Member News

CONRIC pr + marketing adds Gwen Hannas
as Marketing Account Manager

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 22, 2022) – As CONRIC pr + marketing continues to expand its clientele across the US, it continues to grow its team of marketing professionals. CONRIC is proud to introduce the newest addition to its team, Marketing Account Manager Gwen Hannas. In her new role, Hannas will work closely with clients as an extension of their team to provide account and project management services, as well as strategic content creation for print and digital platforms such as social media and newsletters.

“Gwen is a strong and passionate writer with excellent strategic planning and marketing accountant management skills,” says CONRIC pr + marketing’s president and Chief Marketing Officer Connie Ramos-Williams. “Her skills and experience, coupled with her positive attitude make Gwen a perfect fit for her new role at CONRIC.”

As a motivated career-minded young professional, Hannas is excited to be joining the CONRIC team. With experience in company growth and expansion, account management, marketing, media relations, communication, and more, Hannas is eager to work alongside the CONRIC team to exceed client expectations.

“CONRIC is a driven company with a steadfast goal to please clients by delivering consistent results that exceed expectations. Each employee is dedicated to their work and very passionate about this company. I am proud to join an innovative team that constantly pushes themselves to exceed clients’ goals and provide exceptional attention to every account,” Hannas said.

Hannas grew up on the Connecticut shoreline and obtained a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in both Creative Writing and Education from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. She worked in Media in New York City before moving to Sarasota, Florida where she has worked as a Marketing Coordinator for the past three years. Hannas continues to further her professional growth by rigorously attaining marketing certifications.

See the successful campaigns CONRIC creates every day for businesses and community organizations at conricpr.com. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 239-690-9840.

CONRIC pr + marketing
CONRIC pr + marketing is a leading national creative digital marketing, branding, public relations, advertising, and web development agency headquartered in Southwest Florida. Connie Ramos-Williams launched the award-winning, full-service agency in 2007. The firm serves a diverse portfolio of clients in 35 states across the country in industry sectors including financial, legal, education, medical, government, non-profit, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, real estate, association, and salon and spa. Over the years, CONRIC was named Gulfshore Business magazine’s Best Advertising Agency and Best Public Relations firms in the region and a finalist for the Uncommon Friends Business Ethics Award. The agency has earned multiple Image Awards from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and Golden Image Awards from its statewide chapter, Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association, national Addy Awards from the American Advertising Federation, an international MUSE Award for creative design, and an Industry Appreciation Award for business diversity. CONRIC pr + marketing has offices located at 5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd., Suite 307 in Fort Myers and 1415 Panther Lane in Naples. For more information, call 239-690-9840 or visit conricpr.com.

Upcoming Webinars & Workshops

Start Your Business: Test the Viability – March 22 6pm

Think you have a great business idea, but don’t know how to start? In this FREE webinar we will help you understand what is involved to start a business and your personal stage of readiness. We will not only discuss the basics behind starting a business, but also give you the tools you need to decide whether or not you have a viable business. Topics covered are: -Myths and realities of Entrepreneurship. -Do you have what it takes to start and run a small business? – Assess your skills & Experience. -What is the difference between a Strategic Plan and a Business Plan? – And why do you need them. -Is Your Business Idea Viable? -Hands on exercise to help you test the viability of your Business Start-up. This workshop is guaranteed to be the first, solid step towards achieving the success you desire.
https://score.tfaforms.net/17?EventID=a105a000005qkDC

Plan Your Website for Online Success – March 22 6pm

You know you need a website for your business. But, how do you set it up for online success? First, you need to have a solid plan in place. Fortunately, this webinar will help with exactly that! After this webinar you’ll have a better understanding of: Your website’s audience Feature and functionality needs Content planning How to choose the right platform Best practices for online success After this webinar, you’ll have a comprehensive plan in place for your business’s website. Attendees may also request the free workbook upon completion of the webinar.
Plan Your Website for Online Success | SCORE

The Lean Way to Getting Everyone on the Same Page – March 23 6pm

Learn how to develop standard work in a way that clearly communicates the “current best way” of doing things as you partner with employees to devise even better ways. These techniques are part of a Lean management system for running a small or midsize business, a system which was inspired by the innovative management ideas and practices pioneered by Toyota. Understand that unstable processes often result in unexpected problems. Recognize the value of standard work as a way of stabilizing processes, training employees, and supporting collaboration. Learn how to break down processes into steps which define standard work and which identify the factors that make the work easier, safer, and more productive. Organize stand-up meetings to reinforce the current standard work and to explore ways of improving on the standard.
The Lean Way to Getting Everyone on the Same Page | SCORE

Federal Government Contracting 101 – March 24 10am

Ready…set…sell to the federal government! This workshop provides information on registering with the federal government, how to locate federal opportunities, who to market to within the federal government, and so much more!
Registration (gotowebinar.com)

Starting Your Business – March 24 10am

You’ve got the idea. Now you need to know how to get on your way. From how to determine feasibility and legal structures, to the types of licenses you’ll need, this class covers all the essentials that help you get started.
Register (eshcfl.org)

SPANISH WEBINAR: Como Obtener y operar una Franquicia – March 24 6pm

¿Inicias un negocio? ¿Es adecuada la franquicia para usted? ¡CONOZCA LOS DETALLES! · Realidad y Mitos sobre las Franquicias · Tendencias en las franquicias de hoy · Cómo funciona el modelo de negocio de franquicias · Cómo encontrar, investigar y seleccionar la franquicia adecuada · Costos y Financiamiento de Franquicias · Reglamento de Franquicias · Lo que se necesita para convertirse en un propietario de franquicia exitoso.
https://score.tfaforms.net/17?EventID=a105a000005qkDM

Como mejorar la imagen visual de su negocio – March 26 9:30am

Este taller se encarga de crear contenidos visuales claros y atractivos para su uso en redes sociales. Se hará uso de principios básicos de diseño y de aplicativos gratuitos en la web. Emprendedores con presupuestos limitados y sin experiencia en diseño podrán aprender a presentar sus productos y servicios de forma apropiada. Contenidos: Principios básicos de diseño. Conceptos y aplicaciones con color. Creación de diseños basados en marcas/logos para redes sociales.
Como mejorar la imagen visual de su negocio | SCORE

Credit Reporting for Small Business – March 28 6pm

Building credit for your business is an important aspect of managing the financial health of your enterprise. This workshop will help you better understand the ins and outs of how both personal and business credit reports works and the impacts it can have on your business. You’ll also learn important strategies for managing credit and avoiding associated risks. Explain the concept of credit reporting and the impact of credit reports on the operation or growth of a small business. Identify the credit reports and other reporting systems commonly used to assess the risk of extending credit to a small business. Explain how these credit reports work. Identify the benefits a small business derives from a positive record of managing its debts and obligations.
Credit Reporting For Small Business | SCORE

Women, Minority & Veteran Certification – March 29 10am

It’s no myth…women, minority and veteran certification could present opportunities for your business. But there is a process to becoming certified. In this class, you will learn how to complete the State of Florida certification application and discover how you can use it to seek business with the private sector and government.
Registration (gotowebinar.com)

Sell Online with Google’s E-Commerce Tools – March 29 1pmTop of Form

Learn about some of the best (and free!) ways to sell your products on Google, even if you don’t have an e-commerce website. In this presentation, you’ll get an overview of how to promote your products on Google for free.
We’ll cover:
– How to showcase your products on your Business Profile on Google Search and Maps.
– An introduction to the Google Merchant Center. That helps you showcase your products on Google for free.
– How to create a “product feed” so you can showcase a number of products on Google as well as e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
Sell Online with Google’s E-Commerce Tools Tickets, Tue, Mar 29, 2022 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

Quickbooks Desktop for Small Business – March 29 6pm

Keep track of what is going on…this is not just an accounting tool, it can help you run your business All you need to know about managing customers, selling goods & services, recording expenses, and creating reports. This workshop gives you an overview of QuickBooks to avoid common mistakes and potentially wasted effort and time. If you already have QuickBooks, learn the basics: invoice customers, track receivables and receive payments, enter and pay vendor bills, receive and monitor inventory, reconcile accounts, and prepare financial statements.
Quickbooks Desktop for Small Business | SCORE

HR Series – Getting Things Done in The Gig Economy- March 30 12pm

Today’s entrepreneurs have immediate access to unlimited skills and some of the best minds on the planet – yet most make little use of this. Contracted work sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com allow you to outsource parts of your projects for less, while popular information-sharing crowdsourcing sites like Quora allow access to professionals in many fields, from Law to Technology, often at no cost. This facilitates entrepreneurs to bootstrap their businesses and turn dreams into reality.
HR Series – Part 5 of 5 – Getting Things Done in The Gig Economy | SCORE

Virtual Networking – Celebrating Women’s History Month – March 30 1pm

Enjoy this wonderful opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs and celebrate women’s history month in the virtual networking event by the Tampa Bay WBC. Zoom break-out rooms are a great way to easily connect with other business owners. In this special event, you’ll have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and share information about women that have been an influence and inspiration in your career.
Virtual Networking – Celebrating Women’s History Month Tickets, Wed, Mar 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

4th Annual Women’s Empowerment Summit – March 31 9:30am

Broward College’s Office of Supplier Relations & Diversity, Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council and Jackson Health System are co-hosting this year’s Women’s Empowerment Summit. This year’s theme “Strength of the Woman Behind the Mask” will reveal the hidden strengths of successful women. Learn about effective strategies vital to building prosperous businesses and careers.
Broward College – 4th Annual Women’s Empowerment Summit 2022 Tickets, Thu, Mar 31, 2022 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite

How To Increase Sales During A Pandemic – March 31 6pm

Learn how to get existing customers to buy. Replace customers that disappeared. Start up a pipeline of prospects.
Learn about:
• The B2B Process Sale.
• How to approach business prospects and develop trust.
• How a pipeline supports consistent new accounts.
• Growing your business by tapping your market’s potential.
• Why you must “Ask for the order”
How To Increase Sales During A Pandemic | SCORE

Serie en Español—Parte 2 de 3 Dibuje Su Lienzo Unico…. ¿Cómo Crear Un Modelo Integral Exitoso Para Su Negocio? – April 14 12pm
A muchos nuevos empresarios se les dificulta el comunicar claramente la oportunidad de mercado que los motiva, el perfil del cliente idóneo, la diferenciación de sus productos, sus modelos operativos y la formula integral para ser rentables. El poder comunicar todo esto no requiere un documento complejo. En este webinar discutiremos el Lienzo del Modelo de Negocios, una herramienta integral y útil que incorpora en una página los componentes esenciales para agudizar el enfoque, dirección, y prioridades de su nueva empresa.
Take a SCORE Workshop | SCORE

Serie en Español—Parte 3 de 3 ¿Cómo Desarrollar y Maximizar el Valor de Su Plan de Negocios? – May 12 12pm
Toda barca que emprende viaje requiere una brújula. Un plan de negocios es una herramienta básica para declarar y comunicar la dirección, metas y prioridades de acción para su negocio–y a su vez crear una perspectiva documentada para evaluar el desempeño, viabilidad financiera y atractivo de su empresa para prestadores y/o inversionistas. En este webinar, discutiremos los elementos críticos de un plan de plan de negocios efectivo y cómo desarrollar y maximizar su valor contínuo en el transcurso de su empresa.
Take a SCORE Workshop | SCORE

SBA South Florida District
51 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 201
Miami, Florida
Phone: 305-536-5521

https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/fl/miami

Pianist Brian Lin Performs with the
Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra

April 2

Music and Arts Community Center

The Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra welcomes Piano Virtuoso Brian Lin.

Brian Lin has taken the international piano scene by storm, enjoying a career that has taken him to performances across the United States, China, Canada, Korea, France, Australia, and Russia.

Renowned pianist Matti Raekallio hails Lin as “a tremendous virtuoso with an appealing richness of musical imagination and a performer’s courage that
immediately captures the listener.”

The program includes:

MOZART Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466

TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17 (“Little Russian”)

Other Upcoming Performances

March 25 & 26

Barbara B Mann Performing
Arts Hall at FSW

Cabaret is a powerful musical set in 1931 Berlin in the shadow of the Nazi rise to power. Focusing on the hedonistic nightlife at the sexy, seedy Kit Kat Klub, Cabaret revolves around American writer Cliff Bradshaw’s relationship with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. The club’s master of ceremonies delivers ribald songs that explore the dark, intoxicating, and turbulent life of Berlin’s citizens and expatriates under an emerging Third Reich.

April 24

Barbara B Mann Performing
Arts Hall at FSW

Richard Rodgers was one of the most significant American composers of the 20th century, having composed 43 Broadway musicals and being credited with over 900 songs. This program is a tribute to to his greatest works from Oklahoma, Sound of Music, Carousel, King and I & many more musical theater favorites.

The Gulf Coast Symphony will be joined with Broadway singers Ben Davis, Christiane Noll & Hugh Panaro

Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTS FEBRUARY TRAFFIC

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 24, 2022) – During February, 1,149,618 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was an increase of 58 percent compared to February 2021. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 55 percent compared to last year.

The traffic leader in February was Delta with 210,182 total passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (198,162), United (159,276), American (141,073) and Spirit (132,475).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 10,032 aircraft operations, an increase of 27 percent compared to February 2021. Page Field saw 13,194 operations, a 23 percent increase compared to February 2021.

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.

On April 9, 2022, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Cape Coral Police Department, LaMotta’s Cape Coral, the Oasis Charter Schools, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, 101.9 FM Gator Country, BOB FM, Mix 104.7 FM will be on hand at the LaMotta’s parking lot located at 303 NE 3 Avenue (corner of Pine Island Road).

Come out for great pizza…incredible music…arts & crafts…adoptable pets…pet photo booth…bounce house…vendor tables…and much more family fun!
In lieu of admission, we ask guests to bring shelter supplies…towels (cloth and paper), blankets, washcloths, disinfectant, disinfectant wipes, trash bags (13 gallon and 55 gallon), mops, buckets, squeegees, bleach, sponges, scrub pads, laundry detergent, Dawn dishwashing liquid, dog and cat toys (especially toys for “heavy chewers”), harnesses, potty pads, dog and cat food (unopened, please), puppy/kitten replacement milk, cat litter, litter boxes, leashes, pet-grooming supplies, large Nylabones, Kong toys, Isopropyl alcohol, Hydrogen peroxide, garden hoses and spray nozzles, baby bottles with 0-3 month nipples, pet crates (any size), stainless steel food and water bowls, nylon brooms, cat scratch pads, cat towers, latex and non-latex gloves, home-improvement store gift cards, distilled water and hand sanitizer.

HELP US MEET OUR GOAL AS WE ATTEMPT TO FILL A CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT BOAT WITH THESE SUPPLIES!
ALL FUNDS RAISED AT THIS EVENT WILL BENEFIT THE CAPE CORAL ANIMAL SHELTER!

March 24, 2022

FWC begins habitat enhancement project on Lake Jackson
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is conducting a large-scale habitat restoration project on Lake Jackson within Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Osceola County.

Throughout the fall of 2021 and winter of 2022, lake water levels have naturally receded to much lower than average. This lower water level has allowed the dense aquatic vegetation and the underlying muck layer to dry out, making it easier to remove using heavy equipment. Once removed, the muck and vegetation will be transported to in-lake disposal islands and designated upland disposal sites.

These management activities will enhance fish and wildlife habitat that has degraded in recent years due to stabilized water levels. When lakes do not maintain naturally fluctuating water levels, the buildup of nuisance aquatic vegetation and organic sediments (muck) on the lake bottom occurs over time. This buildup of muck can degrade water quality and negatively affect natural habitat.

The FWC last conducted a drawdown and habitat enhancement project on Lake Jackson in the mid-1990s.

Habitat enhancement efforts, including management of invasive plants in open water and replanting scraped sites with native bulrush, are scheduled to be completed by June 1, 2022. Later this summer, the lake will begin to refill naturally, dependent on rainfall. The FWC will continue habitat enhancement activities to maintain these areas in the future.

The Lake Jackson boat ramp will be accessible for boats (launching) during this project. Please be aware that exposed lake bottom is a designated construction site, so ATVs and other vehicles are not permitted within the work areas (on the lake bottom) during this project (March – May 2022).

For updates on this project, including effects on public access or for general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, plant control operation schedules and annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lake.

For questions about this project, contact FWC biologists Adriene Landrum or Tim Coughlin at 407-846-5269.

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

“Refreshing and heartening” – LA Times · “A fresh and funny voice” – Vogue

The Cake continues in the theatre now through April 1! There are no clear answers to life’s toughest questions, and this play invites audiences to join on a journey of curiosity and humanity and is packed with a lot of laughs, too!

The Cake a comedy by Bekah Brunstetter and directed by Stephanie Davis

Performances Now – April 1 • All is going well for Della. Her North Carolina bakery is legendary and she’s just been cast on her favorite television baking competition. But then, her late-best-friend’s daughter comes home from New York City to ask her to make a cake for her upcoming wedding. When Della learns that Jen’s about to marry a woman, she is forced to re-examine her deeply held beliefs as questions of morals, judgment and family swirl around them all. This emotional and deliciously funny play was created by Bekah Brunstetter, writer and producer of NBC’s “This is Us.”

This production is sponsored by Janet and Bruce Bunch.

Naples Big Band

Saturday, April 2 • Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and coolers and park yourself on our festival grounds for this Big Band concert! Enjoy a beautiful evening with your friends as you tap your toes to some fabulous music. Tickets are $10 per person for non-members. Tickets for members are free, but an RSVP is required. If you are an Alliance for the Arts member, click here to reserve your tickets.

Storytelling: Stories of April Fools and Tall Tales

Saturday, April 16 • What’s a tall tale? Come and find out the truth. Our tellers get up on stage and tell stories as tall as the sky and as wide as the ocean. That’s a pretty big story! Storytellers of the Round Table and The Elephant Showcase Storytellers bring you stories in the oral tradition. Captivating, spellbinding, and entertaining and featuring featuring Dr. Joel Ying, Mary Lou Williams, Lisa Leonhardt and Pamela Minton.

Bob Ross Classic: “Rolling Hills” – Painting Workshop (Ages 13+)

Saturday, April 2 • Join Mathew Halstead, CRI of Lazy Painter Brushworks, for a classic Bob Ross painting workshop with friends at the Alliance. Find freedom on a canvas as Mathew leads you from start to finish though creating the painting, “Rolling Hills.” Students will take home a finished 16×20 painting.

The Art of Matting and Framing for Artists and Photographers (Ages 16+)

Sunday, April 3 • In this hands-on workshop you will learn professional mat cutting skills and techniques using a Logan mat cutter. Instructor/Professional Framer will teach you conservation, preservation, archival mounting and assembly for art and photos.

Collage and Mixed Media (Ages 16+)

Mondays, April 4 – 25• In this four week course, students will be exposed to various mixed media techniques with an emphasis on collage. This will be a fun and experimental class for anyone who wants to try but doesn’t know how to go about it. It will also have relevance for the seasoned artist who wants to try something different.

Zentangle for the Seasons (Ages13+)

Wednesday, April 6-27 • Zentangle is an easy-to-learn method of drawing patterns step by step. It is relaxing, gratifying and a great way to exercise the creative side of your brain! Beginning with the basics in the first class, we’ll then create a variety of Art works throughout the month, based on the season.

Discover your SoulCollage® animal companion

Friday, April 8 • This workshop is one of a series, designed for those who have taken an Introduction to SoulCollage®. This workshop delves into the Companion suit, and includes a guided meditation to help you discover your own animal companions, which are associated with each of the seven main chakras, or energy centers, in the body.

Watercolor Made Easy – Creating Textures (ages 13+)

Saturday, April 9 • This workshop will cover the three methods of watercolor application – washes, glazes, and wet-into-wet techniques. Time will also be spent exploring various techniques to create textural effects that add detail and expression to paintings.

Introduction to Colored Pencils Workshop (Ages 18+)

Saturday, April 9 •This introductory class will teach the beginner how to use colored pencils to create beautiful works of art. The Instructor/Artist will provide all materials for this class, allowing you to try out this versatile medium before investing in your own supplies.

Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org
239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers

Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre

Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation
Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms
Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko

And incredible people like you!

Alliance for the Arts | 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919

FORT MYERS, FL (March 14, 2022) – Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton opens at The Laboratory Theater of Florida on April 15th and plays through May 7th.

Using sex as a weapon, this is a tale of seduction. Set among aristocrats before the French Revolution, the classic drama (adapted from the 18th-century novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos) explores decadent sexuality, morals, and manipulation as the ultimate game played – with tragic results. This play is sensual, with a biting wit and a healthy dose of lust, intrigue, and sexual gamesmanship that will keep you on your toes until the final scene.

Director Paul Graffy says, “What is most interesting to me about Les Liaisons Dangereuses is not what these characters do, but why they do it in the first place, and what the end results are. Madame Rosemonde so prophetically states near the end of Act One, ‘The only thing that might surprise one is how little the world changes.’ That line resonates very deeply with me. Cruelty to others as sport is not unique to this story or historical period. It is as prevalent today as it was dramatized over two centuries ago. Think cyberbullying, anonymous blogging, social media, etc. With the benefit of hindsight, it is easy to see that, as many societies evolve, the polarities between the haves and have-nots widen, and political revolutions arise. How many major revolutions have we witnessed in just the past few years or are happening now? This production presents the artifice that defined late 18th-century France as we strive to expose what lies beneath that artifice. We also look to explore the timelessness of these abhorrent behaviors in an effort to recognize, albeit sadly, ‘How little the world changes.’”

“…Hampton’s play is sensual, oddly naughty and totally, impassively immoral.” – New York Post.

The cast features Sonya McCarter (Merteuil), Steven Coe (Valmont), Chloe Elliot-Chan (Tourvel), Cameron Rogers (Danceny), Daniel Sabiston (Azolon), Adrial McCloud (Cecile), Gerrie Benzing (Volanges), Amanda Collins (Emilie), Tracy Weaver (Rosemonde), Emarie Wakefield Spiller (ladies maid), and Mark King (Major Domo).

Costume design by Ariana Davis.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is sponsored by Ella Nayor and Jeffrey Cull.

Notice: Due to mature themes and nudity, no one under 18 will be admitted.

DATES:
Performance dates are:
Apr. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 8 pm.
Apr. 17, 24 at 2 pm.
May 5, 6, 7, at 8 pm.
May 1 at 2 pm.
Apr. 13, 14 at 8 pm – half-price preview

Tickets are $30 each or $10 for students with valid student IDs. There are two half-priced previews on April 13th and 14th, and there is a Thrifty Thursday special ticket price of $25 each for adults. If socially distant seating is required, please call the box office to arrange it. Masks are required to be worn when inside the theater. For tickets, guests may call the box office at 239.218.0481 or go online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

*********************************************************************
NOTES ON YOUR VISIT:
**** Masks are required on all patrons for their entire stay at the theater ****
There will be no refunds for patrons asked to leave for refusing to honor our mask requirement.
Photography and videography of this production are strictly prohibited.
Thank you for your cooperation and your support of The Laboratory Theater of Florida.
*********************************************************************

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

The Laboratory Theater of Florida

Salaciously seductive – Merteuil (Sonya McCarter) shares a moment with Valmont (Steven Coe)

Les Liaisons Dangereuses opens April 15th at The Laboratory Theater of Florida. (Front) Emilie (Amanda Collins) (Middle L-R) Tourvel (Chloe Elliot-Chan), Valmont (Steven Coe), and Cecile (Adrial McCloud). (Back) Merteuil (Sonya McCarter).

Danceny (Cameron Rogers) and Valmont (Steven Coe) break out the swords for Les Liaisons
Dangereus

A dangerous game of seduction among the aristocrats is underway at The Lab. Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) opens on April 15. (L-R) Tourvel (Chloe Elliot-Chan), Emilie (Amanda Collins), Valmont (Steven Coe), and Cecile (Adrial McCloud).

The Fort Myers CRA
Board of Commissioners will hold their Regular Meeting on

Wednesday, March 23rd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Please contact the CRA Office for assistance if needed.

Phone: (239) 321-7100
Email: [email protected]

We hope to see you there.
Thank you!

More Information

Stay connected and learn more about your CRA!

“Grow Fort Myers” Plant Sale and Workshops at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 16, 2022) — On Saturday, April 9, Edison and Ford Winter Estates is hosting the annual “Grow Fort Myers” plant sale and gardening workshops event. Plants will be available for sale in the Garden Shoppe, as well as from select vendors. The event focuses on teaching residents sustainable gardening practices. In the workshops, participants will learn how to care for orchids and bromeliads, garden with containers, and how to create a habitat for butterflies and birds. Representatives from the Florida Gulf Coast University Food Forest, the Florida Native Plant Society, and the Lee County Master Gardeners will have information tables and will be available to answer questions.

“Conservation and collection of rain water is a key component of sustainable gardening practices,” said Debbie Hughes, Horticulture Director at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. “We’ll have rain barrels available for sale, and Marie Dyer, a local artist will demonstrate how to paint a rain barrel during the event.”

At 9 a.m., before the workshops start, researchers from the University of Florida and the American Orchid Society will present some rare native orchid species to the Estates. These orchids were once growing wild in the area and will be established at the Estates so that visitors and future generations can view and learn about them.

Workshop Schedule (ticket required):
9:30-10:30 a.m. – Orchids 101
10:45-11:45 a.m. – Container Gardening
12:30-1:30 p.m. – Bromeliads 101
1:45-2:45 p.m. – Butterfly Gardening

While a ticket is required for the workshops, there is no charge to visit the Garden Shoppe or plant vendors. The Garden Shoppe is stocked with many plants, including Florida friendly and native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida’s environment. Edibles, such as fruit trees, herbs and vegetables will also be available for sale. For anyone wishing to start a butterfly garden, a large assortment of both host and nectar plants are available. Organic soil amendments, such as worm castings, and a limited number of rain barrels will be available for purchase as well. In addition to the Garden Shoppe, several vendors will be on site with plants for sale. Some of the vendors that will be on site (from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) include Deep South Nurseries, Judy’s Jungle, Osprey Enterprises, and Sunland Orchids.

Tickets to attend all four workshops are $25 for non-members or $20 for Edison Ford members and can be purchased online (does not include admission to the museum, lab or riverside of the property). Food and beverage vendors will have refreshments available for purchase, and there will be live music. Guests are encouraged to bring their own garden cart, as only a limited number will be available. To purchase tickets, visit www.edisonford.org.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the internationally known winter home site of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. More than 220,000 visitors walk through the location each year from all around the globe. The organization has received many awards, including the National Stewardship Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Garden Clubs’ Historic Preservation Award. The property is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures,” a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site. The Edison Botanic Laboratory is a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The site is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and until 9 p.m. during the month of December for Holiday Nights.
We’re located at:
2350 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901