VOLUME 41, NUMBER 9
Public Safety Committee wants e-bikes on sidewalks, no trams
Council to hold hearing on ordinance to reverse sidewalk ban
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The Town of Fort Myers Beach Public Safety Committee, an advisory panel to the town council, is calling for the town council to reverse the ordinance that bans electric bikes on sidewalks and to tell Lee County thanks but no thanks for the free tram service that services the island each tourist season.
Four members of the Public Safety
Committee met last week and passed a resolution that supported reversing the town’s ordinance that restricts electric bikes from the sidewalk.
The town council has listened and in less than a week’s time has put up for discussion an ordinance that would reverse the town’s ban on electric bikes on sidewalks. A first reading of the ordinance that is still being put together is scheduled for the town council’s March 3 meeting.
Public Safety Committee Chair Dawn Thomas said she also wants the town to direct bicyclists to travel the same direction as vehicle traffic. Committee member Jim Knickle called for signs that direct bicyclists to follow the direction of vehicle traffic and an electric bike speed limit of 10 miles per hour.
“The bikes are going to encroach on the pedestrian lines sometimes,” Knickle said.
Committee member Keran Farrell called for rescinding the town’s ordinance
Behind schedule, town’s beach renourishment project runs past start of shorebird nesting season
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
It was the first day of shorebird nesting season for Southwest Florida on the afternoon of Feb. 15 on Fort Myers Beach.
The date, set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, signifies added protection measures to guard the nesting activities of threatened and imperiled bird species. Fort Myers Beach is home to four threatened shorebird species who nest here: American oystercatchers, black skimmers, least terns and snowy plovers. The Wilson’s plover, another species of concern, also nests here.
On Feb. 15, hundreds of shorebirds were congregated around a sandbar on the southern end of the island, just south of the Eden House. They included threatened black skimmers, as well as royal terns, gulls and many other birds. They were gathered around the shoreline as a bulldozer and dump truck
operated by a contractor working on the town’s beach renourishment project continually approached the area around them to deposit sand.
The birds frequently flew away in a repetitive display. One week later at the same time, on the afternoon of Feb. 23, all of the birds were gone from the spot. The sandbar was
See COLLISION COURSE, page 16
A contractor working for the Town of Fort Myers Beach renourishment project dumps sand near where hundreds of birds were congregating along a sandbar and the shoreline on the first day of shorebird nesting season for Southwest Florida, Feb. 15. The town’s beach renourishment project has continued into shorebird nesting season due to delays. NATHAN MAYBERG
that restricts electric bikes on sidewalks. Farrell said he believes the town also needs to reach out to Lee County, which owns Estero Boulevard.
Thomas received unanimous support for rescinding the town’s ordinance, with Knickle and Farrell joined by member Todd Capela.
Thomas said electric bikes should “not be going 30 miles per hour.”
Thomas said bicyclists should “use
Town hires new firm for traffic
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
Following a call from Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers for town staff to search for a security firm to handle traffic issues in the town, Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt and Operations and Compliance Manager for Neighborhood Services Tom Yozzo announced that a new firm has been hired to direct traffic in the town.
The cost of that contract has not been publicly disclosed though the firm began working for the town last week. Sunshine Law requests sent by the Fort Myers Beach Observer last week seeking copies of the contract and requests for information about the firm were not filled as of Tuesday afternoon.
Town management executed the contract with the new firm without a council resolution to hire the new firm.
Under state of emergency resolutions the town council has kept in effect since Hurricane Ian in 2022, the town manager has wider authority to approve contracts without council resolutions.
Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt did not address questions regarding the new contract when contacted this past week along with requests for a copy of the contract.
“We are going to get them out of there and really push our expectations,” Yozzo told the town council of the town’s new hire last week.
Yozzo said the new firm will be instructed to “keep pushing traffic northbound on Estero.” Yozzo said the firm will provide the town with six individuals to be deployed as traffic officers in teams of three.
They will be placed at the intersection of Times Square and Old San Carlos Boulevard, as well as at Estero Boulevard and Crescent Street.
Yozzo said the workers will be trained by town staff and outfitted with radios and town gear.
BEACH
OPINIONS
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
Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@breezenewspapers.com
Advertising Sales Lyn McElhaney lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers.com
Obituaries Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers.com
Production manager Rob Braitling rbraitling@breezenewspapers.com
Subscriptions 1 year, $65
Circulation (239) 574-1936
Classified/Display Advertising (239) 574-1110
The Observer and Bulletin is published every Wednesday
Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays. Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed. Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy. In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself. We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication.
Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL. Permit 521. FL.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Cape Coral Breeze, 2510 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral FL 33904.
Previous
Web Poll Results
Do you support continuing the town ban on electric bikes on sidewalks?
∫Yes, electric bikes should be banned on sidewalks and the beach due to safety concerns, 67%
∫ I support a ban on electric bikes on the beach but not sidewalks, 0%
∫ I support a ban on electric bikes on the beach but electric bike should be allowed on sidewalks with either a speed limit or a requirement that bicyclists stop for pedestrians, 0%
∫ I do not support a ban on electric bikes on the beach, but support a ban on electric bikes on the sidewalk, 17%
∫ I do not support a ban on electric bikes on the beach or the sidewalk, 16%
Current Web Poll
Do you support the vote by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners to stop adding fluoride into drinking water supplied by Lee County Utilities, including for Fort Myers Beach?
∫ Yes, I don’t believe fluoride is necessary to be added to the water.
∫ No, fluoride helps protect against tooth decay and is needed in the water.
∫ Unsure/no opinion.
Another look at property taxes
Property owners who have seen their tax bills spike year-over-year may have some interest in a bill proposed by a member of the Lee County Legislative Delegation.
Sen. Jonathan Martin has introduced a bill that would require the state’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research to conduct a study on the elimination of property taxes and replacing that tax revenue through “budget reductions, sales-based consumption taxes, and locally determined consumption taxes authorized by the Legislature.”
SB 852 states that “The study must include, at a minimum, all of the following: (a) An analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on public services, including education, infrastructure, and emergency services. (b) An assessment of potential housing market fluctuations, including changes in homeownership rates and property values. (c) An evaluation of whether a shift to consumption-based taxes would make Florida more attractive to businesses compared to other states. (d) An analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property
What do Democrats want?
To the editor:
Those on the left are screaming as fraudulent gifts and illegal immigrant criminals are being removed. This tells you where the Democrats are.
A good example is the United States Agency for International Development which is being shut down because they are giving American taxpayer money to other countries for terrible reasons.
From a column by Colin Stewart: USAID is giving $47,000 to Columbia for a transgender opera, $2 million to Guatemala for sex change operations and to promote LGBT, and $6 million to Egypt to fund tourism.
In the 2023 fiscal year, USAID provided or gave about $7.1 million worth of male condoms and about $1.1 million worth of female condoms to other countries?
Really?
Maybe the Democrats should have a department for condoms!
When you give bureaucrats money and the authority to use it any way they want, fraud will happen. Good people rue the day at what is happening but not the Democrats. Only because of Trump and Musk are we learning of this incredible waste.
Why did politicians give these bureaucrats this giveaway opportunity? You can believe they had a reason and buying votes is always a good guess. Helping George Soros kill democracy is another.
The Department of Education spent, ac-
Editorial
taxes on overall economic stability, consumer behavior, and long-term economic growth.”
Fair enough. The elimination/replacement of property taxes with other “revenue sources” is a proposal that is generating a lot of chatter. Gov. Ron DeSantis has already weighed in with support for the concept.
Count us among those who do not think that change is a bad thing, particularly change that begins with fact-finding and detailed analysis as to the impact on those directly affected.
Sen. Martin’s bill appears to take this into account.
But also count us among the cynical because, with all due respect to Sen. Martin, when any politician promises a “more fair” tax shuffle, the first thing we do is grab our respective wallets.
The second is look for the ace in the hole.
First, property owners currently have protections related to property taxes:
Letters to the Editor
cording to USA facts.org, $268 billion in 2024 to make education worse instead of better. Sixty-five% of America’s fourth graders read below grade level as shown by ReadersPartners.org.
The leader of the teacher’s union charged that removing the DOE damages our children’s lives. What an amazing distortion.
How could anything be worse than what the Department of Education is doing now?
Few know what the acronym USAID does but we know what Medicare, Medicaid, IRS and even the military does and they are all wasting money. I personally have witnessed Medicare fraud in two situations. Overcharging, mischarging. It’s everywhere.
The noise is coming from bureaucrats and the liberal elements charging that those in power are destroying democracy and killing people. Their reaction is to attack Trump and Musk; submit a bill to impeach Trump; use news media to scream their distorted attacks to their constituencies. Do you suppose children who can’t read and giving condoms will help democracy?
How would I react if I was a Democrat?
I would be as quiet as a mouse and vote for items that are obviously popular in America such as laws that forbid men from competing with women and deporting criminals. Why promote LGBT instead of feeding people, providing health care and producing jobs? Only those who put the party first and America last would support the rhetoric that Democrats are using.
Florida regulates the maximum millage rate which counties, school boards and local governments can impose on properties.
Annual increases are capped with owner-occupied homes having the greatest protection with a 3% cap.
Florida offers various “homestead” exemptions with $25,000 deducted from assessed valuation for all for owner-occupied residences whose owners get another $25,000 exemption that does not apply to school levies plus various other breaks for veterans, older adults and more.
Second, the state legislature has, over the years, though, allowed various new taxes on properties that aren’t, well “property taxes.” Bluntly put, they are effectively an end run around the state’s 10% cap on millage rates and allow local officials to “keep property taxes low” while raising them.
The “assessments” and “cost-recovery”
See EDITORIAL, page 12
What do Democrats want? Power or a great America?
John Benedict Cape Coral
Should a Libertarian replace Byron Donalds?
To the editor:
The political website “Florida Politics” recently noted that President Trump seems to be encouraging U.S. Representative Byron Donalds to run for governor. I posted a response to their article. With all due disclaimers, I hope he runs. As I stated in my posted response, I’d make a donation to his campaign, in an amount equal to the price of a one-way bus ticket from Naples to Tallahassee.
I think the voters of this congressional district are ready to consider a real Libertarian precisely because they want someone who will fearlessly advocate for personal freedom, personal responsibility, and limited government, someone whose Party has been committed to those principles ab initio, not just when it is convenient. Moreover, I think the question should be put on the table by the media.
Just who that particular Libertarian might be is a question for another day. (Hector Krakow comes to mind). The big question now is whether this is an idea whose time has come.
Live Free or Die.
Larry Gillis Cape Coral
State Senator Martin files bill to study eliminating property taxes
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
State Senator Jonathan Martin, R-33, has introduced a bill that could lead to an upheaval in the way Floridians pay taxes.
Martin is shepherding a bill which would potentially eliminate property taxes. Martin’s bill calls for a study to examine the impact of eliminating property taxes and the impact of replacing them with a mixture of budget reductions and raising sales tax rates through what the bill calls “sales-based consumption taxes, and locally-determined consumption taxes.”
Martin’s bill, which he filed last Tuesday in the state legislature in Tallahassee, calls for a study to “establish a framework to eliminate property taxes” and to “replace property tax revenues through budget reductions, salesbased consumption taxes, and locally determined consumption taxes authorized by the Legislature.”
Martin, a Fort Myers Republican whose district includes Fort Myers Beach and most of Lee County, stressed that his bill is just a study to determine the impacts of eliminating property taxes and other replacement measures before such a law could take effect. Martin said a state referendum would be needed, and could go on the ballot as soon as next year.
Martin’s bill follows a public announcement by Gov. Ron DeSantis supporting the elimination of property taxes. DeSantis recently went on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce his support for a constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes.
“Property taxes are local, not state. So we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them,” DeSantis said on X. “We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that 60%,” he said. “I agree that taxing land/property is the more oppressive and ineffective form of taxation.”
DeSantis was responding to a message posted by an
Martin’s bill.
By Oct. 1, the office would be required to submit a report detailing the study’s findings to the President of the Florida Senate and the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
Martin said a state referendum could be held as early as November of 2026.
Martin said the bill’s origins date back to discussions among Republicans at the federal level in years past about “replacing the income tax at the federal level with a consumption tax.”
Martin said he is not necessarily supporting increasing sales taxes but studying its effect. “My bill is not preparing to raise the sales tax,” he said. “I’m asking economists to do a study.”
Florida’s sales tax is currently at 6%.
Martin said a consumption-based tax “shifts payment of government services to those engaged in economic services.” The senator said he was looking for ways to keep seniors and retirees in their homes including through cutting back on government spending.
individual on the social media site who called for eliminating property taxes.
Martin’s bill would require the Office of Economic and Demographic Research to conduct a specified study that includes an analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on public services, including education, infrastructure, and emergency services. An assessment of potential housing market fluctuations, including changes in home ownership rates and property values, would be part of the study.
An evaluation of whether a shift to consumption-based taxes would make Florida more attractive to businesses compared to other states would also be part of the study. An analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on overall economic stability, consumer behavior, and long-term economic growth are also required in
Aside from ordering a study to determine the cost, the legislation does not specify how much of an increase in the state’s sales tax might be needed to make up for the loss of property taxes revenue or how counties, schools and municipalities would be able to charge property owners to fund roads, bridges, stormwater systems, water service, lights, fire, police, ambulance and other critical services.
Martin said the results of the study would lead to developing language in a referendum question as to how schools and local governments would be able to fund their services without property taxes.
“The budgets just keep going up and up every year and there is no end in sight,” Martin said.
Martin said he wants to see government “smart, efficient and not wasteful.”
Messages left with the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis seeking comment were not returned.
FILE PHOTO
State Senator Jonathan Martin, whose district includes Fort Myers Beach and most of Lee County, has filed a bill in the state legislature to study the impacts of eliminating property taxes in the state.
BUSINESS
Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company employees volunteer for Fort Myers Beach cleanup
Employees from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach found footballs, shoes, gloves, hats and even Christmas decorations during the 10th annual Tunaskin Beach Keepers Club’s beach cleanup.
Participating for a second consecutive year, 13 team members from both restaurants filled 12 large garbage bags in three hours, collecting lost and discarded objects.
“We are always happy to lend a helping hand, especially for an initiative that has so much impact on our local community and our beautiful beaches,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company. “Our beaches play an important role in Southwest Florida’s economy, tourism and conservation efforts. Keeping them clean and free of litter is critical for wildlife as well as residents and visitors. This is an annual program we will continue to support.”
Doc Ford’s also donated bean dip and ceviche meals for 350 volunteers.
Founded in 2016 by clothier Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel, the Beach Keepers Club’s Fort Myers Beach event started as a way to connect and give back to the community by cleaning up local beaches. It has grown from 86 volunteers to hundreds of participants today and has since expanded to Sarasota and Key West. The program also raises funds for Keep Lee County Beautiful.
Conservation and environmental initiatives are at the core of HM Restaurant Group’s philanthropic philosophy. The company supports nonprofit organizations throughout Southwest Florida, including donating $1 from specialty cocktail sales at Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company to Captains For Clean Water’s commitment to improving the health of the Florida Everglades and Florida Bay.
Employees from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach participated in the 10th annual Tunaskin Beach Keepers Club’s beach cleanup. Participating for a second consecutive year, 13 team members from both restaurants filled 12 large garbage bags in three hours, collecting lost and discarded objects.
Doc Ford’s is also the title sponsor of the annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, a fundraiser for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Now in its 13th year, the tourney has raised nearly $1.3 million. The 2025 event is May 9.
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill donates to Kids’ Minds Matter
STAFF REPORT
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill announced a donation of $1,138 to Kids’ Minds Matter, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting children’s mental health services in Southwest Florida through Lee Health, Golisano Children’s Hospital and their community partners. The funds were raised during the 2024 Parrot Key Caribbean Cruise-in Car Shows, a popular twice-monthly (during season) series of events that bring together car enthusiasts and community members for a good cause.
The donation represents the collective generosity of car show participants and guests who support the car shows throughout the year. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill has long been committed to fostering a sense of community, and this contribution underscores its dedication to giving back to causes that make a real impact.
“We are incredibly proud to support
Kids’ Minds Matter and their vital work in our community,” said Matt Hanson, a managing-partner at Parrot Key Caribbean Grill. “Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, and we’re excited to contribute to a cause that helps local children and families.”
The check was presented to representatives of Kids’ Minds Matter at Parrot Key Caribbean located at Salty Sam’s Marina. The funds will support local initiatives, which include mental health awareness, education, and access to care for children and their families.
Kids’ Minds Matter expressed its gratitude for the donation. “We are grateful to Parrot Key Caribbean for their continued support of children’s healthcare in our region. Gifts like their most recent donation to our Kids’ Minds Matter fund enables the continued advancement of mental health outcomes for children in crisis.”
said Chris Simoneau, Chief Development, Marketing, and Communications Officer at Lee Health, in connection with Kids’ Minds Matter.
The Parrot Key Caribbean Car Shows not only showcase some of the area’s best show cars, but also highlights the power of community coming together to make a difference. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill looks forward to continuing its tradition of hosting events that inspire generosity and foster connections among Southwest Florida residents.
For more information about Parrot Key Caribbean Grill or upcoming events, please visit MyParrotKey.com or follow us on www.facebook.com/ParrotKeyGrill.
About Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill is a waterfront restaurant located off Main Street in Fort Myers Beach, offering Caribbean-
inspired cuisine, refreshing tropical drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Dedicated to enriching the community, Parrot Key hosts events and fundraisers that celebrate Southwest Florida’s unique spirit.
About Kids’ Minds Matter
Kids’ Minds Matter is dedicated to advancing pediatric mental and behavioral health services in Southwest Florida. By developing clinical pathways to screen and treat patients, enhancing public awareness through education, and lobbying for systemic change and sustainable funding, Kids’ Minds Matter aims to align mental health providers, local agencies, the judicial system, law enforcement, schools and faith-based organizations. Kids’ Minds Matter is managed through Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Please visit KidsMindsMatter.com or call 239-3436950 for more information.
Twins Golf Classic raises $73K for Lee Health Cancer Institute
The 27th Annual Minnesota Twins Celebrity Golf Classic held on Feb. 13 brought the community together for a great cause, raising $73,000 to support the Cancer Support Community program at Lee Health Cancer Institute.
Held at Topgolf in Fort Myers, the event featured competitions for all ages and skill levels, along with appearances from
Minnesota Twins celebrities. Participants enjoyed an evening of fun with interactive games, team prizes and a silent auction.
Lee Health Cancer Institute is dedicated to offering the highest quality, individualized care for nearly every aspect of cancer. This year, proceeds will benefit the Cancer Support Community program, an initiative inspired by Gilda Radner, the beloved co-
median and original Saturday Night Live cast member.
This program provides evidence-based support, including support groups, healthy lifestyle workshops, social activities, educational lectures and resources, all at no cost to cancer patients and their loved ones.
“Each year, this event brings together
fans, golfers, and community leaders to help build a strong network of support for those facing cancer,” said Deb Wilson, vice president of oncology services at Lee Health Cancer Institute. “Through the generosity of our participants and sponsors,
See TWINS GOLF CLASSIC, page 9
PHOTOS PROVIDED
BEACH LIVING
Lions Club welcomes princesses with dinner ahead of shrimp festival
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival’s Queen Pageant formal was held this past week at the DiamondHead Beach Resort welcoming this year’s princesses as a warmup to the start of the festival.
There will be seven new princesses this year, as well as the return of last year’s runner-up Gracie Stam along with last year’s Queen Emma Stam who will crown a new queen this year at the pageant Saturday, March 9, at Bayside Veterans Park. The pageant, to be held from 1-2 p.m., will follow the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival Parade which will take place along Estero Boulevard from the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School to the base of the Matanzas Pass Bridge from 10 a.m. to noon.
Chloe LaForce, a former Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival Queen, and sister to Emma and Gracie, is coordinating this year’s pageant.
“I am so grateful and excited to be a part of it again,” LaForce said. Laforce said organizers were “thankful” for the participation of this year’s princesses.
Before the dinner, the princesses met with this year’s pageant judges and were interviewed.
The princesses will next take part in next week’s Kids Shrimp Run. “Some of the princesses will actually run with the kids,” LaForce said.
The Fort Myers Beach Lions Club is still looking to add more floats and parade participants, as well as participants for the shrimp-eating contest on Sunday, March 9, President Drew Yelle said.
The festival helps support the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club activities such as scholarships for students and supplying vision screenings for the elderly.
Fort Myers Beach restaurants will be serving locally caught pink gold shrimp as part of the festival shrimp
Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival Queen Pageant princesses Maggie MacDiarmid (sponsored by Fort Myers Detail), Lakyn Tilley (sponsored by Mid Island Water Sports), Olivia Bays (sponsored by Erickson & Jensen Seafood), Delayna Jones (sponsored by Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill), Kayla Walker (sponsored by Walker Wealth Management of Raymond James), Nyia Gauntt (sponsored by Day 5 Charters), Gracie Stam (sponsored by The Property Medic) Samantha Lozano
by Holiday
sister and past Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival Queen Chloe
and sister Gracie, who was last year’s
the
crawl to help support the local shrimp industry and small businesses from Feb. 28 through March 9.
Yelle said local businesses “are the lifeblood of the community.”
The shrimp crawl is returning this year with an expanded presence, with 15 destinations announced. The restaurants will be serving special shrimp dishes and specials from Feb. 8 to March 9.
The Fort Myers Beach Lions Club recently announced the participating restaurants taking part in the shrimp crawl as the DiamondHead Beach Resort, The Island’s
See LIONS, page 11
NATHAN MAYBERG
(sponsored
Water Sports), 2024 Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival Queen Emma Stam.
Fort Myers Beach Lions Club members (left to right): Diane Clifton, Darby Doerzbacher, Randy Melind, Judy Melind., Mary Gottschalk, Tina Yelle, Ava Yelle and President Drew Yelle.
Three sisters together at the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival dinner at the DiamondHead Beach Resort. Last year’s Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival Queen Emma Stam (left) with
LaForce (center)
runner-up at
Queen’s Pageant.
Dennis Wagaman (left to right), Randy Wise, Glen Huggins, Chad Robey, Greg Von Krumreig, Alex King, Trista Walker, Stacee Foster, Rita Murray and Nina King.
Kate Gauntt (left to right), Dee Leaderstorf, Kayla Walker, Nyia Gauntt, Reese Collins, Brooke Conner, Delayna Jones, Rob Jones, John Gauntt
Summer MacDiarmid (left to right), Grant MacDiarmid, Maggie MacDiarmid, Zoe Carlino, Elora Bays, Leslie Bays, Olivia Bays, Samantha Lozano, Yanela Lozano
Park Hours daily 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Museum Hours- Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Calusa Tours
Wednesday-Saturday
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.., 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Discover the incredible history of the Calusa, the original stewards of Southwest Florida, on this 30-minute guided outdoor tour at Mound House. Learn how this powerful and innovative Indigenous society thrived across the region for centuries, leaving an enduring legacy still visible today with their shell mounds. Explore how the Calusa shaped their environment and uncover the stories revealed by archaeologists through hands-on activities such as an atlatl demonstration. The price is free for Mound House Members and $15 for the public. Price includes museum admission. No reservations required.
Kayak Tours
Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Mound House Calendar
Discover the natural beauty of Florida on a guided kayaking tour of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Visit places only a kayaker can go as you glide over seagrass beds, and paddle through a timeless landscape of native flora and fauna. Kayak Tours included two hour guided experience, kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and museum admission. Secure footwear required, and bottled water strongly recommended. Mound House Members: $15, Public: $45. Register at MoundHouse.org.
Sunset Kayak Tours
Fridays two hours before sunset.
Check MoundHouse.org for times and availability.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of a guided Sunset Kayak Tour. Paddle through a pristine landscape as golden hour transforms the Estero Bay into a picturesque wonderland. Your journey concludes at the historic bayside Mound House, where the sun sets behind the museum, creating a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable evening. Kayak Tours included two hour guided experience, kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and museum
admission. Secure footwear required, and bottled water strongly recommended. Mound House Members: $15, Public: $45. Register at MoundHouse.org.
Community Conversations- Resilient Southwest Florida: Working Together to Create a Stable Future
Wednesday, Feb. 26
6:30 p.m-8 p.m.
For millennia, Southwest Florida has served as a locus for human use and settlement. Cultural sites that have survived through this time help provide a link between past use of these areas and modern use. Unfortunately, hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Ian had a devasting impact on archaeological sites and cultural resources in Southwest Florida. This talk will provide an overview of the impacts of these storms on the region and offer models of partnership and community engagement that can help us all work together to protect these sites for the future. The program is free for Mound House Members, and $5 for the public. Register at MoundHouse.org.
Santini Plaza art bazaar happening in March
STAFF REPORT
The Fort Myers Beach Art Association will hold its first art bazaar since before Hurricane Ian, at an event scheduled for March 16 at Santini Marina Plaza on Fort Myers Beach.
The bazaar, or clothesline sale, “will raise funds for our student programs,”
Fort Myers Beach Art Association member Michele Buelow said. “They were held on our lawn (at the old gallery), once on the library lawn, and at Santini Marina Plaza. Now that things are getting back to the new normal, we are holding the event at the plaza once again.”
The bazaar will feature works from
Twins Golf Classic
we can provide critical resources to help patients, and their families find strength, connection, and hope throughout their journey.”
From page 6
Over 27 years, the Minnesota Twins’ annual golf events have raised more than $2.2 million to expand and enhance worldclass cancer care in Southwest Florida.
Fort Myers Beach Art Association artists from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the sidewalk in front of the stores at the plaza.
Artists will be selling original artwork, both framed and unframed, as well as some cards.
“Commissions will go to our student programs such as the Student Scholarship
The Presenting Sponsor for this year’s event was Twins Fantasy Camp, with Minnesota Twins Baseball serving as the Digital Event Media Sponsor.
PARADISE AWAITS ON ESTERO BAY Bayfront 3000+ sq. ft. home on peninsula lot. Uninterrupted 280⁰ panoramic Estero Bay views. Privacy & serenity. 4BR/3.5 BA. Open concept. Pool w/ spillover spa. 2-car garage. Extended dock w/lift. MLS#225007611 $2,349,000
Sailboat access home in South Cape Coral near Cape Harbor, The Westin, the new and exciting Bimini Basin project & so much more! Updated kitchen & baths & newer roof (January 2023) boasts some of the features of this 2 bedroom / 2 bath home. MLS#224103592 $489,000
Awards given this month to seniors at Cypress Lake Center for the Arts,” Buelow said.
“This sale will be a great way to replace art that was taken by the hurricane. The art will be beautiful any varied.”
To learn more about Lee Health Cancer Institute and how you can support the Cancer Support Community program, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Cancer.
DeSantis announces Florida DOGE efforts
STAFF REPORT
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this week the creation of the Florida State Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) task force, which he said “will work to further eliminate waste within state government, save taxpayers money, and ensure accountability in Florida.”
“Florida has set the standard for fiscally conservative governance, and our new Florida DOGE task force will do even more to serve the people of Florida,” DeSanti said. “It will eliminate redundant boards and commissions, review state university and college operations and spending, utilize artificial intelligence to further examine
state agencies to uncover hidden waste, and even audit the spending habits of local entities to shine the light on waste and bloat.”
Florida has “the lowest number of government workers per capita in the country yet provides better services at a lower cost than any other state of comparable size,” his office said.
“We’ve saved billions for Floridians year after year, including $3.5 billion in spending last year,” DeSantis said in a release issued following his press conference in Tampa. “Florida has paid down 41% of state debt and increased our rainy day funds by over $9.4 billion.”
According to the release, the Florida State DOGE Task Force will implement “a multi-pronged approach to eliminating bureaucratic bloat and modernizing our state government to best serve the people of Florida. It will also utilize AI and new technologies to identify waste and noncompliance. The task force will serve a one-year term which will sunset following the completion of the term.”
According to the statement put out by the office of DeSantis, Florida’s DOGE will abolish an additional 70 boards and commissions this year, review state colleges and universities to eliminate “wasteful” spending, audit local governments and use AI to review operations of state agencies to cut spending.
DOH-Lee lifts red tide alert for Sanibel
On Feb. 19, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County lifted the health alerts issued on Dec. 13, Jan. 23, Jan. 29, Feb. 4 and Feb. 5 for the presence of red tide near Bowman’s Beach, Bowman’s Beach (9.5 miles southwest of the mainland), Tarpon Bay Road Beach (1 mile south of the mainland), Tarpon Bay Road Beach (5.1 miles southwest of the mainland) and Tarpon Bay Road Beach (9 miles southwest of the mainland) on Sanibel.
Follow-up water samples taken by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission showed red tide was no longer present or was at background levels near the locations, indicating the public may resume water-related activities.
The DOH-Lee reported it is important that the public continue to exercise caution as red tide status can change when conditions are favorable.
If you experience respiratory or eye
irritation, consider leaving the area or seeking relief in an air-conditioned space.
To view the latest sampling results, visit https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/ resources/red-tide.
What is red tide?
Red tide is caused by high concentrations of a toxin-producing dinoflagellate called Karenia brevis (K. brevis), a type of microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico. It typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents. At high enough concentrations, K. brevis can discolor water and give it a red or brown hue. To learn more about the appearance of red tide, visit https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/ resources/red-tide.
Is red tide harmful?
K. brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevetoxins) that can be harmful to hu-
mans, pets, fish and wildlife. Wind and wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release toxins into the air.
This is why you should monitor conditions and use caution when visiting affected water bodies.
People can experience varying degrees of eye, skin and respiratory irritation from red tide. Sensitive individuals — children, the elderly, those who are immunocompromised and those who have chronic respiratory conditions — may be at risk of experiencing more severe symptoms. For additional information on the potential health effects of algae blooms, visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins/harmful-algae-blooms/index.html.
Where can I find current water status information?
The FWC routinely collects and analyzes red tide samples from around the
state. Current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and beach conditions is available at https:// protectingfloridatogether.gov/.
To receive notifications when water quality changes in your area at https:// protectingfloridatogether.gov/receive-updates/preference-center.
To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state, call the toll-free hotline at 866-300-9399. For local licensed shellfish harvesting status, visit https://www.fdacs.gov/AgricultureIndustry/Aquaculture/ShellfishHarvesting-Area-Classification/ShellfishHarvesting-Area-Information.
For other health questions or concerns about red tide blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-252-8200.
Final tallies for Christmas Bird Count show missing black skimmers, snowy plovers
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The final count for bird watchers taking part in the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count on Fort Myers Beach found no black skimmers or snowy plovers during the one-day count.
The lack of sightings for the threatened Florida birds could be due to factors that include a year-long beach renourishment project that has involved heavy machinery and trucks going up and down the beach that could have scared off the birds, organizers said.
“It makes sense given the amount of disturbance on the beach from snowbirds and the construction,” said Robin Serne, who coordinated the bird count. “Black skimmers and snowy plovers are both here in winter, and it is interesting they were absent from the beach. Black skimmers were seen on Bonita Beach, Big Hickory Island and Lovers Key. There were no snowy plovers counted at any of my locations for the Christmas Bird Count, which is concerning. It could always be that they were there but they were not identified.”
Serne said it’s also possible that snow plover could have been on mudflats in the bay, or on Sanibel.
There were limited nestings of snowy plovers on Fort Myers Beach last year during shorebird nesting season when the town’s sand haul project interfered with the start of shorebird nesting season. In previous years, the town had seen a resurgence in snowy plover nests and fledglings.
The results can sometimes also be the result of weather patterns.
The town’s beach renourishment project has run past schedule, pushing into shorebird nesting season again this year.
This past weekend, most of the shorebirds on the southern section of the island were congregated around one sandbar near where heavy machinery and trucks were dumping and pushing sand.
Nearly the entire southern tip of the island at Carlos Point Beach and
Editorial From page 4
levies for departments and services previously paid for through property taxes can, in fact, be MORE than property taxes on lower-priced properties —AKA “affordable housing” — and residential lots.
And, as property owners in neighboring Cape Coral learned with the city’s fire “assessment,” tax shuffling may provide no break long-term despite analysis and promises.
Sen. Martin’s study will no doubt run
Lions From page 8
Pancake House, Hurricane Tina’s, Lah de Dah at Margaritaville, Lani Kai Island Resort, La Ola’s, License to Chill at Margaritaville, Nervous Nellie’s, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Petey’s Upper Deck, The Rude Shrimp, Sandy’s Bottom’s Bar & Grill, Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant, Smokin’ Oyster Brewery and Wahoo Willie’s.
Yelle said passports for the shrimp crawl are now available.
The shrimp boil will return March 8-9
Mullholland Point were almost completely devoid of any bird activity past the lagoon in the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area and all the way down to the sandbar on a recent afternoon as an example of how bird activity has been impacted by the changing surroundings and activity.
Serne said there were some positive signs from the Christmas Bird Count on Fort Myers Beach, including 14 sightings of American oystercatchers — a threatened species in Florida.
There were more than 80 ruddy turnstones counted. “We think of them as common but they are declining quickly,” Serne said.
The total numbers for the Christmas Bird Count on Fort Myers Beach were as follows:
the numbers on how much residents, visitors, business owners and prospective businesses owners will pay in additional sales taxes and possibly other “consumption-based taxes” and how much they will save in property taxes.
But if the rest of the tax bill — the all-inclusive bill on property — is not part of any evaluation, property owners will not really know how much they will save — and how much they will pay.
Fort Myers Beach routes only:
∫ 49 species
∫ 887 birds total
∫ Red Knot was most numerous bird counted.
Some other standouts:
∫ 16 Wilson’s plovers
∫ 14 American oystercatchers (threatened species)
∫ 2 marbled godwit
∫ 83 ruddy turnstones
Estero Bay Christmas Bird Count overall:
∫ 115 species
∫ 11,641 birds total
∫ Ibis was most common bird followed by common grackle, laughing gull, glossy ibis, black skimmer, tree swallow.
Fort Myers Beach data
∫ 150 Redknot
∫ 104 Willet
∫ 100 Sanderling
∫ 99 Gull: laughing
∫ 83 Ruddy turnstone
∫ 45 Tern: Royal
∫ 21 Pelican, Brown
∫ 20 Sandpiper: western
∫ 20 Grackle: Common
∫ 16 Plover: Wilson’s
∫ 15 Double crested cormorant
∫ 15 Killdeer
∫ 15 Plover: Black bellied
∫ 14 Oystercatcher, American
∫ 14 Mottled duck
∫ 12 Gull: Ring billed
∫ 12 Warbler: Palm
∫ 11 Plover: semipalmated
∫ 10 Dowitcher: Short Billed
∫ 10 Gull: herring
∫ 10 Dove: Eurasian collared ∫ 9 Osprey ∫ 8 Plover: Piping ∫ 7 Tern: Foresters ∫ 7 Magnificent Frigatebird
5 Dunlin
5 Ibis: White
4 Belted Kingfisher ∫ 4 Egret: snowy ∫ 4 Blue gray gnatcatcher
4 Crow, Fish
4 Starling, European
3 Heron: green
3 Dove: mourning
3 Vulture: turkey
2 Anhinga
2 Egret: Great
2 Heron: great blue
tricolored
1 Egret: reddish
1 Sandpiper: least
1 Sandpiper: spotted
1 Yellowlegs: greater
Any study on the elimination of property taxes with an eye to replacing it with other tax revenue must include all levies on property —every one.
Lest Floridians find themselves paying higher sales tax and the same or greater property taxes under the guise of another name.
Sen. Martin said he is committed to homeowners.
We so urge him then to make sure the
“analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on overall economic stability, consumer behavior, and longterm economic growth” includes one more element.
With Homestead Exemptions possibly gone, address like levies that could result in property owners being taxed out of their homes.
for the first time since before Hurricane Ian in 2022. The boil will take place off Old San Carlos Boulevard.
The first official event of the festival will be this Saturday, March 1, when the one-mile Kids Shrimp Run takes place at the Gulf Beach Road beach access at 8 a.m. for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The 5K Run will follow next Saturday, March 8, from 9 to 10 a.m. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed beginning at
9 a.m. for the 5K run and the following parade.
An arts and crafts fair will be held on both Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Old San Carlos Blvd. and between 1st Street & 3rd Street.
On Sunday, March 9, the blessing of the fleet at 11 a.m. at the shrimp docks on Main Street after a service at St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church. At noon, a pink gold shrimp celebration will follow
with peel and eat wild-caught Florida pink gulf shrimp from Erickson & Jensen. The shrimp sales will benefit St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church.
The festival will culminate with a shrimp-eating contest Sunday, March 9, at The Whale at 2 p.m.
For a full festival schedule and to find out more information about entering into the parade, races and shrimp eating contest, visit https://fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com/schedule/
PHOTO PROVIDED
Harry Chapin Food Bank’s 2024 Impact Report documents sharp increase in food insecurity across SWFL
Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 39.5 million pounds of food through its Feeding Network in 2024, a 10.6% increase over the prior year that equates to an additional 3 million meals served to neighbors across Southwest Florida.
The nonprofit’s 2024 Community Impact Report documents growth in food distributions across all five counties it serves:
∫ Charlotte: From 5.1 to 5.2 million pounds (+2%)
∫ Collier: From 12 to 12.6 million pounds (+5%)
∫ Glades: From 670,000 to 700,000 pounds (+5%)
∫ Hendry: From 2 million to 2.5 million pounds (+25%)
∫ Lee: From 15.9 to 18.4 million pounds (+16%)
“Despite tremendous commercial growth and affluence in Southwest Florida, the hunger crisis is growing in our community,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “So many of our neighbors — children, seniors, veterans and others — do not have reliable access to healthy, nutritious food, and it’s our mission to lead this community in the fight to end hunger.”
Every month, Harry Chapin Food Bank serves 250,000 neighbors through a Feeding Network that includes agency
partners and programs across all five counties.
The 2024 Community Impact Report also includes the following highlights:
∫ 5,900 volunteers provided 79,000 hours of time, the equivalent of $2.5 million through in-kind service.
∫ Harry Chapin Food Bank provided 511 health and nutrition educational courses.
∫ 96% of support funded programs and services; just 4% of revenue was directed toward administrative costs.
∫ Fresh produce accounted for 10.5 million of the 39.5 million pounds of food distributed in 2024.
Two food distribution programs focused on children saw large year-overyear spikes. Harry’s Helpings, which provides supplemental food kits for families through education providers, agency partners, community events and community centers, distributed 261,000 pounds of food in 2024, a 31.2% increase over the prior year. The In-School Pantry Program, which supplies shelf-stable foods to families through school pantries, distributed 741,000 pounds of food last year, a 28.2% year-over-year increase.
The 2024 Community Impact Report is available to view and download at online.fliphtml5.com/harrychapinfoodbank/tqis.
County moves pier completion date up one year
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
Lee County officials announced this past week they are moving up the timeline of completion for the Fort Myers Beach Pier to August of 2027. The previous estimate for the completed work was for the summer of 2028. The project is still in the design and permitting phase.
The pier, located at the heart of the Fort Myers Beach tourist center near Times Square and Lynn Hall Memorial Park, was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
In June, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve plans for rebuilding the Fort Myers Beach Pier. The commissioners chose the longest and largest option of three designs which will add 415 feet of length to the pier while adding four feet of width. The option was the costliest — at $17.1 million and will take the greatest amount of time to complete.
The project would have cost $5.55 million to keep the pier the same size. The design and permitting will also take three to eight months longer according to county estimates. The total timeframe for the project at the time was expected to take five to six years. The new time frame cuts those projections down to three years from the original estimates.
Meanwhile, the county’s estimate for replacing its restrooms at Lynn Hall Memorial Park is not slated to be completed until 2028.
According to Lee County officials, design and permitting is not expected to be completed for the restrooms until 2026. Bidding for a contractor won’t begin until 2026 with construction on a restroom facility not expected to start until 2027 with the work expected to be completed in 2028.
The restroom at Lynn Hall Memorial Park was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The county is currently using portable restroom facilities in the parking lot there.
“Our Lynn Hall Memorial Park project consists of restoring the restroom structure and parking with improvements, such as added benches and shower pads, enhanced landscaping and additional parking,” Lee County spokesperson Betsy
Lee County officials announced that the Fort Myers Beach Pier is on target to be replaced by 2027, one year earlier than initially projected. The pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Clayton said in response to questions about the timeframe to complete the restroom project.
“Staff is constantly in touch with contractors to see if timelines can be economized and adjusted forward,” Clayton said.
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said the news about the pier’s construction timeline being moved up a year, was good for the community.
“We are happy to hear that the timeline has been moved up and are hopeful that they will continue to press for an even earlier opening date,” Liszak said.
“The pier is a critical component to Times Square revitalization and the sooner we can get it open, the more it will generate visitation to both the Times Square area and greater Fort Myers Beach,” Liszak said. “The local island community and the revitalization of the area are very dependent on the return of our beloved pier!
As we know, the pier was the number one tourist destination in Lee County and it is critical to the island’s economy to get it back up and running as soon as possible.”
School District of Lee County to host Social Lee: Coffee & Careers
The School District of Lee County is hosting Coffee & Careers on Friday, Feb. 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. to provide insight on career opportunities within the school district.
The informational event will allow participants to speak with the talent acquisition team and learn more about open positions within the District for the 202425 academic year. Attendees will also be able to walk through becoming certified to teach in Florida. The event will take place at Panera Bread, located at 5037 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. To register, visit LeeSchools.net/Careers.
The School District of Lee County is among the largest school districts in Florida and the United States with a growing enrollment of more than 99,000 students and 116 schools.
New hires will receive support and necessary resources that will enable them to succeed upon entering the field of education. The District offers a competitive
and comprehensive compensation plan for its employees, and additional benefits and earning opportunities are also available via advanced degree supplement, summer school, athletic coaching and more. Upon hire, a personal benefits selection process will be made available to eligible employees.
Additional hiring incentives are also available with Critical Shortage Area Bonuses that include a $3,000 hiring bonus for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers and a $5,000 hiring bonus for speech-language pathologists and school psychologists. A $3,000 Relocation Bonus is also available to new hires who are relocating to the area from outside of Lee County to teach in a Critical Shortage Area.
For support or additional questions, email careers@leeschools.net or call 239337-8676. To learn more about available career opportunities, visit LeeSchools.net/ Careers.
NATHAN MAYBERG
Demolition of Wyndham Garden Inn begins
The Wyndham Garden Inn, a longtime resort anchor on the south end of Fort Myers Beach, is currently undergoing demolition. The town gave the owners a notice last year to demolish the structure, which has sat in disrepair since Hurricane Ian totaled the landmark hotel.
PHOTO
Collision course From page 1
also gone. The whole area had been filled in as part of the town’s beach renourishment project which is expanding the entire seven miles of the island’s shoreline.
From the southern tip of the island at Carlos Pointe to the Gulf water splashing against the walls of Leonardo Arms, there was hardly any bird activity at all for a three-hour stretch of the afternoon until sundown minus a handful of birds flying at Mulholland Point near the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area, two wading birds in a lagoon, a random ring-billed gull and a small group of ruddy turnstones, a sanderling and a pelican flying above.
Last year, the town also conducted sand renourishment during shorebird nesting season, electing to start its sand haul project three days after shorebird nesting season.
The continual projects through the shorebird nesting season have raised questions about whether all the activity has impacted the protected birds who travel hundreds of miles to nest on Fort Myers Beach or rest here. During the Christmas Bird Count this winter, there were no snowy plovers identified, which led Florida Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count coordinator Robin Serne to question if all of the heavy machinery activity for the sand haul project during shorebird nesting season last year and the ongoing dredging and beach renourishment activity has scared off the snowy plovers.
Behind schedule
The entire project was supposed to be completed already but is more than two months behind schedule. The bid the town awarded to Ahtna Marine and Construction Company for the beach renourishment project in May specified that the work should be completed within a timeframe of 180 to 195 days or the contractor could face fines of $750 a day.
The contractors were granted an extension, though town officials have not said for how long, due to the impact of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton last fall.
There were also issues with some equipment being faulty, according to town officials.
Fort Myers Beach Environmental Project Manager Chadd Chustz said the new completion date for the beach renourishment is April 15, when Turtle Time begins monitoring the beach before turtle nesting season begins May 1.
Ahtna Marine and Construction Company did not respond to emails seeking comment from the Fort Myers Beach Observer.
Last May, a bid protest was filed by Callen Marine who argued that the lower bid of $21.7 million that Ahtna Marine and Construction Company gave the town for the project was not responsive to the bid terms and that the company did not have the proper equipment on hand to complete the project in time.
The town council rejected the bid protest and awarded the bid to Ahtna Marine and Construction Company. Callen Marine’s bid was for $37.19 million. The majority of the funds are being covered by Lee County Tourist Development Tax dollars and FEMA.
Town Manager Andy Hyatt urged the council to accept the bid to get the project done before the last hurricane season, which did not occur in time.
The area where the shorebirds historically have nested was not prioritized after the end of bird nesting season last September. The town instead prioritized the northern section of the beach first though that was also behind schedule. The projects priorities have raised questions about not only why at the expense of not only the birds but why the three buildings of condo owners at Leonardo Arms who have faced perilous conditions due to the eroded beach in front of their properties were also left behind the northern section.
Beach renourishment activities at Leonardo Arms have only begun recently.
Chustz and Hyatt did not return messages seeking comment.
FWC: Permits under review
Town of Fort Myers Beach Environmental Projects Manager Chadd Chustz anticipated the town would be running into scheduling difficulties with the beach renourishment and requested incidental take permits from the state for potential disruption of bird activity during the project.
Bradley Johnson, Public Information Officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the permit request remains “under review.”
NATHAN MAYBERG
Scores of shorebirds fly away from a Fort Myers Beach sandbar where they were congregating on Feb. 15, the first day of shorebird nesting season. They take wing as a dump truck and tractor approaches them to dump sand as part of the town’s beach renourishment project. The project was supposed to have been completed before the start of nesting season.
The FWC received an application on Jan. 24 from the Town of Fort Myers Beach seeking an Incidental Take Permit for beach-nesting shorebirds (American oystercatchers, snowy plover, black skimmer and least tern) at a recent breeding site on Fort Myers Beach, Johnson said.
“The application is currently under review by FWC staff,” Johnson said in a letter Saturday. “Beach renourishment permit extensions go to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; the FWC does not grant permits for beach renourishment or extensions of such permits but does provide comments regarding imperiled species, including imperiled beach-nesting birds.”
The DEP has not commented on the matter. Spokesperson Nikki Clifton said on Monday that staff was still working on addressing questions posed by the Fort Myers Beach Observer concerning the project and handling document requests. The initial requests were sent two weeks ago on Feb. 11.
The FWC has made no findings that the town or its contractor have violated any state law through the work.
Videos of the contractors working close to the birds were forwarded to the FWC for review by the Fort Myers Beach Observer.
While the FWC has not responded to the videos, Johnson said if any violations of state law regarding harassment of shorebirds were to be found, penalties could include a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year of jail time per violation. Johnson said that would be for a court to decide.
“When you are dealing with shorebirds or threatened/ endangered birds there is always a possibility of federal charges as well if they are federally protected species but United States Fish and Wildlife Services would handle that typically,” Johnson said.
Ahtna Marine and Construction Company didn’t respond to emails sent by the Fort Myers Beach Observer seeking comment regarding the dumping of sand close to the large congregation of shorebirds on a sandbar and near the shoreline.
Silence from town
Chustz, who oversees the beach renourishment project for the town as well as other environmental issues, did not respond to multiple emails seeking answers to questions about the project over the past two weeks. Outgoing Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt also
did not address questions posed by the Fort Myers Beach Observer. Mayor Dan Allers referred questions to Chustz. Public Information Officer Nicole Berzin referred to videos Chustz posted on Facebook about the project. The video did not address questions posed by the Fort Myers Beach Observer regarding the impact of the project on birds and why the area wasn’t prioritized before nesting season.
In a video posted Jan. 31, the town’s Facebook page said the hope was to complete the south end of the island’s renourishment by Feb. 15.
By Feb. 13, Chustz said that date had changed to March 10. The entire project’s deadline is now April 15 according to a video posted by Chustz on Feb. 21.
Chustz said in the video posted Jan. 31 regarding the birds, that the contractors were building a buffer between the project and the birds. No explanation was given of why or how that would benefit the birds was given or what that would entail.
“We are going to bring in about 30,000 cubic yards on the southern part of the south segment,” Chustz said. Chustz said that would add about 1,000 feet of shoreline.
“That’s just to give us a little bit of buffer with the heavy bird nesting that occurs on the south end so get that done before February 15. Just give us that extra buffer between those dense areas and where our project is happening,” Chustz said.
The area where the shorebirds historically have always nested was not prioritized after the end of bird nesting season last September 1. The town instead prioritized the northern section of the beach first though that was also behind schedule. The project’s priorities have raised questions about not only why at the expense of the bird nesting areas but why the Leonardo Arms who have faced perilous conditions due to the critically eroded beach in front of their properties were also left behind the northern section.
Chustz said in a Feb. 13 video that bird monitors would be placed by the town to monitor the project daily in the mornings and the equipment will be escorted “so we can avoid any bird issues.” According to statements made by Chustz at a Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force meeting, the contractor is also supposed to have its own bird monitors on the project.
Chustz said sand is being trucked from a mine
See COLLISION COURSE, page 17
Collision course
From page 16
in Immokalee and it is being stockpiled in front of Cresciente and the Estero Beach and Tennis Club and being trucked “so we don’t get jammed up by any environmental concerns, nesting shorebirds here on the south end.”
Emails sent to Chustz, Hyatt and Berzin seeking an answer to what he meant by the buffer between the birds were not responded to.
In the video, posted to the town’s Facebook page on Feb. 13, Chustz said he also met with the DEP about permits to finish building the beach into bird nesting season. Chustz said he talked to an FWC shorebird biologist recently.
“Everybody feels that because the beach is so low-lying and lack of nesting habitat right now there is a low probability of take,” Chustz said.
Chustz said about 30,000 cubic yards of sand was brought to the area around the southern segment of the project including near where the birds had congregated near the Eden House. Chustz said there are also plans to expand the sand in front of
Leonardo Arms by about 300 feet (or the length of a football field), where one of its condo buildings is facing the most critical erosion issue on the island.
Chustz said the project will be completed by April 15, which is when the town’s turtle-nesting season ends.
Audubon Florida defers to FWC
Brad Cornell, Southwest Florida Policy expert for Audubon Florida, said the organization was leaving it up to the FWC to determine if the town should be granted a take permit for its work or if the contractor was “harassing” birds with the activities of the dump truck and bulldozer pushing sand around a sandbar past the shoreline where hundreds of birds had congregated, including the threatened black skimmers as seen in videos posted online.
“It is a risk when you bring giant bulldozers to the beach there is going to be an impact,” Cornell said. Cornell said it is difficult to tell from the videos what
NATHAN MAYBERG
A threatened black skimmer flies over a group of gulls and royal terns take wing as a tractor and dump truck deposit sand near a large flock of resting shorebirds on Fort Myers Beach Feb. 15, on the first day of shorebird nesting season. Black skimmers are one of four threatened bird species that nest on Fort Myers Beach.
kind of an impact there was.
“Everywhere along the coast, this problem of disturbance is an issue,” Cornell said. “There are very few places for flocks to rest and feed themselves. It’s important for them to get the rest.”
Take permits
An incidental take permit can be applied for from the FWC when a development or other work may interfere with, harm or harass imperiled bird species or protected nesting birds in the middle of shorebird nesting season for example.
Application for a take permit by an individual or municipality does not mean they will be granted one. The granting of a permit does not mean an individual or township is exempt from paying a fine or being ordered to mitigate any disruption they may have caused. More
A tractor and dump truck work on dumping sand near a congregation of shorebirds on Fort Myers Beach on Feb. 15, the first day of shorebird nesting season.
severe impacts can lead to harsher consequences.
Audubon looking on bright side
Cornell, for his part, is staying hopeful that the town’s plans for reconstituting the dunes on the island will lead to better protections for the beach and its residents while also providing habitat for birds.
“It is disappointing that (the beach renourishment project) is overlapping with nesting season,” Cornell said. Cornell said he understood the context of the project following the hurricanes the town experienced. “Healthy dunes are a good way to mitigate storm damage. We want these dunes restored.”
He hopes that the bird monitors hired by the town and contractor are “looking out for the shorebirds.”
He said the situation “clearly isn’t ideal” as seen on the videos.
“We just want to see them finish up and get out of there as quickly as possible.”
Cornell is optimistic about the future of the birds on Fort Myers Beach.
“They will come back,” he said.
2025 INCredible Nominations are now open
SWFL Inc. is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the INCredible Awards 2025! This annual celebration shines a spotlight on the businesses, nonprofits, and individuals whose hard work and dedication make Southwest Florida an exceptional place to live and work. Our region thrives because of the visionaries, innovators, and changemakers who go above and beyond to
E-bikes
From page 1
their common sense” and pedal. She said there could be a discussion about whether the electric bikes should be going less than 10 miles per hour.
Thomas said there should also be sections of the town where bicyclists should be directed to get off their bikes and walk.
“Right now they are getting off their bikes anyway. There is not enough room,” Thomas said. “It’s too congested.”
Thomas also proposed a railing from Times Square to High Street and to take off some of the sidewalk to create a wider bike lane.
“I think that would eliminate people crossing in the road,” Thomas said.
Thomas said some bicyclists are afraid to ride their bikes in the road.
Tom Yozzo, the town’s operations and compliance manager for neighborhood services, said there was recently an accident on the sidewalk involving a bicyclist on an electric bike. The bicyclist was transported to the hospital, Yozzo said. No other individuals were involved in the accident, he said.
Thomas said she wants the town to reach out to bike rental companies to inform them of the town’s rules.
The matter has quickly been put on the town council’s agenda to be put up for discussion on March 3.
New firm
From page 1
Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said he wants the personnel at Old San Carlos Boulevard and Fifth Street around noon, when he said traffic “starts to back up.”
Yozzo said a traffic officer would be placed in the middle of the roadway there to direct pedestrians.
Yozzo said his biggest fear at that intersection is that “people don’t really understand the fact they can’t just really go and walk down the middle of it” and that pedestrians don’t have the right-of-way.
“You don’t actually have the right-ofway to enter the roadway, you have the right-of-way if you are in the roadway already,” Yozzo said. Yozzo said once a traffic control officer is placed in the middle of the roadway, “they have ultimate control of that intersection and there is no such thing as a right-of-way for pedestrians at that point. They have to be maintained by the (traffic control officer).”
Yozzo said pedestrians should “cross at the crosswalks” and that drivers should “be patient” for pedestrians.
Yozzo said he is also hiring new personnel to assist with traffic.
The town in the past has relied on the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to direct traffic and has contracted with the office for additional resources on the island.
Yozzo told the town council last week that the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will step up its seasonal presence on the island beginning this weekend.
Allers asked Hyatt at last week’s meeting if the town’s contract with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will be shifted to Crescent Street and Estero Boulevard.
Hyatt said the original contract was for that intersection. Allers said he thinks the light there is “doing its job.”
drive progress and create lasting impact. The INCredible Awards recognize those who not only excel in their industry but also contribute to the prosperity and vibrancy of our community.
At the INCredible Awards, we will recognize winners of the following awards:
∫ SWFL Citizen of the Year
∫ Small Business of the Year
Committee members want to ban Lee County’s tram
Capela also called for the town to put a stop to the free Lee County tram service.
“That tram has got to go,” Capela said.
“How do we get rid of the tram?” Thomas said. “Do we have to go to Lee County and go talk to them?”
Thomas said she supported Capela. “I’m with you,” she said.
Capela asked Yozzo if the committee could approach Lee County officials about ending the tram service on Lee County or if they had to request the town council to do so.
Yozzo informed the advisory committee member that they need to go through the town council.
“It’s useless. There are never more than six people on it,” Capela said.
“It holds up all the traffic,” Thomas said.
“It only goes 11 miles per hour and I have clocked it a thousand times. It serves no purpose,” Capela said.
The trams are often used by town visitors, especially seniors and families, during the day and night. The trams are most busy during busy holidays such as on New Year’s Eve when they can be completely full though on other weekdays during the slower parts of season they are less busy.
∫ Nonprofit of the Year
∫ INCredible Award
∫ Innovation Award
∫ Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
Applications close on Friday, March 21.
For more information visit www.swflinc.com/2025-incredible-awards
The tram runs from Bowditch Point Regional Park to the Fort Myers Beach Public Library throughout the day and night.
Thomas said she supports the tractor ride proposal for the beach as proposed by Mayor Dan Allers, to transport residents along the beach. “You get the view of the Gulf, you are not going to injure anyone,” Thomas said. “We can start it after turtle season.”
Thomas said she would like to see mats on the beach as well.
Thomas said the beachside tractors would eliminate the need for the trams.
Farrell said he would start the tractors at Newton Beach Park. Knickle called it a “great idea.”
Yozzo said the beach tractor proposal, as championed by Allers, still has issues that will need to be addressed. He recommended the committee meet with the town’s environmental project manager Chadd Chustz to discuss any environmental issues or “possible negatives.”
“Because there were some?” Thomas asked.
Yozzo said there could be issues with Turtle Time, birds and erosion on the island’s vegetation and potential traffic issues with beachgoers.
“When it’s busy on the street, it’s busy on the beach as well,” Yozzo said.
“Is there a way at certain times we can close Crescent Street going towards the beach and just make that one lane for Margaritaville valet and the right lane is the traffic lane?”
—Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Scott Safford
“We could open ourselves up to some liability.”
—Fort Myers Beach Operations and Compliance Manager for Neighborhood Services Tom Yozzo, in response to Councilmember Scott Safford’s suggestion to close Crescent Street during certain hours to allow for a lane just for Margaritaville’s valets.
A Sunshine Law request sent last week also seeking a copy of the town’s contract with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for traffic was also not filled as of press time on Tuesday. At a meeting earlier this month when Allers called for the town to hire a security firm to take over traffic enforcement, the town’s operations and compliance director Frank Kropacek said one quote he had received was at a cost of $60 an hour. Allers said that was the same amount the town pays the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for its resources on the beach.
Hyatt, who will be leaving the town in April when he steps down as town manager, also did not respond to questions sent via email regarding the town’s contract with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Yozzo said he will also be creating a designated Uber space on Third Street where the town has a right-of-way.
Councilmember Scott Safford said he also wants a parking spot for DoorDash, a food delivery service, or a 15-minute parking space for where people can pull in to park to grab something quick from a local business without needing to pay the town’s $5 an hour parking meter rate. The town council voted in 2022 to raise
its parking meter rates.
Safford also asked Yozzo if the town can close Crescent Street going towards the beach at certain times to create a oneway lane for Margaritaville’s valets.
“I’m just throwing this out there, trying to think outside the box how to help that area,” Safford said.
“Is there a way at certain times we can close Crescent Street going towards the beach and just make that one lane for Margaritaville valet and the right lane is the traffic lane?” Safford asked.
Yozzo said that has been discussed by town staff after it had been suggested in the past but said it would need to be marked properly and manned properly and could lead to more traffic issues.
Yozzo said changing the traffic pattern could potentially lead to motorists going the wrong way.
“We could open ourselves up to some liability,” he said. “I think we kind of open ourselves to some headaches.”
Allers said he believed the town’s fire department would also want to weigh in on that.
Safford said councilmembers are getting a lot of comments about the traffic. “I am just looking for solutions,” he said.
Councilmember Karen Woodson asked if the town staff is contacting the Florida Department of Transportation to get their work done quicker as part of their ongoing road and bridge project. The project has closed off a section of Estero Boulevard heading north from the Crescent Beach intersection near Margaritaville. Yozzo said the state did finally fix the sidewalk on the beachside in front of Crescent Beach Family Park. The sidewalk had been a dangerous eyesore for months after it was ripped up for the state’s project.
“The biggest thing we are concerned with is that exit off the island,” Allers said. Yozzo said the bridge work the state is doing will need to be completed more before that changes.
Yozzo said the personnel from the new firm will be working on the island from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. covering Fifth Street and Crescent, the Old San Carlos Boulevard and Estero Boulevard intersection. Yozzo said the town will rely on a Florida Highway Patrol officer at the base of bridge who is handling any u-turns. Yozzo said the firm will be “filling gaps” with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt asked Yozzo if the town could have video cameras at the intersections to monitor. Yozzo said the town would have to look into that with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
“Do you envision that to be for internal use only or could somebody from the public kind of tune in to see what traffic is like,” Atterholt said. Yozzo said part of that camera system could be for internal use and some of it could be for the public.
“It’s a volume issue,” Allers said. “Lee County is packed.”
WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE
Festival’s race for children to take place Saturday on the beach
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The one-mile Fort
Myers
Beach Lions Club
Shrimp Festival kids shrimp run will kick off the festival this Saturday, March 1, at 8 a.m.
The beach run for children in kindergarten through fifth grade will begin and end at the beach access on Gulf Beach Road across from the old Topps Supermarket. The race course will run from the Gulf Beach Road access point on the beach to the Connecticut Street beach access and back.
Starting at 8 a.m., each grade will be released separately. The race is free. Each participant will receive a shirt and awards will be given to the top three finishers for each gender.
The 5K Run will follow next Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed beginning at 9 a.m. for the 5K run and the following parade.
On March 8, the popular shrimp festival parade will run from 10 a.m. to noon down Estero Boulevard from the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School to the base of the Matanzas Pass Bridge.
The Queen’s Pageant will take place Saturday, March 8 at the Bayside Veterans Park from 1-2 p.m.
Fort Myers Beach restaurants will be serving locally caught pink gold shrimp as part of the festival shrimp crawl to help support the local shrimp industry and small businesses from March 3-9.
The shrimp boil will return March 8-9 for the first time since before Hurricane Ian in 2022. The boil will take place off Old San Carlos Boulevard.
An arts and crafts fair will be held on both Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Old San Carlos Boulevard and between 1st Street & 3rd Street.
On Sunday, March 9, the blessing of the fleet at 11 a.m. at the shrimp docks on Main Street after a service
at St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church. At noon, a pink gold shrimp celebration will follow with peel and eat wildcaught Florida pink gulf shrimp from Erickson & Jensen. The shrimp sales will benefit St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church.
The festival will culminate with a shrimp-eating contest Sunday, March 9 at The Whale at 2 p.m.
For a full festival schedule and to find out more information about entering into the kids shrimp run and other events including the parade, races, pageant and shrimp eating contest, visit https://fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival. com/schedule/
Fort Myers Beach Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival
Princess Emma Hayman (right) accompanies Marina Paradiso (left) in the Kids Shrimp Run in 2022. The one-mile shrimp run across the beach will take place again this Saturday. FILE PHOTO
Annual reading festival to welcome array of authors
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Twenty-six authors will be featured at the 26th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival in Downtown Fort Myers the first weekend of March.
“Connecting readers with the writers is a magical moment. It plants the seed for more reading to come in the life of the kids,” festival coordinator Melissa Baker said.
It’s also great for adults as authors provide the story behind the story and what motivated them, providing a deeper understanding of the stories that they love. The newest book – the inside scoop – provides a richer experience because they now have more story “behind the story,” Baker said.
The Southwest Florida Reading Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Fort Myers Regional Library.
“The book signings and presentations are the biggest thing,” Baker said.
Literary fiction, thriller, humor and romance are among the mix of adult genres.
“There are several authors that do the Hallmark-style including the queen of Hallmark, Debbie Macomber,” she said. “She is going to draw a crowd for sure.”
In addition, Lisa Genova will make an appearance. Baker said her book, “Still Alice,” was adopted into an Oscar-winning film. The characters have neurological conditions, which help raise awareness for the various neurological conditions through fiction that helps create empathy.
“There are so many great ones. It is hard to name drop – too many,” Baker said. “There is always a variety, and something that is going to click with every reader.”
The adult authors include Tracy Clark, Reed Farrel Coleman, Jenny Colgan, Eli Cranor, Alison Gaylin, Genova, Ali Hazelwood, R.J. Jacobs, Stephen Mack Jones, Jean Kwok, Elinor Lipman, Sarah MacLean,
Macomber, Viola Shipman, Julie Soto and Annabelee Tometich.
As far as the teen writers, Baker said the biggest author is Karen M. McManus.
“She is a big fantasy writer for teens,” she said.
The teen authors include Renee Ahdieh, Kristy Boyce, McManus, Angela Montova, and Ginny Myers Sain.
As far as the children’s authors, there are quite a few good ones including Molly Idle, the author of “Flora and the Flamingo,” and Kate Hanagan, who writes graphic novels and historical fiction.
Another author attendees may recognize is Karyn Parson, who played Hillary Banks on “Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”
“I think people are going to be excited to meet Karyn. Her books are great. She is going to be fun,” Baker said.
Other children’s authors include Nicole D. Collier and Kate Messner.
This year, Baker said they wanted to try something a little different at the festival, so the event will wrap up with a classic guitar performance by Edwin Culver of music from Around the World at 3 p.m.
“He will perform different songs from various countries. It’s a nice way to wind everything down,” she said.
The festival also will include crafts for kids and teens, Way Too Tall Torrie who will make balloon animals from noon-2 p.m., festival merchandise, the mobile outreach van, and a little reader zone.
A free book will be offered to every child and teen who attends the event.
Student writers – kindergarten through 12th grade –also will be highlighted at the event during the Aspiring Authors Awards. The elementary awards begin at 2:15 p.m. and secondary at 3:15 p.m.
Baker said she is excited about the T-shirt this year, as Artist Rachel Pierce’s palm tree painting is incorporated
into the logo of the festival.
“The shirts are beautiful,” she said.
The merchandise booth includes an opportunity for attendees to enter the name and character raffle. Baker said it buys an individual chances to have their name in an upcoming book by participating festival authors. There are both teen and adult authors participating.
The festival will shed light on all of the resources the library has to offer, such as genealogy, and Libby and Hoopla.
Baker said in past years, they have livestreamed parts of the reading festival.
“Now we have a new Online Author Series website that presents livestreamed author interviews all year long,” she said. “We have some big upcoming authors like Jodi Picoult and Gregg Hurwitz. Plus fans can enjoy watching past recordings of author interviews on demand.”
Those can be seen at https://libraryc.org/leelibrary.
The best way to keep up-to-date with the schedule and all reading festival information is either online at www. readfest.org, or by downloading the app – SWFL Reads.
“The mobile app is super intuitive,” she said, as individuals can favor different events and customize their own schedule.
The app also provides the menus for the food trucks that will be on site – Forever Grounded, Pelican’s Snoballs, Plaka on Wheels, Price Panzarottis and Eli’s Mini Cravings. Jasons Deli will also have beverages, snacks, and meals.
A printed schedule will be handed out on the day of the event, which includes a map.
“The other thing I wanted to note is that we have a new festival email newsletter that people can sign up for at the bottom of our website: www.Readfest.org. It publishes monthly in season, to highlight the festival. It is another great way to stay up-to-date beyond just downloading the mobile app,” she said.
Fort Myers Regional Library is at 2450 First St.
Sam Galloway Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit for Community Cooperative
BY MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Everyone is welcome at the 22nd annual Sam Galloway Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit for Community Cooperative.
“I always say there is room for one more. We have a big table,” Community Cooperative CEO Stefanie Ink Edwards said. “I feel like it continues to get better and grow and bring new people to the table. We haven’t really changed anything. That’s the beauty of this event — simplicity. The gathering of likeminded, community-minded people who come to-
gether and want to raise money to fight hunger in Southwest Florida.”
The benefit will take place Thursday, March 6, at the Sam Galloway Ford in Fort Myers.
The venue is unique: The event is held in the service garage at Sam’s Galloway Ford and attendees could be sitting at a table next to a car lift with a car on it.
“The Sam Galloway team does a great job of cleaning up. We do all of that in one day,” she said, adding that it is turned into a party spot one evening and then wrenches are being turned by 7 the next morning. “It’s the most unique event in
Southwest Florida.”
Tickets are $200 a person for an individual seat at a table with a buffet-style served dinner. Tickets, as well as sponsorship opportunities, can be found at www. CommunityCooperative.com/events/samgalloway-jr-friends-soup-kitchen-benefit-5/.
The event will feature 20 local businesses and individuals who have donated food, beverages and support to help execute the event.
“I have a handful of vendors that have been with us all 22 years. We have a couple of new ones that have come onboard this year,” she said. “Everybody is local. We like the mom-and-pop local businesses and we always encourage people to patronize those local businesses because they are the ones that support us.”
This year’s menu will showcase southern cuisine.
Donors
Appetizers — Chris and Kaitlin Whitaker of Garden Goddess & LYNQ and Brian and Chef Gloria Jordan of Jordan’s.
Garden salad — Will Prather and Maureen Green-Prather of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.
The main course includes a plethora of dishes from smoked pork to southern fried shrimp and cheese grits.
BBQ chicken and green beans — Vickie and Andre Jones of Jonesez BBQ; smoked pork and swamp cabbage — Wesley Hansen Jr., and Deanna
Hansen; meatloaf and mashed potatoes — Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen; smoked brisket and baked beans — Mike Gavala, Wally Thomas and Brian Gear of Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery; southern fried shrimp and cheese grits — Tim and Healy Yoa of Artisan Eatery; collard greens, okra and tomatoes — Chip and Betsy Barnwell of The Farmer’s Market Restaurant and mac and cheese — Chef Calcedonio and Genevieve Bruno of Bruno’s of Brooklyn.
The desserts are donated by Norman Love Confections; Sandy Stilwell Youngquist of Keylime Bistro and Uncle Charlie’s Cookies Ministry.
The beverages are donated by Mast Family Culligan; the Mitchell Family of Suncoast Beverage; The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon and Seed & Been Market.
Those who attend are asked to prepare for a large crowd as last year there were more than 750 attendees, which does not include the 150 volunteers, or vendors.
The staffing is provided by Mike and Karen Gavala of G3 Catering.
Why the event is held
The need to fight hunger continues to grow in the community, as the population of Southwest Florida continues to grow, especially with the macro impacts of inflation, food costs, and housing issues, and not to mention natural disaster impacts and coming out of an election year.
“The cost of doing business for us
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Motown Group to perform at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
On Friday, Feb. 28, the Collaboration Band will perform Motown hits on the historic Ford lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. The performance is part of the Rhythm on the River concert series. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30.
The Collaboration Band is a gathering of veteran musicians dedicated to the authentic playing of Soul, R&B and Motown music. Each member brings years of experience: Ms. Verceal Whitaker is the former lead vocalist with the Platters; Willie Miller plays drums and provides lead and background vocals; on guitar and vocals, is Steve LaValley; Joshua Townsend provides keyboards and vocals; and Alonzo Smith provides vocals. In addition, there will be three feature artists for this show: Mike Caddy, lead vocalist for the Cleveland Philharmonic; Trez Gregory, former background vocalist for Brooks & Dunn; and Steve E. Geroge, who was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame.
Guests should bring a lawn chair and a sweater if the weather is chilly. Food trucks will be on site. No coolers or picnic baskets are permitted. Free parking is available in the main Edison Ford parking lot at 2350 McGregor Boulevard.
Individual tickets purchased in advance are $30 for Edison Ford members or $35 for non-members. Individual ticket holders should bring a lawn chair, as seating is not provided. A VIP seating area may be reserved by the table for $275 (for up to 5 people). The VIP ticket includes the use of a table and chairs. Purchase tickets at EdisonFord.org.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.
FMBrew 12th Anniversary Party set for Feb. 28-March 2
Fort Myers Brewing Company is gearing up for an epic four-day celebration to mark its 12th anniversary from Feb. 28 to March 2. This memorable event promises an unforgettable experience filled with over 50 rotating specialty craft beers, Spyk’d Seltzer slushies and cocktails, mouthwatering food trucks, and live music that will keep the parking lot party going all weekend long.
Indulge in specialty dishes from more than a dozen food trucks, featuring both new and longtime partners such as Detour Diner, South Pizza Co., Yo Samara’s, Don’t Give Up, Wicked Streatery, Chopped, and more! Live performances by local artists including the Ben Allen Band, Rock Republic, Chasing Denver, Matt Walden, Zack Couron, and Taylor Tones will add to the exciting atmosphere, ensuring fun for families, friends, and even furry companions.
‘Speak of Love Tour’ featuring Grammy Winning Recording Artist, David Phelps concert event to be held March 7
In support of his brand new recording, which releases Aug. 30, the unmistakable sound of multi-Dove and Grammy Award-winning recording artist, David Phelps, will be featured at the First Assembly of God, 4701 Summerlin Road. This exciting concert event begins at 7 p.m., and will also feature popular comedian, Mickey Bell.
This “Speak of Love Tour” stop will feature songs from Phelps soon-to-be-released Speak of Love recording. His seemingly endless vocal range, which extends more than three octaves, coupled with his gift for com-
municating a song, moves audiences from all walks of life, crossing generational and stylistic barriers. With multiple platinum-selling recording projects, Phelps is credited among today’s most spectacular voices.
Event information may be obtained by visiting www. davidphelps.com.
‘Taste of Love Goes Hollywood’ — A Star-Studded Evening to Benefit Special Equestrians!
Mark your calendars for a night of glamour, excitement, and culinary delights at “Taste of Love Goes Hollywood.” An exclusive wine and food extravaganza supporting Special Equestrians. Join us on Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 5:00-9:00 PM at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, for an unforgettable evening where you can shine as a star for a worthy cause.
Guests will enjoy:
∫Wine tastings and delectable food prepared by fantastic local chefs.
∫ A live auction and silent auction with unique items and experiences.
∫ An atmosphere filled with Hollywood glamour. Come dressed in Bling Jeans or Hollywood Glam!
Tickets: $125 each. Sponsorships are available for those looking to support in a larger way.
Purchase tickets or sponsorships online by visiting TOL2025.givesmart.com.
Champion QB, TV commentator, Joe Theismann to speak at NAMI Collier County’s 2025 Hope Shines event March 14
Super Bowl champion quarterback and sports commentator Joe Theismann will speak at NAMI Collier County’s “Hope Shines Event: Touchdown for Mental Wellness” to be held March 14 in Naples.
Theismann, a 15-year NFL veteran, guided the Washington Redskins to consecutive Super Bowls, including a 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII in 1983 that earned him the league’s Most Valuable Player award.
The Notre Dame graduate and College Football Hall of Famer will share his lessons on resilience and adaptability after a career-ending compound fracture of his leg viewed by many on “Monday Night Football.”
The fundraiser will be held at Arthrex, 1 Arthrex Way, with the event opening at 5 p.m.
Tickets, now available, are $325 and include the speaker presentation, dinner and live auction.
Event proceeds will support NAMI’s Children’s Mental Health Program, also known as Health Under Guided Systems — HUGS — which screens, assesses and educates children ages 2 months to 18 years old experiencing developmental, social, emotional or behavioral difficulties.
The event also will help support the Sarah Ann Life Skills & Support Program, which includes structured activities and occupational training, and other mental wellness programs offered at no cost to the community.
The event’s presenting sponsor is Tamiami Ford/ Tamiami Hyundai/Genesis of Naples, while Gulfshore Life is the media sponsor.
Additional available sponsorships include Hope Sponsor for $10,000, Shine Sponsor for $5,000 and Resiliency Sponsor for $2,500. Underwriting opportunities are also available for various parts of the program, including valet, decor, auctioneer, invitations and more.
For tickets, sponsorship and underwriting information, visit NAMICollier.org.
Religious Services
Services at Beach Baptist Church
Beach Baptist church at 130 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach Service at 10:30 every Sunday
All are welcome, we are pet friendly! 239-463-6452
https://beachbaptist.org
Services at St. Peter Lutheran Church
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at 3751 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
Outdoor Services under the tent
Every Sunday 9 a.m.
All are welcome, we are pet friendly 239-463-4251
stpeterfmb@gmail.com
www.stpeterfmb.com
YouTube - St Peter Lutheran Church Fort Myers Beach FL
In cooperation with former Chapel by the Sea and Beach United Methodist Church.
Services at St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church
St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church welcomes the public each Sunday at 10 a.m. for services in its parish hall at 5601 Williams Drive in Fort Myers Beach.
For more information regarding services, contact 239-463-6057 or email office@straphaelschurch.org
Tommy Bohanon Foundation to host Playmakers Tailgate Party Scholarship fundraiser returns to The Ranch April 11
Get ready for a night of music, comedy, food and fun in support of youth scholarships at the 2025 Playmakers Tailgate Party, hosted by the Tommy Bohanon Foundation. This exciting annual event will take place on Friday, April 11, from 6-10 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon in Fort Myers.
The evening will kick-off at 6 p.m. with a pre-party featuring live music, followed by a comedy set from cohost and comedian R.C. Smith. Afterward, scholarship awards will be presented. Guests can also take part in silent and live auctions, with all proceeds supporting local youth athletes.
All funds raised will help local youth athletes in Southwest Florida achieve their potential, both on and off the field. Proceeds from ticket sales, auctions, and raffles will provide essential resources for young athletes between the ages of 5 and 18.
Tickets are available for purchase at tommybohanonfoundation.org/playmakers/.
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.
Community Cooperative is also seeking volunteers to help – from delivering Meals on Wheels to helping with a baby program. She said they have something for everyone. Benefit From page 20
is continuing to grow just like every other business in Southwest Florida,” Ink Edwards said, adding that it is harder as a nonprofit because they are not selling a service that she can increase in price. “We rely on philanthropy.”
Giving is down, but the need is up – math that does not always work, she added.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the benefit will go right back into their feeding programs as they do not rely on government dollars to run their programs.
Those programs include the Sam’s Community Café, Meals on Wheels, Mobile Food Pantry, social services and education programs.
“On any given day, through all of our programs, we are cranking out close to 1,200 to 1,500 meals a day and that is just prepared food. It doesn’t count food given away at our mobile food pantries,” Ink Edwards said.
PET PALS
By ISABELLE WELLS Co-founder of the
Find a Home, Give a Home pet rescue
organization of Fort Myers Beach
Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue
We don’t always take healthy pups. Sometimes we help the unwanted and the ones who need some TLC. Marcie was one of these pups and we want to thank Sally for helping her during her journey. No regrets even if sometimes you wonder if going through all of the medical procedures and the amputations are worth doing. Marcie would never really know the difference but we wanted to give her a chance to enjoy life at a slower pace even though this might not include walking or running all the time. She showed us a lot of resilience and she is a very special little one who will need a home very soon. If you are interested please contact Isabelle at 239-281-0739
From her foster Mom:
In mid November 2024 I was sent a picture of a tiny
note
little waif taken at Lee County Animal Services. The Rescue thought of me as she appeared to be a hairless Chinese Crested, a breed with which I am familiar.
My reply: “Does she need a foster?”
“We’ll know by the end of the day. She has a deformed back leg. If the finder doesn’t claim her she will go on rescue portal. She has beautiful eyes”
As soon as she was available I picked her up and brought her to the veterinarian. This 2-3 year old little pup, less than 5-1/2 lbs had mange and a back leg that hung down at a 90-degree angle with the toes equal to the opposite knee. She needed a dental plus with baby teeth pulled and needed to be spayed.
First order of business was to care for demodex mange. She was put on an antibiotic and needed to be given a weekly medicated bath.
In spite of all this little stray may have gone through, she had the best personality ever, such a happy little girl. Whether people, the other dogs or the cat in her foster
home, “Marcie” just wanted to be a part of the family.
With a good diet and her weekly medicated bath Marcie’s hair began to grow back in. Soon it was apparent she was not a hairless Chinese Crested but a short- to long-haired Chihuahua.
Marcie had one gait—running. She ran back and forth across the fenced yard and from one room to another in the house. But walking or standing still was where her back limb deficit showed itself, throwing her balance off. When she did stand still she would try to position herself so she would have solid support. Walking on a leash was not possible. The difficult decision was made that amputation would be the best course of action to take for her long-term quality of life.
By mid-February her mange was cured and she was ready for surgery for dental, spay and amputation.
A couple of weeks ago she was amputated and it has been very hard for her and her foster mom. Her wound was open all the way you could even see straight to her muscle. She has had to have laser treatments for the past week and a half to help with the healing as well as wet and dry bandages which have to be replaced every day. She has been back and forth from the vet to her foster home Monday through Saturday. Marcie is improving every day. Yesterday was the first time she wagged her tail when she saw Sally. As you can imagine it is very expensive for us to treat her and if you would like to help with her care that would be wonderful. You can email us at pets@findahomegiveahome.com. Send donation to PO Box 864 Bonita springs Fl 34133, Zelle using our email address. Thanks for helping Marcie!!
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.
By Jo Knobloch Founder of
Save Our Strays Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com
We are always in need of adult and kitten food, wet and dry. Can be left at book nook in Santini plaza or sent from Chewey or Amazon or even Walmart. Please call us immediately if you see any stray cats on the beach so we can rescue them and get them adopted to a forever good home. Please call us at 239851-3485 if you would like to meet these two special cats. Also if you see any strays looking for food, please call us immediately. These two were going on porches and waiting by doors for someone to help and feed them. They need food and also NEED RESCUED.
CASPER is a gorgeous all white male cat approximately 2 years old. He was found on the south end of Fort Myers Beach and no one has come forth to claim him. He is unaltered and had no chip. This is why microchips are so important to have in your pets. He is a sweet and affectionate boy. All white cats are rare and not seen often. He may have been left behind when someone moved or dumped. If you can not care for a pet or are forced to move, call a rescue, DON’T DUMP!! or LEAVE BEHIND!! No animal deserves to be treated this way.
is an orange tabby approximately 4 years old also left behind and rescued at an apartment complex in Fort Myers. He is so good natured and affectionate. A nice man started feeding him and called us to rescue him which we did. He deserves a forever good home. He had a chip but previous owner could not be reached.
TACO
Craft Shows PioneerVillage CraftFair 20Tables
17200PioneerSt.NFM Sat,Mar1st,8am-12noon InTheRecHall Cemetery - Cremation
For Sale: His & Hers crypts, Coral Ridge Cemetary, Memory 2 South inside. Titled, $12000 ea. Call 239-699-4822 Please leave message Professional
Business Ops Spclist in Ft Myers, FL - Schedule workrs/conduct perf evals. Sales/recordkeepg. Dvlp strats/sales & mktg plans to increase profit, reduce costs/improve efficiency/productivity. Research competitor data. Purchasg. Watch for theft/security issues. Prep budgets/report. Process payroll, AR/AP & reconcils. 35 hrs. Bach’s degree in Business Admin (or for equiv) & 2 yrs mgr’l exp. Resume to: United Asian Petroleum Inc, 15600 McGregor Blvd, Ft. Myers, FL 33908, Attn. G Rahman. Appliances
Whirlpool, side by side stainless steel refrigerator. 25 cu ft. Manufactured 2020, $400 OBO. Call 609-703-6664 Garage Sales
Bokeelia, 16161 Aura Ln, Sat 3/1, 8am - 3pm. Fishing equipment, Kayaks, furniture, tools, dishes, arts & crafts, piano & So Much More
Cape Coral, 1619 SE 6th Ter. March 1st & 2nd. 11am to 6pm.
