Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

VOLUME 37, NUMBER 52

Remediation begins on Beach School

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com Lee County Schools

Superintendent Dr Chris Bernier announced this past week that the remediation and restoration of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School will begin Bernier made the declaration a

rkshop of the Lee County School Board in which a majority of the school board expressed support for restoring and rebuilding the school while some members expressed concern over the school’s enrollment and its future viability

Bernier said the district would

be contracting with a company for the remediation work, having declined a free offer from another contractor

The decision followed a meeting Bernier had with officials from the state’s division of historic resources The original 1947 building of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School is on the National Registrar of Historic Places Bernier said two of the school’s four

newer outer buildings will have to be torn down due to damage from Hurricane Ian

During the meeting, a majority of school board members indicated a willingness to repair and reopen Fort Myers Beach Elementary School though it had not yet decided on what form the school will reopen in and when They also floated ideas about

DeSantis pledges trailers

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Gov Ron DeSantis visited Fort Myers Beach Friday and announced that the state will begin issuing trailers to those whose homes are being

Beach when a holiday light and video show sponsored by the Barefoot Event Group takes place

The free show, being put on in conjunction with the Town of Fort Myers Beach, will take place from 6 to 8 p m

“Light Up Times Square” will feature a synchronized Christmas light, music and video show created by Fort L

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chairs to the free event, Paulauskis said

“Light Up Times Square warms the heart of everyone who is working to put together on this one of kind of event to bring back what Fort Myers Beach has always been known for -- community, fun and a kind of special found only on this island,” Paulauskis said “Special thanks to Twilight Features for donating this spectacular light event to our area ”

There will be a food truck on site

Division of Emergency Management have trailer programs for those whose homes are being rebuilt due to damage from Hurricane Ian Because most homes on Fort Myers Beach are located in a flood plain and high hazard area, state and federal regulations currently don’t allow trailers in those locations

At an informational meeting last week, State Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said the state had to follow the same regulations as FEMA in the placement of trailers

G u t h r i e s a i d F r i d a y t h a t h e t o l d DeSantis the state could issue trailer but might not be reimbursed for them if it did-

Barefoot Event Group organizer Janeen Paulauskis

Governor Ron DeSantis

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Storm damage assessments continue for school district

The overall impacts of Hurricane Ian on School District of Lee County could be a high as $273 million to a low of $179 mil lion, depending on the measures used

T h e L e e C o u n t y S c h o o l B o a r d w a s updated last week on its rough order of magnitude, the preliminary estimate of the o v e r a l l i m p a c t s t h a t H u r r i c a n e I a n l e behind

Imperium Consulting Group Director Joseph Mascali said they create a high and low range in terms of the preliminary estimates It ranges from a high of $273 million to a low of $179 million, which is different from the preliminary damage assessment of $230 million That difference is mainly driven by the absence of specific categories

Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier said the numbers will consistently, at any given hour and day, be an updated version.

the final phase is obligation. FEMA remains at the first phase, operational planning We really want to shape the claim and presn t a t i o n t o i n s u r a n c e c a r r i e r s a n d F E M A FEMA is always lagging a little bit with most catastrophic disasters,” Nelson said Some of the eligible cost examples include salaries, wages and fringe benefits, materials and supplies, and equipment, as well as conact costs incurred for construction, rental ipment, engineering and design services, and project and program management

Nelson shared the FEMA Project Worksheet, which currently has a project minimum of $3,300 and a small project threshold of $1million

“In the past 12 months the small threshold has been raised to a million dollars The prior value was around $150,000,” he said, adding that it is primarily associated with cash flow

were divided into high, medium and low in terms of damage The high and medium categories captured the most information, as that is where the bulk in reimbursement requests will lie

Joseph Mascali said there were 34 reports for heavy and medium campuses, resulting in 45,000 photos of the interior and exterior, 110,000 drone captures and 225 3-D scans for 18 campuses

“We have a lot of information to restore property to pre-disaster,” he said, adding that part of the 3-D scans had thermal scans of the roof to identify areas where there is moisture

Within the many policies the district has, $13 million is in the layer of the NFIP and $75 million in property insurance Joseph Mascali said that leaves FEMA with $166 9 million based on high magnitude He said 90 percent will be paid by FEMA with a 10 percent cost share of $18 5 million

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f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m

I m p e r i u m C o n s u l t i n g G r o u p M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r

Arnold Mascali said Imperium assists policy holders and public entities with insurance and FEMA Its diverse group of professionals helps provide different perspectives to accomplish a common goal Imperium helps the district through project development, documentation and proper procurement

“We want to keep pace with you guys while identif y i n g a n d m a x i m i z i n g f u n d i n g a v a i l a b l e , ” J o s e p h Mascali said

Emergent Risk Solutions Managing Director Kipp Nelson said any large public entity, in the aftermath of a disaster, typically has a layered approach to funding, such as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), property insurance, other funding sources and FEMA

“The largest portion is FEMA,” he said, adding that FEMA is the payor of last resort “Everybody else goes first before them ”

The presentation broke down the FEMA Project Formulation Phases into four, with the district currently sitting at the second phase damage intake and eligibility analysis The third is scoping and costing and

According to Imperium’s presentation, the small projects are paid at the time of obligation, as well as a reduced administrative burden

He said the pace of reimbursement is highly unpredictable All they can do is shape the claim and maximize interface with FEMA.

“We can go no faster than the actual pace of construction The cash flow will be dependent on construction activity,” he said

The district engaged with Imperium just before the hurricane hit and mobilized on Oct 2 The group developed a document management and retention system, where the district can track all storm-related expenses that will be submitted to FEMA and insurance

“We were able to secure an advanced commitment of $25 million,” Joseph Mascali said, adding that it should be in the district’s bank account as of that week

The $25 million advanced commitment came within three weeks of the hurricane from the property insurance companies

There were also 98 joint inspections performed for the schools to reopen within 21 days following Ian Imperium also assisted in coordinating the opening of all 88 campuses within three weeks The campuses

“It could be paid by the state, as well as other funding sources and opportunities,” Joseph Mascali said, adding that they will figure out ways to recoup 100 percent of the funds

As of Dec 9, the dashboard showed the work-issued purchase orders for and received invoices The largest purchase order was for Hector A. Cafferata in the amount of $13,835,822 due to the portable campus The largest purchase order amount by category lies within property damage at $22,312,885

“The district is beginning efforts on the permanent work front,” he said

Joseph Mascali said there had been $44 5 million in purchase orders as of Dec 9 The invoices paid equaled $5 6 million and the invoices received $9 4 million As of that date, the district had an insurance commitment of $25 million and had received $816,000 from NFIP

He said the funding they are anticipating to receive is $43.3 million.

“We also started looking at other funding sources,” Joseph Mascali said, citing the Community Disaster Loan of upwards of $5 million, which more often than not can be forgiven “Those conversations are ongoing We are looking to increase that other funding source bucket as quickly as possible ”

Scholastic’s ClassroomsCount helps educators build libraries

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Scholastic’s ClassroomsCount campaign is helping two teachers in the School District of Lee County, with one being a teacher whose classroom was hard hit by Hurricane Ian in Cape Coral

“The hurricane has proved to be constant readjustment and it is a process to find all of our teaching materials,” Hector A C a f f e r a t a J r E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l fourth-grade teacher Stephanie Kesterson said “I do think I have to gear my new classroom library even more to my stud e n t s ’ n e e d s , e s p e c i a l l y f o r E n g l i s h Language Learners I try to help them choose books on their level that I call ‘need books’ in addition to letting them pick out ‘want books’ for themselves to encourage reading ”

Stacey Jaffe, senior vice president of d i g i t a l s e r v i c e s a t S c h o l a s t i c , s a i d C l a s s r o o m s C o u n t l a u n c h e d i n 2 0 2 0 ,

allowing teachers to raise funds to buy Scholastic resources for their classrooms

“It was created as a direct result of our ongoing and ever present conversations with teachers, where they told us how much they desired a program such as this,” she said “Staying true to our mission of helping all educators support student learning, we were eager to launch this platform for our teacher community and to help them put even more books and resources in the hands of their students ”

Teachers are able to create their own campaign to share with their friends, fami l y a n d c o m m u n i t y a t https://www scholastic com/content/edu-

cators/en/classroom-funds/funds-marketing html

“What educators raise is what they can spend The money raised is available to spend immediately without hidden fees and without meeting a specific campaign goal,” Jaffe said “Over the past year, teachers created over 18,000 campaigns nationwide, raising over $2 million on ClassroomsCount ”

Campaigns can be created at any time and, on average, it only takes six contributors to fully fund a teacher’s Classrooms Count campaign on average

“ClassroomCounts allows educators to raise funds to enhance their classroom resources, and offers them 100 percent of the funds they raise to be spent across the S c h o l a s t i c p r o d u c t l i n e s T o d a y , ClassroomsCount, is part of Scholastic’s core offering to teachers. We see the funds being spent across a wide variety of products, everything from the newest book releases to classroom magazines,” Jaffe said

She said educators have used the funds to enhance lessons, make students’ birthdays extra special by gifting books, help build home libraries, and kick start summer reading efforts by creating a book mobile that drives through local neighborhoods and allows kids to check out books like a library on wheels.

“I love the staff I work with and the k i d s t h a t I h a v e i n m y c l a s s r o o m , ” Kesterson said “It has been an uphill battle for my students as they are still dealing with COVID and now the hurricane We were only in school for five or six weeks

when Ian hit and there’s a lot of catching up to do I have 58 students now and it’s been a process to find all of our teaching materials ”

She said through the campaign, she is building her classroom library one book at a time

“With my last order, I bought some holiday books, which will be especially relevant this month Because the campaign is ongoing, I can start to remember what books I had and replace those items on my own time,” Kesterson said “My students love all types of books When I got the boxes from Scholastic donations, I was excited and humbled by it I showed every cover of every book to the kids and they were thrilled A couple of my boys have plowed through all the ‘Bad Guys’ books and they love the ‘I Survived’ books, too.”

Individuals can contribute to her campaign at https://shop scholastic com/view Campaign?campaignId=b2cc9479-f22d4f5e-b902-07b4e070c152

“Anytime I can get kids into books and reading, it’s a win,” she said “I’m all for it Sometimes they ask to take books home from our classroom library, which is so great to see ”

The other teacher is from a school in Fort Myers

Orangewood Elementary School seco n d - g r a d e t e a c h e r A l l i s o n L o c k s a i d although she does the campaign every year, this year meant more to her

“I have one particular student who lost everything in the hurricane I do this campaign every year, but it meant more this

year because I knew many had very little, or were displaced,” she said “I wanted to do more for the kids, but I’m hoping that giving books to each and every kid stirs something in their parents I hope they show their parents new books to read together, or read with their siblings I give books every year, but I wanted to give back to this year’s group particularly, as they went through hurricanes, COVID, and are living through tough times as kids It’s just stressful all the way around for them ”

Lock said she tries to send each student home with a brand-new book several times during the year, as her goal is to ensure every student adds many books to their home library

“I plan on using my ClassroomCounts donations to purchase nonfiction books and chapter books for my students to read this winter,” she said “A lot of my kids l o v e r e a d i n g n o n f i c t i o n a n d c h a p t e r

books, and some don’t have access to those at the local libraries, so I plan to let them choose the books they want from our classroom library and take them home where hopefully a parent, or older sibling can sit down and read with them over the holidays ”

Lock’s campaign can be found at https://shop scholastic com/viewCampaig n ? c a m p a i g n I d = e d f 7 3 6 5 6 - f a e 4 - 4 f c 791ff-87fe0bed3cf2

“I love seeing the excitement in student’s reactions when they know they can take a book home to keep I also love when they fall in love with the book selection,” she said

School board agrees to continue conversation on Guardian Program

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The School Board of Lee County recently agreed to have further conversations about the Guardian Program and what it would entail to implement in the School District of Lee County during an executive session to be held next month

“I think this might be our third briefing on this,” Board Member Melisa Giovannelli said “I have been advocating for it since 2019 because there is no price on safety. I would hate for an incident to happen where we could have used a guardian ”

Before the school board members discussed their thoughts on the program, Safety, Security and Emergency Management Executive Director David Newlan provided background information He said the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act was created to make Florida schools safer and keep firearms out of students’ hands, which stemmed from the Parkland shooting on Feb 14, 2018

Newlan said the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program was established in 2018 and named after the coach who was killed after trying to stop the gunman at the school It is to take down the active threat, which are roles filled by school employees who volunteer for an additional role, or hired personnel

To participate in the program, individuals must pass psychological and drug screenings and complete a minimum of 144 hours of training Newlan said that includes 12 hours of diversity training and 132 hours of firearm safety and proficiency training

“The guardian must complete an 85 percent pass rate of firearm and proficiency training,” he said The presentation also went into Senate Bills 7026 and 7030 For Bill 7026, Newlan said the guardian does not have the same authority and power of law enforcement, except to stop an active assailant For Senate Bill 7030, the sheriff’s office has to implement the program and provide training

Remediation

Newlan said when speaking with Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, he is in support of a program and would support the school district He said he has also spoken with the police department chiefs and they are open and in support of listening to what type of program will be brought forward

As far as funding, Newlan said there is a Guardian Grant available for the sheriff, which covers instructor training costs, weapons and range fees, uniforms and a one-time $500 stipend, as well as such items as portable radios, administrative costs, recurring costs of recertification, training and insurance

Out of the 3,785 schools in Florida, there are 2,997 law enforcement officers assigned to schools and 1,384 guardians assigned Furthermore, 46 districts use the program in their schools and 23 districts currently do not have a program

“I do support the Guardian Program Yes, we are meeting the expectations, but why not exceed them An additional layer of security is really important I want our security to be the best in the state,” Board Member Jada Langford-Fleming said

Newlan said staffing needs will be based on the program design the district chooses That might take the route of using either existing employees and/or creating a new position. He said they will also have to discuss the liability insurance and legal coverage for negligence

“We have to decide as a Guardian Program how firearms would be carried What type of firearm, what type of holster and the location,” he said

Board Member Debbie Jordan had concerns

“I am not saying I am against this We have to look at every little detail The guardians will become the employees of the district We would be their employer We control them and tell them ‘Here is your uniform, here is your gun,'” she said

If the guardian is a teacher, Newlan said the idea is for them to stay with their class and classroom.

“What is my purpose then if that person is down the

hallway? To me that does not make sense Maybe I am not seeing it right. If that individual is supposed to be with our children and a specific place, it defeats the purpose,” Jordan said

Board Chair Armor Persons said his understanding is, if someone comes through the door, the guardian’s duty is to protect

“It’s an extra layer of security of deterrence is what it is,” he said “A teacher who volunteered for this, I would not see him ever leaving the room They are there as a deterrence ”

The program would be a “force multiplier,” as School Resource Officers will remain as they are a vital part of the school’s community.

“It would be in concert with the SROs we already have The SRO provides immediate access to armed law enforcement,” Superintendent Dr Christopher Bernier said

The school board will also have to determine if the guardian would wear a uniform to help identify them, or be more discreet

“It’s simply a process to better understand where we are as a board right now,” Bernier said, adding that they were looking for direction in preparation to potentially bring it back as a vote “Any type of development would move into shaded sessions because of safety and security ”

Board Member Cathleen O’Daniel Morgan said if they move ahead with the program, she believes they have to make certain that they understand where staff and families are on the program

“Families may choose not to send their children (to that school), if we have guardians that are visible Staff members may choose not to teach in a school if a guardian is not disclosed and is an unnamed individual who is armed in the school We have to have extensive engagement with families and staff about what would be tolerable, acceptable and expected and all that would have to be written into policy,” she said

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creating a magnet program at the school at some point or enlarging the boundaries of where its students reside

The school board was told the district will receive the maximum reimbursement for its hurricane damage, which has been estimated at more than $100 million

The process for rebuilding the school could take two years to 30 months to fully rebuild the school Board members inquired as to whether the school could have portable classrooms to alleviate the concerns of parents who don’t want their children traveling to San Carlos Park Elementary School

Bernier said portable classrooms were possible and that he would present options for portable classrooms at the school board’s next meeting Jan 10 At that meeting, the board is expected to take official action approving a plan for rebuilding the school though Bernier said another meeting with the public could be held before a final action is approved

At Tuesday's meeting, Lee County School Board Chair Armor Persons said he supported rebuilding the school “I think we owe it. The island doesn’t have another school,” he said

“When I was running, I said I was always going to put kids first Putting an elementary student on the bus for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon is just too much,” Persons said

Persons suggested the district consider making the Beach Elementary School a K-8 school in the future He said the district could explore using the Bay Oaks gym in the future for students

“I firmly believe Fort Myers Beach needs a school,” he said “Every island has a school ”

Persons said in the future it could be a candidate for a charter school but “not at this time, though You all are coming off a hurricane disaster ” Persons said a charter school would be too much of a financial burden on the community at this time

“The cost of carrying it for a few more years until we can decide this I think is something I think we probably need to do,” Persons said

Persons also asked if temporary, portable classrooms could be built near the school for the students while the rebuild progresses

Bernier said it could be done

Frankly, I’m concerned that we're talking about creating an option that is really dependent upon other people, other families supporting Fort Myers Beach ”

Cathleen O'Daniel Morgan Lee County School Board Trustee

When I was running, I said I was always going to put kids first.”

ARMOR PERSONS Lee County School Board Chair

“I have to find a location, I have to find portables,” Bernier said

School board trustee Chris Patricca said her mind was changed by meeting with parents and the community last week

“I do generally believe that if we close this school now it won’t reopen,” Patricca said

“I can not do this to this community I can not mothball this school and sell this property,” she said “That would be a knockout punch ”

Patricca said she would like the school to open in the fall Patricca said she wants the enrollment to increase over the next three to five years.

She also asked the superintendent to find efficiencies at the school such as exploring whether a cafeteria is needed Patricca asked if the district could work with the town on having a cafeteria at Bay Oaks Board member Melissa Giovanelli also asked if the district could close the cafeteria and have students bring their own lunch

Bernier said the school has nutritional standards and couldn’t start providing fast food to students

The school has a majority of students who qualify for free

and reduced lunch

Patricca and board member Jada Langford-Fleming suggested possibly making the school a magnet school at some point

Vice Chair Samuel Fisher said he thinks the biggest issue is to make sure “the kids on Fort Myers Beach and the families are taken care of but I don’t think anybody in this room can say what Fort Myers Beach is going to be in three to five years.”

Fisher said he supported looking into portable classrooms

S c h o o l b o a r d t r u s t e e C a t h l e e n O ' D a n i e l M o r g a n s a i d s h e t h o u g h t t h e B e a c h S c h o o l s h o u l d b e c o n s i de r e d a s a c h a r t e r s c h o o l o r t u r n e d o v e r t o t h e t o w n

“ I g u e s s I g e t t o b e t h e d e v i l ’ s a d v o c a t e , ” O ' D a n i e l M o r g a n s a i d “ F r a n k l y , I ’ m c o n c e r n e d t h a t w e ’ r e t a l ki n g a b o u t c r e a t i n g a n o p t i o n t h a t i s r e a l l y d e p e n d e n t u p o n o t h e r p e o p l e , o t h e r f a m i l i e s s u p p o r t i n g F o r t M y e r s B e a c h T h e c o s t o f t r a n s p o r t a t i o n w i l l g o u p W e a r e t a l k i n g a b o u t r e z o n i n g s o t h a t p e o p l e w h o a r e n o r m a l l y n o t c r o s s i n g t h e b r i d g e w o u l d b e e x p e c t e d t o c r o s s t h e b r i d g e a n d w e a r e g o i n g t o h a v e a p r o b l e m f r o m t h o s e f a m i l i e s ”

O ' D a n i e l M o r g a n s a i d s h e w a s a f r a i d t h a t “ I j u s t h e a r u s k i c k i n g t h e c a n d o w n t h e r o a d f o r f i v e y e a r s ”

A m a j o r i t y o f t h e b o a r d m e m b e r s s a i d t h e r e w i l l n e e d t o b e a n i n c r e a s e i n e n r o l l m e n t t o c o n t i n u e t h e s c h o o l o p e r a t i n g a s i t d o e s c u r r e n t l y

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Hurricane Ian has brought the specter and reality of homelessness to too many of us here in Lee County

According to still-preliminary estimates provided by Lee County, Ian destroyed 5 , 0 7 6 h o

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This means many are sleeping in cars parked in driveways or hastily obtained RVs and campers as they await insurance money or FEMA aid This means the forced sharing of space with family or friends or trying to find a house share

It’s trying

It’s tragic

But, hopefully for most, it is temporary.

For others, the storm exacerbated the issue of affordable housing and the lack thereof

For make no mistake, Lee County was in

Customer service

hours are Monday

By FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

A survivor recently reported getting a text that their “federal government check in the amount of $2800 has been disbursed ” The text instructed the survivor to visit a link and provide personal information for FEMA to verify This is a scam Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person FEMA is not providing any financial assistance in the amount of $2,800 If you have applied for disaster assistance, FEMA will notify you of its decision The agency may also contact you if it needs additional information to process your application This may come in the form of a letter In some instances, you may receive a phone call Review your FEMA letters carefully Go online to DisasterAssistance gov to create an online account with FEMA Be extremely careful when clicking any links

Here is a list of other possible scams that may target Hurricane Ian survivors:

Identity theft

∫ Disaster survivors should be aware con artists and criminals may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors

Editorial

the midst of a housing crisis well before Ian Driven by inflation and spiraling housing costs, many Lee Countians were already struggling to pay rent, much less buy a home

Homelessness also is not a new issue

According to the Lee County Homeless Coalition, we, as a community, have long grappled with its challenges and its impacts

In an early September release that’s pre-Ian the coalition estimated that there are more than 3,400 individuals who are homeless here at any given time

According to the coalition’s latest survey, taken in January, about 8 percent of those living on Lee County streets are chronically homeless defined as an individual adult “with a disabling condition who has either continuously been homeless for a year or more or has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years ”

The majority were male and white but the

demographic ranges across gender, age and race

Nor is homelessness limited to unaccompanied adults The survey found 49 families, with 86 children among them, without a place to live

Data from the School District of Lee County shows numbers significantly higher than that “snapshot ” This year the district has identified 3,014 students as meeting the criteria for the Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act which states that children and youths who lack a “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” are considered homeless

This number is not the result of Ian alone, the storm has simply given homelessness and housing insecurity a new face

The problem of existent homelessness is real

Guest Commentary

cation, your information may have been used without your knowledge Tell the inspector you did not apply for FEMA assistance

∫ If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, call our helpline at 800-621-3362 any day between 7 a m to 11 p m

If you believe you are the victim of a contracting scam, price gouging or other fraudulent activity, contact local law enforcement and report it to the Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal com To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (myfloridalegal com) or contact the F e d e r a l T r a d e C o m m i s s i o n a t www.ftc.gov/complaint.

Telephone calls

FEMA will only reach out if you have already applied for assistance If you are contacted by someone asking you to apply for FEMA assistance or if you question someone’s intent, contact your local law enforcement agency

∫

∫

If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you have not filed a FEMA appli-

∫ Be cautious if somebody

asks for

∫ FEMA inspectors never ask for or confirm banking information

∫ Ask the inspector to show you their identification badge Federal and contracted employees always wear an official government badge to identify themselves

Someone comes to home without FEMA photo ID

∫ Do not let someone into your home who claims to be a FEMA employee but does not have a FEMA photo ID All FEMA representatives carry a laminated photo ID

Fake offers of local or federal aid

∫ Do not trust someone who asks for money Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money FEMA and staff from the U S Small Business Administration never charge for inspections or help in filling out a disaster assistance application

∫ Do not believe anyone who promises a disaster grant and asks for large cash deposits

See HOUSING, page 5 See FRAUD, page 5

must be signed and must contain a

You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: fortmyersbeachtalk com

Lyn McElhaney lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers com

The future of Lee County is bright

Our Christmases here in Lee County have certainly never been white, but the aftermath of the hurricane has us feeling more blue than usual this holiday season The impact that Ian has had on this community has been devastating: whether you grew up in the area or simply have fond memories of visiting Southwest Florida, it was absolutely heartbreaking to see the heart of our city flooded and the beautiful beaches wrecked

With loss, however, comes hope, and it’s the perfect time of year to recount how, through tragedy and devastation, our community has never been closer, and we are all stronger for it As families, friends, and neighbors come together to rebuild, we are reforming connections after a pandemic that sent us all into isolation

Against all odds, our children have continued learning in school, providing a tangible hope for the future of our community A successful election has brought in three new school board members that I could not be more excited and

From page 4

It spans age groups and gender

It affects individuals and families with kids

And sometimes it kills

At least 16 individuals who were homeless died here in Lee County this year alone

So two things one for the chronic issue; one for the new and hopefully transient

O n e , t h e L e e C o u n t y H o m e l e s s C o a l i t i o n w i l l a g a i n h o l d a v i g i l t o remember those who have passed

The 26th annual Candlelight Vigil for the Homeless will be held today, Dec 21, at 6 p m at the Lee County Courthouse steps, at 2120 Main St , Fort Myers This

From page 4

event is intended to “educate and inspire the public to support the community’s need for more affordable housing, shelters, and accessible health care ” Education and support are both sorely needed

Two, for those in the maelstrom of the storm-caused housing crisis, Lee County is working to help you The county has l a u n c h e d a h o u s i n g w e b s i t e a t L e e g o v c o m / s t o r m t o b e t t e r c o n n e c t storm-impacted residents with resources

Leegov com/storm features “a onestop location for housing resources,” officials said, adding users should click on the house icon, or look for “Housing” in the left rail

Melisa W Giovannelli

Guest Commentary

honored to work with I commend them for joining me in the task of helping our students, teachers, and staff get back to normal

And we will get back to normal; we’ve weathered storms in the past, and this one is no different At the School District of Lee County, we are working hard to make sure that the next generation of Southwest Floridians are safe, secure, and optimistic enough to use this storm and every other storm they may face as an opportunity to grow; that they see the community coming together, and maintain a spirit of hope in the power that lies in coming together

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season, and the encouragement that the future of Lee County is bright! Have a safe and Happy New Year!

The site encourages those who are homeless or in damaged homes due to Ian t o a p p l y t o F E M A f o r a s s i s t a n c e a t DisasterAssistance gov; by calling 800621-3362; or by visiting a local Disaster Recovery Center, the locations of which m a y b e f o u n d a t l e e g o v . c o m / h u r r i c a n e / s t o r m / a v a i l a b l eresources

The deadline was recently extended to Jan 12

Leegov com/storm also provides information on available county resources and a i d p r o g r a m s , i n c l u d i n g h o m e r e p a i r assistance, insurance deductible assistance, utility assistance and the coordinated entry program for people at risk of

homelessness or who are homeless as well as links to other offices and agencies

Want to help make a difference?

There are numerous charitable efforts under way to help those whose lives were upended by Ian

Donations can make an immediate impact.

And long term?

The Lee County Homeless Coalition also welcomes donations, and involvement by individuals, families, businesses and other organizations

For more information, visit leehomeless org

Rental listings

information on how rental scams work For instance, scammers know finding the right apartment or vacation rental can be hard work, and a seemingly good deal is hard to pass up when you need a place to s t a y L e a r n m o r e a t

rental-listing-scams

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. For more information, visit https://www fema gov/

Soules found guilty of murdering Fort Myers Beach library director

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

A Fort Myers Beach transient was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder Friday in the January 2019 stabbing death of the director of the town's libary

than a half an hour and

Soules, 40, guilty of stab-

Library Director Dr Leroy

library the morning of Jan 20 for a book sale.

remanded Soules into custody without bond He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb 20, and faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison

Hommerding stepped outside, turned back, and pulled out a machete he had concealed in his clothing He approached Hommerding and attempted to stab him in the face and upper body. Hommerding tried defending himself from the attack by raising his arms and Soules stabbed him in the lower torso, inflicting a fatal wound Hommerding died in the library lobby

S o u l e s , m e a n w h i l e , f l e d , r u n n i n g d o w n E s t e r o Boulevard, towards a home where he stopped on its land-

ing He then went to the back of an abandoned supermarket and onto the rooftop to hide

A witnesses to the attack followed him in his pick-up truck and let Lee County Sheriff’s deputies know where he was Soules was taken into custody and quickly confessed

During a recorded interview with detectives, just about two hours after the crime, Soules admitted stabbing and killing Hommerding and said it was because he did not like him He also admitted he had been thinking about killing him

According to court documents, Hommerding was the second person Soules attacked with a knife in 10 days

Hommerding was widely admired on Fort Myers Beach and helped oversee the construction of the town's new library in 2013

Hommerding, who was 69 at the time of his death, was hired in 2000 to run the Fort Myers Beach Library and wrote a weekly column in the Fort Myers Beach Observer

The Lee County Grand Jury indicted Soules on Feb 5, 2019, on one count of premeditated first degree murder

Chief Assistant State Attorney Richard Montecalvo, Assistant State Attorney Sara Miller of the Homicide Unit, and Assistant State Attorney Erin Hughes of the Special Victims Unit, prosecuted the case

Melisa W. Giovannelli represents District 2 on the Lee County School Board

Adam Mitchell Soules

FILE PHOTO

Fort Myers Beach Library Director Dr. Leroy Hommerding was killed after unlocking the doors of the library on the morning of Jan 20, 2019, for a book sale

Verizon provides grants to small SWFL businesses

Staf f Repor t

A family-owned coffee shop, a floral truck, and a bait and tackle business are among 25 small businesses across southwest Florida awarded grants today from Verizon Business, totaling $250,000, providing them with critical relief as recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ian continue.

“Long after the storm has passed, the devastation caused by Ian continues to unfold for small businesses, many of which lost everything and have had to start over,” said Aparna Khurjekar, chief revenue officer, Business Markets and SaaS at Verizon Business “Our hope is that these grants can help these small businesses with resources they urgently need to recover ”

Hurricane Ian struck Florida as a catastrophic Category 4 storm on Sept 28, killing more than 100 people and causing damage to infrastructure, homes and other property that is estimated to exceed $50 billion Thousands of southwest Florida small businesses were affected by the storm To aid in the recovery, Verizon partnered with Collaboratory, a local nonprofit community-problem solving organization in Southwest Florida, and Florida TaxWatch, a trusted nonprofit organization that serves as the “eyes and ears” of Florida taxpayers and promotes economic development across the state, to create the $10,000 grant program

Collaboratory and Florida TaxWatch worked with community leaders to select the final 25 small businesses from the hundreds of deserving applicants and nominees

“We are thrilled to have received this grant as these funds will help us invest in sales channels to grow outside of Southwest Florida while our community focuses on rebuilding,” said grant recipient and CEO of Flying Eagle Kombucha, Maddy Eagle “It will also assist us in strengthening our impact here at home, while we continue to support our local farms, community gardens, and their missions for a sustainable region ”

The full list of small business grant recipients includes:

Captain Josh Greer

Captain Ozzie Lessinger

Chocolattés Roasting, LLC

Cracker Box Restaurant

D & D Matlacha Bait & Tackle

Exclusive Affair Party Rentals

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva, Inc

Flying Eagle Kombucha

Gannon’s Antiques & Art

Lighthouse Resort taking reservations for displaced residents, responders and contractors

STAFF REPORT

The Lighthouse Resort is now accepting reservations for displaced residents, first responders, emergency personnel, relief and construction workers, General Manager Brian Roessler announced

Guests will be asked to provide proper credentials to check in

The resort will require a one-night deposit at the time of booking Cancellations must be three days prior to arrival to avoid forfeiture of the deposit, Roessler stated in an email

The resort is still undergoing repairs. Elevators are currently unavailable The available rooms are located on

the second, third and fourth floors

Guests will also be required to sign an insurance release There is also a minimum age restriction of 23 years old

The resort’s temporary office hours are 8 a m to 8 p m

Parking is limited to one vehicle There is no parking available for large trucks, trailers, boats or RVs

Generators, power washers and electric tools will be run early morning to late evening.

The hotel has no phone service and can be reached via its website at lighthouseislandresort com

New SBA program for businesses announced

STAFF REPORT

The U S Small Business Administration and Florida Small Business Network has announced a new pilot program geared toward helping businesses qualify for SBA disaster loans The pilot program will re-examine the applications of businesses that did not meet approval qualifications and were declined for an SBA disaster loan

“Our analysis of business applications showed nearly one hundred businesses missed approval by just a hair We are asking business owners to explore their SBA disaster loan application with the SBDC to identify areas where the application could possibly be updated to overcome any credit or lack of repayment ability and be slated for approval,” said Ken Fleming, Center Director of Field Operations Center East

tion request

The SBDC business consultants will meet with business owners, discuss the qualification process, and explore whether the business’s SBA loan application may be sufficiently updated to help the business overcome any credit or other issues that barred original approval The SBA’s goal is to approve as many business loans as possible and reverse adverse decisions whenever practical

such as a recent credit bureau report, a copy of the most recent federal income tax return or current financial information. As stated in the SBA decline letter, applicants declined for unsatisfactory credit may obtain a free copy of their credit report

Hope Clubhouse of SWFL, Inc

Increase the Peach, Inc

Ollie's Pub – Records and Beer

Rupert’s Karate Academy

White Orchid at Oasis

Wild at Heart Flower Truck

The SBA and SBDC are working together to assist Florida businesses recovering from the impact of Hurricane Ian Both organizations will contact the selected businesses eligible to participate in the pilot program via phone and/or email to offer technical assistance from the SBDC Businesses indicating an interest in participating in the pilot program will be paired with an SBDC business consultant who will assist them in preparing a reconsidera-

“We are excited to work with our SBA partners to help more small businesses access the capital they need following Hurricane Ian,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network “We know research suggests that access to capital is critical to business owners following a disaster We are committed to doing all we can to help business owners access the resources they need to rebuild and recover ”

Business owners may be asked to provide the SBDC with information

All applicants have up to six months from the date of the SBA decline letter to provide information to overcome the reasons stated by SBA for not offering a loan The SBA and the Florida SBDC Network offer this service free of charge with no obligation to participate The pilot program will not affect a business’s right to request a reconsideration of their disaster loan application

Businesses that have not yet submitted an SBA disaster business loan application, may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance sba gov/ela/s/ under SBA declaration # 17644

DeSantis signs bill to provide toll discounts for frequent commuters

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Gov Ron DeSantis signed a one-year toll-relief program through the Florida Department of Transportation which will provide account credits to frequent commuters using toll roads across the state The program will give Floridians with 35 or more toll transactions per month a 50% credit to their account

The legislation passed last week during the recent Legislative Special Session. The toll relief Program

begins on Jan 1 and runs through Dec 31, 2023

The toll relief will extend locally to Lee County’s Cape Coral Bridge, Mid Point Bridge and Sanibel Causeway Since those bridges only charge one way it is unlikely much savings will be seen there for most local commuters

Most of the savings are expected to be realized on the highways of south Florida and in the Tampa and Hillsborough County highway system

“I promised Floridians that I would find additional

ways to provide toll relief for Florida families,” DeSantis said.

Under the program, drivers who use toll transponders, such as SunPass or other Florida-based transponders, and have 35 or more qualifying toll transactions per month will receive a 50 percent credit to their account The program is expected to benefit approximately 1 2 million drivers and will save the average commuter nearly $400 in the 2023 calendar year

DeSantis signs property insurance bill

Critics attack legislation as gift to insurers

B y N AT H A N M AY B E

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n m a y b e r g @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m G o v R o n D e S a n t i s s i g n e d a p r o p e rt y i n s u r a n c e b i l l l a s t w e e k w h i c h h e s a i d w i l l m a k e t h e s t a t e m o r e w e l c o m i n g f o r i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n i e s b u t w h i c h c r i t i c s s a i d w o u l d b e d e t r i m e n t a l t o p r o p e r t y o w n e r s

T h e c o n t r o v e r s i a l l e g i s l a t i o n w a s p a s s e d d u r i n g a s p e c i a l s e s s i o n t h a t c o n v e n e d l a s t w e e k .

A p p e a r i n g a t a p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e o n F o r t M y e r s B e a c h F r i d a y , D e S a n t i s s a i d “ t h i s i s a n i s s u e t h a t h a s b e e n r o i l i n g t h i s s t a t e f o r d e c a d e s ”

D e S a n t i s p o i n t e d t o l a n g u a g e i n t h e l e g i s l a t i o n w h i c h w o u l d r e s t r i c t t h e f e e s t h a t l a w y e r s c a n c o l l e c t o n p r o p e r t y i n s u r a n c e l i t i g a t i o n

D e S a n t i s s a i d t h a t w h e n “ t h e b i g i n s u r e r s k i n d o f l e f t 1 5 y e a r s a g o , 1 0 y e a r s a g o , t h e s e s m a l l e r c o m p a n i e s , t h e h o p e w a s t h e y w o u l d d o w e l l .

( H u r r i c a n e ) I r m a c a m e a n d t h e c l a i m s j u s t k e p t h a p p e n i n g A l o t o f l i t i g a t i o n s o y o u h a d r e a l l y s i g n i f i c a n t t u r m o i l t h a t d e v e l o p e d n o t i n t h e i m m e d i a t e a f t e r m a t h o f I r m a b u t t w o t o t h r e e y e a r s d o w n t h e l i n e ”

D e S a n t i s s a i d p r o p e r t y i n s u r a n c e w a s a c h a l l e n g i n g i s s u e f o r F l o r i d a

“ W h a t i s t h e r o o t c a u s e o f t h a t ? I t h i n k m o s t p e o p l e t h a t l o o k a t i t h o n e s tl y w i l l s a y t h a t F l o r i d a ’ s b u r d e n s o f l i ti g a t i o n a n d a t t o r n e y s m a k i n g s o m u c h m o n e y i s d i f f e r e n t t h a n w h a t m o s t o t h e r s t a t e s a r e d o i n g a n d i t c a u s e d m a s s i v e a m o u n t s o f ( r a t e ) i n c r e a s e s , ” h e s a i d “ T h e r e i s c o n s u m e r p r o t e c t i o n s , t h e r e i s a b u n c h o f s t u f f i n t h e r e , ” D e S a n t i s s a i d D e S a n t i s s a i d t h e b i l l w o u l d c r e a t e m o r e c o m p e t i t i o n “ T h e b e s t t h i n g f o r a c o n s u m e r i s t h a t i f y o u c a n g o o u t a n d m a k e p e o p l e

Trailers

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

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

C r i t i c s h a v e d e r i d e d t h e l e g i s l a t i o n f o r m a k i n g i t e a s i e r f o r C i t i z e n s P r o p e r t y I n s u r a n c e C o , t h e s t a t e - b a c k e d i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n y , t o p u s h m o r e p o l ic y h o l d e r s o f f t o p r i v a t e c o m p a n i e s w h e r e r a t e s c a n b e h i g h e r

T h e b i l l w o u l d m o v e p o l i c y h o l d e r s w h o r e c e i v e p r o p e r t y i n s u r a n c e r a t e o f f e r s w i t h i n 2 0 % o f t h e r a t e s o f f e r e d b y C i t i z e n s P r o p e r t y I n s u r a n c e C o T h e p r e v i o u s p e r c e n t a g e w a s 1 0 %

A l l o f t h e r e g i o n ’ s l o c a l R e p u b l i c a n s t a t e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s v o t e d i n f a v o r o f t h e l e g i s l a t i o n . D e m o c r a t s i n t h e s t a t e l e g i s l a t u r e v o t e d a g a i n s t t h e b i l l

F l o r i d a S e n a t e M i n o r i t y L e a d e r L a u r e n B o o k ( D - 3 5 ) s a i d t h e “ s o - c a l l e d r e f o r m s a r e n o t g o i n g t o h e l p a n y o n e e x c e p t t h e l a r g e i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n i e s . T h e R e p u b l i c a n l e a d e r s h i p h a s b o w e d t o t h e i n s u r a n c e i n t e r e s t s a n d d i d n o t hi n g t o l o w e r t h e c o s t o f h o m e o w n e r s i n s u r a n c e A s a r e s u l t , F l o r i d i a n s a r e g o i n g t o b e h u r t b y t h e s e a c t i o n s ”

B o o k s a i d “ S e n a t e D e m o c r a t s w i l l c o n t i n u e t h e f i g h t f o r a b a l a n c e d a p p r o a c h t o g i v e h o m e o w n e r s t h e r e l i e f t h e y d e s e r v e a l o n g w i t h t h e a b i l i t y t o r e s o l v e d i s a g r e e m e n t s w i t h o u t c l o g g i n g t h e c o u r t s a n d w i t h o u t i n c u r r i n g e n o rm o u s p e r s o n a l c o s t s . ”

B o o k s a i d t h e l e g i s l a t u r e h a d “ a r e a l o p p o r t u n i t y t o h e l p r e g u l a r h o m e o w n e r s a n d t o d a y t h e G O P - l e d F l o r i d a l e g i s l at u r e f a i l e d i n t h a t m i s s i o n ”

F l o r i d a S e n a t o r L o r i B e r m a n ( D - 2 6 ) s a i d t h e l e g i s l a t i o n w i l l m a k e i t m o r e d i f f i c u l t f o r p r o p e r t y o w n e r s t o s u e i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n i e s b y t a k i n g a w a y o n e - w a y a t t o r n e y f e e s , k n o w n a s a s s i g n m e n t o f b e n e f i t c l a i m s “ I ’ m n o t s u r e i t w i l l h e l p c o n s u m e r s , ” B e r m a n s a i d . I t w i l l m a k e i t m o r e d i f f i c u l t t o b r i n g l a w s u i t s a n d t h o s e p r o p e r t y o w ne r s w i l l h a v e t o p a y a t t o rn e y f e e s o u t o f p o c k e t r a t h e r t h a n t h e i n s u r a n c e c o m p a n i e s p a y i n g a t t o rn e y f e e s w h e n t h e y l o s e c a s e s o v e r d e n i a l s , d e l a y s a n d u n d e r p a y m e n t s ”

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From page 1

n't wait for FEMA approval, but said DeSantis wanted the trailers issued “Plain and simple, we are just going to get it done,” Guthrie said Those in need of one of the six-month

Verizon

From page 6

Assisting Small Businesses with Free Learning Resources, In addition to hurricane relief efforts, Verizon is providing assistance to small b u s i n e s s e s

www Ianrecovery fl gov

There have been 288 housing assistance applications, said Amelia Johnson, Deputy Director of Communications and

t h a t , ” B e r m a n s a i d .

“ I s ( t h e r a t e o f p r o p e r t y i n s u r a n c e i n F l o r i d a ) i t h i g h b e c a u s e o f c l i m a t e c h a n g e ? I s i t h i g h b e c a u s e o f e x c e s s i v e c o m p e n s a t i o n t o t h e i r l e a d e r s h i p t e a m ? ”

F o l l o w i n g t h e l e g i s l a t u r e ’ s p a s s a g e o f t h e b i l l , t h e s t a t e ’ s i n s u r a n c e c o mm i s s i o n e r D a v i d A l t m a i e r a n n o u n c e d h e w o u l d r e s i g n D e c 2 8

County’s DCD to adjust lobby hours for permitting

L e e C o u n t y r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e p e r m i t t i n g l o b b y f o r t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t w i l l a d j u s t t h e w e e k d a y h o u r s o f o p e r a t i o n t o 9 a . m . t o 4 p . m . b e g i n n i n g J a n . 3 . A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e t e m p o r a r y w a i v e r o f b u i l d i n g p e r m i t f e e s f o r h u r r ic a n e - r e l a t e d r e p a i r s , w h i c h h a s b e e n i n p l a c e s i n c e p e r m i t t i n g r e s u m e d a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n , w i l l c e a s e o n J a n 3

T h e l o b b y w i l l b e c l o s e d a n d c a l l s w i l l n o t b e t a k e n o n J a n 1 1 a n d 1 8 t o a d d r e s s w o r k l o a d

T h e l o b b y h a s h a d e x p a n d e d h o u r s o f o p e r a t i o n s i n c e O c t 1 7 t o a s s i s t h o m e o w n e r s w i t h e m e rg e n c y p e r m i t s t o a d d r e s s d a m a g e f r o m I a n H o w e v e r , t h e v o l u m e o f a p p l i c a t i o n s b e i n g s u b m i tt e d , b o t h h u r r i c a n e r e p a i r - r e l a t e d a n d r e g u l a r p e rm i t s , h a s l e d t o a b a c k l o g i n b o t h t h e p r o c e s s i n g a n d r e v i e w f u n c t i o n s T h e a d j u s t e d h o u r s a n d p l a n n e d c l o s u r e s w i l l a l l o w t i m e f o r s t a f f t o a d d r e s s t h e b a c k l o g

S t a f f r e q u e s t s t h a t c o n t r a c t o r s c o n t i n u e t o f i l e f o r p e r m i t s u s i n g t h e o n l i n e s y s t e m

A d d i t i o n a l W e d n e s d a y c l o s u r e s m a y b e c o n s i de r e d a s n e e d e d s h o u l d t h e b a c k l o g p e r s i s t

F o r u p d a t e s , v i s i t w w w l e e g o v c o m

T h e D e p a r t m e n t o f C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t i s a t 1 5 0 0 M o n r o e S t , F o r t M y e r s

External Affairs for the Florida Division

of Emergency Management

At Friday's press conference, DeSantis also heralded legislation passed this week by the state legislature which will provid-

ed property tax relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Ian, toll discounts for heavy commuters and a new property insurance bill

h

o u g h V e

i z o n S m a l l Business Digital Ready, a free comprehensive online curriculum focused on

h e l p i n g s m a l l b u s i n e s s e s w i t h d i g i t a l transformation The portal was created with and for small businesses, with a specific focus on helping diverse and underresourced business owners, and offers personalized learning through 30+ course s , m e n t o r s h i p , p e e r n e t w o r k i n g , 1 : 1

expert coaching and incentives Spanishlanguage content, coaching and networking events and grant opportunities aimed at Hispanic-owned small businesses are also now available

This initiative is part of a 10-year commitment Verizon made in 2020 to support

1M small businesses with the resources to thrive in the digital economy as part of its r e s p o n s i b l e b u s i n e s s p l a n , C i t i z e n Verizon

Lee County Community Band concerts are free of

Coral High School, 2300 Santa

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , D e c e m b e r

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m

County reports on schedules for upcoming holidays

Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed on Dec 23-26 in observance of the Christmas holiday The holiday adjustments include:

∫ Domestic animal services

Lee County Domestic Animal Services, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed on Dec. 24-26. Normal hours for the Lost & Found Pet Center and the Pet Adoption Center will resume on Dec 27 For more information, visit www LeeLostPets com

∫ LeeTran

LeeTran will not run bus, trolley or Passport service on Dec 25 Normal services will resume on Dec 26 Route schedules and maps are available at www rideleetran com

∫ Library system

All libraries will be closed on Dec 24-26 They will resume regular hours on Dec 27

Administrative offices and Talking Book Library will be closed on Dec 23 and 26 They will resume normal operating hours on Dec 27

The Lakes Regional Library, which is currently serving as a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, and the Captiva Memorial Library remain closed post-Hurricane

Ian

The online library is always available at www leelibrary net/online

∫ Parks & Recreation

The Lee County Parks & Recreation administration office will be closed on Dec. 23 and 26. It will resume normal operating hours on Dec 27

Some boat ramps, parks and preserves will be open on D e c 2 3 - 2 6 F o r t h e l i s t o f o p e n l o c a t i o n s , v i s i t www leeparks org All beach parks remain closed at this time

Pools will be closed on Dec 24-26 Some will resume normal operating hours on Dec 27 For the list of open locations, visit www leeparks org

The three recreation centers North Fort Myers, Veterans and Estero will be closed from Dec 24 through Jan 8 for scheduled annual maintenance They will reopen on Jan 9 For alternative parks sites, visit www leeparks org The Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center remains closed at this time.

∫ Solid waste

All garbage, recycling and yard waste collections in unincorporated Lee County, City of Bonita Springs, Village of Estero and Town of Fort Myers Beach will continue on the regular collection days through the holidays

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

Administrative offices and the Topaz Court facilities will be closed on Dec 23 and 26 They will resume normal operating hours on Dec 27

On Dec 24, the disposal facility hours for the Buckingham facilities will be from 6 a m to noon and for all Hendry County facilities from 7 a m to noon

Sign language classes offered to the community

Sally J Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center w i l l o f f e r w A m e r i c a n S

Language (ASL) clas es in four location and online starting Jan 4

O

In-person classe s w i l l b e h e l d Tuesdays at 6 p m a t t h e G o o d w i l l C o m m u n i t y R e s o u r c e C e n t e r , Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. at the Goodw C o m m u n i t y R e s o u Center, 5100 Tice S Myers, Wednesdays at the Lehigh Acres Community Center Building 201 Plaza Dr. Suite 103, Lehigh Acres, and Thursdays at 2:30 p m and 6 p m at the Sally J Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center at 1860 Boy Scout Drive B208, Fort Myers

Online classes through Zoom technology are offered on Wednesdays at 2 p m , 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.

Classes are $75 for the five-week

course with discounts for the earing and immefamily members a d e a f p e r s o n . asses for the deaf r e f r e e E a c h course is taught i n a f u n a n d e n g a g i n g w a y b y q u a l i f i e d i n s t r u c t o r s S t u d e n t s w i l l receive a certificate of compleion at the end of e c o u r s e . T h e inner’s course is f five levels of u g h t a t D H H C Additional courses are available for more advanced signers.

An ASL Family Class is offered free to families with deaf or hard of hearing children on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p m Siblings and other family members are encouraged to attend the weekly classes designed for parents and family members to learn basic ASL and Deaf Culture to communicate on a deeper level with their

child

“We are so grateful to United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, which has allowed us to expand our ASL program by collaborating with other United Way partner agencies,” said Amy Turner, executive director of the Sally J Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center “ASL is key for communicating with deaf or hard of hearing individuals And it also gives your brain a workout, introduces you to a new culture and community, and gives you a new way to meet people and make new friends!”

I n d i v i d u a l s c a n r e g i s t e r a t www.dhhc.life or by calling 239-4610334, ext 6

DHHC uses “Signing Naturally” curriculum, which is designed to aid in communication with the deaf and hard of hearing community and educate those who may be losing their hearing

About Sally J Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center

DHHC is a 501(c)3, a proud United Way partner agency, and is partially funde d b y L e e C o u n t y B o a r d o f

C o m m i s s i o n e r s , C i t y o f C a p e C o r a l ,

U n i t e d W a y , T h e C o m m u n i t y Foundation, Rotary Club of Fort Myers, and other private donors.

Founded in 1983, the Sally J Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center provides programs and services for the deaf and hard of hearing and their families in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties DHHC offers interpreting services, free telephone equipment loans, Deaf mentor program, American Sign Language classes, information and referral services, employment assistance, family education, advocacy, community outreach and education, and adaptive equipment sales

The mission of the Sally J Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center (DHHC) is to empower Southwest Florida’s Deaf and hard of hearing citizens and their families through education, advocacy, and community involvement

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w d h h c l i f e , e m a i l amyturner@dhhc life, or call (239) 4610334 voice phone or (239) 247-5821 video phone.

Greater Fort Myers Chamber ’s Jan. 18 luncheon to highlight update on Lee County tourism

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Jan. 18 will provide an update on t o u r i s m i n L e e C o u n t y p o s tHurricane Ian Guests will hear from Brian Ososky, marketing director for the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) in Southwest Florida, representing Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods During the program, Ososky will share insights on how the VCB has shifted gears since the storm, provide an update on the current tourism landscape in Lee County and share plans for relaunching marketing efforts designed to draw visitors back

to the region

Ososky coordinates the day-today efforts of a multi-million dollar advertising contract, oversees the development of all creative work, and evaluates technology and social media platforms to devise strategies to enhance marketing and branding e f f o r t s o n l i n e A d d i t i o n a l l y , h e r e v i e w s m a r k e t , c o m p e t i t i o n a n d consumer trends, ensures all VCB promotional efforts are integrated and strategic, and creates brand position He also has extensive marketing a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s e x p e r i e n c e through positions with various hospitality, travel and performing arts

organizations He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of South Florida in Tampa

The January Chamber luncheon will take place from 11:30 a m to 1:15 p m on Wednesday, Jan 18 at E m b a s s y S u i t e s b y H i l t o n F o r t M y e r s - E s t e r o , 1 0 4 5 0 C o r k s c r e w C o m m o n s D r i v e i n E s t e r o

Admission is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for future members and includes lunch Sponsorship opportunities are available

To learn more or to register, visit F o r t M y e r s o r g o r c a l l 2 3 9 - 3 3 22930

Fort Myers Beach Art Association new winter juried show:

"Finding Inspiration" at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road The show runs through Jan 29

GCWA accepting entries for writing contest

T h e G u l f C o a s t W r i t e r s Association is accepting entries for its Annual Writing Contest.

The contest is open to the public

and there is a separate youth category as well

The deadline is approaching and the association suggests submitting

early Visit www gulfwriters org for guidelines and entry forms

All submissions must be entered online by Jan 31

Annual Bonita Holiday Fair to return with rides and more

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

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

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

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

Bass Pro Shops is proud to invite families to the beloved tradition of visiting Santa Claus this holiday season during the annual Santa’s Wonderland experience The festivities run through Saturday, Dec 24

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s will help millions of happy families experience Santa across North America this holiday season Photo sessions began Nov 6 Reservations are recommended and can be made at www basspro com/santa

Throughout the holiday season, visitors will have the opportunity to:

Wonder Gardens announces winter camp sessions

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

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

The weekly sessions will include:

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

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

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

To register, visit wondergardens org/camps

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t G r i m e s a t Education@wondergarderns org

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

PHOTO

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Lee County Solid Waste has holiday season to help residents d recycle, what can be repurposed to go in the trash bin

L e e C o u n t y ’ s w a s t e s t r e a m increases about 20% during the h p e r h a p s e v e n m o r e t h i s y e a Hurricane Ian, but taking even a small steps can help reduce t amount of waste generated.

e e k o f

T a k e c h a r g e o f e l e c t r o n Popular each holiday, the late tech gift often upstages a slower, less capable model Residents can safely and responsibly disp o s e o f o l d e l e c t r o n i c s a n d r e c h a r g e a b l e b a t t e r i e s a t n charge

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m

T a k e i t t o t h e L e e C o u Household Chemical Waste Facility, 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the first Saturday of each month from 8 a m to noon Recycle the usuals:

Aluminum and tin cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic

recycled if: ic containers are labeled #1

y are empty, clean and dry about the paper plates, used nd plastic utensils? y go in the trash p it well and then … Think about which gift bags, s, tissues and bows you could entially store and reuse next oliday season

id

not contain a liquid

∫ Set green Christmas trees out with your yard waste

∫

What about flocked trees?

∫ Those trees with that snow-covered look cannot be recycled due to the white, powdery mixture on their branches. Put them with your trash.

And the rest of the yard trimmings?

∫ Place yard waste in containers of 50 pounds or less, or in securely tied bundles not heavier than 50 pounds or longer than six feet in length

∫ Set up to 50 pounds of unbundled palm fronds at the curb

∫ Keep regular yard waste trimmings separate from any storm debris piles

For more information about recycling and waste disposal, contact Lee County Solid Waste at 239-533-8000 or visit www leegov com/solidwaste To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www leegov com/resources/newsletters or follow L e e C o u n t y G o v e r n m e n t o n F a c e b o o k , www facebook com/leecountyflbocc

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T h i s w i n t e r s e a s o n , t h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n ( F W C ) r e m i n d s b e a c h g o e r s h o w t o h e l p p r o t e c t v u l n e r a b l e r e s i d e n t a n d m i g r a t o r y s h o r eb i r d s a n d s e a b i r d s w h i l e e n j o y i n g F l o r i d a ’ s c o a s t a l h a b i t a t s

E a c h w i n t e r , F l o r i d a ’ s r e s id e n t s h o r e b i r d s a n d s e a b i r d s a r e j o i n e d b y b o t h h u m a n a n d a v i a n s n o w b i r d s c o m i n g t o o u r s t a t e ’ s s h o r e l i n e s f r o m c o l d e r c l i m a t e s B o t h r e s i d e n t a n d m i g r a t o r y s h o r e b i r d s r e l y o n F l o r i d a ’ s s a n d y b e a c h e s f o r i m p o r t a n t h a b i t a t a n d r e s t i n g s p o t s W h e t h e r y o u ’ r e a f e l l o w s u n s h i n e s t a t e r e s i d e n t o r a v i s i t o r t o o u r b e a c h e s t h i s w i nt e r , y o u c a n h a v e a b i g i m p a c t o n c o n s e r v a t i o n o f c o a s t a l b i r d s H e l p s h o r e b i r d s a n d s e a b i r d s a l o n g o u r c o a s t s b y f o l l o w i n g t h e s e s i m p l e s h o r eb i r d - f r i e n d l y t i p s :

∫ Do the flock walk. Instead of walking straight through, try walking around flocks of birds at the beach and stay out of posted areas Getting too close to resting shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds can cause them to flush, disturbing birds that may need important rest from long migratory flights

∫ Look for Critical Wildlife Area closures Be on the lookout for signs designating Critical Wildlife Areas on the beach or coastal islands – these areas are closed to public access to protect high concentrations of wadi n g b i r d s a n d s h o r e b i r d s B o a t e r s a n d b e a c h g o e r s c a n help birds by keeping their distance and noise volumes low near CWAs

∫ Keep your pups at home

Even well-behaved dogs can f r i g h t e n s h o r e b i r d s , c a u s i n g them to panic and expend valuable energy If you bring your dog with you to the shore, go to a beach where they’re allowed and follow all leash laws

∫ Resist the urge to feed the birds Sharing snacks with birds at the beach may seem harmless or even helpful but it can be h a r m f u l t o t h e m a n d o t h e r w i l d l i f e S h o r e b i r d s a n d seabirds are healthiest when eating the natural prey they normally forage for, such as small invertebrates in the sand and fish they’ve caught themselves from the water

∫ Properly stash all trash. Trash and food scraps attract predators while litter on beaches and in the water can entangle birds, turtles and other wildlife

Beachgoers can help birds and other native wildlife by properly disposing of all trash, filling in man-made holes in the sand, and removing all personal gear from the beach before sunset Fishing line can be deadly to waterbirds, sea turtles and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of it properly To find a monofilament recyc l i n g s t a t i o n n e a r y o u , v i s i t mrrp myfwc com

For more information about w a y s t o h e l p s h o r e b i r d s i n Florida while at the beach, go to M y F W C c o m / S h o r e b i r d s a n d download the “Share the Beach w i t h B e a c h - N e s t i n g B i r d s ” brochure Or go to the Florida Shorebird Alliance website at F L S h o r e b i r d A l l i a n c e o r g t o learn more about how to participate in shorebird and seabird conservation efforts

FWC

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

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

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

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

∫ Dec 28, 29, 30 at 8 p m

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

∫ J a n 8 * , 1 5 a t 2 p m

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

∫ P o s t - p e r f o r m a n c e t a l k b a c k : J a n 8

c k e t s a

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

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

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What better way to spend the holidays than with a new furry family member?

Lee County Domestic Animal Services reported that it is hoping to help find a home for the holidays for its shelter pets Adoption fees on all cats and kittens will be reduced to $25 from now through Dec 31 with an approved application Valued at $600, the adoption package includes spay or neuter, microchip, up-to-

date vaccinations, county license and a 10-day health guarantee

The team of volunteers and staff are waiting to your new family member to you Stop by the adoption center on Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a m to 3:30 p m at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers

To see pets available for adoption, visit www leelostpets com

Theater presenting ‘The Sound of Music’

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

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

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

Bark in the Mew Year with a new pet

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f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o

E d i s o n a n d F o r d W i n t e r E s t a t e s o f f e r s m a n y o p p o rt u n i t i e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r f o r r e s i d e n t s a n d g u e s t s t o l e a r n p a i n t i n g t e c h n i q u e s , c r e a t e f l o r a l a r r a n g e m e n t s o r m a k e o t h e r p i e c e s o f a r t w o r k C l a s s e s a r e t a u g h t b y l o c a l a r t i s t s R e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d f o r e a c h a t E d i s o n F o r d o r g a n d c l a s s e s c a n b e p u r c h a s e d a s g i f t s

Registration is open for the following classes:

∫ Silk Scarf Painting with Marie Dyer

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

Marie Dyer has been teaching at the Estates for many years Participants will paint a scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork To ensure adequate supplies, registration is required All materials are included

Students of all experience levels are welcome Space is limited Members $90; non-members $100

∫ Palm Weaving with Megan Kissinger

Jan 15 at 12 p m

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

Edison and Ford Winter Estates offers many opportunities throughout the year for residents and guests to learn about gard e n i n g i n F l o r i d a . G a r d e n T a l k s a r e offered once a month all year long (most months) and cover a wide range of topics from growing orchids to designing holiday decorations Gardening Classes are held during the winter and spring months and delve deeper into gardening solutions

f o r t h e S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a g a r d e n e r Several plant sales and festivals are held seasonally and offer local and regional residents opportunities to purchase plants, trees, and vegetables for their home gardens.

Garden Talks:

∫ Jan 14, 2023 – Staghorns and Jungle Cactus

∫ M a r c h 1 1 , 2 0 2 3 – B e g u i l i n g Begonias

∫ May 13, 2023 – Growing Garden Treasures and Curiosities

Gardening Classes: (In-depth, twohour programs include classroom and garden time Space is limited and registration is required Choose from Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. or Saturday morning at 10 a m ) Most classes are $55 for non-

tion is required Members $40; non-members $60

∫ Floral Still Life Painting with Marie Dyer Jan 21 and March 18 at 9 a m

Impressionist painter, Marie Dyer, will explain color mixing, effect design, impressionistic techniques, shading and effective color contrast to create mood This acrylic on canvas painting workshop is for any experience level Capacity is limited and registration is required. Members $90; non-members $100

∫ Zen Drawing with Megan Kissinger

Jan 28 at 10 a m

Participants will explore meditative drawing with local artist, Megan Kissinger This class will take place outdoors on the sprawling grounds Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch The class will meet at the Visitor Pavilion before departing to paint on the grounds All materials are included Registration is required and capacity is limited No experience is required Members $40; non-members $60

∫ Pre-Valentines Floral Arranging with Anita Singh

Jan. 29 at 10 a.m.

Guests will learn how to create their very own botanical

members or $45 for Edison Ford members)

In January, Introduction to Florida Gardening Part I and II will be offered. These classes are helpful for anyone new to Florida or new to gardening in the sunshine state because the amount of sunlight and rain, as well as soil structure is quite different than what many people are used to in the northern states The classes build on the monthly Garden Talks and provide a more in-depth look at different areas of gardening Each class focuses on gardening aspects specific to Southwest Florida

∫ Introduction to Florida Gardening Part I

Jan 24 (1:30-3:30 p m ) or Jan 28 (10 a m - noon)

Part I of this two-part class provides a foundation of how plants work, their n o m e n c l a t u r e , a n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f unique weather patterns and unusual soils found only in Florida, zone 10 This class will educate participants with identification of both Florida native and non-native plants, and how to recognize invasive species Palms will also be discussed and the class will spend the last 20 minutes in

PHOTO PROVIDED

masterpiece The class will highlight designing with roses, foliage, and how to create a unique Valentine's Day floral arrangement Each participant will take home their custom floral arrangement to enjoy All materials are included, as well as tools and refreshments Students of all experience levels are welcome Seating is limited and registration is required Members $75; non-members $85

∫ Acrylic Landscape Painting with Marie Dyer Feb. 18 at 9 a.m.

Impressionistic local artist, Marie Dyer, will guide participants in this plein air acrylic landscape painting workshop She will cover the fundamentals of composition and structure, color creating, mood, mixing paints, and assist in developing a pallet that speaks to each guest This workshop is for artists of all skill levels All materials are included Capacity is limited and registration is required Members $90; non-members $100

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

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

PHOTO PROVIDED

Guests learn how to create floral arrangements at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.

Gardening events, talks and classes offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Participants attend a gardening class at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.

See GARDENING, page 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gardening

entry must comply with the following requirements:

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

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

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

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

∫ Panoramic photos are NOT allowed

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

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

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

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

∫ Judging criteria:

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

-- Creativity

-- Explanation of photograph (minimum of 100 words)

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

About DDWS

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

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

From page 14

the Palmetum Cost: $45 for Edison Ford members; $55 non-members

∫ Introduction to Florida Gardening Part II

Jan 31 (1:30-3:30 p m ) or Feb 4 (10 a m - noon)

In Part II, participants will be introduced to the concepts of “Florida Friendly Gardening,” including learning the proper use of fertilizers and soil amendments Plants have unique pests, and their identification will be covered as well as when to use chemical versus biological controls as recommended by the Green Industries Best Management Practices concepts Weed identification and diseases will also be covered, along with a discussion on

selecting plants for a Florida landscape, followed by a question-and-answer session The last 20 minutes of class will be held in the Butterfly Garden Cost: $45 for Edison Ford members; $55 non-members

Participants should bring a notebook, pencil and drinking water Hats, sunscreen and good walking shoes are recommended for the outdoor portion Each class includes handouts, a recommended reading list, and additional resources to h e l p t h e F l o r i d a g a r d e n e r s u c c e e d . Though not required, taking Part I will be beneficial to understanding the content covered in Part II

Advance registration is required and limited to 25 participants The classes are

held in a climate-controlled and accessible classroom at the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council and Berne Davis Gardens, located across the street from the Edison Ford parking lot (on Larchmont Avenue) At the conclusion of class, each participant will receive a 20% discount coupon for plant purchases in the Garden S h o p p e R e g i s t e r o n l i n e a t

EdisonFord org

∫

∫

∫

a.m. to 4 p.m.)

F e b 1 1 - 1 2 – S p r i n g G a r d e n Festival ∫ A p r il 8 - 9 – G r o w F o r t M y er s

In addition, the Garden Shoppe is open daily from 9 a m to 5 p m All programs are subject to change Guests should wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat, a n d b r i n g d r i n k i n g w a t e r U p - t o - d a t e information is available on the website at EdisonFord org

DANI MOSER

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

2

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , D e c e m b e r

Almost 12 weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partner agencies continue their efforts to remove vessels rendered derelict by the storm in Charlotte, Collier, Lee and Monroe counties

I m a g e r y f

r

f o r t m y e r s b e a c h t a l k . c o m 1 , 2 0 2 2 ■ P a g e 1 6 SPORTS &

“Our deployed officers continue the mission by locating owners and delivering notification of rights packets and waiver forms,” said FWC Boating and W a t e r w a y s S e c t i o n R e p r e s e n t a t i v e C a p t T r a v i s Franklin “The assessment phase is all but complete at this point, though we do have new DVs pop up here and there almost daily "

In Lee County, 708 vessels were identified as derelict and over half of those vessels have been removed or brought into compliance.

Owners are still encouraged to hire a salvage company themselves to recover their vessel to provide the safest method possible for the vessel and the environment Vessel owners can voluntarily release ownership of a displaced vessel through the waiver process through the end of December 2022 The FWC will then facilitate the removal and destruction of the vessel, and owners will not be charged for removal costs This process can be initiated by contacting the FWC through the Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline at 850488-5600 and requesting to turn over a derelict vessel. An FWC representative will then contact the owner to explain the waiver process and facilitate the potential turnover of ownership FWC has received 79 waivers from boat owners voluntarily releasing ownership so the boats can be removed

The Department of Emergency Management has assumed the role of coordinating the removal and disposal of vessels investigated by the FWC A total of 133 derelict vessels have been turned over to DEM for removal in Charlotte, Collier, Lee and Monroe counties

DEM has worked closely with the FWC, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Coast Guard and local governments to identify and remove debris from waterways and upland private and commercial properties The newly created State Debris Cleanup Program will assist Hurricane Ian survivors with the removal of displaced and abandoned titled property Residents can request the removal of debris including vehicles, vessels, motorcycles, trailers and A T V s T o m a k e a r e q u e s t , v i s i t

IanDebrisCleanup com to report the presence of debris

Cyclists enjoying the 2022 Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride.

Early registration for Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride open through Jan. 8

Register today for a reduced registration fee and fundraising goal

Cyclists can take advantage of reduced fees and fundraising goals offered during the 2023 Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride (PFC) early registration period now until January 8 Whether you’re celebrating survival or honoring a loved one, PFC welcomes cyclists of all ages and abilities to ride on March 25-26, 2023 Choose from multiple routes in Tampa and Naples, where you can ride through the world-class Paradise Coast Sports Complex Rides are designed for cyclists of all skill levels, with routes ranging from 10 to 125 miles A fundraising minimum is required which is cut in half for new riders. Pan-Florida also assists all participating cyclists with successfully reaching and exceeding their fundraising goals

Pan-Florida Challenge’s mission is dedicated to cancer prevention, research, and patient support The organization provides nutritious meals to underprivileged and hungry children, in an effort to prevent cancer later in life as malnutrition has been shown to increase the risk of developing cancer In addition, Pan-Florida Challenge partners with organizations, such as Moffitt Cancer Center, to fund research and support for cancer patients of all ages and their families Every dollar raised by the riders directly supports Pan-Florida Challenge’s mission.

Cyclists who complete their route will receive a finisher medal Those who register for the PFC Junior and the 10- and 30-mile routes will receive a t-shirt, and riders of 62 miles or more will receive a PFC cycling jersey

A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, and all participants are welcome to celebrate after the ride with live DJ entertainment, giant Jenga, corn hole and other activities To learn more about start times, registration fees, and fundraising minimums please visit panfloridachallenge org

The Pan-Florida Challenge wouldn’t be possible without the support of generous sponsors If your business is interested in sponsoring the 2023 ride, please visit panfloridachallenge org/sponsors for more information

About Pan-Florida Challenge

Pan-Florida Challenge (PFC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to engage the community in cancer prevention research and education and distribute cancer fighting food to undernourished children throughout Florida. Founded in 2014, PFC partners with elementary schools throughout the state to distribute weekend backpack meals, also known as PFC Power Packs and Family Weekend Backpack Meals These meals contain nutritious food items that meet or exceed the USDA’s dietary recommendation for elementary school aged children To date, PFC has provided more than 8 million meals to hungry children – all with the help of annual fundraising events, grants, sponsorships, and benefactors For more information, please visit panfloridachallenge org

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

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

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

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

Goblin Gallop a success for the United Way!

LCEC Goblin Gallop 5k to be held Jan. 7

PHOTO PROVIDED

Like the For t Myers Beach Obser ver & Beach Bulletin? Read us daily at For tmyersbeachtalk.com! Follow us on Facebook!

WHAT A CATCH!

Capt. Dave’s Fishing Report

On Saturday morning, Dec 10, I fished in spots between seventeen and twenty miles west of New Pass with Matt Burris We used squid to catch and release a dozen lane snapper, eight of which would have been keepers at about 12 inches each, if it were not for closed season We also released fifteen red grouper shorts Seven grunts made their way into the fish box, destined for fish tacos

Ingel Merz and his two sons, Matt and Max, fished with me a few years ago, but have not been back for a while, due to the pandemic They fished offshore with me on Tuesday, Dec 13, in spots ranging from 28 to 36 miles west of New Pass, using squid for bait They boxed thirty grunts, all about 14 inches, and released an equal number They added to the fish box five mangrove snapper keepers at 13 to 14 inches, and one 14-inch porgy As for releases, there were a dozen red grouper to 20 inches, which are currently out-of-season a half dozen lane snapper to 12 inches also out of season, two yellowtail snapper shorts, three lesser amberjacks all around 16 inches, and a nine-

Tips

Fishing tip #1 : Pretty soon cooler w a t e r s a r e l i k e l y t o b r i n g t h e l a r g e r sheepshead that we get during the winter season When fishing for sheepshead, it is difficult to keep them from stealing your bait, and we all hate to lose a good-sized fish The best thing to do is to go against instinct and not set the hook Just hold some tension on the line and let the sheepie get a bite or two Lift up to set the hook only after you feel a pulse in the rodtip Timing the hook-set with the rodpulse is the key to catching these fish

Fishing tip #2 : For live bait, circle hooks do the trick, even for the species that are still allowed to be caught with “J” style hooks “J” style live bait hooks tend to push through and re-hook the bait, fouling the point and missing the fish Circles, with their turned-in point, tend to hold livies better, resulting in fewer hooks fouling and fewer baits falling off

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Angler Robert Moore with a 12-inch mangrove snapper, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter.

pound goliath grouper

Captain Dave's Fishing

– Capt. Dave Hanson

Angler Janice Eagan with a 13-inch mutton snapper, caught on squid and released219 miles west of New Pass on an offshore Fishbuster Charter.

Angler Pam Chello with a 16inch seatrout, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter

Angler Robert Moore, Jr with a 12-inch mangrove snapper, caught on shrimp in southern Estero Bay on an inshore Fishbuster Charter.