Member News

VINTAGE MARKET DAYS® OF SOUTH GULF COAST FLORIDA
“Bringing the Vintage Experience to You”
September 21, 22, 23, 2018
Lee Civic Center in Ft. Myers, FL (air conditioned!)
11831 Bayshore Rd., Fort Myers, FL
Vendors from the local community, around the state of Florida, and many states around the country.
A portion of proceeds go to American Military Veterans Foundation
For more information, please contact Meri/Danny Stoute @ [email protected] or www.facebook.com/vintagemarketdaysofsouthgulfcoastflorida, 337-501-9088
 
Vintage Market Days is an upscale, open-air Vintage and Vintage-inspired event which has operated many successful events in at least 20 states (with more to come!)  Vintage Market Days of South Gulf Coast Florida is pleased to announce the SWFL event “Simply Vintage” to be held at the Lee Civic Center in Ft. Myers, FL .  The 3 day event will take place September 21, 22, 23,  2018.
We are extremely excited to be bringing this event SWFL.
Lee Civic Center, located at 11831 Bayshore Rd., Fort Myers, FL is the perfect venue for a Vintage event.  It has incredible vintage potential to provide a charming get-away for customers so they can come and leave stress behind and just enjoy being in a fun environment with some of the most creative people around, and air conditioned!.  The atmosphere and charm really help to set the tone for what our event is about – a Vintage “experience” , not just a sale.  We want our customers to walk away feeling like they were really a part of something special.  We have had a great response from vendors from the local community, around the state of Florida, and many states around the country.
VMD® is an upscale Vintage/Vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. There is also live music all 3 days of the event.  We also take the opportunity to give back at each event.  We are honored to give a portion of our proceeds to American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS), which is a non-profit that not only supports, but aides veterans in any way they can in the local area.
For more information, please contact Meri/Danny Stoute @ [email protected] or www.facebook.com/vintagemarketdaysofsouthgulfcoastflorida, 337-501-9088
 

Tickets on Sale Now
IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2018) – Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with 10-time Grammy award winners Asleep at the Wheel, who will bring their popular holiday themed concert series “Merry Texas Christmas Y’all” to Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Monday December 17 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $49 and are available by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
Asleep at the Wheel is releasing their third Texas-centric holiday album this year, while continuing to bring Christmas cheer to theaters with their western swing holiday concert. The band has been touring the country this past year promoting their Grammy-Award-winning Bob Wills tribute album “Still the King.” Expect a wonderful evening that combines Asleep at the Wheel’s most popular songs, new material, and holiday favorites such as “Christmas in Jail” and “Merry Texas Christmas Y’all.”
The musicianship of Asleep at the Wheel is the stuff of legends. Reuters pegged The Wheel as “one of the best live acts in the business.” Taking a page from Bob Wills’ book, the band has constantly toured at a national level throughout its history; with anywhere from 7-15 of the finest players Ray Benson could talk into jumping in the bus to play a string of dates. The alumni roster is well over 80 members, and includes an impressive list of musicians who have gone on to perform with artists such as Bob Dylan, George Strait, Van Morrison, Lyle Lovett, Ryan Adams, and many more.
A quick scan of awards, such as “Touring Band of the Year” (CMAs, 1976) and “Lifetime Achievement in Performance” (Americana Music Awards 2009), not to mention near dominance of the Grammy “Country Instrumental” category over the years, reflects the reputation of the band’s musicianship. Ray Benson fell in love with western swing because of its unique combination of elements of American blues, swing and traditional fiddling but also for its demanding musical chops. Western swing is what Benson calls “jazz with a cowboy hat,” is a thrill to hear live, and thanks in large part to the Wheel’s 40+ years of promotion, is a living and creative genre of music today.
About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,300 slots, including Tarzan, Wheel of Fortune and Crazy Money, and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and The EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Nightly entertainment is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system designed by Technomedia Solutions. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with adjacent private Seminole Chickee cabana huts, 24-hour fitness studio, free Wi-Fi, and desk concierge services.
Located at 506 South 1^st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida via I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the casino. Located between Miami and Naples, north of Alligator Alley on Highway 846, it is five blocks south of Highway 29. Approximately 30 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers, the casino is a 90-minute drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com  or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.
 

Homeless receive basic items in downtown Fort Myers
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 30, 2018) – It doesn’t take much to inspire hope. Manager Toya Felston and her staff in the downtown Fort Myers office of the Lee County Tax Collector have taken that to heart with their Gifts of HOPE service project, which helps those less fortunate with some of life’s necessities.
Homeless people who have visited the 2480 Thompson St. location to receive state-issued ID cards have been given bags full of items to help them take care of basic hygiene. Staff members collect and bag the items, and they’ve distributed 49 bags since the project began in June.
“It would be easy to forget about people in need, but our Lee County Tax Collector staff won’t stand idly by when there’s a call for help,” Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart said. “I’m so proud of the way they’ve used their creativity and compassion to make a difference.”
The “HOPE” in Gifts of HOPE is an acronym for Helping Our People Everyday, and the bags generally include these everyday items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, floss, and hand sanitizer. Lee County Tax Collector staff are seeking donations of the following items they’d like to add to the bags:

• Feminine products
• Travel-size first-aid kits
• Bandages
• Antibiotic ointment and wipes
• Socks
• Mosquito repellent
• Rain ponchos
• Travel-size tissue packs
• Deodorant
• Combs
• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm

Call 239-533-6000 to learn how to donate those items.
ID card fees are waived for the homeless by state law, as long as they have a statement from a shelter verifying their status as homeless. To learn more about the resources the Lee County Tax Collector provides, visit leetc.com.
About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates six service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.

FORT MYERS, FLA., August 30, 2018 –  Dr. Ashley M. Clark has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a family medicine physician.
Dr. Clark earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa., and her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry\and molecular biology at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.
Her residency was completed at the Florida State University Family Medicine Residency Program at Lee Health in Fort Myers, where she was  co-chief resident and served  on quality improvement projects relating to diabetes and falls in the elderly.
She also received Patient Centered Medical Home training.
Dr. Clark is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, American Academy of Family Physicians, the Florida Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Clark will see patients at the Fort Myers Family and Internal Medicine office at 7381 College Parkway.
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida, a physician-owned and operated medical practice, was formed in 1996 by many local physicians and has grown to become the largest physician-owned primary care practice in Southwest Florida.
Offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres.  For more information, visit www.ppcswfl.com.

September 28 at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club
(Fort Myers, Fla.  August 30, 2018) — The Heights Foundation 3rd annual benefit golf tournament will take place on Friday, September 28 at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers.  The proceeds of the event support The Heights Center’s programs that work to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers.  Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., there will be a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. and dinner, auction and awards at 6:00 p.m.
“The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average,” said Jim Sanger, Chief Operating Officer of The Heights Foundation.  “This tournament will help support programs at The Heights Center including School Success and our enriching summer camp.”
Sponsors include Owen Ames Kimball, Five County Insurance and Jul Andre Fragrances.  Additional sponsorships that include golf packages and recognition are available.  Sponsorship deadline is September 14.
Tournament Registration is now available.  A foursome is $600 and two golfers are $300.   Golfer registration deadline is September 21.   For more information visit www.heightsfoundation.org/golf or call Jim Sanger at (239) 482-7706 or email [email protected]
 About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.

Fort Myers, Florida — The law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Attorney Sara Qureshi has joined the firm’s Business & Tax Department. She focuses her practice in business organization operations and planning, mergers and acquisitions, federal and state taxation, intellectual property, and health care law. Qureshi is fluent in Urdu and Hindi.
While attending law school, Qureshi served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Child and Family Law Journal and as the Executive Board Treasurer for the National Conference of Law Reviews. She also volunteered as a certified tax preparer with Barry Law’s Volunteer Income Tax Program and served as a legal intern for the Middle District of Florida and Ninth Judicial Circuit for Orange County.
 
Qureshi is a Cape Coral native. She graduated from Cape Coral High School in 2011 and then obtained her B.S. in Legal Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University (magna cum laude) in 2014. Upon receiving her Juris Doctor from Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law (magna cum laude) in 2017, Qureshi continued her education at the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law and obtained her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation, graduating at the top of her class in 2018. She may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 239.344.1257.
 
Henderson Franklin is the largest, locally-based law firm between Tampa and Miami with over 55 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients to build their homes, businesses, and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Sanibel Island. For more information on Qureshi or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.
###
 
Gail Lamarche 
Director of Marketing and Business Development
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
1715 Monroe Street, P.O. Box 280
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Direct Dial: 239.344.1186

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2018) – Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. has opened registration for the Brown & Brown Insurance third annual Charity Golf Outing, which raises life-changing scholarship funds for children within its education program.
Presented by Brown & Brown Insurance, the golf tournament will take place Friday, Sept. 21 at the Robert Cupp-designed LaPlaya Golf Club, 333 Palm River Blvd. in Naples. It will be a four-person scramble format, and several day-of-event contests will be announced.
The cost is $150 per player, or $600 per foursome, and includes a round of championship golf, breakfast, lunch and golf swag. Multiple sponsorship levels still are available, ranging from a tee sign for $150 to a platinum-level sponsor for $5,000 that includes two foursomes, a speaking opportunity at lunch, table display, four tee signs and other recognition opportunities.
Registration and sponsorship packages are available through the tournament’s online portal at BrownAndBrownGolfOuting.com. Registration and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. on Sept. 21, followed by a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Lunch and the awards presentation begin at 1 p.m.
“The golf tournament is a great way to celebrate the last full day of summer and raise money that provides scholarships to families who otherwise couldn’t afford the cost of a high-quality child care program,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “We’re hoping to build off the success of our first two tournaments and attract more golfers and sponsors at our new venue this year.”
Proceeds from the Charity Golf Outing will support Child Care of Southwest Florida’s mission to strengthen the lives of vulnerable preschool children and their families through quality and affordable early learning education.
About Child Care of Southwest Florida
Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. a nonprofit early childhood education provider with six learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 600 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old. Each center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Three of its Lee locations have five-star ratings through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum, with a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning environments that develop young minds, support families, strengthen the community and secure the future. Through its participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program, each child has access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sponsor, volunteer and donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit ccswfl.org.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla., (Aug. 28, 2018) – More than 450 fashionistas and community supporters recently came together for the 10^th annual Love That Dress! fundraising event, raising $157,000 and climbing in support of PACE Center for Girls, Lee County.
 
The ultimate feel-good shopping spree of the year featured shopping, music, silent auctions and cocktails at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Estero, with more than 2,000 dresses available for purchase at deeply discounted prices. All proceeds from the event benefit PACE’s programs and services, which assist girls ages 11 to 18 who have multiple risk factors impacting their academic achievement, including family income, substance abuse, domestic violence, foster home placement, neglect, grief, incarceration of a family member and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
 
“Over the past 10 years, Love That Dress! has played a monumental role in supporting PACE’s efforts to bring education, counseling, training and advocacy to hundreds of local girls and young women,” said Meg M. Geltner, executive director at PACE Center for Girls of Lee County. “Thanks to the many giving hearts within our community, we are able to help these girls become strong, productive young women living a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace.”
 
Celebrating 10 years of the community’s obsession with fashion and giving, the annual Love That Dress! fundraiser solicits donations of new and gently loved dresses, handbags, shoes and accessories. Thanks to a series of dress collection events and the generosity of local businesses and community donors, the event offered an expansive inventory of fashion-forward apparel, further supplemented by hundreds of brand new products from Love That Dress! title sponsor White House Black Market.
 
This year’s event also offered the chance to win a two-year lease for a 2018 INFINITI Q50 2.0t Pure, which was awarded to Michelle Ciufetelli.
 
“The 10^th annual Love That Dress! event was a resounding success, and we are humbled by the community’s overwhelming generosity in support of our PACE girls,” said Event Chair Deanna Hansen. “We are so thankful for the many volunteers, sponsors, supporters and shoppers who played a fundamental role in the success of this event’s milestone year, and we look forward to another decade of fun, fashion and honoring the female spirit.”
 
Presenting sponsors for Love That Dress! include White House Black Market as the Title Sponsor. Additional sponsors include Priority Marketing, Stilwell Enterprises, St. Charles Yacht Club, IBERIABANK, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, ABC-7, Gulfshore Life, Fort Myers Infiniti, Miromar Outlets, Embassy Suites by Hilton, California Closets, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, Dr. Garramone Plastic Surgery, Arias Law Firm, Get Efficient, LLC., Seminole Casino Hotel, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright and Co. P.A, Florida Marina Clubs and Noelle Melanson, Deanna Hansen and Cheryl Komnick, Anne Wittenborn, Alexandra Bremner, The News-Press Media Group, 96.9 WINK-FM, House of Wu, Image Matters, New Beginnings Events, Nu Image Dry Cleaners, Atilus, LLC, Jason’s Deli, Living Local, Naples Flatbread Kitchen & Bar, Prawnbroker Restaurant Group, Famous Dave’s, Priority Payments of South Florida, Caloosa Tent & Rental, A. Jaron Fine Jewelry, Signs Now, Lightning Wireless Solutions, Inc., and Rachel Allan.
 
To learn more about PACE Center for Girls, Lee County and its programs, please visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee or call 239-425-2366.
 
About PACE Center for Girls, Lee County
Since 2007, PACE Center for Girls, Lee County has been providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The gender-specific, strength-based program is one of 20 Centers throughout Florida, and is known throughout the nation as a best practices model for diverting girls from the juvenile justice system. PACE is a registered not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals, businesses, civic/community organizations and churches in Lee County in order to serve girls and their families. Since its inception, PACE Center for Girls, Lee County has served more than 650 at-promise girls and young women, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. For more information on PACE Center for Girls, Lee County, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.
 

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., (August 28, 2018) – GATES Construction is pleased to announce the addition of Tom Rife as Senior Estimator. Rice’s responsibilities include comprehensive estimating, material take-offs and labor estimates as well as developing subcontractor scopes and bidding criteria. He collaborates with executive staff and the project team in all preconstruction services including sequencing, design review, constructability and life cycle analysis, value engineering, cost/budget analysis, and strategic planning for all aspects of the projects. Rife has over 30 years of experience in estimating and project management along with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Florida Atlantic University. Rife will be based out of GATES Construction’s Headquarters in Bonita Springs.
 
Celebrating 25 years, GATES provides construction management, general contracting and design-build services.  Their diverse portfolio of commercial, healthcare, multi-family, club and hospitality, institutional and special projects showcases numerous landmarks successfully constructed over the past quarter of a century.  As Florida’s premier builder, GATES serves its clients from offices in Bonita Springs, Sarasota and Palm Beach Gardens, and operates throughout the Southeast United States and Latin America.  For more information on GATES, please call (239) 593-3777 or visit the website at www.GATESinc.com.
 
 
###
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 27, 2018) – The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation has appointed Mike Cosden, Executive Vice President at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates to its Board of Trustees. In this role, he will support the Florida Trust’s mission to promote the preservation of the architectural, historical and archaeological heritage of Florida through advocacy, education and stewardship.
“The Florida Trust is thrilled Mike has joined our organization as a Trustee,” said Friederike Mittner, Florida Trust Board President. “Our Trustees ensure the organization’s mission of preserving Florida’s extraordinary architectural, historical and archeological heritage. Mike’s expertise at a world class cultural institution will add depth and a great new perspective to our vision.”
Founded in 1978, the organization is dedicated to protecting Florida’s heritage and history. It has worked to save important sites, such as the Florida capitol, serves as a steward for historic Florida properties and is a partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Participation with Florida Trust will help keep Edison Ford better connected to the national preservation community and expand efforts to preserve history and culture in Florida.
Information about Edison Ford can be found at www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.
###
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Edison & Ford Winter Estates is the internationally known winter home site of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. More than 250,000 visitors walk through the location each year from all around the globe. The organ