051625 Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Suggestion to ‘replace’ preserve acreage nixed

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral will not look to mitigate its taking of 14 acres of a city preserve by conserving acreage elsewhere.

Cape Coral City Council decided Wednesday not to seek sites to “replace” the 14.2 acres of the Yellow Fever Creek Preserve the city has earmarked for utility infrastructure.

The agenda item was brought forward

Cape Coral City Council decided Wednesday not to look at sites to make up for the 14.2

of Yellow Fever Creek Preserve that the city took for

by Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra.

“The reason I thought it was an innovative idea (is because there was) so much opposition regarding Yellow Creek

Preserve with newer residents. I thought it might be an innovative way to compromise,” Nelson-Lastra said. Council in April voted to reduce the

200-acre park and preservation site off the Del Prado extension by 14 acres for Utility Expansion Project infrastructure. The city plans to install water-storage tanks, a water pumping station and related equipment to provide water and sewer to the northeastern portion of the city.

Dawn Andrews, who is with the real estate division of the city’s Public Works department, said she was tasked with put-

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

With the summer months fast approaching and a plethora of opportunities for Southwest Floridians to hit the water, officials are reminding boaters via an annual national campaign to take precautions.

Safe Boating Campaign’s National Safe Boating Week runs from May 17 to May 23, and

Flotilla 9-6 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be ever present throughout Lee and Collier Counties to create awareness of best practices.

Flotilla 9-6 has worked hard to prepare for this year’s National Safe Boat Week throughout Southwest Florida, which includes exhibits with retail partners, boating safety classes, vessel exams, and a public Open House for our Flotilla

See SAFE BOATING WEEK, page 30

Groundbreaking held for revisioned Hector A. Cafferata Jr. campus

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

A new chapter for the planned Hector A. Cafferata Jr. K-8 school opened Tuesday with a groundbreaking for the campus scheduled to open in August 2026.

“What can I say, it’s finally happening, and I couldn’t be more excited,” Lee County School Board Chair Sam Fisher said during the ceremony. “Today we celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Hector A. Cafferata Jr. K-8 school. This project honors the proud legacy of the original school, while looking into the future and expanding to serve sixth through eighth grade.”

He began the presentation by sharing the journey over the last three years for the elementary school after Hurricane Ian devastated the building.

“We lost lives, homes, businesses and so much more,” Fisher said of the community. “Our school district faced more than $284 million in damage. One school that often gets overlooked – Hector A Cafferata, right here in the City of Cape Coral. The Category 5 storm tore off the roof, flooded the floors and soaked the

‘Parks, Points & Perks’ shines light on Lee’s must-visits

By CJ HADDAD cjhahhad@breezenewspapers.com

This summer, there’s a perk in heading to parks around Lee County.

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau in conjunction with Lee County Parks & Recreation is offering local residents and visitors new ways to experience summer fun and win great prizes.

“Parks, Points & Perks” is a new program to encourage exploration of area parks, beaches, preserves, recreation centers, events and much more throughout our islands, beaches and neighborhoods. Running now through May 2026, the free pass makes it easy to get outdoors and visit favorite spots or discover new adventures.

“The goal of Parks, Points & Perks is to encourage both residents and visitors to explore Lee County’s incredible range of parks, preserves, recreation centers and outdoor spaces, many of which may be new to even longtime locals,” said Lee County Parks & Recreation Director Mack Young. “The initiative encourages people to get outdoors, discover new places and stay active, all while earning rewards. The county recognized this as a great way to foster a deeper connection to the community’s natural assets,

“The goal of Parks, Points & Perks is to encourage both residents and visitors to explore Lee County’s incredible range of parks, preserves, recreation centers and outdoor spaces, many of which may be new to even longtime locals. The initiative encourages people to get outdoors, discover new places and stay active, all while earning rewards. The county recognized this as a great way to foster a deeper connection to the community’s natural assets, support wellness and build awareness of lesser-known gems that make Lee County so special.”

— Mack Young, Lee County Parks & Recreation director

support wellness and build awareness of lesser-known gems that make Lee County so special.”

Participants have a range of family-friendly locations to visit that include Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Lakes Park in Fort Myers; Dog Beach in Bonita Springs; Phillips Park in Bokeelia and Bowditch Point Park in Fort Myers Beach. In addition to parks, the pass also includes the Lehigh Acres Senior Center, Matlacha Boat Ramp and North Fort Myers Recreation Center.

To participate, visit any location in the pass and earn 20 points after check in.

Special monthly events give participants the chance to add up even more points. Earn rewards like a drawstring backpack, and unlock choices for memberships, parking passes or recreation center access.

Check in at 20 locations on the pass, and be entered for a chance to win a grand prize: a two-night stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops and a Family Fun Day at Lakes Park with train tickets and gift cards for bikes, boat rentals and concessions.

“Our parks and natural resources are the gems of Lee County,” stated Lee Board of County Commissioners Chairman Kevin Ruane, who also chairs the Tourist Development Council. “We are fortunate to live in an area with access to so many choices to enjoy the outdoors. It’s why visitors keep coming back to our world-class destination and residents continue to explore where we live.”

In Cape Coral, residents have several easy-to-reach county parks options. They include:

n Yellow Fever Creek Preserve, in northeast Cape Coral, is a hidden gem for nature lovers. This nearly 340acre preserve features pine flatwoods, a 2.5-mile marked trail system, a 3-acre pond for fishing, and frequent

wildlife sightings including hawks, sandhill cranes, and gopher tortoises. It’s a great spot for quiet exploration and recreation. Is is adjacent to the city-owned park off the Del Prado extension with a similar name.

n North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 N. Recreation Park Way, is a well-rounded facility offering something for everyone. The center includes a gymnasium, game room, weight room, fitness classes, and special events. Outside, the park features baseball and football fields, basketball courts, picnic pavilions, a disc golf course, walking paths, and a playground, making it a great destination for both active recreation and family fun.

n Judd Park, 1297 Parkview Ct., North Fort Myers, is a 14-acre park offering a wide variety of recreational options. It features a softball field, tennis courts, playground, picnic pavilions, paddlecraft launch and an off-leash dog park, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enjoyment and pet-friendly fun.

n Matlacha Park, 4577 Pine Island Road, offers open access to key waterfront amenities, including a boat ramp, kayak launch, and fishing pier. It’s a perfect stop for paddlers, anglers, or anyone looking to enjoy a scenic coastal experience just minutes from Cape Coral.

While Lee County is certainly a popular tourist destination, officials said it’s important for locals to discover hidden gems and explore parks and areas around the county oftentimes residents don’t know about.

“While visitors travel from all over the world to enjoy our beaches, there are still many spots that locals haven’t discovered or explored,” Young said. “Parks, Points & Perks is designed in part to change that. From smaller neighborhood parks like Judd Park in North Fort Myers to lesser-known preserves like Pine Lake Preserve in Bonita Springs, the program highlights more than 30 diverse locations. It’s a great reminder that adventure, relaxation and fun are often just around the corner.” Young said the county is proud to tout its parks, as well as the Conservation 20/20 program that keeps many of these areas protected.

“Lee County is extremely proud of its parks and the long-standing commitment to conservation through programs like Conservation 20/20,” Young said. “These protected lands are not just important for environmental preservation, they’re also central to our quality of life. Initiatives like PPP give us a chance to celebrate these spaces and reaffirm our investment in protecting them for future generations, while encouraging the community to enjoy them responsibly today.”

Conservation 20/20 lands in Cape Coral include: Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve (4751 Burnt Store Road N), Yellow Fever Creek Preserve (2801 Del Prado Blvd), and Yucca Pens Preserve (3941 Burnt Store Road N).

To sign up for Parks, Points & Perks, visit www. visitfortmyers.com/ ParksPass. A pass will be instantly delivered via text and email. Participants jut need to select their location, plan a visit and have fun.

OpiniOns

Cape COral Breeze

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher

VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor

CHRIS STRINE, Editor

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

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

Member Florida Press Association

Make ‘kitten season’ a thing of the past

On Wednesday we got a release that members of our newsroom — pet owners, all — have come to loathe: Kitten season is still in full swing.

Here in Southwest Florida, kitten season is perpetually, it seems, in “full swing” with spring being particularly bad for “outdoor cats,” strays, ferals and cat castaways left to fend for themselves.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services is again asking the community for help.

The current plea, summed up succinctly?

Please, please, PLEASE try not to bring freshly discovered litters of very young kittens to shelters where the mewing fur-balls will need to be bottle fed to survive.

“Animal Services encourages citizens to ‘Wait Until 8.’ That means waiting, if possible, until kittens are eight weeks of age before separating them from their mothers so the kittens can then eat independently and care for themselves.”

Why is this important, both for shelters and for the kittens themselves?

Shelters are overwhelmed with intakes and, much as we would all like to believe in fairy godmothers and happily -ever-afters, not every kitten, cat — or puppy or dog for that matter — is going to be placed in a forever home.

Or even a foster.

There are simply too many animals and too few homes.

In January, Lee County Domestic Animal Services took in 303 cats and kittens from the public, 224 of them “strays.”

In February, it took in another 257, 191 of them “strays.”

In those two months, the current reporting period, 131 felines were euthanized.

The tally for last year for cats alone was nearly 1,300, excluding owner-requested procedures.

Let us be clear here: We do not blame Domestic Animal Services.

See EDITORIAL, page 37

This week’s poll question:

Is your pet spayed or neutered?

∫ Yes.

∫ No.

∫ I would but I can’t afford it.

∫ My pet is registered and we choose not to have the procedure performed in case we want a litter or litters.

∫ I don’t have a pet.

Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

Previous poll question:

HB 1205 has been signed into law. What do you think about the new restrictions imposed on petition drives to place citizen initiatives on the ballot?

∫ I think it’s good legislation. No issues. 19.5%

∫ I don’t think it will have much impact on big-issue initiatives. 7.3%

∫ It’s a bad law. It will impede the right of Floridians to propose changes to the state constitution. 63.4%

∫ I’m not following this. 9.8%

* Total votes at press time: 41 votes. Percentages are “rounded.”Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet

who have chosen to participate.

The Breeze

May 16, 2025

Why are our government officials afraid of ‘We, the People?’

On Friday, May 2, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida demonstrated again, that he, along with many of our Floridian legislators, continue to be terrified of the power of “We, the People.” How this time? By approving the most stringent restrictions on our ability to introduce citizen initiatives for amendments to our Constitution.

Right in our Constitution (Article 11, Section 3) it says: “The power to propose the revision or amendment of any portion or portions of this constitution by initiative is reserved to the people.” That’s a clear statement. It says “we the people” have the right reserved to us, the people, to amend the constitution. And as a group, we citizens have done a pretty good job, introducing things like the Sunshine Law (1976), Universal Pre-K (2002) and Fair Districts (2010). However, our governors didn’t like the fact that we had this power, and over the years (since 1976), the state has applied tougher and tougher requirements to get citizen initiatives on to the ballot. Probably because we got Minimum Wage implemented (2004 and 2020), Medical

Guest Commentary

Cannabis legalized (2016) and Voter Rights Restored (2018), and worst of all, almost got all Marijuana Legalized (2024) and a Woman’s Right to Healthcare Privacy (2024) approved.

The last are particularly interesting, as it now seems that there was likely (though yet to be proven) some questionable funding for attack ads against the legalization of marijuana, and certainly, the governor and his cabinet were not shy about threatening the press over the abortion rights campaign. If true, these are hardly the act of a governor who wants to hear the will of the people.

So now we have approval of CB/HB 1205, approved on May 2 and which becomes law immediately. This bill requires that by taking that right that “is reserved to the people,” We the People must now: n Give up our personally identifiable information, including driver’s license or last 4 digits of our Social Security number if we want to sign a petition.

See GUEST COMMENTARY, page 6

Letters to the editor

tions without excuses.

Leadership lacking

To the editor:

Unfortunately, the leadership of the City of Cape Coral has failed some of its residents on many fronts. It does not take a rocket scientist to understand the water shortage did not appear overnight, or now will be corrected overnight. Wells in many areas in the northeast and northwest have been going dry for years because of this poor leadership and management in not addressing these issues.

Allowing new construction in these areas further contributes to these low levels in the aquifers. Failing to address irrigation abuse after being reported several times to Code Compliance about those abusing these watering restrictions, falls on deaf ears. Excuses coming from that agency for these blatant violations that could have been seen by Helen Keller, contributes a lot to this water shortage.

If 90 percent of residents’ lawns are brown and 10 percent are a plush beautiful green, does that not throw up a red flag?

Partnering with violators/abusers, is the city of Cape Coral, which has failed miserably over the years in addressing this water shortage.

These water violations are not the only violations by some residents in those areas. Semi-trucks making their parking spots in medians, other vehicles and equipment adorning residential empty lots, front yards having several vehicles strewn in their grass, etc... I could go on, but again, this falls on deaf ears. It is hard to exonerate the City of Cape Coral leadership from accepting responsibility for the many ills we are now facing because of turning a blind eye in many instances.

Yet the state requires with each report of a violation that those reporting give their name, address, etc. What protections are provided to those reporting these violations from retribution/retaliation? Do those citizens reporting these code violations rely on the city of Cape Coral to protect them the same way that many have been protected by the city when their wells went dry. These issues would not be happening if the city of Cape Coral did not turn a blind eye to these violations over the years. These issues did not begin yesterday.

The hardest thing I have found in life to combat over the years is that of ignorance.

If these issues are going to be addressed and corrected, let the city of Cape Coral accept responsibility for its failures in the past and be vigilant in addressing these viola-

Vision for a restored Matlacha

To

the editor:

On May 1 a team from the University of Florida Institute for Built Environmental Resistance (FIBER), led by Associate Professor Jeff Carney, presented a remarkable vision of a Restored Matlacha to a group of island civic association leaders. Working with the Fort Myers Collaboratory, the University team of architects and urban designers walked its audience through a 64-slide rendition of ways to deal with the public space challenges of Matlacha in the aftermath of three major hurricanes. In attendance were Lee County Planner Dirk Danley, Jr., and Florida Department of Transportation Project Manager Steven Andrews.

The first part of the project focused on transportation and parking challenges in Matlacha in the context of the FDOT Shared Path Feasibility Study which has been on hold since the hurricanes. The FIBER team presented charts and maps showing its analysis of parking availability and parking needs for all three island “blocks” which make up Matlacha. Next, the study proposed flood adaptation strategies for Matlacha, focusing on public space, parking, landscaping, and land redevelopment.

Drawing from coastal flooding data, the study set out four options for future development and resilience. The first labeled “Tactical Urbanism” proposed immediate interventions without major modifications to Pine Island Road to provide quick, low-cost improvements adaptable to short-term needs. Utilizing colorful asphalt art, landscaping, and a variety of traffic and pedestrian controls, this approach focused on common areas and unconventional parking ideas.

The second option called Big Deck Tidal Flooding Resilience proposed large shared deck platforms hosting mobile structures (e.g., tiny homes, containers).

These platforms include stationary uses such as seating and shop display.

This plan includes no setbacks; development reaches the parcel edge along Pine Island Road. Shared parking is located on the back side of the parcels. This plan includes stormwater management and shoreline restoration with native landscaping.

Jack Wagner Cape Coral

Cathie Kozik

Letters to the editor - redfish Pointe

Redfish

In “Redfish Pointe is not what you think,” Mr. Mazurkiewicz, whose consulting firm represents the property owners requesting a change in city’s future land use map to allow for development among wetlands in SW Cape Coral, urges readers to “Know the facts of what’s really being proposed for responsible growth.”

He notes that the property was purchased in the 1950s with property rights under Lee County jurisdiction.

He also notes that the Redfish Pointe proposal for a development like that at Tarpon Point would preserve 240 acres, or 69%, of the 350-acre property. This, he says, is “limited, balanced growth.”

But a narrow perspective hides the broader reality and is thus misleading.

The first graphic at right, courtesy of Calusa Waterkeeper, shows the level of development in Lee County in 1960. “Red” indicates development.

Expectation of development back then was reasonable, and there was timely opportunity for “limited, balanced growth.” But Lee County has changed since then. In the last few decades, it has experienced explosive growth as seen below.

Unsurprisingly, we are suffering the consequences of unfettered growth. Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus John Cassani says that in 2025 we know that “water quality decline, seagrass loss, algal blooms and economic impacts of overdevelopment have been well documented.”

Your own eyes tell you that during the past decades there were far too few limits placed on development. Overdevelopment played a significant role in the region’s historic harmful red tides and blue green algae blooms during 2018 and 2019 that made people sick and devastated our tourist-based economy.

Mr. Mazurkiewicz asserts that developing 110 acres of open space amidst hundreds of acres of wetlands achieves balance. That might have been true decades ago. It is not true now, especially concerning wetlands which have suffered death by a thousand cuts during that time.

The Redfish Pointe proposal is another cut—another loss of irreplaceable wetlands and open space —that Lee

Listen to city staff:

Deny Redfish Pointe request

To the editor:

I am writing in response to the recent Guest Commentary “Redfish Pointe is not what you think. Know the facts of what’s really being proposed for responsible growth” submitted by a representative of the property owners of Redfish Pointe. He offers several examples that he believes will help us better understand the proposals intent, including that it “could enhance the quality of life for Cape Coral residents.” We strongly contest this assertion.

We have been paying close attention to this proposed development since we first learned about it in 2023 and we are very aware of the available facts. While we have many concerns about the proposal, our primary concern relates to the potential impact on the 7,000 residents in the area. Our home on El Dorado Parkway W received significant damage from flooding and storm surge during Ian. We lost our boat, two cars, and almost everything inside our home. We spent six months in a rental property while the inside of our home was totally rebuilt. We were not alone. Homes were damaged throughout the area, upending the lives of hundreds of families. And unfortunately for our neighbors in Fort Myers, not only did they suffer damage from storm surge, but many lives were lost.

The graphic above, courtesy of Calusa Waterkeeper, shows the level of development in Lee County in 1960. “Red” indicates development. At right, development in 2020.

County and residents in Cape Coral cannot afford.

Climate crisis is the other critically important change in Lee County that has occurred since the property was purchased in the 1950s.

Back then, a changing climate was not a concern. But in 2025, the impacts of our climate crisis on the lives of Lee County residents are evident: soaring home and flood insurance rates, the terrible memory of Hurricane Ian, the scary, rapid intensification of Hurricanes Helene and Milton within two weeks’ time, and the expectation of more super-destructive storms to come. It is a fact that Cape Coral is one of the nine cities in the nation most at risk from future storms. It is a fact that coastal wetlands provide unparalleled protection from storm surge and flooding.

It is also a fact that city staff have studied the Redfish Point proposal since 2021, including the facts presented by experts hired by the property owner. Staff have recom-

It is a given that we are going to experience more hurricanes, possibly more powerful than Ian, as well as sea level rise. A study released following Ian recognized Cape Coral as one of nine cities most at risk for future storms.

It is a fact that mangroves reduce storm surge, thus reducing flood damage to properties. Thus, it is reasonable for residents to worry that changing the current land use zoning of this property from “Natural Resources/ Preservation” to “Mixed Use,” could, if approved, pose serious risk to the residential community surrounding Redfish Pointe. In fact, the Executive Summary of the Planning Staff’s Draft Report, issued March 23, 2025, responding to the latest application submitted by the Zemel Family states that “Staff analyzed the proposed future Land use map amendment request and its consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and identified several policies where the request is inconsistent.” Examples include, “The placement of a mixed-use development in an isolated upland pocket surrounded by wetlands is wholly incompatible with the protection and conservation of nearby wetlands” and “Development of this area, particularly the roadway, could negatively impact the protections offered by the substantial wetlands in this area as well as place commercial and residential development proposed for this area in harms’ way.” Staff recommends “denial” of the proposed future land use map amendment.

Guest Commentary: Abridgment of rights

From page 4

n Petition gathers may only gather up to 25 petitions, or be subject to a felony. We can be petition circulators and gather more, but only if we go through rigorous training, and also be subject to egregious fines as well as potential felonies.

n Petitions can be gratuitously challenged, and the signer or gather subject to fines.

n Each petition must have the state certified Financial Impact (FI) on them, and if the FI changes, all previously signed petitions are now invalid, and signature gathering must start again. Given that over 900,000 approved signatures are needed to get on a ballot, this requirement seems almost insurmountable, given Amendment 4’s experience with ad-hoc changes being made to the Financial

Impact by the state throughout the life of the petition.

There’s more — but I encourage you to read the bill for yourself, or the AP interpretation at https:// apnews.com/article/florida-citizens-ballot-initiative-constitutional-amendment-desantis-50a5ac0048825c0756c7b850d4b81fed

What can you do on this? Talk to your neighbors. Make sure that they know about the state actively taking away our rights as defined by our state Constitution. Help organizations in the process of putting together citizen’s initiatives like the Florida Right to Clean Water. Keep your eyes on the look out for legal activity, as we, the people of this date, take action to protect our right to amend OUR constitution.

Cathie Kozik is president of the League of Women Voters of Sanibel.

mended that the city council deny the change in the city’s future land use map that the property seeks.

The property owner had expectations of development when they purchased this land in the 1950s, and they were not part of its rezoning in 1989. Community residents appreciate these facts.

But we feel strongly that decades-old expectations of development must yield to current realities of over-development and climate crisis including the expectation of more destructive storms.

In Cape Coral in 2025, it is not responsible to compromise our remaining wetlands through more development and Redfish Pointe is not an example of balanced growth.

Residents want the property purchased at a fair price with county and state funds to preserve it for the benefit of current and future residents. If the city council approves changes to the city’s future land use map, the value of the property will skyrocket and its purchase for preservation with taxpayer money will skyrocket, too.

— Joseph Bonasia is a founding members of ProtectOurWetlandsinCapeCoral.org.

If you share our concerns, we urge you to contact members of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council to request that they take seriously the views of the city staff who are experts in their areas and deny the request for this proposed amendment in order to protect the lives and properties of residents.

Patty Guard and Bill Barrett Cape Coral

Covering Florida one paver at a time

To the editor:

Upon reading Mr. Mazurkiewicz’s guest commentary “Redfish Pointe is not what you think,” I’d like to respond.

Mr. Mazurkiewicz, I’ve been a resident of Cape Coral since 1978 and I always enjoy reading your opinions. You typically are very detailed oriented. Your “Get The Facts” on Redfish Point had some interesting items.

One stands out. Your comment that the city in 1989 changed the designation of the property to preservation without notifying the owners!! You were our mayor at that time so how did that happen? How is it you were OK with it then but not now? Something of that magnitude had to cross your desk.

Rick Stults Cape Coral

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

The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the editor or guest columns may be e-mailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com. All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes. Readers are also invited to comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: capecoralbreeze.com.

Protecting the integrity of the Older Americans Act & essential programs

As America grapples with the future of federal aging services, one thing remains clear: older adults and their caregivers rely on critical programs that cannot be left to wither. The recent announcement to dismantle the Administration for Community Living and defund supportive programs in the Older Americans Act will significantly impact these individuals. The OAA is the bedrock of aging services in this country and is vital in helping older adults live at home and remain a part of their community for as long as possible. Keeping the OAA programs together and providing full funding for OAA programs are not just bureaucratic necessities, they are a national imperative. If we want to Make America Healthy Again, we must invest in the well-being of older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.

The power of a unified aging network

The Older Americans Act works because it operates as an integrated system. In Southwest Florida alone, our Area Agency on Aging answered more than 81,000 helpline contacts, service providers delivered more than 288,000 meals to homebound seniors and provided 214,000 hours of respite care for exhausted family caregivers in 2024. This comprehensive support system exists precisely because the OAA was designed as a cohesive framework.

Splitting up OAA programs into different federal agencies undermines the fact that the various titles and subtitles are all part of ONE delivery system: the Aging Network. This network’s cohesive approach allows Area Agencies on Aging to provide a wide range of person-centered services to meet the needs of older adults

as efficiently as possible. The Act works so well precisely because of this unified structure, ensuring that older adults receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs.

The cost of fragmentation

Separation of OAA programs would negatively impact the delivery of services to older adults and drive cost inefficiencies through unnecessary and wasteful administrative burdens. Successful coordination at all levels demands a unified approach to delivering the essential programs and services needed by older adults to age well at home and in their communities.

Fragmenting these programs would not only disrupt service delivery but also increase administrative costs, ultimately reducing the resources available to support older adults.

The right home for OAA programs

We believe that OAA programs are better suited to a human services agency — such as the Administration for Children and Families —rather than the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which is a massive health care administration agency. ACF’s focus on human services aligns more closely with the mission of the OAA, ensuring that programs are administered in a manner that prioritizes the well-being and independence of older adults.

The threat of budget cuts

Even more alarming than the structural changes are the drafted proposed budget cuts to zero out health and wellness programs, adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, emergency home energy assistance and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), known as SHINE in Florida. These cuts are a direct attack on older adults, making them less safe and more vulnerable, and will lead to higher costs to taxpayers down the road at the expense of the health, safety, and well-being of the elderly.

When we cut funding for evidence-based health programs that help seniors manage chronic conditions, we pay instead through increased Medicare hospitalizations. When we eliminate protection services for vulnerable elders, we bear the higher costs of addressing elder abuse after it occurs. When we reduce nutrition programs, we watch healthcare costs rise as seniors experience malnutrition and preventable health deterioration.

Advocacy is essential

It is critical that we speak out now. Advocacy is not ptional! These proposals are “penny wise and pound foolish” and threaten the very foundation of the OAA

and the Aging Network, which have proven to be effective in supporting older adults. We must ensure that OAA programs remain unified under the Administration on Aging and continue to receive the funding necessary to provide vital services. The health and independence of older adults depend on it.

The Older Americans Act: A lifeline for millions First passed in 1965, the Older Americans Act provides essential services that help older adults remain independent, healthy, and connected to their communities. It funds nutrition programs like home-delivered meals, caregiver support, transportation, legal aid, and protection against elder abuse. Through local AAAs and community-based organizations, the OAA reaches millions, many who have no other safety net.

The OAA is not just about charity; it’s about preventing a costly healthcare crisis. A delivered meal or an in-home aide can keep an older adult out of a hospital or nursing home, saving taxpayer dollars while improving quality of life. A senior center helps older adults stay engaged in the community, creates opportunities for volunteering, and keeps people active and healthy – eliminating loneliness and isolation and their deadly effects.

The threat of inaction

Despite its proven success, the OAA is chronically underfunded. Now, with the dismantling of ACL, the aging network faces disruption. Yet the need is greater than ever. Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65, and by 2030, one in

Maricela Morado Guest Commentary

Cape Council discusses window protection ahead of hurricane season

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

With another hurricane season approaching, Cape Coral City Council again discussed window protection Wednesday.

Concerns about plywood being left on windows, even when a storm is not pressing, and what measures can be taken, if any, to eliminate this method from being used when the city is not in the hurricane cone highlighted the discussion.

Councilmember Rachel Kaduk brought the discussion about hurricane shutters forward , saying she has received numerous emails from citizens regarding plywood left on home windows, not storm shutters.

Fire Chief Mike Russell shared a presentation that highlighted the risks to residents and firefighters with having hurricane protection devices up.

He said life safety is their primary concern.

“Approved hurricane protection devices are encouraged during these tropical events. They will protect homes from high winds, but do pose risk to residents and firefighters when left up longer than necessary,” Russell said.

He said proper hurricane protection is approved and recommended to protect property from high winds, flying debris, and glass being broken.

Russell said an egress from a home is for residents to self-rescue, which is the fastest and most effective way, while ingress is for the fire department to get the resident. With a hurricane shutter up, it inhabits the ability to self-rescue, as well as delays the ability for the fire department to rescue.

“Searching for a resident who is trapped in the home, we ourselves become trapped,” Russell said.

The removal of the devices by the fire department was also discussed. He said it is time consuming to remove the devices by drill and if the storm shutters are damaged it could warp the screws.

“If we had to defeat that hurricane pro-

Concerns about plywood being left on windows, even when a storm is not pressing, and what measures can be taken, if any, to eliminate this method from being used when the city is not in the hurricane cone highlighted the discussion.

tection device it would take a lot longer,” Russell said.

Mayor John Gunter said when looking into the Florida Building Code it states that storm shutters can be placed on a home on a temporary basis, but did not define the meaning of temporary.

Most council members cautioned on the side of homeowner rights and said they can make the determination of leaving their manufactured storm shutters up, realizing the risk they are taking. Other conversations stemmed around occupied, versus unoccupied homes.

“We treat every structure as occupied. If we think it is occupied, or not, we are coming in there to fight the fire as well,” Russell said.

Building Official Shane Kittendorf said once the certification of occupancy has been issued for a residence, they cannot question if someone is vacationing. He said shutters are put up in the event a storm is nearing, or approaching, and upon the immediate threat of passing they are immediately taken down.

Council shared views on moving forward with changes, or keeping the status quo. The discussion of using plywood was also addressed.

“We cannot supersede the code,” Kittendorf said, adding Council cannot vote to provide leniency on protection of life and property.

The discussion will come back to the board at a future meeting.

Cape Council hears lean-government basics

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

The city of Cape Coral will undergo a transparent, cultural change, with the implementation of its lean government initiative, anchored by a new Bureau of Transformative Change, officials said Wednesday.

“It’s not about training, it’s about results. Our message isn’t going to fire people ever,” said Wayne Poerio, with Lean Breakthru Consulting Group.

He said the whole idea behind the lean government process is to teach everybody in the city of what waste is and then ask what they want to do about it.

The lean government approach has a four-step approach – focus on time/stops and value; implement; everyone becomes a problem solver and inspire and innovate.

Poerio said when focusing on time and value it exposes waste and creates an atmosphere where everyone becomes a problem solver and how to inspire and be

innovative.

The approach looks at five principals –value, value stream, flow, pull and perfect. These are all based around what the customer wants.

Poerio said lean is the endless pursuit of waste elimination.

“There is always an opportunity. If you have a process we can improve it,” he said.

The lean government implementation focuses on Kaizen – kai taking apart and separating and zen for the better. Poerio said you rip it apart and decide what makes sense and put it back together.

“This empowers employees for continuous improvement,” Councilmember Joe Kilraine said. “This is people who are working day to day with these processes or methods of doing things. The people doing the work are generally the best to identify the issues and solve those issues if empowered or allowed to do that.”

Cape Council considers moving public input time

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

Those looking to speak during public input at Cape Coral City Council meetings may need to wait until near the meeting’s end to be heard on matters not on the agenda.

After a lengthy discussion Wednesday, the elected board supported moving public input time from near the beginning of meetings to the end, right before council member reports, and to require residents fill out a comment card to drop into a speakers queue.

Also by consensus, the board supported moving the time for its regular meetings from 5 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The proposed changes will be brought back to Council at its June 4 meeting for a vote. The new time is proposed to start after the council comes back from the summer hiatus.

Cape Coral City Council supported moving public input time from near the beginning of meetings to the end, right before council member reports, and to require residents fill out a comment card to drop into a speakers queue. The elected board also supported moving the time for its regular meetings from 5 p.m. to 4 p.m. The proposed changes will be brought back to Council at its June 4 meeting.

Councilmembers Rachel Kaduk brought the topic of the meeting format forward, as she wanted to discuss public comment cards, and move public input to the end of the meetings.

“I attended other meetings, and they all use a public comment card to capture information, so you have a way of contacting them,” she said of individuals who speak. “I thought it would be beneficial to talk about it.”

The comment card would include name, address, phone number and email address to allow council members, and city staff, to follow up with any questions the speaker may ask during citizen’s input. There was discussion that a comment card box will be available for citizens to place their cards, which will then be collected by the city clerk before citizens input.

Many council members agreed that it is a great idea.

Councilmember Keith Long said his reasoning behind the comment card was more of a queue system for him, so they could eliminate attendees having to stand 15 to 20 people deep for their three-minute input. With that said, he would support it either way.

The earlier start time was also addressed, as the Council meetings typically last three hours, potentially pushing citizens input back to 7 p.m., instead of shortly after the start of the 5 p.m. meeting.

“We only had 20 odd more residents come and speak in 2024 than we did in 2023 and that was the time at 4:30 p.m.,” Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said. “We have less people speaking at 5 than we did when we had individuals coming in at 4:30.”

Lean government: Consultant makes presentation on BTC initiative

From page 8

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said there is no way for him to dedicate an entire week to an event for the amount of energy that it needs to be successful.

“This is a situation where I need time that I don’t have – expertise that I do have, but can’t apply in a focused manner,” he said. “Instead of it being training and sending someone to a seminar and come back, it’s real time experience in our own processes, getting training and then immediately getting results.”

Ilczyszyn said there is no better way to reinforce what they are doing and allows more staff to start becoming part of the culture.

“We have a cultural change in the entire city,” he said. “It allows the entire organization from top to bottom to work together on implementing change and see some of the issues that are causing the delay, movement, and inventory. This is an entire philosophy, or cultural shift.”

Cape Coral City Council unanimously approved a $165,000 contract with Poerio Consulting, Inc. in April. The contract pro-

vides for 20 training sessions for $150,000, and $15,000 for travel expenses. Also included in that total are consulting services at $3,000.

The core mission of the city’s BTC will be:

n Identify and eliminate inefficiencies in government processes.

n Facilitate Kaizen (continuing improvement) events and cross-functional improvement workshops.

n Build a citywide culture of waste elimination and problem-solving.

n Use data-driven tools to improve

performance and outcomes.

n Support departments in reengineering workflows for faster, smarter service.

The city manager will receive a regular report from the BTC regarding progress, outcomes, and cost savings generated through its work. City Council will also receive quarterly reports on BTC’s performance.

As approved, the BTC will be headed by Assistant City Manager Mark Mason and coordinated by Special Projects Coordinator Sarah Evins.

Bimini East demolition phase wraps up

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

The demolition of the final building for the Bimini East project began Tuesday, concluding the razing of all structures for the intended economic development initiative for the South Cape.

Community Redevelopment Agency Project Manager Zac Gogel said four months into the project, they are tearing down the last building with a total of 47 sites demolished.

There is still some active work to be done within the 19 acres of various-sized “blighted” parcels south of

Cape Coral Parkway between Tarpon Court and Coronado Parkway, purchased by the CRA in August 2024.

That work includes degrading the lots, digging out the swales and pulling out culverts.

“The structures are down. Two weeks ago, we had our last tenant vacate as well,” Gogel said.

They are collaborating with other staff members from the CRA and the city of Cape Coral to organize a developer’s meeting in May to discuss their vision for that area. From there, they will build a request for proposals and get that out in mid-June, if not sooner, with the hopes of having contracts from developers by the end of the year.

City manager Mike Ilczyszyn, who also acts as the CRA’s executive director, said they are not going out with a prescribed list for the meeting with developers, but rather a general stage of what they are looking to have developed in the area – a mixed-used project that incorporates some aspect of the park, commercial, retail, housing, structured parking.

“Let them go wild with what their vision would be for that area,” he said of the urban walkable environment. “Within the next three to five years it will be a completely different landscape in the South Cape.”

CRA gets update on 6-laning of Cape Coral Parkway, parking

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

An update about the six-laning Cape Coral Parkway project by eliminating street parking shared that there is plenty of parking in the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency district though “close proximity” parking near specific businesses is limited.

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn, who is the CRA’s executive director, said the parking study they had done in South Cape shows that more than 50% of the land in the CRA is designated parking.

“We are not out of parking in the South Cape, we are out of close proximity parking,” Ilczyszyn said, adding that people who are willing to travel five or six blocks have no problem with finding parking.

“Just because there isn’t a parking spot within visibility, doesn’t mean we are not adding parking just outside of the visibility,” he said.

The plan is to identify all the parking spots, so the community knows where public parking is within proximity to all the business in the CRA district.

“We are doing a whole host of projects that will complement each other,” Ilczyszyn said.

Cape Coral City Council, which sits as the CRA govern-

ing board, had some questions and concerns.

Coubcilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra raised some questions and concerns expressed by business owners.

“My concern is the distance, and we don’t have enough,” she said of parking spaces. “My hopes is in the interest of being proactive – talk to the business owners prior to making our plan and getting their input. We don’t have enough and maybe they are not in the right location, or more in a different location.”

Principal Engineer Wendy Williams gave an overview of the Cape Coral Parkway six-laning project during Wednesday’s CRA meeting. She said they had about 90% of the main parts of the design done in April.

Some of the areas addressed – parking, signal change, and options added to Coronado Parkway and Cape Coral Parkway.

“To avoid a potential pinch point, we asked the consultant to look at different options,” Williams said.

Those options include three complete through lanes and a dedicated turn lane.

“He has done that and presented us with those options and exhibits this past Friday,” she said. “We still have some final decisions to make at Coronado.”

She said the consultant for the six-laning project for

Cape Coral Parkway will do another presentation at the July 30 CRA meeting.

Nelson-Lastra also asked if they were doing the project backwards, widening Cape Coral Parkway before the new Cape Coral bridge is constructed.

“Bottleneck heading out is going to become worse with road widening,” she said.

Director of Public Works Matt Williams said there is a need for the widening of Cape Coral Parkway. He said they have pavement out there that they can turn into additional capacity for cars.

With bottlenecking, Williams said they are talking about a merging issue.

“The project is not the silver bullet out there. There are other things you can do with quite a cost. There is limited ways to improve capacity on Cape Coral Parkway and there are ways to accommodate additional parking,” he said.

Mayor John Gunter said they can only do so much horizontally for parking, and they need to start looking vertically.

“There is only one major thoroughfare. We have to maximize that thoroughfare,” he said.

Slipaway grant requests to be considered July 30

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

Without a quorum during Wednesday’s South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency meeting, the CRA governing board had to move consideration of the Slipaway Food Truck Park grants requests to July.

The Cape Coral City Council sits as the CRA governing board.

Councilmember Bill Steinke, sitting as the CRA Commission chair, recused himself from voting on the issue due to a potential conflict for interest for him with two of the minority owners of the park.

With council members Dr. Derrick Donnell and Keith Long being excused and Rachel Kaduk not present, a quorum was not had, which put the commissioners on a 10-minute recess. After the recess, it was determined to continue the item at the next CRA meeting on July 30, so the entire board could be present.

City Economic Development Manager Sharon Woodberry said staff’s recommendation is for a Tax Increment Financing request for up to $726,561 and a Building Improvement Grant (BIG) award of $250,000 for Cape Parkway LLC & Water City Park LLC.

She said the TIF funds allow them to tap into both the city’s ad valorem taxes, as well as taxes from Lee County.

PROVIDED

Staff’s recommendation is for a Tax Increment Financing request for up to $726,561 and a Building Improvement Grant (BIG) award of $250,000 for the $19.4 million project expected to open next month at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge.

Tax increment financing allows the CRA to fund or incentivize improvement projects by rebating all or some of the increased tax revenues generated back to the developer. The

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million with a targeted completion date of next month.

AMB Planning Consultants President Annette Barbaccia said they are very happy with the BIG grant, but would like the city to reconsider the TIF award with a cap of a million dollars.

“The project is located at the gateway entrance of the city. It’s a great location. It announces the city in a high-quality way,” she said.

The 3.1-acre piece of property, at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge, was purchased around 2013, right after the recession.

The park includes a central bar pavilion that is a little more than 5,200 square feet with 154 seats, six shaded pavilions, a 450-square-foot event pavilion, the Ship Shack that will offers ice, bait, fuel and merchandise, food truck pads that provide sewer and water, 30 boat slips and 120 parking spaces. There are also charging facilities for electric vehicles.

“The emphasis is being outdoors,” Barbaccia said.

Jeff Miloff, one of the principals of the project, said it has been five years in the making.

“When we started, we didn’t really have a great idea of what that park was going to look like. Talking with the city manager and mayor we wanted to make sure it was a statement when you come over the bridge,” he said.

Weekly B reeze Recap

After sustaining damage in Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, the Captiva Island Historical Society’s History Gallery has been restored and refreshed at the Captiva Memorial Library.

CAPTIVA ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Four teens face robbery and burglary charges

Four teens, including three juveniles, were arrested by Cape Coral police in regard to an alleged robbery that took place last week.

Gabriela Reyes, 18, was arrested and charged with fleeing/eluding police, making a false report to police, hit and run, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, robbery, and burglary.

Three juveniles, two 16, and one 17, were charged with robbery with a firearm and armed burglary. One of the juveniles also was charged with violation of probation.

Restored and refreshed History Gallery opens at Captiva Memorial Library

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Captiva Island Historical Society’s History Gallery is again open to the public.

Located within the Captiva Memorial Library, it had been closed since September when it and the library were damaged in Hurricane Helene and then took a second hit in October during Milton.

“The library and gallery sustained storm surge,” CIHS Board President Tom Libonate said.

Established in 2014, the gallery is a visual replica of the Captiva mailboat, which was called the Santiva. The exhibit features historical artifacts and interactive multimedia, including videos.

“It tells the story of life on Captiva,” he said of the information and pieces on display. “From the Calusa Indians and early homesteaders, to current day.”

The CIHS previously reported in December, that after meeting with construction professionals, it was advised that the entire exhibit had to be taken apart, salvaging what could be thoroughly dried and stored in air-conditioned containers, then reassembled after the library was repaired from the damage.

“We had to dissemble the gallery,” Libonate said.

“We had to put in new flooring,” he

added. “Everything is new.”

In mid-January, the CIHS had reported that the gallery was reassembled and freshened up, but some final work still needed to be completed. When the library reopened on April 2, it was ready to go.

The exhibit has been restored to its pre-storms condition.

“The only difference is that it’s fresher,” Libonate said. “It gave us a chance to tune it up a bit.”

However, a new feature is in the works. The CIHS will be adding an isolated audio projection — a plastic cone suspended from the ceiling — that visitors can stand under to listen to one monitor.

To help pay for the restoration effort, gift donations were invited.

“Incredibly generous,” he said of those who donated, also extending his thanks and appreciation. “With all the issues that individuals had on their own, we were astounded with the response we received.”

“Basically, all our expenses were covered from donations,” Libonate added, noting that the gifts received will also fund the purchase and installation of the planned isolated audio projection.

The CIHS also praised the dedicated efforts of Board Vice President Mike Boris and Bob Johnson.

“Mike was coordinator and Bob as-

sisted him,” he said of the restoration project.

“There was a lot of coordination,” Libonate added. “They really really stepped up and helped us.”

In addition, thanks were extended to contractor Trim City and local artist and author Ilie Ruby.

“They painstakingly had to take the gallery apart, much like a puzzle, to make sure we could put it back together,” he said of Trim City, noting that it also safely stored what elements of the exhibit could be salvaged and then reassembled the gallery, plus did all the painting and updated the antiquated lighting.

Ruby restored the damaged parts of the painted murals on the walls.

“A very talented artist,” Libonate said. “She volunteered her time to finish those murals.”

The public is invited to stop by and check it out.

“It’s a fresher representation of what life was like,” he said.

The library is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.

The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

For additional information, please visit http://www.captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org/.

Verot’s Peterson wins state 2A discus title

Bishop Verot’s Ryan Peterson took the Class 2A title in the discus with a 52.48 meter effort -- nearly a half-meter better than the second-place finisher -- in the FHSAA Championships Friday at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Peterson also came in seventh in the shot put.

Jazlyn Forbes of Oasis High finished third in the 3200 meters and sixth in the 1600.

Elise Bolgiano of Bishop Verot was third in the high jump.

The Vikings’ Zachary Zielke was third in the 3200, Jadrien Carmo finished third in the 400 and Jyden German was third in the 100.

Also for Bishop Verot, Andrew Marino was fifth in the 1600 and James Little IV was eighth in the 100 hurdles.

Cape Coral Police Department officials said in a release Monday that on May 6, officers responded to a home in the Southeast Cape around 3:40 a.m.

When police met with the male victim, he told them he was picked up at his house earlier by Reyes, whom he said he had met a few days earlier. Police said the victim told officers Reyes drove them to a house off of Country Club Boulevard near Southeast 6th Place, which Reyes reportedly told him was a short-term rental. The victim stated that once they were parked, Reyes left “in a hurry” and went inside.

Police officials stated the victim told them that Reyes and an unknown male roughly 16 to 20 years old came outside a few minutes later in all black clothing and talked to him for a few minutes.

The victim said he then walked into the home with Reyes and the male around the back of the home “to avoid cameras in the front of the house.”

“The victim said he and Reyes went into the master bedroom, where she closed the door behind them,” the CCPD release states. “A few minutes later, the victim said three masked males entered the room, each holding a gun and demanding money from the victim. The victim said that he offered his phone to the masked men and said that he had a ‘CashApp’ account with $54. One of the masked males used the victim’s phone to send $54 to Reyes via CashApp. All three males immediately left the residence with Reyes and got into her black Nissan sedan. The victim was able to give detailed descriptions of the three male suspects.”

CCPD officials said officers on the way to the scene to assist saw a black Nissan sedan driving east on Veterans Parkway, then turning south on Del Prado Boulevard. Police state the Nissan made a U-turn without yielding to oncoming traffic, causing other cars to brake. That officer then initiated a traffic stop, stated CCPD officials, and began walking up to the driver-side door.

“The officer observed a female driver

No funds for special events in CRA’s proposed budget

City’s Parks & Rec Dept. would fund major events like Red, White & BOOM! & Bike Nights

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency funding for special events has been eliminated in the CRA’s 2026 proposed budget.

The city of Cape Coral’s Parks and Recreation Department will fund select events in the CRA such as Red, White & BOOM! and Bike Night.

The matter came forward Wednesday in a budget presentation made to Cape Coral City Council sitting as the CRA governing board.

Councilmembers Dr. Derrick Donnell and Kieth Long were excused from the meeting.

Councilmemember Bill Steinke, sitting as the CRA Commission’s chair, said he knows CRAs across the state have come under pressure regarding dollars being used appropriately. He said appropriate dollars are those used to attract people to the CRA and support businesses that have events.

“That issue in Tallahassee has died for this year,” Steinke said, adding that he is certain the proposal to sunset CRAs will be brought up again next session. “If it (event funding) is not a challenge this year, why would we remove it this year?”

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn, who also is the executive director for the CRA, said although funding via CRA funds was removed, they were able to fund the city’s special events through the general fund.

There would not be any funds for private events, he added.

Mayor and CRA Commissioner John Gunter said he would rather be proactive and move forward and be good stewards of tax dollars.

“There are many things that need to be done down there,” he said, such as improvements to sidewalks. “I think we should use the tax dollars in that fashion instead of trying to supplement expenses for a variety of events.”

“There are many things that need to be done down there. I think we should use the tax dollars in that fashion instead of trying to supplement expenses for a variety of events.”

— John Gunter, mayor and CRA commissioner, citing sidewalks and a canal-front catwalk

“All we are saying is we are not going to use our tax dollars in order to supplement what those costs are,” he said. “You have the Rotary Club that has a fabulous event down there. They profit over $100,000 a year. Why should we be using tax dollars in order to supplement having that event?”

Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said her only request in the interest of being proactive is to notify the organizations that the change has been made and why.

Budget Administrator Nicole Reitler provided an overview of the agency’s budget which, in 2025 was $7,290,687.

The proposed 2026 budget is $7,001,947.

The 2026 proposal is broken down into revenues and expenditures. Expenditures include personnel at $388,592, operating of $1,672,652 and transfers out at $4,940,703.

The board discussed some expenditures, including one passed unanimously.

The CRA will take $75,000 out of the decorative lighting funds and allocate those funds to a Founders Park dock project.

Gunter, who made the motion to reallocate the money, said the board has had discussions to put some type of catwalk down at Founders Park, a small neighborhood park along the Malaga Canal.

“We had a discussion, but I don’t see that particular project listed in capital improvement projects,” Gunter

said of the four-foot catwalk for the park near Club Square. “My ask would be to try to come up with an estimate.”

He said the catwalk would be beneficial for boaters, giving them accessibility, which would expand their downtown area.

“We are pretty restricted when it comes to water accessibility,” Gunter said.

Ilczyszyn also touched on some recommendations of the city abolishing or eliminating the CRA in the South Cape.

“The major point of having a Community Redevelopment Agency under Florida Statute, not only for the city, but the county’s tax revenue is pledged to come into the CRA for redevelopment,” he said. “Counties would love for CRAs to go away, and cities would love for them to grow.”

Ilczyszyn said for every dollar they get, they leverage it and get a 100% return.

“We would be losing that leveraging,” he said. “The city would have to find a way to make all this to happen by ourselves without county tax support.”

Ilczyszyn said the ways the county contributes to Cape Coral most of the time results in the city clawing and fighting for county resources.

He said the CRA is a direct infusion to a specific area of redevelopment.

City charter schools now ‘structurally balanced’ financially

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

For the first time in a long time, the city of Cape Coral’s municipal charter school system is structurally balanced, officials said Tuesday.

“No school is funding another school’s needs,” Budget Administrator Nicole Reitler said of the Oasis Charter School’s four campuses. “We are balanced by individual schools. This was able to be done by focusing on enrollment.”

The Charter School Authority Governing Board had a presentation from city staff regarding its 2026 proposed budget during a workshop Tuesday.

The fiscal year 2026 proposed budget is $37,919,940, a 7.81% increase from the 2025 adopted budget.

Reitler said for the 2025 budget there were 3,426 students. The proposed 2026 budget includes an additional 40 students at Oasis High School.

The budget was also broken down by school during the presentation – Oasis Elementary South for $9,710,589; Oasis Elementary North for $9,072,877; Oasis Middle School for $8,864,841 and Oasis High School for $10,271,633.

One of the reasons for the 7.81% increase is the transition with before- and after-school care moving from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to Oasis Elementary North, Oasis Elementary South, and Oasis Middle School.

As far as staffing, positions have been added for the 2026 budget – two bus drivers, one ESOL coordinator for administration, one food service worker at Oasis Elementary South, and one security guard and two teachers at Oasis High School.

Other positions were reclassified and three positions that were removed – two teachers and one paraprofessional at Oasis Middle School.

Staffing went from 365 in fiscal year 2025 to 369 in

fiscal year 2026.

As a public school system, the municipal charter system receives per-student funding through the state.

LCI and PECO funding was also addressed — $4.8 million, which includes the building lease of $1.5 million.

Some of the major expenditures for operating includes textbooks for $461,200; accounting and auditing for $648,248; food and beverage for $864,851; computer software and license for $693,871; computer equipment and accessories for $523,304, fleet charges $592,239 and electric for $809,098.

The capital outlay expenses for 2026 are the purchase of two buses for $314,000; basketball hoop motor replacement at Oasis High School for $20,000; kitchen warmers at Oasis High School and Oasis Elementary South for $10,000 and kitchen upgrades at Oasis High School for $561,568.

City charter school superintendent receives ‘highly effective’ rating

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

Oasis Charter School Superintendent Jackie Collins received a highly effective rating on her performance evaluation, which sparked a conversation about reviewing her contract.

Collins, who leads the city of Cape Coral’s municipal charter school system, received a 3.82 score out of a 4.0. She received a 4.0 for information and communication, and leadership and management; 3.96 for support for teaching and learning; and 3.32 for strategic planning and continuous improvement.

Jackie Collins, who leads the city of Cape Coral’s municipal charter school system, received a 3.82 score out of a 4.0. She received a 4.0 for information and communication, and leadership and management; 3.96 for support for teaching and learning; and 3.32 for strategic planning and continuous improvement.

Board Chair Kristifer Jackson said Collins’ original agreement was for the 2018-2019 school year. She has had an average performance of 3.88.

“We would like to give a heartfelt thank

you to your dedication and work. It says a lot about a person receiving such high scores,” he said.

Her current contract provides a 3% increase in pay every year if she is highly effective.

When asked if Collins had any comments, she first thanked the board for their support, and shared that she would like to review her contract.

“I think it’s time we take another look at it and see how we can adjust it and see where we can go from there,” she said.

With the contract seven years in the making, the board nominated Karen Michaels to work with the superintendent, human resources, and city attorney on her contract, which will come before the board at their next meeting for further discussion.

CoMMuniTy

UF/IFAS PHOTO

A cloudless yellow sulphur butterfly.

The cloudless sulphur butterfly

By CATHY DUNN news@breezenewspapers.com

My butterfly garden contains host plants for a variety of butterflies, including Gulf fritillaries, monarchs, zebra longwings and cloudless sulphurs. The cloudless sulphurs always seem to catch my eye as their bright yellow forms soar and then flit throughout the garden, and I see them often as they are one of the most common butterfly species found in Florida.

Garden Club of Cape Coral

These butterflies are observed in more northern parts of Florida during the fall southward migration, but they linger in our area year-round similar to their monarch butterfly cousins. I’ve often chuckled when I read the explanation that some butterflies are like your grandparents – they came south to Florida and decided not to go back north!

The cloudless sulphur butterfly takes its scientific name, Phoebis sennae, from Phoebe, who was the sun god Apollo’s sister in Greek and Roman mythology, and Senna, the genus that includes most of the cloudless sulphur’s host plants. The butterfly’s common name is due to its bright yellow color which resembles the color of sulphur, and the lack of any dark spots or cloud-like marking on its wings, making their wings appear relatively clear. Cloudless sulphurs are widespread in the southern United States but have been found as far west as Colorado and as far north as Canada. The species is also found throughout South America and the West Indies.

Adult butterflies are small, with wing spans ranging from 1.9 to 2.6 inches, and are usually bright yellow, although some females can be pale yellow or almost white during the summer months. One of the most interesting attributes of this species is the relatively long tongue that the butterflies possess, which allows them to reach the nectar in tubular-shaped flowers that other butterflies cannot access. Cloudless sulphurs are attracted to red flowers, especially scarlet creeper, red morning glory and scarlet sage. The female butterflies lay eggs singly on the host plant, and larvae feed on the foliage, buds and flowers of the host plant. Most larvae are green with lateral yellow lines, blue patches and bands of tiny blue spots with short black hairs, however, if the larvae feed on the yellow flowers rather than the leaves of the host plant, they will be yellow with black bands. I have observed yellow larvae on my senna plants when they are in bloom while green larvae are present on the lower, unflowering portions of the plant!

The pupa of the cloudless sulphur butterfly looks almost like a leaf. The larva attaches to a twig and the pupa hangs vertically; the colors range from green to pink and can be challenging to find on the host plant. To date, I

See CLOUDLESS SULPHUR BUTTERFLY, page 35

May 16, 2025

Buzzing with excitement Beekeeper tending to hive at Gulf Coast Village

By DIANA NICOL news@breezenewspapers.com

Retirement is a chapter of life that most people look forward to. What retirees decide to do with their newfound free time varies from person to person, but for Ken Maddox, a Gulf Coast Village resident, retirement was an opportunity to dive headfirst into hobbies that have become passions.

Maddox recently introduced more than 10,000 honeybees, one queen bee and a white bee box to the community garden at Gulf Coast Village. A longtime beekeeper hobbyist, Maddox knew honeybees would be an excellent addition to the property, both to pollinate the plants and flowers residents grow and to eventually produce raw, local honey. He estimates that in the next few months, the 10,000 honeybees will increase their numbers to 30,000 or 40,000.

Beekeeping has been a hobby of Maddox’s for years. He and his wife Brenda moved to Cape Coral more than eight years ago. He is active in the Beekeepers Association of Southwest Florida, as well as Woodturners of Southwest Florida, a club that teaches a woodworking technique where a piece of wood is rotated on a lathe, while handheld tools are used to carve and shape the wood into a desired form.

It was woodworking that first introduced Maddox to Gulf Coast Village, called on the Woodturners to examine a donated tool and Maddox, who lived nearby in Cape Coral, answered the call. After seeing the woodworking shop at Gulf Coast Village, it was only a matter of months before he and Brenda moved into the community. Ken says he never realized that communities like Gulf Coast Village, where he could have the freedom to continue to do the things he loves, existed.

Ensuring residents can pursue the hobbies and activities they enjoy is an important aspect of the lifestyle Gulf Coast Village strives to provide. It gives a sense of purpose when the village can create, socialize and continue to make an impact in life.

It’s what Maddox plans to do with his bee box. The idea initially received mixed reviews, but after he shared photo evidence that honeybees were already buzzing around the garden, pollinating local flowerbeds and vegetable plants, the bee box became a welcome addition. He hopes to ed-

ucate neighbors and the community about the importance of honeybees and their incredibly organized and intricate lifestyles.

Maddox services the hive every two weeks to check for parasites and to ensure the hive remains healthy. To check on the bees, he suits up in a protective jacket and gloves before gently blowing smoke around the bee box. The smoke simulates a forest fire and in response, bees engorge themselves with honey, making them lethargic and less triggered by intruders. While the bees are calm, Maddox can open the bee box and check on his bees.

A healthy hive can produce gallons of honey, which Maddox plans to share. He says he eats local, raw honey every morning with breakfast, and he hopes his resident neighbors will soon enjoy the luxury and health benefits of local honey, too. When he extracts the honey from the comb, he’ll divide it into small bottles to be sold for donations at the Gulf Coast Village resident-run Thrift Store.

As residents transition into new chapters of life, embracing healthy aging becomes easier when engaging amenities and activities offer joy and a sense of purpose. The bee box is the newest addition to an ever-growing list of options staff is honored to make available at Gulf Coast Village.

Diana Nicol is the Life Enrichment Coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, the only life plan community in Cape Coral. To learn more about Gulf Coast Village, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.

Veterans encouraged to share their stories

Major John Leroy Haynes Florida Veterans’ History Program available

Secretary of State Cord Byrd encourages Florida veterans to participate in the Major John Leroy Haynes Florida Veterans’ History Program by sharing their stories. The program, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, was created to collect and preserve the experiences of Florida’s veterans. This public invitation coincides with Armed Forces Day this Saturday, May 17.

“The stories from Florida veterans provide valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice and resilience,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “This program honors their service by capturing and preserving their unique experiences and making those narratives available now and for future generations.”

The program is seeking Florida veterans to record their histories. Veterans of all ranks and branches are encour-

aged to schedule an oral history interview to document their experiences. Veterans and their families may also submit their own materials, including written accounts, letters, diaries and photographs. To participate, email Folklife@ DOS.FL.gov or call 850-245-6780.To commemorate the launch of the program, The Florida Veterans’ History Program will be in Miami this Saturday to collect oral histories from local veterans. A recording booth will be available on May 17, 2025, at the Miami Military Museum as part of the Unveiling Ceremony of the Miami Dade County Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.

The Florida Department of State launched the website, https://DOS.FL.gov/VeteransHistory to showcase stories from Florida’s veteran heroes, highlight the impact Florida veterans have made to the state and provide a history of Florida’s military contributions. These stories and updates will also be shared on The Florida Veterans’ History Program social media channels on Facebook and YouTube @FLVeteransHistory.

PHOTO PROVIDED Beekeeper Ken Maddox at his bee hive at Gulf Coast Village. The hive is pictured below.

Lee Schools presents Film and Television awards

Skyline Elementary, Oasis Middle school, efforts among ‘Best in Show’

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

An elementary, middle, and high school each took home the 2025 Lee County Student Film and Television Award – Best in Show – during a red-carpet ceremony at Gateway High School recently.

The three honorees were “The Missing Phone” by Skyline Elementary School, “Robots in Car Manufacturing” by Oasis Middle School and “Dewey Decimal” by Cypress Lake High School.

“For their category, I really think they did amazing. Everything they submitted you can see the quality and time that they took to hold the camera and share something funny, what they wanted the audience to see,” Skyline Elementary School Technology Specialist Jhonathan Taveras said.

The School District of Lee County had more than 240 entries by hundreds of students from 34 schools this year. Awards were presented in 17 categories across elementary, middle and high school divisions.

Taveras said he runs an after-school club where he guides students and helps them understand the different aspects of cinematography and storytelling. The end goal of the club is to produce one film for the film festival.

“I normally do something simpler or smaller. They took it to the next level,” he said.

The fourth and fifth grade students won the Best Short Film and Best in Show for “The Missing Phone.”

The group meets every Wednesday after school where they learn a lot of little pieces – such as different camera shots, and using a camera with a gimble – so they can put it together to create a script and story to go with it.

The students went back and forth, generating the story before discussions began about how they were going to shoot the film regarding what they wanted to see and hear.

“They put it all together. They did a beautiful job. They were super excited. They were just over the moon,” Taveras said about the students winning the best elementary school submission overall.

Taveras said the students audition within themselves to be chosen for specific scripts – characters.

“Not only did they write it, direct it, edit it, but they also did their own casting,” he said.

As the facilitator, Taveras said he makes no big decisions, but leaves it for the students to figure out.

“I am more (about) teaching them the stuff and then step back and help them when they get stuck on something,” he said. “They are the ones creating everything. It’s a team effort.”

One of those obstacles was the students showing someone’s hand.

“The camera is so zoomed into the phone, they just saw the hand,” Taveras said. “They were blown away by their own creativity by solving the issue.”

As facilitator, he likes the creativity and freedom the students have by expressing their vision.

He said the award is “the proof” of all their hard work.

“They were acknowledged by someone that wasn’t their teachers, parents. They were acknowledged by complete strangers, by someone they didn’t know,” Taveras said. “They are amazing. When you are there, you get sucked into the beauty of what these kids are making by themselves.”

Oasis Middle School’s animation film showcased the students’ innovative use of stop motion animation through LEGOS to showcase how robots assist in modern car production through a three-minute film.

“We are extremely proud of their dedication and hard work, time management, and how they were able to collaborate on a project which fully (was) fully student-drive,” Oasis STEM Facilitator Lori McLean said. “The final film was creative and high-quality. On top of this, the team was made of sixth and seventh grade students who had not had much experience working on these types of films, and they showed great internal drive to learn the skills needed to make a quality production.”

The students received very complimentary feedback from the judges and the students scored, on average, 48 out of 50 points on the production.

“This was the first time in many years Oasis Middle School has participated in the Lee County Student Film and Television Awards, and we look forward to participating more in the future,” McLean said.

McLean said the students were initially chosen to be part of a competitive Technology Student Association team where they were placed in one of two classes in which they were able to collaborate among the classes on

a variety of competitive events. The students chosen to participate had interest in putting together a stop motion, student animated movie using LEGO.

“The class met every other day and students worked on this project for about six months,” she said. “Five total students collaborated on this film and took on various roles including project manager, script writing, storyboarding, videography, and voiceover. The topic was provided by the national Technology Student Association competition, in which students had to complete a video on the topic of robotics in automobile manufacturing.”

This film took nearly four months to create and featured more than 2,100 captured photos to simulate animation through precise frame-by-frame movement.

The students used the “Think-Make-Improve,” process when engaging in design thinking problems. The students used research regarding how robotics is used in car manufacturing for such companies as Tesla and Ford before brainstorming and storyboarding the film.

“Students built backgrounds and experimented with different sorts of motion to determine the best ways to express their thinking through the animation,” she said.

The Lee Schools TV Choice Award went to Estero High School student Ryan Kronewriter.

Other winners include:

Elementary School:

n Animation: “Day in the Life of a Flamingo,” by Tortuga Preserve Elementary

n Instructional Video: “How to Draw a Seahorse,” by The Sanibel School

n Music Video: “Brother Video,” by Mirror Lakes Elementary School

n News Show: “TPE TV News in Full Bloom,” by Tortuga Preserve Elementary School

n PSA/PROMO: “Anti-Bullying PSA,” by Veterans Park Academy for the Arts

Middle School:

n Animation: “Robots in Car Manufacturing,” Oasis Middle School

n Comedy: “The Interview,” by Cypress Lake Middle

School

Lee County Student Film and Television Awards Best in Show projects and winners were “The Missing Phone” by Skyline Elementary School (above); “Robots in Car Manufacturing” by Oasis Middle School and (left) and “Dewey Decimal” by Cypress Lake High School.

PROVIDED

n Documentary: “Jamil’s Journey: Life on a Cruise Ship,” by Oak Hammock Middle

n Instructional Video: “Pecan Pie,” by Lehigh Acres Middle School

n Music Video: “Forever Young,” by Oak Hammock Middle

n News Show: “Lynx News,” by Lexington Middle School

n Promo Video: “The Green Game,” by Oak Hammock Middle School

n PSA: “Anti-Littering PSA:” by Cypress Lake Middle School

n Norm Project PSA: “Don’t Do Drugs,” by Oak Hammock Middle School

n Short Film: “Sticky Notes,” by Oak Middle School

High School:

n Animation: “Mikolas Man,” By Cypress Lake High School

n Comedy: “The Hall Monitory,” by Fort Myers High School

n Documentary: “Does the Real Santa Claus Teach at SFMHS?,” by South Fort Myers High School

n Instructional Video: “How to Media Day,” by Bonita Springs High School

n Music Video: “Dewey Decimal,” by Cypress Lake High School

n News Show: “BBN News Special 2025,” by Bonita Springs High School

n On-Camera Talent: “AJ Leuzzi,” by Bonita Springs High School

n Promo Video: “Little Wave,” by Fort Myers High School

n Norm Project PSA: “Not Interested,” by Cypress Lake High School

n Short Film: “The Chase,” by North Fort Myers High School

n Sports: “Cypress vs. Estero,” by Cypress Lake High School

educaTion

Education BriEfs

Ellison of Cape Coral receives medical doctorate from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

SCRANTON, Pa. — Emily Ellison of Cape Coral was among the 115 members of the class of 2025 received a diploma from Geisinger College of Health Sciences’ School of Medicine at the school’s 13th annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10.

School of Medicine Dean and Geisinger College of Health Sciences President Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, noted with pride that the school’s alumni are particularly dedicated to primary care, an area of medicine that has significant impact of the accessibility of healthcare and the overall well-being of populations. This year, that dedication has even greater significance for communities in northeastern and central Pennsylvania: the class of 2025 is the first class to have a full complement of Abigail Geisinger Scholars.

Geisinger College of Health Sciences was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, the college offers a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine and nursing and faculty and professional development programs.

To learn more, visit geisinger edu/gchs

Cape’s Creus part of UNG’s strong performance at Spartan Ranger Challenge

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — A team of University of North Georgia cadets finished fifth overall and won four out of nine events in the Spartan Ranger Challenge held Feb. 27 to March 1 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The competition included almost 24 hours straight of physical challenges at one point.

UNG’s black team earned event victories in one-rope bridge, hand grenade assault, obstacle course and commander’s challenge. Its gold team also competed at Fort Knox. Black team members included Keila Creus from Cape Coral.

Positioned in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia comprises five campuses united by a single mission focused on academic excellence and academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia.

With more than 19,000 students, the University of North Georgia is one of the state’s largest public universities. The university offers more than 100 programs of study ranging from certificate and associate degrees to doctoral programs.

For more information, visit https://ung.edu/

School Public Relations Association awards

The School District of Lee County has announced its award-winning Communications Department has just been honored again, this time by the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association. The School District was awarded a SUNSPRA Sunshine Gold Medallion Award of Excellence for the 2024 Impact Report and a SUNSPRA Sunshine Gold Medallion Award of Excellence for the 2024 Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan.

The School District was also honored with a Sunshine Medallion Excellence in Communication Radiant Award in the Community Outreach and Public Engagement initiatives category for the 2024 Lee County Student Film and Television Awards.

Both the 2024 Strategic Communications Plan and 2024 Impact report were previously honored with Marcom Awards. The MarCom Awards recognize excellence in marketing and communications and is administered by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals (AMCP). Earlier in the school year, Hurricane Ian - A LeeSchoolsTV Documentary, was honored with a Suncoast Regional EMMY Award.

Visit https://www.leeschools.net

The Breeze

May 16, 2025

Lee Supervisor of Elections announces winners of 8th Annual Arts Vote Contest

Lee County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle recently announced the winners of the 8th Annual Arts Vote Contest:

n Best Artwork: Anabella Novellino — Cypress Lake High School

n Most Original Artwork: Quinnlyn Campbell — Cypress Lake High School

n Most Creative Artwork: Elliot Barroso — North Fort Myers High School

The Lee County Elections Arts Vote contest showcases the artistic talent of local high school students and provides a platform for them to express their creativity while promoting voter participation and civic engagement.

“My staff and I are continually inspired by the ways in which students channel their creativity to express their voices,” said Supervisor Doyle. “We’re proud to acknowledge their talents and to foster a lifelong voting habit.”

‘Coloring

Lee County Elections awarded the winning school and students certificates of appreciation and gift cards for their contributions. The recipient of the Best Artwork category received a $100 gift card, while the Most Original and Most Creative category recipients each received a $75 gift card. As the winning school for Best Artwork, Cypress Lake High School was awarded a $500 check to further support the arts.

The 2024-2025 contest began on Nov. 5, 2024, and ended on March 28, 2025. This year, all Lee County art schools were invited to participate. Supervisor Doyle and staff selected the winners from nine entries: four from Cypress Lake High School, four from North Fort Myers High School, and one from East Lee County High School.

The mission of the Lee County Supervisor of Elections is to deliver superior election services to the voters of Lee County.

the Earth’ 19th Annual Children’s Environmental Art Contest winners announced

The Cape Coral Public Library and the Friends of the Cape Coral Library held an awards ceremony Wednesday, May 14, for the 19th Annual Children’s Environmental Art Contest “Coloring the Earth” at the Cape Coral Public Library. The theme this year is “Let’s Protect Our Mangroves,” currently endangered mainly due to coastal development.

Art entries were viewed and voted on by a jury that included recognized local artists Sharyn Dahn and Kay Foote; Dave Holmes, opinion content manager for The News-Press and Naples Daily News; Kealy Pfau, coastal watch director at Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF); and Monica Rahman, art gallery chair and past president of the Friends of the Cape Coral Library. The Friends of the Cape Coral Library is a local non-profit organization that has generously sponsored the contest since 2006.

With over 300 entries from all over Lee County, the jury had the difficult task of selecting the awarded artwork according to four age categories: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 years old. The 20 winning art entries are on exhibit in the Art Gallery of the Cape Coral Library and will remain on display through June 26.

The winners for this year are:

Category 5-6 years old

1st place: Lincoln Swinto (6), Homeschool

PHOTO PROVIDED

Lincoln Swinto’s winning entry in the 5 to 6-yearold category.

winning entry in the 9 to 10-year-old category.

2nd place: Laila Smolnicka-Dos Santos (6), Heights Elementary

3rd place: Lilliana Martin (5), Good Shepherd

Honorable Mentions: Zoe Bazzali (6), Cape Elementary and Gabriella Fleitis Hancock Creek Elementary Category 7-8 years old

1st place: Aviana Swinto (8) ,Homeschool

2nd place: Viviana Irving (8), Heights Elementary

3rd place: Katherine Quackenbush (7) Cape Elementary

Honorable Mentions: Lucas Speiser (8) and Jackson Frith (8), Heights Elementary Category 9-10 years old

1st place: Alfredo Escobar (10) Hancock Creek Elementary

2nd place: Grayson Kohlmeier (10), Heights Elementary

3rd place: Emilia Ocampo (10), Heights Elementary

Honorable Mentions: Hayleigh Quackenbush (9) Cape Elementary and Loughlin Endrinal (9) ,Heights Elementary Category 11-12 years old

1st place: Emma Blanco (12) Homeschool

2nd place: Mackenzie Sustad (11), Heights Elementary

3rd place: Ashton Cano (11), Heights Elementary

Honorable Mentions: Soleil Cruz (11) and Scarlett Sparks (11), Heights Elementary

The winning artwork will also be featured on the Friends of the Cape Coral Library website www.capefriends.org under the “Art Gallery” tab.

Elliot Barroso

PHOTO PROVIDED

Alfredo Escobar’s

Designs sought for Pace’s Funky Fashion Show fundraiser

By CJ HADDAD Cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

An advocate program that provides programs that help girls and young women thrive is gearing up for its annual fundraising fashion show.

Pace Center for Girls of Lee County has announced the return of the Funky Fashion Show, a high-energy, purpose-driven event hosted by Chico’s. The event takes place on July 15 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Chico’s Corporate Campus, Gralnick Auditorium in Fort Myers.

The Funky Fashion Show is calling on local designers, artists, and creative minds to submit original dress designs made from recycled or repurposed materials. Selected entries will be featured on the runway.

“This is a long-standing event for us, and this year, we’re freshening it up,” said Pace Development Director Margo Brewster. “We’ve got a new location in Fort Myers, and we’re reimagining it incorporating Chicos and fashions.”

Building on the legacy of the beloved “Love That Dress!” event, the Funky Fashion Show brings together fashion, sustainability, and philanthropy in support of at-promise girls throughout Southwest Florida. The event will showcase upcycled and reimagined fashion pieces designed from recycled materials, alongside runway features from Chico’s, White House Black Market, and Soma.

“This has become one of our signature fundraising events, so it’s a huge component of our annual goal and helps us raise close to $50,000 dollars,” Brewster said. “It’s really important for our mission and continuing the work we’re doing.”

In addition to the fashion show, the evening will feature exclusive access to the popular Chico’s Sample Sale, silent auction and raffle prizes, and VIP experiences including champagne table service and swag bags.

“This event celebrates creativity and community while shining a spotlight on the power of second chances—both in fashion and in the lives of the girls we serve,” said Jennifer Cellitti, executive director of Pace Lee. “We’re excited to continue this tradition in a fresh, bold new way.”

Attendees can watch as designers transform recycled

and upcycled materials into stunning, re-imagined dresses, alongside stylish collections from Chico’s, WHBM, and Soma. The highly anticipated Chico’s Sample Sale offers attendees access to incredible deals on high-quality fashion while supporting Pace Center for Girls.

Past “funky” designs have included dresses made of used dog and cat food bags, corks, palm fronds, and other unique items.

“It blows us away every year,” Brewster said. “We usually have up to 15 ‘funky’ dresses submitted each year. Everybody gets to vote on their favorites.”

Brewster said the event is great for individuals of any

age, those who enjoy fashion, businesses that want to get their name out.

“If you’re passionate about helping young girls, education, mental health, this is a great event,” she said, Founded in 1985, Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need.

Brewster said over the last five years or so, the need in the local community has grown due to the pandemic, hurricanes, and just overall struggles with mental health.

“These girls are facing daily challenges, whether it’s social media or anything that they’re seeing, it’s really had an impact on mental health needs,” she said. “Suicidal ideation has skyrocketed. Over half of our girls have reported experiencing that. Mental health needs have really grown over the last five years.”

Girls can be referred to Pace by school counselors, parents, siblings, and other means. Pace is a volunteer program.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available, including the Fashionista Sponsor at $5,000, VIP Table sponsorship at $2,000, and a table for six at $750. All sponsorships include a table for six and an optional dress entry at no additional cost. Fashionista and VIP Table sponsorships include access to the Chico’s Sample Sale and champagne table service. Individual VIP tickets are available for $150 and General Admission tickets are available for $75 each.

For those entering the competition, dress entries are $100 which includes admission for the model and one guest.

Those interested in dress submissions should reach out to Pace by the end of June.

To learn more, submit dress submissions, purchase tickets, or become a sponsor, visit www.pacecenter.org/ funkyfashionshow or call 239-425-2366.

Summer reading at the library: Color Our World

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

The Lee County Library System’s Summer Reading Program kicks off at the end of May and runs through August to keep kids reading during their break from school.

Lee County Library System Programming & Community Outreach Manager Melissa Baker said this year’s Summer Reading Program’s theme is Color Our World. She said the library supports creativity all the time, so they wanted to lean heavily on the theme this year.

Last year more than 800,000 minutes were read from school age to adults during the Summer Reading Program.

Among reasons they offer the Summer Reading Program is to cut down or eliminate the “summer slide,” Baker said.

Summer slide is leanring loss in between school years.

“We don’t like that summer slide we hear about. It’s a fun way to engage readers and keep them learning without realizing they are still learning,” she said. “At the end of the day we want to create memorable happy experiences for all of our patrons during the summertime.”

The Summer Reading Program is available both through READsquared, an app for an online reading challenge that can be downloaded, or through a printed activity and coloring sheet that can be picked up in a library branch.

The printed coloring sheet depicts an artist palette with paint brushes, splotches, and tubes. Baker said every hour read, every challenge completed enables the participant to color in one part of the picture.

Some of the challenges include checking out a picture book, or graphic novel, eating a meal of at least five different colors, brighten someone’s day with a compliment, and go green and take a nature walk.

She said she is excited about the coloring sheet portion of the Summer Reading Program, as the libraries will have them all displayed once the kids have completed them.

“It’s a nice way to visually showcase all the readers this year,” Baker said.

The app-based reading challenge also offers fun, colorful activities. She said it is everything from watching anime, making your own cartoon, writing a poem with each stanza spelling out color to finger painting, going on a color hunt and finding all the colors of the rainbow.

“We are leaning on the colorful theme, and reading is always happening too. When you complete the missions, you get points for those missions,” Baker said of the READsquared app.

As with every other summer reading program, every child and teen will receive a free book, all new books of their choosing.

“Last year we gave away more than 13,000 books to kids and teens,” she said.

The summer reading kickoff will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd. The kickoff will include face painting with Krafty Katey and music by Shawn Paris, as well as so much more.

The kickoff party for North Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 N. Tamiami Trail, will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 4. The party will include foam, crafts, and free books.

The Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, 921 SW 39th Terrace, will hold its kickoff party from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 5. The celebration will include special meet and greets with the Tower Princess and Way Too Tall Torrie.

Another fun component of the summer reading program are the various programs, fun, free events, happening at all the branches. Baker said they had more than 450 programs last year with more than 15,000 people attending.

The programs run for six weeks for birth to preschool, kids and teens featuring a good amount of art presenters, as well a mix of other fun offerings.

“We mix it up. We have a lot of fun with all the programs,” Baker said.

One of the programs – Professor Universe: Found in the Stars – offers a fun, playful and interactive experience while exploring the wonders of space through stars, blackholes, color changing light and energy.

Another program, JiggleMan, offers a humorous show with leaf blowers, physical feats that defy gravity, juggling, giant suits, music and much more.

Other fun programs include Bunny Yoga and Mindfulness, Art with Ocasiocasa, Ranger Rob: Amazing Adaptations, Create with Art Lab, Baby Picasso and Let it Flow with a Glow, Acrylic Pour Painting.

The pre-k programs run at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays,

kids at 2 p.m. Thursdays, and teens at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays. Baker encourages individuals to visit www.leelibrary.com/ summer for a full listing of programs.

The Summer Reading Program runs from June 2, through Aug. 2.

Everyone who enters the Summer Reading Program has a chance to win a prize for their age group – Pre-K (birth to 5 years), children (6-11 years), teens (12-18 years) and adults (18 and older).

“Every branch has a prize drawing to do at the end of the summer,” Baker said.

The baskets include such items as art supplies and a

plethora of new books.

The Summer Reading Program also offers a program for teens, Summer of Service, a virtual series of programs that offers community service hours.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn how to give back to the community,” Baker said of the program that is limited to 100 participants.

The registration opened on May 1.

There are also other volunteer opportunities for teens available at the library.

Oasis Charter School student enrollment process discussed

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

The Charter School Authority Governing Board asked staff to further clarify enrollment preferences Tuesday.

The board specifically had questions related to a section of Chapter 26 of the City of Cape Coral’s code of ordinances.

Jackie Collins, superintendent of the municipal charter school system, explained that if a student gets into the Oasis Charter School system, they are guaranteed a seat through graduation.

“Once you are in, you are in, and your seat is reserved. You don’t have to apply to get into middle, or high school. We will make room for you,” she said.

There are other preferences that are part

“Once you are in, you are in, and your seat is reserved. You don’t have to apply to get into middle, or high school. We will make room for you.”

—

Jackie Collins, superintendent of the municipal charter school system,

of 26-4, which include having a sibling in the system, a parent working in the system, governing board member’s child, active military personnel, and AICE student in high school.

“All eligible students receive preference,” Collins said.

Board Chair Kristifer Jackson said they did open things up and made it very specific for the students that they wanted to

matriculate into high school.

Collins said they receive a lot of awards for their high school AICE program, a prestigious program.

The board has some questions on how the preferences are ordered.

Collins said that if they hire a firstgrade teacher, they receive an automatic preference for their child into the system, an active military dependent is also auto-

matically enrolled.

She said the preference also depends on the date of an application, the record of when they received the application.

“When the seat comes up, you are awarded the seat,” Collins said. “We do a lottery when entering kindergarten, sixth, and ninth grade.”

She said they typically ask a family if they want to stay on the waiting list for the following year.

The ordinance revision was tabled until the next meeting for further clarity on how they are going to order the preferences and lottery system.

Terms and board members, and adoption of resolutions was also tabled until the next meeting, scheduled for June 24.

Oasis wellness plan lets students select healthy meal items

By Meghan Bradbury news@breezenewspapers.com

The Charter School Authority Governing Board approved the Wellness Policy report Tuesday, which brought some light to its “Joe Donation” account for student meals.

Jackie Collins, superintendent of the city of Cape Coral’s municipal charter school system, said they do not plan to make any changes to their Wellness Policy, which has strict meal requirements and monitors calories and sodium ranges for all meals.

With that said, she said, they continue to face challenges regarding supply chain issues and food costs.

Oasis Charter Schools provides an offer, verses a serve, option. Students go through the food line where they are offered each item.

“If they decide not to take one, they can turn it down. It saves significantly on food waste,” she said. “Some of our foods are not great and there are better versions of other

things than others.”

Collins said they have a mandated student unpaid meals policy. She said if an account goes into negative, a student can charge two full meals, and two additional meals with main dish items and milk before a sandwich option is provided.

The school set up a “Joe Donation” account, which is funded through such areas as money left in accounts at the end of the year being rolled into the donation fund, rather than the following year, a graduating senior donating the remaining funds into the account, students moving from one school to the next, or parents making straight donations to the fund.

“If a child is low, or doesn’t have any money in their account, (food service leads) pulls out money from the Joe account. That is used regularly when accounts go low. Some parents just come in and donate to anyone who needs a meal. They are usually very well maintained,”

Collins said. “They are getting full meals because of the Joe Donation account.”

Board Chair Kristifer Jackson said for some reason he can never quite let go that if a student does not have money in their account, they are given a sandwich. He asked if some safeguard can be put into place for the Joe Donation account.

“We can address it to a certain extent. It never really seems to get extreme,” Collins said.

She said they also have an excess tray for those students that picked up an item, but ended up not wanting it, can put it on the overflow shelf, so someone else can pick it for free.

Collins said there are also surveys provided for the students, which helps give students a choice.

In addition to food, the charter system also promotes physical education, as well as activities that promote being physical.

Iguana eradication: Public or private problem?

Cape Council holds discussion on invasive reptiles

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council began a conversation about iguanas, and what can be done, if anything, to address issues residents are having with the invasive reptiles.

Councilmember Keith Long said there are invasive species everywhere and there is not much the city can do.

There was discussion about adding iguanas to the city’s code, specifically as an invasive species.

“There are iguana hunters out there,” Councilmember Rachel Kaduk said, adding that Sanibel captures 500 iguanas a day.

Mayor John Gunter said iguanas are a nuisance issue and, in his opinion, the city should not use tax dollars to take care of a nuisance problem. He said it is an issue for the residents to combat.

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said what he has been

asked to explore is seeing if they can tie iguanas to some type of public nuisance and health and sanitation issue.

“That is where we are exploring,” he said.

Ilczyszyn said maybe the city could have a roundup where there is a prize, similar to what the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission does in the Everglades.

“They provide ways for a bunch of people to come in and get as many out as they can to bend the curve,” he said. “We have only been discussing it for a couple of weeks. We haven’t called FWC yet.”

Ilczyszyn said you can forget about having one trapper in a city of 120 square miles to capture an entire species and eradicate it.

Long said it is not the city’s business to eradicate the iguanas.

School: Hector A. Cafferata Jr. was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian

From page 1

walls. After a full assessment, it became clear that the school was destroyed.”

Weeks after the storm, students were welcomed back to classes, but split between two campuses, before a temporary campus was erected safely with portables behind Cape Coral Technical College.

“Our students continue to learn today. The campus is not ideal, there is limited space, and fewer amenities than other schools, but thanks to the incredible leadership of Principal (Dr. Jason) Kurtz and dedication of his staff – the heart and spirit of Hector A. Cafferata is even stronger today,” Fisher said. “Now there is a light at the end of the tunnel – a brand-new state-of-the-art K-8 school that will open in August 2026.”

Following his speech, School Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin spoke, as did Hector A. Cafferata’s granddaughter Jessica Cafferata, who traveled from Texas to attend the ceremony, and Kurtz, which was followed by a performance from the school’s honor choir, who sang “Bright Happy Day.”

Carlin spoke about the school’s history, which began at the original dedication in 2006.

“One of the speakers was none other than Hector A. Cafferata. He was honored thanks to the efforts of a director at the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. At the time it was the only school in Lee County named after a living person,” she said. “Hector Cafferata’s story is absolutely remarkable. He was awarded the Medal

of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during a 10-day battle in the Korean War. He fought under freezing conditions, alone, armed with grenades, and a rifle. He defended a gap, a critical gap in the American lines preventing an enemy breakthrough.”

Carlin said the original school proudly displayed his Medal of Honor and, after Hurricane Ian, it was the first item recovered during a special retrieval mission.

“That medal will once again be proudly displayed in this wonderful new school,” she said.

Carlin said the school is a project that represents a new and innovative chapter, as it is a public, private partnership. She said it brings together public entities and private companies to collaboratively design, finance, construct, and manage the new school.

“It is officially underway, and it will be delivered on-time and under budget,” Carlin said.

Cafferata began her speech by sharing that her grandpa, originally from Peru, would be very honored that the school is being rebuilt. She said her grandpa never considered himself as a hero, but the school district is as students are forever impacted by the actions they set into place by rebuilding.

“You shape lives, and your impact translates through generations. Your impact started 17 years ago with the first groundbreaking,” Cafferata said. “America is the land of opportunity and education

Preserve: No consensus for effort

From page 1

ting together a list of options from the least to the costliest for possible sites to replace the acreage the city reclassified at Yellow Fever Creek Preserve.

Options ranged from looking at city property that may have elements of becoming a preserve to land purchases.

Many Council members shared their sentiments that they thought staff would bring options and addresses of potential sites to Council during the workshop.

“I thought we were actually going to go through designated potential locations,” Nelson-Lastra said.

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said he apologized if there was miscommunication. He said he asked staff to come up with different options in ways they could accomplish the request — some costly, less costly, easier, and harder options. From there, Ilczyszyn said they would find out

if there was a Council consensus to move forward.

“Then if we are going to replace it, here is the options in which we can do that,” he said. “If there is five (votes) for a specific one, then we can develop specific parcels. It’s efficient for my staff to have a majority before we move forward.”

A council majority expressed disinterest in finding 14.2 acres somewhere else in the city.

“I would not be in favor of taking this down the rabbit hole anymore,”

Councilmember Bill Steinke said.

Nelson-Lastra said the exercise was unfortunate and kind of a waste of time.

“To do things all the same way all the time doesn’t mean we can have innovation and different thought processes,” she said. “It’s a new day, and a new generation of people.”

leads the way.”

She said she cannot help but think of how many Marines might have died without her grandfather’s actions during the war.

“It is impossible to say – 11,000 Marines would have been trapped,” Cafferata said. “His actions reach countless lives, and he remained humble despite heroism.”

Kurtz was the final speaker. He said every morning on the news, the slogan “Don’t Forget to Smile Freely Today,” is shared.

“Sept. 28, 2022, is forever a day cemented in our minds,” he said, as the day Iran made landfall left students and staff homeless. “It isn’t a story about loss. It’s

a testament of resilience and strength. Our students, our families, and our staff have demonstrated a collective resilience. They demonstrated a school is not defined by a building, but the people who are part of the family.”

Kurtz said at the very same time a new school is being constructed, a ship for the United States Navy is also being created –USS Hector A. Cafferata Jr.

“Both our school building and the ship are rising at the same time. We are here to demonstrate our fortitude and perseverance, much like the late Cafferata did,” he said.

The new K-8 school is being constructed at 214 NW 20th Ave.

Iguana

Safe Boating Week: Drowning leading cause of death in boat accidents

From page 1

Headquarters in the Cocohatchee River Park, a state park in Naples.

Members will conduct boating safety classes, exhibit mobile Communications Command Center at area locations, and patrol the area from the skies, all in the name of ensuring safe fun on the water.

According to the most recent data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in 2023, Florida reported 659 boating accidents, resulting in 59 fatalities and 408 injuries.

Florida leads the nation in boating accidents and deaths. The most frequent cause of death in Florida boating accidents is drowning.

National Safe Boating Week serves as a reminder for all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

“We’re committed to teaching boaters that the best boating experience is a safe day on the water,” said Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, in a release. “The NSBC is a nonprofit dedicated to helping create a safe boating experience for all boaters and the lead organization of the Safe Boating Campaign. “This National Safe Boating Week, prepare for a great boating season by inspecting your boating safety gear and commit to providing comfortable life jackets for all your passengers to wear every time you go boating.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities, and that 87% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

There are various options for boaters when it comes to selecting a life jacket, such as ensuring it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and fits properly.

“The best life jacket is the one you will wear,” said Phillips. “Whether you’re going fishing or just enjoying a ride on the boat, make sure you’re prepared for the adventure by wearing a life jacket and knowing how to use required safety gear.”

The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters:

∫ Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.

“The best life jacket is the one you will wear. Whether you’re going fishing or just enjoying a ride on the boat, make sure you’re prepared for the adventure by wearing a life jacket and knowing how to use required safety gear.”

— Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council

∫ Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.

∫ Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board before you leave the dock.

∫ Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.

∫ Use an engine cut-off switch – it’s the law. An engine cut-off switch is a proven safety device to stop a powerboat engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.

∫ Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.

∫ Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating incidents in 2022 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.

∫ Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones, and always travel at a safe speed.

∫ Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.

∫ Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.

Established in 1958, the National Safe Boating Council is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training.

For more information about NSBC programs and professional development opportunities, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Life Jackets

Taking a few minutes for a simple life jacket inspection now, at the beginning of summer boating season, can help put all uncertainties at ease. The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation offers the following life jacket inspection tips for National Safe Boating Week:

∫ Check all hardware and straps. They should be in good shape, firmly attached and in working order. Heavily oxidized buckles, worn strapping or loose stitching mean it could be time for replacement.

∫ Ensure that there are no rips or tears or punctures in the fabric. If you can see any encapsulated floatation material inside between the life jacket’s fabric’s inner and outer layers, it’s time to replace. You also don’t want any lumpy

or hardened buoyancy material, oil saturation, or mildew, all of which weaken fabric.

∫ Make sure that the label stating U.S. Coast Guard approval is attached and that it is readable. This may also help a potential on-water boating safety check as law enforcement will know you’ve done the right thing by having a right-sized life jacket, especially for the kids.

∫ Got any extras attached to the life jacket? Test any strobes or personal locator beacons, and verify battery expiration dates and replace if needed.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating.

Funded primarily by donations from the more than 725,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways, and keeping boating safe for all.

A range of safe and clean boating courses — including the nation’s only free online boating safety course — can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.

Knowing the forecast Olympic sailor and two-time America’s Cup winner Jon Bilger isn’t just a tech innovator, his decades of firsthand experience with unpredictable waters drive his commitment to empowering safer navigation for all through advanced weather forecasting tech.

Bilger, founder of PridictWind, shared some safety tips as National Safe Boating Week approaches.

“Understanding the unique and dynamic nature of marine weather is crucial,” Bilger said. “Unlike general forecasts, pay attention to localized effects like sea breezes and coastal influences, as well as the interaction of wind and currents. Utilize tools...to access high-resolution models for a more accurate picture of your specific area, focusing on wind direction and strength at different heights, wave conditions, and the impact of local geography.”

Bilger also shared some key indicators and how to avoid commas mistakes.

“A common mistake is to rely on outdated forecasts or neglect continuous monitoring, as weather at sea can change rapidly,” he said. “Don’t be fooled by blue skies ahead, it’s dangerous to assume that current calm conditions will last. The key is to be vigilant, use all available resources, and always err on the side of caution by adjusting your plans based on evolving weather information.”

Bilger’s PredictWind offers extreme weather alerts, which can help provide real-time mobile notifications of hazards to enable quick action.

Real Estate Law | Problem arises with sale when buyer nixes furniture purchase

Dear Mr. Feichthaler,

I have decided to sell my Cape Coral home and head up north to be near the grandkids. I am selling my home furnished. My Realtor said I should have a separate agreement for the furniture, so I wouldn’t have to pay documentary stamps on them. So, there is a contract to sell the home, and a separate contract to sell the furniture.

Real Estate Law

Closing day is coming up Monday, and the buyers say they changed their mind and don’t want the furniture. Not only will I not get the money for it, they say I need to move it all out by Monday. I don’t have any need for this furniture, and have nowhere to put it. Can I cancel the sale over this and find a new buyer?

-Lonnie T.

Dear Lonnie:

The standard Florida real estate contract typically addresses personal property to be included in the sale. Since these items are not part of the real property, documentary stamps do not apply to the sale of it. How-ever, if the personal property is wrapped into the sales price, it is all taxable at .7%.

Some sellers, like you, elect to have a separate agreement covering sale of furniture and other personal property to save some money on these taxes. Your issue will turn on a key question — do both agreements state they are contingent on the other occurring? That is, that you would not be required to sell the home if they do not come through on the furniture. From my experience, most sellers and Realtors do not consider this prior to preparing contracts, and that they are two separate, independent contracts. There is the potential to argue that it was implied they were contingent on each other, but that argument will be in court.

Assuming the agreements do not reference each other, it is likely the sale must still go through and you vacate by the closing date, pursuant to the real estate contract. However, you would have an action for breach of contract of the personal property sale. Hopefully, that separate agreement provided for prevailing party attorney’s fees, along with other remedies, because you could be out quite a bit of money pursuing legal action against your buyer.

Putting my Circuit Civil Mediator cap on, I would work through your Realtor to try to work out a compromise with the buyers. If they don’t have the funds, perhaps they will agree to have you hold a mortgage and they pay you back over time. There are other options to consider as well, and I wish you the best in navigating this issue with your buyer and Realtor.

Editor’s note: This column ran previously in The Breeze on May 3, 2024.

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.

Eric P. Feichthaler

207-318-5283

Marie@NHSouthPointe.com 4720 SE 15th Ave, Suite 204, Cape Coral, FL 33904

Homeowners make many notable decisions when designing their home interiors, with some choices proving bolder than others. The decision to decorate with neutral colors might not be the boldest move homeowners can make, but there are numerous reasons to stay neutral with a color scheme.

· Versatility: Neutral colors afford homeowners endless opportunities to play around with textures, patterns, furnishings, and more. For example, a neutral color on a living room wall can ensure a boldly colored couch or chair won’t contrast with its surroundings. In fact, there’s no end to the options homeowners have to customize the look of a room with bold features or furnishings when neutral colors feature prominently in the space.

· Flexibility: Neutral colors are more flexible than bolder alternatives because they likely won’t require a complete overhaul of a room when homeowners want to spice things up with new features and furnishings. That flexibility will be appreciated by homeowners who every so often like to experiment with a new vibe or look in their homes.

· Trendy: Neutral colors are not as vulnerable to trends as other design choices. In fact, neutral colors are effectively their own trend and won’t get in the way of homeowners who want to change things up. But unlike other trends that must be replaced when homeowners grow tired of them, neutral colors can remain thanks to their compatibility with so many styles.

· Tranquility: Homes are often characterized as their owners’ private sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle that goes on outside those walls, and neutral colors are often lauded for the tranquil vibe they help to create in a space. Neutral colors are soft, and that can lend a serene and calming atmosphere to the interior spaces of a home.

· Brightness: Neutral colors are lighter in tone and thus pair well with natural light. That mixture can amplify brightness within a home and give it an uplifting vibe that residents and guests alike will appreciate.

Neutral colors are not bold, but the benefits they provide open doors to an array of design styles and decor choices that enable homeowners to go in various directions with the interior spaces in their homes.

Chasing the market lower as sales prices decline

Generally speaking, based on the data we track and based on what we are seeing day to day from working with various buyers and sellers, along with what we are hearing from other Realtors, it seems most homes coming onto the market as new listings tend to be overpriced in the eyes of potential buyers. The data verifies this from the large number of homes that end up making price reductions in order to attract showing appointments and to ultimately receive an offer from a buyer. Some of these price reductions end up being quite substantial, as a lot of sellers chase the market lower. However, there are some homes that come onto the market and go under contract with buyers without having to reduce their list price, but they are the exceptions to the rule. And even when a seller does not need to make any price reductions to attract a buyer, most of the time the final sales price will be for less than the list price, as in our current market very few homes are selling at their full initial list prices.

For those of you who have been paying attention, this should come as no surprise, as we have been discussing the negative shift in our market for sellers for almost three years now. We started to see a change in buyer attitudes several months after the Federal Reserve launched its war on inflation back in March 2022, which led to the fastest rise in interest rates in history. It was as if someone flipped a switch in our housing market as the post-COVID era boom and bidding wars screeched to a halt, and buyers suddenly started making offers below the list price, all but stunning would-be sellers who could not believe they missed out on the market boom. The shift to this new market phase was abrupt, as the number of closed home sales in the Cape plunged by 23% in a single month from June to July 2022, which was well before Hurricane Ian added to the misery in our market.

The local and national media have started to pile onto the growing problems in the real estate market with more than their fair share of sensational headlines. For example, on May 6, in a New York Post article written by Emily Davis, the headline blared, “Florida’s COVID-era housing boom is over – biggest decline in prices in more than a decade.” Back on April 21, a Newsweek article written by Giulia Carbonaro, titled “Florida residents struggling to sell their homes – not getting any showings,” pointed out that “home sales are plunging across cities in Southwest Florida.” The article noted, “The median sale price of homes is finally falling as growing inventory struggles to find buyers.” This is not new news.

Last week we pointed out that the median sales price in the overall Cape Coral single-family home market hit its all-time single month record high of $470,000 back in April 2022, and in April of this year it was at $375,000 for a decline of 20.2%. If we look back to one year ago in April 2024, the median home sales price was $415,000. So the Cape’s median home sales price this April is down $40,000 or 9.6% from last year. This is why a decent number of homebuyers are finding some great values in the Cape right now. At the same time, if we look back to April 2020, before the market boom, the median sales price in the Cape was $250,000. So our median home sales price is still up 50% in the last five years, which is part of the reason why some potential buyers are sitting on the sidelines hoping for home prices to collapse. However, if someone has the desire to buy a home now, prices are down.

market lower, to get his list price down to $428,000 on March 17 of this year, and his home went under contract with a buyer on March 26, before closing the sale at $428,000 on May 7. The seller also made an additional $16,000 in concessions to the buyer, most likely for repairs, so he ended up at $412,000 before paying commissions, title costs, doc stamps and settlement costs.

Current active listings and pending sales

As of Tuesday, May 13, there were 3,278 Cape Coral single-family homes listed for sale in the MLS at prices ranging from $180,000 for a partially built home to $6.985 million, with the median list price coming in at $480,000. New and newer construction homes built in 2020 through 2025 made up 38.9% of the current number of active home listings, creating a lot of additional competition for homeowners trying to sell older existing homes in the Cape. The number of currently active home listings is down 6.9% from “this season’s” peak of 3,520 homes on the market on Feb. 24, but up 7.7% from the 3,044 homes on the market on Jan. 1 of this year. There are currently an additional 38 “distressed” homes on the market, listed as either short sales or foreclosures, compared to only 20 such homes back on Jan. 1. About one year ago on May 14, 2024, there were a total of 2,760 single-family homes listed for sale through the MLS in the Cape at prices ranging from $244,900 to $7.7 million, and the median list price was at $499,000. There were only eight additional distressed homes on the market listed as short sales or foreclosures a year ago.

There were a total of 741 Cape Coral single-family homes in the pending sales pipeline on Tuesday, May 13, at prices ranging from $159,900 for a fire damaged home to $4.759 million, and the current median pending homes sales price came in at $379,875. New and newer construction homes built in 2020 through 2025 made up a total of 41.3% of the Cape’s current pending home sales. The current number of 741 pending home sales is down a bit from this “season’s” high of 789 pending sales on April 17, while continuing to maintain the 700-plus pending home sales level since Feb. 20 of this year. We began this year with 378 pending sales in the pipeline on Jan. 1, so we have had a solid season for home sales. However, we have also consistently tracked below last year’s seasonal levels as illustrated by the 868 pending home sales that were in the pipeline back on May 14, 2024. At that time, our pending home sales prices ranged from $199,900 to $3.799 million and the median pending sales price in the Cape came in at $399,900. So we have continued to see a slow and steady deterioration in home prices.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of May 13, 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.

To give you an example of what the market has been like for some sellers, about a year we mentioned a situation we came across where a Cape Coral homeowner called us in March 2024 asking our opinion about his home. He told us he had listed his home for sale in December 2023 with a Realtor who was a golfing buddy of his, and it had been listed for sale in the MLS for 90 days and he had yet to have a single showing appointment scheduled by a buyer’s agent. As soon as we looked up the information about his home, it was obvious to us that most buyers would not be interested in buying it because of its location, so the potential pool of interested buyers was going to be limited, at best. His initial list price was $579,000 and he had made one small 0.7% price reduction to $575,000 at the time he called us. We discussed the fact that the market dynamics had changed dramatically because of the substantially higher interest rates and the rapidly increasing number of homes being listed for sale in the Cape. Based on those facts, combined with his location not being ideal to most buyers, and the fact he had not had any showings after 90 days on the market, it indicated that his home was probably overpriced by at least 5%, and possibly by 10% or more. He mumbled something to the effect that he was not going to give his home away and that we must be crazy, so we wished him well and parted ways on friendly terms.

We noticed that over time he gradually reduced his list price, chasing the

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PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Editorial: We are the solution — Spay. Neuter. Adopt, don’t shop.

From page 4

The county department says most of its intakes have what could be called a positive outcome. A handful are claimed by their owners. Some are brought to the agency as trap-neuter-release strays and they are treated and released back to their colony location. Many are transferred to various rescues. Some are fostered while others are adopted into their “forever” home, a best-case scenario.

But for many — far too many — a trip to the shelter is a death sentence.

From page 4

The answer — the core answer — is to spay or neuter all pets we have. That is wholly on every pet parent.

The procedure is low-cost and readily available, including clinics at Lee County Domestic Animal Services and the Cape Coral Animal Shelter.

But back to kitten season still being in “full swing.”

Fosters are much-needed for the unweaned kittens being brought to the county’s facility.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services

Options three and four focus on restoration to FEMA base flood elevations and aggressive shoreline restoration and flood management. These options conceive of a Matlacha with permanent structures elevated to current elevation requirements and permanent protection against the FEMA 100-year flood event by state-of-the-art seawalls with nature based shoreline enhancements.

The ingenuity and professionalism of this plan is a real breakthrough for the restoration of Matlacha, and builds on the renderings I circulated after Hurricane Ian of a permanently raised “block one” where we look to the re-opening of Bert’s Bar and other Matlacha icons. I look forward to circulating the FIBER plan in the community.

I am also excited that Mr. Danley of Lee County and Mr. Andrews of FDOT were at the meeting. Already numerous property owners are raising their homes or building new homes to FEMA standards. Many are hoping for assistance from Elevate Florida: Florida Department of Emergency Management Residential Mitigation Program. J. Michael Hannon Matlacha

Maintaining your mailbox helps ensure reliable mail delivery

To the editor:

Each year, the U.S. Postal Service sets aside the third week of May as Mailbox Improvement Week, a time when we encourage customers to inspect and repair their mailboxes to ensure reliable mail delivery.

Guest Commentary:

From page 7

five Americans will be a senior. If we fail to act, we risk leaving millions of older adults without meals, support, and care.

A Call to Action: Fund programs for older adults and caregivers

If we genuinely want to Make America Healthy Again, we must prioritize the health and independence of older adults and their caregivers. Congress must act now to keep the Older Americans Act together and ensure full funding for vital services. We also need to call on state and local leaders to support AAAs, which continue to serve their communities despite funding shortfalls.

America’s strength is measured not just by its economy or military but by how it treats its most vulnerable. The Older Americans Act is a proven investment in dignity, health, and economic stability. Let us not turn our backs on the very people who built this nation. Fund Older Americans Act and other essential programs for older adults and caregivers now — ensuring they can age with dignity, independence, and security.

— Maricela Morado is the president and CEO of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, the Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Center for Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hendry, Glades, Lee and Sarasota Counties - whose mission is to connect older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity. She is part of the Florida Area Agency on Aging Association (F4A) and member of USAging, the national organization that supports all 600-plus Area Agencies in the United States.

will hold an event this weekend to ease the strain.

“Feline Foster Frenzy” will be held from 9- 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the shelter at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers

The feline foster event is for nursing cats and underage kittens.

Supplies will be provided to all new fosters.

Animal Services also has a shelter full of “adorable adult cats and kittens” ready for homes and you can bring one home, vetted and already spayed or neutered, for

Letters to the editor

Mailboxes, like any other part of your home, need routine care. We encourage homeowners to take a few minutes this month to check for common wear and tear: tighten loose hinges, repaint rusted surfaces, remount leaning posts, and replace missing house numbers. These small actions help ensure your mail is delivered efficiently and securely.

A well-maintained mailbox also helps to prevent mail theft. Securing your mailbox and promptly picking up your mail are simple but powerful steps to prevent mail theft and keep our community safe.

Additionally, the Postal Service is expanding the reach

Difficulty: SILVER

free. Adoption fees are waived through June 30 with an approved application.

For more information about fostering or adoption, visit LeeLostPets.com or check out the Cape Coral Animal Shelter at capecoralanimalshelter.com

And please: Spay. Neuter. Adopt, don’t shop.

Together, we can make “kitten season” a thing of the past.

— Breeze editorial

and impact of your mailbox through Informed Delivery, a free service that lets you preview your incoming mail and packages via email, adding an extra layer of awareness and peace of mind. We appreciate your support in helping us protect your mail and maintain a high standard of service. Thank you for doing your part during Mailbox Improvement Week— and every week!

SUDOKU SHEFFER CROSSWORD

James Chambers Postmaster, Fort Myers Post Offices

SporTS

It’s tough to be a Southwest Florida angler this time of year. I like trout and ultra-lite fishing and the trout have been bigger than normal this year. With the same gear I could fish pompano and whiting around the passes and have a great chance at Spanish macs in the same vicinity. Maybe up the gear and fish the passes and the beaches for arriving snook or mangrove points and docks on the way to the beaches as not all snook have arrived yet but, they are catching some really big females now.

May 16, 2025

Stay dry and learn smart: paddle sports safety demo set for Saturday

May fishing is outstanding around Southwest Florida Free family event to be hosted by

Uncle Fred from Kansas said he wanted to pull on something big when they come down. Break out the bucket of rope and let him hand line a Tesla-sized goliath grouper over at the Sanibel Causeway? That should cure him pretty quickly and give him something to brag about for the next 10 years. Too many choices!

Since we’ve got various sized redfish in the surf, on both sides of Charlotte Harbor or east into the back country, maybe pick a low tide period and try a little sight fishing from the poling platform. Another opposite but hot option would be going out to the 100 to 140-foot zone for some outstanding bottom fishing for various grouper, snapper, grunts, Spanish macs and kingfish. Might even encounter some dolphin or even a school of sailfish that far out. What to do?

There’s no question that it’s tarpon time with the most consistent action taking place at Boca Grande Pass using crabs and fishing the 3 a.m. to just after sun-up shift for best action and less crowds. After jumping a few tarpon, maybe Fred could break in my new stand-up harness rig while further upping his bragging game and try for a monster hammerhead that could eat a goliath grouper or at least several tarpon snacks each week.

Yes, welcome to outstanding May fishing here in Southwest Florida where the hardest thing to do is to choose what to fish for. What a terrible problem! Nearly unlimited species to pursue, using the tackle and technique of your choice, calm seas and great weather makes Cape Coral the place to be. As a bonus, less folks on the water and boat ramps and restaurants less crowded, as many of our dear neighbors have headed home. I like it!

If choosing to fish Boca for tarpon with bait, the FWC recommends using non-stainless, non-offset, barb-

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Curious about kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Lee County? Want to learn how to stay safe on the water—without getting wet? Join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for a Paddle Sports Safety Demonstration this Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Fort Myers Aquatic Center, located in Sam Fleishman Regional Park, 1750 Matthew Drive, Fort Myers.

This free, dry-land-friendly event features live safety demonstrations conducted by trained Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors in the pool—while you watch safely from poolside.

Attendees will learn:

∫ How to properly fit and wear a life jacket

∫ Safe launching and paddling techniques

∫ How to recognize hazards and avoid getting lost

∫ How to call for help in an emergency

∫ Basic self-rescue and re-entry techniques (demonstrated by instructors)

∫ How to follow local and federal paddlecraft regulations

“This event emphasizes the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s

dedication to public safety and education,” said Flotilla 91, Fort Myers Beach Commander Robert Guenthner, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. “As paddle sports continue to grow in popularity, it’s essential to equip our community with the tools and knowledge to stay safe on the water.”

In-water demonstrations will be led by Donna Hornsby, Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 94 (Franklin Lock) and a certified instructor with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Paddlecraft Program (AUXPAD).

Visitors can chat with certified vessel safety examiners, take home free boating safety resources, and register their paddlecraft with the Auxiliary’s Paddlecraft ID Program— no paddling required.

Admission is free and no registration is necessary to attend. Open to all ages – children must be accompanied by an adult.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed, all-volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. The Auxiliary was created by an Act of Congress in 1939, and has grown to over 32,000 members who daily support the Coast Guard in all its non-military, and non-law-enforcement missions. The auxiliary has members and units in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam. To learn more, please visitwww.cgaux. org.

Voting begins for Breeze Athlete of the Month for May

Breeze Staff Report

news@breezenewspapers.com

Even with the school year winding down, there were a number of top performances from student-athletes in The Breeze coverage area during the early parts of May and now it’s up to readers to decide who will earn top honors for the month.

Nominees for May include:

n Gabi Winters, sophomore, Mariner Tritons: Winters tossed a no-hitter facing just one batter over the minimum and striking out 18 against North Port. She also went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. At the time the standout ranked 11th nationally in strikeouts with 276, according to MaxPreps, and had an era of 1.60.

n Grady Schwiezer, senior, Island Coast Gators: Schwiezer pitched a complete game shutout in a 1-0 win over Osceola in the state playoffs, allowing just five hits while striking out eight with zero walks. He also drove in a run in the next game to help Island Coast advance in the playoffs.

n Jazlyn Forbes, junior, Oasis Sharks: Forbes took home a pair of 2A-3 Regional Championships, finishing

first in the 3200 with a time of 10:49.57, winning by almost 35 seconds. She also won the 1600 with a time of 5:05.28

n Khalid Bourne, senior, North Fort Myers Red Knights: Bourne was the 3A-3 Regional Track and Field Champion in the high jump with a mark of 1.92 meters.

n Mia Lane, senior, North Fort Myers Red Knights: Lane drove in six runs for the Red Knights in a 7-6 win over Gaither in a 5A Softball Regional quarterfinal game. She had a pair of extra base hits, including a home run. She is second on the team this year in RBI with 31 and has a batting average of .434.

n Ryan Peterson, senior, Bishop Verot Vikings: Peterson took home the Class 2A Track & Field title in the discus with a toss of 52.48 meters, nearly half a meter better than the second place finisher. The throw was a career best.

Athlete of the Month nominees are comprised of the Breeze’s staff-selected Athletes of the Week for that respective month.

To vote, click the “Vote Now” icon on the homepage of this website.

PreP rePorT

Tuesday

Softball

Region 5A-3

Semifinals

North Fort Myers 10, Charlotte 0 (5 innings): The Red Knights (19-7) are a win away from the Class 5A Final Four, and can get the last laugh on Fort Myers in the process. The two teams will meet Thursday on the same field at North Fort Myers where the Green Wave won the District 5A-11 title May 1. This time the game will be for the Region 5A-3 title. In Tuesday’s rout of Charlotte, Kaliyah Williams pitched five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Mia Lane doubled in two Red Knights runs. Adding an RBI each were Abigail Hynes, Audrie Florenzano, Jordyn Prado and Alison Smith.

Fort Myers 14, Northeast 4 (6 innings) Championship

Thursday

Fort Myers at North Fort Myers

Baseball

Region 2A-3

Semifinals

Bishop Verot 6, Berkeley Prep 5: After Berkeley Prep took a 5-4 lead in the top of the seventh inning, the Vikings (18-7) rallied with two runs in the bottom of the inning for a trip to the region championship game in Clearwater. Crimson Lawrence and Paige Betterman drove in two Bishop Verot runs each. Jaelyn Riley added an RBI. Clearwater Calvary Christian 10, Tampa Catholic 0 (6 innings)

Championship

Thursday

Bishop Verot at Clearwater Calvary Christian

Spring Football

Wednesday, May 21

Archbishop McCarthy at Bishop Verot, 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 22

Canterbury at Ida Baker, 7 p.m.

Mariner at Braden River, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 23

Oasis at Cape Coral, 7 p.m.

North Fort Myers at Estero, 7:30 p.m.

Capt. George Tunison

American Sign Language classes scheduled at Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center, other Southwest Florida locations

The Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center has announced new class dates for its popular American Sign Language Level 1 courses beginning in May 2025. Classes are open to the public, are beginner-friendly and offer an excellent opportunity to build communication skills and connect with the local Deaf and hardof-hearing community.

Courses meet weekly from 6-7:30 p.m. at the following locations:

n Cape Coral – Mondays starting May 19, at 1420 S.E. 47th St.

n Fort Myers – Thursdays starting May 22, at DHHC, 1860 Boy Scout Drive B208.

n Port Charlotte – Thursdays starting June 19, at United Way of Charlotte,

4,900 pounds of food collected through Lee County’s annual Donated not Wasted program

Donated not Wasted, Lee County’s eighth annual food-rescue campaign, successfully diverted 4,903 pounds of food from potential disposal. That’s almost 2.5 tons of food that did not end up in the waste stream and will help feed Lee County families.

This annual effort, in partnership with Harry Chapin Food Bank, encourages seasonal residents to donate unopened pantry items to divert as much food as possible from final disposal.

Partners in the Donated not Wasted

campaign included:

n Harry Chapin Food Bank

n Lee County Government – Lee

County Solid Waste, Lee County Parks & Recreation and the Lee County Library System

n Waste Pro

Since the program’s inception, more than 37,911 pounds of food has been diverted from potential disposal and sent to the Harry Chapin Food Bank – enough food to provide more than 31,593 meals to residents.

May fishing: There’s

From page 38

less circle hooks in the 6/0 to 10/ size. Consult the website for other Boca tackle recommendations and illegal gear. Getting out there at 3 or 4 in the morning is tough for many folks but the fishing can

17831 Murdock Circle, A

The cost for the five-week course is $75, with free enrollment for deaf and hardof-hearing individuals. Immediate family members are eligible for discounted pricing. Students who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment.

DHHC also offers a free ASL Family Class specifically for parents of schoolaged deaf or hard-of-hearing children. These biweekly sessions are held on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Fort Myers and from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Lehigh Acres. Siblings and other family members are welcome and encouraged to attend, creating a supportive space for families to build communication skills together. In addition to learning basic sign language, families gain valuable insight into deaf culture, helping them better support and connect with their deaf loved ones.

Amy Turner, executive director of DHHC, shared, “There are so many positive reasons to sign up for a sign language course. Not only will it enhance your ability to communicate effectively with deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, but it will also

a wide variety of

be outstanding with less boats, noise and pressure.

You might say I’ve got a thing for sharks and seeing big, really big, fish in skinny water. This past Wednesday I got a real treat while shallow fishing just outside and along the Burnt Store Bar. Now, I’m

Cloudless sulphur butterfly: Hosts

From page 17

have not been successful in identifying a pupa in my garden!

There are many native and non-native plants that serve as host plants for cloudless sulphur butterflies. The native host plants include Florida Keys sensitive pea; Maryland wild sensitive plant; Narrowpod sensitive pea; Partridge Pea; Privet wild sensitive plant; Sensitive pea; Chapman’s wild sensitive plant; and Coffeeweed. Nonnative or “introduced” host plants include Africa senna; Candlestick Plant; Glossy Shower and Septicweed. Please be aware that Christmas Senna, Senna pendula var. glabrata is considered to be invasive by the University of Florida and should not be planted in South Florida. Sometimes this plant is sold under the incorrect name of Senna bicapsularis; before buying any senna variety masked as “Christmas Senna” as a host plant for cloudless sulphurs, please check the botanical identity

carefully.

I have planted the Privet Senna, or Senna ligustrina, in my butterfly garden and it is a wonderful variety for attracting cloudless sulphurs. The plant grows fairly rapidly but can be pruned often to keep it from taking over. The long bean-like seed pods will also produce many “volunteer” plants; I endeavor to cut these pods off before they can dispense their seeds as I have limited space. I also try not to prune my Senna when it is flowering because the sulphurs seem to view the blooms as caviar! Try one of these easy and attractive plants in your garden and watch for the joyful yellow butterflies flitting through the air to visit your landscape.

Cathy Dunn is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer, Garden Club of Cape Coral Member and president of the James E. Hendry Hibiscus Chapter. Visit www. gardenclubofcapecoral.com. Like us on our Facebook page!

Four teens: Burglary and robbery

From page 14

look at him, and then drive away from the traffic stop,” the release states. “The officer followed the car into a nearby neighborhood and found it parked in the driveway of a home on SE 21st Lane. The Nissan sustained front-end damage with both front airbags deployed, was leaking oil, and both front doors were left open with no occupants inside.”

Police officials said later that day, the victim identified Reyes in a photo lineup as the female suspect, and that a check of the black Nissan’s license plate revealed that it was registered to Reyes’ mother.

At approximately 9:19 p.m. that same

day, police officials said officers were dispatched to a past motor vehicle theft at 835 N.W. 30th St. The call notes stated that a Nissan Sentra was stolen from the driveway sometime overnight. Officers spoke with Reyes and her mother, who both completed sworn written statements reporting the theft of the black Nissan.

“Detectives contacted the owner of the home where the robbery occurred,” CCPD officials stated. “The owner stated he did not give anyone permission to enter, and his home is not a short-term rental. He said he wished to press charges.”

Reyes remained in custody at Lee County Jail as of Monday afternoon, and is being held on a $20,750 bond.

boost cognitive activity, immerse you in a rich and diverse culture, and open doors to new friendships. It’s a wonderful way to broaden your horizons and connect with a vibrant community!”

To register, visit www.dhhc.life or bring payment to the first class.

About

the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center

The Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center, established in 1983, empowers deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and their families in Southwest Florida through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Serving Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties, DHHC offers services such as interpreting, ASL classes, mentoring, support groups, and advocacy. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and United Way partner agency, DHHC receives support from local organizations, private donors and community leaders. For more information, visit www.dhhc. life, email info@dhhc.life or call 239-4610334 or (239) 247-5821 (video phone for the deaf).

fish to catch in Southwest Florida

not going to say the dorsal fin came up to my belt line a mere 20 yards away but definitely up to my knee as Jaws passed by. With the angle of the sun I couldn’t get a positive ID but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a big bull shark, it was something much longer and made me glad I was wade fishing in skinny territory. For some reason films of giant orcas beaching themselves picking seal pups literally off the sand passed through my mind and soon I was back in the boat.

Many folks don’t realize shallow sharks

eat lures and flies and put on some of the best fights you will ever experience. For beach fishing, drones have made shark life easier. Not only can you spot fish but your drone can drop your baited hooks as far out as you need them saving time and danger by having to paddle out in your kayak late at night.

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.m.

Cape Coral animal Shelter

Looking for a loving home

Smokie is a super senior at 12+ years young. He is a silver-whiskered scholar of the fine art of relaxation. His hearing’s a bit fuzzy, and his vision’s not quite 20/20, but he does see the couch just fine (prime nap real estate, if you ask him). He’s a calm, quiet fellow who thrives in a cozy home, enjoys slow strolls and promises not to judge your choice in TV shows—as long as he gets a spot beside you.

Gabe is a 3 to 5-year-old male. He might play hard to get at first, but

once you’re in his circle, you’re in (expect slow blinks and head boops). He’s handsome, humble and working on his trust fall skills — treat bribes encouraged. Looking for a low-key best friend with movie star looks? Gabe’s your guy.

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter is located at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Please call 239-573-2002 for additional information.

Smokie Gabe

Live Music BEACHFRONT

Check out the rest of our May lineup at CabaÑas Beach Bar + Grille and CŌste Island Cuisine

SUNDAYS

5/18 crossroads, 1-4pm Karaoke, 5:30-8:30pm

5/25 High voltage, 1-4pm stolen fruit, 5:30-8:30pm

mondays

5/26 Memorial day hat trick, 1-4pm

Tuesdays trivia, 5-8pm

Wednesdays meg rose + AARON AKULIs, 5-8pm 7-10pm

Entertainment schedule subject to change

Thursdays high tide, 5-8pm

Fridays

5/16 steve mcdougall band, 1-4pm edison schetter, 5:30-8:30pm

5/23 steve mcdougall band, 1-4pm school of rock, 5:30-8:30pm

5/30 steve mcdougall band,1-4pm matt lee duo, 5:30-8:30pm

Saturdays

5/17 phenomenal animal, 1-4pm 5/24 red hannah band , 1-4pm thunder beach, 5:30-8:30pm 5/31 wayward souls, 1-4pm

Wednesdays

5/14 matt newbold (pianist) 5/21 deano + Marvilla 5/28 deano uno

Thursdays lonza

Sundays david rojas Beach Party!

Fridays cj + Pearl

Saturdays dockside duo

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

Wanted To Buy

CASH PAID

I BUY Houses & Real Estate

Any Condition Probate - Foreclosure Vacant - As Is I Also Buy Notes - Mortgages Settlements - Annunities Ken 239-295-3820 KenBuysEverything.com Tools & Machinery

Cape Coral, Antique single

REDBARN

EstateSale

Cape Coral, 2219 NE 5th Ave,

SatMay17th&SunMay18th 8amto3pm 206SE37thTer (offPalmTree)

Lovelyestatefull ofimmaculatefurniture& decor,severallucuite pieces,awesomedining room,piano,winefridge, queenbedroomset,wicker lanaisetwithchaise, kitchenfull&garagefull, fantasticmiscellaneous. Donátmissthisone! Besuretoseethephotos! Pictures: facebook.com/RedBarnCapeCoral

Recreation Vehicles

I BUY ALL RV’s I BUY ALL Boat’s HH I PAY CASH HH I will Come To You To See It Quick & Easy Sale. CASH ON THE SPOT! Vince~941-301-9946~Local

Power Boats

I BUY ALL RV’s I BUY ALL Boat’s

HH I PAY CASH HH I will Come To You To See It Quick & Easy Sale. CASH ON THE SPOT! Vince~941-301-9946~Local

Acreage

8395 Bogart Dr, N. Fort Myers. 1+acre mobile home lot, no HOA Impact fees paid, septic & well on site. Cleared for double-wide, trees for privacy. Drainage ditch in back, no standing water Meter pole w/ co-op swing-over. Quiet area, agriculture allowed. $109,000 – Cash or financing. Brokers & direct buyers welcome. 239-691-9000 Gda.landtrust@gmail.com

Waterfront Homes

Waterfront property, 2855 sqft under roof, 4 bedroom / 2

assessments fully paid. Screen enclosure 26’x13’ inground

autofill,

South

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, jetted tub. Extra storage racks in 20’x21’ garage, newly paved driveway 2022. Landscaping freshly finished with classy concrete edging. Firepit & side patio 15’X13’ (2024) to watch the sunset with a view down the canal that leads to Lake Saratoga and adjoining freshwater lakes. Buyers Assistance Available. Call 412-657-2840, Owner $519,500.