COASTE | SUMMER 2016

COASTE | SUMMER 2016

YourCOASTE.com

SUMMER 2016

SANIBEL | CAPTIVA | FORT MYERS | SW FLORIDA

GETTING HIGH OVER CAPTIVA

LET THE CREDITS ROLL Filmmaker John Scoular:

Fort Myers Miracle : : THE ROAD TO THE

BIG LEAGUES

• A Room With A View • Welcome Home • Take Five

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COASTE | EDITOR’S WELCOME

If It’s True, It Ain’t Bragging.

If you’re a parent, you know the saying about raising children: “The days are long but the years are short.” The same goes, in some ways, with creating and birthing a magazine and multi- media network. It doesn’t seem too long ago that the idea for COASTE came to life — but it’s now two-and-a-half years that we’ve been at this, pouring our hearts and souls into bringing you a fresh new take on the many things residents and visitors alike love about Southwest Florida. In fact, as we approach summer of 2016, the popularity of COASTE is clearly growing among our consumers — as our previous issue proved by exhausting our 10,000 free print copies in only five weeks. To you, our readers, we thank you for your passionate following and the many encouraging notes we get. Speaking of sayings, there’s another appropriate for COASTE too— that “the best things in life are free.” Fact again: COASTE is the ONLY coastal lifestyle magazine that’s 100% free (unless you’ve opted for home delivery). Combine those 10,000 free print copies at 100-plus locations with these other outlets for our consumers, and you’ve got a multi-media winner that includes: 1) 11,000 digital magazine subscribers, 2) 100,000 high income households in Lee and Collier Counties via email, 3) 10,ooo passionate social media followers, 4) 2,000-plus web visitors each month, 5) Plus IOS and Android apps for your mobile devices. If you’re an advertiser, you’re reaching motivated consumers on multiple fronts with your powerful messages, meaning multiple return on investment. To those advertisers over the past 30 months, past and present, we say thanks for hopping on the bandwagon. And yes, there’s room for lots more.

So welcome to our very cool and newest COASTE. As the (what else?) saying goes: “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

John Sprecher Founder | Editor

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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 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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GET DOWN. HERE.

Any given Friday, for every age, there’s something for everybody to love in The River District Downtown Fort Myers.

1.

4.

ViewEvents Schedule atwww.WhereFriday.Rocks

MYSTERYWALK Every 2nd Friday (6-10pm) Seasonal

ARTWALK Every 1st Friday (6-10pm)

MUSICWALK Every 3rd Friday (6-10pm) 5.

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2.

RDA Special Events: Car Cruise-In, Bike Night, Downtown Countdown, St. Patrick’s Day, Holiday Stroll, Saturday Art Fair, Freedom Fest, Veterans Day Parade

3. 6. The River District Alliance would like to thank our sponsors, volunteers and event donors who make Downtown Fort Myers rock! Special thanks to Edison National Bank, Music Walk sponsor.

VOLUME III | Number 3

YourCOASTE.com

For All Things Beautiful!

Founder | Executive Editor John Sprecher [email protected] Creative Director Director of Photography Milissa Sprecher [email protected] Director of Sales Katrina Salokar [email protected]

Contributing Writer Madison Chaffe

Contributing Photographers McKenna Sprecher Madelyn Scoular

COASTE is published by COASTE LLC. Print and digital magazines are offered by subscription, e-mail or mail. You can also download digital issues FREE on the App Store and Google Play for your mobile devices. 2340 Periwinkle Way, J3 | PO Box 869 | Sanibel FL 33957 Editorial: 239.395.3251 | Sales: 239.470.5611 www.YourCoaste.com

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on Captiva. Image: Milissa Sprecher.

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Photography Madeline Scoular

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By John Sprecher ROLL CREDITS ARTIST IN RESIDENCE With all filmmaker John Scoular has accomplished this year, you may say 2016 is his time to

To say that Naples filmmaker John Scoular has arrived in 2016 is to state the obvious. Over the past six months, he’s written, directed, filmed, edited and co-produced (with his wife Madeline) two major documentaries that beyond our local markets, will gain him national and even international exposure. But how he’s gotten to where he’s arrived, that’s just as interesting a story to tell — as well as a lesson in the value of believing in yourself, doing whatever it takes, striving to always improve and having someone who loves you share your dreams. “I feel fortunate,” he says. “It took 20 years and a lot of twists and turns. Like in football, sometimes you’re in the zone and sometimes you’re not, and for whatever reason, this year I’m in the zone.”

Football is a good way to begin the story of John Scoular, and the University of Texas El Paso is the place — where he was a scholarship starting quarterback while majoring in drama. When the NFL didn’t come calling, he packed his bags and moved to Manhattan to continue his study and pursuit of acting. But after two years in New York he up and left, landing in Fort Myers where he got a job at South Seas Island Resort (then South Seas Plantation). “Don’t ask me why, I just got fed up,” is how he explains the move. Eventually, though, Scoular got the acting bug again and found his way to Los Angeles — where he performed in small theaters, directed both theater and short film, and began dabbling in writing. But at age 33, another bug bit him — “some kind of infection” — which destroyed all of the cartilage in his knee and damaged his

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COASTE | ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

ankle. “So the acting was pretty much done at that point, I couldn’t run anymore, and I had a lot of time to write.”

some.” But his confidence was rewarded, as his first feature filmwon at six film festivals across the country (including a number of “bests”) and was released in 15 states without any studio backing. The experience would change his life. “As I was flying all over the country, I noticed that most of these films weren’t being produced in Hollywood. About that time, we’d had our second child and I looked around and asked myself: do I really want to raise my kids in L.A.?” The answer was no. So with the support of his spouse Madeline — “who was producing music videos at the time and making good money” — John Scoular and family finally arrived in Southwest Florida.

He also had time to contemplate his next move and, still passionate about the entertainment

industry, he took jobs on short films and gained “invaluable experience” working for a number of big name directors, one of them named Francis Lawrence of the “Hunger Games” fame. When he observed

“We’d had our second child and I looked around and asked myself: do I really want to raise my kids in L.A.?”

Lawrence picked up a camera during a Pink music video shoot to get the “right shot,” Scoular got his next bug — and his next stop was the Los Angeles Film School to hone his crafts in cinematography, screenwriting and directing. As Scoular gained experience in Hollywood on the other side of the camera, he also gained confidence in his writing skills, dusted off an old play and birthed a film: “Lunatics, Lovers and Poets.” As he states matter-of-factly, “we shot on film, I called in a lot of favors, we spent all our money and then

And here’s where his story really begins.

Quickly learning that the business of filmmaking in Southwest Florida isn’t quite as robust as

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California, Scoular decided to focus on being the best in one niche of the industry. “I decided I was gonna be the water guy,” he says. “So pretty much I shoot on water, whether it’s in the swamp, on a chase boat or in a chopper. It’s exciting. It’s fun. It’s beautiful.”

Naples. But more on this later. Through some other connections, Scoular was introduced some 15 months ago to Fort Myers artist Marcus Jansen and assigned to film a promotional short for a product — and almost without anyone knowing, his first documentary of 2016 began to take form. “As Marcus and I became comfortable,

Beyond supplementing his income, it also led him to develop a relationship with Lance and Harry Julian, a father-and-son team who relocated to Florida and founded Pure Florida, a boat tour and rental company — but who, in their past

he began to really open up about his life and his amazing art,” Scoular recalls. “When that happened, I knew we had something.” That something is “Marcus Jansen: Examine and Report,” a powerful documentary

“I decided I was gonna be the water guy. So pretty much I shoot on water, whether it’s in the swamp, on a chase boat or in a chopper.”

lives, were among Hollywood’s leading marine production companies for film and television. In 2013, the two parties began collaborating on projects, most notably documenting the potential development of an artificial reef off the coast of

of one of the world’s hottest artists that enjoyed its world premiere this past April opening for the Fort Myers Film Festival, where it won “Best Local Film.”

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COASTE | ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

The documentary coincides with the release of “Marcus Jansen: Decade,” a book of the artist’s work published by the internationally renowned SKIRA Editore of Italy, and will follow Jansen as he tours the world over the next few years with museum screenings in New York, Milan, Beijing and elsewhere. The world premiere was “a night of smiling,” Scoular recalls. It was also his only day off over the course of what will probably be five months, as the very next day he was back on the water, filming “Paradise Reef” — the documentary he and the Julians were funded to produce by Collier County. “Paradise Reef” will tell the story of the construction of an 18,000-tons-of-concrete artificial reef and its positive impact on both ecology and

tourism, andwill debut June 30 on local PBSaffiliate WGCU and sister stations throughout Florida. “Those are two pretty impressive resume builders over the last six months,” Scoular admits. “On one hand, I’m glad the kids (editor’s note: now four) are fed. On the other, it doesn’t escape me that we were able to leave L.A. where everyone’s chasing success, we’re raising our children a block from the beach and I’ve found a way to live a creative life. It’s been exhausting, but it feels good.” { } John Scoular ScoularImage.com 239.285.9290

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TAKE FIVE

“We ’ re about what ’s next and what i t means . ” By Joh Sprecher

Pason Gaddis is a man on a mission — make that, missions. After graduating Iowa State University in 1998, he launched a career in media sales with the national media giant Gannett, the largest newspaper company in the United States and publisher of the “News Press,” where he served almost nine years as Business Development Manager. But Gaddis and two associates had an idea about a different way to deliver printed news and, in 2007 — when many were saying print was a dying medium— they launched “Fort Myers Florida Weekly” newspaper. Fast forward to today, and Gaddis and his partners were right. As Co- Founder and CEO, he’s ignited a concept that’s successfully spreading like wildfire — today serving seven markets in South Florida, with plans for expansion and a new venture in Babcock Ranch — via print and digital media.

As for his other mission, that’s one much closer to his heart, as our interview with this passionate entrepreneur and media leader reveals.

Each issue, “Take Five” poses five questions to a community leader or personality that have not previously been shared. Here, Pason Gaddis talks about having a vision, taking risks, finding success where others have flailed or failed and making sure your priorities are in order.

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COASTE | TAKE FIVE

1 Print as a medium has been called a dying breed for some time — so how did “Florida Weekly” come to be? We worked hard to identify what was relevant to readers in our marketplace. As they went to the web to seek out jobs or homes or stocks, there was still a desire for feature- based, in-depth reporting. So we built our concept on what matters to people in our market the most: healthcare, transportation, food and dining, education, lifestyles. We’re not about reporting the past, we’re about informing people what’s next and what it means to them. 2 So this new newspaper concept hits the streets in 2007 and not too much later, the economy tanks. A little nervous? No question. We had to learn strict disciplines about being nimble, be very efficient, and we had to find a piece of the market where consumers were still spending. Then we had to provide that content to the consumer, so we could deliver return to our advertisers. We invested in our product, our staff and our content, and kept as much capital as we could in the business to fund growth. You know, rubbing a couple nickels together to make a dollar (he laughs), and then not spend that dollar but put it back into the company. You’ve now grown to seven markets and are exploring two more, so what’s your key to success? It starts with our customers: our readers and our advertisers, and listening to their needs. For the readers, it’s finding what the critical mass is interested in, in a community publication, and delivering something meaningful each week. For advertisers, it’s being a partner with them and aligning our product mix to meet their needs. We hire the best people we can find and let ‘em do their thing and be creative, both in content and in 3 We’ve recently launched “Key West Florida Weekly.” By some estimates there are four million visitors to Key West each year, so it allows the franchise to be exposed to a lot of people and we’re really excited about that. We’re also in due diligence with Boca Raton and South Beach Miami; we hope to bring those online next year. Our business plan is a statewide circulating brand, really any market in Florida is fair game. You’ve also been heavily involved with Southwest Florida’s Heart Ball for the American Heart Association. Where does this passion come from? Our daughter has a congenital heart defect and had a pacemaker implanted to regulate her heartbeat when she was three years old, and that experience was very humbling for us as parents. Having a child with a medical condition or a disability, no parent should have to go through. So we chose to make it our mission to champion pediatric cardiology research, prevention and education, especially in the areas of childhood obesity. And today, I’m proud to say our daughter’s a beautiful 13-year-old girl and doing wonderfully. 4 5 sales. And finally, we’re all about honesty and integrity. Where are you taking the company from here?

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HIGH OVER CAPTIVA By John Sprecher | Photography by Milissa Sprecher

YOLO Watersports is much more than a beachbum’s delight. It’s a true destination for recreation that’ll suit just about anyone.

It’s one of those breathtakingly perfect late mornings on Captiva Island in early May. A brilliantly sunny and almost cloudless blue sky, temperatures in the low 80s, hardly a hint of humidity to be felt anywhere — and the adventure of a lifetime awaiting just a left turn off Captiva Drive, westward down Andy Rosse Lane.

colorful destination: YOLO Watersports, just a shell’s throw from the legendary Mucky Duck Restaurant and just steps beyond, the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Marcel Ventura has owned YOLO Watersports for almost 30 years, and offers Captiva’s beach lovers just about anything anybody could want or need to rock your day: banana boats, waverunners, flyboards, stand up paddleboards, surfboards,

Thiswriter andhis familyhappen to be lucky today, and find a hidden parking stall at our charming,

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COASTE | ADVENTURES

sailboats, bikes, scooters, scoot coupes, golf carts, baby joggers, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, even Yeti coolers. Inside, there’s myriad sun and fun

“Once you’re high enough and can’t hear the boat anymore, it’s so incredibly peaceful and relaxing. And the view is spectacular.” First up are the guinea pigs, also known as our kids. With years of experience riding virtually all of the big- name coasters in theme parks across the state, the crew straps them into their PFDs, clips them safely onto the sail lift and seats them on the bench — effectively a comfortable swing for three, only with a parachute attached to it. The captain throttles forward and off they rise. Roughly 12 minutes later, they return to a perfect landing — actually standing on the boat — after a playful, last-minute pants-dip in the water that’s part of the ride. Smiles abound, and “awesomes” fill they air.

retail items to be had, from necessities to shades to GoPros.

“To me, parasailing feels like you’re floating, sort of being on a magic carpet. Once you’re high enough and can’t hear the boat anymore, it’s so incredibly peaceful and relaxing. And the view is spectacular.”

But our mission this Tuesday morning

is the grand prize, the highlight reel of Captiva adventures — and that’s taking flight above the Gulf waters, tethered to an 800-foot cable as your trip boat below guides you into the winds and you parasail into paradise. It’s an adventure our team — two adults and three kids from eight to 13 years old — have been anticipating for days. So we sign our waivers, scurry to the beach, wade out to our boat and its crew of two and climb aboard.

“To me, parasailing feels like you’re floating, sort of being on a magic carpet,” Ventura says.

Then it’s our turn. In full disclosure, this writer isn’t the world’s biggest fan of roller coasters

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COASTE | ADVENTURES

where you’re feet aren’t touching some kind of floor, and in parasailing there ain’t no floor. But to the credit of the crew, their approach and their

Channel and Pine Island Sound. Most of all, there’s an overriding sense of a feeling too seldom felt in our busy and noisy world: peace. Pure peace.

emphasis on safety and security, there’s not even an anxious second to be had. We strap in, we lift off, and in minutes we’re fully tethered 800 feet out — more than 500 feet in the air. It’s truly difficult to fully convey the wonder of parasailing high over the Gulf of Mexico, because it’s almost like trying

It was an experience of a lifetime for us, and apparently is for a lot of others — YOLO Watersports is the number three Captiva attraction among visitors on TripAdvisor. “We’re very fortunate to have the location we have, and it seems the islands just keep getting

“We’ve seen many families that have come year after year, when their kids were young and now when they’re grown. That’s the special part of what we do, and makes it all worthwhile.”

to describe a state of perfection. It’s absolutely quiet. The expanse of water that sparkles below you is stunningly beautiful. Look around, and you witness 360 degrees of blue sky and the etch- a-sketch details of Captiva Island, Roosevelt

busier,”Ventura notes. “We’ve seenmany families that have come year after year, when their kids were young and now when they’re grown. That’s the special part of what we do, and it makes it all worthwhile.”

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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 { }

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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. At Sanibel’s Tigua Cay, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic Gulf views from this corner townhouse that lives like a single-family home. With easy access to the Causeway, the townhouse features a contemporary design with three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, two-car garage, private elevator and loft. Highlights include a beautiful two-story great room with stone floors, cathedral ceiling, beamed ceiling, coral walls, and glass fireplace with dramatic Gulf views; kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinets and gas cook top; plus large master suite featuring private sun deck, walk-in closet, and marble bathroom with separate shower and whirlpool tub. Steps from the sparkling community pool, there’s a large private outdoor patio where you can barbecue with your family and enjoy the Gulf breezes overlooking almost 250 feet of beach frontage. Pets are allowed. Listing agent: Karen Bell and The Bell Team. Price: $1,989,000.

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COASTE | WELCOME HOME

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JUST A SHORT TURN OFF DANIELS PARKWAY IN FORT MYERS , BIG LEAGUES STARTS HERE. THE ROAD TO THE

By John Sprecher | Photography Milissa Sprecher

Seventy times every year, a group of men from literally around the world will meet in a clubhouse, climb into home white uniforms with the word “Miracle” stitched onto the front, and walk out onto a baseball field. Although they’ve come here from across the U.S., Canada, Australia and other countries as close as the Caribbean or as far away as Korea, they all share their personal variation on the same dream — to climb the baseball ladder and

maybe, one day, arrive in the Major Leagues. And for 25 or more of them each season, that road to the Bigs starts right here in Fort Myers, at Hammond Stadium. Just as each player’s skills and personality are different, each player’s journey has begun and will end differently. Some will find the road to stardom quickly and easily. Others will take a

long and winding path. And as statistics will tell, for the majority of these young men, the road will come to an end — short of their goals and dreams. As a community, the baseball gods have blessed Fort Myers mightily. Both the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins spring train here, bringing significant economic impact and media attention to our region. Even better, Fort Myers is home to

the Twins’ “Class-A Advanced” baseball team, otherwise known as the Miracle.

Andrew Seymour is Vice President and General Manager of the Miracle, a job he’s held the past three years — although his association with the team dates to the 90s. And while he’s moved away and returned three times, he tells you there are two constants about Fort Myers and the Miracle.

COASTE | COMMUNITY

“First, Southwest Florida is a beautiful place to live and work, and the support we receive from the community is tremendous,” he says. “Second, we pride ourselves on being a family friendly form of professional entertainment, good clean fun in a safe environment.” Last

of former major league pitcher Tom Gordon (who played 21 years) and brother of second baseman Dee Gordon of the Miami Marlins (a two-time All Star, Gold Glove AwardWinner and 2015 National

League batting title winner). Drafted fifth overall in 2014, the 20-year-old Gordon received $3.851 million to sign with the Twins — so the expectations, as both he and the organization see it, are high.

“I’m here to work hard, listen and learn, and do whatever I need to improve every day. Just because I was a high draft choice doesn’t guarantee anything. I’ve got to produce.”

year, more than 133,000 of us — that’s almost 2,000 patrons each game — wholeheartedly agreed.

Seymour is also quick to point out that the

“I’m here to work hard, listen and learn, and do whatever I need to improve every day,” he says. “Just because I was a high draft choice doesn’t guarantee anything. I’ve got to produce.” Hitting over .300 with the Miracle to date this season suggests that Gordon is, indeed, listening and learning and producing.

baseball isn’t too shabby, either. “I would estimate that 17 or 18 players on the Twins major league roster (of 25) have played for the Miracle. So a night out at the ballpark? It’s your chance to have some fun and maybe catch a rising star or two.”

One such potential rising star is shortstop Nick Gordon. A native of Orlando, Gordon is the son

Relief pitcher Todd Van Steensel’s journey to

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S H O U L D N ’ T E V E R Y D AY B E T H I S G O O D ? • C A P T I VA I S L A N D U S A

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COASTE | COMMUNITY

Fort Myers is decidedly different — taking him literally across the world and back more than once in his quest to make it to the majors. Born in Australia, Van Steensel was 16 years old and

back in the middle of the night, then back on the field the next day to play another game. Even if you don’t feel your best, you get up and grind through it, give it your best effort and hopefully it turns out your way.”

pitching in a national tournament when the Philadelphia Phillies offered him a contract. After high school graduation, he spent two years with the Phillies farm team but was released. He then returned to Australian baseball, signed with the Twins in 2011 and

“(It’s) a grind. That’s the easiest and best way to describe it. The long bus rides, getting back in the middle of the night, then back on the field the next day to play another game.”

The Miracle is one of 12 teams that comprise the Florida State League — a bus league, as Andrew Seymour calls it, with road trips up to four hours “that’s all about player development. This is not glamorous baseball.

returned to the U.S., was released the same year, played in Australia again for a few years — then re-signed with the Twins in 2014 and relocated to Fort Myers. Now 25 years old, Van Steensel calls being a minor league ballplayer “a grind. That’s the easiest and best way to describe it. The long bus rides, getting

The guys playing here, most of them haven’t signed for a bonus. They don’t make a ton of money, believe me. They’re putting in a lot of sweat equity to advance their careers because they want the opportunity to one day make it to the majors and get that payoff. In the meantime, they live off their meager monthly checks, and they all make the same salary.”

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COASTE | COMMUNITY

THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW .

Scott Dunavant, M.D. is proud to welcome you to an exciting new health care alternative for residents and visitors alike — Dunavant Medical Group. Dunavant Medical Group draws on the extensive experience and expertise of Dr. Scott Dunavant that includes emergency care, family practice and professional sports medicine. He’s joined by Diane St. Pierre, A.R.N.P., plus a team of dedicated caregivers. Dunavant Medical Group offers traditional health care for family health, wellness, urgent care

(for all ages), sports medicine and walk-in clinical care — all with a highly personal and highest quality approach.

To become a patient or to make an appointment, call 239.312.4544 or visit www.DunavantMedicalGroup.com.

695 Tarpon Bay Road Suite 2 • Sanibel • 239.312.4544 • DunavantMedicalGroup.com

COASTE | COMMUNITY

One advantage Miracle players have over many of their counterparts is the fact that Fort Myers is the spring training home for the major league Twins — which is most apparent in the impressive Player’s Academy the team built as part of the CenturyLink Sports Complex. Here, Miracle players benefit with an extensive training facility, plus living quarters that include a recreation center, meeting rooms, study hall, dining hall and living quarters (double occupancy). “It’s amazing and “Making it to the majors is a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. This is my goal, and I’m gonna chase it as long as the stars let me, I guess.” extremely affordable for the guys, and includes three meals a day plus snack with nutritional guidance for each player, lodging like a great hotel room, maid service if they want, wireless internet and lots more,” Seymour notes. “All the amenities and conveniences are designed to make them better players. After all, the Twins are making investments in these players — generally about five years — and they want a return on their investment.”

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COASTE | COMMUNITY

Nick Gordon, Todd Van Steensel and 23 other young men would like to deliver on that investment. “Making it to the majors is a dream I’ve had since I was a kid,” Van Steensel says. “That’s what all the long bus rides are worth, that’s what all the hours in the sun are worth, a glimmer of hope that one day you might make it and get to perform on that level. I’ve been released before, I’ve tried to find a job, I’ve gone back to school, and the entire time baseball’s on my mind. This is my goal, and I’m gonna chase it as long as the stars let me, I guess.”

{ Miracle Baseball MiracleBaseball.com 239.768.4210

}

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COASTE | RECHARGE

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. Nestled along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Song of the Sea is the perfect South Florida romantic getaway. Song of the Sea is both exclusive and charming, where you’ll discover peaceful serenity, combined with enchanting amenities. Enjoy 30 intimate accommodations that offer the convenience of kitchenettes in every guest room, a complimentary bottle of wine upon your arrival, plus continental breakfast served al fresco on the cozy terrace. And if you’re remotely motivated, you can enjoy a Sports Membership to the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club for recreation, a Social Membership to the Dunes for live entertainment and events, or just relax at the heated pool and hot tub.

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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’s Only Botanical Gardens ∙ Butterfly Garden ∙ 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

What’s Happening on Your

June - September — Community Events

Wed nes- days

WORKING WATERFRONT WALKING TOUR Every Wednesday The Working Waterfront Walking tour is $15 for adults and $10 for youth. The tour starts at 9 AM, and is a three-hour guided tour that educates the public about the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center on Fort Myers Beach and the commercial fishing industry. Experience shrimp boats, packing houses, net shop, ships, a seafood market and more. Reservations required. www.FortMyersBeach.org CELEBRATE ISLANDS NIGHT WITH FORT MYERS MIRACLE June 1 Celebrate the businesses and residents of Sanibel and Captiva on the 23rd Annual Islands Night on Wednesday, June 1! Come out and watch a pregame parade before the game starts at 7:05 PM at Hammond Stadium at the CenturyLink Sports Complex. Join the Stevie Tomato’s Mug Club and the Miracle will buy your first drink! For $12, patrons get a general admission ticket, a mug and a voucher for one free drink. www.Sanibel-Captiva.org STORYTIME FOR KIDS AND CAREGIVERS Wednesdays Family Storytime is from 10 AM-11 AM at the Sanibel Public Library, and is a program that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and stories. Caregivers are asked to model storytime behavior by participating, and remaining in the room until the program ends. No registration is required for this event. www.Sanibel-Captiva.org June 1 Wed nes days

June 3

C aptiva C ruises Island Hopping • Shelling • Dolphin Watching Sunset and Sailing Cruises • Private Charters

FORT MYERS MIRACLE: A

SPECIAL APPEARANCE FROM THE SOUP NAZI June 3 Fans better be on their best behavior because Seinfeld’s “Soup Nazi” will be serving up autographs and posing for pictures on Friday, June 3. Actor Larry Thomas will be at Hammond Stadium at the CenturyLink Sports Complex for an armoire-smashing good time! The game begins at 7:05 PM with tickets from $7.50. www.MiracleBaseball.com

Cayo Costa State Park # 1 shelling destination

Daily Dolphin Cruises with naturalist on board

Useppa Island picturesque island retreat

Lady Chadwick

Cabbage Key “cheeseburger in paradise”

Sunset Cruises wildlife, sailing, or live music

Come out to beautiful Captiva Island. Explore our amazing “out islands” and watch dolphins in the wild. First class tours and expeditions. Customized private charters. Captiva Cruises will be your vacation highlight.

239-472-5300

www.captivacruises.com

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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

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COASTE | COMMUNITY EVENTS

June 4

FORT MYERS MIRACLE: A MID-SUMMER FIREWORKS SHOW June 4 Celebrate summer with the Fort Myers Miracle on Saturday, June 4 as they light up the sky with a fireworks show after the game! Tickets start at $8.50 and the game starts at 6:05 PM at the CenturyLink Sports Complex. Gates open at 5 PM with specially-priced draft beers until 7 PM. www.MiracleBaseball.com

Wed nes days

FREE SUMMER PROGRAM: READING IN THE REFUGE Wednesdays Come out and join a naturalist for story time at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Bring your family to hear an exciting wildlife-themed story, and make a craft relating to an animal from the Refuge’s estuarine ecosystem. Story time is appropriate for Pre-K through sixth grade, although everyone is welcome. The program takes place in the Visitor and Education Center classroom. www.Sanibel-Captiva.org

June 4

PURE FLORIDA PRESENTS BARK ON THE ARK June 4 Pure Florida invites SWFL to Bark on the Ark on Saturday, June 4 from 8 AM-11 AM. Guests will have the opportunity to bring their dogs aboard the M/V Edison Explorer, departing from The Marina at Edison Ford, for a sightseeing river cruise to Picnic Island. Water, Frisbees and dog treats are included for the canines. Registration for the tour is $44 per human. www.PureFL.com

June 18

FORT MYERS MIRACLE HOST THE 2016 FSL ALL-STAR GAME June 18 The Fort Myers Miracle will welcome the best of the Florida State League for the 2016 All- Star Game on June 18! Tickets start at $7.50 and the game starts at 7:05 PM at Hammond Stadium at the CenturyLink Sports Complex. A Home Run Derby will take place before the game and the Miracle will set off an All-Star caliber pyrotechnic display after the final out! www.MiracleBaseball.com

organic spa and hair lounge

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COASTE | COMMUNITY EVENTS

June 20- 22

PURE FLORIDA PRESENTS KIDS SCIENCE CRUISE June 25 Join Pure Florida on a Kids Science Cruise starting on Saturday, June 25 from 10 AM-11:30 AM! As part of Pure Florida’s Kids Cruise Free program, you’ll set sail from the historic Tin City in Naples. The Kids Science Cruise is free for children when accompanied by paid adult admission. www.PureFL.com MIRACLE HOST FIRST SUMMER CAMP OF THE SUMMER June 20 - 22 The Fort Myers Miracle host the first baseball camp of the summer for kids ages 6 to 8 — Monday, June 20 to Wednesday, June 22. Sign up online or 239-768-4210. www.MiracleBaseball.com June 25 3RD ANNUAL BEACH CHAMBER BOWLING BASH July 21 Come have a blast at the third annual Fort Myers Beach Chamber Bowling Bash! The Bash will feature two competitive rounds from either 5 PM-7 PM, or 7 PM-9 PM. This event will feature food and raffle prizes as well as free pool, cornhole, and other games for all attendees! Participants can enter up to five players. www.FortMyersBeach.org July 21

Tues days

OLD FORT MYERS CEMETERY TOUR Every Tuesday Stroll through the historic (and haunted?) Old Fort Myers Cemetery, stopping at the graves of some of the city’s most famous and infamous pioneers to marvel at their colorful histories. And along the way, discover how the culture of a bygone era shaped this sprawling city. www.TrueTours.net

Thurs days

RIVER DISTRICT FARMERS MARKET This lively green market offers a variety of local produce, seafood, baked goods, honey, nuts, flowers, plants and more for the discerning shopper. The River District Farmers’ Market is open every Thursday between 7 AM-1 PM in the Centennial Park parking lot. www.FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com

Thru July 30

BABY BOOT CAMP Thru July 30 Baby Boot Camp offers expectant mothers a certified fitness professional that will guide them through exercise classes that are specifically for pregnant, post-natal and ultra-fit moms. Baby Boot Camp is offered from June 1 to July 30, at 9 AM-10 AM, at Miromar Outlets. www.Sanibel-Captiva.org

Wednesdays

EDISON FORD GARDEN TOURS Wednesdays Join the Edison & Ford Winter Estates as horticulturists lead behind-the-scenes garden tours, which 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.org

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COASTE | COMMUNITY EVENTS

Each Week

SUMMER ARTS CAMP June-Aug Summer Arts Camp is for

First- to Sixth-graders and is $160 per week for Alliance Members or $200 per week for non-members. Camp is in session from 9 AM-4 PM. Teen volunteer opportunities are available. Weekly themes and all camps offer a unique blend of visual arts, theater, voice and dance instruction. There is an art exhibition and final stage performance each Friday afternoon at 2:30 for Summer Arts Camp. www.ArtinLee.org FAMILY BEACH WALK Aug 5 Meet at Sanibel’s Gulfside City Park pay kiosk for a guided exploration of the refuge’s Perry Tract. Learn about this vital beach ecosystem. Don’t forget to bring your shell bag, sunscreen, bug spray, and water! No pre- registration is required. Parking fees at Gulfside City Park apply. www.Sanibel-Captiva.org WILDLIFE WONDERS Aug 6 What makes a bird a bird? Why is a manatee called a sea cow? Is it a crocodile or an alligator? Find the answers to these questions and more as you join a Ding Darling Refuge staff member in learning about the Refuge’s unique ecosystem. Program located in Visitor & Education Center, from 11 AM-12 PM. Subject will change weekly, depending on the presenter. No

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Aug 5

Aug 6

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Estate and Probate Administration Business Law / Litigation General Counsel / Tax Law

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pre-registration is required. www.Sanibel-Captiva.org

40

COASTE | ON STAGE

GALLOWAY CAPTIVA TRIATHALON Sept 10 & 11 The Galloway Captiva Triathlon is now open to online registration. The Captiva Triathlon is a family, 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

Sept 10+ 11

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

June - September — On Stage

June 18

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

Thru July 2

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Thru July 2

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

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Dining Guide

CROW’S NEST | CAPTIVA MON-SUN 5 PM - CLOSE

15951 Captiva Dr. | 239.472.5161 | CrowsNest-Captiva.com Park your flip flops at the one and only Crow’s Nest Beach Bar & Grille at the legendary ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa, where you’ll find great food, great fun, great times and great entertainment served up nightly. A TripAdvisor top-rated Captiva Island restaurant.

OVER EASY CAFE | SANIBEL MON-SUN 7 AM – 3 PM

630 Tarpon Bay Road | 239.472.2625 | OverEasyCafeSanibel.com Over Easy Café is a highly popular gathering place for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy a hearty, home cooked menu of classic comfort foods — from pancakes to scrambled eggs, sandwiches to salads, tasty soups to terrific desserts. Breakfast is served all day, the outdoor seating is awesome, and gentle pets are welcome.

THE PECKING ORDER FRIED CHICKEN | SANIBEL MON-SUN 11 AM – 9 PM 2496 Palm Ridge Rd.| 239.GRAB.LEGS ePeckingOrderSanibel.com Aptly titled “slow-cooked fast food” and “comfort food for the soul,” The Pecking Order is a new dining delight that embraces its role to perpetuate fine Southern cookin’ — from secret-recipe chicken (always fresh) — by the piece or bucket — to collard greens, black beans and rice, home-made mac and cheese, and more!

SWEET MELISSA’S CAFÉ | SANIBEL LUNCH MON-FRI 11.30 AM – 2.30 PM | DINNER MON-SAT 5 PM – CLOSE 1625 Periwinkle Way | 239.472.1956 | SweetMelissasCafe.com Consistently hailed as among the top restaurants in Southwest Florida by local, regional and national reviews and awards, Sweet Melissa’s Café is truly Sanibel’s destination dining experience. Serving both lunch and dinner, Executive Chef Melissa Talmage has fashioned an innovative cuisine, spirits and wine menu betting the praise “Best Food in Lee County.”