Tommy Bohanon Foundation kicks off free youth football camp
Annual camp comes to North Fort Myers June 21
The annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation Youth Football Camp is set to kick off on Saturday, June 21 at North Fort Myers High School.
Registration is free and opened Thursday, May 15. Student-athletes in first through eighth grades in Southwest Florida are eligible to participate.
Campers will expand their love and knowledge of football with the help of experienced coaches providing hands-on training, including NFL-style drills that also lay a solid foundation for good sportsmanship.
The session starts at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m. at the high school stadium. Athletes should wear shorts and a T-shirt and bring socks and football cleats (sneakers are acceptable if the athlete does not have cleats). Athletes should also bring a refillable water bottle.
Lunch will be provided by Tropical Smoothie Café
and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will have sweet treats for all participants at the end of the day.
“This is one of our most significant events of the year,” said Foundation President Tommy Bohanon.
“It’s always amazing to watch the kids out on the field, laughing, having fun, and not only learning the
game but also picking up important life lessons.”
Sponsors for the camp include Extreme Companies of Florida, ABC Septic Service, Advanced Seamless Gutters, Arthur Printing, Associates in Digestive Health, Barry Goettemoeller Remax, Garramone Board Certified Plastic Surgery, Gastroenterology Associates, Gastroenterology Group of Naples, Goliath Fishing, James Towing & Recovery, Johnny Prevatt & Sons Paving, Kari Mann Dental Studio, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, NorTech Hi Performance Boats, Personal Touch Banquet & Catering, Priority Marketing, Specific Care Chiropractic, Taylor Carpet One, Thomas Family Charitable Trust and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
To register, visit https:// tommybohanonfoundation.org/youth-footballcamp/. Registration closes on Wednesday, June 11.
Playmakers Tailgate raises $265,000
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation scored a big win for the youth of Southwest Florida at its annual Playmakers Tailgate Party, awarding scholarships to three local student-athletes while raising $265,000 at the April 11 event.
More than 225 people attended the party at the Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon, which featured entertainment from musical acts Weaver & Wilkens and Chasing Denver and comedian R.C. Smith.
Scholarships were presented to North Fort Myers High School’s Abigail Hynes, Fort Myers High School’s Shenard Williams and Cypress Lake High School’s Ezekiel Dube-Garrett.
Hynes is a senior softball player with a weighted grade-point-average of 5.28. After her junior year, she earned a Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education diploma with merit. Hynes, who received a $10,000 scholarship, plans to attend Saint Leo University and major in biological sciences with a minor in computer programming.
Williams is a senior wrestler, musician in his school’s marching band and student body president who plans to attend Duke University and
study civil engineering. He was awarded a multiyear scholarship of $40,000 over four years.
Dube-Garrett is a senior three-sport athlete who participates in basketball, football and track. The class valedictorian plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology and study engineering. He is one of 112 students to earn a Sunshine State Scholar Award from the Florida Department of Education for achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He received a $10,000 scholarship.
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes reach their highest potential. The foundation funds annual scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and programs, as well as funding for other local nonprofits. Since its inception in 2017 the foundation has raised over $1 million.
Extreme Companies of Florida was back for the second year as the title sponsor of the event.
For more information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, please call 239-671-0441 or visit https://tommybohanonfoundation.org/.
About the Tommy Bohanon Foundation
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes reach their highest potential on and off the playing field. Former NFL fullback Tommy Bohanon returned to his hometown in Southwest Florida to pursue his vision of ending generational poverty for at-risk youth. The foundation funds annual scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and programs, as well as funding for other local nonprofits. For more information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org or call 239671-0441.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Scholarship winner Shenard Williams and Tommy Bohanon.
Scholarship winner Abigail Hynes.
Tommy Bohanon, scholarship winner Ezekiel Dube-Garrett and Katie Bohanon.
Summer Reading
The Lee County Library System’s Summer Reading Program kicks off this month and runs through August to keep kids reading while school’s out.
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6 Ribbon cutting at Firestone Complete Auto Care North Fort Myers High students among repeat Carson Scholars
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Hundreds attend annual Pioneer Picnic
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Wydysh earns scholarship with another American Legion oratorical win
Longtime dancer offers classes at Rec Center
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Special ‘Best of’ ballot pages
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Scholarship application deadline rapidly approaching
Hello, North Fort Myers, it’s a beautiful day in our great community.
So many things are coming up I thought I would remind everyone of some of them.
Our application for a $1,000 scholarship ends on May 30. If you are a senior living in North Fort Myers or attending school in North Fort Myers or a person interested in a trade school opportunity, then please look at our website www.nfmcivic. com or our Facebook page for information and
applications.
Summer Splash Saturdays will begin June 14 this year and run through August. All North Fort Myers students and senior citizens will be the guests of the NFM Civic Association and enjoy pizza and a drink. We look forward to seeing you at the North Fort Myers Community Pool this summer.
July brings the Back-to-School Shoe giveback.
More information will be provided next month.
Tommy Bohanon Foundation football camp is more than just fun and games
As a lifelong resident of Southwest Florida and former student-athlete at North Fort Myers High School, I’ve seen many of the hardships my friends, teammates and even I went through as a youth.
Many of us came from disadvantaged backgrounds, causing issues at home and a lack of adequate food, clothing and shelter. Others struggled at school, with poor grades, problems “fitting in,” and so on. For many of us, sports became a way of finding structure, a place to get away from the struggles and negativity in favor of teamwork and camaraderie.
Sports also taught us life lessons about good sportsmanship - leadership that will last a lifetimeand helped with how to recognize and conquer the obstacles that young people in our community often face, preventing them from reaching their fullest potential.
That’s why my wife Katie and I started the Tommy Bohanon Foundation eight years ago. We saw the need to empower the youth in our community and foster positive change, with sports as the vehicle.
Our first foray supporting student-athletes was a youth football camp, which continues to be our most well-attended program. Over 250 local studentathletes come to North Fort Myers High School one Saturday in June for hands-on training in the game from experienced coaches.
Even more important are the life lessons we share
To Participate
What:
Tommy Bohanon Foundation Youth Football Camp
When: Saturday, June 21, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where:
North Fort Myers High School football stadium Age: Grades 1-8
Registration: FREE Register at https://tommybohanonfoundation.org/ youth-football-camp/
with the kids to help them grow into amazing young men and women.
We know the game of football will bring the youth plenty of fun and excitement, but sports alone will take them only so far. Our work at the foundation continues with education, mentorship and community engagement for the student-athletes.
We strive to break barriers, unlock potential and inspire future leaders. We believe in providing opportunities that inspire growth, resilience and a brighter future for the children of our community.
A short time after the first camp ended as a big success, Katie and I realized the need in the community went much deeper. We knew we could do
more to support the youth and with that the Tommy Bohanon Foundation was born.
What was once a one-day youth football camp has now become an organization that has raised over $1 million for academic scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and as a benefactor to other local nonprofits.
Katie and I couldn’t be happier about the success we have had with the foundation and the impact it has had on more than 12,000 youth in Southwest Florida. Now, as parents, we know even more why the camp and foundation are important to many young athletes and their families.
With the support of people like you, we will continue to make a positive impact and enhance the lives of the next generation.
Tommy Bohanon is the President of the Tommy Bo hanon Foundation. He is the Managing Director and a Financial Advisor with Baystate Financial in Bonita Springs.
Tommy spent seven seasons in the NFL as a fullback and special teamer.
Why Lee County is leading
There’s a quiet transformation happening in Lee County. While the national media is fixated on dysfunction and decline, we’ve been focused on something far more productive: building the best place in America to live, work, and raise a family. And we’re doing it the old-fashioned way — through hard work, fiscal discipline, and conservative principles.
Since 2019, Lee County has experienced 12% job growth — that’s double the national average. Our unemployment rate sits at a historic low of 3%. We’ve added more than $7 billion to our GDP in just five years. That’s not a fluke — that’s smart, limited government in action. When you let free markets thrive and keep government in its proper place, prosperity follows.
Folks are taking notice of what our county can offer. Our population now exceeds four U.S. states — not counties, states. Families are moving here for the same reasons many of you did: safety, opportunity, and freedom. And we’re making sure there’s room for them. Last year alone, Lee County led Florida in
new residential permits, all while maintaining one of the lowest commercial and industrial vacancy rates around.
But our growth isn’t reckless. It’s strategic. Take Merchant’s Crossing in North Fort Myers as an example — once a struggling retail space, now a revitalized hub that reflects the resilience and innovation of our local economy. That’s what happens when government works with business, not against it.
Tourism, our economic backbone, is roaring back stronger than ever after Hurricane Ian. With 11 million passengers moving through RSW and 82% of our hotels back in action, we’re reclaiming our title as one of Florida’s premier destinations. Bed tax collections are rebounding, and leaders within the hospitality industry are telling me this has been the busiest season since Ian.
We’re also doing what many local governments won’t: tackling infrastructure before it becomes a crisis. That means building roads, not just talking about them. It means managing growth, not choking
it. And it means being ready for the future, not reacting to it.
At the heart of all this progress is a vision grounded in conservative values: individual freedom, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets. That’s not just rhetoric — it’s our roadmap. And judging by the numbers, it’s working.
As your county commissioner, I’m proud of where we’ve been, and I’m even more excited about where we’re going. Lee County isn’t just surviving — we’re thriving. And we’ll keep doing so by staying true to the principles that got us here.
Brian Hamman, Lee County Commissioner
– District 4
Toni Hill, President North Fort Myers Civic Association
Ribbon cut at Firestone car care center
Story by Chuck Ballaro
With as many as 18,000 new rooftops coming to North Fort Myers in the coming years, the need for car care centers, especially north of the 41s, is greater now more than ever.
In March, a major brand name in car care cut the ribbon to officially open its new location in an area that has become in dire need for a place to bring your car for maintenance, tires and major repairs.
Bridgestone Retail Operations officially opened the doors of its newest Firestone Complete Auto Care tire and automotive service center in North Fort Myers with a grand opening weekend savings event, welcoming all members of the community.
The new store at 17091 N. Tamiami Trail is the first in the area and had a soft opening in December.
Kaylee Edwards, store manager, said the store opened to support the community, since it already has a presence in Cape Coral.
“We wanted to bring our auto retail business here to help the community. We do free battery checks, tire pressure checks, check on your fluids and give them someone they can depend on,” Edwards said.
The location features a newly designed in-store experience to better serve customers, including
PHOTOS BY CHUCK BALLARO
The ribbon is cut at the new Firestone Complete Auto Care tire and automotive service center at 17091 N. Tamiami Trail.
Bridgestone presents the Boys & Girls Club of Lee County a check during the ribbon-cutting at the new Firestone Complete Auto Care tire and automotive service center at 17091 N. Tamiami Trail on Friday.
digital displays providing a more modern experience and new automotive technologies and equipment operated by ASE certified technicians for better and faster repairs.
There are eight technicians as well and maintenance techs to do everything from engine analysis to fixing a flat.
Frank Ruperto, area manager, said he was excited to bring their new store to the area.
“This is a growing area. A lot of communities are coming in the near future and we have a great team and I’m super stoked,” Ruperto said. “Business has been great. We’re letting the community know we’re here to service their vehicles.”
The ribbon cutting included remarks from the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, company leaders and a donation presentation to the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County. The organization provides kids and teens of Lee County a safe, productive environment for area kids and teens during critical out-of-school hours.
John Gartner, president of the Chamber, said this new Chamber member brings them something of need, a complete auto care center North of Old 41.
“I think this will be a great addition to the business community and it’ll do well here,” Gartner said. “We all know the name Firestone. It’s great to have an international name located in North Fort Myers.”
Firestone is open seven days a week. Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NFMNL A service technician works on a car at the new Firestone Complete Auto Care tire and automotive service center at 17091 N. Tamiami Trail.
North Fort Myers High students among repeat Carson Scholars
Story by Meghan Bradbury
Two North Fort Myers High School students have been named Carson Scholars this year with one of them an eight-time recipient.
This years recipients are Landon McCarthy and Aubrey Beougher.
Beougher was one of three fifth grade students at her elementary school chosen to write an essay and apply for the Carson Scholarship. Since then, she has applied for the scholarship every year.
Now as an eight-time recipient, she is a senior at North Fort Myers High School with a 5.3 grade point average.
“I feel honored to be an eight-time recipient of the Carson Scholars. The Carson Scholars Fund is a great organization that recognizes hardworking students and helps them achieve their college and career goals. I’m proud of myself for maintaining straight A’s throughout my school career to be eligible to apply each year for the Carson Scholarship, and for staying involved in both in and out of school activities and community service. These accomplishments and other qualities have made me a good candidate for the Carson Scholarship each year,” Beougher said.
She submits an application annually. The application contains multiple sections, including “Biographical Information,” which touches upon future career goals, talents, hobbies and listing clubs and teams in which she participates, as well as awards and recognitions received.
“I also submit a report card from the current school year in which I am applying, share the community service and extracurricular activities I’m involved in, my school information, and finally, a digital photograph of myself,” Beougher said.
The students also have to exemplify strong humanitarian values, which she does by giving back in every way she can.
“I’ve always been passionate about serving my community, and over the years, between school clubs and my church, Gulfside, I’ve been able to do this in many ways,” she said.
Her volunteerism runs deep from helping clean up damaged houses in the Fort Myers Historic District after Hurricane Ian, participating and volunteering at 5ks, singing Christmas carols at the Golisano Children’s Hospital, raising money for mosquito nets to be sent to Africa, helping pick up trash at Lovers Key State Park, volunteering at the Fort Myers Soup Kitchen with Gulfside Youth Group, volunteering in the children’s ministry at Gulfside church on Sundays as well as various events, such as Gulfside’s annual Trunk or Treat and Easter Egg Hunt.
In school, Beougher serves as the secretary and class representative for the Student Government Association, secretary of National Honor Society, and librarian for the North Fort Myers High School Knight Singers.
“Though I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in many clubs and organizations that serve the community, I will continue to strive to be a more compassionate and humane person every day,” she said.
The scholarships will help ease the financial
Aubrey Beougher is an eight-time recipient of the Carson Scholarship, she is a senior at North Fort Myers High School with a 5.3 grade point average.
stress on her family, as her goal is to graduate with no debt.
“This scholarship puts me one step closer to achieving that goal,” she said.
The senior plans on attending Florida Gulf Coast University to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics.
“My career goal is to become an actuary, so I will study for and take two to three actuarial exams while attending college. Passing these exams should be very beneficial and result in opportunities for a quality entry-level actuary
position promptly after graduating college,” Beougher said.
Landon McCarthy
Landon McCarthy also is a multiple Carson Scholar recipient
“It’s such an honor to be a two-time recipient of the Carson Scholarship. It genuinely meant so much to me the first time and to be able to prove that I’ve maintained my commitment to education is such a privilege,” he said.
The North Fort Myers High School senior has a
PHOTOS PROVIDED
4.0 unweighted GPA and a 5.16 weighted GPA.
McCarthy said since he was very interested in Dr. Carson both as a neuroscientist and politician as a child, he knew vaguely of the fund. It was not until his school’s college specialist reached out to nominate him as a junior that he truly discovered what the scholarship was about, he added.
“The first-year nominees fill out an application to demonstrate their community service and character,” McCarthy said. “This also has an essay and a letter of recommendation. For recognized scholars, the application is much more simple, only discussing community service and school activities.”
Taking part is much more than any quantifying award, he said — participation encourages him to maintain his academic strength while continuing to strive to be the best person he can be, both to himself and others.
“I try my best to help out in my community, both in school and outside of it. In school I am part of the SGA and am always helping with events during the school year. I also volunteer with the different arts programs to help with technical aspects. Outside of school I also try my best to volunteer and part of my job is to work with children in theatre. Finally, I just do my best to be a genuine person to myself and to the community around me,” he said.
He is planning to earn a degree in forensic science before earning a doctoral degree to focus on forensic pathology.
To be eligible for Carson Scholars recognition, students must maintain a minimum of 3.75 GPA, exemplify strong humanitarian values through community service and be nominated by a current educator. Each student earns a $1,000 college scholarship.
Students were invited to an awards banquet held April 13.
Other eight-time recipient students this year include Alexis Klutsarits from Ida S. Baker High School, Nikita Danesh from Cypress Lake High School, Natalia Gonzalex from Estero High School and Alexander Mankin from Fort Myers High School.
The other students who have been a recipient more than once include seven-time recipient Charlotte Swank from Riverdale High School, sixtime recipient Boone Stewart from Riverdale High School and two-time recipient Annabelle Marsh from Fort Myers High School.
There were also 41 new students honored as Carson Scholars this year:
The 41 new students honored this year include:
• Ella Alfaro-Maldonado, 7th grade at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts
• Brynlee Alvarez, 5th grade at The Alva School
• Ava Andrews, 8th grade, The Sanibel School
• Emma Bala, 8th grade, Caloosa Middle School
• Sophia Brown, 5th grade, Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary School
• Trinity Brown, 5th grade, Franklin Park Magnet School
• Peyton Burton, 10th grade, Island Coast High School
• Victoria Busch, 11th grade, Fort Myers High School
• Olivia Da Silva, 5th grade, Orangewood Elementary School
• Madelyn Debiram, 5th grade, Tanglewood Elementary School
• Heloisa Dos Santos, 5th grade, Colonial Elementary School
• Silas Dylan, 4th grade, Veterans Park Academy for the Arts
• Reagan Felt, 5th grade, Heights Elementary School
• Rylee Freeman, 5th grade, Gateway Elementary School
• Raynor Friedman, 5th grade, Gulf Elementary School
• Efrain Garcia, 5th grade, Tice Elementary School
• Brooklyn Gianelli, 5th grade, Skyline Elementary School
• Zaya Haas, 8th grade, Oak Hammock Middle School
• Melissa Hernandez, 5th grade, Villas Elementary School
• Brianna Hopkins, 5th grade, Treeline Elementary School
• Jake Kearney, 5th grade, Orange River Elementary School
• Austin Khin, 5th grade, Pelican Elementary School
• Blake Kowalski, 5th grade, Rayma C. Page Elementary School
• Keegan Lee, 8th grade, Lehigh Acres Middle School
• Kael Manning, 5th grade, Pinewoods Elementary School
• Connor Martin, 5th grade, Pine Island Elementary School
• Reef Mertz, 5th grade, San Carlos Park Elementary School
• Lauren Mickuleit, 4th grade, Lee Virtual School
• Cassidy Ordetx, 8th grade, Bonita Springs Middle Center for the Arts
• Alyssa Person, 5th grade, Edgewood Academy School
• Ryan Prianti, 5th grade, J. Colin English Elementary School
• Madiline Pritchett, 5th grade, Bayshore Elementary School
• Bella Regis, 5th grade, Allen Park Elementary School
• Savannah Sepulveda, 5th grade, Diplomat Elementary School
• Chiersten Sodergren, 5th grade, Sunshine Elementary School
• Giada Stanfield, 5th grade, Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School
• Lucas Summy, 8th grade, Lexington Middle School
• Laila Tamburri, 5th grade, River Hall Elementary School
• Noelle Trujillo, 5th grade, Lehigh Elementary School
• Elisha Turrubiartez, 5th grade, Amanecer Elementary School
• Melia Wolter, 5th grade, Tropic Isles Elementary School
The Carson Scholars Fund, Inc was founded by Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neurosurgeon Benjamin S. Carson, M.D., and his wife Candy, in 1994.
Landon McCarthy is a two-time recipient of the Carson Scholarship. The North Fort Myers High School senior has a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 5.16 weighted GPA.
Summer reading at the library: Color Our World
Story by Meghan Bradbury
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 learning 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.
“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.
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.
“Last year we gave away more than 13,000 books to kids and teens,” she said.
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.
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
“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.
Kristian Wydysh earns scholarship with another American Legion oratorical win
Story by Meghan Bradbury
ANorth Fort Myers High School senior won second place at the American Legion’s Statewide Oratorical Scholarship competition held recently in Orlando, earning a $2,000 scholarship for his most recent win.
“Because of the speech contest, I am motivated now more than ever to serve my community one day,” Kristian Wydysh said.
Each student must speak about a facet of the Constitution of their choosing, as well as provide another speech on a constitutional amendment at random.
“You don’t go through your life thinking about your rights under the Constitution and how they can change,” he said. “It really opened my eyes to this founding document. It changed my perspective on American government, how our rights and freedoms can change over time.”
Wydysh said the American Legion Post 90 provided a scholarship, all expenses paid, to go to Orlando on March 25 for the competition.
“I want to express my gratitude to the American Legion. They gave me a shot, gave me a chance for my voice to be heard and the experience is invaluable,” he said.
The competition started at the American Legion Post 90 level, before going on to District 13, Southwest Florida area level and then states.
“What’s interesting about the competition –you don’t get a podium or note cards. You have eight-minutes of your prepared speech off the top of your head in front of people,” Wydysh said.
He said he had to practice walking around and using hand motions, all while remembering his eight-minute speech.
“It’s definitely a huge challenge,” Wydysh said.
This is the second time Wydysh has attended the state speech competition. Last year he earned a third. His third place topic was the Second Amendment and his view it should not be part of the issue – “one of which Americans come together to solve the basic problems we have in front of us.”
This year he spoke about voting rights.
“More specifically how youth are not prioritizing civic engagement. I have been involved in civic engagement programs since middle school. We aren’t going to be able to modernize as a country and will not be able to uphold the values of the Constitution if youth now are not going to take advantage of youth opportunities before us,” Wydysh said.
After the prepared speech, he said there was a surprise topic challenge, where they draw from four different constitutional amendments. Participants had five minutes to come up with an impromptu, three-minute speech.
They “challenge your knowledge of the Constitution and ability to be able to speak on something with passion and conviction on the fly,” Wydysh said.
That topic was the 18th amendment, prohibition.
“That was interesting to do. It is not really an amendment that is really studied. I basically
Two years of being in the speech program, Wydysh said it has been an enriching process to learn about the Constitution and speak about it, as it enhanced his knowledge about the American government and American Constitution.
Boy State, a one-week program over the summer, was an incredible experience for the North Fort Myers High School senior. He explained the experience as “surreal.”
“You arrive in Tallahassee really early in the morning – you get there at 7 a.m. and by 8 a.m. you are running for your first political office,” Wydysh said.
He said the “floor” is considered a city, and his “dorm room” was the county, while the entire program was the state. Wydysh was elected the mayor of his city, and ended up being elected to the Senate and then the Senate president.
One of the things that stood out – although it was a youth program, the reality of politics happened.
“There is political campaigning, press doing videos of candidates, speeches in front of the entire program,” he said.
The program was intense as it started at 7 a.m. and ended at 11 p.m., which Wydysh said created great relationships with the people with which he worked. He said to this day he still keeps in contact with those on his floor.
“It’s a strong connection and motivation to get involved,” Wydysh said of Florida government. He is now involved in the American Legion Boy State Alumni Program, which will only further the connections he made his junior year.
“I am really excited to start my life in Gainesville. Those experiences from the American Legion will give me a good head start,” Wydysh said.
said the 18th amendment was different from all others and talked about the states and federal government work together to force the ban,” Wydysh said.
He said he really wants to express his gratitude to the American Legion, as the contest is something he did not know existed.
“I always loved public speaking. I didn’t know I could earn scholarships for it. These are scholarships that you earn, speak, and compete for them. You feel better about yourself that you earned it from your performance, study and writing an eight-minute speech,” Wydysh said.
From the past two years, Wydysh has earned about $5,000, which will help, as it is financially straining to attend college. He will attend the University of Florida in the fall where he plans to study political science and prelaw before eventually going to law school.
His professional and career interest is to be elected to public office.
“American Legion has definitely been a driver in that endeavor,” Wydysh said.
Wydysh said his journey with the American Legion began when he interviewed for the American Legion Boys State and was accepted. He had the opportunity to visit the state capital to learn about leadership and met Ted Clark, American Legion Post 90 Oratorical chair.
“He actually really motivated me to try out for the speech program,” he said.
Wydysh was also involved in Youth Council for Cape Coral, where he was unanimously appointed in May 2023. He said that it provided him an opportunity to learn about city government and participate in clothing drives and voting presentations at high schools.
“A great experience to be able to do what I love and be of service,” Wydysh said.
He will graduate from North Fort Myers High School this May. While at North, he also attended Florida Southwestern State College where he earned his AA degree.
“I took the opportunity to go to FSW to try to complete some college courses – a free program – and it helped me prepare better for college,” Wydysh said.
Once he completes his studies, he said, he will come back to Cape Coral where he has lived all his life to start a career and raise a family.
“I want to go out and see what is outside of Cape Coral and get that college experience. I will bring my knowledge and skills back to the community I and serve my community,” Wydysh said.
Those interested in learning more about the American Legion Oratorical Scholarship program for next year can contact American Legion Post 90 Oratorical Chair Ted Clark at (845) 527-7948, (239) 540-8128, alpost90@cape@yahoo.com, or TedClark12@gmail.com.
PHOTO PROVIDED
North Fort Myers High School senior Kristian Wydysh won second place at the American Legion’s Statewide Oratorical Scholarship competition held recently in Orlando, earning a $2,000 scholarship, his latest in the program.
Longtime dancer offers classes at Rec Center
Story by Meghan
Bradbury
Alongtime dancer, who recently retired after 30 years with American Airlines, is offering dancing classes at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.
Donna Swanberg, of Donna Dances, LLC, said she offers classes as a vendor on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Saturdays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Rec Center.
The classes offer loud, good music, and the chance to do 8,000 steps in an hour. The classes are $54 per person for the month, four classes for $38, or one-time try for $18.
“I just started it, this new gig, Donna Dances LLC,” Swanberg said, adding that she has danced her whole life. “It’s an amazing facility. The stereo system is so good. We dance in the big basketball court. It’s huge inside with nice air conditioning. I dance at the same level with everyone. I help with steps as needed.”
The dances are modern, with a little line dancing sprinkled in and Zumba.
“It’s a good variation. People come in the morning grumpy faced and they leave with a big smile,” Swanberg said.
Her love for dancing began in 1976 with Robin Dawn Dance Studio.
“I was a cheerleader at North Fort Myers High School. I got into theater first at school and then Edison Players in Downtown Fort Myers,” Swanberg said.
Donna Swanberg, of Donna Dances, LLC, is offering dancing classes at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.
She said she asked if she could help Dawn choregraph a dance, which turned into her hiring her to teach Tiny Tots jazz, tap and ballet.
“I did that until I was hired on with the airlines. I went and did my career, 30 years. I worked with all the celebrities and traveled everywhere. Thirty years later I moved back here and I said I miss dance,” Swanberg said.
She decided to check out the Lehigh Senior Center, where she took a dance class and found out the instructor was leaving.
“I took over as the instructor. It is just my nature to dance,” Swanberg said. “It all came to me. It grew.”
From there she began teaching classes at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.
“I choregraph 99% of all of my dances. Some of the line dances that are popular I get them off YouTube and taught myself,” she said. “I am always creating new dances.”
With all the dancing she does, Swanberg said she feels great, and her energy level is high.
“It keeps you out of the hospital. It keeps your knees healthy, your back healthy, hips strong. That’s why I teach. That is what I want to do, help other people stay healthy,” she said.
Individuals can follow Swanberg through her YouTube channel, Donna Long 6125, or Donna Dances LLC on Facebook.
Swanberg grew up in North Fort Myers and attended Tropic Isles Elementary School, Franklin Park Middle School, and North Fort Myers High School.
For more information, email Swanberg at dmlong04@gmail.com.
NFMNL
PHOTO PROVIDED
Hundreds attend annual Pioneer Picnic
Story by Chuck Ballaro
Since 1949, the Pioneer Club of Lee County has honored those who have been part of our unique history.
These pioneers remember when Fort Myers was just a small town, when Daniels Parkway was a dirt road and when the Edison Mall, which opened in ‘65, was the place to be.
On Saturday, April 26, The Pioneer Club of Lee County celebrated the 76th anniversary of its founding in 1949 by R. A. Henderson Jr. with the annual picnic at the Lee Civic Center’s Tinsley Pavilion.
Pat Mann, outgoing president of the organization, said it’s amazing the event has been so popular for so long.
“We were trying to figure out how we were going to get another row of chairs in. There are about 100 people per row,” said Mann, whose duties will be assumed by Keith Cary. “We feel really good about what we’ve done the last 10 years. It’s great that someone can shake hands with someone they haven’t seen in a while. It might be their last chance to be here.”
The Pioneers Club was formed to honor those living persons who had been residents of old Lee County for 50 or more years with the initial meeting held in 1950 at the Lions Park on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers.
It is a social organization comprised of many of the old families of Lee County who get together annually to catch up on one another’s lives while enjoying lunch together.
Indeed, there were many areas where past
graduate classes of Fort Myers High School got together for what served as an annual high school reunion.
For many of the older attendees, there were only two high schools — Fort Myers High and Dunbar, this year’s school of recognition, which was segregated until 1969.
Joan Taylor Wade, Class of 1966, said she came to see old friends she hasn’t seen in years.
In that time, things have certainly changed.
“When we were kids there was nothing here. Cape Coral didn’t exist. It’s totally different now.
PHOTOS BY CHUCK BALLARO
Members of the Fort Myers High School Class of 1960 get together for a photo during the 76th annual Pioneer Club of Lee County picnic recently at the Lee Civic Center.
Randy Parrish and Larry Murphy during the 76th annual Pioneer Club of Lee County picnic at the Lee Civic Center.
You lived in town, you wanted to go to the beach, it took 15 minutes,” Taylor Wade said.
Her friend, Pat Fuller Forstad, said she also enjoyed seeing those they haven’t seen in a long time.
“It’s like a class reunion and you get to do it every year and not every five or 10,” Fuller Forstad said. “Our 60th reunion is coming up next year.”
Even though they are sixth generation Floridians, Melissa Burks is new to the picnic, having been in the Class of 1992. She came with her sister, Michelle, Class of 1987. Even in that short time, things have changed.
“There were a lot less people. We grew up in Edison Park. It’s nice to come here to connect with people now that the county has gotten very large,” Michelle said. “There are still a lot of pioneers in the area and it’s nice to get with them this time of year.”
“It’s amazing how many people you see who have been here so long and are still here,” Melissa said. “It’s nice to talk to the older generations and listen to them talk about what it was like and hear the stories.”
Also recognized at the picnic were the eldest pioneer man and woman born in Lee County; the couple married the longest, the pioneer who traveled the longest distance to the picnic; and the oldest person in attendance. It was pretty much one-stop shopping this year. Barbara Knowles and her husband Don, both 93, were the oldest male and female. They were also married the longest at 71 years.
Now residing in St. Petersburg, Barbara said she lived throughout Lee County and her father had a store on Bayshore Road near the railroad tracks.
“It was fun. We had a lot of good neighbors and friends I played with. I have a lot of good memories
from those days in Bayshore,” said Barbara, who spent part of her later childhood in Illinois before returning. “There weren’t as many people and not as many cars.”
Approximately 1,500 invitations were mailed out for the picnic of which two-thirds are sent to residents. A barbecue lunch was available to the members for $10 per plate.
The eligibility requirement for membership is based on the person living in Lee County for at least 50 years.
CCB0002564.crtr - Page 1 - Composite
Those years do not have to be consecutive.
A new website, wwwpioneerclubofleecounty. com/ , went live on March 10. Those attending or interested in joining can now register or submit a membership form online. Those approved will be officially added to the list.
As always, free admission that weekend was given to the members of the Pioneer Club to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and to the IMAG History & Science Center.
NFMNL
Barbara and Don Knowles, both 93 and married 71 years, were the oldest man and woman and had the longest marriage during the 76th annual Pioneer Club of Lee County picnic at the Lee Civic Center.
Local artist brings passion for fashion to Cape Coral art exhibit
The current rotating exhibit cohosted by the North Fort Myers Arts Association and Gulf Coast Village features textiles and shines a light on the work of Sheilana Massey, a Gulf Coast Village resident and “Gulf Coast Gallery” featured artist.
“Textile Treasures” opened with a meet-and-greet on May at Gulf Coast Village. “Textile Treasures” will be open daily to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m through June 1. The exhibit includes an array of quilts, fiber arts, wall hangings, clothing, baskets and more.
and Jason Pollen, an internationally acclaimed artist, designer and educator, at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. The two served as her instructors and taught her the ins and outs of the art of dyeing and manipulating fabric. While continuing to better her craft, Massey still actively pursued creating her own art, including bed quilts for her children and a line of quilted jackets and vests, which were sold in boutiques in Santa Monica, Las Vegas, and Santa Fe. The majority of Massey’s non-traditional fiber creations are designed to hang on walls or to be worn.
“This event gives the public the opportunity to learn more about Sheilana and the other artists’ journeys through life, passion for art, and their artwork,” Sherrie Saidon, independent living lifestyles coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, said in a submission that included the following “about the artist:”
“Massey relocated to Pine Island in 1999 after living in several southern east coast states and the Bahamas. Expressing herself through art has always been a part of Massey’s life; as a child, she took up sewing and created most of her clothing. Over time, Massey progressed to sewing garments for friends and family, showcasing her talent as a young seamstress. As she got older, she decided to pursue sewing as her career – along with sewing and designing, Massey also taught tailoring.
“In the early ‘80s, Massey spent several weeks with the late Lenore Davis, a renowned fiber artist,
“Massey also pursued higher education by obtaining a Doctorate in Divinity. She has written numerous magazine articles and is the author of two books, ‘Peace Has No Space for Memories’ and ‘Along the Path of Enlightenment.’ She facilitates and supports those who choose to expand their personal exploration and spiritual connections.’
“‘All of life is moment-to-moment creativity unfolding magnificently,’” Massey said..
“We’re grateful to be a community filled with creatives. Many of our residents participate in the exhibits by attending, but we also have several talented resident artists who submit their work to be displayed. It’s an honor to spotlight a different artist at each of our exhibits, and it’s an even greater honor when they are one of our own beloved residents.” Saidon said.
Gulf Coast Village is at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral.
B Street mixed-use district now underway at Babcock Ranch
Story by Meghan Bradbury
Anew development of 111,000 square feet will open at Babcock Ranch offering a walkable, mixed-use district in the middle of 2026.
“B Street isn’t just about expansion; it’s further shaping the identity of Babcock Ranch,” said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, in a prepared statement. “Babcock Ranch was designed to seamlessly integrate sustainability with everyday life. B Street embodies that vision, where creativity, commerce, and community seamlessly blend.”
Kitson & Partners Senior Vice President Matt Buehler said B Street will be located within WestTown, directly across from Founder’s Square.
“It’s nestled along Curry Preserve Drive at the corner of Lake Babcock Drive, behind Slater’s Goods & Provisions and the Hatchery,” he said.
Construction for the project is already underway and will include 68,000 square feet of retail space, 42,000 square feet of office space, approximately 1,000 parking spaces and 140 apartments with private amenities.
FILE PHOTO
Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners
Buehler said the retail space will spread across 10 buildings, which includes two-story options. He said they are seeking a curated mix of establishments such as restaurants, boutiques, bars, nightlight venues, fitness amenities, and professional services to create a dynamic and diverse experience.
Specific tenants have not been named as of yet for the office space, but will cater to sustainabilityminded businesses, offering collaborative spaces
and advanced air filtration systems. Buehler said they are currently leasing and seeking unique, forward-thinking companies aligned with Babcock Ranch’s mission.
The dining experiences will provide mustexperience bars, chef-driven restaurant concepts, and an overall lively culinary scene, Buehler said.
“The goal is to make it a go-to destination for both residents and visitors seeking food, drink, and entertainment,” he said.
There will be two residential buildings within B Street. Buehler said although specific floor plans have not been released, the apartments will offer upscale amenities and private resident features.
“B Street represents more than just a development; it’s a key milestone in Babcock Ranch’s 6-million-square-foot commercial expansion. With direct access to trails, green spaces, and a walkable layout, B Street will serve as a new cultural and commercial anchor for the region,” he said. “B Street is being added to enhance the energy and connectivity of Babcock Ranch by serving as a mixed-use, walkable entertainment district. It will function as the heart of WestTown, complementing the existing downtown and elevating the town’s identity through a mix of dining, retail, residential, and office experience, all aligned with the community’s sustainability-first vision.”
For more information on B Street and development at Babcock Ranch, visit: https:// babcockranch.com/lifestyle/future-growth/
Sherrie Saidon
PHOTOS PROVIDED Sheilana Massey, a Gulf Coast Village resident and “Gulf Coast Gallery” featured artist.
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