Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

INSIDE: Ring in the New Year Cape Coral’s Community Newspaper Since 1961

WWW.CAPECORALBREEZE.COM

WEEKEND EDITION, DECEMBER 29, 2023

$ 1.00

CC BREEZE 12/29/23

Cape Coral’s Community Newspaper Since 1961

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Weekend Edition, December 29, 2023

$1.00

Ian tops challenges of ’23; Cape looks ahead to 2024

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian was the greatest challenge the city of Cape Coral faced in 2023, according to municipal officials.

“Residents and the city have faced a difficult challenge with state and federal regulations and navigating through the entire process,” Councilmember Tom Hayden said. “We have had so many questions to answer from the residents and many con-

“Although we suffered from a big hurricane, we are still growing fast and we need to plan now for future road improvements, infrastructure and even looking at what the potential problems we might have if another storm hits again.”

— Councilmember Robert Welsh versations with local, state and federal agencies, but we are recovering, and we are

seeing resolution to many of these challenges.”

The recovery efforts were a large challenge because of the size of the hurricane that devastated the city with wind and water on Sept. 28, 2022, Councilmember Robert Welsh said.

“There were impacts in the entire city, not just one district, or area,” he said.

Council members Welsh and Bill Steinke each said recovery efforts through the year were also the city’s greatest

See 2024, page 18

Petition asks for redux on Council stipend vote

AOW

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

night along Southeast 47th Terrace.

“The city of Cape Coral offers diverse, family-friendly, and entertaining events,” said city spokesperson Lauren Kirkimilis on why the Cape put together this first-of-itskind event. “We’ve recently added three new special events in the rotation — Culture Fest, Music & Arts Fusion Walk, and the New Year’s Eve Celebration. This free event is open to all ages, allowing the community to ring in the new year together.”

A petition asking Cape Coral City Council to rescind its decision to pay its members hefty stipends in addition to their voter-approved salaries is gaining traction.

The petition, posted to change.org and entitled “Demand Cape Coral City Council to Rescind Their Self-Approved Benefit Increase,” had garnered more than 4,000 signatures and more than 200 critical comments from angry residents as of Thursday afternoon in the wake of Council’s Dec. 13 vote.

Posted on Dec. 21 by former Cape council member Richard Leon, the petition text Richard Leon reads: “On December 13, 2023, the Cape Coral City Council approved a stipend for themselves, effectively doubling their own pay. This decision was made without due diligence of public input and is viewed as an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds. The council’s action raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in our local government. As residents of Cape Coral, FL, we believe that public officials should be held to the highest standards of integrity and fiscal responsibility.

“It is crucial that our elected officials prioritize the needs of their constituents over

See NEW YEAR, page 8

See PETITION, page 26

The Cape Coral Breeze presents Athletes of the Week — Page 35

INDEX Business...............30 Classifieds...........36 Community...............16 Editorial & Letters...4 Puzzles.........................38 Real Estate..............14 Sports.......................33 Pets of the Week....34

Today’ s Ad Inserts*

* Selected ZIP Codes

Cape Coral and surrounding areas offer festive ways to welcome the new year

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

L

ooking to ring in the New Year on the right note? Cape Coral and surrounding Southwest Florida communities are offering many ways to welcome 2024 and say goodbye to 2023.

In the Cape, the city is hosting its inaugural New Year’s Eve Celebration with a party downtown, featuring a national headlining band and two different ball drops. The festivities take place Sunday from 6 p.m. to mid-

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 2

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

A nonpartisan group formed in Lee County to become advocates for public schools, students, parents and educators is making its voice heard at school board meetings and is sharing information with the public in a variety of ways.

Madelon Stewart said the Purple Group of Lee County is a subcommittee of a group that formed – Quality Schools for the Future of Lee County.

“We formed when there was a referendum put on the ballet that called for a partisan superintendent of schools.

We are educators, parents, grandparents and know it was a horrible idea. We unfortunately failed,” she said.

Following that, Stewart said people from various organizations shared that a “very right-wing political agenda,” not necessarily comprised of parents, but those that lived in the community, were funded with outside sources, so they began making statements at the school board meetings.

“We felt they were everywhere all the time,” she said adding, that perhaps people began thinking this was what the community believed to be true.

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

The Purple Group looks to advocate for education

Cape Coral Breeze Vol. 62, No. 98

The Purple Group formed as nonpartisan, which is essential to their focus — student learning, parental rights, respect for education and accountability and transparency.

The leadership group has 15 individuals with others who are members, but do not wish to speak in public. They spend their time educating the public through the public comment portion of the school board meetings, as well as other events, two of which are scheduled in January.

The Purple Group will be sharing information at Collaboratory in Fort Myers from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 13.

They will also be featured at the Bonita Springs Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. The public is welcome to attend both events.

The group continues to educate themselves on what is taking place in and outside of school, so they can further inform the community.

“We are not afraid to speak out. Some of us are retired.

We feel this is the right thing to do. We can’t just stand by and let people who really are trying to undermine the foundations of our democracy in so many institutions. We are positive. Our focus is — we want to educate people on how important public schools are in America,” she said.

“We want to support public schools because we think they are the foundation of the American democracy. If we don’t have educated citizens, we can’t have a democracy. We need to have kids make rational decisions based on true information and not just emotions and fear.”

Paula Porter is another leader of the Purple Group and is the social media guru, relaying information through the Purple Group of Lee County Facebook and YouTube pages.

“We’ve met individually with each of the school board members to promote our agenda a little bit and let people realize we are not radicals trying to change the world. We are trying to support students, teachers, and parents’ rights as well,” she said.

Some of their areas of focus thus far include ensuring school district staff that they are valued professionals, as well as providing information about book bans.

“These groups are doing it across the board for all of our institutions saying you can’t trust these people any-

more and we know that is wrong,” she said. “It sends the wrong message to the community. It sends the wrong message to teachers and other professions.”

The Purple Group has met with the educators to ensure they know their professionalism is valued.

When books began being challenged across Florida, the Purple Group took this area as another focus.

“We know the schools have to follow the laws, but the law is very vague and now getting more specific. The last two years, they have just been going crazy. They put in hurdles. Students cannot have free access to books, or any other educational materials in the library,” Stewart said.

She said Lee County has a wide range of multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities that are from all walks of life who need information about all sorts of topics.

“We went to school board meetings. We believe in parents’ rights. What we don’t want is parents saying, ‘It’s not good for my child, not good for your child either.’ We support individual rights to make decisions for their own kids,” Stewart said.

Ray Clasen, another leader of the Purple Group, said he had written several letters to the editor and tried to get involved in his own little way before finding out about the Purple Group. He is trying to be as active as he can, as he was not in favor of the school district’s media access form.

“I think we are fortunate in Lee County. We haven’t gone as extreme as other counties have done; they have banned many more books than Lee County,” he said. “Our number is relatively small. Book banning is something that doesn’t happen in a free democratic secular society. We need to make people understand that there is a movement.

There is a movement in this country that wants to undermine public education just like we have undermined some of our other foundational institutions. We are sliding towards something other than democracy in this country and I think to most of us that is not acceptable. The minority that wants to get rid of democracy in this country is very loud and very well-funded.”

Clasen said they have to find ways to educate the public about what is taking place.

“I taught for 35 years. Parents went to the teacher to try to resolve the problem. Now parents seem to go straight to the school board with any issue that concerns them. A lot of power seems to be in the hands of very few people in respect to what children get to read. It’s not so bad in Lee County, but across the state this is a very concerning situation.”

Porter said she has served on a couple of the school ad hoc committees that have reviewed the book challenge form.The book challenge form in the district is probably one of the better ones out there, she said.

“There is a new law coming out in January — a statewide form for media access for all the schools,” Porter said, adding that they want a list of all the books challenged in the state in the school districts.

She said there is one problem with the current state law book challenge — the person submitting the challenge does not have had to read the book.

“These parents that are challenging the books are making the decision for all the parents. They are taking away parents’ rights,” Porter said. “If you don’t like the stuff, don’t let your kids read it. Let the parents make the choice, or the student make the choice. Don’t take the choice away from them.”

Page 3 n December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 4

OPINIONS CAPE CORAL BREEZE RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor 2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693 Member Florida Press Association

Codes of ethics, disclosure policies, foster public trust Though we’ve yet to reach the tail’s tip of ’23, the new year isn’t ringing in happy news for some municipal officials in Florida.

As of Jan. 1, those elected to serve on town and city councils will join virtually every other office holder in the state already required to fill out a detailed disclosure form intended to foster financial transparency.

Some say they will quit rather than submit their “Form 6” instead of the current less-detailed Form 1.

Fort Myers Beach Town Council member Bill Veach resigned Tuesday.

We get the angst. The provision making the disclosures retroactive is especially problematic for some.

HB 37, Financial Disclosures for Local Officers, was sponsored in the House by Rep. Spencer Roach, RDistrict 76. According to its summary, “‘full and public disclosure of financial interests’ means the reporting individual must disclose his or her net worth and the value of each asset and liability in excess of $1,000.

The disclosure must be accompanied by either a copy of the filer’s most recent federal income tax return or a sworn statement that identifies each separate source and amount of income that exceeds $1,000.”

That’s a lot more than must be disclosed now, at least on the local level, where the reporting benchmark for assets and liabilities is currently $10,000.

It is, however, what the state requires of those who represent us on the county level, including commissioners, school board members and constitutional officers as well as those we elect to state office.

The governor, lieutenant governor; all cabinet members, legislators, state attorneys, public defenders, clerks of circuit courts, sheriffs, tax collectors, property appraisers, supervisors of elections, county commissioners and elected superintendents of schools are among those who are required to file Form 6 as part of the state’s Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees.

Their filed financial disclosure forms are readily available and may be found on the Florida Commission on Ethics home page at ethics.state.fl.us.

Although the expanded reporting law goes into effect Jan. 1, municipal officials have until July 1 to file their first Form 6, with a grace period until Sept. 1 at which time an automatic daily ding of $25 will begin to accrue until the disclosure is filed or the fine reaches $1,500.

Other penalties for failure to report or report accurately — including suspension or removal from office and civil fines, now doubled to $20,000 — are possible.

The disclosure legislation had bipartisan support, passing in the House with 113 yeas and only 2 nays while in the Senate, tied bill SB 774, Ethics Requirements for Public Officials, passed 35-5. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law on May 11.

We thank Rep. Roach for his sponsorship and we agree making disclosure uniform on all levels makes sense for both those serving and those they purport to represent.

We would ask Cape Coral officials, mired much of

THE BREEZE DECEMBER 29, 2023

Responsible Father Initiative funds intended for grassroots groups for dads During a Florida Legislative hearing on Sept. 25, the Department of Children & Families was criticized by Patt Maney, vice chair of the Subcommittee on Children, Families & Seniors, for mishandling of the House Bill 7065 provisions, intentions and spirit for awarding grants.

HB 7065 is the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative.

Single Dads Outreach, a local 501c3, nonprofit Florida corporation alerted the legislative subcommittee that DCF Tallahassee’s awards went primarily to multiple award winners, to federally funded organizations and to national nonprofit powerhouses not located in Florida. HB 7065’s provisions clearly state funds were intended to encourage grassroots, community-based organizations, like Single Dads Outreach. In addition, many areas of Florida were overlooked of passed over, including Southwest Florida.

Vice Chair Patt Maney, representative for the Florida Panhandle, another area passed over by DCF in Tallahassee, ordered DCF to repeat the grant application process promptly to address this short-coming. On Dec. 13, DCF in Tallahassee announced that grant applications for The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative will be accepted.

GUEST COMMENTARY Single Dads Outreach has, once again, prepared a grant application to provide community, social, educational and counseling services to fathers with sole or joint custody of children and single fathers seeking family reunification including those previously incarcerated.

Single Dads Outreach has leadership opportunities on its Advisory Council for professions, retired or active, in the fields or social work, law enforcement, corrections and education. In addition, Single Dads Outreach services include mentoring from prior, seasoned fathers.

Please contact SDO or your local United Way in Lee, Charlotte and Hendry counties to learn about these volunteer opportunities.

—Contributed by Joshua Krakow, SDO Active Dads Administrator and Sean Ryan, President, Single Dads Outreach, Corp.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Removal of the Chiquita Lock will benefit the environment To the editor: The charge to retain the manatee-killing Chiquita Lock was in full swing at the recent hearings in Sarasota. The misinformation spread by that group was embarrassing and I sincerely hope the judge fact checks what was presented and was misrepresented.

The Matlacha contingent is home to some of the worst sea water quality on the west coast of Florida with septic tank related effluent dumping into our waterways every time we get a heavy rain. It actually stinks and I am surprised the State of Florida DEP does not go after them to correct the mess. Why the SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation would want to associate with such polluters makes no sense given their (supposed) commitment to the environment.

The Chiquita Lock has been open since Ian swept through this area in 2022. The area behind the lock used to experience a moderate tidal flow of +/- about 8 inches. We still experience a moderate tidal flow although it is now about one foot. The sea life in the Spreader Canal west of the lock has changed significantly. We now have dolphin, frequent manatee sighting and more sharks. This has pushed some of the snook and redfish back into the mangrove areas. The mangroves themselves have never looked better or healthier. In fact, the mangroves along the Spreader Canal appear in far better condition than mangroves you find on the Caloosahatchee. Could it be that the water in the Spreader Canal in healthier for this key resource?

Definitely.

The lock has been open for more than a year and the environment behind the lock near our house is in the best condition I can remember since we moved here 12 years ago. This argues for removing the lock permanently.

Duncan Russell Cape Coral

Impeach them now

To the editor: What the hell is Congress doing while the Biden administration purposely allows an invasion across our borders by people from all over the world? Both Biden and Harris should be impeached immediately for deliberately allowing the country to be overrun. It is obvious by the negative polling numbers that a majority of Americans that are paying any attention that there is no way Biden will be reelected. Should nothing be done See EDITORIAL, page 6 for the next year while more millions invade us?

Biden must be impeached for treason. Since his VP Harris was assigned to do something about the border, she should also be impeached since by doing nothing she has demonstrated her criminal complicity. Only by tossing both of these Democrats out of the White House can a Republican leader take over for the next year willing to order the borders be closed. Congress has the power. If they do nothing, then members of both parties should be challenged at the earliest opportunity to replace them with citizens willing to take action to preserve the country.

In only three years the Biden administration has placed the United States in danger for failing as a country for this as well as many other well-known reasons.

The only possibility to save us is for Congress to act now. Call your Representative or Senator and demand action.

Neil Miller Cape Coral

Ukraine needs miliary aid To the editor: It may sound counterintuitive, but it’s actually a good thing that Congress didn’t pass Ukraine Aid just yet. The fact is, if the draft summary of the National Security and Border Act of 2024 passed as is before the New Year, it would have sealed the fate of Ukraine’s loss against Russia.

That’s because the proposed legislation would have severely undercut Ukraine military aid, allocating only a quarter to weapons and munitions out of the $40 billion requested. To put into perspective, if Ukraine is to break the stalemate, they need to be getting more weapons, not less.

The legislation in question is the same bill that will be linked to border security, which deserves special attention. Last time I wrote to The Breeze, I published an open letter to Sen. Marco Rubio et. al. on Nov 21 titled “Don’t link humanitarian parole programs with border security.” Amazingly, it seems someone listened, because when the draft Act came out on Dec 6, it did not contain one controversial provision regarding legal Humanitarian Parole, it sought to clearly define asylum processes, and to crack down on fentanyl trafficking. The border aspect is as clean as it gets, and it’s theatrics for anyone to suggest otherwise.

But the hold up is at least buying Congress time to correct the draft — and we can anticipate intense nego-

See LETTERS, page 6

Page 5 n December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 6 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR From page 4 tiations to kick off in January.

One easy fix Congress should focus on is to break out Israel and Ukraine’s name tags into their own line items in a way which precisely allocates replenishment funds for the provision of U.S. weapons. This way, there is no ambiguity as to how much military equipment goes to each country.

A more difficult challenge, however, is the dollar amount to the replenishment of these U.S. weapons, in which the draft legislation proposed $24.25 billion in one line item.

This is just a rough analysis — but if you consider — $14 billion of that military support goes to Israel based on the administration’s request, then only $10 billion would be left for Ukraine. That means, only a quarter of Ukraine funding would go towards the funding of the unused weapons stocks in U.S. warehouses which, by the way, are just sitting there collecting dust, costing the American taxpayer money to maintain when Ukraine could be using them instead.

In my view, all other aid to Ukraine listed in the National Security and Border Act should be repurposed toward military aid. That means Congress should put funding toward immediate

weapons and munitions delivery that would have otherwise funded Ukraine via humanitarian aid, direct budget assistance or deferred USAI (which contracts weapons manufacture to be produced anywhere from 3-5 years — not really helping right now).

Point is, Ukraine needs weapons now.

No cash. No frills. Just send weapons and ammo.

Would the public support a re-emphasis on military aid only?

Overwhelmingly. A recent Fox News poll from Dec 10-13,which determined 66% of Americans say the U.S. should be doing the same or more to help Ukraine fight Russia, with only 30% saying less.

Quite frankly, the U.S. does not necessarily need to fund “more,”,but instead, focus the planned funding only on war-fighting efforts.

Since February 2022, only $23 billion in U.S. munitions were actually delivered to Ukraine out of a total $113 billion appropriated (appropriated is different than “sent,” no we did not send Ukraine $113 billion). But still, it’s disturbing to know that less than a quarter of funding was budgeted for actual weapons and ammo. Shouldn’t that have been the most important priority during

war?

Here’s one point nobody can argue with. Humanitarian aid and direct budget assistance will not give Ukraine operational advantage against Russia in the current stalemate.

An added bonus for American public opinion, is sending only weapons and munitions will keep money out of the hands of corrupt officials, which, I’m not going to stand here and pretend doesn’t exist in Ukraine.

After all, what is a corrupt politician going to do with full range ATACMs or fighter jets?

So rather than going around in circles talking about oversight in Ukraine, (which I fully support should they finally decide to vote) Congress should instead focus less on sending cash and blankets and more on sending weapons.

In fact, Ukraine’s ability to break the stalemate sits in the hands of Congress.

Who else can we turn to?

Certainly not the present administration. In July 2023, the U.S. administration sharply cut military aid to Ukraine by 60%. Last month a mere $225 million worth of military aid was shipped to Ukraine, a sharp decline over the last four months, where prior US Aid to Ukraine averaged around $1.1 billion

every month.

In comparison, mind you, Russia’s monthly spendings on the war exceed $10 billion and are growing day by day.

In my mind, this atrocity committed by the present administration should be written in history books.

Political will is great. Public support is wonderful. But those nice sentiments don’t mean anything on the battlefield.

To win a war, you need weapons and munitions.

By the way, I’m not sure where Congressman Byron Donalds has been, probably investigating Hunter Biden’s criminal escapades, which has merit I’m sure, but I’m surprised he’s gone awol on the upcoming National Security legislation. Since he’s made himself to be such a hardliner about Ukraine, you’d think he’d attempt to explain these things with a little more clarity and detail.

So there it is.

When Congress gets back to session in the New Year, they need to fund $40 billion in weapons and ammo to Ukraine, secure the border, cut the drama and get back to the other national security priorities.

Who’s ready for 2024?

Alexandra Zakhvatayev Cape Coral

Editorial: Cape Coral should adopt Lee County’s lobbying ordinance From page 4 this year in a handful of public-perceived transparency quagmires, to take a page from a similar book.

Back in 2016, with numerous projects pending in our city, we urged the Cape Coral City Council to foster transparency throughout the concept-to-construction process by enacting a Code of Conduct “lobbying ordinance” similar to Lee County’s which requires commissioners and many staffers to disclose meetings and other contacts with those providing one-on-one input on voting matters.

Since the late ’90s, Lee County has enhanced state ethics and disclosure laws by requiring disclosure for projects and issues coming before the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, including those that do not meet the threshold of the state’s lobbying rules standard.

There was support from at least one then-sitting member of the Cape Coral City Council but the idea died aborning, with municipal staff looking to exempt itself from such rules and other council members tepid at best.

In 2020, with more projects — and more transparency-related controversies — afoot, we again urged Council to adopt an ordinance similar to the one that has been in effect in unincorporated Lee County since July 1, 2003.

It made sense then.

It makes sense now.

The county ordinance requires a number of things: Lobbyists, in general, are defined as “any person,

firm, entity ‘paid or unpaid’” who seeks to “encourage the passage, defeat or modification” of any item to be presented to a vote before the commission, a county decision-making body or a county employee who can make a recommendation.”

The ordinance applies to all communications, written or oral, to a commission member, board member or county employee including those in the county manager’s office, the county attorney’s office, all department directors and all employees within the purchasing division and contracts office.

It requires uniform logs detailing the date; whether the contact was by phone or visit; the name of the person making the contact and whether he or she was representing another person or entity and the topic discussed. There also is room for comments.

The logs are filed quarterly to the Clerk of Courts with an office copy retained and they are easily accessible to the public on the Clerk’s website, Leeclerk.org.

Paid lobbyists must register and file quarterly disclosure forms, which also may be found there.

The Lee County ordinance provides enough exceptions to allow the county to conduct its day-to-day operations, but not for a whole lot else.

Cape officials say our community — one of the state’s fastest growing — is on the cusp of boundless potential.

We agree.

It is up to City Council — this City Council — to assure that the leap upwards is safeguarded with trans-

parency.

That’s more than disclosing an income tax form or more personal financial details, as troublesome as that might seem to those who now must file Form 6.

A strong lobbyist ordinance such as the county’s opens the figurative door between the process and the public.

The county did that to provide both public assurance and protection years ago.

The city of Cape Coral needs to do the same: It’s long overdue in a city where residents are again — yet again — demanding disclosure.

When conducting the public’s business, there should be nothing to hide.

—Breeze editorial

This week’s poll question: Should Cape Coral City Council adopt a “lobbying ordinance” similar to Lee County’s? ∫ Yes. The keeping of logs documenting meetings and communications with those seeking to “encourage the passage, defeat or modification” of issues on which there could be a vote is something I would like to see. ∫ No.

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

Did the Colorado Supreme Court rule appropriately when it disqualified Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 election ballot? ∫ Yes. 71% ∫ No. 29% * 246 votes at press time Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.

Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

Page 7 ■ December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 8 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

2024: New Year’s Eve places to go From page 1 The streets of downtown will be closed to traffic as attendees enjoy free live music, entertainment, countdown pyrotechnics, and more.

“We will have separate ball drops at 8 p.m. and midnight,” Kirkimilis said. “This large, family-friendly street festival will include shopping, food vendors, and games and activities for children while waiting for the countdown to 2024.”

There is a deejay scheduled to play music starting at 6 p.m. through the first ball drop at 8 p.m. And at 10:30, the internationally known music group, Bahamen, will take the party into the new year.

“All who come can expect spectacular music entertainment with synchronized pyrotechnics,” Kirkimilis said.

Southeast 47th Terrace will be closed from Southeast 9th Place to Southeast 11th Place.

“The city looks forward to debuting this event to the community, and we are thrilled to be able to provide this experience to our residents in the coming years,” Kirkimilis said.

For more information, visit www.capeconcerts.com.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Nauti Mermaid Step into the New Year with “sophistication and flair” at The Nauti Mermaid’s NYE Dinner & Firework Celebration on Dec. 31.

The event runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and located within the ambiance of The Westin Cape Coral at Marina Village.

The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill extends an invitation for an evening featuring delectable culinary experiences, such as sliced pastrami salmon and a curated nacho station, and a “breathtaking” fireworks display over the marina.

Spots can be reserved at this event for $125 per person by calling 239-5415942 or visiting the Westin Cape Coral Resort’s Facebook page (@westincapecoral) under the events tab.

Gather Cape Coral The restaurant will host a New Year’s Eve evening with live entertainment and fireworks.Dinner reservations start at 5 p.m. and can be booked by visiting www.gathercape.com. Live music from DJ German Garcia and Jorge Ylisastigui will performed throughout the evening.

The night will end with a firework show at the scenic location.

Gather is at 5971 Silver King Blvd.

Suite 116.

Fathoms Cape Coral Fathoms will host a ticketed private event with a prix-fixe menu, open bar and live music by Soapy Tuna all night. Doors will open around 7:45 p.m. and the night begins with canapes at 8 p.m. A threecourse dinner will be served at 9 with an open bar all night and music by Soapy Tuna. Menu items include a surf and turf entree, roasted butternut squash soup and baby burrata, and various deserts. Tickets are $150 per person.

Fathoms is at 5785 Cape Harbour Drive # 106.

Dixie Roadhouse Nashville New Year's Eve Join one of the largest dance parties in the area at Dixie Roadhouse in Cape Coral from 7 p.m. To 3 a.m. New Year's Eve. Cover is free from 7 to 10, including ladies night drink specials.

Organizers said since the city will be doing a ball drop outside at midnight, Dixie will celebrate at midnight with a free celebration shot and $1,000 cash

cannon giveaway.

Later on, Dixie will celebrate Nashville New Year’s, which is 1 a.m. eastern, with their famous giant cash and prize balloon drop.

“There’ll be cash and prizes galore when the clock strikes 1 a.m.,” Dixie Roadhouse officials said.

There is a $10 cover charge after 10 p.m. Dixie Roadhouse is at 1023 Southeast 47th Terrace.

Torched Bar & Grill Torched will host a New Year Night Party for 2024 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 31. The event will feature a “filet mignon & lobster tail buffet” (drinks not included) to be served at 7 p.m. and live music by Smokin Aces.

Reservations are $75 per person.

Torched is at 2408 Surfside Blvd., Suite 101.

Fort Myers Downtown Countdown Downtown Fort Myers is ready to ring in 2024 this New Year's Eve. On Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 12:15 a.m., attendees can enjoy a ball drop, midnight fireworks show, and all that downtown has to offer. There will be live music throughout downtown and additional parties City Tavern and Hideaway. The night will feature performances by Revolution Band, Patina Turners, Rockadellic, and many more.

Fort Myers Beach Fireworks The Town of Fort Myers Beach will be hosting a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, touted to be one of the best in the area.

The fireworks will be shot off from a barge near the Fort Myers Beach Pier in the Gulf of Mexico, at midnight Dec. 31.

The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed

by Lee County to oncoming traffic from midnight to 1:30 a.m. Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the southern end of the Island will remain open.

There will be live music at Bayside Park throughout the day on Sunday.

Fort Myers Beach Concert Fort Myers Beach is ringing in the holiday season with its Bayside Park Concert Series at Bayside Park. The series, held each week, is presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Fort Myers Beach and title sponsored by Wahoo Willie’s and Snug Harbor Restaurant. the series sponsor for 2024 is Current Coastal Realty. Music lovers are invited to kick off New Year’s Eve on the Beach with a double header — Chasing Denver (4-6 p.m.) followed by Guilty Pleasure (7-10 p.m). The stage sponsors for the New Year’s Eve show are Tri Town Construction and Wicked Dolphin Distillery. Lawn chairs and well-behaved pets on a 6-foot or less leash are encouraged.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Events are weather permitting and are free.

Coconut Point New Year’s Art Festival Estero residents and visitors will ring in the new year with beauty and inspiration once again at the 13th Annual Coconut Point New Year’s Art Festival on Dec. 30 - 31. The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Residents and visitors are invited to stroll amidst life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and more from the 100 exhibitors outside the Coconut Point Mall, at 23106 Fashion Drive.

The Coconut Point New Year’s Art Festival represents a vast array of artistic media including paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, glass, wood, handmade jewelry, collage, mixed media and more.

For more information, visit www.artfestival.com.

Additional patrols, free ride options, hope to make local roads safer on New Year’s Eve

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

—Officer Mercedes Phillips, Cape Coral Police Department spokesperson Beyond the reckless nature to operate a vehicle while impaired, a DUI ticket can not only be costly financially, but hinder future job opportunities and life goals.

“A DUI has ramifications almost forever,” Farah said. “Even though it’s a misdemeanor, it’s a misdemeanor that does a lot of damage.”

Farah said unlike other lesser offenses, a DUI cannot be expunged or sealed from a personal record.

“Unless you go to court and beat it, and it’s very difficult to do that with all the technology they’ve got now, all the cameras, the videotape, the testing and so forth. And even if you refuse (a breathalyzer), you get your license suspended.”

DUI offenses also impact insurance rates, employability, and comes with hefty fines and legal expenses.

“There’s also a social stigma that goes along with it,” Farah said. “Even if you’ve only had a few drinks two hours ago, so what, you’re still impaired and still could hurt somebody or yourself.

Why take that chance?”

Cape Coral Breeze

Farah & Farah recently announced the launch of its Safe Ride Home Program in the area, including Fort Myers. The program offers thousands of free Uber and taxi rides for residents celebrating New Year’s Eve. For the ninth year in a row, those participating in celebratory libations can turn to Farah & Farah for a safe ride home via a $50 Uber credit or a taxi ride from the rider’s pick-up location, with participating taxi services.

“You can plan your New Year’s activity, and know you’re going to have that free ride home,” said Senior Partner Eddie Farah. “You can go out and have a good time and not have to worry about getting home safely or driving.”

According to the National Safety Council, several hundred Americans die in car accidents during the New Year’s Eve holiday each year.

Last year, the NCS projected that more than 400 Americans would lose their lives on U.S. roads during the most recent New Year’s holiday due to a high volume of travelers and alcohol consumption.

The NYE Safe Rides credit will be available Dec. 31 starting at 6 p.m. until New Year’s Day. Farah & Farah advises community members to secure their free ride before the party starts by visiting FarahandFarah.com/NYE. AAA - The Auto Club Group will activate its free Tow to Go program in Florida and other select states tonight.

“If you’re faced with the decision of driving impaired, put down those keys and pick up the phone to call Tow to Go,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We’ll dispatch a truck to take you and your vehicle to a safe location within a 10mile radius.”

AAA service technicians expect to rescue more than 937,000 drivers with car trouble during the upcoming holidays. Drivers are asked to treat Tow to Go as a last resort. Plan ahead and identify a designated driver or ride sharing service before you party.

Tow to Go will be active from 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 22, to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2.

In addition to Florida, the program will be available in Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte) and Indiana, IN (Fort Wayne/South Bend).

Since its inception 25 years ago, Tow to Go has removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the road.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

As Southwest Florida gets ready to count down and ring in the new year, local officials are reminding residents of the dangers of getting behind the wheel while impaired.

Cape Coral Police will be out in extended patrols, according to department officials, this New Year’s Eve looking for drivers who should not be behind the wheel.

“We will be having extra patrols extended on New Years Eve to combat drunk and impaired driving,” said CCPD Officer Mercedes Phillips. “Historically, New Years has always been a big drinking holiday. There are no excuses to drink and drive.”

Phillips said with services such as Uber, Lyft, and other ride-share methods, getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is a senseless thing to do with major consequences.

“A DUI charge can have costly repercussions throughout the court system,” Phillips said. “More than that, the cost of taking a life is one you can never pay back.”

Phillips said during the Christmas holiday and weekend, “everything was pretty steady for DUIs over the weekend, with a few increases.”

A local law firm is offering free rideshare credit this New Year’s Eve in Fort Myers as a way to help individuals make the right decision.

“We will be having extra patrols extended on New Year’s Eve to combat drunk and impaired driving.

Historically, New Year’s has always been a big drinking holiday. There are no excuses to drink and drive.”

Page 9 ■ December 29, 2023

Drivers urged to be aware, take care

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 10

Page 11 ■ December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 12 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Teen empowerment sessions set

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Teens are invited to join Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. for a conference that empower them while helping them recognize personal boundaries in January.

“Our mission is basically to support, educate and empower victims of domestic violence and their children, survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking,” ACT Violence Prevention Educator Kelly Rico said. “We want to empower them to be able to recognize personal boundaries and prevent sexual and relationship violence and have the confidence to speak up for themselves as well.”

The “Main Character Energy Teen Female Conference” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 29, at Collaboratory.

“We are trying to have them register at least a week before the event, so we have enough time to create the swag bags gifting for the kids,” she said, as well as meal count.

Rico said the girls conference will feature several motivational speakers.

“We want to be able to create that awareness for teen girls,” she said. “We have Claribel Bocanegra, who is the founder of Gemstones; Marilyn Santiago, who is the founder of Creative Architectural Resin Products, and Chantel Rhodes, who is a medical social worker at Golisano’s hospital.”

Rico said rather than teens just listening to these wonderful empowering women, they will have several interactive activities throughout the event in breakout sessions.

The “Main Character Energy Teen Male Summit” will be held hybrid, with either attendance through Zoom or at Collaboratory on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Registration starts at 3:30 p.m. with presentations beginning at 4 p.m.

Rico said they realize that because they

“Our mission is basically to support, educate and empower victims of domestic violence and their children, survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. We want to empower them to be able to recognize personal boundaries and prevent sexual and relationship violence and have the confidence to speak up for themselves as well.”

— Kelly Rico, ACT Violence Prevention Educator

offer services in three counties — Lee, Hendry and Glades — everyone might not have transportation.

“We wanted to be able to create that hybrid for the rural areas,” she said. “We will have two keynote speakers. For the teen boys summit, we have Devon Beck, Facilitator of Equity, Diversity, and inclusion at Talbot County Public Schools, and Zachary Mason, who goes by Captain Mason and is a Florida Army National Guard and part of the Florida Counterdrug task force.”

This is the first time the teen male summit has been held. The teen girls conference was held last year.

“Both events are free. We are going to provide a boxed lunch for teen girls and dinner for the teen males. We are also going to provide the swag bags full of gifts at both events,” Rico said. “We just want to invite everyone who wants to really know about our mission and be able to prevent sexual and relationship violence. If the mother, or the fathers, or any parents, caregivers want to attend with their teens, they can also attend.

We want to create that safe environment and invite everyone.”

Collaboratory is at 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers. To RSVP contact Rico at (239) 9392554, or email KRico@actabuse.com, or bgrot@actabuse.com.

Restaurant will offer fine dining, ‘exceptional’ happy hours, live entertainment, rooftop terrace and bar

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

www.capecoralbreeze.com ARTIST RENDITION PROVIDED

Aqua Seafood and Steaks will be an anchor tenant for The Cove at 47th, a luxury apartment complex that is set for the South Cape. The leasing office is expected to open in February with the first unit open by late summer. Project completion is anticipated by January 2025. fish and seafood, prime steaks and Wagyu, extensive wine list with a Wine Spectator award.”

The Cove at 47th is a mixed-use multifamily project comprising 327 units, 19,000 square feet of retail space, and an approximately 600-space garage.

Pre-leasing for The Cove at 47th is scheduled to com-

mence in February 2024, coinciding with the opening of the leasing office. The first units will be ready for moveins by late summer 2024. Aqua Seafood and Steaks, alongside other retail establishments, are expected to open their doors in the winter of 2024, culminating in the completion of the entire project by January 2025.

Cape Coral Breeze

A much-anticipated development set to arrive in Cape Coral in 2024 has named an anchor tenant in a popular local restaurant that will feature a rooftop bar.

Flaherty & Collins Properties, the developers for The Cove at 47th, have announced Aqua Seafood and Steaks as the anchor tenant for the luxury apartment complex that is set for the South Cape.

Aqua Seafood and Steaks opened its first location on Fifth Avenue in Naples in 201. A sister location opened in 2022 and another is planned to open in Naples in spring of 2024.

“The owners of Aqua have a track record of running a great restaurant and they serve high quality food,” said Brian Prince, Flaherty & Collins vice president of Development and lead on The Cove. “We felt that their clientele and our target demographic was a good match.

We will be announcing more retail tenants in the next month.”

Prince added that in Cape Coral, “Aqua will have an outdoor roof top terrace with bar overlooking Cape Coral parkway, they will also have live music, we hope this becomes a gathering place for all looking for great food and atmosphere.”

Aqua Seafood and Steaks is “renowned for its commitment to excellence,” according to developers, “making it a fitting addition to the development.” Occupying 5,000 square feet on the first floor, complete with a 2,000square-foot rooftop bar, Aqua Seafood and Steaks will play a pivotal role in establishing The Cove at 47th as a premier culinary and lifestyle destination in Southwest Florida.

“We are extremely excited for the opening of Aqua Seafood and Steaks at The Cove,” said Goran Stojkoski, owner of Aqua Seafood and Steaks, in a release. “We have it all — lunch, exceptional happy hour, dinner, late-night libations, live entertainment seven days a week, outdoor dining, rooftop bar, fresh local, and from around the world

Page 13 ■ December 29, 2023

Aqua Seafood and Steaks to anchor The Cove at 47th

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 14 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

REAL ESTATE An Enhanced Life Estate Deed can ensure parent's wishes Dear Mr. Feichthaler: My father is elderly and can no longer take care of himself in the home. He is moving to an assisted living facility next month. He wants to make sure that the home passes to me and my brother if he dies. He also may decide to sell it if it becomes clear that he is unable to return. What do we need to ensure we avoid legal issues on the house, as well as handling our dad’s health and financial matters?

— Lauren H. Dear Lauren: I understand how difficult it is when the best option for a parent is assisted living. Typically, we work with older clients that have taken care of their own financial and health decisions their entire lives, and for many this is a difficult transition to need the help of others.

Thankfully, in your case, he has adult children ready to help.

First, you will want to title the home so it bypasses probate or other legal matters.

Many of my clients choose to sign an Enhanced Life Estate Deed. This deed names beneficiaries that will take ownership of the Eric P. Feichthaler property upon death with the recording of a death certificate. During the owner’s lifetime, the property will continue to benefit from homestead protections and tax exemptions, when it is still the owner’s homestead.

The owner also continues to be empowered to sell the property if he so chooses.

For some, forming a living trust can be beneficial. A trust is typically recommended when there are many beneficiaries, or when one of the beneficiaries cannot accept direct ownership of the property. With this strategy, the property is deeded to the owner’s trust, and the trust will dictate who will be the successor trustee, and who will benefit from the value of the home. Similar to the Enhanced Life Estate Deed method, the owner will still have the ability to sell if he so chooses.

Also, especially when someone is having issues with their own care, I recommend they sign advance directives. By designating someone with authority through a Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Surrogate Designation, your father can utilize you, your brother or whomever he trusts to handle all financial matters on his behalf, and to discuss health care with medical providers. These documents typically authorize the agent to make medical decisions on his or her behalf, but only in the event they cannot make those decisions independently.

The decision to move to assisted living is a delicate matter with a lot of legal and emotional issues to consider. I am sure your father appreciates your efforts to help him through this difficult time.

To you, and all of our friends and neighbors in Cape Coral and beyond, I wish you a Happy 2024.

Real Estate Law

Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-

See PARENT’S WISHES, page 15

THE BREEZE DECEMBER 29, 2023

Sluggish year-to-date condo sales comparable to 2013 As far as pending condo sales are Last year at this time when we were concerned, as of Tuesday, Dec. 26, there writing about the condo sales results for were 45 units under contract with buyers November 2022, we commented about at prices ranging from $120,000 to the rapid deterioration that we witnessed $895,000. The second highest-priced in the number of closed sales in the Cape pending condo sale was at $699,800 and Coral condo market from the first six the median pending condo sales price months of that year compared to the July was at $289,000. In our previous two through November time frame. condo market surveys, there were 46 To recap, in the first half of 2022 pending sales on Nov. 14, and 43 on there were a total of 414 closed condo Nov. 27, so things have remained in a sales in the Cape, followed by a plunge to tight range. only 213 closed condo sales over the next One year ago on Dec. 26, 2022, there five months as the Federal Reserve were 59 condos in the Cape under conjacked up interest rates and Hurricane Ian tract with buyers as pending sales at delivered a roundhouse blow to our lives prices ranging from $149,900 to $2.195 in Southwest Florida. The Fed’s aggresBob and Geri Quinn million. Of note, one year ago 52 of the sive interest rate hikes, which were well 59 pending sales were under contract for telegraphed, marked the end of our post$363,000 or less. Today, 41 of the 45 COVID shutdown real estate market pending condo sales in the Cape were boom, while Ian threw us for an unexpriced at $384,800 or less. pected loop in late September 2022.

In the overall Cape condo market, there were 37 closed By comparison, in the first half of 2023, we posted 303 condo sales in the Cape, down 26.8% from 414 sales in sales in the month of November, which was 2.8% higher the first half of 2022, and 46% below the 563 sales in the than the 36 closed condo sales in November 2022, and first half of 2021. As much as we would like to say the 8.8% above the 34 sales in October of this year. In the first continued decline in condo sales during 2023 was just a 11 months of 2023, there were a total of 484 condos sold “return” to our more normal, pre-COVID levels, the num- overall in the Cape, which was down 22.8% from the 627 condo units sold in the first 11 months of 2022. bers indicate otherwise.

The November median sales price came in at $297,000 Going back to the first half of 2020, which includes the COVID shutdown period beginning in mid-March, we for the overall Cape Coral condo market, which was 3.7% recorded 309 condo sales, or 6 more sales than in the first below the $308,400 posted in November 2022, but half of this year. Looking at the first 11 months of 2023, 12.1% higher than the $265,000 in October of this year. we are at 484 condo sales in the Cape, which is just shy of In the first 11 months of 2023, the median sales price the 490 sales from the first 11 months of 2014, and we averaged $281,339 per month in our overall condo marneed to go back 10 years to 2013 to beat the 462 sales in ket, or 1.4% above the average of $277,377 per month in the first 11 months of 2022. the first 11 months of that year.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 26, there were 365 condos listed Gulf access canal condos for sale in Cape Coral through the MLS at prices ranging In the Cape Coral gulf access canal condo segment, from $158,950 to $2.1 million, with the median list price coming in at $299,000. The number of active condo list- which includes all “saltwater” canal condos, there were 13 ings have now remained in a tight range in our last three closed sales in November. This was 62.5% higher than the market surveys, with 361 listings on Nov. 14, and 363 8 condos sold in November 2022, and equal with the 13 listings on Nov. 27. We have, however, seen a 22% sales in October of this year. In the first 11 months of increase in active condo listings from three months ago on 2023, there were a total of 214 saltwater canal condos Sept. 26, when there were 299 condos on the market. And sold in the Cape, or 23.6% less than the 280 units sold in the number of condo listings in the Cape are now 115% the first 11 months of 2022.

The November median sales price came in at $342,500 higher from the 170 units listed for sale a year ago on Dec. 26, 2022, when the median list price was at $317,900. for the Cape’s saltwater canal condo segment, which was Currently, there are 138 condos, or 38% of our market, 2.8% below the $352,450 posted in November 2022, and listed at $275,000 and under, and there are 44 units listed 12.2% lower than the $390,000 in October of this year. In at $510,000 and above, with 14 of these condos priced See CONDO SALES, page 15 above $1 million.

Homing In

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS More than half of the homes sold in Tide Marsh by Neal Communities Tide Marsh, a Fort Myers community by Neal Communities, is more than halfway sold-out. Of the 63 homesites in this desirable neighborhood near the coast, 33 are already sold.

Located just a short drive from Fort Myers Beach, Tide Marsh offers well-appointed single-family homes in a private setting around a lake. Homes start in the mid-$400s and range from 1,531 to 3,014 square feet.

Learn more about Tide Marsh and Neal Communities by joining the VIP interest list at https://www.nealcommunities.com/new-homes/tide-marsh.

Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., has built more than 20,000 new homes in more than 90 communities from Tampa to Naples. Additional Neal Communities brands include Neal Signature Homes, SimplyDwell Homes, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding and Allegiant Title Professionals. For more information, visit NealCommunities.com.

Critical materials and supply outlook for infrastructure and development topics of REIS meeting Southwest Florida’s ability to provide roads, housing, schools and workplaces for a rapidly growing population depends on reliable supplies of construction materials. The availability of raw materials, timelines for production and delivery and cost considerations will be addressed by Vulcan Materials Company at the Jan. 9 meeting of the Real Estate Investment Society (REIS).

Vulcan Materials Company is one of the nation’s largest producers of construction aggregates—primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel—and a major producer of aggregatesbased construction materials, including asphalt and readymixed concrete. More than half of the materials produced have been used in public works projects, with the remainder utilized in development of housing, schools, healthcare facilities, industrial and commercial projects. The firm has a large

See REAL ESTATE BRIEFS, page 15

of ignorance.

The real estate summit explores the latest market trends data, research and factbased analysis and how they will impact the big picture for homeowners, homebuyers, real estate professionals and the region as a whole in 2024. The area’s leading voices in real estate will present facts and extensive market knowledge to lead a state-of-the-industry discussion.

Market Trends announces an updated speaker lineup for 2024, which includes: ∫ Land, new home sales and development expert Justin Thibaut, CCIM, president and CEO of LSI Companies ∫ Residential real estate expert Denny Grimes, president of Denny Grimes & Team at Keller Williams Realty

∫ Commercial real estate expert Matt Simmons, managing partner of Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons Sponsorship opportunities are now available at the Platinum ($12,000), Gold ($7,500) and Silver ($3,000) levels and include varying levels of recognition in the Market Trends data book, marketing materials, during the event and more. For more information, email info@markettrendsswfl.com.

Presenting sponsors for Market Trends 2024 are LSI Companies, Lee Building Industry Association, Collier Building Industry Association and Charlotte Desoto Building Industry Association. Premier sponsors include Business Observer, NBC2 and Florida Weekly. D.R. Horton

and Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., are platinum sponsors. Barraco & Associates, Christopher Alan Homes, Earth Tech Enterprises, Florida Gulf Coast University Lutgert College of Business, Pavese Law Firm, Priority Marketing, Stevens Construction and Taylor Morrison are gold sponsors. Cameratta Companies, Lennar, Raymond Building Supply and WMG Development are silver sponsors.

Tickets for Market Trends 2024 are $55 for general admission and include a comprehensive data book. Reserved and VIP tables ranging from $600 to $1,300 are also available for groups of eight to 10 people.

To register and learn more, visit MarketTrendsSWFL.com.

Condo sales: Sluggish year-to-date totals comparable to 2013 From page 14 the first 11 months of 2023, the median sales price for saltwater condos averaged $345,242 per month, or 4.7% above the average of $329,768 per month in the first 11 months of 2022.

Dry lot condos In the Cape Coral dry lot (non-canal) condo segment, there were 13 closed sales in November, which was 40.9% lower than the 22 condos sold in November

2022, and 35% below the 20 sales in October of this year. In the first 11 months of 2023, there were a total of 213 dry lot condos sold in the Cape, which was 26.3% less than the 289 dry lot condo units sold in the first 11 months of 2022.

The November median sales price came in at $220,000 for the Cape’s dry lot condo segment, which was 23.5% lower than the $287,500 posted in November 2022, and 2.4% below the $225,500 in October of this year. In the first 11 months of 2023, the median sales price for dry lot condos in the Cape averaged $242,063 per month, or 2.8 % above the average of $235,480 per month in the first 11 months of 2022.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors

Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of Dec. 26, 2023, unless otherwise noted. It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral condominiums, townhouses and villas, and it does not include any single-family homes, short sales or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 44 years. Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS From page 14 presence in Southwest Florida with extensive land holdings and mining operations, primarily in eastern Lee County.

The meeting will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m., Jan. 9, in the Osprey Room at Pelican Preserve’s Clubhouse, on Treeline Avenue at Colonial Boulevard, one mile east of I-75 exit 136 in Fort Myers.

Admission is $30 for members and $45 for

guests, which includes lunch. Reservations are required by Jan. 4 and may be made at the REIS web site: www.reis-swfl.org.

Padilla joins Weichert, Realtors – Agency ONE Weichert, Realtors - Agency ONE has announced that Rafael Padilla has joined its team of agents. He will serve clients in Fort Myers and surrounding areas with all

their home buying and selling needs.

As a Weichert affiliated agent, Padilla has access to in-depth training programs, the latest technology, and the most powerful sales and marketing tools in the industry to help provide superior real estate service to his clients.

Padilla, who served nearly 22 years in the United States Army, is a licensed real estate agent in Florida, Missouri, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Weichert, Realtors - Agency ONE is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliate. The company serves Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples and surrounding areas in Southwest Florida.

For more information about Weichert, Realtors - Agency ONE, located at 8191 College Parkway, Suite 206, in Fort Myers and 1113 S.E. 47th Terrace, Suite 7, in Cape Coral, call 239-415-6500 or visit weichertagencyone.com.

Parent’s wishes: An Enhanced Life Estate Deed appropriate From page 14 2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 22

years, and they have four children. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts. He is AV Preeminent rated

by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney.com, or 239-542-4733.

This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone.

Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations.

Cape Coral Breeze

Direct sailboat access canal condos In the Cape Coral direct sailboat access canal condo segment, which is a subgroup of gulf access condos where boaters have no bridges to go under in the canal system, there were 8 closed sales in November.

This was up 166.7% from the 3 condos sold in November 2022, and 100% above the 4 units sold in October of this year. In the first 11 months of 2023, there were a total of 116 direct sailboat access canal

condos sold in the Cape, or 31.4% less than the 169 units sold in the first 11 months of 2022.

The November median sales price came in at $346,250 for the Cape’s sailboat access condo segment, which was 11.4% below the $391,000 posted in November 2022, and down 31.4% from $505,000 in October of this year. In the first 11 months of 2023, the median sales price for condos in this segment averaged $389,555 per month, or 6.5% more than the average of $365,927 per month in the first 11 months of 2022.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Local real estate experts will convene in Southwest Florida to present Market Trends 2024, Southwest Florida’s largest real estate summit, which will be held from 4-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, at Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers.

The theme of the spring Market Trends event is “Ignorance is Bliss Until it Isn’t.”

As market noise and recession speculations intensify, is covering your ears and plowing forward the better path? In the capital markets, debt funding is scarce and costly, with the impacts of elevated interest rates continuing to plague deals and the residential resale market. The space markets have been resilient, but for how long? The region may not be able to return to the bliss

Page 15 ■ December 29, 2023

Market Trends 2024 to spotlight Southwest Florida’s real estate market on March 12

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 16 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

COMMUNITY

THE BREEZE DECEMBER 29, 2023

Down Syndrome Supported Living Inc. names 2024 board of directors Grass with roots.

FILE GRAPHIC

Yard care during our water shortage

By SHERIE BLEILER

news@breezenewspapers.com

Our Cape Coral neighbors who are on well water have been told to limit watering their yards to once per week. This serves as a warning to all of us, that water is not an unlimited resource, even when we are surrounded by water.

Most residents get their well water from the MidHawthorn aquifer, about 125 feet underground. This year we have had a foot less rain than an average year so, aquifer levels are lower than normal. On average, half the water used by a household is used to water the yard.

Although we cannot control rainfall, we can be frugal with our own water use. Here are some tips to use less: ■ Plants respond to less rain and lower daylight hours during the winter by ARDEN growing slower. Some plants go dormant and LUB OF revive when summer rains begin. Allow this natural APE ORAL process by not fertilizing now and lowering the amount of water given.

During these relatively cool months of January and February, turfgrass will need about 1 inch per week. Put several tuna cans around your yard before your sprinklers turn on to measure how much water is being applied. Check them after watering to see if you are getting enough water but not using too much. If you water twice per week, make that 1/2-inch each time.

Watering every day keeps grass roots near the surface. But watering once per week encourages deep roots.

■ Recognize water stress. I know my grass is dry when I see the leaf blades curl inward and it turns a darker blue green. I may only notice this in my grass near the street, where it is hotter and the sprinkler does not cover as well. We are allowed to hand water problem areas for 10 minutes to relieve stress.

■ Skip watering when 1/2 inch of rain is expected or just happened. This would save homeowners about half of the water used for irrigation. If you don’t have a rain sensor, you can manually turn off your water system when 1/2 inch of rain or more is expected. If you use a manual sprinkler, set a timer on your phone as a reminder to turn the water off. I have forgotten enough times to know - don’t count on remembering!

■ Mow high. Research shows that raising the mower blade during dry weather and cutting the grass higher encourages deeper rooting, increases turf survival during drought and reduces water demand. For St. Augustinetype grass, the blade can be 3.5 inches high.

■ Grass really guzzles water. Think about making the grassy areas smaller. ● How about a patio in the front? ● Add a mulch or paver path from one area to another. ● Plant a drought tolerant ground cover.

■ Mulch. Put 2-3 inches of mulch under trees and

G C

C

C

See WATER SHORTAGE, page 17

Down Syndrome Supported Living Inc. has announces its board of directors for 2024: President Peter Alexsy, Vice President Lisa Souza, Treasurer Marilyn Alexsy and Secretary Helene Dopfer.

Down Syndrome Supported Living Inc. was established in 1989 by parents and advocates who wanted to help others in the community who needed support and education.

With the help of donations, grants and community volunteers DSSL was able to build a six-bedroom duplex called St. James Place. Since then DSSL provides not just a residence but a home with which to enhance the welfare and independence of those with Down Syndrome and other learning disabilities.

DSSL has gone through many changes since opening the goal has remained the same, to provide not just somewhere to live, but a place that feels like home. Because Down Syndrome most often occurs in children born to older parents the chance of the child outliving their parents is a common problem. The hope is to provide a home where, if this happened, there would be someone to help care for and guide residents in their everyday living.

Daily operations for St. James Place are paid for by the residents. Tough economic times and the reduction of funds available make it difficult to create a reserve for unexpected repairs and continued capital improvements.

The ongoing success of DSSL relies on donations from private citizens, public grants and charitable organizations like the CRCF, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis and the Cape Coral Community Foundation.

Tax deductible donations can be made payable to: Down Syndrome Supported Living Inc. PO Box 150448 Cape Coral, FL 33903

PHOTO PROVIDED

At St. James Place are, from left, second row, Stephen Lee and Trevor Lafoe; and front row, Jeff Scott, Cory Darby and Jesse Landis.

St. James Place is located at 1407/1409 Academy Blvd., Cape Coral, 33990.

DSSL Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

Northwest Regional Library plans programs and activities for January January’s roster of activities at Northwest Regional Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:

will be highlighted each month, but feel free to bring your own games to teach and share. New and experienced players are welcome.

Adult Programs

Tea Time Talks 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30 Do you enjoy robust, engaging book discussions? Join us and share your latest reading recommendations. Tea and cookies will be served.

Knit and Stitch 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 3 A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters that join together to share projects, ideas and techniques.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects and tools. Basic materials and supplies are available for newcomers.

Chess at the Library 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9 Enjoy chess at the library in a casual environment.

Chess boards will be provided, but you can also bring your own. All ages and skill levels are invited.

Books and Bagels: Book Swap Edition 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10 Do you enjoy robust, engaging book discussions? Join us and share your latest reading recommendations. Bagels and coffee will be served. Bring your gently used books to this month's book club to swap for something new. All leftover books in good condition may be donated to the library.

Coloring Club 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13 Join us for a relaxing afternoon of coloring while making new friends. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own coloring books should you wish.

Tabletop Game Time 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16 Meet up for a monthly board game night featuring modern tabletop games. New games (light to medium weight)

Children’s Programs Kids Read Down Fines 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 3, 10 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 20 Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card.

Birthday Storytime 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 6 Join us our fun monthly storytime celebrating your child's birthday. This fun and engaging storytime promotes and reinforces early literacy skills and language development through stories, music, movement and activities.

Parents and caregivers participate with their children while learning helpful early literacy strategies and tips to continue at home.

Discovery Baby 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 8 This special interactive program is a play date designed for babies and their caregivers. Come and discover lots of easy literacy activities, rhymes and more. Please dress babies for some messy play. For babies up to 23 months.

Registration is required and is guaranteed until the start of the program.

See NORTHWEST LIBRARY, page 34

was commissioned in the Nuclear Power Officer Candidate Program.

Before her current assignment at USFF, Wolfson served as the 50th Commander of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Northwest Regional Maintenance Center followed by a second command tour as the 110th Commander at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

USFFC is responsible for manning, training, equipping and employing more than 125 ships, 1,000 aircraft, and 103,000 active duty service members and government employees, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe in support of U.S. national interests. USFFC also serves as the Navy’s Service Component Commander to both U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Strategic Command, and providing naval forces in support of joint missions as Commander, Naval Forces Northern Command and Commander, Naval Forces Strategic Command. USFFC is the Strategic Command Joint Force Maritime Component Commander and executes Task Force Atlantic in coordination with U.S. Naval Forces Europe.

MILITARY NEWS

PHOTO PROVIDED

Dianna Wolfson, center, the director of Fleet Maintenance for U.S. Fleet Forces Command, at the ceremony where she was promoted to rear admiral. Placing pins on her uniform are her son, Hunter, left, and Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

From page 16 bushes to help retain moisture. Do not let the mulch touch the tree bark.

■ Established bushes and trees require less water than lawns. Native Florida plants, planted in the right place, are gener-

ally happy with just the rain that falls in the dry season. They have grown in this environment for thousands of years without human assistance. Let the plants slow down and take a break in the winter.

We can be water-wise in the winter knowing that our plants will wake up when

the rains return and grow vigorously all summer.

For more information, see: -- https://www.sfwmd.gov/ - South Florida Water Management -- https://www.sfwmd.gov/sites/default/ files/fynplantguide-web.pdf - Florida

Friendly Landscaping Guide Sherie Bleiler volunteers at the Cape Coral Library Butterfly Garden and is a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.

Visit www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com.

Like us on our Facebook page.

Cape Coral Breeze

Water shortage: Taking care of your yard during dry conditions

www.capecoralbreeze.com

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA – Dianna Wolfson, the director of Fleet Maintenance for U.S. Fleet Forces Command, was promoted to rear admiral (lower half) during a ceremony at the USFF headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, Dec. 13.

“I have been blessed to work with the most amazing people and am grateful that the Navy has afforded me many opportunities in my career,” said Wolfson. “I am honored to continue to serve our Navy and country.”

Wolfson is responsible for overseeing all depot maintenance and modernization programs and requirements, budget and funding for all aircraft carriers, submarines, surface ships and aircraft; maintenance program matters related to Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems and Intelligence equipment; as well as functional requirements of Maintenance and Modernization Information Technology systems utilized to plan and execute Navy maintenance.

Hailing from Fort Myers, Florida, Wolfson graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, in 1996 where she received a bachelor of science degree in marine systems engineering (magna cum laude) and

Page 17 ■ December 29, 2023

Fort Myers native promoted to Navy rear admiral

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 18 www.capecoralbreeze.com

future challenges on their mind as 2024 approaches.

Steinke said the city’s infrastructure, especially water supply, is a top priority and several projects are about to come to fruition that should go a long way to meet that challenge.

“Our transit system, all modes, continues to be evaluated and solutions developed to move more quickly and safely throughout our city as we meet the demands of our population growing,” he said.

Future growth sits at the forefront for many of the council members reached.

Hayden believes the greatest challenge is planning the city 20 to 30 years out.

“That includes how we balance our growth and sustainable environment preservation. How we develop a plan for affordable housing, how we continue to preserve prime commercial space, how we continue to follow the UEP master plan. We have developed a strong strategic plan and that will help guide us in the decisions we make in 2024,” Hayden said.

Welsh agrees that planning for the growth is the greatest challenge.

“Although we suffered from a big hurricane, we are still growing fast and we need to plan now for future road improvements, infrastructure and even looking at what the potential problems we might have if another storm hits

Cape Coral Breeze

2024: Continuing hurricane recovery efforts cited as top accomplishment From page 1 accomplishments of 2023.

“Our first responders, law enforcement, and even the city workers that helped bring the city back together in such a short time frame, all while they were also dealing with the disaster recovery in their own lives,” Welsh said.

Steinke said the city’s incredible employees already had their hands full with the regular development and maintenance of the city, much less to add the daunting task of cleanup and repair caused by the worse weather event to hit our city in our lifetime.

With that said, on the heels of the recovery effort, lies their greatest accomplishment.

“That is how those employees, first responders and emergency management personnel rose to the occasion and rebounded quicker than in any previous storm of lesser magnitude,” Steinke said. “At the same time, while dealing with rebuilding (which easily could have become the only focus), progress was made in our parks and recreational areas, code enforcement took a more proactive role in education and corrective action in the beautification of our city and community events were carried out to bring our citizens together in classic form.”

Although Councilmember Jessica Cosden agreed that the recovery from Hurricane Ian tops the list of the greatest challenges of 2023, building public trust was also a challenge.

“Building public trust has also been a challenge due to the arrest of a former council member,” she said. “The public needs to regain the trust in the elections process.”

Another great accomplishment for the city, according to Hayden and Cosden, were the additional parks that opened this year with ribbon cuttings for the citizens, and more around the corner, due to the voter-approved $60 million GO Bond project that financed much of the effort.

“For me, it was probably continuing the GO Bond project — opening new parks and starting construction on others. I know it has taken longer than expected and the costs are higher, but we made a commitment to residents to build these parks and provide valuable recreation and green space for our residents,” Hayden said.

With another year soon ending, the council has the city’s

“That is how those employees, first responders and emergency management personnel rose to the occasion and rebounded quicker than in any previous storm of lesser magnitude. At the same time, while dealing with rebuilding (which easily could have become the only focus), progress was made in our parks and recreational areas, code enforcement took a more proactive role in education and corrective action in the beautification of our city and community events were carried out to bring our citizens together in classic form.”

—Councilmember Bill Steinke, crediting the city’s “incredible employees” who already had their hands full with the regular development and maintenance of the city, much less the additional and daunting task of cleanup and repair caused by the worse weather event to hit our city in our lifetime. again,” he said.

Affordable housing has been another challenge for the council.

“We are also in a sort of identity crisis, moving from teenage to adult city. We need to be thinking decades into the future as we make big decisions,” Cosden said.

As for any new year, hope lies ahead of what can be accomplished in 2024.

Hayden hopes that Council works through issues, develops thoughtful, reasonable and sound solutions together. He said the hope is that the Council will continue to listen to its residents.

“Even though we might not agree, continue to communicate with them in a respectful manner,” Hayden said.

Cosden said her wish is to rebuild public trust in the council, as well as seeing Cape Coral residents less polarized.

Steinke’s hope is that they continue to address the affordability of housing options for the residents and workforce, continue to advance parks and recreation facilities for citizens to have more to enjoy.

In addition, he said to continue to support and provide the necessities for the police and fire department operations to ensure all that is available to citizens can be enjoyed safely and without concern.

Page 19 ■ December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 20

Page 21 ■ December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 22

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

“My simple understanding of good governance would be that any law should meet a need and be as unobtrusive as possible while being effective in meeting that need. This rule is neither effective or unobtrusive. I can’t imagine any corrupt official listing a bribe on their Form 6. I heard that some positions have had to fill in Form 6 for 50 or 60 years.

Hacking and computer based fraud leading to unauthorized withdrawals were not a concern 50 years ago. They are now.”

—Bill Veach, now former Town of Fort Myers Beach council member State Rep. Adam Botana, R-80, whose district also includes Fort Myers Beach, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Veach said that “My simple understanding of good governance would be that any law should meet a need and be as unobtrusive as possible while being effective in meeting that need. This rule is neither effective or unobtrusive. I can’t imagine any corrupt official listing a bribe on their Form 6. I heard that some positions have had to fill in form 6 for 50 or 60 years. Hacking and computer based fraud leading to unauthorized withdrawals were not a concern 50 years ago. They are now,” Veach said.

Veach said he has “no problem disclosing financial information to the government, I do that every year with my taxes. My objection is with that information being made public. This requirement seems to be aimed at punishing small town elected officials, discouraging others from entering public service and eroding home rule that voters have enshrined in the Florida Constitution.”

Cape Coral Breeze

will be advertising for the seat to be filled and will be able to fill the vacancy by appointment.

In recent days, there have been a flurry of announcements from around the state of resignations or planned resignations from elected officials on local government boards.

Jeremy Redfern, press secretary to Gov. Ron DeSantis, said in response to questions about the new law that “Every state and county elected official is required to fill out a Form 6. This requirement is not new but was expanded during the 2023 legislative session to include municipal elected officials.”

Redfern said “Our office is aware that in several municipalities, city and town commission members have publicly contemplated resigning their offices before the new year to avoid filing more detailed financial disclosure statements now required by law.”

State Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-33, whose district includes Fort Myers Beach, said he was awaiting to see how many resignations occur before determining “whether any changes should be considered” to the law.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Bill Veach has made his resignation official, effective Dec. 26. Veach turned in his resignation letter at town hall Tuesday.

Veach cited the new state ethics form for municipal officials, passed by the state legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year, as the reason he was stepping down now.

The law takes effect Jan. 1 and requires all elected municipal officials to provide to the state their source of income, bank information, investments and a listing of their total assets over $1,000.

Veach called the new form, known as Form 6, “invasive” and said it was an “invasion of privacy” that could put himself and his family at risk to hackers or other criminals. The law also allows for penalties of $25 per day for those who don’t comply with the law.

The state of Florida passed HB37/SB774 that changed elected municipal officers’ financial disclosure requirements. This change took the succinct Form 1 to the much more invasive form 6. Form 6 requires the reporting of every asset over $1,000 in value in the publicly accessible Form 6. It also requires detailed reporting for net worth and the location and nature of all investments over $1000.

“I file taxes and have no problem submitting this information if it was held in confidence. But this information will be available to the general public, including some vindictive or manipulative entities that would weaponize this information to embarrass or intimidate councilors,” Veach said.

Veach said he was not intending to run for office when his term was up in November. The town council

Page 23 ■ December 29, 2023

Fort Myers Beach council member resigns over new state ethics form

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 24 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Fort Myers Beach relics of Hurricane Ian finding a new home at the Estero Island Historic Society

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

After Hurricane Ian swept away many of the street signs on Fort Myers Beach, a grassroots movement to replace them with homemade pieces of plywood and paint took office.

For some streets, there were simplistic letters with artful strokes from paintbrushes or spray paint. For other streets like Gulfview Avenue, there was a sophisticated painting of a sunset with the Gulf of Mexico horizon. For Flamingo Street, there was naturally, a painted flamingo.

For Hibiscus Drive, paintings of plant leaves.

Together, the signs helped preserve the artistic spirit on Fort Myers Beach, something Ian couldn’t wrestle away from the clutches of its residents.

Those who helped join the painting party early on included former Fort Myers Beach residents like Sylvia Hoffman, who attended Fort Myers Beach Elementary School and lived on Buccaneer Street. She now lives in Naples.

Hoffman was one of many who gathered behind Fort Myers Beach Elementary School each Saturday morning amid the debris to paint the wooded signs. Hoffman credited Katrina and Ryan Young with helping to organize the painting and providing supplies. “A lot of people dropped off donations,” Hoffman said. “They wanted to leave a mark.”

The sign-painting also helped Hoffman teach some good work ethic lessons for her son Aiden. The 12-yearold not only painted signs but also did some physical labor, taking a shovel to dig a hole deep enough for the signs to stay in the ground.

A licensed mental health therapist, Hoffman worked with Florida Health and Wellness and FEMA’s crisis response team to assist Fort Myers Beach residents through the aftermath of one of the worst calamities to befall a community in Florida’s history. She said the sign painting was therapeutic for some residents affected by

Ian. The painting was also a way for those from neighboring communities, and even other states, to help the residents of Fort Myers Beach.

“I think the art was therapeutic, it was healing for them,” Hoffman said. “You feel like you are repairing the community.”

Hoffman said she was “sad to see” the signs being taken down. “They were heartwarming.”

Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt recently announced that the old signs were being replaced with new, metal signs.

It’s not clear if there has been a mandate by the town to have the signs removed. Hyatt did not address an email seeking comment on the matter, instead he forwarded it on

See RELICS, page 25

The hand-made street signs on Fort Myers Beach that replaced the dozens of signs destroyed by Hurricane Ian have found a new home at the Estero Island Historic Society.

From page 24

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SYLVIA HOFFMAN

Volunteers from the Fort Myers Beach community, neighboring towns and even other states joined together behind the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School over a period of months to work on painting Fort Myers Beach street signs.

Hoffman is still touched by her experience helping Fort Myers Beach as one of many who wanted to “leave a mark.” She not only worked on painting signs but also assisted in pulling debris out of mangroves. “We all had the same mission to help Fort Myers Beach through this,” she said.

“There were so many amazing, incredible stories that I encountered every day,” Hoffman said. “It was incredible to see the community helping each other get through it.”

Cape Coral Breeze

Aiden Hoffman helped paint a replacement street sign for Coral Road on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian.

“We will find a way to display as many street signs as we can,” Sailian said. “Our second building, the annex, had more interior damage and will take more time and funds to reconfigure. Displaying the signs in the second cottage at some point is another possibility.”

Sailian said the “delicate, hand-painted signs would deteriorate if displayed outdoors so we will display them mostly indoors.”

The sign painting only let up a couple months ago, Hoffman said.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

to the town clerk to be treated as a public records request.

Either way, many of the signs have ended up at the Estero Island Historic Society on Fort Myers Beach.

“Word got out that the historic society was collecting the signs,” said Ellie Bunting, of the Estero Island Historic Society. “I don't believe the town did the delivering.

People were told to just take them to the cottage when they were taken down. Someone volunteered to go around and collect them but I don't think it was the town. From what I have observed while working at the cottage, random people seem to be dropping them off.”

The historic society held an open house this past week and posted the signs inside and outside its historic cottage.

About a dozen or so signs were brought to the historic society’s cottages at Bay Road. The main building dates back to 1921 and is being “restored and reconfigured as a museum,” historic society member Janet Sailian said.

Page 25 ■ December 29, 2023

Relics: Hand-painted street signs to be displayed at historic society

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 26 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Petition: Signatures to be brought to Council for first meeting of ’24 From page 1 their personal gain. What this City Council has done by circumventing our City Charter, requiring the voters of the City of Cape Coral to approve any salary increase, goes against the very spirit of our form of government.

“We respectfully request that the Cape Coral City Council rescind this selfapproved stipend immediately. We urge all concerned citizens to sign this petition and make your voices heard in support of responsible governance in our city.”

“I just kept thinking about the meeting and the different things we can do,” Leon said, adding he was hoping for 500 signatures.

After considering some options, he began the petition to get the community to stand behind something and speak up to let Council know their position on the topic.

Three resolutions allowing for stipend amounts of $5,000 per month for the mayor and $3,333 per month for city council members were placed on the “consent” portion of the Dec. 13 agenda.

Consent agenda items are passed without Council discussion unless pulled by a member of the elected board for Council input.

No member pulled the item for discussion and the entire consent agenda, stipend-related resolutions included, passed 5-1.

Councilmember Robert Welsh voted nay.

Councilmember Dan Sheppard, who stepped out momentarily after public comment, said he was inadvertently absent for the vote, which came almost immediately after citizen input during which many residents spoke against the stipend, Leon the first among them.

“I wasn’t expecting a lot of traction, especially the way everyone has been viewing the

“It’s not the way the government, especially in the city of Cape Coral, is supposed to be operated. As a former council member, it makes me more upset that the council is considering doing this. It is distasteful for the city of Cape Coral.”

—former Cape Coral City Council member Richard Leon, organizer of the online petition government. They are feeling they are getting their opinions taken away,” Leon said, citing city plans for the Yacht Club and Jaycee Park. “They are ignoring them. I felt people were giving up. It’s turning out the opposite.”

The signatures collected will be brought to the first Council meeting when the board comes back from hiatus in January.

“The more the better,” he said of signatures. “It’s more powerful when you have so many people.”

People are also making their voices heard by donating to the petition, so it continues to be marketed to other people. Leon said Wednesday morning that amounted to almost $1,000 that has been donated.

“I thought that was really cool. People are signing the petition and wanting the petition to get out there for others to see it,” he said.

Leon said he will request that Council to bring the stipend back and hopefully vote to end it, bring it back for discussion, or lower the amounts in the worst case scenario.

“I hope they will decide after taking time reflecting and listening to people, to end the stipend,” Leon said.

People are frustrated, upset and wanting to see the council change.

Linda Biondi, a former Cape Redevelopment Agency board member, said if Council wanted a raise, and they thought they deserved a raise, they should have done it openly and honestly and gotten opinions on

how much to give themselves. She said she did not understand Council’s reasoning.

“It wasn’t transparent,” Biondi said.

The transparency could have come through an agenda item that allowed for an open discussion.

“Let’s talk about it, think about it. Let’s decide,” she said.

Biondi said although Council probably does need a little more money, they are parttime employees and understood the salary before taking the positions.

She signed the petition and believes there is quite a bit of discontent from the public, not because the council wanted a raise, or deserved a raise, but rather how they went about getting the stipend.

“It absolutely surprised me when you had people that you supported, and thought were transparent and then doing something like this. Do it but do it the right way. You need a raise, want a raise, do it the right way,” Biondi said.

Biondi was on the advisory board before it changed to the board of commissioners for the CRA. She was on the CRA for eight years and was the chair for four.

She said when she was on the CRA board she was never compensated because it was Florida law. Biondi said she was shocked Council pulled the plug and took over the CRA, especially since she and another board member termed out in January.

Council assuming the duties of the CRA Board of Commissioners was included among the stipend resolution provisons.

Arthur Amidano, who lives in District 5, said he personally feels that the people of Cape Coral are suffering from high food prices, high taxes and high rent. He said it looks as if Council gave themselves a big Christmas bonus, which just is not right.

“While the people of Cape Coral are suffering, the council goes and gives themselves a whopping pay increase put in the form of a stipend, so they can get around a vote for an increase. It’s wrong. It’s hypocrisy of what the council is doing for themselves,” he said.

“These council people go and are up on their high seat and give themselves pay raises while telling the people you can eat cake.”

Amidano signed the petition as did his family members. He hopes his signature, as well as the others who have signed the petition will have an impact.

“I also have a concern in respect to Councilmember (Robert) Welsh,” he said.

“He did vote no. I will be interested to see if he takes the stipend when the stipend holds.

If he takes the stipend, he would be just as bad as the ones that voted for the stipend.”

Leon said there is no way one council member is spending that amount of money a month on any council-related expenses — $5,000 for the mayor and $3,333 for the council — not even half of that.

“I think my term, maybe in five months I spend that amount of money,” he said, adding that the amount for the stipend is poor taste and too much. “When you look at the charter it allows for reimbursements of expenses.”

Leon said when council members spend money they can turn in a receipt, which he does not believe any of them have done.

Page 27 ■ December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 28 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Governor appoints seven to the Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors Fort Myers and Cape Coral Technical College instructor Enns among the appointees TALLAHASSEE — This week Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Michele Panetta, Monica Puga, Leslie Rogers, and Joanne Stevens Hoertz and the reappointment of Mary Anne Enns, Robin McGuinness and Suzanne Wilson Depew to the Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors.

Michele Panetta Panetta is a certified registered nurse anesthetist at St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute and the owner of VESÉ Medical Spa. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and an inductee into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Panetta earned her bachelor’s degree in applied health science from Indiana University, her bachelor’s degree in

nursing from the University of South Florida and her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh.

Monica Puga Puga is the senior vice president and chief nurse executive of Memorial Health System. Active in her community, she is a member of the Florida International University Dean’s Leadership Council, the Alternate Solutions Health Network Board of Directors and the Atlantic Coast Health Network Board of Directors. Puga earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Nova Southeastern University and her master’s degree in nursing from Barry University.

Leslie Rogers, Ph.D. Rogers is the Director of Nursing for the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. Previously, she served as the president of the Florida Organization of Nurse Executives and was an appointee to the American Nurses Association Delegate Credentials Committee.

Rogers earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Tampa, her master’s degree in business administration from Tampa College and her doctorate degree in business administration from North Central University.

Joanne Stevens Hoertz Stevens Hoertz is the chief nursing officer and a registered nurse for Brooks Rehabilitation. She is a former member of the Florida Brain and Spinal Program Advisory Board. Stevens Hoertz earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in nursing from Widener University.

Mary Anne Enns Enns is a patient care assistant instructor, nursing assistant instructor and practical nursing instructor for Fort Myers Technical College and Cape Coral Technical College. She is a member of the Association for Nursing Professional Development and the National League for Nursing and received the 2023 “Nurse Educator Scholarship Award” from the National League of Nursing’s Health Carousel Foundation. Enns earned her bachelor's degree in biblical studies from Winnipeg Bible College, her bachelor’s degree in nursing form Viterbo University, her master’s degree in nursing from Chamberlain College and her doctorate degree in nursing practice from Post University.

Robin McGuinness, Ph.D. McGuinness is the senior executive officer at Advent Health. She is a former member of the Saint Leo University Board of Trustees. McGuinness earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Hartford and her doctorate degree in nursing from Florida State University.

Suzanne Wilson Depew Wilson Depew is the practical nursing director for the Suwannee County School Board. Previously, she was a registered nurse for the Suwannee Valley Nursing Center and the Florida Department of Health. Wilson Depew earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Excelsior College and her master’s degree in nursing from Western Governor’s University.

Page 29 ■ December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 30 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Create a moneysaving 18th Annual South Cape Martini Competition Jan. 27 plan for 2024 It’s not too late to start the new year off with a budget plan to make the most of your finances with a moneysaving plan that is both proactive and can be maintained long-term.

Determine your monthly income The first step of any money-saving plan should be determining how much income you make in a month.

This figure includes any earnings from salaries, wages, or investments. Once you tally up your total income, track the amount over time. Look for trends that affect how much money you have available each month.

Track your spending The next step is to track your purchases.

Keep a record using a notebook or app on how you spend your money.

Document the reason for each transaction on your account (a new pair of shoes because they were on sale, a fabulous meal in an expensive restaurant because it was a birthday or anniversary), and take notice of any patterns that appear over time.

Candy Mercado

Guest Commentary

Categorize your expenses In this world of wants and needs, the needs take priority. After you’ve tracked your spending, categorize your expenses into sections, such as living, personal, or discretionary. Once sorted, it will be easy to see where to cut first.

Identify your goals What are the most important things in your life? What do you want to achieve? Setting goals within your money-saving plan will make it easier to determine the type of spending habits you should allow. Be cognizant and ask, are my actions bringing me closer to my goals, or are they ruining my plan to build wealth?

Increase your income With this step, you will need to be resourceful. Do you have any skills that are underutilized at your job?

Are they solid enough that you are willing to take on more responsibility for more pay? Staying within our basic job description is safe but can lead to missed opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask your employer for more pay, as long as you have something to justify it.

Also, what about considering using your skills in addition to your 9 to 5? You can layer different jobs and services as long as you are comfortable with the workload. Many side-hustles start on the weekend. If you have the free time, why not give it a try?

Take advantage of every discount When you’re trying to save money, you want to look for ways to cut costs. Take the time to shop around and compare prices for different services. Also, remember that discounts are your best friend.

Review your money-saving plan often Every few months, ask yourself if your money-saving plan is making the progress you want. Are you satisfied with the changes you made to your lifestyle, spending, or other budgeting matters?

Remember, the most important thing is to start saving money today. Even if you only keep a few dollars each month, it’s better than no progress at all! Use the tips mentioned above, stick with your plan, and make only minor adjustments when necessary. You will not only learn to be more budget-conscious, but you will also become truly savvy with your money.

Candy Mercado is a digital media content specialist for Achieva Credit Union

The 18th Annual Best South Cape Martini Competition is set for Saturday, Jan. 27, from 7-11 p.m. This 21+ nightlife celebration hosted by the South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Association, takes patrons to 10 locations to enjoy martini samples and appetizer samples.

At the end of the night, guests cast their vote for BEST Martini and BEST Appetizer.

Guests can take the trolleys or walk to each location to enjoy a martini themed event with martini and appetizer samples (included in ticket price) and get their passport stamped. Trolley hosts will provide entertainment along the way with trivia and giveaways.

Each attendee will be provided a passport to have stamped at all 10 locations. To enter our grand prize drawing, leave your completed passport on a Trolley, Limo Bus or at a participating location.

Advance tickets are just $30 ($25 for DDs). Day of tickets are $35 (if available).

Participating locations & samples: ■ BackStreets Sports Bar - Blackberry Martini & Coconut Shrimp ■ Cruisers Lounge - TBD ■ Dixie Roadhouse - Cranberry Fizztini & Caprese

Skewers ■ The Dive - TBD ■ Monkey Bar - TBD ■ Pizza Parma - Goodnight Kiss & Mozzarella Glaze ■ Rack'em Spirits & Times - Classic Gin Martini and Crackers & Olives ■ Rusty's Raw Bar & Grill - Tropical Caketini & TBD ■ Ralph's Place - TBD ■ Tiki Bar - Elderflower Pear Pop & Truffle Cheese Tater Tots Tickets are available online via Eventbrite.

Early check in on Jan. 27 is from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Big John's Plaza (near Pinch-a-Penny) or Dolphin Key Resort (under the front awning). Late check in runs 8:30-10 p.m. at Dolphin Key Resort (under the front awning). All ticket holders must be present with ID to receive a wristband, passport and check-in trinket.

Guests can have their picture taken at the official Martini photo booth located at Dolphin Key Resort (under the front awning) and automatically be entered in the Photo Booth Contest (prize is 4 tickets to the Mardi Gras Trolley Event Feb. 17).

For additional information, visit the SCHEA website at https://southcapeentertainment.com/

‘WILD About CROW’ tickets on sale Tickets are on sale now for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)’s fundraising event “WILD About CROW.” The event will be held Friday, Jan. 26, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the historic Burroughs Home and Gardens in downtown Fort Myers.

Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands is returning as the Loggerhead sponsor for the event.

“We are delighted to support this great organization once again as the WILD about CROW Presenting Sponsor,” said CEO Geoff Roepstorff, “As a past board member, I am well aware of the mission and the dedication of their staff. It is an honor to invest in the great work they do for Southwest Florida’s wildlife.”

This year, proceeds from the “Under the Sea” themed fundraiser will generate critical funding to rebuild CROW’s Sea Turtle facility. Hurricane Ian destroyed many of the clinic’s outdoor enclosures, and the clinic's ability to treat Sea Turtles. CROW fulfills an important role as the only licensed sea turtle facility on the west coast of Florida between Sarasota and the Keys.

“WILD is always a fun event and I’m so looking forward to this year’s focus on our sea turtle facility. Getting our sea turtle facility back up and running is our main priority for 2024,” said CROW Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey. “I hope everyone hurries to get their tickets before they sell out like they have in the past. This will be a don’t miss party!”

WILD will feature a cocktail hour, dinner reception, appearances by CROW's Animal Ambassadors and plenty of fun surprises for guests to show their support for CROW. Early bird general admission tickets are $250 per person through the end of 2023. On Jan. 1, the price will increase to $275 per person.

Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at crowclinic.org. Event sponsors also include Kemps Ridley Beverage Sponsor Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and Scalon Auto Group, Green Sea Turtle Sponsors Spivey Law Firm, Northern Trust, and WWRE Certified Public Accountants.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Cape Coral Computer Club to meet Wednesday The Cape Coral Computer Club meets over Zoom the first and third Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting being from 2-4 p.m., Jan. 3. This meeting will include "Tips for Turning Knowledge & Persistence into Accomplishment," with time for questions and answers.

All skill levels are welcome to join. For more information, visit our website: https://www.capecoralcomputer.club/ Use the “CONTACT US” feature to register for a complimentary Zoom link. If you have any questions or need help with Zoom, call: 321-430-5959.

Club Zoom meetings are recorded. If you become a member and miss a meeting you have the opportunity to watch the presentation at a later date. The Zoom format works well because you don't have to be in Florida to participate in and enjoy all of the benefits the club has to offer. See the website for additional information.

USA Dance Cape Coral/Fort Myers chapter to hold ballroom dance class starting this Tuesday USA Dance Cape Coral/Fort Myers chapter will be holding Foxy Dance intermediate ballroom dance classes every Tuesday starting Jan. 2 at Rhythm in Motion, 912 Del Prado Blvd., S., Cape Coral.

Instructors for the nine classes, which conclude Feb.

27, are John and Penny DeFino.

The cost for the classes, which run from 7-8 p.m., is $15 per person.

For more information about the classes or the USA Dance Cape Coral/Fort Myers chapter, call 863-7032250 or www.southwestfloridausadance.org, or on Facebook visit www.facebook.com/southwestfloridausadance.

Weavers of Char-Lee to recognize Roc Day at Cape Coral Library Jan. 6 On Saturday, Jan. 6, the Weavers of Char-Lee will be recognizing Roc Day, also known as Saint Distaff's Day, when women during the Middle Ages traditionally resumed their spinning and household duties after the 12 days of Christmas.

The public is welcome to stop by the meeting room of the Cape Coral Library, which is located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. that Saturday to learn about spinning and weaving and experience handson demonstrations of those crafts.

Guests are also encouraged to visit the library Art Gallery to view a collection of recent work featuring weavings, spinning, collage and other fiber pieces by Char-Lee guild members plus samples of weaving and spinning tools and equipment on display in the gallery’s mirrored glass cases.

The gallery exhibit will be open during regular library hours from Jan. 4 through Feb. 27.

Page 31 ■ December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 32 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center offering sign language classes in Cape, Fort Myers and Bonita Springs/Naples Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center has announced the upcoming class dates for its popular American Sign Language Level 1 classes, starting on Monday, Jan. 8. Classes will be held weekly at three convenient locations: Mondays and Thursdays at the Fort Myers center, at 1860 Boy Scout Drive B208, Fort Myers, Tuesdays in Bonita Springs/Naples, and Tuesdays in Cape Coral. Students will have the flexibility to choose between daytime and evening sessions to accommodate their schedules.

Enrollment in the ASL Level 1 classes is $75 for a five-week course. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can take advantage of these valuable classes at no cost.

Discounts are extended to immediate family members of deaf or hard of hearing individuals.

Originally developed to aid those with hearing loss in maintaining connections

with family and friends, this program has broadened its scope to include anyone interested in improving their communication skills with individuals facing hearing challenges. Upon successful completion of each course, students will receive a certificate of accomplishment, recognizing their dedication and achievement.

DHHC also offers an ASL Family Class, provided at no cost to families with deaf or hard of hearing children. These family-oriented sessions take place every other Tuesday in Fort Myers from 6:307:30 p.m. and every other Thursday in Lehigh Acres from 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Siblings and other family members are strongly encouraged to participate, creating a supportive environment for parents and family members to learn basic ASL and immerse themselves in Deaf Culture together.

Amy Turner, executive director of

DHHC, highlighted the numerous advantages of learning American Sign Language in the coming year: “There are so many positive reasons to sign up for a sign language course in 2024. Not only will it enhance your ability to communicate effectively with deaf or hard of hearing individuals, but it will also boost cognitive activity, immerse you in a rich and diverse culture, open doors to new friendships, and offer practical applications in your daily life. It’s a wonderful opportunity to broaden your horizons and connect with a vibrant community!”

The mission of the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center is to empower deaf and hard of hearing citizens of Southwest Florida and their families through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Established in 1983, DHHC has provided a range of vital services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals

and their families in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. Its offerings include interpreting services, free telephone equipment loans, a deaf mentor program, American Sign Language classes, information and referral services, employment assistance, family education, advocacy, community outreach and adaptive equipment sales.

DHHC operates as a 501(c)3 United Way partner agency, with support from Lee County Board of Commissioners, city of Cape Coral, United Way, The Community Foundation, Lee County Bar Association Foundation, Rotary Club of Fort Myers, Rotary Club of Cape Coral, and other private donors.

For information, visit www.dhhc.life, contact Turner at amyturner@ dhhc.life, or 239-461-0334 (voice phone) or 239-2475821 (video phone).

EDUCATION NOTES Eckenrode named to Union University Dean's List JACKSON, Tenn. - Three hundred sixty-seven students have been named to the Union University Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester.

The Dean's List includes full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average on a four-point scale.

Among those making the list was Austria Eckenrode of North Fort Myers.

Founded in 1823 and affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Union

University is characterized by quality Christ-centered teaching and learning.

Union offers liberal arts training in more than 100 majors and programs of study along with professional programs in business, education and nursing.

For more about Union University, visit https://www.uu.edu/.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools to name five Suncoast Credit Union Scholars The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation

is partnering with the The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools to offer five $2,000 scholarship awards to high school graduates in the Class of 2024.

This year’s high school graduates in Suncoast Credit Union’s 25-county service territory have the opportunity to apply for financial support to continue their education, thanks to a $164,000 investment in scholarships by the Tampa-based credit union’s foundation.

The applications process opened Wednesday, Dec. 27, and will continue until Friday, March 1.

This year’s Suncoast Credit Union Scholars program represents the continued mission of the foundation to support education initiatives and the well-being and potential of children. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has contributed more than $40 million including more than $2.9 million in scholarships.

For additional information about the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation scholarships or The Foundation for Lee County Public School and its programs, and other scholarship opportunities, visit its website at leeschoolfoundation.org.

DECEMBER 29, 2023

Spread the joy Registration under way for 26th of fishing and the Annual Minnesota Twins Golf Classic outdoors this year

TIDES CHART Tide Time

at Cape Coral Bridge Height Sunrise Moon Time Feet Sunset

PREP REPORT Wednesday

Boys Basketball Holiday Hoopfest At Bishop Verot High School Bishop Verot 73, Tallahassee St. John Paul lI 35: Gavin Williams scored 23 points for the Vikings (8-1), Leroy Roker scored 20 and Jerry Ashley had 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Nature Coast Christmas Tournament At Brooksville Tampa Alonso 51, Cape Coral 49: The narrow defeat left the Seahawks 8-5 for the season.

Blocking the shot

Boys Soccer

Cape High’s Keira Allen, right, blocks South Fort Myers’ Jkayla Thomas’ shot in a recent game between the Seahawks and Wolfpack.

Red Card for Cancer Mariner 1, Vero Beach 1, tie: With the draw, the Tritons are 11-3-2.

MARK CLIFFORD

Kingdom of the Sun At Ocala Green Tech (Albany, N.Y.) 71, Mariner 51: The Tritons (7-7) continue to struggle in neutralsite games. All seven Mariner losses this season have been on a neutral court (1-7).

Girls Soccer

Day

High /Low

Sa 30 30 30 30

High 3:42 AM Low 12:35 PM High 7:06 PM Low 10:59 PM

0.9 -0.2 0.5 0.4

7:15 AM 5:45 PM

Set 10:06 AM Rise 9:12 PM

92

Su 31 31 31

High Low High

0.9 -0.2 0.5

7:16 AM 5:46 PM

Set 10:39 AM Rise 10:05 PM

87

Sa 30 30 30 30

High 3:10 AM Low 12:01 PM High 6:34 PM Low 10:25 PM

1.8 -0.4 0.9 0.8

7:16 AM 5:46 PM

Set 10:07 AM Rise 9:12 PM

92

Su 31 31 31 31

High 3:55 AM Low 12:36 PM High 6:53 PM Low 11:38 PM

1.7 -0.3 1.0 0.7

7:16 AM Set 10:39 AM 5:46 PM Rise 10:05 PM

87

4:27 AM 1:10 PM 7:25 PM

About Lee Health Foundation Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The Foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including Golisano Children’s Hospital as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children's Health Center in Naples.

Over the last year, the Foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health’s mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.

% Moon Visible

at Matlacha Pass (Bascule bridge)

Vero Beach Invitational Ponte Vedra 2, Mariner 1: The Tritons (113) came up a goal short against a Ponte Vedra (10-1-1) team ranked fourth in the nation by MaxPreps.

FWC: Changes in snook regulations to begin New regulations for snook in state and adjacent federal waters will go into effect beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

These regulation changes will: ■ Establish nine snook management regions.

■ Establish closed seasons as well as bag and slot limits for each management region, which are detailed below.

The new regions are part of the Florida Fish and

Wildlife Conservation Commission’s holistic management approach for Florida's most popular inshore fisheries. Through this approach, seven metrics are used to evaluate the fishery by region, adding a holistic perspective to management decisions and allowing the FWC to be more responsive to regional concerns. The seasons,

See SNOOK REGULATIONS, page 34

Cape Coral Breeze

See FISHING AND OUTDOORS, page 34

celebrity golf partner and a commemorative hole sign featuring autographs from all Minnesota Twins players.

The Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 tournament is Twins Fantasy Camp. A variety of additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Those interested in becoming a sponsor may select a sponsor package when completing the online tournament registration form to be contacted by a Lee Health representative.

Registration ends on Feb. 8. To register and learn more, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Twins.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Let’s hope you got that brand new boat, or engine, rod and reel, or electronics you were expecting for Christmas and that your New Year is filled with good health, happiness and angling success. This coming year spread the joy of fishing and the outdoors and get the kids on the water and fishing. Once that rod bends and the drag starts to sing, they’re usually hooked for life and that’s always a good thing. prospecting When creek shorelines this winter, look carefully at your target. That yard-long submerged branch lying in a foot of water ahead of you might hide a redfish or snook or, actually be a snook. During our cold period it’s not unusual to see huge snook resting in super shallow water, belly to the bottom dorsal fins almost exposed, getting a badly needed midCapt. George afternoon solar warmup Tunison preparing for the cold night ahead. Generally these cold fish aren’t in a biting mood especially if you are using lures and will slowly disappear to deeper water when feeling harassed.

Typically warmer mud bottom bays draw cold fish but wind protected, light colored, sandy shoreline spots are also known tanning stations. If you enjoy snook fishing but you’ve never actually seen or caught a truly large snook in the 35-inch to 40-plus-inch class, it’s a sight you won’t soon forget.

Collect or buy blue claw crabs and lower a half crab down to the bottom next to a bridge piling. I like using a sliding fish finder rig using a short 18-inch leader, a 6/07/0 circle hook and enough weight to keep it stationary in the current. Set up your baits in the eddy or current break behind structure then wait for Mr. Drum to follow his nose to dinner. These not-so-pretty whiskered fish get really large plus a picture of three laughing and struggling kids on one big bent rod is priceless. A 96-pound fish holds the Florida state record.

Before Christmas there was a very catchable mixed bag of Spanish macs and kingfish from the beach out to 3-5 miles and definitely worth another look when the weather permits a safe trip. Let the birds and your binoculars guide you to the fish, which you can attract to your

On Feb. 15, the annual Minnesota Twins Golf Classic will be back in full “swing.” At the 2024 event, golfers will raise funds in support of Lee Health Cancer Institute’s lifesaving programs.

The tournament will take place from 4-7 p.m. at Topgolf in Fort Myers, located at 2021 Topgolf Way. Participants of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the annual event. In addition to a fun game of golf, the event will feature in-game competitions and prizes, and the opportunity to interact with multiple Minnesota Twins celebrities.

Funds raised at the event will benefit Lee Health Cancer Institute and its treatment, research, education, state-of-the-art technology and innovations. Through donations and support, the institute is able to provide topof-the-line comprehensive services and programs to locals who are battling cancer, as well as their families who are supporting them through their treatment. Lee Health Cancer Institute bridges the gap between cancer care and financial difficulties by providing qualified uninsured and underinsured patients with care.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available for the 26th Annual Minnesota Twins Golf Classic.

Individual registration is $250. Individual golfers will be assigned to a team of five and partnered with a Minnesota Twins celebrity. Registration for a team of five golfers is $1,000, which includes tickets for five players, a Twins

Page 33 ■ December 29, 2023

SPORTS

THE BREEZE

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 34 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Northwest Library: Programs, activities for January scheduled From page 16 Chess at the Library 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9 Enjoy chess at the library in a casual environment. Chess boards will be provided, but you can also bring your own. All ages and skill levels are invited.

Little Racers 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 11 Zip and zoom around the storytime room with toy cars and handmade racetracks. For ages 2 – 5.

Coloring Club 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13 Join us for a relaxing afternoon of coloring while making new friends. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own coloring books should you wish.

Kindness Club 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16 Join us at the library to create kindness in our community. Kids can participate in fun activities designed to encourage kindness and help make the world a better place. For ages 6-11. Your registration is guaranteed only until the start of the program. Registration is required.

Toddler Tales 10:30 & 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 For ages 18-36 months and caregivers.

Toddlers and caregivers move and groove during this interactive storytime. Space is limited to 14. Arrive early and visit the children's desk to check in. First-come, first-served.

Preschool Storytime 10:30 & 11:30 a.m.,

Thursdays, Jan. 18, 25 For ages 3-5. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby. Space is limited to 14. Arrive early and visit the children's desk to check in. First-come, first-served.

Family Storytime 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20 For children through age 5 and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement.

Baby Rhyme Time 10:30 a.m., Mondays, Jan. 22, 29 For babies up to 18 months. Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment. Space is limited. Arrive early and visit the children's desk to check in. First-come, first-served.

Paint Like O'Keeffe 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23 Learn about famous artist Georgia O'Keeffe and participate in an art project in a similar style.

All supplies provided. For ages 6-11.

Registration is required and is guaranteed until the start of the program.

LEGO Club 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. No registration required. All materials provided.

Books and Blankets 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30 Join us with your blankies and pajamas for this nighttime edition of storytime.

Your whole family is invited to this enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through

CAPE CORAL ANIMAL SHELTER

songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories.

Teen Programs Kids Read Down Fines 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 3, 10 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 20 Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card.

Chess at the Library 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9 Enjoy chess at the library in a casual environment. Chess boards will be provided, but you can also bring your own. All ages and skill levels are invited.

Tech Free Thursday 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11 Let's play like it is 1985 and pretend there is no technology, at least for one day.

For teens ages 12-18.

Coloring Club 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13 Join us for a relaxing afternoon of coloring while making new friends. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own coloring books should you wish.

Teen Squeegee Art 2:30 & 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24

Squeegee painting is a super fun way to make abstract art. Simply drop acrylic paint onto a canvas and use a squeegee to spread it around. For teens ages 12 - 17.

The Northwest Regional Library is located at 519 Chiquita Blvd., N., in Cape Coral. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4700. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239-479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.

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

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Joan LaGuardia, 239-533-2314, Florida Relay Service 711, or jlaguardia@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requestor. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.

Fishing and outdoors: In 2024 From page 33 anchored boat with chum or set up a trolling run with shiny metal Clark spoons which are mackerel candy. A school of frenzied biting mackerel is yet another local species providing fast action family fun.

Cold water has the sheepshead fishing going which will only improve through January but newbies might start to wonder about their coordination when their hooks always come up empty after a tug or two.

A wise old sheepie can sometimes munch a fiddler crab off your hook without ever touching the steel. Keep a sharp eye out, pay attention and keep trying. The secret, and don’t tell anyone, is to set the hook just before the fish's mouth is fully closed around the bait.

Nearshore reefs should still offer a variety of delicious snapper and sheepshead and for those able to access deeper Gulf waters. Red grouper season opens this

Monday. Two per day allowed in Gulf or state waters with a 20-inch total length required to harvest.

Take that Christmas loot and upgrade those worn down, heavy as lead, deep cycle batteries with new Group 27 class lead acids at $100-175 each. Move up to top of the line AGM batteries in the $300 price range. Both of these batteries, as most already know, are heavy as in 60-plus pounds each. Better yet, go whole hog or in this case, lithium. Unfortunately, this technology isn’t cheap. Big box stores are advertising their Gen 2 High Output Deep Cycle brand in the $700 to $900 price range. Besides being the most efficient battery available, they offer tremendous weight/fuel savings important in boats coming in at a lightweight 21 pounds each.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-282-9434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.

Snook regulations: Begin Jan. 1 From page 33 bag limits and slot limits are set in response to evaluations of the snook fishery within each of the new management regions. This new management approach includes annual reviews of the fishery, and snook regulations could be changed each year in response to the reviews.

Pretzel

Blackberry

Looking for a loving home Pretzel is a 1 to 3-year-old male. He is looking for a forever family that will give him the love and time he needs to gain confidence in his new world. He would also do best in a home where his humans are around the majority of the time. Pretzel loves going outside, getting belly rubs and just hanging with his new friends.

Blackberry is a 1 to 2-year-old female kitty. She feels she is extra special because she has extra toes on her front paws. Being a “polydactyl or Hemingway” cat does not affect her negatively in

anyway. Miss Blackberry is very social with her humans, and will even start holding a conversation with you about her day.

If you are interested in meeting any of the animals available for adoption at The Cape Coral Animal Shelter, please visit its website at www.capecoralanimalshelter.com for more information.

The shelter is located at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay Closed season: Dec. 1 to end of February and May 1 to Aug. 31.

Bag limit: one fish.

Slot limit: 28–33 inches.

Charlotte Harbor, Southwest Closed season: Dec. 1 to end of February and May 1 to Sept. 30.

Bag limit: one fish.

Slot limit: 28–33 inches.

Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, Northeast Closed season: Dec. 15 to Jan. 31 and June 1 to Aug. 31.

Bag limit: one fish.

Slot limit: 28–32 inches.

Recreational harvest of Gulf gray triggerfish closes Jan. 1 Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish will close in Gulf state waters on Jan. 1, 2024. Harvest will open on March 1, 2024.

To learn more about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS. To learn more about current recreational triggerfish regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine, click “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and “Triggerfish” or download the Fish Rules App. For current recreational snook regulations, along with information about the new management approach, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook.”

This page includes the snook annual reviews that provide summaries of key findings from the annual evaluation of management metrics for each region.

Page 35 ■ December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 36 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Automobiles

$0)52:/1=15/ 6=-5) ;6 #; <,76:;3- )5, )9;@9 /9-); 15 =19;<)5, 91+0 15 419)+3-: 5-)9 215:4)5 6.

-:<: 091:; .)1;0.<3 15;-9+-::69 6. )33 >06 15=62- @6<9 :7-+1)3 7)9;65 )/- 15 ;14- 6. 5--, $6 @6< 0)=9-+6<9:- .964 ;0- ,-7;0 6. 4@ 0-)9; )5, 0<4*3@ *-/ ;6 >064 6, 0): /1=-5 :<+0 /9-); 76>-9 ;6 +64- ;6 4@ )::1:;)5+- -37 4- 15 4@ 79-: -5; )5, <9/-5; 7-;1;165 5 9-;<95 79641:- ;6 4)2- @6<9 5)4- 256>5 )5, +)<:- @6< ;6 *- 15=62-, #; <,- 79)@ .69 <: )5, )33 >06 15=624-5 #)@ ;09-- <9 @6<9 )1, );0-9: ;09-)13 )9@: )5, 3691): <*31+);165 4<:; *- 7964 1:-, $01: 6=-5) 0): 5-=-9 *--5 256>5 ;6 .)13 0)=- 0), 4@ 9-8<-:; /9)5;-, <*31+);165 79641:-,

6),-,

Skilled Trades )5,@4)5 .69 >692 ); ) )5<.)+;<9-, 64- "-:1,-5;1)3 ::6+1);165 65 #)5 )936: :3)5, )9; ;14- 76:1;165 #64- .3-?1*131;@ 6 ;>6 ,)@: )312>1;0 :+0-,<3)5, @6< >133 4--; ) *<5+0 6. /9-); 3-):- ;-?; )::6+1);165 4-4*-9: @6<9 8<)31.1+);165: ;6 #;-=- );

#.>2=.?6 &

( & ;= ;81 (68A2= ;>?@92 2B28=D ;/

(

&

*- ;@>2> '2.8 >?.?2

8>;

@D

)

413-:

! $ , '21@021

.88

.A61

Recreation Vehicles *-

"" '+G>

& ( >133 64- $6 (6< $6 #-- ; !<1+2 ):@ #)3-

(

%15+-A

%$ )

(&%) A 6+)3

Power Boats *-

Wanted To Buy

=20.82

53@

""

% )(

%$ )

(&%)

& ( >133 64- $6 (6< $6 #-- ; !<1+2 ):@ #)3-

(

%15+-A

A 6+)3

Annual Rentals *-,9664 );0 <73-? :+9--5-, 3)5)1 >):0-9 ,9@-9 0662 <7: ;>6 7-9:65 4)? 6++<7)5+@ $-5)5; 7)@: -3-+;91+ >);-9 46=6<; +3-)5 6+);-, 65 #& ;0 ; +36:- ;6 2>@ 465;03@ :-+<91;@ ,-76:1; 9-,1; *)+2 /96<5, +0-+2 9-8<19-, )33 -91

Waterfront Lots

!2:

!2: @D> A2=D?56:4 0;9

Tools & Machinery

$)9765 &)@ <5;) 69,) ++-:: ;6 ;0- <3. 6. -?1+6 >1;0 *91,/-: 3-)9-, )5, 9-),@ ;6 *<13, 65 &)3215/ ,1:;)5+- ;6 ,6>5;6>5 <5;) 69,) 9-:;)<9)5;: *)5215/ )5, :067715/ B' B 6::1*3>5-9 15)5+15/ >5-9 1: ) 1+-5:-, "-)3 :;);962-9

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

-5-9)+ /-5-9);69 46,-3 .69 :)3<9+0):-, *9)5, 5-> 15 </<:; 5-=-9 <:-, )5, :;133 15 ;0- *6? :215/ 065- 5<4 *-9

Pets & Supplies 5=6>?9.> (565 )E@ <@<<62> 3;= >.82 .-4)3-: 4)36:;3@ *96>5 56 7)7-9: 6;0 7)9-5;: 9-/1:;-9-, )33

Cryptoquip Solution:

Cape Coral Breeze

Religious

S

Sporting Goods 6; 6. .1:015/ 96,: 9--3: ;)+23*6?-: 3)5,15/ 5-;: 315- :152-9: )5, )9;1.1+)3 *)1; -:; 6..-9 6=-9 ;)2-: 1; )33

CLASSIFIED 574-1110

U

S O L

D

U

O

T

K U

I O N

Contractors

Fill & Dirt Grading

& " & " ""

Painting

" $( $(*' ,%'! '( %#& %+ ' %## ' " ' ( $) "

/>;8@?28D

'

The Highest Rated Screen Company in Southwest Florida!

24óHOUR SERVICE NO OVERTIME CHARGES FAMILY OWNED/OPERATED Lic#CAC1817070

(239) 573-2086

âNo Bull - Just Quality Work You Can Trustã Residential ¯ Commercial New Construction Remodels ¯ Repairs Room Additions

Free Estimates INSTANT REBATES AVAILABLE óAir Purification Systems óHigh Efficiency Systems óDuct Cleani ng Free Estimates on Replacement Systems

239-707-0654 Bonded - Lic CBC058576 - Insured

BulldogBuildersInc.com

q q AFFORDABLEq qq

FREE ESTIMATES www.marinedocks.net

New Installation Includes Permit 2 Year Warranty Rain Bird Contractor A+ RATED - ANGIES LIST

Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1981 LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel #S11-000923

Call (239) 561-8074 CBC026058

H(;8@?6;:> ?; <;;86:4 B.?2= "602:>21 :>@=21 BBB 0.9<6;:8.:1>0.<2 0;9

)6< );< @??2=>

q FREE ESTIMATESq q

HAWLEY CONSTRUCTION OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ALL IN LEE COUNTY.

H ;82> .8;:4 (2.B.88>

@??2=>

CUSTOM DOCKS & BOAT LIFTS

WE BUILD QUALITY DOCKS

H :A.>6A2 C;?60 '29;A.8

Dock Maintenance & Repair

C o n c r e t e Contractors

F F (2.982>> @??2=>

1+2:>21 .:1 :>@=21 Handyman ,6886.9 '6:25.=? .:1D9.:

"2? 92 <@? 9D D=> ;3 2C<2=62:02 ?; B;=7 3;= D;@

(;336?> @??2=> ;B:><;@?> H&=2>>@=2 ,.>56:4 H&.6:?6:4 H .=<2?

H".96:.?2 8;;=6:4 H)682 $2B '2<.6= '24=;@?6:4 H ;9<82?2 ,;;1B;=76:4 H ;;= ,6:1;B '2<.6= H+6:D8 2:06:4

"60

TOMáS CONCRETE, INC àn Tractor Service

Specializing in Concrete Slabs Drives Patios Sidewalks Stucco - Landscape Curbing Spray Crete - Keystone

âNo Job Too Smallã BackHoe - Grading - Fill Top Soil - Rock - Bush Hogging Pond Digging - Land Clearing We fix Drainage Problems

Laborers Wanted

239-543-3700 Cell 239-849-5375

CLASSIFIED 574-1110

New Dock Boat Lift Dock Repair Dock Removal We have the knowledge & skills to bring your vision to life.

239-922-0260 Servicing Cape Coral & Ft Myers Areas

15% OFF

This Month Only

No Job to Large or Small

New or Replace Soffit & Fascia

And Always Free Estimates References Furnished

Call For Our Specials On: Pet Screen Solar Screen Super Screen

Thank You In Advance

3 Year Warranty On All Work 6 Months Interest Free (W.A.C.)

(239) 339-7361 Steve

Plants & Trees q q AFFORDABLEq qq

* ! ) )'* ! ( '+

COMPLETE RESCREENS

Interior & Exterior Detail Oriented Tidy and Personal

Repairs/Complete Re-Screens

Custom Built Railings and Entryways

239-772-2242 www.dr-screen.com License & Insured with Workmanás Comp

,%% && ' ( '+ , $) )% -%*' )' *- "" # %' , ) + ' -%* $ ' () # ) (

Tony’s Tree Service

)=22 '29;A.8 )=22 )=6996:4 (?@9< =6:16:4

Sprinkler Systems & Irrigation

)33 69 (6<9 9-- :;14);-

=22 >?69.?2>

Top Notch Docks

One-Man Painting Company

Voted Best of Cape Coral in 2022 & 2023!

q q FREE ESTIMATESq

New Installation Includes Permit 2 Year Warranty Rain Bird Contractor A+ RATED - ANGIES LIST

Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1981 LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel #S11-000923

Screening

:>@=21

)6< );< '2>0=22: &;;8 (0=22: '2<.6= '2>0=22: .:1 '2<.6= 3;= .: 33;=1./82 &=602 .88 ;= -;@= =22 >?69.?2

"602:>21 .:1 :>@=21 ! $G( ( ' $ ' & '

&'%#&) &'% (( %$ " ( '+ ' () # ) ( "602:>21 :>@=21

$;B 6=6:4 C<2=62:021 (0=22: :>?.882=>

q q AFFORDABLEq qq

Your Tree Guy

q q FREE ESTIMATESq

New Installation Includes Permit 2 Year Warranty Rain Bird Contractor A+ RATED - ANGIES LIST

Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1981 LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel #S11-000923

Tree Service

=9.:1;G> )=22 (2=A602 $914 $9--: #;<47 "-46=)3 6; 3-)915/ )5,:+)715/ "-:1,-5;1)3 644-9+1)3

$;B %332=6:4 &.A2= :>?.88.?6;:

1+-5:-, )5, 5:<9-,

g Trimming g Removals g Sidewalls g Hedges Serving all your outdoor needs

239-244-7271 Show this ad for a 10% discount!

Cape Coral Breeze

Boat Lifts & Docks

H);< (;68 H 688 6=?

H =.16:4 H(5288 (?;:2 H =;>6;: ;:?=;8 H";? 0=2.42 #;B6:4 H =6A2B.D> ';.1> H ><5.8? &.?05 (2.8 H @8A2=? &6<2> H".:1 82.=6:4

" ' )% (# "" )' ,%'! ()*#& ' #%+ "

www.capecoralbreeze.com

>?69.?2>

Page 37 ■ December 29, 2023

Air Conditioning

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 38 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Obituaries

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

Death Notices 51417 7A)6 -@=) 7. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ 76 -+-5*-9 99)6/-5-6;: )9- *@ 79)4 #1,/<6-9)4 75- -5-;-9@ )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+-: )879)4 "4-):- =1:1; >>> +79)491,/-.<6-9)4075- +75 .79 ),,1;176)4 16.795);176 -)6 ->1: 7. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ 76 -+-5*-9 99)6/-5-6;: )9- *@ 79)4 #1,/<6-9)4 75- -5-;-9@ )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+-: )879)4 "4-):- =1:1; >>> +79)491,/-.<6-9)4075- +75 .79 ),,1;176)4 16.795);176 "):+<)4 #<1A 9 7. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ 76 -+-5*-9 99)6/-5-6;: )9- *@ 79)4 #1,/<6-9)4 75- -5-;-9@ )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+-: )879)4 "4-):- =1:1; >>> +79)491,/-.<6-9)4075- +75 .79 ),,1;176)4 16.795);176 )5-: 9)63416 7. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ 76 -+-5*-9 99)6/-5-6;: )9- *@ 79)4 #1,/<6-9)4 75- -5-;-9@ )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+-: )879)4 "4-):- =1:1; >>> +79)491,/-.<6-9)4075- +75 .79 ),,1;176)4 16.795);176 -*9) @76: 7. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ 76 -+-5*-9 99)6/-5-6;: )9- *@ 79)4 #1,/<6-9)4 75- -5-;-9@ )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+-: )879)4 "4-):- =1:1; >>> +79)491,/-.<6-9)4075- +75 .79 ),,1;176)4 16.795);176 ):76 ,>)9, 0-67>-;0 7. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ -+-5*-9 <4416: -5791)4 <6-9)4 75- )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+- )8- 79)4 1: -6;9<:;-, >1;0 .16)4 +)91+0)-4 %0-7,79- 7@4)6 7. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ 76 -+-5*-9 99)6/-5-6;: )9- *@ 79)4 #1,/- <6-9)4 75- -5-;-9@ )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+-: )8- 79)4 "4-):- =1:1; >>> +79)491,/-.<6-9)4075- +75 .79 ),,1;176)4 16.795);176

)9@ 7< 91..1;0 7. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ 76 -+-5*-9 99)6/-5-6;: )9- *@ 79)4 #1,/<6-9)4 75- -5-;-9@ )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+-: )879)4 "4-):- =1:1; >>> +79)491,/-.<6-9)4075- +75 .79 ),,1;176)4 16.795);176 ")<4 7:-80 -99)1747 7. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ 76 -+-5*-9 99)6/-5-6;: )9- *@ 79)4 #1,/<6-9)4 75- -5-;-9@ )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+-: )879)4 "4-):- =1:1; >>> +79)491,/-.<6-9)4075- +75 .79 ),,1;176)4 16.795);176

)6+@ -)6 9)*<;; 7. 79;0 79; @-9: 8)::-, )>)@ $);<9,)@ -+-5*-9 <4416: -5791)4 <6-9)4 759-5);176 $-9=1+)8- 79)4 1: -6;9<:;-, >1;0 .16)4 +)9)99@ ->;76 #1+36-9 7. 79;0 79; @-9: 8)::-, )>)@ $<6,)@ -+-5*-9 <4416: -5791)4 <6-9)4 759-5);176 $-9=1+)8- 79)4 1: -6;9<:;-, >1;0 .16)4 +)9-

-;;@ )?16- )@ 7. 79; @-9: 8)::-, )>)@ 76,)@ -+-5*-9 <4416: -5791)4 <6-9)4 75- )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+- )8- 79)4 1: -6;9<:;-, >1;0 .16)4 +)9-

16,) #)- $5</)4) 7. "<6;) 79,) 8)::-, )>)@ )9*)9) -)6 /5797. )8- 79)4 8)::-, )>)@ 76 -+-5*-9 99)6/-5-6;: )9- *@ 79)4 #1,/76,)@ -+-5*-9 <4416: -5791)4 <6-9)4 <6-9)4 75- -5-;-9@ )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+-: )875- )6, 9-5);176 $-9=1+- )8- 79)4 1: -6;9<:;-, 79)4 "4-):- =1:1; >>> +79)491,/-.<6-9)4075- +75 .79 >1;0 .16)4 +)9),,1;176)4 16.795);176

Page 39 ■ December 29, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

December 29, 2023 ■ Page 40

CC BREEZE 12/29/23

CC BREEZE 12/29/23