Member News

Fort Myers (Dec. 14, 2022) – Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC, attorneys Danielle L. Seitz, Evan D. Lubell, Franklyn J. Aloia Jr., Jack C. Morgan and Ty G. Roland were recently honored on the coveted Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Since 2006, the Super Lawyers publication has recognized attorneys throughout Florida for outstanding work in various legal practices in two categories:  Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Attorneys are selected through a multiphase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation.

The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in Florida, while only 2.5 percent of attorneys are honored as Rising Stars where the requirements are to be age 40 or younger, or in practice for less than 10 years.

From serious injury and wrongful death cases to construction litigation, estate planning and family law, the Aloia|Roland partners are recognized as exceptional trial attorneys and dedicated members of the legal community, and they are no strangers to the Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Seitz was honored for the sixth straight year in the Rising Stars category for her work as a Family Law attorney. Lubell and Roland made the Super Lawyers list, both honored in the Personal Injury: Plaintiff category. Aloia also made the Super Lawyers list for the third straight year in the Real Estate category. Morgan collected his fourth straight Super Lawyers recognition, honored in the Business Litigation category.

About Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC

Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan is a full-service law firm with practice areas in business and real estate law, commercial litigation, personal injury and wrongful death, civil litigation, family law, estate planning and probate. Established in 2004 and led by senior partners Frank Aloia, Jr., Ty Roland, Evan Lubell, Jack Morgan along with partners Danielle Levy Seitz, Jonathan Martin and Scott Hertz, the firm has deep roots in Southwest Florida, proudly serving its community. Aloia Roland is headquartered at 2222 Second Street in downtown Fort Myers. Learn more at www.LawDefined.com or call (239) 791-7950.

SAVE THE DATE-Build a Home!

Join us for a day filled with Family Fun on Saturday, December 17th, 2022 11 am-3 pm

Your admission will go to the Nature Park Rebuilding Fund! You can be a part of this Hurricane Ian relief. Your admission includes Free Carousel Ride, Free Mini Golf, and a Free Future Voucher for Nature Park Admission PLUS Close Encounters with Hootie the owl and some of her friends. Bring the entire family!
Adult admission is only $10 Kids 12 & under are only $5

Interested in being a sponsor?

We are offering some great opportunities for businesses to support the Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation & can be deductible through our 501(c)3 foundation
Your help will build homes that were destroyed in Hurricane Ian’s wake and enrich our wildlife for you & your family to enjoy for years to come!

Let’s Celebrate together! We’ll Bring in the New Year in Style!

Saturday, December 31st, 2022 5pm-9pm
✨Early Bird Ball Drop✨
Special New Year’s Eve Menu & Champagne served at Ball Drop

Then join us on January 1st, 2023 for our Famous Hair of the Dog Party!

We’ll help your hangover with a Special Cure, a Special Menu & of course
Bloody Mary Specials!

February 5th, 2023 11 am-6 pm
Come out for our Biggest Party of the year!
21st Annual Gumbo Fest
(If you’ve been here before then you know!!)
Free Admission-Authentic Zydeco Music by the Famous Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers “Straight from New Orleans!
& The Porchdogs- Spicy Accordion Driven Music
Dancing-Authentic Gumbo Dishes Served & Amazing Food Trucks
Ice Cold Beer-Beverages & Cocktails(for Purchase)
All proceeds benefit
The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation 501(c)3

www.shellfactory.com
239-995-2141

The Shell Factory and Nature Park | 16554 N. Cleveland Avenue, North Fort Myers, FL 33903

HOUSE A GUEST ARTIST

Have you ever wondered what our stars are like when they aren’t on stage at Barbara B. Mann PAH?

We are looking for hosts for our stage performers and some of our guest musicians. Each year we have a cast of professionals from out of town that help make these shows a success, and we really need your assistance. Our artist hosts help the Symphony save thousands of dollars in hotel bills.

Housing an artist is a special experience and a way to get to know these talented professionals in a whole new way. Previous hosts have told us how memorable and thrilling an experience it was for them, and the life-long friendships they have created. Further, a host gets 2 free tickets to the show (or any concert of your choice!).

A host must be able to provide a private room with ideally a private bathroom.

Cast members are self sufficient, and are away much of the day/night in rehearsals! Cast members generally arrive two weeks before the show.

If you can help out, or know someone who might, please have them CLICK ON THIS LINK and fill out our housing volunteer form.

Thank you in advance!

Maestro Andrew Kurtz

Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

January 14 | 7:30
Music & Arts Community Center
13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers

Symphony No. 3 in G minor, by Louise Farrenc is the final symphony she composed. It was critically praised at its premiere in Paris in 1847 and remains the best known and most appreciated of her symphonies. Contemporary music journalists compare it to the symphonies of Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann.

Discover this delightful symphony with the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra!

Tickets start from $35!

About the Composer

Louise Farrenc

Louise Farrenc (May 31, 1804 – September 15, 1875) was a French composer, virtuoso pianist and teacher.

For more information about the concert visit our website.

239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org

Follow us on our social media for more updates

Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

Meeting Notice
Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings and events in the next three weeks. For a list of all upcoming meetings, check out our Meeting Calendar. Meeting agendas are available at least seven days in advance.

Meeting format varies for each meeting, and some meetings may be in-person only, virtual only, or a hybrid of both formats.
Take note of upcoming SFWMD public meetings

What: East Coast Surficial Model (ECSM) Peer Review Meeting
When: December 13 at 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Information

What: Quarterly Meeting of the Everglades Technical Oversight Committee
When: December 13 at 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Information

Many SFWMD meetings are conducted via Zoom, a free online meeting tool. You can learn more about attending a Zoom meeting and even run a test on your computer, tablet or smart phone. Please note, you must have the latest version of Zoom to attend SFWMD meetings conducted on Zoom.

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.

South Florida Water Management District · 3301 Gun Club Road · West Palm Beach, FL · 33406

GIVE THE GIFT of
Lifelong Learning
this Season!

New LIFELONG LEARNING Session starts in January!

Please join us and sign-up TODAY!

Check out our website for more details:
Leeschools.net/lifelonglearning

Hurry and reserve your spot:
click on each link to register.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
@Cape Coral High School
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/478534348117

ACADEMIC WRITING CLASS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/423704781407

ACRYLIC PAINTING TECHNIQUES
@Cypress Lake High School
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/427128862927

CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH for EXPERIENCED LEARNERS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/423685774557

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH for BEGINNERS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/465041891817

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH for EXPERIENCED LEARNERS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/461122739527

CONVERSATIONAL PORTUGUESE for BEGINNERS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/478575240427

CREATIVE WRITING CLASS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/399524547677

IT FEELS GOOD TO FEEL GOOD! WELLNESS CLASS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/421376367057

LET’S GET FIT!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/478506384477

MICROSOFT OFFICE BASICS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/425106584237

INTERMEDIATE MICROSOFT EXCEL CLASS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/425111860017

SMOKIN’ HOT BBQ-PREPPING.SMOKING.EATING  *NEW*
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/425719367087

UKULELE CLASS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/427190627667

US CITIZENSHIP CIVICS TEST PREP COURSE
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/464430523197

If you have any QUESTIONS please contact Marliss Brockington
at 239.939.6321 or [email protected]

SFWMD Celebrates Ground Breaking to Support Everglades Restoration and Mitigate Flooding

Key Restoration Project Supports Florida’s Enhanced Efforts to Restore America’s Everglades and Mitigate Flooding in Nearby Communities

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Today, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers joined other federal, state, and local officials as well as stakeholders to break ground on the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) New Water Seepage Barrier Wall Project, which extends the successful underground wall that was built as part of the 8.5 Square Mile Area Seepage Wall Project.
The project supports ongoing restoration efforts to move water south through the Everglades and into Florida Bay while mitigating potential flooding impacts in communities outside of Everglades National Park.
“With the strong support and resources from Gov. Ron DeSantis, the South Florida Water Management District is committed to advancing Everglades restoration,” said “Alligator Ron” Bergeron, South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member. “We completed Phase I of this project in September, and now just three months later, we are now breaking ground on the next phase that helps keep even more water in Everglades National Park.  Thank you to our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for working with us to expedite this project to benefit the global Everglades. Long live the Everglades!”

“The Everglades Foundation commends Governor Ron DeSantis and the South Florida Water Management District for continuing to advance important Everglades projects,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation. “This seepage wall is essential to keeping water in Everglades National Park while protecting adjacent neighborhoods. This feature will also allow us to send water south to Florida Bay where it belongs.”
“Moving more water south through the Everglades to Florida Bay supports overall Everglades restoration goals,” said Adam Blalock, DEP Deputy Secretary for Ecosystem Restoration. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the steadfast work of our partners, we are able to continue our forward momentum with critical projects like this, that will not only mitigate flooding in a portion of the Las Palmas community, but it will also prevent water from leaking (seeping) out of Everglades National Park.”

“We are excited to be partners with the South Florida Water Management District on the first substantial project for CEPP New Water,” said Lt. Col. Todd Polk, the Deputy Commander for South Florida for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District. “This will make it possible for us to deliver additional water south across Tamiami Trail.”

“Today’s groundbreaking of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) New Water Seepage Barrier Wall marks another meaningful step forward in our journey to restore America’s Everglades,” said Cara Capp, Senior Everglades Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association. “This underground infrastructure will keep more clean water in the Everglades – particularly in the dry season when it is desperately needed. Park advocates look forward to the day when the benefits of multi-billion dollar investments in ecosystem restoration can be fully realized and clean water flows south to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.”
The CEPP New Water Seepage Barrier Wall Project adds five miles of underground seepage wall along the L-357 Levee. SFWMD completed the 2.3-mile first phase of the wall earlier this year and the project is already demonstrating success. During heavy rain events, water that typically would flood communities remained inside Everglades National Park to support the park’s historic hydrology.

By supporting restoration flows of water through the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, the new underground wall supports the Combined Operating Plan (COP) and new infrastructure being put in place throughout the Everglades that delivers more water into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay—two key areas that need increased flows of water.

Since Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 19-12 in January 2019, the South Florida Water Management District received record state investments to advance Everglades restoration and infrastructure projects while improving water quality and management. Florida continues demonstrating historic progress on several key priority ecosystem restoration projects including the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project.

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.

South Florida Water Management District · 3301 Gun Club Road · West Palm Beach, FL · 33406

Arts for ACT Gala & Auction scheduled for March 4

Come dressed as your favorite classic TV character and

enjoy a Night in TV Land to support a violence-free community

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2022) — Hurricane Ian may have pushed the date, but the 34th annual Arts for ACT Gala and Auction is coming back stronger than ever! Southwest Florida is resilient and the excitement for this event has only grown! Back in person for the first time since the pandemic, Arts for ACT is stepping back in time to enjoy A Night in TV Land on March 4, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. This signature community event will throw back to some of the greatest classics ever made for an evening of fun and fundraising. Dress as your favorite TV character of yesteryear. Whether you come as Fonzie from Happy Days, Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie, or Fred and Wilma from the Flintstones, come on out to have some fun, win some prizes and help us set the stage for zero tolerance of abuse and support our local survivors.

“Our mission is to protect and empower victims of abuse in our community, and the Arts for ACT Gala helps raise the critical funds necessary to do just that,” says Jennifer L. Benton, CEO of Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT). “There is an increased rate of violence because of the pandemic, doubling requests for our services and creating more obstacles for victims in our community. That’s why it means a lot to us to be able to host an in-person event and bring the entire community together to show survivors how many people truly care about them and their children.” 

This must-attend who’s who annual charity event is chaired by Marc Collins and Marilyn Santiago. The highly anticipated live art and luxury item auction will be led by renowned auctioneer Scott Robertson, with Master of Ceremonies, Kellie Burns, Evening Anchor, NBC2. Prizes include luxury excursions, hotel stays, and art donated by many award-winning local, national, and international artists. The silent auction will be filled with other wonderful items thanks to the generous contributions of local business owners.

Reserve your seats or VIP table and come dance the night away with friends, join in the costume contest, sip cocktails, dine, and bid on your favorite items. You may want to try a Dreamsicle, the signature drink of the night sponsored by Millennial Brewing.

Arts for ACT is sponsored in part by First Horizon Foundation; Fort Myers Auto Park; Florida Weekly; The Bireley Foundation; CONRIC pr + marketing; Diamond Girl Marketing; Blue Waters Development Group, LLC; Garramone Plastic Surgery Studio; Gulfshore Life; Harold’s Restaurant; Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Millennial Brewing Company. Proceeds from the event go directly to support ACT’s free, safe and confidential services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Tickets can be purchased online at https://event.gives/artsforact2022. The pre-show starts at 5:30 p.m., and the live auction begins at 7 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite TV character’s costume or semi-formal attire. Check out the event on Facebook, or contact CEO Jennifer Benton at 239-939-2553 or [email protected] to donate, become a sponsor, or learn more. In the words of the Golden Girls, “Thank you for being a friend!”

About Arts for ACT 

Since 1974, ACT’s mission has been to protect, support, educate, and empower victims of domestic violence and their children, survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. ACT provides 100% free, safe, and confidential services; it all starts with a call to ACT’s 24/7 Helpline: 239-939-3112. Visit www.actabuse.com to learn more. 

(Fort Myers, FL – December 12, 2022)  – Emery Lowden has been named Programs and Volunteer Coordinator at The Heights Center.  The organization works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers.  Lowden will coordinate and oversee all volunteer activities at The Heights Center, including recruiting, interviewing, and hiring volunteers and placing volunteers in roles.  She is responsible for staffing outreach events at The Heights Center, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Back to School. She’ll also be responsible for continuing programs, including GED and ESL tutoring, as well as implementing new programs as community needs change.

“Emery is passionate about the work we do in the Harlem Heights community,” said Kathryn Kelly, founder and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center.  “We are excited that she joined our team and will help us grow our programs and volunteers.”

Before joining The Heights Center, Lowden worked as a meeting and events coordinator and as an administrative and events assistant for non-profit organizations on Sanibel and Captiva.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Entrepreneurship at Florida State University, where she graduated Cum Laude. After graduating, she worked in Rome, Italy as a live-in nanny. She previously served as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Tallahassee and is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva.

For more information about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, visit www.heightsfoundation.org. To learn about volunteer and outreach opportunities, email Emery Lowden at [email protected] or call (239) 482-7706 extension 4008.

About The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  Our 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.   Heights Early Learning serves more than 80 babies through 4 years old.  The Heights Center serves 134 children in AfterSchool and SummerCamp.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 180 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

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 cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.

2023 Season

FORT MYERS, FLA., December 10, 2022 – Two Internationally-acclaimed concerts will kick off the Fort Myers Community Concert Association’s 2023 season in January, including a rare performance by The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine.

“We have two outstanding orchestras that will be playing for us to begin the season, followed by three more in February and March. We are so happy to back with a full slate of performances for our 2023 season,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.

First up is the New York Philharmonic String Quartet on January 8. The New York Philharmonic String Quartet consists of four principal musicians from the orchestra.  The group, formed in 2017, made its debut as a solo ensemble in John Adams’ Absolute Jest in New York in 2017.  All four members are multiple prize winners, and have appeared as concerto soloists with the Philharmonic and orchestras throughout the world.  They are joined by acclaimed young American pianist Drew Petersen, winner of the 2017 American Pianist Award.

The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine is slated to appear on January 16 and is sponsored by the U.S. State Department.  The orchestra was established in 1902 and has hosted some of the world’s greatest conductors and musicians in classical music. The orchestra is a regular participant in international festivals, has toured extensively around the world and recently completed several highly acclaimed recordings.

Tickets are now on sale for each performance at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers. Prices are $55 for orchestra and mezzanine seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats.  Tickets may be purchased at the Barbara B. Mann Hall box office at 239-481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com.

Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 73rd concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,200 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, The Boston Brass, Violin Virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.

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Photos:

1. New York Philharmonic String Quartet
2. Drew Petersen, New York Philharmonic String Quartet
3. National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine