Member News

Community Cooperative announces CEO transition
Galloway to step down; Edwards to succeed
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 1, 2021) – The board of directors of Community Cooperative has appointed Stefanie Ink Edwards as chief executive officer, effective June 14. Edwards succeeds Tracey Galloway, who has announced her retirement after 10 years with the organization.
“Leading and transforming Community Cooperative into the dynamic human services organization we are today has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am thrilled to pass the baton to Stefanie who has been an amazing leader in our organization for the past six years,” Galloway said. “I’m proud of the organization we’ve built, humbled by the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and pleased that our achievements will continue to make our community a better place to live for years to come.”
Community Cooperative’s board chairman Keith Banasiak said Galloway has accomplished a great deal in 10 years. “She articulated a vision for the organization and centered our mission, while greatly improving fundraising capabilities and building our volunteer base and service footprint across the county,” he said. “She gave Community Cooperative a strong voice full of creativity and passion.”
Banasiak said the board has been planning the transition for the better part of a year and are thrilled to be able promote from within the organization. “We have a highly committed staff and a grassroots network of supporters that is second to none,” he said. “The board strongly believes that Stefanie’s strategic vision, exceptional operational talent, focused leadership and deep commitment to Community Cooperative’s employees and clients are widely known and position the organization for continued success.”
Edwards joined Community Cooperative in 2014 as development director. More recently she has served as COO and together with Galloway, helped to rebrand, reenergize and reposition Community Cooperative as a leading nonprofit in Lee County working to end hunger and homelessness.
“I am extremely honored to be given the opportunity to lead an organization that provides such a basic human need to our neighbors and broader community,” said Edwards. “Having been a part of Community Cooperative over the past six years and seeing the impact of our services firsthand, I know how important our work is here in Southwest Florida. There is nowhere else I’d rather commit my time, energy, and passion.”
About Community Cooperative
For 37 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County 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. For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Tami Holliday at [email protected] or call 239-332-7687 ext. 125. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at www.CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

FORT MYERS, FL, June 1, 2021 – At the start of the pandemic last year, Midwest Food Bank Florida made a commitment to the community and remained open. To do that, MFB had to adjust its volunteer model. Fewer people were allowed in volunteer groups to accommodate the need for social distancing. At the same time, the need for emergency food assistance rose sharply.
Now that Covid restrictions are loosening, people are comfortable with returning to volunteerism. MFB Florida welcomes people back and eagerly anticipates an increase in the number of volunteers.
“Volunteers are core to the MFB mission,” says Karl Steidinger, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank Florida. “We are excited to welcome volunteer groups looking to serve together.”
Over 99¢ of every dollar donated to Midwest Food Bank Florida goes into its feeding programs and services. A large volunteer base is credited for this amazing figure. Two of MFB’s values are Embracing Our Communities and Empowering Volunteers. Interested individuals, families, and groups should contact Midwest Food Bank Florida. Find more information at midwestfoodbank.org.
Midwest Food Bank has 12 locations, including 10 in the U.S. and one each in East Africa and Haiti. For more information about Midwest Food Bank (of MFB Location), please visit their website at midwestfoodbank.org.
Midwest Food Bank (“MFB”) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. As a faith-based organization, it is the mission of Midwest Food Bank to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world and providing disaster relief; all without discrimination. Our vision is to provide industry-leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually.
 

SBA Disaster Recovery Q&A Sessions
06/01 & 06/03
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Was your small business affected by Covid-19? Join us during our virtual hours and have your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) questions answered by a live person. Participants may call at anytime and are welcome to enter and exit at will.
Tuesday 
2pm – 3pm
Online: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Dial-in: (202) 765-1264; 177893159#
Thursday (en Español) 
2pm – 3pm
Online: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Dial-in: (202) 765-1264; 118166494#

LOS ANGELES (JUNE 1, 2021) – Jim Jefferies (Legit, FX; The Jim Jefferies Show, Comedy Central) announced today his new The Moist Tour which kicks off September 23 in New York City. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, June 4 at 12pm (local time) with a fan presale beginning Wednesday, June 2 at 10am (local time). For more information and tickets, visit jimjefferies.com.
Fort Myers Information:
Venue:                        Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW
Date:                           Friday, October 8, 2021*
On Sale:                      Friday, June 4 – 12PM
Purchase Tickets:       Online at www.bbmannpah.com, call (239) 481-4849 or at the Box Office
Ticket Prices:              $179.75*, $79.75*, $59.50*, $39.50*
*All shows, dates, times and ticket prices are subject to change. Ticket prices do not include processing fee and sales tax.
 This Sydney native is one of the most popular and respected comedians of his generation, entertaining audiences across the globe with his provocative, belief-challenging, and thought-provoking comedy. Jim was honored as Stand-Up Comedian of the Year at the Just for Laughs Festival in summer 2019. At the end of 2019, he started his Oblivious Tour and toured all around Europe and North America. Jim’s ninth stand up special Intolerant came out on Netflix last year. He currently hosts his own podcast I Don’t Know About That with Jim Jefferies and releases new episdoes on Tuesdays with video available on Jim’s YouTube channel and audio available everywhere you get podcasts.
JIM JEFFERIES: THE MOIST TOUR
Friday, July 30, 2021                          Las Vegas Nevada                         The Mirage (on sale now)
Saturday, July 31, 2021                      Las Vegas Nevada                         The Mirage (on sale now)
Thursday, September 23, 2021           New York, New York                   Beacon Theatre
Saturday, September 25, 2021           Chicago, Illinois                             Chicago Theatre
Sunday, September 26, 2021              Indianapolis, Indiana                     Clowes Memorial Hall (on sale June 11)
*Friday, October 8, 2021             Fort Myers, Florida                       Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall*
Saturday, October 9, 2021                  Fort Lauderdale, Florida                Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, October 10, 2021                  Jacksonville, Florida                      Florida Theatre
Thursday, October 21, 2021               New Orleans, Louisiana                Saenger Theatre
Friday, October 22, 2021                    Austin, Texas                                 Bass Concert Hall
Saturday, October 23, 2021                Dallas, Texas                                 Majestic Theatre
Sunday, October 24, 2021                  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma            The Criterion
Saturday, November 6, 2021              Los Angeles, California                 The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Thursday, November 18, 2021           Omaha, Nebraska                          Orpheum Theater
Friday, November 19, 2021                Milwaukee, Wisconsin                  Riverside Theater
Saturday, November 20, 2021            Minneapolis, Minnesota                State Theatre
Thursday, December 2, 2021             Buffalo, New York                        Kleinhans Music Hall
Friday, December 3, 2021                  Philadelphia, PA                            The Met
Saturday, December 4, 2021              Norfolk, Virginia                           Chrysler Hall
Friday, December 17, 2021                Phoenix, Arizona                           Celebrity Theatre
Saturday, December 18, 2021            San Francisco, California              The Warfield
 

SBA Disaster Recovery Q&A Sessions
06/01 & 06/03
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Was your small business affected by Covid-19? Join us during our virtual hours and have your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) questions answered by a live person. Participants may call at anytime and are welcome to enter and exit at will.
Tuesday 
2pm – 3pm
Online: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Dial-in: (202) 765-1264; 380425574#
Thursday (en Español) 
2pm – 3pm
Online: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Dial-in: (202) 765-1264; 55784791#

KATHLEEN MADIGAN
“DO YOU HAVE ANY RANCH?” TOUR
NOVEMBER 18, 2021
 TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021
 (Fort Myers, FL) – Kathleen Madigan returns to Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW with her “Do You Have Any Ranch?” Tour on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 7:30PM.
Comedian Kathleen Madigan’s 32-year comedy career is showing no signs of slowing down. Madigan has been touring 250 nights a year on the road and has risen from performing in comedy clubs to performing in marquee theaters with sold out shows. She’s squeezed in over 40 appearances on late night talk shows and multiple comedy specials airing on Netflix, Comedy Central and HBO. She also recently joined Jerry Seinfeld on his Netflix show “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” and made the most of the pandemic by launching a podcast, “Madigan’s Pubcast,” on all streaming outlets.
For more information go to www.KathleenMadigan.com
Performance Date / Time:           Thursday, November 18, 2021 – 7:30PM*
Ticket Prices:                                     $49.50*, $39.50*, $29.50*
*All shows, dates, times and ticket prices are subject to change. Ticket prices do not include processing fee and sales tax.
Peg Welty
Director of Marketing / Public Relations
239-489-3033 x 3102
Mobile: 239-826-0079
www.bbmannpah.com
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW
 

June 1, 2020
Fishing for Gulf red snapper? Make sure State Reef Fish Angler is on your license GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. @MyFWC: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/2e22275 #fishing #Florida
Recreational red snapper season starts June 4 in Gulf state and federal waters off Florida
The recreational red snapper season will start June 4 in Gulf state and federal waters off Florida and remain open through July 28, closing July 29.
“We are excited about Gov. DeSantis’ recent announcement of this year’s 55-day Gulf red snapper summer season, it is one of the longest we’ve had since the FWC began managing the season in state and federal waters,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto.
For-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit may also participate in the season but are limited to fishing for red snapper in Gulf state waters only.
If you plan to fish for red snapper in any state or federal waters off Florida from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required). Sign up at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS.
State Reef Fish Anglers might receive a questionnaire in the mail regarding their reef fish trips as part of Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey. These surveys were developed specifically to provide more robust recreational data for management of red snapper and other important reef fish, and have allowed FWC the unprecedented opportunity to manage Gulf red snapper in state and federal waters. If you receive a survey in the mail, please respond whether you fished this season or not.
When catching red snapper and other deep-water fish, look out for symptoms of barotrauma (injuries caused by a change in pressure), such as the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes. When releasing fish with barotrauma, use a descending device or venting tool to help them survive and return to depth. Learn more at MyFWC.com/FishHandling.
To learn more about the recreational red snapper season in Gulf state and federal waters, including season size and bag limits, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers,” which is under the “Regulations by Species – Reef Fish” tab. Looking to keep up to date on Florida’s saltwater fishing regulations? Find them on Fish Rules App. Learn more at FishRulesApp.com or follow Fish Rules at Instagram.com/FishRulesApp or Facebook.com/FishRulesApp.
The Gulf federal season for for-hire operations with federal reef fish permits is June 1 through Aug. 2.
________________________________________
QUESTIONS? Contact the FWC
STAY CONNECTED:
________________________________________
This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission · 620 S. Meridian Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 · (850) 488-4676

Dear Wildlife Conservationist,
You can help biologists learn more about Florida’s wild turkey population by reporting all wild turkeys you see during your normal daily activities from June 1 to Aug. 31.

We’re interested in sightings of hens with and without poults (young wild turkeys), and male birds (jakes and gobblers) from all regions of the state, including rural and developed areas. When reporting numbers of poults, be sure to look carefully because young birds may be difficult to see in tall grass or brush.

The Sunshine State is home to a healthy wild turkey population. They occur throughout Florida and prefer open forests and forest edges and openings. FWC biologists conduct this survey each year to learn more about annual nesting success, brood survival, and the distribution and abundance of wild turkeys. Last year the FWC received over 4,000 reports of wild turkey sightings from across the state. See a summary of the 2020 Wild Turkey Summer Survey. 

Get started reporting wild turkeys on your mobile device by downloading the Survey123ArcGIS app or report sightings online. Learn more about wild turkey nesting and broodrearing and FWC’s summer wild turkey survey.

Thank you for your continued support of conservation.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Division of Hunting and Game Management

Annual Media Breakfast
The Florida Public Relations Association Southwest Florida Chapter and Public Relations Society of America’s Gulf Coast Chapter Present:
Mapping your Media: Navigating through the Changing PR Landscape
Bonita Springs, Fla. (June 1, 2021) – The Public Relations Society of America’s Gulf Coast Chapter (PRSA) in partnership with the Florida Public Relations Association Southwest Florida Chapter will host the annual media breakfast, “Mapping your Media: Navigating through the Changing PR Landscape.”
The popular event will be held on Friday, June 18, 2021, from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., at Artichoke and Company, 11920 Saradrienne Lane, Bonita Springs 34135. The event will follow social distancing guidelines and masks are optional.
The annual Media Breakfast event brings Southwest Florida’s premiere media members front and center for a candid conversation of the state of our media, and how PR professionals can build relationships and get their organizations’ messages out.
Registration is limited to the first 50 registrants. Early bird registration cost: $35 members, $40 nonmembers, $25 students. Registration includes a full breakfast.
Confirmed Speakers:
• Mark Gordon, Managing Editor, Business Observer
• Christina Cush, Editor In Chief, Naples Illustrated
• Tim Aten, Managing Editor, Gulfshore Business
• Karen Moore, Publisher, Southwest Florida Business Today
• Tom Doerr, News Director, WINK News
• Julie Glenn, News Director, WGCU Public Media
Register Here: https://www.fpraswfl.org/event-registration/fpra-events/media-breakfast-2021
Media Contacts:
Margie Hapke, PRSA
[email protected]
Kelly Apfel, SWFL-FPRA
[email protected]
551-206-5400

Need-to-know tips for beginner boaters
With summer drawing near, it’s no secret that anglers want to be on the water. Learn about everything from boat ramp etiquette to need-to-know safety tips for boating in Florida.
Preparation and launching:
A busy boat ramp can be intimidating. However, an understanding of some very basic principles can help keep you safe and confident before you even arrive at the ramp.
 
Caption: Boater using a boat ramp in St. Marks, FL

• Have a float plan. This includes where you will be boating, when you expect to return, communication equipment onboard, the type of boat you’re operating and more. Download a fillable float plan PDF from MyFWC.com/Boating by clicking “Boating Safety” then “Float Plan.” Leave your float plan with someone trustworthy who is staying onshore and can notify FWC or another rescue organization in case of an emergency.

• Be weather aware. Check the weather before you head out and frequently get an updated report while on the water that includes weather conditions, tides, wave forecast, wind and warnings. Weather.gov/marine is a great resource.

• Before you take your boat to the ramp, be sure you have all items necessary for boating success and safety on the water. Visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click “Boating Safety” then “Safety Equipment” for a complete list that includes personal flotation devices, a sounding device, fire extinguisher, navigation and much more.

• Whether you’re preparing to launch or about to make your drive home, do your best to prepare your vessel well away from the actual ramp as much as you safely can (leave that safety chain on until you launch and put it on as soon as you winch your boat up).

• Two is better than one. Launching and retrieving your boat is easiest with two people. One person can drive the towing vehicle while the other operates the vessel. While having two people is not required, inviting a friend to come along is a great way to learn and can make it much easier!

• Once your vessel is off the trailer and in the water, it should be moved from the launch lane so other boaters can access the lane as well.

• When getting off the water, always ensure that your towing vehicle is at the ramp and ready to retrieve your vessel before pulling your boat into the launch lane.

• Do not power load your boat onto the trailer. Power loading is using the boat’s motor to load and unload the boat from the trailer. Power loading can damage the boat ramp and cause problems for other boaters. Click here to watch a short video about the negative impacts of power loading.

• Be mindful of where you park. If you’re launching a paddlecraft and don’t have a trailer, don’t park in a space that is designated for a trailer.

The boat ramp is a shared area for all boaters and preparation is key. Following these steps will boost your boating confidence and allow you to launch and recover your vessel safely and efficiently.
On the water:
Once you’re on the water, smart decision making is key! In the blink of an eye, an unfavorable situation can arise. Be sure you’ve completed all necessary boating safety courses before getting behind the wheel of any vessel. Remember that if you’re the one driving, you’re responsible for not only your own safety, but also that of everyone else on your boat. Follow the guidelines below and learn more at MyFWC.com/Boating by clicking “Boating Safety” then “Boater Safety Courses.”
Caption: Boaters enjoying a nice day on the water in St. Marks, FL

• Steer clear from drugs and alcohol! It is dangerous and a violation of Florida law to operate a boat while under the influence. Staying away from these substances can help you avoid becoming a statistic. Learn more at NASBLA.org.

• Wear your life jacket! It could save your life. You are required to have a properly fitting life jacket onboard for all passengers. Life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved, in serviceable condition and the appropriate size for the intended user. Children under the age of six years old must wear a life jacket at all times while on a vessel less than 26 feet in length. Additionally, each person onboard a personal watercraft and anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a USCG-approved life jacket as well. Of course, life jackets will only work if you are wearing one – so we encourage you to WEAR IT!

• Don’t let your trash make a splash. Stash the trash while boating and be sure that your garbage stays onboard, preferably in a garbage can or a bucket with a lid, then dispose of it in a proper receptacle onshore. Proper disposal not only keeps shorelines clean, but can also save wildlife. Learn more at MyFWC.com/StashTheTrash.

• Speed kills. Abide by posted speed zone signs and slow down for swimmers, paddlecraft and vessels not underway, as well as areas known to have manatees or large jumping fish. Be aware of waterway markers and check out these helpful tips on what to do if you see a manatee while boating.

• Help protect seagrasses, corals and other vital marine habitats. When boating near seagrasses, carefully pole or drift your vessel through shallow areas to avoid causing propeller scars and groundings, which can severely damage often-fragile seagrass meadows and the species that depend on them. Never anchor on coral reefs, but instead drift-fish or tie your boat to available mooring buoys. Being aware of and protecting marine fisheries habitats is a huge part of being a responsible boater!

• Except in the event of an emergency, it is unlawful to moor or fasten to any lawfully placed navigation aid or regulatory marker. When considering where to anchor your vessel, be considerate of anchoring limitation areas.

• Do not pass through a “No Motor Zone” if you are operating a motorized vessel. There are no exceptions here. Both internal combustion engines and electric engines must abide by this.

• Choose a safe seat! All passengers on the boat should be aware that it is illegal to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks or any other place where there may be a possibility of falling overboard.

• All operators of recreational boats less than 26-feet in length that have an installed engine cut-off device must wear an engine cut-off switch link. This device helps prevent accidents by cutting off the engine when the vessel operator is not at the helm.

• All in all, a comprehensive understanding of information found at SafeBoatingCampaign.com and MyFWC.com/Boating can greatly increase boater knowledge and confidence. After all, knowledge is power! Bookmark these pages on your computer or mobile device, revisit them as needed and share them with other boaters.

Equipped with this knowledge and understanding, we encourage you to get out on the water and make a Florida memory today! Visit the links below for additional information critical to success, safety and confidence on the water.
More information:

• Boating | FWC – https://myfwc.com/boating/
• Boating Safety Tips Video | FWC – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owh-EIB1JXA
• Boating Safety Guide: Staying Safe on the Water –https://www.discoverboating.com/ownership/safety
• National Safe Boating Council Resources –https://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/resources/
• S. Coast Guard Boating Safety –https://www.boatingsafetymag.com/boatingsafety/boating-safety-videos?video=x3twozy

Questions on boating safety in Florida? Contact Brian Rehwinkel at [email protected].
Your purchase of fishing equipment, motorboat fuel and a fishing license supports boating safety programs and outreach efforts like this article.