Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7, 2024

VOLUME 40, NUMBER 6

Observer 2/07/24

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7, 2024

VOLUME 40, NUMBER 6

Council deadlocks on filling vacant seat

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council deadlocked on the appointment of a candidate to replace Councilmember Bill Veach after three written ballots Monday morning.

Two councilmembers voted in favor of appointing Local Planning Agency board member Scott Safford, one vote was made for LPA board member James Boan and one vote was for Ed Schoonover.

Fort Myers Bech Town Council will hold a special meeting Feb. 15 to meet with the candidates vying to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Councilmember Bill Veach. Veach resigned his seat before the end of the year due to the new state financial disclosure form reporting requirements.

A majority vote was needed for the appointment, with three votes required for the appointment.

The council will hold a special meeting

Feb. 15 to meet with the candidates. Veach resigned his seat before the end of the year due to the new state financial disclosure form reporting requirements.

The councilmembers voted the same way on all three votes. Rather than a voice vote, the councilmembers voted by writing on pieces of looseleaf paper, with the votes of each councilmember not being read aloud.

The votes were tallied and announced by attorney Nancy Stuparich, of the town's counsel Vose Law Firm.

Following a public records request, the town released copies of the votes.

See VACANT SEAT, page 13

Mosquito control district bill on hold

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Florida Audubon, town agree to allow boardwalk with new conditions

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

After years of litigation and hearings, the controversial 298-feet boardwalk crossing state lagoons near the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area is in the clear.

Florida Audubon, which had sued the Town of Fort Myers Beach last year over the town council’s approval of a special exception permit for the walkover, have reached a settlement with the owners of the boardwalk and, in exchange, will drop

the suit against the town.

Florida Audubon reached a settlement with Kurt Kroemer and Ed Rood, who put up the boardwalk behind their homes at 8150 and 8170 Estero Boulevard.

Kroemer and Rood had been denied the permit by previous boards, who opposed the lagoon walkover. The structure was not allowed in the town’s environmental environmentally critical zone without a special exception permit.

Under the terms of the settlement, the See SETTLED, page 14

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council has settled litigation with the Florida Audubon Society over the 298-feet boardwalk erected

by Kurt Kroemer and Ed Rood behind their properties over a state lagoon that flows through the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area. Under the settlement, the boardwalk will be allowed but with new conditions.

NATHAN MAYBERG

Proposed legislation that would merge the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District with the Lee County Mosquito District has been put on hold.

The merger could double the mosquito control district rates of Fort Myers Beach property owners, who currently pay half the rate that users in the Lee County Mosquito Control District pay.

The bill was introduced by State Rep. Adam Botana, R-80 despite objections from the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Board, Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District commissioners and Town of Fort Myers Beach Council.

Botana represents Fort Myers Beach in the state legislature, along with Bonita Springs and Sanibel.

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Vice Chair Steve Johnson traveled up to Tallahassee to speak last week on the proposal last week at a meeting of the Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee. A night earlier, Johnson said he was informed that Botana submitted an amendment that would have required separate referendums by Fort Myers Beach and Lee County residents. Both referendums would need to pass for the merger to go through.

State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R78, who chairs the committee, said the subcommittee “has not been noticed for another meeting.”

A message left with Botana was not returned.

Beach Living............................................8 insidetoday Opinions.......................................4 Business............................................6 Beach Bulletin..................................21-27

Classifieds.............29

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OPINIONS Loss in the family Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 574-1110 Fax: (239) 574-5693 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk.com Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com Editor Nathan Mayberg nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

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Web Poll Previous Web Poll Results Should Fort Myers Beach lift parking requirements for developments downtown? ∫ Yes, 39% ∫ No, 55% ∫ Unsure/no opinion, 6%

Current Web Poll Question Do you support the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council encouraging the Lee County Board of County Commissioners to raise its parking rates at Bowditch Point Park and Lynn Hall Memorial Park from $2 an hour to $5 an hour? ∫ Yes. ∫ No. ∫ Unsure.

Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Captain John “Jay” Gray was never mayor of Fort Myers Beach. He wasn’t a fire commissioner or town manager. He was a U.S. Marine.

His passing last week left an impact on Fort Myers Beach and the Fort Myers Beach Observer.

Gray was the kind of guy a community paper like us relies on. He would check in from time to time. He would send our newspaper photos on the holidays of he and his wife Charlotte’s painted coconuts on Valentine’s Day, Easter or in the colors of the flag of Ukraine in support of their fight against the invasion from Russia.

Sometimes he reached out because he wanted to talk about his family and we did a story on his services as a U.S. Marine as part of a military tradition that included his son’s service and stretched back to the Civil War. Other times he talked about his running. He ran around Fort Myers Beach regularly well into his 80s, competing in half-marathons around the county for more than 20 years. He ran the New York Marathon a dozen times.

He enjoyed sharing his life on Fort Myers Beach with our local paper. He didn’t have any business to promote though. He was a retired traveling salesman for Midas and Ford.

He died at 86 on Jan. 28 and was running right up until a few months before he passed away. During Hurricane Ian, his home was severely damaged and he lost one of his boats. The larger one “Charisma” is still under repairs. His daughter Lisa, who lives across the street, lost nearly everything in her home. Her home is still undergoing repairs.

Yet Gray didn’t complain. When he was diagnosed with melanoma, he didn’t tell us.

When a group of volunteers from Israel

Editorial came by to help him clean up his property after Hurricane Ian and found some of his lost valuables and treasured family photos that had washed up down the street, he sent us photos which we appreciated. It was the kind of uplifting story we all needed after the disaster of Hurricane Ian. Gray’s human interest stories are one of the ingredients that helps make the Fort Myers Beach Observer a community paper.

Whether it is a donation from the Kiwanis Club to the town or a C o m m u n i t y Foundation cleanup of the beach.

While many are still struggling to get PHOTO PROVIDED back to a life of normalcy on Fort Myers U.S. Marine Capt. John “Jay” Gray runs in the Edison Festival of Light 5K with his daughter Lisa Jones.

Beach, we rely on notes and letters from residents and home- and the messiness of the hurricane rebuild, owners like Gray to keep us informed and the we all have human stories to tell. community on how it is going out there.

Fort Myers Beach Observer Editorial Those stories remind us that beyond politics

Everybody’s an expert when it comes to education Why is it when it comes to educational decision-making, everyone is an “expert?”

Why do parents, residents and anyone else with a grudge, who have absolutely zero expertise in educational methodology, practice, curriculum, evaluation or policy, feel they can demand change based on personal or religious beliefs? Would those same individuals challenge their physicians and demand to perform a specific medical procedure on their child without medical training or the doctor's assistance? How about flying a commercial plane, with absolutely no training? Would you want your family on that

Jill Pellis

Guest Commentary

plane knowing your lives are in the hands of someone who has never sat in a cockpit before? If loved ones are critically hurt in a car accident, would you allow someone off the street, who has no training in law, to defend them in court? Of course you wouldn't.

Then why, when it comes to educating our most cherished and beloved children, do we allow anyone and everyone with an opinion and hidden agenda to make essential decisions for all students? It is time to correct the insanity, injustice and chaos presently occurring in our schools and return to sound educational practice.

All citizens have a right to

collaborate with educators. They have the right to participate on committees. They have a right and a moral obligation to speak up on behalf of their own children if the school has failed them. They are welcomed into schools as partners and volunteers to contribute to the improvement of the overall program.

Citizens do not, however, have carte blanche and absolute power to determine who, what, when, where or how the instructional program must be presented or practiced.

It is high time we leave school decisionmaking, based on sound, student data-driven evidence, to the educated, certified professionals in our schools. We trust all other professionals. How about putting our faith and trust into the hands of our hard-working, sincere, highly trained experts in the field?

You want a say? You want change?

Step up to the plate, put in your time and See EDUCATION, page 18

We want your opinion 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 mailed to: Fort Myers Beach Observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; faxed to 239-765-0846; emailed to news@breezenewspapers.com; or posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com.

Letters are due no later than noon Monday. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: fortmyersbeachtalk.com.

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

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BUSINESS

NATHAN MAYBERG

ABOVE: Lee County School Board Chair Sam Fisher (l-r), Oasis Charter Schools Supt. Jaquelin Collins and Oasis Charter Schools Governing Board member Kristifer Jackson attend the Horizon Foundation Annual Review LEFT: City of Cape Coral Councilmember Tom Hayden (l-r), NBC anchor and Horizon Foundation emcee Kellie Burns and Community Cooperative CEO Stefanie Ink-Edwards attend the Horizon Foundation annual review.

County faces challenges of growth

By NATHAN MAYBERG

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Report your news to FORTMYERSBEACHTALK.COM

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The good news for Lee County is it’s growing, with the number of businesses increasing by 18% over the last three years and a population that has expanded by 5% to more than 800,000 residents since 2020.

The issues that those new businesses and residents are facing include primarily a lack of affordable housing for workers and a shortage of qualified applicants to fill positions.

With that backdrop, a full house of county business leaders met together at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers Thursday for the annual review of the Horizon Foundation and Horizon Council. The organization, funded by local businesses, works closely with Lee County’s economic development arms as well as the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on policy and improving the business climate.

Outgoing Horizon Foundation President Holly Smith, a City of Sanibel Councilmember, said a shortage of available workforce housing for employees was one of the main issues that businesses were having in attracting and keeping workers. “Workforce housing is a big deal,” Smith said.

For Lee Health Chief Financial Officer Ben Spence, who helps oversee the county’s largest employer, a shortage of workers has been so pronounced that the organization spent about $150 million on traveling nurses in 2022. That dropped to roughly $80 million last year and is on pace to be lower this year. Before covid, Spence said they spent only about $4 million to $5 million on traveling nurses. Lee Health hired more than 1,000 people last year.

Spence, who is the treasurer of the Horizon Council, said there are currently about 1,200 positions that are unfilled at Lee Health. With approximately 15,000 workers, Lee Health is the county’s largest employer.

Spence said Lee Health has a shortage of nurses, certified nursing assistants and information technology workers.

Spence and Smith said they have been working on a microcredentialing program that could serve as a central place for workers seeking jobs to find what’s available and to get credentialed locally. Spence said many young professionals don’t know what jobs are available and in demand before they start entering the workforce or pursuing their education. Lee Health works with local universities to help support staffing and development.

Mark Stevens, Horizon Foundation President, said the

foundation is working with Lee County to invest in the long-term vitality of a diverse economic environment. In 2023, Stevens said “we saw our economy continue to grow.”

According to statistics provided by the Horizon Foundation, the median family income rose from $68,727 in 2020 to $85,884 in 2023.

The county has seen year-to-year job growth of 8.6%, according to Kellie Burns, a news anchor with NBC who emceed Thursday’s event. Burns said that was the largest increase in jobs in the state, with more than 20,000 jobs added.

Burns said “we need high-wage jobs, quality schools and quality health care.”

In the first three quarters of 2023, there were 2,850 new businesses added, Burns said. Burns said news reports on increased car traffic in Lee County were emblematic of the county’s growth.

Much of the county’s business growth has been centered in the Alico Road area, near the county airport.

Burns said there are currently about 50 active development projects in that area.

Smith said she was “proud of the progress we’ve made.”

Holiday Court Villas & Suites sold for $9.25 million

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Holiday Court Villas & Suites, which dated back to 1952 on Fort Myers Beach, was sold for $9.25 million Jan. 30.

The .76 acre property at 925 Estero Blvd., owned by Holiday Court Motel LLC, was purchased by Thomas Bagwell of Cumming, GA. The motel property consisted of 23 units inside a group of cottages, former owner Jesse Schmid said. The entire parcel had been cleared after severe damage from Hurricane Ian. “It was a super cool, old place,” Schmid said. “The hurricane decided it wanted it more than I did.”

The property sits in a prominent spot downtown across from Lynn Hall Memorial Park and abuts the bay in the

back.

Schmid said one of the reasons he sold the property was due to his frustration in the time it would take to rebuild.

Bagwell couldn’t be reached for comment.

Property facts Property Type Hospitality No. Stories 2 Property Subtype Hotel Year Built 1952 Building Class C Tenancy Single Lot Size 0.76 AC Parking Ratio 0.74/1,000 SF Construction Status Demolished Corridor Exterior Building Size 12,255 SF Holiday Court Motel, a Florida LLC has been sold to Thomas Bagwell from

PHOTO PROVIDED

Holiday Court Villas & Suites, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian, was sold for $9.25 million.

Cumming, GA. The sale occurred on $9,250,000 for the .76 acre lot located at January 30, 2024. Mr. Bagwell paid 925 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.

Chamber hosting power hours at Roxie

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce has started a weekly “Power Hour” at its Roxie informational booth at Times Square each Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The networking event is a way for Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce members to mingle with other local business owners, as well as town residents and visitors alongside the Fort Myers Beach Farmer's Market.

Complimentary coffee and other refreshments will be served.

Barry Frank, who helps run the Roxie both for the chamber, said the networking event is an opportunity for business owners and the public to walk the farmer’s

market and “get to know each other.”

Frank said the chamber will also be inviting town councilmembers and government officials to the weekly power hour to help provide answers that residents, business owners and visitors have when they visit the Roxie booth. “A lot of the public asks questions about town council,” Frank said.

The first council guest this Friday will be Councilmember John King.

The program adds to the chamber’s other networking events, including its coffee connection on the first Thursday of the month and its luncheons on the second Thursday of the month. The chamber also holds a monthly after-hours networking event.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce is also looking for volunteers for its Roxie booth. To assist the chamber, contact Frank at Roxie@fmbchamber .com.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce is holding a weekly networking “power hour” events at its Roxey station at Times Square each Friday.

NATHAN MAYBERG

Fort Myers Beach Observer

restaurants have enjoyed since the first Doc Ford’s opened 20 years ago.

“As a local company, we’re always looking for ways to impact our communities in a meaningful way,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach.

“When you’re dining out, an extra dollar may not seem like much, but it adds up to make such a big difference in the lives of children and their parents. We’re grateful to our customers for supporting our Hospital Drink initiative and local children’s hospitals.”

The drink program originated in Southwest Florida in 2006 as a fundraiser for Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, which opened in 2017. It expanded to St. Petersburg with the opening of the St. Pete Pier location in 2020 and Jungle Terrace in late 2022.

Philanthropy and community outreach have been hallmarks of Doc Ford’s since its founding on Sanibel in 2003. The restaurant avidly supports F.I.S.H. of SANCAP, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Sanibel CARES and other island nonprofit organizations. Doc Ford’s also created the “Ding” Darling Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament in 2012, which has raised nearly $1.2 million for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

The 12th annual tournament is May 10, 2024.

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. off Fisherman's Wharf on Fort Myers Beach.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Every time customers toast to good times at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, they’re also supporting top healthcare for Florida’s youngest and sickest patients.

Since introducing its hospital drink initiative several years ago, Doc Ford’s four restaurants and parent company HM Restaurant Group have donated over $123,000 to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

In 2023, drink purchases at Doc Ford's locations raised more than $11,000.

Specialty cocktails, listed as featured drinks from the past on the restaurants’ cocktail menu, allocate a dollar from each sale to the hospitals. Drink selections span two pages and 10 cocktails, many concocted by local customers with witty names referencing their inventors’ personalities and favorite Florida pastimes – from the Hook Line & Sinker and Sanibel Stoop (aka shelling) to Babe on the Bay and the Rowdy Razorback.

Money from drink sales at Doc Ford’s restaurants on Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel are donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital. Proceeds raised at the Jungle Terrace and St. Pete Pier locations benefit John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Both hospitals provide critical and lifesaving pediatric healthcare and specialized services and depend on philanthropic funding.

Championing the health of children are part of HM Restaurant Group’s commitment to support important causes and the ongoing local community support the

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Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille raising funds for children’s hospital

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 8 Fort Myers Beach Observer

Beach Living

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Outrigger plans bring questions

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

A crowd of about 100 people gathered at the DiamondHead Beach Resort to hear from London Bay Development partner Mark Wilson on his company’s $200 million plans for The Outrigger — one of the cornerstone resorts Fort Myers Beach lost to Hurricane Ian. The plans call for 100 hotel rooms and 50 hotel/condo rooms in a nine-story high building on top of two stories above parking and 46 condo units in a 15-story building along with restaurants, a public linear park, beach bar and a rooftop bar.

While Wilson’s presentation earned some applause, the project also raised questions from the public about the height, traffic, use of canals and the status of the former Charley’s Boat House parcel across the street from The Outrigger.

Wilson and London Bay Development purchased The Outrigger and Charley’s Boat House and Grille for $38.2 million last year and subsequently demolished the buildings. The company also built The Grandview at Bay Beach, a condo tower near Santini Plaza. The Outrigger dates back to the 1960s.

While the developers are limited under town code to two stories above parking, Wilson plans to pursue a Commercial Planned Development process and ask for up to 15 stories. “We are asking for a large deviation,” Wilson said. “Nobody is going to take this parcel and do a two-story building over parking. It would be a travesty for the land.”

A number of residents who live along the canals near Charley’s Boat House are worried the property’s new owners may want to use the narrow canal for water taxis. It’s an idea that Wilson said the developers were considering. Wilson said a dock could be placed at the former Charley’s Boat House & Grille though he wouldn’t want to allow room for more than one boat there. Residents have also been concerned about a proposed dock down the road at the Beach Theater.

Dennis Alfieri, who lives on Flamingo Street, said he was concerned about the possibility of water taxis down the canals that run near his home. Alfieri asked Wilson “How do you propose to access your property with water taxis?”

Wilson said “we have to think this through” and said he wanted to meet to discuss the subject. “One of the opportunities is bringing water access down the canal and having it at the end where there is a dock,” he said.

“They are going to need extra height because of what we’ve gone through. We need our restaurants back. We need our Outrigger back. We need places to go, especially on the south end of the island.”

-Jacki Liszak, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President

“Nobody is going to take this parcel and do a two-story building over parking. It would be a travesty for the land.”

-Mark Wilson London Bay Development Partner

“I am hoping that this developer as well as others understand that allowing the public to use their bathrooms and access the beach through their property to a beach bar they will profit from is not enough of a benefit to our community for what they are asking.”

-John Koss Fort Myers Beach resident

NATHAN MAYBERG

Mark Wilson

RENDERING PROVIDED

“Clearly if I am one of the people living on the street (along the canals) I am concerned about noise and I am concerned about interruption and I want to make sure it won’t disrupt my lifestyle.” Wilson said he lives on the water and some boaters who pass by are “respectful and some aren’t.” Sometimes, Wilson said, the water traffic near his home is “annoying as hell.”

Bahia Via resident Terrance Murphy said most of the canals are meant to be for residential use and were “a challenge at times even before the storm.” Murphy, a boat owner, said boat traffic on the canal near Charley’s would be a safety issue. He said traffic on Fort Myers Beach roads were just as bad if not worse now than before Ian. “Traffic has always been an issue on Fort Myers Beach,” Wilson said. Traffic is “probably more of an issue now,” he said. Over the last month, traffic has regularly backed up daily to Publix by the afternoon on Estero Boulevard heading north towards the Matanzas Pass Bridge. “Not any one developer is going to solve this,” Wilson said.

To alleviate traffic concerns, Wilson suggested the encouragement of “bay shuttles” and said the use of the town’s canals could be an answer though he said he understood the community’s concerns. He estimated about 300 parking spaces at the property “plus or minuis.” Wilson also talked up a concept that Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt raised at a town council meeting — offering a credit to those who travel to the hotel without their own car.

Wilson said a hotel operator would need to be selected by the company and so the hotel may have a different name than the Outrigger though the developers desire to keep the Outrigger name in some capacity.

How much will it cost to buy a condo? Wilson said the current going rate is about $1,000 a square foot and that condos would range in size from 1,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet. Some of the condo units would be allowed to be used as vacation rentals.

The incorporation of the town in the 1990s limited the construction of high-rise buildings on Fort Myers Beach though there have been exceptions through the allowance of deviations at sites like Margaritaville and through a development agreement at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina.

Town resident John Koss asked Wilson if he would be willing to do something “low density” with the Charlie's property “that would be helpful to the comSee OUTRIGGER, page 11

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Fort Myers Beach Observer

The late Capt. John “Jay” Gray with Charlotte, his wife of 62 years.

Ian and was assisted by an Israeli humanitarian organization. They helped clean up his property and found missing personal items and photographs that had washed up down the street.

“They were a godsend,” Charlotte said. Their first floor was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian though the second floor was safe. They had nine feet of water in their home.

Their daughter Lisa, who moved across the street from them seven years ago, “lost everything.” She and her Doug have been working on repairs to their home. Doug has also been fixing up Charlotte and John’s place.

Charlotte said Gray had gone for surgery for a brain tumor in the months before he died. He was receiving hospice treatment at home.

“It was a shock. I thought he would pull through,” Charlotte said. A group of 23 friends and family joined them for a gathering to remember Gray.

No funeral is planned.

He will be cremated with his ashes spread out on the water when the family travels by boat to New Jersey.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Captain John “Jay” Wesley Gray, a U.S. Marine who was known for his pre-dawn runs down the streets of Fort Myers Beach into his 80s and who was one of four people in his family dating back to the Civil War with the same name to serve in the military, died on Jan. 28.

Gray, who regularly took part in local races such as the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival 5K, Naples half marathon and Edison Festival of Lights into his 80’s, died from melanoma.

He is survived by his wife Charlotte of 62 years and his children Charlie, John Wesley and Lisa.

Gray had been featured several times over the years in the Fort Myers Beach Observer. He regularly submitted photos of coconuts he painted in his backyard to celebrate holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and more recently to show solidarity with Ukraine by painting them the colors of the Ukranian flag.

“He was always a people person,” Charlotte said.

A traveling salesman, he grew up in Camden, New Jersey and met Charlotte when they attended the University of Miami together. He spent six years with the U.S. Marines stateside from 1960 and 1966. Gray was in charge of a combat engineering group and he also handled the loading of weaponry onto ships. He rose to be a captain in the reserves.

Gray went on to a career working for Midas and Ford before he and his wife Charlotte moved to Fort Myers Beach to retire while maintaining a summer residence near Atlantic City.

“He liked the sailboat access in the canal,” Charlotte said. The proximity of Fort Myers Beach to the Gulf of Mexico was ideal for their love of boating. Together, they would travel to Port Royal.

Gray was involved with boating, biking and running groups locally.

In a 2019 interview, Capt. Gray spoke about his great grandfather, who served with the Union Army in the Civil War after enlisting at the age of 16 as a drummer.

He fought with the Second Regiment of Artillery, a Pennsylvania-based outfit which was the largest regiment in the Union. After the war, Gray became the first commander of the American Legion in Camden, New Jersey.

A photo of the Civil War veteran adorned the Grays’ Fort Myers Beach residence and survived Hurricane Ian, along with his military papers.

Captain Gray’s cousin, whose name was also John Wesley Gray, was a pilot who was killed after being shot down in the European Theater during World War II. He remembered going to his cousin’s funeral as a young boy and picking up the shell bullets. His mother helped out in the World War II effort, working in a factory that produced bombs.

He named his son John Wesley Gray, who goes by “Wes.” Wes followed his father into a military career. A naval aviator, he retired with the rank of Commander and served overseas in the Persian Gulf War. “He was very proud to be a Marine and valued his military service,” Wes said of his dad. “He encouraged me to apply for a Navy ROTC scholarship and give it a try.

I wound up making it a career as a naval aviator.”

Wes said his father didn’t start running until he was middle-aged. “My sister and I were in middle school,” he said. “He couldn’t make it around the three-mile river loop without stopping and walking. By our college years, he was competing in marathons. He would sign us up for races to enjoy the fun. Back then I hated getting up early and running them. I smile thinking about that because now I enjoy running, gladly signing myself up for races and am very happy that my wife and kids enjoy running the 5 and 10Ks too.”

“I was a lucky kid and thankful to have him as a dad,” Wes said.

During a 2019 interview, Capt. Gray said his military heritage gave him “a lot of personal value, moral value and direction.”

In the last story the Fort Myers Beach Observer did on Gray’s life, he was repairing his home from Hurricane

Page 9 n Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Remembering Jay Gray

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 10

Lee County has started implementing a one-day-aweek watering schedule in unincorporated Lee County.

Lee County is encouraging residents in the unincorporated areas to visit its Water Smart website, which has been refreshed to reflect the county’s recent amendment to its Water Conservation Ordinance. The website is www.leegov.com/watersmart.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Jan. 16 to amend the ordinance to one-day-a-week watering from the beginning of February through the end of May to conserve water and protect the aquifers.

Odd-numbered addresses may only water on Saturdays and even-numbered addresses and common areas may water on Sundays. No watering can occur 9

a.m. to 5 p.m. Typically, the aquifers peak toward the end of rainy season and show the most stress during the April-May timeframe.

The county has launched an informational and interactive campaign, featuring Captain Conservation, to help the community understand ways to conserve water and the importance of doing so. For example, the county created downloadable, educational coloring pages for children. Visit the Water Smart website for details.

Lee County has had a water conservation ordinance for unincorporated communities since 2005. Last year Lee County worked with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to raise concerns with water levels within the area’s aquifers.

While the Lee County ordinance applies to those in unincorporated Lee County, a comprehensive list of local rules can be found at www.sfwmd.gov/mywateringdays.

All local ordinances have provisions for enforcement of ordinance violations, which vary by community. People in unincorporated Lee County who irrigate outside the permissible days and hours may receive a warning on a first offense and fines following a warning; however, the county’s main objective is education about the ordinance. Neighborhood groups, Homeowners Associations and others are encouraged to share the above link.

Outrigger From page 8 ing the public to use their bathrooms and access the beach through their property to a beach bar they will profit from is not enough of a benefit to our community for what they are asking.”

Wilson said the company doesn’t have an answer yet for exactly what they want to do at the Charley’s site.

“Market will demand what we do on Charley’s,” Wilson said. Wilson said he wanted to see how the town bounces back first. “We want to make sure we don’t get too far in front of our skis,” he said.

One place on the property Wilson vowed not to disturb is the wide, expansive white sand in front of The Outrigger. “It’s one of the deepest parts of the beach,” Wilson said.

In order to be resilient enough to withstand a major hurricane, Wilson said

the height of the first floor will be above 21 feet.

“New buildings like ours will be designed to withstand severe storms,” Wilson said.

Wilson said the newest Federal Emergency Management Agency standards worked in Hurricane Ian for the developers. Their Grandview at Bay Beach tower “withstood the storm remarkably well,” Wilson said.

Other aspects of the plans include a café, meeting space, beach showers and restrooms. London Bay is based in Naples and has developed properties throughout Southwest Florida. One resident called the showers a “stellar” addition on mid-island and south, providing needed amenities for that section of town.

Wilson said the public will have “lot

of opportunities for input as we go through this process.”

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak supports the project. Liszak said there was a need for the developer to build higher than the current code.

“They need to go through the process just like everybody else,” Liszak said.

“They are going to need extra height because of what we’ve gone through. We need our restaurants back. We need our Outrigger back. We need places to go, especially on the south end of the island.”

Liszak said the company had a good track record. “This is a solid company with a proven history of responsible, aesthetically pleasing projects,” she said.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

munity.”

Koss asked if Wilson would be open to either a park “or something different.”

A lot of the town’s landscape and vegetation was lost to Hurricane Ian, he said.

“Do I think we are going to create a park? No,” Wilson said. “The land is very valuable.”

Koss said he understood the land is valuable but said Wilson is also “asking for way above and beyond what we are used to giving anybody.”

After the meeting, Koss said “This town literally formed in an effort to fight over-development. I was a little taken back with the immediate dismissal of the presenter in doing something low impact with the Charlie's site if they are granted more height than our current comp plan allows. I am hoping that this developer as well as others understand that allow-

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Lee County institutes one-day-a-week watering schedule

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 12 Fort Myers Beach Observer

Ian-wrecked Habitat ReStore reopens to huge crowds

By CHUCK BALLARO

roof and severely restricting its ability to do its mission.

Becky Lucas, CEO of Habitat for Humanity for Lee and Hendry Counties, said after sustaining more than two feet of water and finding part of its roof in the parking lot, the decision was to rebuild it, with the fruits of their 16-month efforts celebrated.

“This is our flagship store and we lost 30,000 square feet of merchandise.

Everything here had to go to the Dumpster,” Lucas said. “Over the last two months we’ve asked the community not only to help us rebuild but restocking the store.”

The reopening of the main store has merchandise that’s better than ever in a store that looks better than ever, Lucas said. The result was standing room only, with volunteers helping shoppers to find a place to park.

“We hoped the community would come out to support the opening. Never did we realize we would see such generosity and so

news@breezenewspapers.com

When the Habitat for Humanity ReStore cut the ribbon at its North Fort Myers flagship store to celebrate its reopening, it was expected to be a nice gathering with a nice group of people coming in and buying some of the many things they had stocked.

What was not expected was the need to find parking spaces for the hundreds of people who came ready to get some great deals on everything from glassware to furniture to appliances.

Lines to the checkout aisle stretched all the way to the back of the store, leaving some to wonder if there would be anything left by the end of the day.

Friday was a special day for Habitat for Humanity for Lee and Hendry Counties as it reopened its main ReStore just off Business 41, which was severely damaged in September 2022 by Hurricane Ian, destroying all its merchandise, putting a hole in its

Obituaries

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Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations: 15271 McGregor Blvd., #32, Fort Myers, near the intersection of San Carlos Boulevard.

16133 S. Tamiami Trail, South Fort Myers 9080 Bonita Springs Road, Bonita Springs many of our longtime customers come back,” Lucas said.

The other ReStores in Lee and Hendry counties took up some of the slack, but the flagship location is where much of the money is made to build the houses they sell to qualifying homeowners in need.

In 2021, the flagship store allowed them to build three homes just from the revenue that came from this store in one year, Lucas said. Nearly 20 percent of its revenue came from the stores.

Elisha Baird, vice president of strategic partnership, said this day is long-awaited after the traumatic experience of Ian. “It’s nice to see all of the staff’s hard work that they put in to make this day possible,” Baird said. “I couldn’t imagine having four parking lots packed and having volunteers manage the parking.”

Shoppers didn’t seem to mind waiting in line for a while if it meant getting a great deal. Karen Cochran came from Labelle via Virginia to do some shopping. She has been to several ReStores and knows the kind of things she can get.

“I saw this was reopening and decided why not, you never can tell. We have found things and the longer I’ve stayed the more we get,” Cochran said. “As you walk through, you might see something else.”

New state requirements help protect your home from property fraud

By KEVIN KARNES Guest Comment Criminals shouldn’t be able to steal

your home or property. Yet, for many years, thieves have illegally recorded fraudulent deeds to take a property’s ownership from its rightful owners, and the law required the Clerk’s Office to accept these documents without any exception. Once the document was recorded, someone could rent or sell the

property for profit to an unsuspecting customer, evict a rightful homeowner, or place liens on the property.

On Jan. 1, new state requirements went into effect to help law enforcement investigate this crime and potentially See NEW REQUIREMENTS, page 13

Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt and Councilmember Woodson voted for Safford. Mayor Dan Allers voted for Boan and that Councilmember John King voted for Schoonover. Woodson initially wrote down Boan's name, scratched it out and changed it to Safford.

Stuparich advised the council that it could request more candidates from the public. Council decided not to.

Council could also leave the seat vacant and let voters decide in the November election. The seat's term expires in November and will be up for election for a four-year term along with the seats of Mayor Dan Allers and Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt.

Also applying for a seat was Barbara Hill, who did not receive any votes.

Hill is the chair of the town's Cultural and Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board and vice chair of the town’s Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board.

Hill also is an art curator.

Veach spoke before the counci’'s discussion in support of Hill. Veach said Hill “would be a great asset” for the town and would help make for a “diverse council.” Veach said Hill doesn’t have any business conflicts that could conflict with her duties on the council.

A fifth candidate, retiree Salvatore Pedone, also did not receive any votes from the council.

In addition to sitting on the LPA, Safford owns the Sea Gypsy Inn and owns vacation rental properties in the town.

Schoonover is the owner of a property management company. Boan has previously worked as an administrator and municipal attorney in Illinois.

Sunshine Law on ballots Written ballots are allowed under Florida’s Sunshine Laws. Secret ballots are prohibited.

According to the Florida Attorney General's Government in the Sunshine Manual, “board members are not prohibited from using written ballots to cast a vote as long as the votes are made openly at a public meeting, the name of the person who voted and his or her selection are written on the ballot, and the ballots are maintained and made available for public inspection in accordance with the Public Records Act.” While the council’s votes were tallied at the meeting Monday and read aloud by Stuparich, the attorney did not state which councilmember voted for each candidate. That led the public and the councilmembers themselves unknow-

ing of who voted for each candidate after three separate votes.

Without a public records request, the public would not know which councilmembers voted for each candidate.

The town council followed a similar vote process in October, when the body replaced two members of its Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force who had reapplied for their advisory board seats. The votes were done by written ballot and required multiple votes to break ties.

While the votes were tallied publicly, the votes weren’t announced for each councilmember.

The announcement of votes taken via ballot is suggested.

According to the Florida Attorney General's Government in the the Sunshine Manual, “the person who tallies the votes should announce the names of the persons who voted and their votes” since government meetings are public at all times.

According to the Florida Attorney General's Office Government in the Sunshine Manual if at any time during a public meeting, the proceedings become “covert, secret or not wholly exposed to the view and hearing of the public,” that portion of the meeting is not “open to the public at all times."

provide a government-issued photo ID before the deed is processed. Lee County was chosen to be the state’s pilot location for the program, and my office launched it over the summer. The ID requirement through the program will make it easier for law enforcement to verify the identity of the parties engaged in a property-related transaction and investigate fraudulent activity. We are leading the state in preventing property fraud, and I’m extremely hopeful this will have a huge impact on protecting homeowners.

Even though these are very positive

steps in preventing property fraud, one of the best things you can do if you own a home or land in Lee County is to register for our Property Fraud Alert service.

It is a free service that emails notifications within 24 hours to subscribers when a deed, mortgage or other land record with their registered name on it has been recorded into the county's Official Records. To sign up, visit www.leeclerk.org/fraudalert. It’s a very simple process that just requires your name and email address. You can even register from your phone. This free service is a more trusted alternative to certain

companies you may see advertised on TV or online, which are for-profit entities that sometimes make guarantees they cannot fulfill. You can also register properties owned by a business or those held in a trust.

You’ve worked really hard for your home. It’s where you raise your families and build positive memories. Someone shouldn’t be able to steal it by recording one fraudulent document.

Kevin Karnes is the Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

keep it from happening.

In addition to the previously required two witness signatures, property deeds now must have the post office address of each witness legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped on the deed. This statewide change is a result of HB 1419, which state lawmakers and I initiated to make it harder to file fraudulent deeds. It’s just one more layer of protection for property owners.

Another key part of HB 1419 is the Title Fraud Prevention Through Identity Verification Pilot Program, which requires all persons listed on a deed to

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

New requirements From page 12

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Vacant seat From page 1

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 14 Fort Myers Beach Observer

Settled From page 1 owners of the boardwalk would agree to close the boardwalk in the future if an imperiled bird nest is found within 150 feet of the bridge.

Rood and Kroemer are also to encourage a group of property owners who have blocked Florida Audubon from using their properties for monitoring bird nests, to rescind their letters.

Rood and several neighbors who stand to gain access to the walkover were among those who led a neighbor-

hood letter-writing campaign to Florida Audubon to block them from accessing parts of their property.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council voted Monday to approve the settlement though Florida Audubon Executive Director Julie Wraithmail said she considered the council's approval “largely ceremonial” as she said Florida Audubon didn't negotiate with the town's attorneys on the settlement.

In statement, Rood said “Everyone won, Kurt and I, our neighborhood, the Town Of Fort Myers Beach, and the Audobon.”

Rood said “money that has been spent on legal fees on all three sides of this battle could have been used to do so much good on our island and that’s what really lost. It was our island that ultimately paid the price of this ordeal.”

Opponents of the walkover have been quick to point out that the Town of Fort Myers Beach did not expend any funds during this latest round of litigation as the Vose Law Firm does not charge the town for litigation matters.

Wraithmail said she believed a campaign of misinformation led to the negative hostilities from the neighborhood in turning against Florida Audubon. The organization had worked for many years as a partner with the town and neighborhood to protect dune systems and the threatened birds in the area.

While Wraithmail said Florida Audubon disputed some of the characterizations of where public access ends in the letters from the neighbors of the walkover, she believes it's better to have an agreement with the property owners.

“It’s better to resolve all concerns,” Wraithmail said. “We don’t want to put our volunteers in a position of being trespassed.”

Wraithmail said some of the property owners had argued that their land rights extended to the Gulf of Mexico, which Wraithmail said was incorrect. In the event that the property owners do not rescind their letters, Wraithmail said Florida Audubon staff would still be able to do their work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission from the beach near the water’s edge though it would be “more complicated,” she said.

Rood said he would work to notify the property owners of the settlement and encourage them to allow Florida Audubon to return to their previous activities.

“I am going to advise them of the cooperation of the Audubon to dismiss the lawsuit and recommend they resume allowing the Audubon on their properties to assist in the bird monitoring,” Rood said.

Among the property owners who sent out letters opposing Florida Audubon's access to their properties to monitor and protect bird nests are major condominium developments Island’s End, Castle Beach and Carlos Pointe Beach Club.

Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Karen Woodson credited the letter-writing campaign with leading to the settlement though Wraithmail said “that was not what drove the settlement.”

Florida Audubon was concerned with a recent decision by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that wouldn't have required an additional review of a permit for the walkover.

As part of the settlement, Kroemer and Rood also agree to drop their litigation against the DEP challenging state ownership of the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area.

Fort Myers Beach is the only place in the state outside the Florida peninsula where all four threatened bird species in the state nest.

“The beach is a resource and all the wildlife who live there are a resource for all of the people of Florida,” Wraithmail said. “People care about Fort Myers Beach because it’s not just sterile sand. They have shells to find and the wildlife adds to its beauty.”

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Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

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Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 18 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Giving manatees their space

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

With the winter season bringing cooler temperatures to Florida waters, the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, Inc. and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are reminding the public to not approach, follow or interact with manatees. Manatees will be seen traveling for warmer waters and some have been tagged by MRP to track their movements.

Careful boating is also encouraged.

Lee County led the state in manatee mortalities last year with 110 deaths, more than twice the number of any county in the state.

The MRP works with private, state and federal entities to collaborate on the rescue, rehabilitation, release, and postrelease monitoring of manatees who may become endangered from cold water temperatures or who lose too much weight from lack of food or polluted waters. They will be releasing more than a dozen manatees back into their natural habitats in Florida this month.

"The gear we deploy on manatees

allows us to monitor their movement and behavior. When an animal loses their tracking gear, we become very concerned that they might not make it. It is their lifeline for us to provide assistance and rescue if needed,” said Monica Ross, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, partnering agency responsible for the monitoring of MRP manatees.

Ross said a rehabilitated manatee was released released at a warm water site last winter but had her tracking gear removed by a citizen. Unable to find warm water, Asha died from cold exposure near Jacksonville in January. Craig Miller, Curator of Manatee Conservation at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens said that if the manatee still had her GPS gear, "the MRP would have known she was in toocold waters, and we could have intervened and saved her life. Not only are the partners in the MRP incredibly dedicated, but we all share the common goal of seeing manatees living freely in the wild.”

Many of the manatees being released are considered high-risk and are outfitted with satellite tracking gear that allows the MRP to monitor them closely as they are

FILE PHOTO

reintroduced back into their natural habitat.

It is important for members of the public to report tagged manatees or any manatee in distress to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1888-404-3922.

“We ask that if anyone has any concerns for a manatee to not try to intervene but immediately report your information to the FWC Wildlife hotline number at 1888-404-3922. Our biologist will reach out to you for more information to evaluate the case and decide if a rescue is needed. Your report could save a life, help us help them,” says Andy Garrett, FWC

Statewide Stranding Coordinator.

The number of manatee mortalities in 2023 was down from 2022 when 800 manatee deaths were reported in Florida.

Brevard County led the state last year in what was considered a major starving epidemic due to pollution, loss of seagrass and cooler water temperatures. Lee County was second in the state in manatee deaths in 2022. The decrease in manatee deaths last year could be due to fewer manatees in the state's waters. Manatees were long on the federal Endangered Species List before being removed in 2017.

principal and member of The Purple Group of Lee County. It is a non-partisan group of residents who believe high-quality public schools should welcome all stu-

dents and their families as the bedrock of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic democracy.

For more information, visit on YouTube @ThePurpleGroupLeeCountyF-vw4kg.

Education From page 4 effort, attend and speak at school board meetings, volunteer, speak to your child's teachers and guidance counselors, write letters to your legislators and do your due

diligence to make Lee County schools halls of excellence, not vaults of shame.

Jill Pellis is a retired public school

WHAT TO DO

WHO TO SEE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7, 2024

VISIT US ONLINE FORTMYERSBEACHTALK.COM

Cape Coral Animal Shelter to hold ‘Puppy Bowl II’ on Feb. 11 —Page 20

Page 19 n Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024

WHERE TO GO

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

STAFF REPORT wo days of music are planned for April at The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers with the “Rock the Arches” concert to celebrate the birthday of the former Fort Myers Beach Arches 100 years ago.

The concert is a fundraiser for Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, a nonprofit organization working on a commemorative arches replica project at Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach. The organization has been selling etched bricks for a pathway planned for the front of the park.

“We are trying to finish our seven-year project,” Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches founder Steven Ray McDonald said. “Much more Fort Myers Beach history was washed away by Hurricane Ian. This is an opportunity to put some history back on the beach. The means by which we do that is the fourth annual Rock The Arches Music Festival.” The festival had previously been sidelined by Hurricane Ian and the COVID pandemic.

McDonald noted that the large mural of the Arches that was on the wall in the town council chambers at town hall was also destroyed by Hurricane Ian.” “This year we have put together our biggest fundraiser and show ever and we are counting on the community to come together and attend. It is risky for us. But, every dollar we raise will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Moss Marina and Arches Bayfront,” McDonald said.

The concert will also include arts and crafts, raffles and silent auctions.

The Fort Myers Beach Arches stood for more than 50 years as the gateway to Fort Myers Beach and a draw bridge until being bulldozed to make way for the Matanzas Pass Bridge.

For further information on Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches and the "Rock the Arches" show, visit the organization's Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/19QBTkTft or contact McDonald by email at

T

‘Rock the Arches’ at Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers April 6-7

FILE PHOTOS

The Fort Myers Beach Arches stood for more than 50 years as the gateway to Fort Myers Beach and a draw bridge until being bulldozed to make way for the Matanzas Pass Bridge.

A piece of the old Fort Myers Beach Arches. mickyds2002@yahoo.com. McDonald said the organization is still looking for vendors.

The organization has also posted a promotional video on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=ngMz35qx6us.

Tickets are on sale at www.rockthearches.com.

insidetoday Pet Pals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Cost $13 a day, $70 VIP All proceeds benefit the Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, Inc. a 501(C)3 Saturday April 6 ** Rock & Roll Day w/SWF MOPARs Plus Car Show ** ∫ 11-11:30 a.m. – David Rojas Jr - Performance Guitarist & Vocalist ∫ Noon – 1:15 p.m. – Dirty Work - Hard Rock Rhythm & Blues ∫ 1:45 - 3 p.m. - Rock Republic - Classic Rock ∫ 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. - Rock Candy - Classic Arena Rock & 80s Hair Band ∫ 5:15 - 7 p.m. - Hairdaze - Amazing 80s Rock Show Sunday April 7 ** Country Day w/Savage 4X4 Truck Show ** ∫ 11-11:30 a.m. – Matrasa Lynn - Nashville Recording Artist ∫ Noon - 1 p.m. - Champ Jaxon Band – Local 12 Year Old Superstar – Southern Rock ∫ 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. – A'finnity Band - Country & Southern Rock ∫ 3 - 4 p.m. – Way Out South – Country Acoustic Trio ∫ 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Hillbilly Ryezin – Old School Outlaw Country ∫ 6 - 7 p.m. – Unforgiven - High Energy Country Band Tickets on sale at www.rockthearches.com

Sports & Recreation . . . . .26

What’s Happening . . . . . . .24

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Lineup set for April show to commemorate 100th anniversary of island entrance

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 20 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Cape Coral Animal Shelter to hold ‘Puppy Bowl II’ on Feb. 11 Public invited to stop by and see all the 'adorable' action On Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter will be featuring its very own “Puppy Bowl II” on social media, but this year, staff is inviting the public to come to the shelter in person and watch the cutest puppies to ever hit the gridiron!

Sadly, shelters like CCAS almost always have puppies that have been abandoned, neglected or unwanted. Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to care for these puppies, making sure they have proper socialization at such a crucial time in their lives. Play time is very important for them, so a fun game of football is the perfect outlet for all that “puppy energy.”

Liz McCauley, executive director of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter explained how Puppy Bowl I came about.

“Last year, CCAS decided to share this fun puppy playtime with the public on social media, and with just a few

days of preparation, we launched our very first Puppy Bowl I," she said.

"We recorded each segment on Saturday and posted them on Sunday.

As we started posting them, people were calling and coming to the shelter to ask if they could watch our Puppy Bowl. We had no idea it would be so popular!”

“Unfortunately, there seems to be an uprise in the number of puppies that are abandoned, unwanted or neglected throughout Florida” said CCAS Board President and founder JoAnn Elardo.

“While puppies are, of course, adorable, it’s sad to see when there are just so many dogs in shelters in our state waiting for forever homes.

However, these puppies will be spayed/neutered, microchipped and up

to date on all vaccines before we send them off to their forever home. That is a great start in life for all of them!”

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter has facilitated free and low cost spay and neuter clinics to encourage everyone to help control the overpopulation of pets in our community and beyond.

The public is invited to come to our shelter at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, at 11 a.m. to watch our Puppy Bowl II — complete with our star umpire and cheerleaders. While the event is free, donations are always greatly appreciated.

The “Puppy Bowl I” referee with his arms full of participating “players.” PHOT0 PROVIDED

door space for the children to play and large dining area for family meals, there also are rooms dedicated to every age group. From little ones, to teens, to caregivers, each group has their own space designed for them to come together to support one another through healing activities and discussions,” she said.

Valerie’s House has helped more than 5,000 children and their families since its founding in 2016 by Angela Melvin Churchill, whose mother, Valerie, was killed in a car accident in Fort Myers in 1987.

One in seven children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 25, according to the 2022 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.

Valerie’s House currently offers peer support groups and other activities at locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. Valerie's House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations.

For more information about Valerie’s House or to make a donation to the Forever Home, visit www.valerieshouse.org/forever-home call 239-2045804.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

The Butterfly Room in the “Family is Forever” home in Fort Myers. es, and family retreats to support families who need it.

“From the moment you walk through the doors we want families to feel at home. Along with a beautiful out-

About Valerie’s House Valerie’s House opened its first location in Fort Myers in January 2016 and has served more than 5,000 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties. The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member. Valerie’s House has three Southwest Florida locations: 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers, 819 Myrtle Terrace in Naples and 233 East McKenzie Street in Punta Gorda.

Valerie’s House also expanded into Northwest Florida in 2021 with a home in downtown Pensacola. For more information, visit www.valerieshouse.org

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Valerie’s House will celebrate the grand opening of its new “Family is Forever” home Thursday, March 14, with a ribbon-cutting and tours of the new facility at 3551 Shoemaker Lane, now known as 3551 Valerie’s House Way, in Fort Myers.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m., attended by Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson, Fort Myers City Council and Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce members along with members of other local chambers of commerce. Tours will follow until 7 p.m.

An open house is set for the following day, Friday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those unable to attend the Thursday celebration who would like to tour the home. The public and media are invited to join in the celebration.

Sponsorships of the grand opening are available from $500 to $10,000 that include mentions on social media, television recognition, publication printing as well as branding at the event. For information, please contact Sterling Lund at sterling.lund@valerieshouse.org.

A total of $3 million has been raised toward the cost of the new home, which is built on land donated by the city of Fort Myers under a $1 per year lease.

“We are incredibly grateful to all of the people and organizations who have made this possible,” said CEO Angela Melvin Churchill. “Having this space will open the door to building more partnerships, educating our community and most importantly, giving us the needed space to help thousands more families and children who are grieving.”

The home is a cozy, warm, old Florida style structure, with special rooms like a volcano room, which allows children to work out any anger or other emotions they have because of their loss. The 7,000-square-foot facility will allow Valerie’s House to provide wrap-around services, such as individual grief counseling, parenting class-

Page 21 n Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Grand opening of Valerie’s House ‘Family is Forever’ home scheduled for March 14

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 22 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Tickets available now for Southwest Florida Ag Expo Buy your advance tickets now for the 2024 Southwest Florida Ag Expo, including the $25 MEGAPASS, at www.swflagexpo.com.

The MEGAPASS includes gate admission and a wristband for unlimited mechanical rides on one day of your choice. Get your MEGAPASS early; sales end when the Ag Expo begins on Feb.29.

General gate admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-11.

Children 3 and under are free. Retired and active military receive free gate admission all day, every day. Must present Military ID, service members only.

Whether you go for the animal exhibitions, the steer auction, the midway thrills

or the sweet and savory treats, Lee County invites one and all to the Ag Expo from Feb. 29 through March 10.

Promotional nights are offered throughout the Ag Expo. Join us opening day, Feb. 29, for dollar night. Receive $1 admission and $1 ride tickets. Gates open at 4 p.m. following the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Tickets for promotional nights are only offered at the gate. For additional promotional night offers, visit www.swflagexpo.com.

The Ag Expo at Lee County Civic Center Complex, 11831 Bayshore Road, celebrates the work and accomplishments of Southwest Florida youth active in 4-H, FFA and more while offering fun, food

and rides for the entire community.

The county has created a website and social media channel for the Ag Expo.

The complete schedule of events, special promotions, ticketing and parking information will be posted at www.swflagexpo.com or visit Facebook for SWFL Ag Expo at www.facebook.com/swflagexpo.

Please bookmark the website and follow the Facebook page, as event details and information will continue to be added.

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

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

IMAG announces Super-Spectacular Spring Break Camp March 18-22 The IMAG History & Science Center has announced its Super-Spectacular Spring Break Camp Monday, March 18 through Friday, March 22. When school is out, camp is in.

IMAG camps bring inspiration to life for campers with science, technology, engineering, art and math. This week of camp promises to be super-spectacular with live animal encounters, museum explorations, interactive science experiments, Science-on-a Sphere shows and tank-time at the StingRay Bay Touch Tank for campers to discover the wonders of sea life.

In addition, Camp IMAG has many special activities planned for campers including its Stones and Bones (geology and paleontology) Workshops, Tech Trek Inventor Events (using Spheros, Hex Bugs, and Makey Makey), Ooops-or-Ahhh Egg-Drop Challenges (engineering protective “egg vessels”) and the IMAG Aerodynamics Lab where inspiration takes flight as campers let their imaginations soar. Campers can also participate in the Green Grow Garden Party where they plant seeds, learn how plants and flowers grow and celebrate the sensation of nature.

Camp IMAG camps are inspiring, fun and educational for your child with hands-on activities, explorations, events, and fun.

The IMAG History & Science Center is at 2000 Cranford Ave. in Fort Myers. To register for camp, please visit theIMAG.org. For additional information about IMAG or the spring break camp, please call 239-2430043.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will hold its final Pine Island Sounds of the season on Feb. 11 featuring Casey Dreissen.

SCCF to host Pine Island Sounds The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s final Pine Island Sounds cruise will feature Casey Dreissen on Feb. 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; it will depart from McCarthy’s Marina, at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva.

A GRAMMY-nominated fiddle

player, he loves to experiment, collaborate, teach, travel and push the boundaries of not only his fivestring fiddle, but of what it means to be an independent working musician in the modern music industry.

Tickets are $100 and include light bites and one complimentary cock-

tail, thanks to SCCF supporters Jack Thomas and Janie Howland. A cash bar will also be available. The event proceeds will support the SCCF's research and programs to protect the local water quality. For more information or tickets, visit sccf.org/pine-island-sounds.

Month-long Jewish Film Festival under way For the past 27 years, the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties has sponsored a landmark film festival that attracts viewers of all faiths and ethnicities.

The 28th annual Film Festival opened Thursday, Feb. 1, and offers a selection of films that provide unique insights into the Jewish religious and cultural experience in modern times and throughout history. This year, the event will be held during the entire month of February with 11 feature-length films.

The feature-length films highlight various important and interesting aspects of Jewish life and culture in the United States and worldwide. For this event, the federation

has assembled an impressive list of 11 feature films and documentaries from around the world.

Launching the festival Thursday was “Dead Sea Guardian,” a saga of three historic enemies who join forces to stop the impending catastrophe of the death of the lowest place on earth and a wonder of the world.

This premiere was followed by the Feb. 4 matinee of “Remembering Gene Wilder,” that chronicles the life of the legendary comic actor, his iconic collaborations with Mel Brooks and his unforgettable portrayal of Willie Wonka.

For the entire month, on Tuesdays and

Thursdays, documentaries and dramas based on true stories will offer insights into the lives of Holocaust survivors and other aspect of Jewish life and the influence of Jewish culture in the U.S. and worldwide.

According to Federation Executive Director Deborah Sanford, “Modern film has become a common idiom of cross-cultural understanding and empathy. This certainly includes Jewish themed movies that depict Jewish life as a matter of our human experience. Our Film Festival serves not only to expose the local Jewish community to contemporary Jewish-themed film, but to illuminate the Jewish experience locally and globally for audiences of all backgrounds.”

This is certainly true of the gripping World War II drama, “Farewell, Haffman.”

Set in Nazi-occupied France, it centers on a Jewish tailor who risks everything to forge identities and document that help others escape the horrors of the Holocaust.

All films are either in English or subtitled. Showings will be at the Regal BellTower Theater in South Fort Myers.

Tuesday and Thursday screenings begin at 7:15 p.m., and the matinee on Sunday, Feb. 25, begins at 3 p.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets for individual films or the complete series, please visit jewishfederation lcc.org/JFF2024

Fort Myers Beach is continuing its run of the Bayside Park Concert Series at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach. The concert Series is presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Title Sponsors are Wahoo Willie’s and Snug Harbor Restaurant and the series sponsor is Current Coastal Realty.

Each week the Concert series will delight attendees with a different local

band, giving the community a chance to sit back, relax and end their weekend with a beautiful sunset concert on the back bay. Check the Bayside Park Concert Series website at https://www.fortmyersbeach.org/events/bayside-concert-series/ for additional performances as the series will continue into 2024 with more bands announced each week.

Concerts begin each Sunday at 4 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. Lawn chairs and well-behaved pets on a 6-foot or less leash are encouraged, however there will be no outside food or beverage permitted. Events are weather per-

mitting and are free to the public.

Attendees are encouraged to come early and support the recovering businesses on Fort Myers Beach by spending the night for a quick staycation, doing a bit of shopping, or enjoying lunch or dinner. For information on who is open for business, visit https://www.fortmyersbeach.org/whos-openfor-business/ . Plenty of parking is available in the area around the base of the Matanzas Pass Bridge.

For more information, contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber at 239-454-7500 or visit https://www.fortmyersbeach.org/.

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

The Boy Scouts of Troop 761, Cape Coral/North Fort Myers have announced the group has a limited number of Street Seats for the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade on Saturday, Feb. 17.

Street Seats are offered in partnership with the Edison Festival of Light. Street Seats are located on the "best" spot of the parade route on Edison Drive and Jackson Street. Street Seats are the most convenient way to enjoy the Grand Parade.

Purchasers just arrive and a great seat is reserved especially for them with their name on it!

Street Seats can be purchased at http://streetseats.net for $15 each. Quantities are limited!

Proceeds are split between the Edison Festival and the Scouts. Proceeds received by the Scouts help offset the cost of summer camp.

About the Edison Festival of Lights The Edison Festival of Light celebrates the achievements of Thomas Edison with numerous community events. The Grand Parade, a two-hour extravaganza featuring national participants and local marching bands, floats, local government and law enforcement officials, clowns and much more, is considered the largest night parade in the Southeast.

About BSA Troop 761 Boy Scout Troop 761 is based in Cape Coral/North Fort Myers. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.”

The scouting organization is composed of more than 1 million youth members between the ages of 5 and 21 and more than 628,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Boy Scout Troop 761 has Street Seats available for Edison Pageant of Light

CITY OF SANIBEL

Lighthouse Beach reopens to public The city of Sanibel reported that the Lighthouse Beach Parking lots reopened on Feb. 3. Officials thanked the community for its patience as crews worked to renourish the beach near the Sanibel Lighthouse. For more information about the beach renourishment project, visit www.mysanibel.com.

Shell museum to host sunrise stroll The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will host a guided Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Stroll on Feb. 8 at 6 a.m. at the Lighthouse Beach Park, at 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Participants will join a marine biologist to learn about local mollusks and their shells and to search for live mollusks during low tide. They will also gain a closer under-

Page 23 n Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Bayside Park Concert Series continues with new local bands each week

standing of molluscan biology and biodiversity. Registration is required. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for museum members and ages 17 and under; parking is not included. For more information or to register, contact Associate Director of Education Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum.org or visit ShellMuseum.org/sunrise-stroll.

Volunteers sought for habitat restoration The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Coastal Watch is signing up volunteers for a mangrove habitat restoration on Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at the York Island Preserve.

Volunteers will assist SCCF and

MANG staff in planting a few hundred mangroves; boat transportation will be provided. For more information or to sign up, visit https://dash.pointapp.org /events/119899.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 24 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

WHAT’S HAPPENING Country Artist Aaron Lewis to take the Stage at Seminole Casino Hotel Feb. 8 Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes #1 Billboard country artist Aaron Lewis performing live Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 with gates opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. General admission tickets for this outdoor concert are $39.50. VIP tickets start at $54.50 per ticket and include reserved seating and two complimentary drinks (beer, wine or soda). Tickets will be available Friday from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. Parking is free.

Having recorded with George Jones, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill, Lewis has put a traditionalist brand on his outlier country. His latest album, “Frayed At Both Ends,” offers the hard touring, 15million selling workingman’s country star at his most personal and unplugged, making for an intimate record that reflects his 2024 acoustic tour.

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is at 506 South 1st St., Immokalee.

Lee County Community Band to present Big Band Blowout Feb. 11 Prepare for an afternoon of spirited marches and Big Band favorites Sunday, Feb. 11, as Lee County Community Band presents Big Band Blowout. This free concert is set for 3 p.m. at Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd., North Cape Coral.

Under the direction of Gil Peltola, the band will perform Sousa’s "The Thunderer;" "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy;" "Salute the Duke!," a tribute to Duke Ellington; Sinatra in Concert, "Blue Tango," and more, plus pieces by vocalists Jann Fenn and Fred Lamb.

The band performs six concerts between November and April; all programs this year take place at Mariner High School beginning at 3 p.m. The concerts are free (donations welcome) and open to the public.

Additional concert dates are March 10 and April 7.

A legend in Southwest Florida, the 62-member adult band is comprised of career and amateur musicians and welcomes new members every year. Persons interested in joining may phone 603-600-9052.

For additional information, email the band at LeeCountyCommunityBand@gmail.org or visit www.leecountyband.org.

Roaring ‘20s jazz concert Feb. 23 at Edison and Ford Winter Estates On Friday, Feb. 23, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host a Rroaring ‘20s jazz concert, featuring Liz "Honey" Heath and a five-piece band. The concert will take place on the historic Ford lawn along the Caloosahatchee River. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30.

Heath sings professionally all across Florida, and currently performs with Nightbird, a Stevie Nicks tribute. The accomplished band members joining her are Jay Heavilin on upright bass, Brad Brown on piano, Steve Silverstein on drums and Jay Heath on saxophone.

As part of the second Rhythm on the River concert of the season, guests can take in a beautiful river view and possibly see a spectacular sunset. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests should bring a folding lawn chair and dress appropriately for the weather. No coolers or picnic baskets are permitted. Free parking is available in the Edison Ford lots only.

Individual tickets purchased in advance are $30 for Edison Ford members or $35 for non-members. Individual ticket holders should bring a lawn chair. A VIP seating area may be reserved by the table for $275 (for up to five people); table ticket price includes the use of a table and chairs. Purchase tickets at EdisonFord.org.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the internationally known winter home site of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. More than 220,000 visitors walk through the location each year from all around the globe. The property is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures," a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site.

The Edison Botanic Laboratory is a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The site is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and until 9 p.m. during the month of December for Holiday

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bonita Springs Fair to be held Feb. 9-18 The Bonita Springs Fair will take place Feb. 9-18, on the grounds of the Bonita Springs Poker Room (formerly the Naples-Ft. Myers Greyhound Track) at 10601 Bonita Beach Road.

Beginning Friday, Feb. 9, hours will be Fridays: 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturdays: 3 to 11 p.m.; and Sundays: 3 to 10 p.m. Midweek; Monday through Thursday will be 5 to 10 p.m..

Attendees will find all their fair favorites including free family entertainment, thrill, amusement, and kiddie rides, challenging games of skill, merchandise vendors and delicious fair food.

This year’s shows and attractions include The Magic of Lance Gifford, Rosaries’ Royal Racing Pigs, The Victoria Thrill Circus and a giant petting corral. All shows are free with fair admission.

The Bonita Springs Fair also features more than 30 state-fair style amusement rides and a large Kiddieland Nights.

21st Annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit to be held March 7 Join us at the Sam Galloway Ford dealership on Thursday, March 7, for the 21st Annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit.

The annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit is an integral part of our annual fundraising. Our outreach programs including Sam’s Community Café, Mobile Food Pantries, Growing Healthy Kids & Families, Meals on Wheels, and Social Services & Education Resources are vital to tens of thousands of people. We are a key support organization to a community and fundraising dollars are what keep our doors open!

Our mission of alleviating hunger and homelessness is more important now than ever and as we enter 2024 the need will not go away. For 40 years the Southwest Florida community has kept our doors open with its generous and unwavering support and we are committed to serving and supporting our community as long as there is a need.

We are excited to gather again for this signature event to raise money to continue fighting hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida!

Questions? Call 239-332-7687 ext. 101 or email Jade@CommunityCooperative.com.

with a tremendous selection for kids, families and thrill seekers alike. The Giant Ferris Wheel stands over 100 feet tall and the carnival midway will be packed with games, prizes, fun, and of course, everyone’s favorite fair food.

Admission and ride tickets can be purchased on site each day at the fair. The best pricing is at BonitaFair.com, including combo tickets good for express entry admission and unlimited rides, half-price BOGO admission coupons, and other deeply-discounted ticket packages.

Pre-opening discount admission and ride packages are available at BonitaFair.com until the fair opens at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9. Additional purchase options and promotions will be added once the fair is open.

Regular admission including all entertainment will be $10 and unlimited rides will be $30 on site at the Fair.

4th Annual Airing of the Quilts Spring Fair to be held March 16 Join Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church, Saturday, March 16, for the 4th Annual “Airing of the Quilts Spring Fair,” one of Lee County’s largest outdoor charitable quilt shows! Dozens of quilts will be hung between the oak trees in in the front yard of the church.

To view the quilts in advance please visit www.loveinablanket.com Located at the corner of McGregor & Colonial Boulevards, Saint Hilary’s is pleased to offer this free family event with the proceeds going towards the Local Outreach Ministry in their own community. Along with the quilts, there will be Craft Vendors, Farmer’s Market Vendors, Concessions, A Ministry Fair, a Spring Hymn Sing and Church Open House.

Free Onsite Parking.

Nice Guys Production and Seminole Casino to present Fakefest April 20 Get ready to rock and roll as Nice Guys Production and Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee present Fakefest, an electrifying outdoor tribute concert event featuring some of the best tribute bands in the nation, on Saturday, April 20, from 2 to 10:30 p.m. Fakefest also will feature food trucks and craft vendors. Admission and parking are free.

See WHAT’S HAPPENING, page 27

Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue

Give them a chance

By ISABELLE WELLS Co-founder of the Find a Home, Give a Home pet rescue organization of Fort Myers Beach

We always try to keep pairs together. Look at those eyes. It is hard enough to be an abandoned dog then you get so disappointed when your own owner doesn’t claim you. If you can foster, adopt, donate, transport, please consider helping. Give them a chance.

Met them and they are so adorable. One last chance!

Help a pair!

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Snoopy and Trigger are in a shelter and, unfortunately for them, they could be separated for life. Very cute and very social dogs who have been together for over six years. They came in as strays and were not claimed. They are lucky they are still alive due to the overpopulation of shelters. If you have a little room in your heart please consider helping to middle-aged boys who deserve staying together. When I visited the shelter Snoopy had a hard time being behind bars. He is 7 years old and weighs 31 pounds and Trigger, the little chi, is 6 years old and weighs 20 pounds (could loose a couple of pounds.)

If you are interested in saving their lives and keeping them together please contact via text or call Isabelle 239-281-0739.

Page 25 n Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024

PET PALS

Island pets seeking forever homes

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Snoopy and Trigger

Please note our new PO Box #864, Bonita Springs, Fl 34133 You can also make a donation at www.findahomegiveahome.com using the donation tab using PayPal Please make sure you do it through “Friends and Family” so there is no fee and all the donation comes to us directly.

Save Our Strays Feline Rescue Fort Myers Beach

Donations are very much appreciated

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com Founder of Save Our Strays Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach

We are still in need of kitten wet food, fancy feast or pro plan chicken or turkey pates. Can be dropped off at the rescue on Estero Boulevard or at the Pet Supermarket on College and 41. Thanks much to those have sent food from Chewey.

Your donations are much appreciated.

Be on the lookout for properties being boarded up. Cats are being locked up behind these boarded up places whether it be homes or resorts. Space should be left at the bottom of at least 4 or 5 inches so animals, especially cats can get out. Unfortunately, this is not

Be on the lookout for properties being boarded up. Cats are being locked up behind these boarded up places whether it be homes or resorts. Space should be left at the bottom of at least 4 or 5 inches so animals, especially cats can get out.

being done. Very sad news re our Tuxie 12-year-old cat that made it through a Catefory 5 hurricane only to die at the Presbyterian Church, which was demolished.

There are still many domestic cats out there lost from homes that were destroyed and owners had left the island.

They were used to living inside so naturally they will look for shelter.

Two special needs kitties need special home Jed and Luke are sibling brothers who each have different situations. Jed is a dwarf cat and will never get any bigger than he is. (a kitten forever) He only weighs 5 pounds and is very quiet. The vet said he was failure to thrive; however his blood work was excellent proving that to be false.

Rather than play he prefers to watch the others running around. He and his brother luke are very bonded. Luke was born with swimmer legs and could not walk at all on his hind legs. This is usually only

found in puppies. He had to be lifted to stand and eat his food. The vet said he could grow out of it and he did. After Ian we had to move off the beach temporarily to an all carpeted home and it was here for six weeks that he gradually gained strength in his legs from being on all carpet and was soon running around, the only good that came out of Ian. These two special boys need to be adopted together. They will be two years old in July.

Visit our website at SaveOurStraysfmb.org Check out our facebook page Save our Strays Feline Rescue Email us at saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com. Cat donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 5014, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Follow us on Facebook at Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue and see all the amazing pets we saved these past few months

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 26 Fort Myers Beach Observer

SPORTS & RECREATION Preseason Baseball Classic at Terry Park to honor the life of Jackson Eyre On Feb. 13 and 15, Terry Park in Fort Myers will host a Preseason Baseball Classic dedicated to honoring the life of Jackson Eyre, a local resident who lost his life in a car accident last summer. Jackson, who had aspirations to attend Fort Myers Technical College, will be remembered through this special event aimed at celebrating his passion for family and friends and his commitment to love life.

February events for Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers, presents the following: ∫ Feb. 14 - Nature Speaker Series: Early Nature Artists in Florida Christopher Fasolino will talk about his book, Early Nature Artists in Florida. Florida’s amazing landscapes and fascinating wildlife were sources of inspiration for early naturalists seeking new horizons. Chris's engaging book, highlighting the art and travels of Mark Catesby, William Bartram and John James Audubon, is available for sale in our gift shop now and will be available for sale the night of the presentation. Doors open at 6:30 pm, event starts at 7 pm. Free for CNCP members, $15 for non-members. Register at calusanature.org. ∫ Feb. 21 - Planetarium Premiere 7 p.m.: Tales of a Time Traveler - Grab your companion for our planetarium's premiere showing of Tales of a Time Traveler, narrated by Dr. Who's David Tennant, as he guides us on a cosmic journey through space and - of course - time! Free for CNCP members and $15 for non-members. Register at calusanature.org ∫ Feb 25 - Night Hike 6:30-8 p.m.

Watch the sky for bats, listen for owls, and search the night sky for constellations. Through a series of hands-on activities, you will learn how animals use their senses to thrive in the darkness. This walk starts just after sunset so please wear close-toed shoes and be prepared for rain and mosquitoes. These night hikes are an awesome educational experience with minimal flashlight use. While wonderful for most ages, it may not be appropriate for very young children. $20 per person. Register at calusanature.org. ∫ Feb 28 - Explore the Shore Join us the fourth Wednesday of every month for a beachcombing trip at Bowditch Point Park from 8:30 - 9:30 a,m. Have you ever wondered what animals used to live in the shells you find at the beach?

Or how to identify all the little birds flying and feeding along the shoreline? Maybe you’ve wondered how the dune plants can withstand big storms? And what about those weird, slimy blobs that wash up on the sand when the tide goes out? Come along on a beachcombing trip where one of our naturalists will answer these questions and more. You’ll learn about all sorts of impressive wildlife found on our local beaches as well as how to find and identify them.

Participants will meet a Naturalist at Bowditch Point parking lot and be aware there is an extra $2 parking fee per hour. You will be outside at the beach for the whole program. Please dress accordingly and bring your preferred sunscreen & bug spray, plenty of water, a hat, and closed-toed shoes that can get wet. $20 per person. Registration required at calusanature.org.

The Classic, organized by the South Fort Myers Boosters and athletic department, will feature baseball matches showcasing talent from across the region. The participating teams are Bonita Springs High, Canterbury School, Community School of Naples, Evangelical Christian School, Gateway High, Oasis Charter and South Fort Myers High.

In tribute to Jackson's memory and his ambition to pursue higher education at FMTC, all proceeds generated from the Preseason Baseball Classic will be directed towards establishing a scholarship fund. This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student, allowing them to follow in Jackson's footsteps and pursue their academic goals at FMTC.

Women to tackle inshore saltwater fishing at ‘Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing’ Gulf Coast University The popular “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”

University returns to the Gulf Coast March 2324, 2024 for their saltwater inshore fishing seminar weekend at Bass Pro Shops Fort Myers.

Hosted by the nonprofit Ladies Let's Go Fishing Foundation, the event offers classroom instruction, hands-on fishing activities, conservation, networking and optional guided boat fishing. No equipment or experience is required.

Perfect for women, men and teens who want to learn local fishing, this “No-Yelling School of Fishing” offers an immersive fishing educational experience on Saturday from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

The sessions begin with presentations by Captain Barry Nicholls “Cuda” on inshore/backcountry fishing, equipment usage and conservation. In the afternoon are hands-on fishing skill practice for releasing, dehooking/conservation, knot tying, lure usage, fly, spin and net casting, fish PHOTO PROVIDED fighting techniques and more conducted by local Participants of 2023 at Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Gulf Coast guides.

On Sunday, participants can opt to fish from seminar March 18-19, 2023. flats charters. ∫ April 19-21, 2024 Florida Saltwater Weekend Bass Pro Shops is located at Gulf Coast Town Center, Seminar Fort Lauderdale, FL 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33913. ∫ May 17-19, 2024 Keys Fishing Learning on the Registration of $89 Early Entry, $99 Regular and $55 Water Islamorada, FL each for mothers bringing teens includes instruction, use of ∫ Sept. 20-21, 2024 Guy Harvey Outpost Bass Seminar equipment, hands-on training, fundraisers and gifts worth & Tournament Camp Mack, Lake Wales, FL $20. No equipment or experience is necessary. Class size is ∫ Oct. 18-20 2024 Keys Saltwater Weekend Seminar limited. Sunday inshore fishing is additional. Registration and fishing Islamorada, FL and information is on www.ladiesletsgofishing.com. ∫ Nov. 23-24, 2024 St. Augustine Surf Fishing Upcoming 2024 LLGF events, with optional or included Academy Guy Harvey Resort fishing are: Additional: Several Virtual Meetings and more events in ∫ March 2, 2024 Freshwater Bass Seminar South the works. Bimini Bahamas, Costa Rica and Azores.

Florida Dania Beach, FL Contact: Phone: 954-475-9068; info@ladiesletsgofish∫ March 23-24 South Gulf Coast Saltwater Weekend ing.com; www. www.ladiesletsgofishing.com, Inshore Seminar Fort Myers, FL facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing.

Charity run to benefit colorectal cancer patients returns to Cape Coral March 16 An annual charity race and fun run to benefit colorectal cancer patients in Southwest Florida is returning to Cape Coral.

Partners in Care will host its 13th annual Scope for Hope 10K Run, 5K Run, 2-Mile Walk and Kid’s Fun Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Jaycee Park, located at 4215 S.E. 20th Place.

All money raised will benefit the locally based, nonprofit foundation and will be used for colorectal cancer education, screening and treatment in Southwest Florida. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the country.

Registration is open now. Entry fee is $30 for adults and $20 for youth 17 years of age and under. Children under

5 years of age are free. Late registration within 10 days or less of the event will cost an additional $5, and participants must register in advance.

All participants will receive a lanyard as a participation award, and the first three male and female finishers in the 10K and 5K timed runs in each age category will receive a lanyard pin. All Kids’ Fun Run participants will receive a ribbon. Strollers and pets are allowed only in the 2-mile walk.

Partners in Care offers payment for a variety of expenses that aren’t covered by medical insurance, including gas or transportation services, respite care at home or in a healthcare setting, medical supplies or equipment, childcare, lodging or food during treatment, and more, as well as cancer screenings.

The foundation has expanded from its Florida origins to 18 states, with more than 8,000 patients supported through its programs over the past 16 years and more than $1 million in financial assistance provided.

Each spring since 2012, the foundation also hosts a charitable 5K run and 2-mile walk to benefit local head and neck cancer patients in California, Colorado, Florida, North and South Carolina, Washington state, West Virginia and (new this year) Texas, in partnership with other local nonprofits.

Free head and neck cancer screenings are offered at many of those events.

For more information about the Cape Coral race, to sponsor or to register, visit Partners in Care.

Individuals also can call 239-382-5453.

Once an application is submitted, individuals will be assigned a designated LeeCares case manager to provide updates. If an application is approved, the funding is a grant — not a loan — and does not need to be repaid if applicants comply with the terms of the grant.

In partnership with Harry Chapin Food Bank and Lee County Libraries, LeeCares intake staff will be available at upcoming food distribution events to help individuals with the application process: ∫ Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at 7101 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers ∫ Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at 2980 Edison Ave., Fort Myers ∫ Feb. 19 and 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at 10346 Pennsylvania Ave., Bonita Springs Residents can also apply in person at the following locations: ∫ Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LeeCares Outreach Center, at 9400 Gladiolus Drive, Suite 270, Fort Myers ∫ Mondays (Feb. 12, 19 and 26) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City of Fort Myers, at 1825 Hendry St., Fort Myers ∫ Tuesdays (Feb. 13, 20 and 27) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Wednesdays (today, Feb. 7, and Feb. 14, 21 and

28) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pine Island Library, at 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia ∫ Thursdays (Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City of Bonita Springs, at 9101 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs ∫ Fridays (Feb. 9, 16 and 23) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Town of Fort Myers Beach, at 2731 Oak St., Fort Myers Beach ∫ Saturdays (Feb. 10, 17 and 24) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Northwest Regional Library, at 519 Chiquita Blvd.

N., Cape Coral LeeCares is distributing information via the U.S. Postal Service. Mailers will be sent to residents who may be eligible in Bokeelia, Matlacha, St. James City, Sanibel, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs.

With coordination through county's Floodplain Management division, separate mailers also were sent to individuals that may be specifically eligible for the Voluntary Residential Acquisition program.

For additional outreach information, visit https://www.leeflcares.com/pages/outreach.

Comprehensive and detailed information about the county's CDBG-DR Action Plan, program allocations, activities and expenditures, is available at https://cdbgdr.leegov.com.

What’s Happening

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help.

Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www.SouthFloridaAl-Anon.org. Meetings are held every day in Lee County.

Al-Ateen meetings are also offered for ages 10-18.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

From page 24 Prepare for an unforgettable musical journey with a lineup that includes top-tier tribute bands, each paying homage to iconic rock legends: ∫ Kid Kentucky and the American Badass Band (Tribute to Kid Rock): Kid Kentucky and the American Badass Band embody the spirit and energy of Kid Rock's iconic performances. With a charismatic frontman and a powerhouse ensemble, they deliver a high-octane show that captures the essence of Kid Rock's rebellious rock and roll style. ∫ Hardwired (Tribute to Metallica): Hardwired is a tribute band dedicated to the legendary metal pioneers, Metallica. With precision and passion, they recreate the thunderous sound and electrifying stage presence that Metallica is known for. Brace yourself for a headbanging experience that will transport you back to the golden era of metal. ∫ Lovesong (The Cure Tribute): Lovesong takes you on a nostalgic journey through the haunting and melodic sounds of The Cure. With meticulous attention to detail, they recreate the post-punk and new wave vibes that define The Cure's unique musical landscape, ensuring an immersive experience for fans old and new. ∫ Razors Edge (AC/DC Tribute): For those about to rock, Razors Edge delivers an authentic AC/DC experience that will leave you thunderstruck. With electrifying performances and the iconic riffs that define AC/DC's signature sound, Razors Edge pays tribute to one of the greatest rock bands in history. ∫ The Linkin Park Tribute (Tribute to Linkin Park): The Linkin Park Tribute honors the genre-blending legacy of Linkin Park, seamlessly blending rock, hip-hop and electronic elements. Prepare for an emotional and powerful performance that pays tribute to the late Chester Bennington and the groundbreaking sound of Linkin Park. ∫ Still Alive (Pearl Jam Tribute): Still Alive captures the essence of Pearl Jam's raw and emotional performances. With a dedication to authenticity, they bring to life the timeless grunge sound that defined an era. Get ready to be transported back to the '90s with Still Alive's homage to one of Seattle's most iconic bands.

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is at 506 South 1st St., Immokalee.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

The application portal for the LeeCares Hurricane Ian Housing Recovery Program opened on Feb. 1. Lee County and its partners are ramping up outreach to increase awareness and assist residents impacted by the storm.

LeeCares outreach includes community events and presentations, door-to-door contact, and in-person case managers at various locations. Funding for the LeeCares housing program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) allocation to address the disaster recovery needs of residents affected by Ian. There are three programs for which individuals can apply: ∫ The Housing Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Elevation program may assist income-eligible property owners to repair, replace and/or elevate property that suffered hurricane damage. ∫ The Home Purchase Assistance may assist income-eligible home buyers to purchase a qualifying primary residence outside of the flood zone in Lee County. ∫ The Voluntary Residential Acquisition program may assist income-eligible homeowners of a repetitive loss property relocate outside of flood-prone areas in Lee County.

To view a full list of eligibility requirements and documents needed to apply, visit www.leeflcares.com.

Questions can be emailed to leecares@leegov.com.

Page 27 n Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Application portal open for Ian housing recovery program

PHOTO PROVIDED

“Run For Your Wife” is the story of London cab driver John Smith who has two separate lives, complete with two wives.

Hilarious farce ‘Run For Your Wife’ now playing at Off Broadway Palm The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents “Run For Your Wife” now playing through Feb. 25. Written by the “master of farce” Ray Cooney, this comedy is said to be one of the funniest and most popular of all his plays.

“Run For Your Wife” is the story of London cab driver John Smith who has two separate lives, complete with two wives, Mary and Barbara. He has successfully kept his two lives sepa-

rate by spending mornings with Barbara and evenings with Mary.

Hilarity ensues when he is injured during a mugging and the police return him to the wrong home at the wrong time. To complicate things further, John’s picture appears in the local paper and the police show up to investigate how two men named John Smith with two different addresses were both mugged on the same day.

The Off Broadway Palm is an inti-

mate theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm.

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $55 to $70 with discounts available for groups of 20 or more.

Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 n Page 28

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Observer 2/07/24

Observer 2/07/24