Member News

Florida Hosts Competition to Remove Invasive Pythons from America’s Everglades
Today, the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl officially kicked off in South Florida with more than 550 people registered for the competition to remove as many pythons from the wild as possible. Native to Southeast Asia, pythons pose a significant threat to Florida’s native wildlife.
Under the direction of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) have teamed up with the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and other partners to support the Committee’s Ocean to Everglades (O2E) initiative, which features the Python Bowl.
“Today kicks off the 2020 Python Bowl, where participants will head into the Everglades to remove invasive Burmese pythons,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am hopeful the Python Bowl brings much-needed public awareness and engagement on this critical issue: pythons are severely disrupting natural food chains and continue to threaten endangered species.”
This Python Bowl is just one facet of the overall rescue mission to protect the native wildlife of the Everglades from the invasive Burmese python,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee. “The Miami Super Bowl Host Committee is privileged to work with the State of Florida to bring much-needed public attention to this important issue.”
Starting today, participants in the 10-day Python Bowl begin removing Burmese pythons from the Everglades for a chance to win prizes for removing these nonnative constrictors from public lands in South Florida.
Participants who remove the most pythons in the “Pro” and “Rookie” category will win a Tracker 570 Off Road ATV, provided by Bass Pro Shops. Those who remove the longest snake and heaviest snakes in each category will be awarded a cash prize. More details about prizing is available at FLPythonChallenge.org.
Every participant who turns in at least one python as part of the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl will be eligible for a random drawing for additional prizes including cash and python skin items. Active duty military personnel and veterans who register for the competition will be eligible for additional prizes.
Prize winners will be announced at the Python Bowl awards ceremony on Jan. 25 at the Super Bowl Live event at Bayfront Park in Miami. Participants must be present to win, and the general public is welcome to attend the free event.
“We are grateful for the support from Governor DeSantis and our many partners including the South Florida Water Management District, our sponsors Bass Pro Shops and the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation and the members of the public who have stepped up to help us to remove these invasive snakes,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “It definitely takes a team to tackle this important conservation issue.”
“We are taking aggressive action to restore the Everglades and eliminate invasive pythons from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem,” said SFWMD Executive Director Drew Bartlett. “The South Florida Water Management District, the FWC and many other partners have removed more than 9,700 pythons from the state of Florida. With the public’s help and partnerships with FWC and the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, we’ll have record success during the Florida Python Challenge. We’re proud to kick off the Florida Python Challenge today and appreciate Governor DeSantis and our partners for their strong commitment to Everglades restoration.”
It’s not too late! People interested in taking part in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl can still register at FLPythonChallenge.org. A registration fee of $25 and an online training course are required.
The Florida Python Challenge 2020 Python Bowl is hosted by the FWC and the SFWD. Prizes will be awarded by the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida with funding and prizes provided by Bass Pro Shops and Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation. For a complete list of rules, prizes, training or registration information, visit FLPythonChallenge.org.
About invasive Burmese pythons
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species. Wildlife biologists believe Burmese pythons were originally introduced into South Florida as a result of the pet trade. These constrictor snakes are originally from Southeast Asia and thrive in the Everglades ecosystem, an area similar to their native habitat. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. In 2017, the State of Florida created paid removal programs and has successfully removed more than 3,500 pythons to date. Under the leadership of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the state has more than doubled its resources to move the harmful pythons from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.

Full-day of professional development for PR, marketing and communication professionals to be held Feb. 21, 2019
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 9, 2020) –  The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is bringing its annual professional development conference to Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s event “PR University 20/20: Focus on Best Practices” will include presentations on crisis communications, internal communications, social media, working with influencers and more. PR University sponsors include CONRIC PR & Marketing, iPartnerMedia, LCEC and M&M Multimedia.
PR University is open to the public and provides seasoned and young professionals, business owners, and anyone who communicates to internal or external customers, real-world tools they can use in their daily work. Attendees will gain clarity and insight into today’s changing marketplace and enhance their communication skills to effectively integrate new media with traditional communication elements. Professionals accredited with their APR earn two continuing education points toward maintenance requirements.
Speakers for PR University include Mary Briggs, APR, CPRC, System Director, Strategic Communications & Public Relations, Lee Health; Betsy Clayton, APR, Director of Communications, Lee County Government; Ana Hoyos, Area Director – Southeast U.S. and Latin America, Meltwater; Lonny Kocina, CEO, Media Relations, Inc.; Kristin McClement, Director, Public Relations and Social Marketing, Chico’s FAS; Alyson Seligman, Owner/President, SBS Agency; and Breanne Winter, CEO and Training Specialist, Speak Up Consulting & Coaching.
Along with presentations from a lineup of dynamic speakers, PR University offers valuable education, professional development and networking opportunities.
Early registration is open now through Jan. 31 and is $75 for FPRA members, $95 for future members and $55 for students. The price after early registration closes is $99 for FPRA members, $129 for future members and $65 for students. Event registration closes Feb. 14. For more information and to register to attend, go to the events page at fpraswfl.org.
DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2456787384640636/ 
PR University banner: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oK5B8PCveoDpFYUbA46L3eM8cTyBdQCK/view?usp=sharing 
FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ntc8iEQPeRDORU6HR0BjBw9UAoxlV_zg/view?usp=sharing
About Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, the Florida Public Relations Association is the oldest public relations organization in the United States. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to programs and activities that enhance the success of public relations professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For information about upcoming events or to become an FPRA member, please visit www.fpraswfl.org or www.facebook.com/FPRASWFL.
 

Full-day of professional development for PR, marketing and communication professionals to be held Feb. 21, 2019
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 9, 2020) –  The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is bringing its annual professional development conference to Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s event “PR University 20/20: Focus on Best Practices” will include presentations on crisis communications, internal communications, social media, working with influencers and more. PR University sponsors include CONRIC PR & Marketing, iPartnerMedia, LCEC and M&M Multimedia.
PR University is open to the public and provides seasoned and young professionals, business owners, and anyone who communicates to internal or external customers, real-world tools they can use in their daily work. Attendees will gain clarity and insight into today’s changing marketplace and enhance their communication skills to effectively integrate new media with traditional communication elements. Professionals accredited with their APR earn two continuing education points toward maintenance requirements.
Speakers for PR University include Mary Briggs, APR, CPRC, System Director, Strategic Communications & Public Relations, Lee Health; Betsy Clayton, APR, Director of Communications, Lee County Government; Ana Hoyos, Area Director – Southeast U.S. and Latin America, Meltwater; Lonny Kocina, CEO, Media Relations, Inc.; Kristin McClement, Director, Public Relations and Social Marketing, Chico’s FAS; Alyson Seligman, Owner/President, SBS Agency; and Breanne Winter, CEO and Training Specialist, Speak Up Consulting & Coaching.
Along with presentations from a lineup of dynamic speakers, PR University offers valuable education, professional development and networking opportunities.
Early registration is open now through Jan. 31 and is $75 for FPRA members, $95 for future members and $55 for students. The price after early registration closes is $99 for FPRA members, $129 for future members and $65 for students. Event registration closes Feb. 14. For more information and to register to attend, go to the events page at fpraswfl.org.
 
DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2456787384640636/ 
PR University banner: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oK5B8PCveoDpFYUbA46L3eM8cTyBdQCK/view?usp=sharing 
 
FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ntc8iEQPeRDORU6HR0BjBw9UAoxlV_zg/view?usp=sharing
About Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, the Florida Public Relations Association is the oldest public relations organization in the United States. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to programs and activities that enhance the success of public relations professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For information about upcoming events or to become an FPRA member, please visit www.fpraswfl.org or www.facebook.com/FPRASWFL.

FORT MYERS, FL (January 9, 2020) – In light of recent events, The Laboratory Theater of Florida is hosting a Community Holocaust Remembrance January 27th at 7 pm.
This is a solidarity-focused event to unite residents and visitors to remember the Holocaust and reflect on atrocities committed based on fear, hatred, and ignorance.
A Holocaust survivor will be joined by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian religious leaders and laypeople who will share their thoughts and experiences with patrons who will have the opportunity to not only remember, but learn and connect with others of similar and varying faiths. Attendees will have the opportunity to light an LED candle in remembrance of those whose lives were lost or forever altered by the Holocaust.
Philosopher George Santayana once remarked that “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The Laboratory Theater of Florida has earned a rare endorsement from the Florida Holocaust Museum for its efforts to ensure that these stories are told and retold in a manner that encourages unity and not discord.
Lab Theater board member Ella Nayor will moderate the discussion. Ella is a noted author and freelance journalist dedicated to inspiring change and raising awareness of just how connected we truly are in the universe.
This is a free event, with collected donations benefitting the Florida Holocaust Museum.
Reserve a seat by calling the box office at 239-218-0481.
 
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

FORT MYERS, FL (January 9, 2019) – New York director, acting coach, and Sanford Meisner-alum Steven Ditmyer will offer both a workshop and a Meisner Level One certification course at The Laboratory Theater of Florida. The 3-hour Meisner taster workshop will be January 25th from 2 – 5 pm at the theater. The 20-hour certification course will be held over 4 days, Feb. 1, 2, 8, and 9, from noon until 5 pm each day.
As an actor, Steven has worked with the likes of Al Pacino, Arthur Miller, Tony Randall, Ron Rifkin, Sam Waterson, Dianne Wiest, and more. As a director, he has worked with Alec Baldwin, Charles Durning, Jack Klugman, and many more. This spring he will be directing Sarah Ruhl’s How to Transcend a Happy Marriage at The Laboratory Theater of Florida.
The Meisner Technique is a foundational part of acting. Sanford Meisner said, “Acting is the ability to live truthfully under given imaginary circumstances.” It is one of the systemic and complete acting techniques in the western world. This technique not only changes the way the actor responds to other actors on stage but in every aspect of character development.
The 3-hour Meisner taster workshop will give actors 18 and up an in-depth glimpse into the Meisner method, which espouses living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.
Thanks to the support of generous sponsors, and as part of the Lab’s community outreach program, The Lab is able to offer this workshop for $10. Seating is limited.
The 4-day, 20-hour Meisner Level One certification course will be held from noon – 5 pm on Feb. 1, 2, 8, and 9th. Participants must attend all sessions to receive certification. This course is open to actors of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, ages 18 and up.
Workshop: January 25, 2 pm – 5 pm, $10
Course: February 1, 2, 8, 9 noon – 5 pm. $325 for non-members, $250 for Lab members.
Tickets are available to purchase by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may purchase an annual membership.
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.
 
 

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Free basic sign language class for families begins Jan. 14

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2020) – The Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center (DHHC) received a $2,500 grant from the Cape Coral Community Foundation to help support the family ASL classes, which re-start Jan. 14 after a holiday break.

To apply for the grant, DHHC created a 45-second video explaining the need for the classes, pointing out that parents in three out of four households with a deaf child do not know sign language, meaning that 75% of households with deaf children have no communication with their child at home.

“Our goal is to help families bridge this gap by instilling the skills they need to communicate effectively,” said Alicia Miller, executive director of the center. “With the help of the Cape Coral Community Foundation, we are thrilled to extend this learning opportunity to more and more families within our community.”

DHHC offers free weekly American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture instruction for families with deaf or hard of hearing children. The sessions, which resume Jan. 14, are free every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the school year at the center located at 1860 Boy Scout Drive in Fort Myers.

The family sessions are led by a parent of a deaf child and are designed to help parents and siblings learn basic ASL to understand the needs of their deaf or hard of hearing family member.

Parents learn basic communication and sign language, deaf culture and the struggles of raising a deaf child. Siblings play and learn to communicate with their sibling with sign language. Families come together at the end of each session to practice what they learned. Guest speakers, such as other hearing parents who have had success raising their deaf child and learning sign language or teachers who talk about educating deaf children, are sometimes scheduled. Families are encouraged to attend the sessions as often as they like, as education is ongoing.

The center also offers five-week ASL classes for adults, with the next beginning session starting Monday, Feb. 10. DHHC uses “Signing Naturally” curriculum, designed to introduce ASL to aid in communication with the deaf and hard of hearing community and educate those who may be losing their hearing. Classes are $75 for a five-week course, with discounts for the hard of hearing and immediate family members of a deaf person. Classes for the deaf are offered for free.

For information, call 239-461-0334 voice phone, 239-247-5821 video phone. For information on classes, visit dhhc.life/asl-classes.

About Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center

Founded in 1983 as The Deaf Service Center, the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center is the only organization of its kind in Southwest Florida specifically working to improve the quality of life for the deaf and hard of hearing citizens and their families through education, advocacy and community involvement. A wide range of services are offered to deaf and hard of hearing children and adults of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades and DeSoto counties, including interpreting services, free telephone equipment loans, deaf mentor program, American Sign Language classes, information and referral services, employment assistance, family education, community outreach and education, and adaptive equipment sales. For information, call 239-461-0334 voice phone, 239-247-5821 video phone, or visit www.dhhc.life.

SUMMARY: Local pest control company, Larue Pest Management has announced that they will be Golden Heart Annual Sponsors of Our Mother’s Home to help support their goal of raising $220,000 in 2020.
Fort Myers, FL – (January 6, 2020) – Larue Pest Management, a local, family owned pest control company, announced today that they will be Golden Heart Annual Sponsors of Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida. Over the last 20 years, Our Mother’s Home has allowed hundreds of foster girls (ages 12-21) who have become pregnant the opportunity to raise their own children, while learning the life skills necessary to be successful adults.
This isn’t the first year that Larue has supported Our Mother’s Home, but learning of the home’s goal of raising $220,000 in 2020 in honor of their 20th anniversary prompted them commit even more this year, and hopefully inspire others to offer their support as well.
“As a board member of Our Mother’s Home, I’m very aware of the life changing work that they do for children in our community, as well as the financial responsibility that goes along with it. Our Mother’s Home raises 60% of its own funding and supporting up to 8 teenage girls and their babies under one roof can be quite expensive.” stated Marin Asher, Marketing Director at Larue Pest Management. “I feel blessed to work for a company that values Our Mother’s Home’s mission enough to focus their annual giving on them this year.”
As a Golden Heart Annual Sponsor, Larue will support all of Our Mother’s Home’s major fundraising events during 2020 including:

• Our Mother’s Home’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on January 25th at The Plantation Golf & Country Club
• The 4th Annual Chair-A-Tea Party on March 20th at the Bonita Bay Club
• A Family Fun Fishing Day on April 4th at Marlins Brewhouse
• The 5th Annual Young Women on the Rise on September 18 at Keiser University

For more information about how you or your business can get involved by sponsoring, volunteering or attending any of these events, visit www.ourmothershome.com.
About Larue Pest Management, Inc.
Since 1978, Larue Pest Management, Inc. has been offering lawn care and pest control in Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel, Cape Coral and all of Lee, Collier, Hendry and Charlotte counties. Larue’s pest control services offer year-round pest prevention, including termite, bed bug, mosquito and ant control for homes and businesses. Their tree, shrub and lawn care services deliver the proper nutrients to keep landscapes healthy during dry or rainy seasons.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2020) – SWFL Children’s Charities’ 2020 Child Artist, Eleanor “Ellie” O’Neal was born at just 23 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 pound, 3 ounces. A “micro-preemie,” Ellie was born while still inside her amniotic sac, which likely protected her during her unexpected, early arrival.

“You picture yourself holding your newborn in the hospital, but it would be 37 days until I could hold Ellie,” said her mother, Christine O’Neal. “Throughout her stay, I was at her side, and the Golisano Children’s Hospital NICU became our new normal.”

Ellie experienced complications not uncommon for a micro-preemie. She suffered a brain bleed and a diagnosis of aggressive Retinopathy of Prematurity, or ROP for short. The lower the gestational age and birthweight, the greater the risk of severe, sight-threatening disease or blindness from ROP.

This grim outlook didn’t stop Dr. Jessica Kovarik, pediatric ophthalmologist at Golisano Children’s Hospital, from doing her best to save Ellie’s sight. Without treatment, there’s a 50% chance of blindness.

“In the 80s, babies with ROP would go blind,” said Dr. Kovarik. “Now, if we catch the disease early and immediately start treatment, we can save a child’s sight.”

Ellie’s case was serious, requiring injections in both eyes to stop the “bad” blood cells from growing and causing the retina to detach. Initially, she responded well, but then it recurred, requiring a second injection and eventually, surgery.

Some form of vision impairment was expected. Once again, Ellie defied the odds and today, she enjoys full vision.

“Despite everything, her vision is normal,” said Dr. Kovarik. “And that’s a miracle, considering how early she was born.”

“The fight in this little girl is so strong – she’s a warrior,” her dad said, through tears. “Look out world, between her stubbornness and tenacity, I’m confident she will do something amazing.”

As SWFL Children’s Charities’ 2020 Child Artist, Ellie created a one-of-a-kind piece of art, a painting that reflects the beautiful colors that she now sees thanks to the care she received at Golisano Children’s Hospital. NBC-2’s morning news anchor Rachel Pierce generously donated her time and expertise as the 2020 Art Mentor, working with Ellie to create “Do You See What I See?” The vibrant painting will be featured during the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, where auction-goers can raise their paddles in support of Ellie and her artwork. Bids for the artwork will start at $5,000, and the 2018 child art raised $150,000. Traditionally, the works are then donated back to the hospital, where they are displayed for patients, families, visitors and staff to enjoy.

The child artist program has raised more than $1.2 million over 11 years to benefit pediatric care at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, the only children’s hospital to serve the five-county region.

Celebrating its 12^th year, the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place Feb. 21-22, 2020. The two-day signature event, themed “Painting a Difference: Putting Kids First,” will feature Chef Vintner Dinners on Friday, Feb. 21, creatively hosted in private luxury venues across the region, followed The Grand Tasting and Live Auction on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. Each day, guests will experience artful cuisine created by celebrated chefs and expertly paired with vintners from some of the finest and most exclusive wineries.

To learn more about the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, please visit www.swflwinefest.org.

About SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.

SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has donated nearly $23 million over the past 11 years in support of children’s health initiatives. The 2020 event will support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital, as well as pediatric health care educational programs at Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2020) – Shell Point Retirement Community continues the Southwest Florida Symphony installation of its 2019-2020 Fine and Performing Arts Series with a performance of “Stradi-Various” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23 at The Village Church on The Island at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd. in Fort Myers. Tickets for this event cost $25 and can be purchased online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239-454-2067.

Maestro Nir Kabaretti will conduct the Southwest Florida Symphony’s Stradi-Various, along with violinist and guest artist Gilles Apap. The performance will feature a repertoire that extends far beyond classical horizons with country, bluegrass, Irish folk tunes, Gypsy-Roma melodies and much more.

In addition to Gilles Apap, this concert will proudly feature the 2018 Jillian Prescott Scholarship Competition winner, violinist Caroline Sikuta, in Bach’s “Concerto for Two Violins.”

About Shell Point Retirement Community

Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, and other recreational and educational activities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.