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The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area

MARCH 1 - 14, 2013

© 2013, Snook Publications P O Box 617, Everglades City, FL, 34139 Volume VII Issue #180

On February 17 Chokoloskee Church of God honored two Church Mothers, Laverne Stokes and Beatrice Rogers.

On February 22 Elaine Middelstaedt distributed vegetables at McLeod Park in Everglades City from the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

CITY COUNCIL REPORT by Marya Repko

At the re-scheduled meeting on February 12, Mayor Sammy Hamilton said he was pleased with the crowds at Seafood Festival and how quickly the town had been cleaned up afterwards. The dignitaries on stage with him for the opening ceremonies remarked that everything in our little town was so neat. He said that financially it was successful from the first returns he had received. Lt Mark Milligan for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office reported that there were no criminal incidents during the festival although there was one arrest for drunk & disorderly and several minor car accidents, one as a result of DUI. The estimated number of visitors from the vehicle counter on CR-29 was 9,909 on Friday, 19,215 on Saturday and 17, 292 on Sunday with a total of 46,416. There was an announcement about the River of Grass Greenway public workshops to be held February 26 through March 2 in Everglades City Hall. The next meeting of the City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 5.

Valentine’s Day by Judy Tomlin On February 15 First Baptist Church of Everglades City honored the concept of love with a Valentine's Banquet. The pastor's wife, Ruth Ann (pictured with Pastor Fross), organized and orchestrated the affair. Valentine motif in red, pink, and white turned the fellowship hall into a beautiful hearts and flowers setting. A photo-op center was a perfect spot for attendees to have their pictures taken as mementos of the event. Pastor Jim Fross and his wife read excerpts from the Song of Solomon to reinforce the power of love. Trevor Daniels, Paige Robinson and Brian Sanders entertained the children that attended with a meal of their own and activities in the nursery, which also had Valentine decorations. After a delicious meal prepared by Dianne Bullinger, Carol Sylvest, and Ruth Ann, Gordan and Carol Bliche of East Naples Baptist presented a program of music and words to describe the joy of worship. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the banquet. Hopefully, it will become an annual tradition.

Everglades Community Church on the Circle in Everglades City celebrated Pastor's Appreciation Day on February 24 for Pastor Bob Wallace & his wife Millie. Approximately 150 people packed the historic church for the 11:00 am service followed by a buffet luncheon in the Louise Collier Jinkins Fellowship Hall.

T I D E T A B L E R E S T A U R A N T S

If you have news, photos, announcements, or articles ... email [email protected] or phone 695-2397.

CONTENTS Calendar p. 2 Gulf Coast p. 8 Events p. 3 Local History p. 9 School p. 5 Museum News p. 9 Recipe p. 7 Taxing Things p. 9 Books p. 7 Florida Tales p.10 Fishing p. 8 Savannah p.10 Sawfish p. 8 Sheriff’s Report p.10 TIDES & RESTAURANTS p.11 CLASSIFIED p.12

FEATURE: CLYDE BUTCHER p.9

The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area MARCH 1, 2013

email: [email protected] PAGE 2 www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Mar 21: ENP Public Mtg Apr 7: Everglades Bike Ride Apr 14: Fak Dinner/Talk Apr 27: VIVA 500 Tamiami 85th Celebration, Pancake Fly-in

THRIFT SHOP: Tues, Thurs, Sat, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm SKATING RINK: Fri, Sat, 7-10 pm DR DEMARTINO: Fri, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm LITTLE GATOR CLINIC: March 19 and 26 FOOD PANTRY: Sat, 8:30-10:30 am, Community Church 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, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sat, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm SMALLWOOD STORE: Daily, 10 am to 5 pm

SHERIFF AT CITY HALL: Tues, 3/5 (4:30 – 5:30 pm) Thurs, 3/7 (2-3 pm) Mon, 3/11 (10-11 am) Wed, 3/13 (10-11 am)

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

FEB 24

full moon 25 Hour of Prayer

Chokoloskee Church of God

7 pm

26 Kids’ Clinic

see p.3 ROGG

Workshop

27 Ladies Coffee

Havana Café 8 am

ROGG Workshop

28

ROGG Workshop

TramTour

MAR 1 RAPPER

Directory Deadline

see p.3

2 ROGG

Workshop see p.3

Coastal Cruise see p.11

3

4 Hour of Prayer

Holy Family Catholic Church

7 pm

ESHP Mtg

Airport Board Mtg see p.3

Booster Club see p.5

5 Congressional

Aide Visit 3 – 5 pm see p.3

City Council City Hall, 5:30 pm

6 Ladies Coffee City Seafood

8 am

Clyde Butcher Special Event

see p.9

7 OFCD Training

Workshop see p.3

8 FME Mtg

see p.9

Community Church BBQ

see p.3

9 Art-in-Glades

see p.3 Homes Tour

see p.3 Museum

Reception see p.9

CLOCKS SPRING

FORWARD

10

new moon 11 Hour of Prayer

Everglades Community Church

7 pm Spring Break OFCD Mtg

see p.3 Chamber Mtg

see p.3

12

Spring Break

13 Ladies Coffee

Island Café 8 am

Spring Break

Coastal Cruise see p.11

14

Spring Break

Fakahatchee Talk

see p.3

RAPPER 15

Spring Break

Movie Night

see p.3

16 Pet Vet see p.3

History Talk see p.3

17

18 Hour of Prayer Copeland Baptist

Church 7 pm

19 Reach Out

City Hall, 8:30 am

Kids’ Clinic see p.3

20 Ladies Coffee

Havana Café 8 am

21

Book Club see p.7

SAC see p.5

ENP Public Mtg

22

23

Pancake Fly-In

24

25 Hour of Prayer

Chokoloskee Church of God

7 pm

26

Kids’ Clinic see p.3

full moon 27Ladies Coffee

City Seafood 8 am

28

RAPPER 29

30 Coastal Cruise

see p.11

MARCH 2013



DIRECTORY DEADLINE!

The deadline for submitting changes to the Reach Out Everglades Area Directory is Friday, March 1. Forms are available in City Hall or Right Choice Supermarket. For info, phone Marya at 695-2905.

BIG CYPRESS SWAMP WELCOME CTR TALKS

Friday, March 1 “Incredible Journeys of Birds” and “The Mountains of Big Cypress”

Tuesday, March 5 “Creating a Legacy”

For info, call Christine Clark at 695-1153.

ROGG Workshop There will be an open house on Saturday, March 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in City Hall to summarize the meetings that have taken place this week about the River of Grass Greenway, a non-motorized corridor between Naples and Miami. For information, call 695-2397.

Exotic Pet Amnesty Day Saturday, March 2, 10 am – 2 pm

Calusa Nature Center, Ft. Myers Surrender exotic pets; no penalties; see live exotic animals up close and talk to experts. For info, contact Erin Myers at 239-353-8442, ext. 232.

Airport Board Meets Here The Collier County Airport Advisory Board will hold its next meeting on Monday, March 4, at 1:00 p.m. in Everglades City Hall. The public is welcome to attend.

CONGRESSIONAL VISIT Karen Harmon, District Representative for Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, will meet with constituents in City Hall on Tuesday, March 5, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

BBQ Chicken Dinner The Everglades Community Church will host a BBQ from 5-7 pm on Friday, March 8. Tickets are available at City Hall ($10 adults; $5 children under 10).

ART-IN-THE-GLADES Support our local vendors at Art-in-the-Glades on Saturday, March 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in McLeod Park. Tickets for the Homes Tour will also be available. Everyone is welcome to set up a table at no charge so if you want to hold a bake sale or have craft works to sell, phone Marya at 695-2905.

EVERGLADES HOMES TOUR

Visit some of the oldest homes and buildings in Collier County on Saturday, March 9, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Cost is $20 and includes a souvenir ticket book. Tickets are available from the ESHP website www.evergladeshistorical.org or at Art-in-the-Glades. For info, call Marya at 695-2905.

CHAMBER MEETING The Everglades Area Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly meeting regarding "An Update on Visitors Center and Open Forum" at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 11, at the Seafood Depot.

Fakahatchee Talk Film-maker Elam Stoltzfus will show clips from his 1000-mile trek through Florida. The event is hosted by Friends of Fakahatchee on Thursday, March 14, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bellasera Hotel in Naples. Cost is $30. For info and reservations, see www.orchidswamp.org or call 695-2905.

MOVIE NIGHT Join us for a nostalgic Movie Night when we show 2 episodes of the 1960s TV series “The Everglades” on Friday, March 15, at 5:30 p.m. in the Jinkins Fellowship Hall at Everglades Community Church. This event (with free popcorn & soda!) is sponsored by ESHP. It is free of charge and open to the public. For info, phone 695-2905 or see www.evergladeshistorical.org.

HISTORY TALK Local author Marya Repko will give an illustrated presentation about Deaconess Harriet Bedell on Saturday, March 16, at 1:00 p.m. in the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center. For info, call 695-4758.

OCHOPEE FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT

02/11/13: Emergency Med, Port of Islands 02/11/13: Public Assist, Everglades City 02/11/13: Emergency Med, Everglades City 02/12/13: Vehicle Accident, 53 MM I-75 02/12/13: Emergency Medical, Copeland 02/12/13: Power Line on Fire, 56 MM I-75 02/13/13: Fire Alarm, Marco Island 02/13/13: Vehicle Accident, Everglades City 02/14/13: Vehicle Accident, US41&Union Rd 02/14/13: Smoke Alarm, Plantation Island 02/14/13: Lost Person, Pavilion Key 02/16/13: Emergency Med, Everglades City 02/16/13: Call Box, 66 MM I-75 02/16/13: Boat Aground, So of Chokoloskee 02/16/13: Median Fire, 66 Mile Marker I-75 02/17/13: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee 02/17/13: Vehicle Fire, 75 Mile Marker I-75 02/17/13: Roadside Fire, Port of the Islands 02/18/13: Emergency Med, Chokoloskee 02/18/13: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 02/19/13: Emergency Med, Everglades City 02/19/13: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 02/21/13: Emergency Medical, Port of Islands 02/21/13: Emergency Medical, Port of Islands 02/22/13: Public Assist, Plantation Island 02/23/13: Vehicle Accident, Everglades City 02/23/13: Emergency Medical, 57 MM I-75 02/24/13: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee 02/25/13: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 02/26/13: Vehicle Accident, 80 MM I-75

The Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Committee will meet for a budget training workshop on Thursday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m. in the IT Training Room, 3299 Tamiami Trail on the 5th Floor, Bldg F, in Naples. OFCD Advisory Board will meet Monday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m. for its regular meeting at Port of the Islands.

DOCTOR’S CLINIC Dr. Kirk DeMartino of Marco Island will be in Everglades City on Fridays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the clinic behind the Fire Station. For info, call (239) 642-5552.

MOBILE PET VET Dr. Lopez will visit Everglades City on Saturday, March 16, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at McLeod Park. If you want to pick up products at that time, please order in advance. For more info, phone 777-7387 or see www.naplesmobilepetvet.com.

Little Gator Clinic The free walk-in clinic for youngsters is open behind the Fire Station. Dr. Barnard and Nurse Kathy will be available on Tuesday, March 19 and 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. There are no drugs on the premises but Dr. Barnard can write prescriptions.



Daily Weekly Monthly Rentals

River Wilderness

WATERFRONT VILLAS

FREE WI-FI - SCREEN PORCH - CANOES SWIMMING POOL - BOAT RAMP - DOCK - OUTDOOR BBQ

210 Collier Ave. Everglades City, FL 34139 239-695-4499

[email protected]

Triad Seafood Market & Café

Daily 10:30 am – until Full Table Service

Stone Crabs ● Shrimp ● Conch Crab Cakes ● Homemade Key Lime Pies

Orlo & Pam Hilton (239) 695-2662 “On the River behind the School”

ANTS-ROACHES TERMITES BED BUGS

FLEAS-TICKS SPIDERS RODENTS

New Rules for 2013



SCHOOL NEWS Everglades City School phone: 377-9800 or 695-2561 website: www.collierschools.com/evg

GREAT GATORS Pre-K: Alethia Weeks, Brier Hamblin, Kelly Smallwood Kindergarten: Willie Alvarado, Chyann Nicholson, Hannah Gilmore 1st Grade: Teddy Smallwood, Marlee Bennett, Riley Weeks, Taylor Mayberry 2nd Grade: Daneli Alvarado-Cruz, Steven Demure, Sienna Dungan 3rd Grade: Matthew Vanleeuwen

High School: Kristin McMillin

EVG Scholastic Book Fair, March 4 – 7 The On-Line Fair runs February 24 through March 16. Please go to http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/evg. Classroom Book Basket Sponsors are needed: families/business to purchase the books for the classroom teachers’ wish lists. There are three different levels: Gold Sponsor – a $100 donation or more, Silver Sponsor - $50.00 donation and Bronze Sponsor – a $20.00 donation. Please contact Melissa Owen at (239) 377-9810 or [email protected] if you’d like to help support literacy at Everglades City School.

SUN-N-FUN LAGOON OPENS FOR SPRING BREAK

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 through SUNDAY, MARCH 17 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sun-N-Fun Lagoon Water Park will open for spring break, Saturday, March 9 through Sunday, March 17, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. The park is offering a special discount for spring break for Collier County residents. Residents with a Florida driver’s license showing a Collier County address will receive $2 off any entry for those 48-inches or taller (normally $12). Individuals less than 48-inches tall enter for $5.50: children three and under enter free. Sales tax added.

FREE Community Event during Spring Break!

Water Safety March 11-15 for ages 3-12 at the YMCA on Pine Ridge. Register online at

http://www.collierschools.com/evg/docs/SplashWeekRegist.pdf Deadline to register is March 4

2013 School Yearbook It’s time to support our local school by purchasing an advertisement or dedication page for the 2013 yearbook: Full page: $150; Half page: $75; Quarter page: $50; Business Card: $35. Make checks payable to Everglades City School with photos and text and send by March 15 to Mrs. Owen at [email protected] or call her at 377-9810.

To be guaranteed a yearbook, students must order by March 22. Soft Cover Yearbook is only $25, and Hard Cover Yearbook only $33. Contact Mrs. Owen at 377-9810.

Sign up for the free basketball clinic for ages 8-17 at the Golden Gate Community Center on March 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited to the first 100 who register for the clinic. To register, visit website

www.collierschools.com/evg/docs/bball%20flyer%202013.pdf

Girls’ Baseball HOME Games (Holy Family Catholic Church Field)

Thurs, Mar 7 Oasis High School 4:30 pm Mon, Mar 18 Barron G. Collier H.S. 4:00 pm Tues, Mar 19 Gateway Charter H.S. 4:30 pm Thurs, Mar 21 Golden Gate H.S. 4:00 pm

Boys’ Baseball HOME Games Fri, March 1 Donahue Academy 4:00 pm Mon, Mar 4 Marco Island Academy 4:30 pm Wed, Mar 20 Gulf Coast High School 4:00 pm

See website www.collierschools.com/evg for full schedule

SEAFOOD FESTIVAL The Students and Staff of Everglades City School thank all of you for supporting our school and our efforts during the 2013 Seafood Festival weekend. Thank you for your support and encouragement during the Festival and all year long. Principal Bob Spano reported that they were able to raise about $17,000. These monies will go for scholarships, senior trips, student field trips, and other needs that arise to enable our students to participate in outside events.

THANK YOU A very special thank you to Mayor Sammy Hamilton and to Margaret Johnson for the new music in the Community Center – from the kids at the skating rink. We appreciate you!!

NOTE: To read Savannah Oglesby’s article, see page 10.

IMPORTANT DATES Mon, March 4: Booster Club, 6 p.m. March 4-7: Spring Scholastic Book Fair March 11-15: Spring Break – Have Fun!!

After School Program for grades 3-12 is Monday – Thursday from 3-4 pm. Saturday Success! runs through April 13.



Tri-County Cooling &

Refrigeration, Inc.

Sales Service

Maintenance

CALL ANYTIME

239-253-4860

Licensed CAC 1817126



Recipe for Good Eating Lemon Smoothie submitted by Patty Huff

(recipe from the Thrift Shop)

Ingredients: 2 cups lemonade 1 cup lemon yogurt 1 ½ cups frozen pineapple chunks 1 cup pineapple sherbet

Pour first two ingredients into a smoothie blender. Add next two frozen ingredients and blend at low speed for 30 seconds, then at high setting until smooth. Stir to mix well. Makes 3-5 servings.

NOTE: The Blueberry Coffee Cake in the February 1, 2013, issue mistakenly left out the following. It should have included in the ingredients: 2 (8 oz) boxes of cream cheese. Also, measurements for topping: ½ cup of crushed nuts, ½ cup sugar (white or brown) and about 1 TBSP of cinnamon. We had several calls on this. Sorry!

If you have a favorite recipe to share, please phone or email us. Patty Huff

Book Review “Seminole Views – A Postcard Panorama of America’s Only

Unconquered Tribe” by Emmett H.L. Snellings, Jr.

Reviewed by Patricia Huff Recently I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Snellings, a resident of Sarasota and a long-time admirer of Florida wildlife and its culture. Mr. Snellings was visiting Everglades City and Win-Car Hardware where his books are available for purchase. Talking to him, one is impressed with his personal knowledge of the Seminoles and his appreciation for their culture. This beautiful coffee-table book is a treasure chest full of interesting postcards, most of them from his personal collection. The photos of the Seminoles alone illustrate the life of this remarkable tribe; however, Mr. Snellings did his research and was able to track down the story behind the postcards and adds quotes by many tribal members. It’s a wonderful book. As Patrick Smith states in his Forward of the book, “It’s a jewel – not just for historians or anthropologists or folklorists, but for anyone who wishes to take a fascinating excursion into the past of one of America’s least known Native American tribes… This book will be like fine wine – it will become more valuable as it ages.” I concur. Stop by Win-Car and see for yourself.

Everglades Book Club The Everglades Book Club meets at 9:30 a.m. on the 3rd Thursday of each month at various members’ homes (March location: Sue Rogers’ home at 506 Collier Avenue). The following are the books on the list for this season: March 21: Signing Their Rights Away by Denise Kurnan & Joseph D'Grese April 18: The Mirror Crack'd by Agatha Christie. Everyone is invited to join the Everglades Book Club. Feel free to come and recommend your favorite book for next year. For info, call Sue 695-9173 or Patty at 695-2397.

Book Signing Event for Everglades City Author Danielle Swisher, graduate of Everglades City School, will have her first book signing for “Murder on O'Hollows Eve and Other Short Stories” and “The Adventures of Travis and Asrid, Book 1, The Europe Blogs” on Saturday, March 23, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, Waterside Shops, in Naples. For info, phone 280-8971 or 598-5200.

MARIA Barbershop unisex - Men’s haircut Ladies haircut – highlight – color –

acrylic and gel nails Regular manicure & pedicure

Waxing and more Open Tuesday – Saturday

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Behind Right Choice (786) 443-7973



Fishing Report by Captain Bill Lindsay

Many anglers consider March the best month of the year to fish the 10,000 Islands. The weather is usually warm and tarpon and snook will feed all day. In some areas, water levels and temperatures

are just right, small bait fish are driven out of run offs and snook will feed in front of them. This will also happen after a strong rain. Tarpon will begin to move in from the Gulf and “lay up” in shallow coves near deep passes. I’ve found I get most of my best tarpon fishing in before lunch, Afternoon sea breezes and cloud cover can make it difficult to spot them in the afternoon. Redfish action is slow for me and should only improve. The two conditions that can hurt you this month are a late cold front and strong wind conditions. When that happens, many fishermen cast light jigs, tipped with shrimp into deep holes and along oyster bars or just fish with cut ladyfish on the bottom. Offshore fishing for cobia, Spanish mackerel and bluefish will improve. In short, March has it all.

Capt. Bill Lindsay lives in Chokoloskee and has been fishing in the Everglades National Park for over 33 years. In 1992 he was Master Angler of the MET Tournament. His telephone number is 239-695-0314.

Sawfish Report by Dana Bethea

The season is starting early this year and scientists and researchers could not be happier. The field team spent time in Sunday Bay, but were unable to capture the two small juveniles that Ranger Gary Shreffler saw and photographed on January 24, 2013. However, three newborn animals (all approx. 79 cm total length) were spotted swimming along the outside of the mangrove island mud flat in Mud Bay and one was captured and tagged. The team was successful in capturing and tagging two newborn (79 and 80 cm total length) and one small juvenile (145 cm total length) over the mud flat at the bend in Turner River. These areas are historical “hot-spots” – specific known locations used by several animals over continuous years. Also on this trip were colleagues from the Florida State University Coastal & Marine Laboratory. They spent time around Pavilion Key and at the mouth of Lostmans River in hopes of catching and satellite tagging a large, possibly pregnant female. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. Please remember that acoustic receiver stations are still anchored on the east- and west-sides of Chokoloskee Island and along Turner River, Hurdles Creek, Mud Bay, Cross Bay, Sunday Bay, Crooked Creek and Lopez River. Stations are designated with a large white hard plastic float and the top of the station (the T-bar) may be seen at low tides. Acoustic receiver stations will be removed this year at the end of April. The Smalltooth Sawfish Abundance Survey field team will be back in Everglades City March 24-29. 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-2013-SCI-0008 and ESA-13330. Funding is provided through the NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office in St. Petersburg, FL. Photo caption: Paula Higginson (left) and Kelcee Smith (right) measure a newborn smalltooth sawfish at Turner River February 6, 2013. Photo credit: Dana M. Bethea, NOAA Fisheries Panama City Laboratory.

The Living Gulf Coast

by Charles Sobczak

(Excerpt from The Living Gulf Coast available at the Chamber Welcome Center and the

Big Cypress Swamp Visitor Center)

Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) Other names: Florida jay, smooth-headed jay / Status: FL = threatened, IUCN = VU / Length: 9.1-11 in. (23-28 cm) / Wingspan: 13-14.2 in. (33-36 cm) / Weight: 2.3-3.2 oz (66-92 g) / Life span: to 15 years / Nests: in the northern counties of SW Florida, mostly mainland / Found: Sarasota Charlotte, Lee counties, coastal, inland / Months found: JFmamjJASOND (lower case indicates nesting season).

Photo by Judd Patterson This small member of the Corvidea (crow) family is the only bird found in Florida that is found nowhere else in the world. It was once believed to be related to the similar-looking western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica), but recent evidence indicates it is a separate species. These two species were descended from the same genetic stock, but climate changes during the Pleistocene separated them, and over time they diverged into two unique species. The Florida scrub jay is a cooperative breeder, and the western jay is not. This is rare in birds but fairly common in mammals, such as elephants and great apes. It means that fledgling Florida scrub jays remain with the extended family for several years and help raise the next generation of hatchlings. These extended families can range in size from 2 to 8 birds. This behavior indicates an advanced degree of intelligence, in keeping with the crow family. For birders, finding a Florida scrub jay can be a daunting task made somewhat easier by visiting Oscar Scherer State Park in Sarasota County. The Florida scrub jay is so named because its preferred habitat is xeric scrub oak, an endemic and disappearing ecosystem in Florida. Scrub oak forests are upland, well-drained stretches of land that require hardly any drainage or fill to convert into strip malls and subdivisions. The 1,400-acre Oscar Scherer State Park contains one of the largest untouched remnants of Florida scrub oak forests in the Sunshine State, and it is not uncommon to see a dozen or more scrub jays in a single morning along the park’s miles of hiking and biking trails.. Another unique but problematic characteristic of the Florida scrub jay is its friendliness. Most wild birds are secretive and shy: ducks rarely let people get within gunshot range; most warblers fly off long before you can get them in focus; and wading birds seldom allow birders to get close. The Florida scrub jay, on the other hand, seems to enjoy people and is often tame enough to take food right out of your hand, land on your shoulder, or beg for a handout. Feeding the scrub jay is not recommended because it not only tends to make the bird less adept at finding its own food, but also increases its chances of being harmed by humans. When you are stalking this rare bird, remember to talk loudly and behave normally, and the friendly scrub jay will find you. The scrub jay feeds on caterpillars, spiders, grasshoppers, and crickets. It also has an interesting habit of hiding and eating acorns. One jay alone was documented to have stashed some 8,000 acorns in a single year. Those acorns that the bird fails to locate and retrieve can germinate and grow into oak trees. The scrub jay also eats tree frogs, small snakes, and lizards. Black racers, which thrive in the same scrub habitat, are common predators of the chicks and eggs, and owls, hawks, and bobcats take the adult scrub jay. In another example of its superior intelligence, the Florida scrub jay actually posts sentinels during foraging to warn the extended family about potential predators. It has one specific warning call for about snakes and terrestrial predators, and another for hawks and owls. The most recent statewide census of the Florida scrub jay indicates there are 7,000 to 10,000 in the state. This is considered good news because that number is up from the 6,500 counted a decade previous. Losing this smart, attractive bird would be a tragedy. Losing it for another strip mall or subdivision would be even worse.

Charles Sobczak lives and writes on Sanibel Island. To find out more about the author and his books, visit www.indigopress.net.



LOCAL HISTORY The Notorious Gang of Everglades

City: The “River Rats” by Jerry Colson

What was I to do to become a true River Rat? The winning idea was for me to “borrow” a pillow case off the first boat then fill it with ice cold beers. I was to take 2 to 3 off each boat until the pillow case was almost full. Why 2 to 3 off each boat? So, hopefully, each captain wouldn't notice a few beers taken from his cooler. Plus, we didn't want to show specialty. If the truth was known, most of the captains would have given us a couple of beers anyway. Remember, this was the 60s in Everglades City. As I climbed aboard the first boat, that’s when I caused the first bilge pump to activate, scaring the holy bejeevies out of me. Hearing the guys snicker and laugh at my fright was when I almost decided I didn't care to become a “River Rat.” The night was pitched black, and the tide had only been going out for about an hour. Looking down at the jet black waster, you could see the florescence green phosphorus come and fade as the tide rushed past the barnacle coated pilings. The tide going out proved to make my task a little dangerous and a whole lot more complicated. To step down on the boat, I had to pull on the stern line so I could board the boat in total darkness while holding the pillow case. I could tell my gang buddies were close behind me monitoring my devious activities when I would hear one of them whisper something. I had only gotten on about 5 or 6 boats, and the pillow case was getting pretty heavy when the bright lights of a vehicle rounded the corner. The spotlight was on each one of my buddy’s backs as they passed me up and hit the water. “The cops!” Splash! Another big splash, followed by 3 more. I was the last one to go in as I clung tight to the pillow case almost full of beer. My heart was in my throat. I pulled myself from piling to piling trying to get under the dock as far as I could and out of sight. I got as close to the seawall as I could, wrapping my legs around the nearest piling and held on for dear life. (conclusion of story to be continued in the next issue of The Mullet Rapper).

Jerry Colson (Braman) grew up in the Everglades area from 1948-1968 at which time he joined the service. He then returned home and now resides in Copeland/AKA Lee Tidewater Cypress). His mother is Barbara Daniels who also writes for the Rapper.

MUSEUM of the Everglades NEWS The next meeting of the Friends of the Museum will be Friday, March 8, at 3:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Everglades. Support our Museum by joining the Friends. Call Helen at 695-3298 or visit website www.evergladesmuseum.org. “The En Plein Air of Fakahatchee” is the title of the March exhibit in the Pauline Reeves Gallery, featuring various artists from the Arts at Fakahatchee group. Come meet the artists on Saturday, March 9, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Everyone is invited! The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no admission fee but donations are welcome. Selected paintings of the Storter Collection are now on exhibit through March 29 at CCSO “CommUnity” Gallery in the Sheriff’s Office in Building J at the Government Center, 3319 Tamiami Trail, in Naples. For more info, phone 252-0810.

SPECIAL EVENT AT BIG CYPRESS GALLERY Don't miss this last chance this season to meet Clyde Butcher on Wednesday, March 6, from 10 am to 4 pm at Big Cypress Gallery. This will be his last public appearance until Labor Day weekend. Clyde will be at Big Cypress Gallery for a “meet and greet” and a book signing as well as a special exhibit in his Loosescrew Swamp Sanctuary of his new work from out west. There will also be free, guided dry nature walks behind the Gallery.

TAXING THINGS by Mike the Tax Guy Ten Tips to Help You Choose a Tax Preparer If you use a paid tax preparer to file your federal tax return this year, the IRS urges you to choose carefully. Even if someone else prepares your return, you are legally responsible for what is on it. 1. Check the preparer’s qualifications. All paid tax return preparers are required to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). 2. Check on the preparer’s history. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the preparer has a questionable history. For certified public accountants, check with the state boards of accountancy. For attorneys, check with the state bar associations. For enrolled agents, check with the IRS Office of Enrollment. 3. Ask about service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. Make sure any refund due is sent to you or deposited into an account in your name. 4. Ask to e-file your return. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. Any preparer who prepares and files more than 10 returns must file the returns electronically unless the client opts to file a paper return. 5. Make sure the preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after you file your return, even after the April 15 due date. This may be helpful in the event questions arise about your return. 6. Provide records and receipts. Reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts. They will ask you questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for deductions, credits and other items. Do not use a preparer who is willing to e-file your return by using your last pay stub before you receive your Form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules. 7. Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form. 8. Review the entire return before signing. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it. 9. Make sure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN. A paid preparer must sign the return and include their PTIN as required by law. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return. 10. Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS. You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 14157. If you suspect a return preparer filed or altered a return without your consent, you should also file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit. Download the forms on the IRS.gov website or order them at (800-829-3676).



Florida Tales “Turn the Radio On”

by Chester Keene

I was reading a story the other day about some Mother talking about there were no kids in her house wanting for food. She loved to cook and they knew it. I remember the days many years

ago we would go on a picnic and take nothing but some salt pork. Some called it sawmill chicken, a cast iron frying pan and some corn meal. We had an old model "A" flatbed cut-down called a Skeeter, wood floor and sideboards made of 2x6s boards. We would load up in it and take off the main road through the Prairie. There were no fences; this was before the fence law was passed and free range cattle would be on the road in some places. We were all barefooted cause we had only one pair of shoes and they were hand-me-downs and worn for Sunday go to meetings and Church. Dad would head out to Prairie Creek or Joshua's Creek in DeSoto Co. Eastbound over and around the palmettos and stumps. If he saw a nice lighter Knot for the fire, he would stop and put in the truck to use for a fire later. We would all be hanging on for dear life, so we thought. He would pull up a short distance to the creek where it had a bend in it and flowed up under a tree making a pool of dark water. He would sneak up and throw a small piece of leaf or twig into the pool and watch to see if it exploded with a Warmouth Bream busting it. If it did, he would yell "bring the poles and be careful not to step in any sandspurs over here." He would take a small piece of the skin off the fatback and put it on his hook, catch a fish and pull its Maw (stomach) out and put it on our hook. It was a tough piece of bait, white in color and the fish were attracted to it. After we caught all the fish we needed and cleaned them, Momma would be starting the fire with the lighter knot and rendering out the sliced fatback for the grease in it. Putting aside the cooked crispy fatback for later use, she rolled the fish in corn meal and cooked them while we played or went looking for sharks teeth or bones by the creek bed. She would tell us to "Wash your hands before you come here to eat.” We had fried fish, white sliced bread and a slice of pickle for a side dish. This was all served on a clean palmetto palm frond and we would give Grace before we eat. We would help cleanup and head back home across the same way we came. We wanted to get home before dark so we could listen to the radio, while we lay on the pallets spread on the floor in the room. Momma would ask "who wants a Guava Jelly or fatback sandwich for dessert?" We would always say both. After a while from listening to the radio and letting our minds be our own picture show, we would be sound asleep. I really miss those times, great times in my life on the Prairie.

Chester Keene is a retired law enforcement officer and Florida native. He retains the copyright to this article.

From Savannah’s Eyes The 2nd weekend in February was the Seafood Festival, and it was a blast! There were so many people, booths, rides, and of course food, not to mention the famous singer Jerrod Neimann who sang on Sunday! I got to meet him, too! He had a “meet and greet” in City Hall, and only a few people got to go in and meet him. My friends and I were waiting eagerly and wound up just

getting a glimpse of him! When it was finally our turn to go inside the room, all the girls quickly looked at each other to check and see if each other's hair was okay before we went in. The first thing I did when I met him was stick out my hand for a shake and greeted him with a Hello and told him my name. He was so sweet and just so down to earth to talk to! I probably could have talked to him for days. It's funny how you think that famous people are different, and you get so excited to see what they’re like but really, they are just like us; they are normal people. So, after we all took pictures and he signed our autographs, it was time for him to go out and sing. We waited enthusiastically for him to come on stage (my friends and I were in the front row literally resting our arms on the stage). Then, finally a guy came out with the band and announced his arrival onstage. Everyone shouted and screamed as he traveled onto the stage and started singing. After a few songs he started to sing his hit song "One More Drinking Song" and everyone (including me) was singing along to it. So, he must have recognized me from the meet and greet because he saw me singing along and came over to me and put his microphone down to let me sing in it! I freaked out! He literally just singled me out from everyone in the crowd! It happened so quickly I didn't even know how to react to it right then but to scream when he started singing into it again. That made my whole Seafood Festival weekend and I wish I could go back in time and do it all again because I totally would! I can't wait for next year's festival! As you all know, Softball and Baseball have started and I am so excited! The Softball girls had their first home game on February 12, and we won! It was such an amazing feeling and everyone was so happy. We were jumping up and down as we ran off the field as the crowd hooped and hollered at the winners! We just wanted to say thanks so much to all the people who donated money to get our field fixed. It looks absolutely amazing and the girls love it! That is what I love about our small little town; people are so caring and loving to each other, and we appreciate everything that you do. Thanks so much, and we hope to see you at our next games to cheer us on! 2013 is definitely my year to shine! Love, Savannah Savannah Oglesby is a student in the 10th grade at Everglades City School and a regular contributor to this paper.

S HERIFF’S REPORT On February 17 a 31-year-old man was arrested and charged in District 7 with “Grand Theft Auto” and

“Possession of a Controlled Substance”. Please remember to help us keep our neighborhoods safe by reporting any suspicious activity immediately to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300 or in emergencies by dialing “911”. Also don’t let yourself become an easy victim by always remembering to lock your doors.



RESTAURANTS

Camellia Street Grill (695-2003): 12 noon – 9 p.m. daily

City Seafood (695-4700): 6:00 am – 6:00 pm; daily Fish Market also open

Everglades Seafood Depot (695-0075): 10:30 am - 10:00 pm; daily

Everglades Scoop (695-2403): 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; daily

Glades Haven Deli (695-2091): 6:00 am – 9:00 pm; daily

Havana Café (695-2214): 7:00 am – 3:00 pm; daily 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Dinner Fri-Sat

Island Café (695-0003): 6:00 am – 9:00 pm; daily

Ivey House (695-3299): 6:30 – 9:30 am; daily Continental breakfast, box lunches

Joanie’s Blue Crab Café (695-2682): 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; Thurs thru Mon

Oyster House Restaurant (695-2073): 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Sun thru Thurs 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Fri, Sat

Pizza Place and Sandwiches (821-9477): 9:00 am – 8:00 pm; daily (takeout)

Rod & Gun (695-2101): 11:30 am - 9:00 pm; daily

Subway at Gator Express (695-3937): 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; daily $5 specials & 10% discount to locals

Sunset Raw Bar & Grill: (next to Glades Haven Deli) 11:00 am to 6:00 pm; Tues thru Sun

Susie’s Station (695-2273): 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; daily

The Catch at Port of the Islands (239-394-3005, ext. 507, 1): 12 noon – 10 pm (Tues – Sun) now serving Sunday Brunch

Triad Seafood (695-2662): 10:30 am (call for hours); daily Fish Market also open

Right Choice Supermarket (695-4535): 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, Mon-Thurs 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Fri, Sat, Sun

Grimm’s Stone Crab (695-3222): 8:00 am – 5 pm, Mon-Sat

Loco’s Fresh Produce (239-462-7050): 7:00 am - 3:00 pm; Thurs, Fri, Sat ECity Post Office parking lot

Chokoloskee: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm; Thursday

TCOASTAL CRUISE

Visit historic Fakahatchee Island on a chartered boat tour from Everglades National Park, at 3:00 p.m. A naturalist will guide visitors up the shell mound path, describing rare plants, to the ancient cemetery. Cruises take place on March 13 and 30. Cost is $75 per person. The trip is hosted by the Friends of Fakahatchee. For info and reservations, call 695-1023 or see www.orchidswamp.org,

Otter John entertained kids of all ages with many native and exotic animals during the recent Marjory Stoneman Douglas Festival.

Everglades Society for Historic Preservation held its annual dinner meeting on February 22 at the Seafood Depot where “old timers” shared memories.

ORA BAZAAR A big thank you to everyone who attended the ORA Bazaar on Feb. 23 and to our wonderful vendors that came from the area. It was a beautiful day and a huge success! We hope everyone enjoyed themselves. Because of a scheduling conflict, next year’s event will be on March 1, the first Saturday of the month.

TIDES FOR BARRON RIVER Lat: 25.87ºN Long: 81.37ºW

http://TIDESANDCURRENTS.NOAA.GOV

03/01 Fri 04:36am 2.3 H 03/01 Fri 11:39am 0.2 L 03/01 Fri 04:23pm 2.7 H 03/02 Sat 12:30am -0.1 L 03/02 Sat 05:38am 2.1 H 03/02 Sat 12:13pm 0.4 L 03/02 Sat 04:58pm 2.7 H 03/03 Sun 01:29am -0.1 L 03/03 Sun 06:54am 1.9 H 03/03 Sun 12:53pm 0.6 L 03/03 Sun 05:44pm 2.7 H 03/04 Mon 02:38am -0.1 L 03/04 Mon 08:22am 1.7 H 03/04 Mon 01:54pm 0.7 L 03/04 Mon 06:49pm 2.6 H 03/05 Tue 03:53am -0.2 L 03/05 Tue 10:03am 1.7 H 03/05 Tue 03:40pm 0.8 L 03/05 Tue 08:28pm 2.5 H 03/06 Wed 05:04am -0.2 L 03/06 Wed 11:38am 1.8 H 03/06 Wed 05:06pm 0.8 L 03/06 Wed 10:03pm 2.6 H 03/07 Thu 06:06am -0.3 L 03/07 Thu 12:25pm 2.0 H 03/07 Thu 06:15pm 0.6 L 03/07 Thu 11:17pm 2.7 H 03/08 Fri 07:01am -0.3 L 03/08 Fri 12:57pm 2.2 H 03/08 Fri 07:12pm 0.5 L 03/09 Sat 12:17am 2.8 H 03/09 Sat 07:50am -0.3 L 03/09 Sat 01:24pm 2.3 H 03/09 Sat 08:03pm 0.3 L 03/10 Sun 01:07am 2.8 H 03/10 Sun 09:34am -0.2 L 03/10 Sun 02:50pm 2.5 H 03/10 Sun 09:49pm 0.1 L 03/11 Mon 02:51am 2.8 H 03/11 Mon 10:15am -0.1 L 03/11 Mon 03:17pm 2.6 H 03/11 Mon 10:33pm 0.0 L 03/12 Tue 03:33am 2.7 H 03/12 Tue 10:53am 0.0 L 03/12 Tue 03:45pm 2.7 H 03/12 Tue 11:15pm -0.1 L 03/13 Wed 04:14am 2.6 H 03/13 Wed 11:29am 0.1 L 03/13 Wed 04:14pm 2.7 H 03/13 Wed 11:56pm -0.1 L 03/14 Thu 04:55am 2.4 H 03/14 Thu 12:03pm 0.3 L 03/14 Thu 04:44pm 2.7 H

EVERGLADES CITYLat: 25.87ºN Long: 81.37ºW

see www.weather.gov for weather and www.nhc.noaa.gov for storms

On February 23 the RecreationalAviation Foundation hosted speakersthat talked about local aviationhistory. Wings 10,000 Islands servedpancakes for the monthly fly-in.



SNOOK CLASSIFIED

----------------------------------------------------- Home Business Opportunity: Join our Florida team and become a consultant with this great company in business since 1996 but new to this area. Call Cindy at (772) 419-8819 or [email protected] or visit www.CountryGourmetMarket.com. --------------------------------------------------- WATERFRONT LOT FOR SALE: Located in Outdoor Resorts RV Park on Chokoloskee Island. Call (574) 850-4526. ------------------------------------------------------ HANGER FOR RENT: Contact Everglades Airpark at (239) 695-2778. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE BY OWNER: Lot on canal behind P.O. in Chokoloskee. Call (561) 622-6011 or [email protected]. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE BY OWNER: 3 lots in Chokoloskee, 2 on Calusa Dr, Lot M-4; Lot M-5 (filled); Lot by cemetery. Call (419) 441-2068 or (740) 864-2179.

--------------------------------------------------- FOR RENT: Studio apartment for rent. $600/mo or 1200 sq ft commercial space with office & handicapped-accessible bath w/shower plus apartment for $1000 a month. Call (239) 340-4770. ----------------------------------------------------- FOR SALE: Duplex in Chokoloskee-- rent out one level & use the other yourself. Terrific location, deeded waterfront with dock & boat lift. Lower level has been completely renovated. Each level has 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms. Good rental income and motorhome hook-up, too. Offered at $299,900. Call Bonnie Woodward, Keller Williams Realty, 239-860-6369. -----------------------------------------------------

SNOOK CLASSIFIED only $10/issue

phone 695-2397 or email us

JOBS ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notary Public Services Denise Johnson By Appointment

308 Storter Ave South Everglades City, 239-465-1580

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Job Wanted: Pressure cleaning homes, boats, RV, store fronts, etc. Call Justin at 595-5930.

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Staff wanted: Greeter, hostess, cashier all in one. Leave name at 695-2273.

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Gator Express: Subway workers needed. Call 695-3937.

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WANTED: Automotive Window Tinter Certain Requirements Apply Please Call Skip: 695-3667

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Tutoring for students: Danielle Swisher at 280-8971 or email [email protected].

or Tom Andler at (561) 309-946

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 Dana Bethea, Helen Bryan, Jerry Colson, Chester Keene,

Mike Klein, Elaine Middelstaedt, Savannah Oglesby Melissa Owen, Charles Sboczak

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 $38 per year by US Post

© 2013, Snook Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS date _______________________

Please make check payable to “Snook Publications” and send to Snook Publications, P O Box 617, Everglades City, FL, 34139

___ The MULLET RAPPER by post ($38) ___ The MULLET RAPPER by email ($10)

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PET PICS

“Lucy “and “Lil Bit”, two cute K-9 Specialized dogs from Miami, recently visited the Museum and enjoyed their time in Everglades City.

Send us your Pet Pics by email or post.

See the Rapper in full color! Visit our website.

EVERGLADES SCOOP CLOSING

FOR SALE the following:

16-hole MasterBilt Ice Cream Dip Cabinet; Star Hot Fudge Machine; Waring 3-Blade Shake Mixer; Acrylic lone display cabinet: $4,000

Berkel Deli Meat Slicer: $300

Chest Freezer 35” x 35” x 24”: $100 Chest Freezer 46”x 27”x 35” high: $150

Call (239) 695-2403 or (239) 253-3942.

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