The N. Ft. Myers Civic Association hosted a meeting to discuss incorporation on Monday, March 25. Over one hundred people were in attendance, many wondering about the why's and how's of becoming a city.
Fred Schilffarth, Chairman of the Incorporation Committee opened by saying the committee is neither for nor against Incorporation, they are a fact finding committee, they need to answer forty different question set forth by the state legislature before any action on Incorporation can take place.
The Incorporation Committee has twelve members, although only four were in attendance for the public meeting. After they gather the facts, the committee will issue a report on the feasibility of N. Ft. Myers becoming a city. The public meeting was to gather questions and opinions for the residents of N. Ft. Myers to include in the report. Schilffarth then opened the floor to the public.
James Gillespie, dressed in his bright yellow Suncoast Task Force t-shirt, was the first to speak. After stating he did not represent the Suncoast Task Force, but only himself, he questioned the committee as to why N. Ft. Myers would incorporate. "Was it to stop Cape Coral from annexing any more property in N. Ft. Myers?" And, "what are the boundaries of N. Ft. Myers?"
Schilffarth explained the boundaries as being the two zip codes 33903 and 33917, to Charlotte County to the north, Highway 31 to the east, the river on the south and Cape Coral city limits on the west.
Patrick Hagers was next. He compared N. Ft. Myers to Bonita Springs, stating that N. Ft. Myers can not afford to incorporate bemuse the homes here are not as expensive as they are in Bonita, taxes would have to rise, and those with money would move from N. Ft. Myers. Hagers asked what the population was.
Schilffarth answered in 33903 there are over 23,000 people and in 33917 over 28,000. This information was gathered from the 2000 census data.
Gillespie once again stood at the podium. He espoused how if the citizens work with County Government, good things can happen. There is no need for another level of government, people just need to work with the one we currently have.
Gillespie went on to say, the Suncoast Task Force, working with county government, will soon be receiving $200,000 in funds to be used for such projects as drainage or demolishing abandoned homes. Suncoast and Palmona Park are now designated blighted areas, like Harlem Heights and Charleston Park and Dunbar, all from Gillespie working with county government.
Joe Tansey was next. He stated he has been here for 25 years and that people need to get involved, the Chamber of Commerce puts on the Community Festival to bring people together so we can get to know one another, the better we know one another, the better off we'll be.
Tansey went on say he would "hate to see an overlapping of services, do we have to have our own police department, fire department and such?"
Ralph Engleheart from the Heritage was next. He stated how he was a founding member of the Civic Association because N. Ft. Myers was not getting representation. Engleheart went on to say that people should become more involved and get their representatives to address their concerns. He gave an example of how his Homeowners Association invited Coy to be a guest speaker.
Greta Cayman from Del Tura spoke next. She raised several questions such as tax base, what kind of tax structure can Suncoast afford, accurate costs of public services such as schools, sewers.
Fred Schilffarth spoke again. He said the committee had met with people from Ft. Myers Beach and Bonita who have recently incorporated and from Lehigh Acres who voted against incorporation. The committee also contacted Supervisor of Elections Philinda Young about placing the N. Ft. Myers incorporation question as a straw vote on NovemberŐs election. She turned the committee down, asking who would pay for it.
Schilffarth brought up the Feasibility Study which is required by the state legislature and would cost around $40,000 to produce. He also stated that Ft. Myers Beach hasn't raised taxes in seven years and Bonita hasn't in a year and a half.
Ken Hess spoke also. Saying he was a business owner from Indiana and N. Ft. Myers would need more businesses to help pay taxes if incorporated.
Bob Maddox asked who speaks out for our tax dollars.
Charles Liedtke, publisher of the Examiner, spoke about how citizens have gotten involved and our elected officials still ignored them. Using Bayshore Road, (US78) as an example. A Widen 78 Now committee formed and was quite active, getting the widening moved up to the number one priority on the Metropolitan Planning Organization list.
Three months later, Commissioner Judah made a motion at the MPO meeting that all extra road dollars be spent on improving roads in south Lee County. It passed unanimously (Coy voted for it). That is why road projects in south Lee County have been built before Bayshore has been widened. Bayshore Road remained number one priority, and being funded in the six year plan, but no new dollars went to moving it forward like roads in the south of the county.
That is a good example of how county government treats N. Ft. Myers, Liedtke said. He went on to inform the crowd that most of the zoned industrial property not built out, lays in N. Ft. Myers, so we will have a good business tax structure.
Before the meeting turned to incorporation, N. Ft. Myers new North District Captain Crone spoke to the crowd. He announced his JAM program, the top 30 juvenile offenders on home detention will be visited daily by a deputy. When they are not at home, a warrant will be issued for their arrest. They will be taken back into the juvenile justice system and made to serve their time.
According to Crone, 80% of the crimes in the North District are committed by juveniles. This is his way of sending a warning to all juveniles.
The next N. Ft. Myers Civic Association will be on April 22.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) held a meeting on Tuesday, April 2 to gain public input on the changes in widening Bayshore Road (US78) from Slater Road to the interstate. Public Input can be given until April 12 by writing the FDOT at: Mr. Dick Combs, District Model Development Manager, Florida Department of Transportation, PO Box 1249, Bartow, FL 33831-1249. Make sure to mention you are referring to Project #195705-1.
The "minor changes" the Examiner reported earlier, turned out to be not so minor. Service roads are being added on the west side of the interstate, changes are being made to Williams road, Samville road, Johnson Road, Jamestown Road, and the entrance to Faith Assembly of God and two water retention ponds were moved.
The meeting was opened by Don Watkins, Project manager for FDOT. At 7:00 p.m. The doors had opened at six o'clock for the public to view maps of the changes. Watkins greeted those there and proceeded with the legal announcements. He also informed the crowd that flexibility still existed to make changes in the design.
Watkins went through the six year work program FDOT uses to construct roads. The 2.5 miles left to be widened on Bayshore Road is now in the Final design stage, leaving only Right of Way acquisition and Construction. Construction is set to start in May of fiscal year 2003/04, or one year away.
The biggest change in design is the addition of two looping service roads. The service roads will be on both the north and south side of Bayshore Road, starting on the east side of the railroad tracks just after the concrete and brick shop, loop out for a retention pond and then run parallel to Bayshore Road to ending before the entrance ramps to the interstate.
During public input a representative from RaceTrac was present, reading a prepared statement that RaceTrac is not happy about the service roads and feel it will adversely affect their property.
The other changes were minor, realigning arterial roads to better line-of-sight when approaching the new widened Bayshore Road.
The widening, if it had been completed in 1993 when originally planned, would have cost $10,161,000. Now it is projected to cost $22,500,000, $12.6 million for Right of Way acquisition, $1.1 million for design, $1.2 million for engineering and inspection and $7.2 million for construction with $455,000 for railroad construction.
FDOT then showed a slide presentation on the widening, showing the type of roadway to be used, with bike paths alongside the roadway and sidewalks set off. The slide show explained the six year building program and explained each step. After a short break, the meeting was opened for public input.
Randy Banks was the first to speak. Saying he represented land owners to the west side of the Community Church, he asked for a change in the access point to Bayshore for a new subdivision being planned for 360 dwellings and 100,000 square feet of commercial space. He went on to say that FDOT personnel have been very open to his problem.
Lorie Davidson was concerned about the sheet flow from Charlotte County and how poorly the existing canals work. She expressed her concern over more flooding caused by the widening and hoped the design of the roadway would somehow help alleviate the flooding problems.
Pat Huffmaster said she owned property on the south side of Bayshore east of Daughtery's Creek. She asked FDOT to change the retention pond planned for her property to run north/south rather than east/west or to move it to where the power lines already make the land unusable.
Mr. H. R. Zuberbuller spoke next, he and his relatives own the land on the inside of the curve along Bayshore Road a total of 31% of the road frontage to be widened. His family first purchased the property in 1914 and later donated the land for the original US78, in the 50Ős the state took three acres to make the curve more gradual, now the state wants another 5 acres for the current widening, his family has lost 12 acres for the current roadway.
It is proposed to take another 4.5 acres for a retention pond on their property. Mr. Zuberbuller asked FDOT why they moved the retention pond from the north side of the road to his property. Contour maps show that the north side is two foot lower than his, thus, it is a natural drainage area. He also asked how much can be taken from one parcel of property? The retention pond, as planned, would take 21% of the roadway frontage from use. He asked FDOT to find another piece of property for the retention pond.
The meeting closed with a reminder that public input will be accepted till April 12, 2002.
The Board of Lee County Commissioners is seeking nominations for its annual "Award of Excellence," which recognizes private-sector projects that go above and beyond minimum code requirements in ensuring development maintains and improves our quality of life.
The Board created the award last year as a way to showcase a select group of projects each year and recognize local businesses and groups that make an extra effort to keep Lee County beautiful, livable and environmentally sustainable.
The inaugural recipients of the "Award of Excellence" for Outstanding Achievement in Project Design, Environmental Quality and Innovative Technology were: Town Center at The Brooks (The Bonita Bay Group, developer), Page Field Commons (Starwood Wasserman, LLC, developer, and Burner & Company, landscape architects), and Island Woods (duPont Builders, developer).
Anyone can nominate a project and it only takes a minute. Just request or pick up a nomination form from Lee County's Community Development Department (479-8585), 1500 Monroe Street in downtown Fort Myers. The form asks for only five quick items of information. Once the county receives a nomination, it will send an application to the nominated business or group.
Nominations and applications are being accepted through May 15, 2002. Projects eligible for the award must have been completed between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2001. Judging is by a five-member selection committee of three private sector and two public sector representatives.
Winners will be publicized through the local media and receive individual plaques with a combined plaque displayed prominently in a designated county building.
The nominated projects should include excellence in at least one or more of the following general list of environmental and design criteria:
Architectural Design, Connection to Community, Energy Efficient Design, Historic Preservation, Landscape Design, Native Plants, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities, Recycling, Technology Advancement, Restoration of Plant Communities, Roadway Design, Water Conservation and Design, Water Quality Improvements, or Wildlife Habitat Value.
For only $15 the Arthritis Foundation Golf Book will allow you to play at over 300 Florida golf courses at free or reduced green fees. The Golf Book is valid from May 1 through October 31, 2002. When you buy three Golf Books you one free. By purchasing the Arthritis Foundation Golf Book you are joining the battle to find the cure for arthritis.
Call 1-800-741-4008 or 941-739-2729, or send a check or money order made out to the Arthritis Foundation to: Arthritis Foundation, 6221 14 Street. W., Suite 305, Bradenton, FL 34207 to order your books.
Meals On Wheels of Lee county has an urgent need for new volunteer drivers to deliver meals to people in our community who are unable to shop and/or prepare meals for themselves. They have had a 50% increase in the number of meals delivered over the past year, without a corresponding increase in drivers.
Meals On Wheels specifically needs drivers in North Fort Myers and East Fort Myers. The time commitment is approximately two hours (from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.). All that is required is an automobile, valid drivers license, insurance and the desire to help people in your community.
Some may volunteer as a regular one day a week driver, as a back up driver when the regular is unavailable or through the Adopt A Route program where one shares a regular route with others. The Adopt A Route program is a great idea for any individual who doesnŐt have the time every week or for groups and organizations to share one day a week commitment and alternate drivers.
For more information, contact Leslie Jander at 337-1055.
Lee County's Department of Human Services and two other local agencies have received $227,098 in grants from the Florida Department of Children and Families to deal with local homelessness issues.
The money is part of $3.8 million DCF awarded this week to serve a total of 10,727 homeless clients statewide with a wide range of programs and services.
Lee County Human Services will receive $49,760 for its LIFT Supportive Housing Program, which provides assistance with rent, deposits, household items and case management for qualified homeless families. The department also received $17,245 for a Homeless Management Information System.
The Salvation Army received $114,660 for a variety of programs, including medical outreach and transitional housing. And Lutheran Services received $45,433 for two outreach vans for at risk, runaway and homeless youths. The total homeless population in Lee County is estimated at up to 2,000 on any given night.
Lee County Human Services provides a complement of integrated services to low-income families and disadvantaged neighborhoods, including emergency financial assistance, housing assistance, counseling services, housing rehabilitation, neighborhood infrastructure improvements and neighborhood building, and services for the homeless. The department employs 42 people and has a Fiscal Year 2002 budget of $16.9 million.
The North Fort Myers Public Library continues its popular book discussion series this month. There are also programs in computer instruction and avoiding Internet fraud. All programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so registration is requested. The North Fort Myers Public Library is located at20001 N. Tamiami Tail N.E., in North Fort Myers. For more information, or to register, please call the library at (239)997-0320.
For information on programs at other Lee County Library System locations, please call Telephone Reference at (239) 479-4636 or visit us on the internet at www.lee-county.com/library
Discussion -"Internet Fraud" Thursday, April 11, 2:00 p.m.
Learn ways to avoid being an Internet victim, the dangers of web-based frauds and scams that can occur, and how the "Net" can be used by criminals to obtain use of your information. Also learn ways to monitor the use of your access so others can't "sign on" under your name and venture into areas that you would not. Seating is limited, so please call 997-0320 to reserve your space.
Instruction - Introduction to Computers for Adults Tuesday, April 16, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
No computer experience necessary. This program is great for the computer novice. The program uses a demonstration format along with discussions to provide basic information about computers, the Internet and e-mail.
Book Discussion
Susan Carol McCarthy's Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands Thursday, April 18, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Based on a true story using FBI files sealed for more than 40 years, McCarthy re-creates the story of a northern family, the southern town they lived in, and the effects the Civil Rights Movement had on both. Registration is required, so please call 997-0320 to reserve your space.
Sign language interpreter available with 48 hour notice. Call the Deaf Service Center at 461-0334 (voice or TTY). Assistive listening systems are available upon request at the desk.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-Lee County announces a Family-to-Family education and support program for families/caregivers who have loved ones who are diagnosed with a mental illness. The 12-week course starts Tuesday, April 16 at the Community Health Association Building, 9 Beth Stacey Road, Lehigh Acres. The course meets once a week from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The course is taught by trained family members. The course discusses the clinical treatment of mental illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that loved ones need to cope with persons who have been diagnosed more effectively. There is no cost for the class or materials. Registration is necessary, call 278-0981.
Edison Community College theatre will present Spoon River Anthology on April 18, 19 and 20 at 8:00 p.m. and on April 21 at 2:00 p.m. Performances will be held at the Foulds theater, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Lee County Alliance for the Arts. Admission is free. In 1978 Spoon River was the first production directed by Richard D. Westlake at the college. Since announcing his retirement, Westlake is redirecting Spoon River for his final production at ECC. This is the first time in 24 years that a play has been repeated at the college.
A lot of questions were raised at the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association's Incorporation meeting two weeks ago. Quite a few folks spoke their minds and asked some pointed questions. The one question I didn't hear was "Are we content with the way our County Commissioners have handled growth in Lee County?"
The last two communities to become cities in Lee County, that was the issue, growth. Ft. Myers Beach was concerned about Diamondhead and how many new condominiums would be allowed on an already crowded island.
Bonita Springs was concerned about the unbridled growth and how it will effect them along with environmental concerns.
Those of us who have been in Lee County for a while have watched the county grow. To say it has been controlled growth would be a mistake. The county's infrastructure has fallen behind growth because of the lack of governmental control and the way the developers have taken over Lee County elections.
The question which needs to be asked in N. Ft. Myers is "do we want this same type of uncontrolled growth?"
Our elected officials have tried to hide their mismanagement by forming citizens committees. One has to remember who appoints the citizens to the committees, the commissioners do. The debate over the make up of the Smart Growth task Force should give everyone an idea how corrupt the system is.
Recently it was announced that Wayne Daltry, Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, as Director of the Smart Growth Task Force. He didn't stop any of the mishmash growth in the past, why would he in the futures? At one planning meeting when citizens did show up to file their complaints, his comment was, "the peasants are revolting."
The decision to be made over incorporation is will North fort Myers receive equal representation under the current government? With at large elections for County Commissioner, can N. Ft. Myers get fair representation.
If N. Ft. Myers incorporates, it would elect its own government, representative of the wants of the residents of N. Ft. Myers.
***
I would like to correct a misconception made at the Incorporation meeting. James Gillespie said he worked for me at the old Caloosahatchee Beacon. Gillespie worked for my ex-wife writing a video review column. After I left I have no clue what he did and I resent the fact he would use his involvement to gain credibility.
Gillespie also spoke out against incorporation at the meeting. Several weeks prior to the meeting he sent me an email bragging how "he and I would be the leaders in selecting the first mayor of N. Ft. Myers." The man still confuses me as to any position he takes, it changes more frequently than the wind.
***
Our new captain of the North District, Captain Crone, announced at the meeting that he was going to have deputies stop by the homes of juveniles on Home Detention as a sentence to earlier crimes and make sure the juveniles are home. His reason is that 80% of the crimes in N. Ft. Myers are committed by juveniles.
Sounds like a great idea. However, aren't the Probation Officers supposed to be doing that? And why arrest the juvenile again, they'll be out again in a day or so. When is this country going to make parents responsible for what their children do? Arrest the parents not the child.
We are so lax in this country on making parents responsible for their child's acts we should change the title from parent to breeder. That is all society is asking the adult to do, breed. After that government is supposed to handle everything. Hillary Clinton's "it takes a village to raise a child" is pure hogwash, it takes two loving parents, or at least one.
Society needs to place the burden of raising a child back where it belongs, with the parents.
by Tom Comingore (token democrat)
Snowbirds are leaving by the flocks daily and will probably continue through the end of this month but each year more and more of the human snowbirds stay longer and longer and some only vacation up north a few weeks in the summers now.
It is also Alligator time here in the area. In the spring most of the boy gators minds turn to what the girl gators minds have been on all winter long. As most of you know a gator attacked a car the other day and did several hundred dollars damage to the car. There must be a shortage of girl gators this year. It was a nice looking car with what could be called great smooth curves. I did see a gator in the canal behind my house last week and one crossing the street by my house a couple of weeks ago.
We have many new super large chain stores in our area now that have moved in in the last few years and I will admit I have frequently seen the adds on TV about how much you can save by shopping in them and what great choice and service they have. I went into one the other day to get a piece of window glass and handed a service representative in the glass department a paper with the size of glass I wanted and was charged $11.20 for but when I got home it was one inch too short.
I really wasn't overly happy about going back and exchange the glass but I did have the original paper I had written the size on and the return department did give me my money back and I went back to get the right size. I handed the same service man the paper with the size written on it again and he sarcastically asked if I had broken the other one. I nicely said I had not but it was the wrong size.
He became quite belligerent and I just turned and quietly walked away. Than I did do what! I should have done in the first place, I drove an extra mile or two to a store I had shopped in for at least twenty years where I bought the right size glass for only $7.10 and the service was great.
A couple of days later I stopped into one of those other stores where according to their adds they keep rolling back prices, to pick up a couple of small plumbing parts and the price seemed awfully high so I again went to another locally owned shop and paid less than half the price for those same items.
I am not really trying to pick on any business around town but with the end of the winter season here more and more businesses will be looking for your business and sometime the large chain stores can try to make you think they have the best prices when in fact they do not. With the snowbirds gone and less traffic on the roads take time to shop a little to get the best prices and service at some of the locally owned stores and watch out for the alligators.
You can Email Tom TComin1551@aol.com
by Brian Griffin
Nothing new to report on the Commission level. Commissioner Doug St. Cerny and several of the State legislators still have no opponents. On the School Board front YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST! A reliable source has advised us that incumbents Katherine Boren and Terry Wampler WILL NOT seek reelection. Reasons why were not learned but Wampler, facing stiff competition, and Boren may not have wanted the stress of defending themselves and the present Board from their past "sins" of the fire code violations, changing school times, etc. etc.
Three of our Council's Directors were invited to School Board candidate interview sessions by the highly respected "Citizens for Quality Education" organization. Those interviewed so far are:
BOB CHILMONIK (Wampler's seat): Grew up in Ft. Myers, then Detroit, Houston, NYC and returned to Ft. Myers. Worked in management positions for a company with a budget of $700 million and 700 people. Interesting that our school system has a $600 million budget and over 800 people in Administration. His first priority is a top down audit to build trust in the community. Chilmonik has 20 years business experience and has taught in our school system for the past 5 years.
LOUIS ROOS (Wampler's seat): A Lee County teacher who has been the Chief Union Negotiator for the past 15 years. Originally from Kentucky with 40 years in Lee County, his No. 1 priority is to reduce class size. Expects to garner support from the teachers but promises not to succumb to union pressures.
DESMOND BARRETT (Lisa Pockrus vacant seat): Lifelong Lee Co. resident with three kids in Lee County Schools. Previously elected to East Lee County Water Control District. Works as an assistant director for a private after school program in Cape Coral. VP of Young Republicans Club. Hopes to provide lower class sizes and plans to work with State for more funding.
(Editor's note: Mr. Barrett has announced he is withdrawing from the race to serve out his term on the Water Board.)
CARL SNIPES (Pockrus seat). Worked for many years with National Labor Relations Board in Wash. DC as an administration manager. Serves as Lehigh Fire Commissioner and ran for School Board four years ago against Ms. Pockrus. Served on the original Budget Advisory Committee and considers himself a consensus builder. Retired to Lehigh 20 years ago. Considers proposed voucher program an admission of failure by the present school system.
Dr. WILLIAM MAURER (Katherine Boren's seat). Retiring from teaching after 38 years. Taught chemistry at Cape Coral High for 19 years. Although brand new at politics he now has the time to learn the ropes and wants to give back to the community. Concerned about class size and the turnover of school principals.
In addition to the above, Dr. ELINOR SCRICCA (Pockrus' seat), and other persons, including recently elected Council of Civic Associations Board member GENE ABEL will also be interviewed by CQE in the near future and will be outlined in a future newsletter.
WHY WE SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN GOVERNMENT:
Lee County collected $644 million (2001 Tax Roll) in Property Taxes. Here's a breakdown of where our county tax dollars go. Lee County School Board, 42.0%; Lee County Board of County Commissioners, 18.8%; Independent Special Districts (Fire, Water, Mosquito Control, Coastal Programs), 13.7%; Sheriff, 11.5%; Cities, 9.5%; Other Constitutionals (Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Clerk of Courts, Supervisor of Elections), 3.8%; MSTU's (Streetlighting Districts, Drainage Districts, Paving Districts, etc.), 0.7%.
An additional $406 million is gleaned from fees such as sewer, garbage, tolls, impact fees, interest income, special assessments, tourist taxes, local-option gas taxes, licenses, permits, fines, court costs and reserves, plus revenues shared with the state, including sales and gas taxes, license fees and grants.
That means that our local elected officials are managing over $1 billion dollars of our local tax monies. Add to that our state fees and federal taxes, is it any wonder we work the first four and a half months of each year for government. Good reasons for being involved at the local level where we can interface with our elected officials and help keep them focused on how we want our tax dollars spent. Those billion dollars of local money also attracts special interest lobbyists who are very active in local politics. So far it's been profitable for them. All of this information and more is available at the Lee County website, www.lee-county.com. You can also enroll in LeeGROWS, the government information course by calling 334-2481 or participate in government by joining or attending an Advisory Committee by calling 335-2215.
Good Morning!
After reading your latest edition of the Lee Co. Examiner, I've decided that I will not read another copy again.
Your stance re: Lee Co. Schools is off the wall. You seem to think that our low skill school board can do no wrong and praise them for changing the times for next year. Will that alleged (we have no proof) ($)1.5 million savings next year be worth it w/ a(sic) little elementary school child is standing out next to the road at dusk and gets injured or killed?
The school board members don't represent the community, they represent their own self serving interests. Charlotte and Collier counties must laugh at the numerous mistakes this board makes. They are almost making Doug Santini and Lanny "Nap Time" Moore look competent.
Unfortunately, there is so much talk about teacher accountability. What about school board financial accountability for its many screw ups?
As a teacher in the district, I know very well how low the morale is. The district sets up a "puppet" committee called the insurance task force and doubles our health insurance costs. Now my net pay has shrunk by over $100 a pay period. Seems like they're going in the wrong direction.
So much for responsible journalism on your part. To earn some measure of credibility, get your facts straight. You've mentioned in the past how students can't spell, don't use proper grammar, etc. in Lee County. Your newspaper team must be a product of our schools because you've got plenty of misspellings, improper grammar, etc. in this weeks paper.
Sincerely,
D. Spencer,
Bonita
(editor's note: I did attend Lee County Schools. And while speaking of responsibilities, seems you haven't read many issues of the Examiner, for instance the past four months while we printed the School District Budget, asking the hard questions of the School Board. Its nice to know you are just proving the editorial in the March 13 issue. By the way, did I miss your alternative to the school hour changes to save the district money?)
March 22 4499 Frankie Ct., Karin E. Blanton was arrested for battery/domestic violence. 1107 Second Way, Arnaldo Antonio Pennell was arrested for criminal mischief. 16900 Slater Road, Brian Michael Wilson was arrested for burglary of an occupied dwelling. March 23 139 W. Mariana, Jamie W., Thompson was arrested for criminal mischief, battery on a pregnant female and resisting without violence. Cabana Ave. and N. Tamiami T rail, Sammie Allen Jackson was arrested for possession of marijuana. 522 Sacramento, Freda Jean Thayer was arrested for burglary and theft. March 24 2238 Laurel Drive, Allan John Rochford was arrested for aggravated battery and criminal mischief. March 25 Weaver's Corner, Emmeline E. Fisher was arrested for failure to appear and possession of drug paraphernalia. March 27 4777 Orange Grove Blvd., Michael William Carlisle was arrested for battery/domestic violence. 548 San Diego St., Jacqueline P. Donovan was arrested for battery/domestic violence. March 28 448 Redlin St., Esterio D Gillipe Antonio was arrested for operating a vehicle without a drivers license. March 29 Starlight Motel, Wesley Earl Adkins was arrested for violation of probation 3x. 4150 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Joseph Garino was arrested for petit theft and burglary to a structure. 1838 Lavonia Lane, Karl Edward Parreant was arrested for disorderly intoxication. March 30 545 Pine Island Road, Florence Elizabeth Simmons and Wynetta Upshaw were arrested for retail theft. 5690 Bayshore Road, Robert Boyer Umberger was arrested for violation of an injunction. 1110 River Road, Jim A. Bleyenberg was arrested for retail theft. 1042 N. Tamiami Trail, Kathy Jo Marcau was arrested for battery/domestic violence. Laurel & Hart Road, Jame Kelly Osteen was arrested for possession of marijuana under 20 grams. March 31 N. Tamiami Trail and Cabana, Deborah June Saincome was arrested for DUI. Bayshore Road and Donald Road, Danny Balderas was arrested for DUI. 13353 N. Cleveland Ave., Phillip E. Moher was arrested for trespass after warming and carrying a concealed weapon. April 1 N. Cleveland & Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Johnnie L. Smith was arrested for DUI. 18621 N. Tamiami Trail, Coby James Savage was arrested for grand theft. 18621 N. Tamiami Trail, Michael Shawn Jones was arrested for grand theft. 18621 N. Tamiami Trail, Brent Thomas Doty was arrested for grand theft. St. Clair & Orange Grove, R. Brian Dear was arrested for driving under the influence alcohol/drugs. I-75 & Bayshore, William Carowinn was arrested for soliciting on a county right of way. Pondella Rd. & Ornage Grove, Rebekah Leigh McNaughton was arrested for two warrants. 19481 Pine Echo Road, Amy Joy Veillfaux was arrested for a warrant. April 3 1900 Jones Road, Joshua Mason was arrested for battery/domestic violence. April 4 13280 N. Cleveland Ave., Margie Kate Hall was arrested for failure to comply with an open container warrant. N. Tamiami Trail & River Road, Robina Lynn Jackson was arrested for driving while license was suspended, DUI and discarding a burning ember from vehicle. 8316 Hart Road, Gary Lee Foor Jr., was arrested for two warrants and resisting without violence. 7591 Ebson Dr., Joseph Peretto was arrested for battery/domestic violence.
The Ft. Myers Republican Women's Club will meet on Tuesday, April 16. This Is What We Did is the theme, speakers will be members of the Southwest Florida Legislative Delegation.
Reservations for the FMRW luncheon, held at the Helm Club, The Landings, are required by Friday, april 12, included are an 11:30 a.m. social hour, 12:00 lunch, business meeting and candidate forum. The cost is $13.00. Call 489-4701 for reservations. For more information about the Ft. Myers LRW contact Marilyn Stout at 549-5629
The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Lee Republican Women Federated (LRW) on Monday, April 15. A Florida legislative wrap-up and report on redistricting with Carol Green, District 75 Representative and Jeff Kottkamp, District 74 will report on the current standing of redistricting for the Florida Congressional Seat and state legislative seats. A question and answer period will follow.
Reservations for the LRW luncheon, held at the Holiday Inn Bell Tower, are required by Wednesday, April 10, included are an 11:15 a.m. social hour, 11:45 lunch, business meeting and candidate forum. The cost is $12.00. Call 542-2771 or 4437-5870 for reservations.
The Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-8 in Lee County will have a non-smoking luncheon meeting on Monday, April 22 at noon at the Holiday Inn Select, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Ft. Myers.
Wives and visiting Seabees are welcome to attend.
All Seabee veterans in Lee and Collier Counties are welcome to attend and share their service experiences.
The next monthly meeting will be held at noon, Monday, May 27 at Holiday Inn Select.
Reservations for the luncheon are required. For reservations or information call Raymond reed at 731-1901.
The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Destroyer Escort sailors Association (DESA) will meet for lunch on Thursday, April 18 at the Quality Inn Fort Myers, located at 2431 Cleveland Ave. Cocktails at 11:30 lunch at noon. Guest speaker will be Lawrence Tofane, USN WWII combat veteran in both the Atlantic and Pacific.
Reservations are necessary, Ft. Myers call 239-458-8471, Port Charlotte call 941-629-3481 and sarasota call 941-355-1935
Sierra Club Calusa Group meets every 2nd Thursday of the month (March 14, April 11, 2002, etc.) at the Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL. Directions - 1 block west of I-75 exit 22 (Colonial Blvd.), 1st intersection turn North on Ortiz Ave. Nature Center is immediately on left.
For questions please call Connie at 941 694-8192.
The North Fort Myers Lions Club meet the first and third Mondays of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Visually Impaired Persons Center located at 35 W. Mariana Road, just west of the N. Tamiami Trail.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium will host Shower for the Animals on Sunday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. Bring a gift for the animals and receive free admission to the museum and trails for the day.
Suggested gifts include: work gloves, ground turkey, unsalted peanuts, pine/cedar shavings, raw beef or chicken (frozen id fine), Friskies cat food, ziplock bags, spray bottles, bleach, Cheerios, or hand pruners.
Special events will occur all day and include: snake feeding, meet a toad, guided aviary tours and, meet a tarantula.
For more information, contact the Calusa Nature Center at 275-3425. The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Ave., Ft. Myers.
Calling all teens 13 years old and older, Friday nights will never be boring again! Friday nights from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Lee County Parks and recreation and the Lee County Sheriff's Department will sponsor "pick-up" basketball games at J. Colin English Elementary Schools outside basketball courts.
Everyone must sign up to play and have a signed permission slip. Pick up the permission slips at N. Ft. Myers Community Park.
For more information call 652-6002.
There may be as many as 100 million species of plants and animals on our planet. The Children's Science Center will be exploring the local diversity of habitats and species outdoors on the Spanish Moss Nature Trail. Children will make observations and collect data, and record it all in hand-made field journals.
The program will run from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on April 13. The fee of $5.00 per child or $2.00 for members covers materials and admission (Adults attend for free). Appropriate for ages six to twelve. At least one parent must participate in the program with their child. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 997-0012 for reservations or more information.
The Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida presents the 7th Annual Estero River Bluegrass Festival at Koreshan State Historic Site, US41 and Corkscrew Road. The festival begins Thursday, April 18 and goes through Saturday, April 20. Admission is $3.25 Thursday, $5.00 Friday and $8.00 Saturday. The festival hours are Thursday: 6 to 10:00 p.m., Friday: 7 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The festival will feature Bluegrass Central, Borderline Bluegrass, Fifth Gear, Nubbin and Company, The Peace River Band, The Sawgrass Drifters and Wild Flower.
Camping will be available at additional charge.
For tickets or more information call 941-992-0311.
You can grow salads, vegetables, herbs and flowers all year long in Florida. Up north you can extend your growing season, and grow all you want with less work space.
Square foot gardening is ideal for all ages, levels of experience, physical ability and geographical location.
This hands-on class will be taught by Suzy Valentine. As International Coordinator of the Square Foot Gardening Foundation she has traveled throughout the United States and Latin America teaching this unique and earth friendly method.
The seminar will be held on Saturday, April 20 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the ECHO Classroom and Square Foot Gardens located off Durrance Road in N. Ft. Myers. Cost is $10 per person, $15 a couple, reservations can be made by calling 543-3246.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium will host events most nights during National Astronomy Week, April 14 through the 20th. Throughout the week there will be ongoing activities which will include making sundials, creating film canister constellations and hearing stories about the night sky.
On Saturday, April 20, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium with the ChildrenŐs Science Center and the Southwest Florida Astronomical Society will host a national Astronomy Day. At 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. there will be planetarium shows, at noon Jeff Rogers will present How to Think About Life in the Universe. At 2:00 p.m.. Michael Faurbach, from FGCU< will present Astrophysics and at 4:00 p.m. George Haddad from the Kennedy Space Center will talk about the Future of Space Exploration.
The cost will be $6.00 for adults and $3.50 for children, the price include all activities going on, all activities are designed to interest any age group. For more information, call the Center at 275-3435. The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is located at 3450 Ortiz Ave.
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