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Volume 18, Number 15 By Islanders, For Islanders Fort Myers Beach, Florida April 13th, 2018 Town Council OK’s TPI-FMB Monday’s Meeting Tuesday’s Meeting Long Day Ends with IT’S UNANIMOUS! Deviations for Property FMB Council Approves TPI-FMB Project Swap on Table By Gary Mooney By Gary Mooney [email protected] [email protected] On Monday, April 9, 2018, the Town of Pigs Fly! Bigfoot Exists! Fort Myers Beach Council finally heard the long- A Monkey Types Hamlet! FMB awaited TPI-FMB Downtown Redevelopment Town Council Unanimously Proposal, after almost three years on the Approves TPI-FMB! drawing board. Tom Torgerson, Chairman of the OK, maybe those first Board of TPI Hospitality and several company three seem nearly impossible, representatives presented the TPI-FMB case but on Monday morning, April before council. Following nearly nine hours, 9, the Town of Fort Myers while the two sides did not agree on a final Beach Council unanimously plan, they parted company for the night with a approving the TPI-FMB prospective property swap in exchange for an Downtown Redevelopment increased height and density deal on the table. Proposal seemed no less so. Both sides decided to sleep on the details and By early Tuesday afternoon reconvene Tuesday, April 10, at 9 a.m. on April 10, however, after Prior to the meeting, residents packed the almost a decade-and-a-half of roughly 75 Council Chamber seats by 8:20 a.m., seemingly endless community with approximately 50 more people watching in debate and dialog following the an adjacent tent set up by the Town. Before the downtown area’s devastation main event, Council passed its Consent Agenda, from Hurricane Charley in and then unanimously continued to Monday, 2004, and more than 12 hours June 4, the Second & Final Hearing for the Dock of conversation and questions over a two-day & Shoreline Structures Ordinance. Audience members thank Town Council following its unanimous TPI-FMB vote. Cont’d pg. 7 The TPI-FMB portion began at 9:16 a.m., with the TPI Hospitality team providing a detailed description of the 290-room development Overarching Goal proposal, with most of those on the bay side of Estero Boulevard and a water park component Restore FMB Arches to Host Two Events and a restaurant/bar on the Gulf side, with its four requested deviations for density, height, By Gary Mooney first large-scale fundraiser with decades climbing over the top floor area ratio and landscape buffer zone that [email protected] a music festival at Bonita Bill’s of them as a local ritual! took roughly two hours. Waterfront Café on Saturday Phillips assembled the While the attention of evening, May 5, at 4 p.m. arches with such durability that CURVEBALL Fort Myers Beach residents Developer Tom Phillips they survived the Great Miami this week centered on built the stone arches in 1924 Hurricane of 1926 that scoured At the start of the presentation’s third whether there would be a as the intended entrance to a trench right next to them to hour, TPI-FMB spokesman John Gucciardo new development in their a housing subdivision that form Hurricane Pass, creating surprised Council and all in attendance by future on the south side of never came into existence. San Carlos Island. While stating, “We are throwing a last-minute curveball, the Matanzas Pass Bridge, They remained there until their they withstood the forces of as we continue to evolve the process.” He and a local group continues their 1979 demolition to construct nature, the arches could not TPI Hospitality Chairman of the Board Tom efforts to replace a piece of the Matanzas Pass Bridge. survive manmade wrath. Torgerson then explained that TPI-FMB, through the community’s past on the To several generations of The Matanzas Pass Bridge design changes, could lower the bayside resort span’s north end! Restore Fort islanders and visitors, they footprint was so large, to make building height from roughly 65 feet to 54-1/3 Myers Beach Arches, Inc., were the ultimate “Welcome” it high enough for boats to sail feet, reduce the rooms to 254, eliminate the hosts a landscaping event symbol, as the minute you underneath it, that the arches rooftop events area, 5th Street business meeting to rejuvenate one of the last passed through them, you were physically in the way and building, and the gift shop at the former Ocean original stone arch elements on knew you were on Fort Myers had to come down. Thursday, April 19, then has its Beach, with children for “We are Jewels building at the base of the Matanzas Cont’d pg. 19 Pass Bridge that is now home to the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. The Gulfside hotel unit would come down 16-2/3 feet. Gucciardo called these measures “a huge positive step toward addressing some of these Iconic Topps Grocery to Soon Close concerns,” as an excited buzz hummed from the audience. By Gary Mooney This will close the book for Dave on “We are able to make this reduction [email protected] a lifetime in the grocery business. “I started because we will turn the meeting location when I was 14 years old, cleaning up the meat building into a surface parking lot, so we no To a generation of Fort Myers Beach cutting area in a family-owned grocery store in longer need the 5th Street pedestrian bridge,” islanders and visitors, Topps Supermarket has Hamburg, New York. I married at age 18 and we explained Torgerson. “With less rooms, we can been the friendly neighborhood grocery store had our first child when I was 19, so I needed a reduce the car stackers in the parking garage. just across from the beach. Its 22-year run sadly career, got involved with an upstate New York The Chamber of Commerce Building that was ends, however, the latter part of this month. grocery chain called ‘Tops,’ and worked my way to be our gift shop goes away, to become “We had a 20-year lease when we first up.” landscaping or a waterfall, for a ‘Feel Good’ entry opened in 1996,” related Dave Carney, who co- to the island. These features move into the main owns Topps with his wife, Debbie. “That came MAY I HAVE A “P,” PLEASE? resort building, allowing us to remove 36 rooms. with several extension options, but the owner of With less rooms, we can increase the amount the shopping center, who lives in Tampa, took That association led to the store’s of water park patrons who are not resort guests measures to break that, and it takes a ton of unusual name. “The simple truth is, when we from 225 to 325 people. We have been quietly money to battle that in the courts. We fought as first opened, money was so tight we couldn’t working on this for the past three months, as a long as we could, even trying to buy the property afford all the letters in a sign that had a big clear path to attain what the community wants.” at one time, because we had bigger plans, but name, so we needed a short one! I worked for When Council reconvened after lunch, Town eventually you bow to the inevitable. It’s sad, as Tops Markets for about 20 years, and remained Staff was asked to make its presentation, but I intended to stay another 20 years, so my kids good friends with one of the owners, so I asked, contract employee Community Cont’d pg. 6 could retire from here, too.” as I wanted to be honest and Cont’d pg. 10 Page 2 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018

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www.MatanzasOnTheBay.com RESTAURANT • INN • MARINA 416 Crescent Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 CALL FOR WATERFRONT ACCOMMODATIONS (239) 463-9258 April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 3 LETTERS to the EDITOR WEEKLY RENTERS IMPORTANT the Foundation can contact Jan Falkum at [email protected] or visit the website at www.fortmyersbeachcf.com I am a regular reader of the Sand Paper. I greatly appreciate how the editorial staff keeps the community up to date with council proceed- Alicia J Steinhagen ings and actions. That is a primary responsibility of a free press – to keep Fort Myers Beach our political leaders accountable and residents informed. I am concerned when I read about short-term renters vs. long-term residents. This council is looking at this issue once again to decide if further regulation is need- NO ACRONYMS ed. I would propose that the council should first look at the definition of all residents of Fort Myers Beach. Many of us consider ourselves residents I have asked several other residents what the Acronym TPI-FMB even though we may only live here for a few months or even a few weeks stands for. I have not found anyone who knows what it means wither the of the year. exception of Fmb Ft Myers Beach. I love reading the sandpaper with the I am a property owner on Fort Myers Beach. I am at the stage of exception of when acronyms are used with no explanation at the begin- life where I can visit many times throughout the year but cannot stay for ning of a subject. extended months. I consider Fort Myers Beach my second home though and I would suggest the economy of Fort Myers Beach would not survive Larry Cude without the many of us who visit weekly. Without short-term renters and Fort Myers Beach visitors many restaurants and service industries would fail. What would full-time residents and property owners do then? It takes all of us to keep Editor’s note: TPI-FMB is not an acronym. It is the name of TPI Hospitality’s Fort Myers Beach alive and economically viable. Fort Myers Beach project. My track from a weekly visitor to now a local property owner is similar to many. We should welcome our weekly visitors with open arms. They help CRUISER APPRECIATION DAY THANKS keep our favorite restaurants, tiki bars and all our other service industries in business. They eventually may be the buyer of a local home keeping The Anchorage Advisory Committee for the Town of Fort Myers our local real estate values up. Reasonable guidelines can be established Beach and Matanzas on the Bay co-sponsored the 11th Annual Cruiser’s and owners held accountable by their own community associations. More Appreciation Day Saturday April 7. The event showcases the Town’s 70- government regulation and fees is not the answer. Especially if it curtails ball mooring field and facilities, and thanks the boaters who use it. The short-term renters and the life cycle of Fort Myers Beach. day was a huge success and could not have happened without the help from the following people and businesses: John Tuttle Thanks to the following businesses and people for donations to Indiana the raffle: The Pierside Grill, Bonita Bill’s, Matanzas Inn Resort, Nervous Nellies, Skye’s Restaurant, Matanzas on the Bay, Local Color, Fish House Restaurant, Shipwreck, The Lani Kai, Castaways, South Beach Grille, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Zushi Zushi, Mom’s Café, The Beach Pub, The Sand Bar, Fresh Catch, The Goodz, Hair Etc., Joanne Shamp, Sea The Ft Myers Beach Community Foundation wishes to thank the Dog Tours, Ray’s Pizza and the Key West Express. entire beach community for supporting its two major fundraisers this year: Thanks to Scotty for his great music. Lights Camera Auction at Diamondhead Beach Resort and the Style Thanks to Tony, Dave, Kathy, Jan, G and all the other folks at Show at Fish Tale Marina. On May 9th, the Foundation will follow its an- Matanzas on the Bay and Matanzas Inn who helped plan, set up, cook nual tradition of distributing charitables and academic scholarships raised and serve food and drink. largely from these events. The Foundation would like to thank Diamond- And thank you, Sand Paper, for your promotion and coverage of Head Beach Resort and Fish Tale Marina for hosting these events. In Cruiser’s Appreciation Day. addition, fashions at the recent style show were provided by the Fish Tale Ship Store, Palmetto’s and Local Color. The overwhelming response to Katherine Light, Chair these fundraisers is very much appreciated and speaks to the support Anchorage Advisory Committee provided by the entire beach community. The Foundation welcomes new Town of Fort Myers Beach members and anyone interested in obtaining more information or joining Letters cont’d pg.12 Page 4 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018

Beach Botany Concert Series Finale Features Local Artists by Jim Rodwell By Gary Mooney [email protected]

The Annual Winter Concert Series brings in regional and even national musical acts to the Fish-Tale Marina Propeller Lounge at 7225 Estero Boulevard (behind Santini Marina Plaza), to en- tertain beach residents and visitors. It concludes its 6th season in a homegrown fashion, howev- er, with the Local Artists Showcase on Thursday, April 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. Sheena Brook, made famous by her appearances on “The Voice,” with island musical icon Jo List singing just before Sheena, and “The Pearl Street Band” opening Jo List, shown here performing with the King Band in March, will be COCO PLUM the show. singing at the Friends concert. Photo by Bob Layfield

Coco Plum, Chrysobolanus Fort Myers Beach so well on ‘The Voice’ last year, icaco, a woody evergreen shrub, and the ever-popular and beloved island legend, can grow into a15’ tree. Icaco grows Jo List, has quite a following of her own and ev- natively on coastal strands and dunes. eryone just loves her! ‘The Pearl Street Band’ is When any of its branches touches the sand, it will root creating a large dense gaining a big reputation as well. As for the head- mound. The rooting helps to stabilize liners, Sheena and Jo are quite simply as talent- the beach. High salt tolerance also ed as any singers in the country, so people will helps the plant to survive. Branch bark really enjoy this concert.” is colored grayish to brown. Leathery Opening the Local Artists Showcase is leaves that point upward are arranged in an alternate order on the branches. “The Pearl Street Band,” made up of island mu- Leaf shape is oval or circular in shape. sicians Mike McMillian, Ed Summers, Bob Wil- Length is 1” to 4” and width 1” to 3”. liams and frequently Bill Veach, who are acoustic Margin is entire. entertainers that specialize in original Americana Small white flowers with five music or unusual covers. petals and one to two dozen stamens The Winter Concert Series benefits the grow in inconspicuous clusters in the leaf axils. Flower structure consists of Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts that pro- cluster of three attached flowers, one motes creative arts on the island, including the vi- in the middle and two on either side. sual, sound, and taste varieties. It sponsors four This is called a cyme inflorescence. Sheena Brook will perform at the Friends of the Arts final large-scale events each year, with the Fort Myers Flower is about ¼” in diameter. concert April 19th. Photo provided. Beach Film Festival, Sustainability Dinner and Blooming occurs all year. The fruit is a white to purple drupe. A drupe is a Paint the Beach Plein Air Art Festival joining the “When the Winter Concert Series first be- Winter Concert Series. Become a member of the fleshy berry with a thin skin and a shell gan, most of our entertainers were island musi- around a single seed. The drupes are Friends of the Arts through its website or at the rather large being a much as 2” in cians,” said Janeen Paulauskis, series spokes- concert. Tickets to the Local Artists Showcase diameter. The fruit is edible. Makes a person, “so this performance in a way brings us are $25, available at FMBarts.org or by calling good jelly. back to our founding roots. Sheena represented 239-463-3600 x 3. April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 5 Bay Oaks Closings Estero Island Garden Club Rec Center Renovation; Pool Pump Down

By Gary Mooney well,” added Sean, “but that may [email protected] not be complete by the reopen- ing due to their electrical compo- April is a month of closures nent, to make sure we get it right for the Bay Oaks Recreation Cen- the first time. These renovations ter; one planned and the other not! will allow us to host more basket- “The Bay Oaks Recreation ball tournaments, and already have Center will close from Wednesday, one scheduled for the first week- April 18, through Friday, May 18,” end in June. Tournaments will put said Sean DePalma, Director of more heads in Fort Myers Beach Parks & Recreation for the Town of hotel beds, especially during sum- Fort Myers Beach. “This is a sched- mer, when hotels, restaurants, and uled closing for several renovation shops are always looking for more initiatives. We specifically select- customers!” ed this timeframe because we just To celebrate the renova- concluded our heaviest visitation tion’s completion, Bay Oaks will with the end of Season, and we host a Grand Reopening ceremony will be back up in time for Summer on Saturday, May 19, beginning at Camp that begins in early June.” 10 a.m., with a Ribbon-Cutting at Capital improvement proj- Noon. “We will have games and ac- ects during the closure include in- tivities and food vendors,” offered On April 9th, the Estero Island Garden Club held it’s annual Spring stalling a new surface and absorp- Sean, “so it will be a fun event for tion membrane for the gymnasium luncheon at the Lani Kai with 38 members enjoying the time together. Eve the entire family.” Haverfield, founder of Turtle Time, Inc, gave an informative talk and re- floor and fitness rooms; profession- The unplanned closure is ally refurbishing and updating the minded the club of the importance of conservation efforts since Sea Turtle the Fort Myers Beach Community season starts May 1st. strengthening and cardio equip- Pool. “Our main circulation pump ment, along with bringing in some Outgoing President, Carol Kolar, was enthusiastically thanked for failed on Friday, April 6,” Sean said. her 2 years of service, noting an increase in membership and fun meet- new pieces; repainting the fitness “We are working with the Town’s center and touching up the entire ings during her term. Shown here are Outgoing President Carol Kolar, Financial Department to obtain a center, with new Co-Presidents Carol Dallas (left) and Bonnie McClure facility; relocating and increasing new pump and to get that repaired efficiency to the makeshift storage (right). Additional officers are Margaret Schmidt and Polky Ashford as 1st as soon as possible, but unfor- Vice Presidents, 2nd Vice President Louise Close, Treasurer Elaine Whis- areas; modernizing the pickleball tunately, that may not occur until nets for easier set-up and break- ler, Cheryl Walz Corresponding Secretary and Rebecca Hedges Record- around the end of April.” The Bay ing Secretary. down; updating the gymnasium Oaks Recreation Center & Pool are sound system to better accommo- at 2731 Oak Street; for information date larger assemblies and public The club was started in 1957 and is dedicated to beautification of call 239-765-4222 or see its link on the Island along with supporting the community. The next Garden Club meetings; and other smaller steps the Town of Fort Myers Beach web- to keep the building current and meetings are April 16 and May 7 at 9 am at the Woman’s Club. Newcom- page at www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov. ers and Snowbirds are always welcome. For more information call 978- clean. Gary Mooney “We will update the scoreboards as 460-1814. Page 6 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018 Monday’s Meeting Long Day Ends with Deviations for Property Swap on Table, Cont’d from pg.1 Development Director Jason perpetuity, and no one else would Green declined, stating he would do that, so if you give up something be happy to answer any questions. that is really valuable, you get Town Consultant Bill Spikowski, slack on the other parts. I don’t see who helped author the Town’s anyone else doing this at all.” Comprehensive Plan in 1999 and “The intent of incorporation Land Development Code in 2004, was just for this; I take this very who the Town hired in August 2017 serious,” said Shamp, before to advise Council on TPI-FMB, breaking down in tears. “The intent stated his January 26, 2018 report of incorporation,” stated Council did not make any recommendation member Anita Cereceda, the to approve or deny the project, Town’s first mayor, “is exactly for but did identify issues that may this, so we make these decisions allow Council to approve legitimate about whether to let TPI-FMB build elements. this, rather than someone else making this decision for us.” “And I FOR & AGAINST voted against incorporation,” added Gore! With that, Council heard “This is a beautiful plan, 41 Public Comments, with 24 in but we need to be judicious,” said favor of TPI-FMB, 16 against, and Shamp, as tears flowed again, with one neutral. Of the 16 against, Council member Bruce Butcher 9 were members of “The Voice A packed Town Council Chambers readies to hear the TPI-FMB presentation. reassuring her, “You want to make of Fort Myers Beach” group, decisions. Our expert consultant this beautiful and that is what this is composed primarily of competing (Spikowski) concluded that this plan SOLD! about; you get rid of the blight.” island hoteliers or their lawyers and does not violate our Comprehensive Cereceda wondered, “What consultants, while the vast majority Plan and is consistent with our Land The Council members is the value of a beachfront parcel in favor identified themselves as Development Code.” then began their debate, with Vice being open for perpetuity?” “That Town residents and voters. On the other side of the Mayor Joanne Shamp telling the parcel gives us the opportunity Of those favoring TPI-FMB, debate was Bob Boykin, a Voice TPI-FMB contingency, “You really to have this conversation, as Doris Grant said that she and her member and co-owner of the Pink surprised us, but I appreciate most people will not do this,” husband met “with Tom Torgerson Shell Resort, who said, “You should that,” before quickly focusing on replied Shamp. “Now we have on several occasions and gave honor the code, so I know the the former Ocean Jewels property. the opportunity to acquire the him input he took whole-heartedly next time I come here that you are “That location is important in the important location for a gateway and that he added to the project, reliable.” Douglas Young, a voting Comp Plan, as we envision a to our Town.” Gore said she is and is greatly appreciated by all.” resident said that he appreciates gateway there. Are you open to that “getting more comfortable with this, Former Town Mayor Ray Murphy TPI’s strategy of negotiating with conversation?” but I need to find the language to stated that during his six years on themselves, “If they go a few Mayor Tracey Gore stop this from going on anywhere Council, he “heard 150 cases and more rounds, they might have wondered how the Town would else.” Spikowski suggested writing I never saw a plan with this level of something! We want to see that stop other developers from Exceptional Circumstances like participation by a developer like this area redeveloped, but we don’t requesting additional height and these into the Land Development one. This is your legacy, so do it!” want to see the Town become Miami density if Council approves TPI- Code, so it is clear in the future. Another former Town Mayor, Dan Beach.” Christine Patton stated FMB. “I have trouble imagining “The language must make it Hughes, who currently serves on that only 17% of residents on Primo any other property that could offer impossible,” said Gore, though the Local Planning Agency (LPA) Drive and Palermo Circle have yard these benefits,” replied Spikowski. Council member Dennis Boback that approved the TPI-FMB plan signs that support TPI-FMB, so “it is “The real benefit is they will provide countered, “Any future Council can at its February 13, 2018 meeting not overwhelming! You give this to the legal condition that no one can change anything.” by a 5-2 vote, said, “For 23 years, TPI and every other developer will ever build on the beach parcel in “We did not expect this,” Council routinely approved the LPA argue that they deserve the same.” Shamp emphasized to Torgerson. GREAT ATMOSPHERE, LIVE MUSIC AND, OOH WHAT WONDERFUL, DELECTABLE CUISINE!

Everything is better on the waterfront 1131 1st St., Ft. Myers Beach • www.nervousnellies.net • GPS Coordinates: 26”27’23.41” N •81”57’15.18” W Over the bridge to Fort Myers Beach take first right and right again. Head straight to Nervous Nellie’s! April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 7 Monday’s Meeting Tuesday’s Meeting Long Day Ends, Cont’d from pg.6 FMB Council Approves TPI-FMB Project, Cont’d from pg.1 period, Council did the seemingly to a maximum of 52 feet, with the improbable by unanimously possibility of 50 feet, three inches, approving the redevelopment reducing their height deviation project. request to 6 feet, 10 inches. Perhaps to many Town Town Manager Roger residents, Tuesday’s vote was Hernstadt reminded Council a foregone conclusion following that since it will make its final Monday’s marathon session of decision based on the two-meeting almost 9 hours. For Monday’s Ordinance process, “it is important meeting, people lined up outside that you all tell us what you want to the locked Town Hall doors at 8 approve or not, and that is why we a.m., with the roughly 75 Council will have several weeks between Chamber chairs full by 8:20 a.m., the two meetings, to write these with other 50 or so folks viewing things up in a sufficiently legal the process in an adjacent outside manner, to show it to you at the tent and viewscreen. By the time second hearing, to resolve these Tuesday’s session began at 9 a.m., issues and set policies. It is only however, residents filled less than fair to give TPI-FMB the chance half the Council Chamber seats, to produce that number for you to with the viewing tent empty. evaluate at the second hearing.” Mayor Tracey Gore reconvened the Council session at THE BERLIN WALL 9:02 a.m., reminding her colleagues they were still considering the Vice Mayor Joanne Shamp project’s proposed height deviations and Council member Bruce from late Monday. Council member Butcher both indicated that they Town Council listens to the TPI-FMB Downtown Redevelopment Proposal. Dennis Boback stated that following hoped that changes to the resort “You upped your game and changed they will give us that Ocean Jewel Monday’s meeting, he asked the building would not leave it devoid of it and you have my attention, with a property,” and Cereceda adding to TPI-FMB team if there were any character. “I do not want a big old lot more public benefit than when we Shamp, “What I understand you to way they could further reduce the wall without balconies and plants,” arrived here at 9 this morning.” Gore be saying is that you are all in,” with bay side resort building’s 54-1/3 said Butcher. “I do not want you added, “You are selling it to me!” she and Butcher breaking out into a foot height, to preserve the Gulf looking at the Berlin Wall!” “I agree “They came here with some value celebration! view from the top of the Matanzas with the objective,” added Shamp, to me,” continued Shamp, “and they “We made some progress,” Pass Bridge. “I don’t want to be the “but would hate to end up by limiting threw more value to me. Throw in agreed Shamp, with Gore adding, “I person who blocks that Gulf view ourselves so that it will look like any the deed to the Ocean Jewel am still a little nervous about this; from the bridge,” said Boback, “and other building in any other town, property, so the Town has control I will get home and get calls from I won’t do it!” just for a few inches. I am not trying over it, and SOLD!” Torgerson everybody!” “Thank you to TPI,” The TPI-FMB team, led by to tie the architect’s hand, who replied, “When we adjusted our concluded Shamp. “It looks like we TPI Hospitality’s Board Chairman spent his entire career getting to plan, we did not intend to give might be able to get this done!” With Tom Torgerson, indicated that if learn what the community wants.” you that!” “I did not intend to ask,” that, Council continued the meeting they moved rooftop equipment to Council reached a consensus to countered the now broadly-smiling until Tuesday, April 10, at 9 a.m., the back of the structure, along with agree on a deviation of 6 feet, Shamp. “I would like to get this adjourning at 5:38 p.m. constructing architectural elements 10 inches, with four stories and a done,” said Torgerson, with Shamp below the roof level, they could maximum height of 52 feet. reassuring Gore, “You understand reduce the building height down While not Cont’d pg. 8 Page 8 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018 Tuesday’s Meeting FMB Council Approves TPI-FMB Project, Cont’d from pg.7 needing a height deviation for the planning, to reduce potential future at least one month, “even with Gulf side building for the waterpark overbuilding.” The Ocean Jewels our best efforts, as a lot of things feature, with a restaurant and bar property at 1054 Fifth St, currently can happen.” Upon consulting on the 2nd floor and 30 hotel rooms housing the Fort Myers Beach upcoming meeting dates, Council on the 3rd & 4th floors, Torgerson Chamber of Commerce, was asked the TPI-FMB representatives informed Council the design purchased by TPI-FMB in 2016 if Monday, May 21, would work and team would attempt to lower that for $2 million according to the Lee received a positive reply. structure to no more than 50 feet, County Property Appraiser Shamp then made a motion down from 52 feet, 4 inches. “I am still struggling with with the numerous changes, setting Council then turned its 224 rooms on the bay side,” said the second hearing for Monday, May attention to the TPI-FMB density Gore, with Butcher replying, “I am 21, at 9 a.m., Boback seconding. request of 254 rooms. “I don’t not struggling!” With that, Council Shamp then stated, with a few want to overwhelm the small town agreed on that number, with Gore tears, that, “(former Town Mayor) character of Fort Myers Beach” and Boback doing so reluctantly. Ray Murphy yesterday moved Tom Torgerson throws Town Council a explained Shamp, “but I can At this point, Shamp addressed the “Curveball!” Photos by Gary Mooney me about his statement over the provide the rational to support TPI-FMB contingent and audience: improvements his Council made for this by several aspects in the “The applicant needs to know you of Beach Furniture & Personal Times Square and Old San Carlos Comprehensive Plan, and want to have a strong three votes for this,” Watercraft & Parasailing, Signage, Boulevard. Look how lucky we state these out loud, such as those referring to herself, Butcher and Alcohol Consumption on Premises, are to be here right now, and I am related to redevelopment patterns Council member Anita Cereceda. Stormwater Management and very proud to be here right now!” in areas subject to being destroyed “There are two on the fence, and Concurrency. Cereceda added, “We are bringing by storms. There are also several maybe we will all agree, but I feel Following this, the Town a public benefit, to accomplish the public benefits this provides that strongly it must be done this way, Manager reassured Council that goals in the Comp Plan, to preserve are not likely to be replicated by any and there is a lot of work ahead, but “we will do our best to put in this the view corridors and create a other property that this offers to the I don’t want you to worry that we document all the positions you gateway and the view from the public, such as the donation of the will come back in a month and find have taken today and yesterday. If top of the bridge. We will put that Ocean Jewels property to the Town that Joanne Shamp changed her we find a conflict we cannot work on record so when we leave today, that has a tremendous benefit. mind.” “I am thrilled you said that,” through with the applicant, we can everyone will know what we did!” These are the Town’s visions in said Cereceda. “It is important for bring it back to the second meeting Gore said to the TPI-FMB team, both the Comp Plan and Old San everyone to know that the actions with you to resolve it. Any of those “This has been very emotional for Carlos Master Plan that has a very we take today, we will follow issues should be resolved in front of me today, and I wanted you to have specific public benefit, to create through with next month.” “I respect the public, as were all these issues a 5 to 0 vote; now I will stop crying!” an entry feature at the base of the (contract Community Development today.” “Roger is correct,” added Cereceda concluded, “This has Matanzas Pass Bridge and traffic Director) Jason Green, (Town Town co-counsel John Turner. been an extraordinary effort!” control and sidewalks, to which I consultant) Bill Spikowski and “This has been an extremely Council Chambers broke can award density.” Roger Hernstadt too much to have hard and complicated process for out into applause, then each them spend the next month of their everyone. We would only need to Council member in a roll call vote NOT GOING TO PICK time on this and have it all be a meet to discuss any of these issues cast an affirmative vote. Another waste,” said Shamp. prior to the second meeting in an round of applause occurred, with YOUR POCKET TODAY With that, Council worked emergency situation, and I do not Gore saying to Torgerson, “Don’t foresee that.” She then told the TPI-FMB through Floor Area Ratio, you let us down!” She then called a team, who unexpectedly donated Streetscaping, the Pedestrian Recess, with the audience coming the Ocean Jewels building at her Bridge, Future Land Use Map, “DON’T YOU LET US to the dais as one, to offer Council urging the prior day, “I am not Gulfside Beach Club & Beach DOWN!” members congratulatory hugs going to pick your pocket as hard Access Points, Traffic, Property and handshakes! Following the today as I did yesterday! This is my Development Regulations, Spikowski estimated that to recess, Council concluded routine personal justification that meets my Schedule of Uses, Parking properly settle issues and prepare business, with the historic session other emotional feelings on judicial Circulation and Loading, Rental the final documentation would take adjourning at 2:44 p.m. April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 9 Editorial

BRAVO, FORT MYERS BEACH!

Our town took a major step forward this week. Our elected Town Council members voted unanimously to approve the TPI-FMB downtown redevelopment project. The project will revitalize the downtown area and replace the blight that currently greets residents and visitors with a Key West style resort and beachfront waterpark. Those that complain that this approval will open the floodgates of overly large development have no leg to stand on. Unless a future de- veloper has property that fits a long list of very narrow criteria and a few acres of beachfront that they’ll encumber with zero density, it won’t hap- pen. Besides, there hasn’t exactly been a long line of developers interest- ed in building commercial space on Fort Myers Beach lately, has there? The approval also came about as a result of TPI-FMB’s willing- ness to compromise. And donate a property they paid $2 million for a cou- ple years ago, to the Town for governmental uses – welcome sign, traffic mitigation, etc. The sour grape, knee jerk response by some people to paint that generous donation as a bribe, says more about them and their motivations than the Town or TPI. We probably have the short-term rental ordinance to thank for this, at least in part. When the first hearing for that ordinance was held last month, a realtor group promoted a ‘write your council’ automated email effort that resulted in council mailboxes filling up with cookie-cutter mes- Your Hometown Newspaper for over 17 years sages opposing the ordinance. Some council members indicated at that hearing that they did not believe those sending the messages were resi- dents and they therefore ignored them. Interested citizens of Fort Myers Beach learned from that experience and knew they had to convey their Bob Layfield, Publisher opinion personally so that all five council members heard them and knew [email protected] who was speaking to them. You have no control over what the other guy does. You only Residents sent emails and letters to council members. They spoke have control over what you do. A. J. Kitt up at the hearing, asking council to approve the TPI-FMB project. Resi- dents contacted council members, identified themselves as residents and Missy Layfield, Editor voters and urged them to vote yes. That wave of public opinion grew to [email protected] the point that it was impossible to ignore. The true voice of Fort Myers Beach was heard loud and clear. Those who agree with us may not be right, but we admire their This experience can act as a unifier for our community. It has re- astuteness. Cullen Hightower kindled the fire of residents to improve our Town, to move forward and make our community the best it possibly can be. We urge residents to Mike Buster, Circulation Manager stay involved and participate in future community decisions. c/o [email protected] We want to thank residents, the Town Council and TPI Hospitality Man is born to live, not to prepare for life. for working together to move our community forward. Boris Pasternak (

Missy & Bob Layfield Mark List, Production Manager [email protected] Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia. Charles M. Schulz GLOBAL TRADE WARS HURT LOCAL BUSINESSES Sarah List, Photographer Normally, it’s easy to ignore what’s happening in Washington, as [email protected] it’s often much ado about nothing. However, a March decision by the De- May I never miss a sunset or a rainbow because I am looking partment of Commerce to enact heavy tariffs on Canadian newsprint, hits down. Sara June Parker right here at home in your local newspaper box. A single U.S. newsprint manufacturer in Washington State, North- ern Pacific Paper (NORPAC) lobbied for the tariffs. NORPAC, the only mill Sandy Sandness, Advertising that will benefit, employs 260 workers and is owned by a New York hedge [email protected] fund. Other U.S. newsprint manufacturers declined to join the request for In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different. tariffs. Coco Chanel In contrast, the U.S. newspaper publishing and commercial print- ing sector employs more than 600,000 in locations throughout the United Gary Mooney, Lead Writer States, according to letters from Congress to Commerce Secretary Wilbur [email protected] Ross. One letter was from 34 representatives of both parties while anoth- An intelligence test sometimes shows a man how smart he er letter was signed by one independent and seven Republican senators. would have been not to have taken it. Laurence J. Peter The tariffs will hurt more than the printing industry, though. The U.S. newspaper publishing sector employs more than 175,000 people in small towns and major cities across the United States, according to the News Media Alliance. An Theindependently Island owned and Sand operated island Paper newspaper. The alliance points out that demand for newsprint has been in PHONES Office: 239 - 463- 4461 steady decline in the United States, but the reason isn’t unfair trade. FAX 855-886-3568 (toll-free) Rather, there has been a well-documented decline in the daily newspaper MAIL 450 Old San Carlos Blvd. Unit G-108 industry over the last 10 years as newspapers, particularly large metro Ft. Myers Beach, Florida 33931 papers, have lost a significant portion of their print subscriber base to dig- E-Mail [email protected] ital alternatives for news and information. Community print newspapers remain a vital part of their communities. WEBSITE fortmyersbeach.news Congressional representatives noted in their letter, “People in small towns all over America still depend on their local newspapers. SUBMISSIONS POLICY These petitions threaten to put those newspapers out of business and cut Signed letters up to 300 words are welcome. All letters should off rural and small-town America from their local news.” be the original work of the author & include a phone number for veri- OFFICE HOURS fication. No pseudonyms. We reserve the right to edit for clarity, brev- MON-FRI 10AM-3PM These tariffs will force those small-town publishers to cut costs ity, accuracy, good taste and to prevent libel. No attacks on private Subject to change due to individuals or letter writing campaigns, please. Repetitive letters from and likely will lead to more job losses in both the newspaper and news- the same individual on the same subject will not be printed. We will story assignments. print industries, a result that runs counter to what is intended by U.S. trade publish a maximum of two letters from the same individual every 30 CALL TO BE SURE! days. Submissions over 300 words will be considered for Guest Opin- law. ion publication. Trade wars can be quite complicated, leaving unintended losers picking up the pieces. DEADLINE FOR LETTER SUBMISSION IS NOON WEDNESDAY. The Island Sand Paper encourages all Islanders to submit original articles and photos. Publication is based on space and takes into account relevance and quality. The By David Phillips Sand Paper uses artistic license for humor and to amuse its readers. Nothing contained in Bluff Country Newspaper Group this paper is intended to embarrass or offend anyone. Spring Valley, MN COPYRIGHT 2000-2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No parts of this newspaper may be copied or reproduced without the written permission of The Island Sand Paper. Page 10 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018

Iconic Topps Grocery to Soon Close, Cont’d from pg.1 is the risk you take. We needed to open as fast as we could, to bring in money, and did so in two weeks, by working 24/7.” Being an independent grocer is a constant challenge, Dave explained. “You have to operate on low costs, be your own advertiser and do everything yourself! Big chain stores have people for everything, and when something goes wrong, they do not have to pay for it out of their own pocket or worry about making payroll, so they Dave Carney reflects on the 22 years Topps Supermarket don’t lose any sleep over those served the Beach community. things. When a bad thing happens, there is a magic pot of corporate money and all they have to do is go get some! Over the years, I almost filed for bankruptcy several times, including once when I was even in the lawyer’s office, but each time found a way to make a deal with our vendors. Estero Boulevard construction made things tough the past few years, but before that, we avoid any lawsuits and adding me Winn-Dixie was closing its Fort took a ride here and fell in love with had our two best years ever.” the second “p” was an agreeable Myers Beach store, that it was a the place. I opened discussions Ever since the word got alternative.” great location, they were making a with Winn-Dixie, and convinced out about their closing, longtime Prior to Topps, the grocery big mistake and I should look at it. them to sell all their equipment customers tell the Carneys how was a Winn-Dixie location. “I was at Well, a lot of people have brilliant here to me at a low price. After that, much they will miss them. “This our former store in Punta Gorda,” ideas, especially when they don’t I borrowed every penny I could and includes a steady stream of former Dave recalled, “and a friend told have to do any of the work, but I maxed out our credit card, as that employees,” he added, “especially those who worked here as kids, for many of them as their first job, as they got to be more of a part of a family than stuck in a corporate structure. Quite honestly, locals supported us from Day #1, even moreso when Publix first located down the street. As soon as they opened, rumors started that they would put us out of business, but they never did!” GIVE, NOT TAKE Dave will most miss “talking to the customers and our staff, as well as running a business. Sure, there are headaches, like when something breaks or someone falls or the lawyer calls, but that is life. We know everyone on the island, and they know us and our employees. After the hurricanes, we gave away water and bread and other items as best we could. We always told anyone who needed a helping hand to come in and ask for a sandwich or whatever, as we would rather give it to you than have you steal it.” As for their future, “We have a beautiful home in Alva, on 25 acres, with three dogs, but if I don’t stay busy, I’ll go nuts, so Debbie says not to count me out just yet! She, on the other hand, volunteers a lot, between our church and medical facilities, so she stays busy. If you are a good person, everything turns out all right. That will be true for our employees, as they are such fantastic workers and wonderful people. I worry about them, of course, but recommend them all, as they are the best.” As the business days wind down, “we are running a big ‘50% Off’ sale this week,” Dave said. “Then we’ll begin to close everything down the week of April 16. Depending on how that goes, we may close or continue into the week of April 23. Once we reach a certain point, I will just probably donate everything that is left to the food pantry and lock the doors.” Dave appreciates all the community support, now and throughout the years. “Our loyal customers have been with us the entire ride. The beach has a bright future, with a lot of good things happening, so hopefully that continues, and we wish everyone well.” April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 11 VIEWPOINTS THE ‘VACATION’ DISAPPEARING ACT AMAZON ISN’T A VILLAIN By Bob Franken By Rich Lowry Does anybody know or care where Laura Ingraham is “vacationing”? President Donald Trump gets results. His attacks on Amazon have Ingraham, who has been a mouthpiece for right-wing nastiness for decades, re- tanked the company’s stock. cently had gravitated to a perch at Fox News (where else?) to do the venomous It’s hard to think of a more pointlessly destructive act of presidential jaw- schtick that has brought her fame and fortune. But then she crossed the tee- boning in our history. The online retailer is a jewel of our market economy that has ny-bopper. delivered more choice and convenience at a lower cost. Not just any teeny-bopper. This is David Hogg, the extremely telegenic The backdrop for Trump’s animosity is that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School senior and survivor of the shooting mas- owns The Washington Post, which, like much of the major media, is unrelentingly sacre there on Valentine’s Day. He’s a founder of the Never Again MSD move- hostile to the president. The bias of the Post is nothing new, nor should it be taken ment and a leader of the outpouring of young people who are dragging adults into out on the underlying business of its owner. action on gun control. Hogg speaks for hundreds of thousands of people with a Trump’s anti-Amazon jag can be put in the same bucket as his tariffs quick wit that Laura Ingraham cannot match. Those who get crazed every time against China -- Trump being Trump, unleashing in accord with his gut instincts someone even slightly wants to restrict their killing machines went bonkers about and animosities. Hogg and a movement he leads that has spread out from Parkland, Florida, to The similarities end there. The difference is between targeting the Chi- the world. nese regime and a great American company, between lashing out against mer- Unfortunately, the best slime they could find on him was that his ap- cantilism and against a capitalist success story, between berating an adversary plications had been rejected by a few colleges. (Never mind that he had been of the United States and an adversary of his own. accepted by others.) That made him fair game for attack. Make that foul game. If there wasn’t Amazon, someone would have invented it, or at least the Ingraham became a loud voice of the Hogg trolls. What followed was a huge basic model of leveraging new technologies to transform retail. Beginning in the backlash. Hogg shot back with a call for an advertiser boycott, and he got one. late 1980s, the advent of big-box retailers brought a productivity revolution to the Advertisers bailed on Ingraham faster than you can say “bottom line.” industry. Now, e-commerce is challenging the big-box retailers in their turn. This Talk about hitting her where it hurts. Ingraham wasted no time going into is how the American economy works. grovel mode. She tweeted: “On reflection, in the spirit of Holy Week, I apologize Trump has two specific complaints about Amazon. One is that it is rip- for any upset or hurt my tweet caused him or any of the brave victims of Park- ping off the U.S. Postal Service, costing the U.S. government billions of dollars. land.” Then she headed off to vacation. David Hogg rejected the apology. Perhaps a better deal can be extracted -- a recent study by Citigroup concluded One can only assume that she did not hightail it to the Mar-A-Lago bun- as much -- but the Postal Service says its arrangement with Amazon is profitable. ker where Donald Trump was spending his time off as usual. It’s a welcome re- The second is that Amazon doesn’t pay sales taxes. This once was true, but Am- prieve from an administration that is coming undone, to some extent. Those with azon now collects sales taxes in all states that levy them. even a molecule of experience in government are looking for an escape hatch, The larger case against Amazon is that it is killing off traditional retail- while those who are embarrassments are shoved aside, only to be replaced by ing, while accruing too much power for itself. While brick-and-mortar retail is in others who are more embarrassing, grossly unqualified or card-carrying fanatics. decline, less than 9 percent of retail sales are done through e-commerce, with For President Trump, the most qualified in his mind are those who are the least Amazon accounting for less than half of that. qualified, as long as they do good TV. No one is forced to buy from Amazon. Customers go there because they So Robby Jackson -- the chief White House doctor who poked and prod- find it easy to use and cheaper than the alternatives. Amazon isn’t pocketing ded Donald Trump and then did an on-camera briefing on the physical, which huge profits. Instead, it is doing what companies should do: innovating, then impressed Trump -- is now his choice to head the severely troubled Department plowing the proceeds into more investments (Amazon is much more than an of Veterans Affairs. While Jackson is highly regarded as an M.D., he has no man- e-commerce company). Its fulfillment centers are wonders of productivity and agement resume. With 360,000 employees, the VA is largely an unwieldy disas- hold the promise of as-yet-unforeseen transformations in other businesses. ter that has defied the best efforts of several reformers who possess outstanding Michael Mandel of the Progressive Policy Institute points out that online credentials. shopping saves consumers the time involved in driving to a store and looking Trump also has created quite the uproar by booting out H.R. McMaster for a product -- and shifts all that (unpaid) labor to (paid) workers in its fulfill- as national security adviser and appointing John Bolton. Bolton is considered to ment centers and drivers. These jobs provide, he writes, “decent pay for a high be, how shall we say it, a warmonger. school graduate, in a fast-growing tech-related industry, which requires a mixture Soon, he’ll be taking his hard line into foreign affairs, and soon, Laura of physical and cognitive skills. Many of them are full-time jobs with full benefits. Ingraham presumably will be taking hers back to Fox News. Don’t expect her They aren’t easy jobs, for sure -- but neither are manufacturing jobs.” to learn any lessons. As for Trump and his gang, the best lesson they can learn In short, there are many scourges in American life. Amazon isn’t one of would be a smack down on Election Day. them.

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

2018

WINTERPresented by the CONCERT Fort Myers Beach Friends SERIES of the Arts April 19 from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Propeller Lounge at Fish-Tale Marina, 7225 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

LAST SHOW OF THE SEASON FINISHES WITH THE Local Artist Showcase Tickets are $25 and on sale now.

The Pearl Street Band featuring Bob Williams, Mike McMillan and Bill Veach; Jo List; and Sheena Brook share their talents in this homegrown show. Find out more information about FMB Friends of the Arts and how to purchase tickets by visiting fmbarts.org, connect on Facebook or call (239)463-3600. Page 12 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018 Guest Commentary LETTERS to the EDITOR What’s Happening in District 3? There has been a great tourist season in Lee County amongst much TRAFFIC PATTERN activity particularly on Fort Myers Beach. To begin, while reading local papers I noticed a letter to the editor from With town councils approval of TPI-FMB, it is imperative now more Edie Foster regarding the need for new signage near San Carlos Boulevard and than ever that the FDOT proposal to create a circular traffic pattern around Pine Ridge Road for the Park & Ride Trolley. The recommendations was to place the resort by making Crescent, Fifth and the portion of Estero from the new signage on Pine Ridge Road so visitors could be directed to the recently base of the bridge to Crescent one way counter clockwise. Preferably this opened Park & Ride facility and a new sign be placed at the intersection of San should be done BEFORE construction for the resort begins. Additionally Carlos Boulevard and Pine Ridge Road that would shorten the left turn line. Pedestrian traffic crossing over the bridge to the beach should be routed After reading the editorial, I forwarded the suggestion to the appropri- north at the base of the bridge to enter the downtown area of San Carlos ate Lee County staff who determined that better directional signage was indeed by passing under the bridge, or along the north side of Fifth to the south needed in both locations. Staff will be reviewing the LeeTran directional signage side of Crescent then out to Estero. next week and evaluating the effectiveness of the signs, their placement, and make any suggestions that will be beneficial to the public. Along with that suggestion there has been overwhelming support from Kirk Whitacre visitors and residents alike for the open air tram which provided a free service to Fort Myers Beach move people (not cars) in the downtown area of Fort Myers Beach. Lee County launched this test pilot program in February to see if there would be acceptance during peak season and whether programs like it could be expanded in other TPI LISTENED TO ISLANDERS areas in Lee County. With its success there was an additional need to monitor its usage during non-peak season, perhaps looking at either expanding the ser- I am writing this letter with regards to Mr. Ustruck’s letter (“Neigh- vice or the time. Lee County Transit (LeeTran) has announced that they will be bors Support Project=Irony,” Island Sand Paper, March 20, 2018) com- extending their seasonal service routes, which includes the Fort Myers Beach menting on the irony of our 5 Decide group being neighbors of Mr. Torger- Tram, which runs from Bowditch Point Park to Matanzas Pass Preserve. The son. Beach Tram, along with the Beach Park & Ride Trolley (490) and Beach Trolley (410) will continue its free services until May 30th. Again, we welcome any sug- I am treasurer of 5 Decide and became involved mainly to get the gestions or comments. facts out about TPI project. I and my other neighbors were removed from No doubt the biggest conversation regarding activity on Fort Myers the Voice of Fort Myers Facebook page for questioning the facts being Beach is the Estero Blvd. project, current status, future plans and expectations. posted. Therefore, we decided to start our own site to get the real facts to Although the work is steadily moving alongside work from the Town of Fort Myers the public. Beach, expectations should remain the same as the project progresses further As a resident, I was unhappy with the first proposal TPI put for- south. Lee County DOT crews are working tirelessly and motorists should expect ward, Mr. Torgerson was my neighbor at that time and I expressed my travel lane shifts and some intermittent lane closures when necessary. concerns. He listened and his new proposal is evidence he hears us. Here is an update on that project: The North End of the island has been slowly degrading over the Segment 1- Crescent Street to Lovers Lane: Complete past 10 years. It’s time for a change and I support TPI because it’s the Segment 2- Lovers Lane to Strandview Avenue/Publix: Underway with com- change we need. pletion scheduled for December 2018. In an attempt to expedite the project, we’ve consolidated the latter segments. Trading high rises on the beach for more density on the bay is Segment 3 and 4- Strandview Avenue/Publix to Albatross Street: Being ne- great for our island to name one of many trade offs Mr. Torgerson has gotiated now, with a Notice to Proceed to the Board of County Commissioners given us. anticipated October/November 2018. There is no irony, just concerned united neighbors tired of watch- Segment 5/6- Albatross Street to end of island: Should begin early/mid 2020 ing the paradise I decided to retire to become an embarrassing eye sore. such that the entire project can be completed by the end of 2021. We hope you find this update helpful. As always, if you require assis- Pat Duclos tance or have any suggestions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact 5 Decide your District 3 office at (239) 533-2223 or via email at [email protected] . Fort Myers Beach Larry Kiker District 3 Lee Board of County Commissioners April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 13 Music & Movie on The Mound! Mound House the Place to Be on Back-to-Back Saturdays By Gary Mooney I had all these visions about all [email protected] the kinds of things we could host that would be wonderful to bring The Mound House is the to the community, as there is just historic and cultural treasure of Fort something special about coming to Myers Beach, but for two upcoming the Mound House.” Saturday evenings, it transforms Alison reminds everyone to into the community’s outdoor “bring blankets, lawn chairs, and entertainment place-to-be, with the bug spray. Puppies are always inaugural “Music on The Mound” welcome, but we prohibit coolers! on Saturday, April 21, and the 2nd For the movie night, bring flashlights annual free “Movie on The Mound” for walking back to your car, though on Saturday, April 28! we will have some lanterns on the “During our 2016 Strategic grounds. Park in our overflow lot Planning, we talked about hosting at 216 Connecticut Street or by special events, to reach a wider the corner at the Beach Baptist The Movie on the Mound, a popular part of the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival, will be held at audience,” said Alison Giesen, the Mound House on Saturday, April 28 at sunset. Church.” the Director of Cultural Resources The Mound House is open for the Town of Fort Myers Beach The Museum will close, with the Film. We readily accepted, as there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through and Mound House Director. “In Museum store open. is nothing better than watching a Saturdays through April 28, then considering musical ideas, I “We are excited to work with movie outside by the bay! This is reverts to its offseason schedule immediately knew I wanted Sheena the Film Festival for the second great exposure, to attract people of Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Brook to be our first entertainer! We year now,” related Alison. “We who have never been here before, Saturdays. The Mound House initially met when her wife, Summer partner with Fish-Tale Marina on while allowing us to better serve our is at 451 Connecticut Street, Stockton, served on the Fort Myers Mound Key Boat Trips, and they are community, so we all really hope with additional parking at 216 Beach Town Council. Sheena is a big Film Festival sponsors, and it families enjoy the free event. The Connecticut. For information great talent, and we are also familiar seemed to them the Mound House Mound House is such a diverse call 239-765-0865 or see www. with her from the annual ‘Island was a natural fit for the free Family venue; I recall when I first began, moundhouse.org. Hopper Songwriters Festival’ and ‘The Voice.’ I also knew she had a lot going on at that time, with many wonderful opportunities.” Alison was later meeting with Nancy MacPhee, of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau that is instrumental with the ‘Island Hopper,’ when they ran into Sheena. “Nancy said Sheena would be a terrific person to perform at the Mound House,” Alison recalled, “and I said I would love to have that happen, and that led to her ‘Music on The Mound’ appearance. I am thrilled she is our first performer!” The evening is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with Sheena performing from 6 to 7. “I encourage people to get your tickets early,” reminded Alison, “as it is an intimate performance with limited space. Contact us for tickets at 239-765- 0865 or buy them at the Museum Store that is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are just $10 for Mound House members and $15 for non- members.” Proceeds go to the Mound House Summer Scholarship Fund to benefit local beach kids, “and that makes this concert even more exciting,” Alison said. “JewBan’s food truck, that serves a mixture of Jewish and Cuban food, will be here, as will be Momentum Brewhouse, for your food-and- beverage pleasure. We will have fun things to do before Sheena comes out, like a giant Jenga and lawn games, with the Museum open and the ‘Island Hopper’ folks handing out SWAG to promote the Festival.” SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES!

One week later, on Saturday evening, April 28, the Mound House hosts with the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival its free family “Movie on The Mound,” featuring the smash Disney hit, “Coco!” The 2017 movie won Academy Awards for Best Animated Picture and Best Original Song, with “Remember Me.” It starts at sunset, with family activities beginning at 7 p.m. and light refreshments for purchase. Page 14 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018

A Walk through Estero Island History Discover and Preserve Local History: The Estero Island Historic Society By Janet Sailian These early eras and Bay Road. That required significant [email protected] artifacts would have faded from our funds and logistics, as did the collective knowledge if not for the renovation and refitting of the For an island whose history preservation and education work of structure. of human settlement dates back the Estero Island Historic Society. Fort Myers Beach residents thousands of years, Fort Myers The EIHS was started in 1991 by a pitched in and dug deep. They joined Beach has only a quarter-century group of islanders who recognized up as EIHS members, and donated record of systematically preserving the value of preserving the history funds that were matched by the and sharing its past, thanks to the of their island community, and Estero Island Historic Society. wanted to educate others about it. Some members of the past WHAT HAVE WE LOST IN and current EIHS Board grew up on THE SANDS OF TIME? Fort Myers Beach in the 1930s to 1950s, when it was a small village Shell mounds that once concentrated on the northern half dotted the island, created over Aerial view of Matanzas Pass Preserve of the island. centuries by Calusa Indians, were on left and Bay Oaks on right. Circa To these people, history is casually destroyed, their contents 1950’s-1960’s. no abstract concept; it is part of their used as fill, in the late 1800s and lives. They are equally fascinated early 1900s. The mounds’ shells victims of both weather and by, and dedicated to sharing and and small artifacts, now known to be changing uses of our waterways. preserving, what remains of the archeologically significant, served Dozens of unique cottages, plus early history of this area. as fill for subdivisions carved out of the iconic stone archway that once swampland, or paving material for marked the entrance to Fort Myers FINDING A HOME Beach, now exist only on antique Estero Boulevard and other island FOR OUR HISTORY The Historic Cottages, 2005, home of the streets. picture postcards. Estero Island Historic Society. Traces of the Spanish The Koreshan Unity built a In 1993 Lee County officials explorers who visited this area in small, thriving religious community procured land at the entrance to Lee County Historic Preservation the 1600s, and of pirates such as on the southern tip of Fort Myers the Matanzas Pass Preserve at Assistance Program. Reckwerdt Black Augustus who followed, have Beach starting in 1894. After the the bottom of Bay Road. The 5th Plumbing donated all the plumbing long since disappeared under sand Koreshans moved inland to Estero, cottage built on Fort Myers Beach, fixtures and labor. or seawater. There are still whispers their beachside house on the south by the Davison family in 1921, The Historic Cottage, as it about buried treasure somewhere end of the island disappeared in was donated as a museum and was dubbed, moved to its new site on Estero Bay’s mangrove islands. storms. The tomb of this cult-like headquarters for the two-year-old on August 2, 1995. After extensive Fishing shacks built in group’s founder, Cyrus Teed, was Estero Island Historic Society. work, the Estero Island Historic Estero Bay by Cuban fishermen in washed into the Gulf of Mexico The cottage had to be Society and Nature Center officially the 1700s, and by early 20th-century during a hurricane, erasing all traces moved from its beachside Mango opened on May 5, 1997. homesteaders, have vanished, of the island’s first community. Street location to its new home on The EIHS needed still more April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 15

space. Laughing Gull Cottage Room of the Fort Myers Beach Become a Fort Myers was donated and moved from Public Library. In December, Beach history expert! Here is a ESTERO ISLAND HISTORIC its beachside perch on Seaview sampling of the facts you can learn SOCIETY SEEKS CURATOR Avenue to the Historic Cottage site at the Historic Cottage: in 2002. It now serves as the EIHS Do you have experience in cu- library, media room and Board Q: According to archaeologists, ration, archiving, museum work meeting room. when did the first settlers arrive on or historical documentation? Do The Estero Island Historic Mound Key in Estero Bay? Society serves three main missions: A: Around A.D. 100. you enjoy learning and commu- archival, educational and historical. nicating about local and regional It holds videotaped recordings Q: Who was the first European history, both human and natural? of over 80 local oral histories. recorded as landing on or near Fort If so, please consider applying Standing displays in the Historic Myers Beach? to serve as the volunteer (part- Cottage show how this community A: Juan Ponce de Leon on May 24, time) Curator for the EIHS. evolved from a sparsely populated 1513. barrier island to the popular tourist The Society has a wealth of ma- destination it is today. Q: What is the origin of the name terials, documents and artifacts Matanzas Pass (the strait between related to Fort Myers Beach COME BY TO VISIT! the north end of the island and San history that have been carefully Carlos Island)? maintained by a volunteer Cura- The quieter period from A: Matanzas means massacre in mid-April through November is Spanish, and historians believe tor who is stepping down. an ideal time to visit the Historic Opening of the Historic Cottage in 1997. Pho- many local Calusa Indians were Cottage and sample local history. tos courtesy of the Estero Island Historic Society. slaughtered near here by the This position is ideal for a retir- Drop by 161 Bay Road between Spanish. ee or part-time resident with a 10 a.m. and noon any Wednesday everyone is welcomed to a holiday background in organizing and or Saturday. Browse through Open House at the festively Q: For whom was Bowditch Point managing exhibits, and organiz- the cottage museum, packed decorated Historic Cottage. (northernmost tip of the island) ing document/photo storage and with artifacts, photos, books and The EIHS invites seasonal named? curation. Depending on the can- descriptions of days gone by. residents and visitors to join the A: Naval Officer Nathaniel didate’s skills and experience, Volunteers will be happy to provide Historic Society for modest annual Bowditch, author of a well-known this part-time volunteer position rates of $10 per individual or $20 nautical reference book. a tour and answer your questions. can include: You can purchase note for a family. Lifetime membership cards with charming watercolor costs a mere $100. To inquire, Q: In what city was Fort Myers -conceiving, developing and im- renderings of Fort Myers Beach contact Russ Carter, EIHS Beach’s original county seat? plementing exhibitions; cottages, a woven afghan with President, at 239-233-3571, or by A: Key West -performing scholarly research; images from the area’s past and a e-mail at [email protected] and number of books on local history. Above all, discover the Q: Who was the most famous (or -assisting with fund-raising and For a fascinating glimpse unique history that makes Fort infamous) local pirate? donor cultivation. into local and regional history and Myers Beach far more than a lovely A: Jose Gaspar, for whom ecology, plan to attend a public tourist destination. Thanks to the Gasparilla Island is named. For more information or to volun- meeting of the Historic Society. On Estero Island Historic Society, a teer, please contact Leroy Hom- the second Monday of November, many-layered past still lives today. Q: What does Estero mean in merding at the Fort Myers Beach Spanish (Estero Island, Estero January, February and March, the Public Library at 239-765-8165 EIHS holds an open meeting (free Bay)? DAZZLE YOUR FRIENDS or by e-mail at [email protected]. of charge; donations welcome) at WITH LOCAL LORE! A: Estuary. 7 p.m. in the 3rd-floor Community fl.us Page 16 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018

two car shows each month, on a legend on FMB! The first tee ing gloves and bags to all vol- the 1st and 3rd MO through time will be 4pm. Prizes, raf- unteers. Help make a difference the end of April. Next show Apr. fles and even mulligans! Survi- in the community and environ- 16 from 4-7pm. Stop by to see vors will enjoy the 19th hole at ment! Volunteers can register at April 2018 FREE some cool hot rods, classic cars Pinchers Crab Shack. Open to klcb.org. and custom trucks. Have a great the public. 5-player team entry car? Arrive early for parking and is $150. Gallery tickets to just MUSIC ON THE MOUND registration. Free to show; free watch are $5. Sponsors are Make plans now to attend Music to look. For more information still needed. For more informa- on the Mound featuring Sheena visit MyParrotKey.com or call tion call 239-454-7500 or email Brook on SA Apr 21 from 5:30- 239-463-3257. [email protected]. 7:30 p.m. at the Mound House. Bring your chairs or blankets. BUNCHE BEACH BIRDS LOCAL ARTIST Food and beer available. No Join a naturalist guide to explore SHOWCASE coolers allowed. Parking at 216 the mud flats of Bunche Beach on The Fort Myers Beach Friends Connecticut St. or Beach Baptist A Daily Guide to Fun on the Beach SA, April 14 at 7:30am. Bunche of the Arts Winter Concert Se- Church. $15 non-members/ $10 A Publication of FortMyersBeach.news Beach offers an amazing opportu- ries will wrap up the season with MH members. Tickets available nity to view shorebirds, shells and a spectacular closing concert on at the gate or by calling 239- Each week Around & About possibly a manatee or dolphin. Thursday, April 19 from 7-9pm at 765-0865. features community announce- Bring camera, shoes that can get the Fish-Tale Marina Propeller ments and events held by char- wet, bug spray and drinking water. Lounge with several outstanding BONSAI itable and non-profit organiza- Bunche Beach, 18201 John Mor- local musicians. Headlining will The Bonsai Society of South- tions that are open to everyone. ris Rd. Meet on the beach. Free be Sheena Brook, who was seen west Florida, Inc. will conduct a Check the events listed here and with paid parking. Leeparks.org for on The Voice last season. Also public auction of bonsai trees, pick up a copy of SAND LIFE more info. 239-707-3015 performing will be Jo List, whose pots and related materials be- entertainment magazine! musical talent is well known ginning at 10am on SA Apr 21 at TAXPAYERS among Islanders and the Pearl the Berne Davis Garden Center, SPAGHETTI DINNER ASSOCIATION Street Band, featuring a number 2166 Virginia Ave. in Fort Myers. Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian The Estero Island Taxpayers of local musicians. Tickets are A free buffet lunch will follow the Church hosts its monthly Spa- Association will meet on TU Apr $25 and available at FMBArts. auction. The public is invited; ghetti Dinners on SA Apr 14 from 17. Social time begins at 6pm org or by calling 239-463-3600. free parking available on Larch- 5-7pm. The entire community is with the meeting at 6:30pm at mont Street, just east of the Ed- invited to share this meal togeth- the Beach Baptist Church. This GREAT AMERICAN ison Home Garden Shop. For er. On the menu will be Spaghet- month’s topic of discussion will CLEANUP more information, contact Sam ti & meatballs, Spicy Sausage be Community Development Keep Lee County Beautiful Wollard at [email protected]. and Peppers & Onions, Salad, with Guest Speaker Town Man- will host the 20th annual Great Garlic Bread, Dessert and bev- ager Roger Hernstadt and other American Cleanup at over 25 FILM FESTIVAL erages. Tickets $10 adult/$5 Town staff. The Town is bringing locations throughout Lee Coun- The Fort Myers Beach Film Public Safety personnel/kids 10 permitting in house and will no ty on SA April 21, 2018 from Festival will be held April 25- and under free. longer send permitting through 8-11am. Local sites include FMB 29. Opening Ceremony will be Lee County. Hernstadt will dis- Elementary School, Bowditch held at 2pm on WE Apr 25 at GARDEN CLUB cuss what this means for our Point Park and Dog Beach. The the Beach Theater. Independent The Estero Island Garden Club community. FMB Community Foundation will films, selected by the Film Fes- will hold meetings on April 16th assist at the school site, provid- tival Committee will be shown and May 7th at 9:00 am. The MINI-MASTERS GOLF meetings are held at the Wom- The 6th annual Fort Myers en’s Club, 175 Sterling Ave., Beach Mini-Masters Golf Tour- FMB. All are welcome; for more nament, sponsored by the Fort information call 978 460 1814. Myers Beach Chamber of Com- merce, will take place on TH Apr. CAR SHOW 19 from 3-8pm at Jungle Golf. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill hosts This is your chance to become April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 17

bridge, Players rotate throughout here in Lee County. Questions? stack beach furniture close to the the day competing in six rounds. Call 239-343-7122 building. Remove all beach lit- Bring a bagged lunch and en- ter. Fill in any holes that are dug joy good company and great PROTECT OUR TURTLES on the beach when you leave for bridge. Cost: $5/non-members, Be on the lookout for nesting the day. Your actions can mean $3/members. Proceeds support turtles on our beaches. Turtle life or death to endangered sea community activities. Coffee, season is May - October. Beach- turtles. For more information on iced tea and water served. For front homeowners are asked to sea turtles visit TurtleTime.org. more information, call do their part to protect our nest- Claire Langer 239-292-1900. ing and newly hatched turtles. MARKET SEASON at 3, 6 & 9pm from WE-SA. FMB Woman’s Club, 175 Ster- Turtles are disoriented by lights Three open-air markets will con- The Festival concludes with the ling Ave, FMB. shining on the beach. Shield tinue through the end of April on Awards Ceremony at 2pm SU your outdoor lights, or replace FMB: Apr 29 at Fish Tale Marina, fol- LIONS’ SCHOLARSHIPS the bulbs with Amber LED bulbs. -TU 8am-noon; Fort Myers lowed by screenings of winning The Fort Myers Beach Lions are Turtles cannot see amber light- Beach Farm & Art Market in films at 3 and 6pm at the the- soliciting candidates for their ing but humans can. Find lights the Nervous Nellie’s parking lot ater. The Free Family Movie on 2018 “WE SERVE” scholarships. here: bit.ly/turtlelites. If you rent through April. the Mound will present “Coco” at Cash awards for college or vo- out your condo or home near -TU 8am-1pm; The Santini Mar- the Mound House at sunset on cational educational assistance the beach during turtle nesting ket at Santini Plaza through SA Apr 28. For more details see are given to local students who season, leave instructions to April. fmbfilmfest.com. demonstrate ability, need and a close the drapes after sunset to -WE 9am-2pm; Beach Baptist solid record of community ser- prevent light from shining on the Market at Estero Blvd and Con- TASTE OF THE BEACH vice. Applications for this year’s beach. Ask renters to remove or necticut The 23rd annual Taste of the students can be found on the Beach will be held on SU May 6 Fort Myers Beach Lions Web- on Old San Carlos Blvd. Restau- site: fmblions.com. Please make rants will offer samples of their sure you receive an e-mail con- signature dishes for purchase firmation after you send in the and compete for Taste of the application. All completed appli- Government Meetings Beach Award honors. Gates cations must be postmarked no open at 11am. Food will be later than May 31, 2018. served until it runs out or 4pm. Tuesday, 4/17 9:00am Local Planning Agency Admission is $5 for adults and DONATE BLOOD NOW 6:00pm Fire Board children over 12. Children un- The spring season creates a der 12 are free. Food tickets are critical need for blood donations. Wednesday, 4/18 9:00am Anchorage Advisory Committee $1 each with an average food Can you help? Do you have 45 serving $5. Live entertainment minutes to spare to save a life? Thursday, 4/19 9:00am Bay Oaks Advisory Board included. Drop by the Lee Health Blood Center at Summerlin Crossings, BRIDGE 15880 Summerlin Rd, Suite 113 All meetings take place in Town Hall, 2525 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, The Woman’s Club of FMB in- unless otherwise noted. Meeting times are accurate as of press time. Town anytime MO – FR 8am-4:30pm. meetings can be confirmed at fmbgov.com. vites all bridge players to join On WE they’re open until 7pm! them every TU & FR beginning All blood donated at Lee Health at 9:30am for a day of social Blood Center saves lives right Page 18 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018 April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 19

Restore FMB Arches to Host Two Events, Cont’d from pg.1

Spanish style, so what better date down. I can personally relate to than that!” that, as my mother cried when While fundraisers are they came down, too! She passed terrific and fun, “We can never away in 2016, so to me, this is like accomplish our goal as a privately- bringing them back for her and a funded organization,” rationalized lot of other people to whom they Ray, “but will need government meant so much, as we want them support, as we will not be able to look exactly the same way, only to restore the arches without the bigger and better!” help of the Florida Department of To volunteer or learn more Transportation, the Town of Fort about the project, go to Restore Fort Myers Beach and the backing of Myers Beach Arches on Facebook. Lee County. We have nearly 650 To contribute, come to Bonita Bill’s members in our group, though, so on Saturday, May 5, from 4 to 9 we still intend to raise as much of p.m., or purchase raffle tickets from the money as we can, with as little “Bridgette’s Place” in the Indian financial support as possible from Creek Plaza at 17284 San Carlos taxpayers.” Boulevard, suite #104. As opposed to the arch’s FAMILY TRADITIONS 1979 demolition, “This time we have time on our side,” explained Ray feels that the effort Ray. “Back when they came to restore the Fort Myers Beach down, it was a race against time, arches “is important to many people, and there was even one County particularly beach residents, whose Commissioner who tried to delay grandparents loved the arch, and their destruction, but word did not they want their grandchildren to reach the subcontractor in time, The Phillips Stone Monument will receive some TLC on April 19. experience this tradition as well. so we lost that race, but now Lee trying to construct the restored 796 San Carlos Drive, at the corner One person I can think of knows County tells us we have time on our arches at San Carlos Boulevard of San Carlos Drive and the west their great-grandfather helped to side, to make sure we do this right, and Main Street on San Carlos end of Main Street, by the LeeTran build the original one, and their to rebuild them.” Island, near where the original parking lot, on Thursday, April 19, mother cried when they tore them ones stood,” said Ray McDonald, at 10:30 a.m. This will include President of Restore Fort Myers the placing of a plaque as well as Beach Arches, Inc., “but we new non-invasive and native plant understand the Florida Department landscaping, with the program free of Transportation may recommend and open to the public. installing a new traffic signal there, A little over two week’s later, and that would most likely preclude Restore FMB Arches first major having them on that spot. We plan fundraiser, “Rock The Arches Music to build them in a modular fashion Festival,” will be held on Saturday, off-site, then move the sections to May 5, at Bonita Bill’s Waterfront our eventual location. The restored Café at 702 Fisherman’s Wharf, arches can’t be an exact duplicate appropriately under the Matanzas of the original, as they must be Pass Bridge, from 4 to 9 p.m. “This as tall as an Interstate bridge to has been two years in the making,” accommodate modern truck traffic, said Ray. “We realized in late 2016 and as wide as the current San we could not accomplish our goal as Carlos Boulevard. We do hope to a private enterprise, so we became incorporate, however, elements of a non-profit, and sought sponsors, the original arch, as much of that a venue, and musical entertainment stone still exists at various places to throw a big event that would be around Southwest Florida.” free with donations and a heck of a raffle. We have 19 sponsors PHILLIPS STONE that donated prizes, ranging from MONUMENT gift certificates up to three-night resort stays. ‘Bad Latitude’ is the The group’s first program headliner, with people calling them celebrates the last large remaining the future of the Fort Myers Beach remnant of the arch, when South music scene and a premier rock High School’s Future Farmers & roll band. David & Jenny along of America chapter conducts a with John Sherman entertain as landscaping event to rejuvenate the well. We chose Cinco De Mayo South Fort Myers High School students will plant native landscaping around the Phillips historic Phillips Stone Monument at purposely, as the arches are of a Stone Monument on April 19 at 10:30 a.m. Photos by Gary Mooney. Page 20 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018

I went down the street to a 24-hour grocery store. When I got there, the guy was locking the front door. I said, “Hey! The sign says you’re open 24 hours.” He Said, “Yes, but not in a row!”

What’s a pirates favorite letter? You think it’s R but it be the C

Share your food and drink photos with #PierSideEats

piersidegrill.com | Open Daily 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Next to the Public Pier April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 21

“Mirror mirror on the wall, greatest mullet of them all.” Eric M. Huntsman

“FMB, where Mermen offer fish to lucky visitors!” Chris Doyle

“Let’s mullet over!” Wils Murphy

“I appreciate it honey, but that’s not my sandal.” Patrick McGuire

‘My, what a big FISH you have, Mr. Ocean Man!’ Keri Hendry Weeg

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.) Page 22 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018 April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 23 Full Circle Borrego Returns to Field of His Youth By Gary Mooney the GCL Twins,” the new skipper [email protected] related. “I am so proud to see how they are developing, not only as Ramon Borrego may be baseball players but as young men. the new manager of the Fort My- I think they have a lot of trust in me, ers Miracle, the Single A affiliate for as they know I helped begin the the Minnesota Twins in the Florida careers of most of the current Min- State League, but neither Fort My- nesota Twins when they first start- ers nor the Miracle are new to the ed out in the GCL, as every one of Venezuela native! Borrego enters these guys wants to one day play his 22nd season with the Twins or- in the majors. It is my job to make ganization, having originally signed sure they play hard on the field, and with them as an undrafted free to do things right, both between agent player in 1995, remaining in the white lines and away from the their system from 1996 to 2002, stadium. To make it in baseball re- then began his coaching career in quires a lot of adjustments as you 2004. go along, and that is true of life as As a player, Borrego made well.” his professional debut with the Starting pitcher Brady An- Gulf Coast League (GCL) Twins in derson, who played collegiately 1996, which also play at the Centu- at Florida Gulf Coast University, ryLink Sports Complex, hitting .357 played under Borrego two sea- in 19 games. GCL teams are made sons ago with the GCL Twins. “I up of first-year players who play a liked playing for him then and look 60-game season from mid-June to forward to it now. He has a very late-August, with an emphasis on laid-back style, allowing you to be skill development rather than com- yourself, but expects you to show petitive play. He performed so well up and to do your job, and will do he earned the first of his three op- anything for you to help you to get Ramon Borrega in his 1st season as Miracle manager. portunities with the Miracle, but hit better.” just .196 in 16 games. He returned was a big fireworks show after that, catch on the field, and running the to the Miracle in 1999 with his play- DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN and all the fans and players went bases after the game, with several ing career ending two seasons lat- home in such a good mood, espe- Miracle players signing autographs er. Borrego became a Twins minor There is a sense of déjà vu cially me! I loved being here as a before the 4 p.m. contest. Unfor- league coach in 2004, rising to be for Borrego at Hammond Stadium, player, and that is what makes it so tunately, due to our extremely dry the GCL Twins manager in 2010, 18 years after his final stint as a exciting to be back as the manag- conditions, the Miracle may need to going a combined 236--235, with Miracle player. “I was standing in er.” cancel fireworks on Friday. his 2017 team winning the South left field not that long ago, and a lot The Miracle are home this Following this weekend, the Division title with a 35--23 mark. of memories from my playing days weekend, hosting the Tampa Tar- Miracle head out on a nine-game “I have actually managed here flooded back. I recall particu- pons of the New York Yankees or- road trip, and return to Hammond several of these Miracle players larly one game where I hit a walk- ganization. Friday’s game begins Stadium on Thursday, April 26, to before, when they first began with off double for us to win, then there at 7 p.m., with the first 500 fans take on the Daytona Tortugas. Tick- receiving a replica Miracle hat, with ets ($7.50 -- $12.00) are available Happy Hour from 6 to 8 p.m., and at www.milb.com, the stadium box post-game fireworks; on Saturday, office that opens 90 minutes prior the first 1,000 fans receive a Brian to each game or by phone at 239- Dozier Bobblehead, honoring the 768-4210 (with $2 processing fee). Miracle alumnus and current Twins Hammond Stadium at the Centu- All-Star 2nd baseman, with the ryLink Sports Complex is at 14100 game at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, April Six Mile Cyrus Parkway in South 15, is “Youth Baseball Day,” with Fort Myers. kids in their team shirts receiving a free ticket, enjoying a pre-game Page 24 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018 BEACH CLASSIFIEDS SEEKING ANNUAL HELP WANTED

SEEKING ANNUAL RENTAL! HELP WANTED Single 60 yr old Female - No Pets. Part Time and South-end condo or house. Full Time Positions Available Move in date flexible. Housekeeping, Laundry, Kitchen & Call 239-896-4510 Front Office Apply in person CONDO FOR SALE Outrigger Beach Resort 6200 Estero Boulevard FOR SALE Fort Myers Beach FL 33931 Sandarac II Condo Drug Free Workplace 2 BR/2BA 6662 Estero Blvd. Covered parking space HELP WANTED Glorious View! Sales Associates Call 239-495-0089 for more info. Full Time or Part Time Sandal Factory FOR SALE Fort Myers Beach Condo 2 BR/2BA Great Benefits South End of FMB Top Pay, 401K Tides • Matanzas Pass • Ft. Myers Beach Sunset Condos Major Medical Spectacular Beach & Bay Views Paid Vacation Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon Call 330-524-2419 Profit-Sharing /Low Time Feet Sunset Visible Employee Discounts FOR SALE Call store at 239-463-1989 F 13 Low 5:53 AM 0.2 7:06 AM Rise 5:45 AM 11 [email protected] 13 High 12:38 PM 2.2 7:51 PM Set 5:45 PM FOR SALE 13 Low 6:08 PM 0.6 Ladies Bike NEW Low Step BIRA Sa 14 High 12:33 AM 2.3 7:05 AM Rise 6:23 AM 5 Never Used HANDY MAN 14 Low 6:21 AM 0.4 7:51 PM Set 6:42 PM Cost over $600 HANDYMAN 14 High 12:52 PM 2.3 Best Offer 14 Low 6:45 PM 0.4 239-466-9954 For Small Jobs and Home Watch Call EMMY Su 15 High 1:19 AM 2.2 7:04 AM Rise 7:01 AM 1 HOME WATCH THE HOME DOCTORS 15 Low 6:47 AM 0.5 7:52 PM Set 7:41 PM 239-233-2587 15 High 1:09 PM 2.4 PERSONAL TOUCH HOME 15 Low 7:23 PM 0.1 WATCH Reliable Home Watch Services PEST CONTROL M 16 High 2:05 AM 2.2 7:03 AM Rise 7:40 AM 0 Located on FMB 16 Low 7:13 AM 0.7 7:52 PM Set 8:41 PM Since 2007 A Better Bugman LLC A Full Service 16 High 1:31 PM 2.7 239-463-1843 Pest Control Company 16 Low 8:04 PM -0.1 Residential & Commercial YOGA MOSQUITO + SPIDERS Tu 17 High 2:54 AM 2.1 7:02 AM Rise 8:23 AM 0 CONTROL PROGRAMS 17 Low 7:37 AM 1.0 7:53 PM Set 9:43 PM Yoga for Every Body Call Today for 17 High 1:57 PM 2.9 with Susan Carter FREE Estimate. 17 Low 8:49 PM -0.4 Certified Iyengar Phone: 239-454-BUGS(2847) Yoga Teacher Fax: 239-415-BUGS(2847) W 18 High 3:48 AM 2.0 7:01 AM Rise 9:08 AM 3 visit wechooseyoga.com 18 Low 8:02 AM 1.1 7:53 PM Set 10:45 PM 18 High 2:28 PM 3.0 18 Low 9:40 PM -0.4

Th 19 High 4:53 AM 1.7 7:00 AM Rise 9:59 AM 9 19 Low 8:25 AM 1.3 7:54 PM Set 11:48 PM 19 High 3:04 PM 3.0 19 Low 10:39 PM -0.5

F 20 High 6:22 AM 1.6 6:59 AM Rise 10:53 AM 17 20 Low 8:44 AM 1.5 7:54 PM 20 High 3:47 PM 3.0 20 Low 11:47 PM -0.4 For all tides go to www.saltwatertides.com April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 25 PUZZLE ANSWERS Page 26 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018

Cruiser’s Appreciation Day 2018 Re-Entry Pass and CodeRed

It’s time to register or renew your Hur- ricane Re-Entry Pass. All Fort Myers Beach residents and business owners who are not already registered for hurricane re-entry passes should submit a 2018 application. If you already have a PURPLE (Resident) or YELLOW (Business) pass), bring it to Town Hall to receive an updated 2018 sticker. Residents may receive up to 2 re-entry pass- es; business owners – 3 passes and Property Managers – 1 pass per 5 properties with a maximum of 5. Re-entry pass registration or renewal can be completed at Town Hall Monday-Fri- day 8:30am-4:30pm. Applications are avail- able online at fmbgov.com under Community > For Islanders > Emergency Operations, or Cruiser Appreciation Day drew cruisers, residents and visitors last Saturday afternoon for pick up an application at Town Hall, 2525 Es- the annual event celebrating the Town’s mooring field. The popular and highly rated 70-mooring tero Blvd, FMB. The Town will no longer mail ball field draws boaters year round. Matanzas Inn provides land-based services for those who use re-entry passes. They must be obtained in the field and annually hosts Cruiser’s Appreciation Day, along with the Town of Fort Myers Beach person. and the Anchorage Advisory Committee. For more information on the mooring field, call Matanzas Applicants must complete the applica- Inn 239-463-9258. tion and bring supporting documents to re- ceive a pass. Photo I.D. and proof of residen- cy is required. Property owners, tenants and businesses should have two of the following: Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration, Vot- er Registration, Utility Bill, Business Tax Bill, Company Letter, Occupational License or Lease. The Town is encouraging all Town res- idents and business owners to update their CodeRed Notification Registration. The Town uses The CodeRed Notification system to no- tify those registered of important information during an emergency and precautionary boil water notifications. If your address or contact information has changed, you need to update your registration. Registration for CodeRed is on the Home Page of the Town’s website at fmbgov.com, it is identified as a “button” on the lower left side of the page.

AmeBricae’s aOricgihna l FTirst Rhune Faootd eThreater

Doors open at 1:45 PM. April 13th, 2018 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 27 WHO’S PLAYING WHERE ON AND AROUND THE BEACH

CLUB FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

BEACHED WHALE 1249 Estero Blvd BOBBY BLAKEY TOMMY VAN OYER SAM DEARMOND OBE GONZALEZ TYLER KLUSNER 463-5505 6-9PM 6-9PM 6-9PM 6-9PM 6-9PM

CASTAWAYS Santini Marina Plaza ROCKIN’ HORSE ELECTRIC LIPSTICK 463-4644 8-MIDNIGHT 8-MIDNIGHT

SHUCKERS / COTTAGE ROGER YOUNG 4-7PM CHRIS CASDIA 4-7PM CHRIS CASDIA 4-7PM STEVE FARST 4-7 BOBBY BLAKEY 4-7PM CHARLIE MOON 4-7PM JOHN HOUSLEY 4-7PM Gulfshore Grill TROUBLEMAKERS 3 CROOKED STEPS TROUBLEMAKERS 3 CROOKED STEPS BAD BANDITOS STEVE FARST THE NEW VINYLS 765-5440 9PM-1AM 9PM-1AM 9-1PM 9PM-1AM 9PM-1AM 9PM-1AM 9PM-1AM

CRACKER BOX 16910 McGregor CRACKER BOX BAND JESSE ALLEN JESSE ALLEN BLUEGRASS JAM FRANK & IRIS 466-4344 7-10PM 7-10PM 6:30-9:30 6:30-9:30 6:30-9:30

DIXIE FISH CO. MIKE O’NEIL 1-4PM Fisherman’s Wharf MARK WESLEY ANTHONY WAYNE MEGAN ROSE BOBBY BLAKEY CHRIS CASDIA ANTHONY WAYNE TEQUILA TOM 233-8837 5:30PM-9:30PM 5:30PM-9:30PM 4PM 5:30-8:30 5:30PM 5:30-8:30PM 5:30-8:30PM

DOC FORDS 708 Fishermans Whf. BAD BANDITOS 3 CROOKED STEPS 1PM DEB & THE DYNAMICS STEVE McDOUGALL GIRL MEETS BOY KAPO KINGS 765-9660 6:30-9:30 KAPO KINGS 6:30PM 1-4PM 6:30-9:30PM 6:30-9:30PM 6:30-9:30PM

MATANZAS on the BAY 414 Crescent WAYNE DELORIA 12-5PM SCOTTY BRYAN 12-5PM GREG WATTS 12-5PM SCOTTY BRYAN SAILOR LARRY PETE BEARD MARY WINNER 463-3838 DANIEL D 5-9PM MARY WINNER 5-9PM SAILOR LARRY 5-9PM 5-9PM 5-9PM 5-9PM 5-9PM

NERVOUS NELLIES RASHIMBA 12-4 KEVON 12-4pm 1131 1st St OLD SCHOOL CHARLIE OLD SCHOOL CHARLIE SMOKIN BILL 12-4PM MICHAEL ANTOINE 12-4 TERRY CLEMSON 12-4 HAZY, HOT & HUMID MIKE GLEAN 12-4 463-8077 6-10PM 6-10PM HIGH TIDE 6-10PM SMOKIN BILL 6-10 KEVON 6-10PM 6-10PM MIKE GLEAN 6-10PM

OUTRIGGER 6200 Estero Blvd ALAN SMALL MEAGAN ROSE & SMALLTOWN MEAGAN ROSE ENDRE D TWO HANDS 463-3131 5-8 SMOKIN’ BILL 2-5PM 2-5PM 5-8PM 5-8PM 5-8PM

PARROT KEY Salty Sam’s Marina ANGEL LEWIS PROJECT FRANK TORINO FRANK TORINO GAITLIN GAITLIN FRANK TORINO 463-3257 7-10PM 7-10PM 7-10PM 7-10PM 7-10PM 7-10PM

PETE’S TIME OUT Time Square DAVE COLLATON DAVE COLLATON FRANK THOMPSON JAMES GRAGG JAMES GRAGG 463-5900 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM

PIERSIDE BY TOWN PIER SHERRIN 1-5 FRANK THOMPSON FRANK THOMPSON 1-5 ANTHONY WAYNE 1-5 BILL ZINK 1-5PM BILL ZINK 1-5PM BILL ZINK 1-5PM 765-7800 JEFF WHIDBY 6-10 1-5 6-10 BILL ZINK 7-10 GREG WATTS 6-10 JEFFREY WHIDBY 6-10 MARY WINNER 6-10PM ANTHONY WAYNE 6-10PM

PINCHERS TIKI BAR 6890 Estero Blvd HALF STEP DOWN ROCKIN’ HORSE DREAMKEEPER SHAWN RUSSELL SAM DeARMOND AARON SEYFFERTH N2L 463-2909 6-9PM 6-9PM 5-8PM 5-8PM 5-8PM 5-8PM 5-8PM

SALTY CRAB ANTHONY WAYNE 12-4 1154 Estero Blvd BERNIE HYLAND AWESOMESAUCE 1-5PM BUSTED STUFF BRIZZ & LADY3-6PM JEFF GREENE 1-5PM 233-8224 4:30-8:30PM AARON SEYFFERTH 6-9PM 5-9PM CHRIS KEMP 7-10PM

SHARK BAR & GRILL RASHIMBA 3-6PM MARY WINNER BAND 2-5 MARTY KEANE 2-5PM LAURIE STARR DUO 3-6PM 17979San Carlos Blvd RAGADY LAPSEY INCORRIGIBLES OMARI BANKS COLLABORATION BAND DJ BRIAN SAVAGE JACK MICHAELS BRENDA’S KARAOKE 313-6012 6-9PM 7-10PM 6-9PM 7-10PM 6-9PM 6-9PM 7-10PM

SOBs WILL KAISER 1-5PM SHAWN RUSSELL 1-5PM Old San Carlos Blvs DAVE COLLATON 1-5PM ANTHONY WAYNE 1-5PM LEE HAGAN WILL KAISER ANTHONY WAYNE FRANK THOMPSON DAVE COLLATON 463-3474 ANTHONY WAYNE 6-10PM DAVE COLLATON 6-10 6-10PM 6-10 6-10 6-10 6-10

SUNSET BEACH FMB TIMES SQUARE BARRY LAWRENCE CHRIS KEMP 2-5PM BARRY LAWRENCE 1-5PM MIKE GLEAN CLIVE LIVE DANNY D WENDELL RAY 463-1028 8-CLOSE CLIVE LIVE 8-CLOSE JENNY VE 8-CLOSE 8-CLOSE 8-CLOSE 8-CLOSE 8-CLOSE

SURF CLUB 1167 Estero Blvd JAMES GRAGG THE REGULARS SHAWN RUSSELL KARAOKE WITH CAM 765-0644 6-10PM 6-9PM 6-9PM 6-9PM

Who’s Playing Where Page is a free service for current Island Sand Paper Advertisers. ALL LISTINGS ARE SUPPLIED BY THE ADVERTISERS. ALL LISTINGS FOR THE MONTH ARE DUE ON THE 15TH OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH TO BE INCLUDED IN THE WHO’S PLAYING WHERE. 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! Page 28 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news April 13th, 2018 714 Fishermans Wharf (239) 233-8837 www.dixiefishfmb.com Local Gulf Shrimp & Great Views Retail Fish Market Available

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