Computer classes offered for kids at recreational center

Eli Whitehouse, 3, of south Fort Myers, takes computer classes at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreational Center with Kristie Valone, the programs specialist.

Connect the dots, count the items and pick the right shape are just a few of the games teaching kids computing skills at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreational Center in south Fort Myers.

The center is currently offering parents a chance to keep their children occupied and teach them how to use a mouse and keyboard.

"I want him to know how to use a computer plus the number sequences, shapes, and letters is good too," said Kerry Whitehouse, 31, of south Fort Myers, referring to her son, Eli, 3.. "He also loves doing mazes so this is perfect for him."

Whitehouse has been bringing Eli for classes at the center since September of 2007.

But it's the computer sewssions he really enjoys because to him it's all a game.

"They learn hand eye coordination, how to type their name and they do it by playing the games we have," said Kristie Valone, the programs specialist who works with the children. "We've been doing the class for some time now and it's good because they are here once a week for five sessions."

The sessions last about 45 minutes but the lessons are invaluable.

Chris Gagnon, 37, of south Fort Myers also brings his son Jonas, 3, to the classes and has seen his skills progress.

"The class has been good for him ... it gives him something to do since he isn't in day care anymore."

The classes run in five week sessions and pre-registration is required as space is limited.

Aerial Innovations gets lofty views of Southwest Florida

Tacy Briggs flies over south Fort Myers monthly and takes aerial photos of the growth in the area for Aerial Innovations, Inc.

She has photographed the construction of Health Park on Bass Road, the BMW dealership on U.S. 41 and road construction projects throughout the area in her more than 15 years with the Tampa-based company.

"It's a really cool thing how people actually need aerial photography and it's neat historically as well," said Briggs, the vice president of the company that specializes in capturing Southwest Florida from above.

Aerial Innovations focuses its efforts in all areas of Florida but Briggs got assigned to Southwest Florida after meeting the company's owner, Colette Eddy, when she was a bartender.

"I had a fine arts degree in photography and had never even heard of aerial photography but it's really important to people building different things," said Briggs adding that she remembers shooting the area around the Midpoint Memorial Bridge before it was built. "It's fascinating to see the change."

Briggs spends many hours in the air a week shooting projects on a monthly basis for contractors, engineers and even lawyers that need pictures of a projects progress.

Most recently, she was assigned to take pictures of the expansion of I-75 every month using a small helicopter.

"We get a lot of calls for construction projects or people needing photos for marketing," she said adding that one of her busiest days is Black Friday when mall owners want aerial shots of full parking lots and shoppers. "Lately I'm doing a lot of Colonial Banks and construction at FGCU."

The rates for aerial pictures starts at $75 a month for three views and Briggs said that price hasn't changed in the 21 years since the company opened.

"The price of aviation fuel has doubled so I try to put together as many projects to shoot at once," said Briggs whose company staffs 10 full time employees that are assigned to take pictures by county.

Stephanie Smith is an account executive for south Fort Myers and spends her time setting up clients with services.

"I research projects that are coming up and get in contact to provide them with aerial photography or even interior shots if that's what they need," Smith said.

Smith joined the company in October of 2008 after leaving a job as a dolphin trainer for SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove. She has always had an interest in photography.

"There is a lot of construction and for some people it's a vital tool because sometimes the city requires pictures," Smith said. "It also helps to have a better vantage point from above."

Dangers of distracted driving outlined

Jay Anderson, of the Stay Alive Just Drive program, poses with a sign that promotes the program.

Jay Anderson, a commissioner with the South Trail Fire & Rescue district in south Fort Myers, is working to curb distracted driving in Southwest Florida and beyond.

Anderson, the creator of the Stay Alive ... Just Drive program, has joined officials at the South Trail and Iona McGregor fire districts who agreed to place bumper stickers and vinyls on their vehicles reminding drivers to hang up their cell phones.

"The issue is that the automobile has become an extension of our living room," said Anderson, noting that auto manufacturers offer DVD players, navigation systems and even laptop computers as extras. "It all comes down to the simple fact that when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle, you should be doing nothing but driving."

The San Carlos, Lee/Sar Districts along with the Lee County Emergency Medical Services, have joined the program because they see crashes every day.

"It's crude to say it but I've scraped people off the road ," said Anderson, a retired EMS captain. "We want people to do nothing but drive."

Anderson's message has spread out of south Fort Myers and into the Broward County School district. They have agreed to install large Hang Up and Drive signs on the 31 high school campuses.

Anderson is working to make the same happen in Lee County schools because young, inexperienced drivers crash when text messaging or talking on their cell phones.

"If we save one life, it makes it all worth it," said Anderson, who now spends his time reaching out to people about changing their driving practices. "We've made quite an impact and all the big players are on board and more keep joining."

The Florida Professional Firefighters are supporting Anderson's efforts by lobbying to push for the passage of hands-free cell phone legislation and the primary seat belt law.

"Awareness is the key and I want people to walk away with a heightened sense of awareness," Anderson said. "The changes are coming slowly but we are creatures of habit and it will take some time to stop distracted driving."

Salon, store owners display latest fashion trends

Ronda Dean, of Pine Island, tries on shoes during a spring fashion event at Janet Marie Studios in south Fort Myers. The boutique announced that its hosting a fashion makeover contest.

Customers are getting hip for spring with the help of south Fort Myers business owners Judy Starnes and Chris Lewis.

The pair recently held an event at Starnes' Janet Marie Studios in south Fort Myers to discuss the latest in spring fashion trends for 2008.

"We realize that the total look is extremely important because if your clothes are new but your haircut is outdated ... it doesn't work," Starnes said.

That's why Lewis, the co-owner of Vincent Salon & Spa in south Fort Myers, taught local women that big hair is making a comeback.

"Hair is a woman's best accessory and the trends are showing that it's time to put down the hot irons and get out your curling irons again," said Chris Lewis, who spoke about his observations during a recent runway show in New York. "Big hair is what's going on for a fresh new look now."

Starnes paired up with Lewis after seeing a few fashion magazines and realizing that the hair and outfit have to work together.

That prompted them to organize the event in south Fort Myers to inform their customers.

"Bold prints, wide singe belts and patent leather are in," said Starnes who laid out a few outfits at the event to show women what paired best at her south Fort Myers boutique. "The hair has to match and that's why its changing to match with colors."

To further ensure that local women get the most from their wardrobe and hair, Starnes will host an event in which Lewis will transform her hairdo and pair an outfit with each hairstyle.

"We think Judy has great ideas and we came to hear about the hair so we can keep current," said Sally Springer of Fort Myers Beach, who brought her friend Donna Severance with her to the boutique.

"I can't believe what they said about hair. But I have to admit that I never put my electric rollers away ..." said Springer, who's known Starnes for four months.

Starnes and Lewis also announced during the event that they are hosting a Fashion Makeover Contest in which two lucky winners will get a full makeup, hair and clothing makeover worth $7,000.

The deadline is May 30 and winners will be announced July 1.

"The right color, cut and style can completely transform a woman and not only make her look great, but feel great too," Lewis said.

Sunseekers don't let Bowditch Beach bacteria bother them

Story was written on deadline for the next day's Monday paper. It ran on the front of the B section.

A swimming advisory from the Florida Department of Health didn't stop spring breakers and locals from swimming in the waters off Bowditch Point on Sunday.

Signs warn swimmers that the Gulf waters of Fort Myers Beach contain high levels of fecal bacteria. The advisory comes during one of the island's most crowded months.

The Lee County Health Department was prompted Thursday to warn swimmers when weekly water tests found 170 colonies of Enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters of water. A level above 104 is considered a potential health risk to swimmers.

"We are getting lots of inquiries about what the signs are but people are in the water having fun anyway," said Rich Petrow, a professional dolphin-tour guide for Holiday Water Sports. The company rents water crafts, sail boats and beach chairs to visitors.

"The advisory hasn't been detrimental to us."

And, that seems to be the case for local businesses that saw a decrease in visitors only Thursday afternoon when the big yellow warning signs were posted along the beach.

"The parking is still at a premium and most of the people that come here sit on the beach anyhow," said Brian Wetzel, the owner of Flip Flops Cafe at Bowditch Point Regional Park. "The parking lot has been full and business hasn't been affected."

Health Department officials are re-testing the Bowditch waters today and results of the test are expected Tuesday afternoon.

"It's routine testing that we do every Monday to all Lee County beaches," said Dr. Judith Hartner, the director of the county Health Department. "In Lee County in particular, when we see issues with beaches ... it's frequently after a heavy rainstorm."

Rainstorms are troublesome for beaches, Hartner said, because rain storms flush animal waste into the waters from bayous, back waterways and parking lots.

"There is no obvious source for an increased bacteria count in that area," said Hartner about the island that has no water treatment plant and is connected to a sewer system. "After a rain storm two weeks ago, it's not surprising to have increased bacteria levels."

But bacteria won't be enough to deter the estimated 12,000 spring breakers flocking to the beaches this month, according to the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The sunny days, beautiful water and hot climate are just too enticing.

"They come from Michigan and Wisconsin where there is a foot of snow and they don't want to be told they can't swim," Petrow said noting that he saw plenty of swimmers in the water Sunday. "They spend a lot of good money to come down here and have a good time."

Donna Trueubig and her daughter Stephanie were walking along Bowditch Beach on Sunday and said the advisory didn't affect their day one bit.

"We just (went) further down and got in the water there. We were prepared for it because we heard about it on the news," said Donna Trueubig, of Ohio, who is visiting her father in Cape Coral. "It was no big deal. ... Besides, we just stood in the water because it's pretty cold anyway."

Learn tips, tricks and barbecue history at the park

Low.

Slow.

Sweet and smokey.

It's the best way to cook on a barbecue and be the king of the grill in your neighborhood.

You can learn all about that more at Emmett Todd's Backyard BBQ school on March 22 at Lakes Regional Park in south Fort Myers.

The event will be held at the lodge and participants will learn practical skills about barbecuing and its history and culture.

"A lot of people come to the park to barbecue anyway so why not come out and learn how to barbecue," said Lee Coffee, of the park that was approached by the school about the session. "We felt it was a perfect fit for the park because it's so open and has plenty of space."

Cost for the course is $75. Registrants will also learn how to prepare a professional grade barbecue meal with attention to detail during the five-hour class that starts at 9 a.m.

"The mission of Backyard BBQ School is to promote a family and fellowship friendly activity through instruction and outfitting," Todd says on his website.

The barbecue lesson is set up into hour long sessions with 25 minutes of discussion, a 15- minute temperature control period and a 20-minute break.

During the break period, refreshments will be available to keep everyone going until it's time to eat the day's barbecue meal.

"A lot of people are finding ways to improve their barbecue skills ... this was a good price and a good fit for the park," Coffee said.

The park's ability to give the school a facility to offer the class worked for Todd because of the people who visit the park.

"Lots of folks love that BBQ flavor and are eager to learn how to replicate it, but they aren't willing to invest the time (years) to learn the art by themselves," Todd added on his Website about the reason he decided to open the business.

"... We invite you to join us at beautiful Lakes Park for a day of fun, food and fellowship."

Housing slump slows plans for Wa-Ke-Hatchee park

The Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreational Center won't be seeing a 50-acre park move into the land around them anytime soon. Budget cuts have put park plans on hold indefinitely.

Add the Wa-Ke-Hatchee Recreational Center to the list of projects the Southwest Florida housing slump has pummeled.

Plans to build a 50-acre park on the Wa-Ke Hatchee in south Fort Myers are on the shelf for the time being.

Project Manager Bob Taylor, of the Lee County Public Works department, said acquiring the necessary permits and a slowing housing market are the reasons.

"It's not necessarily on hold right now. The park is in for permitting ... and we have budgeted approximately $5 million in impact fees and we intend to move forward with that," said Taylor, referring to permits that have been filed with the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

The $5 million, Taylor said, will come from impact fees that are tied to the housing market.

The downturn in that market has slowed the fees to a trickle, Taylor said, adding that the permitting process is taking longer than expected because the property has significant wetland areas that might be impacted.

"We have to mark the boundaries ... and if we will impact any of that wetland ... then figure out what we can do to mitigate that impact," Taylor said.

"When the Southwest Florida Water Management district has the permits, we are at their mercy and they are very busy and it takes a little time to get the permits issued."

There is no timeline to start construction Taylor said.

"Until there is a turnaround in the housing industry and fees start to flow smoothly again, we will have to spend the money we have now and see how far it takes us," he said.

The park will include volleyball courts, children's playgrounds and baseball fields for Little League games.

Would-be users are disappointed at this new development.

"It's so sad that it's on hold. It seems to be something we are lacking in this area," said Mari Gutirrez, of Fort Myers Beach. "I think about that park every time I visit the center."

Gutirrez is just one of many parents in south Fort Myers with young children and few places to take them during the day.

Her son Justin, 4, attends computer classes at the recreational center while his younger brother Alex, 2, sits and watches.

"It's hard for Alex because he is so young. We could be out playing now because a class setting doesn't work for him," Gutirrez said.

Steve Cox, the supervisor of the Wa-Ke-Hatchee recreational center, which opened 2 1/2 years ago, said there are about 48 to 50 acres of country property left to develop.

All that open space is what parent Kerry Whitehouse, 31, and her children walk by at least twice a week going to the recreational center for programs.

"A park would be huge. I wish they would build it. We'd be here all the time," said Whitehouse, of south Fort Myers.

She has two children including a toddler who loves to run and explore. "We need more parks in the area and we've been saying that that land should be used for something like a park."

Whitehouse and other parents frequently refer to the land in front of the center that is currently occupied by a few picnic benches. And, they may be all that's there for some time."

Vietnam Veterans Memorial unveiled

Story was written on deadline for the next day's front page.

Arthur James Anderson.

Ralph Lee Ford.

Leo Fred Johnson.

The names were etched in three slabs of cold black granite that stand next to the overpass of the Midpoint Bridge in Fort Myers.

The jarring sound of motorcycles passing by on McGregor Boulevard echoed in the Sunday afternoon breeze.

"It's important to make sure we are constantly reminded of the price of war," Craig Tonjes said.

He spoke to a crowd of veterans, family and friends who'd gathered to remember and honor the 76 area servicemen - the names the stone walls bear - as he unveiled the Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Southwest Florida, the area's first.

Tonjes spearheaded the memorial project and helped to collect the estimated $50,000 needed to build it.

"Whether you supported the Vietnam War or not, how can you not help but recognize the efforts of those who served?" he said. "One hundred years from now, I want children to see this memorial and wonder who these men were."

James Alvin Pace.

Allan James Williams.

Nicholas Joseph Cutinha.

"It's a very moving day," said Julia Habig of Fort Myers. She came to honor her son, William Habig, who served in Vietnam. "They took 10 years to build it but it's finally here."

Set back from McGregor Boulevard, the memorial also features a bronze field cross, consisting of boots, a rifle and a helmet.

During combat, the field cross is arranged by soldiers in lieu of a proper funeral when a comrade dies on the battlefield.

"I feel honored to be able to come and see this. ... It's about time they did something like this," said John Belviso, 58, of Cape Coral, who spent a year in Vietnam.

Cullie Wilson Bryant

Donald William Atwell Jr.

Christopher J. Dean Jr.

Sixty thousand veterans live in Lee County and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 594 wanted to make sure they weren't forgotten. The group organized the ceremony to include a re-enactment by the Suncoast Vietnam Veterans of Pinellas County.

At one point, a helicopter flew overhead, startling white egrets that had gathered in a nearby pond.

Dressed in fatigues and rifles held close, a Last Patrol group showed how servicemen in that unit would have conducted a mission behind enemy lines in Vietnam.

"The smoke, music and the people puts you there. As soon as you step out on patrol. ... You are right back (at war)," said Ted Marshall, 56, who lived in Lehigh Acres for 10 years and is an Air Force K-9 unit Vietnam Veteran.

Once the smoke bombs cleared and a final 21-gun salute reverberated in people's ears, guests walked up to the memorial.

Many bowed their heads and looked at the names of the fallen soldiers on the wall.

Others stood straight, heads held high, and gave a final salute as they looked at the letters carved in the black slabs.

Robert Gene Floyd.

Frederick C. Forte Jr.

Stephen Douglas Gucofski.

Junior leaders learn to create ads

Spiro & Associates, a south Fort Myers public relations and advertising company, recently invited the Cape Coral Junior Leadership program to spend a day in the world of advertising and public relations.

The associates, led by owner Chris Spiro, talked to 28 students about their jobs and gave them a behind-the-scenes look at their operations.

"They are like little sponges, they soak up everything we talk about and are so attentive and just looking for information," said an excited Spiro about the chance to give to a group that he was once a part of. "I jumped on the opportunity to spend time with them because they are bright kids and the program is great."

The Junior Leadership program is facilitated by the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, which selects students based on an application that includes an essay about leadership.

"The program is for kids who have not had the opportunity to be an emerging leader or those wanting to develop their skills," said Diane Allen, the chairperson of the group and member of the chamber for six years. "It's an exclusive process and we have them write an essay and we pick the top-notch group from all the schools in our school system."

The students participate in the eight-week program by attending different sessions about Cape Coral city government, lunch with the local business community and career development day.

Ileana Sanchez, 16, is part of the 2008 junior leadership program and was amazed by the day she spent at Spiro & Associates.

Sanchez and her peers learned about advertising by creating an ad and designing a logo for their 2008 class.

"We did advertising and learned about that field ... I learned that there are different ways and models that you can use to create a logo or ad," said Sanchez, who is a junior at Mariner High.

Spada purchase dream come true for spa owners

Spada Salon and Day Spa in south Fort Myers is under new management and owners Mark and Brandi Borg plan to make the pampering retreat even better.

The Borgs, who purchased Spada more than a month ago, said the purchase was a dream come true for the pair who already owned the U Salon and Day Spa on Gladiolus.

"It was just an absolute mind blowing dream that I was given and I had to find a way to make it work," said Mark Borg, whose been a local business owner for more than two years.

Purchasing Spada was a big deal for Borg because he had spent six years persuading the owners to sell it to him through letters and broker inquiries.

"I always heard about Spada being so fantastic and I always wanted to buy them ... ," said Borg noting that during those years he'd opened two area salons, closed one and had children.

Before breaking ground on the U Salon and Day Spa he tried one more time to contact the Spada owners with an offer to buy but word never came.

"I tried so many times because it was always my dream and the owners have now told me that they never got any of the letters or contacts," Borg said about the salon he now plans to enhance with added customer service. "For me it is absolutely incredible and I couldn't ask or want anything more."

As owners of the two salons, the Borgs are now the largest employer of spa professionals in the area. They also own 10,500 square feet of salon space which makes them the owners of the most spa space in the area.

"We are incredibly excited about Spada ... it's a beautiful salon and spa and we are just over the moon," said Brandi Borg, who was recently certified as a hair dresser and will work alongside her husband on the floor. "We want it to be a place where people can not only inhale but exhale as well."

Spada recently underwent a renovation and the Borgs have no plans to change the business aesthetically or the logo and company branding. They will however work with current staff to improve customer service and make the salon a great place to work.

"We will make the staff a little more relaxed and improve the overall feeling of the salon and the employees," said Brandi Borg about their plans to make changes that the public won't necessarily see. "We think of the clients first and how they would feel when they come in for services. We will go above and beyond what is always expected."

Lone Star stops sizzlin'; 68 jobs lost

This story was written for the weekly and repurposed for the South Lee Growth section on Sunday.

The building that once occupied the Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon in south Fort Myers is vacant and steak lovers will have to go elsewhere for a cut of meat or shrimp and lobster tails.

The casual style dining franchise company closed the location, citing a slow economy and the restaurant's low numbers.

"It was a business decision and that restaurant just simply didn't perform to the standards that we expected," said spokesman Rick Van Warner. "We have no plans in the near future to open another location."

Closing the U.S. 41 location was a difficult decision but was not based on the restaurants managers or employees, Van Warner said.

"It was not a reflection of the managers or anything the employees did ... it was just business," said Van Warner noting that 63 part-time and 5 full-time employees lost their jobs after the closing. "The restaurant business is in a difficult climate right now and it was something we had to do."

Van Warner said all employees will receive severance pay based on their tenure and hours worked.

"We expect that they will find jobs at other restaurants ... the restaurant business is flushed with jobs," said Van Warner adding that the building will remain vacant until it is sold.

The building's signage has been removed and only a letter of thanks to customers remains, inviting them to the nearest location in Orlando. Six other restaurants were closed in Florida.

The company now operates 153 franchises around the nation and employees couldn't be transferred because most restaurants were closed in Florida, Van Warner said.

English biker hitting road to visit 49 state capitals

Nick Gilroy, of England, has always wanted to visit the United States and see what 49 state capitals have to offer.

His dream recently became a reality when Gilroy e-mailed Gulf Coast Motorcycles of Fort Myers while in England and purchased a BMW motorcycle that he is currently riding on this way to Tennessee.

"He is a pretty adventurous guy and he picked us out of other dealers in Florida and ordered a specific bike for the trip," said Jeff Gallo, the sales manager at Gulf Coast Motorcycles who sold Gilroy the motorcycle. " It's a pretty strenuous trip to do all 49 states on the bike ... ."

Gilroy purchased the motorcycle over the phone and had the shop customize it to include heated hand grips, a GPS navigation system, anti-lock breaks and extra lighting. He also installed a sturdy, lockable luggage system that would keep his gear safe.

"We tailored it for him because he knew exactly what he needed ... Nick did a similar trip in Europe using a similar bike," Gallo said about the bike that was picked up in early February. "It cost him about $24,000 with everything he needed but he said it was worth it."

Gilroy himself was unavailable for comment as he rides through the country but is keeping a blog online at www.globalgilroy.com to give readers the exclusive on his adventure.

"So that's the first service done and now hot to trot for 6,000 miles ... maybe new (tires) at the same time. Should get me on the route east of California or there abouts-somewhere in that parish," said Gilroy in a Feb. 8 entry when leaving Fort Myers for Tallahassee. "... The journey just has to be done on a bike! The time is now right to do this trip and after a year of planning, 2008 is the year!"

Gilroy's trip is mapped on his website and according to his chart he's approximately on his way to Tennessee and Arkansa.

"He is zigzagging all over the place and it's cool to be involved in something special like this," Gallo said about the trip Gilroy decided to do after a conversation with a friend years ago.

In the process of his trip, Gilroy plans to raise money to support the United States Wounded Warrior Project and the United Kingdom's Help for Heroes.

"The wounded returning from Afghanistan and Iraq need our help for the remainder of their journey," Gilroy explained on his blog that includes links for contributions. "Remember that life is a journey, travel it well! "

Students donate hair for cause

The ponytails of students and teachers at Villas Elementary are on their way to changing the lives of cancer patients via the Locks of Love program.

Addy Jackson planned the Valentine's Day event in which students donated their ponytails to the organization that creates wigs for patients losing their hair and undergoing chemotherapy.

"My hair was very long and all the children commented on how much hair I had so I wanted to give it away," said Jackson, the school's media specialist.

"I've known a lot of people here who have relatives who have suffered from cancer and I thought that it was time to give my hair to people who don't have any."

Giving away the hair was easy for Jackson who after informing the school, got so many people interested that they asked local hair stylists to help with the event.

"Mostly we did a simple bob and they trimmed it after cutting the ponytails and we had a lot of help and support from everybody in the community," said Jackson, noting that each piece had to be at least 10 inches long.

"There were a lot of children that had long hair and we ended up with a nice collection of colors, shapes, and lengths."

Villas Elementary collected 31 ponytails and sent a box to Locks of Love with notes from each donor.

"My mother is a breast cancer survivor so anything that is involved with supporting cancer research and helping people that have cancer, I always like to help if I can," said Holly Beasley, a PTA member who helped Jackson organize the event and get the community involved.

"By having this event at the school, we help spread awareness of how easy it is for you to give back and all you are doing is getting your hair cut."

Spreading awareness about what it's like to have cancer and helping children relate and help led to a more successful event than the organizers expected.

"This is the school's first time and we want it to be a tradition and some children and teachers were disappointed that their hair was long enough," said Jackson, who has told everyone to grow their hair and prepare for next years event.

"This is good because you don't just throw away the hair, you can recycle it and give somebody hair that they can use."

Red Sox give time to area kids

Red Sox mascot "Wally" helps Red Sox fan Bobby Hurst get an autograph from Red Sox players like Jed Lowrie and Manny Delcarmen.

Major League baseball is the major sponsor of the Boys & Girls Clubs around the nation and recently the local Red Sox took some time to show Lee County children that they care.

Several team members including now-retired Dwight Evans and current manager Terry Francona joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County for the third annual "Evening with the Red Sox Dinner and Auction."

"This is a great opportunity to partner with the Red Sox and raise funds to help support our programs," said Greg Brock, a board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County and an organizer of the event. "There is such a big need in the community and (the money) will go straight to the kids."

Being able to better serve the children in Lee County prompted the club to host the dinner and auction in hopes of raising $60,000.

"All the money raised helps offset the kids' memberships and we only charge them $10 a year for our programs," said Bill Gunnin, a board member of the club. "We don't turn any kid away because of financial need and having the Red Sox help us with that is great."

Event attendees gathered at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Bell Tower and spent an evening that included a visit from "Wally" the Red Sox mascot.

"It's always great to do something like this and the kids is what it's all about," said Evans, a retired Red Sox player who lives in south Fort Myers and helped the club organize the event."

A silent and live auction was held throughout the evening and more than 160 pieces were sold including jersey's, cards and trips.

Ninety percent of the night's proceeds were donated to the club that garnered $50,000 during last year's event.

"I wanted to do something where I could raise money for disadvantaged kids because that's God's work," said Rob Hurst, the club's board member and life-long Red Sox fan who approached the team with the idea for a dinner three years ago. "In season, we have a lot of people from the Boston area who come to visit for spring training."

"This is a great opportunity to partner with the Red Sox and raise funds to help support our programs. There is such a big need in the community and (the money) will go straight to the kids."

New system saves old sea walls

Paradise Docks crews work with owner Mike Kelly to install a DSMS system that saves sea walls using stainless steel rods and a plate that anchors the wall to the existing yard.

Saving sea walls on the back of people's waterfront homes is the new mission of Paradise Docks.

The company, which opened in 1985, is now focusing its efforts on informing the public about a new system that will save them money, their landscaping and the threat of having their backyards erode into the waterway.

"This will work down here because sea walls are getting older and the old system of tearing them out and replacing them is very expensive," said Mike Kelly, the owner of the company that is the only authorized dealer of the product.

The DSMS system was invented by Jim Timmerman, a Naples native who designed the product that uses stainless steel rods to anchor failing sea walls that would cost as much as $180,000 to replace.

"I can come and using this system, do the same thing for a fraction of replacing a sea wall that may just need some support," said Kelly, who offers free estimates and uses an underwater camera to film sea walls for an additional fee. "This system will also last a minimum of 50 years because there is no concrete that eventually breaks down."

A seawall that is crumbling, leaning or cracking has to be replaced because homeowners can be fined for polluting, have their backyards slowly leach into the waterway and have property value loss as well.

That's why Paradise Docks can come out to a home and install the DSMS system in a day depending on weather and the amount of rods needed.

"We have a 12-foot rod and a 16-foot rod. The price is slightly different but we make suggestions based on what is best for the client, not for us," said Kelly, who has been installing the new system for more than a year. "I'm always looking for innovative products that best serve my customer and this is it 100 percent."

The innovation in the system, Kelly said, is that it's simple for a work crew to install in as little as a day.

"Sometimes weather is hard on us but usually we hook up to the wall with our barge, set up a framing mechanism and drill through the concrete and install the rods," said Eric Kelly, who runs the barge that the company also uses to install dock pilings. "It's easy to do a few rods quickly and it's always up to what the homeowner wants."

Paradise Docks also installs docks, piers, boat lifts and floating ramps for commercial and residential projects.

"We can do the whole project and we know this system will work very well for many homes," Kelly said. "We get in their early and knock them out."

Drought keeping Gulf waters 'crisp,' 'beautiful'

This story was written on deadline for the metro section.

Sanibel and Captiva are experiencing the best water quality in 10 years on their beaches but area water officials are working to remind the public that it's Mother Nature's resilience that is currently keeping the water so clear.

The Purre Water Coalition of Fort Myers held its second annual Restore Our Water Forum on Sunday to inform the public about ongoing efforts to restore local ecosystems and deal with urban pollution.

"We are one storm away from the water woes of the past and we are here to say that we still need to be active and pay attention to water quality," said Sanibel Mayor Mick Denham to a crowd of more than 60 that gathered at the Sanibel Community House. "The water is crisp and beautiful but that's only because of the lack of water."

Paying attention to the quality of the water is especially important to Charles Dauray who was one of the six members of the panel assembled by Purre for the forum.

"As a generation - and I'm 65 ... we've been somewhat spoiled and considered water a right and privilege," said Dauray, the governing board member of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. "We have to now realize that our resource is limited and work to find solutions."

The complex issue elicits discussions about sewer, waste water and fertilizer run-off, said Denham, noting that the solutions will take time and effort.

"We realized that it was time to talk more than just about Lake Okeechobee and find solutions by getting these organizations to talk," said Mike Valiquette, the Purre chairman who organized the event. "We meet with them to see what money they need to complete projects and change things."