Whiskey Creek
President’s Letter
COLE PEACOCK, WCCA BOARD PRESIDENT
Greetings WC Community and Neighbors,
As summer continues, we want to wish all our families a safe, joyful, and relaxing break. We also want everyone to start preparing for the hurricane season, as we have officially entered the 2025 season.
The State of Florida has recently approved the 2025 budget, effective June 30, which includes several tax-exempt holidays that may benefit many families. Key highlights of the 2025 tax package include:
• A monthlong Back-to-School sales tax holiday every August. This is a permanent change, expanding from the previous twoweek duration.
• A year-round sales tax exemption on disaster preparedness items, such as batteries, generators, and tarps.
Examples of tax-exempt items include household batteries, fuel tanks, portable generators (priced at $3,000 or less), tarps, ground anchors, tie-down kits, bottled water (already tax-free), first-aid kits (already tax-free), most nonperishable food items (already tax-free), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Items that are excluded from the exemption and are less specific to disaster response include reusable ice packs, lanterns, flashlights, candles, portable power banks, and weather radios.
These changes aim to assist families in being better prepared for emergencies while also saving on essential school supplies.
Other tax breaks include:
• Permanent tax relief on health and safety items—everything from sunscreen and smoke detectors to life jackets and bicycle helmets.
• Repeal of sales tax on admissions to Florida State Parks.
• A new Florida Hunting, Fishing and Camping Tax Holiday offering savings on supplies from Sept. 8 to Dec. 31.
Our monthly WCCA board meetings are now on summer recess and will resume in September. However, our efforts continue. We are currently collaborating with the county to enhance the medians throughout the neighborhood—a beautification initiative that will benefit all residents.
One of the reasons this project is important for our community, aside from improving aesthetics, is that the medians have not been upgraded or maintained regularly since they were originally built. A primary goal of this potential community project is to add fill dirt, raise the beds, and resod the areas to help eliminate water pooling, which can lead to flooding and damage to roadways.
This could be one of the largest community projects Whiskey Creek has undertaken, if not the largest. The project will be completed in phases as there are many medians that stretch the entire length of our community. Depending on funding from the Whiskey Creek Civic Association (WCCA) and potentially some contributions from the MSTBU or the county, we will need to initiate a capital campaign within Whiskey Creek and engage with the business community.
To ensure that projects like this remain an option for our community, along with proper maintenance, it is crucial that residents participate in the civic association dues. If you are new to the community or have not yet renewed your civic association dues, now is an excellent time to do so.
For more information about membership dues, how funds are allocated, deed restrictions, board meeting minutes, and much more about the community, please visit the WCCA website at whiskeycreeknews.net. The membership campaign strives for 100% participation. Currently, membership stands at approximately 30%, and we are making daily progress. The membership fee of $125 will be allocated to various community needs.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to both new and returning members for your membership and dedication to our community,
providing general community protection, and enhancing our overall community. Thank you for your support!
If you haven’t visited the country club recently, come by and check out our new menu items and drink specials! We’ve also updated the décor and have exciting news about the brick porch addition, not to mention summer golf specials and events. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed and affordable happy hour, delicious brunches and dinners, or a place to socialize
FUNNY ONE-LINERS
How can you tell you’re getting old? When you go to an antique auction and three people bid on you.
Did you hear about the racing snail that got rid of his shell? He thought it would make him faster, but it just made him sluggish.
and unwind, the club is a fantastic spot to enjoy time with friends and neighbors.
Whiskey Creek continues to be a popular destination for residents of all walks of life, each contributing to the rich tapestry of our community. Whether you’re here to settle down, unwind, or raise a family, your presence is vital to our collective vision.
The WCCA Board is grateful for the opportunity to give back to this amazing community, and we thank you for making that possible.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy summer!
Sudoku Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS
1. Bowed stringed instrument
6. Perpendicular to the keel
11. Birdlike
12. A used automobile tire
15. Bank line
16. Game plan
17. Hebrew liquid measure
18. Music event
20. Right after nine
21. Footnote note
23. Breezy
24. Banquet
25. Individual
26. Small
27. Metal used in brass
28. Racing sled
29. Type of cereal grass
30. Damp
31. Infernal region
34. Smell
36. Local Area Network
37. Mid-month days
41. Throw
42. Stopper
43. Informer
44. Vesicle
45. Distinctive flair
46. Abominable Snowman
47. French for “friend”
48. Blabber
51. Can
52. Hemicrania
54. Assault
56. Remorseful act
57. Trap
58. Perspiration
59. Nymph chaser
DOWN
1. Large deer
2. After sunset
3. Top
4. Nonclerical
5. Be aware of
6. Blood vessel
7. Fruit on a bush
8. French for “state”
9. Paintings
10. Conference
13. Bureau
14. Physics unit
15. Cool down
16. Sparkle
19. Water nymph
22. Most profound
24. Ennoble
26. Legal wrong
27. Animal house
30. Croon
32. N N N
33. Mock
34. Frustrate
35. Signs jointly
38. Food-related
39. Siren
40. Shiny lizard
42. World
44. Tent-pitching place
45. Genus of heath
48. Glazier’s unit
49. Young woman
50. Europe’s highest volcano
53. Uncooked
55. Make lace
CROSSWORD SOLUTION IN THIS ISSUE
Security Report
BOB BEVILLE
Once again, officers from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department patrolled our community each day in the month of June. They will make themselves visible from the McGregor entrance to College Parkway and will drive through each of the neighborhoods on both sides of Whiskey Creek Drive.
Fortunately, the month of June was quiet in Whiskey Creek with just a few exceptions.
There was a 911 hang-up call on Wild Fig Lane.
Warning was issued for a stop sign violation.
Detective Selimovic stopped and spoke with a citizen collecting trash on Whiskey Creek Drive.
Deputy Raymond Tellez Ferriol responded to a call for service regarding juveniles jumping off Whiskey Creek Bridge.
Eight different officers patrolled Whiskey Creek with Deputy Raymond Tellez Ferriol taking eight of the shifts in June.
Having an officer in Whiskey Creek is a real deterrent for any criminal activity and I believe it is a selling point for our community and adds to our home values.
Real Estate Round-Up
BOB OXNARD, REALTOR ®
IS THE MARKET PICKING UP? WHAT GIVES?
The Whiskey Creek real estate market is more active than normal for this time of year. The number of homes for sale is down, the number of homes under contract and pending sale is up, and the number of homes being sold per month is up. All of this is evidence that the market is finally picking up steam from being down in the doldrums for the first part of the year.
If someone had told me that the market would be like this in the summer, I would have guessed that the reason would be a change in some of the things that have been putting a damper on real estate sales, such as:
1. High interest rates. But that isn’t the case. Home mortgage interest rates have changed little from the high six percent range for a 30-year fixed rate. Perhaps buyers are just becoming more accustomed to this rate.
2. Fighting in Ukraine and Gaza. Again, peace hasn’t happened yet. There is still conflict in both areas and more global unrest is happening in Iran and elsewhere.
3. High Home prices. After a decade of rising home prices, sellers who wanted to move their home did finally realize that the best thing they could do to stimulate buyer interest was to attractively price their home.
4. Rising insurance rates. We are a third of the way through hurricane season without damage from a named storm. The key to stability in insurance rates is stability in insurance claims. Southwest Florida needs to reclaim our reputation as the best place in America to enjoy retirement in paradise.
As we discussed last month, Whiskey Creek has enjoyed an especially favorable reputation with homeowners for many years. The recent improvements at Whiskey Creek Country Club are just another example of how our neighborhood just keeps getting better. Whiskey Creek Country Club attracts golfers and diners from near and far. Some discover how well kept our community is and more than a few have decided to live here. If you are not utilizing the club in some way, you are missing a good thing.
When Whiskey Creek was first developed in the 1970s, publicity and advertising by the site developer and home builders were instrumental in generating interest among prospective home buyers. Now it is mostly word-of-mouth and
reputation that entices buyers to give us a look. As a Realtor, I know my job is much easier when a prospective buyer is already knowledgeable about Whiskey Creek. The more they know about our neighborhood, the more likely they are to want to live here.
Whiskey Creek is a terrific location and a safe community. We are convenient for shopping, health care, dining, worship, education, arts, beaches, and recreation. We are also a sound investment.
Homeowners who choose to buy in our neighborhood are usually rewarded with a better than average return on their investment when they sell. It may not be for everybody, but for my money, Whiskey Creek is the perfect place to live. You can call Whiskey Creek many things, but the best thing to call it is home!
If you have any questions or comments about this article or other real estate issues, please contact Bob Oxnard at whiskeycreeknews@yahoo.com.
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Tom English
Margo Williams
Laura Berrio
Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias
Anissa Stender
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
A Message From FPL
CHARLOTTE MILLER, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MANAGER, SWFL FPL
Solicitors occasionally go door-to-door in Whiskey Creek, and, in some cases, these individuals misrepresent their affiliations. Importantly, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has provided the following information to help protect yourself from scammers or people impersonating an FPL representative, as well as information about its proposed rate plan.
If anyone comes to your door claiming to represent FPL, always ask to see their official FPL ID or call the number at the bottom of your bill to verify their visit and identification. To learn more, visit FPL.com/protect.
FPL is committed to delivering reliable electricity from a diverse energy mix, while keeping bills as low as possible. FPL continues to diversify the way it generates electricity, and solar energy is an important part of that mix. The company ’s solar energy centers represent one of the most cost-effective forms of new power generation available today, and these centers don ’ t require fuel to operate, which saves customers money over time.
FPL’s proposed four-year rate plan would enable the company to continue making smart investments to reliably serve a growing state while keeping bills well below the national average. To learn more, visit FPL. com/answers .
Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, September 4 at 11:30 a.m. Our speaker will be Tom Hall. Tom is the full-time visual and performing arts reporter for WGCU. His presentation will focus on the local art scene in Fort Myers and Sanibel Island.
At our June meeting we presented each of two high school seniors with a $3,000 scholarship. Shaslei Convers graduated from Cypress Lake High School and will be studying engineering at the University of Florida with a goal of becoming an Air Force pilot. Annmarie Sheehan graduated from Lehigh High School and will be entering FGCU as a junior. She is considering several career options.
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.
The meetings are being held at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $26. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 by the deadline of Tuesday, August 26 for meal selection and to make a reservation.
Wildlife
MARK L. FRANZER
THE AMERICAN KESTREL
The American kestrel is a small, slender falcon about the size of a mourning dove, but with a larger head, narrow wings, and a long, square-tipped tail. In flight, its wings often appear bent, with the tips swept back. From below, kestrels look pale, while their backs are a warm, rusty brown with black spots and a black band near the tip of the tail. Males have bluish-gray wings, while females have reddish-brown wings. Both have black vertical markings on their faces— nicknamed a “mustache” and “sideburn.”
These agile hunters typically hunt their prey from the ground, although they can catch insects in midair too. They fly with a light, graceful motion, but are small enough to be tossed by the wind. When perched, kestrels often pump their tails, like they’re trying to stay balanced.
You’ll often see American kestrels in open areas like deserts, grasslands, and meadows, perched on telephone wires or fence posts along roadsides.
Yard Of The Month
MELISSA METZGER
This month’s Yard of the Month honor goes to Mary Briggs of 5791 Reims Place, a neighbor whose dedication, creativity, and love for gardening have brought her yard to life in a truly special way. From the moment you pass by, it is clear that every plant, flower, and detail has been thoughtfully chosen and lovingly maintained. Mary ’s yard is not just eyecatching; it is a reflection of the pride she takes in her home and the care she puts into being part of this community.
Mary moved to the neighborhood in 2020 after purchasing her home in late 2019. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, she was drawn to Whiskey Creek ’s well-kept homes, peaceful streets, and the strong sense of community that sets it apart from other communities in the area. “ People really care about their homes here,” Mary says. “ You don’ t see boats or commercial vehicles lining the streets. It is quiet, beautiful, and feels like home.”
After retiring from a long career as a Delta Airlines flight attendant, Mary put her energy into transforming her yard, both front and back, into a lush, colorful retreat. She has personally planted more than 160 different plants, creating a landscape that is not only visually stunning, but
also a reflection of the care and creativity she brings to everything she does. “ I take a lot of pride in my home,” Mary shares. “ It ’s rewarding to see the work pay off and even more so when neighbors notice and appreciate it.”
Beyond her love of gardening, Mary is especially fond of the strong sense of community that makes Whiskey Creek feel like home. She enjoys the neighborhood ’s familyfriendly events, the Whiskey Creek newsletter, and the reassuring presence of the Lee County Sheriff ’s department. It is the little things like friendly neighbors, shared traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere that make living here so special in her eyes.
Congratulations to Mary Briggs for earning this month’s Yard of the Month. Your hard work and beautiful garden help make Whiskey Creek a more vibrant place for all of us.
Know someone who deserves the spotlight?
We are always looking to recognize more amazing neighbors, not just for their beautiful yards, but for the heart and soul they bring to our community. Whether they have lived here for decades, work in an inspiring field, volunteer their time in the community, or simply make life in Whiskey Creek brighter, we want to hear about them! 5791 REIMS PLACE
Send your nominations to wccayardofthemonth@gmail. com. Let ’s all keep celebrating the people who make Whiskey Creek feel like home.
Whiskey Creek Civic Association Membership Report
SALLY GINS
As of June 30, 24% of neighbors have joined as members of the Whiskey Creek Civic Association for the year 2025! Please help us reach our goal of 100% participation this year! An annual donation of $125 per home is the requested amount; but please give what you can. Sign-ups and more information regarding the Civic Association can be found on our website: www. WhiskeyCreekNews.net. We would love to see you at our next board meeting (after summer) on Wednesday, September 10 at 6 p.m. at the Whiskey Creek Country Club!
Thank you for your support!
Diane Armstrong
Lee and Julie Berchtold
Albert and Joanne Bevilacqua
Bruce and Lynda Calabrese
Bobbie D’Alessandro
Mary DeFoe
Stephen Emerson and Christi DiBernardo
David and Nikki Ernst
Jim and Susan Garrison
Patty Hatcher
Cindy Hummel
Kevin and Lisa Jennings
Judy and Joe Kee
Teresa Johnson
James and Roseanne Keating
Claudia Silveira and Robert Kosek
Tim and Colleen Kydd
Janice LaFrance
David and Ronna Lepper
Tom and LuAnn Lewandowski
Mike Major
Mat and Keri Mason
Bonnie O’Neill and Kenneth Minton
Mitch Myers
Judith Nelson
Donna Neville
Kay Nordstrom
Michael and Laura Owens
Sue S. Parsons
Bruce Pockrandt
Mary E. Bailey and Lendall D. Pratt
Joyce Riggleman
Hannah Rowan
Pamela Signorelli
Kristina Simos
John and Beckie Thomas
Nate and Christy Thornton
Elizabeth Trezza
Ryan and Natalie Van Horn
Karen Wiss
If you have questions regarding your membership status, please email wccaacct@gmail.com.
SUBMITTED BY A READER TO FOOD.COM
Cook’s Corner CHICKEN WITH TOMATOES AND OLIVES
This dish is reminiscent of a Mediterranean chicken dinner. It is very delicious and easy to make! Please note that you could also make this recipe with a white, flaky fish instead of chicken.
INGREDIENTS
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1.25 to 1.5 pounds total)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
5 3/4-ounce jar of sliced pitted green olives, drained
2 1/4-ounce can sliced pitted black olives, drained
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons finely shredded lemon peel
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
3 tablespoons snipped fresh Italian parsley (flat-leaf)
DIRECTIONS
In a large skillet brown chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, turning once. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside. Add onion to skillet. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally and adding garlic in the last minute of cooking.
Stir tomatoes, olives, capers, lemon peel, and oregano into onion mixture. Place chicken on tomato mixture. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 13 to 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170 degrees F).
To serve, place chicken on platter. Season tomato mixture to taste with salt and black pepper. Spoon tomato mixture over chicken, sprinkle with parsley and serve. Suggestion: Serve with white basmati rice.
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 August 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 yearround and seasonal residents. We welcome you to visit Montage for a luncheon.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 28. Normally we have a speaker after lunch, but there is a special fun group activity planned for our club members to enjoy this month.
Luncheon fee is $30 per person, and you have a choice of either a regular menu entree (a Cobb Salad with Chicken and Chef’s dessert choice) and/or a plant-based/vegan entree (a Cobb Salad with roasted vegetables and tofu with a fresh fruit cup for dessert) in August.
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, August 21.
MUSIC-FOOD-FUN MUSIC-FOOD-FUN THE FUN STARTS AT 4PM THE FUN STARTS AT 4PM
Consumer Alert
BCP STAFF
ARE YOU REALLY OUT OF CLOUD STORAGE OR IS THAT MESSAGE A SCAM?
You might get an email or text that seems to come from Apple, Microsoft, or Google, saying you’re out of storage. The message looks legit, and you might think there’s a chance you need more cloud space, but your scam-radar is going off. How can you be sure the link to upgrade isn’t a scam?
If you don’t even have cloud storage with the company emailing you, that’s the best clue that the message as a phishing scam you can report and delete.
But if the message comes from a company you do use for cloud storage, contact them directly. But don’t click the link in the message. Instead, use a number or website
you know to be real — or log into your cloud account to see if you really need more cloud space.
Scammers often create phishing emails designed to trick you into clicking a link. Their goal? Steal your personal information or install malware on your device. So, if you suspect a phishing scam:
• Forward the email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
• Report phishing text messages on the messaging app you use or forward the text message to SPAM (7726).
• Report the phishing attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Learn more about how to protect yourself from phishing attacks and how to block and report spam text messages .
GIGGLE CORNER
Two men walk into a bar. You’d think at least one of them would have ducked.
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Cole Peacock
RESOURCE HUB
WHISKEY CREEK CIVIC ASSOCIATION
WHISKEY CREEK NEWS
462-5805 colepeacock@comcast.net
Vice President: Wyler Gins 313-1056
Secretary: Kyle DeCicco 810-3729
Treasurer: Justin Gyarmathy
Events Chair: Melissa Metzgar
Seth Hart seth@boat-trailers.com
Jessica Nolan 462-6885 weathersnolan@gmail.com
Paul Copeland 464-8726 pcopeland@mcgriff.com
Mike McQuagge
Amy Kizmiller Pappas
Justin Gyarmathy
COMMITTEES
Deed Restrictions Chair: Seth Hartt seth@boat-trailers.com
Membership: Sally Gins wccaacct@gmail.com
Yard Committee Chair: Melissa Metzger msmetzger1119@gmail.com
Editor: Amy Pappas wcnewseditor@gmail.com
Articles for The Whiskey Creek News must be submitted to the editor by the fourth of the month.
WHISKEY CREEK SECURITY
The Lee County Sheriff’s Department 477-1000
WHISKEY CREEK MSTBU ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Robert E. Beville, Chairman Irrigation 454-1413
Peter J. Boldrin, Secretary Walls 275-0491
Roland T. Kotcamp, Lighting 482-7679
Fitzroy A. Alexander, Landscaping 433-1836
VACANT, Sheriff Detail Josh Malo, MSTBU Coordinator 533-2308
LOCAL ACTION NUMBERS
Emergency 911
477-1000 Action Coordinator 533-9400 Animal Services 432-2083 Chamber of Commerce SW FL 278-1231
Child Abuse 1-800-962-2873
Code Enforcement 533-8895 Dead Animal Removal 949-6246
Div. of Motor Vehicles 533-6000
Elder Helpline 211 Emergency Management 477-3600
Health Dept. 332-9556
Fraud Line 477-1242
Lee County D. O. T. 533-8580
Transport 590-4000 Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213 Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
of Elections 533-8683 Road & Canal Maintenance 694-3334 Tax Collector 533-6000 Utilities (Water & Sewer) 533-8181 Waste Management 334-1224