Southwest Spotlight, March 1, 2013

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com March 1-15, 2013

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Page 5 Page 4 www.swspotlight.com March 1-15, 2013
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News & Features
S O U T H W E S T
Cover photo credit: Ken Conger at Lake Clark photo by Jose Hernandez/Contributed by Ken Conger Special to the Spotlight
Governor Jeb Bush and Colomba Bush Contributed | Special to the Spotlight
Southwest Spotlight, LLC Locally owned and operated since 2010
info@swspotlight.com | PO Box 1946, Bonita Springs, FL 34133
(239) 287-6474 swspotlight.com
Publisher & Editor: Peter A. OFlinn, peter@swspotlight.com
Advertising Sales
Nancy Holloran
Kathy OFlinn
David Ziccarelli
Offce Manager
Katie OFlinn
Contributing
Photographers
David MichaeL
Contributing Writers
Charles J. Cavaliere
D.K. Christi
Martha Crider
Meghan Easterly
Mark Generales
Chris Griffth
Dorota Harris
Max Harris
Joyce McDonald
Josh Musselman
Ben Nelson, Jr.
Peter R. OFlinn
Stan J. Strycharz, Psy.D.
8 Bush Family and OReilly
at the Hyatt
Celebrities gathered for the 13th An-
nual Celebration of Reading
11 Congressman Radel At
City Hall
He sports a can-do attitude for the
countrys problems
11 Coconut Road Hospital
Proposed
Lee Memorial plans to build on 33
acres behind Community Health
Center
11 Ben Nelson Is New Head
of CREW Board
The organization stewards the
66,000-acre watershed north and
west of town
12 A Positive Market Pulse
Reserve Bank President points to
good market signs
16 Larry Kiker on Impact Fee
Debate
The Lee County Commissioner pres-
ents his views for change
17 Caf of Life Site Approved
City gives formal blessing to Rose-
mary Park proposal
20 Neighbor Spotlight
Jacke and Arden McCurdy have been
giving back to Bonita since the 1990s
32 Then and Now
Oldest Home in Bonita is new to the
City.
36 Bonita Students Win Essay
Contest
The DAR sponsors the yearly event Commentary
24 Bonita and Estero
Councilwoman Martha Simons on a
Tale of Two Cities
25 Nick Batos on Impact Fees
ECCLs head on a moratoriums
negative impact
25 Editorial-Bonita Impact Fees
City Council should rethink impact
fee waivers on Old 41
26 Calendar
Whats happening around town?
27 Big Dogs Are Coming
Neil Rogers awardwinning
sculptures arrive March 15
28 Photography Focus
Ken Conger captures wildlife around
the world
30 Playing the Blues
Bonita Blues Festival expected to
draw thousands
Restaurants
41 Restaurant Guide
Business
14 Fine Dining at Bellissimo
The Benevides familys fne touch
15 Tennis R Us
The Davids know the game
18 Bonita Estero Association
of Realtors
Al Speach to power BEAR for some
heavy lifting
Columns
33 Goober
Goober and the Fox Squirrels
34 The Other Ben
When the world moved slowly on the
Tamiami Trail
37 Bonitas Best Friends
The Dog Walkers of Buenos Aires
38 Tee Box Tips
Small Angles make a big difference
39 Bold Botana
Adams advice: wear shorts to bed
Southwest Spotlight
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TOWN TALK
Contributed | towntalk@swspotlight.com
The Spotlight Goes Skiing
The Spotlight is everywhere! Bonita Springs dentist Brian Olitsky took your favorite
news magazine to the top of Keystone Mountain in Colorado. Send us your photo with
the Spotlight around town, or anywhere in the world and over 40,000 Spotlight read-
ers will see you in the next issue. Southwest Spotlight
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Celebration of Reading Raises
Funds to Promote Literacy
By D. K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs A large,
brown and black German
shepherd helped the U.S.
Secret Service with their
sweep before the quiet Hyatt
Coconut Point Resort halls
and ballroom flled with
the elegantly attired partici-
pants for the 13th Annual
Celebration of Reading re-
cently. Former Florida Gov-
ernor Jeb Bush, Mrs. Barba-
ra Bush, Doro Bush Koch,
Jeb Bush, Jr. and celebrities,
Bill OReilly, Harlan Coben,
Andrea Beaty and Dr. Ar-
thur Agatston headlined a
celebrity-flled program.
Te Barbara Bush Foun-
dation has supported Fam-
ily Literacy for 24 years
literacy in the United
States. Christine Ad-
kison, a young mother
from Lake Wells, Flor-
ida told her emotional
story of a changed life
More than 30 million people are
functionally illiterate in the
United States today.
Claudio Marinesco | Special to the Spotlight
Harlan Coben, best selling author, was one of the
featured speakers at the recent Celebration of
Reading at the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort and Spa.
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight
Author and television personal-
ity, Bill OReilly, spoke at the An-
nual Celebration of Reading at
the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort
and Spa.
Governor Jeb Bush, pictured with his wife
Columba, is the co-chair of the Barbara Bush
Foundation which supports Family Literacy.
Governor Bush spoke at the Celebration of
Reading.
with Mrs. Barbara Bush as
Chair. Former Governor
Bush and Doro Bush Koch
became co-chairs this year
and set goals for 100 percent
as a single parent with
Family Literacy sup-
port. I brought my chil-
dren to school with me
where they were helped
with their homework
and cared for while I
did my studies. I passed
my GED in one year
and today I am teaching
pre-school and working on
my Bachelors Degree, she
said through tears. I cant
thank the Barbara Bush
Foundation and my teach-
ers enough.
Governor Bush unveiled
the Gap Map, show-
ing the literacy gap in each
state, a picture of child and
adult illiteracy in one place,
he said, so we have the data
we need to get fnancial sup-
port for reading initiatives.
Tanks to those commit-
ted to Literacy in Southwest
Florida and to making a dif-
ference, we raised $1.1 mil-
lion in cash and $1.5 million
in-kind, he added. Grace
Place in Naples, Florida
begins Family Literacy this
year. More than 30 million
people are functionally il-
literate in the United States
today, he explained.
Governor Bush and his
mother shared remarks
praising the Foundation.
Teir mutual respect and
pride in each others ac-
complishments were evi-
dent. I may go back to col-
lege now that Jeb and Doro
have taken over the Foun-
dation leadership, joked
former First Lady Barbara
Bush who also shared posi-
tive information about her
spouses improving health
and told humorous stories
about his socks.
Arthur Agatston, M.D.,
said he became the acci-
dental author of the South
Beach Diet seeking preven-
tion measures for patients
in his active cardiology
practice. President Ken-
nedys health issues might
have been linked today to
Celiac disease, he revealed.
Andrea Beaty, Floridas
Sunshine Award winner,
is just compelled to write
childrens stories. Harlan
Coben delighted the audi-
ence with humor about
his motivation: despera-
tion. He claimed to have
no other talent, yet every
novel is a New York Times
bestseller. Te OReilly Fac-
tors star, Bill OReilly, said
his books, Killing Lincoln
and Killing Kennedy have
youth versions with details
like President Lincolns
guard stepping of watch.
He encourages appreciation
for history and fnancially
supports the Barbara Bush
Foundation for Family Lit-
eracy.
Coben said reading
entertains, enlightens,
changes a life and opens
the world. Te cozy stage
designed for a freside chat
in a home library set an
informal ambiance, and
the audience reacted with
frequent standing ovations
during the entertaining and
enlightening program. Next
years program is scheduled
at the Hyatt again for Feb-
ruary 14, 2014. Southwest Spotlight
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By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Congressman Radel at Bonita
City Hall
Congressman Trey Radel quickly set
the tone at a packed town hall meeting at
Bonita City Hall on February 19.
Tonight is not about being Republicans
and Democrats, he said. Its about being
American.
And so it was. Radel said plenty that un-
derscored his conservative Republican bona
fdes, but his approach was one of a can-
do problem solver with a laser-like focus
on issues that transcend parties.
His principal theme throughout the eve-
ning was the need for adults in both par-
ties to work together to solve issues.
For too long in Congress people have
been yelling at each other, and nothing is be-
ing accomplished, Radel said. You would
not do that in the private sector, would you?
Tere is new blood that I think will work to-
gether to fnd solutions to get things done.
Radel has reached out to Democratic
members of the Florida Congressional
Delegation, including Debbie Wasserman
Schultz, Alan Grayson and Patrick Murphy,
who unseated Alan West. I am a Florid-
ian like you, I want to fnd ways that we can
work together, Radel said he told them.
Our problems are numbers, Radel told
the City Hall crowd. He fipped through
charts showing that 64 percent of the fed-
eral budget is dedicated to Social Security,
Medicare and Medicaid. Until we can fnd
a way to wrap our arms around those num-
bers, we are in for some serious trouble.
Radel addressed many issues in his col-
loquy with constituents. Here are some
highlights. Radels statements are in quotes:
Tax code: Radel is a proponent of a sim-
plifed fatter tax code. Te tax code today
has been manipulated by both parties to
curry favor with certain industries. He also
believes that, with a fair tax, lobbyists can
no longer say, I need this deduction. I need
this loophole.
Environmental Protection: Radel is con-
cerned with situations where the EPA and
Army Corps of Engineers unduly slow
down port and other projects. But, he cited
areas like reducing red tide, where the EPA
makes tons of sense for us in Florida.
Afghanistan war: We have had an
endless war. Our brave men and women
have shed blood and lost their lives in that
country. Te problem most of the time is
in Washington with no clear direction as
to what we are doingWhat we have seen
from both Presidents is that somehow the
United States is going to show up, and, par-
don me for being crass, someone with an
M-16 is going to walk into a cave hut, with
people who have been living in a tribe for
2,000 years, and hand them a constitu-
tionTat is absurd.
Sequestration: It originated in the
White House. But lets be honest. Republi-
cans signed on to it right away.
Term limits: I believe in term limits be-
cause it will change the culture of Washing-
ton.
Dave Grothaus, former Bonita mayoral
candidate and retired ATF agent, helped
Radel address one womans concern. Her
worry was that Janet Napolitano, head of
the Homeland Security Department, was
buying enough ammunition to kill every
American fve times over. Grothaus ex-
plained that the ammunition is needed for
basic and quarterly training by law enforce-
ment agencies, like the Secret Service and
ATF. I can assure you this is not some big
stockpile they are gathering to attack us,
said Grothaus. I have ordered much of that
ammunition myself.
Coconut Road Hospital
Proposed
Lee Memorial Hospitals announce-
ment on February 20 that it plans to build
an 80-bed hospital on Coconut Road came
as welcome news to South Lee County Hos-
pital Committee, co-chaired by Mayor Ben
Nelson and former Estero Council of Com-
munity Leaders (ECCL) Chair Don Eslick.
Tis is a tribute to Bonita and Estero
working together, said Nelson. Its very
gratifying.
Te Hospital Committee has been
working on this for four years, said Nick
Batos, new Chair of the ECCL. We had a
meeting with the hospital about a month
ago and expressed our frustration.
Lo and behold another hospital came
into the picture, he said, referring to a re-
cent proposal by Health Management As-
sociates for a south Lee County hospital.
We were happy to see that, because it sort
of forced the issue.
In a written statement, Lee Memo-
rial said that the economic downturn had
slowed earlier plans to build the hospital, to
be located on a 33-acre parcel near the Boni-
ta Community Health Center on Coconut
Road, east of U.S.41.
Both Nelson and Batos expressed sup-
port for Lee Memorials plans.
Having a quality hospital within 5 or 10
minutes is a really good thing, said Nelson.
It adds to the quality of life, especially in
communities where the average mean age
is probably 59. Its going to add so much to
the infrastructure and our identity, who we
are, he said.
Approvals are required from the Florida
Agency for Health Care Administration.
Nelson and Batos said they are hopeful
that construction could begin in about two
years. Its too early to know at this point,
emailed Mary Briggs, Lee Memorial
spokesperson, when asked about timing of
construction.
One great wildfower walk
Mayor Ben Nelson recently became the
Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Cork-
screw Regional Ecocenter Watershed Trust,
Continued on page 17
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Market Pulse from the Top
David Michael | Special to the Spotlight
Market Pulse speakers pose with Nigel Fullick, Market Pulse
chair, Sandra Pianalto, Federal Reserve Bank 4th District Presi-
dent, Brad Hunter, Chief Economist and National Director of
Consulting with Metrostudy, and Dr. Gary Jackson, Director of
the Regional Economic Research Institute and Assistant Pro-
fessor of Economics at Florida Gulf Coast University.
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
FGCU Te Bonita Springs
Area Chamber of Com-
merce recently presented
the most current economic
information from the top
authorities. Market Pulse
Keynote Speaker and Fed-
eral Reserve Bank 4th
District President Sandra
Pianalto told a recent sold
out audience at Florida
Gulf Coast University, the
role of the Federal Reserve
is to counter-balance the
economy and outlined the
specifc, national monetary
policies implemented to
support economic recovery.
Te aggressive and
creative policies were un-
precedented because the
recession was the worst in
the memory of most in the
room today, she added.
Some lost wealth is being
restored through the mar-
ket and rising home prices.
Te size of the Feds balance
powered with
Brad Hunter,
Met rostudys
Chief Econo-
mist and Na-
tional Director
of Consulting
and Dr. Gary
Jackson, Di-
rector of the
Regional Eco-
nomic Re-
search Institute
and Assistant
Professor of
Economics at
Florida Gulf Coast Uni-
versity. Teir presentations
were rich in details for the
State of Florida, Southwest
Florida and specifcally
Bonita Springs and Estero.
Teir message, support-
ed by current charts and
graphs, was positive.
All three speak-
ers emphasized the need
for fscal responsibility,
however, for long-term eco-
nomic growth. Local eco-
nomic indicators such as
sheet, however, could bring
future concerns. We need to
carefully analyze every ac-
tion going forward because
we dont want to harm the
market. She emphasized
the non-partisan role of the
Federal Reserve, one of the
frst Central banks in devel-
oped nations that operates
independently from the na-
housing starts for certain
A (choice) areas with a
rise in the medium price of
homes, a strong tourism in-
dustry, population growth
and retail sales growth
indicate an upturn in the
economy. Available low in-
terest home mortgages are
a home-buying incentive.
Te unemployment rate is
dropping slowly with a pos-
itive impact on consumer
spending. Job creation is
critical. In some areas,
college graduates, she said.
Pianalto described four
areas that afect the rate of
economic growth: 1) con-
sumer spending, 2) busi-
ness spending, 3) lending
policies and 4) government
sector spending. Consumer
confdence is growing but
spending represents two
thirds of the Gross Nation-
however, there are labor
shortages to keep up with
demand, such as the resur-
gence of housing starts in
choice locations.
A climate of consumer
and business caution actu-
ally slows economic growth.
Statistics show a rise in con-
fdence in both areas and
cautious optimism predicts
continued, steady economic
improvement. Market Pulse
delivered good news to its
receptive audience.
All three speakers emphasized the need for
fscal responsibility, however, for longterm
economic growth.
tional government.
What does it take to
become a bank president?
asked one of the Florida
Gulf Coast University stu-
dents.
Pianalto graciously
outlined her path of 30
years banking experience,
and humbly expressed the
honor she felt in service to
the nation. Tere are many
paths to the Federal Reserve
and many opportunities for
al Product (GNP). Busi-
ness spending represents
ffeen percent of the GNP,
and businesses are holding
back. Lenders are cautious
and using higher lending
standards. Cities and gov-
ernments have less revenue
and cut back spending.
Tese actual events provide
a counter-balance challenge
to the Federal Reserve.
Te warm up to the
keynote was equally high
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Bonita Business Beat
Bellissimo Translates to
a Fine Dining Experience
We always wanted
a family business.
Andre Benevides
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com
Helma, Andre and Jose Benevides are the owners of this new Bonita Springs
restaurant.
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotllight.com
Bonita Springs Te col-
orful murals in Bellissimo
Ristorante depict a seaside
Italian town and a stair-
case to an imaginary bal-
cony, decorated with plants.
Shiny tabletops invite guests
for a full lunch menu that
includes pizza. Te previ-
ous owners had a following
of pizza lovers, and we serve
the same New York Style,
Brooklyn Oven Pizza. Its a
very popular take-out item
all day and into the evening
since it is served at the table
just for lunch, said Andre
Benavides, one of the own-
ers.
A full wall wine rack
hints at the variety served
with meals. White linen and
china for the evening trans-
form the casual caf into a
fne dining room beginning
at 5 p.m. Tis new addition
to Bonita Springs is located
at Bay Crossings Center,
26250 S. Tamiami Trail.
Te variety of delicious
food promised by the three-
member Benavides fam-
ily is a labor of love. Tey
saved their money from a
combined 30 plus years of
experience as chef and cook
at the fnest Italian restau-
rants in Southwest Florida
since they arrived from Ec-
uador in the 1990s. It was
time to fulfll their dream.
Teir personal touch cre-
ates a unique menu that is
mostly Italian, but includes
specialty items with an in-
ternational fair. A close
family already, owning the
restaurant as partners was a
good ft for Jose, Helma and
their son, Andre.
Mom makes original
soups that are unlike any in
the local area, said Andre.
We encourage our custom-
ers to try the quinoa, fava
bean and minestrone soups.
She also creates the des-
serts from tiramisu, served
in a custard glass, to tropi-
cal sorbets frozen in mango
and orange shells that de-
light the eye as well as the
palette, added her proud
son. Te crme brle
comes in favors.
Chef Jose, my dad, is
the force behind the con-
sistently delicious entres
where its difcult to choose
the best. I recommend Sca-
loppini Di Vitello Al Borello
and Cavatelli Pasta, his sig-
nature dish. Te Bolo-
gnaise sauce is Chef Joses
own recipe and he makes all
sauces fresh, all meals start
with the best ingredients.
Beef, fsh, poultry and pas-
ta, alone or in combinations
ofer a diverse choice.
Andre is in charge of the
front of the restaurant. He
handles the administrative
details from greeting guests
at the door to personnel,
menus, and insuring that
the restaurant meets quality
expectations.
We always wanted a
family business. My dad
called me in Tampa and
said he found a potential
site for our restaurant in Bo-
nita Springs on Craigs list.
Afer weeks of preparation,
they opened in July of 2012,
purposely wanting to build
a local clientele in the sum-
mer before winter season.
Word of mouth spread,
and we are grateful for our
regular customers who ap-
preciate the care and expe-
rience that our family puts
into the meals we serve,
said Andre.
Its our goal to make
our customers happy. Tey
can rely on consistently de-
licious food to share with
family and friends, add-
ed his mother. Chef Jose
agreed. Its a family deci-
sion.
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Bonita Business Beat
Tennis R Us
Knows The Game
Joshua Roberts | Special to the Spotlight
Abbie David is a restringing
specialist at Tennis R Us.
Joshua Roberts | Special to the Spotlight
Jan David, owner of Tennis R Us and custom-
er Paul Nicholson.
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs In a time
when big box stores are
squeezing out the little guy,
why start a business that
competes with them? Jan
David, owner of Tennis R
Us believes he has some-
thing unique to ofer.
Tennis R Us is a locally
owned store that ofers se-
lection in equipment and
salespeople who know the
game and who are trained
to ft the tennis player. David
knows that selection of the
right racquet is an invest-
ment in future enjoyment.
Many potential tennis in-
juries may be prevented by
the right racquet choice,
explains David.
With an engaging smile
he adds, I went into the ten-
nis business afer 20 years as
an entrepreneur to keep our
family in equipment and ap-
parel. His seven children,
six girls and one son, are
all talented tennis players.
Family members work in
the business, sharing their
experience and expertise.
Bonita staf also includes
Joshua Roberts, Marketing
Manager, a Bonita Springs
native. Store Manager
Tammy Hallam is a 4.0 ten-
nis player and a member of
sanctioned leagues.
At Tennis R Us, cus-
tomers can select demo
racquets from 400 choices.
Tats not the only ofering
thats expansive at this new
tennis store on US 41 across
from Bonita Bay and Pelican
Landing in Bonita Com-
mons. Te spacious store
will soon have over 4500
square feet of selling space
catering to the tennis enthu-
siast with racquets, apparel
and accessories.
Te racquet wall pro-
vides over 130 racquets
from every major manu-
facturer. A demo program
gives potential customers
the chance to try two rackets
every three days to fnd the
right one. We compare the
demo plan to test driving a
potential new automobile,
said David.
Racquets are grouped
in four categories from the
novice to the pro. Each cus-
tomers personal consulta-
tion with a Tennis R Us
professional starts the selec-
tion process.
Tis is our second
tennis store, the frst is in
Naples. Tis is the largest,
with new ideas for area ten-
nis players, said David. We
want to be an integral part
of the community, the areas
tennis network that brings
players together, said Da-
vid. Tey are developing a
website which will include
a tennis players social net-
work to connect players,
coaches, events, clubs, les-
sons and everything spe-
cifc to the local tennis
scene. Players will be able to
schedule courts and teams
and more with the tools at
the site.
Customers can come in
for the free one year Tennis
R Us membership which
entitles members to 20 per-
cent apparel discounts and
10 percent shoe discounts.
Members also get free
stringing of a new racquet
and free labor to restring
racquets purchased at Ten-
nis R Us for the life of the
racquet, explained David.
Tey specialize in 24 hour
stringing with a free demo
racquet if needed. Tese
are services that make them
stand out from the big box
stores.
Doors opened in No-
vember and they already
expanded to include pickle
ball and volley tennis, also
called beach tennis, equip-
ment and accessories to
meet the demands of an
older population that seeks
competitive alternatives to
traditional tennis. Tennis
R Us believes the future
is bright in Bonita Springs
with a strong community
spirit and a healthy business
climate.
Customers can select
racquets from 400
choices.
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Lee Commissioner Larry Kiker on
Impact Fee Debate
By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Fort Myers At its mid February meet-
ing, the Lee County Commission met to
consider a two-year moratorium on County
impact fees, the one-time charge builders
pay on new construction to help fund gov-
ernment infrastructure projects.
Te Commissioners appeared poised
to approve the moratorium, by a 3-2 vote,
when Commissioner Larry Kiker, one of its
chief proponents, called a time out. Kiker
proposed, and the Commission agreed, to
postpone the decision until March 12 to
give those on either side of the controversial
issue more time to talk.
Ill tell you what happened, said Kik-
er when asked about the postponement.
I heard several voices out there. One was
(Bonita Mayor) Ben Nelson who said, If
you have already made up your mind, dont
waste our time.
People believed that we had our minds
made up and were not listening, said Kiker.
Tats not me, and not what good govern-
ment is all about.
Bonita and Estero came out very strong
against this. I want to make sure they are
getting their questions answered. Tey
should not have to eat my biases with their
Cheerios in the morning.
Nelson and Estero Council of Commu-
nity Leaders Chair Nick Batos have given
Kiker plenty to chew on. Te economy is
turning, building is heating up and impact
fees are needed to fund critical projects,
they say. Growth should continue to pay
for growth and, they say, studies show that
reduction of impact fees does not stimulate
Construction growth in Lee County has
almost fat lined for fve years, he said. Tat
is not good, its a big part of our economy.
Recent statistics that show a 48% in-
crease in building activity can be misinter-
preted, he said, because prior activity was
very low. Even if it tripled, you are still at
only 1,500 permits. For a county this big, is
that the real objective? Te answer is no.
In the early 2000s, permit activity reached
7,000 per year, he said.
Kiker also discounted studies on the ef-
fect of impact fee reduction on economic
activity. I can give you a study that says it
does, and I can give you a study that says
it does not, he said. At the end of the day,
you need to fgure it out yourself.
Kiker said he is contemplating several
alternatives that he is discussing with com-
munity leaders. We have a lot of smart
minds, so we all ought to check our biases
and get to the best solution.
Tere is one thing that needs to be
addressed no matter what, he said. Lee
County has one of the highest impact fee
rates in the state. $12,000 may not sound
like so much in Estero, but go to Lehigh
Acres. Over six hundred inexpensive lots
are for sale in Lehigh, he said. Who is going
to buy a $10,000 lot and then pay $12,000 of
impact fees to build a $120,000 house? Lets
be realistic.
Kiker also discussed a framework where
impact fees would apply to rapid growth.
Tat is what impact fees were supposed to
be for, he said. Under this proposal, fees
would escalate as economic growth contin-
ues. Alternatively they would kick in once
a certain dollar threshold of development
was met.
Lee County does not collect impact fees
in Bonita Springs, which levies its own im-
pact fees. City concerns about County fund-
ing for the Countys Beach Road widening
are misplaced, Kiker said. Road impact fees
for the entire county totaled only $2 million
last year, he said. Kiker is also prepared to
address Bonita concerns that the County
might dip into the gas taxes it shares with
the City.
Kiker was elected to the County Com-
mission last fall with 64 percent of the vote.
For ten months, I ran on economic develop-
ment, which included an 80 percent reduc-
tion on impact fees for houses, he said. Tis
should not be a surprise to anyone.
We all ought to check our
biases, and get to the
best solution.
Larry Kiker
the economy. Hundreds of Estero residents
emailed the County Commission in protest
(see Batos commentary on page 25).
Message sent. Message received, said
Kiker. But I am also listening to some oth-
er people who are not doing very well right
now.
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better known as CREW. CREW is the non-
proft conservation organization dedicated
to the stewardship of the 66,000-acre wa-
tershed east and north of Bonita Springs
owned by the State of Florida.
Plans are in the works for Bonita to be a
Gateway to the CREW, said Nelson. Hik-
ing trails will be developed of east Beach
Road, and Bonita Nature Place will be con-
nected to CREW.
Nelsons relationship with CREW
started on a lucky day, 16 years ago, when
he drove to its Corkscrew Road trails for a
wildfower walk. A CREW employee, Lori,
signed him in. Te next weekend they had
their frst date, exploring the western ever-
glades in Nelsons jeep. Its too soon, she
said a year later when Nelson proposed.
Ten, on another wildfower walk, Lori
pointed to a sign in the distance. Nelson fo-
cused his binoculars to read, Ben, will you
marry me?
Ben and Lori Nelson married where
they met, amidst the wildfowers on CREW
land.
At Long Last Leitner
As previously reported, City Council
voted last fall to accept Caf of Lifes gif of
a $500,000 public park on a currently over-
grown lot in the Leitner neighborhood at
the back of Rosemary Park. It will include
a pavilion, basketball courts, play areas, a
playground, picnic tables, grills and rest-
rooms. Te Caf, a 600 member volunteer
organization, will serve hot meals to the
needy there on weekday mornings, an ac-
tivity that has caused some controversy in
town. Currently the Caf serves at the Citys
Banyan Tree Park on Old 41.
In late February City Council formally
approved, by a 5-2 vote, the necessary lease
of the park property to the Caf, as well as
other legal documents. Peter Simmons,
who had voted no in October, approved
the project this time. I support the mission,
I support the people involved, said Sim-
mons when asked why he changed his vote.
I love what they are doing. Its unfortunate,
but its a needed service in our community.
Simmons said he still did not favor the new
location. It was a weighing of the balances,
he said. My original no vote was based on
location, my yes vote this time was based
on mission.
MeanderingsMotorists driving on US
41 may have noticed the quick demolition
of the vacant retail building just south of
Tufys in the Center of Bonita Springs shop-
ping center. A new Chase Bank is slated for
the spot, according to Community Develop-
ment Director John Dulmer. Bonitians may
remember the jewelry store that used to oc-
cupy the spot. It held going out of business
sales for two consecutive years. More im-
provements are in the works at the Center.
Te vacated Bealls building will be demol-
ished, and a new Publix will be constructed
on that spot, according to Dulmer.
Continued from page 11
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B.E.A.R. is
Getting Stronger
Al Speach, President of BEAR, Bonita SpringsEstero Association of Realtors,
during his record 340 pound bench press and the ring that was presented to him
for winning the World Power Lifting record in his age and class.
Getting Stronger is the motto of Al Speachs
presidency, appropriate since he
is also a recordwinning power lifer.
By D. K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Power-
ful covers a lot of territory
when applied to Al Speach,
President of the Board of
Directors for BEAR, Bonita
Springs-Estero Association
of Realtors. Beginning with
his youth, Speach played
sports. He began power-
lifing at age 40 and held the
record by age and weight for
the states of New York and
New Jersey before moving
to Florida. Competition in
Florida among his age group
was greater, but he contin-
ued to win.
He recently traveled
back to his birthplace, Nor-
folk, Virginia, and set a
world record of 340 pounds
bench press at 67 years old,
winning frst place in the Se-
nior Division and receiving
a World Power Lifing Fed-
eration Record ring to com-
memorate the feat. His next
major event is this March,
and he continues competi-
tions in his age and weight
class in spite of some physi-
cal reminders of aging, he
says.
Speach and his wife
made Florida their home
in 2002 afer selling his
New York garment indus-
try business. He and his of-
fce staf saw where the frst
plane struck during the
911 disaster and witnessed
the second. Te experience
initiated a major life refo-
cus. BEAR fgured early in
Speachs Florida career. He
started with a mortgage bro-
kers license but added real
estate later at the urging of
the BEAR president. He vol-
unteered for and chaired the
BEAR community relations
committee several years,
overseeing their many phil-
anthropic community con-
tributions. Next, he tackled
the BEAR presidency, once
in 2010 and again in 2013.
Tis term, getting
stronger is the motto of
Speachs presidency, appro-
priate since Speach is also a
record-winning power lifer.
their political Realtors Po-
litical Action Committee to
help defeat fees for services,
a potential new tax.
Education adds strength,
especially locally taught
courses such as Internation-
al Certifed Property Spe-
cialist (CIPS) designation
and Certifed Negotiation
Expert (CNE). Te former
provides the knowledge,
research, network and
tools to globalize real estate
business. Te latter, CNE,
trains for the art of nego-
tiation so buyers and sellers
win during the transaction.
Te Young Professionals
Network (YPN) empowers
younger real estate profes-
sionals with contacts and
tools for success.
Last but far from least,
getting stronger was il-
lustrated in mid-February
at the annual Golden Bear
Awards. Seventy-four of
the top-performing real-
tor members were hon-
ored for their $5 million
or more in closed sales.
Since the awards were frst
given, award recipients
have grown: 39 in 2009, 41
in 2010, 62 in 2011 and 74
in 2012. Of the eighteen
companies with award re-
cipients, John R. Wood was
frst with Royal Shell a close
second. Te highest volume
recipient came from Pru-
dential Florida Realty. Te
market is getting stronger.
Speach smiles and adds,
the discipline, the eye on
goals, the mental acuity
and the perseverance re-
quired for power-lifing are
the same skills that grow-
ing stronger at BEAR il-
lustrates. Leadership and
empowered members create
a powerful impact.
Stronger is seen in the ex-
pectation that BEAR and
multiple southwest Florida
boards are merging into one
Multiple Listing Service to
make it very efcient. We
hope this will be in place by
the end of the year, com-
mented Christine Bauder,
recently appointed Associa-
tion Executive. Te mem-
bership of 900 strong used
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Continued on next page
Neighbor Spotlight
Jacke and
Arden
McCurdy
Sharing a Passion
for Community
Jacke and Arden McCurdy share an enthusiasm for community involvement.
To say that these two dynamos practice
what they preach is an understatement.
By Mark Generales
mark@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs As I was
leaving sisters Jacke and
Arden McCurdy, I asked
a fnal question What
would you say to your fel-
low Bonita residents is
most important? With-
out a pause they both said,
Give back to the commu-
nity.
Tis was a ftting end
to a wonderful couple
of hours the sisters had
given me, squeezing me
in between morning ap-
pointments and the FGCU
Presidents Gala beneftting
students with scholarships
taking place that evening.
To say that these two
dynamos practice what
they preach is an under-
statement. Having grown
up in the Baltimore area,
they have been a solid part
of Bonita since the late 90s.
I hesitate to list the number
of Boards the sisters have
sat on and do sit on and in
many cases Chair, multiple
times, as it would take half
the space I have to tell their
story. From Hope Hospice
to Center for the Arts, lets
just say they are very busy.
Jackes professional
career included her own
law practice, being a state
rep in the Maryland leg-
islature, a senior staf
member of the Distilled
Spirits Council of the US
in Washington and then
Associate General Counsel
and fnally Vice President
of State and Industry Re-
lations for Seagrams. Her
fnal role had her traveling
the globe better than 80
percent of the time.
Arden was long into her
management career in re-
tail when her uncle passed
away and she took the
reins of the family business
same as the east coast of
Florida. Once she experi-
enced Bonita, she was sold
and eventually joined Jacke
here in retirement.
Knowing all that they
have done here I asked,
how in the world did you
get started? You have to
go back to the food in
1995 when 171 homes were
damaged with eight de-
stroyed, 51 sufering major
damage and 1,700 residents
evacuated. Local residents
created the Community
Foundation in response.
Jacke participated and so
began almost two decades
of giving back to Bonita.
Today, Jacke tells us the
SWFL Community Foun-
dation is fnalizing its sur-
vey work with the goal of
assisting the non-profts
it donates to in becoming
more efcient with their
work and thus better ac-
countable for the grants
they receive. Meanwhile,
Arden is hard at work with
the Bonita Assistance of-
fce and her passion at the
Southwest Florida Speakers
Assembly.
As I was about to leave,
I asked what they did when
there was that rare mo-
ment of free time? Well,
heading their
property man-
agement frm in
Baltimore.
While at-
tending a busi-
ness session in
Naples in the
early 1990s, a
friend of Jackes
showed her little
Bonita and she
fell in love with
the area. It took
a bit for Arden to
follow as she presupposed
southwest Florida was the
four trips to Africa, Alaska,
Newfoundland and for
Jacke, a passion in photog-
raphy.
If you are involved in
Bonita, you already know
the McCurdy sisters. If you
are just getting into things
here, you will get to know
them. Jacke and Arden Mc-
Curdy, professionals whose
personal skills and passion
helped form and drive Bo-
nita into the wonderful
place we call home.
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Letters continued on page 28
Opportunities to Give Back
YMCA of Bonita Springs
Our local Y ofers numer-
ous programs including
sports, aquatics, gymnastics
and many opportunities to
volunteer. Help your local Y
fund scholarships for fami-
lies and children. To donate
contact Michelle Butler 941-
375-9104.
Gift of LifeFun Raiser
On Wednesday, March
20, the Bonita Springs Ro-
tary Club will host its third
mini golf tournament at
Congo River Golf in Es-
tero from 3:00 10:00 P.M.
While the $12 cost of tick-
ets is the same as always
at Congo River, part of the
ticket price will be donated
to the Gif of Life Fund.
Rotarians will ofer prizes,
hole sponsorships, and bev-
erage sales to raise addition-
al funds to assist future Gif
of Life patients. Te Rotary
helps pediatric heart sur-
gery patients from develop-
ing countries. Funds raised
will help for transporta-
tion, lodging and medical
expenses for the next little
one who needs lifesaving
surgery. For tickets or more
info call Bob Lombardo
239-628-8800.
Bonita Springs Lions
Club
Teir weekly farm markets,
thrif store and pancake
breakfasts during season
help them operate a charita-
ble eye clinic and contribute
to the support of many local
charitable organizations.
For more information visit
their website bonitalions.
org.
Caf of Life
Te Caf of Life has be-
come a fxture in Bonita
Springs, serving luncheon
meals Monday through
Friday to individuals and
families from all walks
of life. Volunteers con-
tribute over 10,000 hours
in shopping for grocer-
ies, preparing and serv-
ing meals, serving on
the Board of Directors,
arranging special events
such as Tanksgiving and
Christmas luncheons. To
donate or volunteer email
volunteer@cafeof life.org
or call 239-495-9325.
Center for the Arts
Bonita Springs
Because of the Annual
Fund and generous contri-
butions from caring donors,
thousands of deserving
children and adults receive
scholarships and for many
more it helps keep the arts
afordable. Make a pledge
or send in a contribution.
Call 495-8989 or visit www.
artcenterbonita.org.
Habitat for Humanity
Help make home owner-
ship a reality. Sponsor a
project, volunteer to help
build by calling 239-652-
1684 or donate used furni-
ture to the Bonita Springs
Habitat Restore. Visit
www.habitat4humanity.
org for more info.
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Continued on next page
Maxine Saul | sunset@swspotlight.com
Maxine Saul took this sunset photo at Bonita Beach. Send your best sunset photos to sunset@swspotlight.com and your photo could be the next Spotlight Sunset.
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Tired of Boat Maintenance?
Join the Club!
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parking dock carts, a free coast guard
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knowledgeable dock staff always on hand
to help. Boat Captains are available for a fee. All of our offshore, leisure and
fshing boats have a state-of-the-art GPS navigation system. Each boat is also
equipped with either Mercury or Yamaha 4-stroke motors, known for their quiet,
clean-burning operation and higher fuel economy to make your boating excur-
sions as serene and economical as possible.
Reserving Your Boat is Easy...
Members simply call ahead to reserve the boat of their choice and we take care
of the rest. You have the freedom to get out on the water quickly and without
hassle. So whether you want to spend the day fshing with friends, or unwinding
on the water with family, our boats are perfect for all your boating needs.
WhAT MAkes Us DIffereNT
We are the only Family Owned and Operated Exclusive Boat Club in Southwest
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and Stereos to Depth Finders and Live Wells. We own the marina, the land, the
docks and the boats. You own the water!
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Letters to the Editor Policy
Te Southwest Spotlight publishes letters to the
editor as space allows. All letters represent the views
of their authors, not of the Southwest Spotlight, which
is not responsible for content or accuracy. Please write
thoughtfully on local topics and be respectful of oth-
ers. Letters containing personal attacks and abusive
language will not be considered for publication. In-
clude a phone number to verify writers identity.
Letters are published at the Spotlights discretion. All
letters are subject to editing. Send letters to editor@
swspotlight.com.
A Matter of Tradition
When incorporation of Bonita Springs was in the
talking stage, I never gave any thought to the question
of corporate boundaries. In my mind the place we called
Bonita Springs was more a matter of tradition. Bufer
zones and population to area ratios
never crossed my mind.
Terefore I was somewhat disap-
pointed to fnd that the little settle-
ment called Coconut, a place always
identifed with Bonita Springs, was
not made a part of the city.
As long as I could remember we
considered Coconut a part of our
town. When I entered frst grade at
the Bonita School, all the Coconut children in my age
range started school there also. Tey played on the bas-
ketball team and in general were a part of the commu-
nity. Teir families shopped, received mail and attended
church in Bonita. As we grew older they joined us at the
movies and dances Friday and Saturday nights at the old
pavilion.
Afer fnishing the eighth grade at Bonita, the same
students entered high school at Fort Myers Senior High.
Naturally, our school bus made the side trip to Coconut
to pick up their students for the long trek to Fort Myers.
Several years later one of the early planned subdivi-
sions, Eldorado Acres, chose Coconut Road as the loca-
tion for their development. Without a thought, since it
was on Coconut Road, we viewed Eldorado Acres as part
of Bonita Springs. My father, who was postmaster at the
time, was called on to speak at the grand opening to as-
sure potential residents that the Bonita Post Ofce would
provide them service.
In addition to personal experiences, I grew up hear-
ing the older generation talk about Coconut as being a
part of their interdependent pioneer life.
In conclusion, while penning these memories a
thought came to me. Community has nothing to do with
corporate lines or legal documents. It is more of an un-
defned connection in peoples minds. Afer all, my home
is outside the city limits but as far as Im concerned, Im
still in Bonita Springs.
Te only thing that would bother me is to see one of
these unincorporated areas that was traditionally Bonita
Springs become a part of another towns corporate area.
Byron Liles, Bonita Springs
Fire Commissioners Shun Pension
Reform
I made the motion, at the February 11 Bonita Springs
Board of Fire Commissioners meeting, that the Board
of Fire Commissioners send a letter to Florida House
Speaker Weatherford, and to the entire Lee County Leg-
islative Delegation, stating our support for ongoing dis-
cussions regarding pension reform.
Speaker Weatherford had called Floridas pension
system old and archaic. He suggested revamping the
present state retirement program for new employees
making it more like the private sector requiring em-
ployees to contribute to a 401(k) style plan.
Tere was no second to my motion and no discus-
sion just the silence of four elected Fire Commissioners
shocked to think they may be asked to do something for
the taxpayer. I will, and do, entreat the State Legislature
to move forward to reform the existing Florida Retire-
ment System by the establishment of a 401 (k) style pen-
sion system for all new employees.
I also ask that the residents of Bonita Springs evaluate
the commitment of their Fire Commissioners that can-
not even support discussions regarding pension reform.
Passing the buck to the state legislature is inexcusable.
Ed FitzGerald, Bonita Springs Fire Commissioner
Map shows Bonita Springs frst corporate boundaries in 1925,
roughly based on metes and bounds in the frst city charter.
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Town of Bonita Springs - 1925
City Council Corner
A Tale of Two Cities:
Bonita Springs and Estero
By Martha Simons
Bonita Springs City
Councilwoman
At a recent meeting, Bo-
nita Springs City Council
agreed to prepare a presen-
tation for residents in the
unincorporated portion of
Pelican Landing hailing the
benefts of annexation into
Bonita Springs. Meanwhile,
Vote Estero has raised the
prospect of a vote to gauge
sentiment for a new city.
Many are pondering new
home rule possibilities in
South Lee County and with
them, unsettled concerns.
Concern over home
rule is nothing new in Lee
County. Both Estero and
Bonita Springs drew lines
and incorporated in the ear-
ly 1900s. Both failed, leav-
ing all of South Lee under
County rule for decades.
Chartered in 1904, Es-
teros ambitious but brief
municipal incorporation
was led by the Koreshans.
Under their leadership, with
guidance from women,
whites and blacks began to
create a modern and envi-
ronmentally conscious uto-
pia together. Fearful neigh-
bors and farmers opted out,
weakening hopes for the
new city but the death blow
came from County leaders
who found the loss of county
road taxes and the infuence
of empowered political pro-
gressives unbearable. Te
County disenfranchised all
Estero voters in 1906 and,
in 1907, caused Floridas
Legislature to abolish the
citys charter. With mu-
nicipal lines erased, Estero
remained localized along
Corkscrew and Broadway
for almost a century.
Bonita Springs frst
incorporation in 1925 cre-
ated a small centralized
town, lessening opposition
by the County, and Bonitas
farmers, ranchers and busi-
nesses. A city hall and city
jail were opened, followed
by an electrical plant, side-
walks and streetlights. In
January 1927, Mayor Ansel
McSwain welcomed Flori-
das Governor and six hun-
dred touring businessmen
to Bonita Springs, promis-
ing economic opportunity.
Meantime, Bonitians served
as state and county ofcers
including County Com-
missioner. While Bonitas
star rose, storms were brew-
ing. Later in 1927 and 1929,
city opponents persuaded
Floridas Legislature to al-
low a referendum to abolish
Bonitas charter. Ten the
Great Depression crushed
all hope. On February 1,
1938, in a quickly called spe-
cial election, 29 Bonita vot-
ers chose to erase their cor-
porate boundaries, with one
voting to maintain them.
Bonitians voted against a
much broader incorpora-
tion in 1965. Success in 1999
incorporated 48 square
miles. Lines had
been drawn, again.
Strong tradi-
tional allies, our pio-
neer families lived
and worked in both
communities. To-
day, our common
interests are not only
historical. Today,
we are both donor
communities, pay-
ing more in county
taxes than are re-
turned in services.
We still enjoy one
anothers assets, e.g.
shopping, beaches,
rivers, roads, parks,
restaurants, medical
services and civic
and political associa-
tions. Our students
go to school togeth-
er. Employers and
newcomers relocate
here for our regional
assets and employees
are grateful to work
in either place.
Residents in un-
incorporated Bonita
Springs and Estero
need straightforward talk
by and between local lead-
ers. Careful community vi-
sioning and fscal analysis,
not emotion, should explain
how taxpayers services and
desires can best be met. Both
home rule options, annexa-
tion and incorporation, may
lead to greater success and
restored historic alliances
for our South Lee County
region. Either way, County
reaction is uncertain.
Can a congenial com-
promise be struck by our lo-
cal leaders over Floridas leg-
islative requirement for the
imposed two mile bufer be-
tween our cities? Certainly,
our shared community in-
terests would be well-served
by a united force rather than
opposing lobbying eforts.
For over a century, Bo-
nitians and Esteroans, have
prospered and failed and
prospered again side-by-
side, regardless of shifing
jurisdictional lines. We are
and always will be tightly
tied together in a tale of two
cities.
Martha Simons is Council-
woman for District 5.
Letters to the Editor
Byron Liles
Commentary
Southwest Spotlight
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Town Talk
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Commentary
Community
Restaurants
By Nicholas Batos
Chairman
Estero Council of
Community Leaders

Lee County, like the
entire country, has expe-
rienced very difcult eco-
nomic times during the
last fve years. We all have
been anxious to see the
economy revive. Tat way,
growth can begin again
and the unemployed can
go back to work.
In the 2000s, Lee Coun-
ty grew faster than almost
any other Florida county
and indeed in the nation.
During that time, impact
fees met our crucial, and
expensive, infrastructure
needs. With foresight, prior
Commissioners saw that if
new growth paid for the in-
frastructure to support such
growth, then our residents
would not be overburdened
with higher property taxes.
As a result we kept up with
our needs, and now have
what is necessary to insure
both our businesses and
residents the infrastructure
needed to provide them
with the quality of life they
came to Southwest Florida
to enjoy.
We appreciate the ef-
forts of our current County
Commission to fnd ways
to further stimulate the Lee
County economy and to get
people back to work. How-
ever, imposing an impact fee
moratorium for two years is
the wrong way at this time.
In Lee County, the cor-
ner has already been turned.
Construction is growing
rapidly. Housing starts last
year were higher than they
have been in fve years, and
commercial investment last
year was the highest since
2008. Te unemployment
rate has come down sub-
stantially. All indications
for 2013 show that the Lee
County economy will con-
tinue to improve, and most
projections show improve-
ment at even faster rates.
With all these positive
trends and projections, why
would we want to forego
collecting millions of dollars
to stimulate something that
is already improving when
those funds will be needed
to pay for growth-related in-
frastructure needs?
Also, there is no data we
know of showing that a sus-
pension of impact fees will
stimulate construction and
create jobs. In fact there are
many studies that show a
reduction or elimination of
impact fees does nothing to
stimulate the economy.
Lee Countys budget
continues to operate in the
red. It cannot tolerate dip-
ping into shrinking reserves
each year to provide vital
services to residents and
businesses, no less the mas-
sive and expensive capital
improvements that impact
fees fund.
Tis moratorium, if im-
posed, will have one of two
results. Both are unsatisfac-
tory. Either we wont be able
to aford the infrastructure
we will need or the current
residents and businesses
will have to pay the cost
through increased taxes of
one type or another. And,
thousands of those same
residents and businesses
have paid impact fees over
the years. Tat hardly
seems fair.
Te building industry
has made it clear that they
do not want to pay impact
fees, they do not want to
pay for the cost of growth
they are creating, they do
not want to pay their fair
share. Tey want to shif
that cost from the building
industry to us, the residents
through higher taxes.
If the Commissioners
can specify some areas of
the county that have not
shown an increase in eco-
nomic development or they
want to target certain types
of business that they are
trying to get into the coun-
ty (maybe business in the
Research Diamond) then
they might consider put-
ting a moratorium on those
specifc locations or busi-
nesses to try and stimulate
for a specifc time period
(one or two years). At least
this would be a targeted
stimulus in areas that need
it rather than painting the
entire County with a mora-
torium when many parts of
the county do not need the
stimulus. Tus we would
only be giving away money
we need for future growth.
We ask our County
Commissioners to oppose
this proposed moratorium
on impact fees. It is not
needed and will not work. It
will only hurt the fnancial
situation of the county, its
municipalities, its business
and taxpayers.
The Impact Fee Moratoriums
Negative Impact
City Councils $66,334.57 Question
Bonita Springs City Council has de-
clared Old 41 revitalization as the top stra-
tegic objective for good reason.
Old 41 is a big part of what makes Bo-
nita Bonita, and not just another part of
endless Florida sprawl where laying more
pavement is all too ofen equated with
progress.
Old 41 is one of Bonitas biggest oppor-
tunities. Its also its biggest challenge. Te
area is gaining more traction, particularly
as more and more Bonitians attend events
at Riverside Park. Flying into economic
headwinds, City Council and our City
Manager have laid the groundwork for
downtown revival with incentives for job
growth, color palette requirements and
a planned Community Redevelopment
Area that will, over time, plow needed
monies into infrastructure improvements.
However, judging by recent events,
City Council needs to take a serious look
at revamping another program adopted
a few years ago. Te Old 41 Road Impact
Fee Exemption program allows build-
ers to apply for exemptions from the City
road impact fees. It is intended to encour-
age attractive enhancements to Old 41
(Te Citys impact fees are separate from
Lee County impact fees, currently being
debated).
Under the exemption program, in mid
February the City granted a proposed
dollar store a $66,334.57 impact fee ex-
emption. Te new 8,000 square foot store
will replace another building on Old 41
between Terry Street and Rosemary Drive.
Tat $66,000 break is more than six
times the annual budget of the Citys Art
in Public Places Board, which seeks to at-
tract more visitors by improving the look
of downtown. Teir volunteer work is be-
hind the signature sculptures that defne
beautiful Riverside Park.
When the Art in Public Places Board
asked for a $10,000 budget increase last
August, the majority of City Council said
there simply was no money available (Sub-
sequently, Council squeezed out some
money for the upcoming Te Big Dog
Show, an Art in Public Places Board Proj-
ect.)
An appropriately structured impact
fee exemption program may be a catalyst
for Old 41 revival. But City Council ought
to rethink the current approach that can
efectively subsidize the ffh dollar store
in town, while depriving funds to projects
that will encourage frst class economic
development.
E DI T OR I AL
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Community
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CALENDAR
B: Bonita Springs E: Estero
FM: Fort Myers N: Naples
March
1 Friday
Opening Reception and
Open House 6 to 8 p.m.
Portraits, People, Presence
Exhibition plus Silly Faces
Exhibition are only part of
the fun. A campuswide
Open House, showcasing
faculty and visiting artists
demonstrations and dis-
plays, live music on the out-
door stage and light refresh-
ments. Where: Center for
the Arts of Bonita Springs,
26100 Old Us 41 R., B. Cost:
Free.
1 Friday
Opening Reception for
Artist Ursula Capelletti
6 to 8 p.m.
Public is invited to this new
exhibit, Motions of Color
New Acrylic Abstracts. Meet
the artist of the month and
enjoy complementary re-
freshments and lively con-
versation. Where: Kathleen
Bradford Studio, 4259 Bo-
nita Beach Road, B., Cost:
Free.
1 & 2 Friday &
Saturday
Library Book Sales
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Te Friends of the Library
of Bonita Springs will be
holding their book sale in
the meeting room of the Li-
brary. Gently used non-fc-
tion, fction and paperback
books, as well as CDs, cook-
books, puzzles, trades and
much more will be available.
Where: Bonita Springs Li-
brary, Pine Avenue of West
Terry St., B.
3 Sunday
Te Townsmen 2 p.m.
Bring your hat and a chair
and some friends for an en-
joyable afernoon of music at
the band shell. Where: Riv-
erside Park, B. Cost: Free.
5 Tuesday thru
March 10
Anything Goes times vary
Te Roundabout Teater
Company presents this Cole
Porter frstclass comedy.
Includes standards such as I
Get a Kick Out of You, Youre
the Top, and of course, Any-
thing Goes. Where: Hayes
Hall, Philharmonic Center
for the Arts, 5833 Pelican
Bay Blvd., N. Tickets $89 to
$98. thephil.org.
6 Wednesday
Wednesdays Are for
History 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tis 90 minute presentation
by David Southall will cover
another chapter in Floridas
history, Chaos and Invasion:
Te Second Spanish Period.
Where: Community Center
on Old 41 across from Riv-
erside Park, B. Cost: $10 per
adult/BSHS member $5. Ad-
vanced tickets sold at the Li-
les Hotel or at the door. Res-
ervations call 239-992-6997.
7 Thursday
Look Ma, No Grass! 2 p.m.
Barbara Presnell, former
Master Gardener and Hor-
ticultural Specialist for
the Lee County Extension
Service, and owner of Lee
Landscapes, will discuss
how to eliminate some,
or all, of your lawn. Other
topics will include mulch,
plant choices, irrigation and
fertilization. Registration
is required. 239-533-4860.
Where: Bonita Springs Pub-
lic Library, 26876 Pine Ave.
B. Cost: Free
8 & 9 Friday &
Saturday
Seventh Annual Bonita
Blues Festival see article
page 30
Te blues returns to Bo-
nita with a whole weekend
of music at the band shell.
Twelve bands are scheduled
to play. Where: Riverside
Park, B. For tickets: go to
bonitablues.com
9 & 10 Saturday &
Sunday
Bonita Springs National
Art Festival 10 a.m. to
5 p.m.
Tis will be the third festival
of the season and your last
chance to enjoy and pur-
chase work by 211 National
and International artists.
Where: Te Promenade at
Bonita Bay, B. Cost : a $5 do-
nation is requested.
10 Sunday
Southwest Florida Big
Band 2 p.m.
Another Sunday, another
band at the band shell. Enjoy
an afernoon in the sun or
shade listening to your fa-
vorites. Bring some friends.
Where: Riverside Park, B.
Cost: Free.
12 Tuesday
R.E.A.D. to Dogs 4 p.m.
Independent readers can
practice reading in a fun
way! Te Reading Education
Assistance Dogs will be on-
hand to listen to you read.
Teyre great listeners! Chil-
dren of all ages are welcome.
First come, frst served.
Where: Bonita Springs Li-
brary, 26876 Pine Ave., B.
Cost: Free.
13 Wednesday
Wednesdays are for
History 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tis 90 minute presentation
by David Southall will cover
Te Seminole and the Semi-
nole Wars: Displaced Na-
tive Americans from across
the Southeast Find a Home
in Spanish Florida. Where:
Community Center on Old
41 across from Riverside
Park, B. Cost: $10 per adult/
BSHS members $5. Advance
tickets sold at the Liles Hotel
or at the door. Reservations
call 239-992-6997.
14 Thursday
Teen Tech Week and Wii
Fun 4 p.m.
Choose from a number of
Wii games to play. Chal-
lenge your friends and show
of your tech skills. Where:
Bonita Springs Library,
26876 Pine Avenue, B. Cost:
Free.
15 Friday
Big Dog Show Opening
Reception5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A spectacular collection of
15 steel dog sculptures rang-
ing in size from four feet to
over ten feet high and 12
feet long. Live music by Te
Brooks Brothers Band, re-
freshments, an opportunity
Continues on page 29
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The Big Dog Show
Coming to Riverside Park
One of the largest solo sculpture exhibitions is coming to Bonita Springs on
March 15 at Riverside Park. The Big Dog Show features 15 large dog sculptures
by sculptor Dale Rogers.
Tese dogs are
mammoth. Tey are
eight feet high and
ten feet long.
Arlene Hunter,
City of Bonita Springs.
If You Go:
The Big Dog Show Opening Reception
March 15, 5 pm to 7 pm
Liles Hotel Plaza, Riverside Park
Meet the sculptor, music, raffe, refreshments
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Dog lov-
ers and art enthusiasts are
in for a treat. Fifeen, 500
pound, dog sculptures
by artist Dale Rogers will
be displayed at Riverside
Park. Te larger than life
sculptures are touring the
United States. Teir next
stop following Orlando is
Bonita Springs, Liles Ho-
tel Plaza where they will be
on display for almost three
months. Two trucks, two
trailers and heavy equip-
ment will bring the sculp-
tures in time for the March
15 Opening Reception
when the public can meet
and greet the artist at the
Liles Hotel Plaza, 5 p.m. to
7 p.m. Te Brooks Brothers
Band, refreshments and the
lucky winner of a four and
one half foot dog sculpture
by Rogers add to the un-
veiling festivities. Only 500
tickets will be sold.
Tese dogs are mam-
moth, said Arlene Hunter,
Director of Development
Services, City of Bonita
Springs. Tey are eight feet
high and ten feet long. It is
great to have this opportu-
nity to bring the National
Touring Show, Te Big Dog
Show, to Bonita Springs.
Te Big Dog Show nor-
mally would be reserved for
larger metropolitan areas,
added Nigel Fullick, Chair-
man of the Art in Public
Places Board. Rogers has
gone out of his way to ac-
commodate us, including
designing the four and one
half foot dog sculpture for
the rafe. Hes also donat-
ing an eight foot Big Dog
Sculpture to place on the
platform at the entrance
to Depot Park, where dog
owners enjoy walking their
dogs, across from the Lions
Club.
Te Art in the Sun
Along Old 41 project was
designed for artist sculptors
to exhibit appropriate piec-
years. Residents are en-
thusiastic about art, well-
educated and very appre-
ciative. I look forward to
the delivery, placement
and installation of the
Big Dog Sculptures in the
park. Te exact artistic
arrangement is unknown,
but speculation includes
his signature kissing
dogs, two displayed with
their noses touching. Rog-
ers uses con-10 steel and
stainless steel for his large
sculptures. Con-10 steel
naturally rusts for the frst
year in the elements and
then seals itself, said Rog-
ers. Tese materials are
chosen for their ability to
withstand display in the
natural setting and not be
destroyed by the elements.
Tey have a long-life and
low maintenance.
Te Big Dog Show tour
that began in 2009 has ex-
hibited in 13 diferent loca-
tions in seven states. It will
remain through May for
area residents of all ages to
wander through and enjoy.
What dog breeds are fea-
tured in the exhibit? Te
dog is in the eye of the be-
holder and represents the
thoughts of the viewer, ex-
plained Rogers.
es of art for a period of one
year or more, Fullick said.
Bonita Springs already
owns one of Rogers sculp-
tures on platform display,
the ten foot Away sculpture
at Riverside Park.
Rogers spoke from
his Massachusetts stu-
dio, Bonita Springs is a
great art community. I
participated in the Bonita
Springs Art Festival at the
Promenade for fve or six
Southwest Spotlight
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Community
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Artist Spotlight
Capturing Wildlife Around the World
Ken Conger | Special to the Spotlight
This photo of a brown bear catching a salmon was captured by
Ken Conger at Katmai National Park and a second place winner of
the 2007 National Parks Photo Contest.
This giraffe was captured by Ken
Conger with Mt. Kenya in the dis-
tance.
This jaguar was captured by Ken Con-
ger during a photo tour he led to the
Pantanal, Brazil.
Every animal has its threshold of
comfort. I stay outside his threshold.
Ken Conger
By Kathy OFlinn
kathy@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Its safe to
say that no one brings home
souvenirs like the ones that
fll Ken Congers suitcase.
Grizzly bears, jaguars, An-
dean condors, wart hogs,
zebras and ghost bats all
fnd their way home. Teyre
digital images, of course.
Ken Conger is an award-
winning professional pho-
tographer.
A visit with his fam-
ily and the February Bonita
Springs National Art Festi-
val, where he was exhibiting,
brought Conger to Bonita
Springs. Earlier this month,
he shared his telephoto con-
quests with members of the
Bonita Bay Club in a talk
entitled From Alaska to
Patagonia. Even this well-
traveled audience admitted
being impressed with Con-
gers talent in capturing the
most illusive of subjects.
In Kenya, home of the
richest concentration of
wildlife, Conger captured
a leopard on the prowl at
night, its long whiskers
clearly visible. In Lake Clark
National Park in Alaska, the
least visited park he says, he
sought out coastal brown
the most illusive cat in the
world. He said he thanked
the photo gods immensely
for that luck.
Luck may play a role but
this expert does his home-
work. He believes one must
study his subject before-
hand. Know where its habi-
bears and watched as they
adeptly opened clam shells
in the mud fats. In Panta-
nal, Brazil, he shot the jag-
uar, the largest cat in the
Americas, with males grow-
ing up to 350 pounds, and
tat is, what food
it eats and where
it goes for water,
he explains.
His fascina-
tion with wild-
life dates back to
his childhood,
when, like so
many young-
sters, he brought
home frogs and
adopted stray
animals. When
he learned that
you could make
a living as a park
ranger, he knew
what he wanted
to do right then
and there. Tirty
years in conser-
vation was like living a
dream, he says. If I were a
dog, Id be wagging my tail.
Alaska grabbed my
soul, he said. While a park
ranger there, he had time to
photograph polar bears and
musk oxen. He invested in a
new camera and equipment,
sold his boat, took out a sec-
ond mortgage and $14,000
later was ready to pursue his
hobby full time.
Photographing in the
early morning and late af-
ternoon, Conger seeks to
capture the personality of
his subject. His best shots
make eye contact with the
animal. Tere is a sense of
engagement and typically
they are doing something
behaviorally interesting.
He doesnt shoot captive
animals, only those in the
wild. Every animal has its
threshold of comfort. I stay
outside his threshold, he
adds. With time and pa-
tience you can capture that
special moment. You be-
come so engrossed waiting
for that one moment. Its
called living in the lens.
Te backgrounds are
as important as the sub-
ject. He wants a sof back-
ground, not cluttered. In
Patagonia the photo gods
were with him again when
he captured an Andean
condor, an endangered
species, in fight against
the clifs. With a ten foot
wing span its an impres-
sive bird. Te black-browed
albatross, with the largest
wing span of any bird at
11 feet, is a prize shot. Te
animated Magellanic pen-
guins, black-necked swans
and crested caracara refect
the diversity of the photo-
graphic profusion waiting
for the photographer in that
part of the world. You can
see more of his work and
his gear at www.kenconger-
photography.com.
With each destination
Conger has his target spe-
cies. His next trip in March
is India and Sri Lanka where
he hopes to photograph ti-
gers then on to Borneo to
capture orangutans and
long-tailed macaque.
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Calendar from page 26
to meet the artist and enter
a rafe for an over 4.5 foot
big Dog sculpture. Where:
Riverside Park B. Cost: Free.
Evening with the Authors
6 p.m.
An opportunity to meet ,
talk with and dine with your
favorite bestselling authors.
Tese 20 authors will head-
line the Southwest Florida
Reading Festival the follow-
ing day. Reservations are re-
quired. Where: Royal Palm
Yacht Club. FM. Tickets:
$45. To make reservations
and more info go to readfest.
org
Historical Society Speakers
Series 7 p.m.
Highly acclaimed actor
and scholar, Chaz Mena,
will portray Bernardo de
Galvez, an unsung hero of
the American Revolution.
Where: Lions Club, of Bo-
nita Springs, 10346 Pennsyl-
vania Avenue. B. Cost: Free
16 Saturday
Fruit Tree Sale 9 a.m. to
3 p.m.
Why buy fruit when you can
pick it from your own tree?
Get your fruit orchard start-
ed today. Where: Riverside
Park, B.
Movie in the Park 7 p.m.
Te movie, Transform-
ers, will be shown under
the stars. Where: Riverside
Park, B. Cost: Free.
17 Sunday
Bonita Springs Concert
Band 2 to 4 p.m.
Enjoy an afernoon of your
favorite tunes. Bring a hat,
a chair and some friends.
Where: Riverside Park, B.
Cost: Free.
ONGOING
Saturdays
Te Farm Fresh Market
7:30 a.m. to noon
Come to one of the most
popular markets in the re-
gion. Fully stocked farm-
fresh vegetable vendors plus
vendors selling frozen fsh,
baked goods, cut fowers,
orchids, cosmetics, antiques,
fashions, jewelry, books, and
more. Where: Promenade
at Bonita Bay B. Cost: Free.
For more information, visit
bonitalions.org.
Wednesdays
Farm Growers Market
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you can eat it and watch it
grow, its here! Where: Old
41 and Childers St. B. For
more information, visit bo-
nitalions.org.
Meetings
Bonita Springs City
Council
Wed., Mar. 6 cancelled;
Mar. 20, 9 a.m.
Come watch local govern-
ment in action. Where: City
Council Chambers, 9101
Bonita Beach Rd. B.
Estero Council of
Community Leaders
Fri., Mar. 8, 10 a.m.
Lee County Commissioner
Larry Kiker will be the guest
speaker. All residents are in-
vited to attend ECCL meet-
ings. Where: Recreation
Center, Estero Commu-
nity Park, 9200 Corkscrew
Palms Blvd. (of south side of
Corkscrew Rd., a mile east of
US 41.) E.
All dates, times and prices are
subject to change.
Southwest Spotlight
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Community
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Bonita Blues Festival Expected
to Draw Thousands
Tis is one of the best blues festivals
in the state.
Teri Lemaine
Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials are
headlining Friday night at the Bonita
Blues Festival.
Jimmy Thackery will per-
form at the Bonita Blues
Festival Saturday night.
This Scream guitar will
be signed by all the per-
formers at the Blues
Festival then auctioned
off Saturday night.
Staff Report
staff@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Te win-
ter blues are responsible for
bringing many northern-
ers to these parts. In March
though, its specifcally the
Bonita Blues that will be
drawing the crowds.
Over 3,000 blues fans
are expected to converge
on Riverside Park in Boni-
ta Springs for the Seventh
Annual Bonita Blues Festi-
val on March 8th and 9th.
With an impressive
line up of 12 acts, its sure
to please the most discern-
ing blues fan. Headlin-
ing Friday night is Jimmy
Tackery who is just fn-
ishing his latest world
tour. His three piece band
with its Pink Floyd infu-
ence has a big following,
according to Dale Timple,
who along with his wife
Teri Lemaine are part of
the committee organizing
the event for the Bonita
Blues Charitable Founda-
tion.
Saturday nights head-
liner is Lil Ed and the
Blues Imperials of Chica-
go fame, known for their
hard pounding blues. His
group has been together
for 24 years and recently
completed performances
in Europe and Japan.
Tis is one of the
best blues festivals in the
state, declared Lemaine.
We have a diverse group
of people working on the
committee to help make it
a success and over 100 local
volunteers.
Te Bonita Blues Char-
itable Foundation was
formed seven years ago
by a group of determined
Bonitians to bring the best
blues to Bonita Springs, to
showcase Riverside Park
and to support local chari-
ties. Last year, was its most
successful year to date
and $18,000 was donated
to charity. Tis year these
charities will beneft from
the ticket sales: Bonita
Assistance Ofce, Music
For Minors and the Music
Terapy Program at the
Childrens Hospital.
One of last years acts,
Skyla Burrell, cancelled her
performance shortly before
the Festival afer she had
an emergency appendecto-
my. Te performing bands
and the disappointed fans
at the Festival then took up
a collection for her and her
If You Go:
Seventh Annual Bonita
Blues Festival
When: Friday, March 8 2 p.m.
to 9:45 p.m.; Saturday, March 9
11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Riverside Park,
Bonita Springs
Tickets: bonitablues.com
band. She was so apprecia-
tive that she promised to
come in 2013 and so she is
in the lineup this March.
Advance tickets are
selling like crazy of the
website, said Lemaine.
We even had a fan from as
far away as Belgium con-
tact us to say he was com-
ing.
Te Friday line up start-
ing at two p.m. includes
Certifed Band, Big Buck &
the Biscuit Boys, Reba Rus-
sell Band, Southern Hos-
pitality and Jimmy Tack-
ery. Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
the Cracker Blues Band
leads of, followed by Deb
& the Dynam-
ics, Te Juice,
Skyla Burrell,
Biscuit Miller
& the Mix, Lil
Ronnie & the
Grand Dukes
and Lil Ed and
the Blues Im-
perials.
Food and
drinks will be
available for
purchase. En-
joy the music at
the best blues
in town.
Southwest Spotlight
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R E S T A U R A N T & L I V E M U S I C
9144 Bonita Beach Rd.
in Sunshine Plaza,
Behind Fitzgeralds Pub
239-405-8566
For updated information,
please check out
our website at
www.thestagebonita.com
Insert your email address
and get specials & updated
news every week!
OPEN 4PM TUESDAY,
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY,
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Las Vegas Tribute Bands are Performing at the Stage
Call for upcoming schedule or check www.thestagebonita.com
COME FOR THE FOOD...STAY FOR THE DANCING
THE EAGLES TRIBUTE
Friday, March 1st
BEACH BOYS
TRIBUTE
Saturday, March 2nd
JOHN DENVER
TRIBUTE
Tuesday, March 5th
GEORGE CARLIN
COMEDY,
50S/60S DANCE SHOW
Wednesday, March 6h
ELVIS AND
ROY ORBINSON
TRIBUTE
Thursday,
March 7th
THE RAT PACK
TRIBUTE
Friday, March 8th
SOUND CHECK BIG BAND
Saturday, March 9th
ST. PATRICKS DAY
CELEBRATION
Monday, March 11th
GOTTA LOVE IT BAND
Tuesday, March 12th
NEIL DIAMOND
TRIBUTE
Wednesday,
March 13th
ROD STEWART
TRIBUTE
Thursday, March 14th
ELTON JOHN
TRIBUTE
Friday, March 15th
Southwest Spotlight
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Project1_Layout 1 2/12/13 9:50 AM Page 1
Then and Now
Oldest Home in Bonita Springs Is New to the City
The Haldeman House was rescued from near certain demolition by local
preservationist Christian Busk who moved it to Bonita Springs.
Tis historic resi-
dence was moved 15
miles north from its
earlier beachfront
location.
The Haldeman House, built in 1886, was originally located on a fve and a half
acre strand of pristine Naples beach.
By Ronda Lawhon
Special to the Spotlight
Bonita Springs Known
historically as the Halde-
man House, this home is
now the oldest remaining
home in Bonita Springs,
but its also relatively new
to our city. How could that
be?
Built in 1886 and now
located at 10010 Pennsyl-
vania Avenue, this house
was the very frst home
built in Naples, Florida.
But well over a century lat-
er, in 2005, it was rescued
from near certain demo-
lition by local preserva-
tionist, Christian Busk,
who had the house moved
some ffeen miles to the
north and situated upon
its current site.
Te home was origi-
nally built on a fve and a
half acre strand of pristine
beach by retired Confed-
erate Army Colonel and
Kentucky State Senator,
John Stuart Williams.
Williams had been lured
to the area by the press
which promoted it as sur-
passing the bay in Naples,
Italy. He was accompa-
nied to the remote oasis
by a few Kentucky gentle-
men, including friend and
business associate, Wal-
ter Newman Haldeman,
owner and publisher of
the daily Louisville Cou-
rier Journal.
At that time the coast-
line was almost entirely
uninhabited, save for early
settlers who frst arrived
in the 1860s, Roger Gor-
don and Joe Wiggins -
both commemorated with
the naming of Gordons
Pass and Wiggins Pass.
Te other inhabitants
were Madison Weeks and
his family who camped
in a palmetto hut along
the shore of Gordons
Pass. Apparently disil-
lusioned by the intrusion
of the Kentucky gentle-
men, Weeks is said to have
moved his family just a
few miles south where he
lived until his death.
Contrary to the seclu-
sion that Weeks appar-
ently preferred, the Ken-
tuckians envisioned the
development of the Naples
area as a seasonal resort
town, both for the enjoy-
ment of themselves and
their guests, as well as the
hope for fnancial gain.
But by 1890, the enthu-
siasm of the small group
had waned and most of
the shareholders decided
to sell out.
By 1889, Haldeman
had purchased the home
from his friend, Colonel
Williams. Haldeman is
credited as the founder of
Naples and over the years
his vision for Naples has
largely come to fruition.
Ironically though, it was
another boom of develop-
ment- the real estate boom
of the early 2000s- that
threatened to be the de-
mise of the cherished fam-
ily home until developers
bought the property for
prospect in 2005. Te gulf
front location of the home
beside the Naples Pier was
deemed too valuable for
the single family residence
to remain onsite.
Today, this pure low
Victorian board and bat-
ten house rests safely
along the banks of Oak
Creek. With all original
foors, doors, and win-
dows, restructuring is at
a minimal. Several ad-
ditions have been made
to the structure over the
years, but all were in keep-
ing with the original plan
and only limited ginger-
bread accents have been
added. Rather uniquely,
it has triangular cross sec-
tions instead of vertical
planks on the exterior.
Also unusual for
homes built before 1927,
this historic residence
was constructed using lo-
cal Florida cypress wood
for the frame, siding and
milled trim work. Inside,
there is extraordinary
detail in the trim work.
Additional architectural
features include the bay
window and a freplace
in the enormous living
room.
Tis article was adapted
from the script written
by Ronda Lawhon for the
Bonita Springs Historical
Societys DVD Historical
Walking Tour.
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Goober and the Fox
Squirrels
Bonita
Nature Place
GOOBER
Tey are called fox squirrels because
of their large bushy tails and the way
they scamper around on the ground
resembles a fox.
Bonita Springs I am used
to people visiting the Bo-
nita Nature Place getting
so excited when one of us
Gopher Tortoises takes a
stroll and they spot us, but
this one day their excite-
ment startled even me. I
fgured they must be tour-
ists and hadnt seen a Go-
pher Tortoise before so I
thought Id wander over
even closer and give them
a real thrill.
Te closer I got, I real-
ized that they werent even
looking at me. All that
excitement and pointing,
was at a squirrel. Really.
A squirrel. Where were
these people from?
Tey couldnt calm
down, and as they continued
pointing I heard them say
it was a Fox Squirrel. Isnt
ground, not in the trees like
the gray squirrel.
Fox Squirrels prefer
open woods with occasion-
al mature, tall pine and oak
trees. Te female has her
young, usually 2-3 babies,
in January and they wont
leave the nest for 90 days.
She will feed them a diet of
pine seeds, buds, fruit and
nuts afer they are weaned.
One of the Bonita Na-
ture Place volunteers added
that unfortunately many
are hit by cars as they try
to cross roads. He said that
the Fox Squirrel is facing
the same survival issues as
many other species due to
the lack of suitable habitat,
as mature, tall pine and oak
forests disappear. Tey are
protected by the State of
Florida from being hunted.
I will admit that I
learned a lot from these
visitors to the Nature
Place that day and I also
learned that seeing a squir-
rel, mainly a Fox Squirrel
could be a reason to get
very excited.
Goober is a gopher tortoise
living at the Bonita Nature
Place.
a squirrel, a squirrel? Ap-
parently not. Tis one must
have been pretty special.
Tey talked about
the Fox Squirrel being a
Treatened Species. Tat
sure got my attention. Te
visitor stated that they are
called Fox Squirrels be-
do like to make their nests
in tree cavities or they con-
struct nests from twigs and
leaves. He said they are
usually twice the size of the
regular squirrel and their
fur can vary in colors from
tan to black. Tey spend
most of their time on the
cause of their large, bushy
tails and the way they
scamper around on the
ground resembles a fox.
He went on to say they eat
Long Leaf Pine seeds and
acorns from Oak trees.
Like other squirrels, they
Southwest Spotlight
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For information or to participate in next years event please call
(239) 343-6950 www.TourPlayersTennisClassic.com
Your donation to Barbaras Friends
The Golisano Childrens Hospital Cancer
Fund can help make a diference in the
life of a child. 100% of funds donated to
Barbaras Friends goes to help children
with cancer and blood disorders. To make
a donation, please call (239) 343-6950
or make a secure gift online at
www.TourPlayerTennisClassic.com.
Make a giFT. Make an iMPaCT.
Thank You
T
o the those who have made the 6th annual event another major
success, including the corporate and seed sponsors, donors,
participants, fans, volunteers, professional tennis players and stafs
of Bonita Bay Club and Lee Memorial Hospital Foundation!
A Fish Tale
The Other
BEN
BEN NELSON JR.
somewhere
unseen, under the
paint, the fsh was
still there watching
over me.
Ben Nelson | Special to the Spotlight
Heddon fshing lure logo that was
painted on Nelsons Hardware build-
ing.
Bonita Springs Yes-
terday, I was standing in
front of the building on
Old 41 where I grew up.
What used to be our fam-
ilys hardware store on the
frst foor is now a bakery.
Te second story, where
we lived for many years,
is now abandoned. Te
building has been remod-
eled several times over
the years and doesnt look
much like it did, but some-
where on the face of the
building, beneath the lay-
ers of paint, is a beautiful
ten foot tall painting of a
fsh jumping from the wa-
ter.
In 1960, my father had
an artist paint what was
essentially the Heddon
fshing lure logo above the
bright red Nelsons Hard-
ware sign and for decades
the bass, with fshing lure
hanging from its wide
open mouth, remained
there high in the air be-
tween my window and my
sisters bedroom window,
watching the world slowly
go by on the Tamiami
Trail.
It watched as drunken
cowboys threw each other
out of the windows of the
Dome, as long lines of traf-
fc sat waiting for the mati-
nee at the dog track, as
hurricane Donna rolled a
house past our front door,
as my father fearlessly ran
of a drunken man who
was threatening his em-
ployees with a shotgun.
And between these
more interesting times,
it patiently observed our
normal everyday activi-
ties as my sister and broth-
er and I grew up. Every
morning before school, we
went downstairs into the
hardware store to take
the stuf out which was
what we called pushing,
pulling and riding all the
lawn mowers, bicycles and
anything else with wheels
that had been crammed
into the store overnight,
out the door onto the con-
crete patio out front. Day
afer day, year afer year,
we took them outside and
then nine hours later we
took them back in through
the front door beneath the
fsh.
It watched. It watched
as we became teenagers
and then adults, as one
by one we lef home and
the safety of its wide-eyed
gaze. Ten, as if to signal
that its work was complete,
my father painted over it
and it was gone.
I didnt think much
about it at the time. Life
was happening jobs,
marriage, and kids.
My sister moved to
New Jersey, my
parents built
a new house
of Terry
Street and
my brother
and I built
homes of our
own. Keeping
the ground foor
of the old
bui l di ng
r e n t e d
b e c a me
my Dads
favorite project.
But up-
stairs, our
old home
r e ma i ne d
vacant.
About eight years ago,
I tried to talk my dad into
selling the old building
so my parents could be
secure in retirement. Te
timing and the prices were
right, so at a meeting, afer
he had informed a group of
potential buyers to name
an as yet higher number
for the fourth time, I took
him aside. What are you
doing Dad? I asked stern-
ly in low breath.
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Spotlight Dog
Harold Kurzman | dog@swspotlight.com
Fif, a Jack Russell that lives in Pelican Landing, with Piper, visiting from Mary-
land. Fif is the Spotlight Dog. Send your photos of your best friend to dog@
swspotlight.com for a chance to be the next Spotlight Dog.
FEEL BETTER
BONITA SPRINGS YMCA
Get a FREE SilverSneakers Membership!
*Call your Healthways Insurance Provider to see if you qualify.
Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent Road
(239) 221-7560
www.BonitaSpringsYMCA.org
SilverSneakers MSROM
Chairsupport
Increasestrength&range
ofmotionfordailyliving
Resistancewithweights,
tubing&ball
SilverSneakers YogaStretch
Seated&standingyogaposes
Increasedfexibility,balance&
rangeofmovement
Restorativebreathingexercises
Stressreduction&Mentalclarity
Membershipincludesuseofourftnessfacilityandpool
PLUSGroupExerciseClasseslike:
*
VOTE
for
BSU Board of Directors
Robert Lienesch, Estero resident since 2007
Proven financial executive,
Bonita/Estero Economic Development Council director
Bob Bachman, board member since 2000
Realtor & contractor, chamber director of the year
Hank Hochstetler, board member since 1990
Citizen of the Year, Love of Bonita Award recipient
Mail your ballot before March 12!
integrity, experience
and commitment:
BSU Board of Directors
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Bonita Students Win Essay Contest
To celebrate in the winners awards ceremony were: Back row l-r: Bonita Springs
Mayor Ben Nelson, American History Chairman Shirley A. Nix, DAR Service for
Veterans Chairman Tina McNiece, Teacher Lori Howard, Writing Teacher Taylor
Locke, Teacher Daniel King, Teacher Zack Schroeder. Front row l-r: First Prize
Winner Madison Owens, Second Prize Winner Holly Hazen, Honorable Mention
Eric Medina (not present).
By Shirley A. Nix
Special to the Spotlight
Bonita Springs Tis years
Fifh Grade Winners of the
Daughters of the American
Revolution Essay Contest in
the Bonita Springs Elemen-
tary School were honored
with an awards ceremony.
First Place Winner Madi-
son Owens and Second
Place Winner Holly Ha-
zen received their awards
from members of the Bare-
foot Beach Chapter of the
NSDAR with an honored
guest, Mayor Ben Nelson, in
attendance.
Each year the NSDAR
sponsors an essay contest
for local schools to compete
at each grade level. Te essay
contests are to promote pa-
triotism and an awareness
of the struggle which has
led to the formation of our
country.
Te title of this years es-
say contest was Forgotten
Patriots Who Supported
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One of the largest solo sculpture exhibitions is coming to Bonita Springs
March 15 through May 31
Installed on the Grounds of Riverside Park at the Liles Hotel
27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Florida

THE BIG DOG SHOW features a spectacular collection of 15 steel dog sculptures eight feet high by ten feet long.
Sculpted by nationally acclaimed artist, Dale Rogers, this unique exhibition is visiting Bonita Springs on its tour of the United States.

A special Opening Reception, March 15, 5pm to 7pm will feature refreshments, live music by The Brooks Brothers Band,
an opportunity to meet Dale Rogers, the artist, and enter a ra e for an over 4.5 foot BIG DOG sculpture.
Ra e tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Only 500 tickets will be sold. Tickets Available at Bonita Springs City Hall.
City of Bonita Springs Art In Public Places
Presents
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DOROTA AND MAX HARRI S
As far as we know, he was the only
standard poodle in Buenos Aires.
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.
Te Dog Walkers of Buenos Aires
Bonita Springs Tis
month permit us to remi-
nisce a little. In the late
1990s, we lived in Buenos
Aires for fve years. We hap-
pened to be there again re-
cently and while most of
you may associate Argen-
tina with the Tango and red
wine, we enjoy going back
to look at the dogs and the
dog-walkers, a ubiquitous
phenomenon of Buenos Ai-
res, and a nostalgic memory
for us.
When we lived in Bue-
nos Aires, our household
included Blues predeces-
sor, a black standard poodle
named Monty. He had lived
in Michigan, and was three
years old when we moved
to Argentina. Both we and
Monty found ourselves in
an environment quite dif-
ferent from any we had
known living on the 25th
foor of a ffy-story high-
tied to a series of lampposts
or railings, and lef unat-
tended while the dog walker
enters an apartment build-
ing to collect his next dog.
(Te most organized walk-
er we knew drove an old
yellow school bus with the
seats stripped out, which
he used to ferry his charges
see a walker exert control
by shouting or by aggressive
behavior.
Any walker we asked
would give the same an-
swer: they are quite lit-
erally the leader of their
pack. Tey walk frst, and
twelve big dogs follow.
No dog pulls on its leash.
Te dog-walkers of Bue-
nos Aires are licensed by
the Municipality, and are an
essential part of its urban
scene. Tey typically collect
a dozen dogs whom they
exercise in the citys parks.
Small dogs dont ofen par-
ticipate, so the dog-walkers
usual mix comprises Lab-
radors, German Shepherds,
Rottweilers, and assorted
Hounds and Terriers. Tese
dogs are overwhelmingly
male, and most will not be
around the city, but his ap-
proach was unique - not
least, we suppose, because
going on a bus ride is prob-
ably not the most efective
way of exercising a dog).
Te destination of each
walker is one of the large
parks of Buenos Aires.
Tere the dog-walkers gath-
er together, talk and smoke,
and the dogs entertain
themselves. Which raises
an interesting question:
why do the dogs not fght?
We never saw dogs under a
walkers control engage in
hostilities. Nor did we ever
met were aware only of toy
poodles Evita and Presi-
dent Juan Peron were ofen
pictured with theirs and
almost daily a passer-by
would ask us: What hap-
pened to him? Why is he
so big? People regularly
asked to have photos taken
with him; on one occasion,
he was invited by an un-
known bride to join in her
wedding photo.
Tis gave Monty a cu-
rious position in the dog-
walking world. His walk-
er took special pride in
him, and showed him of
as a kind of dog-walking
status symbol.
And we were lef with
a special attachment to
Buenos Aires, its dog-
walkers, and its dog-lov-
ing people.
Te walkers are visibly
confdent that they are in
charge, and the dogs evi-
dently feel it too.
In this scenario, Monty
always received special
treatment. As far as we
know, he was the only
standard poodle in Buenos
Aires. Argentinians we
rise in the middle of a city.
And Monty had the new
experience of being walked
each morning by a profes-
sional dog-walker.
neutered. It is a lesson in
dog dynamics to watch the
pack in motion.
Te morning collec-
tion requires that the pack,
growing steadily in size, be
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My dad smiled a mis-
chievous grin and whis-
pered. I dont want to sell
it... I just want to see how
high theyll go.
I got fush with anger.
I didnt understand. Cut
them loose Dad... Tis isnt
right. And I walked away.
Later that day I was still
stewing (its a Nelson art
form), but I had promised
to take him to get his truck,
so I drove quietly, he sitting
next to me. Finally he broke
the silence. I cant sell it. Its
my legacy. I want it to live
on for my children.
I looked over at him. He
was looking out the win-
dow... avoiding eye contact.
Dad... WE are your legacy.
You created us, watched af-
ter us and built us as surely
as you built that old build-
ing. I put my hand on his
shoulder. Sell it and you
and mom spend it having
fun. Julie, Tim and I are
going to be fne because of
what you taught us. It was
a touching moment... but he
still didnt sell it.
Now, three years afer
dads passing, Im standing
here trying to help manage
some of my dads legacy
this old store, and my ten-
dency to become irritated.
Tats when I suddenly re-
alized that somewhere un-
seen, under the paint, the
fsh was still there watching
over me. I sighed, put both
hands on top of my head
and started to contemplate
where to start the repairs...
I looked up at the sky and
chuckled. For somewhere
unseen, under that painted
sky, I was sure that my dad
was still watching over his
legacy as well.
Ben Nelson can be reached
at ben@swspotlight.com
Te Other Ben
TEE BOX
TIPS
JOSH MUSSELMAN
Bonita Springs Trough-
out the past few years the
OEM, or original equipment
manufacturers, have greatly
reduced the lofs of the irons
on the retail market. Every
day our shop measures mul-
tiple clubs and their lof an-
gles to gauge the patterns of
equipment utilized today.
We have found the av-
erage lof of an iron set has
been reduced or de-lofed by
about 3-5 degrees in the last
5-7 years. Tis means if you
hit the same brand iron from
this year versus the manufac-
tured club from a few years
ago it will travel farther,
solely due to the diference
in lof.
Te lof afects the yard-
age by 3-4 yards per degree,
either an increase in yardage
with less lof or a decrease in
yardage with a higher lofed
club. It is also true for the lie
angle and that one degree
will result in a ball fight of
3-4 degrees diference in di-
rection, more upright results
in a lef ball fight or direc-
tion and a fatter iron results
in a direction to the right.
A very common manu-
facturing faw is the gap in
lofs between irons in the
Small Angles Make
a Big Difference
same set. Your set should
have anywhere between 4-5
degrees of lof between each
club. Typically 4 degrees is
the diference between the
shorter irons and 3 degrees
diference on the longer
irons.
When golfers purchase
new clubs they expect that
the lofs are similar or exactly
the same from manufacturer
to manufacturer, generally
though this is not the case.
For example, if you have a
clubs lof and lie angle. Once
the numbers are charted on
paper you should research
the manufacturers lof and
lie specs for your particular
set to compare them.
Lof and lie angles can
generally be adjusted to the
angle that best suits your
impact position. Unfortu-
nately there are a few sets of
clubs that due to the clubs
design and material cannot
be altered. If this happens
and your clubs have too large
of a gap to fll by adjusting
the lof, you will then have
to purchase an additional
club, especially crucial in the
wedges.
By taking the time to
check the angles on your
wedges, you will have bet-
ter distance control as well
as an advantage when hit-
ting approach shots. It will
even improve your putting
score since the closer you hit
the ball to the pin, obviously
the better chance you have to
sink the shorter putts.
Lof and lie adjustments
are a quick and painless al-
teration that benefts all skill
levels, so go see your profes-
sional club ftter today to
adjust them and easily hit it
straighter tomorrow.
Josh Musselman is a PGA
professional, 2008 Hor-
ton Smith Award recipient,
2006-2012 Worlds Top 100
Club Fitter recipient and
can be reached via email at
info@golfexpress.org.
Titleist Vokey wedge as a 52
degree gap wedge and a 56
degree sand wedge, then you
pair it with a new set of Co-
bra AMP irons, the problem
is then the pitching wedge
is only 44 degrees, whereas
other pitching wedges could
range from 42-47 degrees.
You will end up with an
8 degree gap in your set or
approximately 20 yards be-
tween the pitching wedge
and the Vokey wedge. Even
though you own a gap wedge
(the 52 degree club) you still
do not have the proper sepa-
ration in the lofs to utilize
for 10-12 yard increments
between irons.
An appropriate way to
correct this issue is to take
the time with a ftter and
measure each and every
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BOLD
BOTANA
ADAM BOTANA
Te shower door
is melting before
my eyes.
Bonita Springs At one
time in my life I lived in
a trailer by the bay. Tis
wasnt your standard dou-
ble-wide with coon dogs
hanging on the porch. Tis
was a nice trailer. It
even had satellite and
Corrigan counter tops
high class.
It was a normal
night. I got done with
work, had dinner with
the family, watched
some TV, and then
went of to bed. Like
any normal young
20-something year
old you feel confdent
Im sleeping in the
buf because Im sexy
and I know it. Its a lot
cooler even though there
was more than adequate
A/C in this trailer park
mansion. Of to sleep I go.
You know when youre
dreaming and a book
falls of the shelf, slams to
the foor with a thud of a
50-pound brick, but the
noise comes from the life
of the living, not the sleep-
ing? Tats what I woke
to; a loud pop followed by
snapping.
As I roll over I feel re-
ally warm, more like hot.
I thought I might have
turned on the heater. Ten
I notice that Im coughing
and my eyes are burning.
What the hell is going on?
I open my eyes and see
fames, big ones. Te show-
er door is melting before
my eyes.
Im thinking I have to
get the hell out of here and
fast. Te exit is on the other
side of the melting shower.
gets interesting. As I run,
I fall through a clothesline,
stumbling into a couple of
blue recycling bins. Now
remember Im naked so
that was kind of painful.
As I crawl out of the bins
still naked, giving the peo-
ple on the bridge a good
show. I grab a water hose
and try to extinguish the
fre. I wasnt doing much,
water hose in one hand
spraying away, other hand
covering a very important
extremity still very much
exposed to the elements.
Dad comes running with
fre extinguisher to help.
He tells me to get Gary up
and get some clothes on.
Gary was our manager
who also stayed at the
marina. I go pound on
his door.
Gary get up!
Teres a fre and grab
me a pair of shorts.
Now the thing is
Gary is a slim 32 and
Im a tight 38, so this is
a problem. Gary hands
me a pair of sweatpants
that are big on him but
really tight on me. As
I squeeze into them
I feel the pitch of my
voice changing from alto
to a soprano. I ran back
outside and the fames had
engulfed one whole side of
the trailer.
Ten I hear sirens. I
have a fashback to kinder-
garten being told when
there is a fre you run to
the street and wave your
arms so the freman can
see you. So I ran as fast as
I could to the street in the
tight sweatpants and no
shoes.
As Im jumping wav-
ing my arms like crazy I
thought to myself, What
the hell are these guys
thinking when I get in
their headlights? Some
280-pound white guy
with a big gold medal-
lion and bad farmers tan
in really tight sweatpants
jumping around like a
crazy man. Surely a sight
for sore eyes.
From that day on I al-
ways wear shorts to bed.
Next to the shower was the
refrigerator with exploding
cans of food. Te exit was
blocked. Ten I remember
the emergency exit win-
dow right behind my head.
Ill take door number two.
I pop open the window,
stuck my head out and see
the eight foot drop... I go
feet frst and as I slide out
the window I realize that
Im buck naked. I wasnt
stopping to put on shorts!
Now this is where it
Why I Wear
Shorts To Bed
there are scattered soda
and beer cans everywhere.
I see the fames rising eight
to ten feet. I start to run
over to my parents house.
As Im running people are
stopping their cars looking
at the fre and my running
naked. I pound on my par-
ents door. Its not everyday
your son pounds on the
door naked. He would tell
me later he thought I was
some drunk guy.
Te trailer is on fre
Dad.
OK, be right there!
I run back to the trailer,
Southwest Spotlight
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Restaurants
A Table Apart
Chef Jef Acols profound love
for the ocean is rooted in his
early childhood years growing
up in Hawaii and helps explain
his commitment to serving
sustainable seafood and sea-
sonal ingredients. Tis talented
chef ofers a limited but diverse
menu. Dishes ofer global fair
with Asian and French infu-
ence. Open for dinner 7 days
a week 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.4295
Bonita Beach Road, Bonita
Springs. 239-221-8540. www.
atableapart.com
Bellissimo Ristorante
Te Benevides family, Chef Jose,
his wife Helma and son Andre,
welcome guests to their new
restaurant. Teirs is a unique
menu that is mostly Italian but
includes specialty items with
an international fair. Try the
signature dish, Scaloppini Di
Vitello Al Borello and Cavatelli
Pasta. 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-
ofs. Full menu including burg-
ers, fsh and steak and spuds.
Boars Head premium deli sand-
wiches. Featuring Bonitas Hall
of Fame. If it looks good, well
fnd a place for it on the walls
or ceiling, says Al. Lunch and
dinner daily. 26620 Old 41 Rd.
239-947-1000. www.bufalo-
chipsrestaurant.com.
Dougs Seafood
You see them at the Farmers
Market at the Promenade ev-
ery Saturday; now you can see
them everyday (except Sunday).
Dougs Seafood has opened a
new location and is ofering the
free option of steaming of your
lobsters, clams or mussels for
you. Tey also ofer live lobsters,
frozen lobster meat, crab meat,
Jonah Crab Claws, haddock,
halibut, cod, and other seafood.
Maine Lobster rolls, crab rolls
and shrimp rolls are available
in small and large sizes. Go to
dougsseafood.com for more
info. 3411 Bonita Beach Rd.
Unit 307. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. Mon. to Fri. and 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. Sat. 992-1902
Fitzgeralds
A taste of the old country right
on Bonita Beach Road from the
Kilkenny crab dip and Mul-
ligans Irish stew to Granny
McCarthys bailey cheesecake.
Home of the belly-buster burg-
er, salads, sandwiches and full
meal menu. Traditional fat
breads. 20 beers on tap. Open
daily 11:30 a.m. to close. Open
Sunday for breakfast at 8 a.m.
9070 Bonita Beach Rd. 239-949-
2111. www.ftzgeraldspub.com.
Hemingways Island
Grill
Experience a taste of the islands
with Caribbean inspired dishes.
Te tropical favors 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. Teres even a
kids menu. Open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Te Shops
at Coconut Point 8001 Plaza
Del Lago #113 Estero. www.
hemingwaysislandgrill.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 vend-
ing company. He developed his
passion for German sausages
while stationed in Europe and
now ofers a full menu of dawgs
and sausages. Pick one of his
Cointinued on page 42
*BUY ONE GLASS OF WINE OR BEER GET ONE FREE WITH PURCHASE OF DINNER.
CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS. NO CASH VALUE. EXP. 3/17/13
Dinner under the stars Friday and Saturday 5-9:00 pm
Breakfast & Lunch Tuesday - Sunday 8:00 am - 2:30
Breakfast available all day!
Sunday Brunch served 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
10530 Wilson St Downtown Bonita Springs
thesurveycafe.com 992-CAF (2233)
Across from Riverside Park, one block east of Old 41
SIMPLE FLORIDA CHARM... CASUAL... LAID BACK... DELICIOUS!
Voted Best Key Lime Pie in Bonita!
Step back in time to when Bonita Springs was
known as Survey and enjoy old-fashion southern
hospitality in this historic home turned Caf where
local art and antique tools adorn the walls.
A nostalgic Florida experience
your new favorite place!
BOGO *
WINE OR
BEER WITH
DINNER
VOTED
Molinos Molinos
# 1 I T A L I A N R I S T O R A N T E
OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER, 11:30AM TO 9PM
Reservations Required - 992-7025
IN THE PROMENADE
26841 South Bay Drive - Bonita Springs
Maximum 6 people Expires March 31, 2013
Sunday through Thursday only Does not include any other promotion
Must Present Coupon Must be seated by 5:30 PM
2 FOR 1
DINNERS
RESERVE A PRIVATE WINE CELLAR DINING ROOM
Southwest Spotlight
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Restaurants
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.hungryhound-
dawgs.com.
La Fontanella
Ristorante
Owner Moe has over 35 years in
the business, and the experience
shows. He and his staf assure
customers the fnest dining ex-
perience. Serving gourmet Ital-
ian cuisine, specializing in pas-
ta, 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
Landing. 239-498-6808. www.
lafontanellarestaurant.net.
Lake House
Bar and Grill
An open air caf with one of
Bonitas fnest water views. A
hot spot for lunch and dinner,
popular among both locals
and tourists. Featuring the Bo-
nita Burger, veggie rollup, tuna
salad and sandwiches and more
sandwiches. Plus tacos, fsh 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. Lo-
cated next to the Trianon Hotel.
3401 Bay Commons Dr. 239-
948-4400. www.lakehouseba-
randgrill.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 rela-
tive newcomer to the Bonita
Springs restaurant scene. Te
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 Bo-
nita) Reservations are required.
239-676-8687. www.manhat-
tan1steakhouse.com
Molinos Ristorante
Classic Italian in a beautiful
indoor room and an al fresco
patio setting, featuring pasta,
meat and fsh dinners. Family
owned since 2003. Try the Vi-
tello 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 11:30 a.m. to 9 pm.
26841 South Bay Dr. at the Bo-
nita Bay Promenade. 239-992-
7025. www.molinosristorante.
com.
Old 41 Restaurant
A sure bet since the day it
opened in Bernwood. Special-
ties include eggs, omelets,
pancakes, wafes, homemade
soups, salads, sandwiches, An-
gus 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.
Tey ofer the kind of Brook-
lyn family owned and operated
business you dont ofen fnd
these days. Teir big portions,
low prices - and friendly atti-
tude will have you coming back
for more...and moreand still
more! Open Mon. thru Fri. 11
a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat. & Sun 4
p.m. to 9 p.m. Pelican Landing
Publix Plaza, 24600 S. Tamiami
Trail. 239-676 5332. www.pino-
spizzeria.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 fresh-
est ingredients. Fresh pasta,
seafood and Italian specialties.
Antipasto salad, penne, lasa-
gna, 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 frst!
Te oldest homemade ice cream
store in Bonita. 35 ice cream fa-
vors, 12 lowfat and sugar-free
choices. Teir scoopologists
make the thickest shakes, big-
gest sundaes and best cones.
Delicious 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 10 p.m. at Pavillion Shoppes
(Vanderbilt Beach Road & 41)
239-597-4043. www.royalscoop.
com
The Fish House
A Bonita bayside bistro. Come
by car or boat. Fresh seafood in
a relaxing environment, dining
inside or out, with a pet-friendly
outside patio. Specialties in-
clude blackened tuna bites, hot
blue crab and shrimp dip, oyster
baskets, grouper tacos and lob-
ster tacos. Alternative choices,
including heart healthy items..
A key lime pie that melts-in-
your-mouth. Open daily 11
a.m. to 10 p.m. 4685 Bonita
Beach Rd. 239-495-5770. www.
thefishhouserestaurants.com.
The Stage
Come for the food, stay for the
dancing. Full menu, including
Maryland crab cakes, sweet
and sour tenders, egg rolls,
vegetable salad, grilled salmon
salad, prime rib, flet mignon,
salmon, roasted chicken, signa-
ture meatloaf, full bar with 10
beers on tap. Live music, with
tributes from Led Zeppelin to
Jimmy Bufett, from Elvis to
Rod Stewart. Open 4 p.m. to
close Wednesday thru Saturday.
9144 Bonita Beach Rd. in Sun-
shine Plaza, behind Fitzgeralds
Pub. 239-405-8566. wwwthe-
stagebonita.com.
The Survey Caf
Lori Nelsons tribute to old
Florida, oozing with southern
charm and updated with an
organic sensibility. Fresh ingre-
dients, wraps, salads, panini,
fatbreads and the house spe-
cialtyGrandpas Gator gumbo.
Try the Chokoloskee Chicken
sandwich. Shade grown cofee
from Grounds for Change. Dine
inside or out. Open for breakfast
& lunch 8am-2:30 pm Tues to
Sat; dinner Fri & Sat 5-9pm; Sun
brunch 8-2:30. 10530 Wilson
Ave. of Old 41. 239-992-2233.
www. thesurveycafe.com.
Cointinued from page41
the American Struggle for
Independence. Te es-
say focused on the ofen
unrecognized people and
groups, including African
Americans, Native Ameri-
cans, Hispanics, and oth-
ers who provided military,
patriotic and public service
in support of the American
Revolution and why it is es-
pecially important to honor
the unsung heroes and of-
ten forgotten patriots.
Members join the DAR
for many reasons. One be-
ing the curiosity of want-
ing to know where their
ancestors immigrated from
and the role they played in
building our country.
Bonita Springs Mayor
Ben Nelson, who had at-
tended the school when
he was a child, was there
to speak words of encour-
agement and explained
the benefts of an educa-
tion and how important
it is for their future. Te
winners were very excited
and proud of their accom-
plishments. Tey asked
questions concerning the
most important elements
judged in the essays and
how they could enter again
next year.
For further informa-
tion on the essay contest or
membership in the DAR
contact Shirley A. Nix 239-
543-3503.
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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
entire check
(Maximum $30 per table)
Sun. thru Thur. only
Dine-In or Take Out
We do private luncheon parties for 15 people and up.
Not valid with any other oer
10% OFF
Expires 3/30/13
15% OFF
Easter Sunday
(Maximum $45
per table)
entire check
OPEN
Easter Sunday 2 - 9 pm
Southwest Spotlight
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Community
Restaurants
Ristorante
Enrico
Four years in the same location
26831 Tamiami Trail S.
off West Terry Street
(239) 949-2204
Mon-Sat 10-10, Sun 11-10

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