Member News

Stand Out Online With Google’s Tools for Small Business – June 28 6pm
This workshop will introduce you to Google’s many tools to help you operate your business.

Having an online presence is important to the success of many businesses. Visibility on search sites can lead customers to your business. Google is one of the “go to” places for online searches. Google can also provide significant cloud based infrastructure for small businesses that empowers owners at little or no cost. This workshop will introduce you to Google’s many tools to help you operate your business.
• Get your business on Google for free
• Learn how to be found when people search on Google
• Position your business on Google Maps
• Build your first website for free
• Use Google tools to start a website
• View templates that are easy to us
Stand Out Online With Google’s Tools for Small Business | SCORE

Process Improvement & Working Smarter – June 29 11am
How do you improve the work processes in your office or small business? This class focuses on applying “Lean” process improvement to add efficiencies to your business and improve your bottom line potential. Learn ideas about making your work processes flow better, faster, cheaper? We can show you how to apply “Lean” thinking to any business process, regardless of your industry. In many cases, this can result in improved customer service, saved labor, better inventory control, and reduction of expenses. This is an introductory class that focuses on problem solving, and identifying “value added” activities. We will discuss examples of improved processes from many different industries.
Webinar – Process Improvement & Working Smarter Tickets, Wed, Jun 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Unleashing Your Sales Superpowers – June 29 12pm
Meshell takes you on a journey that explores the modern-day selling style. She will demonstrate why integrating the social and emotional needs of today’s buyers into your sales process increases outcomes. Are you ready to move past “trying to figure it out?” Meshell reveals a proven formula to sell directly to your client’s specific emotional needs building lasting relationships and creating loyal fan clients.
Focus always begins with a plan. Let’s get you a clear and compelling vision that becomes both your master plan AND your superpower. Are you ready to have a clear vision and a focused commitment that leads to unparalleled sales success!
Unleashing Your Sales Superpowers | SCORE

Business Contracts–Must Knows – June 29 6pm
This webinar is designed to help business owners who want to learn more about creating business contracts for their business. The webinar will provide tools to help business owners avoid common mistakes when using contracts. Webinar topics will include: What makes an agreement a contract? The basic contracts every business should have The ONE provision that should be in every business contract Understanding common “boilerplate” language How to properly use online contract templates Best practices for enforcing contracts.
Business Contracts – Must Knows | SCORE

Motivación del logro – June 29 6pm
Si las personas reconocen la Motivación del Logro en su vida diaria, ellos pueden practicarla conscientemente, aprender a aplicarla más eficazmente en situaciones empresariales. El concepto básico de la Motivación al Logro ha sido exitosamente aplicado en más de cuarenta (40) países que representan diversas circunstancias culturales y económicas.
Informes de experiencias indican el mérito de este seminario en mejorar el porcentaje de éxito de los Socios de Aprendizaje graduados, señalado igualmente por nuevas Fundaciones de Empresas y expansión de negocios existentes.
Su objetivo es que los Socios de Aprendizaje comprendan la importancia de entender las Características del Comportamiento Emprendedor a saber: Búsqueda de Oportunidades, Correr Riesgos, Exigir Eficiencia y Calidad, Ser Persistente, Ser Fiel a los Compromisos Contraídos, Fijar Metas, Conseguir Información, Planificar y hacer Seguimiento Sistemáticamente, Ser persuasivo y crear redes de Apoyo y Tener Autoconfianza.
Motivación del logro | SCORE

How to Become a Federal Government Contractor Through the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) – June 30 6pm
Over 12 million commercial items are available under various Schedules. While the GSA Schedules Program is only one of GSA’s procurement vehicles, it is one of the largest programs and the most preferred for commercial products and services. This workshop provides a basic knowledge and understanding of the process required for new vendors to qualify and get on the GSA Schedules Program. You will learn the benefits of being a GSA Schedules holder, how to find federal contracting opportunities, learn about the application process and the required documents to submit your application.
How to Become a Federal Government Contractor Through the U.S. General Services | SCORE

A&O Mesa redonda de pequeñas empresas: Problemas habituales de gestión contable y financiera y cómo solucionarlos – June 30 7pm
La Iglesia Alpha & Omega (A&O) y Florida SBDC en FIU se complacen en anunciar el cuarto año consecutivo de su cooperación en los talleres mensuales para mesa redondas. Estos talleres se enfocan en brindar recursos e información a los empresarios hispanos que buscan iniciar o hacer crecer su negocio. Las mesas redondas incluirán expertos y exitosos empresarios que brindarán información importante para ayudarle en su negocio. ¿Por qué algunas empresas luchan por hacer nómina mientras que otras pueden obtener varios préstamos? Todo comienza contigo, el propietario de la empresa. Conozca los errores mas comunes y las acciones que puede tomar hoy para crear un plan financiero sólido para su negocio.
A&O Mesa redondas de pequeñas empresas 2022 (floridasbdc.org)

Financial Management for Small Business – July 7 11am
The Financial Management for a Small Business module will take you on an important first step to building a better financial future for your business. After completing this training, you will be able to: • Explain the concept of financial management and why it is important to a small business. • Identify financial management practices, rules, and tools that are commonly available to a small business. • Explain the most common financial state • Explain how these financial management practices, rules, and tools work. • Explain financial management basics for a small business. • Explain the importance of cash flow management • Explain the basics of financing for start-up and growing businesses.
Financial Management for Small Business Tickets, Thu, Jul 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Building Networks to Successfully Secure Local Contracts – July 7 1pm
Is your business looking to get into government contracting? Don’t know where to start?
One of the best avenues to successfully grow your business through contracting is to start with local governments contracts. Local governments are regularly seeking to do business with qualified small businesses in their area. It is a win-win situation as you support them as a local vendor and these contracts give you the experience to move up to larger contracts.
This training will provide key insights such as: ·How to evaluate if government contracting is right for your business ·How to search for opportunities and develop the best plan to be successful ·How to properly market your business to potential buyers.
Building Networks to Successfully Secure Local Contracts (Webinar) (floridasbdc.org)

Managing Your People Resources – Legally – July 7 6pm
Whether you’re hiring, firing, disciplining, promoting, considering requests for leave or dealing with any of dozens of other employee issues, when you make decisions and carry out personnel duties, it can be a legal minefield, and you need to be aware that expensive legal consequences are possible at every step. This session will address new developments in employment and labor regulations, along with practical applications for your small business. Covering the fundamentals of FLSA, IRCA, USERRA UGESP, OSHA, TITLE VII, ADA, FCRA, ADEA, COBRA, FMLA, EEO-1 and more. Workshop objectives include: Awareness of the various employment regulations and understand how to apply them for your business. Determining the laws with which you must comply based on # of employees. Identify what errors or omissions you might be making with employee on-boarding procedures. Understand Title VII discrimination and learn procedures and tools to mitigate the risk of litigation.
Managing Your People Resources – Legally | SCORE

Comience su negocio: ¡Pruebe la viabilidad! – July 7 6pm
¿Crees que tienes una gran idea de negocio, pero no sabes cómo empezar? En este seminario web GRATUITO lo ayudaremos a comprender lo que implica comenzar un negocio y su etapa personal de preparación. No solo discutiremos los conceptos básicos para iniciar un negocio, sino que también le brindaremos las herramientas que necesita para decidir si tiene o no un negocio viable. Los temas cubiertos son: Mitos y realidades del emprendimiento. ¿Tiene lo que se necesita para iniciar y administrar una pequeña empresa? – Evalúe sus habilidades y experiencia. ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un plan estratégico y un plan de negocio? – Y por qué los necesitas. ¿Es viable su idea de negocio? Ejercicios prácticos que le ayudarán a probar la viabilidad de la puesta en marcha de su negocio. Este taller está garantizado para ser el primer paso sólido para lograr el éxito que desea.
https://score.tfaforms.net/17?EventID=a105a000005qdpZ

Review Your Options, Maybe Start Your Own Business – July 9 9:30am
During times like these, people often contemplate getting better control of their lives by starting their own business. You can achieve financial independence by owning your own business. Spend some time with us to look under the covers at what running your own business entails.
Webinar Registration – Zoom

Quickbooks Payroll (en Español)- July 9 9:30am
¿Su empresa cumple correctamente con las leyes para los pagos a los empleados?
Este taller informativo, es para conocer lo que la Ley pide con el mantenimiento de los archivos de los Empleados, preparación de las Nóminas y los Reportes de Impuestos trimestrales y anuales.
También para conocer algunas regulaciones gubernamentales que norman el cálculo y forma de pagos de los salarios, horas extras, vacaciones y los impuestos respectivos.
En este taller, vamos a mostrar algunos tópicos importantes, como:
• Configuracion de empleados: Hourly or Annual Rate (Salario Anual o por horas)
• Payroll Schedule (tipos de payroll), Pay Frecuency (tipos de pago)
• Additions, Deductions and Company Contribution (Bonificación, Vacaciones, Seguro de Salud, etc.), Sick/Vacation.
• Taxes: filing status, dependents, extra withholding, Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment Federal & State
Quickbooks Payroll (en Español) | SCORE

Cybersecurity for Federal Contractors – July 28 12pm
This will be the fourth in our series of Expert Speaker Series events focused on the topic of cybersecurity for federal contractors. This session will focus on providing some framework and tools for OSCs (that’s “Organizations Seeking Certification” in case you are wondering) to understand their compliance requirement and what to expect from MSPs (Managed Service Providers) as they offer to provide support. This will be a panel discussion format, moderated by Kara Vernon, Florida PTAC at UCF Counselor.
CMMC 2.0: Understanding OSC and MSP Compliance (floridasbdc.org)

ISSUE DATE: June 28, 2022 REMINDER FB22-031
CONTACT: Andrew Richard, (727) 551-5709, [email protected]

Reminder: NOAA Fisheries Seeks Public Input on Gulf of Mexico Aquaculture Opportunity Area Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Development

Key Message:
• NOAA Fisheries is inviting public comments on the scope of a programmatic environmental impact statement to identify one or more Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOA) in the Gulf of Mexico.
• The programmatic environmental impact statement seeks to assess the environmental impacts of siting aquaculture facilities in different potential AOA locations in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Identifying AOAs is an opportunity for NOAA to use best available science-based guidance on sustainable aquaculture management, and support environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
Why is This Happening?
On May 7, 2020, the White House issued an Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth (E.O. 13921), which requires the Secretary of Commerce to identify geographic areas containing locations suitable for commercial aquaculture and assess the impacts of siting aquaculture in those locations through a programmatic environmental impact statement. The proposed action is needed to meet the directives of E.O. 13921 to address the increasing demand for seafood; facilitate long-term planning for marine aquaculture development; and address interests and concerns regarding offshore marine aquaculture siting.
NOAA Fisheries selected the federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico as one of the first geographic regions in which to identify AOAs.

How You Can Get Involved:
Public input is a critical component of the process of identifying AOAs in the Gulf of Mexico. On June 1, 2022, NOAA Fisheries published in the Federal Register a Notice of Intent to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement and to conduct public scoping meetings (87 FR 33124, published June 1, 2022). That action initiated a 60-day public scoping period for the programmatic environmental impact statement that will close on August 1, 2022. During this time NOAA Fisheries seeks public comments to inform the scope and content of the programmatic environmental impact statement. Comments can be submitted electronically, by mail, or verbally at one of three upcoming virtual public scoping meetings.
• Tuesday, July 12, 2022, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT/7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. EDT
For more information on how you can attend these virtual scoping meetings and how you can participate in the public scoping process, please visit the Get Involved: Public Comment section of the Gulf Aquaculture Opportunity Area PEIS webpage.

Where can I find more information on Aquaculture Opportunity Areas and the Gulf of Mexico Aquaculture Opportunity Area PEIS?
• NOAA Aquaculture Opportunity Areas
• Information on the Gulf of Mexico Aquaculture Opportunity Area PEIS
• Frequently Asked Questions about Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in the Gulf of Mexico

Sign Up for Text Message Alerts
NOAA’s Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message and data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time. Text alerts you may receive include immediate fishery openings and closures and any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly.
Sign up for one or more of the fisheries-related alerts below by texting the following to 888777:
• Gulf of Mexico Recreational: Text GULFRECFISH
• Gulf of Mexico Commercial: Text GULFCOMMFISH
• South Atlantic Recreational: Text SATLRECFISH
• South Atlantic Commercial: Text SATLCOMMFISH
• Caribbean: Text CARIBFISH

Other Contacts
Media: Kim Amendola (727) 551-5705, Allison Garrett (727) 551-5750

Join us every other Friday on NOAA Fisheries Instagram for Rec Fish Friday.

NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office (727) 824-5301

The Heights Foundation Seeks Donations and Volunteers for School Supply Outreach

Individuals, Businesses, Churches and Organizations are asked to Participate

(Fort Myers, FL June 28, 2022) – The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center seeks individuals, businesses, churches, and organizations to provide school supplies and volunteer for The Heights Center’s annual outreach program.  The Saturday, July 30 event will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at The Heights Center and provides backpacks and school supplies for 500 low-income children living in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.

“Our goal is to ensure that every child in Harlem Heights has the necessary supplies to succeed in school,” said Kathryn Kelly, president, and CEO of The Heights Foundation.  “The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average.  Many parents cannot provide all the things their students will need. We want to send our students back to school ready to learn.”

The Center has a wish list that includes new and durable backpacks (Size 17 or higher), 1” three-ring binders, calculators (basic and scientific), earbuds or headphones, pocket dictionaries, highlighters, lined filler paper, USB flash drives, scissors, folders, crayons, pencils, glue sticks, markers, and composition books.

“We are looking for organizations whose members can band together to meet the need,” said Melissa Barlow, The Heights Center’s outreach coordinator. “The 500 backpacks are the largest investment, costing more than $7,000, and supplies for each student cost $50.  A business may sponsor the backpacks, a church or philanthropic organization could provide crayons, markers, or notebooks.  Monetary donations may also be made online at our website or mailed.”

The drop-off deadline is Wednesday, July 27. School supply drop off locations include The Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, 33908 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday); Jennifer’s Boutique, 13251 McGregor Boulevard, Suite 111-1, Fort Myers, 33919; Temple Judea, 14486 A and W Bulb Rd., Fort Myers, 33908; Re/Max Realty Group, 7910 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Fort Myers, 33907; Westminster Presbyterian Church, 9065 Ligon Ct, Fort Myers, 33908; and Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Rd, Fort Myers, 33919.

Additional supporters include Chuck Bergstrom Realtor/John Naumann and Associates, The Crown Colony Community, One Digital and The Scottlynn Group.

Individuals, businesses, churches, or organizations interested in donating or volunteering can contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected].  All donations are tax-deductible.  Monetary donations can be made on the web at www.heightsfoundation.org/donate or mailed to The Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, FL  33908.

About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   Heights Early Learning serves more than 80 babies through age 4. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 120 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 located in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.

VALERIE’S HOUSE BREAKS GROUND

FOR NEW FOREVER HOME

FORT MYERS, FLA., June 24, 2022 – Valerie’s House broke ground on its forever home Friday, June 24, on land donated by the City of Fort Myers under a $1 a year for 99 years land lease.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by more than 100 supporters, donors, city officials and families that have received help at the non-profit that helps children grieve the loss of a loved one. 

A total of $2.5 million has been raised toward the $3 million cost of the new home to be built at 3551 Shoemaker Lane in Fort Myers.   Several room sponsorship opportunities for the community are available.

“This home will always be a place for grieving families to call their own,”

said CEO Angela Melvin.  “Regardless of what happens in the future, having this home means no child will ever have to grieve alone in our community.”

The home will be a cozy, warm, old Florida style structure, with special rooms like a volcano room, which allows children to work out any anger or other emotions they have because of their loss.  The 7,000-square-foot facility will allow Valerie’s House to help more children and provide wrap-around services, such as individual grief counseling to support families who desperately need it.

Lennar Homes is acting as the project manager for the construction of the home, which is expected to be completed by mid-2023. 

Valerie’s House has helped more than 2,000 children and their families since its founding in 2016 by Angela Melvin, whose own mother was killed in a car accident in 1987.

One in seven children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 25, according to the 2022 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.

Valerie’s House currently offers peer support groups and other activities at locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, and Port Charlotte. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations.

For more information about Valerie’s House or to make a donation to the Forever Home Campaign, visit www.valerieshouseswfl.org/capital-campaign, call 239-478-6734, or write [email protected]. 

About Valerie’s House

Valerie’s House opened in January 2016 and has served more than 2,000 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties. The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member. Valerie’s House has three locations: 1762 Fowler St. in downtown Fort Myers, 819 Myrtle Terrace in Naples and group therapy meetings at several churches in Charlotte County.  For more information, visit www.valerieshouse.org

We invite our current members to submit one work following the theme “Reflections” to be displayed in the main gallery during this month-long group exhibition. As an artist and an Alliance member, this is your annual opportunity to exhibit your work in our main gallery!
Drop off is Monday, June 27.

Calls to Artists – Reflections: Members Exhibition

Exhibits July 1 – 31 • We invite our current members to submit one work following the theme “Reflections” to be displayed in the main gallery during this month-long group exhibition. No online submission process, no jury notification – simply the opportunity to celebrate the artists that make our community so unique.

This year’s Member Exhibition asks artists to reflect on and showcase their artistic style. The theme reflection can be interpreted literally through depictions of mirrors, windows, reflections on water, etc. or metaphorically.

Artwork Drop Off: Monday, June 27

Opening Reception: Friday, July 1, 5-7 p.m. • See it first. See it free. This event is open to the public. Come meet your neighbors at this free event!

In the Theatre Lobby: Beverly Gordon

Download the Prospectus →

Find Out More →

Summer Concert Series

Thursday, July 7 • This fascinating class will introduce the four stages of dreaming as an art, including the art of dream incubation, the art of navigating oneself through lucid dreams, the art of dream recall, and using dreams as a means of producing works of fine art. It will include meditative drawing of a sacred circle mandala, as a means of plumbing the depths of the psyche and understanding how dream symbolism can inform one’s waking life and creative self-expression. Perfect for the artist looking to explore new paths, or the artist-to-be!

Purchase Tickets →

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Dreaming as an Art Ages (16+)

Saturdays, July 9 – July 30 • The class will help guide participants as they awaken to the depths and wonders of their dream-selves, using their dreams as a means of furthering their own artistic expression, and provide themselves with self-understanding.

Register →

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Playing with Pastels Class for Beginners and Intermediate (Ages 16+)

Mondays, July 11 – August 8 • Informative, fun and hands-on series of classes will engage your creativity with dry pastels, with their unique and vibrant qualities. You’ll experiment with different papers and techniques to launch or expand your techniques. This is the place for newcomers to pastels, or those wanting to enhance their skills.

Register →

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Summer Art Market & Sale

Thursday, June 14 • Beat the summer heat and enjoy our air-conditioned gallery where you will enjoy exploring a wide variety of mediums for sale such as paintings, photography, jewelry, potted succulents, and more, all hand-created through the artists’ talents and passion for their work. Local authors will also be in attendance and have their books for sale. And when you get hungry, there will be food trucks conveniently located outside to appease your shopping-induced appetite. We welcome you to bring as many friends as you wish to enjoy shopping and mingling with your neighbors and local artists.

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Bob Ross Classic “Island in the Wilderness” (Ages 13+)

Tuesday Workshop, July 12 • Join Mathew Halstead, CRI of Lazy Painter Brushworks, for a classic Bob Ross painting workshop with friends at the Alliance. Find freedom on a canvas as Mathew leads you from start to finish though creating a version of Bob’s “Island in the Wilderness” painting. Students will take home a finished 12×16 painting. ALL SUPPLIES and boxes for transport will be provided. Come enjoy the Bob Ross philosophy of, “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”

Register →

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Drawing Fun, Fabulous Flowers

Wednesdays, July 13 – August 17 • If you love flowers and want to learn or improve your drawing skills this class is for you! We will begin with basic drawing skills, then move into composing and creating dynamic drawings. The class will use photos from the instructor and students. Best of all, we will use real flowers while exploring different mediums, from graphite and colored pencils, to pen and ink and markers.

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Playing with Pastels Family Playdate (Ages 5+)

Saturday, July 16 • Bring your family! Artists of all ages will flourish in an atmosphere of play, experimentation and individual artistic expression. We’ll start by seeing the world through each others’ eyes, and then create individual interpretations in dry pastels. Using shapes, colors and marks unique to this uniquely vibrant medium, you’ll get encouraging guidance and personalized attention which will guide artistic development.

Register →

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Bob Ross Classic “Waterside Way” (Ages 13+)

Saturday Workshop, July 23 • Join Mathew Halstead, CRI of Lazy Painter Brushworks, for a classic Bob Ross painting workshop with friends at the Alliance. Find freedom on a canvas as Mathew leads you from start to finish though creating a version of Bob’s “Waterside Way” painting. Students will take home a finished 12×16 painting. ALL SUPPLIES and boxes for transport will be provided. Come enjoy the Bob Ross philosophy of, “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”

Register →

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Beginner Painting Workshop (Ages 16+)

Wednesday Workshop, July 25 • Are you interested in working with acrylic paints, but not sure how to get started? In this workshop, we’ll introduce you to the fundamentals of acrylics and acrylic painting! By the end of this course you will be equipped with the know-how to pick up a brush and start experimenting with acrylics- in a fun, friendly environment!

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Beginner / Intermediate Knitting Workshop (Ages 10+)

Saturday Workshop, July 30 • This workshop is for those who have never picked up knitting needles and for those who have some experience and want to learn a new stitch or two! This workshop is for those who have never picked up knitting needles and for those who have some experience and want to learn a new stitch or two! By the end of this workshop you’ll be ready to make more tiny hedgehogs, or whatever knitted project your heart desires.

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Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6)

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) is Americans for the Arts’ sixth economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in the U.S. The study is conducted approximately every five years to gauge the economic impact (on employment, government revenue, and household income) of spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and the event-related spending by their audiences.

The AEP6 study is happening in 387 U.S. communities, so surveys may be coming to an arts event near you! If you meet your local arts workers out and about with surveys, please consider taking a few minutes to anonymously share information about your reasons for attending the arts and any spending related to the event. Survey responses will contribute to a better understanding of the powerful economic impact of the arts in your community and nationwide!

Find Out More →

Get Involved →

Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org
239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers

Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre

Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation
Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms
Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko

And incredible people like you!

McCollum Hall:
New Developer Goshen + Cornerstone, LLC Selected

At the June 22, 2022 Board of Commissioners meeting, the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) reviewed new proposals for McCollum Hall and approved a new developer for the restoration, purchase or lease and management of the McCollum Hall property located at 2717 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Fort Myers.

After reviewing proposals by potential developers, CRA Board members voted to approve Goshen + Cornerstone, LLC as the new developer for McCollum Hall.

Goshen + Cornerstone, LLC’s proposal includes developing a 26-unit multi-family community and 14,200 of commercial retail space at the existing McCollum Hall structure and adjacent parcels. The retail space will be used as a market/food hall.

Developers Miles Alexander III and Leonard Burke are looking to purchase the parcels from the City of Fort Myers in the amount of $88,660. They also plan to acquire the privately owned vacant lots immediately west of the McCollum Hall site. They currently have site control of the privately owned lots adjacent to McCollum Hall

“Goshen + Cornerstone, LLC’s proposal takes into consideration all of the conceptual and planning work undertaken by the Ft. Myers MLK CRA Revitalization plan, the City of Fort Myers, CRA and our consultants over the past couple of years,” said Executive Director, Fort Myers CRA, Michele Hylton-Terry, who has worked to restore McCollum Hall since 2007. “Their vision aligns well with the desired outcomes of the CRA and the City, with the goal of building a well-designed community activator project that lends itself to the character and fabric being woven by all of the CRA.”

According to Goshen + Cornerstone, LLC, multi-family and commercial space will be designed to meet the needs of the current housing and commercial market, as well as the anticipated target market.

“We envision a collaborative design process, where the CRA, City and other stakeholders can participate and provide input in the selection of material, colors, and other design elements,” said Miles Alexander III, Developer, Goshen + Cornerstone, LLC. “Our approach always includes highest and best use, to maximize market trends and minimize public resources.”

The request was for restoration of the historic building for a neighborhood commercial center with entertainment, retail, and dining establishments, or an alternative use consistent with the current Commercial Intensive (CI) zoning, or an alternative use acceptable to the CRA. The proposed redevelopment shall incorporate sound principles of urban in-fill, smart growth development and a sustainable redevelopment in planning, design, and construction.

Constructed in 1938 by Clifford McCollum, Sr., McCollum Hall was a commercial center in the Dunbar Community. The second story held a large dance hall with a raised stage for live performances by Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and others. It was a centerpiece of commerce, music and entertainment that attracted some big-name performers in its prime, one of the few places both Blacks and Whites went for entertainment during segregation.

Contact:
Fort Myers CRA
[email protected]
239-321-7100

A Night at the Tony’s
July 23 | 7:30 PM
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

Mark Sanders has appeared in numerous productions and concerts around the world, and is a regular fan-favorite of Gulf Coast Symphony audiences. Mark was seen as Perchik on the Broadway National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof starring Theodore Bikel and recently portrayed Harry Bright in Mamma Mia at Actors’ Playhouse in Miami. Mark has performed at such prestigious theaters as Lincoln Center, Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh CLO, North Shore Music Theater, and Sacramento Music Circus.

Join Mark and the Gulf Coast Symphony for A Night at the Tony’s. The show celebrates 75 years of award-winning Broadway favorites with music from Tony Award-winning musicals of today and yesterday! The program includes songs from shows Evita, Sound of Music, West Side Story, Cabaret, Phantom of the Opera, Guys & Dolls and much more. Get dressed in your Broadway Best to walk on our Red Carpet, have your picture taken and enjoy a magical night.

Tickets start at just $29 – get yours today!

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
REPORTS MAY TRAFFIC

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 24, 2022) – During May, 836,379 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a decrease of 11.8 percent compared to May 2021. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 24.6 percent compared to last year.

The traffic leader in May was Delta with 196,119 total passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (148,142), American (125,644), United (122,902) and JetBlue (103,645).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 7,409 aircraft operations, a decrease of 19.5 percent compared to May 2021. Page Field saw 15,527 operations, a 28 percent increase compared to May 2021.

Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 10.3 million passengers in 2021 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

Date Correction: CRA Strategic Workshop July 21 & 22, 2022

Save the Date: CRA Strategic Workshop July 21 & 22

Mark your calendars! The CRA is holding a strategic planning workshop on Thursday and Friday, July 21 & 22 at Riverside Community Center.

These day-long sessions will explore the best options for the CRA’s redevelopment activities in the City of Fort Myers.

In attendance will be the CRA Board of Commissioners, the CRA Advisory Board, Fort Myers CRA and City of Fort Myers staff, and all interested stakeholders. Community members are welcome

CRA Workshops
July 21, 2022
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

July 22, 2022
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Riverside Community Center
3061 E. Riverside Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33916
239-321-7100

Learn More

#REDEVELOPMENTWORKS

Stay connected and learn more about your CRA!

Click the Video and the Image Links Below:

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is an agency of the City of Fort Myers. Office hours: M – F 7:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 1400 Jackson Street, Suite 102, Fort Myers, FL 33901

June 23, 2022
How to treat barotrauma educational video: https://youtu.be/8wDsrzlh83I
When releasing reef fish, using the right tool with the right technique makes a difference

If you’re fishing for reef fish this season, be sure to look for signs of barotrauma and be prepared to act. Barotrauma, or injuries caused by pressure changes, occur when fish are rapidly brought to the surface from depths 50 feet or greater. Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes. These injuries can be fatal to the fish unless intervention occurs through the use of descending devices or venting tools.

With the right tool and the right technique, all anglers should properly descend or vent a fish and give them a better chance at survival. When a fish survives release, it has another opportunity to reproduce and grow the population, leading to more fishing opportunities in the future.

Descending devices are tools with weights that attach to a fish and help take the fish back to the appropriate depth. There are various types of descending devices but the most common are lip clamps, inverted hooks and fish elevators. It is important to find the device that works best for you.

Before you go fishing, be sure to have your selected descending device ready for use. To properly descend a fish with a lip clamp or inverted hook, attach the descending device and weights to a heavy-duty rod and reel that is designated for descending or use a rope to handline the device and weights down and back up. A good goal is to use 1 pound of weight for every 5 pounds of fish being descended. Use a combination of loop knots, swivels, snaps, clips, etc. to attach the weights and device to your line. Be able to quickly and easily add or remove weights as needed, based on the size of the fish being descended and the water conditions. Unless you use a pressure-sensor device that releases fish automatically, you’ll need to jig your device to release the fish once the weights have brought it back down to depth.

To descend a fish with a fish elevator, simply send down the fish in a weighted container using a rope. This weighted container could be a crate, box or net that is turned upside down with an open top, so the fish can swim out on its own when it is returned to the bottom.

For short video tutorials on different types of descending devices, watch FWC’s Descending Devices playlist on YouTube.

Lip clamp descending device return fish to a depth where gases in the swim bladder can recompress.

Venting tools are sharp, hollow instruments that treat barotrauma by releasing expanded gas from the swim bladder, which enables the fish to swim back down to depth.

Items such as fillet knives, ice picks, screwdrivers and gaffs are not venting tools and should never be used to vent a fish. Venting a fish incorrectly can cause more harm than good.

To properly vent, lay the fish on its side (on a cool, wet surface). Venting tools should be inserted 2-3 inches behind the base of the pectoral fin, under a scale at a 45-degree angle, just deep enough to release trapped gasses. Never insert venting tools into a fish’s belly, back or stomach that may be protruding from the mouth. Learn how to vent properly by visiting Youtube.com/watch?v=jhkzv1_2Bpc.

Venting tools should be inserted 2-3 inches behind the base of the pectoral fin, under a scale at a 45-degree angle, just deep enough to release trapped gases. Photo by Return ‘Em Right.

Descending devices and venting tools should be used when fish show one or more signs of barotrauma. It is essential to work quickly when using these tools and return the fish to the water as soon as possible to give the fish the best chance at long-term survival. Studies have shown that the longer a fish is out of the water, the higher the mortality rate. Therefore, it is important to minimize handling time when descending or venting a fish with barotrauma. Anglers should choose the device and method they are most comfortable with that best fits the situation, and that follows reef fish gear requirements.

Reminder: When fishing for reef fish, descending devices and/or venting tools are required to be rigged and ready for use in Florida Gulf federal waters and descending devices are required to be on board and ready for use in Atlantic federal waters. Stay up to date with what is required in federal and state waters by visiting MyFWC.com/ReefFishGear and downloading the Fish Rules Fishing app for iOS or Android.

Remember to obtain your FREE State Reef Fish Angler designation before heading out! If you plan to fish for or harvest certain reef fish species in Gulf or Atlantic waters from a private recreational vessel (includes anglers over 65 years of age), you must sign up for this free designation and renew it annually. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SRFS and sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or anywhere you can purchase a Florida fishing license.

Visit our YouTube channel at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing for more saltwater fishing how-to videos. For answers to questions, contact 850-487-0554 or [email protected].

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission · 620 S. Meridian Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 · (850) 488-4676