Pine Island Eagle

Dedication held

Island preserve named in memory of longtime Calusa Land Trust volunteer

VolumE 48, NumbEr 2 pINEISlaND-EaglE.com

Shared use pathway presentation attracts a large crowd

By CRAIG GARRETT news@breezenewspapers com

Even with the project years away, 100 or so people attended a public meeting Tuesday to learn more about a proposed shared use pathway that would run along Pine Island Road f r o m S t

Parkway

P

The Pine Island Road Shared Use

Florida Department of Transportation had engineers and planners talking up the project and its impact along the 5mile non-motorized pathway Users would include walkers and bicyclists, t o v i s i t o

g strollers Lee County would oversee the project, the state partnering with federal funds and its experts

The idea of a mixed-use pathway, with street upgrades along Pine Island Road, was floated in Lee County

r e c r e a t

F D O T s p o k e s p e r s o n s a i d C o s t s weren’t provided at the May 7 event, as feasibility studies feel the pulse of i m p a c t e d b u s i n e s s e s , h o m e o w n e r s and renters, a spokesperson said

And if the project ever materialized, it would be “the least impactful”

o n t h e o v e r a l l p u b l i c , F D O T ’ s District One public information officer David Scarpelli said, adding that

See LARGE CROWD, page 9

Two local residents discuss the proposed shared use pathway with a Florida Department of Transportation representative at last Tuesday’s feasibility study meeting at Pine Island First United Methodist Church

School District to install vape detectors

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The School District of Lee County plans to install vape detectors in five schools as part of a pilot program I n i t i a l s c h o o l s i n c l u d

School, Fort Myers High School, Cape C o r a l H

School and Caloosa Middle School

The detectors are $1,000 per unit and $335 for each installation for a total of $173,550 There will be numerous vape detectors at the pilot schools, which would also include inside the boys and girls bathrooms

The district received a net award of $2,220,879 59 as part of the Juul Litigation and settlement and this money will be used for such proposed enhancements, including the detectors With the data indicating steady increase in tobacco and drug use, the School District recognizes the need for intervention, officials said

The substance abuse intervention will entail:

∫ Community agency support/partnership

∫ Social media campaign

∫ District infrastructure considerations for vape detectors

∫ Consideration of the expansion of OPENGATE

∫Saturday school and extended day school

∫ Student-led clubs

∫ Anti-drug curriculum

∫ Tiered consequences

The total cost for the first year using the settlement money is $681,550

The School Board approved participation in the litigation which alleged a com-

See VAPE DETECTORS, page 17

Bee removal topic of Garden Club meeting Thursday

This Thursday, May 16, the Pine Island Garden Club at its monthly meeting beginning at 9 a m at the Fishers of Men L u t

n C h u r c h w i

h o s t M a t t Anderson, who will discuss the safe and effective means to handle and relocate bee colonies from a nuisance location to an alternative site

As a state certified apiarist, Anderson operates Anderson Bee Removal when he

isn’t engaged in his primary occupation with the city of Cape Coral as a certified Florida firefighter and paramedic

Both he and his wife, Rachael, are native “crackers” and reside with their two young children in Bokeelia

F o u n d

Garden Club mission includes the protection and conservation of natural resources, encouraging island beauty and stimulating

the study of the fine art of gardening Its civic duties include the creation and maintenance of the grounds at Philips Park, Museum of the Islands, Bokeelia Post Office, Kiwanis Children’s Park and the b u t t e r f l y g a

Elementary School

The island Garden Club produces the annual Garden Gala, the proceeds from which are utilized to financially support

several island benevolent organizations, such as the Beacon of Hope, Calusa Land Trust, CROW and the Pine Island Food Pantry F

Kendall at 239-283-8175

Fishers of Men Lutheran Church is at 10360 Stringfellow Road, just south of The Center.

CRAIG GARRETT

FDOT continues repairs along Pine Island Road

BARTOW, Fla – This weekly report is prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation to inform the public about upcoming road work in Southwest Florida Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge Permanent Repairs

Construction project: As part of the Emergency Restoration of the Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge, crews will be working in the project boundaries along CR 78 Pine Island Road from west of Little Pine

Shoreview Drive

Motorists can expect traffic shifts and flagging operations as crews work on drainage and utility installation along the causeway Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers

Please be alerted to construction equipment in the construction zone To maintain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas

Motorists can expect occasional delays due to flagging operations for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment

■ Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted within the construction zone

■ Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway

■ Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected

■ Please be patient and plan for additional travel time as it may be slower than usual in the area

For more information, visit the FDOT project web page at https://www swflroads com/project/451937-2 or email at shana.overhulser@dot.state.fl.us.

Island preser ve officially named for Nancy Weir

At a recent dedication ceremony, the commonly named Dobbs Preserve was re-named in memory of Nancy Weir, a dedicated Calusa Land Trust volunteer who died unexpectedly last November Present at the sign unveiling were Les Smith, preserve ranger; Frank Potter, president; Kelly Weir; and Robert Ballard, past president The preserve is located towards St James City off Sabal Avenue in the Tropical Point/Citrus streets subdivisions area.

American Legion Post 136 scholarship application deadline this Thursday

If you attended Pine Island Elementary School, reside on Greater Pine Island or have an immediate family member who is a member of the American Legion Post 136, SAL member at Post 136, or Auxiliary member at 136, you qualify to apply for scholarships offered by the American Legion Post 136

The scholarship committee is interested in students

attending accredited programs, colleges, and some programs for nursing, boat mechanics, technical, trade schools, welding, and construction and others

You can get your applications downloaded from www post136fl org

Applications need to be post marked no later than this Thursday, May 16

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A year of accomplishments

The school year is moving at such an amazing pace that it won’t be long now until we celebrate the Class of 2024 at their graduation ceremonies. What we’ve seen already is that there is plenty to cheer about for our students and schools As your District 4 School Board representative, it is my pleasure to share with you some of their accomplishments from this school year

Academically, our students are once again among the highest performers Brody Yeung from North Fort Myers High School earned a Cambridge Scholar Award with Distinction, the highest level possible, for his performance the on the 2023 Cambridge examinations

T h i r t e e n m o r e N o r t h s t u d e n t s e a r n e d

Cambridge Scholar Awards with Merit and 33 won Scholar Awards At Island Coast H

Cambridge Scholar Awards Six students at North Fort Myers High School and one at Island Coast earned academic honors from

Programs This recognition helps them stand out during the college admissions process

We also saw new Carson Scholars recognized

Elementary, North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts and North Fort Myers High School

The Carson Scholars Fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 411 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities

c

Students are also excelling in their extra-

North Fort Myers High School and four at

‘Meet the Press’ uses 'The gotcha now Republicans'

To the editor:

Watching "Meet the Press" last Sunday, I discovered the theory of the show is to ask any willing Republican they can get to come to the show with the intent of using the "gotcha now "

The gotcha now is where the show's audie n c e m u s t b e t o l d t h a t w h a t e v e r t h i s

Web Poll

Republican said must be corrected by the show's host Ms Kristen Welker

It’s like the show is built around the Republican gotcha now so the show can maintain its Democratic base audience

A l o n g w i t h r u n n i n g t h e g o t c h a n o w

Republicans is Ms Welker’s other technique of asking Republicans if they will support the elections What kind of question is this? Does that mean that a Republican can never challenge an election based upon her questions?

And the "Meet the Press" show gathering

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts were selected for All-State Musical Ensembles

January for an All-Star caliber

T e a m won a State Championship in N

they didn’t have enough members to even form a team, so this was quite the accomplishment The North Fort Myers Girls’ Soccer team nearly won a state title They beat rival Mariner in Regionals and only lost in the state championship game after eight rounds of penalty kicks Congratulations on a great season

Debbie Jordan Guest Commentary

Schools in our community are also being recognized for their success Tropic Isles Elementary was named an Imagine Nation Beacon School Imagine Learning is a supplemental program the school uses to help students learn English and the designation r e c o g

n d Coast High School launched the state of Florida’s only “Into Space” curriculum this school year Taught by NASA Rocket engine Quality Management Scientist Dr William Downes, and part of the school’s Earth & Space Academy, “Into Space” prepares students for all types of careers in the aerospace

of fellow workers to force out the newly hired ex-RNC gal over the elections denier theory that this show promotes.

We got to get our Democratic base juices flowing in on this and force her out Our rating will skyrocket for Ms Welker

They were challenged in court If you make a challenge in court to do something there has to be a way the court can do it

I guess if you know what really happened you are now a real gotcha now Republican denier from the "Meet the Press" folks Mark me up as a denier Ms Welker

Leo Amos

Matlacha

Biden giving away your tax dollars to buy votes

To the editor:

The latest CPI print in April 2024 showed that inflation is moving higher each month for the first three months of 2024, meaning that

High School was recognized

Certification in Marzano High Reliability Schools Level 1 certification means the school

Supportive, and Collaborative Culture,” which is the founda-

achievement and effective day-

North was also honored with the school’s second Special O

Champion School Banner. One of only 16 schools in Florida

Unified Champion schools are committed to inclusive practices for all students And one last honor for North, the school maintained its “A” grade when the 2023 School Grades Report was released late last year During a school year impacted by Hurricane Ian and testing to new standards, this was an amazing accomplishment

These are some of the examples of the great things happening in our schools every day Congratulations to all our students on their successes this year I can’t wait to see what you will do next

Debbie Jordan is the Lee County School Board Member for District 4

“Biden-flation” continues to affect U S consumers in a very negative way While inflation has “eased” due to the Fed raising interest rates 11 times between March 2022 and January 2024, prices are still rising more rapidly than the Fed’s inflation target rate of 2%

When Biden unilaterally decides to forgive billions of dollars of student debt, he is feeding the inflation gorilla eating away at the buying power of your dollars and, it’s in violation of the Supreme Court directive basically saying he exceeded his authority in doing that the first time he tried buying votes

The millions of people who have been let in to our country illegally by Biden place a tremendous burden on the infrastructure and resources of all the cities they are inhabiting Illegal immigrants arrive with no money, no resources, no home, no means whatsoever to provide for their everyday needs. Those costs, thanks to Biden, fall on the taxpayers and now we all know why the Socialist Democratic Party of America has promoted our broken border They are planning on changing the representation in the legislatures by flooding blue states and their cities with people to be counted in their census takings so they may achieve total control over the electoral college

B i d e n s $ 2 t r i l l i o n i n

, using $2 trillion of borrowed money to pay for it, was the catalyst that ignited the run-

and

with Prices

How to solve America’s doctor shortage

Doctors appointments will be hard to come by over the next decade, according to n ew d ata f r o m th e A s s o ciatio n o f American Medical Colleges By 2036, the organization estimates that the United States will be short as many as 86,000 physicians

This is a shortage of not just doctors but medical care In most sectors of the economy, shortages tell suppliers it's time to boost production But government regulation has artificially restricted the supply of medical care for years

We must relax those regulations in order to boost the supply of medical care and meet the needs of patients

There are plenty of medical professionals who can help address this shortage of medical care if only they’re allowed to Nurse practitioners and physician assistants go through years of training and clinical practice to get qualified They can diagnose and treat patients, including by prescribing medication Right now, there are about 280,000 nurse practitioners and 126,000 physician assistants in the United States

In many areas, “scope of practice” laws

will not and have not come down, they’ve just gone up at a slower pace than the 40year record high inflation rate of 2021

The current 30-year mortgage interest rate is about 7%, [average long-term U S mortgage rate edges closer to 7%, rising to h i g h e s t l e v e l s i n c e e a r l y M a r c h (msn com)] The average 30-year mort-

prevent these professionals from practicing to the full

Nearly half the states have laws limiting nurse practitioners’ ability to practice.

Proponents of these rules argue that allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to practice without

patients at risk Yet research shows otherwise

A study by researchers at New York University and Boston College concluded

restricting (nurse practitioner scope of practice) do not improve the quality of care ”

Guest Commentary

A study from the University of Central Florida found that broadening nurses’ scope of practice may actually improve quality of care

And according to a 2023 study from the University of Alabama School of Law, over a 14-year period, expanding scope of practice for nurse practitioners and physi-

healthcare-related deaths -by 12 per 100,000 people and 10 per 100,000 peop

areas, which tend to have the biggest primary-care s

greater improvements I

states to get rid of scopeof-practice rules

Another way to expand the supply of medical care is to make it easier for international medical gradu

United States.

from international medical

According to a study published in the BMJ, Medicare patients tended to by internationally trained internists had lower mortality than patients treated by U S medical graduates

Physicians who obtain their degrees

Letters to the Editor

gage rate in 2020 was 3 38% (Mortgage Rate History: 1970s to 2024 | Bankrate)

That means borrowing cost for a 30-year mortgage have doubled under Biden

So, Biden’s policies have been a significant contributor to the inflation making gas, rents, groceries and virtually everything you need as a consumer more expensive throughout his tenure as president

While he has made everything you need much more expensive on the inflation front, he’s using your (borrowed) tax dollars to house and care for the illegals invading our border with Mexico in order to change the representation model in those blues states and forever hold power and, he’s forgiving student debt for those who will happily sell him their vote and

abroad often face stiff requirements to get U S medical licenses First, they have to complete two or three years of graduate medical education in the United States

Then they have to take the U S Medical Licensing Examination, apply for a residency, and obtain a state medical license

The process can take years

It’s no wonder some doctors who move to America pursue careers in other fields

A recent survey of nearly 300 immigrant doctors disclosed that two out of three with jobs weren’t working as physicians T

requirement that all international gradu-

states should consider following suit

Demand for medical care will only increase in the years to come, as the U S population ages Meeting that demand will require eliminating the regulations that have long curtailed the supply of care

Sally C Pipes is president, CEO, and Thomas W Smith Fellow in Health Care Policy at the Pacific Research Institute

This article originally ran in the Detroit News

become

the

her people

Will you allow Biden and his socialist Democratic fanatics to destroy our country?

Max Christian St. James City

terrorist agitators burning the American flag in support of Hamas and seeking

total destruction of Israel and

Sally C. Pipes

Beach nesting birds on Cayo Costa

Years ago, I ran my boat onto the gulf side of Cayo Costa to let my dogs run the beach I was approached by a park ranger who explained why dogs are not allowed on the beach of the state park Aside from nesting sea turtles, dogs can disturb a variety of beach nesting birds

Our local bottlenose dolphins share the shoreline with many beach nesting birds The most common are the least tern, the black skimmer, the snowy plover, the American oystercatcher, Wilson’s plover and the willet Fortunately, dolphins don’t prey on shorebirds They simply share the same food source Take, for instance, the snowy plover

Dolphin Tales

P l o v e r s l a y t h e i r e g g s i n s h a l l o w scrapes in the sand, sometimes lined with bits of shell and debris They build their nest above the high tide line in open and sandy areas with little to no vegetation Cayo Costa is the perfect place for plovers to nest as they prefer undeveloped stretches of beach where they can lay their eggs and raise their young.

Plovers feed from the shoreline They prefer to eat aquatic invertebrates, insects, mollusks and crustaceans They are often found foraging in the wrack line or along

the water’s edge where food is abundant.

extends from early March through late September Nests typically occur in flat, open areas with sandy or saline layers The typical clutch size is three eggs but can range from two up to six eggs Their offspring blend in perfectly to the surroundings

During plover courtship, males perform

h a

involve drooping their wings, pattering their feet and spreading and lowering their tails in front of females Once paired, a

female selects one nest scrape where she typically lays her eggs The female plover incubates by night and the male incubates by day for about 25 days until hatching occurs Plover chicks leave the nest within hours after hatching to search for food They are not able to fly for approximately four weeks after hatching, during which time they are especially vulnerable to predators

Shorebird nesting sites are subject to washout by high tides, rogue waves or boat wakes Tropical storms bringing high water and tides, rain, erosion and wind can wipe out entire colonies of nests Predators such as raccoons, foxes, armadillos, coyotes, skunks and our dogs may force adults to abandon nesting sites Beach nesting birds guard and protect their eggs and young When disturbed, solitary nesters may display a “broken wing act” to lure people and predators away from the nest or young

Isolated, undisturbed stretches of beach are critical to shorebird nesting Due to the decline in undisturbed beaches, nesting shorebirds are utilizing the same beaches as the public By far the most important cause of outright nesting failure is disturbance by people Year after year, repeated human intrusion at nesting colony sites has caused steep declines in some populations We are fortunate to have Cayo Cost State Park to provide a safe place for beach nesting birds and sea turtles

Capt Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating on our local waters As a professional charter captain, she specializes in dolphin and nature tours Visit C a p t a i n C

Deadline May 31 for entries in Gulf Coast Writers Association contest

Writers around the world have just under one month to submit their best work into the Gulf Coast Writers Association Annual Writing Contest

Submissions are being accepted in three categories: F

www gulfwriters org and click on Writing Contest The first-place winner in each category will receive $200; the second place, $75; and the third, $50

The entry fee for non-GCWA members is $20 for up to 1,500 words of prose or 40 lines of poetry Subsequent submissions are $10. Writers may submit as often as they wish but can only receive one prize Members receive discounted entry fees

The deadline for entries is May 31 at 11:59 p m EST

All submissions are judged blind by members of GCWA and/or qualified members of the local literary community

“Writing contests are a great pathway to becoming a published author; they are also a way for published writers to increase their visibility,” said Mary Charles, president of the Fort Myers-based non-profit “We encourage writers of all types to enter their most energetic work Make us laugh; make us cry. Carry us away on a thrilling journey Bring us to marvel at the power of your poetry and prose Be brave We can’t wait to read your entries ” Winners will be announced at the GCWA monthly meeting on Saturday, July 15, and will have an opportunity to read from their work in subsequent meetings Winning pieces will be published on GCWA’s website

This contest has received recognition from Reedsy, a marketplace of freelance publishing professionals, as among the best of writing contests It attracts authors not only from Southwest Florida but from other U S regions and from abroad, as well Last year’s winning entries, for e

Canada

Entry forms

Entry forms, guidelines, judging criteria and additiona

Additional information for entrants is also available by emailing specialprojects@ gulfwriters org Only entries submitted online will be considered

Capt Cathy Eagle

FILE PHOTO

A snowy plover with its chicks.

School Board looks again at cell phone policies

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County School Board continues to wrangle with how to deal with student cells phones

According to board policy 5136 wireless communication devices, principals have the authority to designate times and locations where these types of devices may be used on campus and teachers designate where they can be stored during instructional time, such as bookbags and containers

District staff said next year electronic devices will be their main focus, first with input from principals Conversations then will continue with all other stakeholders

Board member Armor Persons asked at Tuesday’s meeting why they should wait another year to implement change to the student code of conduct

“As a board, in my opinion, we should change that this year for next year to have phones in backpacks in the off position from first bell to last bell,” he said

Although there was no consensus to implement this for next school year, there was an agreement to bring back the topic for more discussion

“I have no objection to eliminating them from bell to bell I do believe the path they are suggesting is the best way to go I think we need school leadership, families and students in the discussion I like the path that they have laid out I am sensitive to your desire to do it immediately. I feel strongly that we need to engage all the stakeholders in that kind of policy change.”

Board member Cathleen Morgan

Superintendent Dr Ken Savage said he has heard the significant concern of how the devices are being used and the lack of consistency throughout the schools They can look into how to implement the policy, but don’t want to rush

“I have no objection to eliminating them from bell to bell,” Board member Cathleen Morgan said “I do believe the path they are suggesting is the best way to go I think we need school leadership, families, and students in the discussion I like the path that they have laid out I am sensitive to your desire to do it immediately. I feel strongly that we need to engage all the stakeholders in that kind of policy change ”

Board member Jada Langford-Fleming

SJCCA Schedule

The St James City Civic Association

h a s a

upcoming events and activities:

St James City Civic Assoc Upcoming Events and Activities

Thursday, May 16

■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a m It's a fun way to meet the n e i g h b o r s a n d p l a y p i n g pong.

■ Mahjongg, 1-4 p m

This is a great place to learn to play Mahjongg!

Tuesday, May 21

■ Ping Pong, 9-11 a m

■ D o m i n o s , 6 - 8 p m Dominoes is a game everyone can play; kids, adults and even the old 15 players showed up last week Join us!

M o r e d e t a i l s , c o n t a c t s and ticket sales are available at sjcca org

Mahjongg Scores

mahjongg Thursday, May 9, at the St James City Civic Center Taking first p

M o o r s with 105, Sandy Sacco was second with 100 and Jackie Mallory was third with 85 points

It was a fun day! Happy Mother’s Day all!

W e p l a y m a h j o n g g every Thursday from 1-4 p m at St James City Civic

C

Lemon Streets For more information, call Carolyn 239-233-7682

All activities are held at St James City Civic Association, 3300 Fourth Ave , at the corner of Lemon Street, in St James City

said when she taught phones were a huge distraction.

“In my opinion we provide everything a child needs to follow the curriculum throughout the day without needing their phones to do so,” she said “In my opinion, I don’t see why cell phones are so n

amongst their own peers is going to hurt them later on once they go into the workforce, or secondary education ”

Other board members said there may be a need for students to have cell phones

Board member Debbie Jordan said she has spoken to law enforcement who have children in schools sharing that if an emergency were to happen it would be better for their child to hear their voice

“They can bring their phone I am sure if there is an emergency everyone would have their phone out and not have repercussions,” Persons said.

Board member Melisa Giovannelli said

although she knows it is not right, some of the video taken by a cell phone during a fight has been evidence of seeing what happens

“I would want to make sure all of our

properly,” she said

Chamber ribbon-cutting at Yucatan

The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce took part in the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially reopen the Yucatan Waterfront Bar & Grill in Matlacha.

Fishers of Men Lutheran Church to hold free, one-day Vacation Bible School June 15

Fishers of Men Lutheran Church is accepting applications for a one-day, free, Vacation Bible School set for Saturday, June 15, from 8:30 a m - noon It is open to potty trained 3 year olds through 5th grade The group will sing songs, watch a skit, make crafts and play games A free lunch is included

safety is a top concern in planning such pathways, hundreds of which dot the state

The workshop at Pine Island United Methodist Church had stations with whiteboard charts of pathways envisioned by professional street planners New sidewalks, guardrails, on-street parking, turning lanes, buffers, palm trees, 8-foot pathways are all considered, even diminishing Pine Island Road a foot or two through Matlacha to accommodate a pathway and other changes Lee County and locals would decide what is important, or even possible, however A no-build alternative was also listed as a “viable option,” a pamphlet at the event noted

That sat well with Dawn Raymond, a Matlacha resident insisting that a pathway through an already congested and squeezed downtown area was a “recipe for disaster Distracted drivers, I’ve seen that myself There’s only so much land through Matlacha It would be crazy ”

Mood at the workshop was certainly curious, with visitors making suggestions on whiteboards or filling out cards and inserting those in a drop box State engineers provided details to anyone asking A video helped in understanding the vision

Online feedback would be taken through Friday, May 17 Even with a favorable decision and full funding, construction wouldn’t start before 2030, FDOT planners at the event said, as such projects include design and funding elements, public hearings, construction bids and finally ground-clearing And the project would also connect existing trail/multi-use path networks at both ends.

FDOT in an informational flyer also noted that the project would evaluate “Complete Streets” elements, a nationwide concept to include drivers and public transportation riders, among others The agency also sent workshop notices to interested persons, businesses and organizations within 300 feet of the proposed project F

project manager Steven A Andrews was also available for questions at 863-519-2270

Annual Step Up Day May 28 at PIE

Pine Island Elementary School will be hosting Step Up Day Tuesday, May 28, from 9 to 9:45 a m on the school’s campus

Step Up Day offers incoming Kindergarten students an opportunity to visit the school campus and classrooms to learn more about what to expect next year A welcome packet will be given to each child who attends Parents are required to attend with their child Call the school to let organizers know if you plan to attend

If you have any questions about, please contact Rosie Perez at 239-283-0505 Pine Island Elementary is at 5360 Ridgewood Drive in Bokeelia.

One of the whiteboards used during the FDOT presentation on the proposed shared use pathway along Pine Island Road The path would run from Stringfellow Road on the island to the Burnt Store Road/ Veterans Memorial Parkway intersection in Cape Coral.

PROVIDED

PHOTO

Kentucky Derby hat contest

These ladies, above, recently participated in the hat contest for the Pine Island Elks Lodge/VFW Post-sponsored Kentucky Derby party. Margie Goodwin, right, was voted the winner and presented with a prize and certificate by Elks Exalted Ruler John Hotzfield There was a full house at the VFW where everyone participated in many games, enjoyed good food, sipped on mint juleps and had a lot of fun Special thanks to the volunteers that made this event possible and for the VFW always being a gracious host.

PHOTOS

BY

TOM COMBS

Matlacha Hookers scholarship application deadline is

Friday

organization is continuing its tradition of awarding scholarship grants to deserving and potential students, not only for college, but for trade schools, as well as technical schools, and for continuing education

Since 2003, over $200,000 has been awarded to deserving students by the Matlacha Hookers

The required qualifications to apply for a scholarship include a high school diploma or equivalent and one of the following:

1. Former student of the Pine Island Elementary School

2 Currently a Matlacha Hooker for at least one year

3 Immediate family member is currently a Matlacha Hooker for at least one year

4 Resident of Greater Pine Island for at least one year

Responders Scholarship

Applications are available online at matlachahook-

Scholarship Application”, print, complete application and submit to address on application; must be postmarked by May 17, 2024.

Application hard copies are also available at the Pine Island Library

If you or your business are interested in donating funds for the 2025 Hooked on Education scholarship fundraising season, please contact the Matlacha Hookers at matlachahookers@matlachahookers org

New moon brings strong fishing tides

A very mild cool front brought a little wind over Mother’s Day weekend, but overall weather was good, and a new moon brought high water and strong tides

In May a new moon means high hill tides in Charlotte Harbor and tarpon action around Boca Grande Pass From late week through the weekend anglers gathered over the late afternoon and evening falling tides in hopes of crossing paths with hungry tarpon Small crabs ride floating grass through the pass into Gulf waters and tarpon are often in the thousands searching for their favorite snack. After sunset shrimp also ride the current through the pass with the crabs A west wind going against the falling tide made conditions rough at times, but anglers found hungry tarpon through the late afternoon and evening hours

Capt Bill Russell

On the Water

D

were sighted and jumped on the western side of Charlotte

north of Shell Cut and in Pine Island Sound near the fish shacks. Anglers fishing cut bait for tarpon hooked into a host of sharks including blacktip, spinner, blacknose, lemon, bull and nurse sharks

Seatrout up to 18 inches were caught over the incoming tide fishing 3 to 4-foot g r a s s

n Pineland Marina and Rocky Channel Trout to 20 inches came from areas around Smokehouse Bay and Indian Field in north Matlacha Pass, between Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa State Park, and off the east side of Buck Key Baits included poppers, DOA shad tails, Z-man paddle tails in various colors, and live shrimp, pilchards and small pinfish

Redfish to 30 inches were caught and released work-

Thats a big fish!

The tarpon's measurements calculated out to 223 pounds After a lengthy battle, it was safely released in upper Pine Island Sound while fishing with Capt, Tony Price out of the Tarpon Lodge in Pineland

ing shorelines in southern Matlacha Pass between the powerlines and Tropical Point, Islands and Keys in Pine Island Sound south of Tarpon Lodge, and areas around Blind Pass Baits included spoons, paddle tails, shrimp, pinfish and chunks of cut bait

Snook were often caught in the areas mentioned for redfish, plus structure and shorelines around the Gulf passes They were hooked on a variety of baits including

white or white/chartreuse deceiver and clouser flies, small pearl white paddle tails, pilchards, pinfish, thread herring and pigfish Don’t forget, snook season closed May 1, it’s catch and release only

Anglers hooked Spanish mackerel up to 5 pounds in and around the Gulf passes, a short distance off the

See FISHING TIDES, page 17

PHOTO PROVIDED

Cape Coral Breeze Athletes

Week of the

(Selected by the Breeze

Sports staff)

Vape detectors

pany role in youth vaping on April 20, 2020 The litigation had cited harms as significant and ongoing disruption, significant resource diversion to anti vaping, truancy and absenteeism and significant cost increases

Six states, including Florida, and the District of Columbia were awarded a collective $462 million

T h e s c h o o l d i s

y received two payments, the first in 2023 -

beach near the Sanibel Lighthouse and C

north of Bokeelia A few pompano were caught near the lighthouse and inside Redfish Pass, and tasty mangrove snapper went for small baits around the passes and along shorelines over the higher tides

Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting www myfwc com Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish

February of this year for $242,486 49 T

December 2024 for $242,486 49, the fourth payment in December 2025 for $268,029 83 and the fifth payment will

$268,029.83.

Discipline Director Dr Ron Iasussi said the social media campaign includes par-

11

If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239-4108576, on the web at www fishpineisland com or email gcl2fish@live com

Have a safe week and good fishin’

As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters a r o u n d P i n e I s l a n d a

s t Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years

Cat of the Week

Fer gie

I'm going to do my best not to "fat shame" this poor girl. She can't help that her family couldn't say no to her adorable face and gave her a few too many snacks The important thing is she needs your help She needs to lose weight and it's impossible to put a kitty on a diet at the s

she is at risk for diabetes and other health issues. Fergie is 12 y

affection will do more for her than slipping her an extra treat. Can you help? If so please call or stop by Helping Paws Animal S

you’d rather just donate, our address is 10060 Mallory Parkway, E , Unit D, St James City, FL, 33956 or there’s always our

malsanctuary.com

ticipation with local law enforcement to present the anti-vaping philosophy to the community through billboards in each zone

T h e e x p a n s i o n o f O P E N G A T E i ncludes setting the detection system at a standard where vaping devices would show up.

Extended school days and Saturday school would be part of the tiered consequences in an effort to engage parents and students to educate the family on the effects of substance abuse Iasussi said the extended day program would consist of six 75-minute sessions to address alcohol abuse, substance abuse and coping skills

and more

“Each session would have a different theme to it,” he said, adding that they are providing a Saturday option for students and parents who cannot attend during the week If attended, it would be in lieu of suspension.

health support, which would provide

specifically indicated with a higher use of vaping and drug use They would help families connect with resources to better understand the challenges they are facing, officials said

Obituaries

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