Finding spicy salsa, enchiladas or burritos just got harder for customers in south Fort Myers with the closing of Jalapeno’s restaurant.
The eatery, which specializes in Mexican fare, has closed for extensive interior and exterior renovations, forcing customers to travel north for tacos.
“The building is outdated and we are looking to remodel the facade, the inside, but we haven’t figured out what the final plans are,” said Mark Salameh, part-owner of the restaurant that opened in 2002. “We will improve the club side and restaurant, too.”
The improvements will also include a diversified menu that might include seafood or continental items.
“We are taking advantage of the slow season but these days with the economy it’s worse,” said Salameh, noting that the restaurant might reopen in October or November.
The other two Jalapeno’s restaurants, one at Edison Mall’s food court and one on Cleveland Avenue, will remain open and no changes are planned.
In the meantime, Jalapeno’s will remain open for private functions, such as parties, weddings, or as a lounge.
“We are weighing our options and our permit is active so we have time,” he said.
The property, Salameh said, is not for sale, which is different from what has happened at that location over the years.
The restaurant has had a strong following despite a string of other eateries — Brown Derby, Tumbleweeds Olde West Grill & Bar, Fernando’s of Martha’s Vineyard, Buster Crabs and Luca Blooms Mediterranean Grill — that couldn’t keep their doors open.
“Now we hear everyone say, ‘You broke the curse,’” said Don Richbourg, a manager at Jalapeno’s during an interview when the restaurant first opened. “It’s not the location that’s so important. It’s putting in something nobody else has but people want.”
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Banyan Park office park getting new building
A new 24,000-square-foot office building could be moving into the Banyan Park office park in south Fort Myers soon.
The building's owners recently met with the Hearing Examiner to discuss adding a building that will house medical and professional offices.
"The banyan office building that faces college parkway has an empty lot behind it. We want to put a building there," said Veronica Martin, the architect's spokeswoman. "It's a good location."
The building, which will sit two stories over parking, is set to begin construction after the hearing examiner approves a rezoning of the property.
It is currently zoned commercially and the owners asking for permission to construct the building and make an amendment to the current land use.
"It appeared that there was staff support and public support and that we are moving on to the next phase," said John Spence, the architect for the project. "We believe it will be a positive move."
The move though hasn't come completely without scrutiny. Area residents near Whiskey Creek have shown concern about traffic but the owners aren't worried.
The area is zoned for intensive commercial development.
"We made a presentation to the adjacent association and they were receptive and had no problems," Spence said about having had several meetings with area residents.
The hearing examiner is expected to make a site visit in the next four to six weeks and the plans will then be sent to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
"It's a nice design. It fits well," Spence said. "It's a beautiful building."
The building's owners recently met with the Hearing Examiner to discuss adding a building that will house medical and professional offices.
"The banyan office building that faces college parkway has an empty lot behind it. We want to put a building there," said Veronica Martin, the architect's spokeswoman. "It's a good location."
The building, which will sit two stories over parking, is set to begin construction after the hearing examiner approves a rezoning of the property.
It is currently zoned commercially and the owners asking for permission to construct the building and make an amendment to the current land use.
"It appeared that there was staff support and public support and that we are moving on to the next phase," said John Spence, the architect for the project. "We believe it will be a positive move."
The move though hasn't come completely without scrutiny. Area residents near Whiskey Creek have shown concern about traffic but the owners aren't worried.
The area is zoned for intensive commercial development.
"We made a presentation to the adjacent association and they were receptive and had no problems," Spence said about having had several meetings with area residents.
The hearing examiner is expected to make a site visit in the next four to six weeks and the plans will then be sent to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
"It's a nice design. It fits well," Spence said. "It's a beautiful building."
Bishop Verot seniors say goodbye with 'Spellamania'
Seniors at Bishop Verot Catholic High recently spent more than an hour and a half saying goodbye to their school, friends and teachers the day after final exams in south Fort Myers.
The class of 2008 performed their final tribute to the school called "Spellamania," a variety show that pokes fun at teachers, staff and events of the last year.
"Every year they come up with ideas and we start casting and getting it all together," said Matt Herting, the school's basketball coach who dressed as Jesus - the host of the show. "It's something they remember and are a part of forever."
"This is one of the best things we do at this high school ... it's become so unique. It's hard to explain," said Jim Redmond, the brainchild behind the show that was originally a spelling bee. "It's become part of the fabric and culture of this school."
But winding the show into the school's end-of-year schedule wasn't always easy. Spellamania was a spelling bee but the audience were bored of watching students spell words, Redmond said.
"It's a family atmosphere here and the kids have a strong sense of community," said Principal Father Chris Beretta about the show he participated in as a guitar player and singer dressed as the devil. "I don't mind embarrassing myself for a few laughs."
The laughs continued on until the last few moments of the show - a tear jerking video dedicated to seniors who are seen waving goodbye and several photos of an empty Bishop Verot campus.
"It was an opportunity for all of us and it was a good goodbye," said Sam Ravenna, 18, a senior who performed with his guitar during a few skits in the show.
At the conclusion of the variety show, seniors are asked to take the stage, or gymnasium floor, and be together one final time.
The juniors in turn take their place as seniors by seating in the senior section of the stands.
"Seeing the younger students give them a standing ovation is exactly what this school is about," Beretta said. "That isn't created in one day ... it takes four years."
The class of 2008 performed their final tribute to the school called "Spellamania," a variety show that pokes fun at teachers, staff and events of the last year.
"Every year they come up with ideas and we start casting and getting it all together," said Matt Herting, the school's basketball coach who dressed as Jesus - the host of the show. "It's something they remember and are a part of forever."
"This is one of the best things we do at this high school ... it's become so unique. It's hard to explain," said Jim Redmond, the brainchild behind the show that was originally a spelling bee. "It's become part of the fabric and culture of this school."
But winding the show into the school's end-of-year schedule wasn't always easy. Spellamania was a spelling bee but the audience were bored of watching students spell words, Redmond said.
"It's a family atmosphere here and the kids have a strong sense of community," said Principal Father Chris Beretta about the show he participated in as a guitar player and singer dressed as the devil. "I don't mind embarrassing myself for a few laughs."
The laughs continued on until the last few moments of the show - a tear jerking video dedicated to seniors who are seen waving goodbye and several photos of an empty Bishop Verot campus.
"It was an opportunity for all of us and it was a good goodbye," said Sam Ravenna, 18, a senior who performed with his guitar during a few skits in the show.
At the conclusion of the variety show, seniors are asked to take the stage, or gymnasium floor, and be together one final time.
The juniors in turn take their place as seniors by seating in the senior section of the stands.
"Seeing the younger students give them a standing ovation is exactly what this school is about," Beretta said. "That isn't created in one day ... it takes four years."
Peppermint pre-school under new ownership
Peppermint Tree Pre-School & Child Care Center in south Fort Myers is under new ownership and students and parents are seeing a difference.
The 5,500-square-foot building tucked away on Liberty Square Circle has been repurchased by Lucia Zaikov and her husband Stuart.
The couple originally purchased the daycare center in 1996 and sold it to another child care center who agreed to a 10-year lease in the building.
"We've been here about a month now and we are working to redo everything in the rooms and offer parents more," said Zaikov about the center who offers Montessori-style instruction. "Every room was emptied and everything was purchased new."
The new equipment, though, isn't all Zaikov has focused on. She has also offered on-site training for existing staff and is working to hire more qualified teachers. Most of the teachers have associates or bachelors degrees apart from their teachers' certifications.
"The majority of parents stayed with us after the switch because of our quality of care," said Zaikov who kept Heather Madden, director of the center from the previous school as well as most of the teachers. "They know we have clean classrooms and loving teachers."
The center offers a V.P.K. program for parents who want to prepare their little ones for kindergarten on Sept. 1.
"We are one of the few places that offers it and parents like that their kids learn so much before they get to school," said Madden about the hands-on learning instruction.
The instruction is created by the teachers and focuses on a child's ability to work independently and feel like they've accomplished something, Zaikov said.
The Zaikovs have seven other schools in the New Jersey area and Lucia Zaikov has a master's degree in education.
Peppermint Tree offers parents not only instruction but children spend time on a bounce house and gymnastics bus once-a-week.
"They get a lot ... morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack," Madden said about the center that has more than 15 teachers who take care of children six weeks to 48 months. "They also get other classes like computer classes or dance for an extra fee."
The 5,500-square-foot building tucked away on Liberty Square Circle has been repurchased by Lucia Zaikov and her husband Stuart.
The couple originally purchased the daycare center in 1996 and sold it to another child care center who agreed to a 10-year lease in the building.
"We've been here about a month now and we are working to redo everything in the rooms and offer parents more," said Zaikov about the center who offers Montessori-style instruction. "Every room was emptied and everything was purchased new."
The new equipment, though, isn't all Zaikov has focused on. She has also offered on-site training for existing staff and is working to hire more qualified teachers. Most of the teachers have associates or bachelors degrees apart from their teachers' certifications.
"The majority of parents stayed with us after the switch because of our quality of care," said Zaikov who kept Heather Madden, director of the center from the previous school as well as most of the teachers. "They know we have clean classrooms and loving teachers."
The center offers a V.P.K. program for parents who want to prepare their little ones for kindergarten on Sept. 1.
"We are one of the few places that offers it and parents like that their kids learn so much before they get to school," said Madden about the hands-on learning instruction.
The instruction is created by the teachers and focuses on a child's ability to work independently and feel like they've accomplished something, Zaikov said.
The Zaikovs have seven other schools in the New Jersey area and Lucia Zaikov has a master's degree in education.
Peppermint Tree offers parents not only instruction but children spend time on a bounce house and gymnastics bus once-a-week.
"They get a lot ... morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack," Madden said about the center that has more than 15 teachers who take care of children six weeks to 48 months. "They also get other classes like computer classes or dance for an extra fee."
Phillies take Lee Little League title
The walls of the South Fort Myers Little League building at Rutenberg Community are full but League Commissioner Howard Gold is making room.
The Major Phillies were recently named the Lee County Little League Champs after battling the North Ft. Myers Rockies in a 2-0 game.
"It's a good problem to have when your walls fill up," said Gold, who had been speaking about needing wall space during the opening night of the 21-game season in February. "We have a good overall team effort and the players contributed and came through in the clutch."
The Phillies' win represents the third team from South Fort Myers Little League to win the county's Don Davis Trophy in two years.
"Since the beginning of the tournament we knew we could compete if we kept focused," said Brian Smith, the Phillies manager, whose players only lost one game all season. "We never talked about any other game than the next one coming up ... I think that helps."
But Gold and Smith said the players hard work is really what won them the last of six games.
"They are a great group of kids and families that work tremendously hard to get to every practice," said Smith about the team that will be playing for the league title next.
Smith, who has managed the Phillies for almost 10 years, had only three 12-year-olds on this team - that's less than other teams in the league.
"Everybody is constantly working to improve the quality of play and it shows," said Gold, adding that the Phillies talent was especially showcased during the semi-final game against the Cape Coral National Braves.
The Phillies were down two and won the game 3-2 in the sixth inning.
"It was absolutely heart-stopping," Gold said.
And, the excitement must have carried over to the finals game the next night.
"It's basically the hard work that they put in," Smith said. "We worked well as a team and everybody was on the same page."
The Major Phillies were recently named the Lee County Little League Champs after battling the North Ft. Myers Rockies in a 2-0 game.
"It's a good problem to have when your walls fill up," said Gold, who had been speaking about needing wall space during the opening night of the 21-game season in February. "We have a good overall team effort and the players contributed and came through in the clutch."
The Phillies' win represents the third team from South Fort Myers Little League to win the county's Don Davis Trophy in two years.
"Since the beginning of the tournament we knew we could compete if we kept focused," said Brian Smith, the Phillies manager, whose players only lost one game all season. "We never talked about any other game than the next one coming up ... I think that helps."
But Gold and Smith said the players hard work is really what won them the last of six games.
"They are a great group of kids and families that work tremendously hard to get to every practice," said Smith about the team that will be playing for the league title next.
Smith, who has managed the Phillies for almost 10 years, had only three 12-year-olds on this team - that's less than other teams in the league.
"Everybody is constantly working to improve the quality of play and it shows," said Gold, adding that the Phillies talent was especially showcased during the semi-final game against the Cape Coral National Braves.
The Phillies were down two and won the game 3-2 in the sixth inning.
"It was absolutely heart-stopping," Gold said.
And, the excitement must have carried over to the finals game the next night.
"It's basically the hard work that they put in," Smith said. "We worked well as a team and everybody was on the same page."
Banyan Park office park getting new building
A new 24,000-square-foot office building could be moving into the Banyan Park office park in south Fort Myers soon.
The building's owners recently met with the Hearing Examiner to discuss adding a building that will house medical and professional offices.
"The banyan office building that faces college parkway has an empty lot behind it. We want to put a building there," said Veronica Martin, the architect's spokesperson. "It's a good location."
The building, which will sit two stories over parking, is set to begin construction after the hearing examiner approves a rezoning of the property.
It is currently zoned commercially and the owners asking for permission to construct the building and make an amendment to the current land use.
"It appeared that there was staff support and public support and that we are moving on to the next phase," said John Spence, the architect for the project. "We believe it will be a positive move."
The move though hasn't come completely without scrutiny. Area residents near Whiskey Creek have shown concern about traffic but the owners aren't worried.
The area is zoned for intensive commercial development.
"We made a presentation to the adjacent association and they were receptive and had no problems," Spence said about having had several meetings with area residents.
The hearing examiner is expected to make a site visit in the next four to six weeks and the plans will then be sent to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
"It's a nice design. It fits well," Spence said. "It's a beautiful building."
The building's owners recently met with the Hearing Examiner to discuss adding a building that will house medical and professional offices.
"The banyan office building that faces college parkway has an empty lot behind it. We want to put a building there," said Veronica Martin, the architect's spokesperson. "It's a good location."
The building, which will sit two stories over parking, is set to begin construction after the hearing examiner approves a rezoning of the property.
It is currently zoned commercially and the owners asking for permission to construct the building and make an amendment to the current land use.
"It appeared that there was staff support and public support and that we are moving on to the next phase," said John Spence, the architect for the project. "We believe it will be a positive move."
The move though hasn't come completely without scrutiny. Area residents near Whiskey Creek have shown concern about traffic but the owners aren't worried.
The area is zoned for intensive commercial development.
"We made a presentation to the adjacent association and they were receptive and had no problems," Spence said about having had several meetings with area residents.
The hearing examiner is expected to make a site visit in the next four to six weeks and the plans will then be sent to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
"It's a nice design. It fits well," Spence said. "It's a beautiful building."
Students read and help raise money for orphanage in Africa
Cypress Lake Middle school students are making a difference in a big way for children they've never met that live in a country they've never visited.
A total of more than $2,000 has been raised as part of a One Book One School Project that taught kids the value of giving back while learning about Africa and the tribes of Kenya.
"They just learn so much. It's the knowledge that they gain about the culture that is a priceless experience," said Dana Thomas, the school's media specialist and organizer in charge of the fundraiser and related projects. "Their efforts here will affect children elsewhere."
All students at the school were asked to read "Thunder Cave," by Roland Smith and learn about the themes in the book in every subject including math and science.
"Studying this across the board helps them understand what that culture is like and how it's different from ours," said Thomas about the activities that included discussions about elephant poaching and ways to be proactive about it. "It all ties in together and the kids love it."
Loving the activities the students have been doing for the last three weeks has been easy since the book's main character spends a lot of time talking about living in Kenya, people starving and his trouble finding water to drink.
"The culture is so different from ours and the kids get to explore that and gain a sense of what other people live through," Thomas said.
The activities of the past week included a speech by Kinya-Muchai, a native from Kenya, who allowed the faculty to dress in typical Kenyan clothing. And, talks about donations the students will be making to the John Halgrim African Orphanage.
Halgrim died of a brain tumor in November of 2007 and asked the Make-A-Wish foundation to grant him the wish of opening an orphanage in Africa.
"They couldn't grant him the wish because it's not allowed so his family and friends stepped up to make his dream a reality," said Tina Kouns, the school's student government sponsor, who helped students organize a car wash that raised $800 for the orphanage.
Halgrim's sister Jamie is a student at Cypress Lake Middle who went through the death of her 15-year-old brother with support from the school, family and friends.
"Reading this book and having the orphanage for John came up all at the same time and it worked," said Kouns adding that Halgrim's parents have purchased land and begun construction of the orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya.
It's set to open in September with 60 orphans but money is still needed to operate the facility and to care and feed the children.
The weeks activities culminated with Friday's visit from the books author, who gave kids his take on writing the story and developing its characters. The visit was the first time a nationally known author visited the school.
"This is huge! An author coming to talk to the kids. They were just thrilled," Thomas said adding that the author donated $100 to the orphanage after his talk. "The children have worked so hard ... it's amazing what they have been able to accomplish."
A total of more than $2,000 has been raised as part of a One Book One School Project that taught kids the value of giving back while learning about Africa and the tribes of Kenya.
"They just learn so much. It's the knowledge that they gain about the culture that is a priceless experience," said Dana Thomas, the school's media specialist and organizer in charge of the fundraiser and related projects. "Their efforts here will affect children elsewhere."
All students at the school were asked to read "Thunder Cave," by Roland Smith and learn about the themes in the book in every subject including math and science.
"Studying this across the board helps them understand what that culture is like and how it's different from ours," said Thomas about the activities that included discussions about elephant poaching and ways to be proactive about it. "It all ties in together and the kids love it."
Loving the activities the students have been doing for the last three weeks has been easy since the book's main character spends a lot of time talking about living in Kenya, people starving and his trouble finding water to drink.
"The culture is so different from ours and the kids get to explore that and gain a sense of what other people live through," Thomas said.
The activities of the past week included a speech by Kinya-Muchai, a native from Kenya, who allowed the faculty to dress in typical Kenyan clothing. And, talks about donations the students will be making to the John Halgrim African Orphanage.
Halgrim died of a brain tumor in November of 2007 and asked the Make-A-Wish foundation to grant him the wish of opening an orphanage in Africa.
"They couldn't grant him the wish because it's not allowed so his family and friends stepped up to make his dream a reality," said Tina Kouns, the school's student government sponsor, who helped students organize a car wash that raised $800 for the orphanage.
Halgrim's sister Jamie is a student at Cypress Lake Middle who went through the death of her 15-year-old brother with support from the school, family and friends.
"Reading this book and having the orphanage for John came up all at the same time and it worked," said Kouns adding that Halgrim's parents have purchased land and begun construction of the orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya.
It's set to open in September with 60 orphans but money is still needed to operate the facility and to care and feed the children.
The weeks activities culminated with Friday's visit from the books author, who gave kids his take on writing the story and developing its characters. The visit was the first time a nationally known author visited the school.
"This is huge! An author coming to talk to the kids. They were just thrilled," Thomas said adding that the author donated $100 to the orphanage after his talk. "The children have worked so hard ... it's amazing what they have been able to accomplish."
Adult kickball makes area debut
A big red rubber ball.
Eleven players on the field and four bases is all it takes for a rousing game of elementary-style kickball in south Fort Myers.
Derek Young, a regional representative of World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA), has brought the game to Southwest Florida and hopes it spreads as it has in 27 other states.
"It's the school game of kickball and incorporating the social aspect of it," said Young, who used to play WAKA Kickball in Washington until he moved to Florida in December.
The social aspect of the game is important to players, Young said, because many join not only to get fit but also to meet new people.
"It's fun because it's young adults and people from all stages of life on one field," said Laura Liebmana, 26, of south Fort Myers during the league's first pickup game at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreational Center.
The center will be hosting another WAKA kickball game for those interested in trying it out on May 22 at 6:45 p.m. WAKA will not charge for the game but it will be the last chance to sign up for the season that starts on May 29.
"It brings back a lot of memories," said Beth Godwin of Cape Coral, who came to cheer on her son Chris of Naples. "It's interesting to watch. The guys kill it and the girls barely touch the ball ... the girls always get on base."
Getting on base is still done the same way it was during the days of juice boxes and recess.
"You get 15 to 20 people on a team. Three outs per inning and only captains can argue calls," said Young to the more than 50 players who came out to try the game, which was so entertaining none of the mostly 20-somethings were on cell phones.
Each game lasts about an hour or five innings and the point is to have fun.
"We liked it! We are going to win the league," said an enthusiastic Kara Martin, 23, of south Fort Myers, about her predictions for the season. She joined WAKA because her brother plays in Fort Lauderdale. "They told me it was expanding and I had to come."
Eleven players on the field and four bases is all it takes for a rousing game of elementary-style kickball in south Fort Myers.
Derek Young, a regional representative of World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA), has brought the game to Southwest Florida and hopes it spreads as it has in 27 other states.
"It's the school game of kickball and incorporating the social aspect of it," said Young, who used to play WAKA Kickball in Washington until he moved to Florida in December.
The social aspect of the game is important to players, Young said, because many join not only to get fit but also to meet new people.
"It's fun because it's young adults and people from all stages of life on one field," said Laura Liebmana, 26, of south Fort Myers during the league's first pickup game at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreational Center.
The center will be hosting another WAKA kickball game for those interested in trying it out on May 22 at 6:45 p.m. WAKA will not charge for the game but it will be the last chance to sign up for the season that starts on May 29.
"It brings back a lot of memories," said Beth Godwin of Cape Coral, who came to cheer on her son Chris of Naples. "It's interesting to watch. The guys kill it and the girls barely touch the ball ... the girls always get on base."
Getting on base is still done the same way it was during the days of juice boxes and recess.
"You get 15 to 20 people on a team. Three outs per inning and only captains can argue calls," said Young to the more than 50 players who came out to try the game, which was so entertaining none of the mostly 20-somethings were on cell phones.
Each game lasts about an hour or five innings and the point is to have fun.
"We liked it! We are going to win the league," said an enthusiastic Kara Martin, 23, of south Fort Myers, about her predictions for the season. She joined WAKA because her brother plays in Fort Lauderdale. "They told me it was expanding and I had to come."
Students address peers at school fest
A struggling reader's worst fear is reading in front of a large audience.
But what happens if it's an audience of his peers specifically invited to hear him read?
He excels.
At least, that's what Virginia Harper of South Fort Myers High School said happened to her students during the first Shakespeare Festival.
"We turn reading into a way to encourage them to perform it," said Harper, who organized the daylong festival that included Shakespeare readings and self-written poems. "They read better for their peers and all I ask is for them to try."
Trying for the students meant two weeks of rehearsals for the show that hosted 150 students in each period throughout the day.
"This sparks their interest in reading and I want them to be able to do what the advanced students are doing," said Harper, who began organizing the event to hopefully lower the dropout rate. "These students have a high risk of dropout and some has to do with their inability to read."
That's why the festival infuses students with confidence and a sense of belonging.
"A lot of kids traditional things haven't worked so anything you can do to get them through the program," said Tommy O'Connell, the school's principal. "If they are interested, they are more involved ... we can't afford to have them not graduate."
Students during the show were also given an opportunity to dedicate the show to Felix Macedo, a student who died in a motorcycle crash. Macedo had participated in a Halloween festival hosted by Harper two years ago.
"The students are very supportive of each other and it seems that when they get here ... they all want to read in public," Harper said about her 45 intensive reading students. "They feel included when they read Shakespeare."
But what happens if it's an audience of his peers specifically invited to hear him read?
He excels.
At least, that's what Virginia Harper of South Fort Myers High School said happened to her students during the first Shakespeare Festival.
"We turn reading into a way to encourage them to perform it," said Harper, who organized the daylong festival that included Shakespeare readings and self-written poems. "They read better for their peers and all I ask is for them to try."
Trying for the students meant two weeks of rehearsals for the show that hosted 150 students in each period throughout the day.
"This sparks their interest in reading and I want them to be able to do what the advanced students are doing," said Harper, who began organizing the event to hopefully lower the dropout rate. "These students have a high risk of dropout and some has to do with their inability to read."
That's why the festival infuses students with confidence and a sense of belonging.
"A lot of kids traditional things haven't worked so anything you can do to get them through the program," said Tommy O'Connell, the school's principal. "If they are interested, they are more involved ... we can't afford to have them not graduate."
Students during the show were also given an opportunity to dedicate the show to Felix Macedo, a student who died in a motorcycle crash. Macedo had participated in a Halloween festival hosted by Harper two years ago.
"The students are very supportive of each other and it seems that when they get here ... they all want to read in public," Harper said about her 45 intensive reading students. "They feel included when they read Shakespeare."
Dwyers takes summer hiatus
It was a melancholy day at Dwyers Prime Steakhouse on Monday.
The upscale two-story restaurant in south Fort Myers officially closed its doors for the summer. It has only closed one other time in five years — a monthlong hiatus last fall that turned the former Irish pub into a prime dining locale.
“The economy is affecting everything,” said chef Bill Wavrin, the restaurant’s general manager who was brought in to renovate the kitchen, redo the menu and train staff last year. “During season we were busy as living heck but things have slowed down.”
The decision to close the restaurant after the snowbirds left came down to economics, Wavrin said.
“It’s expensive to keep this restaurant open ... it’s $2,000 a day just to open the doors,” he said about the restaurant, which will continue to host private parties. “Today was the first day we closed and we’ve received more than 200 calls already.”
Owner Jim Dwyer has plans to keep the staff and have them work during the restaurant’s private functions.
“He has lived here since the ’70s when everybody used to close for the summer ... but it was still a tough decision,” Wavrin said.
The restaurant will reopen when the snowbirds return; however, it could be in a new location.
The upscale two-story restaurant in south Fort Myers officially closed its doors for the summer. It has only closed one other time in five years — a monthlong hiatus last fall that turned the former Irish pub into a prime dining locale.
“The economy is affecting everything,” said chef Bill Wavrin, the restaurant’s general manager who was brought in to renovate the kitchen, redo the menu and train staff last year. “During season we were busy as living heck but things have slowed down.”
The decision to close the restaurant after the snowbirds left came down to economics, Wavrin said.
“It’s expensive to keep this restaurant open ... it’s $2,000 a day just to open the doors,” he said about the restaurant, which will continue to host private parties. “Today was the first day we closed and we’ve received more than 200 calls already.”
Owner Jim Dwyer has plans to keep the staff and have them work during the restaurant’s private functions.
“He has lived here since the ’70s when everybody used to close for the summer ... but it was still a tough decision,” Wavrin said.
The restaurant will reopen when the snowbirds return; however, it could be in a new location.
Responders lose fight to save house fire in Lehigh Acres
Firefighters battle a fire at 2805 75th St. W. in Lehigh Acres.
A lack of manpower, coupled with strong winds and a large fire, contributed to the destruction of a single-family home in Lehigh Acres.
Officials received a call at 1:58 p.m. Sunday about a fire at a home at 2805 75th St. W. and Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue responded.
"It was fully involved when we got here and there were flames and smoke coming through the roof," said Patrick Comer, Lehigh Acres fire spokesman. "It was a very dangerous fire."
Strong winds and the large fire, Comer said, had firefighters concerned about potential for brush fires.
The North Task Force, which consists of Alva, Bayshore, North Fort Myers, Fort Myers and Cape Coral fire stations, were called to assist.
More than 5,000 gallons of water were used on the fire but it wasn't enough. "Our challenge is that we were out of water," Comer said. "There are no water lines out here and 5,000 gallons should have been plenty but the winds and fire were just too strong."
Flames consumed the entire structure and Comer said a lack of manpower may have been to blame as well.
"We had water lines ready and we didn't have people to man them," he said. "The firefighters are disappointed. ... They don't like to see this. We want to beat it but they got beat today."
No one was home at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross has been called to help the family of four who lived there.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Man charged in death of 44-year-old from North Fort Myers
A 35-year-old man is in police custody, charged with murder in the death of Jerry Shawn Collins.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Samuel "Sammy" Loudenslager Saturday after numerous witnesses identified, located and provided sworn statements to investigators.
"There was some people that had direct information about what happened and the detectives started to follow a witness trail," said Lt. Robert Forrest, spokesperson for the Lee County Sheriff's Office. "It took less than three days to catch him. It was intense."
At 8 p.m., deputies received information about Loudenslager's location and he was arrested without incident.
Loudenslager faces a second-degree murder charge for the death of Collins, 44, whose body was found on May 9 by an acquaintance at his Crescent Lake Drive apartment in North Fort Myers.
Autopsy results revealed Collins was killed by a single stab wound from a knife to the chest.
Loudenslager has a criminal background including arrests for felonies such as cocaine possession, grand theft as well as several traffic violations, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office Web site.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Samuel "Sammy" Loudenslager Saturday after numerous witnesses identified, located and provided sworn statements to investigators.
"There was some people that had direct information about what happened and the detectives started to follow a witness trail," said Lt. Robert Forrest, spokesperson for the Lee County Sheriff's Office. "It took less than three days to catch him. It was intense."
At 8 p.m., deputies received information about Loudenslager's location and he was arrested without incident.
Loudenslager faces a second-degree murder charge for the death of Collins, 44, whose body was found on May 9 by an acquaintance at his Crescent Lake Drive apartment in North Fort Myers.
Autopsy results revealed Collins was killed by a single stab wound from a knife to the chest.
Loudenslager has a criminal background including arrests for felonies such as cocaine possession, grand theft as well as several traffic violations, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office Web site.
Evangelical Christian takes step toward new building
Evangelical Christian School faculty and staff are one step closer to their dream of building a $16 million fine arts building.
The school recently met with the Hearing Examiner's Office of zoning - the first step in building the center that is to include state-of-the-art classrooms, an expansive library and a 1,500-seat theater.
Construction officials at the meeting asked for a rezoning of the land to make way for the building that will be about as large as the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
"The hearing happened but I can't tell you what the outcome is going to be," said Nettie Richardson, of the Lee County Zoning department. "The staff did recommend approval of the request ... ."
The final decision will be made by the hearing examiner who will then petition approval from the Board of County Commissioners.
But, for now, the school will have to make some changes to their bid including the architectural style of the building, its impact on traffic and that the building be used only for school events.
"The school has experienced a substantial growth in the last few years, and we could use this building yesterday," said John Hunte in a previous interview regarding fundraising for the project. "We are at capacity and a lot of students are on waiting lists for different programs and activities."
A final decision from the zoning board is expected in the coming months.
The school recently met with the Hearing Examiner's Office of zoning - the first step in building the center that is to include state-of-the-art classrooms, an expansive library and a 1,500-seat theater.
Construction officials at the meeting asked for a rezoning of the land to make way for the building that will be about as large as the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
"The hearing happened but I can't tell you what the outcome is going to be," said Nettie Richardson, of the Lee County Zoning department. "The staff did recommend approval of the request ... ."
The final decision will be made by the hearing examiner who will then petition approval from the Board of County Commissioners.
But, for now, the school will have to make some changes to their bid including the architectural style of the building, its impact on traffic and that the building be used only for school events.
"The school has experienced a substantial growth in the last few years, and we could use this building yesterday," said John Hunte in a previous interview regarding fundraising for the project. "We are at capacity and a lot of students are on waiting lists for different programs and activities."
A final decision from the zoning board is expected in the coming months.
Bagel Bagel Cafe ready to serve up sandwiches
A toasted baguette basted with fresh wine and cheese dressing then layered with turkey breast, melted provolone, bacon, lettuce and tomato.
Just one of the mouth watering items on the menu at the new Bagel Bagel Cafe in south Fort Myers that will open in a few weeks.
The restaurant, which is on McGregor Boulevard and Cypress Lake Drive, will be serving up more than just bagels.
The shop's 18 employees will be preparing hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, salads and even soups and a coffee bar for those on the run.
"We do a lot of open faced sandwiches, not just bagels. We do melts and we are different from a normal bagel store," said Paul Sangermano, the store's general manager. "We do breakfast, lunch and catering ... we fit the customers' need."
The need for a quick and filling food choice in the area is what owners Bethany Trevett-Solow and her sister Deirdre Trevett, 23, wanted to fill when they decided to open the franchise.
"My sister wanted to bring this here and do it as a family," said Trevett-Solow, 26, about the franchise they got to know when they were students at Florida State University. "In Tallahassee, the Bagel Bagel Cafe is a landmark and when you walked in the door, they knew your name."
That's the same atmosphere the sisters are trying to bring to the 2,100 square foot shop that is surrounded by mostly dinner-only restaurants.
"We are more complementary than competition because they all open later ... this gives customers more," said Heather Skovron, the store's spokesperson.
Customers will be enjoying more since the menu has such a wide array of bagel offerings including bagels with black olives, Bermuda onions, alfalfa sprouts, spinach cream cheese and crispy bacon.
"We want a consistency in what we offer but it's small enough that we can make it our own," said Trevett-Solow about the menu that was created by the franchise when it opened in 1991.
The price ranges from $4.99 for a cheese and basil bagel to $7.99 for a reuben bagel.
"We have a good crew, good food and a great location and people will see that," Sangermano said.
"People can get in and out and get to work," he added.
Just one of the mouth watering items on the menu at the new Bagel Bagel Cafe in south Fort Myers that will open in a few weeks.
The restaurant, which is on McGregor Boulevard and Cypress Lake Drive, will be serving up more than just bagels.
The shop's 18 employees will be preparing hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, salads and even soups and a coffee bar for those on the run.
"We do a lot of open faced sandwiches, not just bagels. We do melts and we are different from a normal bagel store," said Paul Sangermano, the store's general manager. "We do breakfast, lunch and catering ... we fit the customers' need."
The need for a quick and filling food choice in the area is what owners Bethany Trevett-Solow and her sister Deirdre Trevett, 23, wanted to fill when they decided to open the franchise.
"My sister wanted to bring this here and do it as a family," said Trevett-Solow, 26, about the franchise they got to know when they were students at Florida State University. "In Tallahassee, the Bagel Bagel Cafe is a landmark and when you walked in the door, they knew your name."
That's the same atmosphere the sisters are trying to bring to the 2,100 square foot shop that is surrounded by mostly dinner-only restaurants.
"We are more complementary than competition because they all open later ... this gives customers more," said Heather Skovron, the store's spokesperson.
Customers will be enjoying more since the menu has such a wide array of bagel offerings including bagels with black olives, Bermuda onions, alfalfa sprouts, spinach cream cheese and crispy bacon.
"We want a consistency in what we offer but it's small enough that we can make it our own," said Trevett-Solow about the menu that was created by the franchise when it opened in 1991.
The price ranges from $4.99 for a cheese and basil bagel to $7.99 for a reuben bagel.
"We have a good crew, good food and a great location and people will see that," Sangermano said.
"People can get in and out and get to work," he added.
Talk of the Town opens in former Mel's Diner
You can have a waffle for dinner or a steak and fish for breakfast.
That's what John and Caroline Toutoulis, owners of the Talk of the Town restaurant in San Carlos Park, want their customers to know about the restaurant that now occupies the old Mel's Diner building.
"We started to hear that it was up for sale and we moved forward with it. It was a quick thing," said Caroline Toutoulis, about the diner that closed because of area competition.
But the Toutoulis' are used to the area's competition. They used to occupy a space at Island Park where they served up typical diner food and Greek and Italian items.
"We had more seating there but this is what we are used to and come from," said Caroline Toutoulis, whose family is originally from Long Island and has been in the restaurant business for 32 years.
"We love the feel of an old time diner."
The Talk of the Town restaurant will keep it's old time family feel despite the move, Caroline Toutoulis said.
"Everything will still be cooked daily and with similar menu to Mel's with the meat loaf ... we just add a greek and Italian twist," said Caroline Toutoulis, of south Fort Myers. "We tried to make it as warm a home and as much a personal touch as we can."
And, the personal touch, the Toutoulis said came from keeping as many employees as they could. Their old ones and most of the 36 Mel's Diner employees as well.
"I tried to keep all my employees and all his employees to have everybody happy," said John Toutoulis adding that a bad economy is bringing many new applicants to the restaurant.
The restaurant doesn't have a sign yet but after having only been open for two weeks, business has been steady.
"Business has been wonderful. Old customers of Mel's and my previous ones have come out to show support," said Caroline Toutoulis. "They are all wonderful people who seem to be happy. It's a humbling response."
The response has prompted the Toutoulis to offer blackboard specials and work to expand their existing menu.
That's what John and Caroline Toutoulis, owners of the Talk of the Town restaurant in San Carlos Park, want their customers to know about the restaurant that now occupies the old Mel's Diner building.
"We started to hear that it was up for sale and we moved forward with it. It was a quick thing," said Caroline Toutoulis, about the diner that closed because of area competition.
But the Toutoulis' are used to the area's competition. They used to occupy a space at Island Park where they served up typical diner food and Greek and Italian items.
"We had more seating there but this is what we are used to and come from," said Caroline Toutoulis, whose family is originally from Long Island and has been in the restaurant business for 32 years.
"We love the feel of an old time diner."
The Talk of the Town restaurant will keep it's old time family feel despite the move, Caroline Toutoulis said.
"Everything will still be cooked daily and with similar menu to Mel's with the meat loaf ... we just add a greek and Italian twist," said Caroline Toutoulis, of south Fort Myers. "We tried to make it as warm a home and as much a personal touch as we can."
And, the personal touch, the Toutoulis said came from keeping as many employees as they could. Their old ones and most of the 36 Mel's Diner employees as well.
"I tried to keep all my employees and all his employees to have everybody happy," said John Toutoulis adding that a bad economy is bringing many new applicants to the restaurant.
The restaurant doesn't have a sign yet but after having only been open for two weeks, business has been steady.
"Business has been wonderful. Old customers of Mel's and my previous ones have come out to show support," said Caroline Toutoulis. "They are all wonderful people who seem to be happy. It's a humbling response."
The response has prompted the Toutoulis to offer blackboard specials and work to expand their existing menu.
Personal account keeps memory of atrocities from fading
Story ran in the Monday local & state section front
The Holocaust can never ever be forgotten.
That's the message Lisl Bogart, 82, wanted to pass along to the audience during a Yom Hashoah Holocaust Memorial Service on Sunday afternoon.
The Delray resident visited Temple Shalom in Naples to speak about her experiences before, during and after the tragedy that claimed the lives of 6 million Jewish and 5 million others.
She was the only survivor out of 43 family members.
"Survivors are here to tell and teach what prejudice and hatred can do," said Bogart, during her speech that came just days after the May 1 Holocaust Remembrance Day. "We ask young people to remember the 6 million who perished and not let it happen again."
Bogart was 13 when the Germans invaded her hometown of Prague. Her family was eventually put into a cattle car and taken to Terezin in Czechoslovakia. It was the last time she would see them.
"I was on that cattle car with my parents and brother and I was pushed off ... ," said Bogart about the transport that contained 5,000 Czechoslovakian Jewish who were sent to be killed March 7, 1936 — the anniversary of Hitler's move on Czechoslovakian President Edvard Benes' territory. "I later found out that there were 5,004 on the list and I was one of four taken off."
Bogart does not know why she was spared.
She remained in a concentration camp until it was freed by Russian forces May 7, 1945. She didn't know until weeks later because she suffered a bad case of typhoid fever at age 18.
Bogart moved to the United States a year later. She married and had two children who would make her a grandmother of five and great-grandmother of one.
"I speak to let children know not to stand by and watch prejudice or hatred," Bogart said. "The whole world was silent ... nobody came to our help and I don't want that to happen ever again."
Bogart has made it her mission to keep the message of remembrance alive as a speaker and member of the Holocaust Documentation & Education Center of Florida Atlantic University.
The non-sectarian, non-profit center uses the lessons of the Holocaust to teach today's youth about racial hatred, bigotry, and indifference. They also create permanent records of survivors' eyewitness accounts.
"Her message was so special and important because she is right that everybody goes on with their lives and it's easy to forget," said Mary Ellen Dutcher, 60, of Naples.
Ruth Dorfman, 63, of Naples, was born just after the Holocaust and said speeches like Bogart's put a face to the event.
"My knowledge of what happened was very second hand from hearing adults speak in whispers," said Dorfman, adding that she has been asking about it since she read "The Diary of Anne Frank" as a child. "I never want to see discrimination and what she is doing ... I admire her courage to speak about it."
Temple Shalom Rabbi Baht Weiss said the time to hear from survivors is running out as they get well into their 80s. Their stories are dying with them.
"We are losing that first account and it's important that as time goes by ... we don't forget," Baht said. "We are seeing this in Darfur, Kenya ... stories like this aren't forgotten, they go on."
The Holocaust can never ever be forgotten.
That's the message Lisl Bogart, 82, wanted to pass along to the audience during a Yom Hashoah Holocaust Memorial Service on Sunday afternoon.
The Delray resident visited Temple Shalom in Naples to speak about her experiences before, during and after the tragedy that claimed the lives of 6 million Jewish and 5 million others.
She was the only survivor out of 43 family members.
"Survivors are here to tell and teach what prejudice and hatred can do," said Bogart, during her speech that came just days after the May 1 Holocaust Remembrance Day. "We ask young people to remember the 6 million who perished and not let it happen again."
Bogart was 13 when the Germans invaded her hometown of Prague. Her family was eventually put into a cattle car and taken to Terezin in Czechoslovakia. It was the last time she would see them.
"I was on that cattle car with my parents and brother and I was pushed off ... ," said Bogart about the transport that contained 5,000 Czechoslovakian Jewish who were sent to be killed March 7, 1936 — the anniversary of Hitler's move on Czechoslovakian President Edvard Benes' territory. "I later found out that there were 5,004 on the list and I was one of four taken off."
Bogart does not know why she was spared.
She remained in a concentration camp until it was freed by Russian forces May 7, 1945. She didn't know until weeks later because she suffered a bad case of typhoid fever at age 18.
Bogart moved to the United States a year later. She married and had two children who would make her a grandmother of five and great-grandmother of one.
"I speak to let children know not to stand by and watch prejudice or hatred," Bogart said. "The whole world was silent ... nobody came to our help and I don't want that to happen ever again."
Bogart has made it her mission to keep the message of remembrance alive as a speaker and member of the Holocaust Documentation & Education Center of Florida Atlantic University.
The non-sectarian, non-profit center uses the lessons of the Holocaust to teach today's youth about racial hatred, bigotry, and indifference. They also create permanent records of survivors' eyewitness accounts.
"Her message was so special and important because she is right that everybody goes on with their lives and it's easy to forget," said Mary Ellen Dutcher, 60, of Naples.
Ruth Dorfman, 63, of Naples, was born just after the Holocaust and said speeches like Bogart's put a face to the event.
"My knowledge of what happened was very second hand from hearing adults speak in whispers," said Dorfman, adding that she has been asking about it since she read "The Diary of Anne Frank" as a child. "I never want to see discrimination and what she is doing ... I admire her courage to speak about it."
Temple Shalom Rabbi Baht Weiss said the time to hear from survivors is running out as they get well into their 80s. Their stories are dying with them.
"We are losing that first account and it's important that as time goes by ... we don't forget," Baht said. "We are seeing this in Darfur, Kenya ... stories like this aren't forgotten, they go on."
Community offers incentives to buy
Free mortgage payments for 12 months, free upgrades or a buy back option are just a few of the incentives Palmetto Cove is offering buyers in south Fort Myers.
The gated community of condominium homes located near McGregor Boulevard and Cypress Lake has put together a series of options to entice anyone willing to buy during a crunched housing market.
"Every buyer has a hot button issue that is important to them and I want to give everyone options," said Mike Lippel, the sales manager for the homes that feature two floor plans. "We all have to have some kind of catch and in many cases, something that is important to us is different for them."
Palmetto Cove is offering buyers different home packages that can be customized to fit their needs.
"I want people to come in and see us because it's a condominium on the outside and customized on the inside," said Lippel about the community that is managed McCann Development out of New York. "We are a privately owned company so we can do more than bigger builders out there."
Marty Berger said customizing homes and offers is the only way builders can move inventory in a time when buyers are hesitant.
"We're not waiting for the market to correct itself, we're doing something helpful now," said Berger, a McCann managing member. "It's all about worry free living."
Taking the worry away is why the company wants to pay buyers mortgages for 12 months or pay closing cost and a couple years of their $199 a month condominium fee.
"I've been doing this for seven years and if you are in the market to buy a home this is when to do it," Lippel said about Southwest Florida's housing market. "Everybody asks if it will get lower, I don't know how much further down it can go for these builders to stay in business."
That's why Palmetto Cove felt it was time to rebuild buyers' confidence in the market.
"People are still hesitant. But something like this offer says 'why don't you get involved, it might take away some of the stress of taking on a new home loan,' "Lippel said.
The homes are also priced lower.
"Our homes are now priced from the $160s, which is significant, and we're offering golf and country club memberships," Berger said.
For more information, call 337-2683.
The gated community of condominium homes located near McGregor Boulevard and Cypress Lake has put together a series of options to entice anyone willing to buy during a crunched housing market.
"Every buyer has a hot button issue that is important to them and I want to give everyone options," said Mike Lippel, the sales manager for the homes that feature two floor plans. "We all have to have some kind of catch and in many cases, something that is important to us is different for them."
Palmetto Cove is offering buyers different home packages that can be customized to fit their needs.
"I want people to come in and see us because it's a condominium on the outside and customized on the inside," said Lippel about the community that is managed McCann Development out of New York. "We are a privately owned company so we can do more than bigger builders out there."
Marty Berger said customizing homes and offers is the only way builders can move inventory in a time when buyers are hesitant.
"We're not waiting for the market to correct itself, we're doing something helpful now," said Berger, a McCann managing member. "It's all about worry free living."
Taking the worry away is why the company wants to pay buyers mortgages for 12 months or pay closing cost and a couple years of their $199 a month condominium fee.
"I've been doing this for seven years and if you are in the market to buy a home this is when to do it," Lippel said about Southwest Florida's housing market. "Everybody asks if it will get lower, I don't know how much further down it can go for these builders to stay in business."
That's why Palmetto Cove felt it was time to rebuild buyers' confidence in the market.
"People are still hesitant. But something like this offer says 'why don't you get involved, it might take away some of the stress of taking on a new home loan,' "Lippel said.
The homes are also priced lower.
"Our homes are now priced from the $160s, which is significant, and we're offering golf and country club memberships," Berger said.
For more information, call 337-2683.
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