122024 Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Planning to travel for the holiday? Leave early

“Travelers

Debbie Haas,

president

T h a t

Annual event to set sail Saturday

By CJ HADDAD

com

holiday tradition that spans decades in Cape Coral and epitomizes the holiday season in Florida hits the water this weekend The annual Holiday Boat-a-Long sets

Will add 18,000 square feet, high school classes, to campus

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

A Cape Coral school broke ground last Friday on an expansion facility that will serve more youth while providing a stateof-the-art environment for faith-based education

Christian Life Academy will add a new, 1

Southwest 20th Ave , projecting it to become the largest private Christian school in Cape Coral upon its completion CLA officials said the day marked a significant milestone, as they aim to provide a high caliber of faith-based, collegepreparatory education to families in the Cape The new campus will also see an extension of years students can stay within CLA, as it will serve students until the 12th grade level

This most recent groundbreaking was for the first of three phases, with Phase 1 expected to be completed by August of 2025

Phase 1 will entail an 18-classroom building that will allow CLA to serve students from infancy through 12th grade,

Longtime director of Starlight Auction honored

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

Betty Hughes can tell you more about the growth of the Animal Refuge Center and the Starlight Auction than just about anyone After all, she’s been involved with the organization and event since just about the beginning

After serving nearly 25 years as a member of the ARC Board of Trustees, Hughes will be retiring from her position on the board, where she has been their treasurer and chairperson for the fundraiser

She was honored recently at the auction’s 30th anniversary event for her work in bringing ARC to the status it has today, as the largest no-kill shelter in Southwest Florida

When Hughes joined the board in 2000, there was a possibility the auction would be cancelled, as it had only raised about $10,000 the first few years

Hughes took over the event and it quickly grew, getting community partners and local businesses involved This year, the goal was to raise $300,000

Thanks to people like Hughes, ARC has reached the potential very few people thought it had all those years ago when it bought 22 acreson Old Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers Hughes believes there is even more potential for the shelter

Hughes, who hesitates to receive the spotlight, received a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd during the auction, as well as recognition from fellow board members, president Wayne Leinen and vice president Rob Spicker

“There are things she does that just aren’t noticed It’s always on her mind to help the Animal Refuge Center and this event is one of those,” Spicker said “She devotes 365 days a year to raising this money at this fundraiser ”

Spicker’s parents adopted a pet from ARC when he was a child and later, his children started volunteering there Spicker, who worked at WINK-TV at the time, was asked by Hughes to emcee the auction, and later invited to the board

and to foster cats

Leinen said she met Hughes at an adoption event at Petco She mentioned the need for a new board member and when Leinen responded “That’s nice,” he was instantly recruited and refusal was not an option

“Betty has been the anchor of the board regardless of there being a vice president or president other than her,” Leinen said “She’s been my friend, my mentor She’s taught me how to lead and grow donors and we will miss her at board meetings ” Hughes was given a plaque for her years of service and, while hesitant to speak, said her work for ARC has been the most wonderful thing she had done

“It’s been the most amazing privilege to be involved with ARC for 25 years I’m not sure if ARC will ever leave my heart and why bother It’s an amazing place It’s grown because of people like you I love you as much as I love the cats and dogs," she said

Overall, it was a great night ARC President Wayne Leinen said it was a phenomenal success, in large part due to Hughes

“It was by far the most successful auction we’ve ever had That's due in large part by the tribute to Betty Hughes and her commitment over the years,” Leinen said “We intended for this to be her swan song for stepping off the board and she’s been the anchor for this auction nearly the entire time It tied together nicely

Hughes is not walking away from ARC entirely She will continue to chair the Starlight Auction and help out wherever she can

Hughes said it was a humbling experience being feted for her years of service

“It’s always been a humbling, fulfilling experience to be involved with ARC But the outpouring of love tonight, I know it’s a record night, I’m frankly speechless,” Hughes said. “I always saw the potential in ARC When I interviewed and saw the passion in that room, I wanted to be a part of it

CHUCK BALLARO

Animal Refuge Center president Wayne Leinen, Betty Hughes, outgoing treasurer, and Rob Spicker, ARC vice president, during ARC’s recent 30th annual Starlight Auction at the Sanibel Harbour Resort. Hughes received a plaque to commemorate her years of service to the organization.

CAPE CORAL BREE ZE

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher

VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor

2510 Del Prado Blvd • Cape Coral, FL, 33904

• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693

Member Florida Press Association

Holiday miracles

e n t t r a d i t i o n s b u t t h e y d o h a v e

s o m e t h i n g i n c o m m o n : B o t h m a r k m i r a c l e s o f f a i t h .

F o r C h r i s t i a n s , C h r i s t m a s c e l e b r a t e s t h e b i r t h o f a

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

v i d e a p a t h t o r e d e m p t i o n a n d r e c o n c i l i a t i o n w i t h G o d

F o r J e w s , H a n u k k a h m a r k s t h e l i b e r a t i o n o f

J e r u s a l e m a f t e r a r e b e l l i o n l e d b y t h e M a c c a b e e s a g a i n s t t h e S e l e u c i d E m p i r e , t h e r e d e d i c a t i o n o f t h e h o l y t e m p l e

a n d a s i n g l e d a y ’ s s u p p l y o f p u r e o i l t h a t n o n e t h e l e s s b u r n e d f o r e i g h t d a y s , a v i r t u a l F e s t i v a l o f L i g h t s

C h r i s t m a s c e l e b e r a t e s t h e b i r t h o f J e s u s , a s t h e N e w

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

s h o u l d b e t a x e d

( A n d t h i s t a x i n g w a s f i r s t m a d e w h e n C y r e n i u s w a s

g o v e r n o r o f S y r i a )

A n d a l l w e n t t o b e t a x e d , e v e r y o n e i n t o h i s o w n c i t y

A n d J o s e p h a l s o w e n t u p f r o m G a l i l e e , o u t o f t h e c i t y o f

N a z a r e t h , i n t o J u d a e a , u n t o t h e c i t y o f D a v i d , w h i c h i s c a l l e d B e t h l e h e m ; ( b e c a u s e h e w a s o f t h e h o u s e a n d l i n -

e a g e o f D a v i d : )

T o b e t a x e d w i t h M a r y h i s e s p o u s e d w i f e , b e i n g g r e a t

w i t h c h i l d

A n d s o i t w a s , t h a t , w h i l e t h e y w e r e t h e r e , t h e d a y s

w e r e a c c o m p l i s h e d t h a t s h e s h o u l d b e d e l i v e r e d .

A n d s h e b r o u g h t f o r t h h e r f i r s t b o r n s o n , a n d w r a p p e d

h i m i n s w a d d l i n g c l o t h e s , a n d l a i d h i m i n a m a n g e

See EDITORIAL, page 23

DECEMBER 20, 2024

The silencing of Clean Water advocates

In southwest Florida, where the Caloosahatchee River empties into Pine Island Sound and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico, three citizen advocates for clean water are facing crippling retaliatory financial penalties from their local government

For Dan Carney, Jim Collier and Kevin Sparks being able to cast a line in the waters off Cape Coral is what brought them to buy a home and relocate to the community.

“Access to world-class fishing and the environment that supports it,” Dan Carney told the City Council is what motivated him to move to Cape Coral Jim Collier told the Council that he and his wife Cheryl “ have a 20-year history in Cape Coral supporting wildlife and water quality ” Cheryl runs the Butterfly House at Rotary Park; Jim was chairperson of the Waterway Advisory Board Kevin Sparks noted that he is also “a lifelong fisherman Fishing is what brought me to Cape Coral ”

Guest Commentary

The three joined with the Matlacha Civic Association, Calusa Waterkeeper, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation to challenge the removal of the Chiquita Lock on the Caloosahatchee

The lock was designed to force water from a portion of the city’s canals to be filtered first through mangroves before

reaching the Caloosahatchee, Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, around Sanibel Island and into the Gulf

The city has been trying to remove the lock for years It was never clear whether the city was responding to anything more than boaters who had to suffer the inconvenience of waiting to pass through the lock, slowing their access to open waters Ironically, the city’s chronic neglect and failure to maintain (or upgrade) the lock made it less effective for both navigation and environmental protection

The effort to secure a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection to remove the lock, in place since the 1980s, was denied in 2019 by an administrative law judge who ruled that the permit did not comply with permitting criteria, “particularly compliance with state surface water quality standards ”

The city lost due to concerns about how the removal of the lock would impact nutrient loading (thousands of pounds of nitrogen), saltwater intrusion, groundwater levels, the mangroves that protect homes from storm surge in hurricanes, and further exposure to discharges from Lake Okeechobee

See GUEST COMMENTARY, page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Mr. Hannon’s Commentary –Who runs Cape Coral?

To the editor:

Mr Hannon probably submitted his commentary to The Breeze before the Cape Coral City Council meeting of Dec 11 Mr Hannon states “The five new members of the Cape Coral City Council are on a fast track to find out who really runs Cape Coral: the Voters or the Administrative State ” Mr Hannon would like to paint the Cape Coral government as an Administrative State, or something evil

Several people have been attending city council meetings to try to persuade city council members to have the city attorney dismiss the recovery of legal fees from the Chiquita Lock litigation

The problem with Mr Hannon’s timing of his commentary is that in the Dec 11 City Council meeting City Council members, including newly elected members, voiced their thoughts

City Council members appreciated the emotional side of the attempt, but then added that they have a fiscal responsibility to all the citizens of Cape Coral and therefore they would support the judicial process moving forward They had also received many emails from citizens supporting going forward with the judicial process

Perhaps Mr Hannon would like anything but the judicial process to move forward because he may be personally liable for the legal fees the city stands to recover if the judge so rules

He talks about “Then again at the meeting (City Council) on Dec 4 the city attorney refused to allow equal time to the legal representative (Mr. Hannon) for the “Three Fishermen.”

The city attorney did not “recommend” that they engage in a discussion, which only makes sense because this is ongoing litigation in a court of law However, Mr Hannon was not censored, he went on to speak his opinion on several items regarding the litigation

Then, at the Dec 11 City Council meeting Mr Hannon attempted to speak again, but after the citizen input period had expired There is a three-minute allowance up to 60-minutes total for citizens to provide comments to the city council That time had expired, questions by city council members were then asked of the city manager and city attorney Mr Hannon then went to the podium to talk, ignoring that the time period for citizen input had expired The mayor had to tell him twice that the time had expired Anyone can see what actually happened by reviewing the City Council video

Mr Hannon then complains about the amount of legal and expert fees the city paid to defend this litigation What he doesn’t say is that the city offered opportunities for the plaintiffs to dismiss their case because they had no scientific evidence, and the city would not pursue legal fees if they did so Mr Hannon rejected the opportunities The city had to pay legal fees because Mr Hannon forced them to continue to defend the city, ultimately to trial

At one of the city’s offers for them to withdraw, Matlacha Civic Association, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, Calusa Waterkeeper, and Kathleen Walsh, Mr Hannon’s wife, withdrew from the litigation, but Mr Hannon convinced the three petitioners to continue

Administrative State, how about complete censorship? The city manager, Mike Ilczyszyn went to the Matlacha Civic Association meeting, as he did with Pine Island to explain what the city was doing to improve the waterways, Mr. Hannon states “the chairperson for the MCA meeting refused his request to speak ” If I’m not mistaken, Mr Hannon was the president of the Matlacha Civic Association during that time

I’ve lived here in Cape Coral for 23 years; I attended every deposition and the trial Our group wanted the lock removed because it was crushing and killing manatees I’m beginning to think that this Hannon guy does not like Cape Coral If this is about the environment, why doesn’t he bring litigation against Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Lee County, or the city of Fort Myers?

Ask who is the one who selected the two experts who offered no credible testimony? Who is the one who refused to withdraw the petition, and who got the petitioners into this mess?

Dennis Costello Cape Coral

A dive into environmental recklessness

To the editor:

Is peeing in the pool ever a good idea? Apparently, the city of Cape Coral thinks so Three fishermen do NOT

In the realm of public health and environmental management, few analogies are as striking as the act of relieving oneself in a pool Imagine a public swimming pool, brimming with laughter, splashes, and the refreshing promise of a cool escape from the heat Now, imagine the horror when someone decides to relieve themselves in that same pool The immedi-

See LETTERS, page 6

Mary Kay Robbins-Kralapp & Howard Simon

From page 4

ate reaction is revulsion, yet the aftermath is even more insidious: contamination that compromises the water for everyone, turning a communal gathering place into a source of potential illness This seemingly trivial act reverberates through the community, reminding us that individual decisions can have far-reaching consequences

Similarly, the recent decision by the city of Cape Coral to remove the Chiquita Lock mirrors this scenario in a much broader, environmental context and communities such as Fort Myers and Sanibel should take notice The Chiquita Lock has long served as a critical control point, maintaining the health of estuarine environments by regulating water flow and salinity levels When this control is removed, the delicate balance is altered, leading to environmental degradation that can have lasting consequences

The Three Fishermen, environmental advocates who challenged the permit for the Chiquita Lock’s removal, acted out of genuine concern for our community’s shared waterways They recognized that the health of their fishing grounds and the surrounding ecology is tied to the integrity of water management practices The city lost a previous lawsuit which reinforces this concern Their actions were not frivolous; rather, they represented a civic duty to protect the health of the livelihoods and the ecosystems we all depend upon

The Three Fishermen are dedicated to protecting our waters Their actions aimed to safeguard the ecosystems that sustain our livelihoods and preserve our resources Instead of burdening taxpayers with legal fees to target those who fight for the environment, the city of Cape Coral should invest in community-led conservation efforts that promote collaboration rather than division Protecting our natural resources is not just a passion to these three fishermen, but a shared responsibility, and the city of Cape Coral should prioritize dialog and partnership over legal battles that only serve to alienate those who care most about our waterways

There is an urgent need for a paradigm shift in how decisions are made that impact our environment As we navigate these complex relationships, it is imperative to recognize the importance of protecting our environment, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come

The Three Fishermen’s challenge is a clarion call to all of us: Every choice counts, and collective stewardship is essential for a healthy community Community decisions affect other communities; we”re all interconnected By targeting The Three Fishermen, the city of Cape Coral undermines the core values of community engagement and public responsibility that should be celebrated not punished

Michiale Schneider North Fort Myers

Floridians have a right to clean water

To the editor:

Regarding “Be Thankful You Don’t Live in Cape Coral,” a commentary published by the Florida Phoenix

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

concerning the city’s efforts to remove the Chiquita Lock and the challenge filed by a trio of anglers

This Cape Coral litigation exemplifies traditional environmental law where a win is usually followed by a loss Our own taxpayer dollars are used to silence those who disagree with the profiteering city and developers

In round one, Mike Hannon did a stellar job of assembling plaintiffs and expert witnesses to defeat permit issuance With permit application defects revealed the city knew where they failed and came again Mike did another fantastic job in round two but the game rules won out.

This process is repeated daily across the USA and permits are always assumed to be obtainable and issued It’s a rigged and fixed framework that needs broken We must follow a new paradigm of environmental protections That path leads us to Green Amendments with Rights-based protections either for natural ecosystems themselves aka Right of Nature laws or by giving ourselves the human inalienable right to clean, pollution free waters and air

Both efforts have gained effective traction here in Florida, first in Orange County in 2020, and now with the 2026 ballot initiative Floridarighttocleanwater org

Your signatures have the power to amend the state constitution in 2026 to create the law, the tool, the 16-pound hammer to break the traditional playground rules that the legislature and regulatory agencies use that have allowed decades of staged environmental degradation This new law will not happen without your efforts and support We need your time, tangible resources and financial support

State constitutional amendment efforts can cost hundreds of millions of dollars to succeed or even fail as we saw recently Marijuana and Abortion proponents spent over $200 million to fail because of the 60% approval threshold Floridarighttocleanwater org is very proud of our wholly grassroots, unpaid volunteers that collected 110,000 petitions with just a few thousand dollars; not the $10 million per 100k spent by the 2024 petitions campaigns Our volunteers are dedicated and focused on Clean Water and Wetlands protection Please join us to make a law that will alter traditional practices in Florida forever

We are constantly team building and seeking funding solutions and we need your help Everyone agrees clean water is the basis of life, our Florida lifestyles and our economy History will be made as we grow We need more boots on the ground committed to collecting 1,000 petitions per volunteer over the next year in 2025 It’s easy

1,000,000 signatures > > Clean Waters for Future Generations of Floridians.

Are you ready to end Tallahassee malfeasance? Sign the petition, share it , join our 400+ ambassadors and over 300 supporting organizations Let make it a reality in 2026

Capt Karl R Deigert, B Sc Pharmacy Chairman, FloridaRightToCleanWater.org

Attorney fees & the Chiquita Lock: A public mugging

To the editor:

The city of Cape Coral may ask for legal fees in the Chiquita Lock case They want the citizen-plaintiffs to pay

These fishermen were exercising their constitutional right “to petition for the redress of grievances ” They must not be punished for that Also, these millions of dollars are a selfinflicted wound by the city More specifically, it was the City Council itself that made the decision to farm out this pedestrian lawsuit to a fancy outside law firm instead of handling it inhouse

Maybe the individual council members who voted in favor of that should pay these princely fees out of their own pockets

Full budget transparency needed

To the editor:

I have sent the following to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners

Good afternoon Commissioners –

I read the article in which Commissioner Hamman proposed a Municipal Services Taxing Unit specifically to handle the County Sheriff’s budget

First, let me congratulate you for finally speaking out, after six long years, in some manner about the Sheriff, but then again there’s the proverbial line about sinking ships

Now, other than absolving the County Commissioners of any responsibility and adding more jobs at the taxpayers’ cost, what would this do that couldn’t be done by making all county budgets transparent down to line items? I understand your hesitancy/opposition given that to date the Commissioners and the Sheriff have shown both distaste and disdain for transparency.

Surely you have the apparatus in place to follow spending in real time which should make it quite easy to post the same where the taxpayers can access it EASILY

Commissioner Hamman stated that other departments have had to cut their budgets to accommodate the meteoric rise in the Sheriff’s budget Were any budgets actually cut or is it that the amount of increase asked for had to be cut?

“Chairman Kevin Ruane said it’s likely any ‘no’ vote by commissioners would meet a similar fate ” It’s hard to imagine any other answer from a Commissioner who has been the recipient of Sheriff Marceno’s PAC’s largess

At some point, someone may find a way to educate the voters about the folly of voting for politicians who have only their own interests at heart instead of the public interest to which they swore an oath

Awaiting your responses,

Guest Commentary: Penalizing residents for right to redress is wrong

From page 4

that carry toxic blue-green algae down the Caloosahatchee feeding red tide in the Gulf These concerns remain today

The city renewed its attempt to secure a permit from the DEP to remove the lock, this time employing the law firm of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P A , who maneuvered to keep the local environmental groups out of the case, so the fishermen were the only petitioners opposing the city’s application

This time, after numerous depositions and lengthy hearings, the city prevailed the ALJ ruled that the DEP could issue a permit for the removal of the lock

Now the city and its high-priced law firm are seeking to impose the cost of the litigation, including the law firm’s fees on the three fishermen, claiming that their efforts to protect southwest Florida waterways was brought for an “improper purpose” and was frivolous

It is no secret that Florida has a serious water quality problem impacting public health The state has been hit

more than once by the toxic vise of both blue-green algae and red tide Gov DeSantis acknowledged the problem by appointing a task force to provide recommendations for “expediting improvements and restoration of Florida’s water bodies that have been adversely affected by bluegreen algae blooms ”

In a state with lax anti-pollution enforcement and where developers control so many city and county commissions, Florida needs volunteer advocates to test and monitor waterways where the state does not

The three anglers who challenged Cape Coral’s effort to remove the Chiquita Lock are the kind of environmental advocates whose courage to take on city hall should be honored. (One of the fishermen, Dan Carney, was recently named Non-Profit Volunteer of the Year by the Cape Coral Community Foundation ) Their efforts to protect safe and clean water were anything but “improper ”

As brutal as the $2 million dollar penalty to cover a big

law firm’s bill would be for the three fishermen and their families, it would be regrettable if the tactic of imposing devastating costs intimidated others from working to save what is left of our over-developed peninsula

ronmental-efforts has been set up by friends of the fishermen in case the new Cape Coral City Council does not reverse the effort by its lawyers to pursue the crippling financial penalties

Mary Kay Robbins-Kralapp is a member of the Board of Directors of Calusa Waterkeeper. Howard Simon is a member of the Calusa Waterkeeper Advisory Board

This guest commentary published in the Miami Herald on Dec 16 )

The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the editor or guest columns may be e-mailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com. All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes. Readers are also invited to comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: capecoralbreeze.com.

Larry Gillis, Cape Coral

Norman Cannon Fort Myers

108 teens participate in LEAD Like A Girl conference

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h o w t h e y c a n b e e m p o w e r e d t o b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n d t h o s e i s s u e s , w o r k t h r o u g h

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

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T h e “ r e a l m e a t ” o f t h e p r o g r a m w a s w h e n t h e 1 0 8 m i d d l e a n d h i g h s c h o o l

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Council Member Lehmann to hold

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“Residents are encouraged to share their concerns, ask questions, and discuss ideas for the future of District 2 and the City of Cape Coral,” states a city release announcing the town hall Councilmember Laurie Lehmann’s second

Caloosa Middle, Mariner High, Purple Star Schools of Distinction

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Two Cape Coral schools have received the Purple Star School of Distinction for the support they provide to military families this week.

Gov Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that 176 Florida schools earned the distinction, and five school districts were awarded the Florida Purple Star School District distinction Bay, Brevard, Citrus, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa

School District of Lee County recipients are Caloosa Middle School and Mariner High School

“We encourage every school in the state to strive to better serve military families and earn the designation,” DeSantis said in a prepared statement “I am proud to recognize these schools and school districts for their efforts to support our military families and earn the Purple Star designation ”

There are six criteria to maintain to earn the distinction:

■ A military point of contact to serve as a liaison for military families

■ A school webpage for military students and families that includes specifically focused resources

■ A student-led transition program to assist military students coming into the school

■ Five percent open-enrollment seats for military students and families

■ Three elective opportunities to further support military families

Caloosa Middle School Principal Ann Cole said they are so excited about the opportunity

“We are the first middle school in the School District of Lee County to receive this distinction, so this is very special to us,” she said “We have multiple teachers and staff

“I’ve often said that the cornerstone of Mariner High School is our JROTC Leadership Academy. No other program in America provides such structure and focus on building a young person’s character and life skills, which are all critical for life after high school These life skill and character-building lessons translate into a student academics, behavior, and goal planning for their lives JROTC is the lead agent for Mariner in our support of military families in our community and the driving force behind our school earning the Purple Star School of Distinction award ”

Dr Thomas Michel, Mariner High School principal

members who are either veterans or are still active in the military, so they truly understand and empathize with students and families as they move around because their loved one is brave enough to serve our country When we meet students who are part of a military family, our staff goes out of their way to support them and ensure that they have what they need to make them feel comfortable at our school ”

Caloosa Middle honors the military by recognizing them with a Veterans Day presentation, as well as a bulletin board in the media center showcasing all staff veterans

“We have staff members who are currently serving as military reservists and we do everything we can to support their important role while serving our country,” Cole said

The school also has a schoolwide day “Purple Up!” for military children on April 17, which has participation from everyone

“We are an AVID school and students, and staff are encouraged to wear college and/or military support attire on Fridays In addition, we have a middle school cadet program and a drill team that presents the American flag at numerous events throughout the year,” Cole said “Caloosa Middle School has an active Junior Leadership class that is offered to all students throughout the school year ”

Cole said they are proud of their staff

members, and families, who have served our country in order to protect our freedom

Mariner High School Principal Dr. Thomas Michel said that Mariner has a long tradition of supporting military veterans in the community, and the special distinction validates their efforts

“We have one of the largest JROTC programs in the United States, which goes to great length to instill patriotism, character, and values into our students,” he said “Being selected as a Purple Star School of Distinction brings additional credibility to an already well-established program of excellence We are very honored.”

With a long-standing rich culture of honoring military, one of Mariner’s most important events is the veteran’s appreciation ceremony held in the bell tower courtyard every year on, or around Veterans Day

“The entire staff, and student body is invited to attend the event, which pays tribute to military service members and veterans from our community,” Michel said “This past year we had over 60 veterans from all over Southwest Florida attend the event, to include several World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War veterans.”

The JROTC program also provides support in numerous veteran organizations in the community by providing services such as color guards, flag-folding ceremonies, supporting Wreaths Across America, donating

items for care packages to the Lee Health Military support program

“I’ve often said that the cornerstone of Mariner High School is our JROTC Leadership Academy,” Michel said “No other program in America provides such structure and focus on building a young person’s character and life skills, which are all critical for life after high school These life skill and character-building lessons translate into a student academics, behavior, and goal planning for their lives JROTC is the lead agent for Mariner in our support of military families in our community and the driving force behind our school earning the Purple Star School of Distinction award ”

Among the ways Mariner qualified for distinction includes an intentional sponsorship program for military families and students When military families arrive at Mariner, they have the option of being assigned a peer sponsor to help them with the transition from military life In addition, Michel said Mariner staff members have volunteered to be dedicated sponsors for military families who need guidance and advice about military resources in the community.

“Mariner has a group of retired military veterans serving as educators on our staff, who provide a tremendous amount of advice to our military families and their students,” he said “Lastly, our school has established a professional Purple Star website, which provides military families guidance and resources targeted to military veteran families ”

In 2021, the Florida legislature established the Purple Star School of Distinction program. Since its inception, nearly 200 schools have completed the requirements for the designation Both public and private schools participating in state scholarship programs are eligible in Florida

Grandma’s a card a Christmas card designer extraordinaire

After 70 years of custom artistry, Cape resident closes family album

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

After 70 years of sharing her family’s stories through creative, one-of-a-kind Christmas cards, one Cape Coral resident has decided to retire from her long-standing tradition

Harriet Specht said she is now 90 and it will be a bit of a strain to continue her labor of love Also, very few people send cards and it’s become expensive

This year she sent out about 75 cards with a self-explanatory note on the back that read “Merry Christmas. I have been designing these cards for 70 years I have loved every moment of it But all good things must come to an end I am going to retire Grandma got run over by a reindeer ”

The creations began when she sent out a Christmas card with a picture of her son The following year, another son was born, and she did not have a good picture of them together Specht decided to cut the pictures she liked and had the boys popping out of Christmas boxes in 1952

“I kind of glued it together and sent it off to be printed,” she said

The creations continued as her family grew, they moved to new locations, and introduced family pets into the mix

“It just kind of kept growing. As we added babies, we added to the cards,” she said, adding that one card also ended up being a birth announcement

One of the cards that she recalled was of her five children showcased through a musical scale of “I Wish You A Merry Christmas,” which included the correct notes for the song

The ideas for the Christmas cards begin the day after Christmas and continue until they are ready to be sent for the following season

“It’s been fun I have collected ideas from other people’s Christmas cards, from Christmas songs, coloring books, the library,” Specht said “It’s a recording of my family’s life and history and the family pets and when we have moved.”

She also got her children involved in the creativity, one year they helped her color the card’s theme of a partridge and a pear tree

“I had the kids hanging off a scrawny little pear tree,” Specht said “We all sat down with colored markers and colored them ”

Other cards included the three wise men, snowmen, characters from A Christmas Carol, Christmas balls, Christmas dolls, Nutcracker, angels, reindeer with Santa flying over the house, snowflakes, Santa elves, train, a Christmas wreath, cookie jars, poinsettias, sugar plums and pictures in the flames of candles One year she drew a gingerbread house and had the kid’s pet guinea pig chewing on the corner

“I have some clever ideas,” Specht said “One year I was walking through a gift shop, and they had Christmas cards One was an old-fashioned couple ice skating I bought the box

and had that for 10 years until I used the card ”

After seven decades, Harriet Specht, 90, is retiring from her role as the designer of her family’s annual Christmas card While she has loved every moment, “all good things must come to an end,” she said

She used to send out more than 100 cards to friends, her husband’s friends, the kid’s teachers, church members, doctors, and her family members

“Don’t disappear Don’t lose track of people Always stay in touch,” Specht said

She has kept every Christmas card design over the years which are displayed in a photo album

“I always said to the kids, if the house catches fire, grab the Christmas card album,” Specht said

When her house flooded during Hurricane Ian, her kids grabbed the Christmas card album, a memento of 70 years of creativity

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Installation of School Zone speed cameras underway in Cape Coral

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

STAFF REPORT

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to accept a $22 7 million Resilient Florida Grant f r o m t h e F l o r i d a D e p a r t m e n

Protection for the design and construction of the Larry Kiker Preserve Water Management Project Phase 1.

The project plan is to restore flow ways, protect habitat, improve regional flood control, improve water quality and enhance aquifer recharge

The Lee Board of County Commissioners acquired the 3,921 acres in 2017 and property was renamed the Larry Kiker Preserve in 2019 shortly after the death of Lee County Commissioner Larry Kiker Kiker, who also had served as Fort Myers Beach

mayor, was an advocate of preserving the land

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

The site contains significant natural flow ways, given its location at the confluence of Estero River, Halfway Creek and Imperial River Restoration through site improvements is intended to provide enhanced water quality, flood attenuation and aquifer recharge as well as protect a significant, diverse population of wildlife and plant communities It also would provide opportunities for nature-based recreation in the southern part of Lee County

In August 2020, this project was identified in the

Southern Lee Flood Mitigation Plan The plan proposes to construct a regional flood protection project which benefits the Village of Estero, Bonita Springs and unincorporated Lee County.

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

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

We

Eaglet hatchlings heat up views on SWFL Eagle Cam

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

Southwest Florida’s most famous eagle pair are parents once again

M15 and F23 saw their two eggs hatch over the weekend The first egg was laid on Nov 8 at 2:38 p m and E24 hatched on Saturday at 4:01 p m

Meanwhile, the second egg was laid on Nov 11 at 6:15 p m and E25 hatched Tuesday at 5:48 a m

Both eaglets appeared well as mom and dad took turns keeping them warm and feeding them

Fans and followers of the nest off Bayshore Road on the Pritchett property got to see everything via the multicamera Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, now in its 13th season with more than 225 million views worldwide since its inception

Just after noontime Monday, a close-up of the second egg showed the shell weakening and moving as the eaglet inside began to break out

Later, E24 may have accidentally broken a hole in the egg during a feeding A close-up showed the eaglet peeking out through the hole

Of course, it’s not like you see in cartoons where the egg cracks and the baby emerges seconds later It took until Tuesday morning before the eaglet was seen for the first time

It was obvious the eaglet had just emerged as its fluff was matted down and it was still partially inside the cracked egg The eaglet was also exhausted, its face down in the nest as it tried to gets itself somewhat upright

This is the second season for M15 and F23 as a pair

Last season saw only one egg hatch successfully The second was prematurely damaged just before its anticipated hatching The second eaglet did not survive

It is unknown what exactly happened to cause the egg to become damaged

It should be interesting how the parent pair will raise two eaglets after only having to raise one their first mating season together last year

Ginnie Pritchett-McSpadden, founder of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, said the hatching times were a little disappointing with one hatching while is was still dark, as well as some concern after last year

“It’s so hard because last year we only had one hatch I was a little nervous this time around, but it’s good to see them successfully hatch,” Pritchett-McSpadden said “Right now, they’re getting the hang of eating, bobbing their heads and gaining weight and strength It’s the best

time to tune in for the cuteness overload ”

M15 previously was the mate of nest matriarch Harriet for eight years Harriet, who bonded with M15 in 2015, went missing after a successful nesting in 2023 Harriet's previous mate was Ozzie, who died in 2015 The original pair had been coming to this nest since 2006 and Ozzie and Harriet were the original stars of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam

The eaglets will continue to grow steadily, eventually able to regulate their own temperatures, losing their down coating and growing feathers, feeding themselves, becoming about the size of their parents within six weeks.

After branching and exercising their wings for a couple weeks, they are expected to fledge from the nest sometime in the early spring

Pritchett-McSpadden called it the “30-30-30,” the time between the hatch and the fledge

“Over the next 30 days we’ll see huge growth in height and weight The next 30 days we’ll see them get their feathers and physically change, and the 30 days after that they’ll spread their wings and fly,” PritchettMcSpadden said “It’s the most exciting time and there’s a lot of action in the nest ”

Fans can catch all the action in the nest on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, which started its 13th season in October as the famous eagles returned home early to work on their nest before mating

They can again catch all the action using four cameras that stream the bald eagles live directly to this site

Camera 1 is positioned seven feet above the nest and is equipped with night vision Camera 2 is located at nest level capturing the side view

Camera 3 is in the nest tree and the first ever live camera in history to capture a 360-degree look into a bald eagle’s daily activity This cam allows you to click and drag to any viewing area for a fully immersive experience. Camera 4 is installed closer to the pond to capture activity happening around the pasture and in the pond area

To follow all of the action in and around the nest 24/7 visit https://dickpritchettrealestate com/southwest-florida-eagle-cam/

Charlotte County Sheriff ’s Office corporal shot to death during traffic stop

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

A Charlotte County deputy was killed in the line of duty Sunday afternoon in Port Charlotte during a traffic stop

Cpl Elio Diaz was shot just after 3 p m at a Chevron gas station along Tamiami Trail, across from the Sunseeker Resort, according to Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell He was transported via helicopter to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries

During the traffic stop, Prummell said the suspect, later identified as Andrew Mostyn Jr , 24, pulled out a rifle and opened fire

Prummell said a manhunt ensued following the shooting, and Mostyn Jr was located at a Popeye's on King's Highway

“When deputies approached (Mostyn Jr ), he immediately grabbed for a rifle, and one of the deputies fired a shot, striking him in the head,” Prummell said, adding that Mostyn Jr died at a hospital as the result of the gunshot wound

“I want you guys to please keep Elio and his family in your thoughts and prayers, especially during this time of year,” Prummell said at a press conference Sunday night, fighting through tears. “Elio was a friend. He was a good family man. He loved his children. And he was a really great cop. And he's going to be missed.”

C o u n t l e s s l a w e n f o r c e m e n t a g e n c i e s a c r o s s Southwest Florida and beyond shared their condolences regarding the death of Diaz, who was an 11-year law enforcement veteran

“The Cape Coral Police Department extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Corporal Elio Diaz and the entire Charlotte County Sheriff's Office family during this profoundly difficult time,” said Cape Coral Police Department Chief Anthony Size-more “This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement professionals face every day as they serve and protect their communities As I told Sheriff Prummell this morning, myself and the entire department are here for whatever the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office may need Corporal Diaz, his loved ones, and all of CCSO are in our thoughts ”

A post on Facebook from the Lee County Sheriff's Office read: “Sheriff Carmine Marceno and the entire Lee County Sheriff's Office extend our deepest condolences to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office on the murder of Corporal Elio Diaz during a traffic stop Please keep Sheriff Bill Prummell and his CCSO family in your prayers Our deepest condolences are with Corporal Diaz family and friends ”

T h e F o r t M y e r s

Facebook: “Our hearts break for the family, friends and colleagues of Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Corporal Elio Diaz We pray you find comfort during the unimaginable loss ”

Gov Ron DeSantis, via a post on “X,” said, “First Lady Casey DeSantis and I pray for Corporal Diaz's family, friends, and colleagues in the wake of his passing And Florida honors and thanks Corporal Diaz for his service to his community ” Congressman Byron Donalds on “X” Monday morning said, “Yesterday, we lost a hero. Our community, our state, & our nation are forever grateful for the courageous work of Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Cpl Elio Diaz May God bless the Diaz family & may the memory of Elio's selfless service to our nation be a blessing to us all ”

Christmas comes early for NFM family

Lee BIA Builders Care provides family with total home renovation

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

When Erica Tague saw the work done on her North Fort Myers home, tears streamed from her eyes, her face full of gratitude

Tague and her family had just received the best Christmas gift neither asked for nor expected: Their house on Lincoln Avenue in North Fort Myers had been transformed from a state of disrepair to what was, for all intents and purposes, a new home

This came courtesy of Lee County BIA Builders Care and Lennar Homes which helps families in need do repairs on their homes or, in this case, massive renovations

On Wednesday, with friends, family and others in attendance, the improvements were revealed, including before and after pictures and video of the home

Builders Care and Lennar provided the renovations at no cost to the family, with the grand reveal taking place just in time for the holidays

To think that in the beginning all they requested was a new air conditioner

Tague has a lot more to worry about than having to fix up her home

Tague works with the elderly while her oldest daughter works with Big Brothers/Big Sisters

She also is a single mother, raising three children. Two of them have been diagnosed with autism, with her 15-year-old son also diagnosed with epilepsy, scoliosis, and eosinophilic esophagitis

Tague and her family bought their home 10 years ago Whenever something went wrong with the house, they would usually fix it themselves

Unfortunately, as with older homes, more and more things went wrong They got a new roof after Hurricane Ian, but the inside was falling into a further state of disrepair

“We fixed things up a little at a time, but the hurricanes keep coming There was just never enough time or money to do it,” Tague said

Erica Tague and family react to the unveiling of the renovation of her home Wednesday Builders Care and Lennar Homes did a complete renovation, everything from new electrical, plumbing and AC to wallpaper and wall art

The air conditioner was broken, the electrical work was also failing, and the garage, which was to become another bedroom, was unfinished, and Tague just didn’t have the money to get it all fixed

Finally, with nowhere else to turn, Tague reached out to Builders Care, only seeking assistance with her failing AC system

“I was on the Lee County website with a list of resources I called and filled out the application, asking of anyone who could help They came out and talked to me,” Tague said

Builders Care is a non-profit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association which does emergency construction service for the elderly, disabled and the economically disadvantaged

Annette Milles, president of Builders Care, said she heard from Tague this summer after their AC had gone out

When Builders Care showed up and examined the home, they found the home needed much more than new air condi-

See FAMILY, 16

CHUCK BALLARO

Family: All-new home

From page 15

tioning They needed an extreme makeover

“When we were invited inside we knew they needed more Their kitchen was falling apart, they had lighting that wasn’t working, a bathroom that was unusable,” Milles said

Ray Kershaw, of Lennar Homes, said it was obvious the family needed help

“She’s a single mom with three kids, struggling to pay her bills and put food on the table and the home was neglected from the repairs that needed to be done,” Kershaw said With this in mind, Lee BIA Builders Care and Lennar partnered to provide the holiday miracle of a lifetime: a home renovation for this North Fort Myers family in need

The family was moved to the nearby Best Western hotel temporarily while the Builders Care team went to work to completely transform the home

“On day one, we demoed the whole house down to the studs When we saw the wiring, plumbing and the AC, we took it all out and put in all new,” Kershaw said

The entire project took two weeks Kershaw said the project would have been done sooner, but the new windows hadn’t arrived yet, which delayed the project

They didn’t just fix the plumbing and put up drywall, they made the house into a home, adding the touches needed to compete the transformation.

They wallpapered the bedrooms, put up pictures on the walls, added that fourth bedroom that wasn’t completed and made it the master bedroom, put in new cabinetry and furniture and, of course, the new kitchen

Each bedroom had a new TV and there were presents under their new Christmas tree The kitchen cabinets were fully stocked with the dry necessities so Erica could do her holiday baking

Kershaw said if the family had to pay for the repairs themselves, it would have cost around $80,000 or more

“We had all our associates involved as well as dozens of trade partners who donated materials at no cost to the homeowner,” Kershaw said “We want to give back to the community and Builders Care ”

There were still inside the house putting on the finishing touches at 1 a m Just two hours before the family arrived, there were people putting the topcoat on the floors

After two weeks at the hotel, Tague and her family returned home to a crowd of friends, County Commissioner Brian Hamman and others who aided in the renovation

“When I saw all the cars, I was grateful, but there were also an awful lot of people here I had no idea what was going on,” Tague said

Kershaw told Tague getting the cabinets took some time so they “did a few little things” and that she might be surprised

When the house was unveiled, the shock was obvious She was speechless, even breathless at what she saw And that was just on the outside

Once inside, she was even more surprised at what was, essentially, an entirely new home Gone were the days where something would break and they would have to pay to fix something

The kids had their own rooms, each of which had their own personal touches to them Of course, now she had her own room and didn’t have to sleep on the couch as she had after her son had surgery.

“They kids have their rooms that are all very different It’s nice to see they have the things they like,” Tague said “It’s great they learned so much about my family and how they decorated their rooms It was perfect for each one of them ”

The bathroom was specially designed for her older son,

who has some difficulty walking and navigating the house He can now get into the shower with little trouble and become more independent The doors were also redone to accommodate that

Even outside, there was a wet bar near the pool, a new grill and a fire pit so the family can hang out in the yard, which was resodded

The thing she said she liked the best was the new kitchen It is usually the most important room in the house

“I love to bake and I was super excited to have the kitchen It’s where I spend most of my time,” Tague said There were even the smallest of touches

Over the front door was something that read, “Love you, Bye,” which she tells her kids every day as they go off to school

“I’m thankful for the big things, but the little things like that mean a lot,” Tague said “These things make our lives so much easier Two boys with special needs, Sometimes, my

Erica Tague and her youngest son react to the wholly redone interior of their North Fort Myers home Wednesday. The complete renovation, down to a Christmas tree and presents, was made possible by Lee BIA Builders Care businesses and volunteers and Lennar Homes

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

older son’s legs don’t straighten out and it’s very difficult to navigate the home ”

Other local partner suppliers and contractors making the revovation possible include 84 Lumber; Accurate Grading; All American Shutters; American Woodmark Cabinets; Caloosa Cooling; Carrigan Brothers Plumbing; Clive Daniels Furniture; Coastal Waste and Recycling; DLS Frame Drywall and Stucco; Empire Electric; Fort Myers Sod; GE Appliances; GMZ Masonry; Gulf Coast Grading; HBJ Construction; Holiday Pools; Hometeam Pest Defense; HONC; John to Go; Juniper Landscaping; Lee County; Liberty Aluminum; MI Windows; Moen; Naples Hardscapes; Nash Moving; Niles Design Group; Nova Engineering; Pack Rat; PMC Painting; Raymond Building Supply; Rice Insulation and Glass; Sherwin Williams; Signs In One Day Cape Coral; Star Farms; Timberlake Cabinets; USA Grading; and Wayne Wiles Floor Covering

Oasis Middle School STEM students use skills for good cause

‘Making for Good’ class creates handmade teddy bears for diabetes diagnosis education

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Students at Oasis Middle School have put their skills to a good cause they crea t e d h a n d m a d e D i a b e t e s D i a g n o s i s

Education Teddy Bears that have been donated to hospitals for comfort and education

Oasis Charter Schools K-12 STEM Education Director Dr John Omundsen said the “Making for Good” class was introduced at Oasis Middle School about two years ago

“We knew we wanted to start incorporating ways for the kids to see applications of what they are doing in class and what they can do for the community both locally and nationally,” he said “We wanted to give kids projects so they can see direct application from that ”

Omundsen said it’s really about letting the students see how to use the skills they have right now, as opposed to waiting for high school, or even college

“You can make an impact right now with what you know,” he said.

A little more than 200 seventh and eighth grade students have gone through t h e “ M a k i n g f o r G o o d ” c l a s s a n d s o worked on the teddy bears

Melanie Klages, the school’s registered nurse, greatest passion is working with students with diabetes Omundsen said she worked with Golisano Children’s Hospital before working at the school and is incredible at what she does He said she shares the science of diabetes and how to care for and support students with type one diabetes.

“We knew we wanted to start incorporating ways for the kids to see applications of what they are doing in class and what they can do for the community both locally and nationally We wanted to give kids projects so they can see direct application from that ”

Dr John Omundsen, Oasis Charter Schools K-12 STEM Education director

“One day we were researching some things for the class and came across the his-

Omundsen said, adding that in England, there was a big push to modify stuffed toys to better represent individuals with differ-

See BEARS, page 19

Oasis Middle School students have created handmade Diabetes Diagnosis Education Teddy Bears through their “Making for Good” class PHOTOS PROVIDED

Bears: Hospitals use teddy stuffies to teach about glucose monitors

From page 18

ences, such as amputation of legs and arms “We did more digging and found that there was nothing that represented diabetes ”

They looked into how they could bridge that gap by using what had been done in the past, but making it their own with constant glucose monitors, or CGMs He said there is a large proportion of students on campus who are diabetic

Omundsen said the goal is the message “We support you and see you and want to give something back, so you can see yourself in your toy ”

The first teddy bear was created and shown to Klages, who gave feedback From there, the curriculum was created Students received the science of diabetes as well as the history of the stuff toy modification, so they understood the motivation behind the project

Students can put their own personal touch on the bear, such as the CGM being more circular or oblong, or the sizing may differ, as well as the placement of the CGM the left, or right arm, or stomach

The only consistent component is the shirt placed on the bear

The first class that went through the project was tasked with designing a graphic to represent the bear project Twenty students each developed a design, and the class voted on the best one

The students use a 3D design software to create the glucose monitor before printing on 3D printers, so the image can be sewed on the bear’s arm, or stomach The bear also has a shirt with the logo that describes the project, which uses vinyl and the graphic design

“We wanted them to see that they can make that difference right now,” Omundsen said “We want the kids to feel connected and feel empowered through this project Instead of saying, here is something 3D print, sew it on the bear we want them to see the process ”

The students must follow technical measurements, scale, and size

Omundsen said hospital use the teddy bears as a teaching tool to introduce the CGM, as they can point to the

The students use a 3D design software to create the glucose monitor before printing on 3D printers, so the image can be sewed on the bear ’s arm, or stomach. The bear also has a shirt with the logo that describes the project, which uses vinyl and the graphic design The students must follow technical measurements, scale, and size

Hospitals use the teddy bears to introduce constant glucose monitors to child patients, as they can point to the model on the bear to show the different pieces being discussed. It has been viewed as a gentler introduction to the monitors

model on the bear to show the different pieces being discussed It has been viewed as a gentler introduction to CGMs

In addition to the hospitals, the bears are sold at Franklin Shops in Downtown Fort Myers for $20 The proceeds go back to funding the project at Oasis Middle School.

The students love the project, he said, as they feel they are doing something good for someone else

“When we were talking about this new class we incorporated that opportunity for student empowerment, connection of the project and supporting others,” Omundsen said “The work they are doing is going to help somebody and make an impact beyond the walls of the school ”

He said the project is near and dear to his heart and he is thankful for the kids who are putting the effort into the project, as well as the teachers who are in the classroom

“It shows for me the power of all of us working together and collaborating in our system of what we can do and the reach we can have,” Omundsen said.

Seventh and eighth grade students at Oasis Middle School have created teddy bears with 3Dprinted constant glucose monitors, which have been donated to hospitals, as well as being sold at the Franklin Shops in Downtown Fort Myers.

PHOTO PROVIDED

COMMUNITY

Wassailing with Jamaican Sorrel

By DEBORAH HAGGETT news@breezenewspapers com

Traditional wassailing, caroling from house to house with your hot, mulled cider, known as wassail, is not typically practiced in our southwest, subtropical, warm climate Instead, we may want to enjoy a tradition from our Caribbean neighbors who celebrate the holiday season with a sweet, spicy, iced, Jamaican Sorrel drink

This rich, deep red-colored drink is made from the calyces of the Roselle plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa The calyx is the cup-shaped base of the flower which holds the maturing bud Once harvested, the calyces are steeped overnight with ginger, cloves and allspice berries Add a simple syrup to create the base for several tasty beverages including juice, wine or a rum cocktail

The red calyces of the Roselle flower can be found in markets which feature ethnic g

yet, can be grown in your garden Hibiscus s

Cranberry It is an annual shrub which grows from 5-7 feet tall Its green leaves are narrow and lanceshaped The funnel-shaped flower is usually a yellowish color with a deep, dark center The calyces are typically harvested in October or November when young, rounded and full

They are gathered not only for the Jamaican Sorrel drink but also for making jams, or substituted for cranberries in a cranberry sauce, or rhubarb in a pie The seeds of the plant are very high in protein and can be collected and crushed for use in soups and salads or roasted and brewed like coffee

The Real Roselle plant is often mistaken for False Roselle, Hibiscus acetosella False Roselle is a perennial bush which grows from 3-5 feet tall and 30 inches wide Its leaves are reddish-maroon and shaped similarly to a maple leaf The leaves are tart and flavorful in salads and stir fries The flowers are typically pink in color, contrasting nicely with the deep, red leaves, adding color to your landscape The flowers are edible; however, they lack flavor and are used more for decoration

Both Real Roselle and False Roselle thrive in a warm climate Zones 9 & 10 are best They can be grown in containers in more northern zones but will die back in a freeze Both prefer full sun and a rich, well-draining soil and do not like wet feet They are sensitive to drought and require watering during the dry season The plants will reseed and return in the spring

Nematodes are a common problem which can be resolved through crop rotation or container planting.

Real Roselle and False Roselle are wonderful additions to your edible garden Not only will they add color to your landscape, they will brighten your holiday table and delight your palate

Whether you choose to “come a-wassailing among the leaves so green” or within your festive h o mes , co n s id er ad d in g th e co lo r f u l J amaican Sorrel to your celebratory libations Cheers!

D e b o r a h H a g g e t t i s a L e e C o u n t y M a s t e r Gardener Volunteer and a past member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at www.gardenclubofcape coral com Like us on Facebook / Instagram DECEMBER

Cape Animal Shelter holds ‘Paws for a Cause’ fundraiser

During the month of November, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter held a community wide fundraiser, “Paws for a Cause.” With the help of volunteers and several local businesses, the shelter raised over $2,000 to support its life saving work

With the help of a committee, led by Linda Biondi, 20 businesses sold “paws” and displayed them at their places of business While every business did a great job promoting this fundraiser, Paradise Deli was the winner, selling the most paws!

“We are still trying to come up with creative ways to raise funds, and this idea was so

Executive Director Liz McCauley “We grateful to the wonderful business that participated We are very fortunate to have the continued support of this amazing community, and they never disappoint ” Businesses participating included Paradise Deli, Hooked Island Grill, Family Hardware of Fort Myers, Family Hardware of Cape Coral, Zak’s Jewelry, Zirilli’s Chilly Treats, Wicked Dolphin Distillery, Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park, Viscaya-Del Prado Veterinary Hospital, JP Sports, Sidecar Treats, Monkey Bar, Backstreets Sports Bar, Salon S antina’s , The D og Was h, Titi-Tata Thrift Boutique, Penny’s Coffee Bar, Carried Away Gifts, Nail Attractions by Hillary and Stuf A Bagel

The mission of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter is to engage a special bond between people and animals by means of adoption services, medical care, education and training for the prevention of cruelty and abandonment The shelter provides a safe place where animals will remain until they

CCAS staff to hand out presents to all resident cats and dogs on Christmas Day

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter will be handing out Christmas presents to its resident cats and dogs on Christmas Day, starting at 1 p m

Since it opened in 2020, the CCAS has found homes for over 5,000 unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals Although the staff hopes every animal finds a loving home quickly, ultimately there will be cats and dogs in the shelter on Christmas Day To make the day special for those residents, staff and volunteers will hand out presents to each dog and cat in the shelter, give them a special dinner, and shower them with the same love they will soon be getting in their forever home

CCAS is accepting donations from its caring and supportive community

Donors can check out the shelter's current Wish List of items as well as its Chewy and Amazon Wish Lists at h t t p

ing-supplies/

Gifts for the cats and dogs should be wrapped and tagged “cat” or “dog.”

For more information, please see the shelter website at www capecoralanimalshelter com

are placed in qualified, forever homes

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter is located at 325 S W 2nd Ave , Cape Coral For additional information about the facility, please call 239-850-2020 or visit capecoralanimalshelter com

Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club to host Hamfest Jan. 10-11 at

On Friday, Jan 10, and Saturday, Jan 11, the Southwest Florida Regional Hamfest will transform Fort Myers into a hub for amateur radio enthusiasts from across the state

This exciting annual event, hosted by the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, showcases the vibrant world of

explore this fascinating and practical hobby

Held at Florida Southwestern State College in an airconditioned exhibit hall, the event features FCC license testing, educational workshops, and a lively outdoor flea market complete with food trucks and live demonstrations

Whether you're a seasoned “ham” or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy

The Hamfest arrives at a perfect time, as interest in radio communication grows following recent hurricane seasons. Attendees will learn firsthand how amateur radio plays a critical role in emergency preparedness The event also offers an excellent opportunity for businesses specializing in radio and electronics to connect with potential buyers Vendor space is available

Explore the latest radios and equipment, attend informative forums, and enjoy the lively flea market where seasoned operators turn unwanted gear into treasure for others

Hours for Hamfest are noon to 5 p m , Jan 10, and 8 a m to 3 p m , Jan 11 Admission is $10 per person and the event is open to the public

Florida Southwestern State College, Building U, is

PHOTO PROVIDED John Wells of the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club.

Nominations open for Keep Lee County Beautiful Environmental Stewardship Awards

STAFF REPORT

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental Stewardship Awards Breakfast on March 6 at the Riverside Community Center

Visit https://bit ly/KLCB Awards for details and to submit a nomination or email Tisha@klcb org with any questions

Keep Lee County Beautiful student art contest open

STAFF REPORT

Keep Lee County Beautiful is accepting entries from K-12 students in Lee County for the "Leave the Scene Clean" art contest

Full-color drawings or paintings of an environmental action such as litter prevention, tree plantings, protecting the e n v i r o n m e n t , r e c y c l i n g , l a n d s c a p i n g , clean-up campaigns and other beautification efforts are among the accepted topics for entries

Deadline for entries is Jan. 31.

The rules are:

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

∫ O n l y O R I G I N A L a

ORIGINAL CONTENT will be accepted

∫ Artwork should be in full color NO WHITE SPACE

∫ H O R I Z O N T A L f o r m a t s o n l y

Single sheet of 8 5” X 11” paper only

∫ Students may use any 2D medium (i e , crayons, watercolors, pastels, color pencils, etc )

∫ No more than 2 entries per person

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

JUDGING: Special volunteer committee of KLCB

∫ Artwork MUST have an ENVI-

RONMENTAL MESSAGE to be considered.

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

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

What do artists win?:

The four overall winning illustrations will be enlarged and appear on the side of a Lee County Waste Pro truck and printed on reusable tote bags The overall winning and honorable mention artwork will be on public display during April 2025 in honor of earth month All winners will also receive a certificate and prize pack * A r t w o r k , e x c e p t f i r s t P l a c e a n d

Honorable Mentions, will be returned or made available for pick up after winner notification Any artwork not picked up will be discarded after June 1 Winning

schools agree to highlight contest results in school communications.

Email Tisha@klcb org with any questions or concerns

What will be accepted:

∫ Environmental Message

∫ Vibrant / strong colors (no white space)

∫ Horizontal designs

∫ Unique ideas

∫ Native animals

What is NOT accepted:

∫ No environmental message

∫ Negative messages

∫ Non-native animals

∫ No brand names

∫ Vertical Designs

∫ D

entries

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H e w a s a r r e s t e d o n D e c 1 8

Editorial: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,

From page 4

Hanukkah marks the return of Jewish independence over Jerusalem and Judea after the revolt against the Seleucid Empire, which controlled the region after the dissolution of Alexander the Great’s Macedonian Empire The holiday marks the Maccabee victory over the Greek army of King Antiochus IV, which had desecrated the Second Temple

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Eckenrode named to Union University Dean's List

DECEMBER

BRIEFS Rebeor named School District Teacher of the Year for 2025

JACKSON, Tenn - Three hundred eighty-three students have been named to the Union University Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester

The Dean's List includes full-time students who achieve a 3 5 grade point average on a four-point scale

Among those recognized was Austria Eckenrode of North Fort Myers.

Founded in 1823 and affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Union University offers liberal arts training in more than 100 majors and programs of study along with professional programs in business, education and nursing

FGCU FPRA members Huggins and Arello Resin ear n Cer tificate in Principles of Public Relations

La’Kennya Huggins and Bianca Arello Resin, recent Florida Gulf Coast University graduates and student members of the Florida Public Relations Association recently earned the prestigious Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

The certificate, which is earned through passing an examination designed to test the foundational knowledge of those entering the public relations profession, is administrated by the Universal Accreditation Board and gives students a leg up in securing sought-after positions in the profession Huggins and Arello Resin are the 12th and 13th Eagles to earn the certificate

Huggins graduated from FGCU in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, concentrating in public relations, and a minor in marketing. She is now pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in event management at the University of Central Florida Meanwhile, Arello Resin recently graduated, earning a double major in communication with a concentration in public relations and theatre, and is ready to start her career in PR

To qualify for the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations examination, students must be within six months of graduation (either before or after) from an accredited college or university, whose degree is in public relations or a related area of study They also must be members of the Public Relations Student Society of America or student member of another UAB participating organization, and take a course specifically designated for Certificate preparation either online or on campus

Farah & Farah launches fifth Empowering Greatness Scholarship program

Fort Myers personal injury law firm Farah & Farah h

a l Empowering Greatness Scholarship In partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida, the scholarship recognizes five outstanding high school students with a 2year college scholarship

The partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters underscores the importance of mentorship in a young person's life By providing financial support for higher education, Farah & Farah hopes to further empower these young people to achieve their dreams

S c h o l a r s h i p w i n n e r s r e c e i v e a F l o r i d a P

College Foundation 2-Year College Plan that covers tuition and most fees for 60 credit hours at any Florida public college The plan value can also be applied to universities or trade schools in Florida

In order to qualify, students need to be currently enrolled in a public or charter high school in Florida, demonstrate a stellar commitment to their communities and the classroom, and meet additional eligibility criteria Scholarship recipients will be announced in May

Students can submit their applications through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida online application portal at https://www bbbsflorida org/farah-

officially opened on Dec 16 The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb 18 For more, visit farahandfarah com/ scholarship or email scholarships@farahandfarah com

The School District of Lee County has announced that Harns Marsh Middle School teacher Barbara Rebeor is the 2025 Lee County Teacher of the Year Superintendent Dr Denise Carlin, School Board members, district administrators and school staff surprised Rebeor earlier today with her award

“This for our school, our team and our kids,” Rebeor said just after being surprised “These kids inspire me every single day Their creativity, their quest for discovery They make it so easy to want more for them This team here challenges me every day, inspires me, pushes me and supports me I can’t wait for the state to see our incredible District ”

Rebeor is an eighth-grade science teacher and department chair at Harns Marsh Middle School Under her leadership, the school’s science department ranked #1 in the district in 2022 and #2 in 2023 and 2024 Rebeor’s 8th grader students have increased their proficiency on the 8th grade FSA test by 15%

“Miss Rebeor welcomes all students into her science classroom,” said Harns Marsh Middle School Assistant Principal Samantha Hower “She has created a model classroom where other teachers go to witness research-proven strategies in action Through her leadership in facilitating meaningful PLC groups, analyzing data, providing professional development, and creating rigorous lesson plans and standards-based assessments, her students achieve some of the highest learning gains ”

Rebeor joined the district in 2005 as a 7th grade science teacher at Gulf Middle School While teaching 8th grade science at Challenger Middle School she was recognized with a Golden Apple Award in 2013 from the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools She joined Harns Marsh Middle School in 2020 after a year at Bonita Springs High School. Rebeor serves on the school’s Leadership Team and Professional Development Team, while also serving as a mentor to international teachers, new teachers, and FGCU interns

“I was an assistant principal at Challenger Middle when I first met her and even then I knew, wow, just an amazing teacher,” said Harns Marsh Middle School Principal Alex Dworzanski “I had to work with her again, so it tried and I tried and I tried to bring her to Harns Marsh and she came to us I am so blessed to have one of the best teachers in the

District ”

The Lee County Teacher of the Year program recognizes certified personnel for the significant contributions they make to their school and The School District of Lee County The program honors one representative as Lee County’s Teacher of the Year. The nominees are individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their jobs thereby earning the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, coworkers, parents and the community

The district will forward Rebeor’s application to the state for consideration as 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year She will be formally recognized by the School Board at an upcoming meeting

The district also thanks Suncoast Credit Union for sponsoring the Teacher of the Year recognition program

Lee County School Board, superintendent attend annual FSBA/FADS Conference

School Board of Lee County Chair Sam Fisher, Vice-

Giovannelli, Bill Ribble, Debbie Jordan, Armor Persons and Vanessa Chaviano, along with Superintendent Dr Denise Carlin, recently attended the Florida School Board

Superintendents 79th Annual Joint Conference in Tampa

The event brought together over 425 school board members, superintendents and educational leaders from across the state for four days of collaboration, learning, and inspiration under the theme “Game Changers ”

“This joint conference was an invaluable experience for our new School Board and Superintendent Carlin as we unite with One Vision, One Team,” said Fisher “We gained valuable insights from colleagues across the state while learning more about vital topics school districts face such as school safety, student success, and family engagement To achieve lasting success, we must consistently look for new ways to improve, keeping student achievement and high performance at the center of our efforts ”

The conference kicked off with an inspiring keynote from Damon West, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and motivational speaker encouraging attendees to harness their inner strength to overcome challenges and create meaningful change in their schools and communities Former NFL linebacker and leadership coach Rennie

Curran delivered the keynote address “One Team One Dream ” His session provided actionable strategies for building teamwork, fostering leadership, and driving succ

equipped to enhance their school board efforts

School Board of Lee County Attorney Kathy DupuyBruno led a breakout session on the First Amendment rights of elected officials and constituents The presentation focused on advising school board members how to navigate free speech protections on and off the dais by exploring recent legal decisions and how they impact public officials as it relates to social media and public comment during board meetings

“This year’s conference was a resounding success, with new school board members joining experienced leaders to engage in meaningful discussions and learning opportuni-

Messina “Our speakers, sessions, and events highlighted the collective commitment of Florida’s education leaders to shaping a brighter future for students and communities across the state ” The mission of FSBA is to increase student achievement through the development of effective school board leadership and advocacy for public education Association members will convene in March for the 38th Annual Day in the Legislature, a Tallahassee advocacy event

PHOTO PROVIDED

Barbara Rebeor has been named 2025 Teacher of the Year by the School District of Lee County.

Holiday gifts that benefit Cape wildlife, too

Academy: First component of three-phase expansion to commence

From page 1

having previously been providing education through ninth grade

“It was extremely exciting,” said CLA Head of School, Aaron Quaintance “This has been a year of planning in the making We’re extremely excited to be able to use this ministry to serve our community

“We’re just so honored that God has allowed us and entrusted us to (further local youth’s education) ”

The new CLA campus, when fully completed, will feature: state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced science and technology labs, multipurpose spaces for community events, and modern athletic facilities

“ W e ’ l l b e a b l e t o h o s t c o m m u n i t y events, church events, as well as school events,” Quaintance said

CLA started in 2011 as a daycare, serving children from 6 weeks to 4 years old

Eventually, CLA expanded into elementary school and then to middle school, and will now take the step into four years of high school

As for why CLA wanted to further its e

Quaintance said, “We’re a ministry of our church; Christian Life Fellowship, and our church operates with the conviction that we believe that God has called us to reach a tenth of our city And part of the process to do that is through our school as a ministry to serve our community ”

Quaintance said CLA’s faith-based education teaches students “how to live and function with a biblical worldview and how God has called us to live within our community and love our neighbor and

spread the Gospel ”

“Our teachers maximize learning by bringing together the strength of technology, community partnerships, problem solving, and interdisciplinary instruction in a student-centered, collaborative, projectbased community Every morning our stud e n t s b

including a Bible story, verse and prayer,” CLA’s website states

CLA utilizes a combination of Abeka, Apologia (science only), and BJU Press curriculums for its core academic areas

“This combination provides our students with comprehensive, quality curriculum content with materials written from a Christian perspective and developed with the understanding that each child needs a strong foundation in both academics and character,” CLA’s website states

Quaintance said there is no timetable set in stone for when Phase 2 and 3 will start His message to the community for what families can expect sending their student to CLA?

“We focus and partner with parents to raise up and develop the whole child,”

Quaintance said “Academically, behaviorally, and spiritually ” Funds raised for the expansion came via a $1 million from a donor, as well as funds raised by the school, as well as a loan

For more information on CLA, includi n g e n r o l l m e n t , v i s i t

www CLAWarriors com, or call 239-2831022

Boat-A-Long: Parade along Cape waterways an annual tradition

From page 1

“This is a long-standing tradition in Cape Coral, with a 48-year history of folks taking it upon themselves to decorate their boats and creating a parade that is a magical visual for folks that come to Four Freedoms Park and around the canals,” said Cape Coral Special Events Coordinator Todd King

This free, family-friendly event also features stage entertainment, local food trucks, crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus The boat parade will begin at 7:30 p m , and “The Polar Express” will be played on a giant inflatable screen at 8 p m Organizers advise attendees to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities

This is truly an event that can only be put on in certain places around the country such as Florida And Cape Coral does it in style

“Unless you have an ice breaker, Florida is one of the only places you can conduct a Christmas boat parade,” King said, adding that up to 100 boats take part every year. “We are a boating community, with miles and miles of canals Both elements just mesh together You have good weather, beautiful conditions, and you add that everyone loves boating here and participants take it upon themselves to decorate their boats in a very festive, holiday way When you put water and lights together, it’s just so magical, because you see some reflection on the water It’s just a great experience ”

Individuals also can watch as the boats line up in Bimini Basin for the parade, which first passes by the Four Freedom Park’s beach before heading down various canals in South Cape Coral

“A lot of our canals are backyard canals, so many folks along the route throw Christmas parties to watch the parade go by,” King said “For public viewing, Four Freedoms Park is really your best bet ”

Other than the light show on the water, there will be plenty of entertainment for residents to take in, including a visit from the big jolly man himself

“What kid doesn’t want to get last wishes in to Santa?” King said “If kids haven’t had an opportunity yet, he’s here for a few more days before he has to get to work ”

“A lot of our canals are backyard canals, so many folks along the route throw Christmas parties to watch the parade go by. For public viewing, Four Freedoms Park is really your best bet.”

Todd King, city of Cape Coral Special Events coordinator

Performances throughout the evening feature youth from Cultural Park Theatre, dancers from Studio 8, and the Calendar Girls and their Holiday Spectacular.

“This really is the last weekend before Christmas, and hopefully folks got their shopping done and can settle in and really find the spirit,” King said

Those interested in having their boat in the parade should register by calling Sea Tow at (239) 945-4820

For more information, visit www capecoral gov and search for special events under the Parks and Recreation tab

A free shuttle will be taking attendees to and from the event, picking up at local parking lots in the area of Club Square, Iguana Mia, and BackStreets

Four Freedoms Park is at 4818 Tarpon Court

January programs set at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

Next month’s roster of activities at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library offers topics for all ages The following activities are free to the public:

Adult Programs

Download Drop-In

11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, 16

Libby/OverDrive and hoopla, two of Lee County Library System's largest online content providers. Support also will be available to registered users of the National Library Service's Braille and Audio Reading Download service (BARD) which is provided through Home Borrower Services and Lee County Talking Books

Note: Attendees should bring their preferred, charged device (tablet, phone, e-reader, etc ) along with any passwords needed to download apps Kindle users also must have an Amazon account and password Patrons interested in BARD should contact Talking Books at 239-533-4780 before attending to ensure they have an active account or find out how to set one up

English Café

6 p m , Tuesday, Jan 7, 14, 21, 28

10 a m , Friday, Jan 10, 17, 24, 31

F

,

ESOL/ESL students

Book Discussion: “The Last Wife” by Karen Hamilton

11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8

Two women, a dying wish and a web of lies that will bring their world crashing down Promising to look after her late friend’s family, Marie is drawn into the routines of their countryside home before the reappearance of a college friend reveals sinister truths about a suspicious accident from the past

Beginner Spanish Class

2 p m , Wednesday, Jan 8

This course is designed for those new to the Spanish language Learn fundamental vocabulary, essential phras-

es and basic grammar in a fun, informal and interactive environment Join us and learn the basics to start a conversation Registration is required

Crafts at Cape: Quilling

2 p m , Wednesday, Jan 8

10 a m , Saturday, Jan 25

Valentine's Day is coming This month we will be quilling greeting cards with a heart motif Each class has a maximum seating of 20 Participants may only register for one class in the series Registration is guaranteed until the start of the program

Amelia Earhart: Pioneer in Aviation

11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 16

Amelia Earhart is performed by actor Sheryl Faye, who has been bringing stories of historical women to life uniquely and memorably for over a decade

Even as a child, Amelia Earhart’s fearless, adventuresome spirit is evident by hair-raising rides on her homemade roller coaster and her fascination with the wonder of a new “flying machine” she learns about on a family vacation to the Iowa State Fair Although considering a career in medicine, her $1 trip in an airplane sparks a passion for flying and the science of aviation Amelia follows her dreams with an indomitable spirit and her inspiring story

reinforces the importance of family, respect for the individuality of others and the pursuit of budding inspirations Registration is required

Adult Coloring

2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21

Come and experience the latest trend in relaxation, adult coloring books Researchers and art therapists alike have touted the calming effects of coloring and adults have found this childhood activity a refreshing way to release their creativity, relieve stress and meet other participants Coloring pages designed especially for adults, as well as colored pencils, will be provided Registration is required

A 'Deep Dive' into Weeki Wachee Springs

2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23

From local swimming spot to roadside attraction to state park, the only constant at Weeki Wachee Springs over its 75-year history is the mermaid performances Join Rebecca Schwandt, historian and archivist, for a “deep dive” into the springs’ past Entertaining audiences since 1947, this unique roadside attraction has a natural spring with water at a stable temperature of 72-74 degrees. Registration is required

Hungrytown

11 a m , Tuesday, Jan 28

Hungrytown's folk music blends Celtic and Americana, ballads and psychedelia, sunshine and darkness, joy and despair -- not only throughout their program but often times within the same song

Children’s Programs

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4

5:15 – 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session Please bring your library card

Please check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk

See CAPE CORAL LIBRARY, page 32

Cape Coral Library: Programs and activities for January scheduled

From page 30

Sensory Baby Play

10:30 a m , Thursday, Jan 9

Start the new year off by immersing your little one into a sensory-filled experience at the library We will have a variety of stations to match each of the five senses. Dress for mess All supplies provided while they last For babies up to 18 months and a caregiver No is registration required, but space is limited to 30 babies plus their caregiver Tickets are available 30 minutes before the start of program

Family Build It

10 a m - Noon, Saturday, Jan 11

For all ages Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy No registration required All materials are provided

Putt-Putt Dragon Quest

10 – 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 16

Join us for a magical adventure where little ones can navigate nine whimsical dragon-themed holes This funfilled program encourages early motor skills and imaginative play as toddlers embark on a fantastical golfing journey For ages 2-5 years This is a drop-in event with no registration, but space and supplies are limited

Preschool Storytime

10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, 28

For ages 3-5 years Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby Space is limited to 15 tickets Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth desk.

Family Storytime

10 & 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 29

For children through age 5 years and caregivers Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement Space is limited Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth desk

Baby Rhyme Time

10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, 30

For babies up to 18 months Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment Space is limited Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth desk

STEAM Club

4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30

Be ready for fun experiments and projects as we explore the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) This month's theme is Amazing Architecture For ages 5-11 years Dress for mess All materials provided Your registration is only guaranteed until the start of the program Registration is required

Teen

Programs

Kids Read Down Fines

1 – 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4 5:15 – 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session Please bring your library card Please check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk

Teen Bunny Yoga and Mindfulness

4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9

Let's begin the new year with a bunny yoga session for teens and preteens ages 11-18 years The session begins with a 10-minute vibe check where we introduce mindful breathing and check-in with our bodies and minds Practice includes various movements, songs/chants and deep breathing, with the last 10 minutes being full relaxation Bunnies will be free-roaming and you will be able to gently pet and interact with them Dress for comfort Snacks provided

Family Build It

10 a m - Noon, Saturday, Jan 11

For all ages Drop in for building challenges the whole

family will enjoy No registration required All materials are provided

Amelia Earhart: Pioneer in Aviation 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 16

Amelia Earhart is performed by actor Sheryl Faye, who has been bringing stories of historical women to life uniquely and memorably for over a decade

Even as a child, Amelia Earhart’s fearless, adventuresome spirit is evident by hair-raising rides on her homemade roller coaster and her fascination with the wonder of a new “flying machine” she learns about on a family vacation to the Iowa State Fair Although considering a career in medicine, her $1 trip in an airplane sparks a passion for flying and the science of aviation Amelia follows her dreams with an indomitable spirit and her inspiring story reinforces the importance of family, respect for the individuality of others and the pursuit of budding inspirations Registration is required

The Cape Coral Lee County Public Library is located at 921 S W 39th Terrace in Cape Coral For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4500 Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www leelibrary net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239-479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www leegov com/resources/ newsletters

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, c

Florida Relay Service 711, or rperoba@leegov com Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requester Requests should be made at least five business days in advance

From page 1

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RSW airport officials urge holiday travelers to arrive early

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County Port Authority has provided tips and information for those traveling at Southwest Florida International Airport this holiday

First and foremost, LCPA officials said for travelers to arrive early

“We expect a busy Christmas and New Year’s holiday at RSW and want travelers to plan ahead,” officials said “Please be in line at your security checkpoint at least two hours prior to your flight departure for a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight ”

Officials added that parking lots at RSW may fill up quickly between Dec 20 and Jan 5 Officials advise those using the parking lots to give extra time to find parking and consider alternative ways to get to RSW, such as being dropped off by friends or family or using commercial transportation

If necessary, RSW will post parking updates on the airport’s website, www flylcpa com, and Facebook, to keep travelers informed on airport parking availability

RSWRemote is available this holiday, offering passengers a remote and reserved parking option Cars will be accepted for entry Dec 20 at 3 a m to Dec 25 at noon

Vehicles can exit from Christmas Day through the last flight arrival on Dec 30 The RSWRemote parking lot is at 11861 Regional Lane in Fort Myers, on the north side of the airport property in the Skyplex area The cost will be a flat $60 fee, no matter how many days you choose to park, and is non-refundable

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l e a v e b r i g h t a n d e a r l y o r a f t e r t h e e v e n i n g c o m m u t e ”

F l o r i d a b o a s t s f o u r o f t h e t o p 1 0 t r a v e l d e s t i n a t i o n t h i s h o l i d a y s e a s o n , i n c l u d i n g t h e t o p t h r e e i n O r l a n d o ,

For more information on RSWRemote, visit flylcpa com/RSWRemote/ Reservations can be made at rswremoteparking com The Lee County Port Authority recommends adding an additional 30 minutes to travel time to use this remote parking option

“Local roads are extremely busy during the holidays, so allow extra time to get to the airport,” LCPA officials stated “To avoid congestion, use the I-75 Direct Connect to get to and from RSW

“If there is inclement weather forecasted at destination or connecting airports, travelers should check with their air carrier to see if there are any changes to their flight schedules ”

Visit the Transportation Security Administration’s website at tsa gov for tips about what you can and cannot bring through the security checkpoint

For more airport information, visit flylcpa com

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Drop a

It’s not too late to drop hints to get that Christmas stocking filled with angler items Remind loved ones that gift certificates are always appreciated and readily available online

With low and slow inshore tides again pre-

d

e d f o r t h e c o m i n g weekend, looks like offshore is the place to be Cool, overcast, with little chance of rain and a mild breeze is the latest word, so take advantage and put some fish in the cooler

t

w

Red snapper is open

Capt George Tunison

n e snapper remains closed in federal waters till Jan 1 Get on the hogfish while they are still available for a delicious taste treat along with African pompano, big mangrove snappers and porgies, with most of the action taking place in 100-150 feet of water

Kingfish are still around but not in great numbers with lots of bait heading south

f

Near shore tripletail are not only found under crab

Nearshore reefs reportedly have permit showing up but finding silver dollar-sized crabs will be the issue Permit will hit real as well as soft plastic shrimp and crabs so keep casting

If you’re running floats on the way offshore, keep in mind a curious cobia might show up anytime, and a live pinfish or white bait tossed their way usually ends up in a battle with this great fighting and delicious-on-thegrill fish that grows to really large sizes If your baitwell is empty, think plastic eels or even large black or purple plastic largemouth bass worms Cobia simply love eels

Inshore, smaller sheepshead are showing up with better fishing still centered on Boca Grande structures Take a trip to nearshore numbers to catch larger sheepshead where they are staged Cooling weather will really get the bite going, bringing in bigger fish as well as turning on the local trout over Pine Island and

TIDE CHART

13th Annual LCEC 5K Run/Walk for

United Way Jan. 4 at Jim Jeffers Park

The 13th Annual LCEC 5K to benefit the United Way will be held Saturday, Jan 4, at Jim Jeffers Park in Cape Coral The LCEC Resolution 5K Run/Walk will begin at 7:30 a m , followed by a Kids' 1/2-Mile Fun Run The event will conclude with a Tot Trot

This event has the option for in-person attendance or v i r t u a l R a c e r s c a n s i g n u p o n l

https://runsignup com/Race/FL/CapeCoral/LCEC5K, at packet pick-up or in-person until 7 a m on race day through a mobile device

Advance registration is $30 for 18 and up, $20 for ages 17 and younger ($35 Jan 4), and $15 for the Kids 1/2-

Mile Fun Run (age 12 and under $20 day of) Last year’s event raised over $4,000 and year to date over $36,000 for United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades County For additional race information, please visit https://runsignup com/Race/FL/CapeCoral/LCEC5K, or email 5K@ lcec net or call 239-656-2380

At LCEC, giving back to the community is a core value LCEC holds an annual United Way Campaign which includes corporate donations, employee donation pledges, and monies collected through various LCEC fundraising events. All proceeds are donated to United Way and distributed throughout their various partner agencies

Tur ning the cor ner

Mariner ’s Trey Lemus gets the edge on North’s Lionel Nicles and drives down the lane The two West Zone schools squared off last week with the Red Knights edging the Tritons, 51-48

Wednesday

Boys Basketball

Bishop Verot 59, Charlotte 43: In the Hugh Thimlar Tribute game at the City of Palms Classic, Jerry Ashley put up 30 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to power the Vikings (5-1) past the Tarpons (5-2) Gavin Williams scored 10 points, and Austin Leslie and Eddie Gore added 9 each Bishop Verot, which led 25-24 at halftime, dominated the second half to pull away for the win Hugh Thimlar was the longtime basketball coach of Edison C

College Thimlar also was a key figure in starting what is now the City of Palms Classic

Girl Soccer

Oasis 10, Dunbar 0: Erin Vezzola scored five goals as the Sharks won their sixth match in a row Hailey Kundinger, Arianna Cates, Ashley Lynn, Maddison Davis and Kayla Theobald scored a goal each ECS 4, Cape Coral 2: Sophia Vianest and Angelica Murillo had a goal and an assist each

Tuesday

Girls Basketball

Cape Coral 38, South Fort Myers 36: Pulling out a squeaker against the Wolfpack, Cape lifted its record to 92

Bishop Verot 52, Gateway Charter 42: Cameron O'Halloran scored 24 points and Caroline Ward had 20 as the Vikings (7-2, 1-0) downed the Griffins (8-3, 1-1) in District 3A-10 play North Fort Myers 48, Island Coast 15: The Red Knights improved to 7-2,

Boys Basketball

C a p e C o r a l 5

Chimelis scored 13 points and Elijah Felix had 13 to lead Cape Coral. Mac Rubbico had 9 points and 7 rebounds. The Seahawks are 6-1 with one more game before the Christmas break LaBelle 66, Ida Baker 48: The Bulldogs came up short

MARK CLIFFORD

Tire Amnesty Day to rid neighborhoods across Lee County of discarded tires rescheduled for Jan. 11

Old tires are notoriously effective mosquito-breeding habitats

Lee County Solid Waste is partnering with Lee County Mosquito Control District and Fort Myers East Rotary for Tire Amnesty Day, from 10 a m to 2 p m , Saturday, Jan 11, to rid neighborhoods of discarded passenger car tires

Lee County residents can drop off passenger car tires at the Lee County Mosquito Control District, 15191 Homestead Road, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 This event, originally scheduled for Oct 12, was rescheduled to Jan 11 due to Hurricane Milton

Tires are an ideal breeding habitat for the mosquito species that can transmit Zika, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and even dog heartworm, according to the district Rainwater collects in tires, which creates the perfect home for the Aedes aegypti mosquito Once water

gets into tires, it does not drain This wet, hidden environment helps the mosquito to complete its life cycle to become the adult that bites people and animals

“We are excited about the county’s partnership with Mosquito Control for this program,” said Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell, who represents Lehigh Acres “Properly disposing of tires at this event comes at no cost to residents and provides an alternative to illegal dumping In the case of tires, illegal dumping is not only unsightly but it’s also a public health concern We encourage residents to take the extra effort and help keep our community safe and clean ”

The county and district ask residents to take advantage of this special event to get rid of passenger car tires and

Offshore: Low and slow inshore tides expected

From page 34

Matlacha 3 to 5-foot-deep grass flats Nothing beats a one/two punch to find trout Pick a grass flat in 3-5 feet and trail live shrimp loaded popping corks behind the boat while casting ultra-lites loaded with soft plastic paddle tails off the front deck as you drift along with the breeze Trout are noise sensitive so fish quietly as you drift

Cooling temperatures will also up your chances at connecting with one of Florida’s tastiest fish, the pompano Traditionally good action occurs around the pass edges and bars but they can show up just about anywhere this time of year If you “skip” pompano, that is while motoring along and fish jump out of the water as the boat passes, slowly and quietly motor back and fan cast the area with tiny pomp jigs tipped with morsels of shrimp, making sure to maintain bottom contact on your hopping retrieve Colorful jigs seem to attract more attention with pink and yellow good color choices Look for “goofy jigs” at your local retailer as they work well

This weekend expect low water during the middle of the day so think creeks, cuts, ditches and channels Try Cape canals with a slow trolling plan or soak big dead baits on bottom and wait for a true trophy to inhale this easy catch Hit the river structures and docks for snook moving to warmer waters Spend some time fishing the RR trestle and I-75 Bridge for snook, redfish, trout and some of the area’s largest jacks you will ever see in Southwest Florida The I-75 Bridge is the winter home to 25-pound and bigger jack crevasse not typically seen on local coastal flats, along with by-catch tarpon The colder it gets the hotter the fishing in this location Shallow sunwarmed mud flats off the main river can at times offer exciting sight fishing for huge sunbathing snook while

PREP REPORT

From page 34

against a 9-2 LaBelle squad

North Fort Myers 61, Island Coast 59: Mathias Harmon scored 16 points, SirJoshua Anderson 13 and Izaiah Baccus 14 for the Gators (7-3) in their loss to the Red Knights (6-5) Gateway 81, Mariner 46: The Tritons are 0-11

Girls Soccer

Mariner 8, Fort Myers 1: The Tritons (10-1, 1-1) dominated Fort Myers in a District 5A-11 matchup Ida Baker 4, Gateway 2: Allie Blackburn, Alexis Klutsaris and Aubrey Tansey each had a goal and assist for the Bulldogs (4-7-1, 2-0-1 District 6A-12) Madison Reynolds also scored, and Maya Drew had two assists

Boys Soccer

Mariner 1, Fort Myers 0: Federico Buitrago and Aiden Mace combined in goal to blank the Green Wave Thomas Castano's goal was all the Tritons (13-0) would need South Fort Myers 5, Cape Coral 1: The Seahawks slipped to 3-8-1

Gateway 5, Ida Baker 3: Baker fell to 6-5-1, 1-1-1 in District 6A-12 with the loss

close by mangroves often host redfish as well

in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).

dump out any standing water around the home

Residents can bring up to eight passenger car tires each, with or without rims, to the event Lee County will dispose of the tires at no cost to the residents

Only on-road vehicle tires will be accepted at this event For information about how to dispose of larger, offroad tires, call Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000.

Residents who are unable to participate in the Tire Amnesty Day may place up to two passenger car tires curbside on their weekly waste collection day to be picked up

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign u p f o r

sources/newsletters Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www facebook com/leecountyflbocc

over coming weekend

Capt George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide You can contact him at 239-579-0461 or

email at captgeorget3@aol com

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