Fort Myers Beach Observer/The Beach Bulletin

WEEK OF DECEMBER 6, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 49

Observer 12/06/23

WEEK OF DECEMBER 6, 2023

VOLUME 39, NUMBER 49

State delegation moves mosquito district merger

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The Lee County Delegation of State Legislators voted Thursday to approve proposed legislation to merge the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District with the Lee County Mosquito Control District over the objections of members of the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Board, Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners, as

well as a letter of opposition from the Fort Myers Beach Council.

The legislation has been pushed by Rep. Adam Botana, R-80, of Bonita Springs. Botana’s district includes Fort Myers Beach.

Opponents of the legislation say it will double the millage rate for Fort Myers Beach taxpayers for mosquito control. The bill still requires further votes in legislative committees and both

houses of the legislature, approval from the governor, a feasibility study and a referendum by Lee County voters.

The state delegation voted unanimously 5-0 to approve the bill merging the district with the Lee County Mosquito Control District during a meeting at Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers.

State law requires a feasibility study about the impacts of the merger in an

involuntary merger. On Thursday, Botana said that requirement had been met by the annual state audit before saying he would check on the matter again.

The Fort Myers Beach Council had voted to oppose the merger and asked Mayor Dan Allers to appear in front of the state delegation to voice opposition at the delegation’s last meeting in October. While Allers briefly made refSee MERGER, page 12

NATHAN MAYBERG

Margaritaville will hold a “soft opening” and ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday on Fort Myers Beach with some of its venues opening for business. The hotel is expected to open fully Dec. 11.

Margaritaville moves up opening

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

HEART OF THE ISLAND Beach Elementary School reopens

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

The theme of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School this year is “there is no place like home,” the famous line from the classic MGM film “The Wizard of Oz.” On Tuesday, 42 Fort Myers Beach Elementary School opened its doors for classes for the first time since Hurricane Ian. Students returned home as the school reopened its doors.

The students walked from the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus into a newly renovated building that had seen 12-15 feet of water in Hurricane Ian a year ago.

Students Aria Cox, Olivia Hicks and Mavric Primm helped raise the American and Florida flag with school resource officer Colleen Lalor.

"It's a symbol of the heart of the community," Principal Traci Kohler said. "It's a surreal moment." Kohler called the school's reopening a "milestone in the recovery process."

Third grade teacher Joy Rockwell, who has spent 29 years teaching at the school, lost her desk, filing cabinet and 41 years of classroom instruction materials in Hurricane Ian. On See BEACH ELEMENTARY, page 17

Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach will be holding a soft opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony this Thursday, a little earlier than expected.

After initially announcing the resort would open Dec. 21, resort officials announced that a limited opening will begin Thursday with rooms sold out before the hotel opens fully Dec. 11. All 254 rooms are expected to be available beginning Dec. 11.

Dee Ann Osborne, senior vice president of Marketing for TPI Hospitality, said the beachside bar La De Dah will open at 1 p.m. on Thursday “to accommodate the public interest in tandem with our ribbon cutting.”

Osborne said the ribbon-cutting ceremony is not being promoted as a public event though the bar will be open to the public.

“We are not promoting the event to the public, primarily to avoid significant traffic congestion, parking challenges, and capacity on the terrace,” Osborne said.

See OPENING, page 18

Beach Living............................................8 insidetoday Opinions.......................................4 Business............................................6 Beach Bulletin..................................21-28

Classifieds.............29

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OPINIONS

Are you prepared for upcoming 2024 elections?

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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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Web Poll Previous Web Poll Results Does Fort Myers Beach need tolls on its bridges? ∫ Yes, 48% ∫ No, 52% ∫ Not sure, 0%

Current Web Poll Question Do you support the proposal to develop three hotels at Moss Marina? ∫ Yes. ∫ No. ∫ Unsure.

Share your opinion at fortmyersbeachtalk.com

As we near the end of your status and update your 2023, it's a great time to start address, name, signature and thinking about our plans for party affiliation at the new year. Have you www.lee.vote. Having your thought about how you'll most current signature on file vote in the upcoming 2024 with the office is vital if you elections? vote by mail.

The Presidential You have the right to decide Preference Primary (PPP) which method of voting is best will take place on March 19, for you, whether it's Vote-bywhich is just four months Mail, Early Voting or voting at away. While the elections the polls on Election Day. Each office is putting in great one requires responsibility on effort to make the voting your part as an engaged voter. process smooth and efficient, I encourage you to request Tommy Doyle it's your responsibility to your Vote-by-Mail ballot now. ensure your voice is heard by Not only is this the most conbeing election-ready. venient way to vote, but it can To make sure you receive also be your backup plan is you accurate election materials, cannot vote in person. it's important to have your Early voting is also a great voter information up-to-date. You can check option as it provides more flexibility. Unlike

Guest Commentary

Election Day, you are not restricted to voting at your designated precinct. Instead, you can choose to vote at any of the 12 Early Voting locations, which will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Did you know that Florida is a closed primary state? To be eligible to vote for a partisan candidate in the March 19 PPP and the Aug. 20 Primary Election, you must be registered with one of Florida's two major political parties: Democrat or Republican. You can change your party affiliation with our office up to 29 days before an election.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your vote matters, and I'm here to help make sure you're prepared for the 2024 elections.

Tommy Doyle is the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. For more information, visit https://www.lee.vote/ or call 239533-8683.

How to help cancer patients struggling with mental health

By KATHY TOLENTINO The impact of cancer is undeniably stressful, and patients can experience a wide range of emotions, from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship.

Most feelings that cancer patients experience during this difficult time are normal, and to be expected. However, these feelings can potentially affect your loved one’s ability to cope and stay on track with treatment. It is estimated that one out of three cancer patients in hospitals has a common mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.

Guest Commentary Yet research also suggests a connection between good mental health and cancer survival.

A study of more than 50,000 veterans treated for lung cancer at federal VA hospitals found that those who received professional mental health support lived longer than those who did not.

Experts can’t definitely say why this correlation exists. One possibility: cancer patients struggling with their mental health

may be less likely to stick to treatment plans and get preventive screenings, and more likely to miss treatment appointments.

Tips for caregivers The physical and emotional toll of cancer is unquestionably nerve-wracking. Cancer patients are dealing with the stress of their diagnosis, the changes in lifestyle and within their bodies, trying to keep up with their See CANCER PATIENTS, page 19

Letter to the Editor Hate drives Hamas To the editor: The war in Palestine is a very unfortunate event. We watch the war and have a hard time understanding what is happening and grieve for the pain caused on soldiers and the citizens of which many are innocents.

Israel was faced with a hard choice.

Either allow a neighbor to plan and execute an attack on Israeli citizens and survive with just a slap on the wrist or take action to prevent future occurrences which, as we learned with 9/11 becomes more egregious each time. The pain for Hamas has to be too much for them to ever commit such a dastardly crime against Israeli citizens again.

I shake my head when I see terrorists like Hamas focus on revenge instead of education for their children, health for their citizens, jobs and so many other things that a democracy needs to do. Instead it appears that they use the money they receive from taxes and fellow terrorists states like Iran to breed hate, buy weapons and build tunnels for a refuge

from those who want to retaliate for Hamas crimes. Such a waste of money and lives, especially the forfeiting of their children’s future!

Hamas does not care about their people. If they did they would provide education and maturity for their children. Instead they buy weapons, build weapon storage, training centers, and much of their facilities in tunnels located in residential areas and even near or under hospitals so that the enemy can be blamed for collateral damage. If Israel lets Hamas live in their created protection and just attack a few roaming Hamas members, then Hamas is free to make another raid on innocents in Israel at a later time.

Israel was very smart in warning the Palestinian citizens of their intent and charging them with fleeing the Hamas strongholds because now it was not Israel that is causing the collateral damage but Hamas. The Palestinian citizens have to make a choice to be collateral damage or escape to a safer area.

Recent news articles focused the battle inside a Palestinian hospital. Hamas was shooting at Israeli troops from the hospital so Israel went into the hospital and killed 29 Hamas killers.

It is not a surprise that Hamas balked at the release Israeli innocents to obtain a cease fire. They preferred to keep their revenge alive than save their own citizens. This is such a great example of what hate will do.

If my neighbor committed such a heinous crime against my children and wife I would do the same thing that Israel did. It is the only safe thing to do.

I am not optimistic about this war ending soon. Too many fellow terrorists, too many Arabs leaders who cultivate the Palestinian issue to gain acceptance as some in America cultivate the race issue to get votes and way too much hate.

John Benedict Cape Cora

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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BUSINESS

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Publix delivers food to Beach Baptist Church STAFF REPORT Representatives of Publix recently visited Beach Baptist Church in Fort Myers Beach to deliver needed food items to the food pantry as part of the ongoing Publix perishable recovery program.

To help limit food waste and provide nourishing meals for neighbors in need, this program engages Publix associates in hunger alleviation efforts by having them gather perishable foods that are no longer salable and donate them to Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofit organizations.

The products donated from the dairy, deli, meat and produce departments help food banks, Publix said in a statement.

Since the program’s launch in 2011 through June 2022, Publix has donated more than 600 million meals to food banks through this initiative. By establishing this program, Publix is working every day to do good NATHAN MAYBERG together and serve our local communities and Representatives of Publix recently visited Beach Baptist Church in area food banks.

Fort Myers Beach to deliver needed food items to the food pantry.

Goltz named to lead Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced Robert Goltz as the organization’s new president and CEO. In this role, Goltz will direct all business, programs, projects and events of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation to promote the growth of businesses and the community.

“I am thrilled to take on the important role of president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce,” said Robert Goltz. “Having served as an executive for several chambers since 1999, I am proud of my track record in facilitating growth and increasing financial stability for the organizations I’ve led. I look forward to engraining myself in the community and collaborating with the board of directors, volunteers and members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce in empowering businesses, professionals and the community as a whole."

Over the past 25 years, Goltz held various positions within chambers in Michigan, New Jersey and Florida.

Most recently, Goltz served as the executive vice president of the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce and president/CEO of the Miramar, Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2018, he received the Executive of the Year Award from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.

“Robert came highly recommended by respected peers across the Chamber of Commerce industry, and his extensive background in chamber leadership is incredibly impressive,” said Jay Johnson, chair of the board of directors for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. “We know his expertise will be vital in continuing the momentum of our chamber as we strive to deliver significant value to our members.”

Johnson will continue to serve as the Chamber’s interim president and CEO until Goltz’s official start date of Dec. 18.

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THE OBSERVER: Do you have an interesting feature story worthy of print or know of someone who has accomplished something that needs to be noted in a local paper? Send an email to: nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com and plug your angle.

Business Briefs RSW issues report on October passenger totals During October, 737,527 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a significant increase of 70% when compared to the post-Hurricane Ian passenger decreases in October 2022. It is also the second-best October reported in the 41-year history of the airport.

Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 7.4%.

The traffic leader in October was Delta with 161,839 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (132,164), United (114,363), American (114,323) and JetBlue (67,959).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 6,556 aircraft operations, an increase of 31 percent compared to October 2022. Page Field saw 16,831 operations, which was a 68 percent increase compared to October 2022.

Southwest Florida International Airport served a record-breaking 10.3 million passengers in 2022 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

Fort Myers Brewing’s annual Winterfest scheduled for Dec. 14-17 Fort Myers Brewing Company has announced the dates for its annual winter celebration, Winterfest, to take place Thursday, Dec. 14, through Sunday, Dec. 17.

The event will feature four days of beer releases, food trucks, live music, a holiday night market featuring local handcrafted items, and a festive “Movie in the Parking Lot” screening of "The Grinch."

Fort Myers Brewing will have its popular Keg Nog on tap, a holiday-inspired imperial stout, along with other festive drinks to be announced. There will also be plenty of free photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch for attendees and their furry friends.

The event will have local food truck favorites Wicked Streatery, King’s Tacos & Burritos, Don’t Give Up and more. There will be live music from Hat Trick, Briz & Lady, Brian Markley, Jeff Lyons and others throughout the weekend.

Taproom hours will vary each day of the event. The full event schedule and beer lineup will be announced

in the coming weeks.

Winterfest will be held at Fort Myers Brewing Company, located 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.

Fort Myers Brewing will also host a variety of other holiday happenings throughout the month of December, including photos with Santa and Christmas ornament painting for kids and adults. For more details and the brewery’s latest schedule, visit FMBrew.com.

Achieva Credit Union partners with The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program to help children in need Achieva Credit Union has partnered with The Salvation Army for its annual Angel Tree donation drive to provide a meaningful and impactful way to support local families in need. This program will take place through Dec. 8, and will provide many children with gifts this holiday season.

The Achieva Credit Union leadership team invites everyone in the community to participate in creating unforgettable holiday memories for families in need by following these easy steps: 1. Visit an Achieva Credit Union branch and find the designated Angel Tree display.

2. Select an Angel Tree tag. Each tag will list the first name, age, and gender of participating children in need along with their wish list.

3. Purchase the gift(s) listed. Note: Sometimes it’s as simple as new socks!

4. Return the gift(s), with the Angel Tree tag, to the same Achieva branch by Dec. 8, 2023.

When the donation drive ends, The Salvation Army will collect all donations from the Achieva Credit Union branches and distribute the gifts before Dec. 25. Families in need hoping to benefit from the Angel Tree program can apply online at https://saangeltree.org.

Achieva Credit Union branches in Charlotte, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties will participate in this give-back program. For more information, visit www.achievacu.com See BUSINESS BRIEFS, page 7

Salty Papa’s Shrimp House and Sunset Builders & Maintenance are asking for the community’s participation in their first annual Holiday Drive to benefit the RYAN Healing Center.

The RYAN Healing Center is seeking the following unwrapped donations: Infant supplies, remote control toys, arts and crafts, sports balls, Lego sets, modeling clay, masks and costumes, puzzles, activity books, colored pencils, crayons, markers, toy cars, games, books, building toys, silverware sets, dish sets, pan sets, plastic drinking glasses, small coffee pots, holiday wrapping paper, induction burners, pot holders, king size bed sheets, full size bed sheets, bath towels, wash cloths,

hand towels, door mats, Brita water filters, bath rugs and Walmart gift cards.

Donations can be dropped off at Salty Papa’s Shrimp House at 15271 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, daily between 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Items will be accepted through Dec. 15.

Sunset Builders & Maintenance, located in Southwest Florida, is a veteran-owned, family-owned and operated, licensed and insured general contractor. Sunset Builders & Maintenance has specialized in complete home remodeling and renovations since 2010, as well as kitchen and bathroom remodeling, impact window and door installations, stair and deck replacements, home watch and prop-

erty management, and maintenance and repairs.

Salty Papa's Shrimp House is a family-run southernstyle seafood restaurant. The restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced fish in a casual setting.

RYAN Healing Center is a nonprofit organization offering a supportive living environment for anyone in bondage to any life limiting addictive behavior. Many of the individuals trapped in addictions have been victims of emotional and physical abuse as well as human trafficking. The center provides regenerative and transformative holistic healing services offering hope, help, and healing for the mind, body, and soul.

Business Briefs Pushing the Envelope collects 4,500 items for Community Cooperative On Nov. 15, Pushing the Envelope Inc. wrapped up its 13th Annual CAN IT! Campaign, a charitable food drive committed to assisting individuals facing hardships in Southwest Florida. Over the course of a single month, 4,360 contributions were gathered, collectively weighing in at 2,126 pounds!

Committed to supplying food for individuals facing economic challenges in the region, 13 businesses and organizations in southwest Florida collaborated with PTE

as designated drop-off points for collecting donations. The complete list of participating drop-off locations is available at https://www.getpushing.com/community/can-it/.

Since its inception in 2010, the CAN IT! Campaign food drive has collected thousands of items for CCI, resulting in more than 25,000 pounds of donated food.

Giving back to the community is an integral part of Pushing the Envelope’s company culture. The firm plans to host the campaign again in 2024. For more information or to help, please contact Yliana@getpushing.com.

Fort Myers Beach Observer

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has announced the promotion of Rudi Hamer to senior vice president. Based in the bank’s Bridge Branch, located at 9311 College Parkway, Hamer was previously a vice president, commercial loan officer and commercial relationship manager.

Hamer joined the bank in 2017, after she relocated to Southwest Florida from Pennsylvania. She is responsible for originating commercial loans and developing

new commercial relationships. Hamer has over 25 years of commercial and residential lending experience within the banking industry. She has also previously worked as a licensed commercial and residential insurance agent.

Founded in 2003, and celebrating its 20th anniversary, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has seven open locations throughout Lee County. A visual timeline of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s 20-year history is available at cheersto20years.sancapbank.com.

To learn more, visit www.SanCapBank.com.

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From page 6

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank promotes Hamer to senior vice president

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Fort Myers small businesses kick off holiday donation drive for local nonprofit

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Christmas Boat Parade

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Beach Living

ABOVE: A scene from the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade last night from the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Boat.

Photo provided courtesy of Bill Veach.

LEFT: Kim and Dapper Davidson, of Fort Myers Beach, took part in the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade Saturday with this boat. They were among the 42 boats entered into the parade, which started at Salty Sam’s Marina and circled around the bay and Matanzas Pass. Awards for the best boats will be awarded Wednesday night at the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill.

Photo provided courtesy of Kim and Dapper Davidson

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Beach Kids Foundation donates $3K to school STAFF REPORT The Beach Kids Foundation announced a donation of $3,000 to the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Monday. The check was delivered to Beach Elementary Principal Traci Kohler by members of the foundation's board, a day before the school is scheduled to reopen. The funds were raised during a benefit cornhole tournament at the Beach Bar last month.

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian last year and has been closed ever since. A complete renovation of the school has been ongoing since the summer.

A ceremony for the school's reopening was scheduled to take place Tuesday more

than one year after students were moved to San Carlos Park Elementary School.

Beach Kids Foundation board members delivered a check of $3,000 to Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Principal Traci Kohler (center) Monday with funds raised from a charity cornhole tournament last month. Surrounding Kohler (left to right) are Beach Kids Foundation Board members Fran Myers, Linda Beasley, Judy Haataja, Bridgette Myers, Deborah Groll, Tiffany Kernsten, Shannon Smith-Pineiro and Keri Hendry.

MELISSA SCHNEIDER

yourself to navigate the seas responsibly and safeguard the well-being of those around you.

Boating enthusiasts seeking to obtain the state boating safety certificate are encouraged to enroll in a one-day responsible boating class on the Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The course is held at the Pine Ridge Community Center, located at 15699 Pine Ridge Rd. in the Iona area of Fort Myers, next to the Iona McGregor Fire Station and across from the tax collector’s office. Completion of the course will make participants eligible for the state boating certificate.

Greg Masonick, the Flotilla Commander of Fort Myers Beach Flotilla 91D7, stresses the importance of understanding and awareness of boating hazards. Masonick says, "In-person classes

offer camaraderie together with local knowledge that you won’t get from an online class. Some operators prefer inperson boating safety courses for this reason. It is an excellent opportunity for students to interact, share perspectives, and gain local knowledge. Participants learn about the importance of life jackets, risk reduction, preparedness, and exercising sound judgment."

According to Florida law, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who plans to operate a boat in Florida waters with an engine of 10 horsepower or more must complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida boating safety ID card. This card certifies that the person has completed the required boating safety course, but it is not a boating license.

The one-day class costs $45 per person and includes study materials. Enroll today

at www.Aux91FMB.org/SafeBoating or by calling 239-690-6780 option 1.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is the lead agency in recreational boating safety, protecting America's seaward frontier.

Created by Congress in 1939, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard, supporting the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. Every day, vessels and aircraft deploy across the U.S. to aid or save countless boaters and dollars in property damage.

For additional information about boating safety classes or registration, contact Kevin McTaggart, Public Education Officer, cgaux91education@gmail.com, at 239-690-6780 option 1, or www.Aux91FMB.org/Safeboating.

Refuge provides highlights of monthly biology activities J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge biological science technician Avery Renshaw recently reported on the Sanibel refuge's following biology activities for the month of November.

Refuge biologists and law enforcement officials recently joined the Lee County Natural Resources Department, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the planning, logistics, barge use and removal work of large Hurricane Ian debris from Hemp Key in refuge complex's Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Hemp Key is the most productive wading and diving bird rookery nesting island, designated as a Critical Wildlife Area by the FWC. While removing the debris, the group ran into local conservation partner Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, whose staff and volunteers were planting mangrove seedlings for a restoration project on the island.

REFUGE/DDWS

Fort Myers Beach Observer

If things don’t go as planned on your boating voyage, would you know what to do? This is just one of many essential boating tips you will learn in the Boat America Class on Responsible Boating Recently, educators from the Coast Guard Auxiliary Fort Myers Beach attended the Florida Fish and Wildlife Boating Education briefing that shed light on compelling boating accident statistics.

The session served as a powerful reminder that navigating the waters can be a precarious undertaking without proper education. While a boating mishap may not always lead to a tragic end, it can inflict enduring and severe injuries upon you, your passengers, or fellow boaters. The ripple effect extends to impact families for years. Recognizing the invaluable role of education, seize the opportunity to enroll in a safe boating class today. Empower

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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers boating safety class

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 10 Fort Myers Beach Observer

County commissioners, state legislators clash

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

Proposed legislation by State Rep. Mike Giallombardo, R-79, to overhaul Lee County’s system of governance with a new elected county mayor with veto power over an expanded board of county commissioners, met opposition from county commissioners during a state delegation meeting of state legislators representing Lee County Thursday morning.

Republican state legislators clashed with their Republican counterparts on the Lee County Board of County Commissioners during a meeting that filled a room in the nursing building at Florida Southwestern State College that started bright and early at 7 a.m.

As Giallombardo began to discuss his proposals, he applauded recent discussions between the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District and Iona McGregor Fire District after Fort Myers Beach fire commissioners had opposed the state's proposed merger of their district with Bonita Springs that had been championed by Giallombardo and Rep. Adam Botana, R-80.

“These things can be resolved. If you want to resolve it and you want to fight it, we have the votes,” Giallombardo said.

While many speakers from the public supported Giallombardo's concept of single-member districts, those in attendance were less enthralled by the prospect of an elected county mayor and a new elevat-

"As a Republican, I promised I will never increase government," Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chair Mike Greenwell "These things can be resolved. If you want to resolve it and you want to fight it, we have the votes," Rep. Mike Giallombardo (R-Cape Coral) ed lever of power in county government. Some expressed concern about “cronyism” and about the bills dividing the county during a time of rebuild from Hurricane Ian. County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, RDistrict 2, has stated that an estimate by the county as to the increased cost of the new and expanded offices and additional commissioners proposed by Giallombardo would amount to approximately $3 million. That includes the new elected offices and staff, as well as new attorneys for the county mayor and commissioners, new elections, health care, salaries and pensions. Pendergrass called on state legislators to table the legislation.

State Senator Jonathan Martin (R-33), questioned Pendergrass if it would “help reduce costs if the county commission was paid the same amount of money as the state legislators, approximately $29,600?”

Pendergrass said “that’s fine with me” if the state legislature put it into the referendum. Lee County commissioners earn approximately $114,000 annually. The salaries of the county commissioners and state legislators are set by the state. State legislators are only in session part-time while county commissioners meet year-round.

Lee County Commissioner Ray Sandelli, R-District 3, said he believes the county and state should be focusing on Hurricane Ian recovery. “We’ve accomplished much, we have a lot of work to do,” Sandelli said. “Our community and our citizens deserve our best efforts and focused efforts to provide a stable, efficient delivery of services for our constituents. I think that’s what we should be working on right now.

There are a lot of people hurting out there and we have made a lot of good efforts to alleviate some of that pain. All these talks about all of these other issues to me are somewhat secondary to the fact that we’ve got people that need us now for a lot of other things right now (like) insurance.”

While many liked the idea of single-member districts, others opposed the prospect of being disenfranchised. While county commissioners are currently elected by voters countywide, the new bill would create five single-member districts and two at-large districts with the potential to increase seats to as many as nine. One Vietnam veteran from Cape Coral said “One of the things I fought for was voting for all the people.

You are taking away four votes that I fought for, for 27 years and I resent that till the day I die.”

Giallombardo said “this is the start of a process.”

Giallombardo said he would be engaging in workshops with county commissioners to discuss his legislation. He doesn’t expect it to be ready in time for this session. The bills would not take effect until 2026 if approved by referendum. Giallombardo also said the county mayor position might not be the right answer to the change he is seeking in county government. "That county manager is way more powerful than any of those county commissioners," he said. "They only work for three votes."

Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chair Mike Greenwell said he welcomed workshops with Giallombardo though he has voted to oppose his legislation. “We’re all trying to make our place a better place,” Greenwell said. “As a Republican, I promised I will never increase government.” Greenwell said the proposed bills from Giallombardo increases government and taxes.

State Rep. Mike Giallombardo, at left, speaks with Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Greenwell, RDistrict 5, after the Lee County Legislative Delegation meeting on Nov. 30 in Fort Myers.

NATHAN MAYBERG

Page 11 n Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 12 Fort Myers Beach Observer

County commissioners vote against state bill for county mayor, expanded board

By NATHAN MAYBERG

State Rep. Mike Giallombardo, RCape Coral, second from left, has introduced state legislation create an elected Lee County mayor with veto power over Lee County commissioners while expanding the size of the commission to a mix of single-member and at-large districts. At far left is State Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, RNaples, second from right is Rep. Tiffany Esposito and at far right is Rep. Adam Botana.

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

In one of the most sharply-divided discussions among Lee County commissioners in recent years, the board rejected an attempt from state legislators to overhaul the shape of the county government in a 3-2 vote.

A proposed bill from State Rep. Mike Giallombardo, R-79, to create a new elected county mayor position, and to re-arrange the Lee County Board of County Commissioners from a five-member board to one with five single-member districts and two at-large districts, were both rejected in a 3-2 vote by the county commissioners during a special meeting Wednesday.

Voting to support a letter of opposition to the bills were commissioners Mike Greenwell, Cecil Pendergrass and Ray Sandelli. Commissioners Brian Hamman and Kevin Ruane voted against the county commissioners sending letters of opposition.

The sweeping bills by Giallombardo would be a massive upheaval of the county’s political system, one year after Hurricane Ian. The new county mayor position would be a new executive office which would be installed with much more power than the current manager while no longer being held accountable by the board of county commissioners. Botana’s bill would also require an eighth commissioner seat to be added to the board once the county’s population surpasses 1 million.

The county mayor would have veto power over the board of county commissioners under the bill.

The new political framework would essentially create two opposing governments within one — a county

NATHAN MAYBERG

mayor with more power than the board of county commissioners, each with their own attorneys. That is in addition to the county attorneys currently working for the county manager's office.

The county mayor would also have the power to hire

and fire executive office employees at will and to limit the contracts of county employees without any oversight from the board of county commissioners.

See BILL, page 14

Merger From page 1 erence to meetings he had with state legislators in October, he did not directly comment on them at the meeting. On Thursday, Allers was also present during the discussion on the district merger along with Fort Myers Beach Manager Andy Hyatt and Operations Manager Frank Kropacek, but did not comment.

Neither did Hyatt or Kropacek. Allers did not respond to requests for comment following the meeting.

Voting to approve the mosquito control district merger were State Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-33, whose district includes Fort Myers Beach, Botana, Rep. Tiffany Esposito, R-77, Rep. Mike Giallombardo, R-79, and State Senate

“There is absolutely no substantive justification.”

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Vice Chair Steve Johnson on proposed state merger of the mosquito control district with the Lee County Mosquito Control District.

President Kathleen Passidomo, R-28.

Martin said he wouldn’t vote for the merging of the mosquito control districts if it raises taxes. “If it raises taxes, I won't be voting for it,” Martin said.

Martin referenced a state audit that recommended the merging of the mosquito

State Rep. Adam Botana (center) speaks about his bill to merge the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District and the Lee County Mosquito Control District against the wishes of the district board, Fort Myers Beach Council and two Fort Myers Beach fire commissioners who spoke out Thursday at a state legislative delegation meeting. At right is State Senator Jonathan Martin (R-33), whose district includes Fort Myers Beach. At left is Rep. Tiffany Esposito (R-77).

NATHAN MAYBERG

Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chair Mike Greenwell (center) with Lee County Manager Dave Harner (right) and former county commissioner and Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President John Albion (left).

districts, which Martin said would “reduce costs.” Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Vice Chair Steve Johnson said that was not a feasibility study, as required under state law in an involuntary special district merger, and did not show that taxes would be lowered by the merger.

Under the proposed merger, the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District millage rate could more than double based on the current millage rates of the two districts. The Fort Myers Beach rate is 0.1123 per thousand dollars of assessed value, while Lee County’s rate

is 109% higher. The taxpayers in the mosquito control district would go from paying into one with approximately 8,000 taxpayers to about 400,000, Johnson said.

“It’s unconscionable,” Johnson said.

Johnson told state legislators that their actions to involuntarily merge the mosquito district was a “forfeiture of the public trust.”

Johnson said that a referendum to merger the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District into the Lee County Mosquito Control District should be See MERGER, page 13

decided only by voters in the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District, who would see increased taxes and the loss of property. Johnson said the referendum shouldn't be countywide as the merger would negatively impact Fort Myers Beach.

The mosquito control district’s building off Lazy Way was destroyed by Hurricane Ian and the property would be turned over to the Lee County Mosquito Control District if the merger succeeded.

The property had been deed to the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District by the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club.

“There is absolutely no substantive justification” for the merger, Johnson said.

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Chair Joanne Semmer asked

“If the fiscal analysis shows there is going to be an increase in taxes. I can assure you the only people who will vote in favor will be the Democrats,” State Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (RNaples), on the proposed merger of the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District with Lee County.

Botana “Who will benefit?”

Semmer said the proposal from Botana did not have any “logical reason” and that “it will not benefit the citizens

Fort Myers Beach Observer

NATHAN MAYBERG

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Vice Chair Steve Johnson called the proposal by state legislators representing Lee County to involuntarily merge the district into the Lee County Mosquito Control District a "forfeiture of the public trust."

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District and the land would become owned by the Lee County Mosquito Control District if the state legislation and referendum passes.

Passidomo said if a study showed that a merging of the mosquito control districts would raise taxes, she wouldn't be voting for the bill. “If the fiscal analysis shows there is going to be an increase in taxes. I can assure you the only people who will vote in favor will be the Democrats.”

Botana appeared unfazed by the opposition at the meeting, which began at 7 a.m. He said opponents “might be a little biased there.” Botana said he had received emails of support for his proposed legislation.

The attempts by state legislators to merge the districts also was joined by an attempt to merge the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District with the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District despite Fort Myers Beach firefighters and the board of fire commissioners opposing the measure. Since then, Botana has proposed merging the two fire districts with Iona-McGregor. Fort Myers Beach and Iona-McGregor fire district leaders are now discussing a possible merger.

The proposals occurred within a short span of a couple weeks after a remembrance ceremony held on Fort Myers Beach in which state legislators attended to mark the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian and pledged to provide aid to the town.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District Chair Joanne Semmer speaks out at a meeting of the Lee County Legislative Delegation against a proposed bill to merger the Fort Myers Beach and Lee County mosquito control districts.

of Fort Myers Beach in any way. It will cost taxpayers more money for less service.”

Semmer blasted Botana for having written a bill that dissolves the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District on Oct. 1, 2024 before a referendum could take place in November. Botana again pledged Thursday that a countywide referendum would take place on the bill.

Semmer said the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District has the lowest millage rate of any mosquito control district in the state. The district was back up and running a week after Hurricane Ian despite its building and some of its equipment being damaged by the hurricane. The district has no debt, Semmer said.

Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chair John Bennett was among the Fort Myers Beach residents speaking out against the merger, saying “I don’t see the logic for paying more for less service.”

Fort Myers Beach Fire Commissioner Ron Fleming also spoke out against the attempt by state legislators to initiate a mosquito control district merger. “You are increasing my taxes, you are lowering my service. If you think that’s a good idea, than vote for this bill.” Fleming asked what would become of the two acres of property at Lazy Way “that is less than 200 yards from the Gulf of Mexico?” Fleming called the proposed merger “a disgrace.”

Botana said the land was gifted by the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club to the

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Merger From page 12

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 14 Fort Myers Beach Observer

Bill From page 12 The county commissioners authorized a letter be sent to the county’s delegation of state legislators who met Thursday.

County legislators and Giallombardo have agreed to meet and hold worksessions regarding the proposal, Giallombardo said.

Pendergrass, who has led opposition among the commissioners to the bills, said Wednesday at a meeting of the county commissioners that the legislation would “change the structure of government.”

Pendergrass said the legislation would cost county taxpayers an estimated $3 million annually by increasing the size of government, the expansion of offices under the county mayor and commissioners, and leading to more elections.

Lee County Board of County Commisioners Chair Mike Greenwell (RDistrict 5) summed up his view of the state law succinctly: “I promised myself when I decided to run to be a county commissioner that I would never, ever vote for bigger government. There is no way I could ever vote for bigger government.”

Hamman spoke Wednesday in support of the state legislation by speaking against mask mandates and covid vaccinations. “I am concerned about those 1920’s era progressive policies that still rule the structure of our government today,” Hamman said.

Hamman said he thinks voters will support an elected mayor.

Ruane said “we do have a problem.”

Ruane recently visited state legislators in Tallahassee and said “they have made up their mind.” Ruane said the county should be focusing on obtaining funding from the

state for Hurricane Ian recovery.

“We seem to be at some type of conflict with the delegation,” Ruane said. “I believe their minds are made up.” Ruane said he didn’t have an opinion on the strong mayor, and wasn’t advocating for it, but said the county should work with the state delegation of county legislators so the county can focus on hurricane recovery.

Ruane said state legislators want tighter internal controls on county government. “Maybe I’m skeptical of poking the bear,” he said.

Pendergrass asked Ruane if “funding issues are being withheld from us, from the taxpayers of Lee County, because there are some concerns?”

Ruane said state legislators lowered a funding request from the county from $15 million to $8 million. “I want to make sure we get maximum funding,” Ruane said. Ruane said he doesn’t know if the vote by commissioners will change the vote by legislators.

Pendergrass said he hopes that a letter of opposition from the commissioners will lead to state legislators dropping the legislation.

Hamman replied, “How did that work last time?” Hamman had previously voted against sending a letter at the October meeting of the county commissioners.

“Last time you sent a letter, they filed the bill,” Hamman said. “So this time you are going to send another letter, what are they going to do?”

Pendergrass, replied, “that is their choice.”

Former Lee County Commissioner

John Albion, speaking to the commissioners on Wednesday during public comment, said state lawmakers representing other areas of the state should not be involved in changing the county’s form of government. “This is a dangerous slope,” Albion said. “I am not sure why this is coming up now.”

Albion said the county’s state delegation should “keep their nose out of it.”

County residents can petition for a ballot question on changing the form of government, he said.

The Lee County Charter Review Commission voted 11-2 to reject an elected county manager form of government this year.

At least one state representative from Lee County said she heard the opinions of the county commissioners and said she was listening. State Rep. Jenna PersonsMulicka said she opposed both of the initiatives. “I personally am opposed to those,” she said. Persons-Mulicka said the issue should be decided locally and “not in the chambers of the capital.”

Former Lee County Manager Roger Desjarlais, who retired this summer, said he opposed the county mayor position.

Desjarlais said the “strong mayor” form of government could lead to “bossism.”

The county commissioners would become marginalized and warned that it would lead to political favoritism where a new county mayor could reward political allies with jobs. Commissioners would lose their power by not being able to replace the county mayor and would have to wait four years for an election.

“The strong mayor system sets up a

power struggle between the mayor and the commission,” Desjarlais said. A strong mayor system could destroy employee morale and stifle career growth, he said.

“There is a potential for a new CEO every four years during the election cycle and it promotes bureaucracy and discourages creativity,” Desjarlais said.

During public comment, Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell said he supported single-member districts. He said at-large districts “disenfranchise voters.” Caldwell said the incorporation of communities throughout the county over the years are a sign of that feeling of disenfranchisement. He said communities in Alva, Captiva, Lehigh Acres, Pine Island may do so in the future.

Lee County resident Steve Maxwell, who has served on two charter review commissions and has taught political science, said setting up a new system with two different attorneys for two political entities (county mayor and board of county commissioners) represent “competing interests” that he said are “a conflict of interest to the public and it’s an afront to the public,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell said there are only three counties in the state that have an elected county manager form of leadership: Duval, Orange and Miami-Dade. “When people blow this smoke as to it’s going to be better, there is no evidence to support it,” Maxwell said. Maxwell said the increasing cost of government that will accompany the office of an elected county mayor is not “fiscally responsible. I see it as more of a political want.”

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Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 16

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Beach Elementary From page 1 Tuesday, Rockwell said "I'm just so glad to be back."

“It’s a brand new education environment in a historical school. Students have a place to call their own and I think that’s why students are so excited,” Lee County Schools Supt. Dr. Chris Bernier.

"It's an amazing amount of work. It's more of a labor of love. This is about a community and a school system and local government all coming together," Bernier said.

Students had been bused to San Carlos Park Elementary School previously.

The school is working to drive up enrollment to support the $6 million renovation of the school. The cost will be covered by insurance and FEMA reimbursements.

“It’s an amazing day,” Lee County School District Board Chair Sam Fisher.

The historic Oak St. school, which has led the Lee County School district in elementary performance, features some combined classrooms for fourth and fifth graders as well as kindergarten and first graders. Second graders and third graders each have their own classrooms.

The cafeteria is gone. Meals are delivered from Lexington Middle School on a food truck. Lunch and breakfast is served on picnic tables out-

side the school when the weather is good. During bad weather, meals will be served inside. Some concrete slabs bearing the signatures of graduating elementary students over more than four decades were moved from the school near the basketball courts in order to accommodate renovations of the school, as well as the demolition of the former outside buildings and administrative portion.

Though there have been losses, there have also been gains.

Beach Elementary School K-2 Literacy Coach Sherri Skipper spoke about the school having the most up-todate technological advances. Her small group classroom room included a Promethean board that replaced the old blackboards of old. “We can project a book, show a short video,” Skipper said.

In other classrooms, students were working on laptops.

Skipper said the school has been a leader among the state’s elementary schools in English Language Arts and math testing. Skipper said there was “a lot of trauma involved” in the loss of the old school. “It was definitely worth saving,” Skipper said.

Asked what he was looking forward to the most this school year, third grader J.C. Koss said “not another hurricane.”

Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

PHOTOS BY NATHAN MAYBERG

Students Olivia Hicks (left to right), Mavric Primm and Aria Cox helped raise the American and Florida flag at the reopening of the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School Tuesday.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 18 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

School district to use grant funds to improve student reading

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Kindergarten through fifth grade students who need additional intervention in reading will receive support due to a Science of Reading Literacy and Tutoring (SoRT) grant the school board approved last week.

The grant is for $573,610.

“This grant supports two groups of students. First, kindergarten through second grade students who need additional support. Second is students who entered grades 2, 3 and 4 with Level 1 scores,” district spokesperson Rob Spicker said.

“The SoRT grant allows us to provide the additional support lower achieving students need to raise their scores and reach their highest potential.”

He said elementary schools will be allotted funding from the grant based on the number of students who need enhanced instructional time. Methods and strategies are provided to teachers through

training.

“Schools are able to design programs to meet the needs of their students. Most offer after-school tutoring sessions for 90 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, however they could also meet before school and on select Saturdays if they choose,” Spicker said.

The board also approved the Amendment to the American Rescue Plan — Homeless Children & Youth Grant for $140,360, which is a renewal of funding that was previously awarded to the district.

The district currently has 2,152 homeless students, which is defined as “an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence,” according to the Florida Department of Education.

“We have three goals — identification of homeless students, improving attendance and increasing proficiency,” Spicker said. “The focus is on school staSee GRANT, page 19

Opening From page 1 The Sunset Terrace, License to Chill and Coconut Telegraph will all be open to the public following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m., Osborne said. "We will also have live entertainment on the

Sunset Terrace Thursday evening."

All of the resort will be open by Monday December 11, with the exception of Fins Up Beach Club which is slated for mid January, Osborne said.

State GOP chair Ziegler won't resign over rape allegation Associated Press The chair of Florida’s Republican Party says he will not resign over a woman’s allegation that he raped her, saying in an email to supporters that he is innocent. He did not address any specifics of the accusation that has roiled the state’s conservative politics.

Christian Ziegler sent the statement to state Republicans on Saturday, saying that he and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, are being targeted because they are “such loud political voices.” His wife co-founded the conservative group Moms for Liberty, which has led a campaign with Gov. Ron DeSantis to roll back sex education in Florida schools.

DeSantis said last week that while Christian Ziegler is innocent until proven guilty, he should resign to avoid becoming a distraction to their party. Ziegler insists he won’t quit.

“We have a country to save and I am not going to let false allegations of a crime put that mission on the bench as I wait for this process to wrap up,” wrote Ziegler, 40.

A longtime GOP activist, he ascended to the state party’s top post in February.

No charges have been filed against Ziegler, but the Sarasota Police investigation remains open. The accuser, who has known Christian Ziegler for 20 years, told police in October that he forced his way into her apartment and raped her, according to search warrant affi-

davits filed by police.

In his Saturday email, Ziegler did not address having told detectives that he did have sex with the woman but that it was consensual. He also didn’t address his wife telling detectives that the couple and the woman had group sex once, more than a year ago.

“My family is rock solid. My wife is behind me 150% and we have methods in place to protect our (three) children, just as we have with all previous attacks that we have faced,” Christian Ziegler wrote. The Zieglers did not return calls and text messages Sunday seeking further comment.

DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern did not return a call and text message Sunday seeking comment on Ziegler’s refusal to resign.

The police avadavits saying that the Zieglers had group sex with a woman have led Democrats and gay rights leaders to accuse the couple of hypocrisy, given that an organization Bridget Ziegler cofounded — Moms for Liberty — has joined DeSantis and the Florida GOP in pushing back against LGBTQ+ causes.

Bridget Ziegler is also an elected member of the Sarasota County school board and was appointed by DeSantis to the board that now oversees Walt Disney World’s land development. DeSantis pushed through legislation last year disbanding a Disney-controlled board after the company opposed his bill that limits sex educa-

tion in schools.

The rape accusation against Christian Ziegler became public last week after the Florida Center for Government Accountability, an investigative news organization, obtained a police report and the search warrant affidavits detailing the allegations.

The accuser’s name is redacted in the documents. The Associated Press does not name possible victims of sexual assault without their permission.

According to text messages cited in the affidavit, the woman and the Zieglers had planned to again have group sex on Oct. 2, but the woman backed out after Bridget Ziegler “couldn’t make it.”

The woman says she found Christian Ziegler in her apartment’s hallway later that day, that he pushed her inside and then raped her.

In text and phone conversations monitored by investigators, Ziegler offered the woman “financial help” before becoming suspicious that they were being recorded.

In a Nov. 2 interview with detectives, Ziegler said the sex was consensual and that he had recorded it. He said he deleted the video, then recovered it after the rape allegation surfaced.

Detectives seized Christian Ziegler’s phone on Nov. 2, the affidavits say. None of what they have found has been made public.

Cancer patients From page 4 treatments, dealing with side effects, worrying about financial resources and so much more.

Unsurprisingly, some cancer patients may experience depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. And certain risk factors make it more likely that your loved one could also be struggling with mental health issues while dealing with cancer, including those who are older, male or have advanced stage cancer or a history of depression or other mental health conditions.

Be on the lookout for signs that your loved ones may be struggling and need help, including new or worsening substance abuse, increased risky behavior or a disregard for their treatment plan.

Other signs may include: ∫ Appearing nervous or shaky ∫ Abrupt mood swings ∫ Trouble concentrating or focusing ∫ Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness ∫ Sleep issues like insomnia, oversleeping or nightmares ∫ Restlessness ∫ Angry outbursts ∫ Pulling away from family and friends

It’s important to point out that some of these warning signs could be a side effect of cancer treatment, like changes in sleep or concentration. So, note the changes you see and be prepared to have an honest and open conversation with your loved one, as well as their cancer care team.

Talking about the changes you have seen and raising your concerns will not make your loved one feel worse or increase the risk of suicide. However, once you’ve brought up the subject, it is your time to listen. Do not disregard their feelings, positive or negative.

It is OK to be straightforward with them about what you have witnessed and your concerns, but do respect their boundaries and provide them with the support they ask for.

If your loved one is hesitant about getting mental health assistance, you can encourage them to take a self-screening online through the Mental Health America website at https://mhanational.org/. Conversely, if your loved one needs help from a mental health professional, support their decision.

You can help by contacting their cancer care team for a recommendation or

referral and talking to their health insurance company to understand what mental health coverage is available. If the cancer diagnosis is recent, you can even be proactive about asking for mental health support services, just in case, because speaking to a mental health provider can positively impact a cancer patient’s quality of life and help them work through their feelings and emotions.

You could be invited to some therapy sessions to talk through your loved one’s struggles and learn positive coping techniques. Also, ask the cancer care team if there are any physical activities that you and your loved one could do together to help them relax, such as brief walks outside, yoga, meditation or massages.

Create a mental health safety plan Once your loved one is receiving professional help for their mental health, work together with them and their provider to create a mental health safety plan. A mental health safety plan aims to reduce the risk of self-harm or suicide.

While your loved one may not be at risk, anyone can benefit from a safety plan because it can help identify pain points

and list effective coping strategies. Begin by answering the following questions: ∫ What are my warning signs that I may be in crisis? ∫ What are my coping strategies if I’m alone? ∫ What can I do to make myself feel safe? ∫ What triggers should I avoid? ∫ Who should I contact if I need help? (include contact information for personal and professional support) ∫ At what point do I need emergency help?

By answering these questions together, both you and your loved one will be able to manage their mental health struggles.

Finally, as a caregiver or the loved one of a cancer patient, your mental health may be struggling, too. You are not alone, and it’s vital to seek the professional support you need to be there for your loved one with cancer.

Kathy Tolentino is executive director of Partners in Care. Based in Southwest Florida, the not-for-profit charitable foundation is dedicated to cancer patients. For more information, visit https://yourpartnersincare.org/.

Grant From page 18 bility so that homeless students stay in the same school regardless of where they are staying.”

The grant will help support tutoring, SAT and ACT test preparation, transportation to and from school, as well as a homeless liaison who serves as the student’s single point of contact. There is also funding to provide basic resources, such as personal hygiene items, school uniforms and other necessities.

“The liaison makes sure homeless fam-

ilies are connected to the groups and agencies providing the social services they need,” he said. “We know our homeless students perform better when they stay in the same school, so this grant provides the resources to identify students in need, operate special bus routes for them, offer tutoring and ensure they are getting the services they need to not miss school and be successful in their studies.”

The board also received the Enhanced Instructional Opportunities for Recently

Arrived Immigrant Children and Youth Grant in the amount of $351,695. It will assist the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department with the opportunity to purchase additional supplemental resources — Imagine Learning, Language Launch from HMH and I Learn America. The grant will also assist in hiring parent engagement liaisons and materials for simultaneous translations at events.

The board had a presentation in early

November regarding a cultural shift within the ESOL department. The grant will add two SPALC positions that speak Spanish and Haitian Creole to help speak with families, so they receive support while transitioning from other countries.

There are currently 18,478 ESOL students enrolled in the School District of Lee County, which is always a moving target due to students becoming efficient and existing the program.

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 20 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

Affordable Homeownership Foundation receives $40,000 grant from Truist to help create affordable rental housing The Affordable Homeownership Foun-dation this week announced that it has received a $40,000 grant from Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund at The Winston-Salem Foundation, to help in the creation of affordable rental housing for very low and low income individuals that are at risk or homeless due to Hurricane

Ian. The Affordable Homeownership Foundation was formed in October 2000 to create safe affordable housing for very low, low and moderate-income families and individuals. The organization’s motto is “Saving Lives, One at a Time.”

Truist Financial Corporation offers a wide range of services including retail, small business and commercial banking; asset management; capital markets; commercial real estate; corporate and institutional banking; insurance; mortgage; payments; specialized lending; and wealth management. Learn more at Truist.com.

WHERE TO GO

WHAT TO DO

VISIT US ONLINE FORTMYERSBEACHTALK.COM

WHO TO SEE WEEK OF DECEMBER 6, 2023

Spirit of the Holidays auction now live —Page 22

Christmas Tree Festival Returns Fort Myers Beach Woman's Club moves festivities to library The Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club will be hosting the sixth annual Christmas Tree Festival this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and Dec. 9, at the Fort Myers Beach Public Library.

This two-day event is a fundraiser which supports participating nonprofits in the greater Fort Myers Beach area.

The festival includes two days of silent bidding on custom Christmas trees and holiday wreaths. All trees and wreaths are donated and decorated by area nonprofit organizations and local businesses. All funds raised for each tree will go back to their designated charity.

An early preview and cocktail Party will be held Dec. 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. featuring live music, cash bar and food trucks. Access will be limited to 50 pre-sold VIP ticket holders. Tickets are $50 each and available to purchase online. All auction items will be on display for preview and bidding though out the evening.

On Saturday, the festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. and feature a holiday vendor market, bake sale, and the 6th annual Chili Tasting and Cook-Off. The Chili Cook-off begins at 4:30 p.m. and will feature cash prizes.

At 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, winners will be announced for the highest bidders of the trees and wreaths, the top chili producers, along with the Grand Prize winner of the Holiday Raffle.

The festival has previously been held at the clubhouse of the Woman's Club but that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The Fort Myers Beach Library is located at 2755 FILE PHOTO Estero Blvd.

For more information visit https://www.fmbA decorated Christmas tree and decoration by Turtle Time during the Fort Myers Beach Woman's wc.org/index.php/holiday-raffle-2023.

Club Christmas Tree Festival in 2021.

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

What’s Happening . . . . . . .24

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 22 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Among the items up for auction at the Beach Kids Foundation's Spirint of the Holidays fundraiser are five nights at a cabin in Tennessee.

Spirit of the Holidays auction now live Beach Kids Foundation switches formats

By NATHAN MAYBERG

nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com

As Fort Myers Beach continues to recover from Hurricane Ian and with many folks still unable to return to the island, the Beach Kids Foundation have postponed their holiday gala and instead have opted for a big holiday season raffle and auction online for their "Spirit of the Holidays" fundraiser and toy drive.

There are 17 online auctions running featuring vacations, hotel stays, cruises, merchandise and other goodies. The auction is running through Dec. 15 online at https//givebutter.com/c/BmsiaS/auction.

The auction is headlined by a "dinner for four" with Fort Myers Beach Firefighters who will cook, serve and dine with the auction winner and three additional guests.

"This is always a hot ticket item and we know this year won't be any different," Beach Kids Foundation member Melissa Schneider said.

Items include a two-night stay at the Pink Shell Beach Resort, a trip on Key West Express, merchandise baskets from Wahoo Willie's, golf packages, and a five-night stay at a mountain cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Shipping is available for anyone who wins out of the area, and all funds raised will go to the Beach Kid Foundation's continued mission to support the children of Fort Myers Beach with their schooling, scholarships and Christmas wishlists, Schneider said.

For the toy drive, the Beach Kids Foundation have compiled a list of what local elementary students are looking for. "Many families on the island live paycheck to paycheck, and we do what we can to be sure these children not only have what they need for school, but that they can have a happy and healthy Christmas, as well," Schneider said. "Our little group of island elves will pack up the items per list and hand-deliver to the families before Christmas."

The silent auction fundraiser will go toward the Beach Kids Foundation's continued endeavors in awarding scholarships to students, supporting the Beach Elementary School and its students, and also the

FILE PHOTO

Two nights at the Pink Shell Beach Resort are up for auction at the Beach Kids Foundation annual fundraiser.

Christmas wishlist items that are not collected during the toy drive. "It's more of a catch-all to assist wherever we can use the funds to assist the children we support," Schneider said.

For a link to the Amazon wishlist for Fort Myers

County launches 12 Days of Giving for prize packages Lee County reported that people can sign up from now through Dec.12 to receive its e-newsletter and be entered to win one of 12 prize packages, including Spring Training tickets, a staycation beach basket or even a complimentary pet adoption with an approved application.

Each day during the 12 Days of

Giving event, one person will be selected in a random drawing to receive that day's prize package. The prizes have been donated by Lee County departments, including Domestic Animal Services, Parks & Recreation, and the Visitor & Convention Bureau.

For more information or to register, visit www.leegov.com/12days.

Beach Elementary School students visit: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3V7G5YF2NETB D?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR2xbNi5kaysOX9kVqtEpp6DDYkSaiqh_VtbhpVeq3wwBE7y2OKvt03hGY

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more The “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel: ∫ Photo-artist Niki Butcher will mount an exhibition, “Daydreaming,” from Dec. 21 to Feb. 25. ∫ The refuge will offer Free Winter Programs on Jan. 8 through March 30. ∫ The Winter Lecture Series will

return from Jan. 18 through March 21. ∫ Wellness in Nature @ “Ding” will take place at the refuge and beyond on Jan. 18-21. ∫ A free Estate Planning Seminar will be held on Jan. 30. ∫ The refuge will host a unique Solar Eclipse Viewing on April 8. ∫ The “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival will be held on April 20 at Lakes Park in Fort Myers.

Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue

From big to small Bolt and Mae Monday was a very stressful day knowing we were

Homeless!

This is the story of a little guy called Brady. Ten-yearold, wonderful little Chihuahua who ended up at the shelter after his mom became homeless. That is a very common story these days and unfortunately for little Brady he was not going to make it to the adoption floor and no one else came for him except us!

He is only 8 pounds. If you are interested in helping and adopting a cute little guy please call or text Isabelle at 239-281-0739.

going to the Shelter to see all the dogs on the list who needed rescue. There is still a crisis right now in all Shelters in the Country and so many great dogs don’t make it out.

If you are thinking adopting about please go to the shelter and check also all the rescues around your area.

We took 2 great dogs who will be fostered together: Bolt (Siberian Husky 2 years old) and Mae (6-month-old Pitty girl). It was great to see them interact and play. Wanted to share a beautiful picture with you. If you are interested in these 2 cuties please call or text 239-281-0739 our email is pets@findahomegiveaGive a chance to a lovely girl. She is young and is in hom.com. danger. Call Isabelle 239-281-0739.

Foster needed for very sweet Splenda!

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

Four beautiful kittens 10 weeks old can be pre-adopted

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

Paisley ---- is a beautiful torti shell female young cat who had recently had a litter of two kittens which she took great care of. She then took over nursing 4 others that were not hers but being the wonderful mom she is took them under her wing. She is only about two years old and ready for a forever home.

Big Boy Garfield is a 16 pound male tabby, approx. 2 years old, with beautiful green eyes. He was an outside cat that got into a trap

when we were helping a lady try to capture her cat that had gotten out thru a torn screen.

He meows to go outside but those days are over. He has been neutered and vetted and is now ready for a forever home. A home with screened in lanai and or pool area would be the best place for him. He needs a lot of space

to roam. If you like big cats, this is the one for you!!

We are in dior need of volunteers to feed outside IAN survivors. It does not take long to do. Please call if you can spend a couple times a week helping out. They made it thru a cat 5 hurricane and need to be fed. They are also helping with the rat population that is taking over the island due to the loss of the majority of feral cats we had that didn't make it thru the storm.

Food wet and dry is badly needed for inside and outside cats. Please donate if you can. Call us at 239 851 3485.

Check out our new website also.

Our web site is up and running. Check it out. www.saveourstraysfmb.org, click on donate for PayPal or donations also can be made by mailing to Save Our Strays at P.O. Box 5014, Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33912

Check out our facebook page Save our Strays Feline Rescue Email us at saveourstraysfmb@yahoo.com

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

Page 23 n Week of Wednesday, November December 6, 29,2023 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

PET PALS

Island pets seeking forever homes

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 24 Fort Myers Beach Bulletin

WHAT’S HAPPENING Fort Myers Camera Club resumes bi-monthly meetings Photographers at all levels of ability throughout Lee County are invited to the regular bi-monthly meetings of the Fort Myers Camera Club. Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month (from Nov. 1 to April 3) from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Meetings are held at the All Faiths Church, 2736 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Annual dues for membership are $30. Novices are welcome and mentoring is available. Various speakers at the meetings cover topics such as critiquing, competition, and instruction.

See ftmyerscc.com website or email carolheff23@gmail.com for additional information about the Camera Club.

Joy to the World!

Lee County Band Christmas Celebration to be held Dec. 10 Sit back and enjoy the gaiety and wonder of Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 10, when the legendary Lee County Community Band presents its annual Christmas concert.

This fun-filled, free program begins at 3 p.m. at Mariner High School, Cape Coral.

The band will perform a variety of sacred and secular music, including traditional carols and beloved holiday songs. The program includes Sleigh Ride, An English Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, with vocalist Jan Fenn; The Christmas Song, with vocalist Fred Lamb; and Christmas “Pop” Sing-a-Long.

The 50-member adult band presents six concerts between November and April. Programs reflect the band’s well-earned reputation for lively, upbeat music and promise an entertaining mix of old favorites, energetic marches, beloved patriotic and seasonal tunes, Broadway and Silver Screen hits, and a sing-a-long.

Additional concert dates are Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 10, and April 7.

Band members are musicians from all walks of life who reside in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. The band welcomes new members every year. Persons interested in joining may phone 239-600-9052. (Flute players needed!)

Admission is free, although the band relies on the contributions of audience members and patrons to meet its expenses. All concerts this season are at Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Boulevard North, Cape Coral, beginning at 3 p.m. All concerts are open to the public.

An institution in Southwest Florida, the band enjoys a large, loyal, and enthusiastic audience at every concert.

Plan to arrive early for best choice of seating.

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org.

Chanukah celebration, Menorah lighting to be held at Mercato of Naples Dec. 11 The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples hosts a community-wide Chanukah celebration and Menorah candle lighting to commemorate the eight-day Festival of Lights on Monday, Dec. 11, 5-6 p.m. in North Naples.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include music by the Naples Klezmer Revival Band, donuts, holiday candy and balloon creations for children, as well as Israeli food for sale. It will be held on the Mercato lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples. Advance registration is requested at Chanukah Celebration 2023 (regfox.com).

Fort Myers Brewing announces Winterfest set for Dec. 14-17 Fort Myers Brewing Company has announced the dates for its annual winter celebration, Winterfest, to take place Thursday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 17.

The event will feature four days of beer releases, food trucks, live music, a holiday night market featuring local handcrafted items, and a festive “Movie in the Parking Lot” screening of The Grinch. Fort Myers Brewing will have its popular Keg Nog on tap, a holiday-inspired imperial stout,

along with other festive drinks to be announced. There will also be plenty of free photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch for attendees and their furry friends.

The event will have local food truck favorites Wicked Streatery, King’s Tacos & Burritos, Don’t Give Up and more. There will be live music from Hat Trick, Briz & Lady, Brian Markley, Jeff Lyons and others throughout the weekend.

Taproom hours will vary each day of the event. The full event schedule and beer lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.

Winterfest will be held at Fort Myers Brewing Company, located 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.

Fort Myers Brewing will also host a variety of other holiday happenings throughout the month of December, including photos with Santa and Christmas ornament painting for kids and adults. For more details and the brewery’s latest schedule, visit FMBrew.com.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet returns to Fort Myers Dec. 29 NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Dec. 29. This year marks the 31st annual North American tour of this beloved family tradition, created by world-renowned ballet virtuosos, that brings together and illuminates the finest in the field. The 2023 production showcases a record number of international talent, starring principal dancers from the great opera houses of Ukraine and 40 world-class artists from Japan, Italy, Turkey, and more. This year holds exciting surprises as it introduces a fresh character and incorporates innovative new choreography that blends classical ballet with cutting-edge circus techniques. One of the highlights is the inclusion of a talented Cyr Wheel artist, adding an intriguing element to the performance.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is renowned for Broadway-level productions and with the best theatrical designers from around the world featuring the artistry of scenic designers, prop builders, and puppeteers from Czechoslovakia, South Africa, Chuvash, St Petersburg, and New York. The show’s marionettes, crafted in the image of the Nutcracker’s beloved characters Clara, Drosselmeyer, Kissy Doll, and Harlequin, were created by Petre Puppeteer using 3-D modeling and printing. The flock of doves were created by South African creature builder and puppeteer Roger Titley, of War Horse fame, who also created the production’s firebird and peacock that appear in Act II. The current reimagination of the animal puppets were designed by the legendary Nino Novellino and built by America’s finest craftsmen using modern, light-weight techniques. The ballet also features exquisite costumes by Arthur Oliver, and hand painted drops by Scenic Designer Carl Sprague, frequent concept illustrator for filmmaker Wes Anderson. The final spectacle and centerpiece of the last act features a Christmas tree, hand crafted by European artisans, that grows to 100 feet.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nutcracker.com. Special pricing is available for groups.

Call 800-320-1733 or email groups@nutcracker.com.

‘Celebration in the Sky’ largest fireworks show in Southwest Florida, comes to Seminole Casino Hotel Jan. 13 Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will light up the sky with “Celebration in the Sky,” Saturday, Jan. 13 at 9 p.m.

The fireworks display will be choreographed to lights and a custom soundtrack. Violinist Timothee Lovelock, who is nationally recognized for his one-of-a-kind violin and DJ shows, will perform.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive early.

Parking at Seminole Casino Hotel will be limited, with clearly identified overflow parking nearby. All ages are welcome and admission is free. Guests should bring their

own chairs to the viewing area for the show. Food and beverage options will be available for purchase at the event.

“Celebration in the Sky” is the largest land-based fireworks show in Southwest Florida. The show is produced

by Zambelli Fireworks, one of the largest fireworks companies in the world. A traditional outdoor Zambelli Fireworks production is a complete sensory experience unlike anything else! Zambelli’s productions are some of the largest in the world, and their displays include a variety of shells and high-intensity multi-shot devices that awe and inspire.

For more information, call toll-free 800-218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/Seminole CasinoHotel/.

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is at 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee.

Platinum-Selling Country Artist Aaron Lewis to take the Stage at Seminole Casino Hotel Feb. 8 Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes #1 Billboard country artist Aaron Lewis performing live Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 with gates opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. General admission tickets for this outdoor concert are $39.50. VIP tickets start at $54.50 per ticket and include reserved seating and two complimentary drinks (beer, wine or soda). Tickets will be available Friday from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. Parking is free.

Having recorded with George Jones, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill, Lewis has put a traditionalist brand on his outlier country. His latest album, “Frayed At Both Ends,” offers the hard touring, 15million selling workingman’s country star at his most personal and unplugged, making for an intimate record that reflects his 2024 acoustic tour.

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is at 506 South 1st St., Immokalee.

Reading is Fundamental launches 3rd annual nationwide reading engagement initiative ‘Rally to Read 100’ Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit, announced today the launch of the third annual Rally to Read 100 (RallytoRead.org)–a six-month initiative that runs from October 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 that is designed to inspire the joy of reading and motivate children to read, starting with a pledge to read 100 books.

Building on the success of last year’s event, in which over 800,000 books were pledged to be read, RIF will once again unite classrooms and communities across the country with a reading initiative anchored on monthly themes and supported with a diverse lineup of author read-alouds. There will also be a book collection sweepstakes, a variety of engaging reading activities for the home and school (some of which are in Spanish), plus a live virtual event hosted at a New York Barnes & Noble to celebrate Read Across America Day in March 2024.

All of the free literacy resources and activities are available at RallytoRead.org.

Each month during the six-month campaign, a featured read-aloud from exclusive publishing partner Penguin Random House and specially selected Barnes & Noble Storytime Picks will be shared from notable and diverse authors and illustrators, including Peter H. Reynolds (“All You Need Is Love and a really soft pillow”), Jason Reynolds (“There Was a Party for Langston”), Misty Copeland (“Bunheads”), and Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett (“Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective”). For elementary school classrooms and libraries, RIF is bringing back the Rally to Read book sweepstakes, giving away 10,000 diverse books in which elementary school educators have the chance to win 100 high-quality books for their school or youthserving organization.

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

Send news tips & releases to news@breezenewspapers.com

Page 25 n Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 26 Fort Myers Beach Observer

Lee Heart Walk saving lives with every step The American Heart Association signature event invites participants to sign up and step out for health The American Heart Association and more than 2,000 community members will gather for festivities and a 3.1 mile walk at the Lee Heart Walk.

This year’s Lee Heart Walk is sponsored by Live Fierce SWFL Sponsor Lee Health, along with Scotlynn, City Furniture, Regions Bank, FGCU, Humana Healthy Horizons, LCEC, Encompass Health, Enterprise Holdings, Millenium Physician Group, B&I Contractors, Storm Smart, Pam Knous & Arnold Schmidt, Walmart, Edenred, CHW Consultants, and Professional Paradies Lagardere. American Heart Association volunteers, as well as heart disease and stroke survivors will also participate.

Participants can register for the Heart Walk by visiting

this link. From there, participants can create personal fundraising pages, download the Heart Walk mobile app, and encourage family and friends to join.

Lee Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. at Centennial Park, 2000 W First St, Fort Myers. Everyone is encouraged to dress in their Heart Walk best and come out to move more.

Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more lives saved.

More research. More people trained in CPR. More medical breakthroughs.

And more lifesaving moments for hearts big and small. By participating and donating to Lee Heart Walk, participants are supporting the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association and safe-

guarding that fewer people die from stroke and heart disease. Visit Lee Heart Walk to learn more.

The theme of this year’s Heart Walk is “I Walk to Save Lives.” Heart disease and stroke impact people in very personal life-changing ways. Through the Heart Walk, participants are invited to express, share and be inspired by the reasons WHY they walk.

About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800AHA-USA1.

‘Dock the Hulls’ to feature toy drive and more +By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

An island holiday event will provide the chance to support F.I.S.H. of SanibelCaptiva.

The Green Flash will host the “Dock the Hulls” Holiday Dock Party on Dec. 9 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Captiva restaurant, which will serve as a toy drive for the islands' only social services agency.

It will also feature holiday contests with prizes, plus appearances by two special guests.

Managing Partner Michael Miller explained that before Hurricane Ian, The

Green Flash would usually hold a boat light parade for the community, with others also hosting festivities to mark the season.

“We see a lot of life on the island again and wanted to do something for the holidays,” he said.

Attendees are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys in an effort to “fill the docks.”

“We figured everyone does Toys for Tots, and since we're on the island, we wanted to do something island-specific,” Miller said. “We thought F.I.S.H. would be a great organization to donate to.”

He noted that monetary donations will also be accepted.

From noon to 2 p.m., attendees can take part in best decorated and best Santa contests.

“We're going to have a boat decorating contest for best decorated, most festive,” Miller said.

“And we'll have a best Santa costume contest,” he added.

The first and second place winners in each contest will win $100 and $75, respectively.

There is no cost is participate.

Photo opportunities will be available

from 1 to 3 p.m. when two holiday icons swing by for a visit.

“We're going to have Santa and the Grinch,” Miller said.

The community is invited to come out.

“We're trying to bring life back to the island and get some normalcy going again post-Ian,” he said. “And, at the same time, do a little good for people — spread some holiday cheer and charity.”

For more information, contact the restaurant at 239-472-3337.

The Green Flash is at 15183 Captiva Drive, Captiva.

Page 27 n Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 fortmyersbeachtalk.com

Fort Myers Beach Observer

fortmyersbeachtalk.com Week of Wednesday, December 6, 2023 n Page 28 Fort Myers Beach Observer

‘Holiday Magic’ Celebration to feature concerts and more

By TIFFANY REPECKI

trepecki@breezenewspapers.com

BIG ARTS is presenting a month of free or low-cost family-friendly events to mark the season.

It kicked off its monthlong “Holiday Magic” celebration with an open house on Dec. 1 at its Sanibel facility as part of the Luminary season activities taking place on the islands. For the remainder of December, additional events are scheduled, including holiday concerts, a show, and movie screening.

Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder explained that as things began reopening after last year's hurricane, they realized that they had planned more activities than usual during December.

“So we wanted to wrap it as a monthlong holiday celebration — to be here for the community and to celebrate everybody as we go through our rebuilding and getting back to our traditions,” she said.

On Dec. 14, the BIG ARTS Community Chorus Holiday Concert will take place at 7 p.m. in the Christensen Performance Hall.

Attendees will enjoy both traditional and contemporary music.

"It's our traditional holiday concert that our local chorus members present,” Harder said.

“They are very anxious to get back to singing, so we're looking forward to that,” she added.

Tickets are $20 adults and free for students.

Next up, The Silhouettes will take the stage for “The Light of Christmas” on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

“Very exciting,” Harder said. “We wanted to add a family-friendly holiday production.”

Established in 2009, The Silhouettes is a world-renowned shadow-dance company of children and adults that rose to stardom as first runner-up on season 6 of “America’s Got Talent.” Under the guidance of Lynn Waggoner-Patton, it creates stunning choreographed pieces that champion family, friendship, community and love.

“They are a wonderful company, and they have a beautiful Christmas show,” she said.

Tickets range from $10 to $49 and $10 for students.

On Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m., the BIG ARTS Community Chorus will be joined by The Sanibel School's Seahorse Chorale and Elementary Choir for the “Now and Then: A Holiday Song Celebration.”

“We're really thrilled to be able to do this,” Harder said.

She explained that the chorus usually works with the students for a spring concert, but the Seahorse Chorale has been selected

BIG ARTS

A screening of “The Polar Express” will be held on Dec. 21 at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. to perform at the New York Invitational spirit of Christmas on the way.

Music Festival in April at Carnegie Hall in Harder noted that bells will be handed New York City, New York. So they asked if out to children. the students would want to do a holiday conWhile the screening is free, tickets are cert. required.

Again, the performance will feature tradiAll of the holiday events will feature spetional and modern holiday songs. cialty cocktails and mock-tails.

The concert is free, but tickets will be In addition, the gift shop will be open to required. browse and shop for unique items from local Wrapping up the holiday festivities will artists. be a showing of “The Polar Express” on The community is invited to get their Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy tickets and into the holiday spirit. the beloved Christmas film on the big screen “We all missed each other last year, so in the Christensen Performance Hall. just seeing our friends and neighbors and “It's a beautiful movie, and another free being home for the holidays,” she said. event for families, kids, people of all ages,” For more information or tickets, visit she said.

BIGARTS.ORG or call the box office 239In the film, a young boy embarks on a 395-0900. magical adventure to the North Pole on the BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Polar Express on Christmas Eve, while Sanibel. learning about friendship, bravery and the

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/leecou ntyscholarship/.

Applications should be submitted to flscholarships@redsox.com.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 12.

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Tree Service

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

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Fort Myers Beach Observer

Fort Myers Beach Observer

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Observer 12/06/23

Observer 12/06/23