Member News

Homebuyers to enjoy resort-style living, great value at Seasons
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (Aug. 9, 2018) – Stylish homes surrounded by a host of amenities will soon be available in Bonita Springs. D.R. Horton Southwest Florida is excited to announce the addition of Seasons to its growing list of alluring communities offering attractively priced homes.
Seasons is scheduled to open this fall and will offer a wide variety of single-family home designs, with living spaces ranging from approximately 1,500 to over 3,000 square feet. All floor plans will feature highly desired, open-concept designs, ideal for family gatherings and entertaining.
The planned amenities will offer world-class value to homebuyers at Seasons. Plans include a sparkling resort-style pool with beach entry, lap lanes and an ample sun-deck, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center and exercise studio. Residents will be able to take a quiet stroll on the walking trail or get their adrenaline pumping at one of several pickleball, tennis and bocce ball courts. The spacious club room will offer a fully equipped kitchen for community events or private functions.
Seasons is located on Bonita Beach Road, approximately four miles east of Interstate 75. Beautiful shell-filled beaches and Lovers Key State Park, a popular swimming and kayaking spot, are just a short drive away from the community. The Promenade at Bonita Bay, one of Southwest Florida’s top destinations for shopping, dining and entertainment is also within convenient reach.
Those wishing to learn more about pricing, floor plans and special event dates can register for the VIP list at [email protected] or call 239-560-4441.
Founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas, D.R. Horton has operations in 80 markets in 26 states in the East, Midwest, Southeast, South Central, Southwest and West regions of the United States. D.R. Horton has been the largest builder in the United States by volume for 16 consecutive years. For 40 years, D.R. Horton has consistently delivered top-quality new homes to homebuyers across the nation. The livable floor plans, energy-efficient features, and robust new home warranty demonstrate our commitment to excellence in construction. D.R. Horton exhibits leadership in residential development through design innovation, superior craftsmanship, and responsiveness to the needs of its customers. The simple vision that began 40 years ago represents years of value and security when you choose America’s Builder to make your dreams come true. For more information, visit our website at www.drhorton.com/swfla. Home and community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability, and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage dimensions are approximate. D.R. Horton is an equal housing opportunity builder. Florida Registered Building Contractor License # CBC1258802

NBC’s summer smash hit series World of Dance has announced its second annual touring spectacular. The tour includes an October 28^th date at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. This tour will be featuring the best dancers from across all genres that will bring the excitement and creativity straight from the television to Fort Myer. Tickets are on sale now at the Box Office, online at www.bbmannpah.com or call 239-481-4849.
The World of Dance Live Tour is a live interpretation of the TV show “World of Dance”, NBC’s hit dance competition series. The tour offers breathtaking dance skills which represent the spirit of originality, expression, and dedication. The tour consists of engaging and interactive 90-minute dance showcases which include the hottest stars from the television show as well as dance icons from YouTube, along with ticket packages that include special talent meet and greets and autograph sessions.  This tour brings “World of Dance” to life, attracting some of the most celebrated dancers and fans from across the globe, crossing boundaries, and bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together through the universal language of dance.  “We are proud to continue the World of Dance Live Tour that provides dynamic showcases by the dance industry’s elite dancers touring 29 cities around the country celebrating creative expression in all its forms. Join us for high energy, spectacular shows designed to get the audience engaged and, on their feet,” said David Gonzalez, President of World of Dance. Visit http://WorldOfDanceLive.com for more information.
 
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Performance Date / Time:           Thursday, October 18 – 7:30PM*
Ticket Prices:                                     $125* (Includes Meet & Greet)
                                                                $55*      $45*      $35*
 
*All shows, dates, times and ticket prices are subject to change.
 
 
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 8, 2018) – Priority Marketing, a certified Google Partner, recently earned a Google endorsement for mobile advertising, its third company certification awarded through Google Ads (formerly Google AdWords).
 
Priority Marketing, a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations, social media and digital marketing firm in Southwest Florida, is also certified as a Google Partner for search advertising and display advertising.
 
The trio of certifications from Google offer independent verification that Priority Marketing possesses expertise in basic and advanced concepts in digital advertising, which includes creating, managing, measuring and optimizing ad campaigns across Google to generate the highest and most qualified conversions for its clients.
 
“Individually, our digital specialists and web developers have achieved the highest level of industry certifications and specializations, so when you combine their talents into one digital team, we’re well-equipped to manage the diverse digital needs of our clients,” said Teri Hansen, APR, president and creative director of Priority Marketing. “Technology can be one of our clients’ biggest allies, and as the digital world continues to evolve, it’s incredibly important that our team stays on top of the latest trends in digital advertising, marketing and design.”
 
Members of Priority Marketing’s digital team maintain individual Google certifications in search advertising, mobile advertising, video advertising, display advertising, Google Analytics IQ, mobile sites and digital sales.
 
Established in 1992, Priority Marketing is a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing firm. Recently celebrating its 25^th year, the company is located at 8200 College Pkwy., Suite 201 in Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-267-2638 or visit www.prioritymarketing.com. Also, follow Priority Marketing online at twitter.com/prioritymktg or on Facebook. For recent news and marketing insights, visit the blog: www.prioritymarketing.com/our-blog.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 8, 2018) – The board of directors of the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance has named Susan Pareigis as interim president and CEO of the regional organization.
Most recently, Pareigis served 10 years as president and CEO of the Florida Council of 100 following four years as Gov. Jeb Bush’s appointed secretary of the Agency for Workforce Innovation. Pareigis previously was president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Collier County and served in international business development at the Lee County Office of Economic Development.
Pareigis has served on the board of directors for Enterprise Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and chaired the U.S. Department of Labor’s Committee on Veteran’s Employment, Training and Outreach.
“Susan’s executive-level experience, coupled with her extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida, makes her the perfect choice to lead the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance,” said Al Reynolds, chairman of the board. “We are confident the Alliance will continue to flourish under Susan’s leadership.”
Pareigis said, “I am eager to work with the five-county region to further diversify the Southwest Florida economy through additional high-wage jobs and targeted industries.”
Representing Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties, the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance serves as a non-parochial economic development coordinator to site selectors, real estate consultants and targeted companies, working in collaboration with local economic development organizations.
For more information, call 239-208-7627 or visit www.swfleda.com.
 

Blue-eyed soul pioneers The Righteous Brothers are back! Bill Medley and Bucky Heard – The Righteous Brothers will perform at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW on Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 10 at 10AM at the Box Office, online at www.bbmannpah.com or call 239-481-4849.
 
With a string of #1 classics, including the most played song in radio history, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield topped the charts in our decades. After Bobby’s death in 2003, Bill Medley continued to perform to sold-out crowds around the world, but fans and friends pleaded with him to keep The Righteous Brothers alive. Says Medley … No one could ever take Bobby’s place, but when I caught Bucky Heard’s show it all came together – I found the right guy to help me recreate the magic. The concert experience features their biggest hits – Lovin’ Feelin’, Soul & Inspiration, Unchained Melody, Rock and Roll Heaven, Medley’s Grammy-winning Dirty Dancing theme The Time of My Life, and much, much more!
 
The Bill Medley/Bucky Heard pairing came as something of a happy accident. Medley says it just seemed right … I’d been friends with Bucky for years, but when I caught his show he just killed me! The next day it hit me – that’s the guy, someone I could sing hard with, laugh hard with, love and respect – on and off stage. He fits The Righteous Brothers live performance show perfectly. And, we’ve even recorded some new material together, I’m really excited!
 
Bill Medley is truly one of the iconic figures in American music history. His instantly recognizable baritone voice has anchored some of the biggest recordings of all time. He’s won a Grammy, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and an American Music Award. The Orange County, CA native began writing songs as a boy and had his breakout as a songwriter and singer when, in 1963, the Medley-penned Little Latin Lupe Lu became a regional hit for Bill and Bobby Hatfield, as their first release as The Righteous Brothers.
Other regional hits followed, Justine, Koko Joe, and My Babe, which led to a regular spot on ABC-TV’s national Shindig! broadcast. The show, featuring a cast of regulars, along with guest stars every week, catered to the teen audience, something new for TV at that time. Shindig’s smash success coincided with The Righteous Brothers opening for both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones on their first US tours.
Soon, The Righteous Brothers caught producer Phil Spector’s attention and he signed them to record what would become, according to BMI, the most played song in the history of American radio – the Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil classic, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’. A string of top hits followed until 1968 when Medley and Hatfield agreed to part ways to pursue solo efforts. Medley soon scored with top ten hits, Peace, Brother, Peace and Brown-eyed Woman. In 1974, Bill and Bobby re-united and within a
few weeks had yet another monster hit with Rock and Roll Heaven. From then, until Bobby’s passing in 2003, The Righteous Brothers never stopped performing to packed crowds. During that period Bill also recorded the chart-topping duet with Jennifer Warnes, The Time of My Life, for the movie Dirty Dancing. It went on to sell over 32 million copies worldwide. Then, shortly before Bobby passed away, in 2003 Righteous Brothers fan Billy Joel inducted the pair into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a glowing
7-minute speech. Always active and stretching his creative talents, Medley has also sung on the soundtracks or performed the theme songs for 33 movies and TV shows and, in 2014, released his memoir, The Time of My Life, published by Da Capo Press.
 
Bucky Heard is an Alabama native and Auburn University alum. He’s been one of the most popular and versatile performers in America for several years, headlining countless shows in major venues. His reputation as a gutsy rock and roll singer, with an incredible vocal range, has garnered much critical praise and a legion of fans. He’s been hand-selected to share the concert stage with legends, like Andy Williams and Glen Campbell, and honored as “Male Vocalist of the Year” by entertainment publications. Credited with being one of the hardest working and in-demand performers, Bucky has rocked his way across America with his 10-piece horn band, and also starred in numerous national production shows.
Multi-talented, and always seeking to expand his musical horizons, he recently created, wrote, and produced an original children’s musical variety show called, Rock U Mentally, which headlined the American Bandstand Theatre for a two consecutive Summers!
 
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Press Photos:     https://bit.ly/2LVO0Ax
 
 
Performance Date / Time:           Wednesday, January 16 – 7:30PM*
Ticket Prices:                                     $65*      $47*      $37*
 
                                                                *All shows, dates, times and ticket prices are subject to change.
 
 
 

AUGUST 8, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) kicks off its fall Critical Thinking Lecture Series with “Voices in America: Diversity, Inclusion, and Democracy,” presented by FSW Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Dr. Deborah Teed, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 6, at the FSW Thomas Edison Campus, Building AA-177, Fort Myers. Additionally, the presentation can be viewed digitally at the FSW Charlotte Campus, Building O, Room 117; the FSW Collier Campus, Building G, Room 109; and the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center, Building A, Room 114.
Dr. Teed has spent nearly 20 years in higher education, earning her doctorate in comparative sociology from Florida International University. Prior to joining FSW, Dr. Teed served as associate dean of Academic Affairs and Retention at Pasco-Hernando State College, Dade City, Fla., and dean of Social Sciences and Business at South Puget Sound Community College, Olympia, Wash.
The FSW Critical Thinking Lecture Series features college and community leaders who discuss how they use critical thinking skills in their profession or focus on critical topics from their area of career or academic interest. The series is free and open to the public. Presentations take place weekly, and the fall series runs September through November.
 
For more information on the FSW Critical Thinking Lecture Series, contact Whitney Rhyne, director, Strategic Initiatives, at (239) 433-6943 or [email protected].
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jennifer R. Young

Fort Myers, FL – Calling all super heroes! Students, mentors and businesses are wanted!  Join LARC (Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens) for Job-A-Palooza, the ultimate ‘speed-jobbing’ experience!  Job-A-Palooza will be held at Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops (13051 Bell Tower Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33907) on August 25 from 10AM to 3PM.
Job-A-Palooza is where students with disabilities from age 14 to 21 can discover their superpowers and meet local employers while peer-mentors assist them in navigating this exciting job fair experience. Students will explore job skill stations from local businesses in industries such as retail, food service, administration, automotive and more. There will be demonstrations, friendly competition activities, awards and so much more.
Join us for this fun and educational day!  Space is limited and students must pre-register for the event by visiting www.larcleecounty.org.  Through the generous support of the Arc of Florida and Vocational Rehabilitation there is no cost to participate and lunch is included.
Businesses, this is your chance to be a super hero and join other local businesses by providing a work station to help students learn about work opportunities in our community and gain insight into their own potential and be a part of the future workforce.  Mentors are also needed.  If you would like to be a mentor and help students compete and develop job skills, you could earn a $100 Visa gift card!  To register or learn more about Job-A-Palooza, visit www.larcleecounty.org or call Angela at (239) 334-6285 x 229.
“We could not be more excited about Job-A-Palooza,” said Angela Katz Development Director for LARC.  “Job-A-Palooza will be a demonstration in action of the potential individuals with disabilities represent for employers and give these students the opportunity to showcase their abilities.”
Job-A-Palooza is just one of the ways LARC helps people enter the workforce. The Employment Services Program offers job seekers guidance throughout the year, and ongoing support for those who are hired. Employment Specialists partner with businesses to discover and help create career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“LARC is a training center for success,” said Kevin Lewis, LARC Executive Director.  “When individuals receive the training and resources they need, capabilities naturally surface and lives change for the better.”
 
About LARC:
 Since 1954, LARC’s mission is to promote and provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work and participate in their communities to the fullest extent their capabilities allow.  LARC, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that has served thousands of local residents and families since inception, and serves over 300 individuals annually.  LARC offers vocational training, community residential services, community based services and an array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis. LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, and has a satellite campus in Bonita Springs.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.   For more information about LARC, visit www.larcleecounty.org or call 239-334-6285.
 
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 3, 2018) The Uncommon Friends Foundation recently held its annual board of directors retreat at Babcock Ranch and named its slate of officers for 2018-2019.
Marilyn Stout, City Council Member for District 3 of the City of Cape Coral was named president; Caryn Smith, CEO of Driven by Design LLC and Driven to Eat LLC d/b/a Moody River Grille was named vice president; Kerri Goldsmith, CFP, CRPS, Financial Planner, HBKS Wealth Advisors became secretary; Carlos Kelly, stockholder at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. was named treasurer; and Helena Dabrowski, Director of Finance, Sunshine Ace Hardware became immediate past president.
Twenty-eight board members, Foundation staff, and meeting facilitators attended the full-day annual retreat held at The Hatchery at Babcock Ranch to review the past year and make plans for the future. Dr. Eric Dent led the program on ethics. New board members Gary Eskin of Eskin Business Solutions and Jarrett Eady, chairman of the Lee County Black History Society and a Director of Diversity and Inclusion and AVID District Director of Lee County Schools, moderated breakout sessions during the day. Craig Randall, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Management at Florida Gulf Coast University was also assisting with breakout sessions. A speakers’ program is under development to complement the organization’s ethics agenda, a mainstay of its mission.
Uncommon Friends Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1993 and  dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders. Its mission is to promote character education in schools, business ethics in the workplace and historic preservation of the Burroughs Home and James Newton Archives. It is located at the historic, riverfront Burroughs Home & Gardens at 2505 First Street in downtown Fort Myers, Florida 33901. For more information about historic tours or garden weddings, please visit https://uncommonfriends.org/ or contact Executive Director Jennifer Nelson at 239-337-9503.

Fort Myers, Florida — Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. is pleased to announce that Attorneys Amanda Barritt, Thomas Gunderson, Russell Schropp and Robert Shearman were named to the 2018 Florida Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite.® To compile the list, Florida Trend asked actively practicing Florida attorneys to name the attorneys that they hold in highest regard, lawyers with whom they have personally worked and would recommend to others. The resulting list represents less than 1.2% of active Florida Bar members.
Barritt is Florida Bar Board Certified in Condominium & Planned Development Law and serves as Chair of the firm’s Condominium and Homeowners’ Associations Practice Group. She frequently speaks to condominium association management groups and writes on these topics on the Legal Scoop on Southwest Florida Real Estate blog. Barritt also holds the highest AV rating by Martindale Hubbell. She received her undergraduate degree from Auburn University and her law degree from Florida State University. Barritt may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 239-344-1108.
Gunderson is Florida Bar Board Certified in Real Estate Law and is Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. He uses his expertise to assist his clients with sophisticated commercial real estate development projects such as commercial subdivisions, apartment complexes, office buildings and shopping centers. Gunderson has been honored numerous times throughout his career by Florida Super Lawyers® magazine, as well as Best Lawyers in America®. He is also AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Gunderson received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his law degree from the University of Florida. He may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 239-344-1210.
Schropp is the firm’s Managing Stockholder and also serves as Chair of the Land Use & Environmental Law Department. He represents property owners before local, regional, state and federal agencies to obtain zoning and development approvals. Schropp has significant experience in multi-acre residential communities and other complex projects that may face environment issues associated with wetlands, flow ways and protected species. He has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers® magazine, Best Lawyers in America® and is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. Schropp received his undergraduate degree from Stetson University, his Master of Science Degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Florida State University, and his law degree from Florida State University. He may be reached at 239-344-1280 or via email at [email protected].
Shearman is Florida Bar Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Civil Mediator. He represents public and private entities with respect to constitutional claims, wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment matters. Shearman also represents law enforcement agencies and officers, as well as real estate professionals, in civil litigation and administrative actions. He frequently provides preventative harassment and discrimination training and lectures on employment law, real estate and tort litigation. Shearman has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers® magazine, Best Lawyers in America® and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He is co-chair of the 2018-2019 United Way Campaign. Shearman received his undergraduate degree from Emory University and his law degree from Florida State University. He may be reached at 239-344-1346 or via email at [email protected].
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, business and civil litigation, employment law, estate planning, family law, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, 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, Sanibel Island and Naples. For more information on Attorneys Barritt, Gunderson, Schropp or Shearman, please visit www.henlaw.com.
 
 

AUGUST 1, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) faculty members will showcase their 2017-2018 Academic Research Council (ARC) grant projects during an ARC event from 9 a.m. – noon on Thursday, Aug. 16, in Building AA-168, at the FSW Thomas Edison Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. The presentations can also be viewed digitally at the FSW Charlotte Campus, Building E, Room 105; the FSW Collier Campus, Building G, Room 109; and the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center, Building A, Room 114.
 
“The ARC grant was established in 2015 to support the innovative and creative scholarly projects and contributions of FSW’s faculty that positively impact the learning experiences of FSW’s students and community,” said Dr. Joseph van Gaalen, director, Assessment and Effectiveness. “FSW’s faculty are experts in their subject areas. Their commitment to research and to seek new knowledge in their areas of expertise provides motivation and a leading example for FSW students to continue seeking new knowledge for themselves.”
 
ARC project presentations begin at 9:30 a.m.
 
9:30 – 9:55 a.m.                       Sources of Color to San Carlos Bay: Changes in Dissolved Organic Matter and Chlorophyll a Content in a Shallow Estuary
Professor of Biological Science Dr. Michael Sauer and Professor of Biology Dr. Melanie Ulrich
 
10:00 – 10:25 a.m.                  Effectiveness of Online Virtual Nursing Leadership Experiences – Comparative Analysis
Professor of Nursing Margaret Kruger and Professor of Nursing Martha Jenner
 
10:30 – 10:55 a.m.                  Toxicity Evaluation of Food Additives
Professor of Biochemistry Dr. Gabriel Gaidos
 
11:15 – 11:40 a.m.                  The Digital Cavendish Project:  A Collaborative Scholarly Repository for the Study of Early Modern Women Writers
Professor of English Dr. Shawn Moore
 
11:45 – 12:10 p.m.                  Recovery of Useful Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Waste Water
Professor of Microbiology Dr. Michael Witty
 
For more information, contact Dr. van Gaalen at (239) 433-6965 or [email protected].