Member News

Dear Small Business Owners,
As many business owners rebound from the effects of the pandemic, it is important that we all take some time to prepare for hurricane season, too.
The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOOA), this year is predicted to be another above-normal season.
As part of “Planning Ahead” for a Disaster, the SBA encourages you to consider taking these simple steps to prepare: Assess your risk; Create a plan, Execute your plan. Statistics show that 25% of small businesses don’t re-open after a disaster. Visit the SBA’s Prepare for Emergencies website to learn more about how to prepare and recover if a disaster strikes.
NOOA officials also encourage consumers to take the following steps:
• Visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov for useful and valuable disaster preparation resources including checklists and templates for your business and your home.
• Download the FEMA app to sign-up for a variety of alerts and to access preparedness information.
• Consider purchasing flood insurance.
Visit the National Hurricane Center’s website at hurricanes.gov throughout the season to stay current on watches and warnings.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected].
-Greg Hall, SBA South Florida District Director (Acting)
A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA’s 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. (NOAA)
Protect Your Small Business This Hurricane Season
By James Rivera, SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance
The 2021 Hurricane season starts on June 1 but it’s never too early to prepare. Damage from a hurricane can be costly for small businesses and can pose hazards for you and your employees. Fortunately, there are ways that you can fortify your business against a hurricane to minimize losses and reduce risks for workers.
Read more here.
________________________________________
The SBA is proud to support the LGBT business community. SBA’s network for LGBTQ+businesses aims to bring focus on economic empowerment in the LGBTQ+business community by providing access to the SBA’s programs and services. #PrideMonth
Stay safe from cybersecurity threats
Cyber attacks are a growing threat for small businesses and the U.S. economy. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, the cost of cybercrimes reached $2.7 billion in 2020 alone. Cyber attacks are a growing concern for small businesses. Learn more here about the threats and how to protect yourself.
South Florida Book Club Meeting
We all know that our mindset is a critical component of success, but do we really understand the power of mindset? Join us as we dive into the research of Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. as she shares how every facet of our lives can be influenced by how we think about our abilities and talents.
July 16, 2021
Noon-1pm
Register here.
10 steps to start your business
Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. Click here to learn more about each step.
South Florida District Office Events
June 10: Como lanzar su Negocio en USA desde America Latina – Nivel Introductorio
June 16: eCommerce with WordPress WooCommerce and Shopify June 2021
June 23: Wednesday Morning Meetings
For a complete list of upcoming workshops, visit the SBA South Florida District website.
As a #VetBiz owner, you may have access to acquire surplus property – like vehicles, office equipment, and tools – that the federal government no longer needs. Visit Vet Surplus to learn more about the Surplus Personal Property for Veteran-Owned Small Business Programs.
________________________________________
SBA South Florida District Office
51 SW 1st Ave., Suite 201
Miami, Florida 33130
Phone: 305.536.5521
Web: South Florida District Office | The U.S. Small Business Administration | SBA.gov
Twitter: SBA South Florida (@SBA_SouthFL) / Twitter
Linkedln: SBA South Florida | LinkedIn
YouTube: SBA South Florida District Office – YouTube

Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency
Dear colleagues and community partners,
We are excited to share this monthly communication dedicated to Arts & Culture activities within our redevelopment areas. The Fort Myers CRA with its numerous community partners have supported arts and cultural developments in the City of Palms since 1984. We invite you to share and participate in these events. Your support is invaluable to our community.
For questions related these activities, or to share a community art or cultural event occurring within our redevelopment areas call (239) 321-7100 or email us at [email protected].
www.cityftmyers.com/cra
Neenie’s House
Neenie’s House is an arts and cultural emporium in the East Palm neighborhood in Fort Myers, FL. This unique venue hosts art openings, music performances, and more. The venue is available for private parties. Visit Neenie’s House Mercado every weekend!
Location: 481 Marsh Avenue
Phone: 239-333-9267
Website: www.NeeniesHouse.com
June 4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., No Cost
Love Your Rebellion’s Zine Library
June 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., No Cost
East Fort Myers Mercado
June 11, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., No Cost
ArtSmack with Dom-O-Nick The Glass Wizard
June 18, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m., $5
Artisan Trash Day
Luminary Hotel & Co.
More than a hotel, Luminary is the hub of excitement and discovery – a focal point where locals and travelers make their unique imprint on the city’s own story. A story begun years ago by a brilliant cast of audacious luminaries. Create your own story by joining in one (or more!) of the many events offered by Luminary and Co.
Location: 2200 Edwards Drive
Phone: 239-314-3800
Website: https://www.luminaryhotel.com/events/
June 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.,
June 6, 13, 20, 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., No Cost
Live Music at Oxbow Bar & Grill
June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., No Cost
Live Music at the Lobby Bar
June 5, 12, 19, 26, 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., No Cost, Dean St. Coffee Roastery
Coffee Roasting Demonstration
June 10, 17, 24, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., No Cost
Live Music at Beacon Social Drinkery (Rooftop Bar)
June 26, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., $59 per Person
Paint, Sip & Snack with Vino’s Picasso
Ollie Mack Gentry Photography
Ollie Mack Gentry Photography Studio & Gallery is a full-service photography studio, offering the highest quality images and service for a variety of different occasions. From individual headshots and family portraits to iconic people, places and things.
Location: 1528 Jackson Street
Phone: 239-440-0061
Website: https://www.olliemackgentryphotography.com/
June 1 – July 1, No Cost (Ongoing Exhibit)
HISTORIC
River District Alliance
The mission of the River District Alliance (RDA) is to promote and enhance the continued development of the historic Fort Myers River District as a hub of economic, social and cultural activity.
As one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, the RDA strives to preserve the essence of downtown while promoting the growth of the business and economic sectors that make the area thrive.
Location: 1401B Lee Street
Website: www.myriverdistrict.com
June 4, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., No Cost
Art Walk
June 19, 7 p.m. – Midnight, No Cost
The Longest Day Event
June 18, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., No Cost
Music Walk
Arts for ACT Gallery
Arts for ACT Gallery is the non-profit art gallery, studio and boutique owned by Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. (ACT), the domestic violence, sexual assault and Human Trafficking Center.
Location: 2265 First Street
Phone: 239-337-5050
Website: http://www.artsforactgallery.com/
June 4-28, No Cost (Opening June 4, 6 p.m.)
Main and White Gallery: Pat Cleveland, Bonnie & Brock Turner
June 9, 16, 23, 30, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., $5 – 15
Make It/Take It Classes
June 11, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Contact for Cost
Make a Memory Box (from a cigar box)
June 17, 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Contact for Cost
Wine Glass Painting
June 19, 26, 1 – 3 p.m., Contact for Cost
Make It/Take It Classes
DAAS Co-Op Gallery at the Butterfly Estates
We are Southwest Florida’s premier Art Gallery, featuring some of the best artists of our area. Our gallery operates in a cooperative system, which means that we all participate, collaborate, coordinate and tend to all business matters. DAAS stands for David Acevedo Art Studio. Acevedo is the founder, curator and director of the venue. DAAS Gallery holds exhibition opening receptions every first Friday of the month, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., in conjunction with Fort Myers Art Walk.
Location: 1815 Fowler Street, Unit 3
Phone: 239-590-8645
Website: https://daascoop.com/
June 4 – 26, No Cost (Opening June 4, 6 p.m.)
The Art of Spencer Elles
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC) was founded in 1997 by Jim Griffith as Florida Arts, Inc. SBDAC hosts concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibits, dance, independent film, cotillion, and arts education. Its mission is to nurture innovation and excellence in the visual and performing arts through these events and community outreach programs.
Location: 2301 First Street
Phone: 239-333-1933
Website: https://www.sbdac.com/
June 4 – 24, $1 (Opening June 4, 6 p.m.)
Grand Atrium: June Juried Group Exhibition: Recaptured
Capital Gallery: Save the Reef Group Exhibition
June 4, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m., $1
Dance on the Rooftop with 105.5 DJ Selecta AJ
June 8, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., No Cost
Mangroves as Poetry
June 11, 7 p.m – MIdnight
Music on the Rooftop at Sidney’s Friday Nights
June 17, 8 p.m., $10
Art & Poetry Networking
June 18, 7:30 p.m., $10 in Advance (Doors open 6:30 p.m.)
Sounds of Summer Music – Dueling Pianos
June 1-30, 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays
(Arrive 15 minutes early to register), $16
Indra Yoga
Snouts & Strokes:
Pet Pub, Portraits & Provisions
Pub for you and your pet. Pet Treats & Pet Accessories. ART Gallery & Pet Portraits. Canvas Printing. Vinyl Decals. Paint Workshops. House Music – DJ Lounge on Thursday & Friday Nights.
Location: 1518 Jackson Street
Phone: 239-628-9593
Website: www.snoutsandstrokes.com
June 4, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m., No Cost
Night Moves
June 18, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m., No Cost
Let’s Go Fridays
June 23, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m., No Cost
Banjotronix
True Tours
True Tours walking history tours are not only fun, the history is documented, fascinating and often surprising. Our tours consistently receive 4.5 Star + reviews for their entertainment and educational value. Private tours are available. All tours (except The Armchair Tour) leave from The Franklin Shops, 2200 First Street.
Location: 2200 First Street
Phone: 239-945-0405
Website: https://truetours.net/
June 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30, 8 p.m., $18,
Reservations Required
Haunted History Tour
June 10, 17, 24, 10:30 a.m., $18,
Reservations Required
River District History Tour
June 1-30, Call for Pricing,
Reserve your own 60-Minute Private Session from Your Home/Venue
Reservations Required
The Armchair Tour
June 1-30, Call for Pricing,
Reserve your own Private Tour
Reservations Required
Private Tour
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the internationally-known winter home site of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Visitors will enjoy touring 20+ acres of historic homes, buildings and gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory and the Edison Ford Museum.
Location: 2350 McGregor Blvd.
Phone: 239-334-7419
Website: https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/
June 8, 10:30 a.m., No Cost (Registration Required)
Digital Discussion: Florida in the Civil War
June 12, 10 a.m., $10 Members, $15 Non-Members
Garden Talk – Pruning Shrubs and Trees
June 19, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., No Cost to Attend,
Does Not Include Estate/Museum Tours
Plant Sale
Laboratory Theater of Florida
The Laboratory Theater of Florida is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation and the development of ensemble work.
Location: 1634 Woodford Avenue
Phone: 239-218-0481
Website: http://www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com/
June 11 – 30, $30, $12 Students, Adult Language & Raunchy Humor: Masks required
Sunset Schmoulevard
Williams Academy Black History Museum
The Williams Academy Black History Museum preserves the history and culture of Black people in Lee County. Housed in the 1942 addition to the original 1913 Williams Academy building, the Williams Academy was one of the area’s first schools built for Black students using government funds. The Lee County Black History Society, Inc. (LCBHS), acquired the building in 1995, moved it to Roberto Clemente Park, and historically restored it, where they educate, preserve, and display the history and culture of black people in Lee County.
Location: 1936 Henderson Avenue
Phone: 239-332-8778
Website: https://www.leecountyblackhistorysociety.org/
June 26, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., No Cost
More Information: Linda Chatter-Walker, [email protected] or 813-562-5877
Negatives 2 Positives
Now Open with Limited Hours!
Call 239-332-8778 for information and schedules
Museum Tours
IMAG History & Science Center
The IMAG History & Science Center is a family-friendly destination offering fun and educational interactive exhibits, aquariums, history displays, and a 3D theater. The mission is to engage guests in the exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and more recently the history of Southwest Florida. This is achieved through hands-on experiences and educational programs that further the understanding of the natural and human-made world, and foster an appreciation for Southwest Florida’s unique environment, natural waterways, and rich history. A visit to the IMAG nurtures intellectual curiosity, discovery, and innovation. Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays Noon – 5 p.m., Closed Mondays
Location: 2000 Cranford Avenue
Phone: 239-243-0043
Website: https://theimag.org/
Registration Open Now, $190/week Family Membership,
$240/ per week Non-Members
Camp IMAG Summer Registration
Florida Repertory Theatre
Florida Rep is committed to providing a first-class regional theatre for Southwest Florida; to creating, nurturing and developing an ensemble of theatre professionals who will develop long term relationships working on a wide variety of plays; to helping improve the quality of life in our community through all the arts; and to making the arts, especially theatre, accessible to all.
Location: 2267 First Street
Phone: 239-332-4488
Website: http://www.FloridaRep.org
Back Onstage in 2021! Subscriptions & Single Tickets Now On Sale
Tickets for Florida Rep’s 2021-2022 Season
The venue below is located near our redevelopment areas
but not within them. We feature them as a partner in the arts to the Fort Myers CRA and other venues within the redevelopment areas.
Alliance for the Arts
The Alliance for the Arts is a vibrant and welcoming nonprofit visual and performing arts center located in the heart of southwest Florida. The Alliance is creative space that spurs and supports self-expression, imagination and equity.
Location: 10091 McGregor Boulevard
Phone: 239-939-2787
Website: https://www.artinlee.org/
June 4 – 26, No Cost ($5 suggested donation)
Voices and Visions – Arts4All Florida Exhibit
Ongoing, Cost Varies
Classes for all Ages and Abilities, Onsite, Online or Outside
Sign Up Now!
Summer Arts Camp Grades 1 – 7 (Sessions June 21 – July 30)
Musical Theatre Intensive Camp at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre for Grades 7 – 12 (Sessions July 5 – 30)
#REDEVELOPMENTWORKS
Stay connected and learn more about your CRA!
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is an agency of the City of Fort Myers. Office hours: M – F 7:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 1400 Jackson Street, Suite 102, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Unsubscribe [email protected]
 

Natalie Brouwer returns with an all-new musical, PURE GOLD, featuring songs from the golden age of Broadway.  Co-stars are piano maestro Brian Burl and Matt Michael.  Songs from Oklahoma, Anything Goes, Baes in Arms, South Pacific and others are included in the performances at the Players Circle Theatre June 18-20.
The Friday, June 18, performance begins at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, 2:00 pm. Tickets are $25 general admission, and $35 VIP.
Jazz pianist and singer Danny Sinoff continues his performances Thursdays.  June 17 he sings “The Genius of Johnny Mercer,” and June 24, “The Bobby Darin Songbook.”   Shows at 7 p.m.  Tickets $15 general admission; $25 VIP.
Contact 239-800-3292 or PlayersCircleTheater.com  for tickets and information.
The Players Circle Theatre is located at the Shell Factory and Nature Park, 16554 North Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers.  The theatre has been converted into a nightclub/cabaret style facility, which has limited, spaced seating, temperature checks, and thorough sanitizing; masks are worn by all audience members until seated.  The theatre is in compliance with all CDC guidelines.
A special food and drink menu is available for VIP nightclub patrons, serving delicious, shareable plates and drinks in the theatre 45 minutes before performances and during shows.  A full dinner and bar are also available at the adjacent Southern Grill. Call 239-995-3999 for reservations.
The Players Circle Theatre was developed by veterans of the Southwest Florida theatre movement, Carrie Lund Cacioppo and Robert Cacioppo.  They are prominent faces of theatre in Lee County for over 35 years, having started Lee County’s first professional theatre on Sanibel Island and the Florida Repertory Theatre, which has been named “One of America’s best regional theatres” by The Wall Street Journal.  Players Circle Theatre is a professional black box theatre providing Broadway-level entertainment.  Follow it online at PlayersCircle.org.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida Announces 13th Season
FORT MYERS, FL (June 2nd, 2021) – As pandemic restrictions ease, The Laboratory Theater of Florida is excited to announce its 13th season.
In the Lab Theater tradition of bringing new and thought-provoking theater to our area, the coming season features a world premiere and six southwest Florida premieres, including one that is different every performance by design. In addition to half-price preview nights, the theater will now offer special Thursday night discounts and expanded season pass options. The theater will continue to present its popular 24-Hour Screenwriting Project, staged readings, and more.
There remain opportunities to sponsor shows, advertise businesses, help refurbish a nearly 100-year old building, and to help rebuild the Actor’s Fund.
Summer Season
“Sunset Schmoulevard,” adapted by Annette Trossbach (WORLD Premiere), opens June 11th.
Norma Desmond is back and ready for her close-up with Mr. DeMille! The original screenplay has been revamped into an over-the-top parody that will leave you laughing all the way home. In the style of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane: A Parody of the Horror and Hush Up Sweet Charlotte, this snarky take on the film noir classic, Sunset Boulevard, has all the fun and camp that audiences know and love from a June production at The Lab.
Adapted and directed by Annette Trossbach and workshopped by this tight-knit ensemble cast and crew, Sunset Schmoulevard is truly a Lab Theater original. This show features Sue Schaffel, Steven Coe, Greg Wojciechowski, Brian Linthicum, Daniel Sabiston, and Madelaine Weymouth.
Adult language, raunchy humor
Performance dates:
June 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 8 pm
June 13, 20, 270 at 2 pm
July 1, 2, 3 at 8 pm
Special Events: 
June 10 at 8 pm                        Half-price preview night.
June 12 at 8 pm                        Teens get a free ticket to the performance and a meet and greet with the cast (reservations required)
“Failure: A Love Story” by Philip Dawkins (SWFL premiere) is a limited engagement offering from July 29th through August 8th only as part of the theater’s education program.
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.
Performance dates:
July 29, 30, 31 at 8 pm
August 5, 6, 7 at 2 pm.
August 1, 8 at 2 pm
The theater thanks the Lee County School District for generously providing scholarships for students involved in this production.
Regular Season
The Color Purple by Marsha Norman, Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray (SWFL Premiere) opens September 3rd.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker is the tale of African-American women finding their independence in the first half of the 20th century.
With powerful songs, audiences will join their journey of heart-touching deliverance.
“…a spiritually transcendent theatricalization of the tale that had me silently shouting ‘hallelujah’ and ‘amen.’” – L.A. Times.
Mature themes
The Color Purple is generously sponsored by Emily Eason.
Performance dates:
September 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 at 8pm
September 5, 12, 19,26 at 2pm
October 1, 2  at 8 pm
Special Events: 
September 1. 2 at 8 pm            Half-price preview nights
September 4 at 8 pm                Teens get a free ticket to the performance and a meet and greet with the cast (reservations required)
September 5                             Community Talkback immediately following the performance.
24-Hour Screenwriting Project — October 9th
All the fun of our 24-Hour Playwriting project – with the added component of video! Selected screenwriters will be assigned a theme, a director, a videographer, and actors. Within just twenty-four hours, you will see the fruits of their labor when we present all of their 10-minute movies to be judged by a panel of area theater and arts professionals. There will be a limited number of in-person tickets to this event, accompanied by virtual passes. A hugely popular event!
White Rabbit Red Rabbit by Nassim Soleimanpour (SWFL Premiere) opens on October 14th.
With no rehearsal, no director, a different actor each night, and a script waiting in a sealed envelope on stage, this show is a theatrical experience that reminds us of the transformative power of theater.
 “…a playful, enigmatic, and haunting show.” – The New York Times.
October 14th – 8 pm – Dave Yudowitz
October 15th – 8 pm -Eric Raddatz
October 16th – 2 pm – Melanie Payne
October 16th – 8 pm – PJ McCready
October 17th – 2 pm – Randall Kenneth Jones
October 21st – 8 pm – Stephanie Davis
October 22nd – 8 pm – Lucy Sundby
October 23rd – 2 pm – Sonya McCarter
October 23rd – 8 pm – Ella Nayor
White Rabbit Red Rabbi is generously sponsored by Dave Yudowitz.
Performance dates:
October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23,  at 8pm
October 16, 17, 23 at 2 pm
 
The Tempest by William Shakespeare plays from November 5th – November 20th.
Shakespeare’s classic comedy about betrayal and family will lead you on a magical journey. Trapped on an island by a jealous sibling and aided by various spirits, our heroes find revenge complicated. Co-Directed by Artistic Director Annette Trossbach and director Nykkie Rizley.
Performance dates:
November  5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 at 8pm
November 7, 14 at 2pm
Special Events:
November 3, 4 at 8 pm            Half-price preview nights
November 6 at 8 pm                Teens get a free ticket to the performance and a meet and greet with the cast (reservations required)
November 7                            Community Talkback immediately following the performance.
The Complete History of America (abridged) by Adam Long, Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor (SWFL Premiere) plays December 3rd through December 19th.
600 years of history in 6000 seconds … history will never be the same! This fast-paced comedy is American History on speed, giving us a 90-minute roller coaster ride to remind us that it’s not the length of your history that matters – it’s what you’ve done with it!
The Complete History of America (abridged) is generously sponsored by Arlene Foreman.
Performance dates:
December  3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 8pm
December 5, 12, 18, 19 at 2pm
Special Events: 
December 1, 2 at 8 pm            Half-price preview nights
December 4 at 8 pm                Teens get a free ticket to the performance and a meet and greet with the cast (reservations required)
Killer Joe by Tracy Letts (SWFL Premiere) plays January 14 through February 5.
This dark comedy follows a dysfunctional Texas family that hires a hitman to kill a relative with a sizable life insurance policy.
“It’s slick; it’s well constructed, it knows exactly where it’s going.” – New York Daily News.
Performance dates:
January 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 8pm
January 16, 23, 30 at 2 pm.
February  3, 4, 5 at 8 pm
Special Events: 
January 12, 13 at 8 pm             Half-price preview nights
January 15 at 8 pm                   Teens get a free ticket to the performance and a meet and greet with the cast (reservations required)
Avenue Q Music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty  (SWFL Premiere), runs February 25th through March 27th. Winner of the 2004 Tonys for Best Book, Best Score, and Best Musical!
Featuring puppets and human actors, this is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the story of recent college graduate Princeton as he struggles to find his purpose. Though inspired by Sesame Street, these are R-rated puppets with warnings for adult language and situations.
Mature themes
Avenue Q is generously sponsored by The Bireley Family Foundation.
Performance dates:
February 25, 26 at 8 pm
February 27 at 2 pm
March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 8 pm
March 6, 13, 20, 27 at 2 pm
 
Special Events:
February 23, 24 at 8 pm           Half-price preview nights
February 26 at 8 pm                 Teens get a free ticket to the performance and a meet and greet with the cast (reservations required)
February 27                             Community Talkback immediately following the performance.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton, April 15 through May 7
Using sex as a weapon, this is a tale of seduction set among aristocrats before the French Revolution. This classic drama explores decadent sexuality, morals, and manipulations played as the ultimate game with tragic results.
“…Hampton’s play is sensual, oddly naughty and totally, impassively immoral.” – New York Post.
Performance Dates:
April 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 8 pm.
April 17, 24 at 2 pm
May 5, 6, 7 at 8 pm
May 1 at 2 pm
The performance subscription packages are:
Preview subscription  $85.00 – (Sept. 2021 – May 2022) – includes mainstage show preview nights on Wednesday and Thursday before opening; no special events included.
Thursday Night Pass $230.00 (June 2021 – Many 2022) – includes any Thursday night performances and all special events.
Year-Round Pass Weekend (June 2021 – May 2022) $280 – includes all shows and special events.
Flex Pass 5 seats (June 2021 – May 2022) $150 – 5 seats anytime/anywhere you want them!
Flex Pass 10 seats (June 2021 – May 2022) $300 – 10 seats anytime/anywhere you want them!
Individual ticket prices are $30 for adults and $10 for students for non-musical performances) and $37 for adults and $15 for students for musicals. Thursday night tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more, reserved in advance.
Please note that with ANY ticket purchase (subscription or individual sale), check-in MUST occur prior to 5 minutes to curtain, or seats will become available for sale to others. 
 
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.

Grill Fires Can Turn Dinner into Disaster

Local SERVPRO fire and water clean-up professional offers safety tips to help outdoor chefs prevent fires and burn injuries

Fort Myers, FL (Grassroots Newswire) June 3, 2021 – As the summer season approaches, local fire and disaster remediation specialist John Ferguson of SERVPRO^® of Bonita Springs/Estero knows that the number of grill fires will increase, peaking in July. “Charcoal and gas grills, barbeques and the like are involved in an average of more than 5,000 structure fires each year and almost 5,000 additional outdoor fires,” said Ferguson. Beyond that, Ferguson adds, grilling accidents result in 19,700 trips to the hospital annually. Thermal burns account for 9,500 of those visits, and children under the age of five account for an average of 2,000, or 39 percent, of those burns.¹
Ferguson knows that families can take steps to protect their home from damage and their family from injuries and still enjoy home-grilled, summer meals.
Before you grill:¹

• READY: Clean grill racks and grease trays. For gas grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks at the beginning of the season.
• SET: Choose a safe, firm, level spot for the grill away from coolers, running children and pets, and mingling guests. Grill outside, never in a garage or under the awning on a deck, the eaves of your home, or low-hanging branches.
• GO: Prepare the grill for cooking carefully. For charcoal grills, use a charcoal chimney with newspaper, a charcoal starter fluid, or an electric charcoal starter plugged into an outdoor-rated extension cord. For gas grills, open the lid before turning the grill on. If you smell gas after the grill is lit, do not try to move the grill. Get away from the grill and call the fire department.

While you grill: ²

• SAFE ZONE: Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the hot grill, both while you are cooking and after you serve the food. Grill surfaces can remain hot for an hour or more.
• SAFE TOOLS: Use long-handled grill utensils in good condition; avoid loose, flowing clothing; and wear flame-retardant mitts to adjust vents to help prevent burns.
• SAFE COOKING: Keep the fire under control. Manage flareups by adjusting grill height, using grill controls, or spreading out the coal bed. Keep baking soda within reach to control grease fires. Watch for blowing embers and have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose, or a bucket of sand handy to extinguish spark-triggered fires. Never attempt to move a hot grill.

“Home fires can be devasting, both financially and emotionally, because smoke and water damage often amplify the destruction to both the structure and its contents,” says Ferguson. “While our SERVPRO-trained professionals are here to help you recover ‘Like it never even happened’ if you do experience a structure fire, we believe that prevention is better than a cure. Fires and burn injuries caused by grills are not strictly a summer phenomenon. Nearly half of home grillers use their grill year-round, so it’s important to keep these safety guidelines in mind all year long.”
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 [email protected]. For more information on SERVPRO, please visit www.servpro.com.
¹ https://www.nfpa.org/grilling
² https://www.hpba.org/Consumer-Information/Barbecue-Outdoor-Living/Grill-Safety
About SERVPRO
Founded in 1967, SERVPRO is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, and biohazard remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,900 individually owned and operated franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO^® system has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Space is limited. Register today to make sure you have a seat in a class. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Summer 2021 Online Classes
Location: Online
Classes Offered: GED and ESOL
Class Days: 24/7
Class Times: 24/7
First Day of Class: June 7, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 29, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
Summer 2021 Morning Classes (2 days a week)
Site Name: Cape Coral Technical College
Location: 360 Santa Barbara Blvd. N., Cape Coral, FL 33993
Classes Offered: GED and ESOL
Class Days: Monday and Wednesday
Class Times: 8:30am – 12:30pm (times might adjusted to promote social distancing)
First Day of Class: June 7, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 28, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
Site Name: Cape Coral Technical College
Location: 360 Santa Barbara Blvd. N., Cape Coral, FL 33993
Classes Offered: GED and ESOL
Class Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Class Times: 8:30am – 12:30pm (times might be adjusted to promote social distancing)
First Day of Class: June 8, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 29, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
Site Name: Career Source of SWFL
Location: 6800 Shoppes at Plantation, #170, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Classes Offered: GED
Class Days: Monday and Wednesday
Class Times: 8:30am – 12:30pm
First Day of Class: June 7, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 28, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
Site Name: Career Source of SWFL
Location: 6800 Shoppes at Plantation, #170, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Classes Offered: GED
Class Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Class Times: 8:30am – 12:30pm
First Day of Class: June 8, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 29, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
Site Name: Lee County Public Education Center – EAST Entrance
Location: 2855 Colonial Blvd
Classes Offered: GED and ESOL
Class Days: Monday and Wednesday
Class Times: 8:30am – 12:30pm (times might be adjusted to promote social distancing)
First Day of Class: June 7, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 28, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
Site Name: Lee County Public Education Center – EAST Entrance
Location: 2855 Colonial Blvd
Classes Offered: GED and ESOL
Class Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Class Times: 8:30am – 12:30pm (times might be adjusted to promote social distancing)
First Day of Class: June 8, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 29, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
Summer 2021 Night Classes (2 days a week)
Site Name: Dunbar Community School
Location: 1857 High Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33916
Classes Offered: GED and ESOL
Class Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Class Times: 5pm -9pm (times might be adjusted to promote social distancing)
First Day of Class: June 8, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 29, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
Site Name: Lee County Public Education Center – EAST Entrance
Location: 2855 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33966
Classes Offered: GED and ESOL
Class Days: Monday and Wednesday
Class Times: 5pm -9pm (times might be adjusted to promote social distancing)
First Day of Class: June 7, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 28, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
Site Name: Lee County Public Education Center – EAST Entrance
Location: 2855 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33966
Classes Offered: GED and ESOL
Class Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Class Times: 5pm -9pm (times might be adjusted to promote social distancing)
First Day of Class: June 8, 2021
Last Day of Class: July 29, 2021
Registration Link: Click here
IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTIFICATIONS
Please do not come to class or any school district building if you have symptoms or are waiting on COVID-19 test results.
•The School District of Lee County is requiring masks on all District property.
•If you have experienced any of the following symptoms in the last 24 hours, please stay home: fever of 100.4 or higher, cough (excluding chronic cough due to a known medical reason other than COVID-19), shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, chills, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.
•Social Distancing of 6 feet or more.
•Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The FWC offers spring/summer wild hog hunting at 26 wildlife management areas across the state.
Don’t quit hunting just because it’s summer – try wild hog hunting instead
Now is also a great time to visit an FWC- managed shooting range
If you’re looking for a hunting opportunity this time of year, you might want to consider wild hog hunting. During spring and summer, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers public hunting opportunities for wild hog at 26 wildlife management areas across the state. Wild hog hunting is a good way to sharpen your hunting skills, test new equipment and scout a WMA you might later want to hunt. It’s also a chance to restock your freezer with delicious wild game meat for all those summer cookouts.
You don’t need a hunting license to hunt wild hogs at a WMA, though you will need a management area permit, unless exempt. Many of these spring and summer wild hog hunts on WMAs don’t require a quota permit; however, some of them do. Take a moment to review the WMA regulations brochure for the area you want to hunt. These brochures also outline allowed methods of take, bag limits and other pertinent rules. You can find a list of WMAs (with links to individual brochures) that offer spring/summer wild hog hunting by visiting MyFWC.com/Hunting and clicking on the “Spring/summer wild hog hunting” banner at the top.
On lands outside the WMA system, wild hogs may be hunted year-round with landowner permission. A hunting license is not required, and there is no size or bag limit, and either sex may be harvested. Hunters may use dogs and any legal rifle, shotgun, crossbow, bow, pistol or air gun (including airbow).
The FWC encourages people to take precautions when handling or field dressing wild hogs. Learn more at MyFWC.com/hunting/wild-hog.
FWC-managed shooting ranges
Practicing your marksmanship at an FWC-managed shooting range is another way to get ready for upcoming hunting seasons. To meet the needs of recreational target shooters, hunters and hunter safety students, the FWC manages public shooting ranges throughout the state. Several of the FWC-managed facilities are supervised by range safety officers, while Apalachicola, Ocala and Osceola national forests provide unstaffed facilities. Each range offers a different menu of opportunities that includes archery, rifle, handgun, sporting clays, trap, skeet and 5-stand. Find a map that shows where FWC-managed ranges are located and information about individual shooting sports facilities at MyFWC.com/Ranges. To find other ranges in Florida, head over to WhereToShoot.org.
Phase I application period for fall quota/limited entry hunts
Don’t forget to apply for opportunities to hunt deer or wild hog this fall at a Florida wildlife management area or national wildlife refuge. The phase I application period for fall quota hunts, special-opportunity fall hunts and national wildlife refuge fall and winter hunts closes June 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Worksheets and permit details are at MyFWC.com/License, under “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts.” You can apply for these limited entry permits at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office. To research individual WMAs, visit MyFWC.com/WMABrochures to access WMA Finder, an online tool that allows you to search for areas by species, season and location. You can navigate directly to a specific WMA by using the “Search by Specific Area” button.
Report wild turkey sightings
We invite you to take part in FWC biologists’ efforts to learn more about Florida’s wild turkey populations by reporting all wild turkeys you see during your normal daily activities from June 1 to Aug. 31.
We’re interested in sightings of hens with and without poults, and jakes and gobblers from all regions of the state, including rural and developed areas. When reporting numbers of poults, be sure to look carefully because young birds may be difficult to see in tall grass or brush.
The Sunshine State is home to healthy wild turkey populations. They occur throughout Florida and prefer open forests, and forest edges and openings. Our biologists conduct this survey each year to learn more about annual nesting success, brood survival, and the distribution and abundance of wild turkeys.
Learn more about the FWC’s summer wild turkey survey at MyFWC.com/Turkey.
Get FWC’s hunting news delivered to your email inbox
Stay on top of information about Florida hunting opportunities, programs and rule changes by signing up for FWC Hunting News e-blasts. If you unsubscribed to FWC emails in the past, please consider signing up again so we can send you updates about access to WMAs, quota/limited entry hunts and other important news. It’s especially important now that we’re in hurricane season. To subscribe or resubscribe, navigate to MyFWC.com/News and click on “Sign Up for News Releases.” Under “Subscription Topics, select “Hunting” and check the box for “FWC Hunting News.”

Community Cooperative announces CEO transition
Galloway to step down; Edwards to succeed
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 1, 2021) – The board of directors of Community Cooperative has appointed Stefanie Ink Edwards as chief executive officer, effective June 14. Edwards succeeds Tracey Galloway, who has announced her retirement after 10 years with the organization.
“Leading and transforming Community Cooperative into the dynamic human services organization we are today has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am thrilled to pass the baton to Stefanie who has been an amazing leader in our organization for the past six years,” Galloway said. “I’m proud of the organization we’ve built, humbled by the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and pleased that our achievements will continue to make our community a better place to live for years to come.”
Community Cooperative’s board chairman Keith Banasiak said Galloway has accomplished a great deal in 10 years. “She articulated a vision for the organization and centered our mission, while greatly improving fundraising capabilities and building our volunteer base and service footprint across the county,” he said. “She gave Community Cooperative a strong voice full of creativity and passion.”
Banasiak said the board has been planning the transition for the better part of a year and are thrilled to be able promote from within the organization. “We have a highly committed staff and a grassroots network of supporters that is second to none,” he said. “The board strongly believes that Stefanie’s strategic vision, exceptional operational talent, focused leadership and deep commitment to Community Cooperative’s employees and clients are widely known and position the organization for continued success.”
Edwards joined Community Cooperative in 2014 as development director. More recently she has served as COO and together with Galloway, helped to rebrand, reenergize and reposition Community Cooperative as a leading nonprofit in Lee County working to end hunger and homelessness.
“I am extremely honored to be given the opportunity to lead an organization that provides such a basic human need to our neighbors and broader community,” said Edwards. “Having been a part of Community Cooperative over the past six years and seeing the impact of our services firsthand, I know how important our work is here in Southwest Florida. There is nowhere else I’d rather commit my time, energy, and passion.”
About Community Cooperative
For 37 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity. For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Tami Holliday at [email protected] or call 239-332-7687 ext. 125. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at www.CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

FORT MYERS, FL, June 1, 2021 – At the start of the pandemic last year, Midwest Food Bank Florida made a commitment to the community and remained open. To do that, MFB had to adjust its volunteer model. Fewer people were allowed in volunteer groups to accommodate the need for social distancing. At the same time, the need for emergency food assistance rose sharply.
Now that Covid restrictions are loosening, people are comfortable with returning to volunteerism. MFB Florida welcomes people back and eagerly anticipates an increase in the number of volunteers.
“Volunteers are core to the MFB mission,” says Karl Steidinger, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank Florida. “We are excited to welcome volunteer groups looking to serve together.”
Over 99¢ of every dollar donated to Midwest Food Bank Florida goes into its feeding programs and services. A large volunteer base is credited for this amazing figure. Two of MFB’s values are Embracing Our Communities and Empowering Volunteers. Interested individuals, families, and groups should contact Midwest Food Bank Florida. Find more information at midwestfoodbank.org.
Midwest Food Bank has 12 locations, including 10 in the U.S. and one each in East Africa and Haiti. For more information about Midwest Food Bank (of MFB Location), please visit their website at midwestfoodbank.org.
Midwest Food Bank (“MFB”) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. As a faith-based organization, it is the mission of Midwest Food Bank to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world and providing disaster relief; all without discrimination. Our vision is to provide industry-leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually.
 

SBA Disaster Recovery Q&A Sessions
06/01 & 06/03
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Was your small business affected by Covid-19? Join us during our virtual hours and have your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) questions answered by a live person. Participants may call at anytime and are welcome to enter and exit at will.
Tuesday 
2pm – 3pm
Online: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Dial-in: (202) 765-1264; 177893159#
Thursday (en Español) 
2pm – 3pm
Online: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Dial-in: (202) 765-1264; 118166494#