City
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
The city of Cape Coral’s plans for its $40 million Bimini Square investment took an additional $2 7 million step forward Wednesday
Cape Coral City Council approved a contract for demolitions on existing properties as well as the purchase of additional parcels for the development opportunity the city is creating adjacent to Bimini
The Cape Coral Breeze
its Bimini Square investment
Cape Coral City Council approved a $1.7 million contract for demolitions on existing properties as well as a $940,000 purchase of additional parcels for the development opportunity the city is creating adjacent to Bimini Square as well as the South Cape entertainment district along Southeast 47th Terrace.
Square as well as the South Cape entertainment district along Southeast 47th Terrace
The city’s first investment entailed the purchase of 43 improved and unimproved parcels approximately 18.73 acres for $40,089,504 with the sale recorded in
September
The first resolution, 373-24, awarded Honc Destruction, Inc a $1,617,853 demolition contract, with a 10% controlled contingency of $1,61,785, for a total project cost of up to $1,779,638 30
‘Holiday
Festival of Lights’ returns to Cape Coral this weekend
By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
holiday tradition spanning more than four decades in Cape Coral returns this weekend, bringing with it the feeling of the festive season for all
The Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s “ H o
Incredible Bank, will hit Cape Coral Parkway this Saturday evening, with free attendance for all, young and young-at-heart alike
Beginning at 4 p m and running until 10, Cape Coral Parkway will be transformed into the
See HOLIDAY FESTIVAL of LIGHTS, 18
What: Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s “Holiday Festival of Lights”
When: Saturday, Dec 7, from 4 to 10 p m
Where: Along Cape Coral Parkway
approved a $940,000 purchase contract for 4823 Triton Court East lots seven, eight and nine, block 83, Cape Coral unit 5 in the CRA Bimini Basin District
The property includes a three-lot site improved with a five-unit apartment complex
The resolutions, which were among C
approved without discussion
Presented by Drug-Free Lee, film highlights impacts of addiction
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers
com
A free and open-to-the-public showing of a film that gives a detailed look into the role addiction plays in the lives of those involved will be held next Wednesday in Fort Myers
Presented by Drug-Free Lee, the film “Inheritance” will be shown on Dec 11 at 6:30 p m at Collaboratory, followed by a virtual talk-back with the producers of the film
Deborah Comella, executive director of Drug-Free Lee, said the film aligns with the non-profits’ aim to end the stigma about addiction in the community
“This is a story of a five-generation family in Ohio who is affected by substance abuse disorder,” Comella said “The film follows a young man, who is a young adult now but was younger when they started filming, has determined that this is not going to happen to him It speaks a lot to poverty, it speaks a lot to some of the factors that lead to substance abuse disorder, not knowing if its hereditary or not What we want to show is that people get better, make good decisions, and we always have reason to hope And around the holidays, we want to send a hopeful message We’re going to have a lot of people in recovery at the screening, but of course you don’t
Cape Council begins to consider legislative priorities
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
The purchase of the old golf course in regards to water reclamation, as well as Red Fish Point in terms of the environment were two areas the Cape Coral City Council thought could be added to its legislative priority initiatives/priorities for 2025
C o u n c i l h e a r d f r o m t h e i r a d v o c a c y t e a m d u r i n g Wednesday’s morning workshop as part of the intro to the legislation session, which this year takes place from March 4 through May 2
Becker & Poliakoff Senior Government Relations Consultant Nick Matthews said the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, the state economist, projected this next fiscal year to be a surplus year, but the two following years will be a deficit for the budget due to the legislature being ambitious
“It’s more of a spending problem than truly a revenue problem,” he said adding that there is an increase in big expenditures “It’s baked into the cake into the budget every year now. A lot of these are big recurring projects and they are getting bigger over time ”
At a federal level, there are many changes occurring with the recent election
Ballard Partners Partner Dane Eagle said Presidentelect Donald Trump has made federal appointments, which will have a domino effect for Florida
“It’s very interesting to see how the seats continue to shuffle,” he said
With the swearing-in ceremony there were nine new senators and 26 new House of Representatives members with the super majority being Republican, Eagle said
Becker & Poliakoff federal lobbyist Amanada Wood said the focus will be on immigration policy, farm bill reauthorize, artificial intelligence, fusion of cash into the disaster assistance program and extend tax relief
“Every day in D C we are trying to advance city priorities,” she said, adding that there is no substitute for the Council to speak very personally about their community needs in D C
The city’s legislative priorities include infrastructure
homeowner and flood insurance regulations; environmental sustainability; Home Rule and short-term rentals
The initiatives and projects include:
■ State Road 78/Pine Island Road widening
■ Cape Coral 1-75 interchange/exit
■ Septic-to-sewer conversion project
■ Northeast Reservoir Regional Water Supply Project
■ Inclusive playground at Jaycee Park
■ Emergency Operations Center expansion
■ South Florida Water Management District rule change to allow floodproofing options for commercial in the Special Flood Hazard Area
“Part of what you are talking about now is what we will be doing in the next 30 to 60 days massage the priorities that are ambitious, but with reasonable success What do you really need? The realistic number that gets the project done with the city and come and make a good case for it,” Matthews said.
The priorities will be put together in a formal adoption by resolution for Council
“We will continue to work with the advocacy team on
changes the city is seeking,” Assistant to the City Manager Maureen Brice said
Council mulls options in mayor pro tem gap
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
Missed deadline or no, Cape Coral City Council agreed Wednesday that a “backup” is needed in case the mayor is not available for a meeting or other charter-mandated duty
The elected board was not able to name a mayor pro tem due to a referendum provision added to the city’s charter in 2002 that requires the appointment be made at the first meeting following the General Election
Because Council had held a meeting following the Nov 5 election but before the swearing in of the new council on Nov 20, the time to appoint a new mayor pro tem to act in the mayor’s absence had passed.
This means Council cannot legally appoint one at least u
“I feel so uneasy about it. I don’t think it is right. It doesn’t protect us, our city or residents We don’t have any protection if something happens to him (Mayor John Gunter) Then what? We need to have a solution to this ”
Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra
Boksner advised the board
As per the charter, the mayor, who may live in any district, serves as the eighth member of council with some additional duties, the most important of which include p
and signing documents on behalf of city Council members remain concerned about the lack of a mayor pro tem and have
action, if one can be made
“I feel so uneasy about it I don’t think it is right It doesn’t protect us, our city
l workshop “We don’t have any protection if something happens to him (Mayor John Gunter) Then what? We need to have a solution to this ” Gunter agreed that the board needs to have a backup plan
Boksner said he is contemplating the best mechanism a vice mayor, or an interim mayor pro tem
“I can have that before you on the 11th as a consent
adopt it and put someone in that position
To resolve the issue, the person can be in that position no longer than a year
Long suggested using “presiding officer” as the title
Boksner said that person
who presides over a council meeting and certain legal documents
OPINIONS
CAPE CORAL BREE ZE
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
Member Florida Press Association
Kudos to Council
With its second meeting now under its belt since the General Election, Cape Coral City Council is 2-0 on a hit-toyour-wallet issue brought to the board
According to discussion brought forward at Wednesday’s voting meeting, Council took issue unanimous issue with a policy the city’s administration piggybacked on a previous Council decision designed to allow commercial developers to contribute into a general tree fund instead of planting all of the required landscaping on a particular property
Beginning in January, city staff also began imposing mandatory tree fund contributions on residential property owners looking to vacate narrow strips of land that, due to the way plats were recorded back in the city’s development days, didn’t quite match up to the legal description of the site
The most common recording errors were along the city’s 400 miles of man-made canals where “unexcavated” strips a few feet wide weren’t canal, but solid ground between the recorded plat and the water
The city at first provided quit-claim deeds for the strips as it required seawalls along the banks and the property owners needed to own that bit of land to make the required improvement
Flash forward and the process became more cumbersome as government processes often do The city began requiring applications, staff approvals, hearing officer reviews, Council approval, meaning various fees and legal advertising costs
In January, city staff implemented a new nuance: They implemented a “policy” the administration maintains aligned with Council’s creation of the tree fund City staff began applying that policy to not only these waterfront properties where home and lot owners were looking to build or otherwise improve their sites, but to all residential properties in the Cape, including the so-called “hammerhead lots” where platted rights-of-way can impact buildability
Council on Wednesday questioned the policy politely, but pointedly agreeing that the plight of one property owner, who told Council he was informed that the cityimposed $2,800 cost to vacate the strip along his canal-front would now be more than $24,000 under the new staff policy
See EDITORIAL, page 7
This week’s poll question:
Previous poll question
DECEMBER
Protecting the lifeblood of our community: Nature
In 2024, we marked the remarkable 60y
Southwest Florida This anniversary offered us the chance to not only celebrate our many achievements made possible with strong community support and engagement, but also look ahead with a renewed sense of purpose
Our region’s natural beauty and ecological treasures are more than scenic backdrops they are the lifeblood of our com-
future Our founders realized this decades ago Now we must redouble our efforts to move the mission forward
In Southwest Florida, we are fortunate to have a significant percentage of our coast protected or in preserves Yet, we must remember that those natural areas which we enjoy today, and which provide our community with so many ecological, economic and quality of life benefits did not happen on their own Someone, at some point, had to fight to preserve what we enjoy today The moment we take our natural environment for granted is the moment we put these resources in peril
Guest Commentary
In an era marked by increasing environmental challenges, our work in coastal and community resilience is more essential than ever The Conservancy’s efforts extend far beyond the preservation of individual species or habitats; they encompass the protection of entire ecosystems
that safeguard communities Mangroves defend us from storm surges, wetlands filter our water, and our coastal estuaries provide nurseries for marine life These natural defenses not only protect our environment from hurricanes and storms, but also ensure that future generations will enjoy the same quality of life that drew many of us to Southwest Florida
The challenges we face from the impacts of climate change to expanding development pressure into the Western Everglades require us to think bigger and act bolder Through our advocacy for t h
Everglades restoration, environmental education and native wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, we remain committed to finding a delicate balance between conservation of natural systems and sustainable forms of progress The partnerships we have cultivated in the community reflect our belief that conservation is a shared responsibility Together, we can create a resilient future, but not without decisive, strategic effort
Education remains a cornerstone of our mission By engaging families, students, and future conservationists through our innovative programs, we foster a deeper con-
See GUEST COMMENTARY, page 6
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Biden’s pardon a sad commentar y
To the editor:
The pardon of President Biden’s son is not news Everyone knew this was coming The only people who thought Joe wouldn’t pardon his son/partner in crime was the media and those who believed he received 81 million legal votes in last election and especially after Vice President Harris losing this Presidential election
It is a sad commentary on the state of politics in America, and it clearly shows that there’s a two-law system in America. One system for the wealthy, rich and powerful; and one for the average everyday American Biden had the audacity to pardon his son which is a slap in the face of all Americans If Biden pardoned his son, what right do we have as Americans to complain if President Trump decides to pardon some of the individuals involved in the Jan 6, Capitol attack Of course they are totally different circumstances, but they would both include Presidential pardons
Joe Biden argued that Hunter was unfairly subjected to selective prosecution In a sense, that is true The Department of Justice declined to prosecute the most serious crimes; DOJ dragged its feet for as long as they could to let the statute of limitations run out on as much of the serious stuff as possible.
So, if Hunter was only prosecuted for “political reasons,” what’s the excuse for having Trump prosecuted? Hunter can now get back to his painting career
FEMA compliance means Cape Coral must work smar ter
To the editor:
It was good news to hear that Cape Coral will retain the 25% CRS discount for our flood insurance I found it interesting that our city is also assisting other counties in how to comply with the CRS system when it still cannot perform the tasks required for ourselves While admirable, we need to take care of our own city first
One of the actions the city needs to perform in order to receive the discount is to maintain a database of elevation certificates and keep it current In 2022 I received a Flood Zone
exemption and asked the city to update my elevation certificate on file The database administrator informed me that they do not do this After several emails to a council member and an intervention by a city official the record was corrected Fast forward to the middle of 2024 and a friend also wished to have their elevation certificate updated They received the same response that they couldn’t possibly do this in spite of it being a requirement to maintain our FEMA discount Six months of emails and still no correction after meeting resistance by staff to make the change. Not only is this resistance a waste of time by the city but frustrating to the citizens If this is part of our CRS discount goal, why is it so hard to get it done?
The city newsletter frequently touts their achievements But is the city taking care of what they are supposed to according to their set goals? It’s hard to keep track of because without seeing those goals first, and then matching the achievements to them, the citizens don’t really know if they are taking care of business
By publishing historical data i e the goals and then the achievements showing progress towards those goals, the citizens can see if we are improving or if management is letting our goals slip or redirection of resources are causing inefficiencies
Working smarter means publishing performance dashboards that show our citizens how resources are being utilized throughout the city and may help explain why some projects don’t seem to gain any traction, while other projects not set out as goals, are completed These dashboards should include FEMA compliance, building permitting, traffic and infrastructure plans, dredging of canals, repairing storm weirs and stormwater conduits, and the city parks GO bond project I am requesting our City Council ask our city manager for internal audits of all departments, create Key Performance Indicator (KPI) metrics based on achieving the goals established, have regular updates and post the performance dashboards on the city website by department Let’s work smarter by keeping track of goals and checking off those goals as they are completed through a KPI dashboard In the meantime, can someone just update the elevation certificate database please?
J. Caplin Cape Coral
Rob Moher
Lou Walker Cape Coral
Students are tuned out at school.
Here’s how we change that.
Across the country, teachers and administrators are working to address two major challenges: learning loss and student engagement
A variety of factors make it difficult for students to attend class and stay engaged in their schoolwork including pandemicrelated learning gaps, mental health issues, family challenges, and a lack of social connections at school
These challenges have led to an increase in absenteeism In many schools, that’s creating a vicious cycle When struggling students miss school, it’s much harder for them to get caught up after they return That can be overwhelming, with many missing more classes as a result
The numbers shed light on how widespread these issues are During the 20222023 school year, 26% of public school students nationwide were chronically absent, missing 10% or more of the school year It remains nearly double the pre-pandemic rate 40% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness in 2023
Although these challenges are significant, they’re not insurmountable As a former
teacher and principal, I understand that educators can’t address every contributing factor However, we can foster better attendance and engagement by creating classrooms where students feel a sense of belonging and are motivated to interact with their peers
Many schools have adopted project-based learning curricula where students work on experiential, selfdirected projects over an extended time Since these projects are personalized and often creative, students feel more invested in them
When implementing project-based learning effectively, schools have seen reduced absenteeism, improved performance, and higher engagement compared to traditional, "one-size-fits-all" instruction A recent study measured a project-based curriculum against a traditional one among 3,600 students The students in project-based classes had a pass
rate eight percentage points higher than their peers on exams
Taking students' ideas seriously can also increase engagement and attendance For example, one high school responded to students' requests for an e-sports club Over time, this passion turned the club into a thriving competitive program with a dedicated coach One school district in California found that students who participated in e-sports had nearly 20% lower absenteeism than non-participants.
Another overlooked factor is the physical learning environment Thoughtful design can provide students with comfort and a sense of control over their environment A well-designed classroom can boost student performance by up to 16%
My company recently hosted our second annual competition where teachers submit designs for their dream classrooms, and the
winners receive furniture to bring their visions to life One winner, a sixth-grade teacher, designed a classroom with different zones that allowed her students to choose where to work based on their communication style or learning preference We surveyed the students before and after the classroom makeover Before, half said they found it fun to study in the classroom After, the figure was 92% -- all thanks to a physical space that gave them different ways to learn
Improving student mental health, closing learning gaps, and reducing absenteeism may seem like daunting challenges While we can't solve these problems on our own, relatively small changes to our classrooms and curricula can have a major impact.
Emily McGinnis is the K-12 education market manager at KI, a global furniture manufacturer in Green Bay, Wis She previously spent 21 years as a teacher and principal in Charlotte, N C This column originally appeared in the South Florida Sun Sentinel
Congress has just weeks to help children with rare diseases
In labs across America, scientists and researchers are making breakthroughs that could transform the treatment of rare diseases. These projects give much-needed hope to rare disease patients around the world Yet they may have a harder time attracting the investment they need if lawmakers let a little-known but critical government program expire at the end of this year Dec 20, 2024
The Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PPRV) program isn’t headline news It doesn’t grab the attention of cable pundits or trend on social media But for millions of children living with rare diseases and for the scientists who dedicate their careers to helping them it is life-changing
As the cofounder of HC Bioscience, I understand the impact of this program firsthand My company is building a platform that helps cells read mutated genes and produce healthy, functional proteins without the need to alter the genome This approach may allow us to treat a broad spectrum of rare diseases using the same therapeutic molecule
The PPRV program helps make cutting-
edge scientific research possible But its significance goes far beyond individual research projects. It helps address the economics of rare-disease research, a consistent obstacle to progress
The fundamental problem is that developing a single new drug can cost billions of dollars, but the market for treating any single rare disease is tiny While collectively, more than 10,000 rare diseases affect more than 30 million Americans, each one, by definition, affects fewer than 200,000
This imbalance creates a natural disincentive to invest in rare-disease treatments
The PPRV program addresses this issue by offering drug developers a valuable “carrot” in the form of a voucher that can be used to expedite FDA review of any future drug application This voucher can be redeemed by the original drug developer to accelerate the approval and commercialization process
or sold to another company
Both options extend a financial lifeline to developers, ensuring that beneficial rare disease research remains economically viable
Companies of HC Bioscience’s size and stage which conduct some of the most groundbreaking rare disease research would find it harder to attract private funding without the PPRV program in place Absent PPRV, many investors might reasonably conclude that the risks are simply too great
Some might argue that our potential profits should be incentive enough But this ignores the harsh realities of biotech research Most would-be treatments fail in clinical trials, and for rare diseases, the risks are even higher because the patient populations are so small The PPRV program helps mitigate these perils, allowing us to pursue vital research and clinical trials
The program’s track record gives an idea
of its impact Since launching in 2012, it has awarded 53 vouchers for medicines to treat 39 rare pediatric diseases, benefiting more than 200,000 patients. For 36 of these diseases, there were no previously approved therapies Each approval represents children and families whose lives have been transformed
The program’s impact reverberates far beyond rare diseases, fostering innovation that advances all of medicine Rare disease research often unlocks new ways to treat more common conditions, creating a ripple effect that benefits millions A single rare disease treatment might lead to an entirely new class of therapies with applications for many patient populations
Lawmakers’ end-of-year decision on the PPRV program will undoubtedly impact our ability to keep pursuing groundbreaking treatments that meet unmet medical needs Just as importantly, it will influence whether we, as a society, can offer every child with a rare condition a fighting chance
Leslie Williams is the president and chief executive officer of HC Bioscience This originally ran in the Boston Business Journal.
Guest Commentary: Conservancy of Southwest Florida invites support
From page 4
nection to protecting our water, land, wildlife and future This commitment to nurturing the next generation ensures that the Conservancy’s impact will extend far beyond our lifetimes We are building a legacy one where children and families can participate today and for decades to
come
Our work is far from finished, there is still much to be done
The road ahead calls for vision, collaboration and action We invite you to join us as we continue this important journey. Whether as a donor, member, volunteer or
advocate, your involvement is critical to the success of our mission
T o g e t h e r , w e c a n e n s u r e t h a t t h e
Conservancy of Southwest Florida stands as the science-based leader in conservation and community strength now and forever.
Rob Moher is president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida To l e a r n a b o u t a n d s u p p o r t h o w t h e Conservancy is protecting our water, land, wildlife and future, visit conservancy org
Agree? Disagree? Weigh in! Letters, guest opinions, comments welcome
The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the editor or guest columns may be e-mailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com. 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 or editorial opinion online at: capecoralbreeze com
Emily McGinnis Guest Commentary
Leslie Williams Guest Commentary
Mandatory tree fund contributions stir debate
Ordinance to come back after Council rejects residential component
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
Residential property owners requesting site “vacations” from the city of Cape Coral will no longer be required to make a mandatory contribution to the city’s tree fund
Cape Coral City Council on Wednesday directed staff to bring Ordinance 79-24 back to the board on Jan 22, so its commercial aspects can be further considered, while eliminating all provisions pertaining to residential sites
At the direction of Council, a city staff policy pertaining to the mandatory contributions as they apply to residential properties has been suspended
This ordinance as presented addressed vacations of plats, easements, and rights-ofway under the land development code
Planning Team Coordinator Mike Struve shared three key points at Wednesday’s meeting
“The first one is technical in nature and there is language in the ordinance that is intended to clarify technical requirements for surveys, legal descriptions and sketches It provides guidance with private surveyors that would meet the expectations of the city surveyor with the idea that those documents will be of higher quality when submitted to the city,” Struve said
The second was a requirement for a preapplication meeting. He said staff would work with owners, so they are very clear as to all the costs associated with the filing of a vacation application from the fee, recording of the documents if approved, to the various site improvements
The third was codification of a new staff initiative that involved a mandatory requirement for the City Tree Fund According to the presentation, the tree fund payment the city has imposed since January is based on 50% of the assessed value of the owner’s land on a square foot basis applied to the area for which the applicant was requesting a city release of use, or vacation
Struve said as a condition of approval, the city was imposing a one-time payment to the city Tree Fund He said city right of way, although not owned by the city, could certainly be thought of as a city asset
Struve said with turning over a public asset for a private development, there should be some tangible public benefit that is provided by the developer or homeowner
“It can be quantified and calculated and based on assessed value of a homeowner property,” he said “It is based solely on the land It is independent of any improvements of the land ”
Struve said if the developer, or property
owner did not want to contribute money to the tree fund, but wanted to make improvements on their site, or city right of way like a median equal or exceeding the contribution, that can be used as a basis of approval as well
City Council expressed numerous concerns
Councilmember Bill Steinke said the initial discussion for the ordinance centered around developers
“We slid in the resident The example given here, in my opinion, is inappropriate and very decisive example,” he said as the affected residential properties were more likely to be an $800,000 lot, not the $40,000 lot, with a $2,000 fee, presented as an example.
He also rejected the staff argument that the payment of the fee would compensate the public for its public benefit loss
“That land is never going to be used by the public in the first place,” he said bluntly
Properties requesting vacations tend to be “hammerhead lots” and the whole idea of the vacation is to establish a better setback, he added
“Based on the setback requirements, without that vacation that land on hammerhead lot is not useable for the property owner,” Steinke said
Steinke said he understands the addition to the tree fund for a commercial developer, but not for a residential property where the public is not going to have access anyway
City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said the tree fund was an initiative of the last council, as they wanted to find ways to start funding median beautification He said the idea was to set a fee that brings in revenue that meets another public purpose
Steinke said discussions defined the target and it was not residential lots
“As a part of the former council, I was under the impression we were talking about commercial developed land, and not residences,” Steinke said “It makes more sense in a commercial green area where you are taking green space and putting it somewhere else I never realized it was going to affect a property owner trying to build a home ”
Mayor John Gunter agreed that he has no problem with the commercial approach for the tree program, but he was not for a residential component
“We made a policy change on how we approach vacation with no basis because there wasn’t an ordinance that we passed,” he said
After lengthy discussion among Council, City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner made a recommendation that the motion be amended to continue the matter until the Jan 22 regular meeting, so the ordinance could be altered to be consistent with Council discussion.
Editorial: Council axes tree fee
From page 4
for his and his fiancee’s mandatory “contribution” to the tree fund
Councilmember Bill Steinke and Mayor John Gunter took particular issue with the policy, which they said did not reflect Council’s intent when it established the tree fund
Mr Steinke also bluntly pointed out that staff’s $2,000 cost-based illustrative example computed for a 1,000-square-foot vacation on 10,000-square-foot, $40,000 lot was far, far from market reality, meaning the mandatory “contributions” would be substantially higher than two grand
The two also led the argument that there is no “public benefit” inherent to the strips, as staff contends, as there was neither public access nor potential for any public use or development
Council unanimously nixed the residential component of the ordinance, essentially directing staff to stop the residental “contributions” immediately
Staff will come back with numbers for Council consideration of rebates to those who paid and the elected board will consider a modified ordinance sans residental component on Jan 22, leaving the commercial aspects intact
It was the right thing to do and staff’s attempt to capitalize excuse us, monetize platting problems from the city’s development days by selling bits and strips to the people who thought they bought waterfront or their dream lot was wrong
Give the money back
And to Council, thank you.
Your diligence is appreciated Breeze editorial
County awards $39 million in housing block grants
Two North Fort Myers projects to receive funds
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners approved $39 2 million in Community Development Block GrantDisaster Recovery funding Tuesday with two projects in North Fort Myers to receive funds
Bayshore Pines, 361 Bayshore Road will receive $17 million in CDBG-DR funding The project has a total cost of approximately $68 1 million and will offer 180 multifamily units
The units will serve those at 60% area median income or less
This project has a focus on creating a resilient, community-centered affordable housing development with designs to meet national green building standards, as well as incorporating hurricane-related concrete block construction, elevation to two feet above the base flood level The project is anticipated to be complete by October 2026
The other North Fort Myers project is Hermosa North Fort Myers II at 16301 N Cleveland Ave
The project received $5 25 million in CDBG-DR funding The project’s total cost is $28 million for 88 multifamily units. This project is for senior housing for those 62 years old and older
The property will include both one- and two-bedroom units There will be a total of three units for 30% AMI, nine for 40% AMI, and 76 at 60% AMI
The last project, located in Fort Myers Ekos on Evans, 3501 Evans Ave will receive $17 million in CDBG-DR funding
Bayshore Pines, 361 Bayshore Road, will receive $17 million in CDBG-DR funding The project has a total cost of approximately $68.1 million and will offer 180 multifamily units.
Hermosa North Fort Myers II, 16301 N Cleveland Ave , will receive $5 25 million in CDBG-DR funding The project’s total cost is $28 million for 88 multifamily units This project is for senior housing for those 62 years old and older.
The total cost of the complex is $53 8 million for 144 multifamily units The project includes 22 units at 30% AMI or less, 56 units at 60% AMI or less and 66 units at 70% AMI or less
Following the landfall of Hurricane Ian in Lee County on Sept 28, 2022, the U S Department of Housing and Urban Development approved a grant agreement providing $1 1 billion of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds to Lee County for long-term recovery efforts in November 2023
The proposals were recommended for funding by the CDBG-DR Affordable Housing Development Evaluation Committee The funded projects will provide for the development of 412 affordable multifamily housing units
‘Three
fishermen’ ask city to drop efforts to recoup legal fees
Contend Cape Coral continues to wrack up expenses for money that it acknowledges cannot be paid back
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
Pleas from “the three fishermen” continued at two of three city meetings Wednesday with the residents continuing to ask Cape Coral City Council to stop efforts to recoup legal fees wracked up in a lawsuit contesting the removal of the Chiquita Lock City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner said that amount on the city side alone is $2 million, or maybe more
“The lawyers are on the hook as well It’s not only three of them five are on the hook,” Boksner said of those from whom the city seeks reimbursement “These individuals had a Florida licensed attorney that did counsel them They proceeded forward at their own peril ”
Boksner said under the Florida law there is a fee shifting provision.
“If you bring a matter that is unsupported by the law, we have the ability to move to recoup our attorney fees,” he said, adding that the city is going after the recovery of the expenses that occurred as a result of litigation
Newly-elected Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra told the three fishermen Jim Collier, Kevin Sparks and Dan Carney that she was learning a lot about what is going on
“Many people all around the county reached out to me about your efforts I am working with staff to get as much information as possible,” she said, adding that her greatest concern is that their attorney did not advise them differently “Give me some time to get up to speed ”
She went on to say that she is over lawsuits “What can we do to compromise? There is
a number, we kind of know the number I am over the whole lawsuit thing What can we do? Anything we can do,” Lastra said.
Council members will receive updates in one-on-ones with city staff, both legal and administrative, and perhaps call a “shade” meeting during which the board can discuss the legal issue privately
Collier, Sparks and Carney, long-time residents, each spoke during public comment as did supporters of their efforts
Collier said it is a slap in the face that this sanctions effort is proceeding at all
He said the city’s lawyers are running the cash register
“That cash register is still ringing We say you should stop it cold,” he said
Carney asked why punish them, holding them accountable for the city’s legal fees over which they have no control
“Withdraw the efforts to sanction the three fishermen,” he said “I have spent several years advocating for the environment and protecting the waters of Southwest Florida I am an avid fisherman I could not wait to move here from Illinois However, Cape Coral is gaining a reputation for not being a friendly place to live. Now the city is in the press again in trying to sue the three fishermen for legal fees ”
Sparks said they have already spent many thousands of their own dollars defending themselves and they have not even had a hearing yet
Boksner said the city did not initiate litigation against the three individuals, or any others He said the three were the ones who initiated proceedings against the city challenging the environmental permit
“Their conduct by initiating that process
forced us to expend resources,” Boksner said He said the city put them on notice, contending they had no legitimate basis in the law, or facts, surrounding their proceedings Although several parties to the challenge dropped out after being informed the city would seek to recoup its fees, Boksner said the three residents proceeded
“They caused this We are entitled to recoup our fees We did not initiate the proceeding; we responded to what they were doing They did not have legal basis, but they moved forward and did so at their own peril,” he said
Boksner said City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn extended efforts to end the process to avoid the expenses the city had to incur
“I had a legal obligation to ensure that we get that environmental permit for the removal of the lock,” he said
Ilczyszyn said prior to the hearings beginning, he had asked the legal team the city hired if it would be proper to try to reach some type of settlement before spending millions of dollars in fees He said he made phone calls and attended meetings and advised them that he had up to $100,000 at his discretion to do a joint project together of their choosing to further benefit the environment His efforts were turned down by all of them, he said
The parties that challenged the removal of the lock were successful in their first attempt with the city losing that case
The city then resubmitted the permit a second time and successfully staved off this subsequent challenge, which the three fisherman and their attorney who was denied permission to discuss the legal aspects of the case at Wednesday’s meeting adamantly
contend to not meet statutory standards for any recoupment of legal fees by the city
The residents contend the reason behind the recoupment effort is to dissuade residents and organizations from challenging city actions in the future
City officials say the cases are different as its permit submission was different
“This permit was not the same 2020 boat lock removal permit The 2024 permit was completely different,” Ilczyszyn said of the South Spreader Waterway Improvement Project, which involves many things that encompasses the entire water system
The permit includes such aspects as harvesting aquatic vegetation to remove nutrient loading before it moves into the weir behind the lock, putting in oyster fish havens to increase filtration, replacing stormwater inlets with a higher system, a joint scientific study with Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission for the small tooth sawfish and planting 3,000 mangroves Ilczyszyn said the city also worked with the marina behind the lock and worked out a side agreement for two docks that may be an issue, as well as providing further treatment of the water near the Rotary Dog Park, so dog feces bacteria does not load off into the environment
“On top of that was removing the lock We had received multiple letters from FWC,” he said of the manatees in the canal system around the lock
FWC would remove the deceased manatees and do a study, which revealed their bones and organs were crushed from the lock
“That is where the lock went into being removed,” Ilczyszyn said
NFMAA’s ‘Nutcracker’ returns to B.B. Mann
More than 200 students will take part in the holiday performance, a major fundraiser for the school
By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com
The North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts has turned the staging of “The Nutcracker” into a science, and every year they add new things to the show to make it extra special
On Wednesday, Dec 11, at 7 p m , the school returns to the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall for its 22nd edition of Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday ballet It will be their 14th time at B B Mann
More than 200 kids from grades K-8 will participate in the holiday classic, which has grown in size as the school has
Principal Andy Miller, who will play the traditional role of Uncle Drosselmeyer, said the event is one of the biggest fundraisers for the school’s foundation and always a fun experience.
“We perform three shows at the school for the students We have 1,400 students, so it takes three shows to get everyone to see it,” Miller said “Then we go to the Barbara B Mann It’s a great opportunity for the kids to go on the big stage and that’s pretty special ”
This year, Zoe Molina, a seventh-grader, will play the role of Clara This is her second appearance in the ballet, playing Snow last year
She said as a seventh-grader, she didn’t think she would get the role from nearly four dozen other candidates
“I was shocked because I’m in seventh grade and this is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Molina said “I’ve been dancing for eight or nine years now, so I’ve really worked for this ”
The role of the Nutcracker will be played by eighth-grader George Espinoza He spent the last two Nutcrackers as a Russian dancer, which really helped him get the title role this time
“I knew I wanted to dance after that because that was really fun I was happy and proud of myself when I got the role,” Espinoza said
Perhaps the biggest performance of the entire ballet is that of the Sugar Plum Fairy Eighth-grader Stratton Reed is in her third Nutcracker Reed’s role was also very competitive, with
dozens of girls seeking the part
“I was shocked and excited I did dance when I was little, took a break from it and returned I didn’t have the confidence at first But when I got the role, I thought I really am good at this,” Reed said
Playing for the students will be nice It will be performing for the 1,400 or so people on the big stage that the kids are looking forward to
“I was really nervous the first time Kind of nervous the second time Now, I’m not nervous at all,” Reed said “Except now, it’s in an important role ”
“I’ve been a performer my whole life because I did things other than dance But it’s nerve wracking because I’ve never done it in front of such a big crowd,” Molina said
Last year, the show took in nearly $20,000 for the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Foundation, which donates the money to the school
Tickets are between $15 and $35 A flash drive of the show is $25 Tickets can be purchased at the box office or at BBMannpah com
For more information, go to nfa leeschools net
ABOVE: Stratton Reed, the Sugar Plum Fairy,
Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
LEFT: George Espinosa and Zoe Molina, the Nutcracker and Clara, perform in rehearsal.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
We
The Cape Coral Fire Department’s special holiday wreath on the wall at Station #4 on Santa Barbara Boulevard.
PHOTO PROVIDED
‘Keep the Wreath Green’ CCFD’s annual holiday fire safety initiative underway
By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
An annual safety campaign put on by local first responders began on the first of the month, reminding residents to take precautions this holiday season when it comes to fire safety
Dec 1 marked the start of the Cape Coral Fire Department's annual "Keep the Wreath Green" initiative, where firefighters have placed a wreath illuminated with green bulbs at Fire Station 4 on Santa Barbara Boulevard Each time a preventable fire occurs, such as cooking, smoking, holiday decorations or candles, one of the green bulbs will change to red
The campaign runs until Jan 1, with CCFD putting safety at the forefront of the festive season, serving as a reminder to practice fire safety year-round.
With the hectic holiday season, CCFD officials said it can be easy for families to become complacent about fire safety
“As everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,” said Acting Fire Chief Mike Russell “That’s when home fires are more likely to occur ”
With the additional use of decorative lighting, live Christmas trees, increased cooking activities and the burning of candles, the risk of fire in homes increases, according to officials
Fortunately, with some added awareness and some minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating, the season can remain festive and safe for everybody
“The holidays can quickly turn from joyful to tragic when a fire occurs,” said CCFD spokesperson Andrea Schuch “By taking simple precautions, Cape Coral residents and visitors can stay safe, have holidays that are healthy and happy, and avoid potential fire hazards to ‘Keep the Wreath Green ’”
As of Tuesday, one bulb on the wreath has turned red due to an unattended cooking fire that occurred Monday night
CCFD officials provided some tips for residents to stay safe over the holiday season:
Decorations
■ Choose holiday decorations carefully, using those only made of flame-resistant, flame-retardant or noncombustible materials
■ Keep decorations away from heat sources Of the
fires that began with decorations, nearly half occurred due to the decoration’s proximity to a heat source
■ Keep decorations away from windows and doors that might be needed as a means of escape.
Candles
■ Keep candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or other combustible materials Two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles
■ Never leave candles unattended Extinguish them when you leave the room
■ Use sturdy candle holders that won’t tip over Lights
■ Use only lights listed by an independent testing laboratory and pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions for use
■ Closely inspect all holiday lighting before use to ensure all wires, bulbs and connections are in a safe condition Discard any lights with exposed wires, broken insulation, cracked or missing bulbs or other defects
■ Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not become damaged
■ Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed
Christmas trees
■ Before purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant
■ When choosing a live Christmas tree, look for signs of freshness by lightly pulling branches through your closed fist Fresh trees should retain their needles during this test
■ Have the tree lot operator provide a “fresh cut” by removing 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk
■ Immediately place the tree in water and add water daily Keep a close check on the dryness of the tree and remove the tree when needles easily fall off
■ Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights Cooking
■ Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U S home fires and home fire injuries After Thanksgiving,
Cape ‘influencer’ accused of second shoplifting incident
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com
A Cape Coral woman with a large social media following who was arrested for shoplifting from Target was arrested again nine days later, accused of the same crime
Marlena Velez, 22, was again charged with petit theft on Nov 30 Cape Coral Police Department officials stated she stole a total of $225 in merchandise from Target on Pine Island Road on Nov 20
Velez had been arrested on Nov 21 for allegedly stealing more than $500 worth of items in a separate incident at the same Target Police said she had scanned improper barcodes at the self-checkout
CCPD posted the woman’s photo on its social media accounts to identify her after the first alleged theft, which occurred on Oct 30 Police state an anonymous caller saw the post and gave a possible identification of Velez, and provided them with her Instagram handle
Police said Velez appears to be a content creator with almost 300,000 followers
During CCPD's second investigation of Velez on Nov 30, officers met with Target’s loss prevention staff, who said that on Nov 20, a known repeat female suspect, Velez, entered the store and, at a self-checkout register, did not scan some of the items but rather scanned a false barcode instead of the real barcodes on the merchandise Sixteen items of miscellaneous household goods and clothing were stolen, officials said
CCPD officials said that officers recognized Marlena Velez from the arrest and were able to positively identify her
“Officers were also able to positively identify Velez after reviewing the security video footage from this case and observing the wallpaper picture on Velez’s phone,” CCPD officials said in a release “The picture was the same one that was posted on Marlena Velez's Instagram account with her and her family and is the same wallpaper picture from the previous case.”
Police stated an adult male was present with her during the second theft, and has a distinct tattoo on his left arm that is the same tattoo shown on a male that is shown in some of Velez’s TikTok videos
With the holiday season in full-effect and stores much busier this time of year, CCPD officials warned those who attempt to shoplift
“You will get caught,” said CCPD officials “Whether it’s right then and there, or even weeks later as in the case of Marlena Velez; she committed her first act of theft on October 30th, and even though weeks had gone by since the crime took place, she was still arrested and will have to deal with the consequences of her actions ”
Velez was booked into Lee County Jail and has since bonded out on a $500 cash bond
City Reindeer Run 5K and Family Fun Run Dec. 14
The city of Cape Coral is hosting its third annual Reindeer Run 5K and 1 5 mile Family Fun Run Saturday, Dec 14, from 4-8 p m The race will be held at Coral Oaks Golf Course, 1800 N W 28th Ave , along the cart path
Runners can check in on the race day beginning at 4 p m The 5K will start at 5 p m , and the Family Fun Run/Walk will begin at 6 p m
To register for the event, please visit www cape-reindeerrun com
Marlena Velez
Starlight auction reaches lofty goal
ARC’s 30th annual fundraiser expected to exceed hoped-for $300,000 tally
By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com
For the 30th anniversary of the Animal Refuge Center’s Starlight Auction at the S a n i b e l H a r b o u r M a r r i o t t R e s o r t o n S a t u r d a y , t h e g o a l w a s s e t t o r a i s e $300,000
That’s roughly 30 percent of what’s needed to support ARC Some thought that goal was a bit high, as it would set a record for the event by quite a bit Well, never underestimate these animal lovers.
Though the numbers weren’t available as of Monday morning, it is believed the Starlight Auction reached its goal by plenty, in large part due to the $167,000 in cash donations, with the first $65,000 matched by two anonymous donors
The event also raised $21,000 from the nearly 140 silent auction items, with the rest coming from sponsorships, ticket sales and the items sold at the live auction
ARC Vice President Rob Spicker said he was confident they would achieve their goal at their signature fundraiser because of the plethora of items being sold
“We have 200 people bidding on 20 beautiful items We have Caribbean vacations, a $27,000 necklace and I hope it’s something our audience lays their eyes on and want to support our mission,” Spicker said “This night supports the ARC mission the most ”
The event has come a long way from its h u m b l e b e g i n n i n g s , l
Among those who remember is Jennifer Nichols, who started as a volunteer during ARC’s infancy
Today, she and her husband Dave have been title sponsors for the auction for the last two years, which she has attended since the first one in 1995 She and Dave, a veterinarian, married in 2008
ABOVE: Dave and Jennifer Nichols, title sponsors, during the 30th annual Animal Refuge Center's Starlight Auction on Saturday at the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa.
LEFT: ARC vice president Rob Spicker conducts the auction.
BALLARO
“ARC has grown exponentially The first auction we made $9,000 and we did all we could to keep the organization moving,” Nichols said “This has become a professionally run organization and auction
with the support of the community, which has been amazing ”
Among the other guests were some of the animals ARC is currently housing as well as dogs who have now found forever homes
Michelle Larson brought her threelegged dog, Bjorn, for people to enjoy Bjorn was hit by a car and brought to ARC Larson offered to pay for the surgery, which resulted in an amputation, and take the dog as a foster, which she later adopted
This can’t happen without ARC supporters Angie McGilerey has been to the auction for the past decade and she and her husband have a passion for rescue animals and even has a foundation named after a “tripod” dog (a three-legged dog) they own.
“We have four dogs and our own charitable foundation Bella’s Heart where we give back to the community and it’s been a huge passion of ours,” McGilerey said “We raised a lot of money last year, which we donated back to ARC We have a good collaboration going ”
The expectation was for the donation part of the auction to raise $130,000, double the $65,000 matching grant The fact it went more than $37,000 above that nearly assured the event would reach its lofty goal.
“I think we made it to our goal Without a question,” ARC President Wayne Leinen said “I appreciate everyone coming
CHUCK
t h t e a c h
r s a n d s t u d e n t s a s
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e y r e a c h t h e i r f u l l p o t e n t i a l ” N o m i n a t i o n s f o r t h e A s s i s t a n t P r i n c i p a l o f t h e Y e a r a r e m a d e b y s c h o o l a d m i n i s t r a t o r s , e m p l o y e e s , s t u d e n t s , a n d m e m b e r s o f t h e c o m m u n i t y A c o m m i t t e e o f s t a k e h o l d e r s r e v i e w e d t h e w r i t i n g t a s k s u b m i t t e d b y a s s i s t a n t p r i n c i p a l s t o s e l e c t t h e
Superintendent Dr Denise Carlin, Jill Cooke, assistant principal of curriculum at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts and North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Principal Andrew Miller are all smiles as Cooke accepts her commendation as the School District of Lee County’s 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LEE COUNTY
Trafalgar Middle’s Peggy Quinn named School Related Employee of the Year
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
A 2 6 - y e a r e m p l o y e e o f T r a f a l g a r
Middle School recently received the 2025 School Related Employee of the Year, a recognition that shocked her
“It really is such an honor I could not believe it 26 years here, 30 years in the system I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t like it,” Peggy Quinn said.
Quinn fell into working at an elementary school when her kids started school
She said she went from Gulf Elementary School to Pelican Elementary before going to Trafalgar Middle
She recalled thinking the students were so big, as she is only five feet tall, when she transitioned from elementary to middle school
“They are bigger than me what am I going to do,” Quinn said
Fortunately, that shift from elementary to middle school became just the right fit.
“My daughter started middle school when I started, so it was nice for both of us It was nice for me to experience that age of kid when my kid experienced it, too,” she said
When she was first hired at Trafalgar Middle School, she remembers the principal saying “You get to come to school every day ”
“I keep that in mind Not everybody does I get to come to a school, a job, that I love, I am pretty fortunate that way ”
The jobs she has held since starting at Trafalgar Middle School have run the gamut from being a paraprofessional in the
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LEE COUNTY
Trafalgar Middle School’s Peggy Quinn, named the School District of Lee County’s 2025 School Related Employee of the Year, reacts with surprise as she shakes hands with Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin.
classes to help them
“I can’t imagine not working with these kids,” Quinn said of the middle school age
Quinn is now in the front office answering phones and greeting parents
“I have seen generations of kids that were friends with my daughter when they were in kindergarten They now have kids that are at my school,” she said, adding that
she loves seeing the kids’ faces Quinn has also been the assistant coach for the girl’s soccer team for 17 years School Related Employees include bus
workers, helping teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, cafeteria staff, custodians and more. The school administrators nominate deserving support personnel for the School Related Employee of the Year A
selection committee reviews nominated forms, as wells as continuing education and training courses completed by the nominees to pick the award recipient
“Peggy exemplifies dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff,” Trafalgar Middle School Assistant Principal Dawn Beckman said in a prepared statement “Her ability to build strong, trusting relationships across all areas of our school community has made her an invaluable asset Her work goes far beyond her job title, impacting every corner of our school through her warm personality, high standards, and willingness to support others in any way possible ”
Quinn’s nomination will be forwarded to the Florida Department of Education for the state competition of the School Related Employee of the Year
Quinn said among the things she enjoys the most about being at Trafalgar Middle is the community of the school and of Cape Coral
“I call different businesses every year to get donations for things we do Because I have done it, and because people know what I am calling for and trust me, they are willing to give to our school and help out with whatever we need,” she said. “It is just a nice downhome kind of feel It makes it easy to stay here and makes you want to help out and do good ”
Quinn also loves working with the people that make up Trafalgar Middle School
“We are a big happy family here,” she said
Holiday Festival of Lights: Longtime tradition set for Saturday
From page 1
Cape’s version of a winter wonderland, featuring lights, visits from Mr and Mrs Claus, a tree lighting, and even a snow slide
“The Incredible Bank Holiday Festival of Lights is a cherished tradition that brings our community together to celeb r a t e t h e m a g i c o f t h e s e a s o n , ” s a i d Donna Germain, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral “For over 40 years, we’ve seen families create memories, local businesses shine, and the spirit of Cape Coral come alive We’re honored to host this incredible event and look forward to spreading joy and holiday cheer once again this year ”
The opening ceremony for the Holiday Festival of Lights takes place at 5:45, with Santa arriving for the official LCEC tree lighting at 6:15 The jolly couple will take to the Cape Coral Town Center (Big John’s Plaza), and will be available for pictures immediately after the tree lighting until 9:45
“We hope attendees leave the Holiday Festival of Lights feeling the warmth and joy of the season, inspired by the sense of community that makes Cape Coral so special,” Germain said “It’s about more than just the snow and entertainment, it’s about c r e a t i n g l a s t i n g m e m o r i e s w
o v e d ones, supporting local businesses, and celebrating the vibrant spirit of our city Our goal is for every person to walk away with a renewed connection to our community and a heart full of holiday cheer ”
This staple community event drums up t h e m a g
Southwest Florida and the country steps into the season full-swing The Holiday
“The Holiday Festival of Lights is special because it truly captures the heart of Cape Coral It’s not just an event, it’s a tradition that brings families, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate the season in a way that’s uniquely ours From the joy on children’s faces as they visit Santa, ride the Tiny Tot’s Train or slide down the snow drift, every detail is designed to create a magical experience What makes it even more meaningful is the way our local businesses, volunteers, and community members come together to make it happen year after year.”
Donna Germain,
president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
Festival of Lights also features the Tiny Tots Train Ride, sponsored by Kiwanis
C
Boulevard There will be four holiday stages, sponsored by Gator Country, Mix 104 7, and Bob FM, with local entertain-
Park, sponsored by Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park and Open Doors Preschool, is a free kids area with inflatables, live holi-
more, located at the east end of the event adjacent to Wendy’s
“The Holiday Festival of Lights is special because it truly captures the heart of Cape Coral,” Germain said “It’s not just an event, it’s a tradition that brings families, friends, and neighbors together to c
uniquely ours. From the joy on children’s faces as they visit Santa, ride the Tiny Tot’s Train or slide down the snow drift, every detail is designed to create a magical experience What makes it even more
meaningful is the way our local businesses, volunteers, and community members come together to make it happen year after year ”
A highlight every year, the 15-ton snow slide, sponsored by Technology at Work of SWFL and Eco Mold Testing, brings an aspect of the holiday season that
plunge down the slope, located adjacent to the Winn-Dixie parking lot along the Parkway, throughout the event
“Bringing snow to Southwest Florida is one of the coolest and most unique parts of the Holiday Festival of Lights,” Germain said “It’s such a joy to see kids and even adults experiencing the magic of snow in a place where it’s so rare It adds an extra touch of wonder and excitement to the evening, and it’s one of those things that makes this event truly unforgettable for our community ”
The event is also collecting food and monetary donations to benefit the Cape Coral Caring Center
For Germain and the event’s organizers, the evening is all about spreading holiday cheer, bringing a sense of community, and giving families and residents a memorable occasion they can look forward to each and every year
“Seeing the joy on the faces of families and children is the most rewarding part of the Holiday Festival of Lights,” she said “It’s a reminder of why we do this year a
together in celebration is truly heartwarming These moments of pure happiness and connection are what make this event so special, and it’s an honor to play a part in creating those memories for our community ”
Major, supporting, and media sponsors f
John’s Plaza, City of Cape Coral, Cape Coral Community Redeveloped AgencySouth Cape, Turner Pest Control, Garage Door Works, Quantum Fiber, Powers & Riders, First Response Home Watch Pros, B
Skyworks, Lamar Advertising, Waste Pro, ACRA Electric, Taylor Rental - Creative
Family Waterpark, Suncoast Beverage, Cape Coral Sun, Fox-4, and The NewsPress
Cape Coral Parkway will close at 5 a m on Dec 7, and reopen at 2 a m on Dec 8
Parking for the event is on a firstcome, first-serve basis in public parking lots.
For more information, visit www holidayfestivalcc com
Inheritance: Film looks at ‘generational addiction,’ follows life of child
From page 1
know they’re in recovery We just wanted to send a message of hope and that people recover, and to reduce stigma ”
“Inheritance,” which was released earlier this year, is a documentary that follows Curtis, a 12-year-old boy and his family over an 11-year period Curtis is growing up in rural Appalachia in a family and community surrounded by substance use disorder and poverty The film asks the question: Can Curtis break the cycle of addiction that has plagued his family for generations?
According to the film’s synopsis, “Inheritance” explores the underlying causes of the opioid epidemic in America through the life of one boy and five generations of his extended family “Curtis, a bright and hopeful boy, grows up from age 12 to 18 surrounded by love and struggle while every adult in his family parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins battles addiction,” the synopsis states “Curtis’ America is an America where people and communities are struggling with an epidemic of substance use disorder, joblessness and a deteriorating sense of belonging ”
Producers and directors of the documentary, Matt Moyer and Amy Toensing, stated that the film began in 2012 without them knowing it Moyer was filming food distribution in a church and approached by J P, a key character in the film and Curtis’ cousin After hearing J P talk about his addiction, jailing, and search for redemption, Moyer made a short film telling his story, with Toensing serving as second camera on the project
“As we spent time with J P , his family, and his community, we realized the issue was far more complex than the devastation wrought by one drug,” read a statement from the directors “Here was a troubled America, one where communities that bore the brunt of economic decline now faced inherited poverty, joblessness, abuse, addiction, and hopelessness At the core, it seemed, was a cycle of intergenerational trauma and mental health problems underlying America’s substance use disorder crisis ”
The pair met Curtis in 2016, and said they kept the focus on his story “With a belief that audiences would view him as a representative of millions of kids in America ”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that about one out of every eight kids in America grows up in homes with a substance-use problem
Comella said it’s vital to break the stigma surrounding addiction
“It’s almost a situation where unless it happens to you and
you understand it’s a brain disease otherwise people very much feel you’re a bad person, you made bad choices, you deserve what you got,” she said. “So much of it is caused by opiates that are prescribed and in as little as five days, you can get addicted
“Historically, if people are making judgments about us, it makes it harder to get treatment, access treatment You need the support of a community to get better ”
Drug-Free Lee works year-round to send a vital message to children on how drugs can impact their lives They have programs such as Drug House Odyssey, peer programs in schools, put out media programs made by local youth themselves in the form of public service announcements and social media messaging
“We work very hard to get the message out,” Comella said. “(Parents) need to talk to their kids, have discussions with them, and get ready for the fact that they’re going to talk back, but, to tell your kids you love them and you care about them, and you don’t want anything to happen ”
With the holiday season here, Comella said now is a great time to reach out to a loved one that is struggling
“The whole story of the holidays is hope and redemption,” she said “No matter what religion you follow or spiritual path you take we have to believe in hope and reception That goes right along with our friends, relatives, and loved ones that may have substance abuse disorder who are not feeling the support and love that they need to seek treatment It’s always a good time to reach out, but I think it’s really meaningful during the holidays
“The lights around the holidays are a light of hope and the light of love It’s a great time of year if you know someone or someone in your family (is struggling), to show that support ”
The event is free to attend, though organizers ask for attendees to RSVP if possible to the Eventbrite page on Eventbrite com searching “Inheritance Film and Producer Talk Back ”
Collaboratory is at 2031 Jackson St in Fort Myers
For more information on Drug-Free Lee, visit www drugfreelee org
COMMUNITY
Ladybugs
By SHERIE BLEILER
news@breezenewspapers com
My plants are my babies So like any hovering parent, I get worried when I see aphids or scale insects sucking the juice out of the leaves of my prized plants! Yet, I am also a butterfly gardener and value these ethereal beauties who fly above my flowers I don’t want to spray for bugs because butterflies and their caterpillar young are insects, and would also be killed Thus, I am exploring the topic of good bugs today, specifically, lady beetles
Insects are about 90% “good” (do not eat plants) and 10% “bad” according to biologists Most know that ladybugs are “good” in that they eat “bad” insects
GARDEN CLUB OF CAPE CORAL
There are many species of ladybug just like there are many kinds of birds Four of Florida's 75 species of ladybugs appear to be specialized predators of whiteflies Some species prefer aphids, others prefer scale insects and so on.
Adult ladybugs are cute, spotted beetles, although not all have spots But their larvae do not resemble them at all and can be mistaken for “bad” bugs Like a butterfly, which starts as a caterpillar, ladybugs start their young life looking like a bumpy blob They can be black, white or multi-colored After hatching from their egg, they go through four stages where their old skin peels off and then they become a pupae During the pupae stage, they miraculously change into the adult beetle version of themselves
The mealybug destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) is a small, dark brown ladybug with a tan head, imported from Australia in 1891 as a biological control for citrus infested with mealybugs The Garden Club of Cape Coral volunteers, who care for the butterfly garden at the south library, have become quite familiar with these insects Toward the end of the dry season, volunteers can depend on the arrival of mealybugs seriously infesting one or more coontie plants This garden is off limits for routine spraying for pest control, but they have tried to just target the infected leaves and sprayed them with neem oil More recently, gardeners learned that by just patiently waiting a couple of weeks, the mealybug destroyers would show up They look just like a giant white mealybug. It is tempting to kill it. However, a single larva may consume up to 250 small mealybugs Within a couple of weeks, the mealybugs are mostly gone Is this lazy gardening, smart gardening or BOTH?!
We still have so much to learn about the complex relationships happening in our gardens It appears that letting nature handle the balance of good bugs and bad bugs is often the best strategy Lacewings, parasitic wasps, bigeyed bugs, flower flies and predatory mites are a few of the beneficial insects available to us, if we just do not kill them Be curious, not afraid They are amazing!
If you are interested in learning more about what is happening right under our nose, check out these resources:
■ https://biocontrol entomology cornell edu/predators/Cryptolaemus php
■ https://gardeningsolutions ifas ufl edu/care/floridafriendly/beneficial-insects/
■ Other good bugs: https://edis ifas ufl edu/publication/in120
Sherie Bleiler volunteers at the Cape Coral Library Butterfly Garden and is past president of the Garden Club of Cape Coral Visit the club website at www gardenclubofcapecoral com Like us on our Facebook page
DECEMBER
‘Artisan Adventures’ on exhibit at Cape Library through Dec. 30
There is still time to catch the cur-
Adventures,” featuring exceptional w o r k b y
Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild, on the walls and in the lighted cases of the Cape Coral Library art gallery
The show will be in place through Dec 30
Each piece in this exhibit is a handmade, original and unique product of the individual artist’s imagination There are 66 examples of glass art, sculpture, mixed media, two-dimensional works, jewelry, functional art and fiber creations on display
The library is located at 921 S W 39th Terrace, off Mohawk Parkway, and the exhibit will be open for your
hours
PHOTO PROVIDED
A mixed media 3-D artwork by Nancy A. Gray is among the items on display at Cape Coral Library until the end of December
The Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild was formed 53 years ago and is a respected non-profit artist collective for creative minds Members actively participate in the local
community by lending their expertise and taking part in art exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and art scholarships Local artists are invited to join this dynamic group to expand their knowledge and connect with others Whether you’re a seasoned fine craftsperson or just starting your creative journey, the guild is here to
Additional information is available at www SWFFCG org
Changing art exhibitions in the library’s gallery are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford local artists the opportunity to share their work in this public forum The variety of visual experience benefits Library visitors of all ages For information contact Monica Rahman, Art Gallery chairperson, at gallery@capefriends org, or visit www capefriends org Follow “Friends of the Cape Coral Library” on Facebook
Cape Friends of Wildlife to host presentation on conservation efforts in Southwest Florida
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife will meet Tuesday, Dec 10, at 7 p.m., at Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral The meeting will feature a presentation by Beth Finn from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Finn will present an overview of the history and mission of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida The organization is renowned for its dedication to protecting the region’s unique and precious resources, focusing on initiatives that benefit land, water, wildlife and future
During the presentation, attendees will gain insights into the Conservancy’s critical work, including:
■ Strategies for peacefully coexisting with Florida panthers and other native wildlife
■ Approaches to wildlife rehabilitation and the steps being taken to improve local water quality
■ The impact of ongoing policy and research efforts to preserve the region's ecosystem
■ Highlights of their groundbreaking work in protecting native species, particularly through their python research and removal program, aimed at combatting invasive species
This event is open to the public and is free of charge Doors open at 6:30 p m for sign-in and networking Finn's presentation will begin at 7 p m followed by the CCFW business meeting
About Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to preserve and enhance the habitats of protected wildlife species and to educate the community about the city’s wildlife resources Those interested in donating to support the Cape’s wildlife, joining or volunteering, visit ccfriendsofwildlife org or call 239-9802593
PRIDE Cape Coral to hold ‘The Holidays Are a Drag!’ Tuesday in South Cape
Get ready to sleigh the holiday season with an unforgettable night at "The Holidays Are a Drag!" Join PRIDE Cape Coral on Tuesday, Dec 10, from 6-10 p m , at Cruisers, 1517 S E 47th Terrace in South Cape for a festive evening
This holiday-themed extravaganza will feature some of Southwest Florida’s top performers, including the PRIDE Cape Coral Board of Directors Hosting the event is Miss Cape Coral PRIDE 2020, Alyssa Lemay, alongside performances from AJ Ford, Greg Dye, Melissa Moore, Brandon Freed (Chloe Bone Cicconi), Bryan Smith & Shannon Coke.
Tickets are $40 when purchased in advance (available
until Dec 7) and $45 if purchased within three days of the event, pending availability Tickets includes entry and appetizers A cash bar will also be available
Need a last-minute gift? We’ve got you covered! Shop PRIDE merchandise or take your chances with exciting raffles, including a 50/50 drawing
BackStreets Sports Bar, Cruisers Lounge, PRIDE Cape C
& En
tain men t Association
Interested in donating a raffle item or basket? Email info@pridecapecoral.com
The is a 21+ event ID's required at check-in
Free garden tour at Cape Coral Museum of History
A free garden tour will be held Wednesday, Dec, 11, at the Cape Coral Museum of History, 544 Cultural Park Blvd. The tour is conducted by Master Gardeners. They will show and discuss Florida native and friendly plants that can be planted in residents' yards
Guests can also learn about the nine principals of
Florida Friendly Landscaping This is a program under the guidance of the University of Florida All master gardeners are taught this in their training.
The tours will be every second Wednesday now through April No reservations are needed, except of groups of six or more Call the museum at 239-7737037
Cape animal shelter gets grant for free spay & neuters
Officials recommend quick & safe veterinary procedure as a way to end unwanted puppy and kitten crisis
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To
spay/neuter, contact CCAS’s v
2002 Ext. 106.
I
Coral Pet Vet and Dr Cecilia Fisher, CCAS is sponsoring 75
F
Trap, Neuter, Release cats for Community Cats. All cats must be in traps and will receive a
tipped
To schedule an appointment for TNR cats, contact Cape Coral Pet Vet directly at 239772-2009
C C A S i s a l s o p r o m o t i n g t h e l i c e n s e p l a t e p r o g r a m s o t h a t m o r e f u n d s c a n b e g r a n t e d t o o r g a n i z a t i o n s l i k e C C A S , w h o s e
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a n d b e e a r t i p p e d
City looks to develop Commercial Structure Resilience Grant program
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
With a Cape Coral City Council consensus in hand, city staff will dive deeper into creating a Commercial Structure Resilience Grant program
Emergency Management & Resilience Director Ryan Lamb said during Wednesday’s Council workship they are very much in the “dough phase” of the grant They are looking at how to become tougher as a city, as storms are becoming stronger and more frequent.
“How do we get stronger as storms impact our area? How do we break this cycle that is more sustainable and tougher,” Lamb said
The workshop touched upon the different threats from a hurricane wind, rain, surge, tornados, loss of power, and impact of fires
Structures can suffer from wind and flooding damage, as well as a fire and loss of products
that are perishable, as well as productivity among businesses
“We are looking at strengthening the commercial structures,” Lamb said, as they want to break out of the cycle of repair and damage
He said as soon as they can get grocers and hardware stores open it takes a burden off the government to provide that resource, the life-sustaining measures
They are looking to partner with an engineer firm and four local businesses, the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, food service, hardware store and local nonprofit
The idea is to do a cost-benefit analysis to see how protection against wind, flood, fire, and power can impact their insurance benefits
“We can’t stop the rain from falling What can we do to protect the businesses, so as soon as we get debris out of the street, they
can get back to work,” he said
City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said the idea is to understand what it will cost to do flood proofing, auxiliary power
“If you all like this idea a consensus to move forward we will hire an engineer to work with businesses and get real costs,” he said.
Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said she thought the grant idea was fantastic, as it is a proactive approach
“I think this is excellent,” she said, adding that she would also like to consider new builds incentivize them to take a resiliency approach
Ilczyszyn said they are looking at regulations for new construction that would require them to be more resilient, such as having auxiliary power with their site plan
“The key is communication working with our partners, communication with the
business community,” Lastra said “It’s all about getting up and running a lot quicker I highly support this and think this is excellent ”
Councilmember Bill Steinke also thought the program was awesome, and said he fully supports it, but would suggested that the city consider generator power as fuel sources, and propane, become an issue after hurricanes He said they do not want businesses that have generator capacity without the resources available
Councilmember Laurie Lehmann said there also is a solar possibility to look into
“All of these details need to be looked at, so we can have power and get businesses back up and not having the great losses,” she said, adding that older businesses need to be up to code and resilient after a disaster
There was discussion of piloting the grant program in the CRA.
CRA building & fire code improvements may become grant eligible
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
Cape Coral City Council, sitting as South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency commissioners, voted unanimously Wednesday to bring back a resolution to amend the Breaking Barriers to Business Grant to include building and fire code improvements
Economic Development Manager Sharon Woodberry said the grant was initially established to meet challenges from businesses in the South Cape to meet standards of codes She said it provided an avenue to give financial support to help with costs
“The changes are to also include building improvements that are often triggered to meet
the fire code,” Woodberry said about some additional costs that are not taken into consideration
Additional costs can include fire sprinkler systems and building improvement expenses such as fire walls
City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn, who also acts as the CRA’s executive director, said the grant was created for the CRA to be a financial partner to get through all the things that are not part of the business plan, but are required by the city He said the complaints coming in are from a lot of the older businesses entering into agreements with new tenants
“What the developer built is not built to suit the intended end use,” Ilczyszyn said,
adding that about 95% of the solutions require a two-hour fire wall “The single biggest event that we see in tenant buildouts is as new building gets built, a new lease gets opened, and they do not advise the tenant that their unit is not intended for that type of use ”
What happens is the business falls six months behind their opening target
“When speaking with the fire marshal, and fire chief, every time they review a building with one-hour fire wall, the tenants are going back in with permits for two-hour fire walls It’s an issue,” Ilczyszyn said Mayor John Gunter, a commercial contractor, said typically with a two-hour fire wall there are two sheets of 5H drywall, which has a minimal cost
“It’s extremely more costly to do it after the fact To me, it’s a no brainer I will definitely support that It’s going to help the tenants out there It’s easier to do it under new construction than modify what is there,” he said
Woodberry said the budget for the grant is $545,000 To date, the board has approved $68,000 in funding
A resolution will be brought back for possible adoption
The commissioners also had a lengthy discussion regarding how to define a small business, as there were discussions that the commissioners would like to prioritize requests to small businesses. The conversation will come back before the commissioners
Grand jury proceeding & budget related to Lee County Sheriff ’s Office discussed at Commission meeting
U.S. Attorney’s Office also now reported to be conducting an audit into Sheriff ’ s Office finances
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com
The existence of a grand jury proceeding related to an investigation involving the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was disclosed at a meeting of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday
District 2 Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass said that a grand jury will be convening over “the next 10 days” regarding the investigation
Pendergrass said Thursday he believes the proceeding is looking into permitting involving the Lee County Sheriff's Office at its Six Mile Cypress Parkway property
Pendergrass also said Thursday that the U S Attorney’s Office is conducting an audit of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The budget of the office has grown from $196 million in 2020 to $315 million for the 2024-25 budget
Lee County Sheriff’s Office Capt Anita Iriarte responded to questions about the investigation by saying the office is cooperating
“As always and in all matters the Sheriff’s Office is working cooperatively, and cohesively with our law enforcement partners,” Iriarte said Thursday via email
A grand jury proceeding it secret until charges, if any, are filed
The comments by Pendergrass at Tuesday’s meeting were in response to a proposal from District 2 Commissioner Brian Hamman to fund the Lee County Sheriff’s Office budget through special district taxes
Pendergrass pushed back against the move, saying it could lead to higher taxation if com-
munities with their own police units reject the special district taxation
“I know everybody wants to respond based upon what’s going on with the big elephant in the room,” Pendergrass said “The grand jury is going to be convening for the next 10 days We’re not going to know anything for a few weeks I don’t want to get out there ahead of something I know some people want to respond to something but sometimes it’s best to wait and see ”
Pendergrass said Hamman’s proposal could lead to higher taxes if municipalities that have their own police departments reject paying into the Sheriff’s Office special district, leading to what he called “double taxation ”
Pendergrass said all six municipalities in the county would have to agree to special district taxation
Lee County Attorney Richard Wesch said a study would determine the tax levy and that all county municipalities would have to approve it
Pendergrass said if every municipality paid into it, he would support such a move.
Hamman said his proposal for a special district for the Sheriff’s Office would lead to greater transparency He said the Sheriff’s Office budget makes up about half of the county’s General Fund
“This budget has been growing at such a large pace, we have had to cut other departments,” Hamman said
“Law enforcement is a top priority for us I don’t think they should be competing (with other departments),” Hamman said
Hamman said he didn’t want to cut the Sheriff’s budget, though
“It’s certainly something I don’t want to be cut It’s something I want to see as a priority,” Hamman said “We actually don’t approve every single expenditure the Sheriff’s Office makes We only approve the budget ”
Hamman said he wants the county to look into his proposal in a strategic planning session by hiring a consultant
“It’s kind of premature thinking we are going to be able to control the Sheriff’s Department budget,” Pendergrass said. “It wouldn’t take any pressure off the commission” though he said it might take off some of the “limelight” on the commission for the Sheriff’s Office budget
“We still don’t have any control over purchases,” Pendergrass said
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and its budget has been under scrutiny in recent months since former Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mike Hollow accused Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno of contracting with a Bonita Springs jewelry store owner for social media consulting for the department at a rate of $5,700 a month and then asking that individual to help pay for a luxury vehicle for Marceno’s father
The contract with the consultant was ultimately canceled by Marceno due to a reported law enforcement investigation involving the store owner
Marceno responded to Hollow’s accusations in September, saying they were “politically-motivated and baseless from a disgrun-
tled employee.”
Hollow ran against Marceno for sheriff as a write-in candidate and lost in November, with Marceno receiving 90% of the vote
Pendergrass said he didn’t believe that Sheriff’s Office consulting contracts which have become controversial were part of the grand jury proceedings
In addition to the consulting contract with Bonita Springs jewelry store owner Ken Romano, other consulting contracts the Sheriff’s Office has engaged in under Marceno are a $9,000 a month contract with AGL Solutions, whose president is former State Sen Lizbeth Benacquisto, a Republican who formerly represented parts of Lee County The contract calls on her firm to attend government, community and business meetings and provide advice
Another consulting contract lists John E McGowan and Legacy Strategic Consulting, Inc at a rate of $5,000 a month for helping to recruit members of the civilian support unit and to support them with marketing and community outreach activities
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners approve the budget of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and has voted to expand services, such as a 2022 expansion of the narcotics unit from 24 to 44 employees while adding five state prosecutors which led to an annual increase in personnel of $1 7 million for the Sheriff's Office and $463,700 for the State Attorney’s Office for the 20th Judicial Circuit to prosecute Lee County cases
HEALTH
HEATH NOTES
Cape Coral Volunteer Fireman’s Benevolent Association donates
$125,000
for playground resur facing
The Cape Coral Volunteer Fireman’s Benevolent Association has donated $125,000 to Lee Health Foundation for resurfacing the infant/toddler playground at Lee Health’s Cape Coral Child Development Center
This much-needed upgrade will replace the current mulch and sand with a safer poured-in-place rubber surface, addressing key safety concerns for children at the center.
The current surface presents challenges, such as loose mulch that can be difficult to manage and sand that requires extra maintenance to ensure cleanliness The lack of a smooth surface also prevents children from using developmental toys like push toys and tricycles Support from CCVFBA will provide a safer, more suitable play environment
This donation comes at a critical time, as the demand for services at the Cape Coral Child Development Center continues to grow The center currently serves 90 children, with over 130 on a waiting list This upgrade will allow the children to play safely, promoting their physical development while reducing maintenance costs and safety risks
Since its founding, CCVFBA has been dedicated to helping children in Lee County, particularly in Cape Coral
For more about health care advocacy in Southwest Florida and philanthropic opportunities with Lee Health, visit LeeHealthFoundation org
Premier Mobile Health Ser vices to host Breakfast with Santa Dec. 14
Premier Mobile Health Services will hold its sixth annual Breakfast with Santa at City of Palms Park’s east parking lot, 2201 Edison Ave , in downtown Fort Myers, Saturday, Dec 14, from 9 a m to noon
Families will enjoy breakfast as the children visit with Santa and receive a free toy, while supplies last There will be prize giveaways of bicycles and free haircuts for kids, with Premier Mobile Health Services providing free medical screenings for children and the Lions Club offering vision and hearing screenings
Participating organizations to date include Golisano Children’s Hospital; Optimum Care SWFL; Sunshine Health; the Fort Myers Police and Fire Departments and Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with additional participants anticipated
A n A m a z o n t o y w i s h l i s t c a n b e f o u n d a t https://a co/jdZVQCu Donations of new, unwrapped toys and bicycles can be dropped off during regular business hours at 10676 Colonial Blvd , Suite 20 in Fort Myers
To make monetary donations, sponsor the event or volunteer, please visit www premiermobilehealth org, email info@premiermobilehealth org or call 239-2887949
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida to hold free autism screening for young children
Dec. 13
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to 5 years of age
The next screening will be held Friday, Dec 13, from 9 a m to 2 p m , at the Pediatric Specialist Office, 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers
The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida The screeni n g s a r e a d m i n i s t e r e d b y a n A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e Registered Nurse, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders
A physician referral is not required To schedule a screening, please call 239-343-6838
DECEMBER
6, 2024
What is cardiac imaging?
Cardiac imaging consists of taking pictures of the heart and surrounding structures It helps physicians learn more about a patient’s heart and take preventive measures to help keep patients safe and healthy Interpreting these scans requires specialized medical training, and it matters who looks at them. Lee Health has highly trained cardiac imaging specialists on staff that help other
details about the heart and how to use this information to provide patients with exceptional care
The Lee Health Heart Institute is the largest heart program in Southwest Florida It believes in a collaborative approach to cardiac care where cardiac imaging experts work closely with the referring physician to ensure a personalized care plan that meets
HealthPark Medical Center, the Lee Health Heart Institute specializes in everything from primary and specialty care, advanced cardiac imaging, cardiac rehabilitation and more
Why is the heart one of the body’s most important organs?
The heart is part of the circulatory system, a network of blood vessels, including arteries, veins and capillaries, that carry blood to and from all areas of the body If the heart is weakened, the body's organs won’t receive enough blood
This is important because blood carries oxygen and nutrients that organs need to work properly and perform at an optimal level Valves in the heart keep blood flowing in the right direction and without a healthy heart, none of this would work correctly
What are the main types of cardiac imaging?
Cardiac imagists at the Lee Health Heart Institute work to accurately identify any potential issues and take next steps based on their findings The heart is one of the most complex organs in the body There are intricacies and nuances that must be studied by a professional There are also a variety of heart imaging tests that can be ordered
Sometimes these types of imaging can be combined, such as CT and PET scans Other times, physicians recommend a patient undergo a variety of tests to get a full picture of the area to determine best treatment options Cardiac imaging tests include:
■ Cardiac computed tomography (CT)
■ Echocardiogram (echo)
(SPECT) stress testing
■ Stress Echocardiography
■ Stress MRI
■ Cardiac MRI
■ Coronary angiogram or left heart catheterization (“heart cath”)
■ Multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan
When does a physician recommend a cardiac imaging test?
When a physician orders one of these tests, they’re trying to gather essential information to treat the patient A cardiac imaging test can help determine signs of:
■ Coronary artery disease
■ Arrhythmia
■ Heart attack
■ Pediatric and congenital heart conditions such as structural abnormalities
■ Heart failure
■ Pericardial disease, or disease of the heart lining
■ Heart valve disease
A cardiac imaging test can also help monitor an existing condition, monitor blood flow and check the condition of the heart
How do I prepare for a cardiac imaging test?
There are no risks associated with these tests However, often there are guidelines that patients must adhere to, such
as:
■ For cardiac CT scans and cardiac MRIs, jewelry should be left at home
angiograms, avoid foods, beverages and medications that contain caffeine
■ For cardiac MRIs, remove hearing aids if applicable, and glasses, clips and other items that might contain metal
providers about any medical conditions; all the medications you take, including pres
supplements and recreational drugs; if you are pregnant; have any pieces of metal inside your body, and if you have any medical devices, such as pacemakers, mechanical valves, rods or screws implanted in your body
Echocardiogram: Heart imaging with sound waves
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart It provides a dynamic view of the heart's structure and function, allowing physicians to assess heart health, detect abnormalities, and monitor conditions over time
Cardiac MRI: Detailed heart imaging
A Cardiac MRI is a non-invasive scan that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the heart and blood vessels This imaging service offers valuable insights into heart conditions, blood flow, and tissue health, helping physicians diagnose and manage various heart-related issues
Nuclear Cardiology: Evaluating heart function
Nuclear cardiology tests involve injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the bloodstream to assess heart function and blood flow to the heart muscle These tests help physicians diagnose heart diseases, evaluate treatment options, and determine the effectiveness of interventions, providing crucial information for personalized heart care
Cardiac CTA Scan: A closer look at the heart
A cardiac CTA scan, or computed tomography angiography, offers a non-invasive way to create detailed 3D images of the heart and its blood vessels This service is instrumental in detecting coronary artery disease, assessing blood flow, and evaluating overall heart health A CTA scan is often used to determine the need for further interventions or to monitor heart conditions
When should I see a cardiologist?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consider sharing them with your primary care physician to help determine best next steps:
■ A feeling like your heart is racing very fast
■ Feeling like you might faint
■ Shortness of breath that’s worsening
■ Chest discomfort or bad indigestion that’s not going away
■ Swelling in the legs
■ Noticeable weight gain
Adults with a family history of heart disease should consider visiting a cardiologist in their twenties or thirties to make sure all is well with their heart health and to develop a plan for how frequently they should come back for a check-up
Younger adults who do not have a family history but want to make sure they’re heart healthy should discuss a plan with their primary care physician who can refer them to a cardiologist if needed
To learn more about cardiac imaging or to make an a p
Dr Juan Lopez-Mattei is Medical Director of Cardiac Imaging at the Lee Health Heart Institute
Dr. Juan Lopez-Mattei Guest Column
Beacon of Hope Holiday House at Tarpon Lodge this weekend
Annual Pine Island event to run Friday, Saturday and Sunday
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com
While back to back storms were bad news for many this fall, even named hurricanes could not stop plans for the Beacon of Hope Holiday House event at the Tarpon Lodge According to Beacon of Hope board member Elsie Stearns, many folks are excited to undergo the steadfast holiday event that has become in itself a Pine Island treasure.
“We’re hoping that everyone will come and bring their shopping bags to support all these local vendors,” Stearns said
Anyone looking to grab some one-of-a-kind holiday gift while visiting with friends, listening to music and snacking on Tarpon Lodge gourmet treats won’t be disappointed, she said, maintaining that this yearly event is just one example of islanders taking care of islanders
Stearns explained the importance of finding out how best to support island businesses owners even outside this event, as many are at a critical time, either rebuilding or having just come back from it
“I think this will be a great opportunity to reconnect with Pine Island business owners and find out if they are at other venues so we can support them, not just at Holiday House but in the future in new places or back in their old
places,” Stearns said
She is looking forward to the live music scheduled for each night, as well as Saturday night’s wine tasting, explaining that the shopping area has been extended to compensate for all the vendors this year
In addition, Stearns said she is hoping every islander, even those needing only one gift, finds the opportunity to come by and support their fellow island community
“I think it’s a big opportunity to say to the other islanders, ‘We care about you and want to help you to continue to be successful,’” Stearns said
Tarpon Lodge owner Rob Wells is always happy to lend a hand to the Beacon of Hope and this year is no different
“We love having the opportunity to host the Holiday House at the Tarpon Lodge each year, but something just seems more special about raising money for island needs following a difficult hurricane season We look forward to welcoming the community back, once an again, to spend time together, share stories, and spread holiday cheer,” Wells said
Local artisans and vendors include: Calusa Land Trust, Beacon Attic and Raffles, Koucky Studios, Sweeney’s SOS, Bernadette’s Designs, Pine Island Tropicals, Caristo Jewelry, Bohemian Blue, Pine Island Art Association,
‘Meet Me Under the Mistletoe’ concert
The Lee County Community Band will present “Meet Me Under the Mistletoe!” at 3 p m this Sunday, Dec 8, at Mariner High School in Cape Coral
Under the direction of Gil Peltola, the band will perform a variety of sacred and secular music, including traditional carols and beloved holiday songs The program includes “March of the Toys,” “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Santa Meets Sousa,” “Christmas ‘a la’ Big Band,” “Journey to Bethlehem” and “O’ Holy Night," with vocalist Fred Lamb
Sunday at Mariner High
The 60-member adult band presents six concerts between November and April Additional concert dates are Jan 12, Feb 16, March 16, and April 13
Admission is free, though the band relies on the contributions of audience members and patrons to meet its expenses All concerts are at Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd , North, Cape Coral, beginning at 3 p m , and are open to the public
For additional information, visit LeeCountyBand org, LeeCountyCommunityBand@gmail com or call 239600-9052
From left, EV Goodwyn, Marjorie Goodwyn and Elsie Stearns at a previous Holiday House on Pine Island
S o m e t h i n g N o w , Z W e a
Inspirations, OnofrioDoro Fine Jewelry, CW Fudge, The House of Cloth, Island Time Fashions and Vanilla Bee Farms
The Tarpon Lodge is located in Pineland at 13771 Waterfront Dive on the Bokeelia end of the island Musicians scheduled to perform include Joe Yeoman Band, Calypso Magic and DJ Frankie
Mara Balodis Art, Herbalachian~Ashley Paige Studio, Tagua Jewelry, Reel Chase, Mangrove Republic, Craft
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELSIE STEARNS
Lee Clerk launches Hope Card program to help protect victims of domestic violence
Lee County Clerk & Comptroller Kevin Karnes has implemented the Hope Card Program, a new statewide initiative designed to help domestic violence victims
A Hope Card is a free digital or wallet-sized card for people who have been issued a final injunction for protection, commonly known as a restraining order The card is used to assist law enforcement in verifying that a protective order is in place
Through the statewide Hope Card program, anyone who has been issued a final injunction for protection against domestic violence, stalking, repeat violence, sexual violence, dating violence, or abuse or exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult can apply for a Hope Card with the Clerk of Court where the petition was originally filed The clerk’s office offers digital versions of the Hope Card
“We are proud to be able to bring this service to Lee County to help protect victims of abuse and violence,” Karnes said “The Hope Card will provide them with a clear and easily-accessible tool to show law enforcement that they have a final injunction for protection to help ensure their safety ”
Hope Cards will identify the name and birth date of the person protected by the court order, the name and birth date
“We are proud to be able to bring this service to Lee County to help protect victims of abuse and violence The Hope Card will provide them with a clear and easily-accessible tool to show law enforcement that they have a final injunction for protection to help ensure their safety ”
Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes
of the respondent, and certain information relating to the protective order such as the type and date the order expires They will be valid for two years or until the injunction expires, whichever occurs first, but may be renewed if the injunction remains in effect
The Hope Card program was created by the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers organization in coordination with the Florida Attorney General’s Office
To learn more about the Hope Card Program or to obtain a card, please visit www leeclerk org/DV
Foundation for Lee County Public Schools to name five Suncoast Credit Union Scholars in 2025
The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is partnering with the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools to offer five $2,000 scholarship awards to high school graduates in the Class of 2025
This year’s high school graduates in Suncoast Credit Union’s 25-county service territory have the opportunity to apply for financial support to continue their educa-
Local students named to Dean's List at Palmer College of Chiropractic
DAVENPORT, IA -- The following students from Cape Coral were named to the 2024 summer trimester Dean's List at Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida: Sofia
A
,
, Brooke Reilly and Weston Wilson
Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange,
tion, thanks to a $179,675 investment in scholarships by the Tampa-based credit union’s Foundation.
Applications opened Dec 1, 2024, and are available at apply leeschoolfoundation org
Scholars program represents the continued mission of the foundation to support edu-
cation initiatives and the well-being and potential of children Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has contributed more than $45 million including more than $3 1 million in scholarships
“Our current students are the next generation of leaders, and it's our duty to prepare them with all the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom to set them up
EDUCATION NOTES
Florida For additional information about the college, visit https://www palmer edu/
Van Hor n awarded degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic
DAVENPORT, IOWA -- Bryce Van
Horn of St James City graduated with a doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic's Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida, Sept 27
Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida For additional information about
the college, visit https://www palmer edu/
Ar threx to hold Career Showcase on Jan. 8
Arthrex, a global leader in minimally invasive surgical technology, is hosting its annual Career Showcase on Wednesday, Jan 8, in the Arthrex One building on the campus of its global headquarters, at 1 Arthrex Way, Naples, FL, 34108 Students can attend either a morning session from 9:30-11 a m or an afternoon session from 3-5
departments at Arthrex will be on hand to introduce students to a wide array of career, internship and co-op prospects, including engineering, product management, national sales, information technology, finance, manufacturing, medical educa-
for a successful future,” said Bob Hyde,
Foundation and Suncoast Scholars program, we are able to make direct impacts on students living in the communities we serve, which ties back to the credit union philosophy of people helping people so we can all grow and thrive ”
tion/medical affairs, legal, compliance, operations, orthopedic research, quality, regulatory, human resources, marketing, meetings and events, communications and culinary Registration is required and one parent or guardian is welcome to attend with each student Parking will be available in the parking garage attached to the Arthrex One building Business casual attire is recommended.
Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with questions for Arthrex employees to learn more about the skills required to pursue career opportunities in their areas of interest, discover careers they did not know existed in Southwest Florida and experience the Arthrex mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better® Register here and visit Arthrex com to learn more
Don’t like the cold?
Wait for afternoon warmups to fish
Cold nights, bright day skies and low water will test the inshore angler’s skills this weekend With nights in the 50s, sleep in Saturday and Sunday then hit the water for the late afternoon warmup for your best shot at cold tolerant redfish and spotted trout The afternoon starts with negative tides so it will probably be a short window of opportunity before dark
Snook closed to harvest on the first of the month and even though you can still catch, photo
a n d r e l e a s e , m a n y anglers believe it’s best to not target them as they a l r e a d y h a v e e n o u g h
p r o b l e m s d e a l i n g w i t h the big chill The season will remain closed to the end of February
T h e s o m e t i m e s
b e l i e v e d l o c a l w e a t h e r forecaster is calling for
Capt. George Tunison
l i g h t w e e k e n d w i n d s , which makes trips out to the snapper grounds feasible Another red snapper harvest weekend is open (Dec 6-8) but don’t forget that when in federal waters (starting 9 miles off shore), lane snapper season is closed till the end of the month Inside the 9-mile boundary or in state waters, lane snapper season is open year-round with an 8 inch harvest
l e n g t h , w h i c h , i n m y h u m b l e o p i n i o n , s h o u l d b e increased to at least 10 inches or more Mangrove snapper is open year-round and the further out you go the bigger they seem to get, although there are schools of quality fish on near shore structures
With cold weather setting in, migratory baitfish keep moving south, which may put a damper on local kingfish catches but still worth a look Kingfish are often encountered very close to the coast as well as seen on your offshore snapper journey As always, look to the skies and our feathered friends to guide you to possible Spanish macs, kingfish and bonito action
C
sheepshead season These professional, tough-scaled, h
nearshore locations, with many already showing up in traditional spots like the structures around Boca Grande Pass If you haven’t fished for them, be warned that you will experience losing some bait before you get the hang
Mariner’s Cruz named Athlete of the Month for November
BREEZE STAFF REPORT
news@breezenewspapers com
The votes are in for the Cape Coral Breeze’s November Athlete of the Month, and the winner is Mariner High School's Angel Cruz
Cruz became the first cross country runner in Mariner High School’s history to win a boys regional championship by taking the Region 3A-3 title at Buckingham Regional Park The Tritons’ standout crossed the finish line with a time of 16:12, a personal best, and 12 seconds ahead of the secondplace finisher
“It feels really good to be the first in my
school's history, especially since we are not a well-known school for cross country, and it felt so good to break that streak,” Cruz told The Breeze “I worked really hard to accomplish this by taking care of my body and focused mentally on doing what it takes to win I'll continue that into the state race this Saturday to represent Cape Coral ”
Voting for December's Athlete of the Month will open toward the end of the month
Stay up to date with Athlete of the Week selections on capecoralbreeze com
Athlete of the Month Angel Cruz
Tommy Bohanon Foundation collects 600 toys and raises $20,000 at 2024
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation collected 600 toys for local children and raised $20,000 in monetary contributions at the fifth annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation Softball Tournament
Held Nov 30 at the Northwest Softball Complex in Cape Coral, the event drew 12 coed teams of varying skill levels – many clad in custom Christmas uniforms – and featured 18 local vendors selling holiday crafts, food, artwork and home decor Children enjoyed a bounce house, arts and crafts, and other games, along with opportunities to take photographs with Santa Claus
Beneficiaries of the 2024 event included Children's A
Network of Southwest Florida, Living Word Ministries, Lucy's Love & Light Ministries and North Fort Myers Fire Control & Rescue Service District
“Sixty-five percent of families live below the poverty line in Southwest Florida,” said foundation president Tommy Bohanon “If we can help give the kids a Christmas they wouldn't otherwise have, then we’re taking a step in the right direction ”
The softball tournament, which was held on Small Business Saturday, featured local vendors selling a variety of items, including Bella's Custom Creations, Bright
Wednesday
Girls Soccer
Canterbury 2, Oasis 0: Unbeaten Canterbury (8-0) dropped the Sharks to 4-3-1.
Boys Soccer
Canterbury 2, Oasis 0: Sebastian De La Torre and Ryan Rosado led the Sharks (4-3) on defense The Cougars remained perfect (9-0) on the season
Girls Basketball
Charlotte 46, Bishop Verot 43: Cameron O'Halloran scored 18 points and Caroline Ward 15, but lost for the first time this season (4-1) Charlotte improved to 4-0
Tuesday
Girls Soccer
N o r
Busenback scored twice and made an assist, and Bailey Root had a pair of goals as the Red Knights (4-2) rolled past the Green Wave Kenlee Dominguez had a goal and two assists, and both Marlee Gretz and Jaelyn Hoefer scored as well Goalkeeper Brooke Hankinson got the win with a shutout performance
Oasis 2, Gateway 2, tie: Mackenzie Canney and Maddison Davis scored for the Sharks (5-2-1), with Erin Vezzola making an assist The Eagles were 5-3-1 after the draw.
Softball Tournament
Blooms by TLR, Brookes Nugget Wagon, Bowtique, Cosmic Cupcake Creations, D1 Craft Room, Diggin’ For Treats, Factory 44, Forever Wear Permanent Jewelry, Jayce’s Freeze Dried Candy Shack, Jewelry by Kaye Krest, Maryland Original Snowballs, McCuties Children’s Boutique, Southern Grace Co , Tangled Roots Potting Bar, The Brunchy Bunch, The Crafty Cuties and WJ Designs O v e r i t
T
B
,
n Foundation Softball Tournament has raised $90,000 worth of toys and contributions, which help provide shopping trips for local families in need
About the Tommy Bohanon Foundation
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes reach their highest potential on and off the playing field Former NFL fullback Tommy Bohanon returned to his hometown in Southwest Florida to pursue his vision of ending generational poverty for at-risk youth The foundation funds annual scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and programs, as well as funding for other local nonprofits For more information about the foundation, please visit TommyBohanonFoundation org or call 239-671-0441
Cape Coral 9, Island Coast 0: Alexis Myers had two goals and an assist, and Sophia Vianest also scored twice as the Seahawks improved to 4-3-1 Sophia Fallacara had a goal and two assists for the Seahawks, Olivia Toro a goal and an assist, and Hailey Peterson, Alex Sanchez and Olivia Toro added a goal each Bailey Bianchi made two assists, with Abby Mourning and Zoe Maurillo adding a helper each M a r i n e r 2 ,
improved to 7-0
Boys Soccer
Cape Coral 3, Island Coast 1: Juan Limpias and Israel Casanova Bello scored for the Seahawks (2-6-1), with Troy Lendino making an assist
Bishop Verot 2, LaBelle 0: Brady Wilson and Marcus Esposito found the back of the net for the Vikings (3-0-3) Anthony Becker made an assist
Boys Basketball
Oasis 57, Gateway 55: Down by 10 points at halftime, the Sharks (3-3) rallied to pull out the win Zack Louzao led the way with 15 points Bendan Overbaugh scored 12 points and both Max Martinez and Austin Louzao added 10 points
Bishop Verot 48, Lemon Bay 17: Getting the season off to a late start didn't hurt the Vikings on Tuesday, as
From page 29
Austin Leslie scored 15 points to lead the way Jerry Ashley had 10 points, 10 rebounds and blocked five shots Gavin Williams added 10 points
Girls Basketball
North Fort Myers 45, Fort Myers 29: The Red Knights got the best of their old rival across the river, improving to 2-1 on the season Bianca Iten scored 22 points to pace North to the win
Cape Coral 42, Island Coast 16: Cape is 5-1 after Tuesday's victory
Mariner 43, Cypress Lake 21: The Tritons began the year with a convincing victory
Volleyball
All-Star Game
At South Fort Myers
Wednesday's rosters
Team Zach Lynne (Riverdale coach)
Aiiyah Harlow, Canterbury (Libero)
Brighten Sedmack, Canterbury (OH)
Ashlee Tenkley, Fort Myers (OH)
Gabby Dwyer, Fort Myers (OH)
Erin McDowell, Fort Myers (S)
Giuliana Diecidue, Oasis (DS/Libero)
Sarah Mikulus, Oasis (Libero/DS)
Emily Grant, Riverdale (S)
Sophia Hererra, Cape Coral (MB)
Orian Memmott, Bonita Springs (MB)
to Silver to Gold (hardest).
PREP REPORT
Weekend prep schedule
Friday, 12/6
Boys Basketball
Mariner at Cape Coral
North Fort Myers at Ida Baker
LaBelle at Island Coast
Girls Basketball
Cape Coral at Frostproof
Ida Baker at North Fort Myers
Island Coast at SW Florida Christian
Bishop Verot at Cardinal Gibbons
Cynthia Saldana, Gateway Charter (DS/Libero)
Mckenna Thompson, Cypress Lake (RS/MH)
Bailey Rivera, Mariner (Libero)
Christiany Argueta, Island Coast (S)
Team Christy Curtis (Bishop Verot coach)
Madelyn Knaak, Bishop Verot (OH)
Haylee Masiero, Bishop Verot (OH)
Kate Anderson, Bishop Verot (OPP/S)
Sofia King, Estero (S)
Juila Martus, Estero (M)
Mya Boyd Kiphart, North Fort Myers (S/DS)
Emily Martine, Southwest Florida Christian (S)
Elianna Darby, Southwest Florida Christian (OPPS)
Madison Autrey, Ida Baker (MB)
Ashlyn Anderson, Evangelical Christian (OH/RH/S)
Boys Soccer
Cape Coral at Mariner
Gateway at Oasis
ida Baker at Lehigh
Saturday, 12/7
Boys Basketball
Sarasota at Mariner
Wrestling
Captain Archer Memorial Classic
At Charlotte High School, Punta Gorda
Addison Flom, Gateway (MB)
Jaiden Powell, Lehigh (MB)
Arianna Corgelas, Dunbar
Emily De Leon, East Lee County (S)
Warmups: Afternoons
From page 29
of actually catching one
These fish with very powerful, human-looking, crushing dentures love tiny crabs, shrimp, barnacles, clam bits and in some cases, small fish Tricky to hook because they often inhale your crab (making your line and you jump), crush it, then expel the bits back into the water before consuming them, which makes hook-set timing problematic, especially for novices Small, thin-wire, ultra-sharp hooks and very small bits of bait work best First, set up next to a barnacle-encrusted bridge piling Take a flat shovel with you and scrape the piling, letting the free crunchy meal drift down and, hopefully, getting the fish eating Often hard to catch and not so easy to clean but worth the effort as they are one of the finest tasting local fishes we have Open year-round with an eight-fish daily limit They need to be 12 inches total length to harvest.
Being in the tropical fish import business years ago, I have seen, handled and housed many incredibly beautiful and often very strange looking exotic fish from all the world’s oceans, but one of the most peculiar species I’ve encountered isn’t considered an exotic at all Actually, it’s a rather common bottom-dwelling fish known as a flatfish or flounder This very aggressive camouflaged killer is typically snowy white on the side that lies flat against the bottom and a mottled brown green on the other side, making it tough to see for its intended victims This oddball starts life with its eyes in the usual positions on both sides of its head but as it matures the right eye actually migrates around to the left so both eyes end up topside Flounder season just opened this month with a 14-inch total length and five per day harvest
Baked crab meat stuffed flounder? Outstanding!
Capt George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide You can contact him at 239-579-0461 or via email at captgeorget3@aol com
From page 14
Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the peak days for home cooking fires
■ When frying, grilling or broiling, stay in the kitchen Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time
■ When simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, stay in the home and check on it frequently; use a timer as a reminder if necessary
■ Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried
Smoking
■ Ask smokers to smoke outside
■ Use large, deep ashtrays and wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
■ Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children
■ Ensure there is a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and practice fire escape plans with all family members and holiday guests
Cape Coral Breeze Athletes
Week of the
(Selected
by the Breeze Sports staff)
Saturday12/7,9am-2pm (Rt41N.1milepastthe ShellFactory)
17200PioneerSt.NFM Sat,Dec7th8am-12noon InTheRecHall
LazyDaysVillage
2524NTamiamiTrail,NFM Saturday12/78am-1pm ComeOneComeAll!
REDBARN FabulousEstateSale
SatDec7th&SunDec8th 8amto3pm PineIsland 4930IslandAcresCt (PineIslandRd,turnlefton Stringfellow,about1mileto IslandAcres.Watchforsigns) Leatherliftchair, Electricstresslesschair, Smallappliances,Menás c lothing(casual,dress& leather),Triplecargarage fulloftools,Huskytool chest,2Boatmotors (Honda8HP4-stroke& Yamaha8HP), 3 bikes(1motobecane), Fishinggear,Grill, Exerciseequipment,Office e quipment,2kayaks. Worththetrafficanddrive. Donátmissit!
Pictures: f acebook.com/RedBarnCapeCoral
