Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

City to host annual storm seminar for island

The city of Sanibel will hold its Hurricane Seminar on June 23 at 1 p m at BIG ARTS

The city conducts the informative seminar every year to educate residents, businesses and island workers, according to officials It is free and reservations are not required

This year's featured speakers include:

∫ Lee County Public Safety Director Benjamin Abes will discuss family emergency planning, evacuation decision making, evacuations, sheltering and basic recovery information

∫ Sanibel and Fire Rescue District Fire Chief Kevin Barbot will discuss search and rescue operations and the district's role in hurricane operations

∫ F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva Executive Director Maria Espinoza will discuss special needs issues on Sanibel and Captiva

∫ Interim Public Works Director Scott Krawczuk will discuss the city's post-storm recovery plan

∫ Sanibel Building Official Craig Mole will review city building codes

∫ Sanibel Police Chief William Dalton will lead the seminar and review the city's storm plans

Those unable to attend can watch the live steam on the city's Facebook page.

BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Chamber, city celebrate Lighthouse Beach Park reopening

Representatives from th city of Sanibel and SanCap C h a m b e r , a l o n g w i t h island residents and visitors from more than five hours away, gathered on th morning of June 16 to cele brate the official final opening of the city's b e a c h p a r k s w i t h a r i b b o n - c u t t i n g a t

Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel's east end

“The opening of Lighthouse Beach Park is a testament to resiliency, tenacity a n d g o o d o l d - f a s h i o n e d h a r d w o r k , ” Mayor Richard Johnson said “Our Public

Island s rally in opp ositio n to p ropo sed amen dment s

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

There was a flurry of activity on the islands last week as Sanibel and Captiva officials, organizations, property owners and more united in opposition to changes being proposed by Lee County staffers.

The county commission was scheduled to consider amendments to the Captiva Code in the Land Development Code at its June 20 meeting At its Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment hearing today, June 21, the board was to consider changes to the Captiva Community Plan in the Lee Plan

The Captiva Civic Association briefly summarized the amendments as follows:

∫ Raises the permitted heights on Captiva by 11 feet allowing the construction of three-story buildings above base flood elevation

∫ Exempts South Seas Island Resort

W o r k s D e p a r t m e n t , l e d b y i n t e r i m Director Scott Krawczuk, has done a wonderful job of getting our final Gulf beach park reopened today ”

“

O u r r e c o v e r y p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h Synergy has stabilized the (Sanibel) lighthouse until the missing leg can be recast,” he added “We celebrated with the United

States Coast Guard relighting the Sanibel Light so that we could continue to 'shine on' in our island community ”

On Feb 28, the community had gathered at the park, then still closed but temporarily reopened that morning, to witness the momentous relighting of the lighthouse's beacon It had lost one of its legs and its historic lighthouse keeper's cottages as a result of Hurricane Ian and its storm surge on Sept 28

The June 16 reopening brings accessibility to the beach parking lot The lighth o u s e b a s e r e m a i n s f e n c e d o f f f r o m

CITY OF SANIBEL

City conducting anniversar y sur vey

The city of Sanibel is turning 50 in 2024. Officials are brainstorming on how to celebrate To take a survey about marking the milestone, visit https://www surveymonkey com/r/CityCelebrates50

COMMUNITY HOUSING AND RESOURCES

CHR thanks cleanup crew

Community Housing and Resources reported that the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club recently cleaned up the courtyard at a CHR property With rakes, shovels and gloves, about 25 volunteers transformed the area from overgrown weeds

and rubbish to a lovely landscape CHR a c t i n g E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r N i c o l e

Decker-McHale expressed her appreciation to the club on behalf of residents

For more information on how to help CHR, visit SanibelCHR org

SANCAP CHAMBER

Interactive guide to open island businesses

The SanCap Chamber has a list available of businesses back in operation after Hurricane Ian on Wander: Maps & Navigation. The GPS-enabled interactive map also pinpoints beach accesses that have opened, bike parking areas and the user's relative location Points of interest can be filtered by seven categories Users can download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play They can also access the map online at tinyurl com/sancapwandermap

Current Web Poll Question

Incredible journey should be celebrated

As we mark eight months since Hurricane Ian hit our community, some areas still look like they did the day after the storm Many members of o u r c o m m u n i t y r e m a i n i n r e c o v e r y m o d e , a n d t h a t includes our staff and families While recovery work continues across the School District of Lee County, we have much to celebrate as we look back at all that we have accomplished to ensure that teaching and l e a r n i n g c o n t i n u e d u n i n t e rr u p t e d s i n c e r e t u r n i n g t o school after the storm

Amid the chaos and uncert a i n t y c a u s e d b y I a n , t h e school district stood as a beacon of resilience, demonstrating unwavering determination and adaptability. As the storm swept through the region, we faced numerous challenges But, under the leadership of a new superintendent, collaborative efforts, and a united spirit, we

Guest Commentary

ensured the continuity of education and support for our students, staff, and community

Let us celebrate the incredible journey of the district as we triumphed over the challenges brought by Ian

The district had a robust disaster preparedness plan in p l a c e p r i o r t o I a n , w h i c h proved invaluable. Under the leadership of Dr Christopher Bernier, it worked diligently to ensure the safety of students a n d s t a f f , b y i m p l e m e n t i n g p r o a c t i v e m e a s u r e s s u c h a s early school closures, shelter coordination, and emergency communication protocols By prioritizing the well-being of o u r c o m m u n i t y , t h e d i s t r i c t laid a solid foundation to face the challenges head-on.

Recognizing the importance of continued education amidst the storm’s aftermath, the district immediately launched recovery and

rebuilding initiatives It worked tirelessly to assess damages to school facilities, swiftly repair infrastructure, and make necessary adjustments to resume classes as soon as possible, getting most students back into their own buildings within 20 days of the storm However, some buildings simply took such a huge hit from Ian that more time was needed As such, the district either placed students in other buildings where there was space or we deployed portable classrooms. In doing so, we fulfilled the goal of keeping school communities together in the wake of the trauma caused by Ian

The Lee County community came together to support the district’s recovery efforts School districts across the state, businesses, organizations, and individuals rallied around the schools, offering donations, resources, and volunteer support The outpouring of generosity and solidarity exemplified the resilient spirit of the community and played a vital role in helping the district overcome the challenges caused by Ian

See INCREDIBLE JOURNEY, page 5

Florida VPK vouchers empower families to succeed

When it comes to the promise of school choice that families can actively select the most appropriate educational paths for their children Florida's publicly funded prekindergarten programs are delivering in a big way

In the four-county region of Southwest Florida that our nonprofit education coalition serves, no fewer than 260 different Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs provided a head start to nearly 7,500 children in school year 2021-22

These state-approved VPK programs are offered not just through public and private schools but also at some childcare centers, an d th r o u g h h o me- b as ed an d f aith - b as ed o r g a n i z a t i o n s . P a r e n t s c h o o s e a V P K provider based on what programs best meet their children’s needs, with a curriculum that covers eight core developmental domains:

∫ Physical health

Road Rally sponsors needed

To the editor:

T h e 4 3 r d a n n u a l J u l y 4 t h S a n i b e l I s l a n d R o a d R a l l y , p r e s e n t e d b y F r i e n d s o f R a n d y o f S a n i b e l I n c ( F O R O S ) , i s c o m i n g s o o n H e l p u s k e e p s u p p o r t i n g l o c a l c h a r i t i e s .

T h i s y e a r ' s p r o c e e d s w i l l s u p p o r t S a n i b e l ' s

A m e r i c a n L e g i o n P o s t 1 2 3 a s i t r e b u i l d s t o

s u p p o r t o u r v e t e r a n s W e ' r e i n n e e d o f s p o n s o r s , a s m u c h o f t h e m o n i e s r a i s e d e a c h r a l l y c o m e s f r o m

∫ Approaches to learning

∫ S o c i a l a n d e m o t i o n a l development

∫ Language and communication

∫ Emergent literacy

∫ Mathematical and scientific thinking

∫ Social studies and the arts

∫ Motor development

Once parents register for the free program, they receive a VPK voucher for the school of their choice, which fully c o v e r s p r o g r a m c o s t s T h i s innovative effort came to pass thanks to Florida voters, who m o r e t h a n 2 0 y e a r s a g o approved a ballot initiative to provide high-quality, publicly

Guest Commentary

Letters to the Editor

s p o n s o r s h i p s S o w e i n v i t e b u s i n e s s e s a n d p r i v a t e i n d i v i d u a l s t o h e l p t h i s y e a r ' s c a u s e W e u n d e r s t a n d t h e s i t u a t i o n m a n y a r e i n d u e t o H u r r i c a n e I a n , s o w e ' r e n o t m a k i n g a n y s e t t i e r a m o u n t s G i v e w h a t y o u f e e l y o u c o m f o r t a b l y c a n A l s o n e e d e d a r e p r i z e d o n a t i o n s f o r t h e t o p t h r e e f i n i s he r s a n d a c o u p l e o f o t h e r c a t e g o r i e s W e a r e l o o k i n g f o r g i f t c a r d s / c e r t i f i c a t e s , f r e e s e r v i c e s o f f e r e d , o r l e t u s k n o w w h a t y o u c a n o f f e r .

Much, some recovered

∫ All, nothing recovered

Share your opinion at captivasanibel com

funded prekindergarten programs for every 4-year-old in the state Since the free program began in 2005-06, more than 2.6 million children have benefited

Program benefits are significant Florida Department of Education data shows that c h i l d r e n w h o p a r t i c i p a t e i n VPK are far better equipped for not just kindergarten but for their entire academic journey compared to than those who do not Statewide, of the roughly 188,000 students enrolled in kindergarten in fall 2022 who completed VPK, 62% were

See VPK VOUCHERS, page 5

T h e F O R O S i s a 5 0 1 c 3 n o n - p r o f i t F l o r i d a c o r p o r a t i o n a n d a n a l l - v o l u n t e e r g r o u p T o b e a s p o n s o r o r o f f e r a p r i z e d o n a t i o n , c o n t a c t e i t h e r o f t h e f o l l o w i n g b o a r d m e m b e r s : R a n d y C a r s o n a t 2 3 96 9 9 - 8 7 3 9 o r r c a r s o n s a n @ g m a i l c o m , o r

A l l e n D u n h a m a t 2 3 9 - 6 9 9 - 9 4 7 4 o r c o u g a r 3 3 3 @ y a h o o c o m T h a n k y o u f o r y o u r c o n s i d e r a t i o n

Friends of Randy of Sanibel Sanibel

Chris Patricca

Melanie Stefanowicz

Incredible journey

Understanding the emotional impact of a natural disaster, the district prioritized the well-being of its students and staff W

From page 4

strengths we exhibited during this challenging period

o

n s e l i n g s e r v i c e s a n d resources to help individuals cope with the emotional aftermath of the storm By fostering a nurturing and compassionate environment, the district ensured that the

VPK vouchers

deemed ready for kindergarten based on early literacy tests Only 40% of those who participated in VPK but didn’t finish, scored as high And just 37% of those who didn’t attend at all were considered ready for kindergarten

Research by The Children’s Reading Foundation found that children who enter kindergarten one year behind academically have a 26% chance of dropping out of high school Fall behind by two years, and the dropout odds increase to 45% Kids with a three-year learning gap at that point will drop out 55% of the time, research found

Such choices, of course, create life-

The challenges posed by Ian served as a catalyst for growth and learning within the district The experience prompted the district to review and enhance its disaster p

response strategies and build upon the

From page 4

long hurdles, from housing and employm e n t s t r u g g l e s t o w e l l - e s t a b l i s h e d income gaps compared to those who finish school Fundamentally, it’s a matter of fairness: parents shouldn’t have to choose between early childhood education and covering rent, mortgage paym e n t s , u t i l i t i e s , f o o d a n d o t h e r b a s i c household costs

At the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, we stand ready to help parents and guardians enroll their children in either summer preschool, which provides up to 300 hours of classroom time, or the regular school-year program, which provides up to 540 hours of pre-

Ian may have tested the resilience of the district, but it did not break our spirit Dr Bernier led our district through the worst natural disaster the area has endured and will continue to lead us through the last stages of recovery as we finalize

school Classes are capped at 12 students in the summer and 20 during the school year

If your child is 4 years old on or before Sept 1 of the current school year, they can sign up Kids whose fourth birthday falls between Feb. 2 and Sept. 1 can delay their VPK enrollment until next year, when they are 5, provided they don’t yet enroll in kindergarten

Temporary Florida residents are also eligible from military families and seasonal residents to those displaced by natural disasters or whose families are experiencing homelessness

Apply for a VPK voucher today by

repairs to buildings and rebuild schools that Ian rendered total losses We appreciate the patience and continued support of our students, staff, and community

Patricca holds the District 3 seat on the Lee County School Board

visiting us online at VPKSWFL org or calling the Early Learning Coalition of S

You can also visit our Fort Myers office on Monday through Friday from 8 a m to 5 p m for assistance, located at 2675 Winkler Ave. The office provides free kiosks, and no appointments are needed

Melanie Stefanowicz is chief executive officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida It provides access to early education services for children in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee count i e s F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://vpkswfl org/

Chris

CCP to request county board oppose changes

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Captiva Community Panel discussed the county's proposed amendments to the Captiva Code in the Land Development Code and the Captiva Community Plan in the Lee Plan during its recent meeting

On June 13, the panel voted unanimously to request that the Lee County Commission reject or withdraw county staff's proposed LDC changes at its June 20

meeting and reject or withdraw proposed Plan changes at its Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment hearing set for today, June 21

It also voted unanimously to authorize President Jay Brown to spend up to $25,000 for the cause

As sections of the amended language addressed the South Seas Island Resort, Panel Member and resort Regional Managing Director Bob Walter recused

Fire board approves resolutions, begins budget talks

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Captiva Island Fire Control District's commission approved replacement gear and closing documents for a line of credit at its recent meeting, as well discussed next year's budget and more

On June 13, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution to purchase four new sets of Globe Bunker Gear from Bennett Fire Products for a price not to exceed $3,169 Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained that the board previously agreed on replacing the gear over a staggered three-year period

“The gear we're currently in is timing out in the next couple of years,” he said

The commission also voted 3-0 on a resolution that authorizes the district to borrow funds from Synovus in the event of a catastrophic event in the form of a not-to-exceed $750,000 line of credit

“Basically, it's an emergency line of credit if we were to need it,” Pawul said

“It's not something we need currently for operations,” he added “But if we have another storm event this year, we just wanted to have that safety net just in case ”

Also during the meeting, staff and the board discussed the budget for fiscal year 2023-24 and early property valuations for Captiva recently released by the Lee County Property Appraiser's Office They reviewed the soft numbers and talked about what the district's budget could look like for next year

Pawul noted that June's valuations are preliminary estimates and may change

“But we know it's definitely going to be a drop, so there's

nothing we can do about that,” he said, referring to comparing this year's and last year's numbers “So we'll have to make up the difference ”

Potential, budget line items discussed included the need to purchase a new ladder truck if proposed amendments to the Captiva Code in the county's Land Development Code and the Captiva Community Plan allow for taller structures Pawul received a quote of about $1 65 million for such apparatus

Increasing the district's reserves over several budget cycles was also covered

“Our reserves were too low to handle this type of event,” he said of Hurricane Ian and the financial impacts “We need to increase our reserve funds in case this type of thing ever happens again ”

On the subject of the Code and Plan amendments being proposed by county staff, the commissioners also voted 3-0 to send a letter to the Lee County Commission outlining how that would impact the district by increasing its operations and costs, including the need for a new truck and additional staff

In other news

∫ The district's annual financial audit will be completed later this month

“It wasn't done yet,” Pawul said “So they're going to present it at July's meeting ”

∫ There are a number of fire inspections to conduct with the ongoing repairs and new construction.

“We have a lot of them with all of the rebuilding,” Pawul said

∫ The district responded to 32 incidents in May compared to about 50 for the same month last year

himself from voting due to the conflict of interest

Prior to the votes, Vice President David Mintz provided an overview of the proposed changes

He explained that the LDC amendments would change the building height limitation from 25 feet above the base flood elevation to 35 feet, effectively allowing for threestory structures Also, based on South Seas'

See CCP, page 7

CePD hears of government funds and oks laptops

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Captiva Erosion Prevention District's commission received an update on federal, local and state funding for the district during its recent meeting, as well as approved new equipment for staffers

On June 12, Executive Director Daniel Munt provided the following grant updates:

FEMA funding

∫ PW 361 (Hurricane Irma): Closed out and paid about $945,731

∫ PW 6059 (direct administrative costs for Irma): About $56,492 obligated, with the reimbursement request to be submitted by June 16

State funding (FDEP)

∫ 19LE4 (Irma): Payout estimated at $250,000 and the submission is under review

∫ 21LE1 (construction): Payout estimated at $4 million and the submission is under review

State funding (legislative appropriations)

∫ Pending requests: $500,000 for dune walkovers, $36,000 for a beach vehicle, $400,000 for APTIM's Phase II Coastal Resiliency project and $6,886,464 for beach nourishment (52% of estimated costs)

Local funding

∫ Lee County interlocal agreement: 30 15% for the 2021 beach renourishment, with $5,196,814 received as of Jan 11

∫ Lee County Tourist Development Council: Beach park maintenance up to $192,160, beach vehicle replacement up to

Solid Waste reminds public to prepare for season

The hurricane season calls for proactive measures to safeguard homes and properties

Lee County Solid Waste is encouraging residents to follow the below tips to minimize the risk of damage from high winds and flying debris during storms:

∫ Trim trees and branches: Cut back any trees or branches that make contact with your house, pool cage, shed or other buildings This creates a safe distance, preventing potential damage during severe weather

∫ Thin foliage: Improve wind flow and reduce the chances of plants becoming uprooted by thinning the foliage in your yard This step allows wind to freely pass through branches, minimizing the risk of damage to your property and nearby structures

∫ Proper yard waste disposal: Place trimmings at the curb on your regular collection day Containerize or securely tie bundles of yard waste, ensuring they weigh no more than 50 pounds and do not exceed 6 feet in length Up to 50 pounds of unbundled palm fronds may be placed at the curb

∫ Remove potential projectiles: Prioritize safety by thoroughly cleaning your property and removing any

CCP

items that could become projectiles in high winds. Place these objects at the curb on your regular waste collection day for proper disposal or storage

Professional property managers and residential homeowners' association (HOA) presidents can take steps now to protect their community in the event of a hurricane or other declared major disaster in Lee County FEMA regulations require that private or gated communities have a current Right of Entry and Indemnification form on file with the county before any disaster debris recovery crews are allowed to enter the community

CEPD

From page 6

future zoning category, it could go up to 45 feet or even 75 feet with a special request

An additional amendment would add language exempting South Seas from the density cap of three units or three hotel units per acre. Another would remove references to an administrative interpretation that governs South Seas and requires compliance or the regulations for the rest of the island kick in

As for the changes to the Plan, Mintz explained that Captiva has a goal outlined to limit building heights to one- and twostory buildings The amendments would remove the number of stories

He noted that the typical process for any proposed development or change to the LDC and Plan involves holding an informational meeting, usually at a panel meeting, so the community can provide feedback However, county staff have said they initiated the process so no meeting was required.

“No one ever approached this panel or

this community and asked what we thought,” Mintz said “Without any consultation with the panel, without any consultation of property owners ”

“Most troubling is disenfranchising what Captiva and the community will look like,” he added.

Mintz also pointed out that the panel and Sanibel have been working on potentially connecting Captiva to the city's central sewer system to eliminate septics and improve water quality. Without knowing South Seas' development plans, the system may not be able to absorb the density and it might not work

In other news

∫ Lee County Sheriff's Office Lt. Mike Sawicki reported that there have been some thefts of fishing equipment and small items from boats and boat docks He advised the public to secure items of value

Sawicki also suggested property owners check that their security cameras are operational

Lee County has an online process for submitting the

https://leegis leegov com/ROE for communities located within unincorporated Lee Filling out the form is quick, easy and only has to be done once a year Lee County Solid Waste encourages all HOAs to take time to complete the form prior to the start of hurricane season The Right of Entry would only be used as necessary during the recovery period following a declared state of local emergency

The county noted that waste from contractors is not eligible for disaster debris collection Waste and debris generated by contractors and left on public property creates safety hazards for pedestrians, motorists and emergency responders Any waste left behind by contractors on public property will be considered illegal dumping, and the contractors will be held liable for any associated fines or penalties. All contractors are strongly urged to dispose of their waste in a responsible and lawful manner For more information, visit www leegov com/solidwaste or call 239-533-8000

From page 6

$10,299, and beach park upgrades up to $231,000, along with a beach park maintenance request up to $261,482 for the next fiscal year

Commissioner Rene Miville asked staff about the legislative appropriations requests to the state regarding the dune walkovers and beach vehicle Munt explained that the CEPD ask accounts for five walkovers and the vehicle funding ask leaves room to buy any additional equipment like a trailer

Chairman Bob Walter asked if the local TDC funds were available as of the meeting

“These are approved funds that we can apply expenses to,” Munt said.

Also at the meeting, Munt sought approval for an amount not to exceed $16,000 to upgrade Deputy Director John Riegert's mobile equipment and tie it to an unused but available cell phone line with the district's current provider Riegert explained that the equipment would be a tablet-sized work laptop

Walter questioned why staff only needed one if there are two of them

“We can do that for sure,” Munt said, adding that the request would change to $32,000

A motion to approve a not-to-exceed amount of $32,000 for the two laptops was approved 4-0

In other news

∫ Munt reported that the Alison Hagerup Beach Park lot is now fully open for parking

∫ Munt reported that the field permit was submitted to restore the dune access on the south end of the beach Once staff receives the permit, restoration work will begin immediately on the dune access

∫ Secretary Linda Laird provided an update on APTIM's Phase II Coastal Resiliency project for the bayside Discussions have been held about what is sought for the request for proposal, which Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Coastal Resilience Manager Dr Carrie Schuman is going to draft

DOH-Lee cautions about blue-green algae bloom

On June 13, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County cautioned the public of the presence of a bluegreen algae bloom in the Caloosahatchee River-Paradise Marina Entrance, Franklin Lock C43 Canal S79 (upstream), and Fort Myers Shores Blooms have the potential to produce toxins Since bloom conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution as if the bloom were toxic, even if toxin presence has not yet been confirmed

The public is advised to take the following precautions:

∫ Do not drink, swim, wade, water ski or engage in activities that may cause you to come in direct contact with waters where there is a visible bloom

∫ Exercise caution when using personal watercraft or boating to avoid stirring up or contacting the algae or the affected water

∫ Avoid getting affected water in your eyes, nose or mouth

∫ Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water

∫ Keep pets and livestock away from the waters in the location

∫ Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well

∫ Do not eat shellfish from the location

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and partners collect algae samples from reported bloom locations for toxin analysis Once completed, the results will be posted on the DEP Algal Bloom Dashboard at h t t p s : / / f l o r i d a d e p g o v / A l g a l B l o o m a n d c a n a l s o b e viewed on the Protecting Florida Together website at h t t p s : / / p r o t e c t i n g f l o r i d a t o g e t h e r g o v / , w h e r e y o u c a n sign up to be notified of the latest conditions

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors

Some environmental factors that contribute to bluegreen algae blooms are sunny days, warm water tempera t u r e s , s t i l l w a t e r c o n d i t i o n s a n d e x c e s s n u t r i e n t s Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins

Is it har mful?

Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals For additional information on potential health effects of a l g a l b l o o m s , v i s i t f l o r i

health/aquatic-toxins

Find current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal b l o o m s a n d b e a c h c o n d i t i o n s b y v i s i t i n g P r o t e c t i n g F l o r i d a T o g e t h e r g o v P r o t e c t i n g F l o r i d a Together is the state’s joint effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environmental transparency and commitment to action

What do I do if I see an algal bloom?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects and analyzes algal bloom samples To report a bloom to the DEP, call the toll-free hotline at 855-3053 9 0 3 o r r e p o r t o n l i n e a t h t t p : / / w w w s u r v e y g i z m o c o m / s 3 / 3 4 4 4 9 4 8 / A l g a lBloom-Reporting-Form

To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511 Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal b l o o m o r a n y a q u a t i c t o x i n t o t h e F l o r i d a P o i s o n Information Center; call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately

Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with bluegreen algae contaminated water

If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-6902100

r

Deadline nearing for SBA working capital disaster loans

The U S Small Business Administration encourages small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and private nonprofit organizations in Florida with economic losses due to Hurricane Ian that occurred from Sept. 23 to Nov. 4 to apply for working capital disaster loans before the June 29 deadline

Those in the following counties are eligible to a p p l y : A l a c h u a , B r a d f o r d , B r e v a r d , B r o w a r d , Charlotte, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, G l a d e s , H a r d e e , H e n d r y , H e r n a n d o , H i g h l a n d s , Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, P u t n a m , S a i n t J o h n s , S a i n t L u c i e , S a r a s o t a , Seminole, Sumter and Volusia

T h e f e d e r a l E c o n o m i c I n j u r y D i s a s t e r L o a n s

(EIDLs) are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 3 04% for small businesses and 1 875% for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition The working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s website at h t t p s : / / d i s a s t e r l o a n a s s i s t a n c e s b a g o v / e l a / s / a n d should apply under SBA declaration #17645

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer S e r v i c e C e n t e r a t 8 0 0 - 6 5 9 - 2 9 5 5 o r e m a i l i n g D i s a s t e r C u s t o m e r S e r v i c e @ s b a g o v L o a n a p p l i c ations can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be m a i l e d t o : U S S m a l l B u s i n e s s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , P r o c e s s i n g a n d D i s b u r s e m e n t C e n t e r , 1 4 9 2 5 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155

The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 29

Business Notes

Construction progresses on trust company's office

year In addition to serving clients and staff, an oversized conference room and outdoor patio will be available for small groups to use

“Before the storm, we began creating a warm, friendly and inviting home for our team, clients and neighbors Creating this space has become even more important after the impacts of Hurricane Ian on Sanibel Island,” Sanibel market President Jeffrey Muddell said “Our clients trust and know us and want that feeling back on Sanibel We also know that we have many new faces to meet ”

The office was planned before Ian damaged the original office on Palm Ridge Road Construction began last year but was halted due to the hurricane and resumed this

Joyce Owens, with Architecture Joyce Owens and Studio AJO, is responsible for the design She said the interior plans will have an Asian tropical feel, inspired by Singapore and Bali The former drive-through will become a Zen garden, perfect for functions. Owens is also working on the design for the new Bell Tower office in Fort Myers, which will open later this year

respond to the style of the building and the island's climate and vegetation,” she said “It meets both the level of sophistication and comfort The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company imparts ”

THE SANIBEL CAPTIVA TRUST COMPANY

F.I.S.H. shares impact numbers for 2022 Refuge and DDWS celebrate chamber ribbon-cutting

Focused for over 40 years on “neighbors helping neighbors,” F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva is the only human service organization that lends a helping hand to those who live, work or visit the islands

I t o f f e r s m o r e than 30 programs and services in the areas of food programs, island-based e d u c a t i o n , s e n i o r and social services, and financial assist a n c e I n 2 0 2 2 , 7 5 , 9 9 5 s e r v i c e requests were answered and 93 percent of the donations went directly to the organization's programming, according to officials

Some of the programs' impact last year included:

∫ 5,722 visits to the food pantry utilized 259,270 pounds of food

∫ 3,233 Meals-by-FISH distributed

∫ 1,632 reassurance calls made to island seniors

∫ 518 Smile Boxes cheered seniors

∫ 4,041 food backpacks distributed to youths

∫ 9,500 emergency supplies

∫ 1,085 holiday meals distributed

∫ 240 Hurricane Packets distributed

∫ 1,080 buckets of cleaning supplies distributed postHurricane Ian

∫ 442 bicycles distributed

∫ 10,341 cases of water distributed post-Hurricane Ian

∫ 24,000 10-pound bags of ice distributed postHurricane Ian

∫ 419 pre- and post-hurricane calls

∫ 5,435 instances of case management

For more information about F I S H programs and services, visit www fishofsancap org or call Executive Director Maria Espinoza at 239-472-4775.

Kiwanis tour trail at refuge

J . N . “ D i n g ”

D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e S u p e r v i s o r y R e f u g e R a n g e r T o n i W e s t l a n d r e c e n t l y g a v e t h e S a n i b e lCaptiva Kiwanis Club a private tour on the

I n d i g o T r a i l a t t h e r e f u g e M e m b e r s heard stories of alligators and otters, while spotting lots of baby birds and nests They even discovered a rare g r e e n a n o l e T h e members also heard a story about baby racc o o n s t h a t n o t o n l y s u r v i v e d H u r r i c a n e Ian, but were able to thrive and mature The club thanked Westland f o r l e a d i n g t h e f u n educational walk.

REFUGE/DDWS

e 1 1 ■ W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , J u n e 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m

I s l a n d R e p o r t e r

PRESERVING PARADISE

Corps adjusts Lake Okeechobee releases to Caloosahatchee

The U S Army Corps of Engineers' Jacksonville District reported that it would increase releases from L a k e O k e e c h o b e e t o t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e R i v e r Estuary beginning on June 10

The releases to the Caloosahatchee River Estuary will target a pulse release at a seven-day average of 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the W P Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79) It is an increase from the 1,800 cfs targeted pulse release that has been in effect since April 15 Since the target is measured at the W P Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79), it includes local basin runoff and may require flows at S-79 to temporarily go above the target release to maintain flood control along the C-43 Canal

“We have shifted from the dry season to a wet season weather pattern Lake Okeechobee water levels have been increasing over the last couple weeks and are currently hovering around 14 feet,” Jacksonville District Commander Col James Booth said “Since June 1, the flows coming through the W P Franklin Lock and Dam have mostly been basin runoff, which exceeded the 1,800 cubic feet per second target We have not needed to supplement those flows with lake water to meet our target ”

The target release from the St Lucie Lock and Dam (S-80) will remain at zero cfs Local basin runoff may still require operation of S-80 to maintain flood control along the C-44 Canal, especially during locally heavy rain events.

“I’ve made the decision to increase our flow targets so that if conditions are right to release additional water, we will be able to lower lake levels a little more to try to get the lake back into the ecological envelope, while we provide beneficial flows to the Caloosahatchee and maintain good conditions for fish and oyster spawning as long as possible,” he said “We evaluate conditions throughout the system on a daily basis, including the algal blooms, which have increased as expected, as summer temperatures rise ”

As of June 9, the lake stage was 14 01 feet The lake was about 1.5 inches higher than it was one week prior, about 1 inch lower than it was 30 days ago and about 15 inches higher than it was one year ago

“Our wet season strategy is very similar to how we operated during the wet season last year, but the timing, location, and intensity of rainfall over the system will dictate the need to release out of the lake,” Booth said “We will continue to send as much water south as possible, in coordination with our partners at the South Florida Water Management District ”

For more information on water level and flows data for Lake Okeechobee, visit the Corps' water management website at www.saj.usace.army.mil /Missions/CivilWorks/WaterManagement

Refuge provides highlights of monthly biology activities

J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge biological science technician Avery Renshaw recently reported on the Sanibel refuge's following biology activities for the month of June

Hurricane Ian disrupted a lot at the refuge, but the biology program has continued despite the challenges One important initiative that restarted in January was monitoring of the state-designated threatened Sanibel Island Rice Rat (Oryzomys palustris sanibeli), and the refuge team is thrilled to report it has been documented at the refuge since the hurricane Biologists found the first photographic evidence that any rice rats survived the storm after sifting through thousands of photos captured by bucket camera traps on refuge and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation lands The teams will continue to sort through the remaining photos in hopes of finding rice rats in other locations

Many people may not realize that this at-risk species is a unique Sanibel treasure as it is found nowhere else in the world but on Sanibel Not to be mistaken for the nonnative invasive black rat (Rattus rattus) you may find being a nuisance in human spaces, the rice rat is a secretive semi-aquatic species that only occupies the Spartina grass, interior freshwater marshes and the mangroves on the island, far from people and houses

The rice rat already had low population estimates before Ian After the island was inundated by over 13 feet of storm surge in some areas from the hurricane and continues to hold high salinity water inland, the species previously had not been detected at all Through continued monitoring efforts using bucket trap cameras, evidence finally was found that the small mammal survived the storm The rice rats use Spartina grass clumps for nesting They move between the grass wetlands and mangroves, eating seeds, insects and crustaceans; they completely avoid developed areas It is likely that the presence of a healthy population is an indicator of a healthy marsh system As we learn more about the rice rats, we can use certain metrics, such as population numbers and movement patterns, to gauge the overall health of Sanibel's freshwater marsh ecosystems Maintaining healthy freshwater marshes through prescribed burning, invasive species removal and hydrologic restoration projects will benefit the rice rate but also many other important species, such as the roseate spoonbill, Florida box turtle and humans Refuge staff is partnering with the SCCF, city of Sanibel and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to continue research and monitoring efforts of this Sanibel resident. There is much yet to be discovered about the important species

FDEP/MELYNDA BROWN

Sanibel Island Rice Rat captured by bucket camera trap on J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge lands after Hurricane Ian

SFWMD seeking public input on 2023 draft plan

T h e S o u t h F l o r i d a W a t e r M a n a g e m e n t

D i s t r i c t i s a d d r e s s i n g t h e i m p a c t s o f r i si n g s e a l e v e l s , e x t r e m e w e a t h e r e v e n t s a n d c h a n g i n g r a i n f a l l a n d f l o o d p a t t e r n s

A s p a r t o f i t s o n g o i n g e f f o r t s , i t i s e n c o u r a g i n g s t a k e h o l d e r s a n d t h e p u b l i c t o s h a r e t h e i r c o m m e n t s o n t h e 2 0 2 3

D r a f t D i s t r i c t S e a L e v e l R i s e a n d F l o o d

R e s i l i e n c y P l a n

The draft plan details regional resiliency projects and outlines the SFWMD's proactive approach to tackling the chal-

lenges posed by a changing climate on South Florida's water resources The latest updates to the plan were presented during the SFWMD’s Resiliency Coordination Forum on May 24 To view the recording of the forum and access related materials, visit SFWMD gov/Resiliency

The comments will be evaluated and will play an important role in shaping the 2023 plan The deadline to submit comments is June 23 All comments must be emailed to resiliency@sfwmd gov

CHNEP taking registrations for watershed summit

T h e C o a s t a l & H e a r t l a n d N a t i o n a l Estuary Partnership will host the 2023 Watershed Summit today, June 21, and June 22 from 8:30 a m to 4:30 p m at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in Punta Gorda

T h e f r e e p u b l i c e v e n t w i l l f e a t u r e expert presenters exchanging ideas on how to further water and wildlife protection across Central and Southwest Florida, with interactive audience question and answer sessions

It will cover topics including water quality, hydrology, aquatic habitat research and restoration, Hurricane Ian impacts and public engagement Presenters from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, S a r a s o t a C o u n t y , F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e

Research Institute, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, city of Winter Haven, South Florida W a t e r M a n a g e m e n t D i s t r i c t , S a n i b e lCaptiva Conservation Foundation, Manatee County, Florida Sea Grant, Southwest F l o r i d a W a t e r M a n a g e m e n t D i s t r i c t , C h a r l o t t e C o u n t y , F l o r i d a G u l f C o a s t University and more will share their expertise and answer questions from the audience

Space is limited, with advanced registration required to attend To register online or for additional information, visit h t t p s : / / w w w c h n e p o r g / 2 0 2 3 - w a t e r s h e dsummit.

T h e C h a r l o t t e H a r b o r E v e n t & Conference Center is at 75 Taylor St , Punta Gorda

Isl and lIvIng

SPD releases weekly blotter

As Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued on Tuesday that will include real time information about law enforcement response to criminal activity

Arrests

∫ Kevin Michael Gerbers, 49, of 1716 Pemberton Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana, was charged on June 7 with DUI unlawful blood alcohol DUI influence of alcohol or drugs

Other enforcement actions

∫ On June 11, officers discovered an unoccupied vehicle that had been in a crash. The Lee County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit responded and assisted in locating the subjects involved in the incident

∫ On June 11, a traffic stop for excessive speed was initiated on Sanibel-Captiva Road The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for unlawful speed (68 mph in a 35 mph zone)

∫ On June 12, a traffic stop for excessive speed was initiated on Sanibel-Captiva Road The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for unlawful speed (68 mph in a 35 MPH mph)

∫ On June 12, a traffic stop was initiated for excessive speed. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for never having a driver's license issued and a citation for unlawful speed

Enforcement operations statistics

From June 6-12:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 5

∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 70

∫ Traffic crashes: 2

∫ Radar details: 43

∫ Traffic stops: 56 Citations issued: 14 Written warnings issued: 0

∫ Field interviews: 0

∫ Residential area checks: 566

∫ Business area checks: 131

∫ Total area checks: 1,199

∫ Reported burglaries: 1

∫ Reported thefts: 1

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,490

From June 2023 to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 11

∫ Non-emergency calls: 102

∫ Traffic crashes: 4

∫ Radar details: 77

∫ Traffic stops: 71 Citations issued: 17 Written warnings issued: 0

∫ Field interviews: 1

∫ Residential area checks: 1,016

∫ Business area checks: 233

∫ Total area checks: 2,055

∫ Reported burglaries: 1

∫ Reported thefts: 2

∫ Total CAD calls: 2,527

Important

Shell museum exhibit at Sanibel library

The Sanibel Public Library is currently hosting “In the Wake of the Flood: Community Photos of Hurricane Ian and Its Aftermath,” an exhibit curated by the BaileyMatthews National Shell Museum

On display near the outdoor reading porch, it features photos of Ian's aftermath taken by island residents and others living in Southwest Florida Photographs from the exhibit will also be digitized and added to the library's d i g i t a l a r c h i v e , w h i c h c a n b e f o u n d o n l i n e a t sanlib org/digitalarchive

“We are so glad to have the opportunity to host this wonderful exhibit in-person at the library while the shell museum is closed for repairs,” Librarian Beth Jarrell said “The shell museum staff did such a wonderful job curating these photos, and it is easy to see the deep impact a display like this has for community members The library is so happy to have such wonderful community partners ”

The exhibit was on display at the museum from February through April, before the restoration work began on the building An online version is available at https://www shellmuseum org/ian-photo Also, the museum continues to invite submissions of photographs for inclusion in its documentary project.

W i t h s u p p o r t f r o m t h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders The next one will be held on June 28 at 8 p m and will feature Tananarive Due, award-winning and bestselling author of 16 books She will discuss her newest work, “The Wishing Pool and Other Stories ”

A leading voice in Black speculative fiction for more than 20 years, Due is a writer, an educator and producer Her work includes “Blood Colony,” “The Living Blood,” “The Good House,” “Joplin’s Ghost” and “Devil’s Wake.” Due is a contributing author of “Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda” and “Black Panther: Sins of the King,” along with Jonathan Maberry's “Don’t Turn Out the Lights ” She co-wrote “A Small Town” for Season 2 of Jordan Peele's “The Twilight Zone” and two segments of the anthology film “Horror Noire ” Due has won an American Book Award, NAACP Image Award and a British Fantasy Award She teaches Black horror and

Curated by the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, “In the Wake of the Flood: Community Photos of Hurricane Ian and Its Aftermath” is on display at the Sanibel Public Library

The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on June 28 with Tananarive Due

Afrofuturism at UCLA

A question-and-answer session with the author will follow

T o r e g i s t e r f o r t h e a u t h o r t a l k , v i s i t https://libraryc org/sanlib/upcoming

Locals and visitors ages baby to teen can sign up for the annual Summer Reading Program Stop by the library or register with Beanstack at www sanlib org/children Participants will pick up a special gift

The program will run from now through July 29

Additionally, the library has scheduled upcoming programs.

Family Storytime for ages 5 and under will be held to d ay , J u n e 2 1 , at 4 p m w ith a S tu f f ed A n imal Sleepover Children can come in their pajamas, with a blanket Literacy is a family bonding experience with stories read aloud, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, develop motor skills and increase creativity Programs will include an art/craft center Parents and caregivers should plan to be engaged Children can bring a stuffed animal to leave overnight Photos will be taken

See LIBRARY, page 18

Education Notes

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

JAMIE BECK

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Stop by the Sanibel Public Library on June 26 for Movie Monday

F.I.S.H. Backpack Program returns

In partnership with Harry Chapin

F o o d B a n k o f S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a ,

F I S H o f S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a i s r elaunching its Backpack Program for youths that has been on hold since Hurricane Ian

R e c e n t j o b l o s s , r e d u c e d w o r k hours and major unplanned expenses d u e t o t h e s t o r m , c o u p l e d w i t h increased grocery costs, makes childhood hunger a greater risk for area households Many families rely on school provided meals and need to find other ways to afford additional food products from now through Aug 8, when classes resume for the 2023-24 school year

“We are enthusiastic to bring back this program just in time for summer, when kids are more likely to go witho u t e a t i n g , ” P r o g r a m C o o r d i n a t o r Manuela Martinez said

She worked with the Harry Chapin Food Bank, specifically its Harry's Helpings program, to form a partners h i p t o s u p p l y t h e f o o d p r o g r a m . Harry's Helpings provides food kits

Blotter From page 14

daily fee

∫ There is no beach access at the Sanibel Boat Ramp at this time

∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250

Roadside parking on Sanibel is not allowed except in the case of special events requiring a permit. It is enforced and can result in a $150 fine

Some beach park facilities on Sanibel are still closed For more information on Sanibel beaches, visit https://www mysanibel com/government/public-works-department/useful-links/parks-public-beaches

filled with enough nutritious food for more than 15 meals. They may include canned vegetables and canned meat, cereal, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, soups and stews, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, rice, and beans

In 2022, F I S H distributed 4,041 food backpacks

The Backpack Program is available year-round to children in grades Pre-K through 12th whose family has an island connection either living on or parents working on the islands Participants must complete an application provided by F I S H Parents pick up the food bags on Thursdays from 10 a m to 2 p m at the Walk-In Center, at 2430-B Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Those interested in participating can contact F I S H at 239-472-4775

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t

F I S H programs and services, visit https://www fishofsancap org/ or cont a c t E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r M a r i a Espinoza at 239-472-4775.

Dewatering of a pool or spa directly into a waterbody, into the city’s stormwater system or onto any third-party’s property without the third party’s consent is expressly prohibited

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share any photos of solicitation hang t a g s t o p o l i c e @ m y s a n i b e l c o m o r u s e

Tip411

Reporting suspicious activity

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then

your tip to 847411

∫ W e b t i p s c a n b e s u b m i t t e d a t https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert gr oup id=22450

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for

your Android or iOS device

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111

F i n d t h e S P D o n F a c e b o o k a t https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , J u n e

SPORTS

Ask an explorer Rec center reports on pickleball tourney, more

M a n y o f t h o s e w h o u s u a l l y v i s i t S a n i b e l a r e u n a b l e t o d u e t o H u r r i c a n e I a n ' s d e s t r u c t i o n o f i s l a n d a c c o m m o d a t i o n s A s a r e s u l t , p e o p l e w a n t t o k n o w w h a t i s g o i n g o n a n d h a v e a m y r i a d o f q u e s t i o n s a b o u t t h e i n s t i t u t i o n s t h a t t h e y f r e q u e n t e d T a r p o n B a y E x p l o r e r s h a s r e c e i v e d a l o t o f t h e s e q u e s t i o n s a b o u t n o t o n l y T a r p o n B a y , b u t t h e J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e R e f u g e a n d t h e i s l a n d , i n g e n e r a l B e l o w a r e s o m e f r e q u e n t l y a s k e d q u e s t i o n s t o h e l p a n y o n e a n d e v e r y o n e t o s t a y i n f o r m e d

∫ What happened to the aquariums?

U n f o r t u n a t e l y , t h e a q u a r i u m s w e r e c o m p l e t e l y d e s t r o y e d N o t o n l y t h e t w o l a r g e o p e n a q u a r i u m s , b u t a l s o t h e g l a s s a q u a r i u m s O d d l y e n o u g h , m a n y o f t h e p o s t e r s a t t a c h e d t o t h e l a t t i c e h e l d o n a n d a r e s t i l l h a n g i n g d o w n t h e r e I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e p o s t e r s , t h e d o l p h i n s k e l e t o n a n d s e a t u r t l e c a r a p a c e s h e l l d i d s u r v i v e W e a l s o a r e a s k e d f r e q u e n t l y i f t h e a n i m a l s i n t h e t a n k s u r v i v e d T h e w i l d l i f e t h a t w e a r e p e r m i t t e d t o h o l d i n t h e a q u a r i u m s f o r a s h o r t p e r i o d o f t i m e w e r e r e l e a s e d b e f o r e t h e s t o r m W e h a v e a h u r r i c a n e p r o t o c o l t h a t w e f o l l o w a n d t h a t i s p a r t o f t h e p r o c e d u r e ∫ Do we have live bait? W e d o n o t h a v e l i v e b a i t O u r b a i t t a n k s a n d i t s c o m p l e x p l u m b i n g a n d f i l t r a t i o n s y s t e m s w e r e b u s te d , d i s p l a c e d o r d e s t r o y e d W e d o n o t p l a n o n s e l li n g b a i t u n t i l w e r e p l e n i s h o u r p o n t o o n f l e e t W e h a v e b e e n t e l l i n g v i s i t o r s t o g o t o W h i t n e y ' s B a i t a n d T a c k l e t o g e t l i v e b a i t O u r g i f t s h o p d o e s s e l l b a s i c t a c k l e i t e m s s u c h a s l u r e s , h o o k s , w e i g h t s , p l i e r s , f l o a t s a n d l e a d e r . W h e n w e r e s u m e s e l l i n g b a i t , w e w i l l b e s u r e t o m a k e a n a n n o u n c e m e n t ∫ Are the mangroves going to recover? I t w i l l t a k e s o m e t i m e f o r t h e m a n g r o v e s t o r e c o ve r T h e t h i n k i n g i s t h a t t h e r e w i l l b e a b e t t e r e s t i m a t e o f t r e e m o r t a l i t y a n d t h e r a t e o f t h e i r r e c o v e r y a f t e r s p r i n g / s u m m e r , w h i c h i s t h e i r o p t i m a l g r o w i n g s e as o n T h e r e i s m o r t a l i t y a n d p o s s i b l y m o r e m o r t a l i t y t o c o m e d u e t o d e l a y e d s t r e s s o r s s u c h a s a c c r e t i o n o f s e d i m e n t s , a c c u m u l a t e d s u l f i d e s , i n c r e a s e d p e r i o d s o f i n u n d a t i o n a n d i n c r e a s e d s a l t l e v e l s B u t , t h e o v e r a l l m e s s a g e s c i e n t i s t s w a n t t o c o n v e y i s t h a t m a n g r o v e s a r e v e r y r e s i l i e n t p l a n t s a n d h a v e e v o l v e d t o c o m b a t s e v e r e s t o r m e v e n t s , s u c h a s I a n M a n g r o v e s h a v e p r e p a r e d f o r t h e s e e v e n t s b y d r o pp i n g t h e i r “ m a n g r o v e b a b i e s ” o r p r o p a g u l e s a s t h e y a r e o f f i c i a l l y c a l l e d U n d e r s t o r i e s o f s a p l i n g m a ng r o v e s s u r v i v e d a n d a r e r e a d y t o g r o w a n d e v e n t u a ll y r e p l a c e a d u l t m a n g r o v e t r e e s t h a t w e r e d e s t r o y e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e m a j o r i t y o f m a n g r o v e f o r e s t s o n t h e i s l a n d R e c o v e r y m a y a l s o b e d e l a y e d a s s u r v i v i n g t r e e s m a y p u t m o r e e n e r g y i n t o r e p a i r s o f t h e i r o w n s t r u c t u r a l d a m a g e i n s t e a d o f i n v e s t i n g e n e r g y i n t o c r e a t i n g p r o p a g u l e s T i m e e s t i m a t e s f o r r e c o v e r y r a n g e f r o m f i v e t o 2 5 y e a r s d e p e n d i n g o n t h e a r e a ' s d a m a g e a n d p o s t - h u r r i c a n e c o n d i t i o n s t h a t h e l p o r h i n d e r t h e i r r e c o v e r y a l o n g w i t h p o s s i b l e f u t u r e s t o r m e v e n t s T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n a n d U S F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e S e r v i c e a s s i s t e d u s w i t h t h i s a n s w e r T a r p o n B a y E x p l o r e r s i s o p e n o n M o n d a y s , W e d n e s d a y s , F r i d a y s a n d S a t u r d a y s f r o m 8 a m t o 5 p m a n d r e n t a l s s t o p a t 3 p m R e s e r v a t i o n s a r e r e c o m m e n d e d f o r G u i d e d K a y a k T o u r s a n d T r a m T o u r s F o r q u e s t i o n s , c o n t a c t 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 8 9 0 0 o r t a rp o n b a y e x p l o r e r s @ g m a i l c o m o r m e s s a g e u s o n s o c i a l m e d i a . T a r p o n B a y E x p l o r e r s i s t h e c o n c e s s i o n a i r e f o r t h e J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e R e f u g e F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w t a r p o n b a y e x p l o re r s c o m

The Sanibel Recreation Center will host the Summer Slam Indoor Pickleball Tournament on June 24 starting at noon at the facility, at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel

The tourney will be doubles only and will feature a double-elimination format

Participants must be at least 14 years old and sign up as a team

Winners will receive a prize bag filled with goodies

F o r t h e r e g i s t r a t i o n f o r m , v i s i t https://r20 rs6 net/tn jsp?f=001lCTF1pFtIUOVJxGtA3e L S I t L G P m P u s A R I K J G m 0 n W Q A q G C jB U U w 6 N r X 3 P u C F k p 3 M x X 8 N 9 q p U e m y S n q u d y nP 8 0 7 g v D C P Z O i Z U 2 1 N z u -

ZibrVW5n4W8XPX htShFsdkeZpvCkUhwZMeYDVh C1SwgPycuadX1Y3XXjRk2JXZ7osYdnSWGacZuP6v

CVwaBEsYRaPePvV7IyoC5c=&c=Hxe2sNIkp5Pc6nb utgLceoKYGDh3MMvu6bB88hVATsJL2k6gNe88bw ==&ch=z CAwoItLTkhyZG8IQSyntveS7YagsE4PTKv

E4494KGvLk7Oym5GCQ==

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t connor russell@mysanibel com

Openings and closings

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 ■ P a g e 1 6 Report your news to CAPTivASANiBel Com

The gymnasium has reopened for use during regular operating hours As a result, pick-up indoor pickleball has resumed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 2 p m

Also, the outdoor courts are closed while work is being performed on the light poles

The center is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a m to 5 p m and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a m to 5 p m

Daily, weekly, semi-annual and annual memberships are available

For more information, call 239-472-0302 or visit www mysanibel com

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e Society-Friends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel:

∫ Free Summer Programs will run from now through Aug 5 For m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www dingdarlingsociety org/ articles/free-refuge-programs

∫ Art in the Wild Day will take place on Oct 21-22 at the refuge F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www dingdarlingsociety org/ articles/art-in-the-wild

∫ Photo-artist Niki Butcher will mount an exhibition of her work in January and February in the refuge's Visitor & Education Center

∫ The “Ding” Darling Lecture Series will return to the refuge from January through March For more information, visit https://www dingd a r l i n g s o c i e t y o r g / a r t i c l e s / l e c t u r eseries

∫ Nature Wellness @ Ding will return to the refuge and beyond on Jan 18-21

∫ T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g D a y Conservation Carnival will be held on April 20 at Lakes Park in Fort Myers For more information, visit https://www dingdarlingsociety org/ articles/ding-darling-days

D a r l i n g & D o c F o r d ' s T a r p o n Tournament will take place on May 1 0 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t

REFUGE/DDWS

h

City begins project at Bowman's Beach Park

The city of Sanibel reported that construction began on June 19 on the Bowman's Beach Park Kayak Launch Replacement Project The kayak launch will be closed until Aug. 2, weather permitting.

It noted that the beach park and restroom facilities will remain open

The city has contracted with Infinite Construction to replace the existing structure with a new floating, ADA compliant, kayak launch system funded by the Lee

County Tourist Development Council

F o r q u e s t i o n s o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e B o w m a n ' s B e a c h P a r k K a y a k L a u n c h R e p l a c e m e n t Project,

contact Sanibel Public Works Department at sanpw@mysanibel com or 239-472-6397

Bowman's Beach Park is at 1700 Bowman's Beach Road, Sanibel

J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Ranger Yvette Carrasco invites guests to touch taxidermy osprey wings during a Wildlife Drive Caravan Tour the first program of the summer

Former islander remembered for service to community

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

Judith Ann Holly Workman, 78, formerly of Sanibel, passed on May 5 after a battle with cancer

Described by her family as a devoted mother and grandmother, teacher, comm u n i t y a c t i v i s t a n d a n attorney, she was one of the city's first employees and s e r v e d o n t h e S a n i b e l Planning Commission and the Sanibel City Council She was also a founder of t h e C h i l d r e n ' s E d u c a t i o n Center of the Islands

B o r n i n I n d i a n a p o l i s , Indiana, Workman graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a degree in French She began teaching i n W a l l i n g f o r d , Connecticut, before marrying her college sweetheart, Richard Workman They lived in California, Indiana and Ohio, before moving to the island in 1973

On Sanibel, Workman worked on the original committee that helped plan the bike paths She was the second employee hired for the newly incorporated city, where she served as secretary to the mayor and city council Workman served two terms on the planning commission and was elected to the council in 2000 She was also instrumental in the formation of Community Housing and Resources on Sanibel

“(She) was a champion for Below Market Rate Housing on the island,” her family said

In the early 1980s, the single mother of two children decided to go to law school and earned her law degree from Indiana University in 1984 Workman passed the bar in Indiana and Florida and returned to Sanibel She was hired by Humphrey, Jones and Myers and worked in Fort Myers until she started her own practice Workman practiced on Sanibel until 2008, when she moved herself and her practice to Fort Myers

“Judy used her profession to help others, often providing free or greatly discounted legal services to those who otherwise might not be able to afford them,” her family said

Workman was a 50-year member of St Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, where she served on the vestry and was parish chancellor She worked on the church's Madden Education Fund committee

“For the past 18 years, Judy's most treasured role was that of devoted and loving grandmother to her three grandchildren She had a unique and special relationship with each of them and often commented on how fortunate she was to be a part of their daily lives,” her family said “She absolutely adored them, and they her ” Workman also loved her son's art and music, her daughter's writing, native plants especially Geiger trees, classical music, reading, her “Zoom Girls” and sitting on

her porch looking out at the courtyard

She was preceded in death by her father, John Weaver Holly; mother, Mary Holmes Holly; sister, Jan Holly; and husband, Richard Workman, in 2019 She is survived by her son, Michael Workman (Beth); daughter, Jennifer Lessinger (Ozzie); sister, Susan Holly (Mark Twombly); grandsons, Sam and Gus Lessinger; granddaughter, Sadie Lessinger; and nephew, James Twombly Holly

A memorial service was held on June 4 at Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Myers Donations can be made to the Madden Education Fund at St Michael's on Sanibel or to the Moffitt Cancer Center

Judith Ann Holly Workman

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Amendments From page 1

from Captiva's building height restrictions

∫ Eliminates the three-units-per-acre density restrictions inside of South Seas, with no new density restrictions cited to replace them

∫ Creates a path for South Seas to plan a new larger development with buildings up to 75 feet high

Concerned about increases in building height, density and intense of use on Captiva as well as Sanibel as the passthrough island and the impacts to traffic, quality of life, wildlife and more, such as an ongoing project to possibly connect Captiva to the city's sewer, the islands jumped to action

Library

From page 14

of their night and sent to families Return on June 22 at 10 a m to reunite and enjoy some breakfast and cartoons

On June 24, a Saturday Crafterday! will take place at 10 a m Professional artist and coloring book creator Melissa Gindling will provide a drawing lesson to participants

Stop by for Movie Monday on June 26 starting at 1 p.m. for a family-friendly film Technology Manager Danny will offer VR experiences for incoming grades 6-12 on June 26 at 3:30 p m Teens can participate in VR and join a Mario Kart tournament Snacks and gear will be provided

On June 27, decorate a mini parade float at 3 p m Supplies will be provided o r b r i n g a s h o e b o x f r o m h o m e Participants can also decorate a shoebox

On June 12, the CCA hosted an informational meeting featuring speakers from t h e v a r i o u s i s l a n d o r g a n i z a t i o n s w h o shared information about the changes and concern about the impacts on the land and community The prior week, it initiated an email campaign for people to contact the county board

The Captiva Community Panel voted unanimously at its monthly meeting on June 13 to request that the Lee County C o m m i s s i o n r e j e c t o r w i t h d r a w t h e amendments at both its meeting and hearing this week

Also on June 13, the Captiva Island F i r e C o n t r o l D i s t r i c t ' s c o m m i s s i o n e r s voted unanimously to send a letter to the

at home and drop it off The mini floats will be displayed from June 27 through July 8 in the Children's Area Programs are designed for children and accompanying adults

For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at www sanlib org Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee

The Sanibel Public Library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a m to 5 p m and Saturday from 9 a m to 1 p m

For more information, call 239-4722483 or visit www sanlib org

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

county board outlining how the changes would financially impact the district if approved

The Sanibel City Council held a special meeting on June 14 and voted 4-0 to draft a letter conveying that it requested the Lee County Commission to reject the amendments to both the LDC and Lee Plan Councilmember John Henshaw participated remotely so he could not vote, but he voiced his support.

Also on June 14, over a dozen SanibelCaptiva organizations sent a joint letter to the county board urging it to cancel the agenda item for the June 20 meeting It was signed by the CCP, CCA, SanibelC a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n a n d

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, along with the Presidents Council of Associations and 12 homeowner and condo associations in South Seas

The Presidents Council and 12 associations sent their own joint letter the week before

In addition, the SanCap Chamber sent the Lee County Commission a letter of opposition on June 14.

Other island conservation organizations have also raised concerns for the e n v i r o n m e n t a l i m p a c t s , i n c l u d i n g t h e Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife a n d B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l Museum

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Sanibel Public Library Technology Manager Danny will offer VR experiences for teens in incoming grades 6-12 on June 26.

On June 16, a crowd cheers the official ribbon-cutting and reopening of the Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel.

Reopening

From page 1

access, and the park's popular fishing pier and its parking lot are still closed

“This is yet another milestone we celebrate today just as we did earlier this month with the official reopening of the Francis P Bailey Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center,” Johnson said “The islands are back in business! We welcome guests back to visit our island retailers and

eateries while enjoying the shelling, sun, sand and surf of our award-winning beaches ”

“Islanders and visitors alike have anxiously awaited the moment they could once again pay homage to our beloved lighthouse, which has become such a potent symbol of the islands' survival and recovery journey,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai

said “We recognize the Lighthouse Beach reopening as a huge boost for our island businesses, as the island's favorite beach draws more visitors. Even on opening morning, a line of cars down Periwinkle (Way) waited to get in ”

Lighthouse Beach Park is at 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

SANCAP CHAMBER

SCCF: Support new license plate to protect gopher tortoises

T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n Foundation reported that the gopher tortoise is a keystone species that is iconic in uplands in the southeastern United States Keystone species help define the ecosystem Without their presence, these habitats would be far different or cease to exist Gopher tortoises provide habitat for over 360 wildlife species throughout their range, some of which exist only in their burrows

“Unfortunately, gopher tortoises are being pushed out of their habitats due to rapid development,” Wildlife and Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz said “Gopher tortoises are a threatened species in Florida, but are still subject to frequent relocations, through state programs, due to very high pressure for development ”

W i l d l i f e r e h a b b e r C h e l s e y V o w l e s came up with the idea to have a gopher tortoise license plate for Florida after she w i t n e s s e d c o u n t l e s s t o r t o i s e s b e i n g injured or killed while trying to cross the road Her passion for healing and protect-

ing tortoises from harm sparked her interest in getting a plate designed by Matt Patterson

The SCCF reported that the fees from the sale of the license plate will be distributed to Wildlands Conservation to fund research, education, conservation, upland

habitat protection, restoration, and habitat management that will benefit gopher tortoises and other upland species Up to 10

percent of the fees received will be used for the marketing and administration costs for the license plate program

For the plate to be produced, a minimum of 3,000 vouchers must be sold Vouchers are $33 each, with $25 going directly toward gopher tortoise conservation Those who hold a valid Florida driver's license or have a Florida-registered vehicle are eligible to purchase vouchers for cars, trucks, trailers and RVs

“Gopher tortoises are an important part of the natural history of Sanibel and the s u r r o u n d i n g i s l a n d s , ” L e c h o w i c z s a i d “Please support this new initiative ” Vouchers can be purchased at any time; people do not need to wait until their registration renews

To reserve a plate and for more information, visit Wildlands Conservation at https://wildlandsconservation org/gophertortoise-license-plate/

Business Notes

From page 8

that can be used to purchase land or b u i l d i n g s , c o v e r n e w c o n s t r u c t i o n , finance equipment or other supplies or acquire an existing business

Lee Golden, senior vice president, director of business development and commercial loan officer, has been design a t e d a s t h e S m a l l B u s i n e s s Administration lending specialist He is responsible for assessing and evaluating the financial portrait of businesses to determine the best SBA loan product to meet the borrower's needs

Rec center adds to Hall of Sponsors S

Recreation Center's Hall of Sponsors

Proceeds from sponsor signs financially assist parents, grandparents and legal custodians who qualify for their children to attend the: after-school program; summer day, winter and spring break camps; fun days; babysitter training camp; basketball league; volleyball c a m p ; a n d C o u n s e l o r I n T r a i n i n g (C I T ) programs at the center

A printout of all the sponsors can also be obtained at the center's reception counter or by visiting https://files constantcontact com/97af97e6001/51af58

fc131961dce7 pdf

For more information, call volunteer sponsor Chairperson Barry Alan Roth at 239-313-9591

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

A life shattering question: Is it late afternoon or early evening?

A friend of mine called to get together one day He suggested that we meet in the late afternoon I told him I preferred to meet with him in the early evening

“ W h a t ’ s t h e d i f f e rence?” he asked “They’re both the same ”

“ N o t h e y ’ r e n o t , ” I said “The late afternoon is earlier than the early evening I prefer to meet in the evening part of the day rather than the afternoon part ”

H e s a i d : “ S o i f w e meet at 5 p m is that the late afternoon or the early evening?” I thought a long time about this very deep philosophical question

Registration open for next Honor Flight

Collier-Lee Honor Flight announced that the next Honor Flight Flight No 25 is set for Sept 30 Military veterans from Collier and Lee counties are invited to apply for consideration for the free event

In addition, Collier-Lee Honor Flight is seeking volunteers to serve as Guardians for the veterans during the journey Guardians accompany and support the veterans, ensuring their comfort and safety

Collier-Lee Honor Flight's mission is to provide free air transportation to local veterans, enabling them to visit the memorials in Washington, D C , that are dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifices

“These trips serve as a poignant reminder of the valor and dedication displayed by our veterans,” officials reported

During the Honor Flight, surprises of recognition and honor are introduced, ensuring that each veteran feels appreciated throughout the day

“It is our firm belief that these brave men and women deserve nothing less than our utmost gratitude and admiration,” Collier-Lee Honor Flight originator Debi Lux said

Collier-Lee Honor Flight prioritizes its most senior heroes Wheelchairs are provided for veterans to assure their comfort and safety

COLLIER-LEE

HONOR FLIGHT

Veterans aboard an Honor Flight, organized by Collier-Lee Honor Flight, receive a water salute

said “This Honor Flight experience made me proud, again, that I wore one ”

The support for the trips is made possible by military and non-military volunteers

Art Stevens

Shell Shocked

“ T h e l a t e a f t e r n o o n ends at 5:30 whereas the e a r l y e v e n i n g b e g i n s then,” I said in an earnest, knowledgeable tone suggesting that the answer to that question was never in doubt

“Okay, let’s go along with your supposition If I show up at 5:45 p m I assume that’s the early evening But if we made our appointment for 5:20 then that’s still the late afternoon?”

“Yes,” I replied “That’s about it ”

My friend was not to be denied “Is there a dictionary definition that says that the term late afternoon extends only to 5:30 p m and not beyond?”

This is why I hated my friend, even though he was my friend He was constantly second guessing me “I’m not aware of any precise definition that makes the case that 5:30 p m is officially the end of late afternoon But in actual practice it is Late afternoon is really just a concept It has no dictionary defined end But I definitely think that it would be stretching things to say that 6:30 p m is still the late afternoon Most people I know would regard 6:30 as the early evening ”

“But,” my friend persisted, “why should the definitions for such concepts as late afternoon and early evening be arbitrary? If you arranged to meet someone in the late afternoon and he showed up at 5:45 p m wouldn’t you be annoyed?”

“Look, why don’t we just pick a time and meet then? This way there won’t be any misunderstanding as to what constitutes late afternoon and early evening,” I said “Let’s just meet at 6 p m at the usual place ”

My friend couldn’t let it go “What if two people agreed to meet in the late afternoon and one showed up an hour and a half before the other? Don’t you think the guy who was there first would be very annoyed with the guy who showed up later? I don’t think the second guy could use as an excuse that he was on time because he had arrived at the outer limit of the late afternoon ”

I told my friend that I would meet him at 6 p m whatever he wanted to call that time period and needed to get off the phone so that I could do research on the definitions of late afternoon and early evening

My friend said he was going to play golf instead and for me to let him know what I came up with

I went to several dictionaries to look up late afternoon and early evening Not a single dictionary defined these terms One dictionary defined afternoon as “the part of the day from noon to sunset.” Did this mean that Scandinavians who experienced daylight until midnight or later during the summer months considered 10 p m as still being the afternoon?

The same dictionary defined evening as “the period of decreasing daylight between afternoon and

“When I got out of the Army in 1967, I had to hide my uniform because of Vietnam War protestors,” Sgt Richard Erschik, who took part in Honor Flight No 24,

Companies and individuals are sought as Honor Flight sponsors They will receive prominent and continuous mention and recognition on the website and a token of appreciation for their contribution

For more information, visit https://www collierhonorflight org/ or call 239-777-9295

WoW kicks off summer camps

T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e Society-Friends of the Refuge reporte d t h a t t h e J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels started its Summer Camp S e a s o n o n J u n e 1 2 a s t h e t e a m moved to Eden Park Elementary in Immokalee for the week, in partnership with Guadalupe Center “MicroMania” is the theme for learning a b o u t m i c r o s c o p i c c r e a t u r e s a n d harmful microplastics At the same time, leader Melissa Maher works closely with school district teachers on developing the most relevant curriculum for 2023-24 school year

The WoW's summer schedule is as follows:

∫ Now through June 23: Harlem Heights Community Charter School in Fort Myers

∫ J u n e 2 6 - 3 0 : H a r n s M a r s h Elementary in Lehigh Acres

∫ July 3-7: Sunshine Elementary in Lehigh Acres

∫ July 24-28: PACE Center for Girls, Lee in Fort Myers

To donate to support the upkeep a n d p r o g r a m m i n g f o r t h e W o W efforts, visit https://interland3 donorperfect net/weblink/WebLink aspx?n ame=E54182&id=12

Eden Park Elementary summer campers learn hands-on the h a r m m i c r o p l a s t i c s c a u s e feeding birds and the proper use of microscopes

REFUGE/DDWS

Shell Find

Junonia found on Sanibel

Madison Elizabeth, of Cape Coral, found a junonia on June 11 at Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel. She reported that she was snorkeling in the water when she came across the beautiful and highly sought after shell Elizabeth added that her mother, Michelle, and her father, Nathan, are a big inspiration for her and her shelling To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com PHOTOS PROVIDED

“signs | sanibel island, florida”

ERIC J TAUBERT

Sanibel-focused piece par t of exhibit

“The Key To Creativity” is on display from now through June 29 in main gallery at The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, at 2301 First St , Fort Myers One piece in the juried exhibition is by artist Eric J Taubert Titled “signs | sanibel island, florida,” it is an

Mural proposals being

The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab to provid for the public of all ages and abilities to expl skills in writing, filmmaking, podcasting, dig computer generated paintings, photography created music, e-books, 3D design, editing a creative applications It will commission an artist group to paint a mural in the front corne lab Artists are asked to submit proposals fo an approximate 9-foot wide mural to be com pleted in July The selected artist will be awarded a stipend of $1,000 The deadline to submit a proposal is June 26 For more info mation, visit https://www artinlee org/express

Question

a l u m i n u m a r c h i v a l d y e s u b l i m a t i o n (matte) print of a fine art photography collage It offers a glimpse at facets of Sanibel Island imagery that were lost to Hurricane Ian in September For more i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e e x h i b i t , v i s i t sbdac com

Shell Find

Lightning whelks, more found on Sanibel

C o n n i e Lawson, of Cape C o r a l , r e c e n t l y f o u n d l i g h t n i n g w h e l k s a n d c o n c h s a t B l i n d Pass on Sanibel, along with cockle shells, whelk egg cases, crabs and more. She reported that after the d e v a s t a t i o n f r o m Hurricane Ian, she h a s f o u n d h e r light(house) at the end of the tunnel: shelling! Not only has it been a great w a y t o c o n n e c t w i t h M o t h e r N a t u r e a n d h e l p w i t h p e a c e o f mind, it has also been a great way to socialize with f e l l o w t r e a s u r e h u n t e r s L a w s o n h a s m e t p e o p l e from all over the country and world who are seeking their next big rare find “Everyday is different, you never know what you're going to find, and I'm enjoying seeing the island rebuild stronger than ever,” she added “Although I've been shelling my whole life all over the country, I have to say these are m y

o r trepecki@breezenewspapers com

NICOLE LAWSON

‘Monopoly Moon’

How it would end I thought I knew In the monopoly game no love is true She was Pennsylvania Green and Park Place blue I, purple and Baltic, the low avenue.

In that summer of madness I wore out the board Buying properties I couldn't afford My racer apace with her wheelbarrow

As she raced past Go and every arrow, Till there was nothing left for me to own And trade for the heart of this Molly Malone

I landed in jail, she wouldn't let me be, Her get out of jail card set me free To land on her hotel property And end my game in bankruptcy.

Joe Pacheco

From page 22

night” or “the period between sunset and bedtime ”

It also defined night as “the period between sunset and sunrise ” My natural question then became what if I went to bed really early like 9 p m? Does that mean that evening ends for me at 9 p m and night begins simply because I went to bed?

What if my neighbor went to bed at 11 p m ? (And played his TV set loudly at that before he did?) Does this mean that night begins for me at 9 p m while still being evening for my loud neighbor? How could it be possible that night begins at different times for different people in the same time zone?

But there doesn’t seem to be the same confusion about when late morning ends

and early afternoon begins as there is for late afternoon and early evening It’s generally understood that late morning ends at twelve noon and early afternoon follows immediately There’s no such rule g o v e r n i n g l a t e a f t e r n o o n a n d e a r l y evening even though I had volunteered to my friend that 5:30 p.m. was as good a guess as any

O n e d i c t i o n a r y d e f i n e d t h e t e r m s “morning” and “night” as being the same time period This dictionary’s definition of morning is “the first or early part of the day lasting from midnight to noon or from sunrise to noon ” And the definition of night is “the period between sunset and sunrise ” That means that 3 a m is both night and morning This then begs the

“Sorry,” she sighed, “but I had to be true To my Pennsylvania Green and Park Place blue I won the game, but don't want to lose you Come under the Boardwalk, we'll make out soon Under a boardwalk sky and Monopoly moon ”

question as to when to say “good night” and “good morning ”

I blamed my friend for this ridiculous research I was doing just so I could show him that I knew everything I could have learned a complete foreign language in the time it was taking me to do this Why couldn’t we have started our phone conversation by picking an exact time to get together instead of getting into a debate about late afternoon and early evening?

Can you imagine Warren and Sanders

Poetic License

debating this issue?

I felt I was closing in on the meaning of life but shut the dictionaries instead The simple fact is who gives a damn?

When I met my friend at 6 p m I asked him if he knew the difference between a pebble and a stone That ought to lead to tons more discussion, debate and violence

Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander His tongue-incheek humor is always offered with a smile

ISL AND HOME islander

DOH urges preparation for hurricane season

H u r r i c a n e s e a s o n h a s b e g u n , a n d t h e F l o r i d a Department of Health is encouraging the public to prepare for severe weather emergencies. Determine any risks to your home, property or business and update your emergency plans and supplies before a storm threatens It is important to stay prepared before and after a storm

Make a plan

It is essential that individuals have a plan before a disaster occurs Following an emergency or disaster, you may lose access to basic services, such as power and water, and be subject to limited or no access to essentials like food and water Visit the Florida Department of Emergency Management's “Plan and Prepare” webpage for guidance on making an emergency plan for your family or business

Make a kit

Dwarf clusia ‘Nana’ is miniature version

Most everyone is familiar with the clusia that is commonly used as a hedge or buffer It is easily recognized by its dense semi-succulent pear-shaped leaves, which has made it a desirable choice in many landscape applicat i o n s H o w e v e r , m o s t people are not as familiar with the dwarf clusia “ N a n a ” ( C l u s i a r o s e a “Nana”), which is best described as its miniature version Similar in a p p e a r a n c e a n d s t r u ct u r e , t h e d w a r f c l u s i a “Nana” is often used as a ground cover, border or accent plant

The dwarf clusia “Nana” is native to tropical America and is mostly used as a groundcover in gardens Other ideal uses include planting them around a boulder, as a foundation plant under low windows and bordering a sidewalk or drive It is not recommended to use the dwarf clusia “Nana” as an indoor plant, but they do make very good potted plants that can be trained into a bonsai It thrives best in part sun, although it will tolerate full sun and partial shade, as well The dwarf clusia “Nana” with its small attractive leaf texture will almost always be complimentary with other larger plant varieties that are in your garden

Another desirable feature of this unique little plant that many homeowners love to hear is that it is a low maintenance plant. It is slow growing, barely reaching 2 feet high and a spread of about 2-3 feet wide It requires very little trimming and is drought tolerant after established The dwarf clusia “Nana” is also a salt tolerant plant, which makes it an ideal choice near beach areas and other water areas where salt spray is prevalent It produces a very small pale/pink white flower, mostly in the spring However, the leaf texture and shape is considered its most unique feature

Overall, the dwarf clusia “Nana” is an unique attractive plant that will continue to impress those who are new to tropical landscapes It is a great option to consider in your tropical garden, especially when low maintenance is on your wish list

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local g a r d e n c e n t e r , a t 3 8 8 9 S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a R o a d , Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

As we stay on the lookout for upcoming storms, think about what to keep on hand in order to be prepared The FDEM recommends that you maintain a well-stocked emergency preparedness kit to last you and your family for a minimum of seven days Each individual or family disaster supply kit differs based on personal needs Review the list below for the basic items to include in your kit

∫ Water: Enough for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes pack a minimum of one gallon daily per person for seven days

∫ Food: Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices, snacks and foods for those with dietary restrictions, such as infants and people with diabetes

∫ Cooking supplies: Manual can opener, cooking tools and fuel, paper plates, and plastic utensils

∫ Flashlight and extra batteries

∫ Pillows, blankets and/or sleeping bags

∫ Clothing: Complete change of clothes suitable for the current climate and include sturdy shoes to protect feet from debris or other sharp objects post-storm.

∫ First aid kit, prescription medication and other medicines: Include a first aid kit and plan to bring medications that you need After a storm, you may have limited supplies of your prescription medications and your local pharmacy may close Keep an updated list of each medication you take, its dosing instructions, and the name and contact information of the prescribing doctor

∫ Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

∫ Toiletries

∫ Cleaning supplies: Garbage bags, moisture wipes and other items

∫ Cash: Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster

∫ Important documents: Store all critical documents i n a w a t e r p r o o f c o n t a i n e r a n d s a v e e l e c t r o n i c a l l y Documents like insurance, medical records, bank account

numbers and Social Security card

∫ Contact list: Keep an updated list of all important contacts, including doctors, friends, relatives, out-of-state friends or relatives

∫ Special items: Assess all family member needs Plan for infants, elderly and individuals with access and functional needs, such as medical items and baby bottles

∫ Pet care items: Proper identification, immunization records, ample supply of food and water, carrier or cage, medications, muzzle and leash, and a photo of you and your pet together to validate ownership

Know where to find shelter

The time may arise when you may need to evacuate your home to go to a safer place In certain situations, it may be safest for you to evacuate to a more secure location like a hurricane evacuation shelter A shelter is a refuge of last resort; a place to go if you are not able to evacuate to a hotel or the home of a relative, friend or coworker Shelters are also available for people who have no other place to go. The FDEM maintains a list of open shelters on its website

If you know or care for an individual with a disability or special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, you should pre-register w i t h t h e F l o r i d a S p e c i a l N e e d s S h e l t e r R e g i s t r y Registering allows local emergency management officials to provide information and quickly assist you during an emergency For more information, call your county’s e m e r g e n c y m a n a g e m e n t o f f i c e o r v i s i t t h e F l o r i d a S p e c i a l N e e d s R e g i s t r y a t https://snr flhealthresponse com/

If you are eligible for a Special Needs Shelter, your kit should include the following:

∫ List of medications and dosage

∫ 30-day supply of medications

∫ Vital medical equipment for those who may be electrically or oxygen dependent

∫ Back-up energy sources for essential medical equipment

∫ Any special dietary needs or food

∫ Personal information, including photo ID, insurance card, list of emergency contacts and your primary care provider's contact information

Prevent mosquito-bor ne illness

Immediately following a storm, flooding may occur Mosquito eggs laid in the soil during previous floods can hatch and result in very large populations Most of these mosquitoes are considered nuisance mosquitoes, however it’s essential to protect yourself and your family from mosquito breeding and mosquito-borne illness

The risk of disease transmission through bites of

See PREPARATION, page 26

F.I.S.H. continues to assist neighbors

s f o o d p a n t r y h a s s w i t c h e d t o i t s s u mm e r h o u r s , w h i c h a r e M o n d a y s t h r o u g h F r i d a y s f r o m 1 0 a m t o 2 p m a t 2 4 3 0 P e r i w i n k l e W a y ,

S a n i b e l I t o f f e r s s h e l f - s t a b l e p r o du c t s a n d f r e s h f r u i t s a n d v e g e t a b l e s .

V i s i t o r s s h o u l d b r i n g t h e i r o w n s h o p p i n g b a g s , p r e f e r a b l y r e u s a b l e i n c o n s i d e r a t i o n o f t h e e n v i r o n m e n t

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t

P r o g r a m C o o r d i n a t o r M a n u e l a

M a r t i n e z a t 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 4 7 7 5 o r m a n u e l a @ f i s h o f s a n c a p o r g

County closing facilities at comfort stations

Lee County reported that restroom and shower trailers at comfort stations at the Beach Baptist Church on Fort Myers Beach, San Carlos Maritime Park on San Carlos Island and Flamingo Bay Mobile Home Park on Pine Island were closed and removed on June 19. Use of the sites had been declining steadily

Laundry facilities will remain in place until June 28 at 10 a m

C o m f o r t s t a t i o n l o c a t i o n s w i t h laundry facilities include:

∫ Beach Baptist Church, at 130 Connecticut St , Fort Myers Beach

∫ Flamingo Bay Mobile Home Park, at 4752 Curlew Drive, St. James City

∫ San Carlos Maritime Park, at 1190 Main St , San Carlos Island

∫ Sanibel Community Church, at 1749 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

A n y o n e w h o i s e x p e r i e n c i n g homelessness and is in need of permanent housing is asked to call Lee County Human & Veteran Services at 239-533-7996

Sanibel Captiva

PHOTO PROVIDED

Dwarf clusia

Recipe of the Week: Bucatini with Spicy Vodka Sauce

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

One of my favorite Tuscan pastas is bucatini, a thick hollow spaghetti that is usually serve with spicy tomato sauces or garlicky cream sauces like “aglione” or “cacio e pepe ” The name comes from “buco,” a small hole in the center of the pasta that helps to capture the sauce giving each bite an incredible mouthful of flavor You can find bucatini pasta in Italian specialty stores and some upscale grocery stores I like to serve it with a spicy vodka sauce This is a combination of fresh tomato sauce and cream with a touch of Tabasco and lots of grated cheese Serves eight (Chef tip: When cooking pasta, bring a large pot of water to a boil Once the water boils, add your salt Salted water boils one degree higher then unsalted Add your pasta and cook Keep pasta “al dente ” Drain and toss with your sauce Serve at once Remember what they say, “Pasta waits for no one ”)

The Community House Calendar

3 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:

Shellcrafters

The Shellcrafters will meet on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby. A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a m ; it is free and supplies range from $5-

10. Items will be available for sale. All s a l e s b e n e f i t t h e o p e r a t i o n s o f T h e Community House

O f f i c e h o u r s a t T C H a r e M o n d a y through Friday from 9 a m to 1 p m

For more information, visit www sanibelcommunityhouse net or contact 239472-2155 or office@sanibelcommunityhouse net

1 pound imported bucatini pasta

1 cup soffritto (finely chopped celery, carrots and onions)

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

2 cups vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped

2 cups tomato sauce

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper

1/4 cup vodka

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

In a large, non-reactive saucepan, cook soffritto and garlic in olive oil until onion is transparent. Add Tabasco, chopped tomato and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper Simmer for 15-20 minutes, to thicken, over medium heat Add vodka, cream and basil Cook to reduce for 10 minutes Season with salt and pepper While sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook pasta according to package directions, usually eight to 10 minutes for “al dente ” Drain pasta, do not rinse, and toss with sauce Serve immediately with pecorino cheese

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/

Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail com

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea

Rev Dr Doug Dortch

As the new minister for the Captiva Chapel by the Sea, I am grateful for the opportunity to follow the lead of my predecessor, Rev Larry L Marshall, whose columns have been a blessing over the last four years And even though I won't be present on the island until November, I look forward to continuing our chapel's participation with other SanibelCaptiva faith communities in encouraging readers of these columns to consider how faith informs everyday life, or as the title phrases it, to give faith “a face,” ideally your face

Here is a snippet of mine.

I grew up in a retail family in small town Alabama My father owned a Western Auto store, which was a staple business in small towns across the South When I reached the age of 12, “the age of accountability” as far as my father was concerned, I went to work in the store, starting out in the warehouse putting together everything from bicycles to barbecue grills I have often wished I had a dollar bill for all of the contraptions I assembled during those growing up years Without question, I'd be a rich man today.

Most of items I worked on in my father's store were the same old, same old from year to year, which made most of my work go a lot quicker and easier But occasionally, a manufacturer would tweak a product in such a way that my standard approach was no longer up to the task It was then I would go to my father and ask for his help He was, after all, the owner of the store, whose expertise I assumed knew no limits Surely my dad would bail me out But my father's response to my earnest pleas has stayed with me to this day “When all else fails,” my father would say, “follow the instructions ”

As I celebrated this past Father's Day

weekend, I thought a lot about the different pieces of advice my father gave me over the years, all of it wise and beneficial But of all the good direction, I don't know that I've ever profited from any more than that one about following the instructions, and not just about bicycles and barbecue grills Looking back, I have come to see that when I have thought I knew how life worked, I too often found myself having to go back to “nuts and bolts” principles that ensured how the various parts of my life were to come together in a way that represented God's divine design. It's been when I have gotten ahead of God or presumed upon his power to make up for my shortcomings that I have ended up with something that resembles nothing akin to his holy intentions

You may be like I have been in terms of your grand assumptions on life, and it may have landed you in a tough spot or two as well But we don't have to be mired in our ignorance, and ignorance is no excuse anyway Fortunately, we have clear direction in Scripture as to how life should go, because of how the Bible is the perfect guide for how our little lives are to fit perfectly into God's grand design When everything else fails and we feel disconnected and out of place, heeding the word of our heavenly Father never fails to get us to where God always designed for us to be As the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the faith: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Here then is my challenge to you this week Pick a selection of Scripture each day

Services will return for season in November Videos of services from the past season can be found on the chapel's website and Facebook page

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida

www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m via Zoom Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p m via Zoom Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a m via Zoom

An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p m via Zoom For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail com

∫ Sanibel Community Church

1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/

Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Sanctuary Sunday service at 4 p m at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/

Senior Minister Rev Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a m at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers

∫ St. Isabel Catholic Church

3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/

Father Edward Martin

Friday Mass at 9 a m Weekend Masses on Saturday at 4 p m and Sunday at 10 a m

∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www saintmichaelssanibel org/, https://www facebook com/saintmichaelssanibel/

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Service with optional healing prayers on Wednesday at 9 a m at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers Sunday service at 11:30 a m at the same location, followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall

It doesn't have to be a long section, just a verse will do Then ask yourself the following questions: “What does this passage want me to know?” “What does this passage want me to do?” “What is this passage inviting me to become?” Those foundational questions will help you take the words from a place of mere information and allow them to become instruments of God's affirmation, and ultimately God's transformation They will help you put “a face” to your faith, and you will become immensely better for the journey

Because just like most things in life, we humans don't come already assembled Some work is necessary for us to be made complete The best news of all is that God has provided the way. All that is left is for us to be faithful in following God's instruction so that we might do and become all that God has created us to do and be

The Rev Dr Doug Dortch is the pastor at the Captiva Chapel by the Sea

Loretta Paganini

When all else fails, follow the instructions

islandBEAT islander

Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p m

BIG ARTS holds Annual Art Vibe

BIG ARTS hosted its Annual Art Vibe on June 10 on Sanibel It highl i g h t e d F l o r i d a S o u t h W e s t e r n S t a t e College's “A Moment of Seeing” exhibit and recognized the recipients of this y e a r ' s B I G A R T S P e r f o r m i n g a n d Creative Arts Scholarship They are H a n n a h A t k i n s o n , K a t h e r i n e B o r s t , S a r a h C o n l e y , A b i g a i l D a l e s a n d r o , Hazel Fitzpatrick, Sofia Gurule, Isabel

Preparation

From page 24

To protect against mosquitoes, the DOH urges “Drain and Cover”:

DRAIN standing water stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

∫ Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected

∫ Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used

∫ Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once a week

∫ Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water

∫ Maintain swimming pools in good

condition and appropriately chlorinated Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use

COVER your skin with clothing or repellent to reduce mosquito bites.

∫ Clothing: If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves

∫ Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing Always use repellents according to the label Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective

∫ Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old. COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your

home.

∫ Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios

Eliminating mosquito breeding sites

∫ Clean out troughs and gutters

∫ Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain

∫ Turn over or remove empty plastic pots

∫ Pick up all beverage containers and cups

∫ Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water

∫ Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week

Isenhower, Aneisha Torres and Vanessa Moran

The event also featured artist demonstrations by BIG ARTS instructors and live music by Wilder Duo, along with food and drinks provided by Catering by Leslie Adams, the Point Ybel Brewing Company and Brew Box

C o f f e e C o m p a n y T h e L A T Foundation was the event sponsor PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BIG ARTS

∫ Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week

∫ Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

Stay connected

D u r i n g s e v e r e w e a t h e r a n d o t h e r e m e r g e n c i e s , t h e S t a t e A s s i s t a n c e Information Line (SAIL), a toll-free hotline, is activated to provide accurate and up-to-date information on emergency or disaster situations impacting the State of Florida The SAIL hotline is 800-3423557

The public can also get information from the DOH's Emergency Information webpage and @HealthyFla on Twitter and Facebook

DANNY MORGAN AND JOHN McLANE DUO 5:30 to 8:30 p m

DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p m JOHN McLANE 5:30 to 8:30 p m DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p m

Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m

infected mosquitoes to humans often increases during the warm, rainy months

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14051JetportLoop FtMyersFL33913 rbrown@breezenewspapers.com

Multimedia AccountExecutive

TheBreezeNewspapers hasoneopenposition foranexperienced full-timeMultimedia AccountExecutiveto joinourhighly successfulsalesteam. Thepositioniscritical inensuringsuccessfor ournewspapers, magazines,anddigital products.Thisposition isresponsiblefor generatingrevenue throughthesaleofboth printanddigital advertisingproducts.

Includedareinsurance, 401Kopportunities,vacation.Basepayplus commissionalongwith assistanceoncell phoneandgasmileage.

Pleaseemailan up-to-dateresumeto LRagle@BreezeNewspapers.com