PHOTOS: Ultimate Ski Lake community in Estero

Jerry Nunn, 46, of Estero, water skis on a man-made lake at the Ultimate Ski Lake community in Estero.
This photo of Jerry Nunn was shot by Alejandra Diaz and ran on the front page of the Sunday Growth section with a story written by another reporter.

Family home must move 50 feet back

Maria and Felix Gonzalez’s home sits on top of metal structures because of a road project that caused them to move their house back 50 feet.

Tom Doyle says it takes magic to move a house, but Maria and Felix Gonzalez know it takes much more than that.
Money being the No. 1 thing.

The Gonzalezes have spent $200,000 to move their three bedroom, two bath home 50 feet into the backyard.

It wasn’t the ideal situation for the family but Lee County officials are expanding East Terry Street and offered to buy their home for $275,000.

The house would then be demolished to make space for the road.

“I think the street expansion is needed because there is so much traffic but the problem is that we have to move our house so it can happen,” said Maria Gonzalez, 44.

The Gonzalezes also opted to move the house because the county’s money wasn’t enough to buy a similar house in the area and they still owe the bank $340,000 for the home.

In essence, they’d have to use the county’s $275,000 plus an additional $65,000 of their own money to pay of their mortgage.

“What the (county) gave us just wasn’t enough to pay the bank and find another house. We would be in worse shape,” said Maria, who has lived in Bonita Springs since 1979. “I love this area, too, and it would be hard to relocate. We are used to being here.”

The home is being moved by Flint and Doyle Inc., who not only lifted the house but also the family swimming pool, which was installed just two years ago.

“You move a pool the same way you move a house ... disconnect the water and electricity and with dollies, move it back,” said Doyle, the part-owner of the trucking and house moving company.

But moving a house and pool isn’t as easy as it sounds. Doyle, who joked that it takes magic to move houses, had crews lift the house by placing a steel supportive system under the building, jacking it up and moving it with a dolly system.

“We put it in the air and then the foundation will be raised so plumbers and electricians can come and connect the utilities,” said Doyle, adding that the process normally takes a month or two to complete.

Unfortunately, for the Gonzalez’s it’s been three months and counting while they continue to pay rent on a small Naples apartment. Most of their things are still in the house.

It could be March before they can move back home.

“It’s taking longer because the other jack we have is tied up in a project in Fort Myers,” Doyle said.

Maria hopes to get back into her home soon because the couple’s housecleaning and landscaping jobs aren’t covering the bills — the county’s money is not only paying for the house move but lawyer fees as well — the rent is coming from their own pockets.

“Sometimes necessity shows you what you are made of,” Maria said. “My son started ninth grade at Estero High and we moved him to Gulf Coast High (in Naples) in the middle of the year and then we will have to move him back in March.”
Her other son, Felix, 22, is living in Bonita Springs.

“We are broke right now and it’s upsetting that we pay taxes and the mortgage on our home and they just put us out,” she said.

But the family isn’t alone. Two other homes were acquired by Lee County as part of the project that extends from Old 41 to Imperial Street, said Nicole Maxey, the engineering manager I for Lee County.

Once the house is lowered, the Gonzalezes hope the noise from the street traffic doesn’t keep the family up at night.

“The noise might be unbearable but we have to make the best of it,” said Maria, adding that they could have lost their home altogether. “I like my house. It’s beautiful but now it won’t be the same so close to the street. It’s crazy.”

Gallery sells supplies to area knitters

Knitting isn’t for grandmas anymore and the Golden Knitting Gallery in Bonita Springs is out to prove that to their customers.

The store, which moved to the Bonita Springs area in August, sells the latest in yarns, needles, and knitting supplies including kits to make children’s clothing.

“We have everything you could want for knitting. But we only sell the supplies not knitted items,” said Layne Cook, the store’s manager and owner.

Cook makes sure that all her supplies are organized in bundles, shelves and baskets throughout the 1,900-square- foot space to ensure people get what they want.

“We have beautiful yarns and that makes it even easier for someone who is starting out,” said Cook, who knits and has been an artist for 25 years.

Anyone who is interested in learning to knit can take classes at the gallery that offers advanced knitting as well.

“Knitting is popular all over the country. And, we want to teach those who want to try it out,” said Cook, who hosts a knitting group on the second floor of the store.

Cook hosts the knitting groups because people get together and teach each other about different knitting techniques.

“It’s a social thing and the (knitters) get together and yak. It’s creative and it’s relaxing but the most important thing is that it’s portable,” she said.

The portability of the craft has caused its popularity to skyrocket in Bonita Springs with customers coming from other places to buy yarns.

“We have a nice selection but what sets us apart is the kits for babies,” said Cook, referring to the other knitting stores in the area.

The kits, which give knitters the opportunity to make baby hats, ponchos and sweaters were created by Kim Dickerson, the store’s previous owner.

“Everybody else sells what we sell but none have Kim who designs exclusively for us,” Cook said.

Cook used to purchase knitting supplies from Dickerson when the store was located in Naples Park. But after Cook bought it and owned it for five years, the landlord passed away and she was forced to find another location.

“I looked all over but Bonita Springs was the perfect location. I love it here and our Naples customers are still able to come and buy items,” she said.

Having her customer base follow the store is a testament to Cook’s love of all things knitting.

“Knitting is very creative and it’s something everyone can do,” Cook said.