Post Comments, share Views, read Blogs on CaPe-Coral-daily-Breeze.Com Rolling APE ORAL along C C Cape High gals claim fifth straight shutout DAILY BREEZE — SPORTS WEATHER:Partly Sunny • Tonight: Mostly Clear • Wednesday: Mostly Cloudy — 2A cape-coral-daily-breeze.com Vol. 48, No. 273 Tuesday, November 24, 2009 50 cents Strategic planning session set for Dec. 11 By MEGHAN McCOY Schwing said the strategic plan- members come up with conclu- [email protected] ning session works around the “Strategic planning is what evolves sions on how to hire a city man- Cape Coral’s city council analysis of SWOT, which stands from what is discussesd during that ager and alleviate potential prob- decided Monday to go forward for the city’s strengths, weakness- day. We are talking high levels of con- lems for the city. with a strategic planning session es, operations and threats. cerns.” During Monday’s meeting, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 11. “Let me say this about this Schwing addressed the concerns Mayor John Sullivan said he process, for those of you that have — Interim City Manager Carl Schwing about how the council will know wanted the item on the agenda not been in attendance, I will when its strategic planning is suc- during Monday’s workshop so he come in and we will do an analy- cessful. could receive feedback from his sis,” Schwing said, which will “Strategic planning is what Regarding the fact that a new “I think that comes out of the fellow council members on when outline SWOT. He explained that evolves from what is discussed city manager will not be in place process,” he explained. “We are and where they would like the the findings will be later con- during that day,” Schwing said. before the planning session is going to be looking for more spe- session to be held. densed and grouped together for “We are talking high levels of held, Schwing said the SWOT Interim City Manager Carl strategic objectives. concerns.” discussions will help the council See SESSION, page 3A City rejects $1.05 million business damage claim Cole Bros. Circus $100,000 offered as settlement By MEGHAN McCOY chase of a right of way near the comes [email protected] business. The city of Cape Coral formal- She said the claim the business to town ly rejected a $1,050,540 business provided is a calculation of future damage claim from U-Build-It lost profit. Aluminum Center Inc. with a The business owner has 160 The Amazing requested action of a counter days to respond to the business Kellan performs offer to settle the issue for damage claim and the city has on the Giant Gyro $100,000. 120 days to respond to that. Wheel at the open- The city staff’s settlement pro- She said the city still has to ing night of the posal was discussed during the settle the land and a counter pro- Cole Bros. Circus City Council’s workshop meeting posal to settle the business dam- age claim. of the Stars Monday night. On Jan. 26, the City Council “The building is not salvage- Monday in Cape purchased the required right of able and should be torn down,” Coral. The circus way, along with the necessary she said. “We believe the settle- set up the big top permanent utility and drainage ment offer is deemed appropri- on Northeast Pine easement, which the city notified ate.” Island Road, next U-Build-It Aluminum Center in Andrews said the business is to Mel’s Diner. The pursuant to Florida Statutes. The still currently operating in two show continues purchase was needed for the Del units. today through Prado Boulevard expansion proj- Councilmember William Wednesday with ect. Deile explained that the only thing the council is addressing is show times at 4:30 Public Works Property Broker Dawn Andrews explained that U- the value of the businesses. and 7:30 p.m. Build-It Aluminum Center own- “A claim for business dam- ers had to provide their best esti- MICHAEL PISTELLA mate in response to the city’s pur- See CITY, page 3A ABATE gearing up for Adopt-A-Family Saturday’s Beaver Moon Run final fund-raiser for Christmas benefit By MEGHAN McCOY State, local agencies to conduct [email protected] To go The Caloosahatchee Chapter of ABATE of Florida Incor- Who: Caloosahatchee porated, a motorcycle group Chapter of ABATE sweeps of local pet stores who promotes motorcyclists What: Beaver Moon Run safety, is in the process of rais- ing funds and choosing families When: Saturday, Groups determine compliance with Florida regulations for its 15th annual Adopt-A- Nov. 28, 4:30 p.m. Family program. By MCKENZIE CASSIDY The last big fund-raiser for Where: Paradise Tiki [email protected] “What we have found is that the pet stores aren’t necessari- the Adopt-A-Family program, Hut, Cape Coral With many families looking to ly in violation, they are mostly in compliance. Where we see Beaver Moon Run, will be held Why: To raise funds for purchase puppies or kittens as noncompliance is in local breeders or puppy mills.” Saturday, Nov. 28, at 4:30 Christmas gifts, the number of pet annual Adopt-A-Family p.m., with the starting and end- program sales tend to rise during the holi- —Lee County Domestic Animal Services Director Donna Ward ing location at Paradise Tiki day season and some agencies are Hut,1502 Miramar St., in Cape conducting sweeps to ensure that Coral. go towards the Adopt-A-Family dealers are complying with state tions, tests and treatments the ani- ity to inspect local pet stores and Food and music will also be program and the Harry Chapin regulations. mal has received. dealers, explained director Donna available after the run is fin- Food Bank of Southwest The Florida Department of “Pets bring a great deal of joy Ward. The agency said most of ished at the Paradise Tiki Hut. Florida,” he said. Agriculture and Consumer to families and are often a consid- the local pet stores aren’t in viola- Ray Gordon, vice president Anybody can participate in Services is sending out inspectors erable investment,” said tion, but other breeders have of the Caloosahatchee Chapter the scavenger hunt run, Gordon over the next five weeks to check Commissioner Charles H. been. of ABATE, said the run will said, adding that “all walks of whether pet stores are in compli- Bronson. “So it’s important to do “What we have found is that end when the last bike arrives at life on two wheels” can come ance with Florida statutes. business with a reputable pet the pet stores aren’t necessarily in Paradise Tiki Hut, which costs out and participate in the fund- According to state law, any store or dealer who knows and violation, they are mostly in com- $10 per rider and $5 for each raising event. dogs or cats sold must be at least follows the law to avoid problems pliance,” said Ward. “Where we additional passenger. The ABATE chapter asks eight weeks of age and be accom- from occurring after a purchase of see noncompliance is in local Those interested can also those who wish to attend the panied by a Florida health certifi- an animal.” breeders or puppy mills.” register on the day of the event. cate signed by a licensed veteri- Lee County Domestic Animal “Every bit of proceeds will See ABATE, page 2A narian that outlines what vaccina- Services also has the legal author- See SWEEPS, page 3A ATAGLANCE AROUND THE CAPE NEWS OF NOTE WHAT’S INSIDE Artist reception at gallery Robbery suspects sought Harbour View Gallery welcomes Peg On Monday, Nov. 23, at 9:58 a.m., the Annie’s Mailbox........8A Nation ................6A Florida Cullen, watercolor painter, and Gay Cable, Lee County Sheriff's Office received a 9-1- Cape Life ..........7A Police Blotter ....2A jewelry designer as the gallery's December 1 call regarding an armed robbery at the Lottery visiting artists. Bank of America located at 18900 North Classifieds ............1-4B Poll ....................2A An opening exhibition wine and cheese Tamiami Trail in the Del Tura Plaza, in CASH 3: Comics ............10A Sports ........11-13A 7-7-0 / 3-3-9 reception will be held at the gallery located North Fort Myers. LCSO robbery detectives are searching Crossword........10A State ..................5A PLAY 4: at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Unit 104, at 1-1-1-0 / 2-7-7-9 Cape Harbour in Cape Coral on Tuesday, for two white males, who were armed and Dr. Donohue........8A Today in History......9A Fantasy 5 Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m. The reception is open wearing all black clothing, ski masks and Editorial..............4A TV Listings..............9A 7-8-15-21-34 to the general public. Artwork will be on gloves. Lotto display for the month of December. The suspects left with an undisclosed Horoscopes........8A Weather ............2A 11-12-15-29-36 x 2 amount of money and no one was injured. Florida Powerball The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. 7-26-36-49-58 to 8 p.m. with extended hours for special Those who know anything about this PB 4 x 5 events. armed robbery can call Southwest Florida For information, call the Harbour View Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. You Gallery at 540-5789 or visit the gallery can remain anonymous and be eligible for 7 48445 46010 1 Web site: www.harbourviewgallery.com a cash reward of up to $1,000. Page 2A Tuesday, November 24, 2009 cape-coral-daily-breeze.com CAPE CORAL DAILY BREEZE Cape man dies in motorcycle/school bus collision By MCKENZIE CASSIDY The district school bus, driven by 68-year-old John C.