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FWC: You can help Florida’s nesting waterbirds.

FWC: You can help Florida’s nesting waterbirds. As nesting season begins for waterbird species across…

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FWC: You can help Florida’s nesting waterbirds.

FWC: You can help Florida’s nesting waterbirds.
As nesting season begins for waterbird species across the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing five easy ways that members of the public can help conserve these vulnerable bird species.
Many shorebird and seabird species, such as the least tern, nest directly on beaches across the state where their eggs and chicks are well camouflaged in the sand. Colonies of wading birds, such as herons, will typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast. Biologists stress that the most important thing for waterbirds during nesting season is space. When these birds are disturbed and forced to leave their nests, their eggs and chicks are left vulnerable to heat and predators.
“Small actions can make a big difference for wildlife,” said FWC Florida Shorebird Alliance Coordinator, Shea Armstrong. “By taking a few steps to limit disturbance to nesting waterbirds, we can help ensure they have a successful nesting season and that they will be around for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”
Here are five ways you can limit disturbance and make a difference for nesting waterbirds:

  1. Keep your distance from birds, on the beach or on the water. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. As a general rule, it is best to stay at least 300 feet from a nest and to avoid walking through flocks of birds whenever possible. Birds flushing, calling out loudly and dive-bombing are signals for you to give them space.
  2. Respect posted areas, including Critical Wildlife Areas, which are established to protect congregations of one or more species of wildlife from human disturbance during critical life activities including nesting, feeding or migration. Avoid entering any area marked with signs for nesting birds and use designated walkways when possible.
  3. Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that can prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and other wildlife.
  4. It is best to not take pets to the beach but, if you do, keep them leashed and avoid shorebird and seabird nesting areas. Always take your pet to pet-friendly beaches and be respectful of the rules.
  5. Know what to do if you hook a bird while fishing. Remember, don’t cut the line: reel, remove, release. Visit MyFWC.com/Unhook to watch an educational video that shows step by step how to safely unhook a bird. It could save a life!

For more information, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure. Or go to the Florida Shorebird Alliance website at FLShorebirdAlliance.org to learn more about how to participate in shorebird and seabird conservation efforts.
Report illegal activity and any unposted nests to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or by texting [email protected].
For more information about Florida’s CWAs, visit MyFWC.com/CWA.
 

FPRA SWFL to host webinar on the trending convergence of marketing and communications

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Mar. 2, 2021) - The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public…

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FPRA SWFL to host webinar on the trending convergence of marketing and communications

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Mar. 2, 2021)The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is set to present a webinar with award-winning industry leader Heather Kernahan, North America CEO of Hotwire Global.
The chapter invites business leaders and PR/marketing professionals to attend the upcoming Zoom event, “Busting Silos Across Marketing & PR,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 9.
Attendees will learn about the convergence of marketing and communications and how it continues to rank highly in industry trends. While this notion may have been running in the background for some time, a surge in modern-day technology and data has revealed a new set of shared disciplines between the two professions.
Kernahan is a Global tech expert and business leader featured in Fast Company, Fortune, Thrive Global, BizWomen, PR Week, AdWeek 2020 and SF Business Times 100 Most Influential Women. She is also chair of the board of the PR Council, a global professional organization that represents professionals who work in agencies. Kernahan has also been recognized for her many accomplishments including being awarded a Bronze Stevie in the Woman of the Year – Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations category and top B2B Influencer in B2B News Network.
Registration for the webinar is $5 for students, $15 for members and $20 for future members. Please go to https://www.fpraswfl.org/event-registration/fpra-events/march-webinar/ to register.
About Hotwire Global
Hotwire Global is a PR and communications consultancy agency that helps businesses better engage and connect with their customers. From Sydney to San Francisco, they operate with a borderless mind-set across 12 wholly owned locations covering the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Australia, together with a partner network spanning 29 cities around the world.
About the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization in the country. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at http://www.fpraswfl.org.
 

SFWMD Report Highlights Everglades Restoration Progress in Water Year 2020

The annual South Florida Environmental Report details restoration, scientific and engineering accomplishments throughout the Everglades…

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SFWMD Report Highlights Everglades Restoration Progress in Water Year 2020

The annual South Florida Environmental Report details restoration, scientific and engineering accomplishments throughout the Everglades watershed
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) today released the South Florida Environmental Report for Water Year 2020 (May 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020) showing the continuing major progress being made for Everglades restoration and water quality under Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The 2021 South Florida Environmental Report highlights the restoration, scientific, and engineering accomplishments in SFWMD’s 16-county jurisdiction. The report also provides extensive peer reviewed research summaries, data analyses, financial updates, and a searchable database of environmental projects. The report covers environmental information for Water Year 2020 (May 1, 2019–April 30, 2020) and project budgetary information for Fiscal Year 2020 (October 1, 2019–September 30, 2020).
Highlights of Everglades restoration progress detailed in the report include:

  • Progress expediting and completing more than two dozen projects identified by Gov. DeSantis in his Achieving More Now For Florida’s Environment Executive Order (19-12). Signed less than 48 hours after Gov. DeSantis took office, the order directs SFWMD to expedite the completion of these projects and during Water Year 2020 several of these projects have been completed or reached major milestones.
  • Progress made fulfilling the requirements of the Everglades Forever Act (EFA) restoring the water quality and reducing the total content of nutrients such as phosphorus in Everglades-bound water.
  • Progress made fulfilling the requirements of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program which includes the implementation of restoration projects and other programs to improve water quality north of Lake Okeechobee and the coastal estuaries and reduce the flow of water into the lake.
  • Progress being made completing components of other restoration plans for the Everglades such as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and Restoration Strategies that will help improve the quality, quantity, distribution and timing of water in the Everglades.

The report also details environmental monitoring and permitting work that SFWMD undertakes to safeguard South Florida’s environmental resources.
Read SFER Highlights.
Read the full SFER report.
 

Lakes Park Virtual 5K FUN Run/Walk

Registration is open for the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation’s 5K Virtual FUN Run/Walk. This will…

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Lakes Park Virtual 5K FUN Run/Walk

Registration is open for the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation’s 5K Virtual FUN Run/Walk. This will be a fun way for individuals and families to enjoy sunshine and fresh air in Lakes Park or wherever they prefer to exercise. For a $25 entry fee, participants can walk, run or jog at their own pace and be helping the non-profit foundation add enrichments to better Lakes Park for all to enjoy. Kick-off and t-shirt pick-up will be 9am-noon on March 27 and run through April 3, 2021 so participants can choose the best time for them. Sign up at LakesPark.org by March 21 to guarantee a race t-shirt. The event is being generously sponsored by Amavida Living, Riva Del Lago Condominium, Harris Dermatology, Bill Valenti/Morgan Stanley and Sarah Selfridge/Schooner Bay Realty. For questions, contact [email protected].
Entry fee : $25.00
Sign up:  Www.Lakespark.org
OR
Www.runsignup.com
Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation
Virtual 5K FUN Run/Walk”
Marsha Asp
Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation
(239) 851-6434
[email protected]
http://www.LakesPark.org

Better Together to host pop-up community job fair March 3

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2021) – ​Better Together is hosting a pop-up community job…

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Better Together to host pop-up community job fair March 3

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2021) – ​Better Together is hosting a pop-up community job fair for Southwest Florida residents from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3 in Fort Myers.
The church-based job fair will connect job seekers with local employers who are ready to hire immediately. The community job fair is part of Better Together’s “Better Jobs” program, which has helped 32,000 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 20 states. At job fairs hosted by Better Together, two-thirds of attendees get a job interview, and one out of four receive a job offer on the spot.
“In times of economic hardship, we want to empower our neighbors in need by supplying the necessary resources they need to succeed,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. “Our team is dedicated to connecting people with opportunities to provide a loving, safe and supportive foundation for their families.”
The March 3 job fair will be held at Christ Community Church, located at 4050 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Space is limited. Participating employers include Advance Auto Parts, Jimmy John’s, JW Marriott, Managed Labor Solutions and Timberline Construction Group.
Job seekers can register at BetterTogetherUS.org/PopUp-JobFair.
Churches interested in hosting a Better Together job fair can visit BetterTogetherUS.org or email [email protected] for more information.
ABOUT BETTER TOGETHER
Better Together is a nonprofit organization that helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. A privately funded and professionally supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to restore dignity and bring families together. Through the Better Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative to foster care while they get the help they need. To date, the program has kept 96% of children served out of foster care. The Better Jobs program was created to address the 76% of families that come to Better Together because of economic hardship tied to unemployment. In addition to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching, guidance, support and encouragement through local church partners. For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.

FWC wants your input on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in SW Florida

At its February meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed staff to…

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FWC wants your input on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in SW Florida

At its February meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed staff to gather public input on the future management of snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in the area of southwest Florida where they are currently catch-and-release only. This came after the Commission received a staff review of the latest Fish and Wildlife Research Institute monitoring data and listened to public input on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in southwest Florida. 
“We know this is an important issue to this region of Florida and, because of that, I will be working with staff to set up ways to gather continued input from recreational anglers and the fishing guide community,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. 
“We have a responsibility for managing these species for all stakeholders,” said Vice Chairman Mike Sole. “It really is going to be a combination of looking at the science and listening to our stakeholders to determine how we can best manage the resources for all.” 
“We need to listen to everyone,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “I want recreational anglers to feel like their voice is important. 
Beginning in August 2018, the FWC made a series of temporary regulation changes to help conserve snook, redfish and spotted seatrout that were negatively impacted by a prolonged red tide that occurred in late 2017 through early 2019. Ultimately, these popular inshore species were made catch-and-release only in all waters from Pasco County through Gordon Pass in Collier County through May 31, 2021. 
Long-term monitoring data indicate snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout were resilient and did not experience long-term negative effects from the 2017-2019 red tide. However, anglers and charter captains have expressed concerns that these fisheries had declined prior to red tide and that the red tide affected habitat that is essential to these species. 
FWC staff will continue gathering public input both online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments and through public workshops, which will be scheduled in the future. To learn more about future workshops, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Rulemaking” and “Upcoming Public Workshops.” 
FWC will revisit this topic at the May 12-13, 2021, meeting. Additionally, staff will provide updates to Commissioners after stock assessments for snook and redfish throughout Florida are complete later in 2021. These stock assessments, along with stakeholder input, will help staff and the Commission evaluate whether any long-term management changes are needed in the future. 
Learn more about regulations for these species by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations.” 
View the Commission meeting presentation at MyFWC.com/Commission by clicking on “Commission Meetings” and the agenda under “February 25-26, 2021.”

SHERIFF'S YOUTH ACTIVITY LEAGUE "RUN FOR THE 5K"

When: March 27, 2021 (Race start 7:30) Where: Lee County Sheriff's Office headquarters, 14750 Six…

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SHERIFF'S YOUTH ACTIVITY LEAGUE "RUN FOR THE 5K"

When: March 27, 2021 (Race start 7:30)
Where: Lee County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Pre-race Registration and Packet Pickup: March 26, 2021 12-4 pm at United Way Bell Tower 13499 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 145, Fort Myers, FL 33907
The first 300 registered participants will receive a gender specific tri-blend t-shirt.
To register or for additional information, please visit SYAL RUN FOR 5K REGISTRATION
 

Small Biz Webinars and Workshops 28 Feb - 06 Mar 2021

*Eastern Standard Time (EST) Tuesday, March 2, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Google Analytics - Your Customer…

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Small Biz Webinars and Workshops 28 Feb - 06 Mar 2021

*Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Tuesday, March 2, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Google Analytics – Your Customer Coming To You
If you dislike dealing with complicated data analysis, this workshop will show you how easy it is to work with Google Analytics to answer questions about your website traffic. Free to attend. Click here to register for this free event. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021, 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M., Create and Nurture Your Trifecta Tribe: Mentors, Peers & Mentees
In this highly engaging and interactive workshop, attendees will walk away with the tools necessary to  set their intentions and goals with regard to their business networks–using multiple strategies and techniques. $15 to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.
Thursday, March 4, 2021, 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M., Reach Customers Online with Google
In this session you’ll learn how to: • Create or claim your Business Profile on Google • Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps • Use Google My Business to connect with potential customers. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by The Tampa Bay Women’s Centre.
Thursday, March 4, 2021, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Igniting Your Business- Organic Growth Through Better Sales Skills
Hear how to get existing customers to buy. Replace customers that disappeared. Start up a pipeline of prospects. Evaluate if your old sales process will be adequate to generate enough customers who buy regularly and provide the needed cash inflows. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.
Thursday, March 4, 2021, 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Coffee Talk with a Legal Expert: How S-Corps work and how to use them to save money on taxes
This presentation will help you determine 1) which entity form is best for your business, and 2) whether you can use an S-Corp election to add thousands of dollars to your after tax take home pay. $15 to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Miami-Dade SCORE Chapter.
Friday, March 5, 2021, 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., RISE Business Forum IV (Women’s History Month Edition) Do You Need Business Resources for your Business?
Establishing Your Vision and Mission • Branding You and Your Business • Successfully Managing and Reframing Obstacles. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development.
Saturday, March 6, 2021, 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M., Pasos Sencillos -Principios basicos para el lanzamiento del negocio
El taller, ‘Pasos Sencillos’, organizado por Hispanic Unity y Broward SCORE, le ayudará a preparar un plan de negocios para convertir su sueño en realidad. Comenzar su propio negocio es una decisión difícil!  Usted no tiene que hacerlo solo. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.

FWC approves rule changes to help protect Florida from 16 high-risk invasive reptiles

At its February 2021 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved staff…

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FWC approves rule changes to help protect Florida from 16 high-risk invasive reptiles

At its February 2021 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved staff recommendations to create new rules to address the importation, breeding and possession of high-risk invasive reptiles.
The approved rule changes to Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. specifically address Burmese pythons, Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas and 13 other high-risk nonnative snakes and lizards that pose a threat to Florida’s ecology, economy, and human health and safety.
Commissioners also approved the staff recommendation to create a Technical Assistance Group, which will include representatives from the pet industry, environmental groups and other affected parties, to help develop a comprehensive regulatory approach to managing nonnative species in Florida.
The Commissioners also approved an amendment to extend the timeframe for animal owners to come into compliance with outdoor caging requirements.
“These animals are creating enormous issues for our state,” said FWC Chairman, Rodney Barreto. “I have always been proud that Florida is looked at as a leader. Let’s take a bold stance. We have to put our foot down. The time has come, and we hope other states will follow.”
“I’m very sensitive to the people in the pet trade and enthusiasts. But this action is a result of the invasive species that continue to get into the wild,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood. “We have so many of these species now: pythons, tegus, iguanas. These animals are doing lots of damage and we are incumbent to do something.”
“Addressing invasive species, such as the ones listed in this rule package, is extremely important for the preservation of our native species and the health and safety of our residents and visitors,” said Eric Sutton, Executive Director of the FWC. “Staff does not come to these recommendations lightly, but we know this action is necessary.”
The new rules move these 16 high-risk nonnative reptiles to Florida’s Prohibited List and include reporting requirements for permittees, biosecurity requirements to limit escape of these high-risk species, and additional language to clarify limited exceptions for some entities currently in possession of green iguanas and tegus for commercial use or as pets. The rule will allow for current tegu and green iguana pet owners to keep their pets with a no-cost permit.
Once rules take effect, pet owners and other entities in possession of these species will have 90 days to come into compliance except on caging requirements where they will have 180 days to improve outdoor enclosures to bring them into compliance with the new caging rules. The breeding of tegus and iguanas for commercial sale can continue until June 30, 2024 at which time it will be prohibited.
The FWC hosted online stakeholder workshops to present proposed rule changes and collect public comment on the draft rules. FWC staff considered this feedback to help improve the final rule language.  
The FWC has received extensive feedback on the draft rules including substantial support from a variety of conservation organizations.
“The people of south Florida depend on the South Florida Water Management District to effectively manage our water resources and provide flood protection,” said Drew Bartlett, Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District. “High-risk invasive species pose a significant risk to water management infrastructure and negatively impact the restoration of America’s Everglades. We appreciate FWC taking action to protect native Florida wildlife and minimize impacts to water management infrastructure.”
“The Nature Conservancy supports proposed rule changes to address the threat of nonnative species and looks forward to working with the FWC toward solutions that could further protect Florida’s environment, human health and safety, and economy.” – Greg Knecht, Deputy Director Florida Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
“Breeding invasive exotic species in Florida is like playing with matches in a tinder box. With such hospitable winters, a few escapes can become populations, and then taxpayers and private landowners are on the hook for millions annually in eradication and management costs. Audubon supports these proposed rules as common-sense protections for our environment and economy.” – Julie Wraithmell, VP and Executive Director, Audubon Florida.
“The Everglades Coalition strongly supports the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s proposed draft rules related to high-risk, nonnative invasive reptiles, which would add the highest risk invasive reptiles to the list of prohibited nonnative species.” – Mark Perry and Marisa Carrozzo, Co-Chairs of the Everglades Coalition.
More than 500 nonnative species have been reported in Florida. Eighty percent of these have been introduced via the live animal trade with at least 139 established in Florida, meaning they are reproducing in the wild. Since most nonnative fish and wildlife find their way into Florida’s habitats through escape or release from the live animal trade, it is important to prevent high-risk nonnative wildlife from becoming introduced or further established in Florida’s environment through regulatory action.
The FWC uses regulation of high-risk nonnative fish and wildlife in conjunction with a variety of other management strategies to minimize adverse impacts of invasive species and to prevent the introduction of additional species into the wild.
For more information, including details on the no-cost permits, visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives
 
 

Seed & Bean Market and PureNative Awarded Fresh from Florida Certification

Florida’s First Cannabis Café and CBD Marketplace, Seed & Bean Market, is one of the…

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Seed & Bean Market and PureNative Awarded Fresh from Florida Certification

Florida’s First Cannabis Café and CBD Marketplace, Seed & Bean Market, is one of the newest members of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

FORT MYERS, FL. – February 23, 2021 – Seed & Bean Market is Florida’s First Cannabis Café and CBD Marketplace. Seed & Bean Market is the only Cannabis Café to be awarded Fresh from Florida from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services certification program.
Fresh from Florida increases consumer awareness of Florida agricultural products and expands distribution through domestic and international retail partnerships.
Sister company, PureNative, a Florida Premium Hemp Lifestyle Brand, received the official Fresh from Florida certification. PureNative strives to supply its customers with the highest quality, most trusted and tested hemp products.
“We are excited to have both of our companies awarded the highest level of certification with Fresh from Florida companies. We are honored to be part of this program as this is a journey, we have been looking to accomplish for the last several years. To have the approval and certification form the Department of Agriculture is one of the highest standards that we can present to our consumers.” Cole Peacock of Seed & Bean Market and PureNative