COASTE | OCT - NOV 2016

COASTE | OCT - NOV 2016

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2016

YourCOASTE.com

THE SANDS OF TIME CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SAND SCULPTING ARTISTRY ON FORT MYERS BEACH HERE A SHELL THERE A SHELL Explore inside America’s only Shell Museum LONDON CALLING FROM ALVA TO THE WORLD: The Art of Stephen Blancett

ALWAYS FREE SWFL’s Premier Events Calendar PLUS: Meet Clear Your Gear

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John Bates REALTOR®

Karen Bell Broker-Associate REALTOR®

Holly Peeples Admin / Marketing Coordinator

Sherrill Sims GRI / REALTOR®

COASTE | EDITOR’S WELCOME

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE

Sometime between the publication of this issue and its expiration at the end of November, a new President of the United States will have been elected — and with that decision, whatever the decision, the country we live in will forever change. We can only hope and pray for the better. Fortunately for those who call Southwest Florida home, or second home, or vacation destination, October and November promise us a variety of pretty pleasant changes upon which we can rely. No voting required. At some point these next months, we’ll wake up one morning — and the blanketing humidity of summer will have been lifted away. The almost daily deluge of afternoon showers will be noticeably absent, too, giving way to clear, brilliant blue skies. The days will turn comfortably cooler and shorter. But yes, roads to restaurants — and almost everything in between —will fill up and slow down, too. It’s paradise, not perfection. With our October-November issue, we celebrate the coming of a new season with stories of Southwest Florida favorites — like sand sculpting, fine arts, sea shelling and more. You’ll find (as always) one of the most comprehensive directories anywhere of area performances, attractions and events. And however you’re reading — print or digital magazine, in a lounge chair or at your computer — we hope you’ll enjoy turning every page of COASTE and our multi-media lifestyle network that’s always (and exclusively) free to you, our valued followers. Thank you.

John Sprecher Founder | Editor

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Volume III Number 4

Sanibel’s Award Winning Casual Restaurant i i l st ra t

INFO @ For your information, you can learn more about the many outstanding destinations to be enjoyed in Lee County via these organizations. Just click or call them today! Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce BocaGrandeChamber.com 941.964.0568 Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce BonitaSpringsChamber.com 239.992.2943 Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce CapeCoralChamber.com 239.549.6900 INFO @ i i , l more about the many outstanding tinations to be enj i County via these organizatio . click or call them ! it ri it . Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Cor l . 3 . .

Founder | Executive Editor John Sprecher [email protected] Creative Director Director of Photography Milissa Sprecher [email protected] c r d m . 1. 6 .

Director of Sales Katrina Salokar [email protected] i s 3 .9 .

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Outdoor Dining on Our Tropical Deck Full Liquor Bar • Happy Hour 4–6pm • Open Until 9pm Taste of the Islands Winner for Best Appetizer and Best Seafood! Best of the Islands Winner for Best Breakfast and Best Lunch! Rated 3 Stars by Jean Le Boeuf! 239-472-2525 • mybluegiraffe.com Periwinkle Place Shopping Center • 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel c i r t or Dining on Our Tropical Deck Full Li r • O e Until 9p Taste of the Islands Winner for Best Appetizer and Best Seafood! est f t e Isl s i er for est Breakfast and Best Lunch! te 3 Stars by Jean Le Boeuf! l ir ff .c i i l l i e ter 2 75 Peri inkle Way, Sanibel f t

Graphic Designer Christina Robertson

Contributing Photographers Stephen Blancett Andrew Tate Estero Chamber of Commerce EsteroChamber.com 239.948.7990 t Chambe Commerc t . 39.948.7990 COASTE is published five times annually by COASTE LLC. COASTE Magazine + Multi- Media Network reaches FREE a minimum 250,000 impressions via print magazine distribution, digital magazine subscribers, e-marketing, social media communities, downloadable apps and website. COASTE is a member of Florida Magazine Association and statistically aligns with City & Regional Magazine Association. Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Fo tMyers.org 239.332.3624 r t r rt r Fort yersBeach.org 23 . . Gr t r F rt Commerce rt y s.o 39. 32. 4

Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce FortMyersBeach.org 239.454.7500

s t y l i sh g i f t s | ar t i san c ra f t s home accen t s and décor t l i i f t | r t i s c ra f t s t écor

Lee County Visitors & Convention Bureau FortMyers-Sanibel.com 239.338.3500 Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce LehighAcresChamber.org 239.369.3322 t i it ti r o t s- i l. . 3 . .

P.O. Box 869 Sanibel FL 33957 Editorial: 239.395.3251 Sales: 239.470.5611 www.YourCoaste.com 3 . 38. L ig r i

Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce Sanibel-Captiva.org 239.472.1080 i l ti r i l- ti . 3 . .1

239-472-8111 | cargosanibel.com Periwinkle Place Shopping Center | 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel i l. i i l l i t r | eri inkle Way, Sanibel |

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Official beach resort of days you don’t ever want to end.

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I S L A N D R E S O R T & S P A

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info @

For All Things Beautiful! For All !

For your information, you can learn more about the many outstanding destinations to be enjoyed in Lee County via these organizations. Just click or call them today! Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce BocaGrandeChamber.com 941.964.0568 Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce BonitaSpringsChamber.com 239.992.2943 Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce CapeCoralChamber.com 239.549.6900 Estero Chamber of Commerce EsteroChamber.com 239.948.7990 Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce FortMyersBeach.org 239.454.7500 Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce FortMyers.org 239.332.3624 Lee County Visitors & Convention Bureau FortMyers-Sanibel.com 239.338.3500 Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce LehighAcresChamber.org 239.369.3322

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Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce Sanibel-Captiva.org 239.472.1080

GET DOWN. HERE. Everyone’s Favorite Downtown Fort Myers River District

WWW.FORTMYERSRIVERDISTRICTALLIANCE.COM

MUSIC WALK Every 3rd Friday (6-10pm)

PET WALK Every 4th Friday

ART WALK Every 1st Friday (6-10pm)

MYSTERY WALK Every 2nd Friday (6-10pm) Seasonal

(6-8pm) Seasonal

RDA Special Events: Car Cruise-In, Bike Night, Downtown Countdown, St. Patrick’s Day, Holiday Stroll, Creative ARTs Market, Downtown Farmers & Arts Market, Freedom Fest, Veterans Day Parade

The River District Alliance would like to thank our sponsors, volunteers and event donors who make Downtown Fort Myers rock!

COASTE CONTENTS

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2016

on the cover COMMUNITY

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THE SANDS OF TIME It’s the 30th anniversary of the American Sand Sculpting Championship, and Fort Myers Beach is where you’ll find all the fun.

in this issue

features

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TAKE FIVE MEET CLEAR YOUR GEAR Monofilament — fishing line — can when abandoned stay in the environment 500 years. Clear Your Gear is out to clean up and save wildlife. WELCOME HOME Here’s another inside look at living the good life in Southwest Florida. ROOMWITH A VIEW Come visit one of our favorite places to relax, rest and reconnect. COASTE CALENDAR It’s Southwest Florida’s premier calendar of events, so mark your calendar for all the entertainment, electricity and fun headed your way.

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RESIDENCE FROM ALVA TO THE WORLD: The Fine Art of Stephen Blancett is yours to learn about and enjoy.

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1 8 ATTRACTIONS HERE A SHELL THERE A SHELL

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Explore inside America’s only Shell Museum on America’s best shelling island..

APPLES.

ORANGES.

Compare. Not all Southwest Florida media are alike. Some serve up the same old same old, the same old way. Not COASTE. We’re the first Southwest Florida magazine that’s a new, true multi-media network. Compare. We reach today’s readers when, where and how they want to be reached. Print magazine. Interactive digital magazine, downloadable as a mobile app. E-marketing. Social media. Website news. That’s a fresh, multi-media approach that reaches 150,000-plus high income visitors and residents in Lee and Collier Counties with every issue. And unlike other magazines, it’s all free. Compare. Fascinating stories and breathtaking photography, in a fresh, new look and feel. Now, choose COASTE. Nothing else compares. The top pick for smart advertisers like you.

Read us now. Submit your news now. Subscribe free now. Advertise now. [email protected] | 239.395.3251 | YourCoaste.com

A day on the ocean is a day worth sharing

Every day by land or by sea, we explore at Sanibel Sea School. We find dolphins and manatees. We see gooey things, spiky things and baby things. We learn what they are and why they’re here. Come visit us and let’s go exploring. For more information visit

sanibelseaschool.org or call 239-472-8585.

Sanibel Sea School is a non-profit organization

YOLO Watersports YOLOWatersports.com 239.472.9656 { } The perfect Venue for your NEXT EVENT

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artist in residence

12 LONDON CALLING Story by John Sprecher | Photography by Stephen Blancett

FROM ALVA TO THE WORLD: THE FINE ART OF STEPHEN BLANCETT Stephen Blancett was just a boy from Ohio when his innate artistic creativity first took expression. First it was watercolors and then, of all things, a caricature of President Richard Nixon — which was carefully mailed to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Shortly thereafter, a letter on White House stationary was returned to the young sender, noting that the President had indeed received his artwork and was appreciative of it. 13

“As a kid, that was cool,” he recalls. And thus, a passion was lit and a calling was discovered. Today, 40-some years later, Stephen Blancett’s passion for the visual arts has led him on a journey to Florida that’s included real estate publishing (for an East Coast company that, as he learned, had a penchant for declaring bankruptcy), graphic design for a university, a stint at an ad agency with major national financial clients, a ditch-this-job moment of opening a bakery, a chance encounter with a West Coast publisher that reignited his passion for the business, a successful run as owner of a graphic design firm, and a

current position of president and director of marketing for Pulse Technologies, which he owns with his spouse James Ritter. Oh, and one other thing: in between it all, he’s ventured into the world of fine arts painting, and has — from his charming home and studio in Alva on the shores of the Caloosahatchee River — created stunning, thoughtful works of art that have (on occasion) sold out in one night at exhibitions in Fort Myers, Naples, New York, Los Angeles and coming next February, London.

Artist of the Year” from the Lee County Alliance for the Arts.

“It’s been a good journey,” he says, ruminating on his 56 years of life. “I love art, I love painting, I have something to contribute — and I feel blessed that I can use my God-given gifts to bring joy to others.” Asked to define their style, artists often balk at the question; they are, after all, multi-dimensional pegs that don’t fit (or would ever desire to fit) into a definitional square hole. Blancett will tell you that he prefers working in larger formats (five to six feet) and has recently been inspired by the wildlife that surround his “ I LOVE ART, I LOVE PAINTING, I HAVE SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE — AND I FEEL BLESSED THAT I CAN USE MY GOD-GIVEN GIFTS TO

He’s also won numerous awards for his work, including “Visual

BRING JOY TO OTHERS.

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{ www.blancett.gallery

home with works that are realistic in form while abstract in color. “But I guess I don’t like to be locked into a style, and I like to paint only when I’m in the mood. So my mood really dictates the end result.” Today, those end results generally sell from between $3,000to$10,000perwork—with many satisfied clients returning for privately commissioned art. That’s a long way from 2004, when he first exhibited at Art for ACTGallery in Fort Myers. Although the exhibit did sell out and set an attendance record, his work was priced “a little cheaper back then. And then the recession hit,” he recalls with a laugh, “and I created what I called my recession series, because the economy was bad and people weren’t buying a lot of art.”

Stephen Blancett’s artistry isn’t limited to canvas, either. Today as well, he’s passionate in the kitchen and will publish this fall a cookbook he’s been working on “for about six years” entitled “Artist in the Kitchen.” “I love to cook and I think I do pretty well,” he says. “We’ll see.” As for tomorrow, Blancett plans to follow his passion and see where it takes him — much like he has all of his life. “I’m getting to a point in my life where I want to do more art and more traveling, with more exhibits around the country. It’s cool to get away to new places, to watch the reactions from other parts of the country to your artwork. Most of all, it’s nice to have a gift you can use to please others. I actually have a client that tells me he looks at my painting every day, and it gives him joy. That’s something special.”

take five

“monofilament can last oveR 500 years.” By John Sprecher | Photography by Milissa Sprecher Images of wildlife injured or even killed by monofilament line — plastic fishing line — are often tragic and heartbreaking.

Sanibel Natural Resources Department. The result is called “Clear Your Gear” and in 2016, the program officially launched with the placement of more than 20 monofilament collection centers on Sanibel and the Sanibel Causeway. The hope is that the program will be so successful reducing monofilament and wildlife injuries that it’ll expand across Southwest Florida. Each issue, “Take Five” poses five questions to a community leader or personality that have not previously been shared. Here, Dr. Heather Barron, Hospital Director for CROW, talks about the new organization and its importance to all of us — humans and wildlife —who share the environment.

Fortunately for wildlife in Southwest Florida, a group of seven Sanibel and Captiva conservation organizations came together a few years ago to address the ongoing problem and wildlife injuries caused by fishing line and gear left in the environment — including CROW (the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife), Sanibel Sea School, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, the “Ding” Darling Monofilament Busters, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and the City of

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Describe the Clear Your Gear program. It’s a collaborative that was born in 2014, when at CROW we noticed a 40% increase in the number of patients af- fected by monofilament over the two previous years. So I decided to get together with a number of other like- minded groups, and everyone thought it was a great idea. We were able to obtain a number of grants in 2015, and our program began. What is your mission? Our goal is to reduce as significantly as we can the amount of monofilament in the environment, because monofila- ment can last over 500 years. Doing so, we’ll have a better environment for fishermen and their crafts, and a safer en- vironment for people and for wildlife. What suffers the most from discarded monofilament? Primarily sea birds, sea turtles and fresh water turtles are the patients we see the most at CROW, most commonly for hook and line injuries. We see a lot of really horrible things where line has been left out or gotten hung up in trees, and birds get caught or turtles get tangled. How serious are the injuries? They can be serious or of course deadly, but when people bring an injured animal to us immediately upon injury or early in the injury, we stand a much better chance to help them survive. The last couple of years we’ve seen over a hundred injured or lost wildlife each year. What’s your best advice for safe fishing and preserving our wildlife? That’s easy. Be aware to not discard monofilament line into the environment. Don’t feed the wildlife ever. And just be mindful to keep the environment as clean as possible, and be a good neighbor to wildlife.

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community

THE SANDS OF TIME

Celebrating 30 Years of Sand Sculpting Artistry On Fort Myers Beach Story by John Sprecher | Photography by Andrew Tate

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If it’s true that art is in the eye of the beholder, so then it must also go for the definition of the artist. Take, for example, sand sculpting. Far from the sand castles each of us has molded with plastic buckets and shovels once upon a beach, a higher form of sand sculpting has evolved into beautiful and widely admired artistic expressions — much like museum artists were once inspired by their crayons, or pencils, or chalk as children. The fact is, those in the know will tell you that there may exist only 50 or so master sand sculptors in the United States today. And while their art is by its nature and medium only temporary, this November will mark 30 years that the American Sand Sculpting Championship will be held on Fort Myers Beach, attracting close to 50,000 fans across 10 fantastic, fun- filled days November 18-27. While history isn’t clear on who started the Championship in 1986, there’s no doubt it’s become the top competition in the United States — and a darling of local, regional and national media, including CNN Travel, USA Today , network morning shows (like The Today Show last year) and more. The event is a joint venture of the Sand Lovers (a husband and wife event management team who also happen to be master sculptors), the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, Pincher’s Crab Shacks and the Wyndham Garden Fort Myers Beach hotel. Bill Knight and his wife Marianne are the owners of Sand Lovers — and he’s been involved either as a master sculptor participant or manager the past 15 years. “Our goal is to bring the best sand sculptors around the world here,” he explains. “The competition’s by invitation only, and

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each participant receives a stipend to attend. This year, we’ll have masters from 11 different states and seven different countries, with at least 10 years experience — and with a total major competition medal count of 44. They’re the best of the best.”

Sand sculpting is a process that involves tons of grunt work (literally) and hours of meticulous handwork. Each solo artist, for instance, is given 10 tons of sand in a pile, which they’ll transfer to a plastic or wooden form “roughly four inches at a time,” explains Knight. “Water is then added,

Knight is excited not only by the level of talent the 2016 championship brings, but also by new categories of competitions. “We have 16 master solo artists, five master doubles teams, plus a new Advanced Amateur National Championship with 10 artists.”

and the sand is then tamped down to compress it and remove all the air bubbles. Then repeat until you reach the top of the form, which is when the fine art begins.” All sand sculptors are timed when at work, with 20 to 24 hours total typically allowed solo artists (doubles teams longer) to complete their sculpture (often over three to four days). Knight

“Be prepared to be amazed. The sculptures are breathtaking in their complexity and beauty. Expect to see things that’ll leave you in awe. “ -Bud Nocera

Bud Nocera is executive director of the Greater Fort

Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, and this will be his fifth occasion to host the championship. “Be prepared to be amazed,” he advises. “The sculptures are breathtaking in their complexity and beauty. Expect to see things that’ll leave you in awe.”

notes that each sculptor “has their go-to tool, and a lot of the tools are personally created — you just don’t order this stuff out of a catalog. But you’ll also see concrete trowels, paint pallet knives and clay tools.”

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Local art professors, as well as area artists of regional or national stature, typically judge the American Sand Sculpting Championship. “Because this is such a unique art form or medium, we’ll train the judges about what can or can’t be done with sand and what they should look for,” Knight says. “But it comes down to the wow factor.” Of course, not every day is guaranteed to be a beautiful and sunny one — but as Knight explains, that’s not such a bad thing. “The best days are cloudy, with a little mist because the artwork is held together by water. Sunny days with wind, that’ll dry your work out. And it’s funny, you’d think hard rains would wash everything away, but it doesn’t — the art acts like a sponge, you get a few pock marks you can smooth over, and you’re back to work.”

Myers Beach that numbers millions of dollars. “It’s going to be a busy 10 days,” Bud Nocera says. “For everyone’s convenience, we recommend coming in from the south and parking at Lover’s Key State Park, where shuttle service will be provided to and from the event.” Six years ago, Bill and Marianne Knight walked away from corporate careers to become full time sculptors and sand sculpting event managers — with other competitions around the country in addition to Fort Myers Beach — and they haven’t looked back. “Any art form judging is very subjective,” he says. “But few art events are so much fun.”

{

www.TheSandLovers.com www.FMBSandSculpting.com www.PinchersUSA.com www.Wyndham.com

With close to 50,000 fans in attendance, one thing is guaranteed: a positive economic impact for Fort

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Welcome Home

Each issue, COASTE opens the door and welcomes you to tour one of Southwest Florida’s premier homes. After all, living here is more than a lifestyle. It’s a soul style. With a home called “Barefoot Way,” it’s no surprise it’s no shoes required for this beautifully remodeled three bedroom, two bath, heated pool home in the highly desirable Dunes of Sanibel Island. You’ll enjoy the ease of tile floors throughout, plus spacious beauty with large den and media room, vaulted ceiling, custom kitchen with bay window and an intimate sitting area, great room with wood burning fireplace, updated bathrooms and built-in office in guest bedroom. You can entertain friends and family in the screen-enclosed patio area overlooking the pool and large fenced-in back yard, with pool and fenced yard offering a nix-system for pest control. Plus the Dunes offers a clubhouse with restaurant and pool, membership to semi-private golf course, tennis courts and much more. Truly a wonderful lifestyle. Listing agent: Karen Bell and The Bell Team. Price: $679,000.

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attractions

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HERE A SHELL THERE A SHEL

ON AN ISLAND KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD FOR ITS VARIETY OF SHELLS, COME EXPLORE INSIDE THE ONLY MUSEUM IN AMERICA DEDICATED TO THE WORLD OF MOLLUSKS. By John Sprecher | Photography by Milissa Sprecher

T

The term “one of a kind” is bandied about so often today, hyperbole has made it almost meaningless. But not so when it comes to Sanibel’s Bailey Matthews

USA Today declares the joy of shelling (and the Sanibel stoop) among Florida’s top 10 attractions. “If you’re looking for shells, Sanibel Island is absolutely where you come,” says Dorrie Hipschman, the museum’s Executive Director for the past three years. “And if you need to know anything about those shells, we’re the go-to people in Southwest Florida.” Rewind almost most 30 years ago, and Sanibel community leaders should be credited for recognizing the natural resource (and tourism draw) of shelling — when members of the Sanibel Captiva Shell Club began to explore the idea of a museum dedicated to their passion. As funding was raised and a strategic plan defined, the

National Shell Museum — for tucked away a bit inconspicuously on Sanibel-Captiva Road is where you’ll find the one and only natural history museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to our bounty of beach friends. And quite a bounty it is. Thanks to the east-west geographic curvature of the island, Sanibel’s coastline is almost a natural shovel that collects more than 300 types of species. No wonder that Travel & Leisure Magazine ranks Sanibel as the top shelling destination in North America, and

COASTE | ATTRACTIONS

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Bailey family deeded eight acres of land in memory of their parents Frank Bailey and Annie Matthews for the museum site. But it wasn’t until 1995 when a combination of donations, grants

destinations on Sanibel Island among TripAdvisor reviews, with double-digit growth over the past few years that now welcomes more than 60,000 visitors annually.

“Our feeling is if we can change the way people look at beaches — wherever they may have come from — we can create a positive, permanent impact on protecting and preserving mollusks around the world. We know we’re succeeding in getting that message delivered.”

and matching loans saw the current museum structure officially open. Today, visitors will find the National Shell Museum an active, interactive and colorful attraction —

Perhaps not coincidentally, this impressive growth coincides with the arrival and direction of Hipschman, whose background includes directorships at both children’s museums and science centers

contemporary and engaging, while still educational, via its presentations and programs. The net result has seen the museum become among the top five

throughout the country, as well as a creative stint at Saatchi & Saatchi, a global and highly acclaimed advertising agency.

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“Most people don’t know that we’re a natural history museum that happens to focus on one type of animal,” she explains. “We’ve worked hard to create a multi-media experience for visitors that involves interactive displays, hands- on experiences, creative workshops and on- the-beach educational tours. Our staff is led Dr. Jose Leal, science director and a world-renowned malocologist, along with two marine biologists, an educational director, a highly passionate support team and more than 70 wonderful volunteers. Our goal is clear: we want everybody who goes out our doors to know more than when they arrived, and that they really had a delightful time learning.” The Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum ranks among the top five destinations on Sanibel Island among TripAdvisor reviews, with double-digit growth over the past few years that now welcomes more than 60,000 visitors annually. One of the unique ways the museum grows its cumulative team knowledge is a five-minute start to each day, when Dr. Leal presents his “shell of the day” — some local, some exotic, some fossilized — one unique shell after another. “It’s amazing how much we learn and how that benefits our visitors,” she says. That’s an important five minutes, because museum surveys show that 90% of its visitors don’t know that actual living animals create shells. “Our feeling is if we can change the way people look at beaches — wherever they may have come from —

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“We want everybody who goes out our doors to know more than when they arrived, and that they really had a delightful time learning.” -Dorrie Hipschman, Executive Director

we can create a positive, permanent impact on protecting and preserving mollusks around the world. We know we’re succeeding in getting that message delivered. People tell us they can’t wait to go back to the beach, to see a whole new world that was previously invisible to them.” Another advantage the Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum has is its very location on a sanctuary island. “There are a lot of non- profits here that share something of the same mission, so we’re all really good partners working synergistically and positively,” she says. “We all have a piece of the puzzle, but we all understand how it fits together too.”

This February, its annual major fundraising and thank-you event — called “Under the Sea” — will, Dorrie Hipschman promises, unveil some “great, great new things.” It’s a similar sentiment she would share with anyone who’s yet to visit the only shell museum in America. “Be prepared to be surprised,” she advises. “There’s another world out there that lives on our beaches, and if we can get you to look at that world the way it actually is, we know it’ll go a long way toward preserving our environment.”

{ www.ShellMuseum.org

Approximately 35% of the museum’s funding comes by way of donations and similar good will.

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Room With A View What’s your favorite kind of vacation destination? Each issue, COASTE opens the door and takes you on a tour of one of Southwest Florida’s premier places to rest, relax, reconnect and recharge your body and soul. With beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, Seaside Inn of Sanibel Island has been updated to honor the 1960s cottage character of Old Florida with gracious style and service. With a collection of 32 charming accommodations, you’ll find suites and cottages all have full kitchens, while guestrooms feature small appliances for your convenience. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast basket every morning — then plan your day relaxing or playing on the private beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico, or lounging at the heated swimming pool, or perhaps enjoying golf or tennis with your free sports membership at the nearby Dunes Golf & Tennis Club. Have a special request? The Seaside Inn will be sure to accommodate your wants and needs, and leave you smiling.

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Make Your Castle in the Sand! Nov – Jan Getaways Online

SUBSCRIBE FREE Enjoy your free Digital edition Of the best of sanibel, captiva and sw Florida 5 times a year, wherever you May be.

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Yourcoaste.com

What’s Happening on Your

October-November — Community Events

Wed nes days

GARDEN TOUR AT EDISON FORD Weds Horticulturists lead behind-the-scenes garden tours Wednesdays at 10.30 AM that include 20 acres of historic gardens, crop gardens, propagating nursery, and Garden Shoppe full of exotic, heritage and edible plants for gardens and containers. www.edisonfordwinterestates.com

oct- nov

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS ART WALK Oct-Nov On the first Friday of each month from 6 PM - 10 PM — and now, on the first Saturdays from 11 AM – 4 PM — art fans can enjoy an evening of visual arts, art gallery openings and more! Over 11 art galleries invite locals and visitors to a self-guided tour throughout the Downtown Fort Myers River District core and Gardener’s Park area. Art enthusiasts can even meet the artists at most of the galleries and enjoy live art demonstrations! www.FortMyersArtWalk.com FORT MYERS MUSIC WALK Oct-Nov On the third Friday of every month from 6 PM - 10 PM, the River District comes alive with local music! Numerous participating venues feature live music by local and regional talent. Restaurants, bars, art galleries and shops also showcase a wide range of music during the monthly Music Walk. Featuring jazz, blues, rock, drum circles, and piano, guests can expect to hear a wide variety of musical genres. Many venues will also feature additional attractions such as wine and food tastings. www. FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com

oct- nov

oct- nov

FORT MYERS MYSTERY WALK Oct-Nov Mystery Walk is a festival that combines culture and different mediums of art to bring our community together in an educational experience! Elements of performance art, street art, digital art, community interactive art, visual art and music all form as one to create Mystery Walk. The Mystery is that

guests will never know what to expect! FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com

LOCAL ROOTS FARMER’S MARKETS Oct-Nov Local Roots is the largest sponsor of Farmer’s Markets in Southwest Florida, with seven locations across Lee County. You’ll enjoy the freshest in fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood and a lot more. Days and times vary by market location. www.BuyLocalLee.com oct- nov

34 COASTE | COMMUNITY EVENTS

WHEN A TREE FALLS IN A FOREST…

PANTHER PRINTING HEARS IT!

That is why Panther Printing is FSC ® Certified and FSC ® Certified by the Rainforest Alliance ™ . By using FSC ® certified paper and envelopes, you are:

What is FSC?

Join us, and feel your spirit soar at what your skills can accomplish. Gulfshore Ballet is Southwest Florida’s premier not-for-profit school for classical ballet. Artistically directed by Franklin Gamero and Iliana Lopez, former principal dancers with the Miami City Ballet, the school offers quality classical ballet programs in pre-ballet through pre- professional divisions, pas de deux with variations, as well as adult beginner and intermediate programs. Prepare for takeoff. • Protecting wildlife and their habitats, along with threatened and endangered species. • Preserving forests and natural resources. • Preven ing ch mical use and disposal. • Planting tr es in harve ted areas to create sustainable for ts. • Promoting worker safety. Afterall… Bears, Elk, Deer, Moose, Owls, and (of course) Panthers flourish in sustainably-harvested forests.

Learntoflywithout ever leaving theground.

FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council ™ – an internationally recognized forest certification organization that rigorously certifies forest operations to ensure sustainable pulp and paper harvesting.

PHOTO © STEVEN CARAS us.fsc.org

239.590.6191 | GSBallet.org www.PantherPrinting.net • 239.643.9999 • 1.800.336.8005

An Island Playground, Where the Gardens and Sea Unite Beach Front ∙ Sanibel Island’s Only Botanical Gardens ∙ Butterfly Garden ∙ Two Pools 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Suites ∙ Business Center ∙ Free WiFi Tennis Courts ∙ Kayaks and Canoes ∙ Boat Docks and Dockage Available One of Sanibel Island’s Top Wedding Venues An Island Playground, Where the Gardens and Sea Unite Beach Front ∙ Sanibel’s Only Botanical Gardens ∙ Butterfly Garde ∙ Two Pools 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Suites ∙ Computer Stations ∙ Free WiFi Tennis Courts ∙ Kayaks & Canoes ∙ Boat Docks/Dockage Available One of Sanibel’s Top Wedding Venues 239-472-4119 | 800-237-5144 | sanibelmoorings.com 845 East Gulf Drive | Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 239-472-4119 | 800-237-5144 | www.sanibelmoorings.com 845 East Gulf Drive | Sanibel Island, Florida 33957

Sat tur days

GREENMARKET Sats Saturdays from 9 AM - 1 PM, the Alliance of the Arts hosts an exclusive selection of locally grown, caught and cultivated foods, as well as a number of other products available for purchase. Live entertainment, fun activities for kids, gardening classes, and live cooking provided by local chefs. www.ArtInLee.org

oct 7-9

11th ANNUAL PIRATE FESTIVAL OCT 7-9 Ranked as the second-best pirate festival in America according to USA Today, Fort Myers Beach comes alive with three days of great music, crazy costumes and good times including actors, entertainment, displays, pub quest, famous pirate parade and much more! If you’ve always loved the pirate life — or just like to say aaargh! — be sure to gather your family and set sail for Fort Myers Beach this weekend. Learn more including accommodations packages at www.FMBPirateFest.com .

oct 16-22

“DING” DARLING DAYS Oct 16-22

A fun-filled week of eco-activities with all-free refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, hot dogs, kids crafts, and other family activities. Birding, boating, tram, paddleboarding, and kayaking activities fill the week. The 27th annual celebration ends on Saturday, October 22, with Conservation Art Day, where Federal Duck Stamp Winners, other artists, cartooning, and a refuge photography tram tour will highlight a day devoted to Jay Norwood Darling’s legacy as the first duck stamp artist and Pulitzer Prize- winning political cartoonist. www.dingdarlingsociety.org

nov 18- 27th

AMERICAN SAND SCULPTING CHAMPIONSHIP NOV 18-27 It’s the top sand sculpting competition in the United States — right here on Fort Myers Beach — and this year celebrates 30 years of amazing artistry, combined into 10 days of sun and fun. This year’s events includes master’s, doubles and a new top amateur’s categories, all setting out to wow you. Learn more in this this issue of COASTE beginning Page 16, or visit www.FMBSandSculpting.com.

Nov 5th

WINES IN THE WILD Nov 5 Enjoy wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres pairings as you stroll under the stars at the historic Bailey Homestead Preserve. Fantastic live and silent auctions to benefit the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 7 PM – 9 PM. www.sccf.org

36 COASTE | ON STAGE

Nov 13th

TASTE OF THE ISLANDS Nov 13 The premier island food festival celebrates 35 years and showcases the vibrant and diverse restaurant community of Sanibel and Captiva with new, exciting culinary experiences along with long- time favorites. Restaurants will offer a delicious array of signature items for $5 and under, allowing guests the opportunity to sample an even greater variety of items. Admission to Taste of the Islands is $5 for adults and free for children younger than 12 years of age. 12 PM to 5 PM with benefits to CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife). www.crowclinic.org ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT’S END Oct 4 – Nov 6 Hot off its world premiere in Washington, D.C., comes a witty and moving look at one of our country’s most beloved voices. Erma Bombeck captured the frustrations of her generation by asking, “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?” Discover the story behind the award- winning humorist who championed women’s lives with wit that sprang from the most unexpected place of all — the truth. www.floridarep.org October-November — On Stage THE NERD Oct 6 – Nov 12 The hilarious comedy about Willum, a young architect who gets a surprise visit from Rick, a fellow-ex-GI he’s never met, but who saved his life in Vietnam. Rick turns out to be a hopeless “nerd” – a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and even less tact. The delight of the visit fades when Rick overstays his welcome and his continued presence among Willum and his friends leads to one uproarious incident after another. www.broadwaypalm.com

Oct 4 - Nov 6

Oct 6 - Nov 12

Oct 21- Nov 18

JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL

FULL SERVICE AUTOMOTIVE, DIESEL & MOTORCYCLE SERVICE CENTER

Oct 21 – Nov 18 This delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books is brought to life on stage in this musical comedy about Junie B. Jones and her first grade adventures! Broadway Palms Children’s Theatre. www.broadwaypalms. com

(239) 314-8582 FMBAUTOMOTIVE.COM 17617 Broadway Ave, Ft Myers Beach, FL 33931

38 COASTE | ON STAGE

Nov 19th

EVITA Oct 13 – Nov 19 Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s dynamic musical masterpiece tells the story of Argentina’s controversial First Lady. Rising from nothing, driven by ambition and blessed with charisma, Eva Peron “saint to the working-class, reviled by the aristocracy and mistrusted by the military” was destined to leave a fascinating political legacy unique in the 20th century. www.broadwaypalm.com OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS Oct 25 – Nov 16 A hilarious and warm-hearted family fiasco from the author of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and the Tony-Winning Broadway sensation, Memphis! See what happens when 29-year-old Nick tells both pairs of doting Italian-American grandparents he’s leaving Hoboken to take a dream job across the country. His grandparents are stunned! Why would he want to leave his family and New Jersey? Chaos ensues as his grandparents plot and scheme to find a way to keep him in Hoboken . www.floridarep.org BEST OF ENEMIES Nov 15 - 30 An electrifying and tense new play based on a true story that follows the relationship between a hate-filled leader of the KKK and a pioneering African-American civil rights activist. In this gripping story, the unlikely pair must work together during Durham, North Carolina’s heated 1971 desegregation battle. Best of Enemies is a stirring new play that exposes the poison of prejudice and the beauty of friendship. www.floridarep.org

Oct 25 -Nov 16

Nov 15-30

Nov 29 - Dec 18

THE MOUSETRAP Nov 29 – Dec 18 Suspect everyone in this thrilling whodunit from the mind of Agatha Christie! Still running in London after 64 years, The Mousetrap tells the story of a group of strangers is trapped in a boarding house during a snow storm – with a murderer among them! Suspicion and intrigue abound as these strangers try to solve a murder and wonder who will be killed next. Revelations are made, shady pasts revealed, and alliances shift as Agatha Christie weaves a tangled web of deceit and suspense! www.floridarep.org

October-November — In Concert

Oct 8th

THE ULTIMATE DOO WOP SHOW Oct 8 The recent record-breaking PBS-TV music specials, “50 Years of Doo-Wop” were so well received that it created a new showcase and new audiences for veteran Doo-Wop artists, resulting in additional PBS-TV specials. Now these original artists, whose combined sales number over 200 million records, are back on the road performing live, treating concertgoers to the songs they danced to at sock hops, while allowing younger audiences to discover that Doo-Wop is feel- good music no matter what your age. 8 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. www.bbmannpah.com

20

Oct 14th

THE GOOD BAD KIDS Oct 14 The Good Bad Kids are based out of Naples, Florida. With a shared love for Folk, Rock, Punk, and Bluegrass music, Matt McWaters, Nicky D’Agostino, and Joe Garita perform an exhilarating and captivating mixture of old and new sounds. Known for powerful harmonies and musical diversity, they take the stage and deliver an electrifying, riotous performance that is sure to get you hooked, up out of your seat, and on to the dance floor. Featuring new, local craft brewery Millennial Brewing Co. Doors open 7 PM; show starts 8 PM. General Admission Tickets $10. www.sbdac.com

Oct 18th

JASON ISBELL WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOSH RITTER Oct 18 Award-winning artist Jason Isbell has announced tour dates in support of the recent release of Something More Than Free, his highly anticipated fifth album for which Isbell recently won the Grammy Award for “Best Americana Album.” Isbell also won the Grammy for “Best Americana/ Roots Song” for “24 Frames,” the first single from the album. Isbell will be touring with his band The 400 Unit. 7:30 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center. www.bbmannpah.com O.A.R. Oct 20 When you buy your tickets or VIP upgrades at www.ofarevolution.com, you’ll have the opportunity to vote on which songs you want to hear the perform at the show you’re attending. Once you’ve completed your ticket purchase, you’ll be emailed a unique code that gives you access to vote on which songs from the band’s entire catalog that you want to hear. 7:30 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center. www.bbmannpah.com

Oct 20th

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER Oct 23 Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Mary Chapin Carpenter hits the road in 2016, performing songs from her expansive 14-album catalog and new songs from her latest record The Things That We Are Made Of . 7 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. www.bbmannpah.com

Oct 23rd

Oct 26th

SESAME STREET LIVE: ELMO MAKES MUSIC Oct 26 When the new music teacher’s instruments go missing, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and more come to the rescue and discover instruments they never knew existed. Children learn that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together! Performances at 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. www.bbmannpah.com

Oct 28th

STRANGE ARRANGEMENT Oct 28

Party-funk rock group Strange Arrangement® will set the mood for SBDAC’s Halloween Bash! Hailing from the tropical paradise Pine Island, Strange Arrangement® is a creative musical “family” organized by the Brothers Van Kirk. The group consists of dedicated musicians who are making a positive impact on the future generations with a multi- faceted approach to creating and delivering music. Brothers Warren and Gregory each have a unique, broad range of musical tastes and incorporate this into their original music, appealing to people of all ages and walks of life. With familiar rhythms and catchy, fresh hooks Strange Arrangement® is creating the music to our memories. Featuring local craft brewery Bury Me Brewing. Doors open 7 PM; Show starts 8 PM. Admission $10 or buy the series for $30. www.sbdac.com

Oct 3oth

SYMPHONY SPOOKTACULAR THE MUSIC OF DISNEY Oct 30 Join Gulf Coast Symphony for a “not-so-spooky” Halloween concert that’s sure to be fun for the whole family! At 1 PM, come dressed as your favorite storybook character for a costume contest and try out the instruments of the orchestra (yes, parents can try them too!) in a Musical Discovery Zone. Then at 2 PM, move into the theater for a concert featuring some of the most memorable music from Disney®. @1 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. www.bbmannpah.com LES STROUD AKA ‘SURVIVORMAN’ — AN EVENING OF MUSIC, CONVERSATION & VIDEO Nov 4 Best known as the producer, creator and star of the hit TV series Survivorman, meet Les Stroud, up close and personal as his three greatest passions — music, the great outdoors, and filmmaking — come together in this not-to-be missed live show. 8 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. www.bbmannpah.com GAVIN DEGRAW & ANDY GRAMMER Nov 7 Fans can expect to hear DeGraw perform songs throughout his acclaimed 10-plus year career including classics “I Don’t Wanna Be,” “Chariot,” and “Not Over You.” Multi-platinum selling artist Andy Grammer will dazzle with his naturally upbeat and positive songs off his recent deluxe edition of Magazines or Novels including smash hit and iTunes Pop Chart stunner “Honey, I’m Good,” along with “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah),” “Back Home,” and “Keep Your Head Up.” 7:30 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. www.bbmannpah.com

Nov 4th

Nov 7th

42 COASTE | IN CONCERT

Nov 9th

ODD SQUAD LIVE Nov 9 Attention Odd Squad fans, there’s oddness in your town and Ms. O needs YOU to help solve it. Team up with brand new agents Owen and Ophelia in this live, interactive adventure. With help from Ms. O back at headquarters, kids will put their STEM skills to the test and decode, decipher and unravel clues to stop villains like Father Time and Lady Terrible. Featuring an original script by the creators of Odd Squad and new music including songs by Soundcheck, this laugh-out-loud, action-packed experience is not to be missed. 2 PM & 6 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. www.bbmanpah.com GALLOWAY CAPTIVA TRIATHALON Sept 10 & 11 The Galloway Captiva Triathlon is now open to online regist ation. The Captiva Triathlon is a f mily, fun and fitness weekend at South Seas Island Resort centered on a children’s race on Saturday morning and an adult sprint-length race on Sunday morning. www.captivatri.org BOBBY BONES AND THE RAGING IDIOTS Nov 18 What began as great friends playing silly tunes on local television, radio, and random stages has snowballed into a wildly beloved musical comedy group playfully na ed “Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots.” 8 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performi g Arts Hall. www.bbmannpah.com Sept 23- Oct 2 2016 ISLAND HOPPER SONGWRITER FEST Sept 23 – Oct 2 From Sanibel and Captiva, to Fort Myers Beach and downtown Fort Myers, there’s live music here, there and everywhere as 50-plus singer-songwriters come together in Southwest Florida’s fun-tastic festive event. You’ll have to pay attention who’s playing what where, but there’s never a cover charge and always a good time to be had. www.fortmyers-sanibel.com MAKS & VAL LIVE ON TOUR: OUR WAY June 18 Brothers Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, the hottest stars of ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars,” are bringing to life the show they’ve dreamed about since childhood, combining an honest and unfiltered narrative of their life story with the world class dancing, creativity and passion they are known for. Collaborating with the greatest choreographers in the business and supported by a cast of fellow dance professionals, the show will surprise and delight with timeless elegance and steamy seduction. www.BBManPAH.com MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS Nov 19 One of America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive. Their holiday CDs have become synonymous with Christmas and continue to occupy top spots on Billboard’s Seasonal Charts every year! At Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. www.bbmannpah.com June - September — On Stage June 18

COASTE | ON STAGE

Sept 10+ 11 Nov 18th

Nov 19th

Thru July 2

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Thru July 2

Nov 20th

Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common other than a black lace bra — and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, lack of sex and more. The hilarious celebration of women and life’s change is set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s that’ll leave you laughing and dancing in the aisles! The show runs Saturday, May 19 to Saturday, July 2. www.BroadwayPalm.com with James Brown, among the most influential A erican musici s ever. Inscrutabl and unpredictable, Dylan has been both deifie and denounced for his shifts of interest, while whole schools of music an took up his ideas. His lyrics — the first in rock to be seriously regarded as literature — became so well known that politicians from Jimmy Carter to Vaclav Havel have cited them as an influence. 8 PM at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. www.bbmannpah.com BOB DYLAN AND HIS BAND Nov 20 For almost 50 years, Bob Dylan has remained, along

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