Member News

SUMMARY:
Joe Mitchell, president of Pool Pros, Inc of Fort Myers who introduced the Watch D.O.G.S. program to Lee County Schools in 2010, hopes January 12th basketball event will bring together engaged dads and students.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA (December 27, 2018) – This holiday season, children all around the U.S. are climbing over mountains of presents as the hysteria of holiday shopping has culminated with Christmas. But one local dad in Southwest Florida believes in the old adage “Children don’t want your presents. They want your presence.”
“Don’t get me wrong, my kids still love receiving gifts,” says Joe Mitchell. “But they love spending quality time with loved ones even more.”
Mitchell, a father of two, founder of Pools Pros, and community leader has learned from first-hand experience that most children appreciate spending time with positive role models. In 2010, he discovered a program called Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students). According to the organization’s website:
“WATCH D.O.G.S. is one of the nation’s largest and most respected school-based, family, and community engagement, organizations in the country. Since the program’s creation in 1998, more than 6,450 schools across the country have launched a WATCH D.O.G.S. program of their own. Each school year hundreds of thousands of fathers and father-figures make a positive impact on millions of children by volunteering millions of hours in their local schools through this amazing one-of-a-kind program. Who are WatchDOGS? Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer to serve at least one day a year in a variety of school activities as assigned by the school principal or other administrator.”
In 2010 Mitchell introduced the program to Heights Elementary school administrators who loved the idea and immediately got on board.
“My kids Stellen and Finley were in elementary school at the time and I wanted to spend more time with them,” said Mitchell. “As it turns out, I enjoyed spending time with lots of other kids at Heights Elementary. Greeting them in the car line, helping them with their straws at lunch-time, spending time assisting with PE and field days…there are so many things we get to help them with. It’s such a rewarding experience for both students and D.O.G.S.”
Mitchell’s children now attend Cypress Lake Middle School, which also has welcomed the program. it is especially effective for kids who just want a male they can talk to and those without fathers as positive male role models.
As of December 2018, the Watch D.O.G.S program has taken root in 13 schools in Lee County with financial assistance from the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce (also known as the Education Chamber). In addition, it has welcomed several honorary Watch D.O.G.S to the program including Mayor Randy Henderson, Sheriff Mike Scott, Robert Van Winkle of NBC-2 News, Superintendent of Lee County Schools Greg Adkins, Fort Myers High Athletic Director Carl McAloose, and former running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Earnest Graham, among others.
One way the program is encouraging local men to bond with kids is by partnering with the Florida SouthWestern State College Buccaneers at an event called Watch Dog Day at the Game on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
At the Suncoast Credit Union Arena, there will be a basketball double header featuring:

• FSW’s Women’s Basketball Team vs. Trinity College at 2pm and
• FSW’s Men’s Basketball Team vs. Victory Rock at 4pm

All dads and students are invited and are instructed to identify themselves at the ticket office to pick up complementary tickets.
ABOUT POOL PROS INC
Pool Pros is a swimming pool construction company based in Fort Myers, Florida. It’s founder, Joe Mitchell is the current president of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and community leader who: helps local students bring up their grades, awards scholarships to local athletes, helps raise funds for education, and sponsors an annual golf tournament to benefit the Education Chamber.
 

December 27, 2018, Fort Myers, Florida — The law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Attorney Richard Akin was elected a stockholder. Akin joined the firm in 2012 and is a member of the Tort & Insurance Litigation division.
Akin concentrates his litigation practice representing local municipalities, businesses, insurance companies and individuals in civil, employment and tort claims, including constitutional claims, premises liability, product liability, and motor vehicle accidents. He also represents businesses and individuals in administrative litigation, including licensing and permitting matters.
Akin also represents many Florida school boards (before both administrative and civil courts) in tort and special education matters under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, and representation in connection with Constitutional matters under the 1st, 4th and 14th Amendments.
Akin received his undergraduate and law degree from Florida State University. He may be reached at 239.344.1182, 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, 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, and Naples. For more information on Akin or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.
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Fort Myers, Fla (December 26, 2018) – In the spirit of giving, Offshore Sailing School CEO and President, Doris Colgate, announced that in honor of the company’s 55th Anniversary Year in 2019, and its 10th year of supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as national sponsors of its Leukemia Cup Regatta campaign, the company will launch a “Round-Up” campaign to benefit LLS in 2019.
“Offshore Sailing School company founder and my husband Steve Colgate and I, have supported LLS for years. Leukemia and other blood cancers have touched many we know, so our company and colleagues are committed to doing whatever we can to help this wonderful organization find cures for blood cancers,” Doris Colgate said.
To date, Offshore Sailing School has donated more than $140,000 to LLS and has supported hundreds of Leukemia Cup auction events by donating Offshore Sailing School course tuitions to raise additional funds over the past ten years.
Offshore Sailing School’s “Round-Up for LLS” campaign will run January 1 to November 30, 2019. Every student enrolling in an Offshore Sailing School course at one of the company’s six resort locations on Florida’s Gulf Coast or in the British Virgin Islands will be asked if they would like to “round-up” their enrollment fee, with the additional amount being donated on behalf of the student to LLS. The total contribution raised in 2019 will be presented to LLS at the Leukemia Cup Regatta’s annual “Fantasy Sail” weekend which Offshore Sailing School will sponsor at the Pink Shell Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach, Fla., in December. This celebration recognizes the nation’s top Leukemia Cup Regatta fundraisers, each raising more than $15,000 for research and services administered by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “The support by Offshore Sailing School is so deeply appreciated,” said Mary Siederer, senior director of campaign development for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “More and more people are surviving their battles against blood cancers, but we still need to do so much more to relegate these diseases to the history books.” For more information on supporting Leukemia Cup Regattas, visit www.leukemiacup.org.
In addition to this philanthropic effort during its 55^th Anniversary year, the company will hold a record six Colgate Sailing Adventures flotilla vacations in 2019 for its graduates and guests; will host the 19^th Annual Performance Race Week with NorthU at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Fla.; and will be Supporting Partner of the Hobie 16 World Championships taking place November 1-16 at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Fla.
Offshore Sailing School also continues to expand its fleet, recently adding a Fountaine Pajot 37 MY Power Catamaran, offering US Powerboating certification at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral, Fla. Joining the PowerCat and Colgate 26 in that marina will be a new Leopard 40 sailing catamaran in July 2019.
Offshore Sailing School was founded in 1964 by Olympian, America’s Cup Sailor and National Sailing Hall of Fame Inductee, Steve Colgate. The school provides a full range of sailing and boating instruction with US Sailing & Powerboat certification – from beginning sailing to racing, advanced cruising, and passage making – at six locations in Florida and the British Virgin Islands. Offshore Sailing School continues its decades-long commitment to the national Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by supporting 40 Leukemia Cup Regattas across the country and LLS Fantasy Sail weekends. The company also supports several other philanthropic causes and organizations located in the areas where its employees live, work and play.
For more information and hi-res images, contact Beth Oliver, Director of Sales and Marketing at 239-985-7516.

December 27, 2018, Fort Myers, FL: The Alliance for the Arts is only $1,865 shy of their end of year fundraising goal. The Alliance is  always working toward a better, brighter, more artful and peaceful southwest Florida and help from the community is crucial to making that happen. All donations made for the end of year campaign will be matched by the George and Mary Jo Sanders Foundation and Parker/ Mudgett/Smith Architects up to $10,000!
If you have not made a donation yet, please consider making a contribution before midnight on New Year’s Eve to help the Alliance for the Arts start of 2019 with a bang. If you have already given, thank you so much for your generosity!
For more information about the Alliance for the Arts, visit ArtInLee.org.
 
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Note to Media: An early Christmas present awaits the winner of tonight’s championship game at the 46^th annual Culligan City of Palms Classic. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.) and McEachern High School (Powder Springs, Ga.) will square off at 7:30 p.m. to wrap-up another year of outstanding high school hoops. But before the 7:30 tip in the 2018 final, plenty of other great action takes place throughout the day.
 
The day starts at 12:40 p.m. as Glens Falls High School (Glens Falls, N.Y.) takes on Brunswick High School (Brunswick, Ga.) in the Small Town Signature Series third-place game.
 
That’s followed at 2:20 p.m. by the Consolation final featuring Vashon High School (St. Louis, Mo.) and Immaculate Conception High School (Montclair, N.J.).
 
At 4:00 p.m. the fifth-place final between Olive Branch High School (Olive Branch, Miss.) and IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) tips off.
 
Then at 5:45 p.m. the Championship game of the Small Town Signature Series between La Crosse Central High School (La Crosse, Wis.) and Petal High School (Petal, Miss.) gets underway.
 
*Please note, due to various state regulations this a modified schedule from what was originally planned.
 
The Media Alert and logo are attached. We look forward to seeing you at today’s event.
 
WHAT: 46th Annual Culligan City of Palms Classic
 
WHEN: Today, 12:40 p.m. – 9 p.m.
 
WHERE: Suncoast Credit Union Arena, Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919
 
WHY: To bring the top high school basketball talent from across the nation to Southwest Florida
 
CONTACT: Josh Milton, CONRIC PR & Marketing, 239-690-9840, 518-338-5114 (cell), [email protected]
 
 

December 17, 2018, Fort Myers, FL: The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee (WIB) will host its January networking meeting from 4-6pm on Wednesday, January 9th in the center court at Bell Tower Shops, located at 13499 S Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. The program will feature a demonstration on whole food, plant-based cooking from Mark Blust, Vice President of Marketing and Operations for the Prawnbroker Restaurant Group and owner of Pretty Much a Vegan, based in Fort Myers.  Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to network with some incredible women in our community.
Each month, Women in Business features a non-profit spotlight and in January, Lee Adolescent Mothers Program (LAMP) will be highlighted. Attendees are asked to bring a donation to LAMP. Their wish-list includes personal hygiene products, laundry detergent, dish shop, diapers, baby wipes, and toddler and infant socks.
The Bell Tower Shops are the host and sponsor for the January Women in Business event. All business professionals are invited to attend. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with some incredible women in our community.
Admission is $10 for Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce (GFMCC) members and $20 for future members. To register, call (239) 332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org.
 
ABOUT WIB:
Part of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the Women in Business committee is dedicated to helping women achieve their fullest professional and personal potential.  A variety of networking and educational programs are offered throughout the year, typically the first Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
 
ABOUT GREATER FORT MYERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
Located at 2310 Edwards Drive in Downtown Fort Myers, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has been serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2018) – Florida Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis has turned to an experienced public servant to chair his Transition Advisory Committee on Government Operations. Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart will head a group of nearly three dozen community and business leaders from across the state. They’ll help ensure an efficient and responsible changeover as DeSantis prepares to take office on Jan. 8.
 
“I’m humbled to be chosen to lead this knowledgeable and accomplished team as we see to it that the most critical functions of government continue to serve the citizens of Florida,” Hart said. “As a fellow military veteran, I know Gov.-elect DeSantis will stay focused when it comes to what matters most to people. I’m proud to have his back during this important time.”
 
The committee Hart is chairing will also focus on finding ways to create an unburdensome regulatory environment and streamlining the process of doing business in Florida. Hart has spent the past six and a half years creating convenient, user-friendly ways for businesses and residents to access Tax Collector services.
 
“I’m looking forward to gaining valuable insight about the plans DeSantis and his team have for the state of Florida,” Hart said. “I can take that knowledge back with me to Lee County as I continue to serve our community as Tax Collector.”
 
The citizens of Lee County have twice elected Hart as Tax Collector following his appointment to the role by Gov. Rick Scott in 2012. Hart is an Air Force veteran, FBI National Academy graduate and former police chief of the City of Fort Myers. He served as president of the Florida Tax Collector’s Association, developing strong working relationships with various state agencies.
 
Visit leetc.com to see Hart’s full bio and desantistransition.com to see the full list of committee members.
 
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., December 18, 2018 – Residents who attended the Christmas Carol Sing at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers Tuesday (December 11) contributed plenty of food and funds to help The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative feed the hungry in Southwest Florida.
In excess of 1,200 pounds of non-perishable food along with generous financial contributions were collected at the 28th Annual Christmas Carol Sing, which  was sponsored and organized by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.  The contributions will help support families in need during the holidays, according to event organizers.
“It is so gratifying to see our community coming together to help those less fortunate, especially during these economic times.  The need has never been greater,” said event founder Sam Galloway, Jr.
About 1,200 people attended the three performances, which featured a sing-a-long with the First Presbyterian Church Choir, special guest soloists, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
In addition to the Christmas Carol Sing, the Galloway Family of Dealerships also annually sponsors Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, to be held February 5, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church. Both events benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative, which was founded by First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers along with other churches in 1984.
The Christmas Carol Sing and Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing are major sources of support for Community Cooperative, which works to end hunger and homelessness in Lee County. Community Cooperative is an innovative nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in our community. The agency provides more than 16,000 meals each month through its Community Cafes, Community Market, and Community & School Mobile Pantries as well as Meals on Wheels programs and offers homeless and comprehensive case management services through its Social & Education Resource Centers.  A proud United Way partner, Community Cooperative serves Fort Myers and the greater Lee County area, including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Fort Myers Beach.
For more information about Community Cooperative, call (239) 332-SOUP or visit www.communitycooperative.com.  For more information about First Presbyterian Church, call (239) 334-2261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org.

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Dec. 17, 2018) – Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is launching a free Dealer School to prepare candidates for available career opportunities in its Table Games department.
Dealer School classes will run for eight to 10 weeks starting in 2019; class times are yet to be determined. Candidates must be able to pass a basic math assessment, successfully complete the interview process, be proficient in English, and demonstrate exceptional guest service skills.
Applications for Dealer School can be submitted online at www.gotoworkhappy.com.
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, 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 recently renovated EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife 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. 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 private cabanas, 24-hour fitness studio and free Wi-Fi.
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 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/.