Member News

FORT MYERS, FLA., November 26,  2018 – The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, Inc., Board of Directors has announced that Alexandra Bremner and her mother Eunice Bremner have agreed to be the underwriters of the entire 2019 concert season.
Alexandra and Eunice are the niece and sister of the late Berne Davis, who was the series underwriter for many years prior to her death in 2016.
“Berne was a program sponsor every year for 18 years and a member of the Community Concert Association for 68 years,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann. “This gracious gesture by her sister and niece ensure that Berne’s memory will live on and make possible the continuation of the association for many years to come and we are eternally grateful to them.”
Program sponsors include Rob and Ruth Diefenbach of Fort Myers, Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank, Madeleine Taeni, and Pamela Templeton of Fort Myers.
The announcements were made at the fall meeting of the Community Concert Association November 11 sponsored by Fran Fenning at FineMark National Bank & Trust Co.
Mary Lee Mann reported to the Board that few series tickets remain for this year’s 70^th Concert Series that begins in January with six concerts:

• National Symphony Orchestra of Romania – January 7, 2019. The National Symphony Orchestra of Romania is honoring the unification of Romania and Transylvania in their first ever tour of the United States.  Acclaimed as one of the world’s top ensembles, the orchestra has made a name for itself as Romania’s best and brightest orchestra. They will perform Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, Dvorak’s Cello Concerto, Suite from Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss and Ravel’s Bolero.
• Teatro Lirico D’Europa performing Puccini’s “Tosca” – January 14, 2019. A tale about an impulsive diva, a sadistic police chief and an idealistic artist, comes alive as Teatro Lirico D’Europa performs Giacoma Puccini’s exasperating and thrilling opera “Tosca.” Teatro Lirico D’Europa is the most successful opera touring company in Europe and the U.S. and travels with a full orchestra of 47 to 50 members and a chorus of 40 singers.
• Russian National Orchestra –February 12, 2019.  The Russian National Orchestra began as a courageous demonstration of artistic freedom during the Soviet regime.  Playing with captivating beauty, they have risen to the pinnacle of the classical music world.  Celebrating the 100^th anniversary of Rachmaninoff coming to the United States, they will perform his Vocalise, Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 and Symphonic Dancers, Op. 45.
• Russian National Ballet – February 25, 2019. The Russian National Ballet performs the timeless “Cinderella.”  Jubilant music, lush scenery and the hilarious double-roles of the step-sisters captivate audiences. The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and invigorates the tradition of classical Russian ballet with developments in dance from around the world.
• Itzhak Perlman – March 11, 2019 – Perlman is the reigning virtuoso of the violin and is returning to the Community Concert series for a second time.  Perlman was born in Israel and gave his first recital at age 10 before moving to the United States to study at the Juilliard School. He has been honored with more than 20 Grammy Awards (including one for Lifetime Achievement in 2008), four Emmy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
• Sir James Galway, Flutist – March 28, 2019 – Nicknamed “the man with the Golden Flute,” Sir James Galway is an Irish virtuoso flutist who is regarded as both the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and a consummate entertainer who plays songs from a variety of musical genres. He has recorded dozens of albums over the decades and has sold more than 30 million records.

All performances will be at the Barbara B. Mann Hall on the Florida SouthWestern College campus in Fort Myers.  All six concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and are included in one ticket price, which ranges from $198 for prime orchestra seats to $186 for other orchestra seats, $102 for lower balcony seating and just $78 for upper balcony.  Most mezzanine seating already is sold out, Mann said.
For tickets, call the Barbara B. Mann Hall box office at 239- 481-4849.
For Community Concert Association membership information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org.
 
About the Fort Myers Community Concert Association
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 70^th 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 The Israel Ballet, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Flutist James Galway, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.
 
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SUSAN BENNETT, APR, CPRC
Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.
1900 Virginia Avenue, #703

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 26, 2018) – Fast-rising American pro Taylor Fritz highlights the 2019 field as Madisen’s Match begins its second decade of tennis to support cancer treatment. Fritz, the world’s No. 49 men’s singles player, will take part in the two-day event on March 16 and 18 along with world No. 51 Sam Querrey, the 16-time Grand Slam-winning doubles team of Mike and Bob Bryan, and former world No. 15 Robby Ginepri.
 
Those five and others will compete in the Golisano Children’s Hospital Pro Tennis Classic, which returns on Monday, March 18 to the Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida Southwestern State College. Before taking the court, the players are scheduled to appear along with famed coach Tom Gullikson at the Madisen’s Match Gala & Auction and the Legends Tennis Camp, both of which take place March 16 at the elegant Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club.
 
“It’s exciting and heartwarming at the same time to see these pros turn out for this one-of-a-kind showcase,” Madisen’s Match founder Duane Chaney said. “It’s a thrill to see players of this caliber in the same place, and it’s even better knowing it’s all going to help Southwest Floridians suffering from cancer.”
 
The event has raised nearly $1 million since its inception in 2009. Since 2011, funds have gone exclusively to Barbara’s Friends, which is the Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Center Fund, and The Brain Tumor Navigator Program at the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center.
 
This will be the first Madisen’s Match for the strong-serving Fritz, who burst onto the ATP Tour as an 18-year-old in 2016, reaching the finals in just his third tournament. He made it to the third round of the U.S. Open this past summer, taking the first set against No. 9 seed Dominic Thiem before succumbing.
 
Querrey rose to a career-high No. 11 ranking earlier in 2018 and reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2017. The identical twin Bryan brothers are the most decorated doubles team of all time, and Mike Bryan added two more grand slam titles to his own count this year while pairing with Jack Sock.
 
Robby Ginepri rose to No. 15 in the world at one point before retiring in 2015. Gullikson, who has been a part of all but one Madisen’s Match, was the U.S. men’s Olympic coach in 1996 and has guided Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick and Jennifer Capriati, among other stars.
 
“The group we have coming this year is an outstanding mix of legends and up-and-coming talent,” Chaney said. “It’s a rare opportunity to see world-class tennis pros in Southwest Florida.”
The gala and tennis camp take participants a step further, giving them a chance to mingle and receive one-on-one instruction from the Madisen’s Match celebrities. Tickets for the gala and camp are on sale now at madisensmatch.com. Tickets for the Golisano Children’s Hospital Pro Tennis Classic go on sale Friday, Dec. 7.
 
About Madisen’s Match
Duane Chaney established Madisen’s Match in 2008 after his 3-year-old niece, Madisen Abramson, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Inspired by Madisen and determined to help others, Chaney created Madisen’s Match to use tennis as a way to raise funds for pediatric and adult cancer charities. To date, the events have raised more than $950,000 to benefit national and Southwest Florida-based charities like the Brain Tumor Navigator Program at the Regional Cancer Center, Barbara’s Friends – The Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Center Fund, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and the Tim and Tom Gullikson Foundation. For more information, visit www.madisensmatch.com.
 
 
 
 

NAPLES, Fla. (November 6, 2018) – Pure Florida’s Naples location will offer a Holiday Science Kids Cruise at 10 a.m. on December 15, featuring a fun and engaging science show by Glen Beitmen of “Super Science & Amazing Art.” The Kids Science Cruise is free for children when accompanied by full-fare adult admission as part of Pure Florida’s Kids Cruise Free program. Guests of all ages will enjoy Beitmen’s entertaining humor and educational hands-on holiday science experiments and demonstrations aboard the M/V Double Sunshine. At the conclusion of  Beitmen’s “Holiday Science with Mr. Glen” show children and their families will enjoy a beautiful sightseeing cruise along the Gordon River. While Pure Florida cannot guarantee animal sightings in the wild, potential wildlife sightings include dolphins, eagles, manatee, native birds and more.
Registration for the children’s cruise is free for youth 12-years-old and younger with every full-fare adult admission of $39. Additional child admission is $19.50. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Pure Florida’s Kids Cruise Free program is offered every Saturday on the 10 a.m. sightseeing cruise of the M/V Double Sunshine departing from historic Tin City, located at 1200 Fifth Ave. S. in Naples. Reservations are required.  For more information or to book your ticket, call (239) 263-4949 or visit www.PureFL.com.
Kids Science Cruise Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/170077423936056
Downloadable Digital Media
Download Photo: Kids enjoy a fun and educational hands-on holiday science show aboard M/V Double Sunshine with science teacher Glen Beitmen.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_4ZdibxEWjxOCe8-akXEzk2W0VVCJmog
Photo Credit: Pure Florida file
Download Photo: Science teacher Glen Beitmen teaches kids about animals that live and rely on water during Pure Florida’s Kids Holiday Science Cruise.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=15RdO2q1jggO0GLpaUqfiauEzyce7_GGP
Photo Credit: Pure Florida file
About Pure Florida
Pure Florida is a water attraction company helmed by father-and-son duo Captains Lance H. and Harry Julian.  The company offers a variety of unique eco-excursions for its visitors that incorporate maritime history, tourism, sightseeing and entertainment. Pure Florida features 19 vessels for sunset and specialty cruises as well as boat and jet ski rentals, fishing charters, group events and educational field trips for schools and students from marinas in Naples and Fort Myers.
In addition to Pure Florida, the founders are also partners in Marine Team International and Pure Image Productions, providing professional marine consulting, television and video production and photography services. With a long history in maritime productions, Lance and Harry Julian have helped to create some of the most memorable water scenes in film production, with credits including “Titanic” and “Waterworld,” and television credits such as the reality show, “Survivor.” As the fourth and fifth generation working within the maritime industry, Lance and Harry Julian enjoy sharing their passion and expertise with fellow adventurers in the Southwest Florida area. For more information, visit www.PureFL.com or call its Naples location at 239-263-4949.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 27, 2018) — It’s one last chance to see some of Lee County’s most talented high school football players before they move on to college. Florida State commits Quashon Fuller and Derick Hunter Jr. are among the 68 players selected from across the county taking part in the 30th annual Rotary South All-Star Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Fort Myers High School.
 
Hunter, a tight end from Dunbar, and Fuller, a defensive end from Lehigh Senior, will join forces on an imposing South squad that will take on a North team that includes Mariner athlete Rashawn Hunter, who has offers from Iowa State, Virginia, Marshall and Fordham.
 
The game, which kicks off at 7 p.m., will be a continuation of a family affair for two Dunbar teammates. Electric running back Seneca Milledge and his cousin, defensive back Major Williams, will play for the South team in the All-Star Classic before they both head off to play at Virginia. And it will be one last game at home for Fort Myers offensive lineman Marcus Finger, who’ll suit up for the South team before heading to UCF.
 
The All-Stars aren’t just the players on the field. Each school is sending two cheerleaders as well, for a total of 38, and three team managers will also take part. Every All-Star gets a customized commemorative ring or charm.
 
The event was founded in 1989 as the first countywide high school football all-star game in Florida. It’s designed as a sendoff and reward for seniors as well as an extra chance to get them in front of recruiters.
 
Some of the All-Stars aren’t just promising college prospects. Nearly two dozen players who’ve taken part in the game over the past three decades have gone on to the NFL, including Sammy Watkins, Phillip Buchanon and Jevon Kearse.
 
A former Lee County star who went on to a much different field of work will serve as the keynote speaker at an awards banquet preceding the game. Wilfred (J.R.) Rivera, a former Estero and Florida Atlantic Player, is now a motivational speaker and author of the book “What’s Eating Up Your Time?: The Full 24.”
 
Rivera will meet with and address the players on Monday, Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. A limited number of tickets to the banquet are available at the theatre on 1380 Colonial Blvd. or by calling 239-278-4422.
 
Game tickets are just $5. They’re available at the gate and each participating Lee County high school. Parking is $5 per vehicle and includes a complimentary game program.
 
Visit rotarysouthallstarclassic.org to see player, cheerleader and manager rosters and learn about the history of the All-Star Classic as the game celebrates its 30th year.
 
Rotary Club of Fort Myers South
Rotary Club of Fort Myers South has more than 120 members who are among the 1.3 million Rotarians worldwide. Service Above Self is the motto of Rotary International, which has contributed more than $1.2 billion and tens of thousands of volunteer hours toward polio eradication in addition to projects such as water quality, world peace and literacy. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South meetings are held each Monday at noon at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops hotel, 13051 Bell Tower Drive. For more information, visit www.rotarysouth.org.
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 26, 2018) – Two events benefiting worthy local causes now have a venue free of charge. The Harry Chapin Food Bank and Abuse Counseling & Treatment Inc., better known as ACT, have been selected as the first recipients of Property with a Purpose, a new program that Top Rocker Events at Six Bends™ launched this year as part of Scott Fischer Enterprises.
 
The two Southwest Florida nonprofits will have their choice of either Top Rocker Field or Thunder Plaza for an event of their choosing. ACT and the food bank were chosen among a field of nonprofit applicants based on their profound community impact and need.
 
“We’re proud to be able to support these two vital organizations that do so much for people in Southwest Florida,” Fischer said. “There are so many worthy causes, and it’s imperative that we do everything we can to help our neighbors in need.”
 
The Harry Chapin Food Bank works with church food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, disaster relief agencies and other partners to feed about 28,000 people each week across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties.
 
ACT protects, supports, educates and empowers victims of domestic violence and their children, along with survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. Its focus is on Lee, Glades and Hendry counties. As a recipient of the Property with a Purpose grant, ACT will host their annual fundraising concert Rock Out Against Domestic Violence at Top Rocker Field on March 30, 2019.
 
“We prioritize making a difference right here in Southwest Florida,” Fischer said. “People around here have been behind us for more than 30 years, and we owe it to everyone to give back.”
 
Top Rocker Field is a gated 3.13-acre outdoor facility with room for 4,000 attendees. It has three main entrances plus another semitruck entrance for large events. Thunder Plaza is 20,000 square feet and can accommodate 1,000 people.
 
Both are at Six Bends™, a well-established name and brand centrally located in the heart of Southwest Florida. It’s highly visible from Interstate 75 just south of Daniels Parkway, and it’s convenient to the airport, hotels, and plenty of dining and shopping. The property is lined with mature landscaping and equipped with on-site and off-site parking.
 
Organizers can take advantage of a preferred partner program with well-known local vendors for event-related needs and wants. Top Rocker Events has an experienced events director on staff, and management services are available.
 
Call Taylor Loethen at 239-284-0301 or email her at [email protected] to book an event. Visit toprockerevents.com for more photos and video of the venue.
 
About Top Rocker Events
Top Rocker Events is the premier event and site management coordinator for Six Bends™, home to Top Rocker Field and Thunder Plaza. Its mission is to create unforgettable events that engage, enhance and entertain Southwest Florida year after year. For information about event venue leasing and more, visit TopRockerEvents.com.
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 27, 2018) – Every business owner wants to grow, but few know how to reliably make that happen. Experts who’ve proven their ability to build thriving businesses will impart their wisdom at a pair of Above Board Chamber of Florida luncheons in December.
 
The meetings, titled “The Keys to Growing your Business,” will let attendees in on secrets to making 2019 their most successful year yet. Vicki Tracy, executive sales director of the Arlington of Naples, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the first luncheon. The following panelists will join her on Monday, Dec. 10 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hilton Naples:
 

• Sandra Stilwell Youngquist, CEO and owner, Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group.
• Matthew Kragh, AIA, founder of MKH Architecture and Planning.
• Jim L. Henderson, president and owner, William C. Huff Companies.

 
NBC-2 anchor Rachel Pierce will be the master of ceremonies for the second meeting, which is on Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers. She’ll lead this set of panelists to share their unparalleled insight:
 

• Sandra Stilwell Youngquist, CEO and owner, Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group.
• Dr. Samira Beckwith, CEO and president of Hope Healthcare.
• Luis E. Insignares, founding attorney, The Law Office of Luis E. Insignares.
• Tree Tietsort, vice president, LCM Engineering.

 
Naples meeting registration
 
Register at AboveBoardChamber.com or call 239-910-7426. The cost on or before Wednesday, Dec. 5 is $28 for members and $32 for non-members. After Dec. 5, it’s $32 for members and $38 for non-members.
 
The meeting is sponsored by Jim Henderson and Vicki Tracy.
 
Fort Myers meeting registration
 
Register at AboveBoardChamber.com or call 239-910-7426. The cost on or before Thursday, Dec. 6 is $28 for members and $32 for non-members. After Dec. 6, it’s $32 for members and $38 for non-members.
 
The meeting is sponsored by Tree Tietsort and Tri-Town Construction Vice President Brandie Packard Dickerson.
 
Yearly sponsors for the Above Board Chamber of Florida are CONRIC PR & Marketing, Pulse Technology Solutions LLC, Spada Salon & Day Spa, Your Walking Billboard, Charlie McDonald Photography, Lady in Pink Photography and Signarama North Fort Myers.
 
For more information or to register for the meetings, visit AboveBoardChamber.com.
 
The Above Board Chamber of Florida is dedicated to bringing people of all faiths together within the community, in the workplace and amongst one another. Their mission is to supply members with tools that allow them to take every aspect of their lives Above Board. For more information on the event or on how to become a member of the chamber, call CEO Jeanne Sweeney at 239-910-7426 or visit AboveBoardChamber.com.
 
 

FORT MYERS, FLA., November 20, 2018 – Middle school students of Diplomat Middle School had a rare opportunity to hear world-class musicians November 19 when the Russian String Orchestra performed a private concert for the students in the school auditorium.
The concert was provided courtesy of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association as part of its outreach program for Lee County public school students.
“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.
The musicians performed for about an hour and invited three lucky students on stage to be guest conductors.  About 800 students attended the private concert.
Mann said the Community Concert Association Board of Directors chose Russian String Orchestra because of its outstanding record of working with students of all ages.
The Russian String Orchestra, formerly known as the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, has earned national and international recognition as one of Russia’s leading ensembles.  The orchestra regularly tours North and South America, Europe and the Far East in addition to performing concerts at its home base in Moscow and recording more than 30 CDs.
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association is preparing for another stellar season with six classical concerts planned this winter at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, including internationally –acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman and renowned flutist Sir James Galway.
All six concerts are included in one ticket price, which ranges from $198 for prime orchestra and mezzanine seats to $186 for other orchestra and mezzanine seats, $102 for lower balcony seating and just $78 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 70^th 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 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.

Come join us as we host the island’s biggest musical benefit beach bash for the children of Fort Myers Beach! Sponsored by Beach Baptist Church and the Lewis P. Tabarrini Children’s Music Outreach Foundation, enjoy several hours of live and local music from some of the hottest musicians around Southwest Florida during our inaugural Santa Rocks the Lani Kai Beach Bash, taking place from our Beach-side stage Sunday, Dec. 9, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Top-notch musical performances that day will include the Kate Skales Band, 2018 Creative mind record CMR winner TJ Brown, The Freecoasters, Not Guilty and the SIREN SAYS ROCK Band – plus some special musical surprises we have up our sleeves!
Numerous raffle prizes and silent auctions worth thousands of dollars will be up for grabs to some of the best businesses around the area. Resort and spa getaways, Key West excursions, restaurant hot spots, helpful home and car services, and much more. We’ll be hosting hourly raffles between music sets, as well as hosting all types of beach games and prizes for the whole family.
The Tabarrini Music Foundation will be on hand that day collecting a used instrument drive for any unwanted musical instruments you may have around your home or studio. Make a donation to the collection and receive a special gift that day.
“The Tabarrini Foundation is very happy to be teaming up with the Lani Kai Island Resort and the Beach Baptist church for this wonderful holiday event,” said Bob Tabarrini, from the Lewis P. Tabarrini Children’s Music Outreach Foundation. “Seeing the community pull together like this for the benefit of local children generates such a wonderful feeling. We look forward to seeing you all on the beach Sunday, Dec. 9th!”
Also, unwrapped toys (or pet food/supplies for Gulf Coast Humane Society) will be happily collected, which will go to Beach Baptist Church’s holiday toy drive. Every year, the church utilizes funds collected from fund-raisers such as this to gift toys and items to all of the children of Fort Myers Beach (not just members of the congregation).
We hope to see you out at this inaugural event to rock and roll for a cause. There is no cost to attend, all ages welcome.
About the Lani Kai Island Resort
The Lani Kai Island Resort is a true staple of life on Fort Myers Beach, now celebrating over 40 years in operation, at 1400 Estero Blvd. With a number of fantastically unique amenities, it truly offers something for everyone. Choose from a delicious selection of restaurants, cafés and eateries on site, including the award-winning Island View restaurant. Comfortably perched on the top floor of the resort, this casually upscale restaurant with private glass elevator entrance serves signature dishes by Executive Chef Angel, offering traditional dishes with Italian, Asian and Hispanic flair.
The resort’s Casablanca Café is the only spot on Fort Myers Beach to serve Starbucks coffee creations, available to guests as a Room Service amenity, as well as any visitor of the resort from the first-floor cafe, with special parking available for quick-sippers on the go.
For further information on the Lani Kai Island Resort, or to RSVP with your choice of bay-side and gulf-side rooms, call 239-463-3111 or visit LaniKaiIslandResort.com.
For further information on anything the Lani Kai Island Resort has planned in the near future, feel free to contact Melissa Schneider, Marketing Director of the resort. Call 239-463-3111 or email [email protected].
 

Chris Bright to help improve taxpayers’ experience
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2018) – Messages that make things simpler, easier and more convenient are coming from new Lee County Tax Collector communications manager Chris Bright. The 13-year Fort Myers resident and award-winning film producer and director is starting what he calls his dream job.
“It’s exactly where I want to be and exactly what I want to be doing,” Bright said. “It’s an opportunity for me to be a part of a team and to lead at the same time.”
Bright, who started in early November, will oversee both internal and external communications for the Tax Collector’s Office, managing content and ensuring it all conveys Tax Collector Larry Hart’s core values of public service, kindness and innovation.
“Chris is gifted at making complicated subjects easy to understand,” Hart said. “That’s why we’re so excited to have him as part of the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office.”
Bright is already hard at work familiarizing himself with the agency and figuring out ways to more efficiently and effectively convey key messages that streamline the taxpaying process. He also wants to help strengthen the bond between the Tax Collector’s Office and the communities it serves.
“The Tax Collector is one of the few organizations that touches everybody in the county,” Bright said. “Whether it’s red tide cleanup, police or firefighting, we ensure there’s enough money for all the critical services to take place.”
He spent the past six years at Big Arts on Sanibel, first as technical director and later as director of operations, working to create and reinvent the video production, online and social media capabilities of the local performing arts hub. Before that, Bright was a digital production and computer information instructor at Rasmussen College in Fort Myers, and he also produced video, audio and graphic-based continuing medical education coursework for a Connecticut-based company.
The Chicago native earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Saint Ambrose University in Iowa and has maintained his own video production company for nearly 20 years. Bright Idea Media LLC makes narrative and documentary features and also handles commercial projects. The company won a national Best Film award in 2015 for a documentary it produced about Southwest Florida, and Bright won Best Director and Best Screenplay awards as part of the 48 Hour Film Project.
Bright plans to use the storytelling skills he’s learned over his career to forge a deeper connection between the Tax Collector’s Office and Lee County residents.
“My biggest goal, realistically, is just to create a larger reach for the Tax Collector’s message,” Bright said. “I want to engage the community in what we do, and in what they do as well.”
Visit leetc.com to see all the ways the Lee County Tax Collector is making a difference for the better.
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 six 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.

ESTERO, FL (November 15, 2018) – Miromar Outlets is the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season! Southwest Florida’s favorite shopping center is offering plenty to do for children and families including festive favorites such as photos with Santa (and Ms. Claus!), cookie decorating, plus a special visit from the Endless Trails Holiday Mini Horses. Free live entertainment will continue throughout the mall every weekend in December, including the Friday Night Concert Series offered on select nights in the Restaurant Piazza.
Month-long events kick off with the Car Cruise-In on Dec. 2, lakeside. Shop Miromar Outlets’ 140 top designer and brand name outlets include Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, H&M and many more. Free children’s events include Science Saturday, Kids Crafts, Family Yoga and Kids Day.
Miromar Outlets has been voted Best Factory Outlet Mall, Best Shopping Experience and Best Place to Buy Shoes in Southwest Florida.
December Entertainment
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Saturdays from 1 to 7 p.m. & Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.
Free live music throughout the mall with a variety of performers and genres. Visit MiromarOutlets.com for locations and times.
 
CAR CRUISE-IN
Sunday, December 2
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near WINK Playland
See all your favorite makes and models of classic, exotic and custom cars.
 
DOG DAZE AT MIROMAR
Thursday, December 6
6 to 8 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza
Enjoy pet-friendly specials and entertainment at participating stores and restaurants the first Thursday of every month.  
SCIENCE SATURDAY
Saturday, December 8
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in WINK Playland
Join Mr. Glen and his Science & Engineering team for interactive science projects.
CHRISTMAS COOKIE DECORATING
Saturday, December 8
12 to 2 p.m. near WINK Playland
Kids create a special holiday treat they can eat at WARO-FM 94.5’s cookie decorating station.

ENDLESS TRAILS HOLIDAY MINI HORSES
Saturday, December 8
12 to 2 p.m.                                                                                       
Keep an eye out for the holiday mini horses roaming the mall handing out candy canes to everyone on Santa’s nice list.
 
THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Monday, December 10 thru Friday, December 21
Prizes including $25 gift cards are awarded daily during this holiday-themed social media contest. Visit Miromar Outlets on Facebook for more information.

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES
Friday, December 14
6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza
The Collaboration Band has over 100 years of combined experience and performs Motown, R&B, classic soul, hip hop, funk and more!
FAMILY YOGA WITH KATHRYN
Saturday, December 15
10 a.m. in WINK Playland
A FREE 45-minute beginners’ yoga class for families with toddlers to tweens. Bring your own mat.
 
MOMS APPRECIATION DAY
Wednesday, December 19
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in WINK Playland
Moms receive a coupon for a free drink and treat from le macaron French pastries while their children participate in FREE Kids Crafts.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA (& MS. CLAUS!)
Thru Sunday, December 23
In Suite 182
Make an everlasting memory and receive a free 4×6 photo with Santa at Miromar Outlets. Ms. Claus will accompany Mr. Claus every Saturday and Sunday. Visit MiromarOutlets.com for more information.
 
KIDS DAY
Saturday, December 29
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in WINK Playland
Toddlers to 12-year-olds participate in fun activities and receive a free slice of pizza from Luna Pizza, a free kids’ cone from Dairy Queen/Orange Julius (while supplies last).

FREE KIDS CRAFTS
Every Wednesday
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in WINK Playland
Kids, age’s toddler to 12, participate in tons of fun activities. Pick up a Kids Crafts Reward Card and receive a $10 Miromar Outlets gift card after your fifth visit.

BABY BOOT CAMP
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
9 a.m. in WINK Playland
Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, postnatal and ultra-fit moms.
FITNESS CAMP
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday       
6:30 a.m. in WINK Playland
Certified fitness pros lead this 60-minute camp-styled class designed specifically for women.
ROCK CLIMBING FUNWALLS NOW OPEN
Packages available for birthday parties, corporate team building events, fundraisers, school field trips, and more! Pick up a Frequent Climber Card and receive the 11th climb on us, plus receive a free t-shirt. Party packages available at MiromarOutlets.com/play or call (239) 948-3766

AMAZING THINGS 5-D MOTION THEATER
Suite 323, (239) 262-9464
Our new 5-D Motion Theater puts you in the action with a full sensory experience! Party packages available at MiromarOutlets.com/play or call (239) 948-3766