Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 5, 2021) – Base Operations at Page Field has been ranked in the top 5 percent of fixed-base operators in an international survey conducted by Aviation International News (AIN). This is the ninth consecutive year Base Operations at Page Field has been named a top fixed-base operator by AIN. Base Operations ranked first in the Fort Myers/Naples area, had the third-best score in the facilities category, was in the top 10 for its passenger amenities’ score and landed in the top 10 overall for FBOs in the Americas.
“We appreciate being recognized as a top FBO for our outstanding commitment and delivery of services to our guests at Base Operations at Page Field,” said Ben Siegel, CPA, C.M., executive director of the Lee County Port Authority. “The Base Operations team always does a great job, but I have never been prouder of the way they have handled themselves and our business during these difficult times.”
The FBO Survey is conducted annually and asks pilots, flight attendants and dispatchers to provide feedback on the level of customer care at individual business and general aviation service providers throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South and Central America and the Caribbean. AIN conducts the survey year-round online and calculated cumulative averages from 2014 to present for this year’s results. The survey asked qualified subscribers to evaluate FBOs they visited the previous year in five categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities and customer service representatives.
Aviation International News is a monthly trade publication focusing on the business aviation market and covers news, features, special reports and survey results. AIN is delivered in print and digital format to more than 38,000 qualified readers around the world. AIN has been conducting surveys and providing industry reports on service since 1981.
The Lee County Port Authority operates Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers. Page Field provides services to corporate, commercial and private aviators through their business arm, Base Operations at Page Field, and accommodated more than 126,000 aircraft operations in 2020. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction and both airports are funded solely with revenue generated from their operations. For more information, please visit www.BaseOperationsFMY.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Apr. 6, 2021) – The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is set to host the annual 2021 PR University focusing on the evolution and future of the PR industry.
The chapter invites business leaders and PR/marketing professionals to attend the upcoming in person event, “Tackling the challenges of our changing world,” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Friday, May 21 at Florida Southwestern State College (FSW), 8099 College Pkwy, Fort Myers FL 33919. The program will take place in building AA, Room 177.
PR University will focus on the exploration of new approaches within the profession, all while staying true to the guiding principles of the PR industry. Attendees will gain insight on ways to adapt, evolve and educate themselves on emerging strategies and technologies.
This year’s PR University will showcase industry-leading professionals in tourism, business
development, media and more, all sharing their best practices, takeaways and case studies on how to successfully execute forward-thinking public relations.
Full speaker list to come soon!
Registration for PR University is $55 for students, $75 for members and $99 for future members,
and includes breakfast and lunch. FPRA members can earn 2 APR continuing education credits.
To register please go to https://www.fpraswfl.org/event-registration/fpra-events/pruniversity-next-approaches-tackling-the-challenges-of-our-changing-world/.
About Public Relations University
Public Relations University is an annual, daylong professional development seminar that
attracts PR and marketing professionals from across Southwest Florida, hosted by the
Southwest Florida chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.
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.

All,
Please share this email and our social media posts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict/ and Twitter @JaxStrong widely with all interested parties.
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Notice to Navigation 2021-007 Okeechobee Waterway Algae Notice

NOTICE TO NAVIGATION INTERESTS
https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Navigation/Notices-to-Navigation/Notice-to-Navigation-2021-007-Okeechobee-Waterway-Algae-Notice/                                                                        
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS                        NOTICE NUMBER: 007            
JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT                                 LOCAL NUMBER: 20210402  
ATTN: CESAJ-OD-SN                                         WATERWAY:  OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY
PO Box 4970                                                      EFFECTIVE: 04/02/2021 00:00 thru 12/31/2021 24:00 EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32232-0019
POC: Gary Hipkins, South Florida Operations Office, 863-983-8101
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
 
Lake Okeechobee Waterway Algae Notice
REFERENCE:
a.     33 CFR Navigation and Navigable Waters
1. Notice to Navigation
Based on information provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advises the public, marinas, and those operating commercial and recreational vessels through the Okeechobee Waterway that there is the potential of encountering Blue Green Algae. According to the Florida Department of Health, visitors should be aware that water from areas with blue-green algae can make animals and people sick, and they should stay away from these areas. This algae may be blue, bright green, brown or red, and can have a strong odor like rotting plants. People who are very sensitive to smells may have respiratory irritation. If you come into contact with blue-green algae, get out of the area and wash off with soap and water. See your doctor if you think blue-green algae has made you sick.
The following precautions should be taken if you see algae:

• Do not swim at this location.
• Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Do not eat shellfish from affected area.
• Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water. Throw out the guts. Cook fish well.
• Keep pets and livestock away from affected location.

For Information about algal blooms, visit:

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Quality Status Map at https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/water-quality-status/lake-okeechobee
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Algal Bloom Dashboard at https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom or call 850-245-2118
• The Florida Department of Health’s Harmful Algae Blooms web page at http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental- health/aquatic-toxins/harmful-algae-blooms/index.html or call 850-245-4250

2. Contact Information

For up-to-date Lock information contact the shift operator 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
St. Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148
Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424
Moore Haven Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533
Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846
WP Franklin Lock & Dam 239-694-5451 or 863-662-9908
Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Point of Contact is Mr. Gary Hipkins at [email protected] or 863-983-8101.
//signed//
Gary L. Hipkins
Chief Navigation & Flood Risk Management
South Florida Operations
Contact
Erica Skolte
561-801-5734 (cell)
[email protected]
 
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Thanks for getting the word out!
Be safe!
Erica Skolte
Public Affairs Specialist
Corporate Communications Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Palm Beach Gardens
OFFICE PHONE 561-340-1527
Cell:  561-801-5734
[email protected]
Twitter @JaxStrong
Jacksonville District Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict
Jacksonville District: A team of professionals making tomorrow better “Keep Calm and Essayons”
 

Gulfshore Ballet & Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra
April 3 | 7:00 PM
The Gulfshore Ballet joins the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra for a delightful night of imaginative performances. All new choreography by Gulfshore Ballet Artistic Director Iliana Lopez & Franklin Gamero.
PROGRAM
“Suite from Pulcinella” by Stravinsky
“Appalachian Spring Suite” by Aaron Copland
Live stream also available!
 

Songs for a New World is about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back. With a rousing score that blends elements of pop, gospel and jazz, featuring tight harmonies and darling vocals, Songs for a New World transports audiences from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship bound for a new land, to the ledge of a New York penthouse.

Duo Beaux Arts (Dr. Catherine Lan & Steinway Artist Tao Lin) presents a concert featuring some of the most famous and beloved masterworks for piano duet and piano solo. Program will include three duet compositions: an early work by Beethoven, a perennial favorite by Bizet, and a virtuosic power-horse by Mendelssohn. Solo works include witty and lyrical selections by Poulenc, and all time favorites by Chopin. Duo Beaux Arts presents 100 concerts domestically and internationally each year. Season highlights includes recitals at the prestigious Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., and in Canada and Hungary.
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.
Featuring the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective.
Live stream also available!

FORT MYERS, FL. (March 31, 2021) – Florida Skin Center, skin care specialists that provide a full range of medical and cosmetic dermatological care, announced Sadie Fox has joined the practice as marketing coordinator.   Fox will be responsible for developing and coordinating marketing efforts across various platforms.
Before joining Florida Skin Center, Fox worked at Parr Moto as a project coordinator for two years.  She helped develop digital and print marketing assets for Harley-Davidson dealerships nationwide and helped create seasonal marketing plans. In addition to her digital marketing experience, Fox has experience working with local non-profit, Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida, as a brand advancement intern.  Fox attended Florida Gulf Coast University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in marketing.
“In a short time, Sadie has hit the ground running and proved herself to be a valuable part of our team,” said Kimberly Royal, director of marketing and communications. “In particular, she has elevated our digital marketing strategy and reach.  Our team is equipped and energized more than ever for advancing the company’s mission and vision.”
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.

Gulfshore Ballet & Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra
April 3 | 7:00 PM
Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers
The Gulfshore Ballet joins the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra for a delightful night of imaginative performances. All new choreography by Gulfshore Ballet Artistic Director Iliana Lopez & Franklin Gamero.

PROGRAM
“Suite from Pulcinella” by Stravinsky
“Appalachian Spring Suite” by Aaron Copland
Live stream also available!

Franklin Gamero and Iliana Lopez began their career at home in Venezuela and continued through the San Francisco Ballet, the Cleveland Ballet and as soloists with the Deutsche Opera Berlin and the Deutsche Opera am Rhein in Dusseldorf. Then in 1987 they became principal dancers with the Miami City Ballet where they remained for eighteen successful years.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 2, 2021) – Stevens Construction is underway with an expansion and renovation at Florida Heart Associates, announced Dan Adams, vice president/principal, Stevens Construction, Inc.

Stevens Construction is providing a complete interior renovation of the two-story, 25,374-square-foot building located at 1550 Barkley Circle in Fort Myers, which includes an upgrade of all exam rooms, nurse stations, offices, lobby and the cardiac PET equipment. Stevens Construction is also expanding the existing building with the new construction of an ambulatory surgery center.

Slated for completion in summer of 2021, the multi-phased project will be licensed by the Agency for Healthcare Administration. Florida Heart Associates will remain occupied and operational during construction, requiring daily coordination between Stevens Construction, Florida Heart Associates and subcontractors.

The Stevens Construction team worked in preconstruction for six months prior to construction starting, providing due diligence on the project site, budgeting, constructability reviews and cost-savings suggestions to ensure Florida Heart Associates’ budget, schedule and quality goals are achieved.

The Stevens Construction team includes project manager, Mike Brooks; superintendent, JJ Slaugh; project engineer, Tate Hernly; and project administrator, Sue Ziegenfus. The project was designed by PRA.

About Stevens Construction, Inc.

With offices in Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa and Orlando, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control, and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial, public and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

About Florida Heart Associates, PL

With offices in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Fla, we are the leading physician owned cardiology medical group in Southwest Florida with a diverse offering of cardiac services, a highly skilled team of over 25 physicians, nurse practitioners & physician assistants and highly skilled and trained staff. We are pleased to be partnering with Stevens Construction, Inc in expanding our expertise in cardiology. 

April 2, 2021           
Suggested Tweet: Freshwater license-free #fishing Saturday, April 3 and Sunday, April 4 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/2caf426 @MyFWC 
Flickr set: https://www.flickr.com/photos/myfwcmedia/albums/72157715569129488 
Freshwater license-free fishing Saturday, April 3 and Sunday, April 4
Try your hand at freshwater fishing this weekend on Saturday, April. 3 and Sunday, April 4, without needing a freshwater fishing license. License-free fishing days are a great way for Florida residents and visitors to get out on the water and find out why Florida is known as the Fishing Capital of the World.
“The first freshwater license-free fishing weekend of the year is an excellent opportunity to introduce someone to fishing for the first time,” said Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management Director Tom Graef. “Spend this weekend with family and friends enjoying the Fishing Capital of the World as you fish from a boat or shore.”
All other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/License. To renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Enjoyed your trip fishing? The next freshwater license-free fishing weekend is June 12 and 13. Check out recognition program TrophyCatch and submit your 8-pound and greater largemouth bass to win prizes.
“Florida has long been known as the Fishing Capital of the World and Florida fishing helps to support many industries that impact the state’s economy, including retail, research and tourism,” said Commissioner Gary Lester. “Now is the time to get out on the water and an even better time to introduce someone you know to fishing – all you need is a rod and a reel!” 
For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, plant control operation schedules and annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lake.
For more information about the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, contact Laura Rambo Walthall at 850-488-0520 or [email protected].