WEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2023
VOLUME 38, NUMBER 2
Uncertain real estate market after Ian By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
Real estate is a major engine of economic activity on Fort Myers Beach. Like other businesses on the island, Hurricane Ian crashed down on the industry. In the entire month of October, there was only one closing on Fort Myers Beach. Business has started to pick up though over the past month.
I think people are waiting to see what their insurance is, what it will cost to rebuild." —TRACEY GORE Realtor and former Fort Myers Beach Mayor
Lahaina Realty owner Paula Kiker expects that activity to continue as the new year begins and insurance payments start to flow to property owners waiting to make decisions on whether to rebuild their homes or sell their properties. “Real estate is interesting to say the least,” Kiker said. She cited the recent sale of a Gulf-front home for $6 million See REAL ESTATE MARKET, page 2
Man faces unlicenced contracting charge By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
See REBUILDING, page 3
A Lee County man is facing a thirddegree felony charge for allegedly conducting unlicensed roofing and demolition work on Fort Myers Beach home while fraudulently claiming to be a licensed contractor. Caleb Veler, 33, was charged with contracting without a license during a state of emergency on Dec. 20. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Veler received a $32,500 check as a deposit for the demolition work and repairs. Caleb Veler According to the probable cause statement, Veler was working on a home in Matanzas Court, where he had solicited his services with a business card that stated he was a licensed contractor. Deputies were called to the residence after an argument between Veler and the homeowner about the work being done without a permit. Veler had allegedly told the homeowner and a friend of the homeowner that he didn’t need a permit and was accused of asking for more money to pull a permit although some work had already begun. A group of day laborers Veler allegedly hired, had begun working on the home. The homeowner alleged that Veler was asked to leave the property. After initially refusing, Veler went into his car where
PHOTO PROVIDED
See UNLICENSED WORK, page 3
Estero Island Historic Society rebuilding after Ian By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
or decades, the Estero Island Historic Society has helped tell the history of Fort Myers Beach through its cottage museum, old photos, paintings and artifacts. Much of that history was damaged Sept. 28 by Hurricane Ian. The centuryold beachfront cottage that was moved to Bay Road in 1997 to serve as the society's museum, took on seven feet of water. Many photos and other items were lost yet Estero Island Historic Society President Ellie Bunting is working to rebuild and repair the cottage museum former schoolhouse.
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insidetoday
“There is quite a bit of damage,” Bunting said. The cottage and museum dates back to 1921 and is considered the second oldest home to have been built on the Beach. It also served as the San Castle Kindrrgarten. The cottage museum sits at the trailhead to Matanzas Pass Preserve, the last maritime tropical hammock on Estero Island, at the end of Bay Road behind the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. Another historic cottage next door, known as the Laughing Gull Cottage, has been used for store files, books and photos. Bunting said many books and photos were destroyed by the hurricane. “The files and clippings were all drenched,” Bunting said.
“It was hard” to deal with the damage from the hurricane, she said. “We were happy that the buildings were still there.” She was able to save some photos, Calusa artifacts, some old sea shells as well as some art that were high enough on the wall. There is also an original plank from the old swing bridge. There is also an old rain barrel. "There is probably enough to get started” on a new museum,” Bunting said. The rebuilding has been complicated by a house that drifted down the road
Guest Commentary.....................................................4 Business.......................................................................6 Web Poll........................................................................4 Beach Bulletin.......................................................7-15