Member News

FWC continues ongoing goliath grouper efforts, explores adding access opportunities via a limited harvest 
At its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) listened to a presentation and stakeholder input on goliath grouper in Florida state waters.
The Commission directed staff to continue ongoing efforts that recognize goliath’s role in the ecosystem and promote stock rebuilding while allowing access to goliath through catch-and-release, ecotourism and dive viewing opportunities.
They also directed staff to develop a proposed draft rule for consideration by the Commission at a future meeting that would build on existing access opportunities for goliath by considering a limited, highly regulated harvest.
“We should applaud our successes,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “I’m in favor of coming back with a very delineated list of line items for a limited take that wouldn’t disturb the dive industry and would provide additional access to this fishery. Just because we’ve been doing something for 30 years doesn’t mean we need to keep doing it the same way.”
“I’m not suggesting we do this at the end of the day but I am saying we should direct staff today to move forward, continue to gather input on this and see if we can’t come up with a win-win for all stakeholder groups,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood.
The FWC will continue to monitor the status of the stock using alternative metrics approved by the Commission in 2018.
Learn more about goliath grouper at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Goliath Grouper” under the “Reef Fish” tab.
View the Commission meeting presentation at MyFWC.com/Commission by clicking on “Commission Meetings” and the agenda under “May 12-13, 2021.”

Shark interactions while fishing the focus of FWC discussion
At its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hosted a roundtable discussion focused on the issue of shark interactions when fishing, such as sharks taking anglers’ catch before getting it to the boat. The discussion also included a staff presentation that covered a recently conducted FWC survey focused on fishers’ experiences with predators when saltwater fishing.
“Sharks interacting with fishermen’s catch is an issue we are hearing about more and more,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “We are proud to have gathered together such a high-caliber group of experts and thank all of them for sharing their perspectives on interactions between fishermen and sharks in Florida. FWC looks forward to continued engagement with our panel and hearing from the public.”

• Karyl Brewster-Geisz, federal fishery manager
• Guy Harvey, fisheries biologist
• Robert Hueter, shark scientist
• Hannah Medd, shark conservationist
• Mike Merrifield, MSc, commercial wholesale dealer
• Patrick H. Rice, shark deterrent business owner
• Bill Taylor, charter fisher

“As some shark populations recover and more fishers are on the water, these increased interactions with sharks are likely to occur,” said FWC Commissioner Mike Sole. “This conversation is a starting point in helping us better understand shark interactions while fishing, and promoting dialogue between fishery managers, fishermen, scientists and conservationists about this issue.”
The FWC will continue to stay engaged on the future management of sharks in Florida.
Quotes from a few of our panelists:
“We need to learn more about the different shark species involved with these incidents. This problem is a human interaction problem more than a shark interaction problem and I think all of us here today are in a position to get closer to a solution,” said fisheries biologist Dr. Guy Harvey.
“It’s not simply a matter of too many sharks. Knowing which of these species have recovered, which have not and which are interacting with fishing gear is essential because with the wrong management measures we could drive the past 30 years of conservation success right back into the ground,” said Dr. Robert Hueter, senior scientist emeritus for Mote Marine Laboratory and chief scientist for OCEARCH. “Today, we should be celebrating Florida’s return of its top marine predators vital for a healthy ocean. What we need to do is give fishermen the tools to minimize their interactions.”
“The unanimous consensus in the commercial fishing community is that the high number of shark interactions are indicative of an overpopulation of many shark species as a result of management measures and this comes at great cost to commercial fishermen and the seafood supply chain,” said commercial wholesale dealer Mike Merrifield, co-owner of Wild Ocean Seafood Market. “Some sharks can be sustainably harvested and need to be managed through sound science, not emotional public opinion.”
“Monday alone we lost 45 rigs to sharks. We are seeing five times what we saw three to four years ago. We have to look into why so many of these sharks are here? How do we get this back to balance,” said Capt. Bill Taylor of Black Dog Fishing Charters.
“We must ensure that we have shark fisheries that balance the needs of the ocean with the needs of the fishing industry,” said NOAA federal fishery manager Karyl Brewster-Geisz.
For the full May 12-13 agenda, including links to background reports, go to MyFWC.com/About and click on “The Commission” and “Commission Meetings.”
Learn more about shark regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Sharks.”

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar
Join the SBA South Florida District Office as we explore the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process.
Tuesday, May 11 (en Español)
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, May 11
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Thursday, May 13 (en Español)
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Thursday, May 13
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
PPP Forgiveness Webinar
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act.
Tuesday, May 11
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.
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Date: 05/07/2021; Author Information: Heather Hines, Public Affairs Specialist
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Meeting Notice
Take note of upcoming SFWMD public meetings
Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings. For a full list of all upcoming meetings, check out our Meeting Calendar. Meeting agendas are available at least seven days in advance.
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What: Governing Board Monthly Meeting
When: May 13, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Information and Materials
This meeting will be immediately followed by the Leasing Corp. Meeting.
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Many SFWMD meetings are conducted via Zoom, a free online meeting tool. You can learn more about attending a Zoom meeting and even run a test on your computer, tablet or smart phone. Please note, you must have the latest version of Zoom to attend SFWMD meetings conducted on Zoom.
The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.

First Horizon Bank serves up $5,000 matching grant for Madisen’s Match Week
 Funds support new pediatric neurosurgery program at Golisano Children’s Hospital
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 7, 2021) – With just days to go before the start of the Madisen’s Match Week online auction, First Horizon Bank steps up to the line to serve a matching grant to support the cause. Event founder Duane Chaney announced this week that the bank is donating a $5,000 matching grant to support the charity program. Anyone that donates money to the event will have their dollars matched by First Horizon Bank, until $5,000 is reached.
Chaney is thrilled with the bank’s generosity. “This is an incredible opportunity for donors to have their dollars matched to support the new neurosurgery program at Golisano Children’s Hospital. We couldn’t be happier to have First Horizon Bank step up the way they have.”
Tennis celebrities will join in on the action from May 10-14 as they work to raise money for one of the nation’s leading tennis charity events in honor of brain cancer awareness month and Chaney’s niece, Madisen, who is still living with a brain tumor.
This year’s new and expanded Madisen’s Match Week features an incredible online auction and exclusive one-on-one interviews with internationally known tennis stars that replaces the event’s traditional evening gala, tennis clinic and exhibition match.
Each day of the auction one international tennis star will join Madisen’s Match founder Duane Chaney to talk about some of the biggest moments in sports history, highlights from Madisen’s Match, and their passion for giving back to the community. Everyone is encouraged to tune-in to get behind the scenes stories from tennis greats such as Mike and Bob Bryan, Murphy and Luke Jensen, Sam Querrey and Tom Gullikson.
Guests can bid on exclusive auction items such as a one-year membership to Useppa Island Club. You’ll have 12 months to enjoy the island as a “reserved” member, without the cost of monthly dues, or the $3,800 initiation fee. As a reserved member, you will be able to access all amenities and charge all services to your personal membership account. Useppa Island Club offers a broad range of unique resort amenities, Club Services, and personal attention unlike no other facility in South Florida.
Other opportunities include a chance to take home an autographed photo of two of the greatest tennis players in the history of the game, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Considered one of the greatest-ever tennis rivalries, Federer and Nadal have played each other 40 times.
Both players rank first on the men’s all-time list for the most major titles (20) and hold numerous other records between them. Together, they have won 11 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments.
Other items include a diamond tennis bracelet, diamond pendant, vacations, spa packages and more. As an exclusive thank you to donors for their ongoing support, Madisen’s Match custom apparel will be gifted to anyone who makes an online donation of $250 or more during the event. Go to madisensmatch.com/donate to make your donation today.
Since its inception in 2008, Madisen’s Match has raised over $1.3 million dollars for Barbara’s Friends and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. These funds have provided new equipment and services to provide life-saving care at Golisano over the last decade.
The community can start bidding on the spectacular auction items starting Monday, May 10 at 8 a.m. with the closing bids made on or before 5 p.m. Friday, May 14. To be one of the first to access the Madisen’s Match online auction and get the latest event updates, be sure to visit www.madisensmatch.com.
About Madisen’s Match
Duane Chaney established Madisen’s Match in 2008 after his 3-year-old niece, Madisen Abramson, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Inspired by Madisen and determined to help others, Chaney created Madisen’s Match to use tennis as a way to raise funds for pediatric and adult cancer charities. To date, the events have raised more than $1.3 million to benefit national and Southwest Florida-based charities like the Brain Tumor Navigator Program at the Regional Cancer Center, Barbara’s Friends – The Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cancer Center Fund, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and the Tim and Tom Gullikson Foundation. For more information, visit MadisensMatch.com or contact Duane Chaney at 239-292-0322 or [email protected].

FWC transplants aquatic plants to help restore Lake Istokpoga
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin a major aquatic habitat restoration effort on Lake Istokpoga in May.
The FWC is transplanting more than 150,000 aquatic plants on Lake Istokpoga, a 28,000-acre natural lake in Highlands County, to help restore this popular shallow sportfishing lake. FWC contractors will be planting 35,000 jointed spikerush, 35,000 “Kissimmee grass,” 35,000 duck-potato, and 10,000 bulrush plants along the lake’s eastern, western and northern shorelines. 
The FWC is also planting over 8,800 biodegradable pots containing more than 35,000 Illinois pondweed (also known as pepper-grass) plants, a submersed native species, throughout the shallow edges of the lake’s marsh.
These native aquatic plants will serve as valuable foraging and nesting habitat for many fish and wildlife species, including the endangered Everglade snail kite and sportfish, such as largemouth bass, crappie and panfish.
This aquatic habitat restoration project is designed to enhance the diversity of the native plant community in the lake’s shallow-water marshes as part of ongoing restoration and habitat enhancement activities for Lake Istokpoga.
This work is consistent with recommendations from stakeholders included in the Lake Istokpoga Habitat Management Plan, which aims to increase native submersed and emergent aquatic vegetation through revegetation efforts and reduction of invasive plant species.
For more information about this project, contact Carly Althoff with the FWC’s Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section at 863-697-6323.
For more information about the FWC’s Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration projects, visit MyFWC.com/wildlife habitats, click on “Habitat” and choose the “Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration” tab.
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/Lakes.

Canned Food Drive to be held at Edison Mall from May 15^th-May 31st
 Fort Myers, Florida (May 6th, 2021) – In partnership with American Legion Rabe O. Wilkinson Post 38, Edison Mall will be hosting a canned food drive to help combat hunger in our community. Located in Suite 1480, across from JCPenney, the canned food drive will be taking place from May 15^th to May 31^st. Edison Mall and the American Legion challenge the community to help us fill Suite 1480 with canned good and other nonperishables, all 1,591 square feet.
“We at the Edison Mall will always strive to be a community partner. We will help, support and give back to the community in any way we can,” said Brad Lunn, General Manager. “The American Legion provides free food to our veterans through their food pantry. As we have watched COVID affect our community, our veterans have been hard hit. Partnering with the American Legion Post 38 is another fantastic opportunity and we are happy to host the food drive.”
The Edison Mall and American Legion Post 38 are encouraging the community to help fight the battle against hunger. Bring a canned good or nonperishable item to Suite 1480 during mall hours. Suite 1480 is located at Entrance C, right across from JCPenney. Edison Mall shopping hours are Monday -Saturday, 11AM-7PM and Sunday, 12PM-6PM.  Guests are invited to fill the space! For more info, please visit shopedisonmall.com or call 239-939-1933.
Edison Mall remains focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. In the continued need to address COVID-19, the town center has proactively implemented additions to the Code of Conduct, effective immediately and until further notice.
These additions include the following guidelines:

• Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover is recommended.
• Do not gather in groups.
• Adhere to each individual tenant’s COVID-19 policies.
• Adhere to all federal, state and local regulations, recommendations and mandates regarding COVID-19.

The Code of Conduct is posted at the town center and available online.
Edison Mall’s already rigorous disinfectant and cleaning practices will also continue many times per day, including periodically disinfecting areas most susceptible to the spread of germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers are located in highly-trafficked areas and walkways for public use.
For additional information on Edison Mall and any of their events, please visit shopedisonmall.com
About Edison Mall
Edison Mall is Southwest Florida’s only enclosed and climate-controlled shopping destination serving the Greater Fort Myers and Naples area. The community center is home to more than 160 national and local retail, dining and entertainment options, as well as numerous events and activities throughout the year. A dynamic offering of things to do along with things to buy keeps guests engaged and returning often.
 

FWC Releases 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report
With the release of the 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to focus on taking the necessary steps for a safer boating experience.
“A leading contributor to boating accidents is the operator’s inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout, said Lt. Seth Wagner, FWC Boating and Waterways Section. “Many operators believe they are looking around but they are not recognizing potential hazards or are distracted by dividing their attention between things like electronic devices or other occupants in the boat.”
In 2020, 402 boating accidents involved collisions and 44% of them were due to the operator’s inattention or failing to maintain a proper lookout.
“It is important for boaters to keep in mind that a vessel should be treated with the same responsibility as a car or truck so everyone can enjoy Florida’s beautiful waters,” Wagner said.
Florida had 836 boating accidents in 2020, which is 113 more accidents than in 2019, a 16% increase. A total of 79 people lost their lives last year in boating accidents, 14 more than the previous year. Since 2003, falling overboard has been the leading type of fatal accident with drowning as the leading cause of death. Of the drowning victims, 88% were not wearing a life jacket. Today’s boaters can choose from several models of light and comfortable, inflatable belt-pack or over-the-shoulder life jackets that can be worn while fishing or enjoying the sun. Events can happen quickly and unexpectedly, and boaters might not have time to grab their life jacket before finding themselves in the water. The message is clear, “Life Jackets Save Lives.”
The FWC is responsible for reviewing, analyzing and compiling boating accident data for the state. Its statistical report details boating accidents and their causes. FWC officers want to help keep Florida’s beautiful waterways a safe place to boat.
For a copy of the 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report, visit MyFWC.com and select “Boating,” “Safety & Education” then “Recreational Boating Accidents.”

Advocate Radiation Oncology opens new cancer treatment center in Bonita Springs

Oncology practice hires Dr. Kevin R. Kozak to treat cancer patients at new location

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 6, 2021) – Advocate Radiation Oncology has opened a new cancer treatment center in Bonita Springs to better serve patients in southern Lee and northern Collier counties.

Located at 25243 Elementary Way, just south of The Prado at Spring Creek, the Bonita Springs office will feature cutting-edge radiation modalities with the unparalleled dedication to patient care that defines Advocate, the region’s leading locally owned and operated radiation oncology practice.

“Advocate combines top-of-the-line technology with an experienced team of world-class, board-certified radiation oncologists,” said Dr. Arie Dosoretz, the managing partner at Advocate Radiation Oncology. “We are excited to open this important location to partner with additional Southwest Florida residents on their cancer journey.”

Dosoretz also announced the hiring of Dr. Kevin R. Kozak to serve patients at the Bonita Springs center. Kozak brings nearly two decades of experience to Advocate, most recently serving as director of oncology services for Mercy Health System in Wisconsin. Kozak also served as a member of the University of Wisconsin’s faculty where he directed a cancer biology laboratory.

Kozak graduated magna cum laude with highest honors from Harvard University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. He served as an aviation intelligence officer for VAW-113, receiving the Navy Achievement and Navy Commendation medals. Following his military service, Kozak earned an M.D. and Ph.D. in biochemistry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and won the Founder’s Medal for finishing first in his medical school class. Kozak returned to Harvard to complete his radiation oncology training and post-graduate studies in tumor vascular biology. Kozak is certified in radiation oncology through the American Board of Radiology.

“Advocate patients have access to tremendously accomplished physicians,” Dosoretz said. “Dr. Kozak embodies the qualities that we are committed to and the patients of this community deserve nothing less.”

Across its South Florida locations, Advocate patients have access to industry-leading Varian technology, including the Halcyon and TrueBeam radiotherapy systems. Advocate is among the first practices in the nation to offer the Identify surface-guided system.

For more information, please visit AdvocateRO.com

About Advocate Radiation Oncology

Advocate Radiation Oncology is a locally owned practice with convenient locations in South Florida. The practice’s mission is to provide compassionate health care expertise to cancer patients. Advocate Radiation Oncology is directed by a team of world-class, board-certified radiation oncologists. For more information, please visit AdvocateRO.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 6, 2021) – Market Trends of Southwest Florida will present a second real estate forum in 2021 during what’s shaping up to be a historic year for commercial and residential real estate.
The fall Market Trends summit will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9 at Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater in Fort Myers. The event offers both an in-person option with networking opportunities as well as a virtual attendance option, and falls exactly six months after the spring forum revealed data and analysis predicting Southwest Florida was poised for a flurry of activity in 2021.
A trio of local market experts will headline the fall event:

• Randy Thibaut (founder, owner and CEO of LSI Companies) to address land, new home sales and development
• Denny Grimes (president of Denny Grimes & Team at Keller Williams Realty) to address residential real estate
• Justin Thibaut, CCIM (president and partner of LSI Companies) to address commercial real estate

Presented by LSI Companies, Lee Building Industry Association and Collier Building Industry Association, Market Trends’ media sponsors include Business Observer, NBC2 and Florida Weekly. The signature event explores data, research and fact-based analysis to help homeowners, homebuyers, real estate professionals and Southwest Florida as a whole understand trends in the real estate market. Presenters are widely recognized as the region’s leading authorities in each of their respective disciplines, using facts and extensive market knowledge to lead a state-of-the-industry discussion.
The theme of the spring Market Trends event was “The Playbook has Changed.” Featured presenters explained to a virtual audience of more than 1,300 industry and community leaders how the landscape of real estate was evolving. So far in 2021, the median sales price for single-family homes hit in Southwest Florida hit an all-time high as inventory dipped to just a one-month supply of homes. Sales prices for commercial real estate and vacant land also have soared.
Visit MarketTrendsSWFL.com for information about tickets, sponsorships and networking opportunities for the fall Market Trends event.