The MULLET RAPPER

NEWS AREA INFO What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands TIDES ~ EVENTS FEBRUARY 23, 2019 - MARCH 8, 2019 25¢ RESTAURANTS

Business Development Workshop Perfect Weather. Perfect Weekend. Everglades City Hall 2019 Everglades City Seafood Festival Was Enjoyed by All! March 6th, 6 pm The 49th Annual Everglades City Seafood Festival took place on a weekend that was highlighted by pleasant temperatures, a nice breeze, great music and some pretty In January, Everglades City good food too. was designated as a Florida The bands played from mid-morning to night and the crowds definitely enjoyed it Trail Town by the Office of judging by the hooting, hollering and dancing going on around the big stage. Greenways and Trails. The event was emceed by Chris Lombardo for the second straight year. Chris Trail towns have or even got the crowd interested in “investing” in the sewer plant, promising that for a develop trails for non-motorized $5 donation the individuals name would be noted on the outside of one of the holding exploration by paddling, biking and hiking. tanks! The offer did not go unnoticed. Members of the audience immediately Because of Everglades City’s proximity to started asking where they could sign up with their $5 in hand! Great job, Chris! the Circumnavigational Waterway, the Next year, the festival turns 50. It will be interesting to see what Carol Foss has in Wilderness Waterway and many other store for the big anniversary. Thank you to Carol, and all of the other people behind hiking and biking trails, the OGT selected the scenes that help make the festival a success each year. It’s a lot of hard work all our city as one of only seven other trail year long, and a grueling weekend to pull it all off. Thank you to all who helped. towns in Florida. Below are some photos from the festival taken by the Mullet Rapper’s Other areas with these designations photojournalist, Helen Bryan. have experienced business growth, city revitalization and new opportunities for goods and services for trail users and residents. This workshop will provide information about what new opportunities emerged in other trail town cities and what we may expect from our new designation. The workshop is free and we invite all businessowners and entrepreneurs to attend. There will be a presentation and question and answer period after the presentation. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Kathy Brock @ 954- 662-7003.

RAPPER TABLE OF CONTENTS Above left: the crowd listens Local News/ Events, etc. p. 3 p. 8 to music at the big stage. Events Right; a dad waits for the Entrepreneur p. 4 Antonia Florio p.9 kids to slide down. Lower right: Seafood delight awaits School News/ p. 5 Capt. Merritt P. 9 Tax/ Butcher hungry festival-goers! Free Bike Tours p. 6 Local –Regional p.10 More Inside: Local entrepreneur launches a new My Slice p. 7 Tide Table p.11 sports line at the festival and Recipe & Puzzle p. 7 Obituary p.11 is “blown away” by the Poetry Street p. 8 Classifieds p.12 support. Read his story on page 4. FEATURE: INVASIVE SPECIES, P. 9

SWFL Coast tide predictions, area and event information at www.swflgo.com! Call us @ 954-662-7003 The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019 FEBRUARY 24, 2019—MARCH 30, 2019

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 24 25 26 27 28 March 1 2 TAC Mtg Ladies Coffee Snook Season Stargazing Havana Café, 8a Opens! Event, see p. 3

3 4 5 New Moon 6 7 8 Rapper 9 NCH Outreach Ladies Coffee Noon, see p. 10 City Council Island Café , 8a ESHP Mtg 8:30 a Mtg, 7 pm Biz Workshop, FME 4 pm see p. 1 No School 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Set Clock Ahead Ladies Coffee Lions Club Pancake Fly-in, 1 hour City Seafood, 8a Mtg. 6 pm See p. 3 Bike Ride, see p. 6 No School No School No School No School No School 17 18 19 Full Moon 20 21 22 Rapper 23 St. Patrick’s P & Z Mtg, Ladies Coffee Book Club, Art-in-Glades, Day 7 pm City Hall Havana Café, 8a see p. 8 see p. 3 Ash Wednesday Dinner at Park, 1st day of spring see p. 3 24 25 26 27 28 20 30 Ladies Coffee Island Café, 8a

April 14: Palm Sunday April 15: Tax Day April 18: Maundy Thursday April 21: Easter Sunday April 27th: Tamiami Trail Anniversary Celebration

AREA INFORMATION & NUMBERS: OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS: AA: Wed., 5:00 pm, Evg. Comm. Church, Fellowship Hall CARNESTOWN Recycle & Trash: Dec 1st, Every Sat, 9 am to 2:00 pm AIRPORT: 239-695-2778 DR DEMARTINO: Little Gator Clinic, See info on page 3. BIG CYPRESS: 239-695-2000 DR MARTIN: Call for appointment: 813-787-9738 CITY HALL: 239-695-3781 LIONS CLUB: Meet 2nd Thursday of Month, 6 pm CURBSIDE TRASH PICKUP 239-252-2380, MUSEUM: Open Monday-Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm. 239-252-5026 (CALL TUESDAY FOR THURSDAY PICKUP) PANCAKE FLY-IN: Mar. 16, Apr. 20. E City Airport, 10 am-noon EVG NATIONAL PARK: 239-695-3311 REACH OUT: 3rd Tuesday, 4 pm, City Hall FAKAHATCHEE: 239-695-4593 SKATING RINK: Now open! Fri. & Sat. 6 to 9 pm PUBLIC LIBRARY: 239-695-2511 SMALLWOOD STORE: Daily 10 am to 5pm, 239-695-2989 SHERIFF: 239-252-9300 THRIFT SHOP: Open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 11 am to 3, p.3. VETERANS SUPPORT: 2nd & 4rd Wed. of month, noon—2 pm RIGHT CHOICE SUPERMARKET The Local Area Code is 239 •ATM •Groceries •Shirts/Caps •Beer/Wine POST OFFICE INFORMATION: •Camping Gear •Meats •Hardware •Fresh Produce Chokoloskee (239) 695-4468 •Medicine •Greeting Cards (M-F: 9:30 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 4:30 pm, closed Sat. & Sun.) Everglades City (239) 695-2174 Open M—Th, 9 am—7 pm. Fri.—Sun 7 am—7 pm (M-F: 9:30 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 4:30 pm, closed Sat. & Sun.) 104 S. Buckner Ave., Everglades City, FL 34139, 239-695-4535 Ochopee (239) 695-2099 www.RightChoiceSupermarket.com (M-F: 8 am to 10 am, noon to 4 pm; Sa: 10 am to 11:30 am) email: [email protected] PAGE 2 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019

Dinner & Music at McLeod Park A Message from Fire-Chief Saturday, March 23, 5:00 to 8:00 pm Kingman Schuldt ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Save the date! Come to McLeod Park for a community dinner hosted by the Everglades Did you know the Gloria M. Art-in-the-Glades Lions Club with music, 50/50 drawing and Silverio Foundation, a 501(C)3 Florida not- Sat., Feb. & March 23rd, 10 am-1 pm much more. Cecil is cooking up pulled pork, for-profit organization, established a Come out to McLeod Park in and there will also be beans, corn, slaw and program in 2001, called “A Safe Haven for Everglades City on February & dessert. Dinner is only $12. For tickets call Newborns” that began in response to the March 23rd. There will be live Connie Barker; 419-350-6650. tragedy of newborn abandonment in music, goodies for the kids (and Florida? adults) and plenty of local arts and crafts. The Florida Safe Haven Law was It’s a great time to get some early (and enacted in 2000 in response to an increasing unique) holiday gifts and a great excuse to number of newborn infants left to die in spend a few hours at the park! Call FREE DENTAL, BLOOD PRESSURE dumpsters, garbage cans, ditches, along Marya at (239) 695-2905 for more info. SCREENINGS & BEHAVIORAL lakes, canals and other hazardous places… ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HEALTH INFORMATION FOR ALL Desperate young mothers who are hiding ORA Bazaar March 19, 8 am to 4 pm their pregnancy, in great fear and mental The Healthcare Network of Southwest Saturday, February 23rd. 9:00 am distress and don’t know what to do, have Florida’s Health & Smiles Mobile Dental The Annual ORA Bazaar, will be held on too often chosen the frantic path of Bus will be in Everglades City on March Chokoloskee Island, on Saturday, abandoning their newborns only to face 19th, from 8 am to 4 pm, in the Everglades February 23rd. The gates will open at charges in the legal system. The Community Church parking lot, providing free 9:00 am. There will be fresh bakery and unthinkable act of these young mothers not dental checks, blood pressure screenings and coffee. Lunch and ice cream will be only destroyed the lives of these babies, it behavioral health information if requested. For available starting at 11:00. made them criminals. Two lives lost more information or an appt: call 239-986- unnecessarily. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7323. Meet Clyde Butcher at his Big “Safe Haven” is a safety net for both the ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ mother and the newborn infant. It allows Cypress Gallery for his Annual THE FOOD BANK IS OPEN! Winter Open House mothers, fathers or whoever is in Wednesdays noon to 2pm possession of an unharmed newborn, Saturday, Feb. 23, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Everglades Community Pantry, a Visions of Dali’s Spain photographs by approximately seven days old or less, to proud partner agency of the Harry leave them with someone at Safe Havens: Clyde will be on display at the Big Chapin Food Bank, is open Cypress Gallery through March 10th. \ any hospital, staffed fire rescue station, or every Wednesday from noon to 2 in staffed emergency medical service station, Meet & Greet Location: Jinkins Fellowship Hall at Everglades 52388 Tamiami Tr. Ochopee, FL with no questions asked, totally Community Church. This institution is an anonymous, free from fear of prosecution. Phone: 239-695-2428 equal opportunity provider and employer. Website: https://clydebutcher.com/ The Hospital will contact a participating ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ private adoption agency who will then DOCTOR’S CLINIC arrange placement of the newborn with a Pancake Fly-in Dr. Kirk DeMartino is seeing patients waiting family. March 16, 10 am to noon in his Marco Island Office and in A Safe Haven for Newborns is dedicated Free Breakfast Everglades City on Fridays from to reaching pregnant girls and mothers Pancakes, Sausage & Beverage 1:30 to 4:30 pm. You may call his before they reach the crisis stage. They Fly-ins and walk-ups welcomed! office to schedule an appointment at either assist them as they make their decision in Future dates: March 16th & location: (239) 642-5552. the best interest of their baby and April 20th. We hope to see you at the ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ themselves, whether with counseling, Everglades City Airpark! NATURAL MEDICINE parenting, health related issues, Adoption or ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr. John Martin can see patients in Everglades confidentially placing their Newborn with a Stargazing—Dark Sky Event City on Fridays. Appts: from 10 am to 6 pm. “Safe Haven.” March 2, 7:30 to 9 pm Call to confirm: 813-787-9738. In compliance with Florida Statute View one of the darkest night skies in the ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 383.50 that designates fire stations as eastern United States by attending a CEDR Hurricane Disaster Recovery designated drop-off points for abandoned ranger-led astronomy program at Big Assistance is Available infants, the GNFR has operating procedures Cypress National Preserve -- and have a Communities of Everglades Disaster Recovery in place on how to care for a newborn works in conjunction with the Salvation Army infant that may be surrendered at a District snack and drink on NPCA. Location: and have a team set up in Everglades City Hall 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL (in the old council room). They will have facility. For more information please visit : 34141. advocates there from 10 am to 3 pm on https://asafehavenfornewborns.com/. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mondays to assist people still in need of help. Tamiami Trail Anniversary Stop in the office or you can call Elaine at 239 April 27th, Starting at 10 am -695-2695 for more information. Mark your calendars! On April 27th we ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ will celebrate the anniversary of the NEW E-CITY THRIFT SHOP Tamiami Trail. On the same day, our Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday City will be formally presented as a The new thrift shop is open Florida Trail Town. More details to come Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 11 am to in the next edition of the Rapper... 3 pm. Come see the new store located between the fire station and community center. email: [email protected] PAGE 3 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019 Local Boy Makes Good! Jimmy Wheeler Unveiled His Company’s New Gear Line at the Seafood Festival Here’s Why You’ll Be Seeing His Shirts on a Sportsman Near You by Kathy Brock About two years ago, Jimmy Wheeler told me he came back to Open Mon., Fri., Sat. & Sun. Everglades City “to make a difference.” Not really knowing Jimmy at 11 am to 4 pm that time, I really wasn’t sure what that meant. Now I do. Jimmy Wheeler is a 4th generation Glades-man. His family is well know around these parts. The Ivey House was named after his great- grandparents, Earl and Agnes Ivey. He’s got the everglades in his veins. As a child he attended Everglades City School, then he moved with his family to Naples and finished up his schooling there...but his heart never left Everglades City. In 2017, Jimmy and his wife Michelle bought a home on the Barron River in Everglades City and started moving in...then came Hurricane Irma and all her fury. The house was destroyed but his determination to make a difference in the town was not washed away with the storm surge. The first thing that made me think that Jimmy really will make a difference was his boat - he had it beautifully wrapped with the words “Everglades Fishing Co.” I recall seeing the bright red X and thinking it was memorable and cool. The Everglades Fishing Company is more than a guide service, it is a brand, and Everglades City brand. Last weekend when attending the seafood festival, I spotted people in the crowd wearing shirts and hats emblazoned with his logo. By Sunday, they could be spotted everywhere. On Sunday I visited his booth. Of course, it was a big, spacious booth with cool branded items everywhere. It was impressive. Jimmy and his wife Michelle were expecting to manage the booth duties themselves, but they got so busy they had to enlist family to come and help. They told me the response they had was overwhelming. It is great to see the entrepreneurial spirit alive and kicking in Everglades City. It’s even better to know it’s coming from someone who genuinely loves the town...and not only what can be exploited from it. The everglades are a lure for tourists from around the world. Our little city is host to thousands of them each year as they visit area parks and trails. Jimmy and Michelle are positioning themselves as a brand to be reckoned with. It won’t be easy, but good things seldom are. I am in their corner. I can’t wait to see how their company grows and what that may mean for our area. Congratulations Jimmy & Michelle Wheeler. By the way, I wear a women’s medium! www.evergladesfishingco.com www.instagram.com/evergladesfishingco/

Visit the new Noland's Old Country Market website to order a box of fresh local produce, homemade baked goods, farm fresh eggs, and raw local honey. Orders are available for pick up or delivery! Pick-up on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at 1181 Hamilton Lane, Chokoloskee. Deliveries made after 1 pm Saturday. http://mariljw64.wixsite.com/nolandsmarket

Standard Rooms Balcony Rooms

DAILY  WEEKLY MONTHLY Stone Crabs  Shrimp  Conch 102 E. Broadway Crab Cakes  Homemade Key Lime Pie Everglades City, FL Orlo & Pam Hilton 239-695-2662 For Reservations: Open Every Day 10:30-5 pm 239-695-1011 Find Us Behind the School! CaptainsTableResort.com email: [email protected] PAGE 4 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019

THE EVERGLADES CITY SCHOOL CORNER P: 239-377-9802, F 239-377-9801 www.evgcollierschools.com

Everglades City School Boys Basketball Teams Place What’s Happening in Sports First & Second in Area Tournaments! By Athletic Director Jill Whitcomb

The varsity boy’s and varsity girl’s basketball teams competed in the newly formed Paradise Coast Athletic Conference this year which consisted of the following schools: Everglades City, Donahue Academy, Mason Classical Academy, and Marco Island Academy. The varsity boys basketball team won the Paradise Coast Athletic Conference against Donahue Academy. The varsity girl’s were runner up losing to Donahue in the Championship game. Congratulations to both teams on a great season! The middle school boys basketball team also formed a new conference this year called the Southwest Florida Athletic Conference which consisted of the following teams: Everglades City, Mason Academy, Marco Charter Middle, Oak Creek Charter, and Gulf Coast Charter. The middle school boy’s also competed in the championship game against Marco Charter Middle. They fought hard and claimed the title of runner up for 2019.

Congratulations Gator Boys & Girls Basketball Teams!

School Schedule, February—March 2019 March 8-15: Spring Break, No School March 18: Return to Class

Mullet Rapper Donations to Everglades City School in 2019 ~$300!

Thank you to everyone who buys the Mullet Photos: Top Left: The boys middle school basketball team. Rapper every two weeks. Remember, the Mullet Bottom Left: The boys varsity basketball team. Lower Right: Rapper donates 100% of the proceeds from the sale The girls varsity basketball team. of the print edition of the paper to Everglades City School to help fund the athletic department. When you see the coin receptacle, please put your quarter (or more) into the slot! Everglades Arts online gallery Remember, When You Buy the Print Edition of the Mullet Rapper Coastal Paintings Varick Niles Originals Visit galleries by appointment View on It Helps Everglades City School Students! Instagram: everglades_arts, [email protected]

email: [email protected] PAGE 5 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019

Cycle Tours through the Everglades Bear Island Bike Ride

Join us for a leisurely bike ride in the northwestern portion of Big Cypress National Preserve. The Bear Island area is a fantastic place to observe a variety of plants and animals in prime panther habitat. You must bring your own fat tire bike - hybrid or mountain bike. It is a 14 mile round trip ride on a hard rock road. (Not suitable for road bikes.) Please bring snacks and lunch that can fit in your backpack, plenty of water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and dress for the weather. This ride is limited to 12 people and a minimum age of 15. Since this ride is limited to 12 people, please RSVP to Dayna at (239) 777-5806.

Directions if coming via I-75: Exit HWY 75 at exit #80 onto Highway 29 going north. If coming from the West, there is a $3.50 toll just after exit #101. Travel north from HWY 75 on Highway 29 toward Immokalee 4 miles. Watch for the Bike Ride sign on the right side of the road and turn in to the right. Come in through the panther fencing to the parking area.

Biking Events March 10 – Bear Island in the Big Cypress Located at the Tower Building at 900 S. Copeland Av., Everglades City No registration fees – 1-866-NAT-Park sign up to receive updates: [email protected] or Visit : https://evergladesrogg.org/events/

Breakfast 8 am to 10 am, 12 to 6 Lunch & Dinner

Solution to February 9, 2019 Puzzle email: [email protected] PAGE 6 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019 My Little Slice of Paradise by Kathy Brock There has been a lot of discussion about the Island Life Recipes seafood festival lately. Some of us love it, others not so Yummy Peanut Butter Pie much. Most of us who live here stay here because we do by Connie Barker not like traffic or crowds, and the festival brings both of those things to our community for a 3-day period. I have pondered this quite a bit over the years, more so 1 graham cracker crust (make one from scratch in the last two or three. This year, I purposely set out to or purchase a ready made one) look at it from an outsider’s perspective. I also tried to 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter evaluate whether “it does any good for the community”. 1 cup powdered (10x) sugar 1/2 cup milk What does it bring to us other than a boisterous crowd 4 oz. softened cream cheese ready to eat, drink and party in the streets? 12 oz. container Cool Whip I spoke to some festival-goers to get their take on it too…and those that come here for it, really enjoy it. They Directions: Mix all ingredients together love the atmosphere. They love the town and they like the until creamy. Fold in 8 ounces of the Cool food too. Whip. Pour the mixture into the prepared Local not-for-profits feel the same way. Our churches pie crust and then put it in freezer for at benefit from the parking. The Lions Club benefits from the least 4 hours. Just before serving, spread sale of food. The school benefits from the sale of Coke the remaining Cool Whip on the pie and serve. Enjoy! products. And, the residents indirectly benefit from all of the above because the not-for-profit’s income flows back to our community. If you have a recipe you’d like to share please send it to us! You can email To put on a festival like this, it is a year-long effort. It is your recipe to [email protected]. not easy. Lining everything up, food, vendors, work crews, supplies, is an enormous task. It takes many hours of preparation to make it happen, then many more to put things back to the way they were pre-festival. MULLET RAPPER CROSSWORD Yes. There are some tire tracks and a bit of trash left behind. That is true with any event - no matter the size. Across When a collection of people come, there will be a mess to 1 Knock, knock, --- clean up afterwards. That’s what people do. We’re messy. there? When looking at our festival, it is easy to get grumpy 5 Scotch partner about the crowds, garbage and “inconvenience” of it all. It 9 Spellbound does “cramp our style” a bit. It turns our sleepy little town 10 It may be grand or into a loud, crowded, almost unfamiliar place for 3 days. petty However, because something feels inconvenient it does 12 Inkling not mean it is a bad thing. Holiday company can feel 13 Like the States inconvenient. When you are an older couple, young 15 It is measured in children can be taxing. Pets cause a bit of inconvenience. F’s Nature sometimes gets in the way of things. Almost 17 Doing it is human anything can be viewed as an inconvenience. 18 Passes Just because something causes a temporary 19 Branch of service inconvenience is not reason enough do away with it. If that 20 Golf bag item were the case, we’d take down all of the trees because the 21 Concealed oneself leaves are inconvenient when they fall. 22 Phrase meaning Next year will mark the 50th Annual Everglades City "caveat emptor" Seafood Festival. The festival brings more than just 24 Pleasure boat inconvenience to our area. It brings recognition. It brings harbor 27 Mahmoud Abbas's new people. It brings our congressman and other 2/23/19 representatives that are important to our city. It provides a organization platform for local entrepreneurs like Jimmy & Michelle 28 Crack Tom's nut Down Wheeler. If we look for the positives…they are there. to reveal part of 1 Compose 19 Broadcast length Could there be some improvements? Sure. Almost an instruction to 2 Wore 21 Owns anything can be improved upon. But if you get an refrain 3 In working order 22 Renter may line in outsiders’ opinion of our festival, it is overwhelmingly 29 Type of bicycle 4 Political positions one positive. People leave here with a good impression, not a 31 Like some JFK 5 They are spaced in 23 Open-handed hit negative one. They leave wanting to come back. or LAX flights walls 24 One wrapped up ages Obviously, I am in the “the festival is a good thing” 32 Defunct airline 6 Shout of dismay ago camp. Yes, I had to shoo away people from parking on my 33 Flat tableland 7 Roman gods 25 Untrue grass…and there were lots of people walking by my house 34 --- Luck 8 Time for a mint 26 World’s on his that I did not know…but it was worth it because it really is 35 Aphrodite's son 11 Type of school shoulders not all about “me” it’s about “us”. All of us. And, if you paper 28 Lake on the look for the good, it is there amid all of the mugs, plates of 14 Arid Colorado food and loud music. If we focus on using the festival as a 16 Had lunch 30 Forensic test positive force….it will become an even greater one.

email: [email protected] PAGE 7 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019 Poetry Street Area Parks Local Happenings by Katherine Tullie FREE Ranger Led Programs at We can change our own little Big Cypress. Reserve Your Spot Now Circle K is Hiring corner of the world! How do Join us as we get out and explore the wonders Circle K will be reopening in Everglades we do that, you ask? We can of the Big Cypress Swamp! For details on City in March. There are several new do our best to love our families, activities and to make reservations call: 239- employment positions available. children, neighbors and others. It will 695-1201. Reservations are accepted up to 14- To find out what jobs are available make a big difference in their lives and it days in advance of the activity date. Ranger visit https://workwithus.circlek.com, and will encourage them to spread the love to scheduled activities are free. Please download then search by zip code 34139 for local others. That is the theme of my poem the list of programs at https://swflgo.com/big- store job openings. today, “Let’s Spread Brotherly Love.” cypress-programs/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brotherly love is quite in demand ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Census Jobs! Starting at $17/hr. Let us spread this love all over our land Boating or Paddling the Wilderness Loving, charitable acts is what we need Waterway? Visit Us First! Hiring is underway for jobs in the They will help us to succeed by Cynthia Berger Everglades City area Let us do for others The Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades working the 2020 U.S. To help all of our brothers National Park is “information central” for Census, as the Census is As a former school teacher, I must say boaters who plan to travel the Wilderness committed to having people The children are starving Waterway. The iconic water trail extends 99 work in their own for love in many ways miles through twisting, challenging, and communities. Generally, these are part- Let love come to all beautiful channels among the coastal mangrove time jobs with flexible hours, home- family members at hand islands from Everglades City to Flamingo at based (mileage reimbursed), and pay It will help families bond the tip of the Florida Peninsula. starting at $17/hour -All applications together all over our land The Wilderness Waterway is one of must be completed at 2020census.gov/ We all need to come together America’s great wilderness experiences. jobs. in the name of love Canoeists and kayakers typically allow 5 – 8 Let’s pray today for guidance ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ days to complete the route. Shorter “loop” trips Book Club Meeting March 21 from up above are also an option. I’ve worked with children It takes careful planning to make a safe The Everglades City Book Club meets and their parents for years transit. The trail is not marked--you must find monthly during the season. As a school teacher your way with nautical chart and compass. We welcome visitors who are I’ve seen my share of children’s tears And there’s no fresh water along the route, so interested in books and I’ve made a change for the paddlers must carry all their water. discussion. If you would like better from teaching days Drop by the Visitor Center in Everglades to check out our club, please I now use my mighty pen City for a trip planning guide and info on come to one of the club meetings. For to pave the way routes and conditions. Note that you MUST more details, contact Patty Huff at: 239-

obtain a backcountry permit at the Gulf Coast 695-2397.

or Flamingo station before you go; permits are Mar. 21: Being Mortal by Atul Email: required for overnight stays at Waterway Gawande, Hosted by Judy Jury [email protected] campsites. Apr. 11: Lilac Girls by Martha Kelly, Look for #PoetryStreet Download the trip planner for the Hosted by Diann Lock on Twitter! Wilderness Waterway: https://www.nps.gov/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ © Copyright 2019, ever/upload/wilderness_trip_planner_2009.pdf Find restaurants, tour guides, and a Katherine S. Tullie, The ENP Gulf Coast Center: 815 Oyster Bar Poetry Street, Inc. full event schedule at www.swflgo.com! Lane, Everglades City, 8 am to 4:30 pm daily.

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OPEN DAILY 7 AM to 7 PM! 203 COLLIER AVENUE, EVERGLADES CITY, FL 34139, PHONE: 239-695-3937 email: [email protected] PAGE 8 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019 Fishing in the The Race to Keep Invasive Tegus Out of Everglades National Park 10,000 Islands by: Antonia Florio, Science Communications Liaison, Everglades National Park by Capt. Mike Merritt

“Do you want to help catch a tegu tonight?” asked my biologist friend. Fishing this month has “Sure,” I said. And this is how in early October 2017, I learned the thrill of been really good both on catching a large, invasive lizard that can move very fast. I was helping a the outside Islands and in USGS biologist catch a radio-tagged tegu before it went into brumation, a the back country. state of hibernation, ahead of the South Florida winter. The Redfish bite has continued to be We had to catch this tegu to change its transmitter. Tegus grow fast. strong all month and looks like it will Adults can grow up to four feet, so they need transmitter size upgrades continue to be that way in March. These several times a year. fish are growing fast and will start to Scientists track tegus using these transmitters and radio telemetry to locate their position in reach slot size next month. We have the wild. caught many 17" fish this month along Native to South America, tegus are not supposed to be in Florida. There have been with a few slot size fish. Looking forward reports of three species of tegus in Dade County: the Argentine black and white tegu to catching these guys all year! (Salvator merianae); the red tegu (Salvator rufescens); and the gold tegu (Tupinambis The Snook bite has been just as good teguixin). That night we had to catch an Argentine black and white tegu. This species is of as the Reds but more fish are being most concern to park scientists because there are several well-established populations caught in the backcountry due to the adjacent to Everglades National Park. colder water temps. As temperatures rise Catching a tegu is difficult because fieldwork this month, and water temps rise, the is always challenging. I knew this going into it, Snook will find their way back to the but I had limited experience in the Everglades. outside in better numbers and we will The hot, humid weather, even in October, mixed start catching some bigger ones. in with every insect trying to bite you and every There are some good size fish in the plant trying to stab you, toughens you up. I’d backcountry and the best way to find argue that South Florida biologists are some of them is to fish as much shoreline as you the toughest in the world. We met up once it was can. This is why lures work best right completely dark because that’s when tegus tend now. But live shrimp will catch plenty. to slow down, which makes them easier to catch. The Seatrout are also plentiful and can When we finally got a strong signal, it was directed towards very dense, thorny be caught on the outside, in the rivers and vegetation. But when science calls, you go. So off we went into that intimidating terrain. I in the back country. Live shrimp, jigs and was drenched in sweat, could hear all the mosquitoes around my bug jacket trying to bite DOA's are all catching plenty. Popping me. Tracking these tegus is critical work. Scientists at the National Park Service, the corks are a great way to locate them. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida, and the incoming tide has been the best. U.S. Geological Survey are monitoring the tegus in South Florida because of the potential There are also Black Drum, impact they can have on the environment. Sheepshead, and Mangrove Snapper in “Tegus are do-everything lizards,” explains Bryan Falk, the supervisory invasive species the Islands and rivers. And these are best biologist at Everglades National Park. “They are happy in many different environments, fished for with shrimp. So there is a whether that is a natural or disturbed habitat. We once had a report of a tegu living in a variety of fish to catch right now. And dryer vent in someone’s house in Homestead. They will also eat almost everything, this should continue thru the month. including small mammals, carrion, eggs, fruit, pet food, insects, and more.” Good Luck Fishing! Capt. Mike Merritt. Tegus are a successful invasive species in part because they are so adaptable. Tegus were first reported in the Miami-Dade area about a decade ago as escapees from Fish With Captain Mike Merritt! the pet trade. Since then, over 6,000 tegus have been removed from Dade County. What is Call to Book Your Dates: most troubling is that the number of tegus seems to be increasing exponentially. Less than Cell: 561-252-4324 200 tegus were trapped in 2012, but over 1,000 were trapped in 2017. Office: 561-795-3437 To make matters worse, the areas where they are being trapped are getting closer and Visit Mike’s Website: closer to the park. The concern is that if tegus get into the park, they could eat the eggs of www.everglade-angler.com protected native species like the American crocodile, sea turtles, and ground nesting birds like the federally endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow. If they make it to Key Largo, they might put the federally endangered Key Largo woodrat at risk for extinction. Turkey Download the Fishing Limits Guide Point is home to a population of American crocodiles, and the introduction of tegus there https://swflgo.com/florida-saltwater- also puts that population at risk. fishing-regulations-2018/ While it’s not likely we can rid Florida of all the tegus, we can work to keep them out of these sensitive areas. Park scientists are working hard to do this, but they need your help. “Containment is possible,” Falk said, “and our best bet is early detection.” The more tegus reported means that biologists can act quickly to remove them and prevent a range Parkway Motel & Marina expansion. The more eyes on the ground, the better. (239) 695-3261

Tegus are now emerging from their winter brumation. We need your help to report Valvtect Marine, sightings! If you see a tegu, please report it to the invasive species hotline: Rec 90 gas at the dock By phone: 1-888-IVE-GOT1, Online: IveGot1.org Rental Rooms, Dock water & electric Efficiencies By downloading the IveGot1 reporting app Boat lift, Ice This will help park scientists and local agencies decide where to put tegu traps, and could enable us to remove tegus before new populations become established. 1180 Chokoloskee Dr., Chokoloskee, FL Photo: Antonia with a Tegu Lizard, Tegu Lizard www.parkwaymotelandmarina.net email: [email protected] PAGE 9 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019 Area News Fakahatchee Strand News Local Happenings Winter Fakahatchee Tram Tours Great Horned Owl Watch Share Your Thoughts About the Are the Perfect Day-Excursion! The Great Horned Health of the Community Cooler temperatures make winter the perfect time to experience a swamp walk or Owls are Monday, March 4th, Noon - 12:45 PM tram tour in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve raising two State Park. The park, east of Naples, is owlets this NCH Healthcare System and Florida Florida's largest and has been called "the year. The Health of Collier County are conducting a Amazon of North America." baby owls focus group to find out how you feel about Ghostrider Tram Tours of the park are can be seen the health of our community. from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The naturalist led at the nest located on the light pole The goal of this discussion is to tours are offered for $25 per person most behind the fire station in Everglades discover what needs are most important to Thursdays in February and are named for the City, and in front of the Community our community so that Collier County can famous ghost orchid found in the park. Center & Thrift Shop. address those needs. The Naturalist Led Tram Tour and Swamp This is the second straight year the The meeting will be held at Everglades Walks are from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This $60 owls have chosen this location as the City Hall on the first floor in the old excursion takes visitors into knee-high water place to raise their brood. Best viewing council chambers. and is offered on most Tuesdays during the is in mornings and afternoons...but as the This meeting is open to the public and season. babies mature, you will see them almost everyone is invited and encouraged to For directions, complete details and anytime! come. required reservations for all Fakahatchee Photo by Tim Brock Refreshments will be served. There is adventures, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ no obligation. You will not have to answer visit www.orchidswamp.org and click on New Card Racks at E-City Hall questions you do not want to! Tours and Events. Please be advised that Feature Businesses & Attractions For more information, call Kirsten tours sell out quickly so it is recommended Lezama at 239-232-2684. to call and schedule your dates as soon as ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ possible! Panthers Are on the Move You can reach us by phone at (800) 362- Watch For them When Driving 8590. We look forward to seeing you there! (Excerpts from Natureworks by PBS) About the Fakahatchee Strand The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park Panther mating season is perhaps the best example of a subtropical, runs through March. strand swamp in the United States. The Males will be on the Fakahatchee Strand is a linear swamp forest, move during this time approximately twenty miles long by five to find a mate so miles wide and oriented from north to south. please watch out for The Strand harbors one of the largest them while driving in concentrations and diversity of native the area, especially at orchids in North America, and supports dawn and dusk. So far in 2019, there have numerous rare and endangered animal There is a great new resource at been five (5) panther deaths, three due to species. It is also one of the core areas of the Everglades City Hall. The card racks on vehicle collisions. Vehicle collisions are current range of the Florida Panther. the first floor by the entry have free the number one cause of premature The Strand’s 85,000 acres are part of the brochures about area businesses and death for panthers. main drainage slough of the Big Cypress attractions for visitors. About Panthers Swamp. The Fakahatchee Strand is linked If you would like your information The female panther is ready to mate hydrologically to the Everglades system and added to the racks, please contact Kathy when she is between two and three years is particularly important to the estuarine Brock at 954-662-7003, or via email at old. When a female is ready to mate, she ecosystem of the Ten Thousand Islands area. [email protected]. leaves scent markings for the male to find. Kittens are born after about three months. The mother prepares a den in a dry and protected place like a thicket. She gives birth to between one and three kittens. The kittens are blind and have spotted coats and blue eyes. In about two to three weeks, their eyes open and they begin to walk. The kittens stay in or near the den for about two months. They are weaned and start eating meat when they are about two months old. The spots on their coats begin to fade after four to six months. They leave their mother when they are about a year and a half old. Once they leave their mother, they will establish their own territory. email: [email protected] PAGE 10 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019 EATERIES & AREA WORSHIP BARRON RIVER TIDES Obituary LAT: 25.87° N LONG: 81.37°W Thomas Anthony “Tony” Brock Angler’s Cove, Port of the Islands Get More Tides on: www.SWFLGO.com! On the evening of (642-1025): Monday - Wed 5 to 11 pm, February 2, 2019, 2/23/19 Sat 12:04 AM 0 L Thurs to Sun Noon - 11 pm Thomas Anthony 2/23/19 Sat 5:15 AM 2.4 H Camellia Street Grille (695-2003): Brock passed away 2/23/19 Sat 12:24 PM 0.12 L at the age of 80. He 11:00 am – 9:00 pm daily 2/23/19 Sat 5:27 PM 2.46 H was known to City Seafood (695-4700): 2/24/19 Sun 12:58 AM -0.01 L friends as "Captain 8:00 am – 10:00 am; breakfast 2/24/19 Sun 6:18 AM 2.07 H Tony" and he loved Noon-6pm Lunch & Dinner 2/24/19 Sun 1:07 PM 0.35 L fishing and hunting. Tony is preceded in death by his Glades Haven Marina (695-2091): 2/24/19 Sun 6:09 PM 2.42 H parents Charlie and Jewell Brock; his son Deli Closed. Marina is open. 2/25/19 Mon 2:01 AM 0.01 L Tony Brock Jr; his daughter Kathy Brock. Live bait available at marina 2/25/19 Mon 7:32 AM 1.78 H Tony is survived by his wife, Janis Brock; Havana Café (695-2214): 2/25/19 Mon 1:57 PM 0.56 L his siblings, Jim, Ronnie and Cindy; his Open Daily, 7 am to 4 pm 2/25/19 Mon 6:59 PM 2.33 H son, Scott Brock; his two daughters, Vicki Heyer and Terri Loomis; his nine See our ad on page 10! 2/26/19 Tue 3:13 AM 0.03 L 2/26/19 Tue 9:00 AM 1.59 H grandchildren; his 5 great grandchildren Island Café (695-0003): and many close friends. 6:00 am – 9:00 pm; daily 2/26/19 Tue 3:08 PM 0.72 L A memorial service will be held this 2/26/19 Tue 8:02 PM 2.25 H Ivey House (695-3299): weekend on February 23, 2019 at 2pm. 2/27/19 Wed 4:25 AM 0.01 L 6:30 – 9:30 am; daily Location: 17810 Turkey Trail, 2/27/19 Wed 12:32 PM 1.61 H Ochopee FL 34141. Family and friends Joanie’s Blue Crab Café (695-2682): 2/27/19 Wed 4:28 PM 0.8 L will also be there on February 24th if you 11:00 am – 4:00 pm 2/27/19 Wed 9:12 PM 2.19 H can’t come on the 23rd. Open: Mon., Fri., Saturday & Sunday 2/28/19 Thu 5:31 AM -0.03 L ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rod & Gun (695-2101): 2/28/19 Thu 1:22 PM 1.77 H Sign Up for Text Notices 11:30 am - 8:00 pm; daily 2/28/19 Thu 5:41 PM 0.8 L City Updates on Your Smart Phone Everglades City has an easy text Tastes of the Everglades 2/28/19 Thu 10:23 PM 2.21 H notification system for residents and Open Tues.—Sunday 3 pm till closing 3/1/19 Fri 6:29 AM -0.08 L water customers. To sign up text the Triad Seafood & Café (695-2662): 3/1/19 Fri 1:50 PM 1.87 H word “Everglades” to 474747. You’ll Open Every Day 3/1/19 Fri 6:43 PM 0.74 L receive a welcome message with a link to 10:30 am-5 pm 3/1/19 Fri 11:28 PM 2.28 H set up your account. It is a simple, one- MARKETS 3/2/19 Sat 7:19 AM -0.13 L time process. When you sign up, you’ll indicate which notices you want, business, Right Choice Supermarket (695-4535): 3/2/19 Sat 1:59 PM 1.94 H 3/2/19 Sat 7:32 PM 0.66 L student, voter, or water user. If you want M-Th 9 am– 7 pm, Fri-Sun, 7 am to 7 pm all of them, just check “all”. If you no 3/3/19 Sun 12:19 AM 2.4 H Grimm’s Stone Crab (695-3222): longer want messages, you can stop the 3/3/19 Sun 8:01 AM -0.16 L Open Mon.-Sat. 8 am to 5 pm service at any time. 3/3/19 Sun 2:00 PM 2.02 H Get in, and stay in the know! Fresh Produce 3/3/19 Sun 8:12 PM 0.57 L Sign up for Easy Texting today. Noland’s Market is taking orders online 3/4/19 Mon 1:00 AM 2.5 H Text “Everglades” to 474747 http://mariljw64.wixsite.com/nolandsmarket 3/4/19 Mon 8:39 AM -0.17 L SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES 3/4/19 Mon 2:13 PM 2.12 H Chokoloskee Church of God 3/4/19 Mon 8:47 PM 0.48 L Sunday: 10 am Sch., 11 am Worship 3/5/19 Tue 1:36 AM 2.58 H Wed. 7 pm Hr. of Prayer 3/5/19 Tue 9:13 AM -0.15 L Copeland Baptist Church 3/5/19 Tue 2:35 PM 2.23 H Sunday: 10 am School, 11 am Worship 3/5/19 Tue 9:21 PM 0.4 L Everglades Community Church 3/6/19 Wed 2:09 AM 2.61 H 11:00 am Sunday Worship, See ad p. 11 3/6/19 Wed 9:46 AM -0.11 L 1st Baptist Church of Everglades City 3/6/19 Wed 3:00 PM 2.31 H 3/6/19 Wed 9:55 PM 0.31 L 9:45 am Sunday School, 11 am Worship 3/7/19 Thu 2:42 AM 2.59 H 6 pm Sunday, 6 pm Wed. Bible Study 3/7/19 Thu 10:17 AM -0.04 L Holy Family Catholic Church 3/7/19 Thu 3:27 PM 2.38 H Sunday Mass, 10:30 am 3/7/19 Thu 10:29 PM 0.24 L St. Finbarr Catholic Church, Naples 3/8/19 Fri 3:16 AM 2.52 H Phone: 239-417-2084 3/8/19 Fri 10:46 AM 0.06 L San Marco Catholic Church, Marco Isl. 3/8/19 Fri 3:53 PM 2.4 H 239-394-5181 3/8/19 Fri 11:04 PM 0.17 L email: [email protected] PAGE 11 www.swflgo.com The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades & 10,000 Islands February 23, 2019

CLASSIFIED ADS CLASSIFIED ADS The MULLET RAPPER What's Happening in the Everglades RV HOOKUPS, Everglades City. Two & 10,000 Islands FOR RENT: Newly renovated modular Sites, 30 and 50 amps. Service, water, no PUBLISHER home on Plantation Island canal lot. Long sewage. Rent nightly or weekly. Rough Kathleen Brock, K Bee Marketing, Inc. term lease 6 month minimum. Sleeps 2-3. boat ramp, 100 ft. dock. Private & secure. P.O. Box 134, Everglades City, FL 34139 See it on: https://tinyurl.com/y96k2c73 Contact Capt. Wayne of Fish Hunt (954) 662-7003, [email protected] Charters at 239-695-2445. PUBLISHER EMERITUS For more information contact Chip Patricia A. Huff, Snook Publications Chipman 281-358-7884 or Bob Chipman RV LOT FOR SALE in VR Corp in PUBLISHER/ EDITOR at 239-695-0007. Kathleen Brock Everglades City, # 22. Electric & sewer PHOTOJOURNALIST CAPTAINS TABLE UNIT FOR hookup. Concrete pad is ready for your Helen Bryan SALE: 1 bed, 1 bath, completely RV. Call 954-261-3550 for info. CONTRIBUTORS to this Issue renovated including appliances, windows Marya Repko, Elaine Middelstaedt, & doors. For more info call Vivian: 786- RV PAD FOR RENT: In Everglades Jill Whitcomb,, Patty Huff, Antonia Florio. 395-9253. MLS 218025142. City RV park. Full hook-up, 30 amps, Katherine Tullie, Mike Merritt, Cynthia Berger 25 x 35 pad, restroom, shower, laundry PRODUCTION BOAT for SALE: 1988 20 ft. Boston & rec. privileges, 55+. Quiet time 10 The Print Shop, Marco Island, FL PUBLISHER'S STATEMENT whaler outrage cc, 2004 Yamaha 4-stroke pm. Weekly, monthly-Call 269-214- 8623 or 941-374-0277. We provide local news of interest to the extended 150 hp motor 343 hrs. Bow pulpit * communities of Everglades City, electric windlass * trim tabs, fortress FOR SALE: Condo @ The Estuary. Chokoloskee, Plantation Island, anchor * marine radio * fish finder. Single Lee Cypress, Copeland, Jerome & Ochopee Corner unit, 2 BR 2 BA + den. Nicely axle EZ Loader trailer w/ electric winch. We strive to present the facts accurately This is an unsinkable boat and perfect furnished. Large double car garage. Boat We encourage contrasting points of view for offshore fishing! Price $7,500, boat is ramp & pool onsite. Glades Realty, 239- The views expressed in signed articles are not kept at ORA. Call 239-695-2789 or 231- 695-4299, www.GladesRealty.com, necessarily those of the editors or publisher. 218-3641 for more details $274,000. SUBSCRIPTION RATES $40 annual by US Postal Mail, $10 by email

FOR SALE: Condo #418 in Captain's ©2019, K Bee Marketing, Inc. FOR SALE- Great commercial All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be investment - The Oyster House Table, 1bed/1bath, totally renovated, fully furnished, new appliances, high reproduced without written permission. Restaurant and Glades Haven Marina *********************************** and Store in Everglades City. impact windows/door, community pool. The Marina Store also had a deli, bait $109,500. Call Vivian 786-395- SUBSCRIBE TO THE RAPPER & tackle, dockage, boat rentals and much 9253. MLS 218025142 Annual Rate by Mail: $40 more. Plenty of uses! The Oyster House Annual Email Subscription: $10 had seating capacity of 200. Dining room, To subscribe, please send name, address, email ad- bar / lounge, banquet room with private FOR SALE: Club Everglades home. A dress fisherman’s paradise & weekend retreat, and mail a check in the correct amount to: bar. Buy separately or K Bee Marketing, Inc. together! Hurricane Irma damage, being $299,500. Built in 2006. 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths. Call Jim Prange for PO Box 134 sold As Is. Everglades City, FL 34139 Call Karen at Glades Realty information at 239.642.1133 Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Call or Text Us: (954) 662-7003 239-695-4299 for more information. Visit our Website:

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THE MULLET RAPPER P.O. Box 134 Everglades City, FL 34139

“The Everglades is a test. If we pass it, we may get to keep the planet.” ~ Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/evergladescitynews/