WEEK Of OCTOBER 23, 2024
VOLUmE 62, NUmBER 49
Early voting kicks off; high turnout expected By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
Pink Out Picnic to honor cancer survivors, fighters By TIFFANY REPECKI
I
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
t is estimated that 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States this year, as well as 56,500 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer, the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports. An estimated 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. In 2024, an estimated 42,250 women and 530 men will die from breast cancer. On Oct. 24, the San Cap Pink Project will host the 12th Annual Pink Out Picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the
Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's Station 171. The event aims to celebrate and honor cancer survivors, fighters and caregivers and to raise funds to help members in the community with their cancer-related needs. “We've all faced some challenges recently with two hurricanes back-to-back,” organization founder and breast cancer survivor Mary Bondurant said. “We're excited to still be able to hold our annual picnic, where we can come together as a community. It's the perfect time to enjoy friendship, music and food.”
Early voting for the General Election began on Oct. 21 and will run through Nov. 2. There are 12 locations throughout Lee County where individuals can vote, as well as drop off their vote-by-mail ballot. Locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Last week, Lee County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle said he and his staff were ready for the Early Voting period and had ensured the equipment is ready to handle the turnout. “We thoroughly test all 232 tabulators and electronic poll pads that will be used in the election,” he said. “We also conduct a state-mandated public Logic and See EARLY VOTING, page 18
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See PINK OUT PICNIC, page 10
Shell museum welcomes new giant Pacific octopus The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel announced the arrival of its newest resident, a playful and active giant Pacific octopus. The largest of the species, the Giant Pacific octopus has eight arms, three hearts, and blue blood. It is extremely intelligent and requires extensive daily enrichment to encourage its appropriate
Giant pacific octopus BAILEYMATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM & AQUARIUM
behavior. Aquarists worked during the first few weeks of its arrival to establish a relationship with the giant Pacific octopus. It is healthy, strong, and loves to interact. The transition to its new home at the museum has been seamless, even given the disruption of Hurricane Milton. “The new giant Pacific octopus is curious and not at all bashful,” senior aquarist Carly Hulse said. “Much larger than the two-spot octopus and Caribbean two-spot octopus we also have on exhibit, the GPO will enhance See OCTOPUS, page 7
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