Whiskey Creek JULY 2025

Page 1


Whiskey

FUNNY ONE-LINERS

Why does a chicken coop only have two doors? If it had four it would be a

LEVEL UP TO

AN AMAZING LIFESTYLE & NEW HOME AWAIT

It's time to level up to Verandah! Just off I-75 at exit 141, this exciting, amenity-rich community awaits. Here, you’ll discover stunning new-construction homes paired with fantastic amenities, all in an unbeatable, nature-focused setting. You can even kayak on the Orange River from the community kayak launch. Life doesn't get any better than this!

Right now, you can choose from a variety of spacious single-family homes. We offer move-in ready options, available NOW, or you can choose the perfect homesite for you and personalize your own floorplan and model.

MONDAY-SATURDAY: 10AM-6PM SUNDAYS: 12PM-5PM

RESORT-STYLE POOL

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS

1.Pungent edible leaves

6.Be upright

11.Howdy

12.Smallest

15.Vendor

16.Blathers

17.Tiny

18.Shrivels

20.Chapter in history

21.French for “state”

23.Component used as fertilizer

24.Arouse

25.Lack of difficulty

26.Thin strip

27.Run for it

28.Not now

29.Not hers

30.Rosary components

31.Curtains

34.Thin person

36.Type of cereal grass

37.Chops

41.Not fat

42.Bachelor of Literature

43.Rewrite

44.Objective

45.Courts

46.Lover of Aeneas

47.Arrange (abbrev.)

48.Offspring

51.Bog

52.Lawfulness

54.First-aid item

56.Cilium

57.Small amount

58.Leases

59.Stitched

DOWN

1.Fast feline

2.Let go

3.Addition

4.Large number

5.Fern clusters

6.Avenue

7.Coronet

8.Picnic insects

9.Young louse

10.Cut out

13.One thing after another

14.Russian emperor

15.Sugary

16.Choice of words

19.Liliaceous plant

22.Ivy feature

24.Cut

26.Carpet type

27.Service charge

30.Ship post

32.Hurried on foot

33.Lift

34.Floor

35.Warhorse

38.Building

39.Made broader

40.Rock

42.Kiosks

44.Storm

45.Joint of the lower arm

48.Scheme

49.Pesky insects

50.Bygone era

53.Beer

55.Black bird

CROSSWORD SOLUTION IN THIS ISSUE

President’s Letter

Greetings WC Community and Neighbors,

As the school year comes to a close and summer begins, we want to wish all our families a safe, joyful, and relaxing break. Please keep an extra eye out for children playing outside, riding bikes, and enjoying the longer days—let’s all do our part to keep our neighborhood safe for them.

This past year has been another successful one for our civic association, thanks to the

continued support and participation from our members. From our annual Charity Golf Tournament to the Fall Fest to the Celebrity Chili Cook-Off and the festive Christmas Parade, your involvement has helped make these events meaningful and memorable for our community.

Our monthly board meetings are now on summer recess and will resume in September. However, our efforts continue. We are currently working with the

county to enhance the medians throughout the neighborhood—a beautification effort that will benefit all residents. Depending on funding, we may need to initiate a capital campaign if we don’t see increased participation in civic association dues. If you haven’t yet renewed or joined, now is a great time to contribute to the WCCA membership campaign and help shape the future of our community.

You can visit the WCCA website at www. whiskeycreeknews.net to learn more about the membership dues, how the funds are allocated as well as review deed restrictions,

board meeting minutes, and much more about the community. The membership campaign https:// whiskeycreeknews.net/membership/ strives for 100 percent participation. Currently, membership stands at approximately 30 percent, and we are making daily progress. The membership fee of $125 will be allocated to various community needs.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to both new and returning members for your membership and dedication to our community, providing general community protection, and enhancing our overall community. Thank you for your support!

Our final meeting of the season, which was our annual meeting, was heavily attended, maybe because of the Tidewater Landscape presentation for the medians, or because the club provided good eats and drinks for the party afterward. The board proudly voted to support three meaningful initiatives:

• The Girl Scout Bench Project , which promotes environmental stewardship and public safety at selected bus stops for students in our community.

• The Pace Center for Girls, selected as a beneficiary of our next Charity Golf Tournament.

• Continued efforts to work with Tidewater Landscaping, the county, and the community to enhance the medians on Whiskey Creek Drive.

If you haven’t visited the country club recently, come by and check out our new menu items and drink specials! We’ve also updated the décor and have exciting news about the brick porch addition, not to mention summer golf specials and events. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed and affordable happy hour, delicious brunches and dinners, or a place to socialize and unwind, the club is a fantastic spot to enjoy time with friends and neighbors.

Whiskey Creek continues to be a popular destination for residents of all walks of life, each contributing to the rich tapestry of our community. Whether you’re here to settle down, unwind, or raise a family, your presence is vital to our collective vision.

The WCCA Board is grateful for the opportunity to give back to this amazing community, and we thank you for making that possible.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy summer!

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

When you’ve seen one shopping center you’ve seen a mall.

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

www.seabreezecommunications.com

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Security Report

As always, the LCSO Officers patrolled our community and were very visible, which creates a deterrent for speeders or anyone that may want to commit a crime.

In the month of May, there were a few more “incidents” than we usually have.

On May 30 – Officer Ferriol responded to an alarm and another call for medical assistance.

On May 27 – Officer Winton issued three warnings for traffic violations.

On May 20 – Officer Ferriol responded to another alarm.

On May 18 – Officer Cantrell issued a warning at the four-way stop on Claret.

On May 14 – Officer Cantrell assisted Lee County EMS.

On May 2 – Officer Ferriol responded to the 7-Eleven for a suspicious person.

Again, if you see an officer in Whiskey Creek please stop and thank them for being so visible in our community, and of course follow the saying “If you see something, say something!”

School Bus Stop Safety

Hi, Whiskey Creek! My name is Jennifer Allen, and I am a Girl Scout Cadette living in this community. I am currently working on my Silver Award. The Silver Award is a community service project where Girl Scouts identify and work to fix a problem in their community. My project idea is to improve students’ safety while they wait for their bus by building benches at bus stops.

I have heard news stories of students getting injured or hurt as they waited for their bus –because they were sitting down on the curb. Then as I waited for my own bus this year I saw a student sitting on the road, and this concerned me very much! Many bus stops don’t have adequate places for students to sit down and wait for their bus – unless it’s on the road, where there is a huge risk of injury! My proposal is to gain support and build benches at some of the school bus stops in Whiskey Creek.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Whiskey Creek Civic Association’s board meeting, where I was able to present my project idea. Fortunately, my plan gained quite a bit of support from the residents in attendance and general support from the board, as everyone agreed bus stop safety is a huge concern in our community! But I’m going to need more support. It’s now time for Phase Two: The support of the community! We (myself and the Board) want to see if it’s possible to build benches around multiple bus stops in our neighborhood. Doing so will certainly decrease the risk of accidents happening, and it helps to ensure student safety while they wait for

their school bus sometimes for long periods of time.

If you’re interested in supporting this mission for community safety please contact the Board at wccaacct@ gmail.com. They are currently in the process of reaching out to the school district to better understand the financial impact, procedures and protocols and identifying the potential possibilities within our neighborhood. I will be working on fundraising and community education this summer in preparation for the 2025/26 school year. Thank you for allowing me to have this opportunity and I look forward to working with the community on this project soon!

With much appreciation, Jennifer Allen

Real Estate Round-Up

WHAT MAKES WHISKEY CREEK SO SPECIAL?

The Whiskey Creek community has enjoyed a reputation for being a very desirable place to live for the past five decades. There is obviously something special about a neighborhood that continues to be attractive for half a century. Let’s enumerate some of the facets that make this locality such a real estate jewel.

Location is the first criterion for determining real estate’s worth. Some say that location, location, and location are the top three criteria for determining the worth of real estate.

By its nature, real estate is not mobile. Many things can change, but for home and community, the location is fixed.

Fort Myers has enjoyed a favorable reputation for location for over a century. Whiskey Creek grew from Fort Myers’ expansion to the south. South Fort Myers has been the most desirable area of Fort Myers and has seen the biggest growth of residential homes, businesses, shopping, worship, medical and dining facilities. Whiskey Creek has the good fortune to be a prime residential location in that direction. Or maybe Whiskey Creek was a part of the reason that growth moved in that southerly direction. Perhaps a little of both!

One reason for Whiskey Creek’s desirability is its proximity to downtown. As the county seat and center of local government, Fort Myers was home to a range of legal, medical and government facilities. Executives, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals gravitated to Whiskey

Creek when it first developed and have continued to help maintain and upkeep their homes and the community.

Whiskey Creek offers a variety of options for residents. It offers nearly 200 one- and two-bedroom condos with a carport that can be bought for under $200K. Duplex villas, mostly for age 55-plus, offer two- or three-bedroom condos and a garage. They are especially desirable because they are all one-floor, low-density homes with a park-like setting and start under $300K. Most Whiskey Creek homes (900 of the 1,600) are singlefamily and boast larger lots (quarter acre typically), mature landscaping and a variety of styles and options. The median price of the 20 single- family homes on the market today is $530,000. Starting at $400K, they can top $1M or more for an estate home on water.

It is easy for residents to upsize or downsize their home or villa and not leave the community they have come to call home. Children who grew up in Whiskey Creek often want to come back to raise their own families here. Education options are superb in this neighborhood with highly rated Tanglewood Elementary and both Fort Myers High and Cypress Lake High School close by. Prestigious Canterbury School and Southwest Florida College are within biking or walking distance.

Whiskey Creek has always had protective covenants or deed restrictions to ensure that the community maintained its desirability. The local Whiskey Creek MSTBU board (Municipal Services Taxation and Benefit Unit) deserves much credit for the upkeep of our community. The Whiskey Creek Civic Association board, made up of volunteer residents and funded by many homeowners paying voluntary dues of only $125 per year, has worked diligently to preserve the cachet of this community.

One of the things making Whiskey Creek such a jewel is the gem found right in our midst. Whiskey Creek Country Club is a private, member-owned golf course that is open to the public. It welcomes and supports many community activities. Good neighbors make a good neighborhood and WCCC is certainly a good example of a good neighbor.

We could go on and on about the many things that make our community so desirable. The assorted reasons for wanting to live here could fill up a developer’s brochure. Let’s just agree that Whiskey Creek is special because … well, it just is! Congratulations to you for being one of those reasons.

If you have any questions or comments about this article or other real estate issues, please contact Bob Oxnard at whiskeycreeknews@ yahoo.com.

Wildlife

THE NORTHERN CARDINAL

The northern cardinal, commonly referred to simply as the cardinal, is a small bird found in Florida, notable for its striking red crest. Males are particularly recognized for their vibrant red plumage, which covers almost their entire body, apart from a distinctive black face mask and throat. In contrast, female cardinals are olive-brown with a red tint on their crest, wings, and tail.

Females are among the most vocal songbirds in North America. They often sing from their nests to communicate with their mates, signaling when to bring food or when to keep their distance to avoid attracting predators, as their bright coloration can make their nests more noticeable. Male cardinals are extremely protective of their breeding territory, especially during spring and early summer. They can become so focused on defending their territory that they sometimes attack their reflection in windows, car mirrors, and other shiny surfaces.

Northern cardinals inhabit a wide variety of environments, from deciduous forests to urban parks, across the eastern United States and the Midwest, extending into western Texas and southern Arizona. They are year-round residents in their habitats, retaining their vivid plumage throughout the seasons. There are currently 19 recognized subspecies of northern cardinal, with 14 found in the United States and Mexico.

Their primary diet consists of grains and seeds, but they also consume insects and a variety of fruits, including wild grapes, dogwood berries, and mulberries. These fruits are rich in carotenoids, which help create the bright reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks seen in their feathers.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION

Yard Of The Month

BEAUTIFYING WHISKEY CREEK, ONE ROCK AT A TIME

Since 2019, the Grimes family has been proud to call Whiskey Creek home, but their roots in the neighborhood run even deeper. Megan grew up here, and she and her husband always envisioned raising their children in the very community that shaped her own childhood. “Between how safe we feel and the curb appeal of so many homes, what is not to like?” Megan says.

Their love for the neighborhood is not just something they speak about, it is something they pour their time and energy into. After months of digging, hauling, planting, and transforming their outdoor space, the Grimes family has been named this month’s welldeserved Yard of the Month winners. And it turns out, a green thumb runs in the family: Megan’s parents received the same honor in 2019. A true legacy of beautification!

However, this recognition is about more than just a beautiful yard. What truly makes the Grimes family

stand out is the way they embody the values of community that defines Whiskey Creek.

“We love the sense of community. The neighbors here really take the time to get to know you and look out for one another.”

They are also passionate about neighborhood traditions. The Halloween Festival and the Christmas Parade are annual highlights for the

1328 CHALON LANE

entire family; memories in the making for their children and a continuation of beloved community customs. When asked what advice they would offer a new resident, Megan’s response was simple and heartfelt: “Get to know your neighbors and community.” It is that kind of genuine, neighborly spirit that makes the Grimes family not just Yard of the Month winners, but Neighbors of the Month, as well.

Congratulations to the Grimes family at 1328 Chalon Lane, and thank you for helping make Whiskey Creek such a beautiful and welcoming place to live!

Know someone who deserves the spotlight? We want to celebrate more incredible neighbors, not just for their landscaping, but for everything they bring to our community. Whether they have lived here for decades, work in an inspiring profession, give back through volunteering, or simply make the neighborhood a friendlier place, we would love to hear their story.

Send your nominations to: wccayardofthemonth@gmail.com.

Let us continue to highlight the people who make Whiskey Creek feel like home.

Continental Women’s Club

The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 a.m. Our program will feature Miriam Ortiz, the founder of the Gladiolus Food Pantry, located in Harlem Heights. The mission of the Gladiolus Food Pantry is to reduce hunger by providing healthy, nutritious food while treating everyone with dignity and respect. In 2024 the pantry provided 8,263 households with over 1,000,000 pounds of food.

The meetings are being 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 the deadline of Tuesday, July 22 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.

Cook’s Corner

Summer means mangoes in Southwest Florida! Here is a colorful salad full of juicy mango, fresh veggies, and black beans. Serve with grilled chicken or fish, as a side dish, or as a dip with chips.

INGREDIENTS

1 red bell pepper seeded and diced

½ red onion, finely diced

1 jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, then minced

15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed

2 large mangoes, peeled and chopped

1½ cups corn kernels

¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt and pepper to taste

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chili powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the prepared 1 red bell pepper, ½ red onion, 1 jalapeño, 15 ounces black beans, 2 large mangoes, 1½ cups corn kernels, and ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, salt and pepper to taste, ½

MANGO BLACK BEAN SALAD

teaspoon ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. (Or you can add it right over the mango bowl.)

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and stir gently until thoroughly combined. Serve.

NOTES

• Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn.

• You can add more heat to this mango bean salad by using more jalapenos or leaving the seeds on.

• Use ripe mangoes.

• Store leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

NUTRITION

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g |

Sodium: 122mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 2030IU | Vitamin C: 75.6mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.8mg

The Transformative Benefits of Consistent Massage Therapy

WHY ROUTINE BODYWORK IS MORE THAN A LUXURY—IT’S A LIFESTYLE

In today’s high-stress, always-on world, many of us are seeking effective, sustainable ways to care for our bodies and minds. While the occasional massage may offer momentary relief, consistent massage therapy brings long-lasting, transformative benefits. Here’s how incorporating massage into your regular wellness routine can make a powerful difference:

��

1. Chronic Pain Relief & Management

Regular massage therapy can ease conditions like back pain, arthritis, sciatica, and fibromyalgia. Techniques such as deep tissue and trigger point massage help reduce inflammation, loosen tight muscles, and improve mobility—offering a natural, non-invasive solution for pain.

�� 2. Improved Circulation & Detoxification

Massage stimulates blood flow and encourages lymphatic drainage, which helps deliver nutrients more efficiently and remove metabolic waste. This not only speeds recovery from injury but also supports your immune and cardiovascular systems.

�� 3. Stress & Anxiety Reduction

Massage significantly reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) while increasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Over time, this leads to a more balanced mood and greater emotional resilience.

쏘♂ 4. Enhanced Flexibility & Range of Motion

By reducing tension and increasing joint fluidity, massage can boost flexibility and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re an athlete or simply want to stay mobile, regular bodywork keeps you limber and strong.

�� 5. Better Sleep Quality

Struggling with sleep? Massage helps shift the body into a parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) state, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep. It’s especially helpful for those suffering from insomnia or sleep disturbances related to pain or stress.

�� 6. A Stronger Immune System

Reduced stress levels and improved lymphatic function mean your immune system can do its job more effectively. Consistent massage supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms—especially important during cold and flu season.

�� 7. Sharper Focus & Mental Clarity

Better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved circulation all contribute to improved cognitive function. Regular massage helps you feel more grounded, focused, and ready to tackle your day with a clear mind.

�� Make It a Habit, Not a Treat

True wellness comes with consistency. Whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly, setting up a regular massage schedule helps your body and mind adapt and improve over time. Thankfully, there are businesses out there like Massage Envy that make your new routine both convenient and affordable! Massage therapy is not just about relaxation—it’s about restoration, resilience, and long-term health. Take the time to care for yourself consistently, and your body will thank you for years to come.

To book your next session or learn more about our discounted wellness packages, visit MassageEnvy.com or stop into one of our 6 Southwest Florida Massage Envy Locations.

This article is a paid advertisement. The content was provided by the sponsor and does not necessarily reflect the views of this community or Seabreeze Communications.

Lakes Regional Library

15290 BASS ROAD

FORT MYERS, FL 33919

TELEPHONE: (239) 533-4000

Online Beginner Spanish, Thursday, July 3, 6 to 7 p.m., Registration Required

Preschool Playdate, Monday, July 7, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

English Café, Monday, July 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Online Problem-Solving Using Cemetery Records, Tuesday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Registration Required

Online Author Event with Raúl The Third (En Español), Tuesday, July 8, 2 to 3 p.m.

Online Author Event with Raúl The Third, Tuesday, July 8, 4 to 5 p.m.

Teen Summer of Service (SOS)

Workshop Series – Online, Wednesday, July 9, 1 to 2 p.m., Registration Required

Create with Art Lab, Thursday, July 10, 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Download Drop-In, Thursday, July 10, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Teen Bad Art Pieces, Thursday, July 10, 2 to 4 p.m.

Preschool Art Fun, Monday, July 14, 10 to 11:15 a.m.

English Café, Monday, July 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Books & Banter, Tuesday, July 15, 2 to 3 p.m., Registration Required

Baby Summer Fun, Wednesday, July 16, 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Super Science and Amazing Art, Thursday, July 17, 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Teen Resin Art, Thursday, July 17, 2 to 4 p.m.

Online Author Event with Marie Lu, Thursday, July 17, 4 to 5 p.m.

Kids Read Down Fines, Saturday, July 19, 2 to 3 p.m.

Preschool Prom, Monday, July 21, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

English Café, Monday, July 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Teen Summer of Service (SOS) Workshop Series – Online, Wednesday, July 23, 1 to 2 p.m., Registration Required

Online Author Event with Rex Ogle, Wednesday, July 23, 4 to 5 p.m.

Creative Assembly, Thursday, July 24, 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Online Hooked On Books, Thursday, July 24, 10 to 11 a.m.

Teen Bath Bombs and Shower Steamers, Thursday, July 24, 2 to 4 p.m.

All-Abilities Kids Storytime, Saturday, July 26, 10 to 10:30 a.m.

English Café, Monday, July 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Sound Bath Meditation, Tuesday, July 29, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Registration Required

Online Author Event with Pria Anand, Thursday, July 31, 2 to 3 p.m.

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Cole Peacock

RESOURCE HUB

WHISKEY CREEK CIVIC ASSOCIATION

WHISKEY CREEK NEWS

462-5805 colepeacock@comcast.net

Vice President: Wyler Gins 313-1056

Secretary: Kyle DeCicco 810-3729

Treasurer: Justin Gyarmathy

Events Chair: Melissa Metzgar

Seth Hart seth@boat-trailers.com

Jessica Nolan 462-6885 weathersnolan@gmail.com

Paul Copeland 464-8726 pcopeland@mcgriff.com

Mike McQuagge

Amy Kizmiller Pappas

Justin Gyarmathy

COMMITTEES

Deed Restrictions Chair: Seth Hartt seth@boat-trailers.com

Membership: Sally Gins wccaacct@gmail.com

Yard Committee Chair: Melissa Metzger msmetzger1119@gmail.com

Editor: Amy Pappas wcnewseditor@gmail.com

Articles for The Whiskey Creek News must be submitted to the editor by the fourth of the month.

WHISKEY CREEK SECURITY

The Lee County Sheriff’s Department 477-1000

WHISKEY CREEK MSTBU ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Robert E. Beville, Chairman Irrigation 454-1413

Peter J. Boldrin, Secretary Walls 275-0491

Roland T. Kotcamp, Lighting 482-7679

Fitzroy A. Alexander, Landscaping 433-1836

VACANT, Sheriff Detail Josh Malo, MSTBU Coordinator 533-2308

LOCAL ACTION NUMBERS

Emergency 911

477-1000

Coordinator 533-9400

Services 432-2083

of Commerce SW FL 278-1231 Child Abuse 1-800-962-2873 Code Enforcement 533-8895 Dead Animal Removal 949-6246 Div. of Motor Vehicles 533-6000

Elder Helpline 211 Emergency Management 477-3600 Health Dept. 332-9556 Fraud Line 477-1242

Lee County D. O. T. 533-8580

533-8181

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