June 2012 Southwest Spotlight

S O U T H W E S T
JUNE 2012 Vol.3, No.6 FREE
Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs PRSRT STD
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Inside Inside
Turtles Race Early
to Shore
By Patrice Shields
Special to The Spotlight
Bonita Springs Loggerhead nests have shown up earlier
than usual this year with nests documented in Lee County
as early as April 23, 2012. An unseasonably warm winter in
Southwest Florida and warmer than usual gulf temperatures
may be contributing factors to nests appearing on our
beaches earlier than usual.
That means they will be hatching earlier, explains Eve
Haverfield, Founder and Director of Turtle Time, a local
not-for-profit organization dedicated to the continued
survival of loggerhead sea turtles. For the first time in 30
years, a record nine sea turtle nests were documented on
Ft. Myers Beach in the first two weeks of nesting season.
Haverfield is hoping that the record number of nests is a
result of the conservation efforts and regulations set to
protect this endangered species.
It is officially Loggerhead Sea Turtle nesting season in
Southwest Florida. Every May Loggerhead Sea Turtles leave
the gulf waters during the night and crawl to shore to lay
eggs in a sandy nest they dig on the beach. The Loggerhead
eggs remain in the nest for two months before the hatchlings
make their journey back to the sea. Nesting season runs
from May 1 through October 31, 2012. Loggerheads
typically lay their eggs from May through August, with
hatching occurring between July and October. Of the 100
eggs that a female Loggerhead will lay in a nest, it is likely
that only one will return safely to the sea after hatching.
According to Haverfield, protecting the Loggerhead Sea
Turtle is critical in maintaining a healthy ecosystem in
Southwest Florida. Sea turtles act as grazing animals that
cut the sea grass short and help maintain the health of the
Contributed Photo
A baby loggerhead sea turtle makes the journey from its nest to the Gulf of
Mexico.
In St. Matthew's Debate,
the Numbers Count
By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs This is certainly not how
I ever thought people would come to know
my name, said Jeanne Watson of BSafe
Bonita, as she sat in a booth at Perkins
restaurant on Beach Road.
Sitting quietly next to Watson was her
three year old, enjoying his bribe of French
fries and watching an iPad movie while his
mom talked about a topic that preoccupies
her and many others around Bonita these
days, St. Matthews House proposed homeless
shelter on Old 41 just north of the Center
for the Arts.
My children are the most important
thing to me in the world, said Watson. I
feel their security is compromised if this
goes through.
Watson is co-founder of BSafe Bonita, a
Continued on page A4 Continued on page A18
YMCA
Reopens A9, A20 & A22
Manatee Release B1
Bonita Fire EMS A7
Youth Theater A10
Make-A-Wish
Fundraiser A15
Pet Ambulance A16
Prevent Bullying B12
Commentary A22
Restaurant Guide
B12-B15
Page A2 Southwest Spotlight June 2012
This month
A7 Lee Commission U-turn
on Bonita Fire EMS
A7 Two New Bonita
Dog Parks
A7 Simmons Call to
Action Swamps
City Hall
A9 Bonita Springs
YMCA Reopens
A10 Youth Theater
A12 Bizarre Hurricane
Check Lists
A15 Haircut-a-thon for
Make-A-Wish
A17 Small Business
Development Center
A20 Heritage Tourism at
Shangri La
A20 Dog Track Slots Vote
Approved
A22 Is St. Matts Application
Really Exempt?
B1 Manatee Released into
Estero Bay
B4 Anthonys Trattoria
joins Bonita Chamber
B6 Star Gazing
B6 Distance Without
Gimmicks
B7 Night of the Raccoon
B10 She believed
She Could
B12 Preventing Bullying
B12 Summer Reading
Opens Magical Worlds
Every Issue
A7 Up and Down the Trail
A11 Teacher Spotlight
Summer Plans
A14 Spotlight Real Estate
Watch
A15 Opportunities to give back
A16 Bonita Business Beat
Southwest Florida
Veterinary Specialists
A18 Community Updates
A21 Sunset of the Month
A22 Commentary
A22 City Council Corner
B1 Why I Love Living
in Bonita Springs
Andrea Case
B2 Events
B4 Ribbon Cuttings
B6 Bonita Nature Place
B6 Tee Box Tips
B7 The Other Ben
B8 Bonita's Best Friends
B9 Spotlight Adoptions
B9 Dog of the Month
B9 BTV Schedule
B10 Artist Spotlight
Heather Clegg
B12 Mind & Sould
B12 Meg-A-Mom
B14 Restaurant Guide
Lynette Grout Pam Doyle
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Pam Doyle
Locally owned and
operated since 2010
(239) 287-6474
info@swspotlight.com
PO Box 1946
Bonita Springs, FL 34133
Southwest Spotlight, LLC
swspotlight.com
S O U T H W E S T
JUNE 2012 Vol.3, No.6 FREE

Publisher
Peter A. O'Flinn
peter@swspotlight.com
Editor
Meghan Easterly
Advertising Sales
Teri Lamaine
Kathy O'Flinn
Office Manager
Katie O'Flinn
Contributing Writers
Bill Barnes
Charles J. Cavaliere
D. K. Christi
Martha Crider
Max Harris
Dorota Harris
Josh Musselman
Ben Nelson Jr.
Patricie Shields
Peter R. O'Flinn
Heather Thomson
George White
Contributing Photographers
David Michael
Vicki White
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June 2012 Southwest Spotlight Page A3
Cliff Cheryl
ASID Project Mgr
Judy
Allied ASID
Lois
Designer
FURNISHINGS
&
non-profit group of hun-
dreds of area residents that
has emerged as a principal
opponent of the St Matthews
House plan.
Watson left a career with
Johnson and Johnson to
move to Bonita with her
family seven years ago. She
holds a masters degree in
international business man-
agement and studied psy-
chology as an undergraduate.
I believe that Vann has
good intentions in his heart,
said Watson, referring to
Vann Ellison, the chief exec-
utive of St. Matthews House.
Most people dont agree
with me on that.
I think he is probably
blinded by the good he can
do for some people, blinded
to the harm he can do to
other people. I dont believe
they understand how much
this is affecting peoples lives
and how upset people are. I
think he is extremely pas-
sionate about what he does.
When asked, sitting in
his office on Airport Road,
Vann Ellison agreed that,
yes, he is passionate. After
college Ellison studied to be
a minister, and has spent his
28-year career as a Christian
guy working in a secular
field trying to bring back
broken folks.
I am motivated, I am
driven by our mission, said
Ellison. I believe God called
us to help the poor and the
less fortunate in a reasonable
way. We dont believe in a
sloppy program where you
allow people anything.
Enabling does not help drug
addicts get sober, does not
help homeless people get
their lives together. We are
as tightly structured a pro-
gram as you can find any-
where.
Central Figures
Watson and Ellison are
central figures in the latest
iteration of St. Matthews
House quest for a homeless
shelter in Bonita. They spoke
with the Spotlight in separate
extended interviews about
their assessment of the situ-
ation.
There is a complete lack
of trust on both sides, was
Ellisons frank feeling, a view
that is not disputed.
How Big?
Several issues surround
the proposed shelter. But
perhaps the most significant
question is what would
appear the simplest. Exactly
how big will it be?
That has been an area of
contention and a source of
confusion.
On April 17, a land use
application for a St.
Matthews House facility was
filed with the Citys com-
munity development depart-
ment.
The application proposed,
a 260-bed homeless shelter
facility will be developed in
phases with the first phase
consisting of 126 beds.
Shortly after the applica-
tion for a 260-bed shelter
was filed a published report
appeared in a regional news-
paper. What Ellison wanted,
it stated, was a 62-bed shelter
for single women and chil-
dren. Fort Myers social serv-
ice providers were quoted
as extolling its small size and
use. The proposed shelter
could support about 120
beds, the report stated.
My honest take is that
they are trying to sell the
project by saying 60 beds,
Watson told the Spotlight.
They want buy in from the
community so they are say-
ing what they think people
will accept, which would be
60 beds for women and chil-
dren. That is not very threat-
ening, especially if it is run
properly. If it were an appro-
priate size, with women and
children, it is something I
myself would want to be
involved with.
In my honest opinion,
its a sales technique. Thats
all it is.
While Ellison takes excep-
tion to that view (he has
been advocating for a smaller
shelter for two years, he said),
I know that we have caused
some of our own problems,
he said.
When we say we are
going to open with a 60-
bed shelter, and we submit
plans for a 260-bed shelter,
I know that puts us in a sit-
uation where I cant defend
that. I wish we had not cre-
ated any appearance or illu-
sion that we are going to be
something that we are not.
Just because we are per-
mitted to have something
does not mean we have to
have it. I dont want to man-
age a 260 bed facility and
there is no need for a 260
bed facility in Bonita
Springs.
In mid-May, an amended
land use application was
filed, which if approved
would entitle St. Matthews
to a 168-bed shelter. The
first building phase would
include up to 84 beds,
according to the amended
application.
For two years we are
willing to cap the number
at 60 for female and family
residents, said Ellison. We
keep trying to adapt to the
needs of the community.
After a track record is estab-
lished, he believes, People
will say, What were we so
irrational about?
Two Meetings
The 60-bed shelter for
women and children was a
topic at two meetings earlier
in the month when Ellison,
St. Matthews board chair
Rick Fumo and board mem-
ber Joe Trachtenberg trav-
elled to Bonita.
The first, with Mayor Ben
Nelson Jr. and City Manager
Carl Schwing, was held at
the offices of Nelson Marine.
When they left, I was just
disappointed, said Nelson.
They seemed angry. They
seemed angry with our com-
munity. I thought, How is
that going to work out?
Ellison too was disap-
pointed, They were asking
us, Will you negotiate against
yourself? he said. We were
told we could not be prom-
ised any City Council sup-
port That is as weak and
timid a response as you can
get, and we gave a timid
response as well.
The next stop that day
for Ellison and his colleagues
was the clubhouse at Cedar
Creek, where they met with
Jeanne Watson and other
BSafe leaders.
A minister in our neigh-
borhood had spoken with
Vann, said Watson, and
they decided it would be a
good idea to get both parties
together to put things in
writing, that Vann wanted
to compromise and would
be ok with a small shelter
for women and children.
But the Cedar Creek
St. Matts
from page A1
Continued on page A18
My honest take is that they are trying to
sell the project by saying 60 beds
Its a sales technique. Thats all it is.
Jeanne Watson, co-founder of BSafe Bonita.
I wish we had not created any appearance
or illusion that we are going to be something
that we are not.
Vann Ellison, chief executive
of St. Matthews House.
Spotlight Staff Report
staff@swspotlight.com
Lee Commission
Makes U-turn on
Bonita Fire EMS
Ambulance
Commissioner Tammy Hall changed her
mind.
So Bonita Springs Fire and Rescue District
now will get the process it wants in its bid
to run emergency ambulance transportation.
On May 22 Lee County Commissioners,
with Hall voting with the 3-2 majority,
approved hiring an independent hearing
officer to review Bonita Fires request to
take over ambulance transportation in Bonita
Springs from Lee Countys own Emergency
Medical Service department.
Bonita Fire prefers the hearing officer
process, rather than Lee County Commis-
sioners making the decision on their own.
Ultimately, after receiving the hearing officers
recommendation, Lee Commissioners will
decide on Bonita Fires request.
In February, Hall was also among a 3-2
majority, in a vote that ended a previously
approved hearing officer process before it
started. At that time Hall stated that money
for a hearing officer process could better be
used for other County purposes. She also
expressed concern about potential fragmen-
tation of the Lee EMS system if Bonita
Fires bid was successful.
Having been discarded in February, the
hearing examiner process was not on the
agenda for the May 22 County Commissioner
meeting. Rather County Commissioners
held their own public hearing on Bonita
Fires ambulance transportation application,
and indications were that it would be turned
down.
As the hearing began, with just ten min-
utes allocated for a presentation, Bonita
Fires case had a hell hath no wrath like a
fire district scorned feel to it. Maggie
Mooney-Portale, Bonita Fires attorney,
promptly raised objections necessary to
place on the record so we can present the
proper record for a potential review in
court. She expressed concerns about her
clients due process rights. Calling the pro-
ceeding quasi-judicial she called for wit-
nesses to be sworn and cross-examined and
to be informed of all the facts upon which
this Commission acts. The District has
reason to believe that improper ex-parte
communications have occurred with mem-
bers of this Commission, she said. Assistant
County Attorney Andrea Fraser disagreed,
saying the Countys decision was a legislative,
not quasi-judicial, matter.
Early on Bonita Fire presenters appeared
to be speed-reading to meet the ten-minute
limit, but the limit was soon relaxed. Bonita
Fire emphasized that the Lee EMS system
was overstretched in the recent snowbird
season, resulting in significant response
delays. Bonita is like an island in Lee County,
said one speaker. Others emphasized that
over 80 percent of Bonita non-trauma
patients are taken to Collier County hospitals
at their request. The current system was
wasteful since both Bonita Fire and Lee
EMS respond to calls, said another.
The current system is working well, said
EMS Chief Kim Dickerson, who disputed
Bonita Fire assertions regarding quality of
service. Lee Memorial Hospital Chief exec-
utive Jim Nathan, among others, spoke on
behalf of Lee EMS.
Each side contested the others financial
projections.
At the end of two hours of presentations,
a majority of the Commissioners appeared
to have second thoughts about making a
decision on Bonita Fires application that
day, and instead seized on Commissioner
Ray Judahs motion to, once again, proceed
down the path of hiring a hearing officer.
Two New Bonita
Dog Parks Being
Talked About
At Bonita City Council chambers in mid
May, consideration was given to the devel-
opment of not one, but two, new dog parks
in the city. The Mayhood property, off East
Terry Street, was identified as a possible
location. A rigorous discussion ensued.
Would one park suit the purpose, or would
small dogs not get along with big dogs?
What is a large dog and what is a small dog?
How would the park be fenced?
Is the current dog beach good enough?
No, said one member. Some dogs dont
swim. Its a long way to drive, said another,
and we shouldnt be wasting gas.
I like what we are doing here, but can
we come back for a future meeting, said
Mayor Rosemarie Masala after a prolonged
discussion. A motion to get more facts on
the dog park was promptly approved.
Mayor Marsala? What ever happened to
Ben Nelson?
The mayor and her fellow councilmem-
bers are students at Bonita Middle School,
now formally known as Bonita Springs Mid-
dle Center for the Arts. The mock City
Council meeting was part of student gov-
ernment day at Bonita City Hall. Steve
McIntosh, truly a Bonita Springs City
Council member, organized the event.
Sydney Brooke, James Cobett, Jacob
Franklin, Alyssa Hall, Jose Maqueda, Des-
tiney Prevatt and Monica Stauffer partici-
pated. Bonitas City Council members
mentored the students for three hours.
Students rotated among the chairs of
Bonitas City Council members as they dis-
cussed four different agenda items. There
seemed to be a special karma attached to
the chair of Council member Bill Lonkart,
who prides himself as a fiscal watchdog.
Students who sat there seemed to be tight
with the buck, at least for the moment.
That is all well and good, but why cant
we have a cost benefit analysis, said Marsala
as she sat in Lonkarts chair and discussed a
proposed weather station. Twenty minutes
later James Cobett had his turn. Why not
charge for admission to the dog park, he
said, just like a toll road. A bemused Lonkart
looked on.
The students were thoughtful, outspoken
and humorous. By all appearances, they
had a great time and learned a lot.
Simmons
Call to Action
Swamps City Hall
Perhaps City Councilman Peter Sim-
mons interest was piqued by a report, pub-
lished in a regional newspaper, proposing
the notion that the volume of email traffic
into City Hall was a gauge of citizen interest
about the proposed St. Matthews homeless
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Up and Down the Trail
BE A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT:
JOIN THE BONITA SPRINGS YMCA!
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27200 Kent Road
239.221.7560

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YMCA staff, board members and community leaders were on hand to
cut the ribbon during the reopening of the Bonita Springs YMCA on
Sat., May 26, 2012. Hundreds of area families were in attendance en-
joying activities, entertainment, food, ice cream, exercise demonstra-
tions and more.
Mayor Ben Nelson Jr. shakes hands with South County Family YMCA Ken
Modzelewski during the reopening of the Bonita Springs YMCA on Sat., May
26, 2012.
Tae Kwon Do students give a demonstration to visitors during the grand re-
opening of the Bonita Springs YMCA on May 26, 2012. Tae Kwon Do classes
will begin later in the summer.
Families enjoyed the pool together at the grand reopening of the Bonita Springs
YMCA on Sat., May 26, 2012.
Workers cleaned and repaired
playground equipment, cleaned
up vandalized property and
mulched the grounds in the weeks
leading up to the YMCA reopen-
ing.
Bonita
Springs
YMCA
Reopens
After Much
Hard Work
During the YMCA opening, the front desk
was crowded with families signing up for
the special $99 summer membership.
Two-year-old Ella Serrano plays with
toys in the childcare room. Childwatch
is free to YMCA members while they
are exercising. Other programs includ-
ing daycare, and after school pro-
grams will be held in this room.
The Lee County Sheriffs Youth Activi-
ties League Archery was at the YMCA
opening, teaching youth archery
skills.
In the weeks before
the YMCA opening,
workers were busy
painting, cleaning,
and taking stock of
inventory in prepa-
ration for children
and families. This
room is used for
Childwatch and
childcare programs
including daycare,
and after school pro-
grams.
Meghan Easterly | meghan@swspotlight.com
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs The lights
dim, the audience at the
Caf in the Promenade,
Bonita Springs is hushed.
Parents, guardians, family,
friends and general theater
lovers watch for their favorite
youth actor on stage. Its
another performance by the
Youth Theater of the Center
for the Arts of Bonita
Springs, the culmination of
10 weeks that began with
auditions, included free act-
ing lessons, and took inter-
ested young people to the
world of professional theater.
Youth actors are only one
aspect of the performance;
behind the scenes, young
artists and designers work
with sets and costumes and
support activities that make
the performance run
smoothly and successfully.
The Youth Theater is
designed to attract area
youth, 18 years and younger,
and build their theater
knowledge. Youth also serve
as the backstage and tech-
nical crew for each show.
Sound and lighting techni-
cians as well as backstage
crew and stage managers
are always needed and equal
the importance of actors.
Stuart Little auditions
begin June 6 and 7 for the
production eight weeks later,
August 3 and August 4.
Potential actors schedule an
appointment and everything
is ready for them when they
arrive. There is no need to
prepare a monologue for
the audition. Just be ready
to have fun, said Craig Price,
Performing Arts and Youth
Theater Director. Auditions
are held at the Promenade,
Space #114. Its a very indi-
vidualized process based
entirely on talent potential.
Beauty and the Beast just
finished May 25 and 26 to a
full house (audience capacity
is 200) that enjoyed a pro-
fessional, live performance
for a mere $5 ticket price,
including intermission
refreshments.
Patrice Shields, Marketing
Manager for the Center for
the Arts of Bonita Springs
emphasizes the free aspects
of the Youth Theater. This
is professional acting school
for free! Craig Price is a
trained actor. His gift his
absolute gift is to bring
out the best in the children.
They love him and the pro-
gram. Shows are amazing.
He uses improv to help bring
out the actor in those who
are shy so they are more
relaxed, more comfortable
in front of an audience. They
gain confidence; those who
are already confident actors
become even more profes-
sional.
Price, who performs with
Naples City Improv, brings
a Second City experience
to the classes he teaches at
the Center for the Arts of
Bonita Springs. He trained
at The Second City and
Improv Olympic in Chicago
and studied with the same
teacher who taught Tina
Fey, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray
and Gilda Radner. Price also
coordinates the talent that
performs at Live! at the
Promenade. His goals for
promising theater students
include building self-esteem,
establishing confidence and
teaching teamwork, so the
light shines in their eyes
with pride from their expe-
rience, says Price. My
favorite experience that
comes back from the kids
is when I see the light go on
in their eyes and they say,
oh, I get it, and thats the
most wonderful feeling a
director can ever have.
The schedule of rehearsals
is usually three hours, two
days a week. In summer,
rehearsals may occur more
often, but attempts are made
to schedule them convenient-
ly with other activities. It is
a great self-confidence build-
ing program.
Youngsters engaged in
making sets, costumes and
props, as part of a separate
Art Center summer camp
program, enjoy a bonus:
they work with volunteer
artist Jackie Morelisse.
She uses her artistic tal-
ent to turn recycled materials
into costumes and produc-
tion sets that are creatively
exciting, adds Shields. Her
artistic design provides
another dimension to the
education experience en-
joyed by the children.
There are separate fees
for the summer camp pro-
gram. The acting program
and the stage production
for Stuart Little are tuition
free.
Youth Theater Encourages Young Actors
Submitted Photo
James Corbett tries on the Beast as Prince cos-
tume made from recycled materials for the Center
for the Arts of Bonita Springs Youth Theater produc-
tion of Beauty and the Beast.
Submitted Photo
Set designer Jackie Morelisse adjusts a prop made
from recycled materials for the Center for the Arts
of Bonita Springs Youth Theater production of
Beauty and the Beast.
Youth Theater Stuart Little Auditions
When: June 6 and 7
Where: Promenade space #114
Information: 239-495-8989
Teacher Spotlight
Summer Plans
By Heather Thomson
heather@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Schools around the country are all abuzz
with excitement as the year winds down and the two most
exciting words in educational vernacular are whispered ear-
to-ear: Summer Vacation. The sun has become stronger,
pools have gotten warmer, and kids everywhere are gearing
up for the best eleven weeks of the year. But the students
arent the only ones anxiously tapping their sneakers on the
floor, waiting for that last bell to signal freedom.
Teachers everywhere are preparing for their own
vacations once the hallways are cleared. From visiting
family to volunteer work, or even starting a new chapter
of life, the people entrusted with the education of the next
generation are receiving a much-needed and well-deserved
break.
The Spotlight spoke with two such teachers in our area,
asking: What are your plans this summer?
Kenner Muench, Bonita Springs Middle Center for the
Arts, 6th grad Language Arts: I am flying to California to
visit Yosemite, Monterey , Santa Ynez Valley, then Santa
Barbara. We will hike, bike, kayak and sail. After California
I travel to Eerie, PA to visit with a friend and her family. I
will then fly from Eerie, PA to my familys house in Vermont.
Finally I will arrive back in town just in time for school to
start, in fact the day before schools starts.
Jim Paciello, Bonita Springs Elementary School, 2nd
grade: Ive been teaching 44 years total, 12 of which have
been here [at BSE]. Im retiring. My wife, Doris, and I have
two daughters in Tennessee, and one is married with a child.
Our plan is to relocate there so we can be close to them and
our grandchild and future grandchildren. Its been such a
pleasure working for Mr. Short. I love the small community feeling here. My round trip here is
around 50 miles. People always say Im crazy to drive this far, with so many great schools close to
me. But I always tell them that if they had my job they wouldnt be saying that. Teaching has
been such a gift and a joy to me. Ill really miss it.
Kenner Muench
Jim Paciello
Bonita Springs Water.
Check. Batteries. Check.
Rum. Check?
For those who have
weathered a few hurricanes
in Southwest Florida, the
checklist for a hurricane kit
can include some fairly
bizarre items.
I need an industrial fan,
said Angela Cox. I mean
one that takes one entire
generator to run. That and
water, I dont mean water
to drink, I mean large
amounts of hot water for
showering. We went for 15
days with no power and we
were on a well.
The weather after a hur-
ricane is so unbelievably
hot and humid that with
no AC, it takes an industrial
fan to blow the heat out of
the room one wishes to sleep
in. For most of us, even
with no power, water or
most importantly air con-
ditioning in the wake of a
hurricane, we still have to
go to work. Co workers typ-
ically dont appreciate work-
ing around those who have
not showered for 15 days
after living in a steam sauna.
Some recommend the
portable camping showers
that you can hang from a
hook or a nearby tree. Just
be sure not to hang it where
your neighbors can see you,
there may be housing asso-
ciation restrictions about
showering in your front
yard.
Rum, replied Arron
Arce. That and my guitar
and some close friends.
Alcohol seems to be one
of the most popular answers
for hurricane kits. When a
category four comes bar-
reling down on you in your
concrete-block house, some-
times you need a little
courage. For Arce, the guitar
helps ward off boredom and
keep friends calm.
I need enough battery
power on my phone or lap-
top to check the hurricane
center updates, said
Meghan Easterly. I never
watch the news, it is terri-
fying, and they dont know
more than what the Nation-
al Hurricane Center tells
them, so I just need enough
power to check their web
site and let me know how
the hurricane is moving.
That, and a canoe, just in
case.
Easterly moved to Florida
during the last major rounds
of hurricanes that hit Florida
nearly 10 years ago.
I never minded the
hurricanes as long as I had
friends around, Easterly
said. But Wilma hit just
after Katrina missed us and
wiped out New Orleans,
so I did tie a canoe to my
porch railing, just in case
we got trapped on our roof.
I lived at the tip of a penin-
sula on a bay so my house
was completely surrounded
by water.
I know there arent the
same kind of levies here,
but watching all of those
people trapped was terrify-
ing. I had life jackets, a water
proof flash light and a VHF
radio packed in it.
Extra generators, said
Bob Luther.
Luther has enough gen-
erators to keep his house
running comfortably. He
has, in the past, gathered
extra to lend to those in
need.
We were supposed to
get a direct hit from Charlie
but instead it hit Punta
Gorda, Luther said. We
drove up there and lent gen-
erators to people who had
no power.
They lent the generators,
chaining them up with locks
so that nobody would steal
them from the people they
had lent them to.
People at first thought
we were trying to sell them,
a lot of people were trying
to profit from the hurri-
cane, Luther said. We said,
no, but if we ever take a hit
in Bonita, come down and
help us out. Thats what
neighbors do.
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Where You Are Treated With Respect
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239.949.4933
25241 Bernwood Dr.,
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Bonita Springs
(Between the Old 41 Restaurant
and the Lee County Tax Office)
Bonita Beach Rd.
Bernwood Pkwy
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Bizarre Hurricane Check Lists
I need an industrial
fan. I mean one that
takes an entire
generator to run.
Angela Cox
Staff Photo | staff@swspotlight.com
Local hurricane kits can include some interesting
items along with the necessities.
National Hurricane Center
Disaster Supply Kit
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days; non-perishable
packaged or canned food / juices; foods for infants or the
elderly; snack foods; non-electric can opener; cooking
tools / fuel; paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery
and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and
ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or
watertight resealable plastic bag; insurance, medical
records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items; proper identification / immunization
records / medications; ample supply of food and water; a
carrier or cage; muzzle and leash
Hurricane Information and Updates: www.nhc.noaa.gov
VISIT THE NEW
www.swspotlight.com
www.swspotlight.com www.swspotlight.com
"Rum. That and my
guitar and some
close friends."
Arron Arce
Hard-to-nd batteries
& light bulbs
Experts for both
t FREE battery testing
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with energy options
t Business accounts welcome
BONITA SPRINGS
24830 S. Tamiami Trail
(US 41 & Pelican Landing)
239.405.8143
Mon-Fri 8 - 8, Sat 9 - 6, Sun 10 - 4
Discover Batteries Plus, today, and nd the
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Limit 2. Not valid with any other oers.
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405.8143
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By Bill Barnes
Chief Executive Officer
Bonita Springs Estero
Association of Realtors
Bonita Springs The April
Bonita Springs Estero real
estate market reports are
showing two trends which
are exciting and good news
for buyers, sellers and real
estate professionals in all
areas.
The sale of single family
homes is now in the second
month of increases in units.
April saw 119 homes sold
which is 22 more than
March and 37 more than
February. However, the sin-
gle family sales are centered
in the under $400,000 price
line where 66 percent of all
sales took place, and where
20 percent of those were in
the $100,000 to $200,000
range. This is balanced off
by the million dollar plus
price range which just had
its strongest month in 2012.
Secondly, condominium/
villa sales are also on a two-
month increase since Feb-
ruary. April sales topped
out at 169 which is 83 more
than February in the peak
of the season. This large
increase was in the $100,000
to $200,000 range which
included 49 percent of all
condo sales. There were
however 11 condominium
/villa sales over $600,000;
these were all reported
through the Multiple Listing
Service as there may have
been more sales made
directly from on-site sales
centers which are not
reported through the MLS
systems here in the Bonita
Springs Estero market.
On the downside of our
market, the number of sin-
gle family homes entering
the market has plunged
from a high of 260 in Jan-
uary to 147 in April. This
reduction in inventory has
been noted by brokers who
report that the listing spe-
cialists in their offices are
challenged in securing sell-
ers. There are some sellers
in the market, but due to
the fact that they are upside
down in their mortgage
balances over the appraised
price, there is no chance of
a sale in the near future. As
the market prices do rise,
appraisals should help bring
sellers out from being
underwater, however this
may be some months ahead.
The condominium in-
ventory still stays full as the
incoming units, totaling 208,
are above the 169 units sold,
thus providing a nice choice
for buyers and investors. A
point of interest relating to
condominium renters is that
they should exercise extreme
Spotlight Real Estate Watch
Reports are showing
two trends which are
exciting and good news
for buyers.
Monthly Transactions
Number of real estate transactions
in the Bonita Springs Estero market
Highlights
from Aprils top 10 sales
26370 Woodlyn Dr.
Bonita Bay
$2,400,000
27080 Hickory Blvd.
Bonita Beach
$1,650,000
22100 Reserve Estates Dr.
Shadow Wood at the Brooks

$1,433,000
3673 Heron Point Ct.
Pelican Landing
$1,135,000
2010
January 160
February 175
March 219
April 263
May 174
June 179
July 144
August 132
September 121
October 80
November 177
December 177
2011
January 165
February 215
March 271
April 312
May 236
June 216
July 183
August 189
September 183
October 133
November 153
December 188
2012
January 195
February 170
March 256
April 294
0
20
40
60
80
00
20 0 2
4
0 0
80
60
40
20
0
Make-A-Wish Founda-
tion of Southern Florida
The Make-A-Wish Foun-
dation of Southern Florida
has been granting the wishes
of children with life-threat-
ening medical conditions
since 1983. They began by
granting two wishes 28 years
ago and in 2011, granted
537 wishes. The chapter
serves children ages 2 -18
who live in Broward, Collier,
Glades, Hendry, Highlands,
Indian River, Lee, Martin,
Miami-Dade, Monroe,
Okeechobee, Palm Beach
and St. Lucie counties, plus
children of the US Virgin
Islands. Information:
www.sfla.wish.org.
The Hair Gallery Salon
of Bonita Springs is part-
nering with Make-A-Wish
Southern Florida with a goal
to raise $2,500 during the
month of June. They will
hold a haircut-a-thon on
Sat., June 23 with all proceeds
benefitting Make-A-Wish
Southern Florida. Appoint-
ments will be taken between
the hours of 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. and can be made by
calling 239-949-4CUT. Raffle
tickets will be sold and dona-
tions accepted. Where: The
Hair Gallery in the Fresh
Market Plaza at 27241 Bay
Landing Drive, Suite 5. Infor-
mation: 239-949-4CUT.
PACE Center for Girls
PACE Center for Girls of
Lee County serves girls ages
12 to 18 by offering year
round counseling and aca-
demic services. PACE girls
are those who are facing
challenges such as foster care,
domestic violence, abuse and
neglect, death of a parent,
substance abuse and/or fam-
ily history of incarceration.
Love that Dress
Each year
Love that
Dress asks the
S o ut hwe s t
Florida com-
munity to
donate new
and gently used dresses to
raise money for PACE Center
for Girls of Lee County. After
collecting the dresses, an
evening in August is reserved
to sell the dresses back to
women in the community.
Dress collection parties began
in March and will continue
until the event. On Tues.,
June 12, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Gulfcoast Coin & Jewelry will
be collecting dresses for Love
That Dress. For the collection
party those attending are
required to bring a used or
new dress to donate. There
will be prize drawings, wine
tasting, hors doeuvres, cup-
cakes, a live auction, music
and a giant coin toss. Where:
25987 S. Tamiami Trail. Cost:
One dress. Information: www.
gulfcoastcoin.com or 239-
333-2646.
Opportunities
to Give Back
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Wendy
Arsenault, is one of a kind.
Owner of Southwest Florida
Veterinary Specialists and
24-hour Emergency Hospital
in Bonita Springs, Arsenault
is one of only 225 veterinary
cardiac specialists in North
America. She is the only one
in Southwest Florida. In Jan-
uary, she began offering the
community the only fully
medically equipped pet
ambulance in Florida for
emergency and non-emer-
gency pet transport. About
six operate in the U.S. This
one is a slightly modified
former ambulance that now
includes an oxygen chamber
for smaller animals in addi-
tion to the standard emer-
gency life-saving equipment.
The pet ambulance pro-
vides non-emergency trans-
port for those animals whose
owners have difficulty such
as an elderly person, or pets
needing emergency care en
route with a technician on
board. It also provides emer-
gency care that may require
a team. This includes at-
home euthanasia if the fam-
ilys general veterinarian does
not provide it. Calls are spo-
radic but sufficient to war-
rant the specialized vehicle.
In fact, the practice itself
will be expanding soon by
adding surgery as a referral
service. Most patients are
cats and dogs although a
horse and a few exotic pets
have been patients.
We do not practice gen-
eral veterinary medicine but
instead work as a team with
local vets concerned with
the best interests of pets and
family, said Arsenault. Refer-
rals are the main source of
patients. Our motto is to
focus on quality of care,
quality of service and quality
of life.
The focus is on the pet,
pet owner and general vet-
erinarians.
My vet referred me here
to get help for Maddi, she
has congestive heart failure,
said Mary Halpin, waiting
in the lobby. After two weeks
on medication, Maddi is
doing fine, just a little cough
still. Shes a teacup Chi-
huahua, just five pounds.
What she means to me is
indescribable. I will do any-
thing for her. I never want
her to suffer.
Arsenaults caring was
evident in the parting words
after the consultation, con-
tact me immediately if the
cough comes back dont
wait for the recheck.
Arsenault started her spe-
cialty practice traveling to
the general practice veteri-
nary offices from 2003 to
2007, providing cardiac serv-
ices. Since 2007, the location
at 28400 Old 41 Road has
proved easy for patients and
referring veterinarians to
find and appropriate for the
planned expansion. The facil-
ities are modern and spotless.
Pets are absolutely family
members for most of our
clients, often providing ther-
apeutic benefits, such as low-
ering blood pressure,
according to Arsenault. She
also provides pro-bono car-
diac screening services to
the Southeastern Guide Dogs
for their breeding dogs and
is building relationships with
local rescue groups with dis-
counted services.
What does she do in her
spare time?
I often dont see the light
of day, but I spend those
times with my two children
at sporting events, school
events and boating, she said.
Shes glad that she moved
from upstate New York to
Southwest Florida.
Its way too cold up
there, she said.
Pet owners in Southwest
Florida benefit from Arse-
naults desire to be a vet since
childhood. Her education
path included North Car-
olina State, University of Illi-
nois and her cardiology
specialty at Texas A & M.
Current staff members
include Michelle Patrick,
VMD, MS, Residency
Trained Internal Medicine
and A. Nichole Hooper,
DVM, Residency Trained
Emergency/Critical Care.
The pet ambulance gets
around town for more than
emergencies. It was featured
at Celebrate Bonita and other
local events and will be part
of Dog Daze at the Miracles
Hammond Stadium June 14
for the 7 p.m. game.
The brochures remind pet
owners that there is a doctor
on duty 24 hours a day, 365
days a year. No appointments
or referrals are necessary
to be seen by the emer-
gency service. The bright
green pet ambulance shares
the 24/7/365 duty.
Bonita Business Beat
Pet Ambulance One of a Kind
Wendy Arsenault, owner of Southwest Florida Veterinary Specialists and 24-hour Emergency Hospital in
Bonita Springs offers the only fully medically equipped pet ambulance in Florida.
We do not practice
general veterinary
medicine but
instead work as a
team with local vets
concerned with the
best interests of pets
and family.
Wendy Arsenault.
The pet ambulance is a slightly modified former am-
bulance that now includes an oxygen chamber for
smaller animals in addition to the standard emer-
gency life-saving equipment.
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Harry
Looknanan, Jr., Certified
Business Analyst for the
Florida Gulf Coast University
Small Business Development
Center, worked with over
100 small businesses in Boni-
ta Springs alone as part of
his five-county responsibil-
ities this year. What does
worked with mean?
The SBDC is a free and
low cost service funded by
the Small Business Admin-
istration to encourage small
business start ups and to
encourage the expansion of
existing businesses,
answered Looknanan. I
bring my own corporate,
trade association and small
business experience to help
with strategic planning.
From corporations,
three basic ideas benefit small
businesses: have a plan; focus
on execution of that plan
and measure results.
These three concepts are
incorporated in the assis-
tance Looknanan provides
as a mentor and teacher for
the development of business
plans, marketing plans and
production plans.
Looknanan has an
impressive resume. A degree
in Finance from the Uni-
versity of Texas was followed
with participation in the
passage of NAFTA while
working with a Texas trade
association as well as expe-
rience with corporate giants:
Dell Computers, J. P. Mor-
gan, Bank of America and
Suntrust. He also worked
with a Small Business Devel-
opment Center in Texas. In
Florida, he experienced the
small business arena in com-
mercial real estate.
It takes more than expe-
rience to travel the small
business landscape, said
Looknanan. Politics plays
a role in economic devel-
opment competition for
limited resources.
Sometimes, its my role
as a counselor and mentor
that makes the difference.
New businesses may need
encouragement to move
through difficult times.
Because we plan with infinite
detail; the success is built
in. They just need to follow
their plans, adds Look-
nanan.
Another common diffi-
culty for both new and
expanding businesses is
access to capital. Finding the
way through this game
changing world to seek
financing is part of Look-
nanans expertise.
Recently, a ribbon cut-
ting ceremony marked the
opening of Cottage Num-
ber One at Riverside Park
where Looknanan will offer
his assistance on the first
and third Wednesdays each
month. Looknanan is bi-
lingual, an asset in helping
local Spanish speaking busi-
ness owners. In addition
to personal business coun-
seling, the SBDC offers
classes locally that are free
or very small fees on spe-
cific business needs: Quick-
books, financial statements,
legal issues, marketing plans
and more. In the future,
these classes will also be
available in Spanish in
Bonita Springs.
The second and fourth
Wednesdays of each month,
Looknanan is found at the
Bonita Springs Chamber of
Commerce.
The cooperation among
the various organizations
such as the Chamber of
Commerce and the City of
Bonita Springs helps me
provide the best service for
the community, said Look-
nanan. The City Council
and Mayor of Bonita Springs
issued a proclamation in
support of the SBDC for
National Small Business
Week, May 21. Business
nominees from Bonita
Springs are eligible for the
SBDC Entrepreneur of the
Year Awards during National
Small Business Week.
Theres no better proof
of a services success than a
successful client. Pat Vavreks
experience has many ele-
ments that fit todays eco-
nomic scene. Vavrek lost her
position from the downturn
in the economy, and search-
ing for a new one as an older,
experienced worker was dis-
appointing. She lost her posi-
tion because her accounting
position was outsourced.
Herein lies the irony: Vavrek
decided to open her own
accounting business and be
on the receiving end of out-
sourcing.
The feasibility studies,
business plan and marketing
plan that were painfully
developed in detail with
timelines and goals under
Looknanans guidance are
the reason for my success
today, said Vavrek. Each
time I ran into difficulties,
he directed me back to my
plan where I discovered my
concerns had answers.
I once considered being
in business for myself; Look-
nanan helped it become a
reality. I thoroughly enjoy
the flexibility I gained and
the choices I have for my
own quality of life.
Vavrek attends the free
and low cost SBDC seminars
and networking meetings
and has begun lending her
expertise to the participants.
It All Adds Up, Inc. is a
reflection of her progress in
starting a business, a name
suggested by her daughter.
She continues to add services
and looks forward to each
day, sometimes lost in the
sheer enjoyment of her work.
Looknanan is making a dif-
ference among small busi-
ness owners in Bonita
Springs.
Adapting. Changing. Moving forward.
2012 Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P. A.
henlaw.com 239.344.1100
Blogs: swemploymentlawblog.com
legalscoopswre.com
FLimmigrationlawblog.com
Fort MyerssBonita SpringssSanibel
MEET OUR FLORIDA SUPER LAWYERS
HENDERSON FRANKLIN IS PLEASED TO HONOR NEARLY 40% OF OUR ATTORNEYS for being recognized for their inclusion in the 2012 edition
of Florida Super Lawyers
magazine!
Wed like to introduce you to our lawyers who
were selected as 2012 Florida Super Lawyers
# 2012 Florida Super Lawyers
Rising Star
Front row, left to right: # Suzanne Boy Employment & Labor ; Michael Corso Professional Liability: Defense; # Traci McKee Civil Litigation Defense; # John Agnew Business Litigation;
# Amanda Brock Land Use/Zoning; Robert Shearman Employment Litigation: Defense; # Shannon Puopolo Business Litigation; # Edward Canterbury Real Estate; Beth Vogelsang Family Law;
# Luis Rivera, II Business Litigation
Back row, left to right: David Cook Real Estate; Guy Whitesman Tax; John Potanovic Employment and Labor; Thomas Clark Health Care; # Matthew Belcastro Construction Litigation;
Denis Noah Real Estate; Thomas Gunderson Real Estate; Bruce Stanley Sr. Personal Injury Defense: Medical ; L. David Sims Family Law; David Platt Estate Planning and Probate;
John Noland Business/Corporate; Russell Schropp Land Use/Zoning
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Looknanan, A Big Difference for Small Business
Submitted Photo
A ribbon cutting was held for the Small Business Development Center at Cottage
Number One at Riverside Park.
Pelican Landing
Press
By Vicki White
Special to the Spotlight
Pelican Landing Pelican
Landings penchant for giv-
ing was demonstrated again
during the just completed
season, encompassing a ben-
efit golf outing, a charity
fashion show, a concert, a
Habitat for Humanity house
and a sizeable gift for the
United Way.
The concert featured local
singer Horst Krush and ben-
efited the Childrens Hospital
of Southwest Florida. The
event drew hundreds of Pel-
ican Landing residents and
proceeds went to the Pelican
Landing Childrens Hospital
Fund for the Isolation Room.
The 2nd Annual Chil-
dren's Hospital of Southwest
Florida Golf Outing attracted
200 Pelican Landing partic-
ipants. Included was a silent
auction for a golfing trip to
Scotland for two, valued at
$15,000. Another 50 resi-
dents attended the auction
and dinner later in the day
which raised $47,634.
Childrens Hospital was
also the recipient of a Charity
Fashion Show, attended by
570. Barbara Meier won a
diamond ring, Hadassah
Schulman won $1,000 in
cash, Helen Smart won fresh
flowers for a year, and Con-
nie Haas won a $500 travel
gift certificate. The show
raised $46,678 for Childrens
Hospital.
Residents completed their
ninth Habitat for Humanity
home with Roy Burton, Mike
Grimes, Bob Jaycox, Ted
Smith and Augie Turturro
composing the committee.
The Pelican Landing Singers
performed while others
cleaned house and donated
items in a Spring Cleaning.
Pelican Landing residents
donated $85,618 to United
Way. The campaign kicked
off with a United Way holi-
day sing-along, then in Jan-
uary a Second Annual "A
Little Classic and All That
Jazz" was held at the Pelican's
Nest.
Spanish Wells
Snippets
By Martha Crider
Special to the Spotlight
Spanish Wells Activities
at the club have slowed for
Food and Beverage. Golf,
tennis and fitness continue,
but at a different pace.
Golfers flock to morning tee
times, to avoid the afternoon
heat and showers.
The Mothers Day Brunch
and the Memorial Day Golf
Tournament and Barbeque
were enjoyed by several
members, and the Fourth
of July tournament is highly
anticipated. Some members
are traveling north to see
family and friends while their
weather is acceptable.
Volunteers from Spanish
Wells Cares joined the vol-
unteers from the Bonita
Chapter of Shoes That Fit
to sort and bag Back-to-
School Clothing for 500 chil-
dren in Bonitas schools. The
clothing packets will be dis-
tributed when children
return to school in August.
Spanish Wells Cares Foun-
dation, Inc., was delighted
they were able to donate
$10,000 to Shoes That Fit
to assist in purchase of the
clothing. Additional funds
are available for needs
throughout the coming
school year.
Spanish Wells Cares also
has purchased a Koala baby
changing station for the
Bonita Springs Assistance
Office (BSAO), which will
be helpful to clients who go
to the office. In addition to
that assistance, the Cares
charity organization is pur-
chasing much needed baby
items for the pantry. Funds
provided were made possible
by the many club members
who participated in the 2012
Charity Weekend events.
Everyone is enjoying the
early summer retreat from
the usual chaotic season. The
word is: Dont tell any of
our snowbirds how won-
derful it is this time of year.
The weather is great, restau-
rants offer fantastic deals
and we can navigate the
roads more easily. Whats
not to love?
sea grass beds, which provide
breeding and developmental
grounds for numerous
species of fish, shellfish and
crustaceans. Without sea
grass beds, many marine
species humans harvest
would be lost, as would the
lower levels of the food chain
resulting in many more
marine species.
While Loggerheads have
numerous natural predators
including sea birds, normal
human activity provides the
greatest threat to their sur-
vival.
The best thing that peo-
ple can do is to abide by
turtle friendly rules, advises
Haverfield.
She provided a list of
eight ways to safeguard these
endangered stewards of the
sea.
1. Shut off or shield lights
that are visible from the
beach. Close drapes or blinds
after dark. Sea Turtle hatch-
lings return to the water at
night to avoid predators.
Loggerhead hatchlings
depend on the light the
moon reflects on the water
to lead them to safety. Street
lights and house lights pose
a major threat to the hatch-
ling loggerhead. When the
hatchling turtles are misled
by a street or house light,
they will head toward it
instinctually and it is there
that they will be crushed by
cars or die from exposure
or exhaustion.
Use 25 watt yellow-bug
lights or canned directed
lighting where exterior light-
ing is necessary. Avoid using
flashlights or fishing lanterns
on the beach. Fires are not
permitted. Lee County has
a Sea Turtle Conservation
Code which is enforced. For
information regarding light-
ing, or to report a lighting
violation, call Lee County
Division of Environmental
Sciences 239-533-8353.
2. Remove beach litter
and fill in any trenches or
holes made on the beach.
Balloons, plastic bags, foam
and other non-degradable
pollutants cause the deaths
of many sea turtles who mis-
take them for food. Trenches
and holes on the beach pro-
vide a deadly hazard to the
Loggerhead as they will fall
into them and can not make
their way back out.
3. Quietly observe a nest-
ing turtle from a distance.
Do not shine any lights on
or around her she may
abandon her effort to nest.
No flash photography. Stay
behind the turtle so that she
cannot see you.
4. Do not harass a turtle.
Do not touch or prod a sea
turtle to move. Stay out of
the way as she crawls back
to the water.
5. Stack or remove beach
furniture. Loggerheads move
in one direction. If they
become entangled in beach
furniture while in route to
the sea, they will drag that
furniture with them. Once
they reach the water, the fur-
niture will cause them to
drown.
6. Keep pets on a leash
and away from sea turtles
and their nests.
7. Leave sea turtle nest
identification markers in
place on the beach.
8. Leave nest sites undis-
turbed. If you find a hatch-
ling wandering in daylight,
place it on moist sand in a
dry container, shade it and
call Turtle Time, Inc. at 239-
481-5566.
To report dead or injured
sea turtles, or, if you have
accidentally hooked a sea
turtle that is small enough
to rescue, contact Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conser-
vation Commission 1-888-
404-FWCC, or call Turtle
Time, Inc. 239-481-5566.
Following turtle friendly
rules is the best way to pro-
tect the endangered Logger-
head Sea Turtle. Volunteers
who are willing to commit
their time during hatching
season can work with and
under the supervision of
Turtle Time to help excavate
hatchlings that may be stuck
in their nests and assist in
their release. To learn more,
contact Turtle Time at
www.turtletime.org or call
239-481-5566.
Community Updates
Sea Turtles
from page A1
meeting devolved into argu-
ment early on over the pres-
ence of BSafes attorney,
whose identity was not dis-
closed at the start of the
meeting. That argument
affected the ability to get
things done, according to
participants.
The St. Matthews con-
tingent was unwilling to put
anything in writing, said
Watson. We were told they
have no way to anticipate
what the need would be
when it opens or in ten years
or in 20 years. Based on that
they will not limit themselves
to women and children. So
its a bait and switch.
Ellison offered a different
perspective. Jeanne and Greg
(Greg Coury, a leader of
BSafe) said, I can tell you
my view, but I dont know
that it will satisfy our group.
I dont know what BSafe will
do.
As with the City meeting,
Ellison believed he was being
asked to negotiate against
himself. I dont trust the
City leadership and I dont
trust the BSafe leadership
that they are going to support
us if we gave them everything
they wanted, he said.
In late May, the City spon-
sored the formation of a
task force comprised of
representatives selected by
BSafe and St. Matthews
House, as well as city repre-
sentatives. Their meetings
are closed to the public. Mar-
garet Banyan of Florida Gulf
Coast University is the facil-
itator.
Among the agenda items
for their first meeting, held
at the Bonita Grande Fire
House, were identification
of common issues and con-
cerns and expected out-
comes of the task force.
I hope we can make
some progress, said Ellison.
Are we going to come up
with a consensus that every-
body endorses? I doubt it.
Of Banyan, he said, she
has a Herculean task in front
of her.
St. Matts
from page A4
VISIT THE NEW
www.swspotlight.com
care in seeking roommates
online as there may be a
Federal Fair Housing vio-
lation taking place. There
are court cases in California
on this topic at this time.
Both single family and
condominium sales are
struggling with financing.
The National Association
of Realtors reports that in
January about 33 percent
of all sales fell through due
to financing problems.
Despite 30-year fixed rate
mortgages at 3.65 percent,
getting a loan can be chal-
lenging for anyone. A local
mortgage expert explained
that most financing prob-
lems come when buyers do
not receive or understand
the importance of detailed
documentation of all funds
and ones employment his-
tory that must be provided
at the start by a prequalifi-
cation for the mortgage
application process. Total
documentation from day
one is more important than
some minor credit problems
in assuring that your loan
will be approved and you
will close on your dream
home.
We do hope that our Eco-
nomic Development Coun-
cils in Lee County and in
Bonita Springs will help
bring buyers in manufac-
turing to our market. We
are now 100th out of 100
in manufacturing jobs in
metropolitan areas of the
country. Nationwide man-
ufac- turing jobs pay an
annual salary of $59,000,
which would provide a nice
employment base for our
housing market.
For the first time in 2012
our Top Ten sales all
exceeded one million dollars
in closed sale price. The
number one sale was for
$2,400,000 in Baywoods at
Bonita Bay. The market
leader in communities was
Bonita Bay, with six of the
Top Ten, including the top
Real Estate
from page A14
shelter, and by that measure Bonitians
cared a lot more about road con-
struction projects. Or maybe he just
wanted to be sure that views on the
homeless shelter, a topic seemingly on the tips of tongues
all around Bonita these days, were heard in certain places.
For whatever reason, a call to action from Simmons
was emailed around Bonita on May 17. Please make your
opinions known on St. Matthews, it stated, by calling or
emailing City Hall and others.
Within hours, emails and phone calls poured into City
Hall, preoccupying City staff.
Bonita YMCA reopens
Richard Garner, a 22-year resident and member of the
original Bonita YMCA task force, was recently elected as
the new chair of the Bonita Springs YMCA
Advisory Board. But when contacted about his appointment,
he wanted to talk about the efforts of Dennis Church, his
predecessor, Marjorie Rubacky, Don Thomson and other
colleagues in bringing the Y back to Bonita Springs. These
guys deserve the credit for keeping this thing going, said
Garner. They were eating, breathing and sleeping YMCA,
and worried about it. They did all the heavy lifting.
More heavy lifting. Pat Ryan and his team at the Bonita
Y recently installed almost 40 pieces of new strength training
and cardio equipment pieces (all with personal televisions)
at the Kent Road facility. It was all part of a month-long
scramble to bring the building and grounds up to snuff for
the grand reopening festival on May 26.
I have to have my list, said Ryan. I am lost without it.
His punch list included hundreds of items from life guard
chairs to painting parking lot bumpers (courtesy of Bonita
Fire), cleaning windows and refinishing wood floors, pressure
washing play equipment and dumping the dumpster.
Bringing the pool back to pristine shape required replacing
many tons of sand in the sand filtration system. We are
painting more than we may need to, said Ryan. But we
want it to look great.
Marla Ramsey is on board as the Bonita Ys new wellness
director.
Garner also had high praise for Ken Modzelewski, CEO
of South County Family YMCA of Venice, and his staff.
The Venice Y will run the Bonita facility. I knew from the
beginning that their success in Venice was not an accident,
said Garner. Ken is an inspiration and his energy and
passion seem to drive his management team.
Heritage Tourism Workshop
at Shangri La
As the owner of Explorations, Inc. Charlie Strader leads
tourists on trips down the Amazon but, as a citizen of
Bonita, he really wants them to travel the Imperial River to
downtown Bonita.
Recently, Strader moderated a Heritage Tourism work-
shop that was hosted by the Citys volunteer Historic Preser-
vation Board. The re-born Shangri-La Springs on Old 41
donated the venue and lunch for over thirty Bonitians who
participated in the event. Strader invited panelists who
have participated in downtown revitalization projects
around Florida.
In many cities, historic preservation has blended with
economic development to create vibrant districts and foster
civic pride, said Strader. The panelists discussed ecological,
cultural, historical and outdoor activities that have supported
historic district revitalization.
Jim LaRue, of LaRue Planning, described how public
murals that depict the history of Lake Placid, Florida have
engendered civic pride and tourism there. Downtown
Homestead, Florida publicizes its historic buildings and a
greenway bicycling center, said Yvonne Knowles, its Main
Street director. Its all about things you cant get in a strip
mall, said Bonita Springs Mayor Ben Nelson.
Strader also encouraged the group to think about ways
to capitalize on the many Old 41 improvements in the last
decade, including the bandshell area that is the location of
many events attracting thousands.
Bonita Springs knows how to throw a party, he said.
Dog Track Slots Vote Approved
In November Lee County voters will decide whether
the Bonita Dog Track, known as the Naples-Ft. Myers
Greyhound Track, will be allowed to install slot machines.
The referendum was approved by a 4-1 vote of Lee County
Commissioners after unanimous approval by the Bonita
Springs City Council.
Simmons
from page A7
Sunset
of the month
Heinz Binggeli | sunset@swspotlight.com
Junes sunset of the month
was submitted by Heinz
Binggeli. Email your best
sunset photos to sunset@
swspotlight.com and your
photo could be the next sun-
set photo of the month.
Bonita Springs City Council recently enacted a temporary
halt, called a moratorium, on homeless shelter approvals.
The word around town is that a currently pending land
development application for a St. Matthews House homeless
shelter on Old 41 is not covered by the moratorium.
The application for the shelter was filed the evening
before City Council enacted the law and so, proponents say,
the application is exempt. That is an understandable advocates
view.
But is that conclusion clear-cut? No words of the mora-
torium appear to exempt it. And, in this case, the application
was filed weeks after the moratorium was proposed at City
Council.
It seems fair minded that an application should be subject
to a law already pending when the application is filed. Oth-
erwise, the crafting of public policy would be trivialized,
turning it into a game of beat the clock.
Why is the St. Matthews House application on track to be decided while a moratorium
is in effect? City staff says its about protecting the City from litigation, always a
consideration. And here there are several potential claims and many facts, known and
unknown, that could affect the legal outcome.
But, of course, there are other considerations. Most important are the ones that led
City Council to adopt the moratorium in the first place. Its goals were to protect the long-
term interests of the community, social service providers and their clients.
City Council would do well to seriously consider the best course for the City so that its
goals are met.
*********
City Council was hardly plowing new ground when it enacted the moratorium.
Throughout the country, municipalities of all sizes enact moratoria on all sorts of
development. The concept is simple, and well accepted.
Times change and development pressures change, and sometimes it makes sense to
take a step back, consider all the factors and give careful thought to what new code
provisions would be advisable.
Bonita Springs currently has no laws governing homeless shelters, unlike municipalities
all across the country. Every community should be doing its fair share to help the less
fortunate, and Bonita should adopt homeless shelter regulations consistent with that
concept.
Thoughtful homeless advocacy groups recognize the importance of appropriate
regulation. For example, the Coalition for the Homeless and the Legal Aid Societys
Homeless Rights Project have opposed construction of a large shelter that, they say,
violates New York Citys law limiting the size of homeless shelters.
Shelter size limits serve an absolutely vital purpose: to protect the health and safety of
shelter residents, many of whom are individuals living with disabilities, and of surrounding
communities, the Coalition and Legal Aid wrote in a joint statement.
If the largest city in the United States, and many others, limit shelter size, it hardly
sounds far-fetched for Bonita Springs to consider a limitation that makes sense.
City staff has taken a good first step in forming a task force of community members
and homeless advocates to consider issues, and regulations.
Considering the time constraints, a constructive next step would be to promptly
engage a well-credentialed professional steeped in issues associated with this type of social
service to work with the Citys capable staff.
I would like to thank the
Southwest Spotlight newspaper
for asking me to contribute
to this months City Council
Corner. Councilman Steve
McIntosh provided the inau-
gural column last month, and
I would like to commend him
for a great article. I would
also like to quote part of his
article as a lead in to my article.
My opinion is that City
Councils primary objective is to protect and enhance
the citys quality of life. This demands both fiscal
responsibility for the present and a well-designed path
forward, stated Councilman McIntosh. I could not
agree more.
As one of your City Council members I want to
share with you some major events of the last 90 days.
Many of you may have heard information stating that
a homeless shelter could be located near the Charter
School on Old 41 Road. Upon further investigation I
learned that our city actually has no regulations in
place for homeless shelters; as such I sponsored a one-
year moratorium on the building of any homeless
shelters in Bonita Springs. I felt it was necessary to
have some guidelines in place in order to protect our
children and fellow residents, as well as to preserve the
quality and attractiveness of Bonita Springs as a place
to live and do business.
At the City Council meeting on April 18, the City
Council passed the moratorium 7-0 restricting con-
struction for a 12-month period or until regulations were put in place. Many people felt
that the situation was over and that now any new shelter would have to follow the
guidelines the city established.
Please be aware that plans for a large homeless shelter have been submitted to the city
of Bonita Springs. On May 18 plans were submitted for a St. Matthews House 168 bed
shelter; the original plans were for 260 beds. The original plans were submitted to the city
30 minutes prior to the close of business the day before the city unanimously voted in
favor of taking time to add regulations.
Apparently, this WILL NOT REQUIRE a public hearing in order to move forward and,
it is said, is not affected by the moratorium. This is due to the fact that St. Matthews House
has targeted a piece of land that was zoned almost 18 years ago, before Bonita Springs was
a city and was governed as unincorporated Lee County, and before there were schools and
neighborhoods in this area.
Commentary
By Peter A. OFlinn
Publisher
City Council Corner
Build It and They
Will Come
By Peter R. OFlinn
The reopening of the Bonita YMCA on
May 26 was, as Hank Hochstetler said in
his invocation, the day many in Bonita
have prayed for.
It was also a day that a stalwart group of
Bonitians worked very hard for.
Led by Dennis Church, the group includes
Tom Schreck, Marjorie Rubacky, Don Thom-
son, Jack Brown, Paul McGrath and
Hochstetler.
They were members of the then Bonita
YMCA Advisory Board that strongly resisted
the efforts of the former owner, Collier
Countys YMCA of the Palms, to shut the
Bonita facility. Bonitians had raised $7
million to build the facility and small annual
operating shortfalls were covered by con-
tributions from Bonita Springs, they
explained. And they politely but firmly dis-
puted the notion that $150,000 in Collier Y
annual overhead expenses was somehow
attributable to the Bonita facility and there-
fore a justification to close it.
When the facility was shut anyway, they
resisted attempts to sell it. The Citys Com-
munity Development Office issued a letter
clarifying that only one use was permitted
on the property, a YMCA.
But most importantly, as Don Thomson
put it, The people of Bonita Springs decided
they wanted their Y back, and rolled up
their shirtsleeves and got to work.
The question was, Where to get new
first class management? Working with
national and Collier Y management, the
Bonita group found the answer, Ken
Modzelewski and his team at the thriving
South County Family YMCA of Venice.
The turnover process took a year of work
and fundraising until South County Y took
ownership in early May.
On May 26, the irrepressible Modzelewski,
who seems to spend half his time here these
days, told the large opening day crowd,
Bonita, welcome to your YMCA!
Thanks to Dennis Church and his
friends.
Peter R. OFlinn is a member of the newly
formed Bonita Springs YMCA Advisory Board.
Thank You,
Dennis Church and Friends
Is St. Matts Application
Really Exempt?
The location is just north of the Bonita Art Center on Old 41; just south of the Bonita
Springs Charter School with over 1200 students; across the street from the Hope Lutheran
Church and Preschool; and immediately abuts Pueblo Bonita with 320 children. There
are also neighborhoods all around the area full of families and senior citizens.
Our city has no regulations in place for this type of facility, so anyone could stay there,
regardless of a criminal, violent, or predatory background. Most of these people are put
back out on the street every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Furthermore, a large facility like this does little to decrease homelessness in the long
run, but instead could make Bonita Springs a magnet for the homeless. The Southwest
Spotlight newspaper recently published an article stating that Bonita Springs may have
somewhere between 3 and 36 seasonal homeless people depending on your definition
of homeless. I am reminded of the Kevin Costner movie, Field of Dreams if you build
itthey will come.
The Mayor, City Council and residents of Bonita Springs have made it clear that
without any regulations they are very opposed to a facility of this size and type, as it
would put over 1500 children at increased risk, increase our crime rate, decrease the
attractiveness of Bonita to future home buyers and businesses, increase taxes, and put
strain on our police, fire and EMS services.
As residents of Bonita Springs, we have a responsibility to protect the children and
residents of our community, as well as our property values. Part of the charm and draw to
each of your neighborhoods is the town in which we are located.
Residents throughout the city are coming together to oppose this effort and ask St.
Matthews House to reconsider their plans in this location.
If you have thoughts on this subject and I certainly hope you do please make your
voice heard. Life is not a spectator sport.
Peter Simmons is a Councilmember from District 4 in Bonita Springs.
By Peter Simmons
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By Andrea Case
Special to the
Spotlight
My name is
Andrea Case. Im 28
and Ive lived in
Southwest Florida for
over 10 years, origi-
nally from Ohio. For
most of those years
Ive lived in Bonita
Springs. I love it here;
I met my husband
here; we raise our two
children here. Its a
great place to be. You
get the small town feel
without the dirt roads.
I love that season comes and goes and new faces
constantly pass through. As a hair stylist at LaMouche
Salon & Spa in Bonita I get to meet people from all
different places, and yet we all end up in this beautiful
little town.
Theres so much to do here from events at Riverside
Park, to kayaking down Imperial River or simply
just laying at one of the beautiful beaches we have
right at our fingertips. We also have some of the best
restaurants around. Im not talking lavish high end.
Im talking everyone knows your face kind of places
that serve delicious meals.
Its good to live here and I couldnt imagine raising
my family any other place.
Do you love living in Bonita Springs? Let us know why
in 600 words or less and your article could appear next
month as part of the Why I love living in Bonita
Springs series.
S O U T H W E S T S P O T L I G H T
Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs
JUNE 2012 Vol.3, No.6 SECTION B
Why I Love Living
in Bonita Springs
Andrea Case
Manatee Released into Estero Bay
Bonita Springs Breva, a 1,000 lb. manatee was released
into Estero Bay at the Bay Water Boat Club in Bonita Springs
on Tuesday, May 15. Two kayakers found the distressed Breva
in Estero Bay in January. The animal was suffering from red
tide poisoning. The kayakers kept the manatee alive by keeping
her head above water with their paddles so that she would
not drown. More than a dozen manatees were found dead in
the area this season after succumbing to red tide poisoning.
After Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
arrived to rescue Breva, she was taken to Miami Seaquarium
for rehabilitation. After four months of recovery, she was
transported back to Estero Bay and released into the wild.
Researchers, officers and volunteers helped lift the manatee
from the large moving truck and carry her to the water.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission researcher
Denise Boyd and Miami Seaquarium animal care manager
Jodi Tuzinski gave each other high fives as Breva swam into
the bay with other researchers watching her descent into
the water.
Page B2 Southwest Spotlight June 2012
Fresh Grown Market
Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fresh produce is sold at the
agriculture market on Old 41
every Wednesday. A wide vari-
ety of fruit and vegetables can
be found. Where: Downtown
Bonita on the corner of
Childers and Old 41. Cost:
FREE. Information: www.
bonitalions.org.
Arts & Entertainment
Inside and Out: Inspired by
Nature Exhibition
Fri., June 1, 6 to 8 p.m. Open-
ing Reception, on display
through June 29
Artists express the sense of
renewal and joy created by
nature in this exhibition which
features works of nature and
wildlife. Opening reception
will feature Ikebana arrange-
ments by Ihoko Cummings.
Where: The Center for the
Arts of Bonita Springs 26100
Old 41 Road. Cost: FREE.
Information: www.artcenter-
bonita. org or call 239-495-
8989.
Art in the Park
Sundays, Noon to 5 p.m.
Meet local artists in the his-
torical Imperial River Cottages
in Riverside Park. Information:
239-938- 5342. FREE.
Films for Film Lovers
Mon., June 11 and 25, 7 p.m.
On June 11, In the Mood for
Love a story set in 1962 that
features Chow Mo-Wan and
his wife, friend Su Lu-zhen
and her husband. When Chow
and Lu-zhen find their spouses
are having an affair the friends
resolve to remain friends. The
film has won more than 30
awards worldwide.
On June 25, Before Sunset,
starring Ethan Hawke and
Julie Delpy, tells the story of
friends who encounter one
another nine-years later in
France during a book tour.
Where: Promenade at Bonita
Bay. Cost: $8 per person. For
more information contact the
Center for the Arts at 239-
495-8989.
Art Walk
Thur., June 28, 5 to 7 p.m.
Visit the artists studios, view
their art, demonstrations and
enjoy a live musical concert,
light refreshments and visit
the other merchants of the
Promenade. Where: Prome-
nade at Bonita Bay. Cost: FREE
Fundraisers.
Mayor of Survey
Ice Cream Social &
Political Rally
Sat., June 2, 1 p.m.
Potential candidates for the
2012-2014 Mayor of Survey
will get on their soapboxes
and charm voters at this Ice
Cream Social & Political Rally.
Cash raised by candidates ben-
efits the Bonita Springs His-
torical Society. Where:
Historical Societys Headquar-
ters House on S. Riverside
Drive. Cost: FREE to attend,
votes cost $.10. For more infor-
mation go to www.boni-
taspringshistoricalsociety.org
or 239-992-6997.
Meetings
Southwest Florida Feder-
ated Republican Women
Wed., June 6, 11:30 a.m.
If you are a registered Repub-
lican, interested in making a
difference and meeting other
dedicated Republican women,
join us for our monthly lunch
meetings, the first Wednesday
of every month, starting with
a social hour, luncheon at
noon and a program of dis-
tinguished speakers. Reserva-
tions required. For information
and reservations call Anne
Brown 239-254-9979. Where:
Arbor Trace Club House, Van-
derbilt Drive, Naples. Cost:
$18 lunch.
Republican Club of Bonita
& Estero
Thur., June 7, 6 to 8 p.m.
Meets first Thursday of the
month. This month the speak-
ers will be the two Republican
candidates running for state
representative in Tallahassee.
Ray Rodriguez and David
Mulicka represent the Bonita,
Estero and Fort Myers areas.
Where: Barefoot Boat Club,
5025 Bonita Beach Road. For
more information contact
Kathy McMichael, 239-248-
3934.
Newcomers Club Luncheon
Meeting
Thur., June 21, Noon
Membership is open to
women who have been resid-
ing in Bonita Springs fulltime
or part-time for a period of
up to 5 years. An opportunity
to meet other women, develop
friendships and share com-
mon interests. A variety of
other activities are organized
by club members. For more
information visit www.boni-
taspringsnewcomersclub.com.
To attend luncheon email
b o n i t a n e w c o m e r s
@gmail.com or call Joan at
239-947-2944.
Democratic Club of Bonita
Springs & South Lee
County
Tues., June 19, 7 p.m.
Meets 3rd Tuesday of each
month. Where: Bonita
Springs Lodge & Suites, 28600
Trails Edge Blvd. (behind
Mels Diner on US 41 south
of Bonita Beach Road) For
more information contact
Larry Byrnes at 239-634-6469.
Toastmasters
International
Wed., June 13 & 27, 7 p.m.
The Bonita Springs chapter
of Toastmasters International
meets the second and fourth
Wednesdays of each month.
Toastmasters teaches their
members good communica-
tion by helping with public
speaking and leadership.
Where: Bonita Springs Fire
House 27701 Bonita Grande
Drive. For information call
Scott Vail at 239-777-3642.
Bonita Springs Historical
Society
Mon., June 18, 10 a.m.
The Historical Society meets
the third Monday of each
month from Oct. to May.
Where: the Liles Hotel in
Riverside Park. Cost: FREE.
For information go to
www.bonitaspringshistorical-
society.org.
Come watch the action live
and in person
Wed., June 6, 5:30 p.m.
Wed., June 20, 9 a.m.
Bonita Springs City Council.
Where: City Council Cham-
bers, 9101 Bonita Beach
Road.
All dates, times and prices are
subject to change.
EVENTS
Small Town Charm.
Big Bright Future.
S ll Charm. T
Big Bright Future.
Small
B i h F
wn Charm. o TTo

m.
June 2012 Southwest Spotlight Page B3
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SUMMER OF
SAVINGS!
TOWN TALK
CMON Offers
Experiences
for Children and Families
The museum offers experiences for children
and families through permanent and
temporary exhibit galleries.
Homemade Italian at Anthonys Trattoria
Anthonys Trattoria of Bonita Springs celebrated their ribbon cutting on May 16
with a community event. The night included a car show, live entertainment, dinner
specials and raffles. Anthonys is an Italian steakhouse
Seagull Travel Show to be held This Fall
General Exhibitions Management (G.E.M) and The Seagull Travel Show held their
ribbon cutting on May 23 at the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce. The Seagull
Travel Show will be located at Harborside Event Center, 1375 Monroe Street in Fort
Myers Nov. 17 to 18, 2012. Saira Buritica assists Estela Delgado cutting the
ribbon..
R E S T A U R A N T & L I V E M U S I C
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Bonita Springs The
Bonita Nature Place is usu-
ally pretty quiet most nights,
except for the occasional
owl hooting, or raccoon
chattering or even an
armadillo snorting or the
squeaks of the bats but they
dont wake me. There have
been a few Saturday nights
when my Gopher beauty
sleep was interrupted by the
friends of the Nature Place
and they even brought some
more friends. I became a
bit concerned that one of
them might wander off the
paths and stumble into one
of our many Gopher Tor-
toise burrows.
I watched as they all
stayed together and they
were looking up to the sky.
I have to admit that I was
now intrigued and had to
go see what the fuss was
about. Apparently, Linda
from Calusa Night Sky
Tours was explaining the
stars and planets and had
brought along two large tel-
escopes so they could see
the night sky even better.
Linda and her staff
pointed out Jupiter and her
four moons, and the Inter-
national Space Station over-
head along with a few other
satellites. They also offered
a peak at the Andromeda
Galaxy. I could tell that
everyone was having a really
nice evening.
It was time for me to
wander back to my burrow
to snuggle in for the night
when I was again drawn to
more activity at the Nature
Center. As I neared, I could
smell goodies and heard
laughter and clapping as
some of the guests won neat
raffle prizes.
Since Im not a nocturnal
animal like my friends the
bats, raccoons and owls, I
usually dont walk around
at night, so I was happy I
had the opportunity to
enjoy the beautiful night
sky. I had never noticed all
of the stars over my head.
Thanks to Linda for an
enlightening evening.
Bonita Springs What if I
told you that you could gain
distance and improve accu-
racy without working out
(although we could all ben-
efit from a little exercise),
and with less effort than you
are putting into your swing
now?
Secrets to longer and
straighter golf shots are pri-
marily from two factors, solid
contact and club head speed.
Most golfers understand that
you cannot get the maxi-
mum yardage from your
shots if you dont make solid
contact, also known as the
smash factor. The smash fac-
tor for a driver is the golfers
club head speed multiplied
by 1.50. This total is the
maximum ball speed you
can get from a legal USGA
approved driver. It has been
tested that you can try to
swing as fast as humanely
possible but unless you strike
the golf ball directly on the
sweet spot you will be losing
energy, thus distance. In fact
for every you miss hit
off the center of the club
face you will lose up to 16%
of the energy. One way to
increase the frequency of
striking directly on the sweet
spot, is by playing a shorter
length driver. A popular mis-
conception is that you will
gain swing speed by using a
longer driver, but the truth
is, it will cause most golfers
to lose distance and accuracy.
The idea behind the longer
length is to generate more
club head speed for more
distance but in fact you lose
the additional energy because
it is much harder to make
perfect contact with the sweet
spot. Another influence on
solid contact and club head
speed is the clubs shaft flex
and weight. If the shaft is
too flexible for your swing
style and timing, it will be
nearly impossible to repeat-
edly square the club face up
at impact. A shaft that is too
heavy will theoretically slow
your swing speed down,
however if the shaft is too
light for your timing, you
will lose control of the club.
Once you can consistently
strike the ball near the center
of the face you can start to
focus on increasing your club
head speed. Average club
head speed equation for a
driver is around 20 yards
gained for every 7 MPH
increase in speed, when hit
at the correct smash and
launch angle.
One cause of slow club
head speed is tension. The
tighter your hands and arms,
the less you can feel the club
head and the slower the
swing speed. Picture the club
as a lever, if your arms and
hands are too tense the club
cannot hinge correctly.
Unfortunately the less you
hinge the club, the lower the
ball flight will be and again
it will slow down your club
head speed. An easy way to
relax the upper body and
hands is to squeeze very
tightly on the grip for about
3 seconds, and then relax,
lose the tension and swing.
I would advise you to check
your driver length, shaft flex,
weight and grip tension if
you are struggling with accu-
racy and distance.
Josh Musselman is a PGA
professional, 2008 Horton
Smith Award recipient, 2006-
2012 Worlds Top 100 Club
Fitter recipient and can be
reached via email at info
@golfexpress.org.
Bonita
Nature Place
GOOBER
Star Gazing
If you go
Bonita Nature Place
Where: 27601 Kent Road, Bonita Springs.
When: Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free.
For more information on special workshops and events held at the Bonita
Nature Place call Bonita Springs Parks and Recreation at 239-992-2556.
VISIT THE NEW
www.swspotlight.com
TEE BOX
TIPS
JOSH MUSSELMAN
Distance Without
Gimmicks
Secrets to longer
and straighter golf
shots are primarily
from two factors,
solid contact and
club head speed.
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The Other
BEN
BEN NELSON
Bonita Springs The morn-
ing of the Keep the Beautiful
in Bonita clean up this year,
I thought it would be nice
to take a swim in the pool
when we got home. Since
my Floridian blood freezes
solid in water anywhere
below 87 degrees, I turned
on the solar heater so that
by the time we got home
that night the pool would
be just the right temperature
for a quick dip. My wife
Lori of course knew better.
You know youll never make
it past the couch, right?
And of course, she was
right. As soon as I walked in
the door I plopped on the
couch and in minutes was
sleeping soundly, until I was
awakened by the sound of
the doggy door banging open
on the pool deck. I sat up
quickly, looked over at Lori
and growled, smiling. Rac-
coons! You see, the Nelson
family and raccoons have
been feuding for decades
and from the stories my
father used to tell me about
his and his brothers hunting
the wily masked creatures,
its fair to say that we had
started it. So, in what could
easily be considered raccoon
karma, these hoodlums now
tip over our
garbage cans,
slice through
screens, eat the
cats food and
make funny
faces and appar-
ently insulting
gestures at our
dogs through the
windows at night. This
makes our dogs go crazy,
and we of course then yell
at the dogs, which delights
the raccoons to no end,
causing them to
run away laugh-
ing their little
raccoon tails off!
Recently, they discovered
the doggy door into the pool
area and how funny it was
to make me run after them
in my underwear. I do this
because I cant let the dogs
out with potentially rabid
raccoons on the pool deck
and because Im not thinking
clearly at midnight. So that
night, I again exploded out
of the door looking like a
giant maniac baby, wielding
the pool net high over my
head as I ran after the masked
bandit. As usual he ran into
the bushes behind the spa,
and as usual I jumped up
on the edge of the spa and
began poking the net into
the bushes. As the dogs
barked frantically from
inside the house, I could
hear Lori yelling through
the closed door and the
chaos, Just leave the screen
door open and hell leave.
But this, my friend, was war.
Suddenly, the angry
mammal shot up the palm
tree and fastened itself onto
the screen just above my
head. Without thinking
(which should actually be
the name of this story) I
scooped the (much larger
than I thought) rac-
coon off of the
screen with the net like he
was a giant pancake. As I
watched him falling in slow
motion directly in front of
me into the spa, it dawned
on me that the only way for
the crazed mammal to get
out of the spa was to climb
over the top of me. I had no
desire to have an angry rac-
coon attack me while I was
in my underwear, so I decid-
ed on a different strategy. I
turned and ran like an 8-
year-old girl. But just as I
took my first step it became
clear that I had, like a cartoon
character, run out of solid
ground and was for a split
second running in midair
over the pool. Strangely
enough, as I plunged into
the dark black water of the
pool my first thought
was...Hey, this water tem-
perature is perfect! followed
quickly by ... ARRRGGH ...
AN ANGRY RACCOON IS
GOING TO CLIMB ONTO
MY HEAD!
I scrambled out of the
water and grabbed my pool
net again, and with my back
to the French doors scanned
the pool deck. COME ON
PAL! IS THAT ALL
YOUVE GOT! I bel-
lowed mightily, standing
there soaking wet in
my now drooping
not-so-tighty-
whiteys.
As I stood
there doing a really bad Navy
SEAL imitation, I heard a
quiet tap, tap, tap on the
window behind me. I turned
to see my wife Lori silently
mouthing the words Hes
right behind you! Sure
enough, there behind me
was a wet, snarling raccoon
with his back up against the
wall. Our eyes locked for an
instant and then we both
came to the same conclusion
... RUN! Luckily the
masked intruder headed for
the door leading outside
where he belonged and I
headed for the door leading
to the couch where I
belonged.
The raccoon has never
returned to our pool deck,
but as I nurse my pulled
back muscles and suffer the
disappointed looks on my
dogs faces Im not so certain
who won this battle. But I
suppose that is the nature
of a feud. No one ever really
wins.
Read more antics from
the life of Mayor Ben Nelson
Jr. at theotherbennelson.
blogspot.com.
Night of the Raccoon
This, my friend,
was war.
The Nelson family
and raccoons
have been feuding
for decades
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Con-
nemara is a county in Ire-
land, but for children
reading at Veterans Memo-
rial Elementary and patients
at Hope Hospice in Bonita
Springs, Connemara is a
furry friend who gives
unconditional attention and
love to those who need it
most. Connemara, a 10-
year-old golden retriever, is
a therapy dog of the highest
breeding. Before her official
retirement and adoption by
Leona Fagan of Bonita
Springs, Connemara was
trained with a family as a
potential seeing-eye dog but
became a breeding dog for
New Jersey Seeing Eye Dogs
instead.
Potential seeing-eye dog
puppies are raised by fami-
lies until they are deter-
mined to have the right
traits to further their train-
ing, explained Fagan.
Often its a youth 4-H proj-
ect, a good experience in
responsibility and
unconditional love for
the young people
involved.
Fagan, a volunteer
at the training facility,
fell in love with the
retired Connemara
and took her home.
The family moved to
Bonita Springs in
2010.
The two retirees
formed a bond that
led them both through
training and certifica-
tion procedures that
were, at times, intense
for both!
The most strin-
gent program was
Reading Paws. I
received 10 hours of
training and a written
test as her trainer!
said Fagan.
Part of Con-
nemaras certification
is the ability to sit, stay
and wait without
being distracted. The
real proof of her merit, how-
ever, is watching the children
who enter the room next
to the media center, one at
a time, to read to Con-
nemara.
Research has shown that
children with reading dif-
ficulties do better when they
read to a non-judgmental
audience, explained Fagan.
Thats Connemara. Its a
real hoot to see kids respond
to her and improve their
skills.
Connemara offers her
paw to each child who enters
and then settles down for
an enlightening experience.
Before each weekly session,
Connemaras fur receives
an anti-dander spray as part
of the criteria for Reading
Paws. As a former teacher,
this partnership is a natural
for Fagan.
Connemara is also cer-
tified by Intermountain
Therapy Dogs. After a days
work with Reading Paws,
Fagan and Connemara
spend quality time with
patients at Hope Hospice
of Bonita Springs where the
chance to pet Connemara
and share experiences about
their own pets is soothing.
Connemara loves attention.
She is an equal oppor-
tunity lover, says Fagan.
Anyone who pays attention
will receive Connemaras
devotion. She knows if a
person is afraid or not inter-
ested and stays back unless
she is wanted. She is close
to a few of the staff mem-
bers; her visits provide a
soothing break in their rou-
tine also.
Her temperament is
quiet; she only barks when
playing or responding to
stimulus. Her behavior is
impeccable.
This duo spends their
retirement sharing love with
children and adults through
the wonderful disposition
of this special golden
retriever.
Fagan adds, She really
knows how to work a room
to get the attention she seeks
and give the unconditional
love in return.
Her original name was
Velvet; but Fagans spouse
said with a sense of
humor, I dont want a
lounge singer, and thus
the name was changed to
a favorite place they vis-
ited together.
Bonitas Best Friends
A County in Ireland and a Golden
Retriever of Good Breeding
Connemara is a therapy dog that helps children
learning to read and brings comfort to patients at
Hope Hospice.
Contributed Photos
Leona Fagan and her dog Con-
nemara are two retirees who
spend their days sharing love
with children and adults.
Shes an equal
opportunity lover.
Anyone who pays
attention will receive
Connemaras
devotion.
Leona Fagan
S O U T H W E S T
ADOPTIONS
Sunshine
Do you have enough sunshine in your life?
Sunshine is sweet, very loving and almost a
year old. She and her brother Lenny are
both available for adoption to a loving home.
Call Haven on Earth Animal League at 239-
410-9983.
Duke
Duke is an active, energetic, happy seven-
year-old boy. He loves to play, go for long
walks and shopping at the pet store. He is a
very affectionate and lovable boy. We are
taking care of a skin issue he came with that
seems to be allergic in nature. Other than
that this boy is in very good health. He is
good with other dogs and cats. Call Golden
Retriever Rescue of SWFL at 239-369-0415
Dog of the month
Contributed | dog@swspotlight.com
Jake is Mays dog of the month, and is the winner of a $25 gift certificate to
Pet Paradise in Bonita Springs. Email your favorite photos of your best friend
to dog@swspotlight.com for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Pet Para-
dise and your dog could be the next dog of the month.
Beautiful Bonita
Lions Pride Park
In case you missed it,
Bonita Springs has a new
beautiful childrens park right
across the Lions Club on
Pennsylvania Avenue. The
new park is called Lions
Pride Park, and it is open
to everyone.
Full Measure
A Veterans story
Dont miss this wonderful
program about our veterans.
Produced by WGCU, this
program tells the story of
an American hero.
C.R.E.W.
Produced by WGCU this
program focuses on our pre-
cious C.R.E.W. stands for
Corkscrew Regional Ecosys-
tem Watershed. Mayor Nel-
son is one of the featured
guests on this program.
City Meetings
Dont miss a beat. The
City broadcasts its elected
officials meetings live on
channel 98. Every week you
can re-visit the most recent
City Council Meetings, City
Council Zoning Meetings,
Local Planning Agency Meet-
ings and the Zoning Board
Meetings.
Also, you can see the latest
Fire Commissioners meeting
Monday at 8 p.m. This pro-
gram is produced by the
Bonita Springs Fire Control
& Rescue District.
This month
on BTV
Channel 98
ight
oves
the ll
Brenda Bergin
Downsizing & Moving Coordinator
NEED ASSISTANCE DOWNSIZING & MOVING?
Call: 239-248-7284 or email: BrendaBergin@earthlink.net
Sorting and organizing
Professional packing
Floor plan design
Sale or donation of unwanted items
Unpacking and arranging home
Schedule and oversee movers and workmen
Member: National Association of Senior Moe Managers
www.SeniorHomeMoves.com free in-home consultations
Licensed
Bonded
Insured
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By Meghan Easterly
meghan@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Jewelry
artist Heather Clegg finds
inspiration in those who wear
her jewelry. As owner of
Gryphon Designs, Clegg says
she designs jewelry that helps
build and celebrate confi-
dence, often becoming
inspired by a clients unique
personality.
Too often we focus on
what we dont appreciate
about ourselves or what we
want to change, Clegg says.
Everyone has something
they love about themselves.
I try to design to bring out
those aspects of ourselves
rather than to distract from
the things we dont like about
ourselves.
This study of unique per-
sonality results in jewelry
design that is refreshing. The
pieces sometimes show sim-
ple elegance, sometimes
make a bold statement, but
are always executed in good
taste and sparkling with per-
sonality.
Only a woman or man
who appreciates her own
sense of style and wants to
stand out rather than blend
into a crowd is going to don
a spectacular feather necklace
or pair of custom cufflinks,
Clegg says. My goal is to
create pieces that help the
person wearing
them feel beautiful
and confident. My
hope is not to draw
attention to the jew-
elry, but allowing
the jewelry to
emphasize the per-
sonality and confi-
dence of that
individual.
Her jewelry has
been seen in
numerous maga-
zines and garnered
national attention
when she was cho-
sen to participate
in the 2011 IndiEx-
hibit at the 63rd
Primetime Emmy
Awards gift lounge.
She sells her
work locally at Tie
the Knot Couture
Collections in
Naples, Loretta
Bridal Boutique in
Bonita Springs and
by appointment at
her studio in Bonita Springs.
Her work is available online
at www.heatherclegg. com.
Though Clegg says she
has been creating art since
childhood, she chose to fol-
low a corporate career path
after graduating from Florida
State University. She later left
the corporate world behind
and followed her heart to
jewelry design, beginning
Gryphon Designs LLC in
2010.
I am, at my core, driven
by having a sense of purpose,
Clegg says. Before starting
my business, my identity was
mostly defined through my
job title and what I did for a
living. As a business owner,
that sense of purpose and
identity has dramatically
changed.
She laughs, saying as a
small business owner she
finds herself in a plethora of
roles each day. She goes
from public relations/media
director to advertising agent,
photographer, accountant,
shipping department, web
designer, wholesaler, head of
logistics, corporate strategist
and still has to find time to
create designs and make
them a reality.
I gain a tremendous
amount of satisfaction in
taking on and overcoming
challenges that I never
dreamed possible, Clegg says.
I work all hours of the night
and day in a variety of loca-
tions (my office, home, car,
restaurants, etc). Curiously,
one cant plan when creativity
hits so you just have to go
with it if your eyes fly open
at 3 a.m.
With all of this, Clegg
remains active in charity
work. One of her jewelry
lines, Sweet Charity, earns
proceeds for organizations
supporting women and chil-
dren in Florida.
For me, its being a part
of something bigger, Clegg
says. Jewelry is the medium
that allows me to nurture
confidence, joy and beauty
in others. Its not beauty in
the skin deep kind, rather
beauty in the sense of appre-
ciating ourselves & others,
inspiring kindness and sense
of self.
As life took the artist into
difficult places, she spent a
lot of time alone finding sol-
ace in books. One day she
found a bookmark that
changed how she chose to
look at the world.
I keep it out to remind
me of two simple things:
Even the simplest idea can
be transformational if you
let it, Clegg says. Well, the
second one has everything
to do with you and what
you do with this uncompli-
cated knowledge you are
about to receive. The book-
mark reads: She believed she
could, so she did.
Artist Spotlight
She Believed She Could, So She Did
Before starting my business,
my identity was mostly
defined through my
job title and what I did
for a living.
Clegg recently added a
mens jewelry line to
Gryphon Designs.
Submitted Photos
Artist Heather Clegg finds inspi-
ration in those who wear her
jewelry.
Gryphon Designs jewelry by artist Heather Clegg often includes elements such
as feathers or fabric.
Cleggs jewelry is sometimes bold, sometimes sub-
tle, but always makes a statement.
9070 Bonita Beach Road Bonita Springs, FL 34135
www.fitzgeraldspub.com
239-949-2111
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5 3
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Bonita Springs Summer.
For me, as a child, it includ-
ed long hours curled up on
our front porch swing with
my favorite books. My
mother took me to the
library at least once a week,
with a bag for me to fill
with all the books I wanted.
When I reached chapter
books, I overindulged, first
in The Boxcar Children and
The Bobbsey Twins then in
Little Women and Anne of
Green Gables. As I grew
older I fell in love with the
tapestry of words strung by
Madeleine LEngle, Cynthia
Voigt and Lois Lowry.
As May turns into June,
this signals my internal
summer reading trigger. My
daughter and I have been
to the library more in the
past few weeks, than we
went all year. As she dis-
covers Kevin Henkes, Mau-
rice Sendak, and new books
that I have never heard of,
I find myself pulled into
the young adult section.
Here I find those beloved
titles: A Solitary Blue, The
Giver, Roll of Thunder Hear
My Cry, A Wrinkle in Time.
My daughter isnt old
enough for these treasures
yet, but I add them to our
library bag for myself. As I
read them I am transported
to middle school and my
first discovery of these
amazing books. Time has
made them better for me. I
forget how beautifully
young adult novelists tell a
story. Their words are strung
together so thoughtfully
that I find myself recom-
mending these books to my
adult friends, who are at
first skeptical and then
amazed.
And then I go looking
for young adult books that
I have never read and I dis-
cover Eva Ibbotson, author
of A Company of Swans and
A Countess Below Stairs. Oh,
what a discovery. Ibbotson,
who recently passed away
at 85, wrote in her 70s as if
she were 18. The way she
wrote about the turn of the
20th century was so com-
pelling and modern, per-
haps because she could
share first-hand accounts
given by her parents, but
actually talk about issues
that were taboo at the time.
As a mother, I feel for-
tunate to be able to share
this love of the library and
of reading with my daugh-
ter. When we go, I dont
push my favorites on her. I
let her explore and choose
covers that she finds inter-
esting. I always add a few
books into the bag that I
think she might enjoy and
let her choose which books
we read.
So, our summer hobby
together is reading. Books
are a moveable feast. We
can take them on vacation,
to the beach or just into
our living room.
For those who want to
get more involved in reading
this summer, the Bonita
Springs Public Library has
several programs to guide
children, teens and parents,
whether they are book-
worms or not.
For Teens, Read It! Watch
It! Win It! Teen Summer
Reading Program runs
Tuesdays from June 12
through July 24 from 6 to
7 p.m. Different activities
feature subjects from magic
to martial arts and ghost
storytelling. Teens gather
points to win prizes.
For younger readers,
grades kindergarten through
fifth, the Dream Big Read!
Summer Reading Team
takes place on Wednesdays
beginning June 13 through
July 25 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Shows include comedy,
magic and more bringing
dreams to life and encour-
aging reading.
There are reading pro-
grams for the under 5 crew
as well, just ask the childrens
librarian.
Hopefully reading is
something that will take
you and your children on a
journey and draw you closer
together.
Meg-a-mom is the secret
identity of Meghan Easterly,
a writer, photographer, editor
and all around supermom
living in Bonita Springs.
Bonita Springs Bullying
has been around since the
beginning of time. There has
always been someone who
is bigger than another, or
someone who simply wanted
the other persons lunch.
Bullying happens in our
schools, in our families, at
the office and even in our
golf foursomes! Cyber bul-
lying has now made its way
into the headlines too. All
of it is equally unacceptable,
yet too often we continue
to sit back and be non-reac-
tive. Yes, people are bigger,
hungrier, have a better golf
swing and/or more authority,
but that doesnt mean their
size, golf handicap or author-
ity should be used to intim-
idate others.
Most likely, we can iden-
tify a time in our lives when
we were bullied. Even as
adults many of us continue
to experience the effects of
bullying or perhaps, we were
the bully. Clinicians Research
Digest (June 2012) reports
that preliminary research
suggests that bullying in
childhood and adulthood
share some commonalities
even though they occur in
different settings. Addition-
ally, bullying behavior has
been found to be stable from
childhood through adult-
hood, with highly aggressive
children continuing to be
highly aggressive adults.
(Clinicians Research Digest,
June 2012)
With that information in
hand, what can we do to pre-
vent bullying in our society,
in our families, in our work-
place or on the golf course?
The first step is to recognize
its occurrence and regain
control of the situation. Rec-
ognize the intent of the bul-
lying and utilize your intellect
to examine the situation to
check for the validity of the
comments or actions of the
bully. Often times you will
find that they are more a
projection of the bullys own
weakness, failings and incom-
petence, rather than your
own. Recognizing these fac-
tors will allow you to remain
in control of the situation.
Next, take action! Now,
Im not suggesting that you
use your golf club to take a
swing at your partner, or
worse yet tap their ball into
the water aggression is
NOT the best response to
bullying. But do take action
by examining the situation
and recognizing bullying for
what it is: an act of intimi-
dation and dont succumb
to the desired effect. Realize
your own self-worth and
work continuously to believe
in yourself, your strengths
and abilities. By not relin-
quishing the control of your
actions and emotions, the
bully will likely tire of their
efforts to be bigger and
stronger and perhaps look
inside themselves for a way
to respond as you did; with
dignity and righteousness.
Finally, recognize your
rights and tell the bully to
stop! You have the right to
live, work and play in a place
free of fear and intimida-
tion.
Stan J. Strycharz, Psy.D. is
a licensed psychologist prac-
ticing in Bonita Springs.
He can be contacted at
www.drstan.net.
10530 Wilson St Downtown Bonita 992-2233
thesurveycafe.com Facebook/surveycafe
Across from Riverside Park one block east of Old 41
SIMPLE FLORIDA CHARM... CASUAL... LAID BACK... DELICIOUS!
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re
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o
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Salads ~ Flatbreads ~ Gator Gumbo
Beer & Wine ~ Homemade Desserts
New Summer Hours!
Open Wednesday - Sunday
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Breakfast available all day
and Brunch all day on Sunday!

Closed Monday and Tuesday
MIND
SOUL
STAN J. STRYCHARZ, Psy.D.
MEGA
MOM
MEGHAN EASTERLY
Preventing Bullying
Summer Reading
Opens Magical Worlds
Helpful tips
Dont ignore bullying. Recognize the signs of someone
who is a bully and do not tolerate their behavior. Be forthright and tell
them their behavior is unacceptable.
Create an environment where bullying
will not be fostered in your family, workplace or school
place; where it cannot grow or thrive. Dont invite bullies into your
space, and if they are there uninvited dont let them feel welcome.
Ask for help. If you are unable to handle the
situation ask for help. Sometimes professional advice or an ear to
listen will help you better sort out the situation and address it more
proactively.
VISIT THE NEW
www.swspotlight.com
If you go
Summer Reading
Programs
Where: Bonita Springs Public
Library, 26876 Pine Ave.
When: Through July.
Cost: FREE, registration required.
Information: 239-533-4860.
Reading is
something that will
take you and your
children on
a journey.
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
Buffalo Chips
Al, Chip and JC Greenwoods Old 41 original for 30
years strong. Its where locals go. 1st place winner,
Florida State chicken wing and chili cook-offs. Full menu
including burgers, fish and steak and spuds. Boars Head
premium deli sandwiches. Featuring Bonitas Hall of
Fame. If it looks good, well find a place for it on the
walls or ceiling, says Al. Lunch and dinner daily. 26620
Old 41 Rd. 239-947-1000. www.buffalochipsrestaurant.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 include
blackened tuna bites, hot blue crab and shrimp dip,
oyster baskets, grouper tacos and lobster 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.the-
fishhouserestaurants.com.
Fitzgeralds
A taste of the old country right on Bonita Beach
Road, from the Kilkenny crab dip and Mulligans Irish
stew to Granny McCarthys bailey cheesecake. Home of
the belly-buster burger. salads, sandwiches and full meal
menu. Traditional flat breads. 20 beers on tap. Open
daily 11:30 a.m. to close. Open Sunday for breakfast at
7:30 a.m. 9070 Bonita Beach Rd. 239-949-2111.
www.fitzgeraldspub.com.
Hot Caboose Island Grille
Featuring foods from the Caribbean and American
South. For lunch, try the Island Paradise grilled jerk
chicken with homemade southwest dressing, avocado
and red onions wrapped in a garlic-crusted naan. Enjoy
indoors or outside patio. Open Daily 5 a.m. to midnight.
27755 Old 41 Road at the corner of Dean Street. 239-
676-7997.
La Fontanella Ristorante
Owner Moe has over 35 years in the business, and
the experience shows. He and his staff assure customers
the finest dining experience. Serving gourmet Italian
cuisine, specializing in pasta, veal, chicken, seafood and
steak. If you cant cut the veal with a fork, the meal is
free. Specials daily. Open Mon. thru Sat., 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 finest water
views. A hot spot for lunch and dinner, popular among
both locals and tourists. Featuring the Bonita Burger,
veggie rollup, tuna salad and sandwiches and more sand-
wiches. Plus tacos, fish and chicken dinners. Open daily
11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., happy hour 11:30 a.m. to
6:30 p.m. Located next to the Trianon Hotel. 3401 Bay
Commons Dr. 239-948-4400. www.lakehousebarandgrill.net.
Manhattan Steakhouse
Owner Bella Purisic comes from a family that owns
four of the best NY steakhouses, and she has brought
that experience to Bonita. Specializing in USDA Prime
dry aged steaks (21-28 days) and 1800 degree sizzling
platters. Grouper, tuna, Maine lobster and other fresh
catches. Beautiful indoor courtyard setting. Full Bar and
wine cellar. Open 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. 24940 S.
Tamiami Trail #103, behind Zazou. 239-676-8687.
www.manhattan1steakhouse.com.
Molinos Ristorante
Classic Italian in a beautiful indoor room and an al
fresco patio setting, featuring pasta, meat and fish
dinners. Family owned since 2003. Try the Vitello alla
Saltimboca or one of the many other specialties of the
house. Full bar and wine cellar. Summer hours, serving
dinner only. Smoking section available. Open daily 5
p.m. to 9 pm. 26841 South Bay Dr. at the Bonita Bay
Promenade. 239-992-7025. www.molinosristorante.com.
Old 41 Restaurant
A sure bet since the day it opened in Bernwood.
Specialties include eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles,
homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, Angus burgers,
chili, Taylor pork roll, sausage gravy, creamed chipped
beef, home cooked roast beef and turkey and real
Philly cheese steaks. Open daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Corner
of Old 41 and Bernwood Parkway. 239-948-4123.
www.old41.com.
Pinos Pizzeria
Joe and Linda Russo, are the owners and operators
of Pinos where, Its all about the taste. They offer the
kind of Brooklyn family owned and operated business
you dont often find these days. Their big portions, low
prices - and friendly attitude will have you coming back
for more... and more and still more! Open Mon. thru
Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat. & Sun 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Pelican Landing Publix Plaza, 24600 S. Tamiami Trail.
239-676-5332. www.pinospizzeria.net.
Ristorante Enrico
Owner Enrico Costagliola was born in his mothers
restaurant in Torregaveta, Italy, south of Naples. I still
cook like my mother, with only the freshest ingredients.
Fresh pasta, seafood and Italian specialties. Antipasto
salad, penne, lasagna, lobster ravioli, linguini with white
clam sauce, zuppa di pesce, veal, chicken and shrimp. 18
pizza and calzone creations. Lunch and dinner specials.
Open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 26831 S. Tamiami Trail
near Publix across from Bonita Bay. 239-949-2204.
Royal Scoop
Lifes shorteat dessert first! The oldest homemade
ice cream store in Bonita. 35 ice cream flavors, 12 low-
fat and sugar-free choices. Their scoopologists make the
thickest shakes, biggest sundaes and best cones. Delicious
lunches featuring Boars Head meats and cheeses and
fantastic family recipes for chicken, egg and tuna salad.
Kids menu. Open Mon. thru Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Sunday open at Noon. 15- 8th Street, eight blocks south
of Bonita Beach Rd. off Vanderbilt Dr. 239-992-2000.
www.royalscoop.com.
The Stage
Come for the food, and stay for the dancing. Full
menu, including Maryland crab cakes, sweet and sour
tenders, egg rolls, vegetable salad, grilled salmon salad,
prime rib, filet mignon, salmon, roasted chicken, signature
meatloaf, full bar with 10 beers on tap. Live music, with
tributes from Led Zeppelin to Jimmy Buffett, from Elvis
to Rod Stewart. Open 4 p.m. to close Wednesday thru
Saturday.9144 Bonita Beach Rd. in Sunshine Plaza,
behind Fitzgeralds Pub. 239-405-8566. www.thestage-
bonita.com.
The Survey Caf
Lori Nelsons tribute to old Florida, oozing with
southern charm and updated with an organic sensibility.
Fresh ingredients, wraps, salads, panini, flatbreads and
the house specialtyGrandpas Gator gumbo. Try the
Chokoloskee Chicken sandwich. Shade grown coffee from
Grounds for Change. Dine inside or out. Summer hours,
open Wednesday thru Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10530
Wilson Ave. off Old 41. 239-992-2233. www.
thesurveycafe.com.
RESTAURANT GUIDE
B O N I T A S P R I N G S

Shoppes at Pelican Landing
24600 Tamiami Trail S#204
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
(239) 498-6808
For menu & wine list visit us at lafontanellarestaurant.net
Celebrating 12 years in Bonita Springs
Call for reservation
Open Mon. - Sat. 5 - 10pm
Closed Sun. thru the summer
We specialize in Pasta, Veal, Chicken, Seafood & Steak
Maximum discount $75 per table
18% gratuity added before discount
Expires 6/30/12
25% OFF
Entire check
with ad
Molinos Molinos
# 1 I T A L I A N R I S T O R A N T E
OPEN DAILY FOR DINNER ONLY, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Reservations Required - 992-7025
Maimum 8 p~opl~ Lpir~- ~~pt~ml~r 30, 2012
Do~- not in.lu1~ any oth~r promotion
IN THE PROMENADE
26841 South Bay Drive - Bonita Springs
VOTED ++++
Must Present Coupon - Dinner Only
Must be seated by 7:15 pm
Enjoy our 40% discount
thru the whole summer
40% OFF
Entire Check Everyday
RESERVE A PRIVATE WINE CELLAR DINING ROOM

June 2012 Southwest Spotlight

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June 2012 Southwest Spotlight

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S O U T H W E S T

JUNE 2012 Vol.3, No.6 FREE

# 2012 Florida Super Lawyers

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