Saturday, July 30, 2011

MangoMania on in Cape Coral

The annual festival of the tropical orange and green hued fruit continues today.

MangoMania, a two-day celebration of all things mango hosted by the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, can be found at the German American Social Club in Cape Coral.

Lisa Benton, executive director of the chamber, said she expects 11,000 people this weekend.

The festival features food and craft vendors, a children’s area, live music, plant sales and a tasting station.

At the station, Benton said, “They’ll get to taste different varieties of mangos.”

Doug Flowerree, owner of the Mango Factory, is helping to man the station. He said valencia pride and kent mangos are in season but keitt mangos will come in in a few weeks.

Gina Celso, a Cape resident, said she was surprised to find different varieties of mangos.

“I thought a mango was a mango was a mango, but I was wrong.” Celso said.

Tropical plants and mango trees also can be found at the festival. Ross MacDonald, director of the Koreshan Botanical Society, brought different varieties of mango trees to sell.

He said mango trees are a hearty plant, and summer is a great time to plant them.
“We’re almost sold out of half of them already,” MacDonald said.

A highlight of MangoMania is the noontime crazy hat parade.

Participants create crazy mango hats and strut their stuff in a parade led by the Mango Queen, Melissa Koferl.

Koferl was riding on her carriage, a golf cart, greeting her subjects Saturday. “It’s really turning out to be a really good day,” she said.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Young rapper Bizzy Crook inspired by Disney: Island Coast High grad's career gaining traction

By Nancy Oben

noben@news-press.com

Lazaro Camejo, aka Bizzy Crook, is a 2010 Island Coast High School graduate who is pursuing a career in hip-hop.

The 19-year-old is looking to make it big in the music industry.

His single, "This is Me," off of his EP, "P.S. I'm Sorry," is gaining buzz for sampling Demi Lovato, a Disney starlet.

The song has a positive message. He wants listeners to know that you don't have to be what people expect you to be - just be content with who you are.

"I like to be different," he said. "I want to tell people you don't have to be someone else."

The artist wanted to sample Lovato because he likes the movie, "Camp Rock."

"I like Disney movies and musicals," he said. "I like music in general."

Many new fans heard about his music through Lovato, he said, but remain fans because they like his style.

"This is Me" has garnered about 20,000 plays on YouTube.

"I hope the 'This is Me' track will get me to where I want to be," he said. "That song is me. It represents the artist I want to be."

Jermaine "Romello" Smith, the artist's mentor and owner of Mellow Music Group, thinks "This is Me" has something special.

"I just think he created something that is different, that's a fresh sound," Smith said. "I think he's found his lane."

Camejo knew from a young age that he wanted to be a rapper.

"Since I was 6, I was always recording," he said. "Being a rapper, a musician, is the American dream."

Camejo's cousin Abigail Viera, 19, grew up with him.

"When we were little, he would record on his boom box with little cassette tapes," Viera said.

Camejo said he lived in the Cape for about four years. Camejo was raised in Miami and lives there now. He started off at Mariner High School but transferred to Island Coast his senior year.

"I didn't know too many people," he said. "I had a house studio where I stayed in and worked on my music."

He said he recorded every day, and also participated in rap battles in the lunch room and at football games. Viera said everyone knew about him.

Island Coast is still buzzing about Camejo. His sister, Linnette Camejo, 15, a junior, said all of her classmates come up to her asking about him.

"At first they didn't believe that he was my brother," she said. "They think it's cool."

Success, though, sprung from a hard road. Crook was offered an independent music contract after he graduated from high school but the deal fell through.

"Someone disagreed every time someone agreed," he said.

There was one bright side, though. He met Smith, who recognized his talent instantly.

"I heard his music almost on accident," Smith said. "Once I heard him I needed to meet him."

Smith signed him to his independent label, Mellow Music Group. The pair was introduced to Mona Scott-Young and Bizzy Crook recently signed with her company for management. Scott-Young represents some major clients, including Missy Elliott.

Camejo is now back in the studio working on his next mix tape. His EP, "P.S. I'm Sorry," will be released within the next two weeks on his website - bizzycrook.com.

The rapper's career appears to be gaining traction. After "P.S. I'm Sorry" releases, Camejo will fly to New York to meet with major record labels.

"His whole family is really behind him," Viera said. "We have the highest hopes for him. He's going to go far."

special to the news-press

Rapper Bizzy Crook is gaining buzz for his new single "This is Me." He is a 2010 graduate of Island Coast High School.


Want to know more?

- Website: bizzycrook.com

- Facebook: Bizzy Crook

- Twitter: @bizzycrook

- Youtube: bizzycrook

This article was published on July 28th in the Cape Life section of the News-Press, a Gannett paper located in Ft. Myers, FL.

Cape Coral blood centers face summer shortages

Blood donation centers in Cape Coral need donors.

Florida's Blood Centers and Lee Memorial Blood Center, the two centers in Cape Coral, are experiencing a shortage this summer.

"It's a very challenging time," said Susan Forbes, vice president of marketing for Florida's Blood Centers. "Donors may be on vacation but the need for blood remains — it doesn't go on vacation."

It's harder to receive donations in the summertime, said Nancy Hendrick, community development coordinator for Lee Memorial Blood Center. That's because there are no high school and college blood drives during the summer, and many donors are seasonal.

"We're still experiencing shortages of O negative, B negative and A negative," Hendrick said. "We're also experiencing a B positive low."

Hendrick said it's hard to accurately measure the need for specific units of blood. Right now they are low on B positive because a patient needed 60 units of blood. A unit is one person's donation and that equals approximately a pint of blood. The body has 10-12 pints of blood. It took 60 people to donate in order to help that one person in need, Hendrick said.

Florida's Blood Centers needs all donations and O negative is always in high demand.

"(It's) one of the hardest ones to keep on the shelf," Forbes said.

O negative is so much in demand because it is universal. That blood type can be given to any patient. Only about 7 percent of the U.S. population has O negative blood.

"The need is real," Forbes said. "It's a 24/7, 365 process."

Forbes said that after the blood is tested, it is typically transfused in 48 to 72 hours.

"It doesn't hang around," Forbes said.

Blood donors receive incentives for their good deed. Florida's Blood Centers now offers a $10 Darden Restaurant Gift Card, which can be redeemed at Olive Garden, Red Lobster and other chain restaurants, for center donations. Mobile donations receive a movie ticket.

At Lee Memorial, all donors receive a T-shirt. A meal ticket is given for donation at a donor center.

"We try to make sure they have a pleasant experience so they come back," Hendrick said.

Donna Agostinelli, a Cape Coral resident, loves to give blood. She has made more than 137 donations, totaling 17 gallons. She said she donates to help people in need.

"You can't make it — it has to come from us," she said.

Agostinelli is in the minority of America. Forbes said only 5 percent to 10 percent of people donate blood, while almost 40 percent of the population is eligible.

"It's one of the highest callings you can do for the community," Forbes said. "(It's) literally giving someone a second chance at life and that's very powerful."


If You Go

Florida's Blood Centers

Where: 601 Del Prado Blvd. N., Unit 6

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; closed Wednesday and Sunday

Call: 574-3170

Website: floridasbloodcenter.org

Lee Memorial Blood Center

Where: Cape Coral Hospital, 636 Del Prado Blvd.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday

Call: 424-2400

Website: leememorial.org/bloodcenter


Who can donate?

• Anyone 17 years and older, 16 with parental consent

• Over 115 pounds for Lee Memorial, 102 pounds for Florida's Blood Center

• Photo ID is required for new donors

Festival is Dedicated to All Things Mango

With mango tasting, pie eating and an appearance by her majesty the Mango Queen, thousands this weekend will celebrate all things mango.

MangoMania is making its 15th appearance Saturday and Sunday.

The tropical fruit festival, which is hosted by the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, draws 11,000 people each year, according to Jennifer Jennings, the chamber's chairperson for the event.

Vendors line the German American Social Club, 2101 Pine Island Rd., with mango ice cream, mango hot sauce, and savory and sweet mango treats.

Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens will serve a mango julius, Paradise Gardens will supply mango jams, jellies and chutney and Pine Island restaurants will set up tents and serve crab cakes, ice cream and other items. There will also be mango-related wares, Jennings said.

Melissa Koferl, this year's Mango Queen, said the festival is all about the green and orange hued fruit.

"(We're) trying to promote mangoes and the mango growers," Koferl said.

MangoMania features a mango tasting station where visitors can sample different varieties for free. Other tropical fruits such as lychees and starfruit will make appearances at the festival. Educational talks about growing mangoes and native plants occur throughout each day. Koferl said to check the program guide for times.

Doug Flowerree, owner of the Mango Factory, a 25-acre mango plantation in Bokeelia, said Pine Island mangoes are unique from the supermarket variety because of the tropical microclimate the area enjoys.

"If they've gotten mangoes from the grocery store they don't know what mangoes look like," Flowerree said.

He said his mangoes are sweet and each variety has a unique taste. Flowerree sells seven types of mangoes but Valencia Pride, Kent and Keitt mangoes are his best sellers.

Flowerree will staff a booth at the tasting table during the festival on Saturday and answer any questions about mangoes.

"This year there is a pretty abundance of mangoes. There will be a lot to try," Flowerree said.

The festival will also offer a recipe contest. The contest has amateur and professional categories.

"We've had everything from mango coleslaw to mango dumplings," Koferl said.

All entries must contain mango. The amateur competition judges mango desserts, preserves, breads and marinades. The professional competition judges restaurant appetizers, entrees and desserts.

The tropical fruit festival is not just about eating mangoes, it's also about having fun with the fruit.

MangoMania features a crazy hat parade daily at noon. Participants dress up their hats with the wildest mango colors and silly accessories and strut their stuff to the delight of festival visitors.

Kids can climb a rock roll, jump in a bounce house and play other games such as Mr. Mango Head, a play on Mr. Potato Head, and mango toss during the two-day event.

Jennings said the festival is an event for the whole family and will highlight local music and dance acts.

"We're having Soap Box playing, Stringtown and in between the breaks we have the Arthur Murray Dance Troupe, our famous Hot Flash dancers and the Calendar Girls," Jennings said.

There is always something to do at the festival.

"I believe it's a one of a kind experience," Jennings said. "If you love mangoes in any which way, this is where you'll find it."

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Marcella Schmidt chosen to reign over Oktoberfest

Six ladies clad in formalwear anxiously awaited the results of the 23rd annual Ms. Oktoberfest Pageant on Saturday at the German American Social Club.

The votes were tallied and Marcella Schmidt, 21, of Cape Coral was crowned the 2011 Ms. Oktoberfest. She be an ambassador for the social club during her yearlong reign, said Teresa Kohl, pageant director.

Schmidt took home a $750 jewelry gift certificate as well as a year membership to the club.

Rachael Hazelwood, 23, of Cape Coral was crowned first runner-up and Amanda Dusick was second runner-up.

The pageant had a full house at the club and there was dinner and dancing prior to the competition. Kohl said this event is a highlight for club members.

This pageant isn't your average beauty pageant with a talent and swimwear portion. Rather, it's based on personality and interest in learning about the club and the culture.

Kohl said the club looks for "a girl with a good personality and good with the public."

Ms. Oktoberfest reigns over the club's biggest event - Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest, a nod to German culture with traditional music, dancing food and beer, will be the last two weekends in October at the social club. The festival draws more than 30,000 people to Cape Coral.

Many contestants spoke about the fun times they have had at prior Oktoberfests and their love for the German culture.

Each contestant was given two questions, one picked out of a hat and one asking why she wanted to be Ms. Oktoberfest.

Marcella Schmidt, 21, of Cape Coral was crowned Ms. Oktoberfest 2011 during the 23rd annual Ms. Oktoberfest pageant July 16 at the German American Social Club.

Hazelwood was most nervous about the questions.

"I'm hoping for a good question and to not be too nervous to answer," she said.

Hazelwood wanted to be in the pageant because she has seen Ms. Oktoberfest through the years. This was her first pageant.

Lori VanWinkle, 43, was also nervous about the questions. She said a couple of people urged her to compete and she applied.

"Why not, it sounds like fun," VanWinkle said. "I'm glad I did it."

Schmidt said she has always had an interest in Ms. Oktoberfest.

"I remember being a little girl and wanted to take a picture with Ms. Oktoberfest," she said.

Schmidt waited until she was 21, the minimum age for contestants. Schmidt was born in Germany but moved to Cape Coral at age 5. She is bilingual and a dual citizen, qualities she thought helped sway the judges.

Schmidt said the win was unexpected.

Ms. Oktoberfest will have many commitments throughout the next year. She will reign over all club events, represent the club at the Edison parade and appear in advertising and marketing for the club. Schmidt thinks she is ready for her new duties.

"I got a lot ahead of me but I can do it," she said.

Kohl is happy with Schmidt being crowned but said that all the candidates were qualified.

"The judges did a great job. They had a difficult job," Kohl said. "I wish they had six queens but that is not possible."

Seminar Provides Hurricane Training

About 50 Cape Coral residents attended a hurricane seminar at the Cape Coral Yacht Club on July 13 to learn more about how to prepare for the powerful storms.

The seminar was sponsored by television station WINK and Jim Farrell, its chief meteorologist. Representatives from Cape Coral Fire Department, Lee County Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Financial Services were on hand to educate the crowd about hurricane preparedness.

"The turnout was very good - essentially had a capacity crowd," Farrell said. "I would guesstimate about 80 percent are brand new residents to Southwest Florida."

Marge Nation, a new Cape Coral resident, said she is now more aware of the dangers.

"We did not have shutters so we're getting shutters, getting our documents together," Nation said. "And most important is the pets."

Farrell led the seminar, talking about hurricanes from a meteorological perspective. After residents learned about the storms they learned how to better prepare for them.

Thomas Tomich, division chief of operations for the Cape Coral Fire Department, told the audience the fire department's objective is to make every effort to be a first responder but that it's also important for residents to be prepared.

"Shelter from wind and run from water," Tomich advised.

He said to look at the garage door, which can be sucked in or blown out during a hurricane. After the garage door is gone it is more likely the roof will be damaged.

After discussions on wind

damage, Gerald Campbell, chief of planning for Lee County Emergency Operations Center, spoke about evacuations. Campbell stressed the importance of leaving if an evacuation order is given.

"To ignore an evacuation because you think you know more than us, you're gambling your life," Campbell said.

"You need to have a plan," he said.

Emphasis was placed on the new evacuation map, which was recently updated. Instead of having colors related to hurricane strength, the new map features evacuation zones from A to E. Cape Coral has zones A, B and C. Knowing your zone will be crucial if that letter is asked to evacuate prior to a storm.

"I was just concerned," said Lois Proko, a northwest Cape resident. "When they tell you you should evacuate, you should heed that warning."

Proko said she had thoughts of riding out a potential storm but now will evacuate when asked. She lives in Zone A, the first to evacuate in a storm.

Around 50 people were at the session to hear the message that they should heed the evacuation orders if one is given prior to a storm, but Campbell said the entire population of Cape Coral needs to hear it as well.

"If we ask you to leave then please leave. Your life is in danger," he said.


The Season So Far

The 2011 hurricane season forecast

2011 hurricane forecast, according to the National Weather Service.

- 12 to 18 named storms

- Six to 10 hurricanes

- Three to six major hurricanes

The 2011 season so far has had one named storm, Tropical Storm Arlene. Hurricane season started June 1 and ends Nov. 30. The busiest time of hurricane season is August through October, with maximum activity in early to mid September, according to the National Weather Service.

For More Information

For more information on hurricane preparedness or to get the 2011 Hurricane Preparedness guide visit news-press.com/hurricane.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Cape Coral parks strut their stuff at open house

Cape Coral's Parks and Recreation Department hosted an open house today at the Yacht Club to celebrate National Parks and Recreation month.

Representatives from city parks and programs were on hand to help visitors learn more.

"We did it a little differently this year," said Barbara Dickinson, manager of the yacht club. "We decided to bring all the facilities together in one spot, so people can see what all the recreational facilities have to offer."

In years prior, each park hosted its own open house. Susan Edward, supervisor of Four Freedoms Park, likes the new format.

"It was a very wise decision," Edward said. "We thought it would be convenient for our citizens if we were together in one location."

The open house was in the yacht club's beach-side pavilion. There were performances of ballroom dance and Zumba, with kayak and fishing demonstrations on the beach.

Rotary Park brought butterflies, a turtle, a snake and other animals to showcase the environmental aspects.

"I see some stuff that I'm interested in," said Julia Hartlieb, a Cape Coral resident. Her children have taken swim lessons at the Yacht Club pool.

"Like they (the parks department) said, it starts in the park," Hartlieb said.

Rosie Perez, a Cape resident, said she brought her family to look for programs for her children during the summer and school year.

"To have everyone in one location is very convenient," she said. "When you talk to the people they give you better insights of what the have to offer."

Dickinson said the parks are trying to get the word out to residents: "We have a lot to offer, a lot more than people realize."


More information

Visit Cape Coral's Parks and Recreation website at capeparks.com.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

All Dogs Can Go to Heaven at Shell Factory

The ramps and tunnels are in place, the pool is cold and the racetrack is waving the green flag.

Doggy Heaven, a new dog park in the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, is holding a grand opening from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday with demonstrations and fun for everyone.

"People love their dogs and they want to come," said Richard Dunmire, chairman of Doggy Heaven. "It's like bringing your child to a picnic or a time out together."

The event will start off with a half-hour non-denominational Doggy Church for pets and their families. Church services will become a weekly occurrence at the park, Dunmire said.

After services, local dog clubs plan demonstrations. Doggy Heaven houses the Southwest Florida Wiener Dog Club, Suncoast DockDogs and the Calusa Dog Agility Club, as well as holding obedience classes.

The park also has a public area that is always available to dogs and their owners.

Doggy Heaven has bleachers, picnic tables and shade trees where spectators can watch the action and enjoy the event.

"It's so much fun to watch," Dunmire said.

Each club has a special area of the park and brings a unique aspect to Doggy Heaven. For example, wiener dog club members will race their dachshunds on a small track.

"(It's) the cutest thing to watch them run," said club president Peggy Kay. "They're pretty quick."

She has two dachshunds, Botsey and Bailey.

Suncoast DockDogs will have a large pool set up and will be hosting "Your Dog Can Do This," where the club will be showing visitors the dock jumping competition. Club president Vicki Tighe said that if there's interest, the club will host "DockDog 101" later.

The agility club will have "Agility 101" as well for those unfamiliar with the sport. In agility, dogs maneuver around a course with ramps and tunnels and other obstacles.

Thinking about getting your dog in on the action? The consensus among all the clubs is to test out the sport before getting too committed.

"Try it to make sure your dog likes it," Tighe said.

The dog clubs have a friendly relationship, often recommending new members to the club that fits them best.

"We have a calendar, we don't interfere with each other because we're in different spots," pet trainer Kelly Legarreta said. "(We're) trying to promote each other."

The idea for the park came about a year ago and the clubs really helped the park's progress, Dunmire said.

"We started this all together," Kay said. "(We have) different interests but the main interest we have in common is that we love our dogs."

The Shell Factory is happy to have the dog park. Tom Cronin, owner of The Shell Factory, said the store and the restaurant are dog-friendly.

"We see more and more people adopting dogs," Cronin said. "There is a market for it and we're going to cater to it."

Find unique gifts, art at Coastal Elements

Coastal Elements is a new store in the Resort at Marina Village in Tarpon Point Marina that offers unique gifts.

The southwest Cape store, which opened Feb. 19, prides itself on being an eclectic gift shop with artisan housewares and jewelry.

Business has been sporadic so far, but people are starting to notice, said owner Victoria Wilenski.

"The gift selection is good and her prices are reasonable," said Ron Gilmore, a Cape resident. He added that Wilenski is very knowledgeable about jewelry and decorating.

Coastal Elements specializes in hand-carved wood statues from Indonesia, hand blown glass, as well as art pieces from Cape Coral artists. The store also sells a variety of pearl, mother of pearl and Murano jewelry. Agraria candles and other specialty items can also be found in the shop.

"I bought a blown glass heart for a friend of mine and it was favorably received," Gilmore said.

Wilenski, who said she loves every item in the store, wanted to fill the place with items she would like to purchase.

"(What) I really like is the talent of the artists," Wilenski said.

The wood statues are art pieces. The artists use only traditional hand tools to complete their sculptures.

For those looking for a unique gift, buy an oyster. Customers can crack open an oyster to find their own Akoya wish pearl. The oyster, along with a silver necklace and holder charm, is $34.99.

Wilenski hopes to have an oyster shucking station in the store soon so customers can find their pearls on-site.

"A lot of people have fun with the pearls," she said. "They like the experience."

Wilenski has been in the retail industry for 12 years, working for a home improvement store, but this is her first time having a shop of her own.

"I wanted to be my own boss," she said.

Wilenski has big plans for growth and expansion. In addition to the oyster station, she hopes to add new products. Plush animals and creating her own blown glass are high on her list.

The shop is mainly visited by those staying at hotels and other tourists, but Wilenski hopes that will soon change.

"Hopefully the locals will support us here," she said. "It's nice and peaceful right here and if you want to get out of the regular Cape Coral crowd, this is the place to be."

Softball league like family to octogenarian

Ray Tibbs, 85, has stepped onto the mound with the 50-plus Softball League of Cape Coral for 18 years.

On July 5, he was inducted as the inaugural member of the league's Hall of Fame.

"He represents all the good things of softball," Steve Dougherty, vice president of the league said to the gathered spectators.

Tibbs received a catcher's mitt shaped trophy and a varsity style jacket for his service to the league.

Tibbs accepted his award and said to the group that he doesn't have immediate family down in Cape Coral but the league is now his family. He is originally from Cincinnati.

He was honored for his participation and sportsmanship.

Tibbs has played in leagues for close to three decades. He made his start in Ohio and continued playing when he moved down to Southwest Florida nearly 20 years ago.

The honor was also a part of his birthday celebration. He turned 85 on July 3.

"It's great," Tibbs said. "There's nothing I had in my life that compares to it."

"(He's) real inspiring," said Jennifer Ford, a member of the league. "You don't see many 85-year-old people playing ball."

Ford said Tibbs has a great attitude and is very spirited. He helps morale.

"He's what sportsmanship is all about," Ford said.

Tibbs is a valuable player, too. He's the pitcher for his team, Fifer Orthopedics. Teammate Steve Sonnenberg said Tibbs is an excellent hitter as well.

He won the Senior-Softball USA Nationals in the 70s division as the manager of the Lawson's Products team in 2008. The team was based in Cape Coral.

Tibbs also had success 15 years ago at the Senior Olympics in Norfolk, Va. He hit a grand slam helping his team, FC Industries, clinch victory in the 65 age division.

Tibbs said he doesn't play in leagues just for the game.

"(I come) for the softball and for the camaraderie," Tibbs said. "The players are nice guys."

Tibbs said he watches baseball with guys and sometimes goes up for Ray's games. He also plays golf with his teammates.

Tibbs practices three days a week and plays four days a week. When he is not on the field, Tibbs is in the gym, Sonnenberg said.

"His character is as strong as his body," Sonnenberg said.

"It mainly keeps me in shape," Tibbs said. "And I think it adds years to your life."

He said he encourages seniors to play ball and to be out in the sunshine.

And Tibbs figures he has more to give to the game.

"I'm going to continue playing until I'm able," Tibbs said.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Islands Yogurt Opens Up on Del Prado

Islands Yogurt is serving up healthy treats in a laid-back atmosphere.

The self-serve frozen yogurt shop opened less than two weeks ago on Del Prado Boulevard in southeast Cape Coral, just north of the Walmart.

"People are flowing into the store," said Bree-Ann Compos, co-owner. "I've even had some customers that have come in twice in a day."

Compos owns the shop with her fiance, Benjamin Waller. The couple recently relocated to Cape Coral from San Diego, Calif. This is a new venture for them - Compos worked in the medical field and Waller was in construction before opening the shop.

Islands Yogurt is having a soft opening and many customers are coming in because of word-of-mouth.

Compos wanted to open a self-serve yogurt shop for years but California was too expensive. The couple started to look in Florida to find a great place to relocate.

"I fell in love with Cape Coral," Compos said. "I love all the canals and all the water."

The Cape seems to be loving her back. Compos said sales have grown every day since the store opened June 24.

"I've been waiting for one to come to the Cape," said resident Taylor Simms. "It's delicious."

The shop offers 10 non-fat or low-fat flavors that rotate weekly on five yogurt machines, some flavors featured now are red velvet cupcake, old fashioned peanut butter, tropical sorbet and no-sugar-added tahitian vanilla. Islands Yogurt makes sure one machine always has a non-dairy sorbet in order to give customers options.

"I think the community would welcome something new and health conscious," Compos said.

The shop also carries more than 40 toppings ranging from candy and gummies to fresh fruit and marshmallow topping.

Customers pay 45 cents an ounce for their frozen yogurt creation and the average treat costs around $3.

"When I heard this place opened here, I got really excited," said Virginia Wolf, a Cape Coral resident. "It's a healthy treat."

The new spin on frozen yogurt began in 2005 with the opening of Pinkberry in California. Now the self-serve frozen yogurt trend has hit Southwest Florida. Coconut Point and Gulf Coast Town Center already have self-serve shops. Islands Yogurt is the only such shop in the Cape.

"(We're) with the wave," Compos said.

Islands Yogurt was expected to open much sooner, but was delayed because of construction issues.

"It was really hard on us," Compos said. "This is our money, our heart, our soul."

Islands Yogurt is hoping to be an interactive eatery. Customers can suggest flavors and toppings to the owners and it's active on Facebook.

Compos said that many of her new customers came in because of Facebook. Customers can "friend" the yogurt shop and see special deals and new flavors directly in their news-feed. The shop also sends out text alerts when the flavors are about to change.

"It's been a gamble," Compos said. "I only hope that it keeps getting better."

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Freedom 5K runs smoothly

The 197 runners in Monday night's Centurylink-Prism TV Freedom 5k hosted by Red, White and Boom raced across the Cape Coral Parkway Bridge, through the toll plaza, turned around and ran back to the finish line.

And when it was done, familiar faces were the first to cross.

Ryan Stafford, 18, placed first overall with a time of 17:08. Stafford, a recent Fort Myers High School graduate who will run cross country for FGCU, trains six days a week.

"It was tiring on the way back but I pushed through it," said Stafford.

Fort Myers' Marcus Dumas, 36, was in second place with a time of 17:57, while Bishop Verot's John Gargano, 16, was third at 18:53.

The first place overall female winner was 16-year-old Kacy Smith, Estero High' Class 2A state cross country champ, with a time of 19:47.

Canterbury's Emily Edwards, 15, was second with 20:26. Long-time Fort Myers coach Kelly Britton, 33, was third at 20:55.

The run, sanctioned by the Fort Myers Track Club, was a new event for the Red, White & Boom, which was sponsored by the Re/Max Realty Team.

"It was a great success," said Ed Ramos, Race Director of the Freedom 5k.

"As a first time race, there is always a learning curve," said Ramos.

He thanked the volunteers for helping the event run smoothly.

"It's a fun challenge," said Charlotte Edwards, 42, masters overall female winner. "It's a beautiful run."

Edwards' three daughters also ran the race with her.

"It's something we all can do together," Edwards said.

Charles Martinesi of Cape Coral was going to try and keep his breathing on pace.

"I'm not going to kill myself," said Martinesi. "I'm going to do what I need to do to get back."

Overall, there were 92 awards handed out in 14 age categories.

"After the event, the chamber is going to sit down and see if it's something to continue," said Ramos.

He said the outlook is looked favorable.

Red, White & Boom a success despite downpour

People clad in red, white and blue ventured down to the Red, White & Boom celebration in Cape Coral on Monday.

The annual Fourth of July party featured a fun zone with inflatable rides for the kids, a street festival of vendors, a 5K run and live musical acts.

"We're here on vacation and it sounded like fun," said Marlene Falkerson of Louisville, Ky.

The event was dampened a bit when rain poured for two hours Monday afternoon, but the weather improved and things kept rocking.

The headliner this year, Heidi Newfield, was presented by Cat Country 107.1.

"Cat Country brings in really great talent," said Elmer Tabor, chairman of Red, White & Boom.

Newfield rocked the Roger Dean Chevrolet stage with her new single "Stay Up Late," and also sang her prior hits and some songs from when she was lead singer of the band Trick Pony.

The event was capped with a 20-minute fireworks display. The fireworks almost didn't make it after the truck carrying them broke down in Bradenton, but with hard work, everything was set up in time, Tabor said.

"The kids love the fireworks," said Catherine Coleman, a Cape resident.

After the fireworks display was an "American Tribute," which featured a 21-explosive salute and Harley-Davidson motorcycles and was dedicated to veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The names of Southwest Florida soldiers who died in those wars were read off as the Harleys were shut down one by one, until there was silence.

"It's easy to forget what the Fourth of July is about," Tabor said.

He noted it's not about the hot dogs and the festivals, but about freedom and honoring the soldiers who fought for it.

Red, White & Boom could not be successful without all the volunteers, Tabor said. The event had more than 130 volunteers who started at 6 a.m. and worked well into Tuesday morning.

"I know the job inside and out, and the volunteers know the job inside and out, too," Tabor said.

Many of the Boom volunteers have been working at the event for years, and Tabor said that's why the event runs so smoothly.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Red, White and Brew draws crowd

The Cape Coral Kiwanis Club hosted Red, White and Brew in downtown Cape Coral today.

The event featured 15 bars with domestic beer samples and appetizers to get the pre-Fourth of July party started. Trolley service was provided by the Kiwanis as well.

Sam Huber, Kiwanis president, said 400 tickets were sold in advance and he expected 750 to be sold by end of the night.

Beer fans sampled Magic Hat No. 9, Landshark, and Drifter Pale Ale along with major domestics. Appetizers ranged from pizza and chicken pasta salad to sushi and Thai spring rolls.

Kerri Brennan, a Cape Coral resident said this was her first time at an event like this and she loved it.

"We get to meet a lot of people and we get to try places" that haven't been tried before, Brennan said.

Kurt Earlywine, a partner in the Royal Key restaurant, said he is proud to be a part of the event.

"Watching people walk through the door, they're smiling," Earlywine said. "They're having a good time and we're happy to be a part of that."

All proceeds benefitted the Kiwanis Club's backpack program. It's a program that sends backpacks home with needy school children. Delivered on Friday, each backpack supplies a child's family with food for the weekend. The program feeds about 1,000 kids. Huber said he hopes the event raises $10,000; the program needs $100,000 annually.

"It's the perfect opportunity to get out and about, support local groups and support the Kiwanis," said Bryant Eckman, a Cape Coral resident. "$15 for the ticket is money well spent because it goes back into a good program."

The Kiwanis Club also will be serving up beer from Wine & Roses restaurant, 1404 Cape Coral Parkway, during Red, White and Boom festivities on Monday. Those proceeds also will benefit the backpack program.

"Grab a beer and support the Kiwanis," Huber said.