091925 Cape Coral Weekend Breeze

Cape to raise rental registration fees

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Those who own short-term rentals will pay an annual $350 registration fee to the city of Cape Coral starting next year.

It’s less than where the city started but still more than property owners and industry organizations wanted.

According to the resolutions approved by Cape Coral City Council Wednesday, the annual registration fee for short-term residential rental properties will be $350 with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026. The annual registration fee for long-term residential rental properties — defined as those rented for a period of six months or longer — is $35.

Mayor John Gunter and Councilmembers Joe Kilraine, and Rachel Kaduk voted against both ordinance 53-25, residential rental property verbiage, and resolution 279-25, which establishes the annual registration fee and penalties.

“Our job as Realtors is to make sure

Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association Director of Public Policy Kevin Besserer said its issues revolved around housing affordability.

housing is affordable for everyone,” he said. “Any cost increase is going to be pushed off to the consumer. That is a fact.”

Music lovers get ready to bounce — 10-day Island Hopper concerts commence

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

n impressive slate of live music is shaping up for this year’s annual Island Hopper Songwriters Fest.

More than 60 performers and 80 free performances are expected at 20 venues among Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Captiva beginning today.

There also will be nine ticketed performances headlined by country music artist Chris

Young, who will close out the festival on Fort Myers Beach at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina’s pool party on Sept. 28. The festival that begins Sept. 19 will feature “top-tier talent,” said Lee County Visitor & See ISLAND HOPPER, page 14

Alex Rohan and Matt Warren performed at the Nauti Mermaid last year, IMAGE COURTESY OF FORT MYERSISLANDS, BEACHES & NEIGHBORHOODS

According to the resolutions approved by Cape Coral City Council Wednesday, the annual registration fee for short-term

Cape man charged in mom’s death

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A Cape Coral man has been charged with second degree murder in the death of his mother.

Rosemary Johnson, 69, was found in her home on the afternoon of Sept. 16 with a “significant” number of stab wounds to her head and neck.

Devin Bryant Johnson, 28, is the sole suspect in the homicide, officials said.

According to Cape Coral Police Department officials, the department got a call about a body found at a home along Jacaranda Parkway West. Police state family members had been trying to reach their mother and were unable to do so, so they drove to her home, went in, saw bloody footprints and discovered her body.

CCPD Chief Anthony Sizemore at a press conference on Thursday said Johnson was deceased upon officers’ arrival.

Police officials said a neighborhood canvass led to the discovery that the decedent’s son, later identified as Johnson, was observed leaving the home in a 2019 gray Toyota Corolla shortly before police arrived.

“Our dispatch put out a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for Johnson to surrounding agencies,” Sizemore said. “The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Aviation and Patrol Deputies assisted our agency in quickly locating the vehicle in their jurisdiction and attempted a traffic stop.

Cape Coral City Council rates city manager ‘above average’

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn received a 4.0 – above average — for his recent evaluation, and asked for the 7.25% increase to go towards benefits for his family instead of compensation.

“Thank you all for this past year’s evaluation. I am going to start this year like I did last year. I don’t do this job alone. It takes a shared understanding of where you want to go that comes from your residents and my entire team from executive leaders and staff,” Ilczyszyn said. “I am humble to be in a position to absorb what you want to accomplish and move my staff in that direction. The evaluation I got is because of them. First and foremost,

“Thank you all for this past year’s evaluation. I am going to start this year like I did last year. I don’t do this job alone. It takes a shared understanding of where you want to go that comes from your residents and my entire team from executive leaders and staff. I am humble to be in a position to absorb what you want to accomplish and move my staff in that direction. The evaluation I got is because of them. First and foremost, thank you to all of them. I approach this job every day – I wake up — I have a chance and a choice. Chance to make a difference and choice to choose whether or not to execute. I get up and understand it is an opportunity to make a difference in Cape Coral.”

— Michael Ilczyszyn, city manager

thank you to all of them. I approach this job every day — I wake up — I have a chance and a choice. Chance to make a difference and choice to choose whether or not to execute. I get up and understand it is an opportunity to make a difference in Cape Coral.”

His score was an accumulation of 10 areas of performance. Those included an overall average of 4.2 for individual characteristics, 4.1 for professional skills and status, 3,9 for relations with elected members of the governing body, 4.1 for policy execution, 4.0 for reporting, 4.0 for citizen relations, 3.7 for staffing, 4.1 for supervision, 3.9 for fiscal management and 3.9 for community.

Mayor John Gunter explained the scale, which ranged from 1 being poor to 5 being excellent.

“His overall evaluation is 4.0, which would be an above average category,” he said.

Council members’ individual evaluations were not posted with the meeting agenda and were not produced

by the city as of press deadline.

Ilczyszyn was hired on Sept. 20, 2023, and his current base salary is $314,204.

Gunter said as a contractual employee, his contract stipulates how the increase will work due to the “me, too” clause. He said the city manager is afforded the same opportunity that the non-bargaining and general bargaining employees receive, which is a 7.25% increase.

That increase would be $22,779.79.

Ilczyszyn said he would like to make an amendment to his contract — not taking the increase as a salary increase. He said he would like to amend his contract and have the city pay for his family’s benefits – medical, vision, dental and identity shield with the balance of that paid out as a one-time lump sum.

The city pays for Ilczyszyn’s benefits.

“The benefit saves the city on taxes and any other multipliers that get done for salary,” Ilczyszyn said.

Gunter was designated as the person to work with Ilczyszyn and the city attorney on the amended language for benefits, which will be brought back to the council for a vote.

Council members gave Ilczyszyn great reviews during Wednesday’s special meeting.

“The organization takes the personality of the leader. I appreciate the tone. I am in full support. Continue doing what you are doing,” Councilmember Dr. Derrick Donnell said.

Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra echoed the same remarks, as she too has worked with a few city managers as a council member. She said what she appreciates the most about Ilczyszyn is his proactive approach.

“We had an honest conversation on Saturday. You let me be real and honest and I let you be real and honest. You are the only city manager I can have real conversations with and you don’t get defensive,” Nelson-Lastra said.

Cape Coral Breeze

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

An opportunity for greater transparency

The city of Cape Coral has changed how it processes requests for public records related to Cape Coral City Council.

Requests for such documents now go through the city attorney’s office.

City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn sent an email to staff and members of the elected board in late August, notifying them that the in-house “responsibility change” had been implemented.

The change is intended to streamline the process while also ensuring “consistency, accuracy, and compliance,” the email states.

“This adjustment was made as a matter of best practice,” Mr. Ilczyszyn said in response to a Breeze email. “City Council members are not employees of the City’s administration, and their records—such as emails, social media accounts, and other communications—are distinctly separate from the day-to-day operations of administrative departments. It is also important to note since council members are not employees’ administrative regulations and standard operating practices do not apply to them. Because of this, it is appropriate for the City Attorney’s Office, which serves as the legal counsel to the Council, to manage and coordinate responses to these requests.”

Benefits include consistency and accuracy, provides for a separation of roles and provides for legal oversight, Mr. Ilczyszyn said, adding that the City Clerk’s Office will continue to directly process requests that are not related to council.

The new procedure is an anomaly in terms of standard processes among municipalities, but fair enough — we, too, can see the potential for some benefits, these for the equal owners of those public records.

That would be the public.

First some background — public record production should be easy — it’s governed by state statute.

See EDITORIAL, page 31

This week’s poll question:

Should the city relocate Four Freedoms Park?

∫ Yes, the waterfront could be better utilized.

∫ Maybe. It depends on the location and amenities to be included at a new site.

∫ No, the park should stay on the riverfront.

Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

Previous poll question:

Are you concerned about the local housing market?

∫ Yes. There are a lot of homes on the market. 81%

∫ Not too much, the market always corrects after market spikes. 27.5%

∫ No. People continue to move to Southwest Florida and they have money to buy homes. 11.6%

* Total votes at press time: 69 votes. Percentages are “rounded.”Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.

September 19, 2025

Every child deserves more than just the basics

When we talk about supporting children in foster care, the conversation often focuses on the essentials: school supplies, clothes, and food. These are, of course, critical needs. But what’s often overlooked is just as vital to a child’s growth and healing — their social and emotional well-being.

Research is clear on this point. The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that consistent, supportive relationships are one of the strongest predictors of resilience for children who’ve experienced trauma. Similarly, Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child emphasizes that positive social interactions, what they call “serve and return” relationships, are essential to healthy brain development. Yet in traditional foster care support systems, these types of experiences are not always prioritized.

Sophia Fox Guest Commentary

At HALO (Helping And Leading Others), we believe that children in foster care deserve more than survival, they deserve joy, connection, and belonging. That’s why, in partnership with the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, HALO creates opportunities for foster children to participate in fun, enriching activities that let them simply be kids.

From trampoline parks like Sky Zone and Defy to hands-on exploration at the IMAG History & Science Center, our events give children moments of laughter, discovery, and connection. But the activities themselves are only part of the story. What makes HALO unique is the mentorship and friendship our high school members provide by pairing with foster children.

Cape Coral favors developers over its citizens

To the editor:

These relationships help build confidence, spark trust, and give children a sense that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

Annie E. Casey Foundation has reported that foster children who experience stable relationships and opportunities for social connection have better long-term outcomes in school, employment, and mental health. In other words, joy and belonging are not “extras”—they are essential to building resilience and success.

It may seem simple, a day at a trampoline park, a mentor’s encouragement, a moment of laughter. But for a foster child, these experiences can mean the difference between isolation and connection, between hopelessness and resilience.

I wanted to start HALO in 2023 because of the positive impact we could create for local kids and their families. Our communities are in need of additional resources that only a group like HALO can provide, while offering high school students a chance to make a real difference in a child’s life.

At HALO, our mission is to remind these children that they are worthy of joy and that their lives can be filled with love and possibility. Because every child deserves more than just the basics.

— Sophia Fox, a senior at Fort Myers High School, founded HALO (Helping and Leading Others) in 2023. The student-led organization is committed to connecting children in foster care with high school students for fun and kid-led events.

Letters to the editor

Who are they really working for? You decide.

To the editor:

About four or five years ago, I saw, on the city of Cape Coral’s website, a video of their vision for the area just north of Bimini Basin which included Four Freedoms Park. I could not believe what I saw and I was appalled by it. The video showed how they would eliminate Four Freedoms Park and turn it into another one of their “destination” areas with residential and commercial buildings and boat docks. At the time, I was going to write to The Breeze to complain about this, but the city took down the video before I got the chance. I had hoped that there were too many complaints from residents about this “vision.”

Then a few months ago, I read in The Breeze that the city manager said that they were looking into moving Four Freedoms Park somewhere else. This again upset me that the city is putting the interests of developers over that of its citizenry. The fact that they would even consider removing a beautiful public park that is on prime waterfront and let developers come in to add more to the population density in the southeast Cape is disgusting.

In last week’s Breeze, there was an article about a meeting between businesses and the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to discuss this relocation. The businesses said the park is “tired,” run out of life, and only used by kids. What a bunch of crap!! Sure, kids use it, there is a preschool in the park and the city only last year renovated the playground area. I walk my dog there at least twice a week and also fish there, and I see a number of people who also frequent the park. The park also hosts art fairs, flower shows and music and food fests.

These “businesses” have an ulterior motive to redevelop Four Freedoms Park, make money and move on to their next project. Even the mayor is for relocating the park away from Bimini Basin so that this land can go to developers. The businesses and mayor say that parking is a problem in the south Cape. I suggest that the mayor stop approving large developments in the area and maybe the parking problem would not be increasing all the time.

It is not right to remove an existing city park at the expense of its citizens in order to satisfy the developers’ need to make money. People buy homes and condos or rent apartments in areas of public parks because they have the benefit of the park nearby. This relocation is such a horrible idea and the city should drop it immediately. I hope a lot of our citizens feel the same way I do.

Ken Kendrick Cape Coral

Think the council isn’t going to “move” Four Freedoms Park or that they put the people first? Read this and make your own determination.

On Sept. 10, 2025, the CRA held its regular meeting. During the course of the meeting that focused on the proposed Bimini East project, the subject of “moving” Four Freedoms Park came up. Something they previously denied when I brought it up weeks ago.

During the discussion, we found out that the city manager had a meeting with a CRA Stakeholder Group consisting of business owners in the CRA — who they are, we don’t know. It was unclear when this meeting took place as these meetings are not, apparently, for the pubic to attend and are not listed the the “Meeting Agendas & Minutes” platform. Sunshine Law violation here? Just asking.

The dialogue starts at 1:25:32 in the meeting video available on the city website, just go to “Meeting Agendas & Minutes,” click on it, scroll down to “Past Meetings” then scroll down to and click on “Community Redevelopment Agency-Regular Meeting” and click on the Sept. 10 Video link and advance it to 1:25:32.

I am going to provide a (mostly) verbatim accounting of what our city manager said his “stakeholders” (business owners in the CRA) indicated “they were in strong support of relocating Four Freedoms Park. Language and terms they were using was tired and run it’s life. There was some discussion of the nature of people who utilize it are not what we want in the CRA. The only people who use it are kids.”

Seriously? When is it acceptable for a city manager denigrate a sector of our population in a public forum? Sounds like an elitist to me and someone who has no business being in public service, especially at his level. And remember, it was this very same city manager that demolished their housing and provided little to no help in relocating these people — including the poorest of the poor. If the park was “tired” why did they install what appears to be new playground equipment? And I guess it is perfectly acceptable for our mayor and city manager to take a park away from children to placate business owners or developers who will profit from it — all in the name of “the greater good.” Question is who benefits? Certainly

page 6

Help multicultural organ donations match the need

Just one donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of 75 others. If you have ever considered becoming an organ donor but hesitated, you should know that your decision can help save lives.

Multicultural communities are disproportionately affected by certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, which can contribute to organ failure and lead to the need for organ transplantation. African Americans, for example, experience kidney failure at three times the rate of white Americans.

Yet the rate of multicultural organ donation does not match the need within our communities. In Florida, African Americans represent nearly 15% of the population, but only account for 6% of registered organ and tissue donors.

That gap matters not because donors and recipients must always share the same racial or ethnic background, but because certain biological markers that influence compatibility (such as blood type, HLA antigens and other medical factors) can be more common within shared ancestry. The more these factors align, the better the odds that an organ is accepted by its recipient.

In this season — September kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month and August was

National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month — I want to educate and shine an extra spotlight on the ongoing need for more multicultural organ donors. In addition to the recent negative press regarding donation, there are longstanding misconceptions in multicultural communities regarding organ donation. As a person of color, I understand the history behind them. But as an organ recovery surgeon who happens to be Black, I feel a responsibility to step up and provide information, so that our community can make educated decisions when it comes to end of life care and the ability to save lives.

Commentary

When you know better, you should do better. But to get to where we need to be, we must meet people where they are and gain their trust. I recently joined a local initiative led by Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers to engage multicultural pastors in conversations about organ donation. We had heart-to-heart dialog, answered the tough questions, and dispelled myths that have perpetuated for

From page 4

not us. And you think the mayor is going to help save the current location of Four Freedoms Park? Hardly.

Just listen to his discussion on Four Freedoms Park that starts at 1:26:31 of the Sept. 10 meeting video. He indicated that the park was under utilized. Well, if you demolish the housing of people who did use it, what else would you expect? And he also talked about the park having better accessibility. It is just a ruse for them to justify “moving” it to a treeless lot somewhere within the Bimini East Proposed development. They will give us a park where they’ll plant tiny trees incapable of providing shade for a decade or more. Accessibility is just fine as is, there are two streets that lead into it right behind LMCU building. It couldn’t be easier and lots of parking.

It is one of the nicest parks and the very FIRST PUBLIC PARK in the city, lots of shade around the playground area from REAL, mature trees, no shade sails like they’re putting in most of the parks because they plant tiny trees incapable of providing shade for a decade or more. It has a nice grassy area and a small sandy area where you can sit in the sun or kids can build sand castles. It is not a true beach (Cape Coral has none and the Yacht Club “beach” is just sand along a polluted, algae-filled river). It is not a true beach where you can go into the water, in fact it is posted you cannot go in the water, yet the mayor and the city manager want to give it to developers, probably to create a “new and wonderful” waterfront attraction like another SlipAway to blare out loud music to disrupt nearby housing day in and day out.

WHY are this council and city manager so intent on destroying the history of Cape Coral? Enough already, many Cape residents cannot afford to go to these expensive venues you are ballyhooing. These venues are for the wealthy. Notice, the council NEVER puts these things anywhere near where they live. We no longer have a waterfront park that gives us the ability to go to a park that provides the peace and tranquility that Four Freedoms Park provides. But fear not! The city will destroy it.

My fear is they will do another vindictive Jaycee Park and Yacht Club demolition where they send in the heavy equipment in to destroy Four Freedoms Park so it can’t be put back, again sticking their collective fingers in our eyes. And based on past experience, the city WILL NOT COMPROMISE ON IT. Compromise is not in their vocabulary — at least not where citizens are concerned.

If Four Freedoms Park stands a chance of surviving as is and not given to developers, you all need to contact all council members, the mayor and the City Manager and CALL city hall to verbally express your objections. Remember, council members represent us all so you don’t only have to contact your district representative.

The phone number for city hall is (239)574-0436. Phone number for the city manager is (239)574-0451. The e-mails for council, mayor and city manager are: bsteinke@capecoral.gov; llehmann@capecoral.gov;

years. Those kinds of grassroots conversations are the beginning of what it takes to rebuild trust, close the registration gap and ultimately save more lives.

Progress is also happening at the national level. In 2022, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released a landmark report titled Realizing the Promise of Equity in the Organ Transplantation System. Commissioned by Congress, the report identified areas of disparity and laid out bold recommendations to make the system more fair, transparent and accountable.

Across America, more than 105,000 men, women and children await a life-saving organ transplant, including over 5,100 patients in Florida. The need for organ transplants is highest among the nation’s multicultural communities, which make up about 60% of the U.S. transplant waiting list.

I encourage you to educate yourself as people are dying while they await organ transplants. Donation does not cost the

Letters to the editor

ddonnell@capecoral.gov; jnelson-lastra@capecoral.gov; jkilraine@capecoral.gov; klong@capecoral.gov; rkaduk@capecoral.gov; jgunter@capecoral.gov; milczysz@ capecoral.gov

Demand they leave Four Freedoms Park alone.

Thanks for listening and thanks for your participation in trying to stop the destruction of yet another park.

Maybe if we scream loud enough the fate of Four Freedoms Park will not end up like Jaycee Park and the Yacht Club.

Marie Kavanaugh Cape Coral

Hateful names lead to hate-filled acts

To the editor:

According to investigators, Tyler Robinson engraved on his bullets the words “Hey Fascist! Catch!” As I read the many times Democratic leaders have called Trump a fascist I look at what calling a person a hateful name can do. Murdering a gifted father like Charlie Kirk with two small children is what calling people hateful names can do.

Among those who used the fascist name on Trump are Kamala Harris, Biden, Schumer, Newsom, Jeffries, Walz and AOC. Very interestingly Sanders refused to call Trump a fascist but rather an authoritarian. Democrats often call conservatives fascists. It’s a negative word since Mussolini was so labeled prior to World War II and it incites the ignorant and the lunatic fringe.

Fascism is defined as government that combines public and private sectors to achieve a strong executive control of a country. With almost 50% of Congress consisting of Democrats who block everything possible, Trump lives in a democracy with limitations set by Congress and the Supreme Court. Whomever ran the White House the last four years dictated America’s direction on oil production contrary to capitalism, open borders contrary to American law, debt balloons contrary to financial management, and even to severe COVID rules to the extent of preventing church worship and education contrary to the constitution. Is that not executive control of a country? Would fascism be an appropriate label for Biden?

Stephen King, the famous horror author, was quoted as saying, “He (Charlie Kirk) advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’.” Stephen was immediately confronted by a host of people on both sides of the isle for his abhorrently wrong statement. He promptly did some research and found he had read this from a source that was wrong. He apologized many times but the damage was done.

A reporter on MSNBC stated that the murder wasn’t all bad because Kirk’s words were divisive. The reporter’s words were a very divisive statement ironically! I heard he was fired.

As many realize, the most effective way to make an argument worse is to use hateful names. The Democrats seem to be using that as an election strategy and that strategy is easily accepted by a radical person with no morals.

donor or their family money. It does not delay burial or prevent an open-casket funeral. Organ donation never occurs until all lifesaving efforts have been exhausted. And it gives donor families the opportunity to find a bright spot amid tragedy by allowing their loved one’s story to live on through organ recipients.

If you are ready to consider the ultimate gift, I invite you to learn more or register to become an organ donor at www. MyStoryContinues.com. You also can register when renewing or receiving your Florida driver’s license.

Let’s make sure our communities are educated and part of the solution. Together, we can save lives.

— Dr. Jacentha Buggs is an organ recovery surgeon and associate medical director with LifeLink of Florida. She was the first African American to complete the General Surgery Residency at the University of South Florida before becoming the first Transplant Fellow to complete the Transplant Fellowship with LifeLink® HealthCare Institute (now Tampa General Medical Group).

Where will this lead? More killings? Certainly people on the conservative side are angry beyond what one can imagine. Will some conservative leaning lunatic do a Tyler Robinson on some liberal leader? If it does you can chalk up another murder to the fascist name calling. That is what happens in a war and we are escalating to that.

Both sides should argue what would make America better rather than attacking the other with hateful names that will motivate lunatics to perform anti-American acts. Remember lunacy is contagious.

John Benedict Cape Coral Who’s the hoaxster?

To the editor:

From Big Brother to Stalin to Kim Jong Un to Putin to Xi Jingping, the quality that defines authoritarians is their supposed infallibility; they can never be wrong about anything. Any story that casts the leader in a bad light is immediately labelled a “hoax” or “fake news.”

Trump persists in claiming he won the 2020 election, has pardoned the January 6 insurrectionists and is even floating the idea of reparations for those who were prosecuted for invading the Capitol. Like Big Brother, Trump is trying to rewrite history to say Jan. 6 didn’t happen the way we all saw it happen. He persists in backing the anti-vaccine Secretary of Health, RFK, Jr. because Kennedy pushes the narrative that it was the CDC, not Trump, that made mistakes during the pandemic.

Trump originally claimed the 50th birthday card he sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 was “non-existent” and sued the Wall Street Journal for $10 billion for claiming otherwise. Now that the WSJ has produced the card, Trump and cronies claim the signature is not Trump’s, though it certainly looks genuine and handwriting experts say it probably is. There’s nothing particularly salacious about the content of the card, except perhaps that Epstein and Trump share a secret. But the content of the card certainly gives the lie to Trump’s narrative that he scarcely knew Epstein. Is the secret they share something to do with sexual proclivities?

But here’s the thing: The card is from 2003, before Trump even went into politics. If the card is a fake, someone went to a great deal of trouble to prank Trump and Epstein. And the thing about pranks is that the prankster always wants the victims to know it was a prank and who did it. But neither Trump nor Ghislaine Maxwell is claiming a prank by so-and-so.

The card reads as genuine; the signature looks genuine, but Trump will persist in disclaiming it because it casts him in a bad light and destroys a narrative he has pushed for years concerning his friendship with Epstein. The supreme leader is infallible; therefore, the card is a “hoax” put forward by his enemies to discredit him. But who, in 2003, wanted to do this?

Ray Clasen North Fort Myers

Dr. Jacentha Buggs Guest

Federal cuts heighten hunger in SWFL

“The next few months are critical. We do not ever want to tell someone who is hungry we have no food and to come back next week or next month. Harry Chapin Food Bank is forecasting as much as a 90% increase in demand for food. We will rise to meet the demand but need your help.”

Hunger is already a serious problem in Southwest Florida — where one in eight people are food insecure, including one in six children.

It’s about to become worse.

Cuts in federal funding are beginning to have substantial impacts on our neighbors, especially vulnerable ones like caregivers, older residents, homeless individuals and veterans, as well as the many families and children who rely on our support to put food on the table each day.

Richard LeBer Guest Commentary

Harry Chapin Food Bank (HCFB), which serves 250,000 neighbors monthly across the five-county region, has been closely monitoring the potential impacts of funding cuts on hunger in Southwest Florida. The numbers are clear — 33 million meals could disappear from Southwest Florida. That’s 40,000 of our most vulnerable neighbors who will no longer receive assistance through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. They’ll now rely on Harry Chapin Food Bank for help. Additionally, funding reductions in the Emergency Food Assistance Program will put less fresh produce and non-perishable items on the shelves of local food pantries. The elimination of Local Food Purchasing Assistance funds, a U.S. Department of Agriculture program in place since 2021, also means food banks now lack the financial resources to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers.

No child, woman, man, senior or veteran should have to go hungry, especially in a community like ours. Funding cuts are painful and often affect those who rely on that support to make ends meet. In 2024, we delivered 39.5 million pounds of food. With the continued growth of our community and the impact of these cuts,

we will need to distribute 50 million pounds of food annually by 2030, according to a major research institute.

Yet we cannot sit idle and let our neighbors go hungry.

After hurricanes, we all pitched in to help clear debris from our neighbors’ yards. After the pandemic, we checked on our neighbors to make sure they were OK while staying indoors. Now is one of those times when we must step up again.

HCFB is ready and able to help. Through our Feeding Network of more than 175 agency partners, which includes 45 school pantries, we can get food into the communities and into the homes of those who need it. As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of donors who share our mission of leading the community in its fight to end hunger. And we are very proud that 96 cents of every dollar donated to HCFB goes to making food accessible.

The next few months are critical. We do not ever want to tell someone who is hungry we have no food and to come back next week or next month. Harry Chapin Food Bank is forecasting as much as a 90% increase in demand for food. We will rise to meet the demand but need your help.

This is a generous and compassionate community, and our partners and supporters can help ensure none of our neighbors has to endure hunger despite funding challenges. Visit HarryChapinFoodBank.org to make a donation.

— Richard LeBer is the president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank, Southwest Florida’s largest hunger-relief nonprofit and the region’s only Feeding America partner food bank.

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.

Dixie Roadhouse sale finalized Legacy to live on under new but familiar ownership and management

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral’s largest nightlife destination has been sold and will operate under new ownership.

Dixie Roadhouse, long owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo David Townsend and Lynn Pippenger, has been purchased by Robert and Anita Taft.

The sale was closed Wednesday.

The price was not disclosed.

The Tafts discovered the Dixie was up for sale through a mutual connection in a former employee of Townsend and Pippenger: Mike McCaffery.

But first, a brief history lesson.

Previously working in the Chicagoland area, Townsend and Pippenger met in1999 when she walked into Townsend’s Boogie Nights venue in Lombard, Illinois as his new general manager.

Her operational excellence complemented Townsend’s creative vision, which was further enhanced as she was instrumental in the concept design, opening, and operating of their two newest and largest nightclubs: The Bamboo Rooms in Schaumburg and Lombard, Illinois, according to a provided history.

The pair’s relationship gradually evolved into something deeper. After dating for a few years, they welcomed a son together in 2006, joining Lynn’s two children from a previous marriage to create a blended family that would ultimately reshape their business priorities.

“You couldn’t write a better ending. (Managing partner) Mike (McCafferty) knows our concept. Our standards are already ingrained in him. He knows what makes this place special. Our team — our extended family — will be in the hands of someone who helped to create the culture that we’re so proud of.”

— Lynn Pippenger

“This isn’t just about selling a business. It’s about ensuring that something we’ve poured our hearts into continues to serve its intended purpose — bringing people together, creating memories, and supporting the Cape Coral community.”

— David Townsend

When McCaffery learned about Dixie Roadhouse being for sale, he told Robert and Anita about Townsend and Pippenger, about their track record, and about their venue for sale in Cape Coral.

“The moment they walked into Dixie Roadhouse, you could see the recognition in their eyes,” Pippenger recalls. “It was almost identical to what they’d been successfully operating in Chicago for five years. The layout, the music, the atmosphere — it was like they’d found a sister location.”

“Lynn brought something to the businesses that I didn’t even know I was missing,” Townsend said. “She could see the operational details in the clubs that made the difference between a good night and a great night for our patrons. More importantly, she understood that our business was really about creating outstanding experiences for people — and that started with how we treated our own team.”

In 2010, the pair decided it was time to take on a new project and start a fresh chapter in their lives. After years of combing through different markets and scouring many locations, they found what they were looking for in Cape Coral — a nightclub building, vacant for five years, that spoke to their vision.

“We weren’t just looking for a building,” Pippenger said. “We were looking for a community where we could put down roots, raise our son, and build something that would last.”

Six months of intensive design, construction, and planning later, Dixie Roadhouse opened its doors on September 23, 2011.

Townsend added, “Dixie Roadhouse wasn’t just our business. It became our life. Our staff became family. For 14 years, our home was a one-minute drive from the club, with our son’s elementary school conveniently located between the two. We had finally settled down.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Townsend, then 65 and now 70, found himself asking questions he’d never had time to consider during five decades of non-stop nightlife. What did the next chapter look like? How do you transition from an identity so intertwined with after-dark energy and constant motion into retirement?

“The pandemic gave us permission to think about what we really wanted,” Pippenger said. “We’d accomplished everything we set out to do. Our son was thriving. The business was successful. Maybe it was time to let someone else carry the torch.”

In early 2025, they made the decision that the Dixie would be put up for sale.

While the duo received much interest from all over the country, a blast from the past put the perfect pieces in place, they said.

Among Townsend’s and Pippenger’s most valued employees in the Chicagoland area was bartender McCaffery. Described as loyal, smart, energetic and hardworking — McCaffery embodied everything they looked for in team members. So much so that they had moved him among locations over the years as they opened new venues, using his ethics and expertise to train others in their operational philosophy.

They wanted all of their newest team members to always “Be like Mike.”

Over the years, McCaffery was promoted to bar manager and filled in as a general manager at various properties. His last assignment was at Saddle Up in Aurora, where Townsend and Pippenger once were, but left due to the partnership disputes. McCaffery remained, becoming part of that venue’s ongoing legacy.

In 2020, the Tafts purchased the closed Saddle Up building from Spaghetti Warehouse during the pandemic. Along with the real estate, they inherited the Saddle Up concept that Townsend and Pippenger had created — and relationships with staff members like McCaffery.

The Tafts fell in love with Cape Coral and Southwest Florida, and envision not just operating Dixie Roadhouse, but making the Southwest Florida area their home base for future growth of even more nightlife concepts.

They currently own six other locations in the Chicago area, plus have one more under development and another one being built from the ground up. A letter of intent was signed and Wednesday’s closing made it official.

Robert and Anita Taft aren’t just buying Dixie Roadhouse, they’re relocating McCaffery to Cape Coral to serve as its new managing partner.

“You couldn’t write a better ending,” Pippenger said. “Mike knows our concept. Our standards are already ingrained in him. He knows what makes this place special. Our team — our extended family — will be in the hands of someone who helped to create the culture that we’re so proud of.”

McCaffery said, ”It’s surreal. I started as a bartender learning their systems. Now I’m being asked to preserve and grow their legacy. It’s the ultimate vote of confidence.”

Townsend said, “This isn’t just about selling a business. It’s about ensuring that something we’ve poured our hearts into continues to serve its intended purpose — bringing people together, creating memories, and supporting the Cape Coral community.”

The Tafts plan to immediately add an expansive patio and later a rooftop bar to Dixie Roadhouse.

“We’re not disappearing,” Pippenger said. “This new leadership and their vision for the future will elevate Dixie Roadhouse to the next level. We’re incredibly excited to watch from the sidelines as Robert, Anita, and Mike introduce significant enhancements to Dixie Roadhouse for our staff, customers, and the community.”

The lights at Dixie Roadhouse will stay illuminated, the line-dance music will continue to play, and the community will continue to come out for a good time. Now, it will all happen under new ownership, connected to the past through relationships that span decades and are bound together by a shared commitment to excellence and constant improvement.

“If you’d told me 30 years ago that Mike McCaffery would someday end up as a partner in a club that we had built in Florida because new owners had fallen in love with our last Chicagoland concept, I never would have believed it,” Townsend said. “But that’s the beauty of this business — and this life. The best stories are the ones you never see coming.”

Dixie Roadhouse is at 1023 S.E. 47th Terrace. For more information, visit www. thedixie.com.

City, Boathouse reach an agreement

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

A unanimous vote of the Cape Coral City Council made it official Wednesday night: The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, a popular destination at the Yacht Club, will rebuild and reopen.

Council approved both a settlement to close out the existing lease and a new 30-year concessionaire agreement with the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill LLC, that will replace it.

City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said the city is a bigger partner in terms of profit sharing, they removed some exclusions pertaining to fuel, and have a higher minimum return guaranteed.

The approval will allow the community to enjoy this restaurant in a newer and bigger fashion at the Yacht Club, he added.

The path to an agreement has been a bumpy one since the restaurant suffered a fire shortly after re-opening in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, which had entered into its original lease with the city for operation of the waterfront restaurant, marine fuel sales and bait shop on the city-owned park property on Sept. 25, 2013 had wanted to rebuild.

A dispute arose between the city and Boathouse as to the extent of the damage for the purposes of a substantial damage determination under the FEMA 50% rule, and the parties worked toward a new agreement, now formally resolved.

The city said Wednesday, the damaged structure will come down Thursday.

The now-approved concessionaire

Cape Coral City Council has approved a settlement to close out the existing lease and a new 30-year concessionaire agreement with the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill LLC. The fire-damaged structure at the Yacht Club Park on Driftwood Parkway was to be demolished beginning on Thursday and concluding today.

agreement — the exclusive right to construct, manage, and operate food/beverage, fuel, retail and beach operations — is for a 30-year term, which both sides have called win-win in the context of the full agreement,

Mayor John Gunter thanked the Kearns Restaurant Group, as well as its attorneys, and the city’s staff and attorneys for their

hard work.

“Sometimes you have to take two steps back before you take two steps forward. It took us a little while to get here. I think both sides are happy with the outcome. We can’t wait for this particular establishment to open back again so we can all enjoy it and take our visitors there. Zak (Kearns), I wish you well and speedy

recovery in getting those doors open,” he said.

As far as the construction and improvements — the concessionaire commitment is for the responsibility for all costs for planning, design, construction, and maintenance of all improvements.

There is a minimum guarantee of $7,000 a month to be paid in 12 equal monthly installments. There is a 5% of gross receipts for years one through 10, 6% for years 11 to 20 and 7% for years 21 to 30. During the interim operations of construction, there is a $3,500 a month base rent and 5% of all gross receipts above rent.

The city contribution is $1 million reimbursement towards restaurant construction, applied as a monthly PG credit for the first 10 years and the city will pay for the installation for the fuel facility cost and the concessionaire reimburses 50% over the agreement term.

As far as insurance, the commercial general liability is not less than $10 million per occurrence, with the city named as the additional insured and the property insurance is all risk insurance for full replacement value.

The operations include food and beverages, including alcohol for the restaurant, and for retail – apparel, art, beach, sundries, bait, tackle and fuel. The beach operations includes equipment rental with a city residential pass at 20% discount.

The hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for the restaurant and retail, and beach and fuel is from sunrise to sunset.

FILE PHOTO

Oak & Stone readies for opening at The Cove at 47th

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral is set to be the newest home for a Southwest Florida-based dining experience which features an interactive tap wall.

Oak & Stone, the popular casual dining concept that debuted in Sarasota in 2016, is slated to open in the South Cape this November at 4720 S.E. 9th Place, Suite 400 — part of The Cove at 47th.

In addition to featuring the brand’s classic gourmet tavern fare, made-fromscratch dishes, and inventive artisan pizzas, Oak & Stone’s soon-to-open Cape Coral location will be the first to introduce the brand’s newly re-imagined tap wall, which will be an updated version of its popular self-pour craft beer wall, now expanded to include local craft beer, wine and cocktails

Brand President of Oak & Stone, Sam Aguilar, said Oak & Stone is excited to bring its offerings to the revitalized South Cape.

“Wow, has it grown,” Aguilar said of Cape Coral. “When we first got the opportunity to look at Cape Coral and see how the area is growing…it’s just a great fit for our brand. The location that we’ve got, when we saw that opportunity, just what (the city) is doing to build out that area and build it up, is something we wanted to be a part of. With the residential, and retail, and with all of the great bars and restaurants in what is a tight-knit community —it’s kind of our bread and butter. We thought it would be a great spot for us to be in the community.”

Much like its other restaurants, Oak &

Oak & Stone, the popular casual dining concept that debuted in Sarasota in 2016, is slated to open in the South Cape this November at 4720 S.E. 9th Place, Suite 400 — part of The Cove at 47th.

Stone Cape Coral will inspire gatherings and good times set against the backdrop and energy of the local downtown scene. With seating for more than 200, the newest Oak & Stone location will also offer a private dining room; a bar with indoor and outdoor seating; a front patio; and a rear social courtyard with ample space for fun and games.

Slated to open in the first half of November, Aguilar said community partners and members of will be welcomed

to experience Oak & Stone. He said the restaurant’s identity is a twist on elevated tavern flare, with a focus on customer experience.

“We wanted to create a great, comfortable place where you can bring the family,” Aguilar said. “You can go and enjoy a craft beer, get a great pizza, and enjoy the game — but also bring your family without necessarily being at a spots bar. We’ve really focused on hospitality — treating our guests as friends.

We’re hosting a party every day for the people that come through our doors. For us to be able to spread some joy in the community, make people feel good, give them that restoration that the word restaurant comes from, and just make them feel comfortable.”

Serving brunch, lunch and dinner, fans of Oak & Stone delight in its laid-back tavern atmosphere, great food, drinks and heartfelt hospitality. Oak & Stone’s diverse menu includes Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Smoky Gouda Mac ‘n Cheese, Slow-Roasted Wings, Voodoo Chicken Sandwich, and 12 classic and complex takes on the artisan pizza – from its “Pepperoni to the All the Way,” “Sweet Heat,” and “The Farmer & The Pig.”

Oak & Stone makes its dough and sauces from scratch, and prepares toppings in-house every day.

“We do a slow, cold ferment on the dough,” Aguilar said. “As we are proofing our pizza dough, it’s 36 hours and we do it at a lower temperature and yields for us that crispy thin crust pizza. There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into that for us. As far as the oven goes…we’ve got a Wood Stone oven where it’s a high-speed oven that can produce pizzas for us in under three minutes.”

Aguilar said Oak & Stone is also known for its wings, which are brined for 24 hours and mixed with a secret recipe of spices and herbs. They are flash-fried at service with various in-house-made sauces. The Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are made in-house as well by cooking down shaved ribeye and onions, and fold-

See OAK & STONE, page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oak & Stone: Popular concept eatery calls the Cape a great fit

From page 12

ing in cheese before being hand-rolled.

“They’re a huge crowd favorite for us,” Aguilar said.

The Voodoo Chicken Sandwich is a twist on a buffalo chicken sandwich, where hand-breaded chicken with panko crust are combined with Zapp’s VooDoo chips and ranch, topped with cheese, lettuce and tomato.

Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on Monday holidays.

Brunch items include avocado toast on house-baked everything bagel seasoned biscuits, a breakfast pizza with sausage gravy as the base, a breakfast burrito, and a brunch burger with waffles as the buns.

While the menu certainly catches your eye, Aguilar said Oak & Stone’s approach to hospitality and service is what really sets them apart.

“We want to make emotional connections with our guests, and stop and spend time and make friends,” he said. “We’re going to treat you like you were friends that knocked on our front door and were having a gathering at our house tonight.

“As far as our food goes, we’re taking the approach of trying to look at what are the things that people love, and how we can elevate it or do it a little different. We take pride in that we’re investing the effort, and the time, and the love of making these things in-house.”

Oak & Stone also offers an interactive experience for guests via its tap wall with nearly 50 choices. Patrons who wish to drink will receive an RFID card linked to them, and will be taken up to the wall

where they can pour as much or as little as they want of a particular beverage, as the wall pours by the ounce. You only pay for what you pour.

There is also a guide at the wall to answer any questions and to help with

Above, the innovative “tap wall” allows for customers pours from among 50 drink options. Left, dining options, including pizza, are made from scratch.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

selections.

“As a guest, you get to participate, and sample and try your way through the offerings that we’ve got,” Aguilar said.

“In Cape Coral, we will not just have craft beer, we will have wines, we will have

cocktails, and we will even have spirits on the wall. We’ve got a great bourbon list. There’s something for everyone up there. It creates a fun, interactive experience.”

Taps at Oak & Stone will be revolving, so that you’ll never know what offerings will be up to taste next.

“If you’re a craft beer lover, we’re the spot for you,” Aguilar said. “We’ve go the stuff on the wall that you’re not necessarily going to find everywhere. Our taps are always rotating on the beers. You can come in and sample and try new things, and come back and try and explore new things.”

Oak & Stone Cape Coral will be the first-its-kind with a private dining room. The new venue will also offer an indoor and outdoor bar, as well as cafe seating on the street, and a “beer garden” style seating area in the back with fire pits, tables, corn hole, and more.

“If you are a beverage lover, Oak & Stone is the place to come out and sample and try different selections,” Aguilar said. “To come and get some scratch-made food and to be entertained by our enthusiastic, hospitable team.”

Owned and operated by Winter Park–based Artistry Restaurants, Oak & Stone has become a signature brand within the company’s portfolio, with locations along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Artistry Restaurants currently operates seven Oak & Stone locations in Bradenton, Estero, Naples, Sarasota (two locations), St. Petersburg, and Venice. Cape Coral marks the first of multiple new Oak & Stone openings planned for the next 18 months.

For more information, visit www. oakandstone.com/location/cape-coral/.

LCEC DELIVERS MORE THAN POWER

In collaboration with the National Theatre for Children and the LCEC Zap Free Zone high-voltage demonstration, we help educate local students about electricity and the importance of electrical safety. This is one example of why…

Membership Matters

Island Hopper: 60-plus artists, 20-plus venues, 80 free performances

Convention Bureau Communications Manager Miram Dotson. The festival is a collaboration between the county’s tourism bureau, Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) and iHeart Radio.

“Last year was such a testament to the love for the event,” Dotson said. Hurricane Helene had struck just days before the big

Island Hopper shows in Cape Coral run Sept. 22 and 23

Monday, Sept. 22, at The Westin Cape Coral Resort, LOCASH , at 7 p.m.

On Sept. 22 at High Tide Social House, Claire Liparulo and Alan Bradford play at 6:15 p.m., Krystal King and Kelly Neff play at 7:30, and Tim James and Lilly MacPhee play at 8:30.

At Nauti Mermaid on Sept. 22, McDonald and Pace play at 6:30 p.m., and Frank Myers and McKnight play at 8:15. On Sept. 23, Briz and Lady and Bradford play at 7 p.m., while Tim James and Liparulo perform at 8:15.

At Gather on Sept. 23, Kelly Neff and Spring Pace play at 7:30 p.m., while Frank Myers and Krystal King perform at 8:45.

On Sept. 23, Lilly MacPhee performs on the Silver King Boat Cruise at 6 p.m.

A full list of the arts and venues participating in the Island Hopper Songwriter’s Festival, as well as tickets, can be found at: www.island-hopperfest. visitfortmyers.com

pool party finale. “Everybody thought it was going to get canceled and the Pink Shell staff cleaned everything within a week. I was just blown away,” Dotson said. “That is so Fort Myers Beach.”

Two years earlier, the Island Hopper Songwriter’s Festival had closed out at the Pink Shell Beach Resort before a packed pool party just days before Hurricane Ian struck.

“The fans come out,” Dotson said. The festival attracts a lot of in-state visitors. The Tampa region in particular attracts a lot of festivalgoers, Dotson said. There are a lot of locals who come out to the shows as well as some country music fans from the Midwest.

“The idea is to get people to come in the slow season and boost tourism,” Dotson said. “The hotels will do special deals.”

For example, those staying at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina on Sept. 28 will also get to see the pool party show for free.

In Cape Coral, five different venues will see live performances from artists, including Gather, High Tide Social House, Nauti Mermaid, The Westin Cape Coral, and the Silver King beach shuttle.

“We are so excited to bring Island Hopper to Cape Coral again,” Dotson said. “This is the third year Cape Coral has been in the lineup. It has been a great addition to the 10-day music fest. The venues have been packed clearly showing the desire for events like this.”

Island Hopper shows in Cape Coral run Sept. 22 and 23.

Headliner “LOCASH” will be kicking things off in Cape Coral on Monday with a ticketed performance at 7 p.m. The platinum-selling duo have earned eight charting singles including platinum-selling breakout, “I Love this Life.” In addition to writing their own songs, they have written songs for artists like Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and had a 2020 smash hit,

See ISLAND HOPPER, page 15

IMAGE COURTESY OF FORT MYERS-ISLANDS, BEACHES & NEIGHBORHOODS “LOCASH” will kick things off in Cape Coral on Monday with a ticketed performance at 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 5, 2025

Island Hopper: Captiva, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach

From page 14

“Famous Friends” with Kane Brown.

“They have a great following, and we are excited to see them play this year along with all the other singer-songwriters on tap,” Dotson said.

On Sept. 22 at High Tide Social House, Claire Liparulo and Alan Bradford play at 6:15 p.m., Krystal King and Kelly Neff play at 7:30, and Tim James and Lilly MacPhee play at 8:30.

“I also encourage people to check out local artist Claire Liparulo,” Dotson said. “She has a beautiful voice and such a presence. We have so much great local talent, it’s nice to see them on the Island Hopper stage. Tim James is another great show. He is behind so many Country hits. For example, he is the co-writer for ‘My List’ by Toby Keith, penned ‘All I Ask For Anymore’ by Trace Adkins and Chris Stapleton’s ‘Either Way.’ He’s a Grammy award-winning songwriter and audience members get an up close and personal performance.”

On Sept. 23 at High Tide Social House, Adriana McDonald and Carling Witt play at 7 p.m., while Billy McKnight and Charlie Pace play at 8:15.

At Nauti Mermaid on Sept. 22, McDonald and Pace play at 6:30 p.m., and Frank Myers and McKnight play at 8:15. On Sept. 23, Briz and Lady and Bradford play at 7 p.m., while Tim James and Liparulo perform at 8:15.

“Frank Myers is another Island Hopper favorite and songwriting legend,” Dotson said. “He is behind so many popular hits like, ‘I Swear,’ and ‘I’m Already There.’ He has had songs recorded by more than 50 country and pop artists pulling in 12 No. 1s and 20 top tens.”

At Gather on Sept. 23, Kelly Neff and Spring Pace play at 7:30 p.m., while Frank Myers and Krystal King perform at 8:45.

On Sept. 23, Lilly MacPhee performs on the Silver King Boat Cruise at 6 p.m.

“The venues in the Cape, like the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, are the perfect place to take in great music with amazing talent,” Dotson said. “The resort is waterfront with a spectacular sunset, great food and great company. This year there is a songwriter sunset cruise aboard the Silver King departing from the Westin. It’s a unique way to listen to music from artist, Lilly MacPhee, on the water while the sun sets. Other places like High Tide Social House and Gather offer great food with multiple shows creating a laid back, intimate setting to hear the stories behind the

On

On Sept. 23 at

songs. All of these locations are walkable to each other and provide a great boost to local businesses.”

Other than LOCASH and MacPhee on the Silver King cruise, all performances in Cape Coral are free to attend.

“Free is always great, right? But not only is it an affordable and accessible event, attendees and residents are also helping fellow locals when you go to Island Hopper,” Dotson said. “Have a meal or a drink at these great spots and listen to this top talent with a beautiful backdrop. These kinds of experiences mean so much to our community and offer an economic boost to local businesses. It’s also a great chance to try a new place or meet up with friends and family and take in some great music. These

At

At Nauti Mermaid on Sept. 22, Frank Myers will play at 8:15 p.m.

IMAGE COURTESY OF FORT MYERSISLANDS, BEACHES & NEIGHBORHOODS

kinds of events are right in their backyard and residents should be able to take advantage of them too. This year there are more than eighty performances with most of them being free. We have also worked to create unique experiences - like the songwriter cruise – to give folks a chance to really take in our beautiful area.”

A full list of the arts and venues participating in the Island Hopper Songwriter’s Festival, as well as tickets, can be found at:

island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com.

The Westin Cape Coral and Silver King is at 5951 Silver King Blvd.

Gather is at 5971 Silver King Blvd. Suite 116.

High Tide Social House is at 6095 Silver King Blvd.

Nauti Mermaid is at 5952 Silver King Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach Observer and Bulletin editor 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:

MunicipalFirefighters’ Resident of Cape Coral and Pension Trust Fund Board Citizen of the United States OfTrustees-(1)Vacancy

Applications are available on the City’s website www.capecoral.gov, the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, or if you would like one mailed, call the City Clerk’s Office at (239) 574-0411. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Kimberly

Bruns, CMC City Clerk

IMAGES COURTESY OF FORT MYERS-ISLANDS, BEACHES & NEIGHBORHOODS

High Tide Social House, Adriana McDonald, left, and Carling Witt, right, will play at 7 p.m

IMAGES COURTESY OF FORT MYERS-ISLANDS, BEACHES & NEIGHBORHOODS

Sept. 22 at High Tide Social House, Claire Liparulo, left, and Alan Bradford, right, will play at 6:15 p.m.

IMAGE COURTESY OF FORT MYERSISLANDS, BEACHES & NEIGHBORHOODS

Gather on Sept. 23, Kelly Neff, above, and Spring Pace, below, will play at 7:30 p.m.

Mobility fee discussions to continue

Special meeting called after Cape Council fails to reach agreement on levy

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council’s wrangle over how to fund transportation infrastructure will continue later this month after the elected board again could not come to a successful vote on how to proceed Wednesday.

Its discussion concerning the imposition of a mobility fee on new construction will continue at a special meeting to be held at 3 p.m. on Sept. 25 in city council chambers.

Wednesday’s lengthy discussion went through motions that failed before the question was called for continuation.

The discussion remained the same — a mobility fee should replace the city’s impact fee that has remained the same for almost two decades, but at what percentage of an increase and at what discount to reach the projected amount of $9,995 for a new single-family dwelling.

A mobility fee is a one-time fee paid by new development, new growth, to mitigate the traffic impact from that growth. The current road impact fee for a single-family home is $3,347 at the time of construction.

Both types of fees are also are assessed on other types of new construction.

Councilmember Rachel Kaduk said the mobility fee issue is the hardest vote she had and is glad she voted no, so she can be on the reconsideration side when the matter comes back before the board. After much thought, consideration, seeing interest rates cut Wednesday and lots of praying, she said this council should not be tying the hands of future councils.

The discussion remained the same — a mobility fee should replace the city’s impact fee that has remained the same for almost two decades, but at what percentage of an increase and at what discount to reach the projected amount of $9,995 for a new single-family dwelling.

“It still is what the county is at — set to slowly increase at 12.5%. I do feel comfortable with that. I don’t want to see any more studies to study what needs to be studied. I want to see actual projects come to fruition on schedule and on budget and the project moving. It’s not an easy vote. It makes me sick to my stomach, but we should move forward with extraordinary circumstance,” she said.

A finding of extraordinary circumstance allows a local government to bypass standard fee limitations.

Wednesday’s discussion was brought back from a Sept. 3 meeting that resulted in a tied 4-2 vote.

“This is a monumental decision and as Councilmember (Joe) Kilraine said, this will establish a legacy for councils in the future to deal with. We can tie their hands, or allow further review in the future. I believe what I have heard from Kilraine is to establish the top end to give that flexibility over time, but only increase next year by 12.5% based on the discount that is applied,” Councilmember Bill Steinke said.

Mayor John Gunter said a 12.5% increase each year for the next four years that does not exceed a 50% calculation is what he can support.

“I won’t change from my previous

vote as long as we are meeting the 12.5% increase and not exceed 50% over a fouryear period,” he said.

With many agreeing that the amount should stay at a 12.5% increase over the next four years, Steinke again said the longer they take to make up for the years the city stayed stagnant in its impact fees, the bigger the number becomes.

“We are chasing a moving target,” he said. “That number was the number in 2018. We are already way behind the eight ball. If $9,996 is the number — that is a dart because that is the number the county came up with seven years ago.”

The last motion that was made by Steinke before the continuation was approved, was to switch to a schedule that offers discounts over the first four years. He said the first year would be a 62% discount, the second year a 57% discount, third year a 52% discount followed by a 46% discount in 2029. It would be a 12.5% increase each year.

Many shared they could not support it because they did not have the numbers in front of them as to what the fees would be, and what those fees would be beyond four years.

“I can’t vote on something I don’t’ see those numbers and what it will look

like,” Councilmember Jennifer NelsonLastra said.

Kaduk said they all agree the city needs to switch from an impact fee to a mobility fee and that fee needs to increase.

“It’s unfortunate we have the weight of 19 years of not being touched,” she said. “I am hoping we can get this passed for the future of Cape Coral. The interest was cut today and we are going to see the market moving. We have a huge deficit, something has to give. We need more road capacity.”

The city has received pushback on the issue centered around the amount of the increase as well as its implementation.

The Cape Coral Construction Industry outlined its position in a release issued before Wednesday’s meeting.

“The CCCIA supports a 12.5% increase over four years, capped at 50% of the original fee amount. This phased approach ensures predictability while balancing the city’s infrastructure needs with housing affordability and economic growth,” the release states.

“In addition, the CCCIA will request confirmation that existing deficiencies are not included in current mobility plan.

“Further, the CCCIA’s position is that once the mobility fee has been paid for on a residential unit, no additional fees should be imposed for remodels, rehabs, or rebuilding of that same unit. This ensures fairness and avoids double-charging homeowners or builders.”

The release was signed by Wade Kundinger, the executive director of the CCCIA.

Fees: $35 for long-term rentals

From page 1

residential rental properties will be $350 with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026. The annual registration fee for long-term residential rental properties — defined as those rented for a period of six months or longer — is $35.

Registrations are to be submitted with the City Clerk’s Department and will include contract information including the legal name of the owner, direct mailing address, email address and telephone number. Any changes to the registration information must be done within 30 days.

Besserer said the process started with a proposed fee of $600. A stakeholder’s group was then put together with many of his members serving on the panel of mostly homeowners and property managers.

“This is a committee of stakeholders. What is the point if the stakeholders come to an agreement and then the numbers change again? We would agree to a fee of $100 as discussed by the stakeholder’s group. If you are going to involve stakeholders, involve us,” he said.

The user fees are meant to recover the costs of police officers, code enforcement officers, software and the time put forth by the clerk’s office. The city put that cost to service a short-term rental at $441.

There was discussion from Kaduk to set up a committed fund for the registration fee, which received support from other council members, as it would be a legislative policy. Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra was one who showed support, as she believes a specific fund made perfect sense as it would provide data to track in the future.

“About 12% of all registered renters, we have code violations on either repeat-

edly, or one time,” she said. “Our police department does not track their service calls specific to rentals. Maybe that is something we want to capture, the true idea of the cost. This was definitely the whole purpose of this — cost recovery and preserving the neighborhoods.”

Gunter disagreed with the concept.

“Just a little food for thought. When we call a police officer to our house no matter what the case may be, do we recover that cost in any other scenario? Do they say here is the bill for our service? Does that ever happen? I can call the police tomorrow and they are going to come out and provide that service,” he said.

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said right now there is a cost recovery that the city is not able to afford via its general fund. He said by getting the revenue from registrations the city is able to “buy up service” and have staff provide enforcement letters, and outsource some of the enforcement on rentals.

“This will allow us to do more,” he said. Before the annual rate and penalties associated with various violations was approved, Councilmember Laurie Lehmann proposed a motion to make an amendment to short-term rental properties, which received no support. She proposed that shortterm rental properties should be entitled to a 50% discount on the second and subsequent annual registrations as long as they do not have any code compliance violations.

Ilczyszyn said they would have records from the police and code, but any resident could initiate 9,000 complaints on Oct. 2 and say they are doing something illegal and officers would have to show up.

“I don’t know how it could be fool proof. It could be used against owners. I understand the intent. There is no way to give validity to someone’s complaint,” he said.

Watkins, Seahawks ‘fight for coach Murphy’

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral High School announced last Thursday that head football coach Tyler Watkins was resigning, and that former NFL talent and Cape High grad Jaylen Watkins is taking over.

Weekly B reeze Recap Man charged with multiple hit-and-run crashes in one day

In a letter to parents, Cape Coral High School officials said Murphy was stepping away for “personal reasons.” Murphy will also be stepping away as a physical education teacher.

Murphy took over as head coach last season, leading the Seahawks to a successful 8-2 record and district championship. This year, the Cape Coral is off to a 4-0 start, most recently defeating Island Coast High School 60-6 in its first game without Murphy at the helm this year.

Prior to last Friday night’s game, Watkins spoke to the message the team gave the student-athletes.

“Just fight for coach Murphy,” Watkins said. “He’s instilled so much into these kids. To see the tears and everything that was going on this past week, it shows that we have something more here. It’s not just the grass. A lot of guys felt like they lost a father figure. That was the hardest part. The Xs and Os we do so well…that’s the part that’s easy for us. The hard part is losing a brother. We’re trying to come out and win and think about coach Murphy.”

Murphy played college at the University of Florida and Boston College as a quarterback. With BC, he set an ACC single-season record for a quarterback. He went undrafted and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015, playing wide receiver.

Watkins served as defensive coordinator for the Seahawks last season and this season to start, before taking over the head coaching duties.

Of Murphy stepping away, Watkins said, “It’s tough. We created a brotherhood here, and things that I don’t think people truly understand when you really, really invest into kids. The kids are hurt. But, we’re going to find a way to turn that into success, and winnings exactly what coach Murphy has instilled in all of us. This last week has been one of those things we talk about — that every team has adversity. It’s not adversity that we thought we would experience this year, but again, when you’re on a team and you create a culture and a brotherhood, we’re ready for whatever it is, and hopefully we’ll see coach Murphy back here.”

Watkins is a University of Florida alum and spent parts of six seasons in the National Football League as a defensive back. He and Murphy were roommates at Florida and have remained very close friends since.

“I met Tyler Murphy my first few weeks in college. He’s the best person I’ve ever met, that’s why I asked him to run the school that I went to. I care about this school so much,” Watkins said. “He’s still the best person for this job. He’s still the best person for those kids. I think every kid over here would tell you the same. I think every parent in the stands would probably tell you the same as well. Whatever the issue is — we don’t have information — we just want to know he’s OK and that at some point he’s back on that sideline with us, because we have a mission together, and we don’t want to complete it without him.

Touchdown celebration

Simon Prifti (55) lifts teammate TJ Schley in the air as the Sea-hawks celebrate in the end zone after scoring the touchdown to put Cape Coral ahead 6- 0 in the first quarter of their game Friday night against the Island Coast Gators The Seahawks rolled over the Gators, 60-6.

“We’re going to do what we got to do, and let things fall how they’re supposed to fall, but we’re going to support him, and we love him, and that’s the message we want to send to him.”

There has also been an outpouring of support from the community when it comes to Murphy, with a change. org petition created by “parents and supporters of Cape Coral High School Football” currently with over 1,100 signatures to have Murphy return as head coach.

“You can’t make that up. You can’t ask people to do that,” Watkins said. “That’s a true impact on a community, and that’s what we want people to see. We didn’t ask for that. Those people want to see him here, just like these players want to see him here.”

Watkins final message? An emphatic, “Free Murph. Free my guy.”

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A Cape Coral man was arrested after police say he was involved in multiple hit-and-run crashes in one day, including one with a child in his vehicle.

Zachary Michael Gray Kelly, 28, has been charged with three counts of hit-and-run, two counts of driving while license suspended or revoked, and probation violation.

According to Cape Coral Police Department officials, officers responded to a crash on Del Prado Boulevard North and Northeast 6th Street on Sept. 12 around 5:15 p.m.

Police stated the crash involved three vehicles, including an unmarked CCPD vehicle, but that no one was injured.

“A black Toyota Tundra fled the scene of the crash eastbound on NE 6th St.,” a release from CCPD stated. “A search of the Tundra’s tag number revealed the truck had been pulled over on August 25, 2025. The truck was located at its registered address on NE 2nd Place with visible front-end damage consistent with the crash.”

Police officials stated that CCPD officers made contact with Gray Kelly, who was inside the residence.

“Gray Kelly initially denied knowledge of the crash before becoming uncooperative,” the release stated. “Officers observed signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and unsteady balance. Gray Kelly admitted to smoking marijuana.”

Police officials stated the investigation revealed that Gray Kelly was involved in two hit-and-run crashes that day. Police state that around 2 to 3 p.m., officers learned he was driving toward Orange Grove in Lee County when he rear-ended a light-colored van, and did not stop to talk to the other driver.

“Later, after picking up a child, Gray Kelly was driving back in Cape Coral when he approached traffic stopped at a red light, but was going too fast and couldn’t stop, causing another crash,” CCPD’s release stated. “He then fled the scene.”

Officials stated that a records check showed that Gray Kelly’s driver’s license had been canceled in January 2025, and that his history included 13 suspensions and three prior revocations.

Police state that Gray Kelly was also cited for careless driving. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) was notified regarding the child passenger.

“The Cape Coral Police Department remains committed to keeping roadways safe and holding accountable those who choose to drive recklessly or flee crash scenes,” officials stated.

Cape Coral police arrest two following vehicle burglaries

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Two males, including a juvenile, were arrested after Cape Coral police said they burglarized vehicles and stole items including a firearm.

Jeffrey Gabriel Prestol, 18, has been charged with loitering and prowling. A 16-year-old juvenile male has been charged with four counts burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, grand theft of a firearm, petit theft, criminal mischief and unlawful possession of a firearm under 18 years of age.

Cape Coral Police Department officials stated that

on Sept. 14 just before midnight, officers responded to a vehicle burglary in progress in a neighborhood near Hancock Bridge Parkway and Cultural Park Boulevard.

“A resident reported seeing two males on his Ring Doorbell video attempting to pull on his truck door handle before running toward a neighbor’s home,” a CCPD release stated. “He immediately contacted the Cape Coral Police Department.”

Police state that after reviewing the Ring footage and collecting a description of the suspects, additional canvassing uncovered more video of the suspects pulling on car door handles.

“One victim reported $200 in damage to their vehicle,” the release stated. “A perimeter was established, a UAV was launched, and on-call K9 responded. Officers soon located two males matching the description in the 100 block of Cultural Park Boulevard S.”

Both males were detained by police. Officials stated a CCPD Property Crimes Detective assumed the investigation, which determined the 16-year-old and Prestol were involved in burglarizing several vehicles. Police state a firearm, a backpack and a JBL speaker were stolen.

See VEHICLE BURGLARIES, page 39

MARK CLIFFORD

Zachary Gray Kelly

September 19, 2025

the breeze Community Gulf Coast Village to host event for those exploring retirement options

Potential vanilla production in southern Florida

By CATHY DUNN news@breezenewspapers.com

In my last article we learned that the vanilla orchid is the source of natural vanilla flavor, which is the leading flavoring used worldwide. Demand for natural vanilla continues to escalate, and over the past several years the price of vanilla has been volatile. The seed pod or vanilla bean produced by the vanilla orchid is the source of natural vanilla. A large healthy plant can produce about 2 kilos (2.2 pounds) of beans, which weigh between .3 and .4 kilos when dried and cured; a kilo of cured vanilla beans contains approximately 200-400 beans. Over the past 10 years, prices for vanilla beans have ranged from $200 - $650 per kilo.

Garden Club of Cape Coral

Increased occurrences of disease and hurricane damage have caused a decline in Florida’s citrus yields which has led farmers to search for alternative cash crops. Because of the tremendous value of vanilla and the increased demand for natural flavors, interest has grown in vanilla production in Florida. The majority of vanilla beans production is centered in Madagascar, but other tropical areas such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Mexico have established small pockets of vanilla production that cater to niche markets of brewers, herbalists and bakers. While the high labor costs associated with vanilla production could reduce Florida’s global competitiveness, demand in the cosmetics, beverages and desserts markets for specialty vanilla is rapidly growing.

South Florida’s hot and humid climate is ideal for growing vanilla orchids, but to ensure that the vanilla grows successfully and quickly without compromised taste, disease resistance or yield, University of Florida researchers have been working to identify the most appropriate cultivar. In 2017, The Vanilla Breeding Program was initiated by a research group from the University of Florida. These scientists began to identify and collect vanilla species that would be suitable for production in Florida. More than $390,000 in grants have been secured by Dr. Xingbo Wu and his colleagues to establish crop cultivation in Florida.

More than 27 varieties of vanilla are currently being studied to identify an ideal variety with the best yields, superior disease resistance and high vanilla content for commercial farming. Vanilla has the potential to surpass all other crops grown in our state if suitable varieties

Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral’s only life-plan community, invites prospective residents and their families to discover what’s ahead at a special event, titled “Your Future is Bright at Gulf Coast Village,” Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The event, starting at 2 p.m. in the auditorium at Gulf Coast Village, will offer guests an exclusive look at the community’s programs, amenities, future plans and newly renovated model apartments.

peek at future community renderings and insights into why choosing a life plan community is a smart move for long-term peace of mind.

Guests will also hear directly from current residents about what makes Gulf Coast Village such a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.

Guests will also be treated to wine, charcuterie and warm hospitality.

Those interested in attending the event should RSVP no later than Tuesday, Sept. 23. To register, call 239-475-0018 or visit gulfcoastvillage.org/event/experience-whatsnew-at-gulf-coast-village.

Attendees will enjoy a guided tour of the refreshed living spaces, a sneak

“Gulf Coast Village continues to evolve with the needs and desires of today’s retirees, offering not just a place to live, but a lifestyle to embrace,” said Sarah Richard, executive director at Gulf Coast Village. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to see how our community blends classic Cape Coral charm with modern retirement living.”

To learn more about Gulf Coast Village, visit GulfCoastVillage.org.

Cape Coral Lee County Library schedules October programs

Next month’s roster of activities at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:

Adult Programs

Book Discussion: “The Berry Pickers” by Amanda Peters

11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1

July 1962. Following in the tradition of Indigenous workers from Nova Scotia, a Mi’kmaq family arrives in Maine to pick blueberries for the summer. Weeks later, 4-year-old Ruthie, the family’s youngest child, vanishes. She is last seen by her 6-year-old brother, Joe, sitting on a favorite rock at the edge of a berry field. Joe will remain distraught by his sister’s disappearance for years to come. In Maine, a young girl named Norma grows up as the only child of an affluent family. Her father is emotionally distant, her mother frustratingly overprotective. Norma is often troubled by recurring dreams and visions that seem more like memories than imagination. As she grows older, Norma slowly comes to realize there is something her parents aren’t telling her. Unwilling to abandon her intuition, she will spend decades trying to uncover this family secret.

Download Drop-In

11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 16

Receive personalized help downloading eBooks, eAudioBooks, movies, music and more from Libby/ OverDrive and hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers. Support also will be available to registered users of the National Library Service’s Braille and Audio Reading Download service (BARD) which is provided through Home Borrower Services and Lee County Talking Books. Note: Attendees should bring their preferred, charged device (tablet, phone, e-reader, etc.) along with any passwords needed to download apps. Kindle users also must have an Amazon account and password. Patrons interested in BARD should contact Talking Books at 239533-4780 before attending to ensure they have an active account or find out how to set one up.

English Café

10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28

Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.

Beginner Spanish Class

2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8

This course is designed for those new to the Spanish language. Learn fundamental vocabulary, essential phrases and basic grammar in a fun, informal and interactive environment. Registration is required.

Crafts at Cape: Book Folding

2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8

10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25

Explore the art of book folding by artistically folding pages down to create Halloween-themed designs. Each class has a maximum seating of 20. Participants may only register for one class in the series. Registration is guaranteed until the start of the program.

Saving

Land and Water in Southwest Florida

2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15

Big Waters Land Trust is a local nonprofit that has been working to save land and water in Southwest Florida for the past 20 years. Learn about the history of Big Waters, its programs, past and present initiatives and ways you can become a part of the conservation community.

Adult Coloring

2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21

Researchers and art therapists alike have touted the calming effects of coloring, and adults have found this childhood activity a refreshing way to release their creativity, relieve stress and meet other participants. Coloring pages designed especially for adults, as well as colored pencils, will be provided. Registration is required.

Lee County Taxes 10

11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22

This informative program will present an overview of the Lee County Tax Collector’s services and strategy and the Lee County Property Appraiser’s overview of exemptions and homestead portability. Registration is required. Presented by

the Lee County Tax Collector and Lee County Property Appraiser.

Haunted Southwest Florida

4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27

Join Christopher Balzano as he discusses his newest book, “Haunted Southwest Florida.” A writer, researcher, folklorist and current host of the podcast “Tripping on Legends,” he has been documenting the unexplained since 1994. Registration required.

Children’s Programs

Preschool Storytime

9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15

For ages 3-5 years. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby. Space is limited to 15 preschool-aged children. Arrive early and visit the Youth Desk to pick up a ticket(s) for each 3-5 year old child attending. Late entry is not permitted. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.

Family Storytime

10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 14

For children through age 5 years and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement. Space is limited. Arrive early and visit the Youth Desk to pick up a ticket(s) for each child attending and caregiver. Late entry is not permitted.

Pokémon Meet-Up

4:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 For ages 10-15 years. Level up your afternoon with a Pokémon meet-up packed with trading, battling and connecting with other fans. Registration is required and is only guaranteed until the start of the program. All materials and snacks provided, while supplies last. This program is intended for ages 10-15 years to attend independently while caregivers wait nearby. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed during the program. Registration is required.

Kids Read Down Fines

1–2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 5:15–6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15

See OCTOBER, page 39

UF/IFAS PHOTO

A vanilla orchid growing in an avocado tree.

‘Poochapalooza’ fundraiser scheduled for Sept. 27

Costume contests, blessing of the pets, food, music, vendors and more

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

There will be an afternoon for the dogs next weekend in Cape Coral, as an inaugural event takes place while also raising money for the city’s local shelter.

The Ladies Auxiliary of Saint Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral is hosting “Poochapalooza,” where there will be contests for K-9s, a blessing of pets, as well as food and entertainment.

The event takes place Sept. 27 on parish ground from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On-site will be food trucks, music, several pet and craft vendors, as well as Cape Coral Animal Shelter dogs that are up for adoption.

Contests include “best dressed,” “funniest costume,” and “best pet trick.”

“This is going to be a fun, community event, that will also benefit the Cape Coral Animal Shelter,” said event organizer Kat

“This is going to be a fun, community event, that will also benefit the Cape Coral Animal Shelter. We’re also aiming to spread awareness about their purpose and mission, while putting on a really fun event for the community.”

— Kat Donahue, event organizer

Donahue. “We’re also aiming to spread awareness about their purpose and mission, while putting on a really fun event for the community.”

Contests are limited to 25 dogs in each category. Owners must complete registration which includes a $10 entry fee, provide proof of current vaccinations, and bring one can of puppy food that will go to the shelter.

Vendors for the event include a dog bakery, a dog sitting service, a K-9 training demonstration, dog accessories, and

more. A pet parade for the contests will take place in front of a panel of judges. There will be awards for first and second place in each category.

Director of CCAS, Liz McCauley, will be present to speak about the shelter, what it means to be a pet owner, and have some CCAS residents to meet with prospective new owners.

“There are a lot of dog owners in Cape Coral and at our parish,” Donahue said, adding that she previously organized similar events in the northeast before relo-

cating to Florida. “People love their pets and to show off their pets. They spend a lot of time, and love, and care. It’s just a good way to bring people together with the love of animals being a common denominator.”

Donahue is a passionate animal lover herself, having worked for shelters and was a vet tech in the past.

“Animals, we are their lifeline,” she said. “We are their support system. When you commit to an animal, you commit to them for their lifetime. They need and depend on us, and they give so much back to us. They’re giving and loving, and we need to give back to them.”

Donahue said the organization hopes it turns into an annual event put on by the SKD Ladies Auxiliary.

St. Katharine Drexel Parish is at 1922 SW 20th Ave.

Suncoast Credit Union Foundation donates $242,500 to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools this week announced a charitable gift of $242,500 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. These funds will be allocated to various educational initiatives, including Classroom, School & District Grants that support innovative teaching projects during the 2025-2026 academic year.

A portion will also be dedicated to the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program, which recognizes outstanding educators, while additional funds will support the Take Stock in Children program, providing scholarships and mentoring for at-risk students.

The remaining resources will enhance student advocacy efforts, and fund programs including Kids Tag Art and the Education Resource Center, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for all students in the district, along with many other programs designed to strengthen the education system.

Noelle Branning, board chair of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, said, “We are deeply grateful to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for this generous gift, which strengthens our ability to invest directly in students and educators. Their support helps us deliver critical classroom grants, expand hands-on STEM opportunities, and provide meaningful programs such as Take Stock in Children events, professional development for educators, and resources for elementary art teachers. This gift is a true investment in the future of Lee County’s children and the educators who inspire them every day.”

Suncoast Credit Union founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates four cents to the foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the foundation has raised and donated over $55 million.

“The work of educators cannot be overstated or left to chance.” said Bob Hyde, Vice President of Community Impact. “Supporting these vital programs as well as mentoring, improves lives beyond those who are direct recipients because education

“We are deeply grateful to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for this generous gift, which strengthens our ability to invest directly in students and educators. ... This gift is a true investment in the future of Lee County’s children and the educators who inspire them every day.”

— Noelle Branning, board chair of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools

has a ripple effect helping families and communities thrive and prosper. Education is not just part of our mission but part of our founding DNA.”

About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(C)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

About Suncoast Credit Union

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $19 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.3 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’ s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit

Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’ s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $55 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

education

Education BriEfs

Griffin awarded gold star and named to dean’s list for spring 2025 at The Citadel CHARLESTON, S.C. — Sean Griffin of Cape Coral is one of the more than 500 cadets and students recognized for their academic achievements during the spring 2025 semester.

Gold stars are awarded to cadets and students at The Citadel who achieved a 3.7 grade point average or higher. Cadets and students who achieve gold star recognition are also placed on The Citadel’s dean’s list.

Those cadets may wear gold stars on their uniforms throughout the semester following their achievement. A gold star recognition certificate is awarded to non-cadet students who meet the requirements; veteran and active duty students are also awarded challenge coins.

The dean’s list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of I (Incomplete) and no grade below C for work in a semester.

Cadets who are named to the dean’s list receive a medal, which is worn on their uniform during the semester following their academic achievement. Non-cadet students on the dean’s list are presented a certificate.

The Citadel, with its campus located in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a classic military college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. The approximately 2,300 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets are not required to serve in the military, but about one-third of each class earn commissions to become officers in every branch of U.S. military service. The Citadel Graduate College offers dozens of graduate degree, graduate certificate and evening undergraduate programs in the evening or online.

Learn more about The Citadel at https://www.citadel. edu/

Moore among nursing students recognized in 2025 White Coat Ceremony

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The following nursing students received their white coats in a ceremony on Sept. 5, marking their acceptance into the nursing program and approval to move on to clinical study:

n Randi Moore of Cape Coral

Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University offering baccalaureate and graduate education to 1,400+ enrolled students and uniquely blending a quality liberal arts education with career-focused professional preparation.

Visit https://www.mtmercy.edu/ for more about the university.

Skanska selected to renovate FSW’s Humanities Hall building

Skanska, a leading construction firm, has signed a $12.8 million contract with Florida SouthWestern State College to renovate the college’s Humanities building in Fort Myers. The higher education project includes the complete overhaul of more than 50,000 square feet of academic space to support the college’s growing student population.

As FSW’s most prominent single-story building, Humanities Hall encompasses 57,316 square feet and has served the college for 43 years, providing associate degree and certificate programs within the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The renovation will modernize classrooms, musical practice rooms, a black box theater, a makerspace and student lounges. The building’s MEP systems will also undergo a complete overhaul and upgrade.

With architectural design led by Grace Hebert Curtis Architects, the new state-of-the-art academic center will deliver an innovative building that will meet the needs of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Construction began in July 2025 and is slated for completion in August 2026.

For more information about the company, visit https:// www.skanska.com/

September 19, 2025

Owen-Ames-Kimball breaks ground on Cape Coral Technical College expansion

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., a leading construction management company with deep roots in Southwest Florida, has broken ground on the much-anticipated expansion of Cape Coral Technical College. The project marks the first major addition to the campus since it was built in 1993 and represents a major investment in workforce development for one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities.

The new 34,400-square-foot facility, located along Santa Barbara Boulevard, will house state-of-the-art programs in construction, welding, HVAC, automotive repair and marine technology. The expansion introduces six new skilled-trades programs, creating opportunities for more than 150 students annually to earn certificates in high-demand industries that are vital to Lee County’s economy.

“This project is about building opportunity for our community,” said Charlie Pease, director of Cape Coral Technical College. “Cape Coral is projected to reach nearly 400,000 residents in the next 25 years, and this expansion will ensure we have a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet that demand.”

The programs were designed in collaboration with local industry partners to directly address workforce shortages in Southwest Florida. Graduates will be prepared to step immediately into careers in critical trades, many after just one year of

training. The school will also expand its dual enrollment program, allowing high school seniors to simultaneously complete industry certifications and prepare for the workforce.

Matthew Zwack, Florida division president of Owen-Ames-Kimball, said, “O-A-K is proud to partner with The School District of Lee County on a project that invests directly in the future of Cape Coral. Workforce

training is the foundation of a strong local economy, and this new facility will give students the skills to succeed while helping our community meet the demands of rapid growth.”

The $21 million project is scheduled for completion in August 2026, ensuring that future technicians, mechanics, and tradespeople will be ready to support the continued growth of Cape Coral and Lee County.

In addition to O-A-K, the project team includes ADG Architecture and Lee County Electric Cooperative as the project’s power partner.

O-A-K has served as construction manager for numerous education and workforce training projects across Southwest Florida. It has provided general contracting, design-build and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. O-A-K specializes in community-driven construction projects and offers an inclusive, intentional, and customized experience. An employee-owned company, O-A-K Florida, Inc.’s board of directors comprises members from the company’s Florida operations.

O-A-K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers.

Learn more about O-A-K at www. owen-ames-kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

Oasis Middle School student named national ‘Artist of the Week’ by Artsonia

Dominic Maldonado, a talented sixth-grade student at Oasis Middle School, has been named “Artist of the Week” through an online voting competition on Artsonia.com, the world’s largest collection of student art portfolios featuring over 125 million pieces of student art.

Maldonado’s winning piece, a drawing of a dog titled “Half Draw,” received over 1,300 online votes.

“We could choose from several photos, and I chose the dog to work with. I was inspired by my pet dog, Coco,” Maldonado said.

When asked how he felt about winning Artist of the Week, Maldonado said, “I was surprised and excited.”

Maldonado’s teacher, April Gibson, has been teaching art for more than six years.

“As a lifelong artist, I love being the teacher who shows students how to express themselves. My favorite parts of the day are when students ‘get it’ or have a light bulb moment during their art process,” Gibson said.

Gibson is one of the thousands of art teachers who use Artsonia to digitally showcase student art, organize and plan art lessons, and fundraise for their classrooms. Artsonia enables families and friends to view the artwork online and create custom keep-

sakes from the student art. Artsonia donates 20% of its revenue to local art classrooms.

“Artsonia has given me a way to directly show my students’ families their art, when sometimes they can’t take their work home right away. I also use Artsonia as a way to have students go back and revisit their art and give a statement or think of a title. So often, students want to rush through and be done with a project, but using Artsonia gives me a chance to show them we can come back to a piece at a later date and see if our perceptions have changed about a project,”

Oasis Middle student Dominic Maldonado’s artwork “Half Draw.” PHOTO PROVIDED

Gibson said. Artsonia developed Artist of the Week 20 years ago to encourage teachers to submit student artwork and engage schools and communities in voting to recognize students for their creativity. Each week, 12 submissions from four age groups (PreK–3, 4–6, 7–9, 10–12) are randomly selected for public voting, with winners announced shortly after.

Blick Art Materials generously donates a $100 gift certificate to the winning school and a $50 gift certificate to the student artist. For more, visit artsonia.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Cape Coral Technical College Director Charlie Pease speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility expansion.

Multi-platinum BMI singer-songwriter and global entertainer

Chris Young will headline Island Hopper Songwriter Fest’s closing concert with a pool party performance on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

Young’s impressive accomplishments include membership in the iconic Grand Ole Opry, more than 9 billion global streams and 14 career No. 1 singles. He has also earned CMT Music Awards for “Performance of the Year” and “Collaborative Video of the Year.”

The Grammy and Academy of Country Music Awardnominated artist recently released his latest single, “Til the Last One Dies,” under a new label, Black River Entertainment. This comes on the heels of his 2024 album “Young Love & Saturday Nights” released after the success of his 2020 smash “Famous Friends” with Kane Brown. Young rose to fame after winning season 4 of the reality singing competition program “Nashville Star.”

Island Hopper also welcomes country music favorite and BMI singer-songwriters LOCASH. The popular duo will perform Monday, Sept. 22, at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral.

Named “Country music’s iconic feel-good duo” by PEOPLE magazine, Preston Brust and Chris Lucas have earned eight charting singles including their platinum-selling breakout,

“I Love This Life.” Their most recent hit, “Hometown Home,” peaked on the Billboard Country Airplay chart as No.1, the first time since 2016 when their song, “I Know Somebody,” reigned No.1.

In addition to writing their own music, LOCASH has penned songs for artists including Keith Urban and Tim McGraw.

In its 11th year, Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, named one of the Top 5 music fests by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, gives fans the opportunity to see singer-songwriters perform in smaller venues with a tropical setting as the backdrop.

Be sure to catch a live Island Hopper performance at these four locations around Lee County:

• Captiva Island, Sept. 19-21

• Cape Coral, Sept. 23-24

• Downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 24-25

• Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 26-28

While most Island Hopper performances are free, the Chris Young and LOCASH performances, along with a few experiences, will be ticketed. For the full lineup and ticket information, visit IslandHopperFest.com or download the Island Hopper app.

As the oldest locally owned and managed community bank in Lee County, Bank of the Islands has deep roots in Southwest Florida. For decades, we’ve proudly stood beside our neighbors, not just as a trusted, responsive banking partner, but as an active force for good in the communities we serve.

We believe that true success is measured not only by financial strength, but by the positive impact we make in people’s lives. That’s why we dedicate time, energy, and resources to meaningful causes - from hosting back-toschool drives for local children to rolling up our sleeves for beach cleanups to supporting organizations that support individuals and families in need.

This spirit of service and stewardship is part of who we are – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Ticketed events Venues

While most Island Hopper performances are free, these are ticketed:

20

21

22

23

24

24

25

27

28

BMI singer-songwriter Frank Myers will perform with Cut the Chord String Quartet and Jimmy Nichols at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva Island.

Captiva Cruises will host a Songwriter Sunset Cruise. Take in breathtaking views of the Gulf coast while listening to live music from BMI singersongwriters Ruby Amanfu and Sam Ashworth.

LOCASH will take the Island Hopper stage in Cape Coral at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. Their most recent hit, “Hometown Home,” peaked on the Billboard Country Airplay chart at No. 1. Book the Island Hopper room package deal at islandhopperfest.com to receive tickets included in your stay.

Take the Songwriter Sunset Cruise with BMI singer-songwriter Lilly MacPhee aboard the Silver King Water Taxi at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral. Limited tickets available. Hotel guests receive free admission.

Julianne Ankley and Tim McGeary will perform at the Luminary Hotel & Co.’s Island Hopper Dinner Experience in downtown Fort Myers.

Americana Community Music Association (ACMA) Showcase at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers will feature a variety of performances including Robert Bidney, Kim Mayfield, Bill Metts, Roy Schneider and Ray Cerbone.

Essex County will return to perform at Luminary Hotel & Co.’s Island Hopper Dinner Experience in downtown Fort Myers.

Canvas and Chords lets you immerse yourself in the sounds of BMI singersongwriters Danny Myrick and Katrina Cain at Alair Custom Homes on Fort Myers Beach while local island artist Lacy McClary paints a custom work of art. Ticket proceeds will support SWFL Reefs.

Multi-platinum BMI singer-songwriter and Grammy-nominated Chris Young will wrap up Island Hopper with a pool-party performance at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. Young has more than 9 billion global streams and 14 career No. 1 singles.

CAPTIVA:

Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa

Captiva Civic Center

Captiva Cruises

Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina

Key Lime Bistro

RC Otter’s

South Seas Island Resort

The Green Flash

CAPE CORAL:

Gather

High Tide Social House

Nauti Mermaid

The Westin Cape Coral Resort

Silver King at The Westin

FORT MYERS BEACH:

Alair Custom Homes

Bayside Park

Diamond Head Beach Resort

Margaritaville Beach Resort

Matanzas On The Bay

Nervous Nellie’s

Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina

Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant

Wahoo Willie’s

Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

Lucky Screw

The Luminary Hotel Pool Deck

The Luminary Hotel Workshop

Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center

Island Hopping for 39 Years!

Come cruise the islands and more:

• Cabbage Key Cruise

• Cayo Costa Beach & Shelling Cruise

• Boca Grande Cruise

• Useppa Island Cruise

• Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise

• Wildlife Sunset Cruise

Complete schedule

The festival includes more than 100 performances, most of them free to attend. The complete schedule is available in the official festival app or online at www.islandhopperfest.com.

ARTISTS:

Adam Craig

Adam Ezra

Adriana

McDonald

Alan Bradford

Alex Miller

Alex Rohan

Alissa Moreno

Angie K

Audrey Spillman

Bill Metts

Billy McKnight

Bobby Tomberlin

Brian Sutherland

Briz and Lady

Brian Ruby

Cargan Murray

Carling Witt

Charlie Pace

Chloe Caroline

Claire Liparulo

Claudia Hoyser

Clint Daniels

Collin Roberts

Danny Myrick

Dave Pahanish

Dylan Altman

Erick Willis

Essex County

Frank Myers

Grace Leer

Hunter McDaniel

Hunter Smith

Jason Byrd

Jeffrey East

Jim McCormick

Jimmy Nichols

John Ellison

Julianne Ankley

Katrina Cain

Keefe Klug

Kelly Neff

Kim Mayfield

Krystal King

Kurt Stevens

Lacy McClary

Lance Miller

Lilly MacPhee

Madelyn Grace

Madison Morris

Matt McKinney

Matt Warren

Megan Linville

Race Ricketts

Ralph Curtis

Ray Cerbone

Robert Bidney

Robinson Treacher

Roy Schneider

Ruby Amanfu

Sam Ashworth

Sheena Brook

Spring Pace

Stephen Clark

The Reed Brothers

Tim James

Tim McGeary

Tony Saint Tone

Oasis approves academic honesty, AI policies

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The Oasis Charter School Governing Board approved new policies Tuesday that address academic honesty and artificial intelligence.

Jacquelin Collins, superintendent of the city of Cape Coral’s municipal school system, said policy 5505 requires that all work submitted must be the student’s own work — that is does not use of plagiarism, forgery, the copying of someone else’s work or artificial intelligence.

“It is attached to disciplinary consequences if a student is found to be guilty of academic dishonesty,” she said.

Another policy, 7540.08, artificial intelligence, was also approved

“This is a biggie. This new policy addresses any use of AI technology,” she said, adding that the use must be in accordance with state and federal law. “AI tools are strictly prohibited and is considered a form of plagiarism.”

Again, disciplinary consequences will be had if found using without permission. With that said, teachers have discretion of how students can use AI in their classroom.

Some of the allowances include research assistance, data analysis to help students understand and interpret large amounts of data, language translation, text and docu-

ments in different languages, grammatic errors to improve grammar and alternative word choices to help improve existing writing skills, Collins said. AI can also be used to help with disabilities – such as speech text software and visual impairment aids.

“AI can be used as a supplement to, and not a replacement for, traditional learning methods,” Collins said.

She said items are in place to check for plagiarism in middle and high school through Turn It In.

There are firm guidelines on appropriate use and what not to do with AI for teachers, Collins said.

An AI document is being drafted to help

staff use it appropriately and positively.

Governing Board Chair Kristifer Jackson said he definitely agrees with the AI policy.

“We don’t want AI doing the work of the students. AI is the future and that is where we are going. It’s definitely something we want to embrace and allow our students to learn,” he said. “It’s a skill they are going to be required to use for future jobs – probably jobs now.”

Jackson said he likes that teachers can use AI at their discretion.

“I think we are going to have to revisit this policy as needed,” he said.

Oasis Charter Schools reduces paid lunch cost

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

The cost of full-priced paid lunch meals has been reduced by a $1 for Oasis Charter School students so the municipal school system can rebate an overage from last year, school officials said Tuesday.

Superintendent Jacquelin Collins said, unfortunately, they had an excess of funding last year totaling $572,000.

“You can’t make a profit (for the National School Lunch Program). You have to break even. We have to expend this,” Collins told the board.

The system will reduce each lunch price by $1 for only full-priced pay meals, as the reduced and free meals are already reduced significantly. She said this reduction will cut $361,571.

“Every year we will review our food prices. We will probably have to make

some adjustments,” Collins said. “This was a good way to wind down our excess funds.”

The funds left over will be used to hire four additional part-time employees, which will help with grant funding. She said the part-time employees will be helpful with the chopping, time and prep of the new and fresh foods they are using in the school kitchens.

In addition, computer equipment will

be purchased with the funds, as well as new outdoor lunch tables for Oasis Middle School and Oasis High School.

“It will bring our entire amount down to $421,571,” Collins said, adding that they still have some funds left over. “We will reevaluate next year and see where we are with the prices and see how we can bring it down to zero. It doesn’t have to go down to zero this year.”

Homicide: Cape Coral woman found with multiple stab wounds

From page 1

Johnson actively evaded law enforcement, but LCSO Aviation continued to keep eyes on the vehicle as he traveled southbound into Collier County.”

Sizemore said Collier County deputies disabled Johnson’s vehicle using stopsticks at 11200 Tamiami Trail North in Naples. He said Johnson exited the vehicle and fled on foot, and that Collier County deputies chased him on foot and took him down.

“Due to Johnson’s aggressive resistance with law enforcement, actively fighting members of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, a Cape Coral Police Department K9… was utilized,” Sizemore said. “While trying to put cuffs on Johnson, he struck our K9 multiple times and actively engaged in a physical confrontation with the dog. Ultimately he was taken into custody, but not before in the course of the fight, not only battering the police K9, (but attempted) to steal a deputy’s gun.”

Sizemore said the vehicle driven by Johnson was seized by law enforcement and CCPD’s forensics team noted the presence of blood on the exterior and interior. Johnson’s shoes also had noticeable blood

on them, police said.

Johnson was first booked into the Collier County Jail for criminal charges including fleeing and eluding law enforcement, battery on law enforcement, attempting to take a law enforcement officer’s firearm, and animal cruelty.

Sizemore said during the time Johnson was fleeing, CCPD Violent Crimes Detectives and Forensics Unit were actively working the crime scene at Jacaranda Pkwy W.

“The crime scene is extensive, and still being worked at this moment,” Sizemore said Thursday. “A search warrant is currently being executed at the home.”

Sizemore said family members told detectives Johnson had a documented history of domestic violence and substance abuse, and that CCPD’s investigation also determined Johnson had purchased a plane ticket to Costa Rica that day.

Sizemore thanked the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. “Their assistance was crucial in arresting Johnson for the murder of his mother,” he said.

“Our Forensics Unit has been integral to this investigation, and they’re still meticu-

lously collecting and analyzing countless pieces of evidence. While this case remains active, a significant step has been taken with this arrest. Ultimately, what we want is justice for the victim and her family, and we now begin that partnership with State Attorney Amira Fox and her talented team

of prosecutors who work with us on a daily basis.”

In February of this year, Johnson was arrested for battery on a person 65 years of age or older, as well and property damage, listed at the same address as his mother.

Oasis Charter Schools to require fingerprinting for some school volunteers and vendors

New state law will require more screening for those who come into contact with kids

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Oasis Charter Schools volunteers will undergo more stringent vetting, including fingerprinting.

The new clearance required for volunteers is a level two background screening, which requires fingerprints for certain school functions.

Superintendent Jacquelin Collins said Sen. Bill 676 requires volunteers who will be alone with students at any time now undergo the screening.

Those affected include volunteers who chaperone on overnight field trips, volunteer athletic coaches that are not paid, and vendors.

“We have also added chaperone on a field trip outside of Lee County,” Collins said.

As far as vendors that must have level two clearance are those that come during the day and are not supervised. Collins gave the example of someone working on a fence during school hours when kids are on campus and present.

The initial fingerprinting will be at the volunteers’ own expense, which runs about $84 for the charter system.

“When you think about all the volunteers that we have, we cannot take on that expense to pay $84 for everyone,” Collins said. “These are just for changes when

Superintendent Jacquelin Collins said Sen. Bill 676 requires volunteers who will be alone with students at any time now undergo the screening. Those affected include volunteers who chaperone on overnight field trips, volunteer athletic coaches that are not paid, and vendors.

there could be a volunteer potentially alone with a student away from the eyes of an employee — that is a level two.”

She said, unfortunately, that is the day and age in which we live.

“We don’t want to take any chances and it’s statute right now,” Collins said.

The School District of Lee County will begin this practice on Jan. 1. A level two clearance is required – fingerprinting – to conduct a state and national background clearance. Those level two volunteers would be chaperoning field trips, mentoring, transporting students in a vehicle without a school district employee present and volunteer athletic coaches.

Collins said once the fingerprinting is done it is good for five years. She said when a recheck is done, the charter system will pay for the cost because the fingerprints are already in the database.

“It takes at least a good month,” Collins said of the fingerprinting process. “We already sent the packet out. Parents know

what to do, where to go, who to contact.”

There were many questions from the municipal board, as the cost might deter volunteers, and the process might limit how many volunteers will be available for the overnight trips.

“Let us roll it out and see how it goes,” Collins said. “For athletic coaches, the teams are going to try to cover the cost of the athletic coaches.”

The Tuesday night meeting also touched upon safety within the Oasis Charter System. Collins said on Sept. 1, they must submit their safety assessment tool – 135 pages that identifies the review of potential threats, vulnerabilities and the placement of safety controls.

“A lot of the issues we always state on the form no longer exist,” Collins said, such as fencing, lighting and other security measures.

Part of the documents is identifying and prioritizing hardening of the city system’s four schools. Some that were added

in the report include backup power, permitter surveillance, transportation security measures, security personnel, lighting, cameras, monitoring of the grounds, camera systems and written documentation of a reunification plan.

Collins said they receive TAPS grant funding every year, which helps in the implementation of hardening techniques.

If they do receive the grant funding this year, they would like to spend the money on cement pilings for the back of the Oasis South Elementary School campus to protect students as they exit the car and walk on the sidewalk. The pilings will prevent cars from being able to pull on the sidewalk where students walk.

In addition, Collins said they would like to add ballistic glass film to the front office windows and doors. In addition, ballistic glass film will be added to the high school front glass doors and lobby for the wall-to-wall glass doors and windows.

They are in the process of finishing locking mechanisms on doors at Oasis North Elementary School, a safety measure they took on with the TAPS grant funding for 2024.

“We are in a very good place as far as safety and security and hardening goes,” Collins said.

Walker Farms keeps local bees hard at work

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

Allen Walker and his wife Joyce own Walker Farms in North Fort Myers.

They have been in the same location for 55 years, since 1970, Walker said, adding that his family had moved to Alva back in 1889 and that he has had bees since he was 13.

He explained that his life has encompassed many things along the way to the journey that led him to today, including having been in the army as a young man.

He said, there was never some mysterious brand of intuition that led him to a life that would be driven by the ecology of bees, but rather he just got to a certain point where he knew this would be what he’d do with his life.

Based on his aesthetically pleasing country store and ‘Welcome to our honey’ house sign out front, it’s easy to see why he never argued with what turned out to be his fate.

When it came to having been taught about bees, Walker was self-taught.

“Basically, there was an old man named Harry Hill — I bought two bee hives from him for $5 a piece when I was a boy — he knew a little bit about it, but when I wanted to do something, I’d just do it,” Walker said.

In the process of learning all he would need to know about bees, he turned to books, which is where he learned how to raise queens, graft eggs and many other things he’d need, he said.

Over a half century of familiarity with this species has allowed Walker an intimate knowledge about bees. In his opinion, we are losing bees, which is a very necessary resource and at a rapid rate.

“It’s just the way the world is running now. All the bug sprays — it’s terrible, the way we’re just encroaching on the wildlife and all the wild places. We’re getting rid of a lot and we’re shrinking the animal world. It’s all about money. We cannot survive in this world without something to pollinate and the number one pollinator is bees,” Walker said.

He went on to explain how, in his opinion, money has been a continuous driving force behind the obliteration of many

and

different kinds of animals and their many habitats, including bees.

At Walker Farms, they have a different philosophy.

The honey and all products is all natural.

The honey is processed on the premises in his own processing room.

“Most of the honey in the world comes from some big producers and is controlled by the government. One of the biggest honey producers in the world is China and it’s got more crud in it than you can imagine — sugars, syrups — all kinds of stuff,” Walker said.

Some of the biggest companies we have today, are buying less expensive honey, he said, just to save a few bucks.

“Not from me. You won’t get that here. My experience is, if you want the best honey, buy local, unfiltered, uncooked, unblended, unprocessed honey from whomever it may be,” Walker said.

Walker Farms is at 6251 Bee Charmer Lane in North Fort Myers. For additional information, visit www.walkerfarms. honey.com

PAULETTE LEBLANC

Allen Walker, above,

a “Welcome to the Honey House,” right, at Walker Farms on Bee Charmer Lane in North Fort Myers.

City approves ‘more flexible’ plan for Seven Islands

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council approved modifications to the development plans for the Seven Islands project Wednesday night.

Principal planner Chad Boyko said Ordinance 46-25 is a city-initiated text change for the Seven Islands Sub-District, adopted 10 years ago to address how the development was to occur.

The changes include the removal of the cap on non-residential square footage, removal of references to the Planned

The changes will allow for more flexibility and more potential commercial space with the removal of the non-residential cap and the mix of uses will still be developed, but may not include a mixed-use building, principal planner Chad Boyko said.

Development Project, the elimination of the requirement for mixed-use development and the removal of legal description from the sub-district language.

The ordinance includes the allowance

for a maximum of 995 dwelling units, and the removal of 110,000 square feet of non-residential and replacing it with “an FAR of 1.0 for non-residential development,” and a hotel of no more than 240

units.

It also states “a mix of residential and non-residential uses is required within the Seven Islands Sub-District.

The changes will allow for more flexibility and more potential commercial space with the removal of the non-residential cap and the mix of uses will still be developed, but may not include a mixed-use building, Boyko said.

The text amendment will now be transmitted to the state for approval.

Editorial: City Council can make public records more accessible

From page 4

Statute 119 defines public records as “all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency.”

Chapter 119 provides for what should be ready access, that “Every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records.”

Summed up simply, anyone can request a copy of, or access to, any record, which must be produced in a timely fashion unless the custodian contends the record, or a portion of the record, is exempt. In that case, the custodian needs to provide the

statutory exemption in writing.

Government, being government, has, of course made things progressively more complicated with procedures and policies, and computations for the time it takes to traverse their increasingly cumbersome retrieval processes to “find” and produce records.

This not only costs the public time, but money, because in the public records retrieval world time is, in fact money — money the public has to pay for anything that takes staff more than an hour to find and often, to read for possible redactions.

Here is where the public can benefit from the new policy of funneling council-related records through the city attorney’s office.

The city attorney is a contract employee who works directly for city council, unlike the city clerk, who works for the city manager and so is not under council’s control when it comes to operations.

The change means that council can — and should — develop a policy of ultimate

transparency:

Immediately and short-term: Adopt a policy specifically for “council documents.” Define “reasonable amount of time” for routine records requests and hold the city attorney accountable for timely production.

We should not have to point out that the public should be the chief beneficiary of the internal change to the city’s public records production process. Looping in the busy-busy-busy city attorney’s office should be neither an impediment to timely production of records — often problematic in Cape Coral — or an extra cost due to “legal review” or additional monetization of the process.

Short-term to long-term: Post all Council-related records online.

Yes, all. Council sets policy and this should be city policy.

Start with documents— all documents — related to agenda items.

Recent cases in point: It is ridiculous that it takes a public records request to

obtain the individual council evaluations of the city manager and the city attorney, which took The Breeze more than a week to obtain although the records were, literally, at his fingertips.

Next, the state’s various Clerks of the Court — who are the custodians for some of the most sensitive of public records — have paved the path for online posting.

The technology and the processes are existent, are proven and are cost-efficient as on-line retrieval eliminates the need for staff time.

Run a report on which records are requested the most and get them up and accessible because, why not?

Council, to the member, says it favors transparency.

Here is not only an opportunity, but a best-practices opportunity handed to it by staff.

We urge council to take it and make it its own.

— Breeze

editorial

How assessments are levied can vary

Dear Mr. Feichthaler:

My husband and I bought the empty lot next door to our homestead property. We added it as a contiguous property to our lot and were able to homestead it. The county told us we could homestead it with a separate lot since it is next to our lot or merge it into our lot. We chose the former to make it easier if we decided to sell. The homestead office said that we should only have one fire assessment. The Cape Coral assessment office admitted that homesteads only get one fire assessment, but gave us two because we have two lots under our homestead. Who is correct?

- Anne K

Dear Anne:

Real Estate Law

Many cities in Florida, including Cape Coral, have a policy to diversify their income streams. The primary reason Cape Coral began to charge more through assessments was to avoid the potential of reaching the constitutional cap on millage rate, which is 10 mills, or 1 %, of property value. From a political perspective, it also allows the city to claim it “cut your tax rate”, while actually increasing taxes.

Besides the well-known water and sewer assessments, the city typically collects three assessments per home: Solid Waste, Stormwater, and Fire Assessment. So, what happens when you add a vacant lot next door? Solid waste assessments are only charged to homeowners, not vacant lot owners, so your garbage fees should not be impacted by the addition.

Stormwater assessments, which are collected to help maintain the city’s swales, culverts, and canals, are charged based on the number of “equivalent residential units”, whether there is a home or not. If you have two standard 10,000 square foot properties, the charge this year will be $149 each. The combining of the two parcels will not change the size of the properties, so this charge will also not be impacted by the combination of the properties.

As noted above, the Fire Services Assessment began after I left office to help the city capture about 70% of the cost of fire services in the city. The rate is charged in two portions – every parcel, including vacant lots, are charged a fee of $278.84. Then, additional charges are then added for developed properties, based on their value. So, to your question, what happens when you merge a developed property with a non-developed property? Should there be one or two “base rates” of $278.84 charged?

The answer is, the “per parcel” charge, which would be two as separate parcels, will now be charged only one time once the two properties are part of the same “STRAP”, or parcel ID number. However, there is a twist to this that may impact you. The city begins its process on assessing properties in advance of the actual bills being sent, and July 31st is the cutoff for purposes of determining parcels. If you merged your properties and the combination was effective after July 31, you will still be charged for two base rates for the coming year.

Depending on when your combination was effective, you may want to contact the city’s billing services department to confirm the above rule, and to make a revision if one fee should have been charged this year. Good luck!

This column was previously published September 18th 2024.

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

A plaid sports jacket, a cigar and a bad toupee

One might ask what a plaid sports jacket, a cigar and a bad toupee from this week’s headline has to do with a Cape Coral real estate column? It actually has to do with my first memory about real estate when I was a little kid growing up in New England. It was back in the early 1960s and my parents were planning for a week-long family summer vacation in Cape Cod. Armed with only a folded paper map, my dad loaded up the station wagon for an out-ofseason family road trip to the Cape to try to find a suitable rental cottage for a week that July. Eventually, we came across an open real estate office that handled summer rentals and we walked in, only to be greeted by a cigar smoking rental salesperson with a bushy mustache wearing a plaid sports jacket, and what even I could recognize as a really bad looking toupee. After a brief conversation, he grabbed a set of house keys telling us to follow him because he had “a helluva cottage that would be perfect for us!”

After a short drive, we arrived at the cottage and the agent was right about one thing, it was “a helluva cottage,” only in the complete opposite sense of what he tried to portray to my parents. As we got back into the station wagon, disappointed, I remember asking my dad, “Does that guy actually think anyone will believe what he tells them?” My dad just chuckled at my observation and my new found lesson in life. The phrase “helluva cottage” became a longtime inside joke in our family to describe future such encounters.

Why do I bring up that story from my past? Because grasping the realities of the current real estate market, especially for sellers, is critical in whether or not they will be successful in getting their homes sold. In a market where so many sellers “want to believe” and “want someone to tell them what they want to hear,” actually hearing the truth about what is happening to the vast majority of sellers is one of the most important components involved in developing a realistic strategy for getting a home sold. For a seller, having a clear understanding of the market from a buyer’s perspective is really important, even though it will be unlikely to fit the seller’s narrative. Basically, sellers should be on the lookout for plaid sports jackets, cigars, bushy mustaches and bad toupees, and someone telling them that they have “a helluva of house” that is immune from the realities of our current market.

The truth is every Realtor, including us and any other Realtor you talk to that has been doing any level of business with sellers over the past three years, has some nightmarish listing experiences in their books of business. Despite what a Realtor might tell you about how much better their marketing plan is than any other Realtor on the face of the earth, we are in a “Show me the man, and I’ll show you the crime” plaid sports jacket and bad toupee type of market. At the same time, we do not discount the importance of a good marketing strategy when it comes to selling a home, but you could have a $100,000 advertising and marketing budget for your home, and if you are not priced properly to the market, your home is not going to sell. Buyers generally have a pretty good grasp about the current market and are informed enough to not buy a home based on a listing agent’s “great marketing plan.” They will, however, buy your home at “the right price.”

compared to the overly enhanced photos. Or we uncovered some other unexpected issues with the home or the neighborhood that eliminated the home from their list.

One of the interesting things about the process was how desperate some of the listing agents and sellers were to get any kind of an offer, to the point one could “smell” the desperation. The amount of some of the price reductions made by a lot of these sellers in an attempt to attract a buyer was nothing short of stunning. One of our buyers just closed on a new construction spec home in a gated community in Estero and the builder incentives were incredible. This type of anecdotal “on the ground” information is really important for other sellers to grasp when analyzing why their home has not been sold.

Current

number of active listings

As of Tuesday, Sept. 16, there were 2,468 Cape Coral single-family homes listed for sale in the MLS at list prices ranging from $194,700 to $8.9 million, and the median list price came in at $465,000. About a month ago on Aug. 12, there were 2,729 homes listed for sale, with the decline in the number of homes on the market driven by a combination of sellers taking their homes off of the market and a recent bump up in homes going under contract with buyers. This increase in pending sales, discussed below, is from a combination of sellers reducing their list prices and the recent drop in mortgage rates to their lowest level in the past year. There are currently 1,194 homes on the market in the Cape at list prices of $450,000 and under, down from 1,305 homes a month ago. And we now have 227 homes on the market at list prices of $1 million and above, down from 259 such listings a month ago.

Here is part of the problem. Right now, we continue to have an oversupply of overpriced homes that stand no chance of being sold at their current list prices, and a short supply of homes that are “reasonably priced” to the current market, which will end up attracting a buyer. That said, we are also seeing a lot of situations where even the “reasonably priced” homes end up needing to get below what appeared to be the “reasonable price” in order to get them sold. We are also seeing some sellers “taking a hit” to make repairs after the buyer’s home inspection in order to keep the deal together. We are basing all of this on the facts we are personally seeing in the market, along with from conversations we have on a regular basis with other Realtors. We are also basing this on the “fact checking” we do when we see some Realtors making various claims in their advertising. The embellishments and omissions give me flashbacks to the plaid sports jacket-wearing, cigar-smoking guy with the bad toupee. Again, the truth is that every Realtor who has been doing any level of business in our market over the past three years has some listing nightmares in their book of business.

Also, based on the very recent “market intelligence” we have gathered from working with multiple buyers, the single overriding factor in their decision making was price and value compared to the market. As is often the case, buyers quickly learned and confirmed that they could not necessarily trust the “marketing” provided by some of the listing agents on the homes they wanted to look at in person. On multiple occasions, based on the listing photos, videos and property descriptions through the MLS and in various real estate websites, our buyers went into the showing appointment prepared to make an offer, only to be disappointed at how the home actually looked in person

Current number of pending home sales

As of Tuesday, Sept. 16, there were 614 Cape Coral single-family homes under contract with buyers as pending sales at prices ranging from $169,900 to $3.895 million, and the median pending sales price was $386,660. About a month ago on Aug. 12, there were 582 pending home sales in the Cape, and the median pending sales price was at $375,000. So there has been some recent positive movement with pending sales. Right now a total of 18 homes are under contract at $1 million and above, up from 15 homes a month ago, and there are 405 pending home sales in the Cape at $450,000 and under, up slightly from 400 homes at $450,000 and under a month ago.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of Sept. 16, 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

METJAHIC EDIN & DIANE FL INNOVATION KITCHEN CABINETS 5213 SW 25TH PL 9/3/2025 $870,000 ZAPOTICZNY JEANNE M TR GERTIG HANS DIETER TR 2307

Day(s) Date Hours Address

Friday 9/19/2025 11am-2pm 3917 Agualinda Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33914

Friday 9/19/2025 12:30pm-3:30pm 127 SW 54th St, Cape Coral, FL 33914

Friday 9/19/2025 11am-2pm 4418 SW 19th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33914

Saturday 9/20/2025 11am-1pm 1202 SW 11th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33991

Saturday 9/20/2025 11am-2pm 133 Se # 45, Cape Coral, FL 33904

Saturday 9/20/2025 12pm-3pm 2017 SE 17th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33990

Saturday 9/20/2025 11am-1pm 2306 SW 51st St, Cape Coral, FL 33914

Sunday 9/21/2025 11am-1pm 5704 Cape Harbour Dr Apt 305, Cape Coral, FL 33914

Sunday 9/21/2025 12pm-2:30pm 2450 Verdmont Ct, Cape Coral, FL 33991

Price Agent Brokerage

Linnet Miller Sellstate Priority Realty

$809,000 Shirley Ellwood Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group

$609,000 Karin Skala Keller Williams Realty Fort Myers

$665,000 Danene Bazon RE MAX Realty Group

$330,000 Jensen Mondesir Trio Realty Management, Inc

$775,000 Christyna Stires Domainrealty.Com Llc

$930,000 Martin Hawley  Keller Williams Realty Fort Myers

$799,999 Rhonda Keane Milligan Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group

$459,000 Janice Pistorio Coldwell Banker Realty

Sunday 9/21/2025 2pm-4pm 2701 Chiquita Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33914 $474,000 Alex Reiber Starlink Realty, Inc

• Inspiring Exhibits Booths displaying new and fresh ideas for home and outdoor living areas.

• Exclusive Shopping Acces to unique products and great deals!

• See Live Demos on landscaping, design and more DIY projects!

• Expert Seminars on the latest home trends, design, sustainable products and energy-efficient home tips!

Sight-fishing redfish is

You’re new to the Southwest Florida redfish sight-fishing game and during polite conversation about the wrong boat you towed all the way here from Connecticut, your neighbor mentions its Red September to soon be followed by Red October and “they’re biting!”

After asking who’s “they?” Your neighbor politely takes you to school about Southwest Florida fall redfish schooling activity. You’ve now caught the bug and soon you find yourself at the local tackle shop trying to figure out what lure to buy while you overhear some sun-baked fishy-looking types talking about “happy fish,” but you’re reluctant to ask what “happy redfish,” other than the obvious meaning, of what happy means?

Let me help. The experienced anglers were referring to a single, a pod or a whole school of redfish that are bottom feeding with tails in the air breaking the surface of the water, giving away their location and direction of movement with noses down as they vacuum the shallow hunting grounds for anything alive that might pop up out of the grass only to be inhaled in the blink of an eye, as the school moves across a flat.

Redfish are ravenous. To a fat, healthy and ever-growing red, awake means eating time. Sleeping means hours spent dreaming about breakfast. I have caught them on Spam but not on scrapple. I asked at Walmart about scrapple and they directed me to the games department. Confusing.

Soon you’re at the boat dealer trying to sell the wrong boat you towed all the way from Connecticut and the numbers coming out of the dealer’s mouth are hurting your ears but you decide to lick your wounds and make the trade anyway. Now you’re in a brand new, high-tech poling skiff that costs more than your parents’ house backing down the ramp. Mr. Redfish!

Poling a skiff quietly and patiently with the added advantage of height will open up a whole new world for you. You’ll be amazed at the fish you would have never seen using an electric motor and how close you’ll now be able to get to them.

If you see someone poling a boat in skinny water following a school of fish, please use common sense and courtesy – give them plenty of room. Go out and around.

Tide CharT

September 19, 2025

PreP rePorT

Tuesday

Volleyball

Oasis 3, Cypress Lake 0: Tessa Bexfield had 10 kills and 10 assists, while Emma Brown made 8 digs as the Sharks (9-1) rolled past the Panthers, 25-21,25-10, 2518.

Bishop Verot 3, St. John Neumann 2: In the Private 8 Conference Tournament, the Vikings (12-3) had to go the distance to down Neumann (11-4), 25-2, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25,15-7.

Island Coast 3, South Fort Myers 1: Down 1-0, the Gators (4-5) took the next three games to win, 14-25, 2520, 25-13, 25-19.

North Fort Myers 3, Bonita Springs 0: Anna Byrne had 8 kills and 14 digs as the Red Knights won by scores of 25-15, 25-9, 25-19. Aliyah Santiago made 29 assists and 13 digs, while Harley Mendez added 10 digs.

Mariner 3, Cape Coral 1: Jayda Hutchins had 12 kills for the Tritons (5-4) and Calleigh Buzard had four service aces in a 23-25, 25-21, 25-11, 29-27 victory against the Seahawks (6-7).

Boys Golf

Mariner 191, Gateway 192 At Westminster Golf Course

Par 36

Mariner: Trenton Taylor 46, Gavin June 48, Rudy Lopez 48, Justin Medero 49, Jack Jamison 59.

Gateway: Beau Rassatt 39, Jacob Steuber 50, Felix Flores 51, Braden Van Klingeren 52, Brock Schmidt 56.

Riverdale 194, Cape Coral 251 At River Hall Country Club

Par 36

Riverdale: Jacob Timmerman 43, Blake Mashurn 49, Logan McNabb 50, Garrett Times 52, Youri Long 53.

Cape Coral: Steven Bobovnik 48, Cooper Moore 66, Julien Jordan 68, Aidyn Anderson 69.

Girls Golf

Mariner vs. Gateway, NTS At Westminster Golf Course Par 36

Mariner: Kelsi Longabardi 65, Gateway: Sarah Yohros 67, Teagan Ausman 69, Madison Gallant 70,

North Fort Myers 236, Ida Baker NTS At Palmetto-Pine Country Club Par 36

Ida Baker: Alyssa Houck 62, Aiddison Anastasio 63, Aubrey Williams 67, Delilah Varner 74, Kaiden Nealiegh DNF.

North Fort Myers: Sydney Caldwell 50, Kylie Sousa 61, Lucy Molloy 61, ,Abigail Holthaus 64

Riverdale v Cape Coral, NTS At Cape Royal Golf Club Par 36

Riverdale: Ava Smith 54, Ella McNulty 57, Ryann Yeo 57.

Cape Coral: Leelani Maldonado 54, Teegan Nichols 56, Ruiqui Jiang 62

Boys Bowling

Bishop Verot 3, Bonita Springs 0: No details available.

North Fort Myers 3, Ida Baker 1: For the Bulldogs, Dustin Brown rolled a 178 game.

Girls Bowling

Ida Baker d. North Fort Myers: Kaylee Marburger’s 151 led the Bulldogs as Ida Baker improved to 8-0 this season.

Bonita Springs 3, Bishop Verot 0: Mia Brooks rolled a 169 for the Vikings.

Girls Swimming Cape Coral 98, Fort Myers 59

200 Medley Relay: Cape Coral 1:56.96. 200 Free: L. Valera (FM) 2:01.08, 200 IM:  T. Tedhams (CC) 2:20.29, 50 Free: D. Franklyn (CC) 25.80, Diving: C. Best (CC) 88.60, 100 Fly: I. Figueroa (CC) 1:03.88, 100 Free: E. Scribner (CC) 56.44,

On the run ...

Above, Cape High running back Caleb Cobb (26) sprints away from Island Coast linebacker Kayden Davis (3) and heads up field in the Seahawks’ 60-6 win over the Gators last Friday night. Below, Seahawks’ strong safety Vincent Miranda, right, chases down Gators’ quarterback Terrance Taylor Jr. as he runs for the first down marker.

MARK CLIFFORD

500 Free: E. Correia (FM) 5:32.61, 200 Free Relay: Fort Myers 1:49.16, 100 Back:  A. Figueroa (CC) 1:04.93, 100 Breast: I. Figueroa (CC) 1:17.40, 400 Free Relay: Cape Coral 3:49.07

Cape Coral 98, Bonita Springs 55

200 Medley Relay: Cape Coral 1:56.96, 200 Free: E.Scribner (CC) 2:01.22, 200 IM:  T. Tedhams (CC) 2:20.29, 50’Free: D. Franklyn (CC) 25.80, Diving: C. Best (CC) 88.60, 100 Fly: I. Figueroa (CC) 1:03.88, 100 Free: E. Scribner (CC) 56.44, 500 Free: A. Romine (CC) 5:47.58, 200 Free Relay: Cape Coral 1:49.98, 100 Back:  A. Figueroa (CC) 1:04.93, 100 Breast: I. Figueroa (CC) 1:17.40, 400 Free Relay: Cape Coral 3:49.07

Boys Swimming

Cape Coral 88, Fort Myers 66

200 Medley Relay: Fort Myers 1:50.88, 200 Free: E. Cheney (CC) 2:03.63, 200 IM: R. Chappell (FM) 2:00.32, 50 Free: C. Heredia (CC) 24.72, Diving: R. Rountree (CC) 220.80, 100 Fly:  A. Dugan (CC) 53.57, 100 Free: C. Heredia (CC) 54.77, 500 Free: R. Chappell (FM) 5:00.64, 200 Free Relay: Cape Coral 1:37.19, 100 Back: R. Shapovalov (FM) 55.34, 100 Breast: H. Tedhams (CC) 1:06.82, 400 Free Relay: Fort Myers 3:29.78

Capt. George Tunison

October: Programs, activities set at Cape Coral Lee County Library

From page 20

Children and teens can earn a credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials. Please bring your library card. Please check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

Baby Rhyme Time

9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 14

For babies up to age 18 months. Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment. Space is limited. Arrive early and visit the Youth Desk to pick up a ticket(s) for baby and caregiver. Late entry is not permitted.

STEAM Club

4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9

Be ready for fun experiments and projects as we explore the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). This program is intended for ages 5-11 years. This month’s theme is DIY Mini Golf. Dress for mess. Your registration is only guaranteed until the start of the program. All materials provided.

Family Build It

10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11

For all ages. Drop in for building challenges for the whole family. No registration required. All materials are provided.

Not-So-Scary Storytime

10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18

Join us for some not-so-scary Halloween stories, rhymes and music. Costumes are welcomed. This program is for children ages 2-5 years with a caregiver. Space is limited. Tickets are available 30 minutes before the start of the program at the Youth Desk.

Monster Mash Musical Storytime

10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23

For children through age 5 years. Join us for a monstrously fun storytime with a visit from local musician, Jon Dunnicliff, who will bring the beat to our not-too-scary, monster-themed storytime with live music and interactive songs. This program combines storytelling with rhythm and rhyme to build early literacy skills in a fun and engaging way. Costumes encouraged. No registration required, but space is limited to 40 children, ages through age 5 years with a caregiver. Tickets available 30 minutes before the start of the program.

Boo Bash

10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30

For children through age 5 years. Putt, play and craft the morning away. Preschoolers can test their skills on our mini golf course and get creative with Halloween crafts. Babies can explore their own special play zone. Costumes encouraged. No registration is required. All sup-

plies are available while they last.

Teen Programs Pokémon Meet-Up

4:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2

For ages 10-15 years. Level up your afternoon with a Pokémon meet-up packed with trading, battling and connecting with other fans. Registration is required and is only guaranteed until the start of the program. All materials and snacks provided, while supplies last. This program is intended for ages 10-15 years to attend independently while caregivers wait nearby. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed during the program. Registration is required.

Kids Read Down Fines

1–2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4

5:15–6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15

Children and teens can earn a credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials. Please bring your library card. Please check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

Family Build It

10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11

For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. No registration required. All materials are provided.

Haunted Teen Thursday 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16

For ages 11-18 years. Dare to design a haunted house mini golf course. Teens will work together to construct a spooky, glowin-the-dark golf course based on various haunted house themes. Once the course is complete, it’s time to face the frights - if you’re brave enough! No registration required. All supplies and snacks provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-18 years to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.

Haunted Southwest Florida 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27

Join Christopher Balzano as he discusses his newest book, “Haunted Southwest Florida.” A writer, researcher, folklorist and current host of the podcast “Tripping on Legends,” he has been documenting the unexplained since 1994. Registration is required.

The Cape Coral Lee County Public Library is located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace in Cape Coral. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at (239) 533-4500. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www. leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at (239) 479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.

Sight-fishing redfish: Learning the game is part of the challenge and fun

From page 38

If you can, plan your redfish sight-fishing trip on an early morning low incoming tide and search the water’s surface for low water tails while practicing with that new push-pole. Practice side arm or skip casting to get far back under structures. Practice accurate “pitchin’” techniques to pick apart docks and downed trees. Reds love flies so learn to fly fish — it’s easy! In your tackle selection, be sure to have at least one 8-foot medium action rod and quality reel spooled with 12 to 15-pound test line. With this long rig you can cast tremendous distances with surface plugs and spoons covering lots of water when

search casting or when casting to a spotted school a little far out of range of shorter tackle.

Bring at least one fly rod, maybe an 8 or 9-weight, although a 12-pound red on a 6-weight rod is big fun. Reds love big surface poppers, so bring an assortment of big bugs, also keel flies and Clouser’s for subsurface work.

Experienced anglers know that the redfish’s nose can smell food a mile away. Quietly anchor or stake out on a flat and put out dead or live baits around the boat. Have patience. Keep quiet. No customers? Move on then set up shop again at your next “hot spot.”

When fishing mangroves, get your

Vanilla production: In Florida?

From page 18

can be identified. Fortunately, vanilla orchids require very little space to grow and will flourish on tropical fruit or avocado trees. Around 1,000 plants can be grown on an acre of land, and vanilla orchids can also be grown in shade-house cultivation environments.

The tremendous value of vanilla, coupled with the continuing difficulties in transporting and processing vanilla beans in leading production locations such as Madagascar, has caused Florida growers to seriously evaluate the possibility of vanilla orchid production.

Because southern Florida is one of only a few locations in the U.S. with conditions to favorably grow vanilla orchids on a

commercial scale, the public and private sectors have joined forces to determine how to reliably establish vanilla orchids as a crop. With the assistance of Dr. Wu and the University of Florida, scientists and volunteer residents have begun growing vanilla orchids to evaluate their growth patterns and sustainability. It’s an exciting prospect for Florida farmers who are looking for a new crop that has a high yield, low growing density and reliable profitability!

Cathy Dunn is president of the James E. Hendry Hibiscus Chapter, a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and Garden Club of Cape Coral Member. Visit www. gardenclubofcapecoral.com. Like us on our Facebook page!

Vehicle burglaries: Two arrested

From page 17

“A search of (the 16-year-old) revealed a loaded pistol in his waistband, and the stolen speaker was recovered and returned to the victim,” CCPD’s release stated.

This case is still under investigation.

“The Cape Coral Police Department reminds you to always lock your vehicles,

remove valuables, and report suspicious activity immediately. In this case, the quick actions of an alert resident and the rapid response of officers led to a quick arrest of the two suspects,” CCPD officials stated. As of Thursday afternoon, Prestol was still in custody at Lee County Jail with bond set at $2,500.

baits as far back and under the limbs as you can but don’t let the fish take you too far back under the sticks or it’s game-over quickly.

Sight-fishing fall reds is often challenging but rewarding top-notch angling fun.

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.

Cape Coral animal Shelter

Looking for a loving home

Dudley is a 1 to 3-year-old male. He is a medium-sized, scruffy guy with one ear that stands at attention and one that… well, does its own thing. He calls it his “signature look.” Dudley is a friendly, goofy and always ready for belly rubs. Adopt him, and you’ll be perfectly matched together!

Taylor Kelce (Pye Tu) is a 5 to 7-year-old female. She is a gorgeous long-haired seal point who loves people, attention, and… O.K., fine, treats. Maybe a few too many treats, which is why she is currently on a “get my

runway body back” plan. Don’t worry — she fully intends to be beautiful and beach-ready by summer. If you’re looking for a stunning, affectionate cat with a little extra fluff (for now), she’s your girl.

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter is located at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, and hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Please call 239-573-2002 for additional information about these adoptables or others.

Dudley Taylor Kelce

Breeze

Athletes of the Week

(Selected by The

Cape Coral

Breeze Sports Staff)

Religious

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, honored, loved, and praised throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us. Holy Mother of God pray for us. St. Jude helper of the sick pray for us. St. Teresa of the child Jesus pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us. St. Jude helper of miracles pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day for nine days. Leave a copy in the church each day. By the eighth day your prayer will be granted. Never was it known to fail.

Help Wanted

Person knowledgeable on internet. Can work from home and / or personal assistant. Seniors welcome. 239-283-8920 or 239-478-4119

Work and live rent free on Beautiful Fort Myers Beach

Maintenance and Property Manager

Full-Time | On-site at Sunset Condominium a 66-unit building

Salary and benefits - plus a fully updated two-bedroom, 2 bath onsite stand-alone residence, including utilities, is provided in addition to the compensation package. 7.5-hour day shift; possible weekends and evenings as needed.

On-site Maintenance & Property Manager - this role requires someone who takes pride in being dependable, solutions-focused, and hands-on with day-to-day maintenance. You will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and smooth operation of the residential building, amenities (including pool), shared spaces, and your own on-site manager’s residence and office. Key Responsibilities:

z Perform daily and preventative maintenance, repairs and inspections

z Coordinate with outside vendors

z Manage work orders, track inventory, maintain digital records

z Monitoring the property to ensure adherence to condominium rules

z Communicate professionally with residents, guests, vendors, and the board of directors

Who You Are:

z Skilled in basic electrical, plumbing, painting, and carpentry work

z Knowledgeable in building systems - construction background is an asset

z Organized and proactive, with strong time management skills

z Strong understanding of safety codes and ADA requirements

z Self starter and problem solver

z Someone who thrives in an environment where approachability, reliability, communication, professionalism and accountability matter Requirements:

z High school diploma or GED

z CAM license preferred (or willingness to obtain/tuition refund)

z OSHA training required at hiring if not previously completed

z Experience – minimum 5 years in maintenance, facilities or operations preferably in a residential community (or equivalent)

z Valid Florida driver’s license

z Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors

z Computer skills such as email, MS Office, digital records

If you’re ready to bring a high standard of maintenance excellence to a beachfront property you can call home — we want to hear from you.

To Apply: Submit your resume through the “contact us” tab at the top of the Sunset website. www.sunsetcondominium.com

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

CallingCrafter&Vendors

BuccaneerEstates FALLFESTIVALCRAFTSHOW Sat10/188AM-3PM SpaceStillAvailable FormoreinfocallSueHeld 239-776-0418

REDBARN

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Besuretoseethephotos! Pictures: facebook.com/RedBarnCapeCoral

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Seasonal Rentals

Studio Efficiency Apartment, furnished, on 6 acre organic grove, in peaceful environment on Pine Island (in Bokeelia, FL 33922), sea-

Rooms For Rent

Painting

FredásFinestPainting

Obituaries

Cape Coral Cape Coral

Philip Arthur Czerwinski

CZERWINSKI, PHILIP ARTHUR, 92, of North Fort Myers, FL, beloved husband of the late Katherine (Miceli) Czerwinski, passed peacefully into the loving embrace of The Lord on September 1, 2025. Loving father to Michael Czerwinski, Philip Allen Czerwinski, Jeffrey W. Czerwinski and Pamela (Czerwinski) Cotillo. Fond grandfather of Nicole DeCaprio, Stephanie Cotillo, Daniel Czerwinski, Alexandra (Cody) Lesh, Taylor Czerwinski and Hallie Czerwinski. Great Grandfather of Aurora Dalziel and Cole Starbird. Loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews, Beverly (John) Adamski, Barbara (Otis) Lipps, Tina (Paul) Landelius, Guy Miceli, Pete (Molly) Miceli, Donna (Mark Gudanick), Gary Russell, Jeanie (Dave) Berry, David Zerwin, Susan (Gary) Raines, Thomas Czerwinski and Julie (Dale) Dean and many others.

Born in Chicago on the 17th of September 1932, to Vincent and Anna (Lewicki) Czerwinski, Chicago, Cook Co., IL . He is preceded in death by his siblings Bernadine CZERWINSKI Russell (1929-2018) and Raymond Czerwinski (1931-1980) and nephews Mark Russell and Tim Russell and niece Carol (Russell) Beasley.

Phil graduated from Kelly High School in Chicago, Class of 1950 where he actively participated in The Kelley Honor Society, Football, Internal Sports and Baseball Club. He was an avid Chicago Bears Fan and loved watching professional football. He enjoyed playing cards. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle and will be sorely missed.

In 1951 he joined others at Great Lakes Naval Base, Branch Marines. He was a proud veteran and served on Active Duty during the Korean War from February 7, 1951 to February 6, 1954. Served in Sub Unit #1, 6th Marine, 2nd Marine Division Fleet Marine Force. He was last stationed and discharged at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina and was given the National Defense Ribbon.

Phil was an accountant for most of his professional career and worked for Walworth & Co., Rheem and Jack Rubin & Sons in Chicago. He later worked at Ruck Brothers Brick in Ft. Myers Florida. He met his future wife Katherine Miceli while both worked at Walworth and they were married on March 22, 1957 in Chicago. Together they raised 4 children in the Chicagoland area before (semi) retiring to Cape Coral, FL in 1987.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday September 21, 2025, from 1 to 3 PM at Pine Lakes Clubhouse 10200 Pine Lakes Blvd, North Fort Myers, Phil and Katherine’s cremains will be interred together at the National Cemetery in Bushnell Florida at a future date.

Death Notices

Cape Coral

Melvin Guillaume Dupuis, 86 of Cape Coral, passed away on September 6, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Solveig Angeline Wilde, 74, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on September 13, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www. fullermetz.com

Joseph Victor Ciculli, 84, of Cape Coral, Florida, passed away Friday, September 5, 2025 in Cape Coral. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Slava Yaacobov, 89, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on September 7, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz.com

Anna R. Proia, 89, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on September 11, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Service. www.fullermetz.com

Richard William Roessler, 85 of Cape Coral, passed away on September 10, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

George Lawrence Sylvia, 78 of Cape Coral, passed away on September 11, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Rosemarie Vollmer, 85 of Cape Coral, passed away on September 3, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.

Fort Myers

George Patrick Wentt, 80, of Fort Myers FL, passed away September 9, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Thomas Francis O’Connor Sr.

On Tuesday, September 9th, surrounded by the love of his family, Thomas Francis O’Connor Sr., 93, closed his eyes on this Earth and opened them in Eternity.

Born August 6, 1932, in Holyoke Massachusetts, Thomas was the second of six children born to Catherine (nee O’Sullivan) and Maurice O’Connor both of whom hailed from County Kerry, Ireland. Raised in a devoutly Catholic household, his childhood was spent in Brooklyn, NY and later Jackson Heights in Queens. An exceptionally hard worker from the start, little Tommy first embraced his entrepreneurial spirit by purchasing shopping bags for a penny each and selling them for 2Ç to shoppers on the street corner. He used the proceeds of this venture to select and purchase his own First Communion suit.

At the age of 15 (and in a valiant effort to outrun the truant officer) Tom and his buddy Jack McCague hitchhiked out to California, spending 2 years working for a defense plant in Hollywood before returning home to New York. Though previously rejected for trying to enlist while underage, Tom was drafted into the Army and shipped out to serve in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge Tom worked as a longshoreman.

In 1956, life as he knew it was changed. Tom and his best friend Joey made plans to go on a double date—Tom was paired with a blonde, and Joey with a brunette. As they approached the ladies, Tom noticed the brunette’s legs and immediately turned to Joey and said, ‘You take the blonde—I’m going to marry the other one.’ A year later, in June of 1957, Tom and Dorothy ‘Dotti’ Deduytsche were married. After a romantic honeymoon in a lakeside cabin in New Hampshire, they began a life of love and true partnership with the purchase of a small delicatessen in Jackson Heights. While working together and living in the 1-bedroom apartment at the back of the store, they welcomed their first three children, Thomas Jr. in 1958, Judith in 1962, and Mary-Rose in 1964. Having outgrown the apartment, Tom and Dotti moved their young family to a 2-story home where they were then blessed with Denise in 1965 and finally Maurice in 1967. As the neighborhood around them changed, so did the business, and Tom and Dotti set their sights toward a new adventure.

After much prayer and planning, Tom and Dotti sold the store and moved their family to Lee County, Florida in 1970. They purchased a wholesalership with Arnold Bread and for 13 years serviced Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. A team in the truest sense of the word, Tom and Dotti met and overcame every challenge they faced, including the year he was unable to work while suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome which saw Dotti caring for him and their children while running the business on her own. The early years in Florida also saw the forging of lifelong friendships.

Tom sold the wholesalership back to Arnold Bread and ‘retired’ in 1983. He and Dotti travelled extensively in their motor home, typically with their beloved granddaughter Jenn O’Connor (Ortiz) in tow. Never one to be idle for long, Tom educated himself about the stock market and devoted much of his time to volunteer work- providing respite assistance to the homebound of his parish and working as a camp counselor with the MDA summer camp for many years. Devout, lifelong Catholics Tom and Dotti were actively involved in their home parish of St. Andrew in Cape Coral for more than 55 years. As more grandchildren came along, Tom was always willing to look after them. Thus became the start of what was affectionately dubbed ‘Poppy School,’ teaching life lessons and how to put God first all while making memories that cemented his place as a cornerstone of each grandchild’s life. An avid walker, Tom could often be spotted walking on Del Prado or Everest Parkway, often pushing a grandchild in a stroller. He attended daily mass as often as possible and modelled his faith in every aspect of his life. In later years, he and other elderly daily mass gentlemen joined in fellowship in their daily post mass coffee social which later was named the “Coffee Guys”.

Faith, love, and devotion were the defining factors of Tom’s life. His devotion to his wife and family was clear to all who encountered him. He had a personality that was larger than life with a quiet sort of wisdom and was a constant presence of steadfast faith. He had a way of making each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild feel like the most precious person in his world. Inside his wedding band was engraved The two of us and Him. It was a vow he took to heart and the foundation on which his family was built. As Dotti said, ”We were very much blessed with each other.” The Lord truly blessed Tom and in turn, all who met him were blessed by knowing him.

Preceding him in Eternal Reward are his parents, Maurice and Catherine (nee O’Sullivan) O’Connor, siblings, Patrick O’Connor, Maurice O’Connor, and Eileen O’Connor, his beloved daughter, Judith O’Connor King, and grandchildren, Angel Linden and Kelly O’Connor. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dotti, children Thomas O’Connor Jr., Mary-Rose (John) Linden, Denise O’Connnor, and Maurice (Kara) O’Connor, siblings Kathleen O’Connor Beackom and Mary O’Connor Laub, grandchildren Jennifer (Reuben) O’Connor Ortiz, Michael King, Melissa King, Matthew King, Mark King, John (Jenny) Linden, Shawn (Keri) Linden, Ryan (Felicia) Linden, Nicole (Logan) Halprin, Connor (Sara) Linden, Brigette (Tyler) Reeve, Kevin O’Connor, Heather O’Connor, and Brian O’Connor, as well as great-grandchildren Michael, John, Shawn, Connor, Grant, Elaine, Ryan, Linden, Sutton, and Baby Halprin arriving April 2026, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends he considered family.

Please join the family as they celebrate Tom’s life with a Memorial Mass at St. Katherine Drexel in Cape Coral on Wednesday, September 24th at 11:00 a.m. A Committal will be immediately following at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens in the Field of Honor with reception details to follow.

The family respectfully request that no flowers be sent, though gifts made in Tom’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be much appreciated.