062025 Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Rental Advisory Group to hold first meeting Friday

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The first meeting for the City of Cape Coral Vacation Rental Advisory Group, created by Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, will be held today to discuss how to cover enforcement fees, as well as how to address the “bad actors.”

The meeting, which will include a 30-minute citizens input time, will start at

“We need them (vacation rentals) because we don’t have enough hotels in our city and without them people can’t come here and we can’t promote tourism. The problem is we have some bad actors in the city that own the vacation rentals that don’t follow the current seven-day minimal rental. That is why you have my displeased residents because they live next door to a party house.”

— Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra

Southwest Florida’s buzzy season takes flight

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

With the rainy season officially upon Southwest Florida, have you noticed yourself swatting those annoying, biting, teensy insects away more often?

While mosquitoes are present in Lee County all year, when the rain comes, the larvae develop, causing an explosion of literal billions of insects to roam across the region.

Lee County Mosquito Control District offi-

cials say they’ve been working at a fervent pace to mitigate the 54 different species of mosquitoes that call the county home.

“We never stop spraying,” said LCMCD Communications Director Jen McBride.

“Mosquito season is year-round in Southwest Florida. Typically we think of (the height of) mosquito season as the start of rainy season.

McBride said the start to rain season this year was very different from last year in that it started

See MOSQUITOES, page 12

3 p.m. Friday, June 20, in conference room 220A at City Hall.

“I will be facilitating it old school — post-it, flip chart and a bunch of markers,” Nelson-Lastra said.

According to the agenda, discussion will include the purpose of the group and ordinance, goals and projected outcomes,

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

School zone cameras along Cape Coral roadways will be active in front of six schools to coincide with summer school activities.

The cameras will be active, and applicable speed zones speeds enforced, in a window before and after school program times as well as while schools are in session. Times and dates vary with some cameras currently operational and others pending.

Schools include:

n Oasis Elementary from July 7 through July 18, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday-Thursday.

n Oasis Middle from June 9 through June 20, from 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., MondayThursday.

n Gulf Elementary from June 23 through July 17, from 8 a.m.-noon, Monday-Thursday.

n Cape Coral Elementary from June 23 through July 17, from 8 a.m.-noon, Monday-Thursday.

n Mid Cape Global Academy from June 9 through July 11, from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday-Thursday.

n Diplomat Elementary from June 23, through July 17, from 8 a.m.-noon, Monday-Thursday.

According to the Cape Coral Police Department, the cameras will only be ac-

Chiquita Lock removed ahead of schedule

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The removal of the Chiquita Lock has been completed ahead of schedule.

“We did a great job. Staff did a wonderful job managing the project,” Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said, adding that having it done earlier was an incredible feat.

The dredging equipment and turbidity barriers at the Chiquita Lock were removed Tuesday, June 17, city officials said.

“This marks the early completion of the Chiquita Lock Removal Project and a major advancement in improving waterway access and environmental quality,” officials said in a release issued by the city’s Communications Office.

Nelson-Lastra said the boating community is welcome to use the waterway, which provides access to the Caloosahatchee just past Cape Harbor and Tarpon Point, but is advised to be cautious as always because the city does not yet have its dredging permit yet to make it deeper. She said boaters should watch the depth around the lock of the canals.

A bathymetric survey of the South Spreader, the planting 3,000 mangroves, installation of oyster reef balls, and the pursuit of city-wide dredging permits as part of the city’s canal maintenance program are among the next steps to be undertaken.

The water control structure needed to be removed as it was dangerous and was a huge safety issue, Nelson-Lastra said, adding she had been through the lock on all sized boats and it got scary.

“Now we have water that flows freely that will help environmentally speaking in terms of keeping the water moving and not have another crisis,” she said of the 2018 algae. “I was an advocate of taking it out. It needed to come out”

A bathymetric survey of the South Spreader, the planting 3,000 mangroves, installation of oyster reef balls, and the pursuit of city-wide dredging permits as part of the city’s canal maintenance program are among the next steps to be undertaken.

“The city sincerely thanks the residents of Cape Coral

for their patience and cooperation throughout the lock’s removal. We recognize that this work has caused temporary inconveniences, and your understanding has been invaluable in helping us achieve these essential improvements,” the release states.

“We want to acknowledge the partnership and support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, AIM Engineering & Surveying Inc., Wright Construction Group Inc., and Kelly Brothers Inc. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in the timely completion of this project.”

The removal of the lock was subject to two lawsuits, the first of which the city lost to various environmental groups and a second in which the city prevailed.

Downtown Showdown to showcase talent

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Sugarshack Downtown is on a mission to find Southwest Florida talent by hosting its first-ever singing competition, The Downtown Showdown.

“We host live music every day, seven days a week, but this will be our first-ever competition highlighting local talent from all over the Southwest Florida area. Our plan is to make it an annual event,” said Julia Szilagyi, Sugarshack Downtown event coordinator. “This event will be successful with the support of the

locals! Gather your music, food, and drink loving friends, and make plans to join us for every Tuesday of the competition.”

The competition is open to all ages, with parental consent for contestants under 18 years old. Those interested are asked to upload their audition video to such supportive platforms as — Instagram, YouTube and Vimeo, as well as submitting it to their website www.sugarshackdowntown. com/downtown-showdown.

“We know there is tons of talent right here in our own backyard, and we are on a mission to find it. Being a

live music restaurant, music and community is baked into our foundation,” she said. “We’re all well-aware that summer is the time of year when most businesses close-up shop and overlook our locals. Sugarshack Downtown is dedicated to changing that narrative by bringing the community together through music and shining a spotlight on who call SWFL home.”

The singing contest will take place over a seven-week period starting Tuesday, July 1, at 6 p.m.

Preliminary rounds are every Tuesday in June with eight contestants competing each night.

“The top two of each preliminary round will advance to our semi-final round on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and the top five will compete in the finals on Tuesday, Aug. 12,” she said.

The top three will be crowned with the grand prize winner taking home a $2,500 cash prize, as well as other gifts.

“The contestants will be singing along with a live band, the Sugarshack Allstars. Each contestant will be judged by a panel of three judges – one member of the legendary Sugarshack crew, one local Southwest Florida celebrity, and the third just is you – the live audience,” Szilagyi said. “The audience will be able to cast their vote via text at the end of each night to make sure their voice is heard. Come out and support all of your favorites.” She said Sugarshack Downtown offers covered outdoor and indoor seating, two bars and an outdoor stage.

“We preserve heritage oaks and repurposed a historic building from 1941,” Szilagyi said. “With more than 270 seats, we create a destination for Southwest Florida, combining local history with live music, and community gatherings.” For more information, visit www.sugarshackdowntown.com.

The Breeze OpiniOns

Cape COral Breeze

RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher

VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor

CHRIS STRINE, Editor

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

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

Member Florida Press Association

Landlord or renter?

Time to get involved

After 30-plus people — including a representative from one of Lee County’s Realtors associations — railed in opposition, Cape Coral City Council nixed a pair of ordinances that would have increased the city’s rental registration fee from a one-time levy of $35 to $600 annually while giving Cape Coral police and code enforcement the authority to remove tenants from unregistered properties.

The ordinances were geared toward short-term rentals, city officials said, adding the increased fee would have raised $6 million a year. The city planned to allocate $125 per unit to its enforcement efforts with the remainder to be funneled into a new fund for tourism-based initiatives and infrastructure.

Both the hike — a 1,700% increase, as acknowledged by one council member — and the proposal to allow police to perform evictions — excuse us, “civil removals” via a code special magistrate process, caused great consternation.

Council did the right thing, two right things, actually, in the wake of the outcry last month: It did not move the ordinances to a final public hearing and it allowed Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra to work with the city manager to create a stakeholder group to weigh in on how to best address the issues.

Ms. Nelson-Lastra did more than that — she put together an 18-member City of Cape Coral Vacation Rental Advisory Group which will meet publicly during Council’s summer hiatus.

Its first meeting, which will include a 30-minute citizens input time, will start at 3 p.m. today, June 20, in conference room 220A at City Hall.

Discussion at the first session will include the purpose of the group and ordinance, goals and projected outcomes, annual cost and process of enforcement currently, review of other municipalities’ ordinances, proposed cost of enforcement with new system/processes, proposed new annual or one-time rate for vacation rentals and business tax receipt versus a fee.

Sounds like a good start.

If you own rental property, rent, or are thinking of investing in the Cape market, we urge you to take part.

—Breeze editorial

This week’s poll question:

Do you approve or disapprove of the No Kings “national day of defiance” effort?

∫ Approve.

∫ Disapprove.

∫ Don’t agree with the effort but support the right of protest for those who do.

∫ No strong feelings either way. Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

Previous poll question:

The Florida State Legislature has passed a bill that will allow voters to decide whether Lee County Commissioners should be elected by district instead of countywide. Are you in favor?

∫ Yes. 79.5%

∫ No. 20.5%

* Total votes at press time: 44 votes. Percentages are “rounded.”Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.

June 20, 2025

What a school year it has been!

The school year has officially come to an end, and what an extraordinary journey it’s been! Throughout our district, students, teachers, staff, and families have achieved remarkable milestones together— and we’re ending this year with tremendous momentum.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Over the past few weeks, we’ve celebrated more than 6,000 graduates from our 15 high schools. These students are nothing short of remarkable. They’ve led the way in academics, athletics, the arts, JROTC, clubs, and community service — demonstrating passion, determination, and heart every step of the way. Graduates are heading to college or trade school, joining the workforce, enlisting in the military, or launching their own businesses. Collectively, they’ve earned over $70 million in scholarships. That figure speaks volumes — but it’s their character, leadership, and drive that leave the greatest impression. As Dr. Seuss once wrote, “You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” And these students truly are.

Elementary and Cypress Lake Middle are being rebuilt. Bayshore Elementary is expanding into a K–8, and Hector A. Cafferata Jr. in Cape Coral — destroyed during Hurricane Ian — is being rebuilt and expanded as a new K–8. These projects support students and families while managing Lee County’s continued growth.

This year also marked the launch of our Safe Start Initiative, designed to address a major concern: the nearly 8,000 students arriving late to school by bus each day. By adjusting start times and transportation logistics, we’re not only improving punctuality — we’re adding valuable instructional time back into the school day to help boost academic success.

We continued to invest in school safety through vital security upgrades funded by state appropriations, thanks to the support of Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Legislature.

The success of our graduates is just one chapter in a much bigger story. Across the district, this year has been filled with high points that showcase the strength of our students, staff, and schools. Students earned top honors at the State Science and Engineering Fair and the Edison Awards AI Challenge. We had state champions in wrestling, weightlifting, and track and field, along with strong state title runs in baseball and soccer. Our arts programs shone with awards in visual art, film and TV production, music, and drama. JROTC cadets excelled in national marksmanship and drill competitions. We also proudly celebrated students committing to military service at our annual signing ceremony — their leadership and sense of duty speak volumes.

Many of our schools and teachers were honored with Marzano High Reliability certification, recognizing excellence in teaching and learning.

We also made big strides in building for the future to support our growing community. Bonita Springs

Workforce education also saw major investment this year. Cape Coral Technical College is physically expanding and adding six high-demand programs. We’ve also brought on an Associate Superintendent for Career and Technical Education to strengthen our career pathways and ensure students graduate with the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce.

Finally, as part of our commitment to community engagement, School Board Members and Dr. Carlin held district town halls where families could hear updates, ask questions, and offer feedback—conversations that help shape a school system that reflects our community’s values.

As we wrap up the school year, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. To our students, teachers, staff, and families—your dedication and belief in what’s possible mean everything. Wishing you a continued safe, happy, and well-earned summer break!

— Sam Fisher is the chair of the Lee County School Board. He represents District 1, which includes Cape Coral.

Letters to the editor

Those who report code violations should not have to fear retaliation

To the editor:

FL Statute 162.21 (3)(b) Code Complaints:

While the above requirement was intended to ensure transparency and accountability in code enforcement, it has created an unforeseen, negative consequence “fear of retaliation or actual retaliation.”

While I agree with the Florida statute, there should be a better way to account for the “providing of the reporting person’s name to the code violator.” This would then create some sort of paper trail in case of an actual retaliation or confrontation.

This information should in no way come from the onsite code officer!

As an example, at a recent Cape Coral Council meeting (May 21), a man stood up and stated that “he had reported a code violation and that the code officer on site not only gave the violator his address but he also showed a picture on his phone of the reporting person’s house to the violator.” That same man went on to state that “he had what appeared to be a bullet hole in his vehicle shortly after that and that he was working with the police department.”

We also have a community of senior citizens who want to report a legitimate code issue but are afraid of the exact type of retaliation mentioned above.

I am asking the city of Cape Coral to create a “log or registry” when providing this personal information so that if, in fact, a retaliation occurs it can then assist the reporting party and the police department for further investigation if needed.

I have emailed this letter to Gov. DeSantis, Rep. Byron Donalds and Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter because ,if

this is happening in Cape Coral, it is most likely happening throughout Florida.

Lee Animal Services needs to become a no-kill shelter

To the editor;

What is going on at Lee Animal Services? Change is needed!

Recently a person’s pet named Kevin went missing. Lee Animal Services got a hold of the animal and euthanized him before the owners even knew he was there.

As a taxpayer I demand that the Lee County Commissioners change the policies further at Lee Animal Services. A 24-hour hold is ridiculous before a person’s pet is put down if they don’t claim them in time!

Lee Animal Services currently has a wily nilly approach to putting animals down.

Years ago I found a stray kitten on Del Prado. I brought her immediately to the vet. She had nerve damage on one leg. The vet said she would be fine but just have to hop around on three legs. I thought if I brought her to Lee Animal Services they could help find her a good home. The minute I brought her in, the lady at the desk said, “We’re just going to put her down.” I said, “Give me her back”. I took her home and that kitten was the light of our household for 15 wonderful years. We got so much joy from having her. And to think that if Lee Animal Services had their way, they would have euthanized her!

We as a county can well afford to transition to a nokill shelter and should. All of these stray animals were

Maria A. Morris Cape Coral

Sam Fisher Guest Commentary

Contributions & Letters to the editor- no Kings

No Kings rally - I was there

In the days leading up to the No Kings protest rallies, I was not sure what to expect. Social media comment threads were rife with disparaging comments ranging from calling protesters rioters to some not-so-veiled statements of desire to run them over.

Given that this is sleepy Southwest Florida, I did not expect any riots or vehicle strikes, or even much of a turnout. I figured that it would be few dozen people holding signs on the corner, which is what typically passes for protest in this area.

As I drove south on U.S. 41 and approached the entrance to Bell Tower, at first it looked like just that, just some people with signs. I pulled into the parking lot and drove around, seeing that there were more people than I expected. But it was not until after I parked and walked over that I started to get a sense of how big this was.

I walked the length of the protest, which was mostly on the east side of U.S. 41, though a number of people had crossed to the west side. It ran from Bell Tower Road across Daniels Parkway to Electronics Road, next to the Barnes & Noble, more than half a mile.

Though it was anger at the policies and actions of Donald Trump that brought people there, there was a lot of positive energy at the site. People had different reasons to be there. Some carried flags of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba in protest of immigration policy. Some flew rainbow flags in support of the LGBTQ community. There was support for Ukraine. Some had signs and other visuals directed at Trump himself, with images of him as a king, in keeping with the protest’s theme. But the unity of purpose produced the energy among the diverse crowd.

This was bolstered by the support from passing motorists, which was for me the biggest surprise of the day. At nearly every moment of the rally, motorists honked their horns, waved, and gave thumbs-up gestures to the crowds.

Just more nonsense from the left

To the editor:

Last weekend was NO KINGS day. Another preposterous comment by the left. Of course, after having NO PRESIDENT for four years, I can understand why the left might think of this idea.

Biden had the least public appearances, news conferences and transparency of any president in history. The Republican National Committee reported that as of August 2024, that he was on vacation 40% of the time. With his advanced senility, that means that he was hardly a president at all. The autopen seemed to be the president but we don’t know who turned the autopen on and when. A president is making decisions every day no doubt.

For example, in one day he pardoned about 1,500 criminals including his family, his partner in the Afghan debacle and his advisor who created about as much damage with government control of COVID as COVID itself. Imagine how long it would take for a president to review 1,500 pardon requests and sign each one. A pardon requires that. We never elected an Autopen.

Trump is being the most active president ever, thank

From page 4

someone’s pet at one time. In addition we need a free spay-neuter program and free microchipping program.

I am willing to pay a bit more for the peace of mind to know that our tax dollars will protect and not harm our furry friends.

No pet owner should have to worry their dog or cat will be put down because they didn’t know the dogcatcher caught them!

C.A.Hughes, MSW Cape Coral

Are You prepared if your relative is discharged from a healthcare facility?

To the editor:

The proposed federal budget calls for cuts of $880

There was also very little opposition, another surprise. One man in a red “Make America Great Again” hat walked around the crowd holding his phone out and trying to start debates with people. Another had a megaphone and large sign calling for people to come to Jesus, implying that the crowd was not Christian — though I should add that I passed a priest participating in the rally at one point.

It also bears mentioning the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol comported themselves professionally and with courtesy. Deputies were handing out water and ice in the hot sun. The only thing close to a police action was deputies and troopers clearing a space for paramedics to treat an elderly protester who was overheated.

This is an important point because in other parts of the country, there were some law enforcement leaders making escalatory statements that included threats to shoot rioters. But there was no conflict with law enforcement at this rally, which is a credit to Sheriff Carmine Marceno and his deputies as well as the rally participants themselves.

In all, the rally was a success in that the participants got their message out peacefully and visibly. It was a demonstration that Lee County is not a monolith, and that local politicians should pay attention.

Dave Montrose Cape Coral

Editor’s note: The Breeze reached out to several No Kings participants for a “we were there” perspective. We asked that the contributions be from a “journalist type” viewpoint. We received one response which we are sharing on this week’s opinion pages along with unsolicited letters to the editor on the nationwide event. Dave Montrose reported for The Breeze from April 2005-April 2007.

the Lord. Biden had taken the country to a new low with a debt of $37 trillion and rising. His reckless expenditures had set an overhead path toward bankruptcy that would end Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid. Trump is certainly no king and has no chance of that in America but he is a terrific CEO facing a befuddled, bureaucratic, sometimes illegal, uncontrolled mess threatening our safety and ability to pay to American citizens what is dictated by law.

Democrats and the news media should be focused on America instead of how much they can hate Trump.

John Benedict Cape Coral

Elected officials, take note

To the editor:

June 14 demonstrations across the nation in favor of democracy and against Trump’s dictatorship revealed the power of the people.

The energy, exuberance, and solidarity of those demonstrations stood in sharp contrast to Trump’s noxious display of tanks and military equipment. While Trump continues to politicize the military, hundreds of

Letters to the editor

billion to Medicaid coverage over the next 10 years —significantly affecting healthcare in Lee County, particularly impacting small or rural hospitals and nursing homes.

Consider: Millions of individuals could lose their Medicaid coverage, putting immense pressure on their family and communities dependent on these services. Impact on healthcare facilities: Hospitals will feel the financial strain due to reduced funding impacting their ability to deliver quality care.

Nursing Home Regulations: When Medicaid benefits are set to expire a nursing home resident has a limited time frame to arrange private payment or alternative care. Importantly ,nursing homes cannot evict residents simply due to expiration of benefits, emphasizing the need for proactive planning for residents and their fam-

thousands of us are saying no to his usurpation of power that belongs to the people.

The moral squalor of Trump has brought us back to basics: The meaning of the rule of law. The importance of checks and balances and separation of powers. The centrality of our judiciary. The significance of due process and habeas corpus.

Perhaps most fundamentally of all, the malignant narcissism of Trump has helped us understand the opposite — the true meaning of patriotism and the common good.

True patriots confirm the good that we have in common. They seek to strengthen and celebrate the “We” in “We the people.”

Trump is the opposite of a patriot. He is a traitor and a coward. His lust for power and wealth at the expense of the common good makes this one of the most shameful chapters of our history.

Yesterday we reasserted “We.” We did it largely peacefully. We gained strength from our solidarity.

We will not cower to a dictator.

We will win! You will lose your next election if you continue to support King Trump.

Ray Allen Fort Myers

ilies.

Community consequences: The cuts could lead to increased hospitalization rates and emergency care barriers as families navigate the healthcare system without adequate coverage, ultimately affecting public health outcomes in Lee County. It is essential for communities policymakers to engage in discussions about mitigating the impacts of these cuts on vulnerable populations and local healthcare systems.

Is this a cut in the Federal budget to give tax breaks to the wealthiest individuals ? I am very concerned about the health of Lee County residents.

Kaathleen Callard,RNBS North Fort Myers

PROVIDED

David Montrose at Saturday’s No Kings “nationwide day of defiance” event in south Fort Myers held along U.S. 41 near the Bell Tower Shops.

America needs a tax-limitation balanced budget amendment now!

President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” passed the U.S. House recently by one vote.

The bill’s impact is certainly “big,” but how “beautiful” it will be remains to be seen.

As a former State Senator and Senate Republican Whip, I know every vote ultimately requires a “yes” or “no” decision. And if I was in the Congress when that vote was taken, I would have voted to pass the bill, and help equip President Trump with the tools to begin fixing our economy. Most importantly, as a proud, conservative “fiscal hawk,” I would have voted for the bill just to prevent the largest tax hike in American history from sending Southwest Floridians reeling.

But I also side with those conservative Republicans in Congress who know America doesn’t have deficits because we aren’t taxed enough. We have deficits because the government is too big and spends too much.

Here’s the sad reality: For every dollar the government raises in new taxes, it spends nearly $1.50 dollars more in new outlays. That’s been happening for decades. According to the Congressional Budget Office, just last year, we acquired $196 billion in new debt a month, $6.4 billion in new debt every day, $268 million

of new debt every hour, and $4.5 million of new debt every minute. It doesn’t take Albert Einstein to figure out where that math takes us.

Worse yet, the Biden Administration’s Treasury Department even bragged about their spending: “Compared to the federal spending of $3.82 trillion for the same period last year, our federal spending has increased by $340 billion.” They even profaned our Constitution’s preamble by using it as a justification for their wanton spending: “the purpose of the federal government is… to establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.’ These goals are achieved through government spending.” With such twisted interpretations of the role of government, at least we can now understand how America has landed in this fix.

Guest Commentary

Liberals believe that taxpayers should feel grateful for seizing your money and redistributing it like Santa Claus through the behemoth federal bureaucracy. Next, I suppose pickpockets will expect us to feel grateful for leaving us the lint! Government spending — and government intrusion into the economy — is not the solution. It is the problem. If a free-market economy is to ever work right, we must get government off our backs and out of our pockets. President Trump wants to unshackle the economy, and I agree with him.

I have a permanent solution to the spending problem.

It’s called a “Tax Limitation Balanced Budget Amendment” (TLBBA) and it should become Congress’s top priority.

A tax-limitation balanced budget amendment would give the ultimate force of law to a balanced budget, while also depriving Congress of the ability to use budgetary gimmicks or tax increases to achieve the goal of balancing the budget. The temptation may otherwise be too great for Congress to raise taxes to accomplish

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

the balance. However, a “tax-limitation” amendment would require government to cut spending any time spending exceeds revenues. Exceptions would require a supermajority of votes in Congress to pass, which is difficult to achieve.

The last time a tax-limitation balance budget amendment came up for a vote in the House, was nearly 30 years ago, and it lost by a single vote. Recently, President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” won by a single vote.

I intend to ask President Trump to join with me in putting his shoulder into making certain a tax-limitation balanced budget amendment becomes law. I may even ask the President to name it the “Even Bigger, More Beautiful Bill.” Because I, for one, couldn’t imagine a better gift to our children and grandchildren than handing them a financially secure nation in which to flourish.

— Jim Oberweis is a former state senator and senate Republican Whip in Illinois now living in Bonita Springs. A longtime resident of Southwest Florida, he manages a large investment fund and is an announced candidate for Congress, hoping to succeed U.S. Rep Byron Donalds, who is running for governor.

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.

Jim Oberweis

Chamber’s Junior Leadership class explores career possibilities

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

The future of Cape Coral got an up-close-and-personal look at various city departments, businesses and entities last week as part of a prominent program.

Nearly 20 high school youths graduated this past week from the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s Junior Leadership program that is designed for high school juniors.

Its purpose is to provide students with supplemental learning opportunities that help develop leadership skills before they graduate. At the same time, it introduces them to the many career possibilities available within the Cape Coral area. Through a combination of interactive sessions, community engagement, and professional exposure, students are encouraged to prepare for their futures by gaining a deeper understanding of their local community and the opportunities it holds.

“Junior Leadership is one of the programs we are most proud of as an organization,” said Chamber President/CEO Donna Germain. “Since 2004, we have welcomed hundreds of students from all over Cape Coral to participate.

“Leadership development and appreciation for your community is so important to the Chamber, and is the cornerstone of all of our leadership programs. We are so proud of the Class of 2025 for their engagement and interest in the future of their community and cannot wait to see what they do next.”

The group spent the week touring, learning, and getting hands-on experience at several locations throughout the city. Themed days included “leadership and philanthropy,” “infrastructure,” “city government and healthcare,” “education and media,” “public safety,” and finally, a graduation at the Coral Ridge Event Center this past Tuesday.

Oasis High School student Liliana Perez said, “Junior Leadership was more than just a program, it was a complete mindset shift. Over the past week, I’ve had the chance to dive deep into what really keeps our community running, from meeting local officials to visiting businesses and organizations that impact people every single day. What really stuck with me was seeing how much passion and teamwork it takes to make even small changes happen. One

of my biggest ‘aha’ moments was realizing that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest person in the room it’s often about listening, supporting, and knowing when to step up. I also learned that leadership is everywhere, not just in big positions, but in everyday choices and how

Nearly 20 high school juniors took part in the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s Junior Leadership program, visiting businesses throughout the area. The purpose of the program is to provide students with supplemental learning opportunities that help develop leadership skills before they graduate. See LEADERSHIP, page 9

we treat others. I saw how different people teachers, first responders, business owners, volunteers all lead in their own way, and that inspired me to find my own voice. This experience also taught me the power of connection. Even

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF CAPE CORAL

Leadership: High school juniors visit area businesses, organizations

From page 8

though the program is ending, it doesn’t feel like goodbye. Good leaders stay in touch, collaborate, and lift each other up. I’ve made friendships and professional connections that I hope will last far beyond this week. I’m walking away from this with not just knowledge, but confidence in who I am and what kind of leader I want to be.”

One of the standout activities of Junior Leadership is a mock City Council meeting where students delve into local and relevant community issues, simulating civic participation and gaining firsthand insight into how local government functions. They also explore Cape Coral’s unique history and meet with government officials, enhancing their awareness of the city’s roots and leadership.

The program gives students direct exposure to various career paths through visits to media outlets such as television and radio stations, as well as a local newspaper. The Breeze was among those welcoming the group, who asked an array of pointed questions as to how media works, and how to deliver the news without bias.

A day spent touring a hospital introduced students to the world of healthcare, where they meet medical professionals and explored medical careers. Public safety and law are also covered through visits to the police and fire departments.

Katherine Kahle of Ida Baker High School said, “My biggest takeaway was seeing how much teamwork and effort it takes to keep a city running and how many opportunities there are to be part of it. I’m so glad I got to meet and learn about all the people and companies that keep us safe and thriving every day without ever really getting the recognition and appreciation they

deserve. I highly recommend this program to anyone and everyone, especially those not exactly looking for what is going on here so their eyes can be opened just as much as ours were once they find out.”

In addition to exploring external careers, the program helps students build their leadership skills. They are encouraged to create a class project that will help benefit their community, and this year’s class is taking on the SOS Food Drive through the Cape Coral Caring Center on June 26.

“I loved learning about how everything works, it really opened my eyes on how much work and effort it takes to run our community,” said Jessica Carbone of Ida Baker High School. “Knowing all of the things our leaders do for our community inspired me to want to do the same. I also loved how everyone came together and how supportive all of us were -- that we all had our own opinions and thoughts but we all agreed and understood one another. This opportunity was so amazing and I’m so glad I took it.”

In addition to the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, the program is also supported by Florida Blue Foundation, LCEC, Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, The Breeze Newspapers, It’s IT, Waste Pro, The NewsPress and The Horizon Foundation.

Germain added, “I would also like to thank the incredible committee that puts this program together; Dusty Shelton, Eric Gundersen, Richard Leon, Mick Sheldrake and Aaron Egler. They take time out of their work schedule to not only plan the days but also spend the entire week away from their businesses to spend with the class.

We could not do this without them.”

For more information

Left, Claire

Addison Kalbhenn, and Sofia Femina get some hands-on experience while visiting businesses throughout the area.

ber.com/members/leadership-programs/ jr-leadership/.

on the Junior Leadership program, visit capecoralcham-

High school students

Samuel Dugarte and Sofia Femina take part in the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s Junior Leadership program at a Cape Coral Fire Department station.

Johnson,

Mosquitoes: Control efforts under way

From page 1

off very significantly, whereas last year was more of a gradual start.

“We do have a lot of mosquitoes this season, and that has to do with our dry winter,” she said. “All it took was that egg bank to accumulate over a dry winter. We still have mosquitoes out there. They’re still laying eggs. They’re laying eggs in places where until we get a high tide or a lot of rain, they’re not going to come off. That rainy week we just experienced started things very quickly.”

Out of the myriad of species of mosquitoes in the county, McBride said the one that typically starts the year off and sticks around all year is the salt marsh mosquito.

They usually lay eggs around the coastal areas of Sanibel, Captiva — anywhere along the coast.

“The one thing that people don’t realize is how close they are to salt marsh areas,” McBride said. “These species of mosquitoes will fly anywhere to 20 miles away for a blood meal. So we’re living next to this tremendous, really prolific growing area for salt marsh mosquitoes.”

LCMCD officials are getting an influx in calls currently, and McBride said other agencies throughout the region are experiencing the same thing.

Where LCMCD sprays is entirely based on activity.

“We go where the mosquitoes are,” McBride said.

According to LCMCD officials, treatment plans are scheduled on a day-to-day basis. The mapping system that can be viewed online is where the district plans to treat, but it is not always accurate for determining if an area was treated. If an area is scheduled and it is not treated due to weather or technical difficulties, it will not be removed from the system and will continue to show as a planned treatment area.

“People call in and ask what our spray schedule is. We don’t have a spray schedule. Where we spray is based on mosquito activity. We have to have data, we have to have proof that there is a mosquito issue.”

Residents often worry about how the district’s spray impacts pollinators and other insects. McBride said the treatment they use does not cause harm.

“Our spray does not impact the butterflies and bees,” she said. “All of our treatments are EPA approved which

also includes not harming non-target insects. Also, the adulticiding -- treating the air column where mosquitoes fly — is done in the evening when those insects are not foraging. There’s lots of research to support it does not harm non-target insects. We have great relationships with local beekeepers and butterfly gardens. They get notification of our adulticiding spray so if they want can take extra precautions to protect their hives. “

What defines a ‘mosquito issue?’

McBride said it depends on the area. The district knows those salt marsh areas will have a higher number of mosquitoes present. Once a threshold gets past “normal” mosquito activity, the district will treat the area.

LCMDC looks at dip count, where they test water to see the number of larvae present in an area. They look at the number of adult mosquitoes in an area, and take into account where the volume of calls are coming from.

Weather also plays a role in treatment. When it rains, or the wind is too strong, LCMCD is unable to go out and treat.

LCMCD has a boots-on-the-ground team that goes out and surveys communities where calls are coming from to see what the data tells them.

“We have to go out and collect data,” McBride said. “Sometimes it might be a no-see-um issue. It might be the start of the season and people just forget what it’s like to be back in mosquito season. We have to make sure we have the surveillance and the data to justify any type of treatment, as it should be. We’ve become really smart about treating mosquitoes and taking care of our environment, too.”

McBride said 75% of the district’s operations is trying to catch the mosquito at the larvae stage, and to catch them before they become biting adults. Currently, that’s an easier-said-than-done task with the recent devel-

opment. It takes five to seven days from eggs being laid to have adult mosquitoes added to the population.

Mosquitoes: Insects can carry disease

From page 12

“You get those adult issues when we’re not able to treat due to weather conditions,” McBride said.

Other than spray treatment, LCMCD has Gambusia fish, or “mosquitofish,” where fish that eat mosquito larvae are deployed in areas where other predators do not exist.

In the Edison area, the district has been implementing the sterile insect technique. The SIT is a method that is used to reduce insect populations. It involves releasing lab-reared sterilized insects to mate with the wild population to reduce the targeted species.

According to district officials, they lab-rear Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which are commonly found in urban neighborhoods. Once at the pupae life stage, the district X-rays the males which causes sterilization. These sterile adult male mosquitoes are then released into the environment to mate with wild females. The eggs laid by female mosquitoes will not hatch, which will reduce the mosquito population. For population reduction, LCMCD releases sterile male mosquitoes, which do not bite. Only female mosquitoes bite.

Mosquito-borne disease surveillance program

LCMCD has a proactive, year-round mosquito-borne disease surveillance program made up of four parts. The first part is sentinel chicken surveillance. Officials state this portion uses the appearance of mosquito-borne disease in chickens strategically placed around the county to monitor the transmission of disease among the disease’s reservoir host, birds.

“We’re lucky enough to have in-house testing where we’ve got our biologists testing the chicken’s blood for West Nile and others.”

The second part of the program is specialized adult mosquito trapping performed with CDC light traps to monitor the level of the vector mosquito. The third part is the analysis of the collected vector

mosquito to detect the presence of viral RNA.

“This data indicates the presence of infected or potentially infected mosquitoes,” state LCMCD officials.

The final part is human investigation, which involves determining when and where a disease was contracted. Contraction could be outside the neighborhood of the victim or outside the country.

“When a mosquito borne disease is detected in a sentinel chicken, mosquito or human, the district responds immediately to control adult mosquitoes in the vicinity of the disease detection to try and prevent the further spread of the disease by mosquitoes,” district officials state.

LCMCD uses both fixed wing and rotary-wing aircraft in mosquito control operations. During daylight hours for inspections and larviciding purposes, an Airbus H125 helicopter is utilized.

Fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft are used for the district’s nighttime aerial adulticiding program.

These missions are carried out between sunset and 2 a.m., when adult mosquitoes are most active and likely to be exposed to the very small droplets produced by the ultra-low volume spray system.

The district also uses drones to get to small areas other aircraft can’t treat. Other district inventory includes field inspection vehicles, surveillance vehicles, spray vehicles, lawn equipment, aircraft tugs, marine vessels and heavy machinery.

So, what’s the best way to keep away from mosquitoes this summer?

“The biggest thing to know is that we started this season off with a bang,” McBride said. “It takes a couple weeks to get them under control because we had that sudden start to the rain season. We’re here doing our job.”

Wearing long sleeves and long pants, despite the heat, is always a good way to combat mosquito bites, as is using an EPA-approved DEET spray or wipe.

For more information on the district, or to make a service call, visit www.lcmcd.com.

*FLORIDA HAS THE HIGHEST INSURANCE RATES IN THE COUNTRY

Are you tired of: Flashy Ads promising “Cheap” Insurance only to learn what was taken away to make it cheap?

Are you tired of: Finding out your Insurance Agency is out of Miami or Orlando?

Are you tired of: Calling your Agency for service and talking to another country?

Are you tired of: Sales and Service reps that don’t know Insurance any better than you do?

Are you tired of: Binding a policy at one price, and have it skyrocket or get cancelled after the Credit Report or Property Inspection is done?

In Loving Memory

Sheryl Lynn Rice

February 12, 1959 - May 23, 2025

Sheryl Lynn Rice, 66, of Cape Coral, Florida died in Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida on May 23, 2025, after an extended battle with cancer. Sheryl was born to David William Rice and Margaret Ann McGuigan in Chicopee, Massachusetts, on February 12, 1959.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents. Sheryl is deeply missed by her husband, Robert (“Bob”) Sczurek, daughter, Dr. Nicole Nichols, son-in-law, Darren Hussein, granddaughter, Teegan Nichols, and puppies, Rocko and Rollo. Sheryl is also survived by her three siblings and their spouses, Lisa (Rice) and Harry Hulsey, Steve (“StevieD”) and Connie Rice, and James Rice; and by five nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, including Maggie, Kate and Will Hulsey; Brian (and Shanna, Ella, Alex and Julie) Rice; and Jeff (and Cheryl and Wilbur) Rice. Sheryl is also survived by her extended family, including her Aunt Carol (McBride), Aunt Betty (Bernardi), as well as her Rice and McGuigan cousins, her “bonus sister” Marie Landis and the Cabin Crew, and her many beloved friends.

Sheryl attended Jersey Shore High School in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, then quickly high-tailed it with Terri Rainey, her life-long best friend, to Florida and its sunny beaches. She loved the publishing business and cherished friendships she formed while working for 29 years as a graphic artist for the Cape Coral Breeze.

Sheryl will be remembered for her kindness, intellect, quick and biting wit, good humor and unyielding zest for life. Sheryl was a touchstone and home-base, who always reached out to friends and family to assist with an issue or to lend a kind ear to someone who appeared to need a little help. Sheryl took care of her friends and others, regularly inviting those who might not otherwise have a place at a table to her holiday parties and other gatherings. Sheryl enjoyed supporting and being supported by her loving husband and fantastic cook, Bob, with whom she shared 44 years of adventures together. Sheryl was so very proud of her daughter Nicole, who after earning her doctorate of veterinary medicine, opened her own veterinary clinic and surgical center. Sheryl was also extraordinarily proud of her granddaughter Teegan and her academic and sports achievements. And, of course, Sheryl adored that “da[rn]” Darren, her entrepreneurial son-in-law who always said he “knew a guy” when quickly resolving any issue, large or small. Sheryl was passionate about life, be it travel, live (preferably outdoor) concerts, football, spending time with family and friends, and just having a good time. Who else do you know who would celebrate her 50th birthday by jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and skydiving to the tune of Free Fallin’ – to the awe of friends and family “grounded” below on Planet Earth waving handwritten signs grading Sheryl’s jump and glide (notably with “10s” on a 10-point scale)? Who else do you know who would invite nieces and nephews to visit for a couple weeks each Summer to check out the work being done by family members in Cape Coral and to hang out with their Aunt Sheryl and other family members? Less than a month before her death, Sheryl organized a kayak trip along the Orange River and happily paddled the river with Bob, Nicki, James and cousins Lynn Bernardi and Harold Baldus for what was to be her last journey into the wilds of Florida. We who traveled with Sheryl just cannot imagine our future adventures without Sheryl.

There will be a private memorial ceremony for Sheryl in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in late July. In lieu of flowers, Sheryl’s family suggests that contributions may be made in Sheryl’s memory to the charity of your choice.

‘SOS Save Our Summer’ gears up for food drive

By CJ HADDAD news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral’s nonprofit dedicated to feeding families, children, and assisting those in need has launched its summer campaign aimed to end hunger in the city.

Cape Coral Caring Center’s “SOS Save Our Summer” is rallying the community for a high-energy, high-impact mission to fight hunger. On June 26, neighbors, business leaders, and local champions will gather for a food drive — a spirited fundraising event aimed at ensuring no family in Cape Coral goes to bed hungry.

With a theme as bold as its mission — “Put the Smackdown on Hunger” — the event challenges participants to join forces and compete to bring in the most donations, whether food or monetary. The prize is helping struggling families across the region have access to meals during the critical summer months when need is highest.

“We’re going to put a smackdown on hunger,” said CCCC Executive Director Julie Ferguson. “No child is going to be hungry on our watch. People don’t realize that hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation. When schools out, children are still hungry and are not receiving free breakfast and lunch.”

From June to August, CCCC puts together “healthy not hungry” bags for children that are designed to feed a child for an entire week. A bag is given to each child in a family, once per month.

Ferguson said so far this month, CCCC has already distributed roughly 200 bags. Last year, they passed out 500 across all three months.

“It’s a very expensive program for us, but it’s worth it,” she said. “Children have to have food to survive and thrive, and it takes some pressure off of mom and dad.”

Ferguson said summer months can be especially challenging for families, with many incomes that are based on tourism and those in the service industry taking a hit.

“It just makes it more important for us to make sure kids have food,” she said. “This smackdown will help us fund these bags.

“We want to make sure we can help anyone that is in need, and we’re looking to the community to come together to make sure that our kids and families are fed.”

Other than getting a bag of food, those at CCCC will sit down with families and discuss other ways they can receive assistance.

“There’s a lot of things in the community that can help them,” Ferguson said, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, or where they can find resources for jobs opportunities. “We give them food, but we also give them information.”

The need for food in Cape Coral, from Ferguson’s viewpoint — and she has a good one — has increased in recent times. She said the center will see 10 to 12 families or more come in each day as opposed to the usual four to five.

“We see a lot of people in a lot of different circumstances,” she said. “People are still recovering from hurricanes. People are getting laid off unexpectedly. We’re

“We’re going to put a smackdown on hunger. No child is going to be hungry on our watch. People don’t realize that hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation. When schools out, children are still hungry and are not receiving free breakfast and lunch.

doing everything we can to make sure people have better lives.”

The center recently installed a generator that will be able to power the building and allow them to provide services and goods should a storm blow through.

This food drive event is supported by sponsors whose commitment makes this mission possible. They are: Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, Cape Coral Caring Center, Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association, Rotary International, Spiro & Associates and Kiwanis International.

The food drive event is not open to the public, though donations can be given to any of the participating entities or to the caring center directly.

Ferguson said community supporting community is paramount in the center’s efforts, and that you may never know who is in need.

“People that you might never expect fall on hard times,” she said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, ‘I don’t know what I’m supposed to do here. I’ve never been in need before. I am beyond embarrassed to be here.’ It breaks my heart to hear somebody say that, however, I know, that they’re going to be treated with such kindness and such respect, and not be made to feel bad for being in need.”

The Cape Coral Caring Center was founded in 1990, and since its inception, has helped more than 70,000 people in the Cape Coral community on a short-term basis.

Donations to the Cape Coral Caring Center can be made via check, through a neighborhood food drive, Walgreens and Amazon, or PayPal. The center can turn $1 into approximately $8 worth of food and essentials.

The Cape Coral Caring Center is at 1420 S.E. 47th Street – two blocks west of Del Prado Boulevard and two blocks north of Cape Coral Parkway.

Food donations and deliveries are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon (excluding holidays) at the back door — ring the door bell.

For large deliveries or pick-ups, call (239) 9451927.

For more information, visit capecoralcaringcenter. org.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

THE CITY OF CAPE CORAL VACATION RENTAL ADVISORY GROUP WILL HOLD A MEETING ON FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025, BEGINNING AT 3:00 P.M. IN CONFERENCE ROOM 220A LOCATED AT CITY HALL, 1015 CULTURAL PARK BOULEVARD, CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA 33990.

Please check the City’s website for the most current meeting information at: http://www.capecoral.gov; Department; City Clerk; Public Meeting Calendar.

To view a copy of the agenda when posted, please go to: https://www.capecoral.gov/department/clerk/agendas_and_videos.php

Kimberly Bruns, CMC City Clerk

— Julie Ferguson CCCC executive director

Lee seniors score $70 million plus in scholarships

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The graduating class of 2025 earned more than $70 million in scholarships, which will be used towards costs at colleges, universities, and technical centers across the United States.

“I couldn’t be prouder of these students; they are truly exceptional! They’ve excelled in academics, athletics, the arts, JROTC, and so much more. Earning $70 million in scholarships is a staggering achievement and a testament to their dedication. These funds are helping them take the next big step, whether it’s a two- or four-year college, a military service academy, or a technical school,” School Board Chair Sam Fisher said. “Hats off to them!”

The School District of Lee County polled the 2025 graduating class and of those who provided information about their post high school plans included:

n Attend a four-year college or university: 2,063

“I couldn’t be prouder of these students; they are truly exceptional! They’ve excelled in academics, athletics, the arts, JROTC, and so much more. Earning $70 million in scholarships is a staggering achievement and a testament to their dedication. These funds are helping them take the next big step, whether it’s a two- or four-year college, a military service academy, or a technical school. Hats off to them!” School Board Chair Sam Fisher

n Attend a two-year community or state college: 1,532

n Attend a technical college or school: 938

n Enter the workforce: 519

n Enter the Armed Forces: 313

n Start a business: 118

The 2024-2025 school year had 6,198 senior students in the district’s 15 high schools, which does not include char-

ter schools. District Spokesperson Rob Spicker said they will not know the exact number of graduates until the end of the summer when the credit retrieval period closes for seniors.

“Our seniors earned over $19 million. This was the highest amount awarded that we could track in at Cape High,” Cape Coral High School Principal Ryan Jackson said. “This was a hard-working and ded-

icated class that produced both academically and athletically.”

Oasis High School graduating seniors also had a phenomenal year.

Jackie Corey, principal of the school that is part of the city of Cape Coral’s municipal charter school system, said the 2025 class earned $2,498,000 in scholarships. Of the 218 students that graduated this year, 93 of them were Cambridge graduates earning their Cambridge International diplomas.

Of those who graduated, 52 will attend Florida community colleges, 105 will attend college/universities, 42 will attend Florida tech trade schools, 14 will go into the workforce and six will join the armed forces.

“The class of 2025 was clearly a class of talented athletes, artists, performers, leaders, thinkers, and knowledge seekers. They are going to be very successful in all endeavors. The Oasis family will greatly miss them, but wishes them all the best in the next chapter of their lives,” Corey said.

New requirements for teen drivers begin July 1

Six-hour driver’s ed class added to course list to obtain a learner’s permit in Florida

Effective July 1 all new teen drivers aged 15-17 must complete the following courses to receive a Florida Learner’s Permit:

n 6-hour Driver Education Course

n 4-hour Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE)

They also must have ID documents,

proof of address, and parental consent

However, if a teen completes a Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education course online before July 1, 2025, he or she will be exempt from the 6-hour course, the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office said in a release.

Teens must be 14 years old to complete the TLSAE.

A list of approved course providers can be found on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, https://www.flhsmv.gov/

If the teen already has a Learner’s Permit, or gets one before July 1, they are also exempt.

Teens moving to Florida with a valid out-of-state permit or license don’t need to take the new course, either.

To read the new law, visit https://www. flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/994

Source: Lee Elections Office

Impact Windows & Doors and A/C. Interior renovations include flooring, cabinetry and appliances. Huge Screened Lanai. MLS# 224079957 $399,000

Weekly B reeze Recap Commissioners approve smoking, and vaping bans at Lee County’s beaches and parks

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum announces new exhibit

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel recently unveiled a new exhibition.

Opened on May 29, “Brilliant Colors of the Sea: Nudibranchs and Their Relatives” features 21 photographs taken underwater of nudibranchs, which are marine gastropod mollusks that lack a shell in their adult form and are celebrated for their color patterns.

The museum reported that nudibranchs live worldwide in temperate and tropical regions, but the most colorful and eye-catching species are associated with warm waters and coral reefs. There are about 3,000 known species.

The exhibit explores the relationship between color and defense mechanisms for nudibranchs, their conservation status and other subjects. The photographs were taken in the South Pacific and South Florida by Gabriel Jensen and longtime museum collaborator Scott Johnson.

“We are glad to display these stunning images,” curator and Science Director Dr. José H. Leal, who organized the exhibition, shared. “Their images of these unfamiliar mollusks complement each other in a unique way.’’

Johnson has spent nearly 40 years in the Marshall Islands and began photographing underwater at the age of 15. His work has been acclaimed for decades. Jensen’s award-winning images of underwater microfauna in Florida have been featured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Geographic Wild and Smithsonian Magazine, among others.

The exhibit is made possible by a gift from the McQueen family and a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.

Additional special exhibitions remain on display at the museum.

“All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Amazing Abalone Shells” features 60 abalone shells from the museum’s collection. It showcases wide-ranging varieties from around the globe, focusing on their unique beauty, factors that make the shells appear the way they do,

classification, fisheries and conservation status.

“Shells of the abalone group of marine gastropods represent a diversity of color, pattern and visual impact that is matched by very few others,” the museum shared. “Many abalones have an otherworldly, iridescent quality that is prized as a source for jewelry, decorative objects and mother-of-pearl.”

The exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.

“Adorned by the Sea: Shells in Fashion” examines the diverse uses of sea shells and mollusks to enhance appearance and dress. From expensive purple dyes made from snails to conceptual catwalk fantasies made of razor clams and mussels, with works spanning centuries and including designers from unnamed indigenous artists to Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen and Gucci, it offers an overview of how humans have amplified our image by borrowing from the wonders of marine life.

“Throughout time and around the world, shells have been used to elevate and adorn. From ancient cultures to contemporary runway couture, using shells as decorative motifs, carving them into ornamental shapes and even attaching them in their natural form has transformed ordinary textiles into extraordinary garments,” the museum shared. “Shells have been used to represent value, nature and even faith.”

The exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation and a gift from Mark and Kathy Helge.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The cost of admission is: $18 for adults; $15 for seniors and veterans; $10 for ages 12-17, students and educators; $5 for ages 5-11; and free for ages under 5, museum members and active military.

For more information, visit ShellMuseum.org or call 239-395-2233.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.

Phyllidia madangensis, a colorful, shell-less marine gastropod mollusk.

SCOTT JOHNSON

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 on Tuesday to approve amending an existing ordinance which will ban smoking and vaping at county beaches and parks immediately.

Lee County-owned parks on Pine Island include Phillips Park, Matlacha Park and Galt Preserve. Fort Myers Beach parks include Bowditch Point Regional Park, Crescent Beach Family Park and Lynn Hall Memorial Park. County-owned beaches on Sanibel and Captiva include Bowman’s Beach Park, Turner Beach Park, Alison Hagerup Beach Park and Andy Rosse Lane Park as well as the Causeway Islands.

The ban includes all cigarettes, vaping or other electronic smoking devices.

Lee County District 2 Commissioner Brian Hamman, whose district covers Cape Coral, introduced the ordinance.

“Our parks and beaches are special places where families, residents and visitors come to relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings,” Hamman told the Fort Myers Beach Observer.

“We want to keep them clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone which is why we’re looking at banning smoking and vaping in these public spaces,” he said in an email. “This ordinance reflects our commitment to working towards a cleaner, healthier Lee County.”

The amendment to the ordinance cited a 2019 state statute passed by the state legislature which gives local governments the ability to prohibit smoking and vaping at all county parks and public beaches. Unfiltered cigars are exempt under the statute.

The ordinance will be enforced by Lee County Parks & Recreation.

Fines for violators would be $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $300 for a third.

Lee County Commissioners heard from representatives from Tobacco Free Lee, Lee Health and Lee County School District students who supported the ordinance before voting to approve the ban.

Speakersat the meeting spoke of the dangers from second-hand smoke which they said includes health risks to the public. Other speakers also cited litter from cigarettes as a reason to ban them at county beaches and parks.

One student, who said he has asthma, said he instinctually “holds my breath” when he passes smokers at the beach.

Another Lee County student said keeping public spaces free of smoke was important to allow beachgoers to breathe fresh air and avoid toxic smoke and vaping aerosol.

Joining Hamman in voting in favor of the smoking ban was Chairman Kevin Ruane, Commissioner Mike Greenwell and Commissioner David Mulicka.

CommuniTy

Common gardening misconceptions (Part 2)

By JANETTA FOX news@breezenewspapers.com

How can you be certain that the gardening information you find online or gather from family and friends is research-based, rather than unproven and worthy of scrutiny? As a continuation of my previous article on the topic, let’s explore a few assumptions regarding best gardening practices to determine their accuracy.

1. More is better when it comes to fertilizer.

Garden Club of Cape Coral

I used to be of the mindset that if a little fertilizer does the trick, more will result in healthier, happier plants. Not true! Too much can hurt beneficial soil microorganisms, lead to sudden plant growth without sufficient root system development, weaken the plant, promote disease and invite pests. And, as if that weren’t enough, excess nitrogen and phosphorus can leach through the soil and end up in our waterways, feeding algal blooms.

When using fertilizer, apply according to label directions. If your plants are adapting well, question whether there is even a need. For example, unless they start showing signs of nutrient deficiencies, mature shrubs and trees seldom, if ever, need supplemental fertilization.

If you have any doubt about whether an issue is nutrient-related or due to some other cause, forward your concerns with pictures to Extgardener@leegov.com. A Lee County Master Gardener volunteer at the University of Florida Lee County Extension Office on Palm Beach Boulevard in Fort Myers will respond to your query.

2. Use crushed eggshells as a barrier to snail activity.

Research has shown that the sharpness of eggshells is not a deterrent to snail activity. If not eggshells, what else can we try to rid ourselves of those pesky gastropods?

Snails enjoy moist, humid conditions. If you take your trusty flashlight outside on one of our Florida summer evenings, you will be able to observe the critters in action as you weigh your control options.

Snails are always on the lookout for convenient, out-of the way places to lay low during the day. Therefore, a good first step to manage them would be to remove hiding places. You can also try copper bands around the base of susceptible plants; however, our Florida weather could easily cause the copper to oxidize and become inactive. What about diatomaceous earth? Not the best idea because the substance breaks down quickly in our humid climate. Snail baits can be an option. However, many baits can be toxic to pets and wildlife.

As a least toxic measure, you can lure the snails with beer or another attractive beverage in a rimmed plate buried to the level of the soil. Another option would be to pick them up (using gloves) and toss them into a combination of H2O/rubbing alcohol. Or, you can pick them up (again with gloves) and transport them elsewhere. No, not your neighbor’s yard. Keep in mind that if you don’t transport them a sufficient distance, their built-in “homing” system will more than likely guide them back to your landscape, slowly but surely.

3. Use sealer to cover wounds after pruning trees.

The use of sealers is not recommended as their application is not research-based. Rather than being beneficial, sealants are more likely to prove detrimental by trapping moisture, increasing the likelihood of rot and decay. Additionally, the petroleum-based chemicals found in many sealants can negatively affect the tree’s health.

When properly pruned, healthy trees will tend to a wound over time by compartmentalizing; that is, forming a callus of new bark around the wound. Improper pruning can prevent the wound from sealing adequately and weaken the structure of the tree. Therefore, make certain to research the correct way to make the cuts before pruning, and always use sharp, sterilized tools during the pruning process.

June 20, 2025

Cape Coral Animal Shelter alumnus inspires a heartwarming children’s book

Special to The Breeze news@breezenewspapers.com

Nick, now named Jax, is the lead character in “The Real Life Adventures of Jack-A-Bee Jax,” written by his adopter and forever mom, Regina Lee Roth.

The book chronicles Jax’s incredible journey from the desolate Redlands area of South Florida to his joyful new life in Cape Coral.

“Once a neglected and sick stray suffering from mange, Jax was rescued thanks to the tireless efforts of our rescue partners working in the Redlands—a region known for its heartbreaking number of dumped and abandoned animals. These dedicated rescuers brought Nick, now known as Jax, to the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, where he received lifesaving medical treatment, compassionate care, and a second chance at a wonderful life,” a release from the Cape Coral Animal Shelter states.

Healthy, happy, and full of personality, Jax was placed up for adoption and quickly stole the heart of Regina Lee Roth and her family.

Inspired by his resilience and spirit, Roth wrote this children’s book that captures the story of hope, healing, and unconditional love.

Through Jax’s eyes, young readers can follow his adventure from survival to finding a forever home, learning important lessons about compassion, empathy, and the power of rescue along the way.

“For the past 30 years, I talked about wanting to write a children’s book,” said author Roth. “Our life with Jax has been so joyful and meaningful, and I realized that this was the perfect story for me to write about. My hope is that my book will inspire others to adopt, volunteer, donate,

Regina Lee Roth and Jax, above, and the book’s cover at left.

or foster to help animals and shelters all over the world.”

“We are beyond grateful for our rescue partners in the Redlands who work day in and day out in incredibly difficult conditions to save animals like Jax,” said Liz McCauley, executive director of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter. “His story is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when compassionate people come together for animals in need.”

The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books a Million.

For more information about the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, how to adopt or how to support animals in need, please visit www.capecoralanimalshelter.com.

Cape resident Gillis elected to Libertarian Party post

Professor Larry Gillis of Cape Coral has been elected a director-at-large of the Libertarian Party of Florida. The vote was taken Saturday, June 7, at the annual convention in Daytona Beach.

Gillis had previously been appointed to the position on an interim basis, to fill a vacancy on the LPF Executive Committee.

He previously chaired the Legislative Affairs Committee.

After graduating from Phillips Andover and

Larry Gillis

Harvard, Gillis received his law degree from Boston University. He commanded a military police company for three years, then practiced criminal law for several decades in New Hampshire. He teaches criminal law and procedure online in the Legal Studies program at the University of Maryland Global Campus.

For more information about the Libertarian Party of Florida, visit it website at https://www. lpf.org/

Cape Museum of History looking for volunteers to help staff beer booths at Red, White and BOOM!

The Cape Coral Museum of History will once again be running all three beer booths at the city of Cape Coral’s Red, White, and BOOM! Event Friday, July 4. The celebration takes place on Cape Coral Parkway at the foot of Cape Coral Bridge.

The museum is looking for volunteers to help man and operate the booths with such duties as bar back and cashier. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity and

we need your help. Residents are invited to “come hang out with a great group of people and help raise funds for the Museum’s mission.”

Shifts will run from 4 - 7:30 p.m., and 6:30 - 10 p.m. If you can work the whole time, 4-10 p.m., even better!

Email janel@capecoralmuseum.org to let us know your availability.

Final performances of ‘Men Are Dogs’ set at Cape Cafe Theatre

The hilarious comedy about women in group therapy, “Men Are Dogs” concludes its June performance schedule at Cape Cafe Theatre with Joe Simonelli assuming the lead role and Susan Crater also joining the cast.

The final four performances are Saturday, June 21; Thursday, June 26; and Friday, June 27, at 7 p.m.; with a

Sunday matinee June 22 at 2 p.m.

For tickets or additional information about the theater or the production, please call 239-363-0848 or visit capecafetheatre.com

The theatre is located inside Durso’s Delite Cafe at 110 N.E. 2nd Place, Unit 401, Cape Coral.

PHOTO PROVIDED

SalusCare turns to telehealth services in Cape Coral

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

With the loss of its lease with the city, SalusCare lost its facility in Cape Coral, but continues to offer services through telehealth and its Fort Myers location.

“We continue to offer telehealth services for those that can’t get across the bridge. It is a tool and not every tool works for each individual. There are some challenges we treat where face-to-face is more therapeutic and improves outcomes,” SalusCare President and Chief Executive Officer Stacey Cook said.

Hurricane Ian left extensive damage to the building in September 2022 which is when it was closed down, and has not reopened. Telehealth became an option, so they could continue to serve patients in Cape Coral. Patients can also seek help at the Fort Myers campuses.

“If they were able to access transportation, from work or other responsibilities they might have,” gone to the Fort Myers location “if there weren’t barriers for transportation, employment or finances,” Cook said.

The not-for-profit mental health and substance abuse service provider worked to get back to providing face-to-face care in Cape Coral, she said, adding they have also worked to repair and reopen the building and had weekly meetings with FEMA.

“We put $400,000 of our own money to repair the roof and secure it from any future damages while waiting for FEMA dollars. That is when the city terminated the lease. We moved whatever remaining items we had in that building. We are not providing any services in that building. That building belongs wholly and completely to Cape Coral,” Cook said, adding that SalusCare no longer has a lease with the city and the building is out of their hands.

The hope is to find a new location in Cape Coral, a city she said is her heart and home.

“What we are interested in is hopefully

“We continue to offer telehealth services for those that can’t get across the bridge. It is a tool and not every tool works for each individual. There are some challenges we treat where face-to-face is more therapeutic and improves outcomes.”

— Stacey Cook, SalusCare president and chief executive officer

finding an alternative site in Cape Coral to provide the services face-to-face where we need to,” Cook said – hopefully through some sort of partnership opportunity.

SalusCare served a significant number of individuals when they were open in Cape Coral — 900 patients a month — both children and adults for behavioral health services.

“We worked hard and made good on our promise to come back. We are going to keep on pushing and fighting for the city of Cape Coral that we have given so much love and love so much,” Cook said. “This is certainly a city that is growing exponentially and wonderful to serve. We are here and ready to do that.”

Cook said the organization provides behavioral health services to children and families with a full continuum of care. Services include outpatient care, psychiatry, crisis and acute care.

The Cape Coral location provided assessment services, giving patients a referral to services they may need to help with mental health or substance abuse disorders. SalusCare also offered access to a number of self help groups, such as Alcohol Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and AL-Anon meetings.

“Before Hurricane Ian and the COVID19 pandemic in 2020, our group help two meetings in the building every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Each meeting served 50-75 people. The SalusCare facility has a long-time connection with groups such as ours that primarily focus on not only substance abuse, but mental health

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

The City of Cape Coral Charter School Authority Governing Board will hold their Regularly Scheduled Meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 5:00P.M., in the Cape Coral Council Chambers, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990

issues as well,” Tisha Patrick wrote in a letter. “SalusCare provided a safe space for us to meet and receive substance abuse and mental health education and information on a weekly basis. Once the building was damaged, we had to find other means to hold our meetings, which was not an easy task. Our group had to split up and we have had to endure the loss of group members that were not able to come to our other alternative locations, none of which has ever been made permanent.”

SalusCare Executive Administrator Michelle Sutherland said they also partnered with the United Way and had a United Way house at the Cape Coral location. She said there was a food bank there at one time, and Community Cooperative provided meals, and job assistance was provided.

“There were so many individuals and families that we serviced with substance abuse or mental health challenges,” Cook said. “There was so much more going on with them — physically or other socioeconomic needs. United Way and their partner organizations were a huge part of that continuum.”

SalusCare relies on federal and state funding, as well as grants and community support. The financial loss, as well as the

loss of the building and its assets, has presented a significant financial hardship, officials said. More than 50% of their patients or either under or uninsured, which further exacerbates the challenges.

Meanwhile, the need for services has grown since Hurricane Ian, with other components thrown in as well with social and racial injustice.

“There is an increase in individuals that previously hadn’t touched our services and needed them,” Cook said, adding that others are in recurring crisis. “Individuals are coming back to us more frequently because of symptom occurrence, or other symptoms.”

Providing outpatient services, locally and nearby, is paramount for keeping an individual from reaching a crisis situation, Cook said.

“Maybe they will stop in, and reach out, and their first stop won’t be a crisis, or Baker Act,” she said.

Sutherland said they learned from FEMA that typically the mental health impacts from a disaster hits in year two.

“That makes our presence more necessary and more important for the residents of Cape Coral,” she said.

Cook said if they are able to identify, diagnose, and treat, they can prevent and stabilize the conditions and diseases much more quickly.

Individuals seeking help can reach out by phone – either calling or texting – 239275-3222, stop by the main location 3763 Evans Ave., in Fort Myers, or visit saluscareflorida.org.

Rental: Advisory group to share, solicit community input for Council

From page 1

annual cost and process of enforcement currently, review of other municipalities’ ordinances, proposed cost of enforcement with new system/processes, proposed new annual or one- time rate for vacation rentals and business tax receipt versus a fee.

The advisory group is comprised of 18 people — displeased residents, property managers of Airbnb, Realtors, vacation rental owners, code enforcement and law enforcement.

“I needed to have angry residents that can’t stand Airbnb, the vacation property owners and then I needed to have the property managers who manage the properties,” Nelson-Lastra said.

She said there are some options — potentially increasing the vacation rental fee, or doing it through business tax receipts. If the route is a fee, it will be something more than a one-time $35 fee, but not as much as the proposed $600

fee that drew criticism from the industry.

“Our goal is to make sure we are covering the enforcement cost,” Nelson-Lastra said.

She said there is a cost that comes with enforcing the vacation rental ordinance that is in place – staff time, police answering 911 calls and software that desperately needs to be updated.

“We need them (vacation rentals) because we don’t have enough hotels in our city and without them people can’t come here and we can’t promote tourism,” NelsonLastra said. “The problem is we have some bad actors in the city that own the vacation rentals that don’t follow the current seven-day minimal rental. That is why you have my displeased residents because they live next door to a party house.”

She said they need to also visit the number of days that are required for vacation rentals – maybe lower the number of days.

“We are not trying to penalize people that own vacation

rentals. We need them in our city. We want them in our city,” she said.

The group was formed after City Council decided not to move forward with two ordinances, 26-25 and 27-25, in the current written form and sponsored by Councilmember Keith Long.

The concerns from the ordinance were increasing the one-time $35 registration fee to an annual $600 fee, as well as the police department and code compliance division being “authorized to remove all occupants from the residential rental property until such time that the residential rental property is registered with the city.”

After an outcry from the community, and a long conversation among Council, Long said he was not married to the idea, he read the room and saw how much “we muddied it up.” He said he did not have the desire to continue and wanted to stop wasting time talking about it, which lead Nelson-Lastra to pick up the idea, form a group, and hold meetings during the Council’s summer hiatus.

Cameras: Recorded speed zone enforcement continues near schools

From page 1

tive during these times with clear signage.

Seventeen schools had RedSpeed detection cameras installed this past school year to help protect children, and staff, as well as motorist during school hours.

“The City of Cape Coral has implemented the RedSpeed Camera program to reduce speeding and increase awareness in school zones. Automated enforcement provides consistent and fair enforcement of traffic laws, helping to improve driving behavior and keep students safer during school hours,” Public Affairs Officer Lisa Greenberg said.

She said the city is are still receiving about 1,000 violations per day.

Notices have issued, following a warning period, to vehicular speeds more than 10 mph over the posted speed

limit. The registered owner receives a notice of violation and a fine of $100. There are no impacts to insurance for this violation, or points assessed on the driver’s license if paid.

Greenberg said they had one zone that had a clerical error that resulted in 84 people receiving violations that were immediately thrown out once they knew the timing was off.

The cameras operated 30 minutes before the start of the school breakfast program, during school hours, and 30 minutes after school ends. The reduced speed limit is enforced when the school zone lights are flashing. When not flashing during school hours, the regular posted speed limit applies.

“All collected funds go to the City of Cape Coral and are restricted to public safety use as outlined by Florida

Law,” she said.

Studies were used to determine which areas needed the cameras the most.

“The RedSpeed cameras will be active once again for the upcoming school year. There are not plans to expand the program at this time,” she said.

Schools that have the cameras set up include Ida S. Baker High School, Challenger Middle School, Diplomat Middle School, Mariner Middle School, Trafalgar Middle School, Cape Elementary School, Diplomat Elementary School, Gulf Elementary School, Oasis Charter Elementary School North, Patriot Elementary School, Skyline Elementary School, Trafalgar Elementary School, Heritage Charter Academy, St. Andrew Catholic School, Nicaea Academy and Cape Coral Christian School.

educaTion

Education BriEfs

Grandchamps graduates from Troy University TROY, Ala. — Angelica Grandchamps of Cape Coral graduated from Troy University during the Spring Semester/Term 4 of the 2024-2025 academic year.

Grandchamps graduated with a master of science in Management - Leadership.

Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose Troy for its academic programs and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online. For more, visit https://www.troy.edu/

Houle graduates from University at Buffalo BUFFALO, N.—Y. Kathryn Houle of Cape Coral graduated cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the College of Arts and Sciences.

The university awarded over 10,100 degrees across 18 school-based degree-conferral ceremonies held May 1-18 and earlier in the academic year.

The commencement ceremonies recognized students whose bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees were conferred by the university in August 2024, February 2025 or June 2025. Houle’s degree was conferred in June 2025.

The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York’s flagship. UB’s more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

For more information, visit https://www.buffalo.edu/

Lopez named to Southeast Missouri State’s spring 2025 Dean’s List

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Southeast Missouri State University has announced its Dean’s List for undergraduate academic achievement during the spring 2025 semester.

Janelle Lopez of Cape Coral was among the students named on the list.

Students named to the Dean’s List earned at least a 3.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and completed at least 12 hours of standard graded credit. They received no grade below a B and received no failing grades in enrolled, credit/no credit or pass/fail courses.

SEMO offers more than 170 degree programs, including 129 undergraduate majors and options, 33 master’s and specialist’s degree programs and 11 certificate programs. For more information, visit https://semo.edu/

Dougherty named to Spring 2025 President’s List at Mercer University

MACON, Ga. – Mercer University recently announced the President’s List and Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester. Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous GPA standards specific to the college or school within the University.

Among those recognized on the President’s List was Shannon Dougherty of Cape Coral , a senior in the School of Business.

Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls more than 9,200 students in 12 schools and colleges – liberal arts and sciences, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions, and professional advancement – on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta, medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus, and at regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties. For more about Mercer, visit https://www.mercer.edu/

June 20, 2025

Adrielle Costa, Marlon Martin and Leiana Boyd were unavailable.

Matlacha Hookers awards 11 ‘Hooked on Education’

Special to The Breeze news@breezenewspapers.com

The Matlacha Hookers recently announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, recognizing the achievements and potential of outstanding students in the island community. This year, 11 students were awarded scholarships to support their pursuit of higher education.

The Matlacha Hookers, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering local youth through educational opportunity, evaluates applicants based on academic excellence, community service and leadership.

“We are continually inspired by the dedication, resilience and talent of these young people,” said Carolyn Ryzanych, chair of the “Hooked on Education” Committee. “Our scholarship recipients represent the future of our

scholarships

community, and we are honored to support them as they take the next steps in their educational journeys.”

The scholarship recipients were honored at a membership meeting on June 9 at the American Legion Post 136 on Pine Island. Family members, friends and supporters attended the event to celebrate the students’ achievements and the ongoing mission of the Matlacha Hookers’ “Hooked on Education” scholarship program.

The Matlacha Hookers extends its gratitude to the generous donors, volunteers and community partners who make these scholarships possible each year.

For more information about the Matlacha Hookers or to contribute to future scholarships, please visit www. matlachahookers.org

Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral presents $240,000 in scholarships at annual ceremony

The Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral awarded $240,000 in scholarships to 20 outstanding local students during its recent annual Scholarship Award Night. The elegant ceremony, attended by students, families, educators and Kiwanis members, continues the club’s tradition of investing in the community’s future through educational support.

The scholarship recipients were selected by a six-member committee from a competitive pool of 45 applicants.

“What struck us most wasn’t just the impressive academic achievements, though they were certainly remarkable. It was the depth of character revealed through service and leadership,” said Eric Feichthaler, Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral president. “These students have made a significant impact on Cape Coral, and we’re honored to support their educational journeys as they pursue their college dreams.”

During the ceremony, students had the opportunity to share their college plans and intended majors, showcasing the diverse talents and aspirations of Cape Coral’s youth.

The evening’s scholarship awards included:

n Eden Sterk received the $16,000 Ackerman Scholarship

n Shayna Symonds earned the $14,000 Hawley Scholarship

n Fourteen students were awarded $14,000 each from

the Hermann Homles Scholarships: Trishann Darby, Alexandra Flores, Sophia Gibson, Alexander Lamb, Sabrina Dong, Jordan Manning, Katrina Placencia, Kaden Shannon, Allison Brightbill, Gia Pham, Adrielle Costa, Evalyn Klein, Meagan Kunkel, and Vernicia Greenland

n Carolina Talavera received the $5,000 Ralph Lubins Scholarship

n Three students were awarded $3,000 each from the Lorenz Scholarships: Andy Seeley, Alyssa Adkins, and Michelle Justice

The scholarship program is made possible through generous endowments from the Ackerman, Holmes and Hermann, Hawley, Lubins and Lorenz families, as well as funds generated by the Cape Coral Kiwanis Thrift Stores, whose staff and volunteers were recognized during the ceremony for their instrumental role in making these scholarships possible.

“The funds you receive are more than financial assistance; they represent our community’s belief in your potential and our investment in your future,” the committee told recipients. “Remember that each dollar carries with it the hopes of the Kiwanis members, the legacy of our benefactors, and the trust of this community.”

For more about the Cape Kiwanis Club, visit https:// capecoralkiwanis.org/

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Matlacha Hookers’ scholarship winners include, from left, Waylon Squires (recipient of the First Responder Scholarship), Armando Perez, Corin Scrudato, Darien Brown, Brooke Schaal, Skyla Stevens, Lily Moreau and Megan Kunkel.

Babcock Ranch hosts Trails Day hike

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

With Babcock Ranch’s concentration on environmental consciousness, it stands to reason that the town with countless walking trails to explore would be the perfect place to hold a National Trails Day hike.

Dozens of people came to the Dr. Bill Hammond Trail Head at the William & Mary Ann Smith Sports Complex on June 7 to take a two-mile hike and learn about nature and how we must continue to live in harmony with it or

risk losing it.

The Nature Walk & Talk hike was led by the town’s Environmental Conservation Manager & Wildlife Biologist, Christina Kontos. She said our most precious resource is our environment.

“It about bringing people out to connect with nature and learn more about the habitat and wildlife here,” Kontos said. “Conservation begins with education and that’s when appreciation occurs.”

People got to see the native flora and fauna during

Christina Kontos, Babcock Ranch’s Environmental Conservation manager & wildlife biologist, speaks during National Trails Day recently at the Dr. Bill Hammond Trail in Babcock Ranch.

the two-hour event in the hot June sun. Kontos was there along the way to answer questions, stopping along the way in a shaded area to share some anecdotes on numerous topics.

Kontos showed participating hikers the bat houses along the route, which are important for mosquito control, and said if one species is lost, it knocks the entire food chain and environment out of whack.

She also said that while many people are scared of species such as bears, panthers, hogs and gators, many of these animals are also afraid of us.

See TRAILS, page 26

CHUCK BALLARO

Dr. Bill Hammond Trail in Babcock Ranch welcomes participants on National Trails Day on June 7.

Trails: Babcock Ranch offers miles of open-to-the public pathways

“Alligators are especially active this time of year. They are out looking for mates and fighting for territory,” Kontos said.

Kontos also discussed the town’s hog program, where they hunt for the animal in the preserves and typically capture more than 1,000 per year, which are released to a farm where the animals are eventually slaughtered and used for food.

Among the most important topics Kontos talked about was controlled burnings, which are essential to keeping species alive and to keeping the area from burning out of control due to lightning and human error.

“Controlled burns are well planned, months in advance,

so that animals in the burn area can escape. Many animals rely on the burns for small vegetation and because they help increase the bug population,” Kontos said.

Kontos said conservation efforts are working. When she was a child there were about 30 panthers left in the wild. Thanks to genetic restoration and creating walkways for them across highways to reduce fatalities, there are now around 230, which also helps control the hog population.

Many of those along for the hike enjoyed it. Ali McGuire, who lives in Babcock Ranch, said it was very informative and that she will continue to use the trails here.

“I was going out and trying to get a walk in on a new trail. I hadn’t heard of this one, but now I’ll be coming

back to it every other day,” McGuire said. “I learned a lot about the prescribed fires. You can smell them before you see them here. The guide was very knowledgeable.”

Marge MacLennan, who as one of the first 300 residents in Babcock Ranch could be considered a pioneer, said it was a great walk.

“It was very informative. I thought I knew a lot, but I found out I didn’t know anything. I’ve been on parts of this trail, but not all of it,” MacLennan said. “I liked the information on the bats and how important they are to the ecosystem.”

Built in harmony with the environment with sustainability, preservation and restoration as key design features, Babcock Ranch has a trail network that will expand to more than 100 miles of greenways, recreational trails and walking paths.

The town is committed to maintaining a healthy ecosystem and coexisting with the land’s natural inhabitants, including the more than 30 indigenous species found in the area.

Babcock Ranch’s National Trails Day hike joins the American Hiking Society’s nationwide movement that encourages communities to get outdoors, celebrate a shared commitment to the environment, and become trail stewards on any trail, anywhere.

Deed language matters

Dear Mr. Feichthaler:

A few years ago, my father wanted to add me and my wife to the deed of his house so we would own it if he died. We went to the county clerk’s office, and I asked for a quitclaim deed, so he could transfer the property to us. He signed it with two witnesses and a notary, and it was recorded.

My dad passed away two years ago, so I thought I now had 100% ownership of the property. I have paid the property taxes and expenses of the house ever since. The property appraiser has me and my wife listed as owning 50%, and my dad’s estate holding the other 50%. Now I found someone that wants to buy it. Do I own this, and can I sell it?

- Michael C.

Dear Michael:

The employees at the Lee County Clerk’s office, as well as city governments, will do the best they can to assist residents who ask for help. However, they are not attorneys, and they may not be informed about the importance of the wording of deeds. It sounds like your father deeded the property to you and your wife, and to your father as well. Unless the deed is specific that the property is owned as “joint tenants with rights of survivorship”, or similar language, the transfer gave you and your wife 50%, and your father retained 50%, as separate interests. The result may be that your interests were completely separate, so if one died, the law will look to the heirs of the deceased to determine who is the owner. This determination of who is entitled to your father’s share occurs through a legal proceeding, probate, which will cost money and time I am sure you did not expect.

It is unfortunate, given that you and your father did your best to plan, only to see that the plan was ineffective. Also, since this transfer was made, you will not have a “step-up” in basis, meaning you now may have an income tax liability when selling the property that you otherwise would not have. Sales and transfers of real estate can have varying levels of complexity. In this case, speaking with a professional regarding your plan could have saved you a lot of time and money. The probate should take less than 60 says in a situation like this, and when complete, his heirs will be in title of the 50% share. If he left no will, all lineal descendants will likely share in the 50%, which may or may not have been your father’s intent.

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

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Source: Lee County Property Appraiser

BUILDERS SITE ACQUISITI

Sellers struggle as May median sales prices soften

The main takeaway in the Cape Coral single-family home market was that the monthly average median sales prices for the first five months of this year were down across the board in all of our property segments compared to the first five months of 2024. Also of note, the second highest priced active listing in the Cape reduced their list price by $500,000 to $6.2 million on June 12. This new construction riverfront home was initially listed for $7.867 million in September 2024, so the price has been reduced by a total of $1.667 million or 21.2%. When priced properly to the market, buyers emerge, offers are made and homes get sold.

Current active listings and pending sales

As of Tuesday, June 17, we continue to see the number of active listings in the MLS for Cape Coral single-family homes drift a bit lower, dipping to 3,067 homes on the market. This is down from our seasonal peak of 3,520 active listings reached on Feb. 24, with the number of listings now approaching our starting point of 3,044 back on Jan. 1 of this year, as things are slowing down heading into the summer months. Currently, list prices in the Cape are ranging from a low of $170,000 for a buyer willing to take over the construction of a partially built home, to a high of $6.985 million. The median list price is remaining steady at $475,000 with 34.8% of the current listings priced at $400,000 and under, including 176 homes priced below $300,000. There are a total of 314 homes in the Cape listed at $1 million and above, with 214 of these luxury homes priced at $1.5 million and under.

Also as of Tuesday, June 17, there were 655 Cape Coral single-family homes under contract with buyers as pending sales at prices ranging from $180,000 for a buyer taking over a home from a builder in mid-construction to a high of $3.6 million. The number of pending home sales continues to decline as we shift into our slower summer season. Based on our daily market surveys, we reached a seasonal peak of 789 pending home sales on April 17, after beginning this year with 378 pending sales in the pipeline on Jan. 1. We climbed above 700 pending sales on Feb. 20, and remained above 700 pending sales everyday through May 30. The current median pending home sales price is $386,785 and 59.5% of our pending home sales are priced at $400,000 and under, including 97 homes priced below $300,000. There are 19 homes in the Cape under contract at $1 million and above.

Closed home sales and median sales prices

In the overall Cape Coral single-family home market, there were 521 closed home sales in May, which was 9.1% lower than the 573 closed sales in May 2024, but 5.3% above the 495 closed sales in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, there were a total of 2,146 closed sales in the Cape’s overall single-family home market, which was 7.3% below the 2,314 closed sales in the first five months of 2024.

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family direct sailboat access canal home segment was $754,500 in May. This was 9.1% below the $830,000 posted in May 2024, but 1.6% higher than the $742,500 in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, the median sales price in this segment averaged $771,400 per month, or 7.7% less than the average of $835,500 per month in the first five months of 2024.

Freshwater canal and lake homes

In the Cape Coral single-family freshwater canal and lake home segment, which consists of landlocked canals and lakes with no boating access to the river or the Gulf of America, there were 72 closed home sales in May. This was 20% higher than the 60 sales in May 2024, and up 12.5% from 64 sales in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, there were 282 sales in this segment, or 11.5% more than the 253 sales in the first five months of 2024.

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family freshwater canal and lake home segment was $447,500 in May, or 2.3% above the $437,450 posted in May 2024, and 10.5% more than the $405,000 in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, the median sales price in this segment averaged $442,872 per month, or 6.2% less than the average of $472,290 per month in the first five months of 2024.

The median sales price in the overall Cape Coral single-family home market came in at $370,900 in May. This was the lowest monthly level so far this year, and it was 6.1% lower than the $395,000 posted in May 2024, and 1.5% below the $376,437 in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, the overall median sales price for single-family homes in the Cape averaged $380,567 per month, which was 6.9% less than the average of $408,844 per month in the first five months of 2024.

Indirect gulf access canal homes

In the Cape Coral single-family indirect gulf access canal home segment (meaning canal homes with bridges in the canal system), there were 53 closed home sales in May. This was 8.6% lower than the 58 sales in May 2024, but 20.5% above the 44 sales in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, there were 195 closed sales in this segment, or 22% less than the 250 sales in the first five months of 2024.

The median sales price in the Cape’s single-family indirect gulf access canal home segment was $645,000 in May, down 19.9% from $805,000 in May 2024, and 8.5% below the $705,000 posted in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, the median sales price in this segment averaged $717,400 per month, or 10.7% less than the average of $803,250 per month in the first five months of 2024.

Direct sailboat access canal homes

In the Cape Coral single-family direct sailboat access canal home segment (homes with no bridges in the canals to reach open water), there were 48 closed home sales in May. This was 2% lower than the 49 closed sales in May 2024, and even with the 48 sales in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, there were 191 closed sales in this segment, which was equal to the 191 sales in the first five months of 2024.

Dry lot homes

In the Cape’s single-family dry lot (non-canal) home segment, there were 348 closed sales in May, which was 13.6% lower than the 403 sales in May 2024, but 2.7% above the 339 sales in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, there were 1,477 sales in this segment, or 8.4% less than the 1,612 sales in the first five months of 2024.

The median sales price in this segment was $339,000 in May, or 5.8% less than the $360,000 in May 2024, and 2.1% below the $346,259 in April of this year. In the first five months of 2025, the median sales price in this segment averaged $349,231 per month, or down 6.2% from the average of $372,199 per month in the first five months of 2024.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of June 15, 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 Realtors since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time Realtors in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.

Ham radio operators to hold preparedness exercise

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers.com

During a major storm, it is very possible, indeed likely, that all power and public communication channels fail. No cell phones or TV.

Suddenly, amateur radio becomes a vital lifeline in post-disaster recovery. To meet the moment in such an emergency, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service volunteer group of licensed ham radio operators who offer their skills and equipment during emergencies and hold events to stay prepared.

One of the most prominent drills is the twice-yearly Field Day, held on the fourth full weekend in June. This event serves as both a nationwide emergency preparedness exercise and a public outreach opportunity for those who would like to take up amateur radio as a hobby.

More than 31,000 amateurs from the U.S. and Canada gather to operate from remote locations. Locally, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club will hold its Field Day at the North Fort Myers Community Park on June 28 and 29, starting at noon Saturday and running 24 hours continuously.

The operators will set up in the concession area near the football fields, under cover so the equipment doesn’t get wet. Antennas will be erected nearby so operators can communicate with each other all over the country.

Daniel Eaton, public information officer for FMARC, said the main idea is for the operators to deploy in preparation for hurricane season.

“We are going to simulate not having power. So, the operators will use battery packs, generators and things of that sort,” Eaton said. “We’re operating remotely and under different conditions.”

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service works closely with Lee County Emergency Services, Eaton said. ARES acts as a backup for communications from shelters, hospitals and fire departments to emergency operations.

“If the cell towers or the communications system go down, the backup is amateur radio,” Eaton said.

ARES plays a crucial role in disaster response.

In the U.S. and Canada, ARES is organized by the American Radio Relay League, the national association for amateur radio.

During Field Day (which also takes place in January), operators set up temporary stations outdoors to simulate post-disaster environments. Key activities include:

∫ Emergency power use, where radios are powered by generators, batteries, or solar panels to simulate operations during power outages.

∫ Deployable antennas, where operators erect portable antennas to adapt to changing conditions and available frequencies.

∫ Making contacts to as many other stations as possible, earning points for using alternative power sources, operating outdoors, and incorporating modern technology.

Visitors can observe operations, ask questions, and even get on the air under the guidance of a licensed operator.

Eaton said key members of the county, such as county commissioners, are invited to see what they do, as well as the public.

Events like this play a very important role in what they do, he added.

“The whole purpose is to hone our skills to be sure the equipment is going to work,” Eaton said. “There’s a lot that goes into it on a local level and the networks at the state level.”

The North Fort Myers Community Park is at 2000 Recreation Way.

Founded in 1957, FMARC promotes amateur radio through education, training, and community service. FMARC fosters fellowship among radio enthusiasts while emphasizing public service during times of need.

For more information about FMARC, visit www. fmarc.net. Learn about Field Day at www.arrl.org/ field-day or fieldday@fmarc.net. To learn more about Lee County Amateur Radio Emergency Services, visit leeares.com .

If You Go:

What: FMARC Field Day

When:

June 28 and 29, starting at noon Saturday and running 24 hours continuously

Where:

North Fort Myers Community Park, 2000 Recreation Way

More information:

For more information about FMARC, visit www.fmarc.net. Learn about Field Day at www.arrl.org/field-day or fieldday@fmarc.net. To learn more about Lee County Amateur Radio Emergency Services, visit leeares.com

The Breeze SporTS

June 20, 2025

Boca Grande Pass

Local coastal tarpon anglers are still waiting for their shot at a passing beach fish as the main body continues to enjoy life in Boca Grande Pass with no indication of leaving quite yet. More coastal shots are available north of our area from Venice up to Sarasota.

Others expecting tarpon action in the deep holes in Charlotte Harbor will also have to keep waiting but will pass the time playing with small to medium bull sharks as there has been little movement of tarpon into the harbor. Don’t overlook Captiva Pass if crowded Boca boat bumping stress isn’t your thing.

Crabs are still the hot ticket to a tarpon battle and it helps if they are the right size and properly rigged. Most like a silver dollar to 3-inchsized crab either free lined with the current or using a short leader and small float.

Pinch or snip off the pinchers with side cutters or scissors rather than pulling the legs out which kills the crab. Push the hook up through the bottom of the crab at the end by the point or rig it or bridle it with rubber bands. Go to YouTube for further instruction.

After pushing the hook through the shell, check your hook point to make sure it stayed sharp and touch it up with your file if there is any doubt. Every good angler carries a file and uses it.

Everyone and their brother has their personal favorite hook size and hook configuration when it comes to rigging a pass crab, but a 6/0 to 8/0 circle works fine for me in most situations. When fishing in Boca Grande, the FWC recommends using a non-offset, non-stainless and barbless circle hook.

More from the FWC - “Fishing with gear that has a weight attached to a hook, artificial fly or lure in such a way that the weight hangs lower than the hook when the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod is prohibited when fishing for any species year-round within Boca Grande Pass.”

Best times to hook up in Boca are from 3 a.m. till shortly after sunrise, or try the evening bite. Like with any fishing, putting in your time pays off. If you’re new

Dunbar High School launches Walt Wesley Summer League

A new tradition has begun at Dunbar High School as 16 local boys and girls basketball teams — including squads from Cape Coral and North Fort Myers — take the court for the first-ever Walt Wesley Summer League, honoring Fort Myers’ first NBA player, Walt Wesley, who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 79.

This special summer league was initiated by Dunbar High School boys basketball head coach and former NBA player Shandon Anderson, as a tribute to Wesley’s pioneering career and lasting impact on the sport.

“With Walt Wesley being a former NBA player and myself being a former NBA player, and having him pass last year, it just seemed like the perfect opportunity,” said Anderson. “For him to go through the things that opened up opportunities for me... he pioneered the modern-day basketball.”

The league not only honors Wesley’s legacy but also serves as a developmental platform for young athletes in the community. ECS girls basketball head coach Dwayne Donnell called it a fitting tribute: “What better tribute can you give to a man than to have a summer league named after him? There’s never been a league like this at the school before.”

“We have a lot of new girls, a lot of young girls, so to see how we gel together is pretty exciting,” said ECS center Nala Smith.

Games are scheduled and have been played every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of June, starting at 4 p.m. at Dunbar High School, located at 3800 Edison Ave., in Fort Myers.

The community is encouraged to attend, support the players and honor Walt Wesley’s enduring legacy.

Mussels swept in modified doubleheader

FORT MYERS - The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels fell in both games of a modified doubleheader by the Lakeland Flying Tigers Wednesday at Hammond Stadium.

Lakeland (38-26) won 5-2 in the opening game of the series, which started on Tuesday and was completed Wednesday. The Flying Tigers took the second game on Wednesday as well, winning 6-1 to clinch the FSL West first-half title and earn a playoff berth.

Lakeland is back in the postseason for the third consecutive year and won the first-half title for the first time since 2005.

When the first game began on Tuesday, Lakeland struck for three runs in the top of the first inning, as the first three batters in the Flying Tigers’ lineup all reached and scored to give Lakeland an early 3-0 advantage off Fort Myers starter Christian Becerra.

Fort Myers (27-37) responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the second inning, as Daniel Pena blasted his second homer of the season onto the berm in left field. His homer cut the Lakeland lead to 3-1.

In the top of the third inning, Lakeland responded with a pair of runs. Second baseman Franyerber Montilla singled to begin the frame and subsequently stole second and third, before scoring on a throwing error by Mussels’ catcher Ricardo Pena. The Flying Tigers plated another run on an RBI single from Ricardo Hurtado to make it 5-1.

Zander Sechrist threw just two pitches to get the last out of the third inning before the game was suspended

Tuesday.

The game resumed on Wednesday afternoon with runners at second and third and no outs in the bottom of the third inning, after Byron Chourio singled to lead off the frame and Yasser Mercedes doubled off the wall in left as the final play before the players were pulled off the field.

Chourio finished game one going 3-4 with three singles, marking his second three-hit game since returning from the injured list on June 10.

After a strikeout of Billy Amick, Damuery Pena connected on an RBI groundout to make it 5-2.

Jason Doktorczyk came on for Fort Myers in the top of the fourth inning. After retiring the first batter he faced, Doktorczyk issued back-to-back walks. He would escape the inning after Ricardo Pena caught Lakeland center fielder Jackson Strong trying to steal second and inducing a fly out from Christian Santana.

That started a string of 12 in a row retired for Doktorczyk, who allowed his first hit of the day on a twoout double by Stephen Hrustich in the top of the eighth inning.

Doktorczyk finished the day tossing six scoreless innings of relief, allowing a pair of hits and punching out three.

Lakeland stole a season-high seven bases in game one.

The Mussel offense was held scoreless after the run in

See MUSSELS, page 35

FWC to host public workshops to gather input on proposed rules for Gulf lane snapper

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host a series of public workshops to seek input on proposed rule changes for lane snapper in Gulf state waters. Staff will provide a brief presentation on potential proposed rules before gathering public comment at the workshop.

In-person workshops are scheduled for:

n Wednesday, June 25: Fort Myers, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Fort Myers Regional Library South Building, 1651 Lee St., Fort Myers, FL 33901

n Thursday, June 26: St. Petersburg, 6-7:30 p.m., at the West St. Petersburg Community Library, 6700 8th Ave., N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710

The virtual workshop is scheduled for:

n Monsdy, June 30: 6-7:30 p.m. A link to access the virtual workshop will be posted on FWC Marine Fisheries Workshops page the day of the workshop.

Gulf lane snapper has exceeded overfishing limits

in recent years, leading to early closures. Proposed rule amendments would increase the commercial and recreational minimum size limit from 8 inches to 10 inches and establish a 20-fish per person recreational bag limit in Gulf state waters. The changes intend to reduce the risk of overfishing, mitigate the likelihood of early closures, and increase consistency between Gulf state and federal waters. Public feedback gathered during this workshop will be considered when developing rule recommendations for the Commission.

Members of the public who are unable to attend the scheduled workshops can submit comments online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or by emailing Marine@MyFWC.com.

For more information on the proposed rule changes or workshop details, visit FWC Marine Fisheries Workshops or contact us at 850-487-0554.

Capt. George Tunison

July programs at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

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

Adult Programs

English Café

6 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, 15, 22, 29

10 a.m., Friday, July 11, 18, 25

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

Beginner Spanish Class

2 p.m., Wednesday, July 9

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

Download Drop-In

11 a.m., Thursday, July 17

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

Children’s Programs

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, July 5

5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, July 16

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

Baby Picasso

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 9

Babies and their caregivers are invited for sensory play, literacy activities and more. Please dress babies for some messy play. For babies through age 23 months. Space is limited. Tickets available 30 minutes before start of program.

Create with Art Lab

2 p.m., Thursday, July 10

Make creativity a part of your family routine with the Alliance for the Arts Family Art Lab. Join us for a hands-on family project and explore various mediums, styles and artists all inspired by artworks on view in the Alliance for the Arts gallery. Dress for mess. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is required and is valid only until the start of the program.

Firefighter Storytime

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 16

Meet our hometown heroes and tour a fire truck. The Cape Coral Fire Department will join us for this special event featuring stories, an equipment show-and-tell and safety tips. For children through age 5 years. Space is limited. Tickets available 30 minutes before start of program.

Colors of Inspiration

2 p.m., Thursday, July 17

IMAG joins the library to color our world with inspiration, the STEAM way. This exciting science demonstration puts the Art in STEAM and will show you how simple things can transform in surprising ways. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is required and is valid only until the start of the program.

Brighten Your Morning & Color Together

10 a.m., Saturday, July 19

Start your weekend with colorful creativity. Drop in for a relaxing morning of coloring fun for the whole family. Explore beautiful designs, create your own masterpieces and enjoy a vibrant start to the day. All supplies provided.

Pre-K STEAM

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 23

Children and their caregivers are invited to join us for special STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math)

learning activities and crafts. Please dress for mess. For ages 2-5 years. Space is limited. Tickets available 30 minutes before start of program.

Creative Assembly

2 p.m., Thursday, July 24

A highly entertaining and interactive show where art and creativity collide. Peek into the creative process through live music, drawing, comedy and juggling. You may even see a unicycle. Don’t miss this colorful multimedia event aimed to engage all your senses. This program is for ages 6-11 years. Registration is required and is valid only until the start of the program.

Teen Programs

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, July 5

5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, July 16

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

Teen Tech N’ Color

2 p.m., Tuesday, July 8

Explore the intersection of art and technology at this hands-on creative summer reading program. Experiment with various tech tools to bring your artistic ideas to life. Space is limited and registration is required. Snacks provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-18 years to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.

Teen “Not A Canvas” Art

2 p.m., Tuesday, July 15

There will be a variety of mediums provided at this artified playground, but no canvas. Space is limited and registration is required. Snacks provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-18 years to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.

Brighten Your Morning & Color Together

10 a.m., Saturday, July 19

Start your weekend with colorful creativity. Drop in for a relaxing morning of coloring fun for the whole family. Explore beautiful designs, create your own masterpieces and enjoy a vibrant start to the day. All supplies provided.

Teen Glow Party

2 p.m., Tuesday, July 22

End the summer with some fluorescent fun at a variety of luminous stations, including glow mini golf and neon tie-dye t-shirts. Space is limited and registration is required. Snacks provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-18 years to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.

The Cape Coral Lee County Public Library is located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace in Cape Coral. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4500. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www. leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239-479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Ranice E. Monroe, ADA Coordinator, 239-533-0255, Florida Relay Service 711, or ADArequests@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requester. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.

Mussels: Flying Tigers capture both ends of modified twin bill

From page 34

the third inning, as Lakeland used five relievers after the resumption of Tuesday’s suspended contest.

In game two, Matt Gabbert started on the mound for Fort Myers. Gabbert spun three scoreless frames, allowing just one hit, while striking out a batter.

Fort Myers plated the first run of the game in the bottom of the third in-

ning. Peyton Carr walked to begin the frame. He later came around to score on a fielding error by Lakeland shortstop Franyerber Montilla to give the Mussels a 1-0 advantage.

Brennan Oxford entered in the fourth inning and walked the leadoff man Woody Hadeen. Two batters later, Montilla left the yard and gave the Flying Tigers a 2-1 lead.

The next batter, Cristian Santana, also homered to left, which extended the margin

to 3-1.

Ricardo Hurtado singled up the middle later in the inning, making it 4-1 Lakeland.

Right hander Tyler Stasiowski came on to record the final out of the top of the fourth inning. He worked around traffic in each of his final two innings, finishing the day with 2.1 scoreless innings pitched.

The Flying Tigers added a pair of runs in the top of the seventh inning off Mussels’ reliever Josh Bortka. Lakeland plated a pair

of unearned runs after Dameury Pena made a throwing error in the frame, which gave the Flying Tigers a 6-1 lead.

The Mussels were set to return to action for game three of the series against the Flying Tigers Thursday, with the series scheduled to continue toiday, Saturday and Sunday at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sport Complex.

Coverage of the games is on the Mighty Mussels Baseball Network

Boca Grande Pass: It’s still the top location for tarpon -- for now

From page 34

to the game, spending money for a good guide is money well spent saving time and frustration.

There’s lots of snapper action from our

nearshore reefs out to deep water where you’ll find less pressured and bigger specimens. Get out to the 150 to 200-foot and beyond depths for red snapper and grouper action.

Live pinfish are always a hot bait and

Common misconceptions: Tips

From page 18

You are encouraged to contact your local extension office for clarification when in doubt about the accuracy of the gardening information you view online or receive by word of mouth.

Another route would be to “askifas” at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/. You can also ex-

plore gardening topics at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu. Until next time…Happy Gardening!

Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit www. gardenclubofcapecoral.com. Like us on our Facebook and Instagram.

readily available right now on inshore grass flats using a cast net or one at a time on tiny hooks.

Received two different sailfish reports this past week from the same areas and depths, but no hook-ups reported although one boat had a brief flurry of small mahi action. Remember to keep a hooked fish in the water and lightly chum to keep the dolphin party going strong. First timers are amazed, especially with the beautiful colors and acrobatic ability of these top-shelf game and table fare fish. It’s big time fun using ultra-light action tackle on “peanuts,” or the little guys, and serious tackle testing when fighting their big brothers. Dolphin not only hit live and dead baits but will gladly take flies, jigs and hard lures as well.

The current mahi all-tackle world record

caught way back in1976 in Costa Rica still stands at 87 pounds!

There’s lots of Spanish macs patrolling nearshore reefs to many miles offshore and it pays to have binoculars on board to spot feeding fish or birds working the schools.

Good numbers of small to medium-sized reds and snook are patrolling area shorelines and surf zones, along with pompano and whiting.

Shark fishing keeps getting better and better with plenty of bull sharks in the 3 to 5-foot size ready to play.

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.

June 20, 2025

Business Briefs

Farmer Joe’s to host 3rd Annual 4th of July Customer Appreciation Event

Farmer Joe’s recently announced its 3rd Annual 4th of July Customer Appreciation Event. The celebration will take place on Friday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmer Joe’s store at 1401 SW Pine Island Road, in Cape Coral. The event is free and open to the public.

The main attraction this year is a community cookout featuring free hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone. Farmer Joe’s says it’s their way of thanking the families, friends, and neighbors who make up the heart of Cape Coral.

This family-friendly event will also feature games and fun activities for all ages, live music, booths from local vendors and special one-day-only sales throughout the store

Farmer Joe’s owner, Lee Snyder Sr., said, “This isn’t just about food and fun. It’s about neighbors coming together and celebrating what makes our community special. We’re proud to be a part of Cape Coral, and we’re grateful for the people who support us every day. This is our way of giving back and saying thank you.”

For more information, visit farmerjoes.com or follow Farmer Joe’s on Facebook at facebook.com/farmerjoesofficial.

Passenger traffic down slightly in May at Southwest Florida International Airport

During May, 834,862 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a slight decrease of 1% compared to May 2024. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 1.7%.

The traffic leader in May was Delta with 191,325 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (161,349), American (146,047), United (119,140) and JetBlue (77,494). Southwest Florida International Airport had 7,648 aircraft operations, an increase of 10%t compared to May 2024.

Page Field saw 12,967 operations, which was a 23% decrease compared to May 2024.

Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 11 million passengers in 2024 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

MK Architecture awarded contract for Habitat for Humanity headquarters, warehouse

MK Architecture has been awarded the contract for the architectural services for the new headquarters administration offices and warehouse project for Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Henry Counties.

The project will be located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and will consist of a 22,000-square-foot centralized administration building and a 30,000-squarefoot warehouse building designed to improve the efficiency of their operations.

MK Architecture, LLC, is at 8200 College Parkway, Suite 101, Fort Myers. For more information, call 239482-2121 or visit www.MK-ARCH.com.

King’s Coastal Home Watch earns accreditation

King’s Coastal Home Watch has earned accreditation for its Home Watch services from the National Home Watch Association for the fourth year.

The NHWA was formed in 2009 to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada (www.nationalhomewatchassociation. org). Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence.

King’s Coastal Home Watch owner Nicole King is a graduate of the NHWA’s Home Watch Boot Camp and has earned the designation of Certified Home Watch Professional.

King’s Coastal Home Watch serves Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Estero and Fort Myers Beach. Contact them at 239-722-9276 or at info@provinceproperty.net. Learn more at www.provinceproperty.net.

Rasmussen Family Dental adds Fort Myers location on Colonial Boulevard

Rasmussen Family Dental has expanded its practice with the addition of a Fort Myers location. Rasmussen Family Dental has purchased the dental practice of Dr. Matthew Allen located at 1871 Colonial Blvd., #101, in Fort Myers. Allen retired after 60 years in dentistry and chose Dr. Nicole Rasmussen to take over the office.

Rasmussen Family Dental was founded in August 2016 with its first location at 4113 Del Prado Blvd., in Cape Coral, and opened its second location at 17968 N. Tamiami Trail, #165, in North Fort Myers in 2019.

Rasmussen Family Dental is accepting new patients at the Fort Myers location and has appointments available this summer. Call 239-936-7207 or book online at: www. rasmussenfamilydental.com.

“The third location will allow Rasmussen Family Dental to provide the same small-town private practice service at a location more convenient to patients located or work in Fort Myers,” said Rasmussen, “Patients of Dr. Allen will recognize familiar faces of his office staff, while benefitting from the knowledge and skill of the Rasmussen Family Dental team.”

Joining Rasmussen at the Fort Myers location will

be Dr. Rosmery Mendoza. Mendoza earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Prior to that, she completed a master’s degree in biomedical science at Nova Southeastern University and obtained a bachelor’s in biomedical science from the University of South Florida.

Rasmussen was raised in Cape Coral, and graduated from Mariner High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and molecular biology from University of Central Florida. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Florida, and an advanced education in general dentistry certificate from New York University Lutheran Dental Medicine.

With a team of four dentists and almost 30 employees, Rasmussen Family Dental offers a range of services including basic cleaning, teeth whitening, extractions, root canal therapy, veneers and many other cosmetic dental services. For more information, please visit www. rasmussenfamilydental.com or call 239-936-7207 for Fort Myers, 239- 540-1117 for Cape Coral or 239-7310084 for North Fort Myers. The practice can also be found on Facebook.

Sun Splash to participate in World’s Largest Swimming Lesson Thursday

Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral will participate in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson Thursday, June 26, from 9-10 am. This global event brings together tens of thousands of children and adults at water parks and aquatic facilities around the world, all united in the mission to raise awareness about the vital importance of teaching kids to swim and prevent drowning.

All pre-registered participants for the event will receive a free ticket. Space is limited.

Since its inception in 2010, the WLSL has reached more than 383,000 participants in 53 countries, making it a powerful platform to promote water safety and drowning prevention. Drowning remains the leading cause of unintended, injury-related death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause for children under 14. The WLSL event is designed to send the message that “Swimming Lessons Save Lives.”

Sun Splash Family Waterpark invites local families to join this life-saving initiative. There are still spots available for the June 26 lesson.

“We’re proud to be part of the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and to help spread the message that swimming lessons truly save lives,” said Erid Reed, general manager of Sun Splash Family Waterpark. “Water safety is at the heart of everything we do at Sun Splash, and this event is a fun, impactful way for families to learn essential skills together.”

Sun Splash Family Waterpark is at 500 W. Lake Kennedy Drive, off Santa Barbara Boulevard, Cape Coral. To register, visit https://bit.ly/2025WLSL

The WLSL is a global event created by the World Waterpark Association to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children to swim as a key element in drowning prevention. Learn more at www.wlsl.org.

From left are Dr. Rosmery Mendoza, Dr. Andrea Parsons, Dr. Matthew Allen, Dr. Nicole Rasmussen and Dr. Lily Cubero.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Death Notices

Dolores Virginia Calisto, 83 of Cape Coral, passed away on June 10, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Sharon Marie Gilbertson, 85, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on June 13, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz. com

Alfonso Petito, 83 of Cape Coral, passed away on June 9, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Lyn Jane Main, 75, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away May 31, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral.

John Frank Faccioli, 55, of Cape Coral, FL passed away Saturday, June 7th, 2025 in Cape Coral. For extended obituary details, please visit MullinsMemorial.com

Suzanne B Laspina, 81 of Cape Coral, passed away on June 10, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Michael Earl Johnson, 79, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away June 13, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral.

Alex Matthew Johnson. 25, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away June 8, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral.

Stephen W. Boatman, 73, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away June 14, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral.

Debra Frances Maddox, 56, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away June 16, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services.

John Philip Martin, 77, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on June 15, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz.com

Neal Asa Howard, 73, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away Monday, June 9th, 2025 in Fort Myers. For extended obituary details, please visit MullinsMemorial. com/obituaries.

Fort Myers

Michael Robert Gianforte, 61, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away June 6, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www. fullermetz.com

Difficulty: GOLD SUDOKU SHEFFER CROSSWORD

CYRPTOQUIP

Religious

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Intro Prayer

O Jesus, who filled Blessed Faustina with profound veneration for Your boundless Mercy, deign, if it be your Holy will, to grant me, through her intercession, the grace for which I fervently pray (mention your request here)

My sins render me unworthy of Your Mercy, but be mindful of Sister Faustina’s spirit of sacrifice and selfdenial, and reward her virtue by granting the petition which, with childlike trust, I present to You through her intercession.

Concluding Prayer

Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St Faustina pray for us! St Andrews Chapel has relic of St Faustina Help Wanted

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

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel Island is seeking applicants for 3 full-time positions: FINANCE MANAGER, GUEST SERVICES MANAGER, FACILITY OPERATIONS MANAGER. Learn more at ShellMuseum.org/careers-internships 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

Auctions & Bazaars

SaturdayJune 28th 11am

RainorShine HeldInside:

Fleamasters Fleamarket 4135MartinLuther KingJrBlvd FortMyersFL 33916

FineFurniture,Art, Antiques, TruckTopper, Grandfather Clocks, TooMuchtoList!

ForMoreInfo& Photosgoto: WWW.ALLCOASTAUCTION.COM 239-233-5281 AU415/AB3589

Custom built to fit your exact frame - only 3 dimensions required

• Replacement canopy lead time of 2 weeks + ship time

• Free shipping on all canopy orders