By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/30/09
A man considered by many to be one of Cape Coral's founding fathers, Earle F. Tolles, died Monday.
Tolles, who moved to Cape Coral and founded Con-Crete Seawalls with brother Ron Tolles in 1961, died at 86 years of age after battling cancer.
Tolles was a charter member of the Cape Coral Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and Cape Coral Construction Industry Association. In 2003 he was named to the CCCIA Hall of Fame.
Tolles participated in the development of St. Andrew Catholic Church and the Cape Coral Yacht Club, and was a member of the Church of the Resurrection in Fort Myers.
Long-time resident and city historian Paul Sanborn recalled Tolles as a kind, generous man and an irreplaceable friend.
"He was one of the nicest persons you could ever meet," he said Monday evening. "I don't think Earle had an enemy in the world."
Sanborn met Tolles in 1962, and both were founding members of the Cape Coral Rotary Club in 1964. The two had traveled to Europe on several occasions together and kept in constant contact via e-mail.
"Earle was one of my very best and long-term friends," he said. "It's a great loss to me because we were very, very close."
Among their many contributions, Tolles and his brother donated concrete to the Veterans' Arch structure near the entrance of the Cape Coral Bridge, Sanborn said.
"They've contributed many, many things to the community as we were growing," he said. "If there was a need, they helped fill it."
In response to Tolles' death, CCCIA Executive Director Patti Schnell referred to Tolles as an industry pioneer and boasted his lifelong contributions to the community.
"His family name will always be an important cornerstone in the growth of this wonderful city," she said. "He took a chance on Cape Coral when it was new, and because of that I consider him one of the founding fathers of this city. He just did it because it was the right thing to do, that's the kind of person he was."
Tolles was born Feb. 6, 1923, in Alamo, Texas. He graduated P.S.J.A. High School in McAllen, Texas, and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Tolles was an avid golfer, sinking his third hole in one in 2008. He golfed regularly at the Palmetto Pines Country Club, of which he was a charter member, and in Hendersonville, N.C. He also enjoyed making wine, woodworking and computers.
A viewing will be held from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Metz Funeral Home.
Church services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Andrew Catholic Church, to be followed by burial services at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens at 1589 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
Family members request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Rotary Club of Cape Coral Foundation, P.O. Box 101346, Cape Coral, FL 33910; Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908; or Junior Golf.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Today’s motorcycle ride fund raiser to benefit injured officer
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/27/09
It has been the better part of a month since Cape Coral motorcycle officer Damien Garcia was critically injured in a serious accident, and it appears that the positive signs of improvement from his Miami hospital bed have caused the community to rally together stronger and more cohesively on his behalf.
Dave Lawler, a friend of officer Garcia's and an avid motorcyclist, rallied the help of the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge to put together a motorcycle ride fund raiser for Garcia and his family.
"Damien has been a very good friend of mine for the past couple years," said Lawler, a 40-year motorcyclist. "It's very important for people to come out. Damien is just an all around super great guy. It's going to be a good time, it's going to be a great event."
Registration for the ride will take place Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Victory Lane Cafe, located at 4120 Hancock Bridge Parkway, at a cost of $20. The ride will begin at 11 a.m. and will end at GEO's Italian Restaurant on Pine Island Road. Live music, food, raffles and much more will be available at GEO's as part of the fund-raising efforts.
Though Garcia remains in critical condition, he continues to show positive steps towards a possible recovery, said city spokesperson Connie Barron earlier this week.
The extent of his recovery remains to be seen, but the support and prayers of Garcia's community has touched the hearts of his family, Barron said.
"When I first found out about this, it was not only shocking, because Damien is a fantastic rider... It was like getting kicked in the head," Lawler said. "I couldn't believe it. I was at the hospital every day since this happened."
Lawler said safe driving and awareness are components that can prevent many motorcycle accidents from occurring.
"People in cars really need to pay attention," he said. "They need to stay off the phone, stop texting. If you're getting in the car to drive it, drive it. Cars really need to look out for motorcycles, they really really do."
Lawler is a member of motorcycle group ABATE, which he says is a proponent of tougher traffic laws.
"Florida needs to get a lot stricter with their motorcycle laws," he said.
FOP representative Cape Coral Sgt. Robert Wardrop expressed the importance of the community's support and that of people like Lawler.
"It means a lot to us," Wardrop said. "We're very appreciative of the community support, the businesses and the donations."
Money donated during the event will be placed in an account at TIB Bank opened earlier this month, called the Special Needs Account, C/O FOP Lodge 33.
"Whatever the family deems necessary, that's what the money's for," Wardrop said. "The more people that show up, the more support for the family, which is what we want."
ABATE will also hold a fund raiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft.
Lowes Home Improvement Center, on Pine Island Road, will host a July 4 fund raiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise funds for Garcia and his family.
A dunk tank, classic car show, Fire Department truck display and raffle and bucket drive will be components of the event.
Cape Coral Police Chief Rob Petrovich continues to be heartened by the various events and continued support of the community.
"I think when you see and hear about these kinds of things... it's very touching and it's wonderful," Petrovich said. "The fact is that everybody is taking a crisis, a bad situation, trying to make sense of it and trying to make good of it as well as they can."
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/27/09
It has been the better part of a month since Cape Coral motorcycle officer Damien Garcia was critically injured in a serious accident, and it appears that the positive signs of improvement from his Miami hospital bed have caused the community to rally together stronger and more cohesively on his behalf.
Dave Lawler, a friend of officer Garcia's and an avid motorcyclist, rallied the help of the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge to put together a motorcycle ride fund raiser for Garcia and his family.
"Damien has been a very good friend of mine for the past couple years," said Lawler, a 40-year motorcyclist. "It's very important for people to come out. Damien is just an all around super great guy. It's going to be a good time, it's going to be a great event."
Registration for the ride will take place Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Victory Lane Cafe, located at 4120 Hancock Bridge Parkway, at a cost of $20. The ride will begin at 11 a.m. and will end at GEO's Italian Restaurant on Pine Island Road. Live music, food, raffles and much more will be available at GEO's as part of the fund-raising efforts.
Though Garcia remains in critical condition, he continues to show positive steps towards a possible recovery, said city spokesperson Connie Barron earlier this week.
The extent of his recovery remains to be seen, but the support and prayers of Garcia's community has touched the hearts of his family, Barron said.
"When I first found out about this, it was not only shocking, because Damien is a fantastic rider... It was like getting kicked in the head," Lawler said. "I couldn't believe it. I was at the hospital every day since this happened."
Lawler said safe driving and awareness are components that can prevent many motorcycle accidents from occurring.
"People in cars really need to pay attention," he said. "They need to stay off the phone, stop texting. If you're getting in the car to drive it, drive it. Cars really need to look out for motorcycles, they really really do."
Lawler is a member of motorcycle group ABATE, which he says is a proponent of tougher traffic laws.
"Florida needs to get a lot stricter with their motorcycle laws," he said.
FOP representative Cape Coral Sgt. Robert Wardrop expressed the importance of the community's support and that of people like Lawler.
"It means a lot to us," Wardrop said. "We're very appreciative of the community support, the businesses and the donations."
Money donated during the event will be placed in an account at TIB Bank opened earlier this month, called the Special Needs Account, C/O FOP Lodge 33.
"Whatever the family deems necessary, that's what the money's for," Wardrop said. "The more people that show up, the more support for the family, which is what we want."
ABATE will also hold a fund raiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft.
Lowes Home Improvement Center, on Pine Island Road, will host a July 4 fund raiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise funds for Garcia and his family.
A dunk tank, classic car show, Fire Department truck display and raffle and bucket drive will be components of the event.
Cape Coral Police Chief Rob Petrovich continues to be heartened by the various events and continued support of the community.
"I think when you see and hear about these kinds of things... it's very touching and it's wonderful," Petrovich said. "The fact is that everybody is taking a crisis, a bad situation, trying to make sense of it and trying to make good of it as well as they can."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Authorities: Heat stroke possibly played part in Cape man’s death
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/25/09
A Cape Coral man died after suffering cardiac arrest during a basketball game Tuesday night, and officials believe heat stroke may have contributed to the incident.
Michael A. Abreu, 25, was pronounced dead at 8:54 p.m. after emergency workers had tried for 25 minutes to revive him, reports state.
The incident happened at the Cape Christian Fellowship Church, located at 2110 Chiquita Blvd. S., while Abreu and friends were playing basketball on an open court, witnesses stated.
Abreu collapsed onto his stomach while chasing after a basketball.
He fell on a cement step on the court, though it is unclear whether he slipped or fainted, police said.
Friends reportedly told police that they rolled Abreu onto his back and saw that his eyes had rolled to the back of his head. They then called 911.
Family members told police that Abreu suffered from sleep apnea and had fainted on prior occasions.
It is unknown if Abreu was taking medication at the time of the incident.
Police do not suspect foul play. However, officials speculate that heat exhaustion may have played a part in Abreu's death, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
Police are awaiting autopsy results from the Medical Examiner's Office to determine the contributing factors to Abreu's death.
The Weather Underground reports that the outdoor temperature at 8:35 p.m. was 85.1 degrees Fahrenheit at 100 percent humidity.
Family members could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening by press time.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/25/09
A Cape Coral man died after suffering cardiac arrest during a basketball game Tuesday night, and officials believe heat stroke may have contributed to the incident.
Michael A. Abreu, 25, was pronounced dead at 8:54 p.m. after emergency workers had tried for 25 minutes to revive him, reports state.
The incident happened at the Cape Christian Fellowship Church, located at 2110 Chiquita Blvd. S., while Abreu and friends were playing basketball on an open court, witnesses stated.
Abreu collapsed onto his stomach while chasing after a basketball.
He fell on a cement step on the court, though it is unclear whether he slipped or fainted, police said.
Friends reportedly told police that they rolled Abreu onto his back and saw that his eyes had rolled to the back of his head. They then called 911.
Family members told police that Abreu suffered from sleep apnea and had fainted on prior occasions.
It is unknown if Abreu was taking medication at the time of the incident.
Police do not suspect foul play. However, officials speculate that heat exhaustion may have played a part in Abreu's death, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
Police are awaiting autopsy results from the Medical Examiner's Office to determine the contributing factors to Abreu's death.
The Weather Underground reports that the outdoor temperature at 8:35 p.m. was 85.1 degrees Fahrenheit at 100 percent humidity.
Family members could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening by press time.
Police: Cape man threatens another with knife at field
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/25/09
A Cape Coral man was arrested after witnesses said he threatened a fellow soccer player with a pocket knife Tuesday.
Jaison Mizael Umanzor-Mendoza, 25, of 1200 N.E. 12th St., was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
A dispute between Umanzor-Mendoza and another man began at the Hancock Ball Park after one of the men kicked the other's soccer ball away, states a police report.
The incident was reported at 2211 Hancock Bridge Parkway at 8:32 p.m.
Umanzor-Mendoza threw a cup of water at the man and the argument escalated, at which point a third man tried to break up the fight, witnesses stated.
The third man reportedly told police Umanzor-Mendoza threatened him with a pocket knife, pointing it at him from 3 to 4 feet away, stating he would "cut his guts out."
Umanzor-Mendoza fled when he heard police sirens, but was later located at his Cape Coral home, reports state.
The victim and witnesses positively identified Umanzor-Mendoza as the individual who brandished a pocket knife.
Umanzor-Mendoza denied threatening anyone with a knife.
Police did not locate a knife during a search of his vehicle.
Umanzor-Mendoza remained in the Lee County Jail on $15,000 bond, jail records show.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/25/09
A Cape Coral man was arrested after witnesses said he threatened a fellow soccer player with a pocket knife Tuesday.
Jaison Mizael Umanzor-Mendoza, 25, of 1200 N.E. 12th St., was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
A dispute between Umanzor-Mendoza and another man began at the Hancock Ball Park after one of the men kicked the other's soccer ball away, states a police report.
The incident was reported at 2211 Hancock Bridge Parkway at 8:32 p.m.
Umanzor-Mendoza threw a cup of water at the man and the argument escalated, at which point a third man tried to break up the fight, witnesses stated.
The third man reportedly told police Umanzor-Mendoza threatened him with a pocket knife, pointing it at him from 3 to 4 feet away, stating he would "cut his guts out."
Umanzor-Mendoza fled when he heard police sirens, but was later located at his Cape Coral home, reports state.
The victim and witnesses positively identified Umanzor-Mendoza as the individual who brandished a pocket knife.
Umanzor-Mendoza denied threatening anyone with a knife.
Police did not locate a knife during a search of his vehicle.
Umanzor-Mendoza remained in the Lee County Jail on $15,000 bond, jail records show.
Man reportedly robbed outside Cape home of cash and jewelry
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/25/09
A Cape Coral man told police that he was robbed outside of his home Tuesday morning.
The alleged robber made off with jewelry, cash, a cell phone and set of keys valued at $1,445, according to police documents.
The victim reportedly said he was on the north side of his home, in the 2300 block of Southeast Eighth Place, when a black man wearing sunglasses and a bandana over his face grabbed him from behind and stated, "Gimme your money, give me your wallet, don't fight me, I'm not gonna hurt (you), just do what I tell you."
The robbery was reported at 11:20 a.m.
The alleged robber was approximately 25 years old, 6 feet tall, 165 pounds and was wearing a dark shirt, the victim told police.
The suspect snatched a necklace from the victim's neck and fled south with it and the other items, reports stated.
Helicopter and K-9 units responded and canvassed the area, but were unable to locate a suspect.
Police continue to investigate the incident.
Anyone with information on the incident can contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 574-3223.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/25/09
A Cape Coral man told police that he was robbed outside of his home Tuesday morning.
The alleged robber made off with jewelry, cash, a cell phone and set of keys valued at $1,445, according to police documents.
The victim reportedly said he was on the north side of his home, in the 2300 block of Southeast Eighth Place, when a black man wearing sunglasses and a bandana over his face grabbed him from behind and stated, "Gimme your money, give me your wallet, don't fight me, I'm not gonna hurt (you), just do what I tell you."
The robbery was reported at 11:20 a.m.
The alleged robber was approximately 25 years old, 6 feet tall, 165 pounds and was wearing a dark shirt, the victim told police.
The suspect snatched a necklace from the victim's neck and fled south with it and the other items, reports stated.
Helicopter and K-9 units responded and canvassed the area, but were unable to locate a suspect.
Police continue to investigate the incident.
Anyone with information on the incident can contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 574-3223.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Departments battle Cape, Pine Island brush fires; Durden blaze may have reignited
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/23/09
Local firefighters and forestry officials had their hands full Monday between a resparked 170-acre brush fire in north Cape Coral and another 100-acre fire on Pine Island.
While neither fire endangered homes in the respective areas, crews remained working diligently throughout the afternoon and into the evening to make sure any possible threat to residents would be extinguished.
Cape Coral and Pine Island fire crews and the Department of Forestry battled the 100-acre blaze near Stringfellow Road. It had become 85 percent contained by the early evening and was anticipated to be fully contained, according to DOF spokesperson Victor Hill.
Hill said Monday evening that crews had fully contained the 170-acre fire in a forested area near Durden Parkway and Andalusia Boulevard.
Cape Coral and North Fort Myers fire departments battled the Cape blaze alongside forestry workers. The fire did not threaten residents from its remote location, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
The blaze was likely resparked from a 240-acre fire last week by lightning in the area, Barron said.
Monday's Cape fire may have been deemed non-threatening to residents, but Kevin Neal is still grateful to those fighting the fire, especially after seeing the 240-acre Thursday blaze come right up to the north side of Durden.
Neal lives with his wife on the southwest end of Durden. They were asked to evacuate last week.
Neal and his wife moved into their quiet north Cape home from Colorado just a few weeks ago, and his welcome to the neighborhood remains visible in charred brush only feet from the roadway.
But Neal will remember Thursday's fire for another reason: the couple's home in Colorado flooded days before their move to the Sunshine State.
"We had the flood and then the fire," he said. "We were thinking, 'What is next?'"
Still, Neal has faith in the firefighters and forestry workers squelching out flames and running fire lines.
"They came out real quickly and they had a lot of help," he said. "I am thankful and hopeful that they will always put it out."
For Neal and his family, the good outweighs the bad - brush fire season - in the north Cape. The quiet, serene locale will keep them where they are.
"I like it up here," he said. "Not many neighbors."
Hill said fire officials would remain on-scene into Monday evening and would continue to monitor the north Cape fire today.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/23/09
Local firefighters and forestry officials had their hands full Monday between a resparked 170-acre brush fire in north Cape Coral and another 100-acre fire on Pine Island.
While neither fire endangered homes in the respective areas, crews remained working diligently throughout the afternoon and into the evening to make sure any possible threat to residents would be extinguished.
Cape Coral and Pine Island fire crews and the Department of Forestry battled the 100-acre blaze near Stringfellow Road. It had become 85 percent contained by the early evening and was anticipated to be fully contained, according to DOF spokesperson Victor Hill.
Hill said Monday evening that crews had fully contained the 170-acre fire in a forested area near Durden Parkway and Andalusia Boulevard.
Cape Coral and North Fort Myers fire departments battled the Cape blaze alongside forestry workers. The fire did not threaten residents from its remote location, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
The blaze was likely resparked from a 240-acre fire last week by lightning in the area, Barron said.
Monday's Cape fire may have been deemed non-threatening to residents, but Kevin Neal is still grateful to those fighting the fire, especially after seeing the 240-acre Thursday blaze come right up to the north side of Durden.
Neal lives with his wife on the southwest end of Durden. They were asked to evacuate last week.
Neal and his wife moved into their quiet north Cape home from Colorado just a few weeks ago, and his welcome to the neighborhood remains visible in charred brush only feet from the roadway.
But Neal will remember Thursday's fire for another reason: the couple's home in Colorado flooded days before their move to the Sunshine State.
"We had the flood and then the fire," he said. "We were thinking, 'What is next?'"
Still, Neal has faith in the firefighters and forestry workers squelching out flames and running fire lines.
"They came out real quickly and they had a lot of help," he said. "I am thankful and hopeful that they will always put it out."
For Neal and his family, the good outweighs the bad - brush fire season - in the north Cape. The quiet, serene locale will keep them where they are.
"I like it up here," he said. "Not many neighbors."
Hill said fire officials would remain on-scene into Monday evening and would continue to monitor the north Cape fire today.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Parents, kids compete in annual race
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/22/09
Sweat trickled down their foreheads as they eyed the downward slope of the clay track. They gripped the handlebars, poised in the smoldering summer heat, and waited. Finally, the signal rang out and the motors of the holding gate hissed as it clanged down.
They were off.
The riders sped their bikes around the Cape Coral BMX track's winding quarter-mile strip of clay hills and asphalt berms, set in a quiet neighborhood at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Parkway and Skyline Boulevard, and they crossed the finish line with that look in their eyes that said: There's no other way I'd rather spend Father's Day.
The Fourth Annual Father's Day Race saw a pair of tires for 16 NBL-ranked fathers and 16 fresh faces, as well as those of their sons and daughters as young as three years old Saturday.
"It's more of a family sport," said Assistant Track Director Chuck Carroll. "Here you can get out there, race, ride and practice with your kid. In BMX you don't ever have to sit on the bench. Everyone gets to participate, it doesn't matter what your skill level is."
Carroll expects at least four or five new riders will come of the Father's Day event, and calls BMX a "lifestyle," one that is a healthy way for younger riders to spend their free time.
"It keeps them off the street, because they always want to go ride," he said. "It keeps them off the video games and off the computers. At least now when they ride bikes they want to be outside jumping and being active."
As much as the track's membership has grown and changed, the track itself has seen many changes throughout its life of more than 30 years.
The berms once dirt, much of the track previously littered with shells, the track's modernization seems to reflect its growing popularity.
BMX even became an olympic sport in recent years, boasted father of three boys and BMX rider Chris Giuliano.
"It's excellent," Giuliano said of how BMX has allowed him to bond with sons Isaac, 7, and Tyler and CJ, both 13, who all ride and travel together to various races. "It's very family oriented. We're out here, mom's out here, everybody's out here. We're all together and each one of them gets to race. It's awesome."
The Giulianos travel Florida to compete in the state-level BMX competitions, and will travel to Kentucky for the Grand Nationals for the first time this year.
After trying out various sports with the boys such as soccer, Giuliano feels his family has found the right formula with BMX.
"It's not something you're always winning at, it's something competitive, teaches them discipline on how to lose and how to be a good sport, so it's really good," he said. "You meet a lot of people here. Everybody's down to Earth, good people, good people to hang out with and good people to be around."
Giuliano sees a greater gift than Father's Day fun for the pedal-happy dads--perspective.
"A lot of people don't realize how hard it is until the parent gets out on the track. You'll hear parents screaming at their kids, 'Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!' You get out there and you don't say that so much anymore. It's just, 'Go, Dad! Have fun!'"
But it isn't just sons leaving tire trails on the Cape Coral BMX track's clay.
Kyra Simone proves that daughters are every bit as competitive in the sport as their fellow male riders, barreling past the starting gate on her pink, 20-inch Answer Anarchy bike.
Simone said that the "racing styles and staging," as well as the attitudes of boys and girls are different at the track, but that in every other way she's considered an equal and has proven herself capable.
But it's the people, not the fierce competition, she likes most about BMX.
"I enjoy making friends and helping other people out on the track," Simone said. "Like if somebody doesn't have a part you just walk up and say, 'Hey man, you have this.' It's really friendly."
Simone joined BMX with her father, Mark.
But the two planned to put their helmets on the shelf Sunday to indulge in the relaxing atmosphere of Southwest Florida boating, and spend the evening
having dinner with their family.
Their helmets would always be there, ready for next Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, when the riders of Cape Coral would put on their clay-stained gear and wait for the gate to drop.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/22/09
Sweat trickled down their foreheads as they eyed the downward slope of the clay track. They gripped the handlebars, poised in the smoldering summer heat, and waited. Finally, the signal rang out and the motors of the holding gate hissed as it clanged down.
They were off.
The riders sped their bikes around the Cape Coral BMX track's winding quarter-mile strip of clay hills and asphalt berms, set in a quiet neighborhood at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Parkway and Skyline Boulevard, and they crossed the finish line with that look in their eyes that said: There's no other way I'd rather spend Father's Day.
The Fourth Annual Father's Day Race saw a pair of tires for 16 NBL-ranked fathers and 16 fresh faces, as well as those of their sons and daughters as young as three years old Saturday.
"It's more of a family sport," said Assistant Track Director Chuck Carroll. "Here you can get out there, race, ride and practice with your kid. In BMX you don't ever have to sit on the bench. Everyone gets to participate, it doesn't matter what your skill level is."
Carroll expects at least four or five new riders will come of the Father's Day event, and calls BMX a "lifestyle," one that is a healthy way for younger riders to spend their free time.
"It keeps them off the street, because they always want to go ride," he said. "It keeps them off the video games and off the computers. At least now when they ride bikes they want to be outside jumping and being active."
As much as the track's membership has grown and changed, the track itself has seen many changes throughout its life of more than 30 years.
The berms once dirt, much of the track previously littered with shells, the track's modernization seems to reflect its growing popularity.
BMX even became an olympic sport in recent years, boasted father of three boys and BMX rider Chris Giuliano.
"It's excellent," Giuliano said of how BMX has allowed him to bond with sons Isaac, 7, and Tyler and CJ, both 13, who all ride and travel together to various races. "It's very family oriented. We're out here, mom's out here, everybody's out here. We're all together and each one of them gets to race. It's awesome."
The Giulianos travel Florida to compete in the state-level BMX competitions, and will travel to Kentucky for the Grand Nationals for the first time this year.
After trying out various sports with the boys such as soccer, Giuliano feels his family has found the right formula with BMX.
"It's not something you're always winning at, it's something competitive, teaches them discipline on how to lose and how to be a good sport, so it's really good," he said. "You meet a lot of people here. Everybody's down to Earth, good people, good people to hang out with and good people to be around."
Giuliano sees a greater gift than Father's Day fun for the pedal-happy dads--perspective.
"A lot of people don't realize how hard it is until the parent gets out on the track. You'll hear parents screaming at their kids, 'Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!' You get out there and you don't say that so much anymore. It's just, 'Go, Dad! Have fun!'"
But it isn't just sons leaving tire trails on the Cape Coral BMX track's clay.
Kyra Simone proves that daughters are every bit as competitive in the sport as their fellow male riders, barreling past the starting gate on her pink, 20-inch Answer Anarchy bike.
Simone said that the "racing styles and staging," as well as the attitudes of boys and girls are different at the track, but that in every other way she's considered an equal and has proven herself capable.
But it's the people, not the fierce competition, she likes most about BMX.
"I enjoy making friends and helping other people out on the track," Simone said. "Like if somebody doesn't have a part you just walk up and say, 'Hey man, you have this.' It's really friendly."
Simone joined BMX with her father, Mark.
But the two planned to put their helmets on the shelf Sunday to indulge in the relaxing atmosphere of Southwest Florida boating, and spend the evening
having dinner with their family.
Their helmets would always be there, ready for next Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, when the riders of Cape Coral would put on their clay-stained gear and wait for the gate to drop.
‘Help feed the Cape’ collects food, raises money
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/22/09
Cape Coral showed its giving side this Father's Day weekend, but it wasn't just dads who saw the city's compassion.
Residents made their way down to the Shops at Surfside shopping center Saturday and gave blood, food and money to show their charity and good will during the center's "Help Feed the Cape!" event.
The event aimed at getting residents to donate canned goods for the Feed the Cape program, a summer initiative of the Cape Coral Community Foundation to help those in need.
Spearheading the collection effort was local retailer Belk, which came up with $1,000 in canned goods and $1,000 in cash donations, some donators writing checks for $100 and up.
"I don't think any of us thought in this day and age that someone would just write a check for $100," said store manager Corliss Kazemba. "$2,000 will buy a lot of food."
The donations were collected by Community Cooperative Ministries Incorporated.
Each store in the shopping center participated, and many had Father's Day giveaways, including free coffee and donuts at Starbucks, Boar's Head hotdogs from Paradise Deli & Market and free ice cream at The Ice Cream Club, and others.
Also, residents were able to donate blood to the Lee Memorial Blood Center.
"It really worked out wonderfully," Kazemba said. "The important thing is that we need to have Feed the Cape every day."
Belk will participate in the Feed the Cape program the first Tuesday of each month during seniors day at the store, Kazemba said.
"It's all about supporting Cape residents that are in need right now, which there are a lot of them," said store associate Michael Dean.
To learn more about the Feed the Cape program, visit :www.capecoralcf.org or call 542-5594. Donations can be made payable to the Cape Coral Community Foundation
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/22/09
Cape Coral showed its giving side this Father's Day weekend, but it wasn't just dads who saw the city's compassion.
Residents made their way down to the Shops at Surfside shopping center Saturday and gave blood, food and money to show their charity and good will during the center's "Help Feed the Cape!" event.
The event aimed at getting residents to donate canned goods for the Feed the Cape program, a summer initiative of the Cape Coral Community Foundation to help those in need.
Spearheading the collection effort was local retailer Belk, which came up with $1,000 in canned goods and $1,000 in cash donations, some donators writing checks for $100 and up.
"I don't think any of us thought in this day and age that someone would just write a check for $100," said store manager Corliss Kazemba. "$2,000 will buy a lot of food."
The donations were collected by Community Cooperative Ministries Incorporated.
Each store in the shopping center participated, and many had Father's Day giveaways, including free coffee and donuts at Starbucks, Boar's Head hotdogs from Paradise Deli & Market and free ice cream at The Ice Cream Club, and others.
Also, residents were able to donate blood to the Lee Memorial Blood Center.
"It really worked out wonderfully," Kazemba said. "The important thing is that we need to have Feed the Cape every day."
Belk will participate in the Feed the Cape program the first Tuesday of each month during seniors day at the store, Kazemba said.
"It's all about supporting Cape residents that are in need right now, which there are a lot of them," said store associate Michael Dean.
To learn more about the Feed the Cape program, visit :www.capecoralcf.org or call 542-5594. Donations can be made payable to the Cape Coral Community Foundation
Cape man charged in fatal stabbing of companion
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/20/09
A man was arrested and charged in the stabbing death of his companion of four years in their south Cape apartment Friday morning.
Wayne J. Zaleski Jr., 24, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Miguel Vandi, Zaleski's companion and roommate.
The stabbing death occurred in unit 33 of Amherst Manor Apartments where the couple stayed, located at 4808 Atlantic Court, at about 3:05 a.m.
Police said Zaleski told 911 operators Vandi had been stabbed early Friday morning, but initially said he did not know the origin of Vandi's injuries.
Responding officers said they discovered Vandi's body in the master bedroom of the couple's apartment with a stab wound to the side of his body and covered with blood.
Zaleski later admitted to stabbing Vandi during an argument, police said.
Zaleski reportedly said he and Vandi had been drinking at several bars the prior evening, at which point the victim became jealous and went home.
When both men had returned home, Vandi brandished a knife during an argument, at which point Zaleski grabbed the knife and stabbed Vandi, according to police statements.
Vandi's death marks the third murder in Cape Coral in 2009.
"There's always arguing over there at night," said Linda Hines, who has lived across the street from the complex for three years.
Hines said she didn't know any of the residents, but that there were many late-night arguments on the open stairwells of the complex.
Hines said she wasn't surprised at what had happened, as the apartment complex had seen a visit from the SWAT Team in 2008.
Due to the blighted nature of the area in which Vandi was murdered, Officer Gerry Moll said the Cape Coral Police Department has been working closely with the community to make the area more livable. It's something they call the "Weed and Seed" program.
Moll said the department has applied for a federal grant for the program, and already works with community groups, churches and the CRA in their efforts to clean up the area and deter crime.
"There's a lot of proactive community policing," he said. "The area needed care, and it still needs care."
Moll called Vandi's death "very disappointing and discouraging."
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/20/09
A man was arrested and charged in the stabbing death of his companion of four years in their south Cape apartment Friday morning.
Wayne J. Zaleski Jr., 24, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Miguel Vandi, Zaleski's companion and roommate.
The stabbing death occurred in unit 33 of Amherst Manor Apartments where the couple stayed, located at 4808 Atlantic Court, at about 3:05 a.m.
Police said Zaleski told 911 operators Vandi had been stabbed early Friday morning, but initially said he did not know the origin of Vandi's injuries.
Responding officers said they discovered Vandi's body in the master bedroom of the couple's apartment with a stab wound to the side of his body and covered with blood.
Zaleski later admitted to stabbing Vandi during an argument, police said.
Zaleski reportedly said he and Vandi had been drinking at several bars the prior evening, at which point the victim became jealous and went home.
When both men had returned home, Vandi brandished a knife during an argument, at which point Zaleski grabbed the knife and stabbed Vandi, according to police statements.
Vandi's death marks the third murder in Cape Coral in 2009.
"There's always arguing over there at night," said Linda Hines, who has lived across the street from the complex for three years.
Hines said she didn't know any of the residents, but that there were many late-night arguments on the open stairwells of the complex.
Hines said she wasn't surprised at what had happened, as the apartment complex had seen a visit from the SWAT Team in 2008.
Due to the blighted nature of the area in which Vandi was murdered, Officer Gerry Moll said the Cape Coral Police Department has been working closely with the community to make the area more livable. It's something they call the "Weed and Seed" program.
Moll said the department has applied for a federal grant for the program, and already works with community groups, churches and the CRA in their efforts to clean up the area and deter crime.
"There's a lot of proactive community policing," he said. "The area needed care, and it still needs care."
Moll called Vandi's death "very disappointing and discouraging."
Teen will be tried as adult in mother’s killing
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/20/09
A Cape Coral teen accused in the stabbing death of his mother earlier this month will be charged as an adult, according to state prosecutors.
David Joel Hankins, 15, faces life in prison if convicted of the 2nd degree murder of his mother, 40-year-old Myra Rodriguez.
The state has direct filed the charge against Hankins as an adult, State Attorney's Office spokesperson Samantha Syoen said Friday evening.
Hankins is currently in juvenile detention awaiting his next court date, Syoen said.
Police accused Hankins of stabbing Rodriguez with a kitchen knife, stealing her car and leading officers on a foot and vehicle pursuit that ended with a crash at a local business on Viscaya Parkway June 3, according to reports.
He also faces charges of operating a motor vehicle without a valid license and four counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, according to court records.
Hankins will be arraigned on those charges Monday afternoon in a Lee County courtroom, records indicate.
It is unclear at this time whether or not Hankins will be arraigned on the charge of 2nd degree murder during the Monday hearing.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/20/09
A Cape Coral teen accused in the stabbing death of his mother earlier this month will be charged as an adult, according to state prosecutors.
David Joel Hankins, 15, faces life in prison if convicted of the 2nd degree murder of his mother, 40-year-old Myra Rodriguez.
The state has direct filed the charge against Hankins as an adult, State Attorney's Office spokesperson Samantha Syoen said Friday evening.
Hankins is currently in juvenile detention awaiting his next court date, Syoen said.
Police accused Hankins of stabbing Rodriguez with a kitchen knife, stealing her car and leading officers on a foot and vehicle pursuit that ended with a crash at a local business on Viscaya Parkway June 3, according to reports.
He also faces charges of operating a motor vehicle without a valid license and four counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, according to court records.
Hankins will be arraigned on those charges Monday afternoon in a Lee County courtroom, records indicate.
It is unclear at this time whether or not Hankins will be arraigned on the charge of 2nd degree murder during the Monday hearing.
Three Cape High students charged in battery of classmate
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/20/09
Three Cape Coral teens were arrested Thursday after they incited a beating of a fellow Cape Coral High School student earlier this month, according to police.
Shawn Byrd, Jamar Martin and Favian Avila, each 15 years old, have been charged with felony battery in the incident.
Police said the 17-year-old victim was breaking up a fight between Avila and another individual in the parking lot of a Lowe's Home Improvement Store when he was attacked.
The incident happened June 4 at about 2 p.m.
Witnesses told police Martin was the first to hit the victim, striking him in the face with a blow that broke Martin's hand.
Martin, Byrd and Avila, witnesses said, began kicking the victim in the face, head and stomach, causing multiple injuries.
After receiving a 911 call, police responded to the Lowe's on S.W. 25th Lane and discovered the victim severely battered. The victim was transported to the hospital for the treatment of several injuries sustained in the attack.
Martin, Byrd and Avila were named as primary aggressors in an investigation headed by Cape Coral officer Luis Dias.
The teens were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center, according to Lee County Jail records.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/20/09
Three Cape Coral teens were arrested Thursday after they incited a beating of a fellow Cape Coral High School student earlier this month, according to police.
Shawn Byrd, Jamar Martin and Favian Avila, each 15 years old, have been charged with felony battery in the incident.
Police said the 17-year-old victim was breaking up a fight between Avila and another individual in the parking lot of a Lowe's Home Improvement Store when he was attacked.
The incident happened June 4 at about 2 p.m.
Witnesses told police Martin was the first to hit the victim, striking him in the face with a blow that broke Martin's hand.
Martin, Byrd and Avila, witnesses said, began kicking the victim in the face, head and stomach, causing multiple injuries.
After receiving a 911 call, police responded to the Lowe's on S.W. 25th Lane and discovered the victim severely battered. The victim was transported to the hospital for the treatment of several injuries sustained in the attack.
Martin, Byrd and Avila were named as primary aggressors in an investigation headed by Cape Coral officer Luis Dias.
The teens were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center, according to Lee County Jail records.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Woman charged with armed robbery
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/12/09
A Matlacha woman who police say is associated with a recent armed robbery in Cape Coral was arrested and charged Thursday.
Amanda Lee Schaller, 19, was charged with armed home invasion robbery and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
She is being held in the Lee County Jail without bond.
Schaller allegedly was the getaway driver during a robbery at a Cape Coral home Monday night, during which cash and prescription pills were taken.
The robbery was reported in the 700 block of S.E. 6th Terrace at about 8:26 p.m.
A male resident at the home told police Schaller knocked on his windows and rang his doorbell while two African-American males entered his home from the garage, pistol-whipping him in the head and making off with $300 and prescription drugs.
The victim told officers he had seen the robbers flee in a 1997 Chrylser with bungee chord holding the trunk closed, and the last three letters of the license plate "KTF."
Police later discovered a vehicle matching the description registered to Schaller.
Schaller denied involvement in the alleged robbery, according to CCPD arrest reports.
The victim also identified the two male suspects he said entered his home. Due to the fact they had not yet been charged when Schaller's arrest report was filed, police did not identify them by name.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/12/09
A Matlacha woman who police say is associated with a recent armed robbery in Cape Coral was arrested and charged Thursday.
Amanda Lee Schaller, 19, was charged with armed home invasion robbery and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
She is being held in the Lee County Jail without bond.
Schaller allegedly was the getaway driver during a robbery at a Cape Coral home Monday night, during which cash and prescription pills were taken.
The robbery was reported in the 700 block of S.E. 6th Terrace at about 8:26 p.m.
A male resident at the home told police Schaller knocked on his windows and rang his doorbell while two African-American males entered his home from the garage, pistol-whipping him in the head and making off with $300 and prescription drugs.
The victim told officers he had seen the robbers flee in a 1997 Chrylser with bungee chord holding the trunk closed, and the last three letters of the license plate "KTF."
Police later discovered a vehicle matching the description registered to Schaller.
Schaller denied involvement in the alleged robbery, according to CCPD arrest reports.
The victim also identified the two male suspects he said entered his home. Due to the fact they had not yet been charged when Schaller's arrest report was filed, police did not identify them by name.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Man claims he was beaten, robbed at home
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/12/09
A Cape Coral man was pistol-whipped and robbed at gunpoint of cash and prescription drugs in his home Monday evening, he told police.
The victim reported that two black males entered his home in the 700 block of Southeast Sixth Terrace through the garage, and that one of the suspects hit him in the head with a pistol.
The robbery was reported at 8:26 p.m.
The men took $300 cash and prescription drugs worth approximately $400, then fled south on Cultural Park Boulevard in a white four-door Chrysler, the victim told police. He said the last three letters of the license plate were KTF and the trunk was held closed with bungee cord.
The victim was taken to the hospital for lacerations on the top of his head, and a door leading to the victim's garage was ajar, police reported.
A neighbor told police a white truck had been parked across the street from the victim's home at about 8:10 p.m., but that they had not seen anyone in or around the truck.
Detectives continue to investigate the incident, reports state.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/12/09
A Cape Coral man was pistol-whipped and robbed at gunpoint of cash and prescription drugs in his home Monday evening, he told police.
The victim reported that two black males entered his home in the 700 block of Southeast Sixth Terrace through the garage, and that one of the suspects hit him in the head with a pistol.
The robbery was reported at 8:26 p.m.
The men took $300 cash and prescription drugs worth approximately $400, then fled south on Cultural Park Boulevard in a white four-door Chrysler, the victim told police. He said the last three letters of the license plate were KTF and the trunk was held closed with bungee cord.
The victim was taken to the hospital for lacerations on the top of his head, and a door leading to the victim's garage was ajar, police reported.
A neighbor told police a white truck had been parked across the street from the victim's home at about 8:10 p.m., but that they had not seen anyone in or around the truck.
Detectives continue to investigate the incident, reports state.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Two local men charged in child porn sting in Fla.; Authorities: 77 arrested statewide
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/10/09
A Cape Coral man and a Fort Myers man were among those arrested in a statewide child pornography sting, which Florida officials announced Tuesday had led to 77 arrests and the rescue of five children who were sexually victimized.
Nicholas Bitte, 20, of Cape Coral, was charged with two counts of possession of sexual photographs of children.
Gorge Gibson, 76, of Fort Myers, was charged with 17 counts of sexual photographs of children.
Bitte was arrested and released on $100,000 bond in late May, according to Lee County Jail records.
Gibson remains in custody on a combined $850,000 bond after Lee County Sheriff's deputies served a warrant for his arrest May 29.
While the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Office of the Attorney General spearheaded the 10-week operation, named "Operation Orange Tree," 21 other law enforcement agencies throughout the state participated, including the Lee County Sheriff's Office and United States Marshal's Service, said the office of Florida Governor Charlie Crist in a prepared statement.
Those arrested as a result of the operation are ages 17-83 and received charges ranging from possession of child pornography to sexual battery. Several are registered sex offenders.
"As a state, we must remain diligent in continuing the battle to stop sex offenders before they can prey on our children," Crist said in Tuesday's statement.
Thousands of photographs and videos were recovered as a result of search warrants, said Crist's office. Among them is an instructional video regarding molestation of children, which 17 of the individuals arrested reportedly had on their computers.
John Walsh, of the television show "America's Most Wanted," joined Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum and Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey to announce the operation's results.
"Today I am proud to be an American," Walsh said. "The cooperation that led to the arrest of these predators and Florida's use of state-of-the-art technology has pushed our state ahead in the battle to capture these individuals."
Florida ranks fourth nationally for volume of child pornography, according to statistics from the Federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
In an effort to battle child sex crimes, Crist signed the CyberCrimes Against Children Act into law in 2007, increasing related penalties.
A CyberCrime Unit established in 2005 now operates with 30 members in five offices across Florida. The unit targets computer-assisted crimes against children.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/10/09
A Cape Coral man and a Fort Myers man were among those arrested in a statewide child pornography sting, which Florida officials announced Tuesday had led to 77 arrests and the rescue of five children who were sexually victimized.
Nicholas Bitte, 20, of Cape Coral, was charged with two counts of possession of sexual photographs of children.
Gorge Gibson, 76, of Fort Myers, was charged with 17 counts of sexual photographs of children.
Bitte was arrested and released on $100,000 bond in late May, according to Lee County Jail records.
Gibson remains in custody on a combined $850,000 bond after Lee County Sheriff's deputies served a warrant for his arrest May 29.
While the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Office of the Attorney General spearheaded the 10-week operation, named "Operation Orange Tree," 21 other law enforcement agencies throughout the state participated, including the Lee County Sheriff's Office and United States Marshal's Service, said the office of Florida Governor Charlie Crist in a prepared statement.
Those arrested as a result of the operation are ages 17-83 and received charges ranging from possession of child pornography to sexual battery. Several are registered sex offenders.
"As a state, we must remain diligent in continuing the battle to stop sex offenders before they can prey on our children," Crist said in Tuesday's statement.
Thousands of photographs and videos were recovered as a result of search warrants, said Crist's office. Among them is an instructional video regarding molestation of children, which 17 of the individuals arrested reportedly had on their computers.
John Walsh, of the television show "America's Most Wanted," joined Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum and Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey to announce the operation's results.
"Today I am proud to be an American," Walsh said. "The cooperation that led to the arrest of these predators and Florida's use of state-of-the-art technology has pushed our state ahead in the battle to capture these individuals."
Florida ranks fourth nationally for volume of child pornography, according to statistics from the Federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
In an effort to battle child sex crimes, Crist signed the CyberCrimes Against Children Act into law in 2007, increasing related penalties.
A CyberCrime Unit established in 2005 now operates with 30 members in five offices across Florida. The unit targets computer-assisted crimes against children.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Teen accused in murder has prior arrest record; Battery, aggravated assault on list
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and the Naples Daily News 6/5/09
In the wake of being accused in the stabbing death of his mother, 15-year-old David Joel Hankins will spend the next 21 days in juvenile detention as state prosecutors decide how to proceed against him.
Police charged Hankins with second-degree homicide after he allegedly stabbed 40-year-old Myra Rodriguez with a kitchen knife, stole her car, visited friends and returned to the home where she had been killed before leading police on a car chase that ended with a crash at a business on Viscaya Parkway.
Hankins' grandfather called 911 at about 9:14 a.m. Wednesday after he discovered Rodriguez's body in the master bedroom closet of her home, located at 1031 S.E. Eighth Terrace, Apt. 2G, a police report states.
Hankins was at the residence with two friends when his grandfather arrived, then fled in Rodriguez's 2002 Mazda when confronted, the grandfather reportedly told police.
Police believe the homicide happened at about 7:37 a.m., when a resident in a neighboring unit reportedly heard Rodriguez screaming, "Don't do that! Don't do that! I'm going to call police!" and repeating "Oh my God!" followed by silence.
Hankins had several encounters with the local juvenile justice system over the past several years, beginning February 2007 for aggravated assault and battery. In the incident, family members sought alternatives to the Department of Juvenile Justice's recommendation for a Family Teen Violence program.
He was arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia in November 2007, and completed Juvenile Arbitration through January 2008.
A juvenile petition was filed against Hankins a year later for battery, and in February for grand theft auto and trespassing to a conveyance. Another petition for grand theft auto was filed in March against Hankins.
He was sentenced to probation in May for battery and one of the grand theft auto petitions as part of a plea agreement. The other charges were dropped.
Hankins visited friends after the stabbing, revealing to them that he had killed his mother after a confrontation over a liquor bottle discovered in his room, according to police statements.
Hankins reportedly shared disturbing details with the friends, including that she had made "grunting" noises after being stabbed in the chest.
Seeming to realize the severity of what he had done, Hankins reportedly told the friends that he was "going away for a long time," offering them his possessions and even contemplating suicide.
Police detained Hankins after he crashed his mother's car and led officers on a brief foot chase.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and the Naples Daily News 6/5/09
In the wake of being accused in the stabbing death of his mother, 15-year-old David Joel Hankins will spend the next 21 days in juvenile detention as state prosecutors decide how to proceed against him.
Police charged Hankins with second-degree homicide after he allegedly stabbed 40-year-old Myra Rodriguez with a kitchen knife, stole her car, visited friends and returned to the home where she had been killed before leading police on a car chase that ended with a crash at a business on Viscaya Parkway.
Hankins' grandfather called 911 at about 9:14 a.m. Wednesday after he discovered Rodriguez's body in the master bedroom closet of her home, located at 1031 S.E. Eighth Terrace, Apt. 2G, a police report states.
Hankins was at the residence with two friends when his grandfather arrived, then fled in Rodriguez's 2002 Mazda when confronted, the grandfather reportedly told police.
Police believe the homicide happened at about 7:37 a.m., when a resident in a neighboring unit reportedly heard Rodriguez screaming, "Don't do that! Don't do that! I'm going to call police!" and repeating "Oh my God!" followed by silence.
Hankins had several encounters with the local juvenile justice system over the past several years, beginning February 2007 for aggravated assault and battery. In the incident, family members sought alternatives to the Department of Juvenile Justice's recommendation for a Family Teen Violence program.
He was arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia in November 2007, and completed Juvenile Arbitration through January 2008.
A juvenile petition was filed against Hankins a year later for battery, and in February for grand theft auto and trespassing to a conveyance. Another petition for grand theft auto was filed in March against Hankins.
He was sentenced to probation in May for battery and one of the grand theft auto petitions as part of a plea agreement. The other charges were dropped.
Hankins visited friends after the stabbing, revealing to them that he had killed his mother after a confrontation over a liquor bottle discovered in his room, according to police statements.
Hankins reportedly shared disturbing details with the friends, including that she had made "grunting" noises after being stabbed in the chest.
Seeming to realize the severity of what he had done, Hankins reportedly told the friends that he was "going away for a long time," offering them his possessions and even contemplating suicide.
Police detained Hankins after he crashed his mother's car and led officers on a brief foot chase.
Bank account is opened for family of injured officer; Community expressed need to help by giving
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/5/09
It seems that as each day passes with injured Cape Coral motorcycle officer Damien Garcia fighting to recover from an accident, the support of officers and his community only becomes stronger and more organized.
The Fraternal Order of Police in Cape Coral has set up a "Special Needs Account" at TIB Bank for Garcia's family in response to the community's outspoken desire to help.
According to city spokesperson Connie Barron, "Officers with the Cape Coral Police Department have been receiving calls from various individuals and groups asking how they can donate funds to help assist the family of critically-injured Cape Coral Police Officer Damien Garcia."
Garcia's motorcycle collided with an SUV on Cultural Park Boulevard Tuesday afternoon, and he was trauma-alerted to Lee Memorial Hospital with critical injuries. As he remained in critical condition Thursday, Garcia's family from Miami stayed in Fort Myers to support him.
The Special Needs Account, Barron said, will offer monetary aid to Garcia's family. Family members have not requested assistance, however the account has been opened for those who feel a need to help.
"The family of Officer Garcia and the officers with the Cape Coral Police Department appreciate all the kind words and support offered by the citizens of Cape Coral, and our brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community," she said. "Let's stay positive and keep Officer Garcia in our prayers."
Those wishing to donate can do so by cash or check at any TIB Bank location to the Special Needs Account, C/O FOP Lodge 33.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/5/09
It seems that as each day passes with injured Cape Coral motorcycle officer Damien Garcia fighting to recover from an accident, the support of officers and his community only becomes stronger and more organized.
The Fraternal Order of Police in Cape Coral has set up a "Special Needs Account" at TIB Bank for Garcia's family in response to the community's outspoken desire to help.
According to city spokesperson Connie Barron, "Officers with the Cape Coral Police Department have been receiving calls from various individuals and groups asking how they can donate funds to help assist the family of critically-injured Cape Coral Police Officer Damien Garcia."
Garcia's motorcycle collided with an SUV on Cultural Park Boulevard Tuesday afternoon, and he was trauma-alerted to Lee Memorial Hospital with critical injuries. As he remained in critical condition Thursday, Garcia's family from Miami stayed in Fort Myers to support him.
The Special Needs Account, Barron said, will offer monetary aid to Garcia's family. Family members have not requested assistance, however the account has been opened for those who feel a need to help.
"The family of Officer Garcia and the officers with the Cape Coral Police Department appreciate all the kind words and support offered by the citizens of Cape Coral, and our brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community," she said. "Let's stay positive and keep Officer Garcia in our prayers."
Those wishing to donate can do so by cash or check at any TIB Bank location to the Special Needs Account, C/O FOP Lodge 33.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Motorcycle officer remains in hospital after Tuesday crash; Authorities: Still critical
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/4/09
If tragedy reveals one's true colors, the blue and yellow striped Cape Coral police cruisers crowding the Lee Memorial Hospital parking lot reveal a lot about the city's officers, who are visiting critically injured motorcycle officer Damien Garcia around the clock.
Garcia's motorcycle collided with an SUV on rain-soaked Cultural Park Boulevard Tuesday afternoon. He was trauma alerted to the hospital.
Police Chief Rob Petrovich is among those visiting Garcia in his hospital room and praying for his health.
"We're not talking more than 24 hours since this occurred, so we're still in the onset of a terrible tragedy," he said. "I stayed here until about 2:30 in the morning and it seemed bleak at that time."
Garcia remains critical, but Petrovich said there was reason for relative optimism Wednesday afternoon.
"I came in this morning and we were a little more optimistic," he said. "There's hope. As long as there's hope and he's still alive, we need to keep him in our prayers and thoughts, but it's been a roller coaster."
Officers are keeping vigil with Garcia and members of the public, and other agencies have left messages and telephone calls in support of his recovery.
"Sometimes the little things can help along the way and make a difference," Petrovich said. "You want to come here, you want to be near it, you want to somehow feel you're making a difference."
Aside from his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, Garcia's family members came to see him as well.
Garcia has been an officer with the Cape Coral Police Department since February 2006.
"A good officer, well thought of by his peer group," Petrovich said. "I don't know what else to say about Damien other than the fact that he's in our prayers and we want him to get well again and come back."
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/4/09
If tragedy reveals one's true colors, the blue and yellow striped Cape Coral police cruisers crowding the Lee Memorial Hospital parking lot reveal a lot about the city's officers, who are visiting critically injured motorcycle officer Damien Garcia around the clock.
Garcia's motorcycle collided with an SUV on rain-soaked Cultural Park Boulevard Tuesday afternoon. He was trauma alerted to the hospital.
Police Chief Rob Petrovich is among those visiting Garcia in his hospital room and praying for his health.
"We're not talking more than 24 hours since this occurred, so we're still in the onset of a terrible tragedy," he said. "I stayed here until about 2:30 in the morning and it seemed bleak at that time."
Garcia remains critical, but Petrovich said there was reason for relative optimism Wednesday afternoon.
"I came in this morning and we were a little more optimistic," he said. "There's hope. As long as there's hope and he's still alive, we need to keep him in our prayers and thoughts, but it's been a roller coaster."
Officers are keeping vigil with Garcia and members of the public, and other agencies have left messages and telephone calls in support of his recovery.
"Sometimes the little things can help along the way and make a difference," Petrovich said. "You want to come here, you want to be near it, you want to somehow feel you're making a difference."
Aside from his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, Garcia's family members came to see him as well.
Garcia has been an officer with the Cape Coral Police Department since February 2006.
"A good officer, well thought of by his peer group," Petrovich said. "I don't know what else to say about Damien other than the fact that he's in our prayers and we want him to get well again and come back."
Cape teen accused of stabbing, killing his mother; Police: Visited friends after murder
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and the Naples Daily News 6/4/09
A 15-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday after he stabbed his mother to death, fled in her car and then crashed into several vehicles parked outside a metal work shop on Viscaya Parkway, officials said.
David Joel Hankins has been charged with second-degree homicide in the death of Mayra R. Rodriguez, 40.
Hankins was arrested Wednesday morning following a brief pursuit by police officers, which ended when Hankins lost control of his vehicle at Country Club Boulevard and Viscaya Parkway.
Cape police received a 911 call from a relative at 9:14 a.m. reporting that Rodriguez had been stabbed at her home at 1031 S.E. Eighth Terrace. An investigation by detectives found that Hankins stabbed his mother after an alleged altercation at their home, officials said.
Hankins fled the scene in his mother's car, visited friends and returned to the home. He fled a second time when the relative came to the house and discovered the body, according to police.
Hankins was taken into custody a short time later following a targeted be-on-the-lookout effort by local law enforcement. Aerial surveillance spotted Hankins' vehicle along Viscaya Parkway and a brief chase ensued. He was taken into custody and taken to the Cape Coral Police Station.
Barry Crumpler, owner of Gulf Coast Metal Works Inc. at 1228 Viscaya Parkway, said he had stepped out of the path of a black four-door vehicle less than a minute before it plowed into his work truck and several other parked vehicles.
"They hit that truck and then proceeded to hit three more cars in the parking lot, and spun out," he said. "I had just walked into the front door, through the office, and back towards the bay door that faces towards Viscaya. That's when I heard the noise ... it was just a real loud noise, squealing tires and smoke."
Crumpler said he and fellow employees watched as pursuing police arrived with weapons drawn, then fled into the building and locked it for their safety.
Multiple police units, officers on foot, dogs and a helicopter had searched a neighborhood near Veteran's Memorial Parkway and Everest Parkway before the vehicle Hankins was reportedly driving was spotted.
One witness said he saw a man, who was sweating profusely, get into a black car matching the description of the vehicle that crashed at Gulf Coast Metal Works. The car earlier had been parked in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze parking lot, he said.
Daniel Armendariz and his father, Ignacio, said they saw a man with the same description attempting to break into their home on Everest, but the man fled after Ignacio confronted him. After being interviewed by police, Ignacio said, they were told the man they saw fit the description of a suspect in a homicide.
Prior, a man of the same description had wandered from Saint Andrew Catholic Church and asked to use the bathroom at Blayne's Auto and Air, according to manager Steve Skryd.
"He was sweating, huffing and puffing," he said. "When I asked him what he was doing, he said, 'I stole $20 from my brother and he's after me.'"
After using the restroom, the man hid in a 1956 Ford van in the parking lot, then walked northbound toward the Cape Coral Daily Breeze office, Skryd said.
He said the man wore glasses and was well dressed.
"He looked like he wouldn't hurt anybody," Skryd said.
Police have not confirmed the search in the neighborhood is related to the chase or the homicide.
This is the second homicide this year in Cape Coral.
Valarie Harring contributed to this article.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and the Naples Daily News 6/4/09
A 15-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday after he stabbed his mother to death, fled in her car and then crashed into several vehicles parked outside a metal work shop on Viscaya Parkway, officials said.
David Joel Hankins has been charged with second-degree homicide in the death of Mayra R. Rodriguez, 40.
Hankins was arrested Wednesday morning following a brief pursuit by police officers, which ended when Hankins lost control of his vehicle at Country Club Boulevard and Viscaya Parkway.
Cape police received a 911 call from a relative at 9:14 a.m. reporting that Rodriguez had been stabbed at her home at 1031 S.E. Eighth Terrace. An investigation by detectives found that Hankins stabbed his mother after an alleged altercation at their home, officials said.
Hankins fled the scene in his mother's car, visited friends and returned to the home. He fled a second time when the relative came to the house and discovered the body, according to police.
Hankins was taken into custody a short time later following a targeted be-on-the-lookout effort by local law enforcement. Aerial surveillance spotted Hankins' vehicle along Viscaya Parkway and a brief chase ensued. He was taken into custody and taken to the Cape Coral Police Station.
Barry Crumpler, owner of Gulf Coast Metal Works Inc. at 1228 Viscaya Parkway, said he had stepped out of the path of a black four-door vehicle less than a minute before it plowed into his work truck and several other parked vehicles.
"They hit that truck and then proceeded to hit three more cars in the parking lot, and spun out," he said. "I had just walked into the front door, through the office, and back towards the bay door that faces towards Viscaya. That's when I heard the noise ... it was just a real loud noise, squealing tires and smoke."
Crumpler said he and fellow employees watched as pursuing police arrived with weapons drawn, then fled into the building and locked it for their safety.
Multiple police units, officers on foot, dogs and a helicopter had searched a neighborhood near Veteran's Memorial Parkway and Everest Parkway before the vehicle Hankins was reportedly driving was spotted.
One witness said he saw a man, who was sweating profusely, get into a black car matching the description of the vehicle that crashed at Gulf Coast Metal Works. The car earlier had been parked in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze parking lot, he said.
Daniel Armendariz and his father, Ignacio, said they saw a man with the same description attempting to break into their home on Everest, but the man fled after Ignacio confronted him. After being interviewed by police, Ignacio said, they were told the man they saw fit the description of a suspect in a homicide.
Prior, a man of the same description had wandered from Saint Andrew Catholic Church and asked to use the bathroom at Blayne's Auto and Air, according to manager Steve Skryd.
"He was sweating, huffing and puffing," he said. "When I asked him what he was doing, he said, 'I stole $20 from my brother and he's after me.'"
After using the restroom, the man hid in a 1956 Ford van in the parking lot, then walked northbound toward the Cape Coral Daily Breeze office, Skryd said.
He said the man wore glasses and was well dressed.
"He looked like he wouldn't hurt anybody," Skryd said.
Police have not confirmed the search in the neighborhood is related to the chase or the homicide.
This is the second homicide this year in Cape Coral.
Valarie Harring contributed to this article.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Local Lowe’s helps Cape stock up for impending hurricane season
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/30/09
What do bottled water, tarps, first-aid kits, batteries, generators, radios and storm shutters made of various materials have in common with one another?
Aside from all being important items to have stocked this hurricane season, they're all items you can get at Lowe's. And they're all items Lowe's has gone out of its way to make available and easy to use.
Hurricane safety is the name of the game from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year--marking what may feel like the marathon-distance length of the official Atlantic Hurricane season--and Lowe's considers itself a key player here in Southwest Florida.
That's why Lowe's held their annual hurricane safety tent event Saturday and Sunday afternoons, where employees gave useful information about the store's hurricane gear, according to Jerry Ayers, manager of the Lowe's at 1651 N.E. Pine Island Road.
"We do it to bring awareness that the storms are going to be coming, and to take the necessary steps to prepare for it, and at the same time to educate the public on what's available to them for resources throughout the Cape area," Ayers said.
But don't worry if you missed the event; Ayers said the stores would have plenty of opportunities to find hurricane supplies inside and plenty of employees on hand to spread their knowledge of storm safety.
Most importantly, Ayers said, preparation is key.
"Be prepared when the storm hits so all they have to do set up and be prepared rather than start coming out and trying to find tarps when there's none that existed because everyone else cleaned them out."
Ayers said the store has an emergency program in place, so that if a storm is imminent they'll have enough supplies for everyone, but last minute shopping means you might not get exactly what you're looking for and will be forced to deal with alternative solutions.
However, Ayers said he believes Cape Coral residents seem to already be aware of the perks of preparedness.
"This year there's been much more awareness," he said. "It seems like the general public is much more aware of the hurricane season this year than they were last year."
For those who weren't aware and wanted to be, Customer Service Associate Bob Paczkowski had set up shop under a blue tent in front of the store, a large amount of the space taken up by a massive generator the store offers to power an entire household during a power outage. In front, behind and to the sides were pamphlets and brochures and various items the store offers, including a crank-operated weather radio that doesn't require batteries, different types of shutter systems and even a garage door brace.
"That's one of the... weakest parts of your home -- the garage door," Paczkowski said. "A lot of people don't really realize that. Put a couple of these braces on there, if you have a two-car garage. That will really secure your home."
Another Lowe's in Cape Coral, located at 285 S.W. 25th Lane, also held a tent event Saturday and Sunday.
The stores will be selling hurricane supplies at 10 percent off their usual prices through June 7.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/30/09
What do bottled water, tarps, first-aid kits, batteries, generators, radios and storm shutters made of various materials have in common with one another?
Aside from all being important items to have stocked this hurricane season, they're all items you can get at Lowe's. And they're all items Lowe's has gone out of its way to make available and easy to use.
Hurricane safety is the name of the game from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year--marking what may feel like the marathon-distance length of the official Atlantic Hurricane season--and Lowe's considers itself a key player here in Southwest Florida.
That's why Lowe's held their annual hurricane safety tent event Saturday and Sunday afternoons, where employees gave useful information about the store's hurricane gear, according to Jerry Ayers, manager of the Lowe's at 1651 N.E. Pine Island Road.
"We do it to bring awareness that the storms are going to be coming, and to take the necessary steps to prepare for it, and at the same time to educate the public on what's available to them for resources throughout the Cape area," Ayers said.
But don't worry if you missed the event; Ayers said the stores would have plenty of opportunities to find hurricane supplies inside and plenty of employees on hand to spread their knowledge of storm safety.
Most importantly, Ayers said, preparation is key.
"Be prepared when the storm hits so all they have to do set up and be prepared rather than start coming out and trying to find tarps when there's none that existed because everyone else cleaned them out."
Ayers said the store has an emergency program in place, so that if a storm is imminent they'll have enough supplies for everyone, but last minute shopping means you might not get exactly what you're looking for and will be forced to deal with alternative solutions.
However, Ayers said he believes Cape Coral residents seem to already be aware of the perks of preparedness.
"This year there's been much more awareness," he said. "It seems like the general public is much more aware of the hurricane season this year than they were last year."
For those who weren't aware and wanted to be, Customer Service Associate Bob Paczkowski had set up shop under a blue tent in front of the store, a large amount of the space taken up by a massive generator the store offers to power an entire household during a power outage. In front, behind and to the sides were pamphlets and brochures and various items the store offers, including a crank-operated weather radio that doesn't require batteries, different types of shutter systems and even a garage door brace.
"That's one of the... weakest parts of your home -- the garage door," Paczkowski said. "A lot of people don't really realize that. Put a couple of these braces on there, if you have a two-car garage. That will really secure your home."
Another Lowe's in Cape Coral, located at 285 S.W. 25th Lane, also held a tent event Saturday and Sunday.
The stores will be selling hurricane supplies at 10 percent off their usual prices through June 7.
Hurricane season set to begin; Storm months begin June 1
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/1/09
With the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane season predicted to be about average, emergency officials want to make sure residents' preparations for the upcoming season are anything but.
The reason: It only takes one storm to cause a disaster.
It's a lesson Southwest Floridians have learned through experience, and one Expert Senior Meteorologist for Accuweather.com, Dan Kottlowski, wants people to remember in the face of complacency.
"The government, Hurricane Center and National Weather Service all agree people should have a hurricane plan, because all it takes is one," Kottlowski said.
Kottlowski recalled the 2004 season, with hurricanes Charley and Francis, as unusually active.
"Florida was like ground zero during that year," he said. "That was an unusual year, but being hit by one (tropical cyclone) is not unusual."
Kottlowski said meteorologists at Accuweather.com are predicting 10 storms to come out of the Atlantic Basin this season. Seven could be hurricanes, One or two could be a category 3 or higher, or "major hurricanes."
That's slightly lower than the National Weather Service's predictions, which forecast nine to 14 named storms, four to seven of which are hurricanes and one to three of which are major hurricanes-and most predictions are lower than those of recent years-but on average Florida is hit by at least one storm per season, Kottlowski said.
For that reason, he suggests residents be prepared during and after storms. Meanwhile meteorologists will be doing their part by getting information out as quickly and accurately as possible.
"Since our population has grown so much in Florida it takes people a long time to evacuate," Kottlowski said. "When an evacuation warning is issued and they want you to evacuate, I would take heed. There's a constant flow of people every year coming down into Florida, and many of them have never experienced a hurricane before."
Part of what what can slow a hurricane season in its tracks is the development of an El Nino weather event, Kottlowski said. Upper-level winds are pushed further south by an El Nino, creating stronger westerly winds. Sheer from the winds hinders tropical systems from developing.
"A lot of information right now is suggesting that we will see an El Nino developing sometime this fall," he said.
That means that if an El Nino forms later in the hurricane season, we could see the number of tropical systems taper off around that time period.
Right now, Kottlowski said, the weather patterns are neutral, meaning there is neither an El Nino nor La Nina system affecting the development of Atlantic storms.
Other factors that affect the development of tropical cyclones are water temperature and surface pressure.
Technology and methods of storm prediction have grown significantly more accurate in recent years, Kottlowski said.
"The computer models that we use nowadays to help us understand the formation of tropical systems and how they're moving has improved dramatically because of those breakthroughs in understanding how tropical systems work," he said.
Kottlowski said meteorologists have become increasingly proficient in tracking the direction of storms, but research is being done to better their ability to predict changes in strength.
Since a hurricane's sudden changes in strength are currently difficult to predict, he suggests not ignoring a storm based on its intensity prior to landfall.
He cited hurricanes Charley, Katrina, Rita and Wilma as storms that quickly and unpredictably changed intensity and all of which at some point became category 5 storms.
"Nobody expected them to intensify as quickly as they did," he said. "It just opened people's eyes."
Accuweather.com updates weather information around the clock, and includes information provided from other sources such as the government.
Complacency isn't something that is just a fear of meteorologists. That's why agencies such as the American Red Cross are doing everything they can to get the word out that people should be conscientious about hurricanes.
"I think the farther we get away from Hurricane Charley, the more complacency is something we have to deal with at the Red Cross," said Colin Downey, a spokesperson for the Lee County American Red Cross.
The Red Cross has outlined a three-step plan they say everyone should follow in regards to hurricane safety: "Get a (hurricane) kit, make a plan, be informed."
The Red Cross suggests putting together an emergency supply kit, including three days of water; non-perishable foods such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers and juice boxes; a manual can opener; a battery powered radio, flashlight and batteries; a first aid kit; prescription and non-prescription medications; and important documents.
You should prepare a personal disaster and evacuation plan, identifying a meeting place in the home and one outside your area, make plans for pets and select an out-of-area emergency contact person, the Red Cross says.
If a hurricane watch is issued, the Red Cross suggests listening to radio weather updates, bringing in outdoor objects and anchor objects that cannot go inside. They also say you should close windows and doors, cover windows with storm shutters or plywood, elevate furniture if you're in a surge zone, fill your gas tanks and check the expiration dates of your supplies.
If a hurricane warning is issued, they suggest listening to the advice of local officials, including evacuation advice; securing the home by unplugging appliances, turning off the electricity and main water valve; not using candles and kerosene lamps for light; and to turn off appliances to reduce damage from power surge. The Red Cross also warns you should stay in the home, away from windows and other glass paneling if you are not in an evacuation zone.
In the event residents aren't able to evacuate, the Red Cross provides shelter and food, and assists as a first-responder in emergency disaster aid.
"Whether it's a single family fire or a large disaster like a hurricane, the Red Cross is going to be there to help whether we go to you or you go to us," Downey said. "We're going to be there when they need us, but in the mean time we really do rely on citizens to take these simple measures of preparedness."
Red Cross shelters will provide a roof, safety and food, but Downey suggests that in the event you have to go to a shelter, you bring some simple things like medications, pillows, blankets and other items for comfort.
"Those simple comfort items are really going to help make a bad time that much better," he said.
More information on hurricane preparedness, including a video guide, is available at www.arclcc.org/programs/prepare4emergencies.htm.
You can reach the Lee County American Red Cross at 278-3401.
Also, Hurricane Preparedness Guides for the 2009 season are available at the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, located at 2510 Del Prado Boulevard, or on line at cape-coral-daily-breeze.com
The city also has on on-line video at capecoral.net
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/1/09
With the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane season predicted to be about average, emergency officials want to make sure residents' preparations for the upcoming season are anything but.
The reason: It only takes one storm to cause a disaster.
It's a lesson Southwest Floridians have learned through experience, and one Expert Senior Meteorologist for Accuweather.com, Dan Kottlowski, wants people to remember in the face of complacency.
"The government, Hurricane Center and National Weather Service all agree people should have a hurricane plan, because all it takes is one," Kottlowski said.
Kottlowski recalled the 2004 season, with hurricanes Charley and Francis, as unusually active.
"Florida was like ground zero during that year," he said. "That was an unusual year, but being hit by one (tropical cyclone) is not unusual."
Kottlowski said meteorologists at Accuweather.com are predicting 10 storms to come out of the Atlantic Basin this season. Seven could be hurricanes, One or two could be a category 3 or higher, or "major hurricanes."
That's slightly lower than the National Weather Service's predictions, which forecast nine to 14 named storms, four to seven of which are hurricanes and one to three of which are major hurricanes-and most predictions are lower than those of recent years-but on average Florida is hit by at least one storm per season, Kottlowski said.
For that reason, he suggests residents be prepared during and after storms. Meanwhile meteorologists will be doing their part by getting information out as quickly and accurately as possible.
"Since our population has grown so much in Florida it takes people a long time to evacuate," Kottlowski said. "When an evacuation warning is issued and they want you to evacuate, I would take heed. There's a constant flow of people every year coming down into Florida, and many of them have never experienced a hurricane before."
Part of what what can slow a hurricane season in its tracks is the development of an El Nino weather event, Kottlowski said. Upper-level winds are pushed further south by an El Nino, creating stronger westerly winds. Sheer from the winds hinders tropical systems from developing.
"A lot of information right now is suggesting that we will see an El Nino developing sometime this fall," he said.
That means that if an El Nino forms later in the hurricane season, we could see the number of tropical systems taper off around that time period.
Right now, Kottlowski said, the weather patterns are neutral, meaning there is neither an El Nino nor La Nina system affecting the development of Atlantic storms.
Other factors that affect the development of tropical cyclones are water temperature and surface pressure.
Technology and methods of storm prediction have grown significantly more accurate in recent years, Kottlowski said.
"The computer models that we use nowadays to help us understand the formation of tropical systems and how they're moving has improved dramatically because of those breakthroughs in understanding how tropical systems work," he said.
Kottlowski said meteorologists have become increasingly proficient in tracking the direction of storms, but research is being done to better their ability to predict changes in strength.
Since a hurricane's sudden changes in strength are currently difficult to predict, he suggests not ignoring a storm based on its intensity prior to landfall.
He cited hurricanes Charley, Katrina, Rita and Wilma as storms that quickly and unpredictably changed intensity and all of which at some point became category 5 storms.
"Nobody expected them to intensify as quickly as they did," he said. "It just opened people's eyes."
Accuweather.com updates weather information around the clock, and includes information provided from other sources such as the government.
Complacency isn't something that is just a fear of meteorologists. That's why agencies such as the American Red Cross are doing everything they can to get the word out that people should be conscientious about hurricanes.
"I think the farther we get away from Hurricane Charley, the more complacency is something we have to deal with at the Red Cross," said Colin Downey, a spokesperson for the Lee County American Red Cross.
The Red Cross has outlined a three-step plan they say everyone should follow in regards to hurricane safety: "Get a (hurricane) kit, make a plan, be informed."
The Red Cross suggests putting together an emergency supply kit, including three days of water; non-perishable foods such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers and juice boxes; a manual can opener; a battery powered radio, flashlight and batteries; a first aid kit; prescription and non-prescription medications; and important documents.
You should prepare a personal disaster and evacuation plan, identifying a meeting place in the home and one outside your area, make plans for pets and select an out-of-area emergency contact person, the Red Cross says.
If a hurricane watch is issued, the Red Cross suggests listening to radio weather updates, bringing in outdoor objects and anchor objects that cannot go inside. They also say you should close windows and doors, cover windows with storm shutters or plywood, elevate furniture if you're in a surge zone, fill your gas tanks and check the expiration dates of your supplies.
If a hurricane warning is issued, they suggest listening to the advice of local officials, including evacuation advice; securing the home by unplugging appliances, turning off the electricity and main water valve; not using candles and kerosene lamps for light; and to turn off appliances to reduce damage from power surge. The Red Cross also warns you should stay in the home, away from windows and other glass paneling if you are not in an evacuation zone.
In the event residents aren't able to evacuate, the Red Cross provides shelter and food, and assists as a first-responder in emergency disaster aid.
"Whether it's a single family fire or a large disaster like a hurricane, the Red Cross is going to be there to help whether we go to you or you go to us," Downey said. "We're going to be there when they need us, but in the mean time we really do rely on citizens to take these simple measures of preparedness."
Red Cross shelters will provide a roof, safety and food, but Downey suggests that in the event you have to go to a shelter, you bring some simple things like medications, pillows, blankets and other items for comfort.
"Those simple comfort items are really going to help make a bad time that much better," he said.
More information on hurricane preparedness, including a video guide, is available at www.arclcc.org/programs/prepare4emergencies.htm.
You can reach the Lee County American Red Cross at 278-3401.
Also, Hurricane Preparedness Guides for the 2009 season are available at the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, located at 2510 Del Prado Boulevard, or on line at cape-coral-daily-breeze.com
The city also has on on-line video at capecoral.net
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