Restoration progress, water quality successes among 2020 highlights
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) released the 2020 South Florida Environmental Report today detailing progress made on priority environmental restoration projects aimed at improving the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee Basin and South Florida coastal areas for Water Year 2019 (May 1, 2018-April 30, 2019).
“This has been a banner year of restoration progress under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Our efforts are backed up by scientific data and show that the work we are doing is helping to restore and protect South Florida’s water resources,” said SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Chauncey Goss. “This report serves as one of the most significant data sets on South Florida’s environment and provides the public, stakeholders and researchers even more information about the work we do on the public’s behalf in South Florida.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we continue to make massive strides in environmental progress. This report is prime evidence of our success throughout the past two years,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “I am grateful to all the hardworking public servants at South Florida Water Management District and statewide who work diligently to achieve the environmental success characterized by this report.”
Spanning three volumes, the 2020 South Florida Environmental Report consolidates dozens of individual reports. The volumes, plus a summary and highlights, provide extensive peer-reviewed research summaries, data analyses, financial updates and a searchable database of environmental projects.
Highlights of the 2020 South Florida Environmental Report include:

• An update on progress being made to fulfill Gov. DeSantis’ Executive Order 19-12: Achieving More Now For Florida’s Environment, which directed immediate action to expedite the completion of 29 priority restoration projects such as the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir project and the Kissimmee River Restoration Project.
• An update on progress being made to complete the Restoration Strategies Plan that will complete the restoration of water quality in the Everglades.
• An update on conditions efforts to implement protection plans for area including the Lake Okeechobee Watershed and the coastal estuaries
• An update on progress being made by SFWMD to combat harmful invasive species including Burmese pythons, Old World climbing fern and Melaleuca trees.

To view the 2020 SFER Highlights click here.
To view the full 2020 SFER Report click here.
To view a copy of the Transmittal Letter sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature click here.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Today, Jennifer Reynolds was named the Director of Ecosystem Restoration and Capital Projects for the South Florida Water Management District. Reynolds retired from the U.S. Army in January and most recently served as the Deputy Commander for South Florida with the Jacksonville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. During that time, she built a strong reputation of working collaboratively with the public and stakeholder groups. 
In addition to her time working on Everglades restoration with the U.S. Army Corps, she brings experience managing emergency operations and supporting efforts in more than 90 countries worldwide. She has worked on unique international capital projects including the Mosul Dam, health clinics, schools, and wastewater treatment plants in Iraq; Kajaki Dam and the national electricity system in Afghanistan; building maintenance facilities and road repair in Bosnia; base camp design and construction in Kosovo; and construction of training facilities in Germany.  
Her undergraduate degree is in Natural Resource Management from Western Illinois University. She also holds graduate degrees from the Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies in Strategic Planning and Webster University in Procurement and Acquisitions. 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2020) – A perfect piece of art: happy children, proud parents, grateful teachers. The fifth annual Kids Tag Art (KTA) recognition event was held Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the School District of Lee County headquarters. Fifth graders from around the county were recognized as “Award of Distinction” winners for their license plate designs and art teachers received much-needed funding.
Over 300 people, including teachers and families, attended the event, where two students from each of the 49 participating Lee County public elementary schools were recognized for their artwork. In all, 3,600 children submitted license plate designs.
Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart and Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Executive Director Marshall Bower presented the awards. KTA is a collaboration between the organizations.
Since the KTA program started in Lee County in 2016, over $150,000 has been raised to help teachers purchase supplies for art programs at each of the elementary schools. Statewide, KTA has raised $1.7 million. This year, each participating Lee County art teacher was presented with a check for $800.
Each of the plates from the “Award of Distinction” winners are available for purchase as specialty front-end license plates on the Tax Collector’s official website, leetc.com. All proceeds go back to the participating schools’ art programs. The Tax Collector’s Office also offers sponsorships for the program, raising even more money.
Sponsorship information is available by calling the Lee County Tax Collector’s Administration Office at 239-533-6060. For program information, contact Pleshette Mims-Roberts at 239-533-6068 or Beverly Burke of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. at 239-337-0433.
About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates seven service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2020) – In its 13th year of operation, CONRIC PR & Marketing founder and CEO Connie Ramos-Williams proudly announces that the company will complete its transition to become a remote agency on March 1, 2020 and move its main headquarters off Summerlin Road in south Fort Myers. It will also add a Naples address to accommodate its growing list of clients in Collier County.
“Our agency feels it’s time to start thinking more like a national company rather than a small boutique agency,” says Ramos-Williams. Our goal is to work smarter, not harder as we look to the future.”
CONRIC PR & Marketing feels fortunate to have experienced a steady 25-35% growth rate over the years. This steady growth has resulted in CONRIC moving its Fort Myers headquarters four times in the past 12 years to accommodate its larger workforce. The CONRIC team has grown from eight to 16 dedicated digital marketing, public relations, advertising, branding, media and web specialists in just the past two years.
After researching global market trends in the industry and discussing the idea of telecommuting with her CONRIC team, Ramos-Williams says the decision was easy. Studies show that telecommuting provides employees with greater benefits while also improving morale, quality of work, efficiency and productivity, which is a huge benefit for CONRIC’s clients as well.
“The transition to a telecommuting company puts our agency in a better position to hire top talent locally and nationally that fit our team culture,” says Ramos-Williams. “Our focus is on quality, integrity and innovation that provide measurable results that meet and exceed client expectations.”
CONRIC PR & Marketing, a leader in strategic branding, public relations, marketing, advertising and website development, also plans to invest in the continued expansion of its digital marketing footprint. The digital marketing team at CONRIC PR & Marketing develops and implements award-winning campaigns that increase revenue, audience reach and engagement for its clients. Comprehensive campaigns include strategy, management and analytics of all online social media platforms, review sites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor, digital newsletters, blogs, and websites.
“As the world continues to search for everything on the web and spends the greater part of its day online, it’s vital that our clients’ online brand and reputation stay top of mind,” says Ramos-Williams.
Learn more about CONRIC PR & Marketing’s team and projects at ConricPR.com or by calling 239-690-9840.
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.

A fatal viral disease continues to impact Florida freshwater turtles, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) asks the public to assist the ongoing investigation by reporting sick and dead turtles.
Beginning in the St. Johns River watershed region in 2018, virus-associated turtle mortalities have apparently expanded to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in 2020. Researchers continue to receive reports of sick and dead turtles from Brevard County. Additional turtle mortalities have been reported from Orlando, Lakeland and the Lake Wales region (e.g. Lake Kissimmee and Tiger Lake). The FWC is collaborating with wildlife rehabilitation centers statewide in the submission of samples from Florida softshell turtles and cooters (Peninsula and Florida red-bellied) for testing.
A turtle may be sick if you observe it at the water’s edge with its neck stretched out on the ground, the turtle is reluctant to move when approached and the turtle’s eyes are swollen or remain closed.
As part of the ongoing research, the FWC is asking the public for help by taking the following actions:

• Report sightings of sick or dead turtles to the FWC by calling the Turtle Hotline at 352-339-8597 or through the FWC Reporter App. Photos can be uploaded via the Reporter App and will aid researchers in turtle species identification and condition.
• Do not touch or attempt to move sick turtles.
• To avoid spreading the virus, do not capture, transport or release freshwater turtles, even those that appear healthy, to new locations.
• Do not eat turtles that appear sick or unhealthy.

This project is funded in part by a grant from the nonprofit Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida via proceeds from the ‘Conserve Wildlife’ license plate. Since its founding, the Foundation has raised and given away more than $43 million for conservation, outdoor recreation and youth programs, and camps. For more information, visit WildlifeFlorida.org or call 813-358-8058.

Sat March 14th 2020
Join us for a fun challenge.  Stop at our merchant stores and take a challenge whether its jumping jacks or floss dance or trivia questions.
Enjoy sidewalk sales all day long then join IHeart stations from 6pm to 8pm for music and more fun and stop at our restaurant/bars more challenges and enter to win great prizes!
Bed Bath and Beyond 11am-8pm stop to check out the sales and do the Floss!
The Fresh Market Shop Fresh Market spend $5-$10 and get entered to win gift baskets then enjoy free tastings
Anytime Fitness will have stations throughout the mall with challenges and enter to wins
Check website for more details on how to win prizes from Bell Tower!

Yesterday, the Park Law Enforcement Association honored Officer Kyle Yurewitch with the 2019 Distinguished Service Award during its awards banquet at the annual conference at the DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Arkansas.
The annual award recognizes a state law enforcement officer’s exceptional service, above regular duties, to park law enforcement and to the community. 
Officer Yurewitch is a highly regarded officer who has been serving Collier County since 2017. He is a member of the FWC’s Field Training Officer program, training, motivating and mentoring new officers.
“Officer Yurewitch is an asset to FWC and to the citizens and natural resources of the State of Florida,” said Col. Curtis Brown, director of FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “His commitment to public safety is outstanding, and I’m proud to have him representing our agency as PLEA’s Distinguished Service Award honoree.”
Officer Yurewitch facilitates monthly meetings to collaborate with internal and external local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to identity trends in maritime criminal activity, address seasonal fisheries and share assets. He is now one of FWC’s certified airboat operators and instructors, allowing him to patrol in remote areas of the county and region as well as respond to emergency calls for service within state parks.
In conserving the resources of Florida and the safety of people enjoying these resources, FWC officers work closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to provide law enforcement services in the state’s 164 state parks and nine state trails.
“DEP tremendously values the dedication and diligent work of FWC officers like Officer Yurewitch,” said DEP’s Interim Deputy Secretary of Land and Recreation Shawn Hamilton. “The safety of our visitors at state parks and trails are of the utmost importance. We thank FWC’s continued service and partnership as we serve the state of Florida together.”
To enhance safety and support positive experiences for visitors to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park during the 2019 Easter weekend, Yurewitch coordinated with other officers to strategically patrol the area. The efforts resulted in several warnings, citations and a DUI within the boundaries of the state park.
In 2019, Yurewitch was also awarded the Coastal Conservation Association – Naples Chapter’s Officer of the Year award for his dedication to the conservation of Florida’s marine resources.

March 10 event to recognize Marie Ackord, Marilyn Stout, Barbara Watt-Biggs
FORT MYERS, Fla., (Feb. 27, 2020) – Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has announced the sponsors of its 2020 Grande Dames Tea celebration on March 10, which will honor three local women, Marie Ackord, Marilyn Stout and Barbara Watt-Biggs, for their roles in business, community and philanthropy.
Golden Tea Leaves sponsors are Broadway Palm and Eunice and Alexandra Bremner. Silver Tea Cup sponsors are Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands and Ed and Connie Lizak. Fascinator sponsors are Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A. and the Florida Lottery. Silver Teaspoon sponsors are Rebekah and Jeff Barney, Offshore Sailing School, DJC Insurance & Financial Services and Galloway Family of Dealerships.
Mark Loren Designs is presenting the beautifully designed Grande Dames pins for this year’s honorees, Ruth Messmer Florist is the Floral Design sponsor, Caloosa Tent & Rental is the Table Setting sponsor, Priority Marketing is the Public Relations & Design sponsor, Lady Cakes Bakery is providing confections, The News-Press is the Media sponsor, Red Door Photography is the Photography sponsor, and Jason’s Deli is providing meals for volunteers.
Each year, Pace’s Grande Dames Tea honors women who exemplify the organization’s guiding principles and have made a significant impact on the community through decades of service and helping others. The event’s theme, “The Wisdom of Time – Honoring the Female Spirit,” represents the unique perspectives and powerful insight that these women have gained throughout their life journeys, and the importance of passing this knowledge along to future generations.
Presented by the Gunterberg Charitable Foundation, the 12^th annual Grande Dames Tea event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 at Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
Admission is $60 per person and $500 for tables of eight and includes an afternoon tea menu. The girls and young women of Pace have also created handmade tea party fascinator hats for guests to purchase and wear to the Grande Dames Tea, available through Pace Center for Girls, Lee County’s Facebook page. Proceeds benefit Pace and its strength-based, gender-specific programs that guide Pace girls in finding their voice and achieving their potential.
To purchase tickets or to learn more, visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee or call 239-425-2366.
About Pace Center for Girls, Lee County
Since 2007, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has been providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The gender-specific, strength-based program is one of 22 Centers throughout Florida, and is known throughout the nation as a best practices model for diverting girls from the juvenile justice system. Pace is a registered not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals, businesses, civic/community organizations and churches in Lee County in order to serve girls and their families. Since its inception, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has served more than 650 at-promise girls and young women, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee County, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2020) — Stephen Russell, the former state attorney for the 20^th Judicial Circuit, has joined the law firm of Ringsmuth, Day & O’Halloran, PLLC, as a criminal defense attorney.
Russell served four terms (from 2003 through 2018) as state attorney for the 20^th Judicial Circuit, which includes Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties. He brings 40 years of criminal justice trial experience to his new position. He has handled thousands of criminal cases at the trial court level, including over 100 felony sex offenses and numerous first-degree murders, often involving death penalty litigation. He has successfully argued cases before the Second District Court of Appeals and the Florida Supreme Court.
 
“I look forward to this new phase of my professional life with a great deal of excitement for serving people,” Russell said. “My time as a prosecutor was extraordinary and I will bring the same passion to helping people on the defense side.”
 
Russell has built an outstanding resume. He was honored as Florida’s “Prosecutor of the Year” in 1988, receiving the Eugene Berry Award. He has served on the Florida Supreme Court’s Criminal Court Steering Committee, the state’s Correctional Policy Advisory Council and the Task Force for the Remediation of Illicit Drug Laboratories. He was president of the Lee County Bar Association and Calusa Inn of Court and chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee for the 20^th Judicial Circuit.
 
Community involvement remains important to Russell. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, serving as president from 2015-16, and a longtime board member of the Quality Life Center. The graduate of the Stetson University College of Law also has served on the advisory council for the Pace Center for Girls.
 
About Ringsmuth, Day & O’Halloran, PLLC: Practicing since 1975, all of the firm’s partners are former state prosecutors. Led by senior attorney Peter Ringsmuth’s 35-plus years of experience, the firm specializes in all levels of state and federal criminal law and has been recognized as one of the preeminent criminal defense litigation firms, serving clients in Southwest Florida.
Josh Milton, Vice President of Media Relations
CONRIC PR & Marketing
6216 Whiskey Creek Drive, Suite B
Fort Myers, FL 33919
239-690-9840 ext. 1004
[email protected] | ConricPR.com