Member News

The SKY Family YMCA Transitions to Support Medical Staff and Meet Community Needs During COVID-19 Pandemic

YMCA offering childcare to first responders and essential personnel, meals to kids, virtual fitness options as well as hosting blood drives.

Fort Myers, Florida (March 25, 2020) – We are in unprecedented times. We are confronting a new enemy that threatens our health and our peace of mind. We could despair, panic, or we can respond. The well-being of members, staff, volunteers, and our community is our priority, we are adjusting, as advised by public officials and responding to growing needs.
“Because of the evolving rules governing the coronavirus pandemic, the impact of school closures, and the growing demand on medical professionals, we have transitioned our Y facilities to support doctors, nurses, technicians, and medical staff to caring for their children during this crisis,” said Gene Jones, President and CEO. “We want to make sure medical professionals in our community don’t have to worry that their children are in a safe place, as they care for a growing number of our loved ones during this difficult time.”
Therefore, effective, March 23rd, the Y transitioned their focus on offering school-days-out childcare and youth camps for working families and hospital workers: Fort Myers and Bonita Springs YMCAs.
Also, amid school closures related to COVID-19, The SKY Family YMCA is providing free Grab & Go meals to children ages 5-18 to ensure kids have uninterrupted access to healthy and nutritious foods. The SKY Family YMCA will help keep children healthy and well-nourished by providing free meals for kids while adhering to the social distance guidance recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Families can pick up their child’s free Grab & Go lunch at The Fort Myers YMCA at these times:  • Weekdays 9am-11am
Throughout SKY Family YMCA locations, group exercise classes, sports, senior activities, Kids’ Club, team practices, youth programs, and swim lessons are temporarily suspended. However, virtual fitness opportunities are available and easily accessed via local SKY Family YMCA social media pages to ensure individuals can stay healthy and active while facilities are closed. Blood drives are also scheduled at SKY Family YMCA locations across Southwest Florida to address the critical blood shortage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Y is so much more than fitness centers and gyms, pools and locker rooms; we are a cause! Dedicated to strengthening and protecting the spirits, minds, and bodies of our friends and communities,” said Gene Jones, President and CEO. “The doors may be locked, but as the Y we continue to serve.”
About the YMCA
The SKY Family YMCA is one of the area’s largest nonprofits focused on engaging individuals and families in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is dedicated to helping people achieve goals, make friends and find a true sense of belonging. Branches offer quality time for families to be together, resources for parents, and a variety of opportunities for seniors to be active. The YMCA ensures these opportunities are available to everyone no matter their ability to pay with generous support from community partners and donors. For more information about the Y, visit www.ymca.net

Fort Myers, Fla. (March 25, 2020) – With more people working remotely and spending quality time with their families, we want to remind you about our video Sailing Tips available on our YouTube channel. Click here to learn everything from What Knot to Know, to creature comforts aboard a yacht. From docking in close quarters, to properly setting a spinnaker. Take time to learn something new.
Speaking of new, we have new No-Lodging savings of 56% on our sailing and power catamaran courses for commuters at our Florida locations. We are still teaching all of our courses in Florida aboard our fleet of Colgate 26, and 37′-44′ yachts, sailing and power catamarans. Our resort partners are open for business and we are offering 20% off our course packages with resort stay in Florida. Book by April 17, 2020 and drive on down. Make your future plans now and take advantage of all our offers described here.
Another new activity we are starting March 30 is KidsSail™. Our private sailing lesson series will be held at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Our instructor will teach kids ages 7 to 17 how to sail, learning knots, terminology, boating safety and about our waterways in Southwest Florida. One 3-hour private lesson is just $95 for two children, or $295 for three to five kids from the same family/friend group.Week-long and multi-week schedules are also available.
We encourage you to get out on the water and enjoy the great, wide outdoor spaces. We’ll see you there!
Call 888-385-6854 for course and KidsSail™ enrollment. We wish you good health and good sailing!

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 25, 2020) – Norman Love Confections is offering Love-to-Go, a new at-your-door delivery, so that customers do not need to leave the house to enjoy delicious award-winning chocolates, artisan gelato, cookies, pastries and more.
For Love-to-Go delivery, click below to view the menu then call 239-561-7215 to place an order. Orders placed by noon will be delivered same day. Orders placed after noon will be delivered the following day. Delivery fee is $3 for orders up to $50 and free for orders over $50. Delivery service is available within a 30-mile radius of Chocolate Salon locations.
Updated store hours, locations and phone numbers and online shipping ordering are available 24/7 at NormanLoveConfections.com.
“My family and our team at Norman Love Confections share the same concerns and challenges that our residents, businesses and neighbors are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak, said Norman Love, president and founder, Norman Love Confections. “We recently launched curbside pick-up, and we are now introducing Love-to-Go delivery, as we adapt to best serve our customers, simplify their gift-giving needs and provide some sweet relief during this challenging time.”
Updated hours at Chocolate Salons are listed below:
3737 Tamiami Trail in Naples
Monday–Saturday
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
 
11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers
Monday–Saturday
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
 
13261 McGregor Blvd., Suite 105 in Fort Myers
Monday–Saturday
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
 
Miromar Outlets, Estero
Closed until further notice
 
About Norman Love Confections
Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love was named the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.
Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.

March 25, 2020, Fort Myers, FL:  Fort Myers Beach business leaders continue to rally around its HOSPITALITY COMMUNITY which are experiencing forced closures and reduced hours. #WeAreFMB t-shirts are still available $15. Monies raised from the t-shirt sales allows for disbursement of gift cards to those in need. The 100% proceeds are being deposited into a fund managed by Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation with the support of a local CPA who will be donating his services. Also, shirts can be purchased online at FortMyersBeachCF.com.
This effort being led by a team of local Fort Myers Beach business leaders in partnership with Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation and became active Wednesday, March 18 and is ongoing for the foreseeable future. “There will be people unemployed for months if not permanently over this crisis period.  Those of us who are able, are doing what we can to help, said #WeAreFMB organizer, Janeen Paulauskis, Barefoot Event Group. “The response has been extraordinary. Powerfully positive. What started as a T-shirt initiative has turned into a movement #WeAreFMB,” said local business owner and Mayor of the Town of Fort Myers Beach, Anita Cereceda.
Thanks to  our donors and vendors, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar &Grille, Dixie Fish Co. and The Whale, TPI Hospitality, Pete’s Time Out, The Islander, Pier Peddler, Local Color, Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining, Krusty Pete’s, Barefoot Event Group, Me Jane PR, Mari Torgerson and the Countess Collaboration, John Gucciardo, Skipper’s Liquor and FMB Realty for their inaugural donations.
Hospitality Worker Forms can be downloaded off of Facebook beginning Wednesday, March 25 at FortMyersBeachCF.com or have the form emailed to them. Please contact [email protected] for more information. Workers must have pre-registered by submitting the form along with a picture of their paystub dated March 13 forward. Verified registrants will be notified via phone or email of the gift card distribution sites.
MORE: Monies raised from the T-shirt sales would allow disbursement of gift cards to those in need. This effort is being led by a team of local business leaders in partnership with Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation. For more information, please email [email protected] or visit www.fortmyersbeachcf.com

The Marketplace has been one of a kind in the state and in Fort Myers. Always focused on serving the needs of our community at the highest level

FORT MYERS, Fla. – (Mar 25, 2020) – “Seed and Bean announced today that their market has expanded their offerings of essential goods. Offerings range from paper towels to dairy products, hand sanitizers,  coffee, pastas, cleaning products and more.
Co-Founder Cole Peacock stated “The unique ability of our marketplace is we can continue to offer tested and approved CBD products, incredibly good food for order/take out and everyday essential goods for those in the downtown corridor during this stressful time.”
Seed and Bean has always been a part of our community and continues to try our best to respond to community needs and customers’ requests, and this is just another way we can help our community. We will continue to work with our partners, be here, and always find ways to be part of and protect this great community.

• Essential Goods – Milk, Coffee, Paper Towels, Non-Perishable Goods, Cleaning Supplies, Protective Gloves, Hand Sanitizers, Fruits, Dairy, Pre-Packaged Sandwiches, Sliced Meats, Beer, Wine and More
• CBD Products – Bath Bombs, Tinctures, Pet Treats, Gummies, Muscle Creams and More
• Full Menu for Take Out – Breakfast Sandwiches, Breakfast Burritos, Avocado Toast, Caesar Wrap, Ultimate BLT, Soups, Salads, Avocado Fries, Crab Cakes, Protein Shakes and more

About Seed and Bean:
Seed and Bean cultivated into reality in 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. Seed and Bean is the first CBD Marketplace of its kind. 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, and making sure our customers become part of our family and imploring our philosophy of giving back and becoming a part of the fabric of our community.
For more information visit seedandbeanmarket.com or www.facebook.com/seedandbeanmkt or call 239-243-8137

FORT MYERS, FLA., March 25, 2020 —Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as “pink eye,” affects an estimated six million Americans each year (Azari & Barney, 2013). It occurs when the thin membrane that covers part of the front surface of the eye and inner surface of the eyelids becomes irritated by an infection or allergies. When this happens, eyes can become red and swollen. When infected, eyes may also produce a sticky discharge (Mayo Clinic, 2019).
Some types of pink eye are very contagious and easily spread from person to person.
According to Dr. Nika Priest-Allen, Board Certified Ophthalmologist at Quigley Eye Specialists, “Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form of pink eye. Viruses account for 80 percent of all cases. The good news is these types of cases usually go away on their own. The bad news is there may be a connection between the novel coronavirus and pink eye.”
Several medical reports suggest COVID-19 can spread through the eyes and cause pink eye when someone comes in contact with an individual infected with COVID-19. Dr. Priest-Allen advises, “If you see someone with red or swollen eyes, do not panic. It does not mean the individual is infected with COVID-19, but certainly follow CDC guidelines and distance yourself socially.”
Health officials believe pink eye develops in about one to three percent of people with the novel coronavirus. This is a relatively low number. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), “It appears conjunctivitis is an uncommon event as it relates to COVID-19 compared to other viruses that can cause pink eye.”
The following viruses can cause viral conjunctivitis more frequently. Adenoviruses are  one of the most common causes of viral pink eye:

“What this means is that if you see someone with pink eye, it was more than likely caused by a virus other than COVID-19,” explains Dr. Priest-Allen. “And what we find is that patients who have pink eye symptoms with no other symptoms typically see an eye doctor first.” If a patient presents pink eye symptoms ahead of COVID-19 symptoms, this may increase COVID-19 exposure to ophthalmologists and optometric physicians.
For example, Dr. Li Wenliang, Chinese ophthalmologist at Wuhan Central Hospital, contracted the novel coronavirus during the early part of the breakout. Unfortunately, he later died from apparent complications of the illness.
If an individual shows signs of pink eye along with other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fever or cough, it is important to contact the local hospital first and not an eye doctor. The respiratory symptoms are key indicators for COVID-19 and a hospital is equipped to test for the novel coronavirus. If a person is experiencing red, irritated eyes without a fever, cough or respiratory symptoms, that individual is encouraged to contact Quigley Eye Specialists for a virtual, telemedical eye appointment.
Telemedical eye exams are conducted over the phone using video. If your eye doctor determines it is viral conjunctivitis, you may be advised to put a warm compress on your eye for a few minutes using a clean washcloth each time and a different washcloth for each eye to avoid transfer of the condition from one eye to the other. Lubricating, preservative-free eye drops may also be helpful.
With COVID-19 spreading rapidly in the United States and around the world, it’s more important than ever to take extraordinary precautions in order to prevent the spread. Dr. Priest-Allen stresses, “During this unprecedented time, please stay inside as much as possible, stay up-to-date on CDC guidelines and wash your hands often.”
About Quigley Eye Specialists
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 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. The practice has served the region for more than 30 years and offers patients convenient locations throughout Southwest Florida including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. For more information, call 239-466-2020 or visit QuigleyEye.com.
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. – March 24, 2020 – Valerie’s House, a non-profit organization in Southwest Florida with its sole mission to help children grieve, is launching virtual grief support groups for children and adult caregivers.  Using a secure and HIPAA compliant platform, the virtual support groups will be available to all children and families in the Valerie’s House program starting Monday, March 30.
Due to restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Valerie’s House families are not able to meet in-person for their regularly scheduled grief support group sessions. Valerie’s House locations in Fort Myers and Naples are currently closed to the public. However, staff members are working remotely to keep families connected to each other and to Valerie’s House during these uncertain times.
“Grief can be such an isolating experience by itself,” said Angela Melvin, Founder and CEO of Valerie’s House. “New protocols keeping families from group gatherings have our children and families feeling even more alone and anxious.  These groups will allow children to stay in touch with their friends and with the Valerie’s House team for ongoing support.”
Children and caregivers will meet on their regularly scheduled grief support night on the virtual platform, for the easiest transition. The peer support groups will be led by the trained group facilitator the children and families are already comfortable with and trust. Valerie’s House is also providing grief support activities for children to work on with their families at home.
In addition to providing virtual grief support groups, Valerie’s House has launched a weekly e-newsletter to families and is focusing its efforts on connecting families with additional resources in the community that are available to help them during this time.
Valerie’s House is accepting appointments for new enrollments. Families in need of grief support for children can reach Program Director Amy Strom by phone at 239-841-9186 or by emailing [email protected].
About Valerie’s House
As the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission of helping children grieve, Valerie’s House has helped more than 1,000 children and their families since opening its doors in 2016.  Valerie’s House provides a safe, comfortable place to heal together following the death of someone they love. Valerie’s House offers support groups and other activities at a home at 1762 Fowler Street in Fort Myers and a home in Naples at 819 Myrtle Terrace. Valerie’s House also holds group meetings at 1st United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported through community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 20, 2020) – Fort Myers Brewing Company has launched the area’s first line of locally crafted spiked seltzer beverages, Spyk’d Hard Seltzer.

Cool, refreshing and freshly made, the new spiked seltzer is brewed naturally gluten free with all-natural flavorings, fermented just like Fort Myers Brewing’s other popular craft brews. The spiked beverage contains 5.0% alcohol with 90 calories, 0 carbs and 0 sugar per 12-ounce pour.

“Our line of Spyk’d Hard Seltzers has been a labor of love as we spent two years crafting and perfecting our hard seltzer recipe,” said Rob Whyte, who co-founded Fort Myers Brewing in 2013 with his wife, Jen. “Now, we’re thrilled to share a series of deliciously refreshing flavors at our tasting room and throughout the region.”

More than a half-dozen popular flavors are being rotated in Fort Myers Brewing’s tap room, including orange, black cherry, pineapple, watermelon, mojito, mango, peach, strawberry lime and lemon lime. Six-packs of orange and strawberry lime Spyk’d Hard Seltzer are also now available at select retail establishments in the area.

“The endless support and encouragement from our community inspires our team to keep innovating and introducing new flavors in our tasting room that will please the palate of any beer-lover,” said Jen Whyte. “We’re proud and thankful for the opportunity to diversify our offering of craft beverages, and we hope you’ll enjoy Spyk’d as much as we do!”

About Fort Myers Brewing Company

Established in 2013, Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Lee County and continues to lead Southwest Florida’s surging craft beer movement. Founded by Rob and Jen Whyte, Fort Myers Brewing carries a signature line of flagship beers in addition to seasonal brews and small batch specialties. Its ales, pilsners, stouts and IPAs are winners of multiple prestigious awards, including golds at the Best Florida Beer Competition, a silver at the 2018 World Beer Cup and a bronze at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival. Fort Myers Brewing was named “Best Large Brewery in Florida” in 2016. Its beers are poured at 1,041 locations, including 620 bars and restaurants, and are available for purchase in 421 retail outlets, including Publix, Costco and Total Wine. The brewery is located at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit FMbrew.com or call 239-313-6576.

Group brings families, businesses together to share how they are coping with COVID-19
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 20, 2020) – Navigating our lives in a time of uncertainty is a challenge. As we all adjust to working from home, having kids home from school and business closings, many are feeling isolated and overwhelmed. In an effort to keep our Southwest Florida community positive, calm and strong, CONRIC PR & Marketing developed and launched the #SWFLStrong campaign.
A SWFL Strong Facebook group has been set up to create a safe space online where all members of the Southwest Florida community can unite and connect to share good thoughts, community information, business developments and stories of goodwill. Members of the group can let the community know about businesses that are open or closed, what family activities you’re enjoying while at home, or share an exercise routine, a special recipe, health tips, or even where to buy toilet paper. What won’t be permitted is politics, negative comments or bullying.
“Our hope is to bring the entire community together on one platform to share positive news and thoughts,” says Connie Ramos-Williams, president and chief marketing officer of CONRIC PR & Marketing. “It’s difficult to stay calm, positive, healthy, and strong if you are quarantined in your home and watching COVID-19 numbers go up minute by minute. Although we need to stay informed and be aware of the world around us, we also need a safe and happy place to help one another live a healthy life.”
CONRIC PR & Marketing hopes to partner with other agencies, organizations and social influencers to help spread the message that we are SWFL Strong. People can also post these positive messages on their social media platforms with the hashtag #SWFLStrong to show unity.
The SWFL Strong Facebook group will focus on group messages that help unite the Southwest Florida community each day of the week. Some of the topics and posts we ask the community to post and share are:
Share Kindness Sundays: Share photos, video or stories of a random act of kindness or tell someone something kind, using the hashtag #KindlySWFL.
Meme Mondays: We all need a laugh, so start the week with a fun meme, using the hashtag #SWFLMemes.
Positive Thoughts Tuesdays: Share positive thoughts about Southwest Florida or inspirational quotes, using the hashtag #PositivelySWFL.
Wellness Wednesdays: Share a health or wellness tip, like workouts that can be done at home, healthy recipes or natural remedies for staying healthy, using the hashtag #StayWellSWFL
Thankful Thursdays: Show first responders, retail workers, healthcare workers and others your appreciation by going outside and making some noise (applaud, play an instrument, ring a bell, whistle or whatever makes you feel happy and shows your appreciation) at 7 p.m. every Thursday. If you don’t want to step outside, simply share a post using the hashtag #SWFLHeroes
Family Time Fridays: Share fun things that can be done at home as a family or ask someone to read a story to a child and share it on video, using the hashtag #SWFLFamilies
Small Business Saturdays: To support our local business community, share a post featuring a local business that is doing something extraordinary, is open for business, has new hours, or is delivering meals by using the hashtag #SWFLBizness
CONRIC PR & Marketing would love to see each, and every individual, business, and nonprofit unite together as one to be #SWFLStrong. For more information contact [email protected] or call 239-690-9840 ext. 1001.
CONRIC PR & Marketing
CONRIC PR & Marketing was founded in 2007. The award-winning, full-service PR agency provides strategic brand awareness campaigns, integrated public relations programs, marketing development, consulting services, advertising concept and campaigns, media buys, custom and niche publishing, creative writing and design, digital marketing strategies, website development and crisis communications strategy and implementation. The firm serves clients in many industry sectors including banking, legal, medical, government, nonprofit, restaurant, manufacturing, construction, real estate, professional association, hospitality and salon and spa. CONRIC is a recipient of multiple Image Awards from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and Golden Image Awards from its statewide chapter, Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association and MUSE Awards for design. For more information, please call 239-690-9840 or visit ConricPR.com.

Meeting will include online public participation as part of SFWMD’s efforts to continue engaging public and stakeholders as it takes steps to prevent potential spread of COVID-19
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) invites the public to learn more about the Caloosahatchee Reservoir Water Quality Feasibility Study and provide input and ideas about additional water quality improvements for the Caloosahatchee Reservoir Project. The Caloosahatchee Reservoir Water Quality Feasibility Study Working Group is seeking public input on additional water quality treatment technologies that could be suitable for pre-treatment, in-reservoir treatment, and/or post-reservoir treatment applications to improve water quality.
Following the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Health Department to avoid large in-person gatherings and promote social distancing, the public workshop will be online only on Wednesday, March 25, 6-8 p.m., at SFWMD.gov.
SFWMD is committed to promoting transparency and engaging the public and stakeholders in all crucial water management decisions.
The working group, including SFWMD, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Lee County, Hendry County, Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (MSID), the city of Cape Coral, and the city of Sanibel, is engaged in a study to evaluate water quality opportunities to improve water quality as part of the Caloosahatchee Reservoir Project.