Member News

SVN Commercial Partners names Industry Expert Sean Old team leader of its Multi-Housing Group

Fort Myers, FL [July 16, 2024] -SVN Commercial Partners proudly appointed Sean Old as team leader of its newly launched SVN Commercial Partners | Multi-Housing Group. This division offers a full spectrum of advisory services to investors and institutions, encompassing portfolio disposition and acquisition, capital markets, new development, and asset management solutions in the multi-unit housing space. By leveraging community partnerships and industry expertise, the team aims to address housing challenges and promote economic development within this sector.

Mr. Sean Old is a 10-year veteran in the commercial real estate industry, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise across various specialties. With over a billion dollars in closed and pending transactions, Mr. Old’s leadership is set to play a pivotal role in directing the Multi-Housing Group towards strategic growth and delivering exceptional results.

“We are excited to have Sean join the team, not only does he have a track record of success and leadership but will provide clients with a wide array of multi-housing specialties in the entire development to disposition cycle.” stated Scott R. Maesel, Managing Director of SVN Commercial Partners.

About SVN Commercial Partners
SVN Commercial Partners, with six offices in Southeast and Southwest Florida, is a national commercial real estate services firm with local expertise. We provide sales, leasing, management, and capital market solutions to clients in the Southeast and Southwest Florida regions, in addition to serving a national client base. All SVN offices are independently owned and operated. To learn more about SVN Commercial Partners, visit www.svncp.com.

We are delighted to invite you to a special event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Collaboratory from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The event will feature a light breakfast, networking opportunities, and a panel discussion with business owners and executives on best practices for employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The event is free and open to the public, so please share this invitation with anyone you think might benefit from an enthusiastic, diversified workforce.

Since 1954, LARC has been dedicated to empowering and supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve their full potential. For 70 years, LARC has transformed the lives of thousands and strengthened our community through comprehensive support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

LARC currently partners with 74 local businesses who employ over 100 individuals with IDD representing many different industries. In 2019, LARC identified significant workforce gaps in Southwest Florida, especially in the hospitality sector. Our solution is a state-of-the-art culinary training kitchen being built on our 5-acre campus. This facility will provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to transition into a career in the food service industry.

Given the increasing emphasis on productivity and talent shortages, organizations must not overlook individuals with IDD as they build their workforce. Addressing diversity and inclusion at the highest strategic level of the organization has a positive connection to market performance and is a critical first step.

Please join us to learn more about LARC, our programs, and how we can collaborate for a better future. Help us celebrate the benefits of employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and recognize exceptional employers in our community.

For more information about LARC or the Exceptional Employers event, please feel free to contact Nickole Hendra at 239.334.6285 x. 229 directly or visit our website at www.larcleecounty.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

City of Fort Myers Awards $110,000 in Arts and Culture Grants

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 16, 2024) – This July, the City of Fort Myers is awarding $110,000 in grants to arts organizations and individual artists advancing arts and culture within the City of Fort Myers.

The City recognizes the importance of the arts to the cultural, economic, educational, and well-being of its diverse resident population. To enhance access to a full range of cultural experiences and beautification projects, the City provides annual funding to grow the arts and culture sector for citizens and visitors alike. 

“This year, 35 individuals and organizations submitted applications totaling $244,918 in funding requests,” said Jessica McElwee, Grants and Special Projects Director for the City of Fort Myers. “The scoring committee was impressed by all of the applicants and made their recommendation to fund the highest scoring organizations and artists that met the grant requirements and evaluation criteria.”

Recipient organizations include River District Alliance, Florida Repertory Theater, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Alliance for the Arts, Quality Life Center, Gulf Coast Symphony, Americana Community Music Association, Arts for ACT Gallery, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium and ArtFest Fort Myers. Individual artist awardees include Brian Weaver, Juan Pablo Almonacid, Marie Branchaud, Patricia Collins and Alma Bruffy.

“We’re grateful to the City of Fort Myers for helping keep the arts vibrant and accessible, giving all residents the opportunity to experience its transformative power,” said Molly Rowan-Deckart, Executive Director of Alliance for the Arts. “Now, more than ever, it’s vital to sustain local arts and cultural programming that enrich our thriving community while boosting our economy.”

To learn more about the City of Fort Myers arts grants, visit www.cityftmyers.com/2155/arts-grants. 

About the City of Fort Myers
Incorporated in 1886, the City of Fort Myers is committed to providing exceptional municipal services to residents, businesses and visitors in a fiscally responsible manner while preserving the City’s rich history, diverse culture and charming lifestyle. To carry out its mission, the City of Fort Myers strives to provide economic opportunity, personal growth and a high quality of life surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, while fostering an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive. To learn more and get involved, visit www.cityftmyers.com.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents the SWFL premiere of Clyde’s by two-time Pulitzer-Prize winner Lynn Nottage.

FORT MYERS, FL (July 15, 2024) – The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present the SWFL premiere of Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s from July 26th – August 11th. 

Clyde’s is a sandwich shop and last-chance haven for those cast aside by society. The indomitable Clyde, played by Sonya McCarter, oversees her eclectic team of misfits with an iron fist as they each grapple with their own demons and strive for a better future. A searingly honest portrayal of life on the margins, this story of redemption and hope is brought to life by one of the most celebrated playwrights of our time.

Lynn Nottage has won the Pulitzer twice, once in 2009 for Ruined and again in 2017 for Sweat. She was the first and remains the only woman to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice.

Directed by Tijuanna Clemons, Clyde’s features Sonya McCarter (Clyde), Lemec Bernard (Montrellous), Waner Del Rosario (Rafael), Loyse Michel (Letitia), and Justin Larsche (Jason). 

“Clyde’s” is a gripping story of systemic oppression and survival, redemption, love, and loving oneself that’s sure to stir the hearts of all. Crossing all racial and cultural barriers, Clyde’s pleasantly gives life to the formerly incarcerated by undressing the stereotypes and putting humanity on display,” says Director Tijuanna Clemons, adding, “You are more than your worst last mistake.”

“…a flavor-bomb of a comedy about survival, second chances, and digesting whatever life serves up…a subversion of familiar genres, including drawing room comedy and workplace drama, and the value judgments conventionally inherent to them. By nature of her composition, Nottage also questions which sorts of rooms and people have previously been considered worthy of sustained attention.” —Variety.

Clyde’s is sponsored by Janet and Bruce Bunch.

Performance dates:

July 26, 27 at  7:30 pm

August 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 at 7:30 pm

July 28 at 2 pm

August 4, 11 at  2pm

Special Events:

July 24, 25 – Half-price previews

July 27 – Staging Teen Success with FREE teen tickets

August 8 – Sensory Friendly Performance.

Tickets are $42 each or $15 for students with valid student IDs. There are half-priced previews on June 5th and 6th, and a new Thursday night special ticket price of $37 each for adults. For tickets, please call the box office at 239.218.0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com. 

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NOTES ON YOUR VISIT:

Photography and videography of this production are strictly prohibited.

Thank you for your cooperation and support of The Laboratory Theater of Florida.

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ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

Face It Botox Bar is excited to announce and welcome our two new providers to our team! Our newest additions are Anna Galvan, APRN, skilled in injectables, lasers, and aesthetics, and Kristen Charboneau, aesthetician, skilled in Hydrafacial, chemical peels, dermaplane, and more. They are ready to accept new patients and provide exceptional service to achieve your desired beauty and wellness goals!
We can’t wait to see you soon at FIBB!

Amber Rager has joined the team at KM Hair Designs taking the lead as their new salon coordinator. Amber comes with an extensive background in the cosmetology industry as once working herself as a hairstylist. Most recently, she moved back to Southwest Florida after years of front desk management at a day spa in Tennessee. Amber is helping the salon reach new levels in customer service and combined scheduling. We believe it won’t take long for you to see the value she brings to the team. Now you can plan all your beauty needs in one visit while she strives to make switching from hair, to nails, to lashes, etc. a seamless transition and an enjoyable experience. We can’t wait for you to come in and meet her,

AIRPORT MEETING CANCELLED  

The Lee County Port Authority Airports Special Management Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, 2024, has been cancelled. The committee’s next scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at Southwest Florida International Airport’s Training and Conference Center. For more information, please visit flylcpa.com.

JULY 12, 2024

Please note:  Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from Port Authority employees and officials regarding Port Authority business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may be subject to public disclosure.