Member News

FWC seeks input on the effects of long-term stored vessels 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has retained Atkins Global to conduct a study in Florida to better understand the impacts of long-term stored vessels. Feedback from residents, business owners, visitors and others who use and enjoy Florida’s waters is a crucial part of the research.

A virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. EST to announce the study and to explain how the public can participate. The meeting will begin with a formal presentation from subject matter experts and will conclude with a question-and-answer session.

The intent of the project is to:

• Investigate whether, and to what extent, long-term stored vessels contribute to the number of derelict and abandoned vessels on Florida’s waters.
• Investigate the impacts of long-term stored vessels, those anchored or moored outside of public mooring fields for more than 30 days, and those moored within public mooring fields on local and state economies, public safety, public boat ramps, staging docks, and public marinas during and after significant tropical storm and hurricane events.
• Provide recommendations for appropriate management options for long-term stored vessels to mitigate any identified negative impacts to local communities and the state.

For the purposes of this study, a “long-term stored vessel” is a boat on state waters that is not under the supervision of a person capable of operating, maintaining or moving it from one location to another and that has remained anchored or moored outside of a public mooring field for at least 30 days out of a 60-day period. 

To attend the virtual meeting online, participants can register VesselStudy.com or attend by phone in listen-only mode at 562-247-8321 using access code 648-012-772.

Persons wishing to participate in the study can do so at the project website VesselStudy.com. Stakeholder input will be collected through Feb. 10, 2023.

Introduction to Construction Management Certificate at FGCU!

Earn your micro-credential/digital badge in Construction Management.

This Introduction to Construction Management Certificate is geared to those who are looking to advance their knowledge and understanding of the basic elements and skill sets required by a Professional Construction Manager. The certificate will also benefit those currently working in a construction office without specific training or degrees, and those who want to further refine their skill sets related to Professional Construction Management.

Ready to Register? Sign Up Now!

Registration Information:

Date(s): Jan 9 – March 20
Time: Self-paced with weekly modules
Location: Online
Cost: $1050
Ready to Register? Sign Up Now!

Learn more about the digital badge at:
fgcu.edu/digitalbadges

Boaters are encouraged to be on the lookout during right whale calving season

If you plan to boat or fish in the Atlantic Ocean this winter, be on the lookout for North Atlantic right whales that are calving in state and federal waters off Florida, Georgia and South Carolina from November through April. These endangered species are extremely hard to spot and collisions with vessels put passengers and crew at risk and could cause injury or death to right whales. With fewer than 350, right whales are one of the world’s most endangered large whale species.

Follow these boating safety tips during right whale season:

• Go slow, which can give you time to react.
• Post a lookout! Watch for black objects, whitewater and splashes.
• Avoid boating in the dark, when visibility is poor or in rough seas.
• Use the Whale Alert app to see if whales have been sighted in your area.
• Check for signage at your local boat ramp or marina as a reminder of what to look for and how to identify and report right whale sightings.
• If a whale is spotted, slow down, operate at a slow speed or put your engine in neutral if possible. Assess the scene and slowly leave the area while keeping watch. Never pursue or follow a whale and keep at least 500 yards from the right whales (it’s the law).
• Report whale sightings and collisions immediately to the U.S. Coast Guard on marine VHF Ch. 16 or call 1-877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343).

Learn more about what you can do to prevent right whale collisions at MyFWC.com/Research by clicking “Wildlife.”

FWC postpones final rulemaking on goliath grouper spawning aggregations until May 2023

At its Nov. 30–Dec. 1 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed a motion to postpone decision-making on a rule to increase protections for three goliath spawning sites until the May 2023 meeting. This will allow staff time to gather more information and public feedback, and adjust the rule as necessary before the next spawning event.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.

For current recreational goliath grouper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Goliath.

FWC closes recreational lane snapper harvest in Gulf state waters 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) closes recreational lane snapper harvest in Florida Gulf state waters starting Dec. 2, 2022 for the remainder of the year. Recreational harvest will reopen on Jan. 1, 2023.

This action is consistent with the closure of commercial and recreational harvest of lane snapper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service that was made effective on Nov. 15 to prevent overfishing the stock.

For current recreational lane snapper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Snapper” under “Reef Fish.”

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.

FWC proposes rule to help improve survival of released reef fish 

At its Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Commission meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed a rule to require the possession of a descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use on board a vessel when harvesting or attempting to harvest, including catch and release, reef fish in state waters.

This proposed rule is designed to increase the survival of released reef fish, a top priority management issue in the Gulf and South Atlantic. If approved, this rule would also require the use of a descending device or venting tool if releasing a fish that is exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release.  As reef fish are reeled up from depth, they can suffer pressure-related injuries known as barotrauma. These injuries include the stomach protruding out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly, distended intestines and inability to swim down independently. If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to reef fish. 

Tools including descending devices or venting tools can help released fish recover from the effects of barotrauma. Descending devices are weighted devices capable of releasing fish at a depth that is sufficient to recompress expanded gas and help fish recover from the effects of barotrauma. Venting tools are sharp, hollow instruments that allow expanded gas to escape from an over-expanded swim bladder.

Barotrauma mitigation tool requirements have already been adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters. In Gulf federal waters, fishers have the choice of possessing either a descending device or a venting tool that is rigged and ready for use. In Atlantic federal waters, fishers are required to have a descending device that is readily available for use.

A final rule hearing for barotrauma mitigation tool requirements will be presented at a future Commission meeting.

Find current reef fish gear requirements at MyFWC.com/ReefFishGear. Anyone who plans to harvest or attempt to harvest, including catch and release, certain reef fish species in Gulf or Atlantic waters from a private recreational vessel (includes anglers over 65 years of age) must sign up for the free State Reef Fish Angler designation and renew it annually. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SRFS and sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more information, including the Nov. 30–Dec. 1, 2022, Commission meeting presentation, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”

FWC proposes rule to protect cultural resources in Biscayne National Park 

At its Nov. 30–Dec. 1 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed a rule to prohibit the placement of recreational and commercial traps within the boundaries of the Legare Anchorage site within Biscayne National Park.

The Legare Anchorage site is approximately 1.2 square miles and is east of Elliot Key. Cultural resources found throughout this area are vulnerable to physical damage caused from fishing gear that interacts with the seafloor. Trawling is already prohibited in this area. If approved, this rule will further protect threatened, submerged archeological resources in the area from potential damage that could occur during trap deployment and retrieval.

A final rule hearing for commercial and recreational trap regulations in the Legare Anchorage area will occur at a future Commission meeting.

For more information, including the Nov. 30–Dec. 1, 2022 Commission meeting presentation, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center Hosts Celebration of Giving Thanks

(Fort Myers – December 1, 2022) – The Heights Foundation / Heights Center hosted a Harlem Heights a ‘Celebration of Giving Thanks’ on Sunday, November 20.

More than 450 Harlem Heights residents enjoyed a meal together along with fellowship, games, and entertainment by students from The Harlem Heights Community Charter School.

Sunshine Health and many generous donors sponsored the event.

Local chef, Fritz Caraher organized the food portion of the event; bringing together Chef Sterling Wright from Nashville (Mr. 100 of Hell’s Kitchen), and Melissa Donahue of Sweet Melissa’s on Sanibel to prepare the meal. Thomas Goodman, Buster’s Sports Tavern, Pickle-N-Pub, Poppy’s Pizza, and Tres Amigos Taqueria provided additional food.

“The past two months have been challenging for the residents of Harlem Heights due to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” said Kathryn Kelly, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation. “This celebration allowed families to relax and enjoy a meal together, to catch up, and be grateful for the support to help the neighborhood rebuild.”

With the generous help of the community and strategic partners, The Heights Foundation has come alongside more than 300 families in Harlem Heights to assist with removing brush and debris, cleaning out flooded houses, mucking and gutting, repairing roofs, and mold sanitation. The Foundation has provided necessities to families, including food, water, clothing, personal hygiene items, first aid kits, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies. In addition, the Foundation assisted with temporary furniture such as air mattresses, tables and chairs, and hot plates and helped families with rental assistance, utility bills, and finding employment. The Foundation has also connected individuals to health and wellness resources and aid.

To learn more about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center and how you can help rebuild the Harlem Heights community, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706, or email [email protected].

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 150 children 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.

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Have it your way, online or in-person.

Support FGCU Academy | Make a Memorable Gift Now

The Academy’s program fees only cover a fraction of its operating costs. The Academy relies on the purchase of memberships and donations to carry us the rest of the way. Without your support, this vital community lifelong learning and outreach program would not be possible. Thank you for your generosity.

Greetings, Where did this year go? December is around the corner. only 30 days left before the magic arrives to the many homes of all. And what is that magic? Why it is FGCU Academy’s 2023 winter/spring catalog, loaded with many courses to tickle all your fancies. Our appetizing choices are plentiful and will certainly please your palettes.

For those that can’t wait to have your very own copy, we will be posting it online soon. Stay tuned and get a jump on viewing it before it hits your mailbox.

If you would like to have FGCU Academy provide programs at your community, click below and send us an email with your information: who the contact person is, their email and phone number along with name of your community. We will be happy to reach out and discuss the possibilities with them.

Schedule a Private Education Session
for Your Community!

Please call office to register for classes at 239.434.4737
or
Register Online

Program Guides

View 2022 FGCU Academy FALL Program Guide

View December Daily Calendar

SINGLE LECTURE CLASSES

Mediterranean Magic
@ Commons Club at The Brooks – December 1 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

An amazing voyage following the coast of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, as we visit lands that are both ancient and modern. Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt are all unique and unusual civilizations which flourished long ago and are still vibrant today. Join us as we travel along this scenic coast visiting these enchanting places.

The FGCU Academy 2023 Travel Open Houses
@ Online Webinar – December 5 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.

You must pre-register

Pre-registration is required. Join us as we formally unveil our 2023 travel excursions to Insider’s Japan, Untamed Alaska, Legendary Turkey, Across Spain & Portugal, Pearls of Dalmatia, Sicily in Depth, Israel: Timeless Wonders. Seven exciting and luxurious tours are planned for our upcoming travel season starting in May 2023, and we invite you to learn about them all. Through unique and interesting itineraries, participants have the opportunity to experience life outside the classroom, visit historic sites with local guides, experience another culture – its customs, cuisine, language and history – and delight in conversation and laughter with fellow explorers who share a love of travel and a sense of adventure.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the Great Depression
@ Commons Club at The Brooks – December 2 | 1:30 – 3 p.m..

The Civilian Conservation Corps, or the CCC, was one of the first of President Roosevelt’s New Deal programs. Millions of young men enrolled in CCC camps in every state and territory and worked in conservation efforts and building state and national parks. In its nine-year history, the CCC revitalized our land, and transformed the CCC men. Join Dr. Franz as he shares this ‘feel-good’ story along with many images of the CCC.

The Wives of Henry VIII (2-part series)
@ Naples Center / Online via Zoom – December 6, 8 | 10 – 11:30 a.m..

Henry VIII had six wives! That is a piece of history we all seem to remember from our school days! Henry’s marriages were about both love and power, but romance with this king could be a dangerous game. He needed an heir, but what else was Henry hoping to achieve through these marriages? And who were his wives? Were they hapless victims or ambitious schemers or perhaps a combination of the two? Each one’s story was unique. Let’s meet these six very memorable 16th century ladies of the English court.

TECHNOLOGY CLASSES
Instructor: John Guerra

iPhone/iPad Notes App: The App Everyone Should Use
@ Moorings Park – December 5 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

The Notes app is the best place to jot down quick thoughts or to save checklists, images, web links, scanned documents, handwritten notes or sketches. With iCloud, it’s easy to keep all your devices in sync, so you’ll always have your notes with you. You can search notes for typed text, handwritten notes, text in scanned documents and even images inside your notes. Secure the notes that hold your most personal data – such as financial details, medical information, or secret family recipes – with a password, a fingerprint or even Face ID. Join this lecture as we explore one of Apple’s most useful, powerful and productive apps available.

iPhone/iPad Photos App: Photo Management , Editing, Sharing and More
@ Bentley Village – December 1 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
@ Naples Center / Online via Zoom December 11 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Apple’s Photos App has an immersive, dynamic look that emphasizes your best shots with larger previews and improved organization. Memories finds your best photos and videos and weaves them together into a memorable movie complete with music, titles and transitions. Perfect your images with intuitive, built-in, powerful editing tools. Search photos based on who or what is in them. iCloud stores your photos and videos and syncs them across all your devices.

Introduction to Windows 11
@ Naples Center / Online via Zoom December 9 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Learn the fundamentals of Microsoft Windows 11 in this lecture-style presentation. This lecture is designed for those who have used Windows before and are interested in upgrading or learning about the new Windows 11 operating system. If you have just bought a new computer with Windows 11, have upgraded, or are going to upgrade, this presentation is for you. Join us as we make Windows 11 easy to use and understand.

The Best of the Best Smartphone and Tablet Apps
@ The Arlington December 9 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.

This lecture-style presentation explores some of the best apps that Apple and Android users should know about and install on their devices. Apps are the life-blood of your smart devices. Without them, your 21st century tools are greatly limited in what they can do. We will identify and demo the best apps available in categories like productivity, email, travel, video calling, texting, car services, travel, stocks and so much more. This lecture is appropriate for all Android and Apple users, although Apple devices will be used to demonstrate various apps.

LOOKING AHEAD – see what’s coming

• President Richard Nixon’s Foreign policy (1969-74)
• Bernini and the Birth of the Baroque Style in Rome
• Religion in the White House
• A Different Look at Florida
• Making / Taking Better Photos

2023 Travel

Travel The World With FGCU Academy
Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living

View our
Pre-Recorded Travel Open House Presentation Now

INSIDER’S JAPAN – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
May 20 – June 1, 2023 | 13 days
It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

UNTAMED ALASKA – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
August 20 – 30, 2023 | 11 days
Awe-inspiring natural beauty and outdoor adventure await as we explore Alaska’s varied landscapes and noteworthy cities. From Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords national parks to the energy of Anchorage and scenic Seward, our small group encounters the breadth and beauty of America’s Last Frontier.

LEGENDARY TURKEY – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
September 1 – 15, 2023 | 15 days
Exotic sights, scents, and sounds reign in this fascinating land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic – and legendary – Turquoise Coast, Turkey engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group experience.

ACROSS SPAIN & PORTUGAL – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
September 10 – 26, 2023 | 17 days
Fortified cities and tiny fishing villages, rugged Atlantic coastline and commanding Pyrenees peaks, iconic shrines to both religion and fine art, and intimate lodgings in historic paradores and pousadas – it all awaits on this singular small group journey from Lisbon across the north of Spain, ending in vibrant Barcelona.

PEARLS OF DALMATIA – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
September 14 – 28, 2023 | 15 days
Independent, democratic Croatia welcomes visitors eager to absorb its remarkable history and culture – and its beautiful and unspoiled Dalmatian coastline. As our small group travels from historic Zagreb and beautiful Lake Bled to the Habsburg resort of Opatija, the island of Hvar, and beloved Dubrovnik, we see why this cherished region lays such a claim on the hearts of all who visit.

SICILY IN DEPTH – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
September 28 – October 9, 2023 | 12 days
Crossroads of the Mediterranean … the “toe” in Italy’s boot … “God’s Kitchen” … Sicily is all this, and much more, as we see on our stellar small group journey around this Italian island. It’s lively cities and ancient ruins, temples of man – and of nature, hospitable people and delectable cuisine … a feast for all the senses.

ISRAEL: TIMELESS WONDERS – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
October 14 – 25, 2023 | 12 days
Encounter a land of extraordinary beauty and belief, of spirit and story, history and hospitality. From modern Tel Aviv to scen¬ic Upper Galilee, ancient Tiberias and storied Nazareth to Jerusalem, “City of Gold,” we engage all our senses in a small group encounter with this extraordinary and holy land, with a five-night stay in Jerusalem at the legendary King David hotel.

Support FGCU Academy | Make a Memorable Gift Now

The Academy’s program fees only cover a fraction of its operating costs. The Academy relies on the purchase of memberships and donations to carry us the rest of the way. Without your support, this vital community lifelong learning and outreach program would not be possible. Thank you for your generosity.

FGCU Academy
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FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER
704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N
Suite 330
Naples, FL 34102

239-434-4737

[email protected]

FGCU Academy | 704 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Suite 330, Naples, FL 34102

Sparkling Wine and Dessert Pairing at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 30, 2022) – Edison and Ford Winter Estates is partnering with The Wine Room and the Banyan Café to offer visitors the opportunity to sample dessert and sparkling wine at the historic site. The event will take place on Friday, December 16, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the river pavilion, along the Caloosahatchee River.

Guests are invited to sip wine, enjoy relaxing music and have a chance to see a beautiful sunset. Each participant will receive four two-ounce sparkling wine tastings (Prosecco, Red Lambrusco, Grapefruit Spritzer, and Rosé Prosecco) and four dessert samples. An instructor from The Wine Room will discuss the wines, and the owner of the Banyan Café will provide an overview of the desserts. Guests will also get to listen to holiday music, and can stroll the beautifully-decorated grounds after the event.

Tickets are $100 for non-members and $90 for Edison Ford members and include Holiday Nights admission. Advance, online registration is required by December 12. Space is limited. Register at EdisonFord.org.