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Florida Nature Trackers: A Day of Discovery at L. Kirk Edwards WEA

A Day of Discovery at L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area By Ben Rangel Do you remember the first time you felt amazed by nature? Maybe it was when you found that hidden creek in the woods behind your grandparents’ backyard. Or the time you watched squirrels as they gathered acorns from the oaks lining your city’s sidewalks. Whatever the cause, we all reached a point in…

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Florida Nature Trackers: A Day of Discovery at L. Kirk Edwards WEA

A Day of Discovery at L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area

By Ben Rangel
Do you remember the first time you felt amazed by nature? Maybe it was when you found that hidden creek in the woods behind your grandparents’ backyard. Or the time you watched squirrels as they gathered acorns from the oaks lining your city’s sidewalks. Whatever the cause, we all reached a point in our lives when we discovered the world outside, when something just around the bend or underneath a rock made us go, “Wow!”
As we get older, this sense of wonder for the natural world tends to fade. Life gets in the way: we concentrate on school, work and daily life. Fortunately, there are places where we can return to that childhood awe of nature. For visitors and residents of Leon County, one such place is L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA), or “L. Kirk” as those of us at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) call it.

On my first visit to L. Kirk, I was amazed that there was conservation land so close to Tallahassee.

Just 15 minutes from downtown, I had only just left the city when I arrived at the WEA’s Capitola Road entrance. As I entered L. Kirk, I was immersed in nostalgia. Having grown up on Texas ranchland, I recognized what lay before me as I headed on to the trail from parking lot: an old pasture like those I wandered in my youth, one that had been cleared many years before.

As I walked further, I could see that something special was happening to this pasture. Around me the soil had been blackened by a controlled burn, and I could see the whimsical pom-poms of young longleaf pines scattered across the field. The FWC has been hard at work here, restoring this pasture into a longleaf pine forest. It is a process that can take some time but becomes more apparent every time I visit L. Kirk and see those little longleaf pines reaching higher into the sky.
There are signs everywhere on the WEA that the FWC’s controlled burning, planting, and careful land management are working. You’ll see large gopher tortoises lumbering along, munching on healthy wiregrass. Looking closely at a sandy path reveals the tracks of bobcats and white-tailed deer. And the area is a birding hotspot, where you can see everything from bobwhite quail to turkeys to ruby-crowned kinglets.

Following the trail markers out of the pasture, I crossed muddy puddles and walked through a hardwood forest until I came upon a sharp turn. Around the bend a large, picturesque sinkhole came into view, where oaks bowed over slowly churning water. Standing at the edge of this sink gave me sense of history. How many people had stood here, and over how many centuries? This is Wood Sink, which collects water from the area and discharges it directly into the aquifer. In the process, the water is filtered naturally, providing a clean water source for the people of Tallahassee and the surrounding area.

 

There is so much to do at L. Kirk. The boundary of the WEA stretches west to Lake Lafayette, where anglers, birders and paddlers can enjoy the Lafayette Passage Paddling Trail. The trail wanders through cypress-lined passages into the more open Pine Z Lake, where anglers will find that the fishing can be very productive and duck hunters can pursue wood ducks, teal and other game birds. I have caught many a bass here! On these lakes you can also find one of the largest wood stork colonies in North Florida, as well as large flocks of many other wading birds. So, don’t forget your binoculars!
Whichever way you choose to enjoy outdoor recreation at wildlife management areas like L. Kirk Edwards, it’s likely you’ll quickly feel a nostalgic awe for nature and the excitement of exploring. Plan your trip today and see what you can discover!

Looking for a great way to get familiar with L. Kirk Edwards WEA?

Join the FWC for a unique scavenger hunt event on our extensive wildlife management area system! From May 1 to May 9, 2021, Florida WildQuest will invite players of all ages to join a scavenger hunt and complete exciting missions while learning about the plants, animals and history of Florida’s wildlife management areas. Several featured wildlife management areas, including L. Kirk Edwards WEA, will have their own specialized scavenger hunts. Visit FWC’s Florida Nature Trackers website for more information and to join in the fun!

Florida Skin Center Conducts Clinical Research Study on Eczema Medication

FORT MYERS, FL. (April 28, 2021) - Florida Skin Center, skin care specialists that provide a full range of medical and cosmetic dermatological care, has partnered with Clinical Study Center for Fort Myers for a clinical research study. Florida Skin Center Founder and Chief Medical Officer Anais Aurora Badia, M.D., D.O., and Shirisha Vallarapu, PA-C,…

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Florida Skin Center Conducts Clinical Research Study on Eczema Medication

FORT MYERS, FL. (April 28, 2021) – Florida Skin Center, skin care specialists that provide a full range of medical and cosmetic dermatological care, has partnered with Clinical Study Center for Fort Myers for a clinical research study.
Florida Skin Center Founder and Chief Medical Officer Anais Aurora Badia, M.D., D.O., and Shirisha
Vallarapu, PA-C, are asking guests to participate in research on investigational medication to treat atopic dermatitis. This is a chronic form of eczema that leads to rash breakouts and often results in itchiness and bleeding. Subjects must be:

  • 18 or older
  • Experiencing moderate to severe eczema that impacts at least 10% of their body surface area
  • Dissatisfied with their current treatment regimen

 
Dr. Badia and Vallarapu will enroll interested and qualified guests. Then, these guests will visit the Clinical Study Center in central Fort Myers (13670 Metropolis Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33912) to be monitored by board-certified investigators — with a combined 50+ years of experience.
To inquire about the eczema studies, visit ClinicalStudyCenter.com or call the Clinical Study Center at 239-936-4421.
“If the investigational medication proves to treat chronic eczema successfully, Florida Skin Center may ultimately incorporate it into its new topical compound and oral dispensary for guests at all four locations,” said Badia.
Florida Skin Center has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and Punta Gorda. All locations offer readily available same-week and early-morning appointments. Ft. Myers and Cape Coral offices open on select Saturdays. Appointment scheduling and text messaging available online at FloridaSkinCenter.com or call (239) 561-3376. Follow Florida Skin Center on Facebook and Instagram.
About Florida Skin Center 
Florida Skin Center opened its doors in 2001. With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and Punta Gorda, the dermatology practice provides comprehensive medical services to diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail disorders. Procedures for aesthetic and cosmetic concerns are also available. Recognized for two consecutive years by the ASDS and Neutrogena® Choose Skin Health program as the Top Screener in the U.S. for free skin checks, Florida Skin Center maintains a focus on medical excellence and guest service.
All locations offer readily available same-week and early-morning appointments. Ft. Myers and Cape Coral offices open on select Saturdays. Appointment scheduling and text messaging available online at FloridaSkinCenter.com or call (239) 561-3376. Follow Florida Skin Center on Facebook and Instagram.
 

Greater amberjack reopens to recreational harvest in Gulf waters May 1-31 

April 23, 2021 Suggested Tweet: Greater amberjack reopens to recreational harvest in #Gulf waters May 1-31. @MyFWC: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/2cfd36c #Florida #fishing  Greater amberjack reopens to recreational harvest in Gulf waters May 1-31  The recreational harvest of greater amberjack will reopen in Gulf state and federal waters May 1-31.  After an annual season spawning closure in June…

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Greater amberjack reopens to recreational harvest in Gulf waters May 1-31 

April 23, 2021
Suggested Tweet: Greater amberjack reopens to recreational harvest in #Gulf waters May 1-31. @MyFWC: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/2cfd36c #Florida #fishing 
Greater amberjack reopens to recreational harvest in Gulf waters May 1-31 
The recreational harvest of greater amberjack will reopen in Gulf state and federal waters May 1-31.  After an annual season spawning closure in June and July, recreational harvest of Gulf greater amberjack is scheduled to reopen again Aug. 1-Oct. 31.
If you plan to fish for greater amberjack or certain other reef fish species in Gulf or Atlantic state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel (includes anglers over 65 years of age), you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler prior to your fishing trip. If you are already a Gulf Reef Fish Angler, your Gulf designation meets the new statewide requirement until it expires. To learn more about the no-cost designation, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS. Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Annual renewal is required.
To learn more about greater amberjack regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations.”

What are you doing this weekend? Live music and streams inside

All performances at the Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra: Mozart, Haydn & Beethoven April 23 | 7:00 PM The Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra performs Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492, Haydn’s Symphony No. 44 in E minor ("Trauersinfonie"), and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2…

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What are you doing this weekend? Live music and streams inside

All performances at the Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers

Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra: Mozart, Haydn & Beethoven
April 23 | 7:00 PM
The Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra performs Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492, Haydn’s Symphony No. 44 in E minor (“Trauersinfonie”), and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36.
Live stream also available →
Jazz at the Center: Tribute to Pat Metheny
April 24 | 7:00 PM
Patrick Bruce Metheny, an American jazz guitarist and composer, is the leader of the Pat Metheny Group and is also involved in duets, solo works, and other side projects. His style incorporates elements of progressive and contemporary jazz, Latin jazz, and jazz fusion.
Performed by the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective.
Live stream also available →
Ian Maksin, Cello
April 25 | 7:00 PM
Named by the press “one of the most versatile and innovative musicians of his generation”, Ian Maksin is quickly gaining international recognition as a cellist, composer and most recently as a film producer. He has performed at concert halls throughout the world as a soloist, chamber musician as well as principal cellist of the New World Symphony under direction of Maestro Michael Tilson Thomas.
Live stream also available →

Grouper, hogfish and blueline tilefish seasons reopen May 1 in Atlantic 

April 23, 2021 Suggested Tweet: Grouper, hogfish, blueline tilefish seasons open May 1 in Atlantic via @MyFWC: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/2cfb5d9 #Florida #Fishing Grouper, hogfish and blueline tilefish seasons reopen May 1 in Atlantic The following species will reopen to recreational harvest May 1 in Florida state and federal waters of the Atlantic: hogfish; blueline tilefish; gag, black,…

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Grouper, hogfish and blueline tilefish seasons reopen May 1 in Atlantic 

April 23, 2021
Suggested Tweet: Grouper, hogfish, blueline tilefish seasons open May 1 in Atlantic via @MyFWC: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/2cfb5d9 #Florida #Fishing

Grouper, hogfish and blueline tilefish seasons reopen May 1 in Atlantic

The following species will reopen to recreational harvest May 1 in Florida state and federal waters of the Atlantic: hogfish; blueline tilefish; gag, black, red, yellowmouth and yellowfin grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby.
Hogfish will remain open through Oct. 31, 2021, on the east coast of Florida as well as south and east of Cape Sable on the Gulf coast. Blueline tilefish will remain open through Aug. 31, 2021 and the other grouper species will remain open through Dec. 31, 2021, on the east coast of Florida and all state waters off Monroe County.
More information about bag and size limits, gear restrictions and fishing seasons for these species is available online at MyFWC.com/Marine; select “Recreational Regulations.”

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview & PPP Forgiveness Webinar (April 26 - 30)

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process. *Eventbrite access is required to register for the events. Tuesday,…

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COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview & PPP Forgiveness Webinar (April 26 - 30)

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.
*Eventbrite access is required to register for the events.
Tuesday, April 27 (en Español)
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, April 27
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Thursday, April 29 (en Español)
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Thursday, April 29
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
PPP Forgiveness Webinar
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, published a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act.
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.
Tuesday, April 27
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register.
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.
 
Date: 04/22/2021; Author Information: Heather Hines, Public Affairs Specialist

Summer Camp Registration is now open for "Failure: A Love Story" at The Laboratory Theater of Florida!

Summer Camp registration is now open for Failure: A Love Story by Philip Dawkins. FORT MYERS, FL (April 18, 2021) – The Laboratory Theater of Florida: Education’s summer camp registration is now open. The camp takes a whole actor approach to the craft and is available for students ages 12-18. Camp runs from July 12th…

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Summer Camp Registration is now open for "Failure: A Love Story" at The Laboratory Theater of Florida!

Summer Camp registration is now open for Failure: A Love Story by Philip Dawkins.
FORT MYERS, FL (April 18, 2021) – The Laboratory Theater of Florida: Education’s summer camp registration is now open. The camp takes a whole actor approach to the craft and is available for students ages 12-18. Camp runs from July 12th – 30th with two weekends of performances of Failure: A Love Story, opening July 29th and running through August 8th.
The Laboratory Theater of Florida takes a “whole actor” approach to acting. In addition to physical theater, stage combat, voice modulation, blocking, stagecraft, and scene study, they also learn the basics of set design, lighting elements, lighting design, costuming, stage makeup, stage management, and theater etiquette and best practices. And, of course, theater games.
The camp culminates in a professional production of Failure: A Love Story, which plays for two weekends.
The theater follows both the CDC guidelines and the School District of Lee County guidelines, stating that campers must be masked indoors. This camp is limited to 15 thespians. This guarantees the maximum amount of one-on-one instruction and allows us to keep the students as safe as possible.
As this is a full production, students will be asked to sign the theater’s Pandemic Protocol.
Failure: A Love Story
by Phillip Dawkins
By the end of 1928, all three Fail sisters will be dead — expiring in reverse order, youngest to oldest, from a blunt object to the head, disappearance, and finally consumption. Tuneful songs and a whimsical chorus follow the story of Nelly, Jenny June, and Gerty as they live out their lives above the family clock repair shop near the Chicago River before their time unexpectedly runs out. A magical, musical fable where, in the end, the power of love is far greater than any individual’s successes or failures.
 
A registration form must be filled out and signed for each camper. If registering multiple students, guardians may choose “First Camper” for the first and “sibling” for the others.
Weekly tuition option on request.
IMPORTANT DETAILS: Hours: 9 am – 3:30 pm, Mon-Fri
Daily Arrival Time: 8:30-9:00 am. • Pick-up: 3:30 – 4:00 pm

  • Light snacks are provided, but campers should bring a packed lunch. • Campers should wear comfortable clothing in which they can easily move and dance. • Closed-toe shoes are required; tennis shoes are recommended • Masks are required to be properly worn during camp hours.

Camp culminates in a two-week professional production on stage at The Laboratory Theater of Florida.
Summer camp is M-F; Dress rehearsals and performances will be held at the Laboratory Theater of Florida.
TUITION

  • Regular registration for the full three weeks (by Wednesday before start): $450 camper 1, $405 per additional sibling for the 3-week camp. If a scholarship is needed, please email [email protected] for details. A weekly tuition option is available upon request.

PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICY Payment required at registration • Two-week cancellation notice required or forfeiture of the deposit will result.

  • Registration deadline is by the Wednesday before the start of camp, payable by credit card or checks made out to The Laboratory Theater of Florida. Parents/guardians should mail registration and payment to The Laboratory Theater of Florida, P.O. Box 334, Fort Myers, FL 33902. Or they may conveniently register and pay online at laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

 
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Performance dates are:  July 29th, 30th, 31st, and August 5th, 6th, and 7th at 8 pm. August 1st and 8th at 2 pm.
July 29, 30, and 31st  at 8 pm.
August 5, 6 and 7th at 8 pm
Aug 1, and 8th at 2 pm.
Tickets are $28 each or $10 for students with valid student IDs.  Seating is limited and sold by section for safety. For tickets, please call the box office at 239.218.0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.
COVID NOTES:
For the protection of our cast, we require that all patrons wear their masks over their noses and mouths during their entire stay at the theater. Our seats are spaced following current CDC regulations and may not be moved or adjusted. All theater surfaces are professionally coated with a specially developed antimicrobial sanitizer, and temperatures will be recorded upon check-in; guests with elevated temperatures will not be admitted. For further information on what the theater is doing to keep its casts, crews, and guests safe, please visit the website and review the pandemic protocol.
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit 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.

REGISTER: Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Grant Program 4/26 & 4/28

Please join the SBA South Florida District Office for a webinar to introduce the Restuarant Revitalization Fund Grant program before it goes live for applications in the near future. The webinar will feature the available information on the RRF grant including eligibility and use of funds. Staff will take questions after the presentation. Monday, April…

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REGISTER: Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Grant Program 4/26 & 4/28

Please join the SBA South Florida District Office for a webinar to introduce the Restuarant Revitalization Fund Grant program before it goes live for applications in the near future.

The webinar will feature the available information on the RRF grant including eligibility and use of funds. Staff will take questions after the presentation.

Monday, April 26
8:30 am – 9:30 am EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.

Wednesday, April 28
10:00 am – 11:00 am EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.

 

NOTE: Each session is limited to 350 attendees.

Once you register, “How to Attend” information will be printed on your virtual ticket and emailed, under the subject “How to Attend,” two hours prior to the event start time. Webinars will be administered via Microsoft Team.

2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest Virtual Auction now open for bids to benefit sight-saving programs for local children

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 21, 2021) – A stay on in a private villa in Bahamas, an unforgettable tour through Sonoma Wine Country with Jean- Charles Boisset, two weeks in an exclusive private home on Mackinac Island… These are just a few of the more than 50 phenomenal offerings that are up for bid now…

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2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest Virtual Auction now open for bids to benefit sight-saving programs for local children

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 21, 2021) – A stay on in a private villa in Bahamas, an unforgettable tour through Sonoma Wine Country with Jean- Charles Boisset, two weeks in an exclusive private home on Mackinac Island… These are just a few of the more than 50 phenomenal offerings that are up for bid now during the 2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest to support sight-saving programs for local children at Golisano Children’s Hospital. An additional five offerings are reserved for the virtual event on Saturday, April 24th beginning at 6:30 p.m. Register at www.Event.Gives/WF .
This year’s reimagined Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place with one combined event of dinners and auction on Saturday, April 24. Chef Vintner Dinners are creatively being hosted in private luxury venues across the region showcasing the talents of local chefs and wines from renowned vintners. Though in separate spaces, everyone will be virtually connected for the traditional live auction.
A complete list of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. auction lot packages for the 2021 signature fundraising event are at www.swflwinefest.org. These unique auction items are made possible through generous donations from friends of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., including trustees, donors and distinguished vintners.
This year, the traditional live auction will go virtual offering opportunities to bid on one-of-a-kind wine, cuisine and travel experiences plus the important virtual paddle raise to help fund a new pediatric eye institute. This new state-of-the-art facility will provide expanded Ophthalmology services to children across the region as part of Golisano Children’s Hospital.
A selection of travel adventures awaits those with wanderlust:

  • Come here fishy fishy! – Guided fly-fishing tour for two in Telluride, Colorado and three-night stay in a two-bedroom residence at the Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge and dinner for two at 221 South Oaks, Telluride. Scenic beauty, character and charm are few of the many reasons to visit Telluride.
  • The ultimate family vacation on this historical landmark – Mackinac Island – A delightful experience awaits you to explore the iconic Mackinac Island on a two-week vacation! Located on the coast of Michigan in the heart of the Great Lakes, Mackinac Island is rated as one of the top 10 vacation destinations in the world year after year. This includes A two-week vacation in a private residence, airfare, dining and activities vouchers.
  • Tropical Paradise Awaits!- Discover the beautiful, unspoiled white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise blue waters of the Bahamas! Item includes an eight-day, seven-night stay in a private four-bedroom, three-bath waterfront luxury villa in Bahamas with private roundtrip air travel for eight people.

Wine enthusiasts can toast to the many wine-filled experiences up for bid:

  • The Ultimate California Wine Country Tour with Jean-Charles Boisset –Six couples will have the wine trip of a lifetime! Date Specific: October 1-4, 2021 Have private VIP everything at three vineyards – Raymond Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery, DeLoach Vineyards and dinner atop Wappo Hill with with Jean-Charles & Gina Gallo-Boisset at their home with sweeping views north to Mt. St. Helena and south to the San Pablo Bay. Includes three nights premium accommodations, ground transportation and airfare vouchers.
  • Bridge to the Stars! – Three-Night stay for 3 couples at private Knights Bridge Residence in Calistoga, California, VIP vineyard tour with proprietor and director of Winemaking, poolside wine tasting of wines from neighboring vineyards and library wine dinner in the Knights Bridge Winery Cellar. Take home 3Ls of signed 2008 Knights Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon. Includes airfare and transportation vouchers.

Multiple once-in-a-lifetime experiences await the music lover:

  • Bars, Ballads and Buffet – Four tickets to the Jimmy Buffet concert in premium seats located near the stage just above the floor in the first row of section 117 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on Dec. 4, 2021 and a two-night stay in two king rooms at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa, Florida for two couples on Dec. 3rd and 4th, 2021   
  • Fall in Love Again with Billy Joel – The highest bidder will be on their way to New York City to see Billy Joel Billy Joel concert in Madison Square Garden in 100 Level seats in New York, New York on February 12th, 2022. This ultimate romantic trip includes a room for two nights at in a king one-bedroom suite at Eventi Hotel in New York City and dinner for two at Keens Steakhouse in Manhattan.

 
Bidders can also purchase 2021 SWFL Wine & Food Fest wines or other wines from around the world and participate from anywhere they can access the internet.  Five live auction items will
To learn more about the 2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, please visit www.swflwinefest.org.
About SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is a local nonprofit organization that is dedicated to saving children’s lives by supporting the region’s growing pediatric health care system. The organization has donated over $24 million over the past 12 years in support of children’s health initiatives across the five regions. The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is the organization’s annual signature fundraiser. Proceeds from the 2021 event will support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital, specifically focusing on the new SWFL Children’s Charities Eye Institute. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.

Catch a Florida Memory in the prime of springtime

April 22, 2021  Springtime means tight lines for many anglers. With winter in the rearview, more and more people are chasing saltwater excursions that involve fishing. From surf fishing to offshore expeditions, there are opportunities for everyone to catch a Florida memory! You don’t even need a boat to access exciting on-the-water adventures. With an…

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Catch a Florida Memory in the prime of springtime

April 22, 2021 
Springtime means tight lines for many anglers. With winter in the rearview, more and more people are chasing saltwater excursions that involve fishing. From surf fishing to offshore expeditions, there are opportunities for everyone to catch a Florida memory! You don’t even need a boat to access exciting on-the-water adventures. With an abundance of options to choose from, we are going to dive into some easy and unique ways that you can make your own Florida memory this year.
Fishing from Shore:
Fishing from shore is the act of fishing from land or mindfully wading into the water to catch fish with a rod and reel. This option is appealing as all Florida residents can get a shoreline license at little to no cost. This licensure allows anglers to fish from land or from structures attached to land, so long as the angler is not trespassing on private property. Learn more at MyFWC.com/License, and discover how and where to fish by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking “Learn to Fish.”
While sandy beaches are most common, anglers may also opt to fish from rock jetties and fishing piers as well. Rock jetties provide structure that many species of fish are attracted to. On the other hand, fishing from piers often allows the angler to access deeper waters and possibly catch a wider range of species. Fish frequently caught from shore include: kingfish (whiting), saltwater catfish, seatrout, Florida pompano, black drum, flounder and redfish. It is important to have the correct rig set up for this type of fishing. A few recommended setups including the bottom-surf rig and fish-finder rig can be found MyFWC.com/FishingLines in the fishing rigs section. When using these rigs, live and frozen baits including shrimp and baitfish are great options.
Use circle hooks when fishing with natural baits to reduce the chance of gut hooking a fish. If a fish is gut hooked and you need to release it, cut the line as close to the hook as possible. Using non-stainless-steel hooks will allow hooks left in the fish to deteriorate faster. Additionally, you should crimp the barb down on your hooks to allow for faster and easier hook removal. For more information on how to crimp the barb of your hook watch this short videofrom YouTube.com/FWCSaltwaterFishing or visit MyFWC.com/FishHandling. If you’re interested in targeting sharks while fishing from shore, be sure that you get your Shore Based Shark Fishing permit before your fishing adventure begins!
Fishing from Paddlecraft:
Interested in an enjoyable alternative to fishing from shore that allows you to access nearshore waters without opting for a motorized vessel? Fishing from paddlecraft, such as a kayak, paddleboard or canoe, may be the solution for you. It is important that you are mindful of and abide by the laws in place for the specific type of vessel that you are using. For a complete list of regulations for each specific vessel type, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click “Boating Regulations.”
Fishing from paddlecraft allows anglers to reach locations that would otherwise be inaccessible from land. In Florida, anglers frequently fish both inshore and offshore in paddlecraft. Novice anglers should stick to paddling inshore and only go offshore once they become more experienced. For their safety, anglers fishing from paddlecraft should always be considerate of all other vessels on the water. Great locations to fish inshore include saltmarsh creeks, mangrove shorelines, seagrass flats, oyster bars, bays and estuaries. Fishing from paddlecraft allows anglers to explore new and exciting locations to target various species of fish while enjoying the peaceful serenity of being on the water.
The float rig and fish finder rig, found at MyFWC.com/FishingLines, are only a couple of the many rigging options paddlecraft anglers can try. Rigs and bait options are largely dependent upon the fishing location and species that you’re targeting. Items recommended when fishing from paddlecraft include an anchor, anchor rope, personal flotation device (for each person), audible signaling device, bailer or bilge pump, drain plug and spare plug (if applicable), fender and fender rope (if applicable), navigation lights and bulbs, spotlight, headlamp or flashlight, pole or paddle, drift anchor, deck lines, towline, GPS, two-way radio, first aid kit, fire extinguisher (if required), flares, cell phone, water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray. Learn more by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating and clicking “Boating Safety.”
What are you waiting for? With a wealth of different ways to fish Florida waters, we encourage you to get on the water and catch a Florida memory today! Are you interested in learning more about saltwater angling in the state of Florida? Check out these valuable resources:
Saltwater Fishing – MyFWC.com/Marine
Catch a Florida Memory – CatchaFloridaMemory.com
Learn to Fish – MyFWC.com/FishingAdventure
Saltwater Fishing Tips – MyFWC.com/fishing/saltwater/outreach/how-to-fish/
Where to Saltwater Fish – MyFWC.com/fishing/saltwater/outreach/wheretofish/
Saltwater Fishing Regulations – MyFWC.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational
Fishing Lines Field Guide – MyFWC.com/FishingLines
Additional questions regarding Catch a Florida Memory or saltwater fishing? Contact [email protected] or 850-487-0554.
For helpful how-to videos and much more, find us on YouTube at FWC Saltwater Fishing. Check out the latest catches and see your achievements highlighted by following the Catch a Florida Memory Facebook page, Facebook.com/CatchaFLMemory, and view angler catches and much more on Instagram by following @MyFWC.
Your purchase of fishing equipment, motorboat fuel and a fishing license supports outreach and education efforts, such as this article. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SFR.