Debate continues: Mobility vs. impact fees
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Cape Coral’s controversial proposed mobility fee to pay for transportation infrastructure will come back before city council at its next meeting, but with new numbers based on a 12.5% increase year over year.
Assistant City Manager Mark Mason said staff went back to the state statute and the discussion council had about a 12.5%
Recognizing student athletes
The Cape Coral Breeze presents its weekly tribute to local high school sports standouts. — Page 40
annual increase for the levy on new construction intended to replace the city’s road impact fee.
Staff also took information and compared it to city impact fees that currently exist should Council want to consider increasing them to meet revenue needed instead.
Mason said if the fee decided upon is less than 25% more than the current impact fee, then council could implement a change
of 25%, or less, of the existing fee over a two-year period. That is because no impact fee can be increased more than 50% of the existing rate and can be implemented over a four-year period.
City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said it is council that has the foot on the throttle.
Less money — i.e. lower fees — means it will take the city longer to fill its transportation plan.
“You don’t want to fund that over 20
Cape Coral holds annual commemoration ceremony
By CASEY BRADLEY GENT news@breezenewspapers.com
Cape Coral Fire Chief Michael Russell’s voice broke as he requested a moment of silence in honor of the 2,977 lives lost 24 years ago on September 11, 2001.
At 8:46 a.m. Thursday morning, outside of Cape Coral City Hall Council Chambers at 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, community members and local dignitaries gathered for a Remembrance
years, we collect less and do less. It is really that simple. Twelve and a half percent, we will collect less, and we won’t do as much stuff in the plan. It doesn’t mean it goes away and we don’t need it. It won’t be done in the time horizon that we planned for,” he said.
Councilmember Keith Long “beat the same drum” as he has throughout all the
Ceremony on the lawn in the shadow of Ladder 5 and a large American flag. Russell reminded
See 9/11, page 25
Honor Guard members J. Karau, left, and Dave Crockett, right, assemble a remembrance wreath in front of the fountain outside of Cape Coral City Hall Thursday morning.
CASEY BRADLEY GENT
School Board member says parents should make vaccine decisions
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
If a Lee County School Board member’s peers agree, local schools may not only support Florida’s plan to end vaccine mandates for students, but implement such an initiative on its own.
Lee County School Board Member Armor Persons said Tuesday he will bring forward a resolution to remove mandatory vaccines for students within the district. He said while the state is looking at removing requirements for several vaccines, there are other inoculations mandated in statutes that may not be part of the state effort initially.
“This is parental rights,” Persons said. “A parent should be making that decision if a child should take a vaccine or not.” He said that the district has on the side of parental rights concerning requiring masks at school during the pandemic, among other issues.
“I think we should stay consistent,” Persons said.
If the resolution passes, Persons said he believes it should be put on the district’s legislative agenda to ask legislators to
See VACCINE, page 9
Tropical activity expected to increase; quiet hurricane season so far
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
While it’s been a relatively quiet Atlantic hurricane season thus far (knock on wood), top forecasters say activity could be ramping up in the
According to AccuWeather experts, businesses and officials should remain prepared for an expected increase in tropical activity later
this month.
Experts state that water temperatures at the surface and hundreds of feet in depth have “surged to record territory for this time of year in the Gulf, which increases the risk of rapid intensification.”
“The climatological peak of hurricane season is Sept. 10. This is the time of year when water temperatures in the Atlantic typically peak,
and atmospheric conditions are most conducive for tropical development,” stated AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. “The frequency of storms in the Atlantic basin is highest on average on Sept. 10, according to historical data. This will likely be the first time in nearly a decade that the peak of hurricane season passes without a named storm. This rare occurrence has
See HURRICANE, page 31
Cape Coral Hospital to launch new OBGYN residency program
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
A new residency program will be instituted at Cape Coral Hospital next summer.
Lee Health, in collaboration with the Florida State University College of Medicine, recently announced the launch of a brand-new obstetrics and gynecology residency program at Cape Coral Hospital.
Lee Health officials said the program will welcome six new residents each year for an “intensive” four-year training experience, with the first residents joining Lee Health in Summer 2026. Currently, senior medical students are applying to the program. In March 2026, the annual Match Day event will reveal which six residents will call Southwest Florida home.
“We are thrilled to grow and expand our residency
“We are thrilled to grow and expand our residency program to include OBGYN medicine. This will help increase our services and provide more access to care for the Southwest Florida community. As we see our population rapidly continue to grow, we want to ensure all patients receive the high-quality care they’ve come to expect from Lee Health, and training the future doctors in our community is an important part of that mission.”
— Dr. Cherrie Morris, chief physician executive of the Women’s Health Institute
program to include OBGYN medicine,” said Chief Physician Executive of the Women’s Health Institute Dr. Cherrie Morris. “This will help increase our services and provide more access to care for the Southwest Florida community. As we see our population rapidly continue to grow, we want to ensure all patients receive the high-quality care they’ve come to expect from Lee Health, and training the future doctors in our community is an important part of that mission.”
OBGYN physicians specialize in comprehensive care for women, guiding them through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Officials said residents will also receive a full scope of training focused on gynecological surgery and managing the full spectrum of reproductive health needs throughout a woman’s life.
The program aims to address a national shortage of OBGYN physicians while strengthening care in the expanding Southwest Florida region. Cape Coral Hospital will serve as the home base, with FSU College of Medicine as the official institutional sponsor.
“I am thrilled to lead this new program at Lee Health and empower the next generation of OBGYN physicians,” said Dr. Carrie Johnson, program director
physician of OBGYN Residency. “Lee Health already has a compassionate and dedicated team for women’s and children’s services, and the residency program will expand on their already fantastic work. Not only will this program help address the national physician shortage, but it will also introduce new physicians and community members to Southwest Florida.”
Lee Health officials said medical school graduates are required to complete residency training in their chosen specialty to become independent practicing physicians. Officials added that training programs like this bring new doctors to the community, learning from the experience of Lee Health medical team members while also improving access to care to everyone in the community.
Lee Health’s most recent data from its family medicine and internal medicine residency programs shows that half of the graduates stay local after completing their residency.
This is the third physician residency program with Lee Health and the Florida State University College of Medicine. The family medicine residency program was established in 2011, and the internal medicine residency program in 2022.
“Our continued partnership with Lee Health is essential in our efforts to build high quality residency programs that promote academic excellence, drive enhanced quality of care and address the critical physician workforce needs of our Florida communities,” said William C. Boyer, DHSc, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education and the Designated Institutional Official for all sponsored GME programs at the College of Medicine.
To learn more, please visit www.leehealth. org and https://med.fsu. edu/graduateMedicalEducation/home.
Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to
at the Northwest Regional Library, 519
Blvd., Meeting Room BC.
Town Halls are an opportunity for residents to share their concerns, ask questions, and discuss ideas for the future of their district and the City of Cape Coral.
Cape Coral Breeze
Cape Coral District 4 Council Member Jennifer Nelson-Lastra will hold a Town Hall this
noon,
Chiquita
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
How democracy dies
Wednesday was a day of grieving for America and Americans.
The political assassination of a renowned conservative activist on a university campus in Utah.
Another school shooting, this one is Colorado, which left two teens injured — one critically — and the 16-yearold shooter dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Reaction was immediate.
Charlie Kirk, who had a large and nationwide following, is the founder and president of Turning Point USA, a student movement “dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government.”
He was shot at a “The American Comeback Tour” rally attended by thousands of students at Utah Valley University, according to reporting by our sister paper, the Daily Herald, in Utah.
Family photos of the 31-year-old husband and father of two with his smiling wife and young daughter and son at their side brought the issue home to most of us.
“This is a dark day for our state; it’s a tragic day for our nation,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. “I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination.”
The shooting at Evergreen High School outside of Denver garnered similar expressions of horror from officials.
Colorado Public Radio covered a press conference called by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday afternoon and quoted the agency’s public information officer:
“This is the scariest thing you could ever think could happen. Honestly, I don’t know if our suspect is old enough to even drive,” said PIO Jacki Kelley.
These occurrences — and ones before them, and the ones before that and before that — are our country’s shame.
Many of us who “cover the news” have never come to terms with that.
Nor will we ever come to terms with the ugliness that followed Wednesday’s horrific acts of violence.
See EDITORIAL, page 32
This week’s poll question:
Are you concerned about the local housing market?”
∫ Yes. There are a lot of homes on the market.
∫ Not too much, the market always corrects after market spikes.
∫ No. People continue to move to Southwest Florida and they have money to buy homes.
Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.
Previous poll question:
Should Florida “end all vaccine mandates?”
∫ Yes. The decision to vaccinate or not should be made by parents or guardians. 29.25%
∫ Probably not but the list of required vaccines should be vetted. 16.5%
∫ No. 53%
∫ No opinion. 1.25%
September 12, 2025
Celebrating American Founders Month
As we step into September, it is hard to believe that another school year has begun. As your school board member, I want to take a moment to reflect on the first month of this exciting and sometimes challenging journey. Navigating the school system isn’t always easy but please know I am here to support you every step of the way.
The start of the new school year is filled with energy, new students, new teachers, and a flurry of activities. We recognize there are challenges, especially with transportation. This year we introduced the new bus schedules as part of our Safe Start Initiative, and we appreciate your patience as our dedicated staff work through the initial adjustments.
Melisa W. Giovannelli Guest Commentary
Rest assured that we remain committed to ensuring reliable and safe transportation for all students. Our team is continuously working to fine tune the process, so students arrive safely and on time. If your student is not arriving at school safely and punctually, please fill out the Transportation Reporting form on the School District’s website. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve.
This month the board will approve 10-Year Capital Plan and 2025-26 Budget totaling $2,798,172,189, a decrease of $113,221,207 from the previous year. The reduction demonstrates the School District’s strategic approach to man-
aging resources while maintaining high-quality education. The half-cent sales tax provides essential funding for capital projects, contributing more than 30% of total revenue and showing consistent growth since 2019. The Capital Plan includes 10 new schools and one portable swing site, projected to add 14,188 new student stations to accommodate district growth. This year alone, 148 capital projects are planned, covering athletics, drainage, electrical, fire systems, HVAC, paving, playgrounds, plumbing and roofing.
I also want to take a moment to recognize and honor the many meaningful events and observances that are highlighted in our schools this month. The School District’s Curriculum Department, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education, is actively working within our schools to build strong, civic literacy and historical awareness within our students.
We stand committed to share and educate our students on our history, values, and commitment to freedom, justice, and unity. Below are highlights of each observance.
n American Founders’ Month
September is dedicated to celebrating the vision and chal-
GUEST COMMENTARY, page 16
Letters to the editor
In Memoriam: Charles James ‘Charlie’ Kirk (1993–2025)
To the editor:
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, tragedy struck during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, when a coward fatally shot Charlie Kirk at approximately 12:10 p.m. MT while Charlie was engaging with students in his “American Comeback Tour,” “Prove Me Wrong” debate. The bullet struck his neck, and despite immediate efforts, he succumbed to his injuries within hours..
Why was Charlie Kirk shot and killed?
He expressed opposing views in what he called “a lively discussion of freedom and America.” The promotional literature for the Utah event suggested students, “Join Charlie Kirk on campus for a lively discussion of Freedom & America! Don’t agree with Charlie? Great, you go to the front of the line. See you there!” the group posted.
Someone killed Charlie Kirk, a nonviolent, 31-yearold conservative husband, father and friend, because he expressed views different from his killer.
Charlie Kirk was more than a conservative activist—he was a formidable force in American political discourse, especially among young conservatives. At just 18 years old, in 2012, he co-founded Turning Point USA, an organization that would come to influence tens of thousands of students across hundreds of campuses. Turning Point USA became a powerful engine for free-market principles, patriotism, and political engagement.
Kirk’s sharp debating style, unapologetic rhetoric, and media savvy turned him into a household name within conservative circles. Through podcasts, radio, and the “Prove Me Wrong” tour itself, he mobilized a generation of young Americans to take up the conservative banner.
President Donald Trump shared the heartbreaking news on Truth Social, calling Charlie “A great, and even legendary figure.” President Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff at Trump-related properties and federal institutions in his honor.
President Barack Obama called the assassination “despicable,” emphasizing that such violence has no place in a democratic society.
Charlie Kirk’s life embodied the passion and fervor of a generation. Despite his youth, he wielded his influence with intensity—respectfully challenging prevailing narratives, shaping campus conversations, and drawing young people into the civic fold. More than just a firebrand, he was a devoted family man—loved by his wife, Erika, and their two children.
on the political legacy he leaves behind but also on the human—husband, father, friend—he was to many. May his memory be a reminder of both the power of civic engagement and the urgent need to reject every form of political violence.
Ed Franks North Fort Myers
What scares the heck out of me in Cape Coral
To the editor:
Traffic has always been an issue in Cape Coral since I arrived almost a decade ago. The design of roads in the Cape is an afterthought with canals being the primary design focus.
We have two arterial roads, Pine Island and Veterans. The remaining roads should be considered residential road collectors but have been speed zoned as major arterials. The speeds posted on these roads like Cape Coral Parkway, Chiquita, Skyline, Santa Barbara are set like they are arterials with speeds of 45 miles per hour, but are fed not only by smaller roads but driveways that residents need to access. Similar roads like Mohawk, Beach and Savona have a 40 mph speed limit. They are designed exactly the same as Chiquita, Skyline, etc. but handle a lower volume of traffic. Keeping in mind that a 45 mph speed limit is really 55 mph when enforcement starts, is highway speed. Residents attempting to get into their driveways with 45 /55 mph traffic at their backs. I have observed at night residents backing into their driveways in the dark. While this maneuver occurs the car is perpendicular to traffic and no lights on the car to be seen by oncoming 45-plus mph traffic. Daylight design doesn’t consider these maneuvers.
Cape Coral Parkway speeds go up and down from 40 to 45 and back again to 40 finally resolving at 35 mph in the downtown where there are more “valuable” pedestrians. What is the point of accelerating for a few blocks an extra 5 mph? All it provides is an opportunity for those who wish to bolt past a few cars and be the first ones at the light. Traffic calming is not achieved with the up and down speed limits. Engineering is caught between moving traffic as quickly as possible balanced against residents performing pit maneuvers to get into their driveways. What scares me the most is the lack of pedestrian separation/sidewalks and these high-speed roadways. I
* Total votes at press time: 164 votes. Percentages are “rounded.”Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate. See LETTERS, page 6
Today, as we mourn his loss, we should reflect not only
Ensuring smooth and successful elections
Although the 2026 midterm elections are a year away, my team and I are preparing at every level to ensure a smooth and successful election process.
We are updating our poll worker lists and Election Day procedures manual and actively recruiting for the upcoming year.
Elections would not be possible without the incredible work of our dedicated poll workers! If you are looking for a rewarding way to contribute to your community, I invite you to join our team. You can complete the poll workers application on our website at www.lee.vote.
Our election preparation also includes routine maintenance of our voting equipment. This involves verifying inventory and a thorough inspection. Voters can trust that every piece of equipment is accounted for and in excellent working condition.
We will repeat this process in 2026 before the election season begins.
Network security continues to be a top priority. I am pleased to share that our security and defense system received high marks from a recent Department of State evaluation. We will uphold those strong protections and implement new measures when needed. Visit our website to learn more about the many safeguards we have in place to ensure secure and accurate elections.
In other news, we are on track to complete the second phase of our voter registration
list maintenance. On Sept. 15, we will mail an “Address Confirmation Final Notice” to approximately 32,000 voters. Per state law, these notices will be mailed to voters who have not voted in the last two general elections (or an intervening election) and have not updated their voter registration. Voters receiving the notice must respond promptly to prevent voter registration issues and help keep our voter rolls current for the upcoming elections. Make your voice heard! Now is the perfect time to get election-ready. If your address, name, party affili-
ation, or your Florida’s driver’s license or ID number has changed, please take a moment to update your voter registration with our office. If you plan to vote by mail, you must renew your request with our office, as all requests from previous years have expired. Request your vote-by-mail ballot and ensure your voter registration is up-to-date at www.lee.vote.
We are ready to assist you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at elections@lee.vote or 239-533-8683.
— Tommy Doyle is the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. For more information, visit https://www.lee.vote/ or call 239-533-8683.
From page 4
observe students, sitting on the ground with headphones on looking at electronic devices, absolutely unaware of the high-speed maneuvering of vehicles jockeying back and forth on these two-lane roads only feet away. These students might as well be sitting on the edge of a highway. Creating a parking lane, where applicable, by reducing the width of the boulevard would provide a bit more protection while accommodating the commercial vehicles that need access to these residences.
45 mph speed limits need to be reduced to 35 mph on all of these roads. A speed limit reduction more compatible with a residential neighborhood. 35 mph would only add 1 minute 10 seconds of travel time between Cape Coral Parkway and Veterans; 40 mph adds 30 seconds. A speed reduction would at least increase the pedestrian response time if an errant driver drifts off the roadway. Speed and travel time cannot be the overriding factor in our traffic design; it must be pedestrian and resident safety first.
J. Caplin Cape Coral
Bowing down to Russia may be a fatal mistake
To the editor:
When I was a little girl, I remember seeing the smoke on the horizon from the World Trade Center going down on Sept 1, 2001. The events of that day are central to the global upheaval now underway. Twenty-four years ago, before the attacks on our Twin Towers, Russia was prioritized as the U.S. top national security threat. After 9/11, the Bush administration removed Russia from the threats list. At the time, the U.S. wanted to topple Al Quaeda in Afghanistan, and we pinpointed Uzbekistan as a good military launch point to enter. Being a Eurasian country within Russia’s sphere of influence, the U.S. cowered to Russia in order to operate out of Uzbekistan. At that point, practically eating out of the palm of Russia’s hand, the U.S. got right to work on GWOT. But that was only after the often forgotten Pankisi Gorge Conflict, wherein the U.S. fought side-by-side Russian military in Georgia as one of our first foreign interventions post 9/11 in search for “Weapons of Mass Destruction” — which were never found.
What are the precedents we suffer today from bending to Russia during GWOT?
About 1,300 days ago, on Putin’s Feb 23, 2022 declaration of war against Ukraine, Putin stuck his finger in the healing wounds of our recent past, mocking the U.S. for false pretext of war and blaming the Iraq War on so-called “U.S. imperialism,” a pretext which he himself used as a basis to invade Ukraine, one of the most destroyed countries on Earth now thanks to Russian invasion.
Flash forward to this very week, article 4 of NATO has been enacted after Russian drone attacks on Poland. We are more close to Article 5 than ever before, which could mean the beginning of NATO-based U.S .troops in direct combat with Russia’s military. If we do go to war with Russia, the U.S. can suffer massive casualties.
Rolling out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin at the U.S. military base in Alaska was a very very big mistake by President Trump and his cabinet, and it will have serious consequences in the coming time.......we just may not see it just yet. Ukraine has already taken many willing American volunteer soldiers away from us. In the wake of World War III, let us pray for our American troops over there, and our American troops back home and around the world, that our leaders may bring us closer to a lasting peace through strong defense policy, so we do not repeat the same mistakes by bending to the Russian terrorist state.
Alexandra Zakhvatayev Cape Coral
Sports question
To the editor:
Can a coordinated, well-coached team following the coaches’ playbook beat a team of over-cocky individual showboaters who hate the coach and work against the game plan?
Well, in the game of politics that is the situation between the parties.
Democrats, by nature, are collectivists and act as a collective, rarely breaking ranks. They are die-hard Democrats and vote as a group
Then there is the “bad news bears” party - the Republicans, who “throw the game” to get the coach fired.
They are self-serving (actually serving their donors) and sabotage the game at the expense of the Republican base that have bet the farm on an America-first agenda.
However, the organized crime syndicate, the deep state and media, have bet against that agenda and pay off or extort the players.
Thune and Johnson are team captains who have colluded with the opposition to scuttle the required plays to win.
Grandstanding players like Murkowski, Collins, Graham and Tillis constantly and purposefully fumble the ball and turn the momentum over to the other team.
Bottom line is that we cannot win the game to save America as long as “our team” keeps throwing the game.
The draft system is a broken. Local parties are at fault for supporting Democrats posing as Republicans.
The Republican Party is truly the bad news bears who thumb their collective noses at the Republican base.
Tony Cosenza MS MBA PhD Cape Coral
Anti-vax agenda will prove to be deadly
To the editor:
RFK Jr. will kill you. Polio used to kill or paralyze half a million people a year worldwide. Measles has been and remains one of the deadliest vaccine-preventable causes of death in the world. But a safe and effective vaccine (had) basically eradicated measles in the United States.
Insane Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on an absolute rampage to roll back decades of science and life-saving public health measures. It goes way beyond vaccines. RFK Jr. is defunding, downsizing, and dismantling essential agencies and programs in practically every area of public
health. With Trump’s approval, Kennedy is taking us back to a time when people died by the millions from preventable and treatable diseases.
DeSantis and his RFK Jr. like Surgeon General will kill your children by following Kennedy’s playbook. Eliminating all vaccine mandates is just the latest effort. Keep voting for Republicans and your children will get sick and sadly many will die from preventable diseases.
Ray Allen Fort Myers
Open dialog — and choice — are answers to U.S. health crisis
To the editor:
Prior to this administration, the authorities — federal and state officials — were largely accepting of the use of additives and colorants in our food supply, disregarding the fact that European countries have banned the sale of many American food products due to the unnecessary health risks associated with these additives like red dye. This oversight raises questions about the priorities of food safety and public health in the United States, especially when contrasted with the regulations in Europe.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a troubling disparity emerged: Young, healthy American adults and children were mandated to receive the vaccine, were not allowed outside to protest, and schools closed. Many undocumented immigrants crossing the border were not subject to the same requirements and some select organizations were allowed outside to protest.
This situation highlights a broader issue within our healthcare system, as it reflects a lack of coherent policy and who calls the shots — unions, select groups or pharmaceutical companies — and raises concerns about the overall declining health of the nation.
With obesity and use of pills soaring, it is imperative that we initiate significant changes to address these public health challenges.
The recommendations issued by politicians and the CDC during the pandemic and the last 30 years often lacked scientific backing, leading to a perception that the agency was improvising rather than providing evidence-based guidance.
Furthermore, the extensive vaccination schedule for children has faced scrutiny from medical professionals who question the necessity and safety of so many mandated vaccines. The response from CDC and pharmaceutical companies has often been to silence dissenting voices, creating an environment of fear among healthcare providers. It is crucial to engage in an open dialogue about which vaccines are truly essential and to inform the public about potential side effects.
Additionally, the FDA’s approval processes warrant reevaluation to ensure that they prioritize public health over corporate interests.
Ultimately, removing vaccine mandates should empower individuals with choices rather than restrict their options, and a shift towards preventative medicine is long overdue in our healthcare system.
Lou Walker Cape Coral
Letters to the editor
Tommy Doyle Guest Commentary
Less is more, constitutionally speaking
Florida has a chance to do something rare in politics. It can put liberty back at the center of its legal order, not as an afterthought or a campaign slogan, but as a principle built into the very Florida State Constitution itself. The idea is simple enough. Whenever a law, rule, or regulation is written or interpreted, the starting point should be this: Use the least possible coercion and take the least possible money.
In other words, liberty comes first. Government force comes last.
This amendment would not erase a single statute. It would not tear out pages of the law books. What it would do is set the compass by which those laws are read and applied. Courts would be reminded that their duty is not to enlarge the power of the state but to contain it. Agencies would be reminded that fines, mandates, and threats are not default tools. Legislators would be reminded that the people sent them to Tallahassee to safeguard freedom, not nibble away at it in the name of expedience.
Libertarians have been saying this for decades. The national party platform is blunt: Every person has the right to the fruits of his or her labor, and the forcible collection of money or goods is wrong. The Libertarian Party of Florida has carried that same torch, arguing for voluntary means of raising revenue and resisting the steady creep of new taxes. Both platforms insist that government must not be the first resort
for solving problems. Free people, voluntary association, private enterprise, and personal responsibility come first.
Even so, Florida too often falls into the same bad habits as other states. Laws default to coercion. Agencies default to compulsion. The hammer swings before anyone thinks to offer an open hand. Fines are piled on. Permits and licenses choke enterprise. Taxation is treated as inevitable. This proposed amendment would flip the presumption. Instead of assuming that force is normal and liberty an exception, it assumes liberty is normal and force is what must be justified.
Larry Gillis Guest
Commentary
My text is plain and without flourish:
“In interpreting any law, regulation, or administrative rule enacted or enforced by the State of Florida or its political subdivisions, it shall be presumed that such enactment seeks to achieve its stated ends through the minimum necessary use of governmental coercion and taxation. Courts shall resolve ambiguities in favor of interpretations that reduce the scope, intensity, and fiscal burden of governmental action, consistent with the protection of individual
rights and public safety.”
Note carefully what this language does not do. It does not prohibit taxation. It does not strip the state of the power to act. It does not repeal whole categories of law. What it does is set a presumption, rebuttable but powerful, that government must be modest. Judges will have to explain why more force is justified. Agencies will have to show why a program needs compulsion instead of persuasion. Legislators will be pushed to write laws that look to incentives, education, and voluntary cooperation before they reach for mandates.
This kind of interpretive principle is not foreign to the law. Courts already apply canons of construction. They avoid interpretations that create constitutional conflict. They read criminal statutes narrowly to protect the accused. They presume rights unless the legislature clearly takes them away. Florida’s constitution itself contains guiding instructions in areas such as environmental protection and privacy. To place minimal coercion alongside those values would not be reckless. It would be consistent with the tradition of protecting the individual first and the state second.
The Libertarian Party of Florida has long fought to shrink the footprint of government. It has opposed civil asset forfeiture, fought red-light cameras, and called for the abolition of occupational licensing. It has warned against taking federal money that comes with strings attached. The amendment is in the same spirit, but instead of fighting battles one by one, it arms every citizen, every court, and every legislator with a principle. The default setting becomes liberty.
Critics will say this ties government’s hands. They will warn of endless litigation. They will complain that public programs will be harder to run. To which the proper reply is: Good. Good if government must pause before it compels. Good if courts demand clarity before they allow more taxes. Good if agencies must prove that fines and threats are necessary. The burden ought to be on the state, not the citizen.
Florida stands at a familiar crossroads. One road leads to more of the same: more rules, more taxes, more mandates. The other road points to restraint. A state that does not simply tolerate liberty but presumes it. A state that treats coercion as a last resort. The amendment does not guarantee freedom, but it gives Floridians the legal footing to demand it. That alone makes it worth the fight.
— Larry Gillis, is a director-at-large, Libertarian Party of Florida.
Agree? Disagree? Weigh in! Letters, guest opinions, comments welcome
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.
OCTOBER 5, 2025
BLESSING BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 2PM PLAN TO ARRIVE AT 1:30PM
FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS: PASTOR MARK MCANLIS, REVEREND DENISE SAWYER, AND CHAPLAIN AIMEE GOLDMEYER
Relocation of Four Freedoms Park supported by businesses, CRA governing board told
Parking, need for innovative marketing efforts also among the issues discussed
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The possible relocation of Four Freedoms Park was discussed at a roundtable with businesses within the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency district and came before the CRA governing board Wednesday.
There was no discussion as to whether this will materialize past the business-input phase.
Cape Coral Michael Ilczyszyn, who also acts as the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency executive director, said a round table discussion is held annually for one-on-one dialogue with those running a business in the district.
The roundtables provide an opportunity to share what is needed from government and whether a policy, or strategy, needs to be changed to best align government actions with that interest.
There were two main concerns expressed — parking and relocation of Four Freedoms Park — as well as talk concerning a marketing pamphlet and maps branding certain areas of the district.
Cape Coral City Council, sitting as the CRA board of commissioners, discussed the issues raised.
Ilczyszyn said the relocation of Four Freedoms Park had strong support, as business members shared the view that the park is “tired” and has run its life. He said there was also was discussion as to who uses the park — only use from kids.
Mayor John Gunter said although the park is used by the community, he does not believe it has to be exactly in its current location on the river off Tarpon Court overlooking Bimini Basin.
“For me, if that particular park had to be moved within the central location of that development, so we can utilize that waterfront property better, I am in favor of that personally,” Gunter said. “Do I want to eliminate the park? Absolutely not.”
Councilmember and CRA Commission Chair Bill Steinke said he does not agree the park should be removed, though it should and could be utilized better.
“It’s certainly an asset of the city that could be used better for every one of the citizens,” he said. “It’s a place
to come and experience the South Cape.”
The need for parking in the district was also a major roundtable talking point.
“They strongly believe we need to make better use with structure parking and development of parking garages,” Ilczyszyn said. “There is no way for their business to succeed with the current status.”
Gunter said they have been talking about parking in the downtown area for eight years.
“It is a need, not a want,” he said.
Gunter said that maybe there should be some incentives out there for development of the public parking locations, adding he would like to see some vertical parking structures with some mixed use.
“I think we have to be proactive, instead of reactive,” he said.
Also discussed was having a QR code as a way for individuals to learn about the South Cape instead of maps.
Steinke said the code could be interactive by redirecting people to the business’s website.
Cape Coral Youth Council to host community event
The Cape Coral Youth Council invites the community to a special Meet & Greet to be held Thursday, Sept.18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Nice Guys Pizza.
Residents will have the chance to meet Youth Council members, learn about their upcoming projects, and ask questions in an informal setting.
C0-OP CONNECTIONS
The event also hopes to raise funds to support the Council’s upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., where members will represent Cape Coral and gain hands-on experience in leadership and civic engagement.
Nice Guys Pizza is at 1404 Cape Coral Pkwy E. Those unable to attend the Meet and Greet in person
can still contribute online.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help fund the Cape Coral Youth Council’s trip to Washington, D.C. for the annual National League of Cities Congressional City Conference March 14-18 in 2026. To donate, go to https://gofund.me/2d4907d3 er.
AT LCEC, MEMBERSHIP MEANS EVERYTHING
Membership Matters
West Zone schools are reaching capacity
Capital construction plan calls for three new schools per year for 2026-28
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The School District of Lee County continues to address the challenges of having enough student stations at its schools.
“The students have not stopped coming when we look at our initial enrollment,” Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said during Tuesday’s board meeting. “People have discovered Southwest Florida, and they will continue to discover it.”
Capital Planning Assistant Director Dr. Adam Molloy said on Sept. 2, the district had 88,043 students enrolled in traditional public schools. The enrollment has since increased by 100 students.
The projected 10-year student enrollment will reach 106,956 traditional K-12 students by 2034-2035 – an increase of 18,913 students, according to the forecast.
Molloy said there are currently 34 schools operating above 100% of their assigned building capacity.
“We don’t have enough seats in the West Zone. If we don’t address that now, we are leaving that for someone to figure out down the road. (I would) hate to leave legacy of what we are leaving with the East Zone now in the West Zone.”
Melisa Giovanneli, school board member
The capacity pressures are not evenly distributed across the district as nearly half of the schools are located in the East Zone, he said.
Board Chair Sam Fisher said although the East Zone has become a priority, the West Zone — essentially Cape Coral and North Fort Myers — is quickly filling up.
There is a little bit of space at Island Coast High School, and there are some seats available at Mariner Middle School, Challenger Middle School, and Hector A Cafferata, he said.
Fisher said although there is not going to be a full high school build in the West Zone, they may be able to do an expansion of an existing school, or work with
a Public-Private Partnership to build a school.
“We don’t have enough seats in the West Zone,” Board member Melisa Giovanneli said. “If we don’t address that now, we are leaving that for someone to figure out down the road. (I would) hate to leave legacy of what we are leaving with the East Zone now in the West Zone.”
The East Zone is essentially the area in and around Lehigh.
Board member Bill Ribble agreed that they have to start getting into some joint venture to share the pain in the capital expense. The district needs to ask how it can partner with others and save the district a ton of money.
“Think outside of the box,” Ribble said.
The district is looking at different solutions, one of which is designing larger middle and high school prototypes. For middle school the capacity went from 1,200 students to 1,500 students and high school went from 2,000 students to 2,800 students.
The 2025 capital plan for new construction includes 10 schools and one portable swing site for 14,188 estimated new student stations.
“From 2026 to 2028 it is one of the largest capital construction efforts,” Molloy said, adding that there are three schools per year for a total of nine.
Hector A Cafferata Jr. in Cape Coral is among the pending projects. The new K-8th campus to replace the elementary school destroyed by Hurricane Ian is expected to be open by the state of the new school year next August.
Vaccine: Gov. DeSantis has announced a statewide initiative
From page 1
remove mandatory vaccines period.
Among the reasons he provided was that they do not know whether the vaccines cause autism or not, as 22 years ago it was one in 150 children diagnosed with autism. Now it is one in 31.
“Something is going on. Until we know, people should be more cautious than they are now,” Persons said. “I am sure there will be some people against it, and some people for it.”
Ron DeSantis announced last Wednesday that he has ordered the Florida Surgeon General to end all mandates of vaccines for schoolchildren to attend public schools.
Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said he would be acting with the Florida Department of Health to begin ending mandates for the vaccines that the department controls under Florida law, and that approval from the Florida legislature would be needed for the rest.
The moves announced by DeSantis and Ladapo would
seek to end vaccine mandates for school children for a whole host of diseases and infections from polio to chickenpox, smallpox, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and hepatitis.
Ladapo said he would work with the Florida Department of Health and DeSantis to ultimately end all vaccine mandates in Florida.
“All of them, every last one of them,” Ladapo said. — Nathan Mayberg contributed to this report.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Cape Coral City Council will be accepting applications for the following Boards/Commissions/Committees:
Affordable Housing Vacancies: (4) Regular Members
Advisory Committee Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral.
Committee shall include one representative from at least six of the categories below. Please indicate on application for which category you qualify:
(a) Residential home building industry
(b) Banking or Mortgage Banking industry
(c) Areas of labor activity engaged in home building
(d) Advocate for low-income persons
(e) For-profit provider of affordable housing
(f) Not-for-profit provider of affordable housing
(g) Real estate professional in connection with affordable housing
(h) Member of local planning and zoning commission
(i) Resident (citizen at large)
(j) Citizen who represents employers within City of Cape Coral (k) Citizen who represents essential services personnel
*Please feel free to submit applications for consideration even if you do not fit a category listed above.
Audit Committee Vacancies: (3) Regular Members
Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral (who does not have any direct financial or business interests involving the City) and through education and experience shall possess a basic understanding of governmental financial reporting and auditing. Council may waive the residency requirement by majority vote if there is an insufficient number of applicants who reside in the City.
Citizens Advisory Board Vacancies: (3) Regular Members
Community Development Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral. Block Grant Whenever possible, at least one member of the Board shall be selected from the following community segments:
(1) Elderly (over 65 years of age)
(2) Handicapped;
(3) Clergy;
(4) Low- or Moderate-income families; and/or
(5) Minority families
*Please feel free to submit applications for consideration even if you do not fit a category listed above.
Health Facilities Authority Vacancies: (3) Regular Members
Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral.
Planning and Zoning Vacancies: (4) Regular Members and (2) Commission Alternates Members*
Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral.
*An alternate may be selected from the remaining applicants.
Please note: At a minimum, the Planning and Zoning Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month, unless a National Holiday is being observed.
Applications are available on the City website www.capecoral.gov, the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, or if you would like one mailed or emailed, call the City Clerk’s Office at 574-0411. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Kimberly
City Clerk
Bruns, CMC
Progression plan provides for mid-year student promotions
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
If a third-grade student receives a level 2 or above on their first progress monitoring, they are eligible to be promoted to fourth grade, according to a presentation to the Lee County School Board Tuesday.
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nathan Shaker said the student progression plan has been adjusted in certain places to correlate with legislative updates and state requirements.
One of the main updates is regarding the third-grade retention rules being adjusted. The rules went into effect last year and is being added to the student progression plan this year.
“A retained third grade student is eligible for mid-year promotion if the student scores level two or above on PM1 of the grade 3 FAST ELA reading assessment and there is evidence the student is progressing sufficiently to master appropriate grade 4 reading skills.”
Shaker said now, if the district has a retained third grader, they can take an assessment at the beginning of the school year and move on to fourth grade if they receive a two or higher. A level 3 is considered proficient and was the previous minim score for advancement.
“We move them as quickly as possible — within 10 days of the assessment,” he
said.
There is also a middle school update, which was previously a district level mandate — reading instruction is required for all middle school students. Shaker said they are providing opportunities to expand enrichment for level 3, 4 and 5.
“They may offer other courses within the AICE catalogue,” he said, which will provide greater flexibility for enrichment opportunities for proficient and high achieving students.
Mental & Physical Health Director
Lori Brooks provided updates for high school, which steamed around the new fourth opportunity for students to waive the HOPE course.
“This bill also amended requirements for high school diploma — removing the certificates of completion,” she said, adding that the Florida Department of Education will provide guidance by January 2026.
There are also changes to the volunteer service/paid work hour requirements for Bright Futures. All four versions, Brooks said levels up the requirements to 75 hours.
Brooks said there are also GED preparation course removal requirements, unless a student fails to achieve a passing score on their practice test.
Marcola Market to offer Big Bang Theory Trivia Night
Think you know The Big Bang Theory?
Put your knowledge to the test at Mercola Market’s monthly trivia night on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. in at the national nature health product market
at 125 SW 3rd Place.
From Sheldon’s quirks to the roommate agreement and everything in between, this night is all about celebrating the laughs, science and friendships of the beloved sitcom, event organizers said.
Trivia is free to play, with themed rounds, outof-this-world prizes and a fun, nostalgic atmosphere — plus seasonal treats from the Solspring Cafe.
Feel free to come dressed as your favorite character. Bazinga!
The market exclusively offers Dr. Mercola supplements and other products for health, home, pantry and pet.
Solspring Cafe offers one-of-a-kind biodynamic beverages as well as healthy food options.
The main campus serves as a hub for the community, hosting family-friendly events throughout the year, including trivia, seasonal festivals and pop-up markets, while offering a 4,000-square-foot event space for local businesses and organizations to rent.
For more information or a complete list of upcoming events and updates, visit mercolamarketcc.com.
Cape wants county to maintain medians along Del Prado to a better standard
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Cape Coral City Council is looking to discuss the medians along Del Prado Boulevard with Lee County, as the city is not happy with their appearance along the county road.
City arborist Omar Leon said the county takes care of 7.25 miles of median landscaping and maintains the Del Prado Boulevard roadway. There has been some decline with the roadway, some a result of landscape failures due to accidents, and the other with storm damage throughout the years, he said.
“I don’t think we are asking for much, a little bit of mulch. Twenty-two percent of their (Lee County’s) general fund, Cape Coral is paying for.”
— Mayor John Gunter
mulch, the city taking over full control of the medians, or keeping the arrangement the same.
Some council members said the city needs to apply some pressure on the county, as they are not pleased with the main thoroughfare’s appearance.
The county does a core level of service of the medians, which excludes routine mulching, sod repairs, or comprehensive landscape improvements, city officials said.
Leon said some of the medians have
In the early 2000s the city assumed responsibility of the Del Prado Boulevard medians and made what officials say were substantial improvements before deciding to return that responsibility to the county due to financial constraints.
higher grades, which presents concerns with mulching, as heavy rainfall could wash away the mulch into storm drains.
There were a few options presented to CTAC, which is why Councilmember
Rachel Kaduk wanted the matter placed on council’s workshop agenda Wednesday.
Those included adding supplemental
“I don’t think we are asking for much, a little bit of mulch,” Mayor John Gunter said. “Twenty-two percent of their (Lee County’s) general fund, Cape Coral is paying for.”
County commissioners would need to budget the funds.
The city is currently in the process of scheduling a meeting with the county to discuss a variety of topics, one of which will be the Del Prado Boulevard medians.
School District approves near $3 billion budget
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The Lee County School Board approved a $2.9 billion budget during its final budget hearing Tuesday.
The board approved the required local effort millage rate of 3.071, $498,608,981 to be raised; .0748 basic discretionary millage with $121,445,626 to be raised; and a capital outlay millage of 1.500 to raise $243,540,694.
The total millage rate of 5.319 — a 1.43% increase over the rollback rate of
5.2441 mills — will raise $863,595,301 from property taxes.
One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property valuation.
The required local effort mills is 3.038 mills for the 2025-2026 school year, a .033 increase. Budget Director Kelly Letcher said this is a required levy to participate in the Florida Education Finance Program.
She used an example.
A taxpayer with a $100,000 home value last year, and a new value of $105,390 this
year, would see a bill of $560.57, a difference of $31.97.
For taxpayers with Save Our Home, taxable value can not go up more than 3%. So, for a $100,00 home value, the new value would be $103,000. At the 5.319 tax rate, the bill is $414.88, an $18.43 increase.
The board also approved the final budget of $2,919,795,073. The budget is broken down into five funds – General Operating of $1,281,739,638; Special Revenue Budget of $131,705,825; Debt Service Budget of $99,018,536; Capital Outlay
Budget of $1,181,726,237 and Internal Service Budget of $225,604,837.
The overall budget is a decrease of $114,667,599 from the previous year’s budget of $3,034,462,672.
“We had some cutbacks, right sizing,” Board member Bill Ribble said. “The end result will show in how we spend our money in 2026. I thought we did a great job in putting out to the community, all of these numbers. A great job in being transparent and communicating.”
*FLORIDA HAS THE HIGHEST INSURANCE RATES IN THE COUNTRY
Are you tired of: Flashy Ads promising “Cheap” Insurance only to learn what was taken away to make it cheap?
Are you tired of: Finding out your Insurance Agency is out of Miami or Orlando?
Are you tired of: Calling your Agency for service and talking to another country?
Are you tired of: Sales and Service reps that don’t know Insurance any better than you do?
Are you tired of: Binding a policy at one price, and have it skyrocket or get cancelled after the Credit Report or Property Inspection is done?
Windward moves headquarters to Cape Coral
By CJ HADDAD Cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
An award-winning, Southwest Florida-based luxury homebuilding company has relocated its headquarters to Cape Coral.
Windward Construction’s new headquarters is at 1201 Cape Coral Parkway East, where officials said the new corporate office will serve as a creative space to welcome current clients, prospective homebuyers, and project partners for a more seamless approach to the company’s custom-build experience.
Windward Construction’s team previously operated out of separate locations before relocating and creating an environment that officials said better suits a collaborative approach to custom homebuilding. The new office space consolidates all operations under the same roof for the first time, making it possible for all Windward team members to work in a synergetic and collaborative environment.
“Building someone’s dream home is not just a process, it’s a very personal, tailored experience that brings everyone together, our imaginative design-and-build team, our trusted project partners and our valued clients to create a home that is unique to the desires and lifestyle of the homeowner,” said Brian Haag, founder and CEO of Windward Construction. “Our new space is an inspiration hub where vision takes shape as we come together to share ideas, review designs, meet with cabinet designers, flooring specialists and other skilled professionals. To quote our tagline, I’d like to think of our new location as a place where ‘the intersection of building and imagination’ happens.”
The new office is in the original Big John’s Plaza in the heart of Cape Coral. Being minutes away from the Cape Coral Bridge, the office’s new location provides quick, direct access to clients and projects in neighboring Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva, officials said. Windward executed the buildout, enhancements and features of the new location, which formerly was home to Liberty Bank and the Cape Coral Rotary Club. The space
Luxury homebuilder Windward Construction’s new headquarters is at 1201 Cape Coral Parkway, East.
is just over 4,000 square feet, which includes 2,690 square feet of expanded space, and features smooth drywall, custom blinds, zebra shades, a custom conference room table and a 90-inch television for client meetings. Windward officials said through its design and amenities, the office space showcases aspects that the company implements into the design of its homes.
Windward Construction designs and builds custom homes in the $1.5 million to multimillion dollar range.
“From concept to completion, Windward’s team of home design professionals provides homeowners with an exceptional experience resulting in a home that prioritizes comfort and an enhanced lifestyle,” officials stated. “The company’s award-winning floor plans result from decades of combined building and design experience, carefully crafted to enhance and enrich Florida living.”
To learn more about Windward Construction and its services, visit ImagineWindward.com.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Guest commentary:
From page 4
lenging work of the founding fathers who established the principles of liberty, democracy, and opportunity that continue to guide us today. As George Washington once said, “The constitution is the guide which I will never abandon.” This quote highlights Washington’s deep respect for the Constitution and his commitment to upholding the foundational principles of our nation. As we observe Founders’ Month, it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of the constitutional framework that secures our freedoms and guides our democracy. It’s an inspiring time to reflect on the ideals that shape our nation.
n Patriot Day and 9/11 Remembrance - Sept. 11th
On Sept. 11, we remember the tragic events of 2001 and honor the lives lost. It is a moment of reflection on resilience, unity, and the enduring strengths of our nation in the face of adversity. We will never forget.
n US Constitution Day is Sept. 17
This day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the foundational document that establishes our rights, freedoms, and the framework of our government. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to the dem-
ocratic principles that serve as the foundation of our society.
n Freedom Week - End of September
As we conclude September, we celebrate Freedom Week — a time to appreciate the liberties we enjoy and the ongoing efforts to ensure those freedoms are accessible to all. It is a reminder of the importance of civic engagement, respect, and inclusion.
Throughout this month, students will engage is grade level appropriate instruction on all these topics. I encourage everyone — students, families, and community members to participate in these reflections and celebrations, and recommend using the Table Talk questions and resources on the School District’s website so start a conversation at home. Let’s come together to honor our history, uphold our values, and foster a community rooted in respect, understanding, and shared purpose.
It truly takes a village to raise a child. Thank you to all the teachers, staff, families and community members for your ongoing support and dedication to making our community a better place for everyone.
Melisa W. Giovannelli represents District 2 on the Lee County School Board
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The City of Cape Coral Charter School Authority Governing Board will hold their Regularly Scheduled Meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 5:00P.M., in the Cape Coral Council Chambers, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990
Weekly B reeze Recap
Fire ignited at the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill on Oct. 17, 2024, leaving charred framework and debris. The restaurant could soon be demolished with a new structure built on the site.
City, Kearns Restaurant Group reach agreement on rebuilding the Boathouse
By VALARIE HARRING vharring@breezenewspapers.com
The city of Cape Coral and the Kearns Restaurant Group have reached an agreement that will allow for the rebuilding of the Boathouse.
City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn notified Cape Coral City Council late Friday that the city and the Kearns Restaurant Group have reached an agreement.
“Good evening Mayor Gunter and City Council, We (City Administration and the City Attorney’s Office) have successfully concluded our negotiations for the rebuilding of the Boathouse restaurant in Cape Coral.
“The signed Settlement Agreement and Concessionaire Agreement were delivered to City Hall this afternoon. I have attached a Term Sheet which summarizes the business terms contained within the agreement which will be presented to you at the next regular city council meeting. Have a great weekend.”
The agreements signed by the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill LLC, which allow for the termination of the existing lease agreement for the restaurant’s location on the Cape Coral Yacht Club acreage, the demolition of the existing fire-damaged structure and a new concessionaire agreement, still need council approval.
Terms of the Concessionaire Agreement include a 30-year term and grants the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill LLC exclusive rights to food/beverage, retail, fuel and beach equipment concessions within the Concession
Area as well as first right of refusal if the city engages with another freestanding restaurant at the Yacht Club with matching terms/conditions.
Payments to the city will include $7,000/month ($84,000/year), paid in 12 equal monthly installments; 5% of gross receipts above the minimum guarantee in years 1–10, 6% in years 11–20 and 7% in ears 21–30.
During construction the base rent would be $3,500 month base rent plus 5% of all gross receipts above rent with no exclusions.
The city will commit to $1 million reimbursement towards restaurant construction, applied as a monthly PG credit for first 10 years. The city also will pay for the installation of the fuel facility with the Boathouse LLC to reimburse 50% of the cost over the agreement term.
If Council opts not to approve the agreements, the existing lease, which has about nine years left to run, will be reinstated.
Council had set a deadline of Sept. 6 for a signed concessionaire agreement with the original deadline for a settlement of the existing lease for the damaged building already past.
According to the agreement signed by Zak Kearns, owner and partner of the Boathouse, the business will again be responsible for cost of demolition of the structure with the demolition to be completed within 30 days of receiving the permits to do so.
Former manager, city settle lawsuit
By VALARIE HARRING vharring@breezenewspapers.com
A former city manager who filed a lawsuit against the city alleging discriminatory and other labor violations has dismissed his suit.
In a settlement agreement signed by Roberto Hernandez and Cape Coral City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner on Aug. 18 and 19, respectively, Hernandez agreed to dismiss the suit against the city and the city agreed it would waive any claim for costs. The parties agreed to pay their respective attorney fees.
Mayor John Gunter said the settlement vindicates the city’s position that the allegations were false.
“I am pleased that Mr. Hernandez has withdrawn his lawsuit filed against the city. The allegations that were made were utterly false, and during this process, they were found not to have any merit,” Gunter said in response to a Breeze email requesting comment. “This was simply a disgruntled employee who was terminated and made false accusations as a result of his termination. Throughout this time, we have remained focused on serving our residents, strengthening our community, and building a brighter future for our city. We will continue to do so while moving forward.”
Hernandez, who served as Cape Coral’s top administrator from August 2020 to February 2023 accused the city of discriminatory labor violations and alleged that the Cape Coral City Council did not renew his contract in retaliation after he objected to a series of civil rights violations concerning minority and LGBT employees.
On Feb. 14, 2023, two weeks after Council voted not to renew his rolling three-year contract, he sent the city a damages and settlement letter asking for $550,000, a neutral job reference and a public apology for professionally disparaging remarks made by some council members concerning his employment.
Council then voted to terminate his contract without cause.
Hernandez subsequently filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in March 2023. The federal agency opened an investigation, giving the city 30 days to respond.
The city denied both the allegations related to discriminatory labor practices and the accusation of retaliation.
It hired GrayRobinson, a Tampa-based law firm, to conduct an independent investigation.
The report, received by the city on May 12, 2023, concluded that the claims were unsubstantiated.
Sacha Dyson of GrayRobinson found that the non-renewal of Hernandez’s contract and his subsequent termination did not violate protections under state and federal law and that “no action has been taken or recommended to be taken against any employee because of his or her race or any other protected characteristic or protected activity.”
As April 29 of this year, the last time The Breeze made a followup query, the EEOC said it had no information to share on the matter. The agency told The Breeze shortly after the complaint was filed that such matters are confidential and that information is provided “Only when and if the EEOC files a lawsuit are we allowed to furnish any information.”
Council evaluations: city attorney rated ‘standard’ or above in performance categories
Breeze Staff Report
vharring@breezenewspapers.com
Cape Coral’s city attorney’s overall “above standard” evaluation score of 3.3 on a scale of 1 to 4 from the Cape Coral City Council late last month included two overall “excellents” and a trio of “standard”-pluses from members of the eight-member board.
Mayor John Gunter and Councilmember Joe Kilraine evaluated City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner with the highest average scores of “4” among 10 categories
with Councilmember Rachel Kaduk’s overall average coming in at 2.5, Councilmember Laurie Lehmann’s at 2.6 and Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra at 2.7. Councilmember Derrick’s Donnell’s overall evaluation averaged to 3.8, Councilmember Keith Long’s, an attorney, at 3.5, and Councilmember Bill Steinke at 3.
A 4 represents “excellent”; a 3 “above standard,” a 2 “standard” and a 1 “below standard.”
Boksner received no “below standard” scores.
The evaluation took place on Aug. 27 with council
approving a new, longer contract with additional compensation and better benefits on Sept. 3.
The new contract, extended for three years until Aug. 13, 2029, includes a 7.25% raise, pushing his annual base salary to $320,609.69.
It also includes additional leave time and deferred compensation of $10,000, minimum, “within 14 days following his employment date anniversary of Aug. 13, 2025, and every anniversary employment date during the initial term.
FILE PHOTO
SEPTEMBER 3-30
• 239 NAPLES, THE
• A TABLE APART
• ALICE SWEETWATER’S BAR &
• AMBER COVE
• ANGELINA’S RISTORANTE
• AQUA BONITA
• AQUA ON FIFTH
• ARTISAN EATERY
• BACKWATER JACKS @ BONITA BAY MARINA
• BALEEN @ LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
• BARBATELLA
• BAY HOUSE, THE
• BELLINI’S FORT MYERS
• BHA BHA! PERSIAN BISTRO
• BICYCLETTE COOKSHOP
• BISTRO 821
STEP TWO
STEP THREE
• BISTRO LA BAGUETTE
• BLACK FOREST GERMAN RESTAURANT
• BLACKBIRD MODERN ASIAN
• BLANC
• BLEU PROVENCE
• BOATHOUSE ON NAPLES BAY, THE
• BONE HOOK BREWERY AND CRAFT KITCHEN
• C LEVEL BAR & RESTAURANT
• CABOS CANTINA TACO & TEQUILA BAR
• CAFE NORMANDIE
• CAFFÈ MILANO
• CAMPIELLO
• CAPONE’S COAL FIRED PIZZA
• CHEZ GUY PARISIAN BISTRO
• CHOPS CITY GRILL - ALL LOC.
• CIBAO GRILLE
• CJ’S ON THE BAY
• CLAW BAR, THE @ BELLASERA RESORT
• COAST @ EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL
• CONTINENTAL, THE
• COTE D’AZUR
• DEEP LAGOON SEAFOOD - ALL LOC.
• DEL MAR
• DISTRICT
• EL GAUCHO TRATTORIA
• ENZO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
• ESTIA
• FATHOMS
• FIRESTONE GRILL ROOM, THE
• FLACO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
• FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE
• FRESH CATCH BISTRO
• FRESH CATCH INLAND
• GATHER
• GRAPPINO & THE BAKERY AT GRAPPINO
• HAMPTON SOCIAL, THE
• HANGOUT BY TWO GUYS, THE
• HOGFISH HARRY’S @ PARK SHORE RESORT
• ITALIAN DELI AND MARKET
• IZZY’S FISH & OYSTER
• JUNKANOO BELOW DECK
• JWB GRILL @ MARGARITAVILLE
• KABAB SPOT
• KEEWAYDIN’S ON FIFTH
• LA FONTANELLA RISTORANTE - BONITA
• LA FONTANELLA RISTORANTE - FORT MYERS
• LAKEHOUSE KITCHEN & BAR, THE
• LATITUDE 26 @ THE HYATT NAPLES
• LIMÓN ROOFTOP BAR
• LIMONCELLO
• LOCAL, THE
• LODGE, THE
• LOLA 41
• LOWBROW PIZZA & BEER
• LULU’S KITCHEN
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the breeze Community
September 12, 2025
Fanpetels - a magnet for
skippers
By SHERIE BLEILER news@breezenewspapers.com
I found this pretty yellow flower next to my mailbox in my lawn. Before I yanked it out as a weed, I decided to find out a little more about it. The name is common fanpetels or sida ulmifolia.
There are a number of different kinds of sida growing throughout the world. But common fanpetals is only found in Florida and the Caribbean. What makes it most useful to me is that five of our butterflies pick this plant on which to lay eggs and grow their young.
Garden Club of Cape Coral
Here in Cape Coral, the three checkered skipper species — common, white and tropical — pick this plant to host their caterpillars. (I cannot tell these butterflies apart.)
Skippers look like a sort of cross between a butterfly and a moth. They are rather small, about 1 1/4 inches wide and very fast flyers, preferring open country and grassy fields. When they land on a flower, they keep their wings outstretched, so you can clearly see the striking pattern, with the dark gray or brown background and white checkered spots. At night however, they cling to tall grass with their wings closed. The checkered underside of their wing is more white than black.
To hide, the caterpillars roll a leaf and seal it with their silk. Then they can munch on the leaves in peace. As they get older, they may pull several leaves together with their silk to hide. They are light yellowish green with a black head, so they blend in well with the leaves.
Fanpetals plants also host two other small butterflies — the gray and mallow scrub-hairstreak. Both of these butterflies lay eggs on a large variety of other plants as well.
Back to the sida plants; they are in the mallow family with plants like hibiscus, okra and cotton. They can be found on most of our empty Cape Coral lots. Fanpetals can grow up to 3 feet tall if they do not get cut down in
See FANPETALS, page 39
Beverly Saltonstall -- defender of wildlife
By FRANK FANTINI Special to The Breeze
Like so many residents of Southwest Florida, Beverly Saltonstall came from someplace else.
In her case, it was central New Jersey, a world of tree-shaded AllAmerican towns more familiar to the Midwesterners who populate Cape Coral than to the Jersey Shore stereotype of reality TV shows.
It was a place where young girls skipped rope, jumped hopscotch and played jacks. In fact, Beverly picked up jacks so well that she won a tournament to become the jacks champion of Woodbridge Township.
It was also a place to raise a family and enjoy a career as a nurse. But when it came time to retire, well, was there any place better for Beverly and husband Lloyd than Southwest Florida?
And that’s when life changed. Freshly arrived in Paradise, Beverly saw this cute little owl on a stake outside her new home. It just stood there and looked at her. Never moved. Not scared. Interesting, she thought. A half-hour later, she went back outside and, to her surprise, the owl was still there. Still unmoved. Still not scared.
“I just had to learn more about this bird,” she said.
The timing proved right for someone thus smitten. She read in the Cape Coral Breeze about a meeting on the owls hosted by the city. She went. She met a dozen other residents who were determined to protect the little creatures from what then was an uncaring city government. It was the nucleus of what would soon become the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW).
In the year 2000, Beverly Saltonstall, a career nurturer of human life, had become a defender of wildlife.
The newly formed CCFW set out to do what they do today: Conduct a survey to know how many of the owls reside in Cape Coral. Plant stakes announcing their nests so people can keep a safe and respectful distance. Dig starter burrows so the owls can dig new homes in the increasingly difficult world of sodded lawns that make burrowing impossible.
The city was about to become an ally in this effort, but there was still a component needed for the alliance to
succeed – public education.
That’s where Beverly and new friend Pascha Donaldson got together.
Pascha, who recently relocated from the megalopolis of Miami to the open and laid back Southwest Florida, was a natural public speaker armed with communication skills honed as a career physical education and healthcare teacher.
Beverly the nurse possessed the scientific, biologic knowledge.
Together they went out to groups throughout the city explaining how the owls fit into the natural environment, how the prairie-like undeveloped home lots of Cape Coral were a natural home for what had won Florida state recognition as a threatened species, that the approximately 3,500 owls found in Cape Coral were the world’s largest, most viable population of the Florida species.
“We called it our dog and pony show,” Pascha recalls.
At the beginning, Pascha might have been a natural on the speaking circuit, but Beverly was more reluctant.
“I said I’d do it, but I didn’t want to do things like go to schools,” Beverly remembers. “Wouldn’t you know it, the first invitation was to speak at a school science club?”
“But the kids were great. They were so excited. They asked so many good questions,” Beverly recalls. She immediately became a valued educator.
Another big challenge came when Pascha lined up a speaking engage-
ment in front of the Audubon Society chapter in Venice.
Beverly wasn’t happy.
“These people are experts. They know lot more about birds than me. How can I tell them about birds?” she said to Pascha as they drove their way to Venice.
Pascha kept saying everything would work out, and so it did. The members of the Audubon chapter were so excited by what they learned from Beverly and Pascha that they organized a bus trip to Cape Coral to see these rare little creatures for themselves. And they still come today on bus tours, and Beverly still hosts them. Indeed, she now hosts visitors from throughout the country and the world.
Just as the Friends of Wildlife grew into an organization of 500 members, Beverly grew into a highly regarded educator.
Her most recent accomplishment is a book, “Cape Coral Burrowing Owls Don’t Hoot.” In this work, Beverly recounts personal stories about the owls, shares advice about how to protect them, discusses their regulatory and legal status and provides practical information about how people can help perpetuate the species.
Beverly remains active in the CCFW, serving for the past decade as Educational Outreach chair. She and other CCFW volunteers conduct wildlife tours in conjunction with the Cape Coral Parks Department. Call Rotary Park for more information at 239-549-4606. To arrange for a CCFW speaker at your event, contact CCFW at ccfriendsofwildlife.org or 239-980-2593.
About Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing habitats for protected wildlife in Cape Coral. Through education, advocacy and community outreach, CCFW promotes awareness and appreciation of the area’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. To learn more, donate, or explore membership and volunteer opportunities, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call 239-980-2593.
The Zonta Foundation of Southwest Florida and the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva invite 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls to apply for a 2026 grant.
According to grants chair Kathleen Skubikowski, the Zonta Foundation strives to support women in claiming their rights as individuals through training, education and affordable housing.
“Successful applications will focus on one or more of these as-
pects of empowering women and girls,”she said. “We know that many wonderful organizations are doing amazing work to promote the welfare of women and girls, and Zonta wants to recognize and support this work.”
Previous grant recipients and new non-profit applicants may request funding for ongoing or new projects. Applications require describing in full the project for which they are seeking a grant; please note Zonta is non-sectarian and cannot consider applications from faith-based or reli-
gious organizations. Visit ZontaSanCap.org and click on “Grant Applications” to access this year’s application form. Completed applications are due by Friday, Sept. 19, and grants will be awarded in January 2026. Email any questions to Kathleen Skubikowski (skubikow@middlebury.edu).
To support the work of the Zonta Foundation of SWFL, visit ZontaSanCap.org and click on “Donate.”
SHERIE BLEILER
A yellow fanpetal blossom.
SHERIE BLEILER A skipper.
Beverly Saltonstall
Kimmie’s Recovery Zone to host Party in the Park
Annual event remembers those lost; offers support to families and those in need of assistance
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
A local non-profit dedicated to assisting individuals with recovery, as well as educating the public, will host an annual event this Saturday in conjunction with National Recovery Month.
Kimmie’s Recovery Zone will put on its Party in the Park event on Sept. 13 at Collaboratory from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
National Recovery Month is a time to highlight the progress made in recovery from substance use disorder, and to support individuals on their journey toward a healthier, substance-free life.
Party in the Park will begin with a Circle of Love remembrance gathering at 9 a.m. Guests are invited to bring a photograph of their loved ones to share with others in the vigil circle, and speak the names of those they have lost.
“We’re excited for another year, and we get great support from Lee County,” said Kimmie’s Recovery Zone founder Al Kinkle. “Party in the Park is a big effort where be bring attention to the people that we’ve lost. That’s an important thing — to tell their story and tell our story. We want to let the community know that recovery is possible, but we have to support one another. The successes we have is a collaboration and are everyone else’s successes.”
Party in the Park will feature a day of family-friendly activities, live music, food, a line-up of industry speakers, and more than 20 information booths dedicated to mental health and addiction recovery resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local support services and engage in conversations about recovery and wellness.
Remarks will be made by Fort Myers Mayor Kevin B. Anderson, and this year’s keynote speaker is Florida State Sen. Darryl Rouson.
Kimmie’s Recovery Zone is dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health issues. Through community events, educational programs, and direct support services, the non-profit strives to foster a healthier and more informed community. Kinkle said the need is greater now than ever before.
“A lot has to do with stigma, and getting the message out there loud and clear that recovery is possible, and it’s something people look at sometimes in a different frame,” Kinkle said. “We’re trying to change that. People need help. This is not just a drug issue, it’s a mental health issue and addiction issue. If you do have an
If You Go:
What:
Kimmie’s Recovery Zone Party in the Park event
When:
Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Where:
Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St. in Fort Myers
More information:
For more information visit www.kimmiesrecoveryzone.org
issue, we’re here to support you.”
Kinkle founded Kimmie’s Recovery Zone following the loss of his daughter Kimmie to an overdose of heroin and fentanyl in late 2015. She had been in recovery for two years but struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. She fought her substance misuse and mental health condition for 20 years before losing her battle to drugs.
“When we lost Kimmie, things were quite different than they are today,” Kinkle said. “We didn’t have all the services that we do today — of course, we don’t have enough. This is a big issue. People were colder about things back then. I think people are looking at things a little differently. Mental issues touch every family and every person that we know in some way, shape or form.
“We need to communicate with our families and openly talk about it. We need to start talking at a very young age and put up the warning signs early. We’re losing so many people, it’s an epidemic.”
Since then, Kinkle has taken his grief and championed those whose voices have not been heard. Working with law enforcement, political leaders and our healthcare systems, he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness to help individuals and families navigate mental health challenges and substance use disorder.
Party in the Park can serve as a way
for parents and individuals that have lost a loved one due to substance use or mental health to grieve and play a role in helping others.
“It’s a healing moment,” Kinkle said, especially talking about the remembrance ceremony. “A big thing is that I want to hear my daughter’s name. People hesitate to do that sometimes, they hesitate to mention a loved one that was lost. I want to hear her name. Every year when I can stand and call out her name, and when others can do the same for their loved one, it’s a healing moment.”
Kinkle said the number of community organizations and entities that come out and take part in this annual event is a testament to how it takes a team and multiple points of resource to assist those dealing with addiction and mental health crisis.
“We’re stronger together, and make a bigger difference together,” he said.
Kimmie’s Recovery Zone CEO Heidi Webb echoed Kinkle’s words.
“Each year this event grows stronger for our community, and I could not be more excited about what we’ve created together,” she said. “This is a movement of hope, healing, and unity. We are honored to stand with our community to shine a light on both remembrance and recovery.”
Kimmie’s Recovery Zone aims to get
individuals the help they need, and learn how they got to the path they did and how they can assist and turn the tide for others.
According to the most recent data from Florida Health Charts, in 2024 between January and June, there were 2,298 opioid overdose deaths in Florida, and 3,129 drug overdose deaths in the same period. The average age for opioid overdose deaths was 25, with the average age of drug overdose deaths at 32.
Throughout all of 2024, there were 31,016 non-fatal overdose emergency department visits.
Narcan, a life-saving tool which can be administered via a nasal spray, is available at Kimmie’s Recovery Zone and the Department of Health, and can also be purchased over-the-counter.
“We just want to do what we can do for those in the grips of addiction, so that others never need to experience the pain,” Kinkle said. “We have first-hand knowledge about the horrors, the loss, and the road to recovery. With support, we’re looking to make a positive impact in the world of addiction.
“We want families to stay strong, and support those with addiction, and to give them love. This impacts the whole circle.”
Also part of the event will be a film crew on-site doing interviews for an upcoming documentary titled “Bible of Addiction” created by PeaceVision and John Biffar, that will look at homeless camps locally.
PeaceVision created a documentary last year called “Blown Away: Spirit of Recovery” that Kimmie’s Recovery Zone was involved in looking at Hurricane Ian recovery.
In addition to battling addiction, Kinkle created Kimmie’s Angels, which works with Lee Health and provides financial support for families when a parent is unable to work due to their child’s battle with cancer.
“I loved Kimmie then, and I love her more now,” Kinkle said. “Kimmie is very successful. This is in her name. She’s finding success in heaven.”
Kinkle also has a podcast called “Rated R for Recovery” that streams on YouTube every Thursday, where those impacted by addiction share their story.
For more information on Kimmie’s Recovery Zone, visit www.kimmiesrecoveryzone.org.
Collaboratory is at 2031 Jackson St. in Fort Myers.
the breeze education
September 12, 2025
Education BriEfs
Green earns Dean’s List recognition at Valdosta State University
VALDOSTA, Ga. — Valdosta State University congratulates Alexis Green of Cape Coral for earning a spot on the Summer 2025 Dean’s List.
Dean’s List honors are reserved for the highest achieving students at VSU. Green is one of more than 450 students recognized for exemplifying excellence in the attainment of their educational goals.
To qualify for Dean’s List at VSU, students must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on nine or more semester hours with an institutional grade point average of 3.00 or higher. Please note that developmental studies, transient, and graduate students are not eligible for Dean’s List status.
Established in 1906, Valdosta State University is a comprehensive university boasting nearly 200 academic programs leading to associate, bachelor, master, specialist and doctoral degrees as well as options to add a certification, minor, endorsement or certificate to that degree. On the Web, visit www.valdosta.edu
SNHU announces Summer 2025 President’s List MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Southern New Hampshire University congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2025 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Fulltime status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Students from Cape Coral named to the President’s List include Izaak Pritchard, Patrick Simpson, Stacy Needham, Joel Pierce, Curtis Johnson, Adiana Yera, Christopher Pasapera, Charles Roaf, Cynthia Parracho, Latrece Frazier, Stephanie Dunnahoe, Diana Perrin of Cape, Brittney Hampshire, Kyle Cothron, Shavon Jackson, Erik Niland and Jacob Naasz.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, N.H. For more information about the university, visit https://www.snhu.edu/.
School District of Lee County to hold Conversations that Count events
The School District of Lee County has announced that School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin will be hosting Conversations that Count: Turning parent voices into real solutions throughout the school year. Each Conversations that Count event is an opportunity for students, parents, staff and community members to hear from and ask questions to School District leaders.
School Board Vice Chair Jada Langford-Fleming will host the first Conversation that Count Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 5:30 p.m. at Fort Myers High School at 2635 Cortez Blvd. in Fort Myers.
Conversations that Count will include remarks from School Board members, a question-and-answer session and a presentation from Carlin about the School District priorities:
n Ensuring safe and secure schools
n Increasing student achievement
n Expanding technical education opportunities
n Increasing teacher retention and recruitment
n Ensuring fiscal responsibility
n Empowering parents as partners in education
As further Conversations that Count: Turning parent voices into real solutions events are scheduled, they will be posted to the School District’s website at www. leeschools.net. Parents will receive an email before each meeting notifying them of the day, time, and place, plus a link to submit questions in advance. Those questions may be included in the question-and-answer sessions.
Local students named semifinalists for 2026 National Merit Scholarships
The School District of Lee County this week announced that 11 students have been selected as semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit semifinalists represent less than 1% of all high school seniors.
The National Merit semifinalists are:
Cape Coral High School
n Joshua Recupito
Dunbar High School
n Nishini Fernando
n Isabella Fowler
n Deetya Gogineni
n Finlay Schofield
Fort Myers High School
n Victoria Busch
n Sebastian Canizares
Gateway High School
n Madelyn Spitzer
Lee Virtual School
n Erik Boys
North Fort Myers High School
n Sebastian Jeanpierre
n Justin Wang
Over 1.3 million juniors in about 20,000 high schools entered the 2026
Students earn
National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of semifinalists includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
About 15,000 students are expected to advance to the finalist level in February. To become a finalist, the semifinalist and their high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application with the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors, endorsements, and an essay. They will then compete for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth $26 million that will be offered next spring.
“North Fort Myers High School is so very proud to recognize two National Merit Scholarship SemiFinalists, Justin Wang and Sebastian Jeanpierre,” said Principal Debbie Diggs. “Both students have met all the requirements to earn their Cambridge AICE Diploma with Distinction, are
currently ranked 1 and 2 out of a class of 513, are incredibly talented musicians in orchestra and band, and still find time to be involved in multiple clubs, leadership positions, and provide community service. Both of these young men have incredibly bright futures ahead of them and North is thankful to be a part of their stories.”
“We are so thrilled to have Joshua be a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship,” said Cape Coral High School Principal Ryan Jackson. “Joshua embodies everything that Cape Coral High School represents with his tremendous work ethic and desire to success. We are so proud of Joshua and all of his accomplishments.”
Eleven semifinalists rank as the largest number of School District students honored by the National Merit program in at least the last 20 years.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is at 1560 Sherman Ave., Suite 200, Evanston, Ill. Visit www. nationalmerit.org for information and a full list of the semifinalists.
College Board National Recognition Awards
A total of 461 high school juniors and seniors have earned 587 College Board National Recognition Awards for their exceptional academic achievement. The College Board National Recognition Program awards academic honors to high-performing students, helping them stand out to colleges and celebrate their hard work.
The 2025 College Board National Recognition Program offers three award designations:
n School Recognition Award, a new addition that honors the top-performing students in high schools nationwide.
n First-Generation Recognition Award, honoring students on track to be the first in their family to complete college.
n Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, which elevates students from high schools in smaller communities that are often less well known by colleges.
A full list of students earning recognitions is available at https://docs. google.com/spreadsheets/d/1A98XPKcP5C9zheH9bzbZmeaus8ItM151/ edit?gid=1329780256# gid=1329780256.
The 15 Southwest Florida high schools that had students recognized include:
n Bonita Springs High School, 23 students
n Ida S. Baker High School, 16 students
n Cape Coral High School, 75 students
n Island Coast High School, 16 students
n Cypress Lake High School, 22 students
n Lehigh Senior High School, 28 students
n Dunbar High School, 26 Students
n Mariner High School, 18 students
n East Lee County High School, 15 students
n North Fort Myers High School, 37 students
n Estero High School, 19 students
n Riverdale High School, 30 students
n Fort Myers High School, 97
students
n South Fort Myers High School, 7 students
n Gateway High School, 32 students
Students are eligible for national recognition in their 10th- and 11thgrade years. To qualify, students must, take the PSAT/NMSQT (10th, 11th), PSAT 10 (10th, and/or AP Exams (by the end of 10th grade); earn a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher (at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) by the time of submission; demonstrate further academic achievement: be one of the top 10% of test takers in their high school, among first-generation college students in their state, and/or among rural and small-town students in their state OR earn 3 or higher on 2 or more distinct AP Exams in the 9th and/or 10th grade.
For additional information about the program, please visit https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
School District and FGCU partner to prepare future teachers
The School District of Lee County and Florida Gulf Coast University College of Education are launching a program designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of educators.
As part of the partnership, FGCU students enrolled in EDG 3323: Professional Teaching Practice will host their university course directly on two Lee County school campuses: Veterans Park Academy for the Arts, led by Principal Edwin Carter with FGCU course instructor
Lori Hammond, and San Carlos Park Elementary, led by Principal Amy Bobak with FGCU course instructor Teri Byrne-Knell.
The unique model blends both theory and practice. Students first engage in coursework led by FGCU instructors on-site, then immediately step into classrooms to gain hands-on experience working alongside veteran educators.
This groundbreaking program is the only one of its kind in the region
and aims to immerse students in the world of education, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and practical knowledge needed to pursue a career in teaching. Many of which did not start as education majors.
The program represents the School District’s continued commitment to innovative recruitment strategies that strengthen the local educator workforce while providing valuable professional development opportunities for aspiring teachers.
‘Never Forget’
9/11 remembrance ceremonies, events, held in Cape Coral.
PHOTOS BY CASEY BRADLEY GENT
9/11: Pair of events in
From page 1
those gathered that 8:46 a.m. marked the moment the first commercial airline struck the World Trade Center so many years ago.
“Our lives will never be the same, “ he said.
One of the first guests to find a seat in front of the Ladder Truck was Geo Bracero. He gripped two small flags –one in each hand – displaying the names Andrew Bailey and Scott Larsen. Bailey and Larsen were Bracero’s friends. Both men lost their lives in the World Trade Center attack.
Cape
Above: The Field of Flags at Bernice Braden Park.
Left: Steve Kreuz plays TAPS in honor of the lives lost on 9/11.
Far left: Geo Bracero sits in the audience for the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Cape Coral Thursday morning. Bracero held flags carrying the names of his two friends who died during the terror attacks on New York city 24 years ago.
Coral held to remember those who died
“I lived in New York in 2001. That morning, 9/11, my ex-wife called me. She just kept saying, ‘Andrew’s in the building. Andrew’s in the building.’ Then the phones all went down. I tried to call Andrew. I kept trying to call him,” Bracero recalled, softly. “Later, his remains were identified.”
Bracero rolled the small wooden sticks – those bearing flags and the names of his lost friends - between his palms. He said he vowed that day to never forget the lives so needlessly taken.
Several community leaders spoke to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11.
Mayor John Gunter, Police Chaplain
Dennis Gingerich, Cape Coral Police Chief
Anthony Sizemore and Russell each shared a consistent message calling for unity and decency among Americans.
“I want to talk about Sept. 12 and beyond,” Sizemore said. “I’ve had a flag on my house for 24 years since (the terrorist attacks) that day. Honor. Remember. These aren’t just words. They are a call to treat people with decency.”
Members of the crowd nodded in agreement.
Sizemore shared that the lesson he took away from 9/11 was the development of a community of hope.
“Strangers,” he said, “became friends and the divisiveness went away.”
Throughout the ceremony, speakers called on residents of Cape Coral to treat one another with respect and decency. In the same spirit of honoring the lives lost 24 years ago, the Cape Coral Republican Club together with Fox News 92.5 planted 2, 977 flags overlooking the bay at Bernice Braden Park on Sept. 1. The Field of Flags was scheduled for removal Thursday.
The Field of Flags, like Thursday’s Remembrance Ceremony, was designed as a reminder that the spirit of America following 9/11 will not be lost, and the lives taken will not be forgotten.
Breaking Barriers to Business grants may go citywide
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Among the business incentives presented to the Cape Coral City Council Wednesday was Breaking Barriers to Business, which is proposed to become a city-wide program.
Economic Development Manager Sharon Woodberry presented revisions to the city’s economic development and business incentive program during Wednesday’s workshop. She said the challenges have been that some things have not been thought out when applications come through, so the revisions are to enhance and streamline that process.
Among the clarifications is for eligibility and disqualification of receiving the grant. Woodberry said the business must be in good standing and have a business tax receipt and be up to date on utilities and have no active code cases.
“We wanted to codify the application – it must be submitted and deemed com-
plete prior to certification of occupancy or completion,” she said. “We are making it known rewards (will be) revoked if permits expire. If it expires, no longer eligible on funding.”
City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said if a business is coming to the city to help with expansion, or relocate their business, the business needs to be in good standing.
“We are adding criteria up front for additional checks and balances of eligibility,” he said.
The presentation went through a few programs – Cape Collaborates, Breaking Barriers to Business (B2B) and BIG Grant program enhancements.
Cape Collaborates is restructured to match the B2B program city-wide, instead of just in the South Cape Community Redevelopment district with the ability to reimburse rather than fund up front. Woodberry said there is a desire to exclude certain business types – retail, gas stations, car washes, and storage facilities.
“We want the new revised program to try to provide funding and support for construction and capital growth,” she said.
The Business Infrastructure Grant (BIG) would increase the award potential of 10% of the total project cost. Woodberry said staff found that they cannot be very significant in the scheme of the investment, so they wanted to provide funding that really moves the needle and supports development.
“The way the code reads now, is it focused on job creation and providing funding to a project to an end user that is identified,” she said, which is creating barriers to make the projects eligible.
Ilczyszyn said the BIG Grant will really move the needle, especially north of Pine Island Road, as there are no utilities up there. He said the BIG grant only allows for 5%, which is not enough of a partnership to get extensive line extensions in the north.
“There are restrictions in the document now – any business that engages in retail
automatically disqualified,” Ilczyszyn said, adding that they are trying to recognize that retail serves a purpose.
Mayor John Gunter said the needs of Cape Coral Parkway and the needs of the areas in the north part of the city are very different.
“What we really need to do is hone down on that a little bit,” he said.
With only $3 million a year provided in grants, Gunter said he wants to make sure the city is getting the types of businesses they want and locations they need.
Ilczyszyn said the programs which already exist underwent six months of work.
“There are holes in the program. We are trying to close those up,” he said. “There may be an industry that we know is a community benefit, but is not in that code today. I would definitely bring it before you all. What we are saying, if we know there is an industry not listed today that makes sense, we need the ability to bring it in and process it for your approval.”
CRA moves to set demolition grants on a more equitable track
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency will move forward with a dual track demolition grant program.
Cape Coral City Council, sitting as the CRA governing commission, greenlighted the change by unanimous consensus Wednesday.
Economic Development Manager Sharon Woodberry said the proposed increase was brought forward because staff noted that there was an unintentional dis-
advantage for larger parcels and more expensive demolition projects.
Woodberry said they wanted to make the program equitable for small and large businesses alike.
Three options were initially presented: Option 1 - tiered demolition grant structure; Option 2, remove the cap on the second tier and Option 3, a flat 75% grant coverage.
“After reviewing those options, I received feedback from the commissioners. There was support for a two-tiered structure
for encouragement to lead to redevelopment and have stakeholder accountability,” she said, which would keep the balance and support both large and small projects. “The primary goal is to eliminate slum and blight with preferred redevelopment.”
Woodberry presented a recommendation for dual tracks: The first track would be for demolition only, and the second would support redevelopment.
“For a demolition-only track, we will look at the first $50,000, reimbursing 100% of cost. The second tier – 50% of
the cost above $50,000 and capping at $100,000,” she said.
Woodberry said the first 50% would be dispersed after demolition is complete. The second 50% is moving forward with the project, a site development plan in place –the first vertical inspection.
“Then we would reimburse the second half of the grant,” she said. “We are only reimbursing for expenses that have already occurred and are paying for.”
FLORIDA
AUG 30 (Florida 55, LIU 0)
SEP 6 (South Florida 18, Florida 16)
SEP 13 at LSU, 7:30 PM
SEP 20 at Miami, TBA
OCT 4 vs. Texas, TBA
OCT 11 at Texas A&M, TBA
OCT 18 vs. Mississippi State, TBA
NOV 1 vs. Georgia (in Jacksonville), 3:30 PM
NOV 8 at Kentucky, TBA
NOV 15 at Ole Miss, TBA
NOV 22 vs. Tennessee, TBA
NOV 29 vs. Florida State, TBA
FLORIDA STATE
AUG 30 (FSU 31, Alabama 17)
SEP 6 (FSU 77, East Texas A&M 3)
SEP 20 vs. Kent State, TBA
SEP 26 at Virginia, 7:00 PM
OCT 4 vs. Miami, TBA
OCT 11 vs. Pittsburgh, TBA
OCT 18 at Stanford, 10:30 PM
NOV 1 vs. Wake Forest, TBA
NOV 8 at Clemson, TBA
NOV 15 vs. Virginia Tech, TBA
NOV 21 at NC State, 8:00 PM
NOV 29 at Florida, TBA
DOLPHINS
SEP 7 (Colts 33, Dolphins 8)
SEP 14 vs. Patriots, 1:00 PM
SEP 18 at Bills, 8:15 PM
SEP 29 vs. Jets, 7:15 PM
OCT 5 at Panthers, 1:00 PM
OCT 12 vs. Chargers, 1:00 PM
BUCCANEERS
SEP 7 (Bucs 23, Falcons 20)
SEP 15 at Texans, 7:00 PM
SEP 21 vs. Jets, 1:00 PM
SEP 28 vs. Eagles, 1:00 PM
OCT 5 at Seahawks, 4:05 PM
OCT 12 vs. 49ers, 1:00 PM
OCT 19 at Browns, 1:00 PM
OCT 26 at Falcons, 1:00 PM
OCT 30 vs. Ravens, 8:15 PM
NOV 9 vs. Bills, 1:00 PM
NOV 16 vs. Commanders (Madrid), 9:30 AM
NOV 30 vs. Saints, 1:00 PM
OCT 20 at Lions, 7:00 PM
OCT 26 at Saints, 4:05 PM
NOV 9 vs. Patriots, 1:00 PM
NOV 16 at Bills, 1:00 PM
NOV 23 at Rams, 8:20 PM
NOV 30 vs. Cardinals, 1:00 PM
DEC 7 vs. Saints, 1:00 PM
DEC 7 at Jets, 1:00 PM
DEC 11 vs. Falcons, 8:15 PM
DEC 15 at Steelers, 8:15 PM
DEC 21 vs. Bengals, 8:20 PM
DEC 28 vs. Buccaneers, 1:00 PM
JAN 4, 2026 at Patriots, 1:00 PM
* Game times for Weeks 5-17 subject to change
DEC 21 at Panthers, 1:00 PM
DEC 28 at Dolphins, 1:00 PM
JAN 4, 2026 vs. Panthers, 1:00 PM
* Game times for Weeks 5-17 subject to change
ATHLETE
Three businesses in South Cape CRA to receive B2B grants
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Three South Cape businesses will get Breaking Barriers to Business Program grants.
The awards, which totaled more than $70,000, were approved during the South Cape Redevelopment Agency meeting Wednesday.
The first applicant approved was Palace Pub & Wine Bar for a total grant award of $33,894.
The business, at 1404 Cape Coral Parkway East, moved to a smaller unit. The total project investment was $169,469 and included installing a new ADAcompliant restroom, bar sink plumbing, interior wall framing with metal studs, repairs to the two-hour firewall, electrical
upgrades, HVAC ductwork, drywall installation, acoustic ceiling, interior painting and finishes and constructing a bar knee wall and countertop.
The second grant approved was for Nice Guys Pizza, 1404 Cape Coral Parkway East, for $28,520. The total project investment was $142,602 for an addition of a 1,200 square foot aluminum panel roof to provide year-round outdoor seating, as well as improvements to the parking lot.
The final grant, of $7,817, was awarded to LadyCakes Bakery, 447 Cape Coral Parkway East Unit 102 and 103 after some discussion on how the program is administered.
The B2B program began in May 2023 to assist eligible business and developers
with costs incurred in meeting the requirements of the city’s land development, Florida Building, and fire codes.
The grants are capped at 20% of the total investment and a maximum of a $50,000 reimbursement.
Cape Coral City Council sits as the CRA commission.
Mayor John Gunter said the business grants are paid through property taxes by those located in the CRA district through both city and county taxes.
“If you don’t live in the CRA you are not paying a dime,” he said.
“The people living in the CRA are footing the bill between the city and county taxes — 80-90% of the taxpayers within the boundaries of the CRA are businesses. Businesses are actually paying
for these incentives.”
LadyCakes Bakery owner Bess Charles was happy to receive the money.
She said they have served the Cape Coral and Southwest Florida area for nearly two decades. The bakery began as a home-based bakery before opening its original location on Del Prado Boulevard. They relocated into the South Cape in 2024.
“In 2024, we were forced into a renovation and location switch,” she said, which resulted in a major construction process.
Charles was told about the B2B grant from city staff and so sought to recover some of the construction costs.
Lee school district bus drivers get additional ‘scenario’ training
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
For the first time, the School District of Lee County offered bus driver training that included various scenarios.
Safety, Security and Fleet Operations Chief David Newlan said with knowing one of the district’s vulnerabilities being the buses, drivers went through an active shooting training and de-escalation techniques before the start of the new school year.
“Our drivers absolutely loved the training. They were excited to try something new – knowing and having an idea of how to respond to the event,” Transportation
“Our drivers absolutely loved the training. They were excited to try something new – knowing and having an idea of how to respond to the event. They were very excited and thankful for it.”
— Jarriad McKinney, Transportation executive
Executive Jarriad McKinney said. “They were very excited and thankful for it.”
Training can be repetitive, leaving participants without anything new to take away, McKinney said.
Transportation partnered with various departments, including academics, human resources, ESE, and health ser-
vices, to offer more areas of training,
“There are ways to create an environment to be safe and happy,” McKinney said, adding that collaborating within the district lets bus drivers know there are resources available to them.
He said a happy bus is a culture and environment where kids feel safe and
respected.
“We are teaching the drivers how to maintain their attitude and their tone and make sure they feel safe on their ride,” McKinney said.
Board member Melisa Giovannelli said bus drivers are key to getting students to school to learn.
“They are the key role to everything for us,” she said.
Newlan said they are working with the State Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners on statutes to protect bus drivers and students from people cutting off a bus and/or forcing their way on the bus.
Mobility fee: Need is there, how to pay for transportation plan at issue
From page 1
conversations about imposing a mobility fee, saying it is critical in solving infrastructure issues.
“Today’s rate compared to last week does next to nothing to close the significant gap,” he said. “These same builders and Realtors that are doing business are paying the same, or much larger fees, than we are already charging in Cape Coral.”
Long said the difference is the city collected $45 million when it could have collected $130 million.
“Everyone cries about infrastructure improvement. Where is that money going to come from?” Long asked.
He slammed Council’s failure to move the mobility fee forward last week.
“Last week’s decision is one of the largest errors we made since the UEP,” he said.
The presentation included a chart and categories associated with the mobility fee.
One example was for a single-family detached home, for which the current road impact fee, when built, would be $3,347.
As proposed, the mobility fee at time of construction would $9,889, which Mason said is 198% more than the current fee, which council could only increase by 50% increase.
The 50% calculation would take the number to $1,674, or a step-up of $418 per year over four years.
Attainable housing, a category which does not exist in the current impact fee, would have a 20.22% difference. The implementation rate would be over a twoyear period with the appropriate rate set in 2027.
Mason said there are several fees implemented over a two-year period, but none exceed 12.5%.
Some council members shared concerns.
“What that means is that 11 years from now we will finally make it to where we should have been 18 years ago because it is being based on a study from 2018,” Councilmember Bill Steinke said. “If that is the way we are going, the unspoken ele-
phant in the room is all the other residents in Cape Coral are willing to pay the bill to make up for what the new building permits are not having to pay for.”
Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said because of the soft economy right now, the perception and the timing of it is difficult.
“I would rather push this through than do nothing because I think we need to do something. Stakeholders signed off and agreed to do something. I think we need to do something,” she said.
Steinke said the housing market adjustment for inflation is only 11%. He said based on interest rates, the payment has gone up by 69%, which is the adjustment for inflation.
“We are hoping those interest rates will come down to help affordability,” Steinke said. “The actual cost of money has affected affordability.”
Ilczyszyn said the 2045 mobility plan, which is driving the revenue issue, was written by someone who has been in trans-
portation planning for more than 10 years.
“We have the expert on our staff,” he said. “What our staff was tasked with doing is looking out for 2045 and trying to identify how many residents would be here. That is why the growth model is an element.”
The city is expected to grow to just shy of 300,000 people.
“That is the role of your transportation planner and consultant. To look out into the future and determine what is needed,” Ilczyszyn said.
The mobility pan has four categories –roadways and improvements, transit and waterway, multimodal and mobility programs. Each of the categories has a listing of projects the costs associated with each.
“If every single building lot in the city was built out tomorrow at the full fee of $14,000, we would only collect $600 million. That is not even enough to cover roadways and intersections — $781 million of stuff,” he said.
Hurricane: Peak of season was Sept. 10; warm gulf waters ‘troubling’
From page 1
only happened three times in the last 30 years.”
AccuWeather points out that this year marks the first time in more than 30 years of back-to-back years without a named storm in the Atlantic basin on Labor Day, and that a surge of dry air has limited tropical development in the main development region of the Atlantic this week. Tropical Storm Barry in June has been the only storm to move through the region this year.
“It is unusual for the tropics to be this quiet, but not unexpected. AccuWeather predicted in March, when we issued our hurricane season forecast, that surges of dry air could lead to a midseason lull,” DaSilva explained. “We have been forecasting the second half of the season to be more active than the first.”
AccuWeather experts state that during hurricane season, between 40 and 60 tropical waves drift westward across the Atlantic. Experts state that on average, one in five evolves into a tropical storm or hurricane, but the percentage can be much higher during active stretches near the peak of the season.
AccuWeather hurricane experts say less dry air, less
Saharan dust, and less disruptive wind shear is forecast in the Atlantic starting next week, and that sea surface temperatures and ocean heat content in the Gulf have surged to record territory for this time of year. Ocean heat content is a measurement of the depth of warm ocean waters.
“This exceptional warmth in the Gulf is troubling,” DaSilva stated. “The ocean heat content in the Gulf has soared to a new record high that has not been reported before at any point in the season, not just the climatological peak.
“This exceptional warmth in the Gulf is troubling, The warm waters can act as fuel for developing tropical storms and strengthening hurricanes. Atmospheric conditions are forecast to be conducive for tropical development in late September. We are concerned about the risk of rapid
intensification if a storm forms or moves into the very warm waters of the Gulf later this month. Conditions are primed for explosive, rapid intensification.”
AccuWeather’s hurricane season predictions called for 13 to 18 named storms, with seven to 10 hurricanes, of which three to five would be Category 3 or greater. AccuWeather also forecasted three to six direct impacts on the U.S. Experts state that Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
the Florida Gulf Coast, North Carolina, Atlantic Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands face a higher-than-average risk of a direct impact this year. For additional information, visit www. accuweather.com/en/news/hurricane-center.
Rental fees: City looks to make annual registration a requirement
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The School District of Lee County continues to move forward with its compensation plan, so it can remain competitive in a growing market.
Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Shanna Johnston told the elected board Tuesday that the ability to attract and retain top talent is one of the most important levers that they have for student success.
“Our vision is what we are building toward – an objective open-range compensation system that is easy to understand and is accessible for every employee and future employee,” she said.
Johnston said it is clear that there is an historic lack of consistency in the district.
“Phase two is so critical. It’s not a redesign, realignment of the entire compensation philosophy,” she said. “Compensation work is much more than money. Just like our compensation system, the real value is what is inside. Our compensation strategy
“Phase two is so critical. It’s not a redesign, realignment of the entire compensation philosophy. Compensation work is much more than money. Just like our compensation system, the real value is what is inside. Our compensation strategy is layered – fair placement, transparency, pathways to see how to grow, and impact that aligns with student success. It’s about creating a system that supports, sustains, and retains our people.”
— Dr. Shanna Johnston, chief human resources officer
is layered – fair placement, transparency, pathways to see how to grow, and impact that aligns with student success. It’s about creating a system that supports, sustains, and retains our people.”
Employee Relations Senior Director Dr. Ron Iarussi said the effort began in October 2023 when the district brought Evergreen in to do a comprehensive review of salary and the district’s pay system. Because of the Evergreen study, an analysis and determination were had, so
a structure could be implemented that would evolve over time to get to full implementation of an open range system.
The pay grade system is a range that starts with minimum compensation before going to mid-point and maximum.
“After May 2024 when Evergreen made recommendations, the district implemented a compensation department,” Iarussi said, adding the district now has a senior coordinator of compensation and three analysists to assist. “They are doing
current work to help establish what new employees and salaries are and taking these pay grades and implementing the phase two part.”
There are four employee groups –school-based administrators, central office administrators, TALC and SPALC and Schedule N.
“It will take us to Spring 2027 to complete all of the work. Everyone is in transition until we can do all the analysis,” Iarussi said.
Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin said compensation is a complex body of work that is worthwhile. It is not just a one-time deal, but rather ongoing work that will be addressed with a timeline, she said.
“It is certainly something that has been missing. I am excited about the notion about succession planning,” Carlin said. “We want to make sure that we have employees that are working their way through the organization and reach their dream job.”
Editorial: Those who cry for more divisiveness do not speak for us
From page 4
In Evergreen, a church called a vigil.
In our nation’s capitol, members of our governing body allowed a moment of silence for Mr. Kirk which devolved into a politicized shouting match after a Republic member asked for a spoken prayer.
The Hill quoted House Speaker Mike Johnson’s call back to order.
“This is detestable what’s happened. Political violence has become all too common in American society, and this is not
who we are. It violates core principles of our country, our Judeo-Christian heritage, our civil society, our American way of life, and it must stop,” Rep. Johnson told reporters.
“We need every political figure, we need everyone who has a platform to say this loudly and clearly. We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil manner, and political violence must be called out and has to stop,” he said.
It gets worse, much worse, as across social media, across various platforms and
sites, “influencers” and would-be pundits gave rally calls for civil war, the criminalization of our two-party system and more.
We write this on the day that has come to be known as 9/11.
We write this on the day that Americans put aside politics to unite, to come together not only as a country but as the greatest and most enduring democratic republic the world has seen.
Is this — the cry and rally to divisiveness — what we have become?
Is this the country our sons, our hus-
bands, our brothers and sisters, daughters and wives have fought for through the near 250 years we have striven to maintain the unique principles upon which our nation was founded?
We say no.
We, and the majority of Americans, say no.
Rep. Johnson speaks for us.
For if the answer is yes, this is how democracy dies.
—Breeze editorial
Equity lines Are mortgages
Mr. Feichthaler:
I recently contracted to sell my condominium that my husband and I purchased 10 years ago. In 2019, when rates were low, we took out an equity line to renovate our garage, and borrowed $40,000. We don’t like owing anyone money, so we saved and paid the equity line off last year. The bank that had the equity line has assigned the loan to another bank.
Real Estate Law
We contracted to sell our condo last week, and imagine our surprise when the law firm closing the property told us we still had a mortgage on the property! This wasn’t a mortgage, it was just a HELOC! How could this be when we paid it off over a year ago? They said we need to get a satisfaction, but who do we call, and for what? The original bank, the new bank, or someone else?
Answer: This issue is a fairly common one. When you took out the equity line, a mortgage was placed on your property up to the limit of the equity line. A mortgage secures a standard loan or a HELOC. Typically, the home equity line mortgage will last between 10 and 30 years as stated in its terms. Even though you paid off the equity line, the mortgage will remain on the property unless you take affirmative steps to actually close the equity line. A form should be submitted to the bank indicating a desire to close the equity line, which will include a satisfaction of mortgage being recorded in the public records. If all goes to plan, the current lender SHOULD record a Satisfaction of Mortgage, which will release the lien on the condominium unit. Sometimes, the lender forgets to prepare and record the release.
You can make a quick visit or call to the lender to ask them to close the account and record the Satisfaction of Mortgage. This should be straight forward, but if you run into issues, consider seeking professional assistance.
Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 37 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis where he serves as president. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 24 years, and they have four children. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@ capecoralattorney .com, or 239-542-4733. This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone. Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations.
Eric P. Feichthaler
Sellers continue trend of overpricing then reducing
About one year ago our column headline was “What is behind overpriced homes and deteriorating prices?” At that time we said that the easiest thing for homeowners to do was to overprice their homes when they first put them on the market. In many cases, by the time most sellers came to terms with the fact that they were going to need to reduce their list price, home values and sales prices had already moved even lower, creating the painful situation where a seller was “chasing the market lower.”
In simple terms, we have seen and written about a lot of sellers over the past three years who just seem to be a month or two behind the market with their pricing. So here we are a full year after writing that column, and we continue to see the same trends where home values and sales price remain under downward pressure while a lot of sellers refuse to accept this market reality. In fact, a lot of sellers are still overpricing their homes when they first put them on the market, usually stating that this is the price they want or need to get for their homes. There are still some serious buyers out there and homes are still being sold in our market, but it is all about one thing – the price. If a seller has their home priced properly to the current market, a buyer will emerge and the home will be sold.
To give you an example of how difficult our market has been, we are going to take a quick look at the three homes that were mentioned in the infamous Wall Street Journal article written by Deborah Acosta that was published on July 2, titled, “The Worst Housing Market in America Is Now Florida’s Cape Coral.” One of these three homes is now off of the market unsold, and another has made two additional price reductions and remains unsold since the article came out. The third home from the Journal article was sold on Sept. 2.
This home makes a good case study about our market, in that the seller bought this home near the peak of the market for $599,900 on May 3, 2022, with plans to use it as an Airbnb rental property. They did some nice remodeling, sinking additional money into the property to bring it up to speed for the vacation rental market. Then in May 2024, they put the home up for sale with an initial list price of $675,000. They reduced their price to $660,000 in June 2024, before taking the home off of the market in September of that year. They put the home back on the market for $550,000 on April 25 of this year, followed by a price reduction to $499,000 on June 4, and another reduction to $489,000 on June 24. The home went under contract with a buyer on July 7, with the sale being finalized for $465,000 on Sept. 2.
So the seller ended up selling their home for $210,000 less than their initial list price, or for a discount of 31%. But the most interesting number in this case study is the fact that the sales price was $134,900 or 22.5% less than they bought the home for in May 2022, not including the costs for the improvements and the costs to the seller related to selling the home. Some of these losses may have been cushioned a bit by the net rental income, but this sale seems to paint a much different picture of reality than what is being defined by many as simply “a normal market correction.”
were 1,414 homes listed at $450,000 and under, or 46.5% of the market, including only 107 homes priced below $300,000. In our luxury market, there were 346 homes listed at $1 million and above at the first of this year.
Current pending home sales
As of Tuesday, Sept. 9, there were 599 Cape Coral homes under contract with buyers as pending sales at prices ranging from $169,900 to $3.895 million, and the median pending home sales price was at $385,321. Just over a month ago on Aug. 5, there were 565 pending sales in the pipeline with the median pending sales price at $375,000. This 6% increase in pending sales in the past month is likely due to a combination of sellers continuing to make price reductions and to the recent decline in mortgage rates.
Currently, a total of 398 of the 599 pending sales were for homes priced at $450,000 and under, making up 66.4% of our market. This included 92 pending sales for homes priced below $300,000. In addition, there are 13 homes in the Cape under contract at $1 million and above. Going back to Jan. 1 of this year, there were only a total of 378 pending home sales in the pipeline at prices ranging from $208,000 to $2.049 million, and the median pending sales price was $389,063. At that time, there were 268 homes under contract at $450,000 and under, equaling 70.9% of our market, including 49 homes priced below $300,000. In our luxury market, there were 16 pending sales for homes priced at $1 million and above.
Snapshot of closed sales and median sales prices
In the first eight months of 2025, there have been 3,483 closed sales in the Cape Coral single-family home market. This is 7.5% lower than the 3,767 sales in the first eight months of 2024, and as a point of reference, the alltime record number of closed home sales in the Cape over the first eight months of any year was in 2021 with 4,770 sales. At that time, a total of 3,450 of the 4,770 sales were for homes priced at $450,000 and under. As sales prices ramped higher in the market boom, only 55.2% of the sales in the first eight months of 2022 were for homes priced at $450,000 and under. In the first eight months of this year a total of 2,404 of the 3,483 sales, or 69%, were at $450,000 and under. After the first eight months of this year, the average median sales price for Cape Coral single-family homes was $376,298 per month, or 6.38% less than the average of $401,934 per month after the first eight months of 2024. Our all-time record high for the first eight months of any year was in 2022, with an average median sales price of $430,000 per month.
We could show you hundreds upon hundreds of similar examples of homes being overpriced when they first come onto the market. People who bought their homes in 2022 and 2023 are likely to take a loss if they sell their homes in the current market, as illustrated in our case study above. Homeowners who bought back before this last boom market will generally still have a decent amount of equity in their homes, but it is fair to say that a lot of these sellers are getting less for their homes than they were expecting, and most are having to make some sizable price reductions to attract a buyer.
Current active listings
As of Tuesday, Sept. 9, there were 2,473 active listings in the MLS for Cape Coral single-family homes at list prices ranging from $194,700 to $8.9 million, with a median list price of $465,000. Just over a month ago on Aug. 5, there were 2,786 homes on the market in the Cape with the median list price also at $465,000. This 11% decline in active listings in the past month is due to a combination of an increase in pending sales as mortgage rates moved lower, and from a growing number of sellers taking their homes off of the market because they have been unable to attract a buyer at an “acceptable” price.
Currently there are 1,201 homes in the Cape listed at $450,000 and under, or 48.6% of our active listings, including 202 homes on the market for less than $300,000. A total of 231 homes in the Cape are listed at $1 million and above. Going back to Jan. 1 of this year, there were 3,044 active listings for Cape Coral single-family homes in the MLS at prices ranging from $199,000 to $7.85 million, and the median list price was at $475,000. At that time there
The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of Sept. 9, 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 Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Source: Lee County Property Appraiser
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September 12, 2025
Redfish ‘schooling’ is back in session
You may have missed it, but school,s already started or … redfish schooling activity is definitely underway in Southwest Florida and I’m happy as a clam about it.
Silently poling up on a patch of happy tails waving in the early morning sun, while their owners vacuum the bottom below for anything moving, still makes my hands shake with excitement. Moving the boat quietly ahead getting in casting position, making that perfect near splashless entry cast two feet ahead and to the edge of the school, the turn, the take, the fight and suddenly reels are quickly heating up.
Can’t get enough of that action be it for bonefish, redfish, tarpon, permit or even for carp, shallow water sight fishing is one of angling’s greatest thrills on any type rod but double the fun when using a fly rod.
I had just arrived in 2000 and soon started fishing the islands and flats leading into Burnt Store Marina. Leaving Matlacha an hour before sunup, the boat produced a long and beautiful underwater electric blue white light trail due to bio-luminance as we motored north into the blackness of Charlotte Harbor. Getting into position we quietly waited for the first light of the sun to illuminate the flats. Eyeballs straining in the half-light, suddenly you realize you’re looking at a field of wagging tales. Casting to the edge of a huge school of 8 to 15-pound feeding reds often caused 2-4 fish break from class and race each other to be first to inhale some gold medicine, my gold spoon. All redfish are born hungry. Redfish in a school are not only hungry but highly competitive as well.
This fast action lasted for three seasons till all of a sudden everyone and their brother started camping out there until finally the huge redfish schools broke up. Over the last 22 years I’ve observed good numbers of schools and fall schooling activity in Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound but nothing like the numbers we witnessed in the very early 2000’s. Right place, right time.
For the traditional spinning or bait casting angler in any region of the U.S.A. where redfish live in shallow water, you already know they will hit a variety of lures but the truth be told, you only need one. Time to take out the toothpaste and shine up the only shallow
Southwest Florida Yachts partners with American Boating for Powerboating Certification courses
Southwest Florida Yachts is partnering with American Boating to offer cruisers Powerboating Certification programs through its Florida Sailing & Cruising School.
“’We are thrilled to announce our partnership with American Boating,” said Southwest Florida Yachts coowner Barb Hansen. “Whether you’re looking to master the waves or simply have fun on the water, our collaboration ensures you’ll receive the best training possible.
“As a leader in powerboating instruction for nearly four decades, the Florida Sailing & Cruising School developed the first trawler training courses in the late 80’s,” said Hansen. “Our school has offered live-aboard trawler and motor yacht training to cruisers who are considering chartering or yacht ownership. Now, we
are partnering with AB to bring our expertise to their new program while allowing our students to receive AB certification. The new program will be the best kind of experience for the students as the same offering them international recognition upon completion.”
Established in 2009 and formerly known as the Recreational Powerboating Association, American Boating’s mission is focused on boater education and growing the sport of boating. The organization and its partners offer best-in-class textbooks, curriculum, physical locations and highly trainer instructors. American Boating offers a range of courses, resources and community links designed to help boaters navigate every type of waterway.
Beginner Powerboating, AB 101,
Action on the court
Last week, North Fort Myers defeated Mariner 3-0 in volleyball action. Above, Mariner’s Aleigha Colley (8) and Ashleigh Ryan (3) watch as teammate Jayda Hutchins, center, bumps the Red Knights’ serve back to the front line. At right, the Red Knights’ Aliyah Santiago (2) sets up teammate Madyson LaMay for a kill attempt.
MARK CLIFFORD
Wednesday Volleyball
Oasis 3, Canterbury 0: Ellye Henkle had 27 digs and 10 kills to lead the Sharks (7-1) to a 25-15, 25-18, 25-9 victory. The Sharks’
provides essential training for safety operating a recreational powerboat, covering foundational skills in navigation, safety and boat handling. AB 103, Intermediate Powerboating, enables students to continue to build seamanship skills while learning about boat systems and how to handle emergencies.
AB 104 – Advanced Powerboating – prepares students to plan a multi-day cruise while diving deep into navigation and weather. Additional course information is available at americanboating.com.
For information about class rates and options, visit ww.swfyachts. com/power-courses. You may also email info@swfyachts.com or call (239) 257-2788. The address is 5991 Silver King Blvd., Suite 108, Cape Coral.
Jordan Baksh also had 11 kills.
Swimming GIRLS
Ida Baker 54, East Lee 21 200 Medley Relay: Kiarah
Saldana, Corrie Morris, Isabella Melin, Gabriella: 3:04.66 (1st). 50 Free: Kiarah Saldana: 33.33 (1st). 100 Free: Isabella Melin:
Capt. George Tunison
CJ HADDAD
Back to pass
Mariner quarterback Owen O’Leary, left, looks to pass during the Tritons’ 37-14 loss to North Fort Myers last Friday. O’Leary finished the game with 156 passing yards and one rushing and passing touchdown.
PreP rePort
From page 38
1:07.54 (1st). 200 Free Relay: Isabella Melin, Kymber Boatman, Corrie Morris, Kiarah Saldana: 2:26.39 (1st). 100 Back: Isabella Melin: 1:17.64 (1st). 100 Breast: Corrie Morris; 2:02.25 (1st).
BOYS
Ida Baker 60, East Lee County 22
200 Medley Relay: Vincent Bridges, Luke Butler, Kenneth Upton, Ryan Caceres: 2:10.81 (1st). 200 Free: Kenneth Upton: 2:14.21 (1st). 50 Free: Ryan Caceres: 32.36 (1st). 100 Fly: Kenneth Upton: 1:14.06 (1st). 100 Free: Vincent Bridges: 59.65 (1st). 200 Free Relay: Vincent Bridges, Mark Babakhanov, Kenneth Upton, Luke Butler: 1:59.39 (1st). 100 Back: Vincent Bridges: 1:07.90 (1st). 100 Breast: Luke Butler: 1:28.15 (1st).
Tuesday
Volleyball
Oasis 3, Ida Baker 2: In a backyard brawl, the Sharks (6-1) went the distance to defeat the Bulldogs (4-7), 25-18, 2125, 26-24, 19-25, 15-12. For Ida Baker, Addison Kahblenn had 11 kills and Emilee Plummer added 10, while Taylor Foster made 30 assists.
Evangelical Christian 3, Island Coast 0: ECS dropped the Gators to 2-4 with a 25-8, 25-7, 25-8 sweep. Riverdale 3, Mariner 0: The Tritons (4-3) fell by scores of 25-7, 25-8, 25-14.
Monday Volleyball
Ida Baker 3, Cape Coral 0: The south Cape battle was all Ida Baker, which won by scores of 25-26, 25-16, 25-12. Both the Bulldogs and Seahawks are 4-6 on the season.
Bishop Verot 3, Naples 0: The Vikings (11-2) dominated Naples in a 25-9, 25-8, 25-18 sweep.
Boys Golf
Oasis 162, Babcock 178 At Cape Royal Golf Club
Par 36
Babcock: Thomas Hess 36, Renzo Frizza 50, 51, Sawyer Slonim 51, Cooper Slonim 55, Kilian Ctvrtnik 69.
Oasis: Job Woodby 36, Aiden Pietras 39, Vance Davis 43, Tanner Goff 44, Dawson Sovich 47, Rhys Skillrud 49.
Inaugural Rock, Paper, Scissors Day at Hooters of Cape Coral a success
Rock, Paper, Scissors is considered one of the most iconic hand games in the world. In honor of World Rock Paper Scissors Day, Cape Coral Hooters hosted a fun filled celebration Wednesday, Aug. 27.
The festivities included rock, paper, scissors contests for three age groups.
Congratulations to the 10 and under category winner Jarell Seda, who won free kid’s meals for a year; 11 to 15-year-old category winner Peyton Bodner, who will have a VIP table for the winner and five friends for the upcoming 2026 Hooters Calendar signings; and the 16 and up
main event winner James Maynard, who will receive free wings for a year.
“We were thrilled with the support and turnout from our Cape Coral community. We look forward to holding an even bigger event next year,” said Hooters of South Florida Director of Marketing Kristi Quarles.
Hooters of Cape Coral is located at 3120 Del Prado Blvd. Cal the restaurant at (239) 424-9855
Make sure to follow Cape Coral Hooters Instagram @CapecoralHooters for updates on deals, community involvement and fun filled events for the family.
Hooters’ Rock, Paper, Scissors main event winner James Maynard, center, with Alan Parker, left, assistant manager of Cape Coral Hooters, and “referee” Jasmine Clark, right.
Redfish ‘schooling:’ Time to fish for this Southwest Florida favorite
From page 38
running redfish lure needed for these parts, your trusty gold spoon or, better yet, a small selection of them.
Probably the second most important redfish lure choice to have along would be a variety of fresh and saltwater plastics from vibrating paddle tails to flukes. Lures that can be easily skip-casted far back and under the brush, dock or unforgiving mangroves are the deal. If you’re new to skip-casting, that means sweeping your rod tip mere inches from the water
on the forward cast then releasing causing the lure to rapidly skip forward just above and on the water’s surface allowing you to place your player far back and under where the fish are hiding.
The third lure to have along is your favorite topwater plug because shallow water reds love to inhale them, especially when they are schooling and quiet competitive. One of my favorites is an old school Arborgast Jitterbug in black or frog finish. Traditional Zara Spooks and Rapala Skitterwalks are also great choices.
A redfish.
The number four spot goes to your favorite fun out of the “normal” box of lure choices. Plastic frogs and creature baits for largemouth bass, spinner and buzz baits all work as well.
For others, the fly rod is the only weapon of choice. Big popping bugs, gurglers and sliders take care of surface duty while weedless gold fly spoons and hook-riding upward keel flies are hot choices for subsurface work.
Season is open year-round with a one per person limit; 18 inches to 27 inches to harvest. Two per vessel.
Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at (239) 579-0461 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.
Fanpetals: Pretty, yellow flowering plant attracts many butterflies
From page 19
your lawn every week. With a deep tap root, they endure drought, being eaten by caterpillars and … mowing. They can live in just about any soil as long as they have plenty of sun. Their half-inch blooms can be seen every month of the year.
I plan to move mine from the lawn to a sunny area in the back yard to join the
other native butterfly plants, which already have many varieties of butterflies visiting daily. These plants include senna, coontie, climbing aster, monarda (beebalm), native lantana, yellowtop and turkey tangle frog fruit. The checkered skippers are often seen on the frog fruit flowers.
I have admired these yellow flowers and watched a variety of butterflies come down and sip their nectar. Bees also visit for their pollen. It’s a no-brainer that this native
Florida flower would attract and support our native pollinators.
When selecting plants to surround our homes, how about searching out the plants that are already here? They just naturally thrive here. You will not need to wonder, “Am I allowed to fertilize this month or water today?” because these plants will not need added fertilizer or water (except to get them settled in).
After we disrupt the natural order by
building a house and covering half of the lot with concrete, how about giving something back by planting what belongs here.
A real Florida yard!
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.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Breeze
Athletes of the Week
(Selected by The Breeze
Cape Coral
Sports Staff)
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
Household Goods
Quality cream leather couch purchased at Norris Furniture. Approx 1 year old. $1800 Call 856-305-4309
Miscellaneous
Organic Keitt mangoes, $2 per pound. Bokeelia, call 239-283-8920.
Garage Sales
REDBARN
MultiFamilySale
Fri9/12&Sat9/13,8amto2pm 2408YorkRd (StJamesCity) Homedecor,Antiques, Tools,Glassware,Kitchen items,Books&Clothes. Jewelryandlotsmisc. Drivealittleandenjoythe ride.Hopetoseeyou! Donátmissit!
Recreation Vehicles
I BUY ALL RV’s I BUY ALL Boat’s HH I PAY CASH HH I will Come To You To See It Quick & Easy Sale.
Vince~941-301-9946~Local
Seasonal Rentals
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
Rooms For Rent
N Ft Myers. Private bedroom with bathroom. Kitchen privileges, washer & dryer in home. Includes utilities & wifi, tv available. Community pool. $520 per month. Female
Specializesin:
Kitchen&BathroomRemodels Storm&WaterDamage Additions CompleteHomeRemodeling FromPainttoFlooring A+Ratingwiththe BetterBusinessBureau Localownersince2010 CallforFreeEstimates
¯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
Death Notices
Cape Coral Fort Myers
William Gerald Weaver, 66 of Cape Coral, passed away on September 1, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.
Salvatore John Recca, 82, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away September 3, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Cape Coral.
Mia Munoz, 79, of Cape Coral, Florda passed away September 8m 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services. www.fullermetz. com
Walter Heierli, 86, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away September 7, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Fort Myers.
Trenton Joseph Pulcher, 25, of Fort Myers, Florda passed away August 30, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services-Fort Myers.
Robert Paul Sullivan, 73, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away August 31, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Lee County Cremation Services- Cape Coral.
