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Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association to host fishing tournament Oct. 18-19

2019 Royal Palm Coast Classic Fishing Tournament to benefit the Freedom and Virtue Institute  FORT…

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Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association to host fishing tournament Oct. 18-19

2019 Royal Palm Coast Classic Fishing Tournament to benefit the Freedom and Virtue Institute 


FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 11, 2019) – Registration is open through Oct. 18 for the Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association’s (RPCRA) third annual Royal Palm Coast Classic Fishing Tournament Oct. 18-19.

This year’s event will benefit the Freedom and Virtue Institute, a Fort Myers-based nonprofit that promotes individual liberty, self-reliance and human dignity among underprivileged children and individuals enduring hardship, empowering them to better their situations and live a dignified, self-sustainable life.

The tournament will kick off with a Captain’s Party at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at Port Sanibel Marina, 14341 Port Comfort Road in Fort Myers.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, anglers will hit the water at 7 a.m. for a day of fishing, which will conclude at the Port Sanibel Marina with a dinner and awards celebration at 4 p.m. The celebration will include an auction, prize giveaways and raffle drawings.

Prizes for the catch-and-release tournament will be based on combined length of longest snook and longest redfish per four-person team. Cash prizes will be awarded to winning teams, including $5,000 for first place.

The registration fee is $125 per angler. To register, visit RPCClassic.com.

The 2019 Royal Palm Coast Classic Fishing Tournament is sponsored by 3D Interspace Solutions, Chapman Insurance Group, Goede, Adamczyk, DeBoest & Cross, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Mortgage 1, Pillar to Post Home Inspectors and Suncoast Beverage Sales.

About the Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association (RPCRA)

Comprising a membership of more than 7,000 Realtors, RPCRA exists to advance the success of its members, serving as a resource for professional development and an advocate in community issues affecting members, their customers and property owners’ rights. RPCRA serves all of Southwest Florida, with offices in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and South Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.rpcra.org.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Expands State-of-the-Art Pathology Laboratory Centralized lab serves oncologists and cancer patients across the state

Fort Myers, Fla., September 26, 2019 – Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has…

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Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Expands State-of-the-Art Pathology Laboratory Centralized lab serves oncologists and cancer patients across the state

Fort Myers, Fla., September 26, 2019 – Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has doubled the size of its centralized Pathology Laboratory.  A ribbon cutting ceremony was held today at the newly constructed, 50,000 square foot facility located in Fort Myers.
The FCS Pathology Laboratory serves over 230 physicians who practice at FCS’ nearly 100 sites throughout the state, providing complete and accurate tests and reports which are critical to cancer diagnosis and treatment.  As integral members of the cancer care team, the Pathology Laboratory’s skilled hematopathologists and surgical pathologists provide a comprehensive testing menu that includes flow cytometry, histology and immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, FISH (fluorescence in-situ hybridization) and central lab services.
“Pathology is at the core of oncology practice and clinical research,” said FCS Chief Operating Officer Todd Schonherz.  “We have steadily expanded our testing capabilities to keep pace with clinical advancements and our growing presence in Florida.”
Dr. Ryan Olson, medical director of FCS’ Pathology Laboratory, said, “With real-time access to patient health information through our online medical records system, our lab and our staff are seamlessly integrated into daily patient care and we maintain highly personal communication with the oncologists we serve.”
“All of our testing is centralized and streamlined,” said Dr. Wilfredo Blasini, FCS co-director of Laboratory Services.  “Our consistently fast turn-around time means that oncologists and their patients receive complete and accurate results quickly, which greatly minimizes patient anxiety.”
The expanded FCS Pathology Lab is sized to accommodate continued growth as well as ongoing clinical and technological advances. A Cytogenetics Lab Center was recently added and the possible expansion of molecular testing to include NGS (next generation sequencing) for both hematologic and surgical pathology specimens is also being explored.
The FCS Pathology Laboratory has achieved “Gold Standard” certification from the College of American Pathologists (CA).
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com)
Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. In the past four years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.* Trained in such prestigious medical schools and research institutes as Duke, Stanford, Harvard, Emory, M.D. Anderson, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.
Founded in 1984, FCS is one of the largest medical oncology/hematology practices in the United States. With more than 230 physicians, 220 advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) and physician assistants (PA) and nearly 100 locations in our network, we are committed to providing world-class cancer care in community-based settings, close to home.
Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment, and immunotherapy.  Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.
*Prior to approval
 

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Expands State-of-the-Art Pathology Laboratory Centralized lab serves oncologists and cancer patients across the state

Fort Myers, Fla., September 26, 2019 – Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has…

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Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Expands State-of-the-Art Pathology Laboratory Centralized lab serves oncologists and cancer patients across the state

Fort Myers, Fla., September 26, 2019 – Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has doubled the size of its centralized Pathology Laboratory.  A ribbon cutting ceremony was held today at the newly constructed, 50,000 square foot facility located in Fort Myers.
The FCS Pathology Laboratory serves over 230 physicians who practice at FCS’ nearly 100 sites throughout the state, providing complete and accurate tests and reports which are critical to cancer diagnosis and treatment.  As integral members of the cancer care team, the Pathology Laboratory’s skilled hematopathologists and surgical pathologists provide a comprehensive testing menu that includes flow cytometry, histology and immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, FISH (fluorescence in-situ hybridization) and central lab services.
“Pathology is at the core of oncology practice and clinical research,” said FCS Chief Operating Officer Todd Schonherz.  “We have steadily expanded our testing capabilities to keep pace with clinical advancements and our growing presence in Florida.”
Dr. Ryan Olson, medical director of FCS’ Pathology Laboratory, said, “With real-time access to patient health information through our online medical records system, our lab and our staff are seamlessly integrated into daily patient care and we maintain highly personal communication with the oncologists we serve.”
“All of our testing is centralized and streamlined,” said Dr. Wilfredo Blasini, FCS co-director of Laboratory Services.  “Our consistently fast turn-around time means that oncologists and their patients receive complete and accurate results quickly, which greatly minimizes patient anxiety.”
The expanded FCS Pathology Lab is sized to accommodate continued growth as well as ongoing clinical and technological advances. A Cytogenetics Lab Center was recently added and the possible expansion of molecular testing to include NGS (next generation sequencing) for both hematologic and surgical pathology specimens is also being explored.
The FCS Pathology Laboratory has achieved “Gold Standard” certification from the College of American Pathologists (CA).
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com)
Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. In the past four years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.* Trained in such prestigious medical schools and research institutes as Duke, Stanford, Harvard, Emory, M.D. Anderson, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.
 
Founded in 1984, FCS is one of the largest medical oncology/hematology practices in the United States. With more than 230 physicians, 220 advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) and physician assistants (PA) and nearly 100 locations in our network, we are committed to providing world-class cancer care in community-based settings, close to home.
 
Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment, and immunotherapy.  Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.
 
*Prior to approval
 
For more information, contact:
Shelly Glenn, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer
[email protected]

Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart honored as ENPY’s finalist

Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart honored as ENPY’s finalist Recognized for work on local…

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Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart honored as ENPY’s finalist

Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart honored as ENPY’s finalist
Recognized for work on local United Way board
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 11, 2019) – Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart’s tireless efforts on the board for the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties earned the Lee County Tax Collector distinction as a finalist for nonprofit board member of the year at the 3rd annual Nonprofit Performance Yearly Awards (ENPYs).
Hart was honored for his many years of service for the United Way, including twice serving as chair for the organization’s annual campaign, which now benefits 96 partner agencies each year. Under his leadership in 2006 and again as one of six co-chairs in 2016-17, the two campaigns generated over $16 million.
The ENPYs, presented by the Cape Coral Community Foundation, recognize the outstanding work of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit world dedicated to improving the quality of life in their various communities. Hart was recognized, along with 32 other individuals in 11 categories, at the ENPY Awards Luncheon Oct. 10 at Crowne Plaza Bell Tower in Fort Myers.
As a board member, Hart continues to be a strong voice for the agency, which reaches thousands each year through its many service programs in each of the Southwest Florida counties.
“I am proud to be part of an organization which continues to benefit communities and those in need in remarkable and extraordinary ways,” Hart said. “There is no greater reward than helping others – and it is something I have been committed to my entire life.”
Earlier this year, the Lee County Tax Collector’s office was honored by United Way of Florida with the 2018-19 Public Sector Giving Award for leading local contributions for the recent United Way campaign. The LCTC’s average per capita contributions was $160.70 to lead the state and was part of a record $10.4 million raised through the local campaign.
Hart was elected Lee County Tax Collector in 2012 after being appointed to the position by Gov. Rick Scott. He served as assistant tax collector for 11 years following a 22-year law enforcement career highlighted by Hart becoming the first African American police chief for the City of Fort Myers.
Visit leetc.com to see Hart’s full bio.
About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates six service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.

The Heights Foundation/Heights Center Breaks Ground on $11.8 Million 36,000 Square Foot Education Center 82% of Project Budget Has Been Raised in Silent Campaign

(Fort Myers, Fla. – October 9, 2019) --- The Heights Foundation/Heights Center broke ground on…

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The Heights Foundation/Heights Center Breaks Ground on $11.8 Million 36,000 Square Foot Education Center 82% of Project Budget Has Been Raised in Silent Campaign

(Fort Myers, Fla. – October 9, 2019) — The Heights Foundation/Heights Center broke ground on the $11.8 million Heights Early Learning and Education Center on Wednesday, September 18.  The 36,000 square foot, 3 story building located on Hagie Drive in Harlem Heights is the latest addition to The Heights Foundation/Heights Center campus and will serve as the new home for GLAD Kids Early Learning Center, serving children birth to five years, and the Harlem Heights Community Charter School, an elementary school with grades K-5.
In addition to classroom space, the colorful building has a large multipurpose room with a capacity to serve meals for 180 students. The building has music and art labs designed with access to an outdoor roof terrace to encourage arts exploration and interaction with the environment. The terrace will also host the aquaponics and hydroponics gardens. An outdoor play pavilion is included as part of the design for PE activities. All classrooms have been designed with natural light, flexibility and technology in mind.
82% of the project’s budget has been raised in a silent campaign.  Major donors include David Lucas, Jim and Gaye Pigott, The Fernandez Family Foundation, Joe and Joann Catti, Dinah Bloomhall and FineMark Bank, as well as several anonymous donors.  In her remarks to the audience at the groundbreaking, Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center thanked the donors, the strong families of Harlem Heights, some with four generations in the neighborhood; the staff of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, The Heights Charter School and GLAD Kids; board members of The Foundation and the charter school; volunteers and community partners including  Westminster Presbyterian, Zion Lutheran, Rotary of Sanibel-Captiva and Fort Myers South, FineMark Bank, Community Cooperative, Senior Friendship Centers and The United Way.
“The Education Center is the result of nearly 20 years of work in the Harlem Heights neighborhood by Kathryn Kelly and her team,” said Jan-Erik Hustrulid, chair of The Heights Foundation board of directors. “The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average.  Our goal is to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood, and education and family are at the core of all we do.”
“We know that when kids are provided resources, including community support and a decent education, they thrive and flourish,” said Kelly. “Our charter school was conceived because we saw the difference we made in the academic performance of our AfterSchool kids.  We knew that if we could help them be successful in school with just a few hours each afternoon, our impact would be multiplied if we had them all day.  We are raising life-long learners and they are thriving.”  108 students grades K-4 currently attend The Harlem Heights Community Charter School that is housed in the existing community center and several modules.
The Heights Foundation merged with Gladiolus Learning and Development (GLAD Kids) in January of 2019.  GLAD Kids is housed in an older building in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  Prior to the merger, GLAD had started a capital campaign to build a new building, and donors agreed to fund the new building on The Heights Foundation campus that will house both GLAD Kids and the Heights Charter School.
Owen-Ames-Kimball is the general contractor for the project.  RG Architects designed the building and TDM Consulting is the civil engineering and site planning firm.
For more information about supporting The Heights Early Learning and Education Center, contact Kathryn Kelly at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected].  For more information about The Heights Foundation visit www.heightsfoundation.org.
About The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through fourth grade and will expand to serve up to fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
 

The Heights Foundation/Heights Center Breaks Ground on $11.8 Million 36,000 Square Foot Education Center 82% of Project Budget Has Been Raised in Silent Campaign

(Fort Myers, Fla. – October 9, 2019) --- The Heights Foundation/Heights Center broke ground on…

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The Heights Foundation/Heights Center Breaks Ground on $11.8 Million 36,000 Square Foot Education Center 82% of Project Budget Has Been Raised in Silent Campaign

(Fort Myers, Fla. – October 9, 2019) — The Heights Foundation/Heights Center broke ground on the $11.8 million Heights Early Learning and Education Center on Wednesday, September 18.  The 36,000 square foot, 3 story building located on Hagie Drive in Harlem Heights is the latest addition to The Heights Foundation/Heights Center campus and will serve as the new home for GLAD Kids Early Learning Center, serving children birth to five years, and the Harlem Heights Community Charter School, an elementary school with grades K-5.
In addition to classroom space, the colorful building has a large multipurpose room with a capacity to serve meals for 180 students. The building has music and art labs designed with access to an outdoor roof terrace to encourage arts exploration and interaction with the environment. The terrace will also host the aquaponics and hydroponics gardens. An outdoor play pavilion is included as part of the design for PE activities. All classrooms have been designed with natural light, flexibility and technology in mind.
82% of the project’s budget has been raised in a silent campaign.  Major donors include David Lucas, Jim and Gaye Pigott, The Fernandez Family Foundation, Joe and Joann Catti, Dinah Bloomhall and FineMark Bank, as well as several anonymous donors.  In her remarks to the audience at the groundbreaking, Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center thanked the donors, the strong families of Harlem Heights, some with four generations in the neighborhood; the staff of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, The Heights Charter School and GLAD Kids; board members of The Foundation and the charter school; volunteers and community partners including  Westminster Presbyterian, Zion Lutheran, Rotary of Sanibel-Captiva and Fort Myers South, FineMark Bank, Community Cooperative, Senior Friendship Centers and The United Way.
“The Education Center is the result of nearly 20 years of work in the Harlem Heights neighborhood by Kathryn Kelly and her team,” said Jan-Erik Hustrulid, chair of The Heights Foundation board of directors. “The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average.  Our goal is to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood, and education and family are at the core of all we do.”
“We know that when kids are provided resources, including community support and a decent education, they thrive and flourish,” said Kelly. “Our charter school was conceived because we saw the difference we made in the academic performance of our AfterSchool kids.  We knew that if we could help them be successful in school with just a few hours each afternoon, our impact would be multiplied if we had them all day.  We are raising life-long learners and they are thriving.”  108 students grades K-4 currently attend The Harlem Heights Community Charter School that is housed in the existing community center and several modules.
The Heights Foundation merged with Gladiolus Learning and Development (GLAD Kids) in January of 2019.  GLAD Kids is housed in an older building in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  Prior to the merger, GLAD had started a capital campaign to build a new building, and donors agreed to fund the new building on The Heights Foundation campus that will house both GLAD Kids and the Heights Charter School.
Owen-Ames-Kimball is the general contractor for the project.  RG Architects designed the building and TDM Consulting is the civil engineering and site planning firm.
For more information about supporting The Heights Early Learning and Education Center, contact Kathryn Kelly at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected].  For more information about The Heights Foundation visit www.heightsfoundation.org.
About The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through fourth grade and will expand to serve up to fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
 

FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter to Host “The Giving Season” Half-day Seminar

Fort Myers, FL, Oct. 10, 2019 – The Southwest Florida chapter of the Florida Public…

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FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter to Host “The Giving Season” Half-day Seminar

Fort Myers, FL, Oct. 10, 2019 – The Southwest Florida chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will host Nonprofit Day, a half-day seminar featuring public relations best practices to help enhance the reach and impact of Southwest Florida’s philanthropic organizations, from 8 a.m. to noon, on Thursday, Nov. 7 at Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center, located at 9931 Interstate Commerce Drive in Fort Myers. This event is an opportunity for Southwest Florida’s charitable organizations – and those interested in learning more about the community’s charity landscape – to learn from local experts.
Nonprofit organizations likely get a boost in interest and support during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, but fundraising happens throughout the year. This seminar, with the theme “The Giving Season,” will provide attendees with takeaways, practical information and tools to help extend the “giving feeling” all year-round and combat challenges, such as donor fatigue, communication issues and ever-changing tax laws.
Speakers for Nonprofit Day include:

  • Eric Anderson, Communications and Social Media Coordinator, The Salvation Army
  • Julio Barina, CPA, Tax Manager, Markham, Norton, Mosteller, Wright & Company, P.A.
  • Duane Higgins, Director of Development, Lee Health Foundation
  • Jill Palmer, Executive Director, American Red Cross Florida’s Southern Gulf Chapter

In addition to the presentations from dynamic speakers, Nonprofit Day offers a unique networking opportunity. Nonprofit public relations, marketing and development professionals, and public relations professionals looking to learn more about development and fundraising can network with others who share similar goals for their organizations.
Sponsors for the event include iPartner Media and Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center. Price is $30 general admission; $20 for students (includes breakfast). For more information and to register to attend, go to www.fpraswfl.org/2019-fpra-nonprofit-day-the-giving-season.
The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to programs and activities that enhance the success of PR professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For more information log onto fpraswfl.org

SFWMD Governing Board Asking for Public Input to Revise Rules for Northern Everglades and Coastal Estuaries Water Quality

Public and stakeholders encouraged to participate as District works to amend a Northern Everglades and…

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SFWMD Governing Board Asking for Public Input to Revise Rules for Northern Everglades and Coastal Estuaries Water Quality

Public and stakeholders encouraged to participate as District works to amend a Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program rule
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board today initiated a rule-making process and asked for the public’s input in amending rules to support water quality improvements in the Northern Everglades, which includes the Lake Okeechobee Watershed and the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee River watersheds and estuaries.
“The South Florida Water Management District is dedicated to working closely with communities and stakeholders as we work to support water quality improvements in the Northern Everglades,” said SFWMD Executive Director Drew Bartlett. “Engaging with the public and stakeholders is central to our mission, and we are looking forward to gathering input from the public as we develop draft rules to support water quality.”
The Governing Board approved the start of a public process to revise Chapter 40E-61 of the Florida Administrative Code. The rule was originally created in 1989, and in 2016, the Florida Legislature passed laws requiring SFWMD to revise the rule to support Northern Everglades restoration.
The public engagement process to revise the rule includes workshops across the District and opportunities to provide input through the District’s website. The public will be able to review draft concepts from SFWMD including water quality monitoring, methods to evaluate and assess monitoring, and actions where data show reduction in harmful nutrients is needed. Public engagement and input on the draft concepts will inform a draft rule. The draft rule will also be presented to the public for public comment and input.
The first meeting of this process is scheduled for Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. at the Indian River State College campus in Okeechobee. SFWMD also will launch an interactive web board that will allow the public to submit comments online. The web board can be found by clicking HERE starting tomorrow. Additional details on future public meetings will also be posted to the District’s website.
For more updates on SFWMD’s work:

Follow SFWMD on Twitter

International Piano Virtuoso to Perform for Lehigh Acres Students October 30

FORT MYERS, FLA., October 10, 2019 – Elementary and middle school students of Veterans Park…

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International Piano Virtuoso to Perform for Lehigh Acres Students October 30

FORT MYERS, FLA., October 10, 2019 – Elementary and middle school students of Veterans Park Academy for the Arts in Lehigh Acres will have a rare opportunity to hear a world-class pianist October 30 when Thomas Pandolfi of Washington, D.C., performs a private concert and interactive program for the students in the school cafetorium.
The concert is provided courtesy of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association as part of its outreach program for Lee County public school students.
“We provide seats for each of our concerts at no cost to students in Lee County public schools, but we realize that not all students have the ability to get to our weeknight performances.  To expose as many young people as possible to classical music, our Board of Directors decided to take some of our concerts to the students,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.
Pandolfi will perform for middle school students for about an hour beginning at 9:50 a.m. and for elementary students from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.  He also will answer questions from students interested in the arts and music.
Mann said the Community Concert Association Board of Directors chose Pandolfi because of his outstanding record of working with students of all ages.
“I am a strong believer in, and supporter of, educational outreach programs,” Pandolfi said. “The objectives of educational outreach are to provide extended interactions between the artist and the community, to expose and educate students and adult audiences by broadening their understandings of the arts and to make arts accessible to a wide variety of people.”
Pandolfi is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees as a scholarship student.  Highlights of the last concert season include performances with the North Charleston Pops, Symphony of the Americas, Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic and Reston Orchestra as well as a coast-to-coast recital tour.  His international concerts have carried him across the globe to China and Europe as well as a Canadian debut in British Columbia.
In 2006, he released his first CD, and has recorded 10 additional ones, including ‘Language of Infinity” (Chopin), “Gypsy Passages” (Liszt), “Into the Night with Gershwin,” and the Paderewski Piano Concerto recorded in the Czech Republic with the Moravian Philharmonic.
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association is preparing for another stellar season with five classical concerts planned this winter at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, including performances by the Russian State Symphony Orchestra and the Russian National Ballet.
All five concerts are included in one ticket price, which ranges from $165 for prime orchestra and mezzanine seats to $155 for other orchestra and mezzanine seats, $85 for lower balcony seating and just $65 for upper balcony.  Most mezzanine seating already is sold out, Mann said.
For tickets, call the Barbara B. Mann Box Office at 239-481-4849. Tickets to individual performances are not available at this time.
For membership information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org
 
About the Fort Myers Community Concert Association
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 71st concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include Violinist Itzhak Perlman, The Israel Ballet, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.

Impact of $15 minimum wage on Southwest Florida businesses Greater Fort Myers Chamber assembles key voices for panel discussion

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2019) – While recent polls indicate more than 60% of…

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Impact of $15 minimum wage on Southwest Florida businesses Greater Fort Myers Chamber assembles key voices for panel discussion

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2019) – While recent polls indicate more than 60% of Floridians support an increase of the minimum wage to $15, many small businesses are bracing for a potentially devastating economic blow if a proposed amendment to increase the wage passes in 2020. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has assembled an expert panel to discuss the ramifications at a breakfast event Nov. 8 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration and networking, followed by breakfast and chamber announcements. The panel discussion will begin 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 9:30 a.m.
Florida’s minimum wage is currently $8.46. Should a Florida Constitutional amendment initiative appear on the 2020 ballot and be approved by at least 60 percent of Florida voters, the wage will increase to $10 in 2021 and go up $1 each year until it hits $15 in 2026. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposes the amendment, saying a 77 percent increase in labor costs is not sustainable for any business, especially those in Florida’s $67 billion-a-year tourism industry. Recent statewide polls by Quinnipiac University and St. Pete Polls show an average of 67.1 percent of respondents support the increase to $15.
The political committee, Florida For a Fair Wage, which is chaired by Orlando attorney John Morgan and is pushing for the ballot initiative, has collected almost 706,000 of the required 766,200 valid signatures for the measure to appear on the ballot. The group has until February to secure the required signatures.
Discussing the impact will be panelists:
Lois Croft: She is Southwest Regional Director for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.
Victor Claar: He is an associate professor of economics at Florida Gulf Coast University and holds the BB&T Distinguished Professorship in Free Enterprise.
Dana Brunett: He is a senior business development specialist for the Lee County Economic Development Office. He previously served as Cape Coral’s Economic Development Office Director.
Jay Johnson: Owner of Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon in Cape Coral.
The master of ceremonies will be John Talmage, who was named director of Lee County’s Economic Development Office in February of this year.
The cost for the event is $25 for chamber members and $35 for future members. For more information or to register for the event, visit http://members.fortmyers.org/events/ or call 239-332-3624.
Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-3624 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.