Fort Myers, FL – On Tuesday, October 8, 2019, Rotary Club of Fort Myers President, Ian Keith, presented a $25,000 donation to Erik Elsea, representative and ShelterBoxUSA 2018 Ambassador of the Year. The donation will be used by ShelterBoxUSA to provide emergency shelter and supplies to families devastated by natural disaster and conflict.
During a matching gift campaign goal of $10,000, members of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers surpassed the goal and raised $25,000 for ShelterBoxUSA, a Rotary International Project Partner. “Being part of an organization like Rotary, which aligns itself with vital partners to make the world a better place is such a rewarding experience. I’m humbled to see our club members make this commitment to transforming lives and rebuilding communities,” said Keith.
Elsea, Past President of the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, solo paddled the entire length of the Mississippi River in 2018 to raise funds and awareness for ShelterBoxUSA with the expedition connecting more than seventy Rotary clubs, raising more than $70,000 to date, and earning Elsea Rotary’s highest honor in District 6960, the Service Above Self Award.
ShelterBoxUSA supplies aid in the form of a green box filled with essential tools and family-sized tents specially designed to withstand the elements and provide people with temporary shelter. Also included in the box are items that help transform shelter into a home, like cooking sets, solar lights and activity sets for children.
About Rotary Club of Fort Myers
The Rotary Club of Fort Myers, Inc. is the first, oldest and largest of the fifty-two clubs in Southwest Florida. Chartered in 1922, it is a leadership organization composed of local business, professional and civic leaders who are united in providing humanitarian service locally and throughout the world, embracing the highest ethical standards to build goodwill and peace. For more information, contact (239) 332-8158 or visit www.rotaryfortmyers.org.

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.

FORT MYERS, Fla., (Oct. 14, 2019) – Bell Tower, long known as Southwest Florida’s favorite pet-friendly destination, is partnering with Club Pilates to create a first-of-its-kind social event for dog-lovers and fitness buffs.
On Oct. 19, Bell Tower is hosting Puppies & Pilates, a lively BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) event that features a Pilates class and special treats for both pets and humans.
Shannon Willits, owner of two Club Pilates locations in Fort Myers, will lead the fitness class. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, water and sunscreen in addition to a well-behaved, leashed dog.
Puppies & Pilates runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Center Court inside Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers.
Pre-registration is not required and the event is free, but participants are encouraged to bring donations for the Gulf Coast Humane Society. The shelter accepts monetary donations as well as wet dog food, bones, toys, no-pull harnesses, leashes, grooming supplies, cleaning supplies and other pet-related items. For a complete wish list, please visit GulfCoastHumaneSociety.org/Supplies-Wish-List.
Gulf Coast Humane Society also will have adoptable dogs on hand and volunteers to explain the adoption process.
Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill will provide a mimosa bar after the Pilates session ends, and Narrative Coffee Roasters will have its mobile espresso cart at Center Court selling both hot and cold beverages.
About Bell Tower
Bell Tower is a landmark shopping, dining and entertainment destination centrally located in Fort Myers, Florida. The open-air center offers fine retail shops including eclectic boutiques and shopping favorites Williams-Sonoma, Chico’s, White House | Black Market, Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Ocean View & 7^th, Talbots, francesca’s and Ulta. Exceptional shopping is complemented by distinctive restaurants: DaRuMa Japanese Steak House, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Cantina Laredo, Mimi’s Café, T.G.I. Friday’s, Society, World of Beer and Ice Spot. Bell Tower also is home to Dave & Buster’s, The Fresh Market, Bed Bath & Beyond and a 20-screen Regal Cinema complex. A community partner and pet-friendly destination, Bell Tower Shops hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, fundraisers, art fairs and more. Visit BellTowerFortMyers.com for more information.
About Madison Marquette
Madison Marquette is a leading private real estate investment manager, developer, operator and service provider headquartered in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1992, the company’s reputation is built on the successful development, repositioning and redevelopment of commercial mixed-use assets in major gateway and emerging high-growth markets throughout the United States. Madison Marquette partners with global institutional and private investors to achieve industry-leading investment performance across asset classes. In addition, the firm provides integrated management and leasing services to many of the most sophisticated institutional owners in the industry. On behalf of owners and investors, Madison Marquette provides insight, and often innovative incorporation of retail, that results in high-performing and unique real estate destinations that add long-term value to their communities. Current high-profile projects include The Wharf in Washington, D.C., the redevelopment of the Asbury Park waterfront in New Jersey and Pacific Place in Seattle, WA. The firm covers major U.S. markets through its primary offices in Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Fort Lauderdale.  Madison Marquette is a member of the Capital Guidance global group of companies. For more information, visit www.MadisonMarquette.com.
 

Pavese Law Firm welcomes attorneys Alton Kuhn and Vanessa Fernandez
 
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2019) – Pavese Law Firm continues to meet the needs of its clients with the latest additions of two new attorneys. Alton Kuhn will be practicing in the areas of Real Estate Development, Commercial and Residential Transactions, Condominium and Homeowners’ Association Law, and Business Law. Vanessa Fernandez will be practicing in the areas of Real Estate and Condominium and Homeowners’ Association Law.
Kuhn earned his bachelor’s degree in history and masters of education in secondary social studies from the University of Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law with his Juris Doctor.  Kuhn was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2007.
Fernandez graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. While attending Florida Gulf Coast University she worked locally as a court reporter. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.  Fernandez was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2019.
About Pavese Law Firm
Pavese Law Firm is a full-service law firm with offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and West Palm Beach. The firm provides a broad range of legal services for individuals, families, small businesses and large corporations. Practice areas include agricultural, banking and finance, bankruptcy, business and corporate, civil litigation, condominium and homeowners’ association law, construction, employment, environmental and water, estate planning, probate and trusts, marital and family, land use and government, and real estate law. Established in 1949 as a one-person general practice firm, Pavese Law Firm has grown into one of the largest legal practices in Southwest Florida. With a long history of service to Southwest Florida, Pavese Law Firm has played a significant role in the growth of local businesses, communities and major development projects. For more information, visit paveselaw.com.
 
 

(Fort Myers, Fla. – October 13, 2019) —The Heights Foundation will host The Heights Party Band concert  on Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. at The Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers.  Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.  The evening will include familiar and forgotten favorites, classic rock, blues and a little “chaotic spontaneity.”
 
The party band is a group of rotating high-quality local musicians who call The Heights Center home for several concerts each year.  Admission is $10 per person and includes complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.  The event is sponsored by CRE Consultants and entech.
 
The concert features well-known local musicians including Grammy-award winning songwriter (Butterfly Kisses, Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That?) Randy Thomas and his wife Lori, Rob Robinson, Kevin Kenworthy, Willie Miller and Nashville’s Matthew Chapman.
 
“The Heights Center is a great venue for us.  We are bringing together high-quality musicians for a fun, casual evening,” said Randy Thomas.  “We’ll be playing our versions of some of our favorite classic rock, blues and country-rock songs.”
 
For tickets visit www.heightsfoundation.org/heightspartyband.  Tickets will also be available at the door.  The Heights Center is located at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers 33908.  For more information call (239) 482-7706
 
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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2019) – Shell Point Retirement Community invites the public to join its 14^th annual Artists and Artisans Holiday Bazaar, taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2 at The Village Church on The Island at Shell Point.
Hosted by creative Shell Point residents, the annual event will feature one-of-a-kind items created or enhanced by more than 60 talented Shell Point residents. The Artists and Artisans Holiday Bazaar provides guests with an array of unique, hand-designed items and novelty gifts in time for the holiday season, including specialty Christmas décor, Christmas novelties, stylish totes, jewelry, intricate wood sculptures, three-dimensional paper crafts, homemade tasty goodies, children’s clothing, stained glass, books, scarves and more.
“Shell Point residents put an incredible amount of effort, originality and care into the creation of quality products to be sold at our annual event,” said Karen Hubbard, Shell Point resident and chairperson of the craft show. “Spread holiday cheer by purchasing these one-of-a-kind treasures for someone special!”
Admission to the Artists and Artisans Holiday Bazaar is free and open to the public, although crafts may be purchased by cash or check only. After shopping, guests can enjoy a meal at one of Shell Point’s on-site public restaurants. For more information on the upcoming event, visit www.ShellPoint.org.
About Shell Point Retirement Community           
Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care for its 2,500 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access, six public restaurants, a championship 18-hole golf course, and many other recreational and educational activities. Learn more at www.shellpoint.org or 1-800-780-1131.
 
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(Fort Myers – October 11, 2019) – The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is seeking organizations and individuals to participate in the Bountiful Blessings Thanksgiving Outreach.  Since 1999, the program has provided the ingredients so families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood can make a traditional Thanksgiving meal in their own homes to share with their families.  In 2018, partner agencies, businesses, philanthropic organizations and more than 100 volunteers provided turkeys and groceries to more than 300 families benefitting approximately 1,500 unique individuals.
“Holiday memories often center around a meal; the joy of preparation and being together as a family,” said Kathryn Kelly, president and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “But, purchasing the ingredients for a holiday meal can be a large financial burden for many.  Thanks to the generous support of our neighbors, we are able to provide that experience for the families in the Harlem Heights community.”
The greatest need is for donated turkeys and rice or monetary donations to purchase those items. Additional food items needed include canned yams, boxed stuffing, boxed potatoes, canned vegetables (green beans, peas, corn, and mixed vegetables), canned gravy, cranberry sauce and cake mix.
Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. until Wednesday, November 20.  The outreach event will be held on Saturday, November 23. The Heights Center is located at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
Volunteers are needed on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23. Contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected] to sign up for a time slot.
Organizations and individuals interested in donating can contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected].
All donations are tax deductible.  Monetary donations can be made on the web at www.heightsfoundation.org/donate.
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.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 10, 2019) – Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties and Bank of America came together in Fort Myers on Thursday, Oct. 10 for Bank of America’s sixth annual Global Build.
A record number of nearly 2,800 bank volunteers worked this week alongside homeowners to help build, rehabilitate and repair homes. This year’s Global Build, the largest to date, will help address affordable housing needs in 108 communities across ten countries.
Financial Center Managers from Bank of America branches in Fort Myers, North Fort Myers and Cape Coral helped paint the interior and exterior of a home on Majorca Palms in Fort Myers, a Habitat partner community. As new builds begin across Lee and Hendry counties for 2019-2020, Habitat’s vision is to build neighborhoods amongst its homeowners.
“Affordable housing is fundamental for promoting economic mobility among individuals and families,” said Gerri Moll, Southwest Florida market president for Bank of America. “Engaging our volunteers in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is one of the many ways we are helping build more sustainable communities in the region as part of our approach to responsible growth.”
Meeting the need for safe, affordable and sustainable housing remains a significant challenge in Lee County, where 50% of renters and nearly 30% of homeowners expend more than 30% of their income on housing. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), anyone spending more than 30% of their income on housing is “cost burdened,” and as a result may sacrifice nutritious food, healthcare and other necessities to make ends meet.
As a Global Build, the work done in Fort Myers coincided with projects in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, South Africa and across the United States
“Bank of America volunteers came together to participate in a Global Build initiative. Their work helps create pathways to affordable homeownership for families in Lee County,” said Sara Jordan, corporate impact officer at Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “Knowing that this is part of a global effort only deepens the impact and emphasizes the importance of our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
Habitat and Bank of America have partnered for more than 30 years, helping homeowners build or improve the places they call home. Each year, #BofAVolunteers give more than 40,000 hours to Habitat in their communities through board service, home build initiatives and financial literacy training for future Habitat homeowners.
Besides volunteerism in Lee and Hendry Counties, Bank of America also supports Habitat’s local mission with grant funding and by hosting financial education courses for homeowners in the North Fort Myers corporate office.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is one of the largest Habitat affiliates in the country. Since 1982, more than 1,600 families have partnered with Habitat Lee and Hendry to build or improve their home. Habitat homeowners, alongside volunteers, help build their own home and pay an affordable mortgage. Through volunteering, financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry county families achieve strength, stability and independence. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit www.habitat4humanity.org.
About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.
 

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.

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