WEEK OF JANUARY 18, 2023
VOLUME 61, NUMBER 9
City provides updates on storm recovery By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
Island entities, others partner on new regional solar co-op By STAFF REPORT
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
onprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) recently announced the launch of the Southwest Florida 2023 Solar Co-op to provide residents and businesses in Lee and Collier counties with collective buying power to affordably convert to solar energy. SUN reported that the recent impacts of Hurricane Ian have highlighted the urgency to help homeowners rebuild a more resilient community. Rooftop solar, when paired with battery storage, can help power homes and life-saving equip-
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ment during power outages. A brief announcement about the launch was made on Jan. 17 at the SWFL Climate & Community Summit at the Arthex One Conference Center in Naples. SUN's Gulf Coast program associate was in attendance during the summit to answer questions about going solar and to share their experiences. “The co-op will enable Southwest Florida homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” SUN Gulf Coast Program Associate Julia Herbst said. “Together, we’re building a movement to transform
our electricity system into one that is cleaner, fairer and shares its benefits more broadly. With the ever-present threat of hurricanes, there’s never been a See SOLAR CO-OP, page 3 The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge launched the state’s first community solar co-op in 2015 to benefit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor & Education Center and maintenance garage, plus a number of residential and commercial buildings throughout the islands. REFUGE/DDWS
The city of Sanibel shared the following during its Facebook Live update on Jan. 10: ∫ City Manager Dana Souza reported that City Hall will be operational starting on Jan. 17. The city's Building and P l a n n i n g Departments will continue to operate at 6200 Whiskey Creek in Fort Myers. Residents should plan to move any debris on their property to the right-of-way for collection by the city's debris management contractor. The goal is to have all debris moved by the end of January. For assistance removing debris from a property, visit https://iandebriscleanup .com/. City staff continues to work on the beach parks, with the goal of having a couple reopened in February. He reported that large debris has been removed from beach. Volunteers have been cleaning the beach every week. Those interested can sign up through the SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation. Residences that had pool cages knocked down due to the hurricane are required to have a temporary fence installed around the pool. Souza explained that the barrier ensures the safety of the public. See UPDATES, page 3
IslanderInsIde
School District of Lee County continues recovery efforts By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
Momentum is underway in terms of the School District of Lee County’s recovery efforts following the destruction left behind by Hurricane Ian with 35 percent of maintenanceservice requests related to damage sustained completed. Last week, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said there are still long-term projects that need to be done, including roof and carpet replacement. Existing maintenance contracts with local vendors are being used to address permanent repairs. In addition, a long-term project timeline for all schools is forthcoming. He said
the district will have public scorecards in terms of when and what repairs are to be expected at schools. Bernier also touched base on the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School, Hector A. Cafferata Elementary School and The Sanibel School. Remediation has been completed at The Sanibel School with replacement of the damaged HVAC and electrical equipment underway. He said it is on schedule to be completed by the end of the month. The school will reopen once the safety criteria are met. A town hall for Fort Myers Beach Elementary was held Jan. 13 at Skip One
Seafood Restaurant on Fort Myers Beach. A presentation and recommendation is expected to be given to the school board in February. The meeting had been postponed for the month of January to give the beach community additional time to think about the plans that were provided. As far as the scope of work, remediation and stabilization for building 2 is underway with the expected completion of the end of January. In addition, a waiver of the 50 percent rule has been requested from the State Historic Preservation Office. Hector A. Cafferata Elementary School in Cape Coral welcomed students to a temporary campus on Dec. 19. Bernier said long-term considerations are currently being finalized, with a board presentation being given on Jan. 24.
alsOInsIdetOday Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise....................10 Island Living................................11 Sports.........................................12