those who can do more, volunteer! fmb full of volunteer ...€¦ · discuss the landscaping plan...

Volume 18, Number 3 By Islanders, For Islanders Fort Myers Beach, Florida January 19th, 2018

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FortMyersBeach.news

“Those Who Can Do More, Volunteer!”FMB Full of Volunteer Opportunities

Fort Myers Beach is a caring community, full of organizations and attractions that require the helping hands of volunteers, year-round but especially now as we head into the annual onslaught of tourist season, to fortify staffs to provide a pleasant experience. While profiling three leading institutions below, there are many more on the island, such as Parks & Recreation, Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation, service clubs, churches, Fort Myers Beach Historic Society and dozens more.

THE MOUND HOUSE WANTS YOU

The Mound House, Estero Island’s oldest standing structure now owned by the Town of Fort Myers Beach and restored to its 1921 grandeur at 451 Connecticut Street offers tours and roughly 50 monthly programs. “Because the Mound House is so closely linked with history, many assume we only need history volunteers, but nothing is further from the truth,” said Alison Giesen, the Director of Cultural Resources for the Town of Fort Myers Beach and Mound

House Director. “We need help in multiple areas, like Administrative Support, Beach Walk Guides, Greeters, Kayak Eco-Tour Aides, Museum Docents, Museum Store Assistants, Photographers, Shuttle Drivers, Social Media /Marketing, Special Events/Fundraising and Student Programming Assistants.” While all of those are important, Alison said the immediate need is for docents and Museum Store volunteers. “Docents are especially important from January through April, the height of tourism season, when we expand our hours from 3 to 5 days a week to meet the needs of our visitors. Museum Store Assistants help guests with tickets, memberships and merchandise. We provide on-site training with our great educational staff and volunteers, and welcome seasonal volunteers as well as residents, so please give us a call!” Mound House volunteering is not all work and no fun: “It is important that new and existing volunteers get to know each other socially, to enhance your experience,” Alison explained. “Once a month, we host a social function that includes training and education, so our Friends of Lovers Key volunteers celebrate their 20th anniversary last fall.

Photo by M.Layfield. Cont’d pg.12

Ambitious AgendaCouncil Addresses Many

M&P Topics The Town Council of Fort Myers Beach undertook an ambitious Management & Planning Session on Thursday, January 11, with Council member Bruce Butcher on an excused absence. The meeting began with Lee County Assistant County Manager Doug Meurer presenting the monthly review of the reFRESH Estero Boulevard Projects and, unlike the last update on December 7 that was contentious, with County and Town personnel blaming each other for the recent slow progress, this was amicable and brief. Meurer reported that recent events caused a shift in Segment 2 Joint Outfall installation work, from Donora Boulevard to Eucalyptus Court, Jefferson Street, Connecticut Street, and Hercules Drive, to keep construction on schedule. Council member Joanne Shamp asked when Council can discuss the Landscaping Plan with Lee County, with Meurer replying he felt this could begin at the next Management & Planning session. Vice Mayor Tracey Gore wondered when Lee County would move its construction staging area from the Seafarer’s property downtown, since the projects are now near mid-island and that parcel is an eyesore. Construction Manager Rob Phalen replied that the constriction permit is valid through June 18 and he does not foresee an extension. Gore said that she believes that site could be

“a beautiful park!” Council next examined the 30% Stormwater Plan Presentation with Tetra Tech Engineering personnel to determine on which side streets the Town can initiate stormwater improvements, with modeling recommending the following, to stay within the Town’s stormwater budget: Lagoon Road, Buccaneer Drive, Williams Drive, Lauder Street, Estrellita Drive, Gulfview Avenue, Mandalay Road, a section of Shell Mound Boulevard, Fairview Boulevard, Mid-island Drive, First Street, Bayland Road, Crescent Street, Madison Court and Andre Mar Drive. Gore commented that the list did not include Lovers Lane, and that is one of the worst flooding streets. Town Manager Roger Hernstadt stated that the list came from an engineering analysis, but Council can add or subtract individual streets from it, as “we can add one more street without that becoming a budget problem. Everybody will get some improvement to some extent, for their $20-per-month stormwater fee.” “This is the clearest presentation we have had,” said Shamp, before giving Tetra Tech personnel a one-person standing ovation from the dais. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you showed us today, as this will allow us to make our decisions based on our current funding,

Cont’d pg.10

Cool Evenings, Hot Music!Winter Concert Series

Returns for 6th Season

See story on pg.6

Don’t Be a VictimLCSO Offers Personal Safety

& Active Shooter Class “This program provides you tips and advice to live safe in our community, to keep you from becoming a victim,” explained Peggy Lince, a Crime Prevention Specialist with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) to roughly 10 people at the Beach United Methodist Church on Monday afternoon, January 15. “Presentations like this allow my unit to hold a unique position in law enforcement – most of my colleagues are reactive, who you see after a crime, but I am proactive, helping to keep a crime

from occurring.” Peggy broke her program into two parts – Personal Safety and Active Shooter situations. Under Personal Safety, “if someone has a desire to commit a crime, they will do their best,” she offered, “and they do not target the prettiest or the richest person, but the one who gives them the easiest opportunity. You do, however, have some control, to decrease the likelihood that you become the victim, as 90% of self-defense is preparedness, so pay attention to your surroundings

Cont’d pg.5

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LETTERS to the EDITORCOMPUTER SCAM

Tuesday , was on computer about 3PM. All of a sudden, the whole screen went bright red with ALERT sign. Also said, warning, your comput-er is frozen, all of your pass words have been compromised. Had a phone number to call, saying it came from Windows. Could not turn it off on screen. So pulled computer plug out, then a couple of hours later, turned it back on, it was working fine. Just called Microsoft, (NOT, number that was on screen) the next day they told me it was a scam. If I had called that number, it would have been frozen. Would have had to pay. So beware. First time, have ever happen to me. Hopefully this will keep people aware.

Beverly BaruschFort Myers Beach

CLEAN UP CWA I’ve been meaning to drop you a note after the article from 2 weeks ago re: the critical wildlife area on the south end of the beach. I live on Bay Beach Lane, so I’m often walking that end of the island. Has anyone reported all the debris that still exists in that area from Irma? The debris is all up against the interior side of the protected area between that water (not the gulf, but the interior water) and the condos. I feel it should be the condos that border that area responsibility for cleaning up what I can only assume flew off of their buildings. There is a Southern path to the East of that water that connects to where the Wyndham is. It’s loaded with junk. Very upsetting. Thanks again for the wonderful weekly paper! When I’m up north I check in on the online paper every now and then to stay abreast of what’s going on.

Penny PloskiFort Myers Beach

STOP AT CROSSWALKS I just witnessed a patrol car stopping a driver at the southern por-tion of Estero Blvd. I do not know the reason, but I wish the police had been there on any of the dozen or so occasions drivers did not stop to let oth-er pedestrians and myself cross. Despite standing at the curb and the

flashing lights, which are visible 2 blocks away, I have had many drivers pass by without pausing, and some, thinking this must be optional, pause and continue driving. I would like cameras to record this and tickets given. Driving 25 MPH on the entire island would (maybe) give drivers a chance to react more quickly. The presence of police cars could be helpful, too. Instead of time spent on how to improve the looks and placement of the bins holding papers, maps, and such, more concern could be giv-en to the safety of all, also the removal of trash on the beaches and smok-ers’ butts, the elimination of terribly noisy motorcycles, dogs on the beach-es clearly marked “no dogs”, and the litter of smokers’ butts. Drivers, please slow down and stop when you see us crossing.

Joan KestinFort Myers Beach

TPI-FMB -- THE TIME IS NOW! It is due time to rejuvenate our vital downtown area. Fort My-ers Beach deserves an upgrade from the unattractive eyesore that island residents and visitors have endured every single day since Hurricane Charley damaged the area more than 13 years ago. Es-pecially so since the blighted area encompasses such a high-profile location. Mr. Torgerson and TPI have devoted a significant amount of time, energy, hard work and capital into the project and worked diligently to present an attractive and functional proposal. Mr. Torg-erson has remained positive-minded, cooperative and professional throughout the process. He has solicited input from Island residents, business owners and the Town Council and has been receptive in welcoming feedback and constructive criticism. The TPI proposal has been amended to make it reflective of the feedback he has re-ceived. The timing is perfect to develop the area as Mr. Torgerson and TPI have made improvement possible by purchasing numerous properties and investing in our community. This is the best (if not only) opportunity to implement positive change that involves the area as a whole. I understand there is a formal process and codes and regulations to follow; each Council member has a choice to either work constructively to reach a reso-lution or consciously stand in the way of progress. TPI-FMB, LPA and each Town Council member should work together to reach an agreement to finally move forward with a plan to revitalize the downtown area. Now is the time. And I am in sup-port of TPI-FMB proposal to make that happen.

Steve DuelloFort Myers Beach

Letters cont’d pg.4


Island Wild Flowersby Jim Rodwell

RICE BUTTON ASTERChristmas day continued…

I slogged enough in the marsh in the C.R.E.W. Preserve in Collier County shooting bladderworts. I came out wet to my knees. Back into the hammock looking for what’s next. Dorothy and I passed an area that recently had a prescribed burn, which is commonly used by land managers. The purpose of a controlled burn is to reduce hazardous fuel buildups in order to protect wildlife habitats and endangered plant species. Passing the burn site, we encountered several rice button aster plants on both sides of the trail. The Rice Button aster, Symphyotrichum dumosum, is an herbaceous perennial that grows two feet tall. The plant is supported by a single erect main stem with several lateral stems that give dumosum a bushy look. Linear leaves ¼ to 2 inches in length are spaced in an alternate order on the stems. Leaf margins are entire (smooth) or slightly toothed. Solitary flower heads occur at the tips of the lateral stems. Ray florets are white. Disk tubular florets are yellowish. Flowers are about 3/8 to 1/2 inches in diameter. Flowers rotate in the direction of the sun. Dumosum is found in sandhills, flatwoods, and hammocks in almost every county in the State. There are 27 species in the genus Symphyotrichum. All are native to Florida. We’ll continue our Christmas Day field trip next week.

Guest Commentary: Hurricane Debris Missed My wife and I own a house mid-island along Estero Blvd. Like a lot of homeowners we split our time between Ft. Myers Beach and the frozen North. After Hurricane Irma, we made the trip South to clean up after the storm. When we arrived, there were piles of horticultural debris piled up along the beach side of Estero on almost every block, including alongside our property. This was during the time that new water lines were being installed alongside our property also. As these water lines were being installed, a 10-foot trench was dug in front of the debris pile making it impossible to remove it until the trench was filled and the equipment moved further South. I watched as the scavengers moved from North to South picking up debris piles but they had to bypass the pile alongside my house. I called town hall and was told the scavengers would return to remove the debris. We returned New Years Day to find the debris pile still sitting alongside my house. Again I called town hall and talked with a lady named Chelsea to report that the pile still had not been removed. She insisted that all debris had been removed from the island. I said. “I’m standing here looking at it.” She insisted all debris had been removed and suggested I call the Lee County Sheriff’s department to report illegal dumping. Huh? Again I said the pile was from the hurricane and again she denied that it was. So I called the sheriffs department and was basically laughed at. They suggested I call FMB code enforcement. I sent an email to code enforcement along with pictures of the debris pile. The next day a lady named Molly showed up and told me it was my re-sponsibility to remove the pile. “But it’s from the hurricane,” I pleaded. She gave me a week to remove the pile or face a citation. Again huh? She was forcing a 70-year old man with a heart condition to pick this stuff up or face a fine. Eventually I hired a landscaper at my expense to remove the larger debris and I stuffed the smaller stuff in cans to be collected on horticulture day. This is our town at work. Instead of calling the scavenger and telling them they missed a pile, somehow it got turned back on me. The most astonishing thing about this fiasco is that for two months the pile sat there with city officials passing by it every day but nothing was done until I made the call to town hall. I have at least a dozen witness-es that can testify that this pile was from the hurricane, including a Lee County sheriff’s deputy we let use our house. For shame Fort Myers Beach, for shame.

Danny SmartFort Myers Beach

LETTERS to the EDITOR, Continued

NEED MORE DEPUTIES ON FMB We need more presence by the Sheriff’s de-partment on the road, not just in Times Square. Here are the things I have seen recently: 1. Cars using the center turn lane to pass cars that are traveling at the speed limit. 2. Unregistered golf carts driving on the street. There have been 4 different ones at Publix, one of which left the parking lot and turned down Bayland Road, which is the first road south of Publix. On Janu-ary 9 we were leaving Santini Plaza and there was an

unregistered golf cart in front of us exiting onto Estero Blvd and it turned into 7-11 and pulled into the gas pump. 3. There are a lot of new electric bicycles with large tires that seem to go much faster than the older electric bikes. I’ve seen them on the sidewalks and also on the beach. The ones on the beach were jump-ing the sand edges. Very dangerous if a young child jumped up and started running to the water. 4. Motor scooters are supposed to follow all rules of the road, same as motorcycles and cars. I’ve seen them driving on the sidewalk, driving south in the northbound lane by the Gulf Letters cont’d pg.8


and be mentally-ready. When you walk in public, do so with confidence and awareness, and make eye-contact with others, as this indicates that, ‘I see you there,’ as criminals prefer victims who take little or no notice of them.” When it comes to parking lots and your vehicle, “No matter where you park, lock your doors, and this includes your driveway,” implored Peggy! “When you enter your automobile, don’t just hop in, but ensure no one else climbed in without your knowledge. Walk about three feet away from the row of cars, so no one can hide and reach out to grab you. Choose spots close to security cameras and lights, and avoid shortcuts and ambush points. Don’t leave any valuables in your car, like a purse, and covering it in the back seat with a towel will not fool a crook! If you feel you are in an unsafe area, pre-dial 911, have your keys in your hand to use as a weapon or sound your vehicle’s alarm, or, best yet, leave, as no errand is worth your life!”

DOUBLE LOCKS, DOUBLE CHECK

For home safety, “Install two locks on your doors, with a deadbolt that has at least three-inch screws rather than the standard one-inch that are easy to kick in,” Peggy said. “Include a wide-angle peephole in your front door, close your garage door at all times, and leave lights on if you come home after dark. If you have an alarm, use it, and put secondary locks on your sliding doors and windows. Never let in someone you do not know, unless you call to ensure their identity,

even if they are in uniform or appear to be in law enforcement. If you allow anyone in your home, put away personal documents. Change up your routine, in case someone is watching you, to make it difficult to know when you are or are not home.” These precautions are even more important if you live alone, especially for women. “Get a male friend or relative to record your answering message, saying WE are not at home! Create the illusion of a man around the house by leaving work boots outside your entrance. Be careful what you post on social media, and don’t open your door for strangers. What scares a burglar most is Fido, as dogs are noisy! If

you do not own a dog, create that illusion by leaving out a water bowl or having a mat that says, ‘wipe your paws!’ We get these tips, by the way, from a survey of burglars in prison!” Peggy provided ATM advice: “I carry cash so I use the ATM, but never at night and only at banks and not oddball places like a 7-11. Always hold your keys, and never count money there. If the worst happens, surrender your cash, as it is not worth dying over. Remember the ultimate goal is not to make the criminal pay, but to get away!”

ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION

Peggy concluded her presentation with Active Shooter situations, saying “This was not part of my original program, but so many people would ask me about this that I now include it. Should this happen to you, evacuate or hide immediately. Lock your door or barricade it with furniture because a shooter wants to harm as many people as possible as easy as possible, and are less likely to try to get in a locked room. When entering a building, look for exits, as a great defense is the best offense. Fifty-five percent of Active Shooter situations end before law enforcement arrives, making those caught in it the true First Responders. Report suspicious behavior or items, like someone leaving behind a backpack, so immediately bring that to someone’s attention. If you think you hear gunshots, treat them that way and take action.” You have three options: “Run, Hide or Fight: People have difficulty believing this is happening to them, but that gets you killed, so MOVE! The worst thing you can do is freeze or play dead. Use any available means to get out, including emergency and alarmed exits, and don’t run in a straight line, but zig-zag, as it is hard to hit a moving target.” If you cannot safely leave, then stay concealed from the shooter. “Avoid restrooms,” Peggy cautioned, “as those are the first places they look. The best hiding places have no windows and a door you can lock from the inside, then turn off the lights, stay off your cellphones and computers, and remain calm and quiet, so it looks like a vacant room.” If Run and

Don’t Be a VictimLCSO Offers Personal Safety & Active Shooter Class, Cont’d from pg.1

Cont’d pg.23

Peggy Lince of the LCSO addresses the audience on Personal Safety and Active Shooter situations. Photo by Gary Mooney.


Looking to kick those Wintertime Blues? Then head over to Santini Marina Plaza and Fish-Tale Marina to sing, shake and dance at the 6th Annual Winter Concert Series presented by the Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts! “The Winter Concert Series originated when the Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts got together to promote the local arts and musical scene,” said Janeen Paulauskis, series spokesperson from the Fish-Tale Marina. “As the shows and audience grew over the years, we now bring in more regional and even national acts. All performances are family-friendly, with several kids coming with their parents, and even grandparents if they are in town for a visit. There is a lot of dancing and singing going on at the concerts!” The four-part Winter Concert Series features “The Turnstiles: A Tribute to Billy Joel” on Thursday, January 25; Al Holland & Friends on Thursday, February 22, the King

Guys Band on Thursday, March 22 and a Local Artists Showcase on Thursday, April 19. The Turnstiles will appear in the Propeller Lounge at the Fish-Tale Marina, with the final three shows, weather permitting, outdoors from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25-per-concert; for information or to buy tickets, call 239-463-3600, extension #3, or go to FMBarts.org. “We are really excited to have ‘The Turnstiles’ kick off the series,” Janeen said. “Tony Monaco does an amazing tribute to Billy Joel. They are so popular throughout the state of Florida, and we received a lot of telephone calls about booking them for this year. They have a huge following on Florida’s east coast so we know there will be a lot of fans making the drive here to see them.” The relationship with Al Holland & Friends goes back to before the Winter Concert Series. “He is friends with several Friends of the Arts board members for years, including Al Durrett here

at Fish-Tale Marina,” Janeen explained of the former member of the legendary Platters. “This will be I believe his seventh Fort Myers Beach appearance, so he is a big supporter of the island.” The King Guys Band performed at the Friends Christmas “Cool Yule” Concert the last two years, making their appearance on the Winter Concert Series a natural. “They are the World’s Smallest Big Band,” Janeen says laughing! “They have six musicians who do Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and all your favorites from the

Big Band Era, and are really great, so we are pumped to have them here, as they put on a tremendous show!”

LOCAL FLAVOR A Local Artists Showcase concludes the series, bringing it in a way back to its founding roots. “The Pearl Street Band, featuring island musicians Bob Williams, Mike McMillan, and Bill Veach, are the opening act,” Janeen explained. “They are gaining quite a following by performing at ‘Truly Scrumptious’ each Wednesday evening, and were terrific as the entertainment at the Friend’s Sustainability Dinner last Fall. After their short set will be the ever-popular and beloved island legend, Jo List, who has quite a following of her own, and everyone just loves her! The headliner is Sheena Brook, who represented Fort Myers Beach so well on ‘The Voice’ last year. Jo and Sheena are as talented as any singers anywhere in the country, so people are really responding well to this concert.” Janeen encourages everyone to bring a sweater or jacket and to dress appropriately, especially for the first few concerts, as Southwest Florida evenings can be chilly. “While ‘The Turnstiles’ are indoors, we have Al Holland scheduled to be outside, though that can change closer to his date, as we are sensitive to the voices of the artists. We expect at least 200 people at each show, and the outside venue can hold even more than that.” The Winter Concert Series benefits the Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts that promotes creative arts on the island, including the visual, sound, and taste varieties. It sponsors four large-scale events each year, with the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival, Sustainability Dinner, and Paint the Beach Plein Air Art Festival joining the Winter Concert Series, as well as theatrical productions such as the recent play, “If These Walls Could Talk,” about the Mound House authored by Laurie Nienhaus. You can become a member of the Friends of the Arts through its website, to help bring the arts and its various festivals to the island community. For Janeen, the best part of the Winter Concert Series is “seeing the smiling faces, and the fun everyone has singing and dancing to the wonderful entertainers. It is just great to see all the old friends who return every year, along with meeting so many new fans of the series!”

Gary Mooney

If you go: The Turnstiles: A Tribute to Billy Joel concert will be held from 7-9pm Thursday, January 25 at the Propeller Room at Fish-Tale Marina. Tickets $25, available at FMBarts.org or by calling 239-463-3600 x3. Future concerts in this series include Al Holland & Friends on February 22, the King Guys Band on, March 22 and a Local Artists Showcase on April 19.

Cool Evenings, Hot Music!Winter Concert Series Returns for 6th Season, Cont’d from pg.1


Walk The LabyrinthSt. Raphael’s Offers Times for Meditation & Contemplation

“I am one of those who believes that, every 500 years or so, there occurs a religious housecleaning,” explained the Reverend John Adler of historic St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church on Fort Myers Beach. “The last was the Reformation and Martin Luther, and some think the events of 9-11 began a new era and a very special and exciting time for the church. It was through this fascinating conversation that one of our parishioners, Morey Nakaya, brought forward the idea of the Labyrinth!” Reverend John immediately thought it was a great idea! “The Diocese owns one that is very nice, and I used it many times before, as Labyrinths are ancient tools for mediation and prayer. This one is 42 feet in diameter, composed of four interlocking pieces, and patterned after the most famous of all, the one inlaid into the stone floor at the Chartres Cathedral in France, where people have journeyed for over 1,000 years to walk it.” “It took us about six months to arrange for the program,” said parish office manager Laurie Nienhaus. “We had to wait a bit for the idea to come together for a number of reasons, including John being gone for the Summer, but we continued to move it forward, and now it is almost here. The Labyrinth offers different goals to different people in different ways, as some walk it while in prayer, while others meditate or read the Bible or Scripture, or focus on their breathing. It is an opportunity to consciously leave your thoughts and worries behind and, for a moment, turn everything inward.” “It can be secular or religious, depending on what you need it to be,” added Reverend John. “It is a chance to focus and become centered, to make sense of life, and to simply relax and let your hair down and wind down.” Most people think of a Labyrinth as a maze, but it is exactly the opposite. A maze is a puzzle with dead ends, while a Labyrinth is a circuitous route that requires a quiet but

receptive mind that involves intuition to reduces stress and heighten awareness. There is no right way to walk a Labyrinth, other than being respectful of other’s quiet space. You may discretely pass others, though there should be no more than a half-dozen people on it at any time. Take a few deep breaths before you start, to leave behind the hurriedness of life, with many beginning with a prayer. Allow your mind and body to slow down and become centered, then walk contemplatively with your thoughts or prayers, meditate on a question, or just proceed in silence. Once done, reflect back on your walk, or consider journaling or drawing to capture the experience.

HAVE LABYRINTH;WILL TRAVEL

St. Raphael’s will host a free relaxed public Labyrinth event with refreshments on Saturday, February 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. To enhance this, they’ve created a Labyrinth packet

to ease the process. If you cannot attend on Feb 10, you can access it Tuesday through Thursday, February 13 to 15, during parish office hours of 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In addition to the February 10 Labyrinth service, as well as its availability from February 13 to 15, there is one more public usage, at a bit of an unusual event! “St. Raphael’s will host the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Thursday, February 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.” explained Laurie with a good-natured laugh! “We think the Labyrinth will be a fun thing to have out, outside surrounded by luminaries and fire pits and other activities where everyone can congregate, as there should not be too many people on it at one time.” “We are doing everything possible to become a better-known member of the beach community,” Reverend John stated, “and one of those was to join the Chamber, and we find it absolutely wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable, so hosting After Hours seemed like the next logical step, as this is an excellent way to bring Chamber members out to the church. Not all After Hours venues are perfect for a person like me, who is a Recovering Alcoholic, so we will have appropriate beverages that will include beer and wine. This function is in a way very self-serving, as we do all that we can to encourage people to find us, so this is the ideal format to get folks to come out and learn about St. Raphael’s, but then I imagine, whether you are a restaurant or church, that is why most businesses host this program.” To experience the Labyrinth yourself, visit St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church at 5601 Williams Drive Feb 10 -15; for more information call the parish office at 239-463-6057 or see www.StRaphaelsChurch.org.

Gary Mooney

Photo of the labyrinth in Chatres Cathedral.


Polar Bear Club Donates to Firefighters

On January 1, 2018, the 13th Annual Fort Myers Beach Polar Bear Plunge brought hundreds of fun-loving members to the Outrigger Resort for their annual plunge into the Gulf of Mexico. The event also included live music, t-shirt and koozie sales and a silent auction. This year’s beneficiary, in memory of Ruthie DeHenning, was the Fort Myers Beach Firefighters Benevolent Fund. The Benevolent Fund is managed by Firefighters Union Local 1826, District 3. Todd Williamson, of District 3, explained that the fund is used to help firefighters or police officers and their families in need. It is also used for other charities. Shown here are members of the FMB Polar Bear Club dropping off an $8,000 check to firefighters at FMB Station 31 this week. Photo courtesy of Ed Herbert.

LETTERS to the EDITOR, Cont’dView Shops parking lot. I was stopped in traffic going North in front of the Red Coconut and a scooter came out of Donora Boulevard, passed to the right of the cars stopped in traffic and then proceeded to turn down Bay Road. They must certainly have been in a hurry. It was embarrassing during last year’s season to see Fort Myers Beach on the TV news with problems related to drinking such as fistfights, drunken driving and gun issues. We just had a gun issue last week in the news. If you were a tourist, would you want to come here?

Jeanne ShawFort Myers Beach

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE THANKS PARTICIPANTS

The 13th Annual FMB Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day Jan-uary 1, 2018 was a huge success. The Polar Bear Club would like to say “Thank You” to everyone who supported, participated, donated items for the silent auction, purchased “T” shirts, Koozies and 50/50 tickets. To Fellow Polar Bear members Bonnie Blake, Mary Sue Malcolm and Kathy Zolman and all others who assisted with the solicitation and coordination of the items for the silent auction. The plunge drew approximately 350 people despite the uncertainty of the weather, which fortunately held out during the entire event. This year’s Plunge benefited the FMB Firefighters Benevolent As-sociation Local 1826. The Club was honored to present a check in the amount of $8,000 to the Firefighters in memory of long time beach resi-dent and wonderful lady Ruthie DeHenning who departed our Paradise in the summer 0f 2017. Special Thanks to the Outrigger Beach Resort for the use of their facilities, Smokin’ Bill and the Smokin’ Section for their fantastic music, the Firefighters for their participation with the event and the 60+ donors who contributed to this success. The Club is looking forward to New Years Day 2019. Mark your Calendars.

With Sincere Gratitude,The FMB Polar Bear Club Officers Doc Malcolm Bill SchmidtEd Herbert

Letters cont’d pg.11


Your Hometown Newspaper for over 17 years

Missy Layfield, Editor [email protected] your enemy’s hand to catch a snake. Persian Proverb

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Mark List, Production [email protected]’s an old saying about those who forget history. I don’t remember it, but it’s good. Stephen Colbert

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Editorial

Bob Layfield, Publisher [email protected] nice thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from. Andrew S. Tanenbaum

Gary Mooney, Lead Writer [email protected] if this weren’t a hypothetical question? Unknown

OFFICE HOURSMON-FRI 10AM-3PMSubject to change due to

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KUDOS

As our busy season ramps up, it’s time to recognize a few of the people who make our Island home the very special place that it is. We try to use this space to recognize those people and the work they do to make our community a better place to live, work and play. Kudos go out to… All the organizations and individuals that made the holiday season special for Island kids and families. The businesses and residents who put up holiday light dis-plays. Volunteers and organizers who pitch in for beach and bay clean up efforts, especially the FMB Community Foundation, a reg-ular sponsor of beach efforts. The January 1 beach effort had our beach ready for holiday visitors bright and early on New Years Day. Next effort is Feb 4 at Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel. Look for details in next week’s paper. Kudos also to those who walk the beach each day on their own, picking up litter. The musician volunteers who provide opportunities to en-joy music in beautiful park settings. Songwriters at Sunset in Lov-ers Key State Park the first Thursday each month and Sunset Sing Along in Bowditch Point Park every Thursday both offer a unique experience. The artistic volunteers who present art shows every month at the Beach Library. Plus all the artists at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association Gallery who provide free amazing art exhibits all year long. The businesses and donors that made New Year’s Eve fire-works happen. The time for fundraising was critically short this year, yet our community found a way to make it work and thousands en-joyed another great New Year’s Eve here. The drivers of Estero Blvd, who exercise caution in work zones and leave space at intersections for emergency vehicles and turning vehicles. Everyone who watches for pedestrians at crosswalks and stops for them. Pedestrians who use crosswalks. Pedestrians and bike riders who wear white at night. Extra kudos to those who have a light on their bike or carry a flashlight! Lee County for getting the renourishment of Crescent Beach Family Park completed before Christmas. The Estero Island Garden Club for their Christmas tree dec-orating at the Beach Library and the FMB Woman’s Club. Also to the Art Club from Beach Elementary for their library tree ornaments. The Estero Island Historic Society for their annual Christmas Open House and for hosting Beach School students for holiday par-ties at the Historic Cottage. AJ Bassett for her efforts to educate students on the history and natural environment of our Island. What holiday season is complete without our Christmas Boat Parade? Thanks to all the boat owners and crews for another won-derful tradition. The new members of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control Dis-trict, including new Assistant Chief Billy Cockman and Executive Assistant Chief Scott Wirth, along with firefighters Michael Tejada and Ryan Huber. Welcome to the beach community! “Super” Dave Bertels and the Ozark Mid-Winter Party do-nors and attendees for raising over $1700 for the Beach School. FGCU students Amanda Bradley and Kylar Johnson for completing a study looking at challenges shorebirds face on our beaches. The cupcake ladies who have been distributing cupcakes in Times Square on the Town’s birthday, December 31, for over 20 years. Michelle Pyle of Truly Scrumptious for baking and donating 500 beautiful cupcakes this year for the cupcake ladies to hand out! Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club for hosting the post-Christ-mas fun run that draws folks out for a little bit of exercise on the beach! Congratulations to Jay Gray, 7-time winner of his age group, and all the other winners! All the Polar Bears, led by Doc Malcolm, Ed Herbert and Bill Schmidt, who appear each January 1st, many in costume, to celebrate another year on Fort Myers Beach by leaping into the ‘chilly’ Gulf of Mexico. This year, the party raised $8,000 for the local Firefighter Benevolent Fund, thanks to auction organizers Bonnie Blake, Mary Sue Malcolm and Kathy Zolman and their helpers. Every Islander who has volunteered, donated or helped in any way to make our Island home a better place to live, work or play.

MissyLayfieldEditor


Ambitious AgendaCouncil Addresses Many M&P Topics, Cont’d from pg.1

and clarifies for the community what they will or will not get for their money.” She then asked the Town Manager if these streets will require rebuilding versus repaving. “The project originally envisioned remilling and resurfacing the roads,” he replied. ”We will however recommend reconstructing those streets with secondary gas tax funding, as we do not want to have to rebuild them again in another 3 to 4 years. We will look at each individual road as we proceed to make that determination. I do not expect today your final decision on what side streets to authorize, but the sooner you are comfortable to move forward, the more we can maintain momentum under our current 3-year construction cost price freeze.”

LET’S MEET Council next set its Public Meeting Schedule for the first part of 2018, deciding against a second monthly Management & Planning Session in favor of one full day under the current once-a-month Thursday format, then will revisit this if necessary in April. Mayor Dennis Boback felt Council could better use its Management & Planning time by discussing a topic once, then taking it to a Council meeting for a final vote, rather than frequently sending it back to subsequent Management & Planning sessions: “We keep spinning our wheels; we need to affirm or deny, but not keep sending it back,” Council will take advantage of April having five Mondays to shift its meetings that month to the 9th and 23rd, to avoid meeting on the

day after Easter. Other months will continue to have council meetings on the first and third Mondays at 9am. Under the Town Council Policies & Procedures Manual, Boback noted that each Council member can discuss agenda topics, but no one is to talk twice on the same item. “We are getting away from that, so let’s get back to this and go from there. The only speaker should be recognized from the chair, rather than cutting in on everybody.” Council member Anita Cereceda wanted to clarify that from here-on-out in Council meetings, no one can speak until the Mayor recognizes them, concluding with a skeptical, “OK!” Boback replied, “I am just trying to keep us on-track.” In the Manual’s Public Hearings section, Shamp asked if an applicant brings something new to the meeting with them,

does Council have an obligation to continue the matter so everyone can review it. Gore said that this happens all the time, and asked as well if a Council member has a new piece of evidence, should they request a continuance, as “everyone should have the identical information, but since I cannot talk to you about that, how do I share what I found.” The Town Manager suggested that Council members get that type of material to him as soon as possible, and he will distribute it to the remainder of Council. Cereceda felt this fell under the “Ex Parte Rule” of disclosure, where she uses something to help her make her decision, so “people need to have the opportunity to see that.”

READ ALL ABOUT IT Under the proposed

Newsrack Ordinance, Shamp felt the Town is close to having the appropriate language, as long as the policy only regulates outdoor locations, and newsracks do not impede traffic or pedestrians. Gore said she did not want to charge a newsrack registration fee, as no other community does so, with Shamp and Cereceda agreeing, and Gore is not sure about the necessity of registration stickers. Boback, conversely, said that stickers are essential, and there needs to be a small fee to cover administrative costs. Gore said she has a significant concern over whether the Town can legally regulate what is ultimately in the Lee County right-of-way, as that ordinance does not prohibit newsracks unless they are a public safety concern. She said she is against any policy that regulates their location on private

Tim Vanderwalker & Danny Nelson of Tetra Tech discuss side street stormwater projects with Town Council.


Council Addresses Many M&P Topics, Cont’d from pg.10

property, and suggested the Town adopt the Lee County language. Cereceda stated the Town does not require any other business to provide this type of registration. Council discussed an Amendment to the Right-of-Way Fee Schedule, for parking on Town right-of-way by commercial operators. “I never liked this from the get-go,” said Gore. “I don’t like using metered parking as the way to do this. I hated this is 2015 and I hate it today; it was not done well.” Shamp suggested that the Town look at right-of-way issues on a case-by-case basis. Gore felt that there needs to be a friendly way to implement and enforce this for island businesses, as most are Mom-&-Pop shops, though Boback said that they need to pay their fair share to use the Town right-of-way, as “that is the cost of doing business. We can do this on a case-by-case basis, but if you use the Town right-of-way, you have to pay for that, and it is as simple as that.” Shamp thought a possible solution would be to not increase the existing rate, as businesses already pay a property tax to benefit the Town.

BELLS & WHISTLES The next topic dealt with amending the Bicycle Safety Ordinance, with discussion on whether the Town can regulate electric and motorized bicycles on the beach and sidewalks, or if that may be contrary to State law. Boback said he wants every rental bicycle to have a working light, as well as a bell or horn to warn

walkers and families that bikes are coming up from behind. “We also need to teach people that Florida law requires bicyclists to ride with the flow of traffic.” Council postponed its review of the Town’s Advisory Committee Enabling Ordinances, to provide the Town Manager time to author “boiler plate language” that would be standard to every committee before Council considers specific duties unique to each. Under Awards Policy, Council will retain its Citizen of Distinction Award, as well as the Mulholland Stewardship Awards in conjunction with the Marine Resources Task Force Advisory Committee. Council can recognize any other citizen, business or charity organization it deems worthy of merit with a Proclamation. In the future, it must receive Citizen of Distinction nominations by December 15, though it will extend that for 2017 until February 15 of this year, with Council to vote on the recipient at its April meeting. In other matters, Council briefly discussed the upcoming TPI-FMB Downtown Redevelopment Proposal expected to be heard by the Local Planning Agency in February, discussing whether the LPA should meet twice-per-month, with one meeting solely devoted to that proposal and the second to all other Town matters, as well as if it may need a larger venue than Town Hall for these sessions. The Management & Planning Session adjourned at 2:03 p.m.

Gary Mooney

LETTERS to the EDITOR, Cont’d

PERFECT ISLAND I am not a resident, but I consider FMB my home away from home, and may soon become a resident. I encourage all of you to think seriously about the changes that you are considering. Do you understand what a gem you have…an island with total charm, free of the chains, the drive-through fast food restaurants. Ft Myers beach is unique, it is not pretentious, it doesn’t try to be South Beach or Key West. Please don’t change it with big hotels and parking garages. When I drive over the bridge to FMB, I smile, I’m in paradise. There’s only one road, sometimes you have to wait forever when driving. Beach shops come and go. But you are truly one of the only islands that still has the barefoot feel. Don’t tear down the island, restore and embrace your history. Perfection doesn’t need improvement.

Micki BelpedioOhio

CORRECTIONS: 1. In the “Back to the Future” article, January 12, 2018, about the Town Council meeting of January 8th, Vice-Mayor Tracey Gore was mis-quoted in regard to the cost of LCSO coverage of fireworks. That cost is $15,000, not $50,000. 2. In the “EITA Panel” article, January 12, 2018, Dan Parker, one of the Town’s first purchasing agents, was misidentified as Dan Rogers. The online version of both articles has been corrected.

Sundowners painting the beach. Photo Sarah List


volunteers get to better know one-another, and we always have a Volunteer Appreciation Road Trip to wrap up the season. Volunteers are essential to us; without them, we simply cannot do what we do, they are that important.” To inquire about becoming a Mound House Volunteer, contact Alison at 239-765-0865, see www.moundhouse.org, or attend the free Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Mound House at the Fort Myers Beach Public Library on Tuesday, January 30, at 2 p.m., when longtime volunteers Ceel Spuhler and AJ Bassett will share their Mound House adventure stories!

CHANGING DIRECTION The Friends of Lovers Key State Park (FOLKS) recently celebrated their 20th anniversary in late 2017, with its 510 members contributing over 11,000 hours to Florida’s second most-visited State Park, with 1.2-million annual visitors. As Park Manager Robert Steiger noted, “that equates to over 5-1/2 full-time employees,

demonstrating how valuable they are.” So if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? “FOLKS is going through a watershed period in its history,” said Richard Donnelly, its President. “The State of Florida last year committed $4 million to construct its new Lovers Key Welcome & Discovery Center, and FOLKS in turn took on the responsibility to raise an additional $1.5 million to pay for its nature and education and stewardship for the environment exhibits that make up half the structure, with the other half for meetings and receptions for various programs and events. We promised as well to completely furnish it, from everything from desks and chairs to knives and forks!” This commitment now means that fundraising is the new FOLKS focus. “We break ground on the building late this year, and it will open a year or so after that, so we will look pretty foolish at the ribbon-cutting if we dedicate any empty shell! This means we have new volunteer opportunities, like fundraising and communications

& marketing. Our communications director recently resigned, so that is an immediate priority, as we need experts familiar with the Web and Twitter and all those social media outlets.” Another FOLKS priority is special events, “to organize and manage our annual Turtle Trot fundraising run, so an organizational and management person is essential,” explained

Rich. “We need people with large-scale event experience, like for our Renew Your Vows ceremonies on Valentine’s Day and Songwriters at Sunset musical series to our upcoming 3rd annual Nautical Boat Show from February 9 to 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as the success of these programs will ensure our fundraising success. We recently hired a professional fundraiser formerly from Purdue University and the Naples YMCA, and we must surround him with support people and clerical staff to assist with presentation preparation to make his job easier.” Rich commented that FOLKS “is so pleased the Fort Myers Beach community is stepping up and showing such a deep interest in Lovers Key and the new Center. Once it is complete, it will be an iconic destination that will enhance the beach visitor experience. For such a little place, Fort Myers Beach has so many talented people, and maybe a few can join our team to make our dream a reality!” To discuss FOLKS, contact Rich at 239-495-7045, or attend its free Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 23, at the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club at 175 Sterling Avenue at 6 p.m., with a presentation by Adam DiNuovo of the Audubon Florida Monitoring & Stewardship Program.

DO MORE! “Volunteers are the heart – the heart -- of the Fort Myers Beach Public Library,” repeated Dr. Leroy Hommerding, Library Director, for emphasis! “Our 71 volunteers last year contributed 5,961 hours.” Despite all that service, “we still have a great need of volunteers,” said Dr. Hommerding, “to do a bit of everything, from returning material to the shelves to greeters at the door to helping out in the bookstore. Right now, we have a Board member here covering new books before they go into circulation, and later today another volunteer will take parcels to the Post Office, as now that we are in Season and traffic is beginning to back up, that becomes an expensive activity if we had to send an employee. We always need someone to dust, as that is a perpetual thing, as everything must look nice, and someone with a keen eye to scan stacks for missing titles that patrons return to the wrong place. We are looking for new volunteers to work outside on our landscaping, to maintain the look of the building, and you can practically name your own hours! We need as well former professionals who can be on-call to fill in at the last minute, should we have a staff member who is ill and cannot work.” Dr. Hommerding says the library welcomes seasonal volunteers and those who can only contribute as little as one four-hour-shift-per-week. “Volunteers allow our library to operate to 40% less than the cost of a Lee County Library System branch, while still offering a state-of-the-art facility, with a collection and programming that rivals any other in Florida, making us a huge community bargain. Volunteers make that very real, which is why I say, ‘Those who can, do; those who can do more, volunteer!’”

Gary Mooney

“Those Who Can Do More, Volunteer!”FMB Full of Volunteer Opportunities, Cont’d from pg.1

Library volunteers assist during a Book Sale held by Friends of the Beach

Library. Photo by Sarah List.


VIEWPOINTSTWEETY BIRD TRUMP

Tweety Bird Trump is at it again. Actually, he never really stops. I’m re-ferring, of course, to President Tweety Bird Trump. One has to show all the due respect, and that is all I can muster. So Tweety is pecking away as he starts off the new year with his Twitter bombast bomb blasts. Most of his output is the routine ridiculous stuff: He suggests that another political opponent -- in this case Huma Abedin, who has been attached at the hip to Hillary Clinton her entire adult life -- should be jailed for her sloppy handling of classified emails, at least in President Tweety Bird’s mind. He also takes credit for the significant aviation achievement that there were no commercial airline fatalities in 2017. Of course, he had little to do with it. And then there’s his running trash-talk battle with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, who would be a clown, except for the fact that he’s developing a nuclear ar-senal that threatens world annihilation if not expertly finessed. Tweety obviously is not a finesse kinda guy. He ridicules the North Korean tyrant by calling him “Rocket Man.” They’re well-matched, and it’s not just their small, pudgy hands. They both have fragile egos that they try to cover with bluster. So when Kim makes a speech taunting the United States by saying, “The nuclear button is always on my desk,” Tweety Bird Trump can’t resist: “Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!” Besides the fact that Tweety is once again displaying that he’s always very insecure about size, he’s also playing with fire at the very moment Kim also was hinting he might be willing to lower the temperature just a tad. Maybe the Trump belligerence is part of an “Art of the Deal” scheme. I know ... let’s do like everyone else and search for clues in his 1987 bestseller “Art of the Deal.” Yes, it was written by someone else with little input from Donald Trump, but let’s look anyway. How about this quote: “I never get too attached to one deal or one approach.” That might explain why Tweety Bird constantly con-tradicts himself. It keeps his adversaries off balance as they’re trying to bargain with him. The other side of that is that his word means very little because he can’t be trusted to mean what he says, and has little or no impulse control. Here’s another insight worth pondering: “You can’t con people, at least not for long.” That’s the thing: His base, those millions of people who were conned into thinking he’d be their champion, should have figured out from his actions that he was blatantly ignoring the reasons that alienated them in the first place. Instead, he has constantly promoted the interests of the same robber barons who have cheated the system and obliterated economic fair play. If “people will eventually catch on,” they certainly haven’t yet. That other Tweety Bird, the cartoon figure, always exclaims, “I tot I taw a puddy tat.” When he looks at Trump, he’ll say, “I tot I taw an autocrat.”

Bob Franken

(c) 2018 Bob Franken Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

YES, TAKE OPRAH SERIOUSLY If Hillary Clinton could deliver a political speech half as effectively as Oprah Winfrey, she might be president today. The actress, media mogul and erstwhile queen of daytime TV gave what, if she ever becomes president, will be known to history as the Golden Globes Address. The first de facto convention speech ever delivered at an awards show, it brought down the house and predictably stoked talk of Oprah 2020. In the era Before Trump, this would have been risible. Once upon a time, military service, political experience, a policy portfolio and national-security chops were mandatory to plausibly run for president. That time feels like a long time ago. What Donald Trump proved is that a celebrity with charisma, performa-tive ability and gobs of free media can, in the right circumstances, stomp con-ventional politicians who lack all three. People who were merely governors and senators, who had never really performed on a big stage or truly mastered the media (they were just politicians, after all), stood at a distinct disadvantage. A common cold-water argument against Oprah running is that Demo-crats will want the opposite of Trump in 2020, an experienced, boring politico who’s well-versed in the issues and a reliably competent executive. This line works on paper. Republicans said the same thing about Barack Obama, who prior to 2008 had come as close to genuine celebrityhood as a working politician can get. Yet Donald Trump succeeded where the worthy, earnest, managerial Mitt Romney failed. On the current trajectory, what Democrats will most need in 2020 is someone with a big enough personality that Trump can’t diminish and negatively brand him or her. This is what he did with the rest of the Republican field and Hil-lary Clinton in 2016, and he easily could do the same against “Pocahontas,” aka Elizabeth Warren, and “Crazy Bernie” Sanders. Oprah, used to commanding a massive microphone and managing a matchless brand, might be relatively immune to this treatment. She’d be the em-pathetic healer, the advocate of abused women, running to make history in the shadow of the civil-rights movement. If, that is, she’s truly interested. Even the best campaigns have down cycles and bring humiliations of the sort celebrities usually avoid. Why would Oprah, who at the moment never has to encounter anyone who isn’t in awe of her, want to sign up for that? Half the country would, by definition, begin to dislike her. She would have to fight with that part of the Democratic base committed to Bernie Sanders and suspicious of her as a Hollywood billionaire. She’d experience something that she’s never truly had to encounter: negative press. For the first time, she wouldn’t be completely in control of her own image. She’d have to answer for her promotion of kooky products and theories over the years, and open up more about a private life that has been almost entirely shield-ed from public view. If Oprah ran and lost, she’d become a failed presidential can-didate and could presumably never quite return to being Oprah Winfrey again. In short, there are compelling reasons for her not to make the plunge. The inherent absurdity of the idea is not one of them.

Rich Lowry

Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review.(c) 2018 by King Features Synd., Inc.


Speculators. Scam artists. Dreamers, schemers, developers and lot flippers. Slick salesmen. News media hyping the new American paradise. If you thought the Florida real estate boom of the early 2000s was extreme or unprecedented (until the 2008 recession that crashed it), think again. This state has experienced dramatic cycles of real estate boom and bust an average of once per generation since the 1870s, according to historian Dr. Gregg Turner. His vote for the most flamboyant such period is evident in his book, The Florida Land Boom of the 1920s. A faculty member and Program Manager of Business Studies at Southern Technical College in Fort Myers, Dr. Turner vividly portrayed the excitement, greed and heartbreak of Florida in the Roaring Twenties when he spoke on January 8 at the public meeting of the Estero Island Historic Society (EIHS). Author of 12 books on Florida history and railroad history, Gregg Turner is a former Director of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society at Harvard Business School. He’s also a born raconteur with an energetic, fact-packed speaking style. Prior to his presentation, he filled a table with colorful brochures and black and

white photos from 1920s Florida that brought the style and optimism of that period to life. Dr. Turner began his talk with thanks and praise for Dr. Leroy Hommerding, Director of the Fort Myers Beach Public Library and Vice-President of the EIHS Board of Directors. “I would like to cite Dr. Hommerding’s kindness to researchers and his genuine interest in historical research.” Dr. Turner held the rapt attention of over 80 EIHS members and friends as he explained that, until the end of World War I and the advent of the motor car, tourism was mostly limited to wealthy American

elites who favored European jaunts. Until Florida fever caught hold after the war ended in 1918. The “war to end all wars” started in 1914, though the U.S. joined the battle only in 1917. American manufacturing and farming supplied our nation’s allies with machinery, appliances and foodstuffs that, at war’s end, filled home markets with goods and the wealth to purchase them. American eyes turned south toward the Florida dream: “that of a better life in a tropical clime.” And so began a tidal wave of land speculation. “The boom itself began in Miami shortly after the First World War,” said Dr. Turner. “It then proceeded up to the Gold Coast to West Palm Beach, turned inwards to such places as Sebring, then - all at once - descended the Gulf coast from Tampa south. Over a dozen new subdivisions popped up in Fort Myers alone.” In 1918, at the end of World War I, Florida’s population stood at 400,000. By the end of the 1920s, 1.1 million lived in the Sunshine State. In the intervening 12 years, millions of dollars were played, gained and lost on human-made islands, swampland lots and fancifully named subdivisions.

OPPORTUNITY, SPECULATION AND

ILLUSION

The early ‘20s launched the modern era of a “wireless” (radio)

in every home, bathtub gin, jazz and women smoking in public. The stock market spiraled ever upward. The fortunate could earn 10% to 20% on the dollar. Land speculation mushroomed across Florida, led by Carl Fisher, builder of the Indianapolis Speedway. Fisher spearheaded construction of the Dixie Highway after he purchased huge tracts in Miami and Miami Beach. Desperate to develop southern Florida, he offered a free lot to those who promised to build a house on it within one year. Florida was a mere 36-hour train ride away for two-thirds of the American population of the day. Seemingly overnight, two train lines jostled to service the Miami to Naples run. The fabled Orange

A Walk through Estero Island HistoryThe Florida Land Boom of the

Roaring ’20s

Dr. Gregg Turner speaks to an enthralled audience at the Estero Island Historic Society public meeting on January 8.

Colorful brochures promote train service to the sunny south..


Blossom Special brought 1,000 passengers from 80 originating cities on its inaugural run. Ten thousand would-be tourists were turned away from Miami due to lack of hotel space. “Tin pan tourists” craving sunshine flocked south in their Model T’s, sleeping rough in tents. By 1925, northern developers, bankers and builders had flooded the state, sniffing out opportunity. (Florida-born “Crackers” were largely too poor to jump in until the boom neared collapse.) That year the state boasted 2,000 real estate offices and 25,000 agents. Salesmen cruised train stations, eager to pounce upon unsuspecting arrivals. They waved glossy color brochures, unfolded plats of tidy subdivisions and showed photos of glorious beaches dotted with new homes. If a family paused momentarily to peruse the windows of a real estate office, an invariably handsome, well-dressed man whisked them inside. They might emerge an hour later clutching a paper deed, bank account depleted but eyes agleam with pride of ownership. Payments on the installment plan were common. In one photo from the era, a throng of eager people stand under a banner strung between scrub pines that reads: “3-day land auction.” The real estate surge was spurred by these open-air events, with mass barbecues and raffles for impressive prizes - including a brand-new Ford. There was not nearly enough developed Florida land to satisfy this hunger. Builders razed and platted scrubland, drained marshes and piled up underwater muck to create new ground, such as the exclusive Davis Islands in Tampa. Some of the photos in those glossy brochures did not match reality. There were no “truth in advertising” laws back then. “Oceanside” lots turned out to be miles inland. A Jacksonville development promoted by Charles Ponzi - of Ponzi Scheme infamy - was actually located 65 miles west of that city amid palmetto scrub and swamp. (Ponzi was imprisoned in Massachusetts in 1927 after defrauding hordes of investors.) But the fevered real estate speculation only steamed ahead, fed by news media. Sales at one auction reached $1.6 million on a single day; the equivalent of $29 million in today’s dollars. One particular lot on Flagler Street in Fort Myers was said to have been bought, sold and resold 26 times in one day. By the end of the 1920s, enough land had been subdivided in Florida to house the entire U.S. population of the time. There were more Rolls Royce’s in the state than in any other.

COLORFUL NAMES AND NEW CONSTRUCTION

Some towns were created “from scratch” during the boom: Hialeah, Coral Gables, Boca Raton, Opa Locka, Miami Shores, Hollywood-by-the-Sea, Venice. Existing cities that had been sleepy and modest - St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Ft. Lauderdale - flourished and grew. Each city adopted a catchy nickname to burnish its allure.

Can you match the 1920s nickname to the city (answers below)? 1. Celery City2. Chicago of the South3. The Magic City4. The Dream City5. City of Glorified Opportunity6. The Friendly Land that Loves a Playmate7. City of Palms8. Ft. Liquordale9. Florinada One benefit of the ‘20s land boom was an infusion of public

infrastructure. Said Gregg Turner: “Stunning municipal buildings appeared as did causeways, bridges (like the one to Fort Myers Beach), churches, and railroad stations - like the ones in Fort Myers and Naples. New roads were also completed, such as the Dixie Highway and the Tamiami Trail.” A new architectural style emerged: Mediterranean Revival. Grand homes and lavish new hotels bore its

features: The Breakers, the Faneuil Hotel, the Don Cesar.

BUSTED

What busted this glorious ‘20s land boom? The end began with the devastating hurricanes of 1926 and 1927. Transplanted northerners were not prepared for the fury and destruction of tropical cyclones, one after another with no forewarning. Then came the stock market crash of 1929 and the

terrible Depression that followed. Speculators and homebuyers alike lost millions, as Florida real estate prices sank like boulders in a swamp. Until the next, and to date the largest, Florida real estate boom in the post-World War II 1950s. But that’s another story for another day.

Janet Sailian

The next Sands of Time column on February 2 will explore the origins and meaning of the term Florida Cracker in our area.

City nicknames decoded1. Celery City = Sanford2. Chicago of the South = Okeechobee3. The Magic City = Miami4. The Dream City = Boca Raton5. City of Glorified Opportunity = Sarasota6. The Friendly Land that Loves a Playmate = Cocoa Beach7. City of Palms = Fort Myers8. Ft. Liquordale = Ft. Lauderdale9. Florinada (Florida + Canada) = An “exclusive” community near Ft. Lauderdale that became a debacle costing investors $100 million

To prove they had been to Florida, this family brought a palm tree and coconuts back to Indiana on their car.

Photos by Janet Sailian.


Each week Around & About features community announce-ments and events held by char-itable and non-profit organiza-tions that are open to everyone. Check the events listed here and pick up a copy of SAND LIFE entertainment magazine!

MAIN STREET BAZAARSan Carlos Island will host the 9th Annual Main Street Bazaar& Yard Sale on SA Jan 20 from 8am-1pm. The Bazaar starts at San Carlos Blvd and goes to the end of Main Street at Port Carlos Cove. Communities and businesses will offer a wide se-lection of treasures for bargain shoppers. Gulf Cove will offer coffee and donuts. Port Carlos Cove will have lunch and other treats.

GALLERY TALK & RECEPTIONOn SU Jan 21 at 1pm, the Fort Myers Beach Art Association will host a Gallery Talk by Sue Pink in conjunction with their current exhibit, “50 Shades.” A reception will follow with refreshments pro-vided by event sponsor, Fresh Catch Bistro. Award winners will be announced at the reception. All events are free and open to the public. All artwork in this ex-hibit will be available for view-ing and purchase until Feb 15. The Art Gallery is open MO-SA from 10am-3pm at 3030 Shell Mound Blvd. For information on workshops and classes visit fort-myersbeachart.com or call 239-463-3909.

PAUL TODD CONCERTBeach United Methodist Church will host a concert by Paul Todd & his son, PJ on MO Jan 22 at 7pm. No tickets necessary. Free will offering.

CAR SHOWParrot Key Caribbean Grill hosts their next car show MO, Jan 22 from 4-7pm. Stop by to see some cool hot rods, classic cars and custom trucks. Have a great car? Arrive arrive early for parking and registration. Free to show; free to look. For more in-formation or to pre-register your car, visit MyParrotKey.com or call 239-463-3257.

SHOREBIRDSJoin the Friends of Lovers Key at their annual meeting on TU Jan 23 from 6-8pm at the FMB Woman’s Club. Following the brief meeting noted shorebird expert Adam DiNuovo will dis-cuss Shorebirds. He has worked on seabird and shorebird re-search projects from coast to coast for the past 17 years and is the Shorebird Monitoring and Stewardship Program Manager for Audubon Florida. All are wel-come to attend. Free.

CHRONIC PAIN WORKSHOPLee Health and Chapel by the Sea are sponsoring a 6-week class on how to manage chron-ic pain beginning FR Feb 2 from 9:30am-noon. Topics will include effective communica-tion with your doctor, mind-body connection/distraction, benefits of physical activity and food & chronic pain. This lively, fun & interactive 2.5-hour session will offer support from others living with chronic pain. Registration required 239-463-3173 x 20 or [email protected].

PREVENT DIABETESHave you been told that you have Prediabetes? Would you like to learn how to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabe-tes? Lee Health will offer a free program offering modest lifestyle changes to cut your risk of Type

2 Diabetes by more than half. This year-long program will of-fer weekly meetings for the first 6 months then1-2 times/month for the second 6 months and is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program led by the CDC. Program will be held on TU beginning Feb 6 from 4-5pm at Health Park Medical Center. Registration required by calling 239-424-3127.

YOGA FOR EVERYONEWith sessions geared to begin-ners and modified postures, this truly is a class that wants to let everyone try this wonderfully re-laxing exercise. Instructor Susan Carter will hold six weekly ses-sions each WE beginning Feb 7 through Mar 21 at Chapel by the Sea. (except for 2/14) Bring water. Some mats available, but if you have one, bring it. Cost: $10/class for Chapel members; $12 for non-members. For more information contact Parish Nurse Ann at 239-463-3173.

PAINT AROUNDThis fun fundraiser for student scholarships will be held at the Fort Myers Beach Art Associa-tion Gallery at 3030 Shell Mound Blvd. on WE Feb 7 from 5-8pm. Come enjoy snacks, beverages and prizes as you watch art in the making as four accomplished oil artists, Neil Walling, Michele Barron Buelow, Lisa Grinter and Tracy Owen, collectively create four paintings. Admission $10.

A Publicat ion of FortMyersBeach.newsA Daily Guide to Fun on the Beach

F R E EJanuary 2018


GOVERNMENT MEETINGS THIS WEEKMonday,1/22 9:00am TownCouncil(Policies & Procedures, Lien Reductions & Public Hearings on 1161 Estero Parking Appeal, Seawalls/Docks Ordinance & Short Term Rentals Ordinance.

Tuesday,1/23 9:30am FireBoard, 2755 Estero Blvd, FMB

6:30pm LibraryBoard, 2755 Estero Blvd, FMB

Thursday,1/25 3:00pm Cultural&Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board

All meetings take place in Town Hall, 2525 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach unless otherwise noted. Meeting times are accurate as of press time.

Townmeetingscanbeconfirmedatfmbgov.com.

Shore at Bunche Beach Pre-serve, 18201 John Morris Rd., Fort Myers. Offered weekly through April.TU - 9am Beach Walk at Newton House, 4650 Estero Blvd., FMB.TU - 9:30 -11am -- Barrier Island Ramble at Bowditch Point Park, 50 Estero Blvd., FMB. Next walk is Jan 30 and will be offered ev-ery other week through March. TH – 9:30-11am – Life in the Mangroves at Matanzas Pass Preserve, 199 Bay Rd, FMB.

WOMANS CLUB SHOWSThe Fort Myers Beach Wom-an’s Club has been transformed into a speakeasy for the 7 Yes-teryear Entertainment tribute shows that will be held there this season, beginning this week-end. Shows include All Star Show Jan 19-21; Solid Gold

Show Feb 2-4; “Roy Orbison” & Friends Feb 16-17; “Jerry Lew-is” & Friends Mar 2-4; “Abbott & Costello” Mar 16-17; “Sina-tra” & “Red Skelton” Mar 16-17 and “Englebert Humperdinck” & Friends Apr 13-14. Show tickets begin at $50 and are available by calling Jerry Nolan 239-810-4587. All beverage sales at the shows will benefit the FMB Woman’s Club. Assisting the Woman’s Club will be several other community groups, who will receive a donation for their service from the Woman’s Club. They include: Estero Island Gar-den Club, Friends of the Mound House, FMB Community Foun-dation and the FMB Chamber of Commerce. If your organization would like to assist, contact Bev-erley Milligan at 239-529-8785.

SCHOLARSHIPSThe Fort Myers Beach Commu-nity Foundation is now taking scholarship applications. Appli-cations are judged in three cat-egories: 1) community service, employment and involvement, 2) written essay addressing vol-unteerism and 3) community service and academic and lead-ership activities. Find the appli-cation at www.fortmyersbeach-cf.com. All applications due Mar 1.

FRIENDS OF THE MOUND HOUSEThe Friends of the Mound House invite everyone to their first fund-raiser of 2018, “Home on the Sand” a Luncheon and Silent Auction at South Beach Grille on SA Feb 10 beginning at 11:30am when doors open and bidding begins. Lunch will be served at 12:30pm. Tickets are $50 and available from Ceel Spuhler at 239-765-6472. Indicate menu choice with ticket order: Asian chopped salad with chicken or Grilled Salmon.

SHELL POINT PRESENTSShell Point Retirement Commu-nity presents numerous events that are open to the general public. Shell Point is located off Summerlin Rd on the way to Sanibel. To reserve your place call 239-489-8472. Upcoming events include:-Artists of Captiva, TU Jan 23 at 10am

-Evan Drachman, Cellist, TH Jan 25 at 7pm-Barrage 8, FR Feb 9 at 7:30pm-Washington Saxophone Quar-tet, TH Feb 22 at 7pm

BOAT TOURS TO MOUND KEYThe Mound House hosts boat tours to Mound Key through April. The tour leaves port from Fish Tale Marina aboard the Estero Bay Express for an ex-clusive experience including a visit to the Mound House and then onto Mound Key, Capital of the Calusa. Learn the rich histo-ry of the Calusa as well as new findings scientists are discover-ing about this ancient society. Guest will disembark and hike the trails of Mound Key. Along the way, discover the ecology of Estero Bay. This trip requires walking over rough terrain. $55/person; Members $50. Dates in-clude Jan 30, Feb 13 & 27; Mar 13 & 28, Apr 3. Reservations required. Call 239-765-0865 for times and reservations.

FREE GUIDED BEACH WALKSEach week Lee County Parks and the Town of Fort Myers Beach offer free walks with a trained naturalist. No registra-tion needed, just show up and learn something about our en-vironment. All are free with paid parking.

MO - 9:30-11am - Life Along the


Enjoy Tony Monaco and his band capture the true essence of the Piano Man in their first Southwest Florida appearance.

Purchase tickets and find out more information about FMB Friends of the Arts and how to purchase tickets for Turnstiles and

the entire 2018 Winter Concert Series, visit fmbarts.org, connect on Facebook or call (239)463-3600.

2018 SEASON KICK OFF WITH

Turnstiles: A Tribute to

Billy JoelTickets are $25

and on sale now.

2018WINTER CONCERT SERIES

Presented by the Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts

January 25 from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Propeller Lounge at Fish-Tale Marina, 7225 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

MARY ANNE DEMARS1952-2018

Mary Anne DeMars, of Fort Myers Beach, passed away on Saturday, Jan-uary 13, 2018 after an extended illness. She was born Mary Anne Connors on Au-gust 27,1952 in Scranton PA. Mary Anne moved to Florida in 1977 and started her family on the Beach. She loved days on the beach and was a fixture at sunset with her husband and friends. Mary Anne served as president of the Beach Elementary School PTO and

with other parents initiated the after school program at Bay Oaks which endures to this day. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Playworks play-

ground at the school and building the swimming pool at Bay Oaks Recreation Center. Her greatest joy was realized whenever she was with her children, sib-lings, cousins, nieces, nephews and all of their children. Their annual visits to the Beach highlighted her time here. Mary Anne began her career as a court reporter with the Official Court Reporter of Lee County, Catherine Nolan. She retired from Martina Reporting Service in 2015. She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Lucille Connors, brother Thomas “Bo” Connors, and sister Lucille “Tina” Connors, each of Scran-ton PA. She is survived by her husband Norbert, daughter Kathryn and son Pat-rick each of Fort Myers Beach; also her brother James Connors, sister Joyce (Connors) McNamara, and brothers Jack Connors and Patrick Connors, each of Scranton PA. There will be a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Church of the Ascension, 6025 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL. A reception will follow in the church hall.


Did you hear about the Italian chef?

He pasta-way

Why can chicken coops only have 2

doors?If it had 4, it would be

a sedan.

Why did Dracula’s roommate move out?

He kept coffin.

Two olives are on a table, one falls off. The one on the table asks,

“You OK?”Hears, “Olive.”

Why do moon rocks taste better than earth

rocks? They’re meteor.

How do you make an octopus laugh? Ten-tickles

Why did Simba’s Dad die? He couldn’t Mu-fasta.

How did people apologize back in the day? Through remorse-code

What did the 0 say to the 8? Nice belt!What do you call a pony with a cough? A little hoarse


Every weekend I draw a cartoon and put it up on my FB page, and ask my friends to contribute captions for the cartoon. I also ask they vote for the ones they think are funniest (‘Like’ as many as you like).

The uncaptioned cartoons can be found on the FB pages of Mark List and Island Sand Paper

“200 lb. test line, my favorite lure from Atlantis Bait and Tackle and trolling my secret spot near the the Lani Kai. Got a feelin I’ll catch my limit today.”

Eric M. Huntsman

“This is so sharking, I can’t beer it!”Paul Vuona

“Hmm, a Google-eyed Hopsucker! And it’s keeper size, too! Come on. Come on…”Mike Popeye Dearden

“Every good story starts with, “Hold my beer.”Alice Dickson


TPI-FMB made Application to the Town of FMB in March 2017. Town staff and consultants have been reviewing that Application, making additions, clarifications and enhancements. On November 21, 2017 TPI-FMB resubmitted the Application in final form now ready for the Town’s Local Planning Agency (LPA) Public Hearing scheduled for February 13, 2018. Following the LPA hearing, we anticipate additional Public Hearings will occur in front of Town Council in the following months. It is important that all be aware of the current project vs. any previous plans discussed in community meetings.

Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TPIFMB

Hide are not options, you need to mentally prepare to fight, “so get into that mindset,” Peggy encouraged.” It is amazing what you can do when you are scared, because it is life or death; me or him. Try to catch the shooter off-guard with an ambush of your own, and turn what you have into a weapon, like scissors, keys, purses, pepper spray, cells, umbrellas, shoes, pens and knives. Take charge if you are in a group, getting everyone to throw something at the shooter

all at once, and don’t be afraid to curse like a sailor to throw them off! When law enforcement arrives, just tell them two things – how many shooters there are and where they are or went. There will be plenty of time to provide additional written details once you are safe.” For non-emergency situations, Peggy instructed the group to telephone the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000. “We answer that 24/7/365, just like 911, so call if you see suspicious

activity and input it into your cellphone. There are only a few things that qualify for 911, like a life & death situation, crime in progress, or injury.” Peggy will repeat this presentation at the Beach United Methodist Church at 155 Bay Road, behind the Fort Myers Beach Public Library, on Monday, January 29 at 9:30 a.m. Use the entrance across from the Beach Elementary School. It is free and does not require reservations; for information call

239-463-9656 or email [email protected]. Peggy will also offer a Personal Safety presentation at the Beach Library on February 15 at 1:30pm. The library program requires pre-registration at 239-765-8162 and has a $5 materials fee. To contact Peggy, call 239-258-3284 or email [email protected].

Gary Mooney

Don’t Be a VictimLCSO Offers Personal Safety & Active Shooter Class, Cont’d from pg.5

Dr. Margaret Banyan, of Public Solutions and a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, has a long history with the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District (FMBFCD). “I worked with the Fire Control District beginning back in 2007 to assemble its recently-completed 10-year Comprehensive Plan. Now that it is expiring, Chief Matthew Love contacted me to get my perspective on how to proceed going into the future, and what that next step forward should look like. The Fire Control District produces a lot of documentation to fulfill its requirements, but it is still best to have a long-term outlook, so we are going to proceed with a 3 to 5 year Strategic Plan.” There are significant differences between a Comprehensive versus Strategic Plan: “The 10-year Comprehensive Plan, while containing several mixed uses, really concentrated on facilities,” explained Dr. Banyan. “Relevant items included an analysis…to determine if it needed

to build a station or facility at ‘X’ location to meet the needs of the greatest amount of people, so it focused on property and bricks-and-mortar. A Strategic Plan concentrates most of its scope on operations and human resources and succession planning and other elements, like increased community outreach, so it looks at all of those things that we need to do to ensure our citizens that we are doing our absolute best to fulfill our mission to them.” A Strategic Plan involves a great deal of input from the residents of its community, from Board members to the general public, through a community survey and focus groups, to find common grounds for agreement about what they would like to see from the Fire District. “We then work with the Fire Control District Commissioners and staff to develop ways to objectively meet those goals,” explained Dr. Banyan.

AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY

Dr. Banyan anticipates having the Strategic Plan complete by this Spring. “We will conduct the community survey in February, and then will host the focus group meetings, tentatively for right now, in the first week of March, so we hope to compile all that information by late March, and then present it to the Fire Control District Commissioners in early April. The Commissioners are essential because this is at heart their plan, and they are the ones who need to approve it and to take ownership of it and be personally involved with it, from its development through implementation.” If you would like to participate in the focus groups, email Dr. Banyan by Friday, February 16, at [email protected]. “I am still working on setting up dates and meeting locations, so I can communicate those to people when they contact me. We want to hear from businesses as well, as

when you get them together in the same forum with private citizens, you tend to achieve a dynamic conversation.” If you cannot attend the focus groups but still want to ask questions or register your opinions, feel free to email Dr. Banyan. “For those who want to go more in-depth, I will be happy to arrange a telephone conversation.” Dr. Banyan believes the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District is important to its residents, “even though sometimes we take it for granted. I think, however, that as people become more involved with this process, to have a direct impact to improve the District, they acquire a sense of ownership in it, so I encourage everyone to take full advantage of this amazing opportunity.”

Gary Mooney

Fire District Begins Strategic Plan


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B E A C H C L A S S I F I E D S

For all tides go to www.saltwatertides.com

Tides • Matanzas Pass • Ft. Myers BeachDay High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon /Low Time Feet Sunset Visible

F 19 High 12:59 AM 2.4 7:17 AM Rise 8:57 AM 2 19 Low 8:10 AM -0.6 6:00 PM Set 8:25 PM 19 High 3:11 PM 1.5 19 Low 7:16 PM 0.9

Sa 20 High 1:40 AM 2.3 7:17 AM Rise 9:35 AM 6 20 Low 8:41 AM -0.5 6:01 PM Set 9:19 PM 20 High 3:35 PM 1.6 20 Low 8:08 PM 0.7

Su 21 High 2:26 AM 2.2 7:16 AM Rise 10:12 AM 12 21 Low 9:14 AM -0.4 6:02 PM Set 10:13 PM 21 High 4:04 PM 1.7 21 Low 9:06 PM 0.6

M 22 High 3:17 AM 2.0 7:16 AM Rise 10:48 AM 19 22 Low 9:49 AM -0.1 6:03 PM Set 11:08 PM 22 High 4:37 PM 1.8 22 Low 10:14 PM 0.5

Tu 23 High 4:20 AM 1.7 7:16 AM Rise 11:25 AM 28 23 Low 10:26 AM 0.1 6:04 PM 23 High 5:14 PM 2.0 23 Low 11:32 PM 0.4

W 24 High 5:42 AM 1.3 7:16 AM Set 12:04 AM 38 24 Low 11:07 AM 0.4 6:04 PM Rise 12:04 PM 24 High 5:57 PM 2.1

Th 25 Low 12:55 AM 0.1 7:15 AM Set 1:03 AM 48 25 High 7:32 AM 1.2 6:05 PM Rise 12:45 PM 25 Low 11:51 AM 0.7 25 High 6:45 PM 2.2

F 26 Low 2:15 AM -0.2 7:15 AM Set 2:04 AM 59 26 High 9:40 AM 1.2 6:06 PM Rise 1:31 PM 26 Low 12:42 PM 1.0 26 High 7:39 PM 2.3

HELP WANTED

HOME SERVICESHOME SERVICES

“Get Ready for Season!”Painting & Light Maintenance

Home & Condo CleaningHome & Condo Watch ServicesExperienced Owner-Operators

Coconut Cleaning Services, LLCCall 330-509-0598

Yoga for Every Bodywith Susan CarterCertifiedIyengar

Yoga Teachervisit wechooseyoga.com

YOGA

HOME WATCH

PERSONAL TOUCH HOME WATCH

Reliable Home Watch ServicesLocated on FMB

Since 2007239-463-1843

HELP WANTED Outrigger Beach Resort

Charley’s Boathouse Grill Looking for a few happy people!

Full Time Line Cook – OBR

PT Seasonal Dishwasher – CBG

PT Seasonal Seafood/

Salad Bar – CBG

PT Seasonal Parking Attendant – OBR

PT Seasonal Line Cook – OBR

PT Front Office/Reservations – OBR

PT Janitorial/Grounds - OBR

Nights/Days/WeekendsDrug Free Workplace

Apply at 6200 Estero Boulevard

Fort Myers Beach HELP WANTED

Caribbean Beach ClubPart-Time - Common area cleaning

Full-Time - Experienced maintenance person

Must be available weekends and pass background check

Wages commensurate with experience and abilitiesCall239-463-6111

PAINTINGROCKWELL PAINTING

Est.1993Meticulous, Affordable

FULLY INSURED Exteriors/Interiors

Veteran/Senior Discounts Ind./Owned Operated

Scott Rockwell 239.219.3169

LIC. # PT17-00849

FOR RENTFOR RENT

Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in your own beautifully

decorated apt.for half the price?1 and 2 BR apts.

Available nowon San Carlos IslandQuiet street, Clean

Sunsets, Water viewWalk to beach, shopping, restau-

rants. Seasonal Rental

Call 239-560-5577

FOR SALEIKEA White

Slipcover LoveseatBarely Used

Timeless; ComfyMachine Washable!

Perfect for small living space.70 1/2”W x 34 5/8”D

$175Call Sandy 816-863-8836

FOR SALECONDO 2 BR/2BA

South End of FMBSunset Condos

Spectacular Beach & Bay Views CALL330-524-2419

HELP WANTED Condo Cleaning & MaintenancePT year round 22 hours/week

MO-FR; 7:30 to noon Some SAT in season

Must have good driving record & reliable transportation

$15/hourPalm Harbor Club

150 Lenell Rd, FMBCall AM only: 239-765-0012

CAREGIVERS WANTEDIN FORT MYERS BEACH$300 SIGN-ON BONUS!

Interim HealthCare isseeking compassionate HHA’s & CNA’s to assist our clients on the island.

Call 239-201-2692 or go to www.interimhealthcare.com/lee-

countyfl

HELP WANTEDFull Time Nail Tech needed.

Friendly FMB salonEstablished clienteleCall 239-463-4247


PUZZLE ANSWERS


Doors open at 1:45 PM.

Beach TheaterAmerica’s Original First Run Food Theater

By the Light of the Moon “Bill Long” to Attend Annual Mound House Meeting

The Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve are again offering monthly Moon Walks in the Preserve. The next walk will be held on Wednesday, January 31 at 5:30pm. This experiential hands-on program offers a unique opportunity for participants to awaken and sharpen their senses of smell, touch, hearing and night vision. Vol-unteers carrying candle lit lanterns, lead the walk through the Pre-serve as night descends. Celebrate the darkness and the Full Snow moon (a Super Moon). The Light of the Moon walk is open to adults only and no more than 12 participants. Anyone interested in participating must RSVP Jim Rodwell at 239-565-7437. Participants meet at the entrance to the Preserve behind the Historical Cottage on Bay Road at 5:30 PM, Wednesday, Jan. 31st. Additional Moon Walks are planned for March 1, March 31 and April 29.

Dan Hughes, as William Long – former resident of the Mound House, invites everyone to attend the Friends of the Mound House Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 30 at 2pm at the Beach Library. “Mr. Long” will mingle with guests as refreshments are served prior to the program, “Historic Docents Tell All.” Experienced docents AJ Bassett, who counts decades of experience at the Historic Cottages, and Ceel Spuhler, one of the earliest docents at the Mound House, will share their experiences. A short business meeting will be held after the program at the rear of the hall while guests are given an opportunity to view historic photographs on display. All are welcome to attend this free event.


CLUB FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

BEACHED WHALE1249 Estero Blvd

463-5505TOMMY V

6-9PMJIMI DREDD

6-9PMTIM JOHNSON

6PMOBE GONZALEZ

6-9PMTYLER KLUSNER

5-9PM

CASTAWAYSSantini Marina Plaza

463-4644MANIPULATORS

8-MIDNIGHTWILDFIRE

8-MIDNIGHT KARAOKE N2L8-MIDNIGHT

WAYWARD SOULS8-MIDNIGHT

ELECTRIC LIPSTICK8-MIDNIGHT

TORCHED8-MIDNIGHT

SHUCKERS / COTTAGEGulfshore Grill

765-5440

ROGER WILLIAMS 4-7PMTROUBLEMAKERS

9PM-1AM

CHRIS CASDIA 4-7PMBAD BANDITOS

9PM-1AM

SHELLEY FAITH 4-7PMTROUBLEMAKERS

9-1PM

STEVE FARST 4-73 CROOKED STEPS

9PM-1AM

BOBBY BLAKELY 4-7PMBAD BANDITOS

9PM-1AM

SHELLEY FAITH 4-7PMSTEVE FARST

9PM-1AM

JOHN HOUSLEY 4-7PMTHE NEW VINYLS

9PM-1AM

CRACKER BOX16910 McGregor

466-4344JESSE ALLEN

7-10PMPAIN N GRASS

7-10PMJESSE ALLEN

6:30-9:30BOBBY D6:30-9:30

CRACKER BOX BAND6:30-9:30

DIXIE FISH CO.Fisherman’s Wharf

233-8837MARK WESLEY5:30PM-9:30PM

MIKE O’NEIL 1PMANTHONY WAYNE

5:30PM-9:30PMMEGAN ROSE4-7PM BB

5:30-8:30CHRIS CASDIA

5:30PMANTHONY WAYNE

5:30-8:30PMTEQUILA TOM5:30-8:30PM

DOC FORDS708 Fishermans Whf.

765-9660WHATEVER’S CLEVER

6:30PMBAD BANDITOS 1PMKAPO KINGS 6:30PM

DEB & DYNAMICS1PM

WHATEVER’S CLEVER6:30-9:30PM

GIRL MEETS BOY6:30-9:30PM

KAPO KINGS6:30-9:30PM

MATANZAS on the BAY414 Crescent

463-3838DANIEL D

5-9PMSCOTTY BRYAN 12-5PMMARY WINNER 5-9PM

GREG WATTS 12-5PMSAILOR LARRY 5-9PM

SCOTTY BRYAN5-9PM

SAILOR LARRY5-9PM

PETE BEARD5-9PM

MARY WINNER5-9PM

NAUTI PARROT19001 San Carlos Blvd

314-5667TERRY CLEMENS 1-5CJ & FRIENDS 6-10

DANIEL COOK 1-5RON HOWARD 6-9

CLIVE LIVE 1-5SHAWN RUSSELL 5-9

MIKE O’NEIL 1-5BUBBA LOVE 5-9

PETER TAYLOR 1-5LADIES NIGHT

WITHFAWNY 5-9JEFF WHIDBY 1-5

PHIL OXFORDS 5:30-9:30SCOTTY BRYAN 1-5PM

LONZA BARLETT 5:30-9:30PM

NERVOUS NELLIES1131 1st St463-8077

RASHIMBA 12-4OLD SCHOOL CHARLIE

6-10PM

KEVON 12-4pmOLD SCHOOL CHARLIE

6-10PMSMOKIN BILL 12-4PM

HIGH TIDE 6-10PMMICHAEL ANTOINE 12-4

SMOKIN BILL 6-10TERRY CLEMSON 12-4

KEVON 6-10PMLAURIE STAR DUO

MICHAEL ANTOINE 6-10PMMIKE GLEAN 12-4

MIKE GLEAN 6-10PM

OUTRIGGER6200 Estero Blvd

463-3131ALAN SMALL

5-8MEAGAN ROSE &

SMOKIN’ BILL 2-5PMSMALL TOWN

2-5PMGEO

5-8PMMEAGAN ROSE

5-8PMENDRE D

5-8PMTWO HANDS

5-8PM

PARROT KEYSalty Sam’s Marina

463-3257MARK CHRICO

7PMON THESE 12PM

FRANK TORINO 7PMGAITLIN

7PMINDIANA DAY 11AM

GAITLIN 7PM

FRANK TORINO 7PM

PETE’S TIME OUTTime Square

463-5900DAVE COLLATON

6-10PMDAVE COLLATON

6-10PMFRANK THOMPSON

6-10PMJAMES GRAGG

6-10PMJAMES GRAGG

6-10PM

PIERSIDE BY TOWN PIER

765-7800SHERRIN 1-5

JEFF WHIDBY 6-10FRANK THOMPSON

1-5 6-10FRANK THOMPSON 1-5

BILL ZINK 7-10ANTHONY WAYNE 1-5

GREG WATTS 6-10BILL ZINK 1-5PM

JEFFREY WHIDBY 6-10BILL ZINK 1-5PM

MARY WINNER 6-10PM BILL ZINK 1-5PM

ANTHONY WAYNE 6-10PM

PINCHERS TIKI BAR6890 Estero Blvd

463-2909OLD SCHOOL

6-9PMDAZZLING DELRAYS

6-9PMLOVE HUNTER

6-9PMSHAWN RUSSELL

5-8PMSAM DeARMOND

5-8PMAARON SEYFFERTH

5-8PM N2L 5-8PM

SALTY CRAB1154 Estero Blvd

233-8224

ANTHONY WAYNE 12-4SHEENA BROOK6:30-

9:30PMAWESOMESAUCE 1-5PM

AARON SEYFFERTH 6-9PMBUSTED STUFF

5-9PMAWESOME SAUCE

7-10PMJEFF GREENE 1-5PMCHRIS KEMP 6-10PM

SHARK BAR & GRILL17979San Carlos Blvd

313-6012WAY OUT SOUTH

5-8PMSTEVE FARST TRIO

3-6PMRASHIMBA 3-6PM

COLLABORATION BAND7-10

MARY WINNER BAND7-10PM

MARTY KEENE 1-4PM

LAURIE STARR DUO 1-4KARAOKE BRENDA 6-12

SOBsOld San Carlos Blvs

463-3474ANTHONY WAYNE

6-10PMDAVE COLLATON

6-10LEE HAGAN

6-10PMWILL KAISER

6-10ANTHONY WAYNE

6-10FRANK THOMPSON

6-10DAVE COLLATON

6-10

SUNSET BEACHFMB TIMES SQUARE

463-1028

MIKE GLEAN 2-5BARSTOOL BANDITS

8-CLOSECHRIS KEMP 2-5PM

CLIVE LIVE 9-CLOSEBARRY LAWRENCE 1-5PM

FRANK TORINO7:30-CLOSE

DAN DRURY7:30-10:30

CHARLEY MOON BAND7:30-10:30

SURF CLUB1167 Estero Blvd

765-0644JAMES GRAGG

5-8PMTHE “REGULARS”

6-9PM‘OPEN MIC’

6-9PMMARY WINNER BAND

6-9PM

WHO’S PLAYING WHEREON AND AROUND THE BEACH

Who’s Playing Where Page is a free service for current Island Sand Paper Advertisers. ALL LISTINGS ARE SUPPLIED BY THE ADVERTISERS. To qualify for listing, venue must have live music scheduled regularly on multiple days per week. Contact Sandy at 463-4461 to discuss advertising options!


Live Music • Outdoor Waterfront Seating • Stone Crab

www.DocFords.com708 Fisherman’s Wharf • 239.765.9660

Award WinningFlavors From The

Caribbean Rim!

Happy Hour • Live Music • New Menu • Outdoor Seating

1249 Estero Blvd. • 239-463-5505 • www.thebeachedwhale.com

Live Music is Back!

New Front Patio!

Lee County’s Newest

Waterfront Restaurant& Fish House!

www.dixiefishfmb.com714 Fishermans Wharf • 239.233.8837

Retail Fish Market AvailableLocal Gulf Shrimp & Great Views

The Best Happy Houron the Beach!

Mon - Fri 2-5pm

those who can do more, volunteer! fmb full of volunteer ...€¦ · discuss the landscaping plan...

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