WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2025
Volume 63, number 45
Progression plan provides for mid-year student promotions
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
CROW provides update on cardinal found on glue trap By TIFFANY REPECKI
T
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel gave an update on an adult male northern cardinal that was recently admitted after being found trapped on a glue trap.
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
he Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel recently provided an update on a northern cardinal that was admitted for treatment after it was discovered trapped on a glue trap. CROW reported last month that when the adult male arrived, he was missing most of the feathers on his left wing and tail, and the bird still had glue stuck to his remaining feathers. In an effort to free the cardinal from the trap, the finders had clipped his flight feathers — which left the bird unable to fly. The CROW team provided immediate supportive care to him, including fluids, pain relief and antibiotics, and a careful glue removal procedure under anesthesia. “After nearly eight weeks in care, the cardinal’s feathers are growing back,” it reported on Sept. 9. “Although some feathers See CROW, page 18
If a third grade student receives a level 2 or above on their first progress monitoring, they are eligible to be promoted to fourth grade, according to a recent presentation to the Lee County School Board. On Sept. 9, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nathan Shaker said the student progression plan has been adjusted in certain places to correlate with legislative updates and state requirements. One of the main updates is regarding the third-grade retention rules being adjusted. The rules went into effect last year and are being added to the student progression plan this year. See PLAN, page 19
ISLANDERINSIDE
CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE
County VCB launches ‘Just Feels Right’ campaign
By CJ HADDAD
ALSOINSIDETODAY
With “season” just about ready to kick into full gear across Southwest Florida, county officials and independent agencies are marketing the region far and wide. Data from the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) showed that in 2024, economic impact from both vacationers and “snowbirds” saw dollars in the billions spent locally. According to the VCB, 3,199,500 visitors came to the area in 2024, an See VCB, page 21
Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll...........................................4 Captiva Current...............................6 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living..................................14 Sports.........................................16
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s new marketing campaign is titled “Just Feels Right.”
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