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‘Stipends’ pass without Council discussion Mayor to receive $5,000 per month, council members $3,333, in addition to voter-approved salaries the sole member to vote against passing the consent agenda where the item calling for stipend amounts of $5,000 per month for the mayor and $3,333 per month for city council members was placed.

The 60-minute slotted Citizens Input time was filled with residents as well as individuals running for various political

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Although the public filled the Cape City Council chambers Coral Wednesday night to protest adding a stipend to council members’ remuneration, the proposal passed without discussion.

Councilmember Robert Welsh was

AOW

The Cape Coral Breeze presents Athletes of the Week — Page 42

Making GRADE

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* Selected ZIP Codes

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

ighteen schools earned an “A” grade from the State of Florida, which officials say is a win for the School District of Lee County as the results are from the year when many were impacted by the devastating path Hurricane Ian left behind.

“Our administrators, principals, teachers, paraprofessionals and students worked diligently under very trying circumstances last year and the overall rise in achievement is due to their effort and hard work,” Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said in a prepared statement. “Lives and learning were interrupted by a major hurricane and new state imple-

E

See STIPENDS, page 41

Carr appointed to fill vacant District 4 seat

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

mented testing standards. Our staff rose to the challenge and removed three schools from state supervision and increased the overall student outcomes which are reflected in the improved school grades. We are proud and they should celebrate and recognize their commitment that led to the outcomes and the grades they earned.”

Those A schools included 12 elementary, three middle, two high schools and one K-8.

The new additions to the A list included Gulf Elementary School, Edison Park Elementary School and Trafalgar Elementary School.

Three Oaks Middle School also joined the highest-ranking schools.

See GRADES, page 38

See CARR, page 12

18 Lee County public schools receive an ‘A’

news@breezenewspapers.com

those stipends; and set those stipend amounts at $5,000 per month for the mayor and $3,333 per month for city council members, retroactive to Oct. 1, the start of the city’s new budget year.

According to the most recent numbers posted to the city’s website, the mayor’s position currently is compensated at

A 30-year resident of Cape Coral with a background in public administration and law enforcement took the oath of office for the District 4 seat Wednesday night.

After receiving four nominating votes in the first round of Cape Coral City Council voting, Richard Carr received a unanimous 7-0 vote to fill the vacant seat until suspended council member Patty Cummings is rein- Richard Carr stated or until the General Election in 2024.

“Thank you fellow city council members. I have been sworn in a few different times over my career and this one was different from all the rest; not sure why,” he said during his appearance before council, which interviewed 13 applicants at Wednesday’s meeting. “I feel very impacted this evening with the decision you all made and the trust you have given me. I won’t let you down.”

Carr also spoke to the citizens.

“I look forward to gaining your trust. I hope over my 11 months serving as your city council member in District 4, I can do that,” he said.

the

INDEX Classifieds...........48 Community...............17 Coupon Corner........32-33 Editorial & Letters...4 Puzzles.........................48 Real Estate..................14 Sports.......................45 Weekly Recap...............19

offices slamming the measure that also required changes to the bylaws of the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency.

The three resolutions that passed were to modify the CRA bylaws to convert the uncompensated governing positions into positions compensated with stipends; allow council to determine the amount of

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 2 www.capecoralbreeze.com

CCPD adds app to alert residents to real-time crime

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

The Cape Coral Police Department has adopted a new app used by multiple law enforcement agencies, where residents will be alerted to real-time crime and also be able to submit tips.

CCPD announced Thursday the release of a phone application called Atlas One, where users receive push notifications and alerts when certain crimes or accidents occur near their current location.

“Here at the Cape Coral Police Department, we always strive to be very transparent with our community,” said CCPD Public Affairs Officer Mercedes Phillips.

“Everyone is always interested why police are in an area and now there is an app that can give everyone a little more insight into what is going on right around them.”

Phillips said many departments across the country are moving in the same director, and that the Fort Myers Police Department uses the same app.

“We are very excited to have a regional system that can be used with both cities,” Phillips continued. “It’s very beneficial, especially with as many commuters as we have in both areas. If there is a traffic accident, the

“Here at the Cape Coral Police Department, we always strive to be very transparent with our community. Everyone is always interested why police are in an area and now there is an app that can give everyone a little more insight into what is going on right around them.”

— Mercedes Phillips, CCPD public affairs officer

app will alert you so that people can avoid it on their way home.”

The app also has the capability for users to submit tips (anonymously if desired), as well as imaging and video.

“The Atlas One App allows us to communicate with our community,” Phillips said. “We can send out requests for information specifically to a neighborhood where we

might be looking for a little more help with our investigation. A lot of people now have dash cameras and ring cameras. All of that is helpful with our investigations.”

The app is currently live for smartphone users to download with a QR code providing a direct link to download the app.

Cape’s Boat-a-Long cancelled due to weather; boat parade a go but may be rescheduled

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral Breeze

With the city of Cape Coral’s annual boat parade canceled due to inclement weather, Cape residents could have a chance to catch a similar show this weekend.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association’s third annual Christmas Boat Parade remained scheduled for Saturday starting at 6:45 p.m.

The parade will start on the Spreader Waterway just

Cape Coral Breeze Vol. 62, No. 98

south of Bonefish Canal. The route will traverse east down Bonefish, turn at the end, and head west back to Spreader Waterway. The parade then goes north over to Wazee Lake, and then east down Hermosa Canal. The route will then head west back to Wazee Lake and follow the shoreline west to Spreader Waterway. From there, the voyage moves north to Horseshoe Canal, then east turning around at the end, and back west to Spreader Waterway where the parade ends.

“We have between 40 to 50 boats very well decorated by fun loving people putting on a show for our Northwest Cape Coral residents,” said organizer Dean Fox, who puts this event on along with his wife Jan. “We all have a ball decorating our boats together with family friends and neighbors in the Christmas spirit. A lot of the participants have post parade parties and we enjoy all the support from the residents dock parties with their decorations and Christmas cheer.”

Best places to take in the show include the end of Tropicana Parkway and the three bridges to Bonefish, Hermosa, and Horseshoe Canal.

In case of rain, the parade will be pushed to Sunday.

“If it’s a light drizzle, we will move forward,” Fox said. “If it’s a ready rain, we will cancel.”

Fox said if for some reason the weather is still uncooperative Sunday, they are discussing moving the parade to next Saturday, Dec. 22.

City officials Thursday afternoon sent an email stating the Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long set for Four Freedoms Park had been canceled due to weather.

According to Weather.com, potential heavy rains and thunderstorms are forecast for Saturday throughout the day and evening in Cape Coral

Page 3 ■ December 15, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 4

OPINIONS CAPE CORAL BREEZE RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor 2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693 Member Florida Press Association

Stipend: When a raise is not a raise In the face of public outcry in person, via dozens of ecomments, by email and by phone, Cape Coral City Council without discussion among the elected board voted itself a huge increase in remuneration Wednesday.

How huge? $5,000 per month for the mayor and $3,333 per month for city council members.

In addition to annual salaries of $48,095 for the mayor and $41,920 for council members as of Jan. 6 when they get their voter-approved cost-of-living raises, this budget cycle set at 3.2%.

But don’t call Wednesday’s action “a raise.”

Don’t call it “salary.”

Don’t call it “compensation.”

It’s a STIPEND, city officials emphasize, and so not subject to voter approval.

So let’s call it what it is: An end run around the taxpayers of Cape Coral.

A legal loophole ploy to vote themselves more money without having to ask their employers — i.e. those taxpayers — for the additional funds.

A shady money-grab they did not even bother to justify, placed on the consent agenda where items not set for any council discussion are parked.

Then left there without a single member of Council pulling not a one of the three resolutions needed to convert the volunteer positions council usurped and converted to (we’re not supposed to say paid) four-figure, monthly check-receiving positions calling for six meetings a year according to the approved meeting calendar.

As well as, of course, the growing duties of their Council positions, though the money “isn’t a raise” for that.

So let us, as the IRS does, call it taxable income which was explored behind the scenes.

Resolution 351-23 cites that the city’s “thorough comparison of similar sized cities within the state of Florida shows that the overall alternative and additional benefits that are afforded to the mayor and Council Members of the City of Cape Coral are substantially lower than other Elected Officials in comparable cities...”

According to the spreadsheet provided to The Breeze as part of a public records request, city staff looked at seven municipalities — Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Hollywood, Lakeland, Palm Bay, Port St. Lucie and Tallahassee — added the base salaries and stipends paid by each, and compared them to the Cape’s salary-only compensation and Council’s arbitrary 75th percentile employee salary goal.

City staff came up with an average “base pay” for mayors of $64,529, plus an average stipend of $6,259 for a total of $70,787. For council members, the average was $43,239, plus a stipend of $5,916 for a total of $49,155.

At the 75th percentile, the top quartile?

Total combined rates of $100,484 and $60,313 respectively.

Interesting numbers so, we guess, Council is doing us a favor, at least this year, though the stipends they will receive retroactive to Oct. 1 are higher — exceedingly higher — than those paid anywhere among their own comparables.

The city’s best argument, aside from they “deserve it”

THE BREEZE DECEMBER 15, 2023

Help families stay together this Christmas afford the rent—impossible choices that For most families, December feels no parent should have to make. Living like sprinting a marathon. There’s decowithout a support system is brutal, and rating, shopping, cookie making, zoo with no respite, these parents bend until lights, gift wrapping, school parties, visthey break. iting family, and of course—making sure That’s when child services gets that everyone wakes up to a picture-perinvolved. But there is some good news— fect Christmas morning. in Florida, that’s when Better Together We move so fast in December, you gets involved, too. probably read through that opening paraWe work in partnership with child graph without noticing the most imporservices to catch families before they fall, tant word in it: everyone. and to prevent the need for foster care in For thousands of children across the first place. Funded 100% with private Florida, waking up on Christmas morndonations and using our staff and voluning with their brothers, sisters and parteers, we offer parents a dignified, volunents is not a sure thing. They are standing Megan Rose tary alternative. on the front doorstep of foster care, and Our host families give children a safe the most heartbreaking part of it all is place to live while we help parents regain that they don’t have to be. stability through our work and mentoring You might be surprised to learn that programs. Ninety-eight percent of the most of the children in foster care were time, the families never need to interact not abused. They have loving parents with child services again. They reunite who were struggling with hard chaland thrive. lenges and had nobody to call for help.

When I reflect on this holiday season, I am beyond Their parents had to choose between things like watching their children at home or leaving for work to See GUEST COMMENTARY, page 6

Guest Commentary

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - COUNCIL STIPEND Shady enrichment ploy: Remember in November To the editor: What a disappointment! City Council has found a work around to increase their pay.

For those who don’t know, the salaries of the City Council are set in the City Charter, meaning changing their salaries requires a referendum. But apparently our “public” servants discovered a loophole in that they can pay themselves for serving on committees!

City Council voted on Wednesday to pay themselves $3,333 per month extra ($5,000 for Mayor Gunter) to serve on the Community Redevelopment Agency, an “advisory board” whose members only make up the City Council.

It’s interesting that they’ve only decided to put a salary in for this position, seeing as the City Council are the only people who serve on that board. I was just reappointed to the Community Development Block Grant Board. Our board is mainly made up of low-income or otherwise disadvantaged residents of our city. We could definitely use that $3,300 a month for our service, probably more so than the established business professionals on the Council. So Council, where’s our stipend? Don’t we deserve it, too?

This is just a shady way for the City Council to enrich themselves at the expense of the taxpayers, all while residents suffer from higher prices on everything from gas to groceries. If the City Council wants a pay increase, they need to go to the voters, AKA their employers, for that pay raise.

But they know the voters wouldn’t vote them a single penny of pay raise. That’s because voters have seen how this City Council continues to ignore their voices, from Jaycee Park and the Yacht Club, to the damaging food truck ordinance, to them literally shutting down Citizens Advisory Boards.

Voters will remember in November.

Sean Hartman Cape Coral

Shenanigans to seize sizeable ‘stipends’ stink

To the editor: I am absolutely dumbfounded by the proposal for the Council and Mayor to enrich yourselves on the backs of taxpayers by seeking a stipend for the “extra work” of the CRA duties. When it was proposed, City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said they would look to fold the CRA meetings into existing meeting days so it did not add additional time See EDITORIAL, page 8 requirements. By calling it a “stipend,” you can avoid hav-

ing voters say yea or nay to the increase. Perhaps you know the chances are slim they would approve it if given the chance.

I can imagine any hard-working citizen of our city loving to have their salary doubled overnight. Must be nice to be paid to take over the job of a previous board of VOLUNTEERS who served their community.

When you run for office, you should expect some sacrifices to be made as you contend you want to “serve” the people of the city.

This reeks. I hope if this goes through that it will be challenged in the courts.

Shameful.

John Geddie Cape Coral

Council cash-grab a faith-breaker To the editor: At age 76 I thought I had seen it all. But the Cape Coral City Council has eliminated that thought. I now read that after eliminating the volunteer CRA Board, this council has decided to pay themselves, through a “stipend,” a total of $299,976 per year to replace a board of volunteers! In the case of the mayor, the pay increase will be 131%. For the individual council members, the increase will be 99%.

I wonder how the city’s unionized workers feel about this.

After this council eliminated all the volunteer boards that they could get away with, we now know why. I can hardly wait to see how much they will pay themselves to perform the duties of the Budget Review Committee that I served on for seven years as a volunteer.

Other than trying to be an informed voter, I have never been in politics or held a government position but this cash grab by this council pretty much kills the respect and admiration I previously held for those who I thought had the public interest at heart. I suspect that I am not alone.

George Starner Cape Coral

A slap in the face to Cape residents To the editor: I read the following into the record Wednesday night before Council voted to give themselves a “stipend” in addition to their salary compensation: The inflation rate from 2019 to 2023 is 20.3% according to the latest CPI U. S. Government Data.

North 1 Utilities increased 75%. That’s 54% more than inflation. Cape Coral City Council cut North 1 in half destroying economy of scale and reducing competitive

See LETTERS, page 6

Page 5 ■ December 15, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 6 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - COUNCIL STIPEND Nice work if you can get it

From page 4 bidding. In my opinion, that’s why assessments increased $15,000 or more per lot.

The Fire Service Assessment increased 58% 2019 to 2023. That’s 37% greater than inflation.

The public service tax increased 75% and we get a utility rate increase every year through 2032.

Solid Waste Assessment Increased 52% or 31% above inflation, which was voted for by council.

Higher taxes and fees are not because of increases in population. New residents pay more taxes on a per-capita basis.

Voters were tricked into believing The Charter School System would be funded without local taxes. The council used The Public Service Tax as a gimmick to help fund the Charter Schools.

Another tactic, masquerading an increase in salary as a stipend, circumvents the city charter. Putting a vote for the pay increase in the Consent Agenda to limit public input is a slap in the face to voters.

The most common reason for monetary compensation is exceptional performance or incurred expenses.

Resolution 351-23 suggests council is underpaid. Based on what, higher taxes, outrageous assessments and manipulative capabilities? Until this council delivers services, in a cost effective manner, no monetary increases are warranted whether it be stipends or otherwise.

I believe, if Donald Trump stood in front of council today, he would say two words, “You’re Fired”.

John Sullivan former mayor Cape Coral

To the editor: I attended Wednesday’s Cape Coral City Council meeting and read the following into the record prior to Council’s vote to give themselves a “stipend” in addition to their salary compensation: My name is Larry Gillis. I have lived on the perimeter of Sands Park for almost 15 years. I am the 2024 Libertarian candidate for State Representative here in Cape Coral.

Historically, volunteers did the work of the Board of Commissioners of the South Cape Redevelopment Agency. They did this work for free, out of a public-spirited sense of duty to the community. According to the proposals now pending before you, these services are to be valued at approximately $340,000 each year.

Let me emphasize that these services have cost the taxpayers of Cape Coral nothing. Zip, zero, nada, so to speak.

Until now, anyway.

You have now dismissed these volunteers. You propose to take over those responsibilities yourselves, to monetize their free contribution, and to pay yourselves the money.

This would be in addition to the salaries you already receive.

Please let me remind you that the voters elected you to perform the duties of City Councilors. These additional duties were not part of the package. (The $340K was not part of the package either). You agreed to provide “as required” services if elected, so provide them. If you think that the CRA board positions are a proper part of your job, then do it. For free. Thanks for your service.

Just for the record, the Mayor is currently paid about

$45k per year and each of the seven Councilors is paid $40k. (A total of about $325k). The Mayor would get an additional $60,000 per year and each Councilor would get an additional $40,000 per year. Nice work if you can get it.

Laurence J Gillis Cape Coral

Stipend aka ‘stick it to the citizens’ To the editor: Wednesday evening the mayor of Cape Coral and the sitting committee members voted amongst themselves a financial stipend above and beyond their salaries. $5,000 a month for the mayor and $3,333 a month for each committee member. They did not have to get voter approval as they finagled a way around it.

The mayor’s salary is already 46,000 and each council member salary is approximately 40,000. You do the math… they, in essence, doubled their salaries right under most of our noses. They figured we were all too busy with sugar plum fairies dancing through our heads!

I do not profess to be a politician but this seems completely corrupt to me.

That money could be used in so many other beneficial ways for the city of Cape Coral as a whole. Consider the starting salary of a new police officer who actually puts their life on the line for its citizens!

I have reached out to U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and Sen. Rick Scott for their comment on this egregious pilfering of my hard-earned tax dollars! They should all be recalled!

Maria A. Morris Cape Coral

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Promote Cape ecotourism opportunities To the editor: It was like a breath of fresh air that many of the Cape Coral City Council members are looking at ways to increase and support ecotourism in Cape.

The biggest ecotourism draw in the Cape's history.

Burrowing owls bring in hundreds, if not, thousands of birders to our city yearly. They will go to our chamber of commerce and announce to them: “Where can we see your owls?”

We need to advertise our owls through the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau in their ads that they send throughout the country Why? Because millions of people in this country bird watch, according to Birda which quotes a survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Game Commission that there are 45 million birders in the U.S. Judging by this criteria, the birders generated $96 billion spent in birding which, in turn, has collected $17 billion in taxes.These birders bring in thousands of dollars to the Cape yearly.

To the members of Council, please mention our burrowing owls and wildlife ecotourism in the Cape when you talk or write about the future of the Cape’s expansion and future expansion such as retail, industry, housing, etc. For the future of the Cape’s ecotourism is our forte, too. Ecotourism simply means to show wildlife to others. Might mention we have the biggest population of burrowing owls in the USA and maybe

the world. Council members, please don't forget us in relation to ecotourism when talking about the Cape’s future.

Our mayor said that there needs to be a balance between growth and wildlife. This balance can be substantiated by mentioning the Cape's wildlife opportunities when the council mentions or writes about any type of growth both now and in the future.Of course, in the plans for Red Fish Pointe and the old golf course, they should not be developed for there will be absolutely no balance between wildlife and development what-so-ever.

Another huge ecotourism event we have is the Burrowing Owl Festival which is always held on the last Saturday in February which is on the 24th this year. We have many vendors that both display their wildlife to the people attending and they invite the 3,500 plus attendees to see their wildlife in a natural setting. Many other things are available for all ages to do and see at the festival as well.

Thee other major ecotourism attractions that the CCFW does for ecotourism is the butterfly house at Rotary Park. We give guided tours in the butterfly house three times a week for free. We rear purple martin chicks by the hundreds and would love to tell you how we do it and show you the active nests right on the nest site. Purple martins are so adorable.

Lastly, we have many butterfly gardens we have instituted throughout the Cape. One of our favorites is in Sirena

Vista Park which has a beautiful butterfly garden, And there is so much other wildlife to see. An active osprey nest, many many manatee, in the canals and lake, purple martins in the guard nests we put out for them, plus many other birds to see.

Ecotourism, the show casing of wildlife. is well , alive and expanding due to the honoree of our town bird, the burrowing owl.

See more about CCFW at our website: CCFRIENDSOFWILDLIFE.org At Rotary Park they have an ecotourism bus tour to show the Cape’s eagles, burrowing owls, gopher tortoises and other wild animals that you might see. Call Rotary Park for more details.We invite the council people to take the tour.

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife has purchased 77 lots with gopher tortoises and burrowing owls on them. That’s over 9 acres and counting. Would you like to make a donation?

Another great partnership we have in the works is the city partnering with a Florida Fish and Game Commission Grant to buy burrowing owl lots. More on this later.

In closing, we believe that ecotourism is well and expanding in our beloved Cape Coral for years to come. Remember that ecotourism is only about viewing wildlife.

Carl Veaux I speak for all the animals of all races and creeds.

Cape Coral

Guest Commentary: December is about families & caring for kids From page 4 grateful that a young mother named Brianna could spend every holiday with her two children. Things looked hopeless in August. The shelters were full, and she had nobody to call for help.

Brianna might have let the state take custody of her children, but she grew up in foster care and didn’t want that for her babies. Child services called Better Together, and we stepped in.

It was immediately clear that Brianna wanted to be the best mom she could possibly be. In just 50 days, she found two jobs, reliable child care, and an affordable home. The local church even surprised her with a car, giving her reliable transportation to keep her jobs.

Brianna reunited with her kids on Oct. 12. Since then, she’s seen them dressed in Halloween costumes, eating until their

tummies hurt on Thanksgiving and next, waking up on Christmas.

You can’t put a price tag on that gift.

It’s more precious than anything.

Even when parents aren’t ready for reunification, we offer the next best thing. While foster care cuts off contact between parents and children, our program does not. Parents are able to check in with their kids, call and visit frequently. This includes holidays.

We’re currently hosting more than a dozen families over the holidays. The host families are planning to have the children’s parents be a part of all the Christmas and Christmas Eve activities.

Some children will even spend the holidays with their parents and go back to their hosts after.

When our volunteers hosted children

over Thanksgiving, parents were invited to spend the day together with their kids and the host families. Brianna and her children were invited back to spend Thanksgiving with their former host family, too, which they did.

This is the real, lasting value in what we do. Once families like Brianna’s connect with our Better Together volunteers, they are never alone again. They have a community in their corner.

We’ve provided this service for thousands of children across Florida, and this is our busiest time of year. Whether it’s offering time, talent or treasure, we all have something that can help keep children safe and at home with their families during the holidays.

Maybe you are not even sure what you have to offer, but you just want to do

something to help. We can help you figure out what that is.

December is not about making sure everything is bought, wrapped or picture perfect. It’s about making sure that children in our community are not left behind.

If we slowed down this December and put as much effort into people as parcels and packages, what could we do together? I invite you to find out with me.

— Megan Rose is CEO of Better Together, a nonprofit organization that helps parents and families. To help families in your community, get help or donate, visit BetterTogetherUS.org or call 239-470-2733.

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Cape Coral Breeze

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 8 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Editorial: Council stipends From page 4 in addition to salary and existing reimbursement of expenses?”

It’s allowable by law and everyone’s doing it, including the city of Fort Myers, which added $14,400-per-year stipends in addition to salaries in April.

Sigh.

We, parents and grandparents all, are familiar with that argumentum ad populum.

Like most, we rejected the bandwagon fallacy back in our kids’ pouty middle

school years, and we reject it now.

Just because “everyone” is doing it doesn’t make it right.

For what you can do and what you should do are often not the same thing.

If Council compensation is too low — and we are not saying it is not — this was not the way to increase it, not by any standard, not by any means.

Count us among those appalled.

This week’s poll question: Do you support Cape Coral City Council’s decision to grant themselves a stipend in addition to salary? ∫ Yes. ∫ I would have supported a lower amount but an additional $5,000 per month for the mayor and $3,333 per month for each council member is too much. ∫ My issue is with the process. Designating the money as a “stipend” so voter approval was not needed is wrong. ∫ No.

Previous poll question Cape Coral Breeze

Are you following the presidential debates? ∫ Yes. 63% ∫ Kind of. 19% ∫ No. 18% * 235 votes at press time Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.

Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

—Breeze editorial

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 these pages 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.

Despite damage and plethora of now mostly completed repairs, Cape business never closed

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

A 50-plus year business in Cape Coral that provides services to community members when they need it the most is now back in full-swing following damage from Hurricane Ian. Fuller Metz Cremation & Funeral Services, after more than 400 days of working to become whole, has fully reopened after severe damage to the building’s structure after the near Category 5 storm.

While a funeral home never closes -and they did not -- funeral director in charge Timothy Hauck said it’s been a long road to getting back to where the structure was before the storm.

Extreme damage to the roof and siding saw the main chapel and funeral room take on water. While Fuller Metz did continue to serve the area with its other space at the venue, being able to give those grieving the most comfortable space possible once again is an important benchmark to have reached now 15 months later.

Of being having the finishing touches on the refurbished interior done, Hauck said, “It’s a good feeling. It’s been a long, drawn-out event. We’re fortunate we didn’t receive the damage so many people received. We were still functional to some level. But our main chapel was out of commission -- and what’s been hard to see is when our carport came down, it exposed the whole side of the building, so our main event room was compromised by rain and everything else. It’s been out of commission.

“The unfortunate part was our families who did not have the opportunity to use our main room. We’ve got two available rooms here, but the larger one was just knocked out.”

Fuller Metz opened its doors in 1967 as Metz Funeral Home, founded by Don Metz, in downtown Cape Coral on Lafayette Street. In 2010, Metz and Fuller funeral homes merged to become Fuller Metz and relocated to 3740 Del Prado Boulevard where the business continues today.

Hauck said the structure suffered complete roof damage, the porte-cochere came completely down causing the south side of the building to have complete exposure to the elements, and the columns supporting the front of the building suffered wind damage and are on track to be replaced.

The Fuller Metz team wasted little time following Ian’s impact working to ensure the business could continue to operate, as the need for funeral services waits for no event.

“We were out at 3 o’clock in the morning after the storm working, transporting deceased patients,” Hauck said. “Our restoration team was out here the next morning to get us running with generators.

We prepare for that because we have to.

We can’t shut down.”

After a long and arduous journey filled with construction challenges, Fuller Metz is just about back, and not without CONTRIBUTED PHOTO improvements.

“It’s just continuing to repair the outWhile Fuller Metz Cremation & Funeral Services did not close in the wake of damage wrought by Hurricane Ian, it has taken 15 months to restore side,” Hauck said. “We took advantage of their Cape Coral home to its warm, pre-storm eminence.

See FULLER METZ, page 44

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Fuller Metz marks Hurricane Ian recovery

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December 15, 2023 ■ Page 10

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Cape Coral Breeze

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 12 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Carr: Appointee ready to serve From page 1 He told the citizens that he will make himself as available as he can while being open and forthright.

“I am very humbled by tonight’s decision. More humbled than I can express. I look forward to working and moving forward,” Carr said.

Carr works for Palm Paradise Real Estate in Fort Myers as a Realtor and sales representative.

His resume also includes being a director with the School District of Lee County from 2021-2022 where he led the professional standards department; City of Cape Coral division management where he oversaw code compliance from 2015-2021; an assistant chief for the city of Naples Police Department from 2012-2015 and city of Fort Myers Police Department captain from 1990-2012.

He attended Barry University Miami Shores in 1995 and earned a bachelor’s degree for public administration, Florida Southwestern (Edison College) in 1992 where he earned an A.S. in criminal justice and FBI National Academy 248 Session in 2012 where he earned a certificate in leadership.

In his Nov. 21 letter of interest to the city council he said “I am writing to express my sincere and vested interest in being appointed as the City Council member for District 4. As a proud 30-year resident of Cape Coral, my deep connection to the community fuels my passion for contributing to its growth and well-being.”

All the members of Council welcomed Carr to the team.

“Welcome Councilmember Carr. I look forward to working with you. I appreciate

“I look forward to gaining your trust. I hope over my 11 months serving as your city council member in District 4, I can do that.”

—Richard Carr, newly appointed Cape Coral council member

your willingness to step up and serve our community as well.” Mayor John Gunter said.

Because there are three years remaining in Cummings’ term, the appointment of an interim District 4 rep is effective until Cummings is reinstated by Gov. Ron DeSantis or through the General Election in November 2024.

DeSantis suspended Cummings following her arrest on three felony counts alleging she falsified her residency within District 4 when she qualified to run for the seat and was subsequently sworn into office. Cummings has been charged with fraudulent application for driver license and two counts of false swearing in connection with or arising out of voting or elections, allegations she has steadfastly denied.

The incumbent Cummings narrowly beat, Jennifer Nelson, was among the applicants for the interim post. She was one of three applicants to receive one nomination vote from a council member in the first round of voting Wednesday night.

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

— opening statement of Richard Carr, who added “I am not just a candidate, I am a community member deeply invested.

Youth Council, to a resident who has called Cape Coral their home since 1974. Their walks of life ranged from being a previous council member, owning their own business, to being a musician, all sharing how their experiences would benefit them as a council member.

Hayden’s question focused on the city’s future — as he believes one of the main issues and missions of the council is to plan the city’s future over the next 20 to 30 years. He asked each of the candidates what they believed one of the issues was to help reach that goal.

The answers included addressing traffic; focusing on medical and exercising; finish parks and cater more towards the youth; speed up utilities; tackle northwest water problems; expanding commerce; settle tax rates and fees for city services; housing and transportation.

“Well planned growth is important,” Carr said. “Citizen input is clearly important. People’s emotions can get very high. Collaborative effort, team approach and community input moving us forward is the best way to go.”

Steinke asked the applicants about the most controversial decision in which

Cape Coral Breeze

won’t pick me. Thanks.”

Carr was the first to address the council, as the candidates were called in to the chambers in alphabetical order.

“I stand before you with great pride and enthusiasm,” Carr said during his opening statement. “I am a dedicated 30year resident in Cape Coral. Throughout most of my adult life I have been committed to public service — a solid foundation to leadership.”

After sharing his background — his professional journey with significant roles and a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy, Carr said it underscored his dedication to continuous education.

“I am not just a candidate, I am a community member deeply invested,” he said.

Hayden, Steinke and Welsh prepared the same question to each of the applicants Carr, Frosoni, Eduardo Jimenez, Robert Luby, William Matthews, Nelson, Robert O’Connor, Orlowski, Anthony Rainone, Jesus Rodriquez, Solgard, Robert Sutter and Blair Veloz.

The applicants ranged from a 24year-old who previously say on the city’s

they were involved and how did they help make a decision.

The controversies cited included the water issue of 2018, helping a community save money by hiring new vendors, selling out when making a first record, making recommendations for the water UEP expansion project, a revitalization project, telling someone they had to deploy oversees and being an advocate for child welfare and domestic violence.

Carr said while working in law enforcement he worked undercover on drug investigations. He said one of those investigations was a case tied to a local grocery store parking lot. Carr said he did not know that citizens would be negatively impacted by the closure, which showed him that he had to look at all sides of an issue before taking final action. Ultimately the store was closed temporarily to mitigate the main issue of public safety and drug sales on the property.

The final question was asked by Welsh, which stemmed around what the applicants hoped to accomplish over the short appointment.

The majority of the candidates said they hoped to gain the trust of the community again.

Carr said in the 11 months to the General Election he wants to learn the job the best he can while gaining the confidence of the community that he works with to win their vote.

“If given this appointment, I do intend to run in the election for the seat in the next term,” he said.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Richard Carr was appointed as the new District 4 candidate by a unanimous vote of the Cape Coral City Council Wednesday night.

Each of the 13 applicants for the interim position provided a 3-minute opening statement, followed by council members Tom Hayden, Bill Steinke and Robert Welsh asking a question with a one-minute response allowed. The remainder of Council opted out of asking a question due to them gathering the information they needed during their one-on-one interviews.

Richard Carr was nominated by four — Mayor John Gunter and council members Hayden, Steinke and Keith Long and then appointed to the seat with a unanimous vote.

Welsh nominated Karen Solgard, Councilmember Dan Sheppard nominated David Orlowski and Councilmember Jessica Cosden nominated Jennifer Nelson.

There was one applicant among the applicant pool who pulled herself out of the running during her opening comments.

Theresa Fronsoni said she applied for the position when it was vacated because she felt her experience would help her get up and running right away.

“After seeing this meeting today, I am not sure I still want it,” she said, adding while on other councils, “never once did I have to have anyone arrested, bang my gavel. “You can’t treat the public that way. It is terrible. I am pretty sure you

“I stand before you with great pride and enthusiasm. I am a dedicated 30-year resident in Cape Coral. Throughout most of my adult life I have been committed to public service — a solid foundation to leadership.”

Page 13 ■ December 15, 2023

District 4 applicants queue up for public vetting

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 14 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

REAL ESTATE

THE BREEZE DECEMBER 15, 2023

Assignment of Anecdotal evidence about the benefits and hiring current state of our market a public adjustor (Editor’s note: The following column was published previously in The Breeze.)

Dear Mr. Feichthaler: Like many homeowners in Cape Coral, I had significant damage from the hurricane. Immediately after the storm I signed a contract with a roofer that included an “assignment of benefits.” Since then, I have made claims for other damage on the property and have received less than half of the actual damages. In the meantime, the roofer won’t return my calls. I was thinking of hiring a public adjuster to assist, is this a good idea?

—Janine L. Dear Janine: The hurricane has impacted tens of thousands of homeowners in Cape Coral. After the storm, out-of-area contractors descended on our city, many times going door to door in an attempt to have victims sign contracts for various services, including roofing.

Although Florida Statutes provides some protections Eric P. Feichthaler from predatory contractors, it is not all-encompassing. Generally, an assignment of benefits can be cancelled by a consumer within 14 days of signing. In your case, it sounds more like 60 days, so the statute may not allow you to cancel. The contact language may provide you an “out” to the contract, and they may have breached the contract due to lack of work or other reasons. If you can reach the roofer and you wish to terminate the agreement, there is the possibility they will voluntarily do so. If not, you may need the services of an attorney to determine what grounds there are for release from the agreement.

The next issue is your interaction with your insurance company. The top question I receive from clients is whether hiring a public adjuster is a good idea. The role of the public adjuster is to manage your claim, confirm filing requirements are met, and will negotiate with the carrier in an attempt to maximize the benefits paid. A public adjuster is licensed by the State of Florida, and is paid a percentage (usually 10%) of the recovery they obtain on your behalf. If you read my column often, you know that I like to try to handle matters on my own when possible, and I advise clients to do the same when they are comfortable doing so.

However, particularly when damage is extensive, where your policy is confusing and hard to understand, a public adjuster can be of assistance. Where you have already done the work in receiving insurance funds but the insurance carrier is nonresponsive or unreasonable low on their offer, an attorney may be the most cost effective way to proceed. Both public adjusters and attorneys can also take the stress away from constantly dealing with insurance companies.

This brings me to a final point on whether you should hire a public adjuster. You have noted you signed an Assignment of Benefits with the roofer. This situation could lead to your public adjuster actually obtaining more money for your roofer, while you pay

Real Estate Law

See ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS, page 15

a positive narrative, but these market We continue to see a decent level of facts are not indicative of a currently buyer interest in our real estate market, strong market. with just enough buyers needing to buy Another piece of anecdotal evidence something now propping up our market, pointing to the slow market conditions in while another group of buyers are watchour area are the incentives being offered ing and waiting in the wings. This latter by the big national homebuilders operatgroup of potential buyers seems to fall ing in Southwest Florida. into the camp of wanting to buy a home In our recent business travels around in Southwest Florida, but they are hoping parts of Lee County, it was amazing to that home prices and/or interest rates see the amount of dirt being pushed continue to head lower so they can afford around preparing large tracts of raw land to buy the home they want. If mortgage for the new infrastructure required in the rates can reestablish themselves back many new housing developments sproutbelow 7% and preferably into the 6.5% ing up out of the ground. At the same or lower range, many experts think buytime, we are receiving multiple emails ers will pile into the market again.

Bob and Geri Quinn from these builders every day offering As we drive around our neighborhood Realtors aggressive, above normal marand throughout Cape Coral on our dayket commissions and bonuses if we bring to-day business travels, we see plenty of qualified buyers to the builders sales undeniable anecdotal evidence everyoffices. These builders are also making where about the current state of the real estate market. Many of the for sale signs posted in front price reductions on their current supply of move-in ready yards seem to have been there for months on end, while a or nearly completed new homes in an attempt to attract new for sale sign pops up in the front yard of yet another buyer traffic to their developments. They are also offering home. On the weekends, open house signs have become a variety of buyer incentives, including lower mortgage dominant on street corners, virtually squeezing out the rates or rate buydowns through their lenders, paying closing costs for buyers, waiving HOA fees for the next year or yard sale signs and the “we buy houses” signs.

Just a mere two years ago, lines of buyers were forming two or “throwing in” any number of upgrades to homes outside of homes the moment they came on the market as that are in progress.

These types of price reductions and incentives on new a new listing. Within 30 minutes of a new listing hitting the MLS and the internet, agents would call the listing homes in new developments simply do not happen in a agent asking if they had any offers on the home yet, fol- strong real estate market. Buyers clearly have the upper lowed by a desperate plea that their buyer had been beaten hand right now in the negotiation process, and these new out on five other homes and they really want to buy this construction homes are providing formidable competition home. Today, the roles have been reversed as many frus- to the average homeowner trying to sell their existing home.

One of the other anecdotal things we come across on a trated sellers wait, hoping to get a showing appointment regular basis are what we would call the “average” homescheduled that leads to a decent offer.

The undeniable anecdotal evidence has also shown up owners who are being squeezed by the high overall cost of in the market statistics in the form of the steadily increas- living due to the rampant inflation of the past several years. ing number of active listings that seem to be on a path Hurricane Ian placed an additional financial and emotiontowards 3,000 single-family homes on the market in the al strain on a lot of people, and the out-of-pocket storm Cape within the next month or two. At the same time, the repair costs combined with rising costs for necessities such number of pending sales has continued to soften, along as homeowners, flood and car insurance, utility bills, HOA with the number of closed home sales and median sales fees, etc., are causing affordability issues for a growing prices, as we have moved firmly into a higher inventory segment of homeowners. If something doesn’t change with buyers market. Also, as we have been noting in this col- the economy that provides relief sometime soon, more umn, the leading daily market statistic in the MLS has been middle class people may be forced into the choice of sellthe number of price reductions being made by sellers, with ing their homes and moving away.

As of our most recent market survey Tuesday, Dec. 12, the number of daily new listings coming on the market sitting in second place. The number of new pending and the number of active listings for Cape Coral single-family closed sales are usually rotating between a distant third homes through a Realtor in the MLS continues its relentplace finish or “out of the money” in the Cape’s daily mar- less march higher, while the number of pending home sales ket statistics. One can try to spin this data into some sort of See ANECDOtAL EVIDENCE, page 15

Homing In

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS GMA Architects reveals designs for Shops at Del Mar in Cape Coral GMA Architects & Planners has completed architectural designs for Shops at Del Mar, a distinctive commercial center in Cape Coral that will introduce a blend of retail and dining options.

Shops at Del Mar will feature a trio of 3,575-square-foot stand-alone buildings that front Pine Island Road; one building includes a drive-thru. A fourth building, an inline structure measuring 18,871 square feet, is positioned behind the three standalone buildings. Fully customizable retail spaces start at 1,453 square feet for high-end retail, restaurants and shops.

Architectural renderings showcase a clean, modern exterior with concrete masonry, complementary stone wainscot and oversized awnings. Staggered parapet rooflines offer a visual perspective, providing each retail space with a distinctive look, while ample windows bring natural light into the building’s interior. The center’s site plan includes five parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of retail space, and parking areas include tropical landscaping and plentiful greenery.

Shops at Del Mar, a project of TLD Developer, will be

located at 1019-1027 SW Pine Island Road, between Chiquita Boulevard and Santa Barbara Boulevard in Cape Coral.

Since 1981, GMA Architects has been a Southwest Florida leading architectural design firm. For more information, call 239-275-0225 or visit www.GMAarchitect.com.

CRE Consultants | Brokerage Services transactions announced CRE Consultants | Brokerage Services has announced the following local real estate transactions: ∫ Dundee, LLC purchased a 0.99-acre commercial site at 16631 & 16641 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, from Rolf & Ingrun Wagschal for $300,000. Fred Kermani, CCIM, AIA and Enn Luthringer, CCIM of CRE Consultants represented the Seller and Phaidra McDermott of Kingfisher Real Estate represented the Buyer in negotiating the transaction. ∫ Outten Financial, LLC purchased 0.45 acres at 2932 & 2942 Evans Ave., Fort Myers, from Allen & Oprah

See REAL ESTATE BRIEFS, page 15

From page 14

Cape were priced at $450,000 and below, with 22 homes pending at $1 million and above. A total of 185 homes, or just under 40% of the current number of pending home sales, are new construction homes built in 2023.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of Dec. 12, 2023, unless otherwise noted.

It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single-family homes, and does not include condominiums, short sales or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 44 years. Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.

Assignment of benefits: Hiring a public adjuster if you need one From page 14 for the service in getting that money for them. Due you the many aspects at issue, I would recommend seeking legal counsel before hiring anyone else, and possibly assisting you in terminating the original roofing agreement.

Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown

University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 22 years, and they have four children.

He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts. He is AV Preeminent rated by

Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney.com, or 239-542-4733.

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

From page 14 Travis for $97,970. Fred Kermani, CCIM, AIA of CRE Consultants represented the Seller and Nicole Outten of RB Real Estate, LLC represented the Buyer in negotiating the transaction. ∫ Caring Shepherd HHC Agency, LLC leased a 2,217square-foot office space in Metro Executive Center at 4415 Metro Parkway, Suite 110, Fort Myers, from Coral Reef Metro, LLC. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants negotiated the transaction. ∫ Suncoast Vet Oncology leased a 2,082-square-foot office space in Colonial Executive Park at 3860 Colonial Blvd., Suite 201, Fort Myers, from Winfield Partners II. Enn Luthringer, CCIM of CRE Consultants represented the lessor and Rebecca Wampler of Coldwell Banker Commercial represented the lessee in negotiating the transaction.

CRE Consultants | Brokerage Services is at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 102, Fort Myers. For additional information, call 239-481-3800 or visit https://creconsultants.com/

Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons celebrates 40 years in real estate appraisal Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons, LLC, one of the oldest and largest real estate appraisal firms in Southwest Florida, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1983, the

firm has established itself as a leader in providing comprehensive residential and commercial valuation, consulting and tax appeal services.

During a community celebration Dec. 7 at the historic Pavese Hendry House at 1619 Jackson St. that now serves as the corporate headquarters for Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons, the firm honored founder W. Michael Maxwell with a plaque for his vision..

Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons' expertise extends beyond traditional appraisal services. The firm has been instrumental in handling large-scale commercial assignments and complex residential evaluations, offering invaluable market analysis skills and ground-level retail knowledge.

For more information about Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons, please visit www.mhsappraisal.com.

Limited tickets remain for Jan. 13 Pull the Cork wine event to benefit Lee BIA Builders Care A limited number of tickets remain for Pull the Cork on Jan. 13, an intimate evening of wine and giving to benefit Lee BIA Builders Care.

Pull the Cork brings the “best of the best” boutique wines and gourmet food for a four-course seated dinner, wine tasting with renowned vintner B. Wise Vineyards and auction. A selection of wines from B. Wise Vineyards’ award-winning portfolio will be poured by Kurt Boldt

while educating guests on all aspects of the wine. The tasting will be artfully paired with a four-course menu by Chef Drew Tait of The Forest Country Club and followed by a live auction with a selection of rare magnum wines up for bid.

Pull the Cork will take place from 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, at The Forest Country Club, located at 6100 Club Blvd., S.W., in Fort Myers. Tickets are $400 per person, or $3,200 for a table of eight people.

Proceeds from the event will support Lee BIA Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association, in its mission of providing emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means.

To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has helped more than 500 Lee County households and provided over $5 million in emergency construction services and materials at no cost to families and local homeowners in need.

To learn more or purchase tickets for the event, visit PullTheCork.org.

Lee BIA Builders Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under the charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association. Lee BIA Builders Care is headquartered at 6835 International Center Blvd. #4 in Fort Myers.

Additional information is available by calling 239-9380056, and by following Builders Care at www.Facebook.com/LeeBuildersCare.

Cape Coral Breeze

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

www.capecoralbreeze.com

in the pipeline continues to decline. One could make the argument that this is merely the “old” normal, pre-COVID historical seasonal market pattern for this time of year when the number of pending and closed sales softens, and the number of active listings begins to surge higher.

We hope that this is the case, however, anyone who has been paying attention also knows these market patterns have been in place for much longer than something that is just a typical “seasonal effect,” and they are being heavily influenced by the actions of the Federal Reserve. The substantially higher interest rates in the past 18 months, combined with the higher, albeit somewhat softer home prices, are creating affordability issues for a lot of potential buyers.

The current number of active listings for Cape Coral single-family homes climbed to 2,518 homes on the market, up 2.8% from 2,459 listings one week ago, and 11.5% higher than the 2,259 listings six weeks ago on Oct. 31. Our list prices currently range from $250,000 to $11.9 million, with the median list price virtually

unchanged from a week ago at $499,999 and down by 1% from $505,175 six weeks ago.

The makeup of the 2,518 active listings now includes 1,001 single-family homes, or about 40% of the market, with list prices of $450,000 and under, with 308 homes equalling 12.2% of the market listed at $1 million and above.

Six weeks ago there were a total of 873 Cape Coral homes listed at $450,000 and under, and only 266 homes on the market at $1 million and above. A total of 701 of our 2,518 active listings are new construction homes built in 2023.

There are currently 472 single-family homes in the Cape under contract with buyers as pending sales at prices ranging from $200,000 to $1.999 million. The number of pending home sales in the pipeline is down from 500 homes one week ago, and it is 19.7% lower than the 588 pending sales from six weeks ago on Oct. 31. The median pending sales price of $403,240 is up from $400,000 six weeks ago. Currently, 323 of the 472 pending sales, or 68.4% of the market, are priced at $450,000 and under, while only 14 pending sales are priced at $1 million and above. Six weeks ago, 380 of the 588 pending sales in the

Page 15 ■ December 15, 2023

Anecdotal evidence: Current state of the market in Cape Coral

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 16

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Garden inspirations

Page 17 ■ December 15, 2023

COMMUNITY

THE BREEZE

By CATHY DUNN

news@breezenewspapers.com

C

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See GARDEN INSPIRATIONS, page 42

PHOTO PROVIDED

United Way of Lee County is presented a $50,000 check for being named 2023 Neighborhood Champion in Southwest Florida by Bank of America.

United Way of Lee County named Bank of America’s 2023 Neighborhood Champion in Southwest Florida Bank of America has announced United Way of Lee County as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion awardee for their work advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods in Southwest Florida. Through this grant’s multi-year funding and leadership training, the organization will be able to foster more economic and social progress in low and moderate-income local communities.

United Way of Lee County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in Lee County by providing educational services, job training, mentoring and emergency resources to those in need. Through the bank’s program, United Way of Lee County will participate in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability and storytelling, and receive a $50,000 grant over two years. The funding will be used to support the Community Partnership Schools program offering learning experiences, healthcare services, financial literacy information, food, and clothing to low-income students and families.

“We are thrilled to receive the Neighborhood Champion award from Bank of America. This grant and the leadership training will allow us to expand our work at our three United Way Community Partnership Schools in Lee County,” said Jeannine Joy, president and CEO, United Way of Lee County. “This program allows us to

support students and their families during these challenging times. We sincerely thank Bank of America for their generosity and partnership.”

As part of the Neighborhood Builders program, one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation, the invitation-only program is highly competitive. Nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees. Five nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Champions in Southwest Florida since 2019, with the bank investing $250,000 into these local nonprofits.

“Nonprofits like United Way of Lee County are vital to solving social challenges, improving communities and promoting economic advancement," said Gerri Moll, president, Bank of America Southwest Florida. “Providing these nonprofits with flexible funding and leadership training not only positions them for sustainable, long-term success, but demonstrates our commitment to creating real change in the places where we live and work.”

Since 2004, Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in nearly 100 communities across the U.S., partnered with more than 1,600 nonprofits, and helped more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills through the Neighborhood Builders and Champions program.

Hybrid tropical hibiscus sale Jan. 20 The James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society will hold its Tropical Hibiscus Sale Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. until everything is sold out. The sale will be held at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901.

According to James E. Hendry Chapter President Beth Meehan, “The sale will feature 38 varieties of beautiful hybrid tropical hibiscus plants in a variety of colors and forms. Because these plants are not available through garden centers, this sale offers the best opportunity for Southwest Florida residents to establish or add to their

hybrid tropical hibiscus collection.”

Anyone who would like to learn more about how to grow the hybrid tropical hibiscus plant can do so by joining the James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society at the sale.

The JEH Chapter meets monthly at the Berne Davis Botanical Garden at 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers on the second Sunday of each month (October to April) at 1:30 p.m.

More information is available at the chapter website: www.hendrychapterhibiscus.com

Cape Coral Breeze

G C

www.capecoralbreeze.com

It has been said that a garden is never finished, but rather is a creation that evolves from season to season and year to year. Most gardeners are cognizant of this principle and embrace the ever-changing nature of their landscape.

As the seasons progress, experienced gardeners look forward to the evolution of the landscape as some plants recede and others assume more prominence. And if climatic conditions such as drought or storms alter their gardens, they relish the opportunity to start afresh with a new plant or species. Gardeners are always dreaming, improving and tinkering with their creations. If a plant doesn’t thrive or outgrows its place in the garden, the new challenge to relocate and/or replace it offers exciting new options.

Every gardener must go through a learning process ARDEN to discover the best and most desirable plants, as LUB OF well as the principles of design for the landscape.

APE ORAL Most gardeners begin with plants; they fall in love with a certain variety or species and want to incorporate it in their garden. Those of us who have moved to Southwest Florida from a different zone may want to replicate the gardens we had in a cooler climate, or we may see new subtropical varieties that we want to incorporate into our new gardens. Without a good understanding of what plants thrive here and what conditions they require, we may not be too happy with the results!

I am a visual learner; I prefer to use images or graphics to communicate thoughts and ideas — I need to see information to learn it. So, I find that most of the ideas for my gardens come from seeing other gardens and observing how plants are incorporated into the landscape. We have three exceptional “teaching” gardens here in Southwest Florida that I highly recommend as venues where you can observe plants that are suited for our climate: the Edison Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, the Naples Botanical Gardens in Naples and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota.

Each of these gardens provide a delightful retreat and are well staffed with horticulturists who can answer your questions.

The varied gardens at the Edison Ford Winter Estates provide a look back in time to the vision established by some of Florida’s most famous residents. There are more than 1,700 plants representing more than 400 species from six continents on the estates, with many unique species, including tropical fruit trees and more than 60 species of palms throughout the property. Unique plants for your gardens are available for sale in the Garden Shoppe, and monthly garden talks and workshops are offered throughout the year. Visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org for information.

The Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre worldclass property featuring plants from around the world.

There are thousands of species with striking forms, flowers and colors throughout the garden, and themed areas such as the Asian Garden, Brazilian Garden, Caribbean Garden, Children’s Garden and Water Garden. A highlight is the Naples Garden Club Idea Garden which features a rotating array of the best regionally and seasonally appropriate plants, incorporating imaginative ideas and innovative techniques to aid the home gardener. The garden also includes a wonderful outdoor café and a beautiful garden center stocked with unique treasures.

Ongoing exhibits and programs provide an incentive to return to Naples again and again! Visit www.naplesgarden.org for more.

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 18 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Kitson named TIME Dreamer of the Year

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The vision of protecting, restoring, and championing dreams while inspiring others has earned the founder of Babcock Ranch recognition as the 2023 Time “Dreamer of the Year.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be named as the 2023 TIME ‘Dreamer of the Year,’ and to inspire other visionaries to pursue their dreams until they become a world-changing reality,” said Syd Kitson, chairman/CEO of Kitson & Partners and developer of Babcock Ranch. “This recognition underscores my vision that creating a model for resilient, sustainable development is possible, and I am proud to serve as an inspiration for communities around the world seeking to make a positive impact on the planet.”

When Kitson retired from the NFL, he began his next career in real estate. In 1999 he founded Kitson & Partners and purchased the acreage that has become Babcock Ranch in 2006.

FINN Partners Account Coordinator Rachel Sadler said TIME collaborated with American Family Insurance to establish an additional category during TIME’s Person of the Year celebration.

Dreamer of the Year recognizes a person who “inspires, protects, and restores dreams in order to close equity gaps.”

“The Dreamer of the Year is someone who reimagines what’s possible and builds stronger communities, for today and tomorrow,” American Family Insurance Group CEO Bill Westrate said in a prepared statement. “Supporting dreamers who make a difference in our world directly aligns with our mission at American Family Insurance of inspiring, protecting, and restoring dreams. Syd Kitson has created something unique and special at Babcock Ranch — a resilient community that is designed to overcome what Mother Nature throws at them. We’re proud to partner with Syd and learn together as American Family continues to protect and restore communities that are at greater risk due to rising climate impacts.”

American Family Insurance worked with TIME’s Red Border Studio to create a digital film and television spot highlighting the honoree’s contributions and vision.

Babcock Ranch received international acclaim and interest in its innovative design and resilience after minimal damage and no loss of power after Hurricane Ian’s wake through Southwest Florida.

“My vision for Babcock Ranch was born out of a true passion for the environment, and an aspiration to leave the earth better today for our future generations,” Kitson said. “As a developer, I believe I have a responsibility to lessen the impact to the environment. This belief is the driving force behind Babcock Ranch and our eight core initiatives — the environment, health, education, energy, technology, transportation, storm safety and recreation. From a walkable neighborhood design to a trail system that will expand 100-plus miles through preserved ecosystems, there are endless ways for Babcock Ranch residents to connect with each other and the environment. These initiatives build upon our careful stewardship of the land and surrounding preservation areas and serve as a roadmap of how development and the environment can work hand-in-hand.”

He said after the 91,000-acre parcel was purchased, they sold back 73,000 acres in the largest preservation land purchase in state history.

“Fifty percent of Babcock Ranch’s footprint is set aside for green spaces ensuring that 90% of the original ranch is preserved,” Kitson said.

When they developed Babcock Ranch, they set out to create the most resilient community in Florida, he added.

“Starting with a thorough understanding of the land, we located development areas with minimal environmental impact. By looking at maps from the 1940s, we studied the natural flow ways to ensure our development worked with mother nature, not against her,” Kitson said.

“Babcock Ranch was thoughtfully designed to include sustainability, preservation and restoration as key design features, and environmental investments are just one of the ways we have designed our town to preserve and protect our future for generations to come.”

Now with a thriving community, he is proud of many things made possible at Babcock Ranch.

“Perhaps one of the most important ones is our partner-

ship with Florida Power & Light, which allowed Babcock Ranch to be the first solar-powered town in America that produces energy at a utility scale and generates more renewable energy than it will ever consume, through an 840-acre, 150MW solar facility,” Kitson said.

FPL is currently testing battery-storage technology to further enhance the reliability of solar power, he said.

“We are constructing a solar education center to give the community an interactive educational experience with solar energy. With preservation and restoration at the heart of Babcock Ranch, we have created a model for ecofriendly with 90% of the original ranch in preservation forever.

“I had no road map to follow when I set out to create Babcock Ranch, but I am proud that our community proves that clean energy and sustainability can be the future of development around the world,” Kitson said.

With Babcock Ranch being a living laboratory of innovators collaborating to test and refine sustainable solutions, it continues to shape the future of eco-friendly living.

“Innovation Way 2.0, a second beta-neighborhood testing innovations to create the most energy-efficient, water-preserving and health-forward homes on the market, will explore sustainable materials and 3D-printed homes and panels. We are also planning for our own Kitson & Partners corporate building, with the goal to make it carbon neutral,” Kitson said.

In addition, MidTown was recently unveiled – the next phase of the growth designed around Florida’s unique environment.

“Built along wetlands and nature preserves, MidTown will give our community a new way to connect with the environment, with six new neighborhoods and a 3.5 mile stretch of green space integrating six new parks into our existing trail system,” Kitson said.

Syd Kitson, chairman/CEO of Kitson & Partners and developer of Babcock Ranch.

TIME/RED BORDER BY TIME

By PAULETTE LeBLANC

This map shows all of the amenities available in Sands Park — Cape Coral’s newest park. In the background is the covered play area for children. A ribboncutting last Friday officially opened the new city park.

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

The Greater Pine Island Civic Association invited Lynn Tipton, director from the Florida League of Cities University, to speak to members about how incorporation occurs.

The Florida League of Cities is a statewide association for a city, town or village, she said, which Florida Constitution says is a municipality. The organization is neutral on whether or not a municipality decides to incorporate, she emphasized. The League is a non-partisan organization and they do not advocate for or against incorporation. They merely provide education about municipal government and point people toward resources.

CJ HADDAD

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A brand-new park is now open to Cape Coral residents following a community cookout and ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

Dozens of residents and guests came out to Sands Park at 2718 S.W. 43rd Terrace to see the finished product, which is part of the city's $60 million GO Bond parks master plan approved by voters in 2018.

The space features all-new pickleball and tennis courts, a basketball court, playground, walking trails and more.

“Even though it’s taken us longer to get here than when we wanted to, the result is phenomenal,” said Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter. “And I know this particular park, like all of our parks, will be a great amenity to our community. I know for that the neighbors in this area, (the park) is a vital part of what they wanted.”

As residents mingled and grabbed a bite to eat, children could be found playing inside the large new play structure, or shooting hoops on the fresh rims of the basketball court.

Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, especially in Southwest Florida, was being played by those of all walks of life.

Other features at Sands Park include a putting green, cornhole games, bocce ball courts, butterfly plant garden, fountain and pavilions to stay out of the sun.

A special component of Sands Park is also the burrowing owl habitats -- as roughly eight clusters of burrows are staked off in a large green space at the location. The city's official bird will be on full display and in an area where they can be protected. “(This is) something we've been waiting for for a long time,” said District 2 Councilmember Dan Sheppard. “I believe this park is a great asset to this neighborhood, and the city as well. There's something here for all ages, from a small child to a retiree adult.”

Sheppard said he'd like to see small building or area with tables where visitors can grab a coffee or sandwich

“(This is) something we've been waiting for for a long time. I believe this park is a great asset to this neighborhood, and the city as well. There's something here for all ages, from a small child to a retiree adult.”

— District 2 Councilmember Dan Sheppard and link up to Wi-Fi. “That's a vision of mine,” Sheppard said.

The city's Parks and Recreation director, Joe Petrella, said parks such as Sands help bring a positive sense of community.

“Neighborhood parks play a crucial role is fostering community growth,” Petrella said. “They provide green spaces, recreation and enhance the overall quality of life for our citizens. Parks serve as a gathering place for social interaction, and contribute to the mental and emotional wellbeing of our residents. Parks also encourage healthy lifestyles.”

The new park seemed to be well received by those in attendance, with the pickleball courts already being used.

“It's my first time here, and it's beautiful,” said longtime part-time Cape resident Joe McGowan, who was volleying on the court with friend Jim Quintenz.

“There's a lot of space out here, and the courts are beautiful. There's tennis here, basketball, things for the kids.

We'll be back.”

With the population of the city counting to grow and more spots for recreation needed, McGowan said he's pleased to see the city continue to expand in these areas.

“I think it's great, especially for retirees like us that come down here,” he said. “We need things to do to stay active. And pickleball is a growing sport. You have so much to do here. It's a beautiful thing.”

For more information about the city’s parks, please visit http://www.capecoal.gov and click the Parks and Recreation tab.

See INCORPORATION, page 31

Cape Coral Breeze

Sands Park opens

“Municipal incorporations have not been a priority issue for the Florida Legislature. The Florida Legislature has not prioritized the hearing of municipal incorporation studies and special acts,” Tipton said.

Tipton described the entire process as democracy in action at the local level, sharing that some communities study the process and walk away, while others choose to move forward with incorporation. Florida’s State Constitution has four local governments -- counties, school districts, special districts and municipalities.

While the first three are state created and non-optional, municipalities are optional.

“The Constitution says, Florida may have municipalities, not must—optional,” Tipton said.

In Florida, she explained, a county is constitutionally defined as a sub-state. The municipal level is defined as an independent public corporation.

“When we talk about incorporation—there’s a process—I’m gonna mention there’s two tiers to it because the state has to have a small part in it first, but the vote to incorporate comes at home,” Tipton said.

Currently half of Florida is unincorporated, she said, which has been the case since the late 1970s. Rural areas do not typically need a municipal authority, and they tend not to incorporate. Florida cannot have townships, she said, as that is not a part of the local government structure. Since her time with the Florida League of Cities, there have been 26 incorporations, she said, with the majority of them taking place between the 1990s and early 2000s.

“Largely because these communities wanted to write their own comprehensive plans, which is the Land Use Document and 20-year vision for an area, through which they could be separate and apart from their county’s comprehensive plan for their area. Land use was the single biggest reason for those incorporations,” Tipton said.

The feasibility study is one of the biggest steps for a community. This had been discussed and worked on when Tipton was here in 2018, as the decision of whether or not to incorporate was on the table then as well.

“What it proves in a 5-year budget, is not only the viability question but an even larger inner-governmental question, which is, who’s going to provide what services? When? And how? That document is where the legislature really dives in — House first, Senate second — if

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Florida League of Cities rep discusses incorporation at Greater Pine Island Civic Association meeting

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Weekly BREEZE Recap

By CHUCK BALLARO

news@breezenewspapers.com

With everything that has happened in the last year and change, it’s amazing Zeal Technical Institute is still around after it was destroyed during Hurricane Ian. But after moving to a new location, the only private post-graduate school in North Fort Myers has made the journey back, offering courses in the medical field.

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Zeal Institute finally holds graduation

CHUCK BALLARO

This year’s group of Zeal Technical Institute graduates get together for a photo op before their graduation ceremony Friday at Hallelujah Community Church in Fort Myers.

CHUCK BALLARO

Tarina Robinson embraces Sylvia Dorisme, founder of Zeal Technical Institute, at the graduation ceremony last Friday.

On Friday, the school did something it hadn’t done since the June before the hurricane, holding a graduation ceremony for nearly 60 graduates at Hallelujah Community Church in Fort Myers.

It was the first graduation ceremony since June 2022 and those who graduated after that were invited. Many have already moved on and did not attend, but some did, as this was a rather large step in their lives.

Linda DeNoto of Fort Myers finished her classes in January as a patient care technician, but came because it was important.

“It was important to complete it and Zeal is a great school and this is a milestone,” DeNoto said, who got a job right after finishing up. “You can get a lot of licensing, individual attention because the teachers are wonderful.

Because it’s a smaller school. It’s about education.”

Tarina Robinson of Cape Coral said she wanted to try something new after her friends went into the field. She went into phlebotomy.

“It was something I wanted to try. I’ve been a staff coordinator and worked with the mentally challenged and didn’t think that would work down here,” Robinson said, who finished in May and was attending her first ever graduation. “I was looking for hospitals but decided to try the outpatient clinics with Lee Health.”

Tyler Sands of Cape Coral and one of the few males graduating as a medical assistant, said he wants this to be a stepping stone for something better down the line.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but it’s a stepping

See ZEAL INSTITUTE, page 34

Two nominees are from Cape Coral

∫ Isabel Liu (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. ∫ James Spencer (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. ∫ Jameson Stauffer (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy.

Students from Southwest Florida and across the nation seeking to attend one of America's Service Academies must first apply through their local U.S. congressman, their U.S. senator, the vice president or the president of the United States.

Students may apply for nomination to: (1) The U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; (2) The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; (3) The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; and/or (4) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, NY. Each December, Congressman Donalds works with his Academy Nominations Advisory Board to interview and nominate outstanding students from across Florida's 19th Congressional District for an appointment to one of these service academies.

Once Congressional nominations are confirmed, the service academy will review the nominated candidate to determine admission.

Lee School District enrolling students for the Young Five Program May 1 and Sept. 1, 2024. Thirteen schools are offering The Young Five Program: West Zone ∫ Cape Elementary ∫ J. Colin English Elementary ∫ Patriot Elementary ∫ Tropic Isles Elementary South Zone ∫ Colonial Elementary ∫ Edgewood Academy ∫ Orangewood Elementary ∫ San Carlos Park Elementary ∫ Spring Creek Elementary ∫ Tanglewood Elementary East Zone

∫ Lehigh Elementary ∫ River Hall Elementary ∫ Sunshine Elementary

The Young Five program is based on the Kindergarten curriculum with focus placed on math and literacy and the development of social and motor skills. Classroom instruction is designed to provide children an opportunity to learn in a hands-on, interactive environment that supports their development on maintaining the rigor and high standards of Kindergarten.

Parents with questions can email Young5@ leeschools.net or call one of the schools offering the program. Registration information is available on the School District’s website https://www.leeschools.net/cms/ One.aspx?portalId=676305&pageId=32554060.

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The School District of Lee County has announced that The Young Five Program is expanding and currently enrolling new students. The Young Five Program is for students who are eligible for kindergarten in August 2024 but would benefit from an extra year of social and emotional development.

“The Young Five Program will offer a learning environment tailored to meet the needs of students with late spring and summer birthdays who would benefit from additional time with school readiness,” says Dr. Bethany Quisenberry, director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction. “Young Five students will have a certified teacher who will provide engaging lessons in literacy, math, social/emotional, and motor skills developmentally appropriate for their age.”

To qualify, students must turn five years old between

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) this week released the following statement following his nomination of 17 Southwest Florida students for attendance at our nation's service academies: "Over the past three years, our world has erupted into conflict. Now more than ever, it is critical that the ranks of America's armed forces are composed of the most talented and skilled candidates our nation has to offer. I am proud to nominate each of these seventeen outstanding Southwest Florida residents to America's service academies, and I am confident that this year's class of nominees will admirably represent our community, our state and our nation in all that the future holds for them."

The 2023 class of Southwest Florida students nominated by Congressman Donalds are as follows: ∫ Gabriella Alvarez (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. ∫ Matthew Bennett (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Adam Blais (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

∫ Julian Bevilard (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. ∫ Mason Ceccarelli (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy. ∫ Robert D'Angelo (USAF Academy, Colorado) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Kenzo Desiderio (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Briana Elizondo-Gutierrez (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. ∫ Dominic Failla (Cape Coral) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Michaela Fischer (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Samuel Harvey (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Jack Janeway (Cape Coral) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. ∫ Sloane Janopoulos (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Braden Johnson (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy.

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Donalds announces 2023 U.S. Service Academy nominations

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By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

availability. “Just whenever people come through, we'll take them through the buildings.”

During the month of December, admission is free.

“Because we cannot offer them all of the buildings,” Harmon said.

However, donations are always welcome.

“It does help us operate the village and make plans for the future, for instance the next exhibits and such,” he said.

The public is invited to stop by and take in some island history.

“I think it’s great for both residents and visitors to come see the village and have an understanding of how Sanibel got to where we are today,” Harmon said. “That includes not just what the island has experienced through Ian but previous storms and other milestones that the island has encountered, such as the incorporation of the city nearly 50 years ago.”

For more information, visit www.sanibelmuseum.org or contact 239-472-4648.

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

Incorporation: Presentation to Greater Pine Island Civic Association From page 19

body else that would serve them to the level that they wanted, or that they could, so they do it all in-house.

We’ve seen a variety,” Tipton said.

Gov-Lite is a popular way of going about this process, because you would pay less in taxes, due to not having to start a police station or fire department from scratch, where the expenses are really high, she explained.

There were concerns expressed by members and those who attended the meeting about things such as existing roads, service organizations and that the required time and financial commitment to follow through on incorporating may not be there.

Tipton assured members that any city, once made, can also dissolve, if necessary, unless that city that has gone into debt in the process.

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the House finds anything in it that causes them concern, they work with the community group that filed it. If and when it leaves the House and goes to the Senate, it is considered the formality step, because all the due diligence is done in the House,” Tipton said.

Because it is a local bill or special act, she said, it is the House member that makes sure it is scheduled, heard, discussed, vetted and then voted on. After that it goes over to the Senate. Once it passes these two bodies, it goes to the governor for signature. The special act, the draft charter and the feasibility study have to be turned in by the Friday before Labor Day, or by the end of August, to be safe, she said. As far as services, such as police, fire, water and

garbage, Tipton said many municipalities contract with neighboring cities for these.

“That got nicknamed in the late ‘80s — Gov-Lite …

You’ll have a council and a commission, you have to have a clerk and an attorney, right? Beyond that, perhaps we will have, and what most of the municipalities have done is, have a manager. That manager then negotiates and enforces every one of those contracts for services. Some cities have done a hybrid, where there were one or two things they desperately wanted to do in-house and they do them, and they contract for everything else, and we have a handful of cities that are genuine Gov-Lite. I can also give you examples of cities that went from the start — they went ahead and did everything in-house, because that’s one of the reasons they incorporated. There wasn’t any-

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The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village reopened to visitors for the season on Dec. 2.

New Executive Director Mark Harmon explained that prior to opening its doors, the village hosted one of the Luminary season events on Dec. 1 along with other island entities and received a great turnout.

“I think everyone was really pleased with our opening with the ‘Deck The Shore,’” he said.

Harmon added that island residents and visitors have been stopping by since the reopening.

When the village closed early for the off-season at the end of May, four of the nine buildings on the property had been able to reopen to visitors after the damage from Hurricane Ian in September of 2022.

With the start of the new season, the same four buildings are open again and consist of the old Bailey General Store, Morning Glories, Shore Haven and Caretakers' Cottage, along with the post office.

“The contractor fixed all of the storm damage on those five buildings,” he said.

Harmon explained that three of the other buildings at the village — Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, the Burnap Cottage and Rutland House — have been repaired and are waiting on approval to reopen.

“We’re waiting for the official notice from the city and the contractor,” he said. “Then we can start utilizing them again.”

The ninth and final building, the schoolhouse, still requires work.

“All of their efforts right now are focused on the schoolhouse,” Harmon said of the contractor.

“They’ve done a great amount of work,” he added.

The schoolhouse has been straightened and the damaged wall that had to be dissembled has been put back up.

The belfry and chimney need to be worked on, along with the front porch and windows.

“Some of the walkways need to be rebuilt,” Harmon said of the nearby pavers.

The village's operating hours for season are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re not doing formal tours,” he said of the guided tours that have been offered before based upon docent

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Sanibel Historical Museum and Village opens for season

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District to host High School Student Enrollment Showcase The School District of Lee County invites all eighth-grade students and their parents to the Second Annual High School Student Enrollment Showcase this Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lee County Public Education Center, at 2855 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

All 15 traditional high schools and Lee Virtual School will be represented and available to answer questions about their academic programs, career academies and activities they offer.

The schedule will be as follows: ∫ From 8-9:30 a.m.: West Zone showcase for Cape Coral High School, Ida S. Baker High School, Island Coast High School, Mariner High School, North Fort

Myers High School and Lee Virtual School. ∫ From 10 to 11:30 a.m.: East Zone showcase for Dunbar High School, East Lee County High School, Gateway High School, Lehigh Senior High School, Riverdale High School and Lee Virtual School. ∫ From noon to 1:30 p.m.: South Zone for Bonita Springs High School, Cypress Lake High School, Dunbar High School, Estero High School, Fort Myers High School, South Fort Myers High School and Lee Virtual School.

Attendees should park outside the main entrance and will be provided a map to each school’s location in the lobby.

Zeal Institute: Graduation held From page 20 stone in that direction,” Sands said, who finished his classes Thursday. “Zeal got me my classes and certification. It has some good teachers who were kind and patient with the students.”

Zeal Institute was located on Bayline Drive until Ian hit. The school scrambled to find its new location at 3434 Hancock Bridge Parkway, where it will be for the foreseeable future as it has built a home there, increasing its footprint.

Sylvia Dorisme, founder of Zeal Institute, which was founded in 2009, said there are many jobs available in health care and many people coming out of high school are starting to examine those fields for

many reasons.

“Our population has increased 25% in the last few years, so we want to encourage young people coming out of high school who aren’t sure of what they want to do,” Dorisme said. “College isn’t for everyone.

And trade education is so important for our economy and community.”

Zeal has programs for students between the ages of 18 and 24 that can be fully funded for up to $7,000, and they are going on year round, so there is no deadline in which to apply. However, it’s encouraged that you do so before the money runs out potentially.

For more information on Zeal Technical Institute, go to zealtechnicalinstitute.com.

BREEZE PHOTO

Breeze makes donation to Caring Center Julie Ferguson, left, the executive director of Cape Coral Caring Center, accepts a $1,000 donation from Lyn McElhaney from the Breeze Newspapers. A percentage of each ad sold during a recent Breeze Newspapers Thanksgiving advertising promotion went to the Caring Center, a not-for-profit agency providing food and utility assistance to the needy of Cape Coral.

DECEMBER 15, 2023

BUSINESS NOTES Southwest Florida International Airport to offer remote/reserved parking through the holidays

FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory will begin accepting applications for their second round of applications RFP on Jan. 15.

Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2024 with awards going out in April, July and December.

The total funding amount available for this RFP is $3,800,000 to develop new programs, update existing programs or expand existing programs to meet the needs of local employers.

The Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline is actively seeking employer partners in Southwest Florida who are enthusiastic about sustaining workforce devel-

See BUSINESS NOTES, page 37

An aerial view of the Encore Tranquility Lakes RV resort in northwest Cape Coral.

Encore Tranquility Lakes to host ribbon-cutting open house Dec. 16 On Saturday, Dec. 16, Encore Tranquility Lakes is inviting the public as it opens the doors and celebrates one of Florida’s newest RV resorts.

The new 200-acre development situated on two picturesque lakes will feature 500 full hookup RV sites when fully completed and will provide RV guests with more than 180 RV sites facing the water. Each site will feature concrete pads with 50-amp Marine Grade pedestals, along with individual concrete picnic areas.

Tranquility Lakes amenities include a 10,000-squarefoot clubhouse that contains a fitness center overlooking the lake, a billiards room, a card room, a kitchen, more than 2,000 square feet of covered outdoor space for dining and relaxing, as well as a gathering space overlooking the pool.

Along with the state-of-the-art clubhouse, the resort features a dog park and is highlighted by its recreational

activities including a swimming pool, a lap pool, a hot tub, bocce ball and 10 pickleball courts for one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

Events for the Dec. 16 open house include a ribboncutting ceremony at 11 a.m., private media tour and a public open house (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with free food and beverages provided. The complimentary food includes local favorites like wings from Overtime Sports Bar and Grill, sandwiches from Paradise Deli and ice cream from Sylwias. The celebration will also include live music provided by the one-man band, Tim Burton.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet with local business vendors and first responder representatives who will be providing safety tips.

Encore Tranquility Lakes is located at 4100 Burnt Store Road in Cape Coral. For more, visit https://thousandtrails.com/florida/tranquility-lakes-rv-resort/

Herons Glen opens new restaurant

By CHUCK BALLARO

news@breezenewspapers.com

Over the past several years, the Herons Glen Recreation District has spent millions of dollars improving the facilities at the community, including the golf course.

On Friday, the HGRC cut the ribbon on its latest completed project, a restaurant called the Herons Glen Nest, that promises to be a step up from the one they had previously.

The restaurant will continue to serve as a casual dining experience, just on a bigger floor. It will feature a larger bar and lounge with more tables for dining.

J.B. Belknap, general manager, said residents identified the restaurant as one of the projects that needed to be addressed, which is exactly what they did.

“We hired an architect to renovate and revitalize the restaurant. It’s a culmination of everything we’ve done,” Belknap said about the five-month, $1.3 million project.

“We’re trying to get out in the community, whether its weddings, chamber of commerce events, we’re trying to raise our profile and let people know we’re here.”

“There was a lot of planning well in advance. They wanted a bigger ground area. It was renovated 15 years ago

See HERONS GLEN, page 37 A table ready for a large party during the grand opening of the Herons Glen Nest on Friday.

CHUCK BALLARO

Cape Coral Breeze

Second round of applications for Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline to open Jan. 15

PHOTO PROVIDED

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Southwest Florida International Airport will offer passengers a remote and reserved parking option this holiday. The RSWRemote parking lot, located on the north side of the airport property, will be accepting cars to enter for parking from Wednesday, Dec. 20, through Sunday, Dec. 24. Cars can exit from Christmas Day through Wednesday, Jan. 3. The cost will be a flat $40 fee, no matter how many days you choose to park and is non-refundable. You must reserve and prepay for a parking space prior to coming to the airport. To book and prepay for your RSWRemote parking spot, please visit jpass.rswremoteparking.com or download the RSWRemote Park App. The Transportation Security Administration recommends getting to the airport at least two hours prior to your flight departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. It is recommended adding 30 more minutes to your travel time to use RSWRemote.

Shuttles will be operating from the remote lot to the terminal curb from 3 a.m. until 7 p.m.; and will take parkers from the terminal to the remote lot from 8 a.m. until the last daily flight arrival.

How does it work? Reserve and prepay for your spot; You will receive an email with a QR code or your booking will show up in the passes section of the RSWRemote Park App; Arrive at the RSWRemote lot and show the attendant your QR code; Park your car; Take the complimentary shuttle bus, which will take you to the upper level (departures) terminal curb prior to Door #1. When you arrive back at RSW, you will need to take a return shuttle back to the remote lot from the same location where you were dropped off. Please look for signage.

The RSWRemote parking lot is located on Regional Lane, which is off Chamberlin Parkway, on the north side of the airport property. Please take Daniels Parkway to Chamberlin Parkway and follow signs. Make a right onto Regional Lane (across the street from the original Airport Traffic Control Tower). You will need to show the parking attendant your QR code for admittance to the lot. An RSWRemote reservation is only good in the remote parking lot and does not apply to the long- or short-term lots at the airport. For questions or more information, please call ABM Parking at 239-768-1818 or email RSWParking@abm.com.

The Lee County Port Authority expects a very busy holiday and still encourages travelers to consider alternative ways to get to the airport, like being dropped off by friends and family or using commercial transportation. If necessary, LCPA will post parking updates on the airport’s website and Facebook to keep travelers informed on availability.

Southwest Florida International Airport served a record-breaking 10.3 million passengers in 2022 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

Page 35 ■ December 15, 2023

BUSINESS

THE BREEZE

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 36

John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate opens University Boulevard office

Heatherwood Construction completes clubhouse at Timber Creek in Fort Myers Featuring an indoor gymnasium and a variety of other signature amenities, Heatherwood Construction Company recently completed a 22,038-square-foot clubhouse at the Lennar Community of Timber Creek.

The clubhouse features dining areas, a bar and a stateof-the-art fitness center, including an aerobics room and cross training area, a children’s playroom and the indoor gymnasium. There also is a full-service kitchen, a board room for community meetings and administrative offices.

Heatherwood Construction’s Rafael Valdes was the senior project manager, while Wade Smallwood was the senior superintendent. The project was designed by awardwinning South Florida Architecture.

Timber Creek, located at 11581 Timber Creek Drive, is a gated, resort-style master plan of new single-family homes and townhomes in the popular city of Fort Myers.

Heatherwood Construction Company is a full-service, commercial general contractor serving the west coast of Florida from Marco Island to the Panhandle. Since 1980, the premier firm has provided complete construction services, including site search and selection, feasibility analysis, site development, value engineering, vertical construction, LEED certification, and more. Recent projects include signature clubhouses and other attractive amenities for various communities, as well as construction of schools, multi-family developments, retail and restaurants.

Herons Glen: New restaurant now open From page 35 and everything was small,” said Jane Schwartz, board of supervisor member and treasurer for the HGRC, “Now, it’s flipped, the dining room is bigger and now we have a big bar.”

The bar’s location has moved from one room to another and has doubled in size, from 12 seats to 23. It also looks more contemporary with the furniture and flooring. TVs are also set up throughout the area so people can keep up with their favorite sports teams or whatever else is on.

As for the food, chef Steve Mayberry said they will continue to serve a little bit of everything.

“We try to do a little bit of everything for everyone. We have meetings, parties and banquets here,” Mayberry said.

“We have burgers and reubens and chicken tenders for casual fare. We have a tuna bowl for something upscale.”

Opening day proved to be a busy one, featuring several parties, including one with 25 people, as well as residents who wanted to see the new restaurant up close.

Schwartz said the results are stunning, especially since the residents got what they wanted.

“They wanted more casual dining and less formal and we listened. It will cost residents $130 per year for the bonds,” Schwartz said.

The HGRC, a government recreation district, passed a bond issue in August 2020 for $13 million in construction and acquisition funds to enable them to renovate the golf course and restaurant, add pickleball, shuffleboard and bocce courts, a new roof and much more.

As a special district, they can issue bonds at government rates to raise capital for projects.

For more information, call 731-4520 or go to heronsglencc.com.

Cape Coral Breeze

John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate has announced the relocation of its Fort Myers office at 15065 McGregor Blvd., Suite 105, to a new location at 13121 University Drive.

The 5,500-square-foot, contemporary-style office is located just off Summerlin Drive across from Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

The University Drive office is led by Managing Broker Jay Richter. With more than 40 years of related local experience, Richter has held both the real estate broker and Florida real estate instructor’s license for more than 20 years. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in real estate.

Gary Mills, Realtor serves as administrative broker. A Southwest Florida resident since 2001, he has more than 28 years of experience. Mills, a Florida-licensed real estate instructor, has taught sales associate licensing, broker licensing, and post-licensing for the Fort Myers School of Real Estate, Naples School of Real Estate, and the local board of Realtors since 2007.

John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate, founded in 1958, is family-owned and operated serving the Southwest Florida area that includes Collier and Lee counties. It is a nationally recognized company with 65 years of market experience and broad international exposure to buyers in various countries. John R. Wood has more than 850 agents and staff in 23 offices. For more information, visit johnrwood.com.

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From page 35 opment initiatives in four key sectors for both new and existing employees: PK-12 education, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare through participation in the Equitable Jobs Pipeline. Ideally, proposals should include a well-defined strategy for the employer to gradually assume the cost of training, with the goal of achieving sustainability by December 2025.

Two of FutureMakers Coalition’s long committed partners, Collaboratory and FGCU, developed the Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline to upskill the regional workforce and stimulate economic development, which will continue to build and expand a strong economic future for Florida through the Good Jobs Challenge funding from EDA. Made possible by nearly $23 million in federal funding, the Equitable Jobs Pipeline will connect those who need to reskill and/or upskill any, including underemployed and unemployed Southwest Florida residents with training for industry-recognized credentials and, ultimately, careers with local employers committed to this partnership.

This regional collaboration is developing a long-term solution to reduce those barriers. Because talent lives here – but needs a path to opportunity.

Applications can be accessed by visiting https://www.futuremakerscoalition.com/rfp/

Page 37 ■ December 15, 2023

BUSINESS NOTES

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 38

“Our administrators, principals, teachers, paraprofessionals and students worked diligently under very trying circumstances last year and the overall rise in achievement is due to their effort and hard work. Lives and learning were interrupted by a major hurricane and new state implemented testing standards. Our staff rose to the challenge and removed three schools from state supervision and increased the overall student outcomes which are reflected in the improved school grades. We are proud and they should celebrate and recognize their commitment that led to the outcomes and the grades they earned.”

Cape Coral Breeze

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— Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier

Grades: District cites hard work From page 1 There were also 10 schools that improved their school grade by one letter from the previous year. According to the district the most notable included G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School, Manatee Elementary School and Fort Myers Middle Academy, as they improved to a C grade, which will release them from state supervision.

There were also 19 district schools that earned a B for the 2022-2023 school grades report.

According to the district they had an increase in its overall score by six points in the 2022-2023 school grades report.

Under the new standards, the district maintains its B grade for the ninth consecutive year, but according to Bernier the district is on the path of becoming an A district.

District staff and schools will use the baseline grades from the FAST assessment to make changes in their instructional.

“I echo the statements of Superintendent Bernier in expressing my deepest gratitude to our hardworking teachers, staff, administrators, students, and everyone else involved in achieving these positive results. Coming off the devastation of Hurricane Ian, our educational community bravely came together and continued to put our students first, which made this progress possible.

Together, we will continue to support our educators and students as they strive for academic excellence,” School Board

Chair Sam Fisher said.

With Florida being the first in the nation that transitioned to progress monitoring from traditional high stakes testing, grades for the 2022-2023 school year serves as the baseline, therefore not carrying any negative consequences.

The new Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) standards were adopted by the State Board of Education after dozens of workgroup meetings were held in a year’s time with educators and stakeholders. The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), progress monitoring provides real-time, immediate and actionable data at the beginning, middle and end of the school year for teachers, students and parents, was developed.

Board member Debbie Jordan said principals and schools are working very hard to get their grades to where they need to be for a better outcome with students.

“It’s a very positive,” she said of the scores. “Coming out of COVID to hurricanes just really shows the dedication of all — teachers, administration, students and even families. It’s everybody.”

Jordan said it has been really hard on teachers with everything new coming down the pike with laws.

“The concentration of the outcome of children is prevalent. We need to celebrate those gains and wins. I am extremely excited for them,” Jordan said.

By CHUCK BALLARO

news@breezenewspapers.com

“NexMetro is committed to being a good neighbor and will work to address any neighborhood concerns as they arise.”

— Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, spokesperson for Land America, who said the small cemetery is located within an existing powerline easement and therefore will not be disturbed by a development project planned for the site off Bayshore Road.

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Cape Coral Breeze

He was ordered to pay $7,500 to the Historical Society and maintain the gravesite for the next 10 years.

A fence was placed around the site.

The small cemetery site, meanwhile, was cleaned up and an iron cross was placed at Daughtery’s grave, signifying he was a Civil War veteran.

Land America LLC has submitted an application to create a residential planned development on approximately 34.8 acres for 180 multi-family, singlestory rentals.

NexMetro Communities is the developer of the proposed community. It anticipates breaking ground on the project in 2025, pending approvals from relevant local and state agencies. The first homes are expected to be available in 2026.

Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, spokesperson for Land America, said the cemetery is located within an existing powerline easement and therefore will not be disturbed.

“NexMetro is committed to being a good neighbor and will work to address any neighborhood concerns as they arise,” Buzzacco-Foerster said.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

An old family cemetery off a Bayshore Road property may soon abut an apartment complex.

The company developing the planned project at 7200 Bayshore Road expected to bring much-needed housing to the area has said nothing will happen to the Samville Cemetery, since it is located where power lines are.

That hasn’t stopped local historians and those who attended a recent informational meeting from expressing concern, given the property’s history that includes what they say was a lack of proper preservation.

“That is what our fear is. What is going to happen there? Are they going to put a fence there or make it a dog park?” said Joanne Iwinski Miller, a local historian. “I’m not against development. I’m against overdevelopment.”

Jacob Daughtery, who fought for the South during the Civil War, is buried at the site. He died around 1885 after being stabbed during a fight. It was the family homestead of which Daughtery owned 160 acres.

Also buried there are his mother-inlaw, the oldest daughter, Lizzy, the schoolteacher who lived with him, and two others who are unknown, Miller said, adding only Daughtery had a headstone, the rest clam shells.

The cemetery portion subsequently has undergone years of neglect to the point where the headstones and conch shells there were once plowed away.

The original Daughtery headstone was broken and a boy in a nearby trailer felt bad and brought it home. When the Bockum family, descendants of Daughtery, found out, they were furious.

The then property owner was charged with disturbing a grave, she said.

Page 39 ■ December 15, 2023

Developer promises preservation of graves near planned construction site

Cape Coral Breeze

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December 15, 2023 ■ Page 40

From page 1

The three resolutions that passed Wednesday night as part of the Cape Coral City Council consent agenda were to modify the CRA bylaws to convert the uncompensated governing positions into positions compensated with stipends; allow council to determine the amount of those stipends; and set those stipend amounts at $5,000 per month for the mayor and $3,333 per month for city council members, retroactive to Oct. 1, the start of the city’s new budget year.

The stipends are in addition to Council salaries.

The mayor’s position currently is compensated at approximately $46,604 per year.

Council member compensation is approximately $40,620 per year.

stipend and not a raise,” she said, adding that council members all were aware of how much the council compensation was and spent a lot of money to get elected nonetheless.

“Membership on the city council has always been a part-time job. You are making it significantly more. If you are feeling underpaid, resign and find another job.”

A city employee, who said he cannot afford to live in the city, also spoke.

“I am a struggling city of Cape Coral employee,” he said. “We city employees were awarded a raise of 4.25%. Award the same annual stipend of 4.25%,

Cape Coral Breeze

Leon said. “I ask you and implore you to have a greater discussion regarding the stipend. If you are to pass it, please consider $3,300 and $5,000 a month is too much money. I know. I never ever spent that amount of money sitting up where you are today.”

Another speaker asked how Council could approve a stipend after city workers, union, and non-bargaining employees requested a raise. She said council disbanded the uncompensated CRA governing board and then assumed its duties to reward themselves at the citizens’ expense.

“You found a way — just call it a

roughly $142 a month.”

A 15-year resident, who is a 2024 Libertarian candidate for the State Representative seat that includes Cape Coral, said historically volunteers did the work for the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency commissioners.

“They did this work for free, out of a public-spirited sense of duty to the community. According to the proposals now pending before you, these services are to be valued at approximately $340,000 each year,” Larry Gillis said. “Let me emphasize that these services have cost the taxpayers of Cape Coral nothing.

Zip, zero, nada, so to speak. Until now, anyway.”

Council voted to dissolve the Community Redevelopment Agency board, letting the commissioners it had appointed go, in November with Council members Tom Hayden, Jessica Cosden and Robert Welsh dissenting.

The stipend proposal to include assuming those duties was brought forward a week after council holding its first meeting sitting as the CRA Board of Commissioners, who previously were not compensated.

Gillis reminded Council that voters elected them to perform the duties of the city councilors with the additional duties voluntarily assumed not part of the package.

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approximately $46,604 per year.

Council member compensation is approximately $40,620 per year which is below the city-computed comparable cities average of $49,155.

The stipend will be in addition to council salaries and a portion of the stipend is intended to cover additional duties and expenses council members are said to be incurring due to growth in the city, documents state.

The public criticized both of the proposal and its placement on the agenda with non-discussion items, with the mayor calling for a recess shortly after the public began to speak due to clapping, cheers and boos as points against were made.

Former Cape Coral city council member Richard Leon was the first to speak.

“I wanted to get up here first and remind everybody that I was a City Council member, CRA commissioner. I sat in your shoes,” Leon said before Council. “There is an opportunity that lies before you today. You can govern in good graces. I know out of anybody in this room what this pay means to you.”

He said he remembered the 40 hours he had to work at his place of employment and then the time he spent as a council member, which sometimes left him at City Hall until 2 to 3 a.m.

“Some nights I slept in the office,”

Page 41 ■ December 15, 2023

Stipend: Proposal draws sharp criticism at turnout of angry residents

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 42 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Computer Club to meet Wednesday via Zoom The Cape Coral Computer Club meets over Zoom the first and third Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting being from 2-4 p.m.

This Wednesday, Dec. 20, the meeting will include in-depth information using the search functions with AI and "What's new in Windows 11," with time for questions and answers.

All skill levels are welcome to join. For more information, visit the club website at https://www.capecoralcomputer.club/ Use

the “CONTACT US” feature to register for a complimentary Zoom link. If you have any questions or need help with Zoom, call 321-430-5959.

Club Zoom meetings are recorded. If you become a member and miss a meeting, you have the opportunity to watch the presentation at a later date. The Zoom format works well because you don't have to be in Florida to participate in and enjoy all of the benefits the club has to offer. See the website for additional information.

Veterinary Assisting Dog Wash cancelled The Veterinary Assisting Dog Wash scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16, at Cape Coral Technical College, 360 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, has been can-

celled due to the inclement weather forecast for the weekend.

For additional information, call 724984-8734.

Garden inspirations: Sources From page 17 The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota are a celebration of the exotic subtropical beauty of our area, and the world’s only botanical garden dedicated to the display and study of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, epiphytes and tropical plants. A series of exhibitions throughout the year feature plants incorporated with art, and the Annual Orchid Show in the fall is one of the highlights of the year, with the best scientifically documented collection of orchids in the world. And, of course, there is a Garden Shop where you can purchase a gorgeous orchid or other tropical plan for

your garden. For more information, visit https://selby.org/ Plan to visit these spectacular gardens to enjoy a day outside in subtropical beauty while you gather inspiration for your gardening endeavors. As Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential horticulturists of the past century, wisely stated, “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.”

Cathy Dunn is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and Garden Club of Cape Coral member.

run until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve to accommodate celebrations.

■ Visit RideLeeTran.com for specific route and schedule information.

Parks & Recreation ■ Beaches, boat ramps, parks and preserves will remain open Friday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Dec. 25.

■ The administration office will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25. Normal hours resume Tuesday, Dec. 26.

■ Pools are closed Saturday, Dec. 23, through Tuesday, Dec. 26, resuming normal operating hours Wednesday, Dec. 27.

■ Beaches, boat ramps, parks and preserves will be open Friday, Dec. 29, through New Year’s Day. ■ The administration office will be closed Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1, resuming normal operating hours Tuesday, Jan. 2.

■ Pools are closed Saturday, Dec. 30, through Tuesday, Jan. 2, resuming normal operating hours Wednesday, Jan. 3.

■ The county’s three recreation centers – North Fort Myers, Veterans and Estero – will be closed through the holidays due to scheduled annual maintenance. They will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 7.

For alternative parks sites, visit www.leeparks.org. The centers will re-open Monday, Jan. 8. Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center remains closed at this time.

Library System ■ Library administration and Home Borrower Services will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25, as well as Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1.

■ All Library Branches will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 25, as well as Saturday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Jan. 1.

■ The library is always open online at leelibrary.net.

Domestic Animal Services ■ Saturday, Dec. 23, the Lost & Found Pet Center and the Pet Adoption Center, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed. Normal hours resume Tuesday, Dec. 26.

See COUNTY OPERATIONS, page 46

Cape Coral Breeze

Dec. 25. The Resource Recovery Facility in Buckingham will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, but open regular hours on Friday, Dec. 22, and Saturday, Dec. 23. The LeeHendry Landfill and the LaBelle Transfer Station will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, and will be open from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec 23.

■ Solid Waste offices and the Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex will be closed on Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1. The Resource Recovery Facility in Buckingham will be closed New Year’s Day, but open regular hours on Friday, Dec. 29, and will be open until 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30. It will also be open on Jan. 6, which is the Saturday following New Year. The Lee-Hendry Landfill and the LaBelle Transfer Station will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, and will be open from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec.30.

Lee County Utilities ■ The call center and the drive-thru window at 7391 College Parkway will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25, and will reopen on Tuesday, Dec.26.

The call center and drive-thru window will be closed Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1, and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

■ A drop box is on-site at the front door, and another is accessible via the drive-thru for payments by check.

■ Payments can also be made online at myutilities.leegov.com or by phone at 855-895-6939.

■ For additional information, visit leegov.com/utilities.

LeeTran ■ LeeTran will operate its regularly scheduled bus service on Friday, Dec. 22, but administrative offices at LeeTran’s headquarters on Metro Parkway will be closed.

■ LeeTran will operate its regularly scheduled bus service on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24.

■ There will be no bus, trolley, Ultra on-demand, or Passport service on Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25.

Normal bus service will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

■ LeeTran will operate its regularly scheduled bus service on New Year’s Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31.

■ There will be no bus, trolley, Ultra on-demand, or Passport service on New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1.

Normal bus service will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

■ The Blue and Gold River District Trolley Lines will

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Lee County operations will make scheduling adjustments later this month due to both the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays. Both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are county holidays and, because they fall on the weekend, will be observed on Fridays. Specifically: n For Christmas weekend, most Lee County administrative offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25. n For New Year’s weekend, most Lee County administrative offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

Many county operations and sites will operate but will have adjustments. This includes Solid Waste, Utilities, LeeTran, Parks & Recreation, Libraries and Animal Services.

Additional information: Solid Waste ■ All garbage, recycling and yard waste collections in unincorporated Lee County, the city of Bonita Springs and the Town of Fort Myers Beach will take place one day after the regularly scheduled collection day for the entire week beginning Dec. 26.

This means that if the regular collection day is Monday, the collection truck will pick up that material on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s regularly scheduled pickups will occur on Wednesday and so on, the rest of the week through Saturday, Dec. 30.

■ On Monday, Jan. 1, there will not be any regular collection; if the regular collection day is Monday, the collection truck will pick up that material on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s regularly scheduled pickups will occur on Wednesday and so on, the rest of the week through Saturday, Jan. 6.

The regular collection schedule resumes on Monday, Jan. 8.

■ Christmas trees that have had the stand and all lights and decorations removed, including tinsel, can be set out with regular yard waste and will be ground into mulch.

All wrapping paper, except metallic, is recyclable – along with all the boxes.

Plastic ribbons and bows are not recyclable.

■ Solid Waste offices and the Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex will be closed on Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday,

Page 43 ■ December 15, 2023

Lee County operations make adjustments for upcoming holidays

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 44 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Fuller Metz: Interior upgrades part of business’s post-Ian recovery From page 9 the situation. It’s an older building built in the late ’60s, so it gave us an opportunity to remodel with upgrades and enhance the appearance and functionality of the inside.

“We know a lot of people have completely lost everything, so we feel fortunate from the point of view that we were still functional and could operate, just around our ‘small issues.’”

Interior renovations sees new carpeting, paint, lighting, and audio/video capabilities.

“We’ve always been a part of the community, and it’s good to continue to be a support and community resource. We’re here to help people celebrate life, and remember, and pay homage to those who are no longer with us.”

—Timothy Hauck, funeral director in charge Fuller Metz is a top-notch facility, both in size and infrastructure. It can serve any size funeral or service for families. Burial, cremation, or sending the deceased back to their home are all among their services.

They have a large ability to pre-arrange, which brings an extra sense of security to loved ones.

Hauck said even the most powerful storm Southwest Florida’s ever seen could

not hinder the business from assisting those in their time of need.

“We’ve always been a part of the community, and it’s good to continue to be a support and community resource,” Hauck said. “We’re here to help people celebrate life, and remember, and pay homage to those who are no longer with us.”

As a long-time Cape business, Fuller Metz hosted the monthly Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Business After Hours networking event Thursday night.

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Weekend’s expected FWC announces new panther stormy weather could license plate now available change fishing plans

at Cape Coral Bridge Height Sunrise Moon Time Feet Sunset

Day

High /Low

Tide Time

Sa 16 16

High Low

3:54 AM 1.1 1:13 PM -0.3

Su 17 17 17

High 4:54 AM Low 2:05 PM High 9:01 PM

Sa 16 16

High 3:22 AM 2.2 Low 12:39 PM -0.6

Su 17 17 17 17

High 4:22 AM Low 1:31 PM High 8:29 PM Low 11:55 PM

1.0 -0.2 0.5

% Moon Visible

7:09 AM 5:38 PM

Rise 10:42 AM Set 9:39 PM

9

7:09 AM 5:38 PM

Rise 11:24 AM Set 10:45 PM

17

7:10 AM 5:38 PM

Rise 10:42 AM Set 9:39 PM

9

7:10 AM 5:39 PM

Rise 11:24 AM Set 10:46 PM

17

at Matlacha Pass (Bascule bridge)

2.0 -0.4 1.0 0.9

Florida panthers are native to the state, with the majority of panthers found south of Lake Okeechobee. Florida panthers are listed as an Endangered Species under the federal Endangered Species Act. There are approximately 120-230 adult panthers in the population.

Purchasing a Protect the Panther license plate isn’t the only way motorists can help panthers — drivers can also help by following all posted speed limits, particularly in panther zones, which are in place in several counties across south Florida to coincide with areas where panthers are known to cross. Panther speed zones help protect both Florida panthers and motorists from vehicle collisions and potential injury.

To learn more about Florida panthers and the FWC’s work to conserve the species, please visit MyFWC.com/Panther.

PREP REPORT Wednesday

Nieves added 11 points for the winners.

Boys Basketball Bishop Verot 70, LaBelle 41: After starting the season with four home games, the Vikings hit the road on Wednesday. The trip was a big success for Bishop Verot (4-1). Gavin Williams led four Vikings in double figures with 23 points. Tyler Reeder scored 18 points, Jerry Ashley had a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) and Leroy Roker added 10 points.

Tuesday

Boys Basketball Cape Coral 82, Island Coast 36: Five Seahawks scored in double figures, led by Austin Arringdale-Klein's 19 points and 11 rebounds. Cape (5-1) also got 14 points and 6 steals from Joe Silva, 12 points from Jason Robles and 10 points each from Judah Daley and Mac Rubbico.

Daley added eight boards. Island Coast fell to 2-5.

Mariner 88, North Fort Myers 62: The Tribons (5-3) downed the Red Knights (5-4) at Mariner.

Oasis 68, SW Florida Christian Academy 67: Oasis (5-3) managed to hold off a fourth-quarter SFCA rally to eke out the victory. The Sharks led 61-52 going into the final period of play. Brendan Overbaugh and Zach Louzao scored 16 points each for the Sharks, and Javarius Jackson added 13 points and 9 rebounds.

Girls Basketball North Fort Myers 35, Mariner 22: North has won its last three games after an 0-3 start. Mariner is still seeking its first win.

Lemon Bay 54, Bishop Verot 53: The Vikings came up just short at Lemon Bay, losing for the first time this season (6-1). Cameron O'Halloran scored 18 points and Brynn Stambaugh 13 for Bishop Verot.

Cape Coral 60, Island Coast 23: Cape improved to 32 the year while dropping the Gators to 2-3.

Ida Baker 51, Dunbar 17: Three Bulldogs scored in double figures as the Ida Baker (4-2) dominated the Dunbar Tigers. Maia Berbedes led the way with 14 points, while Alexandra Reuss scored 12 points and Julianna

Girls Soccer Cape Coral 9, Lehigh 0: Cameron Fallacara scored four goals and assisted on two others for the Seahawks (75). Angelina Toro had two goals, Sophia Vianest and Mikala Allen each contributed a goal and an assist, and Sophia Fallacara also scored. Peyton Gogo had a shutout in goal.

Mariner 2, North Fort Myers 1: The Tritons (7-2) pulled out the win in a showdown of two elite squads.

Ryleigh Acosta scored, and assisted on Carly Paz's goal as well. Sophia Kerns scored for the Red Knights on an assist

by Kenlee Dominguez. North has now lost two matches in a row to stand at 6-2 on the season.

Oasis 2, Cypress Lake 0: Oasis (7-1-2) got scores from Samantha Chitu and Annabelle Llewellyn, with assists from Jazlyn Forbes and Maddison Davis. Angelina Acevedo-Montalvo made seven saves for her second shutout in as many nights.

Fort Myers 7, Ida Baker 0: Fort Myers (5-1-1) blanked the Bulldogs (4-6).

Boys Soccer Mariner 0, North Fort Myers 0, tie: It was goaltenders' night as neither the Tritons (8-3-1) nor the Red Knights (7-5-1) could score.

Cape Coral 6, Lehigh 2: Juan Limpias scored twice, once on a penalty kick, as the Seahawks raised their record to 6-3-2. Jake Jacoby, Israel Casanova, Adel Zammar and Wyatt York had a goal each. Christian Hernandez contributed an assist.

Ida Baker 1, Fort Myers 1, tie: The draw was the first District 6A-12 match for both the Bulldogs (5-4-3) and the Green Wave (5-1-2).

Oasis 2, Cypress Lake 0: Caden Bly and Mario Acosta scored for the Sharks (3-5-3), and Emmanuel Diaz made an assist.

Dunbar 8, Island Coast 1: The Tigers earned their first win of the season (1-4-2) at the expense of the Gators (17).

Cape Coral Breeze

TIDES CHART

Fees from the Protect the Panther license plate go directly into the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund, which is a critical source of funding for the state’s panther-related research, monitoring and conservation efforts. The long-term public support of this fund has had a direct positive impact on the FWC’s management and research efforts, resulting in timely, sciencebased information needed to guide current and future conservation actions for Florida panthers.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Looks to be a good weekend for sailing but not so much for angling which is a shame as sheepshead and snapper-loaded nearshore reefs await your chum and baits. Wild weather might also keep king and Spanish mackerel anglers from catching both species, which are presently feeding from just off the beach to a few miles offshore. Whatever your offshore choice, make it a safe one and live to fish another day as windy weather is predicted.

Back inshore with shelter on both sides of Charlotte Harbor, finding a wind break usually isn’t that difficult. During last week’s cold spell we got out of the boat behind Two Pines and walked Capt. George the gin-clear sandy shoreTunison lines casting soft plastics to any interesting feature ahead of us, connecting with a half dozen rat reds before moving back out to cast the 3 to 5-foot grass flat zones which produced several caught and released trout. In that super clear and very shallow water. I’m convinced being low wading versus standing high up on deck made a big difference in our redfish catch.

This cold front might move a lot more sheepshead inshore around local structures and docks where they can gladly steal your bait. Shrimp, fiddler crabs and oysters are all proven baits. Light leaders, thin wire ultra-sharp hooks and good hook timing will result in a delicious sheepshead dinner Cold water really turns on the seatrout bite, making local anglers happy and bait shops busy selling shrimp and tackle. Unfortunately for those of us that really enjoy trout fishing, we don’t live in north Florida’s trophy trout belt. In Southwest Florida a 5-pound fish is a real trophy but northern anglers don’t get too excited unless it’s in the 10-pound class or larger. It’s true that not all gator or trophy trout live “up north” like the current world record 17pound 7-ounce trout caught near Ft. Pierce in 1995, but your chances of landing a double digit fish are far greater starting in the Jacksonville area.

Since our trout run on the smaller side, downsize your tackle as well. Trout fishing in these parts is best enjoyed with lite or ultra-lite tackle. Rods in the 5 to 6.5-foot range labeled for use with 1/16 to 3/8 oz. lures are best along with an assortment of fly rods in the 3 to 6 wt. class.

See FISHING PLANS, page 46

A new Protect the Panther license plate is now available to Florida motorists. The new design features a striking photograph taken by Carlton Ward in 2018 of the first female panther documented north of the Caloosahatchee River since 1973, along with her kitten. The new license plate can be purchased at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or by checking with your local tax collector office for availability.

Staff with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission worked with photographer Carlton Ward and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida to design the new plate.

The photo depicts a well-known panther — an adult female who was also the first female documented to have had kittens north of the river in over 40 years. The Caloosahatchee River has long appeared to be an obstacle to the natural expansion of the population, including the northward movement of female panthers.

Fees from the Protect the Panther license plate go directly into the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund, which is a critical source of funding for the state’s panther-related research, monitoring and conservation efforts. The long-term public support of this fund has had a direct positive impact on the FWC’s management and research efforts, resulting in timely, sciencebased information needed to guide current and future conservation actions for Florida panthers. The FWC and conservation partners have made significant progress with panther recovery and the FWC’s panther program relies upon sales of the license plate to continue these conservation efforts.

Page 45 ■ December 15, 2023

SPORTS

THE BREEZE

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 46 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

16th annual BUG Chase 5K to be held Jan. 13 at Calusa Nature Center The Fort Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis will hold the 16th annual BUG Chase 5K run on Jan. 13 at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue in Fort Myers. The race will benefit the Fort Myers-Metro Kiwanis Club’s BUG (Bring Up Grades) program and other local club sponsored youth service projects. Participants can find the link to register online at MetroMcGregorKiwanis.com and clicking on fundraisers. Due to the nature of the course the race is capped at 400 registered runners.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available starting at the $100 level.

The course, supervised by Endurance Sports Timing, travels the trails at the

nature center and a portion of the asphalt bike path on Ortiz and will be timed with bib tag technology. Packet pick up will take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on both Jan. 6 and Jan. 7. Race day packet pick up will take place from 7 - 7:45 a.m.

Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. and race time is 8 a.m. Adult pre-registration until Jan. 12 is $30 and race day registration is $35. Youth (17-and-under) discounted pre-registration until Jan. 12 is $20 and race day registration is $25.

Overall and age group awards for the 5K run will be presented.

All proceeds benefit the Fort Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG (Bring Up Grades) program, designed to provide recognition to local elementary students

who raise their grades to an acceptable range and maintain or continue to raise them from one grading period to the next, and other local club sponsored youth service projects. Schools that have been supported by the club’s BUG program include Littleton Elementary, Rayma C. Page Elementary and Orangewood Elementary.

In addition to the BUG program, the Fort Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis Club also supports the following sponsored leadership programs: Aktion Club at LARC, Circle K International (CKI) at Florida Gulf Coast University, Key Club at FSW Collegiate High, Builders Club at Cypress Lake Middle and K-Kids at Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary

School. The club funded multi-sensory rooms at Tropic Isles Elementary, North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts, Heights Elementary, Rayma C. Page Elementary and James Stephens Elementary.

The club supplies a world atlas to either every fourth or third grade student at the following schools: Rayma C. Page Elementary, Heights Elementary, Orangewood Elementary, Littleton Elementary and James Stephens Elementary.

For more information regarding the BUG Chase or to become a sponsor, please contact Rachel Toomey at Rachel.Toomey33@gmail.com.

SPORTS BRIEFS Cape 50 Plus Softball League looking for players The Cape Coral 50 Plus Senior Softball League is looking for new members to join its league. The Senior Softball League is growing yearly, and would love to welcome more players interested in the sport.

The league will once again be drafting players today, Dec. 15. If interested, contact either Anthony Volpe at 315-2465056, or Julio Lock at 239-823-0134.

Florida SouthWestern State to host 5K Glow Run in January The Florida SouthWestern State College Buccaneers will host their inaugural 5K Glow Run on the FSW Fort Myers Campus Friday, Jan. 12, with all proceeds benefiting FSW Bucs Athletics.

Get ready to light up the night as you

run around FSW’s beautiful campus. This fun run takes place after the sun sets, so bring your glow sticks and neon attire to create a mesmerizing spectacle as you traverse the 5-kilometer course. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a unique way to kickstart the new year, the FSW 5k Glow Run promises an unforgettable evening of fitness and fun.

Racers will have an opportunity to mingle with FSW student-athletes and coaches before, during and after the race. There will also be food trucks, games and fun, so make plans to join the Bucs for the FSW Glow Run on Jan. 12.

The entry fee is $35.

For information or to sign up, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/FortMyers/ FloridaSouthWesternStateCollege5KGlow Run. Florida SouthWestern State College is

CAPE CORAL ANIMAL SHELTER

Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education.

Annually serving nearly 20,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placement rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education.

Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

LCEC 12th Annual 5K Run/Walk for United Way set for Jan. 6 The LCEC 12th Annual 5K to benefit the United Way will be held Saturday, Jan. 6. The LCEC Resolution Run 5K/Walk and Kids Fun Run will be held at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral. This event is in-person and virtual.

Racers should register at www.runsignup.com/resolution24, at packet pickup, or in-person until 7 a.m. race day through a mobile device. The Kids Fun Run will immediately follow the 5K.

Advance registration is $30 ($35 after Jan. 3) and $15 for the kids (age 12 and under) Fun Run ($20 after Jan. 3). Last year’s event raised over $5,000 and year to date over $32,000 for United Way of Lee and Hendry.

For race information, visit www.runsignup.com/resolution24, email 5K@lcec.net or call 239-656-2380. All proceeds benefit United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades.

Cape Half Century Plus Softball league accepting applications The Cape Coral Half Century Plus Softball league for men and women are accepting applications for the Winter/ Spring season, which will be starting soon.

Applications are due by Jan. 3 and the cost to play is $85.

Games in the 50 and older slow pitch league are played Monday and Wednesday nights at Strausser BMX Park at 1410 S.W. 6th Place in Cape Coral.

To register or for additional information about the run/walk, please visit https://halfcenturysoftball.com/

County operations: Holiday sked From page 43 ■ Saturday, Dec. 30, the Lost & Found Pet Center and the Pet Adoption Center will be closed. Normal hours resume Tuesday, Jan. 2.

■ Should you be separated from your pet, check the lost pet pages on social media. Call 239-533-7387 to complete a

missing pet alert and keep an eye on www.leelostpets.com.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc. Visit www.leegov.com for more information.

Fishing plans: Weather changes From page 45

Frenchie

Stella Blue

Looking for a loving home Frenchie is 3 to 5-year-old female.

Frenchie, aka French Fry to her office mates, absolutely adores her people and is pretty quiet in the office. She loves belly rubs and kisses and, of course, treats! She does seem to like the furry felines a bit TOO MUCH, so shouldn't go to a home with one living there.

Stella Blue is a 1 to 3-year-old female cat. Stella raised her 8 babies before they all found their forever homes. Now it's her turn to find the perfect place to call home. Stella Blue is a love bug with her

people and enjoys playing with her kitty friends.

If you are interested in meeting any of the animals available for adoption at The Cape Coral Animal Shelter, please visit its website at www.capecoralanimalshelter.com for more information.

The shelter is located at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Six to 8-pound mono works great but light braid in the 6 to 10-pound class is stronger and thinner for longer casts using spinning tackle. Ten to 15-pound leaders work fine.

If you’re experiencing line failure, the obvious question is my line old and need replacing? Hold it up to the light. Is the braid pale and frayed? Yes, change it or if you enjoy saving money on expensive braided line, take it off the spool and reverse it. Many inshore anglers completely fill their snook and redfish reel spools with expensive braided line when a 100 yards is often plenty. Granted both are powerful fish but when’s the last time any snook took out 100 yards of line? Spool up with inexpensive mono then top it off with your braided line and save money.

If old frayed and nicked line is not the

problem, then inspect your ceramic line guides for cracks and chips using a magnifying glass for a better look. Dropped your rod lately? Cracked eye inserts shred line.

Pull some cotton through the eye to help identify cracks.

New to the area’s waters? Taking a bigger boat through very shallow Matlacha Pass? Winter brings low or negative tides so by all means stay in close to the marked channel to avoid boat and passenger damage. Even at rather slow 25 mph speeds a sudden grounding can cause you to be thrown out and injured or sometimes worse, thrown around the boat's interior.

If you don’t know - always go slow.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.

Page 47 ■ December 15, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 15, 2023 ■ Page 48 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Garage Sales

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Page 49 ■ December 15, 2023

Air Conditioning

xxx, 2023 ■ Page 50 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Obituaries

Death Notices

Death Notices

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Death Notices

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CC BREEZE 12/15/23

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