Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 21, 2021) – A stay on in a private villa in Bahamas, an unforgettable tour through Sonoma Wine Country with Jean- Charles Boisset, two weeks in an exclusive private home on Mackinac Island… These are just a few of the more than 50 phenomenal offerings that are up for bid now during the 2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest to support sight-saving programs for local children at Golisano Children’s Hospital. An additional five offerings are reserved for the virtual event on Saturday, April 24^th beginning at 6:30 p.m. Register at www.Event.Gives/WF .
This year’s reimagined Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place with one combined event of dinners and auction on Saturday, April 24. Chef Vintner Dinners are creatively being hosted in private luxury venues across the region showcasing the talents of local chefs and wines from renowned vintners. Though in separate spaces, everyone will be virtually connected for the traditional live auction.
A complete list of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. auction lot packages for the 2021 signature fundraising event are at www.swflwinefest.org. These unique auction items are made possible through generous donations from friends of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., including trustees, donors and distinguished vintners.
This year, the traditional live auction will go virtual offering opportunities to bid on one-of-a-kind wine, cuisine and travel experiences plus the important virtual paddle raise to help fund a new pediatric eye institute. This new state-of-the-art facility will provide expanded Ophthalmology services to children across the region as part of Golisano Children’s Hospital.
A selection of travel adventures awaits those with wanderlust:

• Come here fishy fishy! – Guided fly-fishing tour for two in Telluride, Colorado and three-night stay in a two-bedroom residence at the Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge and dinner for two at 221 South Oaks, Telluride. Scenic beauty, character and charm are few of the many reasons to visit Telluride.
• The ultimate family vacation on this historical landmark – Mackinac Island – A delightful experience awaits you to explore the iconic Mackinac Island on a two-week vacation! Located on the coast of Michigan in the heart of the Great Lakes, Mackinac Island is rated as one of the top 10 vacation destinations in the world year after year. This includes A two-week vacation in a private residence, airfare, dining and activities vouchers.
• Tropical Paradise Awaits!- Discover the beautiful, unspoiled white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise blue waters of the Bahamas! Item includes an eight-day, seven-night stay in a private four-bedroom, three-bath waterfront luxury villa in Bahamas with private roundtrip air travel for eight people.

Wine enthusiasts can toast to the many wine-filled experiences up for bid:

• The Ultimate California Wine Country Tour with Jean-Charles Boisset –Six couples will have the wine trip of a lifetime! Date Specific: October 1-4, 2021 Have private VIP everything at three vineyards – Raymond Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery, DeLoach Vineyards and dinner atop Wappo Hill with with Jean-Charles & Gina Gallo-Boisset at their home with sweeping views north to Mt. St. Helena and south to the San Pablo Bay. Includes three nights premium accommodations, ground transportation and airfare vouchers.
• Bridge to the Stars! – Three-Night stay for 3 couples at private Knights Bridge Residence in Calistoga, California, VIP vineyard tour with proprietor and director of Winemaking, poolside wine tasting of wines from neighboring vineyards and library wine dinner in the Knights Bridge Winery Cellar. Take home 3Ls of signed 2008 Knights Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon. Includes airfare and transportation vouchers.

Multiple once-in-a-lifetime experiences await the music lover:

• Bars, Ballads and Buffet – Four tickets to the Jimmy Buffet concert in premium seats located near the stage just above the floor in the first row of section 117 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on Dec. 4, 2021 and a two-night stay in two king rooms at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa, Florida for two couples on Dec. 3^rd and 4^th, 2021   
• Fall in Love Again with Billy Joel – The highest bidder will be on their way to New York City to see Billy Joel Billy Joel concert in Madison Square Garden in 100 Level seats in New York, New York on February 12th, 2022. This ultimate romantic trip includes a room for two nights at in a king one-bedroom suite at Eventi Hotel in New York City and dinner for two at Keens Steakhouse in Manhattan.

 
Bidders can also purchase 2021 SWFL Wine & Food Fest wines or other wines from around the world and participate from anywhere they can access the internet.  Five live auction items will
To learn more about the 2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, please visit www.swflwinefest.org.
About SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is a local nonprofit organization that is dedicated to saving children’s lives by supporting the region’s growing pediatric health care system. The organization has donated over $24 million over the past 12 years in support of children’s health initiatives across the five regions. The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is the organization’s annual signature fundraiser. Proceeds from the 2021 event will support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital, specifically focusing on the new SWFL Children’s Charities Eye Institute. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.

April 22, 2021 
Springtime means tight lines for many anglers. With winter in the rearview, more and more people are chasing saltwater excursions that involve fishing. From surf fishing to offshore expeditions, there are opportunities for everyone to catch a Florida memory! You don’t even need a boat to access exciting on-the-water adventures. With an abundance of options to choose from, we are going to dive into some easy and unique ways that you can make your own Florida memory this year.
Fishing from Shore:
Fishing from shore is the act of fishing from land or mindfully wading into the water to catch fish with a rod and reel. This option is appealing as all Florida residents can get a shoreline license at little to no cost. This licensure allows anglers to fish from land or from structures attached to land, so long as the angler is not trespassing on private property. Learn more at MyFWC.com/License, and discover how and where to fish by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking “Learn to Fish.”
While sandy beaches are most common, anglers may also opt to fish from rock jetties and fishing piers as well. Rock jetties provide structure that many species of fish are attracted to. On the other hand, fishing from piers often allows the angler to access deeper waters and possibly catch a wider range of species. Fish frequently caught from shore include: kingfish (whiting), saltwater catfish, seatrout, Florida pompano, black drum, flounder and redfish. It is important to have the correct rig set up for this type of fishing. A few recommended setups including the bottom-surf rig and fish-finder rig can be found MyFWC.com/FishingLines in the fishing rigs section. When using these rigs, live and frozen baits including shrimp and baitfish are great options.
Use circle hooks when fishing with natural baits to reduce the chance of gut hooking a fish. If a fish is gut hooked and you need to release it, cut the line as close to the hook as possible. Using non-stainless-steel hooks will allow hooks left in the fish to deteriorate faster. Additionally, you should crimp the barb down on your hooks to allow for faster and easier hook removal. For more information on how to crimp the barb of your hook watch this short videofrom YouTube.com/FWCSaltwaterFishing or visit MyFWC.com/FishHandling. If you’re interested in targeting sharks while fishing from shore, be sure that you get your Shore Based Shark Fishing permit before your fishing adventure begins!
Fishing from Paddlecraft:
Interested in an enjoyable alternative to fishing from shore that allows you to access nearshore waters without opting for a motorized vessel? Fishing from paddlecraft, such as a kayak, paddleboard or canoe, may be the solution for you. It is important that you are mindful of and abide by the laws in place for the specific type of vessel that you are using. For a complete list of regulations for each specific vessel type, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click “Boating Regulations.”
Fishing from paddlecraft allows anglers to reach locations that would otherwise be inaccessible from land. In Florida, anglers frequently fish both inshore and offshore in paddlecraft. Novice anglers should stick to paddling inshore and only go offshore once they become more experienced. For their safety, anglers fishing from paddlecraft should always be considerate of all other vessels on the water. Great locations to fish inshore include saltmarsh creeks, mangrove shorelines, seagrass flats, oyster bars, bays and estuaries. Fishing from paddlecraft allows anglers to explore new and exciting locations to target various species of fish while enjoying the peaceful serenity of being on the water.
The float rig and fish finder rig, found at MyFWC.com/FishingLines, are only a couple of the many rigging options paddlecraft anglers can try. Rigs and bait options are largely dependent upon the fishing location and species that you’re targeting. Items recommended when fishing from paddlecraft include an anchor, anchor rope, personal flotation device (for each person), audible signaling device, bailer or bilge pump, drain plug and spare plug (if applicable), fender and fender rope (if applicable), navigation lights and bulbs, spotlight, headlamp or flashlight, pole or paddle, drift anchor, deck lines, towline, GPS, two-way radio, first aid kit, fire extinguisher (if required), flares, cell phone, water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray. Learn more by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating and clicking “Boating Safety.”
What are you waiting for? With a wealth of different ways to fish Florida waters, we encourage you to get on the water and catch a Florida memory today! Are you interested in learning more about saltwater angling in the state of Florida? Check out these valuable resources:
Saltwater Fishing – MyFWC.com/Marine
Catch a Florida Memory – CatchaFloridaMemory.com
Learn to Fish – MyFWC.com/FishingAdventure
Saltwater Fishing Tips – MyFWC.com/fishing/saltwater/outreach/how-to-fish/
Where to Saltwater Fish – MyFWC.com/fishing/saltwater/outreach/wheretofish/
Saltwater Fishing Regulations – MyFWC.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational
Fishing Lines Field Guide – MyFWC.com/FishingLines
Additional questions regarding Catch a Florida Memory or saltwater fishing? Contact [email protected] or 850-487-0554.
For helpful how-to videos and much more, find us on YouTube at FWC Saltwater Fishing. 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.
Your purchase of fishing equipment, motorboat fuel and a fishing license supports outreach and education efforts, such as this article. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SFR. 

FORT MYERS, FL. (April 22, 2021) – Florida Skin Center (FSC), skin care specialists that provide a full range of medical and cosmetic dermatological care, announced that Chief Executive Officer George Gulisano has joined the Board of Directors of The Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation (BNFCF).

 “My personal mission is to give back in every way possible to my profession and my community, and the BNFCF allows me the privilege of continuing my commitment of helping children in need,” said Gulisano.  “The Bobby Nichols Foundation’s mission to help abused and at-risk children aligns with my passion for working on programs for challenged youth and minority students.  It is an honor to be named to the board of this exceptional organization.”

 The Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, founded in 2002, is a group of Fiddlesticks members, known as Pipers, who volunteer to organize and run an annual celebrity pro-am invitational golf and charity tennis tournament.  The mission is to generate funds to return to the community via charitable contributions for abused and at-risk children. The organization also recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of Bobby Nichols, winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments, including the 1964 PGA Championship and 1974 Canadian Open. Nichols has been a resident of Fiddlesticks since its inception.  More than 13.5 million dollars has been donated to local organizations.

 Gulisano serves as FSC’s Chief Executive Officer. His duties include physician recruitment and contracting and overseeing all of the administrative functions of award-winning locations in Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and Punta Gorda. His focus is on providing the medical and support teams with all the tools needed to create the ultimate patient experience. His leadership, and more than 30 years of experience as a C Level executive in the healthcare industry and public accounting firms, strengthen medical providers and support teams.

 Gulisano is a graduate of the University of Miami and a licensed CPA in the State of Florida since 1985.  He serves as a Trustee and Past President of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship Foundation. In 2013, he became one of only twenty-five CPAs statewide who received a named endowment to provide yearly scholarships to Florida accounting students in perpetuity.

 Florida Skin Center has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and Punta Gorda.  All locations offer readily available same-week and early-morning appointments. Ft. Myers and Cape Coral offices open on select Saturdays. Appointment scheduling and text messaging available online at FloridaSkinCenter.com or call (239) 561-3376. Follow Florida Skin Center on Facebook and Instagram.

 About Florida Skin Center

 Florida Skin Center opened its doors in 2001. With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and Punta Gorda, the dermatology practice provides comprehensive medical services to diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail disorders. Procedures for aesthetic and cosmetic concerns are also available. Recognized for two consecutive years by the ASDS and Neutrogena® Choose Skin Health program as the Top Screener in the U.S. for free skin checks, Florida Skin Center maintains a focus on medical excellence and guest service.

 All locations offer readily available same-week and early-morning appointments. Ft. Myers and Cape Coral offices open on select Saturdays. Appointment scheduling and text messaging available online at FloridaSkinCenter.com or call (239) 561-3376. Follow Florida Skin Center on Facebook and Instagram.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 21, 2021) – Volunteers are needed for Community Cooperative’s 18^th annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit on May 6. The event raises money that helps thousands of men, women and children in our community who struggle with hunger and homelessness, and this year’s benefit will be particularly significant since the event’s creator, Sam Galloway, Jr., passed away in March.

It was Galloway, Jr.’s idea to hold a community fundraiser in the service garages of Sam Galloway Ford, creating a unique and highly attended fundraiser. In 2020, the event raised a record $1 million, attracting 700 supporters and 150 volunteers along with nearly 20 area restaurants that contributed to the event’s success. Volunteer shifts on May 6 start at 9 a.m. and run as late as 10 p.m.

“Most people don’t realize the effort it takes just to get the event space ready,” said Stefanie Edwards, chief development and operations officer for Community Cooperative. “Oil changes, tire rotations and other vehicle service is happening in the space in the morning, we transform the space by the evening for the event, and the next morning the service garage is back in full swing, like hundreds of people didn’t have dinner there the night before.”

In addition to helping coordinate the benefit event, volunteers have a role in raising money for Community Cooperative, which during the pandemic served three times more people at mobile food pantries than the prior year.

In 2019, Community Cooperative assisted more than 150,000 Lee County residents, providing nearly 1.3 million pounds of food, serving 231,008 meals to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels and logging 42,590 volunteer hours.

In 2020, Community Cooperative assisted more than 174,000 individuals, providing more than 2.2 million pounds of emergency food, serving 246,000 meals in the Community Café, delivering 105,000 meals to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels and logging 34,000 volunteer hours.

For more information on volunteering at the Soup Kitchen Benefit or other programs, visit CommunityCooperative.com, email [email protected] or call 239-332-0441.

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 Stefanie Edwards 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, Fla. (April 20, 2021) – During March, 1,162,342 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla. This was an increase of 35 percent compared to March 2020 and an increase of 60.2 percent increase compared to February 2021. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 20.4 percent compared to last year.
The traffic leader in March was Southwest Airlines with 284,606 total passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Delta (182,846), United (146,494), American (135,886) and Spirit (127,161).
Southwest Florida International Airport had 11,472 aircraft operations, an increase of 7.5 percent compared to March 2020. Page Field saw 12,794 operations, a 0.6 percent increase compared to March 2020.
Southwest Florida International Airport served nearly 6 million passengers in 2020 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.

Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra: Mozart, Haydn & Beethoven
April 23 | 7:00 PM
The Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra performs Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492, Haydn’s Symphony No. 44 in E minor (“Trauersinfonie”), and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36.
Live stream also available →

Patrick Bruce Metheny, an American jazz guitarist and composer, is the leader of the Pat Metheny Group and is also involved in duets, solo works, and other side projects. His style incorporates elements of progressive and contemporary jazz, Latin jazz, and jazz fusion.
Performed by the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective.
Live stream also available →
Ian Maksin, Cello
April 25 | 7:00 PM
Named by the press “one of the most versatile and innovative musicians of his generation”, Ian Maksin is quickly gaining international recognition as a cellist, composer and most recently as a film producer. He has performed at concert halls throughout the world as a soloist, chamber musician as well as principal cellist of the New World Symphony under direction of Maestro Michael Tilson Thomas.
Live stream also available →
 
 
 

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.

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, April 20
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.

Thursday, April 22
11am – 12pm 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.

Tuesday, April 20
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register. Join the live Microsoft Teams session.

Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.

SBA Disaster Recovery Q&A Sessions
 04/19 – 04/23
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.

Tuesday and Thursday 
2pm – 3pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

(en Español)
Tuesday and Thursday 
2pm – 3pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

Hello again!
Exciting news from the theater – the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Race by David Mamet opens April 30th – May 15th. Here is an excerpt – the full press release is copied below. The Lab follows all CDC guidelines, so the seating is socially distant, and masks are still required at all times.
For additional information and resources: Media Kit – Race by David Mamet.
The case is anything but black and white. Charles Strickland is a wealthy white businessman charged with assaulting a young black woman. He says they had a relationship. She says he raped her. Lawyers Jack and Henry must decide whether or not to take his case. The simmering tensions continue to build until they threaten to engulf everyone. David Mamet turns the spotlight on what we think but can’t say, revealing dangerous truths and sparing no punches.
Artistic Director Annette Trossbach says, “Pulitzer prize-winning playwright David Mamet gives us a provocative examination of guilt and prejudice in this compelling crime drama. Director Sonya McCarter has carefully guided our actors through a legal case that is a veritable minefield of simmering racial tension.”
This show features strong adult language and mature themes.
Directed by Sonya McCarter, this show features Michael Massari as Jack, Lemec Bernard as Henry, Cantrella Canady as Susan, and Brian Linthicum as Charles Strickland.
DATES:
Performance dates are:
April 30th at 8 pm.
May 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 at 8 pm
May 2, 9, 15 at 2 pm.
Tickets are $28 each or $10 for students with valid student IDs.  Seating is limited and sold by section for safety. For tickets, please call the box office at 239.218.0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com. 
Thanks for your continued support of The Laboratory Theater of Florida. We could not do what we do without you!
Paula Sisk
Director of Marketing & Education
The Laboratory Theater of Florida
239-823-4613

We’re excited to welcome back the legendary Alliance Summer Arts Camp program this year and want to keep you in the know about how we are modifying the experience to provide the best (and the safest) summer ever while offering the the unique opportunity for your 1st to 7th grader to explore and engage with both visual and performing arts:
• Our camp features three 2-week sessions with an exhilarating array of activities like theatre, photography, art and movement
• The registration fee includes supplies so that each camper has their own materials for the duration of the session
• Campers, camp instructors, camp volunteers and Alliance staff are required to wear face masks at all times when inside the building and when social distancing is not possible
• Spots are extremely limited to keep campers responsibly distanced
Our summer arts camp is built to unleash a child’s creativity, build confidence and enhance critical thinking and problem skills – all while making new friends and having fun.
We have set up our program where each morning is all about exploration, engaging and entertaining your kiddos in both visual and performing arts. In the afternoons, campers choose to focus on a more robust visual or performing arts experience. Plus, at the end of the session, admire your students’ finished masterpieces or performances with take-home portfolios and pre-recorded productions.
Take advantage of a 20% discount by renewing your Alliance membership. We also offer savings when you register siblings. The price for each two-week session is $420 for Alliance members or $504 for non-members. And because we want everyone to have access to the arts and this special summer experience, we also provide both full and partial scholarships.
Camp dates, details and registration can be found at ArtInLee.org/Camps, but if you have any questions, we are happy to help. Simply reach out to us at 239-939-2787 or [email protected].
I look forward to seeing you for an unforgettable summer of fun, connection and creativity!
Sincerely,
Molly Deckart • Executive Director
P.S: If your child has outgrown our Summer Arts Camp, we are excited to offer Musical Theatre Intensive Camp in partnership with the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre as well as volunteer opportunities for high school students.