Patricia Huff 

mulletrapper@gmail.com

As the winter season continues through the months of January and February, more exciting activities are being held in the Swamp. This Friday, January 27, the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation is hosting the classic film Wind Across the Everglades in the Jinkins Fellowship Hall at 7:00 PM at the Everglades Community Church. There will be free popcorn and soda. For more information, call 239- 695-2397.

Don’t miss the Everglades Seafood Festival next weekend February 3 – 5 in the center of historic Everglades City! Our Festival just keeps getting better and better with two new country music entertainers this year from Nashville (my home town!): David Nail performing his first No. 1 single “Let It Rain” on Saturday at 4:00 PM and Warren Silvers performing at 2:30 PM on Sunday (for a complete schedule visit www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com or www.evergladesmulletrapper.com) It will be a fun-filled weekend with great food, arts and crafts booths and live music on stage every day all day long. We start off Saturday, February 4, with the Everglades Community Church offering pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice, from 7:00 to 11:00 AM. Cost is $6 per adult, $3.50 kids under 10 years old. The opening ceremonies will begin at 10:00 AM and music starting at 10:30 AM. Again, this year the Museum of the Everglades will have entertainment inside with local musicians Tom & Tina US Express Bluegrass Band from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Florida landscape photographer, Jeff Ripple, will be exhibiting in the Pauline Reeves Gallery at the Museum.

Make your reservations early for the following events in February:

The annual Marjory Stoneman Douglas Festival is scheduled for the week of February 21-24. Many of the programs fill up quickly so call the Museum of the Everglades at 239-695-0008 to make your reservations. A copy of the schedule is available at www.evergladesmuseum.org

Once again bicyclists from around the State will be coming to Everglades City for the annual Everglades Bike Ride sponsored by Naples Pathways Coalition in support of the River of Grass Greenway (ROGG) and the Friends of Fakahatchee. If you are interested in volunteering or participating in the February 26 event, phone Patty at 239-695-2397. For information and to register, visit www.naplespathways.org and click on “Stay and Play Everglades Ride 2012”. A continental breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee.

For more information about Everglades events, visit The Mullet Rapper online at www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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Patricia Huff 

mulletrapper@gmail.com

Visit the Museum of the Everglades to see more of Brian Trainor artwork.

“Hanging Out in the Everglades” is the title of this month’s exhibit in the Pauline Reeves Gallery at the Museum of the Everglades with artist Brian Trainor. He brings a unique perspective to photographing the Everglades. Visit Brian’s website at www.briantrainorphotography for more information. Everyone is invited to a reception hosted by the Friends of the Museum to meet the artist on Saturday, January 14, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Also on exhibit with a reception the same day on Saturday, January 14, is “The Preserve” at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center Auditorium located at 33000 Tamiami Trail in Ochopee from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The exhibition will continue through March 1 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily and is open to the public at both the Oasis Visitor Center and the Welcome Center in Big Cypress Preserve.

Western Everglades Photo Workshop with photographer and painter Jeff Ripple on January 16-19 is still available. This includes two full days of workshops and three nights at the base camp. For reservations and more info, call 695-2428 or email bcg@clydebutcher.com

In reconsidering how to improve Everglades National Park’s facilities at Flamingo and in Everglades City, a public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 19, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Big Cypress National Preserve Welcome Center (2.5 miles east of Tamiami Trail and Route 29 intersection). The first hour will be an open house to give everyone an opportunity to review project information, talk with staff and provide comments. At 6:30 PM there will be a short presentation about the project followed by additional public comment and discussion. Please visit the following website to view additional new information: http://www.nps. gov/ever/parkmgmt/ever-general-management-plan.htm and the Gulf Coast Site Redevelopment project: www.nps. gov/ever/parkmgmt/gulfcoastredevelopment.htm. For more information, contact Project Manager Fred Herling 305-242- 7704.

The Fakahatchee Ultra Running Race takes place within the State Preserve on Saturday, January 21. Runners from Florida and around the country will be competing in races of 50 miles, 50 kilometers (31 miles) and 25 kilometers (15.6 miles) along the Park trams. Many runners will spend one or more nights in Everglades City or close by, some bringing family and friends with them. For more information, visit website www.evergladesultras.com If you have questions, please contact Race Director Bob Becker at 954-439-2800 or email bob@ultrasportsllc.com

Other events in the Everglades area on January 21 include a Pancake Fly-In at the Everglades Airpark from 10:00 AM to Noon, hosted by Wings 10,000 Island Tours. For information, telephone (239) 695-3296. Art-in-the-Glades with live music will be held at McLeod Park from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will be a Coastal Cruise chartered boat trip to historic Fakahatchee Island at 3:00 PM from Everglades National Park. For more information, telephone (239) 695-2905 or see website www.orchidswamp.org

Come join us in the Everglades for the interesting and fun events scheduled this month. For additional information about Everglades City area, visit website www. evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper. 

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We’re saying good-bye to a lot of memories this past year: friends and long-time residents who have passed away and new babies born, school games and events, Smallwood Store forced closure and re-opening after six months, Margaret Webb’s survival after her encounter with a gator, among other happenings in the Glades. We hope that 2012 will bring more neighborly love and continued peace in the Swamp. As our winter residents return to the Everglades, several upcoming events will be of interest.

The Everglades Community Church on the Circle will hold a Night Watch Vigil and Covenant Renewal on New Year’s Eve, December 31, at 7:00 PM. Come join the congregation in celebrating the beginning of 2012.

The 37th Annual Miccosukee Arts Festival continues through Sunday, January 1, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at their Tribal Village on the Tamiami Trail (US-41). Visit website www.miccosukee.com and click on Events for more information.

Big Cypress Bend gift shop.

The Big Cypress Bend Gift Shop has re-opened its doors after the devastating electrical fire destroyed the building and its contents in June. This Seminole/Miccosukee store has been operating since 1956 and has beautifully handcrafted Indian dolls, clothing and gift items. It’s on your way to Everglades City alongside the Fakahatchee Strand Boardwalk, so stop in and visit.

The Everglades Lion’s Club Turkey Shoot, originally planned in December, is now scheduled for Saturday, January 7, and Sunday, January 8 on CR 29 next to the Oyster House and across from the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center between Everglades City and Chokoloskee. Prizes include two shotguns (20- & 12-gauge), a gas BBQ grill, and a fishing rod & reel. Proceeds will benefit the Everglades Lions Club “Pass It On” fund. For tickets and more information, call 695-2695.

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!! For more information about the area events, visit The Mullet Rapper’s website at www.evergladesmulletrapper.com.

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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mulletrapper@gmail.com

Caroling at sunset. PHOTOS BY PATRICIA HUFF/COASTAL BREEZE NEWS

Christmas is almost here and we’re celebrating in the Glades! Starting on Friday, December 16, at 3:00PM Santa will be arriving at the Community Center and distributing gifts. At 5:30PM everyone will gather for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in front of City Hall. Area children will decorate the tree and sing carols as refreshments are being served. For more information, telephone 239- 695-3781.

On Saturday, December 17, from 10:00AM to noon at the Airport, a pancake breakfast will be served thanks to Chuck Gretzke of Wings 10,000 Tours, which offers flights around the area. He can be reached at 695-3296. Later in the day the Booster Club is sponsoring activities for all the family at McLeod Park starting at 5:00PM. This will be followed by the Light Parade at 6:30PM. Also, the 4th Annual Everglades City Holiday Boat Parade will travel from Lake Placid north to the bridge and down along the Barron River to Outward Bound, then circle back to dock at Camellia Street Grill. Everyone is welcome to join in the viewing party at Camellia Street. 239-695-2429 or Lisa at 239- 249-1002.

Everglades City Hall Christmas Tree.

Everglades Community Church on the Circle will have a special service on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, at 6:00PM with a re-enactment of the Nativity on the front lawn. Following the live Nativity scene, there will be a celebration featuring the singing of carols and communion at 7:00PM.

Update on Mamie Street in Chokoloskee: at the November 30 status conference, Collier County Judge Lauren Brodie scheduled the next court hearing for Thursday, December 29, at 2:00 PM.

Come join us in celebrating Christmas in the Glades! For restaurant openings and more information about the holidays, visit The Mullet Rapper website at www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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The Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center is celebrating Swamp Heritage Days. In addition to viewing selected items from the Rob Storter Collection, events include the following presentations:

December 2

• 12:00-12:45PM – Fisher Folk of the Swamp by Ranger Heinrich.

• 1:00-1:45PM – Smoke on the Water by Ranger Stubblebine.

• 2:00-2:45PM – Songs of the Big Cypress by Volunteers.

• 3:00-3:45PM – The Story of Rob Storter by Patty Huff.

December 3

• 12:00-12:45PM – Fisher Folk of the Swamp by Ranger Heinrich.

• 1:00-1:45PM – The Story of Rob Storter by Patty Huff.

• 2:00-2:45PM – Smoke on the Water by Ranger Stubblebine.

• 3:00-3:45PM – Songs of the Big Cypress by Volunteer. On Monday, December 5, the Friends of the Museum of the Everglades will have their annual membership meeting and luncheon at 12 noon at the Museum. Local residents Bob and Vicky Wells will be the guest speakers, and there will be drawings of various prizes including a Clyde Butcher print. If you would like to attend, please make your reservations ear- ly by calling 695-0008 and ask for Martha.

Cost of the luncheon is $15 per person and checks can be mailed payable to FME at P.O. Box 677, Everglades City, FL 34139. See website www.evergladesmuseum.org to become a member of the Friends group.

Learn about Monroe Station at a talk by Bob DeGross on Friday, December 9, at 5:30PM in the beautifully restored Fellowship Hall at Everglades Community Church. Bob is Chief of Interpretation and Public Affairs at Big Cypress National Preserve and has studied this unique building which is owned by the Preserve. It was the scene of early transportation rest stops and then a social center for Gladesmen. This free illustrated presentation is hosted by the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation (ESHP) and is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Your stories about stopping at Monroe Station will be welcome during the Question & Answer session after the talk. For info, phone Marya Repko at 695-2905.

Have fun doing your holiday shopping! Join us on Saturday, December 10, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM in McLeod Park for an arts & crafts sale, live music, and hotdogs for lunch. Visit the booths displaying local talent while the kiddies play on the swings. If you would like to set up a table, there is no charge. Please phone Marya at 695-2905.

To find out more about what’s happening in the Everglades area, visit web site www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

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Ready for a swamp walk with Clyde Butcher. PHOTOS BY PATRICIA HUFF/COASTAL BREEZE NEWS

Lots of things to do this weekend in the Everglades area! On Saturday, November 19, two events will keep you busy. The traditional Fall Festival will be held at the Chokoloskee Church of God beginning at 9:00AM until 4:00PM. A fish fry plate lunch will be served and this year the festival will feature pony rides, plant sales, games for children, an auction, sweet sale, yard sale and clothing, plant sale, cake walk and car wash. Then, just down the street at the end of Mamie Street at the Smallwood Store & Museum, Pamela Fernandez will have a book signing for her new book titled “Beside the Still Waters, the Story of the Fernandez Family of Estero”. She will be there from 11:00AM to 3:00PM greeting visitors. Pamela has written a story about her husband’s great-grandparents, Antonio and Maria, who first met each other as children at an orphanage in Portugal and then married in 1892. They traveled with their three daughters to South Florida and were left abandoned by the pirate/captain Juan Gomez. Pamela has filled this little book with lots of family photographs and memoirs of each of the nine children of Antonio and Maria.

The following day on Sunday, November 20, Everglades City School students will be serving a hotdog lunch at McLeod Park from 12 noon to 4:00PM with a bake sale and car wash to help raise funds for their homecoming.

Mike Owen and John Kalafarski leading swamp walks.

Every Thanksgiving weekend Clyde Butcher has been at the Big Cypress Gallery signing his books and calendars. This year swamp walks will be offered at 11:00AM on both Friday and Saturday, November 25 & 26. The book signing will be from 10:00AM until 4:00PM. Meet Clyde and enjoy a swamp walk this holiday weekend. For reservations and more information, call 239-695-2428.

In Copeland the old Bula Missionary Baptist Church will be transformed into the Frances Hodge Memorial Garden. Demolition of the condemned building will take place in November and plans are being made for a community park on the site with acknowledgement of the burials there. It is thought that the church was built in 1929 and stood on SR-29. It was probably moved to its present site on Janes Scenic Drive in the early 1940s after logging was started by the Lee Tidewater Cypress Company. After desegregation in the early 1960s, parishioners went to Copeland Baptist, one of the first churches to integrate. For information, contact Marya Repko at 239-695-2905.

Bula missionary Baptist Church. PHOTO BY MARYA REPKO

Everglades Lions Club Annual Turkey Shoot is scheduled for Saturday, December 3, and Sunday, December 4, from 12 noon to 5:00PM on South Copeland Avenue across from the Everglades National Park next to the Tower. There will be hourly raffle drawings with the Grand Prizes of a shotgun, gas BBQ grill and a fishing rod and reel to be held on Sunday at 5:00PM. For tickets and more information, call 239-695-2695.

To find out more about what’s happening in the Everglades area, visit website www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper. 

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Bruce Hitchcock mangrove tree.

On Saturday, November 12, the Friends of the Museum of the Everglades will host a reception from 1:00 to 3:00 PM for Chokoloskee resident, Bruce Hitchcock, whose photographs are on exhibit with Tyler McDonald through December. Bruce was born in South Florida and came to the Everglades 35 years ago. For the past 20 years he has worked as a fishing and photography guide. He enjoys exploring the Everglades backcountry in his kayak and feels this gives him the perspective of seeing nature from the inside as one of its own. His photographs capture the passion he has for this area. Stop by the Museum of the Everglades located at 105 West Broadway to meet Bruce on November 12 or visit the Pauline Reeves Gallery any day from Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM). There is no admission charge but donations are welcome. For information, phone 695-0008.

The Rob Storter Collection will be on exhibit during the months of November and December at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center located at 33000 Tamiami Trail, just five miles east of SR 29 (entrance to Everglades City). The Center is open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For more information, telephone 239-695-4758. Big Cypress National Preserve has started winter programs which include topics on plants, animals and history. Guided hikes, canoe trips, boardwalk strolls and evening programs are being offered. Visit website http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/ index.htm or call 239-695-1201 for more information. Reservations are accepted up to 14 days in advance of the activity.

B&B Safe Deposit room.

The Everglades Historical Bed & Breakfast opened its doors on October 28 with Innkeeper Patty Bowen greeting the guests. She and her daughter, Taylor Caple, have lovingly renovated this historic building to capture the feel of times gone by. Visitors were treated to an array of delicious appetizers served in the elegant dining room. All of the bedrooms are decorated with Victorian furniture and antiques, most have additional sitting room spaces and each is named after various bank services, i.e., the Loan Department, the Credit Department, the Safe Deposit Room, etc. Everglades City is proud that one of our original Collier buildings has been restored and brought back to life. A true treasure and delight for tourists coming to this area! Visit website www.evergladeshistoricalbedandbreakfast.com to view all the rooms and be sure to check out the Spa services or telephone 239-695-0013 for more information.

Everglades Historical Bed & Breakfast is nicely appointed.

Update on Mamie Street: On October 24, 2011, Judge Hugh Hayes recused himself from hearing the lawsuit that Collier County and the Smallwood Store, Inc., had filed against FL-Georgia Grove LLP. The new judge assigned to the case is Judge Cynthia Pivacek. Although it is possible to drive to the Smallwood Store & Museum, the road is not wide enough for two cars to pass and it is unpaved (as of October 28). The initial ruling by Judge Hayes required FL-Georgia Grove LLP to rebuild the road as it was, before they removed it in April.

To find out more about what’s happening in the Everglades area, visit website www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper. 

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Smallwood open.

On Sunday morning, October 16, my husband and I bicycled to Chokoloskee and followed a rough sandy road to the Smallwood Store & Museum. Although it was just after ten in the morning, many visitors from outside Florida and from Europe were walking around taking photos and admiring the Museum artifacts indoors.  They were greeted by Alice Morrow from behind the counter.  She, as well as the other employees, has been out of work since April. The tourists had no idea that the road had been closed for six months; they were just visiting south Florida and had read about the old historic building.  We wonder how many other Collier County visitors were forced to turn back when Mamie Street was bulldozed on April 14. Collier County Judge Hugh Hayes granted a temporary injunction on September 15 to the Smallwood Store and ordered Florida-Georgia Grove LLC to rebuild (within 30 days) that portion of Mamie Street that they had destroyed.  The deadline to complete the public access road was Saturday, October 15.  On October 3, FL-Georgia Grove LLC filed a motion to have Judge Hayes disqualified and recused as judge from this matter. The ruling for this motion will be heard later this month. Although the road was not paved (as of Oct. 16) and is wide enough for only one car to pass, the most important thing is that our visitors can once again drive down Mamie Street to see this historic site. However, as you leave the Museum, it is disturbing to see the ancient Indian shell mound in a pile of rubble.

Bank Building.

On Saturday, October 22, the Friends of the Museum of the Everglades will be hosting a reception from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for Tyler McDonald whose photographs are on exhibit with Bruce Hitchcock (the reception for Bruce will be later in November).  The Museum is located at 105 West Broadway in Everglades City and open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m). There is no admission charge but donations are welcome. For information, phone 695-0008.

After more than a year of renovations, repairs and new paint, the Everglades Historical Bed & Breakfast with Spa will be hosting an open house in the old Bank of the Everglades building on Friday, October 28, from 6 to 9 pm. Patty Bowen and her daughter Taylor Caple have been working hard to get ready for the upcoming season. There are seven newly renovated bedrooms filled with antiques, a dining area in the old vault, a room for spa services, and a gift shop featuring hand-made products by area locals. Everyone is invited to the Grand Opening on October 28. Refreshments will be served.  For more information on accommodations and the facility, visit website www.EvergladesHistoricalBedandBreakfast.com.

Indian Mound at Mamie Street.

To find out more about what’s happening in the Everglades area, visit website www.evergladesmulletrapper.com.

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Pub lisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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Damien Taft, Winner of Frog Jumping Contest.

Perfect day for ice cream!

Excitement comes to Everglades City when stone crab season opens every year on October 15! Last Sunday we started the celebration with the 3rd annual “Blessing of the Fleet.”

Local fishermen and their families arrived at the Rod & Gun Club on their crab boats as visitors and residents welcomed them with applause and local children lined the dock with rose petals. Pastor John Gilmore from Copeland Baptist Mission, Pastor Morris Dantin from Chokoloskee Church of God, and Pastor Jim Fross from the Everglades Baptist Church blessed each vessel, praying for their safety. Earlier in the afternoon there was a frog jumping contest with Damien Taft the proud winner taking home first prize.

Children jumped rope and played outside on the steps of the old historic building while inside the Rod & Gun Club the adults enjoyed the music of “Whole Tones” from Marco Island and tasted the home baked goods being offered by volunteers from the area churches.

Crab boats on the way to Rod & Gun.

The Wholetones.

The “Best Homemade Dessert” contest was held with Joanie Griffin from Joanie’s Blue Crab Café in Ochopee winning the Blue Ribbon and first place with her delicious coconut guava layered cake; Jack Bozzo (chef at Joanie’s Blue Crab Café) came in second for his coconut guava cheesecake, and Barbie Stokes of Chokoloskee was the third place winner with her guava cake filled with nuts.

Rose petals enhance the dock.

Congratulations to the ‘Rod and Gun Club’ and organizers of this community event which honors our crab fishermen who head out in the early morning hours to pull in the stone crabs that we enjoy on our table every season. We’re proud to have you as part of our Everglades area community!

Lt. Mark Milligan was recently honored with the 2011 Distinguished Public Service Award from the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. Lt. Milligan has worked in our community for the past nine years and has given generously of his time. We appreciate all the extra work he does on a regular basis and his involvement with the youth of our area. Congratulations, Lt. Mark, and many thanks!

Pastor Dantin with Stone Crab family.

Come meet photographer Tyler Mc­Donald who is exhibiting his wildlife photographs in the Museum of the Ever­glades. The Friends of the Museum will host a reception on Thursday, October 22, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Mu­seum is located at 105 West Broadway in Everglades City. For more information and events in the Everglades area, visit www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Pub­lisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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Smallwood rally.

The court case requesting access to the Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee resumed on September 15, following the first hearing on September 8. Early in the morning, a large crowd of supporters for the Smallwood Store gathered in front of the Collier County Courthouse. Many came from the east coast of Florida where they said the closure of Mamie Street was highlighted in the media. They were astonished that a developer could rip up the only access road to the historic Smallwood Museum. Also participating in the rally were musicians Valerie Wisecracker, JRoberts and Tom Porter (of Goodland) who entertained the crowd while waiting for the hearing to begin.

Attorney Rachael S. Loukonen, who represented Smallwood Store, Inc., introduced several witnesses during the first hearing including a professional land surveyor James Stoner, former Collier County Transportation Administrator George Archibald, Lynn McMillin, an Executive Director of the Smallwood Store, and long time Chokoloskee resident, Arvid Brown. At the second hearing Collier County Project Manager Mark Burtchin testified about his recollection of meeting with the developers prior to the removal of Mamie Street. Attorney Steven Williams represented Collier County who had filed the lawsuit jointly with the Smallwood Store.

Helen Bryan.

Defending the developer, FL-Georgia Grove, LLP, was Attorney Steven J. Chase of Sarasota. The first witness for the defense was managing partner Gary Blackman who stated that their company had several ideas for the property but initially wanted to improve the boat basin. He also testified that an alternative road through Calusa Drive and the wetlands area was an option. Attorney Steve Chase showed a video of Mr. Blackman driving down that route, trying to illustrate that it could easily be made into a passable road for tourists.

Another witness for the defense was Collier County Code Enforcement Supervisor Kitchell Snow who stated he had responded to a complaint on April 14 and visited the Mamie Street site, talking with general contractor, Greg Griffin, who said he had the proper permits to take out Mamie Street. Former Highlands County engineer, Carl Cool, testified that he is a partner with FL-Georgia Grove, LLP, and that he participated in the initial discussions with Collier County employee Mark Burtchin about Mamie Street on September 2, 2010.

Val Wisecracker.

After a very long day of testimonies and closing remarks, Judge Hugh D. Hayes stated his reasons for granting the temporary injunction. He said that he agreed with the plaintiffs and that the situation in Chokoloskee is unique. It is undisputed that Mamie Street was the public access road to the Smallwood Post Office for many years in the 1900s. He also noted that the Smallwood Store is on the National Register of Historic Places and that the alternative of driving down Calusa Drive and the wetlands was not practical or reasonable. Judge Hayes ordered FL-Georgia Grove to rebuild Mamie Street within 30 days to allow public access to the Smallwood Store and Museum.

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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Always keep a safe distance.

Living in the Everglades we’re used to seeing alligators in our rivers, canals and back bays. Occasionally, we see them up close and personal. On August 31 one of our special ladies, Margaret Webb, was severely injured by an alligator that attacked her in her front yard. Fortunately, someone saw the attack and was able to assist Margaret before emergency services arrived. She sustained several bites, and a portion of her leg had to be amputated after she was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in Ft. Myers. Margaret, age 90, is well-known among the locals and full of life with lots of stories to tell about our area. Every year we celebrate our “Diamonds” of the Everglades (ladies over 70 years of age) with a luncheon at the Seafood Depot, and Margaret is always there. She’s a strong woman, and we wish her the best with her recovery.

Last year a local family lost their dog when an alligator pulled him from a dock into the water at high tide. Living with our wildlife in the Everglades is the same as in other parts of the country where people have moved into their habitat. We are aware of the dangers, and precautions are taken. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers “A Guide to Living with Alligators”, just as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game issues information on “Living with Bears”; other states provide similar information on their wildlife.

The American alligator is federally protected, but there are state-approved management and control programs. Florida Fish and Wildlife has adopted such a program for population control of our alligators which can be legally taken only by those who have the proper licenses and permits. There is also the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program that “strives to reduce the threat from alligators to people and their property in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where alligators naturally occur.” Well, we live in the Everglades so they do “naturally occur” here. In general, an alligator four feet and under is not considered to be dangerous.

The average size of the “nuisance” alligators that were caught between 1977 and 2009 was 7 feet. Female alligators usually grow up to 9 feet and males much larger (Florida’s record is a 14’3.5”). If an alligator is reported to be a threat, a trapper is called who will capture and kill the alligator (they are not relocated). According to FWC, there were only six incidents of alligator bites to humans in the State of Florida in 2010, compared to 19 in 2009 and 26 recorded in 2000. Whenever an aggressive alligator is seen, Fish and Wildlife should be contacted at their Nuisance Alligator Hotline: 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286).

To learn more about the American alligator or to download any of their brochures, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife’s website at www.myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator

For more information about the Everglades area, visit www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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Big Cypress Swamp through the lens of Clyde Butcher.

Again, as in previous issues, I encourage everyone to “get out and get wet.” During Labor Day weekend (September 3 – 5) the annual Muck-About at Clyde Butcher Gallery provides you an educational tour with experienced guides who will lead you behind the Big Cypress Gallery in Ochopee into a mysterious and secretive environment. The natural world of Big Cypress Swamp is a richly diverse wilderness of subtropical flora and fauna found nowhere else in our country. There are not many people who brave the difficult swamps and cypress stands in order to understand the beauty and peace found in more than a million acres of swamps and land located in the Everglades eco-system of South Florida. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

Clyde Butcher will be in the gallery all three days to meet you and sign books from 10 am to 5 pm. Niki Butcher will be giving hand painting B&W photography demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM. What to wear and bring:?Wear – long pants, hat, old tennis shoes. Bring complete change of clothes and a sense of adventure. You will be supplied with a bottle of water after your walk, walking sticks, Eco guide, and a great time! Walks are approximately one and a half hours long. 

Swamp Walks and Muck Abouts are at Big Cypress Gallery, 52388 Tamiami Trail in Ochopee (just 25 minutes east of SR29.) Space is limited so call soon for reservations 239-695-2428. The cost is $50 which includes a $25 credit to use in the gallery the day of your walk. A child under 18 is free with paid adult. For more information and reservations, call 695- 2428 or check online at www.clydebutcher.com 

Update on the Smallwood Store and Museum in Chokoloskee 

In previous articles I wrote about how this historic Museum was shut down on April 14 when the south end of Mamie Street was bulldozed and a chain-link fence was installed around the property by the adjacent property owners, Florida- Georgia Grove LLP. A lawsuit was subsequently filed jointly by Collier County (at the request of the Board of County Commissioners) and by the Ted Smallwood Store, Inc., asking the court to determine that the Museum had easements over Mamie Street, ordering that access be restored and award monetary damages. This case will be heard in court on September 8 at 1:30PM.

Ted Smallwood Store, Inc. is a 501-C (3) not-for-profit organization representing the place where Florida’s pioneer culture and Seminole Tribal culture of the Everglades came together. The nearly 100 year old store was constructed in 1917 as an early trading post and post office for this remote area. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Lynn McMillin, on behalf of the board of directors of the Ted Smallwood Store, is seeking donations to sustain the Museum, help with necessary legal fees and costs, and to replace the much needed funds for repairs and maintenance. All contributions made toward saving this landmark are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. To make a donation, make a check payable to Ted Smallwood Store, Inc., P.O. Box 310, Chokoloskee, FL 34138 or go to website www.smallwood store.com and click on “donate.”

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper. 

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Ochopee Fire Patrol responds. Submitted photos

Mosquitoes, hot muggy weather but those are the only negative things. We also have late afternoon thunderstorms, fish jumping in the river, the call of the birds early in the morning, the quietness of Everglades City this time of year, the beauty of the glades in full bloom, and fruit ripening, especially those delicious mangoes!

Early in the morning of July 10, I was awakened by a call from a neighbor who said Pleasure Island was on fire (this is the island in the middle of the Barron River). It was only 5:23 am but firefighters from East Naples, Marco Island, Port of the Islands and our own local Ochopee Fire Patrol were on the scene. Residents around the city could see the flames shooting out over the palm trees, starting around 4:30 am. The cause of the fire is unknown (at the time of this writing), but it started in one house and spread to the two adjacent homes on either side; one was totally destroyed, one gutted and another damaged. The Ochopee Firefighters were prepared with their “fire boat” which was able to assist with containing the fire from the river as others were controlling the fire on land. Credit should be given to all those who were able to stop the fire from spreading throughout the island.

Waterview of fire damage.

Join Clyde and Niki Butcher for their Big Cypress Gallery Annual Labor Day Weekend Open House from September 3-5. The weekend events include: Large Format Camera Demonstrations, Black & White Hand Painting Demonstrations by Niki, Book Signings with Clyde and other FL Authors, Swamp Walks (very limited space). Make your swamp walk reservation early. You will have a guide to lead you into the Big Cypress Swamp behind the swamp cottage at the Big Cypress Gallery which is a mysterious and secretive environment. For reservations and information, contact Big Cypress Gallery (www.clydebutcher.com) at 239-695-2428 or email bcg@clydebutcher.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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Roseate Spoonbill.

The rains have finally come to Southwest Florida, and it is a relief for most of us with lawns that have withered and endured the drought over the past six months. The birds are singing but so are the mosquitoes! Never, in recollection of even the long-time residents of the Everglades City area, can anyone remember such a prolific mosquito hatch.  Surviving requires a can of bug spray in everyone’s back pocket. The by-product of all this infestation (easily survivable with good repellent or alternative solutions) is some great fishing and nature at its best. On a recent trip out on the water this week with my husband and our friends from the Northern Territory in Australia (who are accustomed to our weather and elements,) the Everglades were alive with lots of birds, manatees, tarpon jumping, and every species of fish. Orchids and bromeliads are in full bloom. It’s beautiful this time of year!

July 4th, Island Cafe golf cart.

Our Independence Day festivities in Everglades City were a great success this year with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office participating and helping with so many of the events (winning “Best of Parade” with their Crime Stoppers float.) This parade photo shows Island Café which won a trophy for the best golf cart decorated with the “Everglades Wildlife” theme. Our fireworks display later in the evening was also spectacular! We are very fortunate to have so many residents (and visitors) contribute to our fireworks fund every year which allows us to put on such an incredible patriotic show.

Come visit the Everglades and discover the swamps of Florida! For more information about our area, visit website www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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Karen and Elaine kayaking. Submitted photos

Join us for a fun-filled family day of celebration. After the parade, there will be plenty to do in McLeod Park including a kids’ playground and hot dogs for lunch. For info, phone City Hall at 695-3781.

Saturday, July 2

9:30 – Opening Ceremony

10:00 – PARADE

11:00 – Arts & Crafts booths open

11:30 – Kiddies’ Contest

Summertime and the living is easy here in the Everglades area. Yes, the mosquitoes are biting and the weather is hotter,  but there are so many advantages to living here this time of year. We’ve been watching the evidence of spring unfold as the Royal Poincianas are in full bloom with their beautiful red, orange and yellow flowers. The cacti are showing off their night-time spectacular blooms, the cypress trees are complete with their delicate leaves fluttering in the breeze, and the young nesting birds have taken flight. Just to see all the wonders of our Florida Everglades come alive is worth all the deer flies, no-see-ums and mosquitoes.

Kayaking beach.

Recently, several friends and I signed up for a guided trip with Everglades Area Tours in Chokoloskee. Jason was our guide, and as we started out on the “mother” boat and asked him where we would be going, he said he had no idea. Jason explained that he waits until he sees how the wind is blowing, looks at the tides, and also the clients. Well, we had just enough wind to keep the pests away so we anchored not too far from our launch site and boarded our kayaks. On the way out Jason talked about the ecology, the hydrology, the history of the glades and the wildlife. While we were kayaking out to Rabbit Key, he continued to educate us on the habits of the osprey, the swallowtail kite, the heron and other birds we were seeing. We took time to explore the island and find shells and sea creatures. Jason continued to amaze us with his knowledge. The final treat of the day was to visit a rookery full of pelicans and herons with chicks still in their nests. We were quiet enough to view them up close. What a great way to spend a summer day; so much to see and experience, especially with a guide like Jason who was a wealth of information and really knows his stuff.

For permanent residents, this is the time to take advantage of what’s in our own backyard. We don’t have to go very far. There are still full-time outfitters in town who offer kayaking, fishing trips, swamp buggy rides and other glades activities year round.

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.

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