Southwest: Events, Things To Do and Opportunities To Give Back To Our Community in and Around Bonita Springs

S O U T H W E S T
NOVEMBER 1-15, 2012 Vol.3, No.11 FREE
Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs
P R S R T S T D
U . S . P O S T A G E P A I D
F T M Y E R S , F L
P E R M I T # 9 8 0
R E S I D E N T I A L C U S T O M E R
E C R W S S
Sheriff Scott on Fire Election 11
Back in the Saddle 38
Restaurants 41 to 44
Bonita residents at Bonita Beach awaiting the arrival of the snowbirds.
Octo by Alexis Baughman, Estero High School
SS_Wrap.NOV_Layout 1 10/23/12 7:48 AM Page 1
www.swspotlight.com Page 5 Southwest Spotlight

SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:11 AM Page 5
Page 6 November 1-15, 2012 Southwest Spotlight

Locally owned and
operated since 2010
(239) 287-6474
info@swspotlight.com
PO Box 1946
Bonita Springs, FL 34133
Southwest Spotlight, LLC
swspotlight.com
S O U T H W E S T
Publisher & Editor

Peter A. O'Flinn
peter@swspotlight.com
Advertising Sales
Teri Lamaine
Kathy O'Flinn
Office Manager
Katie O'Flinn
Contributing Writers
Charles J. Cavaliere
D. K. Christi
Martha Crider
Meghan Easterly
Mark Generales
Max Harris
Dorota Harris
Joyce McDonald
Josh Musselman
Ben Nelson Jr.
Peter R. O'Flinn
Stan J. Strycharz, Psy.D.
Contributing
Photographers
David Michael
8 Lee Commission Race
A primer on why County Commission
election matters to Bonitians
9 Issues and Answers
Kiker and Whitehead vie for Lee
Commission District 3 seat
11 Mike Scott Parses Bonita
Fire Board Politics
Lee Countys Sheriff on the dust up
over Bob Sharkeys ads
11 A Park for Rosemary Park
City OKs Caf of Lifes $500,000 gift
18 Neighbor Spotlight
Mark Generales profiles Rabbi Green-
bergs vibrant faith and family
19 Opportunities to Give Back
Events for charitable causes & volun-
teer tutors needed
20 American Dream or Beach
Road Nightmare?
A Bonitian pushes the envelope on
political dialogue
22 Town Talk
Ribbon cuttings galore
31 Taste of Bonita
The Bonita classic returns to
Riverside Park
34 Brenda Warner in Bonita
D.K. Christi interviews Christian
Forum Speaker
36 Mound Key
Professor Annette Snapp on the
Calusa capital
38 Back in the Saddle
Two Bonitians wild west adventure
40 Bonita Bay Border Battle
Club hosts Lee Collier tennis
challenge
Commentary
24 Fred Forbes for Bonita Fire
Commissioner
The Spotlight endorses a community
stalwart
24 Letters to the Spotlight
Bonitians weigh in on Fire Board
battles
24 City Council Corner
Steve Slachta on No One
Left Behind
Arts & Entertainment
11 A Warhol Lotta Art
A first class show at the Center for
the Arts
13 Calendar
Whats happening in & around Bonita
28 Dave Koz at the Phil
Grammy award winning sax player
Business
15 Relax at The Salon
Hair care and giving back
17 Real Estate Watch
Things are looking up in Bonita
Columns
32 The Other Ben
The Nelson family takes a Thanksgiv-
ing cruise
35 Bonitas Best Friends
Pepper is a true friend to Andrea
Bruno
39 Tee Box Tips
Defining your wedge design
41 Why I Love Bonita
Marjorie Rubacky on the people of
Bonita
Restaurants
42 Restaurant Guide
News & Features
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:11 AM Page 6

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Page 8 November 1-15, 2012

Spotlight News

By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Lee County
voters will elect three of the
five members of the Board
of County Commissioners
in November. Though the
vote is countywide, Com-
mission seats are designated
for defined geographic areas,
and in practice, commission-
ers function as representatives
of these areas.
Larry Kiker and Charlie
Whitehead are running for
the District 3 seat, which
includes Bonita Springs. Each
year Bonitians pay close to
$30 million in property taxes
to Lee County. Thats about
70% more than Fort Myers
or Sanibel, based upon tax-
able value numbers in Coun-
ty records.
The Spotlight invited the
candidates to discuss sub-
stantive issues of particular
interest to Bonita Springs
voters in separate extensive
interviews at our Beach Road
offices.
Both candidates are Fort
Myers Beach residents. Kiker
most recently was mayor
there, and Whitehead, a for-
mer political reporter for the
Daily News newspaper in
Naples, is a long time Fort
Myers Beach resident.
Kiker defeated long serv-
ing Commissioner Ray Judah
in the August Republican
primary. Whitehead, also a
Republican, skipped the pri-
mary, choosing instead to
run as a non-party affiliate
candidate. Both present their
positions as fiscally conser-
vative. Lately
they have been
trading charges
in a quintessen-
tial southwest
Florida Whos
more Republi-
can? contest, as
well as contest-
ing issues from
Kikers tenure
as Fort Myers
Beach mayor.
It appears
that, whoever
wins in Nov-
ember, Bonita
can look for-
ward to en-
gaged repre-
sentation on
the County Commission.
Kikers plans include a local
office that he will regularly
visit, and Whiteheads two
decades of reporting have
put him in close touch with
Bonitians and their issues.
Here is a primer on the
five Bonita related issues cov-
ered in the accompanying
article.
Bonita Library Many
Bonitians believe that the
County library on Pine
Avenue is outdated and too
small. Lee County staff has
proposed an $11 million new
facility for the site, but the
most recent budget adopted
by the County Commission
includes no funding for the
project. In the last few years
the Lee library fund has been
depleted. That is the result
of tax rate reductions, as well
as the construction of a new
Cape Coral library and the
ongoing construction of a
new $30 million Fort Myers
library.
Project proponents point
out that, during the last
decade, Bonita taxpayers
have paid about $25 million
in library property taxes
above the cost of running
the Bonita branch.
Some have suggested that,
if Lee County will not build
a new Bonita library, then it
should allow Bonita to secede
from the system, replace the
County library tax with its
own designated tax, and
build its own library. That is
what Fort Myers Beach and
Sanibel have done.
Beach parking Lee
County controls substan-
tially all public parking
places along Bonita Beach
and charges parking fees of
up to $2 an hour, other than
for a small number of access
spaces and City owned spots.
Unlike neighboring Col-
lier County, where all resi-
dents park for free at the
beach, Bonitians
pay full freight
for beach park-
ing. Two years
ago, Lee County
discontinued $10
annual beach
passes for Bonita
residents. Under
County rules, the
Countys own
beach pass is not
accepted at the
main Bonita
Beach Park south
of Docs.
Road land-
scaping The
County has re-
sponsibility for
large stretches of
road medians in Bonita that
remain devoid of landscap-
ing. That includes four miles
of Imperial Parkway north
of Terry Street, barren for
years.
By contrast, in Estero
north of the Brooks, where
Imperial Parkway is called
Three Oaks, Lee County has
spent several million dollars
on roadway landscaping, the
result of diligent efforts by
the Estero Council of Com-
munity Leaders. The County
has also installed landscap-
ing on the recently con-
structed Estero Parkway
flyover of I-75.
Tourist Development
Council Visitors entering
RSW airport quickly en-
counter kiosks branded with
the name, The Beaches of
Fort Myers and Sanibel. That
is the public face of the Lee
County Visitor and Conven-
tion Bureau, which is funded
by a bed tax at hotels and
other short-term accommo-
dations. In 2011 that tax
totaled $24 million.
Lee County Commission-
ers appoint a nine member
advisory board, called the
Tourist Development Coun-
cil, to oversee the tax fund
and make recommendations
on spending.
The County Commission
itself and Cape Coral (the
largest municipality) perma-
nently occupy two of the
three municipal seats on the
TDC. The remaining seat
rotates among other munic-
ipalities.
As a result, Bonita Springs
wont have representation
on the TDC until 2020. Some
in Bonita and other com-
munities have asked that
the system be adjusted to
allow for more frequent rep-
resentation, including adding
a seat or making Cape Coral
a rotating, rather than a per-
manent, member. Senator
Garrett Richter has developed
legislation that would adjust
the rotation.
Some have questioned
the branding, with its focus
on Fort Myers and Sanibel,
considering Bonita Springs
has miles of beaches includ-
ing Lovers Key State Park,
one of Floridas most pop-
ular.
Bonita Fire/ Lee EMS
Bonita Springs Fire Control
and Rescue District has
applied to the Lee County
Commission to replace the
Countys own Emergency
Medical Services as provider
of ambulance service in
Bonita Springs. Bonita Fire
says it gets to the scene quick-
er and can provide a more
cost efficient and responsive
service. Lee EMS has said
allowing Bonita to withdraw
would fragment a fluid coun-
ty service, and would increase
cost.
Earlier this year, the
County Commission seemed
inclined to reject Bonitas
request, but agreed to send
the question to a mutually
agreed hearing examiner for
a recommendation.
County Commission Election
It Matters to Bonita
Each year Bonitians
pay close to $30
million in property
taxes to Lee County.
Larry Kiker Charlie Whitehead
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com
Bonitians pay to park at Lee County Bonita Beach
access. Next door, Barefoot Beach is free for all Collier
residents.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:11 AM Page 8
www.swspotlight.com Page 9

Spotlight News

Issues & Answers
Kiker and Whitehead
vie for Lee Commission Seat
By Peter R. OFlinn
Bonita Springs The Spot-
light conducted extensive
interviews at our Beach Road
offices with Larry Kiker and
Charlie Whitehead, candi-
dates for the District 3 seat
on the Board of County
Commissioners. The election
is on the same ballot as the
presidential race. Here are
excerpts from the candidates
views on five issues of par-
ticular interest to Bonita
Springs voters. See the
accompanying article for
information about the can-
didates and a primer on the
issues discussed.
Bonita Library. Should
Lee County fund construc-
tion of the proposed $11
million library facility in
Bonita Springs? If not,
should Lee County allow
Bonita to form its own
library taxing district that
would replace the Lee library
tax in Bonita?
Kiker: I would be in favor
of library funding, in a pri-
oritized process. Communi-
ties should be setting their
priorities, not the County
staff. Mayor Nelson has told
me that the library is a very
critical and high priority for
Bonita Springs.
I am a proponent that
communities make up their
own priorities and it would
be my job, the Countys job,
to put those in line with
other communities, prioritize
them and then fund them.
Then let the communities
know where they are in that
line and set expectations.
That Bonita has put so much
money into the library sys-
tem and waited so long is
horrendous.
At Fort Myers Beach, I
found in working with the
County that the biggest thing
is to get into the Countys
funding process. By state
statute, you have to be in
the capital improvement
budget [CIP] for five years.
If you are not in the five-
year CIP right now, its going
to be five years before you
get a library unless somebody
does something extraordi-
nary.
Regarding a special taxing
district I think we are going
to have to relook at every-
thing we do, and sometimes
all you need is a catalyst to
look at how taxes are spread
out and why. This could cer-
tainly serve as one. Special
taxing districts probably
bring in more money than
the County does. There are
hundreds of them. Who is
watching them? Nobody.
Continued on page 10
The Countys Bonita Springs library branch on Pine
Avenue needs replacing, many Bonitians say.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:11 AM Page 9

Spotlight News

They are kind of off on their
own. Some are doing a mag-
nificent job; some are doing
poorly. There is a culture
adjustment that needs to
happen.
Whitehead: Yes is the
answer. Bonita is in need of
it and right now the County
is the library provider for
Bonita.
I love Bonitas little library,
but I do understand that the
demand has risen exponen-
tially and the library has not
grown to keep up with it.
Bonita needs a bigger library.
Whether it is brand new
from the ground up or an
expansion is basically for
Bonita to decide in working
with the County. Maybe the
plan works better if you sell
off the existing library and
build a new one.
I also think that it would
be appropriate for the Coun-
ty to let Bonita form its own
library district, for the same
reasons they have them at
Fort Myers Beach and Sani-
bel, in part at least because
of geographic isolation. If
Bonita wants to go its own
way, there would obviously
be some fleshing out to do.
Beach Parking: Should
Lee County reinstate a park-
ing pass for Bonita residents
on Bonita Beach?
Whitehead: There should
be some acknowledgement
that locals pay for the beach,
whether they are paying by
sitting in lines of traffic on
the way to work or whether
they are paying for it other-
wise. I dont have a problem
with a local beach parking
sticker. Maybe it is $5; maybe
it is $10 or $25 a year.
In the 1990s, I would
occasionally have a beer at
Chucks Poorhouse, the
restaurant/bar that was locat-
ed just south of Docs. It was
torn down to build the beach
parks at Bonita Beach. Collier
was redeveloping their park
and so was Lee. They were
singing kumbaya. They were
going to do it together. We
were going to have one nice
big beach park. It was all
going to work great.
Well it didnt work great.
There were utility and other
issues. Apparently, you cant
run utilities across county
lines without a papal edict.
So instead of a coordinated
beach park we ended up with
two parks side by side.
Frankly that is the type
of thing I am good at pre-
venting from happening.
There was no reason to have
two separate facilities there.
Thats just silly. There should
be one park and it should
be a joint Collier-Lee park.
Kiker: How about all Lee
county residents having a
parking sticker? I have been
a proponent of this already.
Beach parking works dif-
ferently in towns around Lee
County. Bonita is different
than Ft Myers Beach, and
way different than Sanibel.
If you look at Sanibel parks
and recreation, which
includes parking, the town
runs it even though Lee
County still owns it. Sanibel
gets the revenue, they pull
in the parking fees and they
do the maintenance, and so
they make their own rules.
In Fort Myers Beach, we get
ridiculed because parking is
expensive. But we dont set
the rates. Under an interlocal
agreement we have to do
whatever Lee County does.
And the County does not
ask us what we think.
Again, this is your com-
munity. If Bonita can figure
out a better way to deliver a
service, then lets do it. I
want to shrink big govern-
ment. If we are going to
shrink government, we will
reduce it at the County level,
not where the service is being
delivered.
Road Landscaping: The
median on Lee Countys por-
tion of Imperial Parkway
(north of Terry Street) is
devoid of trees. Is road land-
scaping an economic devel-
opment issue or an aesthetic
issue?
Kiker: We just finished a
project on Fort Myers Beach
that I would encourage any-
body to go see. We put in
trees, bike paths and trolley
pull offs. People love it. It
has changed their lives. It
has been used by BikeWalk-
Lee as an example of what
all of Lee County could and
should look like.
The estimates I have heard
is that the prices of homes
in that area went up 15%
more than the rest of the
island.
Quality of life is certainly
a big thing to the people
who live here. We came here
to see the palm trees. So do
the people who visit here.
They want to see the palm
trees. They want to see the
flowers. Is it expensive? Yes.
But we dont have to do one
hundred trees in one day.
Whitehead: To a certain
extent it is an economic
development issue. People
have expectations when they
come here, and we want to
do our best to meet those
expectations. That said, I was
asked a similar question from
someone who said that land-
scaping should be a road
improvement priority. I will
tell you that safety is my
road improvement priority.
When we have school kids
that have to be at the bus
stop before light and they
have to walk in the roads
because there are no side-
walks, that is a way more
important priority for me
than road landscaping.
Frankly I think right now
road landscaping is some-
thing we want to do. But it
Commission Election
from page 9
Zeroscaping On Imperial Parkway, the Lee County
maintained median is devoid of trees for four miles.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:11 AM Page 10

Community

News and Views
By Peter R. OFlinn
Mike Scott Parses
Fire Board Politics
I admire these candidates for partici-
pating but you would think it was a con-
gressional or Presidential election. We are
talking about a local election here. Its pol-
itics.
With those words Lee County Sheriff
Mike Scott, in an interview with the Spot-
light, summed up an ongoing dust up
between Bonita Fire Board candidates
Robert Sharkey and Steve Lohan.
Sharkey has featured Scott in his cam-
paign literature. A photo of Sharkey and
Scott dominates a full-page ad in Octobers
Spotlight. Other Sharkey campaign literature
has identified Scott as his friend or supporter
or, alternatively, as an endorser of Sharkeys
candidacy.
All this has not sat well with Lohan, the
incumbent Fire Board chairman who is
locked in a three-way race with Sharkey
and Joseph Zagursky. Lohan claims Sharkey
has deceived voters, according to his com-
plaint filed with the Florida Elections Com-
mission in October. It states, Sheriff Mike
Scott has not endorsed or supported, finan-
cially or otherwise, the candidacy of Robert
Sharkey
Scott regularly gains outsized victories
at the polls in Bonita. In a town where
many seasonal residents pay scant attention
to the issues in Fire Board races, political
support like his can be important.
So, what is the nature of Scotts political
blessing of Bob Sharkey?
In his interview with the Spotlight, Scott
said he supports Sharkeys candidacy.
Scott also confirmed his emailed state-
ments to Sharkey approving the use of his
photo with Sharkey. GREAT pic Shark, it
stated, feel free to use it as you please. I
value your friendship.
There is nuance in Scotts support of
Sharkey.
Bob Sharkey has my friendship, he
has my support, but I am not endorsing
him, said Scott. I see endorsements
as giving money, speaking on a persons
behalf and lending your name to a host
committee.
Maybe its semantics, said Scott. I
dont see that the photo and his use of it
means an endorsement, but I guess it could
be implied. In that sense I guess it could
mean he has been endorsed.
Scott takes photos with lots of people.
Boy scouts, girl scouts, beauty queens.
You name it, he said. I cant control
whether they go on someones refrigerator
or 50 yards downrange for target prac-
tice.
Bob Sharkey is brazen, said Scott.
He has a hell of a campaign underway.
He is pushing, moving and working hard.
Sometimes, he gets a little bit ahead of
himself.
It seems like a lot is being made of this,
said Scott of the controversy about his sup-
port. To me its kind of like splitting hairs.
A Warhol Lotta Art
To see a first class Andy Warhol exhibit
this fall you have two choices.
You can hop a plane to New York and
visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Or
you can jump in your car and drive over
to Old 41.
The Center for the Arts has put together
a Warhol retrospective that runs through
mid-January.
Its all there, from Marilyn to Mickey
Mouse, Superman to Santa and the Wicked
Witch from the Wizard of Oz. And of
course Campbells Soup Cans (the flavor
is Beef Noodle.)
A canned show this is not. The exhibit
is two years work by Susan Bridges and
her team. Anchored by a collection borrowed
from the Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh,
it contains pieces from over 20 sources.
We sent out emails, and got very lucky
with photographs, prints and images, said
Bridges.
The result is a slice of American life in
the 60s, 70s and 80s.
It includes Warhols campy Wild Rasp-
berries cookbook, featuring the recipes
A&P surprise (start with a 2 day old sponge
cake from A&P) and the Omelet Greta
Garbo (always to be eaten alone.)
Warhols art speaks to people, said
Bridges. I think that is what art should
do.
Admission is free, but donations are
accepted. So when you go, you might
remember the airfare and the cost of a
New York hotel room you saved by driving
over to Old 41.
Rosemary Park Park
In October City Council voted to accept
Caf of Lifes proposed gift of a $500,000
public park on a currently overgrown sur-
plus County lot at the back of Rosemary
Park. As previously reported by the Spotlight,
it will include a pavilion, basketball courts,
play areas, a playground, picnic tables, grills
and restrooms.
Council first had to work through the
issue that regularly accompanies the Cafs
mission its compatibility with its sur-
roundings, in this case a residential com-
munity. The Caf serves hot meals in the
Citys Banyan Tree Park for up to 100
needy persons on weekday mornings. That
service will move to the new park.
The Caf surveyed more than half the
residences in the area, and 92 percent
approved of the proposal.
Former Mayor Jay Arend, a proponent
of the plan, believes that the park and
the Cafs hundreds of volunteers can
help improve the Rosemary Park neigh-
borhood.
Mayor Ben Nelson, and Council mem-
bers Stephen McIntosh, Steven Slachta
and Bill Lonkart agreed. Council members
Janet Martin, Peter Simmons and Martha
Simons disagreed, and expressed reserva-
tions about the Cafs relocation to a resi-
dential neighborhood. Martin applied a
straightforward litmus test, saying she
would be troubled if an open-air food
service set up next to her house.
Simons said she would explore the pos-
sibility of the Caf serving at the Lions
Club. When asked about that proposal, the
Cafs Bruce Wheatley told the Spotlight,
We wont close any door.
Duly notedWords from Pastor Kevin
Bradleys invocation at City Council, Lord,
in this election year, with so many issues
and passions, help us to guard what we say
and do, so that we will not further divide
but be a source of unity.
Up and Down the Trail
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:11 AM Page 11

Spotlight News

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is something we currently
cannot afford.
Tourist Development
Council: Should the com-
position of the TDC be
changed so that Bonita has
a seat more often? The TDCs
advertising effort is branded
The Beaches of Fort Myers
and Sanibel yet Bonita has
miles of beaches including
Lovers Key, one of Floridas
most popular. What is your
view on this?
Whitehead: The TDC is
an appointed body created
by the County Commission-
ers. It has been my observa-
tion that the TDC has
worked well. They tend to
consider the County as a
whole. I think there is a
recognition there that Bonita
beach is part of the Beaches
of Fort Myers and Sanibel,
if you will. (People say) that
the brand works better if it
is Fort Myers. The TDC has
people who are researching
what works and what doesnt
work. That said, to me the
brand is secondary. Whether
Bonita is mentioned in the
name, it is part of the pro-
motion that is going on.
The representation thing
is a more serious issue. There
has been a lot of influence
on the TDC from Fort
Myers Beach and Sanibel.
Maybe there has been less
from people from Bonita. I
dont think the TDC is any-
thing that is carved in stone
or should it be. There are
at-large seats on the TDC
and it is my understanding
that they have gone, by and
large, to people from Fort
Myers Beach who, to be fair,
have vast amounts of expe-
rience in the tourist industry.
Maybe we will need to look
at appointments based on
population, beach miles and
ease of access to the things
that bring tourists here. Cape
Coral does have some
tourism, and I am not sure
that I would take away their
seat. There are hotels there
and they pay the tourism
tax. I think you can adjust
Bonitas influence without
doing that. Maybe its time
for Bonita to have a per-
manent seat.
Kiker: The town of Fort
Myers Beach has taken excep-
tion to the way representation
works on the TDC. I believe
it is every 14 years that Bonita
gets a seat. We challenged it
with the County after talking
with Mayor Nelson and [the
other Lee County mayors]
including Mayor Sullivan of
Cape Coral, who has the per-
manent seat. We challenged
the current system on every-
ones behalf.
The County told us, That
is a state statute. Cant help
you. Sorry. But if you can get
it fixed we will support you.
So I got on a plane, went
to see Senator Garrett Richter
and said, We have a problem.
Legislation was developed to
increase the number of seats
by two, one to go to the
municipality that is the high-
est contributor; the other an
additional business seat. Also
the rotation and the term
would be compressed so
towns would have represen-
tation more often. In the
alternative Cape Coral might
give up its permanent seat.
But then [County Com-
missioner] John Manning
got on a plane, flew to Talla-
hassee and told them You
cant do this to us, with
promises that if the legisla-
tion was dropped he would
go back and fix it.
We are waiting. Its on
hold. We need to rethink
representation, how it is
done. I intend to make that
happen.
On branding. If you add
Fort Myers Beach, Bonita
Beach and others to the
name, pretty soon it gets too
long. I believe a survey was
done in Europe asking people
to name a place they know.
They came up with Fort
Myers and Sanibel. That is
all they know. So, it was
decided to invest the money
in The Beaches of Fort
Myers and Sanibel, which
includes Bonita and which
includes Fort Myers Beach.
Do we need to look at
branding? Sure. But I think
a good businessperson would
tell you that an awful lot of
money has been spent on
the brand we own right now.
Its like changing Coke. Do
you really want to?
Bonita Fire/Lee EMS. Are
you in favor of Bonita Fires
application to take over
ambulance transport in
Bonita from Lee EMS?
Kiker: The answer is yes.
As I understand it, your guys
get there first. They may have
already gone through all the
procedures to save lives, and
may be sitting there three to
five minutes waiting for
transport. When EMS arrives
they go through the life sav-
ing exercises again. If you
are the patient you might
say, Are you kidding me?
Take me to the hospital. We
have done this already. It is
totally inefficient.
The way Bonita wants to
run it is the way we run it
on Fort Myers Beach. It
works, and I would never be
against something that I
know works. Maybe the jus-
tification numbers need to
be played with, but it works.
It is a proven model.
In cases like this it can be
justified on its own from a
cost standpoint. From what
I understand, Bonita has
thought this out pretty well.
I would bring in the right
financial resources from the
County to sit with your folks
and make sure that we are
all comfortable that the cost
justification is completely
understood, and that Bonita
is comfortable with it.
Whitehead: Yes. That one
is easy for me.
I made my position
known very early in the cam-
paign on this issue. Lee
County Commissioners have
complained at length about
the state legislature. They
say, Dont they believe in
home rule?
It is my understanding
that the elected Fire Board
of Bonita Springs believes
that ambulance service
should be done through the
Bonita Springs Fire District.
Also, the elected City Coun-
cil of Bonita Springs agrees.
I dont understand how you
can complain about the state
legislature not allowing you
home rule and then not
allow Bonita Springs the
same consideration that you
are demanding from the
state.
If the elected Fire Board
and City Council think it is a
good idea, I believe you should
allow them to do it.
Commission Election
from page 10
Staff | staff@swpotlight.com
Bonita Fire has applied to replace Lee Countys EMS am-
bulance service in Bonita.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 12

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Business & Real Estate

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By D. K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs At this
business they not only care
for the customer but they
give back to local charities.
The Salon, located near Pub-
lix at the corner of W. Terry
and Tamiami Trail, Bonita
Springs, became an integral
part of the community in
the three short years since
Corinne Kleinberger moved
her hair care business from
North Naples. Originally
from New Jersey, Kleinberger
lived most of the last twenty
years in Bonita Springs, so
she brought her salon home.
One of two sisters raised by
a single parent, she is proud
of the mom that made sure
both girls had solid careers.
Her sister, a landscape archi-
tect, also lives in Southwest
Florida. Kleinbergers spouse
owns Kleinberger Lawn care
a family of entrepreneurs.
The Salon provides an
experience not just hair
care. The Aveda products
are 99% organic and provide
a pleasant aroma for cus-
tomers who are greeted with
an offer of herbal tea and
consult with the beautician
to determine their best tier
of service. Stress relievers,
either a head massage or
arm and hand massage, are
included. Each customer
receives a follow-up plan.
According to customer
Nicole Somsen, (The Salon)
is upscale but unpretentious.
Thats why I like coming
here; I can relax
Caeleb Bosscher, origi-
nally from Michigan and
manager since January, was
practically born into hair
care. I was doing hair in
my home as young as 14
until local salons began to
complain. When the inspec-
tor realized I was only 14,
he didnt know what to do.
My dad asked me if I was
going to stop. When I said,
no, I became the youngest
student enrolled at the local
beauty school at the age of
15; and that wasnt quite
legal either.
The Salon offers their
stress relief services to other
businesses and organizations
to enhance their special event
activity and share informa-
tion about The Salon. One
partnership is a free cut and
blow dry for new members
at the New Image health
club at Sunshine Plaza. Other
partnerships include a dis-
count at the Salon, such as
the partnership with Table
52. Being active in the com-
munity is important to us.
We are happy with our loca-
tion and enjoy serving year-
round and seasonal residents.
I am pleased that many of
my North Naples customers
continue to receive their hair
care with us, added Klein-
berger.
Clean water is an Aveda
corporate mission. Cancer
research is another corporate
charity. The Salons local
activity donations go straight
to the charity needs, not
administration. The Ever-
glades Foundation is a local
recipient. A December cus-
tomer appreciation day open
house with appetizers,
drinks, samples and an intro-
duction to the Salons stress
relieving services includes a
charity component. Water
bottle and candle sales con-
tribute to those activities.
The Salon provides staff
update education. All hair
care services are provided
but no nail care. Current
hours are Tuesday through
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. and evenings by
appointment. They currently
have a reward system for
product purchases and hope
to implement one for serv-
ices in the future. Referrals
bring a customer a 10% dis-
count and accumulate.
According to Bosscher,
expertise may be found in
many upscale salons, we offer
an experience that makes
the difference.
Business Beat
Corinne Kleinberger, owner, with Caeleb Bosscher, Manager, at The Salon.
The Salon
provides an
experience not
just hair care.
Relax at
The Salon
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 15


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SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 16


Spotlight Real Estate Watch
Spotlight Staff Report
staff@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs The September
numbers are in for residential
real estate in Bonita Springs and
Estero. Month to month fluctu-
ations persist in all categories
with most indicators showing
improvement on a year over year
basis.
Pending sales saw the biggest
increases with a 79.2% jump in
the single family market in Sep-
tember compared to September
2011; the townhouse-condo mar-
ket experienced an increase of
63% in September compared to
the same month in 2011.
The median sales price for
the single family market increased
25.4% in the month to $251,500
with a year to date increase of
5.9% to $259,500 compared to
2011. The median sales price in
the townhouse-condo market
did not fair as well with a -5.4%
decline to $149,950 in the median
sales price for the month. The
year to date was better at $178,500
or -0.8%.
Inventory decreased 27.2%
for single family homes while
townhouse-condos fell 26.2%.
Days on market is down to 103
days for both segments of
the market but that represents
a percentage change of -23.4%
for the townhouse-condo
market.
January 160
February 175
March 219
April 263
May 174
June 179
July 144
August 132
September 121
October 80
November 125
December 177
2011
January 165
February 214
March 271
April 312
2010
June 216
July 183
August 189
September 183
October 133
November 153
December 188
2012
January 195
February 170
March 256
April 294
May 272
June 257
July 200
August 196
September 158
May 236
Monthly Transactions
Number of real estate transactions
in the Bonita Springs Estero market
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 17
By Mark Generales
mark@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Mendy
Greenberg, Rabbi of the
Chabad Synagogue of Boni-
ta Springs/ Estero welcomed
me into his home in Bonita.
I had had a brief discussion
a few days prior and felt
most fortunate that my
intrusion at this busy time
was accepted. The Jewish
New Year Rosh Hashana
was upon us and for Rabbi
Greenberg this is a time
of much preparation and
activity.
Rabbi Greenberg is a
young man. His direction
in life was formed at an
even younger age. Both
Mendys father and his father
before him, Rabbi Meyer
Greenberg of Patterson, NJ,
committed their lives to their
God and their communities
and their passion is evident
in the drive of their progeny.
Can we say that the task he
has committed himself to
takes the energy and vision
of someone young? Rabbi
Greenberg had never heard
of Bonita much less knew
its location less than 10 years
ago.
Only 9 years ago he mar-
ried Luba and their 6 chil-
dren followed. Born in
Buffalo, joining the Chabad
in Brooklyn and asked to
create the Chabad commu-
nity in Bonita, Mendy
Greenberg moved his family
and established the Syna-
gogue here in September of
2004.
In 2004, the Chabad Syn-
agogue had temporary space
at the Trianon Hotel for
services. Today the Syna-
gogue has its own home
and is now physically located
in the Bernwood Center.
What is the community
offered at the Synagogue?
The Rabbi responds helping
to explain his effort to offer
God to all of the faith with-
out constraint by category
my term.
Services are what Rabbi
Greenwood terms pre-
denominational. This syn-
agogue is not bound by
denominational constraints
of orthodoxy, reform or con-
servative. While the Sabbath
is a traditional service in
Hebrew, Rabbi Greenwood
characterizes Chabad as pro-
viding a buffet an effort
to provide to all as the Torah
has been for centuries. We
are here to serve anyone
who is looking to reinvigo-
rate their spirituality, as
Mendy continues, . . . to
provide an awareness in a
way that is comfortable.
The formal service is just
one avenue of reaching,
teaching and connecting as
Rabbi Greenberg seeks to
touch all of the Jewish faith.
It is his consideration that
fundamentally God under-
stands every language.
Therefore, it is his challenge
that his Synagogue serve a
diverse group and spiritually
provide something in com-
mon for everyone.
Today, Chabad Syna-
gogue holds traditional serv-
ices on the Sabbath Saturday.
The service is followed by a
traditional Kiddush meal.
Every Wednesday, Chabad
has a lunch and learn with
specific topics covered in a
relaxed setting of communal
discussion and learning. And
on Friday nights, Rabbi
Greenberg and his family
open their home to all (call
the Synagogue so they know
how much food to make)
as they celebrate a Shabbos
dinner blessing wine and
bread and a four course tra-
ditional meal that Rabbi
Greenwood describes as hav-
ing Thanksgiving every
week.
If meeting and greeting
and holding services and
attending to those in need
doesnt fill the calendar,
Rabbi Greenwood also pro-
vides a Kosher food service
to those visiting our area
and delivers to homes and
hotels meals that meet spir-
itual as well as nutritional
needs.

Town Talk
Greenberg family at home from left Ita, 4, Meyer, 2,
Luba, Chaya Mushka 8, Yehoshua, 9, Rabbi Mendy,
Sholom Ber, 11 months, and Avraham, 6.
Neighbor Spotlight
We are here to
serve anyone who
is looking to
reinvigorate their
spirituality
Mendy Greenberg
Where:
Chabad of Bonita/ Estero
Bernwood Center
24850 Old 41
Unit 20
239-949-6900
jewishbonita.com
When:
For Friday Shabbos dinner
The Greenberg residence
24809 Rodas Dr
239-949-6900
Mendy Greenberg
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 18

Giving Back

Dining for a Cause
Fri. Nov. 2 at 2 p.m.
This elegant evening at Vi
at Bentley Village offers
attendees an intimate multi-
course surf & turf dinner
and a cooking demonstra-
tion of holiday cooking tips
by award-winning Executive
Chef Ed Padden, with special
guest Celebrity Sous Chef,
Mayor Ben Nelson. All pro-
ceeds will benefit Bonita
Springs Assistance Office.
Cost: $75 per person. For
reservations or for more
information on how you
can support The Bonita
Springs Assistance Office
contact 239-992-3034.
Bowling Party
Sat. Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.
Enjoy a fun filled afternoon
bowling at Beacon Bowl
alongside the Bonita Springs
Rotarians. Proceeds will ben-
efit Special Olympics of Col-
lier County and Bonita
Springs and Immokalee
Relay for Life. Cost: First
game for athletes is free.
Additional games are $2.
Guest fee is $30 and includes
3 games, shoes, and sponsors
2 athletes. RSVP to Jamie
Weaver 239-676-2663 or
jweaver@jointreplacementin-
stitute.net.
Footloose & Fancy
Free 5K
Sat. Nov. 10 at 7:30 a.m.
registration
This 5K trail run/walk at
Koreshan State Park, Estero
is a benefit for Soles 4 Souls.
Bring your used shoes to be
recycled or donated to those
in need locally and world-
wide. Cost: $20 before race
$25 race day. Register at Foot
Solutions in Estero (corner
of US41 & Corkscrew Road
next to Publix) or online at
active.com
New Horizons
Expands into Estero
New Horizons of Southwest
Florida has received a $20,000
grant to expand their tutor-
ing and mentoring services
to students who have been
identified as academically
and socio-economically dis-
advantaged. With this expan-
sion they will be able to reach
a total of over 250 children
at their 4 locations including
East Naples Baptist Church,
and Manna Christian RV
Park and Rosemary Park in
Bonita Springs. Volunteers
who want to provide aca-
demic assistance and hope
for a brighter future can con-
tact 239 565-6714.
4th Annual Glass
Slipper Ball
Sat. Nov. 10 at 9 p.m.
The Hyatt Regency Coconut
Point Resort & Spa will be
the setting for this event
presented by the Zonta Club
of Bonita Springs to benefit
local nonprofits working
to provide educational pro-
grams, health related assis-
tance and an end to violence
against women within our
local community. The Zonta
Club will be honoring
their Woman of the Year,
Jennifer L. Benton. For tick-
ets and information go to
zontabonitasprings.org
Opportunities
to give back
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 19

Town Talk
TOWN TALK
Welcome
to Bonita
Christine A. Bauder, RCE, ePro, has
joined the Bonita Springs Estero
Association of REALTORS as their
new Association Executive (AE).
Bauder spent 9 years as the AE in
Ocean City New Jersey. She is a
National Association of
REALTORS Real Estate Certified
Executive and served as the Chair
of the New Jersey Association Ex-
ecutives Committee in 2012. Wel-
come to Bonita Christine.
American
Dream or
Beach Road
Nightmare?
In a political scene over-
flowing with rancor and
ill will, a Beach Road bill-
board is a sign of the
times.
Contributed | towntalk@swspotlight.com
David Michael | towntalk@swspotlight.com
Congratulations Teri
Teri Lamaine was honored as the Ambassador of the
Year at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber Awards
Luncheon. Congratulations Teri. Bonita is better be-
cause of you.
Small Business
of the Year
US Metropolitan Telecom is the
Bonita Springs Area Chamber
of Commerces Small Business of
the Year. The internet and com-
munications service provider is
based in Bonita Springs and
provides service in Lee and Col-
lier counties. From left, Christine
Ross, President and CEO of the
chamber, Frank Mambuca, Ger-
ard Sola and Nicole Somsen of
US Metropolitan Telecom and
James D. Dati, Esq., outgoing
Chairman of the Board of the
chamber. David Michael | towntalk@swspotlight.com
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 20

Town Talk
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 21

Town Talk
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Brenda Bergin
Downsizing & Moving Coordinator
NEED ASSISTANCE DOWNSIZING & MOVING?
Call: 239-248-7284 or email: BrendaBergin@earthlink.net

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PAM DOYLE
REALTOR
239-273-0861
www.pamgalbreathdoyle.com
An Experienced Realtor
and a Twenty Year Resident
of Bonita Springs
Whether You are Considering Selling or Not
You Should Know the Current Value of Your
Most Important Investment.
Please contact me for your FREE, no obligation,
comparative market analysis
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TOWN TALK
Ribbon Cuttings Galore
Photos Contributed | towntalk@swspotlight.com
Business seems to be booming in Bonita. The
Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce held
ribbon cuttings last month for Concept 1010,
Hungry Hound Dogs, Iberia Bank, Mario Brothers
Detailing, and XLR8 Power Plate as well as a
ground breaking for the Growing Room
Child Development Center.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 22

Town Talk
FIRE BASED
AMBULANCE SERVICE!
Lowered the budget without
cutting services
Eliminated 18 positions
Reduced take home vehicles
Negotiated a pay freeze
Increased Employee benefit
contribution
Added second tier pay scale
for new hires.
Started functional
consolidation
Now a Certified District
Official
If Re-Elected I Will:
Obtain a county permit for fire
based ambulance service
Develop a leadership succession
policy
Continue to grow functional
consolidation.
Keep Bonita Springs Fire
and Rescue in the top three
percent of the country
STEVE LOHAN
www.SteveLohan.com
Paid for and approved by Steve Lohan
for Bonita Springs Fire Commissioner, Seat 4
I will continue
to serve the
residents to
keep the
Bonita Springs
Fire District
in excellent
financial shape!
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 23

Commentary

It would be great if we
had dozens like Fred Forbes
in Bonita Springs. We are
lucky to have the one we
have.
He is the right choice to
be a member of the Bonita
Fire Control and Rescue
District Board of Commis-
sioners.
Forbes is thoughtful, col-
legial, and constructive in
his approach. As a result
he gets things done for
Bonita, like the sound wall
Hunters Ridge was told it
would never have.
He is an active volunteer
on the library task force, the
YMCA advisory board and
the local planning agency.
Underline the words active
and volunteer. Forbes does
his homework and, as he
likes to say, Thinks outside
the box.
Fred Forbes regularly
attends Fire Board meetings,
and invariably makes con-
structive suggestions on
many issues. Its time to elect
him to office.
We have no endorsement
for the other Fire Board race
among Steve Lohan, Bob
Sharkey and Joe Zagursky.
By Steven Slachta
Councilman, District 3
Once again, on Novem-
ber 11, 2012, the wonderful
people of Bonita Springs
will join together to honor
our cherished Veterans. The
ceremony will take place at
1 p.m. at Riverside Park.
Year after year, the citizens
of our great community
have exhibited their over-
whelming support of our
military personnel. Howev-
er, this year, Bonita Springs
has a very special tribute
planned.
It is with great pride that
we will unveil the citys new
monument dedicated to our
Veterans. David Grossi,
Chairperson of the Veterans
Advisory Committee, will
have the honor of intro-
ducing this treasured land-
mark to the public.
This Veterans Day affair
promises to be a memorable
one. Our city is blessed to
have secured a special speak-
er, Randy McConnell, a
highly decorated Vietnam
veteran whose brave service
has earned 2 silver stars, a
bronze star with V device,
7 purple hearts, an army
commendation medal with
V device, Combat Infantry
Badge, Jump Wings,
Pathfinder Badge etc. Mar-
ried to his wife Becky since
1970, three daughters, 9
grandchildren, 4 great
grandchildren.
The dedication of our
new monument is a reflec-
tion of the unending gen-
erosity of our community.
This memorial was possible,
not only from the efforts
of the Veterans Advisory
Committee, the Veterans of
Foreign Wars and the Amer-
ican Legion, but from many
of our citizens. These benev-
olent citizens recognize that
the patriotism and selfless-
ness of our Veterans allow
them to enjoy freedom every
day in our beloved coun-
try.
Looking forward to see-
ing you there!
Fred Forbes for Fire Board
City Council Corner
Honoring Our
Cherished Veterans
This Veterans Day
affair promises to be
a memorable one.
Doing My Due Diligence
Im doing my due diligence for the
Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue
District (BSFCRD) commissioner races. I
couldnt help but raise my eyebrows while
examining the BSFCRD payroll budget
2011-2012.
The average BSFCRD employee earns
$67,522 of regular pay per year and receives
a total of $125,915 per year with benefits.
Therefore, total budgeted benefits are about
86 percent of total regular pay. This is
nearly three times the average cost of
benefits that typical government agencies
and Fortune 500 companies incur, even in
good economic times.
Total pension benefits are the biggest
abuse. They are nearly 53 percent of total
regular pay and average $35,658 per employ-
ee. This is about 7 times more than many
government agencies provide. For example,
under the federal governments CSRS pen-
sion system federal employees receive 7.5
percent matching contribution from their
employer.
Total incentive pay is about 10 percent
of total regular pay. Obtaining and main-
taining certifications are part of the job
and are necessary to do the work. They
are the employees personal responsibility.
Furthermore, certifications are of a form
of pay since they are a major factor in pro-
motions. Paying for training makes sense.
Repetitive pay outlays make no sense.
Total overtime and holiday pay are
about 10 percent of total regular pay. High
performing organizations keep this under
5 percent.
It is absolutely clear that we need some
new fire commissioners who are sensitive
to taxpayer wallets without compromising
service levels and will not cave into special
interests that push greedy schemes.
Neil Arnal, Bonita Springs
Consider Forbes
There are many issues before the Bonita
Springs Fire Control and Rescue District
making the upcoming election especially
important to Bonita citizens.
I urge you to consider the candidacy of
Fred Forbes for election to the Fire Board
because of his support for consolidating
services between fire districts, improving
transparency in the budgeting process,
maintaining quality service and increasing
cooperation between the Fire Board and
the business community.
He has an outstanding background as
an architect and civil engineer and has
shown his dedication to our community
through involvement with flooding and
noise issues in our city. He serves as a very
active member on the advisory board of
the Bonita Springs YMCA.
Bonita Springs will be well served by
electing Fred Forbes.
Marjorie Rubacky, Bonita Springs
Advised Against Nepotism
Please vote for Robert Sharkey for Bonita
Springs Fire Commission Seat 4.
At the August 13 Board of Fire Com-
missioners meeting I witnessed the approval
by three fire commissioners (Chairman
Lohan and Commissioners Liles and Con-
forti) of the hiring of the fire chief s son
and the son-in-law of the deputy fire chief
for suppression and public information as
Bonitas newest firefighters. The only can-
didate for fire commissioner that advised
against nepotism in hiring practices was
Robert Sharkey. Roberty Sharkey had the
courage to face the majority of fire com-
mission members telling them that they
were making the wrong decision.
I also know that Robert Sharkey has
done his homework and knows about var-
ious over budgeted costs of Fire Stations
Four and One (One with 20 individual
bedroom units for a station that has a
seven man crew staffing it 24 hours per
day) as well as questioning why when we
had excess collections of impact fees col-
lected for the debt service to the bank were
not applied to paying down the principal
for construction cost of Fire Station Four.
I believe that Robert Sharkey is well
versed in the operations of Bonita Springs
Fire and Rescue Control District and could
serve as a very good watch dog which the
community desperately needs at that fire
commission board.
Alexander Grantt
Former City Councilman and City
Council Liaison to Bonita Springs
Fire District
A Vote in Your Best Interests
Robert Sharkey should be your choice
for District 4, Fire Commissioner in Bonita
Springs. As a long standing citizen of Bonita
Springs, he has seen this community grow
and he knows and understands the needs
of this growing community.
Of utmost importance to our family,
Robert Sharkey supports Bonita Fire Res-
cues application to conduct ambulance
transport service. He has vowed to make
this a priority when elected because he
knows, too well, how precious just two
Letters to the Editor
Commentary
E D I T O R I A L
Continued on next page
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 24

minutes of life can be. Bonita Springs Fire
and Rescue currently has 44 EMTs and 36
paramedics, many of whom are cross-
trained as EMTs, paramedics and firefighters.
He does not believe our residents should
be dependent on other agencies for ambu-
lance transport services, especially consid-
ering Bonitas finest respond first.
Robert Sharkey also supports consoli-
dation, beginning with consolidated pur-
chasing and training. He received state
certification and training in Emergency
Response and Preparedness as well as and
numerous other courses. He was certified
in instructor techniques and as such he
understands the benefit of consolidated
and cross training. Not only is there a
financial benefit, but Bonita Springs respon-
ders will gain invaluable insight and gain
the benefit of sharing and learning from
other districts if consolidated training
becomes a reality. Bonitas taxpayers should
take note of Robert Sharkeys fiscally respon-
sible goals.
Overall, Robert Sharkey supports a fis-
cally responsible district, answerable to the
residents of our city. He supports trans-
parency between the commissioners and
public and encourages our residents to
attend Fire District meetings which are
open to the public.
A vote for Robert Sharkey is a vote in
your best interests.
Amanda and David Ross
Keeping Costs in Line
Joe Zagursky, candidate for Bonita
Springs Fire District Seat 4, will not bow
to special interests and will keep operational
costs in line. I have known Joe for 10 years
as a fellow Worthington Country Club
member, active together to improve our
clubs operation. Joe is hard working and
scrupulously honest.
Joe was instrumental in leading Wor-
thington Clubs $9 million renovation and
worked tirelessly to implement the plan
which resulted in the project coming in
on time, within budget and as promised. I
have also worked with Joe to improve our
clubs internal communication. Thanks to
Joe, we substantially improved our internal
television information network and our
website.
Finally Joes only ambition is to serve
the citizens of Bonita Springs. Joe is listed
last on the ballot but he should be your
first choice when you cast your ballot.
Count on Joe to get the job done.
Morris J. Courchesne, Bonita Springs
Letters to the Editor Policy
The Southwest Spotlight publishes letters to the editor as space allows. All letters
represent the views of their authors, not of the Southwest Spotlight. Please write
thoughtfully on local topics and be respectful of others. Letters containing personal
attacks and abusive language will not be considered for publication. Include a phone
number to verify writers identity. Letters are published at the Spotlights discretion. All
letters are subject to editing for space, grammar and factual accuracy. Send to editor@
swspotlight.com
Letters
from page 24
Sunset of the month
Nancy Kish | sunset@swspotlight.com
Nancy Kish took this stunning sunset photo from her driveway last month. Its one
of the most beautiful she has seen in the 10 years she has lived in Bonita. Email your
best sunset photos to sunset@swspotlight.com and your photo could be the next
sunset of the month.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 25
Government Day at
City Hall
Come watch the students
of the Bonita Springs Middle
School fill the seats of our
City Council for one day. It
may very well happen that
these youngsters will take
that seat for real when the
time comes.
Untold Stories
Tuesday and Friday are
Untold Stories Days. Pro-
duced by WGCU these pro-
grams document the history
of southwest Florida. This
month the focus is on La
Belle, The Lake Okeechobee,
The Fishermen Folk and
Immokalee.
City Meetings
Dont miss a beat. The
City broadcasts its elected
officials meetings live on
channel 98. Every week you
can re-visit the most recent
City Council Meetings, City
Council Zoning Meetings,
Local Planning Agency Meet-
ings and the Zoning Board
Meetings. You can also see
the latest Fire Commission-
ers meeting every Monday
at 8pm. Re-broadcasts are
scheduled to play throughout
the week. Check www.boni-
tatv.org for up to date list-
ings.
Government Works-
Pedestrian Safety
Come along and notice
the efforts of our Bonita
Springs Community Polic-
ing in making our streets
safer for pedestrians. Pro-
duced in collaboration with
the Lee County Sheriff s
Office.


B: Bonita Springs E: Estero
FM: Fort Myers N: Naples
English Caf
Fridays, 10 a.m.
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30.
Each 90-minute session pro-
vides adult learners an oppor-
tunity to practice speaking
English with native speakers.
This Bonita Springs Public
Library offering will be held
at the Literacy Council Gulf
Coast, 26820 Old 41 Road
B. FREE.
Third Saturday
Discoveries
Every 3rd Sat., 8a.m.- 1p.m.
Discover gently used treas-
ures. Donate household
goods, furniture, clothing.
Proceeds benefit the Councils
literacy programs. Where:
Literacy Council Gulf Coast,
26820 Old 41 Rd. B. For
more information, call 239-
676-5202.
The Farm Fresh
Market
Sat., Nov. 3,10,17,24,
7:30a.m.-noon
Come to one of the most
popular markets in the
region. Fully stocked farm-
fresh vegetable vendors plus
vendors selling frozen fish,
baked goods, cut flowers,
orchids, cosmetics, antiques,
fashions, jewelry, books,
and more. Where: Prome-
nade at Bonita Bay B. For
more information, visit
bonitalions.org.
Farm Growers
Market
Wed., Nov. 7,14,21,28,
8a.m.-1p.m.
If you can eat it and watch
it grow, its here! Where: Old
41 and Childers St. B. For
more information, visit boni-
talions.org.
Family Story Time
Wednesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 28 at
10:30 a.m.
This program is for the whole
family and lasts about 30
minutes at the Bonita Springs
Public Library, 26876 Pine
Avenue B. For more infor-
mation call 533-4860. FREE.
Luau at the
Bonita YMCA
Fri., Nov. 9, 6 p.m.
Come get reacquainted with
the reopened Bonita Springs
YMCA at a poolside luau.
Cocktail hour and live music
begin at 6 p.m., dinner served
by Russells Clambakes.
Where: YMCA 27200 Kent
Road B. Tickets $75/
couple; $300 for a table of
eight. Dress cocktail casual
(Tommy Bahama shirts
encouraged). RSVP by Nov.
2 at 221-7560.
Veterans Day
Celebration
Sun., Nov. 11, 1p.m.
The new Veterans Memorial,
bearing the image of 3 ser-
vicemen with the legend
Leave No One Behind
along with seals of the 6
service branches, will be for-
mally dedicated. Where:
Riverside Park, Old 4l Rd.
B. For more information,
call 239-949-6262.
Fruit Tree
& Plant Sale
Sat., Nov.17, 9a.m.-3p.m.
Purchase fruit trees, plants,
local honey, homemade
soaps, plant soap, potted
herbs, jams and jellies. Local
experts will answer your gar-
dening questions. Where:
Riverside Park, Old 41 Rd.,
just south of the bandshell
B.
Taste of Bonita
Sat., Nov.17, 5:30-9p.m. &
Sun., Nov.18, 11 a.m.-5p.m.
A kick-off concert will be
performed by the Caribbean
Chillers. Bring your lawn
chairs. Refreshments will be
sold. Where: Riverside Park,
Old 41 Rd.B. FREE. On Sun-
day there will be tasty food
provided by local restaurants
and fun for the whole family
at this annual event spon-
sored by The Rotary Club
of Bonita Springs, to benefit
local charities. Where: River-
side Park, Old 41 Rd. B. For
more information, visit
info@tasteofbonita.com.
Cost: Admission is FREE.
Prices for food will vary.
Sports
32nd Annual Naples-
Fort Myers Tennis
Challenge
Sat., Nov. 10, 2p.m.
View 76 of the areas best
tennis players in team com-
petition. Where: the Bonita
Bay Club B. For more infor-
mation, visit naplesftmyer-
stennischallenge.com. FREE.
CALENDAR
This month on BTV98 Channel 98
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 26


SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 27


By Joyce McDonald
joyce@swspotlight.com
Naples Dave Koz has been
referred to as the leading
light in smooth jazz, having
stolen the spotlight from
Kenny G. and Chris Botti.
This seven-time Grammy
nominee and saxophonist
extraordinaire is returning
to Southwest Florida. Dave
Koz and Friends will cele-
brate the fifteenth anniver-
sary of their Smooth Jazz
Christmas Tour with a con-
cert at The Philharmonic
Center for the Arts in Naples
on November 28.
Philharmonic Director of
Programming Naomi Buck
said, This Novembers per-
formance will mark the 12th
time that the Phil has pre-
sented Dave Kozs Smooth
Jazz Christmas Show. Its a
holiday favorite - a world-
class evening of great jazz,
gorgeous lighting and jaw-
dropping special effects. The
uplifting Smooth Jazz Christ-
mas Concert will present
many of the old seasonal
favorites such as White
Christmas, Have Yourself a
Merry Little Christmas and
Little Drummer Boy, and
Dave will introduce newer
Christmas melodies like
December Makes Me Feel
This Way, and Eight Candles,
a Hanukah favorite.
The group will begin their
Florida tour with stops at
Sarasota, Clearwater, West
Palm Beach and Melbourne
as well as Naples. The quintet
is made up of pianist/com-
poser David Benoit, Javier
Colon, vocalist and drum-
mer/percussionist, vocalist
Sheila E., and a newcomer
to the group, singer/song-
writer Margo Rey. The ver-
satile Koz leads the musical
presentations with jazz selec-
tions on the alto, soprano
and tenor sax. He may also
surprise the audience with
a vocal rendition.
Koz recorded his self-
titled debut album in 1990
and has since added eleven
more albums as well as
Grammy nominations. His
latest Grammy nominated
album Hello Tomorrow
(Concord Records) was
released in 2010. His soft,
warm, relaxation-producing
tones are appealing to all
ages and will convert his lis-
teners to loyal jazz fans on
the spot. Dave started to play
the saxophone as a teenager
to try to earn himself a spot
in his older brothers band. It
became a driving force in
his life and he has been play-
ing ever since.
Nate Chinen, writing
for The New York Times,
said of Koz, hes a musician
of unflappable rhythmic
aplomb, which he happily
squares against the airtight
funk of his band. And hes a
frolicsome performer.
Dave Koz and Friends at
Sea just completed a Mediter-
ranean cruise tour of Spain,
Italy and France on the Royal
Caribbean ship, Navigator
of the Sea. The cruise tour
was so successful that another
tour is scheduled for Sep-
tember 2013.
Dave Koz is a many
faceted talent. He also hosts
a syndicated two-hour week-
end radio show on DKRS in
Los Angeles where he inter-
views top artists and plays
his favorite music.
His favorite topic to talk
about is the Starlight Chil-
drens Foundation which
he has represented as a
Global Ambassador for fif-
teen years. He devotes much
time to this organization
and was awarded their
Humanitarian of the Year
Award in 2006.
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight
Dave Koz will be appearing at the Phil November 28.
Entertainment Spotlight
Jazz Saxophonist Dave Koz
to Appear at the Philharmonic
Koz recorded his
self-titled debut
album in 1990 and
has since added
eleven more albums
as well as Grammy
nominations.
If you go
What: Dave Koz and Friends
Where: The Phil
When: Wed., Nov. 28
Tickets: www.thephil.org
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:12 AM Page 28


The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon
www. t as t eof bon i t a. com

Creative Events
and Rentals
FREE KICK OFF CONCERT
$oturdov, November 17 - 5:30pm - :00pm
A Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band!
$undov, November 18, 2012 - 11om - 5pm
k|vers|de Fork, O|d b$ 41, 8on|to $pr|ngs
Free Adm|ss|on & Fork|ng
L|ve Mus|c bv Estero H|gh $choo| Jozz 8ond,
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Bring your lawn chairs. No coolers or pets please.
Kids play area with rock climbing, laser tag, bounce house & more!

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SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:14 AM Page 29


Florida Everblades
Hockey
Wed., Nov.7, Fri., Nov.9, Sat.,
Nov.10, Fri., Nov.30
Hockey fans, here is your
chance to come out to sup-
port the local team! Where:
Germaine Arena, 11000 Ever-
glades Parkway E. For more
information, visit germain-
earena.com. For tickets, call
866-459-2035.
3rd Annual Childrens
Hospital Golf Classic
at Pelicans Nest
Monday, Nov. 12
All proceeds from this golf
event will benefit the
Childrens Hospital of South-
west Florida. Where: Pelicans
Nest Golf Club B. For more
information, contact Larry
McPherson at lpmcpher-
sonassociates@comcast.net.
Arts &
Entertainment
Openings & Events
Naples International
Film Festival
Fri., Nov.2 Sun., Nov. 4
This 3-day film festival cel-
ebrating independent films
and filmmakers is quickly
making a name for itself in
the world of cinema. Where:
Silverspot Cinema, Mercato
Shopping Center N. See
Naplesfilmfest.com for film
listings, times, and ticket
information.
Craft Show
Sat., Nov.3, 10a.m.-1p.m.
Come browse, and find the
perfect Christmas gifts!
Where: Bonita Springs Recre-
ation Center, 26740 Pine Ave.
B. For more information, call
239-992-2556.
Bonita Springs
Concert Band
Sundays, Nov.4 &
Dec. 9, 2-4p.m.
Enjoy beautiful music in the
great outdoors! Bring your
lawn chairs. Where: band-
shell, Riverside Park, Old 41
Rd. B. FREE admission.
Films for Film Lovers
Mon., Nov.12, 7p.m.
Valentin, Nov.12, is a warm,
quirky film about an 8 year
old boy, surrounded by fam-
ily problems. Where: Center
for the Arts of Bonita
Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd.
B. Cost: $8
Award Winning Plays:
Art and God of Carnage.
Through Sun., Nov. 18,
matinee and evening
performances.
Enjoy 2 Tony Award winning
plays by Yasmina Reza.
Where: Gulfshore Playhouse
at The Norris Center, 755
8th Ave. N. For more infor-
mation, visit gulfshoreplay-
house.org. For tickets, starting
at $33, call 1-866-811-4111.
Rachmaninoff Piano
Concert #2
Sun., Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
The Gulf Coast Symphony
will perform this classic.
Where: Barbara B. Mann
Performing Arts Hall 13350
Edison Parkway. FM. For
more information call
800 440-7469 or go to
bbmnnpah.com.
Workshops for Kids
Single Session
Art Classes
Saturdays through Dec. 22,
9-11a.m. and 11a.m.-1p.m.
These will be 2 hour art
classes for children that range
from duct tape crafts to
cooking to painting. Where:
Center for the Arts of Bonita
Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd.
B. For more information,
call 239-495-8989, or visit
artcenterbonita.org. Cost:
$20 per class.
Meetings
Republican Club of
Bonita & Estero
Thur., Nov.1, 4:30 -8p.m.
All are invited to a barbeque
at 4:30p.m. Congressional
Candidate, Trey Radel will
speak following the bar-
beque. Where: Barefoot
Boathouse Clubhouse, 5025
Bonita Beach Road B. For
more information contact
Kathy McMichael 239-248-
3934.
Bonita Springs
City Council
Wed., Nov. 7, 5:30p.m.
Tues., Nov. 13, 9 a.m.
Come watch local govern-
ment in action. Where: City
Council Chambers, 9101
Bonita Beach Rd. B.
Bonita Springs
Newcomers Club
Luncheon Meeting
Thur., Nov.15, noon and the
3rd Thur. of each month
Membership is open to
women who reside in Bonita
Springs and surrounding com-
munities. Where: Commu-
nity clubhouses in the local
area B. For more informa-
tion, visit bonitaspringsnew-
comersclub.com. To attend a
luncheon, email bonitanew-
comers@ gmail.com or call
Joan at 239-947-2944.
Democratic Club
of Bonita Springs
and South Lee
County
Tues, Nov. 20, 7p.m.
Where: Center for the Art
of Bonita Springs B. For
more information call Larry
Byrnes 239-634-6469.
All dates, times and prices
are subject to change.
Calendar
from page 26
Small Town Charm.
Big Bright Future.
Small wn Charm. T
Big Bright Future.
Small
Big Bright Future.
wn Charm. o TTo
Big Bright Future.
wn Charm.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:14 AM Page 30


By D. K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Riverside
Park will once again be filled
with crowds who come for
the food and the fun. The
popular Jimmy Buffet Trib-
ute Band, The Caribbean
Chillers, kicks off the Annual
Taste of Bonita at Riverside
Park on Old 41 in Bonita
Springs again this year from
5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday,
November 17. We tried
something new last year
said Rob Grady, Event Chair-
man. With all the tents set
up early, we decided to pro-
vide a free concert with food
and drink for sale on Satur-
day. Over 4000 people
attended; we look forward
to more this year. Lawn
chairs are encouraged; but
no coolers or pets. Admis-
sion and parking for the kick
off concert Saturday and
Taste of Bonita Sunday are
free.
Sunday, November 18,
event participants may sam-
ple menu items from at least
25 area restaurants; arrive
hungry. Beer, wine, margar-
itas, soda and water will be
sold also. Food tickets at
$1.00 each may be combined
for dishes from pizza to
wings and pasta to seafood
from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We
are highlighting area mom
and pop restaurants who
participate to support charity
and introduce over 9000
potential new customers to
their menu. They barely
break even at the event,
said Grady who added,
One hundred percent of
all proceeds support local
charities such as Gift of
Life, Bonita Springs Assis-
tance Office, Childrens
Advocacy Center, Interact
Club at Estero High School
and grants and scholar-
ships.
Nineteen years ago, The
Rotary Club of Bonita
Springs Noon sponsored the
first Annual Taste of Bonita
under large white tents at
the Sunshine Plaza parking
lot to acquaint Bonita citizens
with the wide restaurant fair
and raise money for charities.
It was a major success. River-
side Park offers its own shade
and ambiance that adds to
the event Saturday and Sun-
day. We want the commu-
nity to enjoy Riverside Park,
said Grady. An extensive
youth to teenage area
includes ten different inflat-
ables, a rock climbing wall,
laser tag and more. The
Estero High School Jazz band
and Tim Boogiehead
Poindexter & 2-4-U will pro-
vide live music Sunday, he
added. Good weather is
expected. Only one year saw
rain, and it didnt close the
event.
We have a formula for
success, Grady continued.
Over 9000 people came last
year. This year, some seasonal
residents are arriving early
for their Taste of Bonita.
Four radio stations will
broadcast live remote during
Taste of Bonita. This year
weve also added a roaming
mike to interview partici-
pants for extra excitement,
said Grady who added a
footnote, Next year is Taste
of Bonitas 20th Year; we
have even more surprises
planned.
Taste of Bonita at Riverside Park
An Annual Tasty Treat
Music soared from the bandshell at last
years Taste of Bonita.
Bonitians enjoyed the fare at one of many restaurant booths last
year.
Event participants
may sample menu
items from at least
25 area restaurants.
If you go
Taste of Bonita
Where: Riverside Park
When: Sat., Nov. 17, 5:30 to 9
p.m., Sun., Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to
5 p.m.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:14 AM Page 31

Community

Bonita Springs I dont
think Im going to have
Thanksgiving at the house
this year... Its just gotten to
be too much work. I took
the phone down away from
my ear and looked at it sus-
piciously. My mother, on the
other end of the phone, was
apparently offering to sur-
render the family tradition
of Thanksgiving Dinner to
someone else. Thanksgiving
at my parents house has
evolved with our family.
Through the years this holi-
day has ticked off the changes
in all our lives. My sister and
brother and I had become
adults, of a sort, adding
spouses, kids and grandkids
of our own to the list. And
although the circumstances
of our lives have changed
along with our cast of char-
acters, once a year we still
sit down together and marvel
at each others well
entrenched quirks while
Mom provides us with the
same delicious dinner, the
same sides, the same way,
year after year at the same
house.
Are you sure Mom? I
asked. She sighed. Yes... I
think so. I thought for a
moment just not long
enough of a moment, and
then suggested Hey... how
about we all go on a Thanks-
giving cruise! Long story
short, the entire extended
family was soon booked on
a 5-day cruise to Mexico or
somewhere I dont know.
(As it turns out, that part
wasnt important... what was
important is that it was my
fault.)
Months later, there we
were aboard ship. And at
our appointed time, all thir-
teen of us met in the main
dining area at our carefully
pre-assigned table for ten.
For a long moment, we just
sat there, elbow to elbow,
awkwardly squirming in our
formal wear and looking at
each other. Then it began.
I picked up a small cup of
whipped butter, smelled it
and made a face. My very
proper and polite sister, Julie
was predictably concerned.
Whats wrong? she said
sweetly. (Excellent!) I smelled
it again then held it out
to her. Does this smell alright
to you? Julie, with her perfect
little pointy nose, bent over
to take a whiff. As soon as
she did, I shoved the cup
straight up...cramming butter
in her nostrils. ARGGGH!
She yelled as she searched
frantically for the napkin
that I had hidden from her.
The kids and I all laughed
hysterically as Lori calmly
handed Julie a napkin and
looked at me with that
really? look.
My mother though, was
busy checking out the
arrangements. She looked
back and forth a little nerv-
ously and for a moment I
thought she was going to go
back into the kitchen and
take charge. Are you all right
Mom? I asked. Oh (she
paused)yeah. It hadnt
occurred to me, but this was
probably the first Thanks-
giving in about 45 years that
she was sitting instead of
cooking. She was obviously
feeling a little out of place.
But then, without missing
a beat, my brother Tim came
to the rescue. He finished off
his fourth piece of bread and
then explained in detail how
he had made the origami
towel creation that the cabin
attendant had left on his
bed... anatomically correct.
Tim chuckled as he watched
everyone around the table
react to his famous brand of
shock and ugghh... humor.
As usual my mom just giggled
and said Oh Timmy! I could
tell that we were almost in
full Thanksgiving mode.
Then my dad called the waiter
over. Buddy! (His name
wasnt Buddy) Yes Mon-
sieur? the very French waiter
replied. Dad proudly looked
around the table at the family
that he had created and pro-
vided for...his living legacy.
Arms outstretched, he proud-
ly ordered... Bring us a bottle
of your cheapest wine!
Thanksgiving was here at
last.
On the way out of the
restaurant that night, my dad
and mom hugged us all and
as we were heading off to
our rooms my dad took me
by the arm and pulled me
close. The turkey wasnt as
good as your moms. Next
year... our house! My dad
loved Thanksgiving Dinner,
but he loved it Moms way.
And that was that.
Our lives have continued
to change since that Thanks-
giving Cruise. My dad has
passed on and weve all taken
on different jobs and different
responsibilities in our lives.
But at my moms house this
year she will work all day
cooking, my brother will tell
stories and jokes to his
nephews and niece; my sister
will dutifully help mom with
the dinner and I will try to
get her to fall for the butter
in the nose trick again. And
as laughter fills the house we
will sit down together and
remember Dads Thanksgiv-
ing Blessing For what we
are about to receive may we
truly be thankful Pick up
and eat!
Read more antics from the
life of Mayor Ben Nelson Jr.
at www.spotlight.com or
www.theotherbennelson.blogsp
ot.com
The Other
BEN
BEN NELSON JR.
The Thanksgiving Cruise
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:14 AM Page 32

Community

SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:14 AM Page 33

Community

By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Brenda
Warner, Christian author and
speaker, opens the Bonita
Christian Forum Season 8
on November 13, at 7:00 PM
in the Sanctuary of First
Presbyterian Church, Bonita
Springs, her first visit to
Southwest Florida. I wish I
had the time to enjoy the
area, she said, but I have
been on the road with
Women of Faith speaking
engagements and need to be
home with my children.
Her oldest, Zack, has
moved into a group home;
the next sibling, Jesse Jo, is
in college. They are both
integral to the first half of
the life story she shares dur-
ing the testimony that is her
calling, this mother of seven
children and the wife of for-
mer NFL star, Kurt Warner.
Five children at home range
in age from fourteen to six-
year old twins.
The telephone interview
with Warner caught her
meeting her spouse in
Nashville to celebrate their
wedding anniversary. I
missed my eight year-olds
birthday. These are the chal-
lenges I face today balanc-
ing my speaking and quality
time with my family. I dont
want them some day to say,
while you were off changing
the world, I wanted you to
be a part of mine.
Both her son Zack and
her daughter, Jesse Jo, often
appear with her on stage,
sharing their part of the story.
Zack is blind and has trau-
matic brain injury. His story
brings down the house, said
his proud mother. Jesse Jo
shared the food stamp days
with her mom and was often
the eyes for her older brother.
The challenges we faced
together are openly shared
in my recent memoir, One
Call Away; my children know
Im the real deal, open and
honest; and we learn as we
go so they too can be the
real deal. The sincerity in
her voice confirms it.
Warner consulted with
her two daughters for the
first book, First Things First,
a parenting guide. She sug-
gested to them that their
family didnt have many
rules; they gave her a long
list. One of her favorites is
requiring her children to tell
her the color of a waiters
eyes. I want them to know
the server as a person, eye to
eye.
She began speaking
engagements before she start-
ed writing and publishing.
I had a story to tell that
could benefit other women
who were struggling and
needed to know that I sur-
vived because I always knew
that God was right there with
me. I often prayed He would
get me out; instead, He got
me through. With the books
came a deeper relationship
with readers who shared their
experiences and how she
touched their heart and soul.
I have learned from my
experience sharing my tes-
timony and my memoir that
we all have a story; we are
all in this life together; no
one is exempt from tragedy
that might just be one call
away. Her traumatic life
experiences gave her a dif-
ferent perspective on life than
other paths she might have
chosen. Trust God and help
is there, she emphasizes.
She doesnt consider her-
self a motivational speaker,
but people consider it inspi-
rational when I share my life
story; people relate. When
asked what the Bonita Chris-
tian Forum theme, Trusting
in the Lord and embracing
the path before you, means
to her, Warner replied, you
can go through life with or
without purpose; I choose
faith in God, the God that
loves me and does not leave
me.
Brenda Warner
Opens the Bonita
Christian Forum
Brenda Warner will be the first featured speaker at the
Bonita Christian Forum November 13.
I had a story to tell
that could benefit
other women who
were struggling.
-Brenda Warner.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:14 AM Page 34

Community

By Andrea Bruno
Special to the Spotlight
Estero When I adopted
Pepperoni Pepper, a mini
dapple Dachshund, I never
knew that by saving him,
he would one day save me.
I have been battling
Crohns disease since age
16. I adopted Pepper at age
25. When I adopted Pepper,
he had been at the shelter
so long he was set to be
euthanized the next day.
Not long after adopting
Pepper, I became very ill,
and had to have a colon
resection. I was in the hos-
pital for a while. My won-
derful brother stayed at my
home with Pepper but Pep-
per refused to eat, and my
brother would have to lit-
erally pick Pepper up and
take him outside because
he was in such a depressed
state. A week went by and
my brother became so wor-
ried about Pepper, not to
mention my health was
deteriorating as well.
Since it was hospital pol-
icy not to let animals in
unless they were service ani-
mals, my brother begged
my doctor to write a note
saying that it may be bene-
ficial to my health if I could
have the dog visit on one
occasion.
At this point Pepper was
weak, and my brother picked
him up and carried him to
my bedside. Much to the
doctors and my brothers
surprise, Pepper started
barking and whimpering.
He laid him next to me on
the bed. I cant even begin
to tell you how happy I was
to see him.
We had to hand feed Pep-
per that day as he was so
weak. My blood pressure
however came back up, and
the doctors were able to
release me from ICU to the
floor. However, when visiting
hours were over, Pepper,
who has never bit or growled
and rarely barks, started
growling at anyone that
came near him. We received
special orders to let my
brother and Pepper stay
overnight. The next day the
nurse had to wheel me
downstairs and help us put
Pepper in the car.
When I was finally
home, Pepper never let me
out of his sight. After a few
days of being home, I had
a surgical complication and
passed out in the bath-
room. It was winter in New
York and my stepbrother
happened to be plowing
my driveway when he heard
Pepper clawing at the win-
dow and barking. My step-
brother knew this to be
odd behavior on Peppers
part so when he rang the
doorbell and no one
answered, he realized some-
thing was wrong.
After being readmitted
and treated, I was fine, and
here I am sharing our story.
Seven months ago, I gave
birth to a beautiful baby
boy. Now anytime my son
Jax cries, Pepper comes to
get me.
Pepper truly is the best
friend I could ever have.
Bonitas Best Friends
If you have a dog that you think is particularly wonderful,
contact us at info@swspotlight.com, and he or she could be
the next dog featured in this column.
My blood
pressurecame
back and the
doctors were able to
release me from
ICU.
Andrea Bruno
Pepper keeps a watchful eye on his owner Andrea Bruno.
Bonitas Best Friends
Pepper - My Lifesaver
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:14 AM Page 35

Community

By Annette Snapp, Ph.D.
Bonita Springs Surround-
ed by the clear and bountiful
waters of Estero Bay, Mound
Key is believed to have served
as the capital of a fierce and
powerful nation known as
the Calusa who controlled
all of South Florida at the
time of Spanish Contact in
the 1500s. Ponce de Leon
encountered the hostile and
unwelcoming Calusa during
his initial discovery of Flori-
da in 1513. When he returned
in 1521 to establish a colony,
Ponce was mortally wounded
by a Calusa arrow and died
soon after retreating to
Havana.
Later, in 1566 and after
establishing St. Augustine,
Menendez de Aviles traveled
to the Charlotte Harbor area
to meet Carlos, the king of
the Calusa. The meeting
probably took place on
Mound Key and the Spanish
found these native peoples
to be politically astute, but
unwilling to bend to Spanish
colonial efforts.
By that time, Mound Key
had already become an island
comprised mainly of shell
mounds and shell middens
(refuse piles) as well as a
canal that bisected the island
and other interesting features.
Today, the highest shell
mound on the island is thirty
feet high, making this archae-
ological remnant of the
Calusa chiefdom one of the
highest locations in the
region. The Calusa chief
would have been able to see
the approach of friend and
foe alike from that vantage
point and would also have
been protected at that height
from storm surges.
From an archaeologists
viewpoint, not only do all
of the shells that make up
this island represent the com-
ponents of past meals from
an abundant estuarine envi-
ronment, they also represent
intentional constructions
upon which important struc-
tures, such as the chief s res-
idence, were located. After
consuming the shellfish as
part of a meal, the Calusa
probably discarded the shells
in a location downwind of
their residences and in a pile
that would later be mined
as construction material
once the smell had subsided.
The Calusa people developed
this island in a planned fash-
ion and with the concerted
effort of an entire society.
Building large mounds
would have required an
organized effort by a large
group of people. This sug-
gests unifying control over
a significant amount of labor
by a powerful leader!
Today, most of Mound
Key is part of Mound Key
Archaeological State Park
which is managed by Kore-
shan State Historic Site, just
up the Estero River from this
island. Accessible only by
boat, Mound Key is open
from 8 a.m. until sundown.
While this state park lacks
any facilities, it can be visited
free of charge. If you do visit,
please remember: You can
look, but you cannot remove
any artifacts per state law.
And you wouldnt want to,
because every shell helps tell
a story that only archaeolo-
gists can begin to untangle
and they need all of the pieces
of this complex puzzle to
more deeply understand the
lives of these strong and
vibrant people.
If you would like to visit
Mound Key on a tour, please
consider the upcoming
Mound Key Paddle Tour,
a public event on November
17th which is planned by
the Florida Public Archae-
ology Network (FPAN). Par-
ticipants will meet at Lovers
Key early in the morning
and as a group, they will
approach Mound Key by
kayak (vendors at Lovers Key
rent kayaks and canoes). A
tour of Mound Key will be
provided by co-hosts Kore-
shan State Historic Site and
the FPAN.
Annette Snapp is Southwest
Regional Director of the
Florida Public Archaeology
Network
Shells from the Past Tell Stories at Mound Key
From left, Jon Meyer, Biologist Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Andy Tetlow, Museum
Curator Koreshan State Historic Site, Dr. Annette Snapp and FGCU faculty, staff and
students at Mound Key.
If you go
What: Mound Key Paddle Tour-
www.flpublicarchaeology.
org/swrc/
When: Nov. 17
Where: departure from
Lovers Key
Reservations: Call Melissa
Timo 239 590-1476 as tour size
will be limited.
Cost: Free.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:14 AM Page 36

Community

SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:14 AM Page 37
By Andrea Tinucci with
Carol Markey
Teton Village, WY When I
mentioned to Carol last
spring that this summer I
wanted to visit the west and
maybe a ranch, her eyes lit
up and she told me about
the R Lazy S Ranch in Jack-
son, Wyoming. Owned by
friends of her family, she had
visited there many times and
thought I might enjoy it.
When she agreed to join me,
we hatched our plans to
go on our wild west adven-
ture.
Keeping in mind that the
last time I rode a horse was
1997, I figured it was like
riding a bike right? I was
soon to find out.
On the first morning we
were matched with horses
according to our riding abil-
ity. My horse, Dallas, was a
sweet ex-stallion, tall dark
and handsome, and a pure
bred Morgan. I knew right
away that once I established
who was boss, we would be
whispering in no time. I
was hoping he had some
energy and would give me
a smooth ride. Sounds like
my dream date.
Carols horse was a cutie
named Petunia. Dallas and
Petunia were to take us on
trails to discover the Ameri-
can wilderness that could
only be seen on horseback.
With a warning from the
ranch manager to be on the
lookout for grizzly bears that
had recently been in the area,
Carol said she would protect
me we were told high
pitched screaming works
most of the time.
Our rides started out slow-
ly, walking the trails along
the mountains base and
along streams and rivers that
are born of melted ice and
rain from the top of the Teton
mountain range. We soon
discovered a herd of elk graz-
ing in lush grass and drinking
from a cool stream. Among
them a buck, with a magnif-
icent six-point set of antlers,
closely watched our group
while keeping his harem
together. He was one busy
elk.
Once we successfully
passed a trot/lope drill in the
ring, Carol and I graduated
to loping rides. Loping is
cowboy lingo for canter. I
was a little shaky about the
having a connection with
your horse thing using
just reins and your legs to
stay on after all, we all
know who the boss is. Carol
on the other hand, is a strong
and graceful rider. It must
have been her horse, Petunia.
After several days of loping
around the countryside,
sometimes on mostly unused
trails, my knees and saddle
area began to scream. I jok-
ingly asked for the saddle
with the ice pack, and to my
surprise and comfort, there
was a lambs wool lining that
fit between me and the sad-
dles seat. For the rest of the
week being back in the saddle
was almost pain free.
Two words about the
ranch nightlife: electric blan-
ket. It gets chilly here in early
September, especially at night
when I can hear all sorts of
wildlife sounds. One morning
it was in the thirties and I
could see my breath. That
afternoon we saw some crazy
white pelicans that had sum-
mered in the Tetons before
returning to Boca Grande,
Florida. Talk about snow-
birds.
How did we wind up
here? Ill let Carol explain.
On my first visit to the
ranch, the view from the
plane, as it made its approach
into the Jackson airport, took
by breath away. Millions of
years ago, glaciers carved a
hole in the Teton Mountains
and when they melted they
left a beautiful lake in the
middle of a large valley sur-
rounded by majestic, jagged
mountains. The ranch is
located on the edge of Grand
Teton National Park and bor-
dered by the Snake River,
one of the worlds best fly-
fishing rivers. Guests stay in
their own log cabin with
hanging flower baskets on
the front porch and a breath-
taking view of snow-capped
Grand Teton Mountain from
the bedroom window. I sim-
ply fell in love with this majes-
tic land and when Andrea
mentioned her interest in a
ranch vacation, I couldnt
wait to share with her this
place I love so much.
Our final ride was a
lope/trot/walk through a
quiet pine and aspen tree
forest to the trail that leads
to the Snake River. It is the
river where the trout swim,
the elk, deer, moose and bears
come to drink, and where
eagles come to nest. It was
the perfect place to end our
wild west adventure and say
goodbye to the ranch and to
the Grand Teton Mountains
where elk teeth once were
the accepted currency, wran-
glers dont walk but mosey,
the Cowboy Bar offers saddles
for bar stools, handlebar
moustaches and cowboy hats
are de rigeur, and nature, in
all its beauty, has a magical
healing power.

Community

Back in the Saddle Again
Carol Markey and Andrea Tinucci at the R Lazy S Ranch
Andrea Tinucci riding Dallas and Carol Markey riding
Petunia.
I was a little shaky
about the having a
connection with
your horse thing.
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:15 AM Page 38

Community

By Josh Musselman
josh@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Through-
out the year I help golfers in
two different locations, south
Florida and eastern Michi-
gan. Each of these locations
provides totally different
types of soil and grass.
PGA Tour players are
knowledgeable of the differ-
ences and typically have their
equipment adjusted for the
specific course they are play-
ing for the week. During the
practice rounds they are able
to get a feel for the course
conditions and environment.
It may lead to an adjustment
of a clubs loft for a certain
distance, replacing a long
iron with a hybrid, or tweak-
ing the wedges grind and
bounce.
In Florida we have firm
sandy soil, therefore golfers
need less bounce due to the
tight lies. For most northern
courses, including Michigan,
golfers need more bounce
because the grass makes it
easier to take a large divot.
To help clarify the benefits
of having a wedge with more
or less bounce here is the
definition. Bounce angle is
a measurement in degrees
of the angle from the front
edge of a clubs sole to the
point that actually rests on
the ground at address. The
middle or rear of many soles
is lower than the front edge.
Bounce angle is most com-
monly applied to wedges,
where bounce angle can
range from zero degrees to
(most typically) 10-12
degrees. A higher bounce
angle will keep the club from
digging too deeply into turf
or sand.
The bounce of the wedge
is basically like an airplane
wing. If the front of a wing
went down, the plane would
go down; if the front of the
wing went up, the plane
would go up. So if the wedge
you are playing has a lower
trailing edge than the leading
edge, it will bounce. The
more severe the angle, the
more bounce you will have
with each shot (opposite for
less bounce).
If you take a good look
at the short game and think
about the shots you play
around the green you will
probably find a weakness.
For example, if you tend to
chunk shots or hit shots fat,
more bounce can help you
out. However if you blade
or skull the ball, less bounce
can improve your shots.
If you plan to purchase
new wedges consider these
questions to help decide
which wedge styles and
bounces are best for you:
Do I hit more fat shots
or more thin shots around
the green? (Fat = More
Bounce / Thin = Less
Bounce)
Do I tend to open the
wedges when I play them
or keep them square? (If
you open your wedges it
will add bounce but if you
close your wedges it will
remove bounce.)
Finally, think about the
design of the approach or
landing areas you play at
your home course and keep
in mind that firm ground
with tight lies require less
bounce to follow through
with the shot and, vice versa,
thicker rough courses with
a softer ground require more
bounce. This information
does not necessarily mean
you need to buy new wedges
though if their bounce isnt
currently perfect for you. A
professional fitting and
repair facility with the
appropriate equipment can
easily grind and adjust the
bounce on your wedges.
When done correctly, this
will definitely help improve
tough shots around the
green, and of course lower
your score.
Josh Musselman is a PGA
professional, 2008 Horton
Smith Award recipient,
2006-2012 Worlds Top 100
Club Fitter recipient and
can be reached via email at
info@golfexpress.org.
TEE BOX
TIPS
JOSH MUSSELMAN
In Florida we have
firm sandy soil,
therefore golfers need
less bounce due to
the tight lies.
Define Your
Wedge Design
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:15 AM Page 39

Community

By Charles J. Cavaliere
charles@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs A border
war thats been going on over
three decades will flare up
again on November 10, 2012
when the 32nd annual
Naples-Ft. Myers Tennis
Challenge will be held at the
Bonita Bay Club in Bonita
Springs, Florida. The tour-
nament site will be the clubs
Tennis Center which has 18
har-tru courts. This is a com-
munity event open to the
public at no charge.
Captaining this years Ft.
Myers team is Jeff Timmer,
Director of Tennis at the
Colonial Country Club. Tim-
mer is ranked nationally in
the top 10 of the 45 age
group. The Naples team will
be headed by Captain Pete
Minarich, Director of Tennis
at Pelican Marsh. Minarich
has coached at both the
Wimbledon and U.S. Open
Championships.
The best players of Lee
County will go against the
best of Collier County. Play-
ers consist of those nation-
ally, state or locally ranked
and teaching professionals
with college and/or tour
experience. Like tenniss
Davis Cup, being selected
for your hometown is an
honor and makes the com-
petition that much more
exciting. Bragging rights,
tennis pride in their com-
munity and the Challenge
Cup are at stake.
There will be twenty-
two matches in all consist-
ing of mens and womens
singles and doubles match-
es. The first match will start
at 2 p.m. with the final
match ending at approxi-
mately 5:30 p.m.
Each match will be the
best of two sets, regular scor-
ing, with a match tie-breaker
(1st to 10 points) to decide
the winner if players split
the first two sets.
Given their successful
record over the past several
years, including winning in
2011, the Naples team is the
favorite going into the tour-
nament.
The Naples - Ft. Myers
Tennis Challenge is one of
the most popular events in
the area. Paula Scheb, Direc-
tor of Tennis at the Bonita
Bay Club said We expect
hundreds of tennis enthusi-
asts to come to this exciting
event, including friends and
relatives of the players.
Naples - Ft. Myers Tennis
Challenge Flares Up
The best players of
Lee County will go
against the best of
Collier County.
By Martha Crider
Spanish Wells Activity at
Spanish Wells is a micro-
cosm of increased activity
in Bonita. Snowbirds are
returning daily, new houses
are springing up, the golf
course and tennis courts
are teeming with more play-
ers, and more social events
are planned at the club. Golf
leagues began the first week
of October. Unfortunately,
an increase in sirens is a
sign of season, and the need
for medical assistance has
begun.
Friends, welcoming back
other friends, are part of
what makes fall wonderful.
Cooler mornings and other
subtle changes also mark
autumn.
November will be full of
more residents arriving, hol-
iday travel plans, holiday
meals in homes and at the
club, and, at Spanish Wells,
an increase in bridge playing
and mahjong. Bocce
resumes, and the organizers
are planning a Welcome
Back Banquet November 15.
Life is good.
Spanish Wells Snippets
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:15 AM Page 40

Community

By Marjorie Rubacky
Bonita Springs I came
to Bonita Springs twenty
years ago expecting to love
living in this tropical par-
adise of sun, sand and surf.
What I didnt expect was
how much I would come
to love the city itself and
its people.
Over these twenty years
I have watched the people
of Bonita build the Center
for the Arts, Joannes House
at Hope Hospice and the
Bonita Springs YMCA. I
have seen the Chamber of
Commerce receive Five Star
accreditation, one of only
70 out of more than 2000
chambers in the country
to be so honored.
During this time the
Bonita Springs Assistance
Office has expanded, the
Speakers Assembly of
Southwest Florida was born
as was the Literacy Council.
Most recently the Bonita
Springs/Estero Economic
Development Council was
launched, already showing
results in presenting Bonita
as a business friendly envi-
ronment. The people sup-
port the Lions Club, the
Elks and two Rotary Clubs.
When Bonita became a
city during this time, the
people elected citizens to
successive City Councils
who have managed so well
that our taxes have not been
raised nor our services
diminished.
Who are these people?
Some were born here.
Many have come from
towns and cities across the
country where organiza-
tions like these were solidly
established, often for gen-
erations. How exciting it
has been to live in Bonita
during this time when such
organizations were born
and to watch them grow
and prosper.
The people who accom-
plished all this are the busi-
ness owners, volunteers,
professionals, fire fighters,
deputy sheriffs, City Coun-
cil members. They are all
of us.the people.
And they are why I love
Bonita.
Why I Love Living in
Bonita Springs
Marjorie Rubacky
Do you love living in Bonita Springs?
Let us know why in 600 words or less and your article could appear in
the next issue as part of the Why I Love Living in Bonita Springs
series. Contact us at love@swspotlight.com
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:15 AM Page 41

Restaurants

10530 Wilson St Downtown Bonita 992-2233
thesurveycafe.com Facebook/surveycafe
Across from Riverside Park one block east of Old 41
SIMPLE FLORIDA CHARM... CASUAL... LAID BACK... DELICIOUS!
F
re
e
W
i-F
i!
D
o
g
frie
n
d
ly
!
A hidden gem in Bonita Springs. The food is just
fantastic. Lots of great avours... BLT great, French
toast great, Sandwich Cubano great.
Trip Advisor Aug. 2012
The ambience was so quaint and friendly it made us
want to move in... a delicious omelette with bacon &
mushrooms covered in gravy & the best French toast
ever with a homemade sauce. Trip Advisor Oct. 2012
Come see what everyones talking about!
Open Tues-Sun 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Breakfast available all day and Brunch all day on Sunday!
A Table Apart
Chef Jeff Acols profound love for
the ocean is rooted in his early child-
hood years growing up in Hawaii
and helps explain his commitment to
serving sustainable seafood and sea-
sonal ingredients. This talented chef
offers a limited but diverse menu.
Dishes offer global fair with Asian
and French influence. Open for dinner
Monday thru Saturday 5 p.m. to 9
p.m. 4295 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita
Springs 239-221-8540 www.atablea-
part.com
Bellissimo
Ristorante
Chef Jose Benavides and partner Ed
Falcone are looking forward to their
first season together in Bonita Springs.
Chef Benavides has fine-tuned his
culinary skills in area restaurants for
years. Together he and Ed Falcone, a
former restauranteur, will be offering
specialties like Bellissimo Paella and
Veal Scallopini Di Vitello Alla
Pizzaiola. Open for lunch Mon
thru Sat and dinner 7 days a week.
26251 S. Tamiami Trail Suite 9
Bonita Springs. 239-405-8957
www.bellissimobonita.com
Buffalo Chips
Al, Chip and JC Greenwoods Old 41
original for 30 years strong. Its
where locals go. 1st place winner,
Florida State chicken wing and chili
cook-offs. Full menu including burg-
ers, fish and steak and spuds. Boars
Head premium deli sandwiches. Fea-
turing Bonitas Hall of Fame. If it
looks good, well find a place for it
on the walls or ceiling, says Al.
Lunch and dinner daily. 26620 Old
41 Rd. 239-947-1000. www.buf-
falochipsrestaurant.com.
Gatsbys Pizza
Owners Greg and Jackie Chapin are
reopening in a new Bonita location.
Gatsbys, making pizza since 1977,
is famous as the home of the Buckeyes.
Plenty of TVs for all those Buckeye
fans and a piano. Open Mon. thru
Thur. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat. 11
a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Sun. 4450
Bonita Beach Road in Liberty Bank
Plaza. 239-676-5011.
Hemingways
Island Grill
Experience a taste of the islands with
Caribbean inspired dishes. The tropical
flavors will take you on a sea cruise
with seafood, chicken and steaks
infused with coconut, key lime, rum
sauce, cilantro or jerk barbecue sauce.
Make your selections from an extensive
menu. Theres even a kids menu.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Shops at Coconut Point 8001
Plaza Del Lago #113 Estero. www.hem-
ingwaysislandgrill.com
Hungry Hound
Dawgs
Outdoor picnic tables invite Bonitians
to enjoy locally made frankfurters
and sausages with only the freshest
ingredients. Owner Rick Price, a 30
year Air Force veteran, dreamt for
years of owning a hot dog vending
company. He developed his passion
for German sausages while stationed
in Europe and now offers a full menu
of dawgs and sausages. Pick one of
his specialties or create your own!
Open Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat until
2pm, closed Sun. Corner of Old 41 &
Abernathy Street. 239-877-6501.
www.hungryhounddawgs.com.
Johnny Malloys
They say its game day everyday at
Johnny Malloys. Come for the game
but stay for the food. Try the Shredded
Pork or Classic Rib Eye Steak Sandwich,
Specialty pizzas, the Malloy Classic
Burger, or a fresh tortilla wrap. Watch
RESTAURANT GUIDE
B O N I T A S P R I N G S
Continued on next page
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:15 AM Page 42

Restaurants

Shoppes at Pelican Landing
24600 Tamiami Trail S#204
(239) 498-6808
Open Daily 5 - 10 pm
For menu & wine list visit us at lafontanellarestaurant.net
We specialize in Pasta, Veal, Chicken, Seafood & Steak
(Up to $18 value per couple)
18% gratuity added before
discount. Dine in Only
Exp. 11/30/12
Buy One
Entre and
2 beverages
Get second
Entre
FREE!
the game on the new outdoor patio
with TVs everywhere. 10347 Bonita
Beach Rd. #101 (corner of Old 41)
239-992-5000
La Fontanella
Ristorante
Owner Moe has over 35 years in
the business, and the experience
shows. He and his staff assure cus-
tomers the finest dining experience.
Serving gourmet Italian cuisine, spe-
cializing in pasta, veal, chicken,
seafood and steak. If you cant cut
the veal with a fork, the meal is
free. Specials daily. Open daily 5
p.m. to 10 p.m. 24600 S. Tamiami
Trail at the Shoppes at Pelican Land-
ing. 239-498-6808. www.lafontanel-
larestaurant.net.
Lake House
Bar and Grill
An open air caf with one of Bonitas
finest water views. A hot spot for
lunch and dinner, popular among
both locals and tourists. Featuring
the Bonita Burger, veggie rollup,
tuna salad and sandwiches and more
sandwiches. Plus tacos, fish and
chicken dinners. Open daily 11:30
a.m. to 10:30 p.m., happy hour
11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Located
next to the Trianon Hotel. 3401 Bay
Commons Dr. 239-948-4400.
www.lakehousebarandgrill.net.
Manhattan
Steakhouse
Specializing in USDA Prime Dry Aged
steaks and sizzling platters up to
1800 degrees. Enjoying its second
season, Bella Purisic oversees this
relative newcomer to the Bonita
Springs restaurant scene. The extensive
menu includes fresh catches such as
grouper, tuna and jumbo Maine
lobster. Ask about their extensive
wine list. Open daily for dinner 4:30
to 9:30 p.m. 24940 S. Tamiami Trail
#103 (Behind Zazou in Bonita) Reser-
vations are required. 239-676-8687
www.manhattan1steakhouse.com
Molinos
Ristorante
Classic Italian in a beautiful indoor
room and an al fresco patio setting,
featuring pasta, meat and fish dinners.
Family owned since 2003. Try the
Vitello alla Saltimboca or one of the
many other specialties of the house.
Full bar and wine cellar. Summer
hours, serving dinner only. Smoking
section available. Open daily 5 p.m.
to 9 pm. 26841 South Bay Dr. at the
Bonita Bay Promenade. 239-992-
7025. www.molinosristorante.com.
Old 41 Restaurant
A sure bet since the day it opened in
Bernwood. Specialties include eggs,
omelets, pancakes, waffles, homemade
soups, salads, sandwiches, Angus
burgers, chili, Taylor pork roll, sausage
gravy, creamed chipped beef, home
cooked roast beef and turkey and
real Philly cheese steaks. Open
daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Corner of Old
41 and Bernwood Parkway. 239-
948-4123. www.old41.com.
Pinos Pizzeria
Joe and Linda Russo, are the owners
and operators of Pinos where, Its
all about the taste. They offer the
kind of Brooklyn family owned and
operated business you dont often
find these days. Their big portions,
low prices - and friendly attitude will
have you coming back for more...
and more and still more! Open
Mon. thru Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and
Sat. & Sun 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pelican
Landing Publix Plaza, 24600 S. Tami-
ami Trail. 239-676-5332. www.
pinospizzeria.net.
Ristorante Enrico
Owner Enrico Costagliola was born in
his mothers restaurant in Torregaveta,
Italy, south of Naples. I still cook
like my mother, with only the freshest
ingredients. Fresh pasta, seafood
and Italian specialties. Antipasto salad,
penne, lasagna, lobster ravioli, linguini
with white clam sauce, zuppa di pesce,
veal, chicken and shrimp. 18 pizza
and calzone creations. Lunch and
dinner specials. Open daily Mon-Sat
10am to 10 pm; Sun 11am to 10pm;
26831 S. Tamiami Trail near Publix
across from Bonita Bay. 239-949-
2204.
Royal Scoop
Lifes shorteat dessert first! The
oldest homemade ice cream store in
Bonita. 35 ice cream flavors, 12 low-
fat and sugar-free choices. Their
scoopologists make the thickest shakes,
biggest sundaes and best cones. Deli-
cious lunches featuring Boars Head
meats and cheeses and fantastic
family recipes for chicken, egg and
tuna salad. Kids menu. Open til 10
p.m. at Vanderbilt Dr. & 8th Street in
Bonita Springs 992-2000; open til
9:30 at Pavillion Shoppes (Vanderbilt
Beach Road & 41) 239-597-4043.
www.royalscoop.com
The Survey Caf
Lori Nelsons tribute to old Florida,
oozing with southern charm and
updated with an organic sensibility.
Fresh ingredients, wraps, salads,
panini, flatbreads and the house spe-
cialtyGrandpas Gator gumbo. Try
the Chokoloskee Chicken sandwich.
Shade grown coffee from Grounds
for Change. Dine inside or out. Summer
hours, open Wednesday thru Sunday,
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10530 Wilson Ave.
off Old 41. 239-992-2233. www.
thesurveycafe.com.
Artist Spotlight
Bonita Boating
Goober
Mega Mom
Your Favorite Columns
in the next issue of
Southwest Spotlight News Magazine
Mind & Soul
SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:15 AM Page 43

Restaurants

SS_NOV 2012 10/29/12 11:15 AM Page 44
LARRY
LEE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
FOR
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
As your current tax collector
Based on his qualifications and experience Governor Rick Scott has appointed Larry Hart to
serve as your Lee County Tax Collector. His 10 plus years of cost saving leadership has cre-
ated both transparency and service time reductions for the citizens of Lee County. Responsi-
ble for the administration and daily operations of the six service locations, Larry Hart has
been a statewide champion of strategic programming and workflow efficiencies.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
As the Chief of Police for the City of Fort Myers
For 6 years, Larry Hart served the citizens of Fort Myers with distinction as the Chief of Po-
lice having progressed through a 22 year career as a professional law enforcement officer.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
As the Chairman of the
Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees
Larry Hart was appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governors Bush, Crist and Scott. He
was appointed for the leadership qualities that he possesses. Larry Hart has been a driving
force to help FGCU grow into a successful University and an asset to our community.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
* Member of the Florida Tax Collectors Public Information Coalition and
Legislative Committee
* Board of Directors: Southwest Florida Addiction Services
* Board of Directors: Hope (Hospice) Health Care Services
* Member of the Children Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida
* Member of the FBI National Academy and International Police Chiefs
Association
EDUCATION
* Associates Degree Edison College
* Bachelors Degree, Barry University
* Graduate, 161st National FBI Academy
* Veteran, United States Air Force
www.votelarryhart.com 239.337.4237
Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Larry Hart, Republican for Lee County Tax Collector
FORT MYERS
POLICE CHIEF
Early voting starts Oct. 27th to Nov. 3rd
Election Day November 6th
Dear Voter,
The proper collection and administrative
function behind accounting for your hard
earned tax dollars is essential to sustaining
the quality of life we have in Lee County. As
your current Lee County Tax Collector, I
pledge to serve you as your next elected Tax
Collector with the same determination and
commitment as I have shown in my entire
career of public service.
Larry Hart
Tax Collector Larry Hart
will ensure
+ Cost savings initiatives will continue
+ Community outreach will be a priority
+ Transparency and +responsiveness to
our citizens will be a cornerstone
of service
+ Respect toward our citizen
customers and fiscal responsibility
for your tax dollars

Vacant Lot, Bonita Springs. $585,000 River
front vacant residential lot ready to build
the estate home of your dreams. Located at
the Gull Haven Subdivision, where homes
are a display of the relaxing and luxurious
SW Florida lifestyle and only a short thirty
minute peaceful boat ride to Gulf of Mexico.
Property would support up to a 4,500 Sq Ft
home and two boat docks. A 100% lime
rock base has been built to eliminate the
need for pilings to be driven for building
purposes. All public utilities are ready to be
installed. Contractors/developers are en-
couraged to view this property for their
prospective clients. Call with any ques-
tions. MLS 212022796
27081 Harbor Dr, Bonita Springs. $399,500
SFH on oversized lot beautifully land-
scaped with Areca palms and several trop-
ical flowering shrubs. Boat enthusiasts and
fishermen can't help but fall in love with
this home that comes with a private dock
and boat ramp. The navigable canal offers
direct Gulf access. Many recent upgrades
like new A/C 2007, new roof 2007, solar
heated in ground pool, well maintained
seawall, and automated irrigation system.
Master suite boasts 2 master baths, his and
her walk-in closets. Double car garage
equipped with built-in storage, and as an
added bonus an adjoining 10x15 workroom
with outdoor access. MLS 212030235
28008 Cavendish Ct #4904, Bonita Springs
$229,900. Tranquil lake & golf course views
from this one-of-a-kind home located
at Worthington. Winchester model, 2Bed/
2Bath plus den, wood flooring, His and her
walk-in closets, almost new appliances,
new washer & dryer and impressive reno-
vated bathrooms. New roof on building.
Southern exposure. Great community with
a myriad of social activities. Recent 9 mil-
lion renovation to all amenities and lakes.
Easy access to I-75. Great location close to
shopping & entertainment venues. Make a
showing appointment today. Must see
home to appreciate it. MLS 212024590
Vacant Lot, Bonita Springs. $174,900. This
is one of the only true immediate gulf ac-
cess waterfront lots left in the Bonita-Es-
tero corridor. No bridges or obstructions.
Lot would support a nice size home and
pool along with installing landscaping and
a nice size dock and boat lift. The commu-
nity boasts a nice park and boat ramp.
Make this last of its kind property your
Southwest Florida Dream Home. Close to
RSW Airport, Coconut Point Mall, Beaches,
Restaurants and Shopping. A must see
property, let your imagination run wild as
to the home you would build! MLS
212031955 Call for more information.
10936 Snowy Egret Cir, Estero $74,900
Perfect as vacation or starter home. Lo-
cated at Corkscrew Woodlands, a gated
community with resort-style amenities in-
cluding fishing and boating pier. Close to
beaches, golf courses, shopping malls, ca-
sual and formal restaurants, arts & sports
venues, international airport & more. This
manufactured home was built in 1998 and
features 1Bed/1Bath plus den. Owners
have kept it well maintained and is offered
turnkey. MLS 212028830
Prime dockage at Hickory Bay Boat Club
in Bonita Springs.$23,900 With only 3 nau-
tical miles to the Gulf of Mexico and a gor-
geous 15-minute boat ride to open water,
this boat club unit makes the perfect loca-
tion to store your boat. Full in and out serv-
ices. Engine is flushed and boat sprayed
down before every storage. There is fuel,
water, pump-out, bathrooms, parking,
phones, fish cleaning station, owner's
lounge with refreshments & more. Crew is
on site 7 days a week, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Monthly fees are only $210.00!
MLS 212030280
JUST LISTED - VACANT LOT
FIVE MINUTE GULF ACCESS!
RECENT PRICE REDUCTION
OPEN SUNDAY 1-4 PM
TURNKEY BOAT DOCK WITH
OPTIMUM SERVICES
BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME HERE
GULF ACCESS
OPEN SUNDAY 1-4 PM OPEN SUNDAY 1-4 PM
COMING SOON IN BELLE LAGO! A beautiful and elegant Aragon floor plan
pool home with private lot that will show like a model
STAY TUNED! For pre-showings please call Don at 239.770.3002

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