MARCH 2026
ED DOYLE
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ED DOYLE
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ED DOYLE
ED DOYLE
ED DOYLE
CRISTI MILLER PRENGER
TOM JACKSON
Crossword Puzzle
Boundary
Reveals
Battery terminal
Futile
Reply
Nasal spray, for example
Decay
18. Metal refinery
20. Sticky stuff
21. Distinctive flair
23. Secluded valley
24. Belch
25. One less than 10
26. Dry
27. Puncture
28. Against 29. Animal companion 30. Invoices to pay 31. Flashy
Earth tone 36. Small piece of cloth
A cooperative unit
Jury member
Chats
Decorative case
Darling
Carry
Tatters 47. N N N 48. Kneecap
51. Destroy the interior of
Snobs
54. Blood vessel
56. Nerve junction
57. Tally
58. Color of most grasses
59. Rip up DOWN
1. Ointment ingredient
2. Blink of an eye
3. Cut grass
4. Mid-month days
5. Duration
6. Tapped without swinging
7. Pale
8. Towards the back
9. Addition
10. Mostly white aquatic bird
13. Breathes noisily while sleeping
14. Cease
15. Sporting venue
16. Nonreaders
19. Wading bird
22. Not one or the other
24. Fortify
26. Abbey area
27. Not hers
30. Pleads
32. Arrange (abbrev.)
33. Record company
34. Candidly
35. Discontinuing
38. Knickknack holder
39. Foretold
40. Foggy
42. Received
44. D D D
45. Thigh armor
48. Tube
49. Young woman
50. Curve
53. Driveway surface
55. Craggy peak
Reminder
THE DUMPSTERS ON THE EAGLE RIDGE CONDOS PROPERTY ARE FOR CONDO PROPERTY OWNERS ONLY.
If you have oversized items to dispose of or if you are leaving town and don’t want to leave trash in your trash can, please make other arrangements that do not include these private property dumpsters. If you are renovating and have contractors removing building debris and/or appliances, please caution them NOT to use these dumpsters for disposal. Thank you for being a good neighbor.
Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women ’s Club will welcome a guest speaker from the Fort Myers Mastersingers to the luncheon meeting on Thursday, April 2. The Mastersingers has an 80-plus vocal ensemble which presents choral music featuring celebrated masterworks, contemporary choral works, and timeless classics. The group organizes and self-produces community concerts and appears with other
talented musicians and ensembles throughout Southwest Florida. The deadline to reserve for this luncheon is Tuesday, March 24.
The meetings are being held at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $28. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 by March 24 for meal selection and to make a reservation.
Continental Women ’s Club is a social, cultural, and philanthropic organization established in 1975, with membership open to women living in Lee County. We have many special events and interest groups within our club that you can participate in for social and educational purposes throughout the month and the year. In addition, we contribute to many local charities and award two scholarships each year to senior high school girls who plan on furthering their education.
LIZ PAUL
REMINDER
Please do not leave trash containers, ladders, etc., where they are visible from the street.
Also do not place containers or yard waste out to the curb more than 24 hours before the scheduled weekly pickups.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
Mailbox Maintenance And Repair
For mailbox and lamppost repairs, please contact Tim Townsend, (740) 403-0983 or email timtownsend72@ yahoo.com. Mailbox doors have a closure spring that eventually breaks after thousands of openings. It is important to replace them as soon as they are discovered as they usually result in a broken door, which is a much more expensive repair. The cost of repairing/replacing the various parts for mailboxes & lampposts is as follows:
• Mailbox spring repair is $40.
• If the mailbox door casting breaks the cost to replace the door is $179.
• Mailbox and lamp post can be repainted for $70 for both.
Catch The Action
CAPT. BILL RUSSELL
MARCH ON THE WATER
With record cold weather over the past couple months behind us we can look forward to warmer days. With luck, March will kick the pattern as we exit winter and move into spring. Spring fishing is looked upon as some of the best of the year with a wide variety of species willing to bend a rod. As
days get longer and warmer, the water temperature rises. Schooling baitfish returns after seeking warmer weather over the winter. This is a combination that rings the dinner bell for fish along our coastal waters.
The winter sheepsheads’ run will come to a close over the month. As they complete their spawning duties, they disperse to who knows where. There’s still a good chance to hook big ones around inshore structure and nearshore reefs, especially early in the month. Inshore, catching pompano is a possibility when fishing with shrimp or small pompano jigs.
Spanish mackerel are a fun target as they are ferocious feeders, fast, and great fighters. Prepared fresh, they offer excellent table fare that’s often overlooked. For me, they are the perfect fish when looking for fun and action. When mackerels are present, odds are good that sharks are nearby; sharks love snacking on mackerels.
This month kicks off snook fishing along our coastal waters. Water temperature is critical for snook, too cold and they are often dormant. As
the water rises to 70 degrees or above and holds, we can look for snook to become active, on the move, and hungry. Like many of our game fish, as the water warms their primary diet becomes oily baitfish.
With the arrival of baitfish and warming water, big trout become common catches. Many of our largest sea trout of the year are caught this month. Trout are in their first and largest spawn cycle of the year, look for the bigger fish to get aggressive and hungry.
Following months of daytime low tides and often not much water to navigate, our first spring high tides begin. Higher tides allow for good opportunities to target redfish along mangrove shorelines and over oyster bars. Early morning low tides also allow anglers a great opportunity at tailing redfish over the shallow flats.
Offshore, on days the weather allows there are good opportunities for a variety of fish including reef dwellers like snapper, grouper, grunts, porgies, sheepsheads, and others. Schools of fast-moving Spanish and king mackerel, plus false albacore, or bonito
and even some blackfin tuna are making their way up the coast and busting up any schooling baitfish they encounter. Keep an eye out for tripletail around buoys or floating debris and don’t be surprised if a big cobia makes his presence around your boat while bottom fishing. Fishing around one of the many public artificial reefs is always a good choice for a variety of fish.
Early season tarpon begin to show off the beaches, to the southern part of our region slowly making their way up the coast. Tarpon hook-ups are possible inshore as the waters warm over the month.
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March is a month where anything is possible, and you should always expect the unexpected. We generally have some cool and windy days, but they will be offset with great weather as we break into the spring season.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting www.myfwc.com . Also, upload the Fish Rules app to your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish.
For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call
or text (239) 410-8576, website: www. fishpineisland.com , email: gcl2fish@live.com .
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 30 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
TAX REFUND SCAMS
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...
As some of us prepare to gather our tax documents and file our returns, it is important to be aware of the start of “tax refund scam season.”
Much like the arrival of spring, this time of year generates annual fraudulent behavior.
Should you be anticipating a tax refund, know that there are unscrupulous individuals hoping to steal that refund.
Texts and emails appearing to originate from the IRS or other governmental
offices will indicate that your refund has been “processed” or “approved” or “pending additional information.”
You are prompted to click on a link that will request a social security number… bank account information … date of birth.
Never respond … never.
Be aware that the IRS and/or state tax offices will not reach out to you via text, through email or on social media.
Report fraudulent activity to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting https:// reportfraud.ftc.gov.
73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1 TO 3 P.M.
The James E. Hendry (JEH) Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society announces its 73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale on Saturday, April 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. This free hibiscus show is the oldest, largest and best attended of all Florida’s hibiscus shows, attracting several hundred people annually. This continuing show is made possible through the generosity of community sponsors.
“The event will showcase hundreds of different hybrid hibiscus blooms in a variety of colors and forms which will be judged in several different classes including amateur, collector, open collector, commercial, miniatures and seedlings,” explains Denise Helfrich, show chair. In addition, more than 400 hybrid hibiscus plants will be for sale for $20. All credit cards are accepted.
Parking and admission to the Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale is free .
This is the best opportunity Southwest Floridians have to add to their hybrid hibiscus collection as these plants are not available in local garden centers. This delicate and beautiful plant grows abundantly in Florida’s subtropical climate. Members of the chapter who are experts in the care and growing of hibiscus will be available to provide advice. Several senior American Hibiscus Society judges will also be available to answer any questions regarding the rule for judging blooms.
Anyone who would like to learn how to grow, graft and hybridize this attractive tropical flowering plant can do so by joining the James E. Hendry Chapter at the show.
The show is the highlight of the year for the chapter; monthly meetings are held at The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Ave., Fort Myers, on the second Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Details on the JEH Chapter and pictures of all the blooms that will be available for sale can be found on the chapter’s website www.hendrychapterhibiscus.com and Facebook page: JEH Chapter American Hibiscus Society.
THAT CALL OR EMAIL SAYING YOU MISSED JURY DUTY AND NEED TO PAY? IT’S A SCAM
If you’ve been summoned for jury duty, you know there are serious consequences for missing it—like fines, court appointments, or even jail time. Scammers know this too, and they’re calling and emailing to scare you into thinking you’ve missed jury duty and need to pay. It’s a scam. Learn how the scam works so you can avoid it.
You get an “urgent” call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal or a police officer. They say you missed jury duty and you’ll be arrested unless you pay them now. Only you never got a summons, and you know this isn’t how the courts work. This is a scammer trying to steal your money, and if you give them information like your Social Security number or date of birth, they could try to steal your identity.
Here’s how you know it’s a scam.
• Courts never ask you to pay over the phone. In fact, no government agency will do that.
• Only scammers insist that you can only pay with gift cards, a payment app, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram.
• Courts never ask potential jurors for sensitive information over the phone, like your Social Security number or birthdate. Only scammers do.
If you get a call or email like this, don’t respond. Don’t pay or give them any personal information. If you think a call or email could be real, check the court’s website for jury duty information or call the court directly at a number you know is correct.
Already paid or gave your information to a scammer? Read What To Do if You Were Scammed to find out what to do next. And tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Montage Women’s Club
The Montage Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic club open to all women residing in Lee County. We normally meet on the fourth Thursday of each month. Our March meeting will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn (Captiva Ballroom), 12600 University Drive, Fort Myers 33908, corner of College Parkway at the Summerlin Road overpass. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m., with a short social period followed by lunch at noon followed by an informative speaker program and a short business meeting. Within the organization are various interest groups for members’ participation. Membership is open to both year-round and seasonal residents. We welcome you to visit Montage for a luncheon.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 26. Our featured speaker will be Greg Longenhagen, a member of the original founding company of the Florida Repertory Theatre.
Greg is honored to be entering his third decade with the Repertory and is delighted to serve as its producing artistic director. He will share with us the history of the theatre along with some behindthe-scenes information on how a show comes together, and details of upcoming events.
Luncheon fee is $30 per person. The March regular entree will be Trio Salad (chicken, egg, and tuna) with assorted veggies on a bed of lettuce and Chef’s choice for dessert. The vegan/plantbased entree will be Spinach Salad with mushrooms, lentils, onion, cucumbers, red peppers and pecans with a balsamic vinaigrette and fresh fruit for dessert.
If you would like to attend a Montage meeting, need further information, or would like to make a reservation, please call Rita Artwohl at (239) 703-7787.
Reservations cutoff to attend this meeting is noon, Thursday, March 19.
Christine Leslie, President
Greg Lambrecht, Vice President
Peggy Jermyn, Treasurer
Kelly Lambrecht, Secretary
RESOURCE HUB
EAGLE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MARCH ‘25–’26
Kathy Furlong, Director
Paul Kosiek, Director
Gary Gesnaldo, Director
Board members may be contacted using the Eagle Ridge phone directory or by emailing info@EagleRidge33912.com.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Arbitration Board:
Jim Lutsch, Chairperson
Architectural Control:
Jim Lutsch, Chairperson
Kelly Lambrecht, Chairperson
Communications:
Email: info@EagleRidge33912.com
Website: Scott Fowler
Email: Greg Lambreacht
Newsletter (Eye of the Eagle): Pam Johnson, Editor
To submit news/photos: Newsletter@EagleRidge33912.com
Deed of Restrictions:
Kathy Furlong, Chairperson
Email: DOR@EagleRidge33912.com
Election/Mailing Committee:
Jim and Janet Lutsch, Chairpersons
BOARD LIAISON
Christine Leslie Christine Leslie
Greg Lambreacht
Greg Lambrecht
Kathy Furlong
TBA
EAGLE RIDGE ADDITIONAL CONTACT
INFORMATION
Replacement of Lamppost Bulbs and Light Sensors:
Contact Joe Foster, (239) 218-7714 and leave your name, address and phone number.
Flagpole Holders and Damaged Mailbox
Repairs, Painting of Mailboxes and Light Poles
Contact Tim Townsend, (740) 403-0983.
ERPOA Web Maintenance
Contact Scott Fowler, info@eagleridge33912.com
Eagle Ridge Residents
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Golf Committee:
Jim Lutsch, Chairperson for Men
Kathy Furlong, Chairperson for Women
Golf Liaison:
Jim Lutsch, Chairperson
Holiday Decorating:
Kelly Lambrecht, Chairperson
Legal:
Christine Leslie, Chairperson
Maintenance and Beautification:
Paul Kosiek, Chairperson
Security/Safety:
Gary Gesnaldo, Chairperson
Social:
Kelly Lambrecht, Chairperson
Surface Water Drainage:
Christine Leslie, Chairperson
Welcoming:
Kathy Furlong, Chairperson
BOARD LIAISON
Kathy Furlong
Architectural Control Information
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REMINDER
Kathy Furlong
Greg Lambrecht
Chris Leslie Paul Kosiek
Gary Gesnaldo Greg Lambrecht
Chris Leslie Kathy Furlong
Jogging, bicycling, walking and other nongolfing activities or unregistered golf play are not permitted on the golf course.
Please remember that any exterior changes you plan to make to your home need to be approved by the Architectural Control Committee.
For example, this includes reroofing, exterior painting, landscape changes, swing set installations, etc. We live in a deed-restricted community and these controls have been put into place for the good of each homeowner so as to maintain our beautiful community.
Please contact Jim Lutsch or Kelly Lambrecht kellydlambrecht@gmail. com so that your changes can be reviewed and approved.
A form is available for download from the Eagle Ridge website: www.EagleRidge33912.com on the Resources tab.
We plan to work hard for you to keep our community – the one you all moved into – please help us do that!
Eagle Ridge Bulletin Board
If you have an announcement, we will include it here.
Email newsletter@eagleridge33912.com with your request.
EAGLE RIDGE GOLF NEWS
Please, let us all remember the course is not for walking or kids to be playing on, regardless of the time of day. The course has access roads to be used only by golf course employees and equipment as well. Let us respect the golf course grounds and keep everyone safe!
Jim Lutsch, your golf liaison, can be reached at (239) 3229588.
FORT MYERS CAMERA CLUB
Meetings are held twice monthly November through April at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Road from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Check the website at: www.fortmyerscc.com for information on meeting
schedules, membership, competitions, exhibitions, speakers, outings, mentoring, updates and to join the fun. All levels of photographers are welcome to learn, share and enjoy. Contact at carolheff28@ gmail.com for more information.
VOLUNTEER IN YOUR EAGLE RIDGE COMMUNITY
If you are interested in serving on the Eagle Ridge Board of Directors or would like to serve on one of the committees, please contact one of the following Board members: Chris Leslie, Joyce Johnson, Peggy Jermyn, Greg Lambrecht, Kathy Furlong or send an email to: Info@EagleRidge33912.com.
WAYS TO COMMUNICATE
Eagle Ridge has a Facebook page. This is a private
group only for Eagle Ridge residents. To join, find “Eagle Ridge Community Fort Myers” on Facebook. Then click on request to join. You will be prompted to enter your address. This will be checked against property records to confirm you are a resident.
Eagle Ridge is also on NextDoor.com. You can join and select to communicate with only Eagle Ridge residents and/or our neighboring communities.
THE FLORIDA YARDS & NEIGHBORHOOD (FYN)
Join us at a Florida Yards & Neighborhoods class and learn the nine principles that guide Florida-friendly landscaping in Lee County. The class is given under the auspices of University of Florida IFAS Extension Lee County.
Deed of Restrictions Section A-15:
Pets must be on a leash at all times when being walked outside of the owner’s property boundaries. The pet owner is responsible for picking up all animal waste from their pet at all times. This includes the common areas! Violators are subject to fining. Each principle is explored in class, so you can apply what you learn to your own yard. Plant selection and placement, efficient irrigation, proper mulching, and techniques to obtain a beautiful and healthy yard will be discussed. To learn more, visit http://fyn.ifas. ufl.edu/. Basics of Floridafriendly gardening classes are offered locally in person and virtually on Zoom. For more information and to sign up visit Eventbrite.com.
YOUR EYE OF THE EAGLE
You may download this magazine from the Resources tab on the Eagle Ridge website: www.EagleRidge33912.com.
Are You Receiving Email From Eagle Ridge?
Each month the Eagle Ridge Property Owners Association sends out an email with reminders of activities at the Ridge. If this image looks unfamiliar to you, you are not on our email list.
To correct this, send an email to info@EagleRidge33912.com along with your name and street address.
We will add your name to the list, which you may opt out of at any time. We are stressing the use of email as it is faster, easier and cheaper than USPS. You may send email addresses for all members of your household.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Eagle Ridge Job Spot
Non-businesses only please! All business owners should contact Seabreeze Communications to place an ad. Are you looking for an odd job? Want to be included in the Eagle Ridge Job Spot? Email your information to Pam Whitenight at Newsletter@eagleridge33912.com. Babysitters, pet sitters, yard work and more.
Note: All work performed based on the postings below become the sole responsibility/liability of the person hiring for the job and the worker. This publication and the Eagle Ridge Community bear no endorsement, accountability nor liability.
Carol Gulledge, (317) 908-8001. An art teacher offering lessons in oil, acrylic and watercolor. Teaching for 45 years and retiring here in Eagle Ridge full time. Classes will be Monday through Saturday. Bring a friend or group to have fun, relax and be creative. Classes are two hours. Call now or email rmxcar@aol.com to reserve a time.
Karleen Halfmann, (239) 292-6302. Karleen’s Coastal Home Watch. Licensed Realtor and competitive pricing. Eagle Ridge resident. Email: karleensellsswfl@aol.com. Call or email for information.
Connie Hope, (215) 527-1217. Absentee Homeowner Services: “While you’re away” I can check your home or condo. (Weekly/ biweekly/monthly). I can validate yard maintenance and irrigation, pick up parcels and mail, check water, check appliances, arrange for repairs and services and much more. I am in the community. Call or email conniehope@comcast.net.
Connie Hope, (215) 527-1217. Secretarial work, outreach office work, write your letters, answer your email, also light accounting, prepare things for taxes. I have been a Florida notary for the last 10 years.
Tom Jackson, (919) 414-5017. I have over 33 years of carpentry/cabinet making experience and worked as a full-time handyman in North Carolina for the past two years. I can install cabinets/doors, tile backsplashes, hang TVs/lights/fans, small electrical/plumbing jobs and more. Just ask and I’ll let you know if I can do it!
John Kincaid, (239) 286-7010. Home Watch for snowbirds or travelers. I am a full-time Eagle Ridge resident insured and bonded. Comprehensive reports with pictures and GPS verification are provided after every visit.
Check for leaks, temp/humidity, intrusions, pests and much more. Verify lawn and pool maintenance. Don’t have a nasty surprise when you get into town. Your insurance company may not cover a claim without this service. Weekly/biweekly/monthly. Call or email john@fmhomewatch.com.
Kathie McDonough, (239) 478-0060. A resident on Triple Eagle Court, Kathie does pet sitting and home watch.
Michael Messina, (631) 357-1016. We are new residents of Eagle Ridge on Twin Eagle Lane and would like to offer professional pressure washing services to the community at discounted prices. I specialize in all flat work such as driveways, walkways, pool decking surfaces, etc. Call or text me for a free estimate.
Diane Nichols, (239) 825-5861. Notary public state of Florida since 1986. I will pet sit, house sit, and babysit.
Edith Weber, (651) 410-6596. CNA with over 35 years’ experience, I can help with daily living activities such as bathing, hair and nail care, cooking, shopping, etc. I am licensed and CPR certified.
Doug Wyatt, (618) 558-8176. I am a fulltime resident at The Fairways and have over 25 years of experience doing interior painting in extremely nice homes. I am very meticulous, accommodating, neat, and tidy. I can also help out with light handyman work like replacing faucets, light fixtures, door locks, etc., as well as trimming bushes, cleaning gutters, house sitting, or anything you need that I am able to do.
Notice: Advertisements for the newsletter must be placed through Seabreeze Communications. Call (239) 278-4222 for information. I have no role or pricing information on the placement of ads and/or inserts.
Deadline: Submission of articles for the Eye Of The Eagle must be received no later than the sixth of each month. Email articles, pictures or information for the Bulletin Board, to newsletter@eagleridge33912.com.
Articles can be submitted attached to or contained in an email. Photos should also be emailed as attachments.