Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 8, 2023

Volume 39, number 45

Observer 11/8/23

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 8, 2023

Volume 39, number 45

Town requests more than $50M from state

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt and Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers recently visited state legislators in Tallahassee to provide a list of legislative priorities on behalf of the town, requesting more than $50 million from the State Legislature.

Among the requests submitted to the state legislators is $15 million for canal

dredging maintenance, $12.5 million for a new town hall, $10 million to rebuild and repair stormwater systems, $8 million for additional beach renourishment and $7.5 million to cover a loss of revenue over two years, The town also is seeking a time extension to repay the $11.9 million emergency bridge loan awarded by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year. The loan was given to the town at a zero percent interest

for the first year, though the interest balloons to 10% after the first year. State legislators had discussed potentially forgiving the loan or not charging the town the interest.

At the state delegation meeting last week, Lee County and Sanibel officials also requested payment extensions on the loans they received from the state. Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson requested a 10year extension for the city’s loan.

In its request for a time extension to repay the loan, a Town of Fort Myers Beach request provided to state legislators stated that the town is “hesitant to use these funds because we are not in a position to repay it.”

The town’s 2023-24 budget approved by the town council utilizes $3.47 million of the $11.9 million loan to help balance the budget and avoid raising taxes.

See TOWN, page 17

Biden reimbursement for Ian will save town $2.2 million

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Construction of controversial boardwalk has started

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

After a years-long battle against the Town of Fort Myers Beach to construct their 298-feet long boardwalk across state lagoons, wetlands and vegetation on property adjacent to the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area, Ed Rood and Kurt Kroemer have begun installing the 1,491 square-feet walkover.

Pilings for the structure within one of the lagoons are now clearly visible from the road behind their properties at 8150

and 8170 Estero Boulevard. Kroemer’s home was demolished after Hurricane Ian, leaving a large void next to Rood’s home.

Kroemer and Rood, whose properties are owned under the limited liability companies of Squeeze Me Inn LLC and Texas Hold’em LLC, received a building permit to construct the walkover following a 3-2 vote by the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council in September. The vote was the second controversial vote taken by the town council in regards to

the walkover, with opposition from the Florida Audubon Society and the town’s Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force. The Florida Audubon See WALKOVER, page 10 Pilings have been placed in a state lagoon for the 298-feet long, 1,491 square-feet bridge behind the properties of Kurt Kroemer and Ed Rood at 8150 and 8170 Estero Boulevard. The walkover will cross over state lagoons and wetlands. NATHAN MAYBERG

Increased funding assistance announced by President Joe Biden for Hurricane Ian recovery efforts will save the Town of Fort Myers Beach approximately $2.2 million.

Federal Emergency Management Assistance Administrator Deanne Criswell announced Oct. 25 that President Biden made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Florida to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Ian. Biden authorized the federal costshare for public assistance to be increased from 75% to 90% of total eligible costs.

“It has been a little over a year since Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers and surrounding communities in Florida.

Sadly, more than 140 people lost their lives, and over 33,000 survivors were displaced from their homes,” said Administrator Criswell. “However, Floridians remained strong in the face of this tragedy, and with the support of our federal, state and local partners, we have used every tool at our disposal to help Florida recover from this disaster. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has provided over $8 billion in federal assistance, and this latest cost-share adjustment means that even more federal assistance is on the way. The road to recovery is long, and at times difficult, but FEMA will be there every step of the way.”

To date, federal support following Hurricane Ian for Florida totals $8.69 billion.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach cost savings is combined from the Town’s 39 recovery projects that are in various stages of project formulation or reimbursement through FEMA’s Public See REIMBURSEMENT, page 18

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

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

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OPINIONS

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World Diabetes Day: What you should know 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

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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.

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

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Web Poll Previous Web Poll Results 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, 21% ∫ No, I don’t support it, 76% ∫ No opinion/Unsure, 3%

Current Web Poll Question Do you support Rep. Adam Botana's proposed bill to merge the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District with the Lee County Mosquito Control District? ∫ Yes ∫ No ∫ Unsure Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

More than 37 million adults events this month on preventand children in the United ing and self-managing diaStates have diabetes and, betes. The events will provide information on adopting and according to the Centers for Control and maintaining healthy habits, as Disease well as knowing your risk and Prevention, 8.5 million of what to do to support preventhese Americans do not know tion, early diagnosis and they have it. Nov. 14 will mark timely treatment. The events World Diabetes Day. will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If someone has diabetes, it ∫ Nov. 13: Cape Coral means their body does not Hospital auxiliary room, at make enough insulin or cannot 636 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape use it as well as it should, Coral resulting in too much blood ∫ Nov. 14: Lee Memorial sugar or glucose in the bloodLaura Cross Hospital medical staff conferstream. Over time, consistent ence room, at 2776 elevated blood sugar levels can Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers cause serious health problems, ∫ Nov. 15: Gulf Coast such as heart disease, vision Medical Center main atrium, loss, nerve damage, issues with at 13681 Doctors Way, Fort the feet and kidney disease.

Myers The CDC also says it is esti∫ Nov. 16: HealthPark Medical Center mated that 96 million adults have prediabetes, 80% of whom do not know they have main atrium, at 9981 S. HealthPark Drive, Fort Myers it.

Guest Commentary

How do I know if I have diabetes?

Main types of diabetes

Many people do not notice any symptoms.

If you feel very thirsty, are urinating more often than usual, have blurry vision, feel tired and/or have sores that are slow to heal, please see your doctor and consider getting tested for diabetes.

Your physician may order one or more of the following tests to find out if you have diabetes: ∫ A1C blood test ∫ Fasting blood glucose ∫ Glucose tolerance test

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which leads to the pancreas making very little, if any, insulin.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops over a long period of time without being noticed. It is a chronic health condition that happens when the cells of the body are not responding to insulin like they should, and the pancreas will often make high levels of insulin to overcompensate. It’s important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs only in pregnancy and usually resolves after the birth of the baby.

Free informational events planned Lee Health will host free informational

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

The long-lasting lifestyle adjustments you make in the diabetes prevention program will help to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

How to manage diabetes If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, these are common conditions and there is plenty of support available. With proper management, you can lead a healthy lifestyle.

Lee Health’s certified diabetes care and education specialists offer three educational programs: Diabetes Prevention, Diabetes Self-Management, and Pregnancy and Diabetes. ∫ Diabetes Prevention: For people diagnosed with prediabetes ∫ Diabetes Self-Management: For people diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes ∫ Pregnancy and Diabetes: For women who have diabetes and become pregnant or are diagnosed with gestational diabetes Courses are offered in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. One-on-one appointments are also available. Diabetes education is a covered benefit for Medicare and most commercial insurances. Call 239-424-3127 to register for the program that fits your needs. To learn more, visit: https://www.leehealth.org /our-services/lee-health-solutions/diabetes-education-support or contact our office at 239-424-3127.

Laura Cross is a certified diabetes care and education specialist with Lee Health.

For more information, visit https://www.leehealth.org/.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among unhoused youths For many of us, November is the month of Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season. It is a time when people gather with family and friends to express gratitude and appreciation for the good things in their lives. Families celebrate Thanksgiving as one of the few days of the year they are blessed to have so many loved ones under the same roof. Those less fortunate may spend Thanksgiving in homeless shelters or the cold. A few may receive a traditional Thanksgiving lunch, but many others will go hungry.

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. The purpose is to raise awareness for unhoused children and families and to educate the public on ways to help end this occurrence. Estimates say 1.3 million children under 6 experience homelessness in the United States. Over one-half of

them experience depression and anxiety. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, approximately 550,000 unaccompanied youth and young adults up to age 24 experience a homelessness episode longer than a week. 43% of homeless youth are unsheltered. Many of them have experienced significant trauma before and after being unhoused.

Based on a 2022 study by the National Library of Medicine, suicide is the leading cause of death among unhoused youth. Other studies have shown that more than one-half of homeless youth

Scott Knight

Guest Commentary

have experienced suicidal ideation in their lifetime.

Another study from the National Health Care for the Homeless said that 40% of homeless teens struggle with depression, which is higher than their housed peers. Major depression is a significant risk factor for suicide. Homeless youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than students who live at home.

Youth.GOV suggests that providing timely and direct interventions to youth experiencing homelessness is important to protect them See UNHOUSED YOUTHS, page 18

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.

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 8, 2023 ■ Page 6 Fort Myers Beach Observer

BUSINESS

Report your news to FORTMyeRSBeACHTAlk.COM

NATHAN MAYBERG

Dixie Fish Co. names new GM STAFF REPORT HM Restaurant Group has promoted Blake Colbert to general manager of Dixie Fish Company, the award-winning restaurant on Fort Myers Beach known for fresh seafood and Florida-style southern cuisine.

The restaurant off Fishermans Wharf on Fort Myers Beach reopened in March, one of the earliest to reopen on the island.

As general manager, Colbert is responsible for overseeing all aspects of restaurant operations. He has 15 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Colbert was previously a manager at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel. HM Restaurant Group owns and operates Dixie Fish Company and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant is the oldest on Fort Myers Beach and has been recognized with numerous awards over the years.

An original Florida fish house, Dixie Fish Company’s origins date back to 1937 when it was primarily a fish market. Today, the waterfront restaurant serves delicious, fresh food in an ideal location for guests to enjoy the beach atmosphere, complete with live music and picturesque views.

Hyatt announces contract with new planning group

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt announced Monday that he entered into a new agreement with the Jacobs Project Management Company to provide the town its chief building official, building inspection and permitting services, and to aid the town’s planning review and community development office.

Hyatt entered into the $538,000 contract with the firm Oct. 27. The Town of Fort Myers Beach Council did not vote on the contract. Hyatt privately briefed council members on contract negotiations with the firm before signing the contract.

At a Town of Fort Myers Beach Council meeting Monday, Hyatt broadly spoke about the arrangement.

Hyatt had previously informed the town council of his See CONTRACT, page 17

PHOTO PROVIDED

Blake Colbert has been promoted to general manager at Dixie Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach.

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

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Beach Living

Report your news to FoRTMyeRSBeaChTalk.CoM

Christmas Boat Parade to return

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade is set to return, the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce announced. The parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. leaving from Salty Sam’s Marina at 2500 Main Street in Fort Myers Beach.

This will be the 35th anniversary of the annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade and the first since 2021. Last year’s boat parade was canceled due to Hurricane Ian. “Things are progressing very well,” Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said. “We have 10 boats signed up with more coming in each day.”

Parade participant vessels will assemble in front of the docks at Salty Sam’s Marina at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m, 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 Cafe, then heading 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.

“Folks are super excited for the evening and we know that it will bring with it a hefty dose of holiday spirit which we all need,” Liszak said.

The two lead Chamber boats will carry the Chamber’s Board of Directors, ambassadors and others including Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Music and MC services on

FILE PHOTO

This boat was one of the winners in the 2021 Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade, the last time the parade was held at Salty Sam’s Marina. The parade returns Dec. 2 after a one-year hiatus. the lead boat will be provided by local beach musician dents but one that gets us back on the track to normal and resident Barry Lawrence. Adventures in Paradise feels really good,” Liszak said.

To vote for the People’s Choice Award the night of will provide the lead boats.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce the parade, visit People’s Choice voting information, encourages visitors to come early and support the recov- www.fmbboatparade.com.

In a change this year, there will not be an awards party ering businesses on Fort Myers Beach by enjoying a late lunch or early dinner. For information on who is open, directly after the parade but it will follow the following visit: www.fortmyersbeach.org/whos-open-for-business. Wednesday on Dec. 6 at Parrot Key Carribean Grill at The best options for parade viewing are along the Salty Sam’s Marina. Parade participants will be in attenpedestrian walkway atop Matanzas Pass Bridge, at the dance to accept awards and the general public is welcome shoreline by Bayside Park at the base of Old San Carlos, to join them for a $5 donation. Complimentary h'dourves all bars, and restaurants long the back bay areas, aboard that evening and a cash bar. The party will take place private vessels in the bay area and from numerous homes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Liszak said the boat parade needs more boats to enter along the waterway. Attendees are asked to be respectful and kind to other parade viewers, take a moment to sup- the parade and encouraged those interested in participating to get their applications in. port our area businesses and enjoy the holiday season.

For more information, contact the Fort Myers Beach “We anticipate that the evening will be a huge boost to the businesses in the area. Being able to present an event Chamber at 239.454.7500 or visit www.fortmyersthat not only helps businesses, island workers and resi- beach.com.

Bay Oaks to host Fun Days The Bay Oaks Recreational Campus on Fort Myers Beach will host “fun days" this month for children from Nov. 20 through Nov. 22. Activities will include: ∫ Nov. 20: Lakesµ Park ∫ Nov. 21: Sun Splash ∫ Nov. 22: Lakes Park Pricing for Fun Day for residents is $20 per day and $30 per day for non-residents.

For more information, contact Bay Oaks at (239) 765–4222 or Fort Myers Beach Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Berzin at Nicole.Berzin@fmbgov.com .

Moss Marina Farmer’s Market opens The Fort Myers Beach Farmer’s Market at Moss Marina opened this past week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the latest addition to the town's farmer's markets. The market will be held every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the marina, located at 450 Harbor Court.

The market features most of the vendors who operate on Fridays at Times Square as well as some new ones including a new produce vendor, pizza ven-

dor, bakery, hats and an empenedas vendor.

“It went very well,” said Fort Myers Beach Farmer’s Market organizer Linda Miller. Miller, who organizes the farmer’s market at Times Square, said there is parking at Moss Marina for the market as well as docking for boats. Miller said the market could be expanded in the coming months.

The Times Square farmer’s market operates each Friday at the same times.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

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Keep Lee County Beautiful cleanup Rusk compared the cleanup to the television show “Survivor.”

Rusk unraveled plastic bags and fishing lines using his oar to pick off plastic rings. “Once you got the monofilament or garbage it gave a sense of winning,” he said PHOTOS PROVIDED

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Keep Lee County Beautiful and the Town of Fort Myers Beach partnered to clean up the shoreline, Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and the Fort Myers Beach Yacht Basin recently. Chris Rusk (pictured) was one of a number of participants who took to kayaks and boats to clear the water of debris.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

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NATHAN MAYBERG

Work has started on constructing a 298-feet long walkover behind the properties of 8150 and 8170 Estero Boulevard (pictured) to cross two state lagoons and wetlands on property adjacent to the state-owned Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area. The property owners of 8150 and 8170 Estero Boulevard, Ed Rood and Kurt Kroemer have continued litigation against the State of Florida challenging the state's ownership of the critical wildlife area. The case is currently in abeyance.

Walkover From page 1 Society sued the town in April over the town council’s approval of a special exception permit for the bridge, which it alleges is not allowed under in the town’s environmentally critical zone.

“The issue is over and pretty much old news now,” Rood said on Monday when asked for comment on the construction of the walkover. Rood and Kroemer had secured permits from the state to build across state lands, contingent on the walkover meeting the town’s code and the town council approving the bridge.

Rood and Kroemer sued the state of Florida over its ownership of the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area in

2020. The Florida Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund filed a motion of summary judgement to dismiss the case last year though it has languished in court. The case is currently in abeyance in state court and was extended on Monday for another 180 days. On Monday, Rood said “At this point we don’t feel that proving ownership is an ongoing issue since the State has agreed to lease the land to us and the Town approved our special exception for the Towns building permit.”

Fort Myers Beach resident Penny Jarrett, who has opposed the walkover and helps lead the annual local Christmas Bird

Count for the Florida Audubon Society, said the bridge will lead to “frequent, ongoing human disturbances to the foraging of threatened shorebird species including roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, great egrets, reddish egrets and the success of threatened snowy plover nesting and brooding of their chicks which last year occurred right at the bridge terminus on the beach along the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area.”

Fort Myers Beach and the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area are the only locations within the Florida peninsula where the four state-threatened bird species: snowy plovers, American oyster-

catchers, least terns and black skimmers, nest together.

Jarrett is concerned that the special exception permit approved by this town council could lead other beach property owners to seek special permits to disturb sensitive environmental lands.

“Without undisturbed areas on our beach where the resident and migratory shorebirds, including threatened piping plovers and red knots can rest, feed, and nest during season, the birds will either go elsewhere or become one of the growing list of extinct bird species, diminishing all of our lives for the present and future generations,” Jarrett said.

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

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PHOTO PROVIDED

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Lee County broke ground Thursday on a two-story addition to its existing Emergency Operations Center. The new $28.7 million facility will be renamed the Lee County Public Safety Center when it’s completed in about 19 months.

The County Commission approved a Appropriation Funds with support from equipment, numerous restrooms, showers and sleeping accommodations, an exten- contract with an architectural firm in June Lee County’s legislative delegation, offisive training facility, and additional 2019. BSSW Architects Inc. designed the cials said. amenities to contribute to the building’s expansion, and Manhattan Construction Source: Lee County Co. was selected through the bidding efficiency and operational requirements.

“This expansion was being planned process to provide construction services.

This project is funded through the well before Hurricane Ian made landfall in American Rescue Plan Act and State 2022,” the release states.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Lee County broke ground Thursday on a two-story addition to its existing Emergency Operations Center.

The new $28.7 million facility will be renamed the Lee County Public Safety Center when it’s completed in about 19 months.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners awarded the contract for the 36,873-square-foot expansion at 2675 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers, in September.

The new Lee County Public Safety Center will operate year around, housing various departments, activating for weather emergencies when needed.

“During blue-sky normal operations, the expanded building will house Public Safety Administration, Emergency Medical Services, and a new Emergency Communications Center, with space for Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Communications, Lee County Sheriff's Office Communications, and the Lee County Department of Transportation’s Traffic Operations Center. Lee County Emergency Management will remain in its existing location,” county officials stated in a release announcing the groundbreaking.

“When activated for an emergency such as a hurricane, the center will be staffed with key personnel from firstresponder agencies, emergency relief organizations, county departments, municipalities, utility companies and other essential agencies.”

To accommodate the numerous personnel during activation, the new facility will be equipped with technology and

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Lee County breaks ground for new Public Safety Center

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Garage saga ends with variance approval

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

What a difference three months make. Back in August, Rick Loughery went on the roof of his Estero Boulevard garage for more than five days to protest the opinions of town and state officials that he believed would have left him with no choice but to tear down his garage to rebuild it to meet the new floodplain codes after it survived Hurricane Ian. With their home demolished by Hurricane Ian, Mr. Loughery and Amy Loughery were faced with the prospect of seeing a garage they spent more than $100,000 to build, being needlessly destroyed. Mr. Loughery believed he was facing a bureaucracy following new floodplain maps to deprive him of the right to keep his property.

On Monday, the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council unanimously approved a variance for the garage, which will allow them to build their new home and keep their garage.

“We broke ground today on our new home,” Ms. Loughery said.

An administrative decision by town and state officials that concluded the garage was laterally attached to their home despite the fact that the garage survived Hurricane Ian intact and the home was destroyed almost cost them their garage.

Town and state officials had originally concluded that since the structure was considered connected to the destroyed home, more than 50% of the value was damaged and had to be built to new FEMA codes with a higher foundation, a second floor and breakaway walls.

After a meeting between town officials, the Florida Department of Emergency Management's Office of Floodplain Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in August, the Town received an email from the state floodplain manager which revised the initial assessment and provided the town with alternative option without negatively impacting the town's national flood insurance program rating.

“We would like to thank the Local Planning Agency and council for their support and approval,” Ms. Loughery said.

FILE PHOTO

Amy Loughery stands in the garage that will be saved following the approval by the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council for a variance.

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Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

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LeeWay to introduce new billing system for motorists STAFF REPORT Motorists with unpaid Lee County tolls from Oct. 1, 2019, to present will be rebilled beginning this month as LeeWay transitions to a new invoice system, Lee County spokesperson Timothy Engstrom announced. This includes crossings on the Cape Coral Bridge, the Midpoint Memorial Bridge and the Sanibel Causeway.

The Lee Pay-by-Plate website, leetollbyplate.com,

will be unavailable beginning noon, Thursday, Nov. 9, until the new system is operational on Monday, Nov. 13.

All existing unpaid tolls will be assigned a new reference number in the new invoice system. Payment instructions will be included in the mailed invoices, or motorists can call the LeeWay Service Center at 239-533-9297 to obtain the new reference number.

LeeWay will introduce a “Quick Pay” feature to its

website, www.leegov.com/tolls, that will allow users to check for unpaid tolls by entering their license plate number.

Unpaid tolls after 60 days may result in a registration stop that does not allow motorists to renew their auto registration.

Motorists who use an active toll transponder prepaid account will not be affected by the invoice changes.

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said the representatives he spoke with “are committed to helping Fort Myers Beach rebuild. We will continue to meet with and have an open dialogue with them as we move forward with this year’s session.”

Allers briefly referenced the priorities in a short statement at the state legislative delegation meeting this past week in Fort Myers in which he thanked the state legislators for their assistance. Municipal leaders and nonprofit representatives were limited to 90 seconds of speaking time by the state legislators to discuss priorities they would like the delegation to meet on.

canal depths have become shallow and made navigation difficult. The estimated cost of a canal dredging would be about $46 million.

While the town has received $8 million from the state for beach renourishment, more help for the town’s beaches is needed, according to the town’s legislative priorities handout. The town cited the loss of sand from the emergency berm after Hurricane Idalia and say the loss of beach to both hurricanes has caused periodic washouts, the loss of vegetation and an estimated two to three feet of elevation.

additions to the town’s staff, referring to it as “adding significant resources to the permitting process.” Hyatt said the town will also continue to work with its existing outside contractors, which are Axis Companies.

Atterholt expects there to be a shift from Axis Companies to Jacobs Project Management Company in the future.

Atterholt said “I know we extended the contract with the entity on the east coast for continuity purposes as we transition but once that phases out though given the services they provide that are going to be replaced by the Jacobs Group it sounds like there is still going to be, aside from that, additional resources coming to the town on the permitting front.”

The town’s staff has undergone significant revisions over the past year since the firing of former Town Manager Roger Hernstadt and more recently under Hyatt.

Questions posed about the contract to

Hyatt by the Fort Myers Beach Observer, including how the firm was chosen and more details regarding their duties, were referred to Town of Fort Myers Beach Communications Director Jennifer Dexter.

Dexter had not responded to the queries as of press time.

According to a copy of the partially executed contract, the firm will also build the town on a monthly basis for additional time and materials though it wasn’t clear what services the town would be billed for.

The town has been contracting with Axis Companies for years, employing consultants Jason Green and Sarah Propst as planners who are hired as contractors for planning and permit review processes. The company also provides other resources to the town in addition to the town’s The town’s own planning and building department.

Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers has identified the town’s permitting process as a

top priority.

The town recently overhauled its planning department moving Steve Poposki from the head of community services to the town’s engineer. Poposki earns a salary of $132,839.

The town made Frank Kropacek, director of operations and compliance, as the interim head of the department which was renamed community development at a salary of $121,000 for all of his duties. Kropacek was hired earlier this year as a contracts manager.

The town council also spoke Monday about restarting meetings between town staff and contractors which had started informally earlier this year and stopped due to concerns about open meeting laws. The meetings were held privately and without notice to the public.

Contract From page 6 plans to reshape the planning and permitting department.

Hyatt said the firm will bring two inspectors for building inspections and the first inspector did 27 building inspections on his first day.

“We will have in-house plan reviewers,” Hyatt said. “I think it’s been a seamless transition that nobody has noticed.”

Hyatt also said “We will be bringing in a building official.” There will also be three permit technicians, he said. “They will have a town logo on their shirts so nobody knows if they are a contractor or not.” The town currently has four permit technicians.

Hyatt said the company’s staff will be based out of Bonita Springs. After Hurricane Ian, the state was also providing assistance to staff handling permit reviews though that relationship ended in March.

Town of Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt asked Hyatt about the new

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

The town’s $12.5 million request for a new town hall is about half the amount of its request to state legislators earlier this year. The town is working on a plan to construct a new temporary town hall trailer to replace its current trailers at the former Topps lot for a period of three to four years. The state began passing on the costs of those trailers to the town in July, with monthly bills of approximately $41,00.

The town estimated the total cost of repairing its stormwater systems to be $42 million.

Hurricane Ian pushed so much sand into the town’s canals that officials say

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Seven state legislators whose districts cover Lee County were in attendance at the meeting.

Messages left with Rep. Adam Botana (R-80) and Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-33), who represent Fort Myers Beach in the state legislature, were not returned as of press time.

Town officials estimate that the town’s revenues have dropped by 42% including $1.8 million in lost property tax receipts due to a loss of approximately $2.7 billion in assessed property value since Hurricane Ian and a $1.6 million loss in parking ticket revenue.

Page 17 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Town From page 1

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 8, 2023 ■ Page 18 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak meets President Joe Biden in his visit following Hurricane Ian. FILE PHOTO/ ASSOCIATED PRESS

Reimbursement From page 1 Assistance program, according to Town of Fort Myers Beach spokesperson Jennifer Dexter.

For the Town of Fort Myers Beach, the State of Florida will pick up 5 percent of the remaining 10 percent cost-share. The Town is responsible for the remaining 5 percent.

Projects that are completed and awaiting reimbursement include debris removal, emergency berm construction, and Laguna Pass dredging, Dexter said.

Projects that are pending in various stages include beach access repairs, street signs, Bay Oaks Recreational Center, and the community pool.

The Town’s cost-share at the former 75 percent rate was approximately $4.7 million. The Town’s 5 percent cost-share

at the 90 percent reimbursement rate is approximately $2.5 million, according to figures provided by Dexter.

FEMA provided $1.13 billion in grants to more than 386,000 households in 26 counties in Florida.

U.S. Small Business The Administration approved $1.94 billion in disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program paid $4.38 billion for more than 47,300 claims filed.

FEMA has obligated more than $1.8 billion to reimburse state and local applicants for emergency response, debris removal and repair or replacement of public facilities.

Unhoused youths From page 4 from suicidal ideation and other risks from living on the streets. Also important is providing these young people access to mental health care. Suicide rates are higher among young people with mental health disorders. In fact, many have never been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through educational awareness programs that equip us with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.

If you have friends or loved ones who are homeless, it is necessary to know the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation.

Knowing this information could be crucial in saving that young person’s life.

For more information, please visit www.jasonfoundation.com.

— Scott Knight is the education specialist with The Jason Foundation

Obituaries

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WHere to go

WHat to do

WHo to See Week of november 8, 2023

visit us online fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Art association to hold garage sale —Page 21

Bayside Park Concert Series to kick off Nov. 12

F

ort Myers Beach is kicking off the fall and winter seasons with the announcement of the Bayside Park Concert Series at Bayside Park.

The first-ever concert series to be held at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach is presented by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Title Sponsors are Wahoo Willie’s and Snug Harbor Restaurant and the Stage Sponsor for the Nov. 12 show is Beach Talk Radio. The Stage Sponsor for the Nov. 19, 26, Dec. 3 and 10 shows will be Moss Marina.

Each week the concert series will feature a different

local band, giving the community a chance to sit back, relax and end their weekend with a beautiful sunset concert on the back bay. Kicking off the series on Nov. 12 will be The Echo . The Nov. 19 show will showcase the band Guilty Pleasure, followed by King’s Chambers on Nov. 26 and, Riverside on Dec. 3, and Jacob’s Ladder on Dec. 10. Check the Bayside Park Concert Series website at https://fortmyersbeachfl.gov/CivicAlerts for additional performances as the series will continue into 2024 with more bands announced each week.

Concerts will begin each Sunday at 4 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. Lawn chairs and well-behaved pets on a 6

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

foot or less leash are encouraged. Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Events are weather permitting and are free.

Attendees are encouraged to come early and support the recovering businesses on Fort Myers Beach by spending the night for a quick staycation, doing a bit of shopping, or enjoying lunch or dinner. For information on who is open for business, visit FMB Who is OPEN for Business. Plenty of parking is available in the area around the base of the Matanzas Pass Bridge.

For more information, please contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber at 239-454-7500 or visit Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Shoreline Spotlight . . . . . .24

What’s Happening . . . . . . .22

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 8, 2023 ■ Page 20

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Lee County Community Band will begin its 138th season, Sunday, Nov. 12, with a tribute to veterans.

Lee County Community Band to hold tribute to veterans

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is hosting the annual Bromeliad Show and Sale in partnership with the Caloosahatchee Bromeliad Society, Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to view the plants in the show and growers will have hundreds of bromeliads available for sale.

Society judges from around the state will evaluate member's plant entries and winners will be awarded with ribbons. A large tent under the oak trees will provide shade during the event.

Parking and admission to the Bromeliad Show and Sale is free (does not include tours or admission to the museum, lab or riverside of the property). The Garden Shoppe will also be open and is stocked with a variety of plants and trees. A limited number of garden carts will be available; guests are encouraged to bring their own.

Refreshments will be available for purchase at the Banyan Café. Visit the event calendar on EdisonFord.org for other upcoming events.

Like the Fort Myers Beach Observer & Beach Bulletin? Read us daily at Fortmyersbeachtalk.com!

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Bromeliad Show and Sale to be held at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Fort Myers Beach Art Association will be holding a garage sale, including these miniature art pieces on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Congregational Church in Fort Myers.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

The Lee County Community Band will begin its 138th season, Sunday, Nov. 12, with a tribute to veterans.

In keeping with tradition for the season's first concert, Director Gil Peltola has selected a program featuring spirited and patriotic American music by American composers and a salute to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Selections include Washington Post, The Armed Forces Salute, The Entertainer, Vaudeville Spectacular and Patriotic Sing-a-Long.

The band will perform six concerts between November and April. The programs are free of charge (donations welcome), and open to the public; all will take place in the Mariner High School auditorium, 701 Chiquita Boulevard North, Cape Coral, beginning at 3 p.m. Additional concert dates are Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 10, and April 7.

An institution in Southwest Florida, the band enjoys a large loyal and enthusiastic audience. Programs typically include a mix of spirited marches, Broadway hits, old favorites, patriotic songs, seasonal pieces, and sing-a-longs with Jan Fenn and emcee and vocalist Fred Lamb.

The 50-member adult band rehearses Thursday evenings at St. Michael Lutheran School, Fort Myers.

Members are musicians from all walks of life – professional and semi-professional musicians, amateurs, and folks renewing skills from years past – who reside in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. The band welcomes new members every year. If you are interested in joining, please phone 239-600-9052.

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org.

The Fort Myers Beach Art Association, which has been without a permanent home since Hurricane Ian, will hold a garage sale on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Congregational Church in Fort Myers.

The garage sale will feature miniature are pieces by association members, as well as baked goods and art supplies.

The garage sale will open at 9 a.m. to association members and will open to the public at 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. at the church located at 8210 College Parkway.

The Fort Myers Beach Art Association’s fall juried art show “Rush of Color” continues through Nov. 19 at the First Presbyterian Church on 9751 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs.

The show will run Monday through Friday and is available for viewing from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The association has been raising funds to rebuild its art gallery on Donora Boulevard. The gallery was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. For more information on the association and its upcoming events, visit www.fortmyersbeachart.com.

Page 21 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Art association to hold garage sale

PHOTO PROVIDED

Valerie's House, which provides counseling services for children grieving the loss of family members, will hold an open house at its Fowler St. location in Fort Myers Nov. 16.

Valerie’s House to hold open house Valerie’s House, a nonprofit organization helping children grieve the loss of a loved one, is participating in National Children’s Grief Awareness Month in November with numerous activities to give grieving children a voice including am open house scheduled for Nov. 16.

“Valerie’s House is joining other members of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief to acknowledge and support children who are grieving and their families,” said Valerie’s House Founder and CEO Angela Melvin Churchill. “We must stand with them and support them now more than ever.”

Valerie’s House has several events planned during the month: ∫ Valerie’s House in Fort Myers will host an open house so the public including families, school professionals, and other community members can tour the house and learn more about its grief support services Thursday, Nov. 16, which is National Children’s Grief Awareness Day. Professionals who work with children are encouraged to wear blue and drop by Valerie’s House at 1762 Fowler St. in downtown Fort Myers from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Kathy@valerieshouse.org ∫ Valerie’s House will produce a podcast with the

Lee County school system about how to support students who are grieving the loss of a loved one. ∫ Throughout National Children’s Grief Awareness Month, Valerie’s House will share personal stories from families during videos, interviews and other profiles posted on social media and on their website. They also are encouraging residents to share their own stories of loss on social media and how they have survived the trauma. ∫ Among the initiatives of Valerie’s House and the National Alliance for Children’s Grief is “flip the script” on grief by addressing common challenges people face when supporting those who are grieving. Various scripts are provided to replace potentially hurtful language with more comforting and constructive responses.

For example: Instead of “I’m sorry for your loss,” flip the script and say “Thank you for telling me what happened. I know there are no words to make it better. Just know I’m here and want to support you.”

Instead of “you need to be strong,” flip the script and say “Do you want to talk? Do you want to tell me about your (person who died)?”

See OPEN HOUSE, page 24

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, November 8, 2023 ■ Page 22 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

what’s happening Fair at Fenway South returning to JetBlue Park

GoldenFest XIII set for Nov. 12 at the Shell Factory

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 features 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.

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.

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.

Fort Myers Brewing to host Thanksgiving Eve Bash Nov. 22 Fort Myers Brewing Company is kicking off Thanksgiving weekend with its popular Thanksgiving Eve Bash, featuring specialty beer releases, food trucks and live music with extended hours from noon to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

On tap for Thanksgiving Eve Bash are several of Fort Myers Brewing’s popular seasonal brews, including Keg Nog, an eggnog-inspired Imperial Stout; 2 Star’s Wish, a traditional Christmas ale spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, orange and vanilla; Pumpkin Porter, a porter with a touch of allspice, nutmeg and clove; and Cranberry Shandy, a slightly tart cranberry wheat beer blended with lemonade.

The event includes a food truck rally spotlighting Don’t Give Up, Soky’s Kitchen, Vesuvius Wood-Fired Pizza and Wicked Streatery.

Guests can enjoy live and DJ’d music throughout the day with performances from DJ Memphis from 4 to 7 p.m. and Rock Republic from 7 to 10 p.m.

Fort Myers Brewing Company is at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit FMBrew.com or call 239-313-6576. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seats tend to fill up quickly.

The brewery is closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Holiday Wreath Auction at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Alliance for the Arts presents Clown Bar

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is partnering with the Fort Myers Woman's Community Club for its annual wreath auction, which will be held on Nov. 30, from 6-9 p.m. Dozens of handmade holiday wreaths will be auctioned, with the proceeds benefitting restoration and preservation efforts at the Estates. The event is sponsored

by Riverview Wealth Partners of Raymond James.

The auction will take place in the Estates' river pavilion, along the Caloosahatchee. Guests will be able to stroll the decorated grounds and enjoy the animated lights and decorations during Holiday Nights, and appetizers and a cash bar will be available.

Tickets for the wreath auction are $20 per person and include Holiday Nights admission and appetizers.

Advance, online registration is required by Nov. 22 at EdisonFord.org.

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

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,

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.

Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings

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

Recently 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 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 8, 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

Beautiful torti kittens ready for homes

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

Peaches and Amber are female siblings who just turned 4 months old. They are very sweet and active kittens and love to chase and play. They can be seen by appointment by calling 239-851-3485. Both are fully vetted and would be a great pair adopted together but can be separated if home has another cat or kitten to play with as kittens do best with a playmate. They teach each other things such as biting hurts and then they won’t bite humans.

If anyone has any cat trees they would like to donate, please let us know as we need two good sized ones for our kitten room. The 12 we had before Ian all went out with the flood waters along with all our carriers and other cat and kitten sup-

plies. We can always pick up items if they cant be delivered. As always... need dry and wet food as well as litter.

We now have a web site and will be posting that info

soon on our Facebook page and in next week’s Bulletin.

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 8, 2023 ■ Page 24 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Good year on the Beach for snowy plover nesting Months after Ian’s landfall, most of the debris had been cleaned from the beaches but they remained deserted. Open lots, empty buildings and limited amenities were a daily reminder of the storm and in part, responsible for the lack of visitors. The normal crowds had vanished.

One group of native Floridians took advantage of this situation... the endangered snowy plover.

Dave Nusbaum This species of shorebirds is among the rarest in Florida with only 200 breeding pairs throughout the state. Estero Island is one of the larger concentrations of snowy plover.

These particular birds are among the smallest of our native shorebirds. Slightly larger than a sparrow on “pipe cleaner” type legs, they skitter along the wave line always on the lookout for their next morsel. They sometimes run with larger terns or sandpipers but usually are singular.

The adults are pale sandy brown on top and white underneath which provides a perfect camouflage against hawks and owls, their main predators. Another identifier is the black spot behind the eye, and black partial collar across the breast. Non-breeding adults do not have the black eye patch. All have a black needle nose bill designed to pluck dinner from the sand.

Snowy plover shorebirds prefer open, flat beaches for nesting. The breeding pair form a “scrape” or depression in the sand, sometimes lining it with bits of shell, and lay one to three eggs. Crows and ghost crabs are the main predator of the eggs forcing both parents to actively guard the nest.

Within three to four weeks the eggs hatch and the chicks immediately begin foraging for crustaceans and insects. Sometimes, the female will leave looking for another mate, leaving the male to raise the chicks. After four weeks, the fledglings leave the nest and are able to fly.

This year, with the lack of traffic on the Fort Myers Beach, the 6000 block of our island experienced an

Monthly Murphy Award The Marine & Environmental Resources Task Force (MERTF, pronounced murph) is an advisory board for the Town Council of Fort Myers Beach. The board meets at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at The Mound House.

MERTF awards “Murphy” awards to people who are seen demonstrating good environmental stewardship. This month the groups recognizes Lisa DePalma, a long time resident, who silently saves distressed creatures one at a time. As a volunteer for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Lisa performs most of the pickup and transportation of injured wildlife on Fort Myers Beach. Lisa has had back-to-back saves recently including the cormorant on our beach pictured with Lisa below, as well as a late Sunday night retrieval of a snow egret found in a neighborhood yard with a broken wing. She is always on call and has been pecked, bitten and scratched on a regular basis and we thank her for it.

Shoreline Spotlight

PHOTO PROVIDED

unprecedented record of snowy plover hatchings. FWC reported a total of six new nests on these beaches which fledged eight chicks.

Per Becky Schneider, Southwest Regional Biologist for FWC, “These birds have surprised us this year with their tenacity and repeated attempts at nesting, which is not typical for this species at Fort Myers Beach in the past.”

In retrospect, these small birds are typical of all island residents. They are limited in numbers but determined to

survive and prosper. The word “resilient” comes to mind.

There is no guarantee the snowy plover will return next year in these same numbers. With increasing crowds, they may find a new nesting home. Yet, for a brief period, they brought new life to our devastated beaches and provided us a shining example of their tenacity to recover and rebuild. We can find some joy and all learn a little from the tiny plover.

Dave Nusbaum is

Soul singer and guitarist Dave Keller to ignite the stage at Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center 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 239-495-8989.

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

If you know of a family who is in need of grief support, please go to the Valerie’s House website www.valerieshouse.org to find out more and enroll a family for help.

counties as well as the Florida panhandle.

The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member.

Valerie’s House has three locations in Southwest Florida: 233 East McKenzie St. in Punta Gorda, 1762 Fowler St. in downtown Fort Myers, and 819 Myrtle Terrace in Naples.

Open house From page 21 “We are asking everyone to join with us in helping. Reach out to anyone you know who is grieving and tell them about Valerie’s House. Let them know we are here for them and that they are not alone.

Give them a voice, let them know you hear them,” Churchill said.

Valerie’s House was founded in Fort Myers in 2016 by Churchill, whose mother Valerie was killed in a car accident in Fort Myers in 1987. Since then, the

organization has grown to help more than 3,000 children and expanded into three additional locations in Naples, Punta Gorda, and Pensacola.

One in nine children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 25, according to the 2022 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.

Valerie’s House is fully supported by community donations.

About Valerie’s House Valerie’s House opened in January 2016 and has served more than 3,000 children and their families from Charlotte, Sarasota, Glades, Lee, Hendry and Collier

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

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Observer 11/8/23

Observer 11/8/23