Member News

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
 

*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.

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
 
 

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

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.

*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
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.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has recognized Nathan “Nate” Bunting, a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), with the Jim Stevenson Resource Manager of the Year award, one of Florida’s highest environmental honors. Bunting has served for over 15 years at the Apalachee Wildlife Management Area in the Florida Panhandle and has worked tirelessly to restore the WMA after it was devastated by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.
The award, presented to Bunting by FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton in a virtual ceremony on Feb. 22, recognizes outstanding resource management achievements by resource managers who protect state properties.
“We are so proud to have Nate as a member of the FWC family,” said Sutton. “His years of dedicated service to Apalachee WMA and his resilience in the face of Hurricane Michael demonstrate that he is an outstanding land manager, and an example to all of us in strength and leadership.
For well over a decade, Bunting has been thoughtfully and consistently improving the natural communities on the WMA, to the benefit of its native flora and fauna, and all Floridians. Under his management, native wildlife, such as the fox squirrel, Bachman’s sparrow, bobwhite quail and white-tailed deer, have thrived as have native plants, including two rare and endangered species, gentian pinkroot and the woodland poppymallow. He has also been a leader in the field of prescribed fire, working with land managers across the state to promote the use of this safe and highly effective land management tool.
“Nate represents the finest example of the spirit and ‘can-do’ attitude needed to manage the natural ecosystems of this state,” said Greg Seamon of the Prescribed Fire Training Center, who wrote a letter supporting Bunting’s nomination for the award.
Bunting’s dedication and work ethic have been made even more apparent in the aftermath of the hurricane. During the storm’s onslaught, Bunting, his wife Kelly and daughter Norah, took shelter in a bulldozer, watching through the fogged-up windows as everything around them seemed to be destroyed by the storm’s ferocious 150 mph winds. Since that day, Bunting has worked to restore the landscape on the WMA, where nearly 100% of the trees were broken or blown over, so that Apalachee WMA can continue to provide quality habitat for wildlife and be enjoyed by those seeking wildlife-centric outdoor recreation.
“In the most discouraging and seemingly impossible situation, Nate has shown, in his management and the results we all see, what natural resource management is meant to be,” said Angela Griffin of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who also wrote a letter of support for his nomination. “His tireless efforts, knowledge and dedication to the property, and the results he achieves prove he is an exemplary natural resource manager.”
The hurricane recovery effort led by Bunting has included salvage logging operations and tree debris removal on over 2,076 acres, resulting in 95,525 tons of hurricane debris removed. Nate and his staff also cleared 14 miles of public access roads, 6 miles of firebreaks and over a mile of canals. We congratulate Nate Bunting as FWC’s Resource Manager of the Year.
To learn more about Florida’s WMAs, visit MyFWC.com/WMAs.
For more information on Apalachee WMA, visit MyFWC.com and search “Apalachee.”