This stunning, newly built 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a 3-car garage is perfectly located in the heart of Cape Coral. Designed with an open, airy oor plan, the home is lled with natural light streaming through its expansive windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The spacious living area is ideal for relaxing, entertaining, and hosting gatherings, while the modern kitchen boasts sleek appliances, granite countertops,
Additional highlights include a two-car garage for secure parking and storage, a brand-new Whirlpool washer and dryer, and window coverings scheduled for installation throughout the home. Situated on well and septic, you will also enjoy the added bene t of no monthly water bill. Take in peaceful canal views from your backyard and make the most of the outdoor space this home has to offer. Available for immediate occupancy, this property is ready to welcome its very rst residents.
UEP assessments for North 1 East get nod
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The cost to bring water and sewer services to the next phase of the city of Cape Coral’s utility expansion project will be in excess of $32,000 for a standard residential parcel.
Cape Coral City Council approved the initial assessment resolution for the North
1 East UEP Wednesday, giving notice to property owners of the coming cost to extend city utilities — potable water, reuse water, and sewer.
The assessment is for the North 1 East Project area – east of Del Prado, south of Kismet Parkway, down to North Pine Island Road — affecting approximately 3,800 parcels.
The pending assessment does not include the cost of connection or the cost of dismantling existing septic tanks or other private devices.
Designs and Construction Manager Bill Corbett said the utility expansion project is responsible for extending water, sewer and irrigation throughout the city through phases that include special assessments and water fees to fund the project.
Popular event returns to the South Cape
outhwest Floridians can rev their engines and prepare for a rip-roaring good time, as a major special event returns to the South Cape this weekend.
Cape Coral Bike Night, which will continue its updated layout, returns to Southeast 47th Terrace Saturday night starting at 5 p.m.
“The city is excited to kick off the event season with Bike Night, which has become a Cape Coral tradition,” said city spokesperson Kaitlyn Mullen. “Bike Night is a great opportunity for residents and Southwest Floridians to enjoy live music, support local vendors, and share their passion for bikes in a vibrant community setting.”
If You Go:
What: Cape Coral Bike Night
When: Saturday, Oct. 11, starting at 5 p.m.
The long-ongoing UEP eliminates the need for individual potable water wells and septic systems, while also improving a reliable quality of service, environmental benefits and extended customer base, officials said.
Today’s Ad Inserts*
Bike parking has moved to a new location dubbed the “Thunder Zone.” Located at 4631 S.E. 10th Place, this premier parking spot in Club Square is the central rally point where all the hottest rides will be showcased. Motorcycle
See BIKE NIGHT, page 22
Where: Club Square, 4631 S.E. 10th Place
More Information: For more information, visit www.ccbikenight.com
By CJ HADDAD news@breezenewspapers.com
Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell, 62, has died following a battle with cancer.
Lee County officials announced his death Thursday afternoon.
He served in District 5 since 2022 after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to fill the vacancy left by the death of Frank Mann, who also died of cancer. Greenwell was reelected in 2024.
“He was a strong advocate for the people and businesses of Lee County and will be remembered for seeking meaning solutions to the challenges his community faced,” a post by Lee County Government on Facebook states.
Greenwell was a popular outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, nicknamed “Gator” and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2008.
He also was a graduate of North Fort Myers High School.
Greenwell previously owned “Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park” in Cape Coral, which opened in 1992. It is now named Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park under new ownership.
“Mike Greenwell has always been a local hero, a hometown boy from North Fort Myers who made it big,” said District 4 County Commissioner Brian Hamman, also in a Facebook post. “After his baseball career, Mike drove race cars and later com-
Mike Greenwell
School board affirms ‘the right of parents’ to make health care decisions for their kids
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Lee County parents can decide what vaccines, if any, their school-age children will receive.
The Lee County School Board adopted a resolution Tuesday that proponents say further supports parental rights concerning medical decisions.
The resolution, brought forward by Board member Armor Persons, received both support and opposition from both the board and community.
The resolution states that parents can determine, with consultation of health care providers, the course of action they believe is best for their children.
Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said the resolution affirms parental rights with language that says they should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss what is in the best interest of their child.
Lee County School Board resolution, in part:
WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature enacted the Parents’ Bill of Rights, codified in Fla. Stat. Chapter 1014, which provides that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of their minor children is a fundamental right;
WHEREAS, the Parents’ Bill of Rights further requires that government entities “may not infringe on the fundamental rights of a parent… without demonstrating that such action is reasonable and necessary to achieve a compelling state interest and that such action is narrowly tailored and not otherwise served by a less restrictive means” (Fla. Stat. §1014.03); ....
WHEREAS, aligning Florida’s education and health statutes with the Parents’ Bill of Rights would reaffirm the Legislature’s intent that parents retain primary decision-making authority for their children’s health care in consultation with licensed medical providers;’
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we affirm the right of parents, consistent with Fla. Stat. Ch. 1014, to determine, in consultation with health care providers, the course of action they believe is best for their children relating to medical care, to include vaccinations.
“The school board really has no standing to dictate law,” she said. “The legislature is going to be reviewing the Department of Health change regulation. This is basically affirming parental rights and we affirm the parent right to consult with a medical provider in terms of the best interest of their child.”
Board member Debbie Jordan voted against the resolution.
“While I appreciate what you have written here — as a parent and grandparent, I have never lost a right. That has been the way it has been my adult life. I always advocated for my children,” Jordan said, adding that the board has always spoke about following the law with parental rights. “You don’t need this. The state has already made it known what parental rights are. All parents have parental rights and parents do have the right to not vaccinate. In my heart, I could not do this.”
Although Board Member Melisa Giovannelli supported the resolution, she shared concern for those students who do not have the guidance.
“Who is going to protect those who don’t have that parental guidance? We know that exists — those students that don’t have an advocate. Anyone that knows their parental rights know they are going to exercise those,” she said.
Those from the community in opposition asked if the district deletes mandatory vaccinations, will they also abandon seat belts for children, or if a student catches a childhood disease that has been eradicated by vaccines comes back and affects older substitute teachers’ ultimate health. Persons read the resolution during the Tuesday night meeting. Verbiage includes that “parents are the primary decision makers regarding health, well-being, and upbringing of their children,” and “the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, healthcare, and mental health of their minor children, is a fundamental right. The government entities may not infringe on the rights of parents.”
Other community members were in favor of giving the parents the ability to make the decision if their child needs a vaccine or not, as one doctor shared there is skepticism on vaccines and its safety because of concerns for long-term health ramifications related to autism and cancer.
“It seems reasonable that parents opt in for vaccines,” Dr. Edward Draus said. “The parents should make the decision and not the district. Removing the mandate is a reasonable measure.”
Persons said the resolution is about parental rights, not about whether or not you are for, or against vac-
“This should be a parent idea, not an institutional idea,” Board member Jada Langford-Fleming said. “This is just like a nonbinding resolution. It’s a formal letter of support to the legislature for parental rights and position of lifting vaccine mandates. I do believe that parents have the final say and they do know what is best for their child.”
Board member Vanessa Chaviano agreed that she believes a child’s health is a parent and family decision.
“It is our message on where we stand, but nothing changes tomorrow unless legislation changes,” she said. “We still have to comply with the current law. The law still states there are mandates.”
OpiniOns
cape cOral breeze
RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE, Publisher
VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor
CHRIS STRINE, Editor
2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904
• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693
Member Florida Press Association
Always: Embracing local journalism
National Newspaper Week wraps up Saturday with, no doubt, a typical end-of-week collective sigh by those of us working a beat.
Our numbers have dwindled — an 80% decline from 800,000-plus newsroom jobs in 1990 to around 86,000 in mid-2025, according to ReportEarth — but still, papers not only continue to be published but websites are now “populated” with news as its happens.
The job may sometimes remind those of us still standing of the curse “may you live in interesting times,” but mostly — almost always, in fact— markers like National Newspaper Week remind us of why we chose the profession and why we stay.
The theme of National Newspaper Week 2025 is “Embracing Local Journalism for a Better Future.”
“Local journalism is the heartbeat of informed communities,” the event website states. “It brings stories to light that national outlets often overlook—stories about school board decisions, city council debates, neighborhood events, and local heroes. In a world increasingly shaped by global headlines and social media noise, reconnecting with local news is vital for civic engagement, accountability, and community resilience.”
Here at The Breeze, we not only agree, we embrace the philosophy that local news matters — matters to our community, matters to those of us who live and work here.
Local journalism — community journalism — is not only the focus, it is the mission of the Breeze Newspapers: We strive “To be the primary provider of news and information to the communities we serve.”
What is community journalism?
It’s today’s Breeze:
The “big stories” of the pending Utility Expansion Project assessments and the recommended firing of teachers for remarks allegedly made in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death. It’s the upcoming first Bike Night of the season, Police Night Out, the South Cape Halloween fes-
See EDITORIAL, page 37
This week’s poll question:
Would you like to see the city of Cape Coral install a landmark flag pole to mark our country’s 250th birthday?
∫ Yes.
∫ No.
∫ Don’t care either way.
Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.
Previous poll question:
What overall evaluation score would you give to the collective Cape Coral City Council?
∫ 5- excellent - 1%
∫ 4- above average - 8%
∫ 3- meets expectations - 18.5%
∫ 2- below average - 33.25%
∫ 1- poor - 39%
* Total votes at press time: 87votes. Percentages are “rounded.”Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.
the breeze
OctOber 10, 2025
LARC invites students to ‘Swing for Inclusion’ at the Fore the Future Youth Golf Challenge
At LARC (Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens), we believe that inclusion begins with opportunity — and sometimes, it starts with a golf swing.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, young golfers across Southwest Florida will gather at The Golf Club at Crown Colony for the Fore the Future Youth Golf Challenge, a first-of-itskind fundraiser designed just for students in grades 1–12. This isn’t just another tournament. It’s a chance for kids to show what leadership, compassion, and inclusion look like in action.
Every putt, drive, and chip played will help change lives. The funds raised by these students will directly support LARC’s programs that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gain skills, secure meaningful work, and live more independently. That means a child’s effort on the course could help someone find their first job, move into their first apartment, or experience belonging in their community.
We’ve designed the event to be as accessible as possible. Golfers don’t need to be pros — just willing to participate. Students are encouraged to raise at least $150, and we provide creative, simple ways to get there: asking
Thoughts on 250-foot flagpole no one is talking about
To the editor:
10 friends for $15, rallying pledges per hole, collecting change, or even mowing lawns and walking dogs for donations. These efforts are as much about learning responsibility and generosity as they are about golf.
And the experience will be memorable: every registered golfer receives lunch, swag, and a special event T-shirt — plus plenty of fun on-course challenges, prizes for top fundraisers, and even a hole-in-one opportunity for a Disney vacation.
This event is more than a day of play; it’s an invitation for our young people to lead. When kids step up, they show us all what’s possible: a Southwest Florida where every person, regardless of ability, belongs.
I invite families, schools, and community partners to help us make this inaugural Youth Golf Challenge a success. Together, we can teach the next generation that giving back is a privilege, and inclusion is a responsibility we all share. Register, sponsor, or learn more at www.larcleecounty. org/events/youthgolfchallenge.
Let’s swing for inclusion—because when our kids lead the way, the future is brighter for everyone.
— Angela Katz is the executive director of LARC.
Letters to the editor
visions is he planning to take the flag down during high winds? Does he ever think that far ahead?
I sent the following to Cape Coral City Council in advance of Wednesday’s meeting:
First of all, spending $500,000 on a vanity project our “illustrious” city manager thinks will attract visitors to the city is misplaced. No one is going to drive 45 minutes to an hour off the interstate to look at a tall flagpole. He anticipates the cost to be $500,000 but I doubt one can be installed for that.
In this Resolution, the City Manager is asking to move the historical monument at the base of the Cape Coral Bridge. Yet another example of the city administration methodically exterminating our history. And what happens if the monument is destroyed while trying to move it? He is essentially asking our rubber-stamp council to give him the go ahead to move the monument with absolutely no dollar amount attached. My guess is he will move the monument Immediately if not sooner, especially if citizens start pushing back on his agenda. He did it with Jaycee Park, sending in demolition crews to destroy what was there and with the Yacht Club by tearing down the community center while people were trying to save it and have it rebuilt.
I researched tall flagpoles and there is a 10% rule for all flagpoles. That means for a 250 foot flagpole, it would have to be installed with 25 feet underground, EMBEDDED IN CONCRETE. Now how will this be accomplished when the water table at Bernice Braden Park is maybe 6-8 feet? Then consider the shipping of this waste of money. What would the cost be to ship a 250-plus flag pole and it would have to be a single piece — not segmented as segmented poles would not survive the high winds we experience here during storms.
The tallest flagpole in the country is in Wisconsin at 400 feet tall. It is embedded in 685 cubic yards of concrete 40 feet underground. Ours would be a project that would inevitably involve the EPA and Florida DEP based on the immediate proximity to the river where HE wants to put it. Apparently, like Jaycee Park and the Yacht Club, the people who pay for everything have no say — they simply ignore us and do whatever the city manager wants.
Then there is the matter of the impact on traffic on Cape Coral Parkway during an installation and it will negatively impact the SlipAway And did he ever consider the noise an approximately 60’ x 80’ flag would make? What pro-
Then there is the matter of the “fundraising.” How is the city manager going to account for and document the donations? Jars in retail establishments would be a recipe for fraud and embezzlement IMHO. Will donations be tax deductible, how will receipts be monitored and recorded? And if funds raised are in excess of the target amount will go where? I know I don’t want the city manger to decide how they would be used. And if the fundraising falls short — then what? We have to pay for it?
Instead of using money for this unnecessary expenditure, why not raise the money and use it for after school activities —like a Boys and Girls Club or a centrally located YMCA? Give the kids somewhere to go after school, especially for families with two working parents. But no. Never do anything for the people--just the developers. The city owns over 1800 properties in the city. PROPERTIES THAT ARE NOT BEING TAXED so I’m sure there are properties that can be used so tax dollars can be collected. But no. That would make sense
I’m probably wasting my time writing this, you never do anything we want and NEVER negotiate with us. COMPROMISE is not in your vocabulary unless, of course, you are a developer. But be advised, blind copies are going to the news outlets so you can’t deny ever receiving this. During the COW when the City Manager brought this idea up, it was rightfully met with ridicule. Yet I have little to no faith you will scrap this ludicrous waste of money at a time you are crying about significant future funding shortages for important things, like infrastructure. You keep approving median beautification projects to the tune of millions, when what we need are not medians but more lanes to handle the intense traffic here in the city. The priorities are messed up.
I doubt many, if any will read this before this afternoon’s meeting. The whole spiel the mayor gives every meeting that if we want answers, just email them. Yeah. No. That doesn’t work. The last three meetings I attended, I emailed all council members, City Manager and City Attorney and in the subject line I put “please acknowledge receipt”. It would take seconds to open the email and hit ‘Reply’. and only ONE council member did that. Whether he read the email or not is unknown, but he took the three second to open the email and hit “Reply.” Guess we aren’t worth a few seconds of their time. That Council member
Angela Katz Guest Commentary
Letters to the editor
was Keith Long. I didn’t expect a response from our City Manager as he clearly stated in a recent meeting that he does not have to respond to emails. That attitude, however, is in direct violation of the city organizational chart that puts the PEOPLE at the top of the chart. I strongly suggest Cape Coral revise their organizational chart and put DEVELOPERS at the top. Maybe they’ll have room to put citizens at the bottom if at all.
Marie Kavanaugh Cape Coral
School district creating a climate of fear
To the editor:
The auditorium was packed for the meeting of the Lee County School Board on Tuesday evening. The Cape High football team — players, parents, coaches — were there in support of former coach Tyler Murphy, who resigned last month after allegations he had sex with the mother of a player. Murphy is now trying to get his job back. The public comment portion of the meeting lasted nearly an hour, with 51 people given one minute each to comment on an issue before the board. Several people spoke, both for and against vaccination mandates, but the majority of speakers were focused on the firing of three teachers for their alleged social media postings in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder.
The district has not released the content of the teacher posts, nor has it explained how the posts came to their attention. Through a reliable source, however, I have seen the posts and can report that it became immediately obvious that many, if not all, of the speakers demanding the firing of the teachers were unfamiliar with the actual content of the posts. The most common accusation was that the teachers celebrated Kirk’s death; other speakers referred to the posts as “hate speech” and others even accused the teachers of inciting violence. These are teachers, not haters; there was no celebration of Kirk’s death in the postings; what the teachers were guilty of was dissent from the MAGA world narrative that Charlie Kirk was an American hero and reverence must be paid.
In a landmark SCOTUS decision, the court said that neither students nor teachers “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” But no right is absolute; because of their professional responsibilities to their students, teachers are correctly held to a higher standard, but conformity to a popular opinion is not the standard. Teachers’ speech is protected if it does not cause disruption to the educational process or to the environment of the school. It is difficult to imagine how these teacher postings about Charlie Kirk would disrupt the educational process of their schools. In my opinion, firing the teachers and forcing their students to be taught by substitute teachers for extended periods of time would be a genuine disruption of the educational process.
Superintendent Denise Carlin insults our intelligence when she claims these teacher firings are not politically motivated. She has been, no doubt, under enormous pressure from the state to make an example of these teachers, but given the gravity of the dangerous precedent she is setting, many of us had hoped she would not give in. These teacher firings have got nothing to do with Charlie Kirk and not much to do with freedom of speech; these firings are about creating a climate of fear, not only among teachers, but among administrators and even school board members. Dissent from our authoritarian Project 2025 agenda
and we will come after you. Your job, your reputation are safe so long as you keep quiet and go along to get along. We can’t fire every teacher we identify as liberal, but we can use fear and intimidation to stifle dissent.
Three lives are in ruins. And it’s not just the teachers in question; it’s their families and circle of friends. These are people devoted to making a difference in the lives of our children and we’re tossing their dreams away over private remarks on social media that could be described, at worst, as insensitive. A letter of reprimand in the teachers’ personnel files and we could all have gotten on with our lives. But when everything is political our society is in big trouble. And we can see clearly this is exactly where we are headed.
One speaker at the board meeting rightly pointed out that the teachers will most likely file lawsuits for wrongful termination and the costs to the board of defending against these lawsuits and possible monetary judgments if the courts find in favor of the teachers will all come out of taxpayer pockets.
Save our panthers
To the editor:
Ray Clasen North Fort Myers
Today, I am focusing on our wonderful panther wildlife in Florida. There is a refuge inside our state, the United States National Wildlife Refuge located in southwest Florida, east of Naples located in the upper segment of the Fakahatchee strand of the Big Cypress Swamp. The area is north of I-75, located west of SR 29 ( 26,400 acres which opened in 1989.)
The governing body is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service. It was established to protect the Florida Panthers along with threatened plants and animal species. Now there are only 100 panthers in this huge area.
The public can only use this southeast corner of the refuge as hiking trails.
Some areas give limited tours.
The refuge has an 18-person staff that runs the center that treats 8,000 visitors a year to a great visit. As of this writing there are only 120-200 panthers left in the Refuge.
As a result, as good citizens of the USA and Florida,we cannot let this animal become extinct. Save our panthers.
Be careful when you drive! Keep our few panthers safe.
Katheen Callard North Fort Myers
‘How democracy dies’ editorial was a disappointing viewpoint
To the editor:
Although I sympathize with your grief, I was disappointed by your seemingly partisan editorial, “How democracy dies,” in the Sept.12 edition of The Breeze and Sept. 17 edition of the Island Reporter on Sanibel.
It feels as if we live in two different worlds, where these information silos have become increasingly disparate, divisive, and therefore dangerous.
You present Charlie Kirk as a leader for free speech and Judeo-Christian values, whereas I knew him only as a purveyor of the basest ideas, steeped in racism, sexism, and verbal and epistemic violence, an “influencer” famed for “trolling” or “owning the libs” in dramatically one-sided,
From page 4 See LETTERS, page 6
Rise in breast cancer among younger women growing concern
Breast cancer isn’t just a disease that affects women over 50 — and it never has been.
Year after year, the number of younger women being diagnosed with the disease continues to increase at an alarming rate.
During the most recent decade of data, the American Cancer Society found that overall invasive breast cancer rates increased by 1% per year between 2012 to 2021. When narrowing those numbers down to women under 50, the rate of diagnosis increased by nearly 40%.
While the overall incidence of breast cancer in younger women is still relatively low, it’s a concerning trend, as their malignancies tend to be more aggressive, often reaching the lymph nodes and having a larger tumor size. Currently, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 20 to 49 in the U.S.
It is therefore unsurprising that in 2024, the United States Preventive Services Task
Force revised its breast cancer screening recommendations, encouraging women to start receiving biennial mammograms at age 40 instead of waiting until age 50.
However, screenings at an earlier age can come with their own set of complications. Younger women tend to have denser breast tissue, which can limit the detection of smaller tumors, unfortunately making is more challenging to diagnose breast cancer at an earlier stage.
So, what’s driving the rise in breast cancer rates among women under 50?
Commentary
Researchers say the answer is complicated and involves multiple factors. The increase is believed to be partly due to rising obesity rates and decreas-
From page 5
socio-political theater/”entertainment” disguised as “debate,” stoking hate and divisiveness, especially in young men.
Likewise, you present Mike Johnson as a man of wisdom, restraint, and compassion, whereas I see plainly how the Speaker calls for peace and unity out of one side of his mouth, while refusing to allow open, democratic debate on any subject whatsoever in Congress (notably but not exclusively gun control and the Epstein files), and actively aiding and abetting what is arguably one of the most divisive, corrupt, and hostile presidential administrations in U.S. history.
None of this justifies the terror-inducing execution of Mr. Kirk in a public place, the whitewashing of his messages, the downplayed political assassinations of Melissa and Mark Hortman in their home, or the near-daily massacres of school children in this nation.
But it does illustrate that Rep. Johnson does not speak for me, or for the majority of Americans, even if we could take his words at face value, which I cannot, based on his contradictory behavior when it comes to siding with the gun lobby and Project 2025 and against healthcare and other protections for American workers and citizens.
The single biggest threat to democracy in this nation, and much of the rest of the world, is our rapid descent into demagoguery and fascism, enabled and exacerbated by the anti-empathy, anti-democratic factions of MAGA, DOGE, and MAHA.
Until enough of us repent of this Pavlovian response to the abject propaganda and dog-whistling of 47, Fox, and the right-wing fringe (not to mention the greedy complicity of Big Tech, billionaires, and the corporate Democrats), so as to reclaim the commons, shared facts, and an inclusive spirit of kinship and community, locally, nationally, and globally, we can all kiss democracy goodbye.
Holly L. McEntyre Sanibel
Support Charlie Kirk’s legacy
To the editor:
Charlie Kirk was a friend of mine. I met him when he was a senior in high school and I was about to start serving as a state senator. I was very impressed with his economic knowledge and his ability and willingness to communicate about important issues.
His death came as a great shock to everyone who knew him, especially me.
I believe that it is important that his work with Turning Point continue in an even stronger direction. I helped Charlie financially to launch his Turning Point organization in 2012, and made additional contributions supporting his efforts again in 2016 and 2019, and visited one of his training seminars in Miami in 2020.
I am proud to have known Charlie, and honored to have supported his start.
Today, I am mailing a check to his organization for an additional $10,000 to do my part to help. I urge everyone to do what you can to support the effort to have free and open debate on our high school and university
ing physical activity levels. Regular exercise is known to reduce the risk of many types of cancer.
Another factor is thought to be childbirth.
More women are choosing to have children later in life or not at all. Women who give birth tend to have a lower risk of breast cancer than those who never do. The risk of breast cancer also increases for women who have their first child after age 35.
Ultimately, what this data tells us is that we can’t assume that there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to younger women. We need to make sure that if a woman under 50 notices an abnormality, she should receive
Letters to the editor
campuses by sending a check to Turning Point USA at 4940 E. Beverly, Phoenix, AZ 85045.
Jim Oberweis Bonita Springs
Editor’s note: Mr. Oberweis is a candidate for Congress, seeking to represent District 19.
How Donald Trump is doing
To the editor:
How is Donald as a president? He is exercising his CEO experience that he used to build a multi-billion-dollar real estate company. The White House needed a CEO that plans, recruits, makes assignments and very impressively stays on top of the assignments. He very much resembles Abraham Lincoln who stayed on top of those who were tasked with his bidding.
By contrast the previous administration seemed to depend upon an auto pen and we don’t know if Biden even knew what was being signed. There is an investigation underway and already his doctor and a few others have taken the Fifth Amendment.
Is he a nationalist? Donald certainly makes America the No. 1 nation. He knows how to drive the economy as exhibited by his first term and his second term is going great. Immediately after the election, the stock market took a big jump and is setting records.
Donald puts non-protests Americans first who are studying and working to improve their lives instead of catering to those who create a grievance and want a free ride and respectability without effort.
Trump puts America ahead of ideology such as racism and transgenderism which are the former President’s pet items. That leads only to favoritism and vote purchasing. Donald has already commanded that men don’t compete in women’s sports, a very welcome rule for women.
Trump cut DEI which is an expensive way of providing education or work based upon race, sexual preference etc. instead of ability and interest in doing a good job.
To prove how well Trump treats minorities, in the last election Black men voting Republican increased from 10% in 2020 to 30%. Hispanic men voting Republican increased from 44% in 2020 to 54%. Why? Better jobs were available when Trump became president in 2017 and with no Biden, no more loss of jobs due to the open borders.
Trump is acting to change education from teacher’s union control to parent control. Education is an embarrassment in the blue states. As an example, in Minnesota, reading efficiency for third grade students averages 48% while the black, indigenous and Latin third grade students average 34% even though Minnesota spends twice per student what Florida spends.
Trump is rebuilding a strong military recognizing that you achieve peace only through strength as compared to Biden’s debacle in Afghanistan where hundreds of Americans and thousands of Afghans died when Biden turned the evacuation over to the Taliban and left $80 billion of American military items.
No more invasion, abundant crime and chaos at the border. FBI reports almost 6,000 crimes in America in
immediate follow-up care. For women with dense breast tissue or whose mammograms turn up anomalies, doctors may recommend an ultrasound or MRI for a more detailed evaluation.
While the number of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer each year is still small — about 49 per 100,000 in 2019 — the increasing rate cannot and should not be ignored. It’s important for young women to advocate for themselves to ensure that treatment is not delayed. Early detection and intervention could mean the difference between life and death.
For more information, please visit AdvocateRO.com.
— Dr. Ariel E. Pollock is a board-certified radiation oncologist with Advocate Radiation Oncology and sees patients at the practice’s cancer treatment centers in Cape Coral and Fort Myers.
the first six months of 2025 were committed by illegal migrants. Now we are catching and deporting tens of thousands of cartel and migrant criminals.
Now if we could only find a solution for our health care system. Thanks to ObamaCare and Biden’s overspending on the pandemic, America’s health care cost jumped from $2.6 trillion in 2012 to $4.5 trillion in 2023. A 73% increase while our longevity continues to be one of the poorest in the advanced world. Continuing to spend more money is not the solution.
Note this letter provides facts instead of opinions. John Benedict Cape Coral
‘Not that bad’ is bad enough
To the editor:
My husband and I spoke with a local who argued that the USA is not a dictatorship. He described what his family escaped and said the USA is “not that bad.”
My husband explained that no dictatorship is that bad in the beginning and asked if he would have liked it if citizens had stepped up in the early days to prevent his country’s takeover. “Of course!” was his reply.
While Cubans, Venezuelans, Koreans, and Chinese wouldn’t recognize the U.S. government as a full dictatorship at present, a consensus among experts notes the continuous shift toward authoritarianism using made-up crises.
America is not Nazi Germany, Communist Cuba, China, or Socialist Venezuela, but the USA is already on the slippery slope toward an American version of dictatorship, controlling politics through an inner circle and repressing opposition with increased military deployment, decreased freedoms, all in the name of national security or crime reduction.
Reputable politicians and scholars say Trump’s and his administration’s unilateral decisions have brought the U.S. into an authoritarian model, damaging U.S. norms, leading toward a centralized system of rule over state and local governments. There go States’ Rights!
What a distraction from the Epstein files, the rising cost of living, and the fourth government shutdown under Trump’s leadership (Three in his first term, and here we go again)!
The Founding generation understood “dictatorship” as a temporary safeguard to preserve liberty during a crisis, a concept that was intentionally excluded from the U.S. Constitution. The Roman model of dictatorship was ultimately omitted from the U.S. Constitution after a concerted campaign by influential figures like Jefferson, Hamilton, and Adams.
Federal judges, many state and local governments, and the media should be barriers to a complete power grab, but are failing.
Midterm elections in August 2026 can begin to turn society back to an assemblance of balance.
Karyn Edison Fort Myers
Dr. Ariel E. Pollock Guest
National Night Out set for Saturday
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
The Cape Coral Police Department will once again take part in a nationwide initiative to grow stronger bonds between its officers and the community.
On Oct. 11, CCPD will host its third-annual “National Night Out” which, according to organizers, is a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
“National Night Out is all about getting cops and neighbors together in a friendly way, so everyone feels safer, more connected, and ready to look out for each other,” said CCPD Public Affairs Officer Mercedes Simonds. “You may have also noticed that it is earlier in the day this year. We got a lot of feedback from previous years and an earlier time better meets the needs and requests of our community.”
The city’s event actually will take place during the day on Saturday,
The event takes place at Cultural Park from 10 a.m. to noon, where resident can meet CCPD officers and enjoy games, music, raffles, and more.
“Expect fun block parties, games, good food, safety tips, and a chance to chat with officers without any emergencies involved—just good vibes,” Simonds said. “Your child may also see their school resource officer there.”
The National Night Out campaign started in 1984 with a suburban police officer in Philadelphia. The event has grown over the years, as officials with the campaign state millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide.
As for how important is it for CCPD to have a strong, positive relationship with
If You Go:
What: ‘National Night Out’
When:
10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: Cultural Park is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd.
the community, Simonds said, “It’s super important—when police and residents trust each other, neighborhoods get safer and everyone’s happier working together to solve problems.”
In this day and age, Simonds said events like this are a chance for residents to get to meet and see local officers face-to-face, and maybe get to know the person behind the uniform.
“It’s a huge positive,” she said. “Meeting officers face-to-face makes it easier to build trust, talk openly, and remember that there’s a real person behind the badge. Especially when it comes to families with children in our community.”
The event is open to the public and free to attend.
For more information on National Night Out, visit www.natw.org.
School district, union reach accord
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Support personnel working for the School District of Lee County will get a bump in pay and some enhanced benefits.
The School Board on Tuesday approved the Support Personnel Association of Lee County collective bargaining agreement for fiscal years 2026, 2027 and 2028 with the bargaining unit then ratifying the agreement.
Highlights include:
n 20 Days of Parental Leave
- Available for the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
n 3 Days of Bereavement Leave
- Granted for the loss of an immediate family member.
n Immediate Terminal Pay
- Employees are now eligible for terminal pay immediately upon separation, removing the previous waiting period of several years.
n Salary Increases Addressing Compression
- Adjustments have been made to ensure pay equity across years of service and job classifications.
Compensation Details:
n SPALC employees will see their new rate of pay reflected on the Oct. 31, 2025, paycheck.
n A separate check for retroactive
pay will also be issued for the period dating back to July 1, 2025 (or the employee’s first contractual workday for the year).
The changes in compensation are effective as of the ratification by support staff employed by the district. The increase will be retroactively applied to the beginning of the contract year.
“All SPALC bargaining unit members shall receive a 3% cost-of-living adjustment. Additionally, 3% of the total available compensation funds shall be allocated for salary compression adjustments. These adjustments shall be used to progress SPALC employees towards 50% of the targeted salary rate based on verified years of experience. A maximum of 10 years of creditable and verifiable prior experience shall be recognized for new hires when determining placement on the salary schedule.”
The agreement also includes bereavement and parental leave benefits,
The bereavement leave will be “up to three days bereavement leave not out of personal/sick leave for family members, per incident.”
Parental leave is up to “four weeks, 20 consecutive workdays of paid leave for support staff for the birth of a child or placement of child for adoption.”
This leave is for employees who are actively employed for at least one year without a break in their service.
Event set for Nov. 8 a major fundraiser for its operations and pending expansion
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Golfers and animal lovers alike can hit the links next month in support of Cape Coral’s local animal shelter.
On Nov. 8, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter will welcome the public and community champions to the ninth annual Golf Classic at Palmetto-Pine Country Club.
This tradition brings the community together for a day on the greens — all to benefit the homeless dogs and cats who depend on CCAS for a second chance at life.
“Over the nine years of hosting this fundraiser, I’ve heard from many players that this is their favorite tournament,” said CCAS Executive Director Liz McCauley. “It’s a fun for golfers of any age and Palmetto-Pine Country Club is so accommodating. You’re sure to have a great time.”
CCAS officials said thanks to generous sponsors, inkind donors, and passionate golfers, this year’s tournament aims to raise more than $25,000 — critical funds that will directly support the daily care, medical treatment, and shelter of hundreds of animals who arrive at CCAS every year in need of love and safety.
“CCAS brings hope to South Florida’s homeless dogs and cats by understanding their needs and standing firm against animal cruelty in our community,” said Pamela Aubuchon, chairperson of the Golf Classic and CCAS vice president. “This tournament isn’t just about golf — it’s about changing lives. Every swing, every putt, and every dollar raised helps us give animals the loving, forever homes they deserve. And it’s a lot of fun for everyone who joins us!”
The event will include exciting on-course games, raffles, gift bags, and an incredible Hole In One Prize
If You Go:
What:
Cape Coral Animal Shelter Golf Classic
When: Saturday, Nov. 8
Where:
Palmetto-Pine Country Club, 1940 SW 9th Ct
More information:
For details on sponsorships, registration, or ways to get involved, visit www.capecoralanimalshelter.com/events.
Package from Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Cape Coral.
Since opening its doors in March 2020, CCAS has found forever homes for more than 6,000 animals and provided thousands of families with affordable veterinary care. The shelter receives no government funding for operations and relies entirely on private donations, events, and community support to continue its life-saving mission.
This year’s Golf Classic comes at an exciting time for CCAS. A major expansion is on the horizon — including a new 19,000-square-foot shelter and a larger veterinary clinic to serve the growing Cape Coral community. These improvements will allow CCAS to care for more animals than ever before and continue making a meaningful impact across Southwest Florida.
“Funds are needed now more than ever,” McCauley
said. “Costs for our building have gone up incredibly since we staring planning this expansion just four years ago. We still need a lot of support from our community to make it happen. Of course, our medical expenses have also gone up, so taking care of, on average, 100 animals on any given day has become even more expensive. We truly need and appreciate the continued support from our amazing community.
“We are humbled by the incredible support from our donors, volunteers, and the City of Cape Coral. Every person who participates helps us move closer to a community where no animal is abandoned, abused, or left without hope.”
For details on sponsorships, registration, or ways to get involved, visit www.capecoralanimalshelter.com/events.
Cape Animal Shelter to hold trick-or-treat fundraiser
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
One of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter’s most popular family-friendly events — “Trick or Treat for the Shelter Animals” —is set for Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. each day.
The Halloween celebration invites the community to visit the shelter, enjoy the spooky season, and spread joy to the shelter’s furry residents.
Guests of all ages are encouraged to come in costume and experience a fun-filled afternoon complete with treat buckets outside each kennel and cat room, goodie bags for little ghouls and goblins while supplies last, and chances to meet adoptable animals who are looking for their forever homes.
Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to bring treats for the shelter animals and place them in the animals’ special trick-or-treat buckets during their visit — a simple and meaningful way to make the day extra special for the pets awaiting adoption.
“This event is one of our favorites every year,” said Liz McCauley, executive director of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter. “It’s heartwarming to see families and children come dressed up to bring treats and smiles to our animals. It’s also a great way for the community to learn more about what we do and meet some of the amazing pets we have available for adoption.”
The shelter will be decorated in full Halloween spirit, with staff and shelter animals also joining in on the fun. Visitors can drop off donations, view our adoptable animals, and enjoy a lighthearted, seasonal afternoon while supporting a great cause.
No registration is required — simply stop by during event hours and enjoy the festivities.
For more information about the event, donations, or adoptions, please visit www.capecoralanimalshelter. com or follow the shelter on Facebook and Instagram @ capecoralanimalshelter&veterinaryclinic .
“Trick or Treat for the Shelter Animals” is set for Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26. Guests of all ages are encouraged to come in costume and take part in a fun-filled afternoon complete with treat buckets outside each kennel and cat room, goodie bags for little ghouls and goblins and chances to meet adoptable animals looking for their forever homes. Pictured are costumed participants from last year.
PROVIDED
CCAS looking for participants for its community yard sale
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter will host its first-ever community yard sale next month at Wicked Dolphin Distillery.
Liz McCauley, executive director of the CCAS, said the location for the event set for Nov. 15 will be a great one.
Owner of Wicked Dolphin JoAnn
Elardo, is the founder and board president, and she and Wicked Dolphin are huge supporters of CCAS’ continued work.
The CCAS is asking people to sign up for a table and donate at least 25% of their proceeds to the shelter.
“Of course, they can donate more if they want to,” McCauley said. “And we’re asking the public to come out and get some
great bargains and support the shelter.”
McCauley added that lots of people over the years have urged CCAS have a yard sale fundraiser, but that it took a volunteer, Jennifer Miller, to set the plan into motion.
“With the help of other volunteers, we’re finally going to make it happen,” McCauley said. “We believe it will be a
fun community event, with something for everyone.”
Those interested in registering, email Miller at ccasyardsale@gmail.com for registration.
There is no deadline, but space is limited, so they urge those who want to participate to register as soon as possible.
School district boosts career & job training
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The School District of Lee County continues to expand opportunities for students who want to prepare for the job market.
Ed Mathews, associate superintendent for Adult, Career, Technical, and Alternative Education, said at Tuesday’s school board meeting that the district has upscaled career education because there are so many jobs available.
“They depend on the district to continue to scale to the size of a growing population,” he said of technical, soft and power skills. “We can make our community the strongest we can possibly be. We match the community’s needs and need the community partners to allow that understanding to occur.”
Seven programs had growth for the 2024-2025 school year: Information technology with a 32% growth, manufacturing a 26% growth, business, management and administration with a 17% growth, hospitality and tourism with a 16% growth, agriculture, food and natural resources with a 16% growth, arts, A/V technology and communication with a 14% growth and law, public safety and security with a 7% growth.
The district’s business partners grew from 40 to 110, with the hope that number continues to climb.
Industry certifications for 2024-25 rose to 3,342 with an 82% pass rate. The digital tool certifications earned was 1,267 for a total pass rate of 87%.
The top five industry certifications were entrepreneurship and small busi-
ness, certified food protection manager — ServeSafe, PMI project management ready, Autodesk certified user – inventor, and agriculture associate certification.
Adult, Career, and Applied Curriculum Education Director Matthew Bredenkamp said the Career and Professional Education Act is a very large source of funding at the school level, which provides them more control over this funding source.
“As they pass the certifications, 80% of funds earned through that go back to the school and 20% go to the CTE department for new programs. These career academies were always created to be self-sustainable. Passing certifications puts money back into the program, the students are supporting the efforts,” he said, adding that the money can go towards equipment they may need, and sustaining their testing procedures.
Clayton Simmons, the Office of School Choice administration executive director, said the district is undergoing an exciting endeavor, as Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin wants to emphasize “grow your own.”
He said all of their remodels and new construction will have early childhood programs for families.
“We are working with HR to have a pathway in every one of our high schools to be a teacher,” Simmons said, adding that they are exploring a memorandum of understanding with Florida Gulf Cost University to do a dual enrollment program to work towards becoming a teacher. “Students can go out in the workforce and work in early childhood programs in the district.”
Xello, a program that creates successful futures, has also had a positive impact in the district, as there were more than 53,000 unique student logins. The program helps with digital portfolios, as well as having course planning aligned to industry needs.
Simmons said there were nearly 60,000 completed lessons with strong participation across K-8, more than 20,000 students saved careers and 9,300 saved colleges.
“Our goal is for every single high school student to have a structured way to log in to Xello and start college and career exploration,” he said.
According to statewide data, students who are using Xello reported that they have 14% higher college preparedness, 21% higher career readiness and recent graduates reported that they were 29% better with career readiness verse nonusers.
“All of our students will leave us with a Plan A and Plan B,” Simmons said of their direction after high school – enroll, enlist, employee, or entrepreneurship.
Matthews said there will be dual enrollment opportunities at the high schools, instead of students traveling to other campuses.
Another career ready event is Pathways to Success, an event that started last spring. Bredenkamp said it provides a little extra push to decide what to do after graduation. Attendees have the chance to talk to business leaders, meet administrators and students.
“We are planning to be at Estero High School later this month,” Bredenkamp said.
The presentation also highlighted adult general education, Dunbar Community School and Technical Colleges.
The fall 2025 adult education enrollment totaled 1,567 students – 84%
English for Speakers of Other Languages students and 16% GED. The demand includes citizenship, basic computer skills, conversational Spanish and English.
Simmons said they have a CDL program starting next semester at Cape Technical College to address the district and workforce needs, as well as ServeSafe and CRP and AED.
The Dunbar Community School had 663 ESOL students with a student diversity ranging 24 countries – 53% from Haiti, and 33% from Cuba, Guatemala, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico.
“Currently we have a tremendous demand at Dunbar Community School,” Simmons said of many students on a waitlist. “We are tackling this on another front. We are adding programs to existing facilities, adding to Lehigh Middle School and expanding at South Fort Myers High School.”
Many of the high school students are utilizing both Cape Coral Technical College and Fort Myers Technical College. There are 57 students from the East Zone, 81 from the South Zone, and 72 from the West Zone.
Cape Coral Technical College currently offers 15 programs with areas of focus in nursing/healthcare, technology, culinary arts and hospitality, barbering and cosmetology, business and digital design and veterinary assisting. With the expansion of this campus, there will be blue collar skilled trades programs with areas of focus to include building trades and construction design technology, HVAC, welding, automotive service and marine service technology.
The Southwest Florida Public Service Academy also offers many opportunities for career development through the Criminal Justice Academy and Fire, Paramedic and EMT Academy.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
School District gets $1.69 million Workforce Development Grant
The School District of Lee County has received a $1.69 million Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Program Grant from the state of Florida which will be used to create and expand career and technical education programs at 11 high schools including North Fort Myers and Ida Baker.
The program is designed to expand workforce education programs with a focus on in-demand industries and aligns with the School District’s priority to expand technical education opportunities for our students.
The funding will be used to create three new academies and expand eight existing ones.
“We are excited to continue to add new career-oriented academies to our high schools,” said Matt Bredenkamp, Director of Career and Adult Education. “The demand for aviation mechanics, cybersecurity experts, and modeling and simulation engineers is growing. We look forward to developing these programs with our local businesses and providing them with certified graduates ready to go to work.”
One of the new academies is Aviation General Maintenance at Bonita Springs High School. The academy will deliver rigorous, industry-aligned training that prepares students for high-demand aviation careers through hands-on experience and recognized certifications. The School District has partnered with Aviation Precision Technology in Fort Myers to develop the program, providing students with training and employment opportunities.
Fort Myers High School will add an Applied Cybersecurity Academy with the grant funding. This academy will provide students with hands-on training and exposure to current cybersecurity tools, technologies, and best practices, preparing them for postsecondary education and high-wage, high-demand careers in the
A Modeling and Simulation Academy will be added to the career and technical education programs at North Fort Myers High School. The academy will prepare students for postsecondary education and careers in the Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Engineering and Technology Education career clusters. It will offer a comprehensive course sequence, including M&S Foundations, M&S Design, M&S Applications, and M&S Prototyping and Innovation, which integrates technical training with the development of essential soft skills.
field. It will also serve as a scalable model for similar programs across the state and play a critical role in advancing Florida’s efforts to strengthen STEM education and develop a future-ready workforce.
The eight career and technical education programs expanding are:
n Advanced Manufacturing Technology at Gateway High School
n Aerospace Technologies at Bonita Springs High School
n Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology at Bonita Springs High School
n Allied Health Assisting at South Fort Myers High School
n Applied Engineering Technology at Estero High School
n Nursing Assistant at Bonita Springs High School
n Welding Technology at East Lee County High School
n Welding Technology at Ida S. Baker High School
“This $1.6 million Workforce CAP Grant is a game-changer for the School District,” said Ed Mathews, associate superintendent for Adult, Career, Technical, and Alternative Education in a prepared statement, “Expanding our career acade-
mies allows us to align education directly with priorities and the needs of local businesses, giving students hands-on experience, industry certifications, and a clear path to high-demand careers. When schools and employers work together, we’re not just preparing students for graduation, we’re preparing them for life.”
This latest investment strengthens the School District’s career academies. In 2024, the School District was awarded $2 million to start an Applied Robotics program at Island Coast High School, a Solar Academy at Estero High School, and an Environmental Water and Reclamation program at Cypress Lake High School. Six high schools were able to expand existing academies. In 2023, the School District received $1.2 million to add the first Manufacturing Program in Lee County at Gateway High School, while also adding Medical Laboratory Assisting programs at Estero, Gateway, and South Fort Myers High Schools.
Workforce CAP funding supports the creation and expansion of workforce development programs across the state, offering students in high school and postsecondary education programs hands-on training in high-demand industries.
Kilraine, Nelson-Lastra to hold Town Hall meetings on Oct. 18
A pair of Town Halls hosted by Cape Coral City Council members are set for next Saturday.
District 5 Councilmember Joe Kilraine will hold his next Town Hall from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Cape Christian, located at 2110 Chiquita Boulevard.
The featured topic will be the Cape Fire Department’s
current focus and future plans followed by open exchange on all matters affecting Cape Coral.
Cape Coral District 4 Council Member Jennifer Nelson-Lastra will hold her next Town Hall from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Cape CoralLee County Library, 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Meeting Room CC.
These community-focused event allows residents to connect and engage directly with their council member. Residents are encouraged to share their concerns, ask questions, and discuss ideas for their district and the City of Cape Coral.
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Dress for Success invites women to professional development summit
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Women who are new to the workforce, wish to level up their career, or want to obtain more skills are invited to attend a summit hosted by Dress for Success of Southwest Florida
The summit is a one-day professional development effort be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23.
The location for the Empowered Through Employment Series fall summit for will be provided once registered.
Registrations can be made on their Facebook page.
Dress for Success of Southwest Florida Executive Director Jennifer Nelson-Lastra encourages women who may feel they are at a lull in their career to sign up.
“It’s a wonderful way to spend the day of learning from some pretty incredible women locally,” she said.
The submit will focus on workplace confidence, enhanced decision making, effective communication and opportunity development.
The WETES Summit is one of the biggest programs at Dress for Success of Southwest Florida, Nelson-Lastra said.
The summit will help with communication, conflict resolution, as well as selling oneself to receive a promotion, she added.
“It’s a really unique program that hones in on some things that women aren’t versed in,” Nelson-Lastra said, such as communicating effectively.
The summit, which typically averages between 60 to 70 women a quarter, is a
“You meet some pretty influential women who are panelists. There is an opportunity at the end of the day to network. It’s very empowering training that we offer for women in Southwest Florida.”
— Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, Dress for Success of Southwest Florida executive director
free event with food and great networking provided.
“You meet some pretty influential women who are panelists. There is an opportunity at the end of the day to network. It’s very empowering training that we offer for women in Southwest Florida,” she said.
Nelson-Lastra said they have a wonderful partnership with NeoGenomics which donates the space and food for the summit.
“I enjoy getting to meet women from all walks of life,” she said of those ranging from those who are new in careers, are seasoned or are executives. “I enjoy the stories, learning what they teach, the mistakes that they learn by, the trials and triumphs and getting to connect with these women and encourage them. For me it is a huge win for Southwest Florida. We need to keep empowering our women, especially new to the workforce, or the younger generation.”
Sands Bridge to be repaired
Cape Council approves design costs for interim measure
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The city of Cape Coral will spend up to $250,000 for an interim repairs design for Sands Bridge.
Cape Coral City Council approved the expenditure Wednesday after city staff explained that there was not a complete scope of work in Resolution 286-25, but rather preauthorization to expedite the process for awarding construction for a contract of interim repairs. Repairs are needed due to damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and further accelerated seawall deterioration and erosion caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
To address the deterioration, city staff
initiated the design of interim mitigative repairs focused on stabilizing the site –stopping additional erosion, backfilling and stabilizing the area while waiting for permanent repair design to be completed.
“I commend staff with moving forward to remediate repair. We have to maintain that bridge and keep it in satisfactory order to maintain the condition,” Councilmember Joe Kilraine said.
The permanent repair design recently was switched to the Florida Department of Transportation completed in house.
Mayor John Gunter said the resolution is just for repairs to mitigate some of the erosion issues until a redesign is completed.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Cape Coral City Council will be accepting applications for the following Boards/Commissions/Committees:
Affordable Housing Vacancies: (4) Regular Members
Advisory Committee
Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral.
Committee shall include one representative from at least six of the categories below. Please indicate on application for which category you qualify:
(a) Residential home building industry
(b) Banking or Mortgage Banking industry
(c) Areas of labor activity engaged in home building
(d) Advocate for low-income persons
(e) For-profit provider of affordable housing
(f) Not-for-profit provider of affordable housing
(g) Real estate professional in connection with affordable housing
(h) Member of local planning and zoning commission
(i) Resident (citizen at large)
(j) Citizen who represents employers within City of Cape Coral
(k) Citizen who represents essential services personnel
*Please feel free to submit applications for consideration even if you do not fit a category listed above.
Audit Committee Vacancies: (3) Regular Members
Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral (who does not have any direct financial or business interests involving the City) and through education and experience shall possess a basic understanding of governmental financial reporting and auditing. Council may waive the residency requirement by majority vote if there is an insufficient number of applicants who reside in the City.
Citizens Advisory Board Vacancies: (3) Regular Members
Community Development Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral. Block Grant Whenever possible, at least one member of the Board shall be selected from the following community segments:
(1) Elderly (over 65 years of age)
(2) Handicapped;
(3) Clergy;
(4) Low- or Moderate-income families; and/or
(5) Minority families
*Please feel free to submit applications for consideration even if you do not fit a category listed above.
Health Facilities Authority Vacancies: (3) Regular Members
Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral.
Planning and Zoning Vacancies: (4) Regular Members and (2) Commission Alternates Members*
Citizen of the United States, resident of Cape Coral. *An alternate may be selected from the remaining applicants.
Please note: At a minimum, the Planning and Zoning Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month, unless a National Holiday is being observed.
Applications are available on the City website www.capecoral.gov, the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, or if you would like one mailed or emailed, call the City Clerk’s Office at 574-0411. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Kimberly Bruns, CMC City Clerk
Foster Village SWFL to open Cape Coral HUB
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
A Southwest Florida non-profit dedicated to supporting foster families and foster children is expanding into Cape Coral.
Foster Village SWFL, which aims to equip, connect, and advocate, is marking the opening of its new Cape Coral HUB on Oct. 18. The new location is the organization’s first in Lee County, as its Collier County location has served hundreds of families in just under two years of service.
“Really, we serve all of Southwest Florida,” said Heather Finocchiaro, Foster Village founder and executive director, “So many of our families are here in Cape Coral. It’s a really great opportunity to open a hub in the city where so many of the families we serve, live.”
Foster Village invites the public to visit the new resource center, at 1510 SE 41st Terrace next Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The hub is made possible via a partnership with First Cape Church, which owns the property.
This resource center will serve as a center of operations to serve children and families, both by providing a boutique shopping experience for children in a childfriendly, trauma-informed setting, and by offering a space where families can gather for fellowship, support, and encouragement through play days, workshops, and gatherings in a home-like environment. Finocchiaro said it’s also a place where the community can get plugged in on practical ways to provide tangible help to children in care, and families can come and receive the physical and emotional support desperately needed to continue caring for children from
hard places.
“Families can come and pick out clothing that they need — really anything,” Finocchiaro said. “We have toiletries, school supplies, backpacks, toys, blankets, stuffed animals — all the things a child might need when entering a new home.”
Foster Village was eager to expand into Lee County due to the growing need in the community.
“We really want to be accessible to the families we serve,” Finocchiaro said. “We were noticing we were delivering so many welcome packs (to Cape Coral and Lee County). So, now we are opening a hub right here in the neighborhood.”
Foster Village SWFL’s mission is to come alongside children and families who are experiencing the child welfare system to show them they are not alone. According to Foster Village, more than 50% of foster families will quit within their first year, demonstrating the need for holistic support beyond the system to prevent isolation and burnout. Foster Village SWFL makes sure foster families and children have their basic needs met, connects foster families to resources and each other, and advocates for each child/caregiver experiencing foster care on their individual journey. In the last 12 months, the tangible support Foster Village SWFL provided families impacted more than 600 children and had more than 1,100 registrations for events they hosted for families.
“We want to show families they are not alone, that there’s a community of people who see what they’re doing, appreciate what they’re doing, and are here for them along the way,” Finocchiaro said. “It can
be a challenging experience stepping into the messy world of foster care. So many people underestimate how hard it is.”
Finocchiaro and her husband understand what these foster families go through, as they were once foster parents themselves.
“If we had the community around us that said, ‘What you’re experiencing is normal,” we would have kept going,” she said. “Because it was so outside our zone of comfort, we thought it was too complicated. We just want to normalize the experience to help sustain caregivers.”
She said between decisions being made without foster family’s input, and seeing kids have to return to unsafe situations, there’s just a lot that goes on that feels negative.
“But if you’re encouraged by other people that let you know they’re here for you and have your back, you can keep doing it for the kids,” she said. “It comes down to showing up for the kids and tolerating a broken system.”
Serving as a bridge between vulnerable families and the greater community, Foster Village SWFL looks to break generational cycles of adversity to create a better future for local neighborhoods, children, and the caregivers who raise them.
“We care for the child by caring for the caregiver,” Finocchiaro said. “We know that a stable home is going to be what’s best for the child’s outcome long-term. We want to equip the caregiver immediately with anything they need to be able to say ‘yes’ to caring for that child. Whatever tangible items they need, we will provide immediately.
“And then we can invite them in to a community of others that are walking the same path. Whether it’s through support groups, play days, family gatherings — we’re really about building community for these families. We partner with a lot of local businesses and churches to put on seasonal events as well.”
For instance, Foster Village SWFL rents out Hertz Arena during the holidays for kids to go ice skating and create events that produce lasting memories.
“We’re about experiences,” Finocchiaro said. “At these events you’ll see siblings that are at different homes come together.”
Foster Village also helps throw parties for things such as birthdays, graduations, adoptions, and other milestones.
“It warms our hearts to be able to see these kids experience normalcy and the joy that comes from a typical childhood,” Finocchiaro said. “We want to create as many of those opportunities to have the
kids feel understood and feel joy in any way that we can.”
Foster Village SWFL’s new Cape Coral Resource Center will serve beyond Lee County as they receive requests from Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties as well.
“We have not even opened yet, and we have served multiple families from Charlotte County, who know that we’re closer to them, are happy to come down,” Finocchiaro said. “They’re already so excited there’s a resource close to them.”
Being a newer non-profit, Foster Village is privately funded by individuals that are committed to the mission. Local churches play a big role as well. Finocchiaro said the organization is also beginning to receive more grant funding.
“As we become more established, we’re excited to get more funding from grants,” she said.
Foster Village also serves kinship families, or families that take on childcare that are close relatives or friends of the parents.
“We see a ton of grandparents who live in a small apartment and are bringing in their grandchildren and have to find bunk beds,” Finocchiaro said. “It’s really neat to have a grant now where we can specially help grandparents who are helping raise their grandchildren.”
Foster Village plays a role in helping parents who are getting their children back as well.
“We recognize that a lot of the reasons children are removed from their home, is because parents don’t have a village — they don’t have the resources and family members to call on during hard seasons,” Finocchiaro said. “We also want to offer them that same village of support and see them succeed.”
Finocchiaro said the non-profit is excited to continue to spread the message of what they do, seeking out those that have a heart for vulnerable children.
“Increasing the community’s awareness that we are here as basically a bridge to these families, and any way you want to serve or get involved, we have opportunities,” she said. “We have had so many volunteers in Cape Coral step forward. There’s so much grassroots support for this. I think Cape Coral will be a great community to support our mission.”
For more information on Foster Village SWFL, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.fostervillageswfl.org/.
Weekly B reeze Recap
Public parking opens at The Cove at 47th
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
The first parking structure in Cape Coral cut the ribbon Friday morning and the public can now use the facility which is part of The Cove at 47th.
The South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency partnered with The Cove at 47th to complete this twostory parking garage with 125 parking spaces dedicated for public use.
City council members, who also act as the CRA governing board, touted the garage as being able to support local businesses, improve visitor convenience, accommodate the community’s growing needs, and make it easier for residents and visitors to access local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter said he recalled standing in the area of The Cove at 47th back in 2017 before the StreetScape project, and said development in the area is credited to various city council members who had a vision.
“Today is a great day,” Gunter said. “We’ve never had a parking structure in the downtown area. As we all known, downtown and in the CRA area, public parking is something that we needed immensely.
“This ensures residents and visitors can enjoy all that we have to offer. I remember over the years coming down here, especially during special events, driving around (and you) can’t find a parking spot, and you leave. The more parking spaces we have available, I think the more this area will be utilized.”
Gunter said the garage marks another step forward in the investment in Cape Coral’s future, and the future of the CRA, ramping up for continued growth in the area.
The parking garage, while also serves The Cove at 47th residents, will allow for one free hour for members of the public. The second hour costs $2 to park, with each subsequent hour being $1 (max of $20). Parking for special events will be $15.
District 1 Councilmember, Bill Steinke, who is also the chair of the CRA and whose district includes the South Cape, called the garage a “shining example” of when the CRA, the city, and private enterprise comes together to meet the needs of residents and visitors of Cape Coral.
Steinke also mentioned the transformation of the historic downtown area, namely the parcel between
Southeast 47th Terrace and Cape Coral Parkway where The Cove at 47th is located.
“You’d see some dilapidated buildings out on Cape Coral Parkway and nothing but a vacant field here that was in relative disrepair, and here we are three years later with a gorgeous structure that’s going to bring more businesses and more vibrance to this CRA area,” Steinke said. “The additional parking that’s here serves us in so many different ways.”
Steinke noted that more development is on the way, which will include more parking, such as the Bimini Basin project and Bimini East.
“Proud moment for me, the city, the CRA, and hopefully, a proud moment for all the citizens of Cape Coral,” he said.
Flaherty & Collins Properties, which developed The Cove at 47th, had representatives at the ribbon cutting including Property Manager Cameron Pennington, and Regional Property Manager Melissa Barrett.
“I think it’s super important for the city, and I think it’s a good stepping stone not only for us here at The Cove at 47th, but also the city as well,” Pennington said. “I think it’s going to be very beneficial for the public as well.”
Barrett said Flaherty & Collins Properties is excited to be a part of downtown Cape Coral, especially in this time or growth.
“This is the first project we’ve built in Florida, to be a part of Cape Coral, it was one of those areas where we fit with the city,” Barrett said. “Knowing we were going to help bring more people to downtown Cape Coral, we’re just blessed.”
The CRA, city, and developers all agreed, especially with the retail aspect of The Cove at 47th, that having parking for the public in the parking structure would be beneficial to all parties involved.
“It also helps all the other businesses around here,” Barrett said.
The Cove at 47th is still leasing units. More information can be found by visiting coveat47th.com.
The Cove at 47th at parking garage is located at 870 S.E. 47th Terrace.
Officials snip the ribbon Oct. 3, officially opening the parking garage at The Cove at 47th, in the South Cape at 870 S.E. 47th Terrace.
CJ HADDAD
Bayshore celebrates school expansion with groundbreaking
By CASEY BRADLEY GENT news@breezenewspapers.com
Bayshore Elementary School in North Fort Myers first began welcoming students in 1967. Last Friday, with several generations of former Bayshore students in attendance, Lee County officials - including Superintendent Dr. Denise M. Carlin and District Five School Board Member Armor Persons - held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the impending addition of 22 state-of-the-art classrooms.
The $50 million expansion, which will finish a conversion to a full K-8 campus, is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.
“This school has shaped my family,” Persons said. “Both my children, and now my grandson, attended Bayshore Elementary.”
He added that expanding Bayshore to house sixth, seventh and eighth graders had been the main topic of interest among his constituents when he began campaigning three years ago.
“A lot of people are really glad this is happening,” Persons said, smiling.
His daughter, State Rep. Jenna Persons-Malicka, attended the groundbreaking with her dad.
While the Gateway High School marching band played in the background, adding energy to the celebratory event, Persons-Malicka reminisced.
“Being back at Bayshore brings me a lot of good memories,” she said.
Pointing to a large tree in the school yard, PersonsMalicka said even the tree and the shade it brings were special parts of attending Bayshore Elementary.
Carlin believes the expansion of Bayshore will honor the school’s cherished past, while ushering the facility into the modern era with brighter bigger spaces.
Clarisa Parovi, architect for ADG Architecture. LLC, helped design the addition.
“We expect this addition to last 50 to 60 years without aging,” Parovi said. “Safety, security for kids and long days in livable spaces are all important pieces of this design.”
Principal Ben Ausman has been the leader of Bayshore Elementary for the past nine years. He credits the teachers, students and families with making his school a special space.
“We can’t wait for next year; for the expansion to be complete. It’s going to give us more space, and we’ll all be able to breathe again,” Ausman said during a brief address to the parents and officials gathered Friday, Currently, construction tape and signage adorn the walls inside the school. Big changes are on the horizon. While Bayshore added sixth and seventh graders over the last two years, the addition of eighth graders will begin next fall.
Veterinary dog wash this Saturday at Cape Coral
Technical College
A veterinary assisting dog wash will be held this Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Cape Coral Technical College Campus at 360 Santa Barbara Blvd., N., in Cape Coral. Follow the signs on campus to find the dog wash location.
The cost is $20 for small and medium dogs, and $40 for dogs over 40 pounds. Cash only please.
Ear cleaning and toe nail trims are included with the bath!
If you have any questions, please call (724) 9848734.
OctOber 10, 2025
cOmmunity Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife meeting
zebra longwing butterfly.
Helping boost zebra longwing butterfly population in Cape
By SHERIE BLEILER news@breezenewspapers.com
The zebra longwing is a rather unusual butterfly. The first thing you notice is how long and narrow its wings are. The butterflies are 3 to 4 inches wide and black with creamy white stripes. This gives it a rather different flight pattern with short wing strokes rather than broad, big ones. To feed, they uncurl their long tongue, or proboscis, which works like a straw to sip nectar from flowers. Unlike most butterflies, they can also digest pollen which contains protein. This allows them to live up several months, instead of a few weeks like most butterflies.
They are often found gently fluttering in the shade. At sunset, they gather and roost in groups and disperse at first light. Besides searching for food, zebras spend their lives looking for mates and searching for a specific plant, the passion vine, on which to lay their eggs.
In 1996, the Florida Legislature made the zebra longwing (or zebra heliconia) our official state butterfly. While it had been quite common around town, they have been extremely rare in Cape Coral since Hurricane Ian. Let’s help them make a comeback by adding a passion vine to your yard!
There are several varieties of passionvine that they will use. Maypop (passiflora incarnata), with large purple flowers, and corkystem (passiflora suberosa) are both passion vines native to Florida. Other non-native vines have intricate blue, white, yellow and purple flowers. “Lady Margaret,” with a striking deep red flower, works well. However, other red passion vines (jamesonii, racemosa, coccinia) contain too much toxin and may kill zebra caterpillars. Vines producing edible passion fruit are fine as well.
Passion vines prefer sun and a tall trellis, growing 15-50 feet long. However, if it has no support, corkystem will grow in shade along the ground. Maypop sends underground runners and may pop up far from the vine, which are objectionable to some people.
Plant passion vine plants at your house to lure butterflies your way! You can find them at several local nurseries: All Native, Scott’s Landscape Nursery, Natives of Corkscrew and Riverland Nursery. Also watch for the native plant sales at Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral.
By the way, the orange Gulf fritillary butterfly also lays eggs on passion vines, so you may get two butterflies visiting your vine!
Passion vine leaves are toxic. By eating them, the
to feature Wonder Gardens presentation
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife invites the public to attend its upcoming monthly meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Rotary Park Environmental Center at 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral.
This month’s feature presentation, titled “Renew the Wonder: Updates on Wonder Gardens’ Master Plan,” will spotlight exciting developments at Wonder Gardens, the beloved botanical and zoological park in Bonita Springs. As Wonder Gardens approaches its 90th anniversary in 2026, the organization is eager to share its evolving Master Plan and bold vision for the future.
The presentation will highlight habitat restoration efforts, upgrades to animal care facilities and plans to enhance educational experiences for all ages. Learn how Wonder Gardens continues its mission to engage and inspire generations across Southwest Florida, while providing lifelong sanctuary to native and exotic species such as otters, alligators, tortoises, turtles, and a wide variety of birds.
The guest speaker will be Michelle Stromberg Ohlhaber, marketing and development manager at Wonder Gardens.
Doors for the meeting open at 6:30 p.m. for networking. The presentation begins at 7 p.m., which will
CCFW to host Swamp Buggy Ecotour at Babcock Ranch Oct. 31
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife invites members, supporters, and the community to participate in a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience — a Swamp Buggy Ecotour through the historic Babcock Ranch.
This 90-minute guided tour takes participants through the scenic and expansive Crescent B Ranch, a working cattle ranch spanning over 14,000 acres of Florida pastureland. Along the route, expert guides will share fascinating insights into the area’s rich history, ecosystems, and native wildlife. From the comfort of a swamp
be follow3ed by the regular Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife business meeting.
This event is free and open to the public. Wildlife enthusiasts, nature advocates and anyone interested in local conservation efforts are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call 239-980-2593.
About CCFW
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is a
buggy, you’ll travel through diverse natural habitats and get an up-close look at wildlife such as wild turkeys, caracara, soft shell turtles, fox squirrels, sandhill cranes, osprey, and more.
The tour will be held Friday, Oct. 31; arrive at 8 a.m. The Babcock Ranch Ecotour site is at 8502 FL31, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. Tickets are $19 per person and available at ccfriendsofwildlife.org/programs/ Seating is limited to just 25 people, so sign up now to reserve a spot. For more, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call 239-980-2593.
volunteer-led organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing habitats for protected wildlife in Cape Coral. Through education, advocacy and community outreach, CCFW promotes awareness and appreciation of the area’s unique wildlife and ecosystems.
To learn more, donate or explore membership and volunteer opportunities, please visit the CCFW website at ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call 239-980-2593.
Breast cancer screenings and cancer care are available close to home
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one of the most widely recognized awareness campaigns, honoring those who have bravely gotten tested, survivors and those seeking to learn more.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States—excluding skin cancers—and making up about onethird of all new female cancer cases each year. Education, awareness and early detection can help reduce these numbers.
Regular self-checks, annual mammograms and timely conversations with healthcare providers about any abnormalities are the first lines of defense. Since cancer can develop before symptoms appear, screening tests like mammograms are crucial.
Early detection limits the spread of cancer and greatly improves survival chances. When found early at a localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%, according to the American Cancer Society.
How to perform a self-check for breast cancer
We commonly think of breast cancer appearing in women; however, although rare, it can also occur in men.
A self-check should be done monthly, or more often if it helps you feel more at ease. Many patients
first notice physical symptoms during these self-exams. Knowing your body and promptly investigating any unusual changes is one of the strongest lines of defense against breast cancer.
Performing a self-check
n In front of the mirror:
l Remove the shirt and bra
l With arms down, check for shape, swelling, dimpling and nipple changes
n Performing a manual exam while lying down:
l Lie down with a pillow under the right shoulder
l Put the right arm behind the head, and use the left hand to examine the right breast
l Repeat on the other side with a pillow under the left shoulder
l Check the breast, armpit, under the areola and nipple for any discharge
l Raise the arms overhead and check again
l With the hands on the hips, press the chest muscles and check again
n Performing a manual exam while standing:
l Use the right hand to check the left breast, and left hand for the right breast
l Use the pads of the middle three fingers in circular motions and apply light, medium, then firm pressure. Check the entire breast, under the armpit and under the areola.
l Squeeze the nipple and check for discharge
Women who are on their period should perform a self-exam after their period ends. Women who have reached menopause or those with irregular periods should choose a consistent time each month, whether it’s the first or last day of the month, or anything that works best for them.
When to get a mammogram and more options for those in the Cape Coral area
Self-checks are important, but a mammogram can detect any potential issues, often before physical symptoms begin to show.
See BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS, page 35
Garden Club of Cape Coral
Dr. Janine Harewood Guest Column
Recommended teacher firings draw crowd
Terminations proposed in wake of Kirk comments
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Dozens of residents came out Tuesday to support or oppose the superintendent of school’s recommendation to terminate three teachers for comments they allegedly made in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death last month.
Due to the number of speakers — more than 50 — at the Lee County School Board meeting, individuals had only a minute to share their thoughts of Dr. Denise Carlin’s recommendation during public comment.
“I’m not sure why actions are taken against these individuals,” said Avery Porter, one of many who spoke, saying the opinions were shared outside of the school room and on social media. “People can have opinions on both sides of the matter, and they can be discussed in a public forum. People should not be punished for their own opinion.”
According to the school officials, the district is continuing the disciplinary process review for staff who allegedly made comments following the assassination that
happened on a college campus in Utah last month as Kirk spoke at a Turning Point USA event.
“The school district must ensure that these staff members are afforded their full due process rights in this review, as required by law and board policy,” the district stated.
Kirk, 31, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University at the outdoor event.
The three employees have the option to request a hearing. The findings of all cases are being submitted to the Florida Department of Education, which has the authority to sanction teaching certificates, the district said. The district anticipates a resolution whether hearings are requested, or not, on Nov. 4.
“The School District recognizes the First Amendment rights of staff. However, those rights must be balanced against the School District’s interest in protecting its school operations. Statements that interfere with school operations may lead to discipline, which can range from a letter of
reprimand to termination, as recommended by the Superintendent,” according to a statement from the district.
There were other speakers who said the consequences and legal ramification to defend ideological decisions come out of the pockets of residents in Lee County.
“Citizens get your checkbooks out. The only ones to win here are the attorneys,” Daniel Becker said.
Another speaker argued that the termination of these three teachers prevents teachers from engaging honestly in current events both online and in the classroom.
“This is about fascism and free speech,” Jamie Dallas said. “I am an adamant advocate of free speech. He used free speech. When we silence teachers, we are silencing a generation. Protect teachers, protect First Amendment (rights) and teachers themselves. Let freedom speak.”
Others who spoke during public comment said not all speech is protected.
Tara Jenner, who is the Republican state committeewoman for Lee County, said if the comments wish harm, or celebrate violence, the person should be terminated.
“Charlie Kirk spoke his mind, and he
didn’t deserve to be targeted for his assassination,” she said. “Celebrating, or justifying an assassination is not free speech, it’s moral decay.”
Others said that death is never something to celebrate, but rather a time to reflect and there is a responsibility to teach children a better way and to navigate differences through doing something good.
“Do what is right. Teach our children that murder is never an answer. Celebrating the assassination of a human being is never right. Fire every single one,” another speaker said.
John King said free speech is a fundamental right.
“When that speech includes murder, celebration of a murder, is unacceptable,” he said. “Our kids deserve better. When our kids leave our homes, you’re next in line. Your actions matter, good or bad. Show hate, celebrate hate, you are showing our kids the same. Those teachers should be fired.”
The statements allegedly made have not been released by the district.
Cape Coral City Council moves to diversify P&Z appointments
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Cape Coral City Council changed membership requirements for the Planning and Zoning Commission Wednesday.
The preferred composition is “no more than two members from any individual preferred profession may be appointed as regular members currently.”
Three council members voted against Ordinance 24-25 – Joe Kilraine, Bill Steinke and Rachel Kaduk.
Councilmember Keith Long said there is currently a proliferation of Realtors on the committee. He said the intent should be varying opinions and should not be a majority of one particular profession that profits off of residential and commercial
zoning.
The commission is made up of seven members and two alternates. There are currently four vacancies for membership and two for alternates.
“It’s just a general good practice to diversify any board,” Long said.
City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said it is not uncommon to administer certain
professions and roles.
“If we do get five applications and one is a Realtor and there are already two on there, (we will) notify them the seats for the profession are full and we bring you the balance,” he said. “This more affects how we as an administration will forward and understand what is available to be filled,” he said.
AT LCEC, MEMBERSHIP MEANS EVERYTHING
partnership with
Membership Matters
New location, new school, new name
Hector A. Cafferata
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
Hurricane damaged Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary School may get a new name to reflect its expansion at its new location — Hector A. Cafferata Jr. K-8.
It was the top-ranked new name with 57.3%, with The Hector A. Cafferata Jr. School coming in second with 29.4% of the vote from an ad hoc committee and survey results.
The top choice was presented to the Lee County School Board Tuesday. The new name will come before the board again for
Jr. K-8 gets thumbs up; school board votes comes next
a final vote.
Water intrusion throughout the building, after the school lost its roof to Hurricane Ian in 2022, was the start of big changes for the old elementary school.
“Our old building has been torn down and the new building is being constructed,” Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary School Principal Dr. Jason Kurtz said.
The hurricane-damaged building was demolished earlier this year, and the new building is anticipated to open as a K-8 school in August 2026.
The school put together a name-change
Ad Hoc Committee, as well as issued a survey that was open from Sept. 10 through Sept. 19. Those results were compiled and presented to the School Advisory Council on Sept. 30 before coming before the board.
Kurtz said they ended up with 211 responses to their survey. The results were 60.7% from parents or guardians, followed by 23.2% student responses and 16.1% teacher, or staff member responses.
“There was a “very lively discussion at our SAC meeting. They had an opportunity there as well,” Kurtz said.
“The biggest thing to us is to make sure it is being built and make sure it is Hector A. Cafferata. The community is excited,” Board Chair Sam Fisher said. “I do want to recognize this. I want to continue to give my hat off to Principal Kurtz and staff. They will be in portables for four years. The amount they have been able to achieve is nothing short of incredible over there.”
The school opened in 2006 and was named after Hector A. Cafferata Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient.
Bike Night: Motorcycles, gear, live music, food, drink
From page 1
parking will not be allowed along Southeast 47th Terrace between Southeast 9th Place and Vincennes Boulevard. Whether you’re showing off your bike or admiring others, the Thunder Zone will be a focal point of the event, in addition to a great lineup of live entertainment.
“This year, in addition to bike parking at the Thunder Zone, new bike parking options are available in the Iguana Mia parking lot and on the north side of the Slow Bike Race area,” Mullen said. “The layout has been improved for safety and convenience to enhance everyone’s experience.”
This high-octane, free event features live music, with headliner “Hardwired: Metallica Tribute,” as well as delicious
This high-octane, free event features live music, with headliner “Hardwired: Metallica Tribute,” as well as delicious food, and local vendors. Highlights of the night include the Slow Bike Race at 8 p.m., where balance and control are pushed to the limit.
food, and local vendors. Highlights of the night include the Slow Bike Race at 8 p.m., where balance and control are pushed to the limit.
“Bike Night is ideal for motorcycle enthusiasts to connect with fellow riders, showcase bikes, and enjoy events like the Slow Bike Race,” Mullen said. “Whether you own a bike or just love the motorcycle
scene, it’s a fun, festival-like atmosphere for all.”
“School of Rock” hits the stage from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the “Charlie Pace Band” from 6:30 to 8. “Hardwired” closes the evening with a performance from 8:30 to 10.
Slow Bike races (signed waiver required) begin at on Southeast 11th Place.
The check-in tent to register is at Southeast 47th Terrace and Southeast 11th Place. Bike participants must enter the Slow Bike Race Arena off of Southeast 46th Lane.
“It’s a fantastic night of music and community under the Cape Coral sky that everyone should experience,” Mullen said.
Organizers highly encourage the use of ride share services (Lyft/Uber/Taxi), for both responsible drinking and to assist guests in getting to the venue in the safest, most efficient way.
Four-wheeled vehicles can use the old military museum parking lot, as well as Big John’s Plaza.
The next Bike Night takes place Feb. 14.
For more information, visit www.ccbikenight.com.
the breeze business
OctOber 10, 2025
Business Briefs
Better Together to host October hiring events
Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, is offering two hiring events to job seekers in Southwest Florida on Oct. 15 and Oct. 21.
The Oct. 15 event is a second-chance job fair, promoting the power of second chances for neighbors who face barriers to employment. These can include past incarceration, homelessness, lack of transportation or child care, or gaps in employment. The job fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Church, at 13 S.E. 21st Place in Cape Coral. Job seekers can register at BetterTogetherUS.org/GraceChurch or by texting “JOBS” to 844-987-3949.
The Oct. 21 community job fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverside Church, at 8660 Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers. Job seekers can register at BetterTogetherUS.org/Riverside or by texting “JOBS” to 844-987-3949.
Registration is now open for job seekers and employers to participate in the October events.
The community job fairs are part of Better Together’s “Better Jobs” program, which has helped more than 45,600 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 24 states. So far this year, more than 2,600 interviews or initial jobs have been offered.
Churches interested in hosting a Better Together job fair can visit BetterTogetherUS.org for more information.
Lee BIA Builders Care to hold
building product blowout
sale Oct. 25
Lee BIA Builders Care is hosting its building product sale Saturday, Oct. 25, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., to raise funds to help local elderly and disabled homeowners in need.
Offering Southwest Florida remodelers the opportunity to complete home or office renovations at a modest price, local suppliers and building industry-related companies are providing significant deals on a variety of items, including artwork, doors, flooring, hardware, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, windows and more.
Donation of new or gently used items are still being accepted through Oct. 20 and can be dropped off at the Lee BIA Builders Care office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds from the sale will benefit Builders Care and help provide emergency construction services to Lee County homeowners in need.
Major inventory donors for this event include Ferguson, Framing Wholesalers, Naples Lumber & Supply and Plumbing Solutions of Southwest Florida.
The building product blowout sale will take place at the Lee BIA Builders Care office, located at 6835 International Center Blvd., #4, in Fort Myers. The event is free and open to the public. You must be able to pick up and transport any items purchased during the sale.
To learn more about Lee BIA Builders Care and its mission, visit LeeBuildersCare.org.
B&I Contractors appoints Mumme to board of directors
B&I Contractors, Inc., has announced the appointment of Brian Mumme, vice president of business development, to its board of directors, effective Nov. 1, 2025. Mumme has been with B&I for over two decades, contributing to the company’s growth and expansion. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his ability to cultivate strong client relationships, identify new opportunities and guide teams through complex projects. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping B&I’s path forward and positioning the company for continued success.
Established in 1960, B&I offices are located in Fort Myers, Tamarac, Sarasota and Tampa. The employee-owned company specializes in providing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for clients in commercial, institutional and industrial industries throughout Florida and beyond. The company is a leader in providing reliable, energy efficient and sustainable solutions for building owners and contractors.
To learn more, please call (239) 332-4646 or online visit www.bandiflorida.com.
Ford’s Garage selling Pink Fund T-shirts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
The community once again can show support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by purchasing a limited-edition Pink Fund T-shirt at any Ford’s Garage location.
The partnership between Pink Fund and Ford’s Garage began in 2019 and has raised more than $50,000 with all proceeds of the T-shirt sales going directly to Pink Fund.
These funds have helped patients who are receiving treatments with essential living expenses, so they can focus on what matters – recovery – instead of bills, organizers said.
This initiative is part of Ford’s Garage larger Warriors in Pink Program, which is a long-standing commitment to supporting those affected by breast cancer.
“The financial burden of breast cancer treatment can be devastating,” said Molly MacDonald, co-founder and CEO of Pink Fund, in a prepared statement. “The generosity of Ford’s Garage ensures we can continue providing real relief to patients, so they can focus on recovery and their families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. The continued partnership is even more impactful this year, as we’ve seen a 55% increase in requests for financial assistance from breast cancer patients.”
Pink Fund, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2006 and has provided more than $10 million in
PHOTO PROVIDED
An employee at Ford’s Garage holds one of the Pink Fund T-shirts available this month.
financial relief to breast cancer survivors.
Ford’s Garage Vice President of Marketing Anton Botosan said 32 of their restaurants, in eight states, are participating in this successful and powerful fundraiser that they hope to carry on for many more years.
“Ford’s Garage was looking for the right partner in the breast cancer space – really making an impact locally and beyond all over the country,” he said. “We have done a T-shirt fundraiser every year to raise funds throughout the month of October.”
Botosan said people are in need of help to make a car payment, mort-
gage payment and utility payment. The funds raised, he said, will help them by not making that choice of either going to treatment, or missing a payment.
“We know it makes an impact. There is plenty more impact to be made. To be on a mission with them, alongside them as a partner, is truly a gift,” he said.
The limited-edition T-shirts have been purchased by patrons, as well as staff members to support the cause in the past, as everyone in one way, shape or form has been touched by breast cancer.
Botosan said it’s amazing how many people who work in the restaurants wear the shirt all month long.
“They get to show off their shirt and talk about the cause,” he said. “We are glad people in the restaurant are excited to participate. It’s much more special when the entire team comes together to support the cause.”
The shirts garner conversations, Botosan said, as people appreciate sharing, especially for those who have gone through it, or a caretaker sharing their experience.
“The shirt itself opens that door to talk about someone they know has gone through breast cancer and treatment,” he said.
Ford’s Garage in Cape Coral is at 1719 Cape Coral Parkway, E. Call (239) 540-3673 or visit https://fordsgarageusa.com/locations/cape-coral/.
SCHEA ready to host 12th Annual South Cape Spooktacular Pub Crawl Oct. 18
By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Those looking to enjoy some Halloween festivities can do so this weekend via an annual event in the South Cape sure to bring the tastes and treats of the season.
The South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association’s 12th Annual South Cape Spooktacular Pub Crawl takes place next Saturday, Oct. 18, around varying establishments from 7-11 p.m.
The 21-plus event takes attendees to 14 different locations to enjoy drink and food samples, with guests encouraged to dress in their best costumes.
Of the popular event, SCHEA spokesperson Shannon Quinn said, “We are thrilled. Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year in South Cape. The energy, creativity and community spirit are unmatched. We love seeing the streets come alive with costumes, laughter and local South Cape camaraderie. Every year, our Halloween events get bigger and better…it’s truly one of our favorite seasons to celebrate together.”
Quinn added the $500 cash prize costume contest this year is sure to bring out some amazing looks, from
Business Trick-or-Treat next Saturday in South Cape
As a precursor to Saturday’s trolley event for adults, SCHEA will host its 7th Annual South Cape Business Trick-or-Treat Event Oct. 18, from noon to 4 p.m.
Bring your kids for an afternoon of fun as they fill their bags with goodies from South Cape businesses. Each location will be handing out candy, trinkets or one of many fantastic higher-value treats, including gift cards to some amazing local spots. A limo bus will safely transport children and families across Cape Coral Parkway.
“It’s such a fun and safe way for kids to enjoy Halloween,” SCHEA spokesperson Shannon Quinn said.
“Families can stroll through the South Cape area during the day, collect candy from local businesses and take part in the festivities together.
There’s a great mix of treats, costumes and community connection… all in one place.”
Don’t forget to visit the official
scary to sweet.
“The costumes are next-level. People go all out for these events, especially for the Spooktacular $500
photo booth located at MM Brands (1322 Lafayette St., Unit B) to snap a spooky picture for free. The Photo Booth Contest has cash prizes of $150 for first, $100 for second and $50 for third.
Quinn said there are dozens of participating local businesses love taking part in the event, spreading some seasonal goodness around for the youth.
“It’s one of the most heartwarming events of the year,” she said. “Businesses get to meet local families face-to-face, show off their festive side and be part of the community in a really meaningful way. It builds relationships, brings people into the area and reminds everyone that South Cape is all about supporting each other.”
The event is free to attend, with registration available on Eventbrite by searching “7th Annual South Cape Business Trick-or-Treat.”
cash costume contest and the cash prizes for the trick or treat event,” she
School district continues to grapple with late buses
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
While the numbers have improved since last year, more than 2,500 bus riders are still getting to school late.
“We have a lot more work to do moving forward,” Safety, Security, & Fleet Operations Chief Dave Newlan said at Tuesday’s Lee County School Board meeting.
Last year, 83% of students arrived to school on time meaning 7,990 students per day arrived late.
In the afternoon numbers rose significantly — 18,800 students per day were picked up late for their bus ride home with only 60% of students picked up from their school on time.
Those numbers improved in the first 30 days of school this year with on-time arrival times increasing by 20%, however 2,565 students per day are still tardy. On-time dismissals increased from last year to this year by 19%, meaning 9,019 student per day leave school late.
Newlan said arrival and dismissal is a collaboration with external partners including the Sheriff’s Office, Cape Coral Police Department, Department of Transportation and volunteer units to help buses arrive on the ramp on time and leave campus despite traffic.
One of the challenges is high school choice.
Newlan said one example is South Fort Myers High School, which has 39 buses alone, with one bus transporting one student, and another transporting only three students.
On time arrival means that high school students arrive at school at 6:30 a.m. for a 7 a.m. bell time, K-8 schools arrive at school by 7 a.m. for a 7:30 bell time, elementary school students arrive by 8:10 a.m. for the 8:40 bell time and middle school students arrive at school by 9:15 a.m. for the 9:45 a.m. bell time.
Transportation and Logistical Services Executive Director Jarrad McKinney said the start time impact went from 71% on time arrival to 91% and the afternoon went from 60% to 79%.
The earliest pick up is at 3:43 a.m. with an average bus route of an hour and a half.
Dr. Ken Savage, deputy superintendent, said the student who is at the bus stop at 3:43 a.m. chose to attend Dunbar High School from where he lives in Bonita Springs.
“How much choice are you willing to transport for? High school is the only one that hasn’t gone through the
Transportation to and from schools has seen a marked improvement over last year but more than 2,500 bus riders per day still are getting to school late. Improvement Transportation and Logistical Services Executive Director Jarrad McKinney said the start time impact went from 71% on time arrival last year to 91% this year and the afternoon on-time went from 60% to 79%.
revision process,” he said.
High schools were not subject to proximity policies implemented over the last couple of years and the number of high school students being transported has increased this year.
“The distance they have to cover makes it impossible to put more students on the route,” he said.
Vice Chair Jada Langford-Fleming asked if there was an opportunity to partner with LeeTran — a hybrid situation with public transportation that would be willing to help at that hour.
Newlan said they are also working with the office of School Choice, so they can identify students that could enroll in a school closer to home.
There has been improvement.
The tier one high school and K-8 school a.m. data for Sept. 15 through Sept. 19 was 98%, compared to 94% a month prior, the tier two for elementary was 93% compared to 79% a month prior and 97% for middle school from 85% a month prior.
McKinney said they are continuing to address persistent late buses by utilizing a team approach for elementary school. For middle school they increased their bus operators.
The tier one high school and K-8 school p.m. data for the same time period was 99%, the same as the month prior, for elementary school 77% compared to 71% a month prior and 65% for middle school compared to 69%.
Chief Academic Officer Nathan Shaker shared how the Safe Start Initiative has had a positive impact in the classroom.
The first academic payoff is for high school students.
He said the change in time has allowed an opportunity to add two minutes per period at the high school. That equates to 14 minutes per day, 180 days in a school
The Cape Coral City Council will be accepting applications for the following Board:
CAPE CORAL CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORITY GOVERNING BOARD
Business Community-1
Education Community* -1 Community at Large - 2
MEMBER ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must meet each of the following requirements:
(1) Citizen of the United States
(2) Full-time resident of Cape Coral, Florida
(3) Education Member* must be certified or retired educator and/or education services professional.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, October 24, 2025, by 4:30p.m. EST
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE: PLEASE ATTACH A RESUME WITH YOUR APPLICATION
On-Line: https://www.capecoral.gov/department/clerk/boards and committees2.php
GO TO "Boards and Committees-Vacancies" CLICK "Current Boards" CLICK "Board Application and Exempt Form" CLICK "Boards that Require a Form 1"
In-Person: City Hall-City Clerk's Office, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL, Monday-Friday 7:30a.m. - 4:30p.m. EST
By Mail: Please contact the City Clerk's Office at (239) 57 4-0411.
The Cape Coral Charter School Authority Governing Board oversees the operations of the municipal charter school system. The eleven-member board includes seven voting members, and four nonvoting parent representatives. CSA Governing Board Members are certified and appointed to a two-year term by the Cape Coral City Council.
year and 2,520 minutes per year, or 42 hours of instruction a year.
“We have already had an extra day and a half,” Shaker said of instruction.
That two minutes per period adds up to an additional 24 days of instructional time over four years.
At the elementary school level, with more students arriving on time, they can participate more in their 90-minute reading block at the beginning of the day.
“It’s the essential part of student achievement,” Shaker said.
It’s the same scenario at the middle school level, as math and English Language Arts is also scheduled for the morning. He said with the percentages of on-time students, they are looking at strong instructional impact.
The district is looking at different software programs to become more efficient.
Newlan said they are also reviewing the homeless student transportation program – maybe private transportation.
“We are looking at all options to increase and improve efficiency and best interest of the child,” he said.
The district is also introducing a sign up for transportation to route students who need transportation versus qualify. Newlan said bus drivers are stopping at bus stops with no one there.
The district is also is adding 10 substitute driver positions per transportation site, as well as increasing compensation from $15 to $19 an hour for substitute drivers.
The full-time driver positions are also increasing from 555 to 580 to increase route coverage and reduce delays.
Auto Body Shop ....................................... Cape Collision Center
Auto Detailing Noah’s Rain or Shine Detail, LLC
Auto Service & Repair Shop Ken’s Auto Repair, Inc.
Car Wash ........................................ Tommy’s Express Car Wash
New Car/Truck Dealer ............................. Roger Dean Chevrolet
Oil Change 1 Stop Auto Repair
Tire Shop The Brake & Tire Guy Mobile Services of Lee County FL
Used Car/Truck Dealer ... Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram
Vehicle Wraps ....................................Precision Wraps And Tint
Window Tinting Black Optix Tint
B s & Bev ages
................................................................................... The Dek
Bartender ...... Wanda Johnson, Fishtale Grill by Merrick Seafood
Bartending Staff The Dek
Bloody Mary ................................... Merrick Seafood Company
Boba Bubble Tea ................................................................ Hi Tea Brewery Scotty’s Bierwerks
Sign Shop ....................... Sign On, LLC. LED Signs & Graphics
Spa Forever Young Bodyworks
Tattoo Studio Gearhead Tattoo
Travel Agency ... Nick Mornard Associates with Dream Vacation
Ice Cream Shop ................................................. The Sweet Spot
Amore Italian Market & Bakery
Zirilli’s Chilly Treats
The French Press
Pies .......................................... Amore Italian Market & Bakery
Popcorn Store ............................................ Wild About Popcorn
Smoothies
Sorbet
The Zone Nutrition
Zirillis Chilly Treats
Welding
Tip Top Welding Wigs .......................................................... Hair Fx Studio & Spa
Fee may be due if contract falls through
Dear Mr. Feichthaler:
We contracted to sell our house in Cape Coral, as we believed my husband received a fantastic job opportunity in Ohio. We learned this week that the company he was supposed to work for has ceased all hiring, and that his offer has been revoked. Now, we are keeping our jobs here and not selling our home. Thankfully, the buyer agreed to allow us to cancel the contract, and we have returned the buyer’s escrow deposit.
Eric P. Feichthaler
Real Estate Law
However, our Realtor is now demanding the full 6% of the sales price as commission, even though we never made it to the closing table. Can he do this?
- Shelly R.
Dear Frank,
I am sorry to hear about the sudden and unexpected termination of the job offer. It sounds like your Realtor is not being reasonable, but sometimes the law and fairness do not align. You likely signed a listing agreement with the broker, which provides the various circumstances when commission is due. In Florida, the agreement will generally provide that, if a contract is in place and then the seller causes the transaction to terminate, the broker is still entitled to full commission. When you advised your Realtor about the situation, I would have expected he or she would have discussed the listing agreement with you, and discuss a fair resolution. Nevertheless, the commission is likely payable under these facts under the standard listing agreement.
Now that the property has not sold, you may not have ready cash to make any kind of payment. I would recommend, first, that you seek legal counsel to see if there are any other potential defenses to their claims for commission. If there are no defenses, you or your attorney can negotiate with the broker to what both sides may consider fair given their efforts. Real estate brokers do not want to be involved in lawsuits, just as their clients wish to avoid court as well. I wish you and your husband the best on this situation and on your husband’s future employment.
Sincerely,
Eric Feichthaler
Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 37 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Cape Coral to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through the Cape Coral Caring Center, and Cape Coral Kiwanis where he serves as president. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 24 years, and they have four children. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar, and primarily practices in real estate law and wills and trusts. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional ethics and legal ability, and is a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. He can be reached at eric@ capecoralattorney .com, or 239-542-4733. This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone. Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Source: Lee County Property Appraiser
DANIELLE M & STEVEN G LAVASSAUR RICHARD H &
IRINA JIMENEZ COASTON HOMES LLC
MALKA MOSHIKO WYNKOOP FLORIDA CONSTRUCTION I
The Cape’s home market continues to weaken in 2025
Now that we are more than three years into our current market correction, things still remain difficult for a large number of homeowners hoping to sell their homes as our market conditions have continued to get a bit worse for sellers. On a positive note, Cape Coral homes are still being sold and the combination of the recent dip in mortgage rates along with sellers continuing to reduce their list prices helped lead to a brief flurry of additional homes going under contract with buyers in August and September, but that increased action seems to have faded for now. For their part, home values, list prices and sales prices are still showing signs of weakening in what has been a mostly orderly, albeit painful, slow motion market correction that continues to frustrate large numbers of sellers hoping to attract a buyer.
There is a growing hope that mortgage rates will continue to move lower and bring back more buyers into the market, but as we have previously mentioned in this column, if it was only mortgage rates that were the problem, more buyers would have adjusted to the higher interest rates and more homes would have been sold. But the affordability problems that are keeping a lot of buyers on the sidelines goes way beyond mortgage rates.
Unfortunately, over the past five years home prices went up at a much faster pace than the incomes required to buy a home at these higher prices, so a lot of average households that need to finance the purchase of a home simply do not have enough income to qualify for a mortgage. Then when the costs for homeowners insurance and flood insurance, along with higher property taxes, are added to the mortgage equation, a lot of buyers are simply priced out of the current market. The fact that home maintenance and repair costs have also escalated just compounds the affordability issues. So it would seem that either incomes need to increase by a lot, or home prices still need to come down for a lot of buyers to afford a home.
Here are some of the things we are watching closely to see if things shift from what has been a slowly deteriorating market to a more positive trend for sellers. We are following the number of active listings and the median list prices in the Cape, along with the trends in pending home sales. We are also tracking the number of closed home sales and the really important monthly trends in median sales prices, which are still indicating we are in a market correction. We are also monitoring the influences on the broader economy, inflation and interest rates, along with the trends in the current Florida and national real estate markets.
The market data that keeps us up at night deals with the monthly median sales prices for single-family homes in Cape Coral, which has been in a negative trend for the past three years. Simply put, median sales prices have been in a slow motion decline and we are watching this data closely for any signs that sales prices are stabilizing and getting ready to shift into a more positive uptrend. We are not seeing that yet, which makes us think there may still be more downside to home values and sales prices. Generally speaking, when market prices go into a slow motion, grinding deterioration, the ultimate recovery in prices also tends to be a slow, grinding process on the way back up. This type of market correction tends to be extremely frustrating for home sellers and it is often marked by sellers waiting too long to adjust their prices lower and they end up “chasing the market lower.” We have been watching this play out for the past three years and every step of the way our advice has been for people to get their homes priced correctly to the market to attract a buyer to get their home sold as soon as possible. In this type of market correction, the price you receive today will likely be higher than the price a buyer will pay you for your home three months from now, and the price three months from now will likely be higher than the price you will receive three months after that. Sooner rather than later is the price reduction approach that gets a seller more money.
Current active listings and pending sales
As of Tuesday, Oct. 7, there were 2,423 Cape Coral single-family homes listed for sale in the MLS at list prices ranging from $174,700 to $8.9 million, and the median list price came in at $460,000. The number of active listings continues to move lower as some sellers take their homes off of the market, down from 2,468 homes on the market two weeks ago when list prices ranged from $184,700 to $8.9 million and the median list price was at $465,000. One year ago on Oct. 7, 2024, there were 2,613 homes on the market in the Cape at list prices ranging from $224,900 to $7.867 million, and the median list price was at $469,900 after dropping from $475,000 two weeks earlier on Sept. 23, 2024.
We currently have 891 homes in the Cape listed at $400,000 and under, including 191 homes listed for below $300,000. In our luxury home segment, there are currently 229 homes listed at $1 million and above. Just to help illustrate the list price deterioration in our market, one year ago on Oct. 7, 2024, there were 871 homes at $400,000 and under, with only 87 of these homes listed below $300,000 and we had 265 homes in the Cape listed at $1.0 million and above. Back on April 23, 2024, there were 2,849 homes listed for sale through a Realtor at prices ranging from $225,000 to $10.9 million and the median list price was at $499,900. At that time there were 770 homes listed at $400,000 and under, with only 43 homes priced below $300,000 to go with the 351 luxury homes listed at $1.0 million and above.
As of Oct. 7, there were 558 Cape Coral homes under contract with buyers in the pipeline as pending sales at prices ranging from $169,900 to $3.85 million, and the median pending sales price came in at $388,674. Note that the median pending sales price is 15.5% below our current median list price and the preliminary median sales price for the month of September is even lower at $365,000. These numbers indicate sellers are still experiencing downward price pressures in our market. One year ago the median pending home sales price was 14.9% below the median list price, and the September 2024 median sales price was at $379,000. Two weeks ago on Sept. 23, we were still in the brief buyer surge in our market with 614 pending home sales in the pipeline and the median pending sales price at $379,000. So the number of pending sales has faded by 9.1% in the past two weeks, with the median pending sales price edging 2.6% higher. One year ago on Oct. 7, 2024, there were 577 homes under contract with buyers in the Cape, which was down from 605 pending sales on Sept. 23, 2024, and the median pending home sales price was at $400,000.
The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, Fla., as of Oct. 7, 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 46 years. Geri has been a full-time Reator 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.
Right now, the median sales price in the Cape Coral single-family home market has been scraping along the bottom of this three-year price correction for the past three months at new lows for this correction. In July of this year we hit a new low of $365,000 and in August we came in at $368,000. In September we came in at $365,000 again, so this has become a critical support level that needs to hold so we can say we may have put in a bottom for now If $365,000 holds, then we may be ready for that slow, grinding recovery in home prices. If we break below this new low of $365,000 then we are likely in for more downside in sales prices. We have now been in a weak price pattern marked by a series of lower lows and lower highs for the past three years, during which time a lot, if not most, sellers have been forced to make price reductions to attract a buyer and get their homes sold.
Anglers dealt with windy days over much of the week with a strong easterly breeze. Conditions kept most offshore boats in port and hampered inshore efforts.
Most redfish action came from shallow protected waters around Matlacha Pass, the eastern sides of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor.
Reds up to 28 inches and often in schools took a variety of baits including pinfish, pilchards, herring, shrimp, cut mulletand ladyfish, plus gold spoons. They were found along bar drop-offs on the lower tides then moving to shorelines and around oyster bars on higher water.
Early in the week, ahead of the winds, a school of large reds up to 40 inches was reported in Charlotte Harbor, plus reds over 30 inches around the Gulf passes.
With the opening of snook season, they are the focus for many anglers. Snook were caught around island points, creek mouths and oyster bars in areas with the wind and current moving the same direction. All baits mentioned for redfish also work for snook; this time of year it’s very common to catch a good number of snook and reds together.
A high percentage of snook are undersized, release them unharmed, and if flipper comes in, it’s best to move on and not give them an easy meal.
Nighttime anglers report a few keeper-size snook from theMatlacha Drawbridge while casting diving lures or freelining live shrimp.
Limits of seatrout were caught around Charlotte Harbor, the Sound and San Carlos Bay. Bar edges and grass flats in 4 to 6-foot depths produced trout to 20 inches plus ladyfish, jack crevalle and Spanish mackerel. Mackerel and large ladyfish also came from areas around the Sanibel Causeway and off the beach between Blind and Redfish passes.
Sharks including bulls, lemons and blacktip are common catches inshore. Most are running 3-6 feet and eat a variety of fresh cut baits with mullet, ladyfish and jack crevalle favorites. They can be found roaming anywhere for their next meal but if you are in an area catching fish with a lot of activity, odds are sharks are nearby.
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, contact Gulf Coast Guide Service at (239) 410-8576, Website www.fishpineisland.com or email gcl2fish@ live.com
As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for over 20 years.
Tide CharT
Registration begins for sixth annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation Softball Tournament and Toy Drive Nov. 29
The sixth annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation Softball Tournament and Toy Drive is set for Thanksgiving weekend, with team registration now open.
The seasonal family event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 29, starting at 8 a.m. The tournament for toys will take place at the Northwest Cape Coral Softball Complex at 1030 NW 16th Place in Cape Coral.
The one-day tournament and toy drive will benefit local families in need. Attendees will be able to enjoy bounce houses, holiday craft vendors, food trucks with exciting action on the softball fields. To help kick start the holiday spirit, Santa will make a special appearance. The admission fee is a new, unused toy on the day of the tournament.
More than $70,000 worth of toys and contributions was raised during the event’s first five years. All donations go
toward a shopping spree at which the recipients can purchase both gifts and necessities.
The registration fee is $500—or $350 worth of unwrapped, new toys per team, for up to 12 players. To register or make a donation, visit TommyBohanonFoundation. org.
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes reach their full potential on and off the playing fields. Its programs and community outreach events have helped hundreds of children in Southwest Florida.
Opportunities to help as a volunteer, participant or donor can be found at TommyBohanonFoundation.org. For more information, contact Katie Bohanon at 239-6710441 or Katie@TommyBohanonFoundation.org.
PreP rePorT
Wednesday Cross Country Private 8 Conference Championships GIRLS
Team: Bishop Verot 35, Canterbury 65, First Baptist Academy 83, SW Florida Christian 93, Evangelical Christian 113, St. John Neumann 139. Individual: 1 Gianna Gyurih (BV) 20:17.60. 2 Livi Feyereisen (C) 20:41.10. 3 Jayden Wilkins (SWFC) 20:50.30. 4 Lillian Lampitt (BV) 21:18.80. 5 Anna Kate Casto (CSN) 21;40.70. 6 Rose O’Malley (CSN) 22:43.50. 7 Brooke Shefsky (SJN) 22:55.30. 8 Addison Matthews (SWFC) 23:02.60. 9 Sydney Dawick (C) 23:07.90. 10 Claire Dawick (CSN) 23:48.9. 11 Lana Schmidt (BV) 24:10.90. 12 Olivia Antoon (BV) 24:29.00. 13 Zoe McCurry (BV) 24:36.90. 14 Lea Scotti (BV) 24:39.10. 15 Jacqueline Wentworth (FBA) 24:50.70. ALSO: 16 Jade Schmidt (BV) 25:08.2. 26 Isabella Pierre (BV) 26:08.30. 35 Mia McMasters (BV) 27:38.40. 38 Olivia Moore (BV) 28:1.40. 49 Addison Royer (BV) 33.15.50. 51 Sarah Gonzalez (BV) 36:10.40.
BOYS
Team: SW Florida Christian 25, Bishop Verot 48, Community School of Naples 66, St. John Neumann 108. Individual: 1 Brody Wunsch (SWFC) 17:16.0. 2 Christian Ginart (BV) 17:43.90. 3 Joel Giardetti (SWFC) 18:03.90. 4 Jackson Sheek (CSN) 18:15.60. 5 Aiden Stratton (SWFC) 18:26.70. 6 Gabriel Scotti (BV) 18:29.90. 7 David Yarnell (SWFC) 18:43.90. 8 Thomas Eichten (BV) 18:44.40. 9 Truman Wright (SWFC) 18:54.40. 10 Shepard Anderson (SWFC) 19:03.40. ALSO: 19 Gabriel Perez (BV) 20:43.70. 23 Cayden Biffar (BV) 21:06.70. 24 Joseph Polsinelli (BV) 21:06.90. 33 Ethan Alexander (BV) 23:05.709. 34 Andre Barbato (BV) 23:07.90. 39 Logan Meyer (BV) 25:00.30.
Volleyball
Oasis 3, Community School of Naples 2: The Sharks improved to 19-5 with a back-and-forth win in Naples, 2514, 16-25, 25-17, 12-25, 15-11.
Girls Bowling
Cypress Lake 4, Bishop Verot 0: Mia Brooks rolled a 158 game for the Vikings, while Cypress Lake was led by Mackenzie Stouffer ‘s 224.
Boys Bowling
Cypress Lake 4, Bishop Verot 1: Both Nathan Jordan and Ryan Englebrecht had 181 games for Bishop Verot. Jace McCrumb rolled a 245 for the Panthers.
Tuesday
Volleyball
LCAC Tournament
Cape Coral 3, Gateway 2: The Seahawks (14-10), down 2-1 in sets, rallied to win 25-8, 23-25, 18-25, 2520, 15-9.
Riverdale 3, North Fort Myers 0: The Red Knights’ (14-6) nine-match winning streak was snapped as the Raiders won 25-1, 25-21, 25-20.
Estero 3, Ida Baker 0: Tuesday’s 25-13, 25-14, 25-19 loss left the Bulldogs 8-12. Also
Bishop Verot 3, Palmetto Ridge 0: The Vikings improved to 18-7 with a 25-19, 25-7, 25-20 sweep.
Girls Golf
Private 8 Conference Tournament
At Valencia Golf & Country Club Par 72
Team: Community School of Naples 298, Bishop Verot 347, St. John Neumann 372, Canterbury 404, First Baptist 407, Evangelical Christian NTS. Individual: Norah Urrea (CSN) 72, Isabella Michetti (CSN) 72, Emmey Siek (CSN) 75, Makayla Caine (FBA) 79, Raleigh Currin (BV) 79, Grace Shahraki (CSN) 79, Ainsley Grohowski (C) 80, Simone Henry (BV) 82, Nicole Graham (C) 83, Kate Johnson (BV) 67, Mia Trigilio (SJN) 89, Sunny Sullivan (FBA) 92, Aria Trigilio (SJN) 93, Kayla Day (SJN) 94, Aubrey Blanco (SJN) 95, Elsa Lindquist (FBA) 96, Zoe Vanderbrook (BV) 99, Olivia Blanco (SJN) 103, Leah Friedman (BV) 105,
Leading the way
Ruben Viera De Lemos of Cape Coral captured first place in the varsity boys’ competition of the Riverdale Invitational Cross Country meet last Saturday. De Lemos finished the race with a time of 16:36.7, leading the Seahawks to a second place finish.
Boys Golf Private 8 Conference Tournament At Valencia Golf & Country Club Par 72
Team: St. John Neumann 298, Community School of Naples 303, Bishop Verot 303, First Baptist 346, SW Florida Christian 359, Canterbury 403, Seacrest Country Day NTS.
Individual: Ryan Toole (SJN) 71, Spencer Ives (CSN) 72, Luca Musico (CSN) 73, Caden Kellum (BV) 74, Grant Noren (SJN) 74, Chase Noren (SJN) 75, Chase Mazzola (SJN) 75, Jack Henry (BV) 75, Colton Werder (SCD) 76, Adrian Bahnam (BV) 77, JC Iglesias (BV) 77, Jaxson Hollatz (SJN) 78, Christian Shaw-Sarubbi (CSN) 79, Jack Maurer (CSN) 79, Ethan Foster (CSN) 80, Brody Adams (FBA) 83, Cash Reed (FBA) 83, Jack Miller (SWFC) 84, Braden Grable (BV) 86, Anthony Ricci (FBA)
86, Scott Loiacano (SWFC) 88, Mack Brown (SCD) 89, Damon Baurillo (C) 91, Elliot Huling (SJN) 92, Coleman Smith (SWFC) 93, Ryan Conrad (FBA) 94, River McDaniel (SWFC) 94, Bradley Laquis (C) 96, Cole Robinson (FBA) 97, Ray Adler (C) 100, Brayden Northrop (SWFC) 106, Sam Bell (C) 116, Caid Catlin (C) 116, Dominic Raess (SCD) 117.
MARK CLIFFORD
Capt. Bill Russell On the Water
Elks donates funds to Cape High JROTC
The Cape Coral Elks Lodge #2596 donated $3,500 to the JROTC of Cape Coral High School Sept. 20. The JROTC performed a military drill at the lodge. The funds will be used to furnish travel, uniforms and equipment. From left are John Nugent, Dominick Tartaglione, Lt. Col Mario Johnson, Wanda Byrnes, Vincent Giorgio and the Cape Coral High School JROTC cadets.
Vendors sought for ‘A Salute to Service and Sacrifice’ at Cultural Park Nov. 1
The Cape Coral Museum of History and Incredible Bank have teamed up to create an event to honor and celebrate those who are currently serving in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
“A Salute to Service and Sacrifice” will be held in Cultural Park Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and vendors being sought.
n $50 - for profit booths
n $25 - non-profit organizations
Set-up begins at 8 a.m., and all booths must be ready by 9:30 a.m.
This free event will showcase many of the veteran support organizations within the city, along with a full day of patriotic entertainment, food trucks and a vendor village on site.
As an added bonus, the museum will be open to tour for free during the event. Grab a scavenger hunt sheet at the museum’s booth and enter to win a prize basket.
Registration forms are available at https://capecoralmuseum.org/salute-to-service/ Cultural Park is at 544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral.
Spooktacular: SCHEA to host 12th annual Halloween pub crawl
From page 23
said. “From spooky to silly to downright stunning, it’s amazing to see how much effort and imagination everyone puts in. It’s hands-down the best dress-up events of the year and part of what makes the events so memorable.”
Limo buses will be provided to take drink-or-treaters to four designated areas, where they can walk to multiple participating locations.
Each attendee will be provided a passport to have stamped at all 14 locations. To enter the grand prize drawing, leave a completed passport on a limo bus, or at a participating location.
Participating locations and samples include:
n BackStreets Sports Bar - Pumpkin Pie Martini & Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup
n Cruisers - Witch’s Brew & TBD
n The Dive - TBD
n Dixie Roadhouse - Boo Brew & Twix
n Hooked Island Grill - TBD
n John Michael’s Jewelry - Sangria & Treats
n Monkey Bar - Spooky Monkey & Tootsie Rolls
n Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery - TBD
n Rack’em Spirits & Times - Hocus Pocus Punch & TBD
n Ralph’s Place - TBD
n Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill - Blood Transfusion & Orange Tootsie Roll Pops
n Sage on 47th - Potion No. 47 & White Chocolate Oreo Truffles
n Tiki Hut - Tipsy Pumpkin & Assorted Candy
n WOW! Wing House - Potion Punch & Assorted Candy
“It’ so much fun to see how creative the establishments get,” Quinn said. “The bars and restaurants really get into the spirit of Halloween with creative cocktails and candy bites. It adds a whole extra layer of excitement to the crawl. Every stop offers something unique to sip on.”
Tickets are $20 in advance ($15 for designated drivers). Day-of tickets (if
available) are $25.
Early check in is from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Big John’s Plaza (near Pinch-a-Penny) or Dolphin Key Resort (under the front awning). Late check in runs 7:30-10 p.m. at Dolphin Key Resort (under the front awning). All ticket holders must be present with ID to receive a wristband, passport and check-in trinket.
To enter the photo booth contest, have your picture taken at the official photo booth at Dolphin Key. Photos will be uploaded to Facebook, and the public will vote.
For tickets and more information, visit www.southcapeentertainment.com or find the event on Eventbrite.
Breast cancer screenings: Assistance, care are available close to home
From page 18
It is the gold standard for detecting breast cancer early and women should begin getting a mammogram each year when they are 40 years old. Based on family history or other factors, a physician may recommend them earlier.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. If something looks suspicious, further tests will be performed to determine what next steps to take.
Soon, the Cape Coral community will have more options for screenings close to home. We’re excited to open the Breast Health Center this November at Lee Health’s Bimini Square location. This new center will provide more convenient breast cancer screening choices for the Cape Coral community, as well as residents and visitors from Pine Island and the surround-
ing areas.
Are there other screening tests or ways to determine if you have a family history of breast cancer?
When someone undergoes a mammogram, it is normally a 2D mammogram. A 3D mammogram is typically used for women with dense breasts.
A breast MRI is performed for women who have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, such as those who have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 20% or more.
Genetic testing can also be performed at Lee Health for women who have a family history of breast cancer to determine if they carry any genes associated with higher risk.
When you should schedule an appointment with a physician
Consult a physician if you notice any of the following:
n Nipple discharge that is bloody or
clear
n A lump in the breast
n Flattening of the nipple
n Changes to the breast’s skin texture
n Dimpling of the skin
n Redness or swelling
n Changes in the size or shape of the breast
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked by a physician. They can evaluate your condition and recommend any necessary next steps. Most importantly, getting checked provides peace of mind and ensures you receive timely care if needed. What are next steps if there is a cancer diagnosis?
If you or a loved one receives a cancer diagnosis, having access to state-of-the-art care close to home can make treatment and follow-up appointments much easier.
Should a screening detect an abnormality that is confirmed to be cancer, cutting-edge and compassionate treatment is available nearby at the Lee Health Cancer Institute in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs.
Lee Health provides personalized treatment and comprehensive services all in one place, making your cancer journey as simple and manageable as possible. Our care team becomes like family, standing by your side every step of the way to fight the disease together.
For more information on breast cancer, screenings, or to schedule an appointment with a physician, please visit www.leehealth.org.
Dr. Janine Harewood is an oncologist with Lee Health.
Zebra longwings: Residents can help boost local butterfly populations
From page 18
caterpillar eats a toxin which makes it taste bad to birds. Their bold white and black coloring is a sign to predators to stay away, yet wasps do not heed the warning. Eggs and caterpillars make easy-to-digest food for wasp larvae. Lizards, our local anoles, are another predator. Ants also patrol pas-
sion vines. At the base of each leaf, the vine exudes a nutritious nectar which the ants eat. In return, the ants patrol the vines and protect them from those that might eat it, including zebra caterpillars. Few zebra eggs make it to a mature butterfly. A good way to see and experience a zebra butterfly for yourself is to visit the Tom Allen Butterfly house at Rotary Park
(5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral), open for tours on Monday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. til noon. They have been raising zebra butterflies to help re-populate the Cape with them. Help the zebra butterfly become a frequent visitor to our yards and a pollinator of our flowers once again. Please plant passion vines and help beautify the Cape
with our state butterfly! Sherie Bleiler volunteers at the Cape Coral Library butterfly garden, Sands Park butterfly garden and is past president of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit www. gardenclubofcapecoral.com. Like us on Facebook and Instagram.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Breeze
Athletes of the Week
(Selected
Cape Coral
by The Breeze Sports Staff)
UEP: Property owners will have various options for payments
From page 1
“The majority of those improvements have been through assessments,” Corbett said. “They are paid through UEP assessments using a similar methodology of what we are looking at today.”
There are two components of the assessment – the first – the line of extension assessment (SF) and the capital facility expansion charge (CFEC). He said the CFEC covers shared facilities, pump stations and larger treatment and transmission.
SF is based on the equivalent parcel method for water and irrigation distribution mains and wastewater collection mains, while CFEC is based on the equivalent residential unit method for treatment and transmission.
The line extension is based on an equivalent parcel, which is 10,000 square feet.
“There are 3,800 EP parcels that will be impacted and brought online,” Corbett said.
Corbett said there are five contract areas in North 1 East which currently estimates $175 million just for the construction cost. He said contract 10 bid opens next week and contract 11 is still to be determined.
The soft total cost is $227.5 million, which includes a variety of utilities, including fiber optics and storm drain replacements.
Financial Services Director Crystal Feast said the estimated assessment for a standard EP is $8,221 for water, $9,607 for sewer, $7,710 for irrigation for an estimated total of $25,538. The CFEC estimates is $1,106 for water, $3,390 for sewer, $2,254 for irrigation for a total of $6,759. The total for both EP and CFEC is $32,288.
Grant money has mitigated some of the costs.
“The city has been awarded the septic
to sewer grant, lowering the overall cost,” she said, adding that the North 1 East, with the grants already awarded, has reduced the overall assessments. “We have received grants for North 1 West. During the final reconciliation, it will reduce the overall assessment by $4,000. North 1 East will come in $4,000 higher than North One West will be.”
In addition to the assessment there also will be connection costs — $3,000 for the average plumbers connection, $100 for the septic abandonment permit, $325 for the water meter purchase and install and $225 for the deposit on a city utility account.
There are certain categories that will receive exemptions including properties owned by the city, county, state and federal government. In addition, a partial exemption is given to churches, private schools and hospitals because of the public benefit they provide.
“The property will be removed from the annual contribution if it fails to cover their portion, or classification changes,” Feast said, adding that the city will be expected to cover $1.6 million.
Payment options
There are multiple options for payments – initial repayment, interim prepayment and amortized – billed annually on a tax bill for 20, 25, or 30 years. The first billing will occur in November 2026.
The initial prepayment is $32,288, and interim prepayment is $33,142 The annual payment for a 20-year term is $3,961, 25year term is $3,616 and the default 30-year term is $3,385 every year.
Feast said the 30-year term offers the most flexible terms for property owners.
“The annual (payment) includes principal and interest,” she said, adding that the maximum interest allowed is 6.25%. “By the time we issue the debt we expect it to be lower.”
Assistant City Manager Mark Mason said they will not issue the debt for the project for six to nine months.
“We need to be able to forecasts something that may be there. Currently the tax-exempt debt is in the 4.9% range. Our estimate is 6.25% to identify and set the assessment at the maximum assessment amount – the maximum amount that will ever show up on your tax bill. If it comes down in the future, you still have the maximum amount, but it could be some number lower than that.”
One resident said there should be no interest tacked onto the assessment, as it is a losing investment because the entire value of the home does not go up more than $30,000.
“It’s a bad situation to put homeowners in – a bad investment,” the resident said.
Many residents voiced their concerns about the amount of the assessment. One resident said homeowners cannot afford the assessment and will lose their homes due the amount that will be added to their property tax bills if they opt for one of the financing options.
“All you are doing is hurting city residents by doing this and a lot of people are losing their homes,” the resident said. “A lot of people are selling and moving out. You are losing your residents.”
There are hardship programs available for qualified owners and Community Development Block Grant for very low-income families to connect from meter to home, septic abandonment fee and the water meter fee.
Councilmember Joe Kilraine said they are looking for additional funding from the state and federal government to fund the project, but they have not been real successful.
“We are pushing like heck upstairs to get additional money. The delay in executing these projects exasterbates the costs
Greenwell: Lee County commissioner announced his
From page 1
peted in professional bass fishing tournaments. Whatever he did, he worked hard to be at the top of his game.
“When he joined us on the County Commission, I’ll admit I was a little starstruck, but I also knew he would pick it up quickly.
“Sadly, I learned today that Mike passed away after a battle with thyroid cancer. I want to send my deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to Tracy and the entire Greenwell family. I always admired how much Mike cared for his family. He was proud of them and loved them deeply.
He also cared deeply for this community and worked hard to make it a better place as a commissioner.
“I wish we could have worked together longer. We will miss you, #39.”
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno also shared words of remembrance Thursday afternoon.
“Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Commissioner Greenwell and deeply admired his professionalism and service to the great residents of this county,” Marceno said, in part. “For those who knew him, Mike was a loyal family man, a dedicated business man, and local leader who was
Editorial: Community journalism
From page 4
tivities and the fundraisers for the Cape Coral Animal Shelter.
It’s The Breeze Athletes of the Week, the plans for the new Foster Village HUB, upcoming Town Halls and the story about Ford’s Garage raising money for breast cancer. Community journalism is more than news and features, though — local newspapers offer both a voice and a vehicle for the public.
It’s letters to the editor, guest columns from officials and organizations and yes, editorials on subjects of public interest.
It’s the weekly specials from Dixie, Merrick and Mel’s, columns from local experts and pets of the week.
Community journalism is, at its best, a reflection of the community it serves and we are proud to have served as Cape Coral’s newspaper of record since 1961.
We invite you to share your news with us, your hometown paper.
News releases, story suggestions, letters to the editor and comments to our publisher and news team are always welcome at news@breezenewspapers.com.
We thank you for reading.
And we thank you for sharing the news that’s important to you.
— Ray Eckenrode, publisher — Valarie Harring, executive editor — Chris Strine, editor
moving forward,” he said. “It is important to try to continue to execute these in a rapid manner as in the long run it reduces the overall costs.”
Councilmember Dr. Derrick Donnell told those in attendance that they have his commitment that the city will get the assessment as low as it possibly can. He said their job is to continue to give the public confidence that they are working to get that number down.
Councilmember Rachel Kaduk agrees the amount is a tough pill to swallow.
“I wish we had the 2007-2008 prices. We have to rip the Band-Aid,” she said. Kaduk asked city staff how much it would cost a homeowner if a well goes dry.
City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said it could cost roughly $23,000 to $25,000 just for water due to the depth, size of pump and horsepower, electricity bill increase and salinity improvements of the water.
“This sucks. It is better to get it done now sooner rather than later,” Kaduk said. Mayor John Gunter said they are paying the price now for temporarily stopping the UEP.
“It’s an unfortunate situation that we find ourselves in. We are paying the price now for stopping the UEP for five years,” he said.
There will be a homeowner information meeting held on Nov. 6 providing attendees with the opportunities to hear from contractors regarding the work to be done, as well as city staff members to speak on assessments and financial terms.
The final public hearing will take place on Nov. 19 with the notice to proceed for construction in December 2025. Feast said information is also being sent to residents in the mail – detailed information, so they stayed informed during the process.
illness in August
extremely passionate about the well-being of this county.
“Today we honor the life and contributions of Commissioner Greenwell, and are mourning this profound loss alongside his family, friends, and all of those who loved him.”
Greenwell’s son, Bo, also paid tribute to his father on social media. In a Facebook post, Bo said, “After a long year fighting cancer my dad has passed away. It has been a long year for him through a lot of pain and suffering. Now he can finally rest in peace. Thank you to everyone who has been keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.
“Hero’s get remembered, but Legends never die.”
“To the legend Mike Greenwell.” State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka shared her condolences on “X,” stating, “Today we lost a Lee County legend, Commissioner Mike Greenwell. David and I are heartbroken over the passing of our friend and colleague. Please join us in praying for the Greenwell family during this time of mourning. Rest in Peace, Mike.” Greenwell announced that he had been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer in August.
Death Notices
Cape Coral
CAPE CORAL – Eileen Ottervanger, age 83, died October 6, 2025, at her home in Cape Coral. Arrangements under the direction of Fuller Metz Funeral Home, Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral.
Jeremiah Joseph O’Connor, III, 91, of Cape Coral, passed away Monday, September 29, 2025. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
Claire Dolores Raso, 95 of Cape Coral, passed away on September 25, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.
Joseph Anthony Cucuzza III, 74 of Cape Coral, passed away on September 24, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.
Elizabeth Ann Simons, 92 of Cape Coral, passed away on September 23, 2025. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Cape Coral. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com for additional information.
Premium Gated Senior Comm. in Fort Myers, near Beaches off Summerlin rd. w/outstanding amenities, Lg. beautiful mfd. home in 55+ senior community, Aprx. 1,600+ sq. ft., furn. 2 bdrms, 2 baths, Open Floor plan, Lv. rm, dining rm., lg. Kitchen, a/c, Lanai, Lg. carport, Work shop, w/A/C, Washer/dryer inside home. Amenities: Prem. 40X60 ft. heated pool, XLg. hot tub, Sauna, Tennis cts, shuffle board cts, premium club house, Incl. Exercise room, Library, and card room, Annual rental only; Special rental offer: first 3 months only $1,500 per month, balance of year is $1,950 per month. Incls. Garbage, and lawn care, Tenant pays Electric, Water, Internet. “Option to PURCHASE” with part of rent appl. to purchase. No pets allowed (support dog/OK), Max. perm. occupancy 2 persons, Maximum guest occup. 30 days. Bkgd. check req. avail. approx. 15 Oct. 2025. Jim 217-529-2422
Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).
