Member News

Schedule of public workshops and interactive website announced where public can participate and provide input as District works to amend a Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program rule
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) initiates a public rule-making process to support water quality improvements in the Northern Everglades, which includes the Lake Okeechobee Watershed and the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee River watersheds and estuaries and announced the dates for several workshops to gather public input.
The Governing Board approved the public process last month to revise Chapter 40E-61 of the Florida Administrative Code. The rule was originally created in 1989, and in 2016, the Florida Legislature passed laws requiring SFWMD to revise the rule to support Northern Everglades restoration. The purpose of the rulemaking process is to amend Chapter 40E-61 to:

• Be consistent with the 2016 Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program (NEEPP or 373.4595, F.S.) and Section 403.067, F.S., including for the Lake Okeechobee Watershed.
• Develop rules for Caloosahatchee River and St. Lucie River Watersheds.
• Provide for a monitoring program for non-point source dischargers required to monitor under Section 403.067, F.S.
• Provide for a research and water quality monitoring program.

The public engagement process will include workshops and opportunities to provide input through the District’s website. An interactive web board that can be found by clicking HERE will also allow the public to submit comments online.
The scheduled public workshops for the rule-making process include:

• Nov. 5, 10 a.m. at the Indian River State College, Dixon-Hendry Campus, Williamson Conference & Education Center, Building C, Room 112, 2229 NW 9th Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34972
• Nov. 15, 10 a.m. at the Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St., Ft. Myers, FL 33901
• Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m. at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Osceola County, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744-6107
• Nov. 19, 4 p.m. at the Indian River State College, Chastain Campus, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart, FL 34997
• Nov. 20, 10 a.m. at the South Florida Water Management District Headquarters, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

The Nov. 20 meeting at 10 a.m. will also be broadcast online at SFWMD.gov and YouTube.com/SFWMDTV.
For more updates on SFWMD’s work:

• Visit SFWMD’s website at sfwmd.gov
• Like SFWMD on Facebook

Follow SFWMD on Twitter

FORT MYERS, FLA., November 4, 2019 – Elementary and middle school students of Veterans Park Academy for the Arts in Lehigh Acres had a rare opportunity to hear a world-class pianist October 30 when Thomas Pandolfi of Washington, D.C., performed a private concert and interactive program for the students in the school cafetorium.
Students clapped their hands, strummed along with their fingers and asked questions of Pandolfi who was brought to the school courtesy of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association as part of its outreach program for Lee County public school students.
A total of almost 700  students attended the morning middle school and afternoon elementary school programs.
“We provide seats for each of our concerts at no cost to students in Lee County public schools, but we realize that not all students have the ability to get to our weeknight performances.  To expose as many young people as possible to classical music, our Board of Directors decided to take some of our concerts to the students,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.
Mann said the Community Concert Association Board of Directors chose Pandolfi because of his outstanding record of working with students of all ages.
Pandolfi is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees as a scholarship student.  Highlights of the last concert season include performances with the North Charleston Pops, Symphony of the Americas, Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic and Reston Orchestra as well as a coast-to-coast recital tour.  His international concerts have carried him across the globe to China and Europe as well as a Canadian debut in British Columbia.
In 2006, he released his first CD, and has recorded 10 additional ones, including ‘Language of Infinity” (Chopin), “Gypsy Passages” (Liszt), “Into the Night with Gershwin,” and the Paderewski Piano Concerto recorded in the Czech Republic with the Moravian Philharmonic.
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association is preparing for another stellar season with five classical concerts planned this winter at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, including performances by the Russian State Symphony Orchestra and the Russian National Ballet.
All five concerts are included in one ticket price, which ranges from $165 for prime orchestra and mezzanine seats to $155 for other orchestra and mezzanine seats, $85 for lower balcony seating and just $65 for upper balcony.  Most mezzanine seating already is sold out, Mann said.
For tickets, call the Barbara B. Mann Box Office at 239-481-4849. Tickets to individual performances are not available at this time.
For membership information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org
About the Fort Myers Community Concert Association
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 71st concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include Violinist Itzhak Perlman, The Israel Ballet, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 4, 2019) – A new wine list selected to pair perfectly with chocolate and desserts is available at Norman Love Confections’ McGregor Chocolate Salon, 13261 McGregor Blvd., Suite 105, in Fort Myers.
In addition to offering award-winning ultra-premium, handcrafted chocolates, as well as specialty desserts, artisanal baked goods including coffees, novelty products and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love, the Fort Myers-McGregor location’s new wine selection is designed to enhance the salon experience for customers.
“Wine and chocolate have a long history together,” said Norman Love, president and founder, Norman Love Confections. “We worked closely with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits to select new wines that will enhance our chocolate and dessert offerings and provide guests with more options for a special dessert dine-in experience.”
A selection of eight white and red wines are available by the glass and bottle. Two sparkling wines are available by the glass. Sparkling wine includes: Ruffino Prosecco, and Chandon Rosé. Whites include Barone Fini Alto Adige Pinot Grigio, Sauvion Vouvray, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc and Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay. Reds include Roscato Rosso Dolce, Meiomi Pinot Noir, Antinori Santa Cristina Chianti Superior, and Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon.
 
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.
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Philanthropist Susan Kyle is recognized with Luminary Award

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 1, 2019) – Florida SouthWestern (FSW) State College students shared how scholarships made their dreams possible for more than 150 attendees at the Mina Edison Society’s Focus on Excellence signature annual event Oct. 30. Busey Wealth Management was the title sponsor.

The event raised $40,425 for scholarships for academic excellence at the college. With enrollment at the college growing to more than 22,000 students, the goal of the Mina Edison Society is to triple annually the number of scholarships granted. Since its founding in 2007, the Mina Edison Society’s endowed fund has distributed $72,000.

The event at The Forest Country Club in Fort Myers with networking, a student expo and awards, featured a keynote address by Dr. Eileen DeLuca, FSW provost and vice president of student affairs highlighting the bright future of the growing home-town college.

“Mina Edison Society is a network of influential professionals providing leadership and scholarships to students,” said Victoria Stephan, director of development institutional advancement, Mina Edison Society. “We are grateful for the investments these leaders provide. They have big hearts and truly understand how education changes lives.”

Susan Kyle, a well-known philanthropist, community leader and advocate for quality education, was recognized at the luncheon with the annual Mina Edison Society’s signature Luminary Award in honor of namesake Mina Edison, a philanthropist, activist and self-titled “home executive” who was a firm believer in education. Mina was the business force behind her husband, inventor Thomas A. Edison, while raising three of his children and three of their own. The Luminary Award honors an individual or organization who has attained eminence in their field and who encourages and motivates others to do the highest good.

About Mina Edison Society

Mina Edison Society is a network of influential professionals providing leadership, mentoring and scholarships to students of Florida SouthWestern State College. Founded in 2007, the Mina Edison Society continues today, demonstrating the philanthropic and entrepreneurial values of Fort Myers’ matriarch, Mina Edison. For more information visit foundation.fsw.edu/mina-edison-society/ or call 239-489-9210.

About Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation

The Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation’s mission is to support the academic vision and priorities of FSW State College by underwriting student success, securing fundraising and honoring donor intent. The Foundation provides close to $2 million in student scholarships and program support to benefit the over 22,000 students FSW serves annually. The Foundation provides support for academic programs, new technology for classrooms and new or improved facilities. For more information, visit foundation.fsw.edu.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2019) – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce will address the potential business impact of a statewide proposal to increase minimum wage levels during a business breakfast held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

A proposed ballot initiative to raise Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour will be discussed during the upcoming legislative session and is expected to be included on the 2020 ballot. The Chamber has assembled a panel of economic and business professionals to share information and provide education on this potential increase in Florida.

“The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce recognizes the challenge of earning a living wage, and we believe compensation should be based on what the local market will bear,” said Colleen DePasquale, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. “Voters need to really understand the impact of government mandated minimum wage increases – especially how local businesses will be impacted if it were to come to fruition. We’ll have representatives from both sides of the discussion to provide a balanced, knowledgeable overview of what this means for our region.”

Panel participants include Dana Brunett, senior business development specialist for the Lee County Economic Development Office; Victor Claar, Ph.D., associate professor of economics for Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Department of Economics; Lois Croft, regional director for Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Glades counties for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA); and Jay Johnson, owner of Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon in Cape Coral.

The panel will be moderated by John Talmage, director of the Lee County Economic Development Office.

The Nov. 8 event is hosted by the Member Advocacy Committee of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, which acts as a voice for businesses on legislative, community and economic development issues within the Greater Fort Myers area through leadership and education.

Admission is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for future Chamber members, and includes a full breakfast buffet. To learn more or to register for the event, visit FortMyers.org or call 239-332-2930.

About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.

Florida’s Zone C general gun deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 2, providing hunters the opportunity to get back to nature. And if knowledge, skill and luck come together for a successful hunt, there’s also healthy and delicious wild game to share and enjoy.
Zone C is Florida’s largest hunting zone, encompassing the central and northern part of the state. The general gun season for deer runs Nov. 2 – Jan. 19 on lands outside of the wildlife management area system and gives hunters the chance to carve out time from their busy schedules to go afield. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce someone to deer hunting. Taking a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor hunting makes the experience even more special.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has developed online resources to make it easier for mentors and new hunters to get started deer hunting. Plus, the FWC’s new WMA Finder allows users to locate public hunting opportunities based on species, season, location and more. If you plan on hunting at a WMA, check WMA regulations brochures for each area you’re interested in because season dates and other regulations may vary.
Those new to hunting can learn about conservation and how to be safe, responsible hunters by taking a free FWC hunter safety course. Hunting is a safe activity, and hunter safety courses help make it even safer by teaching students about firearms safety, hunting laws and regulations, outdoor skills, knowledge about wildlife and habitats, and the importance of being a conservationist.
The FWC offers other programs and opportunities for youth and families to learn about and experience hunting, including the Youth Hunting Program. This program offers safe, educational, mentored hunts for youth who have successfully completed a hunter safety course. Participants accompanied by a parent or guardian can learn about conservation and gain new outdoor skills during these organized weekend hunts. Sign up for a hunt by checking out the Youth Hunting Program event calendar.
Youth throughout the state also are learning a variety of outdoors skills through the FWC’s Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. Through this program, staff work with more than 350 partners to introduce kids throughout Florida to archery, hunting, boating, fishing, wildlife discovery and more. The FYCCN’s partners engage youth in outdoor adventure while igniting their interest in conservation.
The FWC’s wildlife professionals use scientific data to conserve game wildlife populations and provide sustainable hunting opportunities. Florida is home to healthy game wildlife populations, along with a wide variety of other wildlife species, as a result. Hunters and target shooters are important partners in this conservation effort. They provide wildlife management funding through the purchase of hunting licenses that bring more dollars back to Florida through the Wildlife Restoration Program. This program provides grant funds to state wildlife management agencies, such as the FWC, from the sporting arms and archery industries and the people of Florida who participate in these outdoor activities. The funding supports research, education, access to public lands, and habitat management and conservation to benefit many wildlife species, including those that aren’t hunted.
To take part in the Zone C general gun season for deer, hunters need a Florida hunting license and a deer permit (unless exempt). In addition, those planning to hunt one of Florida’s many wildlife management areas will need a management area permit. In addition, there is a new annual statewide bag limit for deer and new requirements to log and report harvested deer. Get more information about these and other statewide hunting rules taking effect in 2019-2020 at MyFWC.com/Deer.

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2019) – Shangri-La Springs will host the first of five Art & Soul Community Nights on Dec. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring live music, art exhibits, free mini spa treatments, food from garden-to-table restaurant Harvest & Wisdom, special guests and more.
The first of the popular free events Dec. 11 will have a holiday theme “Making Spirits Bright,” with Gulf Coast Symphony harpist Christian Bell playing sounds of magical fairies and mischievous elves to evoke the holiday spirit. Also performing songs of the season will be singer and guitarist Douglas Coventry.  Learn to relax with free gentle yoga classes with renowned Kristen Catrabone at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the Octagon. Plus, an indoor artisan market will include products for sale (cash only) farmer’s market-style from the site’s organic garden, eclectic vendors, area artists and craftsman. Featured artists Beth Schroeder and Erik Pflueger will be at the event with artwork on display.
Harvest & Wisdom will offer tapas, beer and wine for sale in the Courtyard and the restaurant will be open for dinner. Reservations are suggested.
“Shangri-La Springs has been supporting the arts since March of 2013 with gallery exhibits, music and enrichment classes for the community,” said Cindy Ekonomou, Shangri-La Springs director of sales. “As a treasured venue in Bonita Springs, we celebrate healthy lifestyles and longevity. It’s our pleasure to share this unique estate, the arts, and delicious food with the community.”
Mark your calendars: Dates for upcoming events in 2020 include:

• Weds. Jan 8: All Jazzed Up
• Weds. Feb. 12: Movie Madness
• Weds. March 11: Feelin’ Groovy
• Weds. April 15: Bonita Schools Art & Music

 
For more information call 239-949-0749, or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com.
About Shangri-La Springs
Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, organic restaurant, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The Blue Zones Project® recognized organization specializes in offering guests a nexus of beneficial practices, activities and engagement opportunities that include wellness classes, art shows and special programs. A range of natural and organic treatments and products including facials, massages, eucalyptus steam room, far infrared sauna and private garden lounge are offered at the Spa at Shangri-La Springs, which was rated SILVER for Day Spa in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The organic farm-to-table restaurant Harvest & Wisdom, with an ever-changing menu crafted with produce fresh from the on-site garden, locally sourced organic proteins and organic beverages, is open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch. In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel that will feature 21 guest rooms, outdoor dining area and conference room in the Great House. Renovations are also underway for six guest rooms located in Villa Ascona, a building positioned near the property’s courtyard, perfect for spa weekends or bridal party accommodations. Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-949-0749 or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com.

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla., October 31, 2019 – After receiving a record number of donated goods last fiscal year, the Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Lee County were able to help offset the costs of building 65 affordable homes.
The ReStores accept gently used furniture, appliances and building materials from homeowners, contractors and businesses. These items are later sold to the public at a discount rate and 100% of ReStore profits are used to build or rehab homes for local families in Lee and Hendry Counties.
With four locations in Lee County, the ReStore logged 18,846 donation drop-offs or pick-ups this year, an increase of 16% from 2017-2018.
“We make donating to the ReStore easy for our residents and partner businesses. Items can be dropped off at any of our four stores or a pick-up can be scheduled for larger items,” said Tammy Moran, vice president of ReStore Administration. “The more donated goods we receive, the more items we can sell to support Habitat’s mission of building decent and affordable homes.”
Through donations and volunteer labor, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties built and sold a total of 65 homes to local families in fiscal year 2018-19. Families in need of a hand up partner with Habitat to build a place they can call home. Qualified Habitat homebuyers undergo a rigorous process of investing 300 hours of “sweat equity” and completing homeownership classes which include financial literacy and home maintenance.
“We know housing that is safe, healthy and affordable is foundational for families to thrive,” said Becky Lucas, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “Our ReStores are instrumental in supporting our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
There are four ReStore locations in Lee County: South Fort Myers at 16133 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs at 9080 Bonita Beach Rd., North Fort Myers at 31 Willis Road and a new store in Fort Myers at 15271 McGregor Blvd.
Donated goods can be dropped off at the ReStore, by scheduling a pick-up at habitat4humanity.org/restore or calling (239) 652-0388. Click here to see our list of accepted donations.
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, 1,600 families in need of a hand up 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.