President’s Letter
Summer is in full swing here at Gulf Harbour and we are still meeting and working on projects to enhance our common community. At our last meeting, July 1, several old topics and a few new ones were discussed.
Under old business, we are still considering erecting a wrought iron fence along the outer perimeter of the Osprey Point and Sagamore communities. Security feels that this is important because this area is a potential breach point into the community. The Master Board continues to work with both communities to achieve a common agreement. Several new stop signs have been installed in the
Soundings
Tamarind Cay community. Please take note of these and stop appropriately.
In September, Vista River Drive and Harbour Landings Drive will be repaved and, we are considering adding speed humps as a speeding deterrent, as a safety precaution to prevent accidents.
As for new business, it has come to our attention that there is a need for increased security in the community. To this end, we are obtaining bids for various security enhancements including updating the security cameras and lighting at both gates, and possibly closing South gate from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. We are also considering full-sized metal gates instead of the lighted arms.
As always, we welcome any comments or concerns from the residents. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or any other board member.
Chris Cope, President Gulf Harbour Master Association
Southwest Florida Symphony Announces Lineup For 64th Season
The Southwest Florida Symphony, Lee County’s only professional orchestra, is excited to announce another innovative and diverse lineup of performances for the 2024/25 season. Maestro Stilian Kirov, the symphony’s interim artistic advisor, will lead the orchestra through its 64th season of celebrated works of all genres, many of which are woven with groundbreaking pieces that allow concertgoers to expand their musical diet.
The symphony opens the season on Oct. 25 with another innovative Brave New Pops in partnership with the Alliance for the Arts. Rock & Roll Séance is a multimedia performance curated, arranged and conducted by locally beloved Maestro Andrew Lipke. This concert takes place outdoors on the Alliance for the Arts lawn and incorporates video, live vocalists who will channel the spirits of rock stars from the afterlife, and audience interactivity, all made larger than life with a full symphony orchestra performing bold arrangements for iconic rock tunes by Kurt Cobain’s Nirvana, Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and more.
From Dec. 6 to 11, the symphony takes its Holiday Pops on the road throughout Southwest Florida, from Babcock Ranch to the Tribby at Shell Point and other venues in between. In keeping with the symphony’s signature innovation, Maestro Andrew Lipke returns with unique arrangements for traditional holiday favorites, with special guest vocalist Mary Bichner, who will add even more sparkle and joy to this beloved Holiday Pops tradition.
On Jan. 17, the orchestra commences its mainstage series at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda led by Maestro Stilian Kirov with Beethoven’s glorious Symphony No. 9, along with the Fort Myers Mastersingers, then kicks off its Barbara B. Mann Hall Concert Series on Jan. 18, repeating this performance. The concert opens with a Youth Orchestra side-by-side, both of which haven’t been performed with the orchestra in a decade.
Other Barbara B. Mann Series performances include John Williams the Great on Feb. 1, with a “prequel” performance at
Southwest Florida Symphony on page 3
Catch The Action
August On The Water
By Capt. Bill Russell
Fishing or boating in Southwest Florida in August means dealing with hot days and thunderstorms. Fishing can be good, and often without much competition, if you plan your day to take advantage of conditions.
If you just want to have fun and a little fishing while relaxing, then the beaches are a good choice, especially if you are fishing with the family. Good numbers of snook are roaming the surf throughout the summer and are a sight fisherman’s dream. Most snook are running 22 to 26 inches, but there are much bigger ones. Free lined pilchards, small pinfish, shrimp, white bucktail jigs, and a variety of small white flies or lures are top baits. Look for the fish right off the edge of the beach in the surf or near any submerged structure. Remember snook are catch and release only. Trout, mangrove snapper, whiting, flounder, pompano, mackerel and tarpon are a few of the other species you may
hook into along the beach. Fish a little; swim a little, not a bad way to spend the day.
Summer gives us days with flat calm seas from early morning to midafternoon, perfect for offshore fishing. Our coastline is dotted with artificial reefs, many well within
Charlotte Performing Arts Center on Jan. 31. You’ve Got Mail: Musical Love Letters featuring Maestro Andrew Lipke and mezzo-soprano Mary Bichner, on Feb. 14, with an encore at Charlotte Performing Arts Center on Feb. 15. On March 15, for one-night only at Barbara B. Mann Hall, the orchestra presents 2025: A Space Odyssey featuring excerpts from Also Sprach Zarathustra (the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey ), the theme from Star Trek , and Holst’s The Planets . March 29 features an unlikely fusion, with weather in common. The Four Seasons: Vivaldi and Valli, featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and tunes that made lead Jersey Boy, Frankie Valli, of the Four Seasons, famous. The Barbara B. Mann Concert Series concludes on April 26 with American Beauty , featuring pieces by beloved American composers and Dvorak’s 9th Symphony: From the New World , which was inspired by his infatuation with America.
Other performances include a quartet at the Alliance for the Arts’ Oct. 7 memorial event, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel; a chamber concert at the Tribby at Shell Point on Nov. 7, featuring award-winning pianist Pricilla Navarro; and a Young People’s Concert, The Conductor’s Spellbook, led
by Maestro Kirov, on Feb. 3 and 4. Season subscriptions and single tickets to select concerts are currently on sale. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit swflso.org/tickets/.
The Southwest Florida Symphony debuted as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961, playing in schools and community centers with a roster of only 24 volunteer musicians. Today, the symphony boasts a roster of 70 world-class professional musicians and is Lee County’s only entirely professional orchestra. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 64th year continues the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence and innovation as Interim Artistic Advisor Maestro Stilian Kirov leads a season of spectacular performances. Maestro Kirov was selected through a brief but intense process to bridge the symphony’s artistic gap until a music director search is complete.
For more information about the Southwest Florida Symphony, upcoming season performances, and subscription and ticketing information, visit swflso.org or call (239) 418-1500.
sight of land and GPS coordinates available to the public. If you are an inshore angler, it’s a nice change of pace to make a short run offshore, especially during the heat of summer when the inshore water temperatures are so high. A cool aspect when fishing around the reefs is you never know what you might hook into. Everything from a small snapper to 500-pound goliath grouper calls them home. To get the most out of the day you want an assortment of tackle that can manage the fish you target. Obviously with snapper you do not need super heavy tackle, the lighter the better for the best action. But, if you want to attempt to pull a big goliath grouper from his home you will need a rig extra heavy, we’re talking 2- to 500-pound line. And many times, that’s not heavy enough.
In between snapper and goliaths there’s the possibility to hook Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, permit, barracuda, snook, sharks of all sizes, plus other species. Many anglers fish several different line class rods at a time targeting more than one species.
Armed with a variety of baits is the best way to catch multiple species. Small baits like shrimp, pilchards and little pinfish are great for snapper and other bottom fish; larger live bait is often the ticket for a big barracuda, snook, or cobia. Big bait, dead or alive is the choice for goliaths. If you want to hook a permit you need small live crabs, this is often the best bait for cobia as well. Anchoring up current of the structure with a quality block of chum is the best way to bring the action behind the boat. Inshore, sea trout fishing is steady through the summer. Look for larger trout over areas of open water where shallow sandbars transition to deeper grass flats from 3 to 6 feet deep with good water movement. Schools of small baitfish concentrate in these areas. Trout, plus Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish and sharks are located around the bait. Diving pelicans, terns and gulls often give up the location of schooling bait.
Speaking of sharks, they are abundant throughout the inshore waters. Size can range from a couple of feet to well over 10 feet. Fresh chunks of mullet or ladyfish and large live pinfish are top bait choices. Some days we do better fishing baits on bottom and other days suspending baits under a float does the trick. It’s just fishing, don’t be afraid to experiment to see what works for you.
Over higher tides target redfish and mangrove snapper under mangrove overhangs and other structure. You can catch a big redfish on a small bait but seldom hook a snapper on a large bait. Mangrove snapper are one of our tastier fish. If you want to catch some, small baits and hooks with a light leader are key. Inshore mangrove snapper numbers were on the rise through June and July, there should be plenty around this month.
It’s a good idea to use the weather and tides to your advantage, especially over the hot days of August. Water temperature can change quickly, give us three or four days with bright sunny skies and the inshore waters quickly get hot, often slowing the bite. A couple rainy days with limited sunshine and water temperature will drop several degrees; this can trigger good fishing. If conditions allow, get an early start to the day for plenty of time on the water and back to a safe place ahead of the heat and afternoon storms.
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 28 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.”
Southwest Florida Symphony
Southwest Florida Symphony from page 1
Crossword Puzzle
47. Gullible people
Ship workers
Scottish hillside
Small trout-like fish
Door pivot
Your majesty
Anagram of “care”
Fiber source
Luau souvenirs
Anagram of “seen” Crossword Solution on page 8
Save The Date For Valerie’s House Inaugural Sunset Soiree
Valerie’s House will celebrate its inaugural Sunset Soiree Thursday, Nov. 21, at the new Family is Forever home at 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers.
Gulf Harbour Master Association Board Meetings
will now be routinely held at Suitor Middleton Cox & Associates offices, 15751 San Carlos Blvd #8, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Meeting date and times will continue to be posted on the signs at the north and south entrances.
Attention Association Board Members
The evening will include cocktails, dinner, surprises and stories of inspiration from children and families that have been impacted by the deaths of loved ones.
“It will be our first time to host a festive event for our donors and supporters at our new home,” said Valerie’s House CEO and Founder Angela Melvin Churchill. “We are so looking forward to sharing our progress and hearing from the families who have been helped at Valerie’s House.”
Jeff and Jacque Miloff are the event chairs with Dave and Cheryl Copham serving as honorary chairs.
Sponsorships of the Sunset Soiree are available from $2,500 to $25,000 that include tickets, mentions on social media, publication printing as well as branding at the event. Individual tickets are $250. More information is available at www.valerieshouse.org/events.
•Close
A total of $3 million was raised toward the cost of the new home, which is built on land donated by the City of Fort Myers under a $1 per year lease.
Valerie’s House has helped more than 5,000 children and their families since its founding in 2016 by Angela Melvin Churchill, whose mother, Valerie, was killed in a car accident in Fort Myers in 1987.
One in seven children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 25, according to the 2022 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.
Valerie’s House currently offers peer support groups and other activities at locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations.
About Valerie’s House
Valerie’s House opened its first location in Fort Myers, Fla., in January 2016 and has served more than 5,000 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties. The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member.
Valerie’s House has three Southwest Florida locations: 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers, 819 Myrtle Terrace in Naples and 233 East McKenzie St. in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House also expanded into Northwest Florida in 2021 with a home in downtown Pensacola. For more information visit www.valerieshouse.org.
Point • Palmas Del Sol • Paramount • Rivers Edge • Sagamore • Seaside Estates • Tamarind Cay • The Shores I • The Shores II • The Shores III
If you want your community news included here, please send articles and pictures to GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com by the 4th of each month.
Valerie’s House exterior photo
An All-Star From School Of Rock
Fort Myers Embarked On Unforgettable Nationwide Tour
“All-Stars” recognition is the highest level of achievement for a School of Rock student. 10-Day tour supports mental health awareness and raises funds for Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.
A student from School of Rock Fort Myers was selected to perform in the School of Rock All-Stars music program tour in 2024. From July 19 through July 28, the tour featured School of Rock’s most elite musicians, allowing audiences the opportunity to witness the next generation of musical stars as they perform at various stages across the country.
“This remarkable opportunity allows these students to showcase their unwavering dedication to music and natural talent on prestigious stages nationwide, and we are also very excited that Fort Myers was chosen to be the first stop on the Florida tour swing. Our own house band will be sharing the stage with the All-Stars on July 22 at the Nauti Parrot Oasis,” said Doug Harris, owner of School of Rock Fort Myers. “I’m also very proud to say that our Assistant General Manager, Brigid Harris, was chosen to be the tour coordinator for this tour.”
The All-Stars represent the highest level of achievement for School of Rock students. Fewer than 1 percent are chosen each year from over 67,000 School of Rock students. Students will have an authentic touring experience, including traveling on a tour bus, doing tour publicity and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a twoweek tour.
“This incredible opportunity is a testament to the hard work and talent of our students on a global level. We are thrilled to see them shine on some of the most prestigious stages,” said Stacey Ryan, COO of School of Rock. “Being selected as an All-Star is a significant achievement, and we couldn’t be more proud of our students for reaching this elite level. Their dedication to music is truly inspiring, and we are excited for them to experience the thrill of touring and performing nationwide, building lifelong friendships and memories along the way.”
The tour serves a dual purpose, aiming not only to provide our students with a musical and educational experience they’ll never forget, but also to raise awareness for mental health.
School of Rock has partnered with the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) to promote healthy practices on the road as a touring musician. The All-Star teams will be working to raise donations during their shows, which will support SPTS, an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma around discussing suicide and empowering teens, parents and educators with the skills needed to help youth in crisis.
For more information on School of Rock Fort Myers, please visit https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/fortmyers. Access the full tour schedule by visiting the official AllStars Events page at https://www.schoolofrock.com/allstarsevents-2024.
About School Of Rock
200 Franchises and Culture 200 list; 2021 Franchise Innovation Award for Most Innovative Use of Customer-Facing Digital Tools; 2020 Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 200 Franchise and the No. 1 Child Enrichment Franchise; and 2018 Forbes No. 2 Best Franchise Medium-Level Investment Award and the No. 1 Music Franchise in America.
Follow School of Rock on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/SchoolofRockFortMyers and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@schoolofrockfortmyers/videos. For more information, contact Doug Harris, owner and general manager School of Rock Fort Myers at (513) 3762474 or dharris@schoolofrock.com.
School of Rock helps aspiring musicians master skills, unleash creativity and develop tools they need to thrive in life. Founded as a single school in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1998, School of Rock has become a rapidly growing international franchise with over 500 schools open and in development across 19 global markets. Since 2009, School of Rock has grown its student count from 4,000 to over 67,000. School of Rock offers a wide variety of music lessons, including guitar lessons, singing lessons and piano lessons. The company also sells musical instruments and music gear through its GearSelect program. School of Rock is proud to support Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS). School of Rock was awarded U.S. Patent 10,891,872 in 2021 for its innovative music education method. School of Rock also has garnered the following industry awards: International Franchise Associations 2024 Franchisees of the Year; 2024 and 2023 Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 Top Children’s Music Enrichment Brand; 2023 Global Franchise Grand Champion; 2023, 2022 and 2021 Global Franchise’s Awards Best Children’s Service and Education Franchise; 2024 Global Franchise Highly Commended Best Children’s Service and Education Franchise Recognition; Franchise Business Review’s 2024 and 2023 Top
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
The Artful 8
Artist: Group Show
Opens Aug. 2, 6 p.m.
Closes Aug. 29, 5 p.m.
SBDAC’s Grand Atrium
Entry: Donations
Call box office for more information. (239) 333-1933
In numerology 8 embodies the exquisite equilibrium between the materialistic and spiritual realms. The paramount essence of this number resides in its captivating shape. Behold its symmetrical beauty, for the figure 8 stands as the epitome of cosmic balance and unwavering stability. Moreover, the number 8 exudes an unparalleled force and fortitude, encapsulated within its very symbolism: the infinite loop. Thus, 8 becomes intertwined with an unceasing surge of energy and might, whether it be in matters of wealth, opulence, vitality or sagacity. Prepare to be enthralled by the dramatic allure of the mighty 8, as it unveils the secrets of boundless power and everlasting abundance.
Eight different artists were assigned one aspect of the number 8, they will spend a year delving into the meaning to create their unique takes on the subject.
The artists are: 1. Maria Collier, 2. Mully, 3. Mariapia Malerba, 4. Juliana Versari, 5. Anthony Gartner, 6. Cesar Aguilera, 7. Brian Weaver and 8. Bradford Herman.
1. Balance and Harmony: Artists in this section explore the idea of balance and harmony in their works, utilizing the visual symmetry of the number 8 as inspiration.
2. Infinite Loop: This section showcases artworks that play with the concept of an infinite loop drawing parallels with the mathematical representation of the number 8.
3. Cultural Connections: Artists here delve into the cultural significance of the number 8, drawing inspiration from various traditions and their interpretations of this numeral.
4. Transformation and Renewal: The transformative nature of the number 8 is explored in the section with artworks that depict metamorphosis growth and renewal.
5. Lucky Charms: This section focuses on the luck and prosperity associated with the number 8, with artists creating works that evoke positive energies and good fortune.
6. Cosmic Dimensions: Artists in this section take a cosmic approach, connecting the number 8 to celestial bodies and cosmic cycles.
7. Numerology and Mathematics: The mathematical properties of the number 8 are explored here, with artworks that incorporate patterns, sequences and mathematical concepts. 8. Personal Journeys: The final section showcases deeply personal interpretations of the number 8, where artists reflect on their own life journeys and experiences, weaving them into their creations.
Singer-Songwriter Competition
Friday, Aug. 16
6:30 p.m., Cocktails; 7:30 p.m., Concert
SBDAC’s Grand Atrium
General Admission, $10
Week of Concert, $15
• General admission means first-come, first-served seating. Call the box office for more information at (239) 333-1933.
The Eighth Annual Summer Singer-Songwriter Competition closes out the series on Aug. 16.
Experience an evening of original music from local and national competitors. See performers play for a chance to win amazing prizes including the Grand Prize, the winner will receive recording time at Six Fingers Studios and a spot at the Island Hopper Singer-Songwriter Festival! The competition focuses on original musicians in the singer-songwriter genre. Each year, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center offers singersongwriters the opportunity to perform an original song live, and win great prizes!
Competitors submit a video of themselves performing an original song. Then, selected artists are invited to perform live in front of a judges’ panel and a live audience. The deadline to enter the competition is Aug. 5. Judges will determine the Grand Prize winner, while the audience has a chance to vote for the People’s Choice winner.
Join the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for the Sounds of Summer series, and support local, original music! Tickets to each concert are just $10 if you get them early and $15 week of each performance.
Information
Calling all singer-songwriters for the Summer SingerSongwriter Competition! The competition focuses on original musicians in the singer-songwriter genre. This yearly event invites performers in the genre to enter for a chance to win great prizes. The Sidney & Berne Davis
The Montage Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic club open to all women residing in Lee County. We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club (community entry off McGregor Boulevard between Cypress Lake Drive and College Parkway). Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. with a short social period followed by lunch at noon followed by an informative speaker program and a short business meeting. Within the organization are various interest groups for members’ participation. Membership is open to both year-round and seasonal residents. We welcome you to visit Montage for a luncheon.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 22, and our guest speaker will be Janelle Olson, engagement
Art Center offers singer-songwriters the opportunity to perform an original song live, and win great prizes! Competitors submit a video of themselves performing an original song. Then, selected artists are invited to perform live at SBDAC on Friday, Aug. 16 in front of a judges’ panel and a live audience. Judges will determine the Grand Prize Winner, and the audience has a chance to vote for the People’s Choice winner. The deadline for entry is Aug. 5. Out of state submissions are encouraged, but the competition does not provide airfare or travel accommodations. Each performer will have the chance to play one original song for the audience and judges. Judges will also give feedback on each performance. Check back on our website to find out who will be judging this year’s Summer Singer-Songwriter Competition!
See performers play for a chance to win prizes and a spot at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest!
Join us for the final performance of the Sounds of Summer series, and support local, original music!
Prizes
Grand Prize Winner
• Performance spot at the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival
• Trophy and bragging rights
• Three hours of recording studio time at Six Fingers studio
• SBDAC and Island Hopper swag
• Four concert tickets to any SBDAC Event 2024/25 Season People’s Choice Winner
• Trophy • Four concert tickets to any SBDAC Event 2024/25 Season
• SBDAC and Island Hopper swag
Montage Women’s Club
director at Community Cooperative. Olson will speak about the “School’s Out, Hunger’s Not” initiative. Luncheon fee is $28 and the planned regular menu entree will be Par Three Salad (a scoop of chicken, egg and tuna salads on a bed of garden lettuce, served with ranch dressing). The plant-based/vegan option entree will be grilled vegetables and Tofu Napoleon Pomodoro finished with balsamic syrup, herbed cous cous and blistered tomatoes.
If you would like to attend a Montage meeting, need further information, or would like to make a reservation, please call Rita Artwohl at (239) 703-7787. Reservations cutoff to attend this meeting is noon, Thursday, Aug. 15.
Association Presidents
Admiral’s Isle
Bellavista
Coronado
Jeff McGinty
Rick McCurdy
Geoff Smith
Courtyard Homes Tiffany Gaede
Crescent Cove Sam Schiphorst
Crooked Pond
Edgewater
Grande Cay
Gulf Harbour Master
Gulf Harbour Marina
Mariposa
Mill Pond
Osprey
Osprey
Palmas
Carol Tsilimos
Dave Knust
David Lein
Chris Cope
Dana Snyder
Harbour Landings I Megan Martin
Harbour Landings II
Harbour Links
Long Pond
Steve Perseo
Maureen Herold
Bill Crouch
Rivers
Sagamore George Sorensen
Seaside Estates Richard Edelman
Tamarind Cay Harvey Gordon
The Shores I
Thomas Broadie
Joe Pierce
Millie Johnson
Gene Marshall
The Shores II Dan Montgomery
The Shores III
The Shores IV
Dave Reimer
John Albano
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Why Law Enforcement Agencies Must Address Animal Abuse
“They’re just animals.”
“Why would animal abuse be so important to the sheriff?”
“C’mon…it’s just a cat!”
We have heard many similar statements made over the years. After all, why should law enforcement agencies be so concerned about a dog? A cat? A cow?
While all animals share the right to safety and proper treatment, and while the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) proudly protects our community’s pets, livestock and wildlife, there are other issues, in regard to animal abuse, that the public must be aware of.
A United States Department of Justice study, “Animal Cruelty as a Gateway Crime,” shared information that we needed to share with our LCSO Animal Cruelty Task Force friends and supporters.
Crossword Solution from page 4
Gulf Harbour Marina Board of Directors
President Doug Duncan
Vice President Stephen Patterson
Secretary Mike Needler
Treasurer Craig Anderson
Marina Appearance Committee David Kelley
Gulf
Harbour
Master Association Board Of Directors
President Chris Cope
Vice President David J. Urban
Secretary Dave Van Namee
Treasurer Carl Pecko
Director Carol Gillespie
Director John Wilson
Director Sam Schiphorst
Gulf Harbour Country Club Board Of Governors
Bill Lambert ..............................President
Scott Bassett Vice President
Jack Bourget Treasurer
George Johnson Secretary
Kim Bauman Governor
Patti Buckingham Governor
Bruce Jasurda Governor
Chris Moore Governor
Nata Munk Governor
Consider this…
“FBI analysis of the lives of notorious killers suggested that many, if not most, had killed or tortured animals as children. Examples include the following:
• Serial killer Henry Lee Lucas killed at least 11 people between 1960 and 1983. “As a young teenager, Lucas reported having sex with the animals whose throats (he and his half-brother) would cut open before performing bestiality. He often caught small animals and skinned them alive for pleasure.”
• Albert DeSalvo, the “Boston Strangler” who killed 13 women between 1962 and 1964, trapped dogs and cats in orange crates and then released them to attack each other.
• Between 1964 and 1973, serial killer Edmund Kemper committed at least eight murders. As a teen, he killed both grandparents and beheaded his own mother. “From a broken home, (Kemper) showed all the ‘early warning signs’ of violence to come … playing death games with his sister, beheading her dolls and later cutting the family cat into pieces.”
• David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam” killer who killed six and wounded several others in New York City in the mid-1970s, poisoned his mother’s parakeet.
• Dennis Rader, the BTK killer (“Bind, Torture, Kill” was his signature on letters to the authorities), killed 10 in Kansas between 1974 and 1991. It’s reported that he used to hang stray animals as a child.
• Jeffrey Dahmer, who raped, murdered and dismembered 17 men and boys between the years 1978 and 1991, reportedly would kill and skin animals and then soak their bones and mount them on stakes in his backyard.
• Patrick Sherill, who in 1986 killed 14 coworkers at an Oklahoma post office and then shot himself, had a history of stealing local pets and tying them to a fence with baling wire.
• In 1997 outside Jackson, Miss., Pearl High School student Luke Woodham stabbed his mother to death and then opened fire on classmates with a rifle, killing two and wounding seven others. Woodham had written of the torture and killing of his pet dog, calling it his “first kill.”
• In May 1998, 15-year-old Kip Kinkel shot his parents to death before emptying three guns at his classmates in Thurston High School in Oregon, leaving one dead and 26 injured. Kip had often bragged to others at school about how he tortured animals.
Our efforts to eliminate animal abuse and mistreatment in Lee County have taken many malicious and corrupt individuals off of the streets. There is no mechanism with which we can calculate the criminal activity and abuse that we have prevented by responding to and investigating allegations of animal abuse.
It is critical to remember that the vast majority of these arrests were initiated by a phone call from a concerned resident.
So … even if you are of the opinion that “it’s just a cat,” please report any and all suspicions of abuse to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.
Lee County Parks And Recreation
Florida-Friendly And Native Plant Swap
Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Karl Drews Community Center, 18412 Lee Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967
Come join us for a morning of plant-related fun with fellow plant enthusiasts! Our plant swap will take place inside the Karl Drews Community Center. To participate, please bring one or more clearly labeled healthy plants! RSVP by calling (239) 533-1470 or emailing TRossi@ leegov.com to reserve a table space.
Attention
If you are not receiving your monthly issues of Gulf Harbour Soundings by mail, please email mailroom@ seabreezecommunications.com with your name, address and community to ensure your information is correct.
Consumer Alert
Recognize Business And Government Imposters Who Want Your Money
By Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist
Scammers pretending to be from the government tell convincing stories to steal your money or personal information. But now they’re taking a new, layered approach — and here are some clues to spot it.
The scammers first say they’re with a company and contact you about a routine problem, like suspicious charges on your Amazon account, a virus on your computer, or an account breach.
The story quickly escalates: They lie and say your name is involved in serious crimes and claim the court is about to seize the money in your bank account or retirement savings. (Also a lie.)
Next, they switch from being the bearer of bad news to acting like the hero. How? By (supposedly) connecting you to someone with the government to “help” you fix the problem.
But the person they transfer you to doesn’t work for the government. And they don’t help. They want to trick you into taking cash out of your bank or retirement account and giving it to someone.
Here’s what to know about how scammers try to deceive you:
• Scammers try to convince you they’re with the government to gain your trust by faking the caller ID to make it look like a government agency is calling.
• Scammers give you an employee ID or badge number or use the name of a real government employee.
• Scammers send official-looking letters with seals and make up government agency names that sound real but aren’t.
Someone who works for the government won’t tell you to get cash or gold and give it to someone. They won’t tell you to pay with a gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency. They won’t tell you to keep your conversation a secret or to lie to anyone. They won’t tell you to transfer money from your accounts to “protect” it or for any reason. Only scammers do those things. Check out How To Avoid Imposter Scams for more advice. And to report an imposter scam to the FTC, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Disclaimer
The Soundings is a newsletter published for the benefit of the residents of Gulf Harbour. Seabreeze Communications Group assists in providing publishing, printing and advertising services. The content is that of the authors which should not be construed to be representations, opinions or views of the Gulf Harbour Master Association Inc., or its management, officers or directors or Seabreeze Communications Group. Additionally, the paid advertising in the Soundings should not be construed as an endorsement of any advertised product or service. Finally, none of the content of the Soundings may be reproduced for any purpose nor can the name GHY&CC Homeowner’s Association or similar modification be used in any way without the express prior written consent of the GH Master Association Inc Board of Directors.
Seeking Soundings
Writers
Do you have an interesting story to share?
The Soundings is always looking for new and talented writers to submit articles on events, the social scene, restaurants, movies, family matters, village life, etc… Now is your chance to share your interests with the community. You can contribute each month, just once, or once in a while.
• Are you involved in any particular activities in Gulf Harbour or around town?
• Can you share your knowledge about a specific topic or hobby?
• Do you have (or did you retire from) an interesting career?
• Are you the person who always knows what to do/ where to go in our area?
• Do you like to take pictures or draw cartoons?
• Can you pass along a favorite recipe?
If you answered yes to any of the above or have an idea of your own, you can submit your articles (and photos) at GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com.
Alliance For The Arts
Uncommon Threads: Julio Julio, Kathleen Kinkopf
And Mӓr Martinez
Aug. 2 To Sept. 28
10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919
Operating within the confines societal structures that shape all of our lives, the three artists in this exhibition explore universal human experiences through their work. Julio Julio, Kathleen Kinkopf and Mӓr Martinez traverse varied mediums and narratives to arrive at common themes of resilience, hope and strength.
Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club.
Our September program will feature excerpts from The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition performed by the Fort Myers Theatre Youth Program. You are invited to join us to experience these very talented young people, and to learn more about Continental.
Continental Women’s Club is a social, cultural and philanthropic organization established in 1975, and membership is 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.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers, 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $26. Reservation deadline for Sept. 5 is Tuesday, Aug. 27. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 for meal selection and to make a reservation.
Rules & Regulations
Reminder
• Lakes: No boating, fishing or swimming in any lake within Gulf Harbour.
• Eagle Perch Island: No fishing.
• Marina: No recreational swimming or fishing in the marina. No fish or other marine life of any kind shall be cleaned, prepared or processed in any manner on the property.
Regulations are fully supported by: Gulf Harbour Master Association Inc., Gulf Harbour Golf and Country Club Inc., Gulf Harbour Marina Condominium Association Inc.
Often, the scenes presented here combine familiar forms with aspects that are just out of step with our familiar reality. This juxtaposition of unreality within familiar scenes allows viewers a new perspective from which to examine familiar concepts, echoing the magical realism genre of literature. This paradox creates a union of opposites, drawing attention to topics of politics, social change and spirituality.
Despite their divergent approaches, each artist grapples with the intricacies of living in a modern world, confronting uncomfortable truths and celebrating human resilience. Their work is rich with dramatic imagery and symbolic depth, inviting viewers to examine the structures that shape our lives and embark on a journey of selfreflection and discovery.
In The Theatre Lobby Gallery: Piercing The Veil By Danielle Branchaud
The goal of a surrealist is to present a glimpse into new and various worlds that are only accessible in dreams, or through the careful and well-practiced art of introspection. The works of Danielle Branchaud are notorious in their depth and intensity when it comes to facing those dimensions. For years she has used her own personal life
experience and emotional complexity in order to create these visions, tapping into sources that have the potential to be both enlightening and devastating. After all, a lifetime is composed of many notes, high and low, and each one is worthy of exploration.
This collection of work presents just a fraction of that emotional experience, each painting inviting you to search within yourself for those same universal feelings.
Important Phone Numbers
Gate Access and Community Patrol
Pre-Call Gate Access Line 239-935-5179
North Gatehouse 239-482-5039
South Gatehouse 239-433-0110 Patrol 239-340-8994
Assistance
Police/Fire/EMS-EMERGENCY 911 EMS-NON-EMERGENCY 239-335-1660 Poison Control 800-282-3171
Lee County SheriffNON-EMERGENCY 239-477-1000 Iona McGregor Fire Station 239-433-0660 Highway Patrol 239-278-7100 Marine Patrol 239-332-6966 Coast Guard 239-463-5754
Property Management Suitor, Middleton, Cox & Associates 239-437-0340
Gulf
Golf Cart Rules Reminder
Gulf Harbour has had several incidents and issues involving golf carts. Reports have included underage driving, wrong-way driving, driving on pedestrian and bike paths, and driving under the influence.
Some excerpts from our Rules and Regulations:
Any member, family member, or guest may operate a motorized vehicle (i.e. cars, trucks, golf carts, motorized scooters, etc.) on Master Association property as long as the driver is at least 16 years of age, has a valid driver’s license, and has proof of vehicle insurance.
All golfers with golf carts should refrain from using pedestrian and bicycle pathways, if at all possible, especially if a golf cart path is available in that area and the golf cart driver is playing golf at the time. When use of a Gulf Harbour road is necessary, ATVs, and golf carts utilized for other than golf activities should be driven in the same direction as vehicle traffic and comply with all rules that apply to vehicles.
All Florida rules of the road must be followed when driving motor vehicles within Gulf Harbour. Please consider the above when driving your golf cart at Gulf Harbour.
Rising above the shores of the Caloosahatchee River is Vista Cay, a collection of sophisticated waterfront residences featuring awe-inspiring vistas. For a limited time, future residents can choose their views and enjoy Shell Point’s resort amenities and award-winning lifecare while building is underway. This rare opportunity to select a new construction residence in Shell Point’s most renowned neighborhood won’t last long. Take a virtual tour, register for a seminar, or request an appointment by visiting MeetVistaCay.org.
