Member News

SBA South Florida District Office

Business Tax Credits In Your Favor; Don’t Miss Out On Your Tax Refund!

September 30th @ 1pm

In this webinar, hosted by the Small Business Administration, Mr. Garcia will cover tax credits that many small business owners neglect taking advantage of.
Join us, don’t leave CASH on the table!!!
From the work opportunity credit to empowerment zone to alternative fuel and energy efficient credits, there are numerous opportunities to increase your refund.
Don’t miss out on this free webinar!
REGISTER HERE

SBA South Florida District Office
Miami, Tampa, and Ft. Pierce, Florida
305-536-5521
http://www.SBA.gov/SouthFlorida

All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance

This email was sent to info@fortmyers.org by Small Business Administration (SBA) · 409 3rd St, SW · Washington DC 20416 · 1-800-827-5722

The 100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week Spotlights the Importance of Fire Escape Planning

Local SERVPRO disaster remediation specialist offers property owners critical fire survival resources and answers fire damage FAQs

Fort Myers, FL (Grassroots Newswire) September 22, 2022 – During the week of October 9, 2022, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) observes the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week^™, the longest-running public health observance in the United States. The timing of the annual event commemorates the date of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. ¹

In support of this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week² – “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape^™” � fire and water cleanup and restoration specialist John Ferguson of SERVPRO^® of Bonita Springs/Estero, reminds local home and business owners that the single most important thing to do when fire breaks out is to get out of the building. “This is especially true in a home fire,” says Ferguson. “The NFPA warns that today’s homes burn faster than ever, leaving residents two minutes or less to safely escape a home fire after the smoke alarm sounds.”

According to the NFPA, your ability to escape from a fire depends on two things: early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning. Their Fire Prevention Week website (https://www.nfpa.org/fpw) offers information and resources in English and Spanish to help property owners choose and maintain a smoke alarm, plan an escape route, and ensure that every person, including children and the elderly, knows what to do in case of a fire.

If your home is affected by fire, says Ferguson, the next challenge you face is cleanup and restoration. “This is where a disaster remediation specialist like SERVPRO can help,” says Ferguson. “Our website offers answers to FAQs³ that can help you understand what you should do first after a fire, how the fire repair and restoration process works, and more. Even small fires or neighboring fires can cause extensive damage to walls, ceilings and contents in a home, so it’s best to check with a professional to see if remediation is the way to go.”

Additional fire-related frequently asked questions covered include:

1. What items can survive a house fire?
2. Can smoke damage be removed?
3. How much does it cost to fix a fire damaged house?
4. How to clean after fire damage?
5. What should I do with all the water that was used to put out the fire?
6. How to recognize and deal with smoke damage even if your home hasn’t been directly impacted by fire?

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. For more information about SERVPRO, please visit www.servpro.com/. For more information on SERVPRO in the Hackensack area, please contact please contact one of the local business owners below.

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Bonita Springs/Estero, please contact John Ferguson at (239)791-8892 or servpro9126@msn.com. For more information about SERVPRO, please visit www.servpro.com/.

View as a webpage here

SFWMD Readies Water Management System

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is closely monitoring Tropical Depression Nine and is preparing the regional water management system for potential heavy rainfall. The current forecast suggests heavy rains may start over the southern portion of the region on Monday, September 26.
South Florida has an interconnected water management system, and flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the SFWMD, county and city governments, local drainage districts, HOAs, and residents. SFWMD is strongly encouraging all local governments and local drainage operators to proactively monitor the storm and prepare their systems.
Proactive Actions by SFWMD in Preparation of the Storm:
• Managing our canals to pre-storm levels to allow the flood control system to operate at full capacity if needed.
• Monitoring and actively adjusting flood protection gates and pumps in response to the forecast and rainfall.
• Pump station operators throughout South Florida are ready to ensure continued operations throughout the storm.
• If necessary, SFWMD will close navigational locks to ensure the safety of the boating public and prevent damage to the locks.
Read more about what to expect in your neighborhood when it rains and know who to call if you experience flooding from the storm. Type in your address and look up your local drainage operator at SFWMD.gov/FloodControl.
Be sure to follow your County’s Emergency Operations Center for the latest local emergency updates. SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed on any District emergency operations as the storm approaches South Florida.

Get the latest updates from the SFWMD by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.

This email was sent to info@fortmyers.org using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: South Florida Water Management District · 3301 Gun Club Road · West Palm Beach, FL · 33406

SBA South Florida District Office

How to Repay Your EIDL Loan

Overview of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program including:

• Your loan details
• How to make payments
• How to identify your Loan Servicing Center
• Help with planning your payment
• FAQs
• Q&A

October 13th at 11AM
REGISTER HERE

October 27th at 11AM
REGISTER HERE

November 10th at 11AM
REGISTER HERE

SBA South Florida District Office
Miami, Tampa, and Ft. Pierce, Florida
305-536-5521
http://www.SBA.gov/SouthFlorida

All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance

This email was sent to info@fortmyers.org by Small Business Administration (SBA) · 409 3rd St, SW · Washington DC 20416 · 1-800-827-5722

Art Classes for Adults Offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 23, 2022) — Edison and Ford Winter Estates offers many opportunities throughout the year for residents and guests to learn painting techniques, create floral arrangements or other pieces of artwork. Classes are taught by local artists. Registration is required for each at EdisonFord.org and classes can be purchased as gifts.

Silk Scarf Painting with Marie Dyer
October 8, 10 a.m.
November 12, 10 a.m.
December 3, 10 a.m.
January 14, 10 a.m.
February 25, 10 a.m.
March 11, 10 a.m.
Marie Dyer has been teaching at the Estates for many years. Participants will paint a scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork. To ensure adequate supplies, registration is required. All materials are included. Students of all experience levels are welcome. Space is limited. Members $90; non-members $100

Acrylic Landscape Painting with Marie Dyer
October 15, 10 a.m.
December 10, 10 a.m.
February 18, 10 a.m.
Impressionistic local artist, Marie Dyer, will guide participants in this plein air acrylic landscape painting workshop. She will cover the fundamentals of composition and structure, color creating, mood, mixing paints, and assist in developing a pallet that speaks to each guest. This workshop is for artists of all skill levels and students are sure to be inspired by the lush surroundings. All materials are included. Capacity is limited and registration is required. Members $90; non-members $100

Floral Still Life Painting with Marie Dyer
November 5, 10 a.m.
January 21, 10 a.m.
March 18, 10 a.m.
Impressionist painter, Marie Dyer, will explain color mixing, effect design, impressionistic techniques, shading and effective color contrast to create mood. This acrylic on canvas painting workshop is for any experience level. Capacity is limited and registration is required. Members $90; non-members $100

Fall Floral Arranging with Anita Singh
November 13, 10 a.m.
Anita has been creating floral displays for many years. This class offers a unique opportunity for guests to learn floral arranging and they will make an arrangement to take home. All materials are included, as well as printed notes, an apron, and refreshments. Students of all experience levels are welcome. Seating is limited and registration is required. Hosted by Flowers by Anita at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Members $75; non-members $85

Gouache Painting with Renee Lammers
December 11, 10 a.m.
In a small group setting, students will explore the world of colorful Gouache painting. Instructor, Renee Lammers, will explore mixing colors, Gouache painting tricks, and complete a demonstration painting before students create their own painting with her assistance. Lammers has been studying painting for 54 years. She has attended more than 30 workshops from award-winning artists, studied Fine Art at Stetson University in Deland, Florida, and mentored with Stapleton Kearns. No experience is needed. All supplies, including a Gouache set, palette, and brushes, are included. Registration is required and class size is limited to 10 students. Members $70; non-members $85

Palm Weaving with Megan Kissinger
January 15, 12 p.m.
Students will join local artist, Megan Kissinger, to learn how to make woven crafts that they can take home. All materials and tools will be provided, but students may bring their own specially chosen ribbons and scissors. Participants are also encouraged to bring a snack or lunch. Space is limited and registration is required. Members $40; non-members $60

Zen Drawing with Megan Kissinger
January 28, 10 a.m.
Participants will explore meditative drawing with local artist, Megan Kissinger. This class will take place outdoors in the sprawling grounds of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The class will meet at the Visitor Pavilion before departing to paint on the grounds. All materials are included. Registration is required and capacity is limited. No experience is required. Members $40; non-members $60

For additional information or to register for classes, visit EdisonFord.org.

Sept. 23, 2022

Suggested Tweet: Prepare your boat for bad weather with these #boating #safety #hurricane preparedness tips from @MyFWC. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/32e9bb6 #Florida
FWC reminds boaters to prepare vessels in case of severe weather
When a tropical storm or hurricane affects our state, Florida’s boat owners and operators have more to be concerned about than just their homes and families. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has gathered the following informational resources to help boaters prepare for storms and be better able to deal with the aftermath. Visit the BoatUS Hurricane Resource Center and University of Florida websites for additional resources.

Move your vessel if you can and protect it if you can’t.
• If your boat can be trailered, haul it out of the water and move it to a safe location as far from tidal waters as possible.
• If your vessel must stay in a marina berth, double all lines and rig-cross spring lines fore and aft, and attach lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge.
• If your vessel is at anchor, move to the most protected area possible and set out multiple anchors with at least a 10:1 scope, remove canvas coverings if possible and remove or secure any sails.
• If your vessel will remain on a mooring, make sure the mooring is designed to withstand the load that will be placed on it by your vessel. Inspect chains and swivels that connect to the mooring buoy and double up on the mooring pendant.
• Use the Florida Boat Ramp Finder to find a ramp near you.
Cover all lines to prevent chafing.
• Wrap all lines where lines feed through chocks with tape, rags and rubber hoses or leather. Install fenders, fender boards or tires to protect the boat from rubbing against the pier, pilings or other boats.
Charge batteries and make sure they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm.
• Consider adding backup batteries and shut off all other devices that consume electricity.
Do not stay onboard.
• During a hurricane, winds can exceed 100 mph and tornadoes are often associated with these storms. If you’re on board during a bad storm, you are risking your life.
• Learn what Florida law says about mandatory marina evacuations. Chapter 327.59, F.S., Marina Evacuations.
Monitor weather broadcasts frequently and comply with evacuation orders when issued.
• Storm tracking through the National Hurricane Center.
• Follow FloridaDisaster.org.
After the storm, report issues to the FWC.
• Marina eligibility for disaster relief through Small Business Administration loans. SBA Disaster Assistance.
• Reporting missing and/or damaged waterway markers.
• Report storm damaged boats that might be lost or abandoned to your local law enforcement agency (preferred) or the FWC Division of Law Enforcement at 888-404-3922.
For more information visit MyFWC.com/boating and click on the “Hurricane Boating Preparedness Tips” slider.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission · 620 S. Meridian Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 · (850) 488-4676

Fort Myers (Sept. 22, 2022) – Storm Smart, the recognized leader in hurricane protection, wants to make sure Southwest Florida residents have everything they need during the remainder of the storm season by providing parts needed to help secure screens and shutters.

Storm Smart has hurricane shutter and screen parts available at its supply store, including the following:

Wingnuts with Washer and Drill Bit Power Wingnut Driver (for Panels)
• Used on a stud mounted panel (panel extrudes from Home)
Sidewalk Bolts (for Panels)
• Used to directly mount to a wall with a pre-existing anchor in the concrete Track Bolts & Wingnuts (for Panels)
• Designed to slide into a track for hurricane panels. This is for a direct mount with stud sticking out of the wall
Track Bolts & Wingnuts (for Panels)
• Designed to slide into a track for hurricane panels. This is for a direct mount with stud sticking out of the wall
Boat Hole Plug ~5/8” – Live Well Plug (for Slide Screens)
• Secures Slide Screens from sliding out of the track
10’ Handle W/Bell Coupling (for Roll Downs)
• Used for Manual or Electric override for Rolldown Screens (fabric and aluminum)
The parts are available at the Storm Smart facility at 11040 Plantation Road in Fort Myers. The store’s hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The store can also be reach by calling 239-938-1000 ext. 2001.

The supply store is Storm Smart’s way of making sure residents are not short on all the necessary equipment needed for the best possible protection in case of severe weather.

“We continue to help protect our communities with our high-quality shutters and screens, and the supplies are another way we stay dedicated to making sure Southwest Florida residents are as safe as they possibly can be,” said Scot Burris, CEO of Storm Smart.

About Storm Smart
Storm Smart’s innovative and industry-leading solutions have led to the company becoming one of the largest manufacturer and installer of code-approved hurricane protection products in Florida, with over 90,000 customers in Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico since opening its doors in Fort Myers in 1996. The company has a long list of accomplishments, including being named 2021 Manufacturer of the Year by Lee County Economic Development, Horizon Council and the Horizon Foundation. Storm Smart is headquartered in Fort Myers and has three manufacturing facilities in Lee County. The company has three showrooms in Florida, located at 2351 Crystal Drive, Ste 101 in Fort Myers, in Naples at 2400 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Unit 102, in West Palm Beach at 4047 Okeechobee Blvd, Ste 106 and will be adding a new showroom in North Port Fall 2022. For more information, visit https://stormsmart.com.

Blockchain at FGCU

Greetings!

FGCU’s Innovative Education & Partnerships office teamed up with IBM Skills Academy to bring skills-oriented training to our students and communities focused on various technology backgrounds resulting in digital badges that showcase skills/competencies learned through the academy.

Blockchain

Re-imagine fundamental business processes and invent new styles of secure digital interactions that will change the way the world works. This explores the topics, technology and skills required to gain practice in the successful implementation of blockchain solutions. Participants who successfully complete this training will acquire the skills and understanding of Blockchain, be proficient in technical topics and design thinking, and has the ability to design/develop a Blockchain solution prototype applicable to real-world scenarios.

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION:
Dates: Oct 15 – Dec 15, 2022 | Times: Asynchronous Online | Fee: $590 *Fees waived for Lee County residents with a valid government ID, please submit an application below.
Learn More & Register

Learn More About IBM Skills Academy…

Financial Assistance Available

We are happy to announce that the Lee County Economic Development Office is funding select Micro-credentials/Digital Badges for residents of Lee County. Apply Today!
Lee County Residents

IBM Skills Academy brings high-demand competencies to the world by covering the latest technologies and industry practices making sure they are in-tune with today’s market!
Find Out More

Innovative Education
& Partnerships
Address:
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Modular 2
Fort Myers, FL 33965
Phone: 239-745-4700
Get In Touch

Florida Gulf Coast University Innovative Education and Partnerships | 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Modular 2, Fort Myers, FL 33965

Sent by continuinged@fgcu.edu

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTS AUGUST TRAFFIC

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2022) – During August, 620,532 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a decrease of 4 percent compared to August 2021; however, it was still the second-best August in the 39-year history of the airport. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 11 percent compared to last year.

The traffic leader in August was Delta with 162,532 total passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (115,590), American (105,547), JetBlue (72,551) and United (68,624).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 5,143 aircraft operations, a decrease of 23 percent compared to August 2021. Page Field (FMY) saw 16,125 operations, an 82 percent increase compared to August 2021, which made it the best single month at FMY in nearly 40 years.

Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 10.3 million passengers in 2021 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 flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

SVN COMMERCIAL PARTNERS COMPLETES $14.2 MILLION

SALE OF MIAMI PROPERTY

Miami (Sept. 22, 2022) – Capitalizing on Florida’s business friendly climate, SVN Commercial Partners recently completed the sale of a prime property in the highly sought after, up-and-coming Edgewater area of Miami. The transaction was brokered by SVN Commercial Partners advisors Ashley Bloom, Ruben Ruban and Adam Klein.

The $14.3 million all cash deal for .55 acres joins a growing list of high-profile transactions for SVN Commercial Partners in the South Florida area and builds on the growing trend of developers attracted to Florida from states like California, New York and Illinois.

The deal also showcases the multiple office collaborative effort by the team, a hallmark of the SVN process, to finalize this complex deal. SVN Commercial Partners was the only broker in the transaction. Located at 1600 NE 2nd Avenue in the Edgewater neighborhood of Miami, the transaction follows a pattern of high-profile redevelopment projects in this popular area close to the Adrienne Arsht Centerfor the Performing Arts of Miami.

“Our ability to collaborate with experts from multiple SVN markets enabled us to put together such a complex transaction in the downtown Miami area and shows the talent and conviction of our mission-driven team,” said Ruben Ruban, Senior Advisor of SVN Commercial Partners.

SVN Commercial Partners opened its Miami office in February of this year to continue providing existing investor and developer clients with commercial real estate opportunities in the Miami-Dade market. “This sale continues the goal of SVN Commercial Partners to expand our brand presence throughout South Florida as well as the Southwest coast of Florida with our three locations from Sarasota to Naples,” said Ashley Barrett Bloom, Managing Director and SVN National Land & Development Product Council Chairman.

For media interviews, contact SVN Commercial Partners Managing Director Rick Miller at 305-965-8000.

About SVN Commercial Partners

SVN Commercial Partners, with offices in Miami, Boca Raton, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota, is a full service commercial real estate firm built on experience, expertise and persistence. SVN Commercial Partners is a tightly integrated group of 40 talented professionals with access to industry-leading market research and market intelligence data analysis capabilities.  The company’s culture is based on a client centric philosophy that attains the highest value for their commercial investment properties. To learn more about SVN Commercial partners, go to svncp.com.