noW thrEE Days a WEEK * * * Post CoMMEnts at on CaPE-Coral-DaIly-brEEzE.CoM Another CAPE CORAL crack Mariner reaches District 4A-11 final against Fort Myers BREEZE —SPORTS MID-WEEK EDItIon WEATHER: Mostly Sunny • Tonight: Mostly Clear • Friday: Chance of rain — 2A cape-coral-daily-breeze.com Vol. 49, No. 18 Thursday, February 11, 2010 50 cents Glimmer of hope? Foreclosure filings down in January 2010 could be beginning of a turn around for struggling with those economic conditions. Realtor reaction mixed as to what new numbers mean the real estate industry. “If you’re the out-of-state buyer with cash, But one local real estate executive is still this is a fantastic time for you. But if you’re a By DREW WINCHESTER closure. being cautious, saying the number might local trying to make a living, it’s a lot differ- [email protected] The Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area instead represent a tale of two different ent,” Diaz said. The number of foreclosure filings in still ranks in the top 10 in the nation, with 1 worlds. Like most people, Diaz is hoping the Florida decreased for the month of January, in every 121 homes currently in foreclosure. Dave Diaz, chief operating officer for worst of the real estate crash has passed on, according to statistics released by RealtyTrac, With prices at all time lows, (Lee County Carney Properties and Investments Inc., but looking six months ahead he thinks an online resource for foreclosure properties. was recently recognized as having some of thinks that while affordability is positive, the there’s another major wave of foreclosures Florida still ranked fourth in all 50 states, the most affordable home prices in the world) economy hasn’t improved to the point where with 1 in every 187 homes currently in fore- and foreclosures seemingly on the decline, that affordability is helpful to the person See FORECLOSURES, 9A Road repaving proposed Crime Stoppers dealing with budget shortfall Cutbacks at the state level mean smaller rewards for tipsters By TIFFANY REPECKI $3.5 million out of the Crime [email protected] Stoppers trust fund, where all Tipsters who call the state programs get their Southwest Florida Crime funding,” she said. “We were Stoppers can expect a smaller n o t reward than in previous years informed as the organization battles a of this funding cut of about 40 per- until the cent. start of Crime Stoppers received this fiscal $259,615 in grant money year. from the state at the start of “They the fiscal year, which began had done in October. Trish Routte, it in coordinator for the program, January, Scott said the group received more and it took than $400,000 in funds the until Oct. previous year, which trans- 14 until we were made aware lates into a budget cut of of that,” Routte said. “Two about 40 percent. weeks into the fiscal year.” “Long story short, the State Legislature had raided See SHORTFALL, 9A Charges levied in MICHAEL PISTELLA Cape Coral District 6 Councilmember Kevin McGrail has proposed a $500 one-time, special double fatality crash assessment to fix roads like this one, Northwest 11th Court which connects Northwest 24 Terrace to Kismet Parkway. McGrail plans to introduce the assessment to council to pave 120 Cape man charged with DUI manslaughter miles of roads that he says need attention. He is currently collecting citizen input, which can be e-mailed to [email protected] following collision that killed two nuns; State Attorney’s Office continues to review case By TIFFANY REPECKI review of [email protected] the facts Fund set up to help family whose The charges against a of the North Fort Myers man c a s e , ” accused in the deaths of two S a m - nuns could change depend- a n t h a home suffered heavy fire damage S y o e n , ing on information the State spokes- smelling smoke, then seeing smoke age to the kitchen, as well as heavy-to- Attorney’s Office has yet to By TIFFANY REPECKI receive. w o m a n [email protected] coming from the eaves of the home, city significant smoke and water damage in Michael G. Hickman, 60, for the Hickman A fund has been created for a Cape spokeswoman Connie Barron reported. other areas of the home, according to S t a t e The home was unoccupied at the Barron. A building official red tagged of 1069 La Paloma Blvd., Coral family whose home sustained was arrested and charged heavy damage in a fire Monday after- time of the fire, which originated in the the structure, deeming it unlivable. Attorney’s Office for the kitchen as a result of unattended cook- The damage to the home and its con- Tuesday on a warrant for two noon. felony counts of DUI 20th Judicial Circuit, said. The Cuevas Family Fund was ing. Barron said Denis Cuevas had left tents is estimated at $60,000. “The warrant was signed off the home to pick up his 8-year-old “No one can live in it until significant manslaughter, one felony recently opened at Fifth Third Bank, count of DUI with serious by a judge.” According to according to bank spokeswoman Jama daughter from Caloosa Elementary repairs are made,” she said. Syoen, the charges filed School. His wife, Ada, who is seven Barron added that the Lee County bodily injury to another and Dock. Anyone who wishes to help the one misdemeanor count of against Hickman are only the family can visit any Fifth Third Bank months pregnant, was also not home at Electric Cooperative has cut power to initial charges. The State the time. the home by removing the meter, and DUI second offense or more. branch location and make a donation to “Late Friday we approved Attorney’s Office is waiting the fund. Firefighters did rescue three dogs the American Red Cross was called on additional materials from and four puppies from the garage. upon to assist the family. a warrant for his arrest after At about 2 p.m. Monday, Cape Coral completing part of our fire units responded to a report of a Cuevas told authorities that he had Colin Downey, spokesman for the See CRASH, 9A house fire at 1316 S.E. 28th Terrace. A been cooking prior to leaving the home. American Red Cross of Lee County, The home sustained heavy fire dam- next-door neighbor called 911 after See FIRE, page 10A Proposed interchange for ‘Hands Across The Sand’ to protest drilling Del Prado / I-75 debated By BOB PETCHER lation that would allow oil drilling [email protected] as close as three to 10 miles off the To go Some North Fort Myers residents unhappy Opponents of offshore drilling Florida coastland, according to What event coordinator Pat Titterington. By DREW WINCHESTER the 70 or so households that are organizing a protest on beaches “Hands Across The Sand” comprise her neighborhood across the state this weekend. Titterington, who is an energy [email protected] consultant for Fafco Solar Energy, demonstration Lark Campisano’s neigh- made an appearance at the “Hands Across The Sand,” an Monday meeting. event to raise awareness about will be on Fort Myers Beach and Where bors voiced their displeasure encourages the public to join him. Sanibel: Bowman’s Beach with the proposed Del Prado She said people were pending legislation to allow drilling happy to have their ques- in nearshore coastal waters, is set He hopes the line extends from the Captiva: Andy Rosse Lane / I-75 interchange at a com- Lee County fishing pier to Lani Kai, munity meeting early this tions answered at the meet- for Saturday, Feb. 13, at 1:30 p.m. Beach Access ing, but most left wondering Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel but would like to see it longer. He week, but she fears their can be reached by e-mail at When numbers weren’t enough to what, if anything, comes and Captiva Islands are among the next. areas where protests are planned. [email protected] or by calling Saturday, Feb. 13 repel what she believes 424-0097. 1:30 p.m. would be the inevitable She added that most still Many state Gulf-side communi- felt as if their voices weren’t ties as well as towns on the east “From the pier to the Lani Kai we chaos the proposed project will be there at 1 p.m.,” said For more information could one day bring to rural being heard. coast of Florida also are expected to “I still feel like it’s hard participate to show opposition and Titterington. “At 1:30 p.m., we will Amanda Bryant, 472-3984 North Fort Myers. convince Gov. Charlie Crist and Campisano said people state legislators to oppose any legis- See PROTEST, page 10A who make up the majority of See DEBATED, 10A
ATAGLANCE AROUND THE AREA NEWS OF NOTE
WHAT’S INSIDE Iwo Jima Memorial set Mayor’s Scholarship fund The Pfc. Paul F. Ison Detachment Marine theater fund raiser Thursday Annie’s Mailbox...... 12A Horoscopes...... 12A Corps League will have a Memorial Service (AP) — The Cape Coral Mayor’s Classifieds...... 1-6B Obituaries...... 9A Florida on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m. for the 65th Scholarship Fund will benefit from tickets anniversary of the landing on Iwo-Jima, Feb. Comics...... 10A Police Blotter...... 2A sold to a special performance of “Kiss Me Lottery 19, 1945. Kate” at Cultural Park Theater Thursday. Crossword...... 10A Sports...... 14-15A CASH 3: The landing was on Feb. 19, 1945, the Tickets to the Feb. 11 show are $25 and Dr. Donohue...... 8A Today in History...... 6A 6-9-8 / 5-9-3 battle would go on until March 26, 1945. include dinner, beverages, and the perform- PLAY 4: Marines suffered 25,851 casualties, of the ance of the Cole Porter classic directed by Editorial...... 4-5A TV Listings...... 9A 1-0-6-4 / 0-3-8-5 Fantasy 5 21,000 defenders, very few would survive Lois Kuehne. Dinner is 6 p.m., the per- Education...... 7A Weather...... 2A 2-4-6-11-26 the battle. Of the six men who raised the flag formance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets may be Lotto only three would survive the war, all have purchased at the door on Thursday or by Health...... 8A 16-19-25-39-48-52X2 since died. Florida Powerball calling city hall, 574-0437. Money raised 5-8-29-37-38 The public is invited to attend the service will go toward scholarships to Cape Coral PB 34 X 5 at ECO Park behind Coralwood Mall and is seniors. This is one of the organization’s adjacent to Veterans Parkway. Bring lawn largest fund raisers. Cultural Park Theatre chairs and arrive before 10:30 a.m. Call is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. 7 48445 46010 1 Walter Dugan at 239-458-1980. Page 2A Thursday, February 11, 2010 cape-coral-daily-breeze.com CAPE CORAL BREEZE
POLICE BLOTTER
(The police blotter contains public I William Adam Crews, 30, of 1461 Coral, was charged Wednesday with over $200 but under $1,000, resist offi- information obtained from the Cape Veneian Court, was charged Wednesday violate restrictions placed on driver’s cer obstruct without violence and grand Coral Police Department, the Lee with domestic violence battery touch or license. vehicle theft. County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee strike. I Amanda Marie Johnson, 29, of 125 I Antonio Borbonio Montiel, 33, of County Jail booking log. Arrests made I David Hite Elliott, 25, of 3406 S.E. N.E. 16th Place, Apt. B, was charged 2136 S.W. Seventh Place, was charged are suspicions of crime(s) committed. 22nd Place, was charged Monday with Tuesday with domestic violence battery Tuesday with drive while license sus- All persons are innocent until proven DUI with property damage. touch or strike. pended. guilty in a court of law.) I Miranda Nicole Ferguson, 24, of I Solange A. Jose, 27, of 3014 I Ronald Michael Romero, 49, of 1804 N.E. First Ave., was charged Country Club Blvd., was charged 1211 S.E. 18th St., was charged Wednesday with fraud impersonation Wednesday with DUI with property Wednesday with drive while license sus- Arrests false identification given to law enforce- damage, drugs possess controlled sub- pended. I Jimmie Dale Badke, 42, of 2219 ment officer, operate motor vehicle stance without prescription, aggravated I Tasha Lacole Wyant, 26, of 607 S.E. 27th Terrace, was charged without valid license and resist officer assault on officer firefighter EMT, resist S.E. 13th Place, Apt. 104, was charged Wednesday with drive while license sus- obstruct without violence. officer flee attempt to elude law enforce- Tuesday with marijuana possess not pended. I Christopher Michael Gerber, 20, of ment, DUI and refuse to submit to DUI more than 20 grams, narcotic equipment I Jeffery Lynn Bobot, 63, of 3306 S. 606 S.E. 27th Terrace, was charged test. possess and or use, attach registration Skyline Blvd., Apt. 102, was charged Tuesday with domestic violence battery I Kim Duff Lines, 46, of 2029 N.E. license plate not assigned, drive while Tuesday with attach registration license touch or strike. Fifth Place, was charged Wednesday license suspended, fail to register motor plate not assigned and DUI. I Neville Paul James, 50, of Cape with criminal mischief property damage vehicle and possess cocaine. Two-day ‘Youth Jam Fest’ Friday, Saturday By MCKENZIE CASSIDY Teen Dance.” [email protected] The festival will open Friday night Cape Coral’s William Austen with a teen dance and Saturday night Youth Center & Eagle Skate Park will band performances at the center. To go host its first Youth Jam Fest on the Dances are open to any teenagers weekend of Feb. 19-20. looking for something to do and fam- ilies are invited to the band night to What: The city’s youth center created the Youth Jam Fest Feb. 26 - Mar. 8 youth festival to remind teens and watch the bands. families of the safe and positive loca- It begins Friday, Feb. 19, with the Where: $18.00 $18.00 tion where they can spend their free first Teen Dance from 8-11 p.m. and William Austen Youth Center, $20.00 time. continues Saturday, Feb. 20, with a 315 SW 2nd Avenue WED. “We’re trying to aim for it to be a youth center open house most of the When: 4 safe and fun place for teens.” said day and a Battle of the Bands with 10 Feb. 19, 8-11 p.m. and $18.00 Holeigh Morin, a recreational special- bands competing at 7 p.m. Feb. 20, 1 p.m. until closing ist with the city’s Department of “It’s a great outlet and there is a Details: stage for them to play on,” said WED. Parks and Recreation. “The inspira- 242-3954 4 tion is that we really wanted to kick- Morin. off both Teen Band Night and our At 1 p.m. on Saturday the center will hold a Guitar Hero contest, for children older Waterpark, movie tickets and other B ATTISTAATTISTA F ARMSARMS than 8, where the prizes. CAPE CORAL Complete Sodding Services • Delivery • Installation &Repair winner will Residential & Commercial • Buy Direct Pieces or Pallets Winner of the Battle of the Bands BREEZE receive a $100 will be given professional recording CHECKCHECK OUTOUT THESETHESE GREATGREAT Plants Trees gift card to Play time at Unity Gain Studio in Fort 3 GALLONGALLON PLANTPLANT PRICESPRICES Plams Border Plants N Trade. Any (ISSN 10726152) Vines Sod Myers. Office of publication Hibiscus teens who attend $ 0 000 Alamanda Mulch 32 YEARS IN BUSINESS Morin said the open house is a 2510 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33904 Crotons the dance are chance for the community to tour the Phone: 239.574.1110 6 EACHEACH Plumbago BuyB uy fromfrom a entered into the Ixora youth center and skate park. It will Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. MANYMANY MOREMORE TOTO CHOOSECHOOSE FROM!FROM! GrowerG rower & SaveS ave running for a free also include arts and crafts, games and breezenewspapers.com 1949019490 S TamiamiTamiami Trail,Trail, FtFt MyersMyers FLFL 3390833908 (2(2 milesmiles SouthSouth ofof AlicoAlico Rd.)Rd.) Xbox 360, as refreshments throughout the day. 239-267-1133239-267-1133 well as tickets to Publisher, Jack Glarrow ...... ext. 110 Dances and band nights will con- www.battistafarms.comwww.battistafarms.com Lic. #69145-2 Sun Splash tinue throughout the year, she said. [email protected] Hour:Hour: MonMon - FriFri 8-58-5 • SatSat 8 - 1212 NoonNoon F a m i l y News Editor, Chris Strine ...... ext. 130 Symphonic [email protected] Sports Editor, Jim Linette ...... ext. 136 Every Week Valentine: [email protected] Newsroom In The C APE C ORAL B REEZE Phone ...... 574-1110 Mancini & Fax ...... 574-5693 E-mail ...... [email protected] Moonlight Please mail letters to the attention of Valarie Harring Advertising Take a stroll down lover’s lane with a pro- Advertising Sales Manager gram full of dancing and Renée Brown ...... ext. 122 romancing at the Gulf [email protected] Coast Symphony’s Symphonic Valentine: Classified Advertising Phone ...... 574-5644 Mancini & Moonlight Fax ...... 574-1984 Concert at Barbara B. E-mail ...... [email protected] Mann Performing Arts Hall. Symphonic Valentine: Circulation Mancini & Moonlight Circulation Director, Jason Barrett ...... ext. 320 takes place on Saturday, [email protected] Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Subscriptions Single tickets cost $29, Phone ...... 574-1116 $35., $40 and $51. Fax ...... 574-3403 Tickets are available E-mail ...... [email protected] online at www.gulfcoast- Postal Information symphony.org, by calling The Cape Coral Breeze, ISSN 10726152, is pub- (239) 481-4849 or in lished three times a week by the Breeze Corporation, person at the Barbara B. 2510 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33904. Mann Box Office one Periodicals postage paid at Fort Myers, FL. POST- hour before the concert. MASTER: Send address changes to The Cape Coral For more information, Breeze, 2510 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral FL email: info@gulfcoast- 33904. symphony.org. Memberships Florida Press Association Don’t Don’t MissMiss AnAn Issue!Issue! Southern Newspapers Publisher Association Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral For convenient home delivery, call 239.574.1110.
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