Member News

The Postal Service offers the following information to help customers prepare.
U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air.  U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government.
To obtain a passport applicants need to:

• Bring proper proof of American citizenship. This must be either a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; a previous U.S. passport; a certificate of citizenship; or a naturalization certificate. (Please note: a hospital-issued birth certificate alone is not acceptable.)
• Bring proof of identity.  This must be either: a recently issued U.S. passport; a recently issued naturalization certificate; a recently issued certificate of citizenship; or a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID.
• Bring a photocopy of proof of identity.  Each applicant must bring a photocopy of the front and back of the ID that will be presented at the time of passport acceptance.
• The passport application requires recent color passport photograph of you (2” x 2” in size). The Post Office will offer passport photo service for $15.
• To save time, customers should download the passport application at travel.state.gov and complete beforehand.  Do not sign the application.

Fort Myers, FL, Sept. 20, 2018 – Motorists who cross the Sanibel Causeway between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, and Sunday, Sept. 23, will not have to pay a toll. A donation from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation will cover the costs during those hours as a way to encourage locals to support Captiva and Sanibel businesses, many of which are feeling economic impacts from the lingering red tide.
Lee County Department of Transportation will place message boards today (Thursday, Sept. 20) to inform motorists of the hours and dates when tolls will be covered by the foundation’s donation.
The donation comes as the county hosts the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Festival, which runs Sept. 21-30 with events on Captiva this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Visit www.islandhopperfest.com.)
 
The county also has launched a #OneLee campaign, which showcases deals from local businesses to motivate people to shop, dine and play locally. (Visit www.onelee.biz for details.)
Efforts by the City of Sanibel and Lee County continue on the island’s beaches and shorelines to pick up dead fish and other marine debris that has been killed by red tide and has washed inland. (For an update on red-tide cleanup funding and efforts, visit www.leegov.com/waterqualityinfo.) The City of Sanibel has suspended parking fees at all Sanibel beaches this month.
The donation from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation toward the Causeway tolls is a separate foundation effort from one announced earlier this month called SWFL Cares. That fund is designed to collect donations to be dispersed through United Way-affiliated nonprofit organizations to help families and individuals who have seen lost wages and other economic impacts due to red tide and blue-green algae. The foundation has already dispersed nearly $30,000 in donations to United Way. (Visit https://floridacommunity.com.)
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest also is partnering with the foundation on this effort. Music fans can make a donation during Island Hopper Fest by texting GIVESWFL to 444999. Donations will go directly to the SWFL Cares Fund.
After the Captiva weekend events, the festival moves to downtown Fort Myers on Sept. 24-27 and then wraps up on Fort Myers Beach on Sept. 28-30.
Lee County Parks & Recreation is waiving parking fees now through Sept. 30 at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, 950 Estero Blvd., and Bowditch Point Park, 50 Estero Blvd. Both parks are located on Fort Myers Beach. (Visit www.leeparks.org.) The fee waiver mirrors a decision last week by the Town of Fort Myers Beach to extend the free parking at its sites until the end of the month to assist businesses impacted by red tide.

Fort Myers, FL, Sept. 18, 2018 – The monthly networking luncheon for the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center, 9931 Interstate Commerce Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913.
The cost is $30 for FPRA members, $40 for future members and $25 for students. Members and future members can register for the luncheon by going to www.fpraswfl.org.
About the speakers:
Gordon Paulus, APR, CPRC, is a Senior Communications Specialist at Gulf Power Company in Pensacola, where he has worked for almost 15 years. He previously worked for 21 years for newspapers in the sports department. Paulus is the State President of Florida Public Relations Association.
Cheray Keyes-Shima, APR, CPRC, is the Executive Director of the Florida Public Relations Association. Keyes-Shima is principal of KSC, a full-service communications firm founded in 1998 that focuses on creating real connections between businesses, brands and people.
Randy Mitchelson, APR is an award-winning entrepreneur, author and community leader with more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and financial services. Mitchelson is vice president at iPartnerMedia, Inc. (iPM), a digital marketing and print agency in Bonita Springs. Mitchelson is the President-Elect for the SWFL Chapter of FPRA.
 
 

Ft. Myers, FL – September 17, 2018 – Wicked Walk celebrates the arts in Lee County, the achievements of student artists, and the unique heritage belonging to Southwest Florida – with a spooky twist. Experience this one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical experience while supporting Lee County Schools and arts education! The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Choose a time via the ticket link for a guided theatrical tour throughout the Art Center of Fort Myers history, with a spooky twist. Lee County teachers have helped their classes create art pieces, installations, skits, musical performances, and more to conjure the ghosts of Fort Myers’ past.
Catch glimpses of the Snack House restaurant and the personalities that used to haunt it. Take part in a spirited USO celebration from the 1940s, and stroll through the ghostly grounds of the Edison gardens. You might run into Mina Edison herself!
Proceeds from the Ghoul Gala will benefit SBDAC and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is a non-profit charitable education foundation which enhances and enriches the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators. The Foundation’s programs, resources and experiences are made possible through corporate, individual and educational partnerships.
Wicked Walk
Friday, October 26th | 6pm – 10pm
Kids: $5 | Adults: $10
For more info, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239 333 1933

Ft. Myers, FL – September 17, 2018 – Spend October’s Music Walk singing along to all your favorite piano tunes! On Friday, October 19th, take part in Dueling Pianos, feautring 2018 Summer Singer-Songwriter Competition finalist, David Rode, and 2017 Summer Singer-Songwriter Competition Finalist, Sarah Hadeka. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Dueling Pianos is an interactive music experience where the audience picks the setlist! Each pianist will take written audience suggestions for the next song in their setlist. However, it’s up to the piano players what songs will be featured. Pass them a tip to make sure your song gets played! Audience members are encouraged to sing along to some of the greatest piano hits of all time by musicians like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Queen.
Dueling Pianos will feature two grand pianos placed back to back in the center of SBDAC’s Grand Atrium with an audience seated in the round. Since there’s no stage, attendees can approach the pianos, suggest a song, and give their favorite player a few bucks. Don’t miss this exciting first concert in the Noteworthy Series! Invite your friends to have a few cocktails and experience Dueling Pianos like never before.
This concert is part of the Noteworthy Series, which showcases some of the best performers in Southwest Florida! Dueling Pianos is the first concert in the series. Additional concerts include Swinging Standards with the Danny Sinoff Trio on Thursday, November 8th and Songwriter Stories with Dee Goodson and Kyle Anne Duggan on Friday, March 22nd.
Noteworthy Showcase: Dueling Pianos
Featuring Sarah Hadeka and David Rode
Friday, October 19th | Doors: 7:30pm • Music: 8pm
Tickets: $5
Call 239 333 1933 or visit www.sbdac.com

Fort Myers, Florida — The law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Attorney Traci McKee was sworn in as President of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association (“FDLA”) at its annual meeting in Boca Raton, Florida. She is the first female president in over a decade. The FDLA is comprised of thousands of attorneys and industry professionals who come together to form a strong alliance that promotes fairness and justice in the civil justice system for all parties.
Michael Corso, McKee’s mentor and Chair of the firm’s Tort & Insurance Litigation Department, as well as a Past President of FDLA, shares that “we hired Traci in 2007 after she served as an intern in between terms at Stetson Law School. We felt she was a rising star then and she certainly has exceeded all our expectations. We are confident that she will continue to do so as President of FDLA.” Former FDLA President Francisco Ramos shares “Traci has been a game changer for the FDLA. I can’t wait to see her lead the organization as President. Mark my words. It’s going to be revolutionary.”
McKee’s practice focuses on defending individuals, corporations, insurance companies and governmental entities in professional malpractice, premises liability, product liability, and an array of personal injury and property claims. She is known as the “lawyer’s lawyer,” representing attorneys and law firms in malpractice and grievance matters, and represents several local school boards and organizations with custody of children. In addition, McKee represents clients in appeals and has argued before the Florida Supreme Court. McKee also serves as Treasurer of the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association.
McKee has been recognized for her professional achievements, including being named as an “Up and Comer” by Florida Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite (2016-2017), recognized by Florida Super Lawyers® magazine as a “Rising Star” (2010-2018), and earned the highest AV rating by Martindale Hubbell. She was also honored with the James A. Dixon Young Lawyer of the Year Award from the Florida Defense Lawyers Association (2010-2011). McKee graduated valedictorian of Stetson University College of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2007) after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of North Florida (B.B.A., summa cum laude, 2000). She can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 239-344-1263.
Henderson Franklin is the largest, locally-based law firm between Tampa and Miami with over 55 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients to build their homes, businesses, and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Sanibel Island. For more information on McKee or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.

September 18, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) will host its Fall 2018 Open House at the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 3-5 p.m.
Prospective students, their families and the community are invited to attend Open House to learn about all FSW has to offer its students. Faculty, staff and current students will be present to answer questions, help start the financial aid process and provide campus tours.
“Students can attend the FSW Open House to get information about our academic programs, campus life, student support services, athletics and our unique educational opportunities,” said Amber McCown, FSW Director of Admissions. “Prospective students who attend the event on Oct. 9 will also receive a promotional code to apply for admission to FSW free-of-charge.”
Guests are encouraged to register in advance at www.FSW.edu/admissions/events. The Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus is located at 8099 College Parkway in Fort Myers, Fla.
Prospective students who aren’t able to attend Open House in-person can take an interactive, virtual tour of the college at www.FSW.edu/virtualtour. This new online feature is accessible via desktop, mobile or with virtual reality headsets.
For more information about FSW or how to apply, visit www.FSW.edu/admissions.
Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
 

September 19, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – Fall is the best time for art and music! Join SBDAC and Gulf Coast Leisure for the next Art and Poetry Networking Event. Become a part of the GCL movement and meet like-minded individuals! To register as a performer or artist, visit www.gclmovement.com. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
For more than 5 years, Gulf Coast Leisure’s Art and Poetry Networking Event (APNE) has brought together artists, musicians, writers, and more from all over Southwest Florida. Each month, APNE features a different showcase of performers that wows audiences and displays the immense talent found right in our own backyard. In September, celebrate the launch of a new APNE season, featuring emerging and established poets, songwriters, and artisans.
Gulf Coast Leisure (GCL) is an arts and entertainment company serving Southwest Florida locals and visitors alike. GCL features vibrant, creative expressions of art from individuals representing all walks of life. While their core following is the millennial market, their artistic events and community outreach touches all age groups from teens to baby boomers by creating a movement, culture, and lifestyle with their productions and products. GCL pushes the envelope within the arts community online and in person. Through events and outreach, GCL enhances the growth of a truly diverse, vibrant, and artistic culture in SWFL.
Gulf Coast Leisure’s Art and Poetry Networking Event
Thursday, October 18, 2018
8pm – 11pm • General Admission $10
For info, tickets, and artist registration, visit www.gclmovement.com.

Fort Myers, Florida — The law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Attorney Jarred Duke has joined the firm’s Business Litigation Department. Prior to joining the firm, Duke was a litigator for a national law firm.
Duke represents individuals and businesses in complex disputes, such as real estate litigation, construction litigation, breaches of contract, partnership and shareholder disputes, breaches of fiduciary duty, trust and estate litigation, and other business torts. He also has significant experience helping clients comply with Florida’s lien laws and collection actions.
Duke is a Lee County native and graduated from Evangelical Christian School, where he currently serves on its Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Lee County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division, as well as a member of The Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers, Business Law, Entertainment, Arts & Sports, Real Property, Probate & Trust, and Labor and Employment Law sections.
Duke received his undergraduate degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2010 and his law degree from New York University School of Law in 2014. He may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 239-344-1327.
 
Henderson Franklin is the largest, locally-based law firm between Tampa and Miami with over 55 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients to build their homes, businesses, and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Sanibel Island. For more information on Duke or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 19, 2018) — On October 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Edison & Ford Winter Estates will host the annual “Airing of the Quilts” quilt show. Dozens of quilts from the Quilters’ Guild will be on display, suspended from clotheslines between trees and select antique quilts from the 1880s to 1940s will be on display inside the Thomas Edison house, Henry Ford house and the Edison guest house. Quilters’ Guild participants will also have quilts available for sale.
Certified quilt appraiser, Lars Cain, will be on site and conducting appraisals from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. His vast experience includes the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution. He has been sharing his expertise for many years and has spoken to more than 1,500 quilt groups throughout the Midwest, New England area and south to Florida. Since 1977, he has appraised more than 20,000 quilts.
Visitors may bring antique quilts for assessment. Verbal appraisals will be offered for $20 and the fee for a written appraisal is $50 per quilt.
Quilts have a long history with the estates. Henry Ford and his wife, Clara, collected quilts and other historical objects that were created and used by people from all across the United States. The quilts were often made from modest scraps of material, demonstrating the resourcefulness of American women.
The quilt show is included with a self-guided or guided tour of the historic home site and botanic gardens. Tickets may be purchased online or at the ticket counter. Admission is free for Edison Ford members.
 
For more information, call 239-334-7419 or visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.