Member News

Fort Myers – Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Attorney Amanda Ross has joined the firm’s Tort & Insurance Litigation Division.
Ross focuses her litigation practice in the areas of automobile and trucking liability, premises liability, construction defect, professional liability, insurance coverage defense, products liability, negligent security and wrongful death. Prior to joining Henderson Franklin, she worked in the Miami area and handled maritime and admiralty defense, as well as vessel and yacht purchase and sale transactions and continues her work in the field of maritime/admiralty defense. During law school, Ross worked with the University of Miami Athletic Department, as well as the Miami Dolphins Legal Department.  She is also fluent in both English and Spanish.
Ross has received much recognition over her legal career, including being named by Florida Trend Legal Elite as a “Best Up and Coming” attorney (2008), by Florida Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” (2011, 2014-2017), and by the South Florida Legal Guide as a “Top Up & Comer” (2014-2017). She is a member of the Stetson University Alumni Board.
Ross received her undergraduate degree from Stetson University (B.A., 1999) and her law degree from the University of Miami Law School (J.D., cum laude, 2002). She may be reached at 239-344-1249 or by email at [email protected].
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 Ross or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.

Colonial Service Center uses existing infrastructure to reduce costs
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 29, 2018) – Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart just found a new way to save money and make life easier for people at the same time. The Colonial Service Center has opened in the AAA Auto Club South office at 2516 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers, giving the citizens of Lee County another place they can visit to take care of business.
The new center is designed to help shorten wait times at the other six Lee County Tax Collector locations and give nearby residents a more convenient option. It accomplishes that without the major capital expense of a new building.
“The facility already exists. We’re not asking taxpayers to build a new facility,” Hart says. “We’re taking advantage of an existing opportunity to better serve our citizens.”
The new center handles vehicle registration, property tax payments, license plate renewals, parking permits, birth certificates, Class E driver licenses and ID cards, plus vehicle and vessel titles, excluding those issued to dealers. The services are more limited than those found at other Lee County Tax Collector locations, but Hart is confident they’ll make a significant difference for the thousands of people who visit the centers each year.
“No one has time to waste these days,” Hart says. “We understand that. We’re doing everything we can to get you in and get you out, and the Colonial Service Center will make that happen faster for more people.”
The seeds for the center were planted in May 2017, when the tax collector’s office began searching for additional space. The goal all along was to partner with another agency or organization to cut down on costs.
“We went looking for a win-win situation, and that’s exactly what we got,” Hart says.
Visit leetc.com to learn more about Lee County Tax Collector services and online payment options that allow Lee County residents to skip the lines altogether.
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.

March 29, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FL – Florida SouthWestern State College’s Troops and Students Connect (TaSC) student club is hosting a special Memorial Day event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 19 on the Fort Myers campus, Building J-117. It is free and open to the public.
“As military veterans who proudly served this country, and now as FSW students, this event is especially meaningful to us,” said Alyssa Candelmo, president, TaSC. “It’s important for all of us to always remember the sacrifice our armed forces make.”
Speakers include:
Dr. Jeff Allbritten, president, FSW
Mark Lee, Afghanistan veteran
David Sounders, American Military Veterans foundation
Dale Mullin, President (Collier), Wounded Warriors Project
Kim Hayes, Gold Star Moms Charity
Gen Jim Dozier (ret), West Point graduate
In addition to the speakers, groups expected to attend include Korean War Veterans, Rolling Thunder, American Military Veterans Foundation, Gold Star Moms Charity and Wounded Warriors Project.
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 the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Saturday, May 5,  2018

Guardian ad Litem Foundation’s Annual Fundraiser
Viva La Derby | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Colonial Country Club
9181 Independence Way
Fort Myers, FL 33913
Tickets: $100 P/Person
http://www.voicesforkids.org/events/viva-la-derby
239-533-1435
About Guardian ad Litem Foundation  
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, Inc. (GALF) was founded in 1983 as a 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to identify and administer community resources in support of Southwest Florida’s Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program. The GAL program serves the counties of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry. GAL, a state-mandated Program, provides trained, court-certified independent volunteer advocates to represent and promote the best interests (social, health, and educational) of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment and placed under court supervision. The Program works toward a plan to secure a safe permanent home for the children.  
 
 

FORT MYERS, FLA., March 29, 2018 – Five physicians with Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida have been named “Top Doctors” by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. in New York.
Family Medicine physician Charles Curtis, M.D., Pediatrician Georgia Rocha-Rodriguez, M.D., and Obstetrician/Gynecologists Paul Joslyn, M.D., Blaise Kovaz, M.D., and Sarah Krauss, M.D., will be featured in the June issue of Gulfshore Life magazine.  Dr. Curtis, Dr. Joslyn and Dr. Kovaz are repeat winners from 2013 – 2017.  Dr. Krauss and Dr. Rocha-Rodriguez were honored in 2016 and 2017.
Selections are made through a national survey of physicians and hospital administrators conducted by Castle Connolly, an independent research and information company that is the nation’s leading provider of information on top physicians.  After the votes are tallied, Castle Connolly ensures that the physicians meet the company’s criteria, which include board certification, years of experience in their specialties, and a clean disciplinary record.
“Castle Connolly is widely recognized for its extensive research of the medical profession.  This demonstrates to our patients that we have been evaluated and meet their highest standards,” said Dr. Mary Yankaskas,  managing physician of Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida.
The physicians will be honored by Gulfshore Life magazine at an awards banquet.
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida, a physician-owned and operated medical practice, was formed in 1996 by many long practicing local physicians and has grown to become the largest independent multi-specialty primary care practice in Southwest Florida.
Medical specialties include family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics.  PPC’s offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres.

We are happy to announce that on April 7th FRLS will be participating in a fundraiser with the Florida Everblades in Fort Myers!
For every ticket sold we will receive $5.00. We are hopeful that you can join us for this awesome event and pass it along to those that might be interested in coming out to support us for the final game of the season.
Link: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/everblades/EN/link/promotion/home/a306c2eb94ab04c8aea5e498afd007e5dc6a862b
 
 

March 28, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – SWFL students are invited to a movie night on Friday, April 13th! For just $5, see the original classic sci-fi comedy Ghostbusters on the big screen, presented by the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s Junior Board of Directors. Donate a non-perishable food item to get a discount on ticket price! The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
 
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center established a Junior Board to provide young adults with an opportunity to gain experience serving on a non-profit board. Each year, the Junior Board is given a budget and tasked with presenting events to the community. The Junior Board meets regularly, plans events, and makes an action plan to put on the event. This extracurricular initiative serves multiple purposes: it allows Junior Board members to fulfill volunteer hours required for scholarships; it helps gain experiences related to learn teamwork, planning, and implementing projects developed; and it gives them experience serving on a managerial board.
 
As part of this year’s events, the Junior Board presents Ghostbusters on April 13th. The entry fee is just $5, and attendees can get a $1 discount on the ticket price if they bring a non-perishable food item to the event. Non-perishable food items will be donated to the Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers. Movie goers can also purchase concessions, like pizza, popcorn, soda, and candy. Seating and floor space for lounging will be available in additional to theater-style seating. Bring pillows if choosing to sit on the floor. Adults over 18 must be accompanied by a school-aged child to attend. All proceeds benefit the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s Junior Board.
 
The Junior Board presents Movie Night: Ghostbusters
Friday, April 13, 2018
7pm: Movie | 6pm: Doors
Tickets: $5 ($1 off with non-perishable food donation)
Visit www.sbdac.com or call 239 333 1933 for tickets and info.
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 28, 2018) – The Fort Myers Miracle will be offering spectacular fireworks shows after a dozen home games this season, bringing the popular family-friendly attraction back by popular demand.
Fireworks will dazzle Miracle fans after 10 Friday night games at Hammond Stadium in addition to Opening Night on Thursday, April 5 and Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4.
“There is no better way to start your weekend than a Friday night at the ballpark capped by fireworks,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Miracle. “It’s one of our more popular promotions for fans, and thanks to our generous corporate sponsors, we’re able to continue lighting up the sky for 12 nights this season.”
All games featuring postgame fireworks shows begin at 7 p.m. Fireworks dates for the 2018 season include:

• Thursday, April 5
• Friday, April 6
• Friday, April 13
• Friday, April 27
• Friday, May 4
• Friday, May 18
• Friday, June 8
• Friday, June 29
• Wednesday, July 4
• Friday, July 20
• Friday, August 3
• Friday, August 17

 
Pyrotechnic displays will be coordinated by Zambelli Fireworks, a Pennsylvania-based company that produces more than 1,600 shows annually at municipal celebrations, corporate functions and sporting events.
Miracle single-game tickets cost an additional $1 on fireworks nights, and $2 more on Independence Day.
The Fort Myers Miracle, the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, begin the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. The 140-game regular season schedule runs through Sunday, Sept. 2.
For additional information, please call the Fort Myers Miracle at 239-768-4210 or visit MiracleBaseball.com.
About the Miracle
The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). Opening Night at Hammond Stadium is Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.
 

Guests to network, tour the facility, hear more about operations and about
the organizations partnership with CROW.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 27, 2018) – Leadership NEXT, a professional organization for advancing business leaders in Southwest Florida, brought to you by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, will host its next program on April 10^th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Specialized Veterinary Services (SVS) at 9500 Marketplace Road in Fort Myers. This program comes at a perfect time as National Pet Day is the very next day!
The program will offer guests the opportunity to network and tour the 24-hour, state of the art emergency hospital specializing in individual care for pets. Services include advanced imaging, internal medicine, interventional radiology, neurology, surgery and animal rehabilitation. SVS is also a drop off location for distressed or injured wildlife. CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) evaluates their status and treats them so they can be released to their natural habitat. Guests will also learn more about this partnership and how they are helping wildlife in Southwest Florida through research and conversation medicine.
The April program sponsors are Pool Pros, Inc. and Stevens Construction. Leadership NEXT is free to attend for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $10 for future members. Refreshments will be provided. All guests are encouraged to register in advance at www.fortmyers.org.
Leadership NEXT is a premier networking group for advancing professionals in Southwest Florida. More than 50 guests representing a variety of businesses and industries throughout the region regularly attend the monthly programs designed to provide valuable information and foster collaborative working relationships. Programs take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. The location will change every month based on the program topic. Follow Leadership NEXT on Facebook to learn more.
About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. represents over 900 businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Lee County. The Chamber provides opportunities for members to network with other business people, participate in meaningful committee work, become better educated through various Chamber-sponsored programs and communicate one-on-one with community leaders. Ten percent of all membership dues are returned to the community for education-related projects, scholarships, and workshops. To learn more, visit www.fortmyers.org.

The two-day fundraiser began on Sunday evening with a gala for nearly 250 people at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club. Dozens of great auction items raised thousands of dollars that support Barbara’s Friends, the Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Center Fund and The Brain Tumor Navigator Program at the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center. The gala concluded with a poolside concert from the Bryan Brothers Band featuring Counting Crows drummer Jim Bogios.
More than 2000 people filled Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW Monday night to watch some of the world’s top tennis players take to the court for the fundraising exhibition tournament. World No. 14 Sam Querrey took on Mardy Fish in an exciting match won by Fish. Luke and Murphy Jensen entertained the crowd with their on-court antics during their doubles match against Robby Ginepri and Donald Johnson. The exhibition wrapped up with a hard-fought match between the greatest doubles team of all-time, Mike and Bob Bryan, and Sam Querrey and Robby Ginepri, with the Bryans coming out on top.