Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Cape adjusts city’s 50% rule baseline

Five-year ‘cumulative impact regulation’ removed to make Ian-related repairs, re-builds, easier

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

The city of Cape Coral hit a rules reset button for properties that suffered serious damage in Hurricane Ian, making it easier for homeowners to rebuild or repair damaged structures.

Cape Coral City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Wednesday that removes the city’s “five-year cumulative impact regulation” to reduce burdens on storm-damaged residences that are close to triggering a federal rule that requires rebuilding to current floodplain standards when damage is extensive.

This new ordinance will assist home-

’TISTHESEASON

Shell Factory celebrates the holidays

The holiday season is under way at the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers with lots of activities coming this month, including visits and breakfast with Santa, specials and a fundraiser at Scallywags Fun Park on Saturday, Dec. 17, to benefit the Nature Park, which took a $300,000 hit from Hurricane Ian. They also are looking for corporate sponsors to help restore the popular attraction and its numerous animal habitats.

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owners near the 50 percent threshold from going above that line because of improvements not necessitated by Hurricane Ian, such as a roof or storm windows installed before the storm.

The 50 percent rule is federally mandated by FEMA. Structures that do not meet current floodplain standards may be affected by the 50 percent rule if the damage is 50 percent or more than the

structure’s market value.

If damage is 50 percent or more than that value, the structure must be rebuilt to the new required elevation if it is within the Special Flood Hazard Area and below current elevation requirements.

That’s most properties built before 1981, but also any property that has been upgraded with a substantial prestorm improvement.

“It affects those with 55 percent damage and what put them over the top was a new roof that the insurance company required them to have,” said Wyatt

North 1 assessment plan moves forward

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

Owners of standard-size residential parcels in the next phase of the city of Cape Coral’s Utilities Expansion Project are facing possible assessments of more than $35,000 plus connection costs.

That per-property cost — much higher than previous UEPs — caused the Cape Coral City Council to consider postponing the next expansion phase Wednesday but the realization that a delay could be millions more expensive gave the project its first nudge forward.

Mayor John Gunter put the price tag in context, using the impact on a property owner who will need to

Cape’s annual winter wonderland returns this weekend

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

In a year when residents likely could use some holiday cheer, the Cape’s annual winter wonderland arrives this weekend, as the community is set to light the tree and welcome Mr. and Mrs. Claus to Southwest Florida.

Holiday Festival of Lights, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and title sponsored by The Gunterberg Charitable FoundationCulliton Family, takes place Dec. 3, where family and friends can experience a jovial atmosphere and plenty of fun for all.

“The Festival of Lights is a Cape Coral tradition that is all about family and community,” said Chamber President and CEO Donna Germain. “More than 40 years ago, the business owners in downtown Cape Coral or, South Cape as it is now known, started the annual tree lighting and block party. Over the years, this event has grown into one of the largest-single day events in Southwest Florida, with more than 25,000 in attendance. As an organization, we are fortunate to have our incredible sponsors and volunteers to aid our staff each year in putting this event together for the residents of Cape Coral. We could not do a fraction of what we do without them.”

The event takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. along Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to Candia Street. The opening ceremony begins at 5:45 p.m. and Santa will be arriving at 6:15 for the official LCEC tree lighting at 6:30.

The jolly man in the red suit and his missus will arrive at the Cape Coral Town Center (Big John’s) to officially kick off Cape Coral’s holiday season with

Utility rate increases proposed

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral residents on city utilities are looking at the possibility of annual rate increases through at least 2032.

The proposal, presented by city staff during a Cape Coral City Council workshop on Wednesday, calls for a 3 percent increase beginning March 1, a 4 percent in FY 2024 and 5 percent each year after until FY 2032 for water and sewer services.

This would result in a cumulative 58.14 percent increase in rates over the next decade.

The average residential bill is now $99.65. By 2032 the average bill would jump to $152.12.

Utilities Director Jeff Pearson told the elected board that although

City of Cape Coral estimates its Ian impact at $86 million

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

An unprecedented event in Hurricane Ian sees tens of millions of dollars needed to fully recover, city of Cape Coral officials said Wednesday afternoon.

An estimated $86 million will be needed to repair and reopen all city buildings, grounds, and functions in what is sure to be an arduous process.

The city's Financial Services Director Mark Mason said the majority of recovery dollars —about $54 million — is going towards debris cleanup and removal.

Mason said the city has yet to receive its first invoice for cleanup from Oct. 4 to Oct. 31. They will receive a second invoice after the first

for work performed from Nov. 1 onward.

The amount spent by the city as of Nov. 30 was roughly $9.8 million, Mason said. He said the city has submitted three expedited worksheets with FEMA, two of which have been obligated, with money coming in the next few weeks.

The first submission to FEMA was $5.4 million for debris, and the second for “emergency protective measures” totaling $4.6 million. Mason said the city should get back 50% from FEMA in both cases, and hopefully the third.

The third submission to FEMA currently being processed totals

$10.1 million for labor and equipment.

Mason said the city currently has about $39 million in encumbrances including debris and monitoring contracts that will be revisited in a meeting on Dec. 7, as they took place due to the hurricane.

When it comes to damages to city facilities and where they stand, Mason said Florida Municipal Insurance Trust sent out a damage assessment team within 10 days of the storm and identified “most” of the damages associated with city facilities.

“Subsequently, insurance adjusters have come back down, they’ve taken the information from

In this week’s real estate column, Realtors Bob and Geri Quinn provide a look at how Hurricane Ian and the Federal Reserve’s war on high inflation have impacted Cape Coral’s condo market.

“It affects those with 55 percent damage and what put them over the top was a new roof that the insurance company required them to have. We’ve had 23,900 reroofs in the last five years. That’s a lot of roofs that no longer count (toward the 50% rule.) Many would be upset if they went over 50 percent from the storm plus something forced on them by the insurance company.”

Wyatt Daltry, city planning team coordinator

1 returning, 3 new school board members sworn in

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. Is everyone excited tonight?” Fisher said after being sworn in. “Thank you all for coming out tonight.”

He thanked his friends and family for listening and supporting him during the campaign, as he said he could not have done it without them.

Fisher said Tuesday marked a new day for Lee County.

“I am excited. I am looking forward to working with the team to put students first, empower parents and support hard working teachers and staff,” he said. “I want you to know that I will put in the hard work to make sure we are going to make this district even better. Let’s get this going. Thank you.”

Jordan followed and, after being sworn in, thanked her constituents for their confidence in reelecting her for another four years.

“I am humbled to continue to serve and do the work of the district. As I embark on this journey, I look forward to moving this district forward with my colleagues and look forward to us working together and engaging in our strategic plan,” she said.

Jordan thanked all of those who knocked on doors with her, adding that together they will make the district great.

Persons’ daughter, State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, swore him in, ending it with “Congratulations, Daddy. We are so proud of you.”

“I want to thank everyone. There are a lot of pieces of the puzzle that has to come together. To win the campaign the very important piece was my family. They were all behind me. The other piece of the puzzle was Gov. DeSantis, his endorsement was very important,” Persons said.

He said he also wants to make the people who did not vote for him proud.

Langford-Fleming was sworn in by her father Pat Langford, who said “Congratulations, I am proud of you. I love you.”

She said if the audience looked to her left then they would see her reason why she ran, her family.

“Thank you so much for the community that put the faith in me and elected me to this position. This journey has been so tremendous and something I will never forget. The No. 1 reason I am running is for the students and I promise you I will not lose sight of that. I could not have done this if it was not for my family, my wonderful husband. My children have sacrificed quite a bit,” Langford-Fleming said, adding that her parents also mentored her. “I am blessed to be here and I will fight for the children and fight to empower parents.”

During the regularly scheduled board meeting, the new chair and vice chair were elected. Persons was elected as the chairman of the board, Fisher was elected as the vice chair.

Board member Melisa Giovannelli said she was excited for the new day and the new board. She also said she is excited to work with the board to continue to do great things for the kids in Lee County.

Board member Chris Patricca expressed similar sentiments, sharing that it was wonderful to see the board members with their families and children.

“This is a full family commitment and it is going to be harder on your families than it is on you,” she said adding that watching Persons’ daughter swear him in was a goosebump moment because it is all about family.”

NFM Academy for the Arts to present ‘The Nutcracker’

The 20th annual performance of The Nutcracker by North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts will be presented at Barbara B. Mann on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.

The two-act ballet is a multi-faceted arts educational experience for students of all ages and arts disciplines at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts. An Arts Schools Network “Exemplary School”, the Academy will bring more than 200 students ages 6-14 to the stage.

Tickets are available at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall box office, 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers, by calling 239-481-4849, or online at www.BBMannPAH.com for $35, $25, and $15. Proceeds from this production support ongoing arts education programs and special arts opportunities at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts.

Three new school board members and an incumbent were sworn into office this week.

Those School Board of Lee County members were Samuel Fisher, District 1; Armor Persons, District 5; Jada LangfordFleming, District 6, and returning incumbent Debbie Jordan, District 4.

Jada Langford-Fleming District 6

Samuel Fisher District 1

Armor Persons District 5

Debbie Jordan District 4

CAPE

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

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

Oh, Christmas trees!

Christmas lights and Christmas trees may not be the reason for the season but we have to confess, the sight of the lights coming on on the traditional sky-high tree at Big John’s during the Cape’s Festival of Lights — amidst “snowflakes” blowing down — makes us feel as holiday-struck as those kids seeing the wonder for the first time.

The Holiday Festival of Lights, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and title sponsored by The Gunterberg Charitable FoundationCulliton Family, is set for Saturday in the South Cape.

Despite Hurricane Ian, the snow will go on with all of the traditional festivities that have made the event the largest one-day holiday celebration between Tampa and Miami.

Song, Santa, snow and a whole lot more:

A slide featuring 15 tons of slippery, slidey “snow.” Candy Cane Park, a free area for children featuring fun inflatables and more.

A Tiny Tots Train Ride.

Food and drink, entertainment on three stages, lap time to share secrets with Santa and oh, that tree lighting!

What more could one ask for to ring in the holidays, even if this were the best of times?

We think not much.

As do the 20,000 or so attendees who each year stroll Cape Coral Parkway, check out the wares of visiting vendors, crowd the stage areas to enjoy the holiday magic and visit the South Cape businesses that get into the spirit by staying open late to welcome revelers with specials and the opportunity to enjoy their deck-thehalls efforts.

The event will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. on Dec 3 along Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to Candia Street.

The opening ceremony will begin at 5:45 p.m. with Santa arriving at 6:15 for the tree lighting set for 6:30.

Pictures with Santa will follow immediately after the lighting and, as always, Santa will remain on hand to meet all of the Cape’s good little girls and boys, with picture opportunities offered until 9:45 p.m. or so.

While there is no admission charge, the festival also has a charitable component — a Holiday Food Drive to benefit the Cape Coral Caring Center, an initiative especially important this year.

Attendees moved by the spirit of giving can bring food or monetary donations to the Snow Slide area to help families in need.

Food, fun, Santa and a neighbor-helping-neighbor food and fund drive — hometown traditions like this are one of the best things about living in the Cape.

So are new community events likely to become the traditions of tomorrow.

The city of Cape Coral will present its second annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 8 beginning at 6 p.m.

The event will be held on the front lawn at City Hall, where members of City Council will welcome residents and help light the 26-foot tree as well as an menorah.

Attendees can sip hot chocolate, grab a bite from a food vendor, have another word with Santa and enjoy carols sung by Oasis Charter School students.

The evening will culminate with a Movie on the Lawn at 7 p.m.: —“The Grinch” — and an opportunity to meet the green meanie himself.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early and bring blankets and lawn chairs.

We thank all of the parties that make these events possible — the organizers and, especially, the volunteers and the businesses that offer sponsorships, which have helped keep admissions free.

That’s hometown holiday spirit, another Cape Coral tradition of long and happy standing.

Happy holidays, an early Merry Christmas and a very Happy Hanukkah.

Hurricane did not deter voters from making their voices heard

The 2022 General Election was an historical 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 sufficient 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 availability of Election Day voting sites and sufficient poll workers to staff those sites. It significantly 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 throughout this election cycle, especially on Election Day as you waited in line.

The aftermath of a near Category 5 hurricane did not deter voters from making their voices heard.

Lee County had a 53 percent voter turnout, an astounding number considering the challenges Ian presented to our office and many voters in Lee County. This number is also consistent with voter turnout in counties 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 location coordinators and our dedicated poll workers. Our office conducted this election under emergency 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 County Supervisor of Elections. For more information, visit https://www.lee.vote/.

Make the most of your charitable donation

With the holiday giving season underway, many generous Southwest Floridians will look for ways to support those less fortunate, lending their support to nonprofit organizations making a difference in this community.

There are an endless variety of causes worthy of support, including education, arts, culture, humanities, environment, health care, human services, religion and many others. Our community is fortunate to have hundreds of highly effective nonprofits serving the residents of Southwest Florida.

If you are not sure where to begin, below are five things worth considering to ensure gifts of any size have your desired impact this giving season.

Transparency Ratings

Nonprofits are required to disclose basic financial information through IRS Form 990. Reputable, successful organizations welcome full transparency, posting financial statements online in addition to voluntarily submitting data, personnel information, organizational charts, mission statements and other materials to companies that evaluate and rate nonprofits. Charity Navigator and GuideStar evaluate accountability, finances, culture, leadership, results and more. Organizations can earn top ratings by being good stewards of donations and accomplishing what they say they’re going to do.

Partnerships

Nonprofits often partner with other philanthropic-minded organizations to help carry out their missions. In Southwest Florida, for example, local chapters of the United Way identify partner agencies to receive funding after undergoing a thorough screening process. Additionally, Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), Collier Community Foundation, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and other organizations distribute grants to local nonprofits. Often, funding from reputable partner agencies signals that a nonprofit has been thoroughly vetted, offering validation that a nonprofit is effective.

Impact

Nonprofits have mission statements that outline their overall goal or goals. Some are aspirational, while others are realistic. Quality organizations will take a deep dive each year that examines whether they are accomplishing, or on the path to accomplishing, their goals and objectives. Results should be quantifiable. Much like investors in the stock market want to see a profit, investors in a nonprofit should be able to see that their dollars are making an impact. Take a look at the nonprofit’s website to see recent Impact Reports and understand how your gift will make a difference.

Public Recognition

Good work always draws attention. Industry associations, media and philanthropic groups often sponsor awards programs to recognize both organizations and individuals that produce outstanding work. Although nonprofits can be reluctant to toot their own horns, those with a collection of awards are like athletes with a jam-packed trophy case — it means they’re good at what they do.

Personal Connection

One of the most important parts of giving is finding a cause that resonates with you. Look for nonprofits that have values and beliefs that align with yours. While ratings and success can be helpful in your selection process, what matters most is investing resources that help the community in ways that matter to you.

Giving is important, but it’s especially meaningful if you give to a cause you truly support and give to an organization that will truly make a difference.

— Kelly Krupp is vice president of philanthropy at Guadalupe Center, which provides educational services to more than 1,750 students annually in Immokalee. To learn more, visit GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239-657-7711.

Season of giving offers opportunity to invest in our children, future

Giving is more impactful, and important, than ever before.

Hurricane Ian brought to light the many needs across our community, like affordable housing, hunger and social services.

One issue that was prevalent before the storm, and remains a paramount concern today, is our children. An investment in our youth is an investment in our future as a community. Southwest Florida is fortunate to have world-class public school systems and top-notch private schools, but how are we investing in our youth outside of school hours?

About five years ago, I began researching local nonprofits, evaluating their missions, visions and goals. I wanted to give my time and resources to an organization focused on our region’s future through our children. Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County’s mission is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.” One word in that statement stands out — all.

All parents — doctors, nurses, restaurant servers, legal professionals, law enforcement officers, construction workers, accountants, day laborers and others — face the same challenge of finding high-quality, affordable after-school and summer programs, a task that has grown increasingly difficult as our region’s population continues to soar. All children deserve opportunities to explore and pursue their passions with guidance from caring professionals.

Founded in 1974, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is an established organization with a proven track record of success. Members range from 6 to 18 years old and demonstrate high levels of academic performance, good character and citizenship. While many programs center on a singular area, Boys & Girls Clubs focus on outcome-driven experiences across five core areas: education and career, health and wellness, service and leadership, sports and recreation, and the arts. This helps develop a whole child, not just one or two pieces.

After many years of operating small-but-mighty pro-

grams, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is poised for significant growth. I was happy to contribute a lead gift to help purchase the new Park Meadows Community Club, a flagship location in Fort Myers that will be able to accommodate up to 600 children and teens annually. Upcoming renovations will create enclosed activity centers, a tech center, gaming room, central member hub and seating pods. Outside, a covered sports pavilion and multipurpose sports field will expand athletic opportunities for members. Perhaps one of the most exciting features will be a new Teen Center that provides a separate space for older members to socialize, study, dance and play games. For so long, teens in our community lacked a safe space that was relevant and cool, and Park Meadows will become the region’s new teen hub.

For decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County operated in relative obscurity. It was viewed as a place for lower-income families and a backup plan for those who couldn’t find another after-school option. That has changed. Clubs are conveniently located, affordable, open to all families and offer comprehensive programming to support the whole child. Children and teens WANT to be members.

Investors want to see a return on their investment, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County offers plenty of evidence — homework assistance and tutoring to improve academic achievement, mentoring to guide youth to make positive decisions and a safe environment that focuses on the overall well-being of members.

This holiday season, please consider investing in our future by supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. The organization is raising money to renovate the Park Meadows Community Club in addition to supporting local families by making monthly registration fees even more affordable. For more information, please visit BGClee.org.

— Maylene Kiang Wu is president of the board of directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County

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

Member Florida Press Association

— Breeze editorial

Kelly Krupp

Guest Commentary

Maylene Kiang Wu

Guest Commentary

Tommy Doyle Guest Commentary

Bishop Verot wins regional championship with 39-21 win over Frostproof

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

For the first time in 28 years, the Bishop Verot Vikings football team are regional champions and will play in the state final four.

The Vikings (10-2) were victorious Friday night in the FHSAA 2S Region 4 Championship, coming away with a 39-21 win over Frostproof (10-3).

It was an all-around performance from Verot, as all three phases of the game contributed to the milestone win not experienced since 1994.

"It feels incredible," said Viking head coach Richie Rode. "Any time you get a chance to play for a regional title and host it -- I've coached in a few of these as an assistant coach and never come out on this side of it. I know our county hasn't won too many of these. So, just incredible. So happy for these guys -- these seniors. They put so much work in behind the scenes that people don't see. For them to get to experience this pure joy is what it's about."

A talented Frostproof Bulldog team, 80 miles northeast of Fort Myers, pulled out to an early lead, going 80 yards in six plays finished off by an Eddie Gammage 6-yard run.

The Vikings needed just one play to even the score, as Rode and offensive coordinator Josh Nicholson had decided to run a trick play on their first snap on offense. From their own 49-yard line, quarterback Carter Smith dropped back and hit a wide out on a short pass, who then lateraled to running back Deshon Jenkins. The hook-and-ladder worked to perfection, as the freshman back took it 45 yards to the house.

The Viking defense forced Frostproof to punt and got three points from great field position, as steady senior kicker Deaglan Camron knocked home a 20-yard field goal.

The Bulldogs then put together their best drive of the game, picking up small to medium chunks of yardage and worked down to Verot's 2-yard line. Frostproof's Isaiah Sheppard battled his way into the end zone on the 18th play of the drive to put the road team up 14-10 with just over six minutes until half.

The Vikings settled for another Camron field goal on the ensuing drive, this one from 26 yards out to cut the deficit to 14-13.

Special teams continued to shine for Verot just a minute and a half later, when a Frostproof punt saw the snap sail over kicker Andrew Garcia's head and into the Bulldog end zone. Garcia wisely kicked the ball out of the boundary for a safety before Viking defenders could fall on it for six.

The safety gave Verot a 15-14 lead, and they padded it

1 2 3 4 F

Frostproof 7 7 0 7 21

Bishop Verot 10 12 7 10 39

1st Quarter

F- Eddie Gammage 6-yard rush (Andrew Garcia kick); 8:18

BV- Deshon Jenkins 45-yard rush (Deaglan Camron kick); 8:03

BV- Camron 20-yard field goal; 4:19

2nd Quarter

F- Isaiah Sheppard 2-yard rush (Garcia kick); 6:22

BV- Camron 26-yard field goal; 3:32 BV- Safety; 2:02

BV- Tookie Watts 45-yard reception from Carter Smith (Camron kick); 1:45

3rd Quarter

BV- Smith 4-yard run (Camron kick); 4:44

4th Quarter

BV- Camron 39-yard field goal; 10:31 BV- Jenkins 24-yard run (Camron kick); 6:31 F- 44-yard passing touchdown from Nathan Jenkins (Garcia kick); 1:00

right away. Getting the ball back on the Frostproof 45, Smith hit wide receiver Tookie Watts in the flat. Showing his evasiveness, the junior weaved his way through Bulldog tacklers, looped around secondary defenders, and crossed the goal line with 1:45 to play before the break.

Frostproof nearly found points as the final seconds of the second quarter ticked away, but Viking sophomore Jake Rodriguez intercepted Nathan Jenkins in the end zone to preserve the 22-14 lead.

Neither team could conjure scoring drives to start the half, though the second time was the charm for the Vikings. Starting on their own 33, Smith found Watts and tight end Timmy Lawson for big gains and finished the drive off with his legs, diving across the goal line from 4 yards out.

Verot's defense stood tall in the final two quarters, with the first-team defense pitching a second-half shutout and forcing two fumbles. Frostproof's final touchdown came in the final minute with the second-team defense on the field.

"We have faith in our defense," Rode said. "They're a

relentless group that just continues to put in effort. We proved we're a complete team. And we played good defense when it mattered."

Camron drilled his third field goal of the night early in the fourth quarter from 39 yards out, pushing the Viking lead to 32-14. Jenkins found the end zone again on a 24-yard run with 6:31 to play to seal the deal.

Jenkins, who already has great size, 210 pounds, at the age of 14, rushed for 149 yards on 14 carries with two scores.

"I try not to think too much, just on the task at hand," Jenkins said. "It's been really great in this offense. I have a great offensive line, my quarterback can put the ball anywhere on the field, and I get the ball and just go."

Of Jenkins, Rode said, "He's going to be the most soughtafter running back. He's the next big thing. He's a young kid that takes in coaching and just works and works. He's gotten so much better. We feel comfortable leaning on him. He's as good as it gets."

Rode said it means a little more this year due to the circumstances caused by Hurricane Ian.

"Anytime you go through something like that -- and think about this senior class alone. With COVID and the hurricane and all these different things that they've been through their entire career, their stick-to-it-ive-ness and their discipline to just continue to work together and be able to galvanize the way they did -- I don't know if I've ever been around a closer group of guys. They play for each other and love each other, and you can tell on the field."

The guys love each other so much they decided to dye their hair blonde (including coach Rode) before the regional final game. Senior leader of the defense, Riley Bowe, said the hair change was talked about at the beginning of the year as something they would do should they make it this far.

"This bonding on this team is something else," Bowe said. "We wanted to take it the next step with everyone going blonde -- just something special."

When asked if he thought the hair helped the win, Bowe said, "Definitely did."

With a re-seeding of final four participants, Verot will travel to Tallahassee on Friday to take on Florida State University High School (13-0) at 7:30 p.m.

"We've got to have faith in what we do and trust our training," Rode said of preparation this week. "We'll go up there and give them our best shot, that's for sure."

—Connect with Associate Sports Editor CJ Haddad on Twitter: @haddad_cj

North Pop Warner Cheer needs donations for nationals

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

The North Fort Myers Pop Warner cheer program is known throughout the area as one of the best programs.

It has proven so once again as the Varsity Knights cheer squad advanced to nationals this coming week at the Orange County Convention Center.

To make such a trip, however, you need money. And for this trip, the team needs around $7,000 to $8,000 for food and lodging for two days in Orlando.

That’s why the team has started a GoFundMe account in hopes of making that goal, and time is of the essence, as their performance is Monday.

Their goal is to raise $7,000, with only $420 raised so far. The program does not want to make the parents pay for the trip, considering everything that has happened already this season.

Danika Crow, one of the coaches on the varsity squad, said the team needs quick money and this was the best way to do it.

“Our account has been raising donations already, but we have a goal of $7,000. It’s been a triumphant season, between the extended rainy season and the hurricane which cost us three weeks,” Crow said. “These girls have brought it together through it all and we’re proud of them.”

Because of Hurricane Ian, there was no Peace River Conference Cheer-off this season. As there were only three teams in the conference that had a team with that many members and at that skill level, they all advanced to regionals last weekend in Orlando, where North finished second.

The hurricane also put a significant dent on the team, as five members had to leave because of the damage caused by it, leaving the team with only a dozen members.

Unlike football, where if you lose you come back to play next week. These cheer-offs are their season. One slip and the

Starlight Auction purr-fect fundraiser for ARC

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

During one of the most challenging times Southwest Florida has ever faced, it is great to know there are still many people in the area ready to give.

More than 200 people came to the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa on Saturday to raise money for the Animal Refuge Center at the 28th annual Starlight Auction.

While the exact numbers were not available, it is believed the event raised well over $200,000, perhaps close to the record of $252,000 set three years ago.

Considering that eight weeks ago it seemed likely there wouldn’t be a Starlight Auction made the night all the more amazing.

Wayne Leinen, ARC president, said this event is the biggest fundraiser of the year, providing about a quarter of the nearly $1 million it takes annually to keep the shelter going.

“On our best year, we’ve gotten about 250. We have about 220 people, so considering what has transpired recently

More than 200 people came to the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa on Saturday to raise money for the Animal Refuge Center at the 28th annual Starlight Auction.

While the exact numbers were not available, it is believed the event raised well over $200,000, perhaps close to the record of $252,000 set three years ago.

weather wise, that’s not bad,” Leinen said. “We have all sorts of things to auction off, such as a safari, jewelry, a trip to Panama, a tequila lover’s package, you name it.”

The event raised more than $70,000 in sponsors alone thanks, in part, to Paul and Rosalie Walton, the title sponsors of the event and a longtime major sponsor.

“I love dogs, I love animals, I trained and handled shepherds in the Marine Corps. I have a long association with animals. I grew up with rabbits, dogs, cats, birds, chickens, even a seal. I’ve always been an animal person,” Paul Walton said. “We kill thousands of animals weekly that we consider pets. They are animals, but nobody gives you what you get from a pet.”

The highlight of the evening was the

matching grant from two donors who would match what those at the auction gave up to $55,000. They did and then some, with the result being more than $130,000 raised.

There was even an actor there. Orli Gottesman, a 16-year-old who will guest star in three episodes of “Yellowstone” this season. She said she always loved pet shelters as a child and how ACR is a nokill shelter.

“It’s super cool this event has been going on for a very long time. We donated and I decided to see how it all works out,” said Gottesman, who lived in California for a few years. “I’d love to take all of them home, but I can’t.”

David Nichols, another major sponsor who won a few items in the auction, said

his wife is an original volunteer from the 1980s and still do.

“We’ve gotten four or five dogs from them.We also work with CROW (from Sanibel, which is using the ARC facilities while their home is being rebuilt). ARC will take animals nobody else will adopt,” Nichols said.

ARC vice president Rob Spicker was happy by how things went, saying people aren’t close to being spent out of helping others.

“I am amazed. I didn’t think it would be that easy. We had trepidation after the hurricane and that spending would be tight, but raising $130,000 in a matter of minutes was amazing.” Spicker said.

The money will allow ARC to continue its mission, to provide forever homes for these dogs and cats, who soon become members of the family.

“Once these animals are in your family. They are family. In the end, the dogs and cats adopt you because you can’t live without them,” Spicker said.

For more information, including how to make a donation, visit animalrefugecenter.com.

season is over.

“They do well with the pressure. They get their jitters, but when they go out there, it’s natural to them,” Crow said,

“They put on their cheer faces and own the mat.” To donate,

Photo provided

The North Fort Myers Pop Warner Varsity Knights cheerleaders took a second at Regionals and are heading to Nationals next week.

Cape Coral businesses report recovery progress

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Hurricane Ian took a toll on local businesses in Cape Coral like no other weather event in Southwest Florida history. The city is home to more than 9,000 businesses, most of them being small and family/locally owned.

Storefronts were wiped out, windows broken, roofs torn, water damage about. It was a nightmare for owners. Those that have been fortunate enough to reopen are thankful to still be standing.

Some, unfortunately, have had to close for good.

A popular and somewhat new spot to find fresh produce and top-of-the-line meats and other foods is Farmer Joe’s on Pine Island Road. The large barn-like building reopened for the first time since Ian on Thursday, welcoming back customers with open arms.

“We’re overwhelmed to be back,” said Farmer Joe’s owner Lee Snyder. “Not just me, but all of our amazing employees and staff. We’re ready to rock and roll.”

Farmer Joe’s sustained significant damage due to the storm, and lost the majority of its inventory. Snyder said the roof was most damaged, as many electrical components and critical units were compromised.

“When we got up (on the roof), we were just blown away,” Snyder said.

There were 50 to 60 leaks coming from the roof, and the wind caused just a junkyard of debris.

The damage did not stop the Farmer Joe’s team from helping the community. The site, in partnership with Spokes of Hope, became a food distribution point that served over 5,500 Southwest Florida families by providing them with food and water. They also used their back warehouse to store recovery items such as generators.

“We donated what was salvageable,” Snyder said. “We sat out in the parking lot for about three weeks doing food distribution. It was great, the community was really happy. We had lines wrapped around the building. It was a way to keep our employees working, too. We’ve got the place cleaned up and buttoned up.”

Now, it’s all about getting back to some sense of normalcy and serving the residents. Farmer Joe’s is 55,000 square feet and known for a large produce section, which they source directly from local farms as much as possible. They also have a wide variety of specialty products, quality meat, seafood, prepared foods, and much more.

Snyder, who grew up in the Cape and is a graduate of Cape Coral High School, has always been involved in the world of produce. It began as a youth selling on the side of a Cape Coral road, evolving into farmers markets, and eventually, a brick-and-mortar business.

He knows that advantages of shopping with a locallyowned business. Farmer Joe’s held a “Trunk-or-Treat” event so kids didn’t have to navigate debris-ridden streets for Halloween. The took all the candy from their store and passed it out to thousands of children.

“Hurricane or not, it’s small, local business that drives the economy,” Snyder said. “There’s always going to be the competitors out there that are nation-wide, but the small mom-and-pop businesses are almost a dying breed in a sense. We would never bow down to that. We want to drive this economy and it’s so important to have community support. By giving back I think we'll get that support back ten-fold.”

For more information, visit www.FarmerJoes.com.

Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral President/ CEO Donna Germain said they started reaching out to businesses immediately following the storm to collect status reports thought their Businesses Emergency Coordination Center

dashboard.

Germain said based on the response the Chamber received, they estimate that more than 95% of Cape businesses are up and running. She said they estimate the percentage of businesses that will have to permanently close following the storm to be less than 1.

The dashboard was created through a partnership between the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and the Emergency Operations Center to have a centralized location to gather and distribute business information during an emergency activation.

As for what businesses are and have struggled with most, Germain said, “The biggest obstacle was the restoration of water, power and internet. Once they were able to assess the total damage to their businesses, the next big challenge was scheduling repairs and working with the insurance companies. While most businesses were able to work around their repairs and open up to the public, we do still have a few that are hoping to reopen in the coming days.”

Germain added, “Supporting our local businesses is so important, especially now. They need it more than ever to recoup some of the losses over the last few months. If you can get it here, buy it here. When you buy local, you are truly supporting your community. It’s easy to buy online and avoid the traffic, but taking that extra step to support a locally owned business will help the community grow.”

Another local business back up on its feet after Hurricane Ian is The Greek Spot on Cape Coral Parkway. Owners Tina and Paul Chalkias said their building sustained “extensive” flood and roof damage. The entire place was gutted out and everything had to be replaced from the floors, to the walls, to the ceilings.

“Further, we lost our entire inventory of food. That was heartbreaking,” Tina said.

The Greek Spot officially opened back up for business on Nov. 7 and experienced an overwhelming turnout.

“We’d like to thank the residents of Cape Coral for welcoming us back with such support,” Tina said. “Not only was it a record-day, but also an emotional day filled with

tears of joy from seeing all of the familiar faces that we had missed so much. Thank you, Cape Coral, for giving us a sense of normalcy and overall feeling the everything will be ‘OK.’”

The Chalkias and their staff were on location every day after the storm making repairs and improvements. She said they would not be there without the support of Big John’s Plaza landlord and Cape pioneer, Elmer Tabor.

“I feel very confident in saying that if it wasn’t for Elmer Tabor, we would still not be open today,” Tina said. “He immediately lined everything up that was needed to start the recovery process from the demolition to the installation of new walls and roof.”

Tina said it is vital for residents to support small businesses in the city following such a devastating storm. Some businesses are still working to thrive after COVID, as well.

“The city of Cape Coral has so many local businesses that depend on local support,” she said. “We are so thankful that residents here have supported us throughout everything — be it COVID, Ian, massive price increases, shortages, recession. For all of us small business owners, this is our life and our livelihood, and we most definitely could not have done it without the support of our residents.”

The Greek Spot is at 1239 Cape Coral Parkway E. For more Information, visit www.greekspot239.com.

City of Cape Coral Economic and Business Development Officer, Sharon Woodberry, said the office is looking to work with the Cape’s small businesses to assist after the storm.

“We haven’t lost sight of going to assist our existing businesses and smaller, family-owned-type businesses," Woodberry said. “This was difficult for them to have this type of hit. We have been very much involved in trying to make sure we connect resources (and) get information out to our businesses. We’ll be looking to schedule something with out businesses to get a feel for what would be helpful for them in terms of long-term recovery.”

@haddad_cj

—Connect with this reporter on Twitter:

Farmer Joes, at 1401 S.S. Pine Island Road, reopened Thursday after completing repairs./FILE PHOTO

Ask for local support as they re-open in the wake of Hurricane Ian damage

Major projects remain on track in Cape Coral

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

While Hurricane Ian brought damage and devastation to Southwest Florida, it seems as if the storm has failed to deter continued economic development in Cape Coral.

City of Cape Coral Economic and Business Development Officer Sharon Woodberry said a month was lost due to the near Category-5 storm when it comes to constriction activity for planned developments, but no major delays or cancellations in projects have been reported.

“We’re happy to see that those (projects) that we’ve had conversations in the pipeline, those are still scheduled to move forward,” Woodberry said. “Those that were in the process, they are moving forward but are a little behind schedule.”

The city’s Economic Development Office is thankful no projects were called off due to Hurricane Ian, and that those looking to invest in the city have not shied away.

“Nothing has curbed the interest (and) enthusiasm about investing in Cape Coral on the commercial side,” Woodberry said.

Projects already in development or nearing development in the city should not experience major, year-long delays or longer due to circumstances surrounding the storm, Woodberry added.

The most-recent quarterly Economic Activity Report was compiled just two weeks before Hurricane Ian and highlights what's slated for city streets in the future.

Projects under construction include (completion dates set before Hurricane Ian took place, some may be experiencing minor delays):

∫ Stone's Throw: A new restaurant with an eclectic mix of dishes coming to 1339 Cape Coral Parkway. Construction has been ongoing since the summer and has picked back up since Ian, but the storm set them back a bit.

∫ The Strand at Judd Creek: 3010 Northeast Pine Island Road. A 48,614square-foot four-story development. The 99unit multi-family location with amenities is slated to be finished by summer of 2023.

∫ Oasis at Surfside: 2200 to 2224 Oasis Palm Circle. Currently in phase two of four. Includes 204 units of multi-family housing. Scheduled to be completed by Spring of 2023.

∫ The Resort at Tranquility Lake: 4100 Burnt Store Road. Currently in phase one. Features 36.26 acres with 144 motor coach sites. Slated to be completed in spring of

2023.

∫ The Waters: 2307 Chiquita Blvd. S. Features 132-units for Continued Care. Completion scheduled for spring of 2023.

∫ Marina Villas at Cape Harbour: 5th 810-5865 Shell Cove Drive. Phase 1 is underway that features five multi-family buildings with 21 condos in each.

Scheduled completion is fall of 2023.

Projects currently in the planning and permitting phase include:

∫ The Club on Pine Island: 315/335

Southwest Pine Island Road. Includes 195 multi-family units scheduled to be completed in spring of 2023 with move-ins happening that fall.

∫ Springs at Coral Shores: 2914 Southwest Pine Island Road. Groundbreaking took place this week for the 304-unit community. Will feature studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes. Releasing begins in summer of 2023.

∫ Siesta Lakes: 186-264 Tiera De Paz Loop. Includes 415 multi-family units to be completed by spring of 2024.

∫ Ember Lakes: 1060 Embers Parkway.

Features 1310 multi-family units (in three phases). Completion date is by March of 2024.

∫ Victory Park Phase 1: 2419 Corbett Road. Features 137 acres for mixed-development use. Phase 1 includes a 125-room Wyndham Garden Hotel. Planned completion of Phase 1 is winter of 2024.

∫ Island Pearl: Corner of Burnt Store Road and Pine Island Road. Includes 50,000square-feet of retail space. Completion is to be determined.

∫ Mellow Mushroom at Gator Mikes: in planning with projected opening of winter 2023.

∫ Civitas Apartments: 105-123 Civets Court. A 96-unit workforce multi-family housing project scheduled to break ground in early 2023.

∫ The Club: A multi-family development on Pine Island Road just west of Sam's Club. Features 195 units with an estimated completion date of July 2023.

∫ Springs at Coral Shores: A multi-family development including 319 units on Pine Island Road. Estimated completion is spring

of 2024.

When it comes to population growth Cape Coral has experienced and more developments needed for housing, and they seem to be getting it.

Woodberry said the city is playing a bit of catch-up when it comes to commercial developments, especially in the Northwest and Northeast Cape.

“We are looking at Burnt Store Road as being that next course for where development is,” she said. “We are working to see what kind of options there are. That is where I think we'll be able to provide some development opportunities for an area that's sorely lacking right now.

“(Burnt Store Road) is where we have the most opportunity. There’s a couple of largeacre sites that are there. And some that are smaller but scattered along the corridor. We believe where we are going to have the most opportunity to meet demand.”

—Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj

Ian impact: City looking at $54 million in debris cleanup alone

From page 1A

the initial damage assessment, and have gone through and made determinations about the amount of insurance that we can expect to receive associated with our facilities," Mason said.

Mason said as of now, adjusters are looking at $678,000 in insurance claims, and the city has approximately 53 “turn key” projects in the works where insurance companies con-

tract with local vendors to repair facilities.

“The repairs are designed to get those facilities back to their original shape before the storm,” Mason said.

He added city staff and heads of department will meet to get the ball rolling on those “turn key” projects in the near future. With these projects through insurance comes a deductible. The city's rate for wind/storm is 5% of the value of each property.

There was about $1 million in damage

done to the city’s water treatment facility, with the deduction amount on the location at $1.5 million. Mason said the city will be on the hook for that price, but could then submit that expense to FEMA for reimbursement.

As of now, damage submitted to FEMA as of Dec. 7 falls into the 100% reimbursement category.

Lee County recently requested that FEMA reimburse up to 90% (remaining 10% split between state and local government) after the Dec. 7. FEMA’s usual rate following the total reimbursement period drops to 75%.

Many city buildings that will need repairs were already tapped for improvements as part of the fiscal year budget. Mason said throughout the restoration process, those upgrades would be made, but not be sent in as part of their FEMA application.

“That’s on us,” he said.

The city also contracted TetraTech to look through damages at facilities at about 100 city facilities, as FEMA likes two groups to perform assessments.

“We’re working through those, combining them in with the costs associated with the insurance review and the damage assessment,” Mason said. “And then we'll come back and we’ll discuss, again, with the owners of the properties and work through, and develop any project worksheets for recovery.”

The Florida Department of Emergency Management has also contracted Tetra Tech to do an evaluation of all utilities in Lee County, both public and private.

Mason said Tetra Tech will determine things they need to repair on a “temporary basis.” He said FDEM would then work with a contractor to come in and purchase the goods on the city’s behalf and repair the facilities, or in some instances, have the city perform repairs itself.

“This is very unusual, this is the first time this has every happened in my career,” Mason said.

After analysis is finished, the city has 60 days to get things taken care of, or be on the hook for the dollar amount after that timeline.

Mason reminded members of City Council that FEMA is a reimbursement process. The city has to pay up front.

Debris removal will be paid for using the General Fund, and as receipts come in, it will become replenished, Mason said. He added any funds used would be replenished with FEMA dollars. He also urged patience.

“Recovery is not a sprint,” Mason said. "It can be a marathon and it can be a very long period of time. We end up having to deal with FEMA for a host of things... and they make a final determination of how much you'll actually get back. If you speak about Irma, we have yet to receive all the funding we applied for, and we're now four to five years into it.”

Hurricane Irma made landfall at Marco Island on Sept. 10, 2017 as a Category 3 storm, not the category 4 feared, sparing Lee County the predicted storm surge seen with Hurricane Ian.

—Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj

Springs at Coral Shores, a multi-family development including 319 units on Pine Island Road, broke ground this week. Estimated completion is spring of 2024./ARTIST RENDITION PROVIDED

Holiday Festival of Lights: Annual celebration returns this Saturday

From page 1A

are a strong community and will come back better than ever. We have not missed a year, even in 2020, and this year will be no different.”

Next to Santa, kids can have a blast and traverse down the 15-ton snow slide, a rare chance to hit the slopes in Southwest Florida. One of the biggest attractions at the event, the slide will be located adjacent to the Winn-Dixie parking lot on the parkway and sponsored by The Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center and Museum.

Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral is sponsoring the free Tiny Tot’s Train Ride on Vincennes Boulevard. There will be three performance stages with local entertainers and dance troupes providing live entertainment throughout the evening.

Cape Christian Fellowship will host Candy Cane Park, a free kids area complete with inflatables and so much more. Don’t forget various food and holiday craft vendors on-site. The Cape Coral Caring Center is also collecting food for the holiday season.

“One of the things I have always loved about Cape Coral is, even though we are growing as a city, we have still been able to maintain our hometown feel,” Germain said. “That is what this event is all about, bringing our families, businesses, community leaders and friends together to celebrate the holiday season! I remember my parents bringing our family to this event when I was a kid and there were years when myself or one of my siblings performed at Holiday Festival of Lights with a school group. Our number one goal is to help our community make memories and create new traditions of their own.”

To ensure the safety of community and volunteers, Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to Coronado Parkway will close at 5 a.m. on Dec. 3 and reopen at 2 a.m. on Dec. 4. Parking for the Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Holiday Festival of Lights is on a first-come, first-served basis in the public parking lots. Residents are warned to be cautious of tow away zones in the downtown area.

Germain added that there’s nothing like the atmosphere at the Festival of Lights.

“The Festival of Lights is so special to us and is one of our longest-standing traditions, not only as the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, but as a community,” Germain

From page 1A

Daltry, planning team coordinator for the city. “We’ve had 23,900 reroofs in the last five years. That’s a lot of roofs that no longer count. Many would be upset if they went over 50 percent from the storm plus something forced on them by the insurance company.”

Several people spoke during the public hearing, many of whom either asked Council to pass the ordinance or had some questions regarding the measure.

Richard Durling, president of Marvin Homes speaking on behalf of the CCCIA, said he was in favor of the ordinance.

“As a building industry it is important for us to have consistency with regards to the 50 percent rule across the board,” Durling said. “Residents have been greatly impacted by this event and some are near not being able to restore their homes.”

Councilmember Tom Hayden said many people are going to choose to rebuild for their love of the community.

“They’re going to whether they are below the 50 percent or not. This is the one thing a city can do to eliminate the cumulative impact so you’re not assessed by what you did over the last five years,” Hayden said.

Councilmember Bill Steinke said he supported the ordinance, but added the city may have to revisit down the road because there could be unintended consequences for not having a “look back.”

“The reason for the 50 percent rule is because of repetitive claims years ago. Homes that were too close to riverbanks kept getting flooded and damaged,” Steinke said. “Insurance would pay and a few months later the house would get flooded again and they would pay again.”

Repairs would get done and, to remain in compliance with FEMA’s 50 percent rule, property owners would only do what they needed to stay below 50 percent and wait until the following year, and the next and the next. This is “daisy chaining” and it could impact everyone’s insurance rates.

The ordinance passed with Council agreeing the benefits for residents who need it now should be prioritized and that the issue could be revisited in the next few years.

Resident John Melilli said the ordinance is going to help a lot of people get back into their homes, but there should be a sunset provision in it.

“In order for us to get affordable homeowner and flood insurance, eventual-

The city of Cape Coral will kick off the holiday season at its second annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at City Hall on the front lawn, where City Council members will help light the 26-foot tree. This event will include:

Ceremonial Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting

Free hot chocolate (while supplies last)

Photos with Santa

A special visit from the Grinch

A Vendor Village for holiday shopping

said. “We love having our residents come out to enjoy this event and celebrate the start of the holiday season. I cannot talk about this event and family without mentioning Elmer Tabor and the Tabor family. For more than 40 years, they have generously ‘loaned’ the community Big John’s Plaza/Cape Coral Town Center as host of the official Cape Coral Christmas Tree. Decorating the tree has become an incredibly special tradition for the Tabor Family over the years as well."

Additional sponsors include Big John’s Plaza, The Tabor Family, Tactical Roofing Solutions, City of Cape Coral, Vascular & Vein Center at Gulf Coast Surgeons,

ly all the cities will have to comply and bring houses above the base flood elevation,” Melilli said.

“Houses at some point become obsolete and the land

∫ Christmas Carols performed by Oasis Charter School Students

Movie on the Lawn: “The Grinch”

Food trucks

City of Cape Coral’s second annual Christmas Tree Lighting set for Dec. 8 50%: City cannot change FEMA rule but could address its local regulations

“The Grinch” will be shown at 7 p.m. on an inflatable movie screen. Residents are encouraged to arrive early and bring blankets and lawn chairs.

“This free, family-friendly event will bring joy to all as we celebrate the start of this holiday season together,” stated city officials in an event release.

Cape Coral City Hall is at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.

Achieva Credit Union, Carts of the Cape, Technology At Work, It’s IT, ShorePoint Health, Skyworks, Cape Coral Closets, The Skin Spot, Service Today, HotWorx, The Westin Cape Coral, Edison Ford Winter Estates, Lamar Advertising, Waste Pro, ACRA Electric, Taylor Rental –Creative Events, Suncoast Beverage, The Breeze Newspapers, Fox-4 and The News-Press.

For additional information about the event, visit www.holidayfestivalcc.com.

—Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj

becomes

worth more than the building.”

SPORTS

Use common sense precautions in local waters for now

As if a record breaking, home wrecking, high powered hurricane wasn’t enough, we now have high concentrations of red tide that blanket our coastline with Lee County waters getting some of the highest concentrations along with reported fish kills. Other issues like my friends Matlacha canal with three large sunken boats and daily oil slicks that make their way out into the pass further harming our underwater environment, keeps me up at night. It’s hard to say what’s in local waters right now but use common sense precautions and treat any cuts immediately.

The FWC predicts a, “southwestern transport of surface waters and southeastern movement of subsurface waters in most areas over the next 3 to 5 days.” Hopefully it will start moving away from us, we already have enough problems trying to recover.

For current red tide updates call 866-300-9399.

For those that find “clean” in-shore waters, redfish, snook, and trout are still biting but again, you may have to prospect as conditions may have forced them away from their usual locations.

Although the FWC reports red tide concentrations both in and offshore, those that can get out to unaffected waters will still find a variety of fish ranging from Spanish to king mackerel, bonito to bluefish, and a variety of groupers and snappers as well as curious cobia. Any algae mat free crab float should be examined for a shot at a resident, hard fighting and grill worthy, tripletail.

With just weeks left before Christmas here are some angler gift ideas

Give the gift of lithium! Lithium batteries last and last and weigh far less than traditional lead acid batteries which also translates into fuel savings and faster hole shots. They are quite expensive but definitely worth the investment.

A Sea Tow membership is always a welcome gift. Adding the extra road towing package to the on water coverage still comes in at under two hundred dollars and well worth every penny. Buy someone you care about a new auto inflatable life jacket. Many of us are guilty of not wearing jackets but with all the debris still in the water hitting something unseen and being thrown out is a real possibility. Remember to wear that kill switch lanyard or risk being mowed down by your own run-away boat. It’s also the law.

Angler stocking stuffers. Fishing line, especially expensive braided line. A 300/600 yard spool of 10-15 pound test Power Pro or Suffix braided line always makes a great stuffer.

Throw in several packs of DOA CAL SHAD or Z-MAN paddle tail grubs in silver, white, or gold flake flavors to fill out that stocking.

Don’t have any ideas? Slip in gift certificates from local tackle stores.

Buy a Cape yearly ramp pass sticker for your angler.

Purchase a trip with a local guide. Communication is key so first ask lots of questions. Asking for references is also fine. A half/full day with a good guide is a great way for a newbie to gain the benefit of decades of local knowledge and learn new waters.

Learn to fly fish! Saltwater fly fishing and local shallow waters and even mid-depth Gulf waters make for great saltwater fly fishing. Over the last decade this sport has exploded in popularity. After experiencing your first catch on a fly rod, you’ll understand why. Learn from a friend, video, or purchase a gift certificate and attend my two hour, total beginners saltwater fly fishing class. Everything you need to know about the gear as well as one on one, on the water, casting practice is covered. Everything provided.

Lastly with so many still suffering in a variety of ways lend a hand and help out a neighbor especially the senior population with yard clean-up or manageable home repairs. An extra seat at your table or delivered hot meal will go a long way for those unfortunately still dealing with Ian’s destruction.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. Contact him at 239-282-9434 or captgeorget3 @aol. com.

Mississippi State wins Fort Myers Tip-Off championship

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A back-and-forth battle for supremacy saw Mississippi State take home the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division Championship Wednesday night.

The Bulldogs (6-0) held on in the end to hoist the trophy via a 5249 win over Utah (5-2) in a game that was tied with just four minutes left in regulation.

Mississippi State started the game on an 8-2 run thanks to the shooting touch of D.J. Jeffries. By the halfway point in the first half, the Utes had tied things up as their defensive strategy was to deny Bulldog bigs the paint.

“Their game plan was obvious from the jump,” said Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans. “We pretty much figured they would dare us to shoot it and pack it in, and they certainly didn't disappoint. We were struggling trying to find our way down in (the paint) because they were just surrounding Tolu (Smith). I said to my staff, ‘We're going to have to make some 3s to win.’”

Smith eventually worked his skill down low, hitting a lay-up that broke the tie and send the Bulldogs on a run to end the half, finding themselves with a 25-21 advantage.

The Utes, behind Gabe Madsen and Marco Anthony, took a 4point lead less than six minutes into the second half that was extended via a Madsen long-ball.

A defensive battle in the final 10 minutes ensued, but it was the shooting magic of Dashawn Davis down the stretch that gave Mississippi State the advantage they needed. Davis, who finished with a game-high 18 points, knocked down 3 pointers with 8:55 to play to bring the Bulldogs within one, with 4:01 to go to tie the game,

and with 2:27 remaining to put his team up two possessions.

“He’s playing on a pretty hobbled ankle. He hasn’t practiced since before the first game,” Jans said of Davis. “Basically, we tried to get him as close to 100% as we could coming into this tournament. And if you really know him and watch him, he hobbled around. He wasn’t nearly as explosive as he normally is. He wasn't getting in the paint. He made some shots, obviously, but he's been real gutsy about it. He really stepped up when we needed him.”

Smith, who was named tournament Most Valuable Player, said, “(Davis) is the MVP of the (tournament). I don't care what anybody says. I’m proud of my man. Proud of the shots he made. We needed that uplifting tempo he brought to the game.”

Davis said, “I just felt that I needed to step up for my team. We needed that spark, we needed that boost, and I was the one to do it.”As a team, Mississippi State shot just 25.4% from the floor (17-of-67). Jans said ugly wins are sometimes a part of the game. Smith added that the team has a “defense first” mentality.

“That’s how you have to win college basketball games sometimes. It’s not pretty,” Jans said. “You got to take 'em when you can get them. We were out of rhythm, and they had a lot to do with it, but a lot of our 3s were open.”

In the third-place game of the Beach Division, Marquette defeated Georgia Tech 84-60.

Sam Houston beat South Dakota 80-49 to take home the Palms Division Championship.

In the first-ever Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off; Towson, Maryland, DePaul and Pitt took part over three days.

—Connect with Associate Sports Editor CJ Haddad on Twitter: @haddad_cj

Saracione voted Athlete of the Month for November

Staff Report

The votes are in for November's Athlete of the Month, and the winner is Mariner's Stephanie Saracione.

The junior forward netted five goals and tallied an assist over two games for a talented

Mariner team, including a fourgoal performance against Bishop Verot.

"I think we're feeling confident and our start to the year is just the beginning of what our season is going to be," Saracione said during her nomination week. "Our give-and-go and

PREP REPORT

through-plays are really working, and we just need to make sure we're taking accurate shots at the keeper."

Voting for Decembers Athlete of the Month will open toward the end of the month. Stay up to date on www.capecoralbreeze.com

Monday

Girls Soccer

Bishop Verot 0, Lemon Bay 0 (tie): The Vikings (1-1-1) outshot the Manta Rays 12-8.

Girls Basketball

Oasis 38, SW Florida Christian 27: Brynn Stambaugh scored 21 points and Maci Stambaugh 14 to pace the Sharks to their first win (1-1).

Boys Basketball

DeSoto County 58, Bishop Verot 45: Senior Ethan Tipton scored 16 points for the Vikings (0-1).

Tuesday Girls Soccer

Mariner 6, Fort Myers 0: Ryleigh Acosta scored twice, adding an assist, as the Tritons (5-2) dominated Fort Myers. Carly Paz had a goal and an assist, Kira Wilson, Taylor Arch and Annabelle Barbot scored, and both Eva Ramirez and Stephanie Saracione contributed assists. Three goaltenders split time in net,combining for nine saves and the shutout.

Girls Basketball

Barron Collier 54, Bishop Verot 40: Cameron O'Halloran and Reese Fry scored 10 points each for the Vikings (21). Peyton Hefflefinger scored 19 for Barron Collier.

LaBelle 65, Oasis 39: Brynn Stambaugh scored 15 points and Maci Stambaugh 13 for the Sharks (1-2).

Island Coast 34, Cypress Lake 29: The Gators (2-2 overall) won their District 5A-11 opener.

Lehigh 49, Ida Baker 36: Jocelyn

Hernandez scored 13 points for the Bulldogs

Cape Coral 50, Riverdale 43: Cape is 3-1 after Tuesday's victory.

Gateway 60, North Fort Myers 15: The Red Knights are 0-4.

Fort Myers 71, Mariner 17: Mariner is off to an 0-2 start.

Boys Basketball

Fort Myers 53, Mariner 45: Tuesday's loss left the Tritons 0-4 to begin the year.

LaBelle 62, Oasis 57: Kavanaugh Brady led the Sharks with 14 points as Oasis came up short in its season opener.

Cape Coral 72, Riverdale 49: In their season opener, the Seahawks rolled past Riverdale.

St. John Neumann 44, North Fort Myers 41: The Red Knights were defeated in their first game of the season.

Cypress Lake 70, Island Coast 61: Cypress handed the Gators their second loss (0-2).

Golden Gate 84, Ida Baker 47: The Bulldogs lost their first game to 1-2 Golden Gate.

Girls Soccer

Riverdale 3, Cape Coral 2: Riverdale dropped the Seahawks' record to 2-2.

North Fort Myers 8, Island Coast 0: Evie McCarthy scored four goals for the Red Knights (3-0-2), adding an assist. Freshman Hannah Busenbark scored twice, and Sophie Kerns and Alexa Lara added a goal and an assist each. Alyah Morgan posted the shutout in goal for North. The Gators fell to 0-5.

Oasis 3, Ida Baker 1: Samantha Chitu scored twice and Ashley Lynn also had a goal. Ariana Saurez, Nevaeh

Rogers and Jaclynn Mars all contributed with assists, and freshman Angelina Acevedo-Montalvo made 7 saves.The Sharks improved to 4-1 as the Bulldogs slipped to 0-3.

Barron Collier 3, Bishop Verot 2: Jillian Haataja and Lila Dinkle scored for the Vikings (1-2-1), both assisted by Chloe Brown.

Boys Soccer

Island Coast 3, North Fort Myers 2: Anthony Morales More led the Gators (2-2-1) with a goal and an assist. Luccas Dias and Tawny De La Fe Cruz scored a goal each, and Rahiem Buckley contributed an assist. North fell to 0-5-2.

Mariner 1, Fort Myers 1 (tie): The Tritons' two captains produced Mariner's goal. Caden Sandrus scored on an assist by Samuel Bedoya. Jacob Glover had six saves in net.

Oasis 2, Ida Baker 0: Mario Acosta scored both Sharks (4-1) goals. Tyler Kerr had an assist. Josh Hill had the shutout in goal.

Riverdale 3, Cape Coral 0: Cape slipped to 1-3-1 with the loss.

Barron Collier 3, Bishop Verot 0: The Vikings are off to an 0-2-1 start.

Wednesday Girls Basketball

Bishop Verot 75, North Fort Myers 3: The Vikings improved to 3-1.

Fort Myers 59, Ida Baker 25: Fort Myers dropped the Bulldogs to 1-3.

Boys Soccer

North Port 7, North Fort Myers 0: North slipped to 0-6-2.

Dunbar 2, Oasis 0: Ryan Rosado had seven saves and Lucas Pruett three, but Oasis fell to 4-2.

Capt. George Tunison

CJ HADDAD

Mississippi State took home the annual Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off Wednesday night with a 52-49 win over Utah.

Stephanie Saracione

Assessment: Public hearings, input sessions to begin early next year

From page 1A

finance and pay annually on their tax bill, saying a resident in a $300,000 home will have to pay more for their share of the UEP than they pay in other taxes.

“We’re going to be doubling and maybe tripling their tax bill. I’m a fan of the 25year master plan and getting water and sewer completed in the city. But timing is everything,” Gunter said. “For us to experience a nearly Category 5 storm, is this the right time?”

For those with mortgages, which typically have property taxes added to the loan payment, the cost would come monthly.

Councilmember Jessica Cosden said that with her family, she would not be able to absorb another $325 in monthly payments.

“I don’t know how we could expect to ask people to do this. I know it’s the right thing to do and we have to do this, but I’m having trouble with these numbers,” Cosden said.

Finance Director Mark Mason said the city could delay the project or push it toward next year but the interest, debt and prepayments will be a lot higher.

“Because we’re not paying any of the principal. We could be talking about $20 million in additional interest costs attached to these payment terms,” Mason said.

City Manager Rob Hernandez said council had three choices: to move forward, continue discussion or delay the project a year.

Council unanimously agreed the city should move forward as planned, a first step in the approval process.

The city estimates that the UEP assessments for a 10,000-square-foot lot in North 1 West will be $28,294 — $8,332 for water, $13,949 for sewer and $6,013 for irrigation.

The estimated Capacity Facility Expansion Charge is $6,750 — $1,106 for water, $3,390 for sewer and $2,254 for irrigation.

The city estimates that assessments for a 10,000-square-foot lot in North 1 West will be $28,294 — $8,332 for water, $13,949 for sewer and $6,013 for irrigation.

The estimated Capacity Facility Expansion Charge is $6,750 — $1,106 for water, $3,390 for sewer and $2,254 for irrigation, with the city proposing an ordinance that would place these costs on property tax bills for six years for those who choose to finance the cost. The fee would be a non-ad valorem addition to the tax bill, according to the staff presentation made to Cape Coral City Council at the workshop.

Specifically, the ordinance, also discussed Wednesday, would change capital expansion fee financing from a voluntary lien to non-ad valorem installments on the tax bill. Delinquent collection would change from an involuntary lien process to non-ad valorem installments on the tax bill.

There are approximately 7,300 properties in North 1, which will be divided into West and East Service Areas.

Compared to the South 6&7 UEP nearly a decade ago, this project is expected to

cost nearly double that.

North 1 will be broken into two parts, east and west, with Del Prado Boulevard serving as the border. North 1 West will be worked on first and is expected to cost about $243 million.

Half of the estimated cost ($122 million) and funding will come from a line extension assessment (SF), while another $86 million will be funded through a Capital Facility Expansion Charge (CFEC).

Transportation ($19 million), Stormwater ($11 million) and Utility Fees ($5 million) will provide the remaining funding.

The city is seeking grants to possibly bring the costs down to property owners. The project received a $1.3 million grant from the South Florida Water Management District, Cooperative Funding Program, for irrigation distribution mains. There is potential to receive additional funds on the next grant cycle, officials said.

The city will use the same methodology as it did with the Southwest 6&7 and North 2 UEPs. The line extension will be based

Rate: City water and sewer rates have not

From page 1A

its Utilities Department is in a great position for growth, annual rate adjustments are required beginning March 1, 2023 to fund master plan capital improvement plans, operating costs, and maintain debt service coverage and reserve targets.

According to a rate study conducted in advance of the presentation, the time for rate adjustments is overdue.

City of Cape Coral customers have not seen utility rates increase since 2013 and pay rates city officials said are the lowest in the region.

However, with the spiraling growth the city has seen in recent years, those days are coming to an end, Council was told during the nearly eight-hour-long workshop where the bulk of the discussion was about the Utilities Master Plan, the city’s Utility Expansion Plan and related funding.

Jeff Dykstra, of Stantec, the consultant working with the city on utilities, said after doing a revenue sufficiency analysis that updates projected revenues and whether revenues would meet those costs over the next 10 years, it was determined the city needs to raise its rates, fees and customer deposits to meet those impending costs.

With the lack of previous rate increases, Cape Coral is currently 44 percent below industry benchmark on rates, with average rates going up 3.9 percent annually, officials said.

Another graph showed Cape Coral’s rates, including water, sewer and irrigation /reclaimed water, were less than what neighboring utility customers pay, and the lowest in the region.

With re-use water pulled out of the graph for the 11 area utilities compared, (only Cape Coral and Collier County offer reuse, or irrigation, water) Cape Coral came in higher at the currant rate levels than Lee County, Punta Gorda, Bonita Springs and Naples for water and sewer.

Fort Myers, Charlotte County, North Port, Venice, North Fort Myers and Collier County came in higher using 4,000 gallons of water as the consumption standard.

on the Equivalent Parcel (EP) method (1 EP = 10,000 square feet). This means those with oversize lots will pay more. The capital fee is based on the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) method.

As proposed, property owners will have the option to pay for the UEP assessment through an initial prepayment from March through July 2023, the adjusted prepayment from August 2023 through July 2024, and billed annually for 20, 25 or 30 years, with the first bill coming out in November 2024.

Initial prepayment for a home on a 10,000-square-foot lot is expected to be $35,044, while the adjusted prepayment will be $37,723. Those who will pay annually will pay an interest rate of 6.5 percent, according to current numbers.

At that rate, someone who chooses to pay over 30 years at $3,899 per year (nearly $325 per month) would pay $116,970 over the term of the loan.

By way of comparison, in 2013, South 6&7 cost $16,758 per EP and CFEC, and North 2 cost $19,382.

The public hearing for the Initial Assessment Resolution is set from February 2023, with the homeowner informational meetings to happen in either February or March.

The public hearing for the Final Assessment Resolutions and Assessment Rolls and the resolutions to approve the construction and engineering and inspection contracts will be in March, with the notice to proceed expected in April.

been adjusted since 2013

back-to-back increase is what I’m concerned about,” Gunter said. “I’d rather we wait until October or, if we did the 3 percent increase in March, we wait until fiscal year 2025. If we raise rates 7 percent, we’re going to get a lot of e-mails.”

There will be continuing rate planning with annual revenue analysis, officials said.

The proposed increases had members on Council concerned that maybe the increases as tendered are a bit too high and may need to come down a bit.

Councilmember Bill Steinke wanted to see how commercial rates would be impacted and how city rates compare to other utilities.

Dykstra said it was difficult to get “apples to apples” to compare similar type businesses.

Mayor John Gunter was concerned about the double-whammy ratepayers would face with an increase in March and another in October, 3% and 4% respectively.

“I know you based your rates on the Master Plan we want to approve, but a

Councilmember Robert Welsh worried about having 5 percent annual increases forever, or at least to buildout.

Staff reiterated that the rate increases are needed and justified.

“We’ve shown you the 25-year master plan that’s going to cost $5 billion,” Finance Director Mark Mason said. “In order to recover that and pay it back, it’s going to involve increased costs. We’re going to need increased revenue.”

“If we don’t have water and sewer, businesses won’t want to come here, and if we don’t grow the infrastructure and continue to improve it for our existing customers, businesses won’t want to come here,” Pearson said.

No formal action was taken on the proposal.

An ordinance is expected to come before Council in January.

The utility rate proposal, presented by city staff during a Cape Coral City Council workshop on Wednesday, calls for a 3 percent increase beginning March 1, a 4 percent in FY 2024 and 5 percent each year after until FY 2032 for water and sewer services. This would result in a cumulative 58.14 percent increase in rates over the next decade.

CAPE CORAL BREEZE LOCAL LIVING

Business I Homes I Health I Education I Leisure

Wassailing with Jamaican Sorrel

By DEBORAY HAGGETT news@breezenewspapers.com

Traditional wassailing, caroling from house to house with your hot, mulled cider, known as wassail, is not typically practiced in our southwest, subtropical, warm climate. Instead, we may want to enjoy a tradition from our Caribbean neighbors who celebrate the holiday season with a sweet, spicy, iced, Jamaican Sorrel drink.

GARDEN CLUBOF CAPE CORAL

This rich, deep red-colored drink is made from the calyces of the Roselle plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa. The calyx is the cupshaped base of the flower which holds the maturing bud. Once harvested, the calyces are steeped overnight with ginger, cloves and allspice berries. Add a simple syrup to create the base for several tasty beverages including juice, wine or a rum cocktail.

The red calyces of the Roselle flower can be found in markets which feature ethnic groceries or, better yet, can be grown in your garden. Hibiscus sabdariffa is also known as Real Roselle, Cranberry Hibiscus, Jamaican Sorrel and the Florida Cranberry. It is an annual shrub which grows from 5-7 feet tall. Its green leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. The funnel-shaped flower is usually a yellowish color with a deep, dark center. The calyces are typically harvested in October or November when young, rounded and full.

They are gathered not only for the Jamaican Sorrel drink but also for making jams, or substituted for cranberries in a cranberry sauce, or rhubarb in a pie. The seeds of the plant are very high in protein and can be collected and crushed for use in soups and salads or roasted and brewed like coffee.

The Real Roselle plant is often mistaken for False Roselle, Hibiscus acetosella. False Roselle is a perennial bush which grows from 3-5 feet tall and 30 inches wide. Its leaves are reddish-maroon and shaped similarly to a maple leaf. The leaves are tart and flavorful in salads and stir fries. The flowers are typically pink in color, contrasting nicely with the deep, red leaves, adding color to your landscape. The flowers are edible; however, they lack flavor and are used more for decoration.

Both Real Roselle and False Roselle thrive in a warm climate. Zones 9 & 10 are best. They can be grown in containers in more northern zones but will die back in a freeze. Both prefer full sun and a rich, well-draining soil and do not like wet feet. They are sensitive to drought and require watering during the dry season. The plants will reseed and return in the spring. Nematodes are a common problem which can be resolved through crop rotation or container planting.

Real Roselle and False Roselle are wonderful addi-

Holiday season under way at the Shell Factory

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

The holiday season is under way at the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers.

The attraction kicked off an entire month of fun with their first-of-the-season bike night with fun with Santa Claus and the first major fundraiser for the Nature Park, which is being rebuilt due to damage from Hurricane Ian, to come.

The holidays start Friday with Santa visiting the Christmas House on Sunday, Dec. 11 and on Monday, Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Kids from the area will have the opportunity to give him their gift ideas and take pictures with the jolly old elf.

There also will be a breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 18. Children 12 and under are $5.50 and adults are $8.95. Reservations are required and they are going fast, so call 995-2141, ext. 110.

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

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

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

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

“We’re bringing the animals to the people. The animals are fine, but their homes are messed up,” Sheridan said. “With what you get for the price of admission really makes this a bargain.”

All proceeds will go towards the rebuilding of the Nature Park, which was badly damaged during the storm and will take around $300,000 to fix up. Sheridan said they are looking for corporate sponsors, with three levels for which companies can participate as a sponsor.

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

Of course, Tommy’s is open, the Southern Grill has reopened and The Players Circle Theater has shows now onstage. “The Lady with All the Answers,” a production about famed advice columnist Ann Landers, will runs until to Dec. 18.

The Shell Factory is at 16554 N. Cleveland Ave.

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

Pam Cronin, owner of the Shell Factory & Nature Park, in the Holiday House.

FILE PHOTO

Tickets on sale for the Southwest Florida Symphony’s Holiday Pops

The Southwest Florida Symphony, the only professional orchestra in Lee County and fourth oldest orchestra in the state, is excited to announce tickets are available for its annual Holiday Pops. The concerts, called The SWFLSO Christmas Show! will feature regularly featured locally beloved guest artist, returning from Philadelphia, Andrew Lipke.

Under Andrew Lipke’s direction, the orchestra will explore what makes beloved holiday hits so timeless through new twists on old classics. The performance will feature a mash-up of the Nutcracker themes blended with traditional favorites and new lyrics.

The audience will also have an opportunity to singalong as the Southwest Florida Symphony performs the “12 Days of FLORIDA Christmas.”

Concerts will be held at: ∫ Dec. 11 at 4 p.m.: The Gulf Theater, Punta Gorda

∫ Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.: The Village Church at Shell Point, Fort Myers ∫ Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.: First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs

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

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit swflso.org/tickets/.

The Southwest Florida Symphony made its debut as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961, playing in schools and community centers, with a roster of only 24 volunteer musicians. Today, the symphony boasts a roster of 70 world-class musicians, and is Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 62nd year continues the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence as newly appointed Music Director Maestro Radu Paponiu leads his inaugural season of spectacular performances. Maestro Paponiu, the sixth music director in the organization’s history, also serves as the associate conductor and youth orchestra director for the Naples Philharmonic in addition to guest-conducting with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe.

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

Fort Myers Community Concert Association dedicates season to Mann

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association will dedicate its 73rd season to the memory of the late Frank Mann, whose mother Barbara B. Mann founded the non-profit organization in 1949. Frank Mann also was a life-long supporter of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association, which brings classical entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.

“Franklin loved the work his mother started so many years ago. He grew up in the arts, playing in his high school and university bands and singing in the church choir. He had a true appreciation for classical artists,” said his widow Mary Lee Mann, who assumed presidency of the concert association in 2011, shortly before Barbara B. Mann died at almost 101 years old.

Frank Mann also was well known for his role in local politics, having served in the Florida House of Representatives and as a Lee County Commissioner for many years.

The announcement was made at the fall meeting of the Community Concert Association Board November 6 sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust Co.

Mary Lee Mann reported to the Board that series tickets are still available for this year’s 73rd Concert Series that begins in January with five concerts:

∫ New York Philharmonic String Quartet – Jan. 8, 2023. The New York Philharmonic String Quartet consists of four principal musicians from the orchestra. The group, formed in 2017, made its debut as a solo ensemble in John Adams’ Absolute Jest in New York in 2017. All four members are multiple prize winners, and have appeared as concerto soloists with the Philharmonic and orchestras throughout the world. They are joined by acclaimed young American pianist Drew Petersen, winner of the 2017 American Pianist Award.

∫ The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine – Jan. 16, 2023. The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine was established in 1902 and has hosted some of the world’s greatest conductors and musicians in classical music. The orchestra is a regular participant in international festivals, has toured extensively around the world and recently completed several highly acclaimed recordings. This concert is sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

∫ A Celebration of Song – the Classics to Broadway –Feb. 7, 2023. This upbeat concert by Concerto Soloists Internationale features popular highlights from grand opera to Broadway to pop performed by international soloists from four continents with a live on-stage orchestra and an emcee..

∫ The English Chamber Orchestra – March 9, 2023. The English Chamber Orchestra is the most recorded chamber orchestra in the world. The orchestra has performed with some of the world’s greatest soloists. The orchestra has recorded many movie soundtracks, including scores for Atonement, Pride and Prejudice, and several James Bond movies.

∫ The Royal National Ballet Direct from the Republic of Georgia – Fire of Georgia – March 27, 2023. The Royal National Ballet will be making its American debut during this season. The performance, called the “Fire of Georgia,” combines Georgian folk dances with modern attitude towards the choreography and costumes. The company’s program illustrates the variety of the world’s folklore and classical dance elements, acrobatics, stunts and temperament of the dancers.

All performances will be at the Barbara B. Mann Hall on

Frank Mann

FPRA announces

Third Annual Merry Givemas Toy Drive

The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association announces its Third Annual Merry Givemas Toy Drive, from now until Dec. 6, to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida.

In memory of Janet Wilson, a longtime chapter member, public relations professional and media representative in Southwest Florida, this annual toy drive provides the opportunity to carry out her legacy and spread some holiday joy by donating new, unwrapped toys and small denomination gift cards to the CAC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect. Through therapeutic counseling, parenting education and additional prevention services, the organization offers a safe place for atrisk children and their families to come and be heard.

Gift suggestions for older youth are gift cards, wireless earbuds, portable bluetooth speakers, make-up kits, and sports and recreational equipment. Suggestions for younger kids are board games, puzzles, coloring books, Legos, action figures, dress up dolls, remote control cars, Disney toys and playsets, Hot Wheels, and sports and recreational equipment.

Donations can be dropped off at the following Southwest Florida locations:

∫ Markham Norton Mosteller Wright, 8961 Conference Drive, Suite 1, Fort Myers

∫ Mercola Market, 125 S.W. 3rd Place, Cape Coral

Donation box will be available in the market during store hours.

∫ Priority Marketing, 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 201, Fort Myers

∫ SWFL, Inc., 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Bonita Springs

Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. It is comprised of 15 professional and 14 student chapters throughout the state, providing professional development, networking and professional recognition opportunities. The Southwest Florida Chapter serves professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For

NOTES

additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at fpraswfl.org.

Sprouts Farmers Market launches on-demand delivery through DoorDash marketplace

in Cape

Coral

Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, is now available on the DoorDash marketplace in Cape Coral, for on-demand grocery delivery. Customers will be able to order products from Sprouts by visiting the DoorDash mobile app or website, where they can choose to have their groceries delivered on-demand or schedule a delivery for later in the day or week.

Sprouts will roll out on-demand delivery through the DoorDash marketplace to cities in phases this month.

More than 20,000 products from Sprouts are available for delivery on the DoorDash marketplace, including organic groceries, local farm-fresh produce, keto friendly, gluten-free, vegan and plant-based items.

All Sprouts stores will be available on DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program that offers members unlimited $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders over the minimum subtotal from thousands of restaurants, grocery, and convenience stores nationwide. bmccombs@ap.org

To download media assets please visit: https://about.sprouts.com/multimedia-library/

Wilkes joins Priority Marketing as event, community relations coordinator

Priority Marketing has hired Michaela Wilkes as an event and community relations coordinator to help clients reach their goals through strategic event planning as well as community outreach.

Wilkes assists Priority Marketing’s account services team in the planning and execution of events, including fundraising galas, community forums, corporate meetings, trade shows, conferences, grand openings, ribbon cuttings and other special events. Wilkes’ community relations responsibilities include serving as a liaison between the firm, clients and community partners while establishing relationships that strengthen and foster partnerships and programs.

Before joining Priority Marketing, Wilkes was a social media marketing manager for a real estate company in Naples, where she curated, edited and published social media content while also collaborating with colleagues to produce the agency’s marketing materials. She also has served as an ambassador for The Everglades Foundation, spokesperson for Advanced Recovery Systems, sideline reporter and host for Florida

Tropics SC, events host for a media company and co-founder of Brave & Beautiful, an organization that challenges women to pursue lives full of courage and character.

Wilkes graduated magna cum laude and earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Alabama – one in dance and one in public relations, advertising and applied communication.

Founded in 1992 by Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing is a Southwest Florida full-service marketing, advertising, public relations, website development and digital marketing agency celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022. For more information, please call 239-267-2638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com.

Pavese Law Firm adds attorney Kane

Pavese Law Firm has announced that Luke L. Kane, who joined the firm in September, has passed the Florida Bar. He was sworn in on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Kane is a member of the firm’s litigation group where he will be representing clients in a wide range of civil litigation and business law matters.

Kane graduated from Florida State University, cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in communications.

Kane was raised in Southwest Florida and attended St. Francis Xavier and Bishop Verot Catholic High School.

Pavese Law Firm is a fullservice law firm with offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and West Palm Beach. The firm provides a broad range of legal services for individuals, families, small businesses and large corporations.

Practice areas include agricultural, banking and finance, business and corporate, civil litigation, condominium and homeowners’ association law, construction, employment, environmental and water, estate planning, probate and trusts, marital and family, land use and government, and real estate law. For more information, visit paveselaw.com.

Jamaican Sorrel

From page 1B

tions to your edible garden. Not only will they add color to your landscape, they will brighten your holiday table and delight your palate. Whether you choose to “come a-wassailing among the leaves so green” or within your festive homes, consider adding the colorful Jamaican Sorrel to your celebratory libations. Cheers!

Deborah Haggett isa Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com

Negotiation may help when breaking a lease

Dear Mr. Feichthaler:

We sustained substantial damage to our home from Hurricane Ian, which required us to find alternate housing while our home is repaired. It was very hard to find, but we found a condominium not too far away. They required us to sign a 9 month lease, but we felt we had no choice since we had nowhere to live.

After being here for a month, construction crews are working around the condominium building daily, making a lot of noise and rendering our living situation unpleasant. Based on what we have been told, this disruption will continue for at least another month. We believe we can get back into our home in March, so we are thinking of cancelling the lease. Can we break the lease?

—Alexandra D.

Ian and the Fed weigh on Cape condo sales and supply

As illustrated in the market numbers shown below, the dynamics of the Cape Coral condo market — along with our overall real estate market — have endured a significant shift in 2022. This shift from a red hot real estate market to a rapidly cooling market, in what many experts are describing as a national recession in real estate, is mostly being driven by the sharply higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve's war on high inflation, compounded by the out-of-control spending policies in Washington, D.C.

The near-term impact from Hurricane Ian has only created additional challenges and hardships throughout many of Southwest Florida’s real estate markets, as we inch our way through the recovery process.

Homing In

Dear Alexandra,

$109,000 to $699,995.

In the overall Cape condo market, there were 33 closed sales in the month of October, which was 36.5 percent lower than the 52 closed condo sales in October of 2021, and 5.7 percent below the 35 sales in September of this year. Our peak was hit in April with 92 closed sales. In the first 10 months of this year, there were a total of 590 condos sold overall in the Cape, which was down 28.5 percent from the 825 condo units sold in the first ten months of 2021.

As always, we first look to the language of your lease to see what options it provides to cancel. My expectation is that your lease will not provide for termination for the reasons provided, so we would then look to Florida Statutes to see if there is any relief. Unfortunately, the law provides for cancellation in very specific circumstances, namely entry in active service in the military, and where the property is uninhabitable. For instance, if there was no water service to the property, this would be a justification to terminate the lease. The noise during the day, although obviously disruptive, would not typically serve as a justification to cancel a lease.

As a result, the number of closed condo sales in October have decreased sharply from both a year ago, as well as from earlier this year, with most of our market shifting from being a seller’s market to a neutral market to a buyer’s market almost overnight. In a nutshell, our pending condo sales in the Cape are at the same level today as they were back on Jan. 4, while our active condo listings have increased by four times. In our overall condo market, we saw a shift from an abnormally low monthly supply of 2 to 3 months earlier this year, to a four-month supply correlated with the Fed’s aggressive interest rate hikes, to a sudden jump to a 7 month supply of condos in September and October.

Saltwater and direct sailboat access canal condos are still at four months of supply for now, while our dry lot condo segment shot up to 10 months of supply in September before settling in at nine months of unsold supply in October. These supply numbers are tied to the plunge in sales relative to the inventory.

The October median sales price was $260,000 for the overall Cape condo market, which was the lowest monthly amount this year. This was 31.1 percent above the $198,250 posted in October of 2021, but 7.1 percent below the $280,000 in September of this year. In the first ten months of 2022, the median sales price averaged $274,025 per month in our overall condo market, or 31 percent above the average of $209,115 per month in the first ten months of 2021.

Gulf access canal condos

In the Cape Coral gulf access canal condo segment, which includes all “saltwater” canal condos, there were 15 closed sales in October, which was 11.8 percent lower than the 17 condos sold in October of 2021, and 16.7 percent below the 18 sales in September of this year. The peak was 42 sales in April. In the first 10 months of 2022, a total of 271 saltwater condos were sold, or 28.3 percent less than the 378 sales in the first ten months of 2021.

Law

The first step I would take would be to address your concerns with the landlord. If you truly want to end the lease, he may have another potential tenant, especially with the upcoming season. There may need to be a negotiation to resolve this. The statute gives the landlord the option to require you to pay the lease through to the end, and he or she is under no obligation to rerent the premises. If you are unable to work out a settlement with the landlord, you may wish to turn your attention to making your living arrangements as comfortable as possible, avoiding being home during noisy times, or even wear headphones to block noise if it is that bad. Hopefully, the work will be done

As of Monday, Nov. 28, there were 148 Cape Coral condos listed for sale in the Multiple Listing Service at prices ranging from $159,900 to $2.195 million with the median list price at $315,000. A total of 135 of the 148 active condo listings were priced at $499,000 and under, with 34 of these listed at $250,000 and below, including 10 units in the Cape priced at less than $200,000. At the other end of the spectrum there were 13 condos priced at $624,000 and above, with five of these luxury condo units on the market for more than $1 million. These five highest-priced condos were all located in the Tarpon Landings section of Tarpon Point Marina. There are currently 69 pending condo sales at prices ranging from $149,900 to $1.65 million, including 33 units under contract at $275,000 and under, with 10 of these pending for less than $200,000. Three condos were under contract at prices ranging from $525,000 to $580,000 and only one condo was pending for more than $1 million.

By comparison, back on Jan. 4 of this year there were only 37 condos listed for sale through a Realtor in the Cape at prices ranging $155,000 to $995,000 with the median list price coming in at $293,000. A total of 35 of these 37 listings were priced at $581,900 and under, with four of these 35 listings priced under $200,000. The other two active condo listings from back then were priced at $769,000 and $995,000. There were 70 condos under contract as pending sales on Jan. 4, ranging in price from

The October median sales price came in at $300,000 for the Cape’s saltwater canal condo segment, which was 15.4 percent above the $260,000 posted in October of 2021, but 5.9 percent lower than the $318,750 in September of this year. The peak was $390,000 in July. In the first ten months of 2022, the median sales price averaged $327,625 per month, or 31.4 percent higher than the average of $249,410 per month in the first ten months of 2021.

Direct sailboat access canal condos

In the Cape Coral direct sailboat access canal condo segment, which is a subgroup of gulf access condos where boaters have no bridges to go under in the canal system, there were 8 closed sales in October. This was up 14.3 percent from the seven condos sold in October of 2021, and even with the eight units sold in September of this year. The 2022 peak was 28 sales in both April and May. In the first ten months of 2022, a total of 166 sailboat canal condos were sold in the Cape, or 17.8 percent below the 202 sales in the first ten months of 2021.

The October median sales price came in at $326,500 in this segment, which was 14.1 percent below the $380,000 posted in October of 2021, and down 2.5 percent from $335,000 in September of this year. The peak was $436,250 in July. In the first ten months of 2022, the median sales price in this segment averaged $363,420 per month, or 14.4 percent higher than the average of $317,720 per month in the first ten months of 2021.

Lee Building Industry Association honors Stevens Construction as Contractor of the Year for 10th year Stevens Construction Inc. earned five awards at the Lee Building Industry Association Industry Awards event on Nov. 17, announced Mark Stevens, company president.

Stevens Construction earned the highest honor of the evening, winning the

Contractor of the Year. A panel of nationwide judges named Stevens Construction Contractor of the Year based on criteria such as the company’s achievement of goals, client relations, professional certifications and community responsibilities. This is the 10th year Stevens Construction has received this honor, the company won in 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011 and 2007.

Stevens Construction won a Summit Award for the best healthcare project in the $5 million to $8 million and up category for Frantz EyeCare. Designed to promote staff efficiency and overall patient experience, the 60,000-square-foot Frantz EyeCare offers 44 exam lanes, diagnostic center, retail, LASIK suite, cosmetic treatment center and AHCA-licensed surgery center. The second floor houses Frantz EyeCare’s corporate offices, employee training, a conference room and space available for lease.

Stevens Construction also won best healthcare in the $2 million to $4.9 million category for Fountain Life in Naples. Stevens Construction transformed a 9,234-square-foot vacant retail space into Fountain Life, which includes diagnostic testing such as MRI and CT scan.

Eric P. Feichthaler Real Estate

Bob and Geri Quinn

Lease: Hard to break

quickly

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

Kiwanis. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for over 20 years, and they have four children together. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney.com, or 239-542-4733.

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

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

From page 5B

Stevens Construction also won a Summit Award for best public works project for the City of Fort Myers Fire Station 17. Situated on 2.76 acres, Fire Station 17 is a 12,597-square-foot building with a 2,585-square-foot storage facility. The new station houses accommodations for on-duty firefighters, a physical fitness facility, community room and administration. Fire Station 17 also includes a kitchen, classrooms, decontamination room, onsite diesel and gasoline fuel distribution and a secondstory fire training room.

In the best build-out category, Stevens Construction won a Summit Award for Trilogy Laboratories. Located at 10060 Amberwood Road, Suites 5-8,

From page 2B

Stevens Construction provided a 7,800square-foot interior renovation, which serves as the expanded Trilogy Laboratories, a manufacturer of premium skincare products founded by Dr. Kristen Flaharty.

Stevens Construction has earned 65 Summit Awards since the program began in 2006.

The Summit Awards program recognizes BIA members who have obtained an outstanding level of success and demonstrated superior professionalism in the commercial construction industry throughout the year. The projects were judged for quality of construction, challenges, timeliness of completion, client satisfaction and safety.

Condo sales: Cooling market

From page 5B

Dry

lot condos

In the Cape Coral dry lot (non-canal) condo segment, there were 15 closed sales in October, which was 51.6 percent lower than the 31 condos sold in October of 2021, but 7.1 percent above the 14 sales in September of this year. The peak was 48 sales in April. In the first ten months of 2022, there were a total of 267 dry lot condos sold in the Cape, which was 24.4 percent below the 353 dry lot condo units sold in the first 10 months of 2021.

The October median sales price was $230,000 for the Cape’s dry lot condo segment, which was 39.5 percent higher than the $164,900 posted in October of 2021, but 8.9 percent lower than the $252,500 in September of this year (which was the peak). In the first ten months of 2022, the median sales price for dry lot condos in the Cape averaged $231,028 per month, or 38.5 percent more than the average of $166,784 per

RG Architects, P.A. holds 10th year anniversary party

RG Architects, P.A. hosted a 10th year anniversary party on Nov. 10. The event also celebrated the retirement and birthday of co-founder Charlie Gutekunst. The event was held at the business' offices in the historic Miles Building at 2070 McGregor Blvd., in downtown Fort Myers

ENTERTAINMENT NOTES

For Community Concert Association information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org.

month in the first 10 months of 2021.

(The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors® Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, FL, as of November 27, 2022, unless otherwise noted. It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral condominiums, townhouses, and villas, and it does not include any single family homes, short sales, or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinn’s are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 43-years. Geri has been a full-time REALTOR® since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time REALTOR® in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.)

RG Architects, P.A. provides architecture and design services for landmark commercial, education and community projects in Southwest Florida.

RG Architects, P.A. was founded in 2012 on the idea that design impacts people's lives.

For more information, visit www.rgarchitectspa.com. Email office@rgarchitectspa.com or call 239-332-2040.

the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers. All five concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and are included in one ticket price, which ranges from $155 for orchestra seats to $85 for lower balcony seating and just $65 for upper balcony. A few $165 prime orchestra seats and mezzanine seats are still available, Mann said.

For season memberships for all five concerts, call Community Concerts at 239-693-4849.

Single tickets will go on sale December 1.

For tickets beginning December 1, call the Barbara B. Mann Hall box office at 239- 481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com

Lab Theater announces premier

of 'SISTAS: The Musical' Dec. 16

The Laboratory Theater of Florida is excited to announce the SWFL premiere of "SISTAS: the Musical," the 2012 Tony Nominee for Best New Musical, will open on Dec. 16. This show is a joyous reminder of sisterhood and the love and support that it encompasses.

After grandma’s death, the women in the family clean out her attic and unpack love and memories. They sing hit

tunes that trace the history of Black women, from the trials of the 1930s through the girl groups of the ’60s to the empowerment of the ’90s.

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

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

Directed by Sonya McCarter, SISTAS: the Musical features Myrtle October (Simone), Makayla Davis (Roberta), Simone Farrell (Gloria), Julissa Jean-Bart (Tamika), and Chelsea Fleeman (Heather). Choreography by Isabel Isenhower and music direction by W. Earl Sparrow.

Performance dates are Dec. 16, 17, 28, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.; Jan. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m.; and Jan. 8 an d 15 at 2 p.m.

Special events include: Half-price preview nights -Dec. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m.; Staging Teen Success Through Theater -- Dec. 17 at 8 p.m.; and Post-performance talkback -- Jan. 8

Cape Coral

Dorothy P. Simpson, 93, of Cape Coral passed away November 25, 2022. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

Arthur Douglas Musick, 80, of Cape Coral passed away November 26, 2022. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz.com

Earl Snyder, 81, of Cape Coral passed away November 25, 2022. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

Melanie Kaye White, 61, of Cape Coral passed away November 26, 2022. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

Ortelio Fuentes Armas, 60, of Cape Coral, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2022. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Janet L. Chayan, 88, of Cape Coral FL passed away November 27, 2022. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz.com

Clementine Nan Ferguson, 88, of Cape Coral, FL passed away November 23, 2022. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz.com

Gertrudis Francisco Sosa-Rodriguez, 78 of Cape Coral passed away November 22, 2022. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Frances A. Basharrah, 98, of Cape Coral, FL passed away November 18, 2022. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz.com

Sandra K. Robins, 70 of Cape Coral passed away November 23, 2022. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

Howard Clair Thomson, 61, of Cape Coral passed away November 25, 2022. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz.com

Joyce M. Coyne, 75, of Cape Coral, FL passed away November 21, 2022. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz.com

Lucille Gilberta Stidwill, 82, of Cape Coral passed away November 23, 2022. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

Gheorghe Martinescul, 91, of Cape Coral, passed away Friday, November 25, 2022. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Delores Diane Williams, 73, of Cape Coral, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2022. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Donna K. Saternus, 76, of Cape Coral, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Maribel Plaza, 60, of Cape Coral, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2022. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Fort Myers

Timothy Prendergast, 59, of Fort Myers, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

John Kaler, 58, of Fort Myers, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Faith Gansheimer, 74, of Fort Myers, FL passed away November 25, 2022. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz.com

Pamela Papadinis, 88, of Fort Myers passed away November 27, 2022. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

Timothy Neil Wampler, 51, of Fort Myers passed away November 27, 2022. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Fort Myers.

Margie Florence Ross, 98 of Fort Myers passed away November 18, 2022. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

Virginia DeWees, 88 of Fort Myers passed away November 20, 2022. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services.

Lehigh Acres

Saundra Lee Hughey, 86, of Lehigh Acres, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2022. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.