GulfHarbour JAN 2026

JANUARY 2026

A Look Inside CALOOSAHATCHEE CELTIC FESTIVAL

HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK BUILDING HUNGER ACTION CENTER

A NEW ERA OF VIP: ARTFEST FORT MYERS

IN THIS ISSUE 5 | Clubhouse Renovation Project

20 | 2026 Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival

8 | Thank You Donors

20 | Montage Women’s Club

10 | Crossword Puzzle

22 | Powder Puff Power

12 | Hole In One

26 | Harry Chapin Food Bank Building Hunger Action Center

14 | Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts 15 | Operation Christmas Child Success/Record!

29 | From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...

30 | Catch The Action

16 | Consumer Alerts

32 | A New Era Of VIP: ArtFest Fort Myers

18 | Continental Women’s Club

34 | Resource Hub

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Production Directors Stephen Miller Elizabeth Miller

IMPORTANT NOTICE! Please submit all articles, announcements, photos and events for Gulf Harbour Soundings to GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com by the 4th of the month preceding the month of publication.

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Soundings, Gulf Harbour | January 2026

Clubhouse Renovation Project November 13, 2025 There’s a rhythm to construction – an ebb and flow that shifts between excitement and challenge. Right now, we’re in one of those fast-moving, all-hands-on-deck phases where progress is visible everywhere, yet the schedule feels like it’s tightening by the day. Still, our sights remain fixed on one very special finish line: the RiverFest 2026 Grand Opening!

As the job site stays busy, parking continues to be one of our biggest headaches. Construction staging and logistics have taken up most of the main areas, so please remember that overflow parallel parking along Vista River Drive is available and encouraged.

The Marina Association and the Master Association have both been tremendous partners, helping us navigate these challenging times with flexibility and understanding. Their support, along with the day-to-day efforts of countless staff and volunteers, is what keeps this massive effort moving forward. www.gulfharbour33908.com 5

I also want to personally thank my GH Team, who have worked tirelessly to organize, coordinate, and deliver all the temporary facilities and services members rely on.

And speaking of teamwork, we’re thrilled to welcome our new Quality Control GH Representative, Char Mohr. Char brings deep experience and a sharp eye for detail that will help strengthen our quality assurance as the project moves into its next phase. She will work directly for Doug Glover.

Inside, the transformation continues in full force: • New footers are in place and more are being poured.

• Most exterior walls have now been demolished and cleared.

• Electrical chases are installed and ready for system upgrades.

• All first-floor rough-in plumbing is complete.

• The next big milestone—going vertical with new exterior walls—is right around the corner.

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Every renovation brings its share of rumors—and one we’ve heard recently is that the general contractor didn’t fully understand the “Scope of Work.” Let me say clearly: That couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that once we began peeling back the building’s layers, we uncovered the hidden shortcuts and deficiencies left behind by WCI’s original construction.

We are fixing every one of those issues the right way ensuring that when we’re done, this building will stand stronger, safer, and better than ever before.

We’re rebuilding not just a clubhouse, but a community centerpiece, a place that will bring us all together again for years to come.

Until then, stay patient, stay positive, and keep smiling, because what’s taking shape behind those fences is going to be truly spectacular.

Lonnie

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Thank You Donors SHANNON FLORY LEAD DONOR RECRUITER SHANNON.FLORY@LEEHEALTH.ORG

We would like to express our gratitude to the donors that were able to give blood on Saturday, November 15 at Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club.

This truly is a lifesaving mission, and it is so important to our hospitals and the community to remember to donate blood.

At Lee Health, donated blood goes to help save the lives of patients at your community-owned hospitals: Lee Memorial Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, Golisano Children’s Hospital of

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SW Florida, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Cape Coral Hospital. In addition to the five hospitals, our blood center also services the Level II Trauma Center at Lee Memorial Hospital and the Regional Cancer Center at the Sanctuary.

For the blood drive, we had 36 donors that tried to give blood and 31 units collected! With each unit saving two lives, over 62 lives in our community have been touched by the generosity of your donors.

We appreciate everyone that was able to make it out and give “the gift of life.”

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Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1. Fire 6. A flat float 10. Complain 14. Protective covering 15. Beige 16. Balm ingredient 17. Fragrance 18. Cicatrix 19. Violent disturbance 20. One billionth of a second 22. Strong fiber 23. Be extant 24. Out of practice 63. Devotees 25. Drift 64. Affirmatives 29. Immune response trigger 31. Green gem 33. Fireplace sound DOWN 37. Most recent 1. Custard dessert 38. Cream-filled pastry 2. Former Italian currency 39. Movie house 3. Any minute 41. Kneecap 4. Office message 42. Lures 5. Delete 44. Adjusts 6. Cancel officially 45. Interior layout and furnishings 7. Buttonhole 48. Reveals 8. Frenzied 50. Withdraw gradually 9. Feces 51. In a contemptuous manner 10. Severe abscesses 11. Assumed name 56. Therefore 12. Perch 57. Margarine 13. Trifling 58. Red Sea peninsula 21. Revered 59. In place of 24. Respond 60. Ran 25. Whip mark 61. Economic down time 26. Asian nurse 62. Not more 10

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27. Celebration 28. Fomenting subversion 30. Lubricated 32. Daisy-like bloom 34. Cabbage-like vegetable 35. Jaunty rhythm 36. Ages 40. German measles 41. Amounts of time 43. Swerve wildly 45. Inhabit 46. Spooky 47. Pens 49. Pantywaist 51. Remove, as a hat 52. Egyptian river 53. Wildebeests 54. Hardly believable 55. Puppy sounds

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Brad Taylor November 26, 2025 Hole No. 11

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Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts It’s a heartbreaking reality. Millions of boys and girls around the globe live in difficult circumstances and are in desperate need of hope. Whether they are slum dwellers in Calcutta or orphans in Johannesburg, children long to know that they are loved. Operation Christmas Child is one way to make a difference in a young person’s life through the simplest of gifts—shoeboxes filled with school supplies, toys, and personal items, packed by caring people.

Saturday, November 15, collectively, over 75 people met in the Baldwins’ driveway to pack over 1,350 boxes in support of this program.

Many of you turned in your own loving-packed shoeboxes as well. Last year, over 12 million boxes were collected internationally and distributed to children in over 160 countries.

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Thank you so much, dear friends, for caring about these children and taking the time to put together a “box of joy”—a joy and a hope that many may never have experienced. Your efforts and your friendships are priceless.

Sincerely, Linda and Tim Baldwin

Operation Christmas Child Success/Record!

TIM BALDWIN BALDWINFINANCIAL@COMCAST.NET (937) 369-6069

A laudable cause and some lucky, smiling children will be happy when they get these gifts of love from a caring community.

Many thanks to the 79 kind souls who came by our home last Saturday between 8 and 10 a.m. to pack up a record 1,200 boxes! With extra help from four soccer players and Linda’s daughter and grands, many hands made for light work. Lots of smiles and feel-good moments sprinkled among the throng.

Some folks are tracking their individual boxes that they packed separately from the event. When we know where they ended up, we will send out another email. We turned in a total of 1,365 shoeboxes (weighing a collective 4,000 pounds) to the collection church yesterday, as there was a big side support in addition to the Saturday party.

MANY THANKS TO ALL!

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Consumer Alerts ALVARO PUIG, CONSUMER EDUCATION SPECIALIST

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU UPGRADE YOUR PHONE AND HOW TO PROTECT YOUR NEW ONE 3. Unlink accounts connected to the device. If you use multifactor authentication to log in to any accounts, remove your phone from the list of trusted devices for those accounts. And double check that your phone is no longer connected to your online accounts.

1. Save your information. Whether you’re Here’s how to unlink the phone from your going to trade in, sell, or donate your phone, Microsoft, Apple, and Google start by backing up your data. You’ll need this 4. Erase your personal information. Finally, copy when you set up a new phone. restore your phone to the factory settings.

2. Remove SIM and SD cards. If your phone That’ll erase all your personal information, has a SIM card, remove it because it may like your account numbers, passwords, have your personal information on it. If messages, videos, and photos. you’re keeping your phone number, ask if you can transfer your SIM card to the new Once you set up your new device, set it to phone. If you’re not going to reuse the SIM automatically lock when you’re not using card, destroy it. If your phone has an SD it, keep it up to date, and back up your storage card, remove it, too. data. Check out Three ways to protect the personal info on your phone for details on how to do that.

It’s that time of year when ads enticing you to upgrade your mobile phone seem to be everywhere you turn. If you’re thinking about upgrading your phone, here are four easy steps to remove your personal information from your phone before you trade it in.

If you use an authenticator app to log into your accounts, set up the app on your new phone. And finally, if you’re not trading in or selling your phone, learn about where you can recycle it.

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Continental Women’s Club The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Our program will be a presentation

by Lisa Stanick who represents Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Inc., a unique organization that provides no-cost services to uninsured women and men with breast cancer. Over the past 12 years, the organization has assisted more than 13,000 women and men with breast screening, diagnosis and treatment.

The deadline to reserve for this event is Tuesday, January 27. The meetings are being held at The Hideaway Country Club,

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5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $28. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 by January 27 for meal selection and to make a reservation.

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.

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2026 Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival JANUARY 24 TO JANUARY 25, 11 AM TO 6 PM Get ready to don your kilts and embrace the magic of Celtic tradition at the much-anticipated 2026 Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival. Please join us in the heart of downtown Fort Myers for a full weekend of Celtic vibes and brews, January 24 to 25. Don’t miss out – shop here for exceptional accommodations.

Montage Women’s Club The Montage Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic club open to all women residing in Lee County. We normally meet on the fourth Thursday of each month. Our December meeting will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn (Captiva Ballroom), 12600 University Drive, Fort Myers 33908, corner of College Parkway at the Summerlin Road overpass.

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, January 22, 2026. Our featured speaker will be Joyce Thomas, a former Montage President, who is a 20

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retired home economics teacher. Joyce will be sharing her extensive knowledge regarding how to live a healthy plantbased lifestyle.

Luncheon fee is $30 per person. There is always a choice of either a regular entree and/or a vegan/plant-based option. The January regular entree will be chicken bruschetta. The vegan/plant-based entree will be announced later.

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, January 15.

The 22nd anniversary event will feature captivating performances by a stellar lineup of musical talent at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater located at 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 33901.

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Powder Puff Power

KAREN M. MAXWELL, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE

Despite its delicate appearance, the Powder Puff shrub, genus Calliandra, is a rugged perennial that deserves a place in most South Florida gardens for a variety of reasons. Available in several colors and with the option of some compact species, these evergreens can enhance a landscape with delicate foliage and dainty blooms that last for several days.

Beyond its pretty flowers, Calliandra is an agricultural powerhouse in rural areas of the tropical world.

Native to the New World tropics, Calliandra was introduced to Indonesia in the 1930s and nearly

150 species are now found throughout pantropical regions. Powder Puffs, if allowed to grow naturally, can encompass an area as wide as their height of 15 feet. Pruning is recommended if space is limited because they will sucker and spread, but fortunately this is easily done and encouraged if you want to use them to create a hedge or train as a standard or tree form. The lacy but dense foliage creates a protective habitat for nesting birds.

Weather in Southwest Florida is simply perfect for growing Calliandra, which loves wet, humid summers and dry winters with full sun. Calliandra haematocephala, meaning blood red head, is the most popular species found throughout the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Near the Moonlight Garden, a white flowered varietal called “Alba” arches gracefully from below the Cliff Date Palm over the lawn. When the resident Moonlight Garden bunnies are around, they love to snack on the fallen flowers which, come to think of it, look like cotton tails themselves. A sprawling red Calliandra has been growing for years along the riverside of the Ford property, where it has survived hurricane surges despite the fact that it is not a salt tolerant plant.

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THE COMBRETUM CONSTRICTUM (THAILAND POWDERPUFF) GROWS NEAR THE EDISON CARETAKER’S COTTAGE.

While the red and white species have solid color stamens, C. surinamensis produces more than 100 stamens that are white on the bottom and finish to a rosy pink, giving the overall impression of a pink ball and is commonly called the Pink Powder Puff. These white and pink flowers are sticky and typically open after rain and will close in the hottest afternoon heat to protect their pollen and then reopen for cool evenings to allow moths

to pollinate their flowers. Many species of insects and butterflies rely on Calliandra nectar, which is said to produce very tasty honey. A Calliandra surinamensis grows on the McGregor side of the Edison main house, where it rises above its garden neighbors.

Beyond its ornamental value, Calliandra has important economic benefits to many rural communities around the world. A member of www.gulfharbour33908.com 23

the Fabaceae family, Calliandras, are nitrogenfixing shrubs and trees. Many gardeners are already familiar with growing beans or legumes and their ability to intake nitrogen from the air through their leaves and return nitrogen to the soil via their roots, making it readily available for other plants to take up. In areas where synthetic fertilizers are unavailable or too expensive, the Calliandras, which grow easily on most any well drained soil, help to keep soils fertile and their spreading roots can stabilize soils thereby preventing erosion. It is important to note that the use of nitrogen fixing plants is a sustainable alternative to the use of synthetic nitrogen found in fertilizers where unused fertilizer, high in nitrogen can leach into waterways and groundwater.

Hardy and long-lived perennials, the branches can break easily but Calliandras quickly regrow and if a standard form (single trunk) is desired, regularly pruning to shape and discourage new growth along the primary trunk is necessary.

They do not require additional fertilizer and do not seem to be susceptible to any major pest. I would like to note that the only plant on which I have ever seen the colorful thorn bugs is the Calliandra. Thorn bugs are sucking insects that make a colorful lineup on a branch while draining the sap of the tree. To date, I have never seen an infestation so bad as to kill a Calliandra, at least not here.

The usefulness of Calliandra was not discovered in its indigenous land, but farmers in Indonesia discovered that its wood has a low moisture content, burns very hot and is a reliable source 24

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COMBRETUM HAEMATOCEPHALA “ALBA” GROWS NEAR THE MOONLIGHT GARDEN, ALONG WITH OTHER WHITEFLOWERED PLANTS.

of quality charcoal. Though requiring good water to become established, these plants can survive up to 100 inches of annual rainfall (Southwest Florida averages 54 inches per year) and turn around and survive up to seven months of drought. They are not fussy about the soil, but it must be well drained at all times, something we love about our sandy substrate.

According to Feedipedia, an online encyclopedia of animal feeds, the leaves and seed pods of Calliandra are high in proteins for quality fresh fodder eaten by ruminating animals such as goats, sheep and cattle with the additional benefit of producing 24 percent less methane exhaust over grass fed animals.

Calliandra tweedii, which grows along the pedestrian walkway near Edison’s laboratory is an American native Calliandra that is sometimes called the Mexican Fairy Duster. A smaller, more compact Calliandra, its beautiful foliage is very fine and almost fernlike. It grows naturally in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and northern Mexico.

Growing behind the Edison Caretaker Cottage is the Thailand Powder Puff (Combretum constrictum). While the flowers strongly resemble the Calliandras, it is a member of the Combretum family, which includes tropical plants native to Africa, including the spectacular Rangoon Creeper. When one takes a closer look at the leaves of Combretum constrictum compared to Calliandra, the distinction will be obvious.

POWDER PUFF FLOWER BUDS LOOK LIKE MINI RASPBERRIES AS DEMONSTRATED IN THIS PHOTO OF A RED COMBRETUM HAEMATOCEPHALA.

Calliandras produce tight little raspberry-looking buds that open to a multitude of stamens, delicate filaments topped with an anther, or pollen patch. While they can be grown in a planter, keep them pruned, and once a year, root prune them, if you wish to maintain them as a container grown specimen.

Calliandras are evergreen, another excellent characteristic for a hedge, and their bi-pinnate or twice-divided, leaves will close up at night. They are closely related to mimosa and Albizia trees which are both invasive in Southwest Florida.

Visitors can see these plants and more when they visit the more than 20 acres of botanical gardens at the Estates.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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Harry Chapin Food Bank Building Hunger Action Center To Address Food Insecurity In Southwest Florida NONPROFIT ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO BUILD NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER Harry Chapin Food Bank has unveiled unprecedented plans to relieve Southwest Florida’s deepening hunger crisis by building a Hunger Action Center, a massive warehouse and distribution facility that will safeguard the community against hunger for generations to come.

More than 125 community leaders, donors, business partners and elected officials gathered Nov. 19 for an announcement and groundbreaking event in which Harry Chapin Food Bank publicly revealed plans to build a 110 x 175-square-foot, state-of-the-art center in Fort Myers. The event coincided with the nonprofit’s transition from a private to public phase of its $30 million capital campaign, Feeding the Future, which is funding the initiative. The food bank is relying on public support to conclude the capital campaign.

“Construction of our new Hunger Action Center marks a transformational step forward for Harry Chapin Food Bank,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO. “As our region grows, so does the need. This modern, purpose-built facility will expand 26

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our capacity, strengthen our operations and help us reach more children, families, seniors and veterans than ever before. It’s an investment in the future of Southwest Florida, and in every neighbor who depends on us.”

Currently, Harry Chapin Food Bank serves approximately 300,000 neighbors annually through a robust feeding network of up to 175 agency partners. In 2024, the food bank provided 39.5 million pounds of food, but that figure is expected to jump to 50 million pounds by 2030 and 100 million pounds by 2050. LeBer noted the surge in demand is being fueled by what he calls the “new hungry,” individuals who are working and never anticipated needing help to put food on the table.

“They are hospitality and tourism workers, health care professionals, first responders and educators – essentially, the people who keep our community running,” LeBer said.

“Hurricanes, the pandemic, inflation, cuts to federal government programs and other setbacks have affected them deeply. Many are just one or two unanticipated bills away from needing help.”

Located at the southwest corner of I-75 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

GROUNDBREAKING OF HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK’S HUNGER ACTION CENTER IN FORT MYERS.

in Fort Myers, the Hunger Action Center will more than double the size of the nonprofit’s current warehouse in Lee County while doubling the organization’s capacity to feed neighbors experiencing hunger. It will complement the organization’s existing distribution center in Naples.

Operationally, the new building will feature expanded storage space for dry, refrigerated and frozen foods, and 10 truck bays to accommodate inbound and outbound deliveries. Its sophisticated inventory tracking system will allow staff to monitor food supplies in real time using a computerized barcode system that categorizes

inventory by product type, expiration date, origin, destination and other factors.

Additionally, the Hunger Action Center will offer a food pantry where neighbors experiencing hunger can shop for fresh produce and groceries, an element of hunger relief not available in tight quarters at the current warehouse. Community meeting rooms will allow Harry Chapin Food Bank and its agency partners to host seminars and classes covering nutrition, health, how to access food, budgeting for groceries and other educational topics, empowering neighbors and agency partners to address the root causes of hunger.

The facility also includes air-conditioned spaces for volunteers and staff. www.gulfharbour33908.com 27

The ambitious project is the largest in Harry Chapin Food Bank’s 42-year history and is being made possible largely through private philanthropy. At the Nov. 19 celebratory event, the food bank announced lead gifts through the Feeding the Future capital campaign, including The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and Lipman Family Farms.

“Harry Chapin’s humanitarian work was founded on the idea that ‘to know is to care, to care is to act, to act is to make a difference,’” said Ann Prifrel, chief development officer for Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Thank you all for being here, for standing with Harry Chapin Food Bank and for helping us ‘Feed the Future’ one bold act at a time.”

“As a fourth-generation family farming company based in Southwest Florida, the sentiment of providing fresh food that is accessible to all is deeply personal for us,” added Jaime Weisinger, director of community relations for Lipman Family Farms. “We are honored to support Harry Chapin Food Bank in the stride towards hunger relief, one of our core pillars at Lipman, with the opening of the Lipman Family Volunteer Center.”

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Site clearing for the Hunger Action Center began this summer and construction is expected to run through fall 2026.

DeAngelis Diamond is the general contractor leading the project.

The Feeding the Future capital campaign has raised half of its $30 million goal.

To learn more about the Hunger Action Center or to support Feeding the Future, please visit HarryChapinFoodBank.org/ FeedingTheFuture.

About Harry Chapin Food Bank Harry Chapin Food Bank, a Feeding America partner food bank, is the largest hungerrelief organization in Southwest Florida and serves 250,000 neighbors monthly through its feeding network of 175 agency partners. In 2024, the nonprofit distributed 39.5 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 32 million meals, at food banks and mobile pantries across Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. Harry Chapin Food Bank is an Agency Partner of United Way and a Blueprint Partner of the Naples Children Foundation, rated as a Four-Star Charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum-rated by Candid’s GuideStar. For more information, please visit HarryChapinFoodBank.org or call (239) 3347007.

From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...

IMPAIRED DRIVING As we reach the tail end of this holiday season, we prepare to welcome in a new year, and I am hopeful that all of our Lee County residents and guests have a wonderful, healthy and safe holiday!

Impaired driving deaths are preventable.

It is our responsibility as drivers, as party hosts, as friends and family to ensure that no one gets behind the wheel having consumed intoxicants. No one.

Holiday get-togethers, office parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations are the norm and, often, these gatherings involve the use of intoxicants.

“I’m fine” and “I can drive” are often the last words that we hear prior to fatal crashes.

While we share this message annually, as do other law enforcement agencies and media outlets, it is a critical issue and we would be remiss if we did not discuss it.

Last year, over 13,000 traffic-related deaths occurred as a result of driver impairment.

I need not mention the options available to impaired individuals as they have been shared time and again. There are many transportation choices available to impaired individuals needing to travel.

Be a hero. Save lives. Ensure that no one gets behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated.

Statistics are subjective and sometimes vary, however, it is believed that 62% of New Year’s Eve/Day traffic deaths are the result of impairment. Please read that sentence again. …

At perhaps the most joyous time of year, law enforcement responsibilities often require the ringing of a doorbell, followed by notification of the traffic death of a loved one.

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Catch The Action CAPT. BILL RUSSELL

JANUARY ON THE WATER January is our coolest month with water temperature the lowest of the year around Southwest Florida. Just how cold often determines how and where to fish.

Over cold and windy days fish head for protected areas like canals, creeks, and deep water on the leeward side of islands. Fishing these areas is a good way to comfortably fish in a chilly north wind. Often, fish may be found ganged up in a deep hole, along a shoreline, or sunning in areas protected from the wind.

The coldest days yield some of the best sheepsheads fishing of the year. They thrive and aggressively feed during adverse cold weather. If the weather is mild for several days, fish may be more widespread out on shallower flats, bars, and structures.

Shrimp are top baits for winter fishing.

Shrimp are user-friendly, readily available to purchase, and everything eats them.

If it’s cold, low and slow is the way to go.

Meaning fish the bait at or near the bottom, either stationary or with a slow retrieve.

It’s difficult for a cold fish to exert energy chasing fast moving food. One of the best ways to cover bottom and catch fish on a cold day is with a live shrimp/jig head combination. Take a live shrimp, bite or pinch off the tail and thread the shrimp, tail 30

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first on a jig head. Now you have the best of both worlds, live bait that you can cover ground with like an artificial. This combination will entice everything from big snook to pompano.

On warmer days, the same combination still works; however the fish are likely spread out over shallower depths, so a change of technique is often necessary. Look for fish in areas that are a short distance from the deeper protected areas; they often hold in areas where they can quickly get back to shelter when the next front arrives. Fish these areas with shrimp or shrimp imitations in soft plastic, rigged the same method described above with a little quicker retrieve, or suspended under a popping or rattling cork. Sometimes if you are looking for trout, redfish, or pompano, it’s all about covering as much area as possible. Scented soft baits like Gulp shrimp are another great option.

Between cold fronts are days with light wind and calm seas, allowing boats to venture into gulf waters. Bottom structure including artificial reefs, ledges, and hard bottom within sight of land holds a variety of fish. Again, live, or fresh shrimp is the top bait. Two popular bait rigs include knocker rigs with an egg sinker free to slide above a small hook and previously mentioned bare jigs heads rigged with shrimp.

Both combinations work great nearshore. Make sure and use enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom. Sheepsheads become the target for many anglers in nearshore gulf waters over

winter, but you will hook into other fish that may include snapper, grouper, grunts, and permit to name a few. When fishing offshore, it’s a good idea to drop down a live bait if you catch baitfish like a pinfish, grunt, or sand perch. This is a great way to hook into a big grouper, cobia, king mackerel, and of course, sharks. Deeper in gulf waters, large red grouper, snapper, and a mix of tasty bottom fish are possible on a calm day.

Before hitting the water make sure you are up on current fishing regulations as they change often. You can go to www.myfwc.com or download the Fish Rules app. It updates every time you open it. It’s free, and has all local fish species, regulations, and pictures of each.

January will bring some cold days on the water, (at least what we consider cold in Florida) but also plenty of sunny warm days. Like the weather fishing can change quickly this month, to be successful you need to monitor the conditions and adapt your fishing strategy accordingly. Good luck!

Wishing all a safe and happy New Year.

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 30 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.”

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A New Era Of VIP: Why 2026 Is The Year You Must Join The ArtFest VIP Club

This year, ArtFest Fort Myers is launching a VIP experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before – a fully curated, multi-destination adventure designed to immerse you in the very best of art, flavor, and sound. This first-of-itskind concept transforms the VIP weekend into A Vibe Voyage – a progressive journey through three iconic riverfront destinations, each offering its own atmosphere, entertainment, and exclusive surprises.

FRIDAY NIGHT: YOUR PASSPORT TO THE EXTRAORDINARY Your VIP Passport – yes, an actual custom passport – guides you through an elevated, progressive evening crafted only for VIP guests.

OXBOW BAR & GRILL – MEET THE ARTIST RECEPTION The journey begins with curated bites, handcrafted cocktails, live saxophone, and an intimate welcome reception with the 2026 Poster Artist, Anthony Murrill. It’s elegant, warm, and the perfect first stamp on your weekend experience.

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LUMINARY POOL DECK – THE VIBE VOYAGE Next, you’re whisked to a rooftop celebration where panoramic river views meet D.J. beats, live painting, premium tastings, and the signature “Calypso” cocktail – an immersive hour of energy and artistry.

CALOOSA SOUND AMPHITHEATER – UNDER THE STARS CONCERT The night crescendos with a private outdoor concert by the Gulf Coast Symphony’s High School Jazz Ensemble – a magical, open-air finale beneath the stars.

This three-stop, multi-experience Friday night is brand-new, completely reimagined, and exclusive to 2026 VIPs.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: YOUR WEEKEND RETREAT For the rest of the festival, VIPs enjoy a relaxed, elevated home base at Oxbow Bar & Grill, featuring: • Bottomless mimosas, coffee and scones (10 to 11 a.m.)

• Chef-driven brunch and all-day beverage bar (11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

• Afternoon snacks to recharge between festival strolls VIP parking is included all weekend – effortless access, no crowds, no stress.

WHY GO VIP THIS YEAR? BECAUSE THIS EXPERIENCE HAS NEVER EXISTED BEFORE. This isn’t a lounge. It isn’t a tent. It’s a curated journey – a progressive, immersive, and beautifully designed weekend created just for our VIP community.

From your first passport stamp to your final toast, the 2026 VIP Experience is a story you step into … and one you’ll remember long after the festival ends.

This is the year to become VIP – because nothing like this has ever been done, and once the inaugural voyage is gone, it won’t happen exactly this way again.

VIP Club presented by B&I Contractors

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RESOURCE HUB ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTS Admiral’s Isle.................................Jeff McGinty Bellavista..................................George Hemsey Coronado......................................... Geoff Smith Courtyard Homes.......................Tiffany Gaede Crescent Cove..........................Sam Schiphorst Crooked Pond............................. Carol Tsilimos Edgewater.................................Mike Sklorenko Grande Cay........................................ David Lein Gulf Harbour Master...................... Chris Cope Gulf Harbour Marina................... Dana Snyder Harbour Landings I................... Megan Martin Harbour Landings II.............. Thomas Broadie Harbour Links.....................................Joe Pierce Long Pond...................................Millie Johnson Mariposa........................................ Steve Perseo Mill Pond................................. Maureen Herold Osprey Landing........................ William Crouch Osprey Point............................... Jay Ducharme Palmas Del Sol............................ Steve Hancox Rivers Edge...............................Ron Harrington Sagamore................................George Sorensen Seaside Estates..................... Richard Edelman Tamarind Cay............................ Harvey Gordon The Shores I................................Gene Marshall The Shores II.............................Mark Anderson The Shores III................................Dave Reimer The Shores IV.................................John Albano

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Soundings, Gulf Harbour | January 2026

GULF HARBOUR COUNTRY CLUB BOARD OF GOVERNORS William Lambert..................................President Kim Bauman............................... Vice President Jack Bourget........................................ Treasurer Patti Buckingham................................Secretary Scott Bassett........................................Governor Bruce Jasurda......................................Governor George Johnson..................................Governor Reymond Sargenti..............................Governor Michael Sklorenko..............................Governor

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.............................. Sam Schiphorst Treasurer/Secretary............................. Carl Pecko Director............................................ Carol Gillespie Director................................................. Rip Riordon Director.................................................Geoff Smith Director................................................ John Wilson

COMMUNITY NEWS Bellavista Coronado Courtyard Homes Crooked Pond Edgewater Grande Cay Harbour Landings I Harbour Landings II Harbour Links Long Pond Marblehead Manor Mariposa

Mill Pond Osprey Landing Osprey 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.

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 When your officers change, be sure to notify us so that we can keep both www.GulfHarbour33908.com and the Soundings updated.

GULF HARBOUR WEBSITES GULF HARBOUR MASTER ASSOCIATION • www.GulfHarbour33908.com GRANDE CAY • www.grandecay.com HARBOUR LANDINGS I • www.harbourlandings.org HARBOUR LINKS • www.harbourlinks.net MARIPOSA • http://detaliassociates.com/secure/login.aspx PALMAS DEL SOL • www.palmasdelsol.net PARAMOUNT • http://www.athomenet.com/theparamount TAMARIND CAY • https://smca.cincwebaxis.com/cinc/home/ GULF HARBOUR COUNTRY CLUB • www.gulfharbour.com MARINA • www.gulfharbourmarina.com YACHT CLUB • www.gulfharbouryachtclub.org

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RESOURCE HUB 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 Sheriff - NON-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 Harbour Marina Harbor Master................................239-437-0881 Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club Clubhouse.......................................239-433-5111 Lee County Contacts Comcast...........................................239-432-9277 Florida Power & Light...................239-694-0183 Lee County Utilities -Water & Sewer................................ 239-936-0247 Veolia - Trash & Recycling...........239-334-1224 CenturyLink - Telephone.............239-335-3111 TECO - Natural Gas......................877-832-6747 Government Agencies Motor Vehicle Registration.........239-339-6000 Taxes.................................................239-335-2283 Voter Registration..........................239-339-6300 Social Security................................800-772-1213

REMINDER Master Association Gulf Harbour New Visitor Management System Pre-Call Phone (239) 935-5179 www.GulfHarbour33908.com

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Soundings, Gulf Harbour | January 2026

To contribute to your Gulf Harbour Soundings newspaper, please send articles, announcements, photos, events or any issues to GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com.

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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.

GOLF CART RULES REMINDER Gulf Harbour has had several incidents and issues involving golf carts. Reports have included underage driving, wrongway 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. www.gulfharbour33908.com 37

RESOURCE HUB 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.

REMINDER

All Dogs MUST be leashed at ALL times in and on Gulf Harbour Properties.

Regulations are fully supported by: Gulf Harbour Master Association Inc., Gulf Harbour Golf and Country Club Inc., Gulf Harbour Marina Condominium Association Inc.

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.

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Soundings, Gulf Harbour | January 2026