feet, which includes the outdoor space that comprises about 35% of the restaurant’s seating. From a total gross area, the restaurant is closer to 9,000 square feet when figuring in stairwells and common area features, Shucart said.
The 175-seat restaurant with about 25 seats at its two bars will have distinctive areas created with a luxurious ambiance. The rooftop spaces are designed with lush greenery, refined natural woods and yacht-inspired details.
“You have a whole restaurant
See ATEN KNOWS, Page 8A
FBI joins probe into massive permit fraud in Collier County
By Aisling Swift
Retired architect Gene Cravillion hasn’t practiced architecture since August 2022. He suffers from dementia and lives in a North Naples assisted-living facility.
Yet more than 400 plans bearing his state-registered architectural seal have been submitted to the Collier County Building Plan Review &
Inspection Division since then; he ostensibly wrote letters to the county last November and December affirming his work; and his license was renewed in November for two years. Seemingly fraudulent Cravillion letters were typed on letterhead using his seal — and someone posing as him inspected work on homes and attended a county hearing.
“With his dementia, he has no idea this is going on,” Cravillion’s son, Tom, a design professional, said in an interview, adding his father had
worked in the past with James D. Allen and Octavio Sarmiento, not with others who were cited by the state. “All these ended up being faked … It’s ridiculous. He’s been in assisted living since 2022.
“Sometimes what they’d do is, he’d either get transported over to their office to review it or they would bring a plan in to him and he’d look at it. We saw that he no longer had income. No one was coming,” Tom Cravillion said. “His demen-
Residents, pilots urge Collier to keep Everglades Airpark open
By John L. Guerra
Everglades City residents and general aviation pilots are urging the Collier County Commission to keep Everglades Airpark open.
The commissioners have not decided to close the airport. They, however, agreed to ask the Federal Aviation Administration and Flor-
ida Department of Transportation what steps need to be taken to deactivate the tiny airport that abuts Everglades National Park.
In response to citizen comments at the March 11 meeting, the Commission also agreed to form a committee to study potential uses that could save the airport. Everglades City sits on Chokoloskee Bay, which makes it susceptible to storm surge.
The Collier County Airpark Au-
thority operates Marco Island Executive Airport, Immokalee Regional Airport and Everglades. Of the three, only Everglades consistently operates at a loss, according to county staff.
The following factors will ensure the airpark will suffer continued financial losses:
The FAA has designated Everglades Airpark as “unclassified,” which means it does not receive any
guaranteed annual funding from the FAA or FDOT. According to county staff, without that funding, “it becomes quite burdensome to fund any significant capital improvements.”
The 2,400-foot runway cannot be extended without filling in wetlands; the short runway limits the size and number of aircraft that can be accommodated, and thus, how much
The view from an elevated area of a structure at Everglades Airpark. Photo by Ed Scott
Reader Services
OFFICE ADDRESS
26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text 239.498.8501 | naplespress.com info@naplespress.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Send old and new addresses and a mailing label, if possible, to Naples Press, 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Visit naplespress.com/subscribe to login and update your address, call or text 239.498.8501 or email subscriptions@naplespress.com.
CONTACT US
Please send all correspondence to: Naples Press 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text us at 239.498.8501.
WEBSITE naplespress.com
TEXTING KEYWORD
Text 'Naples' to 239.498.8501. You'll receive a link to naplespress.com to find forms for you to subscribe, either as a residential subscriber or a commercial subscriber.
PLEASE NOTE:
SWFL INSIDER
SWFL’s largest Orchid Show & Sale on March 21-23 in Naples
The 8th annual Orchid Show & Sale hosted by the Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance, the largest orchid club in Southwest Florida (more than 350 members), will be held noon-5 p.m. Friday, March 21; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 22; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, March 23 in Exhibition Hall at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples. Admission is $10 and good for all three days. Parking is free. Proceeds benefit the education and outreach programs of the nonprofit Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance, which meets monthly, offers hands-on classes and has a speakers bureau. Hundreds of blooming plants, flower arrangements and large displays featuring multiple species are entered for American Orchid Society judging, which takes place 9-11 a.m. on Friday by independent judges hired by Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance. Ribbons and cash awards are presented. Judges will be available for interviews when judging is completed. Orchids will be entered by members of Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance and Naples Orchid Society, with a combined membership of more than 500.
The show theme is “Rockin’ n Rollin’ with Orchids” with displays tied to the theme.
Five vendors will be on hand, selling thousands of orchids and orchid supplies.
Tip sheets for orchid care are available at gulfcoastorchids.com and for guests to complete when talking with vendors. There will be three free workshops (with paid admission) on Saturday: Orchid Propagation (9:30 a.m.) by John Finer, GCOA board member; Orchids 101 (11:30 a.m.) by past club president Jim Longwell; and Mounting Orchids (1:30 p.m.) by board member Rae Jean Walker.
Scheidemann joins Books for Collier Kids board
Books for Collier Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every child in Collier County has books at home to read and cherish for life, announced that Christine Scheidemann has joined the board of directors. “Christine’s extensive experience in banking, coupled with her commitment to giving back, makes her an asset to the charity as we enter our third decade of service to our community, providing new, age-appropriate books to Collier kids,” Chair Sallie Williams said. Beyond 25 years of diverse banking experience, ranging from personal banking officer and customer service operations officer to her current position as lending associate officer
with FineMark National Bank and Trust in Naples, Scheidemann has been active in philanthropy throughout her life. Her volunteer work includes Books for Collier Kids, Freedom Waters Foundation and NCEF Vision Screen for Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, as well as Naples Winter Wine Festival, chairing event committees at Lighthouse of Collier and serving on the Board of the American Cancer Society of Naples (2009-16).
‘Exploring the Italian Immigrant Experience’ dinner, lecture, movie set
The Naples Italian American Foundation is presenting an evening of history, film and discussion on Wednesday, March 26, featuring Joseph V. Scelsa, founder of the NYC Italian American Museum. This event will explore the rich and complex history of Italian immigration to the United States, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of the Italian American community.
Scelsa earned his doctorate in Sociology and Education from Columbia University. He served as dean of the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute at Queens College, where he is now a professor emeritus. The evening will begin with a lecture from Scelsa, who will share insights into the mission of the NYC Italian American Museum and its work in preserving the history of Italian immigrants. His presentation will delve into the struggles faced by early Italian arrivals, their journey toward acceptance and the cultural contributions that helped shape America. For reservations, visit niafoundation.org/events call 239.597.5210 or email niaf@ niafoundation.org.
STAR Studio & Artisan Gifts launches Spa Collection
STAR Studio & Artisan Gifts, part of STARability Foundation’s Social Enterprise program, launched a new line of specialty candles called the Spa Collection. Hand-poured by participants of STARability Foundation at their STAR Studio in the Naples Design District, the fresh collection features candles with a ceramic tumbler, bamboo lid and one of three scents: Glam (lemongrass, black currant and sugarcane); Glow (bergamot, amber, gardenia and coconut); and Gratify (white eucalyptus, mint leaf, marine and juniper). The bottom of each candle is uniquely signed by the STARability participant who created it. Candles can be purchased individually for $32 each or $85 for three. The collection is available in person at the studio’s artisan
gift boutique,106 10th St. N. All proceeds from sales support STARability’s programs and services to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain invaluable skills to reach their employment, engagement and independence goals.
Indoor pickleball complex proposed for East Naples
The Picklr is proposing a 15-court indoor pickleball complex in East Naples for the 9.6-acre property on the southeast corner of Collier Boulevard and Beck Boulevard. The indoor courts will have outdoor surfacing. The Picklr’s website shows amenities for its Naples South location at 3800 Beck Blvd. will include a pro shop, locker rooms with showers and private areas for parties and events. The Utah-based company promotes league play, tournaments, drop-in play, court reservations and artificial intelligence coaching. The proposed project is still in the development process.
Hugs Naples Ukulele Festival to benefit veterans at Baker Senior Center American musician Jim Beloff will perform along with father-daughter duo The Barnkickers at the second annual Happy Ukulele Group Strummers Naples Ukulele Festival on March 29 at the Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S. This year’s concert will honor Vietnam Era veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day with donations supporting crucial veterans’ programs at Baker Senior Center Naples. Ukulele Fest begins with free beginner lessons open to the public from 4 to 5 p.m. For ticket holders, there will be a VIP Champagne Reception from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., with the concert underway at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $30.
Naples Community Home Watch earns accreditation Naples Community Home Watch has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association. The NHWA ( nationalhomewatchassociation. org) was formed in 2009 to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for home watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada. Home watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence. All principals of NHWA-accredited member companies are background-checked, insured and bonded.
COLLIER NOW
By Aisling
Days after Sun-N-Fun Lagoon reopened for spring break, Collier County commissioners approved a nearly $165,000 contract to begin renovating the slide pool after the 6.1-acre aquatics park closes on March 23.
The March 11 vote awarded the contract to Orlando-based Vermana, which bid $164,964 to complete the renovation, which includes repairs to improve the pool’s safety and lifecycle. The contract also gives Vermana an allowance of up to $13,700 for unforeseeable problems. The firm was chosen over two other bidders.
Commissioner Chris Hall, whose district covers the park, pushed to get SunN-Fun open by spring break (March 1014). He commended staff from Growth Management, Parks & Recreation, Transportation, Public Utilities and other divisions for working together with numerous contractors to reopen the park after 17 months of work.
Located in North Collier Regional Park at 15000 Livingston Road in North Naples, the county’s most popular aquatics park had been closed since October 2023 due to aging pumps and other old equipment that needed repairs and replacements. Difficulty getting parts and bidders delayed the process.
“The place looked like a resort,” Hall said of the March 8 reopening, which brought in more than 1,000 people.
Baker Senior Center to extend hours Commission approves contract for pool renovation
To satisfy growing demands, Baker Senior Center Naples can now extend its weekday hours and offer weekend programs twice monthly — easing the burden for caregivers.
The Board of County Commissioners approved the changes for the nonprofit on March 11, with no opposition from residents, once landuse attorney Rich Yovanovich assured the board he’d met with residents after they cited concerns at neighborhood information meetings. As a result, he said, no one opposed the changes at a February Planning Commission meeting and they passed unanimously.
“We met with a group of residents to … go over their concerns and … made some clarification on the hours of operation,” Yovanovich said after Commissioner Bill McDaniel wanted to postpone the vote two weeks to ensure residents’ concerns were allayed. “Although we’re asking to not be required to have a police officer and monitor [the intersection] ourselves, if that … becomes a problem, the police officer can be required, just like churches.”
In 2020, there was an outcry by roughly 300 residents of neighboring Oakes Estates Neighborhood Association who didn’t want a center built at 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane. Commissioners approved zoning changes that allowed the land purchase after center director Dr. Jaclynn Faffer agreed to concessions, including limiting the number of members; adding more landscape buffering; limiting hours to daytime business hours on weekdays; and
hiring deputies or state troopers to direct traffic during the weekly lunch to avoid blocking the intersection of Autumn Oaks Lane and Valewood Drive.
The 30,000-square-foot center, just off Immokalee Road east of I-75, opened in January 2023, after outgrowing a leased building on
Growth Management Director Jamie French said 300 people came for the reopening on Saturday, and more than 700 on Sunday. “Kids were having a great time,” French said. “Families, parents, even visitors [were] running through and jumping in those cold pools. No one really complained about the pool being a little cold.”
The water park, which opened in 2006, features six pools, five water slides, a Lazy River, an interactive, illuminated splash pad, water-dumping buckets and water pistols. Before closing, it operated daily from Memorial Day weekend until schools reopened in August.
Sun-N-Fun draws more than 90,000 unique visitors yearly, including more than 50,000 during season, October through May. There’s no charge for toddlers up to age 3; it’s $6 for children up to 4 feet tall; $11 for county residents, with discounts for seniors and veterans; and non-county residents pay $13.
Under the contract, the slide pool’s main drains will be replaced with drains
Collier County guesthouse pilot program
By Aisling
A
a county prohibition stand and not move forward with a pilot program in the Urban Estates, an area of North Naples west of Collier Boulevard.
Renting guest houses for commercial gain is prohibited by the county’s land development code, which allows them to be used only for housing relatives or caregivers — without charging rent — and bars owners from living in the guest house while renting out their principal dwelling.
“Once we open this door up to legalize the renting of guest houses, the next step is going to be that people are going to be renting those out as Airbnbs,”
In 2020, there was an outcry from roughly 300 residents of neighboring Oakes Estates Neighborhood Association who didn’t want a center built at 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane.
Photos by Ed Scott
By Aisling Swift
There’s a four-way stop nearby, so the center agreed the county can require law enforcement to direct traffic. See SENIOR CENTER, Page 8A
Swift
Swift
tia was so bad about a year ago, he stopped [working].”
The exact number of properties affected isn’t known, but an investigation by The Naples Press shows at least one North Naples homeowner’s certificate of occupancy was revoked 21 months after it was issued; many were hit with stop-work orders; lawsuits are pending; and several firms were called before code enforcement boards and the county Contractors’ Licensing Board.
Among them was Nova Homes of South Florida, which used Dave Wainscott Designs, a firm connected to many cases. Collier has revoked Nova Homes’ permit-pulling privileges.
Neither Wainscott nor Eric Pacheco, Nova Homes’ chief operating officer, returned calls or emails seeking comment. State Department of Business & Professional Regulation records show Wainscott has a history of unlicensed activity. They work in the same office building on Beck Boulevard.
“I’m not certain what the driver is, other than just greed,” John McCormick, director of the county Building Plan Review & Inspection Division, told the 16-member Development Services Advisory Committee this month, adding that the numbers involved — they flagged 400 permits last month — continue to grow.
Last month, McCormick told the DSAC someone accessed Cravillion’s password to use his seal, which he called “substantial fraud … As a director, it’s my responsibility to keep this from happening again.”
Florida statutes require registered architects to use seals prescribed by the Florida Board of Architecture. Digital seals are used to verify the authenticity of architectural documents, establish an architect’s identity and show safety-code compliance, structural integrity and adherence to local, state and national standards.
Hundreds more permit applications were submitted to Naples and Marco Island building departments and the FBI is now overseeing criminal investigations initiated by local permit divisions, the Florida Board of Architecture & Interior Design, the state DBPR, Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Marco and Naples police departments.
DBPR records show it mailed 24 Naples design professionals and firms cease-and-desist letters on Jan. 22 about “unlicensed activity,” warning them to stop using Cravillion’s seal.
Collier plan reviewers must scrutinize about 200,000 permits issued since August 2022, McCormick told the DSAC.
But the county’s software isn’t set up to flag design professionals and alert affected designers, builders and homeowners, and “we don’t have the manpower.
“That’s a huge Achilles heel for us, because it’s much easier to search by certain design professionals and be able to pull up permits,” he added. “Right now, the only way we can do it is by [applicant] name.”
Affected homeowners and contractors must hire a new architect and re-submit permit applications.
McCormick is working with the County Manager’s Office on how to proceed, and hopes to upgrade the software and hire others to conduct the search. County records show 4,143 total permit applications, including 465 for building permits, were submitted in January, and 4,313 in February, including 481 for building permits.
“My first obligation is to get the current work out the door. I cannot let this hold that work up,” McCormick said.
Marco Island officials declined to provide records or specify the number of stop orders and properties, saying it’s exempt under Florida’s
CITED FOR UNLICENSED ACTIVITY
The state Department of Business & Professional Regulation sent the following designers and firms — all from Naples — cease-and-desist letters, warning them to stop using Gene Cravillion’s architectural seal. Those marked with an asterisk told The Naples Press they were unknowingly involved, while Cravillion’s former partner said he met with Cravillion in person and paid him in person. The investigation is continuing and more firms may be added.
•DAVE WAINSCOTT DESIGNS and David Wainscott
•ASSA DESIGNS and owner Octavio Sarmiento, who used to work with Gene Cravillion
*JAMES D. ALLEN, Cravillion’s former partner
SP DRAFTING LLC and owner Santiago Pinilla
•DRAFTING DESIGN OF NAPLES
•ARGON
•*TOSCANO GROUP LLC and owner Alba Melissa Perez-Toscano JC ROBALINO INC. and Juan Carlos Robalino
•KGT BUILDERS and co-owner Gregory Ulrich
•NESTOR GARCIA DESIGN and Nestor Garcia; his Efficient Builders LLC wasn’t cited TRU DRAFTING & DESIGN INC and owner Isaiah Trujillo
•*ARCHIE BIM DESIGNS and Diego Bustamante Verdejo
•A1 SERVICES CONSTRUCTION & Renovation and its president, Luis Adrian Sanchez; his A1 Services & More wasn’t cited
THINLINE GROUP LLC and owner Carlos Barbato
Source: State Department of Business & Professional Regulation
Sunshine Act due to the ongoing investigation. Naples officials found three permits involving Cravillion, placed one on hold, issued two stopwork orders and are still reviewing permits. As of press time early this week, Collier County hadn’t provided that information. The Sheriff’s Office referred questions to the FBI, which hasn’t responded to The Naples Press
The importance of a seal
An architect’s license requires years of work experience, education and a lengthy, difficult examination that takes days. As a result, some don’t sit for the exam after earning a degree in architecture, opting instead to open design firms and work with certified architects.
Experts said stamp or seal fraud involving stolen stamps and signatures endangers the public and
governments that rely on the seal and signature, diverts income and affects an architect’s professional reputation.
The seal assures structural integrity. Architects are responsible for overseeing design, construction and project-team coordination throughout the process. It’s unethical and illegal to take credit for design work that wasn’t done.
By law, residential projects — single- and two-family homes and townhouses — aren’t required to be signed and sealed by an architect, said architect Greg Burke, vice chair of the Florida Board of Architecture & Interior Design and a member of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. However, he said, plans involving a home’s structural components must be signed and sealed by an architect or engineer. They cannot review
lion and two architects he’s worked with since Cravillion’s health declined. He said permitting employees advised him not to work with Cravillion anymore due to work Sarmiento turned in using his seal. However, he said, one project that began three years ago with a general contractor needed revisions, and Cravillion did that in 2023.
“He may not have been technically practicing in ’23, but he was well enough to come … to the office and meet with [the contractor],” Allen said, adding a church friend drove Cravillion. “I paid Gene a percentage of the deal for a new project and $300 for every revision … I have no clue how all these bandits got hold of his license or who renewed it.”
He said someone would have pocketed the architectural charges and passed that cost on to homeowners.
General contractor Alba Melissa Perez-Toscano, of Toscano Group, provided the investigator with details involving a pending 2023 pool design handled by Sarmiento, whom she’d worked with for years.
drawings after completion.
“There are supposed to be safeguards all along the way,” he said. “If they are signing and sealing them, they have to be in ‘responsible control’ of the project, which means from day one, you’re the one writing the contract, you’re the one taking meeting notes, you’re the one meeting with the clients — and that’s what a lot of these contractors try to get themselves out of doing. They want to do all that upfront stuff for themselves.”
If an architect is hired to oversee the project from start to finish, including construction administration, during construction, the architect is available to review what the contractor is building to ensure everything in the design is included in the build-out.
But building departments statewide are having difficulties finding plan reviewers, often due to many areas’ cost of living, and many are hesitant to file a complaint.
“In some cases, they will stop the permit process,” Burke said. “It all depends on how aware they are at the time — and quite honestly, the building departments are overburdened. It’s not always easy to determine if a set of drawings was legally signed and sealed.”
Violators face local and state hearings and hefty fines, as well as criminal charges, jail and prison — and restitution to victims.
DBPR flags unlicensed activity
Since DBPR alerted local governments in January, McCormick said his employees discovered three more professionals’ seals are being used fraudulently; he declined to name them.
He contended DBPR was slow to get the word out, allowing hundreds of permits to be approved.
On Jan. 22, DBPR sent 11 Naples architects, designers, builders and other design professionals and 13 firms cease-and-desist letters about unlicensed activity. They must provide the architectural board’s investigator with evidence; she did not return calls and emails.
Some who were cited told The Naples Press they were unknowingly involved after hiring certain permitting or design companies. They didn’t return calls from The Naples Press. Only three who were cited by the state did.
James D. Allen, Cravillion’s former partner, said he worked with Cravillion and paid him in person when he came to his office. Allen provided the investigator with records detailing payments to Cravil-
“She thought I was working as a team, but I just provided everything to ASSA,” Perez-Toscano said of the investigator. “I tried to call [Sarmiento], but I think he closed everything. He doesn’t respond … I got my license recently and the city told me to not use him because he’s a red flag, so I stopped.”
Archie BIM Design owner Diego Bustamante Verdejo was unsure how he was involved and doesn’t know others who were cited.
“I work solely as a draftsman for Majestic Homes Builders, and my responsibilities are limited to drafting certain technical plans for this office,” Bustamante said through a translator. “I do not provide architectural services or sign any plans … The office I work for only compensates me for my drafting work. They are responsible for submitting the plans for review and signing through another company.”
It’s not the first time
The fraudulent use of Cravillion’s seal began after reports to the Marco Island Building Department of Nova Homes and Wainscott using architect Leonard LaForest’s seal. The longtime Marco Island architect’s license was suspended for unlicensed activity in October 2019 and he died Nov. 15, 2021. But his seal was still being used.
“He apparently was signing it from the grave,” said Denise Zervos, a Marco Island homeowner whose plans were signed and sealed by LaForest — as an engineer.
Due to that and numerous other building problems, she severed ties with Nova Homes and hired another builder to finish her Old Marco Lane home. She’s in litigation with Nova Homes.
On Jan. 9, 2023, Marco Island city officials advised builders, designers, homeowners and others on its website and Facebook that they learned on Dec. 29, 2022, that LaForest had died.
“Most troubling is that we have continued to receive plans signed and sealed using Mr. LaForest’s credentials after his death,” the post said, adding they alerted law enforcement agencies and contacts for projects signed and sealed using his credentials.
“These projects must have their plans reviewed, if necessary revised, and signed and sealed by a licensed design professional,” it said. “All projects currently under construction with plans signed and sealed using Mr. LaForest’s credentials after his death must stop until their plans are updated by a new licensed design professional.”
This January, Marco Island post-
LEFT: Gene Cravillion, Octavio Sarmiento and an unidentified ASSA employee in 2016. Instagram photo
ABOVE: Nova Homes is located at 3825 Beck Blvd. Suite 703 in Naples. Photo by Ed Scott
gather residents’ feedback. Urban Estates was chosen because it has infrastructure (including roads, utilities and stormwater drains) to support the idea.
After developing a program, staff sent 3,558 postcards to eligible Urban Estates residents last spring, asking them to attend meetings or complete online surveys, but received only 135 responses. At neighborhood meetings, residents were in favor of renting guesthouses but not in favor of limiting the rental price to restrict it to affordable, workforce housing.
State law prohibits the county from restricting Vrbos and Airbnbs, which often include party houses, unless the program is limited to income-restricted rentals for affordable housing — and residents didn’t support that due to the costs of building guest houses and the loss of the homestead exemption percentage.
The county prohibition predates state statutes so it’s grandfathered in, County Attorney Jeff Klatzkow said.
Last year, commissioners supported limiting rentals to homesteaded Urban Estates properties, which then totaled 1,560, but Commissioner Rick LoCastro asked for a one-year review to make sure property owners didn’t “go wild” renting them out for $6,000 or $1 million. Commissioner Chris Hall asked for a review this week, saying they want to ensure it’s not “automatically going to be Airbnb city,” but benefits workforce housing.
From page 1A
fuel can be sold at the site.
Hurricanes continue to damage the eight-bay hangar at the airpark; unresolved Ian damage is still at $1.2 million. The runway has been under several feet of seawater at least three times during the past year. Portions of the self-fueling facility have also been underwater, rendering it unreliable.
The airpark averages fewer than 10 flights a day and has only three seasonally based aircraft on tiedown agreements. The hangar is unoccupied.
The airpark does have six FAA airport improvement grants that have obligations for 20 years, so the county would have to determine if it had any financial obligations with the FAA.
“Any grant repayment could be funded by proceeds from the sale of the assets at Everglades Airpark, including the fee simple sale of the land,” the Commission stated in the executive summary of the issue.
Though the county’s request to the FAA and FDOT for information on the possible closing of Everglades Airpark was on the consent agenda, Everglades City residents, pilots and others signed up to speak about the air park’s future. That led commissioners to open the item for discussion.
Stacey Heaton, regional manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots
The state estimates Collier has a shortfall of about 49,399 affordable housing units. In the past few years, the Planning Commission and county commissioners have approved numerous developments that contain hundreds of units of affordable workforce housing and are working toward increasing that number. The 2023 market rate for rentals in the Urban Estates area ranged from $4,770 for a two-bedroom unit to $6,323 for five bedrooms.
“The assumption is that if we did this, it’s going to ruin the people’s lives in the neighborhood,” Hall said, adding that he gets calls about a million cars parked and trash in Naples Park. “It’s going to increase their traffic; it’s going to overwhelm them with trash … Those are concerns that need to be considered.”
But Klatzkow said they couldn’t stop it if they started, or make limitations. “What you’re trying to do is make an end-run around the statute,” he added. “… Once you open this up, it’s done.”
McDaniel noted state statutes take away the county’s ability to control rentals, if they allow them.
“Once we open up Pandora’s box, it’s open,” McDaniel said of starting a pilot program. “There’s nothing stopping a corporation, Marriott — or any of these companies that are buying these homes — from buying homes in the Urban or Rural Estates and renting them [out]. They’re certainly allowed to do it under whatever pretense that they can and for whatever term that they can. We don’t have a say-so in those things.”
$1.268M contract awarded to restore Naples Depot
By Aisling Swift
The Naples Depot Museum, shuttered since damage by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, is chugging toward needed renovations and a future reopening.
The Board of County Commissioners on March 11 awarded a $1.268 million construction contract to Panzica Construction Co. of Bonita Springs, which has completed several large projects, including Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. A selection committee chose the company over 10 other bidders, deeming it the lowest, most responsive bidder.
The museum at 1051 Fifth Ave. S. in downtown Naples, one of five operated by Collier County Museums, sustained wind and flood damage during the hurricane of Sept. 28, 2022. The 99-year-old building is owned by South West Heritage Inc., which was formed in 1975 to preserve the historic site. It marks the site of two rival railroads — Seaboard Air Line Railway and Atlantic Coast Line — that arrived in Naples in the 1920s.
Both ceased passenger service in Naples in 1971, when Amtrak took over nationally; the line was fully abandoned and the track was removed in the 1980s.
The project includes restoration of exterior and interior finishes, doors and windows, specialty millwork and other components damaged by floodwaters during Hurricane Ian, and will fully restore the
museum to its pre-storm condition. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. City records show the project is still going through the permitting process.
The bid was about 13% higher than the architect’s opinion of probable construction cost of $1.189 million. However, Tony Barone, the county Facilities Management Division’s project manager supervisor, told commissioners in a memo that the county engineering consultant, PK Studios Inc., determined the project’s specialized nature — including the need to maintain the historic designation and source items and labor through specialty vendors — likely contributed to the higher bid.
Set in a restored Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station, the museum shows visitors the railroading boom days of the Roaring Twenties and how generations of Southwest Floridians used technology and transportation to conquer a vast, seemingly impenetrable frontier. It features Seminole dugout canoes, a mule wagon, antique swamp buggy, restored rail cars, a children’s train ride and interactive model train exhibits that show how trade and travel transformed Naples from a sleepy village of 300 residents into a large Gulf Coast resort destination. Although closed, the museum is still collecting objects, artifacts and oral histories to display in its Black History Baggage Car, a new exhibit that will highlight African Americans’ contributions to the county.
To donate items, share your story, volunteer or donate funds to the Black History Baggage Car, go to: bit.ly/donatetoblackhistorybaggagecar
Association, told the commissioners that members of AOPA “oppose any efforts to study the closure of Everglades Airpark.”
She said small airports are vital to getting emergency supplies when disasters hit remote areas such as Chokoloskee.
From page 4A
ed a similar alert about the fraudulent use of Cravillion’s seal. Collier and Miami-Dade did the same, but Miami-Dade listed firms involved and county officials said its investigation found no applications or permits in its unincorporated areas were affected. Collier’s site also provides links to help homeowners verify licenses and certifications.
“It started with LaForest and when they got caught using LaForest, they thought, ‘Oh, who else can we use that we’ve worked with?’ and they used Gene Cravillion’s stamp,” Zervos said.
“What bothers me most is: Did anyone look over any of those plans? You could have
“During the last hurricane season, when North Carolina was inundated with flooding and landslides, which knocked out the roads, the only way to get water and supplies was through general aviation airports,” Heaton told the commissioners. “The recent California wildfires were mitigated
hundreds of homes out there that have structural plans stamped. Who knows if an actual architect has ever really looked at these. It scares me.
“The county’s not going to check … It’s stamped by LaForest as an engineer,” she said of her plans. “They assume the plan is stamped because there’s an engineer stamp with a date on it. They assume that engineer looked over everything.”
Her plans are now stamped by Salmont Orange, a licensed engineer in Naples. “I don’t even know if he looked at our plans or not,” Zervos said. “The only thing I checked was to make sure he was breathing, because I had my doubts.”
Her home still isn’t complete.
“I would have never used [Wainscott] again,” she said of the LaForest issue. “I
through the use of community airports and would have been significantly worse if those airports were not there to support fire missions and evacuations.”
Everglades City resident Harry Hinkle said the airport is vital to the town’s economy.
would have said, ‘You put me out of business for 70-some homes.’ I need to know that my architect and my engineer are solid, and I would have gone somewhere else — even if it cost more. That’s what you do as a builder.”
Monika Gatto, whose Certificate of Occupancy was revoked after 21 months, went through arbitration with Nova Homes due to numerous problems. But because there was an existing CO at the time, she lost. Now she’s fighting to reopen the case because the CO was allegedly based on fraud. She started investigating, reported the fraud and testified against Nova Homes before the county Contractors’ Licensing Board.
After what occurred with LaForest, Pacheco, son-in-law of Nova Homes founder Frank Arcia, sent an email to customers, she said, yet continued to use Wainscott.
“Every piece of it matters to our economy,” he said. “You take this airport from that community, and you are kind of driving a little nail into it. We’re the last of the old Florida towns, one of the few left.”
He rejected suggestions by commissioners that the waterfront land upon which the airport sits could be developed.
“Pull the airport out, start considering what to do with the land,” Hinkle said. “Bill McDaniel kept repeating to me that it’s a valuable piece of land. That’s not the way to look at the airport. It’s a valuable asset to the community as it is. The will of that town is to keep this airport alive.”
Stuart Grant said he occasionally flies into Everglades Airpark to eat in the town’s restaurants. He considers the airpark an economic engine for local businesses.
“With the airport open, people can fly in from all over to fish with many of the local guides, tour Everglades National Park, stay at nearby hotels and eat at local restaurants,” Grant said. “No matter what, I urge you to keep the airport open and make the relatively modest repairs and improvements necessary to make it self-sustaining in the long run. [When] the airport is gone, it will be gone forever.”
The commissioners voted to proceed with the study “inclusive of the discussion with the FAA and the creation of the ad hoc committee for potential utilizations for the airport facility.”
“Nova Homes, Frank Arcia and Eric Pacheco were aware of the situation and continued using him intentionally,” Gatto said. “They ‘brought him’ to my home and then pretended Mr. Cravillion was here. Mr. Pacheco was very aware of the situation and sent letters to Marco Island customers, but customers in Naples were not notified.”
Until a few weeks ago, she said, some county permits were open and passing inspections “despite Nova Homes being aware they were signed with a fraudulent stamp.”
More information is available at bit.ly/ cccravillionalert and bit.ly/marcocravillionalert. If your permit application is stamped by Gene Cravillion after August 2022, contact the state board’s investigator, melissa@manausalaw.com.
According to Collier County records, the county purchased Everglades Airpark from the Collier family for $125,000 in 1968 and maintained the property until the Collier County Airport Authority was created in 1993. Photo by Ed Scott
Collier to pay $3.84 million to address office space needs
By Aisling Swift
As Collier County government’s needs grow, it plans to spend $3.84 million to purchase 15 office suites near the government complex in East Naples to satisfy employee and space requirements.
Without discussion, the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 25 approved the purchase of 15 office condominiums at 2671 Airport-Pulling Road S. in Court Plaza III to accommodate the Community & Human Services Division. The division, which provides comprehensive services including prescriptions, veterans services and assistance and manages affordable housing opportunities, already occupies the second floor, six office suites in the 18-unit building.
“This acquisition will provide the county with greater control over its office space, improve operational efficiency and generate cost savings,” county Property Acquisition Specialist Grant Cox wrote in a recommendation to commissioners. “Purchasing the majority of the building will help reduce future rental costs.”
The county has about 2,100 full-time and part-time employees. The space is expected to meet CHS’s needs for the next 20 years and will provide additional office space for CHS as leases for current tenants expire, Cox wrote, noting there will be an immediate savings of about $108,000 yearly in rental costs that CHS pays.
“Over time, the purchase strengthens the county’s financial position by reducing reliance on external leases, securing a long-term asset and yielding significant cost savings that support operational sustainability,” Cox wrote, noting the acquisition will support the co-loca-
tion of all housing, human and veteran services — providing residents with easy access to services in a single, convenient location.
Court Plaza III is an 18,600-square-foot office condominium building, with 16,000 square feet of office space, and sits on 1.17 acres, with
76 parking spaces. It was built in 1993 and renovated in 2021, according to a real estate listing that sought $3.55 million for Connecticut-based Bigi & Bigi LLC’s 14 office condo units. Cox’s recommendation said the total acquisition won’t exceed $3.579 million, which includes two appraisals, an inspection, title policy, recording and search fees and closing costs.
The building is centrally located and is near the jail, courthouse and County Clerk’s Office.
The 15th space is owned by attorney Joseph D. Stewart, who will sell it for $290,000, but will remain in three third-floor offices and pay CHS $1,686.53 monthly for condominium association and monthly reserve fees. Another unit is occupied by tenants who have no formal lease, so the county Real Property Division will work with them to vacate or formalize a lease.
The county will seek two appraisals and purchase the offices for the agreed-upon price or
the average value of the appraisals, if it’s lower. Closing will occur 180 days from the signed agreement.
Four other tenants lease 5,638 square feet of space: the state Office of Juvenile Justice, Collier County Counseling, attorney James Chandler and attorney Lisa Mead. They’re leasing four offices on the first floor and two on the third and will pay CHS $155,178.12 yearly for monthly leases that increase 3% yearly under their lease terms. CHS plans to
of the office building at 2671 Airport-Pulling Road S. (top); Interior office space (above). Photos courtesy Collier County Government
Plans for Sterling’s Club, Carnelian Hotel detail public, private spaces
Developers unveil updated renderings and Trail Boulevard improvements for the project slated to debut in late 2026
By Stephanie Granada stephanie.granada@gulfshorelife.com
The Carnelian Hotel and its private social club, Sterling’s Club — announced last summer for the northeast corner of Pine Ridge Road and Tamiami Trail — has reached a new milestone as the county vacated its holding over the strip of Trail Boulevard in front of the hotel, paving the way for full-scale development.
Standing just past Pine Ridge Road (right), the building occupies what Gulf Coast Commercial’s VP of operations, Philip E. McCabe, called “an ideal location,” bridging the gap between Naples’ traditionally affluent areas and its expanding reach into North Naples. Collier County recently approved transferring maintenance of Trail Boulevard to the developer, allowing for a full-scale redevelopment. Plans include enhanced landscaping, new medians, full resurfacing and a deceleration lane. “The idea is to take the level of this side of [U.S.] 41 up to what’s on the west side,” McCabe said. The improvements will extend to Ridge Road, past Alison Craig Home Furnishings and the Yoga House building. Courtesy Smallwood Architecture
designed like you’re on a yacht in the finishes of it and the feel of it,” said David Miller, president and chief operating officer of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, which is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
“We cannot call it a private club because it is open to the public per se, but it’s a reservation-only restaurant,” Miller said. “There is an exclusivity to the restaurant.”
Prime Social will not be listed on the OpenTable booking service as other Cameron Mitchell restaurants are. To drink or dine at the VIP-access-only venue, one can pay an initiation fee and an annual fee or be the guest of a VIP. The four specific access plans have different pricing for families, individuals and couples, young professionals and corporations.
Prospective VIPs can request detailed information via a form on the home page of the restaurant’s website, primesocialreserve.com . About 100 have signed up so far.
“We hope to have about 250 members, which is about 600 people, by the time we open,” Miller said, noting that the program may be able to accommodate double that amount.
“As a member, you can walk in anytime. We will have an exclusive elevator that will take you up,” Miller said, noting that members can gain access with an app on their phone. “Members get guaranteed reservations.”
In addition to exclusive access and guaranteed reservations, amenities for VIPs include priority access to all Cameron Mitchell Restaurants nationwide, dedicated concierge service, the option to make reservations for unaccompanied guests and invitations to exclusive events.
“Part of the programming that’s really critical for the success of a concept like this that we’ve seen around the country is to have what we call curated events,” Miller said. “It gives the members just multiple reasons to keep coming.”
For instance, luxury clothing and jewelry
brands will be invited in for sip-and-shop events with passed appetizers and Champagne. Expect immersive art experiences and unique events created by partnerships.
“We might do a tasting where we bring in a winemaker and we pair it with a Wagyu sampling. We’ll have our chef educating our guests on what that is,” Miller said. “People just love learning, especially when it comes to food and wine.”
Miller said there’s definitely a demand in this market for an exclusive product such as Prime Social. He has done market research regarding the viability of members-only venues such as Butcher in North Naples, The Maddox in East Naples and Sterling’s at the future Carnelian hotel in North Naples.
“We’ve done national research. I’ve been researching this for years,” Miller said. “You have to do what you feel most confident in. I think what we’ve designed here is a program that we’ve seen the best of the best be successful at. We also have friends in the industry who say ‘Do this, don’t do that,’ so
Foreign
Group
we’re fortunate in that. The programs here are successful in their own right.”
Near Prime Social’s entrance will be a vibrant lounge. “We just wanted to have a space that would be where our VIP members could come and watch a sporting event or just have a cocktail before or after dinner or after golf, whatever they may be doing. Then there’s the main bar, which is part of the main dining area, and the outdoor terrace, which I suppose would be the third component, but it will have a very active bar scene,” Miller said, comparing it to similar bar scenes at Del Mar and Ocean Prime.
“It’s very important. Bars create energy in a restaurant. So, you want to have an active bar,” he said. “We always want to design a restaurant so when you’re walking in you either see the bar or you’re walking into the bar, one of the two. That energy that plays off of that is critical for the environment of the restaurant.”
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants also has Prime Social Rooftop in Kansas City, Mis -
From page 3A SUN-N-FUN
with anti-entrapment covers that comply with federal law. The 2008 VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act was named after 7-year-old twin Virginia “Graeme” Baker, who drowned in Virginia in 2002 after being trapped underwater by a faulty hot tub drain’s powerful suction.
The pool floor in the drain area will be demolished and replaced, and new drain piping will be connected to the existing piping to maintain the pool’s system dynamics. So far, more than $3.2 million has been spent and another $8 million — including $5 million for the Lazy River — will be done between March 23, when it closes for more repairs, and May.
Post-summer work will include renovations to the wading pool, dive well, interactive water feature, chemical storage area, pump house and Lazy River.
A public solicitation seeking proposals to manage the county’s five water parks ended in the selection of Georgia-based StandGuard Aquatics Inc., which is undergoing negotiations before commissioners vote on the contract. It’s worked with more than 100 govern-
From page 3A
Castello Drive. Naples Senior Center opened in 2014 with 80 members and grew to 1,400 by 2020. In 2021, it purchased the 13.7-acre site for $2.75 million, choosing the site because many members lived in North Naples. It was renamed in honor of its biggest benefactors, Jay and Patty Baker. Paying law enforcement became a financial burden, and county staff noted there’s a four-way stop, so the center agreed the county can require law enforcement to direct traffic, if necessary — a policy allowed for churches.
The modification of programs offered and hours of operation will allow senior programs on two weeknights per week and two weekends monthly for caregiver support, volunteer activities and receptions. Extend -
souri, but other than being rooftop venues with Prime Social in their names, they will differ substantially, Miller said.
“They’re totally different concepts,” Miller said. “We embraced the name for a couple of reasons. One is the connectivity to Ocean Prime; we have such great following and are fortunate in this city what it represents. Adding the element of ‘Reserve’ certainly adds an exclusivity to it with the style of restaurant we’ve created. Other than that, the menus are different, designs are totally different. Prime Social in Kansas City is small plates; it’s a cocktail lounge. This is a full-service restaurant, a great Asian-inspired menu.”
While the menu has not been created yet, the elevated dining experience at Prime Social in Naples is expected to include seasonally inspired dishes, premium hand-rolled sushi, fine steaks, rare wines, signature cocktails and hard-to-find spirits.
“I do feel there’s a need in this market for an Asian-inspired menu,” Miller said. “If you can just imagine a Del Mar-type atmosphere or an Ocean Prime atmosphere with an Asian-influenced menu, that’s what you’re going to get, whether that be Wagyu steaks or maybe that’s a great sushi program, obviously Asian-inspired cocktails. But it’s still going to have an internationally inspired wine list.
“It’s not going to be that limited; there will be certain South Korean influences on the menu. It might be Korean barbecue chicken and some things that appeal a little bit more to the masses. Our guests are going to be very frequent, so we want to design a menu that is certainly elevated, and it will be, but it’s also approachable,” he continued.
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants rarely duplicates menu items at its different brands, Miller said.
“We will develop a very unique menu here. I can for sure tell you there will be nothing on Del Mar or Ocean Prime’s menu that will be duplicated on this,” he said.
The “Tim Aten Knows” weekly column answers local questions from readers. Email Tim at tim.aten@naplespress.com.
ments on all facets of water parks, including programs, staff, maintenance, marketing, retail and risk management.
Sun-N-Fun’s rates may change if commissioners decide it should operate under a public-private partnership, to which the county is increasingly turning in an effort to cut costs.
ing hours will allow it to meet increasing demand for programs, including educational, recreational, caregiver support and geriatric case-management services; it also offers a food pantry. Evening and weekend hours will allow it to host lectures, art classes, social activities, workshops, seminars, volunteer dinners or luncheons and fundraising events. The 8 a.m.-6 p.m. employee hours were extended to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Senior programs, which operate from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be extended to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The center also will be allowed to offer special programs from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for attendees — 10 p.m. for volunteers and
Prime Social Reserve, an exclusive reservation-only rooftop venue by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, is under construction atop Chops City Grill on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. Photo by Tim Aten
REAL ESTATE
Creature feature
Pest control plans, termite inspections prevent insects from hindering
By M. Melanie Pefinis
There are a lot of things that can irritate you when buying or selling a home. Don’t let bugs be one of them. Just as necessary to home ownership as a trustworthy Realtor, insurance agent and inspector, a pest control professional’s value cannot be overstated.
Florida’s climate and ecosystem create a specific environment where, unfortunately, homes and yards can be threatened yearround. The disruption of natural habitats resulting from expansion and population growth also displace animals and insects eager to find a new place to thrive.
Unprotected homes and properties can derail a sale or make a house less attractive to potential buyers. With bears, panthers, alligators, lizards and other critters enjoying our area as much as we do, it pays to know where to turn.
March 9-15 marked National Termite Week, and while even reading those words might make your skin crawl, that’s preferable to critters crawling across your kitchen floor.
Jim Fredericks, board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association, spoke about the importance of pest control knowledge for homeowners.
“Termites, sometimes referred to as silent destroyers, cause more than $6.8 billion in property damage in the U.S. every year, and most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover the cost of repairs,” he said. While we consider Southwest Florida paradise, this invasive species does too. “Florida is home to several termite species, including the voracious and aggressive Formosan termite,” Fredericks said. “It’s important to work with a qualified pest control professional when buying or selling a home to ensure a proper inspection is conducted.”
“Termites ... cause more than $6.8 billion in property damage in the U.S. every year, and most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover the cost of repairs
—Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association
Rather than getting your home infested by pests, having an experienced exterminator on your speed dial will give you peace of mind.
Chad Kish, owner of Kish Pest Solutions, opened his company after working in the industry for years. With a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, he understands his human clients, and with a master’s in forensics, he can investigate the most mysterious of infestations. Maybe that is why his company’s motto is “Kish those pests goodbye.” “I used my background in investigative work to locate the issues and identify the pests,” Kish said. “Florida has pest activity year-round and I have found that the ideal frequency for service is 60 days to best meet our customers’ needs.”
Homeowners and those interested in living in Florida can benefit from the knowledge of those in this industry. Consumer awareness is imperative for homeowners.
Chad Kish, owner of Kish Pest Solutions, in the kitchen of a customer’s home. Photo by M. Melanie Pefinis See
The Art of Living Vibrantly
Week of March 3-7
LEASES
Sauna Ventures Galleria LLC
dba SweatHouz leased 2,225 square feet of retail space at 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 152, in North Naples from The Shoppes at Vanderbilt LLC John E. Cheffy of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor and lessee.
Salon Look Inc. leased a 975-square-foot space in Pelican Plaza, 713 Bald Eagle Drive, Suite 707, on Marco Island from 102 Development Company LLC. Bill Young and Biagio Bernardo of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the lessor.
Week of Feb. 24-28
SALES
The Bond Group LLC pur-
chased 1,020 square feet of office space at 966 Sixth Ave. S. in Naples from RML Joint Holdings LLC for $895,000. David J. Stevens, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the seller, and Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the buyer.
LEASES Multi Care Medical of Naples PLLC leased 3,200 square feet of office space at 860 111th Ave. N., Suite 1, in North Naples from LAMVEST888 LLC. Tara L. Stokes and John E. Cheffy of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor, and Joseph Bader of Mamba Realty represented the lessee.
Gargiulo Education Center Inc. leased a 2,245-square-foot industrial space in Rail Head Commerce Park, 1414 Rail Head Blvd., in North Naples from Old 41 Flex LLC. Randy Mercer of CRE Consultants represented the lessor and lessee.
Edward D. Jones & Co. L.P. leased 1,040 square feet of office space at 5150 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 204, in Naples from Tamiami Newgate Ltd. Tara L. Stokes of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor, and Kevin Bundy of Compass Real Estate represented the lessee.
Skingeneous LLC leased 986 square feet of office space at 875 109th Ave., Suite 302, in North Naples from SBP Holdings LLC. Tara L. Stokes of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor and lessee.
Week of Feb. 17-21
SALES HBH Farms LLC and Land Logic LLC purchased 17 acres on Kam Luck Road in Rural Estates from Albert Maturo for $127,500. Fred Kermani, CCIM, AIA, of CRE Consultants represented the buyer and seller.
LEASES Ice Miller LLP leased 2,030 square feet of office space at 5150 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 300, in Naples from Tamiami Newgate Ltd. Dave Wallace, CCIM, SIOR, and David Wallace of CRE Consultants represented the lessee, and Tara Stokes of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor.
Fox Retirement Services Inc.
leased a 742-square-foot office space at 1004 Collier Center Way, Suite 104, in North Naples from Triple C Partners LLC. Matt Stepan, CCIM, and WT Pearson of Premier Commercial Inc. represented the lessor and lessee.
equipment and pool equipment if left without a preventative treatment plan.”
“With more homeowners watching their household expenses, it’s critical that we reinforce the value of professional pest control — especially when it comes to termites, which can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left unchecked,” Fredericks said.
Kish agrees. “Florida has a tropical climate that has year-round pest issues,” he said. “This results in damage to the home, AC
For those moving to Florida, it’s important to be informed. “Before signing on the dotted line, work with a pest professional to review the inspection report for any telltale signs of termites, such as mud shelter tubes or damaged wood,” Fredericks said. “From there, the pest control professional will recommend a course of treatment to control the problem and help prevent a re-infestation in the future.”
Kish, with over 10 years in the industry, has seen the importance of his work.
“It is imperative that any potential homeowner gets a termite inspection on the home they are purchasing, even if it is a concrete block home,” he said. “Florida can account for up to 10% of the world’s wild termite damage. Other issues that could result in backing out of a deal would be rodent activity in the home. They can cause house fires and equipment failure.”
A pest control plan is important for all owners of real estate in this region. Knowing the right professional gives you added security.
BRIEFS
Salvation Army property sold
KOVA Commercial Group has announced the sale of the Salvation Army building at 2255 Davis Blvd., Naples. The property, situated along one of Naples’ key commercial corridors, marks another significant transaction in the rapidly evolving Downtown Naples market.
The property spans 1.17 acres and features a standalone building of 15,520 square feet with zoning that supports a variety of commercial uses and development opportunities. Its location benefits from frontage and visibility on Davis Boulevard, a major thoroughfare.
“We are excited to see how this property will be transformed to contribute to the vibrant redevelopment of Davis Boulevard,” said Bryan Flores, senior advisor at KOVA Commercial Group. “This sale is a testament to the dynamic opportunities within Naples’ commercial market, and we’re proud to play a part in shaping the future of this corridor.”
The building, which has served as a thrift store for the Salvation Army, features a retail layout with a dock-high loading deck and convenient ingress and egress on Davis Boulevard.
Encore Naples Square sells half its planned units
The Ronto Group-developed Encore Naples Square has sold 50% of its planned units. The development at Fifth Avenue South and Goodlette-Frank Road features residences ranging from 2,700 to 5,700 square feet.
Naples Design Review Board unanimously granted final design approval to Encore, the last of Naples Square’s luxury condo buildings. The DRB on Nov. 22 approved the three-story building, featuring 15 luxury homes on two floors atop 6,825 square feet of retail, commercial and office space at 192 Goodlette-Frank Road. Amenities include a 100-foot lap pool, fitness center and spa. Construction is expected to begin in April.
With each issue of The Naples Press that includes a real estate page, we will ask a real estate professional questions about issues of the day. For this edition, we spoke to Victoria Fedoryshyn, a Realtor with Marzucco Real Estate in Naples.
Fedoryshyn moved to the United States from Ukraine in 2008 and has since made Key West and Fort Myers her home. With more than two years of dedicated involvement in Collier County real estate and 15 years of experience in real estate investments alongside her husband, she brings a wealth of expertise and a distinctive personal perspective to every transaction.
As a “proud member” of the Naples Area Board of Realtors, Fedoryshyn “stays connected to industry standards and local market trends, ensuring her clients receive the most current and informed advice,” she said. Fluent in Ukraine, English, Polish and Russian, she is “exceptionally well-equipped to serve a diverse clientele.”
Q: How vital is the market for selling homes to international clients in Naples?
A: I think it’s very important. It can be awesome, especially nowadays. A lot of people are moving down here from Ukraine … and Poland. Europeans like fancy places. Fort Myers doesn’t attract them that much. A lot of Germans are in Cape Coral, but [many people] prefer Naples. Florida, for sure we don’t have anything like that in Europe. That’s why it’s amazing. Everybody likes the fact that it’s always warm. It’s beautiful. It’s not big like Miami [which], for a lot of people, [that] is too much.
Q: You became a Realtor recently. Why is it important for you to be a Realtor?
A: I would like to serve my community; that’s the first thing. I think I can be very helpful.
For inquiries, contact Fedoryshyn at 239.223.0350 or vikaprohomes@gmail.com.
Victoria Fedoryshyn
From page 9A
Formosan termite (magnified).
Photos courtesy National Pest Control Management Association
A tiny termite house.
A Kish Pest Solutions truck sits outside a customer’s home. Photo by Melanie Pefinis
The Salvation Army Thrift Store’s closure is effective April 30. Contributed photo
As an icon rises along the Vanderbilt Beach skyline, there will be a new address in Naples to surpass all others. With coastal residences of unrivaled space and finishes, 50,000 square feet of inspired amenities, and impeccable service by the first name in luxury, every moment of every day will be yours to enjoy at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples. A rare opportunity reserved for the few, the time to select your residence is now.
The best time to select one of these incomparable homes for yourself is now. 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 106, Naples, Florida 34109 Phone 239-249-6260 The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples Pricing from $5.2 million. RCRNaples.com
A rts & LEISURE
in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary yet this month. Photo by R.J. Wiley
Ongoing events
‘Man of La Mancha’
Various times through April 13 at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. The musical version of the famous tale, told by author Cervantes as a play within a play, of the deluded Alonso Quijano, who styles himself as Don Quixote, out to save fair maidens and right wrongs. The musical yielded the song that has become a standard: “The Impossible Dream.” $50-$55. naplesplayers.org or 239.263.7990
‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’
Various times through April 19 in the Struthers Studio at Gulfshore Playhouse, 100 Goodlette-Frank Road S., Naples. Done with both seating and cabaret style, this musical memoir of Billie Holiday brings both her spellbinding music and reminiscences of her difficult life. $114-$144. gulfshoreplayhouse.org or 239.261.7529
Those historic little homes
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays through June 7 at the Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island. Marco Island Historical Society presents “The Florida House,” a trip back in time to 1960s Marco Island. See the homes as the Mackle Brothers envisioned them, as the latest and greatest Florida architecture for Marco. Free. colliermuseums.com
Matisse at NAI
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays through April 13 at Naples Art Institute, 795 Park Ave., Naples. “Art in Balance: Matisse and His Illustrated Works” features a selection of more than 140 works that reveal Henri Matisse’s genius as a printmaker and his unique approach to composition, color and form. Spanning from the late 1930s through his final years. $15, $10 members. naplesart.org or 239.262.6517
Everglades exhibition
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 21 at The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. “Entangled in the Mangroves: Florida Everglades Through Installation” features the work of nine Florida-based artists who explore the critical importance of the Everglades through diverse media, including painting, photography, ceramics, film, poetry and installation. The exhibition highlights its ecological and cultural importance and the urgent need for its preservation. Curated by Dianne Brás-Feliciano, a curator of modern art. $10, $5 students or fulltime military with ID, $1 for SNAP benefits visitors. artisnaples.org or 239.252.2611
‘Lend Me A Tenor’
Various days and times through April 13 at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples. Ken Ludwig’s laugh-out-loud, Tony Award-winning production comes to The Studio Players, and not one door is left unslammed in this classic farce. $35. thestudioplayers. org or 239.398.9192
Florals exhibition
1-4 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays through April 30 at North Line Plaza, 2171 J & C Blvd., Naples. Viewers can see Melissa Belz’s acrylic floral paintings. Free admission. naplesart. studio or 239.821.1061
CALENDAR
PARTY WITH THE ANIMALS
751 39th Ave. NE, Naples. The Collier County Fair & Exposition runs through March 30 with rides, competitions, exhibitions, entertainment and the ever-popular fair food. This year the Nervous Nocks Jetpack Flying Water Circus entertains daily, with the Jurassic Kingdom Lockdown here for the adventurous and the Show Me Safari petting zoo and racing pigs there for the entire family.
There’s local entertainment from the Palmetto Ridge High School Drum Band on March 21, the Alva Cloggers on March 22 and the Palmetto Ridge High Theater on March 25, 27 and 29. Acts include Platinum Pro Westling (nightly Fridays through Sundays), El Mariachi Juarez International and Leonardo Requena the evening of March 30 and country rock from Kerri Moore and Robert Edge beginning March 22. The showmanship contests are from March 22 on, and an animal auction is set for March 29. Admission ranges from free to $20; armbands offer unlimited admission to all rides outside the Speed and Euroslide and are various prices from $12 to $40, depending on the date. See collierfair.com for details.
NOTE: There’s a bag policy in effect this year. Goods must be carried in clear plastic bags no larger than 2 by 6 by 12 inches maximum and a small logo on one side only; clear plastic 1-gallon freezer bags; or small clutches 5 by 7 inches maximum. Medically necessary devices and diaper bags, with baby supplies only, are permitted with inspections. There is no storage facility or bag check available. collierfair.com or 239.455.1444
Collier County Fair
March 20-30 at Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. NE, Naples. See Featured
This weekend
(March 21, 22, 23)
Richard W. Rosen
Meet & Greet
2-6 p.m. March 21 at Guess Fisher Gallery, Naples Design District, 985 Central Ave, Naples. Attendees can meet sculptor and painter Richard W. Rosen. Free admission. naplesart. studio or 239.821.1061
Art-in-the-Glades
10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 22 at Everglades City Hall near McLeod Park, 102 Copeland Ave. N, Everglades City. E-City Arts & Crafts hosts the event. Attendees can buy items from local artists and crafters and explore the town. Free admission. 239.451.0265
Naples Motorfest
10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 22 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Car show, live music, VIP Brunch, trophies and vendors at the 11th annual Naples Motorfest. Free general admission; $95 VIP tickets. playparadisecoast. com
Movie Music
3 p.m. March 22 at Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive, Naples. Performers Carolann Sanita and Mark Sanders, along with the Naples Community Orchestra, will play Broadway hits and music from movies. Reception follows. $40. naplescommunityorchestra.org
Bachelors of Broadway
6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. March 22 at Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Three-man act performs songs from Wicked Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton and more. $68. artisnaples.org
Strauss family saga
1:30 p.m. March 23 and 30 and April 6 and 13 at Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples. Opera Naples presents a four-week widescreen airing of the BBC miniseries on the tumultuous history of the family best known for its “Waltz King,” Johann Strauss. Its talented embers became rivals, worked through a war and went through an extraordinary number of marriages, yet produced refreshing and timeless dances that have maintained their popularity through centuries. Stars include Derek Jacobi and Jane Seymour; musical sequences are performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. Refreshments available. $20. operanaples.org or 239.963.9050
Next week (March 24-27)
‘MJ’ Various times March 25-30 at Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. See Hot Ticket
‘Rusalka’
7 p.m. March 25 at the Performing Arts Center, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs; $40-$70. 2 and 7 p.m. March 27 at Norris Community Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. $45-$75. Dvořák’s opera, based on the same
bouquets with plant material found in the Garden. Stroll the grounds (the Prairie is closed, however) and have dinner at the Fogg Café. $50. naplesgarden.org or 239.643.7275
Angels & Demons
3 p.m. March 26; 7:30 p.m. March 27 at Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Part of the Grand Piano Series, Andrew von Oeyen brings the realms of good and evil to Naples. Pieces include “Mephisto Waltz No. 1,” “French Suite No. 5” and “Rhapsodie.” $59. artisnaples.org
Art After Hours
6 p.m. March 26 at The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Live music, concessions and free admission to all museum exhibitions. Artis—Naples’ Art After Hours is a fun evening for all ages. Free admission. artisnaples.org
Next weekend
(March 28, 29, 30)
Tribute all-star show
7 p.m. March 28 at the Norris Community Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Jimmy Mazz brings the voices of icons including Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers and The Temptations and a special tribute to the days of “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Dawn Turlington joins him with a variety of adult pop favorites, channeling Karen Carpenter. For specific seats, visit the box office at the center. $33.85 at eventbrite.com
Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram
8 p.m. March 28 at Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S. First St., Immokalee. Joined by Samantha Fish, Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram plays the blues. $49-$74. casino. hardrock.com
tale that gave Disney The Little Mermaid, tells a less sanguine story of a mermaid who trades her voice to be with the man she loves, only to find him lured away by a wily woman with speaking ability. Famous for its aria, “Song to the Moon.” gulfshoreopera. org
Sunset in the Garden
5-8 p.m. March 26 at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. Enjoy a complimentary beer or glass of wine while watching a Garden guide demonstrate tips and tricks to creating beautiful
Free Seraphic Fire concert
4 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive, Naples. Miami-based Seraphic Fire brings 17 sparkling voices for a free concert of Lenten vocal works from the ancient to the contemporary. Its “Music of the Passion” harmonic works range from Allegri’s rarely heard “Miserere” to Alice Parker’s arrangement of “Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal.” Free. Registration suggested at seraphicfire.org
JACKSON’S MUSICAL LIFE
Various times March 25-30 at Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Naples hosts the area premiere of the multi-Tony Award-winning musical on one of the greatest performers in pop-rock history. MJ is filled with both Michael Jackson’s sobering story and the hits that he still managed to form — full of energy and catchy melody-lyrics blends, including “Billie Jean,” “Rock With You” and “Say Say Say.” $229-$449. artisnaples.org
LEFT: Matias Rios points at a turkey in the livestock barn during last year’s Collier County Fair in March; RIGHT: Fairgoers stop for refreshments as the sun sets on last year’s fair. Photos by Liz Gorman
MICHAEL
HOT TICKET
Roman Banks plays vocalist-dance superstar Michael Jackson in the musical bio MJ, at Artis—Naples March 25-30. Photo by Matthew Murphy
Corkscrew hosts avian ritual
Visitors find plenty to look at during the migration season, so binoculars are good to have, or can be rented from the store in Blair Nature Center
Sanctuary earns its birdland credentials each spring
By Harriet Howard Heithaus harriet.heithaus@naplespress.com
Collier County is an avian Holiday Inn for four weeks now through mid-April.
Birds we don’t see the rest of the year land in our yards, flap above us in flocks by night and may bring calls to our ears we haven’t heard all winter — and won’t hear all summer.
Among its many unique characteristics, Collier County is under the path of what is known to ornithologists as the Atlantic Flyway, a broad route birds use to migrate to and from their winter homes. (Yes, those ruby-throated hummingbirds will fly 500 miles without stopping. They fatten up first and store food.)
They stop here to renourish themselves for the rest of their journeys. Those stays can last a single overnight or several days of recharging after flights as long as 500 miles without a landing.
These birds are on a mission to reach their breeding grounds, and
When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through April 30, with last admission at 3 p.m. From May 1 through Dec. 15, closing is at 3 p.m. with the last admission at 1 p.m.
Information: corkscrewscrew.audubon. org or 239.348.9151
Admission: $17; full-time college student (with valid school ID) $10; ages 6 to 14 $6, military personnel or Audubon members $14 with ID
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is in the process of updating signage, including one with requests specifically for birders:
• Keep your voice low to maximize your viewing potential. Loud voices and running may frighten away the birds. Some birders suggest the early hours, when most birds are active, aren’t the best time to bring small children.
• Do not use recorded or created bird calls to attract birds. It may antagonize other varieties of birds, with dangerous consequences for those that respond.
this area of Florida provides them critical rest and food with which to continue that journey.
Nowhere is the scope of the Atlantic Flyway better represented here than at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Its varieties of terrain and many layers of foliage — from ground-level swamp lettuce to 100-foot-tall bald cypress — yield food that nourishes migrating birds for their grueling trips north. Close to 200 species stop here during migration, making Corkscrew a spring destination for casual birdwatchers and serious birders alike.
Birders from everywhere
On a crisp, sunny morning last week, the license plates in the Corkscrew parking lot attested to it: Arkansas. South Carolina. Colorado. North Dakota. Missouri. By 8 a.m. the lot was starting to fill. Enthusiasts pulled tripod cameras out of their trunks; others simply slipped binocular straps over their heads and patted their
• There’s a way to attract attention that birders call “psh-ing.” It’s a rapid repetition of that sound — psh psh psh psh — which imitates a warbler alert call, considered a universal call among birds.
• Resident or wintering birds may be found by listening for their calls in addition to looking for them. A catbird, for instance, makes a sound close to a cat’s meow. Migrating birds are not territorial here, and so are not generally vocal.
• Bring water, binocular and perhaps a field guide you can carry easily. Corkscrew rents binoculars ($3.50) and its store offers field guides to birds, plants and insects.
• There are viewing and rest stops among its various trails.
HERE’S HELP
Get a start learning about the amazing journey millions of birds make each year from breeding grounds to winter homes. Keith Laakkonen, director of Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, will offer
a free online Zoom talk on “The Magic of Migration” March 25 at 6 p.m. Registration is required here: corkscrew. audubon.org/events/magic-migration
Visitors to Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary can add a couple of apps from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology to their cellphones that help them identify birds by visual cues or their calls. Install before your visit to complete their free membership requirements:
ebird.org: This app lets you see the bird you’re interested in, perhaps one that is on the sightings whiteboard list behind Blair Nature Center, or one you’re familiar with from home. The app carries information about migration habits and more.
merlin.allaboutbirds.org: This app allows you to determine what kind of bird you’re seeing via questions about color, size and shape, along with potential sounds for that bird.
at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Photo courtesy Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
The little blue heron is a familiar bird, an elegant presence in Corkscrew year ‘round.
Photo by Manny Mtnez
Barbershop spreads cheer; receives it, too
By Harriet Howard Heithaus harriet.heithaus@naplespress.com
If you sang Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” in barbershop harmony, it would sound chipper. The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” would come out unapologetically upbeat.
Joy is in the genes of barbershop singing. It started in the U.S. in extemporaneous African American settings, generally a barbershop where someone would start singing and others would fashion harmonics for it.
The form, picked up by white minstrels and turned into recordings, has since traveled around the world: Just last year, Japan staged its first barbershop competition. Despite the fact it’s neither radio fare nor in the Top 40, barbershop’s soothing sound still finds the spotlight among vocal genres.
Even in the last five years, “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon has brought in singers to turn prickly pop tunes including Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack” into barbershop harmonies. Comedian/TV host Groucho Marx, Mike Rowe of the TV series “Dirty Jobs,” actor Dick van Dyke and even a U.S. president, Harry S. Truman, sang in barbershop choruses.
The art is alive and well in Collier County, where its two choruses, The Paradise Coastmen and the Chorus of the Everglades, perform in the next week.
Both said they suffered the ravages of COVID-19 when they could only practice via Zoom and lacked a public audience for incentive. But they are as resilient as their music.
The Paradise Coastmen, March 21-22
The Paradise Coastmen, nee the Neapolitan Men’s Chorus, has been crooning since 1973. It has tuned up its collective sound for two concerts this weekend. “Thank You for the Music” will roam from its title tune, an ABBA song, through pops and standards to traditional barbershop fare.
It has longtime members who have come from elsewhere, including Gray Poehler, who handles marketing for the group. Poehler has been singing for 53 years, the first part of them with the Richmond Virginians Chorus.
“In its purest form, it’s a thing of beauty. It all has to do with getting four voices that match, and then singing the vowel sounds the same way,” he said.
The hard part is massaging out the dialects: For “a” alone, one can hear “aw,” “aah” and “ah,” he said. But with enunciatory unison, the music will create overtones and undertones, he declared: “The listener actually hears a sum greater than the four parts.”
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the organization down from 50 to 30, so it is looking for new members. This is still a busy organization, however, under director David Lindsay. Members have sung for disaster benefits and holidays and have their own trio of intra-chorus quartets, any of which can be booked for events. They would also welcome
the kind of youth participation that is going on in Japan, where young quartets of men or women and co-ed choruses are sweeping the competitions.
“There’s a big movement afoot on the national level to work with high school music choral teachers. We provide them with music arrangements and choral tracks, and at our midwinter convention year there is a special contest for the youth,” Poehler said. “At the last convention, they had over 600 youth participate.”
There’s no program in Collier County Public Schools yet, “but I think that’s
something that’s on the drawing board,” he said hopefully.
Steve Grossman, one of the newer members, first became interested in barbershop in the city where he worked at a hospice. Barbershop quartets came in regularly to serenade one of their own who was close to death; the patient’s response to their music inspired him.
Grossman pointed out, in an essay about the art, that barbershop is a phenomenon beyond the music:
“Ultimately, we spread goodwill. Happiness, laughter, audience participation.
We practice hard, follow a director, love the camaraderie, form new friendships, foster lifelong singing mates and together share life’s journey.”
What: “Thank You for the Music,” annual concert by The Paradise Coastmen, with guests 3½ Men, national 2024 Barbershop Harmony Society winners
When: 7 p.m. March 21 and 2 p.m. March 22
Where: Pulte Center at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave., Naples
Information: paradisecoastmen.org or 239.352.6366
Admission and purchase: $25, $20 each for groups of 10 or more; tickets at paradisecoastmen.org
Chorus of the Everglades, March 29
The Chorus of the Everglades is both old and new: It’s been around for 15 years, but in 2019 the group took advantage of a new National Barbershop Society ruling to add women to its vocals. Now the group has five female vocalists, who sing, like the men, as tenors, leads, baritones or basses and are part of the March 29 show.
Baritone is an unusual title for someone such as Pamela Cannon, a petite woman who accented her singing with the moves of a professional. Sweeping a hand in front of her and leaning forward for emphasis at a Wednesday evening rehearsal, she was one of the group who was vocal physically, too.
See BARBERSHOP, Page 7B
Music Director David Lindsay warms up the Paradise Coastmen (above and below) with a sentimental favorite, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” but there are pop songs in its March 21-22 shows, as well. Photos by Liz Gorman
Gulfshore Opera brings moon, mermaids in English-language ‘Rusalka’
By Harriet Howard Heithaus harriet.heithaus@naplespress.com
Walt Disney Pictures had it easy. When its producers needed a lake, all they had to do was draw one. Gulfshore Opera has to build its lake every time it mounts a new performance of Rusalka, the opera drawn from the fairy tale that inspired The Little Mermaid
That means the organization is building new waters three times for four performances in Southwest Florida — in Naples, for two at the Norris Community Center; in Bonita Springs, at the Center for the Performing Arts; and in Punta Gorda, at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church.
It also had to toss a moon into the sky of each stage and add a palace
“It took a lot of work. I was actually working on it last year when I was doing Turandot here.”
—Director Josh Shaw, on creating an English translation for Rusalka
and a waterfall. The accoutrements that help tell the bittersweet tale took precise measuring to fit three different studio-size stages, but the opera didn’t stop with the tangible.
Stage Director Josh Shaw created a new English translation of Rusalka for both Gulfshore Opera and his own Pacific Opera Project, a nearly 100-hour labor of love.
Audiences here will hear Dvořák’s opera not in his native Czech, but in what may be the first American English translation ever written for it. Even then, Shaw wasn’t done.
“I added a rhyme scheme,” he said, with a touch of pride. That brings this opera to Shakespeare level, being sung in verse.
“It took a lot of work,” he conceded. “I was actually working on it last year when I was doing Turandot here.”
What words were the hardest?
“Every other word,” he declared with a chuckle.
Shaw obtained a word-for-word translation from the opera’s original
AN EVENING WITH MERMAIDS
What: Antonin Dvořák’s opera Rusalka , in full staged production with regional cast and the Florida Philharmonic
When: Twice in this two-county area — 7 p.m. March 25 at Performing Arts Center, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs; and 2 and 7 p.m. March 27 at the Norris Community Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples
Tickets: In Bonita, $40-$70; in Naples, $50$80; purchase at gulfshoreopera.org
Czech and wrote an Englishlanguage version to correspond with the accents in Dvořák’s music. That, he said, was the most difficult: “It was written for the Czech language, so the accents fall in much different spots than it would for English.”
The words and the cadence of the language had to flow naturally
with both the music and the understanding of the conversation for English-speaking Americans.
Still, it’s a task with which Shaw is familiar; he’s done translations from other languages. German, on which a good percentage of the English language is based, is easiest, he said; Italian is
for
next and French the hardest — “I’d say French is even more difficult to put into English than the Czech was, because everything kind of slides together,” he added.
“Some words are just not very singable [in English],” Shaw lamented. It’s a folk tale, so he admits he “took some liberties with
the story and added a little more magic to it.”
It will, however, hew to Dvořák’s intended ending — there are no Disney miracles in Rusalka. Founder and General Director Steffanie Pearce prefers to stay with the original story of each production.
She has brought a new sound to this one, however. The young Florida Philharmonic, in its first season as a Florida west coast professional orchestra, is the instrumental muscle in this production, with Alexandra Enyart conducting.
The Naples audience may recognize a familiar face; the concertmaster for the Florida Philharmonic is Ming Gao, associate concertmaster for the Naples Philharmonic.
It may also recognize one of the melodies. Rusalka’s first act soliloquy, “Song to the Moon,” is considered one of opera’s bestknown arias.
Having lost her ability to speak, Rusalka (Andrea Baker, right) is at risk from the plot of a foreign princess (Nicole Woodward) who means to have the prince (Edward Brennan) for herself. Photo courtesy Gulfshore Opera
Josh Shaw, stage director
Rusalka Photo courtesy Gulfshore Opera
‘La Boheme’ crowns a full opera festival
If opera festivals, a la rock festivals, have a headliner, it was La Bohème for the Opera Naples Festival Under the Stars this month. The beloved Puccini opera played to nearly full seating for two performances March 6 and 8 in Cambier Park. It was only part of the two-week festival, which brought in an estimated 4,500 guests, including Family and Community Day attendance, with an increase of 30% in ticket sales this year. Programs included The Luciano Pavarotti Foundation’s Pavarotti Voices concert, Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, all at Cambier Park. The festival included a Family & Community Day at Cambier Park and “Reflections from Nicoletta Pavarotti” at Wang Opera Center, where the finale last weekend was dance — Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty featuring Gulfshore Ballet, March 15.
OUT & ABOUT
The 2025 Art of Needlework exhibition, hosted by the Neapolitan chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, was held March 11-13 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. The biennial exhibition showcases different types of embroidery, and includes items for sale and an auction.
Photography by Liz Gorman
Susan Lineberry stands near her embroidered jewelry pieces at the Art of Needlework exhibit of contemporary embroidery at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples.
Jo-Ann Carroll stands next to her piece titled “Boat House Row / Philadelphia,” a counted thread piece.
A surface embroidery piece titled “Rose and Old Lace,” by Kathy Egan
A counted thread piece titled “Victorian Elegance,” by Elaine Bourassa.
Suzi Bloemker stands behind her work “Roses & Daisies,” a surface embroidery piece.
Schaunard (Burak Bilgili) in Act 2 of La Bohème celebrates the joy of Christmas eve at Café Momus.
Rodolfo (William Davenport) buys Mimi (Caroline Corrales) a bonnet she has been admiring, a holiday gift to his new love in Act 2 of La Bohème
LEFT: Parpignol (Nathan Schafer), the toy seller, announces his Christmas eve arrival on the boulevard, to the dismay of parents and delight of children.
RIGHT: Musetta (Arianna Rodriguez) flirts her way through “Quando me’n vo’” in Act 2, singing about how men admire her beauty and tormenting Marcello, her former lover.
Photos by Liz Gorman
jackets to make sure cellphones were inside their pockets.
Renée Wilson, senior communications coordinator for Corkscrew and a woman who plans vacations where she can spot elusive birds, was ready for a short-loop walk to point out early flyway activity. Within an hour, 10 migrating or semi-migrating species popped up around the boardwalk. The birds will keep coming through April, as will their devotees and, the sanctuary hopes, more Collier Countians to see its new signage and small-footprint expansion plans.
Visitors get a treat immediately. Painted buntings, which winter in the protection and warmth of Corkscrew, like to dine at a specially planted area in front of a picture window at the doorway to the Blair Nature Center’s veranda. Early arrivers can usually see at least one adult male, distinguished by its bright red chest and azure head, with green-, red- and yellow-feathered wings.
“It’s almost a guarantee — in season — that if you’re looking long enough, you will see a painted bunting here. But they’re going to be leaving in a few weeks,” Wilson warned.
The little birds, barely half an ounce in weight and 5 inches beak to tail as adults, summer in northern Florida or other Gulf coast states, such as Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
But the Baltimore oriole that Courtenay Dusenbury of Atlanta spotted this particular morning could actually end up in a backyard in Connecticut, Indiana or as far west as the Dakotas.
“I think Corkscrew for birders is like Mecca. It’s one of the most interesting birding locations in the U.S.,” said Dusenbury, who has been to Corkscrew before. “For Georgia birders, it’s a real treat to come here. When you see the importance of the conservation of land, this is it.”
Dusenbury had spotted five pileated woodpeckers, crow-size black birds with stripes around their throats and buzzed Mohawk crowns of flaming red. Males have red slashes on each side of the head, as well.
In fact, the males of the bird world, in the fashion of golfers at an eternal tournament, are the colorful examples of their species. They may add even more color, and in some cases, dance to their mating season persona. Wilson was looking this day for a white ibis, a
local resident of the sanctuary, in its mating state.
“Their legs and the skin around their beaks turn bright red when they want to attract the ladies,” she explained. “All year ’round they’re usually kind of a dull orange, but for a few weeks, usually in March or April, they flush bright, bright red.”
Birds of different feathers
There would be no reward for that search, but a small flock did march by the boardwalk, their beaks piercing the swampy surface like a troop of sewing machines.
“White ibises are tactile feeders, meaning they use their beaks to find food,” Wilson explained.
Robins had already come and gone, she said. And some winter residents were readying themselves for a major trip; the yellow-rumped warbler, which would fly as far north as Canada, would only be there several more weeks.
Some of the East Coast birds here actually make annual trips to the Yucatan Peninsula from Florida. Some hummingbirds travel, often stopping along the coast, although some ruby-throated hummingbirds make a 500-mile trip straight from Yucatan to Florida. Most flying is done at night; migration takes place over a sleeping world.
Ornithologists know this kind of data because they’ve added tracking devices, sometimes as radio frequencies inside a wire attached with the feathers onto birds, Wilson explained. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System, an international collaborative research network founded by Birds Canada, uses radio telemetry to track birds and other creatures via 2,110 tracking stations in 34 countries. One of those stations is right at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
It’s almost surprising, then, to find some of the visitors are here to search out birds that live in Florida year-round. One Colorado visitor had returned after a trip five to six years ago just to see a barred owl, one of the local birds. The barred owl is a rare one that may make its calls during the day and hunt crayfish in the swamp.
“They say the keratin in the crayfish turns the underside of the feathers of the birds that eat them pink,” Wilson observed. But those four-taloned feet, powerful enough to let the birds walk up the sides of trees, don’t encourage inspection.
“I haven’t looked for myself,” she allowed.
BARBERSHOP
“I’ve been singing barbershop since 1965,” explained Cannon, who until recently sang with the regional chorus for women barbershoppers, Spirit of the Gulf. But the night drives to and from rehearsals in Fort Myers became too burdensome: “I’m glad I found this group.”
She was brought up in a cappella music, she said: “My father used to sing barbershop, too. I remember he sang in the kitchen when I was a little girl. I always hope he’s listening somewhere beyond.”
Their group, close to 20 now, also took a hit during the pandemic. Still, the chorus started performances again in 2023 and hasn’t looked back. As with the Paradise Coastmen, its show March 29 incorporates both time-honored tunes such as “Down Our Way” and “Lida Rose.” But the singers have added pop standards including the Mamas and the Papas’ “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day.”
Its two quartets, the Silver Tones and the 4 Tune Tellers, are part of the show, and two Paradise Coastmen quartets, Fifth Avenue and Tropical Depression, are guest artists. (A few of the men, including Everglades director Rich McKee, can’t stop singing — they’re in both groups.)
This is a beginner-friendly organization, member Ron Bieganek emphasized.
“You don’t have to read music,” he said. “Our music is laid out simple enough that anyone can come to a practice and pick it up. You just have to have the desire to come out and meet people and have some fun.”
And sing. When McKee offered the group a 15-minute break, section members huddled and began practicing tough passages together.
What: “Ageless Harmony,” the annual show of The Chorus of the Everglades
When: 3 p.m. March 29
Where: Berea Baptist Church, 1851 County Barn Road, Naples
Tickets: Freewill offering, but registration is suggested at 239.963.5808
Information: evergladeschorus.us or 239.963.5808
Guests at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples in March 2024. Photos courtesy Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
White-eyed vireos, named for obvious reasons, can be spotted this time of year at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Some may be resident, but others have migrated here from Gulf states for the winter. Photo by Manny Mtnez
From page 4B
Music Director Rich McKee works with the Chorus of the Everglades on a snappy ending for “That’ll Be the Day,” one of the tunes in the March 29 concert. Photo by Liz Gorman
The American redstart, with its fluorescent orange shoulders and gold stripes in its wings, may winter in Florida but is generally passing through during migration from Central or South America to northeastern states. Photo by Manny Mtnez
COMICS & PUZZLES
1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Who was Time Magazine's First Man of the Year in 1927?
2. MOVIES: Who was the male lead in the film "Risky Business"?
3. LITERATURE: In which novel does the character of Emma Woodhouse appear?
4. LANGUAGE: What does the acronym "sonar" stand for?
5. TELEVISION; What was the name of the Dukes' car on the show "The Dukes of Hazzard"?
6. HISTORY: The first atomic submarine was built in which decade?
7. GEOGRAPHY: What modern-day country is in the area known in ancient times as Lusitania?
8. MEDICINE: What disease is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin A?
9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which U.S. president's image appeared on a dollar coin in 1971?
Michael Schlossberg is an internist and self-described
THE NAPLES PRESS CROSSWORD
SHORTZ
Online subscriptions:
Naples Flower Show: Blooms Go Hollywood
The theme was “Lights! Camera! Action!” The stars were film-minded floral art, floral-enhanced tabletops, horticultural specimens, mini-gardens and more in the annual Naples Flower Show & Garden Market. Presented by the Naples Garden Club partnering with Naples Botanical Garden, it took over two buildings at the Garden March 14 and 15. Visitors saw sophisticated place settings channeling When Harry Met Sally, a ruby slipper built of roses for The Wizard of Oz, Avalon Elementary School student gardens in the mode of We Bought a Zoo and bouquets radiating pearlized florets for A Star is Born
Show chair Mercy Abram counted at least 420 entries at the show, which may not have even included some of the educational exhibits. The event was exciting for the Naples Garden Club, she said: “This is actually the largest show we have ever put on, and we are celebrating the 70th show that we’ve produced.”
The show also featured a garden market with everything from orchids to herbal goods and plants that smelled like vanilla and popcorn.
Harriet Howard Heithaus
Cheryl Hardy represented Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as a single line of roses with baby’s breath in umbrella tree greens.
Melinda Earl’s sunny yellow Sunset Strip was among arrangement entries inspired by the film La La Land
The Naples Flower Show always includes a garden market, with vendors like this orchid seller, as well as herbal goods, shrubs, gardening tools and clothing.
In the category for botanical arts/artistic crafts, Donna Banks created shoes to wear to the Oscars, under the title Kinky Boots, using everything from dyed Spanish moss to orchids.
A glimpse beyond two topiaries shows the activity in the botanical tent during the Naples Flower Show.
These miniature gardens were made by Avalon Elementary School students in the after-school Global Garden program, where they learn how to garden and take home their harvest.
Jewelry made from plant materials was among the botanical arts/artistic crafts categories, and Peggy Collins used shrub branches, arborvitae buds and passionfruit seeds in her Pretty Woman neckpiece.
Photos by Harriet Howard Heithaus
SPORTS
FC Naples notches first win
By Randy Kambic
How each of them came about was vastly different, but the results were the same. The fact that forward Karsen Henderlong preferred the second of his two goals that propelled FC Naples to its first-ever victory — 2-0 against visiting Forward Madison on March 15 at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex — spoke volumes for the home side’s teamwork mindset.
Pouncing on a loose ball just yards from Forward Madison’s goal after a shot by attacking midfielder Jayden Onen wasn’t cleared, and putting it into the back of the net in the game’s 22nd minute “gave me some confidence,” Henderlong said.
However, the native of Valparaiso, Indiana, who played for Indy Eleven in US League One last year, was more excited about his next score — a left-footed strike from just inside the center of the penalty area 19 minutes later.
“It was a great pass [from midfielder Ian Cerro, in his first start],” Henderlong said. “I called out for it. And Jayden let it roll” past Onen across the goal mouth, allowing Henderlong to take several strides to his left and line up a more powerful shot.
“We scored these goals because
Henderlong scores twice in dominant performance
we had good communication on the field. Everything came together at the right time. It was just incredible, and this was just the beginning,” added the former Indiana University standout who earned first-team All-Big East honors in 2021.
The series of passes that ended with the second goal began with a takeaway in FC Naples’ half of the
pitch by defender Jake Dengler, who was a major force all evening. He used his 6-foot, 5-inch frame and leaping ability to head several Forward Madison shots and passes out of danger or toward a teammate, especially in the first half.
“He’s a leader. He’s strong,” said Matt “Gaffa” Poland, FC Naples head coach and sporting director.
FC Naples goalkeeper Ed “Lalo”
Delgado was tested seriously only twice. He swatted away a left-footed shot by Juan Galindrez from close range just prior to Henderlong’s first goal, and then dove on a loose ball after a corner kick near the end of regulation time. Forward Madison’s attempts to mount advances in the second half were hampered by a stout FC Naples defense and disruptive, op -
portunistic hustle, especially by Onen and Andrés Ferrin.
“Their speed, running down balls, applying pressure [were important],” Poland said. “They left it all out there on the field.”
The raucous home crowd of 4,598 nearly had another goal to cheer about in the 86th minute when forward Tyler Pasnik’s right-footed drive hit Forward Madison’s right goalpost and bounced away.
“Incredible,” is how midfielder Kevin O’Connor described FC Naples notching its first win. “They are a good team. We’re only going to get better,” he said. “This win at home in front of our fans was incredible,” Poland said. “The performance from the guys was great — the determination, the ability to score goals early and then hold on and not give up a goal. It was just all around a brilliant performance for the team.”
FC Naples now has four points in USL League One play — three for this win and one for playing the Chattanooga Red Wolves to a 1-1 draw in the franchise’s inaugural game on March 8. A total of 14 teams are vying for eight playoff spots by the end of the regular season this fall.
Following two away games and a week off, FC Naples’ next home game will be against Portland Hearts of Pine at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29.
FC Naples proves pro sports belong in Collier
Speaking of Sports
David Wasson
When I was in middle school, somewhere between cracking one of my front teeth down the middle during gym class (thus learning about root canals) and crafting a hand-sewn leather checkbook holder in shop class that I think my father still uses, I learned about a “hypothesis.”
What the dictionary says, and what I learned, is that a hypothesis is a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. In other words, you think something is going to happen without fully knowing if it will, and then you test the hypothesis to figure out if it is correct.
The hypothesis behind FC Naples was this: Professional soccer will work in Naples — a thriving, diverse community with plenty of potential business support and a grassroots love of the sport.
The proof? That’s been in the results borne out over the first two weekends of the USL League One season.
FC Naples became reality earlier this month at Paradise Coast Sports Complex. An expansion team in USL League One, FC Naples wanted to test the theory that professional sports, specifically soccer, could thrive in Collier County.
If you asked many if not most of the 4,618 in attendance for FC Na-
ples’ inaugural game on March 5, the answer to that theory would be a resounding yes. FC Naples earned a 1-1 draw against the Chattanooga Red Wolves that night, an established USL League One team. The less romantic among the attendees saw a 90-minute (plus lots of stoppage time) tussle between two teams eager to start the 2025 USL League One season off on the right foot.
But the more astute observers really saw a 90-minute (plus lots of stoppage time) embrace from the Southwest Florida soccer community of their new team — and that new team hugging its newborn fans right back.
The same aura continued in FC Naples’ second match of the lengthy season the next weekend against Forward Madison, one of the better
teams in the 2024 table. Passion, pride and desire to excel were on display by the home 11 from opening whistle to the thank-yous and good-nights.
As much as Paradise Coast Sports Complex can look like the dirt-and-synthetic turf municipal version of Beethoven’s unfinished symphony in the daylight, when the sun goes down and the bright stadium lights are on, the home of FC Naples resembles a soccer Mecca. Add a sellout debut crowd that included the drum-beating, sing-songing La Barra fan section under the Jumbotron and, well, suddenly FC Naples looked like a real live pro team outside the lines.
Inside the lines didn’t disappoint, either, as coach Matt Poland’s unit played far beyond a team that has been assembled from scratch in
just the past couple of months. Soccer is quite possibly the hardest team sport to create chemistry in, yet Poland’s team played with poise and tempo belying their on-field infancy. Still, the object of the game is to put the ball in the net — and FC Naples fans had to wait over 60 minutes of game time in the opener before that happened via a penalty-kick goal from winger Andres Ferrin. But the moment Ferrin’s shot from the spot dented the twine, the sellout crowd erupted to match the atmosphere of the blinkyblinky lights and extended “goal!” hollering from the big screen. Professional soccer, once just a hypothesis/fever dream for the sport’s fanatics among us, had finally arrived in Collier County. Almost all of us are from somewhere
else, but now we finally have a team that proudly wears the name of our home on their chests.
FC Naples may go on to a great inaugural season in USL League One, or the new team might well struggle in the grind that will mark the ensuing months. There may not always be more than 4,600 people at Paradise Coast Sports Complex to bear witness to our new team. But make no mistake about it: The FC Naples hypothesis proved out. Professional sports belong in Collier County. Soccer has found a home with us.
Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson airs weekdays from 3-5 p.m. on Southwest Florida’s
FC Naples players line the field during the National Anthem before the start of their opening season game at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex on March 8. Photo by Chris Tilley
Karsen Henderlong scored FC Naples’ first and second goals of the match. Photo courtesy FC Naples
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse 8985 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34108 Join Tom Moran, Barron’s #1
Monday, Mar. 31st, 12PM-2PM
Thursday, Apr. 3rd, 12PM-2PM
Wednesday, Apr. 16th, 12PM-2PM
Chesebrough
with confidence.
Wednesday, Mar. 26th, 12PM-2PM
Shula's Steak House 5111 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34103
