121824 Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bullet

VOLUME 40, NUMBER 51

Woodson calls for clamping down on speech of public officials

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Days before a hearing at which the Fort Myers Beach Council voted to approve

h e i g h t d e v i a t i o n s f o r S e a g a t e Development Group's controversial 17story multi-building condo development, Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Karen Woodson called for an updated ethics policy to restrict public officials from discussing certain government-related information such as upcoming council votes

Woodson made the comments this past week at a management and planning session of the town council during which she said public officials should be prohibited from discussing certaining unnamed town business on social media or through interviews

At the same meeting, Woodson also called for removing members of the public from Monday’s meeting if they were deemed to be disruptive.

Social media ban proposal

Woodson criticized public comments made by unnamed town officials and what she viewed as public information being “leaked” before being handled by the town’s public information officer

Woodson’s comments surrounded a discussion initiated by Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt over an update to the town’s ethics policy he said he would be discussing with town councilmembers, staff and the town's

Fort Myers Beach Council appro ves

Seagate’s 17-story condo pro ject over public opposition

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The verdict was unanimous for the dozens of Fort Myers Beach residents who turned out Monday to speak out at the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council’s hearing against the 17-story, multi-building Seagate condo project at the former Red Coconut RV Resort

The condo towers, which would be the largest buildings in the town at an estimated 255 feet, were just too tall, they said Not one speaker from the public Monday spoke in favor of the project, yet the town council overruled the speakers in

See SEAGATE, page 18

legal counsel

In a statement that could have First Amendment implications for the town’s public officials, Woodson said she wanted to make updates to the town’s ethics policy regarding the speech of public officials

Woodson said it was “not ethical” for certain unnamed public officials to be giving interviews or having public discussions involving potential upcoming votes

See WOODSON, page 22

New principal named for Beach school

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County School Board has named a new Fort Myers Beach Elementary School principal

The board voted this past week to appoint Kimberly Egdish-Baxa to replace Dr Traci Kohler Egdish-Baxa had been serving as interim principal since Kohler retired last month Kohler has since taken a job with the Town of Fort Myers Beach

Kohler made her announcement to retire weeks after Hurricane Milton flooded the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School, shuttering it for the second time since Hurricane Ian closed the school Students have been attending San Carlos Park Elementary School since Hurricane Milton

Before serving as principal, Egdish-Baxa was working as the district’s administrator of constituent services and volunteer coordinator

Egdish-Baxa has also served the district as an assistant principal at Varsity Lakes Middle School, Estero High School, Veterans Park Academy for the Arts and Island Coast High School She was a teacher before those positions at Mirror Lakes Elementary and Treeline Elementary

Egdish-Baxa has worked for the school district since 2005

Rob Spicker, district spokesperson, said the remediation of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School has been completed though there is presently no timeline for when students can return to the school

“We advised the (Fort Myers Beach Elementary School) families last Friday that the remediation was complete and the architect was assessing the structural integrity of the floor and subfloor We expect their analysis this week,” Spicker said

Reporter Meghan Bradbury contributed reporting for this story

An update on the progress of our School District

Dear Lee County, I hope this message finds you well; it’s hard to believe we are upon completing the first half of the 2024-2025 school year It is a privilege to s

school board member I am delighted to have the opportun

y

important updates and developments with Lee County students and their families, ensur-

about the progress and initiatives within our school district:

1 W e l c o m e D

Carlin

Commentary

We are thrilled to welcome Dr Denise Carlin as our first elected superintendent in 50 years. Dr. Carlin brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our district We look forward to her leadership and the positive impact she will have on our schools

2 New Board Members

Please join me in welcoming our two new board members, Bill Ribble and Vanessa Chaviano Their dedication and commitment

Local postmaster says Postal Ser vice is 'primed and ready' for holiday shipping rush

To the editor:

RE: Postmaster's Report – Recommended Holiday Ship-ping and Mailing Dates

As the Postmaster for the city of Fort Myers, I want to assure you that the U S Postal Service is primed and ready to deliver exceptional service during the 2024 holiday rush Thanks to the substantial progress USPS has made under the Delivering for America plan a $40 billion investment aimed at revitalizing the national postal network our operational, transportation and delivery processes have never been more finely tuned My dedicated team and I are fully prepared to once again handle the peak holiday season surge

49%

∫ FEMA, 29%

∫ Those who did work without permits, 20%

∫ Nobody, 0%

Are you concerned about the intensity of new development projects in town?

∫ Yes, I am concerned they will overwhelm the town

∫ No, I am not concerned The town needs the development

∫ Unsure/no opinion

As you and your family prepare for the holidays, it's always a good idea to Ship It Early! We encourage everyone to send their holiday mail and packages well in advance to ensure they reach their destinations on time, but we understand that sometimes cards or packages are sent last minute

This year, our recommended send-by dates for expected holiday delivery within the continental U S before Dec 25 are:

Dec 18: USPS Ground Advantage service; First Class Mail service

Dec 19: Priority Mail service

to our community will be invaluable as we work together to enhance the educational experience for all students

Additionally, congratulations to Melissa Giovan-nelli on her re-election We are g r a t e

service and leadership

3 F S B A C o n f e r e n c e Summary

Recently, our board memb e r s a t t

School Boards Association (FSBA) conference Here are some key takeaways:

■ Legislative Platforms: We discussed various legislative platforms that will shape the future of education in Florida. These discussions are crucial for advocating policies that benefit our students and schools ■

:

Addressing the challenges of teacher retention was a major focus. We explored innovative solutions to support and retain our dedicated educators

■ School Safety Up-dates: Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains a top

Letters to the Editor

Dec 21: Priority Mail Express service

For a complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates, please visit usps com/holidayshippingdates And remember: the earlier you send, the better Ship it Early!

We are honored and grateful for your trust in the U S Postal Service Your postal teams at the Fort Myers Post Offices are proud to be the most affordable, reliable way to send cheer this holiday season, and we’re ready to deliver exceptional service during the holidays and beyond Cinnamon Young Fort Myers Postmaster (OIC)

Deep-seated anger

toward

health care

industr

y continues to rise

To the editor:

Increased death threats for healthcare insurers has resulted in a new industry of enhanced security for the administrators With their multi-million dollar salaries and stock options, they must be protected from angry patients with guns They now must live in a bubble of fear themselves - of their own creation Excessive corporate profits harm their patients Medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcies for people in the United States because of insurer’s “deny, d

Countless families have been financially

priority We reviewed the latest strategies and technologies to enhance school safety

■ Attendance Issues: We addressed the ongoing challenges of student attendance, both in- person and virtual Strategies to improve attendance and engagement were shared and will be implemented in our district

4 Things to Come

Keep your eye out for a survey regarding updated start times, primarily focusing on high school students Your feedback will be crucial in presenting this information to the legislative body, so we can best support our students' needs.

W e a r e

informed and involved in the progress of our district

As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families May you have a joyful and restful holiday season, and here's to a successful second half of the school year! Your support and engagement are vital to our success Thank you for your continued dedication to our schools and community Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

Jada Langford Fleming is the District 6 School Board Member

anger toward the health care industry Around the country, stories of the harm caused by not covered medical services have been unleashed with furor by both doctors and patients

Insurance companies make money by turning medicine into an assembly line business with high burn out rates of providerspaying the hospitals, doctors, nurses and other health care workers less, denying claims from patients and keeping people from seeking medical care in the first place by instilling fear that their medical care and prescriptions will not be “covered ” If you pay your premiums and never use medical services, they make more money After

2021, Thompson helped the company bring in $281 billion in profits in 2023 According to UnitedHealth Group's 2023 financial report, they paid approximately $5,704 million in income taxes Now wealthy corpora-

Americans voted for that in the last election. Lynn A Hagedorn, MD Cape Coral

Jada Langford Fleming Guest

BUSINESS

Doc Ford's workers decorate Lakes Park into winter wonderland

STAFF REPORT

Volunteers from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Fort Myers Beach recently helped Lakes Park employees, employees decorate for the holiday season, transforming the mile-long train route to a winter wonderland

A group of employees from the Fishermans Wharf restaurant spent three hours installing the decorations

“The team really enjoys helping out within the com-

Doc

Ford’s

munity,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille “They had a great time helping put up the Halloween decorations this year, so everyone was excited to come back and do it again for Christmas ”

Doc Ford’s team members frequently donate their time at Lakes Park, recently building a scarecrow for the Scarecrows in the Park event and installing a miniature

employees volunteer at Track to Trail Thoroughbreds

Employees of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille’s Fort Myers Beach restaurant recently volunteered at Track to Trail Thoroughbreds The group helped the nonprofit agency by spending time with the horses and doing manual labor around the ranch and barns

It was the first time team members volunteered at Track to Trail Thoroughbreds, and they plan to volunteer again

“The team really enjoys taking the time out of their day and giving back to the local community,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille “Giving back has fostered team-building within our organization We are always looking for new ways and organizations to give back, too ”

Doc Ford’s team members fre-

quently donate their time at Lakes

P

installing a miniature version of the Fort Myers Beach restaurant as part of the popular Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad train ride which winds around lakes and small villages The team also helped install Halloween decorations and participated in this year’s Scarecrows in the Park contest Track to Trail Thoroughbreds,

Naples that rehabilitates injured

information, visit tracktotrailthoroughbreds org

Doc Ford's Rum Bay & Grille is located on Fort Myers Beach off Fishermans Wharf and is open seven days a week from 11 to 10

version of the Fort Myers Beach restaurant as part of the popular Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad train ride which winds around lakes and small villages This is the second year the employees installed holiday decorations at the park

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11 a m to 10 p m with locations locally on Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel

PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTO

Beach Living Dolphins rescued in shallow lagoon near Matlacha

By NATHAN MAYBERG and PAULETTE LeBLANC nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Two dolphins were rescued out of a s h a l l o w w a t e r lagoon deep in the mangroves near Matlacha in a coordinat-

Program and Mote Marine Lab

One dolphin was found dead in the lagoon

The response began Tuesday after witnesses reported seeing two dol-

Conservation Commission, Clearwater

the night before, according to a statement from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office

County Sheriff's

Unit, along with

responded Tuesday morning and used

shallow water boats to navigate through the mangrove canals and mud flats to locate two dolphins

The lagoon’s depth was only about t

according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office There was about two feet of water or less in the trails leading to open water, which prevented the dolphins from escaping, the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement

Due to the technical and environmental challenges of trapping, lifting, and moving the two adult dolphins (approximately nine feet in length) through heavy mud, the rescue was delayed until Wednesday morning The Sheriff’s Office and FWC met with MOTE Marine, Brookfield Zoo

Aquarium early Wednesday morning with more shallow water boats and equipment to save the dolphins

Both dolphins were placed on floating mats and pulled through over 300 yards of mud and muck, and then towed by boat

to deeper waters. Biologists evaluated the dolphins, applied satellite tags, and they were released back into deeper water in Matlacha Pass

Biologists believe the dolphins could have been stranded as far back as October when water levels rose during Hurricane Milton

“FWC staff believe the dolphins may have accessed the area during Hurricane M

y Johnson said

Bokeelia resident John Balfe said he witnessed part of the rescue operation Wednesday, when a wildlife rescue truck appeared near the marina on Genesee Parkway, for what he described as a “big operation ”

Balfe said the dolphins were trapped in shallow water in the mangroves located b e t w e e n G e n e s e e P a r k w a y a n d P i n e Island Road,” Balfe said

Balfe said the water was so shallow that the rescuers had to anchor some of their boats and wade to where the dolphins were located

LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Nominations Open for Keep Lee County Beautiful Environmental Stewardship Awards

STAFF REPORT

Keep Lee County Beautiful, Inc announced that nominations are now open for the Environmental Stewardship Awards, which honor outstanding contributions to environmental stewardship and innovation through education and hands-on action within the community.

Each year, Keep Lee County Beautiful hosts the Environmental Stewardship Awards to celebrate individuals and groups dedicated to making a positive environ-

mental impact in Lee County This year’s award categories include: Community Impact, Youth Engagement, Environmental Innovation, Environmental Restoration, Environmental Education, Outstanding Site Captain, Outstanding Adoption Group, and Marine Environment Impact

Winners will be chosen by a volunteer panel of judges, with the possibility of multiple winners in each category, though some categories may not yield a winner.

Nominations are open until February 1, and eligible projects and activities must have taken place in 2024

https://bit ly/KLCB Awards for details and to submit

nomination or email Tisha@klcb org with any questions

Keep Lee County Beautiful student art contest open

STAFF REPORT

K e e p L e e C o u n t y

B e a u t i f u l i s a c c e p t i n g entries from K-12 students

i n L e e C o u n t y f o r t h e "Leave the Scene Clean" art contest

Full-color drawings or

p a i n t i n g s o f a n e n v i r o nmental action such as litter prevention, tree plantings, protecting the environment, recycling, landscaping, clean-up

c a m p a i g n s a n d o t h e r b e a u t i f i c a t i o n efforts are among the accepted topics for entries

Deadline for entries is Jan 31

The rules are:

∫ Each entry MUST HAVE completed entry form TAPED ONLY to back side

∫ Only ORIGINAL artwork with

O

will be accepted

f

∫ Artwork should be in

SPACE

∫ HORIZONTAL formats only Single sheet of 8 5” X 11” paper only

∫ S t u d e n t s m a y u s e any 2D medium (i e , crayons, watercolors, pastels, color pencils, etc )

∫ No more than 2 entries per person

∫ No 3-dimensional (sculpture, bas relief) entries

JUDGING: Special volunteer committee of KLCB.

∫ Artwork MUST have an ENVIRONMENTAL MESSAGE to be considered

∫ Entries will be judged on creativity, originality and focus on the message

∫ Four overall winners and three honorable mentions will be chosen from four groups of grades

What do artists win?:

The four overall winning illustrations will be enlarged and appear on the side of a Lee County Waste Pro truck and printed on reusable tote bags The overall winning and honorable mention artwork will be on public display during April 2025 in honor of earth month All winners will also receive a certificate and prize pack

A

Honorable Mentions, will be returned or made available for pick up after winner notification Any artwork not picked up will be discarded after June 1 Winning schools agree to highlight contest results in school communications

Email Tisha@klcb org with any questions or concerns

What will be accepted:

∫ Environmental Message

∫ Vibrant / strong colors (no white space)

∫ Horizontal designs

∫ Unique ideas

∫ Native animals

What is NOT accepted:

∫ No environmental message

Negative messages

Non-native animals

No brand names

Vertical Designs

entries

County accepts $22.7M for water project at Larry Kiker Preserve

STAFF REPORTR

T

Commissioners voted to accept a $22 7 million Resilient Florida Grant from the F

Protection for the design and construction

Management Project Phase 1

The project plan is to restore flow ways, protect habitat, improve regional flood

c

enhance aquifer recharge T

Commissioners acquired the 3,921 acres in 2017 and property was renamed the Larry Kiker Preserve in 2019 shortly after

the death of Lee County Commissioner Larry Kiker.

Kiker, who also had served as Fort Myers Beach Mayor, was an advocate of preserving the land

The grant requires 50/50 cost share The county met local match requirements from the initial $42 million purchase of the preserve lands

The site contains significant natural flow ways, given its location at the confluence of Estero River, Halfway Creek and Imperial River Restoration through site

enhanced water quality, flood attenuation and aquifer recharge as well as protect a

significant, diverse population of wildlife and plant communities. It also would provide opportunities for naturebased recreation in the southern part of Lee County

In August 2020, this project was identified in the Southern Lee Flood Mitigation Plan The plan proposes to construct a regional flood protection project which benefits the Village of Estero, Bonita Springs and unincorporated Lee County

A year ago, the Lee Board of County Commissioners voted to accept $1 million in Florida State Resiliency Grant Funds from FDEP to support design and permitting fees

The county approved a $1,766,704 contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in 2021 for phase one of planning for the Larry Kiker Preserve – a three-year project to create a new county park

Lee Health, FGCU conducting joint study

Lee Health and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) are jointly exploring opportunities to improve healthcare, wellness and support services provided to persons living in Southwest Florida with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) diagnosis, as well as their families and caregivers

O f

study that was conducted uncovered the

potential to improve services to this segment of the local population that will help them thrive more successfully in the community.

The organizations are conducting a survey to learn more directly from this population on how they can enhance and expand services that will be most impactful to them The survey links are as follows:

∫ Caregiver, advocate or family member of an individual diagnosed with IDD: https://fgcu qualtrics com/jfe/form/SV b1q8hJUZjQE54pM

∫ Individual diagnosed with IDD: https://fgcu qualtrics com/jfe/form/SV 0650f7LZhTKjZX0

Officials noted that for reference, the organizations are defining intellectual and developmental disability as disorders that

are usually present at birth and affect the physical, intellectual and/or emotional development of the person throughout their life. Common examples are autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida, childhood acquired brain injury and other genetic disorders

Larry Kiker

Lee County Senior Games registration open

Lee County Parks & Recreation welcomes all senior athletes to participate in the 2025 Lee County Senior Games, which feature social, recreational and competitive activities

Registration is $15 per event Participants must be 50 years or older by Dec. 31, 2025, and qualifying event top finishers will be eligible to compete at the state level in the 2025 Florida Senior Games

The games will be held Jan 24 through March 9 with eight sports in various locations throughout the county

The Florida Games Series Qualifier Events include:

Table Tennis

Archery

Pickleball ∫ Basketball Shooting

Celebrate holidays by reducing waste stream

With hurricane season moved out and holiday season moving in, residents are ready to decorate, exchange gifts and entertain. Lee County Solid Waste appreciates the recycling efforts and would like to remind residents of services offered at the Household Chemical Waste facility in Fort Myers

Many residents enjoy the crispiness of a deep-fried turkey over the holidays The disposal of leftover cooking oil is as simple as a quick drive through Residents may drop off liquid cooking oils for free from 7:30 a m to 4:30 p m Monday through Friday and 8 a m to noon on the first Saturday of

every month Used oils or grease should be transported in sealed, unbreakable and leakproof containers

Never pour used cooking oil and grease down drains It causes costly problems for a home's plumbing and the county's sewer plants In addition, do not dispose of cooking oil in regular garbage collection It may cause spillage on roadways and make it unsafe for neighbors and collection crews

The county would also like to remind residents to use gasoline purchased for hurricane readiness now that storm season has passed Gasoline naturally degrades and loses combustibility over time In the weeks

Basketball 3V3 ∫ Swimming

Tennis

∫ Billiards

Participants will receive one shirt that will be distributed at event site Medals will be presented to the first-, second- and third-place finishers of each event. For event schedule and more information about Lee County Senior Games visit www leeparks org

For additional details about Lee County Parks & Recreation locations, amenities and upcoming events, visit www leeparks org, call 239-533-7275, or email leeparks@leegov com Stay connected on social media

Facebook and Instagram

leading up to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, residents dropped off over 4,600 gallons of old gasoline Although it is recycled, it is more beneficial for residents to use the gasoline they purchased

With the growing popularity of electronic toys and gadgets, it is important to be mindful of how to properly dispose of old electronics and batteries Electronics without rechargeable batteries can be placed curbside with residential garbage. Rechargeable batteries should not be placed in the garbage or recycling cart instead, bring the items to the county's recycling facility

There are many other ways to reduce

waste this season:

∫ Use real dishes rather than disposable

∫ Prepare only as much food as you and your guests will reasonably eat.

∫ Gift boxes, bags, tissues and bows can all be reused

∫ Buy cards made from recycled or compostable materials

For more information about recycling and waste disposal, download the Recycle Coach app or visit www.leegov.com /solidwaste

The Household Chemical Waste facility is at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers

DOH-Lee issues red tide alerts for islands

On Dec 11, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Bowman's Beach It was in response to a water sample taken on Dec 9

Additionally, it issued a health alert on Dec 9 for the presence of red tide near Sanibel, 8.6 miles offshore, and on Dec 6 for the presence of red tide near the Alison Hagerup Beach Park on Captiva These were in response to water samples taken on Dec 5 and Dec 4, respectively

The public should exercise caution in and around the areas and take the following precautions:

∫ Look for informational signage posted at most beaches and/or check current water quality status at Protecting Florida Together at https://protectingfloridatogether gov/

∫ Do not wade or swim in or around red tide Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes and burning/sore eyes.

∫ Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide, especially if your skin is easily irritated

∫ Remain cautious and stay away from the locations, especially if you have chronic respiratory conditions

∫ Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner Make sure the air conditioner filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications

∫ Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from the locations If caught alive and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts are discarded Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water

∫ Red tide can cause illness and death of other animals, such as pets and livestock Keep animals away and

out of the water and sea life and away from dead marine life If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash them with soap and water as soon as possible

What is red tide?

Red tide is caused by high concentrations of a toxinproducing dinoflagellate called Karenia brevis (K brevis), a type of microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico It typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents At high enough concentrations, K. brevis can discolor water and give it a red or brown hue To learn more about the appearance of red tide, visit Protecting Florida Together at https://protectingfloridatogether gov/resources/red-tide

Is red tide har mful?

K brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can be harmful to humans, pets, fish and wildlife Wind and wave action can break open K brevis cells and release toxins into the air This is why you should monitor conditions and use caution when visiting affected water bodies. People can experience varying degrees of

Sensitive individuals children, the elderly, those who are immunocompromised and those who have chronic respiratory conditions may be at risk of experiencing more severe symptoms For additional information on the potential health effects of algae blooms, visit the Florida

health/aquatic-toxins/harmful-algae-blooms/index html

Where can I find current water status infor mation?

T

Commission (FWC) routinely collects and analyzes red tide samples from around the state Current information about Florida's water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and beach conditions is available at Protecting Florida Together at https://protectingfloridatogether gov/ You can subscribe to receive notifications when water quality changes in y

/receive-updates/preference-center To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state, call the toll-free hotline at 866-300-9399 For local licensed shellfish harvesting status, visit the Florida Department

Where can I report issues related to red tide?

∫ Human health: Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algae bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center by calling 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist

∫ Animal health: Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with red tide contaminated water

∫ Fish kills: Dead, diseased or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife should be reported to the FWC at https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-killshotline/ or at 800-636-0511

For other health questions or concerns about red tide blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-252-8200

Entries open for Six Mile Slough Preserve Photo Contest

Entries are now being accepted for the Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve 2025 Photo Contest honoring Carolyn Babb The deadline is Jan 31

The contest is limited to amateur photographers and only digital entries can be submitted Photos must be of native species and must have been taken at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, which includes Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve North

This past spring, the Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Board named the photo contest in honor of the late Carolyn Babb, a longtime volunteer and Friends member who founded the contest in 2009 Registration and entry submissions should be made on the Friends website, www.sloughpreserve.org

First, second and third place winners will be awarded in three categories: Plants and Landscapes, Birds, and Animals A Grand Prize winner will be awarded to the photo the judges deem best overall

In addition to the regular adult contest, there will be separate contests for youths and staff members Youth entries are eligible for the Grand Prize

Hoping to foster a greater love and appreciation of nature and conservation among young people, the Friends group is allowing youths ages 17 and under to participate for free The entry cost for adults is $15 for Friends members and $25 for non-members.

The 2024 Grand Prize photo was taken by Grace Waller, who said she had taken up photography as a hobby just months earlier Her photo showed a mother raccoon clutching her youngster in a tree

Winning photos from past years can be viewed on the Friends website, www sloughpreserve org, and in the Interpretive Center at the Slough The Center is open from 10 a m to 4 p m every day except Mondays Admission to the Center and the Boardwalk is free with paid parking, which is $1 an hour or $5 for an entire day

See PHOTO CONTEST, page 15

2024 Birds 1st place by Damon Bell

Photo contest

Last year, a total of 244 photos were entered by 103 different photographers.

T h e p h o t o c o n t e s t h o n o r s C a r o l y n

Babb, who died in December 2023 She served seven years as president of the Friends Board, the longest tenure of any president

“She wore many hats at the Slough through the years,” said Theresa Roake, Friends Board secretary, “and had a hand in pretty much everything the Friends

From page 14

organization has accomplished over the past 20-plus years.

“As the Board looked for a way to honor her lasting legacy at the Slough, we looked to one of her other passions The Slough truly inspired her love of nature photography She was seldom seen without her camera and shared this love with other photographers at the Slough ”

And that, Roake said, inspired her to create the photo contest in 2009, with the

first winners announced in January 2010

The Friends organization is a nonprofit citizens group that provides support for t h e S l o u g h ’ s s t a f f a n d v o l u n t e e r s

Membership levels in the Friends organization start at $10 for students and $25 for individuals More information about the photo contest and membership is available on the Slough Friends website at www sloughpreserve org

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is

over 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem with a boardwalk trail and Interpretive Center Animals like otters, alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more live at the Slough year-round Others, like migrating birds and butterflies, use the Slough as a f e e d i n g a r

h

m

T

e Slough is managed by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation and is open daily from sunrise to sunset

2024 grand winner by Grace Waller

2024 Animals 1st place by Michael Krause

Woman’s Club Christmas Tree Festival

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER RUSK

Seagate

From page 1

a 3-2 vote to approve the development after nearly five hours of discussion and testimony The council’s approval was needed since the 17 stories is 14 stories more than the town code allows for Voting to approve the plans were Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt, Councilmember John King and Councilmember Karen

W o o d s o n M a y o r D a n A l l e r s a n d C o u n c i l m e m b e r S c o t t S a f f o r d v o t e d against the development agreement

Many of those in the public, who waited in the lobby of the town hall to speak in the council chambers during a standing-room only meeting which ran eight hours long, felt disgruntled that the majority of the Town Council did not comprehend their frustration with the building’s height Allers and Seagate’s representative estimated the tallest building could reach as high as 255 feet though without architectural drawings or engineered plans, the true height was not a c t u a l l y k n o w n A l l e r s s a i d t h e f i v e buildings proposed would be taller than the tallest building on the island by seven stories

In an exchange that highlighted the c o n f u s i o n r e g a r d i n g t h e t o w n ’ s n e w review process for a local development a g r e e m e n t , A l l e r s q u e s t i o n e d S e a g a t e repres entative Tina Ekblad about the precise height of the buildings

Allers asked about what he called “essentially six residential towers” on the plans Allers asked the overall height on the tallest structures

"I cannot think of a single predecessor of yours that would vote in favor of this project Not a single one "

Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency Chair and former Mayor Anita Cereceda in speaking to the Fort Myers Beach Council in opposition to Seagate’s plans

"How can you come in here and say ‘I am in charge, you’re not? I am building this or I am leaving?’ Let them leave.”

Fort Myers Beach resident Mike Dagnese, who lives in close proximity to the Seagate condo project

"We are talking about five buildings in one development taller than the tallest building on the island by seven stories. That is significant."

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers

that most projects of this scale have faced, such as Margaritaville

Allers, frustrated with the unwillingness of the developers to back off the height of the plans, said “The box is too big to start with The design of the present you are wrapping is too big to fit in the SUV ”

Allers said the project was bigger than the White House

"We are talking about five buildings in one development taller than the tallest building on the island by seven stories That is significant," Allers said

S e a g a t

“We have not designed the parking s t r u c t u r e y e t w i t h i n b a s e f l o o d s o I would assume that it would be somewhere around 255 (feet) but we have not designed that,” Ekblad said

Allers estimated that each story on the project would be 15 66 feet

“Without it being designed, I can’t confirm or deny that,” Ekblad said “I can agree with the math I can’t agree that that’s how the building is going to be designed ”

Allers said he was trying to get a fair assessment of the overall height “I know it’s not designed yet but we don’t have

any architectural drawings so it’s difficult ”

Ekblad said she agreed that the maximum height of the buildings would be 255 feet

As part of the town’s development

a g r e e m e n t p r o c e s s , w h i c h t h e t o w n

council approved as part of a new administrative review process in April, developers do not have to provide as much specifics on their plans such as architectural renderings, stormwater plans or engineering and other details required for a site plan review The new process is quicker and less grueling than the com-

C E O Matt Price, at one point, said he could potentially flip the property to a Miami developer if his plans weren’t approved As a local developer whose company is based in Fort Myers, Price argued he would spend more time meeting with town staff on the project “Maybe I am not going to get approved and I am going to have to flip it to a Miami developer,” Price said “You think he is going to be sitting in here meeting with you every w e e k e n d ?

calls, arguments to the end of night trying to make a plan better. I don’t think they will ”

The Seagate Development Group’s plans call for 141 units, mostly multi-

square feet in the towers with four single-family homes in the rear of the bay

s i d e p r o p e r t y There will also be

a p r i v a t e b e a c h club on the beach side of the property and a restaur a n t T h e b e a c h side and bay side will be connected by a skyway over Estero Boulevard

The developers also have plans to

c o n s t r u c t e i g h t additional singlefamily homes for which they will need to return to the town council

pletely aband o

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h M a n a g e r A n d y Hyatt and Director of Operations and Compliance Frank Kropacek each recommended approval of the project on behalf of town staff due to its economic impact

Allers seemed surprised

“I had no idea this was coming,” he said. Allers said he was concerned that town management did not heed the concerns of town residents expressed at Monday’s meeting

For years, the town’s planning staff has consistently denied projects that did not meet the town's comprehensive plan and local development code not taki n g i n t o c o n s i d e r a t i o n a n y e c o n o m i c impacts Town planner Sarah Probst said Monday the town’s planning staff was not equipped with the background to determine economic impacts. At a recent

F o r t M y e r s B e a c h L o c a l P l a n n i n g Agency meeting, Kropacek also spoke up in favor of a new hotel proposal from the Pink Shell Beach Resort which the LPA rejected

The statements by town management on pushing for projects based on their economic impact is something new for the town

Allers said the recommendation by m a n a g e m e n t t o a p p r o v e t h e p r o j e c t based on economic impact “baffles me.”

Atterholt leaned heavily on Seagate CEO Matt Price for a commitment to h e l p t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h A r t Association rebuild its gallery on Shell Mound Boulevard and Donora, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian Price said he had signed an agreement to help t h e m w i t h p l a n n i n g a n d d e s i g n i n g though he couldn’t commit to Atterholt that he would bankroll construction

“ I w i l l t a k e y o u a t y o u r w o r d , ” Atterholt said.

Two former mayors, Anita Cereceda a n d R a y M u r p h y , w h o w e r e o n t h e town’s first council after incorporation 30 years ago as well as later terms, spoke in opposition

Cereceda, who chairs the Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency which

v o t e d t o r e c o m m e n d d e n i a l o f t h e Seagate project directed some of her comments during Monday’s hearing at Atterholt

“I wish you were as concerned about my neighborhood as you are about the art association,” Cereceda said to Atterholt

“This project is not consistent with the goals of the comprehensive plan,” she said

Cereceda said she had thought about all of the town’s councilmembers who had served since the town incorporated 30 years ago, and added “I can not think of a single predecessor of yours that would vote in favor of this project Not a

single one Granted, none of them were here in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian but they did face many, many substantial challenges on this island most importantl y i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r i n c o r p o r a t

simply can’t believe that somehow this council would change a course that has been set in stone and upheld by so many councils ”

Murphy said the neighbors of Seagate are “not going to be able to enjoy their

wall ”

Murphy said the quality of life of res-

Seagate development “There seems to be a rush to the gold mine after this storm to see how much everyone can get ” he said “DiamondHead was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Fort Myers Beach The mantra was no commercial intrusion into residential neighborhoods Don’t fool yourself That is an intrusion ”

Directing his comments to the town council, Murphy said “Don’t let this be the straw that broke the camel’s back going forward If Hurricane Ian was my Waterloo, this will be your Waterloo ”

Several parents of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School students spoke out against the project.

Greg Scasny, who ran unsuccessfully for town council in November and who is the parent of a Beach Elementary School student, said his family was staying on the island despite “extreme pers o n a l a n d f i n

“ d

v e

p m e n t i s n o t c o n s i s t e n t w i t h comprehensive plan, which is not in accordance with state law ”

Scasny took issue with statements made by Atterholt at a previous meeting in which the vice mayor said he was concerned about the island “stagnating ”

Running off a list of many town businesses that have opened or reopened since Hurricane Ian, Scasny said “the island is not stagnating nor will it stagnate Ian may have destroyed buildings but not the community ”

Scasny said Seagate’s plans “could destroy an entire residential neighborhood ”

Dapper Davidson, whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Ian and who was building a new home near the Seagate

Hurricane Milton, has been one of the leading opponents of the plans After Hurricane Ian, he purchased a condo in close proximity to the development that flooded during Hurricane Helene and Milton and has been unable to live there yet He has considered moving off the island as a result of the project

“The town council doesn’t listen to the local existing residents and have v o t e d t o d e s t r o y t h e S h e l l M o u n d

I

Historical neighborhood by voting to approve the largest building developm

Davidson said Davidson said the buildings will be seen from miles away

“The town doesn’t care about locals and admitted during the meeting they only are about profit for the town and voted not to protect the local existing neighborhoods,” he said

King said he voted in favor of the development to boost the town’s tax revenue and fiscal condition though others countered that it will be years before the project is built and the town sees any substantial tax revenues

Allers said the town’s fiscal situation was improving

“We had the property appraiser stand here and tell us that we will be back to where we were before Ian within the next two years,” Allers said “The chair of our audit committee said the town is in good financial shape ” K i n g c i t e d c o m m e n t s a b o u t t h e town’s financial condition by Fort Myers

a

Price had also referred to comments by Dunlap as a reason for the town council to approve the project Dunlap, an Estero r e s i d e n t w h o o w n s p r o p e r t y o n F o r t Myers Beach, was appointed by the town council to the LPA this year

“The town’s fiscal revenue has bothered me for a while,” King said “When I heard Jim Dunlap say it, and I will say it again I quoted him, and I find Jim to be a very smart person especially when dealing with finances We are managing a lack of financial stability ”

King said “we sustained significant financial losses in fiscal years 2023 and 2024.” King said town management was p r o j e c t i n g a d d i t i o n a l f i s c a l l o s s e s i n 2025 King said the town has been able to get through its financial situation with the help of state government

“The legislature is going to be tightening the screws,” King said “That’s a concern ”

S p e a k i n g s e l f - d e p r e c a t i n g l y , K i n g said “I know I am not a smart person and I am OK with that ” F o r t M y e r s B e a c h r e s i d e n t S t e v e Johnson, who stepped down from the F o r t M y e r s B e a c h M a r i n e a n d E n v i r o n m e n t a l R e s o u r c e s T a s k F o r c e over clashes with King, said the vote by the town council was “not representative government ” “ T h e i r j u s t i f i c a t i o n s w e r e f l a w e d , ” Johnson said “(Councilmember) King is trying to say the town is in a terrible f i n a n c i a l s i t u a t i o n s o g i v e a w a y t h e island?” Johnson said it would be years before the town saw any substantial tax revenue from the project, which will take years to build out “They have no idea what the community is,” Johnson said “I feel very sorry for the neighbors

, whose home is among the closest to the project, said the town was not receiving any benefits in exchange for granting the developers the deviations

“How can you come in here and say ‘I am in charge, you’re not? I am building this or I am leaving?’ Let them leave ” Dagnese said his view of the sunsets f

marred by the Seagate development

“Sad day. My Shell Mound neighborhood will be a urban concrete jungle,” Davidson said

Safford, who had previously voted to move the project forward, was the lone councilmember on Monday to change their vote

“What I saw today is we are not rebuilding together There is one faction over here and faction over here and we are not together on this We need to m

, ”

Safford said. “The amount of emails and the meetings I have had with the community, and I made a promise I would listen to them and I have listened ”

Safford said the biggest issue was the height but he and Allers were unable to convince the rest of the council to agree with them

“I have already stated what I feel about Seagate,” Woodson said Days earlier, Woodson threatened to have memb e r s o f t h e p u b l i c r e m o v e d f r o m Monday’s meeting if they were disruptive Woodson said Seagate is “open to design variances” and said “we need to move forward and get moving with this process and continue those conversations ”

Atterholt said “people’s motivations are being questioned today and I just think that is unfortunate I don’t mind my judgement being questioned; that’s very appropriate ”

Atterholt said he had “no dog in this hunt.”

Atterholt said the key for him was that Seagate wasn’t seeking additional density for their development and that he believed the traffic would be less than was there during the Red Coconut RV Resort’s operation

Ekblad said Monday’s approvals were the first part in a longer process which will include the developers returning to town council for approval for a development order and building permit

They will also require permits from t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n t o f Environmental Protection for their activity on the beach side of their property

Allers said he believes the developers will not need to return to town council unless the project changes

F o l l o w i n g t h e v o t e , o n e r e s i d e n t summed up much of the frustration of those from the public who attended the hearing, by yelling at the Town Council “You failed us!”

Dan Allers Jim Atterholt Scott Safford John King

Karen Woodson

Dr. Piper Center tradition to continue with Christmas Day party for local youth

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A tradition that has been ongoing for more than a century will return again this year to brighten Christmas Day for area youth

“On Christmas morning, the Dr Piper Center will continue its 109-year-old tradition of bringing joy to local children, thanks to the support of Suncoast Credit Union and several other generous businesses,” Dr Piper Center for Social Services Inc Development Director Irvine Bourdeau said “The tradition began over a century ago when Sara Williams, the mother of Dr Ella Mae Piper, started the event in her own backyard She gathered a small group of children and provided them with food and toys on Christmas morning ”

The simple act of kindness grew into a communitywide celebration that now supports more than 400 children in Southwest Florida every year

Registration for the event begins at 7 a m Christmas morning, Wednesday, Dec. 25, at the Dr. Piper Center, 2607 Dr Ella Piper Way, Fort Myers All children, ages 0 to 16, are welcome to attend There is no need to preregister, as families are asked to show up on Christmas morning to register their child

The doors to Santa’s workshop open at 8 a m providing children with the opportunity to pick out toys of their

choosing

“Simultaneously, we’ll also have our bike raffle, where a lucky child will take home a brand new bicycle,” Bourdeau said “Each child receives two to three new toys, and a healthy snack bag is provided to follow Dr Piper’s tradition of feeding the children on Christmas morning ”

The Dr Piper Center is still seeking donations for new, unwrapped toys for the boys and girls

“We are especially in need of gifts for older children, particularly those ages 14 to 16 Items for this group include makeup, hair styling tools, blankets, electronics, sporting goods and other accessories,” Bourdeau said “All toys must be new and unwrapped ”

Donations can be made through their Amazon wish l i s t a t :

https://www amazon com/hz/wishlist/ls/17WDU31U0H U27?ref =list d wl lfu nav 2 , or can also be found at www drpiper-center org/christmas-celebration/

In addition to the donations, Bourdeau said they are also seeking volunteers for Christmas morning Shifts start at 7 a m and typically wrap up by 11 a m

“Volunteers are a crucial part of making this event a success,” she said.

Volunteers must register in advance by emailing Irvine@drpipercenter org, or by calling 239-332-5346,

extension 400 A full name, contact information and Tshirt size is needed The deadline to register to volunteer is Thursday, Dec 19

The event has been successful over the years due to all its support from the community

“We are grateful to Suncoast Credit Union, our title sponsor, for their generous support of this event We would also like to acknowledge several other community businesses for their contributions Purified Air, Gavin’s Ace Hardware, and Bimbo Bakery have been incredibly supportive by sponsoring , donating bikes, healthy snacks , and other resources to ensure the event’s success Gavin’s Ace Hardware donates over 50 bikes each year for the past seven years , and Bimbo Bakery helps provide essential snacks Additionally, the Boy Scout Troop helps by assembling the bikes for the raffle,” she said

Bourdeau said they are also grateful for the Fort Myers Police Department, led by Officer Kenneth McCoy, for organizing Cram-a-Cruiser Toy Drive

“Through this initiative, officers collect toy donations at various locations, including several gated communities throughout town, ensuring that every child receives a gift on Christmas morning,” she said.

Lee County School Board discusses healthy and fresh food options for meals at schools

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County School Board continues to ask the food services department to find healthy and fresh options for breakfast and lunch for students

Board member Jada Langford-Fleming said she did not mean to sound harsh, but they can always better their game

“Every one of our schools should have a garden, K-12, frankly,” she said

The board members were given a sample of what is served at the schools at their board meeting Tuesday LangfordFleming said she entered the types food from the meal into an app she had on her phone, which showed how many carbohydrates were in the meal

“Some of these kids eat at 10:30 in the morning and are expected to sustain high academic achievement throughout the day,” she said, adding that too many carbohydrates make both children and adults tired

Board Chair Sam Fisher said he has three kids in the district who eat school meals every day

The presentation showed examples for breakfast – Pop Tarts and donuts, but a healthier version - a K-12 line, which

District Food & Nutrition Services Coordinator Amy Carroll said the nutrition standards are set forth by the USDA. She said there are limits on calories, fats and beginning next school year, sugar has to be kept within certain restraints.

means they have to be whole grain, lean protein and lower in fat and sodium

“It’s still a Pop Tart, donuts How can we do better?”, Fisher asked, adding that for some kids, school is where they get their main meal

District Food & Nutrition Services Coordinator Amy Carroll said the nutrition standards are set forth by the USDA She said there are limits on calories, fats and beginning next school year, sugar has to be kept within certain restraints

“There are weekly requirements that we have to meet,” Carroll said

She said when they had to move all meal services to the curve during COVID there was not prepackaged hot breakfast protein items available

“These items are way too high in sugar,” she said. “Over the past couple of years our biggest request is to ‘give us more hot items with protein ’ We are getting more into that ”

Carroll said they are looking into semi-

scratch cooking verses heat and serve

“It’s a lot of training Training and baby steps Maybe next semester we can go to two semi-scratch menus,” she said

Food & Nutrition Services Director Kandace Messenger said the breakfast requirements must offer at least five items including fruits, vegetables, grains, meat/meat alternative and milk She said students must take at least three items including a half cup of fruit or vegetable

The same stands for lunch A school lunch example includes whole grain chicken nuggets, whole grain dinner roll, reduced-sodium tater tots, apple slices and 1% white milk

In addition to free breakfast and lunch, the school district also provides super snacks, an after school snack and supper

Messenger said there are 43 schools enrolled for the super snacks, six for after school snacks, 16 for supper and eight community sites for the after school snack program

She said the super meal is a more substantial meal, but also simple to serve as a snack

“We have feedback from the schools that they were concerned the students did not receive enough food with after school snack,” Messenger said

The School District is getting back to serving fresh fruit and vegetable bars This is partially made possible through the 14 school gardens located around the district Carroll said last year the gardens produced a little more than 17,000 pounds of vegetables

“The goal is to get them to consistently be able to furnish their cafeteria with that produce and continue to expand,” she said. There was also discussion about vending machines in schools

Carroll said some of the items include Coke and Takis, while others provide water

“They are not to be turned on until 30 minutes after the end of the school day We are finding they are on all day We don’t run the vending machines,” she said of the food services

Superintendent Dr Denise Carlin said vending machines is an opportunity for the district to explore

Staff asked to provide plan for School Board advisory committees

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breeznewspapers com

District staff was tasked with coming back to the School Board with a preliminary plan of board advisory committees during its Tuesday meeting, as they are currently suspended

D e p u t y S u p e r i n t e n d e n t D r K e n Savage asked the board at what point do they resume, or make revisions to the current policy in regards to board advisory committees He said the final decision rests on the board

“How do we ensure the district and the board have diverse levels of information and board input that is truly data driven,” Savage said

The recommendation from district staff i

y

Committee (DAC) and School Advisory Committee (SAC) going

“That would be a recommendation we know we can support,” he said "Those are pretty well established ”

Board Chair Sam Fisher said the issue is finding people to sign up, as well as

operational issues with committees themselves

“DAC committees have been very successful,” he said “The participation has been extremely tough, especially trying to recruit people Some of the committees went off track ”

Board member Jada Langford-Fleming

said DAC is a great umbrella to serve all those committees She said she has served on several committees and attendance is a huge issue

Langford-Fleming said it is important

to give back time to staff to do what is really important

“For the last six years I have been here we have been trying to figure out what the committees are supposed to do,” Board member Debbie Jordan said “The committees were supposed to be here for us What would we like them to work on because they were on our advisory boards. We kind of failed as a board to try to figure out what we would like these committees to help us and give us the tools ”

Patrick

book on Mound House, dies at 81

Patrick McKeown, whose book “The Mound House: Crown Jewel of Fort Myers Beach,” was published in 2021, has died at the age of 81 In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name may be made to the Friends of the Mound House, PO Box 2814, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, where Pat was a docent for several years.

Woodson

From page 1

or regarding other town information that hasn’t gone through the town’s public information officer

“One of the things when I was reading through all of this that I think is a huge miss and probably because it hasn’t been looked at in so many years is social media and how that plays into everything,” said Woodson in regards to the town’s ethics policy for town officials and staff

“Whether it is through interviews or p o s t i n g s , o r w h a t e v e r i t m a y b e , ” Woodson said “A lot of times there is a lot of information that is leaked before it comes to our PIO (public information officer) and I think that is, I think, not ethical So I just think that we need to bring it up to the 21st Century because I’m sure when all this was in and nobody’s updated it but social media wasn’t a factor Youtubes, everything else Media platforms, it wasn’t a factor and now it is Especially, you know, when we are being asked about things that are coming up for votes and giving our opinions in public is, you know, there is that cone of silence when we go out for bids and things Why wouldn’t we have that same thing when we are coming up for voting on things?"

Councilmember John King immediately replied, saying “I couldn’t agree more ”

A s k e d f o r c o m m e n t f o l l o w i n g t h e meeting, Councilmember Scott Safford said he agreed with Woodson’s comments regarding how councilmembers should be speaking on issues before votes

“Whether you are for or against a project, if you are going to be voting on something, you should keep an open mind and make your decision based on the quasijudicial case brought before you,” Safford said Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers

d i s a g r e e d w i t h W o o d s o n ’ s c o m m e n t s regarding elected town officials “All

Nearly 600 pounds of food collected at Christmas Carol Sing

Residents and visitors who attended the Christmas Carol Sing at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers Saturday, Dec 7, contributed plenty of food and funds to help Community Cooperative feed the hungry in Southwest Florida

About 600 pounds of non-perishable food along with generous financial contributions were collected at the 33rd Annual Christmas Carol Sing, which was sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L C The contributions will help support families in need during the holidays, according to event organizers

“It is so gratifying to see our community coming together to help those less fortunate, especially during these economic times. The need has never been greater,” said Community Cooperative CEO Stefanie Ink Edwards

PHOTO PROVIDED

Saxophonist Mike Pcolar per-

More than 500 people attended the two performances, which featured violin soloist Jeffrey Fabisiak, who once played with the Naples (Italy) Symphony Orchestra; saxophonist Mike Pcolar; soloist Beverly Cox; members of the First Presbyterian Church Choir; and a visit from Santa Claus

Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers

In addition to the Christmas Carol Sing, First Presbyterian Church also presents Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing as part of the Edison Festival of Light Both events

benefit Community Cooperative, which was founded by First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers along with other churches in 1984

The Christmas Carol Sing and Mrs Edison’s Hymn Sing are major sources of support for Community Cooperative, which works to end hunger and homelessness in Lee County Community Cooperative is an innovative nonprofit organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in our community It provides more than 26,000 meals each month through Sam’s Community Café, Meals on Wheels programs and school programs, distributes more than 2 1 million pounds of groceries through its Mobile Food Pantries and serves 14,000 individuals and families with homeless and comprehensive case management services through its Social & Education Resource Centers

A proud United Way partner, Community Cooperative serves Lee and Collier counties

For more information about Community Cooperative, call 239332-SOUP or visit www communitycooperative com

For more information about First Presbyterian Church, please call 239-334-2261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org.

“A lot of times there is a lot of information that is leaked before it comes to our PIO (public information officer) and I think that is, I think, not ethical. So I just think that we need to bring it up to the 21st Century because I’m sure when all this was in and nobody’s updated it but social media wasn’t a factor. Youtubes, everything else. Media platforms, it wasn’t a factor and now it is Especially, you know, when we are being asked about things that are coming up for votes and giving our opinions in public is, you know, there is that cone of silence when we go out for bids and things Why wouldn’t we have that same thing when we are coming up for voting on things?”

councilmembers are allowed to do interviews and post to social media at their discretion,” Allers said.

The majority of the town council has been publicly supportive of the project and councilmembers have publicly disclosed that they have been privately courted by Seagate for months

Woodson said at a joint meeting of the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council and the Local Planning Agency in November that the election of Safford over Greg Scasny (an opponent of the Seagate development) was a mandate for the Seagate development.

“If people wanted to keep things the same, then we would probably have Mr Scasny sitting in that chair instead of Mr Safford,” Woodson said “But Safford won and that kind of set the direction about development We always hear from the same 50 to 75 people but we don’t hear from the what I call the silent majority unless you are one-on-one with them ”

On Monday, Safford joined Allers in

voting against the Seagate condo buildings Woodson didn’t respond to a message asking follow-up questions to her comments Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt couldn’t be reached for comment

Public decorum

W o o d s o n , w h o p r e v i o u s l y a s s a i l e d

opponents of the Seagate project for speaking up against the plans at an August presentation by the developers to the public, said Wednesday that citizens who either applaud, heckle or have conversations during a council meeting, should be s u b j e c t t o r e m o v a l f r o m M o n d a y ’ s Seagate hearing “ W i t h t h e m e e t i n g c o m i n g u p o n Monday that I think is once again going to be well-visited and I think there is a process I think there is a decorum I think there is a way that, you know, we have public comment You are allowed your three minutes during public comment You are not allowed to heckle You are

not allowed to have conversations in the back and if you continue to do that, you should not be in the meeting,” Woodson said.

Councilmember John King agreed and said he would also like to also prevent clapping “I think clapping needs to be a part of that as well,” King said

“Clapping, that should not be, that is not part of a town hall meeting, a formal meeting,” Woodson said “I just think we need to set the boundaries at the beginning of the meeting and tell people if you can not abide by these rules, you will be removed from the meeting End of story I think it’s disrespectful to our speakers, to our presenters It’s disrespectful to other people who are sitting in the audience I think if people want to act like that, they can act all they want, but they are not going to act like that in here My opinion ” The town’s policy for its meetings discourage conversations by members of the public during meetings and asks that any such conversations take place outside chambers

The town’s civility policy for its meetings does not allow for personal attacks and allows the chair of the meeting “to request that someone who is being disruptive be removed from chambers ” There hasn’t been such an incident in recent memory

“Anger, rudeness, ridicule, impatience, and lack of respect for others are not acceptable behavior Demonstrations in support or opposition to a speaker or idea such as a clapping, cheering, booing, or hissing or intimidating body language are not permitted in council chambers or workshop facilities,” according to the town’s civility policy for its meetings

Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Karen Woodson

FILE PHOTO

McKeown, author of

Holiday Hop

Fort M yers Beach Cham be r of Com mer ce or ganizi ng holi day par ty

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

C

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of

y Hop” this Thursday as part of an event that will include stops at five local businesses to help bring the community together

The “Holiday Hop” will start at 5:30 p m at Lover’s Lane and will run to 7:30 p m The “Holiday Hop” is free and open to the public

“This event offers a unique opportunity to explore local businesses, enjoy holiday treats, and connect with the

h Chamber of Commerce Events Director

Dayla Rumpf said Rumpf said five local businesses will open their offices “to spread the holiday

snacks for attendees

The businesses and organizations taking part are:

∫ Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

∫ Alex King Group

∫ Sea Gypsy Vacation Rentals

∫ State Insurance USA

∫ Access Title Agency

“There will be exciting raffles and a fun-filled ugly sweater contest to showcase your holiday spirit,” Rumpf said.

Registration open for Putt and Pub

STAFF REPORT

Spots are now open for teams to join the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club's 12th annual Putt & Pub on Saturday, Jan 18

Sponsored by The King Family Foundation, the event will promote and support 10 local nonprofit organizations while supporting local bars and restaurants with a full day of mini putt golf

The Putt & Pub is hosted by the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support all area nonprofits through events and fundraisers

Teams of four will compete in costume for prizes on courses designed by a host of local restaurants and bars There will be prizes for best and worst score, best team name and best costumes There will also be raffle prizes and drink specials at the downtown businesses

“We are proud to be able to support this event once again,” said Alex King, whose foundation is sponsoring the event “For over 60 years, The King Family has

made their home on Fort Myers Beach We are still committed after Hurricane Ian to continue our support We are sponsoring the Fort Myers Beach Women's Club Putt & Pub because we feel that they are the bridge to so many organizations and causes who give back to our island ”

“Each hole is manned by a participating non-profit organization and features drinks specials, games, and other fundraising opportunities,” stated Dawn Thomas, this year’s co-chair and Woman’s Club president “Proceeds are divided between the participating nonprofit groups "

The putting will begin at 10:30 a m An awards cer-

Margaritaville Sun Deck

“This is one beach event you won’t want to miss,” Thomas said.

For more Information on how to participate, visit https://www fmb-wc org

Celebrate 100 Years of Spring Training at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

To celebrate 100 years of spring training in Fort Myers and Thomas Edison's love of baseball, Edison and Ford Winter Estates is opening the museum for a free family-friendly event on Thursday, Feb 20, from 6-8 p m

Guests will get to see a baseball exhibit and learn about the history of spring training and the connection to Thomas Edison. There also will be games, trivia, children’s activities, and photo opportunities with a local baseball mascot In addition, food trucks will be on site during the event

The Estates' baseball exhibit highlights baseball legends who once played at Terry Park in Fort Myers, and features artifacts

from the Connie Mack family Cornelius McGillicuddy, aka “Connie Mack,” was

Philadelphia Athletics He provided the specifications to build Terry Park, which

Thomas Edison was a frequent visitor at Terry Park and on at least one occasion, participated in batting practice with the Athletics team.

Admission to the event is free; however, the laboratory and riverside of the property will not be open For more inform

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

Captiva resort to hold holiday event

South Seas will host its Holiday Stroll on Dec 20-21 from 6 to 8 p m at The Shops a t S o u t h S e a s , a t 1 4 8 3 0 Captiva Drive, Captiva The event will feature writing letters to Santa, arts and crafts, and other festivities. There will be live music entertainment and complimentary hot cocoa, warm mulled cider, and s'mores, with an appearance from Santa On Dec 21, a ' T w a s t h e N i g h t B e f o r e Christmas Reading will take place from 6 to 8 p m , foll o w e d b y a s p e c i a l T r e e Lighting Ceremony The event is open to the public For

visit https://www southseas com/holiday-events/

Get your glow on during the 2nd annual Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) 5k Glow Run at 7 p m on Friday, Jan 17, at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the FSW Lee Campus in Fort Myers

Check-in opens at 5 p m All proceeds w i l l b e n e f i t F S W B u c s A t h l e t i c s Registration is $35 Racers who sign up by Dec 15 will get an early bird rate of $30

L i g h t u p t h e n i g

v e r s e t h e 5 - k i l o m e t e r c o u r s e W h e t h e r y o u ' r e a s e a s o n e d r u n n e r o r j u s t l o o k i n g

f o r a u n i q u e w a y t o k i c k s t a r t t h e n e w

y e a r , t

f u n

Racers will have an opportunity to mingle with FSW student-athletes and coaches before, during, and after the race Food trucks will also be on-site pre- and post-race For more information or to sign up, go t

PHOTO PROVIDED

Guests explore the baseball exhibit at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

SOUTH SEAS FILE PHOTO

BIG ARTS to wrap up holidays with open house and family film

B y T I F FA N Y R E P E C K I

t r e p e c k i @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

B I G A R T S o n S a n i b e l w i l l c e l e b r a t e t h e s e a s o n w i t h t w o m o r e a c t i v i t i e s f o r t h e c o m m u n i t y

P a r t o f i t s A n n u a l H o l i d a y M a g i c f o r t h e m o n t h o f

D e c e m b e r , B I G A R T S w i l l h o s t a H o l i d a y O p e n

H o u s e o n D e c 2 0 f r o m 5 t o 7 p m , f o l l o w e d b y a

H o l i d a y F a m i l y F i l m o n D e c 2 3 a t 6 : 3 0 p m

“ T h e s e w i l l b e t h e l a s t t w o e v e n t s i n o u r m o n t h o f

h o l i d a y m a g i c , ” E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r L e e E l l e n H a r d e r

s a i d “ T h e a r t s i n s p i r e c r e a t i v e l y a n d c o n n e c t i v e l y , w h i c h a r e s o i m p o r t a n t d u r i n g t h e h o l i d a y s T h e

e v e n t s a r e a t e s t a m e n t t o t h e p o w e r o f t h e a r t s i n i n v o k i n g e m o t i o n s a n d f o s t e r i n g a s e n s e o f c o m m u n it y . ”

H o l i d a y O p e n H o u s e

T h e H o l i d a y O p e n H o u s e i s f r e e a n d o p e n t o t h e

p u b l i c ; n o t i c k e t i s r e q u i r e d

“ I t ' s g o i n g t o b e s o m u c h f u n , ” s h e s a i d o f t h e s e as o n a l w o n d e r l a n d p l a n n e d . “ W h e n p e o p l e e n t e r , t h e y

w i l l b e g i v e n a m a p t o g u i d e t h e m t o a l l o f t h e d i f f e re n t a c t i v i t i e s t h a t w i l l b e g o i n g o n ”

S a n t a ' s W o r k s h o p w i l l f e a t u r e a r t s a n d c r a f t s a c t i vi t i e s t o m a k e a n d t a k e h o m e , w i t h T h e S a n i b e l

S c h o o l ' s a r t t e a c h e r a n d B I G A R T S a r t d i r e c t o r o n s i t e t o h e l p a t t e n d e e s w i t h t h e i r c r e a t i o n s

“ T h e y ' l l d o a r t a c t i v i t i e s w i t h t h e k i d s o r w h o e v e r w a n t s t o p a r t i c i p a t e , ” H a r d e r s a i d

P h o t o s w i l l S a n t a C l a u s w i l l b e a v a i l a b l e i n t h e

C h r i s t e n s e n P e r f o r m a n c e H a l l “ T h e y c a n h a v e t h e i r p i c t u r e t a k e n o n t h e s t a g e , ” s h e s a i d , n o t i n g t h a t y o u t h s w i l l a l s o h a v e t h e o p p o rt u n i t y t o s e e w h a t i s g o i n g o n a t t h e N o r t h P o l e a s t h a t w i l l b e u p o n t h e b i g s c r e e n

T h e B I G A R T S C o m m u n i t y C h o r u s w i l l l e d a t t e n -

d e e s i n c a r o l s a n d s i n g - a - l o n g s

“ O u r c h o r u s w i l l b e s i n g i n g a c o u p l e o f t i m e s , ”

H a r d e r s a i d

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

p h o t o o p p o r t u n i t y w i t h a s e l f i e s t a t i o n

“ W e ' l l h a v e h e l p e r s t h e r e t o h e l p p e o p l e i f t h e y w a n t t o t a k e s e l f i e s , ” s h e s a i d

C a t e r i n g B y L e s l i e A d a m s w i l l s e r v e u p l i g h t b i t e s

a n d s w e e t t r e a t s .

“ F o o d t h a t w i l l a p p e a l t o a l l a g e s , ” H a r d e r s a i d

S e a s o n a l r e f r e s h m e n t s w i l l b e p r o v i d e d , i n c l u d i n g

m o c k t a i l s a n d h o l i d a y i n s p i r e d c r e a t i o n s

If you go

What Holiday Open House When Dec 20 from 5 to 7 p m

Where

BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Details

Free and open to public

If you go

What

Holiday Family Film, “The Polar Express” When Dec 23 at 6:30 p m Where

BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Details

Free but tickets required

C o m p l i m e n t a r y w i n e a n d s p a r k l i n g w a t e r w i l l a l s o b e a v a i l a b l e , a l o n g w i t h a c a s h b a r “ W e ' l l h a v e h o l i d a y b e v e r a g e s , ” s h e s a i d

T h e g i f t s h o p w i l l b e o p e n f o r l a s t - m i n u t e h o l i d a y

s h o p p i n g

“ A r t i s t s w i l l b e o n h a n d t o t a l k a b o u t t h e i r a r t , ”

H a r d e r s a i d

T h e o p e n i n g r e c e p t i o n f o r t h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a A r t

L e a g u e ' s 4 9 t h A n n u a l J u r i e d A r t S h o w , ” T h e C o l o r o f

A i r , ” w i l l t a k e p l a c e i n t h e D u n h a m F a m i l y G a l l e r y , w i t h t h e a w a r d s c e r e m o n y a t a b o u t 6 p m I n a d d i t i o n ,

P e t e r P a g e ' s “ S p r i n g s : A s s e m b l a g e i n F o u r M e d i u m s ”

i s o n d i s p l a y i n t h e M e z z a n i n e G a l l e r y “ T h a t a l w a y s i s a w o n d e r f u l s h o w I t ' l l b e a f u l l g a l l e r y w i t h m a n y w o r k s , ” s h e s a i d o f t h e S a n i b e l -

C a p t i v a A r t L e a g u e e x h i b i t i o n “ I t ' s a j u r i e d e x h i b i t

T h e r e w i l l b e a w a r d s g i v e n t h a t e v e n i n g ” O n t h e i r w a y o u t , a t t e n d e e s c a n f i l l o u t t h e i r m a p w i t h t h e i r c o n t a c t i n f o r m a t i o n a n d d r o p i t o f f f o r a c h a n c e t o b e e l i g i b l e f o r a d r a w i n g t o w i n

T h e c o m m u n i t y i s i n v i t e d t o s w i n g b y “ I t ' s a g r e a t o p p o r t u n i t y t o m e e t w i t h f r i e n d s , c o nn e c t w i t h f r i e n d s o r j u s t t o c o m e a n d g o t h r o u g h t h e g i f t s h o p o r g a l l e r y a n d j u s t e n j o y a n d b e i n s p i r e d b y t h e b e a u t i f u l a r t w o r k a n d m u s i c , ” s h e s a i d “ I t ' s a w o n d e r f u l w a y t o k i n d l e t h e h o l i d a y s p i r i t , ”

H a r d e r a d d e d

H o l i d a y F a m i l y F i l m

h e H o l i d a y

e t s a r e n e e d e d “ T h i s h a s b e c o m e a n a n n u a l e v e n t , ” s h e s a i d “ S e a t i n g i s l i m i t e d t o 4 0 0 , ” H a r d e r a d d e d o f t h e s p a c e i n t h e C h r i s t e n s e n P e r f o r m a n c e H a l l , n o t i n g t h a t a b o u t h a l f o f t h e t i c k e t s w e r e g o n e a s o f D e c . 1 2 . “ W e ' r e a b o u t h a l f f u l l , s o g e t y o u r t i c k e t s s o o n ” T h e m o v i e w i l l b e “ T h e P o l a r E x p r e s s ” T h e b e l o v e d c l a s s i c t e l l s t h e s t o r y o f a b o y ' s j o u r n e y t o t h e N o r t h P o l e , w h e r e h e d i s c o v e r s t h e t r u e m e a n i n g o f f r i e n d s h i p , b r a v e r y a n d t h e C h r i s t m a s s p i r i t “ I t ' s a w o n d e r f u l m o v i e f o r a l l a g e s w i t h a b e a u t i f u l m e s s a g e , ” H a r d e r s a i d

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

T h e c o m m u n i t y i s e n c o u r a g e d t o r e s e r v e a t i c k e t . “ I t ' s a n o t h e r f r e e c o m m u n i t y e v e n t t o w r a p u p o u r

h o l i d a y m a g i c r i g h t b e f o r e C h r i s t m a s , ” H a r d e r s a i d “ W e h o p e t h i s b e c o m e s a w o n d e r f u l t r a d i t i o n f o r o u r

c o m m u n i t y o

County reports on schedules for upcoming holiday

M o s t L e e C o u n t y a d m i n i s t r a t i v e

o p e r a t i o n s w i l l b e c l o s e d o n D e c 2 4 -

2 5 i n o b s e r v a n c e o f t h e C h r i s t m a s h o li d a y T h e c o u n t y ’ s h o l i d a y s c h e d u l e

a d j u s t m e n t s a r e a s f o l l o w s :

∫ Co mmuni ty D e v e l o pme nt

A l l L e e C o u n t y C o m m u n i t y

D e v e l o p m e n t l o b b i e s a n d p h o n e s w i l l b e c l o s e d o n D e c 2 0 S t a f f w i l l c o n -

t i n u e w o r k i n g d u r i n g t h i s t i m e t o a d d r e s s a p p l i c a t i o n s a n d d e p a r t m e n t a l w o r k l o a d L o b b i e s a n d p h o n e s w i l l b e c l o s e d o n D e c 2 3 , w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n o f I n s p e c t i o n s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n S t a f f w i l l c o n t i n u e w o r k i n g d u r i n g t h i s t i m e t o a d d r e s s a p p l i c a t i o n s a n d d e p a r t m e n t a l w o r k l o a d

O f f i c e s w i l l b e c l o s e d o n D e c 2 4 -

2 5 T h e e l e c t r o n i c p e r m i t t i n g p o r t a l

w i l l r e m a i n o p e n a t w w w l e e g o v c o m / d c d

∫ D o me s ti c A ni mal S e rv i c e s T h e L o s t & F o u n d P e t C e n t e r a n d

t h e P e t A d o p t i o n C e n t e r , a t 5 6 0 0

B a n n e r D r i v e , F o r t M y e r s , w i l l b e

c l o s e d o n D e c 2 4 - 2 5 N o r m a l h o u r s w i l l r e s u m e o n D e c 2 6 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t

w w w . L e e L o s t P e t s . c o m .

∫ Le e Tran

L e e T r a n w i l l o p e r a t e i t s r e g u l a r l y s c h e d u l e d b u s s e r v i c e o n D e c 2 4

T h e r e w i l l b e n o b u s s e r v i c e o n D e c

2 5 B u s s e r v i c e w i l l r e s u m e o n D e c

2 6 V i s i t r i d e l e e t r a n c o m f o r s p e c i f i c r o u t e i n f o r m a t i o n

∫ Li brary S y s te m

A l l b r a n c h e s w i l l b e c l o s e d o n D e c

2 4 - 2 5 N o r m a l h o u r s o f o p e r a t i o n w i l l r e s u m e o n D e c 2 6 T h e C a p t i v a M e m o r i a l L i b r a r y , a t

1 1 5 6 0 C h a p i n L a n e , C a p t i v a , a n d T h e

J o h a n n F u s t C o m m u n i t y L i b r a r y , a t

1 0 4 0 W e s t 1 0 t h S t , B o c a G r a n d e , r e m a i n c l o s e d d u e t o H u r r i c a n e M i l t o n i m p a c t s T h e l i b r a r y a l w a y s i s a v a i l a b l e

o n l i n e a t w w w l e e l i b r a r y n e t / o n l i n e

∫ Parks & Re c re ati o n

B e a c h e s , b o a t r a m p s , p a r k s a n d p r e -

s e r v e s w i l l r e m a i n o p e n o n D e c 2 42 5

P o o l s w i l l b e c l o s e d o n D e c 2 4 - 2 5

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

h o u r s o n D e c 2 6

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

c l o s e d o n D e c 2 4 - 2 5 N o r m a l h o u r s w i l l r e s u m e o n D e c 2 6

T h e c o u n t y ' s f o u r r e c r e a t i o n c e n t e r s N o r t h F o r t M y e r s , V e t e r a n s , W a -

K e H a t c h e e a n d E s t e r o w i l l b e

c l o s e d t h r o u g h t h e h o l i d a y s d u e t o

s c h e d u l e d a n n u a l m a i n t e n a n c e T h e y w i l l b e c l o s e d f r o m D e c 2 1 t h r o u g h

J a n 5 T h e c e n t e r s w i l l r e o p e n o n J a n

6 . F o r a l t e r n a t i v e p a r k s s i t e s , v i s i t w w w l e e p a r k s o r g

∫ S o l i d w as te

C o l l e c t i o n s o f g a r b a g e , r e c y c l i n g a n d y a r d w a s t e w i l l c o n t i n u e a s n o r m a l o n D e c 2 4 T h e r e w i l l b e n o c o l l e ct i o n s o n D e c 2 5 C o l l e c t i o n s w i l l c o n -

t i n u e w i t h W e d n e s d a y h a p p e n i n g o n

T h u r s d a y , T h u r s d a y o n F r i d a y a n d s o o n t h r o u g h D e c 2 8

S o l i d W a s t e o f f i c e s w i l l b e c l o s e d o n D e c 2 4 - 2 5

T h e R e s o u r c e R e c o v e r y F a c i l i t y i n

B u c k i n g h a m a n d L e e - H e n d r y L a n d f i l l w i l l b e c l o s e d o n D e c 2 5 T h e L a b e l l e a n d C l e w i s t o n t r a n s f e r s t a t i o n s w i l l b e c l o s e d o n D e c 2 5

C h r i s t m a s t r e e s t h a t h a v e h a d t h e s t a n d , l i g h t s a n d d e c o r a t i o n s r e m o v e d , i n c l u d i n g t i n s e l , c a n b e s e t o u t w i t h r e g u l a r y a r d w a s t e t o b e g r o u n d i n t o m u l c h P l a s t i c t o y s , r i b b o n s ,

c e d i n r e c y c l e c a r t s B a t t e r i e s s h o u l d b e b r o u g h t t o L e e C o u n t y ’ s H o u s e h o

4 4 1 T o p a z C o u r t , F o r t M y e r s F o r a m o r e d e t a i l e d l i s t o f w h e r e i t e m s s h o u l d g o , v i s i t w w w l e e g o v c o m / s o l i d w a s t e / r e c y c l ec o a c h

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Ser vices at Beach Baptist Church

Beach Baptist church at 130 Connecticut St, Fort Myers Beach Service at 10:30 every Sunday

All are welcome, we are pet friendly! 239-463-6452

https://beachbaptist org

S

Performance dates:

∫ Dec 28, 29, 30 at 7:30 p m

∫ Dec 28,29, at 2 p m

Tickets are $42 each or $15 for students with valid student IDs Veterans can reserve free tickets by calling the box office For tickets, please call the box office at 239 218 0481 or online at www laboratorytheaterflorida com

Tee Off the New Year at Community Cooperative’s fundraiser at Topgolf For t Myers Jan. 9

Kick off 2025 at Community Cooperative’s Tee Off the New Year Fundraising Event, set to take place on Thursday, Jan 9, 5:30 – 8:30 p m , at Topgolf Fort Myers

The event offers a perfect opportunity to start the new year off right by joining community members and friends to make a meaningful impact in the fight against hunger Participants will enjoy an exciting night of golf, food, drinks, and camaraderie – all while supporting those in need throughout the community

Cape Coral to host

Holiday Boat-A-Long Dec. 21

The City of Cape Coral is hosting its annual Holiday Boat-A-Long and Christmas Movie Saturday, Dec. 21, from 4 to 9 p m

This free, family-friendly event will be held at Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, featuring stage entertainment, local food trucks, crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus. The boat parade will begin at 7:30 p.m., and The Polar Express will be played on a giant inflatable screen at 8 p m Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities!

You can also watch as the boats line up in Bimini Basin for the parade, which first passes by the park's beach before heading down various canals in South Cape Coral. Those interested in having their boat in the parade should register by calling Sea Tow at 239-945-4820 For more information, visit the Special Events webpage

Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the free Holiday Boat-A-Long event shuttle See the image below for more detailed information on pickup locations and shuttle run times

The Laborator y Theater of Florida to present the world premiere of ‘Piccadilly’ by Rober t Hilliard Dec. 28-30

The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present a limited run of the world premiere of Robert Hilliard’s WWII musical “Piccadilly” from Dec 28 - 30 Book and lyrics by Robert Hilliard, music by Robert Hilliard and W Earl Sparrow Jr

“This is the type of story your grandparents never told you The plot revolves around two American GIs on ten-days leave in London at the end of the war in Europe who fall in love in unexpected ways, including, rare for that time, an interracial romance World War II veterans will relive their own experiences, and veterans of any war will find parallels to their own experiences on leave. And everyone else will experience what their grandfathers and grandmothers who were in the war never dared to tell them,” says Mr Hilliard

Robert Hilliard is a published author, a WWII hero and concentration camp liberator, a college professor emeritus, and was instrumental in the establishment of public broadcasting This musical has been a passion project of his since the end of WWII

Director Kaci Davis adds, “Picadilly is a story of love and loss set in the magical world of Piccadilly Circus at the end of World War II, transformed into a musical I am excited to be directing a world premiere It is a chance to bring to life a never-before-performed work It is a privilege to have the opportunity to direct this play and allow the playwright the opportunity to see it come to life ”

Piccadilly is sponsored by Ella Nayor and Jeffrey Cull

All proceeds will go toward supporting Community Cooperative’s hunger relief programs, which provide emergency food, and other services to thousands of families throughout Southwest Florida Your participation in this event ensures that our community's most vulnerable neighbors receive the support they need to thrive

You can reserve a bay today to join the festivities and be part of the solution to hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida: Reserve a Bay

For more information, contact Jade@Commmuniy Cooperative com or visit www CommunityCooperative com/events/tee-off-the-new-year/

Topgolf Fort Myers is at 2021 Top Golf Way, Fort Myers

Southwest Florida Ag Expo Creative Living competition now open for registration

The Southwest Florida Ag Expo invites residents to participate in the Creative Living Competition, with registration now officially open. This unique contest is open to both adults and youth, regardless of 4-H or FFA affiliation, and is an opportunity to display individual creativity and skill

This year's competition features eight divisions, i n c l u d i n g t h e d e b u t o f t h e S T E A M ( S c i e n c e , Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Cottage Food divisions. The STEAM division aims to engage participants through educational and innovative exhibits that demonstrate the intersection of creativity and technical skills in various fields The Cottage Food division highlights homemade foods, such as baked goods, jams, and other approved food products that comply with Florida’s Cottage Food Law, showcasing local food-related entrepreneurship

Important details:

∫ Eligibility: Open to residents of Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties

∫ Requirements: All entries must be the original work of the exhibitor. Any items previously exhibited at the SWFL Ag Expo are not eligible for re-entry Rulebook available at swflagexpo com

∫ R e g i s t r a

before midnight, Friday, Jan 17, 2025

∫ Admission: One (1) general admission ticket to the SWFL Ag Expo will be provided per exhibitor

This free competition highlights Southwest Florida's rich creativity and celebrates the theme “An Ag-Citing Adventure” through a showcase of local talents Join us in this popular event and immerse yourself in the region’s artistic, culinary, and horticultural achievements. All entries will be on view at the SWFL Ag Expo, held from Feb 27-March 9, 2025, at the Lee County Civic Center Complex, 11831 Bayshore Road

For more information on the contest rules, division d e t a i l s , a n d g u i d e l i

www.swflagexpo.com or follow the Southwest Florida Ag Expo on Facebook at www facebook com/swflagex-

po. Keep an eye on these platforms as additional event details, special promotions and entertainment information will be continuously updated

I n

d

MEGAPASS in advance for $30 This pass includes gate admission and unlimited rides on the day of your choice, with sales ending on Feb 27

SWFL Inc.’s Mini Golf Tour nament at Popstroke to be held Jan. 31

SWFL Inc is excited to announce the SWFL Inc Mini Golf Tournament Join us for a day of putting valuable networking opportunities with professionals from across the region on Friday, Jan 31, at Popstroke of Fort Myers

This event is designed to provide attendees with not only a memorable mini-golf experience but also a platform for building meaningful business relationships The tournament kicks off at 10 a.m., attendees can anticipate a diverse range of offerings, including raffles, various prizes, refreshments, a luncheon, and more Given the limited availability of twosome slots, we strongly encourage you to secure your place by registering at https://www swfl inc com/2025-mini-golf-tournament

Popstroke is an 18-hole putting course built entirely with synthetic turf, incorporating fairways, bunkers, and rough just as you would see on a traditional golf course PopStroke infuses technology within the golf experience to create an interactive and competitive atmosphere for all participants

Twosomes are priced at $250 and can be reserved by

Ella@SWFLinc com Twosomes must be secure by Friday, Jan 24, at noon

If you'd like to showcase your business at this tournament, we have opportunities for you as well! Partnering with SWFL Inc at our annual golf tournament gives your business the opportunity to expand your reach and amplify your message If you are interested in sponsorship o p p o r t u

Ella@SWFLinc com We encourage professionals from all sectors to join us for this exciting day of networking and camaraderie Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early and secure your spot on the course We look forward to seeing you there!

M o n k e e s , l i v e i n c o n c e r t S a t u r d a y , A p r i l 1 2 , 2 0 2 5 a t

8 p m , w i t h d o o r s o p e n i n g a t 7 p m A d v a n c e t i c k e t s

a r e a v a i l a b l e f o r $ 9 5 f r o m T i c k e t m a s t e r o r a t

w w w m o r e i n p a r a d i s e c o m A t t e n d e e s m u s t b e 2 1

P a r k i n g i s f r e e

D o l e n z i s a n a c t o r , s i n g e r , d i r e c t o r , p r o d u c e r , w r i t e r , r a d i o D J , i n v e n t o r , a n d a l l - a r o u n d p e r f o r m e r e x t r a o r d i n a i r e , a n d s t a n d s t a l l a s a p a r a g o n o f t a s t e a n d a c c o m p l i s h m e n t i n t h e r o u g h - a n d - t u m b l e w o r l d o f s h o w b u s i n e s s a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l t o l l - f r e e ( 8 0 0 ) 2 1 80 0 0 7 o r v i s i t m o r e i n p a r a d i s e c o m o r f a c e b o o k . c o m / S e m i n o l e C a s i n o H o t e l / . S e m i n o l e C a s i n o H o t e l I m m o k a l e e i s a t 5 0 6 S o

PET PALS

A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue

A home for the holidays

By ISABELLE WELLS

Co-founder of the Find a Home, Give a Home pet rescue organization of Fort Myers Beach

Meet Ryanna Your holiday miracle!

Ryanna is a sweet 2-year-old, 70- pound pup who is hoping to spend her first Christmas in a loving home After being scheduled for euthanasia at a shelter due to overcrowding, she was rescued and is now safe at the Englewood Humane Society, waiting for a family to call her own

Contact them at https://humane org/

This gentle girl was found as a stray, but she quickly showed her loving nature with everyone she meets Ryanna has had a few outings where she did wonderfully, and she thrives on attention and affection from people She’s ready to fill your home with joy this holiday season!

Adopt Ryanna today and give her the best gift ever a home to call her own!

For more information or to meet Ryanna, please call or text Isabelle at 239281-0739

If you can foster one or two cats or kittens, please call us at 239-851-3485 or if you can volunteer to help at the rescue playing with cats and kittens and other duties

Also need adult and kitten wet food and volunteers to help feed stray cats that are left on the island without homes after Ian Many were killed but those few remaining need fed and cared for. They do a wonderful job keeping rats away from homes They are not feral cats but belonged to someone previously so please be kind to them and feed when you see any We will provide food if needed. Please call us when you see any of these cats A beautiful all white special breed cat is lost or left behind If you are missing an all white beautiful cat please call 239-851-3485 as seen on south end of beach

The Book Nook in Santini plaza is a drop off for food and other cat items plus donation jar for any donations Stop in and see the many books Annette has

Coalie is a 5-month-old male kitten. He is very playful and affectionate and ready for his forever home. He loves playing with his siblings Moe is a very special 8-year-old male all black cat. He survived a house fire but unfortunately his sibling and adoptive owner did not He is so sweet and affectionate and needs a foster or adoptive home He has been through a lot of trauma and somehow escaped from the burning house Please call us if you can foster or adopt this wonderful sweet boy 239-851-3485 He loves attention and would be great as an only cat