Member News

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach proudly welcomes Bryan Detert as its new director of restaurant operations and Rhonda Decherd as sales and marketing director.

Detert brings a wealth of expertise, leadership and a commitment to excellence to the resort, with an extensive background in hospitality management. His journey to Margaritaville stems from a previous tenure as Regional Manager and Beverage Director at Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, where he drove sales through unparalleled guest service and consistent execution, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and success. Passionate about food and wine pairings, Detert’s Sommelier Level 3 Advanced Certification brings an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience at Margaritaville. Additionally, Detert is well-versed in guest service, operational excellence, cleanliness and organization.

“Transitioning from another lifestyle brand grants me valuable insight into the broader guest experience,” said Detert. “Our patrons aren’t merely dining; they’re becoming brand advocates, and I aim to instill this ethos within our team.”

Decherd also brings a rich background in hospitality to Margaritaville Beach Resort, as well as experience in contract negotiation, event planning and revenue optimization. In her prior role as Director of Catering Sales and Convention Services at Mainsail Lodging and Development, Decherd was responsible for contract negotiation, revenue analysis and strategic planning. Decherd earned a bachelor’s degree in resort and hospitality management from Florida Gulf Coast University, and she also graduated from the International Association of Venue School Management and the Disney Approach to Leadership Excellence program. At Margaritaville, Decherd will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing with a focus on driving revenue growth, enhancing guest satisfaction and building strategic partnerships within the community.

“Being a part of this resort’s growth is an absolute honor, and I am eager to dive in and contribute to its continued success,” said Decherd. “With its stunning beachfront location, top-notch dining options and endless opportunities for fun, I can’t wait to help create unforgettable experiences for our guests and play a role in shaping the resort’s bright future.”

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach looks forward to the continued growth of its restaurant and marketing operations, enriching the guest experience and fostering a culture of excellence.

About Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach features 254 guest rooms, a beachside Fins Up! Beach Club, and six food and beverage outlets, including signature concepts such as JWB Grill, License to Chill Bar & Grill, and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill. With a retail shop and St. Somewhere Spa, the destination boasts over 5,000 square feet of indoor space and up to 15,000 square feet of outdoor space – perfect for events, meetings, weddings, and more. Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is owned and operated by TPI Hospitality.

Margaritaville features over 40 hotels and resorts, gaming properties, RV destinations, a cruise line, and over 150 food and beverage venues – as well as real estate communities, a satellite radio station on SiriusXM, consumer lifestyle products, and more. In 2023, Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts was ranked #1 in Guest Satisfaction among Upper Upscale Hotel Brands in the J.D. Power 2023 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study. For more information, please visit www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-fort-myers-beach.

Florida SouthWestern State College Deploys ZeroEyes’ AI Gun Detection and Intelligent Situational Awareness Platform Across its Four Campuses

Proactive Security Solution To Help Protect 16,000 Students and

1,000 Faculty and Staff Against Gun-Related Threats

JULY 23, 2024 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced that its AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness solution has been deployed by Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) to mitigate gun-related violence.

ZeroEyes has been implemented across all four FSW campuses, protecting 16,000 students and nearly 1,000 faculty and staff. First established in 1962, FSW’s main campus is located in Fort Myers, Fla., with satellite campuses in Punta Gorda and Naples and a center in LaBelle. FSW maintains its own Campus Police Department (FSWPD), which is committed to providing a safe, secure, and orderly environment so that learning, working, and administrative operations can excel.

“FSW is leading the charge in innovative security technology to ensure the safety of our community, and ZeroEyes plays a crucial role,” said Jerry Connolly, Chief of Police, FSWPD. “ZeroEyes can proactively identify and alert us to a gun-related threat before any shots are fired, expediting emergency response and potentially saving lives.”

“The ongoing threat of gun violence in the U.S. compels us to maximize safety measures, especially given the open nature of our campus,” said Dr. Gina Doeble, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, FSW. “With thousands attending our special events, concerts, and athletic programs, we must do everything possible to protect them. We are proud to integrate ZeroEyes as an additional layer of security.”

ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with our ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry’s only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to local law enforcement and school staff as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection.

“We commend Florida Southwestern State College for their proactive approach to security,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “Their commitment to safety sets a standard for higher ed institutions nationwide.”

About ZeroEyes
ZeroEyes delivers a proactive, human-verified AI gun detection software solution that integrates into existing digital security cameras and helps mitigate mass shootings and gun-related violence by reducing response times, providing actionable intelligence with images and delivering clarity among chaos — ultimately saving lives. ZeroEyes’ patented solution is recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a promising anti-terrorism technology and is the first video analytics technology to receive SAFETY Act DT&E Designation.

Founded by Navy SEALs and elite technologists, ZeroEyes dispatches accurate and real-time actionable intelligence about the illegal brandishing of a gun near or in an occupied area or building to local staff and law enforcement with an image of the shooter(s) and location of the threat, as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from the moment the gun is detected.

The ZeroEyes team also provides consulting, installation assistance and practice drills for active shooter events to enhance safety at schools, corporate and government facilities. Headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia area, the company’s affordable and effective gun detection solution has been adopted by the US Department of Defense, leading public K-12 school districts, colleges/universities, healthcare facilities, commercial property groups, manufacturing plants, Fortune 500 corporate campuses, shopping malls, big-box retail stores and more. Learn more about ZeroEyes at ZeroEyes.com.

About Florida SouthWestern State College

Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 20,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Community Cooperative Announces Address Change Notice for Mobile Food Pantry in Bonita Springs

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 22, 2024) – Community Cooperative announces an important update regarding the location of one of their mobile food pantries located in Bonita Springs. Starting August 2024, the mobile food pantry located at Bonita Literacy Council Gulf Coast at 26820 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, will be moving to a new address for all upcoming grocery distribution.

Community Cooperative requests that their clients take note of the updated address to ensure everyone receives access to supplemental groceries.

New Address: Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Time: 9:30AM- 11:30AM

Clients planning on visiting Community Cooperative’s mobile food pantry at the Bonita location are encouraged to take note of the new location change. For any questions or further information please contact Community Cooperative’s Food Pantries Coordinator at 239-332-7687.

About Community Cooperative

Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.

Innovative 3D Model Enhances Simulation Healthcare Training at FSW
Prepares Students to Care for Patients with Down Syndrome

JULY 22, 2024 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Center of Healthcare Training and Simulation Excellence recently introduced Gwen, a groundbreaking 3D model of a 7-year-old girl with Down Syndrome developed by LifeCast Body Simulation, into its School of Health Professions simulation training.  

Gwen joins the impressive array of training tools at FSW’s Lee Campus, enhancing the educational experience for FSW School of Health Professions students.  

Gwen is the first model of her kind in North America and simulates real-life scenarios crucial for medical training, particularly in procedures like intubation and ventilation. Her anatomical features—such as a smaller jaw, larger tongue, and shorter neck—challenge students to master the specialized care required for patients with Down Syndrome. This hands-on approach equips students with invaluable skills, preparing them for the complexities they will encounter in clinical practice. 

“Training with Gwen provides a unique opportunity for our students to delve into the nuances of managing a challenging airway,” said Jessica Golda, director, Corporate Training and Simulation Education at FSW. “Beyond technical skills, Gwen facilitates a deeper understanding of associated medical conditions like sleep apnea, congenital heart disease, vision and hearing issues, immune disorders, hypothyroidism, blood disorders, and ear infections. We are excited about Gwen’s potential to revolutionize our simulation training and education.” 

For more information about Gwen and advanced simulation training at Florida SouthWestern State College, contact Golda at [email protected]. 

Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 20,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placement rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Greetings FGCU Service-Learning Community Partners!

Register Today…

1. Community Partner Workshop on August 7, 9am-1pm (Free – Register by July 31)

We hold a workshop for nonprofits and government agencies each semester (including summer) to learn more about how to create (or deepen) a partnership with FGCU.  The workshops are always 9am-1pm, with the last hour as a networking time over a light lunch.  We always receive very positive feedback from attendees and usually have between 50-75 people in attendance.  This is intended for all nonprofits and government agencies (including FGCU offices and all public K-12 schools), whether or not they are already in our Service-Learning Community Partner Database.  We typically see a good mix of both new people and returners.  This workshop will include information on getting the most out of your partnership with FGCU as well as a panel on the benefits of partnering with a topic-specific course.     

Please share with other nonprofits and government agencies. 

Register by July 31:  https://bit.ly/Su24CPWorkshop(in-person only – no Zoom option will be available)

2. Service-Learning Fair on September 11, 10am-2pm (Register ASAP to secure your table)
   You don’t want to miss this amazing opportunity to meet over 500 students who are all looking for short and long-term service-learning opportunities.  The event will take place on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 10a-2p.  Registration is first-come, first-served, and tables always fill fast, so register today:  https://bit.ly/CPReg_SLFairF24.
   1. Important Note:  You will notice there is a small fee associated with your registration this year.  Although we’ve been able to keep all other services free for our agency partners (i.e. workshops, guided trips, days of service, pages in the database, opportunity postings, etc.), we will need to begin charging for tables at our VERY popular Service-Learning Fairs.  This fee not only helps cover a portion of the cost of the event, it will also cover your parking pass and lunch(es).  We have no doubt everyone will agree that the exposure, connection to students and faculty, and networking between organizations at the event all make it well worth the small fee added this year.  Please reach out with any questions.       

Reminders:

• Submit Your Service-Learning Needs for the Fall
  If you haven’t submitted your service-learning opportunities for August, September, and October, please do so today using this form:   https://forms.gle/zoEJWZQ3PNeyuwY86.  Students and faculty will be back and looking at those opportunities very soon!

1. If there’s something on your to-do list, our students can help. 
2. Remember to consider all four types of service and how students can serve you through short and long-term opportunities.
3. If you are interested in exploring a partnership with a specific faculty member teaching in a specific content area (i.e. marketing, environmental science, art, software engineering, etc.), be sure to reach out to our Service-Learning Faculty Specialist, Jamie Wilson, [email protected].   

• We are currently hiring two full-time Professional Staff positions (please share)

Both positions are open until filled and have a salary range of $42,000-$45,000/annual. 

• Coordinator of Service-Learning (100% student facing):  https://fgcu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/eaglejobs/job/Main-Campus/Service-Learning-Coordinator_R0005218
• Coordinator of Events & Promotions:  https://fgcu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/eaglejobs/job/Main-Campus/Service-Learning-Events—Promotions-Coordinator_R0005047

Save the Date: 

• September 20, 2024:  Service-Learning Deadline for Fall 2024 Graduates to have all service-learning hours completed, tracked, and verified in Eagle Service Network.  Students can find all details they need regarding the process of tracking hours on our website here:  https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/servicelearning/students/volunteeringrecordingservice-learninghours#documenting
  • The week prior, you can expect many fall graduates to be tracking hours from past semesters and asking you to quickly verify those hours for them in Eagle Service Network. 
• Spring 2025 Service-Learning Fair:  Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 10am-2pm

Please refer others:  If you know other nonprofits or government agencies that could benefit from connecting with FGCU through service-learning, please point them here to register and post opportunities:  https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/servicelearning/communitypartnerresources#GettingStartedasaCoEducator

Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Have a great day!

Justin Fitzgerald  |  Director, Community Engagement

Service-Learning & Civic Engagement

fgcu.edu/ServiceLearning

Florida Gulf Coast University

10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965  |  fgcu.edu

P: 239.590.7031  |  E: [email protected] 
  

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

City of Fort Myers Releases 2023 Popular Annual Financial Report

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 22, 2024) – The City of Fort Myers has recently released the first City Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The PAFR is a 12-page overview of the previously published 267-page Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) detailing audited financial statements and City projects and operations.

The Government Finance Officers Association established the PAFR program in 1991 with the purpose of encouraging governments to extract information from the ACFR to produce financial information that is concise and easy to understand. Following the fiscal year 2022-2023 strategic plan, the City’s PAFR summarizes and simplifies the municipality’s statistical, economic and financial health and outlook, while highlighting revenue, expenses and other information about the local economy.

“The goal of this report is to increase public awareness of City government functions and provide clear accounting of how taxpayer dollars are being spent,” said City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. “We’re thrilled to share that we’re fiscally strong with reserves, allowing the mill levy rate to drop from 8.7760 in 2014 to 6.6999 in 2023, which reduces the tax burden for Fort Myers residents.”

The City of Fort Myers encourages residents, visitors and community stakeholders to review the PAFR for insight into the City’s financial activities, notable accomplishments and progress across departments based on key municipal initiatives and goals.

To review the City’s PAFR, please visit www.cityftmyers.com/PAFR. The full ACFR can be found at www.cityftmyers.com/ACFR.

About the City of Fort Myers
Incorporated in 1886, the City of Fort Myers is committed to providing exceptional municipal services to residents, businesses and visitors in a fiscally responsible manner while preserving the City’s rich history, diverse culture and charming lifestyle. To carry out its mission, the City of Fort Myers strives to provide economic opportunity, personal growth and a high quality of life surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, while fostering an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive. To learn more and get involved, visit www.cityftmyers.com.