2 3 9 5 3 3 7 2 0 0

∫ D e c 9 : P a r e n t s N i g h t O u t f r o m 6 t o 9 p m a t t h e O l g a C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r , a t 2 3 2 5 S O l g a D r i v e , F o r t M y e r s T h e p r o g r a m i s a c h a n c e f o r p a r e n t s t o g e t s o m e C h r i s t m a s e r r a n d s f i n i s h e d P a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l p l a y i n d o o r a n d o u t d o o r g a m e s , m a k e c r a f t s , a n d e n j o y p i z z a , p o p c o r n a n d s o d a S a n t a w i l l r i d e

i n o n a f i r e t r u c k t o w e l c o m e a l l p a r t i c i p a n t s a t 6 p m B r i n g a c a m e r a a n d s t a f f w i l l t a k e p h o t o s A d m i s s i o n i s $ 5 p e r c h i l d a g e s 6 1 1 . S p a c e i s l i m i t e d . P r e r e g i s t e r a t w w w l e e p a r k s o r g / r e g i s t e r F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d t o r e g i s t e r , c o n t a c t t h e c e n t e r a t 2 3 9 6 9 4 2 2 9 1

∫ D e c 1 0 : W i n t e r W o n d e r l a n d f r o m 1 0 a m t o 1 p m a t V e t e r a n s P a r k , a t 5 5 H o m e s t e a d R o a d S o u t h , L e h i g h A c r e s

C o m e c e l e b r a t e t h e s e a s o n e n j o y i n g h o l i d a y c r a f t s , l e t t e r s t o S a n t a , p h o t o b o o t h s , r e i n d e e r g a m e s a n d a v i s i t w i t h S a n t a a n d M r s C l a u s f o r p h o t o s E a c h c h i l d w i l l r e c e i v e a g i f t . H o t c h o c o l a t e , c o o k i e t r e a t s a n d a t r e e l i g h t i n g w i l l e n d t h e c e l e b r a t i o n A d m i s s i o n i s $ 5 p e r c h i l d a g e s i n f a n t t o 1 2 P r e r e g i s t e r a t w w w l e e p a r k s o r g / r e g i s t e r F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t t h e V e t e r a n s P a r k R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r a t 2 3 9 3 6 9 1 5 2 1

∫ D e c 1 7 : M o v i e i n t h e P a r k f r o m 4 t o 7 p m a t E s t e r o P a r k , a t 9 2 0 0 C o r k s c r e w P a l m s B l v d , E s t e r o

W a t c h a s h o w i n g o f t h e C h r i s t m a s c l a s s i c , “ D r S u e s s ’ H o w T h e G r i n c h S t o l e C h r i s t m a s . ” B r i n g b l a n k e t s , c h a i r s a n d s n a c k s t o e n j o y w h i l e w a t c h i n g t h e f a m i l y f a v o r i t e f i l m A t t e n d e e s w i l l b e a b l e t o t a k e p h o t o s w i t h S a n t a d u r i n g t h e e v e n t T h e f i l m w i l l b e g i n a t 5 : 4 5 p m A d m i s s i o n i s f r e e F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t t h e E s t e r o R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r a t 2 3 9 5 3 3 1 4 7 0

Romana’

In a two quart pot, blanch tomatoes in boiling water for a few minutes Drain then peel Discard the seed, chop and set aside

In a four quart non reactive saucepan, saute sofritto: onion, celery, carrots and gar lic in olive oil, cook until onion is soft and transparent, about five minutes.

Add prepared tomatoes, tomato sauce and red pepper flakes Cook at medium heat for 20 minutes, or until reduced Add heavy cream, vodka, basil and tabasco Reduce for 10 more minutes Taste for seasoning with salt and pepper, and reserve

To make dough, place flour and salt on a wooden board and form into a mound Make a deep well in the center and break eggs into it Add wine Use a fork to break up eggs and mix contents of the well Slowly add flour, beginning at top of the well so the walls collapse and blend into the mixture When flour is almost totally absorbed, begin kneading, pressing with palms of your hands Knead dough for about 20 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic (If dough is dry, add a few drops of water If sticky, add a sprin kle of flour )

Gather dough into ball, place in large bowl, and cover with plastic wrap Let rest for 30 minutes. (To test for doneness, punch dough with index finger. If it springs back, it is done )

To make filling, mix in a large bowl ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, eggs and garlic Add salt and pepper and set aside

Break dough into lemon size pieces and roll each piece into a long, thin sheet Place one teaspoon of filling every couple of inches on half of the sheet Fold the other half of the sheet on top and seal the edges, removing all extra air Use a ravioli form or a cutter to cut into individual 2 by 2 inch squares Spread ravioli on parchment paper that has been lightly sprinkled with flour Do not allow ravioli to touch Bring a six quart pot of water to boil Add salt and ravioli and boil for four to five minutes Drain ravio li with Chinese spider and place on a serving platter

Top with vodka sauce and sprinkle with cheese Serve immediately

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail com

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239 472 1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva Chapel By The Sea Rev. Larry Marshall

Sunday service available online; in person services have been postponed until further notice Services from the past season have been videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Lecture and discussion on Thursday at 11 a m via Zoom Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m via Zoom Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p m via Zoom Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a m via Zoom For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail com

∫ Sanibel Christian Science Church 2950 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239 810 1077

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services.

∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239 472 2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Historic Chapel Sunday service at 5 p m at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239 472 0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/ Senior Minister Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a.m. at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers

∫ St Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239 472 2763, https://www saintis abel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Ed Martin

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ St Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239 472 2173, https://www saintmichaels sanibel org/, https://www facebook com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Service with optional healing prayers on Wednesday at 9 a m at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Sunday service at 11:30 a m at the same location, followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall

Chef Loretta Paganini

‘Deck The Halls’ set for Barbara B. Mann

The Gulf Coast Symphony, joined by the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, vocalist Mark Sanders, the Kellyn Celtic Arts Dance Academy and Santa, will pres ent “Deck The Halls” on Dec 2 at 7:30 p m at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, at 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers The festive sounds of the season

Alliance to host annual holiday sale

The Alliance for the Arts will host its annual Arts and Ends Holiday Sale on Dec 3 from 9 a m to 1 p.m. outdoors at its ArtsPark and GreenMarket grounds, at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

Local artists will sell hand craft ed items in a wide variety of medi ums and styles Featured artists will include Alicia Schmidt, Anne Schroeder, Cynthia Porter, Doug MacGregor, Ella Ellis, Eunique Santiago, Fort Myers Beach Art Association, Gay Cable, Gloria Steier, Jayne Baker, Jill Keenley, Joyce Dinkins, Julia Sher, Laurel Weng, Lehigh Acres Art League, Mathew Halstead, Pamela Signorelli, Pat Collins, Pat Hart, Rose Jung, Ruth Taylor, Stacey Sawyer, Victoria Hahn and Wendy Drummond

Members will receive a 10 per cent discount on every purchase

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.artinlee.org/event/art sale/

will ring as the symphony presents favorite pops med leys, from Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and a medley from Christmas movie classics, to the Mannheim Steamroller's “Silent Night” and more Tickets range from $39 85 For more information or tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/

Storm Smart to host hurricane benefit

Storm Smart will host a celebration, benefit concert, first responder salute and farewell to hurricane season on Dec. 3 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in Fort Myers

It will feature the music of Kat Epple, Rosada Project, and Deb & The Dynamics There will be a ceremonial burning of hurricane flags at 8 p m A cash bar will be available No coolers are allowed

The proceeds of the benefit will go to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Lee County Homeless Coalition, WHALE Waves of Change and WOLF Humanitarian Relief Missions

General admission tickets are $20 at the gate and $15 in advance by today, Nov 30 There will be lawn seating and attendees are asked to bring their own blankets and chairs Patron VIP tickets are $100 at the gate and $90 in advance by today, Nov 30 First responders and rescue heroes will be admitted free, with 250 VIP tickets to be distributed to deserving individuals

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t i c k e t s , v i s i t EndOfHurricaneSeason com

The Caloosa Sound Amphitheater is at 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers

GULF COAST SYMPHONY

Edison, Ford estates to offer art classes for adults

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers offers opportunities through out the year to learn painting techniques, create floral arrangements or other pieces of artwork taught by local artists

Classes scheduled for the month of December include the following:

∫ Dec 3: Silk Scarf Painting with Marie Dyer at 10 a m

Marie Dyer has been teaching at the estates for years Participants will paint a scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork Participants of all experience levels are welcome Cost is $90 for mem bers or $100 for non members; all mate rials are included

∫ D e c 1 0 : A c r y l i c L a n d s c a p e Painting with Marie Dyer at 10 a m

Impressionistic local artist Marie Dyer will guide participants in a plein air acrylic landscape painting workshop She will cover the fundamentals of composi tion and structure, color creating, mood and mixing paints and will assist in developing a pallet that speaks to each participant The workshop is for artists of all skill levels Cost is $90 for members or $100 for non members; all materials are included

∫ Dec 11: Gouache Painting with Renee Lammers at 10 a.m.

In a small group setting, participants will explore the world of Gouache paint i n g I n s t r u c t o r R e n e e L a m m e r s w i l l e x p l o r e m i x i n g c o l o r s a n d G o u a c h e p a i n t i n g t r i c k s a n d w i l l c o m p l e t e a demonstration painting before partici pants create their own painting with her assistance No experience is needed Cost

Seating

Symphony’s after-school programs temporarily relocate

T h e S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a S y m p h o n y m a d e t e m p o r a r y c h a n g e s t o i t s a f t e r s c h o o l m u s i c e d u c a t i o n p r o g r a m s d u e t o i m p a c t s t o T h e H e i g h t s C e n t e r i n F o r t M y e r s f o l l o w i n g H u r r i c a n e I a n

R e h e a r s a l s w i l l b e h e l d a t t h e s y m p h o n y ’ s B e l l T o w e r s p a c e i n F o r t M y e r s u n t i l f u r t h e r n o t i c e P r a c t i c e s w i l l h a v e u p d a t e d h o u r s , i n c l u d i n g S t r i n g Q u a r t e t f r o m 4 t o 5 p . m . , M O S A I C f r o m 5 t o 6 : 2 0 p m a n d Y o u t h O r c h e s t r a f r o m 6 : 3 0 t o 8 p m

A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e c o n c e r t p l a n n e d f o r N o v 1 4 w a s r e s c h e d u l e d t o D e c 5 a t 6 : 3 0 p m a t B e l l T o w e r , a t 1 3 4 9 9 S C l e v e l a n d A v e , F o r t M y e r s S p a c e i s l i m i t e d ; 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 f o l d i n g c h a i r s

T o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t m u s i c e d u c a t i o n p r o g r a m s , c a l l 2 3 9 4 8 2 7 7 0 6 , e x t 4 0 0 6

Symphony to per for m ‘Snowbird Follies’

The Gulf Coast Symphony will present “Snowbird Follies: A Holiday Musical” on Dec 3 18 at the Music & Arts Community Center, at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. Nomads from the North have been flocking to the Sunshine State for well over 100 years Enjoy a whimsical musical yuletide celebra tion with a winking nod to Fort Myers' original snowbirds, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford From

“Boogie Woogie Santa Claus” to “White Christmas,” the revue is a playful journey through decades of holiday favorites, sprinkled with local history Conceived and created by writer and Director DJ Salisbury and Maestro Andrew Kurtz, with arrangements created by Julie Carver Tickets range from $39 50 For more information or tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/ GULF COAST SYMPHONY

is $70 for members or $85 for non mem bers; all supplies, including a Gouache set, palette and brushes, are included.

is limited and registration is required

For more information or to register, visit EdisonFord org

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

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

Megan Kissinger teaches painting techniques at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

Rotary Happenings

Rotarians learn about current state of U.S. economy

Today's economy seems to be changing daily, and not always in the direction w e w o u l d l i k e S a n i b e l

Captiva Rotary Club mem ber John Silvia launched a consulting firm following his retirement as managing director and chief econo mist for Wells Fargo, a p o s i t i o n h e h e l d s i n c e 2 0 0 2 H e s h a r e d h i s thoughts on the health of the current economy Silvia spoke about the economic growth in relation to other

countries and the associated drivers that are impacting their direction, inflation, Federal Reserve actions and corporate earnings growth. He offered monthly updates available to island Rotarians

Silvia recently joined the Rotary Club Previously, he was named one of the top 10 forecasters for the last four years by Bloomberg News in 2009 and the No 2 fore caster by USA Today for 2008

Prior to Wachovia/Wells Fargo, Silvia worked on Capitol Hill as a senior economist for the U S Senate's Joint Economic Committee and chief economist of the S e n a t e ' s B a n k i n g , H o u s i n g a n d U r b a n A f f a i r s

Committee He has also served on economic advisory committees to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Public Securities Association

Silvia holds a Bachelor of Arts and Ph D in econom ics from Northeastern University and has a master's degree in economics from Brown University His first book, “Dynamic Economic Decision Making,” was pub lished in 2011

The Sanibel Captiva Rotary Club holds a meeting on Fridays at 8 a m at The Heights Foundation, at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, and via Zoom; doors open at 7:30 a m For more information, visit sanibelrotary org or www facebook com/sancaprotary

Can we still find goodness and hope?

After surviving our recent catastrophic weather event called Hurricane Ian, is it even possible to think about having good ness and hope? When your home has been washed away by the eight foot storm surge, when you suddenly have unexpected sky lights where the roof has been blown off, or even with two layers of hurricane proof sliders, the outside layer crashes into the inside and pebbles of glass are scattered everywhere, in spite of all these tragic events, is it possible to find even tiny instances of goodness and hope?

It may not be the first thought that comes to mind, but of course the answer is a resounding yes! The things of good might be tiny and we might need to keep our eyes open and our thought expanded to be aware of this goodness, but it’s definitely there Once we get past the sorrow of things lost, oftentimes we realize that these things weren’t really needed after all And this

realization frequently becomes a blessing in dis guise Who needs all these things, all this stuff, any way?

As I was on hands and knees, sifting though glass pebbles under the crushed mattress and overturned dressers on our sodden bed room carpet (thank you for safety glass!), beach shells start popping up and I remembered the antique glass column that held my favorites ones that I had set on my dresser for protection before evacuating before the storm Even though my mother’s glass vase didn’t survive, discovering the shells crushed under fallen dressers and

Faces on Faith

intwined in a drenched recently purchased bed spread was the highlight of my morning Certainly there will be more shells on our beaches, but finding my only junonia a second time was definitely a thrill

With our condo uninhab itable and praying to know where home might be next, the angel message came from a friend of a friend, saying “I have a place for you to spend the next few months ” Oh my, the answer to a prayer! This is certainly a more obvious bit of good ness than found shells, but being willing to listen to hear the message was the crucial part of this good God is always

whispering to us, sometimes even scream ing to us, but we need to do our part and lis ten for the goodness in his messages

During this Thanksgiving season and in these challenging times, recognizing every little bit of good is a blessing for ourselves and for each of our neighbors too Sometimes it’s a challenge to realize that good abounds! But it does, and if we’re watching, we’ll find it both in unexpected places and also right in front of us As a favorite psalm reminds us:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall fol low me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever ” (Psalms 23:6) Let’s be alert and acknowl edge each tiny bit of goodness, and allow the hope for Sanibel’s “Build Back Stronger” future to abound

Gulfshore to host Holiday Taste of Opera

The Gulfshore Opera will present its 9th Annual Holiday Taste of Opera on Dec 1 at 6 p m at The Club at the Strand, at 5840 Strand Blvd , Naples Enjoy an evening of holiday classics and opera favorites, along with a dinner hosted by Becky Wilder Tickets are $150 For tickets or more information, visit https://www gulfshoreopera org/

Red Sox seeking singers for Spring Training national anthem

The Boston Red Sox are currently look ing for new talent to fill approximately 18 spots to perform the national anthem for the upcoming 2023 Spring Training season at the JetBlue Park in Lee County

Auditions will be held at the JetBlue Park on Dec 7 8 from 4 to 6 p m

All ages are welcome to audition

Reservations must be made in advance by contacting Liah Lasval at llasval@red sox com or calling 239 226 4735 to reserve a time slot. Space is limited. Those unable to attend the dates may contact Lasval about submitting an audio record ing

The JetBlue Park is at 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers

Mary L Miller is affiliated with the Sanibel Christian Science Church

John Silvia

Mary L. Miller

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , N o v e m b e r

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m