WEEk OF DECEMBER 27, 2023
VOLUME 62, NUMBER 6
Lee Health sets town halls on structure of governance By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
Fire district holds awards, staff appreciation banquet By TIFFANY REPECKI
T
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
he Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently celebrated its dedicated staff and their achievements throughout the year, as well as thanked island entities and others that helped after Hurricane Ian. The district hosted its Annual Awards/Employee Appreciation Banquet on Dec. 2 at The Community House on Sanibel. Last year's event was canceled due to the storm, so it was a night to remember. “We have, historically, done the annual banquet to kind of give thanks to our staff and our team,” Fire Chief Kevin Barbot said, explaining that it is typically a district event attended only by employees.
“This year, we decided to extend it and invite all the playmakers who were there for us after Ian,” he added, noting that the district recognized those who assisted with the post-hurricane operations, volunteered their time or donated resources. During the event, a video about Ian was played, which stirred up emotions among those attending. “People are still mentally grasping with what we went through,” Barbot said.
Lee Health board members and senior leaders are gearing up to hold town hall meetings to answer the public’s questions regarding the system’s exploration of becoming a private nonprofit. It is now one of the largest not-forprofit public health systems in the country. President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Larry Antonucci said what makes Lee Health unique under its current structure is that although public, it does not have taxing authority in a state where 28 hospital districts do and so receive sales tax or ad valorem revenue to help support operations. “We don’t have that advantage. It doesSee LEE HEALTH, page 22
IslanderInsIde
See BANQUET, page 21 The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District held its Annual Awards/Employee Appreciation Banquet on Dec. 2 at The Community House on Sanibel SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT
CROW announces winners of Annual Taste of the Islands The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife recently announced the winners of the 42nd Taste of the Islands — REBUILDING, which featured on- and off-island restaurants with the goal of rebuilding after Hurricane Ian. Local judges Sanibel City Councilmember Holly Smith, NBC2 News Anchor Peter Busch, local Chef Jarred Harris, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands Chief Executive Officer and President Geoff and Robbie Roepstorff, National Food, Wine, & Travel writer Gina Birch, and Chef Derek Stone rated See CROW, page 22
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife recently announced the winners of the 42nd Taste of the Islands — REBUILDING. CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE
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