Member News

Ft. Myers, FL – Seed & Bean Market prioritizes wellness through CBD, a health-conscious diet, community and now yoga. The wellness lifestyle focused market has rolled out a 6 class yoga schedule for the next 12 weeks with instructor Kaylie Beech. Yoga offers the opportunity to learn many lessons like unity, clarity, and discipline through asanas (posture), pranayama (breathe) and dhyana (meditation).
Learn more on our website: https://seedandbeanmarket.com/yoga-at-seed-bean-market/
Every other Tuesday evening, starting on October 6^th, customers are invited to join the practice of wellness both physically and mentally. Classes begin at 6pm and are one hour long costing only $10. All attendees will also receive $10 CBD retail coupon to use that night and or enjoy samples, CBD mocktails or indulge on our happy hour special.
Tuesday, October 6th 6-8pm
Tuesday, October 20th 6-8pm
Tuesday, November 3rd 6-8pm
Tuesday, November 17th 6-8pm
Tuesday, December 1st 6-8pm
Tuesday, December 15th 6-8pm
About Seed & Bean Market:
Seed and Bean cultivated into reality in 2018 in Ft. Myers, Florida. Seed and Bean is first CBD Marketplace of its kind and while we are innovators in the marketplace with an awesome niche, we are dedicated to offering only the highest quality and tested products, creating a chill atmosphere, making sure our customers become part of our family and imploring our philosophy of giving back and becoming part of the fabric of our community.
 

Fort Myers, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2020) – Sarasota-based construction management firm, Firmo Construction, has been hired to build a new Hampton Inn by Hilton in Fort Myers. In partnership with hospitality and development group, HOS Management, from Savannah, Ga., the two companies will bring decades of experience with the Hilton brand to deliver a dynamic and modern, pandemic and tourist safe hotel to the heart of downtown Fort Myers.
“Firmo is excited to partner with this leading hotel development team to bring the Fort Myers area a new hospitality opportunity. Though the industry has had its setbacks this year, our team is ready to bring the construction and technology expertise needed to safely and efficiently deliver this hotel, which will help promote tourism and hospitality in our region,” said Eric Collin, President of Firmo Construction. “And with multiple completed Hilton builds in the Gulf Coast, I’m excited to continue our relationship with the Hilton brand.”
The future four-story Hampton Inn will be located on downtown Fort Myers’ traffic artery, Cleveland Avenue, and will feature 118 rooms, an outdoor pool and patio area, a flexible boardroom for use, and a fitness center available for guests. Situated on a two-acre lot, the 65,000 square foot building will be an infill lot development that will take about one year to complete before it opens to guests.
Firmo Construction and HOS Management will work alongside, architecture and engineering team, Base4, and civil engineering team, Morris Depew, to bring this new hospitality and tourism opportunity to completion. Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities have been applied to the entire design of the project, which means that virtual reality (VR) and 3D Lidar scanning will be used to review designs throughout construction, resulting in a finished hotel that brings the plans to life.
“We’re excited to partner with Firmo Construction on this future Hampton Inn, and bring a new opportunity for hospitality to the City of Fort Myers,” said Krishan Gandhi, Vice President of Development of HOS Management. “It has always been our mission to foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all our properties, and we’re excited to bring that same mindset to our Fort Myers neighbors, future guests, and community.”
Construction on the property will begin in October after a virtual groundbreaking ceremony, the first to happen in the city of Fort Myers, on the morning of Thursday, October 15 at 9am. The groundbreaking will be a small, socially distant gathering that will be livestreamed to the public on Facebook and will welcome neighboring businesses and local media in person. The hotel’s stakeholders and Firmo Construction will also be available to answer questions about the future hotel and give previews of renderings.
Link to the virtual groundbreaking: https://www.facebook.com/events/719410088787688
3D rendering: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rhjc6bc9g7uyw5l/AAAvIqbkiqin3zvgOaw2ol3ta?dl=0
 
About Firmo Construction
Established in 2003, Firmo Construction is a fully integrated design-build firm and licensed general commercial contractor in more than 15 states. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, the firm’s mission is to deliver the client’s vision by elevating each project to its fullest potential through innovative solutions. An early adopter of USGBC’s LEED system, Firmo’s committed team of professionals began implementing sustainability and efficiency practices into projects when the program was still in its infancy. The team continues to evolve with that progressive mindset today, remaining industry leaders in design and building technology. For more information, visit: www.firmoconstruction.com.
 
About HOS Management
HOS Management is a second-generation Savannah hospitality and development group with over 30 years of industry experience managing a diverse collection of iconic hotel brands, including Hilton, Choice, IHG and Marriott, throughout the Southeast region. Founded by brothers Anil and Kirit Patel, the company strives to build thriving, sustainable hotel properties, provide incredible guest experiences, and give back to the communities in which they do business through company and employee-driven philanthropic initiatives. HOS has successfully cultivated long-standing relationships with hotel partners, investors and most importantly, guests, through its brand’s family-oriented philosophy. Visit www.HOSManagement.com to learn more.
 

September 30, 2020: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces a fall red snapper season for private recreational anglers and state for-hire operations in the Gulf of Mexico to open on the following Saturdays and Sundays: Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and Nov. 1.
During this season, private recreational anglers may harvest red snapper in Gulf state and federal waters. However, state for-hire operations are limited to fishing for red snapper in Gulf state waters only.
“I’m excited to announce this additional Gulf red snapper fishing opportunity,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “I hope Floridians and visitors can use this extra time to get out on the water and enjoy themselves.”
“The years of collaborative work with stakeholders and partners has resulted in a significant increase in the number of fishing opportunities over the past few years, from just a few days to 51 red snapper fishing days in Gulf state and federal waters this year,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton.
These additional days would not be possible without the State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS). The State Reef Fish Survey was developed specifically to provide more robust data for management of red snapper and other important reef fish, and has allowed FWC the unprecedented opportunity to manage Gulf red snapper in state and federal waters. 
Planning to participate in the fall season? Do your part to continue the success of the State Reef Fish Survey. All anglers fishing from private recreational vessels must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler to target red snapper and several other reef fish in state and federal waters, even if they are exempt from fishing license requirements. Sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler at no cost at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by visiting any location where you can purchase a license. 
State Reef Fish Anglers may receive a questionnaire in the mail regarding their reef fish trips as part of Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey. If you receive a survey, please respond whether you fished this season or not or whether you’ve submitted data via other methods. 
To learn more about the recreational red snapper season in Gulf state and federal waters, including season size and bag limits, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and select “Snappers.”
The federal season for for-hire operations with federal reef fish permits was June 1 through Aug. 1.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2020) – Throughout September, child advocates and supporters of Barbara’s Friends “braved the shave,” allowing local childhood cancer survivors to shave their heads to raise

awareness and support for Barbara’s Friends – the cancer fund for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. In all, $170,000 was raised during the event that this year went virtual.

In addition to raising money for the 25^th year of Barbara’s Friends, Clips for Cancer raises awareness about the challenges of childhood cancer, including going bald, a frequent side-effect of cancer treatments. Proceeds provide equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care for children in our region at Golisano Children’s Hospital, one of nine centers in the state to offer a complete pediatric hematology/oncology program.

The final event of the month-long series featured cancer survivor Mackenzie Hummer shaving the head of Armando Llechu, chief officer, hospital operations and women’s and children’s services at Lee Health. Clips for Cancer was created in 2018 after Llechu met Hummer and was inspired by her bravery and positive spirit. Twelve years ago, on January 29, 2008, then 8-year-old Mackenzie was diagnosed with an aggressive, cancerous brain tumor called medulloblastoma. Thirty surgeries, 30 radiation treatments, 10 months of chemotherapy and numerous hospital stays would follow.

“What most people don’t realize is that sometimes, not often, the hair doesn’t grow back and for Mackenzie that’s the case,” said Mackenzie’s mom, Carrie Hummer. “For Mackenzie, she hasn’t had hair since she was 8 years old. The type of radiation and amount of radiation she had and some of the late effects of treatment killed most of her hair follicles. She barely remembers what it is like to have hair. So, for her, this is very empowering and it means a lot that these adults volunteered to lose their hair, for her and kids like her, when they didn’t have too.”

Currently, Mackenzie is battling late-effect complications as a result of the treatments she received to save her life. She is a strong young hero who continues to defy the odds every day. Llechu was joined by Dr. Venkat Prasad, chief medical officer population health and physician services, and Sarai Hernandez-Salinas, pediatric cancer survivor for the final day of shaving.

“I am humbled by how this event has grown. It was my vision three years ago to connect in a real way with our childhood cancer patients and meet them where they are in that experience of losing their hair,” Llechu said.  “These families and their children are the heroes, and Clips for Cancer is about them. It’s incredible to see their smiles and honor their journey in a way the community has truly embraced.”

Contributors who helped in the success of Clips for Cancer include Great Clips, the salon sponsor who provided space for live shaving events every Friday and encouraged customer donations. Eleven salons took part this year with franchisees Jack Leaf, Jeffery Scholl and Jennifer Small sharing their salons for the event.

“We knew when we participated last year that Clips for Cancer was truly special,” said Jeffrey Scholl, Great Clips salon owner and franchisee. “Given the challenges of COVID-19, our Great Clips salons wanted to make sure we could still help. The result has been even better than we imagined. We are proud to be part of an event that brings awareness to the issue of pediatric cancer.”

Other business support included Promotional Incentives for donating custom masks for participants and survivors; and Dunkin’ providing coffee and donuts for every shaving event. Also in September, all Southwest Florida 3 Pepper Burrito Co., locations donated proceeds from kids’ meals to Barbara’s Friends. Pure Barre Fort Myers and Gateway hosted special donation-only classes to raise $2,500 for Barbara’s Friends during September Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Grants that contributed to the success of Clips for Cancer were $25,000 from The John E. & Aliese Price Foundation, Inc.; $42,000 from Florida Radiology Consultants and Dr. Tom Presbrey; $20,000 from Nancy and Randy Howell (daughter and son-in-law of Barbara’s Friends founders Frank and Betty Haskell); $10,000 from Joe Catti and FineMark National Bank & Trust, and $5,000 from The Wasie Foundation.

The 33 community participants who had their heads shaved and raised money for Barbara’s Friends were Ben Abes, Kevin Anderson, Dr. Larry Antonucci, Cal Bruno, David Cato, Bill Dalton, Dr. Vijas Das, Austin DeLorenzo, Rob Dilallo, Illeny Farese, Michael Fly, Dr. Shyam Kapadia, Ralph Ketron, Al Kinkle, Nathan Kirk, Armando Llechu, Ken Mack, Bill Malstrom, Tony Milana, Maury Morejon, Randy Narnjo, Patrick Nolan, Dr. Scott Nygaard, Dr. Venkat Prasad, Dr. Tom Presbrey, Brooke Ricciardi, Dr. Parmeet Saini, Dr. Emad Salman, Natasha Salman, Lindsay Schnyder, Dr. Jordon Taillon, Rachel Toa, and Dave and Tanner Trepkowski.

The 25 cancer survivors who participated were Gabriel Bateham, Lilly Bendell, Francisco “Cisco” Brito, Jordan DeLorenzo, Juan Carlos, Emma Garcia, Brandon Gutierrez, Elizabeth Higgins, Ashton Hoiles, Mackenzie Hummer, McKynsie Jones, Rebekah Kilpatrick, Emma Lockhart, Olga Lopez, Christian Nieto, Annabelle Phillips, Mallory Rice, Caliah Russell, Jade Sabean, Sarai Hernandez-Salinas, Matthew Singleton, Christina Soriero, Lee Sullivan, Cali Trepkowski, and Kadin Williams.

“For me it’s about watching the other kids and seeing them get a chance to be involved and shine,” said Hummer, now 21 years old. “I was 19 when Clips started and while I was the initial inspiration behind this event, my story is just the beginning. It’s about all the kids, like me, who have and are battling cancer. I love seeing the little kids get so excited to hold the clippers and shave. For me it’s about all of us and sharing our stories.”

Learn more about Barbara’s Friends and how you can help Southwest Florida children battling cancer at BarbarasFriends.org.

About Barbara’s Friends

Established in 1995, Barbara’s Friends provides equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care for children from across southwest Florida at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program is the only program of its kind in Southwest Florida and has served over 10,000 patients since opening. No child is denied treatment or turned away as a result of their family’s inability to pay for care. For more information about the Barbara’s Friends fund and supporting child patients in your community, please call Lee Health Foundation at (239) 343-6950 or visit BarbarasFriends.org.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital

Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past three years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2019 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 1, 2020) – SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is hosting a virtual wine tasting and food pairing event on October 16, 2020 at 630 p.m. with Benovia Winery out of Napa Valley, California and Chef Harold Balink of Harold’s Restaurant in Fort Myers. Benovia Winery & Chef Harold Balink have attended the SWFL Wine & Food Fest numerous times and are favorites among event attendees. Guests can choose to order four bottles of wine by Benovia Winery and order a five-course menu of specially paired cuisine from Harold’s Restaurant. Guests will learn about wines and food pairings, enjoy live entertainment, and also receive an update from the organization’s main beneficiary, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. A portion of the wine sales from the tasting will benefit SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.To order your wine and cuisine, visit www.SWFLWineFest.org/WineTasting .  
Because of Covid-19 concerns, supporters of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. gathered virtually for the annual check presentation with a virtual wine tasting. More than 60 people attended, and three beneficiaries received more than $1.4 Million in funds raised at the 12^th annual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest in February 2020. Held in the vibrant setting of Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, the colorful, paint-themed event brought the community together in support of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s mission to save children’s lives and advance pediatric health care across the region. This latest donation to Golisano Children’s Hospital makes the total donated by SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. more than $20 million since 2009.  “We just feel so very fortunate to have been able to host our event to raise much-needed funds for children and families in our region. With the latest donations, we are really just so proud that we have been able to make such an impact by uniting under one cause for the benefit of children,” said Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, President of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. and long-time supporter.   
About SWFL Children’s Charities  
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has donated more than $24 million over the past 12 years in support of children’s health initiatives. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.    

FORT MYERS, FLA., September 28, 2020 – Quigley Eye Specialists will open the first-of-its-kind iLasik and medical spa in Naples October 5, offering advanced aesthetic services, the area’s first dry eye spa and the new iLasik procedure all under one roof.
The Q iLASIK & MED SPA at 675 Piper Boulevard in North Naples next to the Quigley Eye Specialists ophthalmology clinic is directed by board certified and fellowship trained facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville, who recently joined the Quigley Eye Specialists team.
The grand opening will be celebrated with a month-long celebration in November with tours offered every Wednesday and Thursday with prizes, giveaways and drawings for free products, services and a free iLasik procedure to correct near-sightedness or far-sightedness valued at $3,500.  Reservations for the free tours can be made by calling 239-329-theQ.  All COVID precautions will be observed during the tours, including social distancing, limited attendance and face masks.
The luxurious 2,000 square-foot iLASIK & Med spa will offer advanced anti-aging procedures including leading edge lasers, facial contouring, injectables, medical facials and peels as well as the new Virtue RF Micro-Needling that stimulates the production of collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.  Dr. Prendiville also will offer consultations for surgical procedures such as facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasty, brow lifts and eyelid surgery.
“The Q iLASIK & MED SPA will be the first med spa to offer aesthetic injectables such as fillers, Botox, and laser treatments, in addition to offering iLASIK, a dry eye spa and a range of other elective services. One of the greatest concerns for aesthetic patients is to receive the best treatments available based on their activity level, social life, and future goals.  Comprehensive aesthetic consultations will help prospective patients look good, look natural, and feel good,” said Dr. Prendiville.
The iLASIK team will consist of Dr. Duane Wiggins and Dr. Emmanuel Kai-Lewis who are both highly skilled and experienced LASIK and refractive surgeons. Board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained LASIK surgeon, Dr. Duane Wiggins, has more than 20 years of experience in LASIK and refractive surgery and will perform these procedures at The Q LASIK & MED SPA. Dr. Emmanuel Kai-Lewis is a board certified fellowship trained cornea and refractive surgeon with more than a decade of experience will also perform LASIK, PRK and other refractive procedures at The Q iLASIK & MED SPA.
“Many people in Southwest Florida are interested in seeing great without glasses. To help us give them their best possible vision, we have invested in the iDesign Refractive Studio from Johnson & Johnson. This advanced technology helps us map the cornea with precision. It can also give us pinpoint control of the iLASIK procedure. That’s a very important consideration for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, since every cornea is unique and has a slightly different shape,” explains Dr. Kai-Lewis.
In addition to iLASIK and aesthetic services, one of the specialties of The Q iLASIK & MED SPA is the Dry Eye Spa, which will offer advanced technology to treat chronic dry eye.
“When the meibomian glands in the eyelids don’t secrete enough oil into the tears, the glands become clogged. The traditional way to unclog them is to apply high heat compresses and express them to open them back up. This can be very painful. What we do instead is use the newest technology to massage the eye area with 108-degree thermal heat that will melt away waxy deposits in the glands and apply enough pressure to the eyelid to open the glands,” adds Dr. Wiggins.
Dr. Wiggins said The Q iLASIK & MED SPA will be the first spa in the area to combine advanced technology to massage eyes, treat chronic dry eye and offer iLasik surgery all under one roof. In addition to medical professionals, The Q iLASIK & MED SPA will have aestheticians offering anti-aging procedures using the latest skin care technology.
Quigley Eye Specialists decided to open a medical spa as a logical next step in its growth as one of the nation’s leading multispecialty ophthalmology practices.
“Adding a cosmetic and anti-aging center to our practice makes sense for us and for our patients,” said Quigley Eye Specialists Founder and cataract “super specialist” surgeon Dr. Thomas Quigley. “When patients are able to see better, they notice things in the mirror that they hadn’t seen before.  With our cosmetic surgery division, we can help patients love what they see even more.”
The Q iLASIK & MED SPA is accepting appointments and offering early booking specials by calling 239-329-theQ. You may also learn more by visiting QuigleyEye.com.
 
About Quigley Eye Specialists
Quigley Eye Specialists, founded in 1988, consists of more than 70 medical professionals, including surgeons, optometrists, retina specialists and technicians.  Offices are conveniently located throughout Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Naples, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. Technology leaders in eye care, Quigley Eye Specialists is one of the nation’s leading multispecialty ophthalmology practices specializing in cataracts, laser cataract surgery, glaucoma, LASIK, dry eye, eyelid surgery, retinal issues, corneal conditions, facial plastic surgery and routine eye care. As the number one choice for cataract treatment in Southwest Florida, Quigley Eye Specialists is committed to providing the highest level of quality eye care and service to the community. For more information, call 239-466-2020 or visit QuigleyEye.com.

There’s no doubt about it; during this last six months, Covid-19 has drastically affected the world over, causing virtually everything to come to a complete halt to help “flatten the curve.” One line of work that never ceased to halt was the team of First Responders – doctors, nurses, firemen, EMTs and law enforcement personnel – who tirelessly put in long days and seemingly endless nights to ensure the community of Southwest Florida was healthy and protected.
As the Lani Kai’s way of saying “thank you” to all of those selfless community servants, we are proudly offering all local First Responders beachfront rooms at the Lani Kai Island Resort or bay-front rooms at the Bay Inn at the Lani Kai for just $30 per night through the month of October 2020. (Depending on the day, average going rates for this month are between approximately $130 and $240 per night.)
“We know how hard First Responders work to ensure the safety of the community – and this pandemic just increased their job tenfold. This is our way of thanking all of them for their honored service and dedication. Come out, enjoy the beach, relax and take a breather for a few days – we know how much you deserve it,” said Ken Conidaris of the Lani Kai.
To take advantage of this $30-per-night offer, First Responders must call 239-463-3111. October date requests are based on availability, with a maximum three-night stay. Valid and current First Responder ID must be shown at time of check-in, and this is an offer for our First Responders of Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties.
Delivering pizzas with a passion
Additionally, the Lani Kai’s General Manager Larry Puccia, with his wife and bar manager Val, started making and delivering large fresh-made pizza to First Responders back in mid-March when the pandemic first started shutting local business’ doors. At least twice a week for the last six months, Larry (also a chef and restaurateur) would craft dozens of enormous pizzas in the hotel’s Sabal Palm kitchen, and Val would deliver with hand-written thank-you notes to the staff of several hospitals, Lee Co. Sheriff sub-stations and fire houses around the area, and to date, just under 700 pizzas have been hand-delivered to local First Responders! “I just love people and always want to help,” Val said.
Stay tuned on the Lani Kai’s official social media pages: @thelanikai on Facebook and Instagram for continued updates and offers.

September 29, 2020, Fort Myers/Cape Coral/Naples, FL: Participating Jason’s Deli locations will be offering Kids Eat Free on the following dates in 2020: Oct. 3-4, Nov. 7-8 & Dec. 5-6.
Dine-in, To-Go & Curbside Pickup only. Limit 2 free Kid’s Meals per adult entrée and drink purchase. For kids 12 and under. Not valid with other discounts. Valid only at locations listed. Parents especially appreciate our kid’s menu and its value with no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors and dyes. Meals made with natural ingredients so parents who come to any
Jason’s Deli don’t have to worry about what’s hiding in our food. It’s food that kids love and parents want for their kids.
“We like to say that bringing people together is a family thing at Jason’s Deli,” Diana Willis, Owner, added.
For more information, call your local participating deli. Participating locations: Fort Myers, Reflections Pkwy. at Cypress Lake; Gulf Coast Landings, Alico Road and Ben Hill Griffin; Cape Coral, Santa Barbara near Veterans; Naples, Immokalee near Airport Pulling.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2020) – Community Cooperative was presented the inaugural Bay Pines Director’s Cup for service to Southwest Florida’s veterans through bimonthly mobile food pantries held at Lee County Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic in Cape Coral. Until the pantries were stopped in March due to the pandemic, Community Cooperative served more than 500 veterans a month since 2017.

“We’re grateful we’re able to help area veterans who served our country from World War II to Afghanistan and everything in between,” said Tracey Galloway, chief executive officer of Community Cooperative. “Nationwide, 25% of active military families are getting help from food pantries, and hunger among the 12 million veterans of the age of 60 is sadly skyrocketing. During the pandemic we have helped veterans with our drive-through community food pantries, but we look forward to reinstating the veterans-only food pantries again when the VA locally is ready for us.”

At the pantries, veterans received a week’s worth of shelf stable food, meat and fresh produce. Community Cooperative started with one pantry a month, but after seeing the need went to twice-a-month distributions for veterans and their families at the Lee County Veterans Affairs Clinic in Cape Coral. The pantries were sponsored in part by the Bonita Bay Veterans Club.

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, with headquarters in Bay Pines near St. Petersburg, runs nine facilities serving more than 108,000 veterans in 10 counties in central Southwest Florida. In patients treated or served, the system is the fourth busiest VA Healthcare system in the country.

To support Community Cooperative’s programs, including food pantries for veterans, visit CommunityCooperative.com.

About Community Cooperative

For more than 35 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. 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, FL (September 29, 2020) – Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A. (MNMW) is happy to announce Julio Barina, CPA, as a firm partner. Barina completed an extensive three-year leadership program and joins the current MNMW partners; Gail Markham, CPA, ABV, CFF, CFE, CFP; Joni Norton, CPA, PFS, CFP; Karen Mosteller, CPA, CHBC; Randy Wright, CPA; Tami Cindrich, CPA, CHBC; Angela Cooley, CPA, CCIFP; Kelsey Griffin, CPA, CFE; and Victoria Loyola, CPA, CHBC.
“We are so excited to welcome Julio as a firm partner,” said Gail Markham, Founding Partner of MNMW.  “Having joined our firm in 2013, Julio expressed his desire to become a firm partner early on. He is passionate about helping our clients and team succeed and grow.”
Barina graduated from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He joined the Business Consulting and Tax Services team in 2013 and is a Certified Public Accountant in Florida and New Jersey. His area of expertise is in the construction and service company industries, and he provides tax and strategic planning for individuals and businesses.
Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A. is a public accounting and consulting firm with offices in both Fort Myers and Naples. Along with traditional tax and accounting services, the firm offers a wide range of other services, including general business consulting, construction business consulting, human resources consulting, medical practice consulting, not-for-profit services, elder services, family mediation services, forensic accounting, litigation support, marketing and public relations consulting. For more information, call (239) 433-5554 or visit www.Markham-Norton.com.