Cape Coral Wednesday Breeze

DeSantis signs property insurance bill

Critics attack legislation as gift to insurers

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Gov Ron DeSantis signed a property insurance bill last week which he said will make the state more welcoming for insurance companies but which critics said would be detrimental to property owners

The controversial legislation was passed during a special session that convened last week

Appearing at a press conference on Fort Myers Beach Friday DeSantis said “this is an issue that has been roiling this state for decades ”

DeSantis pointed to language in the legislation which would restrict the fees that

lawyers can collect on property insurance litigation

DeSantis said that when the big insurers kind of left 15 years ago 10 years ago these smaller companies the hope was they would do well (Hurricane) Irma came and the claims just kept happening A lot of litigation so you had really significant turmoil that developed not in the immediate aftermath of Irma but two to three years down the line

DeSantis said property insurance was a challenging issue for Florida

“What is the root cause of that? I think most people that look at it honestly will say that Florida s burdens of litigation and

attorneys making so much money is different than what most other states are doing and it caused massive a m o u n t s o f ( r a t e ) increases, he said “ T h e r e i s c o ns u m e r p r o t e c t i o n s there is a bunch of stuff in there, DeSantis said

DeSantis said the b i l l w o u l d c r e a t e more competition

“The best thing for a consumer is that if you can go out and make people compete for your business If they have to do that,

they are going to give you better customer service, they are going to give you better rates They are going to do all that ” DeSantis said “so many companies have kind of been pushed out of Florida over the last generation, you are basically stuck with maybe one option Then they have no incentive to give you competitive rates and no incentive to even do a good job on customer service ”

Critics have derided the legislation for 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 Insurance Co , the state-backed insurance company, to push more policy holders off to private companies where rates can be higher

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers

Hector A. Cafferata Jr.

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers

had a lot of trouble holding his emotions together Monday as he wel-

months since he had seen some of them

They came together at their new educational home for the next 18 months or so as the school reopened as a cluster of modular classrooms at Cape Coral Technical College

For Kurtz, it was a day he looked forward to since Hurricane Ian severely damaged the school on Sept 28 and left the future of the building in peril

“It’s amazing It’s an emotional day ” Kurtz said feelings boiling to the surface briefly It s great to have our whole school family together again It s been a trying two and aalf-months, but to have everyone back under one roof or multiple roofs is exciting emotional and a great day ”

Assistant Principal Mike Licata said this whole thing has been a process but the school

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that it costs between $3 500 and $4 500 per day to run the nature park at the Shell Factory?

That includes feeding the animals, staffing, cleaning and making sure all habitats are up to standards

The attraction has been able to do the first three things albeit out of pocket since the park has been closed since Hurricane Ian decimated it

The hurricane destroyed pretty much all their habitats as well as an aviary It is expected to cost more than $125,000 to reopen the park and more than $300,000 to fully repair it

On Saturday, the Shell Factory held the first of what will likely be several fundraising events

with the goal of raising around $50,000, to benefit the Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation a non-profit dedicated to giving children the opportunity to take field trips there as well as for upkeep on the park which costs more than $1 million annually Visitors paid $10 ($5 for children) to see some of the animals that call the nature park home, from lizards and snakes to Hootie, the Eurasian Eagle Owl, one of the largest owls in the world

said Cape Coral Animal Shelter Executive Director Liz McCauley “Cape Coral took a direct hit from Hurricane Ian, and several of our staff members had severe damage to their homes and had to throw away clothes Our staff worked tirelessly in the days before and after Ian and they are thrilled to be rewarded for their efforts with such cool and useful gifts We are so grateful

“Like many of us their homes are ruined so that’s why we’re having this fundraiser It’s been phenomenal ” said Shell Factory General Manager Anne Sheridan They re helping us build and we will have them enjoy their day

Attendees also got free admission for an adult and a child when the nature park reopens They also received free admission to play mini golf and to ride the carousel

However it will take more than the generosity of ordinary citizens to make this work The Shell Factory has been seeking corporate sponsors

Sheridan said the business community has done a great job pitching in

We have three tiers of sponsorship and

City offices closed in observance of New Year holiday

Gov Ron DeSantis

com

Hector A Cafferata Jr Elementary School

Principal Jason Kurtz

School At right, Hannah Mack teaches her first-grade class during the first day back for class Monday at Cafferata Elementary

CHUCK BALLARO

PHOTO PROVIDED

A staffer at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter shows off her new Skechers as a furry friend looks on

Sanibel city officials provide an update on hurricane recovery

FDOT engineer discusses repairs to causeway, design alternatives

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The city of Sanibel shared the following during its Facebook Live update on Tuesday Dec 13:

∫ City Manager Dana Souza reported that Jan 2 is still the target date for reopening the Sanibel Causewa those without city-issued hurricane re-entry passe He added that part of the intention for discontinu ing the use of the passes is to help in the recovery efforts for residents and businesses

Souza also reported that the city's beaches and beach access parks will remain closed and are not open for beach business, and the fishing pier an boat ramp are closed Most businesses are a closed

“There is nothing to see or do yet ” Souza said

He also shared the following benchmark criteria for the city to reopen the causeway:

Right-of-way debris collection at 80 percent

East Periwinkle Bridge open to traffic LCEC completes majority of pole replacement on main roadways Traffic will not interfere with FDOT causeway construction

Police security is sufficient

Continuing use of re-entry passes does not interfere with recovery efforts

∫ Souza also reviewed the city's recent mayoral proclamation that prohibits pool water from being discharged into a waterbody, canal or other neighboring property, and noted the following:

Discharge on your own property

Contain water with adsorbent booms

Use slow release if needed

Penalty is $500 citation issued by police

∫ Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William Bill Dalton reported that some areas have a Neighborhood Watch program in place and that he encourages interested residents to start one

“That would just give us more eyes more ears out in the community, he said

∫ The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District is asking people not to burn on their property due to the conditions, and reminded the public not to cover fire hydrants water meters and such with debris

∫ Comcast Senior Manager of External Affairs Jen Boyett reported that Sanibel is serviceable

The entire island is serviceable, she said

Long-term causeway plans

At the recent meeting of the Sanibel council Florida Department of Transportation resident construction engineer Kati Sherrard gave a presentation on designs for the Sanibel Causeway

She shared that the pre-Hurricane Ian design included existing bulkhead or seawall elevations of 3-5 feet and a causeway elevation of approximately 7 feet The FDOT knows from the recent storm:

Surge was approximately 12 feet

Wave action was approximately 8 feet

Hurricane exceeded the design storm event Sherrard also presented resiliency design considerations for the following:

Causeway

Buried sheet pile walls at shoulders

Protect sides with “mattresses” buried skets filled with rock

Protect ocean side with rip rap

Raise roadway approximately 2 feet

Bridge approaches

Install larger and heavier protection at exposed areas between seawall and bridge abutments

Buried toe protection for upland walls

Replace MSE retaining wall with deep foundation wall

Seawalls

Raise seawall elevation to 8 feet

Provide deep steel sheet pile walls

Reinforce toe of seawall

Heavy rip rap protection along seawalls

Oversized rip rap protection along channel walls

Infrastructure

Grey versus green infrastructure

Install native/resilient planting for natural hardening like mangroves She explained that the FDOT s alternatives analysis included:

per original design: Previous design no longer meeting 100 year storm event

bridge over remains of vulnerable causeway sections: Not cost effective, would greatly exceed schedule expectations, and excessive design

approaches: May be insufficient as long-term solution

Reconstruction with steel sheet pile walls placed outside of existing walls: Provides greater coastal protection from future storms and sea level rise, eliminates conflicts with failed structures and existing tie backs, and requires building outside of existing footprint

As for next steps Sherrard reported that the FDOT will complete the alternatives analysis meet with local agencies and then finalize the design The goal to complete the permanent repairs is October

Cape Coral man accused of sexual battery of a child under 12

A Cape Coral man has been charged with sexual battery on a child younger than 12 after the child s mom found a note in their backpack referencing sexual abuse at an unlicensed home daycare where the child stayed overnight Bobby D Holland 37 of 1907 N E 19th Ave was charged Friday after an investigation by Cape Coral Police Department's Special Victims Unit detectives

The investigation began on Dec 15, following a call from the child s mother She told officers that her child attends a home daycare facility operated by Casey Browning 36 at the 1907 N E 19th Ave address She said she found a note handwritten written by her child and directed to a person named Bobby Bobby was later identified as Holland, who p o l i c e d e s c r i b e d a s t h e l i v e - i n b o y f r i e n d o f M s Browning

“The note referenced sexual activity between Mr Holland and the child ” the CCPD said in a release issued Monday

Cape Coral Police Department s Special Victims Unit detectives assumed the investigation

Detectives learned that the sexual intercourse occurred as this child spent the night at this location several nights a week due to the child’s mother’s overnight work schedule ” the CCPD release states The child was encouraged by Mr Holland to keep the intercourse secret so he would not get

in trouble The child was also encouraged to write 'love letters to Mr Holland

A residential search warrant of the facility and a DNA warrant for Mr Holland were conducted

“Mr Holland denied any sexual contact with the child ” the release states

The daycare has been ordered to cease operations

The investigation revealed this home daycare facility is unlicensed, the release states This facility has been issued a cease and desist; at this time, any parent continuing to utilize the services of this facility could face separate and individual criminal charges The parents of children known to use this facility have been contacted and informed

Currently, there are no additional known victims, the release states, adding the investigation is continuing

“Anyone with any information on this or a separate incident involving Mr Holland is asked to contact Special Victims Unit Detective H DiGiovanni at 239-574-0677 or by email at hdigiovann@capecoral gov, officials said

Reference case report #22-028599

Holland remained in the Lee County Jail Monday afternoon Bond had not been set A court hearing has been scheduled for Jan 17

Illegal ATV/UTV use enforcement effort under way in city

The city of Cape Coral is cracking down on unlawful ATV/UTV riding within Cape Coral city limits

The Cape Coral Police Department s Special Operations Bureau, Patrol Bureau and Community Services Bureau are teaming up to combat what officials say is a progressing issue concerning ATV/UTV use

“This ATV/UTV usage negatively affects area residents violates rules of the road and existing trespass authorizations, and creates safety hazards for both the public and those operating the ATV/UTVs in an unlawful manner,” the CCPD said in a release issued this morning

“Complaints of bonfires and unlawful discharge of firearms add even greater risk to area residents and will not be tolerated Illegal parking of trucks and trailers on vacant

land and lots will also be an area of concern ”

Operating an ATV/UTV anywhere in the city is unlawful unless the rider owns the property on which they are riding Riding on roadways (unless street-legal with a valid license plate and registration) is considered operating an unregistered motor vehicle Riding on vacant lots or land is a city ordinance violation and could also be criminal trespassing

The Cape Coral Police Department reminds our residents using ATVs/UTVs, and other illegal vehicles is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated on our roadways Our officers will cite arrest and seize these vehicles ” the release states

Sources: CCPD, Lee County Jail

Source: Cape Coral Police Department

Tampa Bay to split spring training at Disney complex, Tropicana Field

By FREIDA FRISARO Associated Press FORT

LAUDERDALE, Fla (AP)

The Tampa Bay Rays will split their spring training between the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista and Tropicana Field because of t h e i r o w n f a c

a ' s G u l f Coast was damaged by Hurricane Ian the team said Tuesday T h e R a y s a n n o u n c e d e a r l i e r t h i s month that they would not be able to host spring training at their facility in Port Charlotte because repairs to their complex could not be made in time for spring training The Rays have trained in Port Charlotte which is about 90 minutes south of St Petersburg since 2009

Ian, a powerful Category 4 storm, struck southwest Florida's Gulf Coast in late September

The Atlanta Braves did spring training at the Disney complex for 21 years before relocating in 2019 to CoolToday Park in North Port Florida which is also on Florida's Gulf Coast

We are thankful for Disney s willingness and ability to accommodate our u n e x p e c t e d S p r i n g T r a i n i n g n e e d s , Rays team president Matt Silverman said in a statement “ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will provide our p l a y e r s a n d c o a c h e s w i t h f i r s t - c l a s s facilities for their annual ramp up to the season ”

T h e a g r e e m e n t a l l o w s t h e t e a m s major and minor league players to begin w o r k o u t s a t t h e c o m p l e x i n e a r l y February They will then move their m a j o r l e a g u e o p e r a t i o n s t o S t Petersburg, while minor league workouts and games will continue at the stadium on Disney's property

We are thrilled to be bringing Major League Baseball back to Walt Disney W o r l d R e s o r t , D i s n e y S p o r t s V i c e President Faron Kelley said in a news release “We're always looking for top t i e r e v e n t s , l i k e t h e R a y s S p r i n g Training for our guests to enjoy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex ”

The Rays have played three regular season games at the Disney facility, winning all three against the Texas Rangers in 2007 The next year the Rays swept the Toronto Blue Jays improving their record to 6-0 at the Walt Disney World Resort stadium

The Rays said earlier this month that the team and Port Charlotte officials intend to develop a restoration plan for the Charlotte Sports Park We are all disappointed for the residents of Charlotte County and the fans there The community is in the thoughts and hearts of the Rays, and the team will continue to support recovery efforts, the team said then in a statement

Captains For Clean Water launches Ian relief program to support fishing guides, long-term community recovery

Emergency Disaster Relief Fund to support the people and communities impacted by category 4 Hurricane Ian one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the U

impacted fishing guides for services that benefit Southwest Florida s healing and recovery including waterway clean-ups fishing charters for Hurricane Ian first

trips with science partners Full-time fishing guides and boat captains who reside in Lee, Collier, or Charlotte counties are invited to apply for the program

“Hurricane relief isn’t what our organization was created to do but since this directly impacts the people that fight with us for clean water, it s our turn to fight for them, said Capt Daniel Andrews, executive director of Captains For Clean Water

“This relief fund allows us to help impacted fishing guides help our communities heal We ve had incredible response from organizations and brands nationwide who’ve been able to plug into this program and directly support local jobs relief and clean-up in the wake of this disaster ”

Within the first week of announcing the program, nearly 100 fishing guides have applied to take advantage of the work opportunities and over 400 first responders have s igned up for fis hing trips Waterway cleanups are already underway and the program also supported recent red tide water sampling efforts in partnership w i t h t h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n Foundation and FWC's Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

“Recovery is going to take years and we want this community to know we re here to help as long as it takes The response we've gotten from guides, first responders and other community mem-

Monday Boys Soccer

Oasis 8, ECS 0: Mario Acosta scored four times adding two assists as the Sharks (10-3) ended the 2022 portion of their season Josh Sykes scored on a penalty kick Tyler Kerr had two goals and two assists, and Nicky Odar also scored Ryan Rosado and Caden Bly made assists Fort Myers 6, Cape Coral 0: Cape (54-2) fell to the 8-1-1 Green Wave Riverdale 8, North Fort Myers 0: Riverdale (8-1) dropped the Red Knights to 1-10-2

Girls Soccer

Oasis 3, Port Charlotte 2: Jaclynn Mars scored twice and made an assist and Ariana Suarez scored and had an assist for the Sharks (8-3-1) One of the goals came on a corner kick, with Neveah Rogers making the assist Sunlake 3, Mariner 1: Mariner fell to 9 - 3

T a m p a B a y Invitational Ryliegh Acosta scored the

Quintanilla Land 'O Lakes 4, Ida Baker 0: In the Tampa Bay Invitational Land 'O Lakes improved to 6-1-3 with a win against the Bulldogs (2-6)

Boys Basketball

Hudley Invitational in Darien Ga the Seahawks raised their record to 5-2 Cape was to play again Tuesday in the tournament

McArdle-Sykes scored 25 points for Oasis (4-5) Kavanaugh Brady added 11 for the Sharks Island Coast 44, Dunbar 38: Kobey Babernitch scored 13 points to lead the Gators (3-6)

Girls Basketball

Ida Baker 69, Oasis 39: Nicole Bono scored a game-high 22 points to lead the

bers just reaffirms how much this is needed ” said Capt Chris Wittman director of outreach and engagement for Captains For Clean Water

The fund has drawn generous donations into the community, such as $50,000 from Costa Sunglasses, $15,000 from Orvis,

PREP REPORT

B u l l d o g s M a k a y l a N i e v e s a n d M a i a Berdebes added 17 points each Baker (45) dropped the Sharks to 4-7 For Oasis Emma Osinski scored 21 points and Brynn Stambaugh had 11 points

Saturday Girls Soccer

North Port 5, North Fort Myers 0: The Red Knights who entered the week unbeaten were shut out for the second time in four days (5-2-3)

Friday Girls Soccer

M a r i n e r 6 , E s t e r o 1 : S t e p h a n i e

Saracione scored twice and made an assist and Gloria Quintanilla had two goals as the Tritons (9-2) downed Estero Caroline P e l f o f s k i a n d K e l s i L o n g a b a r d i a l s o scored Sarah Paddock and Carly Paz made two assists each and Ryleigh Acosta assisted on one goal

Boys Soccer

Mariner 2, Estero 0: Gabriel Chica scored on an assist by Marcel Tovar, and Dustin Black also had a goal for the Tritons (5-3-2)

South Fort Myers 4, Island Coast 1: Raheim Buckley scored for the Gators (27-1)

Cape Coral 4, Cypress Lake 2: Down 1-0 at the half, the Seahawks (5-3-2) roared back after intermission to earn the victory

Bishop Verot 2, Naples 2 (tie): Cooper Banks and Chrisyan Fevrier Sildor scored for the Vikings (1-3-4) Raul Blandon contributed with an assist as Verot earned a draw

Girls Basketball

I d a B a k e r 3 6 , C a p e C o r a l 3 2 : Makayla Nieves scored 13 points and Maia Berbedes had 11 as the Bulldogs (35) defeated the Seahawks (5-4) O a s i s 1 9 , D u n b a r 1 8 : B r y n n

Stambaugh and Emma Osinski scored 8 points each for the Sharks (4-6)

their items during packet pickup

payable to: LCEC/UW 5K, P O Box 3455, North Fort Myers FL 33918 Visit uw lcec net for race information including the registration link 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 spooktacular success for the United Way!

Jaycee Park is located at 4125 S E 20th Place in Cape Coral

Huk

and many more

$45,000

For Clean Water also partn e r e d w i t h C o m m u n i t y C o o p e r a t i v e a

South Fort Myers 53, Island Coast 2 2 : T h e W o l f p a c k ( 6 - 3 ) d r o p p e d t h e Gators to 3-5 on the season B i s h o p V e r o t 7 6 , M a r c o I s l a n d Academy 52: Cameron O Halloran poured in 27 points for the Vikings (7-3) Josee Fry scored 22 more for Verot

Boys Basketball

B i s h o p V e r o t 3 7 , M a r c o I s l a n d Academy 26: Verot earned its second win against five losses Oasis 59, Dunbar 56: The Sharks (4-4) kept the Tigers winless at 0-6 Mariner 83, Estero 67: The Tritons evened their record at 6-6 with a win at Estero

Thursday Girls Basketball

Estero 58, Cape Coral 39: Giovanna Molloy and Trinity Castilla scored 7 points each for the Seahawks (5-3) Cypress Lake 53, North Fort Myers 25: Kylie Anderson scored 13 points for the Panthers (3-6) against the Red Knights (0-8) I d a B a k e r 6 4 , R i v e r d a l e 2 7 : T h e Bulldogs (2-5) upended 5-3 Riverdale

Boys Basketball

Cypress Lake 69, Cape Coral 68: Unbeaten Cypress (5-0) just got past the Seahawks (3-2)

R i v e r d a l e 7 8 , I d a B a k e r 4 8 : T h e Raiders are 2-6 the Bulldogs 0-6 Palmetto Ridge 71, Oasis 46: Nick Brown led the Sharks (3-4) with 9 points

Girls Soccer

Oasis at Community School of Naples, ppd weather

Boys Soccer

Oasis 4, Community School of Naples

0: Mario Acosta had a hat trick in a Sharks (8-3) win called early due to lightning Josh Hill recorded his eighth shutout in goal this season Matty Zea also scored for Oasis and Tyler Kerr made two assists

Move became necessary after team’s facility in Port Charlotte damaged by Hurricane Ian

$15,000 from Simms Fishing,

from

Gear

Captains

charity organization working to eliminate

PHOTO PROVIDED

A volunteer with a boat filled with debris from Hurricane Ian during a Captains For Clean Water YETI cleanup

See RELIEF PROGRAM, page 4

DeSantis promises temporary trailers to Hurricane Ian victims who lost their homes

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

Gov Ron DeSantis announced Friday that the state will begin issuing trailers to those whose homes are being rebuilt due to damage cause by Hurricane Ian Appearing at the Yucatan Beach Stand on Fort Myers Beach, DeSantis said he has i

Both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Florida 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 in a flood plain and high hazard area s t a t

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

follow the same regulations as FEMA in the placement of trailers

DeSantis the state could issue trailers but might not be reimbursed for them if it didn 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 trailers should sign up at www Ianrecov ery fl gov

At Friday’s press conference DeSantis also heralded three bills passed this week by the state legislature which will provide property tax relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Ian; provide for toll discounts for heavy commuters; and a rein in “frivolous” lawsuits and high attorney fees so as to attract and keep property tax insurers to Florida

Lee County enhances outreach for residents in need of assistance

Lee County Human & Veteran Services has enhanced its resources in an effort to reach out to those who may need assistance with resources after Hurricane Ian

The department s Coordinated Entry team is now expanded to help complete assessments for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness as a result of the storm which made landfall in Lee County on Sept 28

The phone number remains the same, but new resources are available This is critical because some residents who previously were not familiar with services may now need them post-disaster and may be new to the process

Coordinated entry is the gateway to all housing and services for persons who are

experiencing homelessness in Lee County To access street outreach services emergency shelter rapid re-housing or permanent supportive housing call 239-5337996 The number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week

People also can visit the Homeless R e s o u r c e D a y C e n t e r a t t h e S a l v a t i o n Army 2450 Edison Ave Fort Myers FL 33901

Another tool Lee County Human & Veteran Services developed and launched post-Ian is the Lee REACH app for the local community

This comprehensive app was created to d e l i v e r i n f o r m a t i o n t o t h e c o m m u n i t y quickly via a preferred form of notification among Lee County residents Now, people

with the app can connect with resources at the click of a button The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play

Residents can find applications for help with rent, electric, water, housing rehabilitation and down-payment assistance They can find their closest food pantry along with directions There also is a schedule for mobile food pantries Persons experiencing homelessness can sign up for push notifications for severe weather outreach, such as cold fronts this winter The push notifications also help residents learn about events happening throughout the county for those in need of services T h e L e e B o a r d o f C o u n t y Commissioners has expressed its commit-

Shell Factory: Fundraiser held for nature park

From page 1

we’ve been so fortunate people have given us a call We’ve had a few businesses chip in $10 000 ” Sheridan said “Today we had people come to us and hand us $100 and not even go in to see the animals

Among the things that need to be rebuilt a r e t h e c o m m i s s a r y ( $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 ) a n d

Hootie s habitat, which is around $5,000, and for her care, which is another $1,400 Martin Stoper said he wanted to help the nature park as he is a frequent visitor

“I come a few times when I’m down here I like talking to the birds I like the whole park ” Stoper said “I like going in there and have the birds land on you I love the cockatoos They re the loudest talkers

The fundraising effort is ongoing There w i l l b e a H a n d b a g H a p p y H o u r o n Wednesday, Jan 25, at 5:25 p m , in the Players Circle Theater lobby, where there will be gently-used handbags up for auction

There is one sponsorship opportunity for $2 500 and four others for $1 200

with tickets at $75 which includes three drink tickets and appetizers

For those who would like to donate or for more information visit http://shellfactory com

The Shell Factory is located in North Fort Myers at 16554 North Cleveland Ave , U S 41, N Tamiami Trail

For additional information about the historic attraction please call 239-9952141 or visit its website at www shellfactory com/

ment to social services in both policy and financial aspects The Lee County Department of Human & Veteran Services serves as a hub for g o v e r n m e n t , p r i v a t e a n d n o n p r o f i t resources designated to aid individuals and families For additional information call 239-533-7900 or visit www leegov com/ dhs For Hurricane Ian response updates and i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e c h e c k w w w l e e g o v c o m / s t o r m o r f o l l o w 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 w w w f a c ebook com/leecountyflbocc To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www leegov com/resources/newsletters

Modular school: Staff and students return to Cafferata Elementary

From page 1

has done the best it can Our kids are resilient, they are the best kids in the district, and the staff I consider an extended family and we need to be that way in order to do this ” Licata said Parents dropping off students were clapping and raising their hands in excitement Music was playing and the children all had smiles and were hugging their teachers, administration and other students Students and teachers were reunited after spending the last two-plus months s e p a r a t e d o n t w o c a m p u s e s H a n c o c k Creek and Diplomat elementary schools, after the Lee County School Board voted on Nov 4 to establish 46 portables next door to the old school Audrey Kennedy a first-grader was

thrilled to be back with her classmates

“It feels good to be back We’re from Cafferata and we get to see our friends again I missed them ” Audrey said I got to see my best friends and hug them Ethan Torres-Rios and Ian Capellan said they were happy they got all of their toys back after being at the old campus t h o u g h t h e y s a i d t h e y m i s s e d t h e o l d Cafferata campus T h e i r t e a c h e r , H a n n a h M a c k , w a s thrilled to be back and that the new environment isn’t going to impact their teaching ability negatively

“We were very eager to be back We were counting down the days since we heard about the timeline, Mack said We saw all the new toys we were missing and we got two new students back who followed their sibs to Pelican and they came

back to us today Some of the portables are being used as a cafeteria for food prep and dishwashing T h e f e a t u r e b u i l d i n g i s t h e 1 1 - p l e x ” w h i c h w i l l h o u s e 1 1 c l a s s r o o m s T h e schools are run on three large generators, which use about 130 gallons of fuel every day While it would have been nice to have three or four more of those Kurtz said with supply and material shortages and the contractor only being able to do so much with the high demand for them it wasn’t possible

Teachers have spent the last two weeks moving their supplies and reestablishing their classrooms to be ready for students to return, for the third time this year Mack said it was emotional to return to her classroom but overwhelming to see all

the boxes that had to be opened

“It was a little overwhelming at first because it was our third time setting up a classroom But a lot of people came to help and donate their time, Mack said

The school district has signed a twoyear lease on the classrooms, expecting a brick-and-mortar Cafferata to be rebuilt or replaced The district has an option to extend the deal if needed

M u c h d e p e n d s o n w h a t t h e d i s t r i c t decides, with a decision on the Cafferata building expected in February

“It’s a credit to the district staff and administration who recognized the importance of our student and faculty being together under one roof They determined we could do a portable campus, Kurtz said “Here we are 30-something days later back in class ”

you’ donation: Funds from BOBS from Skechers, Pet Love

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Petco Love and BOBS from Skechers are encouraging the employees “to continue putting their best foot forward in saving pet lives ”

The giveaway is the latest in BOBS from Skechers and Petco Love's efforts through proceeds of the charitable line, special grant presentations and adoption events For every purchase of BOBS from Skechers shoes apparel and accessories a donation is made to help save shelter animals' lives nationwide through Skechers' partnership with Petco Love

“Our mission to protect people and animals through compassionate care is only possible through these amazing organizations and we are proud to uplift their efforts through this giveaway, stated Michael

Greenberg, president of Skechers, which has donated $9 million to help and save 1 7 million shelter pets in the United States and Canada since 2015 “We are grateful for our work with Petco Love which provides the crucial connections to people making a difference, and hope sharing pairs of our popular line can provide powerful encouragement this holiday season ”

Since its founding in 1999 Petco Love has empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $330 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts and helped find loving homes for more than 6 5 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide

T h e s u p p o r t f r o m B O B S f r o m

Skechers has been vital to fulfilling our commitment to ensure animals across the nation are getting the care they need ” said

S u s a n n e K o g u t , p r e s i d e n t o f Petco Love By sharing a token o f o u r a p p r e c i a t i o n p r o v i d i n g footwear our hope is to inspire o r g a n i z a t i o n s w h o h a v e b e e n going the extra mile to stay the course in their mission to save pet lives every day

Members of CCAS sent a big “thank you” to the groups via video message at their holiday party while sporting their new footwear

T h e C a p e C o r a l A n i m a l Shelter is located at 325 S W 2nd Ave

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n

CCAS, including adoptable pets, visit www capecoralanimalshelter com

DeSantis: Florida’s governor signs property insurance legislation

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lower the cost of homeowners insurance As a result, Floridians are going to be hurt by these actions Book said “Senate Democrats will continue the fight for a balanced approach to give homeowners the relief they deserve along with the ability to resolve disagreements without clogging the courts and w i t h o u t i n c u r r i n g e n o r m o u s p e r s o n a l costs ”

panies by taking away one-way attorney 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 claims

“I’m not sure it will help consumers ” Berman said “It will make it more difficult to bring lawsuits and those property owners will have to pay attorney fees out of pocket rather than the insurance companies paying attorney fees when they lose cases over denials delays and underpayments ”

for a report from the state insurance commissioner s office on how much of property rate increases were due to litigation, as DeSantis and others in Republican leadership have alleged Berman said legislators were told that report wouldn’t be ready until March

We didn t have the backup data to support that, Berman said

Florida Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-35) said the so-called reforms are not going to help anyone except the l a r g e

Book said the legislature had “a real opportunity to help regular homeowners and today the GOP-led Florida legislature failed in that mission

Florida Sen Lori Berman (D-26) said the legislation will make it more difficult for property owners to sue insurance com-

Berman said the legislature provided $1 billion to insurance companies in the latest r o u n d o f l e g i s l a t i o n , f o l l o w i n g t h e approval of a $2 billion bill in May

We have seen little impact (on rates), she said

Berman said the legislature had asked

Relief program: Captains For Clean Water effort

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The outpouring of support from the entire outdoor industry has been unlike anything we’ve ever seen before Literally hundreds of brands and caring people have provided everything from clothing and coolers to funding to support our relief efforts If there s a silver lining in this, it s seeing the power of the outdoor community and what’s possible when we stand together ” said Capt Chris Wittman

O t h e r H u r r i c a n e I a n e m e r g e n c y response efforts by Captains For Clean Water included conducting search and rescue missions, communicating with government agencies to direct assets and support setting up drop sites for critical supplies delivering essential supplies to communities, clearing debris, establishing a guide

transportation program to facilitate transport to the islands, and dispatching volunteer crews to clean out flooded homes

For information about the Captains For Clean Water Emergency Disaster Relief Fund and how you can give visit captainsforcleanwater org 100% of donations go t o w a r d c o m m u n i t y r e l i e f a n d r e c o v e r y efforts

Eligible fishing guides can apply for the program and eligible Hurricane Ian first responders can sign up for charters at captainsforcleanwater org

A first responder shows off his big catch as he enjoys a day out on the water with a local fishing guide

“Is (the rate of property insurance in Florida) high because of climate change? Is it high because of excessive compensation to their leadership team?

Following the legislature s passage of the bill, the state s insurance commissioner 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 resign Dec 28

Hootie, the Eurasian Eagle Owl, at the Shell Factory

CHUCK BALLARO

PHOTO PROVIDED

A playful puppy takes a closer look inside a boot from BOBS from Skechers