Because of continued voluntary compliance and the community’s greater awareness for Centers for Disease Control guidelines, the county announced the re-opening of county parks and preserves including all beaches and beach access points, parking lots and free-standing bathrooms. Staff will be onsite to help encourage following the CDC guidelines, including social distancing. Parks and preserves will open with regular hours Wednesday, April 29.
This move, approved at an emergency Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, is part of the county’s phased-in approach for residents while still observing the Governor’s Executive Order. Commissioners offered guidelines and stressed it is imperative that residents remain vigilant to continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The county beach sites include:
Beach Parks
Bonita Beach Park
Bowditch Point Park
Bowman’s Beach Park
Causeway Islands
Crescent Beach Family Park
Little Hickory Island Beach Park
Lynn Hall Memorial Beach Park
San Carlos/Bunche Beach Preserve
Turner Beach Park
Beach Accesses
Alison Hagerup Beach Park
Andy Rosse Lane Park
Boca Grande Beach Accesses
Bonita Beach Accesses
Dog Beach Park
Estero Islands Beach Accesses
The following amenities at all Lee County locations will remain closed:
Playgrounds
Pavilions
Recreation centers
Soccer, lacrosse and football fields
Basketball courts
Piers
Splash pads and pools
Splash pads and pools
Baseball and softball fields will re-open with caveats, including no league play and no access to dugouts or bleachers. These fields will be for groups of 10 or less who want to practice baseball or softball – but they will need to contact the Parks & Recreation supervisor listed on each landing page at www.leeparks.org for the individual site that has the field. Or people can call the Parks main phone number at 239-533-7275 for assistance.
Additional plans are in place for the reopening, including:
Staff will make hash marks on the walkways at high-use tennis and pickleball courts and other areas to help guide the public of social distancing if there is a waiting line.
All dog parks will re-open with caveats. There will not be any seating areas provided. Patrons need to bring their own chairs; pre-established socially distanced spacing will be identified. Patrons must take chairs home when they leave.
All parking fees will go back into effect under this re-opening to help with congestion and turn over that occurs at high-use park sites with parking fees. Staff are assigned to clean parking pay machines.
Normal operating hours at all parks, preserves and beach-access sites will be observed.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will assist with monitoring and educating the public at county beaches.
Announcements about future openings will be forthcoming; check www.leegov.com/covid-19 or Facebook Lee County Government.
The county is grateful to those in the community who have joined the “Take the Pledge” social media campaign to employ best practices to stop the spread of COVID-19. These practices include social distancing when away from home, staying home as much as possible, practicing proper handwashing techniques, refraining from gathering in groups of more than 10, and staying calm, kind and safe. Visit www.leegov.com/pledge.
County leaders continue to monitor data and work with partners Lee Health and the Florida Department of Health as it relates to the county’s phased-in approach to re-opening more sites and resuming in-person services.
Recommended guidelines for the beaches and parks include:
All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others, maintain a minimum of 6 feet
Social settings of 10 people or more should be avoided, where appropriate distancing may not be practical
Vulnerable individuals should continue to stay home
Practice proper handwashing techniques, especially after touching frequently used surfaces
Avoid touching your face
Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow
Sun Splash Family Waterpark will open for the 2020 season on Saturday, March 7. During the spring, Sun Splash will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends only, plus every day of Lee County Public Schools’ Spring Break from March 13-22 (weather permitting). The park will move to a seven day a week operating schedule on June 4 after schools dismiss for summer break. The park’s 2020 season runs through September 27. Complete details on the operating schedule can be found at www.SunSplashWaterpark.com.
“Early Bird” season passes will be on sale from March 1 through April 5 with prices ranging from $64 to $74 for Cape Coral residents and $79-$89 for non-residents, a savings of $20 per pass over the regular season pass prices.
After April 5, season pass prices will go up to $84-$94 for Cape Coral residents and $99-$109 for non-residents. All season pass holders receive unlimited admission to Sun Splash during regular operating hours, including special Saturday “Slide Nights,” as well as reduced parking fees and discounts on food and merchandise throughout the park. Season passes may be purchased in the Administration building at Sun Splash or by calling (239) 574-0558 any day after March 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“We are looking forward to hosting another exciting season of affordable family fun at Sun Splash,” said Sandie Greiner, Waterpark Manager. “We hope local residents will take advantage of the special “Early Bird” season pass prices while they’re available, then come out and enjoy the park all summer long.”
Sun Splash Family Waterpark is Southwest Florida’s largest waterpark with more than 14 acres of slides, pools, flumes, food and fun for all ages. It is located at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., just 2.5 miles north of Veterans Parkway in Cape Coral, Fla., and is open March through September. Sun Splash is owned and operated by the City of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department. For hours, ticket information, directions to the park, and information on birthday party packages and group outings, visit the Sun Splash Web site at www.SunSplashWaterpark.com or call 239-574-0558. Also, follow Sun Splash online on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sunsplashcc and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sunsplashcc for park information and exclusive discounts.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark is currently accepting applications and hiring contract positions for the 2020 season. The park will host a Job Fair on Wednesday, January 29, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sun Splash. Onsite interviews will be conducted the same day.
Successful applicants will be friendly, dependable, and at least 16 years old. Those who plan to attend are asked to apply online for the position(s) they are interested in prior to the Job Fair at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/capecoral. To view current employment opportunities, complete job descriptions and to upload the employment forms that are required from minors, visit the website for more information or call the City of Cape Coral Human Resources Department at (239) 574-0530.
Upon hire, Sun Splash conducts an extensive training program for all employees, particularly new lifeguards who are responsible for the public’s safety in the park.
“Many of our seasonal employees are young people who are new to the workforce,” said Waterpark Manager Sandra Greiner. “We are proud to be able to give them a solid foundation and valuable life skills they can take with them to be successful in their future careers while ensuring the waterpark’s high standards of safety are maintained.”
Sun Splash will open for the 2020 season on Saturday, March 7, and will operate on a weekend and limited schedule. In early June, the waterpark plans to move to a seven day a week operating schedule, which will remain in effect through mid-August. Sun Splash is scheduled to close for the season on September 27.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark is Southwest Florida’s largest waterpark with more than 14 acres of slides, pools, flumes, food, and fun for all ages. It is located at 400 Santa Barbara Boulevard, just 2.5 miles north of Veterans Parkway in Cape Coral. Sun Splash is owned and operated by the City of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department.
For hours, ticket information, directions to the park, and information on birthday party packages and group outings, visit the Sun Splash Web site at www.SunSplashWaterpark.com or call (239) 574-0558. Also, follow Sun Splash online on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sunsplashcc and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sunsplashcc for park information and exclusive discounts.
By Michael Versnik, attorney, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A.
Already in January, a man was killed in a hit and run accident with his bicycle in Fort Myers. In December, news media reported that Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson broke some ribs and punctured his lung after falling off his bike.
These were an important reminder that bicycle accidents can happen to anyone. If you received a bicycle for Christmas and are looking forward to riding in the cooler weather, or are hoping to cycle to meet your new year’s exercise goals, take care.
With weather conducive nearly year-round for bike use, Florida has a high number of cyclists. It also has a lot of motor vehicles and visitors who are not as familiar with area roadways, which may be why Florida has the highest number of bicycle accident deaths in the United States.
In 2018, there were 6,568 reported bicycle crashes in Florida, resulting in 148 deaths and 6,175 injuries. For the first quarter of 2019, preliminary data reported 1,695 bicycle accidents statewide with 40 fatalities and 1,588 injuries. Many bicycle accidents go unreported, so the number are likely higher.
Many bicycle accidents are caused by mistakes made by both bikers and motorists, with most fatalities caused by one or the other failing to yield the right of way. The Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles notes these tips for motorists sharing the road with cyclists:
Drivers must give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance when driving alongside or passing them. It’s the law.
When turning, yield to any bicyclist in the bike lane and make your turn behind them.
Avoid using high beam headlights when a bicyclist is approaching.
Before opening a car door, check for bicyclists who may be approaching from behind.
In Florida, the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle and has all the privileges, rights and responsibilities on public roads (except for expressways) that a motor vehicle operator does. When it comes down to a 20-pound bicycle versus a 3,000-plus pound automobile, however, it’s necessary for cyclists to be vigilant about their own safety.
The Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles suggests bicyclists should:
Obey all traffic controls and signals.
Not ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Stay alert – do not text or wear headphones or earbuds, so you can hear everything around you.
Use the bike lane if you are not traveling at the speed of other traffic. If no bike lane is available, you must stay on the far right side of the road.
Use the full lane when making a left turn, passing, avoiding hazards or when a lane is too narrow for you and a car to share it safely.
Use directional hand signals to show other drivers that you are about to turn.
Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on a sidewalk or crosswalk.
Have a white light visible from 500 feet on the front and a reflector and a red light visible from 600 feet on the rear between sunset and sunrise.
Wear neon or fluorescent colors and something reflective when riding, day or night.
Wear a helmet. Bicyclists under age 16 are required to wear helmets.
While following the above safety tips will help ensure safer cycling, there is no way to eliminate the risks involved in riding a bicycle. If you are in a bike accident with a motor vehicle or another cyclist, be sure to get medical attention. You’ll also want to make sure the accident has been reported to police so there is a record.
After the accident, it’s important to attempt to preserve your damaged bicycle and document the scene of the incident with photographs, including vehicles and any tire marks or other roadway evidence. The nature of the damage and evidence will help tell the story of who was at fault for the accident.
An insurance investigator or claims adjuster may contact you regarding your claim. Unless you have discussed your case with an attorney, do not give a written or recorded statement or sign any releases for the insurance company.
The claims adjuster works for the insurance company, and it’s the adjuster’s job to settle claims for the lowest amount possible, which is often less than many claims are worth.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of a motor vehicle driver, seek advice from an attorney experienced in personal injury cases. An attorney can advise you of your rights, help make sure you are receiving any required medical treatment needed and investigate your case.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Versnik is a personal injury trial attorney at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. who focuses on motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle and bicycle accident and premises liability cases. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have over 50 years of experience dealing with car and motorcycle accidents and have six offices located throughout Southwest Florida.
The Cape Coral Police Department wants to remind drivers and pedestrians to be extra careful while out and about this Halloween night. There will be an immense increase in pedestrian traffic out throughout the day and night. We want to make sure that everyone has fun but in a safe manner.
The costumes worn on Halloween:
Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision, when possible
When out after dark, use lights, reflective tape, reflective bags, or glow sticks to help driver’s see you; remember, dark costumes will be harder to see
While “trick or treating”:
Young children should be accompanied by a responsible adult
If your children are going out without an adult present make sure you know the route they will be taking and set a specific time they should be returning home
Travel only in well-lit areas and travel in groups
Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home
Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street
Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks
Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross
Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible
Driving on Halloween:
Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways
Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs
Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully
Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances
Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours
Cape Coral Police will also be out looking for traffic violations such as speeding, careless driving, and DUI.
The Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to announce that Sandra Greiner, Manager of Sun Splash Family Waterpark, recently received a 2019 Executive Board Award from the World Waterpark Association (WWA).
Executive Board Awards are presented annually to individuals or organizations for special accomplishments in the water leisure industry that have contributed to industry knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the WWA membership. Greiner is the only individual to be honored with an Executive Board Award this year.
Formerly in the financial services industry, Greiner was hired as Manager of Sun Splash Family Waterpark in 2010 to generate revenue, reduce expenses and improve overall operations of the park.
She has been extremely successful in that mission, with a 34% increase in revenue the first year alone and a profitable park by year three. This has been done while managing five full-time staff and almost two-hundred seasonal employees every season.
Greiner has been involved with the World Waterpark Association since 2011, teaching classes at the annual WWA Show, as well as contributing editorial columns for World Waterpark Magazine. She currently serves on WWA’s Public Sector Committee.
“We are extremely proud of Sandie’s accomplishments and the World Waterpark Association recognizing her with one of only two Executive Board Awards presented this year,” said Kerry Runyon, Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Director. “Even when faced with large obstacles, ranging from hurricanes to a building fire, Sandie has remained positive and committed to professionalism, and is a real asset to the Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department and our community.”
The Executive Board Award was officially presented on October 8, 2019, during the World Waterpark Association’s Annual Show and Conference at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. For more information on WWA, visit www.waterparks.org.
