Page 1 The Sun Bay Paper Fort Myers Beach Town Council sealed a transformative deal on Monday, approving the $7 million acquisition of commercial property at 6231 Estero Boulevard, earmarked as the future site of the Town Hall. The strategic move comes on the heels of a state legislature announcement promising $8 million towards replacing the town hall, previously ravaged by Hurricane Ian. “This is a game changer,” Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt remarked, highlighting the signifi cant impact of the purchase. Negotiations, spearheaded by Town Manager Andy Hyatt, culminated in the agreement to buy the building, which was assessed between $5.6 million and $7 million. Despite needing state approval for the funds, spearheaded by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the town has prepared contingency plans. “The bill of sale is conditioned on funding from the state,” Director of Operations Frankie Kropacek disclosed, asserting readiness for various outcomes. After initiating an off er of $5.5 million, Hyatt eventually agreed to the $7 million price tag, emphasizing the building’s resilience to Hurricane Ian and its prime location. The property, previously evaluated for other municipal uses, stood out for its suitability and potential savings for taxpayers. The absence of public discussion on the purchase was strategic, aimed at preventing price infl ation due to governmental interest. Mayor Dan Allers noted the building had been under consideration for over a year, alongside other sites. “With the help of our delegation, we have the potential to April 6th and April 7th April 5, 2024 Volume 9 Issue 14 From Island to Bay, News on the Level production@sunbaypaper.com www.sunbaypaper.com Right... All Along Digital Version In a move that has sent shockwaves through Lee County and its municipalities, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has verbally communicated alterations to discounts on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums. This change, eff ective from October 1st, stands to diminish savings of up to 25% for residents, dealing a severe blow to a community still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The abrupt decision arrived last Thursday, with prior written notifi cations from FEMA having been answered about the rating change. Lee County’s diligent eff orts within FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) have resulted in signifi cant savings for taxpayers, amounting to a collective $14 million to $17 million annually within unincorporated Lee County alone. When factoring in the cities within Lee County, these savings escalate into the tens of millions of dollars. Particularly poignant is the timing of this decision, arriving amidst ongoing recovery eff orts post-HurFort Myers Beach Set for New Town Hall in $7 Million Landmark Deal FEMA’s Policy Shift Deals Devastating Blow to Lee County 2024 Open Water Swimming Championship on FM Beach On April 13, 2024, the Gulf Coast Swim Team (GCST) will host the prestigious 2024 Florida Swimming Open Water Championship Zone Team Selection Event at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, Fort Myers Beach, FL. This event, sponsored by Florida Swimming and GCST, promises to be a thrilling showcase of swimming talent, adhering to the highest standards of safety and competition. Sanctioned by Florida Swimming, Inc. with the issuance of Sanction #FL-6666, the event will strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by USA Swimming, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all participants. It’s a testament to the commitment of both organizers and athletes to uphold the integrity of the sport. Cont. pg 15 Fort Myers BeachTown Hall, devastated by Hurricane Ian is getting a new location on Estero Blvd. Cont on pg 8 Cont on pg 19 2 Days of Music to Bring Back History See Story. pg 19
April 5, 2024 The Sun Bay Paper Page 2 Texas Judge Frees Migrants After Border Chaos In an unexpected move, a Texas judge on March 31 ordered the release of several migrants detained after a chaotic stampede at the U.S.–Mexico border. This decision by Presiding Magistrate Judge Humberto Acosta during a teleconference bond hearing has sparked a new chapter in the ongoing debate over border security and immigration enforcement in the United States. The individuals in question, primarily Venezuelan nationals, were arrested following an incident on March 21 where groups of migrants overwhelmed troops and law enforcement by tearing down razor wire along the Rio Grande and charging at a nearby border fence. This confrontation not only highlighted the desperate measures some migrants are willing to take to enter the U.S. but also the immediate challenges facing border security forces. Judge Acosta, citing the El Paso District Attorney’s Offi ce’s lack of readiness to proceed with the cases, mandated the release of the accused migrants. “It is the ruling of the court that all the rioting participation cases will be released on their own recognizance,” Acosta declared, emphasizing the court’s decision to prioritize judicial effi ciency over prolonged detention without trial. This move, while procedural, underscores the ongoing strain on local legal systems caused by border-related incidents. In the days leading up to the stampede and subsequent arrests, Texas had ramped up its border security eff orts in response to a surge in illegal crossings. The Texas National Guard deployed approximately 200 soldiers to El Paso, a city that has become a focal point in the broader national discourse on border security. According to the Governor’s Offi ce, this deployment was part of a strategy to reinforce existing barriers and repel illegal crossings. However, El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, a Democrat, voiced his opposition to the militarization of the border, stating explicitly that he did not request National Guard troops. His statement refl ects the tensions between state and local governance over how to best manage border security while respecting the rights and needs of border communities. The incident and its aftermath come at a time when the U.S. is experiencing a signifi cant uptick in illegal border crossings. Customs and Border Protection reported 140,644 arrests in February alone, a fi gure that stands as part of a broader trend of increasing attempts to cross the border. These numbers have fueled political and public debate over the Biden administration’s handling of border policy and the eff ectiveness of existing immigration laws. One such law, Texas’ SB4, which allows for the arrest of individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, has become a lightning rod for controversy. Though temporarily halted by legal challenges, the law’s enforcement has been vigorously defended by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, who argues that stringent measures are necessary to deter illegal immigration. Abbott’s stance has been echoed by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who criticized the federal government’s border management during a recent visit to Texas. Balancing border security, immigration enforcement, and humanitarian concerns, local jurisdictions like El Paso are often left powerless to navigate the implications of the failure of federal and state policies. Richard Luthmann
Page 3 April 5, 2024 Southwest Florida baseball fans, get ready to “Play Ball!” The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Minnesota Twins Low A affi liate in Florida State League, host their home opener at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex on Friday, April 5, against the Tampa Tarpons of the New York Yankees system at 7:05 p.m.! The Mussels 30-man roster features fi ve of the Twin’s Top-30 prospects, with 16 pitchers and 14 position players. Of these, nearly half – 13 – were with the Mussels at some point during the 2023 season. Highlighting the list is 19-year-old centerfi elder Walker Jenkins, the Twins #1 draft pick straight out of high school in 2023 and the 5th player chosen overall in the draft. Jenkins played 12 games with Fort Myers at the end of 2023, hitting .392 including a walk-off game-winning hit on August 25. While his is obviously a small sample-size, the strong yet fl uid Jenkins made every aspect of the game look simple and easy. If he does so again in early 2024, plan to see him in person at Hammond Stadium by the end of May, as he is a candidate for a swift promotion to High A Cedar Rapids. Joining Jenkins as top prospects on the 2024 Opening Night roster are #7-ranked righthander Charlee Soto; infi elder / outfi elder #11 Brandon Winokur; #21 outfi elder Jose Rodgriguez; and #30 infi elder Rayne Doncon. Like Jenkins, Soto and Winokur are teenagers from the 2023 draft, while the 18-year-old Rodgriguez joined Minnesota as an international free agent in 2022. Doncon, the “grandfather” of the prospect group at 20-years-old, was a part of a trade package with the Los Angeles Dodgers from earlier this year. For the roster as a whole, 12 of the 30 players are 2023 draft selections, including 10 pitchers. “We have a very college-draft heavy pitching staff and a really young position player group,” said Mighty Mussels Manager Brian Meyer in a statement. Meyer, who begins his fourth season with the Mussels, said that “we have fi ve teenage position players and a group of position players who are very versatile in regard to the positions they can play. It’s good to have some leadership back this year in guys like Maddox Houghton and Yohander Martinez who can mentor the young position players on the ups-&-downs of a long minor league season.” Opening Night is the fi rst of 66 homes games at Hammond Stadium, with 15 occurring in April! Fort Myers hopes that 2024 becomes their 12th consecutive winning season, with Meyer helming the last three. The Mussels hope to continue another unusual streak this season – their pitchers have thrown four home No-Hitters in the past three seasons, with one in 2022, two in ’23 and another last May! “Islands Night” April 17 The Mussels off er something special at every Home game, with multiple incentives at each. Every Tuesday is “Two-for-Tuesday,” highlighted by the popular “Publix 2-for-1 Tickets” with fans getting 2-for-1 tickets by showing a Publix receipt dated from the previous two weeks. Other “Two-for-Tuesday” promotions are 2-for-1 hot dogs, beers and sodas. Wednesdays off er $2 hot dogs as well as “Guarantee Win Night”; if the Mussels come up on the short end of the scoreboard, all fans in attendance receive a free ticket to the next day’s game. “Throwback Thursdays” includes Fort Myers players wearing the powder blue uniforms of their predecessors, the Miracle! Thursday feature as well “College Night” The Sun Bay Paper Play Ball! The Mighty Mussels Kick Off 2024 Season Cont. on pg. 19 Expires 2-29-2024 4 30
April 5, 2024 The Sun Bay Paper Page 4 Letter to The Editor Editorial To the Editor, I enjoyed your article about the eclipse, I’ve seen quite a few myself, it’s one of my favorite events in nature. You could say I’m kinda a groupie! I’m writing this letter as a reminder to all your readers to catch this one! Next Monday, 1:40 pm-ish in this area, because if you miss this one, the next will be awhile, about 20 years as the next Full Solar Eclipse in the contiguous US, after this eclipse, won’t happen until 2044. So there is still time to plan a trip to see the total eclipse, me, I’ll be in my RV somewhere along it’s path. If you go, be safe traveling as many will be on the roads for this........ but be sure to catch it, even if you won’t make it to the total eclipse path, as you said in your article, we should see about a half solar elipse here! Keep up the good work. Love the paper! Elenore Houston When did the Democratic Party turn against Catholics? This question gains urgency following Joe Biden’s recent actions and a history of skepticism toward religious nominees. Biden’s declaration of “The International Transgender Day of Visibility” on Easter Sunday is the latest in a series of moves that critics argue show a disregard for Catholic and Christian beliefs. The Democratic Party’s actions, from questioning the faith of judicial nominees to Biden’s Easter proclamation, signal a challenging time for Catholics and religious Americans. This Easter’s events are a stark reminder of the growing divide, emphasizing the need for a political landscape that respects and upholds religious freedom. This trend has been evident for over a decade, notably during the Trump administration. Democratic senators regularly interrogate judicial nominees based on their faith. Their focus often zeroes in on connections with the Catholic Church or organizations like the Knights of Columbus. These inquiries hint at a belief that adherence to Catholic teachings might disqualify someone from public service. In 2018, then-California U.S. Senator Kamala Harris questioned Brian Buescher about his Knights of Columbus membership, focusing on the organization’s opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage. Similar questions were directed at other Catholic nominees. These actions raised concerns about a bias against Catholics and an inability to separate personal beliefs from professional duties. Buescher was ultimately confi rmed as a United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska, but not until after he and the good name of the Knights of Columbus were dragged through the mud for their religious convictions. The Knights, founded in 1882, is a lay order of the Roman Catholic Church that serves Catholics and the larger community by promoting charity and fraternity. However, its core principles, including opposition to abortion and support for traditional marriage, have drawn scrutiny from critics like Harris. Yet, these principles refl ect Church teachings and the beliefs of millions of Americans, not extremism. Joe Biden’s recent proclamation, aligning “The International Transgender Day of Visibility” with Easter Sunday, sparked further controversy. Critics see it as an insult to Christians, overshadowing a day meant to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Responses from conservatives, including calls for an apology, refl ect a deepening rift between the Biden administration and religious Americans. Biden claims his Irish Catholicism is a vital part of his identity. In both philosophy and style, he resembles the populist, genial, handshaking, back-slapping, and often-underestimated Irish American Democratic Party bosses of the past. While often conservative in their values (e.g., abortion, the relationship of church and state), Irish Catholics formed the backbone of the Democratic Party from the massive immigration in the 19th century onward. As late as 1964, 76 percent of U.S. Catholics voted for Lyndon Johnson. However, in recent elections, most non-Hispanic Catholics have voted for the Republican Party, which has become increasingly the national party identifi ed with the needs of the religious. Supporters often cite Donald Trump’s tenure as the most signifi cant presidential defense of religious freedoms and values in U.S. history—even better than the “Reagan Revolution.” Instead of running away from religion, the fi rst Trump presidency embraced the moral demands of practicing Catholics and Christians. Trump’s judicial appointments and policies are viewed as fully supportive of Judeo-Christian beliefs and religious rights, standing in stark contrast to the current administration’s approach of attack and marginalization. The Democratic Party’s stance on religion, particularly its handling of Catholic nominees and the recent Easter proclamation, suggests a departure from its traditional respect for religious beliefs. This shift has not gone unnoticed, prompting calls for refl ection among voters of faith. The contrast with Trump’s approach underscores a signifi cant divide in American politics over the role of religion and the respect aff orded to religious beliefs. Joe Biden may very well become the last national Democratic Party leader who will be permitted to identify as Roman Catholic. Richard Luthmann Editor in Chief Quote of the Week “A fool is known by his speech and a wise man by silence” - Pythagoras. Copyright © SBP Media LLC and Sun Bay Paper All rights reserved. This newspaper or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.
Page 5 The Sun Bay Paper April 5, 2024 If you cannot put the dotted lines together… that I am about to layout… we might as well quit right now! If only you would have paid more attention to what Hussein was/is saying. Words from these scoundrels’ lips…Obama and Obiden…are all lies. Everything they do, every dime they waste, is all intentional; the open Borders, Climate anything, they are all ways to bankrupt America and it’s working…China IS coming thanks to Obama/Obiden, my opinion and the opinion of former and current Military, Intel officers! First Hussein Obama ... he said, “I will fundamentally change America”. “The most beautiful thing I ever witnessed is the Islam Call to Prayer”. Those two statements were/are very telling. You see Obama knew that very few Americans knew anything about Islam and took full advantage of our ignorance. We didn’t know that those who believe in Islam cannot possibly believe in the first Amendment to our Constitution... because to do that... to believe in the separation of Church and State... would be a death penalty to an Islamic Muslim! Islam is NOT a religion, like Christianity, or ANY OTHER religion! It is a way of life... MORE SPECIFICALLY, “death”!!! It is a promise, an oath, to swear allegiance to, dedicate your lives to... an imaginary God, Allah, who spoke to Muhammed... who was illiterate, could not read or write, and who married 11 year old little girls and ...from time to time... communicated with/through the Angel Gabriel! You must do all of this based upon a trilogy of beliefs... teachings where disobedience could very well result in your death, do not “dis”...Muhammed’s spoken words... nor his written words, (but he couldn’t read or write)...perpetrated to be his, but were not...nor dis... his actions! After sacking Medina he sat with his 11 year old wife and watched as his followers beheaded 800 Jews who refused to submit. “Death to the Infidels”, (NON-MUSLIMs), that's you and me, they preach... we will kill All Infidels, they chant! Americans do NOT believe in Islam, because we believe in the First Amendment... Separation of Church and State... and we are a Constitutional Republic!! ALLAmericans take an Oath or Pledge at one time or another to Pledge Allegiance to the United States of America! That’s the way it is! Get used to it or get out! Omar and the rest of her crew are all a fraud... just like Obama... they cannot believe in our constitution and believe in the Quran... NOT POSSIBLE... without lying! We do NOT believe in actions that are against the law here! Muslim killings, called “honor killings”, are called Murder by us! To believe in Allah, Islam, honor killings and to believe in the separation of Church and State is not possible! There must be a lie in that situation... so which is it? What do you believe... is Hussein Obama ...one of us or one of them? You Muslims, who took the Oath for Citizenship, can have your citizenship revoked if someone can prove you violated that oath... lest there would not be an oath... would there? Hussein Obama knows that Americans did not know that to believe in Islam... is to face death... if one believes IN OUR FIRST AMENDMENT to the Constitution. Indeed, the very first sentence. So he took his Oath of Office on ....you guessed it, the Quran. Which means he took his Oath to “Allah” ... dumb asses! At least in Christianity we have a real God who lived, walked, spoke, could read and write and perform miracles that were verifi ed by thousands but does not demand we kill others simply because they don’t believe in him, his words, his deeds! But, in my opinion, Hussein Obama is NOT about religion...he’s about greed, arrogance, POWER ,” the ends justify the means”...that’s Communism, that’s ISLAM ...anything “goes”, ANYTHING, as long as it betters Islam, expands that caliphate. I believe there will not be a fair election unless we go back to paper ballots that a voter can push a button or pull a lever and SEE his paper ballot votes posted... no electricity, no flash drives; JUST a voter who saw his/her vote cast. That’s no more complicated, time consuming than the registration process... just take one more step, with a small privacy curtain... duh! Computers... in my opinion, any computer, for voting, can be compromised and if anybody believes otherwise then he/she should come forward and become a billionaire immediately. China or the US will grab it up faster than a hypersonic rocket! For any voter computer company, to try to make people believe their voting computers cannot be compromised is a folly, in my opinion, a lie... please explain how FOX was able to show the audience, how it could be done... twice?! In order for that to be practical, it has to fit in voting venues, be affordable, without water cooled lines and millions of dollars each. Computers cannot be uncompromisable and be practical, affordable to place millions of them as voting machines. Paper ballots are cheap ,easy, approved and could be accomplished THIS VOTING CYCLE, my opinion! Now, for Obiden what he’s up to...hey Joe ,wake up, your turn//???////,,,.....//**&&%$$$and more $$$$$$$$. Hey Joe, China controls all our sea ports and our fighting ships aren’t ready to fight... China is coming...? What’s that, ask what? “Where’s your money” ...China said they, “gave it to Hunter”. T h e R igh t S id e THIS IS APRIL FOOLS DAY BUT THIS IS ANY THING... BUT FOOLING...! The Sun Bay Paper PHONE: (239) 267-4000 MAIL (Correspondence & General Inquiries): 16970 San Carlos Blvd., Ste 160, Fort Myers, Fl 33908 MAIL (Billing & Payments): PO Box 471, Sanborn, NY 14132 E-MAIL: production@sunbaypaper.com WEBSITE & DIGITAL VERSION: www.sunbaypaper.com PRODUCER: J. GARY DILAURA EDITOR IN CHIEF: RICHARD LUTHMANN EXEC. EDITOR: BOBBY MIMMO The information contained in this publication is for educational, general information, and entertainment purposes only and is never intended to constitute medical, fi nancial or legal advice or to replace the personalized care of a primary care practitioner, fi nancial or legal expert. J Gary Dilaura, FBI RET therightsidejgarydilaura.com
April 5, 2024 The Sun Bay Paper Page 6 The economy is growing, unemployment is low, wages are up, and infl ation is down. However, the American people remain grumpy about the state of the economy. This puzzle was just investigated by four economists. They found that people often know that something is wrong even if statistics don’t refl ect the problem. In this case, people are perceiving that infl ation is still, in fact, high. For months now, Americans have been told that infl ation’s downward trend, from almost 9% annually to around 3%, should make them feel good about the economy. But it isn’t working. A recent Gallup poll found that 63% say the state of the economy is getting worse and 45% think it’s already “poor.” One reason, many have speculated, is that while the rate at which prices are rising might have slowed considerably, prices remain very high. Food and rent in particular are still expensive. These prices are felt everyday by Americans when they pay for their housing and go to the supermarket. But that’s not all. A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research by economists Marijn Bolhuis, Judd Cramer, Karl Schulz and Larry Summers fi nds that a change in the method used to estimate infl ation today, compared to the method used in the 1980s, might well cause an underestimation of the true level of infl ation. The paper -- “The Cost of Money Is Part of the Cost of Living” -- highlights the overlooked impact of the highest borrowing costs consumers have faced in decades. From mortgages to car loans to credit-card debt, those costs are up. As the authors explain, the pre-1983 measure of infl ation (the Consumer Price Index) counted the price and interest rate Americans paid to buy housing. The newer measure is based on what it costs to rent housing. Another way to think about it is if you buy a house this month, the monthly payments will be much higher than if you bought one three years ago. The same is true of a car or other purchase. But measuring infl ation based on rental costs, which may not incorporate the sky-high interest rates of a new purchase -- doesn’t refl ect that diff erence. As Summers, the Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton, noted on X, formerly Twitter, “Pre-1983, mortgage costs were in the CPI as were car payments pre-1998. Now, price indexes do not include borrowing costs. Thus, when interest rates jumped last year, offi cial infl ation did not fully capture the eff ects it would have on consumer well-being.” Indeed, if we measured infl ation as we did in the 1970s, the infl ation that started in 2021 would have peaked at 18% -- double its reported peak. That’s higher than the worst of the 1970 and ‘80s. Infl ation’s current annual rate would be about 8%. As Summers notes, measuring infl ation the pre-1983 way helps explain “70% of the gap in consumer sentiment we saw last year.” Not surprisingly, Americans have a better sense of the state of the economy and their daily lives than the economists who focus mostly on data, models and indexes for information about the world. I assume this paper by Summers and co-authors will revive the debate about how we should measure infl ation. John Cochrane, over at the Grumpy Economist Substack, observes that to answer this question properly, you have to ask fi rst what you’re trying to measure: “The new way is closer to right, if the question is to measure changes in the cost of living right now for the average person. ... Most people live in older houses with fi xed mortgages, so higher prices and mortgage rates for new houses don’t aff ect them. People who rent don’t care. While higher interest rates are a cost to borrowers, and higher house prices a cost to buyers, higher interest rates are higher income to savers and higher house prices a boon to downsizers. Those wash on average.” But if the question instead is whether Americans feel that their lives are improving from a few years ago based on the idea that infl ation is allegedly falling and they can rent a house just like theirs for less money, then the answer is diff erent. The bottom line is that, while the question of how best to measure infl ation has no single and straightforward answer, one mystery has been clearly solved by Summers and his co-authors. People aren’t crazy. Even if every media outlet and the president continue to insist that ordinary Americans’ lives are getting better because of falling infl ation, we know that’s not right. Veronique De Rugy Tide Chart High Tide Low Tide Fri, Apr 5 Tide Set One 12:57 PM 1.80 ft 06:12 AM -0.39 ft Tide Set Two 11:44 PM 2.56 ft 05:46 PM 1.05 ft Sat, Apr 6 Tide Set One 01:05 PM 1.94 ft 06:49 AM -0.16 ft Tide Set Two 06:43 PM 0.59 ft Sun, Apr 7 Tide Set One 12:49 AM 2.49 ft 07:20 AM 0.13 ft Tide Set Two 01:17 PM 2.17 ft 07:34 PM 0.13 ft Mon, Apr 8 Tide Set One 01:49 AM 2.36 ft 07:47 AM 0.49 ft Tide Set Two 01:32 PM 2.46 ft 08:23 PM -0.23 ft Tue, Apr 9 Tide Set One 02:47 AM 2.13 ft 08:08 AM 0.85 ft Tide Set Two 01:52 PM 2.76 ft 09:11 PM -0.49 ft Wed, Apr 10 Tide Set One 03:47 AM 1.87 ft 08:24 AM 1.12 ft Tide Set Two 02:16 PM 2.95 ft 10:02 PM -0.62 ft Thu, Apr 11 Tide Set One 04:53 AM 1.61 ft 08:33 AM 1.31 ft Tide Set Two 02:45 PM 3.08 ft 10:55 PM -0.59 ft Fri, Apr 12 Tide Set One 06:24 AM 1.41 ft 08:23 AM 1.38 ft Tide Set Two 03:18 PM 3.08 ft 11:55 PM -0.46 ft Sat, Apr 13 Tide Set One 03:56 PM 2.95 ft Tide Set Two Sun, Apr 14 Tide Set One 04:42 PM 2.72 ft 01:04 AM -0.30 ft Tide Set Two Mon, Apr 15 Tide Set One 05:47 PM 2.46 ft 02:22 AM -0.20 ft Tide Set Two Tue, Apr 16 Tide Set One 07:37 PM 2.23 ft 03:34 AM -0.10 ft Tide Set Two Wed, Apr 17 Tide Set One 12:27 PM 1.84 ft 04:32 AM -0.07 ft Tide Set Two 09:36 PM 2.13 ft 04:15 PM 1.61 ft Thu, Apr 18 Tide Set One 12:26 PM 1.90 ft 05:17 AM 0.07 ft Tide Set Two 10:57 PM 2.10 ft 05:26 PM 1.28 ft Americans Can Tell the Diff erence Between Rosy Economic Data and Reality
Page 7 The Sun Bay Paper April 5, 2024 The Power of Classical Music: Activating ‘Self-Healing’ Genes for Improved Health and Longevity Researchers have discovered that classical music goes beyond mere entertainment. It taps into our body’s innate self-healing mechanisms to facilitate DNA repair and promote overall health. Dr. Carlo Ventura’s research has revealed that the impact of music encompasses our entire being, not just our auditory senses. The study, conducted in Spain on June 14, 2022, at the Auditorio de Galicia, Santiago of Compostela, focused on the eff ects of a 50-minute classical music concert on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive disorders alongside a healthy control group. The fi ndings were remarkable, showing a 2.3 times increase in gene activity related to neurodegeneration in the affl icted group compared to the healthy participants. This study, published in 2023 in Scientifi c Reports, a journal within the Nature Portfolio, underscores classical music’s potential in cellular self-healing, particularly in the breakdown of diseased brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease. This discovery is signifi - cant, off ering a simple yet eff ective method to enhance our body’s natural defenses against various ailments. Music, mainly classical music, has now been identifi ed as a catalyst in activating the self-repair processes within our DNA, which is crucial for combating degenerative diseases and aging. This resonates with the insight from Sufi musician Hazrat Inayat Khan, who remarked, “A person does not hear sound only through the ears; he hears sound through every pore of his body.” Expanding on this, a collaborative study between Finnish scientists and artists analyzed the gene expression profi les of individuals exposed to classical music versus those who were not. The outcomes highlighted an increase in genes associated with dopamine production, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of well-being and happiness. The NR3C1 gene, known for enhancing dopamine levels, was upregulated, suggesting a direct correlation between classical music and improved mental health. The study results also pointed to the activation of alpha-synuclein. This gene helps maintain balanced dopamine levels and is linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD), a complex neurodegenerative disorder for which both rare and common genetic variants contribute to disease risk, onset, and progression. Mutations in more than 20 genes have been associated with the disease. Mary C. Schoeff el is the Executive Director of the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida. Schoeff el says clinical fi ndings like the health links to classical music play an essential role in the organization’s educational outreach as the intersection of music and medicine opens new avenues. “Our education committee is dedicated to bringing the best possible information to our community so that you can understand and live well with PD,” Schoeff el said. April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and the SWFL Parkinson’s Association provides free informational resources to the community (parkinsonassociationswfl .org). “Our membership is free of charge, and we are not connected to any national organization,” Schoeff el said. The implications of these studies extend beyond immediate health benefi ts, suggesting a potential impact on longevity. Historical data from a MetLife study conducted between 1956 and 1975 revealed that symphony orchestra conductors had a mortality rate 38 percent lower than the general population, with those aged 50 to 59 experiencing a 56 percent lower death rate despite the stresses of their profession. This contrasts with research on 1,064 famous North American and European pop stars, whose mortality rate was signifi cantly higher than that of the general public, pointing towards the type of music and possibly the lifestyle associated with it as infl uential factors in DNA response and overall lifespan. These fi ndings present a compelling case for the role of classical music in enhancing the body’s ability to self-repair at a genetic level, potentially contributing to a longer and healthier life. It also raises questions about the impact of diff erent music genres on our health and well-being, suggesting that the benefi ts of music extend far beyond its aesthetic and emotional appeal. Research continues to unravel non-invasive therapy options that capitalize on our natural biological processes. In the intricate relationship between sound frequencies and genetic expression, classical music emerges not just as a source of cultural enrichment but as a key to unlocking our genetic potential for healing and longevity. Richard Luthmann
April 5, 2024 The Sun Bay Paper Page 8 ricane Ian, the third costliest hurricane in U.S. history. Many residents are still grappling with the fi nancial repercussions of this devastating event. The impact of FEMA’s decision spans across approximately 699,000 residents residing in areas aff ected by this policy change, encompassing the City of Bonita Springs, City of Cape Coral, Village of Estero, Town of Fort Myers Beach, and unincorporated Lee County. Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said, “Without warning or communication, a rash decision like this will signifi cantly strain our residents struggling to recover from Hurricane Ian. The Town of Fort Myers Beach has always gone above and beyond to maintain our CRS rating and request FEMA suspend their decision.” Mayor Rick Steinmeyer of the City of Bonita Springs underscores years of compliance with FEMA’s CRS Program, stressing the detrimental impact this decision could have on residents who have endured multiple hurricanes in recent years. He emphasizes the need for residents to have the opportunity to appeal such decisions. Similarly, Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter expresses deep concern over FEMA’s unilateral decision, emphasizing the necessity for federal support to ensure residents retain existing discounts on fl ood insurance premiums. said he is “deeply troubled by the federal government’s unilateral decision regarding altering Cape Coral’s fl ood insurance rating.” Local government leaders are mobilizing to address the issue with the federal government, with the Lee County Attorney’s Offi ce exploring potential legal remedies. The implications of FEMA’s decision extend to the 51,103 NFIP policies in force in unincorporated Lee County, representing a population of approximately 388,000 residents. County Manager Dave Harner stresses the urgency of suspending FEMA’s decision until meaningful discussions can occur, advocating for the implementation of an appeal process to mitigate potential impacts on residents. City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn of Cape Coral joins the call for FEMA to suspend its decision, highlighting the lack of documented evidence regarding alleged noncompliance. He emphasizes the need for transparent dialogue between FEMA and local authorities to address concerns eff ectively. The Background: For 17 years, Lee County has maintained a low NFIP rating, entitling residents in unincorporated areas to a 25% discount on federal fl ood insurance policies, translating to annual savings of $14 million to $17 million. The CRS program, a federal initiative, incentivizes communities exceeding minimum NFIP standards in fl oodplain management activities, thereby providing premium discounts. Lee County and its partners have undertaken extensive measures to ensure lower rates, including robust construction certifi cate management, provision of fl ood protection information, outreach projects, open space preservation, enforcement of higher regulatory standards, fl ood data maintenance, stormwater management, and fl ood warning and response initiatives. By the Numbers / Fast Facts: Lee County joined the NFIP program in 1984. Unincorporated Lee County joined the CRS program in October 1991 and achieved a Class 5 rating in 2007. A Class 5 rating enables a 25% fl ood insurance discount, valued at $14 million to $17 million annually in unincorporated Lee County alone. All jurisdictions in Lee County participate in the NFIP and CRS programs. In essence, FEMA’s unilateral decision threatens to exacerbate the challenges faced by Lee County residents post-Hurricane Ian, necessitating urgent action and transparent dialogue between federal agencies and local authorities to address concerns and mitigate potential. Policy Change Increases Flood Insurance up to 25% Cont. from pg. 1
April 5, 2024 Our country is on the verge of so many bad things. A “communist color revolution” is going on right now, complete with censorship, weaponization of government against our own citizens, witch hunts and “communist show trials” (see President Donald Trump and Jan. 6 prisoners/hostages). Soon we could face revolution, anarchy, civil war, societal collapse -- and to anyone who isn’t blind, deaf or very dumb, World War III is already here. All of this is happening in my opinion because of China and the Chinese Communist Party. They’ve created it, produced it, coordinated it, and they’ve made it happen by bribing the entire Democratic Party and every Democrat politician, a large percentage of the establishment GOP and all the key U.S. government bureaucrats. How do I know? Just answer these questions: * Who has the most to gain from the unimaginable division, damage and destruction going on in America today? *Who is our biggest rival? *Who is our avowed enemy? *Who wants to become the No. 1 economy in the world? *Who wants to dominate the world? China and the CCP have the motive and the most to gain. I’ve made thousands of predictions for the past decade on my TV and radio shows. I’m batting close to a thousand. And I’m telling you at this moment, my gut is screaming louder than ever before in my life. It’s China and the CCP at the root (excuse the pun) of all the crisis, chaos and catastrophe in America today. Are others in the mix? Absolutely. My gut says Barack Obama is the man being used by China and the CCP to carry out the destruction of America, American exceptionalism, capitalism and Judeo-Christian values. He is their point man. He carries out the orders. And of course, the deep state, D.C. swamp and DNC are trusted partners of China, especially all the three-letter government agencies -- DOJ, FBI, NSA, IRS, DHS, CDC. And all the globalist and communist/fascist billionaires who hate America, capitalism and freedom -- George Soros, Bill Gates, Klaus Schwab and his World Economic Forum. And no doubt at the top of the evil pyramid is Satan. Satan hates God, America, faith, freedom, family and capitalism. China and communism are Godless. It’s a perfect partnership. That’s just my opinion on who the suspects are. Everything happening today benefi ts China and the CCP: * The open borders invasion, with our government welcoming in tens of millions of foreign criminals, terrorists and dangerous military-age males -- and willing to bankrupt America to pay for them all. This is an army to destroy America from within. Who would want this? *Drugs fl owing in over that open border that kill over 100,000 young Americans a year. Who would allow this? *Green energy and ESG based on climate change fraud and propaganda. Result? American companies waste billions, and the greatest middle class in the world is destroyed, while China keeps building hundreds of new coal and gas plants annually, while using dirty fossil fuel to their heart’s content. * Rigged elections -- a hallmark of communism. *Lawfare and weaponization of government against anyone who disagrees with deep state lies, fraud and propaganda. *DEI and CRT -- the tools of the communist Left to create division, jealousy, racism and hate between black and white America. * Reparations -- created to push more jealousy, hate, division and bankruptcy on America. * This sudden outbreak of Jew-hatred and threat of genocide to Israel and the Jewish people. Where did this come from? It’s never been seen in the history of America. Just more division to break America apart. * This sudden obsession with rainbow fl ags, transgenders and converting America’s children. Where did this come from? Suddenly, nearly 30% of Generation Z describes themselves as gay... including 40% of young women at elite colleges. These are percentages never seen in the history of the world. *DEI destroying U.S. companies with unqualifi ed employees. * DEI destroying the quality of U.S. universities -- who now base admission on race, but don’t consider test scores. * Our once-mighty military being decimated by DEI, CRT, transgender brainwashing, climate change fraud and deadly vaccines. And we’ve given all the weapons and ammo away to Ukraine. * “Defund the police” combined with communist-backed district attorneys who allow violent criminals to walk free with “no bail.” The result? A mass crime wave; retail theft at historic levels; streets fi lled with homeless people, drug needles, pee and poop; retail businesses closing by the thousands. *Food shortages mixed with supply chain dysfunction, led by the least qualifi ed human being in U.S. history -- Mayor Pete Butthead. * Historic levels of “excess deaths” only since the day the COVID vaccine was introduced. What happens to our economy as those deaths multiply and there is no one left to fi ll jobs crucial to society? Who gains if our society collapses? *Everyone running for their lives from blue cities and 8states, driving property values dramatically down. Who benefi ts most from this disaster? China. ALL this chaos, crisis and catastrophe has been created and coordinated by China and the CCP to weaken, disrupt, divide, demoralize and eventually destroy America, the U.S. economy and capitalism. This is all straight out of the communist playbook. When it gets bad enough, when it causes civil war and/or the collapse of our economy and society, China and the CCP plan to be there to pick up the pieces. To conquer us and enslave us into a Godless communist society. Or, at the very least, dominate America economically, militarily and on the world stage. And as a bonus, they get to take over our farmland and valuable real estate at cheap “bargain basement” prices. Or as an absolute worst scenario (for China), civil war, division and anarchy will keep America weak and distracted when China invades Taiwan. How is all of this happening? Who would allow this? It’s simple. China has bribed virtually all our key politicians and key government bureaucrats. Our political leaders and key government bureaucrats are all getting fi lthy rich on America’s downfall. This also explains what’s happening to President Trump. Trump is the only one standing in the way of China’s plan to conquer America and dominate the world. Trump is the only one too wealthy to bribe. He’s the only one not going along with the plan, so he must be demonized, destroyed, bankrupted, rot for life in prison or assassinated. Yes, this is all China and the CCP. With an assist from Obama. And Satan at the very top of the pyramid. And if you don’t understand this, you’re either blind, deaf, really dumb, or you’re part of the conspiracy. Wayne Allyn Root The Sun Bay Paper Page 9 Every Terrible, Evil Thing Happening In America Is Courtesy of China and the CCP ... and Obama ... and Satan. Here’s How They’re Doing It. The Oyster Ed pearls from the muck
April 5, 2024 The Sun Bay Paper Page 10 Environmental Why is this president harping on the Climate, Climate Change...Global Warming and the rest of this nonsense? What better way to waste money. Spend on the Climate...everybody ...I mean, NOBODY...understands Climate Change, just listen to the weather. You will hear what the Earth has been doing for the past 5 billion years...but with enough money, Hussein and Obiden can stop it! They can do what Jesus Christ himself couldn’t do, stop Climate Change! Ask Noah...he knows fi rst hand! Remember, we talked about Obama’s favorite college professors? They wrote a book that explains how to fl ip America’s free enterprise system ...into a freeloading system. Obama is using the entire country as his model! Bankrupt all the social programs ( fl ood the country with beggars), aliens looking for handouts and spend all you can on them. Obiden is attacking our grid and don’t think he’s fooling! He said what Obama’s staff told him to say 12/23/23, as the obedient lap dog he is. He intends to shut down the remaining fossil fuel plants...all the remaining power utilities will refuse ...I hope. What he is doing to our Nation is Treason, Criminal Negligence...allowing open borders is, by any defi - nition...Aiding our enemies...all of them! Any president who opens our Borders is insane, maybe there’s nothing he can do about that...but there is a LOT, useless Congress can do! Obiden is using every single excuse he can fi nd, to waste money. The Israel, Ukraine and soon to be Taiwan Invasion by China, are /will drain our Militarily, economically, and emotionally! You must understand what China has done to prepare for war...against the US. I’ve been reading about the truth... about China’s build up from both retired and current Military, Intel Offi cers who all agree...indeed, believe, China is preparing for a full scale invasion of ...America!! AND we are not ready! We have 90 days of defensive weapons... we buy our ammunition from China...the dumbest thing we could do. China has 500,000 fi ghting men staged all around America and inside of America. Obiden has drained our oil reserves to almost nothing. He doing what Cloward and Piven wrote, bankrupt America by overloading all our social programs, create chaos, shutdown the grid, then declare Martial Law and come to the rescue with Hussein Obama and Islam! China has control of 80% of our shipping ports, and 100% control of the loading/unloading cranes. They can shut down those supply lines with a fl ick of a button! They have control of the Panama Canal. China has soldiers poised to strike in/from Mexico, the Bahama Islands, South America, NW Canada... practicing “cold weather” tactics...what’s wrong with practicing those tactics on your own ICE? I am convinced, that should OUR enemies attack, Obiden will crawl under a table and turn the fi ghting over to a power house like... Blinken, Yellen, or maybe Granholm, or our Attorney General Merrick Garland... wow, now there’s a powerhouse, every one of them with the IQ of fi sh, my opinion ! Better fi nd a bigger table Joe...you won’t be alone! It is my opinion if Congress does not act and remove Obiden before China makes their move , America will be DONE! He has diminished our ready forces, moved our ships out of position, so they cannot defend us. Those surveillance balloons will be replaced with EMP Bombs! Obiden has no intension to stand up to any invading force, in my opinion. With the world at the edge of war, as his “non sexually” challenged Generals believe... shouldn’t Obiden have a defense plan ready? Ask him what he plans to do. In my opinion, Obama thinks that China’s Xi is going to turn America over to HIM because he was vital to the takeover of America. Do you believe Xi will turn over something as valuable as America and trust Obama, after Obama just betrayed 350 million Citizens...now he wants Xi to “trust him”. Obama’s head and his entire family’s heads will be the fi rst to drop on the ground, followed by Obiden’s and his family...that’s our only solace, again...my opinion! J. Gary DiLaura THE VALUE OF CLIMATE CONTROL...TO OBIDEN AND OBAMA!
Page 11 The Sun Bay Paper April 5, 2024 Sunset Photo Contest Photos taken in the highest resolution will look sharper, so they will have a better chance of winning. If you are using your phone, use the highest resolution available! We have received many GREAT pictures that we can not use due to low resolution! Winners will be awarded Bragging Rights, knowing they were selected amongst all the entries sent in, if you didn’t win this week, we will keep your photo on fi le for future consideration or you are welcome to take another! With more entries, chances of winning improve. Simple contest rules: 1) Photo must be taken in Florida 2) Submitted photos can be landscape or protrait and should include: location where the photo was taken from. Please include your full name & phone # in your email. 3) You can only submit photos you yourself have taken and have full rights to, it must be previously unpublished & by submitting any photo, you are giving Sun Bay Paper full rights to publish in print and on the internet. AND PLEASE Do not shrink photos send to: bobby@sunbaypaper.com This week’s photo was sent to us by : Marty Bartow on Fort Myers Beach with Ryder Fort Myers Beach’s Beach Baptist Church embodies hope and unity as it observes another Easter amidst ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian. “I’m hugging everybody because it’s really exciting to see everybody still here for another Easter after Ian,” Pastor Mallie Critser expressed, highlighting the church’s role in rallying the community. Pastor Shawn Critser affirmed, “Beach Baptist will always be part of the community.” Despite challenges posed by COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian, the church has never faltered. Despite being destroyed and demolished after the storm, the congregation kept its 20-year tradition of Easter Sunday gatherings intact. Currently, services take place in a tent as the congregation works towards rebuilding. “We never missed an Easter service since I have been here,” Shawn noted. With plans to rejuvenate stronger, Pastor Shawn shared, “We’re sitting on three acres, had five buildings, we are down to basically nine, so we’re going to clear the land, sell a piece of it, and then rebuild.” Inspired by the church’s resilience, Volunteer Debbie Sams reflected on the community’s deep connection to the church. The church’s immediate focus is on providing support and a place for the community to come together. “We hope to just be there as people here to rebuild, to help from our market, just a place to come and hang or to meet,” Pastor Shawn said, emphasizing their commitment to community involvement. This Easter symbolizes more than a religious celebration; it marks a step forward in collective recovery and renewal. “Just to be an integral part of the community is what we are here for,” Pastor Shawn concluded, capturing the church’s enduring spirit. Richard Luthmann Beach Baptist Church Continues Easter Tradition & Stands Resilient Amid Hurricane Recovery,
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