082025 Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin
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RETAIL NEAR BAYSIDE PARK, Wahoo Willie’s, Nervous Nellies, Smokin Oyster Brewery and more. Great north end commercial location for gallery, boutique, bistro, etc. fronts onto Old San Carlos Blvd. Food service floor drain & grease trap already installed. Immediately adjacent to Matanzas Pass Bridge for easy mainland access. Multiple retail possibilities would be appropriate for this site. $675,000
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Recall organizers to file petitions this week
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The organizers of an effort to recall Town of Fort Myers Beach councilmembers John King and Karen Woodson announced they have secured more than 600 petitions for the recall, enough to force a recall election if verified by the Lee County Supervisor of Elections.
Former Town of Fort Myers Beach Councilman Ray Murphy and former
Councilman Bill Veach are heading the committees to recall King and Woodson over allegations they worked together in violation of the town’s policies and the Sunshine Law to attempt to replace former Town Attorney John Herin Jr., and violated town policies by allegedly accepting gifts from parties seeking land use approvals from the town.
Woodson is separately accused of violating the Sunshine Law by discussing the
Fort Myers Beach Pier with Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt, while King is separately accused of working to remove town employees.
The allegations have led to a lawsuit by King and Woodson through the same attorney to stop the recall effort. Both King and Woodson have denied all of the charges as false through their lawsuit to stop the recall.
Murphy and Veach needed to get 505
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council has voted to allow for the extension of temporary placement permits for residents and businesses with trailers to June 1, 2027, for those who can show they are facing hardships and are working on rebuilding their homes and businesses.
Just a few weeks ago, dozens of Fort Myers Beach property owners living in trailers while they rebuild their homes or who operate their businesses out of trailers were facing an imminent crisis with town officials informing the public that all trailers would have to be removed by Sept. 23. After a site visit from FEMA last month, the town said the date might actually be
Aug. 8 as the town worked to get in line with FEMA in order to get off probation and regain the town’s 25% flood insurance discount. The town lost that discount when FEMA put the town on probation last year for alleged permitless work after Hurricane Ian and for not following its own zoning code and floodplain regulations.
According to the town there are 158 active residential temporary placement permits issued since Hurricane Ian and 51 commercial emergency temporary placement permits for businesses. The permits were due to expire Sept. 23.
Applications for an extension can be submitted to the town manager.
signatures to cover 15% of the registered voters in the Town of Fort Myers Beach in order to force a recall election. They had previously obtained more than 450 signatures in the first round, when they were required to obtain 337 signatures to capture 10% of the electorate.
“The success in getting these signatures in the offseason is an indicator this isn’t a small group,” Veach said.
Fish-Tale Marina gets approvals
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
As the three-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian nears, the owners of now have plans in place approved by the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council to proceed with repairs to its docks, dry storage boat facilities and other buildings which will also include a Pinchers restaurant.
The property incurred extensive damage from Hurricane Ian.
The timeline is to have the work completed in stages over the next year, said Brock Petrak, a civil engineer based out of Boca Raton with the Edgewater Group.
The Loggerhead Fish-Tale Marina property is owned by Equity LifeStyle Properties through a Texas-based subsidiary. The property was purchased in 2020 from the former ownership group headed by the late Al Durrett.
Petrak said Equity LifeStyle Properties is a large real estate company based out of Illinois. They manage and operate the marina, while leasing out part of the property to Walker’s Marine FMB at Fish-Tale Marina for boat servicing and boat sales. Freedom Boat Club has an agreement for slips on site and for boat rentals.
Under the plans approved by the council, two of the dry storage facilities will be built to accommodate larger boats though slightly fewer boats. The marina’s dry storage facilities will now be able to handle 434 boats, down from 441 with a total square footage of 68,000 square feet of dry storage.
The wet slips will also be reconfigured to make room for larger boats, which will reduce the number of wet boat slips available from 120 to 99.
“The marina is being redeveloped for larger boats,” Petrak said.
The former Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining was sold in 2022 before Hurricane Ian to make way for a Pinchers. That restaurant could be up and running sometime next fall based on discussions in
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Midwest Food Bank Florida: The region’s
When most people think about food assistance in Southwest Florida, well-known organizations often come to mind first. But there’s another organization quietly working behind the scenes to meet the growing challenges of food insecurity: Midwest Food Bank Florida.
Often described as the region’s “best-kept secret,” Midwest Food Bank turns every $1 donated into $34 worth of food, stretching resources further than almost any other nonprofit in the area. Through a network of local partner agencies, faith communities, and dedicated volunteers, we provide millions of meals annually to families, seniors, and children in need.
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Web Poll
I’m Dennis Hall, and I’m honored to serve as the new executive director of Midwest Food Bank Florida. I bring experience in nonprofit service and community engagement and am committed to building on the incredible work of our staff, volunteers, and partners. What drew me here was the organization’s mission-driven approach and the measurable difference it makes every day in the lives of our neighbors.
Midwest Food Bank Florida’s story is one of innovation and collaboration. Founded
in 2003 on a family farm in Illinois, Midwest Food Bank has grown into a national network, and our Fort Myers branch, which opened in 2014, has become a critical hub for hunger relief in Southwest Florida. We partner with more than 200 local agencies, including churches, shelters, schools, and community organizations. We leverage the strengths of our partner agencies to distribute food directly to those in need, ensuring that resources reach families efficiently and effectively. Each week, partner agencies participate in scheduled pickups at our Fort Myers warehouse, with the assistance of dedicated volunteers, and each month, we host a distribution in Immokolee, where agencies can collect their orders for delivery to the communities they serve.
Our programs are diverse and impactful. We support senior feeding initiatives, provide nutritious meals through our partner agencies, and ensure that our partners are fully equipped to meet the needs of their neighborhoods. Each program is designed to maximize both the nutritional value and volume of food delivered, ensuring we combat hunger effectively while stewarding donations responsibly.
In addition to our regular hunger relief efforts, Midwest Food Bank Florida plays a
critical role in disaster response. When hurricanes, floods, or other emergencies strike, we mobilize quickly to provide food, water, and essential supplies to affected families and communities, working alongside local agencies and first responders. These efforts ensure that during the most challenging times, our neighbors have access to the resources they need to recover and rebuild.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization. Every week, individuals and groups assist with organizing, packing, and facilitating agency pickups at our Fort Myers warehouse. Their dedication amplifies the impact of every donation, and their generosity reflects the spirit of community that makes Southwest Florida such a special place.
While others may receive the headlines, Midwest Food Bank’s efficiency, compassion, and innovation set us apart as a cornerstone of hunger relief and disaster response in our region. We measure success not in awards or recognition, but in the number of meals delivered and the lives touched.
I invite you to learn more about our programs, explore ways to get involved, and discover how Midwest Food Bank is changing lives quietly but powerfully —one meal at a time— by visiting our website at midwestfoodbank.org to see how you can support our mission.
— Dennis Hall is the executive director Midwest Food Bank Florida
Turning summer into a season of connection
When most families think of summer, they picture pool days, vacations and kids playing outside in the sun. But for many families across the country this year, summer did not feel like a break — it felt like a breakdown.
For parents, school offers much-needed structure. It helps children stay on a routine, get enough sleep, finish their homework and still have time to play. For some, it is the one place their child receives a consistent meal. All of that stability disappeared the moment the last school bell rang.
Support during the summer was especially hard to come by for single mothers, struggling parents and families already in crisis. What should have been a season of joy turned into a time of overwhelming need and deep isolation.
As the CEO of Better Together, I see this reality every day in the families we serve. Moms working multiple jobs still cannot meet their children’s basic needs. Grandparents are stepping in to raise grandchildren. Fathers feel ashamed to ask for help. I have four children of my own, but over the years, our family has opened our home to host 25 children while their parents worked to get back on their feet.
We were never meant to do life alone. As
humans, we’re wired for community, not isolation. If you’ve been blessed with strong relationships and a supportive village, we encourage you to consider widening your family circle. There are parents out there who have no one. You can be the safety net — a steady, healthy lifeline — for moms and dads who are on the verge of losing hope.
It’s easy to feel empathy for what others are going through, but what our community truly needs is action driven by compassion. Strong families build strong communities, and we can’t have strong families when parents are isolated and lack the relationships and tools they need to thrive. Parents are the change agents. If we can help them help themselves, everyone wins.
Thanks to the generosity of volunteers who said yes and chose to live with purpose, we’ve helped strengthen the lives of over 12,000 children. Ninety-eight percent of those families remain together, without the state stepping in. Because of people like you,
children were spared the trauma of separation, families stayed intact and our community is stronger because of it.
You might be reading this and wondering how you can help. Whether you are a snowbird, retired, single or a busy parent, there is a role for everyone, big or small.
You can prepare a meal or take just an hour out of your week to drop off essential items for children entering temporary care, many of whom arrive with very little. You can help someone find a job or mentor a parent who simply needs a coach. You can even open your home to host children for a short time, serving together as a family and teaching your own children empathy and compassion while giving parents the gift of time to get back on their feet.
These are parents who may be homeless, living in their cars, working hard to save money and secure stable housing. Some need medical treatment but cannot seek it without
See SUMMER, page 18
Dennis Hall Guest Commentary
Megan Rose Guest Commentary
BUSINESS
Bonita Fish Company eyes October opening
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
While the Bayside at Bonita Fish Company event space is now open and taking reservations at the former iconic Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe off Fishermans Wharf in Fort Myers Beach, progress is rapidly being made into opening the main restaurant.
The owners, HM Restaurant Group, expect to open Bonita Fish Company in October. The restaurant neighbors their Dixie Fish Company restaurant, which they own along with the neighboring Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.
And the company recently named Krystian Martinez as the new general manager of Bonita Fish Company. Martinez and Private Events Manager Joe Sletten recently gave the Fort Myers Beach Observer a tour of the work at Bonita Fish Company as well as at Bayside at Bonita Fish Company event space, which Sletten is helping to run. Both are longtime employees of HM Restaurant Group.
The scenic waterfront setting along Matanzas Pass overlooking the harbor and the 35-slip marina planned has been undergoing renovations since HM Restaurant purchased the property along with several other neighboring parcels for $5.5 million in January.
Joe Harrity, a partner in HM Restaurant Group, said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently gave approval for the new docks. Once the county gives approval, Harrity said it could be three to four months before the Docks are all in with wet slips
“By the new year, we should be looking good at the
Golden earns professional public relations certification
Emily Golden, APR, CPRC of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), recently earned professional certification in public relations and received the designation of Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC).
Earning the CPRC credential distinguishes senior members of FPRA who have demonstrated understanding and mastery of core public relations principles and ethical practices and have been certified to act as public relations counselors. Currently, there are 137 CPRCs in Florida, including 20 in Southwest Florida.
As director of public relations at Priority Marketing, Golden plays a key role in delivering the agency’s award-winning services for a diverse client base that includes nonprofits, small start-ups and large businesses. Since joining the company in 2015, she has helped clients elevate their brands through comprehensive public relations programs encompassing media relations, strategic counsel, event planning and crisis communications.
A Fort Myers native, Golden is an active member of FPRA and currently serves as newsletter chair for the Southwest Florida Chapter. She also proudly supports Pace Center for Girls, Lee, where she has served on the board of directors since 2023 and contributes to fundraising and event committees. Her dedication to her profession and community has been recognized with numerous honors, including FPRA’s 2024 Chapter Member of the Year Award and Lee BIA Builders Care’s 2023 Whole Heart Award.
To earn the CPRC credential, candidates must have 10 years of experience in the field; have earned the APR designation, which is the first tier of accreditation; and successfully complete a verbal presentation and pass a five-hour written exam.
marina,” Harrity said.
Sletten said the new event space has undergone extensive renovations, from a new ceiling to newly-painted walls, new paint on the floors, new lighting, fans, shades and new restrooms. There are now two restrooms in the event space.
The event room has recently hosted a baby shower and a celebration of life. The event space includes outdoor tables and seating overlooking the beautiful bay. A new outdoor bar, new railings and new paint are among the upgrades on the outdoor space.
The event space can be used for private celebrations, community events, birthday and holiday parties, small weddings and charity events.
The roof on Bonita Fish Company was also replaced.
Progress at Bonita Fish Company
The work at Bonita Fish Company is moving fast and furiously with a brand new bar installed in the middle of the room. Rather than customers ordering from the old bar next to the kitchen, wait staff will attend to tables and to those seated at the middle bar. The old ordering window will become a kitchen door. Beer from local breweries is expected to be highlighted at the bar.
The owners have overhauled the kitchen with new equipment, including a new smoker which will give the owners a range of options for the menu.
“What we are going to smoke, we don’t know yet but we are going to be able to smoke a lot of different things,” Martinez said.
The menu is still being perfected.
The owners want to give the restaurant its own distinct menu that is different from the neighboring properties while also keeping part of the menu that made Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe popular for so many years.
“It’s a whole new concept,” Martinez said. “We are not 100% on the menu yet.”
The old Bonita Bill’s was known for its seafood as well as traditional restaurant fare at reasonable prices.
There are plans to do brunches on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be roll-down curtains and a new tiki bar to replace the one destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The tiki bar will be constructed on space that is currently part of the parking lot.
Once completed, Bonita Fish Company will feature 300 indoor and outdoor seats, daily music and a menu focusing on fresh seafood.
HM Restaurant Group is also building a floating dock marina, which will operate independently from the restaurant and serve boat-in customers, offer long-term rentals and accommodate boats up to 90 feet with shore power and water.
Originally built in 1926 as Bonita Fish House, the restaurant’s new name pays homage to the heritage and history of old Florida fish houses. The restaurant’s former owner Bill Semmer, died last year - prompting the sale.
The owners had to remove four boats that had washed up on the docks of the restaurant during Ian, including on boat that had literally settled on top of the dock of the restaurant and had become a sort-of landmark with dozens of signatures. The boat had to be removed for safety reasons.
Bayside at Bonita Fish Company and Doc Ford’s Lounge reservations and additional information are available by contacting Sletten at joesletten@hmrestaurantgroup.com or 239-788-4067.
The new bar at Bonita Fish Company, formerly Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe.
NATHAN MAYBERG
Bayside at Bonita Fish Company, an event space next to the former Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe, is now open for events. Bonita Fish Company is on schedule to open in October at the former Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe.
BEACH LIVING
Town sets town hall opening date
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
Technically, the new town hall at 6231 Estero Blvd., on Fort Myers Beach is open — for employees, though not exactly for the public.
That will change officially Wednesday, Sept. 10, when the town will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new town hall from 9-11 a.m.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include refreshments and guided tours for the public.
Town Hall operations for residents are still located out of Bay Oaks where three town employees handling permitting and utilities are working, in addition to parks and recreation staff, Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Nicole Berzin said.
The town moved its town hall operations temporarily to the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus after moving out of its temporary trailers to make way for a Bay Oaks debris removal project that will lead to the installation of pickleball courts and a walking path. The town was also looking to comply with FEMA deadlines to be out of the trailers. The town had been leasing out the trailers since the state stopped covering the cost of renting out temporary trailers the town was using in 2023 after Hurricane Ian.
The Town Hall work remaining to be completed on the first floor is A/C duct work, elevator work, audio/ visual equipment installation, painting and other work, Berzin said.
The town purchased the new town hall property at 6231 Estero Blvd. near Bahia Via last year for $7 million to convert from an office building to a new Town Hall with funds from the state legislature.
The town also acquired the former 7-Eleven property next door for $1.7 million to use for parking.
The town has since knocked down the 7-Eleven building and turned that property into additional parking for town hall.
Debris cleared at Bay Oaks for pickleball courts, walking trail
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
Contractors working for the Town of Fort Myers Beach for the past week have been removing debris and sand that had accumulated over a period of months since last year’s hurricanes at the old Bay Oaks Recreational Campus ball fields.
The site will be transformed into four pickleball courts, a walking trail, open green space and picnic areas utilizing American Rescue Plan funds and a $1 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Nicole Berzin said.
Berzin said the debris at the old Bay Oaks ball field was from a variety of places and events around town, “mostly concrete and sand from around the island that will be used in the construction of the park.”
Berzin said the removal of debris “has been a fluid process. The concrete has been crushed to use as fill for the park. General trash was not permitted to be dumped on the site, only concrete, sand and dirt.”
“With the lack of green space on the island, the town decided a multi-use field would be more utilized than another bal field. The majority of the park will be an
Contractors
Events such as concerts and community events will be planned in the park as well.
As part of the redevelopment four pickleball courts will be constructed,” Berzin said.
Other possible uses of the multi-use field include community events and gatherings, open green space, concerts, an open field for all sports and recreation at the park and family gatherings.
The town also operates a Little League baseball and softball field on the other side of the road at the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus.
The funding includes a $1 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds that needed to be allocated before Dec. 31.
The total estimated cost for the project was not immediately available,
The town will not be using Town of Fort Myers Beach tax funds for this project, Berzin said.
The Bay Oaks redevelopment plan dates back to 2019 but has been delayed due to Hurricane Ian, last year’s hurricanes and other factors.
The work at the park is expected to be completed by October.
NATHAN MAYBERG
The Town of Fort Myers Beach will be holding a grand opening Sept. 10 for the new town hall at 6231 Estero Blvd.
NATHAN MAYBERG
working for the Town of Fort Myers Beach have been clearing and removing debris from the old ball field at the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus
BANKING IS BACK on Fort Myers Beach!
Fort Myers Beach, we're here!
Our new office is on the way ... in the meantime, our temporary office is open and we're ready to serve you.
For over 20 years, we've proudly served the Southwest Florida community. Now, we're thrilled to bring our trusted, community-first banking services to Fort Myers Beach. Stop in, grab a cookie and experience the SanCap Bank difference today. Visit us Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Inside Access Title Agency 100 Lovers Lane, Suite 205, Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach Temporary Office
Open Wednesdays, 9:30 am to 2 pm
100 Lovers Lane, Fort Myers Beach (we're on the third floor of the Access Title Agency building)
Locally Owned and Operated
Art association planning Plein Air Show
The Fort Myers Beach Art Association will be holding its “Plein Air Show,” a new art exhibit that opens Thursday, September 25th at the member -wned and operated gallery of the Fort Myers Beach Art Association at Cypress Square Shopping Plaza in Fort Myers.
This exhibition brings together a diverse group of artists who all paint directly from life, creating works that are both vibrant and deeply rooted in place. Plein air describes the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape
The Mound House is the oldest standing structure on Fort Myers Beach dating back to 1906, sitting on top of a 2,000-year-old shell mound that was constructed by the native Calusa tribe who lived throughout the region for centuries. The Mound House is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Mound House is located at 451 Connecticut St on Fort Myers Beach and features a museum, tours, gift shop and serves as a public park for picnics and fishing.
Park Hours: Daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
∫ Museum Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4
p.m.
∫ Calusa Tours: Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
∫ Kayak Tours: Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 11
a.m.
or subject by incorporating natural light, color, and movement into their works. While plein air painting is rooted in direct observation, it also involves artistic interpretation and personal expression. For Plein Air Show, all featured works were created with a commitment to authenticity: at least 80% of each painting was completed outdoors and from direct observation. The result is a dynamic collection of landscapes, urban scenes, and moments in time that reflect the immediacy and energy of painting on location.
Featured artwork is by artist Dana Enders who is one of
Mound House Calendar
the leaders of the Plein Air Painting group run through the Fort Myers Beach Art Association. Artist Tamara Culp also leads the group who meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The exhibit will run from Thursday, Sept. 25 to Friday, Oct. 24 at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association gallery, located at 13451 McGregor Boulevard next to the Prawnbroker. Exhibiting artists may be present, and there may be plein air demonstrations taking place during the run of the show.
For more information, visit Website: fortmyersbeachart. com or contact publicity@fortmyersbeachart.com
“Dana’s Dean Park” by Dana Enders
Conservancy of Southwest Florida surpasses milestone in Burmese python removal
STAFF REPORT
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida announces a record-breaking Burmese python research and removal season of 6,300 pounds of invasive snake. This marks a milestone for the Conservancy’s python program, with more than 20 tons of Burmese pythons removed from a 200-square-mile area in Southwest Florida since 2013.
“We have been on the front line of the invasive python battle for more than a decade,” states Ian Bartoszek, wildlife biologist and Conservancy science project manager, who oversees the python program. “Removing more than 40,000 pounds of snake, carried out through some of Florida’s unrelenting wildlife habitats, is a heavy-lifting assignment. But, through years of dedicated research, we’ve developed science-based methods to track this apex predator more effectively and mitigate its damage to our native wildlife population.”
Using radio telemetry and tagged male pythons known as scout snakes, the team, including Bartoszek and Conservancy Biologist Ian Easterling, along with a field tech and python interns, currently track 40 pythons. These scout snakes help locate reproductive pythons during the breeding season, November through April. Conservancy staff monitors scout snakes across a 200-square-mile area of public and private land from Naples through the Western Everglades.
In this science-based approach, biologists target adult female pythons, attempting to suppress python reproduction. Since 2013, the team has stopped an additional 20,000 python eggs from hatching. As the program expands into new areas, long-term monitoring has shown signs of positive effectiveness of these efforts, as scout snakes increasingly struggle to locate mates or the females they find are smaller in size.
“The Burmese python is decimating native wildlife across their invaded range. Here at the Conservancy, we also rehabilitate thousands of injured native animals in the von Arx Wildlife Hospital and release them back into the wild each year. The python team’s work of reducing the local population of the invasive snake allows our native wildlife safer conditions to recover,” says Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
The Conservancy’s python program is one of the leading research and removal initiatives globally, with its scientists recognized for capturing the largest female python ever documented to date, measuring 18 feet long and weighing 215 pounds, as well as the largest male python on record at 16 feet and 140 pounds. Conservancy biologists have also published more than 20 collaborative scientific articles that reveal insights into python biology and behavior. These include the documented observa-
tion of an adult female python consuming a white-tailed deer, which uncovered the largest gape ever recorded for the species, and new evidence of the python’s ability to ingest prey. Pythons can consume meals over 100% of their body mass, feeding on a diet that includes more than 85 species, including deer, bobcats, foxes, rabbits, birds, various reptiles and other native wildlife.
“Burmese pythons are impressive creatures that are here from no fault of their own,” Bartoszek states. “As wildlife biologists, we have tremendous respect for all snake species. However, we understand the impact invasive pythons are having on the biodiversity in our area, and we humanely remove them from the ecosystem as part of the Conservancy’s commitment to protecting our water, land, wildlife, and future.”
The Conservancy python tracking team collaborates with Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve researchers, the United States Geological Survey, the University of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District. Funding for the program comes from private philanthropy, grants, the Naples Zoo Conservation Fund and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. To learn more about the Conservancy’s work with Burmese pythons, visit Conservancy.org.
School District to host Social Lee: Coffee & Careers
The School District of Lee County will host Social Lee: Coffee & Careers on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. to provide insight on career opportunities within the District.
The informational event will allow participants to speak with the talent acquisition team and learn more about open positions within the District for the upcoming academic year. Attendees will also be able to walk through becoming certified to teach in Florida. The event will take place at Panera Bread, located at 5037 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. To register,
Carlos
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 comprehensive compensation plan for its employees, and additional benefits and
earning opportunities are also available via advanced degree supplement, summer school, athletic coaching and more. Upon hire, a personal benefits selection process will be made available to eligible employees.
For support or additional questions, email careers@leeschools.net or call 239337-8676. To learn more about available career opportunities, visit LeeSchools.net/ Careers.
Loggerhead sea turtle nests
Fort Myers Beach
Nests: 112
False crawls: 314
Relocated nests: 48
Hatched nests: 51
Bonita Beach
Nests: 187
False crawls: 386
Hatched nests: 109
—Nesting data source: Turtle Time
Editor’s note: Loggerhead sea turtles are threatened in the United States and protected under the Endangered Species Act. The sea turtle nesting season on Fort Myers Beach runs through Oct. 31 and a town ordinance requires that all outdoor lights be turned off from 9 p.m. through 7 a.m. except for shielded amber, downward-directed lights. All blinds and curtains must also be shut from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Beach furniture should be removed from the beach before dusk and holes should be filled in on the beach.
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The Bayside Park Concert Series has been such a success for downtown Fort Myers Beach businesses that the business community is partnering to grow the series by having two days of music at the Old San Carlos Boulevard park.
The series will now have a show every Friday from 6-9 p.m. The first show will be Friday, Aug. 29, with the group Smack Daddy.
The Sunday shows will continue each week from 4-7 p.m. This week’s Sunday show will feature the band Grand Slam.
Bayside Veterans Park is located off San Carlos Boulevard between Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant and Nervous Nellies.
Peter Ennis, a partner in the downtown Fort Myers Beach businesses Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant, Wahoo
Willies Tiki Bar & Grill and Smoking Oyster Brewery, has been involved in organizing the shows.
“The Sunday concert series has been great to bring the locals and tourists together to enjoy a free concert on the back bay,” Ennis said.
Ennis said the concerts boost business for all the restaurants nearby. The park is centrally located downtown, just a short walk from Times Square and Lynn Hall Memorial Park.
The concert series is a partnership with the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Fort Myers Beach, Gulf Coast Business Bank, the Alex King Group and King Family Foundation.
Ennis said the aim of the series is to bring together locals and tourists to the area.
Bayside Park Concert Series expands School district reports good first day of school
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Although the car lines were very bumper-to-bumper for the first day of school on Aug. 11 for the School District of Lee County, it was what school officials have come to expect.
“Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin gives the first day of school an ‘A.’ One of the major reasons is having a certified teacher in every classroom. We have not been able to say that since the pandemic. It is critically important for students’ achievement that they have a qualified educator leading instruction every day,” district spokesperson Rob Spicker said.
He said they had a solid first day of introductions, expectations and procedures in the classroom.
“However, outside, we had very crowded drop-off and pick-up lines as
Recall
From page 1
King and Woodson were granted approval of attorney fees through a resolution of the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council ahead of their filing the challenge to stop the recall, for which they have submitted more than $11,000 in attorney fees to date from the town.
Murphy and Veach recently responded to the suit in court through Miami Lakes attorney Mike Pizzi.
Veach said they are seeking to dismiss the lawsuit. He said the allegations in the lawsuit from King and Woodson that the complaints in the recall should have been made to an ethics commission, are not valid.
“It’s not an ethics complaint,” Veach said. “It’s an electoral process, not a criminal process.”
In their lawsuit, King and Woodson also charged that the recall complaints did
parents walked their students to the classroom and come back in the afternoon to pick them up. The extra cars, along with some weather de lays, created congestion at many campuses. We recognize that at the beginning of the year the process is slower than it will be once the procedures become rou tine and simply ask for some patience during the transition,” Spicker said.
This year marked the roll out of the new three-tiered approach for busing — the Safe Start Initiative — which has most elementary school days from 8:40 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., middle school from 9:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and high
school bell time from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bell schedule for other schools, including The Sanibel School, is from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“For our schools, the implementation was smooth. They have been preparing for the change since January and we expanded our before- and after-school care programs to accommodate family’s needs,” he said.
The move from a four-tiered system to a three-tiered busing schedule focuses on improving routes, addressing driver shortages and improving ontime arrivals for students. The spacing of start times of an hour will allow bus drivers to finish their first tier before moving
to the next tier.
Spicker said in most cases, the buses were on time on the first day of school.
“The effectiveness of the Safe Start Initiative will take weeks, if not several months to determine, but we will be following the data closely and make changes to achieve the desired effect,” he said.
Bus riders should regularly check their bus stop times and bus numbers due the constant enrollment of new students daily and adding them to routes, which could cause some changes.
Spicker encouraged students to establish good study habits now with a designated time and place for homework, project, and test preparations before the workload gets heavier.
“We will continue to make some adjustments with teachers and classrooms into the third week of school,” he said.
not provide enough specific information about the allegations and were too vague.
In their response to King and Woodson’s response, Pizzi said the legal challenge “should be dismissed because it misstates black letter Florida Law and is an effort to improperly used the Courts to take away the absolute right of the voters to decide if they wish to retain or recall the elected officials. The Florida Courts have held time and time again that the Courts have no role in judging the veracity of the language of facially sufficient recall language. The courts have also held, as is consistent with the directives of the Florida legislature, that Recall Petitions are not designed to be a trial brief or treatise on the basis for the recall, but simply to put the elected officials and the public of what the basis is.”
The lawsuit also notes that by state law
the recall allegations are limited to 200 words.
Under state law, the grounds for setting a recall are limited to allegations of malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty and incompetence.
King and Woodson did not respond to messages seeking comment on the response to their lawsuit.
Veach said he questioned the town approving the attorney fees for King and Woodson before they had filed their lawsuit to stop the recall.
While the resolution by the town council approved “reasonable attorney fees” to defend against the recall, Veach believes the attorneys for King and Woodson have gone beyond simply defending against the recall through actions taken in their suit.
“It’s an electoral process. We are not intending to file a suit to get Karen and
John in trouble,” Veach said. “We are just trying to get this in front of the voters.”
If the Lee County Supervisor of Elections certifies the petitions, King and Woodson would have five days to vacate their seats or a recall election would be held within 60 days. The town council could vote to name their replacements if they resigned. If voters recalled King and Woodson, another election would be held within 60 days to select replacements for their seats.
The final election could potentially be held as late as January.
King and Woodson’s terms expire in November 2026.
Murphy and Veach said the challenge was difficult to do during the summer when the majority of voters in the town are off island, and back up north.
SCCF contributing to Smithsonian-led study
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that its Marine Lab researchers are contributing to a large-scale, multi-site study in partnership with a network of federal agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and universities to study oyster reefs along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO) is directed by the Smithsonian’s Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network. On Aug. 13, the SCCF retrieved three oyster “bioboxes” that had been deployed since June at naturally occurring oyster reefs in the Matlacha Pass and San Carlos Bay. Oyster size, associated biodiversity and other measurements were taken for each site. The data will be compiled with other contributing partners to assess oyster reef health across the region.
Extensions
From page 1
The tenor of town leadership changed two weeks ago when Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Will McKannay said there were still many homeowners staying in trailers who are facing hardships as they try to rebuild their homes and awaiting insurance payouts. McKannay said the town will be looking to grant extensions for temporary trailers to those facing hardships.
Town’s counsel Nancy Stuparich said the town council’s ordinance that was amended in March 2024 revoked the emergency temporary permits issued by the town after Hurricane Ian, allowed the council by resolution to provide for extensions past a Sept. 23 deadline for when the permits expire. The town had assumed the Sept. 23 deadline was a hard-stop date based on a state law which extended emergency status.
“The use of emergency temporary permits is very limited,” Stuparich said.
McKannay said a resolution will be put together before the next town council meeting on Monday, Aug. 18, to allow the town to go beyond the Aug. 8 deadline set by FEMA and past the Sept. 23 deadline the town had set to be in accordance with the state extension for the trailers.
Those trailers would have to be towable, road-ready and able to be pulled by a light-duty truck, with a quick disconnect from utilities. A four-hour evacuation plan will also be required.
Stuparich said the town’s extensions would be on a case-by-case basis upon request to the town manager. McKannay would be able to sign off on the extensions. In the case of a denial by McKannay, a property owner could appeal to the town council.
The town had been notified by FEMA last month that it had until Aug. 8 to comply with requests for information on permits and to remove non-compliant structures as part of a list of 252 properties it said required further documentation and mitigation.
The notification followed a site visit by FEMA officials as part of its review to remove the town from probation and get the town back into the National Flood Insurance Program. Under the terms of an agreement earlier this year, the town could be taken off probation in November if it complies with certain terms and meets objectives set by FEMA. The town could potentially be back in line to receive its 25% National Flood Insurance Program discount that it lost last year by next April.
Stuparich said that the recent communications from FEMA does not mention anything about RVs or residential uses for trailers, only “non-compliant structures.”
Stuparich said that the town code does allow for RVs that can be towed under the circumstances being drafted by McKannay.
Stuparich said the trailers in the town will need to be compliant with FEMA code.
Mayor Dan Allers has previously complained about inconsistent messages from FEMA.
Last year, the town issued numerous citations against property owners for storage containers on site in order for the town to meet FEMA demands related to the town being put on probation for permitless work. The citations included one against La Ola, which is still being challenged through a special magistrate office.
Stuparich said the town can not prohibit a residential use of the trailers before Sept. 23 but once the state law expires Sept. 23, the town can expand its uses for the trailers, Stuparich said.
Allers expressed concern about whether the town would face new repercussions from FEMA if it began issuing new permits for temporary structures.
There are nine hardships listed for the town manager to consider. If the town manager doesn’t grant an extension to a homeowner, they could appeal to the town council.
“I just see a headache coming,” Allers said. “I am fully in support of trying to extend those who are having a hardship. What I don’t want to see is our agenda filled up with 51 businesses who think that because they want to for whatever reason not follow the rules, that they have some sort of hardship that we should feel sorry for them because either they weren’t here before the storm or they have decided they want to add things that aren’t allowed in the permit.”
Town council member Scott Safford asked Allers, “Can you give me an example?”
“I prefer not to, but we all know there are several on the island that are like that,” Allers said.
Allers asked McKannay to confirm if the properties had any code violations they wouldn’t be able to gain an extension.
McKannay said property owners not in compliance with town codes and facing code violations wouldn’t be able to gain an extension for an emergency temporary permit until they were in compliance.
“I am just struggling. This is a lot of vague language in here for me,” Allers said. “I support it if the staff feels there is a hardship and they can prove,” he said.
Allers said he was concerned about dealing with applications staff has already rejected. He said the intent of the temporary permits was to help those working to rebuild their homes and businesses and expressed concern for
businesses that might “drag out” their permit.
Under the resolution approved by the town council, the hardships that would need to be cited are among the following:
1. Delay in processing Elevate Florida application
2. Delay in obtaining construction mortgage or refinancing
3. Delay based on an inability to find licensed professionals to rebuild
4. Delay due to a dispute with a licensed professional or insurance adjustor/carrier
5. Delay due to the lack of available equipment/materials to complete construction
6. Hardship due to inability to sell property
7. Hardship due to inability to secure alternative location to operate business or residence
8. Hardship due to delay in permitting process
9. Hardship due to extended family illness/death of property or business
The burden is on the property or business owner to provide documentation of the hardship and a plan for resolving the hardship, to the Town Manager to obtain a Hurricane Ian ETPP Extension.
In addition, any extension shall require that the property owner reside in the unit full-time and not have a second home elsewhere. Any extension shall include continuation of any previously imposed conditions.
NATHAN MAYBERG
The Town of Fort Myers Beach will extend temporary emergency permits to 2027 for those who can show hardships.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Lee Commissioners approve agreements to accept grants for water-quality projects
STAFF REPORT
The Lee Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to approve two agreements that will allow the county to construct projects to improve water quality flowing to the Caloosahatchee.
Through two interlocal agreements with the South Florida Water Management District, commissioners voted to accept:
∫
$2.5 million in grant funds for the construction of a creek-diversion system with a shallow open-water wetland treatment area at Bob Janes Preserve, which is located north of North River Road in Alva.
The project is designed to restore the Bob Janes Preserve property to a more productive, native ecosystem while providing water-quality benefits for the Caloosahatchee River.
∫ $1.5 million in grant funds to construct the Palm Creek Filter Marsh Project within Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve East, which is south of Bayshore Road and east of Interstate 75.
The project will include a series of ponds and a wetland network to assist with the treatment of surface water for nutrient removal and related water-quality improvements.
The South Florida Water Management
District received the grant dollars from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The grant funding will pay for the construction costs. Construction is expected to begin Spring 2026 and be complete Summer 2027.
Speed bumps temporary
The objects that appear to be speed bumps along Hurricane Pass Bridge on San Carlos Boulevard are actually pieces of plywood or steel plates covering the recently poured concrete for the bridge joints on Fort Myers Beach, Florida Department of Transportation spokesman David Scarpelli said. “These coverings are temporary and will be removed once bridge joint work is complete, which is anticipated within the next few weeks,” Scarpelli said.
NATHAN
The former Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian and will be rehabilitated to make way for Pinchers
Fish-Tale
From page 1
front of the town council. The restaurant was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian. A deviation from town code approved by the town council will allow the restaurant to be rehabilitated with a zero setback.
The owners took down the office and commercial space that was next door to the restaurant. Petrak said that space will be used to accommodate more parking for the restaurant.
There will be a new boat club with a
rental office, bait for sale, ship store, ADA compliant restrooms, showers and ice.
Petrak said the marina work has been permitted through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is nearing completion of its approvals for its docks through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Construction at the marina for the storage facilities and other buildings is expected to begin sometime in November
or December. The plan is to make temporary fueling stations available during the buildout of the docks.
Petrak said the new layout will have a larger center lane for boats to make for easier access to forklifts and dry storage.
Water ferry, water taxis and restaurant
Under plans discussed Monday, the marina could also be a future stop for a water ferry shuttling to the future Arches Bayfront hotel.
Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt, a proponent of water ferry and water taxi services, highlighted the plans
Summer
From page 4
a safe place for their children. Others just need a day for job interviews to build a better future for their families.
Sometimes it is just one day. Sometimes it is 41, which is our average. That is all it takes to set a family on a stronger path.
If you are reading this and feeling isolated or overwhelmed, know this: You are not alone. Reach out. Ask for help. We are here to walk alongside you, connect you with a caring volunteer family and guide you to the resources you need to move forward.
Better Together exists to strengthen families, not to judge, but to help them
of the Arches Bayfront hotel for a water taxi stop at Fish-Tale Marina. Atterholt said the stop would be “critical” to alleviating concerns of residents that local residential canals would be used for a water ferry. Atterholt said the ferry could hold up to 49 people.
Petrak said the marina supported the water ferry use and would also accommodate private water taxi services.
Atterholt said the restaurant at the arina which would become Pinchers is “a much-needed one, particularly with the restaurant shortage on the south end of the island.”
flourish with the support of a community that cares.
To learn more about Better Together and how you can get involved or receive support, visit BetterTogetherUS.org or call 239-470-2733.
— Megan Rose is the CEO of Better Together, a nonprofit organization that helps parents in crisis address the root causes of their struggle, find work, and keep their children out of foster care. To learn more about Better Together, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.
NATHAN MAYBERG
PHOTO PROVIDED
Destruction to a dry storage faciluty at Fish-Tale Marina after Hurricane Ian.
WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO WHO TO SEE
Pace Center for Girls, Lee to host
Faces of Pace
Page 20
Anything Goes
Fort Myers Beach Art Association’s new show opens this week
By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The latest showcase from the prolific Fort Myers Beach Art Association will be on display at their new art gallery as part of their “Anything Goes” show which opens this Thursday.
The art exhibit, which runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 19 at the Cypress Square shopping plaza off McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, will feature a diverse collection of artwork from oil and acrylic paintings to jewelry, photography, digital art, as well as watercolors and pastel paintings. The exhibit will also highlight intricate
collage pieces, hand-pulled prints, serigraphs, woodcuts, and the rich textures of batik.
Curated to celebrate diversity in both style and technique, “Anything Goes” “encourages artists to push creative limits and invites viewers to engage with art in its many forms — from tactile, handcrafted objects to cutting-edge digital creations,” Fort Myers Beach Art Association publicity director Susi Wigenroth said. “The result is a visually stunning, thought-provoking experience that showcases the power of artistic exploration.”
The association’s new gallery is located at the corner
of McGregor Boulevard and Cypress Lake Drive in Unit #1 next to the Prawnbrokers Restaurant. The association lost their home on Fort Myers Beach due to Hurricane Ian. Since then, the group had been holding art shows at various locations around the county while fundraising for a new home. They have since settled on leasing space at Cypress Square, which is also a working gallery for the association’s artists. The association still hopes to one day reopen their gallery on Fort Myers Beach. For more information on the “Anything Goes” show, visit www.fortmyersbeachart.com or contact publicity@fortmyersbeachart.com.
Kick off the school year with the Buc Block Party set for Aug. 29
Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) will celebrate the start of Fall classes with a Buc Block Party on Friday, Aug. 29, 3:30-7 p.m., at the FSW Suncoast Credit Union Arena, 13351 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. The public is invited to an evening filled with fun, food, and festivities. Support your local FSW campus and discover the valuable resources available to you.
The Buc Block Party will feature food, FSW giveaways, games and activities, and a special performance by FSW President Jeff Allbritten and the Salty Dogs band.
The Suncoast Credit Union Arena has enhanced security measures for all arena events including walk-through metal detectors and bag restrictions.
Guests are encouraged not to bring bags into the arena.
This includes backpacks, purses, briefcases, duffel bags or coolers. Guests that choose to bring a bag will be able to bring in the following:
∫ Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”.
∫ One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
Registration now open for Lakes Park Fall Festival ‘Scarecrows in the Park’
The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation and Lee County Parks & Recreation invite businesses, non-profits, groups and organizations to sponsor an entry for “Scarecrows in the Park” as part of the annual Lakes Park Fall Festival.
Scarecrows will be on display Oct. 10-31 in the Children’s Garden at Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, as part of the festival.
The theme of the 2025 competition is “The Wild, Wacky, Weird World of Scarecrows in the Park.” Participants are encouraged to design a single-standing scarecrow that is crazy, unusual, silly, scary or strange. Examples include a “Crazy Crow,” “Mad Hatter,” “Scary Witch” or “Strange Creeper.” The possibilities are endless.
Each display will feature the sponsoring business, family or organization’s name to show support for Lakes Park and the Lee County community.
Youth and school groups are also needed to design scarecrows for businesses that choose to sponsor but not build their own. Youth groups receive $50 for supplies. Awards will be presented to the VIP and People’s Choice winners.
∫ Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the Arena with one of the clear plastic bags. Small bags must not exceed 4.5” x 6.5”.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
Guests will be asked to return non-approved bags or other prohibited items to their vehicle prior to arena entry. There is no check-in location for prohibited bags or items at the arena. For a full list of prohibited items, visit https://www.fsw.edu/arena/plan/policies.
For more information about the Buc Block Party, visit fsw.presence.io/event/buc-block-party-featuringthe-salty-dogs.
Lee
Pace Center for Girls, Lee announces its Faces of Pace signature fundraising event to be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Porsche Fort Myers.
An inspiring evening where the luxury style of Porsche, the transformational impact of Pace and the spark of generosity come together to create real magic, the cocktail-attire event will include a gourmet welcome reception, a chef-curated culinary experience, live auction, magic show, live music and powerful testimonials from current and former students of Pace Lee. The event is led by co-chairs Megan Kohan and Jaclyn Canerdy.
“This year’s Faces of Pace introduces a bold and beautiful new chapter in how we come together to support Pace Center for Girls as we depart from a traditional gala experience,” said Kohan. “Hosted inside the sleek, high-energy space of Porsche Fort Myers, the evening promises to be more relaxed, more interactive and more fun than ever before.”
“While we are thrilled to introduce a new event format this year, the heart of the evening remains the same: honoring the faces and futures of Pace. These girls are bold. They are brave. And they are building new paths forward, often after facing significant adversity,” said Jennifer Cellitti, executive director of Pace Center for Girls, Lee. “Together, we are igniting the potential of every Pace girl and helping them discover their unique road to success.”
The deadline for registration is Sept 25. For more information visit www.LakesPark. org or email scarecrows@lakespark.org.
The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation
See SCARECROWS, page 24
The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation has organized “Scarecrows in the Park” for 15 years as part of the Lakes Park Fall Festival. Festival activities include a pumpkin patch, hayrides, inflatables and concessions presented by Wheel Fun Rentals, as well as the Halloween Express train ride presented by the Southwest Florida Train Museum.
Faces of Pace is presented by B&I Contractors. A range of sponsorship opportunities are available for the gala, including Trailblazer sponsors at $10,000, Visionary sponsors at $5,000 and Advocate sponsors at $2,500. A variety of underwriting opportunities for catering, bar, entertainment, valet and décor exist for the event, ranging from $2,000 to $7,500. All sponsorship and underwriting levels include varying levels of tickets and recognition in event signage and printed program. Higher level sponsorship levels include opportunities for additional recognition. Individual tickets are $350 per person.
Proceeds from the Faces of Pace event provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Pace Lee programs are based on the belief that all girls and young women, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, should be uniquely cared for, supported and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves through a path of healing and recovery.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit PaceCenter.org/Locations/ Florida/Lee.
Porsche Fort Myers is at 10040 Daniels Interstate Ct., Fort Myers.
About Pace Center for Girls, Lee
Pace Center for Girls, Lee envisions a world where all girls and young women are safe, have economic security and an opportunity to use their voice and achieve their potential. Founded in 1985, Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee, call 239425-2366 or visit www.PaceCenter. org/Locations/Florida/Lee. Signature fundraising event to benefit Pace programs
FILE PHOTO Doc Ford’s Lakes Park scarecrow
UPCOMING EVENTS
‘It’s Time for a Jurassic Safari’ presented by IMAG Science
Sept. 6
The IMAG History & Science Center invites families, friends, and kids of all ages to “Science Saturday at the IMAG” as it presents “It’s Time for a Jurassic Safari” on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bringing inspiration to life, “Science Saturdays at the IMAG” are fun-filled, family-friendly programs that feature the science, technology, engineering, and math of various select topics. During “Science Saturdays at the IMAG,” guests participate in hands-on activities, work on special take-home projects, get engaged in interactive displays, and enjoy learning about the topic of the day while having fun.
Excite your imagination and let’s have fun with fossils. Planned for our “It’s Time for a Jurassic Safari,” we will explore geological time periods of the Earth’s earliest history, its dinosaurs, and how they are named. And we will also explore the world of fossils, how they are formed, and what we can learn from them. For activities, you and your children will have fun designing and naming your own dinosaurs, making dinosaur prints and bookmarks, making fossil-rubbing art, and other engaging activities. We look forward to having you join us for this creative Saturday of fun.
The IMAG is at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. For more information, please call: 239-243-0043 or visit: theIMAG.org.
Fort Myers’ Sweetest Concert Series
This fall, the Gulf Coast Symphony is launching something new–Apple Pie Concerts–afternoon events that combine intimate performances with engaging talks, followed by coffee, tea, and (of course) a slice of apple pie enjoyed with fellow music lovers.
Our aim is simple: to create warm, welcoming concerts that bring people together–whether you’re a lifelong classical fan or just curious to learn something new. These gatherings are informal, friendly, and designed to make world-class music accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The idea is inspired by a beloved tradition in the Netherlands, where musicians bring performances into community spaces and share apple pie with the audience. We’re excited to bring that same spirit of connection and hospitality right here to Fort Myers.
Our very first Apple Pie Concert:
∫ Thursday, Sept. 25 | 2 p.m. at the Music & Arts Community Center
Trumpet Talk: An Apple Pie Concert Kick off the series with Trumpet Talk featuring Cindy Scaruffi-Klispie, a world-class trumpeter who has per-
Religious Services
Services at Beach Baptist Church
Beach Baptist church at 130 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach Service at 10:30 every Sunday
All are welcome, we are pet friendly! 239-463-6452
https://beachbaptist.org
Services at St. Peter Lutheran Church
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at 3751 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach. Services 9 a.m.
All services now inside the sanctuary.
All are welcome, we are pet friendly 239-463-4251
stpeterfmb@gmail.com www.stpeterfmb.com
YouTube - St Peter Lutheran Church Fort Myers Beach FL
In cooperation with former Chapel by the Sea and Beach United Methodist Church.
Services at St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church
St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church welcomes the public each Sunday at 10 a.m. for services in its parish hall at 5601 Williams Drive in Fort Myers Beach.
For more information regarding services, contact 239-463-6057 or email office@ straphaelschurch.org
formed with the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, and Rome Opera. Cindy will take you on a fascinating journey through the history of the trumpet, performing music that showcases its power and beauty, and sharing stories from her extraordinary career–all accompanied by Julie Carver on piano.
Come for the music, stay for the pie–and leave with a new favorite way to spend an afternoon.
Reserve your slice at gulfcoastsymphony.org/.
Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue
Spotlight on a few shelter dogs who need your help
These dogs need rescue ASAP- All are at risk. Please call or text Isabelle at 239-281-0739.
Winona is a sweet and gentle 10-year-old girl with a kind heart. She’s a staff and volunteer favorite. We know she still has so much love to give. Unfortunately, Winona is an older lady and will need some Love. Call or text 239-281-0739
Schmidt is a 4-year-old German Shepherd mix who was found as a stray. He’s friendly with other dogs. Shelter life makes him anxious, so he’ll need a little time to decompress. . Please consider this big handsome
guy. Call or text 239-281-0739
Domino is a 3-year-old male Boxer mix who’s had a rough start. He truly enjoys the company of other dogs. In his kennel, Domino is shut down and withdrawn, and it’s clear he’s feeling overwhelmed in the shelter environment. With a safe space to decompress, Domino has the potential to blossom. Please consider giving Domino the second chance he desperately needs.
Opal is a stunning 5-year-old female Husky. She has
been good with the staff she has met and enjoys the company of the other dogs she’s been introduced to.
Unfortunately, Opal does not do well with small farm animals. Opal would thrive in a home without livestock or small animals, where she can enjoy playtime, companionship, and the love she deserves. Please consider Opal call our text Isabelle at 239-281-0739
Follow us on Facebook at Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue and see all the amazing pets we saved these past few months
Please note our new PO Box #864, Bonita Springs, Fl 34133 You can also make a donation at www.findahomegiveahome.com using the donation tab using PayPal
Please make sure you do it through “Friends and Family” so there is no fee and all the donation comes to us directly.
Save Our Strays Feline Rescue Fort Myers Beach
Surrendering of cats
By Jo Knobloch Founder of Save Our Strays Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach
The surrendering of cats has become a real problem this past year and over the weekend we received back two of our beautiful cats that were adopted as kittens and now are 6 years old. The reason given was moving and pets not allowed. This is unacceptable as there are many apartments that do accept pets. They may charge a pet deposit in case of damage but its worth it to keep your pets
with you and not dump at shelters or rescues especially when they have been with you for a number of years. They can be declared a service animal and many people are easily getting the paperwork needed either from their physician or on line. It is very difficult on the cats to be taken from a home environment and then all of a sudden in a new atmosphere with many other cats. Those who
have gone through all the hurricanes we have had in the past 3 years are suffering from PTSD and other trauma from going thru all we have so there is no excuse for surrendering these pets as they are known to lower blood pressure especially if they have been with you for several years. You can’t surrender your children so why would you surrender your pets?
Ozzie is a male black and white 1 year old who is very sweet and affectionate as all black cats are. He loves to play with his siblings as well as other cats at the rescue. Coalie is also a black and white male 1 year old and is playful and affectionate. He and Ozzie would be a great pair to adopt together and would provide many years of joy and entertainment. Lexie is a 3 year old female gray, white, black striped tabby who up until we rescued her had 4 litters of kittens and was pregnant with her fifth which she gave birth to at our rescue. She had 7 beautiful kittens which are now ready for adoption and has been spayed so that is the end of her kitten raising days.
Winona Schmidt Domino Opal
Hilton Seawatch on the Beach Badass Coffee
Bayside Sports Bar & Grill
Bongo’s Beach Bar & Grill
Buffalo Grill
Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill Cold Stone Creamery
Coste Island Cuisine
Dixie Fish Co.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
Jack’s at the Pink Shell
Junkanoo Below
Coastal Properties of SW FL
Coastal Vacation Properties
Distinctive Beach Rentals
Diamondhead Beach Resort
Edison Beach House
Gulf Waters RV Resort
Gullwing Beach Resort
Adventure Water Sports
Cruisin Tikis Fort Myers Beach
Copacetic Sailing
Day 5 Charters
Estero Island Parasail
Everglades Day Safari
Excursions Marina
Fort Myers Beach Sea and Sun Rental
Fun’N’Sun Beach & Bike Rentals
Kathy Nesbit Vacation Rentals
LeeAnn’s Paradise Vacation Rentals
Lighthouse Island Resort
Lover’s Key Resort
Luxury Vacation Rentals
Margaritaville Beach Resort FMB
Marina Village at Snug Harbor Matanzas Inn
ParrotEyes Vacation Rental
Holiday Water Sports
Island Carts FMB
Just Livin’ The Dream Charters
Kayak Excursions
Key West Express
Mid-Island Watersports
Mound House
Nautical Tiki Cruises
OB Beach Tours
Paradise Parasail Holiday Inn Express & Suites
LARC announces Fore the Future Youth Golf Challenge set for Oct. 25
LARC (Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens), a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through vocational training, residential support, and inclusive community services, is proud to launch the Fore the Future Youth Golf Challenge–a one-ofa-kind fundraising event just for kids and teens in grades 1-12. This exciting day of fun, mentorship, and prizes will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at The Golf Club at Crown Colony, located at 8851 Crown Colony Blvd., Fort Myers. The scramble tournament will kick off with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
This is Southwest Florida’s first youth golf fundraiser of its kind, created to bring together elementary, middle, and high school students of all skill levels–from beginners to future champions–for a meaningful cause. Golfers will participate in fun on-course challenges and enjoy an awards ceremony and great prizes.
To participate, each golfer is asked to raise a minimum of $250, which directly supports LARC’s programs for individ-
uals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The top three fundraisers receive amazing prizes and a hole-in-one challenge will feature a magical Disney vacation for four.
Be part of something meaningful. Sign up, start fundraising, and swing FORE a more inclusive future!
Businesses and community supporters are encouraged to amplify their impact by sponsoring the Fore the Future Youth Golf Challenge. Sponsorship packages offer a range of promotional benefits–and more importantly, they send a powerful message that our community values young people and embraces individuals of all abilities. By supporting this event, sponsors champion inclusion, youth empowerment, and a stronger, more connected Southwest Florida.
To register, become a sponsor, or learn more, visit www.larcleecounty.org/events/ youthgolfchallenge.
For questions, contact Nickole Hendra at 239-334-6285 x229 or nickolehendra@larcleecounty.org.
Scarecrows From page 20
is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to assisting the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department through philanthropic and volunteer efforts to enrich Lakes Park and enhance the community’s enjoyment of this natural resource.
For more information about Lee County Parks & Recreation locations, volunteer opportunities, amenities or special events,
visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275, email leeparks@leegov.com or follow Lee County Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram. Residents and visitors can also explore more than 30 sites and earn rewards through Parks, Points & Perks, a free digital pass program available through May 2026. Learn more at www.visitfortmyers. com/ParksPass.
FORT MYERS
Community Thrift Store
15501 Old McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Fort Myers CVS
15550 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Gavin’s ACE Hardware
16025 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Gulf Point Square
15660 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Love Boat Ice Cream
16475 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
McGregor Bar & Grill
15675 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Pickles Pub
15455 Old McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Walgreen’s
15601 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
Walters Automotive
15135 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908
FORT MYERS BEACH
Chamber of Commerce
100 Lovers Lane, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
CVS Store
7001 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Bonita Bill’s
702 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Diamond Head (Lobby)
2000 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Doc Ford’s
708 Fisherman’s Wharf Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
FMB City Hall
2731 Oak St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Lahaina Realty
6035 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Lani Kai
1400 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Lighthouse Restaurant/Bar
1051 5th St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Loffreno Real Estate Inc, 7317 Estero Blvd. C1, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Matanzas Inn
414 Crescent St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Nervous Nellies
1131 1st St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Parrot Key
2500 Main St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Pincher’s Crab Shack
18100 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Pink Shell Resort
275 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Post Office
200 Carolina Ave. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Santini (Marina) Plaza
7205 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Sea Gypsy
1698 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Snook Bight Marina/Junkanoo’s
4765 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Summerlin Café
11370 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Sunflower Café
11410 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Sunset Grill
1028 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(News box out front)
Snug Harbor
645 San Old Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Parking Lot BOX
Tina’s Dive Bar
19051 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Wahoo Willie’s
645 San Old Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Wal-Mart
17105 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
7/11
7120 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Handyman
WATERFRONT PRIVATE EVENTS
Bayside Private Events at Bonita Fish Company offers a space that blends laid-back atmosphere with legendary service. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a big celebration, we’ve got the space, the flavor and the team members to make your event memorable.
700 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach
Owned & Operated by HM Restaurant Group
Contact Private Events Manager Joe Sletten at joesletten@hmrestaurantgroup.com or 239-788-4067 to start
