Archived News
(Minutes of Meetings are posted on the Meetings page)
(Minutes of Meetings are posted on the Meetings page)
5/22/14 - An Update on the MSTU Situation (Photos in the photo gallery)
After the March 18 CINA meeting in which members formed a consensus that they did not want any of the MSTU options offered us by the County for road repair and subsequent tax increase, the majority suggested they could do their own road repair. During that meeting, CINA Secretary Doug Wilson (who is a lawyer) gave his legal opinion that it was questionable whether the County had the right to collect retroactively for the Platt Road work, and also questionable whether the County could impose an MSTU on the entire CINA service area. While that question is still not answered, Doug communicated to the County that if pressed, some legal resistance might result.
Those in attendance gradually shifted conversation to "doing it ourselves". The MSTU committee was changed to the "Road Maintenance Committee", and Eduardo and Maria Tabraue presented a sign-up sheet for volunteers to donate whatever they could, either money, equipment or labor. There were about 15 signatures on it when the meeting ended.
There were skeptics in the group that neighbors could work together agreeably on this project but things happened fast after the March 18 meeting. The Road Maintenance Committee met at John Hinson's place on April 8 to discuss it, in an effort to side-swipe the County's desire to impose an MSTU, and then the progress reports started coming in from the Tabraue’s. Base rock was being hauled in. It was being spread. The work was getting done.
As CINA website editor I was curious about details to post, so on April 20 I went over to interview Maria and Eduardo. This isn't just about road construction. There is real "human interest" here.
I found out Lynn Radi was the catalyst in a 3-step process. Lynn had been in poor health (and still is). He & Gracie live on Fawn Lane which was one of the worst roads in the neighborhood. The next day after the CINA meeting Eduardo went down to see Lynn to tell him what happened at the meeting. Instead, he saw an emergency vehicle in the Radi's yard carrying Lynn out on a stretcher. The next morning Eduardo & Maria went to the hospital to see Lynn. They told him how many people had signed up to do road repair, and at least one of whom wanted Fawn Lane to be done first. He was so happy to hear it. That afternoon, Gracie came to the house and donated $500. When Lynn came home from the hospital, he made some telephone calls and the word started spreading.
The second important step in the process was the Tabraues' willinginess to step forward and be accountable for the donations, which led to paying the bills, keeping the records and contacting the right people to get the job done - without having a profit agenda for themselves. It is important to note that it's the Fire Department & Rescue Team who complain when roads become too poor for their vehicles to get through, not the County.
The third step in the unfolding process was the neighbors themselves. Word spread quickly. I asked Maria if they had to call and ask people to donate. She said, “No, when the neighbors saw Eduardo overseeing the road work, they asked about the situation and right away they pledged to help financially.”
The Tabraues approached two of the neighbors, one who has a dump truck and the other a skid steer, and they offered to help. Maria has kept immaculate records, a copy of which she showed me. She said it would be good to publish the names of the two men who did most of the work - hauling base rock and spreading it - because it is part of what they do as a business.
So for future reference, if anyone wants to organize a road repair in their area, these are the names to contact:
Herbey Garza has a dump truck. 239-634-4978. He brought 75 loads of base rock to the sites at a discounted price. He gets the base rock, delivers it and dumps it where it is needed. The cost depends on how far he has to go to get the base rock, because sometimes a mine has run out and he has to go further away.
Victor Rodriquez has a skid steer. 239-825-7890. A skid steer is what pushes the base rock around and smoothes it out after a pile has been dumped onto the road.
The Tabraue project included Fawn Lane, Platt Road and Lilac Lane. A total of $12,036 has been collected and spent and may not yet be finished. Fawn Lane $3536, Platt Road $2560 and Lilac Lane $5940. The Church on Immokalee Road donated the diesel fuel for the skid steer. Maria pointed to a map that she and Eduardo had marked as being the worst areas yet to be done, now that Lilac, Platt and Fawn have been upgraded. She explained that neighbors are maintaining both sides of Friendship, as well as most of the other roads in our neighborhood. The only roads that need to be fixed next are Rabbit Run, Sanctuary Road east of the paved bend, and Wild Turkey where it intersects with Immokalee on the east side.
These details have been shared with the County staff and Commissioner Nance. So far the indications are that Commissioner Nance is impressed and pleased, and County staff have not indicated an intention to press on repayment of the Platt Road repayment or an MSTU for any part of the CINA area at this time. But that doesn't mean that the door is closed on those actions.
Doug went over and took some pictures with Eduardo's help, brought them back and sent them to the CINA Board. I was amazed at the excellent improvements done in such a short time. How did this happen so fast? See pictures of improved roads, this page, right column.
Maria and Eduardo say they would be glad to answer any questions regarding road repair in the neighborhood. Tel: 239-595-2966.
5/22/14 - Wildlife around Maureen's place (photos are in photo gallery)
These photos were taken from inside her house through a window: a bob cat taken 8/23/13, the whole family of bobcats walking down her driveway, and a bear on 9/5/13.
5/22/14 - Fire Departments Discuss Merger
Our local Big Corkscrew Island Fire District (BCFD) is considering merging with the North Naples Fire District (NNFD). Captain Eric Watson of BCFD and Deputy Chief Mike Swansen of NNFD presented the merger plan at the April CINA meeting and answered questions at the request of Fire Chief Rita Greenberg. The business plan had only been released several hours prior to the CINA meeting between the two districts.
The plan shows a cost saving of 3.8 million dollars and will be put to the Board of Commissioners to vote on it in November. For the merger to take place, 51% of the Big Corkscrew district, and 51% of the North Naples district must approve it. The merger would affect the millage rates in each district, with Big Corkscrew getting the greater advantage at first until it evened out over several years.
Big Corkscrew also would benefit from advanced life support certification under the North Naples District, presumably allowing our firefighters and/or paramedics to start advanced treatment on a patient before an ambulance arrives.
The two districts have been considering this merger for the last 25 years but only recently approved a resolution to start looking at the pros and cons. CINA secretary Doug Wilson attended a by-invitation panel discussion in North Naples where more of the details were discussed, and questions raised. The panel in Wilson's opinion were well-informed. Updates on the merger can be seen at either of the two Fire District websites:
Big Corkscrew Island Fire Control & Rescue: http://www.bcifr.com/
North Naples Fire Control & Rescue website: http://www.northnaplesfire.com/
5/22/14 Free Ads for Members of CINA
Members of CINA are invited to post "for sale, rent or wanted" ads here for free. It doesn't cost us much to maintain this site, so we can pass the benefits on to the community. If you are not a member yet, we invite you to pay the requisite $10 a year per person. You can pay at a meeting or mail a check. See below. This is a nice way to do connect with others locally. By attending meetings you will get to know some of your neighbors. Many people don't want to know their neighbors, preferring to be quiet. But if you have a piece of furniture that's still good, post it here for a few extra dollars. Or maybe you're looking to buy property, sell, rent, seeking part-time work in yard work, tree service, baby sitting, pet sitting, elder sitting, cleaning. Or volunteer your time free as a way to get out of the house and interact. Send it to Nancy's email here.
1/9/14 World Wetlands Weekend Jan 31 - Feb 2, Festival of Learning & Fun
The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary's annual festival of learning and fun coincides with World Wetlands Day, celebrated internationally on February 2 to promote the importance wetlands play in our lives. Wetlands, land saturated by water, help maintain biodiversity on earth. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a designated Wetland of International Importance, an honor given by a worldwide wetlands organization called Ramsar.
During this weekend, they offer a rare opportunity to explore the back country on a swamp buggy. The swamp buggy tours are offered twice each day on January 31 and February 1, at $100 per person. They sell out fast! Reserve by phone at 239-348-9151, ext. 112.
At the nature center and boardwalk, the festival includes live music, discovery stations and boardwalk tours,most free with paid admission. See the full agenda below, and for more information
Friday, January 31
8 a.m. Birds of the Boardwalk Tour
9:30-12 Noon Swamp Buggy Tour with Sanctuary Director Jason Lauritsen*
10 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
11 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
11 a.m. Flora of Corkscrew Walk
1 p.m. Towering Tree Tour
1-4 p.m. Swamp Buggy Tour: Science Beyond the Boardwalk*
2 p.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
Saturday, February 1
7-10 a.m. Sunrise Swamp Buggy Adventure*
with Dr. Mike Knight and Photographer Brian Hampton
9 a.m. Birds of the Boardwalk Tour
10 a.m. Nature Photography Walk
10 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
10 a.m. Land Restoration Talk & Walk
11 a.m. Florida of Corkscrew Walk
11 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
1 p.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
1 p.m. Towering Tree Tour
2 p.m. Nature Photography Walk
2 p.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
3 p.m. Bats and Wetlands Talk & Walk
3:30-6:30 p.m. Sunset Swamp Buggy Adventure*
with Dr. Mike Knight and Photographer Brian Hampton
Saturday, February 1
Live Music in Blair Audubon Center
10 a.m. Plank Road Pluckers - Bluegrass, Folk & Class Country
11 a.m. Bob & Lucia Jenkins - World Music
12 Noon - Alan Bradford - Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter
1 p.m. Cindy Hackney - Naples Singer/Songwriter, Florida Folk
2 p.m. Laura Leary - Naples Violinist and Fiddle Player
3 p.m. Raiford Stark - Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter, Country Folk, Southern Rock & Blues
Saturday, February 1
Blair Audubon Center Discovery Stations
Nature Crafts - Make a critter to take home -- for kids of all ages! Wetland Birds - Learn about birds of the wetlands through interactive displays. Aquatic Adventures - Kids (at Heart) Only! Dip netting at the pond with a Corkscrew naturalist. Amazing Alligators - Learn about American alligators and their role in the environment
Sunday, February 2
10:30 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
Calling All Memories & Memorabilia
Memories, postcards, pictures, artifacts and souvenirs from your or your forebears' Corkscrew experience will be gratefully accepted for consideration of our 60th anniversary commemorative album and display. Please email us with narratives, artifact descriptions, and images if available (email at bottom). In turn, you will receive our heartfelt appreciation and a name credit.
A Brief History of Corkscrew
Through 5,000 Years. The ancestors of Corkscrew's old-growth bald cypress trees date back more than 5,000 years, to a time when the powerful Calusa tribe thrived in the region. Canoeing through the flooded forest, they hunted small game, fish, turtles, and alligators. A delicate ecological balance allowed abundant and diverse wildlife to flourish during the centuries of Europe's Renaissance and America's colonization and independence. By the late 1800s, the showy plumes of wading birds that thronged Corkscrew's forest were targeted for fashionable ornaments of ladies' hats. Plume hunters killed so many of the birds that they were nearly wiped out.
Outrage over the slaughter led to the founding of Audubon Societies in states throughout the U.S., and Audubon wardens risked their lives protecting wading bird rookeries. The plume hunters' rifles grew silent in Corkscrew. In 1950 a new threat appeared in the form of logging, fueled by our nation's appetite for the wood eternal. As the lumber harvest marched north, dropping one 500-year old bald cypress after another, this majestic forest was being reduced to a field of stubble.
Conscientious citizens formed the Corkscrew Cypress Rookery Association and with leadership from the National Audubon Society, people around the country contributed to purchase the remaining forest. By December 15, 1954, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was established. Audubon has been the steward of this international treasure ever since, maintaining it as a sanctuary for wildlife and people.
About the Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary comprises nearly 13,000 acres of fragile land owned and protected by the National Audubon Society since 1954. It is Southwest Florida's premier outdoor environmental learning center, with a 2.25 mile boardwalk and a visitor center with a nature store, tea room, wildlife theatre and classrooms. Corkscrew is located just northeast of Naples, 15 miles from I-75 on Immokalee Road (Exit 111). Call 239-348-9151. Visit Corkscrew.Audubon.org.
Open Daily
The Sanctuary is open daily year-round from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Entrance fees cover two consecutive days of admission and are $12 per adult; $6 for college students with ID; $4 for children six to 18 years old, and free for children under six. National Audubon Society members who present their ID card are offered a 50% discount ($6) for two consecutive days' admission.
Corkscrew Sanctuary
http://corkscrew.audubon.org/
[email protected]
375 Sanctuary Road West
Naples, FL 34120
1/6/14 MSTU'S (Municipal Service Taxing Units)
At the last CINA meeting in October there was a discussion about Municipal Service Taxing Units. This is a way to upgrade old bumpy roads so they are better roads, and the people who live on the road are taxed for it. They are called MSTU's.
Michelle Arnold and Harry Sells from Collier County attended the meeting to explain how MSTU's work. There is a process going and filing dates to be met which I (editor) don't have information on at the moment. But, since people have been asking, Doug Wilson is investigating and will send out an email to the neighborhood shortly. I will post it here, too, so check back in a few days.
If you haven't been receiving emails from either CINA Secretary Doug Wilson or CINA Treasurer, Nancy Wilson, send Nancy a message and give me your email. This is a public service and we are volunteers. I maintain the broad neighborhood email list and the more limited membership list. Membership is $10 a year. To become a voting member of CINA, send $10 per person to me as Treasurer, payable to "CINA". Address on the Home page.
1/6/14 Neighborhood Christmas Party December 13, 2013
CINA President Bill McDaniel and his partner, Dee Dee Broxson hosted a holiday party at their hunting lodge out in the woods off of Immokalee Road. A full moon shining over the pine trees into the dark screened-in lodge created a cozy mood as we sat around the fire pit in the center of the open room. And getting up to go into the brightly-lit kitchen for a plate of sweets, meats, crackers and cheese and egg nog provided a happy balance for neighbors to gather and meet each other, and swap tales of local news. We thank Bill and Dee Dee for hosting the party. This is the fourth annual party held at Bill's cabin in the woods. Every year It is held on the same night as our regular meetings, forfeiting the meeting in lieu of a Christmas party. To be included next year, send in your dues and become a member! (posted 1/6/14)
9/17/13 Wetlands Day Festival February 1, 2014 at the Sanctuary
There are many benefits to living near a wildlife preserve. It is easy to take for granted the wild and pristine nature surrounding us and the dark quiet that enfolds us at night. Mike Knight, who works for the Corkscrew Sanctuary, attends all of our CINA meetings since we meet in one of their classrooms and he opens the door for us. At the last meeting Mike reported there will be a Wetlands Day festival on Saturday, February 1, which inspired me to google Wetlands Day.
World Wetlands Day is held February 2 each year, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands held in 1971 in Iran near the Caspian Sea. Each year since 1997, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and interested citizens globally have used this weekend to celebrate and raise public awareness of the benefits of wetlands. If that doesn't apply to us, I don't know what does.
Instead of grumbling about all the rain, I realized that water flushes away pollution and we should be grateful for it. We thank the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, its staff and volunteers for all they do to maintain and appreciate nature's rhythm in our corner of the world.
9/17/13 Change in Burn Regulations
Many of us burn yard debris, and are familiar with the rules, about the proper size of the fire pit, etc. One rule was that we would have to call our local fire station on the day of burning and learn whether the state Forestry people had said conditions were OK for burning. If so, the fire station people would give us a permit number for that day.
Then last year, the Legislature passed a law dispensing with the local contact and requiring only that we call the Forestry number to get a green light, but no permit number.
We were about to burn the other day and called Forestry, only to find out that things had changed. We were returning to the old system. So we followed up with Chief Rita Greenberg and learned the following:
The legislative change was strongly objected to by local fire officials, who wanted to know who was burning in case conditions changed, among other things. So they lobbied to repeal the previous law and return things to the way they had been. The recent legislative session accomplished that. As of 5/13/13 the new law was to have taken effect in 30 days. We should have received notice of the change. If not, call your local fire department at 455-5356 as a courtesy if not official. The local Forestry number is 690-3502.
9/17/13 - CINA to donate $500 to the Sanctuary
At CINA's August 2013 meeting, it was decided to not do the scholarship fund but instead to donate $500 to the Corkscrew Sanctuary as a way of giving back to the neighborhood. Discussions had been underway at the October, February and June meetings as to how best to utilize a surplus of $2000 in CINA's bank account. With this change in plans the Special Projects Committee has been dissolved. See the August minutes of meeting posted under "Meetings". The decision of what to purchase is between Sanctuary Director Jason Lauritsen and the CINA board.
9/16/13 Report on Oil Drilling Project
A public meeting was held May 30th at the University of Florida Extension Office, on the proposed oil drilling project adjacent Golden Gate Estates. The meeting was hosted by County Commissioner Tim Nance, with representatives from Barron Collier Company, Collier Enterprises, Golden Gate Fire and Rescue District, the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Collier County staff present to provide information.
CINA members Doug Wilson, Mike Duever and Robbie Wooster attended the meeting. Wilson reported that it was "wild". The presenters were informative, if somewhat nerdy, but the audience was stacked with "aginners", Wilson said. A small organized vocal group jumped into the questioners' line so that 95% of the questions were mostly hostile statements. When a reasonable answer was given, they expressed disbelief.
The small minority group expressed fear of an explosion, a massive oil spill, pollution of the water table, and various problems with fracking, even though the lead company representative said he would put it in writing that they weren't going to frack because it was unnecessary. At the end of the meeting, the group marched out together chanting, "Profits over people! Profits over people!"
In spite of this outcry, Mr. Wilson said he was reassured about the project, and annoyed at the hostile minority. He reports that (1) The local company boss, Mr. Kremers, clearly said there would be no fracking, and he would put that in writing; (2) there is no "bomb zone" risk because there is no gas anywhere in the affected geology; (3) state regulations require, and the initial drilling implemented, a steel collar half an inch thick around the drilling hole, and a cement encasement around that, to protect the water table; (4) horizontal drilling, at the level where the oil is, is being used to as to eliminate the need to drill a lot of environmentally disruptive vertical holes; (5) the state Department of Environmental Protection representative affirmed that the company had complied with state regulations and that the Department's experience with such drilling in South Florida had been uniformly uneventful in recent decades (after regulations were tightened).
Wilson added, "That doesn't mean there aren't valid questions to ask, or possible challenges to some of the information. I just encourage people who have such challenges to try to get solid information that can be verified. It's all about persuasion. And if there is some significant evidence that something about the drilling needs to be changed or stopped, our Association can take a position on it and make that known to our county commissioners and other governmental people as appropriate.
For example, Robbie Wooster raised again the issue we have discussed before, which is getting the water tested before drilling and after. That is inexpensive enough that either the company or the county ought to see that it is done.
11/8/12 Mosquito Spraying?
Long-time CINA resident Robbie Wooster of Rookery Lane circulated a letter recently that she suspected mosquito-spraying planes were flying on the night of October 18, 2012. She is concerned as she thought we were in a no-spray zone. She states:
"I heard 3 passes overhead to the west, going south to north, then north to south, and south to north. It wasn't until the 4th pass that they buzzed my house headed north to south. Once they buzzed the house I could hear them as they continued in the grid pattern to the east. I can't even imagine the harmful effects on Dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, moths, fish, etc., and all the critters who dine on them living in the Sanctuary.
Is there monitoring of insect populations on the western edges of the boardwalk and parking area vs the interior areas? ie, sprayed areas vs natural areas? For some reason I thought there was a no-spray rule when it comes to CSS. Isn't there some kind of buffer zone between the Sanctuary and the sprayed lands? I thought the Sanctuary was to remain a natural area with the gambusia (mosquito fish) taking out the mosquito larvae. Mosquitoes are a part of living out here and I accepted that when I moved out to this area. I'm very concerned."
Acting Director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Jason Lauritsen, responded showing a map of the route that was sprayed that night, adding he was not sure what the previous pattern was but that he would look into it.
CINA Secretary Doug Wilson has offered to take a poll on the issue. Do you support or oppose mosquito spraying in our neighborhood? Send your answer to Secretary Doug Wilson at [email protected]. He will circulate comments and post them here on this website.
8/8/12 What can be recycled?
In an effort to clean up the planet by thinking green, we are becoming more conscious of what can be recycled instead of thrown into the wastebasket. Here are some hints from the Collier County website. If in doubt, call the County at 239-252-2380 and press 2 for recycling, trash and irrigation. What can be recycled in the normal way, by putting in black plastic bags inside the yellow covered recycle bin:
Paper: Newspapers, phone books, soft cover books, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, paper bags, cardboard, cereal boxes w/o plastic. Flatten and bundle large cardboard boxes into pieces 3’x3’ or less.
Cans & glass: aluminum cans, steel cans, tin cans, all plastics #1-#7, clear glass, brown glass, green glass, egg cartons, styrofoam trays (not blocks or peanuts).
Special pickup: Again, if in doubt, call Collier County, 239-252-2380 and press 2 for recycling. Ask. With 48 hour notice they will pick up a sofa, mattress, refrigerator, appliances, tires, electronics, that type of thing. But we need to give them advance notice and a list of items to be picked up. It requires some organizing because they have to know what size truck to send. It is usually the same day as trash and recycle pickup, which is Wednesday for us. So for a special pickup, you need to call by Friday before, and then put everything out by the street Tuesday evening after 5 pm, or sometime before 8 Wednesday morning.
Electronics: Keep electronics in a separate container since disposal is different for these. They will pickup computers, printers, televisions, stereo receivers, batteries of all kinds, CD players, tape recorders, telephones, that kind of thing.
What they don't recycle: Styrofoam blocks, styrofoam peanuts, hoses, electrical wire, window glass, mirrors, pots or pans, hard cover books. Either put these in the trash or, if usable (like pots, pans and hard cover books) take them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army or the like. (posted 8/8/12)
7/15/12 President Bill McDaniel Candidate
Bill McDaniel, president of our neighborhood association, and candidate for County Commissioner for District 3, which covers the Golden Gate area, will take part in a debate between commissioners, date to be announced. At the June CINA meeting secretary Doug Wilson reported that he had been in contact with the two Golden Gate associations to make arrangements for the debate which will take place before the August 14 election date. As soon as that date is fixed, it will be posted here. Click on Bill's website at http://www.votebillmcdaniel.com to see his background and qualifications. Among other projects, McDaniel served as chairman of the county’s East of 951 Horizon Study committee between the years 2006 to 2008, which looked at growth issues in Golden Gate Estates. He also served on the Rural Land Stewardship committee from 2007 to 2009, which made recommendations about changes to the county’s Rural Lands Stewardship Area growth plan in eastern Collier County.
Bill is the owner of Big Island Excavating on Immokalee Road and hosts the CINA neighborhood party every year at his "cabin in the woods". (Posted 7/15/12)
4/30/12 Fire Warning, Bad Drought Season
At both the February and April meeting we were warned by Mike Knight of the Corkscrew Sanctuary that this year is building up to be a bad fire season. CINA neighbors are put on notice to start clearing dead leaves and tree branches away from their homes at least 30 feet, and to make sure their street numbers are visible to visiting fire trucks. Also driveways should be clear of overhanging branches. Don't burn without getting approval from the local fire station. Call 239-455-5356 and get a permit number. (Posted 4/30/12)
7/11/12 Wildfire on Sanctuary property
Maureen filled us in this morning with a report about the smoke we smelled last night, also saw thick dense smoke over behind the Sanctuary. Maybe you smelled it too and wondered about it. Yesterday there was a wildfire in the wild lands adjacent to our neighborhood. Please pass the word. Here's what Maureen reports about the fire.
"The neighborhood may experience smoke tonight and tomorrow. The wildifire was in area west and southwest of CINA area. The wildfire is on Corkscrew property, as well as adjacent CREW (SFWMD) property. As of about 9 pm last night, the fire was contained on Corkscrew Sanctuary property. The fire was not too hot (perhaps therapeutic for the wildlands), and it was mostly contained utilizing previously established fire-break plow lines. The Division of Forestry is handling the CREW property south of Corkscrew Sanctuary."
If you hear of any other news regarding this fire or any other fire, send it to me (above) and I'll circulate it and post it here.
4/30/12 Fire Chief's Report, 1st Qtr 2012
For the Months of January, February and March 2012 we ran 392 calls for service - 14 fires, 186 medical, and 192 “other” (alarms, investigations, vehicle accidents, mutual aid and canceled). We conducted 15 fire inspections, 5 fire investigations and participated in 9 public education events. Public education and prevention information was in essence delivered to over 1900 people.
The District has been working through an emotionally difficult time, as we had two of our personnel involved in a very serious motorcycle accident – one of our personnel, FF/EMT Justin D. Petrucelli, passed away as a result of his injuries and the second Lt/Paramedic Joe O’Callaghan has still not yet been cleared for duty as a result of his injuries. While this has been an emotional time for our employees - the fire service community, our community, family and friends have made it tolerable. Your support of our organization is deeply felt and greatly appreciated.
We have been working on implementing components of our newly adopted Strategic Plan and one of the more noticeable events (for the Public) is the addition of our Safety Saturday Seminars! The seminars are scheduled from 10am-11am on one Saturday each month – In April 7 we will be doing “FireWise Communities” and “What to do when a wildfire approaches near you”. May’s topic (May 19 ,2012) will be “Backyard Critter Safety” and June’s topic (June 16, 2012) will be “Proper Use of a Fire Extinguisher”. All programs start at 10am and are held at the fire station located at 13240 Immokalee Road.
The 2012 Bi-Annual Chase Hoover Memorial Blood Drive is scheduled for Saturday June 16, 2012 from 10am-5pm, in conjunction with the June Safety Saturday Series! The event will be held at the fire station – 13240 Immokalee Road. Stop in, say hello and make a difference!
This time of year is always a little unnerving, as we patiently await for the summer rains to begin – please call the fire department 239-455-5356 prior to burning (even for hotdogs) and be certain to pay attention to the weather in your area when/if burning. DO NOT LEAVE ANY FIRE UNATTENDED!
Congratulations to FF/EMT Michael Christensen – our newest employee! FF Christensen began orientation on March 19, 2012 and begins his shift assignment on April 2, 2012.
Business of the District is conducted on the second Tuesday of each month – April 10, May 8 and June 12 will be the next three meetings. All meetings start at 5:30pm and are held at the administrative building located behind the fire station at 13240 Immokalee Road! If you have any questions regarding the operations of the District – please do not hesitate to contact us – 239-455-1204 or [email protected].
Be Safe and Enjoy the Spring!
Chief Rita
Rita M Greenberg, Fire Chief
Big Corkscrew Island F/R
239-455-1204 office
239-455-6497 fax
6/15/12 Property for Sale on Rookery Lane
Member Bill Peters now lives in Colorado but still owns property at 7480 Rookery Lane where he lived for 12 years He was forced to leave due to a lung condition. Bill writes to us that there are 7.5 acres plus a 33-year-old mobile home on the property. His step son is living there now, fixing it up in preparation for selling. For further details, contact Bill at his email: [email protected]. Or telephone 970-243-3200. (posted 6/15/12)
6/15/12 Lost dog wandering Sanctuary
Mike Knight of the Corkscrew Sanctuary reports that the staff have found a dog wandering around the sanctuary. He appears to be young, healthy, friendly, and looking for his owner. If you have lost a dog please contact Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary at 348-9151 and ask for Harry Bailey. Photo of the dog is below.
Hap Halley Property for Sale
1/25/12 - Just received a call from one-time resident Frank Halley. He and his wife now live in the Villages in North Florida. He still has property in Corkscrew Island which he wants to sell. Some of you long-time residents may remember him. He ran a real estate office in Golden Gate. He will be sending a description of the property for sale which will be posted here as soon as we get it. Please, everyone - use this website for your items for sale. This can be property or a sewing machine. Or if you're searching for something. Nancy will post it here. It is easy as pie for her. Or if you have a news announcement or something important you want to pass on. Write it up and click on Nancy's name above to get her email.
Found Gold Earring
1/30/12 - The hostess of our Christmas party, Dee Dee Broxson, found a gold earring after the party and she wonders if anyone lost it? If so, contact Dee Dee at her cell: 239-253-6310 or email: [email protected]. Or you can call the office at Big Island Excavating where she works for Bill McDaniel: 239-455-1218.
Jeff Moore Property for Sale
2/15/12 - Well, the website is working its magic! We have received two messages from absentee owners of property in the neighborhood. CINA member Jeff Moore has written he has 9.54 acres on Sanctuary Road near the entrance to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. He writes: "It's one of the reasons I bought it. I haven’t seen it in years. When I bought it, it had been tomato-growing land. By now it must be a jungle of pines and scrub and Brazilian Pepper. I haven’t been there in years. I’ll try to get some more information. I have to get an appraisal to figure out on asking price. Please put my personal information on the website, though I don’t know what good I’d be to anybody, as an absentee owner. Thanks for all you do for the community. It’s reassuring for absentee owners like me." Best regards, Jeffrey Ashton Moore
[email protected]
334 Mission Vineyard Rd
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
T: 831-623-0607
www.osierlea.org
After the March 18 CINA meeting in which members formed a consensus that they did not want any of the MSTU options offered us by the County for road repair and subsequent tax increase, the majority suggested they could do their own road repair. During that meeting, CINA Secretary Doug Wilson (who is a lawyer) gave his legal opinion that it was questionable whether the County had the right to collect retroactively for the Platt Road work, and also questionable whether the County could impose an MSTU on the entire CINA service area. While that question is still not answered, Doug communicated to the County that if pressed, some legal resistance might result.
Those in attendance gradually shifted conversation to "doing it ourselves". The MSTU committee was changed to the "Road Maintenance Committee", and Eduardo and Maria Tabraue presented a sign-up sheet for volunteers to donate whatever they could, either money, equipment or labor. There were about 15 signatures on it when the meeting ended.
There were skeptics in the group that neighbors could work together agreeably on this project but things happened fast after the March 18 meeting. The Road Maintenance Committee met at John Hinson's place on April 8 to discuss it, in an effort to side-swipe the County's desire to impose an MSTU, and then the progress reports started coming in from the Tabraue’s. Base rock was being hauled in. It was being spread. The work was getting done.
As CINA website editor I was curious about details to post, so on April 20 I went over to interview Maria and Eduardo. This isn't just about road construction. There is real "human interest" here.
I found out Lynn Radi was the catalyst in a 3-step process. Lynn had been in poor health (and still is). He & Gracie live on Fawn Lane which was one of the worst roads in the neighborhood. The next day after the CINA meeting Eduardo went down to see Lynn to tell him what happened at the meeting. Instead, he saw an emergency vehicle in the Radi's yard carrying Lynn out on a stretcher. The next morning Eduardo & Maria went to the hospital to see Lynn. They told him how many people had signed up to do road repair, and at least one of whom wanted Fawn Lane to be done first. He was so happy to hear it. That afternoon, Gracie came to the house and donated $500. When Lynn came home from the hospital, he made some telephone calls and the word started spreading.
The second important step in the process was the Tabraues' willinginess to step forward and be accountable for the donations, which led to paying the bills, keeping the records and contacting the right people to get the job done - without having a profit agenda for themselves. It is important to note that it's the Fire Department & Rescue Team who complain when roads become too poor for their vehicles to get through, not the County.
The third step in the unfolding process was the neighbors themselves. Word spread quickly. I asked Maria if they had to call and ask people to donate. She said, “No, when the neighbors saw Eduardo overseeing the road work, they asked about the situation and right away they pledged to help financially.”
The Tabraues approached two of the neighbors, one who has a dump truck and the other a skid steer, and they offered to help. Maria has kept immaculate records, a copy of which she showed me. She said it would be good to publish the names of the two men who did most of the work - hauling base rock and spreading it - because it is part of what they do as a business.
So for future reference, if anyone wants to organize a road repair in their area, these are the names to contact:
Herbey Garza has a dump truck. 239-634-4978. He brought 75 loads of base rock to the sites at a discounted price. He gets the base rock, delivers it and dumps it where it is needed. The cost depends on how far he has to go to get the base rock, because sometimes a mine has run out and he has to go further away.
Victor Rodriquez has a skid steer. 239-825-7890. A skid steer is what pushes the base rock around and smoothes it out after a pile has been dumped onto the road.
The Tabraue project included Fawn Lane, Platt Road and Lilac Lane. A total of $12,036 has been collected and spent and may not yet be finished. Fawn Lane $3536, Platt Road $2560 and Lilac Lane $5940. The Church on Immokalee Road donated the diesel fuel for the skid steer. Maria pointed to a map that she and Eduardo had marked as being the worst areas yet to be done, now that Lilac, Platt and Fawn have been upgraded. She explained that neighbors are maintaining both sides of Friendship, as well as most of the other roads in our neighborhood. The only roads that need to be fixed next are Rabbit Run, Sanctuary Road east of the paved bend, and Wild Turkey where it intersects with Immokalee on the east side.
These details have been shared with the County staff and Commissioner Nance. So far the indications are that Commissioner Nance is impressed and pleased, and County staff have not indicated an intention to press on repayment of the Platt Road repayment or an MSTU for any part of the CINA area at this time. But that doesn't mean that the door is closed on those actions.
Doug went over and took some pictures with Eduardo's help, brought them back and sent them to the CINA Board. I was amazed at the excellent improvements done in such a short time. How did this happen so fast? See pictures of improved roads, this page, right column.
Maria and Eduardo say they would be glad to answer any questions regarding road repair in the neighborhood. Tel: 239-595-2966.
5/22/14 - Wildlife around Maureen's place (photos are in photo gallery)
These photos were taken from inside her house through a window: a bob cat taken 8/23/13, the whole family of bobcats walking down her driveway, and a bear on 9/5/13.
5/22/14 - Fire Departments Discuss Merger
Our local Big Corkscrew Island Fire District (BCFD) is considering merging with the North Naples Fire District (NNFD). Captain Eric Watson of BCFD and Deputy Chief Mike Swansen of NNFD presented the merger plan at the April CINA meeting and answered questions at the request of Fire Chief Rita Greenberg. The business plan had only been released several hours prior to the CINA meeting between the two districts.
The plan shows a cost saving of 3.8 million dollars and will be put to the Board of Commissioners to vote on it in November. For the merger to take place, 51% of the Big Corkscrew district, and 51% of the North Naples district must approve it. The merger would affect the millage rates in each district, with Big Corkscrew getting the greater advantage at first until it evened out over several years.
Big Corkscrew also would benefit from advanced life support certification under the North Naples District, presumably allowing our firefighters and/or paramedics to start advanced treatment on a patient before an ambulance arrives.
The two districts have been considering this merger for the last 25 years but only recently approved a resolution to start looking at the pros and cons. CINA secretary Doug Wilson attended a by-invitation panel discussion in North Naples where more of the details were discussed, and questions raised. The panel in Wilson's opinion were well-informed. Updates on the merger can be seen at either of the two Fire District websites:
Big Corkscrew Island Fire Control & Rescue: http://www.bcifr.com/
North Naples Fire Control & Rescue website: http://www.northnaplesfire.com/
5/22/14 Free Ads for Members of CINA
Members of CINA are invited to post "for sale, rent or wanted" ads here for free. It doesn't cost us much to maintain this site, so we can pass the benefits on to the community. If you are not a member yet, we invite you to pay the requisite $10 a year per person. You can pay at a meeting or mail a check. See below. This is a nice way to do connect with others locally. By attending meetings you will get to know some of your neighbors. Many people don't want to know their neighbors, preferring to be quiet. But if you have a piece of furniture that's still good, post it here for a few extra dollars. Or maybe you're looking to buy property, sell, rent, seeking part-time work in yard work, tree service, baby sitting, pet sitting, elder sitting, cleaning. Or volunteer your time free as a way to get out of the house and interact. Send it to Nancy's email here.
1/9/14 World Wetlands Weekend Jan 31 - Feb 2, Festival of Learning & Fun
The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary's annual festival of learning and fun coincides with World Wetlands Day, celebrated internationally on February 2 to promote the importance wetlands play in our lives. Wetlands, land saturated by water, help maintain biodiversity on earth. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a designated Wetland of International Importance, an honor given by a worldwide wetlands organization called Ramsar.
During this weekend, they offer a rare opportunity to explore the back country on a swamp buggy. The swamp buggy tours are offered twice each day on January 31 and February 1, at $100 per person. They sell out fast! Reserve by phone at 239-348-9151, ext. 112.
At the nature center and boardwalk, the festival includes live music, discovery stations and boardwalk tours,most free with paid admission. See the full agenda below, and for more information
Friday, January 31
8 a.m. Birds of the Boardwalk Tour
9:30-12 Noon Swamp Buggy Tour with Sanctuary Director Jason Lauritsen*
10 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
11 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
11 a.m. Flora of Corkscrew Walk
1 p.m. Towering Tree Tour
1-4 p.m. Swamp Buggy Tour: Science Beyond the Boardwalk*
2 p.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
Saturday, February 1
7-10 a.m. Sunrise Swamp Buggy Adventure*
with Dr. Mike Knight and Photographer Brian Hampton
9 a.m. Birds of the Boardwalk Tour
10 a.m. Nature Photography Walk
10 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
10 a.m. Land Restoration Talk & Walk
11 a.m. Florida of Corkscrew Walk
11 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
1 p.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
1 p.m. Towering Tree Tour
2 p.m. Nature Photography Walk
2 p.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
3 p.m. Bats and Wetlands Talk & Walk
3:30-6:30 p.m. Sunset Swamp Buggy Adventure*
with Dr. Mike Knight and Photographer Brian Hampton
Saturday, February 1
Live Music in Blair Audubon Center
10 a.m. Plank Road Pluckers - Bluegrass, Folk & Class Country
11 a.m. Bob & Lucia Jenkins - World Music
12 Noon - Alan Bradford - Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter
1 p.m. Cindy Hackney - Naples Singer/Songwriter, Florida Folk
2 p.m. Laura Leary - Naples Violinist and Fiddle Player
3 p.m. Raiford Stark - Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter, Country Folk, Southern Rock & Blues
Saturday, February 1
Blair Audubon Center Discovery Stations
Nature Crafts - Make a critter to take home -- for kids of all ages! Wetland Birds - Learn about birds of the wetlands through interactive displays. Aquatic Adventures - Kids (at Heart) Only! Dip netting at the pond with a Corkscrew naturalist. Amazing Alligators - Learn about American alligators and their role in the environment
Sunday, February 2
10:30 a.m. Naturalist Guided Walk
Calling All Memories & Memorabilia
Memories, postcards, pictures, artifacts and souvenirs from your or your forebears' Corkscrew experience will be gratefully accepted for consideration of our 60th anniversary commemorative album and display. Please email us with narratives, artifact descriptions, and images if available (email at bottom). In turn, you will receive our heartfelt appreciation and a name credit.
A Brief History of Corkscrew
Through 5,000 Years. The ancestors of Corkscrew's old-growth bald cypress trees date back more than 5,000 years, to a time when the powerful Calusa tribe thrived in the region. Canoeing through the flooded forest, they hunted small game, fish, turtles, and alligators. A delicate ecological balance allowed abundant and diverse wildlife to flourish during the centuries of Europe's Renaissance and America's colonization and independence. By the late 1800s, the showy plumes of wading birds that thronged Corkscrew's forest were targeted for fashionable ornaments of ladies' hats. Plume hunters killed so many of the birds that they were nearly wiped out.
Outrage over the slaughter led to the founding of Audubon Societies in states throughout the U.S., and Audubon wardens risked their lives protecting wading bird rookeries. The plume hunters' rifles grew silent in Corkscrew. In 1950 a new threat appeared in the form of logging, fueled by our nation's appetite for the wood eternal. As the lumber harvest marched north, dropping one 500-year old bald cypress after another, this majestic forest was being reduced to a field of stubble.
Conscientious citizens formed the Corkscrew Cypress Rookery Association and with leadership from the National Audubon Society, people around the country contributed to purchase the remaining forest. By December 15, 1954, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was established. Audubon has been the steward of this international treasure ever since, maintaining it as a sanctuary for wildlife and people.
About the Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary comprises nearly 13,000 acres of fragile land owned and protected by the National Audubon Society since 1954. It is Southwest Florida's premier outdoor environmental learning center, with a 2.25 mile boardwalk and a visitor center with a nature store, tea room, wildlife theatre and classrooms. Corkscrew is located just northeast of Naples, 15 miles from I-75 on Immokalee Road (Exit 111). Call 239-348-9151. Visit Corkscrew.Audubon.org.
Open Daily
The Sanctuary is open daily year-round from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Entrance fees cover two consecutive days of admission and are $12 per adult; $6 for college students with ID; $4 for children six to 18 years old, and free for children under six. National Audubon Society members who present their ID card are offered a 50% discount ($6) for two consecutive days' admission.
Corkscrew Sanctuary
http://corkscrew.audubon.org/
[email protected]
375 Sanctuary Road West
Naples, FL 34120
1/6/14 MSTU'S (Municipal Service Taxing Units)
At the last CINA meeting in October there was a discussion about Municipal Service Taxing Units. This is a way to upgrade old bumpy roads so they are better roads, and the people who live on the road are taxed for it. They are called MSTU's.
Michelle Arnold and Harry Sells from Collier County attended the meeting to explain how MSTU's work. There is a process going and filing dates to be met which I (editor) don't have information on at the moment. But, since people have been asking, Doug Wilson is investigating and will send out an email to the neighborhood shortly. I will post it here, too, so check back in a few days.
If you haven't been receiving emails from either CINA Secretary Doug Wilson or CINA Treasurer, Nancy Wilson, send Nancy a message and give me your email. This is a public service and we are volunteers. I maintain the broad neighborhood email list and the more limited membership list. Membership is $10 a year. To become a voting member of CINA, send $10 per person to me as Treasurer, payable to "CINA". Address on the Home page.
1/6/14 Neighborhood Christmas Party December 13, 2013
CINA President Bill McDaniel and his partner, Dee Dee Broxson hosted a holiday party at their hunting lodge out in the woods off of Immokalee Road. A full moon shining over the pine trees into the dark screened-in lodge created a cozy mood as we sat around the fire pit in the center of the open room. And getting up to go into the brightly-lit kitchen for a plate of sweets, meats, crackers and cheese and egg nog provided a happy balance for neighbors to gather and meet each other, and swap tales of local news. We thank Bill and Dee Dee for hosting the party. This is the fourth annual party held at Bill's cabin in the woods. Every year It is held on the same night as our regular meetings, forfeiting the meeting in lieu of a Christmas party. To be included next year, send in your dues and become a member! (posted 1/6/14)
9/17/13 Wetlands Day Festival February 1, 2014 at the Sanctuary
There are many benefits to living near a wildlife preserve. It is easy to take for granted the wild and pristine nature surrounding us and the dark quiet that enfolds us at night. Mike Knight, who works for the Corkscrew Sanctuary, attends all of our CINA meetings since we meet in one of their classrooms and he opens the door for us. At the last meeting Mike reported there will be a Wetlands Day festival on Saturday, February 1, which inspired me to google Wetlands Day.
World Wetlands Day is held February 2 each year, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands held in 1971 in Iran near the Caspian Sea. Each year since 1997, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and interested citizens globally have used this weekend to celebrate and raise public awareness of the benefits of wetlands. If that doesn't apply to us, I don't know what does.
Instead of grumbling about all the rain, I realized that water flushes away pollution and we should be grateful for it. We thank the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, its staff and volunteers for all they do to maintain and appreciate nature's rhythm in our corner of the world.
9/17/13 Change in Burn Regulations
Many of us burn yard debris, and are familiar with the rules, about the proper size of the fire pit, etc. One rule was that we would have to call our local fire station on the day of burning and learn whether the state Forestry people had said conditions were OK for burning. If so, the fire station people would give us a permit number for that day.
Then last year, the Legislature passed a law dispensing with the local contact and requiring only that we call the Forestry number to get a green light, but no permit number.
We were about to burn the other day and called Forestry, only to find out that things had changed. We were returning to the old system. So we followed up with Chief Rita Greenberg and learned the following:
The legislative change was strongly objected to by local fire officials, who wanted to know who was burning in case conditions changed, among other things. So they lobbied to repeal the previous law and return things to the way they had been. The recent legislative session accomplished that. As of 5/13/13 the new law was to have taken effect in 30 days. We should have received notice of the change. If not, call your local fire department at 455-5356 as a courtesy if not official. The local Forestry number is 690-3502.
9/17/13 - CINA to donate $500 to the Sanctuary
At CINA's August 2013 meeting, it was decided to not do the scholarship fund but instead to donate $500 to the Corkscrew Sanctuary as a way of giving back to the neighborhood. Discussions had been underway at the October, February and June meetings as to how best to utilize a surplus of $2000 in CINA's bank account. With this change in plans the Special Projects Committee has been dissolved. See the August minutes of meeting posted under "Meetings". The decision of what to purchase is between Sanctuary Director Jason Lauritsen and the CINA board.
9/16/13 Report on Oil Drilling Project
A public meeting was held May 30th at the University of Florida Extension Office, on the proposed oil drilling project adjacent Golden Gate Estates. The meeting was hosted by County Commissioner Tim Nance, with representatives from Barron Collier Company, Collier Enterprises, Golden Gate Fire and Rescue District, the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Collier County staff present to provide information.
CINA members Doug Wilson, Mike Duever and Robbie Wooster attended the meeting. Wilson reported that it was "wild". The presenters were informative, if somewhat nerdy, but the audience was stacked with "aginners", Wilson said. A small organized vocal group jumped into the questioners' line so that 95% of the questions were mostly hostile statements. When a reasonable answer was given, they expressed disbelief.
The small minority group expressed fear of an explosion, a massive oil spill, pollution of the water table, and various problems with fracking, even though the lead company representative said he would put it in writing that they weren't going to frack because it was unnecessary. At the end of the meeting, the group marched out together chanting, "Profits over people! Profits over people!"
In spite of this outcry, Mr. Wilson said he was reassured about the project, and annoyed at the hostile minority. He reports that (1) The local company boss, Mr. Kremers, clearly said there would be no fracking, and he would put that in writing; (2) there is no "bomb zone" risk because there is no gas anywhere in the affected geology; (3) state regulations require, and the initial drilling implemented, a steel collar half an inch thick around the drilling hole, and a cement encasement around that, to protect the water table; (4) horizontal drilling, at the level where the oil is, is being used to as to eliminate the need to drill a lot of environmentally disruptive vertical holes; (5) the state Department of Environmental Protection representative affirmed that the company had complied with state regulations and that the Department's experience with such drilling in South Florida had been uniformly uneventful in recent decades (after regulations were tightened).
Wilson added, "That doesn't mean there aren't valid questions to ask, or possible challenges to some of the information. I just encourage people who have such challenges to try to get solid information that can be verified. It's all about persuasion. And if there is some significant evidence that something about the drilling needs to be changed or stopped, our Association can take a position on it and make that known to our county commissioners and other governmental people as appropriate.
For example, Robbie Wooster raised again the issue we have discussed before, which is getting the water tested before drilling and after. That is inexpensive enough that either the company or the county ought to see that it is done.
11/8/12 Mosquito Spraying?
Long-time CINA resident Robbie Wooster of Rookery Lane circulated a letter recently that she suspected mosquito-spraying planes were flying on the night of October 18, 2012. She is concerned as she thought we were in a no-spray zone. She states:
"I heard 3 passes overhead to the west, going south to north, then north to south, and south to north. It wasn't until the 4th pass that they buzzed my house headed north to south. Once they buzzed the house I could hear them as they continued in the grid pattern to the east. I can't even imagine the harmful effects on Dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, moths, fish, etc., and all the critters who dine on them living in the Sanctuary.
Is there monitoring of insect populations on the western edges of the boardwalk and parking area vs the interior areas? ie, sprayed areas vs natural areas? For some reason I thought there was a no-spray rule when it comes to CSS. Isn't there some kind of buffer zone between the Sanctuary and the sprayed lands? I thought the Sanctuary was to remain a natural area with the gambusia (mosquito fish) taking out the mosquito larvae. Mosquitoes are a part of living out here and I accepted that when I moved out to this area. I'm very concerned."
Acting Director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Jason Lauritsen, responded showing a map of the route that was sprayed that night, adding he was not sure what the previous pattern was but that he would look into it.
CINA Secretary Doug Wilson has offered to take a poll on the issue. Do you support or oppose mosquito spraying in our neighborhood? Send your answer to Secretary Doug Wilson at [email protected]. He will circulate comments and post them here on this website.
8/8/12 What can be recycled?
In an effort to clean up the planet by thinking green, we are becoming more conscious of what can be recycled instead of thrown into the wastebasket. Here are some hints from the Collier County website. If in doubt, call the County at 239-252-2380 and press 2 for recycling, trash and irrigation. What can be recycled in the normal way, by putting in black plastic bags inside the yellow covered recycle bin:
Paper: Newspapers, phone books, soft cover books, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, paper bags, cardboard, cereal boxes w/o plastic. Flatten and bundle large cardboard boxes into pieces 3’x3’ or less.
Cans & glass: aluminum cans, steel cans, tin cans, all plastics #1-#7, clear glass, brown glass, green glass, egg cartons, styrofoam trays (not blocks or peanuts).
Special pickup: Again, if in doubt, call Collier County, 239-252-2380 and press 2 for recycling. Ask. With 48 hour notice they will pick up a sofa, mattress, refrigerator, appliances, tires, electronics, that type of thing. But we need to give them advance notice and a list of items to be picked up. It requires some organizing because they have to know what size truck to send. It is usually the same day as trash and recycle pickup, which is Wednesday for us. So for a special pickup, you need to call by Friday before, and then put everything out by the street Tuesday evening after 5 pm, or sometime before 8 Wednesday morning.
Electronics: Keep electronics in a separate container since disposal is different for these. They will pickup computers, printers, televisions, stereo receivers, batteries of all kinds, CD players, tape recorders, telephones, that kind of thing.
What they don't recycle: Styrofoam blocks, styrofoam peanuts, hoses, electrical wire, window glass, mirrors, pots or pans, hard cover books. Either put these in the trash or, if usable (like pots, pans and hard cover books) take them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army or the like. (posted 8/8/12)
7/15/12 President Bill McDaniel Candidate
Bill McDaniel, president of our neighborhood association, and candidate for County Commissioner for District 3, which covers the Golden Gate area, will take part in a debate between commissioners, date to be announced. At the June CINA meeting secretary Doug Wilson reported that he had been in contact with the two Golden Gate associations to make arrangements for the debate which will take place before the August 14 election date. As soon as that date is fixed, it will be posted here. Click on Bill's website at http://www.votebillmcdaniel.com to see his background and qualifications. Among other projects, McDaniel served as chairman of the county’s East of 951 Horizon Study committee between the years 2006 to 2008, which looked at growth issues in Golden Gate Estates. He also served on the Rural Land Stewardship committee from 2007 to 2009, which made recommendations about changes to the county’s Rural Lands Stewardship Area growth plan in eastern Collier County.
Bill is the owner of Big Island Excavating on Immokalee Road and hosts the CINA neighborhood party every year at his "cabin in the woods". (Posted 7/15/12)
4/30/12 Fire Warning, Bad Drought Season
At both the February and April meeting we were warned by Mike Knight of the Corkscrew Sanctuary that this year is building up to be a bad fire season. CINA neighbors are put on notice to start clearing dead leaves and tree branches away from their homes at least 30 feet, and to make sure their street numbers are visible to visiting fire trucks. Also driveways should be clear of overhanging branches. Don't burn without getting approval from the local fire station. Call 239-455-5356 and get a permit number. (Posted 4/30/12)
7/11/12 Wildfire on Sanctuary property
Maureen filled us in this morning with a report about the smoke we smelled last night, also saw thick dense smoke over behind the Sanctuary. Maybe you smelled it too and wondered about it. Yesterday there was a wildfire in the wild lands adjacent to our neighborhood. Please pass the word. Here's what Maureen reports about the fire.
"The neighborhood may experience smoke tonight and tomorrow. The wildifire was in area west and southwest of CINA area. The wildfire is on Corkscrew property, as well as adjacent CREW (SFWMD) property. As of about 9 pm last night, the fire was contained on Corkscrew Sanctuary property. The fire was not too hot (perhaps therapeutic for the wildlands), and it was mostly contained utilizing previously established fire-break plow lines. The Division of Forestry is handling the CREW property south of Corkscrew Sanctuary."
If you hear of any other news regarding this fire or any other fire, send it to me (above) and I'll circulate it and post it here.
4/30/12 Fire Chief's Report, 1st Qtr 2012
For the Months of January, February and March 2012 we ran 392 calls for service - 14 fires, 186 medical, and 192 “other” (alarms, investigations, vehicle accidents, mutual aid and canceled). We conducted 15 fire inspections, 5 fire investigations and participated in 9 public education events. Public education and prevention information was in essence delivered to over 1900 people.
The District has been working through an emotionally difficult time, as we had two of our personnel involved in a very serious motorcycle accident – one of our personnel, FF/EMT Justin D. Petrucelli, passed away as a result of his injuries and the second Lt/Paramedic Joe O’Callaghan has still not yet been cleared for duty as a result of his injuries. While this has been an emotional time for our employees - the fire service community, our community, family and friends have made it tolerable. Your support of our organization is deeply felt and greatly appreciated.
We have been working on implementing components of our newly adopted Strategic Plan and one of the more noticeable events (for the Public) is the addition of our Safety Saturday Seminars! The seminars are scheduled from 10am-11am on one Saturday each month – In April 7 we will be doing “FireWise Communities” and “What to do when a wildfire approaches near you”. May’s topic (May 19 ,2012) will be “Backyard Critter Safety” and June’s topic (June 16, 2012) will be “Proper Use of a Fire Extinguisher”. All programs start at 10am and are held at the fire station located at 13240 Immokalee Road.
The 2012 Bi-Annual Chase Hoover Memorial Blood Drive is scheduled for Saturday June 16, 2012 from 10am-5pm, in conjunction with the June Safety Saturday Series! The event will be held at the fire station – 13240 Immokalee Road. Stop in, say hello and make a difference!
This time of year is always a little unnerving, as we patiently await for the summer rains to begin – please call the fire department 239-455-5356 prior to burning (even for hotdogs) and be certain to pay attention to the weather in your area when/if burning. DO NOT LEAVE ANY FIRE UNATTENDED!
Congratulations to FF/EMT Michael Christensen – our newest employee! FF Christensen began orientation on March 19, 2012 and begins his shift assignment on April 2, 2012.
Business of the District is conducted on the second Tuesday of each month – April 10, May 8 and June 12 will be the next three meetings. All meetings start at 5:30pm and are held at the administrative building located behind the fire station at 13240 Immokalee Road! If you have any questions regarding the operations of the District – please do not hesitate to contact us – 239-455-1204 or [email protected].
Be Safe and Enjoy the Spring!
Chief Rita
Rita M Greenberg, Fire Chief
Big Corkscrew Island F/R
239-455-1204 office
239-455-6497 fax
6/15/12 Property for Sale on Rookery Lane
Member Bill Peters now lives in Colorado but still owns property at 7480 Rookery Lane where he lived for 12 years He was forced to leave due to a lung condition. Bill writes to us that there are 7.5 acres plus a 33-year-old mobile home on the property. His step son is living there now, fixing it up in preparation for selling. For further details, contact Bill at his email: [email protected]. Or telephone 970-243-3200. (posted 6/15/12)
6/15/12 Lost dog wandering Sanctuary
Mike Knight of the Corkscrew Sanctuary reports that the staff have found a dog wandering around the sanctuary. He appears to be young, healthy, friendly, and looking for his owner. If you have lost a dog please contact Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary at 348-9151 and ask for Harry Bailey. Photo of the dog is below.
Hap Halley Property for Sale
1/25/12 - Just received a call from one-time resident Frank Halley. He and his wife now live in the Villages in North Florida. He still has property in Corkscrew Island which he wants to sell. Some of you long-time residents may remember him. He ran a real estate office in Golden Gate. He will be sending a description of the property for sale which will be posted here as soon as we get it. Please, everyone - use this website for your items for sale. This can be property or a sewing machine. Or if you're searching for something. Nancy will post it here. It is easy as pie for her. Or if you have a news announcement or something important you want to pass on. Write it up and click on Nancy's name above to get her email.
Found Gold Earring
1/30/12 - The hostess of our Christmas party, Dee Dee Broxson, found a gold earring after the party and she wonders if anyone lost it? If so, contact Dee Dee at her cell: 239-253-6310 or email: [email protected]. Or you can call the office at Big Island Excavating where she works for Bill McDaniel: 239-455-1218.
Jeff Moore Property for Sale
2/15/12 - Well, the website is working its magic! We have received two messages from absentee owners of property in the neighborhood. CINA member Jeff Moore has written he has 9.54 acres on Sanctuary Road near the entrance to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. He writes: "It's one of the reasons I bought it. I haven’t seen it in years. When I bought it, it had been tomato-growing land. By now it must be a jungle of pines and scrub and Brazilian Pepper. I haven’t been there in years. I’ll try to get some more information. I have to get an appraisal to figure out on asking price. Please put my personal information on the website, though I don’t know what good I’d be to anybody, as an absentee owner. Thanks for all you do for the community. It’s reassuring for absentee owners like me." Best regards, Jeffrey Ashton Moore
[email protected]
334 Mission Vineyard Rd
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
T: 831-623-0607
www.osierlea.org
