Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME 37, NUMBER 51

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

While nobody on Fort Myers Beach has yet been approved for a trailer, that doesn’t mean no one will Many residents had hoped to receive a trailer on their property after Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie had stated at an informational

meeting a few weeks after Hurricane Ian that the state had thousands ready to go in a d d i t i o n t o F e d e r a l E m e r g e n c y

Management Agency trailers However, many Fort Myers Beach residents are finding that their applications are being rejected due to the location of their properties in a flood plain The state won’t provide trailers if FEMA rejects them

“FEMA allows travel trailers in Fort Myers Beach, as long as their placement abides by the local floodplain ordinance and is determined to be feasible,” FEMA Media Relations Manager Michael Wade said “The local ordinance allows the placement of travel trailers and recreational vehicles as long as they don’t contribute to the creation or expansion of a

new RV park, are properly anchored and e l e v a t e d t o t h e b a s e f l o o d e l e v a t i o n (BFE) The BFE is the minimum amount that a structure would need to be elevated to be relatively safe from a 1% annual chance flooding event ”

Wade said no FEMA units have yet

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County School Board was set to meet Tuesday in a workshop to discuss the potential options for rebuilding or not rebuilding the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School The school suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Ian and two outer buildings will have to be torn down, according to Superintendent Dr Chris Bernier

The decision could boil down to hard numbers for some on the school board At issue is the cost of rebuilding the school and its enrollment, which has seen declining numbers

The operational budget of the Fort Myers Beach School District for the 2022-23 school year was $1 75 million before Hurricane Ian struck and closed the school, sending 50 students to San Carlos Park Elementary School and displacing another 27 students out of the district

budget was down from $1 85 million in 2021-22.

The Lee County School District’s total budget for 2022-23 is more than $2 4 billion

At a recent meeting in Fort Myers Beach between the Fort Myers Beach c o m m u n i t y , p a r e n t s o f B e a c h Elementary School students, Bernier and Lee County School Board trustee Chris Patricca, the per-student cost of Beach Elementary School was cited as a negative factor for whether the district will rebuild.

Patricca referred to the approximately $21,243 per student cost to operate the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School (before Hurricane Ian), which she said is almost twice the $12,226 per-student figure for Sanibel and more than twice the student average cost in the district which she said is about $8,868 since Beach Elementary is smaller

77 students (pre-Hurricane Ian) equates to approximately $1.6 million and is less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the total b

e

Fire

Windstorm - $75 million limit

Flood - $50 million limit

Hurricane deductible is 5% of the values per structure (i e deductible for a $ 1 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 B

BEACH ELEMENTARY, page 3

Temporary Post Office possibility

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

With the U S Post Office facility on F o r t M y e r s B e a c h c l o s e d s i n c e Hurricane Ian, the town council was visi t e d M o n d a y b y T a m p a P o s t m a s t e r R i c h a r d F e r m o a n d i n q u i r e d a s t o whether a temporary facility could go up at the Carolina Ave site

Currently, Fort Myers Beach residents must travel to Jetport Loop near the Lee County Airport in Fort Myers

Fermo said trailers are being considered for a temporary facility “That is one of the options,” Fermo said

Atterholt asked if there could be temporary boxes. “Not sure about that but that is something we can look into,” Fermo said

“We are monitoring how safe it is for our employees to come in and out and what we are going to be delivering to,” Tampa Postmaster Richard Fermo said Fermo said the property owner where the P o s t O f f i c e i s s i t u a t e d a t C a r o l i n a Avenue has stated he intends to repair the facility though no timetable has yet been presented

Fermo visited the post office station on Fort Myers Beach Monday

“We’ve never had this much devastation before,” Fermo said

Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt has been concerned about when the Post Office will restore service to the island “Even before the storm there were rumors that the post office was going to be leaving,” Atterholt said to Fermo at Monday’s town council meeting

See TRAILERS, page 3 See

Fermo said the Post Office has a longterm lease at the current site.

“The primary concern is to create a dynamic where (residents) don’t have to drive to the airport to get the mail It’s an insult to the citizenry,” Atterholt said

Eagle resigns from Department of Economic Opportunity post

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Cape Coral native Dane Eagle announced he will resign as Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary

In a letter to Gov Ron DeSantis, he showed his gratitude for the opportunity Eagle's official last day will be Dec. 30.

“Serving in your administration has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity,” he wrote “At this point in my life, however, my responsibility to my growing family is of the utmost importance ”

Eagle joined the DeSantis administration in September 2020 after his bid for the 19th Congressional District was slimly dashed in the Republican Primary by eventual winner Byron Donalds Eagle took over as head of the DEO when the department faced a large backlog in unemployment insurance claims stemming from the pandemic

“When I joined your administration in September 2020, the state’s unemployment rate was 8 7 percent, which was quickly rebounding from the 13 9 percent rate a few months earlier due to the global pandemic,” he wrote

to DeSantis. “These economic headwinds also contributed to a growing crisis with the state’s reemployment assistance system operated by DEO, requiring an all-handson-deck effort to secure funding to modernize the system and swiftly help hard-working Floridians get back on their feet ” Eagle formerly served as the state House majority whip from 2016-18 and majority leader from 2018-20 He was also vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee from 2018-20 Eagle won election to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 in the then-new 77th District He was re-elected to the House in 2014 and 2018; he could not run again in 2020 due to term limits

Eagle also touted the work done by the administration on Hurricane Ian relief efforts

“We have responded to multiple disasters, including Hurricane Ian which devastated my home community, and awarded over a billion dollars in long-term disaster recovery funds to homeowners and communities across Florida,” he wrote “We led the nation in fully obligating over half-a-billion dollars to assist homeowners and prevent foreclosures in record time, we awarded bonus pay-

ments to over two hundred thousand first responders and law enforcement officers, and we announced over a hundred million dollars for infrastructure and workforce development projects across the state, which will help create countless jobs to support our growing economy

Via Twitter, DeSantis shared kind words for Eagle amidst his upcoming leave

“Thank you, Secretary Dane Eagle, for your outstanding service to Florida’s businesses and workforce,” he wrote “Under your leadership at Florida DEO, you helped to strengthen our communities and nation-leading economy We wish you the best in your next endeavors ”

Eagle ended with his own kind words for DeSantis and members of the administration

“These are only a few of the many examples of how, under your leadership, the exceptional people at DEO are assisting in advancing Florida’s economy by helping citizens, businesses and communities thrive,” he wrote “Your leadership has made all aspects of Florida’s executive branch a well-oiled machine that promotes efficiency over bureaucracy, and the citizens of Florida are the ultimate beneficiaries of this success I have no doubt that Florida and DEO will continue to excel under your bold leadership Again, thank you for this extraordinary opportunity, but most importantly, thank you for keeping Florida free ”

SCCF: Red tide counts down and Lake O too high

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that over the past couple of weeks, water quality has been improving with fewer fish kills, increased water clarity, and a reduction of red tide concentrations around Sanibel

Flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary from the W P Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79) have been in the optimal flow envelope for 41 days and releases from Lake Okeechobee have begun to supplement flows from the watershed as the dry season progress The current lake regulation schedule (LORS08) recommends up to 4,000 cubic feet per second from S-79

“However, there is concern that high flows could result in excess nutrient loading, which could fuel red tide,” SCCF Policy Associate Leah Reidenbach, who produces the weekly Caloosahatchee Conditions Report for water managers and policymakers, said on Dec 7

On Dec 3, the U S Army Corps of Engineers increased the flow at S-79 to a seven-day average of 2,000 cfs from 1,200 cfs Lake Okeechobee is high for this time of year after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, so releases combined with decreased inflow and increased evaporation can help lower the lake To decrease flows from the LORS08 guidance, the Corps is utilizing a water banking tool that allows it to reduce flows now and “save” them for beneficial releases (up to 2,800 cfs) later in the dry season when LORS08 guidance falls below 2,800 cfs

“This will benefit us now by preventing excess nutrient flows and by providing beneficial flows in the dry season,” she said “The drawback to this plan is the lake is currently too high, which is bad for its ecology, and fewer outflows lead to a slower rate of decline of lake levels When Lake Okeechobee is too high during this time of year, it can cause the nutrient-rich sediment on the bottom of the lake to get stirred up, making phosphorous available to blue-green algae ”

The sediment can get washed into the marshes, where cattails can take over and outcompete native species High lake levels also reduce light availability for submerged aquatic vegetation and reduce habitat availability for mil-

lions of migratory birds that need shallow water for feeding There are often many tradeoffs to consider when managing a large system with a diversity of needs

“We will continue to monitor this dynamic system, which can change rapidly from week to week during these times when tough decisions need to be made,” Reidenbach

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

said “The science and data that is generated from the SCCF Marine Lab, our policy team’s dedication to monitoring and advocating for the estuary, and our collaboration with stakeholders allow us to give conditions updates and recommendations to the Corps every week in our Caloosahatchee Conditions Report ”

County launches website with housing resources

T o b e t t e r a s s i s t H u r r i c a n e I a ni m p a c t e d r e s i d e n t s c o n n e c t w i t h s t a t e , f e d e r a l a n d o t h e r p a r t n e r i n g e n t i t i e s f o r h o u s i n g n e e d s , L e e C o u n t y h a s l a u n c h e d a n e w l a n d i n g p a g e a t i t s s t o r m w e b s i t e

V i s i t w w w l e e g o v c o m / s t o r m a n d c l i c k o n t h e h o u s e i c o n o r l o o k f o r “ H o u s i n g ” i n t h e r a i l o n t h e l e f t .

L e e C o u n t y r e p o r t e d t h a t p e o p l e w h o a r e h o m e l e s s o r i n d a m a g e d h o m e s d u e

t o I a n c a n s t i l l a p p l y t o F E M A f o r h e l p T h e d e a d l i n e w a s e x t e n d e d t o J a n 1 2 V i s i t w w w D i s a s t e r A s s i s t a n c e g o v a n d c o m p l e t e a n a p p l i c a t i o n , c a l l 8 0 0 - 6 2 13 3 6 2 o r v i s i t a l o c a l D i s a s t e r R e c o v e r y C e n t e r ( D R C ) A c o m p l e t e l i s t o f D R C l o c a t i o n s i s a v a i l a b l e a t w w w l e e g o v c o m / h u r r i c a n e / s t o r m / a v a i l a b l e - r e s o u r c e s .

O n c e r e s i d e n t s h a v e c o m p l e t e d a F E M A a p p l i c a t i o n , t h e n t h e y c a n a p p l y

f o r S t a t e o f F l o r i d a h o u s i n g a s s i s t a n c e b y v i s i t i n g w w w I a n R e c o v e r y f l g o v I t i s t h e U n i t e F l o r i d a p r o g r a m p a g e I t i s f o r p e o p l e w h o n e e d t e m p o r a r y s h e l t e ri n g a n d t e m p o r a r y o r p e r m a n e n t r e p a i r s t o t h e i r h o m e s I t a l s o o f f e r s h e l p w i t h u n m e t n e e d s s u c h a s t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , s e n i o r s e r v i c e s a n d h o u s e h o l d s u p p l i e s

A d d i t i o n a l f e d e r a l , s t a t e a n d l o c a l r e s o u r c e s a r e a v a i l a b l e T h e n e w l a n di n g p a g e e x p l a i n s t h e p h a s e d - i n h o u s i n g

p l a n p o s t - h u r r i c a n e t h a t F E M A a n d i t s p a r t n e r s u s e T h e r e i s a l s o i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e U S S m a l l B u s i n e s s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n l o a n s f o r h o m e o w n e r s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n o n c o u n t y r e c o v e r y r e s o u r c e s f o r h o m e o w n e r s a n d r e n t e r s , i n c l u d i n g h o m e - r e p a i r a s s i s t a n c e , i n s u ra n c e - d e d u c t i b l e a s s i s t a n c e , u t i l i t y a s s i st a n c e a n d t h e c o o r d i n a t e d e n t r y p r og r a m f o r p e o p l e a t r i s k o f h o m e l e s s n e s s o r w h o a r e h o m e l e s s

Dane Eagle

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

i

Hurricane recovery legislative requests discussed by school board

f o r H u r r i c a n e I a n r e l a t e d r e c o v e r y p r o j e c t s . ” R o b e r t S t u a r t , w i t h f i r m G r a y R o b i n s o n , s a i d t h e r e a r e a h o s t o f i s s u e s t h a t F l o r i d a ’ s l e g i s l a t o r s a r e g o i n g t o h a v e t o d e a l w i t h

d e s t h r e e “ a s k s ” i n b u s i n e s s a n d f i n a n c e t o a d d r e s s p o s t - H u r r i c a n e I a n r e c o v e r y e f f o r t s T h e p o s t - I a n r e c o v e r y l e g i s l a t i v e r e q u e s t s , w h i c h h a v e n o t b e e n a p p r o v e d y e t , i n c l u d e a “ s p e c i a l a l l o c at i o n t o p r o v i d e s t a t e f u n d i n g i n r e p l a c e m e n t o f u p t o 1 0 0 p e r c e n t o f l o s s o f p r o p e r t y t a x f u n d i n g d u e t o h u rr i c a n e i m p a c t s ”

I n a d d i t i o n , t h e r e q u e s t a l s o i n c l u d e s a “ s p e c i a l a l l o c a t i o n t o p r o v i d e f u n d i n g t o m i t i g a t e t h e i s s u a n c e a n d i n t e r e s t c o s t s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h a l i n e o f c r e d i t m a d e n e c e s s a r y b e c a u s e o f t h e d e l a y i n t h e r e c e i p t o f p r o pe r t y t a x r e v e n u e s d u e t o t h e i m p a c t o f t h e h u r r i c a n e ” T h e l a s t r e q u e s t i s t o r e q u e s t “ t o i n c r e a s e t h e t o t a l p r o j e c t c o s t t h r e s h o l d o f c o n s t r u c t i o n p r o j e c t s t h a t r e q u i r e p r o f e s s i o n a l s e r v i c e s o n a c o n t i n u i n g c o n t r a c t , f r o m a l i m i t o f $ 4 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 t o a l i m i t o f $ 1 5 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0

“ O u r a s k , L e e C o u n t y i s i n a v e r y u n i q u e a n d i m p o r t a n t p o s i t i o n c o m i n g i n t o t h e l e g i s l a t i v e s e s s i o n d u e t o t h e i m p a c t s f r o m H u r r i c a n e I a n W e h a v e t h e s t a n d a r d l e g i s l a t u r e a s k s , ” h e s a i d , a d d i n g t h a t t h e r e i s a l s o a n e d u c a t i o n a s p e c t o f q u a l i t y a n d t a k i n g c a r e o f t h e k i d s “ Y o u a l s o h a v e t h e a d d e d c h a l l e n g e o f t h e s t o r m a n d t h e v e r y r e a l a n d p r e s e n t n e e d c o m i n g o u t o f t h a t ”

O t h e r 2 0 2 3 l e g i s l a t i v e p r i o r i t i e s i n c l u d e i n c r e a s i n g s t u d e n t a c h i e v e m e n t , s a f e t y , t e a c h e r c e r t i f i c a t i o n a n d r e t e n t i o n , a n d s c h o o l f a c i l i t i e s ’ u t i l i z a t i o n

S t u a r t s a i d l e a d e r s h i p h a s t a l k e d a b o u t p r o p e r t y i n s u r a n c e a n d p r o p e r t y t a x i s s u e s H o u s i n g i s a k e y i s s u e t h e y w a n t t o s e e t h i s y e a r w i t h a l o t o f f o c u s o n i n f r a s t r u c t u r e T h e r e i s a n e w c o m m i t t e e i n t h e H o u s e f o r i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , a s w e l l a s a f i s c a l p o l i c y c o m m i t t e e

c r e a t e d i n t h e S e n a t e .

“ T h e r e w i l l b e a n o t h e r b u d g e t s u r p l u s t h i s y e a r , ” h e s a i d “ T h a t w i l l b e i m p a c t e d h e a v i l y b y t h e s t o r m T h e r e i s s i g n i f i c a n t d o l l a r s t h a t g o e s i n t o i n f r a s t r u ct u r e r e h a b , h a r d e n i n g , r e s i l i e n c y a n d r e p a i r s f r o m t h e s t o r m T h e s t a t e i s g o i n g t o h a v e a s u r p l u s e v e n w i t h t h a t T o b e i n t h e p o s i t i o n t h a t L e e C o u n t y i s i n r i g h t n o w t o a s k f o r s i g n i f i c a n t f u n d s W e a r e s t a n d i n g r e a d y a n d e x c i t e d t o g e t t o w o r k a l o n g s i d e y o u a s w e b e g i n a n e w l e g i s l a t u r e y e a r ”

S c h o o l B o a r d C h a i r A r m o r P e r s o n s s a i d h e r e c e n tl y a t t e n d e d a r o u n d t a b l e d i s c u s s i o n w i t h t h e H o u s e m a j o r i t y l e a d e r a n d h e a d o f C o m m e r c e , a s w e l l a s t h e C a p e C o r a l m a y o r a n d s o m e L e e C o u n t y c o m m i s s i o ne r s

“ T h e y w e r e v e r y m u c h a w a r e o f o u r n e e d s , ” h e s a i d , a d d i n g t h a t t h e d i s c u s s i o n e n a b l e d h i m t o s h a r e t h e d i s t r i c t ’ s n e e d s “ T h e o n e t h i n g t h e y d i d s a y w a s t h i s w a s g o i n g t o b e a m u l t i - y e a r r e c o v e r y ”

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

School district to resume events to improve student enrollment FEMA: You can appeal if been denied assistance

T h e S c h o o l D i s t r i c t o f L e e C o u n t y i s r e s u m i n g t h e Neighborhood Dialogues planned a s f o l l o w u p m e e t i n g s t o S u p e r i n t e n d e n t D r C h r i s t o p h e r Bernier’s Town Hall Event’s in September

Events postponed by Hurricane Ian were rescheduled for Dec 12, 13 and 20. The community discus-

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sion on Dec 20 will take place from 5:30 to 7 p m at Heights Elementary, at 15200 Alexandria Court, Fort Myers Due to the time lost by Ian, the district is focused on improving the enrollment and assignment system for elementary school in the 202324 school year Parent feedback will help district staff develop a

b e e n p l a c e d i n F o r t M y e r s B e a c h “Whether a unit will be placed there will be based on the overall feasibility of the site (lot size, utility connection, local setback rules, etc ), in addition to passing the l o c a l , s t a t e , a n d f e d e r a l f l o o d p l a i n requirements,” Wade stated in an email

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h r e s i d e n t C i n d y Johnson applied for a trailer while she and h u s b a n d S t e v e J o h n s o n r e b u i l d t h e i r home Officials from FEMA visited their property and measured it for a trailer though there hasn’t been an official word if they will be approved for a trailer After waiting, Johnson applied to the state for a trailer but was told at an informational meeting last Friday that the state will not approve trailers if FEMA doesn’t “If (FEMA’s) program doesn’t allow a trailer on your property, my program won’t allow a trailer on your property,” G u t h r i e s a i d F r i d a y “ T h e s a m e r u l e applies to the coastal high hazard area and the flood plain. I can not put a trailer there either,” Florida Emergency Management

Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Bill Veach, who wrote a letter to the school

plan for school board consideration i n J a n u a r y A p l a n f o r m i d d l e school will be revisited later High schools are not impacted by the potential changes

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www leeschools net/cms/on e aspx?portalId=676305&pageId= 32186600

I f y o u a p p l i e d f o r F E M A a s s i s t a n c e b u t r e c e i v e d a l e t t e r s t a t i n g y o u a r e “ i n e l i g i b l e , ” t r y n o t t o f e e l d i sc o u r a g e d o r f r u s t r a t e d . I n s t e a d , f o c u s o n w r i t i n g a n a p p e a l O f f i c i a l s r e p o r t e d t h a t y o u h a v e 6 0 d a y s f r o m t h e d a t e o n y o u r l e t t e r t o s e n d F E M A a d d i t i o n a l i n f o rm a t i o n , d o c u m e n t s o r a s u m m a r y o f w h y y o u d i s a g r e e w i t h t h e d e c i s i o n F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t F E M A a t 8 0 0 - 6 2 1 - 3 3 6 2 o r v i s i t a l o c a l D i s a s t e r R e c o v e r y C e n t e r

Director Kevin Guthrie said “Even if FEMA releases you to us, we are still going to be in the same boat because we can’t put a trailer in a flood plain or a high hazard area ”

Any property along Estero Boulevard on the Gulf of Mexico side, is in a high hazard area where trailers have been ruled out

Other sites may be available While FEMA may not provide trailers to residents in high-hazard flood zones, residents are allowed to purchase their own, said Town of Fort Myers Beach Interim Manager Chris Holley

Holley said he was supposed to meet with FEMA officials Tuesday to discuss the issue

“They can’t put these trailers in a highhazard flood zone,” he said “Most of the island is in that area ”

Sites in Coastal High Hazard Areas are not being approved due to the risk associated with them, Wade said. “Sites in the other high risk zones (AE, AH, A, etc) are

being approved on a case-by-case basis, depending on the difference between the g r o u n d e l e v a t i o n a n d t h e b a s e f l o o d Elevation Travel Trailers can only be elevated 18 inches off the ground,” Wade stated in an email

Johnson said her home is in the AE zone “We put in an application to the state The state said we are eligible,” she stated

Johnson said most people are being denied trailers. She hopes to learn more this week from FEMA She said a trailer would be a big help to the rebuilding efforts she and Mr Johnson are undertaking “Other people don’t even have a house,” she said They only need a trailer for a couple of months while they repair their home

“Trailers would be a big help for everyone ” Ms Johnson said “You can get a lot more done When you are around your neighbors, you get more information.”

Johnson said some people are living in

RV’s She thinks she and others in town would have purchased RV’s sooner but thought the state and FEMA would be providing trailers by now

U n d e r t h e F l o r i d a D i v i s i o n o f Emergency Management, installation of a travel trailer/RV is dependent entirely on the local regulations and permit processing by the county as well as local/state floodplain restrictions and Environmental and Historic Preservation requirements

The state placed the first trailer on Pine Island last week and are currently working with applicants from multiple pockets within Lee County including Fort Myers Beach to conduct application eligibility reviews and site inspections for feasibility in all of these areas including Fort Myers B e a c h , s a i d A m e l i a J o h n s o n , d e p u t y director of Communications and External A f f a i r s f o r t h e F l o r i d a D i v i s i o n o f

Emergency Management

“There are no easy answers,” Holley said.

district in support of a rebuild He said the district simply has to expands its boundaries and accept more students to reduce the cost-per-student numbers Veteran t e a c h e r s a n d c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r s recalled that the district used to bus students to Beach Elementary, back when the population of the school was more than 200

Veach said part of what makes the Beach Elementary School great is its low student-to-teacher ratio but if the cost per student was an issue, “just give us more students ”

Monica Schmucker, president of the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club and a parent of a fourth grader, said the school is a “small percentage of the school district budget ”

Schmucker said the district should expand the enrollment to students nearby. Currently, Harlem Heights Elementary School is getting the bulk of students in the area and is crowded, while Beach Elementary has more limited boundaries

“It can be a simple fix,” Schmucker said “Make bigger boundaries ” Schmucker is hopeful the school board

will come to the aid of Beach Elementary School after it hears the different options at a workshop Tuesday

“I think for the most part they are sympathetic,” she said “I hope they get all the information they need ”

At last week’s meeting, Bernier told the community “we want to hear what you have to say ” Soon, the community will find out how closely they were listened to

A final decision will be made at the school board’s next meeting Tuesday, Jan 10

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T h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h c o m m u n i t y shouldn’t have to make the case that its school, which dates back to the 1940s and is one of the best-performing in the district, is worth saving, especially after all of the devastation from Hurricane Ian, but it does Sometimes when you are down, everybody piles on It sure feels that way for Fort Myers Beach and its elementary school, whose main building is on the National Registrar of Historic Places The school has barely been touched since Ian landed

As parent Patrick Vanasse said last week at a meeting with Superintendent Dr. Chris Bernier and School Board trustee Chris Patricca, if this is about the numbers, let’s have that discussion

The operational budget of the Fort Myers Beach School District for the 2022-23 school year was $1 75 million, which was down from $1 85 million the year prior

The Lee County School District has a total budget of $2 4 billion this year

Editorial

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Dr Bernier and Ms Patricca told the community our school was not self-sustainable though they haven’t explained how many students it would take to make the school self-sustainable The school once had as many as 200 students, with many bused in from other communities, according to veteran teachers and community members

Parents said last week they supported more students from outside the island

What Ms Patricca did cite as far as numbers was an approximately $21,243 per student cost to operate the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School (before Hurricane Ian), which she said is almost twice the $12,226 per-student figure for Sanibel and also more than twice the student average cost in the district which she said is about $8,868

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School is clearly smaller than those schools

Let us put the numbers in context

Beach Elementary School’s total operational budget of $1 75 million is less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the total budget of

the Lee County School District

The entire budget of the Lee County School District is $2,412,826,447 The operational budget of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School is $1,755,636 The Lee County School District’s budget is more t h a n 1 , 0 0 0 t i m e s l a r g e r t h a n B e a c h

Elementary School

T o m T o r g e r s o n , d e v e l o p e r o f t h e

Margaritaville resort on Fort Myers Beach, has stated that the Fort Myers Beach businesses and taxpayers pay more than the cost to operate the school

“We contribute way beyond our fair share,” Mr Torgerson said last week at the meeting. “We are contributing way beyond our burden, excessively beyond our burden ”

Just a quick look at four properties on Fort Myers Beach tell the story

F o u r p r o p e r t i e s a l o n e – t h e D i a m o n d H e a d R e s o r t , L a n i K a i I s l a n d R e s o r t , L o v e r s K e y R e s o r t a n d S a n t i n i Plaza – pay about half a million dollars in school taxes That’s almost one-third of the Beach School’s budget The Margaritaville Resort, scheduled to go online late next year, figures to add a sizable chunk when it is up and running Those five properties would account for almost half the school’s b u d g e t T h e d i s t r i c t s h o u l d s h o w s o m e numbers to back up its lack of self-sustainability claim because it doesn’t add up

Dr Bernier said that even if there were 150 or 200 students enrolled at the school – that wouldn’t be enough to make it selfsustainable Why does the goal line keep getting moved? It would seem that the town’s low number of students actually benefits its self-sustainability since the ratables of its businesses, houses and condo towers pay the cost of the school

What Fort Myers Beach parents need to hear from their school board is that they will be there to support them and their children in the rebuilding effort

Enrollment will surely be down again next year and so will property values The district figures to take a hit to its wallet but it can afford it Fort Myers Beach will come

back

We understand that the cost of rebuilding will be greater than the operational budget but isn’t that what insurance and state and federal aid is for?

According to information provided by the district, it has a $75 million insurance limit for windstorm damage and $50 million for flood insurance It also has $100 million for fire and other perils There is a total limit of $104 million for its National Flood Insurance Program flood claims We aren’t experts on the school’s insurance and t h e s c h o o l d i s t r i c t h a d n ’ t y e t d i s c l o s e d before Tuesday what it will cost to rebuild the school.

We hope the district’s leadership will s h a r e h o w t h e s e f u n d s c a n b e u s e d t o rebuild the Beach School The district has been in talks with a contractor willing to remediate the entire building for free

We hope that the school board, many of whose members appeared to be moved by the statements of the families and their child r e n a t a m e e t i n g l a s t m o n t h b e f o r e T h a n k s g i v i n g , w i l l r e b u i l d B e a c h Elementary

Our town, community, teachers and most of all – our children deserve their school back

Without a school in the town, it will be more difficult to attract families to the island in the future

We don’t believe anybody wants to play Grinch this time of year, especially this year We urge those who support Beach Elementary to email school board members (their email addresses are listed on the s c h o o l d i s t r i c t ’ s w e b s i t e a t www.leeschools.net) and watch Tuesday’s meeting at the district website The community’s presence will be especially crucial at the Jan 10 school board meeting where a decision is expected on the school

Observer editorial

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noon Monday All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: fortmyersbeachtalk com P u b l i s h e r R a y m o n d M E c ke n r o d e re cke n ro d e @ b re e z e n ew s p a p e rs c o m E x e c u t ive E d i t o r Va l a r i e H a r r i n g v

Lyn McElhaney lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers com

Conservancy of SWFL wins Riverwalk appeal

M a n a g i n

r o w t h s u s t a i n a b l y a n d p r e s e r v i n g S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a ’ s r e m a i n i n g h e a l t h y w e t l a n d s i s c r i t i c a l t o p r o t e c t i n g w a t e r q u a l i t y , t h e h a b i t a t s w h e r e o u r u n i q u e e n d a n g e r e d s p e c i e s l i v e , a n d f o r s t r e n g t h e n i n g o u r n a t u r eb a s e d e c o n o m y

T h a t i s w h y t h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n , a m o n g s e v e r a l o t h e r s t a t e - w i d e c o n s e r v a t i o n g r o u p s , j o i n e d t o g e t h e r t o s u p p o r t t h e C o n s e r v a n c y o f S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a ’ s l e g a l e f f o r t s t o o p p o s e t h e s p r a w l i n g 1 , 0 0 0 - a c r e R i v e r g r a s s d e v e l o p m e n t p l a n i n C o l l i e r C o u n t y ’ s R u r a l L a n d S t e w a r d s h i p A r e a T h i s d e v e l o p m e n t b o r d e r s t h e g r e a t e r E v e r g l a d e s a n d c o n t a i n s c r i t i c a l F l o r i d a p a n t h e r h a b i t a t

Guest Commentary

T h e c o n s e r v a n c y a r g u e d t h a t t h e a p p r o v e d d e v e l o pm e n t p l a n f o r R i v e r g r a s s d i d n o t a p p r o p r i a t e l y a d d r e s s t r a f f i c i m p a c t s a n d f i s c a l n e u t r a l i t y a s r e q u i r e d b y C o l l i e r C o u n t y ’ s c o m p r e h e n s i v e p l a n a n d l a n d d e v e lo p m e n t r u l e s

T h e c o u r t i n i t i a l l y r u l e d a g a i n s t a l l o w i n g t h e c o ns e r v a n c y ’ s a r g u m e n t s t o b e i n c l u d e d i n t h e i r o p p o s it i o n t o t h e R i v e r g r a s s d e v e l o p m e n t , b u t t h e c o n s e rv a n c y a p p e a l e d t h a t d e c i s i o n T h i s m o n t h , t h e c o n s e rv a n c y w a s p l e a s e d t o a n n o u n c e t h a t t h e S e c o n d D i s t r i c t C o u r t o f A p p e a l r u l i n g h a s c o n f i r m e d t h e i r l e g a l r i g h t t o p r e s e n t e v i d e n c e a t t h e C i r c u i t C o u r t l e v e l a g a i n s t t h e R i v e r g r a s s V i l l a g e D e v e l o p m e n t O r d e r w i t h r e g a r d t o t r a f f i c i m p a c t s a n d f i s c a l n e u t r a li t y T h e S C C F c o n g r a t u l a t e s a n d s u p p o r t s t h e c o n s e rv a n c y o n t h e i r d i l i g e n c e t o p r o t e c t t h e p u b l i c ’ s a b i l i t y t o p r e s e n t e v i d e n c e i n c h a l l e n g i n g t h e s e d e v e l o p m e n t c a s e s i n c o u r t w i t h t h e u l t i m a t e g o a l o f p r o t e c t i n g o u r c r i t i c a l n a t u r a l s y s t e m s

BBB: Shop safe and shop smart this holiday season

By BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

The 2022 holiday shopping season promises to be an unpredictable one High inflation rates and increased prices of cons u m e r g o o d s a r e a l r e a d y t h r o w i n g a w r e n c h i n t o h o l i d a y s h o p p i n g Electronics, toys, and other products will be (or already are) in short supply, and retailers are struggling to staff up as the shopping season nears

Product shortages and increased online shopping are likely to result in even more online purchase scams this year These scams accounted for nearly 40 percent of all scams reported to the BBB Scam Tracker in 2021, according to the 2021 B B B S c a m T r a c k e r R i s k R e p o r t Shortages are likely to make purchase scams even more common as desperate shoppers turn to shady websites in hopes of finding this year’s must-have gift

The BBB recommends the following tips to “Shop Safe, Shop Smart” this holiday season:

∫ R e s e a r c h b e f o r e y o u b u y U s e BBB org and shopper reviews to do your homework before paying Also, read our tips for spotting phony reviews

∫ If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is The top motivating factor for people who made a purchase and lost money was the price Don’t shop on price alone

∫ Beware of fake websites: Check the URL, watch for bad grammar, research

the age of the domain, and search for contact information See BBB’s tips for identifying a fake website.

∫ Professional photos do not mean it’s a real offer Respondents reported that website photos motivated them to engage with scammers, especially for pets/pet supplies, clothing/accessories, and vehicles

∫ Make sure the website is secure Look for the “HTTPS” in the URL (the extra s is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar Never enter payment or personal information into a website with only “HTTP” it is not secure.

∫ Be careful purchasing sought-after

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

products, especially during the holiday season The risk of online purchase scams rises during the holidays because more people are making online purchases, and scammers offer the most popular products for the season at great prices

∫ Beware of making quick purchases while scrolling through social media Scammers have access to tools they need to learn about your buying behaviors, offering exactly what you want at enticingly low prices

∫ L o o k f o r t h e B B B s e a l B B B

Accredited Businesses pledge to uphold the BBB Standards for Trust and to deal fairly with consumers If a business dis-

plays a BBB seal, verify it by going to BBB org

∫ Use secure and traceable transactions and payment methods According to the BBB's research, those who paid with a credit card were less likely to lose money Be cautious when paying by digital wallet apps, prepaid money cards, or other nontraditional payment methods

∫ Shipment tracking information can be faked Look closely to make sure it is a legitimate business Avoid clicking on the tracking link; go to the shipper's website and type in the code to see if it is real

∫ Count on the BBB to help you “Shop Safe, Shop Smart ” More tips are available at BBB org/holiday-tips

∫ R e p o r t u n s a t i s f a c t o r y p u r c h a s e experiences to the BBB If you are unhappy with a purchase, file a complaint at BBB org/complaints If you never got what you paid for, consider reporting it to the BBB Scam Tracker to help other consumers avoid being scammed

For more holiday tips from the BBB, visit https://www bbb org/all/holiday

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior For more than 100 years, the BBB has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. For more information, visit https://www bbb org/

Matt DePaolis is the environmental policy director for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Founded in 1967, the SCCF's mission is to protect and care for

Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems For more information, visit www sccf org

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Matt DePaolis

Better Together to host nationwide virtual hiring event

STAFF REPORT

Better Together is hosting a virtual hiring event on Thursday, Dec 15 that will offer thousands of job opportunities for job seekers across the nation who face barriers to employment

Better Together’s hiring events help job seekers overcome barriers to employment, such as incarceration, homelessness and lack of transportation or child care, by opening the door to background-friendly employers Participating employers for the Dec 15 event, including UPS and Koch Industries, offer thousands of job openings nationwide and will be hiring for positions in various locations throughout the country

The event provides an opportunity to meet with hiring managers and schedule interviews

The hiring event not only connects job seekers with employment opportunities, but also provides resources to facilitate stronger connections and more hires The virtual session will include a free webinar with job coaches who provide interview tips to help job seekers prepare for interviews and a pre-interview Q&A with employers Job seekers who participate in the webinar will also be offered priority consideration among participating employers for available jobs

The hiring event is part of Better Together’s “Better Jobs” program, which has helped 34,000 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 21 states At job fairs hosted by Better Together, two-thirds of attendees get a job interview, and nearly half receive a job offer on the spot

“Employers are stepping up to create opportunities and restore hope for those in need of employment,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together “This is not your typical hiring event Job seekers can come as they are We know the challenges that many face when they are seeking employment and we are ready with solutions ”

The Dec 15 hiring event will take place from 11 a m to 1 p m EST via Zoom Job seekers can register and learn more about available job opportunities at BetterTogetherUS org/Events/Virtual-JF

About Better Together

Better Together is a nonprofit organization that helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive A privately funded and professionally supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to restore dignity and bring families together Through the Better Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative to foster care while they get the help they need To date, the program has kept 98% of children served out of foster care. In addition to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching, guidance, support and encouragement through local church partners For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS org

Summerlin Café returns at full blast

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Summerlin Cafe has earned a reputation around Fort Myers Beach for its large menu, fresh ingredients and wide variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Its return to dining this week will undoubtedly be welcomed enthusiastically by locals, snowbird and the visiting contractors around town seeking a good meal

Known as much for their breakfast specials as their Greek and Italian dinner flair, the owners are happy to be back after taking a hit from Hurricane Ian

Nick Drivas, who co-owns the cafe, said he was happy to be open again, particularly for about 50 employees

“We got about 26 inches of flooding,” Drivas said Drivas said he lost his car to the fury of Hurricane Ian, He walked to the cafe afterwards and said he was “happy the building was here We built it back stronger ”

Drivas said he replaced the flooring, furniture and equipment inside the eatery “It was very difficult to rebuild,” he said Drivas said the owners were lucky to have friends in the trade

“We were really trying to open before Christmas,” Drivas said

The hours for the Summerline Cafe are 6:30 a m to 8 p m

“Full hours, full menu,” Drivas said That means breakfast, lunch and dinner Breakfast is always available, he said.

SRMA celebrates manufacturers and the season of giving

T h e S o u t h w e s t R e g i o n a l Manufacturers Association invites all current members and any manufacturers interested in joining, to get i n t h e h o l i d a y s p i r i t d u r i n g t h e S R M A N e t w o r k i n g E v e n t a n d Holiday Celebration

Sponsored by First Citizens Bank, guests can enjoy a great evening of networking, local brews and food Thursday, Dec 15, from 5:30-8 p m , at Fort Myers Brewing Co , 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, in Fort Myers Attendance is free with registration required and the donation of an unwrapped toy (approximately $25 in value) to be donated to Toys for Tots

“What better time of year to come together,” said Rob Harris, Executive Director of SRMA “Community is key for the SRMA and for the region, and we are proud to come together in celebration of our valued members while supporting children in need this holiday season ”

The SRMA works to raise awareness and appreciation for the 20,000 companies and 355,000 Floridians who work in this industry SRMA offers local as well as a national network of resources that have been crucial to Hurricane Ian recovery efforts

Among the most popular items that Drivas likes to feature on the menu are the chicken souvlaki platter, bourbon porkchops, crabcakes, baked haddock, spinach pie platter, chicken veal, chicken parmesan, skillets, chicken alfredo and more than 40 sandwiches

Drivas has been through hurricanes before on Fort Myers Beach and got his business through the covid pandemic. “I consider us lucky,” he said. “I know the Fort Myers Beach community is very strong ”

Business Briefs

for many SWFL manufacturing companies While membership dues are inexpensive, SRMA understands that manufacturers have more pressing issues to tend to in the aftermath of the storm, so the organization is opening free access for six months to manufacturers who sign up before Dec 31

SRMA also hosts monthly events and educational opportunities for members and (non-member) manufacturing professionals. For more information about the SRMA, please v i s i t w w w S R M A n e t , o r e m a i l exec@srma net

MNMW team members play

Santa for foster children

This Christmas, 49 foster children will receive holiday gifts through Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co , P A Every year MNMW team members sign up to participate in a gift donation program for the Foster Care Advisory Services This year was even more important since t h e i m p a c t s f r o m H u r r i c a n e I a n added stress and unforeseen costs to many families in Southwest Florida “Our team members look forward t o s u p p o r t i n g t h e F o s t e r C a r e Advisory program every year and quickly sign up for Santa duty,” said Jessica Walker, MA, APR, CPRC, M a r k e t i n g a n d P u b l i c R e l a t i o n s M a n a g e r / C o n s u l t a n t a t M N M W .

“Our community is still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Ian, so we hope this small gesture helps brighten the holidays for the children and the families that foster them ”

M a r k h a m N o r t o n M o s t e l l e r Wright & Company, P A is a public accounting and consulting firm with o f f i c e s i n b o t h F o r t M y e r s a n d Naples Along with traditional tax and accounting services, the firm offers a wide range of other services, including general business consulting in construction and medical/dent a l p r a c t i c e s O u r e x p e r t i s e a l s o includes not-for-profit accounting, e l d e r s e r v i c e s , f a m i l y m e d i a t i o n , forensic accounting, litigation support, and technology For more information, call 239-433-5554 or visit www Markham-Norton com

Foster Care Advisory Services was founded in 1984 and is dedicated to improving the lives of abused and neglected children. This 100% v o l u n t e e r o r g a n i z a t i o n p r o v i d e s additional support for foster care providers Over the years, Foster Care Advisory Services has provided scholarships for summer camps, purchased clothing, books, and other school necessities, played Santa at Christmas, and even hosted a yearly banquet for the foster care providers T o l e a r n m o r e , p l e a s e v i s i t https://www fostercareadvisory org/ programs/.

Beach Living

Turtle Time recaps its season

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

County Turtle Time founder Eve Haverfield among those whose lives were re-arranged by Hurricane Ian “Our life has certainly been upended but we are adjusting to our new normal We lost our house, cars, etc , but we are lucky in that we are alive and we have a home left to us by my brother-in-law,” Haverfield said in an email Despite the devastating personal setbacks, Haverfield took a few moments recently to give a recap of the turtlen e s t i n g s e a s o n , w h i c h w a s n e a r i n g i t s e n d w h e n

Hurricane Ian struck Sept 28

“Turtle season was productive, particularly on Bonita Beach, where nests were not so severely affected by the heavy rainfall in June Multiple nests on Fort Myers Beach unfortunately were negatively impacted by the rain-saturated sand,” Haverfield stated

“The total number of nests on Fort Myers Beach was 109 with a 60% hatch success rate, while on Bonita Beach we had a whopping 283 nests, an all-time high with 88% hatch success All in all, we documented a record 411 nests on the four beaches that Turtle Time monitors Fortunately, at least for sea turtle nests, Hurricane Ian occurred late in the season so very few nests were washed away,” Haverfield said

The 109 nests on Fort Myers Beach this year was a decline from 130 the previous year Fort Myers Beach recorded a record number of nests in 2020 with 132 nests

Sea turtle nests on Fort Myers Beach were badly affected by heavy rainstorms in June, which washed away a number of nests

“Next turtle season will be challenging for sea turtles and for those of us trying to help them to survive. Fort Myers Beach has a wonderful opportunity to start anew that it will take into consideration the beach’s unique and fragile ecosystem as the community recovers,” Haverfield stated in an email “Making sound and effective environmental decisions now will have long-term implications ”

S TA F F R E P O RT

T h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h A r t A s s o c i a t i o n ’ s W i n t e r S h o w o p e n s

T u e s d a y a t F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h i n B o n i t a S p r i n g s

T h e s h o w , f r e s h o f f t h e a s s o c i a t i o n ’ s e x h i b i t a t t h e A l l i a n c e f o r t h e A r t s i n F o r t M y e r s , w i l l b e h e l d t h r o u g h J a n 3 0 a t 9 7 5 1 B o n i t a B e a c h R o a d , B o n i t a S p r i n g s

S i n c e t h e a r t a s s o c i a t i o n ’ s b u i l d i n g w a s d e s t r o y e d b y H u r r i c a n e I a n , t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h A r t A s s o c i a t i o n h a s f o u n d e x h i b i t a n d m e e t i n g s p a c e w i t h s e v e r a l

a r e a c h u r c h e s F o r t M y e r s C o n g r e g a t i o n a l C h u r c h h a s p r o v i d e d m e e t i n g a n d p a i n t i n g s p a c e A n o t h e r a r t s h o w w i l l b e h o s t e d J a n 1 3 - 1 5 a t S t J o h n t h e E v a n g e l i s t C h u r c h i n N a p l e s

T h e B o n i t a S p r i n g s s h o w , o p e n t o a r t a s s o c i a t i o n m e m b e r s , w i l l r u n u n t i l

M o n d a y , J a n 3 0 , f r o m 8 a m t o 5 p m C a l l t h e c h u r c h o f f i c e a t ( 2 3 9 ) 9 9 2 - 3 2 3 3 . T h i s s h o w , “ F i n d i n g I n s p i r a t i o n , ” w i l l a l s o h e l p t h e a r t s g r o u p r a i s e m o n e y f o r r e b u i l d i n g t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h A r t A s s o c i a t i o n G a l l e r y a t D o n o r a B o u l e v a r d a n d S h e l l M o u n d B o u l e v a r d

STAFF REPORT

The Lee County Homeless Coalition will hold its 26th annual candlelight vigil for the homeless Wednesday, Dec. 21, at

the Lee County Courthouse in Fort Myers from 6 to 7 p.m.

The courthouse is at 2120 Main Street in Fort Myers

FILE PHOTO

Page

Page

Nine weeks post-Ian, the Town of Fort Myers Beach, its businesses and its residents continue on the road to recovery Pictured are:

8: Top, the Mantanzas Pass Bridge and Old San Carlos Boulevard; bottom a bird’s-eye view of Margaritaville.

9: Top photos, north of Mantanzas Pass Bridge on Estero Boulevard; center, the Fort Myers Beach Pier; at left, Times Square with Margaritaville across Estero Boulevard.

Photos by ROB BRAITLING

Lani Kai bartenders teaming with Rumrunners in Cape Coral

Monday event part of toys for tots drive

Staf f Repor t

The bartenders of the Lani Kai Island Resort will join forces with Rumrunners in Cape Coral on Monday Dec 19, for an all-day takeover and holiday toy drive at their waterfront property at 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral

From 11 a m to 3 p m , Joe Conidaris, his son Josh, his niece Holly, and longtime Lani Kai Island Resort bartender Sandy will take part From 3 p m to 9 p m , bartenders Jason, Beth, Kristelle, Mikey G and Dustin will be serving

“This gives our fabulous staff the chance to enjoy serving their patrons once again, and the chance for our wonderful patrons to come out and see some of their favorite Lani Kai crew, from one beautiful Southwest Florida waterfront venue to another,” Lani Kai Island Resort Marketing Director Melissa Schneider said

Bacardi will be onsite offering holiday drink specials and Bacardi buckets throughout the day, and Rumrunners is hosting its annual Toys for Tots toy drive as well The public is welcome to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the cause, Schneider said

There will be a happy hour from 3 p m to 6 p m in the bar area, and steel drums entertainment with Dave Lapio from 5 p m to 8 p m

There is no cost to enter and walk-ins are welcome. Lunch and dinner reservations are based on availability (call 239790-5786)

“Thank you so very much to our gracious hosts at Rumrunners for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful venue for the day,” Schneider said “We can't wait to see you, serve you and say ‘Thanks for being here’ once again ”

The Music Hub to present ‘A Very Rowdy Christmas’ holiday concert tonight at Fort Myers Brewing

Event to support local toy drive for children in need

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

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

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

A t t e n d e e s a r e e n c o u r a g e d come in their most festive attire and t o b r i n g d o n a t i o n s o f n e w , unwrapped toys to benefit the Lewis P T a b a r r i n i C h i l d r e n ’ s M u s i c Outreach Foundation’s annual toy d r i v e , b r i n g i n g h o l i d a y c h e e r t o children in need across the region Additionally, all contributions to the musicians’ tip jar that evening will go directly to the Foundation, which provides musical instrument group lessons through the School of Rock Fort Myers to local children who are unable to afford lessons In 202122, the organization provided over 300 hours of music education to d e s e r v i n g k i d s w h o o t h e r w i s e

wouldn’t have the resources to be exposed to music at all

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

“A Very Rowdy Christmas” is presented by Dorcey Law Firm

Additional event sponsors include Worthington Realty, FrontLine Cyber Solutions, MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, Builders Glass of Bonita, York Services, The Treasure Chest, Adam’s Glass Services & Repairs, Lacy McClary Studio & Gallery, Gibson Pro Service and Cadence Music

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

FMBAA presents new Winter Juried Show

Fort Myers Beach Art Association new winter juried show:"Finding Inspiration" is at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road

The show runs through Jan 29

Bass Pro Shops is proud to invite families to the beloved tradition of visiting Santa Claus this holiday season during the annual Santa’s Wonderland experience The festivities run through Saturday, Dec 24 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s will help millions of happy families experience Santa across North America this holiday season Photo sessions began Nov 6 Reservations are recommended and can be made at www basspro com/santa

Throughout the holiday season, visitors will have the opportunity

Palm is an intimate theater, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with

from $50 to $70

available for groups of 20 or more Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers

Annual Bonita Holiday Fair to return with rides and more

The Bonita Holiday Fair will return for its second year from Dec 16 through Jan 1 on the grounds of the Bonita Springs Poker Room, at 10601 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs

Hours will be Thursdays from 5 to 10 p m , Fridays from 5 to 11 p m , Saturdays from 3 to 11 p m and Sundays from 3 to 10 p m There will be special hours on Christmas Eve from 1 to 5 p.m. and New Years Eve from 1 to 6 p.m. Opening night will feature “First Responder Friday” with free admission for first responders and hurricane relief workers

The fair will feature more than 30 state fair-style amusement rides and Kiddieland, with a selection for youths, families and thrill seekers The Giant Ferris Wheel stands over 100 feet tall and the midway will be packed with games, prizes, fun and fair food Entertainment will include The Magic of Lance Gifford, Rosaries' Royal Racing Pigs, Wolves of the World the world's only traveling wolf pack a petting zoo and more family-friendly attractions Attendees will also find holiday displays and music, visits from Santa until Dec 24, games of skill and festive merchandise vendors

Admission and ride tickets can be purchased at BonitaHolidayFair com or onsite at the fair

LCDAS to celebrate with Gift Giving Tree

Lee County Domestic Animal Services will celebrate the upcoming holiday season with its annual Gift Giving Tree in the lobby of the adoption center, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers.

The tree is decorated with ornaments that have a wish list of gifts for the shelter pets on it Visitors may pick one up and return them to LCDAS by Dec 21 to help make the animals’ holiday a little brighter

The ornament is the gift giver's to keep for their tree

The adoption center has dogs, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs looking for a home just in time for the holidays To see pets available for adoption or for an application, visit www leelostpets com

Honor a loved one with Tree of Lights

Hope Hospice’s Tree of Lights tradition offers a meaningful way to commemorate loved ones while providing essential funds for those in need of hospice care and grief support

H o p e ’ s C a r e C e n t e r s i n F o r t

Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres will each feature a Tree of Lights adorned with white paper butterflies With a $50 gift,

Hope will customize a butterfly with the name of your loved one and place it at the location of your choice Donors who give $100 will also receive a 2022 keepsake metal ornament engraved with the Hope Hospice logo

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t

MoreHope org/Tree or call 239-4824673

Wonder Gardens announces winter camp sessions

“We invite local and visiting children to celebrate our resident animals and plants as they explore cultural and artistic connections and tap into their creative sides,” Education and Volunteer Manager Katie Grimes said “Activities include inquiry-based tours, games, science, art and free time ”

The weekly sessions will include:

∫ Dec 19-23 from 9 a m to 4 p m : “World of Wonder” for ages 6-9 will explore resident animals, the countries where species live in their natural habitats, and some celebrations associated with those countries Campers will make some special gifts for animals to help them celebrate the season

∫ Dec 19-23 from 9 a m to 4 p m : “Creatures and Cultures” for ages 10-12 will offer campers more advanced opportunities to get to know the animals, plants, and their global communities as well as design gifts through the lens of cultural inclusion and conservation

∫ Dec 26-30 from 9 a m to 4 p m : “Nature’s Canvas” for ages 6-9 will look at nature like an artist, exploring how animals create patterns and forms and then use similar processes for self-expression

∫ Dec 26-30 from 9 a m to 4 p m : “Wild Design” for ages 10-12 will give campers an opportunity for creative expression as they are inspired by natural elements, from scales and feathers to tendrils and fronds Campers will tap into principles of sustainable design and draw on nature to inspire their own works of art

The sessions are $175 per week for members and $200 per week for non-members

To register, visit wondergardens org/camps

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t G r i m e s a t

Education@wondergarderns org

The Wonder Gardens is at 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs

The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs will host Winter Camp Wonder day camp sessions

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers is providing families with a chance to decorate cookies and see the holiday lights all in one night with classes on Dec 19-22 from 6-8 p m

Cookies are unfrosted sugar cookies that are pre-cut in various Christmas-themed shapes

The class will include a do-it-yourself cookie bundle kit with 12 cookies, four different icing options and three types of sprinkle toppings A hot cocoa bar and admission to Holiday Nights is included

The river pavilion will be festively decorated and holiday music will be played.

A family ticket is $115 for four people for members and $125 for four people for non-members Up to two more family member tickets can be purchased for $30 each, with additional cookies included

Space is limited to 12 families per class, and each family will have a reserved table

EdisonFord org

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

i l d r e n a g e s 8 a n d u n d e r a r e f r e e I n a d d it i o n , i t w i l l h o s t “ A B a d M o m s C h r i s t m a s M o v i e N i g h t ” o n D e c 2 0 a t 6 : 3 0 p m

W e a l l k n o w “ C h r i s t m a s i s t h e m o s t s t r

Collective to present Jazz at the MACC

Families enjoy the holiday lights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

B r o a d w a y P a l m p r o u d l y p r e s e n t s t h e m a g n i f i c e n t “ J o s e p h a n d t h e A m a z i n g T e c h n i c o l o r D r e a m c o a t ” p l a y i n g J a n 6 t h r o u g h F e b 1 1 , 2 0 2 3 T h e a g e - o l d B i b l i c a l s t o r y o f J o s e p h a n d h i s c o a t o f m a n y c o l o r s c o m e s t o l i f e o n s t a g e i n t h i s f u n - f i l l e d , c o l o r f u l m u s i c a l t h a t h a s e n t e r t a i n e d a u d i e n c e s f o r o v e r 4 0 y e a r s “ J o s e p h a n d t h e A m a z i n g T e c h n i c o l o r D r e a m c o a t ” i s o n e o f t h e m o s t s p e c t a c u l a r a n d e n t e r t a i n i n g m u s ic a l s t o e v e r h i t t h e s t a g e A n d r e w L l o y d W e b b e r t e a m s u p w i t h c o l l a b o r a t o r T i m R i c e t o t e l l t h i s c o m p e l l i n g s t o r y f r o m t h e O l d T e s t a m e n t T o l d t h r o u g h a k a l e i d o s c o p e o f s o n g a n d d a n c e , t h e m u s i c a l i s s e t i n t h e d e s e r t o f t h e M i d d l e E a s t m a n y c e n t u r i e s a g o J a c o b g i v e s h i s s o n J o s e p h a m a g n i f i c e n t c o a t o f m a n y c o l o r s H i s e l e v e n b r o t h e r s b e c o m e s o j e a l o u s o f J o s e p h a n d h i s

s p l e n d i d c o a t t h a t t h e y s e l l h i m i n t o s l a v e r y U p o n a r r i v a l i n E g y p t , J o s e p h i s s o l d o n c e a g a i n B e c a u s e o f h i s g r e a t g i f t f o r i n t e r p r e t i n g d r e a m s , h e r i s e s f r o m t h e s t a t u s o f l o w l y h o u s e s l a v e t o b e c o m e t h e P h a r a o h ’ s a d v i s o r T h e s p e c t a c u l a r s c o r e f r o m n e a r l y e v e r y g e n r e i n c l u d e s “ A n y D r e a m W i l l D o , ” “ C l o s e E v e r y D o o r ” a n d “ G o , G o , G o

J o s e p h ” G o ! G o ! G o ! a

T h e L a b o r a t o r y T h e a t e r o f F l o r i d a w i l l p r e s e n t t h e s o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a p r e m i e r e o f D o r o t h y M a r c i c ’ s “ S I ST A S : t h e M u s i c a l ” T h e s h o w r u n s t h r o u g h J a n 1 5

A f t e r G r a n d m a ’ s death, the women in the family clean out her attic a n d u n p a c k l o v e a n d memories They sing hit tunes that trace the history of Black women, from the trials of the 1930s through the girl groups of the ’60s to the empowerment of the ’90s

“ S I S T A S : t h e M u s i c a l ” i s s p o n s o r e d b y A r t Z u p k o

R e h e a r s a l s p a c e s p o n s o r e d b y W i n g e d F o o t T i t l e P e r f o r m a n c e d a t e s :

∫ Dec 16, 17, 28, 29, 30 at 8 p m

∫ D e c 1 8 a t 2 p m

∫ J a n 5 , 6 , 7 , 1 2 , 1 3 , 1 4 a t 8 p m

∫ J a n 8 * , 1 5 a t 2 p m

S p e c i a l E v e n t s :

∫ H a l f - p r i c e p r e v i e w n i g h t s : D e c 1 4 , 1 5 a t 8 p m

∫ S t a g i n g T e e n S u c c e s s T h r o u g h T h e a t e r : D e c 1 7 a t 8 p m

n i a l B o u l e v a r d i n F o r t M y e r s

∫ P o s t - p e r f o r m a n c e t a l k b a c k : J a

‘The Parking Lot’ to open at Alliance theater

T h e T h e a t r e C o n s p i r a c y a t t h e A l l i a n c e f o r t h e A r t s w i l l p r e s e n t “ T h e P a r k i n g L o t ” o n D e c 1 5 - 1 7 a t 7 : 3 0 p m a n d o n D e c 1 8 a t 2 p m a t t h e a l l i a n c e , a t 1 0 0 9 1 M c G r e g o r B l v d , F o r t M y e r s

B y A d a m S z y m k o w i c z , “ T h e P a r k i n g L o t ” i s d i r e c t e d b y M a d e l a i n e W e y m o u t h a n d s t a r s R a c h a e l E n d r i z z i a n d K e n Q u i r i c o n e J a n d T e r r y a r e m a rr i e d , b u t t h e y m i g h t n o t s t a y t h a t w a y f o r l o n g W h i l e m o s t c o u p l e s h a v e t h e

b e n e f i t o f n e g o t i a t i n g t h e u p s a n d d o w n s o f m a r r i a g e i n p r i v a t e , o r i n t h e ra p y , J a n d T e r r y h a v e t a k e n a d i f f e r e n t a p p r o a c h I n s t e a d t h e y h a v e c h o s e n a p a r k i n g l o t a s t h e s e t t i n g t o a n s w e r o n e o f l i f e ’ s b i g g e s t q u e s t i o n s : S h o u l d w e g e t d i v o r c e d ?

T i c k e t s a r e $ 2 5 f o r m e m b e r s a n d $ 3 0 f o r n o n - m e m b e r s

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w a r t i n l e e o r g / e v e n t / p a r ki n g l o t / 2 0 2 2 - 1 2 - 0 8 /

Theater presenting ‘The Sound of Music’

T h e F o r t M y e r s T h e a t r e i s p e r f o r mi n g “ T h e S o u n d o f M u s i c ” f r o m n o w t h r o u g h D e c 2 4 a t 1 6 1 2 0 S a n C a r l o s B l v d , F o r t M y e r s T h e f i n a l c o l l a b o r at i o n b e t w e e n R o d g e r s a n d H a m m e r s t e i n w a s d e s t i n e d t o b e c o m e t h e w o r l d ’ s m o s t b e l o v e d m u s i c a l F e a t u r i n g a t r o v e o f c h e r i s h e d s o n g s , i n c l u d i n g “ C l i m b

E v ’ r y M o u n t a i n , ” “ M y F a v o r i t e

T h i n g s , ” “ D o R e M i , ” “ S i x t e e n G o i n g o n S e v e n t e e n ” a n d t h e t i t l e n u m b e r , “ T h e S o u n d o f M u s i c , ” i t e a r n e d f i v e T o n y A w a r d s a n d f i v e O s c a r s T i c k e t s a r e $ 2 5 - 3 5 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d t i c k e t s , v i s i t h t t p s : / / f t m y e r s t h e a t r e c o m / FORT MYERS

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Broadway Palm proudly presents the magnificent “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” playing Jan 6 through Feb 11, 2023

Family Initiative offers sensory-friendly visits with Santa

I n a q u i e t e n c l a v e o f

FineMark National Bank & Trust in Fort Myers, families with children and teens on the autism spectrum visited Santa Claus in a peaceful, festive setting away from loud music, long lines and crowds associated with many Santa-visit experiences

F a m i l y I n i t i a t i v e , a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with autism and strengthening their families, hosted 65 f a m i l i e s f o r a v i s i t w i t h Santa Hosted by FineMark B a n k a n d U n i t e d W a y o f Lee, Hendry and Glades, the Dec 3rd event included holiday crafts, a pizza party, hot c o c o a b a r , h o l i d a y m o v i e s and more

“Understanding that children and teens on the autism spectrum are sensitive to noise, overstimulation and new experiences, our team at Family Initiative worked with our partners at FineMark and United Way to create a more subdued and controlled experience during their visit with Santa Claus,” said Anjali Van Dries, cofounder and vice president of Family Initiative “Santa was very gentle, offering a warm welcome and allowing the kids to approach him at their own comfort level Watching their faces light up was such a joy, and we are grateful to FineMark Bank for providing this safe and inviting venue for the families we serve to enjoy this time together ”

E d i s o n F o r d . o r g a n d c l a s s e s c a n b e p u r c h a s e d a s g i f t s .

Registration is open for the following classes:

Silk Scarf Painting with Marie Dyer

a n 1 4 , F e b 2 5 , a n d M a r c h 1 1 a t 9 a m

Dyer has been teaching at the Estates for many years Participants will paint a scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork. To ensure adequate supplies,

PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTOS PROVIDED

ABOVE: Making crafts and smiles with FineMark Bank's Jessica Catti

RIGHT: Reindeer games! BELOW: Holiday fun and games

‘Ding’ Darling hosts 10th annual photo contest for high schoolers

The 10th annual “Ding” Darling-Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest has kicked off with a deadline of March 1, 2023 It invites high school students in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties to compete for prizes that include a Canon digital SLR camera package, a one-year subscription to Adobe photography software and a one-year family pass to all Florida state parks

The contest’s namesake, Ted Cross, lived part-time on Sanibel Island; marched with Dr Martin Luther King Jr ; advised the Johnson and Nixon administrations on antipoverty programs; wrote the influential book Black Capitalism, among others; played a prominent role in President Obama’s election; and created Birders United- a birding Web site that ranked legislators according to their record of bird protection support.

Late in life, Cross decided to indulge his love for birds and photography and traveled the world to collect stunning portraits and stories to chronicle his adventures He shot often at J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, and a number of the images in his book reflect his love for the refuge Cross published "Waterbirds" in 2009 at age 85; he passed away shortly after that in February 2010, just two weeks after he made a presentation at “Ding” Darling as part of its annual lecture series

NPR’s All Things Considered called Cross’ collection of 179 images and countless anecdotes “spectacular.” The New York Times described it as “part visual encyclopedia, part memoir ”

“The Theodore Cross Family Charitable Foundation has made possible this contest with a generous grant to the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge,” said Birgie Miller, DDWS executive director “We couldn’t be more thrilled that they wanted their donation used in this way for a 10th year ”

“We are so happy to be supporting a contest in my father’s name, a contest that will get our youth involved with nature by looking at it – as my father so loved doing – through a camera lens,” said daughter Amanda Cross.

Digital image entries can be shot from any outdoor venue in the state of Florida A writing component to the contest requires entrants grades 9 through 12 to submit a 100-word description of the “moment” captured and how it reflects what nature and wildlife mean to the photographer

Entry rules and guidelines are listed below Guidelines and prize information are also posted at dingdarlingsociety org/articles/photo-contests Call DDWS at 239-2920566 for more information

All entries and personal information must be submitted in digital format to the email address ddhsphotocontest@gmail com Submit your full name, high school, grade and an original photograph that you took of nature and/or wildlife in the open outdoors Include a title for the photograph and a written description (minimum 100 words) of the “moment” captured and how it reflects what nature and wildlife mean to you You and your

entry must comply with the following requirements:

∫ Students attending high schools in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte (Florida) counties in grades 9 through 12 may enter the contest

∫ Only digital images are accepted and may be taken with any camera, including smartphones

∫ Images must be submitted in JPEG format and must have a size of at least 2000 x 1500 pixels or resolution of 2 megabytes

∫ The photograph must be taken of nature and/or wildlife in the open outdoors in the state of Florida, which may include parks, refuges, backyards, and other open spaces.

∫ Panoramic photos are NOT allowed

∫ Filters, cropping, enhancements and borders are permitted However, adding any elements not existing in the original scene will not be allowed Judges, at their discretion, will disqualify any photos that appear to be manipulated beyond these guidelines

∫ Each participant may enter up to two (2) photos but is eligible to win only one award

∫ Judging will be anonymous Please do not put your name or anything that will identify you on your photograph

∫ There are three judges: A refuge staff person, a professional photographer, and a resident of the five-county region

∫ Judging criteria:

-- Technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure)

-- Creativity

-- Explanation of photograph (minimum of 100 words)

-- All photos will become the property of DDWS Photos may be used by the society in any way with appropriate credit

About DDWS

As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works t o s u p p o r t J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits

To support DDWS and the refuge with a taxdeductible gift, visit www dingdarlingsociety org or contact Birgie Miller at 239-2920566 or director@dingdarlingsociety org

Students will join local artist, Megan Kissinger, to learn how to make woven crafts that they can take home All materials and tools will be provided, but students may bring their own ribbons and scissors Participants are also encouraged to bring a snack or lunch Space is limited and registration is required Members $40; nonmembers $60

∫ Floral Still Life Painting with Marie Dyer

Jan. 21 and March 18 at 9 a.m.

Impressionist painter, Marie Dyer, will e x p l a i n c o l o r m i x i n g , e f f e c t d e s i g n , impressionistic techniques, shading and effective color contrast to create mood This acrylic on canvas painting workshop

is for any experience level Capacity is l i m i t e d a n d r e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d

Members $90; non-members $100

∫ Zen Drawing with Megan Kissinger

Jan 28 at 10 a m

Participants will explore meditative d r a w i n g w i t h l o c a l a r t i s t , M e g a n Kissinger This class will take place outd o o r s o n t h e s p r a w l i n g g r o u n d s

Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch The class will meet at the Visitor Pavilion before departing to paint on the g r o u n d s A l l m a t e r i a l s a r e i n c l u d e d Registration is required and capacity is l i m i t e d N o e x p e r i e n c e i s r e q u i r e d Members $40; non-members $60

∫ Pre-Valentines Floral Arranging

with Anita Singh

Jan 29 at 10 a m

G u e s t s w i l l l e a r n h o w t o c r e a t e t h e i r v e r y o w n b o t a n i c a l m a s t e r p i e c e T h e c l a s s w i l l h i g h l i g h t d e s i g n i n g w i t h r o s e s , f o l i a g e , a n d h o w t o c r e a t e a u n i q u e V a l e n t i n e ' s D a y f l o r a l a r r a n g em e n t E a c h p a r t i c i p a n t w i l l t a k e h o m e t h e i r c u s t o m f l o r a l a r r a n g e m e n t t o e n j o y A l l m a t e r i a l s a r e i n c l u d e d , a s w e l l a s t o o l s a n d r e f r e s h m e n t s S t u d e n t s o f a l l e x p e r i e n c e l e v e l s a r e w e l c o m e . S e a t i n g i s l i m i t e d a n d r e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d M e m b e r s $ 7 5 ; n o n - m e m b e r s $ 8 5

Feb 18 at 9 a m

I m p r e s s i o n i s t i c l o c a l a r t i s t , M a r i e Dyer, will guide participants in this plein air acrylic landscape painting workshop

She will cover the fundamentals of composition and structure, color creating, mood, mixing paints, and assist in developing a pallet that speaks to each guest This workshop is for artists of all skill levels All materials are included Capacity is l i m i t e d a n d r e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d Members $90; non-members $100

For additional information or to register for classes, visit EdisonFord org

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

DANI MOSER

In 2022, Dani Moser from Cape Coral High took first place with her image "Fly "

∫ Acrylic Landscape Painting with Marie Dyer

Football tourney raises funds for storm relief

The Hurricane Ian Relief Flag Football Tournament took place on Dec 3 at Dunbar High School in Fort Myers The 7-versus-7 adult tourney included a men's division and a co-ed division Event coordinator and The Sanibel School teacher Joe Camputaro reported that the $775 raised will benefit The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools' Hurricane Ian Relief Fund The tournament was hosted in partnership with the foundation and Employee Wellness Camputaro added that the tourney would not have been possible without the support of Dunbar High School and Principal Carl Burnside

Team GasEmOut scored first place in the Hurricane Ian Relief Flag Football Tournament.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Second place went to Team Dynasty in the Hurricane Ian Relief Flag Football Tournament.

Event coordinator and The Sanibel School teacher Joe Camputaro and Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Chief Executive Officer and President Marshall Bower

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to present one-day, ‘Boat America’ class

The U S Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a oneday, “Boat America” class Saturday, Dec 17, from 9 a m to 4 p m , at Cypress Lake Community Church, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers

This beginner boating class will provide the novice recreational boater with the knowledge needed to obtain the FWC safety certification Many boat insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who complete the Boat America class

The class presenters are trained U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members who facilitate sharing experiences and relate courseware to the Fort Myers Beach area

Greg Masonick, the Flotilla Commander of the Fort Myers Beach Flotilla 91 stated, “Education and awareness of potential risks while boating is the key to safe boating Understanding the hazards is especially important after a hurricane Participants learn the different styles of life jackets, minimizing risks, being prepared, and exercising good judgment People are very busy today, and the class can easily fit into everyone’s calendar Unlike online classes, this program offers student interaction, shared perspectives, and local area knowledge ”

The cost is $45 per person and includes study material Advance registration is required, by phone at 239690-6780 option 1 or online at http://www aux91fmb org/safeboating/ - the class fills up quickly so register today

The U S Coast Guard Auxiliary is the lead agency protecting America’s seaward frontier in recreational boating safety Our vessels and aircraft deploy across the U S and aid or save countless boaters every year Every day the auxiliary saves hundreds of thousands of dollars in property and saves countless lives.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U S Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939 For more information, please visit www cgaux org

FWC proposes rule to help improve survival of released reef fish

At its recent meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission proposed require the possession of a desce device or venting tool that is rigged a ready for use on board a vessel whe harvesting or attempting to harvest including catch and release, reef fish in state waters

The proposed rule is designed to increase the survival of released reef fish, a top priority management issue in the Gulf and South Atlantic If approved, it would also require the use of a descending device or venting tool if releasing a fish that is exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release As reef fish are reeled up from depth, they can suffer pressure related injuries known as barotraum These injuries include the stomach p truding out of the mouth, bulging bloated belly, distended intestines an ty to swim down independently If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to reef fish

Tools including descending devices or venting help released fish recover from the s o f b a r o t r a u m a D e s c e n d i n g vices are weighted devices capable f releasing fish at a depth that is sufficient to recompress expanded gas and help fish recover from the e f f e c t s o f b a r o t r a u m a V e n t i n g t o o l s a r e s h a r p , h o l l o w i n s t r uments that allow expanded gas to e s c a p e f r o m a n o v e r - e x p a n d e d swim bladder

B a r o t r a u m a m i t i g a t i o n t o o l r e q u i r e m e n t s h a v e a l r e a d y b e e n adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters In Gulf federal waters, fishers have the choice of possessng either a descending device or a enting tool that is rigged and ready use In Atlantic federal waters, fishe required to have a descending t is readily available for use

LCEC Goblin Gallop 5k to be held Jan. 7

The 11th Annual LCEC Goblin Gallop 5k/Kid Run to benefit the U n i t e d W a y w i l l t a k e p l a c e o n Saturday, Jan 7, at Jaycee Park at 4125 S E 20th Place in Cape Coral, Florida. The Goblin Gallop was originally scheduled for Oct 29, but was rescheduled due to Hurricane Ian and r e s t o r a t i o n e f f o r t s f o l l o w i n g t h e storm

The 5k starts at 7:30 a m and the Kids Fun Run starts after 5k ends

Registration fees are $30 for the 5K run/walk/virtual before Jan 6, and $35 thereafter The fee for the Kids Fun Run (ages 12 and under) is

$15 by Jan 6 and $20 thereafter Packet pickup will be Thursday, Jan 5, and Friday, Jan 6, from 10 a m to 5:30 p m at The Run Shoppe at 1407 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral. All virtual racers can pick up their items during packet pickup V i s i t w w w r u n s i g n u p c o m / g o blin2023 for race information and to register Contact 5k@lcec net with questions

Since its inception, the Goblin Gallop has raised nearly $24,000 to benefit the United Way LCEC sincerely thanks all the sponsors, volunteers and participants who make the Goblin Gallop a success for the United Way!

Twins, Red Sox announce joint donation in support of Southwest Florida Hurricane Ian relief efforts

Taking the next step in their ongoing support of Southwest Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the Minnesota Twins, in partnership with the Boston Red Sox, announced Tuesday a joint financial contribution to five Lee County-based nonprofits to assist with their relief and recovery efforts

The two Major League teams will donate a combined $200,000, with half going to Collaboratory (formerly the Southwest Florida Community Foundation), and the remaining half distributed equally amongst the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Lee Health Foundation’s SWFL Stronger Together employee relief fund, Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. and Community Cooperative’s Lee County Strong relief fund

“Lee County is a special part of Twins Territory, and we – along with our friends and Fort Myers neighbors, the Boston Red Sox – will be there for our Southwest Florida family in this time of recovery, as they have always been for us,” said Twins

President & CEO Dave St Peter “The Twins have readily given the Lee County Sports Complex to house first responders, stage emergency vehicles and distribute more than 1 million meals through World Central Kitchen; now, we hope these new funds will assist our community partners in their critical efforts to ease the suffering wrought by Hurricane Ian At the same t i m e , w e r e c o g n i z e t h a t m u c h w o r k

remains We are committed to providing our continued support as this beloved region rebuilds in the days, weeks and months ahead ”

“Lee County has been the home of Red Sox Spring Training since 1993 and in that time, we have built a strong bond with countless fans, local officials, and partners in the area We know how resilient our Southwest Florida community is, and we, along with our neighbors down the road, the Minnesota Twins, will continue to do all that we can to support our community as we recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ian,” said Red Sox President & CEO Sam

Kennedy “We are grateful to the local, state and federal officials, organizations and volunteers on the ground in Lee County who continue to focus on recovery and relief efforts, as well as our Red Sox employees, families and teammates in Fort Myers, who have worked tirelessly every day to make JetBlue Park available for recovery response teams As we look to the future, the Red Sox stand ready to support Lee County as we rebuild our community together ”

More about the beneficiaries:

∫ Collaboratory is reimagining everything a community foundation can and should be, with a commitment to bring Southwest Florida together to solve all of the region’s major social problems on an 18year deadline. Currently, 100 percent of donations to Collaboratory go to assist the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund, in partnership with United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties

∫ Harry Chapin Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief nonprofit and the only Feeding America member in Southwest Florida,

servicing Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Lee counties The organization is actively responding the enormous community need in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

∫ Lee Health Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Lee Health, created the SWFL Stronger Together employee relief fund to provide critical aid to the thousands of healthcare professionals who suffered incredible loss in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, many while serving patients at Lee Health hospitals across Southwest Florida

∫ Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc , which enhances and enriches the quality of public education in Lee County, is currently raising funds to provide relief for educators and students in need following Hurricane Ian.

∫ Community Cooperative, whose mission is to eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients, has created the Lee County Strong emergency relief fund to help rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

A final rule hearing will be presented at a future commission meeting

WHAT A CATCH!

Capt. Dave’s Fishing Report

I ventured out 19 miles west of New Pass on Tuesday, Dec 6, on a sight-seeing/exploratory/ occasional fishing trip with Erwin and Millie Metusiak The Metusiaks have gone out with me for years, but always in the bay (inshore.) Since my bay boat remains in the shop, undergoing repairs since Hurricane Ian, Irwin and Millie decided to head offshore with me in calm waters, mostly to see what the waterways are like post-storm Dolphin were everywhere (which usually means fish aren’t!) I did have some frozen squid onboard, so we did immerse a line or two, and released a half dozen grunts, a dozen small red grouper, a 12-inch trigg e r f i s h , a n d a b u n c h o f s q u i r r e l f i s h Keeper-sized lane snapper were abundant, but are currently out-of-season We saw some red tide, close-in, but none beyond five or six miles We also saw a lot of debris still littering the trees along the bay and even to about a mile offshore

Captain Dave's Fishing Tips

Fishing tip #1 : I don’t fish exclusively for tarpon because they are so unpre-

dictable; however, if you do target tarpon, I would suggest you wait until the tarpon jumps he will jump as soon as he picks up the bait and feels the hook Then, give him some slack and bow to the jumps When the fish goes back in the water, give a few good hook-sets I would suggest using a medium/heavy rod If you use a rod that is too light, you will not be able to maintain the pressure needed to keep the hook set: This is also not good for the fish because you will not be able to get him to the boat fast enough to prevent completely exhausting him

Fishing tip #2 : The best way to find a "secret spot" is to turn on your bottom machine and drive around in depths of 30 to 45 feet. There are small strips of ledge, and honey-holes, all over the gulf I would suggest you start at locally known areas, then work your way away from them Do not look for major structure, as most of the structure around here is less than 2 foot high If you start catching small fish, that is a good sign that the bigger ones are in the area to feed

– Capt. Dave Hanson

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Angler Kathryn Barnes with a 26-inch redfish, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter.

Angler Kathryn Barnes with a 13-inch mangrove snapper, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter.

Angler Kathryn Barnes with a 15-inch sheepshead, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter.

Angler Jack Eaves with a 14-inch sheepshead, one of three this size he and his friends caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on a recent inshore Fishbuster Charter