Students will return to school Monday morning as the School District of Lee County continues to move closer to its goal of zero teacher vacancies — only 45 teacher spots remained as of Wednesday.
“We are really excited. This time last year we were down 235 teachers. Hot
off the press, two hours ago we are at 45 teacher vacancies,” Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said early Wednesday afternoon. “What we have asked principals to do now (that we are) on Wednesday is go to a coach – reading coach, math coach, reading specialist to step in and take on the class until we can fill those last vacancies.”
Each child, from day one of school, will
have a teacher in front of them, officials said.
In the spring the district had 585 teacher vacancies.
“We set a goal we are going to be at zero,” Carlin said.
As with any other year, the focus this year is on student learning and safety.
The School District of Lee County is
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Wishes do come true, just ask Cape Coral youngster Owen Hart. Hart, now 7 years old, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 2.
After nearly three years of chemotherapy and achieving remission, Hart recently received a special surprise courtesy of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida when he looked out his back window to find an above-ground pool.
You see, Owen loves to swim. His mother,
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Amy Burge, calls her son a fish. It was Owen’s wish to have a pool right at home to hit the water whenever he wanted. On the day his pool was revealed, it took no time for the resilient youth to jump right in, the smile on his face bold and full of joy.
“He was standing in the kitchen and he looked
currently a B rated school district.
“We are a B and a B is OK, average, we want to be better than average,” Carlin said. “The A grade is what we are after.”
She said they are not about the accolade, but rather what the A means – more proficient children in content areas, more
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Industry leaders attending Wednesday’s special Cape Coral City Council meeting agreed that a mobility fee to pay for roadway infrastructure might be better than impact fees but said the city’s proposed levy is too high.
Many who spoke did not believe that the city met the “extraordinary circumstance” requirement for the fee.
In past meetings, city officials said the unforeseen circumstance is that the state legislature changed the dates, but they already had a mobility plan in place and were working to conclude that plan.
The Cape Coral Construction Industry Association opposes the mobility fee as it is currently proposed, although the association is not against such a fee.
The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Donna Germain also asked the council to reconsider the proposed fee structure from the study, which they find inequitable, overly burdensome and potentially damaging to housing affordability and business growth. Germain said any fees increased should be capped at 12.5% for the next four years.
“Economic development is a mobility solution. It is a core mobility strategy,” Germain said.
City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn told the
School district flags lack of documentation for ESE services provided
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
An internal audit found problems with how the School District of Lee County documents its provision of services to students with special needs.
As a result of high ratings in two areas serious enough to require immediate action, the district is looking into its Exceptional Student Education services to find opportunities for improvement.
“The really good news is this has been identified. Management has a response. Anything we can take off our teachers’ back is really important,” Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said, adding their most important job is to teach.
The audit presented to the Lee County School Board Tuesday afternoon showed “high” ratings for two observations — development and delivery of ESE services or accommodations and ESE delivery consistency and maturity.
According to RSM, a high rating presents a high risk to the district and action should be taken immediately.
For the first observation — development and delivery of ESE services or accommodations — RMS reviewed a
For services — 107 had documentation to support delivery and 71 had no documentation to support delivery. There were six documentations to support delivery for accommodation, and 283 that had no documentation.
In other words, 76% had no documentation to support delivery of services.
sample of 40 individualized education plans, which identified 467 district services and accommodations.
For services — 107 had documentation to support delivery and 71 had no documentation to support delivery. There were six documentations to support delivery for accommodation, and 283 that had no documentation.
In other words, 76% had no documentation to support delivery of services.
RSM Manager Weiss Campbell said the primary action taken by the district was the development of a handbook, which targets training, roles, and expectations.
The second observation — ESE delivery consistency and governance — also had a high rating. According to the audit, “our review identified the absence of a clearly defined and consistently enforced districtwide framework for ESE service documentation and oversight, including standardized procedures, training, tools, and monitoring mechanisms.”
Again, the development of the handbook was established to define expectations, so documentation challenges remediate.
The ESE exceptionalities and programs for the district include sensory impairments, communication impairments, developmental disabilities, physical and health impairments, emotional and behavioral disabilities and learning disabilities.
For the 2024-2025 school year, there were 8,073 students with communications impairments, 4,097 students for learning disabilities, 4,225 students for developmental disabilities, 2,131 for physical impairments, 362 students
for emotional and behavioral disability, 228 students for sensory impairments and 134 students for medical/placement related.
The district provides a variety of specialized programs for these students — consultative/instructional support, behavioral intervention, life skills, social emerging, social functioning, functional skills, deaf and hard of hearing and hospital homebound.
The objective of the audit was to “access the district’s ESE program, focusing on regulatory compliance and the effectiveness of IEP development and implementation of the program.
The internal audit also evaluated the timeliness and accuracy of IEP documentation and the alignment of ESE services with federal and state mandates.”
Board member Melisa Giovannelli said the district receives funding for ESE students and they need to be putting those dollars to those students.
She said they have not been holding anyone accountable.
“We are paying close attention to this matter,” Carlin said. “It’s very important to us. All of our students matter. We have a plan.”
Giovannelli said there is a lot of documentation and paperwork associated with IEPs and 504 plans.
“That process needs to be simplified and streamlined to where it is almost a click of a button,” she said. “The work might have been performed, but there is no documentation to back it up.”
Cape Coral City Councilmember Nelson-Lastra to hold Town Hall
Cape Coral District 4 Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra will hold a Town Hall this Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Cape Coral - Lee County Public 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.
In addition to NelsonLastra, Councilmembers Laurie Lehmann, Rachel Kaduk and Joseph Kilraine are holding regular Town Halls.
Jennifer Nelson-Lastra
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
Every school year begins with promise
Count us among those excited for the start of the new school year Monday.
Not because we have kids, tweens or teens who — though we love them the muchest — may have, ummm, pushed our parental patience a time or two during this long, hot and humid summer.
But because the district has worked aggressively to address two of its major impediments to the education of the young people we’ll send off with a smile next week.
As the School District of Lee County has announced over the past few weeks, and as explained well by School Board member Debbie Jordan with whom we share this week’s Opinions page, the district has reduced its teacher vacancy rate.
Greatly reduced its teacher vacancy rate with a big milestone said to be reached — a certified teacher in every classroom.
Officials say the district also has enough bus drivers to fill its multitude of routes this year.
In February we reported that nearly 8,000 students among its 47,000 bus riders were arriving late to class every day, and that almost 19,000 students were being picked up late to go home.
The district changed how it “tiered” its pickup system and addressed start times with the promise it will get students to school on time.
These are important on their own but much more important in the context of student achievement which is not anywhere near where it needs to be.
As the district reported little more than a week ago, its third grade English Language Arts numbers put the district at 10th among the “big 10” districts in the state. What’s more, the number of students achieving the minimum passing level in reading dropped from 52% to 50%, abysmal by any standard.
The district’s implementation of its new Gap Analysis Model will now allow a “deeper dive” into testing statistics which the district says will help it provide students with the assistance they need to succeed and provide it quicker.
We appreciate the effort and the commitment.
Every new school year begins with promise... and with promises.
May both be realized this school year.
— Breeze editorial
This week’s poll question:
Should city of Cape Coral impose a transportation mobility fee — a charge on new construction — to help fund road-related infrastructure?
∫ Yes.
∫ No.
∫ I’m not sure. Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.
Previous poll question:
Do you want all of the files the government has related to Jeffrey Epstein released?
∫ Yes. 82%
∫ No. 1%
∫ It does not matter to me. 16.7%
* Total votes at press time: 84 votes. Percentages are “rounded.”Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.
August 8, 2025
Lee County Schools kick off 2025–’26 with strongest start in years
As the 2025–2026 school year begins, Lee County School District is celebrating one of the most successful openings in recent memory— marked by fully staffed classrooms, improved transportation, and new policies designed to enhance student learning and well-being.
Certified teachers in every classroom
This year, every classroom across the district will have a certified teacher — a major milestone for the district. As of July 31, the number of instructional vacancies stood at just 65, a dramatic improvement from the 235 vacancies recorded just one week before school began last year.
While teaching vacancies across the state are down 18%, Lee County has outpaced that significantly, achieving a 72% reduction in open positions.
ers — a milestone the district hasn’t reached in several years.
New cell phone policy to support learning
Also beginning this year is a district-wide cell phone policy aimed at improving the classroom environment and student engagement. The policy is expected to:
n Promote stronger interpersonal relationships
n Improve focus on instruction
n Reduce behavioral issues
District leaders believe this will help create a more respectful, focused, and collaborative atmosphere in schools.
Fall sports are back
n 53 K–12 schools have zero instructional openings
n 13 schools have only one vacancy
n 16 Schools have two or more vacancies
This staffing success allows teachers to focus solely on their own students, without the added burden of covering other classes — an important step in supporting both educators and academic outcomes.
Safe Start initiative enhances transportation
The district’s Safe Start Initiative and newly implemented school start times are already delivering results. These changes are designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of school transportation, and early signs are promising.
Students are now experiencing shorter wait times at bus stops and are arriving on time and ready to learn. As of Aug. 4, Lee County Schools is fully staffed with bus driv-
As academics ramp up, so does school spirit. Football teams across the district have been hard at work, practicing throughout the summer to prepare for the upcoming season. Students, coaches, and families are looking forward to a great year of competition, teamwork, and community pride under the Friday night lights.
Looking ahead
With strong staffing levels, operational improvements, and policies that put student learning first, Lee County Schools is well-positioned for a successful school year. This is more than just a strong start — it’s a sign of what’s possible when we work together with a shared commitment to excellence.
— Debbie Jordan, represents District 4 on the School Board of Lee County. Her district includes parts of Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.
Letters to the editor
Cape’s growth driving the need for a Transportation Mobility Fee
To the editor:
The proposed Cape Coral Transportation Mobility Fee is long overdue! For years we have heard that “growth pays for growth” by the city council. Finally, the council has admitted that growth, is indeed, NOT paying for growth.
For the past 15-plus years the Transportation Mobility Fee was untouched, all the while, growth was exploding in Cape Coral. This created stresses on all of the city related functions like police and fire protection, traffic, road wear and tear, and utilities. And as the population increased, the property owners that have lived in Cape Coral for years were bankrolling the growth and allowing the “newbies” a free pass into our great city.
While I welcome the Transportation Mobility Fee, I believe it does not go far enough. The city should also implement a large fee, or tariff, just to submit a permit for new construction. Why? We have been told by the city manager that Cape Coral is one of the “hottest” areas to move and to purchase a new home and to build a business. Why not capitalize on this? If you want to “play,” you must “pay.” Current property owners will not be affected by the fee, unless they are building a new home.
These fees will potentially do one of two things – (1) it will raise revenues to help finance the city’s growth items as described above, or (2) it will slow the rate of growth in Cape Coral because no one wants to pay the fee. Either way, Cape Coral is a winner.
I do believe the fee amounts and classifications should be reviewed and revised. Lower the fees on projects such as hotels, health facilities, and private education facilities, and increase the fees for multi-family and convenience retail projects. This will help encourage the types or construction Cape Coral needs and discourage the type that seems to be undesired by the residents.
I urge the Cape Coral City Council to BE BRAVE (we’ve heard about “courage” before from one of these councilmembers regarding his AYE vote FOR the stipend, remember?) and approve the Transportation Mobility Fee at 100% starting at Year 1. The idea of “phasing” in the fee at 50% year 1, 60% year 2, etc., will only put the city further behind in the needed improvements. I understand that the council and mayor don’t want “sticker shock,” as they say. And I suppose if my income was dependent upon real estate development and new home construction, I would balk at any fee for new construction that they would pass onto their customer. (For example, the council has a custom homebuilder, a person that works for a custom homebuilder, a person that loans money for new construction – perhaps, these council members should abstain from this vote as their very businesses depend upon new construction and the fee could hurt their businesses?} The debate will be interesting, for sure.
This fee is long overdue and I welcome growth to begin again to be paying for growth.
Town
Hall vs.
Budget Review
Committee: PR stunt or real accountability?
To the editor:
Let’s cut through the nonsense.
The city held a Town Hall. What did we get? A slick, scripted 20-minute video starring department heads in carefully staged locations. Glossy handouts. Cheap giveaways. A staff turnout of over 25 people. Fewer than 10 residents bothered to show up. And after it all? A pizza party — for the staff. All on the taxpayer’s dime. Feel
Jay Higgins Cape Coral
Debbie Jordan Guest Commentary
Sweltering in Southwest Florida?
LCEC offers five ways to keep cool without stressing out your wallet
If you’ve been outside lately and felt like you were sitting in a sauna, you’re not alone.
The sun is working overtime, and SWFL’s summer heat is giving new meaning to the phrase “hot enough to fry an egg on the asphalt.” While the temps are reaching record highs, your electric bill doesn’t have to be soaring.
Following are smart tips to keep your cool, and your cash:
1. Thermostat challenge:
Set the thermostat to 78°F when home and nudge it up a few degrees when away. Every degree lower increases cooling costs up 8 percent.
2. Fan-tastic surprise:
Ceiling fans don’t cool rooms, they cool people. Turn fans off when leaving the room. Be sure they’re spinning counterclockwise in summer to push that cool air down.
3. Sun block:
Close window coverings during the warmest part of the day. Better yet, invest in reflective window film.
4. Cooking coolness: Fire up the grill and skip the oven. Opt for the microwave or go full fresh with fruit, salad, and sandwiches!
5. Seal the deal:
Leaks around doors and windows let cool air out and warm air in. A little weather strip-
ping goes a long way. So if you play your cards right, you don’t have to sweat your electric bill just because the sun’s flexing its muscles. With five smart moves, you can manage energy usage, and your budget. Stay cool, Southwest Florida. We’ve got this. For more energy-saving tips, visit lcec.net and enroll in SmartHub if you are an LCEC member.
— Karen Ryan, is the director of Public Relations for LCEC, SWFL’s electric cooperative serving Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Pine Island, Sanibel/Captiva, Marco Island, Immokalee and Ave Maria.
Letters to the editor
From page 4 informed yet?
Now ask yourself: How much did that circus cost?
Meanwhile, we had a Budget Review Committee — a team of citizens with actual financial knowledge — volunteering their time to dig into the numbers.
They asked real questions, demanded real answers, and worked without theatrics.
Their meetings were staffed by a clerk, documented, and shared publicly. Finance staff and a council liaison attended. When a department was asked to present, they show up and answered directly —no PR gloss, no video shoots, no freebies.
So here are the real questions:
n Which one cost more?
n Which one gave you actual insight?
n Which one served the public—and which served appearances?
This isn’t complicated. One is window dressing. The other was real oversight.
If you’re tired of the city playing marketing games with your money, tell your council member. It’s time to ditch the showbiz and bring back the Budget Review Committee that did hard work.
Tom Shadrach Cape Coral
(Editor’s note: Mr. Shadrach was the chair of the disbanded Budget Review Committee.)
Freedom is not free
To the editor:
On Aug. 7 we observed National Purple Heart Day, the day we honor and remember the brave men and women who have been wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. military.
This day serves as a time for reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by these service members and their families.
It is a way to acknowledge the profound sacrifices made by those who have served in the military and to honor their courage and dedication.
We thank those brave men and women who fought for our nation’s freedoms, and bear the physical scars of war or paid the ultimate sacrifice. “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.”
Here in Southwest Florida, Lee, Collier and Hendry counties are proclaimed Purple Heart Counties. Cape
Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel, Estero and Naples are proclaimed Purple Heart Cities. VFW District 13 is proclaimed a Purple Heart Post and Florida SouthWestern State College is a proclaimed Purple Heart State College. Jack Wagner, Commander Executive Staff & Membership
The Bert Kurland Chapter 696 Lee, Collier & Hendry Counties
The Military Order of the Purple Heart (Honoring our combat wounded and killed in action veterans)
Watch your wallet
To the editor:
We see signs of stagflation, a phenomenon that has only occurred a few times in U.S. history — in the 1950s, 1960 and during the oil embargo in the 1970s. We had to watch our wallets then and again ,now.
Stagflation is characterized by declining economic growth, rising prices and increases in unemployment with no new jobs created.
In Naples, foot traffic in shops, restaurants and hotels has significantly decreased.
Tourism in Lee County is down. Housing prices, along with higher HOA fees, have impacted the housing industry in our county.
Are healthcare services and workers going to be affected, too?
These trends will continue. Families will see layoffs, foreclosures, loss of health insurances, and a slimmer buying power! OK, look at your grocery bill. My grocery bill has definitely increased (over a year this is very costly; my wallet/buying power is shrinking.)
A recession is on the horizon. I am not happy with a slimmer wallet.
The economy is being harmed by economic policies in our present government. Is giving money to the wealthy billionaires just too important in the grand scheme of things?This will lead to a recession and decrease buying power for all of us.
I am not happy with a slimmer wallet.
Watch your wallet.
Kathleen Callard, RNBS North Fort Myers
No protection for pedophiles
To the editor:
Self disclosure: I am not a touchy feely guy. I subscribe to no man-controlled organized religion. In fact,
I generally dislike people and prefer to spend time with my dog.
But I do have a soft spot for kids and animals and, as a dad and grandad, the immoral and evil abuse of children that has been not only allowed, but sponsored by the U.S. government is beyond shameful and criminal.
Biden effectively invited criminal cartels to kidnap third-world children and mass ship them across the border unaccompanied by adults.
More than 300,000 young innocents were lost or placed with unvetted “sponsors,” and so into slave labor, sex trafficking and who knows what other evil and sinister purposes.
Wealth and power perverts and supercharges the underlying evil in people and, as we see with Diddy and Epstein, abusing women and children seems to be how many manifest this inherent evil.
But when that evil not only goes unpunished but is facilitated and now overtly condoned by the U.S. government, it is not just individuals who have succumbed to evil, it is, by extension, the entire nation that tolerates and allows it.
I had high hopes that America could reach its aspiration of the moral compass and “shining city on the hill” for the world based on the promises of Trump.
Yet the swamp gas that infects every D.C. denizen and perverts the most well-meaning of people seems to have done its damage on this administration as all previous administrations.
It is clear that there is a global network of rich and powerful (terminally corrupted) individuals who prey on the innocent for self gratification and sport and will do “ANYTHING” including abuse and murder to protect that demonic club.
Epstein was an extortionist deep state “pimp” and to allow those perverts to continue their pursuits with impunity and immunity is no less evil than the child rape act itself.
If Trump does not stop protecting the billionaire, jetset class of which he is part, his legacy will be trash.
If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle and you allow this travesty to stand you are no less guilty than the government that facilitated and is now protecting this perversion.
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.
Karen Ryan Guest Commentary
Hello families, students, staff, and our wonderful community,
Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful, restful summer.
As we prepare to start another school year, I am energized about all the amazing things we have in store. We’re beginning this year with some wonderful news that sets the foundation for our success. We’re starting with a certified teacher in every classroom. This is something we’re incredibly proud of, and it has been made possible through the hard work and tremendous efforts of our school leaders in partnership with our Human Resources Division, as well as our Teacher Incentive Initiative.
This program provides incentives to our educators who work in the schools with our most at-risk students and or teach a core academic subject area. When we invest in our teachers, we invest in our children’s futures.
We have also filled every single bus driver position. This leads me to something we are passionate about: our
Welcome back!
Safe Start Initiative. The safety of our students is our top priority. Our Safe Start Initiative ensures that every child gets to school safely and on time, every single day. We’ve adjusted our transportation and start times with safety at the center of every decision. Please check your school’s website or www. leeschools.net for updated schedules. When our students are safe, they can focus on learning and growing.
Dr. Denis Carlin
Guest Commentary
That brings me to something else we’re incredibly proud of: our academic achievements. Last year, our district earned a “B” grade, and we had four schools jump from a “D” grade to “C”! I am so proud of this progress, but we are not stopping there. Our sights are set higher than just earning an “A”; we’re
working to lead the way as Florida’s No. 1 school district. And why is that “A” so important? It represents more students being proficient and more students graduating from High School. With our incredible staff, our motivated students, and all of you supporting us, I know we can make this happen together.
To further support our students’ success, we’re starting our bell-to-bell cell phone initiative this year. Students will keep their phones turned off and tucked away in their backpacks during the school day, which means more focus on learning and better connections with teachers and classmates. When devices are set aside, it’s incredible to see just how focused and engaged our students can be.
As we embark on this journey together, I want to take a moment to express
my heartfelt gratitude.
To our students — your curiosity, resilience, and limitless potential inspire us every day.
To our incredible staff — your dedication, creativity, and care for our children is what makes everything possible.
To our families — thank you for trusting us with your most precious gifts and for partnering with us every step of the way.
And to our amazing community — your support, encouragement, and belief in our mission mean the world to us.
Here’s to making this the most incredible school year yet — filled with growth, achievements, new friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and welcome back to what is going to be an amazing year!
— Dr. Denise Carlin is the superintendent of schools for the School District of Lee County. It is an elected office.
The School District of Lee County 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.
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.
The School District of Lee County is among the largest school districts in Florida and the United States with a growing enrollment of more than 100,000 students and 116 schools.
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 compre-
hensive 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 239-337-8676. To learn more about available career opportunities, visit LeeSchools.net/ Careers.
Wish: Cape Coral boy enjoying a really cool summer, thanks to gift
From page 1
out the back window and he was like, ‘Mom! There’s something in the backyard!,’” recalls Burge. “And I was like, ‘What Owen? What’s in the backyard?’ And he said, ‘A pool!’”
Surrounded by family and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida representatives, Owen splashed, swam, and played to his heart’s content.
“I think he’s half fish,” Burge said “He always wants to be in the water. It’s easier to have a pool in the backyard than it is to find a pool to jump into.”
Owen even showed concern to his mom about the time of day, as it was getting a little late in the afternoon, but Burge reminded him that his new pool is in at the home, and there’s not a closing time.
Burge and Owen moved to Florida in December of 2019 from Ohio, right before the pandemic.
In May of 2020, Burge noticed her son had some bruising that was lasting longer than bruises should. Burge asked his doctor to look into it, and discovered his hemoglobin levels were low. The doctor ordered more bloodwork and Burge got a call the next day that Owen had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and was admitted to Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Owen initially spent 34 days in the hospital, and was then in-and-out for more days than Burge can count undergoing infusions, chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies, and more.
Burge said throughout his treatments, Owen showed incredible resolve and spirit.
“It didn’t phase him,” she said. “He just showed up. He couldn’t walk and he hurt and he would cry, and then he would feel better. He would always try and feel better, that’s how we got through. If he had a hard day, he would look at me with his big blue eyes and I would say, ‘Owen, it’s getting better.’”
One thing Owen always had to have around him was his trucks.
“As long as he had a truck to play with or something with wheels, he was good,” Burge said.
Owen Hart, 7, is a Wish Kid. Make-A-Wish Southern Florida filled his wish for an above-ground pool in his backyard. Owen, whose mom says is “half fish,” was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was 2. He is now in full remission.
Being new Cape Coral residents, Burge didn’t have much of a network other than her mother and brother who also moved down. She said the staff at Golisano became that network for her and her son.
“They were our family,” she said.
Owen technically achieved the status of remission a month into his treatment, but was required to undergo nearly three years of chemotherapy to ensure the cancer
C0-OP CONNECTIONS
did not return.
“It was a gradual climb to getting better,” Burge said. “The goal is to keep you in remission during treatment and afterwards. He maintained it throughout his treatment. His last dose of chemo was August of 2022.”
While his treatments were completed, Burge said she
See WISH, page 9
AT LCEC, MEMBERSHIP MEANS EVERYTHING
Membership Matters
PHOTO PROVIDED
Wish: Make-A-Wish gifts funded wholly through private donations
From page 8
felt and still feels the good and the bad. Of course she’s immensely grateful her son is doing well, but there’s always that lingering fear of the disease returning.
“I was terrified, because without the medication, was the cancer going to come back?” she said. “But I’m so thankful.”
Hart now follows up every four months to get bloodwork done to keep an eye on things.
It was the staff at Golisano that got Burge and Owen in contact with Make-A-Wish, and his wish was approved while he was still in treatment.
Burge said she was thrilled her son settled on a wish that he could enjoy over and over again. And oh has he ever in just the few weeks since the reveal.
“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if I said that he didn’t ask about 75 times a day to get in,” she said.
Seeing her son as happy as can be playing in the pool is where Burge said the relief comes.
“What a blessing it is to see him splashing and growing and being so happy,” she said. “He fought so hard for so long, and he doesn’t even know.”
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Chief Operating Officer Richard Kelly was at the reveal for Owen, and said being able to see the reaction and joy for those whose wishes are granted is the moment that makes everything worth it.
“That’s why we do all of this,” he said. “Why we recruit the volunteers, why we raise the money, why we work so hard to identify the kids that will qualify for our services. We do it for the wish being granted. We do it to see the smiles, laughter, and joy, and what we know to be the lasting impact of that wish.”
Of Owen, Kelly said, “What he symbolizes is what a lot of Wish kids have, and that’s resilience. A lot of times, they don’t know any better in their lives than being sick. For all they have to go through with treatment and doctors visits and being poked and prodded and all of those things, so they have al life that’s challenge. For us to be able to come into their lives and give them something to balance out that challenge — it’s hard to describe the feeling that
you get from doing that, and the feeling that not just us being hands-on working with the families, but the people that don’t know the families that donate and just know the stories. They might not ever meet Owen, but they know of the importance of a wish, and how a wish can change the child’s trajectory and work towards healing them emotionally and spiritually. Plenty of doctors have told us, and there are published studies out there, too… that say kids that have wishes, pairing that with modern medicine, can help them heal.”
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida grants life-changing wishes for children who have critical illnesses. The entire family is included in the wish experience and there is never any cost or obligation to them. The chapter’s territory includes 22 counties/four regionals in the southwest and southeast areas of Florida, Tampa Bay, and the Sarasota area, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than 800 volunteers held the Southern Florida chapter grant wishes.
Contrary to a common misconception, a child does not have to be terminally ill to be wish-eligible.
“People still believe, though we try to educate folks, that our children are dying and we’re granting them a ‘final wish.’ And that’s not the case,” Kelly said. “In many cases, there are Wish kids in their 20s and 30s and 40s who have beaten their illness and gone into remission, and thanks to modern medicine, that’s happening more frequently.
“There’s a reason why they’re referred to and qualify for Make-A-Wish, but it is not a death sentence.”
Since being established in 1983, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has granted more than 15,000 wishes — one of four chapters in the world that has reached that level.
Kelly said this year, they expect to grant 550 wishes locally, as well as an additional 300 wishes via collaboration with other chapters.
“I’m so thankful for Make-A-Wish, and to the donors that provided Owen’s gift,” Burge said. “They’ve made him extremely happy. Owen is special. He’s a force-tobe-reckoned with, and I think that he will make waves in this world.”
Wishes are privately funded, and every year, Make-
A-Wish starts at $0. Make-A-Wish raises money through sponsorships, special events, foundation grants, and individual contributions. Make-A-Wish receives no federal, state, or United Way funding. The average cost of a wish is $10,000.
“We have to work our tails off to raise the money to grant the wishes,” Kelly said.
Wish children can be referred by their doctors, social workers, other health care professionals, family members, or even themselves. A child is referred every 12 hours in southern Florida. A Wish child must be older than 2-1/2 and younger than 18.
“There’s nothing like seeing a wish granted,” Kelly, who is now in his 29th year wish Make-A-Wish, said. “I’ve seen a lot of wishes granted, and there’s nothing like it. We work very hard on all of the other non-wish things — speaking with (media), promoting wishes, recruiting volunteers, putting on special events, other fundraising activities — we work very hard at all of that. But the reward is seeing a smile on a child’s face and knowing what they’ve been through. Especially if you have kids, you understand. It helps the kids feel whole again, even if it’s just for a moment or two, or a short period of time, it gives them memories they’ll remember forever.”
Kelley said Make-A-Wish believes that what they do is necessary for the improved social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of a child.
“People say, ‘Oh, isn’t that nice they (granted a wish),” he said. “They believe that that’s it, the end, the child goes back to their status and we move on to another wish, but that’s not the case. Wishes do have a positive long-lasting, lifelong impact. It isn’t just a nice thing we do, we believe it’s necessary for their improved medical, physical, and emotional wellbeing.”
Burge shared a message to parents out there going through a similar situation with their child.
“Cherish every moment,” she said. “Try and put a positive spin on as many things as you can. Keep getting better.”
For more information on Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, or to make a donation, visit wish.org/sfla.
City sets contract deadlines for the Boathouse
Kearns Restaurant Group reviewing detailed concessionaire agreement designed to replace current lease contract
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Cape Coral City Council has set a deadline for the finalization of an agreement that would bring the Boathouse back to the Cape Coral Yacht Club.
Under what exact arrangement between the parties remains the sticking point.
Council gave the city’s attorney seven days to finalize the settlement agreement with the Kearns Restaurant Group that would provide for the tear-down of the exiting structure and 30 days to finalize a new concessionaire agreement for operation of a replacement restaurant.
The motion was made by Mayor John Gunter who said he is worried about safety because the fire-damaged Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill structure has not yet been torn down. Gunter said if a settlement agreement is not made in seven days, the city will move forward with the demolition permit with a competitive request for proposals issued so the city can do the work.
“If we do not have an agreement signed by Sept. 6, then we will move forward with the RFP process,” Gunter said.
The settlement agreement would also result in termination of the existing lease agreement the city has with the Kearns Group, leaving it without a contract to operate a restaurant or restaurants at the city’s planned “resort-style destination” where the historic Yacht Club complex stood before Hurricane Ian destroyed the pier, marina and much of the riverfront amenities,
“I said it two months ago; I am willing to waiver whatever is against us to knock it down. We have paid rent every month; liability falls on us. We stand at the forefront of that. Having these conversations — they won’t issue the permit until we sign a termination — it should happen simultaneous.”
— Zak Kearns, of Kearns Restaurant Group, of the settlement of its existing lease with the city and the new concessionaire agreement for operation of a replacement restaurant, adding they had applied for a demolition permit Wednesday morning.
including the original Boathouse.
Gunter added the discussion item to Wednesday’s agenda because the expected item had been withdrawn.
Gunter said the expectation was that when Council came back from its hiatus a new agreement was to be on the agenda to finalize.
“Unfortunately, that was not the case,” he said, adding that it was pushed two weeks later. “It was supposed to be tonight, and we are still not ready.”
He said he brought it back because of the concerns of the partially standing structure, rebuilt by the Kearns Group after Ian and then damaged again by a fire shortly after re-opening in October, could be a hazard in a hurricane was to hit the area.
“At some point, the life, safety, and welfare of the community outweighs any agreement with anyone,” Gunter said.
City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner said
the city provided a concessionaire agreement well in advance, so the Kearns Group understood what the city is seeking for a new 30-year agreement.
“We made sure we had legitimate control,” Boksner said, adding that late last Friday they had received a substantial redline.
The agreement was further amended, and the latest version was sent out on Sunday.
Boksner said they are hopefully optimistic.
“We have a current agreement with 8-1/2 years remaining. There could be litigations from the current lease agreement,” he said, adding that the building needed to remain and be preserved in case the issue goes into litigation.
Councilmember Bill Steinke said he is extremely disappointed that on at least two occasions he was told they had a deal.
“All we have to do is get it in writing and get ink spread,” he said. “Once (it’s)time to spread the ink, no we want to change the writing. Health, safety, and welfare of our citizens is paramount. That building sitting there is unacceptable — nothing but projectiles waiting to be launched.”
Zak Kearns, of Kearns Restaurant Group, said they applied for a demolition permit Wednesday morning.
“I said it two months ago; I am willing to waiver whatever is against us to knock it down. We have paid rent every month; liability falls on us. We stand at the forefront of that,” Kearns said. “Having these conversations — they won’t issue the permit until we sign a termination — it should happen simultaneous.”
He said the Kearns Group has not changed anything in the deal. The new concessionaire agreement received from the city went from 22 pages to 94 pages and includes multiple details such as chair colors and menu approvals by the city.
“It’s a lot more inclusions that have never existed in operation before,” Kearns said. “In the city’s new position of where they want to be involved, it’s very detailed.”
Boksner said there could be an agreement in good faith for the settlement agreement and continue on with negotiations of the concessionaire agreement.
“We will absolutely in good faith proceed in that route,” Kearns said.
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City Council approves $1 million amendment to park design plans
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Cape Coral City Council approved a more than $1 million amendment to a contract for additional services for the design of neighborhood and community parks, which will include a pad-ready site for a community center at Lake Meade Park.
Design and Construction Manager Bill Corbett said each neighborhood park had assigned funds and, as the scope changes and projects are completed, the dollar figure is not the same, but within the not-toexceed contract.
The three amendments – a professional design service to accommodate a YMCA community center at Lake Meade Park off Kismet Parkway at a cost of $546,161.98; a roundabout on Old Burnt Store Road and Tropicana Parkway for Tropicana Park at $62,940.63; and a reconciliation of $437,575.91 for the seven original parks and D&D Boat Ramp for a total of $1,046,678.52.
Mayor John Gunter, and council members Keith Long and Laurie Lehmann voted against the amendment.
“What you are asking for me to vote on is yes for this too big of a hole and $546,000 in it for a maybe we would find somebody,” Gunter said of Lake Meade Park.
Corbett said to facilitate the roundabout at the entrance of Tropicana Park, modifications were needed for the existing design.
Some council members were not in favor of the design services for the community center at Lake Meade Park.
“The intent is ultimately to have a padready site for the Y,” City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said. “If the Y for some reason doesn’t materialize and come up with the funding, a redesign to have a bigger community center is still in the best interest. The Y was the genesis and start of tweaking where the community center would go. If it does not materialize and we end up at phase two, it’s our own community center, or we partner with another entity. It’s still at the best interest of the design of the park.”
He said they originally planned for a smaller community center in the northern part of the park, a 5,000- to 7,500-square-
City encourages
“The intent is ultimately to have a pad-ready site for the Y. If the Y for some reason doesn’t materialize and come up with the funding, a redesign to have a bigger community center is still in the best interest. The Y was the genesis and start of tweaking where the community center would go. If it does not materialize and we end up at phase two, it’s our own community center, or we partner with another entity. It’s still at the best interest of the design of the park.”
— Mike Ilczyszyn, city manager
foot facility.
“When we started the discussion with the Y, who wanted to be at Academic Village across the street, the plan was to build a pool and a 45,000- to 55,000-squarefoot, two-story building. We had to look at which parcels of property that we acquired in order to find a location that would fit that size of a facility,” Ilczyszyn said. “In doing that, there was really one location –the northwest corner of Lake Meade.”
He said the cost to preserve that opportunity is $500,000.
“What we have lost is time – right now is time on the park being opened,” Ilczyszyn said.
Corbett said every change comes with personnel hours and translates to produced products.
He said this is the third iteration of the design – first the community center, full-blown YMCA and now a pad-ready concept.
“Every design is independent of another, minus some components,” Corbett said.
The city entered into a memorandum of understanding with the YMCA, but because of the loss of some key personnel in its organization they were not in the position be successful in managing the project, city officials said.
residents
to apply for state-funded My Safe Florida Home Program
The city of Cape Coral encourages eligible homeowners to take advantage of a state program designed to strengthen home safety and resilience.
The Florida Legislature has allocated $180 million for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to fund new wind-mitigation inspections and grants through the My Safe Florida Home Program.
This statewide initiative provides eligible homeowners with a free wind-mitigation inspection and potential grant funding for recommended improvements that can help protect against hurricanes and severe weather. Funding is limited and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
“This is a great tool to assist our residents in making their homes more resilient,” said Ryan Lamb, Cape Coral’s Emergency Management and Resilience Director.
Eligible homeowners can follow the steps outlined at the official program website to request a free inspection and apply for a MSFH grant. Residents are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible to maximize their chances of approval.
Eligibility Requirements:
n The home must be a single-family, detached residential property or a townhouse.
n The home must be site-built and owner-occupied.
n The homeowner must have been granted a homestead exemption on the home under chapter 196, Florida Statutes. For more information and to begin the application process visit https://mysafeflhome.com/grant-application-home-launch/
All Abilities Play gets major fundraising assist
Collaboratory establishes fiscal sponsorship fund to help group raise money for playground
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
A driven Cape Coral mother along with partner advocates working to bring a firstof-its-kind playground to Cape Coral now have teamed up with a major non-profit to raise funds.
Collaboratory has established a new fiscal sponsorship with “All Abilities Play,” a Cape Coral-based initiative dedicated to building the city’s first truly inclusive playground for individuals of all ages and abilities.
The organization’s mission is to create welcoming, thoughtfully designed spaces where children and adults with physical, intellectual, sensory, and developmental differences can play, connect, and thrive side-by-side with their peers.
All Abilities Play lead Nicole Buday is a Cape Coral resident with an 11-year-old son named Owen who has cerebral palsy. Buday, who also has a 14-year-old, said she found it difficult to go to a local park where both of her children could enjoy the space.
So she, along with Lindsey Harper, Rachelle Lee, Stephanie Listowski Wong and Kelly Slover, took on the task of bringing an accessible-for-all playground to Cape Coral.
A key word in this project is adaptive and not just ADA compliant. Buday said there is no equipment that is truly available for a person in a wheelchair or has a prosthetic.
She reached out to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department in early 2024 to see what could be done.
Now, the future park has a future location: Lake Meade Park.
“The plan is for the city to provide the land and maintain the park once it’s build,” Buday said. “We’re also hoping they can provide some funding.”
Buday said the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is working to get the park in the FY 2026 budget.
“Ideally, if we can get a certain amount of money and show the city that we’re putting a lot of effort in to raise the money to make this happen, that we could ask for a match from the city,” Buday said. “Even for state funding, too. We’re on a mission to raise the money and to do it without the city — they’re giving us the land and other things.”
The partnership with Collaboratory allows the group to apply for larger grants and receive tax-deductible donations to make its vision a reality — bringing it closer to its $1 million fundraising goal. All Abilities Play has raised almost $25,000.
“Collaboratory is proud to announce this fiscal sponsorship,” said Dr. Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for All Abilities Play to expand their reach and help create Lee County’s first inclusive playground.”
Buday said Lake Meade Park is a great location, as a new YMCA will also be part of the park project.
“It will draw a lot of families and people of all ages to that park,” Buday said. “This playground is going to be designed to accommodate not just children, but adults
and elderly people. There’s nothing like it here in Lee or Collier County. People build inclusive playgrounds… but it’s not really, really inclusive. When I bring my child (to local inclusive parks), there’s only a few things he may be able to do sitting down in his wheelchair. They’re not thinking about the bigger picture of: Who are we making this inclusive for?”
Buday said inclusion is beyond just physical ability.
“There are people that are blind or deaf. They need accommodation also,” she said. “People, when they’re designing these playgrounds, they’re not thinking about all of these things. What’s going to set our playground apart from anything that’s ever been seen in this area is we’re putting all of those components together. We’re going to have communication signs for people who
PHOTOS PROVIDED
are blind. We’re going to have slides for people that have cochlear implants. When a person who is deaf have a cochlear implant in their head, they cannot go down regular slides because of static electricity. There are special slides that are manufactured so it doesn’t cause interference with hearing devices. We’re thinking about all of the people, not just a handful.”
Other parts of the park will include accessible pathways, inclusive restrooms, clear signage, quiet spaces, adaptive seating, sensory play areas, wheelchair-accessible swings, bucket swings with high backs and harnesses, wheelchair-accessible merry-go-rounds, wide slides with gentle slopes, supportive seesaws, and ramped play structures.
See ALL ABILITIES, page 21
Above: From left, all Abilities Play committee members
Lindsey Harper, Rachelle Lee, Project Lead Nicole Buday, Kelly Slover and Stephanie Listowski Wong.
Left: Owen Buday enjoys some time at a park.
Cape Beef ‘O’ Brady’s taking part in chain’s big birthday celebration
Loyalty Appreciation Week underway at Del Prado Blvd. location
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
A popular restaurant both locally and across the country is celebrating a milestone anniversary.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has been part of the local community for decades, and this August, the Cape Coral location is celebrating the brand’s 40th anniversary in a way that brings the past and present together.
Through Sunday, Aug. 10, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Cape Coral and other community’s will host Loyalty Appreciation Week, featuring a new daily reward to thank longtime customers. The establishment also will roll out a limited-time 40th Anniversary Menu, which includes new items and a few nostalgic favorites from years past.
Specialty menu items include 20 wings for $19.85 (a nod to the founding year), cheesy bacon pub chips, the original 1985 Salad, a Birthday Burger, meatball sub, birthday cake, and a celebratory Birthday Rita (for the 21+ crowd).
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s of Cape Coral owner Matt Amato has been with the company for nearly three decades, starting at the original location in Brandon when he was 18. After opening a Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Arkansas, after 15 years he relocated to Cape Coral.
The Cape Coral location has been in the city for 19 years, with Amato taking over nearly three years ago.
“With Beefs, I remember going as a kid to the original location when I was a kid after a baseball game or something like that,” Amato said. “It started in a neighborhood as a place to hang out and became a tradition. It’s a family place, and it brought people together and became a staple that continued growing.
For anyone who’s never been to Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, or to patrons who haven’t made a trip in a while, now is a great time to visit, Cape Coral owner Matt Amato said.
“The community is the reason we’re here. We always wanted to be a restaurant, but we want to be a part of the community, not just be in the community.”
To keep the celebration going, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is hosting an in-store giveaway throughout the month of August. Every guest who dines in or visits between Aug. 1 to 31 can enter to win. On Sept. 1, each location will draw 40 winners, who will each receive four $10 bonus cards (valid through October).
Since Amato has taken over in Cape Coral, which is
located off of Del Prado Boulevard North, the spot has undergone a complete remodel with new booths, tables, floors, televisions, and more.
Amato said many of the Beef ‘O’ Brady locations buy in to that sense of community and give back.
“We’ve instilled our way of being a part of the community, from donating to local schools, to having a 50-50 program where we’re raffling off prizes just to raise money for local first responders, the local animal shelter,” he said. “It makes us feel good.”
Amato added he’s especially excited for the “new” menu that features lots of throwback items, as well as promotions and live music.
“We brought some fan-favorites back,” he said. “We’ve even dropped some pricing. We even have a 40th anniversary collectible cup from Coca-Cola.”
For anyone that’s never been to Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, or to patrons who haven’t made a trip in a while, Amato said now is a great time to visit.
“You’re celebrating something with us,” he said. “If you like good food, good sports, and good times, we’re the place to come.
“People are coming in and seeing the remodel, and realizing we’re a different store, not the one that was here before. It’s a new, fresh look. It’s amazing what we’ve got here in Cape Coral.”
Amato said Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is really looking to host more themed events, such as a tailgate party for the college football season kickoff, charity events, and more.
For more information, visit www.beefobradys.com/ncapecoral. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Cape Coral is at 2481 Del Prado Blvd. N,
PHOTO PROVIDED
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adopt the planned bridge and roadway improvements, as well as a resolution to acquire additional right of way for the project.
“The Cape Coral Bridge improvement project is vital for our community’s future,” said Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter. “By increasing capacity and reducing congestion, we’re making daily travel safer and more efficient for Cape Coral residents.”
The Cape Coral Bridge connects Cape Coral Parkway in the city of Cape Coral to College Parkway in south Fort Myers. The planned improvements are designed to increase roadway capacity, alleviate existing congestion, accommodate projected growth, enhance safety, and expand bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.
The Lee County Department of Transportation began a Project Development and Environmental study for the Cape Coral Bridge in April 2022. Throughout the
Tennis tournament will honor Cape Coral pioneer, raise money for Alzheimer’s Foundation
Tennis players from across Southwest Florida will be “Fighting Alzheimer’s With Every Serve” to honor a pioneer while also continuing to bring awareness to those with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Courts Cape Coral will host the inaugural Joe Winslett Summer Classic Tennis Tournament on Aug. 16.
The benefit tournament will feature 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 depend-
In coordination with
lanes of traffic will remain open throughout construction. A new eastbound bridge will first be built south of the current eastbound bridge and will temporarily provide two lanes in each direction to maintain current travel conditions. Once traffic shifts to the new eastbound bridge, both existing bridges will be demolished. A new westbound bridge will then be built to the north of the existing bridges. Each new bridge will accommodate three lanes of traffic and include a shared-use path.
A video of the planned improvements and more information about the Cape Coral Bridge may be found at www.capecoralbridgeproject.com.
A rendering of a section of the expanded and improved Cape Coral Bridge.
The Breeze Newspapers once again took home multiple awards at the annual Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest.
At the 2025 ceremony held last Friday at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, The Cape Coral Breeze captured first place in Division A for its Editorial Page, third place in Division A for General Excellence and third place in Division A for the “Hurricane Ian Then & Now” special issue.
Staff Writer and Associate Sports Editor CJ Haddad took home a first place and third place award in Division A for Sports Spot News Story.
Haddad’s first-place story detailed a day at MLB Spring Training camp for the Boston Red Sox, on a day when it was announced top-of-the-rotation pitcher Lucas Giolito would require elbow surgery, ending his season before it started. The day also included the spring debut of top prospect Marcelo Mayer.
Haddad’s third-place story took a deep dive into the
Cape Coral Cyclones U-17 soccer team that won the NPL Florida championship and were competing on a country-wide level.
“The real work our reporters and editors do is for our readers, but it is always nice to see our team be recognized by their peers,” said Breeze Newspapers Publisher Ray Eckenrode. “It’s a reflection of the hard work they do every day and well deserved.”
Executive Editor Valarie Harring added a thank you to Breeze readers.
“Our opinion pages are true community pages, a place for the voices of our neighbors and peers. To have these pages recognized with three consecutive first place awards is reflective of the involvement Cape residents have with their hometown paper. We remain humbly grateful and we thank you for the letters and guest commentaries you entrust us to share,” she said.
Harring credited team effort for the Special Section and General Excellence recognitions.
“Venita was one, I honestly felt her progress, she is like a 4.0 now, her advancement was very quick. So I got pretty close with Venita with lessons and clinics and through that she introduced me to Joe.”
“Joe was always just a really cool guy,” Zuk said. “He was always very laid back, at the club a lot, he played most mornings. I got to know Joe a bit more because he was such a handyman, always willing to help out of the goodness of his heart. Everyone loved him.””
Venita said her husband was always active but his love of tennis came about because he missed her.
“He never really played tennis much but he started playing because I got so heavily into it,” she said. “He said to me ‘I guess if I’m ever going to see you I better learn how to play, at least I’ll see you on the court!
“Then when he started playing he fell in love with the game, he was as obsessed as I was, if not more,” she said. “He’d go out at 6 in the morning with the guys, he’d get there early, make sure there was no trash, help clean the courts, he just loved, loved playing and being around all the people.”
Pat Monaghan, a close friend of Winslett and his wife, echoed Venita’s comments about Joe and his love of the game and the type of man he was.
Monaghan met Winslett years ago while watching him play tennis at the Yacht Club. In typical Winslett fashion, he asked him to play and they became fast friends.
“Joe is one of those guys who just always ‘showed up,’” said Monaghan. “He was always the first guy there, he’d ride his bike to the Yacht Club from his home on Skyline, in the dark, to get the court prepared, umbrellas up so it was ready. He was a self-made player, never took a lesson, just taught himself. He and Venita were just iconic there.”
Monaghan said Winslett was always active, whether it was mountain biking, riding motorcycles or boating.
“He was much more mechanically inclined than I was, I still have the TV on my boat he installed,” said Monaghan. “He was just a no nonsense type of guy, a hard-working dude. I really enjoyed our time together.”
However Joe and Venita’s life changed when he began to show signs of Alzheimer’s.
“In the beginning, we were completely shocked. As
Joe Winslett
August 8, 2025
the Breeze Community Cape Christian welcomes Zayas as its new middle school pastor
White peacock butterflies
Late summer is a great time to look for butterflies because, like all insects, they are plentiful now. White peacocks are one of my favorite butterflies. Look for them flying low to the ground near their favorite plants. They are white with brown markings and orange margins. The two small dots on the hindwing resemble a peacock’s eye. Thus the name. In summer, they are a bit smaller and darker. In the dry season, they grow larger but lighter.
Garden Club of Cape Coral
Males pick out an area around five square feet which is full of their favorite plants, defending the territory against other males. They are hoping females will show up to lay their eggs on these host plants in their territory. They live about 4 weeks. Perhaps you can find white peacocks by searching out their host plants or growing them yourself.
Their favorite host plants grow in moist or even wet areas.
Water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) has small leaves and small white to lilac-colored flowers and trails along wet ground. I have been growing some in a pot with a saucer of water under it. If the saucer dries out, the plant dies. White peacocks lay eggs on these succulent leaves.
Wild petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) grows 1-2 feet tall in sun or shade with moist to dry conditions. It is a perennial wildflower with 2-inch lavender flowers that also will seed itself. Carolina wild petunia attracts all kinds of butterflies and bees for its nectar. This is not to be confused with the often available Mexican petunia, which is getting into wild areas and displacing our native plants, eventually destroying our Florida ecosystem. It is a category 1 invasive. So search for the native plant and enjoy the flowers and the pollinators that will visit them.
Turkey tangle frogfruit (phyla nodiflora) or frogfruit. Either way, it just has a fantastic name! It grows as a vine along the ground 3 to 6 inches tall in moist areas. You can use this instead of grass and even mow it if you like. It grows especially thick in the rainy season because it loves when soil is wet. You will often see it growing in swales. You may collect cuttings to grow it in your own yard since it roots easily. It is also called matchstick because the flowers are on a stem, with tiny white flowers that are dark in the center, looking like a match. These tiny flowers are a magnet for many pollinators. Two other butterflies also lay eggs in frogfruit: Phaon crescent and Common buckeye.
Southern frogfruit (Lippia stoechadifolia) is a rare, 6 to 18-inch-tall, long lasting perennial. It has a longer flower stem and serrated leaves, compared to the turkey tangle. Native of South Florida, it is difficult to buy but might be seen at the edges of bodies of fresh water in our area.
Butterflies are not generally active early in the morning, when you might take a walk. They are cold blooded
Cape Christian has welcomed Reinaldo Zayas as its new middle school pastor. Zayas will lead Haven, Cape Christian’s ministry designed specifically for students in grades 6 through 8, offered during select weekend services.
Zayas has been part of the Cape Christian family for several years and is a graduate of the church’s Leadership College, where he developed a heart for ministry and hands-on experience serving students. He earned a bachelor of science degree in ministerial leadership from Southeastern University in May 2024.
Haven exists to be a place where middle school students feel welcomed, seen and encouraged to connect with God, with leaders who care and with each other. Through engaging teaching, age-appropriate discussion and fun shared experi-
ences, students can feel a sense of belonging and grow in their faith.
“We are so excited to have Reinaldo leading our middle school ministry. He’s been an important part of our team for several years,” said lead pastor Cory Demmel. “He has a unique ability to connect with students and a passion to see them know the Bible and follow Jesus.”
Haven meets during select weekend services at Cape Christian and is open to all sixth through eighth-grade students. Service times are Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 9:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
To learn more about Haven and how to get involved, visit CapeChristian. com/Haven or call 239-772-5683.
About Cape Christian Cape Christian was founded in 1987 with a vision to create a contemporary, non-denominational church in Cape Coral, reaching those who were unchurched. Over the years, the church has grown to welcome over 5,500 people to its weekend worship services. The campus includes Fellowship Park, a family-focused community space and Parkside Cafe, which serves as a hub for ministry and community engagement. Cape Christian remains committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of people in Cape Coral and beyond. For additional information, please visit CapeChristian.com or call 239772-5683.
Cape Coral Sons of the Legion and American Legion Riders elect officers
The Sons of the American Legion, Post 90 squadron in Cape Coral, has elected its new board of officers for the 2025-2026 year: Commander John Baker, 1st Vice Commander Chris Antonellis, 2nd Vice Commander Larry Horner, Finance Officer Mark Keeling, Adjutant Keith Berres, Chaplain Elon Hertzfeld and Sergeant-at-Arms Tony Tuzollino.
In addition, the chapter of Post 90 Riders elected its new board: Director Jack Fitzgerald, Assistant Director John Leuthard, Secretary Laurene Allen-Flower, Treasurer Ken Worley and Sergeant-at-Arms Chuck Pothier.
The Sons of the American Legion is an organization within the American
‘Cabaret’
Legion founded in 1932 to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires. It’s composed of male descendants of veterans who are eligible for American Legion membership, including sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons.
The American Legion Riders, a program within the American Legion, is well-known for its charitable work and must be supported by a Legion Post. All current members of the ALR must be current members of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion.
The American Legion, located at 1401 S.E. 47th St., in Cape Coral, is growing rapidly along with the
city of Cape Coral. All the new SAL and ALR officers pledged to continue and expand their programs of veteran support, community engagement, and, of course, youth development. Commander Lisa Arnold, Post 90 Commander urged all Cape Coral descendants of veterans or veteran motorcycle riders to join Post 90. For further information or to become a family member of the Post, please get in touch with Vice Commander Bruce Bohlander on (317) 979-7061, or visit the website at www.post90swf.org or call (239) 540-8128. Post 90 is open every day at 11 am. You can also visit Post 90 on Facebook.
on stage at The Belle Theatre in Cape
“Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome...” to the Kit Kat Klub. The Belle Theatre is featuring the production of “Cabaret” by John Kander (music), Fred Ebb (lyrics) and Joe Masteroff (book).
Experience a sizzling night of music and mirth Aug. 1-16. This provocative and seductive musical promises to transport audiences to 1930s Berlin, where decadence and
darkness lurk behind the glittering facade of the Kit Kat Club.
Featuring a talented cast and crew, “Cabaret” explores themes of love, identity and politics, all set to iconic songs like “Willkommen,” “Mein Herr” and “Maybe This Time.”
Performance dates:
n Saturday, Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m.
n Sunday, Aug. 10, 2 p.m. and
7:30 p.m.
n Thursday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m.
n Friday, Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.
n Saturday, Aug. 16, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Belle Theatre is at 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite 135, Cape Coral.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.thebelletheatre.com
Italian Night at Epiphany to be held Sept. 24
The Epiphany Episcopal Church will hold Italian Night at Epiphany Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m.
The church is at 2507 Del Prado Blvd., S., south of the Veterans Memorial Parkway overpass near the intersection of Southeast 26th Street
in Cape Coral. There will be a three-course dinner featuring Insulata, Beef Bolognese and Dessert.
The cost is $20 per person, and $10 for kids under 10.
For reservations, call (239) 218-
7556. Tickets are now on sale until Sept. 17.
For additional information, contact the church at (239) 574-3200 or visit https://www.epiphanyepiscopalchurch.org/.
PHOTO PROVIDED
A white peacock butterfly.
Pastor Reinaldo Zayas
Mobility: Cape Coral Council looks at fees for new construction
page 1
council that he was looking for consensus, or some form of consensus building among the council where they want the future of the city’s transportation and multimodal network to be.
“All the reports that you have seen, the studies, the presentations, the plans – all these scientific, engineering backgrounds are produced and developed. Those are to help us to make sure what we do is legally defensible under a mobility fee in Florida,” he said.
The mobility fee has four components – roadways and intersections, multimodal plan, transit plan and mobility programs adding up to a $1.4 billion plan.
Council members all said roadway and intersections should be the first priority. Some shared that there should not be a monovision, that the multimodal plan and mobility programs should also be a priority, but lower.
“One single industry is not going to be bearing 100% of the cost of the plan,” Ilczyszyn said.
He said that the legislature wanted to bring predictability on what such fees are in the future and it was up to council to set the anchor of where the fees would go moving forward.
Ilczyszyn said Wednesday’s special meeting was to find the level of revenue council wanted to collect from growth and match it with their priorities.
“We can look at the growth model – 1,800 to 2,400 permits – per year over the next three years and line the revenues up with the priorities you have during your term. The next council may have different priorities, but where you set the anchor on the fee, they can be limited,” he said.
Ilczyszyn said the No. 1 issue that his administration has heard is keeping up with infrastructure.
“These mobility fees are 100% infrastructure limited. They are restricted revenue and can only go towards infrastructure,” he said.
Every five years the Florida League of Cities surveys the top 10 cities in the state with the same set of questions and priorities of a community to produce a report.
“When the report is complete, they set up meetings with all the 10 cities to show us where our constituents’
responses are different than the norm and standard across the state,” he said.
Two years ago, that survey told the city of Cape Coral that it differs from the rest of the top 10 cities in the state because citizens ranked infrastructure higher than public safety. Ilczyszyn said that showed that they are doing a good job on public safety and can focus on something else – infrastructure, more specifically transportation.
Mayor John Gunter provided some numbers he came up with, which would match Lee County’s fee schedule –residential fee $9,996 per new dwelling unit. Cape Coral’s impact fee, also only on new construction, is $3,347, which is a $6,649 difference that would be split over four years, he said.
“We don’t want to provide any type of sticker shock,” Gunter said.
The increase would be 49.5% in the first year, 33.5% increase in the second year, 25% increase in the third year and a 20% increase the fourth year.
Currently Cape Coral’s impact fee for roads is $3,347, which is within the 15th percentile rank for single-family housing residential detached adopted base fees out of the 14 communities chosen, which ranges from Sarasota County, to urban Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and Charlotte County.
For commercial unit cost per 1000 square feet sits at $5,709 in Cape Coral with a percentile ranking of 0 for the same counties.
Gunter said he would like to see the same fee as Lee County for commercial, $11,476 per 1000 square feet.
“I think it is important that we end up comparable to Lee County, especially commercially, to make sure we are ‘keeping with the Jones.’ If they are looking at Lee County, or us, if our rates are much higher, it can deter that particular developer from coming to Cape Coral. If we hold the line to where Lee County is – it’s better for economic development for the future as well. If we are comparable to them in their rates it will benefit us in the long run.”
Councilmember Keith Long said if looking at the figures of the various counties and looking at the context of when the rates were imposed it is a different correlation
with the highest end and the amount of the costs.
“When we look to Lee County to say that is where we want to be, that fee was set in 2018 when things were a hell of a lot cheaper than they are today. It’s a disservice setting that as a height,” he said because they would be implementing a fee that was factored with 2018 costs and services. “We have been lower than all of our counterparts for probably 20 years. When you look at the fruits of that labor, I don’t think we can say that model was working for potential suitors.”
Some council members said they wanted growth to pay for growth.
“For us to just bury our head in the sand and use a target becomes someone else’s number (that was) established in 2018 means something to me,” Councilmember Bill Steinke said.
“Using Lee County as a target is not current reality. We have to hold off the sticker shock – let people ease into it. The use of discounts is a good way to set a number of where it needs to be before we can’t. Set the fee where reality says it needs to be and provide a glide path to get into that.”
As far as commercial goes, Steinke believes that businesses, if they did not come to Cape Coral when the prices were cheap, it does not mean they will not come when new fees becomes a reality.
“They are going to pay the price of admission, I believe,” Steinke said.
Councilmember Rachel Kaduk said when growth does not pay for growth, then all the citizens will pay for that growth.
“I don’t want to kill the growth, either. It has to be appetizing,” she said.
Kaduk said the mobility fee is the highest for her district and they have increases with the fire service assessment, stormwater, solid waste, and the utility expansion project.
“If it is too high in my district, it is choking off growth and then we pay for it,” she said. “The UEP is coming and that continues to go up. I have to fight for my district.”
Kaduk represents District 7, which is the northeast corner of the city, mostly north of Pine Island Road and east of Santa Barbara Boulevard.
August 8, 2025
HealtH Briefs
Chronic pain self-management workshops begin Aug. 19 in Cape Coral
Lee Health’s “It’s All About You,” Chronic Pain SelfManagement Program” a Self-Management Resource Program with the SMRC is offering a research based Chronic Pain Self-Management program for the community. The workshop is free and meets weekly for six weeks.
Information presented in the workshop can help you become empowered to improve your quality of life. Learn how to more easily manage your medications; understand the benefits of exercise; manage symptoms of stress, pain and fatigue; and make smarter decisions related to health eating. Participants will also receive a copy of the book “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain”.
The sessions will be held on Tuesdays beginning Aug. 19, from 1-3:30 p.m.. in person at Lee Health Solutions, 501 Del Prado Blvd., S., Cape Coral.
Please call 239-424-3121 for more information or to register.
Sponsors needed for 13th Annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Fashion Show Dec. 5
Sponsors are needed for the 13th Annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Fashion Show to be held Friday, Dec. 5, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. Proceeds will benefit the hospital’s SEA STAR (Safety Education Awareness, Sensory Training – Autism Readiness) Program, a critical service providing sensory-friendly care for children with neurological and developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, sensory processing disorders, and more.
Since launching the SEA STAR Program in April 2024, nearly 100% of hospital team members have been trained in sensory-friendly care practices. The program also introduced Florida’s first sensory-friendly ambulance, ensuring safe, calming transportation experiences for children. Additions to care also include 10 sensory rooms throughout the Southwest Florida region, thoughtfully designed to help patients and families feel more at ease with dimmable lighting, tactile therapy tools, bubble tubes, fiber optics, and more.
The Dec. 5 event will begin with a silent auction at 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 11:45 a.m., and a fashion show at 1 p.m. Fashion from Fort Myers to Naples will be modeled by hospital patients and families, Lee Health leadership and community supporters.
Sponsorship opportunities include $10,000 Presenting Sponsor, $5,000 Gold Runway Sponsor, $2,500 Silver Runway Sponsor and $2,000 Bronze Table Sponsor. For more information about sponsorships or to purchase tickets, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Golisano-FashionShow-2025.
Stevens Construction begins construction of Associates in Nephrology in Fort Myers
Stevens Construction has started construction of Associates in Nephrology, located at 14560 Hope Center Loop in Fort Myers, announced Daniel Adams, Stevens Construction executive vice president and partner.
Located in the growing medical campus of Hope Preserve, Associates in Nephrology is expanding operations in a 9,000-square-foot medical office dedicated to advancing the science of kidney care and enhancing the quality of life for kidney disease patients in Southwest Florida. Slated for completion in fall 2025, Associates in Nephrology is designed for functionality and patient comfort with an expansive lobby equipped with a coffee bar and restrooms, and a patient area with 20 exam rooms, check-out and additional restrooms.
Stevens Construction provided four months of pre-construction prior to the construction starting, guiding Associates in Nephrology through architectural design, identifying $100,000 in cost-saving suggestions while providing budgets and schedules throughout the design process.
For information about Stevens Construction, please visit www.stevensbuilds.com or call 239-936-9006.
How to engage in the best safe sleep practices for newborns
Having a newborn is one of the most memorable and transformative experiences. It’s a time filled with precious moments and many important firsts, from the joy of first smiles to the challenges of learning new skills, such as changing diapers and creating a safe sleep environment.
Among all the new responsibilities, ensuring your baby’s safety while they’re sleeping is especially important. Unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death among children under one year old. Nearly three-quarters of suffocation deaths among infants are from accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed.
Understanding these risks is crucial to creating a safe sleeping space for babies.
What do babies need to sleep?
It is a common misconception to assume that babies need blankets, pillows or other items for sleeping. While our first instinct may be to ensure that the baby is as comfortable as possible, he or she does not need anything to ensure a good night’s sleep. Nothing should be in the crib with the baby.
This includes:
∫ No toys
∫ No blankets
∫ No breathable blankets
∫ No pillows
∫ No bumper pads
In the last quarterly meeting, the Circuit 20 Child Abuse Death Review Team found that four infants in our region died from unsafe sleep, and they were all under one year old. Two of the four had case notes indicating that the infant used a “breathable blanket.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is not safe for babies under one year old to sleep with blankets, even if they are marketed as being breathable.
Although numbers reflect only a limited number of sleep-related tragedies, many more likely go unreported. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, there were 69 sleep-related fatalities reported to the department’s hotline in 2019, the most recent year for which complete data is available.
Each year, more than 3,500 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) happen in the United States. These deaths occur among infants less than a year old and have no immediately obvious cause.
Continued education and community support can help parents learn to adopt safe sleep practices.
A safe and supportive birth environment helps new parents understand and implement safe sleep habits.
Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center are gold-level certified by the national organization Cribs for Kids. The safe sleep program is led by Vilmarie Colon, a Pediatric Injury Prevention Specialist in the Child Advocacy Department.
Safe sleep certification from Cribs for Kids is the highest national recognition a hospital or community can receive for its commitment to safe sleep practices.
“When we educate new parents about safe sleep practices before they leave the hospital, we equip them with the knowledge to create the safest sleep environment for their newborns,” Colon said. “Unsafe sleep environments often result from babies sharing a bed with another person or being surrounded by excess blankets, pillows or toys. Suffocation happens when a baby’s airflow is blocked because of their sleeping position or something obstructing their breathing. Always be sure to practice the ABCs to ensure the baby sleeps safely and soundly. Education and empowerment can help us bring these numbers down.”
How to adopt safe sleep practices
Follow the ABCs
A – Alone. Infants should always sleep alone. Have the baby share your room, not your bed.
B – On their Back. Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times, including naps and at night.
C
– In a Crib. Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib.
Here are some more safe sleep tips:
∫ Use a sleep sack or build layers of clothing to keep the baby warm.
∫ Babies should not sleep on beds, sofas, recliners, chairs, soft surfaces, bouncy chairs or baby swings. If this happens, make sure to return your baby to a safe sleep environment as soon as possible.
∫ Soft bedding can block a baby’s airway during sleep. A firm mattress covered with a tight-fitting crib sheet is all that’s needed to give the baby a good night’s sleep.
∫ Ensure the infant’s crib, bassinet or portable crib/play yard conforms to recommended safety standards
∫ Only mattresses and fitted sheets designed for the mattress should be used so that there are no gaps between the mattress and the side of the bed
∫ Avoid overheating and do not use head coverings while baby is sleeping
∫ Infants should not sleep on beds, couches, chairs, or waterbeds. Portable bed rails should also not be used.
∫ Sitting devices such as car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers and slings are not recommended for sleep. If an infant falls asleep in a sitting device, they should be removed from the product and moved to a crib or other appropriate flat surface as soon as possible.
∫ When infant slings and cloth carriers are used, ensure that the infant’s head is up and above the fabric, the face is visible, and the nose and mouth are not against the adult’s body or sling
∫ Room sharing with the parents is recommended, but bed sharing is not recommended
∫ Breastfeeding is recommended to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but it should be done in a safe place outside of the bed. If a caregiver is feeling exhausted or tired, it’s important to ask someone for support to help prevent accidents.
∫ Be sure to check for recalls on your baby’s products by visiting www.gov/recall.com
At Lee Health, we’re proud to lead the way in safe sleep practices. From the moment a baby is born, our mission is to provide every new parent with the knowledge and support they need to help prevent sleep-related infant injuries and mortalities.
For more information about infant safety education, please visit www. leehealth.org or call the Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Child Advocacy department at 239-343-5101.
Julie Noble is Safe Kids SWFL coordinator at Golisano Children’s Hospital
32nd Annual Budreau Memorial Golf Classic Oct. 4
The Lee Health Foundation invites community members, sponsors and golfers to come together in celebration, remembrance and support at the 32nd Annual Anthony J. “Tony” Budreau Memorial Golf Classic, taking place Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Saltleaf Golf Preserve in Bonita Springs.
Participants will enjoy an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start, competition for cash prizes in two closest-to-the-pin contests, a raffle, followed by a lunch
See GOLF CLASSIC, page 31
This annual event honors the legacy of Tony Budreau, a Fort Myers native, standout athlete and beloved son, brother and friend, who passed away from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at 26 years old. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Lee Health ALS Clinic, providing critical care and resources for patients living with ALS in Southwest Florida.
Julie Noble Guest Column
Infractions down since school district installed security system
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
On-campus crimes have dropped since the School District of Lee County installed campus security systems, Arrests, simple citations, and notices to appear have declined since the implementation of the OPENGATE weapons detection system, according to a presentation to the Lee County School Board Tuesday.
Safety, Security and Fleet Operations Chief Dave Newlan said they now have data for 2023 and 2024. It was broken down with the overall statistics, and then by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Myers Police Department, and the Cape Coral Police Department where Newlan previously served as chief.
Overall, for 2023 there were 1,226 arrests, simple citations, and notices to appear, compared to 934 in 2024, a 27% reduction.
For LCSO in 2023 there were 596 arrests, simple citations, and notices to appear, compared to 491 in 2024,
a 19% decrease. Broken down further there were 163 arrests in 2023 for LCSO, compared to 122 in 2024. Civil citations went from 352 to 293 in 2024 and notices to appear went from 81 to 76.
FMPD had 156 arrests, simple citations, and notices to appear for 2023, compared to 143 in 2024, a 9% decrease. The total arrests for FMPD went from 70 in 2023 to 63 in 2024; civil citations went from 61 in 2023 to 68 in 2024 and notices to appear went from 25 to 12.
The CCPD had 474 arrests, simple citations, and notices to appear for 2023, compared to 300 in 2024, a 45% decrease.
Arrests went from 31 in 2023 to 28 in 2024; civil citations went from 55 to 14 in 2024 and notices to appear went from 388 to 258 in 2024.
Newlan said the curiosity is, is there a correlation with OPENGATE as far as safety.
One interesting statistic was the 50% drop in weapon charges, which does not necessarily mean a gun. Newlan
said it could be a knife, or a box cutter, both of which are considered a weapon.
“I thought that was a big difference,” Newlan said. Board member Jada Langford-Fleming said OPENGATE has been a game changer, if nothing else a deterrent, since nothing is 100% proof. She asked the safety team to work on outside sporting events when it comes to OPENGATE.
“Something I have continued to witness, as the season goes on it gets a little looser,” Langford-Fleming said, as people are not paying as much of attention to make sure every single person is going through the weapons detection system, and not around it.
“Outside facilities worry me more than even the inside sometimes. I would love to see the safety team focus on that this year,” she said. “People don’t realize it is a protocol. It is important that we continue to blast it out. Keep that transparency and communication live.”
All Abilities: Money being raised for ‘all inclusive’ playground
From page 14
The All Abilities Play committee is made up of a physical and occupational therapist, special education teacher, and parents of children who have disabilities.
“We’re brainstorming on what really is needed, and what’s going to benefit people, and the cause and effect of things,” Buday said. “Our team knows that certain pieces of equipment will give the stimulus input, or a calming effect — all of these things are really important that are left out of a lot of playground designs.”
The city is still working on the designs for Lake Meade Park, and Buday said there will be a larger footprint for the playground. The exact size of the park is to be determined, but Buday said the city is willing to give them as much room as necessary. Buday said parks of the type around
the country are usually 20,000 square feet. Many of the parks that are out there that All Abilities Play is trying to emulate started by grass-roots means and non-profits working with cities.
“We want to go big,” she said. “If we’re going to do it, we want to do it full out.”
Buday said an individual reached out to her following a Cape Coral Breeze story in December of 2024 about All Abilities Play, stating his wife is blind and is unable to take their child to a park and play with their daughter because the park in inaccessible for the mother.
“People think it’s just for children, but it’s not,” Buday said. “It’s for adults that are disabled that have healthy children that they want to play with and make memories with. It’s for a grandparent who wants to take their grandchild to a park, but maybe they can’t because they have a
walker or cane and the surface is not accessible at all. It’s about everybody. That’s why it’s called All Abilities, and it’s for all ages. People think playgrounds are for children, but who brings children to these playgrounds? We have to think bigger picture and who is being left out.”
Buday said the goal is to have the funds and approval by the FY 2027 budget and to break ground in late 2026 or early 2027. The park could be constructed in phases.
Collaboratory is a regional community foundation with an evolved mission committed to coordinating the solving of Southwest Florida’s major social problems by 2040.
To donate to All Abilities Play, visit www.collaboratory.org/allabilitiesplay.
For more information on All Abilities Play, visit allabilitiesplay.org.
School: Lee County students heading back to school on Monday
From page 1
students graduating and having a plan in their hand when they are done with high school.
Another huge component of student learning is the Safe Initiative, which changed the school district transportation system, allowing 90 minutes between the tiers to allow for enough time to drop off and pick up students for the next round. This means the change in start and end times for elementary, middle, and high school.
Carlin who has lived in Lee County for 56 years, 32 of which have been spent working in the school district, knows there are challenges with the bus system. She said one question she heard on the campaign trail was how many children every day are late to school.
That number equated to about 26,000 students, about a quarter of their students, negatively impacted by the system created. Carlin said it was not about the bus drivers, but a system that was not set up for success.
As the CEO of the organization, she took on the responsibility to get solutions moving.
Now there is a workable system.
Another new policy this year is a cell phone free policy, which the board passed, for all Pre-K-12th grade students.
“Starting on Monday cell phones are not allowed on campus,” Carlin said, which means that when a student crosses the school’s threshold, the cell phone must be set in the off position and placed in the backpack. “During the day from bell to bell, we do not see cell phones.”
She said the focus is learning, as they are now fully staffed and teachers are going to be busy teaching, and students busy learning. In addition, it will promote normal face-to-face conversations, which she said has become a lost art.
“Cell phones have taken over. No more in the District of Lee County,” Carlin said.
Safety is Carlin’s No. 1 priority, as no parent should ever have to worry about dropping off their child at school. She said with raising children of her own, her expectation was that her kids would come home nice and safe from school.
Carlin said the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and local police chiefs continue to provide school resource officers, and the district continues to expand on its
Guardian Program, under which the LCSD trains staff members to carry a firearm.
A new piece the district is adding this year is for bus safety. The Lee County School Board recently approved an agreement with Bus Patrol, a stop-arm enforcement technology provider.
“It’s an organization that will help us put cameras on bus stop arms. When a bus stops, the expectation is you stop as well – you don’t blow past the stop arm,” Carlin said.
The cameras will be placed on the district’s 900 buses. These cameras will capture license plates of vehicles that illegally pass a stopped bus and provide the video to law enforcement for review. It could result in a $225 fine.
“We are standing up for the children’s safety,” Carlin said. “That will be a whole media campaign later this fall. If people choose after campaigning, there will be a fine levied.”
A 30-day public safety campaign is part of the agreement.
Under Senate Bill 766, Enforcement of School Bus Passing Infractions, the cameras are allowed, as it was signed into law in May 2023.
Parents are encouraged to remain engaged in their child’s education.
“Sometimes this gets a little unclear for families. My husband and I both worked outside the home, and we were not always able to show up at lunchtime,” Carlin said. “An engaged parent doesn’t mean to always be at school. It’s turning off the TV. Finding a quiet place do homework and encouraging to read for an hour a day, returning texts, or messages when the school teacher reaches out and checking FOCUS for the child’s grades.”
She said they need parents, as they are the child’s first teacher.
With the first day of school right around the corner, Carlin said she still does not sleep before the first day of school because of the opportunity that awaits the children.
“I can’t wait to see them on Monday morning, walking up with their smiles on their faces, getting them into class and start the progress towards their success,” she said. “We want every child to know we believe in them, and they will go on to great greatness – the American dream is available to them.”
Canalwatch: Local volunteers collecting environmental water data
From page 1
late ‘80s/early ‘90s that the Clean Water Act started to really think about storm water runoff and the potential pollution that comes with it.
“A big component of that was public education and public outreach,” he said. “It just made sense for Cape Coral, where we have 400 linear miles of canals that are really influenced by storm water runoff, to engage the public in how the city manages those canal waterways, and the benefits of having them being as pristine as we can possibly make them. One top of that, if you have these ambassadors in the neighborhoods, they kind of start dialogue with their family friends and neighbors.
“It became very apparent that once pollution hits the water, it’s really hard to get out. So if you can have source control, then that’s a good way to do it. In order to have source control, you have to let people know what those influences are.”
Along with being educators, Canalwatch members are trained to take samples of local water and provide much-needed data
for the city.
Canalwatch volunteers collect environmental data and water samples from designated sites across Cape Coral each month and transport them in a safe manner to the city. The city’s water quality laboratory analyzes these samples, namely for nutrients, providing valuable insights that guide canal management and help keep waterways clean and healthy.
“We’re sampling the canals once a month,” Phillips said. “We test it in the lab. The residents themselves get the benefit of knowing what’s going on with the canal behind their home. It’s a win-win — we get supplementary data for areas maybe we don’t go to for normal sampling.”
Phillips said volunteers are peppered throughout the city to help provide data to a very unique canal system. He said water quality plays a role in all facets of the way the city operates at the highest level, from keeping wildlife safe, as well as the economy and environment.
“Even though water quality is regulated by the (Department of Environmental
Protection), it’s still a huge priority for the city of Cape Coral as a municipality,” Phillips said. “The health and vitality of the community and environment is based on water quality. So we rely on our citizens to be stewards of the environment.”
There are roughly 40 volunteer members of Canalwatch currently, with the number fluctuating over the years. Phillips said some members are fairly new, while others have been with the program since its inception. There is no limit to how many volunteers can join.
“You build that rapport out in the field,” Phillips said. “We want to be able to protect our water as best we can.”
Phillips said the blue-green algae outbreak in 2018 really opened eyes locally to how bad water can get if not taken care of.
“We’re trying to do our best to maintain water quality within the city limits, but something can happen upstream and really undermine that,” he said. “There’s also a lot of misconceptions. After (the outbreak), people wanted to point the finger at Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River, and what was going on upstream.
“But (there are problems that you see
locally) that are within the city. (People shouldn’t always) place the blame on someone else, when it’s very obvious that our community is compounding the problem.”
Canalwatch initiatives over the years include the planting of aquatic vegetation along seawalls, as well as the hanging of oyster gardens along docks to attract filter feeders. Canalwatch volunteers can also be the first to see that things are off in the body of water they monitor, and can pass along that information to the city.
The analysis of these samples are uploaded online and can be viewed by visiting https://chnep.wateratlas.usf.edu/ canalwatch/.
Phillips said the northeast Cape that could use volunteers especially.
The city welcomes new volunteers of all backgrounds. No prior experience is necessary, and full training is provided. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about Canalwatch, contact Phillips at 239574-0785 or hphillip@capecoral.gov.
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 convention
Eric P. Feichthaler
Real Estate Law
al 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.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Source: Lee County Property Appraiser
VASQUEZ JOSE A & BETTY GONZALEZ VIDAL SACHIMA &
Sellers struggling with housing market weakness
We continue to see a lot of sellers in Cape Coral and throughout Southwest Florida struggling to attract potential buyers and get their homes sold. Based on our personal experiences and from conversations with a number of Realtors, it is clear that the level of frustration is continuing to grow.
As we have been noting repeatedly in this column for the past three years now, as difficult as it has been for a lot of sellers, homes are still being sold in our market at a relatively decent clip. When a seller gets their list price in line with the current market, a buyer emerges. If a seller has their home overpriced, it will sit on the market unsold for months on end.
In general, sellers need to be more aggressive with their list prices than they were likely anticipating if they want or need to get their homes sold, and as this realization sinks in, we are seeing a growing number of sellers taking their homes off of the market in hopes of getting a higher price in the future.
Today we have some real life, anecdotal stories to share from our recent experiences with buyers, sellers and Realtors.
But before we get into that, we will begin with some current market data so you can see how our market has shifted into a slow motion, painfully frustrating deterioration in home prices.
Preliminary sales numbers for July
Based on the preliminary Cape Coral single-family home sales numbers for July, the summer slowdown is upon us as the number of closed home sales will probably settle in somewhere about 7% below the 481 sales in July 2024 and under the 469 sales in June of this year, but above the 421 sales in July 2023. The preliminary July median sales price for single -family homes in the Cape looks poised to set a new 2025 monthly low, likely edging below the previous low of $370,000 for this year which was set in May. The last time we had a month with median sales prices in the overall Cape Coral single-family home market in the $360,000s was back in August through October 2021. Also of note, the preliminary average sales price in the overall Cape Coral single-family home market for the month of July reached its lowest level since back in August 2021. This is another subtle sign that home prices are continuing to shift lower and that the bottom is likely not yet in place.
Current active listings and pending home sales
As of Tuesday, Aug. 5, there were 2,786 active listings in the MLS for Cape Coral single-family homes at list prices ranging from $180,000 to $8.9 million, and the current median list price came in at $465,000. The number of homes listed for sale in the Cape continues its steady descent, largely driven by some sellers throwing in the towel because they have been unable to get the price they want or need. Based on our daily market surveys, we reached a peak of 3,520 homes on the market back on Feb. 24. On that day, the median list price for single-family homes in the Cape was at $480,000.
Real life anecdotal market experiences
The problems being faced by home sellers have become pretty widespread. For example, back in April we had a buyer from the Boynton Beach area contact us about one of our listings. She told us she was getting ready to list her townhome and her Realtor was telling her to be prepared to move because it was going to sell in a matter of weeks, if not days. We showed her our listing and had her sign a buyers agreement so we could show her some other homes. We told her she needed to get her home listed and most likely under contract with a buyer before she would get a seller over here to consider any offers. She cares for her elderly mother, who lives with her and she was panicking that her home would sell so fast that they would not have a place to live. Her home in Boynton Beach has now been on the market for about 85 days and she has made four price reductions without attracting an offer.
Another buyer we have been working with has decided to buy a new construction home in a development in Estero. We were negotiating the price and builder incentives, and just about had a deal in place when the developer gave them an ultimatum to sign a contract “today” or some of the incentives would go away. Our buyer chose to walk away at that point and we continued looking at other homes in Fort Myers and Estero. In a number of cases, you could sense the desperation of the seller and the Realtor to get any type of offer on some of these homes. And this was often after the sellers had already made sizable 20% plus price decreases. Ultimately, it took another two weeks for that developer to come back to us with more buyer concessions so we could hammer out a deal on the new construction home, which illustrates the competition sellers of existing homes are facing from new construction homes. The actual examples we could show you are nothing short of mind-boggling.
Currently, there are 1,025 homes listed for sale at $400,000 and under, including 194 homes listed below $300,000. We have 262 luxury homes for sale in the Cape at $1 million and above. About one year ago on Aug. 12, 2024, there were 2,573 homes listed for sale in the Cape through the MLS at list prices ranging from $199,900 to $5.98 million, and the median list price was $489,900. Back then we had 757 homes on the market at $400,000 and under, including only 56 homes listed below $300,000 and there were 274 homes on the market at $1 million and above.
As a side note, 34.4% of the Cape’s current active listings in the MLS are for new and newer construction homes built in 2023 through 2025.
Shifting over to pending home sales, as of Tuesday, Aug. 5, there were 565 Cape Coral homes under contract with buyers at prices ranging from $169,900 for a partially built home to $3.6 million. The median pending home sales price came in at $375,000 and 60.4% of our current market, or 341 homes, have a pending sales price of $400,000 and under, including 92 homes priced below $300,000. There are currently 16 luxury homes in the Cape under contract with buyers at $1 million and above.
Back on August 12, 2024, there were 662 Cape Coral single-family homes in the pending sales pipeline at prices ranging from $150,000 for a fire damaged home to $4,87 million. The second lowest priced “regular” pending home sale was $199,900 and the median pending sales price was at $395,000. A total of 54.4% of the pending home sales one year ago, or 360 homes, were priced at $400,000 and under, including only 51 homes priced below $300,000. At that time there were 23 luxury homes under contract with buyers at $1 million and above.
As a side note, 38.8% of the Cape’s current pending home sales in the MLS are for new and newer construction homes built in 2023 through 2025.
Coming back to Cape Coral, a recent email we received from an established local builder was touting a $20,000 price reduction on one of its move-in ready new construction homes. The information on the home shows it was completed in 2025, so we took a look at the listing information in the MLS. This home was first put on the market as a partially built spec home in June 2023, when it was advertised as having an expected completion date of November 2023. That listing was terminated in November 2023, and it came back on the market at a slightly higher price in September 2024 with a new expected completion date of in December of that year. The builder has just made another $10,000 price reduction on this “delayed” spec home for a total price decrease of $65,000 or an 11.7% discount so far. The local “experts” say this is a “normal correction,” but it doesn’t feel that way to a lot of sellers.
The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of Aug. 5, 2025, unless otherwise noted. It was compiled by Bob and Geri Quinn and it includes information specifically for Cape Coral single-family homes, and does not include condominiums, short sales or foreclosures. The data and statistics are believed to be reliable, however, they could be updated and revised periodically, and are subject to change without notice. The Quinns are a husband and wife real estate team with the RE/MAX Realty Team office in Cape Coral. They have lived in Cape Coral for over 45 years. Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined with Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.
Sharing a meal offers far more than a full stomach; the benefits of eating together extend well beyond the dinner table.
In the “2025 World Happiness Report,” evidence shows that sharing meals has a substantial impact on an individual’s well-being. Those who regularly eat with others report higher life satisfaction and display higher levels of social support, positive reciprocity and less loneliness.
Learn more about how sharing a meal can improve your family’s overall well-being with these insights from the experts at the FMI Foundation and their “2025 Family Meals Barometer survey,” which delivers research, collaboration and education to address food safety, health and nutrition concerns.
Civil and Respectful Interactions
In a world full of distractions, it may come as no surprise the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey found poor communication is a leading concern among parents, more worrisome than schoolwork or chores.
More than two-thirds of respondents expressed a belief that civility in America is worse today compared to 10 years ago, but 74% said family meals are a great time to have and teach respectful interactions. Frequent family meals create a safe environment for families to discuss thornier societal issues.
Better Nutrition
Numerous studies have shown families who eat more meals together have healthier eating habits and better diets in general. Family meals at home typically make it easier to fill plates with food from each food group. What’s more, parents who prepare well-balanced meals and model healthy food choices allow children to mirror and adopt similar habits.
Improved Family Function
In the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey,
respondents cited having more time to spend together and family meals as the top two ways they feel more connected to family and loved ones. With busy school and extracurricular schedules, many families are hard-pressed to find quality time together without distractions. Gathering around the dinner table is an opportunity to connect with one another and talk about what’s happening at work, school and with friends.
Better Grades at School
Numerous factors affect students’ academic performance, but eating together as a family helps reinforce many of the variables thought to influence student success. More nutritious meals play a role in stronger cognitive function. Multiple researchers found that children who are part of families that eat together regularly tend to have a stronger vocabulary and higher grades.
Improved Mental Health
Another way family meals benefit students at school and beyond is stronger mental and emotional health. In several independent studies, researchers found a positive correlation between family meals and self-esteem, psychosocial outcomes and other markers of mental health.
Learn how gathering around the dinner table supports your family’s nutritional, social, mental and emotional health at fmi. org/family-meals-movement.
“Gathering around the dinner table is an opportunity to connect with one another.”
From Family Features
Make Dinner Prep a Family Affair
The benefits of eating together as a family don’t have to wait until everyone is at the table. During dinner prep, parents and children have a chance to work elbow-to-elbow and talk about their days. When children participate in preparing healthy food, they may be more interested in eating it. As an added bonus, kids who take part in food preparation enjoy the benefits of building their own life skills.
DIY dishes that put kids in charge of what goes on their plates can be a fun way to bring the family together and make meal prep easy. You can customize salad kits with a selection of protein options, create your own personal pizzas or serve a bar-style dinner such as nachos, baked potatoes or tacos that let each family member choose their own toppings.
August 8, 2025
August means fishing around the weather
On the water around Southwest Florida in August means dealing with steamy hot weather and the possibility of daily thunderstorms. Fishing can be good for the month If you don’t mind working around the weather.
Summer days give us flat calm seas over the morning hours, perfect for running offshore. Our coastline is dotted with man-made artificial reefs, many well within sight of land with GPS coordinates available to the public. If you are an inshore angler, it’s a nice change of pace to make a short run offshore, especially during the heat of summer when the inshore water temperatures are so high.
Fishing around the reefs, you never know what you might hook into. Everything from tasty snapper to huge goliath grouper call the reefs their home. To get the most out of the day, you want an assortment of tackle that can manage the fish you target and any surprise guest. Obviously with snapper you do not need super heavy tackle, the lighter the better for the best action. But if you want to attempt to pull a big goliath grouper from his home, you will need an extra heavily rig, we are talking 200 to 400-pound line. And many times, that’s not heavy enough. Big goliaths are protected and must remain in the water and released unharmed.
In between snapper and goliaths is the possibility of Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, permit, barracuda, snook, grouper, sharks of all sizes, plus many other species. A common method is to anchor up, deploy a chum bag and fish several different line class rods and baits for a variety of fish.
Inshore seatrout fishing is good through the summer. Look for larger trout over areas of open water where shallow sand bars transition to deeper grass flats from 3-6 feet deep with good water movement. Schools of small bait fish concentrate in these areas. Trout, plus Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish and sharks, are located around the bait. Diving pelicans, terns and gulls often give up the location of schooling bait.
See AUGUST, page 31
Tide CharT
Cape Sail and Power Squadron can help boaters prepare for Florida Freedom Boater Decal
On July 1, the Florida Freedom Boater law went into effect. The law directs the local tax collector to have boat owners complete a “Vessel Safety Equipment Attestation” form to get the Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal sent to them.
The new form must be completed upon the original registration, renewal or transfer of vessel ownership. It asks the owner to attest and confirm two statements.
The first states: “I, the undersigned, hereby affirm and attest that the vessel described above is equipped with all safety equipment required by the United States Coast Guard and applicable federal regulations for legal operation on state and federal waters.”
If you are unsure whether you have all the required safety equipment a free Vessel Safety Check can help you identify any items missing or in need of replacement. Vessel examiners associated with the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron also know recent changes in the requirements and can keep you informed. It is a good idea to get a free Vessel Safety Check annually as some items on your boat have expiry dates and other items can wear out. The squadron’s vessel examiners are trained to identify issues with your required equipment and will keep up to date on all new regulations.
The second states: “I understand
that it is my legal responsibility as the owner and/or operator of this vessel to ensure compliance with all applicable maritime safety laws and regulations.”
There are a myriad rules and regulations boaters need to know, federal, state and local. The Cape organization offers classes that cover these rules and regulations. The United States Power Squadron’s, America’s Boating Course covers all the requirements established by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and is approved by the State of Florida. Students that take and pass the final examination receive a Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card which is good in all states that require a Boating Safety Education I.D. Card.
It is also recommended that all boaters consider taking the two-hour seminar Rules of the Road. This seminar takes an in-depth look at both Inland and International rules. Boaters on the Florida coast need to know the subtle differences between these rules. The Inland Rules end start as soon as you cross the “Line of Demarcation” and enter the Gulf where the International Rules begin.
For a free Vessel Safety Check
call the Cape office at 239-5499754. The office is staffed Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. – noon. One of its volunteers will take your information and a vessel examiner will get back to you to schedule a time for them to come and visit. Boating classes and seminars resume in September, and all currently offered courses and seminars are listed online at ccsaps.org where you can also complete your registration. You may also stop by the local offices at 917 S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral. Volunteer staff is happy to provide more information and answer any questions about our course offering. There you will also find our Ship’s Store with other valuable boating information along with some items for sale, like local charts, guides, and books including, “Safe Boating in Southwest Florida, Your Guide to the Many Channels on our Waterways” and “Barret Bonden’s Local Knowledge RecommendedThings You Wish Someone Had Told You About Boating Here!” written by one of the Cape squadron members.
Source: Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron
Mussels’ Bohorquez FSL Pitcher of the Month
FORT MYERS — Mighty Mussels right-hander Adrian Bohorquez was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the Month for July, 2025, as announced by the offices of Minor League Baseball.
Support SCCF’s bat research by attending the Mighty Mussels’ game this Saturday
FORT MYERS —The Fort Myers
The 20-yearold recorded a 0.90 ERA in five outings (three starts) as he allowed just two earned runs over 20.0 innings. He led the league in ERA (0.90), and was second in WHIP (0.65), batting average against (.118), hits allowed per nine innings (3.9), strikeout to walk ratio (4.0) and strikeouts per nine innings (9.00).
Bohorquez totaled 20 strikeouts to eight hits and five walks.
He did not allow a hit in his first 8.0 innings pitched and worked 17
Mighty Mussels will host “Going to Bat for Bats with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels” this Saturday, Aug. 9. The event benefits the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation’s bat research program.
Five dollars from each ticket purchase to the Mussels game with the Clearwater Threshers will directly support SCCF’s bat research and conservation efforts.
SCCF wildlife biologist Mike Mills will be throwing out the first pitch at the game. Proceeds will help
scoreless innings to begin his month.
Bohorquez was also named the FSL Pitcher of the Week on July 6 after throwing five hitless innings against the Bradenton Marauders.
The dominant month earned
fund acoustic monitoring equipment to determine bat species’ presence and range on Sanibel, Captiva and surrounding islands.
Did you know Southwest Florida’s native bats provide irreplaceable pest control? Many species are capable of eating between 50% to 100% of their body weight in insects — like mosquitoes — per day!
The game starts at 6:05 p.m. at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex. Doors open at 5 p.m. Get there early and visit the SCCF table!
Bohorquez a promotion to High-A Cedar Rapids on Aug. 4. Bohorquez becomes the first Mighty Mussel to earn Pitcher of the Month honors since Pierson Ohl in August 2022.
Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department’s 4th Annual Reindeer Run 5K & Family Fun Run Dec. 13 at Coral Oaks Golf Course
The Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department will host the 4th Annual Reindeer Run Saturday, Dec. 13, at Coral Oaks Golf Course.
This event is a family-friendly run, so participants are urged to come dressed in the holiday spirit! Participants can choose a 5K run or a
1.5-mile family fun run.
The run will be on the cart path through the golf course, so it is a stroller/family-friendly race. Walking entrants are welcome.
Packet pick-up will be at 4 p.m. with the 5K run starting at 5 p.m. The family fun run/walk then steps off at 6 p.m. Register for the event at https:// runsignup.com/Race/FL/CapeCoral/ CapeCoralReindeerRun2022 Coral Oaks Golf Course is at 1800 N.W. 28th Ave., Cape Coral. The event website can be found at https://www.capereindeerrun.com/.
Capt. Bill Russell On the Water
Adrian Bohorquez
August: Fishing is good but you have to work around changing weather
From page 30
Mangrove snapper fishing is a good choice throughout the inshore and near shore waters. They gather around structure with good water movement; this could include any of the Gulf passes, docks and jetties, bridges, piers, and natural or man-made reefs. For bait, live shrimp, pilchards and small pinfish are the ticket, plus small pieces of cut bait. Snapper have excellent vision, a small circle hook with 3-4 feet of 10 to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader will put the odds in your favor. Snapper are hard fighting for
their size and are one of the absolute best tasting fish in our waters. If you have visitors over the summer, snapper can make a great target and reward you with a fine dinner.
Good numbers of snook are roaming the surf along the Gulf beaches throughout the summer and are a sight fishermen’s dream. Most snook are under 26 inches, but there are much bigger fish mixed in. Pilchards, herring, small pinfish, oneeighth, or quarter ounce white bucktail jigs and a variety of small white flies are top baits. Look for the fish right off the edge of the beach in the surf or near any
type of submerged structure. Remember snook are catch-and-release only, quickly return them to the water. Snook, like most fish, are most active early and late in the day over the summer months.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at: www.myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish.
If you turn on your GPS location the Fish Rules app updates to your location. In my opinion, it is more accurate and up to date than FWC’s website.
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service -- call or text 239-410-8576; website at www.fishpine island.com; or email gcl2fish@live.com
Have a safe week and good fishin’.
As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for over 20 years.
Tennis tournament: The Courts to host Alzheimer’s Foundation benefit
From page 17
it progressed he said he was going to go as fast and as long and hard as he could,” Venita said. “Then we got into some drug trials. His thing was ‘I know they’re never going to help me but if I can do anything to help progress knowledge of Alzheimer’s or to save other people that’s what I’ll do.’”
Venita said the condition began a few years before it was diagnosed.
“Little things that he would forget were happening,” she said. “Like he was impeccable with directions. You could blindfold him in the forest, spin him around and ask him to point north and he would. And he started not being good at directions which was an odd thing. I would say things to him and he would say I never told him that. I put a note in his wallet with my name and number in case of an emergency. He asked me who Venita was. He finally realized it was not good and said there is something wrong.”
They visited Lee Memory Health where preliminary tests were conducted which led to more detailed MRIs and further in-
depth testing.
However it was a comment coldly delivered from a healthcare specialist that said “today is the best day of the rest of your life” that made them realize the magnitude of his condition.
Now, a few years later, Venita is working to not only honor her husband through her association with the Alzheimer’s Foundation but she also has begun to play again the game they both loved so much after putting her racket down for a few years.
“I still struggle, it’s hard for me. I miss him greatly, we were together for more than 40 years,” she said. “So I’m trying to do things that I know he would want me to do. We both loved tennis, it was such a connection for us, so getting back into it gives me that connection.”
Zuk, who lost her grandfather to Alzheimer’s, hopes to make the Winslett Summer Classic an annual event. The idea for the tournament came about when Zuk met with Venita hoping to plan a way to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s in Joe’s memory.
Golf classic: Memorial tournament
From page 20
buffet and awards ceremony. Single golfer tickets are $230, with all proceeds supporting ALS care through Lee Health Foundation.
Sponsorship opportunities are avail-
able, including the Presenting Sponsor at $5,000, Red Sponsor at $1,200, Corporate Partner at $1,000, Blue Sponsor at $500, and Hole Sponsor at $100.
Registration closes Sept. 22. For more information, visit LeeHealthFoundation. org/32nd-Annual-Memorial-Golf-Classic.
Breeze Newspapers: FPA awards
From page 17
“Hurricane Ian Then & Now,” designed by graphic artist Michel Pistella, included contributions from the Fort Myers Beach Observer, Sanibel Island Reporter and Islander and the Pine Island Eagle, in addition to The Breeze.
The General Excellence award is an interdepartmental award, also including sales, production and press room operations.
The award recognizes newspapers that “demonstrate outstanding overall performance across all aspects of their operation, from news gathering and writing to design and community engagement.”
Papers from two consecutive issues and an FPA-designated week are judged on
a number of criteria including Overall News Content — the depth and breadth of news coverage, emphasizing the quality of reporting, writing style, and local relevance; mechanical excellence; advertising enterprise, editorial page, general appearance, photography, makeup and style and promotion of community interest.
The Breeze’s sister publication, the Fort Myers Beach Observer, also took home multiple honors from the FPA.
Fort Myers Beach Observer Editor Nathan Mayberg took home a second place in Division B for Arts, Entertainment & Review Reporting with “Dion, the Doowop King, basks in Florida revival,” as well as a third in Division AB for editorial work with “Council turns it back on environment.”
White peacock butterflies: A treat
From page 18
“If it’s a success, yes I would like it to be an annual event, I feel as we get along with the amount of people we have so far, it will be. This event is special because it’s Venita and Joe,” she said. “He was such a big part of the Yacht Club that I’d say about 90% of the people that play at The Courts came from the Yacht Club and most knew Joe. After the Yacht Club was destroyed in the hurricane people could have gone to play anywhere, But we had such a tight-nit community, and Joe was such a huge part of that, which is amazing, to have so many go from public courts to here.”
The cost to take part in the tournament is $45 per person, which includes lunch.
A portion of the proceeds will be going to fight Alzheimer’s, with 100% of a raffle also going to battle the disease.
In addition to hosting the Summer Classic for tennis enthusiasts, the raffle will offer an opportunity to win prizes including weekend getaways, restaurant gift cards, golf packages, and much more.
You do not need to participate in the
tennis tournament to take part in the raffle.
Tickets can be purchased up to Saturday, Aug.16, at The Courts at Cape Coral pro shop adjacent to the Sun Splash Family Waterpark on Santa Barbara.
Raffle tickets will go for $5 for items valued at less than $200 and $20 for those $200 and above.
Saturday, Aug. 13, is the cut off date to register to participate in the tennis tournament. Zuk hopes to have 70 players take part.
Proceeds from the tournament and the raffle donations, will go to the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” organization. A walk is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, in Fort Myers at Florida Southwest College.
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 Joe Winslett Summer Classic Tennis Tournament, please visit playthecourtscapecoral.com/2025jwsc
Cape Coral animal Shelter
Looking for a loving home
big personality to match. She tolerates other cats as long as they respect her space, but honestly, she wouldn’t mind being the only queen of the castle. Moo absolutely loves her people, lounging by the window, and—of course— snacks!
and get active after they have warmed in the sun. This is why the butterfly house at Rotary Park does not open until 10:30 on Monday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Whenever you venture out to walk, look along the swales and you might spot one of these delicate white peacock butterflies.
Sherie Bleiler volunteers at the Cape Coral Library butterfly garden, Sands Park butterfly garden and is past president of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit www. gardenclubofcapecoral.com. Like us on Facebook and Instagram.
Dominoes is a 1 to 3-year-old female. She spent this last part of her life journey being the best mama to her adorable puppies, but now it’s finally her turn to find a forever home. She is a super sweet girl with a heart full of love and cuddles just waiting to be shared. Dominoes is polite, gentle and always ready to snuggle. She is friendly with everyone she meets and would love nothing more than to curl up in bed beside you at the end of the day.
Moo is a 3 to 5-year-old female. Moo is a chunky tuxedo girl with a
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter is located at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Please call 239-573-2002 for additional information.
Dominoes
Moo
11th annual South Cape BaconFest Walking Pub Crawl Aug. 30
The 11th annual South Cape BaconFest Walking Pub Crawl will be held Saturday, Aug. 30, from 7-11 p.m. Guests are urged to dress to impress in their bacon themed attire as they hop across South Cape, sampling a variety of drinks and appetizers along the way.
This is a voting event! Locations will be competing for “Best Drink” and “Best Appetizer,” so expect some unique and savory options.
The South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Association has arranged for limo buses to transport guests to four strategic locations, making it convenient
to hop between nearby participating establishments on foot.
Tickets are only $25 in advance ($20 for designated drivers).
Each attendee will be provided a passport to have stamped at all 11 locations.
To enter the grand prize drawing, leave completed passports on a limo bus or at a participating location.
n Get your tickets online via Eventbrite.
n Check-in begins at 6 p.m. at Big John’s Plaza or Dolphin Key Resort(under the front awning).
Participating locations and samples include: BackStreets Sports Bar, Flapjack Sunrise & Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip; Cruiser’s Lounge, Bacon Rimshot Bloody Mary & Bacon Benedictine Bites; The Dive, TBD; Dixie Roadhouse, Smoky Bacon Mule & Bacon Cheddar Cheez-
its; Hooked Island Grill, TBD; Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood, John Daly & Bacon Ravioli; Rack’em Spirits & Times, Whiskey Pig & Bacon Jam with Crackers; Ralph’s Place, TBD; Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill, Caramel Bourbon Bacon Cheesecake Martini & TBD; Sage on 47th, Bacon Pancake Shot & Pork Belly with Pineapple Korean BBQ; and Tiki, Old Fashioned & Candied Bacon.
For additional information about the BaconFest or any of the other activities held in South Cape, visit the SCHEA website at https://southcapeentertainment. com/
Cape Coral Museum of History to celebrate city’s 55th anniversary
The Cape Coral Museum of History is hosting a free Open House Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in honor of the 55th anniversary of the incorporation of the city of Cape Coral.
There will be free admission to the mu-
seum and Master Gardeners will be on site for garden tours.
Guests can visit with some of the museum’s community partners, including the Cape Coral Fire Department (a fire truck will be on display from 10-11 a.m.), the
Cape Coral Police Department, the Cape Coral Sun, the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, Lee County Master Gardeners, Maddie’s Artisinal Bakery, Raso Realty and WinTrust Bank.
Food will be available for purchase.
The Cape Coral Museum of History is located on Cultural Park Boulevard, next to the Cultural Park Theatre.
For additional information about the museum, visit https://capecoralmuseum. org/ call (239) 772-7037.
Lee County Commissioners approve contract for repair of four hurricane-damaged Parks & Recreation boardwalks
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted last Tuesday to award a contract to repair or reconstruct boardwalks at four Lee County Parks & Recreation sites across the county.
The boardwalks were destroyed by Hurricane Ian. They are:
n Caloosahatchee Regional Park, 18500 N. River Road, Alva
n Galt Preserve, 3841 Stringfellow
Road, St. James City
n Matanzas Pass Preserve, 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach
n Royal Palm Park, 300 Royal Palm Park Road, Fort Myers
The $3.86 million contract with Stokes Marine, Inc. will be funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Relief and Florida Department of Emergency Management Legislative
Appropriations Program Funds.
The repair work is expected to begin this fall and, weather permitting, be completed in about a year.
Progress of these projects and others can be found on the Lee County Parks Project Information Tool at www.leegov. com/parks. The Project Information Tool gives updates on design, construction and completion of projects. Please note when
using the information tool that the four projects are listed under an alphabetized header of “Boardwalk Projects,” along with some others, and not under the individual park names.
To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on www. facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.
Help Wanted
Person knowledgeable on internet. Can work from home and / or personal assistant. Seniors welcome. 239-283-8920 or 239-478-4119
Wanted To Buy
CASH PAID
I BUY Houses & Real Estate
Any Condition Probate - Foreclosure
Vacant - As Is
I Also Buy
Notes - Mortgages Settlements - Annunities Ken 239-295-3820 KenBuysEverything.com
Appliances
For sale: GE Chest Freezer, Large, white in very good condition, good seals. 4’ 3” long, 25” deep, 33” tall. $400. Call 239-945-1240
Garage Sales
Cape, 4427 NE 21st Pl. Sat 8/9 & Sun 8/10, 9am - 3pm. Furniture, glassware, Sports collectibles, Collector plates, Boyd’s bears, porcelain dolls, and more!
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 Sanibel - Lakefront 3/2 + pool. Cul-de-sac, full remodel. Gorgeous. $3750 / mo Gulf Beach Properties, Inc., Paul Zimmerman, Realtor. 239-472-6747 50 years of Island Rental Experience!
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
¯Lot/Acreage Mowing ¯Driveways/ Roads ¯Asphalt Patch/ Seal ¯Culvert Pipes ¯Land Clearing ¯Invasive & Exotic Removal ¯Holes along Seawalls ¯Solutions to pooling water Licensed - Insured www.campionlandscape.com (239) 872-3228 543-2288
Handyman
William Rinehart
1981
Obituaries Death Notices
Cape Coral
Jean Insalaco
In loving memory, Jean Insalaco passed away July 28, 2025 at the age of 99.
She was born July 28, 1926 in Lansing, Michigan. Jean was married to Chuck Insalaco for 70 years who passed away in 2017. Jean and Chuck lived in Cape Coral from 1988 to 2017. Jean worked as a Chief Medical Technologist at Memorial Hospital in Owosso, Michigan. Jean is survived by a daughter, Susan Bishop of Hudson, FL. Four sons, Chuck Insalaco of Cape Coral, FL. Bob Insalaco of Holland, MI. Bruce Insalaco of Traverse City, MI and Jeff Insalaco of Melbourne, FL. Jean also has 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 26th at her daughter’s home.
A memorial service will be held at Coral Ridge Funeral Home in Cape Coral at 10am on February 23, 2026.
Larry Stringer
Larry Stringer passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025 with his loving daughter by his side after cancer complications.
Originally from Tennessee, he moved to Cape Coral Florida in 1980 to live out his dream in sunny paradise, fishing, boating, and as a race car enthusiast, building cars and racing for competition. Larry was well known locally for his residential construction as owner of “Professional Framers”, easily recognized by their hot pink hats.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William Oda and Helen Mae Stringer, and brother Stevie Stringer. And is survived by his daughter Camoline (Cammie) Stringer Owens and his grandchildren, Allison and Ansel Peacock, Savannah and Patrick Smith, Jason and Leslie (Cole) Owens, and great-grandson Henry David Owens. His two surviving sisters, Linda (and Fred) Weaver, and Pam Martin, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, and cousins from Tennessee, but he held a magnitude of friends throughout Cape Coral and surrounding areas.
As his health declined at the onset of Covid, Larry moved back to Tennessee to be near his family in his final days but his remains will be interred privately in Florida.
Cape Coral Cape Coral
Betsy Vandercar, 90, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on August 3, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz.com
Lois E. Kellet, 73, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on August 4, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz.com
Philip Malinowski,71, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away August 5, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz. com
Shirley Catherine Toth, 97 of Cape Coral, passed away on July 29, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.
Dennis Patrick Gourley, 67 of Cape Coral, passed away on July 28, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.
Werner Ludwig Schmitz, 73 of Cape Coral, passed away on July 30, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information
SUDOKU
Difficulty: BRONZE
Mayda De La Caridad Subiaurre Guzman, 70 of Cape Coral, passed away on July 29, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.
Ronal Bacon Nessmith, 86, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away Thursday July 31, 2025. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
Larry Dean Broadley, 75, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away August 2, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral.
Nancy Lee De Vos, 90 of Cape Coral, passed away on July 29, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.
Theodore Harrison Cobler, 87, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away Friday, August 1, 2025. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
Beverly Jean Engelhardt, 84, of Fort Myers FL, passed away July 30, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.
SHEFFER CROSSWORD
Custom built to fit your exact frame - only 3 dimensions required
• Replacement canopy lead time of 2 weeks + ship time
