Member News

FORT MYERS, FLA., April 5, 2021 – Internationally-acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman will once again headline the five concerts planned for 2022 by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.

Tickets are now on sale for the five-performance season, which organizers say bring the best in classical ballet, symphony and big brass performances to Southwest Florida.  All performances will be at the Barbara B. Mann Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers.

“We are so happy to be back for 2022 after canceling our 2021 season due to the pandemic,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.  “Community Concert Association members and guests will love seeing Itzhak Perlman again as well as our other artists from around the world.”

All five concerts are included in one ticket price, which ranges from $165 for prime orchestra and mezzanine seats to $155 for other orchestra and mezzanine seats, $85 for lower balcony seating and just $65 for upper balcony.  Most $165 orchestra seating already is sold out, Mann said. 

For tickets and membership information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org or call 239-693-4849. Tickets to individual performances are not available at this time.

The five performances all begin at 7:30 p.m.:

●          The Polish Wienlawski Philharmonic Orchestra  – January 17, 2022. The orchestra was founded in 1944 and is making its first ever tour of the United States in 2022.   They will perform Brahms’ Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, “The Great Symphony.”

●          VOCES8 – February 17, 2022. The British vocal ensemble VOCES8 will present an a cappella concert celebrating diverse musical expression. The ensemble of eight has released acclaimed recordings that have all reached the top of the classical charts.

●          The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass – March 3, 2022. The internationally acclaimed brass ensemble is dedicated to bringing the joyous experience of great music.  The group breaks the usual barriers between genres playing Handel, Sousa and New Orleans traditional.  The ensemble is composed of some of America’s top brass musicians, who have appeared on the world’s most prominent stages and performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Boston Brass.

●          Itzhak Perlman – March 5, 2022 – Perlman is the reigning virtuoso of the violin and is returning to the Community Concert series for a third time.  Perlman will highlight personal remembrances of his career interspersed with live performances.  It will give listeners the opportunity to explore the man behind the artistry. He has been honored with more than 20 Grammy Awards (including one for Lifetime Achievement in 2008), four Emmy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

●          Russian National Ballet – March 22, 2022. The Russian National Ballet will perform the timeless “Swan Lake.”  The music, lush scenery and romance will be captured through the classical ballet in Tchaikovsky’s beloved masterpiece.  The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and invigorates the tradition of classical Russian ballet with developments in dance from around the world.

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 72nd concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District will temporarily close the courtesy dock adjacent to the boat ramp at the W.P Franklin Lock and Dam South Recreation Area on the Caloosahatchee River near Alva, Florida, for repairs, until further notice.

 During the closure of the courtesy dock, boaters may use the shoreline on the left (west) side of the boat ramp to load and offload safely.

“We recognize the inconvenience this closure may cause to people planning to use the boat ramp,” said Stewart Gilmore, Natural Resources Management Section Chief at the South Florida Operations Office in Clewiston. “However, the safety of the guests at our recreation areas is our top priority. We will work to reopen the courtesy dock as soon as repairs have been made and it is safe to reopen to the public.”

 For more information on Corps of Engineers recreation facilities in south Florida, please visit the Jacksonville District website at www.saj.usace.army.mil/Rec

Former NFL punter Greg Montgomery who suffered from Bipolar Disorder took his own
life in August 2020. He now lives through lives saved.
Fore Love & Wellness golf and tennis fundraiser aims to support mental health and suicide prevention
Registration now open for April 29-30 event in Naples
 
NAPLES, Fla. (April 6, 2021) — When NFL punter Greg Montgomery died by suicide in August 2020, his family decided they would become a force to improve mental health services in Southwest Florida and beyond. They created The Gregory H. Montgomery Jr. Foundation for Ultimate Growth and will hold its first major fundraiser Fore Love & Wellness on April 29-30 at the Vineyards Country Club in Naples.
“It was either sit in the corner and suck my thumb, or plow forward.  With tremendous love and support from my amazing dad, Greg Sr. and awesome brother, Steve Montgomery…we are doing just that…plowing forward,” says Margot Moran, Greg’s sister, who is organizing the fundraiser.
Fore Love & Wellness, a play on the golf and tennis tournaments that anchor the event, includes a silent auction that’s live now online and culminates with a live reception, in person and online. The emcee is fellow NFL punter Sean Landeta, a friend of Greg Montgomery and a famed player who logged 22 seasons in the league.
The auction includes rare sports memorabilia and a VIP Alabama Football Experience that comes with four tickets, four pregame sideline passes and lunch with one of the most famous coaches in football, Nick Saban, head football coach for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Nonsports items include a getaway to Gasparilla Inn & Club on Boca Grande and another to The Breakers on Palm Beach.
The kick-off reception and silent auction finale take place 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 29, online and in person at the Vineyards. The golf tournament takes place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 30 with a boxed lunch at the ninth hole. The round robin tennis, which also includes lunch, takes place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The awards wrap-up is at 2 p.m.
 
Tickets are available at ultimategrowthfoundation.org:
 

•               Kick-off Reception: $100
•               Ultimate Golf Registration: $250
•               Ultimate 19^th Hole Contest: $25
•               Ultimate Tennis Registration: $50

All funds raised support mental wellness efforts and suicide prevention.
To most people, Greg appeared to be living the American dream. In college, he played for Michigan State University and set the school’s record for longest punt at 86 yards. He was drafted into the NFL by the Houston Oilers in 1988 and went on to play for the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens, collecting numerous achievements and recognitions along the way. In 1997, Greg was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Greg talked about his diagnosis publicly in an attempt to stop the stigma.
“Greg was very brave and awesome about using his platform as an NFL player,” Moran said.
While there’s a little more conversation today than in the late 1990s, she continued, it’s not enough, and more work needs to be done. With the foundation, Moran hopes to build programs and give much needed support in schools and communities here in Southwest Florida and beyond.
“This is a crisis,” Moran said. “This is no joke.”
The foundation’s goal is to improve education, programs and funding for mental health. Its motto: He lives through lives saved.
Event sponsors include Cullen Capital Management, Metrics Global, JCT Foundation, Edison Innovation Foundation, Preferred Properties Real Estate, Specialty Solutions, Piper Sandler, Danny Keegan and Brenda and Frank Mergenthaler.
For more information about the Fore Love & Wellness fundraiser and auction, become a sponsor or donor, visit ultimategrowthfoundation.org. If you know someone in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or text HELLO to 741741.
About The Gregory H. Montgomery Jr. Foundation for Ultimate Growth
The Gregory H. Montgomery Jr. Foundation for Ultimate Growth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to raise awareness and funds for mental health education, programs and resources in schools and communities to promote mental wellness and prevent suicide. Greg Montgomery, a star punter in the NFL, died by suicide in August 2020. His family formed the organization after his death, and his sister, Margot Maron, heads up efforts in Southwest Florida and beyond. Learn more at ultimategrowthfoundation.org.

“Grow Fort Myers” Plant Sale and Workshops at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 6, 2021) — On Saturday, April 24, Edison and Ford Winter Estates is hosting the annual “Grow Fort Myers” event with a plant sale and gardening workshops. Presentations will be held throughout the day, starting at 9:15 a.m. The Garden Shoppe is stocked with many plants, including Florida friendly and native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida’s environment.
“This event is geared toward local residents to give them the tools they need to have successful gardens with sustainable landscapes,” said Debbie Hughes, Horticulture Director at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
SPEAKER SCHEDULE:
9:15-10 a.m. – “Growing Fruit Trees,” Steve Curcura, Fruitscapes Nursery and Farmer’s Market
10:15-11 a.m. – “Butterflies in SW Florida,” Tony Mauriello, President of the Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Master Naturalist
11:15 a.m.-Noon – “Summertime Veggies and Herbs,” Adrienne Diaz, Edison Ford Horticulture Specialist
12:15-1 p.m. – “Orchids in the Trees,” Debbie Hughes, Edison Ford Horticulture Director
1:15-2 p.m. – “Houseplants,” Richard Molek, Owner of the Thrifty Garden at The Shops at The Butterfly Estates
The Garden Shoppe offers Florida natives, fruit and flowering trees, shrubs and many different types of flowers in every color of the rainbow. For anyone wishing to start a butterfly garden, a large assortment of both host and nectar plants are available. Organic soil amendments, such as worm castings, and a limited number of rain barrels will also be available for purchase.
In addition to the Garden Shoppe, several vendors will be on site with plants for sale, including Calusa Palms Nursery (ornamental shrubs, flowering trees and palms), D&D Growers (herbs and vegetables), Premier Growers (palms), Sunland Orchids (orchids and bromeliads), Taylor Terlep Tropicals (houseplants), and Thrifty Garden (houseplants).
Tickets to attend all of the workshops are $15 for non-members or $10 for members and may be purchased online at EdisonFord.org. A limited number of tickets will be available. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.
Tickets are not required to visit the Garden Shoppe or purchase plants from vendors. Guests are encouraged to bring their own garden cart, as only a limited number will be available. Masks are required.
Membership at Edison Ford offers many benefits, including unlimited visits, admission to reciprocal museums and gardens, and discounts on education programs and special events. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visit the website for additional information at www.edisonford.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 6, 2021) – Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, a leading full-service commercial property brokerage based in Fort Myers, has made a $2,500 donation to Pace Center for Girls- Lee. The donation is being utilized to provide leadership training to the school’s staff and leadership education to students.
“The Pace Center for Girls is one of about 25 local organizations that we’ve supported over the last year, either through donations, volunteerism, or both,” explained Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker. “We support Pace because of their solid record of providing mentorship, education, and skills development. They give young women the tools they need to be successful, independent adults.”
In 2020, Cushman & Wakefield |Commercial Property Southwest Florida contributed more than $45,000 to local and regional nonprofit organizations. Because of its commitment to the Southwest Florida community, the brokerage is a finalist for Community Steward of the Year at the Industry Appreciation Awards, presented by the Lee County Economic Development office, Horizon Council and Horizon Foundation. The 2021 Industry Appreciation Awards winners will be announced on October 22, 2021 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers.
“One of the ways we can make our area more attractive for growth is to improve the quality of life here. These nonprofits are doing just that,” added Tasman. “These organizations are raising the tide across our region, creating a domino effect that leads to better job opportunities, more housing, and ultimately a stronger tax base that supports our community’s needs.”
To learn more about Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, please call 239-489-3600 or visit www.cpswfl.com.
About Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, LLC
Cushman and Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, LLC delivers integrated solutions by actively advising, implementing, and managing on behalf of landlords, tenants, and investors through every stage of the real estate process. They cultivate long term relationships, advising clients in buying, selling, financing, leasing, and managing assets. C&W also provides valuation advice, strategic planning and research, portfolio analysis, site selection and space location assistance.
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 51,000 employees in 400 offices and 70 countries. In 2019, the firm had revenue of $8.2 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation, and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com or follow @CushWake on Twitter.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 5, 2021) – Base Operations at Page Field has been ranked in the top 5 percent of fixed-base operators in an international survey conducted by Aviation International News (AIN). This is the ninth consecutive year Base Operations at Page Field has been named a top fixed-base operator by AIN. Base Operations ranked first in the Fort Myers/Naples area, had the third-best score in the facilities category, was in the top 10 for its passenger amenities’ score and landed in the top 10 overall for FBOs in the Americas.
“We appreciate being recognized as a top FBO for our outstanding commitment and delivery of services to our guests at Base Operations at Page Field,” said Ben Siegel, CPA, C.M., executive director of the Lee County Port Authority. “The Base Operations team always does a great job, but I have never been prouder of the way they have handled themselves and our business during these difficult times.”
The FBO Survey is conducted annually and asks pilots, flight attendants and dispatchers to provide feedback on the level of customer care at individual business and general aviation service providers throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South and Central America and the Caribbean. AIN conducts the survey year-round online and calculated cumulative averages from 2014 to present for this year’s results. The survey asked qualified subscribers to evaluate FBOs they visited the previous year in five categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities and customer service representatives.
Aviation International News is a monthly trade publication focusing on the business aviation market and covers news, features, special reports and survey results. AIN is delivered in print and digital format to more than 38,000 qualified readers around the world. AIN has been conducting surveys and providing industry reports on service since 1981.
The Lee County Port Authority operates Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers. Page Field provides services to corporate, commercial and private aviators through their business arm, Base Operations at Page Field, and accommodated more than 126,000 aircraft operations in 2020. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction and both airports are funded solely with revenue generated from their operations. For more information, please visit www.BaseOperationsFMY.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Apr. 6, 2021) – The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is set to host the annual 2021 PR University focusing on the evolution and future of the PR industry.
The chapter invites business leaders and PR/marketing professionals to attend the upcoming in person event, “Tackling the challenges of our changing world,” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Friday, May 21 at Florida Southwestern State College (FSW), 8099 College Pkwy, Fort Myers FL 33919. The program will take place in building AA, Room 177.
PR University will focus on the exploration of new approaches within the profession, all while staying true to the guiding principles of the PR industry. Attendees will gain insight on ways to adapt, evolve and educate themselves on emerging strategies and technologies.
This year’s PR University will showcase industry-leading professionals in tourism, business
development, media and more, all sharing their best practices, takeaways and case studies on how to successfully execute forward-thinking public relations.
Full speaker list to come soon!
Registration for PR University is $55 for students, $75 for members and $99 for future members,
and includes breakfast and lunch. FPRA members can earn 2 APR continuing education credits.
To register please go to https://www.fpraswfl.org/event-registration/fpra-events/pruniversity-next-approaches-tackling-the-challenges-of-our-changing-world/.
About Public Relations University
Public Relations University is an annual, daylong professional development seminar that
attracts PR and marketing professionals from across Southwest Florida, hosted by the
Southwest Florida chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.
About the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization in the country. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at http://www.fpraswfl.org.

All,
Please share this email and our social media posts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict/ and Twitter @JaxStrong widely with all interested parties.
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Notice to Navigation 2021-007 Okeechobee Waterway Algae Notice

NOTICE TO NAVIGATION INTERESTS
https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Navigation/Notices-to-Navigation/Notice-to-Navigation-2021-007-Okeechobee-Waterway-Algae-Notice/                                                                        
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS                        NOTICE NUMBER: 007            
JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT                                 LOCAL NUMBER: 20210402  
ATTN: CESAJ-OD-SN                                         WATERWAY:  OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY
PO Box 4970                                                      EFFECTIVE: 04/02/2021 00:00 thru 12/31/2021 24:00 EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32232-0019
POC: Gary Hipkins, South Florida Operations Office, 863-983-8101
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
 
Lake Okeechobee Waterway Algae Notice
REFERENCE:
a.     33 CFR Navigation and Navigable Waters
1. Notice to Navigation
Based on information provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advises the public, marinas, and those operating commercial and recreational vessels through the Okeechobee Waterway that there is the potential of encountering Blue Green Algae. According to the Florida Department of Health, visitors should be aware that water from areas with blue-green algae can make animals and people sick, and they should stay away from these areas. This algae may be blue, bright green, brown or red, and can have a strong odor like rotting plants. People who are very sensitive to smells may have respiratory irritation. If you come into contact with blue-green algae, get out of the area and wash off with soap and water. See your doctor if you think blue-green algae has made you sick.
The following precautions should be taken if you see algae:

• Do not swim at this location.
• Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Do not eat shellfish from affected area.
• Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water. Throw out the guts. Cook fish well.
• Keep pets and livestock away from affected location.

For Information about algal blooms, visit:

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Quality Status Map at https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/water-quality-status/lake-okeechobee
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Algal Bloom Dashboard at https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom or call 850-245-2118
• The Florida Department of Health’s Harmful Algae Blooms web page at http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental- health/aquatic-toxins/harmful-algae-blooms/index.html or call 850-245-4250

2. Contact Information

For up-to-date Lock information contact the shift operator 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
St. Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148
Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424
Moore Haven Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533
Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846
WP Franklin Lock & Dam 239-694-5451 or 863-662-9908
Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Point of Contact is Mr. Gary Hipkins at [email protected] or 863-983-8101.
//signed//
Gary L. Hipkins
Chief Navigation & Flood Risk Management
South Florida Operations
Contact
Erica Skolte
561-801-5734 (cell)
[email protected]
 
——————–
Thanks for getting the word out!
Be safe!
Erica Skolte
Public Affairs Specialist
Corporate Communications Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Palm Beach Gardens
OFFICE PHONE 561-340-1527
Cell:  561-801-5734
[email protected]
Twitter @JaxStrong
Jacksonville District Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict
Jacksonville District: A team of professionals making tomorrow better “Keep Calm and Essayons”