FortMyersBeach.news FREE Volume 20, Number 04 “By Islanders, For Islanders” January 24th, 2020 Who Prays for You? The Poor Clare of San Damiano By Janet Sailian most isolated community [email protected] within our larger island com- munity. Have you ever driven When I phoned the past the beautiful grounds of monastery recently, Sister the Church of the Ascension Mary Frances Fortin, O.S.C. on Fort Myers Beach and (Order of St. Clare), the Ab- wondered about the modest, bess, agreed to meet with me pale-yellow building tucked so I could glimpse and share beneath trees on its south- what the Poor Clare Nuns ern side? Set apart from the and their cloistered life are grand church and its adja- about. Warm, gracious and cent administrative building, open, Sister Mary Frances the San Damiano Monastery spent more than an hour with of St. Clare is home to six me in the monastery sitting nuns of the Order of St. Clare room on a sunny, mid-Janu- - “contemplative nuns who ary day. A simple, decorative live a life of prayer, commu- metal barrier separated us, nity and joy,” according to the emphasizing the separation Poor Clare Sisters website. of cloistered Poor Clares As an 11-year Fort from the world outside. Myers Beach resident, and “We take perpetu- before that a part-time visitor al vows of poverty, chastity, ever since my parents (Har- obedience and enclosure,” ry and Jean Gottlieb) bought Sister Mary Frances ex- a Gulf-front cottage property plained. “Our little corner of here in the mid-1950s, this the world limits the distrac- Jewish-raised resident has tions of the external world so long been curious about the we can focus The monastery chapel welcomes visitors to prayer or reflection. Cont’d pg.18 Christmas Bird Count Ambitious Council Agenda Estero Bay Circle Reinstated Walkover, Parking & More By Gary Mooney to the front of the meeting: “A Re- [email protected] quest for a Rehearing of the Dune Walkover for 8150 and 8170 Estero The Town Council of Fort Boulevard.” At its November 18, Myers Beach tackled an ambitious 2019 meeting, Council after a near- agenda at its meeting on Tuesday ly three-hour hearing voted 3 to 2 morning, January 21, with roughly to deny a Special Exemption to the 35 people in attendance at the start. LDC in the Environmentally Criti- Council member Joanne Shamp cal Zone for a dune walkover and was on an excused absence, mean- boardwalk for Texas Hold ‘Em LLC ing all unanimous votes were 4 to 0. and Squeeze Me Inn LLC at 8150 & Of the nine scheduled Public 8170 Estero Boulevard, with May- Hearings, two received postpone- or Anita Cereceda, Shamp, and ments. Publix Supermarket volun- Council member Rexann Hosafros tarily pulled its Second Reading & against and Vice Mayor Ray Mur- Final Hearing for its Commercial phy and Council member Bruce Planned Development Ordinance Butcher in favor. to add a liquor store to its 4791 Es- During Public Comment, Black skimmers, and laughing gulls in the late afternoon. Photo by Penny Jarrett. tero Boulevard location. Town Staff Kurt Kroemer, Managing Partner requested and Council unanimous- for Squeeze Me Inn, and Edward By Penny Jarrett Canada and other countries in the ly concurred to reschedule the Sec- Rood, Managing Partner of Texas Western Hemisphere to count ev- ond Reading & Final Hearing for Hold ‘Em each spoke, leading Town From December 14, 2019 – ery bird they see or hear within a the Land Development Code (LDC) Attorney John Herin, Jr., to cau- January 5, 2020 the National Audu- given circle on a given day. Amendment Ordinance for “Fenc- tion Council, “all you can consider bon Society held its 120th Christ- Each count takes place in es, Walls and Entrance Gates” to today, in making your decision on mas Bird Count (CBC). Started in an established 15-mile wide diam- Monday, February 3. their request, is what they submit- 1900 on Christmas Day by ornithol- eter circle. Volunteers through a ted in writing, per your Town Code, ogist Frank Chapman, with 27 ded- cooperative effort set out to get the DUNE WALKOVER and all other statements you should icated birders, this Christmas Bird best species’ identifications and REHEARING not consider in their request.” Three Count was the beginning of what is count of birds in a single 15-mile others spoke, two against a rehear- now a massive effort by thousands diameter circle. The day’s count Council moved one of the ing and one in support. Staff rec- of volunteers across the U.S., gives an indication of Cont’d pg.20 three Administrative Agenda Items ommended Council Cont’d pg.14

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Beach Botany New Beach School Desks by Jim Rodwell Local Business Raises Funds, Cont’d from pg.3 be here in the next few weeks that in our corner. Because our student the kids and staff can put through population is so small, we do not the paces before ordering all 100 receive much money from the Lee new desks, one for each student. County School District, as that is The total amount is approximate- on a per-pupil basis, so we are ly $11,000 with the Hammerhead really fortunate to benefit from the Gym donation covering the bulk, Foundation and community busi- and the Beach School paying nesses like Hammerhead Gym!” the balance for tax and shipping When contemplating on through its Furniture Budget allo- how it personally feels to give back cation that we saved up over the to the Beach School, “overwhelm- past few years.” ing joy,” beamed Tiffany! “It is not just this initial contribution, but in SHHHHH! knowing that students who are not yet even in the school will bene- For Beach School parents fit from these desks for years to POTBELLY AIRPLANT reading this article, Principal Kar- come. That makes me proud and en implored: “Shhhhh! We hope happy that we can provide such a Potbelly Airplant, Tillandsia to surprise the kids with the new generational gift.” paucifolia, is a long time resident of desks, where one day they will Matanzas Pass Preserve. An epi- leave with their old ones, and when phytic bromeliad that grows on But- they return, the new ones will be in Tiffany Kersten raised nearly $10,000 tonwood trees attached by anchor place! We think the students will for new Beach Elementary School roots. Paucifolia is a compact-bod- be really excited to see their brand desks with the help of her Hammer- ied, densely-hairy-covered tank air new desks, and the more excited head Gym members. plant that grows 4”’ to 14” in height the kids are about anything educa- including a flora stalk. Five to ten tional, the better they learn.” nickname. You can purchase one silver gray leaves with ovate bases Not only will the school here at Hammerhead Beach Gym, recurve into an elongated blub that benefit from the new desks, “but at the Red Coconut RV Park, and forms the tank and then dangles so will the Fort Myers Christian a number of other island business- around the bulb. Leaf length is 4” to School,” related Tiffany. “Kristen es. Our goal is to see this sticker 6”. The hairs are appendages that Love, the wife of Fort Myers Beach in the window of every Fort Myers increase the surface area on the Fire Department Chief Matt Love, Beach business or car!” leaves to maximize nutrients and ab- teaches there and she told us that Principal Karen cannot sorption of water from the air. their desks are so old that they are thank the Foundation enough, The Flora stalk carries point- falling apart, with missing screws “Not only for the new desks, but ed reddish bracts that can produce 2 and sharp edges, so the Beach everything they do for us, like the - 15 flowers. Flowers are composed School will donate to them their generous reading material contri- of three fused lavender-colored pet- old ones that are still in decent bution last year. They are so good als. At the tip of the flower are yel- shape.” to the school and I just love them! lowish sex organs. After pollination Tiffany wants to alert ev- I worked at several other schools by flying insects, the flowers will drop eryone about the new Beach Kids throughout my career, and believe off and the bracts will release white Foundation fundraising program. me when I say that all schools do seeds into the wind. “We are selling stickers for $50 not have such a valuable resource Like all our air plants, Pauci- that say, ‘Every Fish in the School on whom they can depend, so we Beach School Principal Karen Manzi really appreciate them and know accepts a check for new desks from folia is a moncot. Counts,’ playing off of the school’s Tiffany Kersten (left) and Linda Beasley how fortunate we are that they are (right). Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 5 Page 6 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020 Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 5.2.b7 LPA Approves LDC Changes Discuss Setbacks & Height By Missy Layfield crease construction in the EC zon- [email protected] ing district. Town planner Jason Green explained that the uses and The Local Planning Agen- development standards for the EC cy of Fort Myers Beach held their had been scattered among several January meeting on Tuesday Jan- sections of the code. The revision uary 14, 2020, covering three proposed removes buildings from Public Hearings. Present were the list of accessory uses that may Chair Megan Heil, Vice-Chair Jane be requested via special exception. Plummer, Dan Allers, Jim Atterholt, Scott Safford and Dan Hughes. Tim SETBACKS Smith was not present. One of those Public Hear- Continuing a previous ings made the agenda a bit late, discussion, the LPA approved a after the applicant submitted addi- change to the LDC in side setbacks tional material after the agenda had based on lot width and a change in been published. That hearing for a how height is measured. request for pre-disaster buildback Planner Sarah Propst ex- at 200 Pearl Street was opened at plained that the genesis of the set- Attachment: Exhibit A Photos of double decker porches (2020-2 : Text Amendment to LDC Sections 34-638, 34-631, Table 34-3, Fig ure 34-1-a) a previous LPA meeting and con- back change discussion was based tinued to the January 14 meeting on LPA members asking what could providing the applicant submitted be done about new construction additional information. With that that often resulted in flat walls up information arriving late, both staff to 40 feet high just 7.5 feet from the and the applicant requested a fur- property line, leading to overshad- ther continuance to the February owing of neighboring properties. LPA meeting. Propst proposed side set- LPA members asked that backs based on property width, the on-site notification sign for the with all properties under 55 feet An example of double-decker porches extending into the front setback. hearing be updated as soon as wide having a 7.5 PHOTO PROVIDED IN THE LPA JANUARY 14 AGENDA PACKET. possible so that neighbors were Cont’d pg.17 aware of the hearing. LPA Attorney John Herin, Jr. stated that mailed notification was sent out prior to the Public Hearing begun in Octo- ber. At that meeting, the LPA tabled the hearing to their November 12 Packet Pg. 30 meeting, when it was tabled again to the January 14 LPA meeting and it is now planned for the February 11 meeting. LDC CHANGES APPROVED at The two hearings that took up most of the meeting were relat- Lovers Key Resort ed to proposed Land Development Code (LDC) changes, some in the Environmentally Critical zone and others related to setbacks, primar- ily aimed at major renovations and new construction. A hearing on “Amendments to EC and Coastal Development Sections within the LDC Chapter 34 and Ch 6” is part of an ongoing staff update of the LDC to address “common issues.” This update to the Environmentally Critical (EC) zone allowed uses and definitions, has bounced between staff, council and the LPA for over a year. With the publication of the required pub- lic legal notice for Town Council’s hearing on these changes to the Land Development Code in the News-Press the morning of the Watch dolphin and manatee play January LPA meeting, the pressure was on to have something ready to in the backbay waters as you enjoy present at the Town Council meet- ing scheduled a week after the LPA the cuisine of world class meeting. Dan Hughes voiced con- Chef Juan Cruz. cerns over the removal of “critical wildlife habitat” from one LDC sec- .e al fresco restaurant tion, triggering a long discussion over how the LDC might offer pro- provides a perfectly natural setting tection to wildlife. One suggestion that received support from most to enjoy Southwest at its best. LPA members was to add a section that dealt with Critical Wildlife Habi- tat in the EC, specifying which uses were allowed and what required a special exception. At the conclu- sion of LPA discussion, they asked staff to provide more information on how the EC critical wildlife habitat Call Ahead might be defined and protected in the LDC when it appears before Seating Available Town Council. At that council meet- 239-765-1025 ing staff explained that critical habi- tat is regulated in a different section www.FlippersOTB.com of the LDC: Chapter 10, Article III, Division 8 Protection of Habitat. A Hidden Gem Adjacent to Lovers Key State Park • 8771 Estero Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 One of the major proposed changes in the LDC would de- Big Carlos Pass / Ch. Marker 4 Lat: 26.406.255 Long: 81.876.262 Page 8 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020

Candidacy Announcement Candidacy Announcement Bruce Butcher – Town Council Forrest Critser – Town Council I would like to introduce Bruce Butcher has announced his campaign for myself: I am Forrest Critser. Everyone re-election to Town Council. He is the represen- knows me as “Butch”. I am a retired tative for the Town to the MPO (Metropolitan Baptist Minister from Kentucky. My Planning Organization) and also the Horizon wife and I came to this little piece of Council. The MPO reviews the future transpor- paradise fifteen years ago to be close tation needs of Lee County and the financing of to our grandchildren, when our son those needs. The Horizon Council is the business and his family moved here to start min- community voice to the Lee County Commission. istering at the Beach Baptist Church. I Butcher began his involvement with the town by serving on the Public ran a successful business in Kentucky. Safety Committee for several years. He also served on the LPA. I, like a lot of you have seen firsthand Butcher has a long history of visiting Ft Myers Beach since the the problems on the beach both in the late 60s when his family began vacationing on the beach. He and his streets and in town hall. wife, Diane, invested in a home in Laguna Shores in 2004. In 2011 I want to see thoughtful and civ- he retired from 40 years with Dana Corporation and moved full time il conversation on community issues to Ft Myers Beach in 2012. During his time with Dana Corporation he and problems. I want cooperation and moved 10 times across the United States and also worked in Vene- efforts that bring prosperity to our Island businesses and the employ- zuela 5 years. Butcher held a number of positions in many disciplines ees that keep them humming. I would encourage buying local to sup- and product lines. He started in finance and moved into business de- port local shops and their employees throughout the year not just from velopment, aftermarket distribution, plant management, general man- our visitors during season. agement and vice president. He traveled extensively in his business My campaign slogan “New Leadership for a Brighter Future” is career and was involved in developing new manufacturing facilities, the main reason I am running for Town Council. I want to see Stability joint ventures and acquisitions in , South America and Asia. and common sense and remembering where we have been at Town When he ran for council 3 years ago he was concerned with the Hall. I want town leaders that want the best for our little town and town’s financial position, redevelopment of the downtown area and know that they have to work with and appreciate all viewpoints on the Estero Blvd reconstruction. “I feel we have had great progress all issues. I want to see some progress on the downtown area. This in accomplishing my goals since election to council. The town is in area needs to be developed; not the next Disneyland theme park but a solid financial position now and has the capacity for doing invest- into something. I want a new spirit of cooperation between residents, ments in infrastructure improvements. TPI hopefully is getting nearer taxpayers and businesses as we all work toward what is best for our to groundbreaking. Our relationship with Lee County has much im- Island home and all Islanders. We have long defined an Islander as proved as we work together to complete the Estero Blvd refresh.” anyone who lives, works or visits here. It matters not whether you “I had never planned to run for reelection. But after much own, rent or work here. Or maybe you pay to park for a day here. soul-searching and passion for several initiatives that we have begun, Islanders love this little island and want what’s best for it. That is the I decided to seek reelection.” definition of an Islander in my book. And that is the central point of my The timely completion of the Blvd, the foot of the bridge final campaign. design and safety lighting for Estero Blvd remain pressing issues Since my last unsuccessful bid for town council I have been part for him, along with strategy and branding, infrastructure projects for of Community Resource Advisory Board (CRAB). I have served as Times Square, Bayfront park and heart of the island including Bay Vice-chair and worked on numerous projects. Oaks. I end with saying that I PRAY and whether you are a believer or “I would like to thank those who voted me onto town council 3 not I am sure you can join me in saying we need New Leadership for years ago and hope that I have earned your and other voters support a Brighter Future. Thank you for listening and I hope if you don’t vote for reelection.” for me you at least come out and vote. Butcher can be contacted at [email protected] or 239-322- 2535

Candidacy Announcement Dave Drumm – Town Council My name is Dave Drumm and I’m seeking a position on the town coun- cil. As a beach resident and business owner (Reflow Plumbing LLC), the time for sitting in the back seat, com- plaining, needs to end. What I offer is the common sense of a father and the “get it done” atti- tude of a businessman. Lively communication with my fel- low beach citizens and then address- ing their desires with decisive clarity is the plan. We all can’t get our way, but we need to know we are being heard beyond Election Day. The issues are more than can be addressed here. But citizens selecting their representative on the council need to know where each of us stand. Our beach and our water, with its fish, birds and wildlife is number one. Without it? Nothing else matters. Our personal safety is threatened by traffic, vagrancy, drugs. All of which deserve immediate and ongoing attention. Many answers are available NOW. Action must be taken. Parking is an issue that arises in many forms. Firstly, we must understand the rules, modify the rules as necessary and enforce the rules. Many of our business citizens will suffer immediate harm if a fair and comprehensive plan is not in place. Our visitors will vote with their pocketbooks on our decisions. Our historic landmark businesses must not be crushed by new development or coming modernization. New businesses must understand their place on our island from the outset. Code Enforcement is not our enemy. They do the dirty job of pro- tecting our home values, our health, our environment and our safety. o redeem. Yet many of us have felt put upon. Often stories of unfairness have esent coupon t Must pr equired. embedded themselves in our community. There are obvious solutions Food Purchase R available that can be implemented swiftly to regain citizen trust. ExpiErexsp i1re/3s 05/62.0 IS2P0. ISP A better way to handle our traffic and existing construction snarls must be found. New construction traffic is about to start and there is little planning for it. We must do better. Our very lives depend on it. I travel up and down our beach each and every day. We as citizens must not fall into the trap of yes/no decisions which often lead to inadequate answers to complicated issues. I look forward to hearing from you all. I will encourage you to vote for a slate of competent council members. VOTE. Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 9

Editorial Letters ESTERO DRAINAGE & PAVERS PACKED AGENDAS Regarding (last week’s editorial, “The Road We Love To Hate” by The Florida Legislature recently convened its 60-day 2020 ses- Missy Layfield) on the ongoing road construction. She is asking us to be sion. The only mandatory bill they must pass is the 2020-2021 budget. appreciative and thankful for dealing with this construction for “only six or Yet most years, that’s not passed until time is running out at the end of seven years.” their 60 days. Well, my take is this, why is the road pitched to the center and how Maybe it’s human nature to procrastinate. Most of us do so on will the water that is gathered underground be percolated into the soils? one thing or another. How else to explain the mad rush to the Post Office Why are the pavers in the center lane continuing to settle and repeatedly on April 15? have to be patched with asphalt to accommodate the bump? Or to put it in Island terms, most of us have visitors at some time I have asked the county for the contract documents under the open during the winter months. Do we plan ahead? Probably not much. We public records act on this project since December 5th and have been told usually save the mad dash cleaning, shopping and sprucing up for the that they would get them to me. I have yet to receive them. week before they arrive. Human nature. We wonder if our Town government is being run the same way John Regina The current Town Council has less than a handful of meetings Fort Myers Beach left before the March 17 election for three of the five council seats. If this week is any guide, those meeting agendas are going to be jam-packed Editor’s note: Each time the roadwork moves into a new area, similar full – the proverbial 10 lbs. of potatoes in a 5 lb. sack. The January 21 questions arise. We’ve been writing about the project for 4+ years, Council meeting agenda held nine Public Hearings (legally mandated for answering these questions. Visit fortmyersbeach.news and search certain requests), plus an assortment of other items that created a five for “center lane,” “pavers” or “Estero update.” For reFRESH project page agenda. That’s a whole lot of activity for one meeting. questions, contact Cella Molnar & Associates at 239-337-1071, toll- Did all those items just coincidentally reach the point of council free 877-496-1076 or email [email protected]. Project information is readiness at the same time? Or is there a push to move items through also available at reFRESHfmbeach.com this council before the election? In LPA meetings a phrase heard frequently from Town staff runs VOTE ATTERHOLT along the lines of, “We’ll work on this and bring it back to you/get it to council when it’s ready.” That can be weeks or months down the road, I love Fort Myers Beach and try to spend as much time as I can depending on demands on staff time. here at my condo at Sandarac. As a small business owner who runs insur- So, on the morning of the January 14 LPA meeting, we thought ance agencies in Indiana, I think I may be able to provide a unique insight it curious to see a public notice in the daily paper that on January 21, into Jim Atterholt who is running for Fort Myers Beach Town Council. I Council would be considering some LDC changes related to the Environ- served with Jim when he was a member of the Indiana General Assem- mentally Critical zone, the same changes that were on the LPA agenda bly from 1998-2002. In the legislature, Jim was the type of leader who lis- that day. Oh boy, we thought, we sure hope the LPA doesn’t decide to tened, brought people together and solved problems. There was a serious make any changes that need to go back to Town staff or those LDC chemical spill in 1999 that caused a massive fish kill in the White River. Jim changes will never make it to the January 21 Council hearing. helped to lead the fight to clean up the river and go after those responsible. Turns out those LDC changes were ushered, some might say As a result of Jim’s efforts, he earned the position of Ranking Member of frog-marched, through the LPA meeting with multiple staff comments of, the House Environmental Affairs Committee. “We’ll let council know” in response to suggested LPA changes. We hope After Jim served in the legislature, I continued to work with him the LPA had a rep at the Council meeting and checked that their changes when he was appointed to be the State Insurance Commissioner. Jim to- were included because the council packet did not include minutes for tally transformed the department from a source of criticism to a nationally that LPA meeting. recognized source of pride. In both the core mission of consumer pro- Not that long ago, the LPA Chair shared some concern that LPA tection and the improvement of Indiana as a good source of insurance deliberations were not being provided to council. That is a valid concern. jobs, Jim’s tenure was a spectacular success. On both the environment Staff response is often to state that “most” of council watches LPA meet- and in public service over all, Jim Atterholt can hit the ground running in ings. What exactly is the role of the LPA if their concerns are not even helping to provide common sense leadership to Fort Myers Beach. He properly conveyed to Town Council? truly has the heart of a public servant. Another issue with overly long agendas – people stay away after one look at a meeting with nine Public Hearings. Especially those who Mike Smith can’t spend all day at Town Hall. Local government should be encourag- Rensselaer IN/Fort Myers Beach ing citizen participation, not making it more difficult. This is why we have someone at all Town Council meetings. No matter how packed the agenda or how long the meeting goes, we’re MORE PARKING & TRAFFIC there. I enjoyed reading the letter from Mr. Whitacre (“Parking & Traffic,” Missy Layfield Island Sand Paper January 17, 2020), my thoughts exactly. I have often Editor wondered what the town council thought would happen with the traffic situation when they approved the Margaritaville Letters cont’d pg.10

Letter Policy The Island Sand Paper The Island Sand Paper welcomes original letters of up to 300 FortMyersBeach.news words on local issues. All letters must include the name and city An independently owned island newspaper of residence of the author, plus a phone number for verification. Publisher Bob Layfield We reserve the right to edit for clarity, length, accuracy and to Editor Missy Layfield prevent libel. No poetry. Letters are printed at the discretion of the Lead Writer Gary Mooney Editor. Repetitive letters from the same individual on the same Advertising Sandy Sandness subject will not be printed. There is a publication limit of two letters Production Mark List every 4 weeks. Submissions over 300 words may be considered Phone: 239-463-4461 for publication as a Guest Commentator based on available space, Fax: 855-886-3568 relevance and the quality of the submission. Email: [email protected] Mail: 450 Old Sand Carlos Blvd; #108 The Island Sand Paper welcomes original photos for publication Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 based of available space, relevence and quality. © COPYRIGHT 2000-2020 Island Sand Paper. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Letters cotinued from pg.9 BRANDING resort. IF it eventually gets approved, which I hope it doesn’t, more than Am I missing something? What is the purpose of “branding” and tired of construction, did the town council think no one would leave the is it one of the most important topics our leaders need to address? We resort and travel down Estero Blvd, creating more traffic problems. Now already have a great reputation and more visitors than we can comfortably they are considering a car stacker to alleviate the parking situation, maybe handle so apparently it is either to help bring in more business for Margar- we should rebrand FMB to Carvana Beach. itaville or some marketing firm has sold us a bill of goods. Connie M. Spataro Ken Silver Fort Myers Beach Fort Myers Beach

HAPPY 2020 VERY UNSAFE My step- father came to Fort Myers Beach about ten years ago and he I was walking over the bridge to Fort Myers Beach when I was con- appreciated The Sand Paper’s reporting on all matters. Fair or unfair. re- fronted by a group of people that were on Segway machines. I had to get porting at its best. He told me his favorite day of the week was when his out of their way to let them pass. Why do they allow these electric vehicles Sand Paper came in the mail in Buffalo N.Y. May God rest his soul. Be on a bridge where you have no choice but to hug the rail? They should be good to your fellow man in 2020! in the bike lane on the road. Very unsafe. I am sure other people have felt that it was unsafe. Kevin Tully, Fort Myers David Tersen Cape Coral VOTE CRITSER We are proud to endorse Forest “Butch” Critser as a candidate VOTE ALLERS, ATTERHOLT & BUTCHER for Town Council for Fort Myers Beach for 2020. We moved to Fort My- ers Beach about the same time Butch did, in 2004. Thank you to Anita Cereceda and Joanne Shamp for their many During the time we have gotten to know Butch, we realized how years of devoted and excellent service on the LPA, Town Council and important the community of Fort Myers Beach is to him by how involved many other boards and organizations within our Community. Their upcom- he is in the matters concerning the island. ing vacated seats on Town Council, along with Bruce Butcher’s 1st term Butch cares a great deal about the island on which he’s lived for coming due, leaves us with electing 3 leaders for those 3 seats on March the past 15 years, and he has demonstrated that by his civic involve- 17th. ment. Butch has great ideas to enhance the Fort Myers Beach citizens’ The vast Community is so appreciative of the common sense lead- quality of life by his common-sense, community-minded approach. ership of this current Council, which leaves us with a strong desire to keep He’s always willing to help with anything you ask of him. We be- the positive momentum and spirit going. I would like to endorse three lieve he will be a valuable asset to the Town Council in 2020. candidates that I feel are best suited to continue this positive leadership direction. They are Dan Allers, Jim Atterholt and Bruce Butcher. I feel they David & Jill Cofer would work extremely well with the sitting Council of Rexann Hosafros Fort Myers Beach and Ray Murphy. I ask you to give strong consideration for the ballot of Allers, Atterholt and Butcher. Please read and listen to the interviews on these three candidates and participate in upcoming debates as they are announced. It is import- ant for us all to cast educated votes, it is all of our futures at stake. AL- LERS…ATTERHOLT…BUTCHER! Thomas Torgerson Fort Myers Beach

Letters cont’d pg.14

Beach Place Consignment WE BUY or CONSIGN Furniture & Home Accessories OPEN: 239-437-4903 Monday - Saturday 20351 Summerlin Road, Unit 113 10am-5pm email: [email protected] Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 11

I love boat shows. I also like tackle shops, hardware stores and anything Disney, but I can get in more trouble at a boat show than all of the other places combined. Once there my wallet begins to groan knowing full well it will be opened and drained of all contents. Who needs to pay bills or eat, right? Boat shows are like toy land for grownups. Everything glitters The Miami International Boat Show will be held Feb 13 -17 at Miami Marine Stadium. and there’s that addictive aroma PHOTO PROVIDED. of brand new fiberglass. There are make this decision process a lot displays both off and on the water easy question is actually quite com- ment is also a must. If something easier. There you can peruse all and dealers will even let you test plicated. You see, we have access goes seriously wrong out there you the different types of watercraft and drive a likely purchase. If that’s not to lots of water on this coast, some want to be able to stay alive long this may help you make a more in- enough there are booths of marine very shallow and some deep. We enough for the Coast Guard to find formed decision about what’s good and fishing accessories along with also have excellent access to both you. for you. Most importantly it’s highly seminars and all things related to salt and freshwater fishing. Bay boats aren’t cheap, but unlikely you’ll get the boat you real- enjoying being a boat owner. Anglers will have to start a they only require one engine and ly need the first time around. Heck, Folks in the Fort Myers boat search with a few important that lowers the cost and mainte- I’ve been through at least 5 or 6 Beach area are in a prime loca- questions. What species are you nance quite a bit. Sizes run from over the last 15 years. tion for boat shows. Each year hunting for? If it’s grouper you’ll 18 to 24 feet in length. They are So get out that wallet. they take place on this coast from need a boat large enough to head designed to not only handle near- Tampa all the way down to Naples. out into the Gulf of . If red- shore waters, but can also float in Captain Rob Modys is a They all offer lots of boats, motors fish and snook are on the list, then about a foot of water for inshore lifetime Florida outdoorsman and and accessories from hundreds of a bay boat would most likely work fishing. The bigger they are the retired spin & fly fishing guide. He is dealers usually from the local area. unless you want to get away from more comfortable, but larger sizes past president and board chairman But we are also only a couple of the crowd. That’s where a shallow may compromise how shallow you of the Florida Outdoor Writers As- hours away from the mother of all water skiff comes into play. Howev- can go. sociation and serves on the board boat shows, the Miami International er if you really want to get to fishing Small skiffs from 12 to 17- of the Florida Guides Association. Boat Show held each year in Feb- grounds where few have gone be- feet are made for going to places ruary. Here you can see thousands fore, searching for the perfect kay- we anglers call the of boats and accessories from all ak may be in the cards. “skinny” waters. over the world as well as rub shoul- Let’s get down to the real Some will float in as ders with some of your favorite boat nitty gritty. little as a few inches and outdoor related TV show per- Offshore boats are big and of water. If all you sonalities. It is without a doubt the expensive and so are most of the want to do is get most dangerous place for a wallet. accessories needed for fishing. I’d away from everyone Over the years I’ve been recommend something over 28-feet else and catch fish, asked many times to suggest what in length with at least two engines. this is the boat for to purchase when it comes to You’ll need the latest in electronics you. What they lack boats, usually for fishing in South- to find both the area you want to fish in comfort they make west Florida. What seems like an along with seeing those critters on up for in access. the bottom. Special safety equip- Boat shows Capt. Rob’s guide boat. PHOTO ALEX DOLINSKI. Page 12 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020 Pastor Rick Lund St. Peter’s Lutheran Church By Gary Mooney outside, I said to her, ‘don’t laugh, [email protected] but I would like to go into the min- istry.’ If Katherine would have said “My wife Katherine and I right then that she did not like the are originally from Tacoma, Wash- idea, I would have dropped it, but ington,” said Pastor Rick Lund, who instead she responded, ‘why don’t became the new Pastor of St. Pe- you do it!’ I spent the next 3 to 4 ter’s Lutheran Church at 3751 Es- years in Theology school in Berke- tero Boulevard last December 1. ley while she remained in Taco- “Other than our two sons, Trygre, ma as a bank manager, with she who is 28 and newly married in and I traveling back-&-forth every Texas, and Peter, who is 26 and in few weekends, very reminiscent Madison, Wisconsin, all our family to what we do again now. I never remain in the Tacoma area. Even looked back once we made that de- Katherine is not here with me now, cision, as from then on, it has been as she will retire in June, so she is straight ahead full bore.” still working in Eau Claire, Wiscon- Pastor Rick’s first ministe- sin.” rial call was in Bremerton, Wash- Pastor Rick graduated from ington, “but that was a transient Pacific Lutheran University in Ta- community with several murders, coma in 1977, then again from gang members, and drug issues. the Pacific Lutheran Theological By then, we had the two boys, Seminary in Berkeley, in and that was not the best place to 1990. “In those 13 years, I lived a raise kids, so I asked for a more vastly different life,” chuckled the stable place. They suggested Rice good-natured 30-year Pastor! “I Lake, Wisconsin. I never heard of was a commercial banker who spe- it, but when I visited, it struck me cialized in small business loans for as a cold version of ‘Mayberry’ and many good-sized companies and Pastor Rick Lund assumed the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church ministry in December. seemed like Heaven! We just fell in businesses.” PHOTO BY GARY MOONEY love with that little town and stayed His big business break oc- for eight years. Our family would curred even before graduating, and asked me to manage his busi- was no one in my entire family in scratch their heads and ask, ‘why however! “When at Pacific Luther- ness while he concentrated on his the ministry, but it was that college there?’ but when they came to visit, an, I took a religion class taught new local television show that be- religion class and Jeff who planted they understood!” by a theologian named Jeff Smith, came ‘The Frugal Gourmet.’” the seed, but I still came right out of A short stay in Duluth, Min- who people would soon know as In that religion class, Smith college and into banking.” nesota, followed, before returning ‘The Frugal Gourmet!’ Jeff was a asked the young Lund to be his to Wisconsin, in Madison, “That was Tacoma native who received his ‘Reader’ for his Freshman Class, “WHY DON’T YOU DO IT!” another really great move,” Pastor Theological Degree from the Unit- “that is like a Teaching Assistant. Rick recalled. “The boys ended up ed Methodist Church. In addition Jeff, who passed away in 2004, Not only did Rich go into in a great high school that between to teaching, he opened in the ear- was the coolest guy, and eventual- banking but so did Katherine. professors and students had over ly 1970s his own deli and kitchen ly said to me that ‘you should think “Even though married, we did not 80 language groups, ethnic diversi- supply store called the ‘Chaplain’s about working toward becoming yet have the boys. We lived in a ty and outstanding academics that Pantry.’ Even though I was young a Pastor.’ Up to then, the thought big house, making big money, and earned them full scholarships to with no experience, Jeff liked me never crossed my mind, and there were really happy. One day, sitting Auburn University. Following Mad-

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TheOaksAtCypressCove.org Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 13 Pastor Rick Lund Continued Friends of the ison, I planned on my last call be- Beach Library fore retirement to be in Eau Claire that was only about 40 miles south Dolphins of Rice Lake, bringing my minis- terial career full circle. After that, & Authors however, I served briefly in Bea- ver Dam, Wisconsin, with a great congregation at a church founded in 1862. I felt sure then that I was done, but again agreed to serve for a short time with another church in .” A GREAT LIFE! Then in full retirement, Pas- tor Jeff participated in “RAGBRAI” – “Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa!” “I trained all Dolphin Ruby takes a leap conference room at the library. teers for both are always welcome! winter and was probably in the fit- of faith in the back bay recently in Also speaking at the Friends meet- Call 239-233-8173 and leave your test shape of my life and vowed I this photo by photographer, author ing will be Mary-Ann Tirone Smith, name and number. would do it again every year for the and Fairy “Pod Mother “ Monica author of several novels, including As a special incentive this rest of my life until I could not do it Lynn, who will give a presenta- “Girls of a Tender Age.” Snacks month, the Friends will hold a raffle anymore, and this year convinced tion on our local dolphin pod and and refreshments will be provided. for a $50 Doc Ford’s gift card. All a good friend to do it with me. Then her book, “A Letter From Clarence Admission is free and all are wel- new and renewing members will be I received another call to take over O’Malley: A Dolphin’s Tale” at the come. entered. Friends membership be- the ministry of another church, and annual meeting of the Friends of The Friends of the Library gins at $15/year for an individual. I said I would only consider it if I the Beach Library on Monday, Jan- runs the 3rd floor bookstore and could go someplace that was warm uary 27 at 5:30pm in the 3rd floor four book sales each year. Volun- in the winter so I could bike and train, and she said, ‘Wait a minute – I have the perfect place: St. Peter’s on Fort Myers Beach, because if I had to move anywhere, it would be to Fort Myers Beach!” Pastor Rick looked up St. Peter’s and loved the description of the church and congregation, but there was one problem: “They wanted a fulltime Pastor and I only wanted to serve one year. The con- gregation is hopeful I will sign on for at least three years, but my orig- inal commitment is just for this year. When Katherine retires in June, we will reevaluate everything, and if grandchildren start to come soon, we must think about that as well, so we shall see.” Before arriving on the is- land, “I knew zero about Fort Myers Beach, but feel very comfortable here, as so many people are orig- inally from not only Wisconsin and Minnesota, but Ohio and Illinois and Indiana, so I feel like I know them right off, and understand them. You quickly learn as well how many friends around the country you really have, as suddenly ev- eryone wants to come visit you! Every week I do my Phil Donahue and ask everyone where they are from and 75% are from somewhere else and I relate to that – this is a very good place to be! I like the feel of Fort Myers Beach, as it is a real community and not just some pre- tentious high-stress tourist trap. I TUNASKIN IS COMMITTED TO BEING A LEADER IN THE like that people come to church in shorts and sandals, though I have AQUATIC SPORTS INDUSTRY PROVIDING APPAREL AND yet to bring myself to wear short SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS THAT ENHANCE, CAPTURE, pants to church yet! On top of that, I am incredibly impressed with the AND PROMOTE THE LIFESTYLE OF AVID AQUATIC vast depth and backgrounds of our congregation, from the artists to SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS. musicians to the businessmen and more, as all these diverse people say it seems like they were meant to live here.” In reflecting on his ministe- rial journey to date, “I want to em- phasize,” concluded Pastor Rick, “that each one of us who are Pas- tors become ones in different ways – it is not only from a lightning bolt out of the blue, but often through progressive affirmations, like mine through Jeff Smith and a religion class. For me, the ministry is a great life!” 1300 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach | Florida tunaskin.co Page 14 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020 Ambitious Council Agenda Walkover, Parking & More, Cont’d from pg.1 deny the rehearing, as only new asked the Town Attorney when that evidence can trigger that action, may be. Herin stated, “we will try to and they conclude the two are not get that on the February 3 agenda,” offering any new material. and the motion passed 3 to 1, with Butcher asked the appli- Hosafros against. cants’ next step if the Town turned down a rehearing. The Town Attor- KEY ESTERO PARKING ney responded that they voluntarily will seek a third-party mediator rem- Under Public Hearings, edy. Cereceda stated that while it is Council heard the “Review of doubtful she will change her initial Non-Conforming Use (NCU) De- vote, she may consider a rehearing termination for 1661 Estero Bou- and asked Hosafros if she shared levard.” Steven Hartsell of the that. “I don’t,” replied Hosafros. “I Pavese Law Firm argued that his would vote for that if they showed client, Carmen Naccarato, owner of us new evidence but I searched all the Key Estero Shops (KES), has a through this and there is not any, NCU to charge for Public Parking nor did we overlook or misunder- since the shopping center’s 1977 stand any at the original hearing.” construction under Lee County’s Murphy, however, made a motion BU1 Zoning, so the Town should to grant the rehearing, with Butch- grandfather this right, even though er immediately seconding. Murphy he only purchased it on March 1, stated, “They made a very compel- 2017. Hartsell presented an affi- ling argument for a rehearing, that davit from a previous KES owner material at the original hearing was stating that they sold public parking not applicable to what was before on weekends, holidays and special us.” events without any recrimination Cereceda asked what the under Lee County zoning, while applicants can present at a re- stating that Fort Myers Beach is in Key Estero Shops attorney Steve Hartsell makes the Non Conformity Use parking hearing, with the Town Attorney dire need of public parking. Parking case; Key Estero Shops owner Carmen Naccarato is seated to Hartsell’s immediate replying, “only new facts or areas in the 135-car lot was one of the left. PHOTO BY GARY MOONEY. of the law you may have misinter- main reasons why Naccarato pur- preted,” and said that since their chased KES that now has just four there was never an attendant there do so.” Hosafros disagreed that it next recourse is a third-party me- businesses in its 20 rental store charging for parking until 2017; that qualified under a NCU and Butcher diator, “we are months away from units, concluding with “NCU is es- is my expert testimony and rec- agreed, suggesting KES proceed any potential lawsuit.” Butcher not- sentially what we have right here.” ollection! I spoke to renters there later with a Special Exception re- ed the Town already spent approx- Murphy asked the long- and their main complaint is there quest. Council then unanimously imately $80,000 to date litigating term parking lot intent and if Nac- was no place for their customers to rejected the NCU, with Cereceda this, as “we are sending money carato was actively marketing his park because he rented out all the saying to the applicant, “hopefully down the rabbit hole, so let’s have available units. “To run it as a shop- spaces. Why are you here under a you will apply for a Special Excep- a rehearing to avoid this.” Hosafros ping center,” replied Hartsell. “He is NCU; why are you not here seeking tion.” stated, “They will sue us anyway, making improvements to the build- a Special Exception Use?” Hartsell unless the rehearing changes our ing and landscaping to get renters replied that “the NCU is grandfa- VACATIONS, FERTILIZER denial, so let’s deny the rehear- in there.” Butcher did calculations thered, going back forty years.” & LIGHTING ing and move this process along based on Lee County requirements Cereceda agreed that Fort so they can get on with their next and determined that KES tenants Myers Beach needs parking but In the six remaining Public lawsuit.” “Unless you change your were due 110 parking spaces, “so “the reason we are here today is Hearings, Council unanimously ap- mind at the rehearing,” noted Mur- that leaves you 25 for surplus paid how to get us to that and I am not proved to its February 18 meeting phy. Cereceda said she will support parking. I have been going to KES sure this is it!” Hartsell countered the “First Reading & Public Hearing Murphy’s rehearing motion and for my haircuts since 2012 and that “it was a NCU in the 1970s and to Rezone the Town-owned 2639- all we are asking is to continue to 2641 Estero Boulevard from Resi-

VOTE CRITSER PUTT & PUB THANK YOU I have known Forrest Critser for fifty years. We have worked to- On behalf of the members of the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s gether, played together, cried together and watched our children and Club, thank you to the participants and donors of the 10th Annual Putt grand children grow up over the many years. Several years ago, he invit- & Pub Crawl. Your support raised funds for the FMB Woman’s Club, the ed me to come and see the paradise he had become a part of since he FMB Friends of Lovers Key, the FMB Friends of the Arts, the Friends of followed his minister son to Ft Myers Beach. Over the years I have helped Matanzas Pass Preserve, the Lions Club, Turtle Time, the FMB Art Asso- him work at the Beach Baptist Church and in many homes on and off the ciation, Beach Elementary’s PTO, the FMB Community Foundation and Island fixing things for the many friends he has accumulated overthe the Friends of Bay Oaks. years. I helped him with his previous narrow loss running for Town Council We would like to give special thanks to our participating restau- and like him was disappointed in this loss. rants: Nervous Nellies, Plakas, Pete’s Time Out, La Ola, Mango Rita’s, He is very passionate about the happenings on his Island Para- Pierside, Matanzas, The Whale, Yucatan and The Salty Crab. Without dise and is very tapped into the goings on: On the Beach. Recently he has their support, along with the kindness of John Richard, Dominic Earhart been working behind the scenes to get a Veterans Memorial to honor his and the team at Bay Oaks, and Mayor Anita Cereceda, this event would fellow comrades on the Island. He has discovered firsthand the meaning not be possible. of Government Red Tape. He is running for Town Council again and I ask We hope you will continue to support our local Not-for-Profits all Island residents to vote for My Friend: Forrest “Butch” Critser. I further throughout the year. For more information on upcoming events, visit our ask that even if you don’t vote for Butch; Please go to the polls on March website at www.FMB-WC.org. 17th and exercise your patriotic duty and VOTE. If you don’t use it you may lose it. RUN FORREST RUN. Beverley Milligan Fort Myers Beach William Brangers Mt Washington, KY DUNE WALKOVER REHEARING VOTE CRITSER As you may already be aware, our request for rehearing (Special Exception 2019 – 049 Dune Walkover at 8150/8170 Estero Blvd) was Support for Forrest (Butch) Critser, I have known Butch for years. passed Tuesday at the Council meeting. A portion of the information we He is a man of integrity and has the likeability and personality to bring submitted to the Council for the hearing on Nov. 18, 2019 in their packet people together to work for the common good of our town. He has no was purposely, at their admission, omitted by the Town Staff therefor al- agenda, simply the good of the town, the place he loves and works and lowing a rehearing for our proposed walkover. The facts and information the place where his family lives. He brings a vast and wide range of expe- concerning our project for a dune walkover has not been accurately cov- rience and knowledge that would definitely be for our benefit. ered or described by the local media. I support Butch and hope you will as well. Please publish this information and include the Website, beachac- cessmatters.com, so the public can get the entire story and facts concern- Simeon Maier ing our quest to restore our beach access that was taken from us. Fort Myers Beach Ed Rood 8150 Estero Blvd. Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 15 Ambitious Council Agenda Walkover, Parking & More, Cont’d from pg.14 dential Commercial to Institutional” ministrative Agenda items, Council Up” on February 2; and approved Captain (Matthew) Herterick of the for the Bay Oaks Recreational Cen- unanimously forwarded its “Tourist the Sovereignty Submerged Lands Lee County Sheriff’s Office in here ter Master Concept Plan; approved Development Council Project Grant Lease Renewal with the Florida so we are all on the same page, in to its February 18 meeting the “First Requests for Fiscal Year 2020-21” Department of Environmental Pro- that it is the deputies’ jobs to move Reading of the Land Development that includes the prospective Palm tection for the Mound House Pier. cars and not people. Does anyone Code Text Amendment related to Avenue Restroom; and authorized Under “Town Manager else share my frustration?” “I do,” Coastal Development and Envi- Town Manager Roger Hernstadt to items,” Hernstadt reported that replied Butcher. “I have person- ronmentally Critical Zoning Use execute an agreement with AuMill- Council will receive at its February ally gone and watched the traffic District” language clarification; and er Pools for $131,780 to resurface 18 Meeting concept plan reports deputies,” added Hosafros. “They rescinded in a strictly procedural the Bay Oaks Recreational Center on Times Square, Bayfront Square will stop traffic so one person can matter its prior “Resolution of the lap pool, while instructing him to Park and the Bay Oaks Recreation- cross the street.” The Town Manag- Vacation of Portions of Right-of- ensure this will be done in a few al Center. “If you feel these are far er will invite Captain Herterick to an Way and Portions of the Crescent days, unlike the months-long and enough along, move them on to upcoming meeting to address this Beach Plat” to the Margaritaville ongoing Kiddie Pool play structure the next stage, to get construction with Council. Cereceda suggested FMB Resort, per Margaritaville’s renovation “that people are unhap- plans to the design firm.” that he “come to the site and stay a request, with Margaritaville to apply py about,” noted Butcher. Cerece- day and get his own impressions,” at a later date once the Town up- da directed the Town Manager to TRAFFIC, BRANDING with Hosafros adding, “he needs to dates its land vacation policy. inform Council of the lap pool work & REFERENDUMS come incognito!” Council unanimously ap- dates and when it will be complete Cereceda expressed her proved to its February 3 meeting “so we can respond to people when Under “Council Member frustration with the low turnout at the “First Reading & Public Hearing they ask us.” items,” Butcher said Lee County is the recent Town Branding Work- of the Ordinance for the Vacation of In other matters, under “Ad- worried the Town has yet to make its shop at the Bay Oaks Recreational the Town Interest in Real Property,” visory Committee Reports: Com- decision on street lights, especially Center, calling it “a wasted opportu- to streamline and update vacation munity Resources Advisory Board following their Metropolitan Plan- nity.” The Town Manager stated that procedures; approved to its Febru- (CRAB),” Chair Sheena Stockton ning Organization’s (MPO) consul- “Redevelopment Management As- ary 3 meeting the “First Reading & expressed CRAB’s frustration over tant report. “They grabbed me and sociates will appear before Coun- Public Hearing Regulating the Ap- the slow pace of government action, asked what is going on and why cil in February to roll out of their plication of the Fertilizer Ordinance” stating, “Most of our agenda items aren’t we doing something. They initial concepts and ideas.” Finally, based on the latest State-approved are the same since 2014 except for would like to close out the contract, Cereceda inquired about the ongo- model that is more stringent in its developing the current Town app. as they spent over $80,000 with ing process to hire a Town Public criteria content, timing and fertiliz- Perhaps it would be beneficial to that guy, so when will we hear that Information Officer, with the Town er application in the Town, though assign us a task we can accom- review again?” The Town Manager Manager replying that interviews Kelly McNab of the Conservancy plish to benefit the community, or hopes to have the parties return are ongoing. Hosafros vocalized of Southwest Florida urged Council maybe suspend us until that time.” before Council in February. Butch- her concern that the person may to retain its stricter 2008 Nitrogen Under “Consent Agenda,” er added that the Florida Fish & not be on the job in time to dissem- fertilizer cap to protect water quali- Council unanimously passed the Wildlife Conservation Commis- inate accurate information to Town ty; and approved to its February 18 Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement sion “does not have a solution and voters for the two March 17 ballot meeting the “First Reading & Public with the Florida Department of hopes someone else comes up referendum issues, and suggest- Hearing for the Sea Turtle Conser- Emergency Management for recip- with a concrete answer.” Hosafros ed the Town Manager assign that vation Ordinance” to provide Sea rocal emergency aid in a crisis too found the MPO consultant’s report to a current employee “before it is Turtle Protection Lighting in the extensive for the Town; appoint- “lackluster and less than helpful. It too late!” Council adjourned at 1:09 LDC based on the State’s model ed Dr. Gregory Fossum to one of did not even talk about crosswalk p.m.; its next Meeting is Monday, ordinance, though Council has yet two vacancies on the Marine Re- safety lighting, so it was pretty use- February 3, with the Management to decide if they will apply it Town- sources Task Force; accepted a less.” & Planning Session on Thursday, wide or a specific distance from the Special Event Permit Application Cereceda stated that, to her, February 6, each at 9 a.m. Gulf. from Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel for “traffic this season is bad; I don’t re- In the two remaining Ad- its “Beach Keeper’s Beach Clean member it being so bad. Can we get

Experience Before moving to Fort Myers Beach permanently, I had the privilege Jim Atterholt to serve the state of Indiana in various roles including congression- al aide, state legislator, insurance commissioner, chair of the utility regulatory commission and as chief of staff to the governor. I cur- for rently serve as a volunteer for the Town of Fort Myers Beach as a member of the Local Planning Agency (LPA) which assists the town Fort Myers council on zoning and planning issues. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Bermuda Dunes Condominium Association.

Beach Positions I believe the town can assist with the long-term solutions Florida has recently put forward to address the water quality crisis. My Town Council wife Brenda and I are blessed to live directly on the beach, and Public service to me is about having an approach to we experienced first-hand the horrific impacts of red tide in 2018. There is rarely a day when we are not running, walking, swimming government that focuses on service to others—not self-interest. or riding our bikes along the beach. Both the environmental and I don’t have a hidden agenda or an axe to grind—I simply the economic damage from the red tide are seared in my memory. As the solutions to this problem are long-term, we must engage love this island and feel called to utilize my experience in the thousands of tourists and part-time residents who visit each order to serve my community. If given the privilege to serve, year. We must urge them to become advocates to their members of Congress back home for the critical need to continue to support my governing philosophy will be one of limited government the solutions that are just beginning to have a positive impact in through common sense, professionalism and civility. Florida. The attention span of Washington is short, and I hope to use my experience at both the federal and state level to keep the pressure on so we can successfully complete these critical water quality projects. I respectfully ask for your Whenever possible, the Town should issue fewer tickets, fines and penalties to our residents and businesses. Instead, there needs to be more notice, education and cooperation. The Town must vote on March 17th. partner more with our citizens instead of being adversarial. I strongly support the town councils’ unanimous 5-0 vote in 2018 – Jim Atterholt to move forward with the TPI/Margaritaville project. Significant compromises were made by all sides and it is time to work together If you would like to share your thoughts or concerns, as a community and move forward. please e-mail Jim at: [email protected] Personal If you would like to contribute to Jim’s campaign, I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and have been you may send a check made payable to married to my college sweetheart, Brenda, for 32 years. We have three grown sons who work as a bartender/aspiring musician, a Jim Atterholt for Fort Myers Beach Town Council cyber security analyst and a graduate student in geophysics at 7390 Estero Blvd, Unit 902 • Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Caltech. We are members of Chapel by the Sea Church.

“Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jim Atterholt for Fort Myers Beach Town Council”, Jim Steele, Treasurer Page 16 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020 FOLKS Annual Meeting CROW’s Rainbolt Guest Speaker nelly stated, “This past year has fit directly into our mission. This been an exciting one, as we broke is crucial, as FGCU over the next ground on the Welcome & Discov- ten years will certainly become the ery Center. This is a 10-year dream, leader in water quality research in and this time next year, we will hold Florida, and perhaps in the nation our Annual Meeting there! To make or even the entire world.” that dream a reality, we have over FOLKS membership then the past year aggressively added re-elected the following to its Board: new people to our Board of Direc- Tim Horvatich to a term through tors, with a strong business back- January 2021; and Frank Cassise, ground, and this was essential, as Mark Generales, and Karen Wood- while the State of Florida allocated son through January 2023. The $4 million to construct the building, membership next affirmed the 2019 FOLKS committed to raise an ad- Board appointments: Derrick Bota- ditional $1.5 million for the educa- na through January 2021; Louise tional exhibits and furnishings. This Kowitch, Jim Remis, and Tina Ty- required a different skill set than ler through January 2022; & Sean when we sold cookies on the beach O’Brien & Shelley-Sue Williams to make a few bucks!” through January 2023. Rich explained that out of the 175 Florida State Parks, “Lov- SMALLER BUDGET CROW’s Rachel Rainbolt discusses Gopher tortoises at the FOLKS ers Key in 2019 placed third in THAN VISITORS Annual Meeting. PHOTOS BY GARY MOONEY. visitation, and once we finish the By Gary Mooney ness meeting before roughly 25 Welcome & Discovery Center, we Lovers Key State Park [email protected] people, including the election of will be a primary location for en- (LKSP) Manager Katie Moses several Board Members, Rachel vironmental education, including spoke. “I want to thank FOLKS, The Friends of Lovers Key Rainbolt, the Outreach Director for an exciting partnership with Flori- because last year we had the third State Park (FOLKS) held their an- the Clinic for the Rehabilitation Of da Gulf Coast University (FGCU) highest visitation of all the State nual meeting at the Fort Myers Wildlife (CROW), presented a pro- and its Water School that will use Parks with 806,978 visitors, yet the Beach Woman’s Club on Tuesday, gram on gopher tortoises. our building for lectures and class- State only provided us with a bud- January 21. Following a brief busi- FOLKS President Rich Don- es and meetings, as those things get of just under $800,000 so that is less than $1-per-visitor, so we could not do everything we do with- out you! We have a staff of just 10 fulltime employees, 2 part-time peo- ple, and one part-time seasonal to care for 1,616 acres. For six years, we requested that the State buy us a new riding lawnmower to replace our old one that is 12-years-old, and they turned us down each time, but last year FOLKS bought us a new one! Last year, 156 FOLKS volunteers contributed over 13,000 hours to the park, yet you still man- aged to raise over a million dollars for the new building.” Katie informed the audience that “Florida State Parks recently received the Gold Medal Award for the fourth time as the nation’s best state park system, and no other state has won this more than once. If you have not visited LKSP in the past two weeks, come see us be- cause we now have a construction zone for the Welcome & Discovery Center, and next month, we will start to put up the pilings, meaning you will soon see the building tak- ing shape. The Welcome and Dis- covery Center will open up a world of new opportunities to the adults in our area, and especially to our kids!” HOT MOMS, COOL DUDES CROW’s Rachel Rainbolt began her gopher tortoise program by relating, “I started at CROW as a volunteer with gopher tortoises, so they remain near-&-dear to my heart! The gopher tortoise gets its name because it is a burrowing ani- mal and it is the only native tortoise species in the Southeastern Unit- ed States. Gopher tortoises are a land-based animal, and every so often good-natured people will pick one up and place it back in the Gulf of Mexico, but they do not swim, so once in a while, we get one at CROW that is burping up water.” Rachel explained, “Gopher tortoise arms are designed to be flat and not to swim, to shovel out sand for their burrow, so they are great diggers. Females are larger than males, as all species should be in nature, including people! This is necessary, as females lose quite a bit of weight during mating sea- son. In nature, they can grow to 9 to 13 pounds, with those in cap- tivity even larger, and though their Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 17 FOLKS Annual Meeting LPA Approves LDC Changes CROW’s Rainbolt Guest Speaker average age is approximately 60 Discuss Setbacks & Height years old, reaching sexual maturity Cont’d from pg.7 between 15 to 20 years old, some are 90 or more. Their biggest dan- feet side setback and those 55 ft thought it was measured at the gers are automobiles and the loss wide and up having a 10 ft side set- setback point or at half the depth or destruction of their habitat, but back with the LPA approval. of the lot, but would need to check that is why LKSP is a great home Propst also suggested sev- the code. for them, because it is such a pro- eral alternatives for building height tected environment, so many there regulation. One of those would live to an old age.” HISTORICAL PRESERVA- change how the height of a build- TION BOARD Male and female gopher ing was measured, bringing it more tortoises lead fairly solitary lives, in line with how other communities Rachel explained, “except during The LPA board sits as the measure height. Height is cur- Historical Preservation Board mating season from April to June, rently measured to the eave and though we suspect that some in (HPB) as per the LDC. The Historic the proposal would have the en- Preservation Advisory Committee Florida breed year-round, most like- FOLKS President Rich Donnelly tire roof included, using the mean ly due to our warm weather. Breed- that advises the HPB, must have (standing) discussed the Welcome & height of the roof, she explained. a HPB/LPA member on the com- ing season is a hot and heavy time, Discovery Center. She also brought forth a change where they rage with hormones. mittee. They haven’t for several that incorporates the allowance for months and as a result, have not Competing males bob their heads for them!” more height on a new structure, if at each other and try to flip one-an- met. LPA discussion about how to Gopher tortoises are an there is an additional side setback, solve the problem included remov- other over. It is tough for people to umbrella or indicator species, with among other conditions. tell the difference between males ing the HPB from LPA responsibili- up to 350 other species relying on The definitions of porch- ty or changing the requirement that and females unless you probe them them, offered Rachel. “At one time, es, balconies and stoops was and that is kind of rude! An easier an LPA/ HPB member must be on their United States habitat totaled tweaked, and the LPA agreed to the advisory committee. The LPA way is that males have a concave roughly 10 million acres but due limit porches to one floor only on indentation on their bellies so that voted 5-0 (Plummer had left the to development, they have ap- new construction since porches meeting at this point.) to request they do not fall off the female.” proximately 2 million acres left, so are allowed to extend into the front In courtship, Rachel added, that Town Council first remove the they are protected under the En- setback of a property. requirement that an LPA member “they rub noses together like but- dangered Species Act. At CROW terfly kisses, then he chews on her sit on the Historic Preservation Ad- in 2019, we treated 571 Gopher LANDSCAPE LIMITS visory Committee and change it to neck and if they like that, they mate. tortoises, mostly from cars and a The female deposits her eggs on have the LPA member be a liaison little from an upper respiratory ill- The LPA discussed institut- to the committee. They also agreed the soft sand apron outside the ness outbreak. Our ultimate goal is ing landscape limitations on new burrow, with the clutch from 7 to 12 to ask council to consider disasso- to not only release them back into construction to allow for a view ciating the HPB from the LPA and eggs. When babies hatch after an the wild, but where we found them, corridor between beachfront and 80 to 100-day incubation, they are create a new board, eliminating the so if it was Fort Myers Beach, we bayfront houses. They settled on subsidiary committee. slightly larger than a golf ball, are return them here. Our hospital is creating a clear zone in the side yellow in color, and look like tiny open 365 days-a-year, and you can setback area between 4 ft and 12 The next LPA meeting is chicken-turtle nuggets! The burrow bring wounded animals to the Indi- ft as one of the conditions required sand temperature dictates their sex, scheduled for Tuesday, February an Creek Pet Hospital by Zoomers in order to qualify for additional 11, 2020. with hotter sand producing more fe- and the VCA Coral Animal Hospital height on a new building. males, so remember – ‘Hot Moms, at 9540 Cypress Lake Drive, as we During Public Comment Cool Dudes!’ Gopher tortoises love have several Fort Myers Beach vol- Harry Lefferts asked how the width upland sandy soils with low vegeta- unteers who help transport them to of pie-shaped lots would be cal- tion, and that is why LKSP is ideal CROW.” culated. Green answered that he Page 18 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020 Who Prays for You? The Poor Clare Nuns of San Damiano Monastery, Cont’d from pg.1 cal establishment. These cloistered In August 1987, John J. tors soon found ways to support the nuns dedicate their lives to praying Nevins, Bishop of in Flori- San Damiano Monastery and the for the priests of their Diocese - the da, invited Sister Mary Emmanuel nuns. Besides longtime Fort Myers Diocese of Venice in Florida - for lo- Kilkenny, Vicaress of the Christ the Beach residents Jim and Ellie New- cal residents and for the world. King Monastery in Delray Beach, to ton (who built Newton House, now So if you ever feel alone and discuss the possibility of setting up a public park owned by the Town of despairing, rest assured that you a foundation on Fort Myers Beach. Fort Myers Beach), then Lee Coun- are in the prayers of the nuns who Local benefactor Leonard Santini ty Sheriff John McDougall became dwell in the San Damiano Monas- (who had donated the Church of As- a supporter. In 1992, a Protestant tery of St. Clare. You are welcome cension grounds) had established a couple, Susan and Larry Adams, to visit their lovely, simple chapel to residence for retired priests on the paid off the 99-year lease for the attend morning Mass, to pray, think church grounds. It had been empty Monastery at a cost of one dollar or just take a peaceful break from for two years and after renovations, per year. our hectic world. became the San Damiano Monas- An expanded monastery tery of St. Clare in May 1988. and residence for the nuns plus an THE POOR CLARES’ FMB With five Poor Clare Sis- enlarged chapel followed - with a HOME ters in residence - including Sister frightening Christmas 1994 punc- Mary Emmanuel as Founder and tuated by the shriek of a fire alarm Poor Clare Nuns take their Sister Mary Frances from Delray (but no fire). “The fire station called name from St. Clare of , a Beach - Father Richard Raney ar- and shortly thereafter a big red ve- devoted follower of St. Francis. rived in 1989 to say daily Mass in hicle arrived, not with Santa Claus, She was born on July 16, 1194 to the tiny monastery chapel. He re- but with a full crew of firemen,” a wealthy, noble family, but at age mained the beloved Chaplain until states A Brief History of the San 18 Clare forsook her family’s wealth two years before his death on Octo- Damiano Monastery of St. Clare. and took refuge in the Monastery of ber 11, 2013 - just shy of his 101st On March 2, 2009, with San Paolo. Later she established birthday - and spent his final years the required complement of eight Sister Mary Frances Fortin, O.S.C., in his own quarters on the monas- sisters, San Damiano Monastery the . the San Damiano Monastery and drew in more women who chose tery grounds. attained official status as an au- on giving ourselves completely to true poverty, as distinct from other Local friends and benefac- tonomous monastery of the Order God, contemplation and prayer.” that held lands, ex- Poor Clare Nuns have no tracted tolls and rents, and earned possessions aside from everyday income from other forms of owner- clothing and personal necessities. ship. Living very simply, they depend Both St. Francis and St. on “the work of our hands” and the Clare lived by the Gospel of Mat- community’s generosity, forsaking thew (19:21): “If you wish to be per- individual bank accounts or retire- fect, go, sell your possessions, and ment funds. They are obedient to give the money to the poor, and you their Abbess - whom each com- will have treasure in heaven.” munity of nuns elects from among Clare became Abbess of them - to the Rule of St. Clare and San Damiano in 1216. She died in to the in Rome. They 1253 and was canonized by don’t leave the monastery enclo- Alexander IV in 1255. sure except for health reasons and Today, Poor Clare Sisters to conduct necessary business for number some 20,000 throughout their community. the world in over 70 countries. Most While they have been part monasteries have from four to 13 of the Fort Myers Beach community members. The Poor Clare charism since 1988, you will rarely encoun- (or spirit) is one of family, more suit- ter any of the Poor Clare Sisters out ed to small communities. Florida and about, although on occasion has three such monasteries, in Mi- a cheerful, friendly in a white ami, Delray Beach and Fort Myers habit is seen at a store or other lo- Beach. Stained-glass depiction of St. Clare.

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OPEN 19041 San Carlos Blvd, Suite 7 M-F 8:30am-6pm (Located just after the stop light before you cross the sky bridge) Sat 8:30am-4pm Closed Sunday 239-463-5177 Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 19 Who Prays for You? The Poor Clare Nuns of San Damiano Monastery, Cont’d from pg.18 2006, she was rushed by ambu- lance to Lee Memorial Hospital with a blood clot in her leg. After several surgeries and multiple stays in the intensive care unit at more than one hospital, it soon became clear that Sr. Mary Emmanuel could no longer live at the monastery. Although she was able to return for occasional visits and ceremonies, she had to reside at HealthPark. But she did not stay there alone. Two sisters from San Damiano, taking turns, were with her 24 hours a day for the rest of her life. “It was hard, but it bonded our community,” Sr. Mary Frances reflected. “And we didn’t know that she would remain in hospital for nearly the next five years!” Three of the Poor Clares have drivers’ licenses, and members of the lo- cal community also volunteered to drive them. So they brought the St. Francis. Photos by Janet Sailian monastery and its family spirit to their ailing sister. While they suffered the “Mary Emmanuel gave us wrath of Hurricane Irma in Septem- even more in those years than in ber 2017, the sisters are happy to her years as Abbess,” insisted Sr. call Fort Myers Beach home. As Mary Frances. The first Abbess of Sister Mary Frances put it: “This San Damiano Monastery passed is a perfect location for us. When away at age 92 on December 11, we come back over the bridge after 2011, with Sr. Mary Frances and Sr. doing errands, we sigh with relief. Mary Seraphim by her side. Being on an island also enhances Statue of St. Clare outside the San Damiano Monastery. our sense of being apart.” What do the local Poor A COMMUNITY APART, Clare Nuns want islanders to know of St. Clare. “Every autonomous outdone in generosity. We believe YET PART OF OUR house elects its own Abbess,” said that whatever we give is granted about them? “We are here to pray Sister Mary Frances. “We are inde- back to us one hundred-fold in this COMMUNITY for them,” said the Abbess. “Our pendent and, within the rules of the life and the life to come.” most important job is to pray for the Order of St. Clare, no one imposes Poor Clare candidates To characterize the Poor community and the world. We rely anything on us.” feel a calling from God, are prac- Clare Sisters of San Damiano, Fa- on their kindness and generosity, On August 13, 2004 Hur- ticing Catholics who regularly at- ther Michael J. McNally, a histori- and that of Providence. We have ricane Charley struck, causing tend Mass and, according to the an, author and their Chaplain since been treated so kindly and wel- massive damage to the fences and San Damiano of St. Clare website 2018, said: “They have a real sense comed so warmly by this communi- property of both monastery and (fmbpoorclare.com), “feel drawn to of unfeigned joy, in the spirit of St. ty.” church. A tree that fell onto one a deeper, more exclusive relation- Francis.” corner of the monastery broke off ship with Christ.” It adds: “Good a gutter, part of the roof and sec- physical and psychological health tions of roof soffit, but caused no is a basic requirement and having interior destruction. Like many oth- a good sense of humor is an im- er islanders, the Poor Clares suf- portant quality in someone called to fered through hot, humid days with community life.” no water or electricity. They soon Peruse the websites of var- bought a generator and, with local ious Poor Clare communities and help, repaired roofs and installed you will note the beaming faces. As both new fencing and high-impact Sister Mary Frances pointed out, windows. cloistered nuns live simply; they don’t own individual cell phones (just one for emergencies), don’t WALKING A usually watch the news - although CLOISTERED NUN’S PATH they have a television set and var- ious movies on DVD - and their fo- Each woman comes to the cus on prayer and contemplation Poor Clares by her own distinct brings genuine joy. While it’s not path. While most arrive as young the life most people would choose, adults, some are called to the com- to those it suits, this is the ideal way munity after marriage and raising to live. children. One nun at Christ the King Poor Clares do their own Monastery in Delray Beach was cooking, cleaning and basic main- born amid great wealth in , tenance. A handyman and land- and as a child had her own servant. scaper take care of specialized re- “You could see her in the monas- pairs and heavy outdoor tasks. The tery, happily scrubbing floors,” said local community of nuns derives a Sister Mary Frances. livelihood by distributing the host The Abbess of San Damia- for Mass to 40 churches, and from no Monastery since election by her prayer cards, perpetual remem- peers in 2009, Sister Mary Fran- brances and donations from local ces grew up in Toronto, Canada as residents and visitors. Their day is one of four children. In her second marked by three periods of prayer year of high school she read a book as well as morning Mass. about the Poor Clares and from A garden within the enclo- that moment, determined that she sure is full of flowers and fruit trees: would join them. She graduated mango, citrus, papaya and attis - a from high school in 1962 and in No- fruit the Filipino sisters introduced. vember of that year, shortly before “Our garden is an extension of the her 18h birthday, took her vows. monastery, and a daily connection “My mother was not happy to creation, beauty and nature,” about my decision, but my father said Sr. Mary Frances. was a deeply spiritual person who Perhaps most emblematic was glad to give a daughter to the of the caring family that Poor Clares church,” she said. “One sign of the form is the story of Sister Mary Em- vocation as a nun is the ability to manuel Kilkenny, the Founder and live this intense, cloistered life. We previous Abbess of San Damiano are all human, but God is never Monastery. On the last day of the year Page 20 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020 Christmas Bird Count Estero Bay Circle Reinstated, Cont’d frm pg.1 Gulf coastal areas were in active from St. to the Wyn- count circles, much of Fort Myers dham. Gloria Abramoff (co-com- Beach, including the Little Estero piler), Cheyenne Curran, Gayle Critical Wildlife Area and Lovers Crabtree-Pergoli, Wendy Kindig Key State Park were not includ- and I covered the Little Estero Crit- ed in any circle. Knowing how im- ical Wildlife Area down to Island’s portant this area is for shorebirds, End. Later Gloria and I covered I was alarmed that it was not part Bay Beach, Church of the Ascen- of the CBC. Even though I was a sion, New Pass and Estero Bay. week past Audubon’s application Audrey Albrecht, Martha Camp- deadline to start a circle, I sent in bell, Molly Hutchins, Bill and Patty my request to the CBC Administra- Jones, Paulsen, and Cathy tor. Fortunately, Geoff LeBaron was and Don Valas covered Lovers Key quick to email me back to say there State Park and Beach. was an inactive circle very close to Charlie Ewell, Meg Rousher, Bar- what I had requested, and he had bara Centola, and Bill and Ran- restarted the FLEB (Florida Estero da Veach covered Wiggins Pass, Bay) circle with me as compiler. Hidden Cypress Preserve, Edison Wendy Kindig (left) and Gloria Abramoff participate in the Christmas Bird Count. I was excited to be the com- Farms and Coconut Point wet- PHOTO BY PENNY JARRETT. piler of the FLEB circle, which had lands. Jayne Johnston and Wils not been active since 1993. It also Murphy provided additional counts. the total number of birds in the cir- tions across North America. When meant recruiting volunteers during Many thanks to all who gave their cle on that day. combined with other surveys, sci- the height of the holiday season, time to do the count! The data collected by the entists learn how bird populations but soon enough the count day was In all, 85 species and 3,115 many observer hours over the past have changed over time and within set for December 27 and 22 volun- individual birds were counted. At century have allowed research- certain locations. teers were assigned to four groups. first glance, the counts may appear ers, conservation biologists, wild- As the 120th Audubon Thank goodness for social media to reflect healthy populations of the life agencies and other interested CBC got underway, I was looking and dedicated birders. species counted. However, com- individuals to study the long-term on the Audubon CBC website and Jeffrey Roth, Gail Camp- pared with the historical data for health and status of bird popula- learned that while many of Florida’s bell and Elaine Swank covered the FLEB counts done in the early 1990’s, the population counts show a decline in numbers and is similar to recent population reports from long-term studies. Since our coastal habitats are especially important for shore- birds, a comparison of the counts of several species can illustrate this point.

While a single Audu- bon CBC circle with only a small amount of data is not conclusive on its own, I believe it is a snapshot of what is being reported by avifauna researchers who have extensively studied many years of bird popula- tion data. From the Cornell Lab of Or- nithology website – www.allabout- birds.org “According to research published online in September by the Journal Science, wild bird pop- ulations in the continental U.S. and Canada have declined by almost 30% since 1970. We were astounded by this net loss across all birds on our con- tinent, the loss of billions of birds,” said Cornell Lab of Ornithology conservation scientist Ken Rosen- berg, who led an international team of scientists from seven institutions in the analysis of population trends for 529 bird species. The study quantifies for the first time the total decline in bird populations in the continental U.S. and Canada, a loss of 2.9 billion breeding adult birds—with devas- tating losses among birds in every biome. Rosenberg, who leads joint research initiatives by the Cornell Lab and American Bird Conservan- cy, says these study results tran- scend the world of birds. Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 21 Christmas Bird Count Area Kiwanis Clubs Gather Estero Bay Circle Reinstated, Cont’d frm pg.20 Children Priority One

“These bird losses are a are facing and to do our very best strong signal that our human-altered to maintain intact ecosystems and Area Kiwanis Clubs gather for a Division Council meeting. landscapes are losing their ability to reduce human disturbances. Just PHOTO BY ERIC TIBBS. support birdlife,” he said. “And that remember, these beautiful birds call is an indicator of a coming collapse our barrier island home too! Representatives of several SWFL area Kiwanis Clubs gathered of the overall environment.” To learn more about the Christmas last Thursday, January 16, for a Division Council Meeting on Fort Myers From the Audubon website Bird Count and check out the his- Beach, hosted by the Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club at Chapel by the – https://www.audubon.org/conser- torical and current data, trends go Sea. vation/coastal-strategy to bit.ly/fmbCBC Five Kiwanis clubs were represented, including Fort Myers “Marine and coastal birds are in Beach, Cape Coral, Fort Myers-Edison, Lehigh, Metro-McGregor and steep decline due to climate change, Pine Island. Each club shared some of their recent activities. Fort My- development, overfishing, and pol- ers-Edison partnered with Perkins for The Giving Tree this past holiday lution and the numbers are stark. season, resulting in over 6,000 gifts delivered to the elderly. The Cape Globally, seabird populations have Coral club gave out $293,000 in scholarships and hosted a Christmas decreased by 70 percent since 1950 Party for special needs students. They also plan to donate world atlas- and in North American alone, shore- es to every fourth grader in Cape Coral. The Metro-McGregor Kiwanis bird populations have decreased by Club sponsors a breakfast for the children at Johns-Hopkins and BUG 70 percent since 1973.” (Bringing Up Grades) awards. Pine Island sponsors PILOT (Pine Island Leaders of Tomorrow) and are building a new playground. The local FORT MYERS BEACH BIRDS Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club distributed $40,000 in scholarships, $20,000 to Golisano Children’s Hospital, atlases to every fourth grader *While the bird populations at the Beach School and continues to help needy families in its com- are largely in decline, the good munity. Each Kiwanis Club sponsors at least one of the Kiwanis school- news for Fort Myers Beach resi- based clubs and sports teams in its community. Hearing about all this dents/visitors is that the Little Estero local Kiwanis activity reminded club members what Kiwanis is about: Critical Wildlife Area and adjacent Children Priority One. beach is providing suitable habitat The Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club runs the Kiwanis Thrift for nesting, resting and feeding for a Store at Summerlin Rd and Pine Ridge Road (11050 Summerlin Square diversity of shorebird species. In ad- Drive, Fort Myers Beach). The club welcomes new members and/or dition, snowy plover numbers have store volunteers (4-hour shifts). Visit the store for more information locally increased due to a cooper- about the club or volunteering at the store, or call 239-454-8090 or visit ative by the property owners at the fortmyersbeachkiwanis.org South end of FMB and FWC. This Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Southeast Upcoming meetings of the FMB Kiwanis Club, held at Bonita does show that conservation efforts U.S. map – Each circle represents a Bill’s meeting room, 702 Fishermans Wharf, FMB, are scheduled on do work. 15-mile wide diameter circle where bird counts were done for the 120th Christ- Friday, Feb 7 at 7:30am; Thursday Feb 13 at 11:30am and Thursday It is up to all of us to recog- mas Bird Count. February 20 at 5:30pm. nize the ecological pressures birds Page 22 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020

Two local writers will speak at the Ocean Habitats to put artificial reefs son. Also held on Mar 7 and Apr 4. meeting: Monica Lynn, author of under their docks to help clean the “A Letter from Clarence O’Malley” water. They will host State Days on VOLUNTEER EXPO and Mary Tatarian, author of “Love FR beginning with Minnesota on United Way will host a Volunteer at First Flight.” All are welcome to Jan 31 with food and drink specials Fair on SA Feb 1 from 9:30am – January attend. unique to each state. Proceeds will 12:30pm at the Lakes Regional Li- go towards the artificial reefs. Bring brary, 15290 Bass Rd, Fort Myers. BRIDGE CLASSES old license plates or other state Learn about year-round volunteer The Fort Myers Beach Woman’s memorabilia to decorate the dock. opportunities in Lee County and Club is offering two Audrey Grant Minnesota Jan 31; Pennsylvania speak to a variety of local agencies. Bridge Basics classes. Each class Feb. 7; Ohio, Feb 14; Illinois Feb Nineteen local agencies will attend. consists of four lessons and is lim- 21; Michigan Feb 28 and Wiscon- Find the right fit and volunteer on ited to 8 students. Each series of sin Mar 6. For more info, call 239- your schedule! Contact the United classes costs $25 + the cost of the 314-5667. Way Volunteer Center at 239-433- text. “Bridge Basics – An Introduc- 7567 or at UnitedWayLee.org/vol- tion,” will be offered on MO 1:30 – unteer. 4:30pm from Jan 27 – Feb 17. This A Daily Guide to Fun on the Beach class will cover basic bidding and SONGWRITERS AT A Publication of FortMyersBeach.news game play. A second class, “Com- SUNSET petitive Bidding” will be offered on Friends of Lovers Key joins with TU 2:30 – 5:30pm from Jan 28 – BUNCHE BEACH BIRDS the Americana Community Music Feb 18. Participants in this class Association to offer a Songwriters On SA Jan 25 beginning at 8am, must have significant experience enjoy beautiful Bunche Beach, an at Sunset concert on the first TH or have completed the Introduction each month at the gazebo on the excellent birding site with a Bird class. All participants must have Patrol Guide. Bunche is a great Lovers Key State Park beach. On the appropriate text. Call, text or Feb 6 Charlie McCoy is featured in spot for both migrant and resident email Claire Langer to register and waders and shorebirds working the the concert that begins at 4:15pm. for text information. 239-292-1900; One of the most in-demand session mudflats at low tide. Also warblers, [email protected] waterfowl and raptors. Free with players in Nashville, his session paid parking ($2/hour) For more credits are literally a who’s who of info call 707-3015. KITTY QUARTER AUCTION country music. Roy Schneider and The Nauti Parrot Dock Bar will host Kim Mayfield will also perform. Pri- a Kitty Quarter Auction on TH Jan or to the concert, Food Truck ven- BEACH ACCESS #41 30 at 6pm to benefit Find A Home dors will be on site offering food and Beach access 41, located just south Give A Home Cat Rescue on FMB of Pink Shell Resort will be closed beverage options with a portion of and San Carlos Island. Bring quar- sale supporting the future Welcome temporarily from MO Jan 27 – TH ters to play. Donations of at least 12 SHRIMP DINNER Jan 30 for boardwalk maintenance. & Discovery Center. Free with park cans of wet or 7lbs of dry cat food Enjoy our area’s finest delicacy, entry fees. Bring a chair or blanket. Access #40 just south of Bowditch earns entry into a special drawing. Gulf Pink Shrimp, at the monthly Point Park will remain open. Both $3 paddle rental, 50/50 raffle, lots Shrimp Dinner offered at Historic St. are foot traffic only. Raphael’s Episcopal Church, 5601 CRAFT FAIR of great gifts and gift cards. Re- Siesta Bay RV Resort will host a serve a table by calling 233-8625. Williams Dr. on SA, Feb 1 from 5-7 p.m. All you can eat GULF shrimp, Craft Fair on FR Feb 7 from 9am to LOCAL AUTHORS 19001 San Carlos Blvd, FMB. Free noon in Primero Hall. Over 50 ven- The Friends of the Beach Library valet parking. homemade coleslaw, baked beans will hold their annual meeting on and cornbread. Soda included. dors to browse. The Café will be MO Jan 27 at 5:30pm in the Li- Beer and wine tickets available. No open from 7am -2pm for breakfast NAUTI STATE DAYS and lunch. Their next Craft Fair will brary’s 3rd floor Community Room. Nauti Parrot is partnering with reservations needed. $20 per per-

(239)314-5304 • www.SeaRacerFortMyers.com Salty Sam’s Marina ~ 2500 Main St. Fort Myers Beach, FL Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 23

be on March 13. 19333Summerlin is $125/couple + Eventbrite han- VIP tickets offer $15K in “funny mon- Rd, Fort Myers. dling fees. Guests $45 each. For ey”, free champagne, table seating, tickets go to Eventbrite.com and valet parking and more. Don’t miss VALENTINE’S DINNER DANCE search for “Vows” on Feb 14. For this fun gaming experience that bene- Join the Beach United Methodist more information contact Flo Al- fits Beach Elementary School. Tickets Church on FR Feb 14 at 6pm for exander 630-542-2435. at highrollinonthebeach.eventsmart. a Valentine’s Dinner Dance. The com public is invited and a buffet will be KEYS COMEDY available. Pastor Ivan will be the St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church MAHJONG music DJ for this fun evening of will host a BBQ dinner show with Attention all Mahjong players: Drop food and dancing. $12/person. Call Jimmy Keys Comedy Concert at in Mahjong is offered every MO from 239-463-9656 to reserve tickets or St. Raphael Comfort Hall on SA 9am-noon through April at Church of for more information. Feb 15, doors open at 5:45pm. the Ascension Hall. AC & re- Dinner and show $55. For tickets freshments. Call Barbara Puffer for VALENTINE’S DAY SOCK HOP call 239-463-6057 or visit www. information. 203-494-2765 or 239- The Senior Sock Hop is back. Head StRaphaelsChurch.org. 463-4543. to Bay Oaks on FR Feb 14 to enjoy an evening of Great Music, Danc- VALENTINES DINNER There is also a group that plays Thurs- ing, Food, Drinks and Nostalgia DANCE days at the Beach Library at 1:30pm from 6-9pm. Everyone is welcome! The Knights of Columbus of As- in the 3rd floor Community Room. For details call 239-765-4222. cension Parish will host their an- Bring your 2019 cards and sets if you nual Valentine’s Dinner Dance have them. Beginners are welcome; VALENTINE’S DAY al service will be offered at three on SA Feb 15 in the Parish Hall, instruction can be provided. VOW RENEWAL times this year, 10am, 1pm and 6025 Estero Blvd. Doors open at Friends of Lovers Key State Park 4pm. Each service will offer mar- 5:30pm. Enjoy a catered dinner BIBLE STUDY will again host a Valentine’s Day ried couples the chance to renew and dancing to the music of San- The Beach United Methodist Church Vow Renewal on FR Feb 14 on their vows, toast each other with chez Entertainment. Proceeds offers a satellite Women’s Bible Study the beautiful beach at Lovers Key champagne, enjoy a full meal, des- benefit the Ascension Knights of at The Palms of Bay Beach condo State Park. The non-denomination- serts, dancing, photo & more. Cost Columbus local charities. Tickets clubhouse on WE from 9:15 – 11am $30 per person and are avail- until Feb 26. Led by Susie Bloom, the able at the gazebo after weekend study is open to all women who wish masses, at the door or by calling to spend time in Christian fellowship George at 630-546-4801 or Jim and study. The focus is on Paul’s let- LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEETINGS at 937-545-4751. ter to the Philippians. For more infor- mation call Susie 260-450-5646. HIGH ROLLIN’ Tuesday, 1/28 6:30pm Library Board Meeting, Get your tickets now for the SUNSET CONCERTS 2755 Estero Blvd, FMB Beach School PTO fundraiser, Each Friday and Saturday, free Sun- “High Rollin’” on SA Feb 22 from set Celebration concerts from 5-10pm 6-10pm on the FMB Woman’s fill Times Square offering an entertain- Thursday, 1/30 10:30am Special Magistrate Hearings Club grounds. Tickets begin at ing musical backdrop to a spectacular $60 for general admission with sunset. Show is pet and kid friendly. VIP tables of 8 for $600. General Stop by and enjoy the beach, restau- All meetings take place in Town Hall, 2525 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers admission tix offer $10K in “fun- rants, street performers, cold bever- Beach unless otherwise noted. Meetings are subject to change. ny money”, appetizers, gaming, ages and a beautiful sunset! prizes & dancing with a cash bar.

Join us for our State Days for a Cause! In partnership with Ocean Habitats help raise funds to place 6 artificial ree fs under our docks. Help Save the Water & Celebrate Your State Pride! Unique State Food and Drink Specials Live Bands • Raffles and More! Jan 31st - Minnesota Feb 21st - Illinois Feb 7th - Pennsylvania Feb 28th - Michigan Feb 14th - Ohio Mar 6th - Wisconsin Please bring old license plates or anything Each artificial reef will filter 30,000 gallons of water to decorate your dock with your state pride! daily and provide local fish a place to hatch and grow safely.

Lots of great Auction items! Loads of FUN! Sunday BRING FRIENDS! Table RSVP - 239-233-8625 02/02/2020 SUNDAY WATERFRONT BREAKFAST 9-11AM $1 Bloody Marys Breakfast Menu Starting at $6 THE BEST DAILY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! Clive Live Saturdays 1pm WUB Wednesdays Late Nite EDM (239) 314-5667 Follow Us on Facebook 19001 San Carlos Blvd Open Daily 11am - Late Page 24 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020

4,000+ Swimsuits! Check out Sizes 6-24 Our NEW Look! The Latest in Women’s & Men’s Fashion Beach & Resortwear! 7205 Estero Blvd., Santini Marina Plaza 239.463.2838 www.Leanis.com Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 25

“In his youth, Oscar the Frog idolized Oscar the Grouch. Nowadays he is delighted to teach his kids that trash is not a good thing. “Save our Oceans”!” Bob A Lou

“Famous director, Toad Tarantino, mesmerizes his audience, sharing a “Tad” bit of the plot from his latest movie Pier Pressure to be introduced at the Can’s film festival.” Eric M. Huntsman

“God kids, I’m in the can give me some privacy!” Harley

WHAT IS COMMUNITY COMICS Each week I draw a cartoon and put it up on my FB page (Mark List) on Saturday morning, and ask all my FB friends to contribute captions for the cartoon. I also ask that everyone vote for the ones they think are the funniest. The ones with the most Likes by Monday or Tuesday get printed in the funnies pages that week. We do it simply for the fun of it.

Your Favorite Phone Number (239)274-0461 or (239) 463-0890 www.linshousefortmyers.com Page 26 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020 Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 27 Putt & Pub Crawl a Success! The 10th Annual Putt & Pub Crawl filled downtown Fort Myers and Yucatan Beach Stand Beach with colorful characters, remarkable putting and amazing support Non-profit organizations benefitting were: Turtle Time, Fort Myers of ten Island non-profits last Saturday. Twenty-eight teams participated, Beach Friends of The Arts, FMB Woman’s Club, FMB Film Festival, FMB moving among ten different businesses that each had a goofy golf hole Lions Club, Friends of Bay Oaks, FMB Elementary Parent-Teacher Orga- set up. Each hole was run by a beach non-profit and offered a raffle. nization, Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve, FMB Art Association and Participating businesses were: La Ola Surfside Restaurant, FMB Community Foundation. Matanzas on The Bay, Nervous Nellie’s, Pete’s Time Out, Mango Rita’s, PierSide Grill & Famous Blowfish Bar, Plaka’s, The Salty Crab, The Whale

2020 PUTT & PUB CRAWL WINNERS: First Place: Fairway to Heaven Second Place: The Arnold Palmers Worst Score: Jammin’ Pajammers Best Dressed Team: Oz in Playland Best Team Name: Oz in Playland People’s Choice/Hole Sponsor: Pete’s Time Out Page 28 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020 BEACH CLASSIFIEDS

RENT SEASONAL RENTAL - MONTHLY HELP WANTED FOR RENT FMB Condo for Rent FOR RENT HIBISCUS POINT HELP WANTED MONTHLY RENTAL On FMB… experienced home- Leonardo Arms SEASONAL South End on Beach 3BR/2BA Ft Myers Beach Avail April & May 2020 making aide for light duties for 1 3 BR/2BA adult. Hours flexible (would allow 2BR/2BA House 3rd Floor End Unit Condo other responsibilities for student, End Unit - 1st Floor Clean & nicely furnished South- Only 5 min walk to beach nurse, etc.) Lovely Renovated Unit ern Charmer before bridge & Nice community pool & hot tub Available April and May 2020 traffic. Avail. Feb 3 to May 3. New ceramic tile throughout Private, 1st class apt available, if Call for More info local housing needed. Beautiful sundown @deepwa- No Pets 260-494-7400 ter dock. $3400 /mo. Fenced Call Tom or Lise Background check. Non-smoker. yard for pet, fees apply. 518-583-9990 or Add’l info avail to qualified appli- FOR RENT 865-622-2149 518-583-2667 cants. 1BR/1BA & 2 BR/2BA apts Mid-Island - Fort Myers Beach Call 573-280-0491 Clean and nicely furnished 9am - noon Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal No texts Available now Call 239-246-9291 or 239-333-6123. (leave message) SALES STAFF TOP PAY PEST CONTROL WITH FABULOUS BENEFITS FT benefits include: Major Medical +, profit sharing, 401(k), A Better Bugman LLC paid vacation, etc. A Full Service FT or PT Pest Control Company We will consider training anyone Residential & Commercial looking for a secure future with a MOSQUITO + SPIDERS solid established company. CONTROL PROGRAMS APPLY IN PERSON AT Call Today for SANDAL FACTORY FORT MYERS FREE Estimate. BEACH, 1035 ESTERO BLVD OR Phone: 239-454-BUGS(2847) CALL CLAUDIA 239-463-1989 Fax: 239-415-BUGS(2847)

HELP WANTED CLEANING SERVICE

Friendly and Smart People NEED CLEANING? Wanted NO TIME TO CLEAN? FT/PT/Seasonal We are experienced in vacation For a family-type workplace rentals, condos, homes & Tides • Matanzas Pass • Ft. Myers Beach businesses. Licensed and Insured. Outrigger Beach Resort Give us a call Beyond Fast - Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon Front Office/Reservations, A Cleaning Service - /Low Time Feet Sunset Visible Maintenance, Housekeeping, 239-265-6651 Servers F 24 Low 6:48 AM -1.0 7:16 AM Rise 7:10 AM 1 24 High 2:38 PM 1.3 6:04 PM Set 6:00 PM Charley’s Boathouse Grill 24 Low 5:08 PM 1.2 and Wine Bar 24 High 11:52 PM 2.6 Professional Servers and Bartenders

Sa 25 Low 7:21 AM -0.9 7:15 AM Rise 7:55 AM 0 Insurance, Vacation & Holiday Bene- BEACH CLASSIFIEDS 25 High 2:53 PM 1.3 6:05 PM Set 6:55 PM fits for FT Employees Drug Free Workplace 25 Low 5:55 PM 1.1 Apply at 6200 Estero Boulevard $20 A WEEK Su 26 High 12:32 AM 2.6 7:15 AM Rise 8:36 AM 0 Fort Myers Beach 26 Low 7:51 AM -0.7 6:06 PM Set 7:50 PM 26 High 3:07 PM 1.3 $60 FOR 4 WEEKS 26 Low 6:42 PM 1.0 HELP WANTED SERVER WANTED M 27 High 1:12 AM 2.4 7:15 AM Rise 9:12 AM 3 Island Pancake House 239-463-4461 27 Low 8:19 AM -0.6 6:06 PM Set 8:43 PM Fast Pace Breakfast & Lunch 27 High 3:21 PM 1.5 Apply In Person 27 Low 7:31 PM 0.9 2801 Estero Blvd, Unit P Fort Myers Beach, FL Tu 28 High 1:54 AM 2.2 7:14 AM Rise 9:46 AM 7 28 Low 8:47 AM -0.4 6:07 PM Set 9:34 PM 28 High 3:39 PM 1.6 28 Low 8:23 PM 0.7

W 29 High 2:39 AM 2.0 7:14 AM Rise 10:17 AM 13 29 Low 9:15 AM -0.1 6:08 PM Set 10:25 PM 29 High 4:01 PM 1.7 29 Low 9:21 PM 0.6

Th 30 High 3:30 AM 1.7 7:13 AM Rise 10:48 AM 20 30 Low 9:44 AM 0.1 6:09 PM Set 11:15 PM 30 High 4:28 PM 1.8 30 Low 10:26 PM 0.5

F 31 High 4:32 AM 1.5 7:13 AM Rise 11:19 AM 28 31 Low 10:13 AM 0.4 6:09 PM 31 High 4:59 PM 2.0 31 Low 11:38 PM 0.2 For all tides go to www.saltwatertides.com Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 29 PUZZLE ANSWERS Page 30 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020 Not the Status Quo Art Show Opens Now on exhibit in the Fort Myers Beach baum for “Watching.” Dannica Walker was can choose from several short classes and Art Association Gallery is the juried and judged awarded second Prize for “The Grinder.” Third workshops at the Fort Myers Beach Art Associ- art show, “Not the Status Quo.” On Sunday, Jan- prize went to Sue Pink for “NY, NY.” ation this season. Check the website www.fort- uary 19, the FMBAA held a reception, gallery talk The Lee Ackert Award was presented to myersbeachart.com to see all the exciting class- and awards program for the show, which fea- Linda Robinson for “It’s for the Birds.” The Syl- es. tures paintings by members and non-members. via Kasparies Award went to Lynne Wesolowski The Fort Myers Beach Art Association The show was judged by renowned artist, Bon- for her collage piece, “Serendipity.” gallery is located at 3030 Shell Mound Blvd., nie Broitzman. The gallery talk “Perception of Merit Awards were presented to the fol- one mile south of the Matanzas Bridge. The gal- Beauty” was presented by Artist and Professor lowing: Starlin Sherwood for “Rodeo Rider” and lery is open daily, Monday to Saturday from 10 Francesco Gillia. Fresh Catch Bistro sponsored Catherine Kendrick for “Dancing in the Light am to 3 pm. Visit the website or call (239) 463- this event and supplied refreshments. Artwork in -Series III.” Honorable Mention awards went to 3909 for more information. this exhibit is available for viewing and purchase Marie Crist for “Hidden Oasis,” and Michele Bar- until February 6, 2020. ron Buelow for “Stormy Sunrise.” PHOTOS BY PAM FLAHERTY. First Prize was presented to Julie Nus- Anyone interested in learning to paint,

First Prize was presented to Julie Nusbaum for “Watching.” Third prize went to Sue Pink for “NY, NY.”

Dannica Walker was awarded second Prize for “The Grinder.” The Lee Ackert Award was presented to Linda Robinson for “It’s for the Birds.” Jan 24, 2020 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Page 31 WHO’S PLAYING WHERE ON AND AROUND THE BEACH CLUB FRIDAY 1/24 SATURDAY 1/25 SUNDAY 1/26 MONDAY 1/27 TUESDAY 1/28 WEDNESDAY 1/29 THURSDAY 1/30 COTTAGE/ SIDESHOW BOB & SIDESHOW BOB SHUCKERS TROUBLEMAKERS JOE BEST 2-5PM & JOE BEST 2-5PM SOAPY TUNA FADED ROOTS STEVE FARST NEW VINYLS 1250 Estero Blvd 8-12PM NEW VINYLS TROUBLEMAKERS 8-12PM 8-12PM 8-12PM 8-12PM 765-5440 8-12PM 8-12PM

DIXIE FISH CO. MARK WESLEY SOME LITTLE FISH TEQUILA TOM OBE GONZALEZ BOBBY BLAKEY Fisherman’s Wharf 233-8837 5:30-8:30PM 5:30-8:30 PM 5:30-8:30PM 530-8:30PM 5:30-8:30PM

DEB AND DOC FORDS 3 CROOKED STEPS HAZY, HOT & HUMID STEVE MCDOUGALL GIRL MEETS BOY KAPO KINGS 708 Fishermans Whf. THE DYNAMICS 6:30-9:30PM 6:30-9:30PM 6:30-9:30PM 6:30-9:30PM 6:30-9:30PM 765-9660 1:00-4:00 PM

JPH 1-4PM D-ROCKS 1-4PM D-ROCKS 1-4PM KARAOKE MANGO RITA’S D-ROCKS JPH MUSIC Time Square KARAOKE WITH CINDY KARAOKE WITH CINDY KARAOKE WITH CINDY WITH CINDY 1-4PM 6-10PM 233-8261 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM

SCOTTY BRYAN MATANZAS on the BAY DANIEL D 12-4PM SAILOR LARRY SCOTTY BRYAN SAILOR LARRY PETE BEARD MARY WINNER 414 Crescent 463-3838 5-9PM MARY WINNER 5-9PM 5-9PM 5-9PM 5-9PM 5-9PM 5-9PM ANGEL LEWIS CLIVE LIVE JOHNNY WALKER ONE HIC WONDER PETER KOLTER JUST CHRIS TERRY CLEMENS1-5PM NAUTI PARROT 2-6PM 1-5PM 1-5PM 1-5PM 1-5PM 2-6PM 19001 SAN CARLOS BLVD LONZA BARTLETT LIMITED EDITION DJ BUBBA LOVE COLLABORATION BETHAN CROWLEY NICK SCHNEBLIN 5:30-9:30PM 314-5667 7-10PM 6-10PM 4;30-7:30PM 5:30-9:30PM 5:30-9:30PM 7-10PM BILL ZINK SHERRIN McCUNE BILL ZINK KATHY HANLON RASHIMBA SHAWN RUSSELL SHERRIN McCUNE NERVOUS NELLIES 12-4PM 12-4PM 12-4PM 12-4PM 12-4PM 12-4PM 12-4PM 1131 FIRST STREET HAZY, HOT & HUMID SHAWN RUSSELL MEAGAN ROSE JOE JOHNSON BILL ZINK MEAGAN ROSE SHELLEY FAITH 463-8077 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM

PRINCESS & OUTRIGGER ALAN SMALL MEAGAN ROSE & JENNY VE MEAGAN ROSE ENDRE D NICOLE D’ANDREA 6200 Estero Blvd SMALLTOWN 5-8 SMOKIN’ BILL 2-5PM 5-8PM 5-8PM 5-8PM 5-8PM 463-3131 2-5PM

PARROT KEY FRANK TORINO FRANK TORINO 2500 Main St 463-3257 7-10PM 7-10PM

PETE’S TIME OUT DANIEL D ANTHONY WAYNE AARON SEYFFERTH DAVE COLLATON JAMES GRAGG Time Square 463-5900 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM

SHERRIN FRANK THOMSON ANTHONY WAYNE BILL ZINK BILL ZINK BILL ZINK PIERSIDE 1-5PM FRANK THOMSON 1-5PM 1-5PM 1-5PM 1-5PM 1-5PM BY TOWN PIER 765-7800 JEFF WHIDBY 1-5PM and 6-10PM SHERRIN SHERRIN JEFF WHIDBY MARY WINNER LEE BIRCHFIELD 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM BERNIE HYLAND ANTHONY WAYNE JEFF GREENE SALTY CRAB 12-4:00 PM BUSTED STUFF BRIZ & LADY 1154 Estero Blvd 12-4:00 PM 1-5PM BUSTED STUFF 6-9PM 6-9PM 233-8224 JPH 7-10 PM CHRIS KEMP 6-9PM 6-10PM

PENNSYLVANIA DAY EARSHOT SHRIMP DOCK TOP SHELF URBAN GROOVES GATLIN DINNER 2200 MAIN STREET GAITLIN DINNER DUELING PIANOS 7PM 7-10PM 7:00PM 463-3043 7PM 7-10PM

SOBs ANTHONY WAYNE WILL KAISER LEE HAGAN WILL KAISER ANTHONY WAYNE FRANK THOMPSON SHAWN RUSSELL Old San Carlos Blvd 463-3474 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM 6-10PM

STEVE FARST 2-5PM WHALE TYLER KLUESNER MIKE O’NEIL KAPO KINGS MATT HAVERS 1249 Estero Blvd KARAOKE w/ BRENDA 4PM 4PM 4PM 4PM 463-5505 7:00PM

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 32 The Island Sand Paper FortMyersBeach.news Jan 24, 2020

Ginger Lime Shrimp

The Best Happy Hour on the Beach! Mon - Fri 2-5pm 1249 Estero Blvd. • 239-463-5505 • www.thewhalefmb.com

Local Gulf Shrimp & Great Views Live Music • Waterfront Seating • Island Mojitos Retail Fish Market Available

Don’t let the construction fool you, We’re Open!

Waterfront • Live Music • Great Views “For the sun-kissed & sun- desirous alike, a vacation on a plate.” Lee County’s Newest Waterfront Restaurant & Fish House! www.dixiefishfmb.com www.DocFords.com 714 Fishermans Wharf • 239.233.8837 708 Fisherman’s Wharf • 239.765.9660