Young islander sets his sights on lifetime of care, concern
Squires looking to become EMT, earn Fire 2 Certificate
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Waylon Squires is aiming to put his recent scholarship from the Bobby Holloway Memorial Foundation to good use, not just for his life, but good use to the entire Pine Island community.
“I plan on completing my EMT course and getting my Fire 2 Certificate. Hopefully being a first responder will lead to a bigger better future,” Squires said.
Trying to get all of his school work done as soon as he can is also in his sights, since being a high functioning
part of his community is everything, he said. Having been on Pine Island his whole life has had a great influence on his idea of what a community should and indeed, for Squires, does look like.
“Community is just a big part of everything for me. I feel like it just makes everyone come together and help everyone else out — I’m just all about that,” Squires said.
Hookers’ PIE Back to School Supply Drive underway
Special to The Eagle news@breezenewspapers.com
The Matlacha Hookers’ Pine Island Elementary Back to School Supply Drive is in full swing and runs through July 26.
The Wish List for PIE teachers and staff includes copy paper (a much needed item), notebook paper, spiral notebooks, headphones and earbuds, #2 pencils, erasers (large pink rectangle and cap), electric pencil sharpeners, Expo dry erase markers, glue sticks, red ink pens (for peer and self-correction), White-Out correction tape, pocket folders with brads/prongs (green, yellow, blue, red, purple), Crayola markers (washable), Crayola crayons, Crayola colored pencils, scotch tape, highlighters, staples, scissors (student and teacher sizes), 9V and AA batteries (for microphones and computer accessories), facial tissue with aloe/lotion, stickers, Post-It notes, bandages (large and small), disinfectant wipes, paper towels and hand sanitizer.
School supplies may be dropped off at the following participating businesses through July 26: in Matlacha at the Post Office, The Perfect Cup, Blue Dog Restaurant, Trader’s Hitching Post, Island Flair, CW Fudge Factory, Yucatan Waterfront Bar & Grill, and Miceli’s Restaurant; at The Center, bring supplies to Ace Hardware, Island Bikeworks, Street Eatz & Ale, Pine Island First Baptist Church and Pine Island United Methodist Church; in Bokeelia, donate items at Salty Girls Island Cafe, Spots Ice Cream and Crepes, Cosita’s and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church; and in St. James City, donation bins can be found at the Moose Lodge, Winn-Dixie, Centennial Bank, Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, Century 21, Dollar General, Beacon of Hope, Saint James General Store, Pine Island Community Church, Pine Island Auto Care, and First Baptist Church of St. James City.
See SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE, page 10
Volunteer work is something in which he’s heavily invested his time, whenever possible, describing the experience of being there for others as amazing. As far as having received the scholarship, for help in the pursuit of higher education, he said he’s honored, and that this will help him get him where he’s looking to go.
Squires said he’s currently working as a food runner and a busser, since he’s taken a job at Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia.
“I love it there,” Squires said.
His genuine concern for the community of Pine Island he largely credits to Pine Islanders he’s witnessed acting on behalf of one another in emergency situations, such as
Social Services Center
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
According to Beacon of HOPE Executive Director Nancy Cote, many organizations worked together and worked hard to renovate the Social Services Center at the Beacon of Hope.
The United Way counts the Beacon of HOPE as its non-profit organization on Pine Island and Cote said the Social Services office needed some serious consideration. The space hadn’t been updated since approximately 2008, she said.
“We had a lot of older desks and chairs. We worked
Waylon Squires
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CHRISTINA RAU
Nicole Dence from Salty Girls, left, and Joyce Boyer of the Matlacha Hookers with one of the school supply collection bins.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY NANCY COTE Beacon of Hope Executive Director Nancy Cote, right, with her arms around Irina Mirabales.
Beacon’s Music Monday program receives gift from local Music for Minors organization
The Beacon of Hope’s beloved Music Monday program has received a transformative gift that promises to expand its reach and deepen its impact. A generous donation of musical instruments and seed funding from Music for Minors, a nonprofit based in Collier County, will allow the program to grow, repair existing instruments and continue offering free music education to local children.
After 15 years of dedicated service to the youth of Collier and Lee counties, Music for Minors is closing its doors. Throughout its tenure, the organization provided instruments on loan and music lessons to children who otherwise might not have had access.
While saddened by the nonprofit’s closure, the Beacon of Hope is honored to carry forward its mission of making music accessible to all.
“We are humbled to be entrusted with this legacy,” said Warren and Greg VanKirk, founders of the Music Monday program. “Many of our instruments were personally owned and lost during Hurricane Ian. This donation en-
Senior Enrichment classes have been scheduled at The Center of Excellence classroom, located at the Beacon of Hope
sures we can continue sharing the joy of music every Monday evening.”
The Music Monday sessions are held weekly from 6-7 p.m. at the Center of Excellence. The community is warmly invited to attend, experience the revitalized program and see the newly donated instruments in action.
The Beacon of HOPE is at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City. For additional information, contact the Beacon at 239-283-5123 or email ncote@beaconofhopepineisland.com
Check presentation
Don Rhynard, president Music for Minors, center, with Nancy Cote, left, and Warren VanKirk
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Mondays & Fridays, 11-11:45 a.m. Program Dates:
Start: Monday, July 28 End: Friday, Oct. 3 No classes Sept. 12 and 15
Location: Beacon of Hope Pine Island - Center of Excellence classroom, 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City, FL 33956
PHOTO PROVIDED
in St. James City.
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Do you support the county decision to ban smoking and vaping in parks?
n Yes. 57%
n No. 14%
n It seems a bit extreme. 14%
n I have no opinion. 14%
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Rebuilding the job market will correct SWFL’s housing market
The Wall Street Journal published a frontpage story on July 2 noting one Florida city has the “worst housing market in U.S.”
That city was Cape Coral.
Although the story calls out the Cape, the numbers are indicative of Southwest Florida as a whole. Our housing market indeed is struggling. Home prices for the Cape CoralFort Myers metropolitan area have fallen 11% over the past two years, the largest of any metro in America. The story calls out an abundance of “For Sale” signs dotting the landscape, open houses with nary a prospective buyer in sight and listing prices that continue to drop.
The lackluster housing market isn’t a problem in and of itself. The housing market is tied directly to our economy, and specifically our job market.
As Southwest Floridians know, our region’s job market took a substantial blow when Hurricane Ian devastated the region in 2022. Subsequent storms – particularly Helene and Milton in 2024 – caused further setbacks. In a tourism-friendly, eco-driven economy like ours, Mother Nature can be our biggest ally... she can also pose our biggest challenge.
Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva are facing a long road to recovery. The SanCap Chamber, for instance, has celebrated 119 ribbon-cutting ceremonies since Hurricane Ian. Many are small, locally owned businesses. Although every job created or restored helps the economy,
the region’s major employers are the ones who truly drive this economy. When Lee County’s top five employers – Lee Health, The School District of Lee County, Lee County Government, Publix and Chico’s – are growing, the region thrives.
Before Hurricane Ian, South Seas on Captiva was a top-20 employer in Lee County, supporting 400 permanent, direct onsite jobs. Most of its employees live off island, predominantly in Fort Myers and Cape Coral – the area specifically cited by the Wall Street Journal. They own homes there, shop there, dine there and have fun there.
813 permanent, direct onsite resort jobs by 2029 – more than doubling the pre-Ian workforce. Including indirect and induced jobs related to South Seas would result in 1,918 total jobs, a 132% increase over the 2022 number.
The economic impacts would be profound. Post redevelopment, South Seas would generate an estimated property tax base of $697.4 million, resulting in annual property tax revenues for Lee County taxing jurisdictions amounting to $9.8 million and tourist tax revenue of $7.2 million.
Currently, South Seas employs 197 as its redevelopment process commences in phases. The resort celebrated its grand reopening in May that highlighted new and enhanced dining options, renovated pools, water sports, beach services, fitness amenities, The Clutch Golf Course, Bayview Pier, the Shops at South Seas and more.
South Seas’ redevelopment plans are still under review by Lee County. If fully approved, the resort’s redevelopment would include new multi-family units, hotel rooms and recreational amenities. Most importantly, the full redevelopment would lead to
South Seas estimates its outof-pocket redevelopment costs at $973.5 million. That’s not just an investment into the resort property... that’s an investment into Southwest Florida’s economy. Our region’s recovery from Ian isn’t just about rebuilding homes and businesses damaged by the storm; it’s about rebuilding a healthy economy and creating a robust workforce. Hopefully the next headline in the Wall Street Journal will introduce America to the community that bounced back, and then some, from one of the country’s worst natural disasters.
Greg Spencer is president of the South Seas Ownership Group.
Summer break is here — a time when families get to slow down, unplug from the daily school routine, and enjoy time together. For many, summer is a welcome opportunity to sleep in, head to the beach or pool, take family trips, and enjoy a more relaxed schedule. It’s a season of memories in the making — and a perfect time to stay connected to your child’s learning in fun and meaningful ways.
While summer should be filled with rest and play, it’s also an excellent opportunity to keep your child’s mind active, especially when it comes to reading. Studies show that even just 15–20 minutes of reading a day can help prevent the “summer slide” and keep students on track for the next school year. Best of all, it doesn’t have to feel like schoolwork!
Here are a few easy and enjoyable ways to make reading part of your summer routine:
Visit your local Library Make library trips a weekly adventure! Let your child choose books that match their interests — from mysteries and adventures to animals or graphic novels. The Lee
County Libraries are offering a Summer Reading Program and book challenges that give kids fun goals and prizes for reading. Additionally, many venues provide story times, craft days, and even guest performances — all at no cost to the public. Learn more at https://www.leegov.com/library/summer-reading-program.
Read Together
For younger children, especially, reading aloud together can be a special bonding time. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a quiet afternoon read on the couch, your child benefits every time you open a book. Older kids may enjoy reading the same book as you and chatting about it together.
Enjoy the Unstructured Time
While it’s great to keep up reading habits, summer isn’t just about academics — it’s also about family, fun, and rest. Without
the pressure of early alarms, homework, and after-school activities, families can slow down and enjoy the little things: a day at the beach, picnics in the park, evening walks, game nights, or spontaneous day trips.
This is the perfect season to reconnect with your children, try new things, and build lasting memories — without a packed calendar. These moments matter just as much as academics and help our students return to school feeling refreshed, confident, and ready to learn.
As we enjoy these summer days, we’re already looking forward to welcoming students back in August. A new school year means new opportunities, new friendships, and new goals to reach — and the best way to prepare is by keeping young minds curious and engaged.
So take a deep breath, soak in the sun-
Vanessa Chiavano Guest Commentary
Greg Spencer Guest Commentary
Lee County EMS successfully completes national reaccreditation
Lee County Emergency Medical Services has received a full three-year re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. The re-accreditation confirms the organization’s compliance with CAAS’ national standards of excellence.
Lee County EMS is one of less than 200 ambulance services in the United States and Canada – and one of 26 in Florida – to successfully complete the voluntary review process, which included
Kennedy’s autism study an invasion of privacy
To the editor:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is amassing private records of Americans with autism for a new autism study and a national autism registry is in the planning stages,
On April 21, Dr Bhattacharya the
completion of a comprehensive application and on-site inspection by national experts in emergency medical services. The on-site inspection concluded with no deficiencies across the 107 standard areas.
CAAS is a non-profit organization that was established to encourage and promote quality patient care in America’s medical transportation system. The primary focus of the commission’s standards is high-quality patient care. This is accom-
plished by establishing national standards that not only address the delivery of patient care, but also the ambulance service’s total operation and its relationships with other agencies, the general public and the medical community. The commission’s standards exceed state or local licensing requirements.
Lee County’s Department of Public Safety holds four accreditations. The services provided by the department also are accredited by the International Academies
Letters to the Editor
director of National Institute of Health announced the NIH will provide Kennedy with data pulled from federal and commercial databases.
As a healthcare professional I was extremely rigid with HIPAA Regulations.
HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act al-
We Want Your Opinion
views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Pine Island Eagle, 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60, Bokeelia, FL 33922; e-mailed to pineisland@ breezenewspapers.com; posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers. com or faxed to 283-0232. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: pineisland-eagle.com
lows the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) under specific circumstances while also protecting individual medical records and other identifiable health information.
Privacy rule: The HIPAA Privacy rule protects health information, held or transmitted by covered entities and their business associates. Disclosures such as treatment, payment and healthcare operations are permitted.
Individual rights: Individuals have the right to correct their medical records, to see and obtain their medical records and get a copy of their records, and con-
Summer
From page 4
shine, and make the most of every moment. With a bit of reading, a lot of love, and the freedom to explore, this summer can be one to remember. Have a safe, joyful, and meaningful break!
of Emergency Dispatch for both fire and EMS communications. LeeFlight, the county’s air medical program, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transportation Services.
Lee County Public Safety encompasses emergency telecommunications and fire/EMS dispatch, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services and all E-911/government communications network infrastructure.
trol who can access the PHI.
Information with other health care providers for treatment purposes is permitted, and disclosing information to health plans is permitted for payment authorization. Family members or friends can receive information with an individual’s permission. (If a person is incapacitated a disclosure is deemed in their best interest)
Marketing and research purposes, when certain conditions are met.
I disagree with this program. What are the program intentions for use????
Kathleen
Callard RNBS North Fort Myers
Vanessa Chiavano is the Lee County School Board Member for District 7, one of two at-large seats that represents residents countywide.
A healthy shark means a healthy ocean
The phrase “a healthy shark means a healthy ocean” highlights the vital role sharks play in maintaining a balanced and thriving marine ecosystem throughout the world. The presence and health of shark populations serve as an indicator of the overall health of the entire marine environment. Changes in shark populations can signal broader issues within the ecosystem.
Sharks are apex predators which means they are at the top of the food chain and have no natural predators. Apex predators play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by regulating the populations of their prey, preventing any single species from becoming overabundant and disrupting the food web. In Southwest Florida, this is particularly important for maintaining healthy seagrass for grazers such as sea turtles and manatees.
Southwest Florida is home to both nearshore and offshore sharks. Many sharks, like blacktip sharks, prefer shallow, nearshore waters. Sharks like hammerheads are found both inshore and offshore near drop-offs where deeper water meets shallower areas.
Dolphin Tales
Sharks can even influence the amount of carbon stored in marine ecosystems. By preying on fish that graze on seagrass and algae, they can reduce the amount of carbon released back into the atmosphere. Seagrasses, mangroves, salt marshes and even deep-sea sediments absorb and store vast amounts of carbon preventing the CO2 from being released into the atmosphere and ocean. This helps regulate the Earth’s climate.
Scientists throughout the world analyze stomach contents of sharks to determine what these sharks are eating and how that relates to their role in the food web. Examining shark stomach contents can reveal information about their overall health and the health of their environment, including potential pollutants.
Tracking tags are used to monitor sharks’ movements, providing insights into their migratory patterns. Researchers use safe and ethical methods for capturing, tagging and releasing the sharks.
Captain Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating on our local waters. As a professional charter captain, she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or call /text 239 994-2572. Welcome aboard!
Sons of the Legion Squadron 136 to hold blood drive July 21
The Sons of The Legion Squadron 136 will be hosting a blood drive Monday, July 21, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the American Legion on Stringfellow Road in St. James City. The American Legion is open to the public.
For your pint donation, OneBlood will provide and a $20 eGift Card and Top Handle Drinkware. Donors will also receive a wellness checkup that includes blood pressure, temperature, iron count,
pulse and cholesterol screening. Look for the Big Red Bus and remember that every donor can save up to three others.
Donors are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments online. Please visit www.oneblood. org/donate-now and use sponsor code #67552. For additional information about the blood drive or the Legion Squadron, please contact Jesse at 239-443-0876.
FDOT provides latest update on Little Pine Island Bridge construction project
The Florida Department of Transportation has provided an update on the Little Pine Island Bridge construction. FDORT reports it will continue sharing important information as progress is made and milestones are reached — whether that’s weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
Hurricane Ian caused significant destruction in Pine Island and Matlacha. FDOT’s goal is to enhance safety, strengthen resilience and reduce economic impacts for the community.
The new Little Pine Island Bridge is being built to withstand storm surges from a Hurricane Ianlevel event, ensuring this critical roadway remains intact.
Once completed, the new bridge will strengthen infrastructure, enhance transportation safety, and promote long-term economic growth in the area.
Phase 2 update
On Thursday, July 3, crews completed demolition of the eastbound side of the bridge.
Additionally, crews have finished the southwest corner bulkhead and installation of pipe piles has begun on the southeast side. Once complete, crews will proceed with driving the remaining concrete piles.
Sign up for updates
To stay informed, motorists are encouraged to check FDOT’s traffic app at www.FL511.com for real-time updates. Live bridge camera feeds can be accessed at https://www.leegov.com/dot/traffic.
To sign up for updates and access the weekly Road Watch, please visit the project website at 451937-2 Pine Island Causeway and Bridge Reconstruction Project. For further inquiries, contact the Communications Team at (239)-8006391 or email pineislandinfo@exp.com.
GED and ESOL classes available at Beacon of Hope
The GED and ESOL classes are happening now at the Beacon of Hope. Islanders may get their high school diploma with a GED or learn to speak English in the Beacon’s ESOL classes. Call the Beacon of Hope at 239-283-5123 for more information or to register for class. You may also contact Mary Lou at mmartin@beaconofhope-
pineisland.com for the same information. If necessary, the Beacon will try to adjust its schedule to fit your schedule.
The Beacon of Hope is at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle in St. James City. Visit www. BeaconofHopePineIsland.com for more information.
Capt. Cathy Eagle
Lee County schools earn a ‘B’ grade from Florida Department of Education
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
School grades recently released from the Florida Department of Education show improvement among local schools but still left the School District of Lee County still ranking ninth among the largest 10 school districts in the state.
A B grade was maintained for the School District of Lee County for the 2024-2025 school year, which reflected continued progress and academic achievement across all schools. The grade was based on the third year of Florida’s new Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) assessments aligned with Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) standards. Student performance and growth in English Language Arts and mathematics, as well as standalone achievement measure for third-grade ELA were key accountability components for the rating, officials said.
“We are just getting started,” Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said. “Our goal is to be the No. 1 district in the State of Florida. The team we have put in place and the changes ready to greet students and staff when they return to school on Aug. 11 will take us there. We will not rest until we are No. 1.”
With the district anticipating these results it has implemented several changes for the upcoming school year to prioritize the improvement of academic achievement. Those include:
n a 5% budget cut in the central office to increase school support.
n An administrative reorganization to reduce bureaucracy.
n Incentives for teachers to teach the most critical subjects in the schools most at risk for lower achievement.
n Increased the School Development Team to focus on schools in need.
n Project Believe to hire a high-quality, dedicated teacher for every classroom.
n The Safe Start Initiative – change school start times to reduce students missing school due to late buses. In addition, a 30-minute addition of instruction time at the high school level.
n Requiring cell phones to be turned off and put in backpacks during the upcoming school year.
Fourteen schools received an A grade
“We
and 27 earned a B, which represents more than half of the district’s traditional public schools.
Some schools saw good gains, including Pine Island Elementary School that went from a C to an A. Four schools went from a B to an A, including Gulf Elementary School, North Fort Myers High School, Tanglewood Elementary School and Three Oaks Middle School.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to have all the hard work pay off,” Gulf Elementary Principal Jessica Duncan said. “Under the leadership of Principal Kim Verblaauw and her team, our students were willing to put in consistent effort and continually challenge themselves to reach higher academic achievements. Our Gulf Elementary staff worked together to foster a culture where students were inspired to become active learners who believe in their potential to succeed. We also have incredibly supportive families, which is a crucial factor in student success and the resulting school grade.”
She said they had significant learning gains in reading, which is partially attributed to how they implemented their Walk to Read intervention and enrichment time during the school day.
“We also ensured that students possessed the necessary foundational skills and provided additional learning opportunities through our extended day tutoring program,” Duncan said.
As the newly appointed principal, she said she will support staff in meeting the academic needs of all students by maintaining strong interventions using their established program.
“We will monitor and review our school data throughout the year to make instructional decisions and make any necessary adjustments. We will also identify which grade levels and subject areas would benefit most from our extended day tutoring program, which is set to begin in September,” Duncan said.
North Fort Myers High School
— Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin
Principal Debbie Diggs said her staff is beyond thrilled to have received an A grade.
“It’s always great to receive positive recognition and is even more meaningful when a goal is realized that our staff had consistently worked toward all year,” she said. “The bigger picture, though, is what the numbers and the grade represent for our students. These numbers represent proficiency and growth in English and math, proficiency in biology and U.S. history, college and career acceleration and graduation rates. As our students gain and excel in these areas, their opportunities for future advancement grows exponentially.”
In addition, Diggs said as the only high school within the School District of Lee County to earn an A, she is especially proud of the work her students and staff did to land highest in the areas of both English and math proficiency, as well as graduation rate.
“Another strong area for North this year was overall English and math gains for all students, as well as U.S. history proficiency. One of the biggest challenges
we face is chronic absenteeism, especially among students who struggle the most academically. It’s difficult for learning to take place when they aren’t in school consistently. While this is a small percentage of our kids, every kid is important and we will continue to work toward helping every kid be successful,” Diggs said.
The 2024-2025 school grade report also showed improvement in their four former D schools, which removed them from the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of School Improvement. Those four schools that went from a D to a C include Amanecer Elementary, Edgewood Elementary, J. Colin English Elementary, and Lemuel Teal Middle School.
Tortuga Preserve Elementary School dropped to a D grade and will be placed under state supervision next year.
No schools in the district received an F.
“I am thankful to all the teachers, staff, and administrators for their hard work and dedication to our students, it is truly appreciated. I’m truly encouraged to see improvements across the district, including four of our schools moving up from a D. However, there is still much work ahead, and we haven’t lost sight of that challenge. I am confident in Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin and her team as they continue to put our students first and strive for excellence,” School Board Chair Sam Fisher said.
After writing last week about an unusual number of hooked tarpon jumping, then landing in my boat I was surprised by the number of emails and photos from anglers all wanting to share their personal inboat tarpon battle stories. Apparently I’m not the only target of these crazed fish.
Local angler Roy Bennett had his close encounter a few years back, leaving his large bay boat a front-to-back, slimy, bloody mess. From the photos, it looked like someone had been butchering cattle. Two other anglers sent photos of their boats’ center consoles knocked loose and shifted from their attachment points while still others described rods, reels, assorted tackle boxes, coolers and other gear kicked out by these panicked fish now completely out of their element.
If you’re fortunate, the intruder will only stay for a short visit before flipping itself back into the water, which typically happens if you’re in a skiff. If you’re in a bay boat with high sides somewhat trapping the fish, that’s when your trouble starts. Again, it’s the complete tarpon experience with the big surprise ending. Good luck!
A group of local children on the autism spectrum unveiled a yearlong art project at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Friday, July 11.
The exhibit will be on display from in the Main Atrium Gallery is the result
With tarpon spread out in waters along the coast from Knapp’s Point to Englewood, as well as in Redfish, Captiva and Boca Grande passes, there are lots of opportunities for success.
Whether you like soaking baits on the bottom, staking out and intercepting pods of fish moving along or off the beaches using lures, flies or live threadfins and pinfish or fishing crabs in the passes, right now our area has a fish for you and your favorite angling technique. It may be a good time to try the passes this coming weekend, especially in the late afternoon into the evening as tides will fall from a high of 1.9 down to – 0.3 backed up by a full moon, which should funnel lots of moving water as well as crabs and baitfish into the mouths of waiting tarpon.
lower harbor or the north end of Matlacha Pass two parties reported multiple hook-ups. My best bet weekend pick is to hit the passes or just outside either north or south, along or just off the beach.
Area surf zones and again the passes are hosting lots of snook doing their thing on this full moon weekend. If you catch a big summer spawning female, do it and future anglers a favor and avoid handling it by carefully releasing it while in the water. Hanging large heavy fish by your Boga Grip for a picture is a bad plan, causing damage and often delayed death. Don’t be that guy! Let them reproduce unharmed.
heading over to the east coast to give one of their passes a try where, quite often, you can see the jumbo snook you want to target. Unless you’re familiar with those passes, leave your boat at home while you and a buddy split guide fees making it affordable and as well as providing a better shot for success as most of the area’s guides have it pretty much dialed in. If you have the time, also keep in mind their coastal beach fishing for tarpon, snook and sharks is also blazing hot right now. Back at home our backwater gang likes getting out sight fishing shallow reds, snook and juvie tarpon, especially after cooling rains turn everything on while our offshore crews are finding fish from nearshore numbers out to 150 to 200-foot depths when conditions allow such a journey. Things change quickly in the Gulf of America. Not sure about the weather? Don’t push your luck.
I haven’t received any reports this week of tarpon in the center of Charlotte Harbor around the “deep holes,” but in the
of a yearlong partnership between Family Initiative and Artsemble Underground. It features life-sized self-portraits, vivid underwater landscapes, and three 8-foottall rotating robots. Each piece highlights the children’s creativity, ability to work
Although there are plenty of opportunities to get your snook game on this week with our population of local fish, traveling anglers looking for an even better shot at catching a true giant might consider
together and surpass expectations. The project was designed and executed with the help of professional artist and Artsemble Underground cofounder Brian Weaver.
“They’ve earned this stage, and their voices deserve to be seen and celebrated,” said Weaver. “This project has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. We didn’t just make art. We created a space for imagination, trust, and self-expression. I’m honored to have helped bring their ideas to life.”
After realizing the need for a creative outlet for those on the autism spectrum, Family Initiative began FI Creates. This program explores experiential learning through the arts in a supportive environ-
Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-579-0461 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.
ment. Classes are held in Fort Myers and Cape Coral every Tuesday from 4:30-6 p.m.
“This exhibit is a powerful reminder of what happens when we focus on abilities instead of limitations,” said David Brown, president of Family Initiative. “Through FI Creates, our kids aren’t just making art—they’re building confidence, connection, and a sense of community. We are honored to give them a place where their creativity and individuality can shine.”
The exhibit will be open to the public and requires a donation as an entry fee. For more information about Family Initiative, FI Creates, and our other programs, call 239-910-0712 or visit www. fi-florida.org.
About Family Initiative
Founded in 2015, Family Initiative Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with autism and strengthening their families. Its team of clinicians serves children through a compassionate, personalized approach using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Occupational Therapy (OT). The organization also offers autism play groups, teen meetups, parent education, and community conversations. In addition, Family Initiative provides training and support for child welfare caregivers through its Family Impact Program. For more information, visit www.fi-florida.org, follow Family Initiative on Facebook and Instagram at @FamilyInitiative, or on X (formerly Twitter) at @ FI_Inc.
Capt. George Tunison
Endangered ‘beautiful pawpaw’ finding new home in Cape Coral and Pine Island conservation efforts
Beneath Florida’s sweltering summer sun, a team of dedicated volunteers and conservation experts came together last week to carry out the delicate relocation of the endangered “beautiful pawpaw” to protected conservation lands owned by the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (CCWT). The rare plant, Deeringothamnus pulchellus, is native only to Florida and found in just three counties: Lee, Charlotte, and Orange.
The project was led by Danny Young of Little Bear Botanical Services, in partnership with Bok Tower Gardens and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. CCWT provided relocation sites on its conservation properties—safe havens for wildlife and native flora threatened by ongoing development. In doing so, CCWT continues to expand its mission beyond protecting vulnerable animal species like burrowing owls and gopher tortoises to also include the preservation of Florida’s imperiled native plants.
The effort was supported by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW), a volunteer-led organization focused on protecting wildlife habitats and educating the public about Cape Coral’s unique natural resources. With help from CCFW volunteers, CCWT owns and maintains undeveloped parcels across the city, offering sanctuary for threatened species. Currently, CCWT owns 85 lots across 35 parcels—acquired entirely through land and financial donations from the local community.
The endangered “beautiful pawpaw” plant that been relocated to sites in Cape Coral and on Pine Island.
Volunteers from across Florida, including representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, gathered at 9 a.m. to begin the day’s work. Danny Young briefed the team on their twofold mission: to locate any new populations of beautiful pawpaw and to transplant individuals from construction-threatened areas to safe conservation zones.
The group was delighted to find up to 10 of these endangered plants already growing on one of the CCFW lots. These plants were marked and will be added to
CCWT’s ongoing monitoring program.
Several plants were identified for relocation from lots slated for development. The process was challenging—pawpaw taproots grow deep and thick, resembling oversized carrots. Each plant required painstaking excavation, often involving holes up to four feet deep. Volunteers spent more than an hour extracting each one, carefully hand-scraping the roots and wrapping them in wet towels before placing them in coolers for transport.
The plants were then moved to one of
CCWT’s northernmost conservation lots, located at 3704 N.W. 47th St. in Cape Coral. There, volunteers treated the roots with a transplant stimulant and planted them using a moisture-retaining silicone gel to reduce shock and keep the roots hydrated.
“This work was hot, physical, and incredibly detailed,” said CCWT President Cheryl Anderson. “But the dedication of everyone involved was inspiring. These people care as deeply about Florida’s rare plants as we do about its owls and tortoises.”
This relocation marks the culmination of a four-year effort that included grant writing, site scouting, and land coordination. Some of the rescued pawpaw plants will also become part of the rare plant collection at Bok Tower Gardens.
The following day, the team continued its work on Pine Island, partnering with the Big Waters Land Trust to relocate additional pawpaw plants.
Fewer than a dozen people worldwide have ever successfully dug up and replanted the beautiful pawpaw, according to Young—highlighting both the rarity of the species and the significance of this work.
Now safely relocated to CCWT’s protected conservation land, the beautiful pawpaw has a renewed chance to thrive— standing alongside Florida’s equally threatened wildlife in the ongoing fight against extinction.
PHOTO PROVIDED
St. James City Civic Association has announced the following upcoming events and activities:
Wednesday, July 16
n Little Learners Nature Group: 10 am – 12:00 pm Open to all children - weekly meetup to learn and play in nature
Thursday, July 17
n Mahjongg: 1 - 4 pm This is a great place to learn to play Mahjongg! Contact Terry at 239-233-2766 for additional information
Friday, July 18
School supply drive
The Hookers are once again counting on the generosity of the island residents since there are many families on Pine Island still struggling to make ends meet. The 2025-2026 school year starts August. 1 for teachers and on Aug. 11 for students. These supplies will go a long way to make certain they get off to a great start for a successful year.
This Matlacha Hookers program helps ensure PIE teachers don’t have to use their own money for these items. Both product and monetary donations are welcome and will be passed on directly to Pine Island Elementary.
SJCCA Update
n Craft Class - Vinyl Weeding and Canvas Application: Join us for an exciting crafting workshop led by local artisan Seri Montalbano with Craft Something Now. This engaging event will take place on July 18, from 6-7:30 p.m. Open to all ages. Learn the basics of vinyl weeding in this fun evening class. Apply your creation to canvas and then finish it off with paint or markers. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase, or you can bring your own. Register at craftsomethingnow@gmail.com $20 per person. Or $30 if you sign up with a friend.
Wednesday, July 23
n Little Learners Nature Group: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m
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Monetary donations can be made by cash or check, mailed to Matlacha Hookers, PO Box 111, Matlacha, FL 33993. Be sure to write “school supplies” into the memo area. Donations can also be made online at www. matlachahookers.org/ Click the “Donate Now” but-
Open to all children - weekly meetup to learn and play in nature
All activities are held at St James City Civic Association, 3300 Fourth Ave., St James City. More details, contacts and ticket sales are available at SJCCAPI. ORG
Planning an event? Host it at the St. James City Civic Association! With a variety of rental options available, our venue is ideal for everything from intimate gatherings to weddings, baby showers, and quinceañeras. Please visit our website at SJCCAPI.ORG for details and pricing!
ton and select “School Supplies” in the drop-down box. Donations can also be made at Spots Ice Cream and Crepes by choosing to “round up” your total through July and August.
Pine Island Elementary students, teachers and staff, as well as the Matlacha Hookers, greatly appreciate islanders’ generosity and willingness to help.
If you have any questions, please contact the Matlacha Hookers School Supply Drive Co-Chairs Christy Rau at 513-703-7433, Lorie Tidwell at 202-294-490, and Joyce Boyer at 314-401-9354 or email matlachahookers@matlachahookers.org.
School District of Lee County awarded
$2.9 million for school safety initiatives
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The School District of Lee County has been awarded $2.9 million to further secure campuses for the safety of students and staff.
The district’s proposal of $2.9 million in appropriations is for school safety and the upgrade of critical security systems, as well as hardening of school facilities.
Safety, Security & Fleet Operations Chief Dave Newlan said they were able to go to Tallahassee and work with local representatives to seek funding to better help protect kids and staff.
Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, State Rep. Tiffany Esposito, and Sen. Jonathan Martin helped in pushing the appropriations through the State Legislature.
“We always try to look ahead and forecast to see what is needed and (see the) vulnerability at any of our school sites and be more proactive and based on what is happening nationwide,” Newlan said,
adding that they look at trends, so they are always one step ahead. “It’s a balance. We want kids to feel safe, comfortable, and welcome and allow them to concentrate on education and not have the anxiety, or concern we hear and read about nationwide with school violence.”
Although the measures taken are confidential to keep students and staff safe, the funding will be used for things such as increased fencing, new handheld radios for school staff and Rhinolocks – a secure locking mechanism, which allows doors to be quickly locked from the inside. Newlan said they want to take extra measures to keep students and staff safe, as well as letting parents know their child is in good hands.
The fencing is important as it creates a visual barrier; it depicts one should not go beyond the fence, Newlan said.
The handheld radios will increase communication amongst all schools – administration and security personnel – that
is both clear and realiable. Newlan said it could be used on campus, or off, and during a hazardous natural catastrophe.
He said safety and security is ongoing as there is always something to work on and improve.
“I am always looking for new ways to protect our kids. I take it very seriously –protecting our families and community,” Newlan said.
The district is constantly seeking grants and looking for funding to be fiscally responsible. He said they are looking for ways to help fund and pay for things, so it will not come out of the district’s general fund.
In addition to the funding, Newlan said the great partnership they have with local law enforcement agencies further keeps students and staff safe.
“We have a great partnership with Cape Coral Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Myers Police Department and Sanibel Police
Department. We are always communicating with them on an ongoing basis as a team to keep our schools safe. I am really thankful for the supportive teamwork we have with law enforcement agencies,” said, Newlan, Cape Coral’s former police chief. “The officers (school resource officers) that we see, they want to be there, like to be there, involved with the kids as mentors and role models. It’s a great thing.”
The school district is actively pursuing the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies accreditation for safety and security initiatives, which ensures that policies and practices meet the highest national standards. A new campus security accreditation has been added, which would make the School District of Lee County the first district in the state of Florida with the accreditation, the third in the country and the largest school district in the country.
Protect Florida’s manatees and sea turtles with fresh decals from FWC
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently released its 2025-26 Florida manatee and sea turtle decals. These waterproof decals feature original artwork and can be placed on vehicle bumpers and watercraft or be used to spruce up water bottles, coolers, tackle boxes and laptops.
Every year beginning July 1, new manatee and sea turtle decals become available for a $5 donation at your local tax collector’s office. These donations directly fund research, rescue and management efforts for Florida manatees and sea turtles.
This year’s decals highlight best practices for protecting these iconic species while enjoying Florida’s extensive waterways and beaches:
n “Manatee Manners” reminds waterway users to mind manatees in our shared aquatic habitats by observing them from a distance, being cautious near seagrass beds and warm-water refuges, avoiding approaching manatees, and not offering food or water to manatees. Practicing manatee manners can help keep both manatees and waterway users safe.
n “Protect Florida Sea Turtles: Give Them Space” spotlights the endangered Kemp’s ridley, the smallest of Florida’s sea turtles. Although this species does not nest
GRAPHIC PROVIDED
The new “Manatee Manners” and “Protect Florida Sea Turtles: Give Them Space” decals.
frequently in Florida, a record 34 Kemp’s ridley nests were confirmed in the state in 2024. Giving all sea turtles space, removing beach equipment and trash before sundown, and keeping beaches dark at night help ensure that
Cape Cafe Dessert Theatre to present ‘BackStage Broads’
“BackStage Broads” the latest comedy by Joe Simonelli and Lori Sigrist will premiere at The Cape Cafe Dessert Theatre in Cape Coral Thursday, July 17. The play will run every Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. with 2 p.m .matinees until mid September. The play involves a senior woman who inherits a small community theater from her uncle and tries her best to revive it after it has been sitting empty for 20years. She
recruits her best friend Myrtle and her two neighbors to help as they try to mount their premiere production of ‘Pygmulian,” a riff on the original Shaw play now set in an old west frontier town. But all is not how it seems and hilarity ensues when three “actors?” also join the cast! Tickets can be purchased on line by visiting the website at capecafetheatre.com. or call 239-363-0848 for more information!
both adult and hatchling sea turtles can safely navigate Florida’s beaches and return to the ocean.
You can also support Florida manatees and sea turtles by purchasing a “Save the Manatee” or “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” specialty license plate at your local tax collector’s office.
If you ever observe a dead, injured, sick, or entangled manatee or sea turtle, harassment of manatees or sea turtles, or tampering of turtle nests, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
For additional information on conservation and management efforts for manatees and sea turtles, please visit MyFWC.com/Manatee or MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle. To view and collect decals from previous years (19922024), type “decals” into the search bar at MyFWC.com.
LCEC DELIVERS MORE THAN POWER
In collaboration with the National Theatre for Children and the LCEC Zap Free Zone high-voltage demonstration, we help educate local students about electricity and the importance of electrical safety. This is one example of why…
Membership Matters
Kittens of the Week
‘Kitten Saturdays’
Every Saturday is “Kitten Saturday” at Helping Paws. We try to keep the little ones out of the shelter, because their young immune systems can’t handle the big cat germs. Our solution is to bring them in every Saturday for a few hours for you to meet. Here are a few of our newest available kittens. They range in ages from 8-12 weeks and as always they are adopt one get one free. Our adoption fee is $60, but considering that all the medical is included and we offer free boarding and nail trims for them, it is actually cheaper than any “free” kitten you could get on Craig’s List. Those kittens are rarely fixed, tested for leukemia or given shots, so by the time you factor in those costly expenses, they are far from “free.” If you would like to meet these adorable fur-babies, stop in any Saturday from 5-7 p.m. We have plenty of kittens to choose from and more coming in soon. Call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239-283-9100 if you have any questions. If you’d rather just donate, our address is 10060 Mallory Parkway E, Unit D, St. James City, or there’s always our website www.helpingpawsanimalsanctuary.com. Thank You!
Premier Mobile Health Services launches Back to School Supply Drive
Donations of school supplies will be accepted through July 28
As the new school year approaches, Premier Mobile Health Services is asking for community support to ensure Southwest Florida students have access to school supplies that fuel success in the classroom.
The nonprofit is hosting its 7th Annual Back to School Supply Drive and is collecting donations of backpacks, filler paper, composition notebooks, 64MB USB flash drives, crayons and more. Items are now being accepted at Premier Mobile Health’s Walk-in Clinic at 10676 Colonial Blvd., Suite 20, in Fort Myers.
The full Amazon wish list of requested school supplies is available at https://a.co/2hVIhZH or on Premier Mobile Health’s website.
Donations will be accepted until Monday, July 28.
Supplies will be distributed to children of all ages after they complete a preventative health screening at the event on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 3-7 p.m. at Mount Hermon Church, 2856
Douglas Ave., Fort Myers.
“Our mission has always been to meet people where they are, whether that’s through accessible health care or helping families prepare for a new school year,” said Dr. Nadine “Deanie” Singh, CEO of Premier Mobile Health Services. “This drive is about more than school supplies. It’s about giving children the confidence and resources they need to start the year strong, healthy and ready to learn, regardless of their circumstances.”
Founded by Singh in 2018, Premier Mobile Health Services offers an array of medical services to children, families and individuals in underserved communities, including preventive screenings, vaccinations, nutrition counseling, school physicals and more.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call 239-288-7949. Additional information, including the monthly mobile clinic schedule, can be found online at www.premiermobilehealth.org.
Young islander
during the last few hurricanes.
“The concerns that I’m worried about are mostly storms, obviously being out here around water and the flood levels.
I feel like that impacts everyone at once so not everyone is able to help, and that just breaks my heart, because I was once one of those people and I know how it felt. What I want to do with my life will make me able to help out with that. I want
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to make sure people are safe and that all their property is safe, ” Squires said.
The hope is that he will be credentialed in roughly a year and able to apply for jobs right here on the island, as the plan for Squires is to get a job on Pine Island and stay here where he was raised, doing what he’s been taught his whole life.
“Stay strong and eat more mullet,” Squires said.
FSW named first Purple Heart College in Southwest Florida
Florida SouthWestern State College has been designated a Purple Heart State College, becoming the first college in Southwest Florida to receive this designation.
This designation reflects FSW’s long-standing commitment to serving military-affiliated students and veterans with initiatives including:
n Dedicated Purple Heart parking spaces on campus
n State tuition waivers for eligible veterans
n Green Zone Training for faculty and staff to better understand and assist military students
n A mentorship program to support military personnel transitioning from service to college
n A new Veteran Services Center to provide expanded support opening this fall
The designation was presented by
representatives from the Military Order of the Purple Heart during a ceremony held on Monday, June 16, at FSW’s Lee Campus.
“Our Purple Heart designation reinforces FSW’s support of our student veterans and military families,” said FSW President Dr. Jeff Allbritten. “We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Military Order of the Purple Heart and look forward to continuing to provide meaningful support and resources to our military community.”
FSW has also earned national recognition as a Military Friendly School and a 2024-2025 Best for Vets School, reflecting its dedication to veterans’ success both in and out of the college classroom.
For additional information about FSW’s veteran programs and services, please visit https://www.fsw.edu/veteranservices.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Islander Waylon Squires plans to become an EMT.
Renovations
with the ‘Gifts in Kind’ department of the United Way,” Cote went on, explaining that the United Way provides things needed to the Beacon, due to its resiliency hub status.
“These events matter because Days of Caring are more than just volunteer projects — they’re a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together to lift one another up,” Cote said.
Reserved for organizations that partner with United Way’s Volunteer Center, Cote explained, these special days are dedicated to providing meaningful support and
a hand up to the very organizations that provide help to the community. Providing teams to paint, landscape and build helps nonprofits, like the Beacon of HOPE, save thousands in labor costs, she said.
“At the heart of it all is United Way Volunteer Center Manager Irina Mirabales, whose dedication has touched countless lives across Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. Through her leadership, organizations throughout the region have been given the opportunity to reimagine their spaces. Creating environments that inspire hope, dignity and healing. The Beacon is thankful for all of her efforts in coordinating the recent Day of Caring for its Social Services office. It’s not just about fresh paint or new furniture — it’s about creating places where people feel seen, supported and empowered,” Cote said.
The work completed at the Social Services office has transformed the appearance of the space, she said, mak-
NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
DATE: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
TIME: 6:30 PM
ADDRESS: First Baptist Church of Pine Island, 5363 Ave. D, Bokeelia, 33922
In accordance with the Greater Pine Island Community Requirements of the Lee County Land Development Code, the Applicant, Skyway Towers, LLC will be presenting information to the public on the following request:
Skyway Towers, LLC has filed a Special Exception application (SEZ2025-00011) and Variance application (VAR2025-0006) with Lee County. This application is seeking approval of a 150’ tall wireless communication facility in the General Agriculture (AG-2) zoning district; as well as variances from the height limitations for wireless communication facilities and structures in Greater Pine Island, and landscape buffering.
For questions, please contact: Alexis Crespo, AICP RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture 28100 Bonita Grande Drive, Suite 305, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 (239) 850-8525 or acrespo@rviplanning.com
ing it a more professional and inviting place.
“It’s really a new look for the Social Services side of the Beacon and we hope that this renovation, on our end, helps people walk in when they are in need, like when they need cash for rental assistance or when they’re coming in to apply for food stamps and Medicaid, it helps them like they’re welcome — like there’s somewhere that they can get help. We invite them to come in and take a look,” Cote said.
Beacon of Hope is at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City. For additional information about the Beacon and the services it provides, call 239-283-5123 email ncote@beaconofhopepineisland.com or online visit www.BeaconofHopePineIsland.com. You can also check out the Beacon on Facebook at Beacon of Hope Pine Island | Saint James City FL | Facebook
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY NANCY COTE
Volunteers above, below and top right work to help renovate the Social Services Center located at the Beacon of Hope at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle in St. James City.
Oasis High students provide tech support to local retirees
By DIANA NICOL Special to The Breeze
One of the most valuable things in life is time. Each second, minute and hour count toward something, big or small. In Southwest Florida, volunteerism is embedded in our community. With over 600 nonprofits in Lee County alone, it’s clear that Southwest Florida has a heart for giving. That generosity, care and patience spans across generations, from adults spending their weekends off work cleaning up our beautiful beaches, to high school students helping out at local food banks after school wraps up for the year.
For students at Oasis High School in Cape Coral, they’ve chosen to venture over to a local senior living community, Gulf Coast Village, after the final bell rings. Why? To offer support on a subject most Gen Zers consider themselves experts at: technology.
Computer Literacy Education Outreach, or CLEO, is a student-run organization at Oasis High. The program initially started in 2022 at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, but it quickly took the community – and nation – by storm. Since its inception, CLEO has expanded to more than 50 schools in 20 states and has served over 3,000 older adults. Its
mission is to “empower seniors with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world, helping them stay connected with loved ones and maintain independence.”
Gulf Coast Village, the only life plan community in Cape Coral, has been working with CLEO students since the summer of 2023, when they welcomed students from Cape Coral High School into the community. When the 2024-25 academic year began, the community began partner-
ing with the Oasis High School division of CLEO.
Shya Ruiz, a 2025 graduate of Oasis High, joined the program with a friend in 2023 during its first year at her school. After her first year, she loved it so much that she was elected to the role of president in 2024.
“I just like the feeling of helping other people when they’re needing help,” said Ruiz. “The smiles that you get when they finally understand or their problem gets solved...it’s rewarding.”
As president, one of her primary responsibilities was scheduling the sessions at Gulf Coast Village. It’s an organized system: once a month, a group of five to six student volunteers visits Gulf Coast Village to assist residents. If they’re in need of help, residents can register for a 15-minute time slot. When their time comes, they are matched up with a student to receive specialized one-on-one support for whatever technology issues they’re having. And the possibilities are endless. Whether it’s needing help getting their printer connected to their cell phone or trying to figure out how to change their profile picture on Instagram, the students are able to help with whatever the resi-
dents need.
The troubleshooting is diverse. One resident, Bill, had a few finicky issues with his Samsung cell phone. He needed some help setting up his facial recognition and managing notifications, but his main issue was that when he received a text message, he was unable to find it. After a few minutes with Oasis’ students, Bill figured out how to access his texts. Now, he’ll never miss a text from his loving wife, Marguerite.
Some residents, like Jayne Jennings, face some challenges with social media, as it continues to be an ever-popular way for retirees to stay connected to their loved ones. Luckily, Zers are social media aficionados. Ava Plainte, a CLEO student, showed Jennings the ropes, and she left the session with a new profile picture and a newfound knowledge of how to “favorite” photos in her iPhone camera roll.
Some issues are a bit trickier, like connecting a printer to a cell phone or clearing out the junk storage of an iPad, while some are simpler, like showing residents how to set a morning alarm or mute an Instagram story they didn’t want to see. With each presented issue, the students and residents work together for a solution. Most importantly, the students are compassionate, patient and attentive. They walk the residents seeking help through the process step-by-step so that when the session is over, they’re able to navigate the solution on their own.
Opportunities for generations of both older and younger to connect are special. Intergenerational relationships present several benefits, like relationship building and avoiding adolescent egocentrism, but they also present the opportunity to learn.
Diana Nicol is the life enrichment coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral’s only life plan community. To learn more, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Oasis High School CLEO students at Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral.
State imposes more training for teen drivers
Younger motorists are at greater risk of being involved in a fatal crash
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
An extension has been given for teen drivers until Aug. 1 to complete the online Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education Course and be exempt from the state’s six-hour Driver Education requirement.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles extended the deadline from July 1, for all new teen drivers aged 15-17 to receive a Florida learner’s permit. The courses include a six-hour driver education course, a fourhour traffic law substance abuse education course, and real ID documents, proof of address and parental consent.
Under new state requirements, Teens must be 14 complete the TLSAE exam. If a teen already has a learner’s permit, or received one before July 1, they are also exempt, as are teens moving to Florida with a valid out-of-state permit or license.
“We think this is a great initiative that will allow more than just a hands-on approach to driving. Teen driver safety is so important and formalized driver training be a huge part in saving lives,” Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer Mercedes Simonds said.
A recent study shows that Florida is ranks sixth for the highest fatal crash rate among young drivers in the United States.
The study, which was conducted by The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, shows that there were 403 fatal crashes from 2019-2023 for young drivers aged
“We think this is a great initiative that will allow more than just a hands-on approach to driving. Teen driver safety is so important and formalized driver training be a huge part in saving lives.”
— Mercedes Simonds, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs officer
15 to 20 years old. Florida has the ranking due to 59 fatal crashes per 100,000 young, licensed drivers. This is 48% above the national average of 40. The state’s five-year average was computed with approximately 679,238 licensed drivers 15 to 20.
There are things teen drivers should do while getting behind the wheel.
“Teen drivers should always buckle up, follow the speed limit, and stay focused by avoiding phones and other distractions,” Simonds said. “It’s important to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, use turn signals clearly, drive sober and alert, and know your route ahead of time. Practicing defensive driving and staying aware of your surroundings can help prevent accidents.”
Teens should never text or scroll on their phones while driving, blast music or wear earbuds, or overload the car with too many passengers, she added.
“They should avoid running yellow lights, driving while upset, tailgating, or becoming overconfident behind the wheel. Staying calm, cautious, and re-
sponsible can help keep everyone safe on the road,” Simonds said.
Kentucky was ranked first in terms of fatalities, followed by New Mexico, Mississippi, Arkansas and Montana.
The city has provided teen driving courses in the past and plans to do so in the future, funding permitting.
The Cape Coral Police Department began offering Teen Driver Challenge courses in February 2025 after securing a grant and related equipment from the Florida Department of Transportation in an effort to keep young drivers safe on the road.
Sgt. Joseph Zalenski of CCPD’s Community Services Bureau, who has been the coordinator of the program, said 112 students have gone through the program.
“However, many more signed up who could not, or did not attend for one reason or another. Students signed up well in advance and some were unable to attend day of due to personal reasons,” he said.
The three-hour class was taught by school resource officers.
“Our primary instructors have a former background in traffic enforcement/ investigations and major crimes investigations. All are currently assigned to our Community Services Bureau,” Zalenski said.
Safe driving, distracted driving, and proper etiquette, if pulled over, is taught during the class. He said they use a combination of classroom learning and hands-on learning through the driving simulation to teach safe driving techniques and proper etiquette when pulled over, and to show the dangers of distracted driving.
“Our goal is to engage with young drivers to prevent crashes, and to provide them with the tools they need to avoid distracted and impaired driving,” Zalenski said. “We also provide a safe, hands-on learning environment for teens to learn how to handle minor traffic crash and traffic stops.”
The Cape Coral Police Department currently does not have any additional sessions scheduled, as they have used all of the fiscal year 2024-2025 grant from FDOT.
“If our grant application for FY25-26 is approved, we hope to resume sessions sometime in October,” he said.
Students and parents who are interested can email TeenDriverChallenge@ capecoral.gov.
“We plan to reach out to interested parties once sessions get scheduled,” Zalenski said.
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Recreation Vehicles
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Apartments & Duplexes For Rent
Mother in law suite for rent in Bokeelia/Pine Island. Water, electric, ac, wifi are included. It also includes washer & dryer. $1,250 a month. Call 678-215-7102
FredásFinestPainting
Screening
