Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

WEEK OF DECEMBER 20, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 51

Observer 12/200/23

WEEK OF DECEMBER 20, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 51

Veach may resign over new state disclosure form

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Town of Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Bill Veach announced at Monday’s town council meeting he intends to resign before the council’s next meeting over an invasive new state ethics form which demands the personal bank information of elected officials and other personal finances which Veach said was an “invasion of privacy.”

“This has been giving me a great deal of stress and thought. I am seriously concerned about the invasion of privacy.”

–Bill Veach Fort Myers Beach Councilmember The measure passed by the state legislature this year requires municipal elected officials to disclose their finances, sources

of income and any assets over $1,000 including bank accounts, property and stocks, and “household goods and person-

al effects collectively” to the state.

Veach said he objected to disclosing his personal finances and bank information to the public and to the state, putting his personal information at risk to hackers and other potential privacy issues.

“This has been giving me a great deal of stress and thought. I am seriously concerned about the invasion of privacy,” Veach said. “It is so intrusive.”

See DISCLOSURE, page 14

Flooding raises alarms

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Owners propose restaurant, docks amid DEP action over mangrove removal

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

he owners of the Beach Theater are proposing to place a restaurant at the property with a dock and a handful of boat slips to be accessed from a residential canal off Estero Boulevard.

At the same time, the owners and contractor are facing town and state code enforcement over the removal of mangroves from the site without a permit.

The property owners have put in a pre-application into the town for developing the property into a restaurant and

T

applications to the state to construct a seawall, a dock with boat slips and for dredging.

The developers were scheduled to meet Wednesday with Town of Fort Myers Beach staff regarding their plans.

According to DEP records, 273 square feet of unauthorized mangrove removal occurred at the site in February.

Red and black mangroves were removed without a permit, violating state statutes.

The mangrove removal included some that were on the property of the Town of Fort Myers Beach.

As of November, the DEP was in the process of drafting a consent order regarding the removal of the mangroves, DEP spokesperson Brooke Keck said.

See BEACH THEATER, page 16 The Beach Theater has been at the center of a DEP and town enforcement action over the removal of mangroves without a permit, as developers put forth applications for a restaurant, dock and seawall at the Estero Boulevard property.

NATHAN MAYBERG

The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District responded to several calls for assistance due to flooding over the weekend with some Fort Myers Beach residents reporting flooding on the first floor of their homes and damage to appliances and other belongings.

Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth said the department responded to several calls overnight between Saturday and early Sunday morning as some roadways experienced flooding that was approximately one feet deep, Wirth estimated.

"We secured electricity to one house that had an open circuit submerged in water," Wirth said. "We had two other residents who considered leaving their homes, but decided to stay as the water was receding by the time they called us."

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Vice Chair Steve Johnson said water "really started coming up at about 1 a.m."

Johnson said he was up all night ensuring his home did not flood. "We didn’t have any damage but what a mess in the neighborhood to clean up," he said.

Carole Newsam, of Sterling Avenue, said her street was full of water Sunday morning and said she “lost all my brand new appliances.” Newsam said stormwater drainage there has been an ongoing problem. “There is no reason for this to continue happening,: she said.

“I've been fighting this fight for quite a while,” Newsam said. “It's very upsetting to me because the town knows there is a problem and they installed these big huge water swales.” Newsam said “it pulls See FLOODING, page 18

Beach Living............................................8 insidetoday Opinions.......................................4 Business............................................6 Beach Bulletin..................................21-27

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OPINIONS

Help families stay together this Christmas 19260 San Carlos Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 574-1110 Fax: (239) 574-5693 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk.com Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com Editor Nathan Mayberg nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@breezenewspapers.com

Advertising Sales Lyn McElhaney lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers.com

Obituaries Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers.com

Production manager Rob Braitling rbraitling@breezenewspapers.com

Subscriptions 1 year, $62 Circulation (239) 574-1936 Classified/Display Advertising (239) 574-1110

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Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed. Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy.

In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself. We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication.

Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL. Permit 521.

Postmaster: Send address changes to the Beach Observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931,

Web Poll Previous Web Poll Results Do you support the proposal to develop three hotels at Moss Marina? ∫ Yes, 47% ∫ No, 42% ∫ Unsure, 11%

Current Web Poll Question Should the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council continue to extend the state of emergency? ∫ Yes. ∫ No. ∫ Unsure.

Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

For most families, parents a dignified, voluntary December feels like sprinting a alternative. marathon. There’s decorating, Our host families give shopping, cookie making, zoo children a safe place to live lights, gift wrapping, school while we help parents regain parties, visiting family, and of stability through our work course—making sure that and mentoring programs. everyone wakes up to a picNinety-eight percent of the ture-perfect Christmas morntime, the families never need ing. to interact with child services We move so fast in again. They reunite and December, you probably read thrive. through that opening paraWhen I reflect on this holgraph without noticing the iday season, I am beyond Megan Rose most important word in it: grateful that a young mother everyone. named Brianna could spend For thousands of children every holiday with her two across Florida, waking up on children. Things looked hopeChristmas morning with their less in August. The shelters brothers, sisters and parents is were full, and she had nobody not a sure thing. They are standing on the to call for help. front doorstep of foster care, and the most Brianna might have let the state take cusheartbreaking part of it all is that they don’t tody of her children, but she grew up in foshave to be. ter care and didn’t want that for her babies.

You might be surprised to learn that most Child services called Better Together, and we of the children in foster care were not abused. stepped in.

They have loving parents who were strugIt was immediately clear that Brianna gling with hard challenges and had nobody to wanted to be the best mom she could possicall for help. bly be. In just 50 days, she found two jobs, Their parents had to choose between reliable child care, and an affordable home. things like watching their children at home or The local church even surprised her with a leaving for work to afford the rent—impos- car, giving her reliable transportation to keep sible choices that no parent should have to her jobs. make. Living without a support system is Brianna reunited with her kids on Oct. 12. brutal, and with no respite, these parents Since then, she’s seen them dressed in bend until they break.

Halloween costumes, eating until their tumThat’s when child services gets involved. mies hurt on Thanksgiving and next, waking But there is some good news—in Florida, up on Christmas. that’s when Better Together gets involved, You can’t put a price tag on that gift. It’s too. more precious than anything.

We work in partnership with child servicEven when parents aren’t ready for reunies to catch families before they fall, and to fication, we offer the next best thing. While prevent the need for foster care in the first foster care cuts off contact between parents place. Funded 100% with private donations and children, our program does not. Parents and using our staff and volunteers, we offer are able to check in with their kids, call and

Guest Commentary

visit frequently. This includes holidays.

We’re currently hosting more than a dozen families over the holidays. The host families are planning to have the children’s parents be a part of all the Christmas and Christmas Eve activities. Some children will even spend the holidays with their parents and go back to their hosts after.

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

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

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

Maybe you are not even sure what you have to offer, but you just want to do something to help. We can help you figure out what that is.

December is not about making sure everything is bought, wrapped or picture perfect.

It’s about making sure that children in our community are not left behind.

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

— Megan Rose is CEO of Better Together, a nonprofit organization that helps parents and families. To help families in your community, get help or donate, visit BetterTogetherUS.org or call 239-4702733.

Six steps to avoiding holiday package theft

By BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU The rise of online marketplaces and expedited delivery services is convenient for many consumers nationwide, allowing shoppers to search for the perfect gift for friends and family. Unfortunately, purchasing and having the item delivered to the proper address does not guarantee you will receive it. According to a Security.org study, approximately 79% of consumers experienced package theft in 2022.

Package thieves, also known as “porch pirates,” often take advantage of an opportunity and may frequent a neighborhood or community multiple times before moving on to another.

They will often target houses that provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where packages are delivered is within 25 feet of the street and is easily visible.

Guest Commentary As a crime of opportunity, preventing or discouraging package theft can be accomplished in several ways, depending on the location of your residence, type and community. For instance, preventing package theft at an apartment complex in the middle of the city differs from a suburban residential community. However, consumers can use specific strategies to discourage the act no matter where they live.

The Better Business Bureau provides the following tips to prevent package thieves from affecting your plans: ∫ Check with neighbors.

Sometimes, your package may not be stolen simply at the wrong address. Before

filing a report or contacting the sender, check with your neighbors and see if the delivery service may have dropped off your package at the wrong address. Many delivery companies will take pictures of your package in the designated location — be sure to check for the photo and verify it is at the right spot. ∫ Don’t leave unattended packages.

When possible, do not leave delivered packages unattended for long periods. If you are expecting a package, attempt to schedule its delivery when you know you will be home. Ask your neighbors if they mind holding on to packages delivered if you plan to be gone for an extended time.

See PACKAGE THEFT, page 20

We want your opinion The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Fort Myers Beach Observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; faxed to 239-765-0846; emailed to news@breezenewspapers.com; or posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com. Letters are due no later than noon Monday. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: fortmyersbeachtalk.com.

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BUSINESS

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Dixie Fish Company introduces new menu items Dixie Fish Company has announced two new seafood items to its menu: a seafood boil and southern-style shrimp and grits. Dixie Fish Company, the award-winning restaurant on Fort Myers Beach, is known for its fresh seafood dishes and Florida-style southern cuisine.

Available Thursdays and Saturdays for a limited time, Dixie’s seafood boil is loaded with local shrimp, clams, snow crab, corn and potatoes in a deliciously seasoned broth. The dish was recently featured in “Florida’s Table,” a custom video series by VISIT FLORIDA and Emergent Media that promotes Florida’s dynamic culinary scene.

Newly added to the menu, the southern-style shrimp and grits includes a half-pound of jumbo shrimp sauteed with fresh chorizo, roasted corn and spinach. Available every day, it is served with Dixie’s special recipe “Olde Fashion” buttery grits with sweet red peppers and topped with crispy homemade fried julienne potatoes.

HM Restaurant Group owns and operates Dixie Fish Company and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

An original Florida fish house, Dixie Fish Company’s origins date back to 1937 when it was primarily a fish market. Today, the waterfront restaurant serves fresh food in an ideal location for guests to enjoy the beach atmosphere, complete with live music and picturesque views.

Award-winning Doc Ford’s offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Beloved for its sauces, spices and passion, Doc Ford’s is known by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The shrimp and grits includes a half-pound of jumbo shrimp sauteed with fresh chorizo, roasted corn and spinach. It is served with Dixie’s special recipe “Olde Fashion” buttery grits with sweet red peppers and topped with crispy homemade fried julienne potatoes. seafood restaurant, serving up its signature Yucatan shrimp daily.

First established on Sanibel in 2003, there are now four Doc Ford’s locations: Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and two in St. Petersburg, on the St. Pete Pier and in Jungle Terrace.

Dixie Fish Company’s seafood boil is loaded with local shrimp, clams, snow crab, corn and potatoes in a deliciously seasoned broth.

CVS opens CVS opened this past week on Fort Myers Beach for the first time since it incurred heavy damage from Hurricane Ian. The CVS Pharmacy at Estero Boulevard and Lenell Road is the lone pharmacy on the island. Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt, who reached out to company officials to lobby for its reopening, said “The opening of the CVS is a critical step to having a functional paradise on Fort Myers Beach. Having a pharmacy and a retail outlet with a wide variety of goods that is open until 11 p.m. is transformative for our recovery. Gas at the 7-Eleven across the street opening in mid-February is the next big goal for our recovery."

NATHAN MAYBERG

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

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Beach Living

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To feed or not to feed?

The past few years we have seen a tees even from your boat is because these the biologists feeding the manatees are doing it in such a steady decline in manatee populations. The animals have a very sensitive disposition way where the manatees are not going to have long-lastcauses vary from poor water quality to lack to new resources. If they learn that they ing effects from this feeding. As a reminder, Florida Fish of food and even boat strikes. How can we can get resources from an outside source and Wildlife biologists and ecologists are trained profesfix this? How can we stop the numbers that is not a natural producer, the mana- sionals and are doing this with long-term goals in mind. from dropping for this unique local tees can not only put themselves in danger The feedings were a trial to determine if it was a plausispecies? by approaching the wrong person or ble solution that could actually help the population durWest Indian manatees are the type we boats, they could eat the wrong food and ing times of low food and potentially become a tool to have here in Florida. There are two subbecome poisoned. Or they develop a manage the population. species in this group consisting of the dependency to get their resources from The essence of the problem is our water quality in Florida manatee and the Antillean manahumans and lose the ability to take care of Florida. Poor water quality leads to reduced sunlight pentee. West Indian manatees have been in themselves in the wild. These among etrating the cloudy murky water which cannot penetrate Florida for thousands if not millions of many other reasons are why it is so impor- down to the sea floor so seagrass and other plants cannot years. The Calusa Indians used them not tant that we try to uphold these laws even grow. Manatees eat 10% of their body weight every sinonly as a food source but for other things if law enforcement is not there watching gle day in seagrass and other vegetation. This vegetation Robert Howell with their thick dense bones and lack of you out of respect for our manatees. depends on the quality and health of our water as do our available rocks. Currently native Florida Fish and Wildlife has been manatees.

Americans continue to use the bones as attempting to feed the manatees unnatuAfter the last few years of trial feeding a few conclutools. There is a misnomer and fallacy that rally at specific sites. These sites are sions were reached. It was determined that not only is it manatees are not native to Florida. This extremely controlled and monitored and See SHORELINE SPOTLIGHT, page 10 could not be more wrong and likely due to their name. When looking at old maps when the Europeans were first exploring Florida, the land was called West India. Both the West India trading company and the East India trading company shared a similar The Marine & Environmental name based on their travel routes. Historic records illusResources Task Force (pronounced trate that the trading companies encountered these animurph) is an advisory board for the Town mals when they first came to Florida. It is a popular conCouncil of Fort Myers Beach. The board cern and one shared by many scientists that because of meets at 10 a.m. on the second this myth, that manatees are not from Florida, many peoWednesday of the month at The Mound ple do not consider saving them a priority. This may also House. MERTF awards “Murphy” contribute to ignoring speed zone signs or manatee proawards to people who are seen demontection laws. With the aid of articles such as this and help strating good environmental stewardship from educators we can debunk these myths and perhaps “Drum Roll Please ... and The Murphy get these manatees in the hearts of our local Floridians.

Award goes to... Lacy McClary and Similar to bald eagle protection efforts back in the ’70s Summer DeSalvo! which brought this animal back from extinction and “We would like to recognize and secured our national symbol. thank Lacy McClary and Summer Manatees, a Florida symbol, could be our success Desalvo! The two local muralists transstory or our tragedy. Depending on how we treat the next formed the Ian battered elevator shaft in PHOTOS PROVIDED few years regarding our environment and their home Times Square. All four corners reflect our Summer DeSalvo habitat we could be looking at a species loss completely. beautiful natural environment and There are many different organizations working towards wildlife. the protection of the manatees. Any organization is either “They hope this will bring joy and working with one another or on their own to find new and inspiration to build back in the very envibetter ways to help save them and educate the public on Lacy ronment that brought us all here to begin their protection. One such program from Indian River McClary with. They too suffered from hurricane and Lagoon was started a few years back to artificially feed Ian and wanted to bring some joy to the Summer manatees due to starvation as a result of a catastrophic community, businesses and visitors.

DeSalvo sea grass die off. Feeding manatees, watering manatees Thank you for the collaboration of colorand touching or interacting with manatees in any way is ful sunshine and moon lit water leading strictly prohibited and illegal. sea turtle hatchlings on their way.”

Lacy McClary The reason it is so bad to touch, feed, or water mana-

Shoreline Spotlight

December MERTF Award

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

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Bayside Park to be renamed Bayside Park is set to be renamed Bayside Veterans Park after the Town of Fort Myers Beach surveyed the public for a renaming of the park. The town council agreed on the name Monday pending a future resolution.

FILE PHOTO

Shoreline Spotlight From page 8 very expensive to feed wild manatees regularly throughout the season when they most need it, but also there are many more manatees that were in need than were expected.

Manatees are very clever creatures and seem to have a way of learning about things even when you don't expect them to. Their closest relatives are elephants so it’s no surprise how smart they are. Many of the manatees in the experiments were showing unhealthy behaviors due to the artificial feeding. For all these reasons and more it is in the mana-

tees best interest to continue to feed naturally but this is contingent on providing better ways to help maintain our water quality. A main objective is to find the means to improve water quality and replant the seagrass. Even though there are areas where sea grass replanting is being attempted, it remains that unless the water quality improves these will not be successful on a grand scale.

I work every day towards making sure manatees will be around for future generations to see and enjoy.

Manatees have no predators and their

only threat is a result of human activity. For this reason it is our duty to protect our West Indian Florida manatee. We owe it to them and to ourselves to prove that we have the power and intelligence to protect these animals when we are the only reason they are disappearing. I call on you Floridians to stand up and use the manatee as a symbol for Florida.

They are resilient and they can come back from the brink.

Robert Howell is a member of the MERTF Advisory Board.

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DeSantis appoints two to Board of Governors STAFF REPORT The office of Gov. Ron DeSantis announced two appointments to the Board of Governors of the State University System. DeSantis appointed Tim Cerio and Alan Levine to the board overseeing the state university system.

Cerio is the president, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Director of the Citizen’s Property Insurance Corporation.

He serves as a Commissioner on the Supreme Court Judicial Florida

Nominating Commission and previously served as the General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for the Citizen’s Property Insurance Corporation.

Levine is the chairman, president, and Chief Executive Officer of Ballad Health.

He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the North Broward Hospital District, Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Executive Office of the Governor.

Historical Society to hold open house E s t e r o STAFF REPORT Island Historical Society The public is invited to Board members, historic phojoin an open house of the tos of Fort Myers Beach and Estero Island Historic an island-themed Christmas Society on Fort Myers tree.

Beach this Friday, Dec. 22 Bunting’s book will be from 2 to 4 p.m. The event available for sale along with has been rescheduled from woven Fort Myers Beach the previous date of afghans and other local histoSaturday, Dec. 16, due to ry-themed items. There will the weather event. also be posters and coasters The open house at the donated by former interim historic 1921 cottage will town manager Keith Wilkins run from 1 to 3 p.m. The open house will include a PROVIDED featuring the hand-painted street signs that marked the look back at the island’s history and a focus on the Ellie Bunting start of the island’s emergence after Hurricane Ian. book “Lost Icons of Fort Myers Beach.”

The Estero Island Historical Society is There is no charge to attend. Homebaked treats and refreshments will be at 161 Bay Road behind the Fort Myers served. There will be exhibits about local Beach Public Library on Fort Myers hurricane history, a memorial to early Beach.

Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club memPaula bers McCarthy (second from left) and Doug Bidgood (at right) presented a check of $1,000 to Jenny Ta r d i f f - P a r a d i s o left) and (far Chantal Blais (second from right) of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School PTO this past week.

PHOTO PROVIDED

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Bill Veach said too much cell phone use among town councilmembers during town council meetings is becoming a distraction and has created questions of outside influence during meetings.

Veach said the town council’s current policies restrict texting and cell phone use except in the case of emergencies, but that the policy has been broken often by councilmembers. Veach said he and other town residents are concerned that councilmembers are potentially receiving messages from individuals outside the meeting who may be influencing discussions, hearings and votes.

The town council’s policies restrict cell phone use and electronic communications during meetings except for emergencies. “You should refrain from using your phones for electronic communications during a meeting unless it is an emergency,” Veach said.

Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt said he objected to that policy and asked who would police the enforcement of such a policy. “I shouldn’t be punished because I use a phone instead of a laptop,” he said.

“I don’t remember (the policy) being that restrictive. I remember the concern about it in a semi-judicial proceeding,” Atterholt said. “I don’t know about you all but I get texts all the time from people during the meeting, sometimes it’s personal, sometimes it’s work related.”

Atterholt said town council meetings can run for hours. “I have a consulting business, I am not sure I am comfortable not being able to use my phone,” he said.

Veach said he is concerned that the public doesn’t know who councilmembers are communicating with on their phones during meetings. “I have heard complaints from constituents about some councilmembers being on their phone

during hearings,” he said.

Atterholt said he agreed with councilmembers not using phones during hearings but not for the rest of the meeting. “I think it is a little aggressive,” he said. “Nobody is abusing it.”

Veach cited the language in the town’s policies which restricts councilmembers from using their phones during meetings except in emergencies.

“I don’t agree with that,” Atterholt said. “I would like to see that changed.”

Veach said phone use makes councilmembers “inattentive” and by potentially communicating with other individuals could make council decisions “prejudicial.”

Atterholt said “I think that is too expansive .” He said there are personal and work situations where councilmembers need to be able to “respond quickly to a work situation or constituent situation.”

Atterholt said the council’s meetings are lengthy. “Some of us are still working and we have lives outside of the council,” he said. “There are situations that arise where they are time sensitive and you have to respond.” Veach said there are breaks during the council’s meetings where councilmembers can check their phones and a councilmember can always excuse themselves from a meeting to take a call or handle an important private matter.

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said “nobody has any control if somebody sends you something.” Allers said he gets emails and notifications during meetings. “Sometimes I respond to them and sometimes I wait until after the meeting,” he said.

Councilmember Karen Woodson said “In most cases you can wait until break or whatever but in some cases you can not.”

Allers said a balance was needed.

“You have to use common sense,” he

said. Allers said he didn’t want to ban cell phones at meetings “There is a balance in here that can be rewritten,” Allers said.

The town council unanimously agreed to have town attorney Beck Vose review

the town’s cell phone policy.

Atterholt said the public will “hold us accountable on election day.”

Obituaries

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

Cell phone use hot topic on council

Page 13 n Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Kiwanis donates to Beach Elementary PTO

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 n Page 14 Fort Myers Beach Observer

Disclosure Florida GOP suspends party chair Associated Press The Republican Party of Florida suspended Chairman Christian Ziegler and demanded his resignation during an emergency meeting Sunday, adding to calls by Gov. Ron DeSantis and other top officials for him to step down as police investigate a rape accusation against him.

Ziegler is accused of sexually assaulting a woman with whom he and his wife, Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, had a prior consensual sexual relationship, according to police records.

“Christian Ziegler has engaged in conduct that renders him unfit for the office,” the party’s motion to censure Ziegler said, according to a document posted on the social media platform X by Lee County GOP Chairman Michael Thomason.

Ziegler tried to defend himself during the closed-door meeting, but the party board quickly took the action against him, Thompson said.

“Ziegler on soap box trying to defend himself, not working,” Thompson posted before confirming the votes.

The party’s executive committee will hold another vote in the future on whether to remove

Ziegler.

The Sarasota Police Department is investigating the woman’s accusation that Ziegler raped her at her apartment in October. Police documents say the Zieglers and the woman had planned a sexual threesome that day, but Bridget Ziegler was unable to make it. The accuser says Christian Ziegler arrived anyway and assaulted her.

Christian Ziegler has not been charged with a crime and says he is innocent, contending the encounter was consensual.

The accusation also has caused turmoil for Bridget Ziegler, an elected member of the Sarasota School Board, though she is not accused of any crime. On Tuesday the board voted to ask her to resign. She refused.

The couple have been outspoken opponents of LGBTQ+ rights, and their relationship with another woman has sparked criticism and accusations of hypocrisy.

In addition to DeSantis, Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and Florida’s Republican House and Senate leaders have all called for Christian Ziegler’s resignation.+

“This level of exposure, it seems the people who wrote the law are unaware of the risks of hackers,” Veach said. Veach said that the information could be accessed by the public with “vindictive elements out there looking to weaponize it.”

Veach, who said he has no business interests in Florida, said Monday’s meeting may be his last due to the forms, which he said would institute daily fines of $25 retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024 if they are not received and filled out by September.

Veach said he is “strongly leaning” towards resigning before the council’s next meeting. Veach said the law is like “an invitation to a hacker.”

Veach said he wouldn’t necessarily have a problem with filing the information “to the authori-

From page 1 ties” like filing his taxes, but said by making it public it opens up one’s personal information to bad actors. “I am not comfortable with exposing my financial information and that of my family to the public,” Veach said.

Town of Fort Myers Beach Attorney Becky Vose said that if Veach resigns, the town would put out an advertisement for a replacement and the town council could vote to replace Veach.

Veach was to be up for election for another four-year term in November.

Other lawmakers around the state have also resigned due to the forms.

Veach said the new law was part of a broader pattern by state legislators which he said has been “hostile to home rule. The best government is closest to the peo-

ple. They are hostile to that.”

According to the state’s new policy, approved by the state legislature earlier this year, if the annual form is not submitted via the electronic filing system created and maintained by the state ethics commission by Sept. 1, an automatic fine of $25 for each day late will be imposed, up to a maximum penalty of $1,500. Failure to file also can result in removal from public office or employment.

In addition, failure to make any required disclosure constitutes grounds for and may be punished by one or more of the following: disqualification from being on the ballot, impeachment, removal or suspension from office or employment, demotion, reduction in salary, reprimand, or a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000.

“This was not an easy decision,” Veach said, “I have an enormous loyalty to the town and to my constituents.”

Upon leaving the council, Veach said “one of my biggest fears is the town council really needs a strong voice for the island, for the average resident. I don’t hear a lot of advocates on town council for the residents.”

Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Bill Veach.

FILE PHOTO

Page 15 n Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 n Page 16 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

NATHAN MAYBERG

The Florida DEP is drafting a consent order over the removal of mangroves at the Beach Theater property without a permit.

Beach Theater From page 1 Steve Boge, who purchased the Beach Theater property at 6425 Estero Blvd. last year with a group of investors, has acknowledged the mangrove removal and said he has been working with the DEP to resolve the matter.

Boge said he will be meeting with town staff Wednesday to see what is allowed by town code and to see what may be developed at the Beach Theater property. “We have a couple ideas. It kind of depends on what they are willing to allow,” Boge said. He said he envisions four to five boat slips for the proposed dock.

Boge was part of the investment group which also acquired the Gulfview Manor across the street from the Beach Theater last year.

Property records for the Beach Theater property lists Estero 4148 LLC as the owner, and records also show Candace and Kory Nanke listed as the owners of the property on state DEP enforcement letters.

Mr. Nanke said the mangroves would be replaced.

Boge didn’t dispute that the mangroves were removed without a permit and said he has been working with the state to resolve the matter.

“We are working on that,” Boge said. Boge said he intends to construct a seawall with mangroves. Boge said the reason the mangroves were removed is because after Hurricane Ian there were “tires and debris and refrigerators and all sorts of stuff in there and everything else was dead.”

Boge, who also runs Signature Vacation Properties, intends to build a dock at the Beach Theater property where the mangroves once were, with four to five boat slips. Boge has sent a proposal to the DEP to construct 220 feet of vinyl seawall along the shoreline of the property.

“We’re trying to make Fort Myers Beach better,” Boge said.

“Mangroves are the definition of resilience. That’s how the island was formed. Mangroves took hold of the island. Without them, you are in danger of losing your island. It is the buffer between the land and the water,” –Steve Johnson Fort Myers Beach Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force Chair “We’re trying to make Fort Myers Beach better,” –Steve Boge who is seeking to redevelop the Beach Theater “We thought something exploded because they were dropping dumpsters at 5:30 a.m.”

–Samantha Campbell, on the removal of mangroves behind the Beach Theater

Neighbors worried about canal, removal of mangroves A group of residents who live near the theater are concerned about the potential use of the canal that runs behind their homes for the Beach Theater redevelopment.

“We are a residential community,” said Nadine DeGenova. “We like the serenity and the peacefulness.”

DeGenova expressed concern that the use of the “tight, shallow canal” that runs behind her property for commercial traffic. DeGenova lost her boat to Hurricane Ian and said it is “tough and challenging to get a boat through the canal. I can’t imagine people going up and down the canal that is this shallow.”

DeGenova said the increased commercial traffic would “create anxiety among homeowners. We can’t control what is going up and down the canal at night. They can hit somebody’s boat, hit somebody’s property. It’s not what we bargained for.”

DeGenova also was not happy with the removal of the

mangroves by the property owners. “This is the same group of people who took out all those mangroves in the dead of night,” she said.

The removal of the mangroves in February brought consternation from neighboring residents. Town resident Samantha Campbell brought to the town’s attention that workers at the former Beach Theater had removed a swatch of mangroves from the rear of the property overnight.

Campbell said workers “pulled out all of the mangroves behind the Beach Theater. They have been completely destroyed and are gone. That now puts the community at a risk of additional debris in a future storm, as well as additional flooding and erosion.”

Campbell said “we thought something exploded because they were dropping Dumpsters at 5:30 a.m.”

Town and DEP enforcement The destroyed mangroves allegedly also included Town See BEACH THEATER, page 17

Beach Theater From page 16 a $250 administrative fee by the town’s magistrate Myrnabelle Roche. The fines were paid in April. The order also threatened fines of $250 a day if the violations weren’t corrected.

A magistrate hearing on the mangrove removal case in August was postponed pending the outcome of DEP enforcement action.

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers and Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt did not respond to requests for comment concerning the mangrove removal.

A public records request to the town for the pre-application filed for the property was not responded to as of press time Tuesday.

Importance of mangroves

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

The Fort Myers Beach Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force has been concerned about mangrove removal on the island and that developers may be willing to illegally remove mangroves and taking the fines as a

part of speeding up business, rather than waiting for permits.

MERTF Chair Steve Johnson said mangroves are critically important to the beach environment and for protecting against flooding during hurricanes.

“There is a procedure and there is a process,” for removing mangroves, Johnson said. “There needs to be a more robust system to conserve the mangroves. It is illegal to pull them out. The penalty for removing the mangroves isn’t commensurate to what it means to pull out the mangroves.”

Johnson said the fines are not enough to deter developers from removing mangroves.

“Nobody is going to jail,” he said. “Developers pay it off as the cost of doing business. In the end, the community loses. Mangroves are the definition of resilience. That’s how the island was formed. Mangroves took hold of the island. Without them, you are in danger of losing your island. It is the buffer between the land and the water.”

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

of Fort Myers Beach mangroves, which town environmental project manager Chadd Chustz cited the property owners for. Chustz also forwarded a complaint about the mangrove removal to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

A Florida DEP warning letter to the contractor Remove it Pros in March, stated that 273 square feet of unauthorized mangrove alteration occurred at the Beach Theater property. According to the warning letter, Remove it Pros also cut mangroves owned by the Town of Fort Myers Beach. The DEP recommended that the owners of the property “implement that appropriate measures and best management practices (BMPs) are taken to prevent erosion of sediment (soils) into surface waters along the shoreline of the property.”

On Feb. 28, Chustz issued citations to Estero 4148 LLC and Remove it Pros for irreparable, irreversible violations of the town code for removing the mangroves and excavating saltwater forested wetlands. Estero 4148 LLC and Remove it Pros were ordered to pay a $5,000 fine plus

Page 17 n Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023

NATHAN MAYBERG

The owners of the Beach Theater property are looking to place a dock and seawall behind their property, where mangroves were removed without a permit.

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

The 2023 class of Southwest Florida students nominated by Congressman Donalds are as follows: ∫ Gabriella Alvarez (Naples) has been nominated for

the U.S. Military Academy. ∫ Matthew Bennett (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Adam Blais (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. ∫ Julian Bevilard (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. ∫ Mason Ceccarelli (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy. ∫ Robert D'Angelo (USAF Academy, Colorado) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Kenzo Desiderio (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

∫ Briana Elizondo-Gutierrez (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. ∫ Dominic Failla (Cape Coral) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Michaela Fischer (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Samuel Harvey (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Jack Janeway (Cape Coral) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. ∫ Sloane Janopoulos (Naples) has been nominated for See NOMINATIONS, page 19

Flooding From page 1 water from all these side streets. And pumps it into our canals knowing right well that this is one of the lowest lying streets with absolutely no drainage.”

Newsam said she “just got done remodeling downstairs” and now has to start over after losing her appliances. “Not to mention we have to now pull out all the baseboards.

We need something done,” Newsam said.

“They should of been working on this issue a while ago. lt is their job. We pay high taxes.”

Several residents from Curlew Street, where flooding was severe, attended the Fort Myers Beach Council meeting Monday to complain about what they believe is a lingering problem with

stormwater drainage that has been going on for years.

Nadine DeGenova, of Curlew Street, said her garage was flooded this weekend as was the patio. Due to prior flooding during Hurricane Idalia and Ian, she made sure belongings that she and co-homeowner Ingrid Goldberg had on the first floor and garage were put into plastic containers.

“We spent all day cleaning it out,” she said.

“The street was a rushing river at 3 a.m.,” DeGenova said. “That’s a severe storm. I can’t imagine what another hurricane will be like.”

She believes the issue is the storm drain in the cul-de-sac at the end of the street.

“We have a problem with street flood-

ing,” DeGenova said. She said the town has made promises to fix the drainage, but hasn’t done so.

Goldberg said one of the issues is the nearby canals are “so shallow.”

During Hurricane Ian, they had eight feet of water in their home. Luckily, their home survived the hurricane though it had to rebuilt down to the studs.

“I’m at my wit’s end,” Goldberg said.

Becki Weber, another Curlew Street resident, said “many of us didn’t sleep as the water rose and it got really ugly out.”

Weber said “what has affected many, many other people throughout the island is the fact that the storm drains are broken.

The water is shooting out of the storm

drains.”

Weber has requested a timeline from the town of when the storm drains will be fixed. Weber said the broken storm drains have contributed to the loss of property on the island.

One homeowner on Curlew Street said he is looking to sell his home due to the flooding problems.

“This is nuts, we are selling,” he said.

Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt did not return a message seeking comment on the flooding or respond to a message seeking a response to the concerns of residents on Curlew Street. The town’s utilities department manager resigned earlier this month.

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 n Page 18

Donalds announces 2023 U.S. Service Academy nominations

SHERYL FISCHER

Flooding on Seminole Way on Fort Myers Beach early Sunday morning after heavy storms Saturday night/

CAROL NEWSAM

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

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

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

Those A schools included 12 elementary, three middle, two high schools and one K-8. The new additions to the A list included Gulf Elementary School, Edison Park Elementary School and Trafalgar Elementary School.

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

There were also 10 schools that improved their school

grade by one letter from the previous year. According to the district the most notable included G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School, Manatee Elementary School and Fort Myers Middle Academy, as they improved to a C grade, which will release them from state supervision.

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

According to the district they had an increase in its overall score by six points in the 2022-2023 school grades report. Under the new standards, the district maintains its B grade for the ninth consecutive year, but according to Bernier the district is on the path of becoming an A district.

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

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

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

With Florida being the first in the nation that transi-

tioned to progress monitoring from traditional high stakes testing, grades for the 2022-2023 school year serves as the baseline, therefore not carrying any negative consequences.

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

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

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

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

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

Nominations From page 18 Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. ∫ Jameson Stauffer (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy.

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

Students may apply for nomination to: (1) The U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; (2) The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; (3) The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; and/or (4) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, NY. Each December, Congressman Donalds works with his Academy

Nominations Advisory Board to interview and nominate outstanding students from across Florida's 19th Congressional District for an appointment to one of these service academies.

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

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Braden Johnson (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. ∫ Isabel Liu (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. ∫ James Spencer (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military

Page 19 n Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

18 Lee County public schools receive an ‘A’

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 n Page 20 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Package theft From page 4 ∫ Ship to store.

If purchasing an item from a retailer with a physical location near your home, consider shipping it there instead.

Retailers will require proof of purchase or identification before releasing packages they have received, and this is a sure way to avoid porch pirates. ∫ Use a security camera.

Installing a home security system with cameras or a camera-enabled doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible. Consider including a sign that specifically states that the residence is under surveillance. Even if a

package is stolen from your porch, the video evidence will help law enforcement track down the thieves (but be wary of the risk of Internet-connected devices and research before you purchase). ∫ Require a signature.

Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving a package, letting you take physical possession of the item as soon as it is delivered. While this option works well for those often at home, especially for expensive items, it may create difficulties in receiving packages if your schedule and the delivery service differ. Be sure to

check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts. ∫ Consider a package receiving service.

Some major retailers, such as Amazon, offer secure package-receiving locations away from your home that you can access with a key or code. Some independent businesses also specialize in this service, allowing you to designate a different delivery location for your packages and the ability to pick them up on your way home.

If you fear your package being stolen,

file a report with your local police department and the delivery company.

Depending on your delivery service, they may offer insurance or other policies to reimburse you for your losses. For more online shopping resources and tips, visit BBB.org/OnlineShopping.

Report scams to the BBB Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker.

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more information, visit https://www.bbb.org/.

WHAT TO DO

WHO TO SEE WEEK OF DECEMBER 20, 2023

VISIT US ONLINE FORTMYERSBEACHTALK.COM

‘Elf The Musical’ now playing at Broadway Palm —Page 22

Page 21 n Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

WHERE TO GO

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Town of Fort Myers Beach to host display

By NATHAN MAYBERG

T

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

he Town of Fort Myers Beach will host a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve that town officials are pledging will be one of the best in the region due to donations from a number of donors. The fireworks will be shot off from a barge near the Fort Myers Beach Pier in the Gulf of Mexico, at midnight Sunday night, Dec. 31.

The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed by Lee County to oncoming traffic from midnight to 1:30 a.m.

Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the southern end of the Island will remain open.

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt said the show is “going to be pretty spectacular,” crediting unnamed donors.

Jeff Hauge, director of Culture, Parks and

Recreation, said there have been “numerous anonymous donors” for the fireworks this year totaling approximately $55,000. Hauge said the town will expend only a small portion of the amount it has budgeted for the fireworks.

Hauge said it will be “one of the best shows in Southwest Florida.” Hauge said Zambelli Fireworks will shoot off the fireworks from a barge.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach recommends visitors consider using public transportation options offered by LeeTran. The county’s free open-air trams will extend service until 1 a.m. from Bowditch Point Park to the beach library.

LeeTran’s Route 410 bus service from Bowditch Point Park to Lovers Key State Park will extend service times to 1 a.m. Jan. 1, following the fireworks festivities, the Town of Fort Myers Beach announced.

insidetoday Pet Pals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Route 490 which travels between Times Square and the Beach Park and Ride at 11101 Summerlin Square Drive will run its normal service until the last departure off the beach around 10:35 p.m. At that time, a shuttle service will start from the Main Street Park & Ride (at the foot of the Matanzas Pass Bridge) to the Beach Park and Ride until 1 a.m. Jan. 1, following the fireworks festivities. Riders seeking transportation from the beach to the Beach Park and Ride after 10:35 p.m. will need to walk over the bridge to the Main Street Park and Ride to catch a shuttle to the Beach Park and Ride.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach prohibits personal fireworks displays and prohibits open containers of alcohol outside the boundaries of Times Square.

There will be live music at Bayside Park during the day on Sunday, Dec. 31.

Sports & Recreation . . . . .26

What’s Happening . . . . . . .24

Registration open for antique car owners Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host its annual Antique Ford Car Show, Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each year, classic car owners exhibit their cars on the Ford estate lawn as a tribute to Henry Ford, the pioneer of the automobile industry. Antique Mustangs, Thunderbirds, Model Ts and others will be on display.

During the car show, there will be a DJ on site playing music, and food trucks will have refreshments available for purchase. Visitors can also tour the gardens, museum, laboratory and see the historic homes. The site includes more than 20 acres of botanical gardens along the Caloosahatchee River with plants and trees from all around the world.

This family event is free for Edison Ford members or $25 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased on the website at EdisonFord.org or at the ticket counter (purchase tickets for the self-guided tour, which includes the grounds where the car show is held).

Antique car owners wanting to participate can register their car (any Ford model, 1980 or older) for display in the show at EdisonFord.org before Jan. 27. Car registration is $30 for the first car, and $15 for each additional car and includes the self-guided tour, museum and laboratory. For more information, contact the marketing department at 239-334-7419.

PHOTO PROVIDED Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Visitors attend the Antique Car Show at Edison Blvd., Fort Myers. and Ford Winter Estates.

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

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

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

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

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

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 n Page 22

Edison and Ford Winter Estates to host Annual Antique Ford Car Show Feb. 3

Christmas Eve service to be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church PHOTO PROVIDED

Bring some ‘Buddy’ you love to ‘Elf The Musical’ at Broadway Palm This holiday season, Broadway Palm brings you the most magical gift of all; the smash hit ELF The Musical now playing through Dec. 25. Based on the popular film, this charming and whimsical musical comedy will spread holiday cheer for all to hear!

The New York Times says ELF The Musical is “Splashy, Peppy, Sugar-Sprinkled Holiday Entertainment!”

This hilarious musical comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Buddy, a young orphan, crawls into Santa's bag and winds up in the North Pole where he is raised, unaware that he is

human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to discover his true identity. This modern day holiday classic is sure to bring out the true spirit of Christmas….after all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Tickets are $70 to $95 with group and children’s prices available. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

St. Peter Lutheran Church will hold a Christmas Eve service on Fort Myers BEach for the public on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 9 a.m. under the tent in the parking lot of the church property at 3751 Estero Blvd on Fort Myers Beach. Pastor Bill Stehr will lead the congregation and attendees in worship.

St. Peter practices an open table and the service will include communion. Musicians will be playing music including a few Christmas carols, the church announced.

The service is expected to last about 45 minutes and anybody in the public is welcome to attend. The service is being organized in collaboration with Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church and Beach United Methodist Church.

The churches have been collaborating on a weekly tent service every Sunday in the parking lot of St. Peter Lutheran Church at 3751 Estero Blvd. The church was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian. For more information, call the church office at 239463-4251 or visit the St. Peter Lutheran Church website at www.stpeterfmb.com to find the current bulletin and link to the YouTube page of the congregation.

Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed on Dec. 22 and 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The county's holiday schedule adjustments are as follows: ∫ Domestic animal services The Lost & Found Pet Center and Pet Adoption Center, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed on Dec. 23. Normal hours will resume on Dec. 26. Should you be separated from your pet, check the lost pet pages on social media.

Call 239-533-7387 to complete a missing pet alert and keep an eye on www.leelostpets.com. ∫ LeeTran There will be no bus, trolley, Ultra on-demand or Passport services on Dec. 25. Normal service will resume on Dec. 26. Administrative offices at LeeTran’s

headquarters on Metro Parkway will be closed on Dec. 22. For specific route and schedule information, visit www.rideleetran.com. ∫ Parks & Recreation Beaches, boat ramps, parks and preserves will remain open from Dec. 22-25. Pools will be closed from Dec. 23-26; normal hours will resume on Dec. 27. The administration office will be closed on Dec. 22 and 25; normal hours will resume on Dec. 26. The recreation centers — North Fort Myers, Veterans and Estero — will be closed from Dec. 23 to Jan. 7 for scheduled annual maintenance; they will reopen on Jan. 8. For alternative parks sites, visit www.leeparks.org. ∫ Solid waste All garbage, recycling and yard waste collections in

unincorporated Lee County, the city of Bonita Springs and town of Fort Myers Beach will take place one day after the regularly scheduled collection day for the entire week beginning on Dec. 26. If the regular collection day is Monday, the collection truck will pick up that material on Tuesday.

Christmas trees that have had the stand and all lights and decorations removed, including tinsel, can be set out with regular yard waste and will be ground into mulch. All wrapping paper, except metallic, is recyclable — along with all the boxes. Plastic ribbons and bows are not recyclable.

Solid Waste offices and the Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex will be closed on Dec. 22 and 25. The Resource Recovery Facility in Buckingham will be closed on Dec. 25, but open on Dec. 22-23. The LeeHendry Landfill and the LaBelle Transfer Station will be open on Dec. 22 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 23 from 7 a.m. to noon.

Six Mile Cypress Slough 2024 Digital Photo Contest is Underway

2023 Grand Prize Winning Photo by Pat Lonergan the Grand Prize. youths ages 17 and under to participate for Hoping to foster a greater love and appre- free. The entry cost for adults is $15. ciation of nature and conservation among Winning entries are on display at the young people, the Friends group is allowing Slough Interpretive Center, which is open

daily except Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free with paid parking. The photos also can be viewed on the Friends website. Winning photos from previous years, dating back to 2010, are on the website.

Last year, a total of 263 photos were submitted by 89 different entrants. The 2023 Grand Prize photo, taken by Pat Lonergan, was of a bobcat on the Slough boardwalk.

The Friends organization is a nonprofit citizens group that provides support for the Slough’s staff and volunteers.

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 yearround. Others, like migrating birds and butterflies, use the Slough as a feeding area or a winter home. The Slough is managed by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Lee County Community Band to present Broadway Spectacular Jan. 14

PHOTO PROVIDED

The legendary Lee County Community Band will present Broadway Spectacular, a lively, funfilled, free concert on Sunday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. at Mariner High School, Cape Coral.

The program includes Highlights from Jersey Boys, Camelot, Gershwin Classics, Highlights from My Fair Lady, and West Side Story Selections, plus solos featuring vocalists Fred Lamb and Jan Fenn.

The 55-member adult band performs six concerts between November and April. Programs reflect the band’s well-

earned reputation for lively, upbeat music and promise an entertaining mix of familiar tunes, energetic marches, Broadway and Silver Screen hits, and much more.

The band includes musicians from all walks of life who reside in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties and welcomes new members every year.

Persons interested in joining may phone 239-6009052.

Lee County Community Band concerts are open to the public and free of charge, although

the band relies on donations from patrons and audience members to meet its expenses. Additional concert dates are Feb. 14, March 10, and April 7. All concerts will be at Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd., North, Cape Coral, beginning at 3 p.m.

An institution in Southwest Florida, the band enjoys a large, loyal, and enthusiastic audience at every concert. Plan to arrive early for best choice of seating.

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org.

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Entries are now being accepted for the Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve 2024 Photo Contest. The deadline is Jan. 31, 2024.

The contest is limited to amateur photographers only and, for the first time, 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.

Registration and entry submissions should be made on the Friends website, www.sloughpreserve.org “Through your camera’s lens, we invite you to capture the essence of the flora and fauna that call this preserve home,” said Sabine Vandenhende, president of the nonprofit Friends organization. “Embrace the challenge and share your artistic vision as we join together to preserve, protect, and honor this natural jewel through the art of photography.”

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

Page 23 n Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

County reports on schedule for upcoming holiday

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 n Page 24 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

WHAT’S HAPPENING Fort Myers Camera Club resumes bi-monthly meetings Photographers at all levels of ability throughout Lee County are invited to the regular bi-monthly meetings of the Fort Myers Camera Club. Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month (from Nov. 1 to April 3) from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Meetings are held at the All Faiths Church, 2736 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Annual dues for membership are $30. Novices are welcome and mentoring is available. Various speakers at the meetings cover topics such as critiquing, competition, and instruction.

See ftmyerscc.com website or email carolheff23@gmail.com for additional information about the Camera Club.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet returns to Fort Myers Dec. 29 NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Dec. 29.

This year marks the 31st annual North American tour of this beloved family tradition, created by world-renowned ballet virtuosos, that brings together and illuminates the finest in the field. The 2023 production showcases a record number of international talent, starring principal dancers from the great opera houses of Ukraine and 40 world-class artists from Japan, Italy, Turkey, and more.

This year holds exciting surprises as it introduces a fresh character and incorporates innovative new choreography that blends classical ballet with cutting-edge circus techniques. One of the highlights is the inclusion of a talented Cyr Wheel artist, adding an intriguing element to the performance.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is renowned for Broadway-level productions and with the best theatrical designers from around the world featuring the artistry of scenic designers, prop builders, and puppeteers from Czechoslovakia, South Africa, Chuvash, St Petersburg, and New York. The show’s marionettes, crafted in the image of the Nutcracker’s beloved characters Clara, Drosselmeyer, Kissy Doll, and Harlequin, were created by Petre Puppeteer using 3-D modeling and printing. The flock of doves were created by South African creature builder and puppeteer Roger Titley, of War Horse fame, who also created the production’s firebird and peacock that appear in Act II. The current reimagination of the animal puppets were designed by the legendary Nino Novellino and built by America’s finest craftsmen using modern, light-weight techniques.

The ballet also features exquisite costumes by Arthur Oliver, and hand painted drops by Scenic Designer Carl Sprague, frequent concept illustrator for filmmaker Wes Anderson. The final spectacle and centerpiece of the last act features a Christmas tree, hand crafted by European artisans, that grows to 100 feet.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nutcracker.com. Special pricing is available for groups. Call 800-320-1733 or email groups@nutcracker.com.

Southwest Florida Symphony performs with renowned crossover violinist Charles Yang for “Beethoven No. 5 and the British Invasion” on Jan. 6 The Southwest Florida Symphony, the only professional orchestra in Lee County and fourth oldest orchestra in the state, is excited to announce Grammy awardwinning artist Charles Yang will perform the second Masterworks concert of the season on Saturday, Jan. 6.

“Beethoven No. 5 and the British Invasion” begins at 7:30 p.m. at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Yang, a renowned violinist, will perform as Maestro Radu Paponiu leads one of Beethoven’s most well-known symphonic pieces and the most recognizable piece of classical music in history, “Symphony No. 5 in

C minor,” as well as a mix of classical and contemporary favorites such as “Blackbird” by the Beatles, “House of the Rising Sun” by the Animals, “Tzigane” by Maurice Ravel, “Csárdás” by Vittorio Monti and “Entr’acte” by famed composer Caroline Shaw.

As part of the symphony’s signature series, patrons will also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive preconcert lecture prior to the show led by Yang and Paponiu, including a Q&A session, to enhance the concert experience and provide insights into the pieces being performed. The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m.

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

‘Celebration in the Sky’ largest fireworks show in Southwest Florida, comes to Seminole Casino Hotel Jan. 13 Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will light up the sky with “Celebration in the Sky,” Saturday, Jan. 13, at 9 p.m. The fireworks display will be choreographed to lights and a custom soundtrack. Violinist Timothee Lovelock, who is nationally recognized for his one-ofa-kind violin and DJ shows, will perform.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive early.

Parking at Seminole Casino Hotel will be limited, with clearly identified overflow parking nearby. All ages are welcome and admission is free. Guests should bring their own chairs to the viewing area for the show. Food and beverage options will be available for purchase at the event.

“Celebration in the Sky” is the largest land-based fireworks show in Southwest Florida. The show is produced by Zambelli Fireworks, one of the largest fireworks companies in the world. A traditional outdoor Zambelli Fireworks production is a complete sensory experience unlike anything else! Zambelli’s productions are some of the largest in the world, and their displays include a variety of shells and high-intensity multi-shot devices that awe and inspire.

For more information, call toll-free 800-218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/Seminole CasinoHotel/.

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is at 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee.

Reading is Fundamental launches third annual nationwide reading engagement initiative ‘Rally to Read 100’ Reading Is Fundamental, the nation’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit, announced today the launch of the third annual Rally to Read 100 (RallytoRead.org) — a six-month initiative that runs began Oct. 1 and runs to March 31, 2024 that is designed to inspire the joy of reading and motivate children to read, starting with a pledge to read 100 books.

Building on the success of last year’s event, in which over 800,000 books were pledged to be read, RIF will once again unite classrooms and communities across the country with a reading initiative anchored on monthly themes and supported with a diverse lineup of author read-alouds. There will also be a book collection sweepstakes, a variety of engaging reading activities for the home and school (some of which are in Spanish), plus a live virtual event hosted at a New York Barnes & Noble to celebrate Read Across America Day in March 2024.

All of the free literacy resources and activities are available at RallytoRead.org.

Each month during the six-month campaign, a featured read-aloud from exclusive publishing partner Penguin Random House and specially selected Barnes & Noble Storytime Picks will be shared from notable and diverse authors and illustrators, including Peter H. Reynolds (“All You Need Is Love and a really soft pillow”), Jason Reynolds (“There Was a Party for Langston”), Misty Copeland (“Bunheads”), and Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett (“Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective”). For elementary school classrooms and libraries, RIF is bringing back the Rally to Read book sweepstakes, giving away 10,000 diverse books in which elementary school educators have the chance to win 100 high-quality books for their school or youthserving organization.

Seminole Casino Hotel to host The Lalas Burlesque, a hilarious and sexy classic rock-themed show Feb. 2 Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes back the best-ever burlesque review: The Lalas Burlesque Show Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $44 and are available now from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com.

The Lalas are the best in burlesque, with a show that is equally hilarious and sexy. The show is perfect for date night, girls’ night out, or just to see some empowered women rock the stage during 75 minutes of classic rock and blues music, perfectly choreographed dance moves, and fringe galore. The Los Angeles-based women on stage are all full-time working pros in the biz. No two shows are ever alike, so audiences are always in for a treat!

For more information, call toll-free 800-218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/Seminole CasinoHotel/.

Legendary Musician Willie Nelson to perform live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Feb. 7 Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes country music icon Willie Nelson live in concert Wednesday, Feb. 7, with gates opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets for this outdoor concert start at $49.50 and are available from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com Parking is free.

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is at 506 South 1st St., Immokalee.

Platinum-Selling Country Artist Aaron Lewis to take the Stage at Seminole Casino Hotel Feb. 8 Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes #1 Billboard country artist Aaron Lewis performing live Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 with gates opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. General admission tickets for this outdoor concert are $39.50. VIP tickets start at $54.50 per ticket and include reserved seating and two complimentary drinks (beer, wine or soda). Tickets will be available Friday from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. Parking is free.

Having recorded with George Jones, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill, Lewis has put a traditionalist brand on his outlier country. His latest album, “Frayed At Both Ends,” offers the hard touring, 15million selling workingman’s country star at his most personal and unplugged, making for an intimate record that reflects his 2024 acoustic tour.

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is at 506 South 1st St., Immokalee.

Tickets on sale now for The Price is Right Live Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will play host to The Price is Right Live interactive stage show Tuesday, April 30, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $65 and are available from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. Special VIP Packages also are available. Parking is free.

Get ready to “Come on Down” and join the excitement as we bring the legendary television game show The Price Is Right to life in an unforgettable live event! Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the show, this is your chance to be a part of the action and win incredible prizes.

Alongside our Celebrity Host, randomly selected contestants play everyone’s favorite games like Plinko, Cliffhangers, The Big Wheel and even the fabulous Showcase. The show features an array of fantastic prizes, from appliances and electronics to dream vacations and even a brand-new car. Lucky audience members can even win prizes right from their seat.

Playing to near sold-out audiences for more than 20 years, generations of fans across America have made The Price is Right Live the perfect family entertainment experience. And the next contestant might be you! If you’ve See WHAT’S HAPPENING, page 26

Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue Holiday Wishes!

Help two sisters! In a shelter and have only a few days!

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

Wilma and Betty Hayden

Hayden

Betty is a 2-year-old female terrier that weighs 21 pounds. If you can help these two little ones please text or call Isabelle at 239-281-0739 Thanks.

Help Hayden and give her a home for the holidays.

Hayden was a stray and running the street of Fort Myers blind and deaf (probably 80%) and ended up in the shelter where she could not stay (too scary for her). She is appropriately 4 years old and weighs 60 pounds. Her special need will not stop her from being a lovable pet. I met her and she came to me right away, tail wagging and wanted kisses. As you can see she wants your touch. Would make a great companion. Hayden is very smart and listens very well. She would love a fenced yard. She has never been tested with cats and children. Crate trained she would adapt very quickly in a home and loves bully sticks. Call 239-281-0739.

Follow us on Facebook at Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue and see all the amazing pets we saved these past few months

Please note our new PO Box #864, Bonita Springs, Fl 34133 You can also make a donation at www.findahomegiveahome.com using the donation tab using PayPal Please make sure you do it through “Friends and Family” so there is no fee and all the donation comes to us directly.

Save Our Strays Feline Rescue Fort Myers Beach

Two beautiful part maine coon kittens need home

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com Founder of Save Our Strays Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach

Kiki and Simon are 8month-old kittens that are very special. Both have long hair and are very sweet and affectionate. They love attention and being held. You can see the maine coon in their faces. If you would like to meet them, please call 239-851-3485 to schedule an appointment.

We also have lots of kittens for adoption and could use fosters. If you are able to foster any, please call 239-8513485. We are involved with a situation where the cats were not being fixed and now there are more than 30 inside and 50 outside so help is needed. We are getting the adults fixed and so far have done at least

30. Funds are also needed to help feed all these cats and kittens that we are rescuing for adoption. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 5014, Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33932.

Volunteers are so needed to feed the few survivors from Ian that are on the island and nearby. Please call 239-851-3485 if you can help even once or twice a week. It would be greatly appreciated.

We are no longer getting the cat donations from the Majestic Palms Pet Supermarket off San Carlos Boulevard. They are being given to other entities so please do not leave donations at that store for Save Our Strays. Please leave at the College Parkway store at U.S. 41 and College or at the rescue on Fort Myers Beach. We hope to have a donation box set up on the beach soon.

Visit our website at SaveOurStraysfmb.org Check out our facebook page Save our Strays Feline Rescue Email us at saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com. Cat donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 5014, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Wilma and Betty were found as strays together. They were found hiding under a trailer. They are very bonded and completely frightened in the shelter environment. They both stare with big wide eyes and shiver and retreat when someone wants to pet them.

Wilma Neither are leash trained and both have to be carried to be moved anywhere.

Both of these girls need someone who can allow them to decompress and teach them how to be social dogs. Wilma is a 2-year-old brindle terrier that weighs 25 pounds and Betty

Page 25 n Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

PET PALS

Island pets seeking forever homes

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 n Page 26 Fort Myers Beach Observer

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

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

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

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

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

Florida panthers are native to the state, with the majority of panthers found south of Lake Okeechobee.

Florida panthers are listed as an Endangered Species under the federal Endangered Species Act. There are approximately 120-230 adult panthers in the population.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cost is $35 to participate in the run.

For more information or to sign up, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/FortMyers/FloridaSouthWesternSta teCollege5KGlowRun.

Local Red Sox scholarship application open The Boston Red Sox Foundation will award $5,000 scholarships in the spring to one deserving student from each of the 15 public high schools in Lee County. Lee County charter and ALS schools are also included with one $5,000 scholarship to be awarded, for a total of 16 scholarships worth $80,000.

The scholarships are for academically talented students who have shown a commitment to community service and are pursuing a two- or four-year degree at any college or university.

Scholarship funds are raised annually from proceeds of the Red Sox annual Swings for the Sox Golf Tournament. To date, it has raised $530,000 for the scholarship program.

Applications are open at https://www.redsoxfoundation.org/leecountyscholarship/.

Applications should be submitted to flscholarships@redsox.com.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 12.

who raise their grades to an acceptable range and maintain or continue to raise them from one grading period to the next, and other local club sponsored youth service projects.

Schools that have been supported by the club’s BUG program include Littleton Elementary, Rayma C. Page Elementary and Orangewood Elementary.

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

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

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

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

What’s Happening From page 24 ever dreamt of spinning the Big Wheel, now is your chance! Look for our special packages, where you can join us on stage and give the Big Wheel the spin you’ve always wanted!

The Price is Right remains network television’s #1 daytime series and the longest-running game show in television history. As a beloved piece of American pop culture, “Price” and its games are cherished by generations of

viewers. This live travelling stage show version offers fans the chance to make dreams come true and relive feelings of nostalgia, while experiencing the same thrilling excitement of winning big, up close, locally and in-person.

For more information, follow The Price Is Right Live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/priceisrightlive), Twitter (https://twitter.com/TPIRLIVE) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/priceisrightlive/).

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help.

Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www.SouthFloridaAl-Anon.org. Meetings are held every day in Lee County.

Al-Ateen meetings are also offered for ages 10-18.

The Fort Myers Beach Observer & Beach Bulletin welcomes news from our community!

Send news tips & releases to news@breezenewspapers.com

With holiday shopping and the replacement of old electronics, Lee County Solid Waste reminds residents of the importance of proper electronic device disposal, and to be aware of proper battery disposal.

Computers, all computer components, printers, copiers, scanners and televisions can either be disposed of in the regular garbage or brought to the Household Chemical Waste Facility, 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers.

Household alkaline batteries, AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt and button batteries can be disposed of in your regular garbage can. Any other type of battery (rechargeable, nickel-cadmium, automotive, lithium-ion, lead-acid) should be recycled at the Household Chemical Waste Facility on Topaz Court.

Lee County Solid Waste reminds residents that an increasing number of products contain lithium-ion batteries, which can be hazardous when disposed improperly.

Lithium-ion batteries are found in the following common products: ∫ Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops,

tablets and Bluetooth devices ∫ Power tools ∫ Remote car keys ∫ Vaping devices ∫ Game controllers ∫ Digital cameras

∫ Portable power packs ∫ Greeting cards ∫ Electric toothbrushes ∫ Toys ∫ Medical equipment ∫ Smoke/Fire/Carbon monoxide detectors ∫ E-bikes, e-scooters and hover boards “The holiday season can be a time when our facilities see an increase in electronic waste disposal,” Solid Waste Director Doug Whitehead said. “While our residents are enjoying all their new household electronics, we ask that they take a moment to be aware of proper disposal of replaced electronic items, particularly those with rechargeable batteries.”

Visit LeeGov.com/SolidWaste/Dispose for more information.

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

American Legion Riders ‘Winter Stamping Tour’ under way Bonita Springs had catastrophic damage.

The book includes 63 participating businesses. Any time a person visits one of these businesses with their book, they can get it stamped. No purchase is necessary.

At the end of the four months if you have at least 10 businesses “stamped,” you can mail in the booklet and have a chance to win up to $500.

Legion Riders are a part of the American Legion Family which also includes the Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion. Together they support Veterans in need, community organizations and youth programs.

To locate a Post where you can purchase a booklet go to www.floridalegion.org/findpost/ . Follow the tour on Facebook at “District 13 Winter Stamping Tour.”

Post 90 Cape Coral is at 1401 S.E. 47th Street in Cape Coral.

PHOTO PROVIDED

American Legion Riders Mike Flower and “ET” Moore get ready to head out on the tour.

‘Archaic Sites In Florida and Their Association With Shell Tools’ presentation

SHELL POINT

Shell Point introduces 3-D virtual tour Shell Point recently unveiled a 3-D virtual tour for Vista Cay, its collection of 59 new luxury independent living residences within the Island neighborhood in Fort Myers.

Visitors can explore floor by floor, using the tour's interactive elements

to select their ideal residence from 15 distinct floorplans, which range from 1,500 to 2,700 square feet and include lofts, midrise residences and penthouse residences.

A social room and terrace on the first floor will enhance life with space for special gatherings and

events.

Experience the tour at https://tour.meetvistacay.org/. A gallery of detailed renderings complements the tour, showcasing the building's designed living spaces and communal areas.

The Southwest Florida Archaeological Society is pleased to announce a presentation on Archaic Sites In Florida and Their Association With Shell Tools. The presentation will be held Wednesday, Jan, 17, at 7 p.m., at the IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers.

This is a free public program.

About the Presentation Lightning whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum, once known as Busycon perversum) has been integral to the lives of some Native People throughout eastern North America since at least the Archaic, having been used as tools for woodworking and other tasks, as bowls and cups, as ornamentation like beads and gorgets, and as a symbolic representation of the cosmos. It was so important due to its leftward-spiraling columella and spire, mimicking the spiral arms of the Milky Way galaxy, as it is believed by some Native Peoples that movement to the left keeps this Middle World in balance. Population studies have shown that the majority of this type of mollusk in Florida can be found between Charlotte Harbor and the Ten Thousand Islands region, drawing people from the north and Midwest to south Florida, even in antiquity.

The Archaic and Early Woodland were times of extensive resource movement, and

places such as Indian Knoll, Kentucky, Tick Island, Florida, and Poverty Point, Louisiana saw massive influxes of both people and exotic resources. Lightning whelk can be found in archaeological contexts in every eastern U.S. state and even into parts of southern Canada, even though the shell was most often obtained from the Gulf of Mexico, as chemical sourcing and spire angle studies have shown. Important though it was, additional "exotic" resources traveled alongside the whelk: mica, pearls, yaupon holly, steatite, copper, and greenstone among others, often deposited in the same places and all described as being symbolic of the Milky Way. This presentation will highlight the role that lightning whelk has played over the millennia and will provide hypothetical routes of travel for whelk and its travelling companions, even including canines. It is believed by some Native Peoples that dogs act as guides for transition to the Upper World, leading their companions through the cosmos to reunite with those lost before.

Next time you admire the intricate perfection of a lightning whelk’s spire while walking the shoreline here in southwest Florida, just know that you are among a long line of people to do so, stretching back untold millennia.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

How would you like to support our veterans while patronizing businesses that you probably already frequent? Now you can.

American Legion Post 90 Cape Coral is part of a charity “Winter Stamping Tour” that started on Nov. 1 and runs until Feb 28, 2024.

The American Legion Riders of Florida’s District 13, of which Post 90 in Cape Coral is a part, includes 17 Legion Posts in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry Counties. Legion Riders have visited businesses all over the area and signed them up to be a sponsor. For $100 a business gets a coupon in a “stamp passport booklet.” These booklets are available to Legion members and the public for $10.

Money raised will be used to help American Legion Posts in Lee County that were severely damaged by hurricane Ian to repair and rebuild. Many Posts suffered storm damage, but four Posts, Fort Myers Beach, Port Charlotte, Sanibel/Captiva, and

Page 27 n Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Lee County Solid Waste reminds residents to properly dispose of electronics and batteries this holiday season

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 n Page 28

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

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Observer 12/20/23

Observer 12/20/23