Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2019) – As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, City of Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson will have his head shaved by Sarai, a six-year-old pediatric cancer patient at Golisano Children’s Hospital, at the second annual Clips for Cancer event on Friday, Sept. 27.
Sarai was an active, energetic 5-year-old, always smiling. On Thanksgiving Day 2018, she was playing with her family and enjoying a bounce house. Everything changed the next day when Sarai woke up and complained of a tummy ache. She wouldn’t let her mom touch her belly, and by that evening, Sarai spiked a fever. She told her mom she had a pillow in her belly. Sarai’s parents took her to the emergency room with a bloated abdomen. Doctors thought it could be a twisted intestine and ordered surgery at Golisano Children’s Hospital. During surgery, the doctor removed a tumor near her bladder. The diagnosis was cancer, stage 4. Treatment began immediately.
Sarai needed radiation five days a week for several months, and is currently receiving chemotherapy treatments. She missed the rest of her kindergarten year and lost all her long, jet-black hair. Through it all, Sarai keeps smiling and lights up a room with her laugh. She wears sparkly ballet slippers to chemo with a tutu skirt and big hair bow. Her nails are painted bright pink with yellow polka dots. She’s brave and just wants to go back to school.
“She is stronger than I am,” says her mom, Adela. “I don’t know what we’d do without Golisano. We are family here. All the doctors and nurses know Sarai – and all love her. They’ve done everything and more to help us.”
Sarai hopes to complete chemo and end weekly visits to the hospital this October. She will still come back for regular checkups, but her goal is to be a first-grader and make it through the full year of school.
“When our children are suffering from this wretched disease called cancer, we are compelled to rally for them and with them any way possible,” commented Mayor Randy Henderson. “We know they can fight it off with our help and encouragement when combined with modern medical advances. Let’s all join to embrace this challenge with and for our children.”
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Chief Administrative Officer Armando Llechu, alongside dozens of doctors and team members, community leaders and influential individuals from Southwest Florida, will have their heads shaved by pediatric cancer patients in the main atrium of the children’s hospital during Clips for Cancer.
To raise awareness and drive philanthropic support that will help local children with cancer, these “hero sidekicks” are asking the Southwest Florida community to come together and make donations to Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund. For more than 20 years, Barbara’s Friends has supported lifesaving cancer care for children across Southwest Florida at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Program is the only program of its kind in Southwest Florida, and no child is denied treatment or turned away as a result of their family’s inability to pay for care.
“The children truly are the real heroes, the ‘sidekicks’ provide encouragement during a time when our heroes need all the help they can get to battle this evil disease,” expressed Llechu on the heroes and sidekicks event theme. “It’s heartwarming to see this level of support once again for the brave children during their battle with cancer. Through this head-shaving event, we can show these children that bald is beautiful, bald is strong and no matter what, we are fighting alongside them. While we may never have the strength they do, we are with them on their journey.”
Twenty-eight local Great Clips salons are donating their time and skills to clean up the “sidekicks” after the pediatric patients have finished shaving.
For more information about helping kids with cancer, go to LeeHealthFoundation.org/ClipsForCancer.
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 two 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 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

September 18, 2019) – Pure Florida, a family friendly water attractions company, has announced the arrival of M/V Sea Flight, a custom built 45’high speed  catamaran available for deep sea fishing reservations beginning this coming season from the historic Tin City docks. Sea Flight has a 30 knot service speed and will comfortably take anglers further faster allowing more time to catch trophy fish.
M/V Sea Flight is a foil-assisted catamaran with an elevated hull designed to reduce drag and water impact. The vessel is powered by twin 440 hp Yanmar high speed diesel engines coupled with HamiltonJet Waterjet drives.  These latest Tier 4 engines achieve top EPA emission standards which increases the performance, fuel economy, and comfort for guests.
“We recognize the need to get further offshore faster.  Our guests are telling us they want to fish deeper waters.  Sea Flight’s cutting edge technology and capabilities can do that.  Bringing in this new vessel shows how heavily Pure Florida is investing in our customers’ experience,” said Capt. Harry Julian, CEO, Pure Florida.
M/V Sea Flight’s signature experience will be 4 ½ hour public half-day Deep Sea fishing charters up to 25 miles offshore offered twice daily.  The extended range and faster speed capacity will allow guests to fish deeper waters, find bigger fish and get further faster. M/V Sea Flight’s private charter experiences can include ¾ day charters or full-day charters for the avid fishing enthusiast. “The boat is ideal for half-day fishing excursions for the recreational angler and extreme long range charters for the avid angler. Sea Flight is a great option unlike any other currently available in Southwest Florida,” Julian added.
Passengers aboard Sea Flight will experience a smooth and dry ride compared with conventional vessels.  Guests will enjoy comfort features including a full canopy to protect all passengers from the sun or rain, full walk-in restroom, 4” padded bench seating and plenty of walking space.  The avid fishing enthusiast will appreciate the non-skid deck, rod holders, refreshment holders, tackle storage, bait prep stations, fish boxes and plenty of cooler space aboard the M/V Sea Flight. The vessel also has state-of-the-art navigation radar and fish finding technology.
Pure Florida also makes fishing easy by providing licenses, bait, tackle, rods and reels.  At the conclusion of the trip, Pure Florida mates will clean, cut and put keeper fish on ice. M/V Sea Flight meets the latest Coast Guard regulations for safety at sea.
Digital Media Assets
Download Sea Flight Photo: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bz9nhxhfvfLnOWpPS0ZmV2NFUzN4YlZxWlg1ZmNxcjVCXy1z 
Photo Credit: Manta Films
Download Sea Flight Photo: https://drive.google.com/a/ipartnermedia.com/file/d/0Bz9nhxhfvfLnNWdrRVRYV3lvaElzR0VCRUZ6c3pZNDkxQ3lV/view?usp=sharing 
Photo Credit: Manta Films
Metal Shark Web Page Featuring M/V Sea Flight:

Wynonna & The Big Noise to Perform at Seminole Casino Hotel
Saturday, Oct. 26
Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with Wynonna and The Big Noise live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $87 and are available at the casino, by calling 800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
 
Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide during her remarkable 34-year career. As one-half of the legendary mother/daughter duo “The Judds,” Wynonna was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline.” The iconic performer has received more than 60 industry awards, with countless charting singles, including 20 No.1 hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” and “Grandpa, (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”
 
Here Come the Mummies Brings “The Dark Matter Tour” to Seminole Casino Hotel
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents the eight-piece funk-rock band Here Come the Mummies (HCTM) live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $40 and are available by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com. Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
 
The concert is part of the group’s “The Dark Matter Tour,” which will visit 25 states. Here Come the Mummies is known for its high-energy live performances of its “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave.” HCTM has opened for P-Funk, Al Green, Mavis Staples, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Cheap Trick. The band has rocked Super Bowl Village; become a regular on The Bob and Tom Show; played massive festivals like Summer Camp, Common Ground, Voodoo Fest, Musikfest, Suwannee Hulaween, and Riverbend; and sold tickets by the thousands across large swaths of North America.
 
 
October 2019 Live Music Schedule
At Zig Zag Lounge
 
Performances are at the Zig Zag Lounge. No cover for live entertainment. TVs throughout the Zig Zag bar air sporting events and other entertainment. Zig Zag Lounge is Southwest Florida’s premier destination to catch your favorite teams during the NFL season. Entertainment is subject to change. For complete details, visit moreinparadise.com.
 

About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,400 slots and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and the recently renovated and 24-hour EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call, as well as the new Corner Bar. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with private cabanas, 24-hour fitness studio and free Wi-Fi.
 
Located at 506 South 1^st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida via I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the casino. Located between Miami and Naples, north of Alligator Alley on Highway 846, it is five blocks south of Highway 29. Approximately 30 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers, the casino is a 90-minute drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Seminole Casino Hotel participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com  or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Note to Media: The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall goes on display this weekend at JetBlue Park as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of American Legion Post 38.
The public is invited not merely to see the wall but to interact with it and connect with the memory of the more than 58,000 fallen American heroes whose names are on the memorial. Anyone who comes can take a piece of paper, place it on a name and rub a wax crayon or graphite pencil over it to create a memento of someone whose sacrifice took on a deeper meaning.
A Hughes Helicopter 0H-6A model will also be on display. The Army used the 0H-6A helicopters to fly some of the most dangerous missions in Vietnam, and only a third of the original fleet of 1,200 remained by the end of the war.
 
We look forward to seeing you there.
 
WHAT: Honoring Our Heroes – Celebrating 100 Years of American Legion Post 38
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers
WHY: To celebrate 100 years of the Rabe O. Wilkison American Legion Post 38 and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
CONTACT: Josh Milton, Vice President of Media Relations at CONRIC PR & Marketing, 239-690-9840, [email protected]
 
Josh Milton, Vice President of Media Relations
CONRIC PR & Marketing
6216 Whiskey Creek Drive, Suite B
Fort Myers, FL 33919
239-690-9840
[email protected] | ConricPR.com
 
 

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2019) – Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with country music legends The Oak Ridge Boys live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $69 and are available at the casino, on moreinparadise.com or by calling 800-514-ETIX. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
 
The Oak Ridge Boys’ sound is one of the most distinctive and recognizable in the music industry. The group’s four-part harmonies and upbeat songs have spawned dozens of country hits and a number one pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, The Oak Ridge Boys bring four decades of charted singles, and 50 years of tradition, to a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere.
 
Their string of hits includes the country-pop chart-topper “Elvira,” as well as “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes,” “Fancy Free,” “Gonna Take A Lot Of River” and many others.
 
One of country music’s truly legendary acts, The Oak Ridge Boys comprises lead singer Duane Allen, bass singer Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall, and baritone William Lee Golden. They have become one of the most enduringly successful touring groups anywhere, still performing some 150 dates each year at major theaters, fairs, and festivals across the United States and Canada.
 
About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,400 slots and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and the recently renovated and 24-hour EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call, as well as the new Corner Bar. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with private cabanas, 24-hour fitness studio and free Wi-Fi.
 
Located at 506 South 1^st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida via I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the casino. Located between Miami and Naples, north of Alligator Alley on Highway 846, it is five blocks south of Highway 29. Approximately 30 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers, the casino is a 90-minute drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Seminole Casino Hotel participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.
 
 
# # #
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alina Maria Quintana | Production Manager
800 Corporate Drive, Suite 214
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
Office: 954.730.7730 x133
Direct: 954.703.7933
Fax: 954.730.7130
[email protected]
www.bitnergroup.com
 

Fall is the end of summer, start of the coolness and beauty of autumn and across the world — time for Oktoberfest! Wherever celebrated, Oktoberfest celebrations share common ingredients: lively music, mouthwatering food, and big, big pints of beer. Paragon Festivals in partnership with the River District Alliance begin a new food and music tradition for Fort Myers: an authentic Oktoberfest experience. Stuff yourself with smoked sausages, roasted meats, sauerkraut, cabbage, and pretzels while enjoying authentic German music and dancers.  Also enjoy live music performances by local and regional musicians in rock, soul, funk, R&B, blues, samba and more!
 
Join us then for the premiere of the Fort Myers Oktoberfest in downtown Fort Myers in the River District.   The event is October 25-27, 2019 with hours Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-6pm.  Admission is free!  Gather friends and family and meetup with associates from work to enjoy and relax over the weekend celebrating everything Oktoberfest!  Musical performers in 2019 are, beginning on Friday: the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band (authentic Bavarian music) and Ari & The Alibis (funk, jazz, samba).  Saturday sees performances by: Alpine Doc (Bavarian, Americana 50’s & 60’s), Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio (rock, soul), The Verge (classic rock 70’s to present) and CeCe Teneal & Soul Kamotion (blues, soul, roots).  Sunday relax and enjoy performances by: Tahja (Bavarian dancing), Free Fallin’ (Tom Petty Tribute Band) and Reverend Barry & The Funk (funk, soul). The list of performers and performance times are available on the event website (https://www.seafoodfestivals.com/S-64-Fort+Myers+Oktoberfest+Festival.html).
 
Between performances shop the Marketplace of arts, crafts

Note to Media: Next week select attorneys and judges from the Lee County Bar Association will showcase one of America’s most important documents, the United States Constitution, in elementary and middle schools throughout Lee County.
Engaging presenters will discuss citizen rights, provide a deeper perspective of why the Constitution matters to students personally and foster an open dialogue among youngsters. “Constitution Week” coincides with “Constitution Day” on Sept. 17, which commemorates the document’s signing on 1787.
WHAT: The Lee County Bar Association’s annual Constitution Week
WHEN/WHERE: 
            Allen Park Elementary:

• Mon., September 16

2:00 – 3:00 – Andrew Banyai
Lehigh Middle (400 students):

• Mon., September 16

9:45 – 10:50 – Andrew Banyai
10:54 – 11:59 – Andrew Banyai
1:42 – 2:47 – Britton Swank
2:51 – 3:56 – TBD
 Lexington Middle (400 students): 

• Tue., September 17

10:00 – 11:00 – Scott Atwood
12:00 – 1:00 – John Webb
1:45 – 2:45 – Jim O’Leary
3:00 – 4:00 – Jim O’Leary

• Wed., September 18

10:00 – 11:00 – Susan Healy
12:00 – 1:00 – Susan Healy
1:45 – 2:45 – Stu Pepper
3:00 – 4:00 – David Ludgin
Challenger Middle (400 students):

• Tue., September 17

2:53 – 4:00 – Magistrate Kimberly Bocelli

• Wed., September 18

9:50 – 10:52 – Kenny Kemp
Oak Hammock Middle:

• Tue., September 17

9:40 – 10:40 – Karla Campos Anderson
St. Michaels:

• Wed., September 18

9:00 – 10:00 – Noelle Melanson
WHY: To inform students of the importance of the United States Constitution
CONTACT: Josh Milton, Vice President of Media Relations at CONRIC PR & Marketing, 239-690-9840, [email protected]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2019) – Are you ready to make a DASH for it? Are you ready to do it in downtown Fort Myers? Then, the Lee County Bar Association has an event for you. The first-of-its-kind Downtown Dash 1 Mile Run/Walk is Friday, Sept. 20.
This is a timed event for participants of all ages to test their speed in a 1-mile run or simply enjoy a casual stroll next to the Caloosahatchee River and between the historic buildings of downtown Fort Myers.
The event is the brainchild of the LCBA’s new Health and Wellness Committee. “We wanted something that was accessible to anybody of any fitness level,” said John Miller, co-chair of the committee. “We wanted to pick a distance that was unique. You don’t see a lot of mile runs.”
The event is also a way to bring awareness to the physical and mental struggles facing those in the legal profession, Miller said. “The legal profession is struggling with physical and mental health issues among its practitioners, and it’s a priority of the state bar to promote health and wellness of its members. John Webb has made it a priority this year as president of the LCBA to promote health and wellness.”
The run will start at 6 p.m. by the Lee County Regional Library, 2450 First Street, in Fort Myers. Participants will head down First Street, go through Centennial Park and finish on Hendry Street. After the event, there will be a concert near the finish line, featuring Deb & the Dynamics.
The cost is $20, increasing to $22 on race day. Proceeds go to the Lee County Bar Foundation for promoting health and wellness in the community. On race day, registration and packet pick-up will start at 4:30 p.m. at the library. Online registration is available at leebar.org, while a printable mail-in application is also available. The application and fee can be mailed to the Lee County Bar Association, 2077 First Street, Ste. 207, Fort Myers, FL 33901.
Among the overall awards are Top Male and Top Female winners, Top Lawyer (male and female), Top Court Staff (male and female) and Top Legal Staff (male and female). There are 15 age-group male and female divisions. The event is sanctioned by the Fort Myers Track Club.
All participants will receive a T-shirt, and food and drink will be available.
About the Lee County Bar Association
The Lee County Bar Association, a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, has served the citizens and legal community of Lee County since 1949 and has a current membership of almost 800. Its purpose is to further the education of its member attorneys and create meaningful interaction among them, and to inform the community on important legal matters. The bar strives to serve as a leader in advancing ethical conduct, excellence and the professionalism of its members. For more information, visit leebar.org or contact Executive Director Lauren Baugh at 239-334-0047 or [email protected].