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WEEKEND EDITION, OCTOBER 13, 2023

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Weekend Edition, October 13, 2023

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Jaycee Park plans, and protests, continue

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

As the city of Cape Coral readied to roll out its modified plans for Jaycee Park Wednesday, residents had plenty to say before the presentation to city council.

“Commercializing Jaycee Park is showing future generations that parks are not enough. Natural places shouldn’t exist unless profitable,” said Brian Poelker, one of the many who spoke during the hour-

“It may not include everything the residents had asked for, (but it) includes the many common themes during open house and the online survey.”

— Assistant City Manager Connie Barron of the updated park plan long citizen input period before city staff detailed the changes made to the harshlycriticized previous effort. “We need parks

for our well-being and stabilize ecosystem. Paradise is in front of us this whole time and we kill it every day.”

City staff said resident input was taken into account and that one of the greatest criticisms — the removal of the decadesold Australian pines — was directly addressed in the updated plan.

More shade, both from trees, and sunshades, was the key change in the updated concept.

Other feedback items that were incorporated included addressing concerns

See JAYCEE PARK, page 40

Town halls set to explain how new ‘proximity plan’ will affect students

AOW

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Bike Night is free for attendees and features slow bike races, tons of vendors, food, and of course, rockin’ live music.

“We are excited to open our Special Events season with Bike Night each year,” said Cape Coral Senior Recreation Specialist Emily Haeger. “The most exciting aspect is the return of

Parents of middle schoolers have an opportunity to see how new school zones might affect their child.

Town hall meetings are scheduled for each existing zone to share information about the new middle school proximity plan, on which the Lee County School Board is expected to vote in November.

Planning Growth & Capacity Director Dr. Adam Molloy presented the draft middle school proximity zone plan, which would go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year, to the board on Wednesday.

“It isn’t a stand-alone solution, it’s a pivotal continuation of our efforts,” he said.

The new plan will decrease the size of the attendance zones while creating zones capable of accommodating anticipated student growth over the next decade, Molloy said.

As with the elementary proximity plan put into effect this year, the purpose is to assign students to schools closer to home and so save on transportation costs to the district.

Parents will have fewer school choice options.

“Currently our families have an average of 5.3 middle school options. To provide a personal perspective, our current system allows my wife to rank five schools. Our furthest school is 13.5 miles away from home,” he said.

See BIKE NIGHT, page 13

See TOWN HALLS, page 46

The Cape Coral Breeze presents Athletes of the Week — Page 44

INDEX Business........................35 Classifieds........48-49 Community................17 Editorial & Letters........4-6 Pets of the Week..........42-43 Puzzles.........................50 Real Estate..................14 Sports.......................42 Your Health.............29-34

Today’ s Ad Inserts*

Popular city street fest ready to roll this Saturday

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

usic and motor enthusiasts can rev their engines for an evening full of entertainment this weekend in Cape Coral.

A popular city staple, Cape Coral’s Bike Night returns for its first of three events this Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. on Southeast 47th Terrace.

M

* Selected ZIP Codes

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 2 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Lee School Board opens discussion on new taxes

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewpapers.com

With teachers asking for greater compensation, and surrounding districts having extra operational millage to put towards salaries, the Lee County School Board heard a presentation of what it would take to have that tax flow.

Board member Cathleen Morgan said she pushed for this to be brought before the board, but not for advocacy. She said during the salary discussions it was frequently stated that the district is competing with counties that have additional millage funds.

“If there is an interest this is something we need to be looking at sooner, rather than later,” Morgan said. “I did not do this because I am advocating and will be advocating to move forward on this.”

Rather, the public and staff need to hear they are acknowledging the concern of compensation.

Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ami Desamours said millage is the property tax that is applied to individual real property for every $1,000 of property value.

The current millage for the school district is 5.430 mills, which is $5.43 for every $1,000 of real property taxable valuation.

School districts can, with voter approval, impose two possible additional millage levies that can be used toward the district’s operational costs, including boosting compensation for teachers and other employees. Any such initiative would need to approved by the school board and then placed on the ballot by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners in a General Election year. If approved, the taxes would then sunset in two or four years, requiring new voter approval to remain on the books.

Desamours said the district has the opportunity of two possible additional millage levies. Each is allowable for a voter referendum, and both can be used towards the district’s operational cost. She said one is not to exceed two years and the other is not to exceed four years.

Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said the board would have to pass a resolution at a regular meeting. Then it would go to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners which would need to call for an election.

The ballot initiative have to be included in a General Election, or even-numbered, year.

Dupuy-Bruno said the board would have to pass a resolution in March, or April, so it could then be presented to the County Commissioners by May. “We have about 120 days to make sure it gets on the election,” she said.

The most common use of the added millage is to enhance salaries for teachers. After the two or four years it would have to go back out to the voters. If not passed again, that funding source then would disappear or “sunset.”

Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Ken Savage said some districts put out the scenarios to help the voters understand what happens if they lose the millage and the different ways those cuts could be addressed.

After the presentation there was a mixed review as to whether the board wanted to move forward.

“From my standpoint, looking at it, I don’t support moving further with this at the moment,” Board member Sam Fisher said.

Board Chair Armor Persons said he would have to think long and hard before he could offer support.

“What scares me the most about this is what do you do at the end of the two or four years,” he said, adding that there is an increase in salary for the next four years and then all of a sudden those funds are not there anymore.

Board member Debbie Jordan on the other hand said she would be interested in having further conversation.

“We do have a need,” she said, asking how do they accommodate that need. “I would definitely be interested in having more conversation.”

City waits for state recovery fund use parameters

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

Cape Coral Breeze

news@breezenewspapers.com

The city of Cape Coral has received $51 million as part of the Florida Legislative Appropriations Program. Officials are now waiting on the agreement to see the particulars of the 0% interest loan.

“We haven’t seen the agreement, but this is a zero percent loan that we have to pay back with any funds we get back from FEMA,” Financial Services Director Mark Mason said.

“It’s a revolving loan fund. It’s not free money for us to use on

Cape Coral Breeze Vol. 62, No. 82

whatever we want. There may or may not be a forgiveness portion associated with this loan.”

He said this is a brand-new program, a first-time program ever to be used in the state of Florida. He said he suspects that the Florida Department of Emergency Management will utilize any funds that come back from FEMA will roll out with any future hurricanes that impact the state.

Mason said the state, during the most recent legislation session, appropriated $350 million to set up a state revolving loan fund for recovery affected by Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole. The city received information that it has been awarded a $51 million 0% interest loan.

Eligible projects include publicly owned facilities, non-engineered beaches, including renourishment and road, sewer and water facilities. Mason said the beach at the Yacht Club is an engineered beach, so funds can not be used for that.

“Everything else we submitted has been essentially allowable for this program,” Mason said.

The city submitted 124 FEMA projects that have a total funding request of $137.5 million. The individual projects ranged from $250 to $25 million.

The summary of funded projects include: ■ 31 for parks and recreational facilities ■ 14 fire stations ■ 16 city-owned buildings ■ 13 emergency work/debris ■ 12 lift and pump stations ■ 7 canal facilities/dredging ■ 7 roadway facilities/repairs ■ 6 sports complexes ■ 6 water treatment ■ 2 charter schools

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Cape Coral Breeze

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 4

OPINIONS CAPE CORAL BREEZE RAYMOND M. ECKENRODE Publisher VALARIE HARRING, Executive Editor CHRIS STRINE, Editor 2510 Del Prado Blvd. • Cape Coral, FL, 33904

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

• Phone 239-574-1110 – Fax 239-574-5693 Member Florida Press Association

We stand with Israel Today in Florida flags fly at a half-staff in honor of the victims of the terrorist strike against Israel.

Today until sunset, our state Capitol remains lit with lights of blue and white.

And today, tomorrow and through the fight that has followed the heinous holiday attack by Hamas terrorists upon both the State of Israel and the Jewish people, we stand with Israel.

Not because we don’t understand that among the innocent lives lost are Israeli and Palestinian victims alike.

Not because we don’t know that war and all of its repercussions will cause more suffering.

But because Israel has the right to exist.

No matter the belief of those who hope to drive her into the sea, to stamp out her people.

No matter the belief of extremists who write political policy with blood.

No matter the pablum of justification being espoused by those who fail to understand the history of our ally and those who stand against her.

In the wake of this “act of sheer evil” launched on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, in the wake of the carnage and the kidnapping of non-combatants and children, President Biden has summed our country’s proper position well: “This is terrorism.

“But sadly, for the Jewish people, it’s not new.

“This attack has brought to the surface painful memories and the scars left by a millennia of antisemitism and genocide of the Jewish people.

“So, in this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack.

“There is no justification for terrorism. There is no excuse.

“Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Its stated purpose is the annihilation of the State of Israel and the murder of Jewish people.”

United we stand, President Biden said.

“Today, Americans across the country are praying for all those families that have been ripped apart. A lot of us know how it feels. It leaves a black hole in your chest when you lose family, feeling like you’re being sucked in. The anger, the pain, the sense of hopelessness.

“This is what they mean by a ‘human tragedy’ — an atrocity on an appalling scale.

“But we’re going to... continue to stand united, supporting the people of Israel who are suffering unspeakable losses and opposing the hatred and violence of terrorism.”

And lastly: “This is a moment for the United States to come together, to grieve with those who are mourning.

“Let’s be real clear: There is no place for hate in America — not against Jews, not against Muslims, not against anybody. We reject — we reject — what we reject is terrorism.

We condemn the indiscriminate evil, just as we’ve always done.

“That’s what America stands for.”

This is what America stands for.

THE BREEZE OCTOBER 13, 2023

County budgeting is on an even keel things like the Sheriff’s Office, ambulance servThe headlines out of Washington, D.C. ice, and parks. It also pays for the other local are hard to miss and hardly ever change. constitutional offices like the Clerk of Courts, Congress is bickering over the budget with Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections, and the the threat of another government shutdown Property Appraiser. Next year’s budget priorilooming over their heads. For everyday tizes public safety and provides salary increases Americans, inflation is skyrocketing while for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to ensure D.C. politicians are perpetually campaignthat law enforcement officers can afford to live ing. But here at home your local governin our community while protecting our residents. ment is quietly working to serve you and to The budget continues to provide the level of protect your quality-of-life day in and day service our citizens deserve and expect from out. Even though we have spent the last county government departments. year rebuilding from Hurricane Ian, Lee To make sure we have the necessary infraCounty and the state of Florida remain Brian Hamman structure to accommodate our growing populasteady in a sea of dysfunction. tion, Commissioners have budgeted $535 milWhen Commissioners began working lion on our most important Tier 1 road projects on the budget for next year, we focused on for the next 10 years. Some of the projects on three core areas; mitigating the financial this list include the Alico extension to State impacts from Hurricane Ian, supporting law Road 82, Three Oaks Parkway Extension, the enforcement, and moving forward on our road projects needed to deal with our growing population. new Big Carlos Pass Bridge, and the new Cape Coral The county not only accomplished each of those goals, but Bridge.

It has been a trying few years for all of us, from bluealso was able to do it without an increase in the property tax green algae and red tide outbreaks to COVID-19 and rate, known as the millage.

This year’s process was unlike any before it. Hurricane Hurricane Ian. Each time we’ve faced adversity, our county Ian is the third costliest storm in U.S. history, only behind has rallied. We will rebuild our homes and businesses and Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. It wiped out $9.5 billion keep this county the destination of choice for people to live, worth of our tax base. However, despite the daunting impact work and raise a family. I am excited to see us finish the job to our budget, fiscally conservative Commissioners were of rebuilding, and I promise that the steady leadership you able to keep the tax rate the same as last year. In fact, over have come to expect from your local elected officials will the past 10 years we have reduced the tax rate by 9.5%, even continue. though in that same period our population has increased by 25%, bringing with it a higher demand for services.

—Brian Hamman is the Chairman of the Lee County The countywide general fund budget pays for core services whether you live inside a city or not. It provides for Commission

Guest Commentary

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Pay attention when choosing the next superintendent To the editor: Every vote we cast matters. We voted to change the superintendent to an elected position, which has cost us our current leader. We all must thoroughly vet the folks who do run for the office. This is a big job with a $1 billion-plus budget, and the person who takes the reins has to understand not only the core issues facing the district but also how to implement meaningful change.

I am sure we will hear a lot of blustery rhetoric from candidates and cute one-liners that make you feel good.

The person in this position must have classroom experience AND administrative experience.

This is not the type of role where you can successfully lead the organization while attempting to figure out how it works.

Our children will be directly impacted by the actions of the winner, and we all reap the benefit if it is done well, if done poorly we will be picking up the pieces for decades.

Todd Maurer Cape Coral

Dr. Bernier will be missed

To the editor: Dr. Christopher Bernier’s decision not to run for the Lee County School District elected position next year will be a great loss for Lee County. In the last 30 years he had to be the best superintendent.

Historically, Lee County favored the elected superintendent position until voters made the position appointive on Nov 5, 1974.

Ray L. Williams was our last elected superintendent, serving from 1965 to 1977.

His successor, Dr. Ray V. Pottorf, was the first appointed, serving from 1977 to 1984.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Bernier. His door was open to our meetings twice a year. He was — Breeze editorial astute. He is a visionary.

I do agree with him that his career would be better

off served somewhere else. I can see him as a dean in a college of education at a university.

Good Luck, Dr. Bernier.

Lou Navarra Cape Coral

Hurricane Ian edition appreciated To the editor: Congratulations to all on the three-part special section commemorating the anniversary of Hurricane Ian's impact on our community.

You did a thorough job covering our area, from Fort Myers Beach to Sanibel, and Pine Island to the Cape.

As a former community newspaper owner, I know how much work goes into planning and executing a special section, especially for the editorial and ad sales staff and press operators.

Thanks for a job well done.

Katy Odell Cape Coral

Weak leadership, lack of support for allies, is not a road to peace To the editor: Our allies abroad deserve our full support, especially under invasions and terrorist attacks. But when terrorists see wavering support, they push. Such weakness in leadership has been exemplified by Congressman Byron Donalds, who has refused to support our Ukrainian allies throughout almost two years of Russia’s brutal invasion in Ukraine.

As a result of this sort of feckless leadership, peaceful life mired by Iranian-made missiles which have rained over Ukraine’s skies killing tens of thousands of civilians, is now a familiar sight in Israel.

Congressman Byron Donalds has made very clear to the public that he will not support Ukraine until there is “accountability” on funding. Yet hypocritically, on Sept 28, Donalds voted against a bill which serves to estab-

See LETTERS, page 6

Page 5 ■ October 13, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 6 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — JAYCEE PARK Listen to the residents on Jaycee Park To the editor: The revised concept for Jaycee Park has arrived. Did you see what has changed? More trees, fewer parking spaces… BUT the unwanted band shell and bar/restaurant remain in this residential area.

The pine trees, picnic tables and benches at the water’s edge are gone. (The current parking under the pines at the river’s edge is extremely popular for families, seniors and handicapped folks who drive directly to the spot of their choice, unload their supplies and enjoy outdoor life).

Concrete replaces orthopedically friendly asphalt.

The concrete overlook and costly seawall replace river access to natural habitat.

More than 5,000 taxpaying citizens have already spoken up with their objections to these plans (thousands of winter residents will soon return to voice their opinions.) The mayor, council and planners have continued to push these plans forward even though it comes with a price tag upwards of $12 million and at a time when the Yacht Club park will be unavailable for the foreseeable future.

Is this good planning and timing? Are they representing citizens or developers, Realtors, commercial interests and investors who don’t use the park?

Listen to the residents who voted you in. (Upcoming election?) These residents love Cape Coral’s Jaycee Park and the healthful passive green space it offers to everyone, every day.

Pat Germinario Cape Coral

Areas of concern with Jaycee Park To the editor: Input to the City Council is being limited by the formats provided. I have several areas of concern about the changes proposed for Jaycee Park and I believe they are all valid and worthy of consideration. I am sharing these ideas in hope of providing my fellow citizens with the opportunity to consider these issues.

1. The addition of an amphitheater may draw large crowds which could make it difficult, if not impossible, to aid and

evacuate sick or injured people from the park and from the Beach Parkway/20th Place neighborhood. Many of the local citizens are over 55.

2. The addition of a bar or bistro with alcohol could add to the number of altercations and accidents in the park.

3. The addition of the splash pad would require knowledgeable and consistent maintenance to be sure it does not become a health hazard or breeding area for mosquitos or diseases.

4. The addition of nighttime activities and alcohol will disturb those living in the surrounding area.

5. The addition of a bar will increase the danger to children playing in the park.

6. The addition of a bar will be an unwelcome disturbance to those who come to the park for quiet and serenity, especially religious and AA groups and family and civic groups and those engaged in memorial gatherings.

7. The proposed board walk would not have the shade needed for humans and pets.

8. The addition of a bar/bistro will be an attractive nuisance to those who might be tempted to steal and/or vandalize the liquor stock after hours.

9. The addition of a bar/bistro would mean that drivers leaving the park by land or water might be less attentive or even inebriated.

10. The addition of floating docks could present a hazard to boaters who could fall or slip when the docks bounce from passing boat traffic. Boats could also be damaged. This is even more likely if they are leaving after drinking alcohol.

11. The period of construction could deprive citizens and their pets of their daily walks and peaceful visits by the river.

It would add to the air pollution, and noise pollution in the area for years.

12. Additional traffic on 20th Place, Beach Parkway and Del Prado will present a hazard to those walking, driving and biking in the area.

13. In storms, the floating docks could break loose and damage other properties including nearby docks and boats.

The proposed metal, kite-shaped shade structures could become dangerous projectiles.

14. The comments from the city council that those who have donated memorial benches in the park should simply “take them home or place them somewhere else” show a com-

plete lack of understanding of the connection between these people and the park. Memorial benches are a tribute to the person or pet lost and the meaningful relationship they and their loved ones have to this special place.

15. In a growing city and hectic world, people need a quiet, peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. This commercial venture will rob the citizens of the physical and mental health benefits of such a place.

ECONOMIC CONCERNS 1. The addition of a bistro will draw business away from restaurants and bars in the downtown Southeast Cape area.

2. The noise and dust of construction and destruction of trees will at least for the foreseeable future lower the value of properties surrounding the park and on Beach Parkway.

3. Many taxpayers are struggling to pay for damages from Hurricane Ian and insurance costs have doubled. They do not need and may be unable to pay for changes to the park.

4. The city council is counting on grants which may or may not be forthcoming.

5. The city has failed to make many of the needed repairs since the hurricane.

6. The city is engaged in many projects at once and it is quite likely that all these projects will exceed their estimated cost and schedules.

7. The new amenities, especially the bar/bistro and floating docks, could make the city more vulnerable to lawsuits.

8. The new “attractions” will increase expenses for added police, additional water patrols, maintenance and added trash removal.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS 1. Additional parking will lower the ratio of green space in the area and shine reflected heat into nearby condos.

2. Many animals and birds live in and around the trees in Jaycee Park.

3. The current border of rocks and tree roots protect the shoreline and have withstood major hurricanes.

4. Oyster beds will be destroyed. Oysters help keep our waters clean.

5. The bar and food trucks will require attentive and daily trash removal to prevent attracting mice, rats and other scavengers.

Natalie Silver Cape Coral

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR From page 4 lish an Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance.

There is no excuse for Donalds circular reasoning on Ukraine.

Nor is there any excuse for his ill-informed stubbornness. If Byron Donalds had read my Aug. 10 letter published by the Cape Coral Breeze, he would know of the various mechanisms of oversight on Ukraine already in place.

However, these are things that an Oversight Committee member shouldn’t have to learn about in the local paper. But here we are.

With such zealous opposition to Ukraine, one would think that Congressman Byron Donalds would have taken the time to understand that the U.S. is a critical partner in averting violence and turbulence in Eastern Europe, just as it is for Israel in the Middle East.

After all, if an overwhelming three-quarters of Americans who uphold enduring support for aid to Ukraine are able to understand this, then why can’t our

Congressman?

In the dangerous world facing the United States abroad, it is more important than ever that we support our friends and allies. But with the growing opposition to our allies in Congress, the Iranian-backed Hamas saw that if there was any time for a terrorist to attack, it would be right now.

This is precisely because of the lack of cooperation by stubbornly ill-informed members of Congress such as Donalds. What a mess they have created with no benefit to the country and damage to be seen in all directions.

If our Congressman truly answers to his constituents back home— if he is truly in pursuit of interests that serve Americans — he should renege on his cynical opposition to our allies abroad, and support both Ukraine and Israel in their time of need.

Alexandra Zakhvatayev Cape Coral

Agree? Disagree? Weigh in!

Letters, guest opinions, comments welcome The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the editor or guest columns may be e-mailed to vharring@breezenewspapers.com. All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes. Readers are also invited to comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: capecoralbreeze.com.

This week’s poll question: What do your think of President Biden, Gov. DeSantis and other national leaders vowing to stand by Israel? ∫ I agree. It’s the proper position for the U.S. and for Americans. ∫ I’m just hoping for a quick peace. ∫ There’s blame to be had on both sites. ∫ I disagree. ∫ Other.

Previous poll question What do you think of the ouster of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy? ∫ About time. 35% ∫ Not much either way. 8% ∫ It was a mistake on the part of Republicans. 53.25% ∫ Other. 4% * 77 votes at press time Poll results are not scientific and represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.Vote at capecoralbreeze.com.

Page 7 ■ October 13, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 8 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Circuit court consolidation could cause considerable harm or sever many of those relaThe following letter has tionships. That would lead to been sent to The Honorable inefficiencies and ineffecJonathan D. Gerber and tiveness. copied to Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz: Consolidation Would Dear Judge Gerber: Undermine Trust in the I write on behalf of the System Florida Association of Today’s circuits consist of Criminal Defense Lawyers, large urban circuits, especialrepresenting more than ly in the southern coastal 1,300 attorneys who practice parts of the state, and less every day in every circuit in populated more disparate cirFlorida. Our members are cuits covering large geocritical players in the crimiLuke Newman graphical areas. nal legal system, from public Consolidating the large urban defenders to conflict counsel circuits seems impractical. to private attorneys, toiling Consolidating more rural cirdaily in the courts of Florida cuits with larger population to protect the rights of the centers would be disruptive to disastrous. accused.

Some circuits already stretch across six This letter’s purpose is to share with your committee the reasons circuit consoli- or more counties, requiring judges and dation would have harmful if not disastrous lawyers to travel far from home to adminiseffects on the operations of the criminal ter justice. Enlarging those distances would courts. FACDL leadership and members waste both time and money through have spoken with judges, attorneys, clerks, increased travel.

But the sense of detachment it would and many others within the system, and none have offered reasons to consolidate create among system participants would be circuits. Since your committee’s formation, the worst effect of consolidation. When the we have yet to hear or read support for this seat of power is far from home, citizens proposition from either civil or criminal have less reason to trust those making decisions for them, undermining credibility. It practitioners.

This letter will outline just a few of the also would create a lack of accountability reasons consolidation would have deleteri- because it would be more difficult for circuit leadership to engage with citizens. ous effect on justice in Florida.

Those in less populated counties already Each Circuit Has a Unique suffer from a lack of representation among judges elected circuit wide. Combining cirPersonality The judicial circuits are as varied and cuits would center even more power in the diverse as the geography of Florida and the population centers, ensuring even less repmakeup of its citizens. Large and small, resentation for rural areas among the judimetropolitan and rural, blue collar and ciary. white, agricultural and urban, the circuits Technological Considerations serve their varied representations of our Working within the circuits can be a state. As the circuits have evolved, policies and procedures in each have evolved to suit challenge when moving between counties because not all clerks and courts have the their needs.

That diversity is a good thing. same practices. Although that problem has Depending on the demographics of the cir- been largely remedied over the last decade, cuit, the courts operate within the rules in a there still are challenges. However, mergway that best suits their needs. The most ing circuits would create a range of technoimportant aspect is consistency within a logical difficulties that would disrupt procircuit. When the players within the system ceedings for months if not longer.

The most obvious place this would play know what to expect, everything runs more smoothly, moving cases through to resolu- out is the functioning of the state attorney tions expeditiously. This “personality” of a and public defender offices. (See the circuit represents the electorate the circuit Florida Public Defender Association letter to the committee of August 11, 2023, for a serves, reflecting its makeup.

Consolidation, by contrast, would create full exposition.) Those offices across the large schizophrenic circuits that do not state do not all use the same system. Trying respect the needs and desires of the largest to integrate systems from different circuits portion of the citizenry. We can easily would take manpower that does not curenvision that the practices of an expanded rently exist, be needlessly expensive, and circuit would not reflect values of many create inefficiencies that would linger for residents within it. Merging a rural, agri- years. Whereas consolidation is supposed cultural area into a mega circuit with a to improve efficiencies, it actually would coastal neighbor, for instance, would create have a deleterious effect. schism that would be impossible to bridge.

Compressed Timeline Even if it could be shown that consoliStakeholders Within a Circuit Have dation might be an avenue worth pursuing, Critical Relationships Although we operate within an adver- the compressed timeline the committee is sarial system, those serving in it form working under is unrealistic. The ramificaimportant professional relationships that tions of a radical change in circuit makeup allow it to function. Prosecutors and law would be so far reaching that it cannot posenforcement work closely. Public defend- sibly be examined in a matter of months. ers work intimately with their counterpart The considerations include technology, prosecutors, and both sides spend countless finances, staffing, logistics, and perhaps hours with the circuit’s judiciary. Court others not yet contemplated.

Such a decision should be data driven in administration, critical to the courts, must coordinate throughout the circuit, working our tech age, and the committee charged with the study should consider years’ worth with judges, lawyers, and clerks.

These are not relationships formed of data to make a valid assessment. The overnight or without negotiation and fore- committee also must consider the effects of thought. Enlarging circuits, which by all the pandemic on the data compiled, when accounts are working well, would disrupt See GUEST, page 9

Guest Commentary

Staff Report

vharring@breezenewspapers.com

Tickets are $65 and may be purchased through the organization’s Facebook page or website, overthemoonroom.com.

At press time, there were still are a few tickets left.

Meanwhile, Stevie Tomato’s Sports Page also invites the community to “come and spread the love” with a fundraiser for Hayden.

The all-day event is set from 11 a.m. to close on Oct. 21 at the sports grill at 814 S.W. Pine Island Road in Cape Coral.

The event will feature raffles, auctions, hermit crab races, live music all day, and more.

Organizers are looking for donations for the raffles and auctions.

Businesses and individuals wishing to donate to help make the fundraiser a success can call Dani at 239-573-7877 or reach out via email to dani@stevietomato.com.

For more information on Over the Moon Room call 239-541-8720.

For more information on the Cape Coral Quarter Auction Queens event, or to make a donation, call 239-246-0378.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Hayden Bezanson, the 2-year-old daughter of Cape Coral Police Department officers Nick Bezanson and Kelsey Meadows, has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is undergoing treatment.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

The Cape Coral Quarter Auction Queens have rallied to raise money for the family of a 2-year-old battling leukemia.

The first of a pair of events is a quarter auction to be held Oct. 17 at Cape Cabaret to benefit Hayden Bezanson, the daughter of Cape Coral Police Department officers Nick Bezanson and Kelsey Meadows. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Attendees, who are invited to bring both rolls of quarters and their own group of friends, will get a paddle for $3 to use to bid on various items up for auction.

The event also will feature a chance auction and 50/50 raffle.

They are accepting donations of gift certificates, baskets, gift cards and services for the auction.

Donors so far include Cape Cleaners, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot, FOS Furniture, Tilco Translating Services and a new restaurant in the Cape, Bubbakoo’s Burritos.

The Quarter Auction Queens raise money for local non-profits and other

charities and have conducted more than 110 auctions for over 80 different charities in the last 11 years, organizers said.

Hayden was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in August, and will undergo a marathon of treatments, including chemotherapy.

“Seeing the story of Hayden on the news made us choose her family as our charity for Oct. 17,” said Eileen Snider, who is organizing the fundraiser.

“Losing my husband and several friends to cancer makes it personal to me.”

Cape Cabaret is at 4725 Vincennes Blvd.

In conjunction with Over the Moon Room, the Quarter Auction Queens also will be raising funds to remodel her bedroom, “making it fresh and fun, since this is where she spends most of her time.”

Those who would like to help make Hayden’s dream bedroom a reality, are invited to attend a fun-filled Hootin’ Halloween Party Fundraiser complete with a costume contest, live music, beverages, and a silent auction.

The event will be held from 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Rusty’s Raw Bar and Grill, 4631 S.E. 10th Place in Cape Coral.

Page 9 ■ October 13, 2023

Help for Hayden: Three fundraisers set

Guest: Committee proposal on circuit court consolidation opposed Conclusion Consolidation of circuits equates to consolidation of power, and it’s a truism that the best government is a gov-

ernment closest to the people governed. As things stand, some circuits are so far flung that traveling from one end to the other is daunting for many and impractical for most.

Smaller circuits provide greater accountability on behalf of leaders, both judicial and executive. It cannot be disputed that the people who know the judicial system best are the people who work in it every day. To date, we have not read, heard, or seen any data or even anecdotal evidence that consolidation is needed or desired. Little in our socie-

ty these days wins universal agreement. Yet the unity against circuit consolidation among those in the legal system is stunning— judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and clerks all have spoken out against consolidation. We urge the committee to hear those voices.

— Luke Newman is the president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Cape Coral Breeze

From page 8 the courts were thrown into upheaval and had to adjust on the fly. Information from 2020 to 2022 may not even be valid in making this decision.

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 10

Page 11 ■ October 13, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 12 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Lee School Board sets legislative priorities

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

The Lee County School Board was presented with six main areas for this year’s legislative platform Wednesday.

Priority areas include increasing student achievement, safety, teacher certification and retention, school facilities utilization, post Hurricane Ian recovery and deregulation.

Increase Student Achievement The first plank is state appropriations for the expansion of career and technical education programs at Cape Coral Technical College of $2.1 million to continue the work for the actual construction phase. Angel Gomez, chief communications and government relations, said last year the district received an appropriation of $2.5 million for preconstruction.

“This is the ask for phase two for the construction part to start building classrooms,” he said.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said more information regarding the Cape Technical College and where it stands will be forthcoming.

“One of the reasons why the expansion has been delayed is because of the placement of the Hector A. Cafferata campus,” he said.

There is also a request for a specific appropriation project of $2.5 million to create a new Career and Technical Education College in the east side of Lee County.

“It will not be an addition to a school.

The plan is to have its own small little annex. We are asking for $2.5 million

The first plank is state appropriations for the expansion of career and technical education programs at Cape Coral Technical College of $2.1 million to continue the work for the actual construction phase. Last year the district received an appropriation of $2.5 million for preconstruction for the new annex.

and letting the legislature know we have skin in the game and will match every dollar for every dollar. The total is $5 million,” Gomez said.

The last is to increase per student funding by at least 5% from $8,933 to $9,350.

Safety Gomez said the first request is to support an increase in the Safe Schools Allocation in the Florida Education Finance Program.

In addition, the district will request $500,000 to continue the success with after-school programming.

Bernier said they did not have beforeand after-school care programs at each of the elementary schools.With the help of the amazing principals there are now before- and after-school programs at each school at one base fee. There was also a small break for employees who have childcare needs.

Bernier said the programs are selfsustaining due to the fees, which could be increased, as well as the increase in enrollment.

Another ask in safety is for $1 million for such measures as perimeter fencing as some of the outdoor corridors are not

being fenced in.

A new request is for funding for the School District Mobile Disaster Leadership Response Vehicle.

Bernier said the mobile disaster unit would be used for such things as post natural disasters incidents. He said they did not have the ability to meet after Hurricane Ian. “It gives us an area to work from with connectivity and air condition,” Bernier said, as well as response to other emergencies, such as a bottled-water crisis when a main water break occurred. “It’s a place to be a part of the process and work from there.”

The recommendation came from Safety, Security and Emergency Management Executive Director David Newlan based on what other school districts have when they need to respond to an emergency.

Teacher Certification and Retention The request is to exclude school social workers from taking and passing the Professional Education Exam — Florida Teacher Certification Examination, to maintain employment in a public school.

The second is to permit retired classroom teachers and administrators to return to the classroom after two months, rather than the current requirement of waiting a year.

School facilities and utilization Gomez said they are asking to include pre-kindergarten in the Florida Inventory of School Houses calculations, as the program is already in the schools and would generate more revenue.

Post Hurricane Ian Recovery Gomez said the district was very successful following the needs and asking for appropriations and different requests from the state legislature following Hurricane Ian. “We want to continue to keep the ball rolling and remind everyone that we understand other districts were hit by a storm,” he said.

The request is for a one-year extension to “the previously approved legislative action, so that roofing projects can process using pre-positioned continuing contracts for the remaining recovery efforts.”

“We still have a lot of roofs to be replaced, construction that needs to take place. It’s great for us to continue the piggyback and extend it for another year,” Gomez said.

Deregulation Gomez said the ultimate goal would be to have the same regulatory flexibility for all public schools.

From page 1

If You Go: What: Bike Night When: Saturday, Oct. 14, from 5 to 10 p.m.

Where: Southeast 47th Terrace, Cape Coral Details: Bike Night is free for attendees and features slow bike races, tons of vendors, food, and live music

ent locations until 11 p.m.

The next two Cape Coral Bike Nights are scheduled for Feb. 10 and April 13.

For more information and to register for the bike contest, visit ccbikenight.com.

Cape Coral Breeze

More information: For more information and to register for the bike contest, visit ccbikenight.com

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Slow Bike Races. We are continually seeking new ways to keep the community engaged.”

“School of Rock” will take the stage from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by “Smack Daddy” from 6:30 to 8, with headline act “Maiden Cane” performing from 8:30 to 10.

“Three bands will play on stage, and this year the music starts at 5 p.m., an hour earlier than before,” Haeger said. “We are excited to have the School of Rock Fort Myers open for the night, followed by Smack Daddy and Maiden Cane.”

Maiden Cane is a six-piece rock band bringing covers of high-energy arena rock to its crowds, she said.

“They cover all the favorites from Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Def Leppard, STYX, Kansas, Boston, and more,” Haeger said.

Bike Night stretches along Southeast 47th Terrace from Coronado Parkway to Vincennes Boulevard, with slow bike races starting at 8 p.m.

Bike Night will also feature the Rockstar Harley-Davidson VIP Parking, which is free for Harley-Davidson bikes and automatically enters the driver for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

“Being able to create events that bring the community together has always been our primary goal,” Haeger said. “We love seeing the happy faces in the crowd and supporting our local businesses.”

Organizers 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. There is limited parking on-site, including motorcycle parking at two differ-

Page 13 ■ October 13, 2023

Bike Night: First of the season

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 14 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

REAL ESTATE

THE BREEZE OCTOBER 13, 2023

When renting Competition between sellers affects Homestead is heating up as inventory rises Dear Mr. Feichthaler: In March, I was temporarily assigned to Austin for six months for my job. During that time, I rented the property to a tenant that had a similarly-timed assignment in Lee County.

When I returned last week, I had a letter from the Lee County Property Appraiser asking me to complete an affidavit regarding the rental. The letter also said I could lose my homestead exemption. What should I do? I am hoping the issue will just go away.

—Carl B. Dear Carl: The protections Florida homestead offer are numerous: Protection from creditors, protection for spouses and minor children are two of them. The most important to many, of course, is the property tax benefit both annually, and through the Save Our Homes cap on increases in taxable value. Claiming, and keeping, homestead on Eric P. Feichthaler property should be on the top of every homeowner’s agenda.

Broadly speaking, you will lose homestead if you claim it somewhere else, or otherwise “abandon” your Florida homestead. Florida Statutes 196.061 directly addresses your situation. It states that, if you are living in the home Jan. 1, and rent it out during the year, you will not lose your homestead IF you do not rent more than 30 days per calendar year for two consecutive years.

Although different agencies may interpret this statute differently, your facts indicate you have only rented the property during one year for more than 30 days, you lived there on Jan. 1, and you always intended to return. With those facts, the property appraiser should continue to allow for the property tax exemptions. However, if you rented your home for more than 30 days next year (or last year, for that matter), they would be fully justified in removing the exemption.

The affidavit is provided for the appraiser to determine the facts. Again, with your facts, you should continue to benefit from the homestead exemption.

One note to consider — when you rent your property for the short term, you are require to collect and pay sales tax and local tourist development tax. Short-term rentals are considered those six months or less. This is another issue many landlords overlook. However, from my experience, the tax collector does not overlook this. Hopefully, your rental was over six months and only this year, in which case all benefits should continue, and no sales tax will be owed.

Real Estate Law

Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for over 35 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Southwest Florida 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, Cape Coral Museum of History, and Cape Coral Kiwanis. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for over 20 years, and they have four children together. He earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar. 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.

worsening affordability issues. This Our theme in last week’s column was means that at some point something will about the “state of confusion” we are seehave to give, or “break,” if you will. ing with what seems to be conflicting Either mortgage rates will need to get data points about the economy, inflation, back down below 7%, or home prices interest rates and the real estate market. will likely need to drop.

These various data points continue to be How serious of a problem is it? Based interpreted in a wide variety of ways by on an Oct. 10, 2023, article written by various pundits and market experts, Candyd Mendoza in the Mortgage which just seems to make things more Bankers Association daily newsletter, confusing to everyone on Main Street, according to the MBA’s data, mortgage especially those who are trying to buy or rates are at their highest levels in 23 sell a home. This confusion leaves the years. This has led the MBA to join front door wide open for the real estate forces with the National Association of spin doctors to go to work, so today we Realtors, and the National Association of will be discussing the state of confusion Home Builders in forming a coalition we are seeing in our current housing marBob and Geri Quinn that has approached Fed chief Jerome ket as the growing competition between Powell over what they describe as “the various homesellers heats up. deep-seated uncertainty” about the direcEven though most things have slowed tion of the Fed’s interest rate policies. down in the Cape Coral real estate marThey pointed out that the Fed is making ket, it is important to note the market has not come to a complete halt. Homes are still being sold, but “an already tricky housing market even more challenging.” at a much slower pace that is proving to be a bit more This coalition also stated that, “the speed and magnitude of uncomfortable than expected from a seller’s perspective. these rate increases, and the resulting dislocation in our Most of the Realtors we talk to are seeing the same things industry, is painful and unprecedented in the absence of in the market, with the hope that this drop off in activity is larger economic turmoil.” In asking the Fed to back off just a return to the normal “pre-COVID years” late sum- from further rate hikes, they note that housing activity mer, early fall seasonal market lull, before “the season” accounts for nearly 16% of the U.S. GDP and that millions of households are now being “priced out” of the real estate kicks things back into high gear.

Time will tell if hope springs eternal, but it is clear that market.

Translating the concerns of this coalition to what we are more than a few things are a bit different this time around reading about on a national level regarding new construccompared to the past.

The first obvious difference to the current real estate tion “spec” homes being built in new developments, market compared to markets over the past 10 to 15 years builders are seeing a combination of “reduced traffic” is the wildcard regarding the impact of higher interest looking to buy homes combined with an abnormally high rates. The recent spike in mortgage rates to upwards of level of canceled purchase contracts. This is leading to 7.5%, with talk of rates eventually climbing above 8%, is reports of a “shadow” inventory in some locations where bringing an early arriving winter chill to the housing mar- new builds are still showing up as vacant lots in property ket. If rates stay “higher for longer,” a growing number of tax records, as builders hold back on completing their potential buyers will be frozen out of the market due to COMPETITION, page 15

Homing In

Looking for normal again: reflecting on the Southwest Florida housing market, one year after Hurricane Ian Like many of us, the recent anniversary of Hurricane Ian has been a source of intense reflection for me.

One year after the 500-year storm upended our region, and so many of our lives, my heart goes out to those who lost everything: you can buy a new home or replace a missing roof, but you can’t buy back lost memories.

Not only did thousands of families lose their homes and properties, but they also lost family heirlooms, photos of their children and so much more. When you think of home, you don’t only think of the walls surrounding you; you think of the photos on Aprile Osborne the walls, the blankets on the couch and the dishes in the sink.

Twelve months after Ian left its mark on Southwest Florida, the housing market has certainly shifted.

Over a recent seven-day period in late September, we saw over 900 active listings. During that same period, about 630 homes were sold.

In my experience, that’s the first time in quite a while

Guest Commentary

where the number of listings has surpassed the number of homes sold. In fact, the number of days that a listing remains on the market is increasing across Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties.

This isn’t just a Southwest Florida phenomenon. Our firm, Call It Closed International Realty, works with agents, brokers, buyers and sellers across the country. From Denver and Los Angeles to Charlotte and Louisville, these patterns are playing out similarly.

Historically, we see more hesitancy when presidential elections approach, as one is next year. Buyers, sellers and investors generally are looking to avoid the uncertainty that comes anytime a new administration could come into office.

Aside from the current cool-off period, Southwest Florida’s housing market hasn’t necessarily shifted in a bad way. We’ve seen plenty of excitement in the market,

See MARKET, page 15

From page 14 including new developments and fresh homes, and there is plenty to look forward to as our region grows.

community still reeling from the effects of a monumental disaster, these numbers and trends are amazing.

At the beginning of COVID-19, people began to shift the way that they live their lives at home for a simple reason: they were home.

From lockdowns to hurricanes, I feel like the market is just trying to adjust, as are families.

I had a family come to me and say “I have the choice to work from home, but I also have the choice to go to work.

What do I want to do?”

As society returns to normal, families looking to move to Florida are having to consider the possibility of their remote positions becoming in-person again. Will they go back to the area that they are originally from, or will they continue their journey to Florida?

Be strategic If you are looking to sell your home right now, consider waiting until January. Speak with a real estate agent to determine exactly what your home’s value is; math never lies, so be sure to find out the actual dollar amount that your house is worth.

Find a real estate agent that will go to the bat for you and your family. Now is the time to negotiate and get a good deal; find the right agent to do it.

No hesitation Buyer hesitancy has no place here in Southwest Florida.

I’ve seen a surge of interest in Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers Beach. Recently, we saw that the Red Coconut RV Park in Fort Myers was purchased for $52 million. For a

More houses, more options In the last year, we’ve seen the highest level of inventory that we’ve seen in the last four years. Not only have we faced one major disaster in the last four years, but we’ve faced two.

Aprile Osborne, Call It Closed International Realty cofounder, has been a licensed agent in Southwest Florida for almost 20 years. Naples-based Call It Closed International Realty currently operates in 16 states. Visit aprileosborne.callitclosed.com.

From page 14 growing stock of mostly built homes hoping for a buyer to come along. We are also seeing reports where a growing number of “second,” non-homesteaded Florida homes used by their owners as a seasonal winter home are becoming unaffordable for their middle class owners due to rising property taxes, higher insurance costs and increasing HOA fees, etc. In some cases where there is a mortgage involved, homeowners are seeing huge increases in their monthly payments due to their lenders increasing the escrow amounts to cover insurance and taxes.

All of this is adding to the competition between various types of home sellers. The average individual homeowner in Cape Coral who is putting their home on the market is competing with new home builders trying to sell their spec homes. In their attempt to attract a buyer, new home builders are offering a lot more incentives than a regular person trying to sell their existing home. For example, we receive emails everyday from new home builders offering to pay Realtors higher commissions of 4 to 6% for bringing a buyer to them who buys one of their homes. They are also offering incentives to the buyer, including price reductions, below-market rate mortgage loans, numerous builder upgrades, cash towards closing costs, no HOA fees until 2025, etc. This competition from new home builders is showing up in the sales numbers in our market, as noted below.

Basically, about the only things going up in our local real estate market right now are the number of active list-

ings on the market and the number of price reductions being made to list prices by sellers, as they hope to attract showing appointments and an offer. In fact, the number of new listings coming onto the market and the number of price reductions on existing listings are the top two daily statistical categories in the MLS, with the number of daily pending sales and closed sales lagging well behind.

As of Tuesday, Oct. 10, there were 2,139 active listings in the MLS for Cape Coral single-family homes, which included 597 new construction homes built in 2023. The active listings were up from 2,042 listings a week ago, as a steady stream of homes continues to come on the market. The current list prices ranged from $215,000 to $11.9 million, with the second lowest priced listing at $249,900 and the second highest priced listing at $7.59 million. The current median list price came in at $512,999 with a total of 827 homes, or almost 39% of the active listings priced at $450,000 and under. The number of Cape Coral homes currently listed at $1 million and above rose to 242 from 227 homes a week ago.

Also as of Oct. 10, there were 603 single-family homes in the Cape under contract with buyers as pending sales at prices ranging from $175,000 to $3.395 million, with the second lowest priced pending sale listed at $250,000. The median pending sales price came in at $399,900 with 403 of the 603 pending sales, or 66.8% priced at $450,000 and under. A total of 19 pending sales were priced at $1 million and above. Of the 603 pending sales, a total of 275 of them, or 45.6%, were on new construction homes built in 2023, with 204 of these homes priced at $450,000 and

under. Four newly built homes were pending in the Cape at $1 million and above.

The reality of the current market is that sellers will likely need to get more aggressive in lowering their list price more than they would probably like, in order to attract a buyer and an offer. The one thing that could change this current market dynamic would seem to be a sudden decline in interest rates, or a commitment by the Fed towards moving away from their language of higher rates for longer.

Also, if history is a guide, we would tend to expect an influx of additional homes coming onto the market in January and February when the “seasonal sellers” show up.

The sales data for this article was obtained from the Florida Realtors Multiple Listing Service Matrix for Lee County, FL, as of Oct. 10, 2023, 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 44 years. Geri has been a full-time Realtor since 2005, and Bob joined Geri as a full-time Realtor in 2014. Their real estate practice is mainly focused on Cape Coral residential property and vacant lots.

Cape Coral Breeze

Competition: Buyer incentives, price reductions seen

www.capecoralbreeze.com

New homes, new values, new arrivals Although hundreds of homes along Fort Myers Beach and along our waterways were destroyed, we’ve already seen homes popping back up and restoration making good progress. For a moment, view the redevelopments through a lens of optimism: everything is becoming new.

Families are replacing the material things, essentially creating brand-new houses. Typically, when something in the home is improved, the value of the home immediately goes up. Ian-caused remodels are no different.

To their disbelief, homeowners have watched the value of their waterfront homes shoot up.

In Southwest Florida, we’re here to boat, beach and enjoy life in paradise. Being on the water is our form of happiness, and no storm will stop that. As we’ve seen for decades past, snowbirds and here and ready to buy. In fact, our seasonal residents are arriving earlier and earlier, proving that Southwest Florida’s resilience keeps us at the forefront of non-locals’ minds.

The two-year plan Interest is undeniably high. As the Federal Reserve’s interest rate continues to climb, we are feeling the effects.

In the first week of October, mortgage interest rates reached a 23-year high, averaging 7.5% for a 30-year, conventional loan.

Though the rising interest rates are having an impact on Southwest Florida homeowners, there are workarounds.

I’ve found that a lot of my clients are simply shifting how they manage their personal lives.

Just the other day, I had a family with a decision to make: do we splurge on a bigger home, or do we work with the less costly home? Ultimately, they decided to set a two-year plan for themselves.

Rather than viewing the less expensive home as a lifetime commitment, they perceived it as a steppingstone and decided to purchase it, fix it up and then sell it when the interest rates go down. After selling and making a profit, they’ll use the money to buy the house that they wanted in the first place.

Page 15 ■ October 13, 2023

Market: A good time to negotiate for the home you want

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 16

OCTOBER 6, 2023

‘Three Fields’ book republished

by The ARC of Florida

For your consideration: Jamaican porterweed

By JANETTA FOX

news@breezenewspapers.com

G C

C

C

See JAMAICAN PORTERWEED, page 43

Cape Coral Breeze

Did you know? Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, or Jamaican porterweed, is the only porterweed native to Florida, a good point to keep in mind when searching for the plant to add to your landscape.

While this may be hard to believe, there are times when garden centers mislabel plants, either intentionally or unintentionally. So, how can you ensure you are getting S. jamaicensis, and not its non-native, Category II invasive counterpart, S. cayennensis? Especially since both are commonly sold as Blue porterweed.

You can begin by putting on your investigator cap.

After checking the label, observe the plant’s leaf ARDEN structure. If you note a rather smooth surface, with LUB OF leaf margin “teeth” pointed toward the tip, you are APE ORAL viewing the native plant.

The leaves of the nonnative porterweed have a raised, quilted surface and more finely toothed margins than those of the native.

Although perhaps not as easily recognizable when observed in their growing containers, another tell can be the sprawling appearance of the native plant versus the upright growing habit of the non-native.

The native S. Jamaicensis enjoys full sun to partial shade and does well in a range of soil types. Growing to a height of 2 feet, the plant spreads horizontally 2-3 feet and is drought tolerant once established. Lovely, delicate lavender-blue flowers, each opening up for a day, grace 12-inch spikes.

Jamaican porterweed is host plant to the Tropical Buckeye butterfly, and is a nectar source for a variety of butterflies, including among others, Gulf fritillary (Agraulis vanillae), Julia (Dryas iulia) and clouded skipper (Lerema accius). In addition to butterflies, you may notice a variety of other pollinators, such as bees, in the vicinity enjoying the flavorful nectar. Propagation can be by seed or cuttings.

Not only can our wild friends benefit from having our native porterweed in the garden, but we can too! If you like the taste of mushrooms, you may wish to sample the plant’s flowers, which can be eaten raw. Take care though if you know that pesticides are being used in the area. You wouldn’t want to take in unwanted chemicals along with the tasty treat, that’s for sure! Another part of the plant that can serve our culinary tastes are the spikes.

These can be used as you would bay leaves, to spice up a variety of dishes from soups to stews. And, as an extra bonus, dried leaves can be used in the making of tea.

The non-native S. cayennensis, also known as nettleleaf porterweed, is an upright-growing woody shrub growing to 5 feet and spreading rapidly. Of most concern regarding the plant is its invasive nature. As a Category

www.capecoralbreeze.com

UF/IFAS PHOTO

Leaf structure helps determine the differences between the Jamaican porterweed (S. jamaicensis) plant, left, and the Blue porterweed (S. cayennensis) plant, right.

The Arc of Florida has announced republishing the book "Three Fields (brothers)" with an additional viewpoint based in Southwest Florida. The Arc of Florida works with local, state and national partners. It advocates for local chapters, public policies and high-quality supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of their community.

"Three Fields (brothers)" is a true story written by Anderson (Andy) Burke and outlines his family’s journey.

In 1959, Eddie Burke was born with Down syndrome.

Medical professionals advised placing Eddie in a state institution. Forty-six years later, Andy discovers the journals of his recently deceased mother. These journals document the pain of giving up her third son and the effect this had on the family. Andy set out to find and meet his lost sibling. Andy was neighbors with Kathy Jackson, executive director of The Arc of the St. Johns, and as their friendship grew, she asked him to tell his story. His brother was a client at The Arc of the St. Johns.

In the new edition, "Three Fields (A Brother. A Sister.)," Dick Bradley’s account is added. Bradley tells the story of his sister, Kathy, also with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a completely different outcome. His story is one of love and happiness within the family dynamic. Bradley’s sister was a client at LARC (Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens) in Fort Myers for many years. His parents, Dr. Jim Bradley and Ann Bradley, were early supporters of LARC. His brother Roger was the executive director for 31 years, and his brother Brian is now a member of the LARC board of directors.

Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 80. LARC offers vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis. LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers.

LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes in Cape Coral and Fort Myers.

“With so many similarities between Andy, Dick and their respective families, 'Three Fields (A Brother. A Sister.)' is a gripping story which conveys the importance of support and acceptance for every family,” said Angela Katz, LARC’s executive director. “The Bradley family

PHOTO PROVIDED

The cover of the book “Three Fields (A Brother, A Sister,” which has been republished by The ARC of Florida. paved the way for many families with children with disabilities. It is exciting that their story is being told.”

“Families need to know that if a child is born with an intellectual and developmental disability, their life will add value to the family, those around that child, and the community,” stated The Arc of Florida CEO Alan Abramowitz. “Our goal has always been to advocate for families.”

Pre-sales are available now, with a release date of Oct. 15. Visit https://www.arcflorida.org/three-fields for additional information, or bulk orders, contact Dina Justice at 850-485-2155.

Cape Coral Art League announces November, December events, shows The Cape Coral Art League has announced the following activities, shows and events for the months of November and December.

November shows and events Express Yourself ■ Nov. 6-30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Wine and Cheese Reception, Thursday, Nov. 9, 5-6:30 p.m. Free parking and entry.

Members Month ■ Nov. 6-30, 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Wine and Cheese Reception, Thursday, Nov. 9, 5-6:30 p.m. Free parking and entry. Free parking and entry

December shows and events Water Wonderland ■ Dec. 4-21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Wine and Cheese Reception, Thursday, Dec. 7, 5-6:30 p.m. Free parking and entry Holiday Sale of Members’ Art ■ Dec. 4-21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Wine and Cheese Reception, Thursday, Dec. 7, 5-6:30 p.m. Free parking and entry Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. For additional information, please call 239-7725657.

City of Cape Coral hosting Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 27 The city of Cape Coral is hosting the second annual Trunk-or-Treat Friday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The event will be held in the City Hall visitor's parking lot at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. The movie "The Nightmare Before Christmas" will be played on the front lawn at 7 p.m.

This Halloween event is free for all attendees and offers

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a safe environment for residents to come together and celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Trunk-or-Treat will include candy giveaways from city departments (while supplies last), music and skele-fun for all ages. Costumes are encouraged.

For more information, visit www.capecoral.gov. The city hopes you'll join in for a scary good time.

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 18 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

HEALTH HEALTH NOTES DOH-Lee announces update regarding Pondella Clinic The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) has announced that beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Office of Vital Statistics will resume in-person services at the Pondella Clinic. The Pondella Clinic is located at 83 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33903.

In preparation for the move, the DOH-Lee Office of Vital Statistics will be closed on Monday, Oct. 16.

On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program (WIC) Clinic will also resume in-person services at the 83 Pondella Road location.

Community Health, HIV/AIDS and STD program services provided at the Pondella Clinic will resume inperson services at 83 Pondella later this month. Specific dates will be forthcoming.

Visit the website lee.floridahealth.gov and follow our Twitter page, @flhealthlee for additional updates.

Free autism screening for young children Nov. 3 at Pediatric Specialist Office Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to five years of age.

The next screening will be held on Nov. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Pediatric Specialist Office, 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers.

It is estimated that one in every 44 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

Medical consultants for the project stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families. They say early intensive behavioral intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well.

The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.

A physician referral is not required. To schedule a screening, please call 239-343-6838.

Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida receives National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida has announced that it has received National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long‐term patient relationships. This is the 11th consecutive year that PPC has earned the PCMH designation.

States and the federal government use the NCQA PCMH model to help make primary care more efficient and effective in meeting patients’ needs and to hold providers accountable. Qualifying for this is a significant undertaking and demonstrates PPC’s commitment to its patients.

The Patient-Centered Medical Home is a model of primary care that puts patients at the forefront. Providers must combine teamwork and information technology to reduce costs while delivering higher-quality care.

Additionally, each patient is overseen by clinician-led care teams that coordinate treatment across the healthcare system.

Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida, a physician-owned and operated medical practice, was formed in 1996 by many long-practicing local physicians. PPC has grown to become the largest physician-

See HEALTH NOTES, page 45

THE BREEZE OCTOBER 13, 2023

Cape Coral Hospital’s Emergency Department earns national award Marking Emergency Nurses Day, the emergency department at Cape Coral Hospital has been recognized nationally for its exceptional and innovative performance in emergency care.

The Emergency Nurses Association awarded Cape Coral Hospital with the Lantern Award. The 2023 class is the largest since the award was established in 2011, with 53 emergency departments around the world receiving the honor this year.

The Lantern Award recognizes emergency departments that go above and beyond in their efforts of leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. It rewards emergency departments that use evidence-based practices and continually provide high-quality care in a safe environment.

When applying, emergency departments share stories highlighting their commitment to care and the initiatives to improve nursing staff’s wellbeing. Applications are reviewed and scored by the ENA Lantern Award Committee. The award lasts for a three-year cycle and then emergency departments are eligible to apply again.

Golisano Children’s Hospital’s emergency department is a two-time recipient of the Lantern Award. Gulf Coast Medical Center’s emergency department won it for the first time last year, and this is Cape Coral Hospital’s emergency department’s second time winning the award.

“I am so proud of the hard work our teams put in every day to provide high-quality emergency care to the Southwest Florida community. This award really recognizes the teamwork, education, passion and dedication our staff provides to each other and their patients,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and chief executive officer of Lee Health.

The award will be on display in the Cape Coral Hospital emergency department and in the main lobby of Cape Coral Hospital. As a recipient, Cape Coral Hospital will be

FILE PHOTO

Cape Coral Hospital. recognized in upcoming ENA publications, on the ENA website and during Emergency Nursing 2023, the association’s annual conference held in San Diego from Sept.

21-23.

Learn more about Cape Coral Hospital at www.leehealth.org.

Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital named a Top 100 Hospital by Fortune/PINC AI Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital has been named among the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals by Fortune/PINC AI, the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc. This is the second consecutive year that Cape Coral Hospital has received this distinction and the second year as an Everest Winner for achieving a top rate of improvement from 2017 to 2021.

Researchers evaluated 2,644 U.S. hospitals and health systems based on public data sets of quality, patient perception, and financial information.

Everest Award winners qualify with the fastest, most consistent improvement rates on the same balanced scorecard of performance measures. Both the 100 Top Hospitals program and the Everest Award reflect performance across the whole organization, including clinical, operational, financial and patient perception. This year, there were 29 Everest Award winners.

“We are honored that Cape Coral Hospital has been recognized among the best in the nation for consistently providing safe, quality and compassionate care, and we are especially proud to receive the Everest Award,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and chief executive officer of Lee Health. “This is a testament to the lasting impact everyone on our Cape Coral Hospital team has on our community and the thoughtful care they provide to our patients every day.”

According to PINC AI, based on the data analyzed, it is estimated that if all hospitals performed at the same level of this year’s winners, more than 227,000 additional lives could have been saved, more than 432,000 additional patients could have been complication-free and more than $15.7 billion in inpatient costs could have been saved for the 2022 study year.

The goal of the 100 Top Hospitals program is to inspire

“We are honored that Cape Coral Hospital has been recognized among the best in the nation for consistently providing safe, quality and compassionate care, and we are especially proud to receive the Everest Award.

This is a testament to the lasting impact everyone on our Cape Coral Hospital team has on our community and the thoughtful care they provide to our patients every day.”

—Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and chief executive officer of Lee Health hospital and health system leaders to strive for higher performance and provide added value to the communities they serve. The program leverages transparent, non-biased data to help inform strategies for sustained performance.

Organizations do not apply to participate in the study, and award winners do not pay to market their honor.

Cape Coral Hospital is the preferred healthcare system for Southwest Florida’s largest city, and it is home to a wide range of services, including comprehensive women’s services, emergency services, imaging services, acute inpatient services, and a broad range of surgical services, including minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery.

The PINC AI award is not the first celebration of the work happening at Cape Coral Hospital this year. For the third year in a row, it also was named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades and it was ranked one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for the fifth consecutive year.

See TOP 100, page 45

Teen accused of burglarizing homes in Cape

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

burglaries of homes that are owned and managed by Mainstreet Renewal and Progressive Residential.”

Police allege the burglaries consisted of three males gaining access to the homes through keypads on the front door locks which were acquired through an online app called “Rently.”

Detectives are still investigating the other two individuals believed to be involved, officials said.

“After access was granted to the residence, the males selected certain appliances, mainly refrigerators and micro-waves, loaded them into a rented U-Haul vehicle, and then proceeded to sell the items on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist,” CCPD officials stated.

Four coaches and three players to be inducted, honored tonight at Seahawks game with Gators

Susan Hook of Samaritan Health and Wellness in Cape now serving Pine Island at Beacon of Hope

By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

According to Dr. Susan Hook, Samaritan Health and Wellness in Cape Coral is coming up on its ninth year in practice. She started out 40 years ago as a certified nursing assistant and has been a nurse practitioner for 21 years. Hook worked for Lee Physician group until October 2014, and then began the new chapter of Samaritan Health and Wellness that November, she said.

“We started out with 40 patients and 2 employees — me and an office manager, and now we’re seeing about 150 patients a week and we have 12 employees,” Hook said of her Cape office.

The center in Cape Coral has flourished over the last decade, as it now offers three mental health counselors as well as four nurse practitioner. Hook wanted to bring that same spirit of medical support and generosity to the people of Pine Island and so began work in her satellite office, housed by the Beacon of Hope, in St. James City in April 2023. Currently her hours at the Beacon are every other Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., although she said she would like to extend the hours to include the whole day. The fee is approximately $50 per visit, with financial assistance available. Her work began in Pine Island, she said, when her husband, Steven Hook, former principal of Pine Island Elementary, retired in 2020.

“We always felt like Pine Island was a lot like the small town we were from in Indiana — always felt that

whole community vibe with the school being the hub of the community, so I was out here with him for different events at the school and then after Hurricane Ian, I met some of the board members from the Beacon out at Tarpon Lodge,” Hook said.

After a conversation with Beacon board members about healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured on Pine Island, Hook concluded that this was where she needed to be, describing it as an opportunity to help more folks.

“There was a board meeting, they all voted and thought it sounded like a good idea, and that’s how it was born,” Hook said.

As she looks back at her 40-plus years in healthcare, beginning as a health occupations education teacher, and ending up with two offices where she can help patients, Hook said she feels as though this was the path God paved for her.

“I look back and I think, wow, 40 years of healthcare — all different sorts of healthcare and education and the things I get to do — I’m privileged and honored to get to take care of people,” Hook said.

Samaritan Health and Wellness satellite office at Beacon of Hope, 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City. Call 239-360-7520.

Dr. Susan Hook of Samaritan Health and Wellness in Cape Coral at the Beacon of Hope.

PAULETTE LEBLANC

Cape Coral High School has announced the members of the 2024 Cape Coral High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The second class adds a total of seven coaches and players to join the principal, athletic director, state championship team, three contributors, coach and 13 student-athletes inducted in last year’s inaugural class.

“This year’s class is exceptional,” says Cape Coral High School Principal Ryan Jackson. “Three student athletes that played professional sports and four standout coaches are being honored. Beyond their exceptional accomplishments, the one thing that binds them together is their love of Cape Coral High School and being a Seahawk.”

The 2024 Hall of Fame Class includes: ■ Larry Gary, current football coach, second most wins in school history, first African American high school football coach in Lee County.

■ James Hale, football coach from 1990-2000; most overall wins; 1993 record of 12-1, ranked 6th in state.

Started the SWFL football recruiting fair.

■ Dianne Kimble, current swim coach, 5 state championship swimmers, 15 district titles, 15 Lee County Athletic Conference Championships.

■ Adam Masino, Class of 2000, Florida Gulf Coast University baseball, Minnesota Twins minor league baseball player. CCHS baseball, football and basketball player.

■ Shane McClanahan, Class of 2015, University of South Florida baseball, drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays.

■ Glenn McCombs, Class of 1981: University of Central Florida football player, former Pittsburgh Steeler.

■ Aldo Nardiello, soccer coach from 2006-2017; 2011 state champion, 5 district titles, 2 LCAC championships, 2011 National Coach of the Year.

The inductees will be honored at halftime of Cape Coral High School’s football game against Island Coast High School this Friday, Oct. 13. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available for purchase at https://www.gofan.co./search

Cape Coral Breeze

Seven named to Cape High Athletic Hall of Fame

www.capecoralbreeze.com

An Immokalee teen who was arrested in Punta Gorda has also been charged with a multitude of burglaries taking place in Cape Coral and other Southwest Florida cities.

Woolf Exulus, 17, was arrested in March along with two other males in response to a burglary in progress.

Cape Coral Police Department officials said “through investigative techniques, the Punta Gorda Police Department obtained information that revealed multiple crimes committed throughout Lee County and Cape Coral.

“With the information obtained from the Punta Gorda Police Department, Detectives with the Cape Coral

Property Crimes Unit conducted an investigation and were able to determine that Woolf Exulus committed additional similar burglaries within Cape Coral.”

Warrant requests were submitted to the State Attorney’s Office and approved following the investigation. Exulus was arrested on Sept. 14 on the additional offenses, and is charged with 12 counts of burglary of a dwelling, 11 counts of grand theft between $750-5,000, one count of petit theft and one count of criminal mischief more than $200.

CCPD officials stated that Exulus will be charged as an adult. He turns 18 on Oct. 26.

Police said between March 28 and May 11 of this year, the department had responded to various locations across the city in reference to “past occurred residential

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October 13, 2023 ■ Page 20 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Veterans Build: Habitat for Humanity, volunteers raise walls of future home for U.S.Army veteran Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is helping a local U.S. Army veteran achieve his dream of homeownership in Fort Myers. Greg, a former combat medic, is the first to have a home built as part of Habitat’s new Veterans Build program, highlighting the organization’s ongoing commitment to partnering with veterans.

Following his military service, Greg set his sights on raising a family, attending college and working full-time.

Unfortunately, the dream of owning a home remained out of reach, forcing him to spend the last seven years renting and living with a roommate.

Habitat for Humanity held a Veterans Build on Sept. 9, when volunteers raised and completed the exterior walls of Greg’s home in Habitat’s new community off Prospect Avenue in Fort Myers. A team of Habitat volunteers, veterans and sponsors, as well as Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson, came together to show their support and participate in the construction of Greg’s future home.

“It was so difficult to get a home through a [Veterans Affairs] loan,” said Greg. “Habitat made the process much easier and helped me with different programs and finances.

They’re helping me build a home, so I’m paying for my future and my grandkids’ future.”

Habitat’s Veterans Build program aims to partner with local veterans to provide decent housing, an affordable

“Habitat for Humanity understands the unique housing challenges our veterans are faced with in Southwest Florida, and we want to be a local resource they can seek out to help them on their journey to homeownership. We are excited to launch our inaugural Veteran’s Build program, so we can partner with more veterans like Greg in our area.”

— Malaina Mote, Habitat’s director of donor development mortgage and the skills to succeed. Greg will complete 300 hours of sweat equity, more than 20 hours of homeownership and financial literacy classes, and will pay $2,000 for the closing costs of his home through Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program.

“Habitat for Humanity understands the unique housing challenges our veterans are faced with in Southwest Florida, and we want to be a local resource they can seek out to help them on their journey to homeownership,” said Malaina Mote, Habitat’s director of donor development.

“We are excited to launch our inaugural Veteran’s Build program, so we can partner with more veterans like Greg in our area.”

The Veterans Build initiative opens the door for partnerships with sponsors, individual donors, community organizations and volunteers to build homes with veterans to help them achieve their dreams of homeownership.

For more information or to become a sponsor, visit Habitat4Humanity.org/Veterans-Build.

About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is a faith-based private nonprofit serving families with a housing need willing to partner. As a developer, builder, mortgage lender, housing counseling agency, retail operator and hurricane recovery organization, Habitat partners with families to build, improve or retain places to call home.

Since 1982, Habitat has partnered with more than 1,800 families to help them achieve their dream of affordable homeownership. Through volunteering and providing financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry County families achieve strength, stability, and independence. For more, visit Habitat4Humanity.org.

Community partners launch ‘Homeless Veterans Collection Drive’ to provide essentials to Southwest Florida veterans Advocate Radiation Oncology is partnering with American Legion Post 38 and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to collect clothing, hygiene products, food and other essentials for homeless veterans living in Southwest Florida.

“Veterans gave so much for us and our country, and it’s

our responsibility as a community to support them during their time of need,” said Dr. Arie Dosoretz, managing partner of Advocate Radiation Oncology. “The Homeless Veterans Collection Drive is a community-wide initiative to provide essentials to veterans who don’t have a permanent place to stay right now. Together, we can make a pos-

itive impact on their lives – just like they have made on ours.”

Organizers are seeking donations of: ■ Cold-weather clothing: jackets, sweaters, hats,

See VETERANS COLLECTION DRIVE, page 21

Veterans Collection Drive: Effort underway From page 20

Joe Marquardt, a 1979 graduate of the Air Force Academy, will be the featured speaker at the Saturday, Oct. 14, breakfast meeting of the Cape Coral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Marquardt has a distinguished background in flying military aircraft at Reese AFB, Clark AFB and Sawyer AFB. In 1985 he was selected to fly the U-2 spy plane at Beale AFB. After Marquardt’s service in the Air Force, he flew commercial airlines from 1989-2021, accumulating over 21,000 flying hours. A question-and-answer session will follow Marquardt’s planned remarks.

All current, former and retired military officers and spouses are invited to attend the regular breakfast meeting, which is held at the Cape Royal Golf Club, 11469 Royal Tee Circle, Cape Coral. The breakfast meeting begins at 10 a.m., and costs $12, payable at the door (cash only).

Reservations may be made by contacting Cindy Nolan at capecoralmoaa@gmail.com or 618-407-6945.

MOAA is a national organization of military officers that supports the interests of military members of all ranks -- past, present and future. Regular membership is open to all current and former officers, and associate membership is available to all who support our armed forces.

Information about the Cape Coral Chapter of MOAA may be obtained by contacting the chapter president, Michael Beard, at karmic0812@gmail.com or 786300-8445.

Cape Coral Breeze

scarves, gloves and socks ■ Linens: blankets, pillowcases and sleeping bags ■ Hygiene products: soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste ■ Non-perishable food: canned goods, granola bars, instant meals and bottled water ■ Gift cards: supermarkets, retail stores, fast food restaurants and pharmacies ■ Backpacks and duffel bags ■ First aid supplies Only new clothing and unopened food packages will be accepted.

Donations can be dropped off until Oct. 17 at two Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Centers in Fort Myers: ■ 2125 First St., Suite 100 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily) ■ 4125 Cleveland Ave., Suite 1930, inside Edison Mall (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday) Additionally, donations can be brought to American Legion Post 38, 1857 Jackson St., Fort Myers, from noon to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19. At that time, all Southwest Florida veterans are invited to a complimentary lunch.

Advocate Radiation Oncology is a locally owned practice with convenient locations in South Florida. For more information, please visit AdvocateRO.com.

at Cape MOAA chapter meeting

www.capecoralbreeze.com

with the courts. This includes: Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes is hosting ■ General injunction for protection infora free online class on how to file a domestic mation violence injunction for protection with the ■ The various types of injunction cases courts.

■ Required forms & information The webinar will be held from 2-3 p.m., ■ How to electronically file an injunction Wednesday, Oct. 18, via Zoom.

■ Available contacts & resources An injunction for protection is a court The class is free, but participants are order requiring an individual to stay away required to register at www.leeclerk.org/semifrom another and not contact them. It is comnar. monly used in domestic violence cases.

The webinar is being hosted in partnership October is Domestic Violence Awareness with Abuse Counseling and Treatment, which Month, a time to acknowledge domestic viois a private, not-for-profit agency committed lence survivors and be a voice for its victims Kevin Karnes to serving victims of domestic violence, sexuthrough education and awareness.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic al assault and human trafficking.

This class is part of the “How To” series provided by Violence, one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an inti- the Lee Clerk’s office to educate the community about all of the resources available to them. Recorded tutorials of mate partner.

In this online class, participants will learn the process past “How To” classes are available at www.lee associated with filing an injunction for protection case clerk.org/howto.

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Lee Clerk partners with ACT to host webinar Former Air Force about filing domestic violence injunctions pilot to speak

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 22 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

GCWA meeting to feature discussion of editing “All editing is not created equal,” said veteran editor and book coach Claudia Volkman.

She’ll cover the power and the art of editing when she discusses “Why Every Author Needs an Editor: A Look at Different Types of Editing” at this month’s get-together of Gulf Coast Writers Association, Southwest Florida’s 28-yearold meeting ground for writers, editors and their associates The meeting, open to the public, will be held at the Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers, Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon.

“I’ll give an overview of the importance of hiring a good editor, and I’ll describe the different types of editing,” says Volkman. “There will be time for Q&A at the end.”

Not just newspaper reporters and magazine writers need editors, notes Volkman.

“Many writers undervalue the importance of an editor — or have had negative experiences working with one. So it’s important to determine the type of editing YOU need.”

Volkman should know about editing: She’s had more than

35 years of experience in acquisitions, product development, line editing and typesetting. She has worked full-time for several trade publishing houses. Now, as the owner of Creative Editorial Solutions in North Fort Myers, she assists publishers, authors, entrepreneur, and speakers with their editorial needs. Services include Claudia Volkman book coaching, developmental editing, book doctoring, copyediting, proofreading and creating book interiors.

General admission for the meeting is free for first-time visitors; $5 for subsequent visits, payable via PayPal; and free for members.

About GCWA Founded in 1995, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, Inc. (GCWA) provides a forum for fellowship, education,

and information for writers, editors and associates.

GCWA’s well-regarded annual writing contest draws a wide range of authors. Its recent book launch at the Alliance for the Arts for its new anthology Storm Stories-Hurricane Ian--available on Amazon and at local outlets-was a sell-out event.

Based in Fort Myers, GCWA attracts members from throughout Southwest Florida. At monthly meetings, speakers and workshops offer expert advice on such topics as writing techniques, publishing, and marketing.

Participants at GCWA meetings also have the opportunity to read their works. The literary genres run the gamut from poetry, adult fiction and nonfiction to children’s and young adult, historical fiction, romance, mystery/thriller, memoir, essay and screenplay. Members include full-time writers as well as corporate professionals, teachers, and business owners, working or retired.

GCWA’s website is https://gulfwriters.org/ .Follow GCWA on X (Twitter): @GCWA_SWFL .

EDUCATION NOTES View the solar eclipse at the FSW James & Barbara Moore Observatory

FSW to host Fall 2023 Open House events Monday at all campus locations

Skygazers can enjoy a solar eclipse-viewing experience from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the James & Barbara Moore Observatory, located on the Florida SouthWestern State College Punta Gorda Campus, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. The viewing is free and open to the public.

Telescopes with solar filters will be set up for safe viewing for visitors. Safety tips for viewing the solar eclipse can be found on the NASA website at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2023/safety/.

The James & Barbara Moore Observatory at FSW is open to the public the second Friday of each month.

Observation sessions typically begin about 30-45 minutes after dark.

For more information, call (941) 637-5652 or visit https://www.fsw.edu/charlotte/observatory.

Florida SouthWestern State College will host its Fall 2023 Open House events at all FSW locations from 3-6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16.

Prospective students, their families and the community are invited to attend to learn how they can move forward with a degree from FSW. Faculty, staff and FSW students will be available to answer questions about academic programs, student support services, financial aid, study abroad, honors programs and campus life.

Attendees will also learn about FSW’s six bachelor’s degrees, workforce programs, Saturday Scholars program, and FSW for Hodges transfer opportunities. A promo code to apply to FSW for free will also be available.

Fall 2023 Open Houses will be held at the following FSW locations: ■ FSW Fort Myers Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers

■ FSW LaBelle Center, 1092 East Cowboy Way, LaBelle ■ FSW Naples Campus, 7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples ■ FSW Punta Gorda Campus, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda For more information or to register for an FSW Open House, visit www.fsw.edu/openhouse Florida SouthWestern State College, one of Southwest Florida’s largest institutions of higher education, annually serves nearly 20,000 students globally. FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests.

Please visit www.FSW.edu for more information about FSW or its programs and activities.

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Harry Chapin unveils ‘Fresh Force’ Mobile Grocery Harry Chapin Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in Southwest Florida, announced the launch of its new mobile market, “Fresh Force,” with an unveiling and ribbon-cutting for the mobile market Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Oxbow Bar & Grill in Fort Myers.

The “Fresh Force” mobile grocery experience is an innovative program that aims to make food more readily accessible in rural areas, where families have transportation barriers or are not able to regularly access food through traditional grocery stores.

“This is not simply a vehicle, but a movement that is going to revolutionize the fight against hunger here in Southwest Florida,” said Stuart Haniff, the chief development officer at Harry Chapin Food Bank. “We have 170 charity partners that we work with all across our five-county footprint. We have hundreds of programs and distributions we run internally, but none of those do any good if the neighbors we serve can’t get to us. With this mobile grocery store, we will be able to get to our neighbors.”

The “Fresh Force” mobile grocery will provide residents with the opportunity to select fresh produce, canned and dry goods, frozen meats, bread and grains. The initiative includes donated items, farmers’ market-style goods and education, empowering communities with healthy choices.

The mobile grocery is powered by a generous grant from the Publix Charities Foundation. Harry Chapin Food Bank received the grant for the effort in 2021, but supply chain issues caused a delay in launching the experience.

Publix Super Markets and the Publix Charities Foundation are major contribu-

PHOTO PROVIDED

Officials cut the ribbon to officially mark the opening of the Harry Chapin Food Bank’s “Fresh Force” mobile grocery. The ceremony was held at the Oxbow Bar & Grill in Fort Myers. ing. We hope to serve even more families who are hungry through a series of food tors to Harry Chapin Food Bank. distribution programs that feed more than a The mobile grocery will allow Harry in our community.”

Chapin Food Bank to provide additional More than 134,250 people in Lee, quarter of a million people each month.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank distribservices and outreach to rural and econom- Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry ically disadvantaged communities. counties faced food insecurity in 2021. uted $61.5 million worth of food in fiscal “This new 'Fresh Force' mobile market Food insecurity is defined as the lack of year 2022. Through its food distribution is going to have a transformative impact on access to enough food for a healthy, active programs, the food bank has supplied 34.7 million pounds of food and other grocery our community. We hope to be able to lifestyle.

For more information about the Fresh items, including 12 million pounds of fresh bring them to communities that lack financial resources and access and may be expe- Force mobile pantry experience, visit har- produce. The food is the equivalent of 29 million meals distributed to those who are riencing transportation barriers,” said rychapinfoodbank.org. hungry.

Marissa Stress Peterson, the director of For more information or to make a gift, community impact and partnerships at About Harry Chapin Food Bank Harry Chapin Food Bank rescues food please call 239-334-7007 or visit harHarry Chapin Food Bank. “We currently serve more than 250,000 individuals in that would otherwise go to waste and dis- rychapinfoodbank.org. our community, and the needs keep grow- tributes it to children, families, and seniors

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BUSINESS BRIEFS October is National Cooperative Month

The American Advertising Federation Southwest Florida will presents Protecting What’s Yours: Copyright and Trademark in Today’s World. How do you protect your copyright and trademark while not infringing on others, especially in the digital world?

Legal experts Mark Nieds, intellectual property attorney for Henderson Franklin Attorneys at Law, and Adam Woodward, patent attorney and business lawyer at Devlin Law Firm LLC, share their insights in the complicated landscape of copyright and trademark.

The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20, at Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd S. in Sugden Hall, Room 240. Tickets are $25 for AAF members; $30 for non-members; and $15 for students. Lunch is included.

FGCU is the luncheon’s sponsor.

To get your tickets and for more information about the American Advertising Federation SWFL, visit AAFSWFL.com/upcoming-events.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates to hold second annual Fall Festival On Saturday, Oct. 28, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will celebrate fall with it's second annual Fall Festival. This family-friendly event will include 40 craft vendors, food trucks, music, and several fun activities for children.

Activities include inflatable axe throwing, mobile teddy bears, face painting, spin art, fairy hair and caricatures. Families will be able to select and purchase pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch with the option to paint the pumpkins (paint will be provided) and enter a contest.

The popular Banyan Tree climb (open to adults and children) will be offered again; registration is recommended since a limited number of people will be able to participate. The climb is sponsored by the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association. Tickets for the Banyan Tree climb are $35 per person and may be purchased online at EdisonFord.org.

There is no charge to stroll around the craft vendor booths and listen to music; however, there is a fee to participate in each activity and visitors are encouraged to bring cash. Parking is free in the Edison Ford lots.

Admission to the museum, laboratory and riverside of the property is not included.

For information about the site, or to purchase tickets for tours, visit EdisonFord.org.

Hooters of Fort Myers employees Kayla Cotter and Savanney Insixiengmay visited Valerie’s House recently.

Hooters donated and delivered dinner for the families at the non-profit. Several Hooters of Fort Myers employees visit Valerie’s House every month to bring food including wings for the children and their families.

“I love giving back to our community and I love that Hooters gives us the opportunity to make a change. There are so many people who are struggling and it feels good to make people smile and let them know that we are here for them,” said Cotter.

Valerie's House is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives.

“We are proud to partner with Valerie’s House and support their vision and mission to help children and their families year-round in Southwest Florida,” said LTP Management Director of Marketing Kristi Quarles.

LTP Management, a Franchisee of Hooters of America, owns and operates 16 locations in South Florida. For more information about South Florida Hooters please visit www.HootersFlorida.com or follow us at Twitter @HootersFlorida, Instagram @SouthFLHooters, TikTok @southflhooters, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hootersflorida/ or follow Hooters of Fort Myers Integra page @HootersFortMyers.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Hooters of Fort Myers employees Kayla Cotter and Savanney Insixiengmay at Valerie’s House.

Spirit Halloween locations participating in annual Spirit of Children fundraiser Now through Oct. 31, Spirit Halloween stores at six Southwest Florida locations will participate in the annual Spirit of Children fundraiser to benefit the Child Life program at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

The locations include: ■ 3280 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte (formerly Tuesday Morning) ■ 13391 N. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers (formerly CVS Pharmacy) ■ 13300 S. Cleveland Ave. Fort Myers (formerly SteinMart) ■ 10810 Corkscrew Road, Estero (formerly Eddie Bauer) ■ 1000 Immokalee Road, Naples (formerly Tuesday Morning) ■ 5048 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples (formerly Total Wine) Each year, Spirit Halloween stores offer 10% off purchases both in stores and online and then donate the proceeds to participating Child Life programs at neighboring hospitals. Customers can present their 10% off coupon in any Spirit Halloween store or enter DONATE23 at checkout when shopping at SpiritHalloween.com.

In 2022, the Spirit of Children campaign raised $57,794 for Child Life at Golisano Children’s Hospital,

and $4,200 in costumes, decorations and crafts were also gifted to the hospital by Spirit Halloween. The annual Spirit of Children campaign has raised more than $380,000 for Golisano Children’s Hospital since 2007.

The Child Life program at Golisano Children’s Hospital aims to keep children’s lives as normal as possible while they receive essential lifesaving medical care.

This allows children to go through difficult situations and process the information, thoughts and feelings that accompany those situations at their own pace. Child Life offers services such as activities in the playroom, teen lounge and bedside; preparation for medical procedures, tests and surgeries; educational services for homebound students, and special events, such as pet therapy and clowns.

“Spirit of Children is an effort that will always be important to Spirit Halloween and our associates,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. “Spirit will always be in support of Child Life Departments and the hospital systems that continuously work to make children and their families feel comfortable and fear-free during their hospital stays.”

To learn more about the Spirit of Children Campaign or the Child Life program at Golisano Children’s Hospital, please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Spirit.

Cape Coral to host workforce and education industry roundtable Oct. 20 at City Hall The city of Cape Coral will host a Business and Industry Roundtable for the workforce and education industry Friday, Oct. 20, at City Hall. Registration is required to participate. Organizations interested in attending should contact the Economic and Business Development Office for meeting details.

The Business Roundtable Series provides an opportunity for open and honest conversations about how the city can help small business owners.

The Business and Industry Roundtable Series aims to: ∫ Allow industry leaders to connect and discuss chal-

lenges specific to Cape Coral ∫ Provide a forum for the economic outlook and opportunities for industries ∫ Determine future initiatives and programs needed to retain businesses and industries to strengthen the local economy The next roundtable to be scheduled for November targets leaders in the healthcare industry. For more information or to register for a roundtable session, please contact apetersen@capecoral.gov.

Cape Coral City Hall is at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.

Cape Coral Breeze

American Advertising Federation Southwest Florida to present copyright and trademark discussion

Fort Myers Hooters donates meals to Valerie’s House

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October is a special month for cooperatives and their members because it is National Cooperative Month!

During this month, cooperatives are recognized and celebrated for the qualities that make their business model unique, trusted and proven. Electric cooperatives share a common set of principles and values which benefit the cooperative and members alike. The Seven Cooperative Principles for electric cooperatives include: Voluntary and Open Membership, Democratic Member Control, Members’ Economic Participation, Autonomy and Independence, Education, Training, and Information, Cooperation among Cooperatives, and Concern for Community.

National Cooperative Month also celebrates the fact that electric cooperatives: ■ Power 56 percent of the nation ■ Serve 42 million people ■ Energize 21.5 million businesses, homes, schools and farms in 48 states Unlike investor-owned utilities, cooperatives are notfor-profit businesses which are owned by the members they serve. Members vote to elect the board of trustees that represent the communities where they live. Since forming in 1940 with just 15 miles of distribution line and 158 members, LCEC now serves nearly 243,000 members in six counties.

Visit https://www.lcec.net/ for more information about the Lee County Electric Cooperative.

OCTOBER 13, 2023

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Cape Council gives nod to raising residential cap within the Pine Island Road District Any modification to plan would require formal vote; additional discussion still pending

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

Cape Coral Breeze

www.capecoralbreeze.com

news@breezenewspapers.com

Cape Coral City Council gave consensus to move the cap for residential units from 5,030 units to 8,615 for the Pine Island Road District at the latest workshop Wednesday.

The topic was brought before the Council because the current cap of 5,030 units would be breached if the projects under review and projects that have preapplication are approved. There are 2.577 residential units, with 1,230 units in approved projects and 4,808 units in projects under review. All those combined equals 8,615 units.

Councilmember Keith Long suggested that they go from 5,030 units to 8,615 units across the board, as the end result of applying various options would be the same.

“The situation we find ourselves in is we are in the future here with these numbers, well beyond the future with these numbers,” Long said. “We have the opportunity now to bite the bullet and get over it once.”

Mayor John Gunter said that is a 71 percent increase from where they are today, which in his opinion was huge.

Council unanimously agreed to raise the cap by 3,585 units, but they all did not agree on including vertical integrated multifamily use into that number.

Those who did not want to include vertical integrated use in that cap included council members Jessica Cosden, Bill Steinke, Dan Sheppard, Tom Hayden and Long.

City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said the idea with going to 8,615 units abandons options one, two and three.

“Forget trying to remove everybody out. It takes us straight to a text amendment and it can be completed in February and solves all

“The situation we find ourselves in is we are in the future here with these numbers, well beyond the future with these numbers. We have the opportunity now to bite the bullet and get over it once.”

— Councilmember Keith Long the projects in review,” he said.

Ilczyszyn said there is significant development on Pine Island Road that has considered vertically integrated mixed use. In this scenario, the first floor would be retail shops, with fewer than 300 units above.

“If we go with the new option to take the limit to 8,615, those units (you’re) worried about are covered in that number,” Ilczyszyn said.

Planning Team Coordinator Wyatt Daltry had presented a number of options to address the residential unit cap within the Pine Island Road District.

The options included removing residential land from the Pine Island Road District - Pine Island West, Sandoval, Vantage and Victory Park. Another option would amend the development cap table to increase development caps by 35%. The third option would remove caps and the fourth option would reject all permits for multifamily once current caps are reached.

Code Compliance awarded for work surrounding Hurricane Ian The city of Cape Coral’s Code Compliance Division won awards at the American Association of Code Enforcement’s annual awards ceremony on Oct. 5, 2023.

Todd Hoagland, code compliance manager, earned the 2023 Excellence in Leadership award, and the Code Compliance Division earned the 2023 Community Service Award.

Nearly 60 agencies were nominated for the Community Service Award nationwide.

Cape Coral was named for its efforts leading

up to and after the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian. Code enforcement officers helped the community prepare before the storm and continued recovery efforts for the weeks and months following Ian’s landfall.

The Florida Association of Code Enforcement nominated Hoagland for the Excellence in Leadership award for stepping up as the association’s first vice president, coordinating updates to the Fundamentals of Code Enforcement training curriculum, and helping Cape Coral overcome Hurricane Ian.

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Cape Coral Breeze

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 38 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Lot owner facing costly correction after tons of dirt removed; debris, huge hole left behind Efforts to find excavator come up cold; woman now facing code compliance order

By CJ HADDAD

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A Cape Coral resident has been left to foot a hefty bill to remedy her property after she says an unknown person or entity removed a large portion of dirt, leaving behind a massive hole.

Daisy Tran, 75, said while taking an alternate route to work one day in late August, she discovered construction equipment on her vacant lot located along Northeast 12th Street, which sits along a canal.

“I saw a very large bulldozer sitting there with a big hole on my lot,” Tran said. “I was shocked.”

Tran, who resides at another address in the Cape, has owned the lot for more than five years. She said she saw a truck parked in her neighbor’s driveway with someone inside, spoke to the person, and noted they acted “strange,” telling Tran they were conducting business at the home next door. Tran said in hindsight, she should have taken down some kind of information about the driver or vehicle.

“I was so shocked, and I didn’t have the “I want to let the citizens of mind at the time to think of that,” Tran Cape Coral and Southwest Florida know what’s said.

Tran said she went happening in the city that to the city of Cape we live. We live in a Coral’s Code modern time, with Compliance Office to try and find some government and law enforcement, how can answers.

“They shooed me something like this off, they said nothing happen? How are we was happening (at my responsible for this? I lot).” Tran said. “They told me to call 311.” don’t have money to fill it.

Tran said she talked I don’t know what we’re with the 311 operator, going to do. It could who was helpful, and happen to others it eventually dawned in the future.” on her that at the beginning of 2023, — lot owner Daisy Tran she got a letter from a utility company that was expanding city utilities into the northwest Cape. The letter requested they use her property to house machinery, which she did not grant.

When Tran came back to check on her lot again to see if any further soil had been removed, she noticed the bulldozer had left and that even more dirt had been moved to the lot next door.

“I went ahead and called the police,” Tran said.

While she was waiting for police to show up, she said she saw a dump truck pull up to the house and attempt to back into the lot presumably to drop more debris.

“I stopped them before they backed in, and asked what they were doing there,” Tran said.

She said the driver told her he was filling the hole, which Tran responded to by saying police are on their way.

“Once again I was so stressed and full of anxiety and anger, I did not think to hold them there for the police or take his license before he drove away very fast,” Tran said.

“My eyes could not see well in the early morning.”

Tran, while waiting for police, went to the lot next store and said she saw “at least 5-feet” of fill on the property mixed with construction material. She asked a neighbor who walks around the neighborhood each day if they had seen anything, and that neighbor reported lots of commotion the week prior with construction equipment. She had presumed Tran had maybe sold her lot and a new seawall was being put in.

Code Complicate from Cape Coral eventually came out to Tran’s property, and she told them, “I have a feeling that the filling from my lot went (next door).”

City spokesperson Kaitlyn Mullen, via email, said dirt was excavated from Tran’s property and moved to an adjacent lot, and that the second homeowner also stated they did not authorize the work to be done.

“The City spent an extensive amount of time trying to help the property owner figure out who excavated on her land by reaching out to numerous marine contractors and other companies in the area,” Mullen said. “None reported to know of any work being done at this location. The City

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Cape Coral lot owner Daisy Tran discovered her property on Northeast 12th Street had been excavated by an unidentified party who left debris as well as a huge hole along the canal. Now she is responsible for bringing the property back to compliance with city and state codes. also inquired with marine contractors to see if any could Florida know what’s happening in the city that we live,” provide her with excess fill. None had the capacity to do Tran said. “We live in a modern time, with government so, but one offered to provide discounted fill to the prop- and law enforcement, how can something like this happen?

How are we responsible for this? I don’t have money to fill erty owner.”

Tran said a Code Compliance employee told her it it. I don’t know what we’re going to do. It could happen to would be her responsibility to have the land brought up to others in the future.”

As far as policing goes, CCPD officials said via email compliance.

“I think it was very hurtful to hear that, and I didn’t there is no ongoing investigation under way.

“We were very sorry to hear that this happened to Ms. know what to do,” Tran said.

Mullen, in her email, added, “The concern is that a Tran,” said CCPD spokesperson Mercedes Phillips. “Her large amount of dirt was removed right next to the canal case was initially investigated. However, it does not appear embankment. If the hole fills with water, the embankment the case has been investigated further because there was no could fail, potentially creating environmental and public information to continue with. There was no local camera footage or suspect information. It sounds as though an safety issues.”

A letter from Code Compliance to Tran states her loca- address was possibly mistaken.”

Phillips added she has not been made aware of any simtion was found to be in violation of Florida Building Code, and that she must bring the property into compliance. This ilar cases in the area. She stated if criminal activity was to be discovered, penalties in this kind of case would vary, will require a permit to excavate the property.

Tran said she wants to let residents know this is some- and that if there is no malicious intent, it could possibly be made into a civil lawsuit. thing that could happen to them.

“I want to let the citizens of Cape Coral and Southwest

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Clockwise: A Mother’s Dream, White Hot and Love Pat will be among the varieties of hybrid hibiscus plants offered for sale at the Tropical Plant Sale at Rotary Park next Saturday. The sale also will feature edible plants, orchids, succulents, bromeliads, palms, as well as fruit and flowering trees.

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PHOTOS PROVIDED

ing more about hybrid tropical hibiscus to attend one of our meetings,” Dunn said. “We have educational programs at each meeting, which are held on the second Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m., at the Fort MyersLee County Garden Council Building, adjacent to the Edison Ford Winter Estates at 2166 Virginia Avenue in Fort Myers.”

Cape Coral Breeze

For the first time, the James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society will have plants for sale at the popular Tropical Plant Sale at Rotary Park this month.

Cathy Dunn, of the James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society, said with the demand for hibiscus plants remaining consistently strong, they decided to try the Tropical Plant Sale in Cape Coral to help meet the demand from their hibiscus enthusiasts.

The Tropical Plant Sale, which also will feature edible plants, orchids, succulents, bromeliads, palms, as well as fruit and flowering trees, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Rotary Park, 5600 Rose Garden Rd. The sale will feature 180 plants from a Sarasota nursery, 10 each of the 18 varieties, for only $20 a plant. Those include A Mother’s Dream, Fire & Ice, Gypsy Rom, Joan of Arc, Lightning Jack, Love Pat, Masked Bandit, Randy Henson’s Legacy, Red Planet, Sebastian, Sonny’s Passion, Stargazer, Sweetie Pie, Tarantella, Texas Wild, Vibrance and White Hot & Yellow Bird.

The hibiscus plants for sale are from a nursery in the Sarasota area.

“They only sell wholesale plants, so this sale provides a rare opportunity to purchase these beautiful hibiscus plants,” Dunn said. “Hybrid tropical hibiscus prefer temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees, so they thrive in our Southwest Florida climate.”

Hibiscus require light soil, so their delicate roots are not constantly wet, or in heavy, compacted soil. They also need at least 12 hours of sunlight each day.

“Each plant that we sell will have a detailed care sheet and a larger pot that can be used to pot the plant after a few weeks,” she said.

Those who wish to learn more about hibiscus are encouraged to join the chapter’s monthly meeting.

“I encourage any readers who are interested in learn-

Page 39 ■ October 13, 2023

Hibiscus Society’s Tropical Plant Sale set for Oct. 21

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 40 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Jaycee Park: Updated plan will bring lots more shade, city officials promise From page 1 about the north parking lot, the desire for additional seating options, accessibility to the waterfront for those who have access needs, additional bike racks, grills, EV charging stations and dog cooling options.

“We increased the number of trees at a 40% increase,” Assistant City Manager Connie Barron said of shade trees to be retained or added on the shoreline, park interior and portions of the walkway.

“The trees provide shade throughout the day and park. (There are) added covered seating areas, reduced parking impact, improved handicap access to walkways and added some of the requested amenities.”

Barron said city staff and the consulting firm took the input and updated the concept plan to reflect that.

“It may not include everything the residents had asked for, (but it) includes the many common themes during open house and the online survey,” she said.

The open house had 217 participants and the online community survey had 1,500 participants.

Shade The original concept included 305 trees; the new concept has 425. The species of trees that will be added will become more specific once the design phase begins, but they will include 10- to 15-foot trees, as well as 20- to 25-foot tall trees.

There will be added shade trees within the walking path itself, as there are wider sections, providing an opportunity to plant trees in the middle.

“We still maintain some significant open green space, but we have populated

areas with shade trees,” Barron said.

The park still has three areas along the coast that provides an open view of the river — near the planned band shell, the planned overlook area and down in the south area where the new bistro area will be located.

Shade study Councilmember Bill Steinke has requested a shade study of the trees now, as well as what the new tree canopy would provide.

“Thank you for obtaining the shade study,” he said. “I asked for it and it tells a lot.”

Steinke said the positioning of where the shade is being created actually enhances the ability of the public to use the park more hours during the day.

“I appreciate the placement of the trees and the movement of the roundabouts from the parking areas, so additional shade can be placed by the water as well,” Steinke said.

Barron said the current canopy cover is 141,300 square feet, or 3.24 acres. The existing shade tree canopy for potential inclusion, as they are not invasive, in the project is 96 trees — 60,000 square feet, or 1.38 acres.

The remaining tree canopy, which is comprised mostly of Australian Pines, consists of 81,300 square feet, or 1.86 acres.

“Less than half of the current tree canopy consists of the noninvasive desirable shade trees,” Barron said.

In addition, the proposed six pavilions, plus the shade trellis for the play area over the playground and splash pad adds

12,000 square feet of shade, she said.

With the new concept, on day one there will be 91,000 square feet, or 2.18 acres of shade provided.

“We asked the consultant to take a look and see what it was in five years, a reasonable time frame to look at,” Barron said. “Over 155,000 square feet, 3.6 acres, which is more than the current 3.24 acres. The trees don’t stay the same height for four years. It’s a gradual increase. By five years it is going to be more than what it is out there right now.”

Barron said the Australian pines offer one-way shade. Those pine trees along the shoreline provide shade once the sun comes up and, in the afternoon, provide no shade.

The proposed trees would offer multidirectional shade.

Parking “We shifted the north parking lot and the south parking lot to the west,” Barron said. “The original concept, the turnaround, was all the way at the east end of Jaycee Park on the south end and north end. The turnaround can be drop off points as well.”

The parking has been shifted behind the bandshell location in the north and farther west in south end of the park, which she said enabled them to create some optional shade that has been requested.

This would include shade sails, which could be removed before storms.

With the shift, there is a loss of 12 parking spaces on both the north and south lot for a net loss of 24 parking spaces, bringing the total parking spaces to 132, compared to the original concept

of 156 spaces.

Other amenities Barron said there are six pavilions with grills in the concept. There are currently three pavilions on site. The plan also calls for dog drinking areas with a drinking bowl, which would include a couple throughout the park. There are “mister stations” for the dogs as well.

The majority of the Council agreed that the pavilions need to be larger than they 10-by-10 feet proposed, as many families gather and have functions at the park.

“Ten-by-10 may be too small,” Councilmember Robert Welsh said. “I would like to see some larger pavilions in the park that can hold 10 to 15 people.”

The proposed inclusion of food trucks was also discussed, as far as how many.

The plan includes six, with three on each side of the Bistro/Piazza area. Barron said it is designed to have the food trucks there permanently with a long-term lease on an annual basis.

Welsh said he would like to see the number reduced, or not have the piazza area and have six food trucks.

Public input Many community members still advocated for keeping the Australian pines, as they provide shade, as well as protection from hurricanes.

“Jaycee Park sits at the sea level.

Approximately 7 feet of water washed onto Jaycee Park at the height of Ian. Australian pines took on Ian and kept on ticking,” Bonnie Keller said.

Another resident said the Australian See JAYCEE PARK, page 41

We have to fulfil the other obligations first,” he said.

Gunter mentioned that the Yacht Club morphed into a larger project, partly because of Hurricane Ian. He said the city does not know how much that plan is going to cost.

“I need those answers first before we can move forward with Jaycee Park. It’s a yearlong process with the design. In the meantime, I am hopeful that the other parks that we haven’t started — Tropicana, Crystal Lake, Yacht Club — how much it is going to cost us before I can vote for any other park improvements,” Gunter said. If Jaycee Park is brought back then my vote is no. I support improvements at the park, right now, today is not the time.”

CITY OF CAPE CORAL

Artist concept, previous plan and new, for Jaycee Park.

I do not like the idea of serving alcohol. I like the boardwalk, splash pad and band shell.”

Not every member of Council onboard for full-speed ahead, however.

Mayor John Gunter said in 2018 the city asked the residents to vote for a $60 million general obligation bond to fund both new parks and park improvements.

Voters passed the referendum, agreeing to tax themselves to pay for that master plan.

“It is our responsibility first and foremost to fulfil our obligation with the 2018 Parks GO Bond. I don’t mind being proactive with a design for Jaycee Park.

Cape Coral Breeze

Councilmember Tom Hayden shared his views to those who remained after public input.

“I saw the petitions. I have listened to you. I always do. I am not ignoring what you say. I believe in this park and what it means to the community. I believe in the enhancements coming to it. I hope all of you in disagreement will give it a chance and see how it works and don’t push it aside before you see something, I believe in the future, will be a benefit for our community,” Hayden said. “Here is the point with me. I listen to all of you. I disagree on this one. As far as the park is concerned and enhancements, I like them.

Next steps The updated concept plan will come before the Council at the Oct. 18 meeting.

Barron said it will come back before the Council at the 30% design to make sure they are proceeding in the manner in which the Council expects.

City Manager Mike Ilczyszyn said Council will approve the concept by resolution and authorize the design consultant to begin the design. They will submit a 30%, 60%, 90% and final design.

From there, he said Council can make the determination to bid that design, or table it to a future date.

“We have a shovel-ready design project, so we can make decisions to slow down, advance funding, or seek additional funding,” Ilczyszyn said.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

From page 40 pines landlocked and protected the coastline.

“These communities look at how to manage their environment, not destroy and tear it apart. Australian pines protected waterfront, gave shade. We are going to lose more than we gain here,” she said.

A theme throughout public input: Jaycee Park is a neighborhood park that should be left alone.

A man spoke about the woman who donated the park to the city, and how she wanted green space.

“You should understand what she wants. Will only take one of you to say we are going to honor the lady that donated the park and keep the park and stop this nonsense about band shells and food trucks,” he said.

Others spoke about not having the time to wait for the new trees to mature.

“We don’t have time to wait for you to put up your trees. A lot of us will be dead by the time you put your shade in,” another man said.

There was also mention that businesses should not be in a neighborhood park.

Councilmember Dan Sheppard said nobody likes change, but it should be embraced and the public should be involved, so everyone gets a little something for the park.

“The idea has to be brought forward, so we can talk about it. To be attacked for even talking about it makes no sense. We implemented moving forward the process of talking about it. In the process we found out what you don’t like and don’t want and we have listened and altered things,” he said.

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Jaycee Park: Residents continue to oppose planned band shell, food trucks, bar

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 42 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

SPORTS

THE BREEZE OCTOBER 13, 2023

Tips for redfish Sponsor added for 2023 Cape Coral City Championship Golf Tournament first-timers Coral Oaks to host event Oct. 21-22, with kickoff party Oct. 20

First time redfishing on your own on local waters?

Have lots of questions like where do I go, how do I catch one, do I need a boat, and do they taste good? Starting off you’re here at the right time as fall is schooling time in Southwest Florida as fish up to 10 pounds and sometimes more gather in small groups or in large schools numbering over a hundred fish that move across the shallows eating just about anything that moves in front of them. Certainly a bad time to be a shrimp, small crab or fish, but a great time to be an angler as these fish are very competitive and ready to Capt. George play.

Tunison Where are they? Like any fish, where the food is and these guys are heavy eaters. On lower tides they will hunt the shallows and oyster bars then move in under cover during high water allowing them access to a smorgasbord of small fish and crabby delights that can’t escape their keen noses, sharp eyesight, and big appetites.

The ways to catch reds could fill several pages so let’s look at a handful of time proven tactics starting with the basics. Pick a live bottomed open flat, anchor the boat at both ends, toss out a bottom bait at all four points of the compass, sit back, turn on the game, and wait while the redfish’s nose does all the work.

Typically local red anglers and guides beat the bushes by anchoring then casting dead baits to mangrove edges, waiting 10-15 minutes then moving on to the next spot. When playing this game keep a close eye on your line as the redfish sneaks out, inhales your bait, then runs 10 feet back under the unforgiving branches already thinking about his next meal all in the blink of an eye which usually means a gut hooked and then broken off fish. Give yourself and the fish some visual help by casting to the edges using a small float about 12” above the baited bottom hook and pay attention while talking.

Always use circle hooks to help release fish.

Casters enjoy pitching and flipping live shrimp into mangrove nook and cranny’s for explosive reaction strikes from big fish. Bass anglers can enjoy the same pitching action with a huge variety of soft plastics like DOA Shrimp while fly casters probe these same small

See TIPS, page 43

TIDES CHART Tide Time

at Cape Coral Bridge Height Sunrise Moon Time Feet Sunset

Day

High /Low

% Moon Visible

Sa 14 14 14 14

High 3:10 AM Low 10:37 AM High 4:19 PM Low 10:28 PM

1.0 0.2 0.9 0.5

7:27 AM 7:01 PM

Rise 7:16 AM Set 7:04 PM

0

Su 15 15 15 15

High 3:22 AM Low 11:11 AM High 5:00 PM Low 10:43 PM

1.1 0.1 0.9 0.6

7:27 AM 7:00 PM

Rise 8:11 AM Set 7:36 PM

0

at Matlacha Pass (Bascule bridge)

Sa 14 14 14 14

High 2:38 AM Low 10:03 AM High 3:47 PM Low 9:54 PM

1.9 0.3 1.7 0.9

7:27 AM 7:01 PM

Rise 7:17 AM Set 7:05 PM

0

Su 15 15 15 15

High 2:50 AM Low 10:37 AM High 4:28 PM Low 10:09 PM

2.1 0.2 1.7 1.1

7:28 AM 7:00 PM

Rise 8:11 AM Set 7:36 PM

0

Coral Oaks Golf Course and SETI have announced that the 2023 Cape Coral City Championship Golf Tournament has added GATOR GOLF CARS as a co-title sponsor.

This year's tournament will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22. In addition to the area's premier twoday amateur tournament, the Roger Dean Chevrolet ProAm and City Championship Kickoff Party & BBQ will be held on Friday, Oct. 20.

The registration fee for the tournament is $225 per person and includes 36 holes of competition including all golf and range fees, tee gifts, range balls, lunch on Saturday, awards banquet on Sunday, prizes for the top finishers in each division, and admission to the Kickoff Party & BBQ on Friday evening. Entry for Friday's Pro-Am is $125 per person, which also includes admission to the Kickoff Party. The tournament field will consist of both men's and ladies' divisions with multiple flights in each division.

And, once again this year, registration for the City Championship and Pro-Am will take place exclusively online. The event is filling fast so don't delay, sign up today.

To register, visit https://cogc-proamandamateurchampionship.golfgenius.com/pages/4606423298899735643.

If you have any difficulty with your registration, please call the Pro Shop at 239-573-3100 or come visit and we will be happy to assist.

To get regular updates on course happenings and special offers, be sure to follow Coral Oaks on its Facebook page.

FILE PHOTO

PREP REPORT Wednesday

Girls Bowling

Volleyball

Oasis 5, Ida Baker 0 (forfeit): Katarina Hagler had nine strikes in rolling a 237 game for Oasis.

Mariner 4, Estero 1: Mariner (605) -- Malia Araujo 147, Regan Tucker 139, Alyssa Jenkins 96, Lorelai Schippel 128, Delaney Tucker 95

Estero 3, Ida Baker 0: Baker finished the regular season 12-12 after a 25-11, 25-14, 25-12 loss at Estero.

Bishop Verot 3, LaBelle 0: The Vikings won 25-22 25-16, 25-20 to head into tournament play with a record of 19-6. Kerrigan Habing had 15 kills and 11 digs, while Marissa Peck had 16 digs and Sidney Blackwood made 23 assists.

Tuesday

Volleyball North Fort Myers 3, Mariner 0: The Red Knights raised their record to 17-6 with their 25-22, 25-15, 25-10.victory against 11-11 Mariner.

Canterbury 3, Bishop Verot 1: Verot (18-6) has lost two matches in a row for the first time this season, falling at Canterbury by scores of 25-6, 19-25, 25-16, 26-24.

Oasis 3, Gateway Charter 0: The Sharks evened their season record at 10-10 with their 25-19, 25-14, 25-22 sweep of the Griffins. Oasis closes out the regular season at home Thursday against Mariner.

Riverdale 3, Ida Baker 0: The Bulldogs slipped to 1211 after a 25-21, 25-15, 26-24 loss to the Raiders.

Oasis 3, Gateway Charter 0: The Sharks evened their season record at 10-10 with their 25-19, 25-14, 25-22 sweep of the Griffins. Maddison Davis made her first three varsity kills and added seven digs. Valentina Calleja had five kills, while Abbigale llewellyn had four kills and two blocks.

North Fort Myers 3, Mariner 0: The Red Knights raised their record to 17-6 with their 25-22, 25-15, 25-10.victory against 11-11 Mariner. North's Savannah Hughes and Brenna Nelson made seven kills each. Hailey Painter had 15 assists and Aliyah Santiago made 10 for the Red Knights.

Cape Coral 3, Island Coast 1: The Seahawks got the best of their crosstown rivals Tuesday by scores of 25-19, 24-26, 25-15, 25-19.

Boys Bowling Ida Baker 4, Oasis 0: Charles Broadley bowled a 159 and Jason Pina a 120 to lead the Sharks.

Mariner 5, Estero 0: Mariner (925) -- Andre Enslin 178, Bo Laventure 188, Mike Testa 164, Chris Smith 203, Seth Schulte 192

Boys Golf Bonita Springs d. Cape Coral, forfeit At Copperleaf Golf Club Cape Coral: Brady Fanter 40, Justin Czerniak 47, Zachary Distel 59.

Bonita Springs: Keegan McGinn 39, Jonathan Frank 46, Justin Meijer 59, Charlie Benolkin 67.

Late Monday

Girls Golf South Fort Myers vs. Ida Baker, no team scores At Palmetto-Pine Golf Club South Fort Myers: Jennifer Lopez 75, Mariana Gomez 77 Ida Baker: Gia Serrano 49, Alyssa Houck 53

This Week’s Football games Thursday Bishop Verot at Gateway Friday Mariner at North Fort Myers Island Coast at Cape Coral Ida Baker at Riverdale Oasis at Santa Fe Catholic

Breeze Athletes of theWeek (Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)

(Editor’s note: The following article is being reprinted due to a misspelling of Skye Persechino’s name. The Breeze regrets the error.)

The votes are in for the Cape Coral Breeze’s September Athlete of the Month, and the winner is Oasis High School's Skye Persechino.

The freshman broke a school record at the Pirate Invitational in Port Charlotte. Persechino set a new mark to beat for the Sharks and finished first in the pool, swimming a 56.55 in the girls 100-meter

freestyle, a record that has stood since 2010.

"When I broke the record I felt really good about it and very proud of myself," she said during her nomination week. "I love my teammates and everyone has been cheering and supporting me as well as each other on the team. I also want to thank my parents for the support."

Voting for October's Athlete of the Month will open toward the end of the month. Stay up to date on capecoralbreeze.com.

Tips: Enjoy the good-eating reds From page 42 mangrove pockets with accurate casts. When they are far back under the woodwork mastering skip casting will put your soft plastic or even dead shrimp into shady hot spots other anglers dare not cast to.

Open water schooling reds being quite competitive will gladly take a top water plug, fly, spoon, live or dead bait. Presenting the perfect cast to a tailing or heads down tails up feeding redfish in the shallows keeps serious anglers coming back season after season.

For pitching large live shrimp I use a 1/0 Owner MUTU Light Circle hook and an Owner 2/0-3/0 MUTU Light Circle for ladyfish or mackerels chunks. Using a weed guarded hook for pitching your live shrimp will make your day easier.

No boat? Pick a sandy shoreline, get low in the water and access promising targets as you slowly

and quietly move down the shoreline.

Time flies so enjoy reds while they’re here, on the hook and on the table. Taste good? Yes! But you can only keep one a day for dinner from 18 to 27 inches with two per vessel per day.

The FWC Redfish Management Plan consists of nine zones throughout the state with Cape Coral, Matlacha, and Pine Island, located in the Charlotte Harbor Zone.

Another red snapper weekend coming up if the weather works out while closer in a variety of snapper’s, grunts, and groupers, keeps the rest of the fleet fed and happy.

Tarpon still hanging around and big snook are looking for your twitched XL MirrOdine.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-2829434 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.

Jamaican porterweed: What to look for From page 17 II invasive, S. cayennensis has become more abundant but has yet to change native plant communities to the extent that Category I invasive species have.

However, it has been known to hybridze with our native porterweed when existing in close proximity, not a good sign when looking to maintain the distinctive nature of the native species.

Now that you have an understanding of what to look for, you will be better ensured of selecting just the right porterweed for your landscape, our beautiful native S. jamaicensis! Until next time…

Happy Gardening!

Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.

Visit us at gardenclubofcapecoral.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Cape Computer Club to meet Oct. 18 via Zoom The Cape Coral Computer Club meets over Zoom the first and third Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting being from 2-4 p.m., Oct. 18.

A Crime Prevention practitioner from the Lee County Sheriff's office will be the guest at the meeting to advise everyone regarding frauds and scams -with time for questions and answers. All skill levels are welcome to join.

For additional information, please visit the club website at https://www.capecoralcomputer.club/

Live dance music at Lake Kennedy Center Tuesday The Riverboat Jazz Band will perform from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Lake Kennedy Center, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral.

Doors open at 5:30.

The cost is $5 per person.

BYOB and other refreshments.

239-574-0575.

The dance is held the third Tuesday of every month.

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife to hold fundraiser Thursday The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife will hold a fundraiser Thursday, Oct. 19, at Jason’s Deli at 2311 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral.

Stop in between 4-8 p.m. and mention Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife when you place your order, and Jason’s Dei will donate 15% of the profits to CCFW. CCFW merchandise will also be available for purchase.

For more information, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org, or on Facebook at CCFW Friends of Wildlife.

The CCFW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Cape Coral Breeze

Oasis’ Persechino voted Breeze Athlete of the Month for September

What: Stroll through lines of classic cars, enjoy food from a variety of vendors each month, shop local merchant vendor booths, dance to music from local performers, and tour the Museum of History for free.

When: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates: ■ Oct. 28 -- Theme: Halloween ■ Nov. 25 -- Theme: Shop Small Saturday ■ Dec. 16 -- Theme: Celebrate the Holidays ■ Jan. 20 -- Theme: New Year, New You! ■ Feb. 17 -- Theme: Heart Health Month ■ March 23 -- Theme: Clovers, Eggs and Cars – Oh My! ■ April 20 -- Theme: Rock and Roll Spring Fling Where: Cultural Park (behind Cape Coral Museum of History), 544 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral, just north of City Hall.

Cost: Free to the public; $10 per classic vehicle per show Participating car clubs: Cape Coral Cobra Club, Lee County Muscle, Hot Chili Rods, and the Edison Ford Southwest Florida Region Model A Club.

Additional classic car clubs welcome.

Classic vehicle entry is $10 per show. Discounted entry if you sign up for all shows at one time.

Those interested in participating are asked to please contact Mark Cubberley at 423-5953959 to register your vehicles.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral

The Cape Coral Museum of History is kicking off a new monthly event called “Classic Car Fest at Cultural Park” featuring classic vehicles, music, food trucks, merchant vendor village, hands-on activities, and free museum tours on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Classic Car Fest, which takes place behind the museum, will be held once a month on the third or fourth Saturday through April 2024. Each month will have a different theme, with vendors and activities to match that month’s theme.

Interested vendors can sign up participate via to http://www.capecoralmuseum.or g/classic-car-fest.

This free, public event will provide a chance for visitors of all ages to gather and engage with history.

October’s theme is Halloween and will feature a Trunk or Treat with Haunted Hot Rods, Spooky ‘Stangs, Creepy Cobras and more. Enjoy Halloween-themed games and activities for the whole family. Make sure everyone dresses up, including your pets, for three different costume parades.

Goodie bags to help collect your treats are sponsored by Busey Bank.

Costume Parade schedule: ■ Pet parade (pet must be on leash) – 11:30 a.m.

■ Kids12 and under – noon ■ Adults/Family parade – 12:30 p.m.

General event information:

Page 43 ■ October 13, 2023

Cape Coral Museum of History to kick off monthly Classic Car Fests on Oct. 28

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 44 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Cape Coral

Breeze Athletes of theWeek (Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)

From page 18

Honor Roll Quality Achievement Award, which is the highest possible level. Hospitals receiving the Get With The Guidelines Gold Plus Achievement Award have reached an aggressive goal of treating patients to core standard levels of care, as outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for two consecutive calendar years or more. In addition, those hospitals have demonstrated compliance to an additional level of quality during the 24-month or greater period.

Cape Coral Hospital was awarded the Nurses Caring for Healthcare Elders award. It has also obtained a DNV Advanced Hip and Knee Program Certification, making it an orthopedic destination as well.

To learn more about Cape Coral Hospital, please visit www.leehealth.org

HEALTH NOTES From page 18 owned primary care practice in Southwest Florida providing family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.

Offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres. For more information, visit www.ppcswfl.com

Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine joins HOPCo

Visit www.ocfla.net to learn more.

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program workshops start Nov. 3 Would you like to learn how to better manage chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, headaches and more?

Lee Health’s “It’s All About You,” Chronic Pain SelfManagement Program” a Self- Management Resource Program with the SMRC is offering a research based Chronic Pain Self-Management program for the community. The workshop is free and meets weekly for six weeks.

Information presented in the workshop can help you become empowered to improve your quality of life. Learn how to more easily manage your medications; understand the benefits of exercise; manage symptoms of stress, pain and fatigue; and make smarter decisions related to health eating. Participants will also receive a copy of the book “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain”.

The sessions will be held on Fridays beginning Nov. 3, from 9-11:30 a.m., at the Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers.

Call 239-424-3121 for more information or to register.

Cape Coral Breeze

The Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine has announced it has become part of HOPCo's Florida-based musculoskeletal practice management platform and will partner with Orthopedic Center of Florida to become one of the largest integrated provider groups in the region.

Orthopedic Center of Florida partnered with HOPCo in late 2022 and has already seen significant growth with the addition of 5 providers and the opening of an additional office location in Naples, FL. Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company is the national leader in musculoskeletal practice and clinical outcomes management solutions and the country's largest

orthopedic value-based care organization. This partnership will continue to develop unique clinically integrated partnerships with other leading musculoskeletal practices, physicians, health systems, and payors throughout southwest Florida and the surrounding regions.

IOSSM has provided high-quality orthopedic, pain management and podiatric care since 1987 and offers an on-site open MRI and pharmacy. Combined, IOSSM and Orthopedic Center of Florida will have 4 locations and 28 musculoskeletal providers. Both practices will be empowered with HOPCo's proven quality outcomes and claims analytics infrastructure to drive performance, growth, and value-focused musculoskeletal market transformation.

IOSSM is the newest addition to HOPCo's growing national musculoskeletal market transformation platform and the ninth HOPCo partnership in Florida. In the last 12 months, HOPCo has also entered into multiple practice partnerships in Pennsylvania, Florida, Wisconsin and Nevada, and additional partnerships in Michigan and Arizona. Additionally, HOPCo has partnered with health systems and physician practices in more than 30 states and continues to partner with payors across the US in advanced value-based care programs.

www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Hospital also received an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 22 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice a year.

It is one of the first hospitals in Florida to be named a Level II maternal care verified facility by The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care verification program, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. As a Level II Specialty Care facility, Cape Coral Hospital has demonstrated that it can care for all women who qualify for a delivery at an accredited birth center for Level 1 Basic Care and all Level II Specialty Care for moderate- to high-risk antepartum,

intrapartum or postpartum conditions.

Last year, Cape Coral Hospital had a first time cesarean section rate of 13.8%, which is well-below the national benchmark of 23.6% for pregnant women having their first cesarean section. The hospital’s rate was at 31.9% in 2019, decreasing by almost 20 points in 2022.

The U.S. News & World Report rated Cape Coral Hospital as one of the Best Maternity Hospitals for 20222023 for its dedication to high-quality care and uncomplicated pregnancies. It also looked at five different factors: Scheduled early deliveries, C-section rates in low-risk women, newborn complications, rate of exclusive breast milk feeding and option for vaginal births after a cesarean.

The hospital received the 2023 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Target Stroke Elite Plus

Page 45 ■ October 13, 2023

Top 100: Cape Coral Hospital among nation’s top medical facilities

October 13, 2023 ■ Page 46 www.capecoralbreeze.com Cape Coral Breeze

Town Halls: Attendance zones to change From page 1 The average zone is 154 square miles.

The proposed middle school proximity zone decreases the average number of choices from 5.3 to 2.2 with an average zone of 87 square miles.

Those zones include: ■ AA – Mariner Middle School and Trafalgar Middle School ■ BB – Challenger Middle School and Gulf Middle School ■ CC – Caloosa Middle School, Diplomat Middle School and North Fort Myers Middle Academy of the Arts ■ DD – The Alva School ■ EE – Fort Myers Middle School and Paul Laurence Middle School ■ FF – Cypress Lake Middle School and Lexington Middle School ■ GG – Bonita Middle School and Three Oaks Middle School ■ HH – Lemuel Teal Middle School, Lehigh Acres Middle School and Veterans Park Middle School ■ JJ – Harns Marsh Middle School, Oak Hammock Middle School and Varsity Lakes Middle School The immediate impact of this will affect incoming sixth grade students, middle school students new to the district and rising middle school students living outside of their current school’s proximity zone and needing transportation.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said the proximity plan will affect sixth grade students going into seventh and seventh graders going into eighth grade. Rising seventh and eighth graders living outside of the new proximity zone can continue at the school if they provide their own transportation.

There is a total of 19,402 sixth through

eighth grade students with 12,541 living within their proximity zone and 6,861 outside of their zone. The displacement of sixth through eighth grade students is projected at 35.4%. The kindergarten through fifth grade displacement was 38.4%.

Molloy said displaced students residing outside of their proximity zone will have the option to continue at the school, but district transportation will not be provided.

Transportation is available for sibling preference, as long as they are within the next proximity boundaries.

Self-contained ESE programs and students with disabilities will maintain their current enrollment and district transportation.

Molloy said that arts application programs will continue at the current sites and transportation will only provided if the school is within the student’s proximity zone. He said all 21 middle schools, including Sanibel offer band and visual arts.

“Fifteen have chorus programs, 10 provide dance programs, 12 offer drama and 10 feature orchestra,” Molloy said.

Various town halls will be held throughout the community to share the redrawn boundaries for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.

■ South Zone, Thursday, Oct. 26, 5:307 p.m., Bonita Springs Middle School, 10141 Terry St. ■ West Zone, Monday, Oct. 30, 5:30-7 p.m., Challenger Middle School, 624 Trafalgar Parkway ■ East Zone, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 5:307 p.m., Oak Hammock Middle School, 5321 Tice St. The school board is expected to vote on the middle school proximity plan at its Nov. 21 meeting.

Page 47 ■ October 13, 2023 www.capecoralbreeze.com

Cape Coral Breeze

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Golden retriever puppies 8 weeks old & ready to go to their new homes. AKC certified with champion pedigree bloodlines, dewormed, health certificate & first vaccine. Passed the OFA test for elbows, eyes, heart & hips. $1850. Call 305-479-8890

Power Boats

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