Come join the fun and adventure of the Annual Everglades Bicycle Ride which will be held at
McLeod Park on Sunday, April 13, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. A continental breakfast and coffee will start your day. You may choose from a guided 16-mile ride which will take you to Carnestown, back to Everglades City, Chokoloskee and return to McLeod Park for a catered seafood lunch. If you prefer just to ride 8 miles, you’ll have that option. Other alternatives will be an “off-road” guided tour along Janes Scenic in the Fakahatchee or an “on-the-road” 62-mile ride. To receive a discount, please register early by April 4 at www.evergladesROGG.org or www.naplespathways.org. If you would like to be a sponsor, volunteer, or need more information, contact Patty Huff at 695-2397. Come join us for some fun and exercise!
INSPIRATION by Patricia Huff A few weeks ago I received an email message from Steve Jablonowski with the Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation Department. He had befriended a “young” couple close to his office and over the past year and a half learned a lot about their long life together. He discovered that they had eloped to Everglades City on March 15, 1942, and were married by Justice of the Peace J.W. Russell in his home with witnesses Lovie Fitzpatrick (a next door neighbor) and Mrs. J. W. Russell; Judge Jolley signed the marriage certificate. This year marked their 72nd wedding anniversary and their new friend Steve brought the couple back to Everglades City on March 15 for lunch at the Rod & Gun
Club, the same venue where they had dined (at a cost of $1.50) after the short wedding ceremony in 1942 (which costs them $2.00). I had the pleasure of joining John, age 92, and Betty Onoprienko, age 91, and their family (son-in-law Bill Budd, grand-daughter Brie, son Jim, a retired Colonel with the U.S. Air
Force stationed in Homestead and daughter Doti, pictured left at the Museum). John and Betty told me that they decided to drive the distance to Everglades City to get married because there would be no questions asked (or proof) about their ages: Betty was only 17 and still a student at Miami Senior High where she met John. Betty confessed she lied on the certificate to say she was 18; John was 19. John recalls that the Tamiami Trail was a narrow road; Betty had been here the year before when her 1st cousin Pat Reardon decided to elope to the Everglades. Betty remembered that she and John couldn’t stay overnight here since her curfew was 10:30 p.m. and they didn’t tell their parents about their adventure to Everglades City and the marriage until a year later when John was shipped off to the South Pacific to serve in WWII (he was the recipient of the Bronze Star). By that time Betty was pregnant with their son Jim. Also, in order for Betty to receive the $50 per month allotted to servicemen’s wives, she had to tell her parents. All in all, everything worked out for the best. Although there was no honeymoon at that time, John and Betty travel to Europe every year (this year they will be sailing to Rome before flying off to Paris). Together we tried to find J. W. Russell’s home where they were married; Arita Parker and her sister Barbara Daniels thought it may have been on what is now Allen Avenue. John and Betty couldn’t identify any particular house there but recalled that it looked very similar to the other homes on Allen. If anyone has any information about J. W. Russell, his wife, Lovie Fitzpatrick or the home of the justice of the peace in the 1940s, please email The Mullet Rapper. We’d love to hear from you! Congratulations, John and Betty Onoprienko, on your 72nd anniversary. I hope you’ll return to Everglades City every year to celebrate!!
T I D E T A B L E R E S T A U R A N T S
CONTENTS Calendar p. 2 Gulf Coast p. 8 Events p. 3 Taxing Things p. 9 School p. 5 Museum p. 9 Recipe p. 7 Florida Tales p. 9 Sheriff p. 7 Angel p. 9 Fishing p. 8 Everglades p.10 Sawfish p. 8 Obituary p.11 TIDES & RESTAURANTS p.11 CLASSIFIED p.12
FEATURE: Poetry, p. 7
If you have news, photos, announcements, or articles ... email [email protected] or phone 695-2397.
The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 28, 2014
May 10: Emergency Workers' Fish Fry June 2-14: Sales Tax Holiday June 28: Independence Day Celebration
THRIFT SHOP: Tuesday and Sat, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm SKATING RINK: Fri, Sat, 7-10 pm DR DEMARTINO: Fri, 1:30 to 4:30 pm LITTLE GATOR CLINIC: Tuesday, April 1 and 8, 5 to 7 pm FOOD PANTRY: Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 am, Community Church CR-29 HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP: Thursday, 8 am AA: Wed, 5:00 pm, Community Church AL-ANON: Thurs, 12 noon, Community Church NA: Sat, 11:30 am, Community Center (Skating Rink) MUSEUM: Tues-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm; Sat, 9 am to 4 pm SMALLWOOD STORE: Daily, 10 am to 4 pm VA SUPPORT: Fri, Mar 28, 10:30 am and April 11, 10 am WEIGHT LOSS: Tues, 5 to 6 pm, Community Church CARNESTOWN Recycle and Trash: 2nd Sat, 9 am to 1 pm
SHERIFF AT CITY HALL: See office in City Hall for April days/hours
POST OFFICE HOURS: Everglades City 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m.; Sat: outside pick-up 3:30 p.m.; Chokoloskee 9 a.m. to 12 noon; 1 to 3 p.m. Sat: outside pick-up 3:30 pm; Ochopee 8 to 10 a.m.; 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sat: Open for service 10 to 11:30 a.m.
SHERIFF: 252-9300 CITY HALL: 695-3781 PUBLIC LIBRARY: 695-2511 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 695-3941 AIRPORT: 695-2778 FAKAHATCHEE: 695-4593 BIG CYPRESS: 695-2000 EVG NATIONAL PARK: 695-3311 CURBSIDE TRASH PICKUP (FRIDGES, WASHING MACHINES, TVS): 252-2380 COLLIER COUNTY: 252-8999
SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
23 24 Hour of Prayer
Chokoloskee Church of God, 7 pm
25 Kids’ Clinic
see p.3
26 Ladies Coffee
Havana Café 8 am
27 An Evening at the Museum
5 pm
RAPPER 28
VA Support Group 10:30 am
29
Calusa Days see p.3
new moon 30 Calusa Days
see p.3
31 Hour of Prayer
Holy Family Catholic Church
7 pm
APRIL 1 Kids’ Clinic
see p.3 Congressional
Aide Visit, 3 pm FME Mtg
see p.9 City Council
5:30 pm
2 Ladies Coffee
Island Café, 8 am Service for
Jim Thomas see p.11
Fakahatchee Public Workshop
see p.3
3 Everglades Book Club
see p.3
4 5 Diamonds Tea
see p.3 Starry Night
see p.3
6 7 Hour of Prayer
Everglades Community Church
7 pm ESHP Meeting Smallwood Mtg
see p.3
8 Kids’ Clinic
see p.3 School Board
Meeting see p.5
Public Workshop see p.3
9 Ladies Coffee
City Seafood 8 am
10 RAPPER 11
VA Support Group 10 am
see p.3 MPO Meeting
City Hall see p.3
12
Museum Reception
see p.9
13 Palm Sunday
see p.11 Everglades Bike Ride
see p.1
14 Hour of Prayer Copeland Baptist
Church, 7 pm OFCD Meeting
see p.3
full moon 15 Weight Loss
Support Group see p.7
ReachOut City Hall, 8:30 am
16 Ladies Coffee
Sweet Mayberry’s Café
8 am
17 Maundy
Thursday see p.11
18 Good Friday
see p.11
19
20 EASTER
Sunrise Service National Park
7 am
21 Hour of Prayer
Chokoloskee Church of God
7 pm
22 Weight Loss
see p.7 ORV Meeting
see p.3
23 Ladies Coffee
Havana Café 8 am
24 RAPPER 25
VA Support Group 10:30 am
see p.3
26 Pancake Fly-In Museum B’day
Art-in-the-Glades
27 28 Hour of Prayer
Holy Family Catholic Church, 7 pm
new moon 29Weight Loss
Support Group see p.7
30 Ladies Coffee
Island Café 8 am
MAY 1 National Day of
Prayer
2 3
MARCH / APRIL 2014
If you have news, photos, announcements, or articles ... email [email protected] or phone 695-2397.
The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 28, 2014
CALUSA DAYS On March 29 & 30 come celebrate Calusa Days & Florida Archaeology Month at the ENP Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
Learn about the prehistory and archaeological resources in the 10,000 Islands; visit Indian shell mounds and see exhibits on basketry, pottery, shell tools, atlatl spear throwing and lots more. Activities are free except for the boat tours to the shell mounds. For more information, call 695-3311.
Public Workshop There will be a presentation of the proposed management plan for the Fakahatachee Strand Preserve State Park at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 2, at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, in Naples. A copy of the draft plan and agenda are available online at sharepoint.dep.state.fl.us/PublicNotices. For more information, email [email protected] or call Renee at (239) 695-4593.
Everglades Book Club The last meeting of this season will be held on Thursday, April 3, at 9:30 am at Rena Magolnick's house, 15 Spoonbill Avenue on Plantation Island. The book to be discussed is "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole. Everyone is invited to join us.
DIAMONDS' TEA The annual Diamonds' Tea will take place on Saturday, April 5, at 2:00 pm in the Everglades Seafood Depot. If you are 70 years old or older, you're welcome to attend. Younger women are invited to help as hostesses. For information and reservations, please phone Annie at 695-2009.
STARRY NIGHT On Saturday, April 5, at 8:30 p.m., Big Cypress National Preserve will give its final astronomy program of the season. Presentations will include constellation tours and telescope viewing of stars. Call 695-1165 or see www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/winter-2014-astronomy-programs.htm.
COPELAND PRAIRIE To see the Environmental Assessment Plan, visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov. Comments due April 5 online or by mail to Superintendent, Big Cypress National Preserve, 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141. For questions, contact Bob DeGross at 695-1107.
SMALLWOOD MUSEUM FUNDRAISING MTG
There will be an open meeting to discuss fundraising ideas and events for the historic Smallwood Store & Museum at 9:30 am on Monday, April 7, at Havana Café. All interested parties are invited to attend and participate.
Public Workshop Backcountry Access Plan
The purpose of this plan is to provide ORV secondary trails, non-motorized trails, and a camping management plan and to establish a permanent route for the Florida National Scenic Trail. The workshop will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, April 8, at the Big Cypress Welcome Center in Ochopee. Further details are available online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=49334.
2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
The public comment period for the 2035 LRTP Amendment will close April 11. To view the document, visit www.colliermpo.net. The MPO Board will consider the adoption of this amendment together with comments received at their meeting on April 11 at 10 am at Everglades City Hall.
ORV MEETING The next ORV Advisory Committee meeting for Big Cypress National Preserve will be held 3:30 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday, April 22, at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center in Ochopee. For more details go online to http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parkmgmt/orv-advisory-committee.htm. Comments may be made to Big Cypress National Preserve, 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141. Attn: Superintendent, Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Committee.
OCHOPEE FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT
03/12/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/12/14: Airboat Accident, Everglades City 03/12/14: Boating Accident, Everglades City 03/13/14: Fire Alarm (Mutual Aid), Marco 03/13/14: Emergency Med, Port of Islands 03/13/14: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee 03/13/14: Vehicle Accident, 62 MM I-75 03/13/14: Fire Alarm (Mutual Aid), Marco 03/13/14: Stand By, Chokoloskee Island 03/14/14: Emergency Medical, 51 MM I-75 03/14/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/14/14: Emergency Medical, 80 MM I-75 03/14/14: Emergency Medical, 80 MM I-75 03/15/14: Emergency Med, Port of Islands 03/15/14: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 03/15/14: Trash Fire, Carnestown 03/15/14: Brush Fire, Turner Rr Rd & US 41 03/16/14: Fire Alarm, Port of the Islands 03/17/14: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee 03/17/14: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee 03/17/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/18/14: Brush Fire, SR 29 and US 41 03/19/14: Emergency Med, Port of Islands 03/20/13: Fire Alarm (Mutual Aid), Marco 03/20/14: Brush Fire, Ochopee 03/20/14: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee 03/21/14: Emergency Med, Port of Islands 03/21/14: Vehicle Accident, 81 MM I-75 03/21/14: Emergency Medical, 83 MM I-75 03/22/14: Vehicle Accident, 64 MM I-75 03/22/14: Brush Fire, South Blocks 03/23/14: Emergency Med, Port of Islands 03/23/14: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 03/23/13: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 03/23/13: Emergency Med, SR 29 and I-75 03/23/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/24/14: Vehicle Accident, 51 MM I-75 03/24/14: Vehicle Accident, Ochopee 03/25/14: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee On March 25 the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved for the County Manager to create a merger plan between the Ochopee Fire Control and Rescue District and East Naples, possibly with an Interlocal Agreement. The OFCD Advisory Committee Meeting will be Monday, April 14, at 4 pm in Port of the Islands Realty Office at 24998 Tamiami Trl.
DOCTOR’S CLINIC Dr. Kirk DeMartino will see patients every Friday 1:30 to 4:30 pm behind the Fire Station. Call (239) 642-5552.
Little Gator Clinic The free walk-in clinic behind the Fire Station will be open Tuesday, April 1 and April 8, from 5 to 7 pm.
THRIFT SHOP HOURS Beginning April 1 the Thrift Shop will be open only on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Veterans Support Group Meetings every other Friday: April 11 at 10:00 am, and April 25 at 10:30 am at the Everglades Community Church.
The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 28, 2014
SCHOOL NEWS Everglades City School phone: 377-9800 www.evg.collierschools.com
TAYLOR’S CORNER
This week our school had another great book fair, and the class who bought the most books won a party! The wining team was 2nd grade; 4th grade came in second place and 3rd grade came in third. Just a friendly reminder that report cards are coming out on April 7 so be on the lookout. I think April will be an exciting month because on April 10 fourth grade, sixth grade and high school will be competing in a science competition at Edison State Collage. Fourth grade is
going to be working with electrodes called “little bits,” middle school will make solar powered cars, and high school will be doing geo cashing. The little league team has started practicing at the ball field behind the Catholic Church. We have games on Saturdays and practice on Mondays and Fridays. I’m playing catcher and short stop. Big thanks to Mr. Owen & Mrs. Donnell for organizing it and getting everyone together. Spring break is already here, and I can’t wait to go camping and fishing and just relax and hang out with my friends; I might even go kayaking while I’m at it, too. I’d like my readers to write in and tell me about what cool things YOU did over your spring break. I’d like to include them in the next edition of The Mullet Rapper so send them to [email protected].
Taylor Dahlke is 10 years old and in the 4th grade at Everglades City School. She is the reporter for the elementary school.
COMMUNITY THANK YOU
FROM EVERGLADES CITY SCHOOL
Everglades City School would like to thank its community book fair sponsors. We are so fortunate to have the community’s support! Your donations to sponsor our teachers’ classroom books from the Scholastic Book Fair are greatly appreciated. The following businesses/people sponsored books for our school: Ms. Dimas, Everglades Private Airboat Tours, Grimm’s Stonecrab Company, Patty Huff, Island Café, Rock Can Handy Man, LLC, the Stroud family, Mr. Spano and Speedy’s Airboat Tours! Thank you for believing in Everglades City School and supporting literacy!
NOTE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Last week Mr. Spano showed me around, and I could see and feel the excitement and energy from the students and staff. I was able to tour the campus and I enjoyed hearing from several teachers and students! I also enjoyed visiting a variety of classrooms and meeting some of the new and veteran teachers. I very much enjoyed my visit and hearing all the great work at Everglades City School!!!! I happened to catch students working on their practice FCAT, and they sure seemed ready to go! I also really enjoyed seeing your fish in their revitalized tanks!! Additionally, a student then showed me the two gardens using two types of water!! Thanks for all you do and have a great Spring Break and rest of the school year!!!
Kamela Patton, Ph.D., Superintendent Collier County Public Schools
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Students, Parents and Community, We hope our families had an enjoyable and restful Spring Break. When students return on April 1, we will continue to prepare them for the many end-of-year activities they have coming up. The last two months of school always seem to fly by, especially with all of the assessments we will be administering. We are all very anxious to begin FCAT testing in April. We feel very confident that all of our students are well prepared for these upcoming assessments. In addition to FCAT testing, we have several End-Of-Course exams to administer to our high school students. On the enjoyable side of things, for our students, are events such as Grad Bash at Universal, Junior/Senior Prom at the Marco Marriott, awards programs, and district play-offs in both baseball and softball. We hope you are able to join us on April 8, at 4 pm, as we are hosting the School Board Meeting. As we prepare for next year, you can look forward to a new program called College Summit. This program serves as a “Launchpad” to college and career success for our students. We will provide more information to our students after Spring Break. As always, please feel free to call or stop by with any questions you may have. Gratefully yours, Bob Spano
HOME SPORTS SCHEDULE
Boys Varsity Baseball Tuesday, April 1 vs Seacrest Country Day School 4 pm Wednesday, April 2 vs Marco Island Academy 4 pm Monday, April 14 vs Immokalee High School at 8 pm Tuesday, April 15 vs Marco Island Academy at 4 pm
Boys JV Baseball Thursday, April 3 vs Moore Haven Junior-Senior HS at 3:30 pm Monday, April 14 vs Immokalee High School at 5 pm
Girls Softball (Holy Family Catholic Church Softball Field) Tuesday, April 1 vs Seacrest Country Day School 4 pm Thursday, April 3 vs Ahfachkee School 4 pm Monday, April 7 vs Immokalee High School 4 pm
IMPORTANT DATES March 24-28 Spring Break – No School March 31 Teachers’ Planning Day – No School April 4 Grad Bash (departing school at 2 pm) April 8 School Board Meeting, Cafeteria, 4 pm
The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 28, 2014
12-Step Meeting Schedules are available in City Hall and
Chokoloskee Post Office
Recipe for Good Eating
Cornbread Pudding by Jane Rackley Ingredients: 1 17 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained 1 17 oz. can cream style corn 1 stick butter, melted and cooled 1 8 oz. pkg. sour cream 2 eggs beaten 1 pkg. Jiffy corn muffin mix
Heat oven to 350°. Butter a 2.5 quart casserole. Beat eggs. Add melted, cooled butter; add sour cream, corn, and Jiffy mix. Pour into casserole dish. Bake about 1 hour at 350°.
WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Success Weight Loss class is held every Tuesday from 5 - 6 p.m. at the Community Church. Christian based support group for wellness. Call Kathy Kronk (573) 619-9929.
HOUSEHOLD TIPS When you pack up to travel away for the summer, don't forget - Unwanted or outdated medicines can be deposited safely in the box just near the front
door at City Hall - Unopened packages of dried food (eg, pasta, cereal) and tin cans can be donated to the
Food Pantry in Everglades Community Church. Go into the door between the sanctuary and fellowship hall where you'll find a large donation box.
- Clothing, shoes, and household items can be donated to the Thrift Shop on Tuesday and Saturday between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Please do not leave things on the porch!
Have a good summer and keep up with our news in the Rapper with a subscription.
SHERIFF’S REPORT Between March 20 and 21 persons unknown removed a white boat cushion from a boat at Parkway Village (investigation continues). On March 21 an Ochopee man was arrested and charged with grand theft which occurred at Circle K in Everglades City. On March 25 two individuals from Chokoloskee were arrested and charged with a burglary and grand theft that occurred at a residence on March 19 in Parkway Village. Always remember to secure your valuables and report any suspicious activity immediately to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300 or in an emergency by dialing 911. Stay Safe!
THE SHELTER FOR ABUSED WOMEN & CHILDREN If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, call the confidential 24-hour crisis line: (239) 775-1101/TTY or (239) 775-4265; the Shelter provides all services free of charge. Visit www.naplesshelter.org for more information.
What Will Happen by LeAnne Bedford Will the sun come out? The very next day? Will the moon go down? Or run away? Will this world Ever change? Or in the end, Stay the same? Will next year Be different from now? Will this world Find peace somehow? I think we all agree, The world is going insane! But if we work together, LeAnne Bedford is a new contributor who writes poetry. We can make a change! She is 16 yrs old and in the 10th grade at Everglades City School.
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The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 28, 2014
Snook fishing gets good; cast noisy top-water plugs early in the day. A surface strike from a snook at first light is one of the great
experiences in saltwater angling. Later in the day, when the sun is up, snook will roam shallow water where they become prime sight-casting targets. Tarpon fishing also improves as they begin their migration up the west coast. These fish can be caught on the outside points as they swim by or in coves where they rest. The best fishing is done in the morning before the sea breezes put a chop on the water’s surface. Redfish action will be good this month, and they can be caught while you’re snook fishing. Offshore king mackerel, grouper, triple tail, and cobia can be caught on rock piles, wrecks and ledges. Spanish mackerel will feed on bait schools below diving birds. A spoon or jig cast into the action will get the job done.
Capt. Bill Lindsay lives in Chokoloskee and has been fishing in the Everglades National Park for over 35 years. In 1992 he was Master Angler of the MET Tournament. Captain Bill’s telephone number is (239) 695-0314.
March 2014 Sawfish Abundance Survey by Dana M. Bethea
NOAA Fisheries Panama City Laboratory Panama City The March research expedition was successful despite a shorter sampling week and a heavy band of thunderstorms that moved through the area on March 6. In Everglades National Park, one small young-of-the-year was sighted on the mud flat on the east side of the mangrove island in Mud Bay and nine newborns were captured and tagged on the west-side of Chokoloskee Island. The team also caught three sawfish tagged on previous expeditions on the west-side of Chokoloskee Island, two from June 2013 and one from October 2012. The Smalltooth Sawfish Abundance Survey field team will be back in Everglades City April 9-12. Smalltooth sawfish were listed as endangered in 2003 under the Endangered Species Act and the current core population is limited to waters off the coast of southwest Florida. It is illegal to target, possess, or injure this animal, but incidental encounters with fishermen do occur. If you see or encounter a smalltooth sawfish, please contact the International Sawfish Encounter Database at (352) 392-2360. Input and cooperation from the public is greatly valued. Please exercise caution when untangling a sawfish from fishing line and never remove the saw. This research follows permits EVER-2014-SCI-0009 and ESA-17787. Funding is provided through the NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office in St. Petersburg, FL.
Photo caption: NOAA field crew with a recaptured juvenile male smalltooth sawfish (148 cm STL) on the west-side of Chokoloskee Island on March 4, 2014. L to R: Interns, Cosette Larash and Rebecca Peters, FPC & Research Fishery Biologist, Dana Bethea, Fishery Biologist, Kelcee Smith, and Sawfish & Johnson’s Seagrass Coordinator, Shelly Norton. Photo credit: Dana M. Bethea, NOAA Fisheries Panama City Laboratory
Living Gulf Coast by Charles Sobczak
Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Other names: coon oyster, oyster / Status: FL=stable, IUCN=NE / Life span: to 10 years / Length: 3-8 in.
(7-20 cm) / Weight: .15-.35 lb (90-158 g) / Spawns: in the near-shore waters / Found: Throughout the mangrove forests and shorelines of Southwest Florida / Very common. In the 1930s, fishing guide Esperanza Woodring used to gather “coon oysters” from the mangroves of Tarpon Bay for oyster roasts on Woodring Point. The coon oyster is smaller than the commercially grown variety ordered at raw bars across Florida every day. It grows close enough to shore to make easy prey for raccoons—hence, its nickname. This is an abundant shellfish. Look anywhere along the canals on either side of Wildlife Drive in Sanibel at the “Ding” Darling Refuge, especially at low tide, and you will see the long roots of red mangroves covered in oysters. Some of the local oysters may be Ostreola equestris, which is a similar but smaller species. Worldwide, there are more than 40 species of oysters. They have been a food source for humans for tens of thousands of years, and Paleolithic oyster shell middens have been verified from Australia to the United Kingdom. There is little doubt that the indigenous Calusa Indians harvested and ate local oysters. The oysters we eat are not closely related to the pearl oysters. Although the eastern oyster can produce pearls, they are small and irregular with no commercial value. The oyster is considered a keystone species. Oyster bars provide habitat for many marine species, including crabs, minnows, and barnacles, which in turn attract red drum, snook, and sea trout. The oyster is a filter feeder and plays an essential role in removing excess nutrients from the water. A single oyster can filter up to 1.3 gallons of water per hour. Think of oysters as the kidneys of our estuaries. The species is so important in maintaining a healthy estuary ecosystem that various environmental organizations across Southwest Florida will seed oyster beds to maintain stable populations. While oysters are not farmed locally, there are large oyster farms in Florida, especially in Apalachicola Bay and along the Panhandle. The oyster is unusual in that it will change sex one or more times during its life. The biological reasons for this are unclear. In the wild the oyster is eaten by raccoons, a host of gastropods, the American oystercatcher, and fish such as the sheepshead, whose strong, forward-facing teeth have evolved to crack the oyster shell open.
This article is an excerpt from Living Sanibel - A Nature Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands by Charles Sobczak. The book is available at Barnes & Noble and your favorite online sites.
Charles Sobczak lives and writes on Sanibel Island. To find out more about the author and his books, visit www.indigopress.net
BIG CYPRESS POETRY CONTEST April is National Poetry Month. Big Cypress National Preserve invites submissions for their 2nd annual poetry contest. Poetry submissions are accepted through April 14. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/bicy-poetry-contest.htm.
The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 28, 2014
Early Retirement Plan Withdrawals and Your Taxes Taking money out early from your retirement plan may trigger an additional tax. Here are seven things from the IRS that you should know about early withdrawals from retirement plans: 1. An early withdrawal normally means taking money from your plan before you reach age 59½. 2. If you made a withdrawal from a plan last year, you must report the amount you withdrew to the IRS. You may have to pay income tax as well as an additional 10 percent tax on the amount you withdrew. 3. The additional 10 percent tax does not apply to nontaxable withdrawals. Nontaxable withdrawals include withdrawals of your cost to participate in the plan. Your cost includes contributions that you paid tax on before you put them into the plan. 4. A rollover is a type of nontaxable withdrawal. Generally, a rollover is a distribution to you of cash or other assets from one retirement plan that you contribute to another retirement plan. You usually have 60 days to complete a rollover to make it tax-free. 5. There are many exceptions to the additional 10 percent tax. Some of the exceptions for retirement plans are different from the rules for IRAs. 6. If you make an early withdrawal, you may need to file Form 5329, Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans (Including IRAs) and Other Tax-Favored Accounts, with your federal tax return. 7. The rules for retirement plans can be complex. No matter how you prepare your taxes, you should always file electronically. More than 80 percent of taxpayers e-file for faster refunds or for easier electronic payment options.
Mike, The Tax Guy, provides income tax services. His phone number is 695-0595.
BEST WISHES The Mullet Rapper would like to extend best wishes to Ron Boyce who is transferring from being the Executive Director of AMIkids Big Cypress to the same position at AMIkids Panama City Marine Institute. We appreciate all his work with the Swamp Boys. We also welcome Ron’s replacement, Abraham Ruiz, from the program in Miami.
MUSEUM of the Everglades
Artist Christine Reichow will open her exhibit “Florida Nature: Through the Artist’s Eye” on April 1. Christine grew up in rural Michigan where she developed a deep love of nature. At an early age, her father taught her to observe the nesting birds and to identify their individual melodic warbling. A reception, hosted by the Friends of the Museum, will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. Everyone is invited! The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To volunteer, call Martha at 695-0008. The Board of Directors of the Friends of the Museum meets the 1st Tuesday of every month (next meeting April 1) at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall. All members are invited to attend.
Florida Tales “Another One of Chili Williams’
Adventures” by Chester Keene Collier County Sheriff E. A. Doug Hendry was a Decorated WWII Veteran and had done a lot for Collier County. He did things for the youth. He always said "if you take your child hunting, you won't
have to go hunting for your child." He started the Junior Deputies League which was for the younger boys. He had a lot of his friends and mine help build the club. We all pitched in and built the club, or camp, as it was often called. It was built off Alligator Alley about the 18 mile marker, best I recall; this was when they first built the Alley. It was to teach the young about the importance of the woods, hunting, fishing and wildlife. They would go out
on the weekend and pitch tents and, with the deputies supervising, spend time around the campfire. They were taught the skills needed if lost or injured in or out of the woods and how to cook over a camp fire. Sheriff Hendry did a great job on that, and he was a good law enforcement officer. He had some great deputies working for him; they were
men like Chuck Whidden, Kenny Kitchell, Bert Morris, Jim Bradley and Wallace Hudson. He had Aubrey Rogers as his Chief Deputy, and they covered a lot of territory back then. Picture courtesy of Ret. Deputy Jim Bradley Chester Keene is a retired law enforcement officer and Florida native. He retains the copyright to this article.
ANGEL OF THE SWAMP Few people move to our area and immediately have a connection with so many. One individual has never met a stranger. As soon as visitors say where they’re from, our angel immediately finds a link which establishes a relationship with them. This phenomenon happened not long ago, around the holidays, when our angel met a couple from Scotland. They found her so endearing that they befriended her again when they returned this month. She was the first person they thought to call when they found themselves in trouble. While touring around Everglades City, the husband felt suddenly ill and his wife was unable to communicate due to a language barrier. Not knowing what to do, they contacted our angel. She immediately went to their aid and was able to handle the situation with care and professionalism. Above and beyond her position at the Museum, she has arranged trips for others to visit various historical sites in South Florida. She always shows her appreciation to the volunteers at the Museum of the Everglades. These are just two examples of how Martha Hutcheson has been an angel to everyone she meets. She enjoys talking with the public and does this with sincerity and kindness. Martha is equally attentive to the residents of the area which is one reason she is accepted by so many locals. As a native Floridian, she fits in with all sectors of our community and enjoys outdoor pursuits as well as knowing our history. Martha, you are a true Angel of the Swamp!
The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 28, 2014
The bobcat resembles other members of the Lynx genus, but on average the smallest of the four. Its coat is variable, though it’s usually tan to grayish-brown, with black streaks on the body and dark bars on the forelegs and tail. Its spotted fur acts as
camouflage. The ears are usually black-tipped and pointed, with short, black tufts. Bobcats are carnivores; they usually hunt and kill small prey, such as rabbits, hares, birds, rats, and lizards, but if there is an over population of deer they will hunt the fawns by sneaking up on them then pouncing on them and biting their neck which kills them. The bobcat is an adaptable animal. It prefers woodlands-deciduous, coniferous, or mixed-but unlike other Lynx species; it does not depend exclusively on the deep forest. It ranges from the hot swamps of Florida to desert lands of Texas or rugged mountain areas. It will make its home near agricultural areas, if rocky ledges, swamps, or forested tracts are present; its spotted coat serves as good camouflage. In the wild the population is approximately 725,000 to 1,020,000. They breed in late winter, but throughout the year is possible. The litter size is about 1 to 6 kittens which are born around early spring. Bobcats are in danger from habitat destruction and being killed by farmers.
Claybrook Story is 13 years old and in 7th grade at Everglades City School.
Manatee Protection Manatees are an endangered species, protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act, the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. The most pressing human-related threat to manatees is injury and death resulting from collisions with watercraft. Manatee protection areas have been established in many Florida counties, including Collier. Numerous manatee speed zones have been established by the State of Florida in the bays, rivers, and other waterways of Florida. Great strides have been made in the protection and recovery of the Florida manatee. It is certainly no longer "on the brink of extinction." However, there is much left to be done to secure its future. This will require the cooperation and support of everyone: government, the private sector, and you! Please observe Manatee Slow Zones. If you have specific questions, comments or need additional help contact the North Florida Ecological Services Field Office at (904) 731-3332, or e-mail your questions, comments or requests for assistance to Manatee@ fws.gov.
NEW DIRECTORY! The new Everglades Area Mini-Directory with local phone numbers and addresses is
now available at Right Choice Supermarket, City Hall, and the Thrift Shop. Copies cost $5.00.
You can also order online at www.reachouteverglades.org (click on Books).
Southwest Florida is Winter Home to Many Migratory Birds
by Kathy Brock When the first signs of winter set in across the US, the march south begins. Not only do scores of people move towards Florida at this time of year, but birds from as far away as Canada to the north and parts of South America, begin their annual journey here to escape the brutal weather. For many years, I have documented the comings and goings of my favorite migratory birds. Painted buntings are on the top of my list. The males feature purple heads, green wings sometimes gilded with yellow and red bellies. They are unbelievably beautiful. The females are olive-green, designed to blend in with any scrub or tree. I mark my calendar each year when I see them and when they leave. Without fail they are here by October 15 and gone by the first week of May. They are in the cardinal family but smaller, approximately the size of a common sparrow. On their journey south they will lose approximately one third of their body weight…so I make sure I provide them with their favorite snack, spray millet. I have seen painted buntings in Everglades City (I also saw an indigo bunting at the Rod and Gun Club a few years back). Another loyal visitor is the purple martin. We have several colonies on the three sister islands. These are the black/purple swallows that populate the familiar “bird condos” and gourd houses you’ll see in people’s back yards. The martin’s journey is incredible. They visit us each year from South America. What makes them truly unique is that, unlike most migrants, they nest in both places and they are almost entirely dependent on the housing provided to them by humans. The martin’s song is a “happy chortle”. Hearing them always makes me smile. What also makes me smile is their diet…they love mosquitoes - and we can all be happy about that! Males typically arrive first and are referred to as “scouts”. This year I saw my first scouts the second week of January, approximately the 10th. That is a bit early, typically they start arriving around the 15th. March is nest building time for them and they are very busy in my condos! Once their babies have fledged, they will collect together and fly back to South America together in September. Researchers have documented that migratory birds like the buntings and martins actually can, and most often do, return to the exact locations year after year which means they can navigate thousands of miles and find my house! How amazing is that? Humans have had to develop GPS technology to help us navigate the cities…and these little birds have been doing it on their own for centuries! There are too many to include them all, but here are some others you can look out for in our area:
American Kestrels (small falcons); Ruby Throated Hummingbirds (they love the Hong-Kong orchid blooms by Rod & Gun)
White Pelicans (go out Sand-fly Pass and you will see them) Black & Blue Warblers; Yellow Rumped Warblers; Cape May Warblers; American Redstarts; Ovenbirds; Cedar Wax-wings
You can find pictures of these birds online so you can keep an eye out for them yourself. March begins the migration home for many of these tiny visitors. Come next October I will be ready to welcome back these amazing “snowbirds” so I can enjoy watching them all winter.
Kathy Brock and her husband Tim have been spending weekends in their Everglades City home for over 20 years.
The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 28, 2014
Joanie’s Blue Crab Café (695-2682): 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Thurs thru Tues
Oyster House Restaurant (695-2073): 11:00 am – 9 pm; Sun thru Thurs 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Fri, Sat
Rod & Gun (695-2101): 11:30 am - 9:00 pm; daily
Subway at Gator Express (695-3937): 7:00 am – 7:00 pm; daily
Sweet Mayberry’s Café (695-0092): 8:00 am – 7:00 pm; Sun – Wed; Wifi 8:00 am - 10:00 pm; Thurs-Fri-Sat
The New Angler’s Cove, Port of the Islands (757- 374-3194):
11 am – 9 pm; Tues thru Sun
Triad Seafood (695-2662): 10:30 am – 6 pm; daily
Right Choice Supermarket (695-4535): 9:00 am – 7:00 pm; daily
Grimm’s Stone Crab (695-3222): 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Mon-Sat
Loco’s Fresh Produce (239-462-7050): ECity Post Office parking lot 7 am – 4 pm; Thurs, Fri, Sat
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES
Chokoloskee Church of God 10 am Sunday School, 11 am Sunday Worship
Copeland Baptist Church 10 am School, 11 am Sunday Worship
Everglades Community Church 9:45 am Adult Sun. School, 11 am Sunday Worship
Everglades First Baptist Church 9:45 am School, 11 am Sunday Worship
Holy Family Catholic Church 10:30 am Mass (Good Friday, Mass at noon)
CONGRATULATIONS Willow Marie Hickok, 7 lbs. 2 oz., 20” long
Born March 13, 2014 Mom- Amber Carroll and Dad- Willie Hickok
OBITUARY James B. Thomas, age 77, of
Chokoloskee, passed away on March 21. Jim was honored as the “Angel of the Swamp” in the November 30, 2007, issue. This is an
excerpt from that article: Jim is “someone who is always there, always available, to be of service to his neighbors and community…with the booths at the Seafood Festival, to pick up food from Collier Harvest, take a neighbor to a doctor’s appointment or get a prescription… Jim, with his wife Winnie, was a seasonal resident beginning in 1994 when they discovered how much they loved this area. They purchased their home in Chokoloskee in 2001 and moved to the Everglades full time in 2004 after Jim retired from his automobile dealership. …when Jim is not assisting others, he loves to watch football and enjoy his hobbies of fishing, hunting and spending time with their grandchildren in Pennsylvania and Atlanta.”
Jim is survived by his wife, Winifred Thomas, of Chokoloskee; children, Kathryn Ann Thomas (Tad Swift) of Union City, PA., James B. Thomas, Jr. (Susan) of New London, PA., John C. Thomas (Sherry) of Pittsfield, PA., and David L. Thomas (Laury) of Normal, IL; brother, Roland Thomas (Tryella) of Muncy, PA.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Everglades Community Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Jim’s memory to be made to the charity of your choice. To leave a condolence to the family, please go to www.fullernaples.com.
HOLY WEEK SERVICES AT COMMUNITY CHURCH
April 13 - Palm Sunday Worship at 11 am Palm Crosses will be given to attendees
April 17 – Maundy Thursday Communion Service at 7 pm April 18 – Good Friday Service at 7 pm
“The Seven Last Words of Christ” April 20 – Easter Sunday Morning Worship Service at 11 am
TIDES FOR BARRON RIVER Lat: 25.87ºN Long: 81.37ºW
http://TIDESANDCURRENTS.NOAA.GOV
03/28 Fri 01:18am 2.8 H 03/28 Fri 08:41am -0.1 L 03/28 Fri 02:02pm 2.6 H 03/28 Fri 09:01pm 0.1 L 03/29 Sat 02:10am 2.9 H 03/29 Sat 09:27am -0.1 L 03/29 Sat 02:33pm 2.7 H 03/29 Sat 09:49pm -0.1 L 03/30 Sun 02:58am 2.9 H 03/30 Sun 10:10am 0.0 L 03/30 Sun 03:04pm 2.9 H 03/30 Sun 10:35pm -0.2 L 03/31 Mon 03:43am 2.8 H 03/31 Mon 10:51am 0.1 L 03/31 Mon 03:35pm 2.9 H 03/31 Mon 11:19pm -0.3 L 04/01 Tue 04:29am 2.6 H 04/01 Tue 11:29am 0.3 L 04/01 Tue 04:07pm 3.0 H 04/02 Wed 12:03am -0.3 L 04/02 Wed 05:16am 2.4 H 04/02 Wed 12:07pm 0.4 L 04/02 Wed 04:42pm 2.9 H 04/03 Thu 12:48am -0.2 L 04/03 Thu 06:06am 2.2 H 04/03 Thu 12:44pm 0.6 L 04/03 Thu 05:20pm 2.8 H 04/04 Fri 01:36am -0.1 L 04/04 Fri 07:01am 2.0 H 04/04 Fri 01:22pm 0.7 L 04/04 Fri 06:05pm 2.6 H 04/05 Sat 02:30am 0.0 L 04/05 Sat 08:02am 1.9 H 04/05 Sat 02:08pm 0.8 L 04/05 Sat 07:04pm 2.4 H 04/06 Sun 03:31am 0.1 L 04/06 Sun 09:09am 1.8 H 04/06 Sun 03:28pm 0.9 L 04/06 Sun 08:21pm 2.3 H 04/07 Mon 04:39am 0.2 L 04/07 Mon 10:23am 1.8 H 04/07 Mon 05:02pm 0.9 L 04/07 Mon 09:41pm 2.2 H 04/08 Tue 05:44am 0.2 L 04/08 Tue 11:32am 1.9 H 04/08 Tue 06:15pm 0.8 L 04/08 Tue 10:56pm 2.2 H 04/09 Wed 06:40am 0.2 L 04/09 Wed 12:19pm 2.1 H 04/09 Wed 07:10pm 0.7 L 04/10 Thu 12:01am 2.3 H 04/10 Thu 07:27am 0.2 L 04/10 Thu 12:54pm 2.3 H 04/10 Thu 07:54pm 0.5 L 04/11 Fri 12:53am 2.4 H 04/11 Fri 08:09am 0.2 L 04/11 Fri 01:25pm 2.4 H
The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 28, 2014
FOR SALE: Lot #26 in Fisherman’s Cove; dock included. $38,000. Call (239) 300-7077 or (239) 682-6025. -----------------------------------------------------
FOR SALE: 2013 Suzuki Outboard 4 hp Motor, like new and used 6 hours. $850. Phone (306) 531-4430 Ochopee after 7 pm. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: Deeded dock at Captain's Table (#10). Great location, use of pool & boat ramp. $21,500. Call (954) 662-7003. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: 1995 Suzuki 25 hp, long shaft, tiller, runs great. $500. Call (239) 695-2791. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: 10’Kayak (fiberglass) & paddle Excellent condition. $500 (574) 850-4526. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: Manufactured Home, 3/2 on waterfront Plantation Is: walkway/mooring to water. $104,500 (REDUCED PRICE) Call Pat (239) 352-7328. ------------------------------------------------------ WANTED: All Motor Homes, 5th wheels and travel trailers. Any condition. Cash paid on the spot. Call Paul at (941) 347-7171. -------------------------------------------------
FOR SALE
Deeded Waterfront Fishing Cottage: This unique 2 story fishing lodge is an excellent live-in plus incoming producing property. 2 BR and 2 Baths upstairs and 2 BR and 2 Baths with private entrance downstairs - plenty of room for large groups and families. Patios and decking allow for beautiful views of the sunsets over Chokoloskee Bay. Boat dock and lift, direct access to the Gulf or Back-Country fishing. The perfect South Florida Fishing retreat. Enjoy the Florida Everglades, whether you like fishing and boating or kayaking and canoeing. Home is available furnished and is move in ready-to-fish. A steal at $318K. Call 954-662-7003 for more information.
JOBS & SERVICES
------------------------------------------------ Income Tax Service
Mike, The Tax Guy - 695-0595 -------------------------------------------
Guest Services Agent – Fulltime (30-32 hrs) at POI: Position requires friendly, efficient registration, guest settlement, and the ability to provide accurate information to guests, co-workers & visitors. Previous hotel guest services experience is preferred. Flexible schedule – includes days, evenings, holidays & weekends as needed. Must speak, read and write in English; Bilingual a plus. Visit www.sunstream.com/careers.
--------------------------------------------------- Music Lessons and Tutoring
for students: violin, piano, voice, history, English, writing, science, 3rd & 5th gr subjects
----------------------------------------------------------- Port of the Islands: openings for wait staff and bartenders. Contact Naomi Stephens by calling (757) 374-3194.
------------------------------------------------ Notary Public Services: Denise Johnson,
By Appointment, 239-465-1580 ------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------- WANTED: Automotive Window Tinter Certain Requirements Apply. Call 695-3667.
FOR SALE OR RENT TO OWN House & Barn on 1.02 Acres in Fakahatchee Strand State Park, $139,000 purchase or $1200 monthly Rent to Own. Call Don at (321) 439-7635. See more info & pictures at www.DonsHouse.com.
The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area
PUBLISHER Patricia A. Huff, Snook Publications
P O Box 617, Everglades City, FL, 34139 (239) 695-2397, [email protected]
EDITORS Patty Huff & Marya Repko
CONTRIBUTORS to this Issue LeAnne Bedford, Kathy Brock, Helen Bryan, Taylor Dahlke, Chester Keene, Mike Klein,
Bill Lindsay, Elaine Middelstaedt, Charles Sboczak, Claybrook Story
PRODUCTION layout: Marya Repko, printing: Hinson Studios
PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT We aim to provide local news of interest to the extended community
of Everglades City, Chokoloskee, Plantation Island, Lee Cypress, Copeland, Jerome, and Ochopee.
We strive to present the facts accurately with no political bias or personal opinion.
The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES 25¢ per issue or $40 per year by US Post
