Skip to main content

Members News

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…

View Seed & Bean Market and PureNative Awarded Fresh from Florida Certification

SHARE:

Event

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

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department,…

View COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar

SHARE:

Event

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.
*Eventbrite access is required to register for the events.
Tuesday, February 23
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
(en español) Wednesday, February 24
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, February 24
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
PPP Forgiveness Webinar
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, published a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act.
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.
Thursday, February 25
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Friday, February 26
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.
 
Date: 02/23/2021; Author Information: Heather Hines, Public Affairs Specialist

25% Off Coupon Inside — Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Candlewood Suites

You don't have to journey to the end of a rainbow to score gold this…

View 25% Off Coupon Inside — Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Candlewood Suites

SHARE:

Event

25% Off Coupon Inside — Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Candlewood Suites

You don’t have to journey to the end of a rainbow to score gold this St. Patrick’s Day! Book with us today and get 25% off all rooms.
Looking for the best in Fort Myers/Sanibel hotel accommodations?
You have come to the right place! With features, services and exceptional hospitality to meet all our guest needs, you will feel right at home when you stay with us here at the Candlewood Suites Fort Myers/Sanibel
Candlewood Suites is designed especially for longer stays, allowing you to live, work, and relax on your schedule, not ours.
With our fully equipped kitchenettes you will truly feel like this is your home away from home.
From soaking up the sunshine at our outdoor swimming pool to getting in your daily workout at our onsite fitness center, the Candlewood Suites Fort Myers has everything you need for a comfortable, convenient and relaxing Florida hotel experience.

SBA Virtual Office Hours - Q&A Session (Feb 22 - 26)

*Eastern Standard Time (EST) SBA Disaster Recovery Q&A Sessions 02/22 - 02/26 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (en…

View SBA Virtual Office Hours - Q&A Session (Feb 22 - 26)

SHARE:

Event

SBA Virtual Office Hours - Q&A Session (Feb 22 - 26)

*Eastern Standard Time (EST)
SBA Disaster Recovery Q&A Sessions
02/22 – 02/26
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (en Español)
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Was your small business affected by Covid-19? Are you looking for small business funding? You have questions, we have answers! 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.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 
2pm – 3pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
202-765-1264; Conference ID – 191 652 154
Wednesday (en Español)
11am – 12pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
202-765-1264; Conference ID – 919 146 391
Date: 02/23/2021; Author Information: Heather Hines, Public Affairs Specialist

New species added to FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Saltwater Reel Big Fish Program

New species added to FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Saltwater Reel Big Fish Program…

View New species added to FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Saltwater Reel Big Fish Program

SHARE:

Event

New species added to FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Saltwater Reel Big Fish Program

New species added to FWC Catch a Florida Memory – Saltwater Reel Big Fish Program
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory will see the addition of two new qualifying Reel Big Fish. Effective March 1, anglers will be able to earn Reel Big Fish recognition for vermilion snapper and saltwater catfish.
To qualify for a Reel Big Fish achievement, a fish must reach or exceed the qualifying length listed for each species in youth (under age 16) or adult categories. The qualifying length for vermilion snapper is 17 inches for adults and 13 inches for youth, while the qualifying length for saltwater catfish (gafftopsail or hardhead) is 22 inches for adults and 16 inches for youth. All Reel Big Fish catches must be photographed over a qualifying measuring device clearly showing the exact full length of the fish. A photo of the fish with the angler submitting the catch is also required.
These new Reel Big Fish additions give both inshore and offshore anglers new goals to keep them on the water targeting a variety of fish species. Vermilion snapper and saltwater catfish are also great table fare and are worth taking home to try out a new fish recipe.
Successful anglers who submit an approved Reel Big Fish receive a colorful certificate, custom-designed T-shirt by Tony Ivory Art and Apparel, Tervis tumbler from Discover Martin County, monthly raffle entry to win great prizes from partners like Mount This! Fish Company and SeaDek Marine Products, and other goodies in recognition of their achievement. New Reel Big Fish recipients will also be listed in the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations booklet and on the Club Members page. Anglers who are missing a photograph of their fish over a measuring device can be awarded a Reel Big Fish Honorable Mention digital certificate instead (emailed to the angler).
Looking to catch even bigger fish? The FWC maintains state records in conventional tackle and fly-fishing categories for 81 species caught in Florida state waters or in federal waters extending directly outward of Florida state waters. Saltwater record-holders receive a certificate of accomplishment, prize pack, recognition in various publications and a custom ink fish print to memorialize their catch courtesy of Fish Print Shop. There are currently vacancies in white grunt, blueline tilefish and schoolmaster snapper categories, giving anglers an opportunity to get their name on the record listing for these species. For more information and to view current records, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com and click “Records.”
Are you interested in signing up for Catch a Florida Memory? Participate today by visiting CatchaFloridaMemory.com.
Check out the latest catches and see your achievements highlighted by following the Catch a Florida Memory Facebook page, Facebook.com/CatchaFLMemory, and view angler catches and much more on Instagram by following @MyFWC.
Questions? Contact [email protected], call 850-487-0554 or visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website.

The latest redevelopment (REDEV) news for you!

Fort Myers, FL. On March 17, the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is proud…

View The latest redevelopment (REDEV) news for you!

SHARE:

Event

The latest redevelopment (REDEV) news for you!

Fort Myers, FL. On March 17, the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is proud to announce that its new Home Preservation Program will partner with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties (Habitat). Homeowners with outstanding code violations may qualify to have projects/repairs completed by Habitat.
The maximum assistance is $25,000 owner-occupied dwellings with existing code compliance issues that need to be cured. The CRA and Habitat will be accepting applications April 1.
 
The Process
·     The CRA will provide Habitat for Humanity with a list of homes eligible to receive CRA funding.
·     Habitat will promote the program, distribute applications to the homeowners, collect and process applications.
·     Once approved by the CRA, Habitat will enter into a repair agreement with the homeowner, prepare lien documents, and perform repairs through the use of staff, subcontractors and volunteers.
·     Upon completion, the homeowner will sign a Certification of Completion. Habitat will prepare the final cost “invoice”, which will be submitted to the Fort Myers CRA for payment.
·     Habitat will record the lien document with the Lee County Clerk.
·     Habitat will retain the project file and provide the CRA with a “closeout packet.”
 
Eligibility Criteria
·     Property owners must be listed as applicant or co-applicant
·     The household must be a low-income household (below 80% of rht area’s median income AMI)
·     All adult household members must pass a criminal background check
·     Mortgage payments must be current (no reverse mortgages)
·     The property must not have any unpaid property tax liens, IRS lien, or judgment of any kind
·     The property must have at least one open code violation or have been referred by the Fort Myers CRA.
·     For more information, call the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency at 239-321-7100.
 
The program is available for homeowners in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. redevelopment area. It has been designed according to the following:
·     The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Veronica S. Shoemaker Blvds. (MLK & VSSB) redevelopment plan.
·     Florida Statute (FS) 163.50 – CRAs are to eliminate and prevent slum and blight, and encourage community community rehabilitation or conservation in a redevelopment area.
·     FS 163.340 (7) – Defines slum as a predominance of residential buildings that are impaired by dilapidation, deterioration, age, and obsolescence.
·     FS 163.340 (8) – Defines blight as symptoms of unsafe and unsanitary conditions, site deterioration and inadequate.
·     Fort Myers CRA Budget adopted for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

Nathan Bunting named Resource Manager of the Year

Gov. Ron DeSantis has recognized Nathan “Nate” Bunting, a biologist with the Florida Fish and…

View Nathan Bunting named Resource Manager of the Year

SHARE:

Event

Nathan Bunting named Resource Manager of the Year

Gov. Ron DeSantis has recognized Nathan “Nate” Bunting, a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), with the Jim Stevenson Resource Manager of the Year award, one of Florida’s highest environmental honors. Bunting has served for over 15 years at the Apalachee Wildlife Management Area in the Florida Panhandle and has worked tirelessly to restore the WMA after it was devastated by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.
The award, presented to Bunting by FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton in a virtual ceremony on Feb. 22, recognizes outstanding resource management achievements by resource managers who protect state properties.
“We are so proud to have Nate as a member of the FWC family,” said Sutton. “His years of dedicated service to Apalachee WMA and his resilience in the face of Hurricane Michael demonstrate that he is an outstanding land manager, and an example to all of us in strength and leadership.
For well over a decade, Bunting has been thoughtfully and consistently improving the natural communities on the WMA, to the benefit of its native flora and fauna, and all Floridians. Under his management, native wildlife, such as the fox squirrel, Bachman’s sparrow, bobwhite quail and white-tailed deer, have thrived as have native plants, including two rare and endangered species, gentian pinkroot and the woodland poppymallow. He has also been a leader in the field of prescribed fire, working with land managers across the state to promote the use of this safe and highly effective land management tool.
“Nate represents the finest example of the spirit and ‘can-do’ attitude needed to manage the natural ecosystems of this state,” said Greg Seamon of the Prescribed Fire Training Center, who wrote a letter supporting Bunting’s nomination for the award.
Bunting’s dedication and work ethic have been made even more apparent in the aftermath of the hurricane. During the storm’s onslaught, Bunting, his wife Kelly and daughter Norah, took shelter in a bulldozer, watching through the fogged-up windows as everything around them seemed to be destroyed by the storm’s ferocious 150 mph winds. Since that day, Bunting has worked to restore the landscape on the WMA, where nearly 100% of the trees were broken or blown over, so that Apalachee WMA can continue to provide quality habitat for wildlife and be enjoyed by those seeking wildlife-centric outdoor recreation.
“In the most discouraging and seemingly impossible situation, Nate has shown, in his management and the results we all see, what natural resource management is meant to be,” said Angela Griffin of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who also wrote a letter of support for his nomination. “His tireless efforts, knowledge and dedication to the property, and the results he achieves prove he is an exemplary natural resource manager.”
The hurricane recovery effort led by Bunting has included salvage logging operations and tree debris removal on over 2,076 acres, resulting in 95,525 tons of hurricane debris removed. Nate and his staff also cleared 14 miles of public access roads, 6 miles of firebreaks and over a mile of canals. We congratulate Nate Bunting as FWC’s Resource Manager of the Year.
To learn more about Florida’s WMAs, visit MyFWC.com/WMAs.
For more information on Apalachee WMA, visit MyFWC.com and search “Apalachee.”

Jazz, Opera, Broadway—We're Ready for a Weekend of Great Music

Gulf Coast Symphony Music & Arts Community Center Under the Stars—Opera Classics Friday, February 19…

View Jazz, Opera, Broadway—We're Ready for a Weekend of Great Music

SHARE:

Event

Jazz, Opera, Broadway—We're Ready for a Weekend of Great Music

Gulf Coast Symphony Music & Arts Community Center

Under the Stars—Opera Classics
Friday, February 19 | 7PM
Music & Arts Community Center
Outdoor Pavilion
13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers
Join us for a beautiful evening of Carmen, Boheme, Figaro, and more with the incredible singers from our upcoming performance of Elixir of Love.
Tonight’s forecast: 70 degrees with fantastic music!
Jazz at the Center: Tribute to Louis Armstrong
Saturday, February 20 | 7PM
SOLD OUT
Livestream still available!
Join the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective for an incredible tribute to legendary jazz artist Louis Armstrong.
Tribute to Herman & Kander
Sunday, February 21 | 7PM
Barbara B. Mann PAH at FSW
13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers
Academy award winner John Kander wrote the scores for 15 musicals, including Cabaret and Chicago, both of which were later adapted into award winning movies. Two time Tony award winner Jerry Herman composed the scores for the hit Broadway musicals Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles.

Seed & Bean Market Nominated for the 2021 Industry Appreciation Award

Fort Myers, FL (February 16, 2021) - Seed & Bean Market, Florida’s First Cannabis Café…

View Seed & Bean Market Nominated for the 2021 Industry Appreciation Award

SHARE:

Event

Seed & Bean Market Nominated for the 2021 Industry Appreciation Award

Fort Myers, FL (February 16, 2021) – Seed & Bean Market, Florida’s First Cannabis Café and CBD Marketplace, is excited to announce that we have been nominated for 2021 Industry Appreciation Awards’ Startup of the Year Award.
This award is presented to a company founded in Lee County in the last 3-5 years that has demonstrated continued financial and staffing growth while leading and overcoming challenges.
Since our startup in April 2019, Seed & Bean Market has had a significant economic impact on many industries and continues to grow employment opportunities with plans for expansion currently underway in SWFL! Seed & Bean Market, industry innovator and pioneer, continues to overcome challenges of COVID and never stopped serving our local community with the highest standard of safety.
“For more than 25 years, the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office have held the Industry Appreciation Awards to celebrate the Lee County business community and recognize outstanding local businesses that have positively influenced Southwest Florida.”

FWC Division of Law Enforcement achieves reaccreditation

FWC Division of Law Enforcement achieves reaccreditation The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC)…

View FWC Division of Law Enforcement achieves reaccreditation

SHARE:

Event

FWC Division of Law Enforcement achieves reaccreditation

FWC Division of Law Enforcement achieves reaccreditation
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement received recognition today for completing the review process to maintain its accreditation status.
“The reaccreditation process solidifies the FWC Division of Law Enforcement’s commitment to the highest standards of service,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Protecting our natural resources in the fishing and boating capital of the world is a job they do second to none.”
The FWC was initially accredited in 2009. This was its fifth completion of the accreditation process.
“The FWC Division of Law Enforcement continues to maintain the highest standards of credibility, effectiveness and professionalism,” said Eric Sutton, FWC executive director. “Our staff work diligently to uphold these standards each and every day. Reaccreditation by the Commission validates the hard work they do and provides a strong vote of confidence in their ability to protect the public and conserve Florida’s natural resources.”
Florida law enforcement accreditation is certified by an independent reviewing authority, the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). There are approximately 240 prescribed standards reflecting best management practices that a law enforcement agency must meet or exceed consistently over a three-year period in order to achieve this status.
“Accreditation is voluntary but an important process intended to hold an agency to a higher level of accountability by an external source. We sincerely support the accreditation process as it has been an effective way to ensure that we are operating efficiently and providing the best service we possibly can,” said Col. Curtis Brown, director of the Division of Law Enforcement. “We are very pleased with the CFA’s determination that reaccreditation of the division was earned.”
An accreditation assessment team composed of law enforcement representatives from other accredited Florida law enforcement agencies conducted virtual inspections of the division’s procedures, policies, practices and equipment to determine compliance.