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Better Together to host pop-up community job fair March 3

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2021) – ​Better Together is hosting a pop-up community job fair for Southwest Florida residents from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3 in Fort Myers. The church-based job fair will connect job seekers with local employers who are ready to hire immediately. The community job fair is part…

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Better Together to host pop-up community job fair March 3

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2021) – ​Better Together is hosting a pop-up community job fair for Southwest Florida residents from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3 in Fort Myers.
The church-based job fair will connect job seekers with local employers who are ready to hire immediately. The community job fair is part of Better Together’s “Better Jobs” program, which has helped 32,000 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 20 states. At job fairs hosted by Better Together, two-thirds of attendees get a job interview, and one out of four receive a job offer on the spot.
“In times of economic hardship, we want to empower our neighbors in need by supplying the necessary resources they need to succeed,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. “Our team is dedicated to connecting people with opportunities to provide a loving, safe and supportive foundation for their families.”
The March 3 job fair will be held at Christ Community Church, located at 4050 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Space is limited. Participating employers include Advance Auto Parts, Jimmy John’s, JW Marriott, Managed Labor Solutions and Timberline Construction Group.
Job seekers can register at BetterTogetherUS.org/PopUp-JobFair.
Churches interested in hosting a Better Together job fair can visit BetterTogetherUS.org or email [email protected] for more information.
ABOUT BETTER TOGETHER
Better Together is a nonprofit organization that helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. A privately funded and professionally supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to restore dignity and bring families together. Through the Better Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative to foster care while they get the help they need. To date, the program has kept 96% of children served out of foster care. The Better Jobs program was created to address the 76% of families that come to Better Together because of economic hardship tied to unemployment. In addition to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching, guidance, support and encouragement through local church partners. For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.

FWC wants your input on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in SW Florida

At its February meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed staff to gather public input on the future management of snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in the area of southwest Florida where they are currently catch-and-release only. This came after the Commission received a staff review of the latest Fish and Wildlife…

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FWC wants your input on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in SW Florida

At its February meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed staff to gather public input on the future management of snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in the area of southwest Florida where they are currently catch-and-release only. This came after the Commission received a staff review of the latest Fish and Wildlife Research Institute monitoring data and listened to public input on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in southwest Florida. 
“We know this is an important issue to this region of Florida and, because of that, I will be working with staff to set up ways to gather continued input from recreational anglers and the fishing guide community,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. 
“We have a responsibility for managing these species for all stakeholders,” said Vice Chairman Mike Sole. “It really is going to be a combination of looking at the science and listening to our stakeholders to determine how we can best manage the resources for all.” 
“We need to listen to everyone,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “I want recreational anglers to feel like their voice is important. 
Beginning in August 2018, the FWC made a series of temporary regulation changes to help conserve snook, redfish and spotted seatrout that were negatively impacted by a prolonged red tide that occurred in late 2017 through early 2019. Ultimately, these popular inshore species were made catch-and-release only in all waters from Pasco County through Gordon Pass in Collier County through May 31, 2021. 
Long-term monitoring data indicate snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout were resilient and did not experience long-term negative effects from the 2017-2019 red tide. However, anglers and charter captains have expressed concerns that these fisheries had declined prior to red tide and that the red tide affected habitat that is essential to these species. 
FWC staff will continue gathering public input both online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments and through public workshops, which will be scheduled in the future. To learn more about future workshops, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Rulemaking” and “Upcoming Public Workshops.” 
FWC will revisit this topic at the May 12-13, 2021, meeting. Additionally, staff will provide updates to Commissioners after stock assessments for snook and redfish throughout Florida are complete later in 2021. These stock assessments, along with stakeholder input, will help staff and the Commission evaluate whether any long-term management changes are needed in the future. 
Learn more about regulations for these species by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations.” 
View the Commission meeting presentation at MyFWC.com/Commission by clicking on “Commission Meetings” and the agenda under “February 25-26, 2021.”

SHERIFF'S YOUTH ACTIVITY LEAGUE "RUN FOR THE 5K"

When: March 27, 2021 (Race start 7:30) Where: Lee County Sheriff's Office headquarters, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912 Pre-race Registration and Packet Pickup: March 26, 2021 12-4 pm at United Way Bell Tower 13499 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 145, Fort Myers, FL 33907 The first 300 registered participants will receive a…

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SHERIFF'S YOUTH ACTIVITY LEAGUE "RUN FOR THE 5K"

When: March 27, 2021 (Race start 7:30)
Where: Lee County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Pre-race Registration and Packet Pickup: March 26, 2021 12-4 pm at United Way Bell Tower 13499 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 145, Fort Myers, FL 33907
The first 300 registered participants will receive a gender specific tri-blend t-shirt.
To register or for additional information, please visit SYAL RUN FOR 5K REGISTRATION
 

Small Biz Webinars and Workshops 28 Feb - 06 Mar 2021

*Eastern Standard Time (EST) Tuesday, March 2, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Google Analytics - Your Customer Coming To You If you dislike dealing with complicated data analysis, this workshop will show you how easy it is to work with Google Analytics to answer questions about your website traffic. Free to attend. Click here to register for…

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Small Biz Webinars and Workshops 28 Feb - 06 Mar 2021

*Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Tuesday, March 2, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Google Analytics – Your Customer Coming To You
If you dislike dealing with complicated data analysis, this workshop will show you how easy it is to work with Google Analytics to answer questions about your website traffic. Free to attend. Click here to register for this free event. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021, 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M., Create and Nurture Your Trifecta Tribe: Mentors, Peers & Mentees
In this highly engaging and interactive workshop, attendees will walk away with the tools necessary to  set their intentions and goals with regard to their business networks–using multiple strategies and techniques. $15 to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.
Thursday, March 4, 2021, 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M., Reach Customers Online with Google
In this session you’ll learn how to: • Create or claim your Business Profile on Google • Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps • Use Google My Business to connect with potential customers. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by The Tampa Bay Women’s Centre.
Thursday, March 4, 2021, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Igniting Your Business- Organic Growth Through Better Sales Skills
Hear how to get existing customers to buy. Replace customers that disappeared. Start up a pipeline of prospects. Evaluate if your old sales process will be adequate to generate enough customers who buy regularly and provide the needed cash inflows. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.
Thursday, March 4, 2021, 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Coffee Talk with a Legal Expert: How S-Corps work and how to use them to save money on taxes
This presentation will help you determine 1) which entity form is best for your business, and 2) whether you can use an S-Corp election to add thousands of dollars to your after tax take home pay. $15 to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Miami-Dade SCORE Chapter.
Friday, March 5, 2021, 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., RISE Business Forum IV (Women’s History Month Edition) Do You Need Business Resources for your Business?
Establishing Your Vision and Mission • Branding You and Your Business • Successfully Managing and Reframing Obstacles. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development.
Saturday, March 6, 2021, 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M., Pasos Sencillos -Principios basicos para el lanzamiento del negocio
El taller, ‘Pasos Sencillos’, organizado por Hispanic Unity y Broward SCORE, le ayudará a preparar un plan de negocios para convertir su sueño en realidad. Comenzar su propio negocio es una decisión difícil!  Usted no tiene que hacerlo solo. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.

FWC approves rule changes to help protect Florida from 16 high-risk invasive reptiles

At its February 2021 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved staff recommendations to create new rules to address the importation, breeding and possession of high-risk invasive reptiles. The approved rule changes to Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. specifically address Burmese pythons, Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas and 13 other high-risk nonnative…

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FWC approves rule changes to help protect Florida from 16 high-risk invasive reptiles

At its February 2021 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved staff recommendations to create new rules to address the importation, breeding and possession of high-risk invasive reptiles.
The approved rule changes to Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. specifically address Burmese pythons, Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas and 13 other high-risk nonnative snakes and lizards that pose a threat to Florida’s ecology, economy, and human health and safety.
Commissioners also approved the staff recommendation to create a Technical Assistance Group, which will include representatives from the pet industry, environmental groups and other affected parties, to help develop a comprehensive regulatory approach to managing nonnative species in Florida.
The Commissioners also approved an amendment to extend the timeframe for animal owners to come into compliance with outdoor caging requirements.
“These animals are creating enormous issues for our state,” said FWC Chairman, Rodney Barreto. “I have always been proud that Florida is looked at as a leader. Let’s take a bold stance. We have to put our foot down. The time has come, and we hope other states will follow.”
“I’m very sensitive to the people in the pet trade and enthusiasts. But this action is a result of the invasive species that continue to get into the wild,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood. “We have so many of these species now: pythons, tegus, iguanas. These animals are doing lots of damage and we are incumbent to do something.”
“Addressing invasive species, such as the ones listed in this rule package, is extremely important for the preservation of our native species and the health and safety of our residents and visitors,” said Eric Sutton, Executive Director of the FWC. “Staff does not come to these recommendations lightly, but we know this action is necessary.”
The new rules move these 16 high-risk nonnative reptiles to Florida’s Prohibited List and include reporting requirements for permittees, biosecurity requirements to limit escape of these high-risk species, and additional language to clarify limited exceptions for some entities currently in possession of green iguanas and tegus for commercial use or as pets. The rule will allow for current tegu and green iguana pet owners to keep their pets with a no-cost permit.
Once rules take effect, pet owners and other entities in possession of these species will have 90 days to come into compliance except on caging requirements where they will have 180 days to improve outdoor enclosures to bring them into compliance with the new caging rules. The breeding of tegus and iguanas for commercial sale can continue until June 30, 2024 at which time it will be prohibited.
The FWC hosted online stakeholder workshops to present proposed rule changes and collect public comment on the draft rules. FWC staff considered this feedback to help improve the final rule language.  
The FWC has received extensive feedback on the draft rules including substantial support from a variety of conservation organizations.
“The people of south Florida depend on the South Florida Water Management District to effectively manage our water resources and provide flood protection,” said Drew Bartlett, Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District. “High-risk invasive species pose a significant risk to water management infrastructure and negatively impact the restoration of America’s Everglades. We appreciate FWC taking action to protect native Florida wildlife and minimize impacts to water management infrastructure.”
“The Nature Conservancy supports proposed rule changes to address the threat of nonnative species and looks forward to working with the FWC toward solutions that could further protect Florida’s environment, human health and safety, and economy.” – Greg Knecht, Deputy Director Florida Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
“Breeding invasive exotic species in Florida is like playing with matches in a tinder box. With such hospitable winters, a few escapes can become populations, and then taxpayers and private landowners are on the hook for millions annually in eradication and management costs. Audubon supports these proposed rules as common-sense protections for our environment and economy.” – Julie Wraithmell, VP and Executive Director, Audubon Florida.
“The Everglades Coalition strongly supports the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s proposed draft rules related to high-risk, nonnative invasive reptiles, which would add the highest risk invasive reptiles to the list of prohibited nonnative species.” – Mark Perry and Marisa Carrozzo, Co-Chairs of the Everglades Coalition.
More than 500 nonnative species have been reported in Florida. Eighty percent of these have been introduced via the live animal trade with at least 139 established in Florida, meaning they are reproducing in the wild. Since most nonnative fish and wildlife find their way into Florida’s habitats through escape or release from the live animal trade, it is important to prevent high-risk nonnative wildlife from becoming introduced or further established in Florida’s environment through regulatory action.
The FWC uses regulation of high-risk nonnative fish and wildlife in conjunction with a variety of other management strategies to minimize adverse impacts of invasive species and to prevent the introduction of additional species into the wild.
For more information, including details on the no-cost permits, visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives
 
 

Seed & Bean Market and PureNative Awarded Fresh from Florida Certification

Florida’s First Cannabis Café and CBD Marketplace, Seed & Bean Market, is one of the newest members of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. FORT MYERS, FL. – February 23, 2021 - Seed & Bean Market is Florida’s First Cannabis Café and CBD Marketplace. Seed & Bean Market is the only Cannabis Café…

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Seed & Bean Market and PureNative Awarded Fresh from Florida Certification

Florida’s First Cannabis Café and CBD Marketplace, Seed & Bean Market, is one of the newest members of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

FORT MYERS, FL. – February 23, 2021 – Seed & Bean Market is Florida’s First Cannabis Café and CBD Marketplace. Seed & Bean Market is the only Cannabis Café to be awarded Fresh from Florida from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services certification program.
Fresh from Florida increases consumer awareness of Florida agricultural products and expands distribution through domestic and international retail partnerships.
Sister company, PureNative, a Florida Premium Hemp Lifestyle Brand, received the official Fresh from Florida certification. PureNative strives to supply its customers with the highest quality, most trusted and tested hemp products.
“We are excited to have both of our companies awarded the highest level of certification with Fresh from Florida companies. We are honored to be part of this program as this is a journey, we have been looking to accomplish for the last several years. To have the approval and certification form the Department of Agriculture is one of the highest standards that we can present to our consumers.” Cole Peacock of Seed & Bean Market and PureNative

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar

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. This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain…

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COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar

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.
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
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, February 23
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
(en español) Wednesday, February 24
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, February 24
1pm – 2pm 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.
Thursday, February 25
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Friday, February 26
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.
 
Date: 02/23/2021; Author Information: Heather Hines, Public Affairs Specialist

25% Off Coupon Inside — Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Candlewood Suites

You don't have to journey to the end of a rainbow to score gold this St. Patrick's Day! Book with us today and get 25% off all rooms. Looking for the best in Fort Myers/Sanibel hotel accommodations? You have come to the right place! With features, services and exceptional hospitality to meet all our guest…

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25% Off Coupon Inside — Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Candlewood Suites

You don’t have to journey to the end of a rainbow to score gold this St. Patrick’s Day! Book with us today and get 25% off all rooms.
Looking for the best in Fort Myers/Sanibel hotel accommodations?
You have come to the right place! With features, services and exceptional hospitality to meet all our guest needs, you will feel right at home when you stay with us here at the Candlewood Suites Fort Myers/Sanibel
Candlewood Suites is designed especially for longer stays, allowing you to live, work, and relax on your schedule, not ours.
With our fully equipped kitchenettes you will truly feel like this is your home away from home.
From soaking up the sunshine at our outdoor swimming pool to getting in your daily workout at our onsite fitness center, the Candlewood Suites Fort Myers has everything you need for a comfortable, convenient and relaxing Florida hotel experience.

SBA Virtual Office Hours - Q&A Session (Feb 22 - 26)

*Eastern Standard Time (EST) SBA Disaster Recovery Q&A Sessions 02/22 - 02/26 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (en Español) 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Was your small business affected by Covid-19? Are you looking for small business funding? You have questions, we have answers! Join us during our virtual hours and have your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan…

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SBA Virtual Office Hours - Q&A Session (Feb 22 - 26)

*Eastern Standard Time (EST)
SBA Disaster Recovery Q&A Sessions
02/22 – 02/26
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (en Español)
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Was your small business affected by Covid-19? Are you looking for small business funding? You have questions, we have answers! 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.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 
2pm – 3pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
202-765-1264; Conference ID – 191 652 154
Wednesday (en Español)
11am – 12pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
202-765-1264; Conference ID – 919 146 391
Date: 02/23/2021; Author Information: Heather Hines, Public Affairs Specialist

New species added to FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Saltwater Reel Big Fish Program

New species added to FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Saltwater Reel Big Fish Program The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory will see the addition of two new qualifying Reel Big Fish. Effective March 1, anglers will be able to earn Reel Big…

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New species added to FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Saltwater Reel Big Fish Program

New species added to FWC Catch a Florida Memory – Saltwater Reel Big Fish Program
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory will see the addition of two new qualifying Reel Big Fish. Effective March 1, anglers will be able to earn Reel Big Fish recognition for vermilion snapper and saltwater catfish.
To qualify for a Reel Big Fish achievement, a fish must reach or exceed the qualifying length listed for each species in youth (under age 16) or adult categories. The qualifying length for vermilion snapper is 17 inches for adults and 13 inches for youth, while the qualifying length for saltwater catfish (gafftopsail or hardhead) is 22 inches for adults and 16 inches for youth. All Reel Big Fish catches must be photographed over a qualifying measuring device clearly showing the exact full length of the fish. A photo of the fish with the angler submitting the catch is also required.
These new Reel Big Fish additions give both inshore and offshore anglers new goals to keep them on the water targeting a variety of fish species. Vermilion snapper and saltwater catfish are also great table fare and are worth taking home to try out a new fish recipe.
Successful anglers who submit an approved Reel Big Fish receive a colorful certificate, custom-designed T-shirt by Tony Ivory Art and Apparel, Tervis tumbler from Discover Martin County, monthly raffle entry to win great prizes from partners like Mount This! Fish Company and SeaDek Marine Products, and other goodies in recognition of their achievement. New Reel Big Fish recipients will also be listed in the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations booklet and on the Club Members page. Anglers who are missing a photograph of their fish over a measuring device can be awarded a Reel Big Fish Honorable Mention digital certificate instead (emailed to the angler).
Looking to catch even bigger fish? The FWC maintains state records in conventional tackle and fly-fishing categories for 81 species caught in Florida state waters or in federal waters extending directly outward of Florida state waters. Saltwater record-holders receive a certificate of accomplishment, prize pack, recognition in various publications and a custom ink fish print to memorialize their catch courtesy of Fish Print Shop. There are currently vacancies in white grunt, blueline tilefish and schoolmaster snapper categories, giving anglers an opportunity to get their name on the record listing for these species. For more information and to view current records, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com and click “Records.”
Are you interested in signing up for Catch a Florida Memory? Participate today by visiting CatchaFloridaMemory.com.
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.
Questions? Contact [email protected], call 850-487-0554 or visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website.