Whiskey Creek NE
WS
MARCH 2026
A Look Inside
A MESSAGE FROM WYLER GINS
A MESSAGE FROM THE WCCC BOARD PRESIDENT REAL ESTATE ROUND-UP
A Message From Wyler Gins
Hello Whiskey Creek neighbors!
For those of you I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Wyler Gins. I’m the vice president of the Whiskey Creek Civic Association and the clubhouse director of the Whiskey Creek Country Club. My wife, Sally, and I have lived in Whiskey Creek for the past eight years, and during that time we’ve been incredibly blessed to see our family grow to five with the addition of our three amazing daughters.
Chances are you’ve seen me around— cruising the neighborhood in the evenings with my girls on “bunny patrol,” heading to the golf course with my clubs in hand, or out front of my house working my way through the ever-growing “honey-do list.” One of the biggest reasons we chose to move to Whiskey Creek was the golf course, and I’m proud to volunteer my time to help ensure that both our club and our community continue to thrive. I truly love living here and feel incredibly lucky to be raising my family in such a special place.
One of the most common questions I get is:
“ Is the Whiskey Creek Country Club affiliated with the Whiskey Creek Civic Association?”
The short answer is no . Joining the Whiskey Creek Civic Association (WCCA) does not make you a member of the Whiskey Creek Country Club (WCCC). That said, we are proud community partners. The WCCA focuses on improving the neighborhood as a whole, and a thriving, successful country club benefits our entire community—including our
property values. One of my biggest goals has been helping bridge the gap between the community and the club, and it ’s been incredibly exciting to see so many neighbors joining, visiting, and reconnecting with the club. As more people experience the newly renovated clubhouse and Chef Roland ’s delicious new menu, I ’ m confident that enthusiasm and support will only continue to grow.
Speaking of improvements—while the WCCC clubhouse recently received a facelift, the WCCA is busy giving both
of our community entrances a makeover as well. A huge thank you to all of our residents who support the Civic Association each year. Without you, we wouldn’ t have been able to fund this $50,000-plus project. And a special shoutout to Tidewater Landscaping and Extreme Painting for transforming the look and feel of our entrances. This is just the beginning. With your help, we are committed to continuing to enhance our curb appeal, protect property values, and make you proud every time you turn into Whiskey Creek. It truly is a special community.
Looking ahead, the Whiskey Creek Civic Association is excited to announce the 4th Annual Battle at the Creek Golf Tournament , scheduled for May 15 at the Whiskey Creek Country Club. This year ’s event will benefit the PACE Center for Girls , an incredible nonprofit supporting local middle and high school girls with the resources they need to thrive. The tournament will be a four-person scramble with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. Sponsorship opportunities and team spots fill up fast, so if you ’ re interested, please email BattleAtTheCreek@gmail.com to save your place. More details coming soon!
And of course, March is packed with fun things to look forward to. Spring training is in full swing with the Red Sox and Twins in town. Who’s planning on drinking green beer on St. Patrick’s Day and maybe trying
to catch a leprechaun? Parents everywhere are counting down to spring break (kids are counting louder). And then there’s March Madness—will this finally be the year you have the perfect bracket before it all wraps up on April 4?
Finally, thank you to everyone who has already joined the Civic Association. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to consider the $125 annual household membership. If that amount isn’t possible, or if giving more meets your capacity, please give what you can. Our goal is 100% community involvement, because a strong, unified neighborhood benefits everyone. You can sign up online at whiskeycreeknews.net/ membership.
Be sure to also sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter so you never miss community updates. You can subscribe at whiskeycreeknews.net/stay-up-to-datewith-the-wcca or simply email wccaacct@ gmail.com and we’ll get you added.
Thank you for being such an incredible community. Whiskey Creek isn’t just where we live—it’s where we connect, grow, and look out for one another. I’m honored to serve alongside so many passionate neighbors, and I can’t wait to see what we continue to accomplish together.
Warm regards, Wyler Gins
A Message From The WCCC Board President
For the past several months, our Whiskey Creek Country Clubhouse has been a place of promise—filled with plans, patience, and a whole lot of progress. Today, it ’s my genuine pleasure to share that the doors are opening once again, and we are ready to welcome you back.
This renovation was about more than updating walls and spaces. It was about honoring the
history of our clubhouse while thoughtfully preparing it for the years ahead. Along the way, we were reminded that the true heart of this place has never been the building itself—it ’s the people who gather within it.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your understanding, encouragement, and continued support throughout this process. Your belief in our shared vision made this moment possible.
We warmly invite our members and the surrounding community to join us as we reopen, reconnect, and come back together. Whether you’re stopping in for a familiar favorite or discovering something new, we hope you feel the same sense of belonging and pride that has always defined this clubhouse.
We look forward to seeing old friends, welcoming new faces, and beginning this next chapter— together.
With gratitude and anticipation, Steve Cunningham, WCCC Board President
Whiskey Creek Security Report
BOB BEVILLE
We had a little more activity than normal in January.
On January 2, Deputy A. Perez came into contact with a resident of the community, advising that a neighbor’s dog had been missing since 12/30/25. A picture of the dog with contact information was provided by the concerned resident to Deputy Perez. The dog was subsequently located in Lehigh.
On January 4, Deputy Mieses issued two citations and two warnings for traffic infractions along Whiskey Creek Drive.
Sudoku Puzzle
On January 16, Deputy Julian Chala responded to an information call regarding a home with the front door left open and helped with a crash with injuries at Whiskey Creek/College Parkway.
On January 25, there was a call for a suspicious vehicle at Selby/Reynard but it was gone on arrival.
All the deputies are checking for traffic infractions on a number of the side through streets in Whiskey Creek and specifically on Beechwood Trail where there have been some complaints.
As always, please call the LCSO at (239) 477-1000 for nonemergency concerns and 911 for emergencies.
Do we have your email address? Make sure you don’t miss the digital newsletters and information from your Whiskey Creek community! Please go to https://whiskeycreek. seabreezecommunications.com/about/ to sign up!
NEW HOURS:
Monday/Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entire menu available
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Breakfast (entire menu available) 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lunch and Dinner
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brunch
Bar open until 10 p.m.
Join us for corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)!
Trivia and Bingo will return – dates to be announced! Coming Up At The Clubhouse
WHISKEY
Real Estate Round-Up
BOB OXNARD, REALTOR ®
CREEK FLOOR PLANS REDISCOVERED!
THANK YOU, LINDA YAEGER, FOR YOUR DISCOVERY! Longtime Whiskey Creek resident and Realtor, Linda Yaeger, recently shared a treasure trove of original floor plans from US HOME, the builder and developer of Whiskey Creek in the 1970s and 1980s. This writer was thrilled to receive them from Linda and will share them with homeowners
Floor plans are available for these models: Barbados, Catalina, Martinique, Mariner, Tradewinds, Madeira, Islander, Oakmont, Primrose, Windsor, Eldorado, Wellington, Arlington, Barcelona, Islander Palm, Longview, Cedarbrook, and Holly.
According to the developer brochure, US Home, operating in 10 states, was the largest home builder in the nation in the 1980s. US Home, who also
providing for lasting quality. They touted three things that separated them from other homebuilders. These things help provide value and desirability to Whiskey Creek homeowners to this day:
1. Low to moderate density.
2. A telltale measure of “extra” craftsmanship in our homes.
3. Standing behind their homes thereby creating happy buyers.
In their marketing for Whiskey Creek homes, US Home said, “In every town, there is just
one “best” place to live. Where the homes are bigger; the streets are wider and elegantly winding; the lawns are larger and more beautifully landscaped; the sky wide open and blue. Everything, in short, just the way it should be. Well, that’s exactly the kind of neighborhood we’re building at Whiskey Creek.”
US Home was proud to offer Village Green homes in Whiskey Creek as well. Commonly referred to as Villas now, they described them as, “A style of living that combines the best of everything we have to offer. On one
hand, each Village Home is a single level, twobedroom residence featuring super spacious living and sleeping areas, its own lawn, garage, and screened-in patio lanai.”
These villas maintain their value because of these features combined with their desirable location and the low density found in all Whiskey Creek homes.
In last month’s Real Estate Round-Up, we learned that the average sale price of a WC Village Green villa was $288,500, an increase of 84% since 2015. A singlefamily nonwaterfront home sold for an average price of $482,450 in 2025, a 75% increase in the last 10 years.
In 1982, US Home quoted the price for a Rutenberg 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at $69,950 for a 1,522 square-foot Barbados model, and $86,950 for a 1,962 squarefoot Madeira model. Many things have depreciated over the years, but it is obvious that Whiskey Creek homes have appreciated quite well. A Whiskey Creek home is like having money in the bank … or should I say having money in your home!
If you have any questions or comments about this article or other real estate issues, please contact Bob Oxnard at whiskeycreeknews@yahoo.com .
Crossword Puzzle
Nasal spray, for example
Metal refinery
Sticky stuff
Distinctive flair
Secluded valley
Belch 25. One less than 10
Dry
Puncture
Against
Animal companion
Invoices to pay
Flashy
Earth tone
Small piece of cloth
A cooperative unit
Jury member
Chats
Decorative case
Rip up
Ointment ingredient
Blink of an eye
Cut grass
Mid-month days
Duration
N N N
Kneecap
Destroy the interior of
Snobs
Blood vessel
Nerve junction
Tally 58. Color of most grasses
Tapped without swinging
Pale
Towards the back
Addition
Mostly white aquatic bird
Breathes noisily while sleeping
Cease
Sporting venue
Nonreaders 19. Wading bird
Not one or the other
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
Wildlife
MARK L. FRANZER
COTTONMOUTH
Cottonmouth (water moccasin) bites can be very dangerous to people and pets due to their potent venom, which often causes severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage. If bitten, seek immediate medical care at a hospital experienced in treating snakebites: Call 911 right away, stay calm, keep the bitten area at heart level, and avoid using tourniquets, ice, or cutting the wound.
Cottonmouths are not aggressive and typically avoid contact with humans and pets. Most bites occur when the snake is deliberately provoked or accidentally stepped on.
In Florida, cottonmouths are often confused with eight nonvenomous watersnakes in the genus Nerodia, which share similar habitats and appearances. Several reliable features can help distinguish them. From directly above, a cottonmouth ’s eyes are not visible because they are obscured by the broad head shape and dark markings, whereas watersnake eyes are clearly visible. Cottonmouths have vertically elliptical, cat-like pupils, while watersnakes have round pupils. Cottonmouths possess a
facial pit organ, a small heat-sensing pit located between the nostril and eye, which watersnakes lack. Watersnakes often display thin dark vertical lines on the sides of the face near the mouth, a pattern usually absent in cottonmouths. Cottonmouths commonly rest with their heads elevated off the ground and tilted upward at an angle, whereas watersnakes generally do not adopt this posture.
Brightly patterned juvenile Florida cottonmouths are sometimes mistaken for Eastern copperheads, which occur in Florida only in the Panhandle. The dark crossbands on juvenile cottonmouths are filled with numerous dark spots and speckles, creating a mottled appearance, while copperhead crossbands are cleaner with no dark spots or at most one. Adult copperheads retain their banded
pattern throughout life, whereas adult cottonmouths often become uniformly dark with little to no visible pattern remaining. Copperhead eyes lack the prominent dark facial band that typically crosses the cottonmouth ’s eye.
Always give snakes plenty of space and never attempt to handle them. Contact professionals for safe removal if needed.
Whiskey Creek Civic Association
SALLY GINS
MEMBERSHIP THAT
MAKES A
DIFFERENCE
Whiskey Creek has long been, and continues to be, one of the most desirable places to live in Southwest Florida. Our tree-lined streets, welcoming neighbors, and strong sense of pride set our community apart. To ensure this reputation not only endures but grows stronger, we invite you to become a member of the Whiskey Creek Civic Association for 2026.
Membership in the Whiskey Creek Civic Association is $125 per household per year. Your support alone helps move our community forward.
The purpose of the Civic Association is simple yet powerful: to plan for the preservation of our neighborhood and to promote and enhance the general welfare, safety, and civic spirit of the Whiskey Creek community. By working together, we can continue to improve our appearance, functionality, and sense of camaraderie—enhancements that unquestionably help protect and increase property values for all homeowners.
Our goal is 100% community involvement, because a strong, unified neighborhood benefits everyone.
If the suggested amount is not possible for you, or if you are able and inspired to give more, we honor contributions of any amount. Please visit our website: www. WhiskeyCreekNews.net, then click “Join the WCCA” to sign up online.
How Your Contributions Are Used
Funds collected directly support initiatives that keep Whiskey Creek informed, connected, and beautifully maintained, including:
• Landscape upgrades to both Whiskey Creek entrances!
• New paint on both entrances and the McGregor Wall!
• Community Website (www. WhiskeyCreekNews.net)
• Printed and digital newsletter, along with its postage
• Support of neighborhood events
• Maintenance of damage and/or upkeep of our community not covered by the MSTBU
• Improvements and preservation of the landscape along Whiskey Creek Drive
• Owners’ directory and mailings
• Bookkeeping and financial accounting
• Holiday lights and décor
Association Membership
• Storage unit rental
• Financial reserves to maintain and renew deed restrictions
Your membership is an investment in the place we all call home. Together, we can preserve what makes Whiskey Creek special—today and for generations to come.
We are so excited to have already collected 102 memberships for 2026 as of January 31! Thank you to the below neighbors for their sign-ups and contribution!
Geoff and Ruth Argue
Judy Ferris and Brian Barnes
Al and Joanne Bevilacqua
Mark and Lisa Bloomston
Leola A. Bonge
Deborah Bouchard
Mary A. Briggs
Stephanie Buboltz
John and Debra Burruss
Tyler and Jessica Carner
Chase and Ashleigh Cavayero
Jennifer Nawrocki and Matt Cecil
Julie and Brian Chapman
Dennis and Beth Chattin
Barron and Marie Combs
Paul and Whitney Copeland
Maria Cordovano
Keith and Gina Crocker
James and Helen Crumbie
Ivan and Claudia Cuna
Dan and Kate Davis
Kyle and Jennifer DeCicco
Vern and Kay Denning
Tom Doyle
Michael and Jane Echols
Christi DiBernardo and Stephen Emerson
Ron and Amy English
David and Nikki Ernst
Christine and Brian Finger
Rena Finley
Brooke and Peter Fisher
Warren and Kathy Frey
Wyler and Sally Gins
Holly Glenn
Justin and Dee Gyarmathy
Stacy Hartman
Brittany and Seth Hartt
Nick and Melissa Herchenroeder
Dana and Laurie Hume
Kevin and Cindy Hummel
Richard and Diana Jenkins
Dave and Melissa Johnson
Holly and Thomas Johnson
Bryan and Nicole Jones
Blane and Barbara Kelly
Susan Kohler
Danijel and Ervina Krizanac
Gary and Kathleen Kurtz
Tim and Colleen Kydd
Marge Lennon
Ben and Sara Levene
Mark and Moyna Leverick
Kurt and Diane Ludwinski
James and Lauren McCabe
John and Kathleen McEnroe
Eddie and Courtney McGirt
Brian and Kellie McGonagle
David and Donna Michie
Brad and Meg Middaugh
John and Marie Mills
Kathy Moran
Samuel Morton
Michael Motz
John and Jessica Nolan
George and Amy Pappas
Barbara Farrell and John Parcells
Rishikumar and Kristin Patel
Cole and Rachel Peacock
Joy Pearson
Andrea and Larry Pokrywa
Natalie L. Reckard
Joy and Sara Rockwell
Robert and Kathleen Rodenfels
Patricia and Richard Roth
Mark Salter
Michael and Leigh Anne Schaper
Bruce and Beth Schultz
Michele and Thomas Severini
Tyler and Alyssa Sharpe
John and Kathy Shaw
Kristina Simos
Henry and Cynthia Sylvester
David and Sue Thinnes
John and Antoinette Tutuska
Ryan and Natalie Van Horn
Bob and Voni Walker
Jeffrey and Susanna Wingenroth
Kevin and Candice Yeager
Whiskey Creek Newsletter
Do you enjoy writing? We are looking to collaborate with neighbors on articles for our Whiskey Creek News!
• Would you like to submit an article for our community newsletter? Send us your idea for a one-time or recurring article!
• Do you enjoy snapping photos? Submit a “photo of the month” with a short caption to be featured!
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.
• Did you catch a fish in the creek? Submit your photo and information for our “Caught in the Creek” article.
• Are you new to the neighborhood and would like to be introduced to your community? Send us a note!
• Want to promote your company with an ad to the 1,500 homes in Whiskey Creek? Ask us about advertising in and sponsoring a printed newsletter!
Please email all correspondence to Amy Pappas at WCNewsEditor@gmail.com.
Latania Palms
KAREN M. MAXWELL, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE
Nearly a thousand miles east of the coast of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, sits an archipelago of islands collectively known as the Mascarene Islands. Their isolated nature and lack of humans until about 1507, allowed these volcanic islands to enjoy a vast biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Since either the arrival of the Arabs in late 900s or the Europeans in 1507, these islands have rotated through a series of sovereign flags from Portugal, France, Britain and the Dutch. Upon exposure to European exploitation, the once naturally endowed islands of Reunion, Rodrigues and Mauritius today are densely populated and virtually stripped of natural vegetation. It is reported that there is no natural vegetation remaining on Rodrigues, about 5% on Mauritius and 40% on Reunion.
LATANIA LODDIGESII
SEEDS ON A PALM
NEAR THE EDISON
CARETAKER’S COTTAGE
The diverse flora and fauna were attributed to the wide variety of habitats found on the islands – everything from coastal wetlands, swamp forests, and dry lowlands to mountain cloud forests. Today, the natural vegetation has been largely replaced by humans, sugarcane, tea and conifer plantations. One of the world’s most active volcanos, Piton de La Fournaise is a tourist attraction on Reunion,
LATANIA LODDIGESII
NEAR THE EDISON
CARETAKER’S COTTAGE
formerly known as Ile Bourbon – yes, where the fragrant Bourbon roses originated.
As a semitropical botanical garden, how fortunate are we, that Edison and Ford Winter Estates can offer our visitors an opportunity to view and appreciate so many of the species once endemic to these remote islands: Dombeya, Pandanus or Screw Pine, species
of Cyathea or tree ferns, and a number of palms including the Hyphorbe genus, Dictyosperma genus and one of my favorites, the Latania (La-TAN-ee-a) genus.
Due to poaching and other human activities, the Latania species that naturally grew on seaside cliffs and savannahs are virtually extinct in the Mascarenes. The Latania genus has three species, each a solitaire palm, commonly known as the Blue, Red and Yellow Latan palms. At the Estates, we have the Blue and Yellow Latans in our collection, having lost our Red Latan to palm weevils.
The genus is well adapted to our climate as Latans prosper during warm and wet summers followed by dry winters. In their native environment, they would receive approximately the same annual rainfall –between 50 and 60 inches
– as we enjoy in Lee County. Latanias are all fan palms, without a crown shaft and their size makes them a terrific residential landscape palm – each offering a slightly different appearance.
Ideal for a silver or blue garden theme, the glaucous Blue Latan ( Latania loddigesii ) palm once endemic to Mauritius is often mistaken for Bismark ( Bismarckia nobilis ) palms due their solitary construction with enormous stiff blue-green fronds. These slow growing palms are somewhat salt tolerant and very drought tolerant, and any of the Latanias will grow in most soils, as long as they are provided excellent drainage. They appear to thrive in calcareous soils – so perhaps a good palm choice for Cape Coral, where limestone soils are prevalent. A healthy canopy on a Blue Latan has about 15 fronds,
whereas a Bismark canopy includes about 30 fronds. Blue Latans mature at 35 feet making them a more suitable alternative to a compact landscape than the towering Bismarks and can make quite the statement when planted in multiples. While both are considered self-cleaning they are slow to drop their spent fronds and may need an occasional trim.
The Blue Latan has a heavy white waxy tomentum – a velvety mat – on the undersides of its fronds that doesn’t diminish with age. Being slightly less cold hardy than the Bismarks, they still thrive in our Zone 10. Another identification tip is that the Blue Latans do not have fibers as seen on the Bismark fronds.
Each of the three Latania species is dioecious, meaning each palm is either male or female though, within the genus, species
readily cross-pollinate, as evidenced by recent seedlings I discovered growing naturally on the property. Seedlings of the Blue Latan also have red margins and may be mistaken for the Red Latan ( Latania lontaroides ).
When any of the Latanias are fully grown, they are nearly indistinguishable from each other, though as seedlings, their common name colors are obvious. When young, Red Latans are never mistaken for the Blue Latan, with bright red petioles or leaf stalks. Seed identification is the only certain means of identification between the species – Red Latan seeds are not as highly sculpted as those of their blue cousin. In fully grown Latania palms, the pointed hastula at the base of the frond, where the fan connects to the stem, on Red Latans is raised while the Blue Latan hastula lies flat in the front. Native to the Island of Reunion, with very few surviving in the wild, the Red Latan is sure
LATANIA VERSCHAFFELTII TRUNK
to go the way of the Dodo Bird on Reunion, unless we, as “bankers” of nature’s future are able to secure its responsible propagation. The hastula of the Bismark Palm is decidedly uneven when compared to the Blue Latan.
Requiring active conservation, the Latania verschaffeltii or Yellow Latan with origins on Rodrigues has only about 50 naturally occurring specimens remaining. It is clearly recognized with its bright yellow petioles covered in white tomentum which lasts through adulthood. Fronds are
LATANIA LODDIGESII SEEDLING
thinner, and never as stiff as the Blue Latan with a distinct yellowish or orange hue, and the Yellow Latan hastula is flat and blunt. For palm enthusiasts, it is fun to learn the keys to identification. If you want to learn more about palms, there will be a class at the Estates called “Palm Reading” on March 24.
To preserve and hopefully propagate and share endangered and rare species is something that we, as horticulturists, live for. We hope to see you in the garden soon!
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 behind-the-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/plant-based 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.
SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION
TAX REFUND SCAMS
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...
Should you be anticipating a tax refund, know that there are unscrupulous individuals hoping to steal that refund.
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.
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.
BCP STAFF
Consumer Alerts
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.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
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.
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.”
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 220-1036
Secretary: Kyle DeCicco 810-3729
Treasurer: Justin Gyarmathy
Events Chair: Melissa Metzger
Social Media: Jessica Nolan 462-6885 weathersnolan@gmail.com
Paul Copeland 464-8726 pcopeland@mcgriff.com
Seth Hart seth@boat-trailers.com
Amy Kizmiller Pappas
Bruce Schultz
Dana Hume
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 Cole Peacock 462-5805
Terri Kinsey