Member News

Meeting Notice
Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings and events. 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: Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council Meeting
When: June 27, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Meeting Information

What: Special Governing Board Meeting
When: June 28, 2022 at 9:30 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.

What: Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting
When: July 8, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
Meeting Information

The Children’s Advocacy Center collecting school

supplies for children

Supplies go to local children facing financial hardship

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 21, 2022) – Nearly one in three families are unable to afford school supplies each year, and with inflation that number is on the rise. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CAC) is teaming up with the Cape Coral Police Department and others throughout the community to collect backpacks and school supplies to help children facing financial hardship as they head back to school.

It takes a team of supporters. In June, Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida and the Cape Coral PD kicked off the annual Community Backpack Drive with a generous donation of backpacks, school items, and shelf-stable food. Brown & Brown Insurance also stepped up to sponsor this year’s backpack drive to help CAC exceed its goal of helping 200 children.

“Education is so important, and Brown & Brown is excited to participate as a sponsor for this year’s backpack drive,” says Jake Sherwin, Employee Benefits Advisor. “The Children’s Advocacy Center has certainly defined itself as one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in Southwest Florida, and we look forward to working with them to provide local students with the tools they need to be successful in the upcoming school year as well as watch the continued growth, impact, and value that this organization brings to our local communities.”

To support the backpack drive and the CAC’s prevention programs, donations of new school supplies may be made between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. before July 20 at the following locations:

• Children’s Advocacy Center, 3830 Evans Ave., Fort Myers and
• Cape Coral Police Department, 1100 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral.

Since 1981, the CAC’s mission has been to provide a coordinated response to victims of child abuse and neglect to improve the lives of at-risk children and their families through prevention services. The CAC provides abuse determination services, therapeutic counseling, pet therapy, advocacy, and parenting education. CEO, Julie Boudreaux, encourages the community to help where they can.

“It can cost parents around $600 to send one child back to school with new supplies. We are hoping to collect about 200 backpacks during the drive to help students go back to school prepared,” says Boudreaux. “Backpacks and school supplies are given to children in need throughout the year by the Center, filled with clothes and any items we can provide for our clients and their families.”

For more information on the Children’s Advocacy Center and how you can help to support the Community Backpack Drive or other initiatives that help children and families, please call 239-939-2808 or consider making a tax-deductible donation at cac-swfl.org. You can also sign up for their newsletter to stay informed on other upcoming events.

About Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida

Since 1981, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CAC) has worked to improve the lives of children and their families through a coordinated response to child abuse and neglect, offering them a safe and friendly environment in which to heal. CAC provides abuse determination services, pet therapy, therapeutic counseling, parenting education, and prevention programs in Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte Counties. All services are provided free of charge. For more information, please call 239-939-2808 or visit cac-swfl.org. CAC is a United Way Partner Agency.

Three local manufacturers recognized for outstanding work

SRMA members honored at 2022 SMBE Awards

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 14, 2022) – The manufacturing industry is alive and well here in Southwest Florida as witnessed recently at a statewide awards event. Three local companies, all members of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association, were recognized for their outstanding work in manufacturing at the 2022 Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence (SMBE) Awards in Orlando earlier this month.

The SMBE Awards are given annually to Florida manufacturers who achieve high levels of performance in leadership, strategy, customer and market focus, measurement, analysis, knowledge management, workforce, and operations. MY Shower Door/D3 Glass and HF Scientific (Watts Water) were finalists from Southwest Florida, while Shaw Development won the Silver Award. A full list of winners can be found here.

Several upcoming manufacturers awards programs are currently accepting nominations. The Florida Manufacturing Employer of Choice ranks peer groups within the industry as great places to work. A survey is completed by each company’s HR department. Participants receive a valuable benchmarking analytics report based on survey results that includes best practices to support being a great place to work. Winners will be recognized at the 2022 statewide MakeMore Manufacturing Summit on October 13. For more information, or to take the free assessment click here.

Florida Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Award nominations are now open to acknowledge manufacturing apprentices who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their professional development and show how they have made a positive difference to their company. Apprentices must be enrolled in a registered manufacturing apprenticeship program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, click here.

SRMA will host a tour of Nor-Tech Hi Performance Boats on Wednesday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., focusing on automation presented by Roots Engineering. Today’s industrial leaders need to recognize value through multiple approaches and perspectives. This tour and session will provide information on the journey towards automation. For more information or to register click here.

SRMA is offering a webinar “Navigating through the CMMC 2.0 Sea” on Thursday, June 29. CMMC 2.0 is a mandatory contractual obligation for working with the Department of Defense. Grasp a better understanding of the changes coming with CMMC 2.0 and cybersecurity standards needed to stay compliant, including CMMC’s three levels, trends, budgets, and more. Some professionals may be eligible for CEUs or CPE credits by attending this webinar and receive a certificate upon completion. For more information, or to register click here.

The Southwest Florida Manufacturers Association works to bring manufacturers together to promote industry and individual growth through networking opportunities, making connections, sharing resources, and community involvement. For more information, or to see a full calendar of events, please visit SRMA.net.

About the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association

The purpose and objective of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association is to bring together manufacturers, promoting industry and individual growth, by providing networking opportunities, resources, and the collective voice of manufacturing through advocacy. It encourages cooperation, information sharing and mutual aid, fostering social relationships and community involvement. Learn more about the SRMA by visiting SRMA.net, or email [email protected].

APPLICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE BOATING ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Florida Boating Advisory Council (BAC) makes recommendations to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Department of Economic Opportunity regarding issues affecting the boating community. Eleven of the 18 members of the BAC are appointed by the Governor. The Executive Director of the FWC nominates individuals for the Governor’s consideration.

Gubernatorial appointments to the BAC serve staggered three-year terms. They are not compensated but are entitled to payment for expenses in accordance with section 112.061, Florida Statutes.

The FWC is currently receiving and reviewing applications from those who are interested in being considered for appointment to the BAC, and whose experience qualifies them to represent the following interests:

• Manatee protection interests
• Water-related environmental groups
• Marine Manufacturers

If you are interested in being considered, please complete the questionnaire located at the following link (https://flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/Board_Appointments_Application_v1.pdf) as well as a statement of the experience and qualifications you possess in one of more of the boating interests above that qualify you to be appointed to the position.

Once completed, please submit the questionnaire and statement to both [email protected] and by following the instructions for completing a board application located at the following link: https://www.flgov.com/appointments/.

To be considered timely, the questionnaire and statement should be received before close of business June 27, 2022.

Submission of the application documents is an expression of interest and willingness to serve on the BAC. Neither nomination by the FWC Executive Director nor appointment by the Governor are guaranteed.

Mental health certification course with David Essell

During this time, David is giving Ft. Myers residents 50% off !!! Time is limited, so sign up today!

Meanwhile, you can be a LUCKY winner and join our RAFFLE today – You can get the entire certification for FREE ($4500.00 value)

The reason is that David wants to stand by his mission to positively affect 2 million people or more every day, in every area of life, regardless of their current circumstances.

Sign up today for the raffle or the certification at  https://davidessel.com/mental-health-and-master-life-coach-certification/

When: Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26, 2022

Where: Premier Executive Center, Fort Myers FL

What times: Both days, 9 AM until 7 PM

Cost: Normally $9000, Now $4500, for the next 12 months due to being part of the Above Board Chamber of Florida and the financial and health challenges this country is in. Also, due to my passion of really wanting to help people heal. Participants will pay $2500 down and then $200 a month for 10 months

Seats are extremely limited, now is your chance to become part of the solution, Learn how to help other people heal, during these extremely challenging times, which is exactly what this world needs right now. Sign up today at  https://davidessel.com/mental-health-and-master-life-coach-certification/

(If you’re not able to make the in-person certification in Fort Myers Florida above, we will also be holding a zoom certification where you can join David from anywhere in the world Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, 2022.)

BREEZE AIRWAYS TO START SERVICE TO FORT MYERS THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 11

– NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO CHARLESTON, SC AND LAS VEGAS –

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is excited to welcome Breeze Airways, one of the newest airlines in the United States, as a new air carrier in Fort Myers. Breeze will inaugurate nonstop flights to Charleston, SC (CHS) and Las Vegas (LAS) this Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Both Charleston and Las Vegas are not currently served with nonstop service at RSW, so this will be a convenient new option for our community. The flights will operate twice a week utilizing a brand new A220-300 aircraft, with 126 seats in a three-class configuration.

For Breeze’s news release and B-Roll, please click here. To book a flight or find out more information, please visit flybreeze.com.

For more information about Southwest Florida International Airport, please visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

JUNE 10, 2022

Please note:  Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from Port Authority employees and officials regarding Port Authority business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may be subject to public disclosure.

The 2022 recreational bay scallop season from the Fenholloway River through the Suwannee River opens June 15 and will remain open through Labor Day (Sept. 5). This includes all state waters in Dixie County and a portion of Taylor County and includes the towns of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee.

The daily bag limit from June 15-30 in this area is 1 gallon of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 cup shucked bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 5 gallons whole or 2 pints (4 cups) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel.

From July 1 through Labor Day in this area, and for the duration of the open season in other areas, regular bag and vessel limits apply. Regular season limits are 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1/2 gallon (4 pints) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel.

Throughout the season and region-wide, vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.

Other 2021 season dates

Additional bay scallop season dates are as follows:

St. Joseph Bay/Gulf County: Aug. 16 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County.

Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County (including Carrabelle, Lanark and St. Marks): July 1 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County to the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County.

Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties (including Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa): July 1 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County to the Hernando-Pasco county line.

Pasco County: Open for 10 days starting the third Friday in July (July 15-24). This region includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse, including all waters of the Anclote River.

Other regulations

Scallops may be collected by hand or with a landing or dip net.

There is no commercial harvest allowed for bay scallops in Florida.

Direct and continuous transit of legally harvested bay scallops is allowed through closed areas. Boaters may not stop their vessels in waters that are closed to harvest and must proceed directly to the dock or ramp to land scallops in a closed area.

For information on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops” under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab.

Boater and scalloper safety

Be safe when diving for scallops. Wear a life jacket when underway and do not drink and boat. When scalloping in open water, divers should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device, and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device if on a river, inlet or navigation channel. Boat operators traveling within 300 feet of a divers-down flag or device in open water or within 100 feet of one on a river, inlet or navigational channel must slow to idle speed. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Boating/Regulations and click on “Divers-down Warning Devices.”

Stow it, don’t throw it

Don’t forget to stow your trash securely on your vessel so that it doesn’t blow out and do not discard empty scallop shells in the Homosassa or Crystal rivers. Scallop shells may be discarded in a trash receptacle or in larger bodies of water where they are more likely to disperse.

Citizen science

Done for the day? Help FWC’s scallop researchers by completing an online survey at svy.mk/bayscallops. Harvesters can indicate where they harvested scallops, how many they collected and how long it took to harvest them. Participants can email BayScallops@MyFWC.com to ask questions or send additional information.

Flashback to the 1920’s Inspired Tea to Raise Awareness and Funds for Black Owned Nonprofits

FORT MYERS, FL (JUN 8, 2022) – Edison Mall working in partnerships with Edison Ford Shoppes and Edison Ford Estates will be hosting a tea set in the 1920’s featuring Mina Edison (wife of Thomas Edison) and Dr. Ella Mae Piper (philanthropist, hair stylist and doctor in Fort Myers) discussing the changes in Fort Myers since Juneteenth. The Juneteenth Celebration Tea will be held on June 19^th from 12 pm to 3 pm between Entrance F (Avis) and Entrance G (LensCrafters) in front of Dillard’s. A traditional tea with cakes and pastries will be prepared and served by Edison Ford Shoppes.

“We are proud to offer events and activities that bring people together to ignite the spirit of community, while supporting our local small businesses,” states Brad Lunn, General Manager for Edison Mall. “Honoring events like Juneteenth, gives us all an opportunity to learn about the past and brighten our future.”

The roles of Mina Edison and Dr. Ella Mae Piper will be played by Susan Tutko, Guest Services Coordinator at the Edison Ford Shoppe and LaTonga Henderson, Security Director with Allied Universal Security. These incredibly passionate and devoted women became friends around 1916 and remained friends for a number of years. Guest will learn the rich history not only of these two extraordinary women but also learn of the changes that were happening within our own community. In addition to the performances, there will be live painters on site creating Juneteenth and 1920’s inspired canvases.  These canvases will be put up for auction with the proceeds going to locally black owned nonprofits.  This is an event that shouldn’t be missed. Register here today!

In addition, Edison Mall is supporting the Ft. Myers community during the Spring Fling event. Guests may:

• Donate canned goods and nonperishables to help support our local American Legion Post 38 and help veterans in need.
• Donate old towels, blankets, dog or cat food to help support the Gulf Coast Humane Society.
• Donate new or gently used books to help support Believe N Books who bring books to our underserved communities and schools.
• Sign up to be a volunteer with Quality Life Center and help mentor our youth to become the best they can be.

Edison Mall remains focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. To learn more about Juneteenth and other events at Edison Mall, follow along on social media and visit shopedisonmall.com

About Edison Mall

Edison Mall is Lee County Florida’s only enclosed and climate-controlled shopping destination serving the Greater Fort Myers and Naples area. The town center is home to more than 160 diverse national and local retail, dining and entertainment options, as well as numerous events and activities throughout the year. A dynamic offering of things to do along with things to buy keeps guests engaged and returning often. Edison Mall is open seven days a week; Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.to 8 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, call (239) 939-1933 or visit shopedisonmall.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/EdisonMall and follow us Instagram @ShopEdisonMall.

on’t miss the chance to try something new this summer. Take a class or two and explore new skills.

Playing with Pastels Workshop (Ages 16+)

Saturday, June 11 • This one day workshop on Saturday, June 11 will stimulate your creative juices as you experiment with this vibrant medium. Both beginners and experienced artists will explore techniques to create a work of art suitable for framing. The group learns together, and individualized attention and guidance brings you total immersion in your process — and have fun!

Register →

View All Classes →

Playing with Pastels Workshop (Ages 16+)

Monday, June 13 • 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!

Register →

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Beginning Belly Dance A (Ages 14+)

Wednesday, June 15 – July 13 • Have fun learning the ancient art and modern styles of this dynamic dance! Belly Dancing is a naturally low impact activity that improves posture, core strength, flexibility and the mind-body connection.

Register →

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The Art of Neurographica Workshop(Ages 13+)

Saturday, June 18 • Experience positive changes in your life through drawing, using the Neurographica® method. This process provides a way to express your feelings and make your dreams a reality.

Register →

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Manga and Pizza (Ages 12-18)

Wednesday, June 22 • Join us for a Manga/cartoon drawing workshop- perfect for all levels! We’ll provide the pizza, popcorn and drinks while popular Instructor Terry Lynn Spry gives a short lesson on drawing cartoons. Students will then elaborate and draw their own unique (or favorite) characters.

Register →

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Bob Ross Classic-“Just Before The Storm” (Ages13+)

Thursday, June 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 “Just Before The Storm” painting.

Register →

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Introduction to Dreaming as an Art (Ages 16+)

Saturday, June 25 • 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

Register →

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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. As an artist and an Alliance member, this is your annual opportunity to exhibit your work in our main gallery! No online submission process, no jury notification – simply the opportunity to celebrate the artists that make our community so unique.

Find Out More →

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!

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Bass Pro Shops invite you to join the first 10-Tag Celebration Ceremony! They will be awarding lucky angler, Dale Dew, who caught the first pink-tagged bass of the 10-Tag promotion.

The event will take place Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the Lowrance “Show Up and Shop” event at Bass Pro Shops Tampa, 10501 Palm River Road, Tampa, FL 33619. The public is invited to hear the surprising story of Dew’s lucky catch, with the award ceremony taking place at 2:30 p.m.

In recognition of 10 successful seasons of FWC’s TrophyCatch program, biologists with the FWC tagged and released 10 largemouth bass with bright pink tags in 10 different locations across the state. Dew is the first angler to catch one of these special bass, collect the tag, and successfully submit the fish to TrophyCatch. Each fish rewards the angler with a $5,000 gift card to Bass Pro Shops and $1,000 to shop at AFTCO, and a chance to win an additional $10,000.

“If we needed one more reason to get excited about freshwater fishing in Florida, here it is,” said FWC Commissioner Gary Lester. “The 10-TAG celebration has positively motivated our anglers to get out and enjoy what freshwater fishing has to offer in the Fishing Capital of the World and we commend our first winner!”

“The success of TrophyCatch has further elevated freshwater fishing in Florida and allowed us to learn more about the fishery through conservation-based citizen science,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton.  “I want to personally thank our sponsors and stakeholders and congratulate the winners of the 10-TAG celebration.”

“Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are proud to stand with anglers across Florida in support of TrophyCatch. Together we are ensuring a bright future for bass fishing in Florida and showing how important recreational fishing is to conservation. As long-time supporters of TrophyCatch, we are proud of where the program is today and all that it has done for bass fishing in the Sunshine State,” said Bob Ziehmer, Senior Director of Conservation for Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s.

Nine more pink-tagged bass are still waiting to be caught in other waterbodies across the state! Anglers should check the TrophyCatch website for the list of locations, rules and updates. For more information about the TrophyCatch program or the 10-TAG Celebration, email KP Clements at [email protected].