WEEK OF FEBRUARY 26, 2025
VOLUME 63, NUMBER 15
City council seats and referendum on ballot
Pancake supper, hockey game to raise funds for island school By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
Two upcoming fundraisers will benefit programs and a trip for students at The Sanibel School. The Mardi Gras Pancake Supper will be held on March 4 in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel. In addition, The Sanibel School Night with the Florida Everblades will take place on March 1 at the Hertz Arena in Estero.
Mardi Gras Pancake Supper Scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m., the Mardi Gras Pancake Supper will feature pancakes made from Perkins batter, toppings like chocolate chips, blueberries and 100% Vermont maple syrup, and sausages. Ice cream treats will also be served up throughout the dinner.Attendees will be greeted with Mardi Gras beads and music
By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
when they arrive. Saint Michael’s is covering all of the expenses, with free will donations requested for the meal. All of the donations will directly support students in the school’s Middle School Science Program and National Junior Honor Society, which are led by middle school science teacher Michele Mitnitsky. The Science Program involves learning science through a hands-on approach. Students help to grow year-round mangroves, which are planted around the island at the end of the year. They take trips to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and they work with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation in and out of the classroom, including on squid dissections, identifying microplastics in the water and sand, on water quality, and using the island’s trails to understand ecosystems and landforms. See FUNDS, page 22
Bell-to-bell ban likely for student cell phone use
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers.com
School District of Lee County students will likely need to put their cells and other devices to rest at school next year. On Feb. 4, the school board directed district staff to put a “bell to bell” policy in the code of conduct regarding cell phones, as well as other electronic/telecommunication devices, for all grades.
“After looking at pros and cons, bell to bell for all grade levels,” Chair Sam Fisher said, as their No. 1 focus is academic achievement. “I don’t see where the cons outweigh the pros — too much distraction.” The board voiced its concern about making its decision consistent throughout every school, instead of a hodgepodge of enforcement.
“I’m totally for the phones from first bell to last bell remaining in the backpack,” Board Member Armor Persons said. “It’s the easiest way to be consistent for elementary, middle, and high school.” Student Services Executive Director Dr. Jessica Duncan said current legislation states that students cannot use cell phones in the classroom. The district conducted a wireless communication device survey from Jan. 13 through Jan. 27, which had 5,152 responses as of Jan. 24, with 94% responSee CELL PHONE USE, page 22
The city’s election for the Sanibel City Council, along with a referendum, is set for March 4. Island voters will cast a ballot for three seats on the council, with four candidates to pick from. They are incumbent Councilmembers Laura DeBruce and John Henshaw, incumbent Vice Mayor Mike Miller and challenger Lyman “Chip” Welch. Those elected will serve four-year terms on the council. Races for council are non-partisan. Voters will also consider a charter amendment referendum about council member vacancies. See BALLOT, page 22
ISLANDERINSIDE
ALSOINSIDETODAY Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll...........................................4 Captiva Current...............................6 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living..................................14 Sports.........................................16 Classifieds 43
Residential Customer ECRWSS
Ft MYERS, FL Permit #5733
PRSTD STD US POSTAGE PAID