Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 44

Observer 11/01/23

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 44

Botana vows referendum on fire district merger Rep. also says mosquito district bill to go to voters

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

State Rep. Adam Botana (R-80) said "we will have a referendum" on his proposed merger of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District and Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District, as well as his proposed merger of the Fort Myers

Beach Mosquito Control District and Lee County Mosquito Control District.

The mergers were opposed at a state legislative delegation meeting Monday by representatives of the Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners, Bonita Springs firefighters union, Southwest Florida Professional Firefighters and

Adam Botana

Paremedics, and Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Board.

A study and local referendum are required by state law before special districts can be involuntarily merged through a vote by the state legislature and ultimate signing of such a bill by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Botana had previously sug-

gested that the merger could happen by a simple vote of the legislature and signature of Gov. DeSantis without a local referendum.

Speaking in opposition to the fire district merger bill at the state delegation meeting Monday at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners Chair John Bennett said “the timing of the proSee BOTANA, page 13

Bay Harbour Marina adds hotel proposal

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Hall of Fame softball player Jennie Finch reopens Fort Myers Beach baseball field in grand fashion

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

J

ennie Finch wasn’t going to stop throwing Wednesday until every young hitter made contact at the Wade Jenkins Field on Fort Myers Beach.

Finch, who helped pitch the U.S. Woman’s Softball team to a gold medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics, led the Fort Myers Beach community in celebrating the reopening of its Little League baseball field in grand fashion.

The field, which was badly damaged

by Hurricane Ian and again after Hurricane Idalia, technically opened a week earlier for baseball practice and had hosted the town’s Fright Night

event. But that was without Finch, who also set numerous records pitching at the University of Arizona, where she led the Wildcats to the 2001 College World Series championship and through her Olympics exploits helped create a surge of interest among a new generation of aspiring young softball players.

On Wednesday, Finch helped show young hitters how to handle their bats, how to stand in the batter’s box and encouraged new players to run to first base. If a young hitter missed their swing a few times, Finch kept throwing until they had a fair hit.

Finch was true to her words outlined in a speech at the beginning of the cere-

mony in which she told the young children assembled as young as age 4 and into their adolescent years that the key to being successful at baseball and softball was to “stick at it” and to have “no quit.”

In a sport where a “.300 hitter fails 70% of the time,” Finch said “you have to keep swinging and keep playing hard.”

See BASEBALL FIELD, page 10 Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch shows 4-year-old Zoey Bowers, of Fort Myers Beach how to hold the bat and stand in the batter's box during a clinic at the reopening of the Wade Jenkins Field on Fort Myers Beach Wednesday.

NATHAN MAYBERG

Saved from the jaws of defeat by Gov. Ron DeSantis and his cabinet after an administrative law judge struck down the project, Bay Harbour Marina scored another victory in court when the First District Court of Appeal rejected a challenge to the cabinet’s decision (known as the Florida Administration Commission) this past week.

Now, the developers of the project on Main Street at the former Southern Comfort Storage on San Carlos Island are seeking to build a hotel on the property.

The developers had previously been approved by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners for a 100-foot high multi-family apartment tower with 75 units as well as townhouses as part of a comprehensive plan amendment to change the zoning in the area and allow the mixed-use planned development.

The property owners are now requesting to place a 225-room hotel on the property which is near the busy intersection of San Carlos Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach. They would also make 20 of the townhomes for the development into multi-family units.

According to the application, 225 of the hotel rooms would be “in lieu of 55 dwelling units. The total allowable residential units will remain at 75 units if hotel use is not utilized.”

The roof deck area of the 100-foot high tower would be expanded for rooftop amenities for guests and limited public areas. There would also be retail space.

The boat storage building’s height would be increase from 70-feet to 75-feet to accommodate architectural parapet wall and Federal Emergency See BAY HARBOUR MARINA, page 14

Beach Living............................................8 insidetoday Opinions.......................................4 Business............................................6 Beach Bulletin..................................19-24

Classifieds.............25

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OPINIONS 19260 San Carlos Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Phone: (239) 574-1110 Fax: (239) 574-5693 Web: fortmyersbeachtalk.com Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com Editor Nathan Mayberg nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@breezenewspapers.com

Advertising Sales Lyn McElhaney lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers.com

Obituaries Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers.com

Production manager Rob Braitling rbraitling@breezenewspapers.com

Subscriptions 1 year, $62 Circulation (239) 574-1936 Classified/Display Advertising (239) 574-1110

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Letters to the editor must be typed or hand printed. Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy.

In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself. We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication.

Postal Information: Third class postage paid at Fort Myers Beach, FL. Permit 521.

Postmaster: Send address changes to the Beach Observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931,

Web Poll Previous Web Poll Results Do you think the Fort Myers Beach Council was right in replacing members of MERTF? ∫ Yes 25% ∫ No 69% ∫ No opinion 6%

Current Web Poll Question Do you support Rep. Adam Botana's bill to involuntarily merge the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District into the Bonita Springs Fire and Rescue District? ∫ Yes, I support the merger. ∫ No, I don’t support it. ∫ No opinion/Unsure Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Report your news to FORTMYERSBEACHTALK.COM

What to know about lung cancer for Lung Cancer Awareness Month Lung cancer kills more men and women each year in the United States than any other cancer. To lessen your risk of getting lung cancer, kicking any nicotine habit will make an impact.

Link between cigarettes, lung cancer

ing cause of lung cancer behind smoking. The naturally occurring gas forms in rocks, soil and water and it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. Radon can get through cracks or holes and become trapped and built up in the air. Tests can be done to see if radon is in a home or building.

The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is higher for smokers versus nonsmokers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year and about 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly nine out of 10 lung cancers are Dr. Shyam Kapadia caused by smoking cigarettes.

Those who are exposed to secondhand smoke also raise their risk of getting lung cancer by 20% to 30%.

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, and many of them are carcinogens. The human never smoked.

Breathing in other substances, such as body can detoxify and get rid of carcinogens, asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust and some but when it’s unable to do so, leftover carcinogens can cause the cells in the body to forms of silica and chromium can also put you mutate, and sometimes transform into can- at risk of developing lung cancer over time. cerous cells. When these cancerous cells develop in the lungs, it’s called lung cancer. Family history of lung cancer Your risk of developing lung cancer may The more smoke that’s inhaled, the more be higher if your parents, brothers, sisters or chance there is for mutations to develop. If someone smokes frequently for a long period children have had lung cancer.

If you’ve personally had lung cancer, of time, they will have a higher risk of develthere is also a chance that you could get lung oping lung cancer.

There is not enough research to suggest cancer again if you do not quit smoking. that vaping leads to lung cancer, but many of the carcinogens that are in cigarette smoke Screening for lung cancer It’s recommended to get screened before are also in vape smoke.

The most impactful way to decrease the age 50 if you have a family history of lung risk of developing lung cancer is to stop cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task smoking completely. Unfortunately, there is Force recommends yearly lung cancer no number of cigarettes you can smoke in a screening with a low dose computed tomography (CT scan) if you: day that is considered “safe.” ∫ Smoke 20 packs of cigarettes a year ∫ Smoke now or have quit within the past Other risk factors 15 years for lung cancer ∫ Are between 50 and 80 years old Radon and other substances can also If you meet any of these requirements or if cause lung cancer. Radon is the second-lead-

Guest Commentary

you’d like more information, contact your primary care provider. For more information, visit www.leehealth.org.

Advances in lung cancer detection Lee Health has added the ION roboticassisted bronchoscopy platform to its robotics program. The ION helps physicians perform minimally invasive biopsies to help detect lung cancer much sooner than traditional methods.

Early detection is the key to improving chances of survival and the ION will undoubtedly help save lives.

The ION has an ultrathin, ultra maneuverable catheter that allows physicians to reach into the lung. The ION also offers more range of motion and stability that allows the physician to aim the catheter at small targets, even if they’re located outside the airway.

The robotic lung biopsy is performed by a physician who plans and navigates their path to the nodule. As the guided catheter approaches the nodule, the physician can confirm the lesion’s location with an intra-procedure CT scan. Then, the physician secures the catheter in place to perform the biopsy.

Free lung cancer screenings In honor of National Lung Cancer Screening Day, Lee Health will offer the public free lung cancer screenings. Those interested in attending must be prescreened before Nov. 11 and be 50-80 years old, smoke 20 packs of cigarettes a year or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.

The screenings will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lee Health Sanctuary Outpatient Center, at 8960 Colonial Center Drive, Fort Myers.

Visit http://www.leehealth.org/lung-cancer-screening or call 239-343-5864 (LUNG) to complete the prescreen.

Dr. Shyam Kapadia is a pulmonologist with Lee Health.

Letters to the Editor Wanting answers from Rep. Botana on merger To the editor: The following letter was sent by Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Chair Joanne Semmer to Rep. Adam Botana and is being shared with the Fort Myers Beach Observer: Dear Rep. Botana, Do you still intend to propose the merger

of the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control Taxing District and the Lee County Mosquito Control?

Our tax millage is less than half the Lee County Mosquito Control District tax millage and we provide a special service responding to calls for service within 24 hours or less. We visit each and every property that is accessible at least two times a year for an inspection. We are surrounded by environmentally sensitive areas that require

special attention and monitoring. YOUR PROPOSAL IS FOR HIGHER TAXES FOR LESS SERVICE. Please answer me, do you still intend to propose a merger of the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control Taxing District and Lee County Mosquito Control District?

Joanne Semmer Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Chair

We want your opinion 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 mailed to: Fort Myers Beach Observer, 19260 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; faxed to 239-765-0846; emailed to news@breezenewspapers.com; or posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com.

Letters are due no later than noon Monday. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: fortmyersbeachtalk.com.

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Fort Myers Beach Observer

to get in and out. He also expressed concern for the fire district having to deal with mangroves and building a seawall in the back of the town hall lot.

Knickle said he was more supportive of swapping the properties if it would have helped the town build a town hall. “I don’t see the town’s need for the Topps property as great as it possibly was originally considered on their part,” he said. “They don’t have a clue what they are going to do on that property.”

Board of Fire Commissioners Chair John Bennett said he was concerned about the amount of concrete and asphalt that would be needed for the town hall lot which would increase costs. In addition, he said an attempt to build a seawall could be a lengthy wait to get permits. A seawall already exists at the back of the Topps lot.

Bennett also cited the front part of the property the district has at the Topps lot, which the district could still sell.

The district’s firefighter union does not want the fire district to sell the front part of its lot at the former Topps property. The union wants the fire station to be built on the front portion of the lot, rather than the back.

Liszak said she wanted one more set of discussions between the fire district and town officials and asked if it was possible for the town hall to go in front of the fire station.

“I feel like they would be willing to have one more conversation. That’s my understanding,” Liszak said.

Knickle said “I don’t think we need any more conversation.”

The commissioners voted unanimously to withdraw the offer to swap properties and pursue the town hall at the Topps lot.

“We’re on a very tight timeline,” Bennett said. Wirth said he had recently been contacted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding plans for the station, which will replace Station 31.

Commissioner Larry Wood said the Topps lot was “best suited” for the new fire station.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Before the Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners took a vote to oppose the bill proposed by state Rep. Adam Botana (R-80) to merge the fire district with the Bonita Springs Fire and Control District, they talked about the swap — or non-swap.

For months, Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth had been in talks with Fort Myers Beach officials including Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers, regarding their interest in swapping the town hall property with the fire district’s property at the former Topps lot.

The fire district has been planning to build a new fire station there since 2020 to replace Station 31. The Donora Boulevard station was totaled by Hurricane Ian. Allers had initially framed the town’s interest in the lot as being a location for a new town hall since the town was already using trailers on the lot for its town offices.

Town officials have since discussed building a town hall at its Bay Oaks Recreational Campus. The town hall has since been demolished and town leaders have since discussed plans for constructing a new trailer at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars for a temporary town hall facility. In addition, town officials floated the idea of placing a new town pool, water park or workforce housing on the former Topps supermarket lot.

At a town council meeting last month, Allers informed the town council that he had been told by Wirth that the fire district was no longer interested in the swap. The town council informally agreed not to pursue the swap.

The Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners agreed at a meeting two days later not to do the swap but not before lengthy discussion. Commissioner Jacki Liszak sought to continue talks regarding the swap, who asked “Is this a done deal at this point or is there an opportunity for some additional discussion with the

town?”

While Wirth said there was always room for more discussion, he believes it would be in the fire district’s best interest to build at the Topps lot, which is currently vacant, The town hall lot, with the demolished building, would require more work and has less room.

“The best option for us is to stay on our (Topps) property,” Wirth told commissioners. Wirth explained that there was more room at the Topps lot for the fire district to raise the fire station higher to meet the most updated hurricane codes and flood map regulations.

Due to the new moderate wave action line, “everything seaward of that makes it unusable,” Wirth said.

“We are forced to be behind that line.”

Wirth said he wouldn’t be able to build an enclosed garage below the base-flood elevation, which is 15 feet above sea level.

Wirth said there are also mangroves in the back of the town hall property which backs up to a canal and which would require a seawall to be built if he were to try and squeeze the fire station property in there and have a parking lot. Wirth, who has a general contractor’s license, worked on plans for the town hall property but said “I was really trying to force a lot on that back piece of the town hall property.” He also said the back of the property also includes land zoned residential.

The fire district purchased the 2.1 acres at the former Topps lot for $3.99 million in 2020. The latest appraisal for the lot in August was more than $12 million, he said. An appraisal in March for the Topps lot was $16.8 million before talks became more serious about the swap, Wirth said. The town hall appraisal was for $12.8 million.

Commissioner Jim Knickle said the Topps lot had more room to make it easier for equipment and vehicles

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Fire commissioners talk non-swap

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 6 Fort Myers Beach Observer

BUSINESS

Report your news to FORTMYERSBEACHTALK.COM

Grandview at Bay Beach opens

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

With marble flooring and panels welcoming guests to a tower of luxury, London Bay Development celebrated the official grand opening of its 11-story condo tower on Fort Myers Beach this past week.

After three years of construction that had stops and starts between COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian, the developers have largely completed construction with development partners Suffolk on the Grandview at Bay Beach.

The first occupants started moving into the 11-story condominium tower on Fort Myers Beach in August.

This past week, the developers celebrated the official grand opening off Bay Beach Lane with a ribbon-cutting at property overlooking Estero Bay amid a sea of Waterside Development condominium buildings on the south side of Fort Myers Beach.

“We are honored to play a role in being part of the progress of building back Fort Myers Beach,” said Mark Wilson, president and CEO of London Bay. “We’ve worked closely with the town and community members over the last several years to bring this significant project to life, creating over 400 jobs during construction.

Grandview is a reflection of the island’s resilient spirit and London Bay’s commitment to bringing continued vitality to the region.”

The development features 58 luxury residences highlighting views of the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay. Each residence has at least three bathrooms and laundry machines. They all have front patios, dens and terraces with spring lanais.

With 70% of the units purchased, there are still a number of three-bedroom and four-bedroom units available. Prices start at $1.478 million and go up $3.2 million for the largest condos, which range in size from 2,400 square feet to more than 2,900 square feet.

NATHAN MAYBERG

London Bay Development Group joined local politicians in celebrating the opening of the Grandview at Bay Beach with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

After three months of construction, the Grandview at Bay Beach has opened for occupancy. The 11-story condo tower off Bay Beach Lame on Fort Myers Beach has 20 available units priced between $1.4 million and $3.2 million.

The entrance to the Grandview at Beach features marble paneling and floors.

Exclusive penthouses feature 11-foot ceilings and a private two-car garage. There are two private garages remaining for the penthouse units.

There are also two guest suites available for unit owners on a first-come, first-serve basis. The developers received approval for the development and guest rooms from the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council in 2020.

There are a number of amenities including an outdoor raised spa, an outdoor community kitchen with barbecue grills and open-air gathering spaces with fireplaces and built-in seating. There is an indoor fitness center and yoga studio. An outdoor pool is shared between Grandview and a neighboring condo tower that is part of Dana Enders supplied artwork for the Grandview The outdoor raised spa on the community floor the Waterside Development. An indoor lounge club area at Bay Beach. at the Grandview at Bay Beach.

See GRANDVIEW AT BAY BEACH, page 7

includes a bar and big-screen television.

In addition to Suffolk, London Bay’s builder partners included Curts Gaines Hall Jones Architects of Tampa, Nashville-based Interior Design Associates and Orlando’s Innovations Design Group.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our continued partnership with London Bay Development Group and the completion of the final condominium tower of the Waterside at Bay Beach,” said Pete Tuffo, President of Suffolk’s Gulf Coast region.

“Grandview stands tall as a symbol of excellence, reflecting the spirit of Fort Myers Beach, and it’s an honor for Suffolk to have played a role in the collective effort, creativity and passion that have gone into this magnificent property.”

Grandview also offers three model residences by Romanza Interior Design and Clive Daniel Home available to view by appointment. Illustrating Grandview’s floor plans, they each showcase sophisticated interiors with unique interpretations of the coastal lifestyle.

“The views are the wow factor in every Grandview residence,” said Jennifer Stevens, senior design director at Romanza. “We’re showing beautiful interior designs using furniture and upholstery lines with attainable prices.”

Grandview is the final building in the private Waterside at Bay Beach community, which offers walking and jogging paths and additional amenities, including the new Bay Beach Commons planned for pickleball, tennis and bocce courts.

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Grandview at Bay Beach From page 6

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Beach Living

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Cornhole for the Beach Kids The Beach Kids Foundation raised $2,365 for the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School on Saturday with a cornhole tournament at the Beach Bar

on Fort Myers Beach. More than 100 people attended the event with 26 teams participating. Diane Buck, the owner of Beach Mom Creates also

donated a large portion of her sales she made during the event that went right to the foundation's charity contribution fund.

LEFT: Tim Ripka and Chad Fisher won first place in the cornhole tournament Saturday held by the Beach Kids Foundation. Fisher and Ripka are joined by Beach Kids Foundation board members Tiffany Kersten and president Bridgette Myers outside the Beach Bar. RIGHT: Beach Kids Foundation volunteers Judy Haataja, Deborah Groll, Calie Conner, Alonna McMullen helped check in tournament entrants such Aria Cox (at right) and sold raffle tickets.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

MELISSA SCHNEIDER

Beach Kids Foundation volunteers Calie Connor, Tiffany Kersten, Gini Smith, Judy Haatija, Alonna McMullen, Bridgette Myers and Sarah Sinkus helped organize the Beach Kids Foundation cornhole tournament and set up a fundraising table.

Beach Kids Foundation volunteers Bridgette Myers, Tammy McMullen and Sarah Sinkus helped raise funds for the organization at its gift tent in front of the Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach Saturday.

Beach Kids president Bridgette Myers (left) with Diane Buck (right). Buck donated 25% of her proceeds from Beach Mom Creates Saturday back to the Beach Kids Foundation

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

Sarah Bean, of Gateway, brought her children Andrew, Abigail and Katherine to play baseball and softball and see National Softball Hall of Fame pitcher Jennie Finch at the reopening of the Wade Jenkins Field at Fort Myers Beach Wednesday

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 10

NATHAN MAYBERG

Jamie Bowers helps switch daughter Zoey to the other side of the plate to swing left-handed as National Softball Hall of Fame pitcher Jennie Finch helps guide her at a clinic following the ceremony to officially reopen the new Wade Jenkins Field.

Rose Ressa, whose son Wade Jenkins died in a car accident in 1989 on Ellen Vaughan brought her two grandsons Liam (left) and Seamus Owens his way to a Fort Myers Beach Little League game and for whom the field (right) to the baseball clinic and ceremony at Wade Jenkins Field on Fort is named, threw the first pitch Wednesday at the official reopening of the Myers Beach Wednesday.

Wade Jenkins field.

Baseball field From page 1 Rose Ressa, the mother of the field’s namesake, made the day even more special. Ressa threw out the first pitch of the ceremony, which included a number of drills and clinics organized by Major League Baseball. Ressa’s son Wade Jenkins died in a car crash on Pine Ridge Road in 1989 on his way to play a Fort Myers Beach Little League baseball game.

Ressa was following in a car behind Jenkins, who was traveling with his father and brother. “Wade went instantly,” she said. His brother Colin was injured. “They were great at sports. Wade was an outstanding boy,” Ressa said. He had just turned 8 and, with the help of his parents, had purchased earrings for four female classmates.

Ressa, who has lived on Fort Myers Beach for 46 years, said she is still “fighting to return home.” She lost her house to Hurricane Ian but is working on rebuilding it. “I am on my fourth rental,” she said. Ressa has been able to rent a place off island with some help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency while she works with insurance for reimbursement to rebuild her home on Ohio Avenue.

“I’ve been waiting for this day to return,” Ressa said.

“This is one more step for our community’s recovery.

This is a great moment.”

Ressa plans to return to volunteer at the field’s concession stand when games return next year. Patrick Vanasse, a Fort Myers Beach Little League board member, said the plan for now is to develop baseball and softball teams and grow their numbers for practices before they can play games again next year. Vanasse said there were only about 15 players in the league before Wednesday though they picked up several new recruits.

The Fort Myers Beach Little League district extends a few miles off the island as well and the league will need some new members to get back to where they were before Hurricane Ian. Before Ian, Vanasse said the league had between 3040 players. In earlier years there were between 50-70 children playing in the league, he said.

Vanasse said the goal over the next couple months will be to find and develop pitchers for the older players in the minors and major leagues. The league welcomes

players from as young as 4 for T-ball and as old as 15 for baseball. The softball team is for ages 8-12.

Jamie Bowers helped 4-year-old daughter Zoey Bowers adjust at the plate. Though she initially stepped in right-handed, Mr. Bowers corrected her as she is lefthanded. Together, he and Finch helped adjust Zoey’s stance. Mr. Bowers and wife Ashley returned back to Fort Myers Beach in January after the first floor of their home was damaged by Hurricane Ian. They said the rebuild was “slow” and they are still dealing with insurance reimbursement. They would like to get Zoey playing ball. “If she can play T-ball. We are definitely going to do it,” Mr. Bowers said.

Chantal Blais, whose son plays T-ball, said “It’s beautiful to see the field done and to see them playing. It’s amazing.”

Charlie Whitehead, who lives on San Carlos Island, has been a longtime umpire of the league. He said he plans to return. “I told them if they needed me, I would come up and do it,” he said. Whitehead lost his home to See BASEBALL FIELD, page 11

Jennie Finch, who helped pitch the U.S. Woman's Softball team to gold in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, cuts the ribbon at a ceremony to reopen the Fort Myers Beach Little League baseball field Wednesday.

NATHAN MAYBERG

$100,000. Before they worked on the field, ICS was clearing the roads around Fort Myers Beach of sand after Hurricane Ian and assisted with the emergency berm project.

The Minnesota Twins were represented by their minor league affiliate Mighty Mussels mascot. Mark Weber, director of Florida business operations for the Twins, said the rebuilding of the fields “was important for kids to like the game.” He called the field a “critical component” of growing the sport for both baseball and softball players.

Jeff Hauge, director of parks and recreation for the Town of Fort Myers Beach, applied for a grant through Major League Baseball to help replace the field. Along with MLB, Scotts and ICS, town parks and recreation department employees and public works employees helped install the turf in the outfield, repaired fencing.

Next for Fort Myers Beach will be rebuilding the soccer field and softball field next door to the baseball field.

Hauge hopes that combined field can be completed by February. Hauge expects the town to receive some reimbursement from FEMA and insurance. It’s not clear yet if the town will get funding from the state, which used the field for storing debris after Hurricane Ian. Sporting a Twins jersey, Minnesota native Dan Allers spoke at the ceremony about rooting for Twins outfielder Dan Gladden as a kid. Allers said the children represented the “hope” of the community.

Finch, who signed an autograph for every player who participated, said "the memories you make, will last forever."

Those looking to register for the Fort Myers Beach Little League can sign up at www.FMBLL.com or visit the field on Saturdays where practice begins at 9 a.m.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Hurricane Ian and has been living in a trailer. Whitehead cares so much about the game of baseball, he was already talking about the need for a first base umpire to support him.

“This fall is to get the kids back together and have fun.

They will make some friends,” Vanasse said.

Finch said she could relate to what Fort Myers Beach has gone through after living through hurricanes in Louisiana including Hurricane Delta and Hurricane Laura in 2020. Finch said she didn’t realize how bad some of the damage was on Fort Myers Beach until driving through town to the field. She said it gave her “flashbacks” to the hurricanes in Louisiana.

Finch said the woman’s team that won gold in 2004 in Athens, took “so much hard work and sacrifice” to be successful. They earned silver in 2008. Growing up as a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ’80s and pitcher Orel Hershiser, she never thought she would eventually become a major league ambassador.

Major League Baseball and Scott’s donated $50,000 towards the rebuilding of the field with clay and sod for the infield and part of the outfield grass. 7-Eleven donated $25,000.

It was a community effort, though. At their own expense, ICS Materials helped deliver clay and sand for the infield and installed it while digging eight inches under the ground to ensure all debris was removed. The field next door had been used by the county and state to store debris from all over Fort Myers Beach during Hurricane Ian and there was a lot of debris on the baseball field as well. ICS mobilized heavy equipment for site work, regraded the fields and cleared and hauled out debris, said ICS Materials General Manager Jake Voth.

There was “quite a bit of debris,” he said.

“We sort of have a passion for baseball,” Voth said.

Voth, who lives on Fort Myers Beach, said “it wasn’t a hard decision” to help donate their time and material to refurbishing the field. “It’s our safe place. We felt compelled. The kids needed a place like this, Voth said. He estimated the cost to the company at more than

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Baseball field From page 10

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 12

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Commissioner Steve Johnson said the “small size of our district is also its strength.” Within days of Hurricane Ian, the district office was able to be activated despite losing its office and much of its equipment.

Johnson noted that the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District, entering its 75th year in 2024, has a local millage rate of 0.112 per thousand dollars of assessed value. If a merger were to happen, the millage rate would rise 109% to the county's rate of 0.235, he said.

David Hall, executive director of Lee County Mosquito Control District, said that what Semmer said “is true. We did not bring this up. I do not know what the economics are.” While he admitted Lee County’s millage rate was double that of Fort Myers Beach for mosquito control, he said it was possible there could be a “two-tier system.”

Botana asked Hall if Lee County could do the job of the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District, which Hall replied in the affirmative. Botana said “there will be a referendum sometime” on the mosquito district merger.

While Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chair Brian Hamman and Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson appeared in front of the delegation and requested an extension of their repayment obligations on their interest-free, emergency bridge loans from the state from two years to 10 years, Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan said he had already made a request to the delegation through a visit to their offices. “I won’t waste your time in repeating that,” Allers said.

Limited to 90 seconds of speaking time, Allers thanked the state’s help with an emergency berm for the beach.

Allers didn’t respond to a request from the Fort Myers Beach Observer on what his requests were to the state legislative delegation.

Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson said the city lost 34% of its taxable property evaluations and requested $9.9 million to offset operating revenue loss. Sanibel projects a two-year revenue loss of $18.7 million. Much of that is due to the loss of condominium taxable revenue.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

what they want is a travesty,” he said.

State Sen. Kathleen Passidomo said “a serious study” was needed as well as a referendum before such a bill could go forward.

Jenna Persons-Mulicka, the outgoing chair of the delegation, said she was emailed by “some for the merger and many against the merger.” She also said the issue “should go to the voters” before the merger can move forward.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council and Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners have both voted to oppose the fire district mergers.

Addressing the crowd at the meeting, Botana said “I’m a third-year politician up here and business guy before. We do make mistakes every once in a while and I apologize if I stepped out of line.”

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Chair Joanne Semmer said the district has the lowest millage rate of any mosquito control district in the state. She said taxes would double for the mosquito control district if it mergers with Lee County.

“It will cost taxpayers more money for less service,” Semmer said.

Semmer said she was “surprised to see Rep. Botana’s proposed legislation.” She said she was never contacted

by Botana regarding his proposed merger of the district with the Lee County Mosquito Control District. Instead of local control of the mosquito control district, Semmer said the office would be in Buckingham, “nowhere near Fort Myers Beach.”

Semmer noted that the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District covers several environmentally sensitive areas including the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, Bunch Beach Preserve, Matanzas Pass Wilderness Preserve, among other locations.

“We are fully funded, have no debt and get no state funding,” Semmer said.

“We provide a service that allows us to respond in 24 hours or less,” Semmer said. The district is currently monitoring 500 swimming pools.

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

posal is a little shocking. We are a community that is on the path to recovery." Botana's bill was communicated to Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth just days after a remembrance ceremony on Fort Myers Beach on the oneyear anniversary of Hurricane Ian, which Bennett said made the community feel like "we are a little targeted.”

Bennett said that “the district and community were blindsided by the idea of this merger. Representative Botana at no time communicated with our board or the community his thoughts on why and how this would happen. I am curious as to how this came about.”

Wirth said the proposal from Botana caught him “off guard.” Wirth said a feasibility study is needed first to identify if there are any cost savings or efficiencies to be found. In studying other mergers, Wirth cited the merging of other fire districts where there wasn’t savings.

“What I hope isn’t happening is that we are looking at the number of special districts that we have and thinking that automatically translates into savings by having fewer districts,” Wirth said.

Rep. Mike Giallombardo (R-77), of Cape Coral, cited the numbers of fire districts in Lee County pushing for looking at mergers. "We have 17 fire districts in Lee County. These conversations have to happen.” He said resources and assets had to be looked at.

Giallombardo said a "conversation has to happen. A study has to happen. All of these things have to be put in play and I think that it's an ongoing conversation that has been had for a long time.” With a growing population in Lee County, Giallombardo said “whether you want it to happen or not, it’s going to happen. We have to look at that and we have to look at the inefficiencies of government.”

Bennett said “this is not the time” to make such a move and said the data didn’t show it would benefit the district financially. “The initial research shows there is no savings.”

Bennett also noted that the district provides ambulance service, something Bonita Springs does not. Most importantly, he said, was the desire of the communities “To take this to a vote without asking the community

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Botana From page 1

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 14 Fort Myers Beach Observer

Bay Harbour Marina From page 1 Management Agency floodmap changes.

Joanne Semmer had appealed the ruling by the Florida Administration Commission. She and the estate of her late brother, William Semmer, own property on San Carlos Island near the property.

Ms. Semmer said her brother’s land borders parts of the property where the developers are seeking a right-of-way and said certain statements made by the developers in their application don’t acknowledge the ownership.

“This was our last opportunity to appeal,” Semmer said. “What I’m really concerned about is the hotel. How many car trips is that going to add?”

Semmer said studies have shown that the original project could result in thousands of more daily vehicle trips during peak season. “Isn’t that just what we need? A hotel right there on a two-lane road,” Semmer said.

Semmer had initially challenged the project successfully when a state administrative law judge rejected Lee County’s comprehensive plan amendment to allow the residential aspect of the project to go forward. The judge found that the property sat in a coastal high-hazard area and hurricane evacuation zone and that it would not be able to comply with the outof-county clearance time for a Category 5 hurricane evacuation. DeSantis and the Florida Administration Commission disagreed and overturned the decision.

Most recently, county staff was asking the developers for more answers for their requests to modify their plans. If county staff is satisfied with the information provided, there would be a hearing on the project and the county commissioners

FILE PHOTO

would ultimately have to approve additional changes.

The marina business had opened on the site. It has been approved for 286 dry slips and 29 wet slips.

The land switched hands last year

when Bay Harbour Marina Village LLC and Marco Brummund acquired the property for $18 million. Brummund also runs Corona Property Holdings LLC with Kristina Brummund and are based out of Cape Coral. Mr. Brummund is listed

under the applications for the new proposal. Jack Mayher, who helped develop the original project, retained a percentage of the ownership. Brummund and Mayher could not be reached for comment.

Page 15 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 16 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

FAR LEFT: This watercolor by Helen Kinkin is among the works being shown at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association's Fall Juried Show "Rush of Color."

LEFT: This pastel work by Tamara Culp earned best in show at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association's "Rush of Color" show.

Fort Myers Beach Art Association awards exhibits Fall Juried Show runs through Nov. 19 in Bonita Springs The Fort Myers Beach Art Association’s “Rush of Color” show opened on Oct. 25 with awarded handed out to local artists at the fall juried show.

Lauren Dest, who judged the show, said “Overall, these works display a wide variety of subject matter, use of materials and techniques. Each work has something special about them that makes them standout making it incredibly hard to select “winners.” Selected works were chosen based on handling of mate-rials and their execution, followed by subject matter’s uniqueness in capturing my attention.”

Tamara Culp received Best in Show/First Place-Lee Ackert Memorial Award for Sun Touched. Cheryl Fausel

received Second Place for her work titled Glasses Up. Third Place went to JoAnn LaPadula for her work titled Relaxation. The Maya Bryant-Plein Air Award went to Kathryn McMahon for Fishing Village on the Atlantic.

Kathleen Taylor received a merit award for her work titled Fall. Dana Enders received a merit award for her work titled Tuscan Cafe. Honorable Mentions went to Irvin Hawkes for Ian 2022, and Helen Kinkin for Boston Buoys.

This show marks the opening of the season for the art association. Seagate Development Group, who just purchased the Red Coconut property, sponsored the show and an Oct. 27 reception.

The works will be exhibited through Nov. 19 at the First Presbyterian Church at 9751 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs. The church will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to showcase the

art show.

The Fort Myers Beach Art Association will also be showcasing award-winning artists from last season at Alliance for the Arts titled “Imaginations” on Nov. 3 with the reception scheduled for 5 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mark your calendar for our garage sale which opens to the public on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Items will include art supplies for sale. It will be held at the Congregational Church 8210 College Parkway Ft Myers, FL. For more information, send e-mails to the Fort Myers Beach Art Association publicity chair, Pam Flaherty, at publicity@fortmyersbeachart.com. Visit the website for updates at www.fortmyersbeachart.com.

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Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 18

Mound House lecture series Memorial benches and programming announced available for purchase The Town of Fort Myers Beach recently announced that the Mound House will host a lecture series on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from Dave Scheidecker, Research Coordinator for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office.

The Mound House has also begun opening its museum and museum store an additional day with its new hours running Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The grounds including the observation pier, kayak launch, and 2.85 acres of bayside native plantings will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The address of Mound House is 451 Connecticut Street.

The Mound House will also expand its programming by offering kayak tours on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

These tours take participants through mangroves tunnels and hidden inlets of Estero Bay. Encounters with dolphins, manatees, stingrays, tarpon and a variety of birds are common.

To register for kayak tours, visit www.MoundHouse.org.

Events ∫ Mound House Lecture Series: The Calusa Legacy / Tuesday, Nov. 7, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Learn more about the connections of the Calusa people to the broader area during the and the legacy of the Calusa ancestors within the Seminole Tribe today.

Dave Scheidecker, Research Coordinator for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office, will be the presenter. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in History, and from Texas

Tech with a Master’s in Anthropology. He has worked on historic and prehistoric archaeological sites in Texas, Ecuador, and Zimbabwe before returning to Florida.

Mound House members save at $7 per person. Regular admission is $15 per person. Price includes lecture, museum admission, and complimentary light food and drinks.

Register at www.MoundHouse.org. ∫ Small Business Saturday / Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Shop small and shop local at the Mound House Museum Store on national Small Business Saturday and receive 20% off storewide. Mound House members will save an additional 10%. The Museum Store features curated items with a focus on history and nature including toys, jewelry, home décor, books, wellness, bird-friendly coffee, local honey, and more. ∫ Women’s Club Christmas Tree Festival / Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9.

Mound House will host the Fort Myers Beach Women’s Club for its annual Christmas Tree Festival. Learn more at www.fmb-wc.org.

The Mound House also offers daily guided shell mound tours that include a tour of the site. Learn about the Calusa the first residents of Fort Myers Beach - and how this indigenous nation constructed large shell mounds and ruled southern Florida for nearly 2,000 years. Check www.MoundHouse.org for costs, information and tour times. No reservations are required.

The Fort Myers Beach Memorial Bench Program the town had in place before Hurricane Ian is available again. This program provides a unique and visible way to honor loved ones.

A bench can be purchased from the town and inscribed with a memorial tribute of the customer’s choice. The cost of the bench is $565 plus $4 per letter. Three lines are available for inscription. The application is on the town's website.

Because many of the previous benches were destroyed or displaced due to Ian, this program provides the opportunity for the public to help restore seating throughout the Town and beach accesses.

Locations where benches will be placed are listed on the application for customers to choose their preferred spot. Every effort will be made to accommodate this choice though Town staff do have discretion on where to place benches if the desired location is unavailable.

Purchasing a bench is considered a donation to the Town. The Town does not have a responsibility to replace a newly-purchased bench, but will restore benches at no cost that were placed before Hurricane Ian. Installation times vary depending on demand and material delivery times.

Questions can be addressed to the Public Works Department at 239-765-0202, ext. 1701, or by emailing publicworks@fmbgov.com.

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PET PALS Island pets seeking forever homes —Page 23

Three-time Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby to play Immokalee Casino

By NATHAN MAYBERG

I

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

t seems just like yesterday Bruce Hornsby was talking about “the way it is” with memorable strokes of the piano keys and bringing an uplifting message about equality with a southern sensibility while also reflecting on an earlier time. Of course his signature song “The Way it is” was released a few decades ago in 1986 when he was joined by other piano men of his time like Billy Joel and Steve Winwood singing wistfully like the songs of the time of Don Henley and Mike and the Mechanics.

On Thursday, Nov. 16, Hornsby will bring nearly 40 years of albums and three Grammy Awards to a performance at the Immokalee Casino.

While Hornsby is best known for his 1980’s radio hits like “The Way it is” and “Mandolin Rain,” some might be surprised to know he served two years on keyboards with The Grateful Dead. Or that singer Huey Lewis was an early supporter who sang and played harmonica on his early albums. He has also played with Sting and Stevie Nicks.

For another generation, Hornsby’s song “The Way it is” is best recognized for the use of that song’s piano notes by rapper Tupac Shakur for his song “Changes.” It’s a cover that has also helped take care of Hornsby financially he admits. While Hornsby’s original has garnered more than 195 million plays on Spotify, Shakur’s cover has pushed past the 400 million mark. “A year after he died, I was contacted by the Tupac Shakur Foundation. They found a tape and wanted to negotiate (the rights to the song),” Hornsby said. He said his song has been recorded more than half a dozen times since.

Hornsby is at heart a southern boy who grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia and drew from his upbringing watching social and racial change as inspiration for his signature song.

“I grew up in a small town where narrow minds prevailed and at the same time it is a liberal community,” Hornsby said. With the College of William and Mary nearby as well as the colonial Williamsburg museum area that See BRUCE HORNSBY, page 21

IF YOU GO: What: Bruce Hornsby Where: Immokalee Casino When: Thursday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m.

Tickets: Visit seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

PHOTO CREDIT: TRISTAN WILLIAMS

insidetoday Pet Pals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Sports & Recreation . . . . .24

What’s Happening . . . . . . .22

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 20 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Christmas Boat Parade on the way The 35th Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade is right around the corner. The dazzling lighted parade will commence on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. leaving from Salty Sam’s Marina.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be heading the parade and welcoming everyone back to FMB from the lead Chamber boat!

The two lead Chamber boats will be carrying the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Chamber Ambassadors and VIPs. Music and MC services on the lead boat will be provided by local beach musician and resident, Barry Lawrence. A big thank you to Adventures in Paradise for generously providing the lead boats.

Parade participant vessels will assemble in front of the docks at Salty Sam’s Marina at 5:30 pm. At 6 pm, the boats will begin to leave Salty Sam’s Marina going past Parrot Key Caribbean Grill heading northwest passing by Erickson & Jensen seafood, the shrimp fleet, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Dixie Fish, Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Café, then head-

ing under the Matanzas Pass Bridge. They will travel past the Coast Guard station and the homes along the back bay through Estero Pass, Hurricane Pass and into Pelican Pass behind San Carlos Island. After traveling through Pelican Pass and circling Pelican Island, they will turn back through Estero Pass and into San Carlos Bay heading toward the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina. The parade will turn south in front of the Pink Shell and head back toward the Matanzas Pass bridge. The boats will travel past Moss Marina, Snug Harbor and Nervous Nellies going back under the Matanzas Pass Bridge. After passing Matanzas on the Bay and Petey’s Upper Deck, boats will continue south along the Ft. Myers Beach (Estero Island) shoreline and then cross the Matanzas Harbor mooring field toward Salty Sam’s. Depending on time, the parade may make another short loop around the Back Bay area.

Do not forget to vote for the People’s Choice Award the night of the parade, visit our website for People’s Choice

voting information, www.fmbboatparade.com.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce encourages visitors to come early and support the recovering businesses on Fort Myers Beach by enjoying a late lunch or early dinner. For information on who is open, visit: www.fortmyersbeach.org/whos-open-for-business.

The best options for parade viewing are along the pedestrian walkway atop Matanzas Pass Bridge, at the shoreline

by Bayside Park at the base of Old San Carlos, all bars, and restaurants long the back bay areas, aboard private vessels in the bay area and from numerous homes along the waterway.

Please be respectful and kind to other parade viewers, take a moment to support our area businesses and enjoy the holiday season.

For more information, contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber at 239.454.7500 or visit www.fortmyersbeach.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Marcus Roberts Trio will join the Southwest Florida Symphony for a special performance Nov. 4 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. show, 60 Minutes, profiled his life and work on a segment entitled “The Virtuoso.”

The show traced Roberts’ life to date from his early roots in Jacksonville and at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind to his remarkable career as a modern jazz musician. He began teaching himself to play piano at age 5 after losing his sight but didn’t have his first formal lesson until age 12. At age 18, he went on to study classical piano at Florida State University with the great

Leonidas Lipovetsky, whose own teacher was the celebrated Madame Rosina Lhévinne.

Roberts has previously recorded with the Berlin Philharmonic on a ground-breaking arrangement of Gershwin's “Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra.”

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit swflso.org/tickets/.

Dave Keller, hailed as a “magnificent soul singer” by Elmore Magazine, is set to take the stage at Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, Friday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m.

This performance promises to be an electrifying experience, showcasing Keller's soulful vocals and stellar guitar skills.

Over the past decade, Keller has carved a niche for himself, earning accolades such as a “stellar” guitarist (AXS.com) and a “songwriting genius” (Living Blues). His prowess has been recognized with three Blues Music Award nominations for Best Soul Blues Album.

Audiences across the U.S. and Europe have been captivated by Keller's livewire

PHOTO PROVIDED

shows, establishing a loyal legion of fans.

A three-time Blues Music Award nominee and winner of the International Blues Challenge’s Best Self-Produced Album Award, Keller’s love for Memphis Soul is evident, and his journey includes collaborations with luminaries like Mighty Sam McClain, Ronnie Earl, and Robert Ward.

Noteworthy experiences include backing up Fontella Bass, recording with Al Green's original Hi Rhythm Section, and studio sessions with Bobby “Blue” Bland.

Dave Keller’s story unfolds over three decades, beginning in the icy mountains of Vermont. Self-taught and armed with an old Yamaha acoustic guitar, Keller’s

musical evolution led him to the realm of deep Blues. His switch to electric, formation of a funky trio, and extensive gigging throughout New England quickly garnered him a dedicated fan base.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Dave Keller's captivating performance at Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center on Nov. 10, .at 7:30 p.m. It’s a musical journey that promises to be unforgettable. For tickets visit artsbonita.org or call 239495-8989.

Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs is at 10150 Bonita Beach Road. SE, Bonita Springs.

and the News keyboardist Sean Hopper served as a synthesizer consultant on the record. Hornsby called Lewis “a great friend and an early supporter.”

The album would go on to be certified triple-platinum in the U.S. and earned the group recognition as best new artists at the 1987 Grammy Awards. In 1990, their record “The Valley Road” earned them another Grammy for best bluegrass album. That same year, Hornsby earned another Grammy nomination for his piano-playing on the Don Henley hit “The End of the Innocence.”

After the death of The Grateful Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland in 1990, Hornsby was called upon by the group’s founder Jerry Garcia to join the group to tour as their new keyboardist. Hornsby did so for two years, playing more than 100 shows. Hornsby said his relationship with the group dated back to 1987 when they were asked to open for them on a number of concerts after the band heard Hornsby’s debut album.

After joining the group as their new

keyboardist, Hornsby said he “learned 160 songs. I already know 30 or 40 of them. One of his favorite songs by The Grateful Dead to play was “Wharf Rat” The song “still gives me chills,” Hornsby said.

In 1994, Hornsby earned another Grammy for best pop vocal performance for his song “Barcelona Mona.”

The next year Garcia died. Hornsby said he had just spoken to him four days earlier.

Hornsby called Garcia “one of the greatest people I’ve ever known. I miss him. He was a very bright guy who was always needing a laugh and looking for comedy.”

Hornsby’s latest record, “Flicted” was released last year. The album features vintage Hornsby, some bluegrass and some experimentation with fast-paced electronic music.

For Hornsby, his music is constantly evolving and always in flux.

Bruce Hornsby From page 19 depicts the time when it was the capital of the Virginia colony, the area was in a state of flix when Hornsby was growing up in the ’60s. Hornsby described being shaped in part by the shifting social attitudes of the civil rights movement, witnessing integration in his elementary and secondary schools and being the lone white player on his high school varsity basketball team. “It was fraught with peril now and then,” he said.

It was Elvis Presley that first had Hornsby singing as a 4-year-old before later discovering piano-playing musicians like Elton John and Leon Russell. He would eventually gain a love for jazz pianists like Chick Correa, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Buddy Powelll and McCoy Tyner.

Hornsby said his piano-playing developed and became more serious while studying music at the University of Miami. “I practiced five to six hours a day,” he said. In appreciation of the school, Hornsby and his wife Kathy provided a gift to the Frost School of Music

there and endowed a new songwriting program. Their donations to the school also made possible the Bruce Hornsby Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded to exceptional juniors or seniors in the CAM program.

Horsnby understands the importance of music education as his grandfather was the supervisor of music for the local public schools.

In 1984, Hornsby formed the group The Range in Los Angeles, where they played the local club scene. After making a four-song tape, they were signed by former Zombies guitarist Paul Atkinson.

Atkinson had also discovered Elton John, ABBA and Mr. Mister.

Hornsby resists being defined by his biggest hit. His debut album in 1976, which is named after his biggest hit with his backing group The Range showed early on his diverse skills with multiple instruments besides the piano including synthesizers, the hammered dulcimer and accordion. “The Long Race” might be as smart as any on the record. Huey Lewis

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Soul singer and guitarist Dave Keller to ignite the stage at Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

STAFF REPORT The Marcus Roberts Trio will be joining the Southwest Florida Symphony for a special “American Classical” performance to blend jazz and classical music on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers.

The symphony will be conducted by Maestro Radu Paponiu.

The Marcus Roberts Jazz Trio will perform an exclusive jazz arrangement of “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin in honor of the 100th anniversary of the masterpiece.

The exciting program will showcase other iconic pieces including Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and “Four Episodes” from “Rodeo,” John Williams’ “Star Wars Suite” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story.”

As part of the symphony’s signature series, patrons will also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive preconcert lecture prior to the show led by Roberts and Paponiu, including a Q&A session, to enhance the concert experience and provide insights into the pieces being performed. The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Marcus Roberts Trio is a long-term musical partnership between renowned pianist and composer Roberts, drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Rodney Jordan. Known for their virtuosic style and entirely new approach to jazz trio performance, the group equally shares in shaping the direction of the music by changing its tempo, mood, texture or form at any time – with lightning quick musical reflexes and creative imagination taking over the stage. Driven by a belief in “letting the music take over,” the result is a powerful sound filled with rhythmic, harmonic and dynamic contrast.

Roberts has been hailed as “the genius of the modern piano.” In 2014, the celebrated CBS News television

Page 21 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Marcus Roberts Jazz Trio joins Southwest Florida Symphony for concert

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 22 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

WHAT’S HAPPENING St. Peter Lutheran Church to hold Totes of Grace give away Nov. 2 On Thursday, Nov. 2, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3751 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, will once again hold it’s Totes of Grace monthly give away. These reusable tote bags are full of those household items that can’t be purchased with EBT funds. Some of the options available include shampoo, laundry detergent, toothpaste, toilet paper and paper towels. There are other items that folks can choose to add to their bags.

We also have sheets, towels and a few sets of curtains available to help anyone who is attempting to get back on their feet following the hurricane.

For a limited time we have some Publix gift cards to assist with grocery shopping.

If you have any questions, please contact the church office at 239-463-4251.

Fair at Fenway South returning to JetBlue Park The Fair at Fenway South will make its return to JetBlue Park Nov. 3-19.

After being canceled last year due to Hurricane Ian, the popular community event is back for three big weekends with a brand new assortment of thrilling carnival rides, a kiddieland for the littles, family-friendly shows and attractions, challenging games and everyones’ favorite fair food and vendors.

Fan favorites rides like the Rock Star, Vertigo and the Friendly Ferris Wheel, along with midway games and funnel cakes are all coming back, with new surprises in store.

As always, a full schedule of award-winning entertainment is included with admission, with hours of fun shows, educational demonstrations and thrilling performances daily. This year's lineup includes The High Flying Pages Circus, Dynamo Dogs, Rosaire's Royal Racing Pigs, The Wolves of the World, Cowtown USA Petting Corral, the Magic of Lance Gifford and a Las Vegas Hypnotist Show.

For 2023, by popular demand, there are simplified ticketing options available both online and at JetBlue Park to make visits easy and affordable. There are also additional daytime hours, making it easier than ever for seniors and families with young children to attend.

Advance discount tickets, unlimited ride wristbands, and BOGO admission deals are available at www.fairatfenway.com.

Fair hours are Thursdays, 5-10 p.m.; Fridays: 5-11 p.m.; Saturdays, 1-11 p.m.; and Sundays, 1-10 p.m.

There is plenty of available on-site parking at JetBlue Park located at 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort in Myers.

For more information, visit www.fairatfenway.com.

For vendor, sponsorship, and group sales information, contact info@fairproductions2.com.

The Fair at Fenway will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Jordan Schuman Foundation for Kindness, which provides grants, scholarships and donations to charities and individuals in need within the local community.

Broadway Palm kicks off concert series with ‘RAT PACK LIVE!’ Broadway Palm kicks off their ever-popular Concert Series with “RAT PACK LIVE!” playing Nov. 1 through 5. Head back in time with three of the best impersonators in the country as they hit the Broadway Palm stage with an energetic yet intimate Vegas lounge act.

Take a trip back to the 1960s, when the Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin brought fame and recognition to Las Vegas. They reunite on stage to belt out the most popular classics including “Luck Be A Lady,” “New York New York,” “Lady Is A Tramp,” and so many more. These three cool cats know

PROVIDED

Alliance for the Arts to present Clown Bar Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) brings back the popular performance Clown Bar this November. An experience like no other, this clown noir play transforms the Foulds Theatre into an interactive, immersive bar. Drinks will be available for purchase, served by hilarious, yet frightening, gangster clowns.

Audiences follow along with the main clown, Happy, as his brother, Timmy, is found dead. Now Happy must return to his former life as a clown to ask a few questions. But will Happy be able to go home again without getting sucked into the seedy clown underbelly of vice and violence?

Performances of Clown Bar take place starting Nov. 9 with the bar opening at 6:45 p.m. and the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Performances are Nov. 9-10, 16-18, 24-25 at 7:30 p.m. and 19, 26 at 2 p.m. with the bar opening 45 minutes prior to show start. All performances sold out last season, so tickets are expected to be in high demand. how to have a good time and will make sure the audience does too!

Dean Martin impersonator Seth Abrahms channels the look, spirit and rich vibrato of the legend himself. Bruce Hammond’s voice is a dead ringer for Old Blue Eyes, and his presence is truly reminiscent of Sinatra. Kenneth Jones as Sammy Davis Jr positively changes the energy in the room with his bright, big sound and lively movements and voice.

“RAT PACK LIVE!” is playing select matinee and evening performances Nov. 1 through 5. Tickets are $70 to $85. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

Better Together to host ‘A Night of a Million Dreams’ Gala on Nov. 10 Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, is hosting ‘A Night of a Million Dreams’ Gala at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs. The gala will raise funds to support

Tickets are $27 for members and $32 for nonmembers. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the box office at 239-939-2787, visit us in person at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, or go online at www.artinlee.org/Theatre.

About Alliance for the Arts The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Better Together’s mission of helping parents find employment and provide a loving, safe and supportive foundation for their children.

The Wizard of Oz-themed gala will take guests on a magical journey to the wonderful land of better families and better jobs with an evening of dinner, impactful stories and live and silent auctions, with all proceeds to benefit Better Together programs that serve families across the state. The event is chaired by Dr. Alise and David Bartley.

Better Together is made up of two programs – Better Families and Better Jobs – that help parents who are going through a hard time to keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. Established in Southwest Florida just over five years ago, the nonprofit’s programming has rapidly expanded to reach families in 21 counties across the state. To date, the organization has served over 7,800 children and kept 98% of families together, while helping 39,000 job seekers across 22 states find employment.

See WHAT’S HAPPENING, page 24

The Fort Myers Beach Observer & Beach Bulletin welcomes news from our community!

Send news tips & releases to news@breezenewspapers.com

Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue

From Small to big

By ISABELLE WELLS Co-founder of the Find a Home, Give a Home pet rescue organization of Fort Myers Beach

Pablo

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

A couple days ago we went to the shelter to look at dogs who were going to be euthanized for behavior. The stress is unbelievable there and many dogs do not make it out due to that. Three ladies came in and turned in four cats and two dogs to the shelter and were filling out the paper work. One of the little ones was so scared he could hear and smell the other dogs in cages and you could feel he was losing it. At that time because the space and the size of the dog, the staff reached out to us and asked if we could take him right on the spot. Today he is in our rescue and looking for a home. Pablo is so cute! He is a Cheweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund ) Comet was a little more complicated than your average rescue. He is a big guy and was not happy at the shelter for sure. He was on the list to be euthanized and somehow we could not figure out how he was going to be outside of the shelter. To our great surprise he is in foster care now and doing quite well! He is a beautiful dog, 4 years old, and weighs 70 pounds.

For more information, call or text Isabelle at 239-281-0739.

Page 23 n Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023

PET PALS

Island pets seeking forever homes

Comet

Please note our new PO Box #864, Bonita Springs, Fl 34133 You can also make a donation at www.findahomegiveahome.com using the donation tab using PayPal Please make sure you do it through “Friends and Family” so there is no fee and all the donation comes to us directly.

Save Our Strays Feline Rescue Fort Myers Beach

Orange and white kittens ready for homes

By Jo Knobloch Saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com Founder of Save Our Strays Cat Rescue a 501c3 organization on Fort Myers Beach

Cheeto is an 8-month-old male kitten. He is super sweet and loves to play with his siblings and other friends. We don’t get orange and white kittens very often so these two are very special.

Sunrise is 4 months old and a male as all orange cats are. He gets along great with other cats and kittens and loves to run and play. He has two torti sisters.

If you would like to meet Sunrise and his two torti sisters, they will be in the Pet Supermarket store at the corner of College and U.S. 41 all this week starting Monday Oct. 30. Stop and and see three beauties.

We are still in need of dry food and wet food for all the cats and kittens we have in

rescue as well as the hurricane survivors we feed outside. We have donation bins in both Pet Supermarket stores, College and 41 plus the one on Majestic Palms Boulevard just off San Carlos Boulevard before Gladiola.

Check out our facebook page Save our Strays Feline Rescue Email us at saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com. Cat donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 5014, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Follow us on Facebook at Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue and see all the amazing pets we saved these past few months

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 24 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

SPORTS & RECREATION Registration open now for 20th Annual Calusa Blueway Fishing Tournament The 20th Annual Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament returns to Lee County on Saturday, Nov. 11, with proceeds benefitting the Candlelighters of Southwest Florida, a charity that supports children with cancer or blood disorders and their families.

The tournament is a family fun event that features door prizes, raffles, food and silent auctions from noon to 4 p.m. on the day of the competition. It is organized by Gulf Coast Kayak and hosted by Scotty’s Bierworks.

Event registration is open now and additional information can be found at FishDonkey.com.

All fishing will be catch, photo and release using the FishDonkey app. Anglers must fish from paddlecraft on Lee County waterways. The tournament will begin at safe light. Weigh-ins will be at Scotty’s Bierworks noon to 3 p.m.

The mandatory captain’s meeting and registration is 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at Scotty’s Bierworks, 901 East Industrial Circle, in Cape Coral.

For more about Lee County Parks & Recreation, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275 or email leeparks@leegov.com.

Registration open for annual tennis tourney The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will hold its 30th Annual Tennis Tournament on Nov. 11-12 at the Beachview Tennis Club, at 1101 Par View Drive, Sanibel.

The first day of the tourney will feature men's and women's doubles 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0, followed by mixed doubles 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 on the second day.

Player cost is $100 per day or $150 for both days.

All entrants receive event T-shirts, as well as breakfast and lunch on both days.

Winners and runners-up will receive Luc Century etched wine glasses.

Entries and payment must be received by Nov. 4.

To register, contact tournament Director Toni Halski at 239-472-9099.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Cheryl Giattini at 239-822-6121 or tourney Chair Lisa Cochrane at 239-246-8875.

For information about the event, visit https://sccf.org/event/30th-sccftennis-tournament/.

Local Red Sox scholarship application open The Boston Red Sox Foundation will award $5,000 scholarships in the spring to one deserving student from each of the 15 public high schools in Lee County. Lee County charter and ALS schools are also included with one $5,000 scholarship to be awarded, for a total of 16 scholarships worth $80,000.

The scholarships are for academically talented students who have shown a commitment to community service and are pursuing a two- or four-year degree at any college or university.

Scholarship funds are raised annually from proceeds of the Red Sox annual Swings for the Sox Golf Tournament.

To date, it has raised $530,000 for the scholarship program.

Applications are open at https://www.redsoxfoundation.org/leecountyscholarship/.

Applications should be submitted to flscholarships@redsox.com.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 12.

What’s Happening From page 22 The gala will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Rd., Bonita Springs and tickets are $350 per person and $2,500 for tables of eight. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/Gala.

GoldenFest XIII set for Nov. 12 at the Shell Factory Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida hosts GoldenFest XIII from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Shell Factory & Nature Park. Open to well-behaved leashed dogs of all breeds, the event includes vendors, a huge raffle, pet-related demos ranging from agility and flyball to obedience and rally, plus live music, other entertainment and tasty fare. 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. www.grrswf.org, info@grrswf.org or 239-3690415.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates to host Annual Autumn Garden Festival On Nov. 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold its annual Autumn Garden Festival. More than 50 garden vendors from around the state will have exotic and native plants and trees for sale. The festival takes place outdoors, under large shade trees and fea-

tures plant vendors, garden art, gardening supplies, food trucks and live music. The event is sponsored by Zion Healing Center.

Vendors will have many types of plants and trees, including air plants, bromeliads, butterfly plants, cacti, fruit trees, herbs, hibiscus, orchids, palms, succulents, and many hardto-find species. Vendors will also offer garden supplies, such as flowerpots, fertilizer and worm castings.

In addition, the Garden Shoppe will be open and offers visitors a large selection of unusual tropical and Florida native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida. Ceramic flowerpots, vegetable and flower seeds, garden art, and gardening gift items will be available for purchase. Edison Ford members receive a discount on all Garden Shoppe purchases.

A limited number of garden carts will be available, so guests are encouraged to bring a cart or wagon for transporting plants. A designated plant holding tent and loading spot will be offered for anyone needing assistance. Parking and admission to the festival is free (tours of the homes, museum and laboratory are not included). For more information, visit edisonford.org.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

‘Popcorn Falls’ now playing at the Off Broadway Palm The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents “Popcorn

Falls” playing through Nov. 18. Written by James Hindman, “Popcorn Falls” is a mile-a-minute two man show that proves art can save the world.

Welcome to Popcorn Falls, a sleepy American town that is forced into bankruptcy when their only claim to fame, their namesake waterfall, dries up. Their only hope is a chance for a grant – if they can open a theater and put on a play! Just two actors play over twenty roles in this farce that BroadwayWorld called a “laugh-out-loud comedic genius.”

The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate theatre, located off of the main lobby at Broadway Palm.

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $55 to $70 with discounts available for groups of 20 or more.

Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help.

Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www.SouthFloridaAl-Anon.org. Meetings are held every day in Lee County.

Al-Ateen meetings are also offered for ages 10-18.

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

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fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 26

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 1, 2023 n Page 28

Observer 11/01/23

Observer 11/01/23