And, they were just plain thirsty.

By the time the last fan filed out shortly after 9 p.m., 44 barrels of beer, 130 cases of soda and water and six cases of wine had been consumed. Thirty-five volunteers for Bonita Springs Assistance Office served refreshments for nine hours. Emily Gomez and Justin Feeney, the youngest volunteers, helped staff the soda booth.

All the proceeds, about $25,000, go to the good works of the Bonita Assistance, which has been Bonita Spring’s primary social service charity since 1979.  Many local businesses sponsored Bonita Assistance’s effort at Celebrate, said Maribel Slabaugh executive director of Bonita Assistance. That financial help, together with money raised by the Chili Cook-off, helped defray costs. Sweet Bay Supermarket won the Cook-off, with Bonita Fire capturing the “People’s Choice” award.

The husband and wife duo of Thompson Square were the headline entertainers this year, together with local bands.

That was long time Bonita resident Rick Barber’s self effacing reaction to his recent appointment by Governor Scott to the South Florida Water Management District seven-member governing board.

In reality, it’s a fitting honor for a man who has been at the center of area watershed planning throughout a distinguished engineering career. The District is the largest water management district in Florida, covering about a third of the state. It is the lead agency for Everglades restoration. Barber represents Lee, Collier and other nearby counties.

Barber was an author of the South Lee County Watershed study, the seminal report commissioned after the devastating Bonita Flood of 1995. The report determined that the Imperial River catch basin was 315 square-miles, more than triple the size originally estimated. ‘You don’t realize it until you have an event,” said Barber,” and then the water flows and flows for weeks.”

“We learned a lot,” he said. “People began to realize that if you put a road here or a berm there, it affects people a long way off.”

The District is in the final planning stages of a $40 million restoration project on seven square miles of east Bonita Springs. Its goal is to restore surface water flow, thus reducing flood risk and replenishing groundwater resources. More than 500 parcels have been purchased adjacent to the Bonita Springs’ Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource (DR/GR) area.

Another significant issue, the calibration of water flows from Lake Okeechobee down the Caloosahatchee River, is a balancing act between upstream agriculture and downstream coastal estuaries, said Barber. “We get lots of water when we don’t need it and not enough when we do,” he said. The result is changing salinity levels in the river and bays, affecting fishing grounds and water quality.

The Bonita Springs team at Monarch Marketing Services includes Nate Reysen, Robert Haller, Bob Haller, Rosi Haller and Lauren Bennett.
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight

Bonita Springs – Picture cartoons on drop ceiling tiles in pediatric hospital wards, monograms on bathroom tiles and custom designed wallpaper provide a taste of the ever-changing print industry. Monarch Marketing Services is keeping up with the times.

New York in 1978 was a far different business climate for the printing business than today. Bonita Springs resident, Robert Haller, owner of Monarch Marketing Services at 28440 Old 41 Road, remembers well. “My dad started the business in New York. At l6 years of age, I worked with him.”

When his dad retired to Bonita Springs in 2008, Haller followed and opened a second printing company in Bonita Springs. The original 11,000 square foot New York company is run by employees who also began in the business at age l6.

Computer technology changed printing. Many businesses produce their own printed products such as tickets and flyers. Just as Monarch butterflies undergo major metamorphosis, Monarch Marketing Services has increased its business by 120 percent recently by finding creative and unique unmet printing needs on a grand scale and adapting their printing model to changing times.

“We can print anything on any flat surface with the new Arizona 480 GT equipment that allows us to print directly on rigid material such as four foot by eight foot boards, foam board, corrugated plastic, acrylics, tile and basically any flat surface under two inches thick,” said Haller. They can print with white ink, and the roll media option allows 80 inch material.

Their new Procut 2500, integrated with the printer, allows any printed surface to be cut to any size with three main blades that are similar to an exacto knife, a jigsaw and a router that match the needs of the material cut.

Perforated window vinyl that provides advertising to the customer on the outside and allows the business inside to see the customer outside is on the list of products.

A new welding machine purchased last year welds hems on vinyl and allows for large production runs on banners. Since Monarch purchases banner materials in large volume, getting lower prices for its corporate clients, local smaller businesses benefit too with the lower price. Much of Monarch’s business is from other states, bringing new revenue into the Bonita Springs economy.

“Monarch Marketing Services employs on average twenty employees between our New York business and Bonita Springs. It’s a responsibility to continue changing with the times because employees also have mortgages to pay and families to support,” said Haller.

He considers every day a chance for new creativity and the business he loves occupies the majority of his time. His wife, Rosie, belongs to Bonita Springs Noon Rotary and keeps their company engaged in the community. She is also in charge of production.

Options are infinite for custom designs and shapes. Monarch Marketing is adding designers for these expanded options. “Our professional designers make us unique in the printing industry,” confirmed Haller. Whether it’s a small run or a major production, Monarch Marketing has the designers and the equipment that make no task impossible.

Peter Tierney and Dr. “Bud” Negley, owners of The Bay House restaurant, on the new deck overlooking the Cocohatchee River in North Naples.
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com

North Naples – The Bay House Restaurant, a hidden jewel tucked away in the mangroves on the Cocohatchee River offers North Naples and Bonita Springs first class dining in two venues.

Fine dining with reservations is available at The Bay House. Within The Bay House and unique to the new owners, Peter Tierney and Dr. “Bud” Negley, is Tierney’s Tavern and Claw Bar. It offers a more casual experience, one that honors Tierney’s Tavern in Montclair, New Jersey, an 85-year landmark owned by Tierney’s family. It’s a family business; Negley is also a cousin.

Tierney’s Tavern and Claw Bar at the Bay House offers steaming pots for patrons who enjoy the stone crab claws for which the area is known in addition to claws and seafood from across the nation. Live music and casual seafood dining don’t require reservations.

The river view has always been a trademark. Dining on the new deck overlooking the river is part of the upscale design plans that Negley and Tierney put in place five years ago when they purchased the land and restaurant from the retiring, former owners.

“We own the Turtle Club on Vanderbilt Beach and the family owns the Vanderbilt Beach Inn. We saw the Bay House as a natural expansion of our restaurant experience into ‘Upper Naples,’ my name for the booming North Naples area,” said Tierney. The restaurant is located at 799 Walkerbilt Road, off US 41.

They recently demonstrated their faith in the area by recently purchasing ten adjacent acres for a planned Bay House Village with completion in a couple years.

Tierney believes it takes about five years for a restaurant to develop a positive track record and become successful. Future plans include a boutique hotel, a bakery, a cooking school, an area for outdoor events and other small shops to support the hotel on a nature preserve boardwalk in the pedestrian Bay House Village. “I consider it an honor to be stewards of this beautiful piece of property ,” said Tierney.

If that isn’t enough excitement, The Bay House Chef, Andrew Hunter, is featured at the May 8 Stone Crab Celebration at the James Beard Foundation in New York City, the “Oscar” event for famous chefs. According to Tierney, also a chef with over 25 years experience, this recognition is part of his plan to “put Upper Naples on the culinary map.”

Old Florida is evident in the preserve setting and the southern-influenced dishes and seafood entrées. Fresh, local ingredients are used whenever possible. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch are served.

“This business is an expression of who we are. It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle,” added Tierney. He emphasized that expectations are high in the restaurant business. When people get together, they talk about politics, religion and restaurants. When they talk about The Bay House, he expects the discussion to center on great food and great service. The fantastic surroundings are a bonus.

Maribel Slabaugh, President and CEO, Bonita Springs Assistance Office, offers emergency assistance and referrals for clients from Bonita Springs and with new agency partners joining their team, more services will be offered at this location.
Staff | staff@swspotlight

Bonita Springs – The Bonita Springs Assistance Office, at 25300 Bernwood Drive, opened a new chapter in their services book recently. New partners are joining their team.

Habitat for Humanity, Dr. Piper Center, Volunteer Nurses Association and Early Steps are a few of the new partners. Dr. Piper Center offers seniors companionship and transportation. Early Steps teaches parenting classes to help special needs children reach their full potential.

United Way representatives recently confirmed the Bonita Springs Assistance Office as lead agency for the “United Way House Extension”, adjacent to Bonita Assistance Office in Bernwood. Fifteen agencies will share space and rotate through this facility, with potentially more in the future.

“The generosity of community donors and the Bonita Springs Community Foundation in particular make it possible to bring new partners to our location,” said Maribel Slabaugh, President and CEO, Bonita Assistance Office.

At the Bernwood extension, three offices, a meeting room and two cubicles are available for United Way agency appointments and classes. Office space is free of charge for the new agencies, thus encouraging services in Bonita Springs and saving residents travel to Fort Myers.

“I have been without work since February,” said Jesse Abrams, a veteran and Bonita Springs resident who received emergency assistance at the Bonita Springs Assistance Office. “I was diagnosed with cancer. Everything began to fall apart financially. I had to travel to Fort Myers, adding to the expense and stress.”

Veterans’ assistance was available in Fort Myers for Abrams but he needed additional help. Emergencies seemed to snowball and help from more than one agency was often required. Red Cross veterans’ services is another agency that will serve the community from the Bonita Assistance Office – United Way House Extension.

“This is a natural for us,” said Slabaugh. “We are accustomed to working in a team environment. Our team is growing.” The resources will improve quality of life for Bonita Springs residents. The Bonita Springs Assistance Office is a not-for-profit, private agency and a United Way member.

Slabaugh is quick to share her enthusiasm about these agencies. They meet needs that are not always based on financial hardship. Goodwill will assist with job services. Money management classes will be offered in English and Spanish by the University of Florida and AmTrust Bank. Big Brothers/Big Sisters will recruit and train volunteers.

Bonita Springs Assistance Office will continue to provide emergency financial assistance  including payments for rent, utilities and other emergency payments that may save a family from homelessness.

Referrals for medical care and other emergency needs are made with organizations that provide assistance at fair and reduced costs. A choice food pantry meets emergency food needs and includes dairy, meat and fresh produce.

The Bonita Springs Assistance office served over 4300 individuals from 1700 households in 2012. Their goal is to make certain that Bonita Springs neighbors find the services they need for quality lives, locally if possible.

Maryle Barbe took this photo from the March Course #9 at Bonita Bay Club. Send your best sunset photos to sunset@swspotlight.com and your photo could be the next Spotlight Sunset.
Maryle Barbe | sunset@swspotlight.com

May

2 Thursday & 3 Friday

Murder at the Silver Garter Saloon – 7 p.m.

The Center for the Arts Community Players will present their latest production in this all inclusive, fully catered, Western murder mystery dinner theater experience. The audience is in the kangaroo courtroom at the Silver Dollar Saloon and you get to figure out who committed the crime of shootin’ the sheriff. For more info call 495-8989. Where: The Promenade at Bonita Bay, B. Cost: $45 members, $50 non–members.

3 Friday

Elementary & Middle School Exhibition Reception – 6 to 8 p.m.

Delight in the creativity of area school children. These young artists will inspire you. On display through May 9. Where: Center for the Arts, B. Cost: Free.

10 Friday & 11 Saturday

Peter Pan the Musical

Peter Pan the Musical comes alive presented by the Bonita Springs Center for the Arts Youth Theater. Friday 7 pm; Sat. 2 pm & 7 pm. For more info go to www.artcenterbonita.org. Where: Promenade at Bonita Bay, B. Cost: $5 per person.

11 Saturday

8^th Annual Turtle Trot 5K Run/Walk – 7 a.m. registration

Everyone is invited…runners, joggers and walkers. The unique 5K course traverses three barrier islands and takes participants through a shady maritime hammock ecosystem on hard-packed shell. No part of the course requires running through beach sand. The course ends with a dramatic finish at the beach pavilion. Refreshments will be served and awards presented. To register visit friendsofloverskey.org. Where: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., B. Cost: $25 adults; $15 youth, prior to May 4; $30 for all ages the week of the race; $35 the day of the race.

ArtsNaples World Festival – 8 p.m.

Three concertos with Naples Philharmonic Orchestra featuring music of the Latin Americas and Spain. Where: Artis–Naples (formerly The Phil), 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., N. Tickets: go to www.thephil.org.

13 Monday

Films for Film Lovers – 7 p.m.

Eight Women, in French with subtitles, is a who dunnit with every woman a suspect. Join the discussion after the film. Where: Promenade at Bonita Bay, #114 B. Cost: $ $8 per person.

16 Thursday

Live! 50s Dance Party with Uptown Express – 7 pm

This vocal group, backed with a jumpin’ live band, sings harmony to Chicago Rhythm & Blues, New York Doo Wop & Motown Soul. Come ready to boogie. Dance floor will be open. For more info call Center for the Arts 495-8989. Where: Promenade at Bonita Bay, B. Cost: $15 members/$20 non-members.

17 Friday

Student Showcase Exhibition Awards Reception – 6 to 8 p.m.

Features the work of area high school students. Students compete for college tuition scholarships. Where: Center for the Arts, B. Cost: Free

18 Saturday

Center for the Arts Youth Dance Recital – noon to 2 p.m.

The spring dance session students showcase their talents on stage and in costume. Where: Promenade at Bonita Bay, B. Cost: Free

22  Wednesday

Dreamgirls – 8 p.m.

The story of an up-and-coming 1960s singing girl group and their triumphs and tribulations. Winner of Tony and Academy awards. Where: Artis–Naples (formerly The Phil), 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., N. Tickets: go to www.thephil.org

24 Friday & 25 Saturday

Patriotic Pops –  8 p.m.

Where: Artis – Naples (formerly The Phil), 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. N. Tickets: go to www.thephil.org.

27 Monday

Memorial Day Dedication – 9 a.m.

Where: Riverside Park, B.

ONGOING

The Big Dog Show – through May 31

A spectacular selection of steel dog sculptures, as large as 8 feet high, installed on the grounds of the Liles Hotel, B. Sculpted by nationally known artist Dale Rogers.

Silly Faces Exhibition – through May 25

“Silly Faces” is an interactive video installation that asks the audience to become part of the exhibit. Visitors upload a 5-second video of themselves making a silly face into a phone booth style kiosk. It is then added to the constantly changing grid of faces projected onto the gallery wall. Where: Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, B., Cost: Free.

Saturdays thru May 4th

The Farm Fresh Market– 7:30 a.m. to noon

Come to one of the most popular markets in the region. Where: Promenade at Bonita Bay B.  Cost: Free. For more information, visit bonitalions.org.

Wednesdays thru May 8th

Farm Growers Market– 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you can eat it and watch it grow, it’s here!  Where: Old 41 and Childers St. B.  For more information, visit bonitalions.org

Meetings

Bonita Springs City Council –Wed. May 1, 5:30 p.m., Wed. May 15, 9 a.m.

Come watch local government in action. Where: City Council Chambers, 9101 Bonita Beach Rd. B.

All dates, times and prices are subject to change.

Classic automobiles from the 1950s fill the streets of Old Havana lined with deteriorating buildings.
Kathy O’Flinn | Special to the Spotlight

Havana – Stepping off the plane, a visitor’s first view is of billboards with political messages. They appear randomly along the road into Havana. “Free the Cuban 5” (jailed for spying in the US but considered heroes by Cubans) or “54 Years of Fighting and Victories” or messages praising socialism. There are no advertisements for products anywhere in Cuba. It’s a sudden and stark reminder that this is a different world.

On a more light–hearted note, the guide and translator is named Fidel. Welcome to Cuba.

With an average monthly income of $15 in equivalent US dollars, Cubans readily admit that life is hard. “Lift the embargo,” is a frequently heard comment by Cubans.

The collapse of the Soviet bloc, Cuba’s primary trading partner, in the early 90’s marked the beginning of a particularly difficult period for Cubans. They even have a name for it – The Special Period. It was marked by shortages of food and clothing.

Food ration books were introduced and continue today. A visit to a ration market finds sparsely filled shelves. When comestibles arrive, word goes out in the community and shoppers hurry to make their purchases.

The desire to learn more about this changing nation prompted a visit by Bonita Springs residents. “We need to start talking if nothing else,” said Andrea Tinucci.

“It’s not as simple as we thought,” said Honey McGrath.

A visit to this island nation reveals visible failures. The terrible state of disrepair of Havana’s architectural jewels including its colonial and art deco treasures, are threatened by a lack of maintenance. “Three buildings crumble everyday due to structural neglect,” said Miguel Coyola, Havana architect and urban planner .

Cubans readily admit there are no simple answers for Cuba’s longed–for recovery.

Deteriorating housing and shortages prompted the government in 2011 to allow Cubans to buy and sell their homes. They can own their apartment but not the building. There is no concept of common area ownership, so individual apartment owners do not plan for the maintenance of the interior common areas or the exterior.

Restored colonial buildings in Old Havana reveal the beauty of these jewels.
Kathy O’Flinn | Special to the Spotlight

Ninety percent of the housing stock is privately owned, however, it’s difficult to get materials to repair and most Cubans cannot afford the price of a gallon of paint which is 45 percent of monthly income.

After the Revolution in 1959, Castro nationalized every business in the country, down to the barbershops. “We nationalized more than any country and we couldn’t manage them,” said Rafael Capestany, a participant in the Revolution, financial expert and Communist party member.

“Seventy-five percent of the population at that time lived in rural areas with no electricity. There was poverty, illiteracy and no hospitals or schools,” explained Maritza Corrales Capestany, Cuba’s expert on Jewish and Ethnic History. The Castro regime gave priority to improving education.

Today there is a 98 percent literacy rate in Cuba, education is free and every province has its own college. Accessible and free health care is available but over the counter medications are hard to come by. Polyclinics and hospitals throughout the country train doctors, enough to send thousands abroad.

“We don’t have the industrial capacity to use all these college graduates,” said Rafael Capistany. “There is lots of money coming in, pushing prices up.”

Money from the diaspora, particularly Cuban Americans in the states, tourism, doctors’ services and Cuban biotech products are the biggest revenue generators. But according to Rafael Capestany, the government has never planned long term, only year by year.

History appears to be repeating itself. Cuba’s past reliance on the Soviet Union has left it dangerously dependent on subsidies. Today, Venezuela is Cuba’s primary supplier of oil and employer of 40,000 Cuban trained doctors. Venezuela, China and Canada have joint ventures with Cuba drilling for oil, however, Cuban oil contains sulfur and is only suitable for domestic use. There is palpable concern among Cubans over the presidential elections in Venezuela and what their future holds.

During The Special Period, the Cuban government took additional steps to cope with the precarious economy. It allowed Cubans to start up certain private businesses such as restaurants, called paladares, typically family–run businesses in converted apartments. The state is getting out of the restaurant business. Taxi drivers, beauty salons and barber shops were privatized. By allowing small businesses in the private sector, Cubans had an opportunity to make more money. Today even medical doctors drive taxis for the added income and Cubans pay monthly taxes for earned income, a new concept.

Cubans can now also buy and sell cars. There was a black market and the government knew it. Prior to the change, the original owner remained on the registration even if it passed through several hands.

Havana resident picks up food at a local ration market with sparsely filled shelves.
Kathy O’Flinn | Special to the Spotlight

Fifty percent of arable land in Cuba is idle and so it imports what it can afford. “We need to produce, we need agriculture, the car industry,” explained Maritza Capestany. But she also stressed the importance of the need to change the mentality in Cuba, “the centralized government thinking. Cubans think things will come like manna. They disagree among themselves as to the way forward.”

The reality is that change is coming. Whatever it is, the hope is that it will bring a better life for all Cubans.

Ben pictured with his mom Doris and sister Julie.
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight

Bonita Springs – “BORN IN THE USA!” (What? Why is Bruce Springsteen screaming at me?)  Waking up from a deep sleep, I roll over and switch the obnoxious clock radio off and check the time… 6:20 in the morning again. Time to go to work, again. Sitting up in bed I rub my eyes and think about how many times I’ve done this… same time, every workday, week after week, month after month, year after year, decade after decade. I stretch and get up, tripping over the dog and stubbing my toe on the dresser, cursing as I hop with one foot in my jeans on the way to the bathroom… again.

Staring at my morning face in the mirror (ugh) I think about how lucky I am to be able to work and to have work to do. But, I know that I am compelled to do so, not entirely by survival, money or gain… but by an incident that is carved deep into my mind and heart.

I think that, although it has remained hidden from their memory, many people have been crafted by an incident in their distant past. But I have never forgotten the moment when the force that would drive me through life was put into place. For me, it is a force of nature, like gravity, pulling me out of bed, to work, to yet another project, towards ever more responsibility. Causing me to place more weight on my shoulders, compelling me to stay perpetually busy and at work in order to feel complete and content.

I was three years old when I took a small piece of wire and stuck it into an electrical socket.  (No! That’s not what’s wrong with me.)  Instead of electrocuting me the wire immediately melted, burning my small hand. I don’t have any memory of this incident, (probably the electrocution part) but my mother says that I kept my bandaged hand clenched tightly shut for weeks, so much so that she was afraid that it would never heal.

Soon after, my father was going to take me to work with him for the first time.  I know that it’s pretty rare to remember something from when you were three, but it is a vivid memory that never fades, a movie that is always ready to rewind and play. I remember… my dad standing by his truck. I’m running towards him across the lawn as fast as I can. I feel the excitement, the joy and then… I trip and fall face first, catching myself on my burned hand.  I sit up on the grass, clench my burned hand and cry. Then… as I watch, my angry, disappointed father gets into his truck and drives away to work without me. The mold was set at that moment. I would not get left behind again and I would spend the rest of my life, shrugging off injury, personal trauma and fatigue in order to get to work… I have always known why.

I have never held it against my father. He was a good man and driven by powerful forces of his own. And although I have talked about that day with my mother, I never discussed it with him. Strangely enough, my resulting manic work ethic has mostly served me pretty well over time, because thankfully I have learned (with the help of my wonderful wife, children and friends) to temper and control my compulsion, so that now I can actually relax on vacation, even periodically enjoying doing nothing, without the nagging guilt of not being at work.

Like many men, it is my father that, even though he has passed away, still remains the psychological fuel that drives me forward. But it is my mother, the person who worried over and healed the three-year-old boy with the burned hand and the broken heart, who has helped me to understand my father and who I am as a result.

So as I got to work this morning at 6:45 and begin figuring out how to do all that I have planned for the day, I know that it was my dad who gave me the power and fuel to drive myself as fast and as hard as I can go, but as I delete one task to allow time to have lunch with Lori and then schedule myself for a trip next month to the Keys with my wife and our friends, I know that it’s my Mom, who ever so subtly gave me the encouragement and ability to steer myself onto my own path to happiness.

Thanks Mom… Happy Mothers Day

Ben Nelson can be reached at ben@swspotlight.com

Sugar and Spice were rescued within one day of each other.
Staff | staff@ swspotlight.com

Bonita Springs – Sugar and Spice were crowded in the front seat of Beverly Jackson’s car on the non-stop trip from Ashville, North Carolina to southwest Florida three years ago. The backseat was already occupied by Henry, the twenty–pound tabby cat in his own cage tucked in the fully packed car.

Henry already declared he was the top “dog” when Sugar and Spice arrived at his Carolina home. He went after them with a major paw swipe. The two small poodles give Henry a wide berth and Henry wants nothing to do with them either.

Both fluffy dogs, just off from white, were rescued within a day of each other, one from certain death. Sugar was found in a deserted barn covered in fleas and was still skin and bones at the animal foster care when Jackson adopted him.

Spice was due to be put down the very next day. The foster care facility had no foster family to take him. They were full. He was a round ball of fur. One of the keepers at the pound tried to cut his hair and butchered the haircut. After a proper grooming, he looked more like the poodle Jackson imagined when she took him home. Ages are uncertain, but with her vet’s input, Jackson believes her two rescue dogs are about three years old now.

“They are so perfect. I believe they must be grateful for the life they live. They are my little angels,” said Jackson. They’ve never chewed on anything forbidden and only bark if someone is at the door. They also get along well with other dogs. Jackson thinks one might be a bichon mix because he shows his happiness with the “bichon happy dance.” The other might be a purebred poodle, but his color is not typical.

According to the American Kennel Club, poodles are exceptionally smart, active and excel in obedience training. They were originally developed in Europe for hunting. The breed comes in three size varieties and a variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray, but never parti-colored. It’s currently fashionable to mix poodles with other breeds such as the bichon, creating a hybrid or designer dog. The bichon is a naturally gentle, playful dog who loves activity and requires regular exercise. Its hair grows continually and does not shed, so extensive grooming is a must to prevent mats.

Jackson walks Sugar and Spice at Riverside Park, Bonita Springs, across from the Lion’s Club and past the watchful eyes of The Big Dog sculpture at the park’s entrance, donated by Dale Rogers during his recent Bonita Springs exhibit. Sugar and Spice have lots of company at 7:30 a.m. when the park is full of dog walkers.

“This is a beautiful park and the best place to walk dogs near me,” said Jackson. Her dogs are well behaved and listen to their master.  The walk leads to the river and a small island. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy the company of “Sugar and Spice and everything nice.”

If you have a dog that you think is particularly wonderful, contact us at info@swspotlight.com and he or she could be the next dog featured in this column.