WEEk Of JUNE 7, 2023
VOLUME 61, NUMBER 29
Near-average storm season now projected By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Following seven straight years of predicted “above-average” activity, top hurricane forecasters feel the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season will buck the trend. In their 40th year of forecasting the upcoming hurricane season, researchers at Colorado State University are predicting a “near-average” season for the Atlantic this year — an increased description from the first report released in mid-April, which called for a “slightly below-average” season. See STORM SEASON, page 20
IslanderInsIde By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
ree programs planned over the summer aim to educate, FFrom while connecting people with nature. June 11 through Aug. 5, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will provide weekly programming both on Sanibel and off-island. Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland explained that three programs will be offered at
the refuge, with a fourth one scheduled at Lakes Park in Fort Myers. “We want to keep people learning during the summer,” she See SUMMER PROGRAMMING, page 19 The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will offer free summer programs from June 11 through Aug. 5 both on Sanibel and off-island. REFUGE/DDWS
District: Cell phone search policy not new for Lee schools By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
School District of Lee County officials have a message for parents concerned about new student code of conduct language providing for a search of student cell phones if there is “reasonable suspicion” of prohibited activity: The legally-allowed practice has been used for years. “What bothered me the most was the press coverage. They made it seem like it is a
Armor Persons
brand new policy. (That) Any teacher can grab a cell phone with no reason and look. That is definitely not the case,” school Board Chair Armor Persons said recently. “Sometimes what is on the phone, knowing right away, can save lives. A drug deal going down in school texting back and forth. You don’t know what time, what bathroom. A shooting plan.
Maybe looking at a phone you can find out who the other person is. If a child is doing something that is against policy, they can take the phone, but cannot look at the phone in that case because there is no reason to look at the phone. I am comfortable with having it in there (the code of conduct.) I understand the concerns and if someone does look through a phone inappropriately, we will deal with that. The administrator will be in trouble. It’s as simple as that.” In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled in New Jersey v. T.L.O. “that school offiSee PHONE SEARCH, page 20
alsOInsIdetOday Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living................................14 Sports.........................................16 Classifieds 26