Eagle Ridge
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
A Look Inside
“THROUGH THE EYE OF THE EAGLE”
FROM THE DESK OF THE SHERIFF
THE MAJESTIC KAPOK
TREE
CRISTI MILLER PRENGER
SUE MCLEAN CLARK
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Tom English
Margo Williams
Laura Berrio
Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias
Anissa Stender
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, June 12 at 11:30 a.m. Our planned speaker is still pending final confirmation, but we will definitely have an interesting program for you to enjoy. We celebrated Continental’s 50th year anniversary in March, recognizing our past presidents and the many accomplishments over those years and now look forward to continuing these into the future.
Meetings are held at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $26. Please call Liz Paul at
(239) 691-7561 by Tuesday, June 3 for meal selection and to make a reservation for our June 12 meeting.
Continental Women’s Club is a social, cultural and philanthropic organization established in 1975, with membership open to women living in Lee County. We have many special events and interest groups within our club that you can participate in for social and educational purposes throughout the month and the year. In addition, we contribute to many local charities and award two scholarships each year to senior high school girls who plan on furthering their education.
Seabreeze
Inc.
All rights reserved. Reproduction or utilization of these contents in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, including xerography and photocopying is forbidden without the written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed unsuitable for publication.
REMINDER
Please do not leave trash containers, ladders, etc., where they are visible from the street.
Also do not place containers or yard waste out to the curb more than 24 hours before the scheduled weekly pickups.
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...
THE VALUE OF LIGHTING
The list of proactive security measures that can be taken to protect your home and/or business is lengthy. Some are more effective than others.
Surprisingly, few of these measures are more effective than efficient lighting.
Bright lights deter criminal activity. Thieves, burglars and vandals search for low-risk targets … locations at which their movements and methods are easily concealed.
Many security experts agree that lighting is the most cost-effective and efficient way to protect your property.
Decisions must be made, following careful consideration, regarding the type of lighting, how it is activated (full-time, motion-activated, timeractivated), height and location.
Lighting positioned too high will diffuse the light and be less effective. Conversely, lighting placed at lower heights will greatly reduce the area of coverage.
Lighting used in conjunction with a video security system, if positioned correctly, will greatly enhance the quality of the captured video.
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To begin, observe your home or business from the exterior, as if you were a prospective intruder. Where would you seek entry? What entry point appears to be easiest to penetrate? Where would your activity be unseen?
Now, go indoors looking outward. Where would you need lighting in order to best see movement? What darkened areas seem most vulnerable?
Following this exercise, you will likely be prepared to select lighting locations.
Final thoughts…
It is also important to be mindful of your neighbors and the glare of your lighting. Ensure that your lighting does not adversely affect those living next door or nearby.
Consider motion lighting. When motion is detected and the light comes on, your vigilance generally increases.
Speak with lighting experts regarding the use of solar-powered lighting. Solar-powered lighting continues to work when the power grid is down and is easily wired.
In addition to preventing and hindering illegal actions, well-lit areas allow first responders … law enforcement, fire and ambulatory services … to respond more efficiently.
Catch The Action
CAPT. BILL RUSSELL
MAY ON THE WATER
May is a month with warm weather, calm seas, and the potential for good fishing. The month brings a host of choices for anglers of all skill levels.
This is the time of year that gives anglers the best opportunity to hook into a tarpon, as they move into Southwest Florida waters by the thousands. Look for them a short distance off the beaches, around the Gulf Passes, bridges, plus throughout the inshore waters. Tarpons’ diet includes a variety of baits, however at times they will not eat anything you offer. Live baits including crabs, Atlantic thread herring, pinfish, and large shrimp are top choices and cut bait fished on bottom, including mullet, ladyfish, and catfish tails are tarpon favorites.
Sharks of all sizes roam the inshore waters, around the Gulf Passes, and offshore around schooling baitfish and reefs. Large hammerhead and bull sharks follow tarpon schools awaiting their next meal. Spinner and blacktip sharks are almost identical in appearance, and both offer an incredibly hard fight, often with a great aerial show. If you are fishing an area and hooking ladyfish or mackerel, you can be assured sharks are nearby. A chunk of ladyfish is sure to get attention, use a minimum of a foot or two of wire leader to prevent cutoffs.
Spanish mackerel is an underrated fish that gives an excellent fight as they are super-fast and strong. If iced down as soon as they are caught and eaten fresh, they are very good on the table. Good numbers of schooling mackerel frequent areas just outside or inside the Gulf Passes, around bridges, and artificial reefs within sight of land. Either trolling or casting silver spoons with a fast retrieve is the top method for consistently hooking mackerel. A short trace of light wire leader reduces cutoffs from their razor-sharp teeth.
Mangrove snapper is one of our tastiest fish and at times the most abundant. As waters warm, snapper in the Gulf of Mexico move closer to shore, plus many relocate to our inshore waters. What snapper lack in size they make up for in tenacity and food value, plus they may be the easiest fish to target. Many anglers catch their fair share from land while targeting bridges, docks, and piers. Live shrimp is the top bait, a small hook and light leader is necessary to fool their keen eyesight.
Good snook fishing continues through the month of May. Many are on the move, as they head to areas in and near the passes for their upcoming summer spawn. Snook can range in size from little guys barely over a foot long to big girls over 40 inches. While snook will pounce on a variety of lures and baits, live oily baitfish, including scaled sardines or pilchards, Atlantic thread herring, and grunts or pigfish are the top baits. Expect the best snook bite on days with strong tides. Snook season is closed.
For a variety of fish, nearshore artificial reefs are a great place. You may hook into anything from smaller fish like snapper to huge man-size goliath grouper and everything in between. An assortment of tackle from light to heavy, a variety of bait, and an open mind is the key to taking advantage of what these areas offer on any given day. Reefs are a great place to experiment and try different things while keeping your eyes open for unexpected visitors. Permit and cobia are common over many of the reefs. While cobia eat about anything, neither species often pass on a small live crab.
May will give us consistent days of great weather with blue skies and light wind. Our summer afternoon thunderstorm pattern will kick in so always keep an eye on the sky to stay ahead of an approaching storm. Good weather and the potential for great fishing, what’s not to like about the month!
To keep up on current fishing regulations, you can go to www.myfwc. com or download the Fish Rules app for the latest rules and regulations.
For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland.com, email: gcl2fish@live.com.
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 29 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
The Majestic Kapok Tree
KAREN M. MAXWELL, HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST AND HORTICULTURE PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
When visitors to Edison and Ford Winter Estates walk toward the museum from the parking lot, the first giant tree that they encounter is often the majestic Kapok. Commanding in several aspects, this tree was designed to and has withstood many hurricanes, trucks rolling over its protruding roots and extended periods of drought. The tree is stabilized by 15-feet-high buttress roots that offer an interesting backdrop
for guests taking photos. This tree is the tallest species in South America and Africa.
Ceiba pentandra is a member of the Malvaceae family of plants and trees. Kapok is a modern name from Malay, meaning tree. Ceiba is the indigenous Spanish tribal name (pronounced “Say”-ba) and pentandra refers to the five (penta) stamens of its flowers, which range in color from cream to pale pink. Historically here at the Estates, there are many references to this tree’s cousin, the red silk-cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) which has grown on the riverside since the 1930s per the historical tree inventories. While the silk-cotton trees are native to Asia and Africa, Ceiba pentandra is native to Central and South America.
Considered the tallest species that grows in the Amazon rainforest, it is no wonder that the Hometree in the movie Avatar was modeled after this gray giant. To the ancient Mayans, the Ceiba pentandra was considered the symbol of the universe. Though not native to Africa, it is believed that the buoyant and waterproof seed pods of the Kapok managed to float across
THE MAJESTIC KAPOK IS THE LARGEST TREE IN SOUTH AMERICA AND AFRICA. VISITORS CAN SEE THIS TREE AT EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES.
the seas and land on the African continent – today it is the largest tree that grows in Africa and has served as landmarks for rural villages.
The name Kapok has been used interchangeably over the years to also refer to the silk-cotton trees because they produce a similar seedpod, full of seeds attached to fluffy silk (floss) collars to aid in their dispersal. Bombyx is a Greek word, meaning
silk and this silk allows both Ceiba and Bombax seeds to travel more than 50 miles in wind.
In Java, the Kapok is an important agronomic commodity due to its fast growth, becoming productive within six years. Known to grow more than a foot a year during its first few years, the tree is
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VISITORS TO EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES ENJOY USING THE LARGE, BUTTRESS ROOTS OF THE KAPOK AS A BACKDROP WHEN TAKING PHOTOS.
documented to reach heights of more than 200 feet in its native habitat. Kapoks require excessive amounts of water during their young growth years.
I happened to be present one day, when a malfunctioning waterline was uncovered, quite close to the base of the Kapok – it is possible that our gorgeous king of the forest had the benefit of an unrestricted water supply for many years, promoting its enormous growth. We’ll never know for sure. As it matures, the Kapok becomes deciduous during the winter, a survival tactic when water is scarce, to be followed by spring flowering and maybe seedpod production. The Kapok seeds consist of about 25% oil, similar to cottonseed oil; after extraction it is used in cooking, soapmaking and for lubricants. The plush “floss” was once used to make mattresses, and more importantly life jackets, due to its light weight and buoyancy; however, once the flammability factor was discovered, its use was discontinued for life jackets.
In addition to its massive buttress root systems, the tree, and its cousins, are instantly recognized for the sharp points that grow lower on the trunk, presumably to deter herbivores that would enjoy its tasty leaves. Similar to our collection of Bombax trees, the spines are very dominant on young trunks and disappear from the trunk as the trees age and gain stature.
Another identification trait of the Kapok or Ceiba species is its flattened crown – its few branches appear high on its trunk and
open across a horizontal plane. I have been photographing this tree over the years and have included some dramatic pre- and posthurricane photos. When Ian knocked large pieces of branches down, we found that they too, were covered in the same sharp spines seen lower on the Kapok trunk. It is believed that the architecture of the tree helps it secure the most amount of sunlight, with branches that only grow above the dense rainforest canopy. The smooth thin bark of the Kapok discourages attachment of any vine that may threaten the tree, and so we should be incredibly careful to protect the delicate bark on the trunk and roots to prevent entrance of disease or rot to this magnificent specimen.
The large leaves are coated with a waxy finish to minimize transpiration during the hottest days and the large surface area of those leaves allow the Kapok to take full advantage of fog or humidity for water intake.
Sometime in late spring, the Kapok should begin to flower. Our tree is so tall now that it would be difficult to get a good close view of the flowers, though one bloom did fall into the driveway, and I was able to photograph it. It is written that the flowers emit a pungent odor to attract its primary pollinator, a bat, to its offerings. Scientists have discovered in Kapok, an ability to convert from a fully self-incompatible flowering tree when pollinators are abundant, to a high level of selfpollination when pollinators are scarce.
While the Kapok may also be pollinated by moths, it is believed that bats are much more efficient in the process. Included in today’s article is an
open-sourced photo from Research Gate where the photographer used white light to capture the Artibeus bat of Jamaica and one can clearly see the bat’s body covered in yellow pollen. According to the Florida Bat Conservancy, this particular bat has been spotted on very infrequent occasions in South Florida; but it does make me wonder how someone would know if they’re visiting the top of our Kapok under the cover of darkness? Or are moths and bees pollinating it?
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THE FLOWERS OF THE KAPOK ARE POLLINATED BY THE ARIBEUS BAT.
A close relative is the Floss Silk Tree (Ceiba speciosa), which many readers will recognize as the showy tree covered in pink blossoms in mid-autumn, typically around late October. A gorgeous specimen adjacent to the Garden Council building in the Berne Davis Garden was lost during Hurricane Ian. Some materials refer to this tree also as Kapok because their trunks are similar and the seedpods are quite similar, but the Ceiba speciosa only grows to about half the height of a fully grown C. pentandra. The beautiful Floss Silk (sometimes also called Silk Floss – either way is acceptable) was inventoried on our historic property during the 1930s garden tours.
My research into where our Kapok ranks with others in the United States turned up some interesting results. On the site “Monumental Trees,” the Edison Ford’s Kapok photographs are the most frequently viewed of U.S. Kapoks. The last posted measurements were in 2015, where the circumference or girth was indicated as “greater than 4 meters” and the “height unknown.” We hope to update those records in the coming weeks. While clearly not the largest in the world – that record seems to belong to a Ceiba pentandra in Costa Rica that has a recorded height of 198 feet. Perhaps there is a new place in the record books for our Kapok.
Christine Leslie, President
Joyce Johnson, Vice President
Peggy Jermyn, Secretary/Treasurer
RESOURCE HUB
EAGLE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MARCH ‘24–’25
Greg Lambrecht, Director Kathy Furlong, Director
Board members may be contacted using the Eagle Ridge phone directory or by emailing info@EagleRidge33912.com.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Arbitration Board: Jim Lutsch, Chairperson
Architectural Control: Rick Jermyn, Chairperson
Communications:
Email: info@EagleRidge33912.com
Website: Scott Fowler
Email: Joyce Johnson
Newsletter (Eye of the Eagle): Pam Johnson, Editor
To submit news/photos: Newsletter@EagleRidge33912.com
Deed of Restrictions: Kathy Furlong, Chairperson
Email: DOR@EagleRidge33912.com
Election/Mailing Committee:
Jim and Janet Lutsch, Chairpersons
BOARD LIAISON
Christine Leslie Christine Leslie Joyce Johnson
Greg Lambrecht
Kathy Furlong
TBA EAGLE RIDGE
Replacement of Lamppost Bulbs and Light Sensors: Contact Joe Foster, (239) 218-7714 and leave your name, address and phone number.
Flagpole Holders and Damaged Mailbox
Repairs, Painting of Mailboxes and Light Poles
Contact Tim Townsend, (740) 403-0983. ERPOA Web Maintenance
Contact Ed Schuler, (267) 513-0800.
Eagle Ridge Residents
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Golf Committee:
Jim Lutsch, Chairperson for Men
Kathy Furlong, Chairperson for Women
Golf Liaison:
Jim Lutsch, Chairperson
Holiday Decorating:
Rick Jermyn, Chairperson
Legal:
TBA, Chairperson
Maintenance and Beautification:
Joyce Johnson, Chairperson
Security/Safety:
Connie Hope, Chairperson
Social:
Kelly Lambrecht, Chairperson
Surface Water Drainage:
Christine Leslie, Chairperson
Welcoming:
Kathy Furlong, Chairperson
BOARD LIAISON
Kathy Furlong
Architectural Control Information
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathy Furlong
Kathy Furlong
TBA Joyce Johnson
Peggy Jermyn Peggy Jermyn
TBA Peggy Jermyn
Jogging, bicycling, walking and other nongolfing activities or unregistered golf play are not permitted on the golf course.
REMINDER
Please remember that any exterior changes you plan to make to your home need to be approved by the Architectural Control Committee.
For example, this includes reroofing, exterior painting, landscape changes, swing set installations, etc. We live in a deed-restricted community and these controls have been put into place for the good of each homeowner so as to maintain our beautiful community.
Please contact Rick Jermyn (701) 388-0419 or RAJermyn1@ gmail.com so that your changes can be reviewed and approved.
A form is available for download from the Eagle Ridge website: www.EagleRidge33912.com on the Resources tab.
We plan to work hard for you to keep our community – the one you all moved into – please help us do that!
Eagle Ridge Bulletin Board
If you have an announcement, we will include it here.
Email newsletter@eagleridge33912.com with your request.
EAGLE RIDGE GOLF NEWS
Please, let us all remember the course is not for walking or kids to be playing on, regardless of the time of day. The course has access roads to be used only by golf course employees and equipment as well. Let us respect the golf course grounds and keep everyone safe!
Jim Lutsch, your golf liaison, can be reached at (239) 3229588.
FORT MYERS CAMERA CLUB
Meetings are held twice monthly November through April at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Road from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Check the website at: www.fortmyerscc.com for information on meeting
schedules, membership, competitions, exhibitions, speakers, outings, mentoring, updates and to join the fun. All levels of photographers are welcome to learn, share and enjoy. Contact at carolheff28@ gmail.com for more information.
VOLUNTEER IN YOUR EAGLE RIDGE COMMUNITY
If you are interested in serving on the Eagle Ridge Board of Directors or would like to serve on one of the committees, please contact one of the following Board members: Chris Leslie, Joyce Johnson, Peggy Jermyn, Greg Lambrecht, Kathy Furlong or send an email to: Info@EagleRidge33912.com.
WAYS TO COMMUNICATE
Eagle Ridge has a Facebook page. This is a private
group only for Eagle Ridge residents. To join, find “Eagle Ridge Community Fort Myers” on Facebook. Then click on request to join. You will be prompted to enter your address. This will be checked against property records to confirm you are a resident.
Eagle Ridge is also on NextDoor.com. You can join and select to communicate with only Eagle Ridge residents and/or our neighboring communities.
THE FLORIDA YARDS & NEIGHBORHOOD (FYN)
Join us at a Florida Yards & Neighborhoods class and learn the nine principles that guide Florida-friendly landscaping in Lee County. The class is given under the auspices of University of Florida IFAS Extension Lee County.
Each principle is explored in class, so you can apply what you learn to your own yard. Plant selection and placement, efficient irrigation, proper mulching, and techniques to obtain a beautiful and healthy yard
will be discussed. To learn more, visit http://fyn.ifas. ufl.edu/. Basics of Floridafriendly gardening classes are offered locally in person and virtually on Zoom. For more information and to sign up visit Eventbrite.com.
Deed of Restrictions Section A-15:
YOUR EYE OF THE EAGLE
You may download this magazine from the Resources tab on the Eagle Ridge website: www.EagleRidge33912.com.
Pets must be on a leash at all times when being walked outside of the owner’s property boundaries. The pet owner is responsible for picking up all animal waste from their pet at all times. This includes the common areas! Violators are subject to fining.
Are You Receiving Email From Eagle Ridge?
Each month the Eagle Ridge Property Owners Association sends out an email with reminders of activities at the Ridge. If this image looks unfamiliar to you, you are not on our email list.
To correct this, send an email to info@ EagleRidge33912.com along with your name and street address.
We will add your name to the list, which you may opt out of at any time. We are stressing the use of email as it is faster, easier and cheaper than USPS. You may send email addresses for all members of your household.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Eagle Ridge Job Spot
Non-businesses only please! All business owners should contact Seabreeze Communications to place an ad. Are you looking for an odd job? Want to be included in the Eagle Ridge Job Spot? Email your information to Pam Whitenight at Newsletter@eagleridge33912.com. Babysitters, pet sitters, yard work and more.
Note: All work performed based on the postings below become the sole responsibility/liability of the person hiring for the job and the worker. This publication and the Eagle Ridge Community bear no endorsement, accountability nor liability.
Carol Gulledge, (317) 908-8001. An art teacher offering lessons in oil, acrylic and watercolor. Teaching for 45 years and retiring here in Eagle Ridge full time. Classes will be Monday through Saturday. Bring a friend or group to have fun, relax and be creative. Classes are two hours. Call now or email rmxcar@aol.com to reserve a time.
Karleen Halfmann, (239) 292-6302. Karleen’s Coastal Home Watch. Licensed Realtor and competitive pricing. Eagle Ridge resident. Email: karleensellsswfl@aol.com. Call or email for information.
Connie Hope, (215) 527-1217. Absentee Homeowner Services: “While you’re away” I can check your home or condo. (Weekly/ biweekly/monthly). I can validate yard maintenance and irrigation, pick up parcels and mail, check water, check appliances, arrange for repairs and services and much more. I am in the community. Call or email conniehope@comcast.net.
Connie Hope, (215) 527-1217. Secretarial work, outreach office work, write your letters, answer your email, also light accounting, prepare things for taxes. I have been a Florida notary for the last 10 years.
Tom Jackson, (919) 414-5017. I have over 33 years of carpentry/cabinet making experience and worked as a full-time handyman in North Carolina for the past two years. I can install cabinets/doors, tile backsplashes, hang TVs/lights/fans, small electrical/plumbing jobs and more. Just ask and I’ll let you know if I can do it!
John Kincaid, (239) 286-7010. Home Watch for snowbirds or travelers. I am a full-time Eagle Ridge resident insured and bonded. Comprehensive reports with pictures and GPS verification are provided after every visit.
Check for leaks, temp/humidity, intrusions, pests and much more. Verify lawn and pool maintenance. Don’t have a nasty surprise when you get into town. Your insurance company may not cover a claim without this service. Weekly/biweekly/monthly. Call or email john@fmhomewatch.com.
Kathie McDonough, (239) 478-0060. A resident on Triple Eagle Court, Kathie does pet sitting and home watch.
Michael Messina, (631) 357-1016. We are new residents of Eagle Ridge on Twin Eagle Lane and would like to offer professional pressure washing services to the community at discounted prices. I specialize in all flat work such as driveways, walkways, pool decking surfaces, etc. Call or text me for a free estimate.
Diane Nichols, (239) 825-5861. Notary public state of Florida since 1986. I will pet sit, house sit, and babysit.
Edith Weber, (651) 410-6596. CNA with over 35 years’ experience, I can help with daily living activities such as bathing, hair and nail care, cooking, shopping, etc. I am licensed and CPR certified.
Doug Wyatt, (618) 558-8176. I am a fulltime resident at The Fairways and have over 25 years of experience doing interior painting in extremely nice homes. I am very meticulous, accommodating, neat, and tidy. I can also help out with light handyman work like replacing faucets, light fixtures, door locks, etc., as well as trimming bushes, cleaning gutters, house sitting, or anything you need that I am able to do.
Notice: Advertisements for the newsletter must be placed through Seabreeze Communications. Call (239) 278-4222 for information. I have no role or pricing information on the placement of ads and/or inserts.
Deadline: Submission of articles for the Eye Of The Eagle must be received no later than the sixth of each month. Email articles, pictures or information for the Bulletin Board, to newsletter@eagleridge33912.com.
Articles can be submitted attached to or contained in an email. Photos should also be emailed as attachments.
Mailbox Maintenance And Repair
For mailbox and lamppost repairs, please contact Tim Townsend, (740) 403-0983 or email timtownsend72@yahoo.com. Mailbox doors have a closure spring that eventually breaks after thousands of openings. It is important to replace them as soon as they are discovered as they usually result in a broken door, which is a much more expensive repair. The cost of repairing/replacing the various parts for mailboxes & lampposts is as follows:
• Mailbox spring repair is $40.
• If the mailbox door casting breaks the cost to replace the door is $179.
• Mailbox and lamp post can be repainted for $70 for both.
MAY 11 , 2025
MAY 2 6, 2025
