042525 Cape Coral Weekend Breeze by BreezeNewspapers

City exploring path to greater flood insurance discounts

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The city of Cape Coral will explore ways to obtain greater discounts for those who pay for flood insurance,

Cape Coral City Council agreed Wednesday look further into measures the city could take to obtain a Class 4 Community Rating System rating, which would provide a 30% savings on the National Flood Insurance Program.

The city currently qualifies for a 25% discount.

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said the presentation to council was the second in a three-part series regarding special flood hazard areas, and floodplain regulations.

The third and final presentation will use the information from the first two to make decisions and give administration some guidance on where council would like to go regarding the city’s flood plain manage-

Culture Fest

ment code.

Building Official Shane Kittendorf began the presentation by explaining the National Flood Insurance Program and how flood insurance premiums are rated. Key changes for the flood insurance premiums include proximity to water, cost to rebuild, flooding types, and frequency and mitigation measures.

“FEMA has had in place, for more than 50 years, a rating system that is generic in

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

city event celebrating diversity is set for this Saturday at Cultural Park in Cape Coral.

The third-annual Cape Coral Culture Fest is free for all to attend, and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend. The event is geared for all ages, and will feature different cultures though live music, performances, international food, a variety of vendors and more.

“As we approach our third annual Culture Fest, it’s inspiring to see how this free, family-friendly event has grown into a true celebraSee CULTURE FEST, page 15

If You Go:

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Council compensation, responsibilities and duties are among the areas Cape Coral City Council would like the Charter Review Commission to review over the next eight months.

Council determined that the Charter Review Commission, which was appointed earlier this month, should meet a minimum of once a month and complete its work by Dec. 10.

The commission will meeting for the first time on Tuesday, April 29, for an introductory meeting.

City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner recommended the commission meet at least once a month as the prudent thing to do.

City Clerk Kimberly Bruns said historically each meeting is dedicated to a section of the charter, the city’s bedrock governing document. When that section of the charter comes before the advisory panel, recommendations from city council are brought up as backup.

Bruns recommended that the meetings be held at the beginning of each month, so if additional discussion needs to be had, another meeting can be scheduled in the same month.

Mayor John Gunter said he has requested that the minutes of each meeting be sent to each council member, so they can review the discussion, and be up to speed with what the Charter Review

Council looks to tweak parameters for youth panel appointments

By MEGHAN MCCOY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council is looking at modifying its qualification parameters to allow greater flexibility in appointing students to serve on its Youth Council.

The board agreed to move forward Wednesday to provide for the appointment of three seniors, currently ineligible due to their grade level, to the panel.

Council had a discussion last week to change the ordinance pertaining to Youth Council to allow seniors, whose schools are not currently represented on Youth Council, to be considered.

Councilmember Bill Steinke took the lead and worked with City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner to edit the ordinance.

In a perfect world, the city would have seven juniors from seven different schools and seven seniors from seven different schools to make up the Youth Council, Steinke said.

“The change that the city attorney was looking to make happen is to allow for an overage above 14 members if the sole purpose is to get representation from schools if not included,” Steinke said.

“The change that the city attorney was looking to make happen is to allow for an overage above 14 members if the sole purpose is to get representation from schools if not included.”

— Councilmember Bill Steinke, who said, in a perfect world, the city would have seven juniors from seven different schools and seven seniors from seven different schools to make up its Youth Council.

He said there are three senior student applicants who were deemed ineligible simply because they were seniors, but would have brought a broader scope with representation to schools.

“We have been in contact with those three that were determined ineligible. They still would like to serve if we were to make accommodations for them to do that,” Steinke said.

Boksner said the three individuals would be appointed, which the council gave consensus to do so.

The changes to the ordinance would go through two public hearings.

Mayor John Gunter also made a recommendation

to look into the language of the advisor to the council. He said the advisor of the youth council has been Joe Mazurkiewicz, a former city mayor who has retired and moved on. Former Councilmember Tom Hayden had a desire to move into that role, which he was granted.

“We’ve had Mr. Mazurkiewicz pass the torch to Mr. Hayden,” Gunter said, adding that although he fully supports Hayden, it needs to be a city council decision. “This is a council board. We have a liaison on the board. It’s a council decision. I support Mr. Hayden. We need to have a process in place.”

City council gave unanimous support to add language to the ordinance.

Cape to revisit hurricane season window protections

By MEGHAN MCCOY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council will add discussion of boarded windows outside of hurricane season and citizens input to a future workshop agenda.

Councilmember Rachel Kaduk brought the topics forward during roundtable discussion Wednesday.

She said the topic of boarded up windows was brought before the council a few years ago, which she wanted to bring back again due to safety concerns.

Mayor John Gunter said when the

topic was first brought up, personal property rights were part of the discussion from the public. He said those who spoke said they leave in April and do not return until October and could not find anyone to put up their shutters in case there was a hurricane.

“I see people reaching out and doing stuff for neighbors all the time. I don’t buy that,” Kaduk said.

A discussion also will be held about where citizen’s input should be on the agenda.

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn told the Council it is their agenda, their

business meeting, so they can choose the order or items on the agenda.

He said the city has had two citizen input times in the past.

“The thought process from the last change to merge those together was to have one pointed timeframe of when citizens speak,” he said.

Councilmember Keith Long suggested maybe Council change the way they provide for citizen’s input — maybe a call card system, could be explored.

Gunter, and Councilmembers Bill Steinke and Joe Kilraine were not in favor of adding those topics to a future council workshop.

Property owners urged to sign up for fraud alerts

Lee County Clerk & Comptroller Kevin Karnes is urging property owners to register for the Clerk’s Property Fraud Alert after a recent arrest and separate conviction for property fraud-related events. Property fraud occurs when a party uses a forged deed to sell or transfer property that does not belong to them.

Last month, a Fort Myers man was arrested for attempting to steal a property by filing a fake deed in the Lee Clerk’s Official Records Department. The Clerk’s Property Fraud Prevention Pilot Program provided police with the fraudulent driver license the man used, which led to his arrest. Just a few weeks ago, a woman was convicted in a 2023 case involving her trying to file multiple false deeds at the Clerk’s office to steal properties from the homeowners. The deeds were not accepted by the Clerk, and she was arrested. The Lee Clerk’s Property Fraud Alert, which is a free service that will notify you within 24 hours if someone files a deed or other official record in your name.

The Breeze OpiniOns

CApe COrAl Breeze

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher

VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor

CHRIS STRINE, Editor

2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904

• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693

Member Florida Press Association

Charter review gets under way

Cape Coral City Council provided some parameters for the scope of work its appointed Charter Review Commission will perform through the rest of the year.

The seven-member panel plus its two alternates will begin meeting next Tuesday and will meet at least monthly until Dec. 10 at which time their recommendations for possible amendments to the city’s charter will be due to Council.

Their task is a serious one, mandated by the very document they will review article by article to see if updates or modifications may be warranted.

The city’s charter is its bedrock governing document, similar in some respects to the federal or state constitution.

A charter essentially establishes the rules for local governance. Articles include the entity’s “corporate name,” its boundaries and its powers and authority along with how the city is to be governed, everything from its form of government, financial procedures and how and when it will hold elections to how it must handle citizen initiatives and referendums and more, including how the charter itself may be amended or changed.

In Cape Coral, the charter established that ours is a council-manager form of government with an eight-member elected board comprised of seven council members and a mayor, who collectively set policy and a Councilappointed manager, who runs the city’s day-to-day operations.

The charter dictates that members of council must be continuous full-time residents of the city for the entire calendar year before they qualify for office and also dictates that they must reside in the geographic district they seek to represent.

The charter outlines election parameters, how vacancies shall be handled, council member compensation and allowable expenses and forfeiture of office.

There are provisions for how a city manager is ap-

See EDITORIAL, page 26

This week’s poll question:

Should the State Legislature make it harder to get citizen initiatives on the ballot as proposed in HB1205/SB7016?

∫ Yes.

∫ No.

∫ This is not an issue for me.

Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

Previous poll question:

Should state parks be protected against development?

∫ Yes. I don’t want to see things like sports facilities and hotels. - 85%

∫ No. I’d like to see more to do. - 10.5%

∫ This is not an issue for me. - 4.5%

* Total votes at press time: 67 votes. Percentages are “rounded.”Poll

April 25, 2025

Kids’ Minds Matter breaks down barriers to teen mental health

A staggering 50,000-plus children in Southwest Florida are impacted by some form of mental illness.

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for youth in the state of Florida.

These are alarming statistics, but Kids’ Minds Matter is helping to address the issue.

As part of the region’s strategic solution to the children’s mental and behavioral health epidemic in Southwest Florida, Kids’ Minds Matter is bringing improved access to care for families and providing a framework to connect community partners. This is being done by providing psychologists, psychiatrists, child advocates, social workers and care navigators to help children and families access behavioral health services that are available to them.

Kids’ Minds Matter is also dedicated to fostering partnerships with other local mental health agencies to advocate for expanded children’s mental health services in our region.

Raising awareness of mental health Annually, Kids’ Minds Matter hosts a community-wide event, “Normal is Overrated,” that brings together middle and high school students to explore tough-to-navigate mental and behavioral health topics. Joined by families, friends, advocates, health professionals and community partners, all attendees are united in bringing acceptance to and raising awareness of mental health.

This year’s event, which will be held Saturday, May 3, is interactive and informative. It was created by students to acknowledge the mental and behavioral health challenges that teens and young people face.

The power of storytelling

Over the years, this event has become a platform for gaining understanding and promoting early intervention, education and accessible mental health services. It serves as a gathering place for people who have been touched by mental health issues, whether personally or through a loved one. By sharing stories of resilience, hope and courage, the event empowers others to speak openly about their

See GUEST COMMENTARY, page 26

Letters to the editor

Public input is key component to good governance

To the editor:

There’s a lesson I learned early in public service. Leadership doesn’t happen behind closed doors. It happens in the open, with sleeves rolled up, listening and working with the people who make up our community. People who may not speak in perfect soundbites but who know exactly what they need and what the needs of our community are.

That’s the thing about democracy. It only works when people are allowed to participate. It only thrives when voices are heard, not just the loudest ones or the ones with titles or wealth, but every voice in our community that stands up and chooses to be heard.

Somewhere along the way, these council meetings, meant to be forums of public discourse, have become too closed, too choreographed, and too conveniently timed for the few, not the many. That’s not just unfortunate. That’s un-American.

Cape Coral is growing. With that growth comes complexity, challenge, and yes, a higher responsibility to keep the public part of the process, not just as spectators but as participants.

For the past few years, under the iron grip of a mayor more interested in control than collaboration, we’ve seen city meetings that limit and restrict public comment, boards and committees stripped away to ensure limited public involvement, and fast-tracked resolutions and backroom decisions, like the so-called “stipend” scheme that siphoned taxpayer dollars without genuine public debate.

This mayor and some past council members have treated community input like an obligation instead of an opportunity. That’s not governance. That’s not what Cape Coral wants or deserves.

Mr. Mayor, public input isn’t an inconvenience. It’s the job. The new council members have a chance to lead Cape Coral with integrity, transparency, and trust. That starts with listening. And listening starts with access. We need to open the doors wider. We need to extend the microphones a little longer. Let the folks of our great city speak. Let us question. Let us care out loud. Let us work together to solve the concerns of our community.

As this council and its new members look to reclaim the time lost under the previous administration, under this mayor, our community asks you to open up the floor. Extend the time currently restricted. Create more opportunities, not fewer, for civic engagement. Stand up to this

mayor’s underhanded restrictions on public participation and fight for the people who elected you to do exactly that. Stand up to what the last council did to our city and help return Cape Coral to its people.

The U.S. Constitution is the people’s document

To the editor:

I’d like to submit the following as an open letter to Rep. Byron Donald’s after last night’s Town Hall.

Dear Congressman Donalds,

Wow. Monday night’s town hall was — how do I say this diplomatically? — a masterclass in “intellectually honest” gaslighting. And yes, I put that term in quotation marks because you tossed it around so many times I started wondering if it was a nervous tic or just your way of saying, “Buckle up for some top-shelf condescension.”

You really packed the night with moments, but there was one that rose above the rest for sheer audacity: your claim (cheered on by a few equally confused attendees) that the Constitution only applies to U.S. citizens and not to so-called “illegal aliens.” You said it with such confidence, like a kid trying to pass off a book report on “Moby Dick” after watching “Free Willy.”

Let’s do something radical here and refer to the actual Constitution. The Fifth Amendment says: “No person shall be… deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law…”

And the Sixth Amendment? “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial…”

Notice anything? Like, say, the word “person”? Not “citizen.” Not “only if you were born next to a bald eagle.” Just person. That word — “person” — appears 28 times in the Constitution and its amendments, often carrying rights, responsibilities, and, yes, protections. The Founders weren’t known for their subtlety. If they wanted to limit those rights to citizens only, they had a word for that. They chose not to use it here.

So when you say undocumented immigrants aren’t covered, you’re not being “intellectually honest” — you’re being intellectually... creative. And not in a cute way, like finger painting, but in a dangerous way, like trying to rewire your house using TikTok tutorials.

See LETTERS, page 6

Rich Leon Cape Coral

Vanessa Ruiz Guest Commentary

Second chance hiring events remove barriers to work

As parents, we help our children develop resilience through life’s storms. We remind them that their past does not define them—and that what matters most is how they learn, grow and rise from hard moments.

Progress over perfection. We believe this as parents, but we forget it as employers.

Outdated hiring practices and cold and impersonal online application algorithms are excluding countless smart, motivated people who may not be the “perfect” candidates on paper but are eager to show up, work hard and grow into the role.

I can tell you that overlooking these strong, resilient candidates is a mistake.

For the past five years, we at Better Together have partnered with churches across the country to host hiring events through our Nationwide Day of Second Chances. These aren’t your typical job fairs—they are celebrations of new beginnings for people with incredible potential.

We offer hope, connection and the support people need to step confidently into their next chapter. Job seekers can come as they are, no suits required. We offer free haircuts, clothes, resume reviews and interview coaching, all from trained volunteers who are here to help.

The results? Last year, a dozen churches brought nearly 100 employers together with almost 2,000 job seekers in

From page 4

two states and the District of Columbia. Hundreds received free resume and interview coaching, connected with hiring managers and were hired on the spot.

More broadly, our job fair program has helped more than 40,000 applicants connect with job opportunities across 24 states. On average, 60% find work within six weeks. These aren’t just stats—these are lives changed.

That includes Lawrencia, a young mother who attended our Miami job fair last spring, where she secured a job in the hospitality industry. She’d been out of work since giving birth to her daughter shortly after graduating high school in 2019 but never gave up—she just needed a foot in the door to show the world what she could offer.

Commentary

In Jacksonville, Navy veteran Gena attended one of our second chance job fairs hoping to find stable, long-term employment after overcoming some mental health challenges. “I don’t want to come to work just to get a paycheck. I want to come to work and find that second chance out

I’d really encourage you to spend some time — like, maybe a full week or two — sitting with a constitutional scholar or even just someone who’s read it all the way through. And while you’re at it, maybe take a breather from blaming literally everyone else for everything. You’re in Congress. You are the government now. Blaming past presidents and the legislative branch while actively sitting in the legislative branch is like burning dinner and then yelling at the stove.

I will say this — you’ve got guts. You showed up. You didn’t shy away from tough questions; you just answered them with the grace of a man trying to defuse a bomb with a hammer. Still, kudos. It’s more than your peers tend to do. But unfortunately, being brave and being right are two different things.

You’ve passed one bill. One. The rest of your legislative efforts are gathering dust in committees like forgotten New Year’s resolutions. Is it because your views are too extreme? Too unpopular? Or maybe your colleagues just don’t find “intellectually honest” as charming as you do.

You said you’ll do more town halls. I’ll be there. And I’ll meditate beforehand to make space for your unique brand of word salad. I’ll come ready — with a smile, a notepad, and a pocket Constitution. Maybe I’ll bring an extra copy for you.

Sincerely,

A concerned constituent who believes the Constitution isn’t just for citizens — it’s for people. (You know, like the rest of us humans.)

India Palencia Fort Myers

Citizens of Florida losing their First Amendment rights?

To the editor:

Do you like being part of the nanny state? In recent years, the state government has taken away the ability of local governments to control their own futures. The state through last year’s sprawl law favored developers over Home Rule. The state has mandated what cannot be taught or even discussed in public schools, no local decisions allowed.

This year the target is the right to gather petitions to support proposed constitutional amendments. Last year despite spending tens of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money fighting the abortion rights and legalization of marijuana amendments on the ballot both received over 50% approval but fell short of the required 60% to make them

there,” she told a local TV station. She did the inner work and was ready to begin again. With labor shortages in industries like construction, hospitality, retail and industry trades, top companies and state business organizations (including the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida) are finally catching on that second chance hiring is a winwin for employers and society at large—especially the six million Floridians with an arrest history.

It costs Florida taxpayers nearly $30,000 a year to house an inmate in state prison, and nearly 75% of those who served their time are still unemployed a year later. People lose hope when they can’t find a job and two-thirds of them will return to jail.

Companies like JPMorgan Chase, AT&T, Microsoft and Walmart are taking action to help these citizens get back to work. Nearly one in 10 new hires at JPMorgan Chase has a previous record

Letters to the editor

law. House Bill 1205 and Senate Bill 7016 are designed so if citizens desire to amend the constitution it becomes all but impossible. Million-dollar bonds, background checks on those gathering petitions, fines, and jail time if a petition has incorrect information, even though those collecting the signatures have no way of validating the information.

The state does not want you to vote on any amendment they personally do not agree with. So much for the FREE state of Florida!

The state is counting on its citizens not to pay attention to what they do in Tallahassee. This is how democracy is lost. Please contact your state legislators and tell them not to take away your right to put amendments on the ballot. Please go to floridarighttocleanwater.org and sign the petition to put the right to clean water on the 2026 ballot.

Dan Carney Cape Coral

Right to petition almost gone

To the editor:

Very quietly our Florida legislators are destroying average citizens’ right to petition their government, a fundamental right that allows citizens to peacefully ask for their grievances and concerns to be heard. This is an essential right that allows citizens to participate in governmental change, legislators can be held accountable, and that all of this is done peacefully. Florida HB 1205 has already passed and SB7016 looks to be passed soon. The compromise bill that emerges will then go to Gov. DeSantis for his signature into law.

Members of the Florida Right to Clean Water have been trying desperately to get signatures for their petition to amend the state Constitution to make clean and healthy waters a fundamental right for every citizen. The changes to the petition process that are being pushed by our legislators will make it impossible for volunteer groups such as ours to participate in the petition process anymore. Only groups with lots of money will have even a chance. Now while you may not feel that supporting our amendment is important, though I can’t understand why clean water isn’t universally desired, there may come a time when an issue that you do think is important will occur. You may not be able to petition for that cause if this law takes effect.

Please don’t allow a basic tenet that we have now be taken away from us and diminished.

Go to www.flgov.com to let Gov. DeSantis know you don’t support this change. And go to www.floridarighttocleanwater.org to sign your petition now before it is too late.

Mary Tracy Sigman Fort Myers

with no bearing on their role, which seems pretty reasonable given national averages.

For comparison, one in three Americans has an arrest record—which means if we left it up to the algorithms to decide, a third of America would never find work again.

Companies of all sizes have an opportunity to rise to the occasion and remove barriers to work through human connection, joining a collective solution that fills business needs while bringing gainful employment to residents who need a hand up, not a handout.

This April, our Nationwide Day of Second Chances hiring events will take or have taken place in Fort Myers; Jacksonville; Largo; Miami; Ocala; Port St. Lucie; Washington, D.C.; Ironton, Ohio; and Chicago, Illinois.

These job fairs offer hope and a solution to help our neighbors find work, restore their dignity and keep society healthy and working. Let’s practice what we preach to our children and look beyond the past and toward future potential instead.

To learn more about how to support or participate in Nationwide Day of Second Chances near you, visit BetterTogetherUS. org/NWDSC.

— Megan Rose is the CEO of Better Together, a nonprofit organization that helps parents in crisis address the root causes of their struggle, find work, and keep their children out of foster care.

Time for Americans to speak up

To the editor:

President Trump continues with a series of deranged episodes that, after 250 years of inspirational leadership, are tanking our democracy and our respect at home and around the world. We are already a laughingstock of the troubled world that Trump has made infinitely worse. The neediest people in the United States are systematically cut off from aid that helps them recover and lead productive lives, or else provides a cushion as they leave this world. All the while, billionaires cheer and count their promised rewards (which are not coming because Trump has single-handedly taken the stock market on a nosedive).

A recent meeting between former President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte raised national and international eyebrows (again), both for its content and tone. During the meeting, which was held in the Oval Office, Trump appeared to deviate significantly from expected diplomatic discourse.

According to accounts from those present, Trump used the opportunity not to focus on alliance unity or security cooperation, but instead made a series of unexpected and controversial remarks. At one point, he floated the idea that Canada would “only work as a state,” suggesting that the U.S. might look better on the map if it simply absorbed its northern neighbor. Observers noted that this comment did not appear to be made in jest.

He also reportedly brought up Greenland, referencing past interest in the territory and suggesting NATO might have a role in acquiring it — citing vague notions of international security. These remarks drew visible discomfort from Secretary General Rutte, who previously served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

Trump then shifted to domestic political themes, making comments about using transgender rights issues as a way to mobilize voters before elections. Rather than focus on global defense strategies, he appeared to frame certain marginalized groups as tools in a broader campaign tactic. When asked about small businesses struggling under trade tariffs, Trump responded with optimistic claims, promising that Americans would be “so much richer.” However, critics point out that under his policies, programs like Medicaid and Social Security have faced cuts, while wealth inequality has increased.

In a particularly puzzling moment, Trump made a comment about sending drug dealers to the Netherlands — a remark that came across more as an awkward attempt at humor than a serious policy suggestion. Given Rutte’s prior role leading the Dutch government, the remark seemed es-

See LETTERS, page 7

Megan Rose Guest

Brown receives Youth Council’s Civic Engagement Award

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The Youth Council awarded Emma Brown, a student from Oasis High School, with an Excellence Award earlier this month, as a way to honor students in the Cape Coral community.

She was honored with the Civic Engagement Award during the April 11 Youth Council meeting.

Brown said she heard about the Excellence Awards from a friend and a link on the Youth Council Instagram page.

“I had to get a letter of recommendation from a teacher and ensure I provided my community service hours from various organizations and a signature from an official to make sure it was a valid number,” she said. “I answered some questions on what I did and why I wanted to do it.”

Brown, who will be a junior next year, applied for the Youth Council, as they “seem like an incredible group of like-minded people. I also figured it would give me a place to express my voice with other powerful people.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

Excellence Awards Recipients: From left to right, Youth Council Chair Sophie Garcia, Emma Brown, Ludwika Fortunic, Youth Council Vice Chair Emily Feichthaler.

Letters to the editor

She is very appreciative of the award.

“I like helping out her people and I will always do it,” Brown said.

The high school student gives her time for various organizations, such as Family Initiative.

“I’m employed there now, but I have been volunteering for such a long time. It’s an incredible experience and made me who I am,” Brown said. “I want to go into family law because of it – the welfare of children and families, but in a different direction.”

She also gives her time at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter and through her high school Key Club’s community-based events.

“I went to the Farmers Market a few weeks ago and sat at the booth. It was incredibly fun,” Brown said of helping the Cape Coral Animal Shelter mobile food pantry. “It was an incredible opportunity because I was able to meet with people and provide them with the resources they need for their animals – helping families and animals with the most basic needs.”

From page 6

pecially out of place.

Additional comments included criticism of the European Union, false claims about U.S. car sales in Europe, and an exaggerated anecdote about “invading Los Angeles” to turn the water back on — a statement that misrepresented the actual impact of water policy decisions that hurt California farmers.

Toward the end of the meeting, Trump downplayed con-

cerns about Russian aggression, offering little reassurance to allies on that front.

Overall, the meeting left many wondering if Trump has lost his marbles or if he just took a mental vacation at the wrong time. Rather than reinforcing the strength of the NATO alliance or articulating a coherent vision for international cooperation, the president’s remarks were erratic, provocative, and at times disconnected from established facts. You get the picture: He is leading the USA on a downward spiral.

We all have to keep speaking up … not just Democrats, but AMERICANS. We can’t accept any of this as normal because it simply is not. It is the hallucinations of a dangerous egomaniac who lied to the American people and convinced them he would lower prices first and as his priority. But in the process of lowering everything else BUT prices, he is leading us all on a path to irrelevancy and desperation. Jim Burch Cape Coral

Agree? Disagree? Weigh in! Letters, guest opinions, comments welcome

The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the editor or guest columns may be e-mailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com.

All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes. Readers are also invited to comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: capecoralbreeze.com.

Masters of the Craft

Westin Cape Coral Resort duo top culinary challenge

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A competition the likes of which you’d see on the Food Network took place in Cape Coral over two days this week, where food industry professionals showed off their chops.

Associates from across the resort, including the culinary, food and beverage, and other operational departments, put their creativity and expertise to the test in a thrilling, fast-paced environment that honored their dedication to excellence.

Held in a festive on-property setting, the event brought together departments, leadership, and local partners to support and cheer on the competitors.

The resort’s top honors were awarded to Corinne Ramirez, Lifestyle Bartender; and Zachary Urban, Cook II, who each created standout offerings using a mystery ingredient. That ingredient was locally sourced Florida pink guava.

Both winners will now advance to the regional round of the competition, with hopes of securing a coveted spot at the final round held at Marriott International’s global headquarters.

The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village played host to Marriott International’s annual Master of the Craft competition. This high-energy, “Chopped “style culinary face-off celebrates the skills and passion of Marriott associates. The resort’s top honors were awarded to Corinne Ramirez, Lifestyle Bartender; and Zachary Urban, Cook II, who each created standout offerings using a mystery ingredient — locally sourced Florida pink guava.

Ramirez impressed judges with a tropical cocktail crafted with Ketel One Vodka, piña colada mix, guava purée, fresh squeezed lime juice, and topped with ginger beer — shaken to perfection and served in a mule mug.

“This was such an exciting challenge — unlike anything I’ve done before,” Ramirez said. “The mystery ingredient made me think on my feet, but I wanted to showcase a vibrant, tropical flavor with a little flair. Winning among this talented team is such an honor—and now I can’t wait to see what the next round brings.”

Urban took a savory approach to guava, searing salmon fillets to perfection and serving them with rainbow baby carrots, crispy potatoes, and a bold, bright guava citrus-pepper sauce — featuring diced guava, pineapple juice, orange and lime zest, cilantro, parsley, hot peppers, and

ginger.

“It was intense but fun—definitely a first for me,” Urban said. “I really wanted to use the guava in a way that balanced sweetness and heat. Competing with my peers was motivating, and I’m thrilled to be moving on to the next stage.”

This year’s competition was judged by a panel of local industry professionals from Farmer Joe’s, Freshpoint, and Cheney Brothers—valued partners of The Westin Cape Coral Resort. Their culinary expertise and deep ties to the community brought authenticity and insight to the judging process.

The leadership team at The Westin Cape Coral shared its pride and excitement about the event’s success and the spirit it brought to the resort.

“Master of the Craft is more than just a competition—it’s a powerful expression of

our culture,” said General Manager Bobby Nokley, in a statement. “It gives our associates a chance to step into the spotlight and showcase the passion and creativity they bring to work every day. Seeing that energy come to life was truly inspiring.”

Director of Operations Chris Cahill echoed that sentiment, noting the impact beyond the competition floor.

“What stood out most was the camaraderie. Our associates encouraged one another, supported each dish and drink presented, and celebrated each moment together,” he stated. “It reminded us that excellence isn’t just about performance— it’s about teamwork and pride in our craft.”

Executive Chef Victoria Wenning added that the competition highlighted the depth of talent on the resort’s team: “Corinne and Zach took on this challenge with confidence and innovation,” she stated. “The way they approached the mystery ingredient, adapted under pressure, and delivered something truly exceptional speaks volumes about their professionalism. We’re excited to see them take this momentum into regionals.”

The Master of the Craft program has been a cornerstone of Marriott culture for many years, with hotel-level winners earning a chance to compete on a larger stage at the national level.

‘Donut Dash’ to benefit local cancer patients Partners in Care’s annual charity run moves to a new location

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

An annual charity fun run takes place this Saturday in Cape Coral, with proceeds to benefit local cancer patients.

Not-for-profit organization, Partners in Care Foundation, will host its 13th annual 5K/10K/2-mile walk, this year dubbed the “Donut Dash.”

With a new location at Rotary Park after holding the event previously at Jaycee Park, the run will benefit head and neck cancer patients.

“We are the only foundation in the entire money that raises money for head and neck cancer patients,” said foundation Director Kathy Tolentino. “It’s a good feeling to know that. And we’re going to have the highest number of participants we’ve ever had this year.”

Funds raised will be used to provide financial assistance to head and neck cancer patients and to provide cancer screenings and treatment across the region. Free head and neck cancer screenings will also be available.

This in-person 5K run/walk, 10K run/walk & 2-Mile walk begins and ends at Rotary Park starting at 8 a.m. Participants also have the option to participate virtually in the event.

According to Partners in Care, head and neck cancer is diagnosed in more than 68,000 people in the U.S. yearly, and is preventable and treatable. All funds raised will be used locally to provide financial assistance to head and neck cancer patients in need and to conduct cancer screenings in Southwest Florida.

“The event for us is emotional, but very rewarding at the same time,” Tolentino said. “I would say probably 95 percent of the patients we help, once they’ve been helped, they continue to come back and help us every year help somebody else.”

After some hardships for the foundation locally over the last year, Tolentino and Foundation Manager Lizeth Luna

If You Go:

What:

“Donut Dash” 5K/10K/2-mile walk

When:

Saturday, April 26, starting at 8 a.m.

Where:

Rotary Park is at 5505 Rose Garden Blvd.

More information:

For more information, visit yourpartnersincare.org.

have kept pushing forward to assist cancer patients.

“That’s how important that mission is for us,” Tolentino said. “The best part for me is when a patient comes up and hugs you. They become our family. We become attached to them. It pulls at your heartstrings that you’ve made a small impact with the cost of cancer. What it costs in this country for a patient to be treated is devastating. We can help them get their supplements, their food, their travel.”

In a testimonial on Partners in Care’s Facebook page, a patient name John thanked the organization for its assistance in a meaningful way.

“The help I got in my attempts to prepare for my den-

tures and put new dentures in to help me actually swallow and smile again is awfully meaningful to me,” he said. “It brought my life together to a point where I felt normal again after all the surgeries and all the trauma I’ve gone through. The help from (Partners in Care) was very important to me because I’ve been out of work for a while and haven’t been able to afford that kind of dental work. It has really changed my life.”

Check-in/registration for the run goes from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on April 26. Registration is $35 for adults, $25 for youth 17 and under, and children under 5 are free.

“Every dollar stays in Southwest Florida,” Tolentino said.

This event will be timed and scored by Cape Coral residents Lin-Mark Sports. Entrants can sign up to receive texted results within seconds after finishing. Live results and awards will be available immediately upon finishing via cell phone.

Participation medals will be given to all who come out. The first three male and female finishers in the 10K and 5K timed runs in each age category will receive a lanyard pin. All Kids’ Fun Run participants will receive a ribbon. Strollers and pets are allowed only in the 2-mile walk.

“We just want to say ‘thank you’ to the community,” Tolentino said. “Thank you for continuing to be there for us, for helping the cancer patients of Southwest Florida, and we look forward to continuing our mission.”

Partners in Care, founded in 1996, is a not-for-profit charitable foundation dedicated to cancer patients. The foundation helps to provide financial assistance, cancer screenings, support groups for patients as well as additional educational programs. The foundation serves patients in 18 states. More than 9,000 patients have been served since 2007 and more than $1 million has been provided in financial assistance.

For more information on Partners in Care and to register for the Donut Dash, visit yourpartnersincare.org.

Rotary Park is at 5505 Rose Garden Blvd.

Burrowing Owl photo contest opens May 1

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Enjoy capturing photos of wildlife or can’t get enough of the city’s official bird? The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife will accept entries for its fifth annual Burrowing Owl Photo Contest starting May 1.

The non-profit organization committed to protecting the city’s wildlife is looking for the best the public has to offer when it comes to pictures of the city’s official bird.

The photo contest submissions need to be in by May 17, and the grand prize winner will have their photo used on CCFW’s 2026 official Burrowing Owl Festival T-shirt.

“We’re hoping to get more and exciting photos this year,” said CCFW spokesperson Janet Windisch. “We think it’s a really fun way to bring people closer to nature. This is a great platform for amateur photographers to show their burrowing owl photos.”

There are two division categories for the contest: amateur youth (7 to 17) and amateur adult. No professional photographer can enter the contest.

“We really do want to encourage young people to get involved in conservation and enjoy wildlife,” Windisch said. “The photo contest is a great way to do that, and we hope to see lots of junior entries this year.”

Participants may submit just one photo, and are permitted to the following: crop; make minor adjustments to color, white balance, lighting levels and curves, shadows and highlight, saturation, contrast, sharpness; moderate dodging and burning; removal of dust sports and moderate reduction of image noise.

Photographs that have been digitally or otherwise altered beyond standard optimization will be disqualified.

Windisch said Pelican Baseball Complex and the Cape Coral Lee County Public Library are great spots to capture photos.

“In addition to just anywhere in your neighborhood,” she said. “We’re excited to see what the census looks like this year. We’ve been hearing about so many new burrows being dug.”

Last year, CCFW received more than 100 submissions

and always looks forward to seeing the different ways the city’s favorite bird is captured.

“The owls are great subjects for photography because they have those big eyes and are so cute and quirky,” Windisch said. “We get to use this as an opportunity to celebrate the city’s official bird, and to raise awareness about the need to protect them.”

Judging will be conducted by a CCFW-appointed panel that includes expert photographers. Judges will score eligible photographs on technical quality (30%), originality (30%), and artistic merit (40%).

A final group of pictures will be passed along to judges who are Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn, NBC2 Meteorologist Rob Duns, and last year’s photo contest winner, Darlene Coughlin.

There will be first, second, and third place prizes given to the highest-scoring photograph from the adult division and youth division. Prizes include CCFW swag and a oneyear membership to the group.

CCFW encourages every photographer to practice responsible bird photography. Prior to submitting any photograph, participants are strongly encouraged to read Audubon’s Guide to Ethical Bird Photography and Videography. A photograph that appears to the sponsor or judges to reflect a harmful situation is not eligible for submission, and if submitted, will be disqualified at CCFW’s sole discretion.

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing habitats for protected wildlife species while educating the community about Cape Coral’s unique wildlife resources.

“Wildlife is beautiful and brings joy to people,” Windisch said. “The owls are special to Cape Coral. We’re known for our burrowing owls. They’re great neighbors that eat pests, too.”

Winners will be revealed during a special awards ceremony on May 31 at noon at Rotary Park. WFTX Community Correspondent Bella Line will join be there to emcee the event and help present the awards.

For full contest rules, prize details, more information

Photo submissions

The photo contest submissions need to be in by May 17.

There are two division categories for the contest: amateur youth (7 to 17) and amateur adult. No professional photographer can enter the contest.

Photographs that have been digitally or otherwise altered beyond standard optimization will be disqualified.

on CCFW, and to enter the photo contest, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org.

Weekly B reeze Recap

Governor signs Gulf of America legislation

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

President Donald Trump’s proclamation changing of the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is now state law here in Florida.

This past week, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law two pieces of legislation related to the name change, including one which will require state agencies to update materials reflective of the change and for schools that purchase new textbooks to also acquire materials that reflect the change.

The measure takes effect July 1, which means any school district that purchases new books or new material after that date will need to ensure all references to the Gulf of Mexico are replaced by the Gulf of America to meet Trump’s decree and now the decree of the State of Florida.

School District of Lee County spokesperson Rob Spicker said he doesn’t expect there to be an “additional financial impact” beyond what the district already budgets for its instructional materials.

“There is no impact until we next purchase instructional or media center materials. The State of Florida will provide a list of approved vendors meeting the new requirement and we will choose our materials from that list,” Spicker said. “There will be no additional financial impact beyond the regularly budgeted amount for instructional and media center materials.”

The second bill relating to the Gulf of America change, renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in all references in state law including references

Helping keep the Cape green

Two tree plantings planned for the city this weekend

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Apair of tree plantings are set to take place in Cape Coral this week.

The city of Cape Coral announced recently it will be planting 250 new trees in Lake Kennedy Community Park thanks to a grant from Bank of America in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.

City staff said the planting will enrich the natural beauty of the park and promote environmental sustainability within the community.

The tree planting will be held today, April 25, at 10 a.m., in celebration of Arbor Day. The city will coordinate with community volunteers and Bank of America employees to plant and maintain the trees, ensuring their long-term health and vitality.

“We are grateful to the Arbor Day Foundation and Bank of America for their commitment to greening communities and enhancing public spaces,” said Omar Leon, city arborist, in a release. “This award will have a lasting impact on our city by improving air quality, providing shade and fostering a healthier environment for residents and visitors alike.”

As part of the award agreement, city staff said they will provide ongoing maintenance for the trees and work to engage the public through educational opportunities on the benefits of urban forestry.

“Cape Coral is a beautiful, vibrant community for locals and visitors alike,” said President of Bank of America Southwest Florida Gerri Moll, in a release. “Our team works to help people and businesses in this community pursue opportunities to thrive, and we are proud to continue our service to Cape Coral through this tree planting initiative.”

Residents are invited to participate in the initiative and join the city in making a positive environmental impact.

For more information, call 239-2423216.

Keep Lee County Beautiful will host this year’s Global Youth Service Day this Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Sands Park. Established in

1988, GYSD is the longest-running annual youth participation event in the world and the only one that asks youth to work together for the common good while also recognizing the impact youth make on their communities every day of the year.

“Global Youth Service Day is extremely important in getting young people involved in community service and environmental protection,” said KLCB’s Tisha Bayne. “By providing opportunities for young people to work together on meaningful projects, GYSD fosters a sense of responsibility and empowers them to make a difference in their community.”

Global Youth Service Day is observed annually in over 100 countries, bringing together young people alongside schools, youth groups, nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations, national service programs, government agencies and adult mentors. Together, they tackle pressing global issues and create positive change in their communities.

At Sands Park, located at 2718 S.W. 43rd Terr., in the southwest Cape, 150 seven-gallon trees will be planted.

“We work very closely with the city of Cape Coral, and it was determined Sands Park was in need of a tree planting

and a perfect location for our Global Youth Service Day event,” Bayne said. “Keep Lee County Beautiful is focused on replacing and growing our tree canopy across the county. Trees greatly benefit the future environment by improving air and water quality and reducing erosion. Trees are crucial for wildlife, providing habitat, food, and shelter. These benefits are long-term and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem.”

Keep Lee County Beautiful is looking for volunteers, ages 5 to 24, to work in small groups to accomplish a variety of projects throughout the park. Youth and their families are invited to participate. All volunteers will receive a free lunch after the event to celebrate their accomplishments

As part of the Global Youth Service Day event, the youth and their families will be weeding and mulching a butterfly garden and performing a litter cleanup around the park.

While tree planting registration is full, there are only a few spots left for Global Youth Service Day, so volunteers are encouraged to visit https://bit. ly/2025GYSD to register as soon as possible.

For additional information, call 239334-3488 or visit www.klcb.org.

to the borders of counties that border the body of water (including Lee County).

The communications office of DeSantis did not respond to a request for comment on the new legislation. State Sen. Jonathan Martin, who represents Fort Myers Beach and most of Lee County, attended the signing ceremony. Martin held up a sign that says “Gulf of America” during a photo-op at the chambers of DeSantis during the signing. Martin did not respond to requests for comment.

SWFL Catholics mourning death of Pope Francis

The Diocese of Venice issued a statement earlier this week following the death of Pope Francis.

“Today, the Catholic Church throughout the world mourns the death of Pope Francis who passed away at 7:35 a.m. Rome time. Pope Francis served as Bishop of Rome from March 13, 2013, until his death. He was 88 years old,” the statement opens.

A letter regarding the passing of Pope Francis from the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, was released this morning.

“The Diocese of Venice in Florida will observe the traditional Novemdiales – nine days of mourning – with daily Masses and prayers offered at Parishes throughout the Diocese for the repose of the Pope’s soul. Additionally during this time, all Diocesan Catholic Schools will incorporate age-appropriate discussions about this momentous occasion in the life of the Church and include moments of silence and special prayers for the Pope,” the letter states.

Parish bells throughout the diocese were set to toll at noon on Tuesday, April 22, upon official announcement of the Pope’s death. A traditional funeral toll calls for the bell to be rung once for each year of the Pope’s life: 88 times, the letter reads.

A Mass for Pope Francis was to be celebrated in the Diocese of Venice by Bishop Dewane Thursday, April 24, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road in Venice.

“All are welcome,” the letter states.

“Regarding the Election of a New Pope, this will not be addressed until the close of the Novemdiales. After the nine-day mourning period for the Pope, prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the Conclave and special Masses will be offered.

“As a Catholic community united in Christ, As a Catholic community united in Christ, we are profoundly saddened by the loss of Pope Francis. Together we pray:

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”

Culture Fest: More food trucks, vendors

From page 1

tion of Cape Coral’s diversity,” said Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Director Joe Petrella. “Our goal is to create an environment where residents can experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of cultures from around the world, all while building a stronger, more connected community.”

This year’s event features performances from (in order of appearance starting at 11:30) Shannonside, Kellyn Celtic Dance, Mariachi Juarez International, Christina Mundy, NAPA Dance Medley, Cultural Park Theatre, Koboyashi Dojo, Hula Connection, Maritza Cedeno, and Werner Smolka.

“This year’s Culture Fest will feature a vibrant lineup of live music, performances, and a wide variety of food and goods vendors representing cultures from across the globe,” Petrella said. “We want attendees to discover new traditions, meet their neighbors, and enjoy a day filled with fun and learning. I encourage everyone to come out, try something new, and help us celebrate the unique spirit that makes Cape Coral such a special place to live.”

This year’s Culture Fest footprint has been expanded to include more vendors, food trucks, and a kids’ craft experience tent. The first 500 guests who complete their Culture Fest Passport with stamps from all of the vendors will receive a limited-edition water bottle.

City officials said Special Events carefully curates the event lineup with a wide variety of performers each year to try and include new cultures each time. The vendors are small local businesses or individuals with high-quality, handmade, original work or services not commonly offered or

“This year’s Culture Fest will feature a vibrant lineup of live music, performances, and a wide variety of food and goods vendors representing cultures from across the globe. We want attendees to discover new traditions, meet their neighbors, and enjoy a day filled with fun and learning. I encourage everyone to come out, try something new, and help us celebrate the unique spirit that makes Cape Coral such a special place to live.”

— Joe Petrella, Cape Coral Parks and Recreation director

accessible.

Culture Fest will have 11 different food vendors that cover a wide array of cultural cuisines.

Limited parking spots are available at Cultural Park. Offsite parking will be available at Cape Coral City Hall (1015 Cultural Park Blvd.) and in the parking lot across the street from City Hall (1020 Cultural Park Blvd.)

A free shuttle bus will operate from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.capeculturefest.com.

Cultural Park is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd., north of Cape Coral City Hall and behind the Cape Coral Museum of History and Cultural Park Theatre.

The Breeze CommuniTy

April 25, 2025

Powdery mildew

By JANETTA FOX news@breezenewspapers.com

So, last time you checked, which was a while ago, you had a great-looking shrub enhancing your landscape. However, you haven’t been paying much attention to it recently. By the time you finally take a stroll around your property, you find that the shrub is not looking so good. The once vibrant leaves have changed color, and the plant looks to be near demise.

Garden Club of Cape Coral

When you investigate both the top and underside of the leaves, you notice that a white to grayish powder-like substance had taken hold on the great majority of the leaves. The culprit: powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can severely weaken a wide range of plants if left unattended.

The question is: Do you remove the entire plant? That could be one option, especially if you have similar shrubs in the vicinity which could easily become infected. Or, do you attempt to nurture the plant back to health in reparation for your neglect? I decided to choose the latter option.

Because the disease had gotten well out of hand, I began by putting on my trusty gloves, gathered up a trash can and began pruning the stems and branches of infected leaves. One, and then another, and then another, making certain the waste went in the can and not on the ground. I also gathered up leaves and branches that had already fallen and placed them in the can as well, because allowing infected debris to remain in the landscape is a no-no. After finishing, I wrapped the contents, discarded the entire mess very carefully and, then, disinfected my pruning shears.

As I looked at what remained of the shrub, I wondered if it would survive the severity of the cuts. I am glad to say it did, with a new flush of growth beginning within a few days.

As a measure to control further outbreaks of powdery mildew, I decided on a copper fungicide specific to the issue at hand, making certain to follow label directions for initial and follow-up applications. I began by spraying both sides of leaves on a calm evening. I wanted to avoid treating in the heat of the day to avoid burning leaves. Note: If your shrub produces flowers, avoid spraying directly on the blooms and when bees and other pollinators are active.

If you prefer homemade preventative measures for powdery mildew, you could experiment with a combination of 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 gallon water plus a small amount of spreader-sticker, or a combination of milk and water (Thralls, 2019). Having never gone the route of either measure, I can’t say for certain how effective they are. However, should you use one of these remedies, keep in mind that just because something is touted as a natural remedy does not mean overuse is acceptable.

We all know that prevention is the best remedy. While you may not be able to stop mildew disease completely, you can maintain some semblance of control by, first and foremost, placing the right plant in the right place, doing your best to select plants that are disease-resistant when at all possible. Avoid overcrowding and water from the base of the plant, that is, if you, and not Mother Nature, are doing the watering. My plant receives supplemental watering from a soaker hose. Give sun-loving plants plenty of sunlight. And last, though certainly not least, keep an early eye out for issues and treat accordingly, using least-toxic measures as a start.

I know only too well when you neglect landscape plants, pests and diseases will find a way to sneak in. If I had been vigilant, I would have noticed that something was amiss and been able to treat the issue early on, thereby saving considerable time and money. But, as they say, hindsight is 20/20.

Until next time …remain vigilant and Happy Gardening!

Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at gardenclubofcapecoral.com.

North High’s Wydysh earns second place in Legion oratorical scholarship competition

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

A North Fort Myers High School senior won second place at the American Legion’s Statewide Oratorical Scholarship competition held recently in Orlando, earning a scholarship.

“Because of the speech contest, I am motivated now more than ever to serve my community one day,” Kristian Wydysh said.

Each student must speak about a facet of the Constitution of their choosing, as well as provide another speech on a constitutional amendment at random.

“You don’t go through your life thinking about your rights under the Constitution and how they can change,” he said. “It really opened my eyes to this founding document. It changed my perspective on American government, how our rights and freedoms can change over time.”

Wydysh said American Legion Post 90 in Cape Coral provided a scholarship, all expenses paid, to go to Orlando on March 25 for the competition.

“I want to express my gratitude to the American Legion. They gave me a shot, gave me a chance for my voice to be heard and the experience is invaluable,” he said.

The competition started at the American Legion Post 90 level, before going on to District 13, Southwest Florida area level and then states.

“What’s interesting about the competition – you don’t get a podium or note cards. You have eight minutes of your prepared speech off the top of your head in front of people,” Wydysh said.

He said he had to practice walking around and using hand motions, all while remembering his eight-minute speech.

“It’s definitely a huge challenge,” Wydysh said.

This is the second time Wydysh has attended the state speech competition. Last year he earned a third. His third place topic was the Second Amendment and his view it should not be part of the issue – “one of which Americans come together to solve the basic problems we have in front of us.”

This year he spoke about voting rights.

“More specifically how youth are not prioritizing civic engagement. I have been involved in civic engagement programs since middle school. We aren’t going to be able to modernize as a country and will not be able to uphold the values of the Constitution if youth now are not going to take advantage of youth opportunities before us,” Wydysh said.

After the prepared speech, he said there was a surprise topic challenge, where they draw from four different constitutional amendments. Participants had five minutes to come up with an impromptu, three-minute speech.

They “challenge your knowledge of the Constitution and ability to be able to speak on something with passion and conviction on the fly,” Wydysh said.

That topic was the 18th Amendment, prohibition.

“That was interesting to do. It is not really an amendment that is really studied. I basically said the 18th Amendment was different from all others and talked about the states and federal government working together to force the ban,” Wydysh said.

He said he really wants to express his gratitude to the American Legion, as the contest is something he did not know existed.

“I always loved public speaking. I didn’t know I could earn scholarships for it. These are scholarships that you earn, speak and compete for them. You feel better about yourself that you earned it from your performance, study and writing an eight-minute speech,” Wydysh said.

From the past two years, Wydysh has earned about $5,000, which will help, as it is financially straining to attend college. He will attend the University of Florida in the fall where he plans to study political science and prelaw before eventually going to law school.

His professional and career interest is to be elected to public office.

“American Legion has definitely been a driver in that endeavor,” Wydysh said.

Wydysh said his journey with the American Legion began when he interviewed for the American Legion Boys State and was accepted. He had the opportunity to visit the state capital to learn about leadership and met Ted Clark, American Legion Post 90 oratorical chair.

See WYDYSH, page 31

Cape Coral Animal Shelter introduces shared resource hub to assist other shelters and rescues

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter this week announced it has introduced a new shared resources file aimed at fostering greater collaboration among animal rescue organizations. This centralized hub provides access to a wealth of information, including standard operating procedures (for both shelters and clinics), best practice protocols, human resources guidelines, adoption procedures, training resources and job descriptions. This file is located on the CCAS website under the “About—Resources for Rescues & Shelters” tab at https://capecoralanimalshelter.com/ about/resources-for-rescues/

By leveraging this shared resource, organizations can streamline operations, enhance communication and offer more support for the animals in their care. CCAS encourages rescues and shelters to engage in this initiative, ensuring that the collective expertise and insights benefit the entire community and, most importantly, the animals all strive to support.

“We have found over the years that several shelters and rescues we’ve worked with asked us to share our policies

and procedures with them, and we were happy to do it” said Liz McCauley, executive director of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter & Veterinary Clinic. “We decided to share these resources with anyone who can benefit from them.” Additionally, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter welcomes one-on-one consultations on any shelter, clinic, or animal welfare topic. If we cannot directly assist with a particular challenge, we will leverage our extensive network to connect you with the right resources or organizations that can help” stated McCauley.

Further, CCAS is welcoming input from other shelters and rescues on their best practices.

The mission of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter is to engage a special bond between people and animals by means of adoption services, medical care, education and training for the prevention of cruelty and abandonment. The shelter provides a safe place where animals will remain until they are placed in qualified, forever homes.

For more about the shelter, which is located at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., visit https://capecoralanimalshelter.com/

PHOTO PROVIDED Legion oratorical competitor Kristian Wydysh, center, with Jessica Moore, left, and Ted Clark.

Blueberry Festival coming to Lee Civic Center

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

All things blueberry will transform the Lee Civic Center the first weekend of May.

This will be the first time they will hold a Blueberry Festival at the Lee Civic Center, Buckler Promotions Inc. Event Manager June Font said. Adding they host a very successful craft fair on the grounds in November and that prompted them to use the same grounds for a Blueberry Festival.

“It’s a great way to have some family fun and not break the bank,” she said. “We try to keep it at a low price point, so everyone can come and have some fun. There is pretty much something for everyone.”

The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4.

Tickets are $7, cash only admission, and free from those 2 years old and younger. Discounts are available on the website, www.FtMyersFest.com, or by bringing canned goods for the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

“We always partner with Harry Chapin Food Bank. They are the best for collecting the food and getting it out to the community,” she said.

There will be a vast array of activities guaranteed to spark the interest of all ages, organizers said,

Among them will be a free flying disc dog show at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

“People love to go see it and spend time looking at the dogs catching the Frisbee,” she said.

There also will be an assortment of free activities for the kids — a hoop contest, sack race and a blueberry relay held every 30 minutes. Winners of those activities will

“It’s a great way to have some family fun and not break the bank. We try to keep it at a low price point, so everyone can come and have some fun. There is pretty much something for everyone.”

— June Font, Buckler Promotions Inc. event manager

receive $5 blueberry bucks, which can be used at any booth or vendor, Font said.

Other activities include free bounce houses, rock painting, petting farm, photo opportunities, corn hole and live music.

There will be food, beer and wine, berry shortcake, axe throwing tournament, pony rides, face painting and a pie eating contest.

There also will be a Berry Cute Baby Contest for children under 24 months old providing parents with the opportunity to brag about their child.

The grounds will feature arts and crafts vendors with offerings to include delicious locally sourced fresh blueberries, and blueberry fudge.

“There will be a lot of blueberry-inspired food,” Font said, which includes Dubai Chocolate Berries with a pistachio sauce.

Monster truck rides will be offered for $10 per person.

She said it’s a huge monster truck that has been converted to do rides for families.

“That is a hit. There’s an extra fee for this, but worth the payment. It’s a very long ride,” Font said.

The Lee Civic Center is at 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. CCB0002133.crtr - Page 1 - Composite

Tickets are $7, cash only admission, and free from those 2 years old and younger. There will be an assortment of free activities for the kids — a hoop contest, sack race and a blueberry relay held every 30 minutes. Other activities will include free bounce houses, rock painting, petting farm, photo opportunities, corn hole and live music. Above, monster truck rides also will be offered for $10 per person. At left, blueberries and blueberry concoctions will be featured food options.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Lee County updating parking system to provide ‘standardized experience’

Lee County Parks & Recreation is transitioning its paid parking locations to an updated parking system that allows residents and visitors to pay by text message, a mobile app, through a website or at a kiosk. The transition will begin May 1. According to an announcement from the county’s communications office, the new system will “provide a standardized and user-friendly parking experience across all designated sites.” The parking vendor, Premium Parking, is utilized at various downtown Fort Myers locations.

The transition will include the county’s other managed sites including:

∫ Beach Parks: Lynn Hall Memorial Park and Bowditch Point Regional Park on Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach Park, Bonita Beach Access #1, Bonita Beach Access #10, Bowmans Beach, Turner Beach, and San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve.

∫ Boat Ramps: Alva Boat Ramp, Davis Boat Ramp, Imperial River Boat Ramp, Lavender’s Landing, Matlacha Boat Ramp and Pine Island Commercial Marina.

∫ Regional Parks: Lakes Park, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Manatee Park, Hickey Creek Mitigation Park and

Caloosahatchee Regional Park. Payments can be made using the following methods:

∫ Pay by Phone: After scanning the QR code, users will receive a text message with a link to pay for parking. Alternatively, texting PARK to the designated short code will generate a payment link.

∫ Pay at Kiosk: Locate the Premium Parking kiosk in the parking lot, enter your license plate number, select the amount of time, and pay using cash, debit, or credit card. Kiosks do not provide change. Beach parks will initially only offer text-

to-pay and online payment options until kiosks are installed at a later date.

∫ Pay Online: Visit www.premiumparking.com, locate the parking lot, enter your license plate number, and follow the instructions to complete payment.

∫ Mobile App: The Premium Parking app is available for download via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The $60 annual Lee County Parks & Recreation parking pass remains available.

For more details on parking changes, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-5337275, or email leeparks@leegov.com.

Insurance: City of Cape Coral has retained points needed for 25% discount

From page 1

nature. Since that they saw that individuals were paying more in certain areas versus others that were not likely to be inundated by a flood,” Kittendorf said.

NFIP benefits those communities that actively participate to gain access to a wide range of benefits that support public safety, property protection, and long-term resilience, Kittendorf said. Participation ensures access to federally-backed mortgages and loan guarantees and reliable real estate transactions.

The minimum requirements to remain in good standing include adopting and enforcing floodplain management regulations, reviewing, and issuing floodplain development permits, maintaining accurate floodplain maps and records, conducting community outreach and education, and participating in regular audits and compliance checks.

The presentation went into further detail regarding substantial improvement and substantial damage – the 50% rule, which “serves to reduce future flood risk by gradually bringing older, non-compliant structures up to modern flood-resistant standards.”

Substantial improvement is if the “cost of the improve-

ment equals or exceeds 50% of the structure’s market value, the entire building must be brought into compliance with current floodplain development standards.”

Substantial damage “applies when a structure has been damaged by any origin – such as flooding, fire, wind, or other disasters. If the cost to restore the structure to its pre-damage condition is 50% or more of its market value, it is considered substantially damaged.”

Floodplain Manager Sofia Saiz the Community Rating System is a voluntary program that encourages communities to implement high regulatory standards – effective floodplain management practices. She said communities earn points for various flood mitigation activities.

The key categories include public information, mapping and regulations, flood damage reduction, and warning and response.

“The most points earn the higher classification or class – discount for flood insurance premiums,” Saiz said. “The ratings go from Class 10, the lowest rating, to Class 1, earning the highest discount.”

The discounts are up to 40% of premium discounts, and 10% for those outside a special flood hazard area.

Saiz said the city is audited on an annual basis, and

there is a three-to-five-year formal verification where they are visited on site.

“We are on a three-year cycle due to our rating,” she said.

The city of Cape Coral currently sits at a Class 5 with 2,755 CRS points, earning a 25% discount. This class ranges from 2,500 to 2,999 points. The city has maintained this rating since 2010.

Saiz said for residents to get the full 25% discount, their structure must be in compliance. She said homeowners are eligible up to a 25% discount.

“Depending on the status of the structure, they won’t see the full 25%,” she said.

Property owners can search their flood information on the city’s website under “I Want To,” then “FEMA Flood Elevation Certificate.” From there an individual can plug in their address.

The next discussion will look at what the city can do to seek the Class 4 rating.

“There are so many things that can be done,” Saiz said to reach the Class 4 level, which would provide a 30% discount. “We are going to present the pros and cons and decide on what we want to proceed with.”

J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling Refuge to celebrate Conservation Carnival at Lakes Park

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will return to Lakes Park in Fort Myers for its 36th annual “Ding” Darling Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The celebration will also observe Earth Day, which officially fell on April 22.

The refuge and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge have planned free Conservation Carnival activities, including carnival games, prizes, Hoverball archery, a dunk tank,

“Moving ‘Ding’ Day to Lakes Park has been a fabulous success. We bring the refuge to the community for a free taste of nature and conservation.”

— Toni Westland, supervisory refuge ranger and event chair

rock-climbing wall, face painting, Earth Day crafts, guided walks, snow-cones, and educational interactions with other

local conservation organizations.

“Moving ‘Ding’ Day to Lakes Park has been a fabulous success,” Supervisory

Refuge Ranger Toni Westland, who chairs the event, said. “We bring the refuge to the community for a free taste of nature and conservation.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DDWS and Tarpon Bay Explorers cosponsor the event, with support from the local community and businesses.

For more information, visit https:// dingdarlingsociety.org/ding-darling-day.

Lakes Park is at 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers.

Charter: Appointed review board gets some direction for the task ahead

From page 1

Councilmember Bill Steinke suggested that the commission come back to council somewhere along the way during a workshop, so they can have a two-way communication.

“To go three and a half months before having a conversation like that is too long for me,” he said. “I would like to have two of those opportunities throughout the process with them. I am fully confident with (Councilmember Keith) Long to be the liaison, but I think to wait three and a half months to wait to have a conversation with them is too long, but that is me.”

Long said if it was council’s desire to hold the hands of the Charter Review Commission through the process, then he does not understand why they have a board at all. He said Council is ultimately the decision maker as to any suggested charter amendments that may be recommended.

Councilmember Dr. Derrick Donnell said he did not agree with micromanaging them either, as he wants to put the responsibility on the committee.

“It is important to let them have that free discussion,” Gunter said. “We are the decision makers, if we don’t agree with them, we don’t put it on the ballot.”

The city’s charter may only be amended by referendum — Cape Coral voters decide.

The Charter Review Commission can only bring sug-

gested amendments to Council. Council decides whether those proposed amendments should be placed on the ballot. Council can also modify the recommended amendments or bring forward proposed amendments of its own.

Steinke explained his desire again — to have a collective working relationship with the Charter Review Commission. He said nothing breaks a volunteer’s back more than having all of their work done for nothing.

Steinke said it’s about productive engagement, so members of the appointed board feel they are valuable contributors to the city.

Boksner said if there is a determination by the Charter Review Commission to make an amendment to the City Charter, he would like to bring it back to the council to make sure it is something they want, or do not want. From there, Boksner said he would prepare the ballot language and bring it before the council in formal form.

“I would rather bring it before you as it matures throughout the evolution of the process in the next eight months,” he said. “I can do that at a regular council meeting, or COW.”

Boksner said the final recommendation that many not have been presented before the body will be done no later than Dec. 10.

“My goal is to make sure as they mature in the sense of the topic, to bring it before you immediately, so you can green light it or not green light it,” he said, adding this way

an alternative course can be shared, and the commission can talk further. “Make it moving fluid to accomplish everything you all want to have done.”

Other areas Council wants the commission to tackle include what it says are inconsistencies between the city’s charter and ordinances, council compensation, the position of mayor pro tem, petitions to the council, council responsibilities, how candidates qualify to run for Council and the structure of the city’s government— a strong mayor form of government.

The city’s current form of government is the city manager-council form. A council-appointed manager runs the day-to-day operations of the city; city council sets policy. In Cape Coral, the mayor and council members hold equal positions with the mayor having extra duties, including chairing council meetings and signing documents on behalf of the city.

In a strong mayor form of government, an elected mayor takes the place of the city manager and runs dayto-day operations in addition to serving as a member of council.

Boksner said with pending legislation at the state level, House Bill 1581, one provision they may not be able to touch, is council compensation.

“That many ultimately prohibit it going on the November 2026 election. You may have to wait until the General Election in 2028,” he said.

April 25, 2025

Education BriEfs

Ellis to graduate from Florida State University with degree in criminology

Jacob Ellis, a 2022 graduate Ida Baker High School in Cape Coral, is graduating with his bachelor of science degree in criminology from Florida State University summa cum laude (3.95+ gpa). He completed his degree in three years and will earn his masters degree in one year (graduating 2026).

The Breeze educATion Garden Club of Cape Coral awards 2025 Merit Scholarships

Ellis was nominated for FSU’s Humanitarian of the Year Award by the College of Criminology. He has made the President’s List every semester for the last two years and is a catcher on the FSU Club Baseball team.

He is the son of Chris and Christy Ellis and grandson of George Schaller and Robert and Mary Carolyn Ellis.

For more about FSU, please visit https://www.fsu. edu/

Scientists’ Society of Southwest Florida honors Cape High Solar Car Team at annual Teacher-Student Recognition Meeting

At the recent annual Scientists’ Society of Southwest Florida Teacher-Student Recognition Meeting, featured guest speaker Mason Huffman and the Cape Coral High School Solar Team took center stage to share their inspiring journey in the world of solar-powered engineering. Their presentation, titled The Cape Coral Solar Car Story, highlighted months of hard work, collaboration, and innovation as the team prepared for and competed in the 2025 FGCU SunChase Solar Car Competition, hosted at Florida Gulf Coast University.

As the only team representing the Lee County School district, the Cape Coral Solar Team stood out not only for its technical achievement but also for the students professionalism and spirit of innovation. Their hard work paid off — earning second place in the Presentation category and fifth place lace overall in a field of highly competitive teams from across the region.

Representatives of the Scientists’ Society of Southwest Florida said they were proud to recognize these outstanding students and educators, celebrating the powerful impact of STEM education and student-led innovation in Southwest Florida.

For additional information about the Scientists’ Society, please visit https://www.science-swfl.org/

Cape Coral High School is at 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd. For more about the school and its programs, please visit https://cch.leeschools.net/

In-person School District of Lee County Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair Saturday; virtual event scheduled for Wednesday

The School District of Lee County’s Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair will be held in person this Saturday, April 26, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., at the Lee County Public Education Center, and virtually Wednesday, April 30, from 5-7 p.m.

Interested candidates can register for the in-person and virtual events at LeeSchools.net/Careers.

During the Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair, District representatives will be available to connect with interested candidates to discuss classroom opportunities and open positions. School leaders will also be conducting on-the-spot interviews for a variety of positions across all grade levels and subjects.

High-demand positions for instructional positions include English language arts, elementary education, science, math and special education.

To be eligible for a full-time instructional position within the district, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a valid Florida teaching certificate or out-of-state teaching certificate that covers the appropriate area of responsibility. Candidates with only a bachelor’s degree will need to take and pass a subject area exam to be eligible for certification. Interested candidates can register for exams at fl.nesinc.com.

For support or additional questions, email careers@ leeschools.net or call 239-337-8676.

To learn more about available career opportunities, visit LeeSchools.net/Careers.

The Garden Club of Cape Coral (GCCC) recently granted two Cape Coral high school seniors a total of $5,000 through their Merit Scholarship Awards Program. These awards are given annually to local students who excel academically and in their environmental efforts as active members in the community. The 15th annual awards in memory of club co-founder Marty Ward were granted to Sophia Lamping of Cape Coral High School and Camden Phillips of Oasis High School. They were selected because of their academic achievements, leadership and hands-on participation in horticulture, agriculture, hydrology and natural resources, as well as commitment to continue with their efforts in conserving our precious environment for the future.

In addition, the fifth annual award in memory of Donna Conway, funded by the Conway family and friends in 2020, was also presented to Lamping due to her dedication to The Sanibel Sea School as a camp counselor. Conway was a long-time member of the club who initiated the club’s main fundraiser “March in the Park.” This event has been held annually since 2009 and is the source of the funds for the club’s activities including scholarships.

Thanks to the support of club members and the community, 58 awards ranging in value from $250 to $2,500 have been presented to graduating seniors since the program was established in 2011. The value of the awards is determined by the relevance of each student’s course of study, extracurricular activities, community involvement and future goals to preserve the environment. Besides being a senior and a Cape Coral resident, applicants must present two references, academic history, active participation in horticultural or environmental projects, and a 250-word personal statement. Applications open in January, with a submission deadline in February, award notifications in March and presentations of the awards at the GCCC April meeting.

Lamping was accepted to multiple Florida universities. She will be attending the University of Florida, majoring in biology on the pre-med track, with the goal of becoming a dermatologist.

While her professional aspirations lie in medicine, she remains deeply committed to marine conservation. She plans to leverage her future career’s financial stability to support marine research, fund conservation initiatives and one day establish a sanctuary for marine life.

“I’ve seen the ocean change so much in my lifetime, and I know that even small efforts can make a big impact,” she

said. “Winning this scholarship brings me one step closer to making a lasting difference, both in my career and for the future of our oceans.”

Phillips is described as a storyteller, a scholar and an advocate for sustainable change, and the club says he embodies a powerful vision for the future — one where humanity’s need for energy is balanced with a deep respect for the natural world.

Phillips has enrolled at Florida State University, majoring in electrical engineering with a focus on sustainable and renewable energy, and hopes to minor in anthropology or biology.

He said his dream is to work within the power industry, studying operations and policies firsthand, and ultimately helping to transition Florida’s energy grid to renewable sources.”

Garden Club of Cape Coral meets on the second Wednesday of September through May at 5:45 p.m. Please check the club’s website for location. Guests are welcome. Website: www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com

Student winners named in DDWS photo contest

On April 13, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge announced and awarded winners and finalists in the 11th annual “Ding” Darling-Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, following a contest judging on March 28.

Sponsored by the Theodore Cross family, the competition invites high school students from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties to compete for prizes, like a Canon digital SLR camera package, one-year subscription to Adobe photography software and one-year pass to the refuge.

Cross, who lived part-time on Sanibel, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; advised the Johnson and Nixon administrations on anti-poverty programs; wrote the book “Black Capitalism,” among others; and created Birders United, a birding Web site that ranked legislators according to their record of bird protection support.

Late in life, Cross decided to indulge his love for birds and photography and traveled the world to collect portraits and stories to chronicle his adventures. He photographed often at the Sanibel refuge.

Refuge Ranger Jess Barry, professional photographer and refuge volunteer Jim Bennight and Sanibel islander Nick Linsmayer judged this year’s contest. They reviewed 255 images taken by students from eight schools and selected three winners and 12 honorable mentions.

First place went to an image titled “Great Blue Heron on the Lake Side” by JuliAnn Davis, from Cypress Lake High School in Fort Myers.

Leia Busby, also from Cypress Lake High, earned second place for her portrait “Sunset.”

Third place winner Savannah Patton, also from Cypress Lake High, took third place with “Calm as a Butterfly.”

The honorable mention winners are:

∫ Juan Amador of Lehigh Senior High School, “Sunsets like Childhood”

∫ Alastor Amores of Lehigh Senior High School, “Trapped”

∫ CJ Couse of Cypress Lake High School, “Modern Dinosaur”

∫ CJ Couse of Cypress Lake High School, “Sunbathing Smiles”

∫ JuliAnn Davis of Cypress Lake High School, “Trash Panda in the Park”

∫ Mel De Freitas of Cypress Lake High School, “Endless Horizon”

∫ David Gonzalez of Ida S. Baker High School, “A Burrowing Owl Couple”

∫ Zayne Kimpland of Cypress Lake High School, “Orange Glow”

∫ Mario Martinez of Clewiston High School, “Flare”

∫ Maddox Morris of Lehigh Senior High School, “The Coral’s Burrowers”

∫ Giovanni Rivera of Cypress Lake High School, “Red Waves”

∫ Anaixly Vega of Lehigh Senior High School, “The Pretty Butterfly”

To view the winning images, visit dingdarlingsociety. org/photo-contests.

COURTESY OF CARMEN SPRAGUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Garden Club of Cape Coral 2025 Merit Scholarship recipients Camden Phillips, left, and Sophia Lamping.

United Way Resiliency Hub opens new Cape Coral location

The United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties invites the public to the ribbon-cutting ceremony of its new Cape Coral Resiliency Hub at 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 29. The new site, at 1499 S.W. Pine Island Road, will be co-located with the Goodwill Community Resource Center.

“In March, Goodwill was invited for this CRC location to become a Resiliency Hub and was happy to have it added to the local directory of UW Resiliency Hubs,” states Angela Hemstreet, director of Employment Services for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.

UW Resiliency Hubs serve as a onestop-shop where individuals and families can receive wrap-around social services from multiple community organizations.

They have provided 524,000 services in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties, and in times of disaster, serve as distribution sites for tarps, water and other emergency needs. Additional social service agencies are also expected to take up residence at the new location.

Visitors are invited to tour the new Hub and learn more about the services offered. Refreshments will be served at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and key stakeholders will make remarks.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. It has been providing services to people with

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disabilities and disadvantages since 1966 in five counties of Southwest Florida: Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades & Hendry

counties. For more information on how Goodwill SWFL positively impacts the community, visit www.Goodwillswfl.org

Saint Hilary’s Helping Hands Outreach Ministry to hold Kentucky Derby Fundraiser May 3

Saint Hilary’s Helping Hands Outreach Ministry is hosting its 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Fundraiser to support Lee County school children next Saturday, May 3, at 5:30 p.m., in Browning Hall at 5011 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

This special event combines fun and philanthropy with all proceeds benefiting underserved children at Orange River, Orangewood, Manatee, Villas Elementary Schools and Riverdale High School in the Lee County area.

Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church, through its Helping Hands Outreach Ministry, has spent the past four years providing essential items, including school supplies, uniforms, backpacks, clothing and shoes, to students in need. Many of these children come from food-insecure and homeless families, living in tents, cars or unstable housing situations.

For more about the event, please contact Ilona Leffingwell at ilonaleffingwell@ gmail.com or call 239-936-1000.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025, BEGINNING AT 9:00 A.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1015 CULTURAL PARK BOULEVARD, CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA.

An agenda for the meeting will be posted on the city’s website at the following link:

http://www.capecoral.gov/department/clerk/agendas_and_videos.php

In accordance with Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk (1-239-574-0417) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Kimberly Bruns City Clerk

Editorial: Charter Review Commission has important task at hand

From, page 4

pointed, outlines the position’s powers and duties and establishes other administrative positions including legal office and auditor, and provides the rules that must be followed in the course of conducting city business.

The charter itself calls for the appointment of a review commission at least every six years and so here we are with a citizen board of volunteers ready to get to work with the

task at hand: To examine the document and possibly propose changes to be considered by Council.

Council then will decide whether to bring those changes — or any of Council’s own — to the voters, the only body that has the authority to actually amend the document.

We wish the Charter Review Commission well as it undertakes this duty, and we thank them in advance for their service.

Council put some of its goals on the table Wednesday night, targeting “inconsistencies,” council compensation, qualifications for office and whether the city might want to change to a “strong mayor” form of government where an elected mayor, and not an appointed manager, would run

day-to-day operations.

Let us suggest two: Council compensation specifically to eliminate the loophole the past elected board used to more than double their renumeration by adding a “stipend” to their charter-vested compensation and expenses, and residency requirements, which were deemed abridged by a former member of the board.

These are must-dos.

Meanwhile, we, like others who live or have businesses in the Cape, will follow the open-to-the-public process. We commit to keeping you informed. And we urge you to take part.

—Breeze editorial

Guest Commentary: Normal is Overrated

From, page 4

mental health journeys.

One of the hallmarks of “Normal is Overrated” is the power of storytelling. Each year, attendees are moved by personal accounts of individuals who have navigated mental health challenges. These stories offer hope and serve as a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles.

On May 3, among those slated to speak is keynote speaker Michael Rizzo, known as “Coach Mike.” He has more than 35 years of experience helping children and their families navigate social, emotional, behavioral and academic challenges. Having faced ADHD, anxiety and dyslexia himself, Rizzo believes no child is lazy — every child wants to succeed. A specialist in the innovative science of the brain, he’s pas-

sionate about empowering families, teachers and professionals to recognize and support neurodiverse minds.

Breaking down barriers

Stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to individuals seeking help. Events like “Normal is Overrated” are crucial in breaking down these barriers and normalizing conversations about mental health. Kids’ Minds Matter is committed to challenging the harmful notion that mental health struggles are a sign of weakness. Instead, they emphasize that mental health is just as important as physical health and should be treated with the same level of care and attention.

At its core, “Normal is Overrated” is more than just an event... it’s a

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movement. Kids’ Minds Matter calls on the community to join the organization in its mission to provide education, support and resources to children and families affected by mental health challenges. The event is an opportunity to unite and advocate for better mental health care, more resources in schools and the removal of barriers to accessing treatment.

Anyone interested in being considered as a speaker, supporting as a student advocate, becoming a sponsor or attending “Normal is Overrated” can secure tickets at KidsMindsMatter. com/nio. Admission is free.

— Vanessa Ruiz is child advocacy program manager at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

From Family Features

Grooming tips for your furry (and finicky) cats

By their very nature, cats are fastidious, very neat animals. There are, however, instances where feline friends may need a little extra loving care. Some may be more easily groomed than others, particularly if this is an unfamiliar experience. Of course, if they’re particularly unhappy about home grooming, schedule an appointment with a pro. Don’t risk injury to yourself or your furry friend.

BRUSHING THEM

Regular brushing sessions are critically important. It removes things like dead hair and dirt, while stimulating blood flow and improving skin condition. Cats should be brushed at least a couple of times a week. Scheduling trips to the groomer, perhaps annually, becomes even more important as cats age and have more difficulty grooming themselves. If you notice that your cat is scratching or chewing, or if they experience bald spots, schedule a visit to the veterinarian.

PAWS AND NAILS

Help your cat keep their paws clean at all times. That starts with clean surfaces at home, with special attention paid to keeping harmful chemicals off the floor. Wipe their paws regularly, while checking for sores, cuts or swelling. If possible, remove splinters or other debris with bathroom tweezers. Keep the hair between their toes trimmed, as needed.

For nail clipping, choose a quiet, peaceful space where the cat can settle onto your lap. Massage and press paws gently until the nail pops out, trim and then offer treats for good behavior. Nails should be clipped every 10 to 14 days. Be careful to only trim the white part of the nail, since the tender pink portion contains nerves and blood vessels.

EAR CARE

Your cat’s ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection, excess wax or any debris. Begin by examining the outer ear, looking for smooth hair with no swelling, redness or discharge. Should you find any of these indicators, schedule a visit to the veterinarian. Inner ears should be light pink and free of odors or debris. To clean their ears, purchase liquid ear cleaner and apply it to a piece of gauze or a clean cotton ball. Gently wipe away any wax or debris found inside by lifting it away, being careful not to push anything inside the ear that might cause injury or infection.

DENTAL CARE

Dental care for cats involves brushing their teeth 2-3 times weekly with a soft cat toothbrush and vet-approved toothpaste. This prevents plaque buildup, tartar, and gum disease. Start slowly to acclimate your cat, using treats for positive reinforcement. Regular vet checkups ensure early detection of dental issues.

Recent LQ Commercial transactions for Cape

LQ Commercial announced the following recent transactions for Cape Coral:

n Aldi (Florida), LLC purchased a 2.86-acre parcel at 3510 Del Prado Blvd., N., in Cape Coral, for $1,100,000 from Casto Cape Coral, LLC. John Mounce & Jessica McEvoy of LQ Commercial represented the buyer in the transaction.

n Sabbir & Shejuti LLC purchased a 700-squarefoot retail unit in “Del Prado Mall” at 1404 Del Prado Blvd., S., Unit 160, in Cape Coral for $239,000 from Arias Properties LLC. Stephanie Pineda Ferreras of LQ Commercial represented the seller in the transaction.

LQ Commercial is a Florida-based commercial real estate brokerage organization. It provides comprehensive property management, tenant representation, leasing, sales, investments and consulting services. For more information, visit https://lqcre.com/

Royal Shell Real Estate announces top producers

Royal Shell Real Estate has recognized its top producers for March 2025. The top agents include:

Cape Coral Office: Top Listing Producers Team is The Koffman Group; Top Listing Producers Individual/ Partners, Mary Beth Gentile; Top Sales Producers Team is The Koffman Group; and Top Sales Producers Individu al/Partners, Jim Peterson.

Fort Myers Office: Top Listing Producers Team is Millers, Welsh, Meyers; Top Listing Producers Individual/ Partners, Cindy Roberts; Top Sales Producers Team is Miller, Welsh, Meyers; and Top Sales Producers Indiv idual/Partners, Cindy Roberts.

For more about Royal Shell Real Estate, visit https:// www.royalshellrealestate.com/ or call 855-541-1370.

Clean Eats opens in Fort Myers

Clean Eatz, a rapidly growing health-focused restaurant franchise known for its nutritious meal plans and cafe offerings, has opened its newest location in Fort Myers at 18011 S. Tamiami Trail, C3, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

Owned and operated by local Fort Myers resident Adam Gallagher, the new location serves healthy made-to-order bowls, wraps and burgers and grab-n-go meals. The cafe will be open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Launched in 2011, Clean Eatz began franchising in 2015 and has grown to 100-plus locations in 23 states. For franchising information, visit cleaneatz.com/franchise.

RSW announces March traffic numbers

During March, 1,463,628 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a decrease of 3% compared to March 2024. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 3.5%.

The traffic leader in March was Delta with 265,112 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (260,018), United (196,596), American (183,660) and JetBlue (131,997). Southwest Florida International Airport had 12,010 aircraft operations, an increase of 3% compared to March 2024.

Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 11 million passengers in 2024 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem

(property) taxes are used for airport

tion. For more information, visit

com/flyRSW.

SUDOKU SHEFFER CROSSWORD

SporTS

Conditions made for some tough fishing

Wind and slow moving water, plus a few days with cooler weather made for tough fishing for a good part of the past week. Following a full moon, we get several days of long, weak tides, add a few days with gusty northeast winds and you can expect less than desirable fishing conditions. With that said, plenty of anglers were on the water heading into the Easter weekend and fish were caught.

Seatrout were caught, however not in the numbers as in previous weeks. The better reports came from water protected from the wind in south Pine Island Sound around Galt Island and McKeever Keys, and also in the north sound between Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa.

Redfish up to 31 inches were caught along shorelines and oyster bars around eastern Pine Island Sound and southern Matlacha Pass. Most were singles or pairs staging along in areas where winds were pushing the water.

Most of the week smaller snook had a bigger appetite than the larger ones. Fish running from 18-25 inches were hooked around most islands, keys and oyster bars. Larger snook up to 33 inches were hooked, but they were few and far between.

Tarpon anglers had the toughest go all week. It’s hard enough to locate and fish for tarpon, add a strong wind and it becomes challenging. A few areas semi-protected from rough water with tarpon hook-ups included off the eastern side of Charlotte Harbor and around Cabbage Key. The best baits were live Atlantic thread herring, cut mullet and small crabs.

Tarpon were reported in Boca Grande with fish hooked on days with lighter winds.

OK, enough with the wind, we are near the end of April! We are all ready for a week or two of consistent days of light winds. I know the offshore and tarpon guys and gals are ready.

Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at: www. myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish. If you turn on your GPS location the Fish Rules app updates to your location. In my opinion, it is

April 25, 2025

Early registration ends April 30 for Bricks & Sticks fishing tourney

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

The deadline for early bird pricing for a fishing tournament that serves as the largest networking event for those in the building industry is just about here.

Lee Building Industry Association’s 18th Annual Bricks & Sticks fishing tournament takes place over three days in June, but anglers have the opportunity to register at a discount until April 30.

Each year, hundreds of builders, contractors, suppliers and industry leaders come together to drop their lines and build stronger business connections while reeling in big fun. This year’s event runs from June 12-14, starting with a Captain’s Dinner, followed by a welcome party and finally, the tournament and awards dinner.

“We auction off prizes and packages, with all of those funds raised going directly to our non-profit arm of the association,” Lunsford said. “Builders Care provides no-cost emergency construction services to elderly and disabled homeowners in need.”

“Because this is the largest building industry event...it’s just a great way to meet everyone in the industry over three nights,” said Special Events & Projects Director for the Lee Building Industry Association Jenn Lunsford. “It’s fun, in a relaxed setting, and just a whole weekend of networking and enjoyment.”

Early bird angler registration is $275, with the price increasing to $325 on May 1.

The Captain’s Dinner takes place at The Ranch on June 12, with a welcome party at The Westin Cape Coral on June 13, and the tournament on June 14 running from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The awards party takes place at The Westin Cape Coral Ballroom starting at 6, p.m. with a deejay, open bar, awards and a live auction that benefits Lee BIA Builders Care.

Wednesday

Baseball

(Best-of-3 series)

Region 6A-4

Over nearly two decades, the tournament raises $20,000 to $30,000 each event for Builders Care.

The tournament is photo catchand-release. Anglers will fish for their best two snook, two redfish and two ladyfish. First place will be awarded $5,000, second taking home $3,000, and third $2,000. There is also a $500 prize for a mystery fish category.

Last year’s tournament broke attendance records (320-plus anglers), with this year set to be even bigger.

“It’s a great time for people new to the industry, and those that have been part of the industry for years to just get to know all of the local professionals while having a good time,” Lunsford said.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Each sponsor’s brand will be front and center before, during and after the event.

“We’re getting more participation over the years and keeps growing,” Lunsford said. “Our industry is growing, and is so important to Southwest Florida. I think businesses are realizing how important the tournament is for the organization, which protects, promotes and preserves our industry to keep going and to thrive.”

The tournament is open to every and anyone, not just those in the building industry.

PreP rePorT

(4-12) got their four runs on three hits.

Gateway 16, Island Coast 1 (5 innings): Gateway held the Gators to two hits.

Tuesday

Game 1: St. Thomas Aquinas 11, Ida Baker 0 (5 innings): Aquinas held the Bulldogs to two hits to grab a 1-0 series advantage.

Region 5A-3

Game 1: North Fort Myers 7, Charlotte 6: The Red Knights (16-10) built a 7-2 lead and held on to upset the top-seeded Tarpons. Matthew Blasena had two RBI for North, and Jakob Wagner, Nicholas Oliveros, Caedon Conn and Ethan Rodriguez drove in one run each. Payton Sturrup worked 2 2/3 innings of shutout relief to save the win for Harrison Kabel.

Game 1: Braden River 8, Mariner 7: Second-seeded Braden River scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh to walk off with the win. PJ Marino tripled and drove in two runs for the Tritons (17-11), with Trenton Taylor and Pablo Hernandez knocking in one run each.

Beach Volleyball

District 2A-12

Championship

Port Charlotte 5, Charlotte 0

Flag Football

Region 3A-3

First round

East Bay 13, Mariner 0: A 15-3 East Bay team ended the Tritons’ season at 8-4.

Manatee 8, North Fort Myers 6: The Red Knights suffered their first loss (9-1) in a tight game.

Region 2A-4

First round

Mater Lakes 28, Bishop Verot 0: Bishop Verot wound up with a 9-3 record.

Softball

North Port 15, Ida Baker 4 (5 innings): The Bulldogs

Baseball (Best-of-3 series)

Region 4A-3

Island Coast 4, Osceola 2: Austin Schoolcraft pitched six innings, allowing two hits and two unearned runs as the Gators completed a two-game series sweep. Grady Schwiezer and Gustavo Payano had an RBI each. Payano got his RBI with a bases-loaded walk. Island Coast (22-6) gets a few days off before facing either Barron Collier or Lemon Bay in the semifinals beginning April 28.

Region 3A-3

Bishop Verot 12, Aubrey Rogers 5: The Vikings (281) won the series 2-0, advancing to the region semifinals beginning Monday. Nick Raber doubled twice, driving in three runs. Braylon Sheffield also had three RBI. Nick Raber was 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Verot will play McKeel Academy in the semifinals.

Girls Tennis Semifinals

Region 3A-5/6

Gulf Coast 4, North Fort Myers 3

Region 2A-5/6

Barron Collier 4, Bishop Verot 1

Boys Tennis Semifinals

Region 3A-5/6

Gulf Coast 6, Cape Coral 1

Region 2A-5/6

Barron Collier 4, Bishop Verot 1

Softball

Cape Coral 11, Oasis 1: The Seahawks (18-5) blew the game open with a seven-run sixth inning. Emma White

See PREP REPORT, page 31

Capt. Bill Russell On the Water

May programs, activities planned at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

Next month’s roster of activities at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:

Adult Programs

Download Drop-In

11 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 15

Receive personalized help downloading eBooks, eAudioBooks, movies, music and more from Libby/OverDrive and hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers. Support also will be available to registered users of the National Library Service’s Braille and Audio Reading Download service (BARD) which is provided through Home Borrower Services and Lee County Talking Books. Note: Attendees should bring their preferred, charged device (tablet, phone, e-reader, etc.) along with any passwords needed to download apps. Kindle users also must have an Amazon account and password. Patrons interested in BARD should contact Talking Books at 239-533-4780 before attending to ensure they have an active account or find out how to set one up.

English Café

10 a.m., Friday, May 2, 9, 16, 23

6 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 13

Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.

Book Discussion: “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver

11 a.m., Wednesday, May 7

The teenage son of an Appalachian single mother who dies when he is 11 uses his good looks, wit and instincts to survive foster care, child labor, addiction, disastrous loves and crushing losses.

Crafts at Cape: Painting with Coffee

2 p.m., Wednesday, May 7

10 a.m., Saturday, May 17

Similar to using watercolors, we will

explore painting with coffee. Registration is required. Each class has a maximum seating of 20. Participants may only register for one class in the series. Registration is guaranteed until the start of the program.

Beginner Spanish Class

2 p.m., Wednesday, May 14

This course is designed for those new to the Spanish language. Learn fundamental vocabulary, essential phrases and basic grammar in a fun, informal and interactive environment. Learn the basics to start a conversation. Registration is required.

Adult Coloring

2 p.m., Tuesday, May 20

Researchers and art therapists alike have touted the calming effects of coloring and adults have found this childhood activity a refreshing way to release their creativity, relieve stress and meet other participants. Coloring pages designed especially for adults, as well as colored pencils, will be provided. Registration is required.

Children’s Programs

Baby Rhyme Time

10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 1

For babies up to 18 months. Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment. Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk.

Star Wars Mini Golf

4:15 p.m., Thursday, May 1

For ages 9-17 years. Design and build your own Star Wars-themed mini-golf holes. Whether it’s navigating a Death Star trench or avoiding TIE Fighters, the possibilities are endless. Once the course is complete, we’ll test our skills by playing through the entire galaxy. May the course be with you. Registration is required. All supplies are provided while they last. Snacks are also provided. This program is

intended for attendees ages 9-17 years to attend independently while caregivers wait nearby. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed during the program.

Cozy Corner Storytime

10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 3

For children through age 5 years with a caregiver. Snuggle up with your favorite blanket and join us for this relaxing storytime. Space is limited. Tickets are available 30 minutes before the start of the program at the Youth Desk.

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, May 3

5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 21

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card. Please check in at the Youth Desk.

Cape Kids Art Club

4 p.m., Thursday, May 8

Kids ages 5-11 years will explore the works of famous artists through hands-on projects and creative activities. This session will highlight Yayoi Kusama’s Dots & Infinity inspiring young minds to unleash their creativity and express themselves through art. Dress for mess. Registration required. Your registration is only guaranteed until the start of the program. All materials provided.

Start Your Engines

10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 8

For children ages 2-5 years. Zip and zoom around the room with toy cars and handmade racetracks. All supplies provided. No registration required, but space is limited to 30 children plus their caregiver. Tickets are available 30 minutes before the start of program.

Family Build It

10 a.m. – noon, Saturday, May 10

For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. No registration required. Materials are provided.

Teen Programs

Star Wars Mini Golf 4:15 p.m., Thursday, May 1

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, May 3

5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 21

Family Build It

10 a.m. – noon, Saturday, May 10

For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. No registration required. Materials are provided.

The Cape Coral Lee County Public Library is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace in Cape Coral. For more about a program or to register, call the library at 239533-4500. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at (239) 479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.

Wydysh: North Fort Myers High senior finishes second in legion contest

From page 16

“He actually really motivated me to try out for the speech program,” he said.

Two years of being in the speech program, Wydysh said, has been an enriching process to learn about the Constitution and speak about it, as it enhanced his knowledge about the American government and American Constitution.

Boy State, a one-week program over the summer, was an incredible experience for the North Fort Myers High School senior. He explained the experience as “surreal.”

“You arrive in Tallahassee really early in the morning – you get there at 7 a.m. and by 8 a.m. you are running for your first political office,” Wydysh said.

He said the “floor” is considered a city, and his “dorm room” was the county, while

the entire program was the state. Wydysh was elected the mayor of his city, and ended up being elected to the Senate and then the Senate president.

One of the things that stood out – although it was a youth program, the reality of politics happened.

“There is political campaigning, press doing videos of candidates, speeches in front of the entire program,” he said.

The program was intense as it started at 7 a.m. and ended at 11 p.m., which Wydysh said created great relationships with the people with which he worked. He said to this day he still keeps in contact with those on his floor.

“It’s a strong connection and motivation to get involved,” Wydysh said of Florida government.

He is now involved in the American

Legion Boy State Alumni Program, which will only further the connections he made his junior year.

“I am really excited to start my life in Gainesville. Those experiences from the American Legion will give me a good head start,” Wydysh said.

Wydysh was also involved in Youth Council for Cape Coral, where he was unanimously appointed in May 2023. He said that it provided him an opportunity to learn about city government and participate in clothing drives and voting presentations at high schools.

“A great experience to be able to do what I love and be of service,” Wydysh said.

He will graduate from North Fort Myers High School this May. While at North, he also attended Florida Southwestern State

PreP rePort

From page 30

was 2-for-3, driving in three runs. Abigail Brannan tripled and had two RBI. Gabriela Gonzalez went 3-for-3 with a double and a triple. Emma Brannan pitched five shutout innings.

Mariner 8, Immokalee 5: Mia Standard and Morgan Tucker drove in two runs each for the Tritons (17-5). Standard homered, while Tucker had a triple. Caleigh Buzard hit two doubles.

Conditions: A rough time for fishing

From page 30

more accurate and up to date than FWC’s website.

If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service -- call or text 239-410-8576; website at www.fishpine island.com; or email gcl2fish@live.com

Please have a safe week and good fishin’.

As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for over 20 years.

Fort Myers 16, Ida Baker 0: Ida Baker fell to 4-11.

Beach Volleyball

District 3A-13

First round

Lehigh at Ida Baker

District 2A-12

Semifinals

Port Charlotte 5, Mariner 0: The Tritons completed a 9-9 season. Charlotte 5, North Fort Myers 0: North finished the year 8-3. District 1A-12

At Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples

First round

Bishop Verot 5, Southwest Florida

College where he earned his AA degree.

“I took the opportunity to go to FSW to try to complete some college courses – a free program – and it helped me prepare better for college,” Wydysh said.

Once he completes his studies, he said, he will come back to Cape Coral where he has lived all his life to start a career and raise a family.

“I want to go out and see what is outside of Cape Coral and get that college experience. I will bring my knowledge and skills back to the community I love and serve my community,” Wydysh said.

Those interested in learning more about the Legion Oratorical Scholarship program can contact American Legion Post 90 Oratorical Chair Ted Clark at 845-5277948, 239-540-8128, alpost90@cape@ yahoo.com or TedClark12@gmail.com.

Christian 0

St. John Neumann 5, Marco Island Academy 0

Seacrest Country Day 5, Canterbury 0 Community School of Naples 5, Evangelical Christian 0 Semifinals

Bishop Verot 5, St. John Neumann 0: The Vikings (12-3) will go for the 1A-12 title on Thursday.

Community School of Naples 3, Seacrest Country Day 2: CSN (9-5) advanced with a mild upset of second-seeded Seacrest.

Championship Thursday

Community School of Naples vs. Bishop Verot

Cape Coral Cape Coral Cape Coral Death Notices

Christine Ann Hansen, 67, of Cape Coral, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Donna Mayrea Lundy, 76 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 11, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Evelyn Navas, 90 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 10, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

David Steven Zajac, 68, of Cape Coral, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Ernest Eugene Rison, 77 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 21, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Jon William Loechert, 65 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 17, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information

Robert Allen Pizarroz, 65, of Cape Coral passed away on April 15, 2025. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services of Cape Coral.

Jon Campbell, 64, of Cape Coral passed away on April 12, 2025. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services of Cape Coral.

Edward Francis Shine, 81 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 4, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Eric Christopher Stemmer, 56, of Fort Myers, passed away April 20, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Anselma D. Parza, 93, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on April 20, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz. com

Diane L. Cook, 72, of Cape Coral passed away on April 13, 2025. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services of Fort Myers.

Earl James Madary, 78, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on April 16, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz. com

Gary Heery, 72 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 11, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Kenneth George Smith, 68 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 13, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Maureen Ann Adamson, 70 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 10, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Roberto Osiel Alejo Gonzalez, 79, of Cape Coral passed away on April 13, 2025. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services of Cape Coral.

John William Arnholt Jr, 72 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 12, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Mary Ellen Vara, 82 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 21, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Barbara F Schezzini, 84 of Cape Coral, passed away on April 5, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Fort Myers

Greg Martin Balloqui, 68, of Fort Myers passed away on April 12, 2025. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services of Fort Myers.

Bessie B. Heonis, 93, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away April 3, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Fort Myers.

Junior Moncheri, 67, of Fort Myers, passed away 3/6/2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Constance M. Greeley, 78, of Fort Myers, passed away 4/8/2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Marilyn J. Larson, 94, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away April 9, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Fort Myers.

Rose Ellen Kaley, 69, of Fort Myers, passed away April 13, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Lesly Pierre-Pierre, 69, of Fort Myers passed away April 2, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Michael Ellison, 60, of Fort Myers passed away April 1, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Religious

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* ServingAllofLeeCounty * CallJon 239-747-9282 Licensed&Insured jonthehandymancanllc.com

MONDAY

Lemon Rosemary Slow Roasted Chicken served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $15.99

TUESDAY

Buttermilk Fried Chicken served with coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy. $15.99

Stuffed Peppers stuffed with rice and Black Angus ground beef. Served with mashed potatoes. $15.99

WEDNESDAY

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs served with french fries and coleslaw. $16.99

Stuffed Cabbage served with mashed potatoes. $15.99

Thursday

USDA Choice Beef Stroganoff served over egg noodles. $15.99

FRIDAY

Fish N’ Chips served with french fries, coleslaw and tarter sauce. $15.99

Fresh catch of the day. Ask your server for today’s special. Market Price

Saturday

Grouper Oscar Florentine grilled Gulf of Mexico Grouper topped with fresh steamed spinach, half crab cake and key lime sauce. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables. $19.99

Sunday

Slow Roasted Homemade Duroc Pork Loin served with Granny Smith apple stuffing, mashed potatoes, red cabbage and applesauce, topped with mushroom gravy. $15.99

Request ‘release of lien from contractors

‘Property

owners can

be

responsible for money owed subcontractors, suppliers

Hello Mr. Feichthaler:

My house is currently being re-constructed in Cape Coral, after we tore down a very damaged house from Ian.

Today I received a letter by certified mail entitled “Notice to Owner/Contractor”. As I have never built a house, I am unsure as to what it means & was hoping you could help me.

Real Estate Law

- Thomas F.

Dear Thomas:

A Notice to Owner (NTO) is a written notice prescribed by Florida law that officially advises you, as owner of an improvement that the sender, usually a subcontractor or supplier not dealing directly with the owner, is looking to the owner to be sure the sender is paid before payment is made to the contractor on the job. This notice is required to be sent within 45 days from the first date labor or materials are provided to the property. By doing so, the contractor can secure a lien on your property to make sure they are paid.

From your perspective, you will want to speak with your general contractor to make sure they are paying everyone they hire to work on your project. Tell your builder you need a “Release of Lien” from all suppliers of labor and materials for your rebuild. If you do not, and you pay your contractor in full, the subcontractors will still have a lien on your property if your builder fails to pay them.

Communication with your builder on all aspects of your project, including schedules, changes in types of materials used, and payments will help to ensure your satisfaction with the job and, more importantly, avoiding potential legal battles later with your builder and their suppliers. I wish you a speedy completion to a quality home!

Power washing a deck prior to outdoor entertaining season can make it a more welcoming space for guests.

Memorial Day weekend is a popular time to entertain. For many, the weekend marks the first outdoor entertaining opportunity of the year, which is certainly something to look forward to.

As outdoor entertaining season begins, homeowners can take these steps to prepare their outdoor living spaces for the first big backyard get-together of the year.

Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 37 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis where he serves as president. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 24 years, and they have four children. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@capecoralattorney .com, or 239-542-4733. This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone. Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations.

· Break out the power washer. Pressure washing is an important component of spring home cleanup. The warmer temperatures of spring allow water from power washing to dry more quickly, which can decrease the chances that mold and mildew will grow on surfaces like siding. A freshly power washed home also makes for a welcoming entertaining space. A power washer also can be used on outdoor entertaining spaces to remove dirt and debris that built up over the winter. Just make sure to read manufacturer instructions before using a power washer to clean paving stones, decks and outdoor furniture.

· Inspect outdoor furniture. Now is a good time to inspect outdoor furniture if the task was not performed in late fall or early winter before items were moved into the garage or placed in storage. Check to make sure furnishings are still

Eric P. Feichthaler

over

· Clean the grill. A thorough cleaning of the grill also is in order prior to summer entertaining season. Many homeowners do little or no grilling during winter, so now is the time to give grilling surfaces and the interior of the grill a deep cleaning. Check for leaks if using a gas grill, and scrub the interior of any grease that accumulated last season. Many grilling experts advise lighting a grill and letting it burn for roughly 20 minutes prior to putting any foods on the grates for the first time. Such a strategy allows residual fluids like soap, vinegar and de-greasing products used when cleaning the grill to burn off before food is placed on the grates.

· Inspect the landscaping, too. It’s not just seating areas like patios and decks that need some investigation prior to outdoor entertaining season. Take a walk around the landscape and make sure there’s no potentially dangerous spots where people could be injured when playing backyard games. Fill in any holes with soil and fresh grass seed, and inspect trees to see if any branches need to be pruned.

Summer entertaining season begins each Memorial Day weekend. Homeowners can take various steps to ensure their outdoor entertaining spaces are comfortable and safe.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

First quarter home prices reflect market pressure

First quarter 2025 median home sales prices came in lower than they were in the first quarter of 2024, continuing the trend of a slow and steady price deterioration as home values in the Cape search for their up to now elusive bottom. The numbers, shown below, tell the story.

As of Tuesday, April 22, there were 3,436 active single-family home listings in Cape Coral through a Realtor in the MLS with list prices ranging from $189,999 to $6.985 million. The median list price was at $489,000 and there were 1,540 homes listed at $450,000 and under, including 187 homes priced below $300,000. At the other end of the price spectrum, there are currently 372 homes in the Cape listed at $1 million and above. One year ago on April 23, 2024, there were 2,849 active single-family home listings in Cape Coral through the MLS with list prices ranging from $225,000 to $10.9 million. A year ago the median list price was $499,900 and there were 1,165 homes listed at $450,000 and under, including 43 homes below $300,000. At that time there were 351 homes listed at $1 million and above. As a point of reference, based on our weekly market research, it was only three years ago on April 19, 2022, when the Cape’s median list price reached its peak of $610,000.

As of Tuesday, April 22, there were 762 single-family homes in the Cape under contract with buyers as pending sales at prices ranging from $159,900 for a fire damaged home to $4.759 million. The median pending home sales price was $376,445 and 522 of the pending sales were priced at $450,000 and under, including 116 homes priced below $300,000. A total of 32 homes in the Cape were pending at $1 million and above. One year ago on April 23, 2024, there were 872 pending home sales at prices ranging from $225,000 to $3.799 million, with the median pending sales price at $400,000. Back then, 546 of the pending sales were priced at $450,000 and under, including 47 homes below $300,000. At that time there were 54 pending sales at $1 million and above. On April 19, 2023, there were 925 pending sales.

For the month of March in the overall Cape Coral single-family home market, there were 534 closed home sales, which was down 0.4% from the 536 homes sold in March 2024, but up 62.3% versus the 329 sales in February of this year. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 1,124 closed sales, which was 6.7% below the 1,205 homes sold in the first quarter of last year, but up 10.5% from the 1,017 sales in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The median sales price in the overall Cape Coral single-family home market was $380,000 in March, which was down 5% from the $400,000 posted in both March 2024, and in February of this year. In the first quarter, the median sales price averaged $385,000 per month, or 6.4% below the average of $411,407 per month in the first quarter of 2024, and down 1.3% from the average of $389,967 per month in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Indirect gulf access canal homes

below the $850,000 in March 2024, but up 9.5% versus the $735,000 in February of this year. In the first quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $768,333 per month, which was down 8.6% from the average of $840,833 per month in the first quarter of 2024, but 0.4% above the average of $765,000 per month in the fourth quarter of last year.

Freshwater canal and lake homes

In the Cape’s single-family freshwater canal and lake home segment, which includes landlocked waterfront homes with no boating access to the river or Gulf of America, there were 71 closed sales in March. This was 29.1% higher than the 55 sales in March 2024, and 44.9% above the 49 sales in February of this year. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 146 closed sales in this segment, which was 14.1% more than the 128 sales in the first quarter of 2024, and 30.4% above the 112 sales in the fourth quarter of last year.

The median sales price in the freshwater canal and lake home segment was $445,000 in March, down 3.3% from the $460,000 posted in March 2024, and 4.7% below the $466,860 in February of this year. In the first quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $453,953 per month, down 5% from the average of $478,000 per month in the first quarter of 2024, and 4.2% below the average of $473,738 per month in the fourth quarter of last year.

Dry lot homes

In the Cape’s single-family dry lot (non-canal) home segment, there were 368 closed sales in March, which was 3.9% lower than the 383 sales in March 2024, but 64.3% above the 224 sales in February of this year. There were 786 closed sales in this segment during the first quarter, which was 6.9% below the 844 sales in the first quarter of 2024, but up 3.3% from the 761 sales in the fourth quarter of last year.

In the Cape Coral single-family indirect gulf access canal home segment (meaning homes with bridges in the canal system), there were 49 closed sales in March. This was 14% lower than the 57 closed sales in March 2024, but 69% above the 29 sales in February of this year. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 98 closed sales in this segment, which was 22.8% less than the 127 sales in the first quarter of 2024, but it was 21% above the 81 sales in the fourth quarter of last year.

The median sales price for the Cape’s indirect gulf access canal homes was $735,000 in March, or 2% below the $750,000 posted in March 2024, and even with the $735,000 in February of this year. In the first quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $745,667 per month, or 5.9% below the average of $792,083 per month in the first quarter of 2024, and 0.5% under the average of $749,038 per month in the fourth quarter of last year.

Direct sailboat access canal homes

In the Cape Coral single-family direct sailboat access canal home segment (meaning no bridges in the canals to get out to open water), there were 46 closed sales in March. This was 15% higher than the 40 sales in March 2024, and 70.4% above the 27 sales in February of this year. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 93 closed sales in this segment, which was 8.8% below the 102 sales in the first quarter of 2024, but 52.5% above the 61 closed sales in the fourth quarter of last year.

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family direct sailboat access canal home segment came in at $805,000 in March, which was 5.3%

The median sales price in the Cape’s dry lot home segment was $347,700 in March, or 6% lower than the $370,000 posted in March 2024, and it was down 4.7% from $365,000 in February of this year. In the first quarter, the median sales price in this segment averaged $353,563 per month, which was 6.1% below the average of $376,665 per month in the first quarter of 2024, and 4% less than the average of $368,132 per month in the fourth quarter of last year.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of April 19, 2025, unless otherwise noted. It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single-family homes, and does not include condominiums, short sales or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 45 years. Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined with Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.

Fri. 4/25/2025 1-3pm 849 NW 2nd St, Cape Coral, FL 33993 $570,000

Fri. 4/25/2025 3:30-5:30pm 1503 SE 33rd Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33904 $407,900

Fri. 4/25/2025 10-2pm 925 NE 4th Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33909

Fri. 4/25/2025 1-4pm 1811 Savona Pkwy W, Cape Coral, FL 33914 $465,000 Larry Deberry Coldwell Banker Realty

Sat. 4/26/2025 10-1pm 428 SE 8th St, Cape Coral, FL 33990 $360,000 Jessica Colom Swfl Life Realty

Sat. 4/26/2025 11-3pm 600 NW 27th St, Cape Coral, FL 33993

Sat. 4/26/2025 12-3pm 4142 SW 22nd Ct, Cape Coral, FL 33914

Sat. 4/26/2025 10-2pm 925 NE 4th Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33909

Sat. 4/26/2025 11-2pm 1316 NE Juanita Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33909

Sat. 4/26/2025 12-3pm 5502 Merlyn Ln, Cape Coral, FL 33914 $1,850,000 Laura Madden Dwell Right

Sat. 4/26/2025 1-4pm 627 SW 57th St, Cape Coral, FL 33914

Peter Frank Dream Coast Realty

Sat. 4/26/2025 1-4pm 2112 NE 4th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33909 $389,900 Jerry da Silva Home Legacy Realty

Sat. 4/26/2025 2-4pm 3539 NE 14th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33909 $519,990 Ivan Evanoff Canvas Real Estate

Sat. 4/26/2025 12-4pm 223 Tropicana Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33909 $469,999 Martha Chacon DCI Homes Realty Group

Sat. 4/26/2025 1-3pm 217 SW 17th St, Cape Coral $399,900 Rusty Zakraysek Coldwell

Sat. 4/26/2025 12-3pm 3718 SE 6th Ave, Cape Coral

Sat. 4/26/2025 11-2pm 3418 SE 19th Ave, Cape Coral

Sat. 4/26/2025 12-3pm 4355 SW 21st Pl, Cape Coral

Sat. 4/26/2025 12-3pm 102 Poinsettia Dr, Fort Myers

Sat. 4/26/2025 1-3pm 15464-6 Admiralty Cir. North Fort Myers

Sat. 4/26/2025

4/26/2025 2:30-4:30pm 125 NE 11th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33909

4/27/2025 11-2pm 864 SW 18th Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33991

4/27/2025 1-4pm 2224 NW 25th Ter, Cape Coral, FL 3399

4/27/2025 12-2pm 600 NW 27th St, Cape Coral, FL 33993

4/27/2025 12-4pm 925

4th Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33909

4/27/2025 1-4pm 627 SW 57th St, Cape Coral, FL 33914

4/27/2025 11-2pm 142 SW 35th Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33991

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