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

APRIL 30 – MAY 13, 2010

© 2010, Snook Publications P O Box 617, Everglades City, FL, 34139 Volume IV �� Issue #106

“Aunt Bea” Rogers was honored at the Diamonds of the Everglades Tea on April 24 for being the oldest resident there. The Tea, which is hosted by Reach Out, was held in the Rod & Gun this year which is our oldest building. See Savannah’s report on page 5.

.

“Do the Right Thing” Awards Peyton Beebe of Everglades City received the prestigious “Overall Award” at the April 19 ceremony in Naples when Sheriff Kevin Rambosk recognized seven Collier County students for outstanding accomplishments in their communities. Thanks to Diana Curry for this photo of Peyton with Mayor Sammy Hamilton who is said in his tribute to Peyton:

Peyton has been consistent in her devotion

to our community throughout her teen

years. She volunteers at church every

week where she strives to overcome a shy

demeanor to serve as acolyte. She also

volunteers at our local Museum, the

charity Thrift Shop, and at the many local

events held throughout the area.

One thing that stands out the most is

her unwavering, heartfelt commitment to our troops. Every week, without fail,

Peyton arrives at the post office eager to

pack boxes that are sent to our local

soldiers and marines now stationed in

Afghanistan and Iraq and to our “Adopt-

a-Chaplain” unit currently stationed in

Iraq.

As a community, Everglades City has

been blessed to call her “one of our own.”

Congratulations for being the overall

winner this month, for always “doing the right thing”.

NEW LIGHTS for ECity John Miller, Collier County Traffic Operations, emailed in response to a query about the lamp posts being installed on Collier Avenue:

The light poles are new and specifically for Everglades City. They will have 400 watt High Pressure Sodium bell-shaped Luminaire mounted at 40 feet. The entire assembly will be a Highly Durable UV and Salt-Resistant Textured White Polyester finish with a five-year manufacturer's warranty against fading and loss of gloss.

Terry Smallwood at City Hall said that a mold is being made from the old street lights so a fiberglass replica could be made to match the original design. Manuel Avila, the electrician for ITran Partners, Inc., said the original lights in the median, where the rewiring work is being completed, would be moved along the sidewalk on a side street. For more info, see the insert with this issue.

T IDE T ABLES RESTAURANTS

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

CONTENTS

Calendar p. 2 Fishing p. 8

Tides p. 3 Museum p. 9

Events p. 3 Local History p. 9

School p. 5 Book Review p. 9

Recipe p. 7 Fox Squirrel p.10

Paws p. 7 More Events p.11

FEATURE: SHERIFF’S REPORT, p. 10

See the Rapper in full color! Visit our website.

The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area APRIL 30, 2010

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

June 4: Graduation June 18 – July 29: Summer Camp June 22: BigC ORVs July 3: Independence Day Celebration

July 13 & 16: Hot Summer Nights Aug 3: National Night Out Aug 17: BigC ORVs Aug 23: Back to School

THRIFT SHOP: Tues, Thurs, Sat; 11:00 am to 3:00 pm SKATING RINK: Fri & Sat; 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

MUSEUM: Tues-Fri; 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sat; 9:00 am to 4:00 pm SMALLWOOD STORE: Daily; 11:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 1

FOOD PANTRY: Sat; 8:30 to 10:30 am, Community Church ALCOHOLICS ANON: Wed; 5:00 pm & Sat; noon, Comm Church

SHAMROCK BANK: Tues, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm LITTLE GATOR CLINIC: 5/1, 5/8

SHERIFF AT CITY HALL: Fri, 5/7 (9-10 am) Wed, 5/12 (12-1 pm) Thurs, 5/20 (4-5 pm)

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

APRIL 25

26 Hour of Prayer

Chokoloskee Church of God

7 pm

27

full moon� 28

Ladies Coffee Patty Huff’s House

8 am

29

RAPPER 30

HipHop School, 7 pm

see p.3

MAY 1 National Bike

Month Kids’ Clinic

see p.11

2

3 Hour of Prayer

Holy Family Catholic Church

7 pm

4

5 Cinco de Mayo

Ladies Coffee Backcountry Cafe

8 am

FME mtg Museum, 9 am

see p.9

6 Great Gators School, 9:30 am

National Day

of Prayer see p.3

7 HipHop

School, 7 pm see p.3

8 Kids’ Clinic

Pet Vet see p.11

Museum

Reception see p.9

Copeland

Cleanup see p.3

911 FishFry see p.3

Mothers’ Day 9 Pet Vet see p.11

Child ID Kits 12 noon – 4 pm

see p.3

10 Hour of Prayer

Everglades Community Church

7 pm

ESHP mtg City Hall, 9 am

see p.9

OFCD Bd Fire Sta, 6 pm

11

12 Ladies Coffee Backcountry Cafe

8 am

13 Awards Night School, 7 pm

see p.5

new moon� 14

RAPPER

HipHop School, 7 pm

see p.3

Pre-K Deadline School, see p.3

Loop Road Comments Due

see p.8

15 Stone Crab Season Ends

TAG SALE Comm Church

see p.11

16

17 Hour of Prayer Copeland Baptist Church, 7 pm

18 Reach Out mtg City Hall, 8:30 am


8 am

20 SAC

School, 3 pm

Lions Club Depot, 5:30 pm

Copeland Civic 7 pm

21 HipHop

School, 7 pm see p.3

22

23

24 Hour of Prayer

Chokoloskee Church of God

7 pm

25


8 am

full moon� 27

RAPPER 28

HipHop School, 7 pm

see p.3

29

MAY 2010



NATIONAL DAY OF

PRAYER Churches in the area will gather for this annual ceremony on Thursday, May 6, at noon in front of Everglades City Hall. It is followed by a complimentary luncheon in the old council chamber. For info, phone 695-3781.

COPELAND

CLEAN-UP Collier County Code Enforcement and the Waste Management

company are organizing a community clean-up on Saturday, May 8, from 9 am to 12 noon. Residents are encouraged to clean up their properties. Dumpsters will be available at the corner of Lee Cypress and Turnstile Drive to dispose of the following items: tires, yard waste, small construction debris, wood. Furniture and appliances can be placed at curbside for pickup but only if you call 252-2380 before discarding them. For more information and questions, phone Jim Seabasty at 252-2975.

911 FISH FRY There will be a community Fish Fry to honor our emergency workers on Saturday, May 8, at 5:00 p.m. in McLeod Park. The public is invited to thank local firefighters, EMS staff, and sheriff’s deputies and to enjoy the free food. For info, phone Dottie at 695-3781.

Mayor Sammy Hamilton cut the ribbon at the official opening on April 19 of the new hangars at Everglades Airpark. According to a letter from the Mayor, the airport may soon be returned to the City. Photo by Phill Lawry.

HipHop on Friday Night The series of free concerts continues at the School each Friday at 7:00 p.m. The schedule of performances is: 4/30: Born of Dust Band 5/7: Youth with Human Videos 5/14: Evangelism with Video-Lenin 5/21: Kevin Patton 5/28: Pastor Dave Pistagnesi Everyone is welcome, especially the younger members of our communities. There will be cash give-aways and free food.

NEW BANK HOURS Beginning on Tuesday, May 3, Shamrock Bank in City Hall will be open on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The time will revert to two days a week on October 4 after the summer break.

OCHOPEE FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT

04/14/10: Vehicle Fire, 4 Miles North of I-75 on SR-29

04/21/10: Vehicle Accident, 64mm on I-75 04/21/10: Vehicle Accident, 53mm on I-75 04/21/10: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee

Island 04/22/10: Vehicle Accident, 55mm on US 41 04/23/10: Vehicle Accident, 61mm on I-75

04/23/10: Emergency Medical, Everglades City 04/24/10: Vehicle Accident, 78mm on I-75 04/25/10: Brush Fire, SR-29 and US-41

04/25/10: Emergency Medical, SR-29 and I-75 04/26/10: Emergency Medical, Everglades City 04/26/10: Emergency Medical, Ochopee

04/26/10: Vehicle Accident, 59mm on I-75 04/26/10: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee

Island

Child ID Kits Come along with your kiddies on Sunday, May 9, from noon to 4:00 p.m. to the Masonic Hall on 210 Storter Avenue South (corner of Jasmine Street) to get free ID packets with photos of your child in case he/she is lost or wanders away. The information will not be kept by the Sheriff’s office or any other organization. There will also be free hotdogs & drinks plus clowns and face-painting. The event is sponsored by the Tamiami Trail Lodge F&AM and the Collier County Sheriff’s Crime Prevention team.

Pre-K DEADLINE Children who are 4 years old by September 1 should sign up for Pre-K at ECity School by Friday, May 14, if they want to attend next term. Visit the school or phone 695-2561 for info.

TIDES FOR BARRON RIVER INFORMATION FROM http://TIDESANDCURRENTS.NOAA.GOV

04/30/2010 Fri 05:02AM 2.3 H 11:22AM 0.7 L 03:43PM 3.1 H

05/01/2010 Sat 12:16AM -0.3 L 05:52AM 2.2 H 11:59AM 0.7 L 04:21PM 3.0 H

05/02/2010 Sun 01:02AM -0.2 L 06:44AM 2.1 H 12:37PM 0.8 L 05:05PM 2.8 H

05/03/2010 Mon 01:50AM -0.1 L 07:39AM 2.0 H 01:21PM 0.8 L 06:02PM 2.6 H

05/04/2010 Tue 02:44AM 0.1 L 08:35AM 2.0 H 02:29PM 0.9 L 07:19PM 2.5 H

05/05/2010 Wed 03:44AM 0.2 L 09:30AM 2.0 H 04:03PM 0.8 L 08:41PM 2.3 H

05/06/2010 Thu 04:45AM 0.3 L 10:23AM 2.1 H 05:24PM 0.7 L 09:58PM 2.2 H

05/07/2010 Fri 05:41AM 0.3 L 11:09AM 2.3 H 06:25PM 0.6 L 11:11PM 2.2 H

05/08/2010 Sat 06:31AM 0.4 L 11:49AM 2.4 H 07:14PM 0.4 L

05/09/2010 Sun 12:15AM 2.2 H 07:14AM 0.5 L 12:24PM 2.5 H 07:56PM 0.3 L

05/10/2010 Mon 01:09AM 2.3 H 07:54AM 0.5 L 12:55PM 2.6 H 08:36PM 0.1 L

05/11/2010 Tue 01:56AM 2.4 H 08:31AM 0.6 L 01:24PM 2.8 H 09:15PM -0.1 L

05/12/2010 Wed 02:39AM 2.4 H 09:06AM 0.6 L 01:51PM 2.9 H 09:54PM -0.2 L

05/13/2010 Thu 03:22AM 2.4 H 09:41AM 0.7 L 02:15PM 3.1 H 10:35PM -0.3 L

05/14/2010 Fri 04:06AM 2.4 H 10:17AM 0.7 L 02:40PM 3.2 H 11:16PM -0.4 L



SCHOOL NEWS Everglades City School phone: 377-9800 or 695-2561 website: www.collier.k12.fl.us/evg

From Savannah’s Eyes

I had a busy day this past Saturday! First I helped out at the museum with the hot dogs and drinks at lunch then after that at 2:00 I was off to perform for the Diamonds of the Everglades!

The Diamonds of the Everglades are the older women that live here in Everglades City. Reach Out gives them a special tea party every year for being so special. They asked the Youth Group if they could perform a sign language song like we did at the school and the Chokoloskee Church of God. Shannon Mitchell is our Youth group leader so she said she would gather the same girls and do it. The girls from the Youth group who participated are: Savannah Oglesby (me), Kimberly Brown, Brittany Potter, Kendyl Smallwood, Kristin Grimm, and Emily White. After the song was over we had lunch with finger foods! It was so good! We even drank tea out of real fine china cups. I had such a fun time and all the ladies loved it! Then the ladies mingled among themselves and had a lovely time! It was at the Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City. It was so pretty to look out of the glass windows and see the beautiful river! That is the first tea party that I’ve ever attended. Love, Savannah

Savannah Oglesby is in the 7th grade at Everglades City School and is a

regular contributor to this paper.

KINDERGARTEN CARES!

Ms. Ryan’s class made recycle posters. Seen

here are the top students who

followed directions for the

project.

Ms. Dalto’s fourth grade class made “Earth hats” depicting different sceneries of wildlife, sunsets, oceans, and even hemispheres.

To help celebrate the 40th

anniversary of Earth Day, Pre-K and Kindergarten spent some time collecting trash around the school campus. According to Ms. Ryan, they collected 14 pounds of trash.

Some students from 4th

, 5th

, and 6th

grade classes worked collectively to make an Earth Day banner and posters describing helpful hints on how to preserve energy and help keep the Earth clean.

THANKS TO TRINA MITCHELL FOR PHOTOS AND REPORTS

IMPORTANT DATES Thurs, May 6: Great Gators, 9:30 a.m. Thurs, May 13: Awards Night Dinner, 6:00 p.m. Thurs, May 13: Awards Night Ceremony, 7:00 p.m. Thurs, May 20: SAC, 3:00 p.m. Mon, May 31: Memorial Day Fri, June 4: Graduation

CONGRATULATIONS to “A” Honor Roll Students HIGH SCHOOL: Peyton Beebe (grade 12) MIDDLE SCHOOL: Madelyn Mitchell (grade 6) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Bryce Kish (grade 4), Hailey Mitchell (grade 4)

Victoria Wells (grade 4), Stephanie Pablo-Ramirez (grade 3)



DEANO’S

A/C and HEATING

Sales Service

Maintenance

CALL ANYTIME

239-253-4860

Licensed CAC 1815185



Recipe for Good EatingRecipe for Good EatingRecipe for Good EatingRecipe for Good Eating

Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce submitted by Patricia Huff

¼ cup balsamic vinegar 1 TBS Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp dark brown sugar 1 garlic clove, minced 1 pound skirt steak, trimmed and cut into 4 pieces ½ tsp kosher salt, divided ¼ freshly ground black pepper Combine first 4 ingredients in a zip-lock bag and add steak pieces; seal and marinate overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 25 minutes. Remove steak and discard marinade. Cook steak pieces on grill pan coated with cooking spray or on outdoor grill that has been cleaned and wiped with a paper towel coated with vegetable oil. Sprinkle both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. Cook 3 minutes on each side. Remove and sprinkle with remaining salt. Let stand 5 minutes (covered loosely with foil). Cut steak diagonally across the grain into very thin slices. Serve with Chimichurri Sauce.

Chimichurri Sauce: 4 cups of packed fresh flat-leafed parsley (about 3 bunches) ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup distilled white vinegar 5 large garlic cloves ½ tsp dried hot red-pepper flakes Puree all above ingredients in a food processor. May be made a day ahead and chilled, covered. This is a very easy summer meal when served with a fresh green salad.

Paws to Reflect by a Squeedilifferous Pusslet

I asked Bast, the Pusslet goddess, why we need so much rain, and She said it provides for the fishes. Apparently, all these little cans of tuna have to float in the water before I can eat them. Then the fishermen have to go out in their boats and scoop them up and stack them at the grocer’s. Then Mom has to go to the store and bring them home and stack them in our pantry. Then Dad has to open each can with the twisty thing. It seems a laborious process and very demanding of raindrops. Why can’t we eat our tuna fish without having to get our tails sodden? You think it’s fun, squatting in the wet garden? But every time I want to use the toilet, Mom says, “No!” It isn’t that easy being a rather small Pusslet. Next time around, I’m going to ask Bast to let me be a leopard. Mom won’t dare throw me off the bed if I show her my nice big fangs. And when I growl, Dad will get me my tuna fish right away. I just can’t wait to try out my brand new, two-inch claws on the leg of their old blue sofa!

Pusslet lives in Connecticut and is assisted by “Constant Waterman” whose book about boating is available for sale around town.

Help for SUMMER CAMP The free camp for kiddies, which this year runs from June 18 until July 29, is operated by our neighborhood charity Reach Out Everglades & COPS Association Inc. Application forms will be sent home with elementary students in mid-May. The camp keeps the youngsters busy and stimulated from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and includes educational field trips. However, this year there is no summer school in Everglades City so there will not be a school bus route to pick up the children. Car pooling and other transportation arrangements are being considered. Furthermore, there is also no community grant so Reach Out is appealing to us to sponsor a child or make a general donation. The ECity area is unique in having a free summer camp and we want to continue that tradition. Please send donations to Reach Out at P.O. Box 894, Chokoloskee, FL, 34138, or phone Carol at 695-2277 if you can help.



Fishing Report by Captain Bill Lindsay

To me, May is Tarpon Time. The best tarpon fishing usually takes place early in the morning before the afternoon sea breezes and thunder

storms move in. Redfishing can keep the fish dinners coming and you never know when you will stumble into a tripletail. Capt. Don Cochran has found cobia on the Gulf wrecks. He has also caught lots of kingfish. May is a good month for trout and if you get tired of fishing for them with a jig, try a topwater plug or a weighted fly. High winds and cold fronts should be behind us and fishing should improve. In short, May is one of the top months in the Ten Thousand Islands.

Capt. Bill Lindsay lives in Chokoloskee and has been fishing in the Everglades National Park for over 30 years. In 1992 he was Master Angler of the MET Tournament.

SAWFISH

TAGGING

by Dana M. Bethea and Lisa D. Hollensead

A cooperative acoustic tagging project between Florida State University and the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service will be conducted between spring 2010 and fall 2011 in the backcountry waters from Turner River to Lopez River and inside

Chokoloskee Bay. During this project, juvenile smalltooth sawfish (less than 1 meter) will be fitted with acoustic tags in order to study movement within Everglades National Park. These tags will be attached to the dorsal fin, are about thumbs length, and will be anchored to the fin with a small plastic cradle. Acoustic monitoring stations, which will record the acoustic tags as the animals swim by, will be anchored along Turner River, Hurddles Creek, Mud Bay and the Lopez River in order to monitor juvenile smalltooth sawfish movement. These stations will be indicated with a PVC pole and a sign that explains their purpose. Please stay clear of all acoustic monitoring stations. While researchers are investigating movement of these animals, input and cooperation from the general public is invaluable. If you see or catch a smalltooth sawfish with one of these acoustic tags, please contact Joana Fernandez de Carvalho and the National Sawfish Encounter Database at (352) 392-2360. Be prepared to give the date, time, and location of the encounter. Scientists from both facilities thank you for your participation. This research follows permits EVER-2010-SCI-007 and ESA-13330 and is funded through the NOAA Fisheries Service-Southeast Regional Office in St. Petersburg, FL.

Dana works for NOAA Fisheries Panama City Laboratory and Lisa is at the Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee. They are frequent visitors to our waters.

FLORIDA FLORA by Patricia Huff

Wingleaf Soapberry

(Sapindus sapanaria)

This Florida Soapberry tree grows to approximately 30 feet and likes sun to part-shade. The name “Soapberry” comes from the prominent, orange-colored fruit that produces a lather when rubbed in water and may be used as a substitute for soap. However, the seeds inside the fleshy fruit are poisonous so be careful if you plant one in your yard where children may be present. The tree blooms in winter and spring with small white flowers at the ends of the branches. The dark green leaves are two to four inches long and its bark is gray. The Soapberry is an outstanding ornamental, quick-growing small shade tree, tolerating both salt and drought conditions and requiring little maintenance other than pruning as it starts to grow.

Comments about Loop Road Repair Big Cypress National Preserve is inviting public comments about the planned repair of Loop Road. The deadline is May 15. Comments by mail should be sent to: Superintendent, Big Cypress National Preserve, 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, 34141-1000. Or, submit them to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/bicy. Follow the appropriate links to Loop Road Rehabilitation and Repair. For more info, phone the Preserve at 695-1158.

FWC News

Lake Trafford is being stocked with largemouth bass fingerlings. The minimum-length regulation at the lake is 18 inches to give the bass a chance to mature.

The deadline for submitting applications for alligator hunting permits is Wednesday, May 5, after which there will be a random drawing to see who will be allowed to harvest gators. The forms are available from the tax collector’s office in City Hall or online at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com.

The public can comment on proposed firearms restrictions for turkey hunting at www.myfwc.com/hunting.

DOCK RACE HELPS BLIND Lighthouse of Collier, the organization for the visually impaired, is the beneficiary of the Great Dock Canoe Race on Saturday, May 8. For more info, see www.greatdockcanoerace.com and www.lighthouseofcollier.org.

PETS HURRICANE SHELTER If you want to take your dog or cat to the special pet shelter on Livingston Road during an emergency, you must register with the County in advance. As of May 1, you can read the rules and fill in the form at www.colliergov.net (click on Domestic Animal Services in the Your Government pull-down menu). For info, phone 252-PETS (7387).



LOCAL HISTORY

“We spent Hurricane Donna in jail”, said Eric Weldon during the storytelling at the Museum Birthday Party. In fact, Eric was a sheriff’s deputy assigned to the jail. He and Juanita lived upstairs and stayed there during the storm with a few trusted prisoners (the more dangerous ones were moved out of town). The Weldons watched one of their windows almost get blown out until they opened another window to relieve the pressure. After the storm, help came from the Red Cross, seen in the photo above, and other agencies from around the state. The National Guard was stationed at the bridge to stop strangers coming into town. Eric deputized several respected local residents to help patrol the area. The building was constructed in 1947 and served as the Sheriff’s headquarters until the county seat moved to Naples in 1962. It continued to be a Sheriff’s sub-station until that function moved to Carnestown in 1991. The building was sold to a private buyer and unused after that. It was finally demolished in 2000. The lot, to the east of City Hall, is now empty and for sale.

ESHP and Bula Mission The next meeting of the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation will be on Monday, May 10, at. 9:00 a.m. in City Hall. The issue of concern is the Bula Mission in Copeland. Everyone is invited to voice an opinion. For info, phone Marya at 695-2905.

History Month May is Local History Month in Collier County and kicks off with the County’s birthday on May 8. The legislation creating Collier County was passed in 1923 after Barron Collier promised to fund the completion of the Tamiami Trail through the lands that he owned. For info about events in May, stop in at the Naples Backyard History Mini-Museum at Third Street South in Naples or call 594-2978.

MUSEUM NEWS During the months of May and June, Deborah Mitchell will exhibit the mysterious splendor of the Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades as a mixed media exploration comprised of 20 black and white photographs embellished with stamped insights and objects found in the wilderness. The Wetlands Project, a community outreach initiative in which the public was invited to include their views on the state of our wetlands, will also be displayed. The Museum will host an informal artist’s talk about how the project was conceived at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. Refreshments, including tasty cheeses courtesy of Cabot Farms, will be provided by the Friends of the Museum. For more information about Deborah Mitchell’s art, visit www.deborahmitchellart.com. 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 charge but donations are welcome. If you haven’t already reserved your place, May 5 is the deadline to sign up for the Old Naples Walking Tour and lunch at Brambles English Tea Room on Wednesday,

May 12. If you would like to attend, phone 695-2397. The next Friends’ meeting is on Wednesday, May 5, at 9:00 a.m. in the Museum. To join the Friends of the Museum, stop by and complete an application form or visit our website www.evergladesmuseum.org.

The Museum Birthday Party on April 24 was a big success. Storytellers Jimmy Brewer, Juanita & Eric Weldon, and Bob Wells talked about hurricanes they remember. Outside there were antique cars, hotdogs, and birthday cake.

Off the Shelf – Book Review

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes and

the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

reviewed by Patricia Huff

Ruth Hefflefinger, my 80-year-old winter-walking partner, introduced me to this book. After reading it and learning so much about the athletes who run long distances (up to 100 miles and more), it encouraged me to get out there and start running more. Age doesn’t matter. A quote from the book says “you don’t stop running because you get old; you get old because you stop running”. And, after reading about the “hidden” tribe in Mexico who run (barefoot) for the fun of it all their lives, I believe humans are capable of much more than they think they can do. My experience with long distance bicycling convinced me that endurance is the key, not strength, not age, not body shape or weight; we can do it. In fact, the book cites several examples where humans can outrun four-legged animals because of our breathing patterns and our endurance. This book is fascinating and inspiring, even if you’re not an avid runner.



CCSO MEETING REPORT by Patricia Huff

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk held a Town Hall Meeting in Everglades City on April 22. The focus areas for keeping Collier County a safer place are traffic & boat safety, crime prevention, youth programming, community outreach, and communication. Lt. Mark Milligan highlighted the 20 programs that were held locally for the youth and the residents of Everglades City over the past year. They included Community Safety Meetings, Operation Medicine Cabinet, Traffic Safety, Teen Driving Challenge, Bike Safety Rodeo, Hot Summer Nights, Build-a-Boat Program, Crime Prevention Day, Marine Theft Prevention, Community Clean-up and Code Enforcement, among many other events that helped our area. We applaud Sheriff Rambosk, Lt. Milligan, and their entire staff for all the work and interest they have shown to make our area a better place in which to live and enjoy our life here.

SHERIFF’S REPORT Lt. Mark Milligan has reported two incidents since our last issue. A resident in Pelican Lane reported that a male pushed open her door and struck her. The suspect then left the area in a white or tan colored truck. The suspect concealed his identity by placing a bag over his head. The suspect was wearing black short sleeve shirt and black jeans. On April 17 a burglary to an auto was reported at 150 Smallwood Dr. The victim had parked his vehicle at this location overnight while camping. Upon his return the vehicle had been forcibly entered and money was taken. If you have information about either of these incidents or see any suspicious activity in the area, please phone the Sheriff’s office at 695-2007.

ROGG Gets Big Grant A $1 million grant has been awarded by the Federal Transit Authority for a feasibility study and master plan, to include preliminary engineering and design, for the River of Grass Greenway project. For more information about the FTA grants, see www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_11504.html. To learn more about the Everglades River of Grass Greenway, a proposed path parallel to the Tamiami Trail (US-41) in southern Collier County for non-motorized recreation and transportation, see www.EvergladesROGG.org.

Big Cypress Fox Squirrel Part II

(continued from April 16 issue) by Dick Brewer

Fox Squirrels (Sciurus niger avicenna) are found throughout most of Florida. After a month and a half gestation period, young are born, weaned in two months, and independent in three months. Males do not help raise the young. Juvenile males are more likely to leave the natal area and disperse than are juvenile females. Dispersal usually occurs during the fall and is a high cause of mortality among males, which results in a slightly female biased sex ratio. Squirrels threaten one another by an upright stance with their tail over their back, followed by a quick flick of the tail. Scent-marking is another form of intraspecies communication. When threatened or alarmed, they make a barking call or chatter while rapidly waving the tail from side to side. The Gray Squirrel shows similar behavior, but its call is of higher pitch. Fox Squirrels are generalist feeders; diet depends on the area in which they are found. They forage on the ground and in trees, eating pine and cypress seeds, cabbage palm fruit berries, and figs. Nuts are opened by a levering technique of the lowering incisors. They will also eat the inner bark of trees as well as flowers, fruits, seeds, and buds from a variety of trees including maple and oak. Fungi are also consumed when readily available in summer. Animal food items include bones, bird eggs, nestlings, gall insects, moths, beetles, frogs, and even dead fish. Feeding territories are marked with scents from glands on the sides of the mouth that are rubbed against trees. Fox Squirrels are scatterhoarders (they cache seeds in a scattered fashion). Nuts and seeds are carried in their jaws and buried in various locations within the home ranges. Olfaction and memory are used in locating their caches, but only a portion of the nuts they bury are found, so they plant many species of nut and seed producing trees and shrubs. Fox Squirrels live from four to seven years of age on average in natural conditions. Owls, hawks, foxes, the coyote, and the bobcat are major predators. Big Cypress Fox Squirrels are a threatened species and Sherman’s Fox Squirrel is a species of special concern. For more information, visit Dick Brewer’s website at www.dickbrewer.org/fox_squirrel.html.

This article is reprinted from Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary newsletter with permission. Our thanks to Dick Brewer. The photo was taken by Dino Barone, a Friends of Fakahatchee member who saw a Big Cypress fox squirrel on US-41 in February. They have also been seen on Janes Scenic Drive.

May is National Bike Month Some of the things we can do to promote the healthy and ecologically-friendly use of bicycles is to join a group (such as ROGG left) and help to clean up local routes (the Chokoloskee causeway, SR-29 to Carnestown). For info about “Bike to Work Week” (May 17-21) see the next issue of the Rapper.



RESTAURANT NEWS

Backcountry Cafe (695-2552): 6:00 am - 3:00 pm.; daily

Camellia Street Grill (695-2003): 12 noon – 8:00 pm; Sun – Thurs 12 noon – 9:00 pm; Fri, Sat

City Seafood (695-4700): 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; daily Fish Market also open

Everglades Seafood Depot (695-0075): 10:30 am - 9:00 pm; daily Seafood Buffet, 4:00-9:00 pm on

Thursdays through May 15

Everglades Scoop (695-0375): 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; daily Ice cream only;

closing for summer May 15

Gator Express (695-3937): 6:30 am - 9 pm; Sun - Thurs 6:30 am - 10 pm; Fri, Sat

Glades Haven Deli (695-2091): 6:00 am - 9:00 pm; daily Food service stops 1 hr before close

Grimm’s Stone Crab (695-3222): hours vary; Mon - Sat

Havana Cafe (695-2214): closed for summer

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

Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe (695-2682): 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; daily

Leebo’s Rock-Bottom Bar: 3:00 pm; Mon - Fri noon; Saturday - Sunday “mike night” Wed live music every Fri-Sat at 8:00 pm

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

Right Choice Pizzeria (695-3663): 5:00 - 9:00 pm; Thurs-Sun (takeout)

Rod & Gun (695-2101): 7:00 - 10 am Breakfast; daily 11:30 am - 9:00 pm; daily

Susie’s Station (695-2580): 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; daily

Triad Seafood (695-0722): 10:30 am – 4:00 pm; daily closing for summer on May 3

SALE CONTINUES Ms Klotz of Sea Gull Studios is still selling off the goodies in her shop and keeps finding more interesting treasures to offer at bargain prices.

CONGRATULATIONS to Billy & Shannon Snyder whose son Jack Stanley Snyder is doing well after his birth on January 8 at only 3 lbs.

BIOBLITZ IN BISCAYNE Learn about wildlife at the festival on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, at Biscayne National Park. For info, phone (305) 230-1144, ext. 246.

HAMBLEN BENEFIT There will be a Bar-B-Que Benefit for Michael Hamblen, Jr, who is undergoing treatments for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, on Saturday, May 1, at 4:00 p.m. in Florida Sports Park (off Collier Blvd). For info call Joanne at 322-0508 or Sara 455-8109.

GIANT TAG SALE Everglades Community Church is having a giant tag sale on Saturday, May 15. Donations can be dropped off in the breezeway behind the church. For info, phone 695-3781.

Little Gator Clinic The walk-in clinic for youngsters 18 and under next to the Thrift Shop (behind the fire station) will be open from 9:00 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, May 1 and May 8. There are no drugs at the clinic. The service is free, thanks to Dr. GB & R.N. Kathy Barnard.

MOBILE PET VET Dr Baker will visit on Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in McLeod Park, ECity, and from 2 to 4 p.m. in Copeland. She will also be here for surgery on Sunday, May 9, by previous appointment only. Phone her at 777-PETS (7387). For info, see www.naplesmobilepetvet.com.

Knitting with NancyKnitting with NancyKnitting with NancyKnitting with Nancy Yarns and Hand Knits · Lessons

3804 E. Tamiami Trail

Naples, FL 34112

239-793-8141

[email protected]



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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

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PRODUCTION layout: Marya Repko, printing: Snook Publications

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.

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FOR SALE BY OWNER: 3 lots in Chokoloskee, 2 on Calusa Dr, Lot M-4 $105,000, Lot M-5 (filled) $135,000, Lot by cemetery $79,000. Phone owner at (419) 441-2068 or (740) 864-2179. ------------------------------------------------------

HOME FOR SALE BY OWNER: Beautiful sunset views on the River, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, Wrap around porch, 2-1/2 car garage, $459,000. For info, call (239) 571-5929. ------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE: Two deeded waterfront homes for the price of one. Located on quiet canal with direct gulf access in Everglades City. 2 bed, 2 bath. Dock & Lift for each home. $598,000 for both or $299,000 each. (Owner licensed realtor) Call 239-229-8682. ------------------------------------------------------

HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER: Waterfront 2/2 home on Dupont with boat lift and floating dock. Well constructed home built to last. Priced to sell at $595,000. Visit www.h4sale.com for details and/or call (239) 588-0560. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR RENT in Everglades City: 2-3 bedrooms, 1 bath. $850/month plus utilities. Dock available for extra fee. Call (239) 961-3986. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR RENT: $800/month, 2/1 House in Fakahatchee Strand on 1 acre. More info call 407-687-6562. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR RENT: Retail / Office Space available at Glades Building at 207 W. Broadway. Contact 239-695-4299. ------------------------------------------------------

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On April 16 local residents held up signs in front of City Hall for the purpose of finding out about the new street lights being installed in the medians coming into town. The response is can be found on the front page of this issue and in the insert from the Mayor’s office.

SNOOK CLASSIFIEDSNOOK CLASSIFIEDSNOOK CLASSIFIEDSNOOK CLASSIFIED ------------------------------------------------------ FOR RENT: 10 x 10 Storage units at 103 S. Storter, $60 a month. Call Paul at (727) 430-3460. ------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE: Tohatsu 50 hp Motor. Southern Skimmer 1990 16'2" Boat, awning, extras, trailer reworked, spare tire. $2,900. See Jim Landrum or call 695-2741. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: 2000 Sailfish Boat, model 186CC with 100 hp 4-stroke Yamaha, located in Isle of Capri. Leaning post with rod holders, Bimini-Tee top, dual batteries, 800 hours on engine, stainless steel prop, no trailer. Looks fair, runs good, $4990. Contact 239-450-6342. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: Coachman Camper, ready to move into, at Chokoloskee Island Park, $5,000 or best offer. For info and

visit, call 695-2414.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Greet Visitors in the Museum

Meet people from around the corner or around the world!

Phone Martha 695-0008.

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