Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 18, 2019) – Cypress Pharmacy will host its monthly Seminar Saturday Nov. 9 with a discussion by Natural Health Consultant Dr. Stan Headley on the benefits of self-care in enhancing overall health. Seating at the popular free public seminars is limited, and available seats fill up quickly.

“Self-Care 101 for the Best You…Naturally” will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at Cypress Pharmacy, 9451 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers. Headley’s program will highlight why self-care matters for health, how to understand patterns of behavior and an overview of natural tips that promote wellness.

“Self-care plays an important role in our long-term health, allowing us to better care for ourselves and those around us,” said Dr. Headley, who specializes in functional and natural wellness, and leads the independent pharmacy’s dynamic wellness program. “We’ll discuss how to take an intentional approach to self-care, while shedding light on the many natural ways to get started on the path to well-being.”

As Cypress Pharmacy’s natural health consultant, Headley offers nutritional and lifestyle counseling, supplement recommendations, lab testing and educational seminars, emphasizing options for those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Cypress Pharmacy’s wellness program offers one-on-one consultations with Headley on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, or with a pharmacist on Mondays through Saturdays. Recommendations can include pharmaceutical-grade supplements in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes. Pharmacists may also examine current medications to assure the most effective therapy for the patient’s needs and to prevent duplicate therapies.

Headley is recognized as a leading authority in functional and natural wellness, which seeks to determine how and why diseases, illnesses and pain are occurring. He attempts to identify the root cause of a health concern rather than just treating symptoms. Headley does not diagnose or treat disease but educates customers about lifestyle and behavioral changes that can promote optimal health.

Cypress Pharmacy’s monthly Seminar Saturday sessions take place on the second Saturday of every month, providing education on a variety of wellness topics. To RSVP for the Nov. 9 Seminar Saturday, or to learn more about Cypress Pharmacy’s wellness program, please visit CypressPharmacy.com/events or call 239-481-7322.

About Cypress Pharmacy

Cypress Pharmacy has been providing pharmaceutical and health care services in Fort Myers for more than 40 years and offers free local delivery, immunizations, medication synchronization and therapy management, customized compounding for patients and pets, personalized patient consultations, flu and strep throat testing, cholesterol and glucose screening, lab testing, Medicare Part D plan reviews, a broad selection of over-the-counter products, a full line of vitamins and supplements, and free vitamins for children and adults 50 and up. Cypress Pharmacy also offers Dispill, a medication packaging option that makes it easier to manage and take multiple medications on a precise schedule. Medication refills can be requested in person, over the phone, online and using the Cypress Pharmacy App. Cypress Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans and Medicare Part D. The entire staff, including pharmacists T.J. DePaola and Justin Ceravolo, are dedicated to providing the best possible service to every customer. Cypress Pharmacy is located at 9451 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers, Florida and is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.

Fort Myers, FL (October 7, 2019) – Fort Myers Christian School (FMCS) has set its fundraising goal of $75,000 and 10,000 meals to support its school through an innovative “food-raising” packing project called “Feed the Need”!
Feed the Need is a “food-raiser” that provides needed funds for Fort Myers Christian School, and a portion of the funds raised go toward providing healthy meals for hungry children and families through a partnership with Haven of Hope International’s Heart of Florida Youth Ranch, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, and Community Cooperative.
“The Feed the Need packing party was one of the highlights of our school year last year! The joy on our kids’ faces, knowing they were helping others, was a blessing to everyone that attended,” said Fort Myers Christian School Principal Mel Mitchell. “We can’t wait to do it again this year!”
The Harry Chapin Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief network in Southwest Florida, serving Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.
“We are happy to be a part of this initiative, which will help us in our mission to lead the community in the fight to end hunger,” said Richard LeBer, Harry Chapin Food Bank president and CEO.
Feed the Need’s other partner, Haven of Hope International’s partner home the Heart of Florida Youth Ranch is located in SWFL and works to serve children suffering the loss of parenting due to abandonment, neglect, abuse and death by equipping children and families at risk to live more effective, healthy and fulfilling lives.
“We appreciate FMCS being a community of hope to children here locally and globally. Thanks to the compassion of this community, we will be able to help meet the dietary needs of children here in Florida and beyond,” said Haven of Hope International Founder Alice Skaff.
Feed the Need at FMCS culminates in a one-day, student-led food packing party event on October 25, 2019 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. NBC2 News anchor Peter Busch will be our honorary emcee for the second year in a row with Principal Mel Mitchell.
“I was blown away last year by how passionate the kids were about making a difference,” said NBC2 News anchor Peter Busch. “I’m so excited to once again be a part of this wonderful event!”
This year, FMCS has set aside a portion of the food to go to the Bahamas. Paul Orbe of Boca Bargoons will transport food for families that continue to struggle from the impact made by Hurricane Dorian.
Each Feed the Need meal bag is fully nutritionally balanced, designed by dieticians at General Mills specifically for malnourished children. Each bag contains hydrated vegetables, soy or beans for protein, nineteen essential vitamins and minerals, and pasta for carbohydrates and energy.
“We are proud to be a partner with Fort Myers Christian School’s initiative this year to pack 10,000 meals for hungry families,” said Tracey Galloway, CEO for Community Cooperative. “We are on the front lines working every day to help hungry neighbors find their next meal.”
If you or your business is interested in getting involved through a sponsorship or donation, please visit www.fortmyerschristianschool.org/feed-the-need or follow along on social media with these hashtags: #FMCSFeedTheNeed #FeedTheNeedFortMyers.

Hunters now have an online option to comply with new deer harvest reporting requirements. You can log (Step 1) your harvest using a paper deer harvest log and report (Step 2) with the new FWC Deer Harvest Reporting Online Tool. Hunters still have the option to log and report harvested deer using the FWC Deer Harvest Reporting App or a paper deer harvest log and Deer Harvest Reporting Hotline.
All hunters – including those under 16 years of age, resident hunters 65 years old and older, military personnel on leave for 30 days or less, and those hunting on their homestead in their county of residence – must log their harvested deer prior to moving it from the point where they located it and report the harvested deer within 24 hours. Learn more about how to log and report harvested deer.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2019) – During September, 460,869 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla., an increase of 10.2 percent compared to September 2018. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 8.5 percent compared to last year.
The traffic leader in September was Delta Air Lines with 105,797 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers. Rounding out the top five airlines were American (88,436), Southwest (70,682), JetBlue (68,359) and United (39,136).
Southwest Florida International Airport had 4,127 aircraft operations, an increase of 2.1 percent compared to September 2018. Page Field saw 9,030 operations, a 13.6 percent increase from September 2018. In addition, nearly 2.7 million pounds of air freight moved through Southwest Florida International Airport in September 2019.
Southwest Florida International Airport served nearly 9.4 million passengers in 2018 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2019) – Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available for The News-Press Market Watch 2020: Focus on Real Estate on Feb. 25.

This year’s Market Watch will provide attendees “a 2020 look into the future,” highlighting the latest real estate market trends and how they will impact the big picture for Southwest Florida, individual homeowners and real estate professionals in the year ahead.

The event will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway in Estero.

The region’s most comprehensive real estate event is led by three well-known local real estate experts who will highlight the latest market statistics, forecasts and valuable insights into the local residential, land and commercial real estate industries. Presenters include Denny Grimes, residential real estate expert and president of Denny Grimes & Company; Randy Thibaut, land sales and development expert and CEO of LSI Companies; and Stan Stouder, CCIM, commercial real estate expert and founding partner with CRE Consultants.

Tickets to the event are now on sale, with individual general admission tickets available for $50 per person, $600 for reserved premium placement tables of eight and $750 for reserved tables of 10. A cash bar and food will be available for purchase. With the purchase of a general admission ticket, a VIP armband can be obtained for an additional $45, providing exclusive access to an open bar and food in the Hertz #1 Club from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. VIP armbands can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Tickets and table prices include admission for all presentations and the networking session. Additionally, all attendees will receive a comprehensive market data booklet with detailed statistics and information.

Sponsorships opportunities are available for Market Watch 2020 that include table seating, access to the VIP reception, an advertisement in the Market Watch booklet, inclusion in marketing materials, recognition at the event and more.

Registration for The News-Press Market Watch 2020 and detailed sponsorship opportunities are available online at www.MarketWatchSWFL.com. For additional inquiries, email [email protected] or call 239-267-2638.

Current event sponsors include The News-Press and Naples Daily News as title sponsor; platinum sponsors Chapman Insurance Group, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association and Target Roofing & Sheet Metal; gold sponsors Barraco & Associates, Inc., Busey Bank, GATES Construction, Panther Printing and Priority Marketing; silver sponsors Cameratta Companies, CRE Consultants, Law Office of Kevin F. Jursinski & Associates, LSI Companies and Waldrop Engineering; and bronze sponsor D.R. Horton.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 17, 2019) – The 3^rd Annual Golf Fore Homes Tournament – hosted by The Verandah Golf Club and Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties – is Friday, Nov. 22.
Registration is now open for the four person, 18-hole scramble with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun on Verandah’s championship Whispering Oak course. For $125 per player or $500 per foursome, tournament registration includes a golfer swag bag and prizes for a hole-in-one, closest to the pin and longest drive.
Multiple sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $10,000 to $750, are currently available for businesses or organizations interested in supporting a popular golf tournament benefiting Habitat for Humanity’s important mission of delivering safe, stable homes to local families.
Golf Fore Homes 2019 sponsors include USI Insurance Services; Barraco and Associates, Inc.; Seagate Development Group; and Dr. Steve & Connie McIntosh.
Learn more about registration or sponsorships at the tournament’s Event Caddy page.
For additional information, contact Habitat for Humanity Community Event Manager Rachel West at (239) 800-5246 or [email protected].
About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is one of the largest Habitat affiliates in the country. Since 1982, more than 1,600 families have partnered with Habitat Lee and Hendry to build or improve their home. Habitat homeowners, alongside volunteers, help build their own home and pay an affordable mortgage. Through volunteering, financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry county families achieve strength, stability and independence. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat4humanity.org.
About the Verandah
Our naturally beautiful atmosphere, welcoming community and outstanding golf courses blend to create the ultimate player’s experience. Our award-winning courses provide all the elements for a beautiful, fun but challenging round of golf. Whispering Oak, designed by Jack Nicklaus & Jack Nicklaus II, provides a breathtaking yet challenging course that will inspire all golfers to play like a champion. Incorporating natural elements, amazing fairway vistas, and challenging greens, this course offers a unique and exciting experience. Old Orange, Designed by Bob Cupp, recaptures the “golden era” of golf. The landscaping enhances the natural beauty of the area making this course a site to see. Members take a sense of spirited camaraderie to the course which is something that comes easily to the atmosphere of The Verandah. To learn more, visit verandahgolfclub.com/golf

We have another family-fun Disney Halloween Play Date  happening on Thursday, October 31–
*The event is from  1 – 3 PM  in the Play Area near Dillard’s. Edison Mall
Come in costume for spooky family fun and activities based on Vampirina and your favorite Disney Junior pals.
*First 100 attendees will receive an exclusive Character Card.
Please share this! Thank you

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on September 24, 2019, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) received a complete application from Glades County requesting approval of an ordinance to establish an Idle Speed No Wake boating-restricted area within Harney Pond Canal pursuant to Section 327.46(1)(c), Florida Statutes (F.S.) and Rule 68D-21.004, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).
The Idle Speed No Wake boating-restricted area would be within Harney Pond Canal in the northwest area of Lake Okeechobee (see attached map for details). Glades County contends that the boating safety zone is needed for controlled and safer boating conditions within the existing canal and the areas around the three boat ramps. Glades County is required to provide competent substantial evidence that the ordinance establishing the boating-restricted area is necessary to protect the safety of the public.
As a part of Glades County’s ordinance review application, they have provided evidence in support of the proposed zone to the Commission. At this time the ordinance has been approved by the Commission based upon the evidence submitted.
As required by Rule 68D-21.001(3), F.A.C., Glades County has published as provided by Sections 50.011-.031, F.S., once a week for two consecutive weeks, notice of the public hearing on their ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation in the area affected by the ordinance.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Pursuant to Rules 68D-21.002, and 68D-21.003, F.A.C., comments regarding this request will be accepted no more than 21 calendar days from the date of publication/distribution of this public notice. Public may provide written comments, recommendations, requests, inquiries, or other correspondence to the Boating and Waterways Section at 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600; or by email at [email protected]. The Commission will conduct a public hearing within Glades County if a written request for such a hearing is received within 21 days following this notice.

DUE DATE: Thursday, November 7, 2019 (5:00 PM EST)

ATTACHMENT: Harney Pond Canal Proposed Zone Map.pdf

A COPY OF THE APPLICATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY EMAIL (IN PDF FORMAT) OR BY US MAIL. Please submit your request directly to [email protected] or contact Boating and Waterways Section at (850) 488-5600.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2019) – The challenges facing those living with a mental illness are enormous, but a special day is on the horizon when residents of Southwest Florida can help in innumerable ways.
 
The Hope Clubhouse of Southwest Florida “Faces of Hope Who Give” Mental Health Luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. A $75 ticket opens so many doors for those at Hope Clubhouse, finding pathways to education, employment, housing and wellness. A ticket, sponsorship or money raised at the event help with:
 
Hope on Wheels: a food trailer partnership that will create jobs for Hope Clubhouse members, marketing, outreach and awareness of Hope Clubhouse services. The culinary program at Hope Clubhouse will provide 150 meals a day that will be sold three days a week at Lee Health. It will put 15 to 30 people back to work each week and earn members annual wages of over $200,000. Hope Clubhouse says the societal impact will be over $2.9 million.
 
Sunflower of Hope Bracelets: The bracelets that will be sold at the luncheon will provide enormous inspiration to those who wear them, not only at Hope Clubhouse but throughout the community. The giving, believing and having hope themes of the bracelets can help change the stigma and face of mental illness.
 
The “Faces of Hope Who Give” event raised a record-breaking $133,000 in 2018, but event chair Diana Willis wants another record, challenging the community to reach the $200,000 mark this year. “We are fortunate to have a community that is enthusiastic about giving. We’re confident that this enthusiasm will help us raise another record amount this year,” said Willis.
 
Sarah Owen, president and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, will be the keynote speaker.
 
Among the mental health areas Owen plans to address are:
 

• The economic impact mental health can have on local businesses.
• The perception of mental health and its impact on those suffering from it and those trying to understand the challenges.

 
“Businesses need to support individuals experiencing mental illness,” Owen said. “It goes to the vitality of the community.”
 
Lee Health and Kids’ Minds Matter, who have launched a special partnership to address mental health needs in the community, will join together as title sponsors.
 
“Lee Health’s sponsorship of Hope Clubhouse – through Kids’ Minds Matter – is absolutely vital, not just because mental illness knows no age limit, but, equally, because we must offer those afflicted the promise of dignity, purpose and a loving community.  Simply put, this is our calling as a moral, compassionate and humane society,” said Paul G. Simeone, Lee Health vice president and medical director of behavioral and mental health.
 
Both Lee Health and Kids’ Minds Matter have prioritized the need for mental health resources for a state that ranks last in per capita funding for mental health. Statistics show one in five children, ages 13 to 18, will experience a severe mental health issue.
 
In Lee County, 81,094 have a serious mental illness, including bipolar disorder, severe depression or schizophrenia. Over 30,000 individuals do not receive treatment. Almost half of Florida residents will face a less severe form of mental illness at some point in their lives.
 
About Hope Clubhouse
Hope Clubhouse is a community of support for adults living with a mental illness that provides opportunities for paid employment and access to education, housing and wellness. Hope Clubhouse is a 501(c)(3) organization located at 3602 Broadway, Fort Myers, Florida 33901. Call 239-267-1777 or visit hopeclubhouse.org to donate or for more information.