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National Water Quality Month a
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
The lifeblood of the Sunshine State — water and water quality — should always be at the forefront of decision making and a priority in local communities, environmental experts say.
This year, Florida Governmental Utility Authority and water utilities around the
Puppy meet-and-greets
Cape Coral Animal Shelter “Meet-and-Greet” sessions with shelter pups once again have proved to be a favorite activity among the campers from the city’s youth camps.
Pages 18
nation are celebrating the 20th anniversary of National Water Quality Month, which was founded in 2005 by the Environmental Protection Agency and backed by the United Nations. The goal of this concerted annual campaign which occurs every August is to promote the value of this natural resource, encouraging action at the household and community level to ensure
access to safe, clean drinking water for generations to come.
Southwest Florida in particular relies on clean water to harbor endangered marine life, sustain local business, and bring in tourism dollars that greatly impact the economy.
One of the biggest advocates for clean water in the region, the Sanibel Captiva
Kitten, canine and clear-the-shelter events need community support
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
It’s been a busy season for felines in the Southwest Florida area, with local shelters seeing an influx of kittens and cats.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services is hosting a pair of events this August, as has joined a national initiative to help find its pets new homes.
To assist with kitten adoptions, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, will host LCDAS for a kitten adoption event.
See HOME, page 21
Kitten adoption event
The event will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Miromar outreach cen ter, at 10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 190 in Estero. Adoption fees will be waived with an approved application.
Conservation Foundation, puts out a weekly water report that ties into water management decision, especially regarding Lake Okeechobee,
“We’re collecting all that data and talking with stakeholders and partners in the region, and packaging it into those reports that we then can give out to the
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Those who speed through school zones are paying the price in Cape Coral.
The Cape Coral Police Department’s recent partnership with RedSpeed started in April, and since, more than 12,000 infractions have been mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
From April 1 to July 29, 12,509 notices of violation were issued for being recorded going 10 mph over the reduced speed limit within the zone, CCPD officials said today at a “town hall-style” media event called to provide an update on the program.
Of those, 8,870 have been paid (71%), with 2,031 pending issuance (16%) as a uniform traffic citation.
There have been 267 violations contested, with one being dismissed thus far.
The fine is $100 per violation.
The city implemented the RedSpeed Camera program to protect children, staff, and motorists by reducing speeding and increasing awareness in school zones, officials said, adding automated enforcement provides “consistent and fair” enforcement of traffic laws, helping to improve driving behavior and keep students safer during school hours.
Cape Coral plans ‘mobility fee’ on new construction
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said they already had a mobility plan prepared and were working towards having it concluded at the end of January-February.
“For us, the unforeseen circumstance is that the legislature changed the dates on us,” he said. “This was a study that was funded and moving forward last year with the schedule to take us through February. Unfortunately, we don’t have
that. It is important to know what the legislature did. It is the reason why you feel rushed.”
Ilczyszyn said the legislature did its part –wanting to make the fees predictable, into the future, and calculable.
“What the legislature says – you can only adjust these fees every four years and when you
See FEE, page 32
Public input on new parks master plan presented
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Cape Coral is gathering citizen input on city parks for its next master plan.
The overarching themes of the community engagement portion of the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Master Plan were reinvesting in what the city has, open space and green space, water access and aquatics.
Pros Consulting Inc Principal Mike Svetz, Pros Consulting said they were not making any recommendations from the information shared Wednesday, although it provides a good foundational building block for moving forward in the planning process.
The comprehensive master plan for Parks and Recreation is about a third of the way through and looks at accessibility, connectivity, comfort, shade, visibility, and architecture, as some restrooms were built a long time ago.
“Your newer parks on every one of these components — access, comfort, condition — your newer parks are the standard to shoot for,” Svetz said. “The older parks need a facelift, need investment. The long story short – you have an inequitable system in terms of experience. Your newer parks provide great experience, older parks not so much.”
A survey conducted showed that the desired amenities — 34.5% - showed splash pads, courts, and ice rink; 16.1% wanted shade and comfort; 24.9% wanted conservation of natural areas and 10.5% wanted improved existing structures. The vision board themes showed that 24% of participants wanted green space/nature, 15% wanted trails and connectivity, 11% want parks and amenities while 9% wanted aquatics.
He told Council that there will always be a need to reinvest in the park system as the lifecycle replacement never stops.
“No park is all built at the same time and no amenity in a park is expected to last for the same amount of time,” Svetz said.
When it comes to sports complexes, a park should always be included with the athletic fields being a major component.
The community engagement portion of the plan showed key themes — water access and aquatics, community centers and indoor facilities, youth and family services, communications and transparency, inclusivity and accessibility, maintenance and infrastructure, volunteerism and partnerships, event and cultural space, green space and environmental stewardship and planning, design, and execution.
A survey conducted showed that the desired amenities — 34.5% - showed splash pads, courts, and ice rink; 16.1% wanted shade and comfort; 24.9% wanted conservation of natural areas and 10.5% wanted improved existing structures. The vision board themes showed that 24% of participants wanted green space/nature, 15% wanted trails and connectivity, 11% want parks and amenities while 9% wanted aquatics.
“We are going to ensure our recommendations are more than just need base quality of life – tie to public safety, economic development/impact and health,” Svetz said.
Those who participated in the survey value the city’s park system, but are not satisfied.
There were 6% that were very satisfied with the park system, 31% satisfied, 34% neutral, 18% dissatisfied and 12% very dissatisfied.
The survey also touched upon household members visiting any parks or recreation facilities during the past 12 months. In 2025, nine out of 10 people are using the park system in the last year.
The numbers which broken down further show that 14% visit once a week, 11% more than five times a week and 29% two to four times a week.
The top four reasons people use parks are for walking for exercise, watching birds/wildlife, participating in a program, attending an event/league, and playing on the playground.
“You have people that are frequent flyers and users,” he said. “When they rate the condition of the park system, the rating is below the national benchmark levels.”
The overall quality of programs was also rated high, at 57%.
“People are staying home to participate in parks and recreation,” he said. “The levels of satisfaction of the parks system is not reflecting with its experiences of things people want to do in your system. Reimagine them in a way to better meet today’s needs and experiences. Many of your parks were designed decades ago and parks and recreation systems have evolved.”
The higher needs are in northeast and northwest Cape Coral as there are younger families.
The park improvement framework includes access and connectivity, brand and identity, communication and partnership, environmental stewardship and open space, inclusion, multi-generational experiences, quality and comfort and revenue and financial sustainability.
The next steps of the plan is to finalize a deep dive into demographic analysis and projections by planning area, operational assessments and cost of service analysis, old golf course site specific concept plan and level of service analysis.
Cape Coral City Council members Lehmann, Nelson-Lastra to hold Town Halls
Two Cape Coral City Council members have set Town Halls for the beginning of August.
Cape Coral District 2 Councilmember Laurie Lehmann will hold a Town Hall meeting this Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace.
Cape Coral District 4 Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra will hold a Town Hall on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, also at the Cape Coral - Lee County Library, Meeting Room CC. The library is at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, off Mohawk Parkway.
Residents are invited to share their concerns, ask questions, and discuss ideas for the future of their district and the city of Cape Coral. The town halls are a continuing commitment made by the council members elected in the 2024 municipal election.
OpiniOns
CApe COrAl Breeze
RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE, Publisher
VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor
CHRIS STRINE, Editor
2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904
• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693
Member Florida Press Association
Lead, not follow
If there is one fiscal philosophy we would like to quash on the city level it is the “other cities are...” justification for setting income and outgo.
We don’t like it much for justifying rules and regulations, either.
From determining employee compensation while chasing the Great White Whale of the 75th percentile and justifying various rate increases to deciding how much property owners who rent their properties should pay the city by way of a registration fee, from moving public comment at Cape Coral City Council meetings to the tale end of such sessions, the go-to is examples that confirm what the city officials want to do.
Call it analysis or call it what it is — confirmation bias packaged to get public buy-in — and what you have is a focus on what is may be right elsewhere but is not necessarily what Cape Coral residents want, need or can afford.
When city staff or city consultants present “comparable cities,” they are essentially showing population snapshots.
While they may be accurate comparables on the surface, such snapshots can lack big-picture context — i.e., cities cited may have similar populations but very different economies, costs-of-living or resident priorities.
Local realities for these three things should be the driver of fiscal decision making.
For example, it’s not how much Sanibel, with its international reputation as a vacation destination and resultant high rental rates, charges to register a rental with the city, but the rate the city of Cape Coral should charge in a very different rental market.
It’s not when the Lee County Board of County Commissioners schedules public input but when do Cape Coral residents think they should have their say? It’s did the recent move to the agenda’s end, despite public protest, best benefit speakers or was it simply a preference of Council and city staff who got tired of “negative” comments from pesky residents at the beginning of city council meetings?
Look at like cities?
Certainly.
Cite those numbers or policies as “Why we should” do whatever?
We think that’s something trotted out way too often. Like every time a fee hike is on the horizon or an unpopular change is in the works. Give it a rest.
— Breeze editorial
This week’s poll question:
Do you want all of the files the government has related to Jeffrey Epstein released?
∫ Yes.
∫ No.
∫ It does not matter to me. Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.
Previous poll question:
Do you plan to provide input on the city budget?
∫ Yes. 5%
∫ No. 22.5%
∫ Only this: Don’t raise taxes or fees. 72.5%
* Total votes at press time: 40 votes. Percentages are “rounded.”Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.
August 1, 2025
This summer, keep Florida healthy through proper lawn care
The health of Southwest Florida’s water quality is essential for the region’s environment, economy and overall way of life. While there are many factors that contribute to the health of our waterways, some of the greatest concerns are related to nutrient pollution and runoff from fertilizer use, which introduces excess nutrients into the water, fueling harmful algal blooms. This means certain precautions need to be taken to protect our waterways and the natural environment.
So, how can you do your part? Follow these tips and tricks to protect Florida’s beautiful ecosystem when caring for your lawn and landscaping.
Fertilize Smart
Lee County Ordinance No. 0808 prohibits the use of fertilizers that contain nitrogen and phosphorous from June 1 through Sept. 30, to help minimize unwanted nutrients from entering drainage systems and waterways. This is when Lee County experiences the most rainfall, which is why following the ordinance is so important. Without it, runoff from fertilizers could have a profoundly negative impact on water quality in Southwest Florida.
Protect Southwest Florida waterways by following the fertilizer ordinance in place now through Sept. 30.
Change in public input time is cause for concern
To the editor:
On July 23, the Cape Coral City Council voted to keep the meeting structure that positions the citizen input segment at the end of the meeting agenda and after all voting has occurred. Residents must also submit comment cards prior to the meeting in order to participate in the discussion.
These changes raise significant concerns, as it seems counterintuitive to gather public input only after decisions have been finalized.
It is crucial for elected officials to engage with the community prior to making decisions, as this interaction strengthens the relationship with the public. When public feedback is overlooked, it diminishes accountability and the overall purpose of their roles.
The council should promote and encourage civic engagement by inviting comments before votes, rather than restricting or delaying or postponing such participation.
Lou Walker Cape Coral
Citizen input should come first
To the editor:
The Breeze reports that council consent agenda failed again on citizen input times.
According to Council, the whole idea of citizens input at the end of the meeting was to promote efficiency as this is a business meeting. This was supported by the council member for District 7.
While citizen input was in need of revision, putting it at the end of the meeting is wrong and proves that the mayor and the new council does not want any input.
Here is some:
1. Citizens input was over-used by the Cape residents i.e. Friends of Wildlife and The Three Fisherman who have faded under the radar.
2. The card system, which I support, gets this eliminated.
3. An efficient meeting would naturally allow for all veterans, city employees and students to be recognize at the end of the meeting, NOT the beginning. This is
Opt for compost
The great thing about compost is that it reduces waste and it is not synthetic like many fertilizers are.
Compost can be made right at home by combining a balanced mix of “browns,” which are carbon-rich materials such as dead leaves, branches and twigs, sawdust and shredded paper. Then, add nitrogen-rich “greens,” which include grass clippings, leaves, fruit and vegetable scraps, tea and coffee grounds, lint, and even hair.
Try to use three parts browns to one part greens and keep the compost moist, occasionally mixing it.
When all materials have broken down, your compost is ready to be spread in your landscaping or on your lawn.
Choose the right plants
Florida-friendly plants are those that can adapt to Florida’s climate in Florida weather without much help from additional nutrients, like fertilizer.
When selecting the trees, shrubbery and florals to accentuate your lawn and home, pick based on your region’s USDA Hardiness Zone, which is used by gardeners and growers to see which plants are most likely to thrive in their area.
GUEST COMMENTARY, page 6
a double standard. Do the accolades to the veterans and employees and students at the end of the meeting for efficiency.
4. Why does the 9 a.m. COW meeting have citizens input at the end of the meeting? The meeting starts at 9 a.m. How can citizens give comment at the end when issues have been decided upon?
Citizen input needs to be at the beginning of all the meetings.
The Lee County Commission is not the standard bearer for Cape Coral as pointed out by the District 7 council member who said they do it.
Lee County Commission is in error and this will be addressed with the vote for single-member districts.
Lou Navarra Cape Coral
Nothing to laugh about
To the editor:
I hate to pile on about Cape Coral mismanagement and overall incompetence but the failures are almost comical if those failures weren’t funded by taxes and borrowing in our name.
For months, several neighbors tried to get the hyacinths cleared from Lake Kennedy. We called the county hyacinth commission which always cleared in past with herbicide to kill the growth.
County told us Cape Coral requested the city take over the function and would get a contract to do it.
We contacted the city, which was not going to kill the growth but harvest and compost, and introduce 3-foot carp into the lake to eat them.
When they finally showed up it was hysterical — two guys in a skiff with one on the bow cutting the flowering part off with a hedge trimmer. (Really. I have a movie of it.)
The cuttings were not harvested at all but left to float under residents’ docks to rot and smell.
And lo and behold one week later they are back on the surface and blooming again.
Repeated calls to city went to voicemail with no return
See LETTERS, page 6
Letters to the editor
Kevin Ruane Guest Commentary
World-class cancer care should be accessible, convenient
Cancer can strike anyone, anywhere. Your wealth, your job title, your genealogy, your geography… it doesn’t matter. No one is immune to being diagnosed with cancer.
The recent revelation of former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer proves that even someone receiving the best medical care in the world cannot avoid a cancer diagnosis. What he has, though — and what everyone in America should have — is convenient access to world-class health care.
No one should have to travel across the state or the country for life-saving medical treatments. Hearing a cancer diagnosis is jarring enough. Hearing that the best expertise and treatment require that you leave your home to live in another location for weeks to months, depending on the type of cancer, is overwhelming and incomprehensible to many.
Patients and doctors struggle with the conversation about care that is unattainable in America without travel; it is a delicate and complicated conversation to tell patients, “This is the best treatment, but I’m sorry, we cannot deliver this treatment here.”
Over the past decade, Southwest Florida’s continuum of cancer care has rapidly advanced.
Lee Health is among those leading the charge.
The nationally recognized Lee Health Cancer Institute is the region’s only accredited cancer center, offering life-changing technology, personalized treatment options and the latest advancements in
clinical trials.
Golisano Children’s Hospital is a state-of-theart medical center that provides vital, lifesaving care for children and their families in an environment that soothes anxiety and fear. Cutting-edge medical practices, such as Advocate Radiation Oncology, are combining state-of-the-art technology with experienced physicians who champion compassionate care.
Still, local doctors are having to tell some cancer patients, “I’m sorry, but we cannot give you the care that we would like to deliver here.”
Dr. Shannon MacDonald Guest
Commentary
Radiation therapy remains one of the most common cancer treatment options, along with surgery and chemotherapy. Still, the best standard of care for some of the most serious types of cancer — brain, spine, breast, esophageal, head and neck, liver, lung, eye, pancreas, prostate, lymphomas, soft tissue sarcomas and pediatric cancers — is proton therapy.
Thousands of cancer treatment centers are located around the U.S., from small towns to big cities and everything in between.
Though the number of proton centers has increased from three to 46 over the years that I have practiced radiation oncology with proton radiation, regional access remains a primary barrier to receiving this treatment.
Most proton centers are in larger metropolitan areas and are affiliated with large hospital systems or major universities.
However, through competitive engineering and technological advancements, access to proton therapy is gradually increasing.
Southwest Florida Proton in Estero is an excellent example of bringing the most sophisticated proton technology to a community.
In Florida, there are six proton centers: two in Miami, one in Delray Beach, one in Orlando and two in Jacksonville.
That means Southwest Floridians living in Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Port Charlotte are looking at a two- to three-hour drive, each way, to access a treatment that literally could save their lives or allow them to live without terrible side effects.
Despite a two- to three-hour trip being a shorter distance than for most patients in the U.S., it still requires a move away from the social support of family, staying in a hotel or rented apartment, or spending the entire day traveling to and from treatment.
Traveling for health care disrupts lives during a period already filled with stress, anxiety and financial hardships.
Many patients may choose to forgo this treatment, or they may be unable to afford
the travel costs.
I have had young adult patients tell me that they worried about spending money to travel and live in an area for treatment. They feared that if they died, they would leave their family with less money, and others who thought about choosing a treatment with more side effects because they could not emotionally cope without having their social support system present through cancer treatment.
Distance from a proton center should not determine whether someone has access. Unfortunately, geography still matters, and a recent JAMA article reveals that regional access is a primary barrier to accessing proton therapy.
By the end of 2025, residents of Southwest Florida will have easy access to proton therapy.
Engineers at Southwest Florida Proton are currently installing the final components of the IBA ProteusONE, widely regarded as the most modern and sophisticated proton machine available anywhere in the world.
Testing and calibration will continue for the next few months.
Soon, doctors from Marco Island to North Port will be able to tell patients, “Yes, we can provide you with the best radiation treatment right here in Southwest Florida.”
—Dr. Shannon MacDonald is the medical director of Southwest Florida Proton and a pioneer in the field of proton therapy. For more information, please visit SWFLproton.com.
There is hope for adults living with mental illness
Mental illness runs in his family. Matthew’s own personal nightmare began with a diagnosis of bipolar schizoaffective disorder in 2014 at age 29. Up until then, Matthew was rapidly climbing the ladder of success at an extremely popular social media company. Loss of his cognitive ability made work impossible. All his dreams for the future were shattered, having seen what mental illness did to other family members.
Prior to his diagnosis, Matthew had an amazing group of friends and a loving family. Those friends no longer answered the phone. His family could not cope with or understand his illness and distanced themselves. He was desperate for help and ended up in and out of doctor’s offices, mental institutions, rehab wilderness programs, and endless prescriptions for medications.
No longer a popular, charming, and very successful person, Matthew became homeless and a burden to everyone he knew. Having grown up in an upper middle-class household, poverty and living on the streets were foreign to him. He saw drugs, prostitution, crime, and people dying. His first thought each morning was how he was going to eat that day, often begging strangers for food, even rummag-
From page 4
ing through garbage cans for something of value he could sell for money. Constant hunger plagued him. Life became a game of survival. Paranoia became relentless. He had endless panic attacks. Delusions that something terrible was going to happen filled his mind 24/7. The trauma of staying safe on the streets led to a diagnosis of Complex PTSD in 2018.
Dottie Pacharis Guest Commentary
Dealing with fear, anxiety, shame, humiliation, tons of medical debt, maxed out credit cards, unstable living conditions, bouncing from motel to motel, abandoned houses, halfway houses, and institutions became the norm. Life became a game of survival, literally hell on earth with drugs, death, and poverty. He hated going to sleep at night because he would just have to wake up and do it all over again the next day. His meager belongings became his everything. If you see homeless people pushing shopping carts full of trash, understand that the cart and contents are all they have. Most homeless people living
Repeated calls to city went to voicemail with no return call.
So we paid the county, which did this in the past, and now paid the city to award a contract and now it looks like we did not get the same level of service — so my call was to stop the check for payment because again this was another city epic fail and everybody in the decision matrix still has a job and we pay them also.
Tony Cosenza Cape Coral
Weigh in on county budget, services
To the editor:
Lee county is facing a significant challenge with an $18 million deficit in its operating budget for the upcoming year, compounded by declining property values due to hurricane impacts.
The current decrease in revenue sources, alongside the potential for increase tolls and electric franchise fees, means residents may soon face higher costs. Additionally, there could be a 57% reduction in human services, natural resources, technology resources and
on the streets, in tent cities, and under bridges have a mental illness. Mentally stable people do not live in these locations. They just don’t.
For Matthew, his illness felt like the complete destruction of a human being. For illness such as his, there are treatments, but currently no cure.
His path is not atypical. The mental health system is broken, and the recovery system is barbaric and predatory. Mental hospitals are too often run like low-level security prisons. They are revolving doors that see the same people every couple of weeks.
Fortunately for Matthew, he found Hope Clubhouse of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, a non-profit community of support for adults who have had their lives drastically disrupted by mental illness. The Clubhouse provides opportunities for paid employment, access to education, housing, and psychiatric services. He became a member in 2023. For the first time since his diagnosis, he
Letters to the editor
public education.
Several critical projects are on hold, including the 10-mile canal, three public safety and EMS stations and various road improvements.
The county is utilizing part of the $25 million state loan relief fund following Hurricane Ian to manage the situation. The budget deadline is Sept. 14, and it’s crucial to stay informed and advocate for your local interests, which include 14 services like animal control, parks and recreation, engineering, natural resources and public education.
To protect these essential services and the ensure the county’s recovery and growth, all residents are encouraged to contact their community representatives at both local and state levels.
Together we can work forward towards safeguarding Lee County’s future.
Kathleen Callard RNBS North fort Myers
Those who save for retirement should not be penalized
To the editor:
As a Trump supporter, I’m a little embarrassed to
learned it was okay to be mentally ill. Living on the streets for so many years, Matthew was unaccustomed to the attention, respect, and compassion he received at the Clubhouse. He was not a burden. People respected his boundaries and his voice was heard. This kind treatment was foreign to him. He had been treated as a pariah for so long, yet at the Clubhouse he was made to feel that adults with mental illness are useful people.
Mental illness makes adult orphans, and Hope Clubhouse is often the only family and friend some members have. Today, as Matthew continues to heal, he has Hope Clubhouse to remind him he has a name and a place where he is cherished, appreciated, and feels safe. He is grateful to the Clubhouse for saving his life.
There are currently 326 Clubhouses in the United States. Contact Clubhouse International for a Clubhouse near you.
— Dottie Pacharis is a Mental Health Advocate and author of “Mind on the Run, A Bipolar Chronicle,” a book about her son’s 13-year struggle with bipolar disorder. She is a Board Emeritus and Volunteer at Hope Clubhouse in Fort Myers.
point out the inconvenient truth of Trump’s plan to take control of the Federal Reserve.
Trump wants to lower to Fed’s interest rate to help control the massive interest that is due on the government’s debt. With an inflation rate of 2.7%, any interest rate that is paid on a savings account that is below 2.7% gives a negative rate of return.
This obviously penalizes anyone that placed their retirement savings in a traditional bank savings account.
Seniors who spent their lives saving for retirement should not be penalized by the government actions just to try to compensate for the government’s inability to control its spending. A fair rate of return should be reasonable and not artificially set to make up for-out-ofcontrol spending.
It is a sad state of affairs when citizens are urged to save their money and then rewarded with unfair interest rates on their traditional savings accounts. Makes anyone that saves money look like a fool.
Of course, maybe this is just how we do things nowadays. Don’t save, spend, spend, spend. Maybe someone will come in and pay off our bills.
Coastal Lee County falls into the 10b zone, while more inland areas like Lehigh Acres fall into Zone 10a. To learn more about Florida-friendly landscaping and to find the right plants for your home, visit ffl.ifas.ufl.edu.
Conserve water
Instead of watering your lawn, let the rain do the work for you, especially during the rainiest season of the year. The Lee County Water Conservation Ordinance implements a two-day-a-week watering schedule from the beginning of June through the end of January.
Odd-numbered addresses may only water on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and even-numbered addresses and common areas may water on Thursdays and
Sundays. Also, no watering can occur from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you live in a city, a quick way to check on your watering restrictions is by visiting this landing page at the South Florida Water Management District, which offers information for all counties and cities within its boundaries.
Go to sfwmd.gov/community-residents/landscape-irrigation to learn more.
Mow strategically
Mowing the lawn isn’t always the most enjoyable activity, but it’s one of the most beneficial tasks you can complete when it comes to lawn care.
The key is to do it properly, not haphazardly.
Don’t mow on wet turf — moisture can impact how your mower cuts the grass, leading to rough cuts. Also, never cut more than one-third of the leaf blade. When you cut the grass too low, your turf can fall victim to disease, insect and weed invasion, and drought.
Pro tip: After mowing the lawn, leave your glass clippings on the ground as natural compost.
With the right steps, you can do the right thing by following the ordinance, keep your lawn beautiful and keep Southwest Florida waterways protected, too.
For additional information, visit FertilizeSmart.com.
— Kevin Ruane serves District 1 on the Lee County Commission. His district includes parts of Cape Coral.
The views expressed on The Breeze Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the editor or guest columns may be e-mailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com. All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes. Readers are also invited to comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: capecoralbreeze.com.
School vacancies down as opening day nears
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
As of last week, the School District of Lee County has 84 instructional vacancies — meaning more classrooms have a teacher for the start of school this year than last.
At this time last year there were 265.
On April 24, there were 575 vacancies advertised. Tuesday’s presentation broke down those vacancies by regions, along with an update.
The west region has 12 vacancies compared to 83 in April, the north region has 18 vacancies, compared to 123 in April, the east region has 33 vacancies compared to 243 in April, and the south region has 14 vacancies compared to 116 in April. The special centers have seven vacancies compared to nine in April.
Forty-seven schools, many of which are in Cape Coral, had zero vacancies as of July 24. There are 22 schools with only one vacancy and 15 schools with two vacancies.
“Our district-wide initiative is to make sure every classroom has a certified teacher on day one of school, which is 13 days,” Chief Human Resource Officer Dr. Shanna Johnston said Tuesday afternoon. “We know the most important factor in a student’s success is the person in front of the classroom. We have a commitment to make sure every student begins the year with a certified teacher, no exception.”
The district rolled out Project BELIEVE — a collaborative effort among departments including HR, talent acquisition, regional superintendents, school leaders and administrative assistants.
“We are rethinking how we recruit, certify, and support our educators. We are looking at systems, tools, and mindset,” Johnston said. “We are building something powerful here.”
The difference is the district opened the hiring process on May 1, instead of the July 1 opening of previous
“Our district-wide initiative is to make sure every classroom has a certified teacher on day one of school, which is 13 days. We know the most important factor in a student’s success is the person in front of the classroom. We have a commitment to make sure every student begins the year with a certified teacher, no exception.”
— Dr. Shanna Johnston, chief Human Resource officer, Tuesday afternoon
years. The HR department is now tracking every step of the hiring process to have a baseline of time to fill, a metric that has never been tracked before in the district.
Johnston also went over the vacancies for risk level three and level four schools, with the academic risk number determined by the number of incoming students a level one score in English Language Arts.
The vacancies are down to 21 for risk level three, and nine for risk level four for instructional positions.
“The teacher incentive initiative, we do think that is something to do with it. Teachers are really not leaving. In risk level three and four they are staying more than ever. We are retaining them,” she said.
For schools that have any remaining vacancies, the school principals must submit a remaining plan, so outstanding needs can be addressed. Johnston said part of the plan is to have a principal temporarily reassign any certified staff into these vacancies to help mitigate the gaps, as there are enough non-classroom certified staff that can cover.
Plan B is through the partnership with Kelly Services to supplement coverage with certified teachers.
“I applaud you from moving away from Kelly Services
and standing on your own and going out and coming up with the initiatives. They are outstanding,” Board member William Ribble said.
The HR team has hand-written notes for every person hired this summer, which they will receive on the first day of school.
Amanda Mason, assistant director of Talent Acquisition, said they are seeing incredible momentum at the school level.
“Locations are building site-based teams and implementing creative strategies to promote the schools,” she said.
There is also external communication with future candidates – real time support navigating the hiring process.
“Our primary job is to educate children. To do that you have to have three major things — certified teacher teaching every child, until this year we have fallen quite a bit short on that. Try to get the kids there on time because if they aren’t there they can’t learn. We did a good job with that with the new bus times. The third thing we haven’t talked that much about — absenteeism,” Board member Armor Persons said.
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins today
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Getting prepared for the upcoming school year?
Throughout August Floridians can save at the checkout line, as Florida’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs from Aug. 1 through 31.
During the annual sales tax holiday period, tax is not due for the retail sale of:
n Clothing, footwear, wallets, bags, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, and diaper bags with a sales price of $100 or less per item.
n Certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item.
n Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less.
n Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less, when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
“Proud to deliver additional sales tax holidays, including the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that begins on Aug. 1,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis at a press conference in Panama City Beach on Monday. “With the new school year just around the corner, Florida families can save on back-to-school shopping during the tax holiday for the entire month of August. By cutting taxes, empowering parents, and growing our economy, we’re making it easier for people to live, work, and thrive in the Free State of Florida.”
There is no option for dealers to opt-out of the annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.
No tax is due on the sale or purchase of any school supply item with a sales price of $50 or less per item. The exemption does not apply to sales of school supplies within a theme park or entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport.
“School supplies” means pens, pencils, erasers, crayons, notebooks, notebook filler paper, legal pads, binders, lunch boxes, construction paper, markers, folders, poster board, composition books, poster paper, scissors, cellophane tape, glue, paste, rulers, computer disks, staplers and staples (used to secure paper products), protractors,
Florida’s annual Back-toSchool Sales Tax Holiday
Florida’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs from Aug. 1 through 31.
During the annual sales tax holiday period, tax is not due for the retail sale of:
n Clothing, footwear, wallets, bags, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, and diaper bags with a sales price of $100 or less per item.
n Certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item.
n Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less.
n Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less, when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For more information and to view lists of qualifying items, visit www.FloridaRevenue.com/ BackToSchool.
and compasses.
No tax is due on the sale or purchase of any learning aid or jigsaw puzzle with a sales price of $30 or less. The exemption does not apply to sales of learning aids or
jigsaw puzzles within a theme park or entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport.
“Learning aids” means flashcards or other learning cards, matching or other memory games, puzzle books and search-and-find books, interactive or electronic books and toys intended to teach reading or math skills, and stacking or nesting blocks or sets.
“Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories may qualify for the exemption,” states the Florida Department of Revenue.
The exemption applies to an eligible item with a sales price of $1,500 or less, when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
“This exemption does not apply to sales of personal computers or computer-related accessories for use in a trade or business, or to sales within a theme park or entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport,” DOR officials said.
“Personal computers” includes electronic book readers, calculators, laptops, desktops, handheld devices, tablets, or tower computers. The term does not include cellular telephones, video game consoles, digital media receivers, or devices that are not primarily designed to process data. “Personal computer-related accessories” includes keyboards, mice (mouse devices), personal digital assistants, monitors without a television tuner, other peripheral devices, modems, routers, and non-recreational software, regardless of whether the accessories are used in association with a personal computer base unit. Computer-related accessories do not include furniture or systems, devices, software, monitors with a television tuner, or peripherals that are designed or intended primarily for recreational use.
When it comes to clothing, tax exempt items are any article of wearing apparel, including all footwear (except skis, swim fins, roller blades, and skates), intended to be worn on or about the human body. Clothing does not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, or handkerchiefs.
For more information and to view lists of qualifying items, visit www.FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool.
Discussion on regulations, fees for rentals continue
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The city of Cape Coral continues to discuss possible changes to fees and regulations related to rental properties.
While Cape Coral City Council did not come to a consensus on possibly higher registration fees Wednesday, the elected board decided not to consider lowering the minimum number of rental days below seven, discussed a three-tiered approach, and considered the potential implementation of penalties for properties not registered.
Councilmember Jennifer NelsonLastra, who established a volunteer stakeholders’ group, said the majority of the panel were Realtors.
She said the group favored a flat yearly fee of $100 to register for all rentals, both annual and short-term.
The current charge is a one-time fee of $35.The city currently 6,522 registered rentals, which is fewer than the 9,000 previously stated during discussions about rental fees.
Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, who established a volunteer stakeholders’ group, said the majority of the panel were Realtors. She said the group favored a flat yearly fee of $100 to register for all rentals, both annual and short-term.
The city computes its cost of compliance at $441 per rental for administration, police, and code enforcement.
Wednesday’s presentation showed an annual cost for administration of $18, $192 for police ready-for-service and $231 for the code enforcement ready-toservice fee.
“I wanted to understand the percentage of bad actors. I didn’t understand how many bad actors we had out of 6,500 registered rentals,” Nelson-Lastra said.
There was a total of 766, or 12%, of code cases specific to rentals. Those include 322 investigations for renting for less than a week, 308 investigations for rental registration requirements and 136
investigations for trash cans left out too early/too late.
“In the City of Cape Coral, we do not use a call for service, (we use) a readyto-serve methodology. If all calls stop tomorrow, there would still be code officers ready to respond and police officers,” City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said.
Mayor John Gunter shared the Sanibel ordinance, which includes a three-tiered approach, one with which the majority of council agreed. The approach – anything less than three months is considered a short-term rental, three to six months is a seasonal rental and six months, or more is an annual rental.
Although not agreed upon, Gunter
shared some possible fees for rentals — $50-$75 for an annual rental, $200 for seasonal rental and $365 for a short-term rental. Those registration fees should be placed in a restricted fund for enforcement, he said.
Gunter said they need to put a penalty in place for those who do not register.
“That penalty should be greater than what the fees are,” he said of a $500 fine if not registered.
There also was discussion of rewards for those who are good neighbors, something that may be applied to the next year’s annual rental fee.
Council also asked why they were not capturing condos, duplexes, and apartments in the registration fee.
“We are not capturing condos and duplexes. Why aren’t we capturing apartments, too? They are all rentals,”
Councilmember Rachel Kaduk said, adding that short-term rentals should pay a higher fee.
A follow-up discussion will be held in two weeks at the council’s next workshop.
CRA considers allowing owners of larger parcels to apply for demolition grants
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency is starting discussions to change its demolition grant incentive to include larger parcels.
City Manager Mike Ilcyczyn, who also acts as the CRA’s executive director, said when they initially set forward the Demolition Grant program it was geared mostly towards getting spots of blight demolished.
“Speaking with the first-ever person to
utilize it, it favors smaller buildings,” he said. “The larger parcels have the greatest return on investment for us.”
City Economic Development Manager Sharon Woodberry said the purpose of Wednesday’s presentation to Cape Coral City Council sitting as the CRA Commission, was to talk through increasing the demolition cap, so they can provide more equitable grants on a greater amount of investment.
“The issue is the current funding structure favors small parcels,” she said.
Three options were presented
The first is maintaining the current grant structure up to $100,000 with 100% of reimbursement for the first $50,000, 50% reimbursement for costs between $50,001 and $100,000 with the maximum grant at this level of $75,000.
The second tier provides greater funding for larger projects - $200,000 and larger. For every $100,000 spent over $100,000, the grant increases by $75,000.
The second option removes the cap on the second tier.
The third option has a flat 75% of total eligible demolition costs.
“The purpose is to have properties that are down there that are older contributing to slum and blight taken down to unapproved property, so they can be marketed for redevelopment,” Ilczyszyn said. “We have had this program a little over a year now. We have only had one person utilize this grant program so far.”
He said conversations with developers and property owners that own bigger buildings said why should they pay to demolish the building if smaller properties are receiving 100% funding to do so.
Mayor John Gunter said whatever direction they agree upon, there should be a maximum threshold rather than a percentage.
Ilczyszyn said with property appraisals they know for older structures the value is in the land. He said the property appraiser removes the value for anything more than 30 years old.
Gunter suggested that if the cap is $200,000, maybe the applicant should be eligible for the first $100,000 upfront with the second $100,000 at the end – at the time of the development. The grant will be discussed more at another meeting.
CRA approves incentives for Slipaway
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The South Cape Development Agency approved a pair of incentives for Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina on Wednesday.
A Tax Increment Financing award of $726,561 over 10 years was approved by Cape Coral City Council sitting as the South Cape CRA Commission as was a Building Improvement Grant (BIG) award for $250,000.
City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn, who also acts as the CRA’s executive director, said the distinct difference between sitting as the CRA Commission and City Council is the CRA serves at a developer/development capacity.
“Your project is your CRA. You take the funds that are generated by tax increment financing and reinvest them in your project, which is your CRA,” he said. “This request is not out of line.”
“We as a city and CRA provide incentives for businesses to come here and take the risk of going into business here,” Councilmember Bill Steinke, the CRA chair, said. “Here is the perfect example of a private entity saying we will take a risk of starting a business and take advantage of the incentive to do so. There is a policy in place that any business can do exactly what the business wanted to do.”
He said this piece of property had provided zero benefit for the public before it was developed, as the public could not go there; it was private property.
“The response, — 6,000-7,000 people a week since Fourth of July go there,” Steinke said of the new hospitality venue at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge on
Steinke and Councilmember Keith Long each filed a form 8B, a memorandum of voting conflict, resulting in them not being able to vote on the issue. Commissioners Laurie Lehmann and Jennifer NelsonLastra voted against the TIF funding. The BIG funding was approved unanimously.
“I wish this request would have come prior to it being built. My vote would be yes on infrastructure grant and no on TIF rebate,” Nelson-Lastra said.
Ilczyszyn said there are development incentives established, for which the project qualified. Those included improving access to waterway and riverfront, encourage development of retail and restaurant access to waterways, greater public access to the use of the river, basins and canals, and restaurants and entertainment venues that capitalize on the strong existing base in the CRA.
“Our role here is utilizing TIF revenues is distinctly different that the roll of City
Council,” he said, as tax revenue is specifically used to eliminate slum and blight and increase the tax base in the CRA, which will increase TIF revenue to further incentivize to do projects. “The developer/contractor is asking the Community Redevelopment Agency to refund a portion of their taxes. It’s not a grant incentive giving them money. TIF request is them saying as we move forward with this project, we are asking you for our investment in the community to return a portion of the taxes.”
TIF revenues are the difference between the tax levy pre-development and post development. The difference may be rebated to a property owner over a period of years as an incentive to develop. Such incentives are only available within a designated CRA.
City Economic Development Manager Sharon Woodberry said members of the development team reached out to the city in March of last year to discuss the project and inquire about incentive programs. She said their intent to apply was communicated at that time.
“There was an initial request from the applicant for just over $2 million for TIF funding. They amended their request to match staff’s recommendation of $726,561,” Woodberry said.
AMB Planning Consultants President
Cape Coral Parkway.
PHOTO PROVIDED
South Seas Bring back
Let’s bring back jobs.
South Seas has been one of Lee County’s largest employers, providing steady, meaningful work for hundreds of families in our community. Rebuilding South Seas will bring those jobs back and create even more. Once redevelopment is complete:
813
PERMANENT RESORT JOBS WILL BE CREATED PERMANENT JOBS WILL BE SUPPORTED
1,918
1,667 JOBS WILL BE CREATED ANNUALLY OVER THE 6-YEAR CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
This means more paychecks, more stability, and more opportunities for families who call our community home. These are real, lasting jobs across multiple industries, ranging from hospitality to supporting local businesses. These are jobs that fuel our economy and help people thrive.
Rebuilding South Seas is more than a construction project — the rebuilt resort will restore livelihoods, bring back jobs to Lee County and provide a much-needed jolt to our region’s economy.
School Board approves $2.7 billion budget
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The Lee County School Board approved a tentative budget of $2.7 billion Tuesday.
The meeting was the first of two public hearings.
The second and final budget hearing will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 5:05 p.m.
The board approved the required local effort millage rate of 3.071, $498,608,981 to be raised; .0748 basic discretionary millage with $121,445,626 to be raised; and a capital outlay millage of 1.500 to raise $243,540,694 for a total millage rate of 5.319 to raise $863,595,301.
One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of assessed taxable property valuation.
The required local effort property tax rate is 3.038 mills for the 2025-2026 school year, a .033 difference. Budget Director Kelly Letcher said this is required to participate in the Florida Education Finance Program.
Letcher said the proposed millage rate of 5.319 mills is a 1.43% increase over the rollback rate of 5.2441 mills.
She said the tax roll of $169 billion is a 5.39% increase over the previous year’s tax rate.
“Normally when see tax roll go up, millage goes down. It’s the first time the tax roll went up, and the millage went up,” Letcher said.
Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ami Desamours said it is the lowest increase in the tax roll since 2019.
“This will be a trend based on all of the economic indicators we have gotten. This
will continue over the next several years,” she said.
The effect on taxpayers with a home with a taxable valuation of $100,000, who now have a valuation of $105,390, will see a tax bill of $560.57 for schools, a difference of $31.97.
Letcher said for those taxpayers that have Save Our Home, the taxable value does not go up more than 3%. So, for a home with $100,000 in taxable valuation, the new valuation with Homestead would be $103,000. At the 5.319 tax rate, the bill would be $414.88, a $18.43 increase.
The board also approved a total tentative budget of $2,798,172,189.
The budget is broken down into five “buckets” – General Operating of $1,258,324,703; Special Revenue Budget of $117,280,254; Debt Service Budget of $71,050,046; Capital Outlay Budget of $1,129,782,490 and Internal Service Budget of $221,734,696.
Desamours said Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin’s “realignment” of $9.1 million put more money into classrooms.
Letcher said the Florida Education Finance Program makes up a portion of the general fund, about a $1 billion that is received through the program. About $90 million of the total is anticipated for the Family Empowerment Scholarships.
There was a $90 increase over last year, or about a 1% increase for a fulltime equivalent — a full-time employee — which is $9,331 per FTE.
The base student allocation is $5,372.60, a $41.62 increase.
School District to host Social Lee: Coffee & Careers on Aug. 27
The School District of Lee County will host Social Lee: Coffee & Careers on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. to provide insight on career opportunities within the District.
The informational event will allow participants to speak with the talent acquisition team and learn more about open positions within the District for the upcoming academic year. Attendees will also be able to walk through becoming certified to teach in Florida.
The event will take place at Panera Bread, at 5037 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. To register, visit LeeSchools.net/ Careers.
New hires will receive support and necessary resources that will enable them to succeed upon entering the field of education. The District offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation plan for its employees, and additional benefits and earning opportunities are also available via advanced degree supplement, summer school, athletic coaching and more. Upon hire, a personal benefits selection process will be made available to eligible employees. For support or additional questions, email careers@leeschools.net or call 239337-8676. To learn more about available career opportunities, visit LeeSchools.net/ Careers.
New data tool designed to identify student needs
‘Lee County Gap Analysis Model’ allows school district to look at grade level team outcomes
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
With the implementation of a new analysis tool, School District of Lee County officials say they can now dive deeper into testing statistics to better provide students the help they need.
Business Intelligence Director Phillip Savage said the Lee County Gap Analysis Model allows the district to look at the grade level team at each school and see how they performed with their students, which will shine light on what profile group is struggling to advance.
Savage said they trained administrators on the model, in June so they have more data at their fingertips.
Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said this administration is about transparency and “we are where we are.” She said it is not all good news, but the importance of research-based strategies makes all the difference.
“It’s no secret that some of our greatest challenges are attributed to a relatively smaller number of classrooms. You fill a vacancy, and you will see a gain. We can do better,” she said. “The children don’t have an association or union, we have to be the voice for children.”
Carlin said when they lack data, they make poorer decisions.
“Data that is actionable, we make better decisions,” she said. “What you can’t fudge is proficiency. There has to be real strategy behind it.”
The Tuesday meeting discussed the student achievement end-of-year results, which now target more data than years prior.
Savage said the percentage of elementary schools that have As and Bs sits at 48% (24 out of 50), which is lower compared to the state average, which sits at 66%.
Middle schools at an A or B stand at 55.6% (10 out of 18), compared to the state’s 69.8%. High schools sit at 64.7% (11 out of 17), compared to the state’s 82.4% and
“We can target where the need is right now. It helps us know where to support, what kind of help and where to send the help. This is our breakdown of where some of the gap needs are by schools. We have 718 areas of need, and we know exactly where they are.”
— Dr. Nathan Shaker, Chief Academic officer, who added the data is empowering the district to look at the areas to know the highest impact.
the combination schools sits at 50% (6 out of 12) for Lee County and 76.5% for the state.
The grading scale has been adjusted for high schools and combination schools, as well as districts, because the proportion of A and B schools is above 75%.
“When the percentage of As and Bs reach 75% or higher, they are going to increase a cut score. It’s harder to maintain those As and Bs than it has in the past,” Savage said.
The School District of Lee County earned a B grade, earning 715 points, or 60% of the points. There were six A districts – Miami Dade, Broward, Pinellas, Palm Beach, Orange and Duval, all ranging from 827 points to 763 points.
“Although we went up 10 points overall, that was the lowest point change compared to the other Big 10,” Savage said.
The highest point growth for the Big 10 districts was Broward with 40 points, followed by Duval with 34 points.
The presentation highlighted the third grade English Language Arts achievement as the Big 10 districts, which put the School District of Lee County in 10th place with a negative two-point change from 52 to 50. The highest gain was four points for Pinellas and Pasco.
Savage said if a low literacy group is onboarded, tre-
mendous things will have to be done to narrow the gap.
“The focus is about outlier performance. Even though the gap between us and the state is widening, there are areas that we are performing well,” he said.
The data showed that 73% of the student gap to the state in learning gains came from about 21% of the schools and 32% of the district’s student gap to the state in learning gains came from about 5% of the ELA teachers.
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nathan Shaker said the data is empowering the district to look at the areas to know the highest impact. He said from last year the percentages could have been a result of teacher vacancies.
“We can target where the need is right now. It helps us know where to support, what kind of help and where to send the help,” he said. “This is our breakdown of where some of the gap needs are by schools. We have 718 areas of need, and we know exactly where they are.”
The target of support will come the first week of school.
The data also shines a light on pockets of excellence, Shaker said, which shows that 378 classrooms far exceeded state performance.
“We can observe the teachers and learn from the teachers and begin to start taking what they are doing and bring it to scale,” he said.
Weekly B reeze Recap
City celebrates removal of the Chiquita Lock
‘Unblock the
Lock’ block party and ribbon-cutting draws supporters
By CASEY BRADLEY GENT news@breezenewspapers.com
The city of Cape Coral celebrated the removal of the Chiquita Lock last Friday with an “Unblock the Lock” block party and ribbon cutting.
The ceremony along the South Spreader canal at 5781 Cape Harbour Drive had been years — and a pair of environmental challenges — in the making.
Among those happy to see the waterway unobstructed was City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn, who began his career with the city in 2002 which began its efforts to remove the device in 2006.
The lock, part of a decades-old consent order related to the un-permitted dredging of Cape canals, was originally intended to keep pollutants from stormwater runoff out of the Caloosahatchee estuary.
Although environmentalists, some residents including the “Three Fishermen” who filed a petition challenging the permit to remove the lock, and environmental organizations including the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation opposed its removal for that reason, the city has long contended that the lock had outlived its usefulness and its removal would not harm the river.
Ilczyszyn gave a simple explanation of the mechanism and why the city worked so long to get it removed.
“A canal lock is a method of transferring vessels from two elevations,” he said. “We had manatees, dolphins and fish, getting crushed inside of the lock. Removing the gates from this area was really just about common sense.” Ilczyszyn said.
To mitigate the potential of water quality impacts, city officials will now deploy oyster reef balls and plant thousands of additional mangroves.
“This waterway is ready for the city’s future,” Ilczyszyn said.
In attendance at the block party were both former and current city council members, environmental biologist Harry Phillips, Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter, Fred Edman, president of Wright Construction — the company charged with removing the Chiquita Lock — and more than 40 community supporters.
“There was a large amount of civilian support for this,” Gunter said.
He thanked Wright Construction for its efficiency in competing removal of the lock ahead of schedule.
Edman said his company, which employees more than 70 people, had a lot of support for this project.
“Some of our employees are volunteering next week, and coming out here to plant mangroves,” Edman added.
Ron Austin is a Cape Coral resident who, Ilczyszyn said, never gave up on his advocacy for removing the Chiquita Lock. Austin beamed as Gunter cut the ceremonial red ribbon.
“The lock was aging,” Austin said. “We once saw a dead manatee cow lying in the shallow water. There was barbed wire and debris. It was just incredibly unsafe.”
Other residents agreed it was a day overdue.
Neighbors Anne McCormick and Kathy and Chris Scott brought lawn chairs, plastic wine flutes and a bottle of champagne to celebrate the removal of the water control structure that had been inoperable since Hurricane Ian. Following the official ribbon-cutting, they raised their glasses in a hearty toast.
McCormick said she is a former chemist and believes the area will be more environmentally sound.
“The three of us live on the water behind the former Chiquita Lock,” she said. “I know of eight manatees who were crushed. The lock was a real safety hazard, and the word I have today is grateful. We are just so grateful to former and current city council members who made the canal safe again.
The day’s festivities, which included a buffet by Mission BBQ, culminated with Phillips and Cape Coral environmental technicians taking a small watercraft across the canal and planting mangroves along the waterway.
Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn addresses the crowd gathered Friday in celebration of the removal of the Chiquita Lock by Wright Construction. The water control device in the South Spreader was originally intended to keep pollutants from stormwater runoff out of the Caloosahatchee estuary.
CASEY BRADLEY GENT
Cape schools providing supplies for students
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
There are a few Cape Coral schools that are providing students with supplies this year, an effort to take the financial burden off families.
District Spokesperson Rob Spicker said they have 55 schools and specialty centers, plus five charters in the district that have Title I status.
“All Title I schools are provided with their allocation based on the percentage of students qualifying for Direct Certification. Principals have the autonomy to determine how that allocation supplements their regular education program, whether that be instructional or support staff, instructional programs or supplies. All schools include part of their allocation for supplies, some of which are intended to offset the financial cost for families, benefiting all children,” he said.
For the third year now, Caloosa Elementary School has taken its Title I grant funding to provide resources to their students. As of July 28, the school had 993 students enrolled for pre-k through fifth grade.
“What a wonderful way to really just provide resources that everyone needs to be productive and successful in school and to ease that burden for families,”
Principal Ashley LaMar said. “The financial burden, the emotional burden.”
He said no one thinks to stock up on school supplies at the beginning of the calendar year, but rather right before school begins.
“The next thing you know you are spending $70 to $80, times two or three kids and school shoes, haircuts, uniforms. It can be a burden,” LaMar said.
With the school supplies already in the classroom, if a student does not have a pencil, they have access to one.
“It’s eliminated that barrier of maybe I don’t have what I need as a kid,” he said. “We are not going to worry about that – not having a pencil, paper. It’s here. It’s in the room. We can focus on learning.”
LaMar recalls a memory from 7th grade when he was not fully prepared for a math test.
“We had a math test that day and I didn’t have a pencil,” he said. “I was scared. He (the teacher) had a rule, if you didn’t have a pencil, you weren’t prepared for class.” Without a pencil, 10 points would be taken off his test. Pens were not allowed to do math, but that was the only thing LaMar had.
He got every question right, but was given a zero for his math test because he used a pen.
“As I got older and began working in schools I was in a position to make sure no one has to experience that. We are going to take care of this,” LaMar said. “We are going to ask that kids come to school well rested and eager to learn. We are going to make sure that kids have what they need to be successful in school.”
Due to a wonderful partnership with City First Church and Juniper Landscaping they also have standard backpacks if students are in need.
“We don’t really get a lot of requests for backpacks. If a kid needs a backpack, we have a lot of backpacks as well,” he said.
LaMar said families are welcome to purchase supplies for their kids. He said they get a fair number of parents who still want to help and donate such school supplies as pencils, crayons and notebooks.
“We want the focus really to be on maximize learning and helping each kid exceed her and his highest potential,” LaMar said.
He said he is really excited for the start of the school year, Monday, Aug. 11.
When starting a career there is usually a beginning, the first day, and the end, when you retire.
“We get that every year – beginning of the school year and end of the school year. The summer you reflect upon the previous year and plan for the upcoming year. It’s almost like starting over. I am going into my first year for the 29th time,” LaMar said.
the Breeze Community
August 1, 2025
An example of a home compost bin.
Making black gold in Southwest Florida
By SYLVIA SWARTZ news@breezenewspapers.com
No — I haven’ suddenly discovered a pie in the sky get rich idea — I’m talking about composting – nature’s other “black” gold. Composting is an effective way to reduce household waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for our gardens. Thanks to Florida’s warm and humid climate, organic materials break down quickly, making it an ideal environment for composting year-round. Our gardens can really profit from composting to improve our local very poor sandy soil — with the added benefit of reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainable living.
Garden Club of Cape Coral
What is composting you might ask? It’s the natural process of recycling organic matter — like food scraps, yard waste and paper — into a valuable soil amendment, compost. This process is driven by microorganisms, insects and worms that break down materials into humus, a dark, crumbly substance rich in nutrients, otherwise known as dirt!
The basic ingredients of compost are:
n Greens: Nitrogen-rich materials like vegetable scraps and peelings, coffee grounds, fruit peels and grass clippings. Banana peel is particularly good to compost.
n Browns: Carbon-rich materials such as dried leaves, newspaper, cardboard and twigs.
A good compost pile should maintain a balance between greens and browns, ideally at a 1:2 ratio to promote healthy decomposition.
So how do we get started? In this area, the following composting methods are well-suited for the climate:
1. Backyard composting: Make a simple compost bin or pile in your backyard. Site it, if you can, in a welldrained, partially shaded location to prevent overheating and drying out. Be considerate of your neighbors and don’t put it against a fence.
2. Tumbler composting: A rotating drum-style composter is ideal for faster results and pest control. Tumblers are also easier to manage in our city location.
3. Vermicomposting: This method uses red wiggler worms in a bin to compost food waste. It’s perfect for apartments or homes with limited outdoor space but is a little more labor intensive.
4. Trench or pit composting: Bury food scraps directly into garden beds. This low-maintenance method works well in our sandy soil and requires no bin and no monitoring.
A wide variety of maters can be composted:
n Kitchen scraps: Vegetable peels, fruit rinds, coffee grounds, tea bags (minus staples).
n Yard waste: Leaves, grass clippings (in moderation), palm leaves, small branches and pine needles.
n Paper products: Shredded newspaper, cut-up cardboard (non-glossy) and paper towels.
Don’t compost meat, dairy, greasy foods and pet waste, as they can attract pests and create nasty smells. Turn the pile every one to two weeks to supply oxygen and speed up decomposition. Compost should be damp
Bozek’s paintings on exhibit at Cape Coral Library Art Gallery
Changing exhibitions in the Cape Coral Library’s expansive art gallery are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford the public an opportunity to enjoy the work of talented local artists. The library is located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, off of Mohawk Parkway, and the exhibits are open during regular business hours.
Over 40 paintings in a variety of sizes by artist Robert Bozek are on exhibit in the library’s art gallery and will remain in place through Aug. 28. Larger ones adorn the walls, and smaller pieces can be viewed in the three illuminated display cases of the gallery.
Visitors will notice that many of his paintings are grouped by theme. There’s a “Wizard of Oz” series, an Abstract Expressionist Floral series, a Travel series and a Geometric Abstract series to enjoy.
Plus, there are numerous depictions of his favorite subjects: lighthouses and other nautical scenes.
Robert (Capt. Bob) Bozek, an artist born and raised in New York, maintains a home as well as a studio here in Cape Coral. His varied paintings have been widely exhibited and sold throughout the Hamptons of New York.
Over his 90-year lifetime, Bozek worked as a layout manager for Newsday for 43 years and as a licensed boat captain holding a masters 100-ton rating. All the while, his interest in painting has persisted ever since he first began studying art at the tender age of 12. He was the first art major in his high school, earning him the designation of “Oceanside’s Rembrandt” in his graduation year book.
After many years of exhibiting his work in New York, the library welcomes the opportunity to show Bozek’s paintings in the art gallery of the Cape Coral Library here in Southwest Florida.
For information, contact Art Gallery Chairperson Monica Rahman by email to gallery@capefriends.org or visit www.capefriends.org. Follow “Friends of the Cape Coral Library” on Facebook.
Cape Coral Animal Shelter hosts more puppy
‘Meet and Greet’ events for city youth campers
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter has reported the success of its 2025 youth outreach program, marking another memorable summer of compassionate learning, joyful interactions and community connection. In collaboration with the city of Cape Coral’s youth camps, the shelter reached more than 450 young residents this summer through engaging events that brought shelter animals and children together.
Since CCAS opened its doors in 2020, the shelter has made it a priority to connect with Cape Coral’s youth each summer—and this year’s events may have been the most impactful yet. The beloved “Meet and Greet” sessions with shelter pups once again proved to be a favorite activity among campers. These hands-on experiences took place both at the shelter and at multiple city locations, giving children a chance to learn about animal care, kindness and responsible pet ownership.
“These visits are so much more than puppy snuggles and wagging tails — they’re about planting seeds of empathy and confidence in young hearts,” said Liz McCauley, executive director of Cape Coral Animal Shelter. “Every child we meet rep-
PHOTO PROVIDED
A young camper enjoys a moment with a playful puppy at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter.
resents a future advocate for animals. Watching them connect with our shelter pets is nothing short of magical.”
This summer, CCAS took part in seven dynamic camp events hosted at locations across the city and at the shelter. From curious preschoolers to energetic pre-teens, the young campers experienced unforgettable,
hands-on interactions with our shelter animals.
Each event was made possible through the dedication of CCAS volunteers — especially Tom Ellegood, a retired Lee County Sheriff’s deputy and a cherished volunteer who coordinates the camp program. His commitment to safety, structure and heartfelt engagement ensures every session is impactful and secure for children and animals alike.
The shelter credits its volunteers and the collaboration with Cape Coral Parks and Recreation for making this program such a success. Heartwarming photos from these events have been featured on CCAS’s social media channels and newsletter, capturing the spirit of joy and learning that defines this program.
“This initiative is a perfect example of how we build a more compassionate and connected community,” McCauley added. “We’re incredibly proud to play a role in shaping the next generation through love, education, and service.”
The CCAS is at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., in Cape Coral. For more about the shelter, please visit www. capecoralanimalshelter.com
Lee County Domestic Animal Services to hold kitten adoption event Aug. 7
Kitten season is still in full swing and Lee County Domestic Animal Services has many kittens looking for caring homes. To assist with adoptions, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will host Lee County Domestic Animal Services for a kitten adoption event.
The event will be held 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Miromar outreach center, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 190, in Estero. Adoption fees will be waived with an approved application. Visit www.LeeLostPets.com to complete your application online.
Find Lee County Domestic Animal Services’ social media sites on Facebook or Instagram @leeanimalservices.
To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.
PHOTO PROVIDED
One of Robert Bozek’s lighthouse paintings.
FSW invites innovators to inaugural Hackathon
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers are invited to participate in the inaugural Florida Southwestern State College 24-hour Hackathon next week.
Daveler Institute of Entrepreneurship Program Director Dr. Peter Ocsody said participants of Hackathons are given a particular problem, or challenge for which they have to come up with a solution for within 24 hours. The team, or individual who attend either bring their own challenge or problem, or are offered some challenges from which to choose.
Those challenges have come from economic development directors from a fivecounty region, Collaboratory, and the FSW School of Business and Technology.
“At the very beginning we give them a description or an introduction to those challenges, so they understand, and based on that, they can pick one,” Ocsody said. “All the individuals, or team, based on that one, spend the next 24 hours to try to come up with some kind of solution.”
The Hackathon will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, in Building K, at the FSW’s Lee Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers.
Before the event begins they will provide participants with an approach — how to get into a problem and figure out a solution – a step-by-step approach.
“This is how you can think it through and come up with a solution,” Ocsody said.
There will be mentors throughout the 24-hour period, so if participants run into some kind of issue, or obstacle they cannot overcome, they will be able to provide help.
Both students and community members, 18 and older, are encouraged to register, which can be done by visiting www.fsw. edu/die/events. The event is free. Those who would like to be a mentor, can visit the same website and fill out an application.
“We will be feeding all the participants for 24 hours,” he said. At the very end, 1
The Hackathon will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 7, in Building K, at the FSW’s Lee Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers.
To learn more, register or become a mentor, visit www.fsw.edu/die/ events.
p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, there will be a lunch break and opportunity for participants to prepare their presentation for a pitch competition. Prizes range from $1,000 to $250.
The event is organized by the Entrepreneurship Institute, part of a campaign to start their new Associate in Science Entrepreneurship Program degree. There have been four events so far, ranging from open mic to pitch practice events.
“This is the final event before we start the semester,” Ocsody said.
So far, the new program has received more than 170 applications, each of whom received an invitation as a pre-semester boot camp opportunity.
The Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute is an accredited degree program. Completion of the program will prepare students for such positions as a small business owner, startup founder, operations manager, franchise operator and social impact entrepreneur.
FSW’s School of Business and Technology received a $1.9 million donation from the Frank G. Daveler Foundation, which created the institute.
“That is when I came into the picture to create a degree program and design a degree program based on the particular needs of the study body at FSW,” he said.
The entire program is designed around the concept of building a business.
The degree is a two-year, four semester program complete with nine courses that will begin in August.
Sponsors needed for Oct. 11 Partners Pink Run
Sponsors are needed for the second annual Partners Pink Run, a 5k run at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers.
Presented by Worthington Realty, the Partners Pink Run benefits Partners for Breast Cancer Care, a Southwest Florida nonprofit that funds breast screening, diagnostic testing and treatment for underserved women and men in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.
The nonprofit Partners for Breast Cancer Care receives no federal, state, county or city funding — all funds are raised in the community.
Over the past 10 years, Partners for Breast Cancer Care has helped more than 4,640 people receive no-cost breast care. The organization has funded 7,402 breast care procedures at a cost of more than $1.1 million.
“Through our mission, 125 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 10 years, and we celebrate 125 lives saved thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors!” said Janet Darnell, executive director of Partners for Breast Cancer Care. “Every dollar counts toward our mission of ruling
Our Summer 2025 Learn to Row (LTR) Course for Adults (high school graduates and older) starts with an orientation at 6pm on Aug 8th. The course consists of approximately 16 hours of coached instruction. This typically translates to about 7 or 8 class sessions over a 3-week time period. The first 3 classes are mandatory. If you know in advance that you can not make the first 3 classes, we suggest you wait for the next session. Due to summer weather there may be a need to move a week-day class to a Sunday morning.
For more information, course schedule, and to register go to www.rowccrc.org/learntorow or scan the QR Code. Send questions to ltr@rowccrc.org
out or diagnosing breast cancer in uninsured women and men across Southwest Florida.”
In addition to presenting sponsor, Worthington Realty, sponsors include ServPro of North Naples, Redline Athletics Fort Myers, Apex Physical Therapy, Premiere Plus Realty Company, Lee Health, Fleet Feet Fort Myers, Bell Tower Fort Myers, Absolute Gains Personal Training, and Redline Demolition Services, Inc.
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For a full list of sponsors levels and benefits or to register for the run, visit RunSignUp.com/Race/FL/FortMyers/ PartnersPinkRun.
About Partners for Breast Cancer Care
Partners for Breast Cancer Care (PFBCC) is a nonprofit and United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades partner agency that funds breast screening, diagnostic testing and treatment for underserved women and men in Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. To learn more, visit PFBCC.org, call 239-454-8583 or email pfbcc2004@yahoo.com.
Water: Public urged to take a role, hold officials accountable
From page 1
general public and media, and concerned individuals who want it,” said SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis. “That also goes to water managers so that they understand what’s happening in our part of the system, and hopefully that weighs in when they’re making their decisions.”
As far as the current water quality levels in Southwest Florida go, despite a lack of releases from Lake Okeechobee, there are still high levels of nutrients in the water from other sources.
According to data from Protecting Florida Together, which is a consolidated source of information about Florida’s efforts to protect and improve water quality, tidal segments one, two, and three of the Caloosahatchee River are all designated “waters not attaining standards.”
In the Caloosahatchee area in Cape Coral, waters are “attaining standards.”
Protecting Florida Together is a partnership among the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health. It is the state’s commitment to keeping the public informed about statewide water quality and restoration efforts, as well as simple steps all Floridians can take to help prevent excessive nutrients from entering waterways.
On July 21, sampling for cyanobacteria by the Lee County Environmental Lab reported Microcystis and cyano filaments as “present” at the Alva Boat Ramp, appearing as “sparse, light streaks.”
Also on July 21, satellite imagery of Lake Okeechobee showed the presence of an algal bloom covering about 160 miles, or 34% of the lake.
DePaolis said there are a couple of key components to water quality in the Caloosahatchee Estuary in our area.
First is the water management decisions on how release from the lake are happening.
“And those hopefully in the future just got a lot easier because we had the opening and ribbon cutting for the C-43 Reservoir,” DePaolis said. “What that is going to do is hold water, provide limited treatment of that water, and then when we’re in the drought conditions of the dry season when we need water, we’re not getting water from the lake, we’ll be able to put water into the river from that reservoir, and hold and establish that salinity gradient in the estuary without contending for water to other users in the system.”
Second is the general impairment of water from a more direct source.
“That’s something that we are con-
stantly thinking about, and that has a huge impact on the grand scheme of things — how we’re being impacted by clean or notso-clean water here in this area” DePaolis said.
Having a water quality-focused month is a positive in DePaolis’ eyes, as he said getting people to pay attention to and understand water quality outside of when there’s red tide or large harmful algae blooms can be a challenge.
“There are times like these when water looks good — it’s much harder to get people to understand we’re that we’re still being impacted by water pollution,” he said.
When waters are talked of being impaired in areas across Southwest Florida, DePaolis said most of that impairment is regarding nutrient pollution such as nitrogen and phosphorus that’s coming from watershed, agriculture, septic, stormwater, and home fertilizer and irrigation.
“I think the scope of the problem is large, and it is a little confounding because we have the Clean Water Act which requires labeling of these water bodies as impaired when they’re not meeting the standards needed for the uses of the water,” he said. “And if you look at our water bodies, a lot of them are impaired around here. That means the Federal Government acknowledges them as impaired, and they’re not as clean as they should be. State government acknowledges they’re not as clean as they should be.”
DePaolis said there are Basin
Management Action Plans that are supposed to provide tools to clean up the water.
“But what we’re seeing is there’s a lot of time being spent on BMAPs, there’s a lot of money, there’s a lot of talking about these problems, and it’s really odd because this is not an issue that has multiple sides,” DePaolis said. “There’s no one saying ‘I don’t want clean water.’ Everyone is on the side of clean water. But when it actually comes down to making our water cleaner, we’re not using metrics that result in cleaner water.
“We’re talking about it more, we’re spending more money, everyone is pulling for clean water, but the trends we’re seeing are continual degradation of our water sources.
“There’s this issue that we’re seeing that on paper, our water’s getting cleaner… but when you actually go out and measure and monitor the water and the pollution in the water, that’s not the trends we’re seeing on the ground. Clearly there’s a disconnect somewhere between the laws as written, the planning for enforcing those laws, and actual enforcement.”
DePaolis said there’s no “silver bullet” solution to improving water quality, as there’s no single-source of water quality issues. He said Lake Okeechobee discharges get the crux of the blame, as the lake is “incredibly polluted” and has been used as the “dumping ground for agriculture fertilizer for the last hundred years.”
The lake in constantly blooming with algae, and when discharges happen, impaired water is coming directly into the mouth of local estuaries.
“If that interacts with a red tide, that’s hugely problematic for our communities,” DePaolis said.
While discharges can be detrimental, DePaolis said overall, the amount of nutrients that are loaded into Lee County estuar-
ies from watershed sources is greater on an annual basis than the amount of nutrients from Lake Okeechobee.
When water is not clean, especially visually, there are heavy economic and health impacts to both human and wildlife.
“We have a tourism-based economy down here in Southwest Florida,” DePaolis. “Clean water is the driver of our real estate market, of our tourist industry, of all of the supporting industries, and it’s really the driver of our growth down here. We’re putting that all at risk when we can’t protect our water.”
SCCF partnered with local advocacy groups in Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Captains for Clean Water a few years back and released an economic analysis that was “conservative” and focused just on coastal ZIP code areas of Collier, Charlotte and Lee Counties.
The analysis looked at the potential economic impact of just one harmful algal bloom, and showed that the event could cost those three counties $5 billion in lost economic output, as well as cost 43,000 jobs.
How can members of the community play their part?
Community members are encouraged to not fertilize — especially during rainy season —and to use sprinklers less. It’s also important to ask those making decisions not just whether they support clean water, but how they’re supporting the initiative.
“The community is the one that are picking our leaders, and the ones that are empowering people to be making these decisions about our water,” DePaolis said. “I think it’s really necessary that people first and foremost become educated about the issues. It’s really easy to not do that. These issues are complex and nuanced and difficult, and they really require people being engaged and caring about what the future of Florida is going to look like. People need to understand they play a role right now, today. A lot people that you talk to in South Florida are shocked at the pace of development they’ve seen — from people that have been here five years ago, to their whole lives. It’s necessary for people to ask their leaders what the future plans are, and what development looks like — and how are we going to develop in such a way that protects the resources that are import to us.”
DePaolis added that now is the time, and that there’s a real opportunity to protect some of the last areas in Lee County — especially western Lee County — from development that will put further strain on waterways and wildlife.
“We have some of the most productive waters in the world in Florida — at least they were,” he said. “We have amazing waterways here in Lee County that are home to some of the most unique species on the planet. We have one of the most productive sawfish pupping grounds in the world here for that endangered species. I think that’s something to be proud of. If we can’t protect the water and the wetlands, then we’re going to lose not only that species, but (will see a negative impact) on all of the species that rely on them that aren’t endangered.”
For more information on SCCF and to view their weekly reports, visit www. SCCF.org.
For more information on Protecting Florida Together, visit www.protectingfloridatogether.gov.
FILE PHOTO
The waters off of Sanibel. Clean water is the key to not only Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystem, it is a driver of its tourism-driven economy.
Home: Dog adoption and Clear the Shelters events also scheduled
From page 1
The event will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 7 at the Miromar outreach center, at 10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 190 in Estero. Adoption fees will be waived with an approved application.
“Lee County Domestic Animal Services is the stray facility for Lee County,” said LCDAS’ Karen Hoel. “As such, LCDAS can see an intake upwards of 25 cats or kittens each day. Adoptions help LCDAS to care for incoming felines each day.”
Hoel said LCDAS saw a 60% increase in the number of kittens in its care this June alone over last year.
“The year-round warm climate allows cats to breed almost year-round,” Hoel said. “Warmer temperatures beginning earlier in the year caused an earlier breeding season. Owner surrenders also have increased.”
At Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Executive Director Liz McCauley said it seemed like this year kitten season started a bit slower, but went into overdrive quickly.
“Not a day has gone by since spring that we have not been asked to take kittens,” she said. “It most definitely has to do with the lack of spay/neuter resources available in our community. TNVR, (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) while controversial, makes an undeniable impact on the number of kittens being born to outdoor or feral cats, and then rescued and brought to shelters.”
Since January, CCAS has taken in more than 290 kittens, and right now, 65 are still in their care. While those numbers match last year’s, McCauley said the reality is CCAS is still a small shelter with very limited space.
“Every day, we have to make the heartbreaking decision to turn away people trying to surrender kittens they’ve found,” she said. “The sad truth is, our community simply doesn’t have enough resources or capacity to meet the overwhelming number of unwanted animals — especially vulnerable kittens.”
When it comes to how the community can play a role in the overpopulation of kittens, McCauley said fixing your pets is the single most effective way to stop the cycle.
“Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to do the same,” she said. “If you see outdoor cats, reach out to your
If You Go:
What:
Lee County Domestic Animal Services Clear The Shelters
When:
Throughout August and includes a waived adoption fee event on Aug. 23.
Where:
Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 5600 Banner Dr., Fort Myers
More information: For more information visit, www.LeeLostPets.com
local shelters and we can direct you to groups who will help trap and fix them.
“Consider fostering kittens. Besides being a lot of fun, fosters save lives. Shelters are overwhelmed, and kittens need a safe place to grow until they’re adoptable.”
McCauley added that those looking for a new addition to the family should adopt, not shop.
“Choosing to adopt instead of buying from breeders
helps reduce shelter overcrowding and gives kittens already in need a second chance,” she said. “Shelters could not do what they do without volunteers and donors. Lend your time or contribute supplies, food, or funds to local shelters and rescue organizations. Every bit helps provide care for more animals.”
More than cats & kittens
Cats and kittens are not the only creatures testing the capacity limits of local shelters — there are plenty of canine companions available for adoption, too.
On Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon, CCAS and Cape Coral Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram will partner for a dog adoption event. For every adoption, and every vehicle sold that day, the dealership will donate $100 to CCAS.
Adoption forms can be filled out on CCAS’ website, and all adoptions must be finalized at the shelter.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services has joined NBCUniversal Local’s 11th annual Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign that runs throughout August and includes a waived adoption fee event on Aug. 23.
Animal Services will reduce adoption fees beginning Aug. 21 to $20 with an approved application.
For the highlight of the Clear The Shelters event, adoption fees will be waived from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 23, at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers.
Since its 2015 inception, Clear The Shelters has helped nearly 1.2 million pets find new homes.
The benefit to adopters?
“Unconditional love and companionship,” Hoel said. “They are proven to reduce stress and anxiety. They can also teach children responsibility and care for others.”
Visit www.LeeLostPets.com to complete an application online. Find Lee County Domestic Animal Services’ social media sites on Facebook or Instagram @leeanimalservices. LCDAS is located at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers.
Cape Coral Animal Shelter is located at 325 SW 2nd Ave. For more information, visit www.capecoralanimalshelter.com.
Cape Coral Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram is at 2200 N.E. Pine Island Road.
AT LCEC, MEMBERSHIP MEANS EVERYTHING
In partnership with the United Way, Power to Share by Rounding Up allows members to round their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar to help a neighbor in need. These contributions can help members
Membership Matters
City hears options for utility expansion project management
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Depending on the how the city chooses to manage the next phases of its Utility Expansion Program, it may be able to get the remaining work done years earlier and at a lesser cost
If the city were to utilize a Program Manager at Risk (PMAR) Delivery method for the UEP, it could compress the construction schedule, Cape Coral City Council was told Wednesday.
Mayor John Gunter said not only could they get the project done quicker if they changed to a PMAR, but it would also cost the city and residents less.
“If you look at the entire timeline here, a person is getting their UEP seven years earlier. If we can get these projects done quicker, sooner, it’s not only a benefit for the city economically, but also keeps the fees down for residents if they can get their project done quicker. If we can do that in a different kind of fashion, it is a no brainer,” he said.
Design and Construction Manager William Corbett said in 1999 when the UEP was created the city utilized a PMAR delivery method, which ran for nine years.
Then from 2008 until 2012, during the nationwide real estate collapse and Great Recession, the UEP was put on hold by council.
When the UEP began in 2013 it started as a design-bid-build delivery method.
From 1970 to 2025 approximately 61.03% of the city was provided with water, sewer, and irrigation services, leaving 38.79% to be completed.
The PMAR method would use a firm to manages and complete the scope of the project on behalf of the city.
This offers significant time savings, as they could utilize the PMAR resources to compress the schedule and get the project done quicker, Corbett said.
This method also guarantees a maximum price.
The design, bid, build method uses consultants to design the project and the
city hires contractors to complete the work. Corbett said it is a fragmented process as there are limited resources available with the city staff who oversees the design, bidding and construction phase.
The PMAR history from 1999 to 2008 — 6.42 years — consisted of 3,706,735 linear feet of pipe installed over 3,503 working days, equating to 1,058.16 linear feet per day.
The current process, from 2013 until now — 12.05 years — consists of 2,947,057 linear feet of pipeline installed over 2,646 days, equating to 1113.78 linear feet per day.
Cameras: $100 fines for going over 10 mph over the speed limit
From page 1
“The success of this program will be measured by a change in behavior — fewer people speeding on our roadways,” said CCPD Public Affairs Officer Lisa Greenberg. “This program has not been in place long enough to measure that success. However, we are hopeful that this school year will show a marked decrease in violations, and therefore, prove to be a success.”
RedSpeed cameras have been permitted at: Ida S. Baker High School, Challenger Middle School, Diplomat Middle School, Mariner Middle School, Trafalgar Middle School, Cape Elementary School, Diplomat Elementary School, Gulf Elementary School, Oasis Charter Elementary School (North), Patriot Elementary School, Pelican Elementary School, Skyline Elementary School, Trafalgar Elementary School,
Heritage Charter Academy, St. Andrew Catholic School, Nicaea Academy, and Cape Coral Christian School.
Cameras operate on school days and are active 30 minutes before school starts, during school hours, and 30 minutes after school ends.
When school zone lights are flashing, the reduced speed limit is enforced. When lights are not flashing during school hours, the regular posted speed limit applies.
In both cases, drivers who exceed the applicable limit by more than 10 mph will receive a violation.
The cameras are not active on weekends, holidays and non-instructional days.
CCPD officials said the top speed recorded while the school zone speed limit was in effect (20 mph) was 65 mph at Cape Christian School.
The top speed recorded while regular
posted speed limit was in effect (45 mph) was 92 mph at Skyline Elementary School.
“It is critical for drivers to abide by the speed limits in school zones for the safety of the children walking and biking to school,” Greenberg said. “Speeding is a danger to all drivers and anyone on the road.”
The $100 civil violation is issued if a driver exceeds the posted speed limit by more than 10 mph in an active school zone. RedSpeed cameras use radar or laser technology to detect speeding vehicles in active school zones. When a vehicle exceeds the limit by more than 10 mph, the system captures photographic and video evidence. A certified law enforcement officer or traffic infraction enforcement officer reviews the violation before issuing a citation.
A Notice of Violation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. No points
are assessed on the driver license, and the violation does not impact insurance.
CCPD officials said speed measurement devices are calibrated at least once a year by a third-party vendor. Per state law, equipment has to go through operational testing once a month, but RedSpeed does it daily.
The money is divided among various government entities and the vendor.
CCPD officials said 39% stays with city for public safety initiatives, 12% goes to the school district for safety initiatives, 5% goes to the School Crossing Guard Program, 21% goes to RedSpeed for operations/maintenance, and the remaining 23% goes to the state.
The CCPD has an FAQ posted to its website. For more information visit: https:// capecops.com/virtual-kiosk/redspeed-cameras-faq/
Business
Mermaid-themed storytime event
Saturday at Flutterbuy Books and More
Flutterbuy Books and More in Cape Coral is making waves with a fin-tastic event for young readers this Saturday, Aug. 2, at 1 p.m., for a special book signing with local children’s author Katherine Callard.
Callard will be signing her enchanting new picture book, “The Mermaid Sisters’ School of Ocean ABCs” — an illustrated, rhyming story that takes children on an underwater adventure from A to Z. Young readers will dive into the magical world of mermaid sisters Zada, Anya and Leia as they explore ocean life while learning the alphabet.
Callard is a children’s author and storyteller known for weaving imagination and education together. Her newest release helps early readers explore marine life while learning the alphabet in a magical, mermaid-filled setting.
The signing by Callard was originally scheduled for early in July but had to be rescheduled.
Flutterbuy Books and More is at 840 S.W. 4th S., Unit 7, Cape Coral. For more information, call (239) 888-0026.
End-of-Summer
Pop-Up Food Drive to be held Aug. 8 at Sidecar Treats
Community Cooperative is teaming up with Sidecar Treats in Cape Coral to hold an End-of-Summer Pop-Up Food Drive Friday, Aug. 8, from 4-6 p.m. Participants who bring five non-perishable food items will receive a token for a free tap beer (21+) or $1 off an ice cream treat.
Sidecar Treats is at 434 S.E. 47th Terrace, Suite A, in South Cape.
For more information about Community Cooperative, visit www.CommunityCooperative.com or call (239) 332-7687.
City of Cape Coral to hold Business and Industry Roundtable Aug. 15
The City of Cape Coral invites retail business owners and operators to a Business and Industry Roundtable at City Hall Friday, Aug. 15. The event will include coffee and light refreshments.
This roundtable is part of the city’s ongoing Business and Industry Roundtable Series and is designed to foster open dialogue with retail businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to share insights, voice concerns, and explore ways the City can better support small businesses.
The goals of the roundtable include connecting retail business leaders to discuss local challenges and solutions, exploring economic trends and opportunities within the retail industry and identifying future programs and initiatives to support business retention and growth
To attend, register by contacting Andreana Petersen in the Economic and Business Development Office at apetersen@capecoral.gov. RSVP no later than Monday, Aug. 11.
REIS August luncheon to address legislative changes to mitigation banking
The Real Estate Investment Society will host a presentation by Shane Johnson and Bethany Brosious of Passarella & Associates regarding recent changes in the regulation of mitigation banks at its next meeting Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Florida recently passed Senate Bill 492 (SB 492) and its companion House Bill 1175, which introduce major updates to the state’s mitigation banking framework. These changes were set to take effect July 1, 2025, and will reshape how mitigation banking is approached.
The meeting is sponsored by Pavese Law Firm and will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. in the Osprey Room at Pelican Preserve’s Clubhouse, on Treeline Avenue at Colonial Boulevard, one mile east of I-75, exit 136, in Fort Myers.
Tickets are $30 form members and $45 for non-members. Reservations are required by Friday, Aug. 8. Visit https://reis-swfl.org/ for more information.
August 1, 2025
CCCIA ‘speed dating’ event Aug. 14
Network expanding activity to help connect builders and subcontractors
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Those in the construction industry can experience a twist on “date night” this month.
The Cape Coral Construction Industry Association will host a “speed dating” session Thursday, Aug. 14, where members and prospective members can meet with local builders, expand their network and potentially grow their business.
“This event is a win-win for both builders and subcontractors,” said CCCIA Executive Director Wade Kundinger. “On one hand the builders get to ‘freshen up’ their arsenal of quality subcontractors for their business needs. On the subcontractor side, they get to meet and talk to many different builders in one location. The speed factor is good for both sides because of sheer number of introductions that get to be made in one evening.”
Subcontractors and suppliers will meet one-on-one with builders in five to 10-minute sessions. After each session, individuals will rotate to meet the next builder. Attendees are encouraged to bring their portfolio or
be prepared to share qualifications to make an impression, as well as exchange information to follow-up with builders after the event.
“This event is a roster builder for builders,” Kundinger said. “Plus an excellent way for the CCCIA to continue to show appreciation to subcontractors who work here. The benefits to belonging to the CCCIA are immense, and this is just one small way that the CCCIA shows up for its members.”
The event, which takes place at the La Venezia Ballroom, starts with a “mix n’ mingle” at 5:30 p.m., with “speed dating” starting at 6.
Various builders that operate in Cape Coral will be there, including, but not limited to TOTO Custom Homes, Sinclair Custom Homes, Poseidon
Homes, MajKowski Construction and Ramos Builders. Additional builders are expected to take part.
“The builders are both residential and commercial builders doing business here in Cape Coral,” Kundinger said. “This is about the subcontractor making a ‘connection’ with the builder to be followed up with after the event itself. The builders are well prepared to answer any questions about their needs, requirements and processes to get on the builders’ roster.”
Kundinger said events like this are a great way build relationships in the constriction world, which he called “crucial.”
“In this industry turnover and replacements happen,” he said. “Qualified, licensed, dependable subcontractors are what builders demand here in the Cape.”
The cost to attend is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The fee includes a buffet dinner, and free beer and wine.
To register, visit www.cccia.org. Le Venezia Ballroom is at 4646 S.E. 10th Place in South Cape.
SYNERGY HomeCare opens location in Cape
SYNERGY HomeCare, reportedly one of the nation’s fastest-growing home care franchises, has announced its newest location along Florida’s southwest coast, SYNERGY HomeCare of South Cape Coral.
The company is owned and operated by Mayuli Carmona, who first came to the U.S. from Cuba 20 years ago and has since become a successful entrepreneur, working as both a real estate agent and business owner.
Now, Carmona has planted roots in Cape Coral, where she hopes to build a meaningful family legacy as the
owner of a caregiving company. Headquartered at 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite 120, Carmona and her team will assist Southwest Florida residents with a wide variety of non-medical, in-home care services, from companion care to personal care and respite care.
SYNERGY HomeCare of South Cape Coral is currently looking to add to its team of diverse caregivers. While licensed Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are ideal candidates, Carmona will provide training and certification to anyone looking to
enter the field of caregiving.
Caring, compassionate professionals with a reverence for older adults are invited to apply for a position by visiting their website or calling (239) 770-1171.
SYNERGY HomeCare offers competitive hourly rates in addition to flexible shifts perfect for both college students or recent graduates as well as people who are retired and looking to stay active.
For more information, please visit https://synergyhomecare.com/fl-capecoral-33914/
Suncoast Credit Union donates delivery truck to Harry Chapin Food Bank
Suncoast Credit Union Foundation donated a new refrigerated delivery truck to Harry Chapin Food Bank, a gift that helps the nonprofit provide food to neighbors experiencing hunger throughout Southwest Florida.
The truck, a Peterbilt Model 548 with a full-length refrigerated trailer and hydraulic lift, will deliver fresh produce, boxed food, canned goods, frozen food and perishables to individuals and families through Harry Chapin Food Bank’s Feeding Network, which includes 175+ agency partners throughout Collier, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. The donated truck and trailer are valued at $250,000.
Bob Hyde, vice president of community impact at Suncoast Credit Union, presented LeBer with keys to the new truck July 21 at a mobile distribution and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program registration event at the STARS Complex in Fort Myers. Harry Chapin Food Bank provided more than 200 neighbors with fresh vegetables, including cabbage, spa-
ghetti squash, sweet potatoes and white potatoes, along with half-gallon jugs of milk and frozen chicken. In announcing the donation, Hyde noted the foundation has a responsibility to invest in the communities where its members live and establish partnerships to address issues impacting residents in those communities. In Southwest Florida, an estimated one in eight people – including one in six children – are food insecure. The timing of Suncoast’s donation coincided with a period of increased demand for
Community Cooperative will host a Job Fair Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 1–3 p.m., at Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen at 5170 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers In partnership with Career Source SWFL and Goodwill SWFL, this event is designed to support job seekers—whether you’re just entering the workforce or returning after a break due to disability, incarceration,
food as working adults face reduced hours and lower wages during slower summer months.
The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes the education, health and emotional wellbeing of children in the community.
For information about the food bank, please visit HarryChapinFoodBank. org or call 239-334-7007. Visit suncoast.com or on social media Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for more on Suncoast.
or other life circumstances. Attendees will have the chance to connect directly with local employers and access helpful resources like resume assistance, job search support, and free haircuts courtesy of Florida Academy! Questions? Contact Heather at HSingleton@CommunityCooperative.com or call 239-332-7687, extension 124.
Explore options carefully when looking to tap home equity
Dear Mr. Feichthaler:
I have been hoping to take out an equity line to fix a few items at the house, but the interest rates continue to be high. Plus, on a retirement income, I am not sure I qualify for a typical HELOC. Recently, I have been hearing commercials on the radio for “Hometap,” it says you can get money out of your home without any interest, monthly payments, or adding to debt. Sounds too good to be true? Should I contact them to access my home equity?
- Meghan T.
Dear Meghan:
Lingering higher interest rates have caused many of us to look to alternatives to conventional borrowing. I, too, have heard the commercials for Hometap, and concluded it must be similar to a reverse mortgage. How else could a company provide you funds and receive no monthly payments?
Well, Hometap takes the position that they aren’t loaning money, rather they are “investing” in your home. This is a good description, because the end result is that Hometap (or the assignee they sell your contract to) could own a portion of your home.
The typical agreement provides for a ten-year investment before the “investment” is required to be paid off. The company will record a mortgage against your property to protect their “investment”.
The costs of this “investment,” in my opinion, are staggeringly high. First, there is an “investment fee” paid for by you, not the investor, of 4.5% in the beginning. This comes off the amount you are receiving, along with taxes appraisal, and title charges. All told, over 6.5% comes off the amount “invested” to provide you net proceeds.
So, how does Hometap get paid back? The standard term is 10 years. At the end of 10 years, you may be required to satisfy the debt by selling the house, refinancing, or other means. Hometap, at the end of 10 years, will own over 23% of the TOTAL market value of the property. Assuming a 5% annual increase in value of the home, the net result is a payment of over 300% of the original amount borrowed. The typical agreement “Caps” the annualized rate of return at 20%, unfortunately, the preceding number is well within the cap.
Homeowners who borrow with Hometap can also pay off the debt during the 10 years, and a payoff would be required to be made upon default. Default would include not paying property taxes or insurance. If you died while this borrowing was in place, your heirs would be required to follow the same terms.
I have a few clients that believed that Hometap only receives their money back if the property increases in value. This is not accurate. Hometap receives a 17% interest in your home IMMEDIATELY. If you sold the property one year later, they would be entitled to an ownership of 17%, but at least would be capped by the 20% annualized return. Even if the property value declines they still have a substantial interest in your property, to which they will be entitled to be paid.
Homeowners seeking to utilize the equity in their home should carefully investigate other alternatives, such as an equity line or a cash-out refinance. Even a standard reverse mortgage typically has better terms than what Hometap provides.
Every borrower has unique reasons to borrow. However, barring a dire emergency need for funds, or if you are aware of an investment you know will exceed a 20% annual return, it is hard to justify the short and long-term costs of “investments” like this. Plus, nothing you pay to Hometap will be tax deductible, in contrast to a standard home equity line of credit, with interest that may be tax deductible. You won’t have “debt” in the traditional sense, but you will have an obligation to repay.
If you decide to pursue the Hometap “Investment” option, carefully compare other alternatives. I would recommend you speak to other lenders, an attorney, and anyone you know that may have a better option for you.
Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 37 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis where he serves as president. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 24 years, and they have four children. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@ capecoralattorney .com, or 239-542-4733. This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone. Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations.
Eric P. Feichthaler
PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Source: Lee County Property
BARO NORDIK GLOVER KATHLEEN A
SEAN & BROOKE 1311 INVESTMENTS LLC
28TH LN
LORAINE S
PATRICK + BYARS RICHARD S &
MICHAEL L & GILLELAND BRIAN K &
JAMES ADRIAN SR & GOBEY DAVID J
MIKELIN
Mid-year Cape condo price trends are disturbing
The general theme being presented in local real estate circles is that the Cape Coral real estate market is simply going through a “normal market price correction.” That said, the Cape Coral condo market is starting to post some disturbing numbers that may redefine “normal.”
Active condo listings and pending sales
As of Tuesday, July 29, there were 401 active listings for Cape Coral condos in the MLS at list prices ranging from $99,000 to $1,599,999, with the median list price coming in at $249,990. A total of 298, or 74.3% of the condos on the market, were priced at $325,000 and under, including 125 units priced below $200,000. There are currently 57 condos in the Cape listed at $500,000 and above, including 15 units priced above $1 million. One year ago on July 29, 2024, there were 396 Cape Coral condos listed for sale in the MLS at prices ranging from $115,000 to $3.9 million, with the median list price at $279,950. At that time, a total of 258 condos were priced at $325,000 and under, with 63 units listed for less than $200,000 and there were a total of 57 condos priced at $500,000 and above, including 22 units priced above $1 million. Back on July 25, 2023, the median condo list price was at $329,000.
As of Tuesday, July 29, there were 38 Cape Coral condos under contract as pending sales at prices ranging from $93,000 to $520,000. This highest priced pending sale was initially listed for sale at $640,000 on March 9 of this year. The current median pending sales price for condos has plunged by 21% from $249,990 a month ago on June 24, to $196,950 this week, so we expect to see a corresponding decline filter through future median condo sales prices over the next few months. Right now, 32 condos, or 84% of the pending sales in the Cape, are priced at $264,900 and under. Back on July 29, 2024, there were 48 condos under contract as pending sales at prices ranging from $129,000 to $784,500 and the median pending sales price was $294,200. At that time a total of 35 of the 48 pending condo sales were priced at $325,000 and under.
Closed condo sales and median sales prices
In the Cape’s overall condo market, there were 36 closed sales in June, which was down 12.2% from 41 sales in June 2024, and 33.33% below the 54 sales in May of this year. In the second quarter of this year, there were a total of 142 closed condo sales, down 4.7% versus 149 sales in the second quarter of 2024, but up 9.2% from 130 sales in the first quarter of this year. In the first half of 2025, a total of 272 condos were sold in the Cape, which was 6.8% less than the 292 condos sold in the first six months of 2024.
The median sales price was $222,500 for the overall Cape condo market in June, down 19.1% from $275,000 in June 2024, and 5.4% below the $235,250 in May of this year. In the second quarter, the median sales price averaged $229,417 per month in the Cape’s overall condo market, down 15.1% from the average of $270,333 per month in the second quarter of 2024, and 4% below the average of $239,000 per month in the first quarter of this year. In the first half of 2025, the overall median sales price for Cape condos averaged $234,208 per month, or 12.3% below the average of $267,000 per month in the first six months of 2024.
Gulf access canal condos
subgroup of gulf access condos and includes saltwater condos with no bridges to go under in the canal system, there were 7 closed sales in June. This was down 36.4% from 11 sales in June 2024, and down 56.3% from the 16 sales in May of this year. In the second quarter, there were a total of 38 condos sold in this segment, which was even with the 38 sales in the second quarter of 2024, but down 7.3% from the 41 sales in the first quarter of this year. In the first half of 2025, there were a total of 79 direct sailboat access condos sold in the Cape, up 21.5% from 65 sales in the first six months of 2024.
The June median sales price was $282,500 for the Cape’s sailboat access condo segment, down 33.7% from $426,000 in June 2024, but 8.7% above the $260,000 in May of this year. In the second quarter, the median sales price averaged $265,833 per month, down 28.3% from the average of $370,667 per month in the second quarter of 2024, and down 26.8% from the average of $363,083 per month in the first quarter of this year. In the first half of 2025, the median sales price in this segment averaged $314,458 per month, down 14.7% from the average of $368,458 per month in the first six months of 2024.
Dry lot condos
In the Cape Coral dry lot (non-canal) condo segment, there were 17 closed sales in June, up 30.8% from 13 sales in June 2024, but 37% lower than the 27 sales in May of this year. In the second quarter, a total of 66 sales closed in this segment, up 3.1% from 64 sales in the second quarter of 2024, and 15.8% above the total of 57 sales in the first quarter of this year. In the first half of 2025, a total of 123 dry lot condos were sold in the Cape, down 8.9% from 135 condo sales in the first six months of 2024.
The June median sales price was $177,500 in our dry lot condo segment, which was 7.1% below the $191,000 in June 2024, and 13.4% lower than the $205,000 in May of this year. In the second quarter, the median sales price averaged $187,333 per month, down 15.2% from the average of $220,833 per month in the second quarter of 2024, and 6.9% below the average of $201,167 per month in the first quarter of this year. In the first half of 2025, the median sales price for dry lot condos averaged $194,250 per month, or 10.1% less than the average of $216,000 per month in the first six months of 2024.
The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors® Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of July 27, 2025, unless otherwise noted. It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral condominiums, townhouses and villas, and it does not include any single-family homes, short sales or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 45 years. Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.
In the Cape’s gulf access canal condo segment, which includes all saltwater canal condos, there were 17 closed sales in June. This was 22.7% lower than the 22 sales in June 2024, and 19% below the 21 sales in May of this year. In the second quarter, there were a total of 61 closed sales in this segment, down 4.7% versus the total of 64 sales in both the second quarter of 2024, and the first quarter of this year. In the first half of 2025, there were a total of 125 saltwater condos sold, up 8.7% from the 115 units sold in the first six months of 2024.
The June median sales price was $260,000 for the Cape’s saltwater canal condo segment, down 11.9% from the $295,000 in June 2024, but up 4% from $249,900 in May of this year. In the second quarter, the median sales price averaged $251,633 per month in this segment, down 19.7% from the average of $313,300 per month in the second quarter of 2024, and 9.5% below the average of $278,067 per month in the first quarter of this year. In the first half of 2025, the median sales price for Cape saltwater canal condos averaged $264,850 per month, down 15.7% from the average of $314,250 per month in the first six months of 2024.
Direct sailboat access canal condos
In the Cape’s direct sailboat access canal condo segment, which is a
Is it becoming hotter every year, or is it just me?
Wow! Can it get any hotter?
At what temperature does fiberglass melt? My boat deck is feeling a little soft and spongy these days. Well, it’s not that bad yet, but it certainly feels like it’s getting there.
Is it becoming hotter each year or maybe it’s just the fact that yet another old-timer’s birthday is staring me in the face and the heat is just becoming harder to deal with because of age?
Whatever the reasons, work, family scheduling or other obligations, if you’re forced to fish the Southwest Florida dayshift, make sure to protect yourself as much as possible with sunscreen, light weight long sleeves, long pants and quality eye wear.
Bad choices are baseball caps which offer near zero protection for ears, faces and back of necks. Going without shoes invites hook danger as well as nasty foot and ankle sunburns. The typical baseball cap with a half cloth half mesh top can cause a terrible scalp burn and also offers minimal nose protection from the searing sun. If this is your hat of choice at least shop around for nonmesh top, long billed, caps.
Bigger hats combined with lightweight total head coverings or buffs are the way to go and don’t forget those sun gloves to protect your hands. Staying well hydrated is a no-brainer along with keeping multiple wet rags or towels in the ice cooler for yourself and the rest of the crew to wrap around your neck for quick relief. Make sure you know the common signs of heat stroke which can lead to sudden death.
With all that being said and if at all possible, why go through all that? Go on the nightshift like the fish do or ,at the very least, start before the sun comes up and get off the water before lunch. Smart offshore crews leave at night to return to port early before heat and Old Sparky cranks up offshore. Night snapper fishing is outstanding this time of year and snook, trout and tarpon also enjoy the cool night bite as well.
We are just entering the bad lightning phase of sum-
See HOTTER?, page 31
Tide CharT
2
August 1, 2025
Tommy Bohanon Foundation accepting applications for Sports Equipment Grants
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is now accepting applications from Southwest Florida school-based athletic programs for its Sports Equipment Grant. These programs can receive funding or equipment for their athletes through the Foundation. Applications are available through Sept. 1.
To complete the application process, applicants must have the following information:
n Copy of the proposed program’s budget for the 2025-26 school year.
n A letter from the athletic director or a school administrator, on the school’s official letterhead, acknowledging that the program is requesting funding.
n Information about the coaches/ staff who are involved with the athletic program. This should include years working at the school, experience, position and any special accolades they have received.
n Any additional information or documents pertinent for the proposed
program to be selected as a Sports Equipment Grant Recipient.
“We are proud to support these athletic programs through the Sports Equipment Grant each year,” said foundation president Tommy Bohanon. “The grant helps make it possible for the kids to be part of athletic programs which shape their lives as they become adults. We’re helping them dream big and reach their full potential.”
This initiative is part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to empower youth through sports and ensure that every child can participate, regardless of financial constraints. Over $215,000 has been awarded to nearly a dozen schools since the grant’s inception in 2018.
To apply please visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org/Sports-Equipment-Grant/. Grant recipients will be
notified by Monday, Sept. 9. For additional information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, please call 239-671-0441 or visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org/.
About the Tommy Bohanon Foundation
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes reach their highest potential on and off the playing field. Former NFL fullback Tommy Bohanon returned to his hometown in Southwest Florida to pursue his vision of ending generational poverty for at-risk youth. The foundation funds annual scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and programs, as well as funding for other local nonprofits. For more information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, visit TommyBohanonFoundation. org or call 239-671-0441.
Mighty Mussels fall 4-3 to Marauders, evening short, three-game road series
BRADENTON, Fla. - The Mighty Mussels fell to the Bradenton Marauders 4-3 Wednesday night at LECOM Park.
Bradenton (45-52, 15-16) took a no-hitter into the eighth, and the Mussels (43-53, 16-16) had the tying run at third in the ninth when the game ended on a double play.
Valladares followed with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-1.
Mussels’ starter Adrian Bohorquez matched a season high with eight strikeouts across four innings of work. He allowed two runs on a pair of solo homers and exited with the game tied.
Bradenton opened the scoring in the second when Jhonny Severino hit a leadoff homer to left. The home run was the first earned run Bohorquez had allowed in 17 innings in the month of July.
The Mussels plated a pair of runs off of Marauders starter Clevari Tejada in the third inning. He issued three walks in the frame, including a bases-loaded walk to Enrique Jimenez to tie the game 1-1. Jefferson
That lead was short lived, as Wyatt Sanford led off the bottom of the third a line drive into the right field corner. There was confusion by Eduardo Beltre on whether the ball was in play or not, and he eventually made a play on it, but Sanford was already crossing third and was able to cruise home for an inside the park home run, tying the game 2-2.
Tejada went four innings and issued a season high six walks, doubling his previous mark. The 22-year-old didn’t allow a hit in his start.
Still tied in the sixth, Anthony Narvaez hit Edward Florentino with a pitch to open the inning. He retired the next two batters before Tony Blanco Jr. connected on his first Low-A home run, putting Bradenton back ahead 4-2.
In the eighth, Yasser Mercedes blasted a solo homer to left to cut the margin to 4-3. The homer was the
eighth of the year for Mercedes, and it’s the third long ball he’s hit during his six-game hitting streak. The homer also broke up the Marauders no-hit effort on the mound.
Jakob Hall worked 1.2 scoreless innings of relief. He struck out four of the six hitters he faced, highlighted by getting all three hitters looking in the eighth inning.
With the bases loaded in the ninth, Valladares grounded into a game-ending double play, evening the series at a game apiece.
The Mussels were scheduled to conclude the series in Bradenton Thursday.
The Mussels, who won the first game of the series Tuesday, 6-4, in 10 innings, return to action tonight at home against Dunedin. Gametime is 7:05 p.m. Weekend games against the Blue Jaya are at 6:05 p.m. Saturday and 12:05 p.m. Sunday. All three games are at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex.
Coverage for all of the teams is available on the Mighty Mussels Baseball Network
Joe Winslett Summer Classic Tennis Tournament Aug. 16
The Joe Winslett Summer Classic Tennis Tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Courts Cape Coral.
According to tourney organizers, Winslett was an important part of the tennis community at the Cape Coral Yacht Club and the tournament is a heartfelt way to honor his memory and legacy.
The event, promoted as “Fighting
Alzheimer’s With Every Serve,” features ladies doubles (3.0, 3.5 and 4.0) and men’s doubles (3.0, 3.5 and 4.0) in a round robin format with an elimination format depending on the draw.
The cost is $45 per person, which includes lunch. A portion of the proceeds will be going to fight Alzheimer’s, with 100 percent of a raffle also going to battle the disease.
Register for the tournament at playthecourtscapcoral.com
The Courts Cape Coral is at 402 S.W. 2nd Ave., off Santa Barbara Boulevard and W. Lake Kennedy Drive. For additional information about the facilities available at The Courts, please call (239) 574-0808 or visit its website at https://playthecourtscapecoral.com/
Capt. George Tunison
August programs, activities planned at Northwest Regional Library
Next month’s roster of activities at Northwest Regional Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:
Adult Programs
Adult Crafternoon:
Pipe Cleaner Flowers
Noon, Saturday, Aug. 2
Learn how to create three different types of flowers using bright, colorful pipe cleaners. No experience needed; instruction provided. Registration required.
Knit and Stitch
10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6, 20
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters who join together to share projects, ideas and techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects and tools. Basic materials and supplies are available for newcomers.
Tech Assistance at Your Library: One-on-One Help
2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6
Need help with a laptop, tablet, e-reader or other device? Are you looking to learn about accessing library e-resources? We can help with a 30-minute, one-on-one technology help session. Please have chargers and passwords for devices with you before the appointment. Registration is required.
Waste in Motion:
The Full Cycle Experience
10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 7
Learn how we’re working together to build a more sustainable future for Lee County. Join us for a presentation and discover the innovative processes behind recycling and waste-to-energy. Presented by Lee County Solid Waste. Registration is required.
80 Years After Hiroshima and Nagasaki: A Retrospective
10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 9
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, this lecture will discuss the impact of those events on today.
Books and Bagels
10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 13
Do you enjoy robust, engaging book discussions? Join us and share your latest reading recommendations. Bagels and coffee will be served.
Lee County Taxes 101
11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 21
This informative program will present an overview of the Lee County Tax Collector’s services and strategy and the Lee County Property Appraiser’s overview of exemptions and homestead portability. Presented by the Lee County Tax Collector and Lee County Property Appraiser. Registration is required.
Children’s
Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6, 13
11 a.m. - noon, Saturday, Aug. 16
Children and teens can earn a credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials. Please bring your library card.
Family Storytime
10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 16
For children through age 5 years and caregivers. This fun and engaging storytime promotes and reinforces early literacy skills and language development through stories, music, movement and activities. Parents and caregivers participate with
their children while learning helpful early literacy strategies and tips to continue at home.
Homeschool Social Hour
10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20
Looking for a fun way to connect with other homeschool families? Join us for Homeschool Social Hour at the library. Parents can network, share resources and exchange ideas while the kids enjoy crafts, games and more. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, this is a great opportunity to build community and have some fun. This event is for children and teens through age 18 years and their accompanying adults.
Lego Club
1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23
Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. The program is for all ages and all materials are provided.
Books and Blankets
6:15 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26
Join us with your blankies and pajamas for this nighttime edition of storytime. Your whole family is invited to this enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories.
Storytime Social
10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 28
Join us for this social event to get to know your local librarians, discover the magic of storytime and unleash your creativity with engaging craft activities. For children through age 5 years.
Teen Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6, 13
11 a.m. - noon, Saturday, Aug. 16
Children and teens can earn a credit for
every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials. Please bring your library card.
Carnival of Colors
2:15 & 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12
There will be no rides on-site but get ready for a ton of games. Challenge your friends, win fun prizes and best of all, no tickets or money required. Everyone walks away a winner. For teens ages 12-18 years.
Homeschool Social Hour
10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20
Looking for a fun way to connect with other homeschool families? Join us for Homeschool Social Hour at the library. Parents can network, share resources and exchange ideas while the kids enjoy crafts, games and more. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, this is a great opportunity to build community and have some fun. This event is for children and teens through age 18 years and their accompanying adults.
Totally Twisted Tie-Dye 2:15 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26
It’s time for some timeless fun, full of peaceful good vibes and bright bursts of color. All supplies are provided while they last. For teens ages 12-18 years.
The Northwest Regional Library is located at 519 Chiquita Blvd., N., in Cape Coral. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at (239) 533-4700. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at (239) 479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.
IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers to celebrate 30th anniversary
The IMAG History & Science Center invites families, friends and kids of all ages to the “IMAG 30th Birthday Celebration” on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission for the celebration is 30% off for adults and children are free.
In addition to celebrating IMAG’s 30 years of bringing Southwest Florida his-
Hotter?:
tory, science, technology, engineering and math to life, it’s also the 30th birthday celebration of Percy, IMAG’s 110-pound African Spurred Tortoise resident. And what better time to commemorate 30 years of Percy and the IMAG than to also celebrate back-to-school with a Fall Kickoff?
For its celebration, IMAG is planning several hands-on activities, animal shows,
Avoid the heat
From page 30
mer; make sure you don’t make the evening news for the wrong reasons.
A good weather compromise this time of year as Mother Nature becomes more violent and unpredictable is early morning nearshore reef hopping. Yes, there are plenty of larger snapper and other bottom dwellers out in the 120 to 150-foot zones but you can stay closer to home, burn less fuel and get out and back much quicker and
exciting demonstrations, a science show and a “Super-Fantastic Foam Party.” You will need to bring a towel if you plan on having fun in the foam!
In addition to food trucks and fun crafts, IMAG will also be providing a preview of its new Fall STEM Programs for Homeschools, Science Saturdays, IMAG at Night activities and Scout Programs.
So, come prepared to party with Percy and the IMAG Gang, celebrate 30 years, learn what’s new at the IMAG, and let’s have a blast!
The IMAG is located at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers.
For additional information about the center or the celebration, please call 239243-0043 or visit the IMAG.org.
by fishing early-morning hours or after sundown
still have plenty of action as well as filling your cooler with tasty dinner guests.
One plan is to coordinate your nearshore trip with a tide chart. Start in the passes and along the beach early in the morning on an outgoing tide for a chance at giant snook and tarpon, then work your way out to your favorite nearshore GPS numbers for shots at tarpon, permit, jumbo snook, huge sharks and a good variety of bottom fare. I have two friends that dive at every opportunity and both have recently reported seeing
truly huge snook lurking around nearshore numbers.
For beach snook, white soft plastics or bucktail jigs are usually winners but don’t overlook suspending twitch baits like MirrOdines that sport a rounder profile as well as slim minnow baitfish imitators like Rapala X-Raps or Rapala Husky Jerks. Have a rod rigged with both style baits and let the fish tell you what they want. If all else fails, there is plenty of live bait available for your cast net and snook hook.
Being a fan of throwing lures at giant bridge tarpon at night, I’ve have good success each year with Hogy soft plastics prerigged with their Barbarian jighead in their Pro Paddle Tail and Slow Tail Swimbaits series in 1 to 3-ounce weights. Fantastic tarpon and snook nighttime bridge lures.
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.
Black gold: Composting can turn waste into wealth for your garden
From page18
but in rainy season, cover the pile with a tarp to prevent waterlogging. In dry season, you may need to water the pile occasionally. The heat can accelerate composting, but piles can also dry out quickly. Shade and moisture control are key.
Remember that our days and nights are always warm, and hot weather attracts pests like raccoons, rodents and flies. To deter them:
n Bury food scraps beneath browns.
n Use enclosed bins or tumblers.
n Never add meat, dairy, or oily foods. Compost is ready when it’s dark, crumbly and smells earthy. Depending on the method and materials used, this may take anywhere from two to six months. When it’s ready, you can use your black gold to:
n Enrich garden beds.
n Top dress lawns.
n Feed potted plants.
n Improve our sandy soil structure.
One caution — be mindful of HOA rules or local ordinances related to compost
bins and backyard composting. Composting is a simple, rewarding practice that turns waste into wealth for your gardens. With the right balance of ingredients, moisture and airflow, you can produce rich, fertile compost all year long in our hot, humid conditions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, composting is an easy way to improve your gardens and build healthier soil. It’s easier to do than you think and will really help your yard.
Happy composting!
The Garden Club of Cape Coral resumes regular meetings, after our summer break, at the Episcopal Church on Del Prado Blvd., on Sept. 9 at 5:45 p.m. Watch for details of our new event this year – a Holiday Bazaar selling handcrafted seasonal gifts and decorations for your home on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Museum of History, 544 Cultural Park Blvd.
Sylvia Swartz is president of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.
Fee: New construction ‘mobility’ levy may replace road impact fee
From page 1
do, they can only go up by 50% — the maximum fee at that time is 50% of what your fee is today,” he said. “What they did this session is add a new section – if you want to change that it has to be unanimous.”
Ilczyszyn said Council will be “dropping the anchor” for the future of the city and they have to do it by Oct. 1.
“Whatever fee you pick will determine what we can fund into the future. This decision is this council’s decision to set the future of what our transportation network looks like,” he said. “If you are going to use the growth pays for growth mantra – what staff shows you is the full boat. What the city looks like in 20 years.”
Ilczyszyn said if growth does not pay for growth, then growth is funded from somewhere else.
He also touched upon commercial growth in the city while highlighting that half of the city does not have utilities – north of Pine Island Road does not have water and sewer.
“It’s the biggest hurdle for economic development. The growth is going to explode when we bring utilities to north Cape. The offsite utility cost is determent,” Ilczyszyn said.
Nue Urban Concepts Founder and Principal Jonathan Paul began the discussion by sharing information about Senate Bill 1080, which was adopted this year. He said a finding of extraordinary circumstances now requires a unanimous vote by the City Council after Oct. 1. Paul said a local governments cannot increase the impact fee rate beyond the phase-in limitations if the fee has not been increased in the past five years.
Mobility fee was the topic of discussion for the presentation, as it would replace the existing road impact fee, which has been the same for 19 years.
The current road impact fee for a single-family home is $3,347 at the time of construction.
A mobility fee is a one-time fee paid by new development, new growth, to mitigate the traffic impact from the new growth.
There are two benefit districts – where the money would be allocated – North Cape Benefit District and South Cape Benefit District.
As drafted, the mobility fee includes commercial and retail, institutional, office, recreational, industrial, port and terminal, additive fees for commercial services and retail users and residential and lodging.
The draft mobility fee for residential and lodging is broken down into per 1,000 square feet for the South Cape Core, South Cape, Central Cape, and North Cape. For a single-family residential per 1,000 square feet it ranges from $3,395 to $7,489.
For commercial and retail the fees, also per 1,000 square feet, would be determined by three categories — local retail, multi-tenant retail and free-standing retail –with fees ranging from $4,952 to $40,367.
Council expressed some concerns.
“We don’t want to disincentivize commercial from coming here,” Councilmember Bill Steinke said. “Commercial has begun to grow here – certainly wouldn’t want to cut that off now. Just because we haven’t kept up with the rate for a commercial entity to come into the area, doesn’t mean we can’t make up for it now. That is competitiveness. They have been riding the gravy train for a while. If they missed it, they missed it.”
Councilmember Joe Kilraine said it is critical that the city not create sticker shock with developers, so they must be prudent in the way they pick the fees.
“There has to be real timing effectiveness focus. What is going to get us more radical improvement in traffic in the short term,” he said.
These fees are set at the maximum rate, which is a cap. Paul said the fees set can down but not go higher.
“From this point forward, the fees can be lowered at any amount. They cannot be increased. They can be lowered up until you go to the last meeting. They can come down based on calculations or policy direction,” Paul said.
The council talked about setting the maximum amount with discounts up to the four years.
Council called for a special meeting Aug. 6, at 1 p.m. to further discuss the mobility fee, as a majority was not comfortable with the fees presented.
The mobility plan provides individual choice options for how people want to move about the community.
“This plan looks at how do you accommodate all modes of transportation within the city for the next 20 years,” Paul said,
The mobility plan consists of four separate components — roadways and intersections, multimodal plan, transit plan and potential for future water tax services.
As part of this discussion, the council heard the expected growth over the next couple of decades.
Metro Forecasting Models Project Manager David Farmer said there have been 9,700 new homes in 18 months, which is absolutely astounding. He said the overall trend is up, even with the growth speeding up and slowing down.
“Since mid-2023 you have added 9,700 new homes, 27,000 homes since the 2020 Census. You have 40,000 vacant lots at least. The story is going to continue for the foreseeable future,” Farmer said.
The housing forecast shows that by 2030 there will be 118,576, which will grow to 147,337 by 2050. The population forecast goes from 239,362 in 2025 to 329,524 in 2050.
“This forecast, as aggressive as it is, is half of the permitting rate you are experiencing today. This is your minimum.
He said with the general inflation from 2.5-3.5% and construction — materials and labor — inflation sitting at 7-8%, now is the time to plan for future transportation technologies.
“Focus on the commercial at certain nodes, neighborhood settings to provide services closer to where people live,” Farmer said of the Diplomat area.
He said building two neighborhood shopping centers on Diplomat could save 2 million miles a year.
Religious
Thanksgiving Novena to St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special partonage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys, and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised.
Help Wanted
At Signs Experts we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Computer Systems Analyst to lead our IT department and ensure its systems are functioning at their optimal capacity. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar role in the sign and printing industry, with a focus on troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of printing and CNC router equipment. Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Computer Systems Analyst, with at least 2 years of experience in the sign and large-format printing industry.
- Experience in managing and servicing large-format printers, including troubleshooting hardware issues (print heads, belts, nozzles).
- In-depth understanding of printed software and RIP profiles, with experience creating and optimizing profiles.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience servicing CNC routers, including recalibrating spindles and improving cooling systems.
- Familiarity with Mach 3 software and CAD-based software is a plus. For more information about detailed position please go to link below www.signsexperts.com/pages/we-are-hiring Person knowledgeable on internet. Can work from home and / or personal assistant. Seniors welcome. 239-283-8920 or 239-478-4119
Healthcare Help Wanted
Looking for home health care worker to help mother w/ hygiene and light housekeeping, Monday - Friday, 8am - 10am. Must speak english. Call 352-598-4188
Power Boats
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Studio Efficiency Apartment, furnished, on 6 acre organic grove, in peaceful environment on Pine Island (in Bokeelia, FL 33922), seasonal or annual. $1000 per month (annual). Seniors welcome. 239-283-8920 or 239-478-4119
Annual Rentals
Annual Rental 3 bedroom 3 bath
Newly renovated. East end of Sanibel. Pool home on a canal $4,000 a month. Contact Art 239-223-2421
2 br/2 ba, nicely furnished. Beautiful retirement village, NFM, pool & all amenities included in lot rent. No pets. $1900 mo. Call 239-574-2509
Sanibel - Lakefront 3/2 + pool. Cul-de-sac, full remodel. Gorgeous. $3750 / mo Gulf Beach Properties, Inc., Paul Zimmerman, Realtor. 239-472-6747
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Park Site Rentals
RV space on 6 acre organic grove, in peaceful environment on Pine Island (in Bokeelia, FL 33922), seasonal or annual. $600 per month. Seniors welcome. 239-283-8920 or 239-478-4119
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Obituaries
Cape Coral
Peggy Marie Litterello
Peggy Marie Litterello, beloved wife, caring mother, and devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on July 17, 2025, at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Florida at 87 years of age.
Peggy was born in Arcadia, Florida on September 29, 1937, and remained a lifelong resident of southwest Florida, ultimately making her home in Cape Coral. She worked for Century Link for 38 years before retiring.
When Peggy wasn’t working, she enjoyed many other interests including golf, motorcycling, and traveling to the mountains. She was also an exercise enthusiast and enjoyed fitness and staying healthy. Most of all, she loved her family and enjoyed being a wife and mother, especially doting on her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Peggy will be dearly missed by her husband, Robert Litterello, children; Cindy, Ronald, and Todd, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, four sisters-in- law, four brothers-in- law, and her mother- in- law as well as 27 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Forrester, and Sadie Mobley, as well as her two brothers, Charles and Johnny, and her father-in-law.
The family is planning a Celebration of Peggy’s life at a future date. Please feel welcome to share a condolence or memory online at www.fullermetz.com.
Death Notices
Cape Coral
Bruce Joseph Seder, 84, of Cape Coral, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
John Wayne Pollock, 80, of Cape Coral, passed away Monday, July 21st, 2025 in Cape Coral. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service is entrusted with final care. MullinsMemorial.com
Nicola Verna, 84, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away July 23, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremations Services-Cape Coral.
Kathleen Maureen Scott, 65, of Cape Cora, Florida passed away July 27, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuler Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www. fullermetz.com
Chantal Julia Lamotte, 74 of Cape Coral, passed away on July 25, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.
Ileana M. Hamel, 52, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away July 23, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz. com
Thomas L. Kruckmeyer, 85, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on July 25, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz. com
North Fort Myers
Richard Eugene Ruel, Jr., 48, of North Fort Myers, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.
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