050925 Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Low water levels impact north Cape homes

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

“The cheap water is gone,” was the pivotal point made regarding the MidHawthorn Aquifer Wednesday.

“There is water down there. What we are out of is the cheap water, the shallow well — the smallest amount of pipe, the smallest conductor,” City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn told the Cape Coral City Council. “Those days in the north are no longer available. It requires a deeper well

“There is water down there. What we are out of is the cheap water, the shallow well — the smallest amount of pipe, the smallest conductor. Those days in the north are no longer available. It requires a deeper well – more pipe, larger pump. We are not out of water; we are out of cheap water.”

— Mike Ilczyszyn, city manager

Chamber recognizes students & teachers

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

t was a night of kudos and recognition in the realm of education Monday night at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre as more than 60 teachers and students were highlighted for their exemplary accomplishments in and out of the classroom.

The 33rd annual, held by the held by the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and sponsored by the Breeze Newspapers, highlighted the importance of committed educators, and assisted the scholastic endeavors of high school seniors’ continuing

education.

Students and teachers from the elementary, middle, high school and college level were honored, representing the West Zone of the School District of Lee County, which includes Cape Coral and North Fort Myers. The event welcomed more than 330 students, educators, administrators, and community members for a heartfelt celebration of academic achievement.

“This event is truly unique to our community because it recognizes students at every stage of their educational journey — from elementary through high school,” said Chamber President/ See EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION, page 12

water; we are out of cheap water.”

A modified phase IV restriction went into effect Friday for the northeast quadrant of the city. The Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer wells in the affected area are now limited to potable drinking use only.

The Water Shortage Order issued by the South Florida Water Management District bans all irrigation system use for private well users in the affected area with limited

‘Slipaway’ destination spot will be a first for Cape Coral

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

After years of planning, design, and city ordinances finally being passed, Cape Coral’s first food truck park is slated to open next month and has announced its first tenants.

Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, located at the foot of the Cape Coral bridge, announced the first 10 for truck vendors that will set up shop at the venue.

Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina will be a 3.1-acre site with hundreds of feet of walkability along the Caloosahatchee River. Designers hope for it to be a one-ofa-kind destination for Southwest Florida residents and visitors to enjoy with friends, family, and even pets.

The trucks offer variety of options, including barbecue, Mexican, seafood, Greek and more, officials said Monday.

“The selected food trucks are all locally owned from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel and Naples, and were chosen from a pool of more than 140 local and outof-state food truck applicants,” a release states. “With all appetites and preferences

Volunteers plant hundreds of mangroves in South Spreader

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

Approximately 600 red mangroves were planted in a segment of the South Spreader Waterway last weekend as part of a planting initiative.

“Eight volunteers preregistered and attended the event. We had five staff members from Cape Coral’s Environmental Resources Division, and Jim Niehaus from Gulf Coast Kayak also assisted those who needed a kayak,” city of Cape Coral Environmental Biologist Harry Phillips said of the mangroves planted at the corner of Beach Parkway and Surfside Boulevard.

Red mangroves hold a number of ecosystem values for both the environment and people, he said. The mangle roots offer a refuge and nursery ground for celebrated game fish – snook, tarpon, grouper, and mangrove snapper.

“Those roots also attract barnacles and oysters, both filter feeders that help clean our bays and estuaries,” Phillips said.

The canopy of mangroves also plays an important role as a rookery habitat for many shorebirds. Red mangroves also take hold and grow along the coast which often times form islands in near-shore environments, which is a first

There are upcoming opportunities for potential volunteers to plant mangroves. Upcoming dates are June 7, June 28, and Aug. 2 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day. For up-to-date information, visit www.KLCB.org.

line of defense against storm surge.

“While mangroves won’t stop rising water, they dissipate the wind-driven wave action of storm surge, lessening the impact on structures in the urban environment. Mangroves also buffer nutrient pollution from the urban environment, from stormwater runoff to receiving waterbodies such as rivers, bays, estuaries, and their tributaries,” Phillips said.

Due to development, many mangrove maritime forests have been reduced, or gone altogether, he said.

“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection placed protections on this species in 1996 with the Florida Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act. It now requires permits to both trim and remove red mangroves. Landward, mangroves are also important for the marine environment,” Phillips said, as they buffer near-shore environments from pollution.

There already is an extensive mangrove wetland bordering the west, Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve, and south, Redfish Point of Cape Coral.

“Mangrove restoration is elevated due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian. Enhancing areas that have seen mangrove die off or loss will only provide Cape Coral with more storm protection for when other tropical systems impact the coast and the communities within them,” he said.

There are a few more opportunities for potential volunteers to plant mangroves. Upcoming dates are June 7,

June 28, and Aug. 2 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day. For up-to-date information, visit www.KLCB.org.

Volunteers will be provided with a brief introduction to the red mangrove, how to plant them along the shoreline and safety considerations during the Mangrove Planting event.

“This is a paddle craft event, so plants are staged along the shoreline so volunteers can plant and move on to the next. It requires getting in and out of their kayak, or on and off if using a paddle board, to plant. All materials are provided for planting. All that is expected of the volunteers is to be willing to work in a knee to waist high watery locations and the ability to plant in partially submerged sediments. Even those who want to plant, but don’t have a paddle craft, were able to borrow one from Gulf Coast Kayak,” Phillips said.

Locations are selected on environmental surveys to determine areas along the South Spreader Waterway that need restoring.

“Residents of Cape Coral don’t have to wait for a mangrove restoration event to plant mangroves. If a resident lives on a brackish or saltwater canal, they can plant mangroves along their seawall. This will provide all the benefits that mangroves provide for wildlife habitat, help buffer the canal from stormwater runoff, and dissipate wave actions from boat wakes,” Phillips said.

Cape Council appoints youth council members, advisor

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

Ten students were appointed to the Cape Coral Youth Council Wednesday.

Cape Coral City Council appointed seven juniors and three senior students.

The junior students include Zachary Justham from Bishop Verot

High School; Jennifer Tuero from Ida Baker High School; Meagan Jacques from Mariner High School; Bereniece Sanchez from North Fort Myers High School; Allie Buice and Kamila Vargas from Cape Coral High School and Emma Brown from Oasis High School.

Senior appointees include Sabrina Manso Perez from Cape Coral High School, Genesis Zapato Vasquez from Island Coast High School and Alisha St. Germain from North Fort Myers High School.

Councilmember Bill Steinke made the motion to access the new edited ordinance that allows for additional seniors to provide representation for as many schools as possible by appointing the seniors for a one-year term.

The motion received unanimous approval.

Council also appointed an advisor to Youth Council, as former mayor and advisor Joe Mazurkiewicz has stepped down.

Mayor John Gunter said Tom Hayden, previous council member and liaison to Youth Council, was interested in filling the position. He said he brought the agenda item forward to memorialize the advisory position by vote.

Councilmember Joe Kilraine made the motion, which was unanimously approved, to appoint Hayden to the advisory position for a period of two years.

Redfish Pointe: Get the facts

From page 4

velopment template similar to communities such as Tarpon Point or Cape Harbour. Any development would be limited to a maximum of 800 residential condominium units; a 300-room resort hotel; and 50,000 square feet of retail, office and community facilities.

This proposal also addresses issues including traffic, flood safety and environment.

A traffic study with actual traffic counts and future growth projections through 2045 found that roadways serving the property would continue to operate within adopted levels of service during peak hours.

The restrictive declaration includes solutions for an entrance road. The family considered alternative access points presented by city staff, including an existing conservation easement on the outskirts of Rotary Park. The proposed restrictive declaration would also allow for the family’s original proposal for entrance via two neighboring properties they purchased on Southwest First Court. This enables the city to select from two alternative approaches for access. Engineers believe the roadway can be designed to provide significant buffers and better drainage for surrounding neighborhoods while minimizing effects to wetlands.

Like much of Cape’s waterfront and surrounding areas, the site lies within the Coastal High Hazard Area. Any future development here is required to address flood mitigation and evacuation planning. Downtown Cape Coral, Tarpon Point, Cape Harbour, the Seven Islands Project, Bimini Basin East and the Yacht Club are all within this area.

The family has consulted experts for comprehensive wetland, wildlife and cultural/archaeological studies.

The proposed development lies within the upland and heavily disturbed portions of the property – approximately 600-1,000 feet from the shoreline – and consists of

uplands and exotic vegetation-dominated wetlands. Experts determined the site would be overrun by invasive melaleuca plants if left undeveloped. The majority of wetlands will remain untouched within the preservation land.

Additionally, a mangrove enhancement plan would address significant losses resulting from Hurricane Ian, accommodate the potential elevated boardwalk and mitigate development impacts.

Environmental studies from spring 2024 found limited presence of wildlife. Further studies would be completed prior to development to properly address any wildlife present at that time.

Equally important are the ways this amendment could enhance quality of life for Cape Coral residents. A planned bike path would provide opportunities for public access to nature and an elevated boardwalk featuring educational pavilions and wildlife lookout points.

No plans for development have been made at this time, and there are no intentions (as has been speculated) to develop 17 buildings or a marina with 200 boat slips.

Development could generate economic impact exceeding $1 billion, resulting in job creation, sales tax revenue, local business activity, real estate activity, new entertainment options and increased recreational access, all while producing a minimum of $18.7 million in annual property taxes.

Let’s move forward with facts and a shared commitment to responsible growth as we shape a future for our community that’s positioned to thrive economically, environmentally and culturally.

— Joe Mazurkiewicz is a former mayor of Cape Coral and the president of BJM Consulting Group, representing the property owners of Redfish Pointe.

Editorial: Aquifer at record lows

From page 4

cheap water, the shallow well — the smallest amount of pipe, the smallest conductor,” he said. “Those days in the north are no longer available. It requires a deeper well — more pipe, larger pump. We are not out of water; we are out of cheap water.”

This means if you have a home and your well has gone dry, you are going to have to pay more — a lot more— to get back up and running.

It means if you are planning to build a home in the northeast Cape, it’s going to cost more as your well will need to be deeper, especially if you plan to install an irrigation system.

It means all this expense will be for naught when the real solution rolls into your neighborhood: Homes and businesses on city water are not affected by the water levels within the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer and, when the city brings the Utility Expansion Project it expedited your way, the potential for your well going dry won’t be a problem because you won’t be on that well, or a septic tank for that matter.

Hookup will be mandatory.

Mr. Ilczyszyn had some practical advice for residents — and potential residents: Be informed.

While this year’s crisis will likely — hopefully — resolve itself once the rainy season begins and the aquifer replenishes, be aware of the issue and do some due diligence.

Check to see if your present well is “deep” or “shallow” and, if shallow, check its depth in relation to current water levels in the aquifer.

If you’re looking to buy, same thing. And if you’re looking to build?

Check with the city to see when your specific area can expect city utilities. The UEP coming with North 1 is expected to be completed by 2027, North 6 by 2030. Note that utility assessments and connection costs won’t be cheap. Timing may not be everything but in this case, it may well be in play depending on how much you want to pay to build or buy.

The “cheap water” is gone and lesscostly shallow wells may be a thing of the past.

Chalk at least some of it up to the price of progress.

As officials have explained, you can only put so many “straws in a cup” before you hit bottom and start sucking air.

—Breeze editorial

Space Center: Visitors will ‘feel the magic’ as they walk into the complex

From page 8

ergized. It keeps you involved. Even when you’re retired from active-duty flying like I am, it keeps us at the space center and involved with different events.”

There are various ways in which members of the public can interact with astronauts at the complex: via the “Chat with an Astronaut” program or live presentations. There’s even the “Astronaut of the Day” at The Space Shop or Shuttle Express.

Scott said there’s a magic you feel when you walk into the complex, starting from the large marquee at the entrance, and “Rocket Garden” being just steps into the venue.

“All except one are real rockets that were slated to go into space,” Scott said. “You can walk around and look at all of these rockets and learn about the history.

“When you go in (to the complex), you are literally entering into a new, exciting environment. No matter how many times I walk in there, I still get the same feeling. It’s so amazing I was a part of something like this on such a level. It never gets old. It brings up memories of my space flight days.”

Scott was born and raised in Miami and attended Florida State University, and said he was always enamored in aviation despite attending school as a musician playing trumpet. He said he “discovered” engineering and became a Navy pilot and flew for four years before going back for his master’s. He then flew again for the Navy and moved into research development/testing evaluation working as a test pilot.

He was selected by NASA for astronaut training after he applied.

The Apollo Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. A new attraction, “The Gantry at LC-39,” is slated to open soon at the complex which offers some of the most iconic launch pads in space exploration. /PROVIDED

“Everything seemed to come together,” Scott said. “Every time they narrowed it down, my name kept staying in there. Eventually, they selected 80 finalists and brought us to Johnson Space Center 20 at a time for a week of interviews, medical exams and so on. I finished my week, went back to my command, and waited. Low and behold, I got the call that I was selected. It was the beginning of a life-changing event.”

Roughly four years later, Scott flew in two shuttle missions: Endeavor and

Columbia in 1996 and 1997 respectively.

“In those days, we were preparing to build the International Space Station,” Scott said. “It’s been up there now for 25 years. In those days, we were just getting ready for it. I was a space walker, and I performed three space walks. During those EVAs (extravehicular activity), I tested different tools and equipment and techniques and so on that astronauts would later use to actually build the International Space Station.”

Scott has spent more than 500 hours in

space, and has performed EVAs (activity outside of a spacecraft) totaling more than 20 hours.

“There are no words to describe it,” Scott said of taking off into space for the first time. “It jumps off the pad. It looks like slow motion in the movies -- it kicks you in the butt. We pass 100 mph before we clear the tower. We reach Mach 1 in roughly 45 seconds. It never stops accelerating.”

As for his EVA missions outside of the spacecraft, Scott said, “It’s something. You are bombarded with where you are and what you’re doing. You’re in your suit outside. And that is an amazing experience that you can’t describe. At the same time, you’re concentrated on what you’re supposed to be doing. You have a job and procedures that you need to do. My first EVA when I sort of floated myself to the top of the shuttle bay and I grabbed the handrails and I pulled myself up and looked over and down at the Earth -- then I could really see how high we are and how fast we’re going. It was really amazing.”

Scott said the complex is home to experiences that everybody in the world should experience at least once.

“Everybody should see a rocket launch,” he said. “Even if you don’t see a launch, just come visit the center and immerse yourself into some of the space-related activities.”

For a full list of attractions, hours, launches, to plan a visit and more, visit https://www.kennedyspacecenter. com.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is at Space Commerce Way in Merritt Island.

Meet the Excellence in Education honorees

By CJ HADDAD Cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Students and teachers from the elementary, middle, high school and college level were honored Monday night at the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Education Committee’s annual Excellence in Education Awards program.

This year’s honorees are:

Caloosa Elementary School honored Carter Emerson, a student who enjoys science, reading, and basketball, and is inspired by positive role models like his brother. Educator Andrea Bertel, a 12year teaching veteran, finds joy in helping students overcome challenges and enjoys gardening and journaling.

Cape Elementary School recognized Brynn Parker, an award-winning student involved in dance and school clubs who hopes to start a business and help animals. Educator Courtney Bryant, now a science coach, is passionate about hands-on learning and student engagement after a decade of classroom teaching.

Diplomat Elementary School celebrated Jack Dertstila, a student athlete inspired by Lionel Messi, and teacher Deborah Ziruolo, a resource educator who leads academic interventions and family events.

Gulf Elementary School honored Andrew Culbertson, an enthusiastic Special Olympics participant who loves learning and helping others, and Jennifer Jendrusiak, a seasoned reading teacher who supports both students and staff through data-driven instruction.

Hancock Creek Elementary recognized Stanislav Prokipchyk, a charitable student with big dreams, and April

More than 60 teachers and students were recognized for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Monday night. The 33rd annual Excellence in Education Awards, held by the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and sponsored by the Breeze Newspapers, highlighted the importance of committed educators, and assisted the scholastic endeavors of high school seniors’ continuing education.

McGlynn-Johnston, a veteran teacher known for inclusive instruction and efficient schoolwide planning.

Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. Elementary featured Melanie Leiva Bello, a multi-talented student who wants to be a teacher, and Hannah Mack, a caring first-grade teacher known for her high expectations and nurturing style.

Oasis Charter Elementary North honored Alyson Schuman, a student involved in leadership and STEM who hopes to teach, and Desiree Salmiery, a math in-

terventionist with 18 years of experience known for her innovative and empathetic approach.

Oasis Charter Elementary South celebrated Micayla Fertil, an aspiring fashion designer inspired by Serena Williams, and Lynette Stockwell, a dynamic kindergarten leader who promotes STEM learning and reading with passion.

Patriot Elementary School featured Lilianne Arquez, a future veterinarian inspired by her mother, and Tara Burns, a fourth grade and ESE teacher who supports

inclusive education and leads student-centered programs.

Pelican Elementary School honored Ava Kleinguenther, a top-level gymnast and school leader who wants to be a marine biologist, and Jessica Holmes, a dedicated math and science teacher committed to fostering student growth and teamwork.

Pine Island Elementary School recognized Lucero Flores Perez, a volleyball enthusiast inspired by her mom, and Jamie Barnhill, a resilient third-grade teacher who supported her students through Hurricane Ian.

Diplomat Elementary School also celebrated Zaiden Taveras, a club-involved student who wants to be an artist, and Amanda Skocik, a skilled reading coach supporting diverse learners and instructional strategies.

Trafalgar Elementary School featured Trinity Snearley, a student inspired by her mom with dreams of acting, and Amanda Sweeney, an energetic art teacher who encourages creativity and leads educational adventures.

Skyline Elementary School honored Milah Rische, an active student aspiring to be a cosmetologist, and Colleen Bernhardt, a literacy-focused educator who supports student learning and ESOL programs.

Caloosa Middle School honored Emma Bala, a high-achieving student involved in Science Olympiad and NJHS who aspires to be a military cardiologist. Educator Ann Tikka, a peer counseling teacher, has contributed district-wide through curriculum development and student leadership initiatives.

Challenger Middle School recognized

See HONOREES, page 14

CAPE CORAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Honorees: Annual event made possible by multiple community sponsors

From page 13

Aidan Devitt, a student council member and scholar-athlete aiming to become an anesthesiologist, and Liza Soto, a special education teacher who empowers students through resilience, confidence, and inclusion.

Christian Life Academy celebrated Ella Quaintance, a straight-A student and volleyball player inspired by her friend Hailey, and Lorraine Vega, a veteran educator and current Dean with decades of leadership in special education and child development.

Diplomat Middle School featured Liana Duque, a student leader inspired by her hardworking immigrant parents and aiming for a career in medicine, and Nathalia Rosado-Oliveras, a civics teacher and Latinos in Action leader who promotes civic engagement and cultural pride.

Gulf Middle School honored Xavier Walton, an athletic and academic leader with dreams of professional basketball, and Amy Hartmann-Scott, a trusted school counselor known for her mentorship, problem-solving, and commitment to student success.

Mariner Middle School celebrated Caleb Lukow, a talented musician who hopes to teach music, and Benjamin Johnson, a science department leader and tutoring program founder known for driving academic and equity-focused initiatives.

Mid Cape Global Academy recognized Sarah Barahona, a student with a passion for writing and baking who wants to become a surgeon, and Juliet Rodriguez Ramirez, an ELA teacher and team leader who builds strong student relationships and

Students and teachers from the elementary, middle, high school and college level were honored, representing the West Zone of the School District of Lee County, which includes Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.

drives academic engagement.

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts featured Ava Burns, a viola-playing environmental advocate inspired by strong women, and Joanne Conde, a 40year educator who leads projects, mentors teachers, and nurtures young learners with dedication.

Oasis Middle School honored Allison Tarabokija, a drama-involved student aspiring to be a music or drama teacher, and Bridget Bruton, a longtime Lee County teacher known for cultivating caring, goal-oriented student relationships.

St. Andrew Catholic School celebrated Brayden Kish, an academic athlete and NJHS president with broad career aspira-

tions, and Carolyn Canzano, a veteran kindergarten teacher known for instilling both academic skills and faith-based values.

Trafalgar Middle School recognized Faith LeConey, a travel-loving student aiming to become a cardiovascular sonographer, and Lori Mazon, an advanced math teacher and Golden Apple Finalist who fosters critical thinking and collaboration.

Cape Coral High School featured Sophia Vianest, a multi-sport student with academic accolades pursuing physical therapy, and Barbara Wissman, a math teacher and program leader known for achieving exceptional student success and preparing for school leadership.

Ida S. Baker High School honored

Alexis Klutsarits, a scholar-athlete bound for UF to become a pediatrician, and Kim d’Albenas, a counseling leader who guided students through Hurricane Ian recovery and spearheads mental health support.

Island Coast High School recognized Faith Hershman, a standout in JROTC and athletics aiming for law school, and Analia Hernandez, an ESOL/ELD teacher who uses her economics background to support multilingual learners with structured, student-centered instruction.

Mariner High School celebrated Andy Seeley, a JROTC commander and scholar headed to Norwich University for engineering and military service, and Joshua Gompper, a history teacher and mentor who connects with students academically and personally.

Oasis High School honored Skylar Muncy, an academically driven student leader planning to study law or journalism at UF, and McKenna Korchick, a digital design teacher and cheer coach who leads school media and empowers creative growth.

North Fort Myers High School featured Khalid Bourne, a scholar-athlete aiming for a medical career in biomedical engineering, and Tiffany Graves-Bucher, a dynamic teacher and club sponsor passionate about global awareness and lifelong learning.

Cape Coral Technical College recognized Sarah Kuznets, a nursing student who relocated from New Jersey to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse anesthetist, and Nicki Torres, a Practical Nursing instructor whose leadership has helped rank the program #1 in Florida.

CAPE CORAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

City issues fact sheet for northeast Cape property owners

The city of Cape Coral has issued a fact sheet for property owners in northeast Cape Coral affected the critical declines in the area’s primary source of drinking water.

“The City of Cape Coral has taken decisive steps and continues to develop plans to further address the water shortage in Mid-Hawthorne aquifer in northeastern Cape Coral, where record-low levels have triggered stringent water restrictions and a Joint Action Plan with state and county partners,” the city said in the release issued this afternoon.

About the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer

The Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer supplies drinking and irrigation water to many pri-

vate wells in northeast Cape Coral. This aquifer is at its shallowest in the are under the irrigation restriction part of the city, making it especially vulnerable to low water levels. The goal of the recent restrictions is to reduce the consumption from the aquifer preventing further decline. Wells for new homes are now drilled much deeper into a different production zone within the aquifer.

Why restrictions are not citywide

Cape Coral’s public drinking water comes from the deeper Floridan Aquifer, located about 1,000 feet underground. The City’s irrigation water is sourced from reclaimed wastewater, supplemented by sur-

face water from local canals. These water sources are separate and not connected to the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer, which is why current water restrictions only apply to properties using private wells in the affected area.

What the city has done (Joint Action Plan Highlights)

Water Use Restrictions:

n The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) issued Phase III restrictions in November 2023, limiting irrigation to one day per week for private well users in northeast Cape Coral.

n As of May 2025, Modified Phase IV restrictions are in effect, banning all

irrigation system use for private well users in the affected area. Hand watering with a self-cancelling nozzle and drip irrigation is only allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

n Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer wells in the affected area are now limited to potable (drinking) use only; irrigation must use alternative sources.

Increased Code Enforcement:

n To support compliance with these restrictions, the city has increased presence of code enforcement officers in the affected area and hired additional contract code enforcement staff to monitor water use and See FACT SHEET, page 16

Water: City manager provides updates on Mid-Hawthorn aquifer levels

From page 1

hand watering on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays with a self-canceling nozzle and drip irrigation is allowed.

To make sure these restrictions are being followed, the city increased the presence of code enforcement officers to this area, as well as hired additional staff to monitor water use and issue watering violations as needed.

The city also has begun a new method of spreading information regarding the declining levels of water to residents in the northeast, one of which is a door hanger.

Ilczyszyn said the hanger was developed to inform residents of what they should not do, eliminating the need for code enforcement to issue a fine.

“We do have an informational packet that we can hang on the doors up there,” he said. “It is double sided in English and Spanish for the residents. There is a postcard with a QR reader that can be read.”

The city also issued a new release Wednesday to be shared by local media. “There is a double edge sword that comes with communication for an emergency or crisis,” Ilczyszyn said. “You don’t want to cause hysteria. Some of the commentary in what is being discussed and what we heard tonight and questions we have asked tips into hysteria related to this situation.”

He laid out the facts of the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer at the end of Wednesdays’ City Council meeting.

Since September, when the city of Cape Coral turned over well permitting to the county, 100 wells have been redrilled in North Cape — one every three days.

“Is that why we are out of water, no,” he said.

The new information is guidance for homeowners or homebuyers in the MidHawthorn Aquifer area.

The aquifer supplies drinking and irrigation water to private wells in northeast Cape Coral. The aquifer is at its shallowest in the area where there are irrigation restrictions.

Ilczyszyn said information is key if looking to buy in the northeast Cape.

“Ask your Realtor, ask the home seller, ask your inspector that is doing your home inspection,” he said of the well depth, the last time the pump was changed, and if the depth of the well has been checked as to where the water level — at record lows — currently sits.

Ilczyszyn encourages homeowners to negotiate as you might with a new roof. He said if the well is shallow, or needs a new pump, negotiate.

“We are trying to get the disclosure right up front and the knowledge of this becoming part of the transaction,” he said. “All new homes are already going much deeper, 240 plus feet. The older homes need this type of disclosure.”

Ilczyszyn said they need to make sure the community, Realtors, inspectors, brokers, homebuyers, and sellers are getting the information and using it appropriately in transactions.

Before Council goes on its summer hiatus, additional solutions will be brought to a workshop. Ilczyszyn said he has other information to explain, as well as discuss further the magnitude of the city Utility Expansion Project.

Properties on city water are not affected by the levels in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer as Cape oral draws its drinking water from a much-deeper source.

The city’s expansion of utilities is averaging about one square mile a year at a rate of pausing, and going faster.

“We need to go much faster than one

square mile a year,” he said.

Currently with North 1 West UEP there is 120 linear miles of pipe being put into the ground, a stretch that is the equivalent distance of Cape Coral to Tampa.

“We have to dig that, lay the pipe, compact it, back fill it and pave it,” Ilczyszyn said. “Imagine we have another 50 miles of that. That’s the magnitude of what we are talking about. Thousands of linear feet of pipes in the ground.”

The challenge is not getting enough engineering firms to work on the plans but having the contractors here in the local market to dig that many miles of pipe, source the pipe, and logistically get it to Cape Coral to speed up the process.

There are some smaller acute solutions that may help, such as getting permits to make small extensions to homes close to

the line that is already there.

“We are pushing this issue every day,” he said.

Councilmember Dr. Derrick Donnell asked if the city is allowing new businesses and new homes to drill wells in the aquifer that is having the water crisis.

“It’s a good question. The answer is yes,” Ilczyszyn said. “Those wells are no longer allowed to be drilled in the same production area as the one that is getting low.”

The aquifer has layers and when drilled into the different layers there are different types of water and quantities. He said the different production areas have different TDS and pressure.

are not stuck! Understanding more clearly our relationship with God, infinite good, ends fear and leads the way forward. Friday, May 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Fact sheet: City provides information, offers advice to property owners

From page 15

issue watering violations as needed during the dry season.

Accelerated Utilities Extension Projects:

n The city has fast-tracked the Utilities Extension Project to address the water shortage in northeast Cape Coral.

n North 1 UEP is expected to be completed by 2027, covering approximately 75% of the impacted area. This includes both North 1 West (completion in 2025) and North 1 East (completion in 2027).

n North 6 UEP completion is anticipated by 2030, covering the remaining 25% of the affected area. This timeline was moved up by five years in response to the water shortage emergency.

n Together, these projects will significantly expand City water, sewer, and irrigation services, eliminating the water consumption from private wells and helping to stabilize groundwater levels.

Secured new water source:

n The city purchased land in Charlotte County for a new reservoir to supplement irrigation needs. This project will help replenish canal water levels and support the increased irrigation demand put on the reclaimed water system as future UEP areas come online.

Mandatory irrigation connection ordinance:

n Properties in the affected area are required to connect to the city’s irrigation system when it becomes available. This will reduce unnecessary use of the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer for irrigation by utilizing reclaimed water instead.

Well permitting oversight:

n Lee County oversees private well permitting to ensure wells are properly constructed and licensed. Experienced, licensed well-drilling professionals conduct inspections under the supervision of hydrogeologists to protect groundwater resources. County staff maintain ongoing communication with the well drilling industry and monitor aquifer levels to safeguard water supplies for drinking and irrigation.

Landscaping modifications

n The city has collaborated with the construction industry to update landscaping requirements for new con-

struction in the affected area. Only drought-tolerant Bahia grass can be planted at new homes. Floratam grass may be used once centralized water and irrigation services become available through future Utilities Extension Projects. Additionally, city contracts have been modified to require Bahia grass exclusively on city projects within the affected area.

What’s ahead

The city will continue to enforce restrictions and may implement further measures, including a halt to new

well permits if water levels continue to decline. Public education and outreach will continue in partnership with SFWMD and Lee County.

What residents can and should do

n Follow all current water restrictions:

No automatic irrigation system use for private well users in the affected area.

Hand watering allowed only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays with a self-cancelling nozzle or drip irrigation.

n Conserve water:

Reduce outdoor watering, fix leaks, and use water wisely indoors and out.

Homebuyers: Do your homework:

n Ask about well depth and maintenance history — shallow wells are more likely to run dry.

n Negotiate for a well re-drilling if needed, just as you would for an aging roof or air conditioner.

n Be aware of ordinances that may require connection to city water. Ask your Realtor to confirm any home in the affected area is connected to the irrigation system and whether or not the well has been abandoned.

n Check for existing water restrictions or a history of shortages before buying or building just like you would regarding previous flooding.

n If building, discuss well depth and reliability with your contractor. Make sure your well is drilled deep enough to lower the pump deeper if the aquifer level continues to drop.

“Cape Coral is committed to protecting its water resources, but residents and property owners must also play a part. Know your well’s condition, stay informed on restrictions, and conserve water to help ensure a sustainable future for our community,” city officials said.

For more information on current water restrictions, the Utilities Extension Project, and water conservation tips, visit CapeCoral.gov/WaterConservation or SFWMD.gov/ WaterShortage.

Source: City of Cape Coral

Weekly B reeze Recap

City receives final permit for Yacht Club Community Park

By VALARIE HARRING vharring@breezenewspapers.com

The city of Cape Coral has received the final permit required to begin renovations at the Yacht Club Community Park.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued its permit Thursday, marking what the city says is a major milestone to get the riverfront park on Driftwood Parkway rebuilt in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

“This permit follows the issuance of the Environmental Resource Permit by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on February 13, 2025. Together, these approvals clear the way for construction to begin on the park’s long-awaited transformation,” city officials said in a release issued late Thursday afternoon.

City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn summed up the impact of the permit approval in an email to members of the Cape Coral City Council sent shortly before 5 p.m.

“After four years we have finally received the long awaited ACOE Permit for the Yacht Club marine work,” Ilczyszyn wrote. “The permit expires in 2030. We intend to have a bid out for the marine work this month for 45 days with an award before City Council in early August — as long as there are no bid protests. A press release will be going out later this evening. This is a great day for our community. We can finally begin the process of bringing the Yacht Club back to its glory! Have a great day.”

With the final permit now secured, the construction manager at risk will advertise bids for the marine improvement portion of the project, officials said.

The ACOE permit covers essential construction activities, including:

n Dock replacement: Remove existing docks and construct new docking facilities for the new marina with 204 slips, including a fuel dock and wastewater pump-out slip. The new docks will feature fixed wooden and floating structures supported by pilings.

n Seawall and dredging: Replace approximately 3,000 linear feet of seawall near the existing walls and conduct maintenance dredging of 43,362 square feet to improve water depth and navigation.

n Boat ramp relocation: Remove the boat ramp from the Caloosahatchee River and relocate it to the Godman Yacht Basin.

Specifically, the permit authorizes the city to perform work in navigable federal waters and allows for the discharge of dredged or fill material for the renovation and expansion of the Cape Coral Yacht Club, including the following activities:

a. removal of all of the existing docks along the facility’s shoreline in the basin and adjacent canals;

b. construction of new docking facil-

A design concept for the Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park.

ities providing 158 slips (plus 46 slips/ trailer parking spaces in the uplands for a total of 204 slips), consisting of 25,858 square feet of overwater structure (15,347 square feet of fixed wooden structure, and 10,511 square feet of floating structure), including a fuel dock and wastewater pumpout slip, with 621 wooden pilings (wrapped with PVC from one foot above Mean High Water (MHW) to one foot below the substrate) and 70 concrete pilings, all installed by jetting;

c. construction of 218 linear feet of seawall along the river within 18” of the existing seawall and 2782 linear feet of seawall within the basin and canals within 26” of the existing seawall (due to a seawall cap with a skirt on the face of the new wall extending 8” waterward from the top of the wall to the Mean Low Water elevation), with the existing wall remaining in place behind the new wall;

d. maintenance dredging of 43,362 square feet (1212 cubic yards) of material to a depth of -4’ Mean Low Water within the marina basin and adjacent canals, done mechanically from uplands or a barge, with the spoil temporarily staged in the upland parking lot on the north side of the project site and then either used as beach fill onsite if site if appropriate or hauled to an upland disposal site if not appropriate as beach fill;

e. removal of the existing boat ramp, including the docks, and filling in of the ramp and access channel, including filling approximately 6060 square feet (449 cubic yards) of material below MHW and approximately 2284 square feet (114 cubic yards) of material along MHW and above to expand the beach area, using dredged material as described above if appropriate;

f. refurbishing the existing breakwater/groin structure on the west side of the current boat ramp area with a 16” wide, 26’ long steel panel with a concrete cap and 6’ of riprap along the northwest side;

g. constructing a new 83’ by 79’,

two-lane boat ramp in the marina basin;

h. installing two 8’ diameter flushing culverts from the canal to the north to the marina basin, with grating at both ends to prevent access by manatees, sawfish, or other marine species;

i. installing stormwater outfalls in the new/replaced seawall, with grating for those outfalls that are potentially accessible to manatees, sawfish, or other marine species

j. the completed repairs to the marina fuel dock, which involved the replacement of deck boards with no in-water work; and

k. the completed placement of 464 square feet of large rocks along the shoreline between the former fishing pier and restaurant, above the Mean High Water line and below the High Tide Line

The work is to be completed by March 20, 2030 in accordance with the 21 pages of drawings and eight attachments affixed to the permit.

The permit requires the city to allow representatives from the ACOE to inspect the authorized activity “at any time deemed necessary to ensure that it is being or has been accomplished in accordance with the terms and conditions” of the permit and must Immediately notify the agency is there is any discovery of any previously unknown historic or archeological remains.

The city has worked with USACE and FDEP since 2021 on extensive environmental and regulatory reviews, including water quality, submerged land leases, and slip transfers, the city release states.

“After Hurricane Ian in September 2022, additional coordination with state and federal agencies ensured compliance with updated requirements,” city officials said.

15 awarded Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarships

By TOM HAYDEN news@breezenewspapers.com

A past full of academic and community accomplishments and future full of promise frames the resumes and dreams of the winners of this year’s Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarships.

Cape Coral students from five area high schools, two technical colleges and the Public Service Academy were honored at Tuesday’s Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund event at Palmetto-Pine Country Club. In all, 15 scholarships were awarded, ranging in amounts from $1,500 to $5,000.

This is the 43rd year the Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund has awarded scholarships to deserving students.

Among those honored with nine, four-year $1,000 reoccurring scholarships, were three seniors each from Cape Coral High School and North Fort Myers high schools, two from Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School and one each from Oasis Charter and Island Coast high schools.

Three students from the Cape Coral Technical College, one from the Fort Myers Technical College and one from the public service academy each received $1,500 scholarships.

The high school graduating seniors honored have resumes supporting numerous academic, school and community achievements, including four who ranked in the top 10 of their classes, based on grade-point averages, and nine in the top 20.

All 10 will continue their academic careers at various universities and colleges across the country, from Ivy League Dartmouth to many Florida schools with degree interests ranging from astronomy to astrophysics, architecture to healthcare, neuroscience to engineering.

Two special scholarships were awarded.

Sophie Garcia of Oasis Charter High School was recipient of the fifth annual Joe Coviello scholarship named in memory of the former Cape Coral mayor who

The city posts updates on the project on its Yacht Club Community Park webpage, https://www.capecoral.gov/department/parks_and_recreationhome/yacht_ club_community_center/index.php. See MAYOR’S SCHOLARSHIPS, page 35

FILE GRAPHIC

Sophie Garcia

Kyndal Archambault

The Breeze CoMMuniTy

May 9, 2025

Two hidden gems

By SHERIE BLEILER news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral has numerous pocket gardens which you might enjoy exploring. One particular favorite is the garden next to the Outpatient Rehabilitation building at Cape Coral Hospital, 605 S.E. 13th Court. It is a peaceful place for hospital staff, patients and family members to take a break. The garden is also a place for Cape Coral residents to pass through as they walk the hospital wellness path, or take a rest on the park bench.

The garden was created in 2014, in a joint effort between the hospital and the county, as a teaching garden. Plant labels help you identify what you see. The garden started out as an edible garden, but was unable to produce sufficient food for the hospital.

Garden Club of Cape Coral

So it was changed to include nectar and host plants for butterflies while keeping many of the edibles.

This makes for an interesting variety of plants. Tall clumps of banana plants look so tropical. They are near a mature Neem tree and loquat tree. Smaller edibles include many herbs: chives, rosemary, lemon grass, parsley, sage, Cuban oregano and fennel. Cranberry hibiscus are beautiful burgundy colored annual shrubs with deliciously sour leaves that are wonderful in salads or tea. Chaya or Mexican tree spinach is a highly nutritious cooked vegetable, which is easily grown in our subtropical climate. There is also longevity spinach, pineapple and figs.

Butterflies enjoy the giant milkweed tree and native coffee shrubs that are 6 feet tall. Sweet almond bushes add fragrance. Swallowtails lay eggs on the Dutchman’s pipevine while yellow sulphurs lay their eggs on the senna bushes. Flowering Panama rose, beautyberry and many other flowers feed the adult butterflies with their nectar.

It is maintained by Master Gardeners and hospital volunteers. Master Gardeners are available on Thursday mornings to answer questions about plants in the garden or other gardening questions.

A second gem is located on the northwest side of town at Sirenia Vista Park, 3916 Ceitus Parkway, just north of Pine Island Road off of Burnt Store Road. This 8-acre environmental park is a great place to take a walk, put in a kayak or observe the osprey nest. You can throw in a fishing line or sit on one of the great observation benches throughout the park.

The butterfly garden is at the beginning of the walkway on the left. It was started by members of the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, who maintain it with the help of neighborhood volunteers. Butterflies may be found laying eggs on several host plants. There are tropical milkweed plants and a giant milkweed tree for monarch butterflies. A large trellis holds a Dutchman’s pipe vine for polydamas swallowtails. There are several privet senna bushes for yellow sulphur butterflies. Many

See TWO HIDDEN GEMS, page 35

‘Dolphin Whisperer’ to speak at Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife meeting Tuesday

The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife invites the public to its next meeting on Tuesday, May 13, at Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral. The featured speaker will be Capt. Cathy Madigan Eagle, affectionately known as the “Dolphin Whisperer,” who will share her extensive knowledge of the bottlenose dolphins of Pine Island Sound.

Eagle is a seasoned charter captain with over 40 years of experience exploring the local waterways, including Matlacha Pass, Pine Island Sound, Boca Grande Pass and Captiva Pass. Her tours focus on dolphins and the diverse natural environments of the region. In her presentation, she will discuss not only dolphins but also manatees, sea turtles, mangroves, shorebirds and the cultural and natural history of the surrounding islands. This event is free and open to the public. CCFW encourages all nature enthusiasts and community members to join them for what promises to be an engaging and educational evening.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for networking. The presentation begins at 7 p.m., followed by the regular CCFW business meeting.

The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is a volunteer-driven organization committed to the preservation and enhance-

ment of habitats for protected wildlife species in Cape Coral. Through education, advocacy and community outreach, CCFW works to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the region’s unique wildlife. To learn more about CCFW, make a donation or explore membership and volunteer opportunities, please visit ccfriendsofwildlife. org or call 239-980-2593.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Saturday

The National Association of Letter Carriers’ 2025 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will be held Saturday, May 10, across Southwest Florida.

In advance of the food drive, letter carriers will provide specially marked, empty plastic bags to many homes, condominiums and apartments across the region. Residents are encouraged to place non-perishable, shelf-stable food donations in plastic or papers bags that can be attached to or placed next to their mailbox. Letter carriers will then deliver donations to local food banks.

“So many of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity because of rising costs for housing, health care, transportation, utilities and other expenses, including food,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Stamp Out Hunger offers a convenient way for community members to support local children, families, seniors and veterans who are experiencing hunger.”

Foods in high demand include breakfast bars, canned fish or chicken, dry or canned beans, canned vegetables, pasta and pasta sauces, cooking oil, dry milk, peanut butter and jelly, rice and canned soups.

“Most residents will receive an empty bag in their mail, but if not, you can still find any grocery bag around the house and fill it up with canned goods and boxed foods,” said Steve Camacho, who is coordinating the Stamp Out Hunger initiative in Lee County. “Letter carriers and

volunteers will be canvassing all neighborhoods across Southwest Florida on May 10, picking up and sorting donations, and then transferring them to local food banks and food pantries.”

The National Association of Letter Carriers launched Stamp Out Hunger in 1993, collecting approximately 1.9 billion pounds of food nationwide over the years to help replenish shelves of community food banks. Stamp Out Hunger is widely considered the nation’s largest single-day food drive. In 2024, letter carriers collected 44 million pounds of food.

About the Harry Chapin Food Bank

Harry Chapin Food Bank, a Feeding America partner food bank, is the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida and serves 250,000 neighbors monthly through its Feeding Network of 175 agency partners. In 2024, the nonprofit distributed 39.5 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 32 million meals, at food banks and mobile pantries across Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. Harry Chapin Food Bank is an Agency Partner of United Way and a Blueprint Partner of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, rated as a Four-Star Charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum-rated by Candid’s GuideStar.

For additional information, please visit HarryChapinFoodBank.org or call 239-334-7007.

Performances of ‘Men Are Dogs’ to continue through the summer at Cape Cafe Theatre

Cape Cafe Theatre in Cape Coral continues its run of Joe Simonelli’s comedy about women in group therapy, “Men Are Dogs!” Cape Cafe Theatre is a unique “Off Broadway’” type venue dedicated to bringing extended runs of the Simonelli’s popular plays.

His newest comedy, “Half Baked,” is currently playing at The Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers. And Simonelli says plans are underway to open his first comedy “Roommates” this July.

Performances of “Men Are Dogs” will run through the summer at Cape Cafe Theatre Saturday nights at 7 with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are only $25 and include coffee and dessert.

The theatre is located at 110 N.E. 2nd Place in Cape Coral, inside Durso’s Delites cafe.

For tickets, call 239-363-0848 or email capecafetheatre@gmail.com. Visit the dedicated web page on joesimonelli.net for more information.

First Church of Christ, Scientist to present ‘How Spiritual Perception Brings Healing’ on May 16

“How Spiritual Perception Brings Healing” by Alexandre Fischer, Paris, France, will be presented Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m., at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2608 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral. ZOOM at christiansciencecapecoral.com. Call 239-574-2111.

SHERIE BLEILER

The Teaching Garden next to Outpatient Rehabilitation at Cape Coral Hospital.

FILE PHOTO

A local dolphin breaking the surface of the water near a boat.

Cathy Eagle

Lee school district seeks federal funds for safety upgrades

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The School District of Lee County is seeking federal dollars through Community Project Funding for hardening school facilities and enhancing safety and security.

The two requests from the district include enhancing safety and security by upgrading the district’s outdated intercom systems, and hardening school facilities through secure entry vestibules, “enclosed spaces between exterior and interior doorways.”

The upgraded intercom systems will address technical challenges at 57 schools, School District of Lee County Government Relations Director Krissy Houlihan said, adding the upgrade will protect approximately 57,000 students and 11,400 staff members across the district.

The school district is requesting $7 million, 14% of the total project.

The second request, for 65 secure entry vestibules, is for $10,050,000 in Community Project Funding for phase one. The total projected cost is $23.4 million.

According to back up material, “these transformative security enhancements will establish a robust defense system that actively prevents unauthorized building access, providing immediate protection while creating buffer zones that can save precious minutes during crisis situations when every second counts.”

Representatives from Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm the district hired to represent its interests on the federal level, walked the board through the process.

Partner Tracie Pough said the district has really strong projects with both of them falling under the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of Education.

“We are in a time when having federal representation could not be more critical because of all the varied changes that are taking place with this administration,” she said, adding that she believes that Ballard Partners has their finger on the pulse of the changes and influences.

Pough said during the school board’s Tuesday meeting that with a new administration, Trump’s administration, things are a little bit slower than they normally would be with the president submitting his budget to Congress.

The first request is for an upgraded intercom system that would address technical challenges at 57 schools. The district is requesting $47 million, 14% of the total project.

The second request, for 65 secure entry vestibules at school campuses, is for $10,050,000 in Community Project Funding for phase one. The total projected cost is $23.4 million.

“Once that budget is submitted the process formally begins. The appropriations committee then has the opportunity to set the budget limits for each of the 12 appropriation bills,” she said.

Pough said there is mandatory spending, predetermined spending, which makes up about 72% of federal spending, and 24% is discretionary spending – community project funding.

“Once the appropriations committee sets the funding numbers for those 12 bills, the process begins,” she said.

Pough said the community project funding has guidelines set by the appropriations committee giving each member the opportunity to file in the House and the Senate.

Ballard Partners Partner Dan McFaul said the House has set a target of Memorial Day to get the reconciliation process completed, with the Senate being a little further behind.

The Senate, less of a fiscal impact and fewer cuts through the process go into July.

“This takes up valuable time in the House and Senate,” McFaul said. “It slows down the appropriations process. The time on the floor to pass the bills is getting limited.”

He said he anticipates a December timeline for the full appropriations package to pass in the House and Senate.

“We will have some indications along the way as the House and Senate pass individual bills,” McFaul said. “Until signed by the president, it is not law.”

Councilmember Kilraine to hold District 5 Town Hall on May 24

Cape Coral District 5 Councilmember Joseph Kilraine invites residents to a Town Hall meeting scheduled for Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Cape Christian, 2110 Chiquita Blvd., in the Educational Room.

This community-focused event allows neighbors to connect with each other and Council Member Kilraine. The topic of this town hall meeting is Hurricane Preparedness, and staff will be present to answer residents’ questions. Residents are encouraged to share their concerns, ask questions, and discuss ideas for the future of District 5 and the city of Cape Coral.

Councilmember Joseph Kilraine

HED: Possible options when personal circumstances change desire to sell

Dear Mr. Feichthaler:

I recently entered into a contract to sell my home which my husband and I have lived in for over 25 years. We had planned to move to Wisconsin to be near our grandkids. Just two days after signing the contract, I found out that my family is relocating to Florida, so they will be a lot closer. We don’t want to leave. My husband has a heart condition, and his doctor advises against moving out of the house because it would be very stressful to him. Is an opinion from the doctor enough to get out of the contract?

Sincerely, Anita B.

Eric P. Feichthaler

Real Estate Law

Dear Anita:

That must be wonderful news to have your family moving down to sunny Florida. With this change, the question is what can be done to stay in your home? Florida courts have a strong predisposition to honor contracts. Your husband and you signed a contract to sell the house to the new buyers. Every piece of Florida real estate is considered unique, so if you decided not to sell and you were under contract, the buyers could sue you for specific performance. This means that the court could order your home sold to the buyers pursuant to the contract. Almost all Florida real estate contracts also have a prevailing party attorney’s fee clause, which provides that the winning party will have their costs paid by the losing party. This amount could easily be 5 figures if this issue were to go to trial.

Although health issues may be compelling to a jury, legally these issues may not be sufficient to terminate the contract. In Florida, even when one of the selling parties passes away during the contract period, the contract could still be valid and enforceable.

There are two ways to avoid litigation. First, determine whether the buyer has fulfilled their obligations under the contract. For instance, if they failed to make the initial deposit in a timely manner, you may be able to terminate the contract. If the buyers have completed all terms of the agreement, then your best option may be to explain the situation to the buyers. Under the circumstances, they may agree to terminate the agreement and find another property. If they still want to go forward, you could offer them monetary compensation for their trouble and costs.

There are potentially other defenses to this matter, so it may benefit you to seek an attorney to advise you further, based on your specific facts and circumstances. In the meantime, enjoy the fact your family will be closer soon.

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.

Home renovation projects are significant undertakings. Some projects are simple and do not require residents to adjust much, if at all. But larger projects can take several weeks or even months, and such renovations pose a unique challenge, particularly for homeowners who have young children.

Children are curious by nature, and that curiosity can be dangerous during home renovations. Homeowners preparing to renovate their homes can keep these safety strategies in mind to protect their children during the project.

· Let contractors know there are children in the house. Keeping kids safe can be a collective effort that involves homeowners and the contractors working in their homes. On the day contractors arrive, remind the project leader there are kids in the house and request that he or she let staff know there will be curious youngsters around. Contractors can seal off rooms being worked on at the start of each day, and then do so again before leaving for the night. Many contractors have children of their own at home, so if they know youngsters are in the house they might be especially mindful of safety and less likely to leave tools or potentially harmful debris out overnight.

· Inform children certain areas are now off limits. Parents can inform and routinely remind children that spaces being renovated are off limits until the project is complete. Explain why it’s important that everyone in the house, including adults, must respect this rule. Of course, kids don’t always listen to Mom and Dad, so this step likely won’t

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in on spaces being renovated when contractors go home for the day, but parents should know children may be watching them. If you’re curious about the progress, ask the project manager to see a space during the day while children are at school. If it’s summertime and kids are home, you can still ask, but do so with your children so they won’t think you’re being sneaky, which will only add to their curiosity.

· Turn off electricity in rooms being renovated when contractors go home. Speak with your contractor and ask if it’s alright to turn off the power to rooms being worked on at the end of each day. If so, this can remove the risk of kids sneaking into spaces and turning on power tools at night or getting hurt while poking around exposed electrical wires.

· Hire a cleaning service once the project is complete. Once the job is finished, hire a professional cleaning service to clean all areas that were worked on. This increases the chances that small but potentially harmful remnants, such as nails or staples, are gone before kids start using the renovated spaces.

Renovation projects can last for weeks. Parents of small children must take steps to keep curious kids safe while a home is being renovated.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Source: Lee County Property Appraiser

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Is it a slow motion trainwreck or a Perfect Storm?

It was almost exactly one year ago in this column that we were commenting on a local television news report about the Cape Coral real estate market that was titled, “The Perfect Storm: 4,000+ Cape Coral Homes On Sale In March” (2024). At that time, we said we agreed with a lot of the information in the story, although in our humble opinion, we did not think we had reached the type of market dynamics that would qualify as something quite as devastating as a “Perfect Storm.” At least not yet. Now here we are a year later and we are being bombarded by dire headline media warnings about the future of the Florida housing market just about everywhere we look. So one year later we thought we would dive back into the numbers for what we will call our perfect storm update and try to separate the wheat from the chaff by answering the question, are we in a slow motion trainwreck or a perfect storm?

Similar to the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” one’s perception of the local real estate market is likely shaped through personal experience. To that point, we are borrowing a famous saying attributed to former President Harry S. Truman when he described the difference between a recession and a depression based on whether your neighbor loses their job or if you lose your job. To wit, one might consider that when your neighbor has to slash the price of their home to get it sold, it’s a recession. When you have to slash the price on your home to get it sold, it’s a depression. In either case, there continues to be a lot of price slashing going on as noted in a May 4, 2025, Realtor.com article by Snejana Farberov, titled, “Sellers in Sun Belt Cities Are Slashing Home Prices the Most – and the Majority of Cuts Are in Florida.” In the article Farberov noted that, “Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering Florida’s cooling housing market, which has been due to a combination of oversupply and plunging demand, cities across the Sunshine State accounted for more than half of the U.S. metros with the most price cuts.” She stated that, “Roughly 1 in 3 listed homes in North Port and Tampa came with price cuts in April, followed by Cape Coral, with over 28%, and Jacksonville, with more than 27.5%.” Phoenix, AZ, topped the list, with Cape Coral in the fourth spot nationally for April price reductions.

Over the past several years, we have provided numerous examples in this column of “listings gone wrong,” both locally and nationally. When it comes to sellers listing their home for sale it has pretty much been a case of “show me the Realtor, and I’ll find you the price reductions,” as virtually every Realtor that does any level of business has some recent listing skeletons in their closet. In some of these cases of overpricing a home it is the Realtor telling the seller what the seller wants to hear, instead of the truth, in order to beat out other Realtors for the listing. In other cases it is the seller insisting their home is worth that much more than other homes. And in some situations, there was “current” market data to justify a particular list price, but home values and sales prices continued to deteriorate as more new listings came onto the market, suddenly making that home overpriced with a now obsolete list price. In all cases, no matter what any Realtor or homeowner/ seller believes, the true market value of a home ends up being what a willing and able buyer will pay a willing and able seller. And unfortunately for a lot of sellers, that amount is tending to be a lot lower than they expected.

which could lead to more downward pressure on home values and sales prices. As a quick point of reference, from the approximate market peak back in 2006 to the market bottom in 2010, the median sales price for Cape Coral single-family homes went down by a whopping 59.7% and it took another 10 years after that for the market to regain the 2006 highs. That is the textbook definition of a Perfect Storm, when there is outright “fear in the streets,” versus today when we are seeing the outright frustration of sellers and Realtors experiencing a slow motion trainwreck, while a number of buyers are finding some good values in the market.

To further illustrate what is going on in the market and to give sellers a clear picture of what they are likely to encounter, we often need to dig down below the headlines and the surface numbers. A case in point is the recent widely reported story about a Naples home sale that smashed the Florida record high sales price, while also notching the honor of being the second-highest home sales price in U.S. history, selling for $225 million. This incredible property was initially listed for sale at $295 million back in February 2024, so it ended up selling for $70 million, or 23.7%, less than its initial list price. Welcome to the current market.

Getting back to Cape Coral, as of this Tuesday, May 6, there were 3,321 active listings in the MLS for single-family homes at list prices ranging from $189,999 to $6.985 million, while the median list price came in at $485,000. The seasonal peak for active listings this year was back on Feb. 24 with a total of 3,520 homes on the market through a Realtor. One-third of the current active home listings in the Cape are listed at $400,000 and under, including 172 homes priced below $300,000. There are currently a total of 349 homes listed at $1 million and above in the Cape. One year ago on May 7, 2024, there were 2,791 homes listed for sale in the Cape with the median list price at $499,000.

As of this Tuesday, May 6, the number of pending home sales in the Cape is indicating our “season” is continuing, as there are 753 homes under contract with buyers at prices ranging from $159,900 to $4.759 million. The median pending home sales price came in at $375,000 and 58.7% of the pending sales are priced at $400,000 and under, including 128 homes priced below $300,000. A total of 31 homes are pending at $1 million and above. One year ago on May 7, 2024, there were 843 pending sales in the pipeline, so although the pending sales numbers have been holding up nicely in 2025, we are still lagging behind last year’s numbers. The median pending sales price was $399,999 a year ago.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of May 6, 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.

Deciphering whether we are witnessing a slow motion trainwreck or a “Perfect Storm” in the real estate market is not as easy as it looks. There certainly seems to be some “weather patterns” forming in the housing market that suggest a Perfect Storm is not out of the question, but just because listings are tending to come onto the market overpriced, it does not necessarily translate into the definition of a Perfect Storm. For example, during the month of April, the median list price for Cape Coral single-family homes ranged from $484,900 to $489,900 and the preliminary April median sales price dropped to $375,000. So, as the crow flies, homes in the Cape were being sold for about 23% less than their list prices in April. Some sellers fared much better than this, while others fared much worse. Again, for whatever reason it was done, substantially overpricing a home to the current market does not make it a Perfect Storm when a seller then has to slash their list price to attract a buyer.

To further this point, the all-time single month record high median sales price in the overall Cape Coral single-family home market was $470,000 in April 2022, so our median sales price is currently down 20% from the record high. By most reasonable definitions, this type of price decline would qualify as a “bear market,” and not a Perfect Storm. At the same time, this April’s median sales price of $375,000 is still 50% above the $250,000 posted in April 2020, before our market went completely wild to the upside during the post-COVID market boom. So one could make the argument that our market is still significantly “overvalued,”

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Cape Hospital now offers ‘Hospital at Home’

Qualifying patients can receive equivalent care for five common conditions

By CJ HADDAD Cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

It’s no secret that Cape Coral remains one of the fastest-growing cities in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

To keep up with that growth, and to meet the needs of the community, Lee Health has announced the second phase of its “Hospital at Home” program, which starts this week in Cape Coral.

According to Lee Health, Hospital at Home allows qualifying patients to receive hospital-level care from the comfort of their own home. Lee Health first launched the program in November of 2024 at Gulf Coast Medical Center. Since its inception, 140 patients have been admitted to the program.

Cape Coral Hospital held a ribbon cutting for the Cape Coral component on Thursday.

Health officials state Hospital at Home focuses on five primary diagnoses, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), urinary tract infection requiring hospitalization, and cellulitis, but leaders evaluate all potential patients interested in the option.

“Through Phase I of the Hospital at Home program launching last year at Gulf Coast Medical Center, we have seen that home-based hospital care improves outcomes and enhances patient experiences,” said Kristy Dutton, Lee Health’s system director of the Hospital at Home program, in a release. “And we are excited to bring this convenient care option to the Cape Coral community. Patients with lower acuity illnesses can recover from the comfort of their own homes with the same technology, constant communication and compassionate care they’d receive in a hospital setting—in a place where they’re most comfortable. The Hospital at Home program also will help create more space and access to essential care for Cape Coral residents and visitors. It’s a big win for the community.”

Health officials said Hospital at Home uses the latest

Health officials said Hospital at Home uses the latest technology so that patients can access expert care from hospital staff at all times. Patients admitted to Hospital at Home receive:

n In-home assessments and treatments administered by Lee Health nurses

n Regular and as-needed video visits from a doctor or nurse

n Monitoring for temperature, pulse regularity and other important indicators of health status

n Medications, IV infusions, testing, imaging and therapy brought to the home

n Food prepared and packaged by Lee Health Food & Nutrition Services and delivered by a Hospital at Home courier

technology so that patients can access expert care from hospital staff at all times. Patients admitted to Hospital at Home receive:

n In-home assessments and treatments administered by Lee Health nurses

n Regular and as-needed video visits from a doctor or nurse

n Monitoring for temperature, pulse regularity and other important indicators of health status

n Medications, IV infusions, testing, imaging and therapy brought to the home

n Food prepared and packaged by Lee Health Food & Nutrition Services and delivered by a Hospital at Home courier

Fort Myers resident Wendy Markman shared her story regarding the high-level care she received in her own home, and the comfort it brought her.

A week before last Thanksgiving, Markman fell ill during a day out and was taken via ambulance to the hospital, where she found out she had pneumonia.

“I thought I’d rather sleep at home,” said Markman in a statement to Lee Health. “My husband doesn’t drive so it would be difficult for him to come see me at the hospital. Plus, the idea that he would be with me at all times was comforting.”

She was given an iPad with a lead to monitor her vitals. A pulse oximetry device reported her blood saturation level every hour via the iPad, along with her blood pressure. On the second night during her hospital at home stay, Markman wanted to leave her bed and stretch her legs with a short walk around her house.

“It was amazing that they could monitor my vitals and oxygen,” Markman said. “They knew exactly what was going on with me.

“My recovery was quicker because I was at home and I could move around,” she said. “The biggest thing was that I was able to get good sleep, which made a huge difference.”

Health officials said home-based hospital care has been tested and implemented at several well-known and well-regarded health systems, such as Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, and Lee Health is looking forward to bringing this new and convenient healthcare option to the Cape Coral community.

For more about Lee Health’s Hospital at Home program, visit www.leehealth.org.

Councilmember Lehmann to hold District 2 Town Hall on May 10

Cape Coral District 2 Councilmember Laurie Lehmann invites residents to a Town Hall meeting scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at Camelot Park, 1718 SW 52nd Terrace, in the South Pavilion.

This community-focused event allows neighbors to connect and engage directly with Council Member

Lehmann. The topic of this town hall meeting is Hurricane Preparedness and Emergency Management and Resilience, and staff will be present to answer residents’ questions.

“Residents are encouraged to share their concerns, ask questions, and discuss ideas for the future of District 2 and the City of Cape Coral,” city officials said.

The South Pavilion, near the tennis courts, will serve as the gathering spot for this event.

Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach or camping chairs.

Guest Commentary: We must move forward to foster Ukraine’s success

From page 6

well as an American defense contractor who ships artillery to Ukraine, who confirmed to me, we’re back on. America screwed up.

And now the only thing we can do is move forward on how to get ahead of our enemies in the arms race, how to strengthen our defense partnership with the Ukrainians, one of the most indispensable militaries on Earth… and Ukrainians are the only ones who can help our own military scale up our preparedness in modern warfare including drone technology innovations which would prevent needless waste, especially since the U.S. just blew almost $2 billion in heavy assets (Hornets, Reapers, etc.) during our recent six-week Red Sea war against Houthi terrorists proxied by Iran, Russia’s vassal state whose Shahed drones aka “Kamikazes” continue to rain over Ukraine and have most recently been laced with chemical agents, in spite of the U.S. admin’s so-called “ceasefires.”

We must move forward on U.S. policy-making which can contribute to our Ukraine’s success —we must lift strike bans on American-made long-range weapons, so the artillery we give Ukraine is not forced to creep closer to the frontlines, exposing valuable American-made weapons to electronic warfare powered by Russian fiber optic cables which cannot be stopped by “drone jammers,” such as the one my community sent to Commander Yuri Makhnovet’s unit with Ukraine’s Presidential Brigade in Luhansk. And though on May 7 Ukraine has striked for the second time Russia’s largest fiber optic cable station, thanks in part by efforts of Commander Ryan O’ Leary of Chosen Company, who my community also supports, we still need to lift the U.S. admin’s bans on strikes on Russian energy depots, close loopholes in U.S. sanctions which permit transaction with criminal institutes such as Russian Central Bank, and fool-proof the Senate-pending secondary sanctions to punish buyers of Russia’s dark fleet which illegally peddles blood oil across our “free” waters.

We need to move forward, but U.S. President Trump constantly stares backwards with the meaningless fantasy that this war would have never happened if he was elected in 2020, or his most recent claims that, “Millions are dying” because of the “foolish decision” to ban Russia from G8.” Honestly, I did not know that it was the U.S. President’s job to “Ukraine-splain” to us the “revised” version of our shared history, but nevertheless, I am willing to assist the President in a brief lesson on history as I am vigilantly writing it in real time... last time I checked my notes, our national security interests were not contingent on short-term financial gain, especially when inflation due to shipping costs directly correlates to war. Not sure about the Americans who need a “thank you,” but no G7 maneuvering, no minerals deal paint job can ever placate me when I know that countless evils could have been avoided if the U.S. had adequately equipped Ukraine’s military.

After all, was money ever really the issue, when U.S. military aid to Ukraine totals at about $67 billion since Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, of which only $37 billion worth in actual weapons have been delivered to Ukraine... mostly near-expiring weapons which would have cost taxpayers to decommission, and in which the bulk remainder of aid went back into our own defense production?

You said it yourself, Secretary, when speaking to our European partners this week, that they must “step up with real resources and political will” if they hope to bring the war to an end.

But how can we expect to conjure the resources or political will of our alliance in Europe if we cannot even do so back home? Well, in any case, I’m here also to assist with the populace, at least, for all of those capable of thinking straight, or at the very least, have a conscience. But as for the Americans who callously turn a blind eye to human suffering and who deceptively align with enemy interests as if bending to warmongers that threaten civilian life for their own scheming self aggrandizement was an actual path to “peace,” who in their comfort spreads lies and ignores the truth... it’s actually them (Tucker Carlson “and friends”) who are just as responsible for this war as

Nazi Russia itself. They might as well join the mocking parades of “victory” that will take place this weekend by the Kremlin-paid organizers — the cowards who have finally crawled out of their closets after three years of war, who meanwhile hide behind their right-wing media puppets who prostitute themselves for a ruble or forint to infect the American public opinion.

Truly patriotic and authentic American voices would never bring such shame to our nation...

The American voices we should be listening to are those who understand the realities of war and speak in facts, figures, and truth.... the warriors, and we who stand by them, most notably, Ukraine’s American foreign fighters, our active U.S. military ramped up along NATO’s eastern front, our U.S. reserves, and our U.S .veterans who publicly support our defense partnership with Ukraine. I am linked with many of them, in addition to the international community of volunteers who have personally raised funds to send provisions and equipment to Ukraine’s military as our government continues to fail to do so.

I hope to return to Ukraine shortly to continue my civilian mission alongside the military to bring voice to this critical fight. Meantime, Secretary Rubio, now that we have abandoned peace talks with terrorist enemy Russia, I encourage you to go beyond what enemy interests might dictate in your pursuit of our own national security interests, and open a constructive dialogue with Ukraine’s leaders, especially the serving members of the military, so our country can understand and meet their critical needs with rational policy-making and weapons.

Lasting peace must be honorable, in preservation of dignity and justice for all people, this is the only peace Ukraine continues to fight for, as no triumph of pacifism is quite so great as the supreme triumphs of war. Let us never forget America was founded on such principles.

To my friends, To victory!

— Alexandra Zakhvatayev of Southwest Florida will soon return to Ukraine for a journalism project to benefit the war effort.

SUDOKU SHEFFER CROSSWORD

School board gets update on state budget impacts

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

The Lee County School Board got a budget update Tuesday which, at this time, only includes proposed budgets from the House and Senate.

Director of Budget Kelly Letcher began the presentation by sharing FTE (full time equivalent) projections. The district’s unweighted projected FTE was 111,917, growth of 3,374.

“Since then, the enrollment conference held its meeting on April 11 and statewide they were seeing some drop offs in English for ESOL (Speakers of Other Languages) populations, so they made some adjustments to Lee County as well, and brought our FTE down to 111,725, projected growth of 3,182,” she said. “While that is a reduction of 193 FTE they actually reduced our ESOL population by 670 in total.”

Letcher said she had the district growing by 200 in the ESOL area.

“This year, we grew 2,400 even with the declines going on. So, I don’t think that is realistic. I had a conversation with them about that, but they made their decision, so we are going to move forward with their decision,” she said.

The presentation also highlighted legislative items, although the budget has not been finalized and special

sessions are under way.

The base allocation for the House increased by $50.51, while the Senate increased theirs by $66.77.

“When you take the dollars — the weighted FTE times the BSA, times the comparable wage factor — for the House would generate $602.5 million. For the Senate it was $604.4 million,” Letcher said. “It is a decline for us for the House by $696,247 and in the Senate it is an increase of $1.1 million.

For the educational enrichment portion of the budget, the House is proposing a $40.7 million increase — a $1.1 million increase for Lee County, while the Senate is proposing a decrease of $3.7 million.

“It was about $2.6 million decrease in educational enrichment,” Letcher said.

The ESE guarantee outlook was a $1.6 million increase for the House and a $5.6 million decrease for the Senate.

“Overall when you put all the pieces together, the House budget was an increase of about $10.7 million for Lee County, while the Senate was only about a $1.6 million increase,” she said.

The FTE and unweighted FTE numbers were also discussed.

The dollars per unweighted FTE is a $13.25 increase on the House proposal and a $76.31 decrease in the Senate proposal.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

The City of Cape Coral Charter School Authority Governing Board will hold their Budget Workshop #1 on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 4:00p.m., in the Cape Coral Council Chambers, 1015 Cultural Park, Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990.

dual enrollment programs and graduated early.

“So, when the House reduced the added on FTE, they reduced it by all programs across the board by half. That’s costing Lee County about $7.7 million. When you look at the Senate they reduced all the programs with the exception of industry certifications or, as you know it as CAPE,” Letcher said. “That one they left at 100%, so the loss for the Senate is about $6.3 million to Lee County.”

The impact of the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Lee County was also a topic of discussion.

“The House is proposing a $18.6 million increase for Family Empowerment Scholarships and their cost to students increased $10.52. For the Senate they are proposing a $19.3 million increase in the amount for FES and that is just for Lee County FES program. They are proposing an increase of $85.46 per student per unweighted FTE,” Letcher said.

The district will also absorb approximately a $2.4 million increase in expenses for next year with just their current staffing under Senate Bill 7072, Florida Retirement System increasing for regular class from 13.63 to 14.03. There is a study on the elimination of property taxes by the Office of Economic and Demographic Research that is due by Oct. 1.

Letcher also discussed the add on FTE, which are funds the district receives for students who pass some advanced test, received advanced diplomas, enrolled in

Letcher said the district also is looking at a slowdown regarding capital outlay millage, 1.5 mills, generated funds.

“We are not seeing the collection at rates we have anticipated,” she said.

The impact fees, over the last couple of years have been under collected, so based on what the district is seeing, they are looking at a 0% increase.

Sales tax revenue is also seeing a decline — this year alone there they are 6% under projection.

“Next year we will stand it at 0% increase just because we don’t know what is going on with everything right now,” Letcher said. She said the district hopes to see the first calculation sometime in May. A preliminary budget will be provided in June.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

The City of Cape Coral Charter School Authority Governing Board will hold their Regularly Scheduled Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 5:00P.M., in the Cape Coral City Council Chambers at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990

educaTion

Education BriEfs

Heritage Charter Academy in Cape Coral seeking bids for meal services

Heritage Charter Academy in Cape Coral, a sponsor of the National School Lunch Program, is inviting vendors to bid on meal services. Those interested can submit bids to the academy at 2119 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, FL, 33911. Bids are due by noon June 12, 2025. A public bid opening will occur at 10 a.m. June 16, 2025.

Contact Ms. Flynn at 239-829-5134 or sflynn@heritagecharteracademy.org for more information.

Heritage Charter Academy is an equal opportunity provider.

Dog Wash fundraiser set for May 17

The veterinary assisting students from Cape Coral Technical College will hold a fundraising dog wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 17 on the school’s campus.

Cape Coral Technical College is at 360 Santa Barbara Blvd. N just north of the intersection of Pine Island Road. Follow sign on campus to find the Dog Wash

Cost is $20 for small and medium dogs and $30 for large dogs 40 pounds and over. Cash only. Ear cleaning and toe nail trims are included with the bath. No appointments necessary.

For more information, call 724-984-8734.

UF/IFAS Extension Lee County accepting scholarship applications

The UF/IFAS Extension Lee County is now accepting applications for the 2025 Southwest Florida Agriculture Exposition 4-H/FFA scholarships.

These educational scholarships are available to senior youth participants, ages 14 to 18, who exhibited as livestock or creative living participants at the 2025 SWFL Ag Expo, which concluded in March.

The scholarships aim to support young people pursuing future educational goals, further emphasizing the commitment of the Lee Board of County Commissioners and UF/IFAS Extension Lee County to youth development and the future of agriculture in Southwest Florida.

The 2025 scholarship opportunities include:

n SWFL 4-H/FFA Agricultural Expo Senior Scholarship ($1,000)

Open to any senior youth who exhibited at the 2025 SWFL Ag Expo.

n SWFL 4-H/FFA Extension Food Systems Scholarship ($500)

Open to any senior youth who exhibited a market swine or steer.

n SWFL 4-H/FFA Leadership Scholarship ($500)

Open to any senior youth who exhibited at the 2025 SWFL Ag Expo.

n SWFL 4-H/FFA Exemplary Citizenship Scholarship ($700)

Open to any senior youth who exhibited at the 2025 SWFL Ag Expo.

n SWFL 4-H/FFA Graduating Senior Scholarship ($1,200)

Open to graduating seniors who exhibited at the 2025 SWFL Ag Expo.

Applications are being accepted online. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. May 23.

To apply or learn more, visit: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/SV_0ANaAs8qi80de0C

For more information about UF/IFAS Lee County Extension Service, call 239-533-7504 or visit lee.ifas. ufl.edu.

Eckenrode graduates from Union University

JACKSON, Tenn. - Four hundred sixty students graduated from Union University May 3 during spring commencement services of the 200th graduating class on the university’s Great Lawn.

Among the graduates was Austria Eckenrode of North Fort Myers with a bachelor of fine arts in studio art.

Located in Jackson, Tenn., Union University is a liberal arts-based university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Founded in 1823, Union is the oldest institution relating to the Southern Baptist Convention.

May 9, 2025

Vogue Hair Studio donates $6,000 in hair products to Cape Coral Technical College

Local, family-owned salon Vogue Hair Studio donated nearly $6,000 worth of professional hair care products and salon treatments to Cape Coral Technical College on May 5. The donation will directly benefit students enrolled in the school’s barbering and cosmetology programs.

This gift is intended to support student education and training, providing access to high-quality products that are commonly used in professional salons. The donation includes a wide range of hair care treatments, styling tools and color products that will help students hone their skills and prepare for successful careers in the beauty industry.

Vogue Hair Studio has long been involved with the school, serving as judges at its hair color and barbering competitions and mentoring up-and-coming stylists. This latest gesture reinforces the studio’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community and lifting up the next generation of beauty professionals.

“We’ve always believed in investing in our industry’s future,” said Janelle Franklin, owner of Vogue Hair Studio. “Supporting these students with professional-grade tools and supplies gives them confidence and hands-on experience they can carry into their careers. We’re proud to help them grow.”

Vogue Hair Studio has been a fixture in the Cape Coral

from left, are Nicolle Connelly, elite hair designer; Janelle Franklin, owner of Vogue Hair Studio and elite hair designer; Cambria (Camber) Franklin, manager and elite hair designer; and Stephanie Lewandowski, barbering instructor at Cape Coral Technical College.

community since 1999, known for its welcoming atmosphere, personalized service and community spirit. This donation reflects the salon’s ongoing mission to not only serve clients, but to uplift and empower the local community.

Vogue Hair Studio is at 1219 Cape Coral Parkway, E., Cape Coral. To make an appointment or for more information, call 239-945-6717 or visit https://voguehairstudiocapecoral.com/

Cape Coral Technical College is at 360 Santa Barbara Blvd., N., Cape Coral. Contact the school at 239-5744440 or visit https://capecoraltech.edu/ for more information.

Scientists’ Society of Southwest Florida holds annual student awards and recognition dinner

The Scientists’ Society of Southwest Florida hosted its annual student awards and recognition dinner on April 17 at the Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers.

This year 24 students from Cape Coral and Lee County from elementary through high school displayed and explained their successful science fair projects. Each of these students received a gift card and dinner.

The Society members judge over 500 Science Fairs projects during the academic year. They also provide teachers with mini grants up to $250 to support curriculum needs.

The organization provides a much-needed service to the schools and students in Lee County to supplement STEM education. One hundred percent of contributions received are tax deductible and directly fund Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives throughout Lee County.

The Scientists’ have provided over $45,000 in 20242025 for STEM education to several programs such as STEM summer camps, Girls in Engineering and Math (GEMS) camps, Edison/Ford STEM programs, local LEGO, 1st Robotics teams and the Ding Darling (WOW) Wildlife on Wheels programs which service Title 1 schools.

Membership applications and information about the organization can be found at www.science-swfl.org. Dues are currently $35 annually per family. Anyone can join, all you need is an interest in science and helping support STEM education for future generations in Lee County.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sophia Bryer of Oasis Middle School in Cape Coral with her science project.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Above,

Cambria (Camber) Franklin and Nicolle Connelly with the donations to Cape Coral Technical College.

May 9, 2025

It’s tarpon time

Tarpon time? Yes, it’s on and Boca Grande is filling up with your next angling trophy. If you’ve only read about it but are ready to experience Boca’s tarpon fishing, if at all possible, go with a guide or experienced local to understand some basics like no anchoring, how to approach and drift with the pack, don’t run over the fish, always keep the motor running, bottom fishing straight up and down while drifting and common sense basic boating courtesy.

There are special rules that apply when it comes to vertical jigging lures allowed in the pass. This from the FWC — “Fishing with gear that has a weight attached to a hook, artificial fly or lure in such a way that the weight hangs lower than the hook when the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod is prohibited when fishing for any species year-round within Boca Grande Pass. If this gear is on board a fishing vessel while inside the boundaries of the Pass, it cannot be attached to any rod, line or leader and must be stowed.” Check out the FWC website for more detailed information to make sure you are legal.

What equipment should I use spin, fly, conventional? Yes, all three of these have their place in the tarpon game depending on your goals or favorite fishing method, but in the pass vertical presentations as the boat drifts is best accomplished with conventional or spin gear. Throwing a fly at constantly rolling or surfacing tarpon might get attention but typically not productive here.

Boca is not the place for ultra-lite angling feats and prolonged battles which results in weakened fish and easy prey for the army of ever-present sharks looking for a fast snack. Hot weather, lite gear, warm water and prolonged battles are bad news for tarpon, but good news for sharks especially in the passes. Use gear heavy enough to be able to enjoy the fight but that allows you to gain control and get the fish to the boat in a reasonable amount of time. Personally, I’d rather jump or fight multiple fish in an hour than fight one fish to exhaustion or into a shark snack. These guys are decades old and deserve a better fate.

When fighting the fish, get up close and personal and pull in the opposite direction the fish wants to travel. The pass is no place to have a hundred yards of line out. When the fish is near the surface I’m using my hips and pulling hard, parallel to the water’s surface with the fish maybe 10 yards off the trolling motor in front of me, which really puts the heat on the fish shortening the fighting time.

South Seas on Captiva to hold second annual tarpon tournament

Event part of grand reopening celebration for island resort

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The registration deadline is nearing for a tourney to benefit the families of service members.

South Seas will host its second annual South Seas Tarpon Tournament on May 22-23 on Captiva. Taking place in conjunction with the resort’s Grand Reopening Celebration and Memorial Day weekend festivities that will run through May 25, additional activities will be open to participants.

This year’s competition will once again support Folds of Honor.

“Providing a world-class fishing tournament that combines a spirit of competition with a sense of community, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved while raising awareness and support for the Folds of Honor Scholarship Fund, has been amazing,” South Seas General Manager Shawn Farrell said.

Since 2007, the nonprofit organization has been committed to providing scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen and disabled military service members and first responders. The tourney proceeds will benefit local families in Lee County and the surrounding areas of Captiva and Sanibel.

“We were successful in raising $200,000 in last year’s tournament, which is equivalent to 40 scholarships,” he said.

Teams of four can register through May 14.

The competition will kick off with a captain’s meeting on May 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Redfish Grill. On May 23, an anglers and sponsors breakfast will be held from 5:30 to 7 a.m., followed by the tourney from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will all wrap up with an awards presentation from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Clutch.

Monies collected from the entry fees will be paid to the winners.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The registration deadline for the second annual South Seas Tarpon Tournament is Wednesday, May 14. The event will be held May 22-23 on Captiva.

Over the four days, other festivities that will be open to participants include a Feed the Fish Golf Ball Drive on May 22, a Patriotic Tee Shirt Dye on May 23 and a Kids Fishing Tournament on May 24.

There will also be a hydro battle, seafood boil, glow golf, live music and more.

Proceeds from the captain’s meeting, Feed the Fish Golf Ball Drive, Patriotic Tee Shirt Dye, Kids Fishing Tournament and some additional activities will be donated to Folds of Honor.

The registration fee is $1,000 per team.

The public is invited to sign up.

“We look forward to this year’s tournament and building on the accomplishment of the inaugural event last year,” Farrell said.

To register or for more information, please visit southseas.com/tarpon.

South Seas is at 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva.

PreP rePorT

Wednesday

Softball

Region 2A-3

Single elimination First round

Bishop Verot 12, Avon Park 2 (5 innings): Crimson Lawrence homered, doubled, singled, scored three runs and drove in four runs for the Vikings (17-7). McKenna Robbins was 3-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and three runs scored. Paige Bettermann allowed four hits and two unearned runs, striking out seven. Bishop Verot is home next Tuesday against Berkeley Prep.

Berkeley Prep 4, Lake Placid 0

Calvary Christian 18, Clearwater Central Catholic 0 (3 innings)

Tampa Catholic 10, Cardinal Mooney 0 (5 innings) Semifinals

Tuesday, May 13

Tampa Catholic at Calvary Christian

Berkeley Prep at Bishop Verot Championship

At higher seed

Thursday, May 15

Tuesday

Baseball

Region 3A-3

Championship series

Best-of-3

Game 2: Bishop Verot 5, Calvary Christian 4: Thursday’s game in Clearwater will determine which team will be playing in the FHSAA Championships in Fort Myers starting May 19. The Vikings (31-2) were out-hit by

Calvary Christian (29-4) 10-5 on Tuesday, but managed to make the most of their opportunities. Those five hits were supplemented by five walks, two hit batsmen and two Calvary Christian errors.

Upcoming Prep Schedule

Thursday, May 8

Softball

Region 5A-3

Single elimination

First round

Gaither at North Fort Myers

Charlotte at Mariner

Riverdale at Fort Myers

Northeast at Gulf Coast

Baseball

Region 3A-3

Championship series

Best-of-3

Game 3: Bishop Verot at Calvary Christian

Friday, May 9

Track and Field

FHSAA Championships

Classes 2A, 3A

Saturday, May 10

Track and Field

FHSAA Championships

Class 4A

Capt. George Tunison

When seconds count, whole blood saves lives

The Lee Health Trauma Center sees nearly 5,000 patients every year, and every patient that paramedics rush into the trauma center needs immediate attention. Earlier this year, the Lee Health Trauma Center began an initiative that is saving lives – it’s called whole blood. By adding whole blood instead of the standard blood components, like individually transfusing red blood cells, clotting factors, and platelets, it makes the trauma center more efficient when caring for the critically bleeding patient.

Lee Health is the first health system in the Southwest Florida region to implement plans utilizing whole blood for trauma care. Whole blood streamlines the transfusion process, making treatment faster and more efficient, and the blood is from a single donation. These factors are important in a trauma center, where time is critical for the bleeding patient.

As the only state-approved Level II trauma center between Sarasota and Miami, Lee Health treats everyone in a five-county region with highly trained healthcare professionals surrounding a critically bleeding trauma patient and the experts to back up the most niche injury needs. The cutting-edge resources and technology have provided expert emergency care for more

than 30 years to the region. The trauma center currently averages around 400 patients each month. That makes the center one of the busiest centers in the state.

What is whole blood?

Whole blood is what flows through our veins. It contains red cells, clotting factors, and platelets. It can be transfused into a single patient or separated into its specific components, helping multiple patients from one donation. Whole blood is what you see as it comes out of your veins at the donation centers. It’s also what comes out of a critically bleeding trauma patient.

Dr. Joseph Lewis Guest Column

That very thought you are having now is what makes whole blood the best treatment for a bleeding patient. We don’t bleed individual components like red blood cells, clotting factors, or platelets. It’s all mixed together in the life-sustaining Kool-Aid called blood!

Whole blood was used during World War II to treat battlefield injuries. Over

time, the technology to separate components and advances in storage led to the widespread use of single blood components (red cells, plasma, etc.) tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

What are the benefits of whole blood vs. component blood?

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 15% to 20% of trauma patients receive transfusions, and 3% receive massive transfusions.

Since whole blood only requires one transfusion, it decreases exposure for critical patients, such as pediatric, transplant and oncology patients.

For patients with severe bleeding, whole blood has been shown to improve survival rates and simplify the transfusion process. Additionally, using whole blood early in the field before patients arrive at the trauma center has also been shown to increase survivability. Since late 2024, Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams have been trained and equipped to admin-

ister whole blood transfusions to trauma patients who are hemorrhaging before they are transported to the hospital. This was made possible in partnership with Lee Health.

How does a trauma center use whole blood?

Some of the main reasons a trauma center uses blood products or whole blood are to stabilize the bleeding patient while surgeons work to stop the site of bleeding.

The trauma center at Gulf Coast Medical Center serves only the most complex and life-threatening cases, with more than 90% involving blunt trauma from falls, motor vehicle accidents, and motorcycle crashes.

Treatment administered during the first hour following severe injury can mean the difference between life and death. This includes whether the patient requires blood products like whole blood.

If you’re interested in donating blood, all blood donated to the Lee Health Blood Center helps patients within the health system. For more information, contact the Lee Health Blood Center at 239-343-2333.

To learn more about Lee Health’s trauma services, please visit www.leehealth.org.

Dr. Joseph Lewis is a Lee Health trauma surgeon.

Walk Like MADD 5K Run/Walk Saturday at JetBlue Park

The final countdown is on for this year’s Walk Like MADD 5K Run/Walk, to be held this Saturday morning, May 10, at jetBlue Stadium in Lee County.

Walk Like MADD is an annual event hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving to help bring awareness and education about impaired driving on the streets of Southwest Florida. Walk Like MADD is

a family friendly event, which even encourages participation of your four-legged family members, too!

This one-of-a-kind timed event is held on the grounds of JetBlue Stadium, the Spring Training home of the Boston Red Sox. The race/walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and will culminate with all participants having the unique experience

of crossing home plate! All participants will receive an event T-shirt and custom medal, and awards will be given out in the various age categories.

Residents can register early at www. madd.org/fortmyers on or before 7 a.m. at JetBlue Saturday morning. Early packet pick-up will be held today, May 9, from 4-7 p.m. at Fleet Feet, located inside the

Bell Tower Shops, for those who wish to pick up their shirts and race bibs early. All proceeds from the 5K run/walk will stay right here in the Southwest Florida community to assist victims of impaired driving and to help educate the community to help keep our streets safe from impaired drivers.

Tarpon time: Big catches await in Boca Grande Pass and elsewhere

From page 34

Another piece of equipment almost as important as your tackle is your electronics. The bottom of the pass changes depths and is also a snag nightmare. When vertical fishing you are concentrating on keeping your presentation “in the zone” straight up and down below the boat as you drift through the pass, which requires frequently adjusting the depth of your lure guided by what you see on the screen or what depth the captain is calling out as you drift.

greatest tarpon hole, is something every angler should experience at least once during their tarpon career.

During the fight if you see a shark seriously after your fish, then free spool the line or even cut it to give your player a chance at escape. Pass fishing Boca Grande, the world’s

Best results come from fishing the 3 a.m. to just after sunup shift.

Been there, done that and crowded pass fishing and boat bumping isn’t your cup of tea? That’s OK, as Southwest Florida offers a ton of locations to pursue tarpon from

knee deep flats, mangrove shorelines, river and bridge fishing, coastal and offshore encounters, as well as pass fishing deeper waters. Good luck!

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-579-0461 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.

Two hidden gems: Local gardens that will provide great inspiration

From page 18

cassius blue butterflies can be seen darting through the plumbago bushes, where they lay their eggs.

White butterflies have arrived to visit Virginia peppergrass. A number of flow-

ering native plants also attract a variety of butterflies to their nectar: firebush, blue porterweed, red tropical sage and yellow dune sunflower.

As you are planning additions to your own garden, these two hidden gems provide great inspiration. In them you can see

how big plants get and how they appear in combination with each other. You may also find a quiet place to relax, observe nature, feel a gentle breeze and appreciate the world in which we live.

Sherie Bleiler volunteers at the Cape

Coral Library butterfly garden, Sands Park butterfly garden and is past president of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com. Like us on our Facebook page.

Mayor’s Scholarship: Students from local schools receive awards

From page 17

passed away in 2021. Garcia, who was chair of the Cape Coral Youth Council this year, will attend Florida International University and major in physics.

“Winning the mayor’s scholarship lifted a huge financial burden off my back so I could focus on my studies,” Garcia said. “Through my studies I hope to give back to my community when I graduate.”

Kyndal Archambault of North Fort Myers High School won the first Candace Smith scholarship, named in memory of the former chief nurse and operations executive at Cape Coral Hospital and former Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund board member. Lee Health sponsored the

$5,000 scholarship. Archambault will major in biology at the University of Florida with a goal of working in the NICU unit at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

The other high school winners were:

n Sabrina Dong: Cape Coral High, pursuing business degree at University of Florida.

n Maria Benkhatar: North Fort Myers High, pursuing astronomy degree at Dartmouth.

n Sophia Gibson: Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School, pursuing literature degree at Florida State University.

n Abigail Hynes, North Fort Myers High, pursuing a degree in biological sciences at St. Leo University in Florida.

n Caleb Cruz: Island Coast High, pur-

suing a degree in medicine at University of Florida.

n Lorena Diaz: Florida SouthWestern Collegiate, pursuing a degree in architecture at University of Florida.

n Abigail Cudnik, Cape Coral High, pursuing a degree in neuroscience at Furman University.

n Haruna Mescallado: Cape Coral High, pursuing a degree in psychology and industrial engineering at Grinnell College.

Earning $1,500 scholarships were:

n Rainbow Armand of the Cape Coral Technical College. She is enrolled in the practical nursing program.

n Lana Brett of Cape Coral Technical College. She is enrolled in the dental assisting program.

n Alexeyevna Pierre of Cape Coral Technical College. She is enrolled in the digital design program.

n Christian Aviles of Fort Myers Technical College. He is enrolled in the automotive collision technology program.

n Justin Pascale of the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy. He wants to become a firefighter.

Since 1983, the Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to more than 630 recipients through the support of companies, individuals throughout Cape Coral and Lee County, as well as other non-profits.

Religious

Thanksgiving Novena to St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special partonage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys, and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised.

Help Wanted

Person knowledgeable on internet. Can work from home and / or personal assistant. Seniors welcome. 239-283-8920 or 239-478-4119

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Annual Rentals

2 Bedroom 1.5 bath, September Estates, Fully Furnished, includes lawn care, washer / dryer. Tile throughout. $1800 month includes utilities. Call 330-417-8227. Will consider seasonal rental.

Waterfront Homes

May 10, 2025 11 am-2 pm 538 SE 4th Street

Offering $20,000 Sellers Assist Waterfront property, 2855 sqft under roof, 4 bedroom / 2 bath, assessments fully paid. Screen enclosure 26’x13’ inground saltwater South facing, autofill, overflow pool 2021. Many new mechanics...roof 2023, HVAC 2024. All LG kitchen appliances, dovetail drawers, Corian counter, disposal, cathedral ceilings, 5 1/2’ baseboard, tray ceiling in master suite, mstr bath equipped with 8” spread faucets,

that leads to Lake Saratoga and adjoining freshwater lakes. Call 412-657-2840, Owner $519,500.

Cape Coral Death Notices

Mabel Celena Harris, 93, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on April 29, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz.com

Rafaela Ronnie Viard, 41, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on April 24, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz.com

Sarah Beatriz Santiago, 101, of Cape Coral passed away on April 26, 2025. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services of Cape Coral.

Michael Brindisi, 49, of Cape Coral, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Mariah Lynn Kocinski, 33, of Cape Coral passed away on May 3, 2025. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services of Fort Myers.

Carson Junior Jones, 47, of Cape Coral passed away on April 23, 2025. Arrangements by Lee County Cremation Services of Cape Coral.

Richard DeGeorge, 81, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on May 3, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz.com

Jonny Ball, 71, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away in Cape Coral on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care. MullinsMemorial.com

Fort Myers

Douglas Richard Wade, 79, of Fort Myers, passed away May 5, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Joseph Lewandowski, 74, of Fort Myers, passed away April 25, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.