Member News

These are unprecedented and challenging times. The health and safety of our clients, friends, attorneys, and staff are always our number one priority. To help slow the spread of the virus (#FlattenTheCurve), and protect the communities in which we live and work, Henderson Franklin is taking the following proactive measures and implementing the following policies effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, through Friday, April 3, 2020, at which time we will reassess the situation. Rest assured that our offices remain fully operational and will continue to provide high-quality service to our clients.

• Remote Workforce. Attorneys, paralegals and exempt employees are strongly encouraged to work remotely.
• Rotating Workforce. Administrative support staff will be in the office on a rotating basis. A limited number of support staff will be working remotely, while others will be in our offices for those attorneys and professionals in need of in-person support. The rotation frequency, size, and composition of the on-site staff will vary depending on practice/office needs. Henderson Franklin will continue to have mailroom coverage, as well as other essential on-site coverage.
• All internal and external meetings are suspended. All client meetings held after Friday, March 20, 2020, will be held by video conference or rescheduled. Visitors to Henderson Franklin’s offices will be limited to mail and package delivery. Real estate closings, as well as wills and estate planning related closings/signings, will be rescheduled for a future date or will take place by audio/video conference or in person at the client’s home. All lunches and social gatherings are canceled or will be rescheduled.

Henderson Franklin’s COVID-19 Task Force

You are likely asking questions of how this crisis impacts your business. Please continue to contact your respective attorney with the same email and phone number that you are accustomed to using. A link to our attorney directory is here.
Henderson Franklin is working diligently to develop and refine our response to this crisis and has formed a Task Force to assist clients in this quickly evolving landscape:
Business & Tax

• Erin Houck-Toll, Esquire at 239-344-1296 or [email protected]
• Mark A. Nieds, Esquire at 239-344-1153 or [email protected]

Business Litigation

• Douglas B. Szabo, Esquire at 239-344-1260 or [email protected]
• Carlos Kelly, Esquire at 239-344-1326 or [email protected]

Employment Law

• Scott E. Atwood, Esquire at 239-344-1287 or [email protected]

Estate Planning

• Eric Gurgold, Esquire at 239-344-1162 or [email protected]
• Christopher G. Price, Esquire at 239-344-1183 or [email protected]
• Gregory Herman-Giddens at 239-344-1240 or [email protected]

Family Law

• Beth T. Vogelsang, Esquire at 239-344-1244 or [email protected]
• Christina M. O’Brien, Esquire at 239-344-1279 or [email protected]

Land Use & Zoning

• Jeff Wright, Esquire at 239-344-1371 or [email protected]
• Kaylee Tuck, Esquire at 239-344-1164 or [email protected]

Real Estate

• Fort Myers – Amanda Barritt, Esquire at 239-344-1108 or [email protected]
• Bonita Springs – Donald Thomson, Esquire at 239-344-1369 or [email protected]
• Naples – Sharon M. Zuccaro, Esquire at 239-344-1378 or [email protected]

Tort & Insurance Defense

• Michael J. Corso, Esquire at 239-344-1170 or [email protected]
• Heath E. Gelman, Esquire at 239-344-1273 or [email protected]

Worker’s Compensation

• David H. Roos, Esquire at 239-344-1219 or [email protected]
• Russell S. Whittle, Esquire at 239-344-1218 or [email protected]

Office Location

• Fort Myers – Russell P. Schropp, Esquire at 239-344-1280 or [email protected]
• Bonita Springs – Donald Thomson, Esquire at 239-344-1369 or [email protected]
• Naples – Scott A. Beatty, Esquire at 239-344-1169 or [email protected]

 Administration

• Kenneth L. Crooks, Chief Operating Officer at 239-344-1177 or [email protected]
• JoAnn Cherrington, Human Resources Manager at 239-344-1269 or [email protected]

Resources

• Employers – Get Ready for Emergency Coronavirus Employment Laws, by Scott Atwood, March 16, 2020
• HR Law & Solutions Seminar is Postponed until September 10, 2020, by Gail Lamarche, March 10, 2020

Please continue to check our website for updates and above all, take care of yourself, your families and other loved ones.

Allyn International supports the supply chain industry by launching complimentary, introductory virtual training.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 2020) – Allyn International Services Inc., a supply chain services firm, has launched complimentary, introductory virtual supply chain training. As the coronavirus outbreak has caused international lockdowns, Allyn opened its courses to the professional network in an effort to reduce physical interactions and maintain supply chain knowledge.
Allyn uses internally developed virtual modules to provide existing staff with the necessary learning tools to help them in their professional development and grow their technical skillset. The firm has 23 locations globally and ensures that the compulsory training includes international details. This platform increases productivity and worldwide spread of internal education from seasoned internal experts, necessary to provide quality service to Allyn’s clients. With the current crisis around the coronavirus outbreak, Allyn hopes to extend this availability to partners in the industry.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and rapid spread have caused multiple lockdowns of businesses around the world. These lockdowns have brought a significant impact to supply chain corporations. Employees around the world have been asked or forced to work remotely from home, causing a delay in training and education. According to Allyn’s index, ground transportation is facing delays, and air freight is at low capacity due to flight cancellations. As the situation continues, logistics and global trade compliance employees are actively trying to find ways to accommodate clients’ needs during this time.
Allyn’s operational training and customer service leader, Deirdre Trevett states, “We expect to see a significant increase in the criticality and usage of virtual training delivery methods, as travel restrictions widen, and limiting movement helps prevent further spread of the virus.”
Allyn has been working diligently to maintain communication within their Fort Myers, FL headquarters and their locations around the world as everyone subsides to remote work.
Allyn’s chief operating officer, Michal Svoboda, is enthusiastic about helping ease the situation for the time being, stating, “As there are countless health professionals heroically fighting the COVID-19, individuals and corporations should provide something selfless in return. We’ve invested in developing this comprehensive training in order to serve our clientele better, now others will be able to do the same during this time.”
To access the complimentary introductory  courses, please visit allynintl.com/training/
About Allyn International
Allyn International is dedicated to providing high quality, customer-centric services, and solutions for the global marketplace. Allyn’s core products include transportation management, logistics sourcing, freight forwarding, supply chain consulting, tax management and global trade compliance. Allyn clients range from small local businesses to Fortune 500 firms. Allyn conducts business in more than 20 languages and has extensive experience in both developed and emerging markets. Highly trained experts are positioned throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Allyn’s regional headquarters are strategically located in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A., Shanghai, P.R. China, Prague, Czech Republic, and Dubai, U.A.E. For more information, visit www.allynintl.com.

The health and safety of visitors, employees, residents and partners are our top priorities. As part of ongoing efforts to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 and protect public safety, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will temporarily close public access to the following District-managed properties, effective at 6 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, April 4, 2020:

• Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) in Lee and Collier Counties

Closures are made to protect the health and safety of the public along with land management staff, law enforcement officers and first responders who are responsible for responding to incidents on District lands. The District follows the lead of local governments that have issued Safer at Home orders in their communities and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health.
Updates about other SFWMD-managed properties will continue to be announced as they develop. For a complete list of current closures, click here.
SFWMD continues to coordinate with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to respond to COVID-19. Learn more about the District’s response. 
For questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, visit FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19 or contact the Department of Health’s 24/7 COVID-19 Call Center by calling 866-779-6121 or emailing [email protected].
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.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 3, 2020) – The 27^th annual Boston Red Sox Celebrity Golf Classic and Tee Party offered baseball fans the opportunity to meet players from the Red Sox and raised more than $525,000 for Kids’ Minds Matter. The Tee Party was Feb. 17 at the newly renovated The Forest Country Club and included food, entertainment, as well as silent and live auctions.
The Golf Classic was Feb. 18 at The Forest Country Club. Celebrity Red Sox participants included Andrew Benintendi, new manager Ron Roenicke, Jason Varitek and Hall of Famer Jim Rice. Golisano Children’s Hospital “celebrities” included Jack Bell, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 rare liver cancer in 2008. His cancer had metastasized to both of his lungs. After treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital and a liver transplant in Cincinnati, he has been cancer-free for almost 12 years. Felix Diego Santiago Colon was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in November 2018 when he was 12. He recently returned to Gateway Charter School, where he is in sixth grade.
Major sponsors included Boston Red Sox Foundation, WebTPA, Marcoaldi Management, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Stephenson Giving Fund, Florida Radiology Consultants, The Salty Crab Bar & Grill, USI Insurance Services. The Forest Country Club volunteers and staff have made the event a success for the last 27 years.
The Dinner on the Diamond event rounds out the Boston Red Sox Celebrity Golf Classic series each year. This year’s event, which had been scheduled for March 19, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Proceeds from events will support Kids’ Minds Matter, the hospital’s pediatric mental and behavioral health fund. Kids’ Minds Matter advocates for the estimated 46,000 Southwest Florida youth who are struggling with mental and behavioral health disorders like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Funds raised help align community, inpatient and outpatient care, provide proper screening, hire additional mental health professionals, and train physicians, parents, educators and caregivers.
About Kids’ Minds Matter
Founded in 2016 by Susan Goldy and Scott Spiezle, Kids’ Minds Matter is a unified movement in Southwest Florida dedicated to advancing pediatric mental and behavioral health services. By developing clinical pathways to screen and treat patients, enhancing public awareness through education, and lobbying for systemic change and sustainable funding, Kids’ Minds Matter aims to align mental health providers, local agencies, the judicial system, law enforcement, schools and faith-based organizations. Kids’ Minds Matter is managed through the Lee Health Foundation. Please visit KidsMindsMatter.com or call 239-343-6950 for more information.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” three consecutive years by The Leapfrog Group. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 3, 2020) – Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties donated 375 hazmat suits, 120 pieces of eyewear, and 40 boxes of medical-grade disposable gloves to Lee Health.
With an accelerating spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic occurring in Southwest Florida, many local hospitals are experiencing a shortage of essential medical supplies for frontline health care workers.
In a recent public statement regarding COVID-19, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties CEO, Becky Lucas, declared, “we believe now is the time for us to do even more to protect you, our team, Habitat homeowners, future homeowners, and the community for whom we deeply care.”
Observing Habitat’s guiding principle to put God’s love into action, Habitat construction staff members organized a donation of medical-grade protective gear to Lee Health. The contribution consisted of 375 hazmat suits, 120 pieces of eyewear, and 40 boxes of disposable gloves.
“We are so blessed that during these hard times, we can continue to help others by putting God’s love into action. A big thanks to Carlos and the team for gathering these items and facilitating the delivery. And lastly, a BIG thank you to everyone at Lee Health who is on the frontlines during these trying times,” said Habitat’s Director of Purchasing, Olivia Thomas.
Lee Health Development Representative, Paul Martin, thanked Habitat, saying, “We truly appreciate the donations you’ve made today that will help all of our heroes working on the frontlines.”
As the number of COVID-19 patients continues to grow, Lee Health and our essential health care workers will need additional community support. If you are in possession of disinfecting wipes, eye protection, disposable gloves, hazmat suits, or N95 masks—please consider donating extra supplies to our local hospitals. Lee Health is also accepting online donations, which can be made securely at leehealthfoundation.org/donate.
Together, we can get through this, building a community that is stronger and more resilient.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Since 1982, 1,600 families in need of a hand up have partnered with Habitat Lee and Hendry to build or improve their home. Habitat homeowners, alongside volunteers, help build their own home and pay an affordable mortgage. Through volunteering, financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry county families achieve strength, stability and independence. Through shelter, we empower. For more information, visit www.Habitat4Humanity.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 6, 2020) – Crystal Stouten has been appointed executive director for Lee BIA Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA).
In her role, Stouten will work with contractors and local businesses to secure in-kind services, as well as monetary and material donations, to help Lee BIA Builders Care carry out its mission to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means. The executive director also helps assemble teams of skilled volunteers to complete construction projects and lead fundraising events throughout the year.
Stouten, a seasoned sales, marketing and communications professional, previously served as business development director and customer relations manager for Service Contracting Solutions, a Fort Myers-based company that is one of Florida’s largest painting contractors. While there, Stouten collaborated with the executive team to improve policies and procedures while also overseeing marketing campaigns and recruitment, coordinating company events, maintaining relationships with vendors and more.
Stouten’s related experience also includes a position as membership director for the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association (CCCIA) and in purchasing and vendor relations for K. Hovnanian First Homes.
Stouten is a member of numerous local committees, including the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, Lee Building Industry Association, Associated Building & Contractors Association, Building Managers International and other community-based organizations.
To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has helped more than 425 Lee County families and has provided over $4.75 million in construction services and materials at no cost to the families in need.
About Lee BIA Builders Care
The mission of Lee BIA Builders Care is to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means. Lee BIA Builders Care offers a full range of no-cost emergency construction services to improve the safety and health for needy seniors and disabled individuals of all ages by enlisting the expertise and donated services and materials of contractors, sub-contractors and businesses. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put more than $4.75 million in construction services back into the community at no cost to homeowners in need. Builders Care is funded through financial donations, grants and donated services and materials to provide emergency construction services to qualified homeowners throughout the community. Lee BIA Builders Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under the charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association. Lee BIA Builders Care is headquartered at 6835 International Center Blvd. #4 in Fort Myers. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056, and by following Builders Care at www.Facebook.com/LeeBuildersCare.

Naples, FL (April 2020) – The Golisano Children’s Museum (C’MON) has launched their new Play & Learn online program, specifically designed for kids and their families to enjoy while the museum is temporarily closed. These FREE online activities and educational programs kick off the new “C’mon Cares” campaign. The program is available on C’mon’s YouTube channel, Facebook page, Instagram TV, and their website – www.cmon.org. Join the fun! Check out C’mon’s Play and Learn programs today!
ABOUT GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES- A BRAIN-BUILDING POWERHOUSE
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a brain-building powerhouse and Southwest Florida’s first museum devoted for children and families to learn through play. With hands-on exhibit galleries, the accessible museum invites visitors of all ages to journey through the swamps of the Everglades, weave through a maze, climb a two-story banyan tree, or experiment with the water play station. Children can become a weather forecaster, a farmer, a chef, a fisherman, an artist, an architect or a veterinarian; explore the icy igloo, the whoosh of the wind, the sound of the sea, and creatures of the ocean. Throughout the day, special activities encourage our guests to get involved, try something new and be energized. C’mon offers a variety of interactive exhibits providing kids with education, play, learning, science, technology, engineering, inventions, art, math, storytelling, creation, building, and sensory experiences.
 

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (April 1, 2020) – Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs, will share the bounty of its nearly 5 acre on-site organic garden with the community with an in-and-out produce market to be held at nearby Circle C Farm parking lot, 10441 Kentucky St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through May 7.
Shoppers will have the option of selecting bundles of a variety of fresh organic produce priced from $3 to $5. Limited quantities of grab-and-go bags with a mix of leafy greens and vegetables will be available for drive-up purchases for $10 to $15 each. Due to limitations of internet connection, sales will be cash only. Items available will be listed on the Shangri-La Springs Facebook page each Wednesday.
In order to keep shoppers and staff safe, only three people at a time will be allowed in the market tent, and others will be required to wait in their car or stand in a line 6 feet apart. Only a staff member will touch the produce and will use hand sanitizer before and after each customer. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags in order to minimize contact.
“With our restaurant Harvest & Wisdom currently closed due to coronavirus, we are pleased to offer the harvest to the community as long as we can,” said General Manager Lee Bellamy. “We hope that healthy, fresh organic produce will help fill in some gaps of missing items at grocery stores.”
Produce will be sourced from the certified organic garden, which usually provides produce for the restaurant. The sale will be held rain or shine and limited quantities will be available while supplies last.
As the situation and business operations change frequently due to coronavirus, please call 239-949-0749 to make sure the sale is still being held.
The Circle C Farm Store, where the sale will be held, is open and offers fresh Gulf shrimp and fish, pasture-raised and grass-fed meat and poultry, honey, cassava bread and butter. Visit circlecfarmfl.com for information.
About Shangri-La Springs
Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, organic restaurant, full-service organic spa, gift shop and meeting, event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The Blue Zones Project® recognized organization specializes in offering guests a nexus of beneficial practices, activities and engagement opportunities that include wellness classes, art shows and special programs. Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-949-0749 or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com

NAPLES, Fla. (March 31, 2020) – The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Nature Center remains closed to the public until further notice based on recent guidance from government and health officials to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
As previously announced, all public events scheduled at the Conservancy through April 30, including the Earth Day celebration on April 18, have been canceled or postponed.
The Conservancy’s Nature Center includes the Dalton Discovery Center, an interactive learning center that features live animals and exhibits, as well as the von Arx Wildlife Viewing Pavilion. Staff will continue to treat injured, sick and orphaned animals at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, as well as conduct field research and advocate for environmental causes.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit environmental protection organization with a 56-year history focused on the issues impacting the water, land, wildlife and future of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Conservancy accomplishes this mission through the combined efforts of its experts in the areas of environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, world-class Nature Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are headquartered in Naples, Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, south of the Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida www.conservancy.org.

The SKY Family YMCA Transitions to Support Medical Staff and Meet Community Needs During COVID-19 Pandemic

YMCA offering childcare to first responders and essential personnel, meals to kids, virtual fitness options as well as hosting blood drives.

Fort Myers, Florida (March 25, 2020) – We are in unprecedented times. We are confronting a new enemy that threatens our health and our peace of mind. We could despair, panic, or we can respond. The well-being of members, staff, volunteers, and our community is our priority, we are adjusting, as advised by public officials and responding to growing needs.
“Because of the evolving rules governing the coronavirus pandemic, the impact of school closures, and the growing demand on medical professionals, we have transitioned our Y facilities to support doctors, nurses, technicians, and medical staff to caring for their children during this crisis,” said Gene Jones, President and CEO. “We want to make sure medical professionals in our community don’t have to worry that their children are in a safe place, as they care for a growing number of our loved ones during this difficult time.”
Therefore, effective, March 23rd, the Y transitioned their focus on offering school-days-out childcare and youth camps for working families and hospital workers: Fort Myers and Bonita Springs YMCAs.
Also, amid school closures related to COVID-19, The SKY Family YMCA is providing free Grab & Go meals to children ages 5-18 to ensure kids have uninterrupted access to healthy and nutritious foods. The SKY Family YMCA will help keep children healthy and well-nourished by providing free meals for kids while adhering to the social distance guidance recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Families can pick up their child’s free Grab & Go lunch at The Fort Myers YMCA at these times:  • Weekdays 9am-11am
Throughout SKY Family YMCA locations, group exercise classes, sports, senior activities, Kids’ Club, team practices, youth programs, and swim lessons are temporarily suspended. However, virtual fitness opportunities are available and easily accessed via local SKY Family YMCA social media pages to ensure individuals can stay healthy and active while facilities are closed. Blood drives are also scheduled at SKY Family YMCA locations across Southwest Florida to address the critical blood shortage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Y is so much more than fitness centers and gyms, pools and locker rooms; we are a cause! Dedicated to strengthening and protecting the spirits, minds, and bodies of our friends and communities,” said Gene Jones, President and CEO. “The doors may be locked, but as the Y we continue to serve.”
About the YMCA
The SKY Family YMCA is one of the area’s largest nonprofits focused on engaging individuals and families in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is dedicated to helping people achieve goals, make friends and find a true sense of belonging. Branches offer quality time for families to be together, resources for parents, and a variety of opportunities for seniors to be active. The YMCA ensures these opportunities are available to everyone no matter their ability to pay with generous support from community partners and donors. For more information about the Y, visit www.ymca.net