feature—see page 4 B Meet the faces behind the Old Schoolhouse Theater Seepage 16 • i 'Hi *•».*».. r n • VOL. 35, NO.3 TUESDAY, JAN. 16, 1996 2 SECTIONS, 32 PAGES 50 CENTS Loflin, TDC 7 ;-".. •',*.• won't bend; pine removal hits impasse By L. Rom Jr. Islander editor The Lee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) is not backing down on its intentions to remove Australian pines from Bowman's Beach. The TDC, which on Jan. 5 withdrew $327,000 of county funds earmarked for pines removal, will not, after further meetings with AND THEY'RE OFF: A 5-K race to raise money for the new visitors center at the "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Rob Loflin (natural resources director for the Refuge, drew nearly 200 racers early Saturday morning, despite cool, cool weather. city of Sanibel) compromise its position. The TDC, despite a compromise offered by Loflin, will not return the funds to the city. A wild, wild race Loflin offered to kill the "kill in place" method-of.destroying trees — if it would secure the county funds. Wildlife Society Loflin added, however, that he intends to moving ahead go ahead with the plans with or without the with Visitor Center $327,000 in county funds. Last Wednesday Loflin met with the TDC and the Pine Tree Defense Committee, a By Anne Bellew group of pine-tree supporters. Islander staff writer In excess of 2,500 people, among them more than 1,600 tourists from 42 states and Two hundred participants took 12 foreign countries, have signed petitions off on a 5K run on Wildlife Drive asking the city to keep the trees alive and in support of the New Visitor well, according to Merrel H. Kennedy, co- Center early this past Saturday founder of the Pine Tree Defense Committee. morning. It seems the future of the pines weighs The number of participants was heavily on the minds of residents and visitors. limited so the impact on the Opponents to the pine removal are in no -rrildlife in the refuge would be short supply. At least 12 island resort hotels, minimized. the Hotel and Motel Association of Sanibel, The race was managed by the South Seas Resort Company, and Condo- Fort Myers Track Club, and spon- minium Association of the Islands (CASI) sors donated either services or were present and spoken for at the meeting. Kennedy, commenting about a Dec. 10 News Press column by Gail Pastula, said the Megan McSheffery was the first woman to cross the finish line. removal of the pines would be "a great step backward." funds to make the event possible. Exhibit experts Pastula, in her column, said the removal Among others, sponsors included visit Visitor's Center would return Sanibel to "its native state ... an Calendar 14 Ace Hardware, Bailey's, Big Red uninhabited sunbaked hell." Jim Lavendar, director of planning and Classifieds Q, Community Bank, Collier A major reason for the "Ding" 22 construction for Lee County, said Sanibel's County Produce, Crystal Springs Darling Wildlife Society's build- goal is in line with existing Lee County ordi- Op/Ed Page 8 Water, John Naumann & ing the new Visitor Center is to nances, which outlaw Australian pines on Associates, Lifeline Designs, provide adequate educational Police Beat 7 county land. Miami Connection, Mucky Duck, facilities for visitors. This means Shelling Tips 4 Sanibel Fitness, Shell Net, Yolo an exhibit area from which visi- And, since Lee County owns and operates Watersports and several individu- tors — particularly the two-to- Bowman's Beach and is responsible for the This Week 2 als. Proceeds from the race will be three thousand school children care and maintenance of the beach, it appears donated to the building fund for who visit every year — can learn likely the plans will inevitably be carried out. What's Playing 21 the new center. See REFUGE, page 2 16. 1996 Get on deck Goss "committed" to Refuge Tuesday. Jan. 16. 1996 THE ISLANDER 3 for Little By Anne Bellew down. league sign up Islander staff writer "I know there were anxious times for employees at the Priscilla Murphy Captiva resident and U.S. refuge," said Goss. "And I It's time for Sanibel parents Representative, Porter Goss, wanted my first stop back in PMR and their sluggers-in-wait to step last week reassured Interior Florida to be a face-to-face Realty, Inc. up to the plate and enroll in the Department employees at the meeting where I could reassure Sanibel Little League for 1996. J.N. "Ding" Darling National them that we've taken care of 1955 ~ 40™ ANNIVERSARY ~ 1995 Ding Darling BeachWalk Registration for all boys and Wildlife Refuge and Everglades them." girls, ages 4-14, will be at the parks that they will not be Goss stated he knew the shut- Sanibel Recreation Complex on down was difficult for all feder- THE FINEST PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES ON THE ISLANDS A beach walk led by Charles LeBuff and spon- affected by further budget bat- Jan. 18, 23, and 25, from 6-7:30 tles in Washington. al employees. sored by the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society. This p.m. "I was surprised that the DECEMBER PERFORMANCE LEADERS is an historical and ecological program conducted The budget providing for the Registration fees are $20 per ongoing operation of the President allowed the furlough by SanibePs long-time naturalist and lighthouse player and $15 for the second to even occur, much less go on TOP LISTER TOP SELLER keeper. $10 per person, parking fee is extra. Call nation's parks and refuges was and third child in each family. part of the deal approved by for so long. The Congress gave 472-3177 for more information and reservations. Try-outs and team meetings President Clinton and Congress him a series of options which PRISCILLA Sanibel B.C. — Life and Wildlife on Sanibel for all registered players will be New Year's week. would have ended the shutdown Mary Lou Bailey Island before the construction of the Causeway. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m., at the MURPHY Marsha Clifford After Goss dug his way out much sooner, and he rejected all PRIVATE LUXURY OUTSTANDING BAY VIEW A slide presentation sponsored by the "Ding" ball field at Sanibel Elementary of the snow in Washington, he of them." REALTY Private and exclusive Gulf Ridge East, this 4 badroom-4 bath house is with boat dock, seawalled canal, direct to San Carlos Darling Wildlife Society and presented by Charles School. has been the truly magnificent! Gulf front vieus are serene and dramatic, quality of the Bay. Two bedroom-2 bath home with breakfast nook, met with refuge employees Goss also met last week with house is superior, including cathedral ceilings, elevator, wood-paneled Those interested in coaching, dining area and iarge screened porch. Would be per- LeBuff. At the Refuge Visitor Center Auditorium. early on Jan. 8, outlining for federal employees and business leading Real Estate library, fireplace, separate guest quarters overlooking heated, caged pool fect for new home overlooking Bay. Survey and plans Recommended donation is $10 per person. umpiring, or helping out during owners in and around Big specialist on MARY LOU CHARLIE and more. Proudly offered lor $1,475,000 partially furnished. available. $665,000 them the actions taken by the Please call Mary Lou Bailey at 472-1511 Please call Marsha Clifford at 472-1511 the upcoming season must attend Congress to ensure they will not Cypress National Preserve and Sanihel and BAILEY SOBCZAK Other People's Money at a Jan. 22 meeting, 7 p.m., at the be faced with another shut- in Everglades City. Captiva Islands Pirate Playhouse, Jan. 12+ rec complex. since 1955. Other People's Money — A story of seduction, You simply can't greed and comedy that was voted Best Play of Refuge find a more 1989. Cast includes Niels Miller, Wayne Tetrick experienced and Thomas Reiff, last seen in "My Three Continued from page 1 REALTOR®. No Angels." Please note: This play contains strong matter what kind of language & adult situations. Opens on Jan. 12 at 8 about the environment and ways property you MANIF1QUE YOUR PRIVATE HOME IN A WORLD CLASS RESORT they can participate in its conser- This elegant 4 bedroom mini-estate is located on West Gulf Drive, just steps to the Gulf of One of only four, this Sandrift attached vacation home provides breathtaking water p.m. Performance schedule Nightly at 8 p.m. desire, we have it Mexico. Magnificent Country French kitchen and Great Room, 12' ceilings, formal dining views from every room. Walk out the back deck and down your stairway to the beach. Matinees at 2 p.m. every Wednesday. $22 vation. room & exquisite cabinetry, spacious pool and lanai area complete with a summer kitchen Tennis courts and pool are offered as part of the amenities package. For people who listed and available and more. Gopher Walk amenities include 2 tennis courts, pool and cabana. $699,000 like to feel special. (evenings) and $17 (matinees). Call 472-0006 for To this end, the Society invited Please call Dorothy Sprouse at 472-1511 Please call George Kohlbrenner at 472-5154 two experts in environmental dis- for immediate sale. reservations and further information. All Major Learn about credit cards are accepted. plays to the refuge for a two-day workshop to help plan the Island Real Estate exhibits. from an expert PuttliY on the Ritz at The Old Professors Michael Gross and and buy with Schoolhouse, now playing Ron Zimmerman are authorities confidence and on environmental displays and are trust.