march 14, 2014 issue

25¢

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

MARCH 14 - 27, 2014

© 2014, Snook Publications P O Box 617, Everglades City, FL, 34139 Volume VIII Issue #207

Early Everglades Photography Talk Dr. Jerald T. Milanich will give an illustrated presentation on Thursday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m. in historic Everglades City Hall. Dr. Milanich, with Nina J. Root of the American Museum of Natural History, has produced a book from a selection of the negatives entitled "Enchantments; Julian Dimock's Photographs of Southwest Florida". After the presentation, there will be a book signing. The event is hosted by the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation who helped fund the restoration of the photographs for publication. Everyone is welcome, and there is no charge but reservations are required. For information and to book your places, email [email protected] or call (239) 695-2905. Photo caption: A.W. Dimock with one of the cameras in a photo taken by his son Julian. Photo credit: AMNH image 47641

OBITUARY James (“Jim”) R. Webb passed away on Wednesday, February 26, at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born on May 23, 1941, in Ft. Myers, raised in the Everglades area and served in the Armed Forces for 11 years in Georgia before going to Vietnam. Jim attended college in California, and in 1978 he returned to Everglades City to help his father run Win-Car Hardware in the Manhattan Mercantile Building (old Everglades Inn) which was destroyed by fire in 1987. Carolyn Thompson started working with Jim and his father at the old store; then after the building burned, Carl Sr. retired and Carolyn and Jim built the new hardware store at its present location on Collier Avenue in 1988. Jim was member of the Lions Club and of the Merchants Association which founded the 4th of July parade and festivities. The group was also active in other community activities. Locals remember Jim’s enthusiasm when sharing his memorabilia of days gone by. He told stories of the Lopez family with many people who came into the store. He loved history, guns and football. Jim leaves behind his close business partner and companion of 28 years, Carolyn Thompson. He is preceded in death by his father Carl A. Webb, Sr, and daughters Davilon Rogers and Demetrius Herman. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Lopez Webb, his brother Carl (Buck) Webb, Jr, grandson Casey Herman and three step-children, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and four great-nephews. A memorial service was held at the First Baptist Church in Everglades City on March 11. Family attended a private burial service at the Lopez Cemetery in Chokoloskee. Donations may be made to the local American Cancer Society.

CITY COUNCIL REPORT by Marya Repko

Mayor Sammy Hamilton said at the meeting on March 4 that sorting out the Water Plant is more difficult than restoring City Hall. He had been in meetings all week and hoped that the new Water Plant would be ready by the end of this year. Lt Mark Milligan reported that there were almost 43,000 people at Seafood Festival. He reminded us of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Councilor Elaine Middelstaedt thanked Lt Mark for inviting her to a tour of the CCSO emergency operations headquarters. The next Everglades City Council meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1 in City Hall.

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

CONTENTS Calendar p. 2 Parks p. 8 Events p. 3 Gulf Coast p. 8 School p. 5 History p. 9 Taxing p. 7 Bike Ride p. 9 Recipe p. 7 Museum p. 9 Sheriff p. 7 Florida Tales p. 9 Savannah p. 7 Florida Flora p.10 TIDES & RESTAURANTS p.11 CLASSIFIED p.12

FEATURE: Business News, p.10

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

The MULLET RAPPER What’s Happening in the Everglades City Area March 14, 2014

April 26: Pancake Fly-In; Museum B’day May 1: National Day of Prayer

THRIFT SHOP: Tues, Thurs, Sat, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm SKATING RINK: Fri, Sat, 7-10 pm DR DEMARTINO: Fri, 1:30 to 4:30 pm LITTLE GATOR CLINIC: Tues, Mar 18 and 25, 5 to 7 pm FOOD PANTRY: Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 am, Community Church CR-29 HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP: Thursday, 8 am AA: Wed, 5:00 pm, Community Church AL-ANON: Thurs, 12 noon, Community Church NA: Sat, 11:30 am, Community Center (Skating Rink) MUSEUM: Tues-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm; Sat, 9 am to 4 pm SMALLWOOD STORE: Daily, 10 am to 4 pm VA SUPPORT: Fri, Mar 28, 10:30 am and April 11, 10 am WEIGHT LOSS: Tues, 5 to 6 pm, Community Church CARNESTOWN Recycle and Trash: 2nd Sat, 9 am to 1 pm

SHERIFF AT CITY HALL: See office in City Hall for March days/hours

POST OFFICE HOURS: Everglades City 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m.; Sat: outside pick-up 3:30 p.m.; Chokoloskee 9 a.m. to 12 noon; 1 to 3 p.m. Sat: outside pick-up 3:30 pm; Ochopee 8 to 10 a.m.; 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sat: Open for service 10 to 11:30 a.m.

SHERIFF: 252-9300 CITY HALL: 695-3781 PUBLIC LIBRARY: 695-2511 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 695-3941 AIRPORT: 695-2778 FAKAHATCHEE: 695-4593 BIG CYPRESS: 695-2000 EVG NATIONAL PARK: 695-3311 CURBSIDE TRASH PICKUP (FRIDGES, WASHING MACHINES, TVS): 252-2380 COLLIER COUNTY: 252-8999

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

9 Daylight Savings

Time Change “Spring” forward

10 Hour of Prayer

Everglades Community Church

7 pm OFCD Mtg

Revival Chamber Mtg Island Café, 6 pm

11 End of the

Road Revival

12 Ladies Coffee

City Seafood 8 am

Weight Loss Support Group

13 Full Moon Canoe Trip

RAPPER 14

VA Support Group 10 am

see p.3 Movie Night

see p.3 Full Moon Canoe Trip

see p.3

15 Open House FL Panther

Nat’l Wildlife Refuge see p.3

full moon 16 Gospel Music

Program see p.3

17 Hour of Prayer Copeland Baptist

Church 7 pm

18 Kids’ Clinic

see p.3 ReachOut Mtg 8:30am, City Hall


19 Ladies Coffee

Sweet Mayberry’s Café

8 am Wine Wed.

see p.3

20 Everglades Book Club

see p.3 Historical Talk

see p.1 SAC Meeting

21 Reception for Dan Kimball

see p.3

22 Pancake Fly-In

see p.3 Star Gazing

Party see p.3

23 24

Hour of Prayer Chokoloskee

Church of God 7 pm

25 Kids’ Clinic

see p.3


26 Ladies Coffee

Havana Café 8 am

27 Museum Talk

see p.3

RAPPER 28

VA Support Group 10:30 am

see p.3

29 Wildflower Day

see p.3 Calusa Days

see p.3 new moon 30

Calusa Days see p.3

31 Hour of Prayer

Holy Family Catholic Church

7 pm

APRIL 1 Congressional

Aide Visit, 3 pm City Council

5:30 pm

2 Ladies Coffee

Island Café 8 am

3

4 5 Diamonds Tea

see p.3 Starry Night

see p.3 6 7

Hour of Prayer Everglades

Community Church 7 pm

8 Weight Loss

Support Group 5-6 pm

9 Ladies Coffee

City Seafood 8 am

10 RAPPER 11 VA Support Group 10 am

see p.3

12

13 Everglades Bike Ride

see p.9

14 Hour of Prayer Copeland Baptist

Church 7 pm

full moon 15 Weight Loss

Support Group 5-6 pm

16 Ladies Coffee

Sweet Mayberry’s Café

8 am

17 18 19

MARCH / APRIL 2014

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


email: [email protected] PAGE 3 www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Veterans Support Group Meetings every other Friday: March 14 at 10 am and March 28 at 10:30 am at the Everglades Community Church.

ESHP MOVIE NIGHT Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in "To Have and Have Not" on Friday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Everglades Community Church. Reservations required; call 695-2905.

Collier Seminole State Park Canoe Trips

Full Moon Trips: March 13 & 14 8:30 pm - $35 – Call (239) 394-3397

FREE OPEN HOUSE - Florida Panther Nat’l Wildlife Refuge Saturday, March 15 – 7:30 am – 1 pm Swamp buggy tours, bird hikes, orchid walks, hayrides & more – free lunch Reservations – (239) 353-4882, x229

GOSPEL MUSIC PROGRAM Everglades First Baptist Church will hold a Gospel Music Program at 6 pm on Sunday, March 16. All are welcome.

WINE WEDNESDAY Wednesday, March 19

Driftwood Spa - 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Everglades Isle Motor Coach Resort

“Specials & Deals”

EVERGLADES BOOK CLUB Thursday, March 20, 9:30 am

"Cleopatra: A Life" by Stacy Schiff Ruth Hefflefinger’s Home, 2ll Buckner Avenue #825

Reception for Dan Kimball Friday March 21, 7:00 pm

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables

Tickets: $150 per person Visit www.southfloridaparks.org

or call (305) 665-4769 for reservations

PANCAKE FLY-IN Wings 10,000 Islands Tours to host a pancake breakfast 10 am - noon at Everglades Airpark on Saturday, March 22. Call 695-3296 for information.

STAR GAZING PARTY Collier Seminole State Park

Saturday, March 22, 8:30 pm Big Cypress & The Everglades Astronomical Society will give an interpretive presentation and constellation tours. Bad weather date: March 23. Call (239) 397-3397 for info.

MUSEUM TALK The Friends of the Museum of the Everglades will host speaker Jeff Whichello who will discuss his new book “What Happened to Ochopee” on Thursday, March 27, at 5:00 pm. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Jeff will be available for a book signing after the event. Everyone welcome!

BIG CYPRESS WILDFLOWER DAY

Big Cypress Preserve has set Saturday, March 29, as the date for this year’s Wildflower Day. More information later.

CALUSA DAYS On March 29 & 30 come celebrate Calusa Days & Florida Archaeology Month at the ENP Gulf

Coast Visitor Center. Learn about the prehistory and archaeological resources in the 10,000 Islands; visit Indian shell mounds and see exhibits on basketry, pottery, shell tools, atlatl spear throwing and lots more. Activities are free except for the boat tours to the shell mounds. For more info, call 695-3311.

DIAMONDS' TEA The annual Diamonds' Tea will take place on Saturday, April 5, at 2:00 p.m. in the Everglades Seafood Depot. If you are 70 years old or older, you're welcome. Younger women are invited to help as hostesses. For info and reservations, phone Annie at 695-2009.

STARRY NIGHT On Saturday, April 5, at 8:30 p.m., Big Cypress National Preserve will give its final astronomy program of the season. Presentations will include constellation tours and telescope viewing of stars. Call 695-1165 or see www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/winter-2014-astronomy-programs.htm.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OCHOPEE FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT

02/24/14: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 02/25/14: Assault, Port of the Islands 02/26/14: Vehicle Accident, Ochopee 02/26/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 02/27/14: Mutual Aid, Marco Island 03/01/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/01/14: Emergency Medical, Copeland 03/01/14: Vehicle Accident, Ochopee 03/01/14: Emergency Medical, Chokoloskee 03/02/14: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 03/02/14: Vehicle Fire, 67 Mile Marker I-75 03/04/14: Com. Vehicle Fire, 79 MM I-75 03/04/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/04/14: Vehicle Accident, Ochopee 03/04/14: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 03/05/14: Emergency Med, 77 MM I-75 03/05/14: Emergency Medical, Ochopee 03/06/14: Brush Fire, Ochopee 03/06/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/07/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/08/14: Vehicle Accident, Ochopee 03/08/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/08/14: Emergency, Everglades City 03/08/14: Smoke Investigation, 57 MM I-75 03/08/14: Emergency Med, 63 MM I-75 03/09/14: Emergency Med, Everglades City 03/09/14: Vehicle Accident, Everglades City

The next Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Committee Meeting will be Monday, April 14, at 4:00 p.m. in the Port of the Islands Realty Office at 24998 Tamiami Trail, East Naples.

DOCTOR’S CLINIC Dr. Kirk DeMartino will see patients in Everglades City every Friday from 1:30 to 4:30 pm in the office behind the Fire Station. If you have any questions, call (239) 642-5552.

Little Gator Clinic The free walk-in clinic behind the Fire Station will be open Tuesday, March 18 and 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm when Dr. Barnard and Kathy will see patients aged 18 and under. There are no drugs on the property, but Dr. Barnard can write prescriptions.

THRIFT SHOP HOURS The Thrift Shop is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

THE SHELTER FOR ABUSED WOMEN & CHILDREN

If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, call the confidential 24-hour crisis line: (239) 775-1101/TTY or (239) 775-4265; the Shelter provides all services free of charge. Visit www.naplesshelter.org for more info.



Daily Weekly Monthly Rentals

River Wilderness

WATERFRONT VILLAS

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

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

[email protected]

Triad Seafood Market & Café

10:30 am – 6:00 pm; daily Full Table Service

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

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

Open 6 am

WANTED CASH REWARD

Antique & Used Fishing Tackle Buy & Sell – Reels, Wood Rods, Lures, Fish

Mounts, Tackle Boxes, Fly Rods & Reels, Gaffs, Fighting Chairs, Nets, Nautical Items

Old Rod & Reel Collector 239.695.4288 [email protected] Free Appraisals

Spring Show “Everglades Skies”

Everglades Art Varick Niles Studio 110 Camellia Street

Fridays & Saturdays, 11:00-4:00 p.m.

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM



SCHOOL NEWS Everglades City School phone: 377-9800 www.evg.collierschools.com

TAYLOR’S CORNER

Last week the “Rock” was at Wooten’s and everybody was there. They had a mullet toss, a frog race, and lots of delicious food like corn on the cob, roasted pig, and surprisingly frog legs, considering that there was also a frog race! No matter what, everybody had a good time.

Spring break is right around the corner. The fun begins on March 24; I can’t wait because we already have plans to go fishing, camping, and hiking too! Last time we went camping on the islands, I caught a shark! Next report cards go home April 7, and I am hoping that I get good grades. This week was Dr. Suess’s birthday so at school we did some different things like on Monday we wore red to school to celebrate the book ‘’The cat in the hat;’’ on Tuesday we wore crazy socks to celebrate the book ‘’Fox in socks;’’ on Wednesday we did wacky Wednesday, and on Thursday we honored “Green Eggs and Ham” and ate green eggs and ham in the cafeteria for breakfast, and on Friday we got to wear sun glasses to school. This has been the best week ever!

Taylor Dahlke is 10 years old and in the 4th grade at Everglades City School. She is the reporter for the elementary school.

School Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting The Everglades City School Advisory Council meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center. Parents and community members, as well as students, are invited to attend. SAC report – Students, parents and staff recently took a survey to see if there was any interest in going to a school wide uniform policy. The overwhelming response was “no.”

Volunteer Opportunities at Everglades City School Volunteers are always welcomed at Everglades City School. Please call 377-9800 for an appointment to find out how to become a volunteer and how you can assist.

LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Community, We are rapidly approaching the final grading period for our students. This is a busy time for all of us as we prepare for many state assessments. The first assessment has been completed. We recently took the FCAT Writes exam. We are optimistically hopeful that our students did well. Our teachers have done an excellent job in preparation for this assessment, and we believe this will be shown in the results. This is also a fun time for students as we plan for field day, grad bash, prom, awards programs and other events that help us culminate our school year. Students will be on Spring Break from March 24 through March 31. Our third grading period ends March 21, and report cards will go home on April 7. Our baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. If you have some extra time, please come out and cheer for our Gators! Gratefully yours, Bob Spano

HOME SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Varsity Baseball Thursday, March 20 vs Marco Island Academy 4 pm Tuesday, April 1 vs Seacrest Country Day School 4 pm Wednesday, April 2 vs Marco Island Academy 4 pm

Boys JV Baseball Thursday, April 3 vs Moore Haven Junior-Senior HS at 3:30 pm Monday, April 14 vs Immokalee High School at 5 pm

Girls Softball (Holy Family Catholic Church Softball Field) Monday, March 17 vs Community School of Naples at 4 pm Tuesday, April 1 vs Seacrest Country Day School 4 pm Thursday, April 3 vs Ahfachkee School 4 pm Monday, April 7 vs Immokalee High School 4 pm

Visit school website www.collierschools.com/evg for a complete sports schedule.

AMIkids donate bikes to Everglades School Kids

This week AMIkids dropped off 16 more bikes to the kids at Everglades City School. The motto of Bikes for Tykes, of which we are a part, is “A Bike for Every Kid”. At least in Everglades City, we are not going to stop until every kid that wants a bike has one! Our students get bikes that need fixing from Bikes for Tykes and we work on them in our bike shop at the school.

After we get enough ready we deliver them. The students learn mechanical skills. We are getting ready to start a new certification program from Park Tools in bicycle repair, which the students can use to get a job or create an independent business.

IMPORTANT DATES March 14 Litter Presentation to 1st & 2nd Grades Early Release Day at 12 noon Yearbook Ads Due March 20 SAC Meeting, 6 pm, Media Center March 24-28 Spring Break – No School March 31 Teachers’ Planning Day – No School April 4-5 Grad Bash



Tri-County Cooling &

Refrigeration, Inc.

Sales Service

Maintenance

CALL ANYTIME

239-253-4860

Licensed CAC 1817126

Driftwood Spa Massage Therapy and

Spa Services

239-695-0069

Please come and see us at our new location inside Everglades Isle

Motorcoach Retreat, just South of the Bridge coming into Everglades City, across from

Jungle Erv's Airboat Tours.

Hand made soaps Soy candles Unique Gifts

www.driftwoodspa-everglades.com

BREAKFAST ● LUNCH ● DINNER



TAXING THINGS by Mike the Tax Guy

Seven Facts about Dependents and Exemptions There are a few tax rules that affect everyone who files a federal income tax return. This includes the rules for dependents and exemptions. The IRS has seven facts on these rules to help you file your taxes. 1. Exemptions cut income. There are two types of exemptions: personal exemptions and exemptions for dependents. You can usually deduct $3,900 for each exemption you claim on your 2013 tax return. 2. Personal exemptions. You can usually claim an exemption for yourself. If you’re married and file a joint return you can also claim one for your spouse. If you file a separate return, you can claim an exemption for your spouse only if your spouse had no gross income, is not filing a return, and was not the dependent of another taxpayer. 3. Exemptions for dependents. You can usually claim an exemption for each of your dependents. A dependent is either your child or a relative that meets certain tests. You can’t claim your spouse as a dependent. You must list the Social Security number of each dependent you claim. See IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information, for rules that apply to people who don’t have an SSN. 4. Some people don’t qualify. You generally may not claim married persons as dependents if they file a joint return with their spouse. There are some exceptions to this rule. 5. Dependents may have to file. People that you can claim as your dependent may have to file their own federal tax return. This depends on many things, including the amount of their income, their marital status and if they owe certain taxes. 6. No exemption on dependent’s return. If you can claim a person as a dependent, that person can’t claim a personal exemption on his or her own tax return. This is true even if you don’t actually claim that person as a dependent on your tax return. The rule applies because you have the right to claim that person. 7. Exemption phase-out. The $3,900 per exemption is subject to income limits. This rule may reduce or eliminate the amount depending on your income.

Mike, The Tax Guy, provides income tax services. His phone number is 695-0595.

Recipe for Good Eating

Scones from England by Pam Gray

(Pam Gray is the mother of Andrew Gray who recently celebrated his wedding ceremony at Everglades Community Church – see last issue)

Ingredients: 12 oz self-rising flour, 2 oz sugar, 2 oz butter, 1 tsp baking powder 10 oz milk, 2 eggs

Combine all ingredients. Bake in a very hot oven (425°) for 12 minutes.

Cheese Scones: Same as above but no sugar; add grated cheese and mustard.

SHERIFF’S REPORT Please remember to report suspicious activity immediately to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300 or in an emergency by dialing 911.

From Savannah’s Eyes I have met a lot of famous people in my life so far, from singers at Seafood Festival, to people in Congress, but one of my most recent and most favorite was meeting Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. The Rock is his nickname because for one he has huge muscles, and also because he is a famous wrestler so that's his wrestling name. He is not only a wrestler but also an actor who has been in many movies, from Fast and Furious 6 to Disney's The Game Plan. Also, when he was in college at the University of Miami, he played football. Now I know what you're

thinking, how did you meet him? Well he was filming at Wooten's Airboat Tours for a new TV show called "Wake Up Call" which airs in the fall this year on TNT. But, I got to meet him at Wooten's! I have never met someone so famous before that is so down to earth. I'm kind of star struck when I first meet people, but with him it was like as if he was a normal person out there. He was so sweet and nice to everyone; you would think fame would go to his head, but not The Rock! He asked me what I did to my arm and I told him about the softball incident, but my friend Jacob yelled out and said that he and I got into a fight (because he broke his wrist); I agreed laughing and looked back at The Rock and said "But, of course, you can see that I won." I've never seen anyone smile and laugh so loud. I started blushing thinking THE ROCK THINKS I’M FUNNY; OH MY GOODNESS! He looks so much bigger on TV though and in the movies, but up close he was just a tall regular guy. Don’t get me wrong; his muscles were still huge, but I was expecting him to be super taller than I am (Maybe it's just me getting taller, though, haha)! Three of our locals that work at Wooten's as airboat captains are going to be featured throughout the episode: Carl, Robbie, and JR which they are making it comical. Also, the owner of Wooten's Aashish will be featured throughout the episode. But, definitely watch the show because there will be a lot of locals in the show (including my parents and me). I had such a great time that day, and I can't wait to see the show come to life in the fall. We won our first home game in softball and have a new scoreboard thanks to Karen and Bobby Campbell! So please come out and support our Lady Gators at our field by the church. Can't wait till I get my cast off so I can join my Ladies and get back into the game again! Spring Break is also coming up and I am excited to finally sit back and relax with my friends and family. Love, Savannah Savannah Oglesby is a student in the 11th grade at Everglades City School and a regular contributor to this paper.



NEW DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT

ENP Superintendent Dan Kimball announces the selection of Justin Unger as Deputy Superintendent for both Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks effective March 3. Mr. Unger was formerly the Chief of

Administration for the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

COPELAND PRAIRIE The NPS is seeking public comments on a Copeland Prairie Mitigation Plan Environmental Assessment (EA) for Big Cypress National Preserve. The plan is to enhance wetlands in a portion of Copeland Prairie that would reverse much of the adverse hydrologic / ecological impact caused by construction of road-related infrastructure in the last century. This project is required as mitigation for wetland impacts from stabilization of ORV trails elsewhere in the Preserve, in accordance with the Preserve’s recreational ORV management plan. The EA analyzes the impacts of 2 alternatives: Alternative 1 - No Action - Continue Current Management of two culverts under Birdon Road and canal plugs in Birdon Canal would continue. Alternative 2 – Copeland Prairie Wetlands Mitigation – Preferred Alternative: A 325-acre area of disturbed wetlands would be restored by 1) removing 12 acres of abandoned, elevated farm roads to enhance sheet flow, 2) rehabilitating and re-engineering two culverts under Birdon Road to increase water flow into the site, and 3) installing three fill plugs in Birdon and Diagonal canals to direct water into the culverts and halt saltwater intrusion. To review the Environmental Assessment Plan, visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=49273. You can provide comments online or by mail. Comments may be mailed to Superintendent, Big Cypress National Preserve, 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141-1000 and are requested by April 5. For questions, contact Bob DeGross at [email protected] or call 695-1107.

Turner River Canoe Launch Closed Effective March 10, Turner River canoe launch was closed to all activities due to low water levels and is being implemented to minimize potential impacts to the resource and ensure a quality visitor experience. Commercial operators who are permitted to use Halfway Creek have moved their operations to that site. NPS recommends that all other visitors use Halfway Creek as an alternative to Turner River. Call 695-4758 or 695-1201 for info.

BIG CYPRESS POETRY CONTEST April is National Poetry Month, inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Big Cypress National Preserve invites submissions for the 2nd annual poetry contest. Participants are encouraged to explore the national preserve and write about their experiences. Poetry submissions are accepted March 1 through April 14. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and poems will be displayed on the Big Cypress website and Facebook page. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/bicy-poetry-contest.htm.

Living Gulf Coast by Charles Sobczak

Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus)

Other names: convict fish, sheephead / Status: FL=stable, ICUN=NE Life span: to 25 years / Length: 10-24 in. (25-60 cm) / Weight: 1-4 lb (.45-1.8 kg); Florida record: 15 lb 2 oz, IGFA: 21 lb 4 oz / Spawns: in the inshore waters / Found: In the inshore estuaries throughout SW Florida.

The sheepshead is a very popular game fish throughout Southwest Florida. One reason is that the sheepshead fishery coincides with the arrival of the winter residents. During the warmer summer months the sheepshead is a rare catch, because most of the fish head to the deeper, cooler waters offshore. In the wintertime large numbers return and congregate along pilings, bridges, ledges, and reefs where they can be readily targeted. Knowing the fish is down there and catching one are two different things, however. There is an old island saying about catching sheepshead: “You have to set the hook just before they bite!” The sheepshead is a notorious bait stealer, and time and again a clever “convict fish” will pick the shrimp off your hook before you have any chance of catching it. A good way to fool the sheepshead is by using a #4 or #5 hook, light 20-pound fluorocarbon leader, and small pieces of shrimp that totally bury the hook. The mouth of a sheepshead is incredibly hard, and looks similar to the mouth of a sheep—hence, the name. Because of this, setting a hook into this fish is problematic. The sheepshead feeds on oysters, shellfish, barnacles, shrimp, and crabs. Its strong teeth and hard mouth are capable of breaking barnacles into pieces, after which it eats the living organism inside. It never eats minnows. It is preyed upon, especially as juveniles, by a wide variety of finfish, including snook, redfish, tarpon, and sharks. The sheepshead ranges from the Carolinas to the northern coastline of Brazil. It is a delicious eating fish with white, firm meat. Its black and white markings are the reason for the nickname convict fish.

Photo by Rust Farst

This article is an excerpt from Living Sanibel-A Nature Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands by Charles Sobczak. The book is available at Barnes & Noble and your favorite online sites.

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

The Annual WATERTRIBE EVERGLADES CHALLENGE began March 1, at Tampa Bay and will end in Key Largo. They arrived on March 2 in Chokoloskee which is a "touch point" for all Sea Kayaks, Canoes and Small Boats registered. There is a time limit

of 8-days or less for this adventure. The distance is roughly 300 nautical miles depending on course selection.



HISTORICAL MARKERS installed in time for the Historic Walking Tour

The Everglades Society for Historic Preservation installed markers in front of several historic sites in Chokoloskee and Everglades City. These two markers in Chokoloskee were highlighted during the recent walking tour in Chokoloskee on March 8. More signs have been ordered and will be placed at other historic public buildings in the area.

ORA BAZAAR A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the ORA Bazaar on Saturday, March 1st. It was a beautiful day and a huge success. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves. Next year this event will be held on Saturday, February 28.

Everglades Bike Ride The Annual Everglades Bike Ride will be held at McLeod Park on Sunday,

April 13, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. There will be on and off-road guided bicycle rides, including a 16-mile ride, a 27-mile off-road ride, and a

62-mile ride. Lunch is included in the registration fee. To receive a discount, register early by April 4 on www.evergladesROGG.org or www.naplespathways.org. If you would like to be a sponsor or volunteer, contact Patty Huff at 695-2397.

MUSEUM of the Everglades

Artist Mollie Doctrow continues her exhibit “North 2 South: Everglades Watershed.” Be sure to stop by the Museum during the month of March to see

Mollie’s extraordinary work of art. The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To volunteer at the Museum, call Martha at 695-0008 or stop by and talk with her. You will be meeting people from around the world. To join the Friends of the Museum of the Everglades pick up a membership form at the Museum. There are many benefits and you’ll be supporting one of the treasures of our area.

Florida Tales: “Some things best be not repeated”

by Chester Keene This story is based on half fiction half-truth and a little spin; enjoy! Never know what you may overhear when you let someone talk and not let them know you are listening.

This is a story told of an operation run out of Gordon River at the southern-most tip of Naples, Fl. The south side of the plush, now Port Royal, was at one time an old fish camp and trailer park. They were alleged to be supplying the freedom fighters for the invasion of The Bay of Pigs. All efforts were to remove Fidel Castro, the new dictator of Cuba. It was under the name of Island Navigators and Charter Service. The first time it was noticed, there was activity back in the early days of the operation getting started. A small boat had been noticed coming ashore by some concerned citizens and the law was dispatched. They arrived and were told that they would only speak to a supervisor. The story was it was checking on some Cubans that were smuggled on shore there. The (law official supervisor) arrived and he was asked to get in and he was taken by this small boat to a larger craft off shore. On board he noticed .50 Cal. Heavy Machine Guns on stands. He also noted there were smaller boats that were lashed down on the larger craft, the same kind of boat he arrived on. These small fast boats were used to ferry the cargo from shore and also discharge it when it arrived where the 60-65 foot in length boat was going. This P.T. looking craft was painted flat black and called the "Mother Ship". The large boat had engines down below deck and had enough space in the engine room you could walk around them for service. English was not spoken by the crew, but they did not know one of the men on shore that worked on the boats knew Spanish. A man by the name of Manuel, was supposed to stay on the boat when it came to the dock for service. He would slip off the boat and into town to the nearest package store. (It was rumored he traded Cuban cigars for liquor). The large boat had a silent run system type of exhaust on it. When it was running at top speed of 55-60 MPH they were above the water. When it reached its point off the coast it switched the exhaust to under the hull for quieter running. Back on shore at the operation base there were two sets of rails extending down into the water. The two small boats were pulled up and hidden in a building at the pass. One of the two boats was named "Shark 1", it was serviced at a local marina. At one time, they were not going to pay for the work and the mechanic refused to put oil in the engine. They needed the boat now, a phone call was made, and the bill was paid before it left the dock. On shore at the base of operations there was a powder magazine which was covered with earth and grass growing on it as to not be noticed by aircraft flying over it. The Government seemed to know of the boats because they had the paperwork for service on them when needed. One day it was all gone as fast as it was put into operation. The powder magazine was bulldozed and leveled off for the new owner’s house. (On June 10, 2011, I contributed a story about an F-4 Phantom Jet that had crashed and one of its engines was left in the mud in Huston Bay off of Chokoloskee in the 10,000 Islands. No one has offered any information on why it crashed and why.). Chester Keene is a retired law enforcement officer and Florida native. He retains the copyright to this article.



Island Café is now offering ice cream and gifts in the room behind the family restaurant. The room is decorated with colorful whimsical art, and the gift shop has a variety of alligator and

wildlife themed gifts for all ages. Stop by and enjoy a milk shake or ice cream cone while you shop around.

TINA’S HAIR SALON A new hair salon has opened behind Right Choice Supermarket in Buckner Square. Tina Wooten-Hickok has recently started her own business. The Wooten family is well-known in this area since her grandfather Raymond Wooten was one of the original businessmen in Ochopee when he moved to this area with his family from Labelle. In 1953 the official Wooten’s Airboat Tours opened to the public and has been a mainstay since that time (see below). Tina is married to Casey Hickok and the daughter of Willard and Janice Wooten. The Hair Salon offers haircuts for men and women and specializes in hair color. Beauty supplies are also available. Call 695-4300 for an appointment.

“WOOTENANNY” BBQ Turner Network Television (TNT) was in Ochopee on March 1 to highlight Aashish Patel and his airboat business with a down-home “Wootenanny” BBQ featuring country music, frog races, mullet tossing and a delicious buffet by Amy Fouchea.

Wooten’s opened in 1953 by Raymond Wooten. His son Gene took over in the

1990s and sold to the Patel’s in November 2013. Wooten’s is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. To learn more about the activities and the animal sanctuary, visit website www.wootenseverglades.com.

Florida Flora March Brings

Blooms & Butterflies by Kathy Brock

“Plant it and they will come,” That is what I tell friends that come to my home and see more butterflies than they typically see in a residential area and want to know why. Attracting butterflies isn’t simply about planting flowers, it is about planting “the right” plants and flowers. Butterflies go through multiple stages before they emerge as the beautiful, fluttering creatures we all love and admire. The adult female (and fertilized) butterfly lays her eggs on a host plant specific to that species. For monarch and queen butterflies milkweed is the host plant. The female will lay her eggs on the milkweed plant and in 5 to 10 days they will hatch as caterpillars (larval stage). The tiny caterpillars begin eating milkweed and grow rapidly for approximately 3 weeks until they go off to find a quiet space, so they can go through a true metamorphosis, one of nature’s wonders, and transform to a chrysalis (pupa stage). In 2 to 3 weeks, the process comes full circle and the adult butterfly emerges to dry their wings, flutter off and begin the process of looking for nectar, and a mate, so they can do it all over again. The secret to attracting butterflies is to offer both of what they need most; host plants and nectar plants (flowers). However, host plants are truly the key! I always recommend that you place the host plants in an area that is not designed to feature the plants for beauty as the plants will get eaten, and when they do, they are not terribly attractive! You should also be aware that some host plants can be poisonous to humans and animals. The milk from the milkweed is, so you want to make sure to keep these plants out of toddler play areas so children cannot accidentally ingest them. In Everglades City (and in any city) you can attract many beautiful butterflies. Below is a small sample of what native butterflies you can attract to your yard and what host plants you will need to plant to breed them:

• Monarch & Queen Butterflies – Milkweed • Zebra Long wing, Julia & Gulf Fritillary – Native Passion

Vine ( Passiflora suberosa) • Eastern Black Swallowtail – Parsley & Greens in the

Carrot Family • Yellow Sulfur & Orange Barred Sulfur- Numerous Plants

in the Cassia Family • Giant Swallowtail – Citrus

The great thing about most of these host plants (with the exception of citrus trees) is they are natives, grow fast and go to seed easily. I stockpile the seeds so I can share them with friends and keep plenty of host plants growing and ready to plant. If you want some seeds or cuttings (or butterfly advice), email me at [email protected] and I’ll help you out! Let’s grow the EC butterfly population together this spring so we can all enjoy them! Kathy Brock and her husband Tim have been spending weekends in their Everglades City home for over 20 years.



LIVEABOARD BOAT SLIPS – NAPLES

Slip Sales Starting at $39,000 Slip Rental starts at $400/mo

Contact: (239) 289‐3143 or (239) 389‐0367

RESTAURANTS

Camellia Street Grill (695-2003): 12 noon – 9:00 pm; daily

City Seafood (695-4700): 6:00 am – 6:00 pm; Mon thru Wed 6:00 am – 10 pm: Thurs thru Sun

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

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

Havana Café (695-2214): 7:00 am to 3:00 pm; Sun thru Thurs 7:00 am to 8:00 pm; Fri-Sat

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

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

Joanie’s Blue Crab Café (695-2682): 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Thurs thru Tues

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

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

Subway at Gator Express (695-3937): 7:00 am – 7:00 pm; daily

Sweet Mayberry’s Café (695-0092): 8:00 am – 10:00 pm; daily; Wifi

The New Angler’s Cove (757- 374-3194): 11 am – 9 pm; Tues thru Sun

Triad Seafood (695-2662): 10:30 am – 6 pm; daily

Right Choice Supermarket (695-4535): 9:00 am – 7:00 pm; daily

Grimm’s Stone Crab (695-3222): 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Mon-Sat

Loco’s Fresh Produce (239-462-7050): ECity Post Office parking lot 7 am – 4 pm; Thurs, Fri, Sat

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES

Chokoloskee Church of God 10 am Sunday School, 11 am Sunday Worship

Copeland Baptist Church 10 am School, 11 am Sunday Worship

Everglades Community Church 9:45 am Adult Sun. School, 11 am Sunday Worship

Everglades First Baptist Church 9:45 am School, 11 am Sunday Worship

Holy Family Catholic Church 10:30 am Mass

K.C. Schulberg speaks at the ESHP Annual Meeting on February 28 prior to the showing of Wind across the Everglades.

PORT OF THE ISLANDS NEWS

The New Angler’s Cove Restaurant, located in the POI Everglades Adventure Resort, is now open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (bar open until midnight). The restaurant and bar have openings for wait staff and bartenders. Interested persons may contact Naomi Stephens by calling (757) 374-3194.

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

http://TIDESANDCURRENTS.NOAA.GOV

03/14 Fri 01:57am 2.6 H 03/14 Fri 09:26am 0.0 L 03/14 Fri 02:37pm 2.3 H 03/14 Fri 09:37pm 0.3 L 03/15 Sat 02:34am 2.6 H 03/15 Sat 09:59am 0.0 L 03/15 Sat 03:04pm 2.5 H 03/15 Sat 10:12pm 0.2 L 03/16 Sun 03:09am 2.6 H 03/16 Sun 10:31am 0.0 L 03/16 Sun 03:30pm 2.6 H 03/16 Sun 10:47pm 0.1 L 03/17 Mon 03:44am 2.6 H 03/17 Mon 11:01am 0.1 L 03/17 Mon 03:54pm 2.7 H 03/17 Mon 11:23pm 0.0 L 03/18 Tue 04:20am 2.5 H 03/18 Tue 11:31am 0.2 L 03/18 Tue 04:16pm 2.7 H 03/19 Wed 12:01am -0.1 L 03/19 Wed 05:01am 2.4 H 03/19 Wed 12:00pm 0.3 L 03/19 Wed 04:37pm 2.7 H 03/20 Thu 12:43am -0.1 L 03/20 Thu 05:50am 2.2 H 03/20 Thu 12:30pm 0.4 L 03/20 Thu 05:03pm 2.7 H 03/21 Fri 01:31am -0.1 L 03/21 Fri 06:51am 2.1 H 03/21 Fri 01:02pm 0.6 L 03/21 Fri 05:38pm 2.7 H 03/22 Sat 02:28am -0.1 L 03/22 Sat 08:05am 1.9 H 03/22 Sat 01:41pm 0.7 L 03/22 Sat 06:25pm 2.6 H 03/23 Sun 03:36am -0.1 L 03/23 Sun 09:27am 1.8 H 03/23 Sun 02:54pm 0.8 L 03/23 Sun 07:34pm 2.5 H 03/24 Mon 04:49am -0.1 L 03/24 Mon 10:53am 1.9 H 03/24 Mon 04:48pm 0.8 L 03/24 Mon 09:26pm 2.5 H 03/25 Tue 05:57am -0.1 L 03/25 Tue 12:04pm 2.0 H 03/25 Tue 06:10pm 0.7 L 03/25 Tue 11:05pm 2.5 H 03/26 Wed 06:58am -0.2 L 03/26 Wed 12:53pm 2.2 H 03/26 Wed 07:15pm 0.6 L 03/27 Thu 12:19am 2.7 H 03/27 Thu 07:52am -0.2 L 03/27 Thu 01:30pm 2.4 H 03/27 Thu 08:11pm 0.3 L 03/28 Fri 01:18am 2.8 H 03/28 Fri 08:41am -0.1 L 03/28 Fri 02:02pm 2.6 H

/

NOW SERVING EVERGLADES CITY

S.W. FLA’s Pest Authority since 1990

CALL 239-455-4300

ANTS

CollierPestControl.com 3899 Mannix Dr #412



SNOOK CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE: Lot #26 in Fisherman’s Cove; dock included. $38,000. Call (239) 300-7077 or (239) 682-6025. -----------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE: 2013 Suzuki Outboard 4 hp Motor, like new and used 6 hours. $850.00. Phone (306) 531-4430 Ochopee after 7 pm. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: Deeded dock at Captain's Table (#10). Great location, use of pool & boat ramp. $21,500. Call 954-662-7003. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: 1995 Suzuki 25 hp, long shaft, tiller, runs great. $500. Call (239) 695-2791. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: Property in Copeland, site of old Bula Church. Call 695-3298 for info. ------------------------------------------------------ FOR SALE: Manufactured Home, 3/2 on waterfront in Plantation Is:walkway/mooring to water. $114,500. Call Pat (239) 352-7328. ------------------------------------------------------ WANTED: All Motor Homes, 5th wheels and travel trailers. Any condition. Cash paid on the spot. Call Paul at (941) 347-7171. -------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE

Deeded Waterfront Fishing Cottage: This unique 2 story fishing lodge is an excellent live-in plus incoming producing property. 2 BR and 2 Baths upstairs and 2 BR and 2 Baths with private entrance downstairs - plenty of room for large groups and families. Patios and decking allow for beautiful views of the sunsets over Chokoloskee Bay. Boat dock and lift, direct access to the Gulf or Back-Country fishing. The perfect South Florida Fishing retreat. Enjoy the Florida Everglades, whether you like fishing and boating or kayaking and canoeing. Home is available furnished and is move in ready-to-fish. A steal at $318K. Call 954-662-7003 for more information.

JOBS & SERVICES

------------------------------------------------ Income Tax Service

Mike, The Tax Guy - 695-0595 -------------------------------------------

Guest Services Agent – Fulltime (30-32 hrs) at POI: Position requires friendly, efficient registration, guest settlement, and the ability to provide accurate information to guests, co-workers & visitors. Previous hotel guest services experience is preferred. Flexible schedule – includes days, evenings, holidays & weekends as needed. Must speak, read and write in English; Bilingual a plus. Visit www.sunstream.com/careers.

--------------------------------------------------- Music Lessons and Tutoring

for students: violin, piano, voice, history, English, writing, science, 3rd&5th gr subjects

Call Danielle Swisher at 280-8971 or email [email protected].

----------------------------------------------------------- Year–Round Jobs: Camp Staff in nearby Ochopee. Drug/Background screens/H.S. or GED required. Send resumes to [email protected] or call 695-1001 for info.

------------------------------------------------ Notary Public Services: Denise Johnson,

By Appointment, 239-465-1580 ------------------------------------------------

Job Wanted: Pressure cleaning homes, boats, RV, store fronts. Call Justin 695-0500.

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

Everglades Area Hot Lines

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 313-530-3395 AlAnon 239-263-5907 Narcotics Anonymous (NA) 239-776-1525

12-Step Meeting Schedules are available in City Hall and

Chokoloskee Post Office

FOR SALE OR RENT TO OWNHouse & Barn on 1.02 Acres in Fakahatchee Strand State Park, $139,000 purchase or $1200 monthly Rent to Own. Call Don at 321-439-7635. See more info & pictures at www.DonsHouse.com.

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

PUBLISHER Patricia A. Huff, Snook Publications

P O Box 617, Everglades City, FL, 34139 (239) 695-2397, [email protected]

EDITORS Patty Huff & Marya Repko

CONTRIBUTORS to this Issue Kathy Brock, Helen Bryan, Taylor Dalhke,

Chester Keene, Mike Klein, Elaine Middelstaedt, Savannah Oglesby, Charles Sboczak

PRODUCTION layout: Marya Repko, printing: Hinson Studios

PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT We aim to provide local news of interest to the extended community

of Everglades City, Chokoloskee, Plantation Island, Lee Cypress, Copeland, Jerome, and Ochopee.

We strive to present the facts accurately with no political bias or personal opinion.

The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES 25¢ per issue or $40 per year by US Post

© 2014, Snook Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

PET PICS Taylor and her dachshund Oscar had fun at the recent “Wootenanny” BBQ in Ochopee.

Send us your Pet Pics by post or email.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS date _______________________

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

___ The MULLET RAPPER by post ($40) ___ The MULLET RAPPER by email ($10)

NAME ___________________________________________ EMAIL _______________________________________________

STREET / P.O.BOX: ALTERNATE ADDRESS

_________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

CITY ____________________________________________ CITY _________________________________________________

STATE ________ ZIP ____________________________ STATE _________ ZIP _________________________________

MONTHS AT ALTERNATE ADDRESS

__JAN __FEB __MAR __APR __MAY __JUN __JUL __AUG __SEP __OCT __NOV __DEC 3/14/14

See the Rapper in full color! Visit our website.

march 14, 2014 issue

Documents