HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (March 13, 2020) – Effective immediately, the Seminole Tribe of Florida will temporarily close the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and Billie Swamp Safari, which are located on the Big Cypress Reservation.
 
The closings are out of an abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 virus, Staff at both venues are being scheduled, accordingly.
 
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is home to more than 180,000 unique artifacts and archival items. Visitors can learn about the Seminole people and experience their rich cultural and historical ties to the Southeast and Florida.
 
Billie Swamp Safari covers 2,200 acres of untamed Florida Everglades preserved in its pristine state by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Guests can experience the wonders of nature via airboat rides and swamp buggy tours. Additionally, there are animal exhibits and shows.
 
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2020) – Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available for the eighth annual “Breaking Par at Grandezza” Gala Dinner & Golf Tournament to benefit Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida and its flagship program, the CEO Academy at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). The two-day event will be held March 19-20 at The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd. in Estero.

Since 1919, Junior Achievement’s mission has been to empower young people to own their economic success, plan for their futures and make smart academic and economic choices. For over 100 years, Junior Achievement has relied on dedicated volunteers and fundraising to carry out that mission.

Event festivities will kick off with an elegant Gala Dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, featuring delicious cuisine amid an incredible live and silent auction. The signature Shotgun Scramble Golf Tournament, which features students from the PGA Golf Management Program at FGCU, will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20. The two-day event wraps up with an awards ceremony and scrumptious buffet, and an opportunity to win fabulous prizes.

“Breaking Par at Grandezza” serves as the primary funding source for the CEO Academy. In partnership with FGCU, the CEO Academy is a “model” weeklong shark tank-style summer camp for Southwest Florida’s rising high school juniors and seniors, and led by Dr. Sandra Kauanui, director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship at FGCU.

Over the past seven years, “Breaking Par at Grandezza” event proceeds have contributed more than $382,000 in funding to support Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s CEO Academy as well as its educational in-class and after-class programs at schools throughout Southwest Florida.

Tickets for the March 19 Gala Dinner are $100, and registration for the Shotgun Scramble and Awards Ceremony is $150. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-swflor/ja-golf-event. For more information, visit www.JASWFL.org, call 239-225-2590 or email [email protected].

About Junior Achievement:

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in more than 107 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations over 100 other countries worldwide. Locally, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with more than 270 classroom business volunteers during the 2018-2019 school year to provide nearly 70,200 hours of instruction to nearly 12,500 students in 520 classes throughout Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. For more information on Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, visit www.JASWFL.org, call 239-225-2590 or email [email protected].

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Media Contact:

Emily Golden, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-565-1595 (cell)

Please note the following events at Shell Point Retirement Community have been canceled.

• FGCU Wind Orchestra concert, March 19
• Two-Dimensional Art Show and Sale, March 20-21
• Peter Bergin concert, March 25
• Jay Saccaro Medical Breakthroughs seminar, March 30

Lani Kai Island Resort continues to host #1 Spring Break party in SWFL
Spring Break 2020 has already been off to a busy start – and that will continue at the Lani Kai Island Resort through the entire month of March.
The Cincinnati Firemen still have several benefit variety shows remaining on the specialty stage through March 19 (no show March 16), and several other special events are coming up within the next couple of weeks.
Double DJs continue scratching the latest mixes and tracks from the sand while hosting plenty of beach games and tournaments – including the ONLY resort where you can play life-sized beer pong, and many special events coming up, including:

• Foreign Fantasy Night with the Naples Hammerhead Rugby Team
  Friday, March 20, 8 to 11 p.m.
  A spicy evening hosted by the Hammerhead Rugby Team, featuring a variety show that raises funds for their non-profit endeavors. Takes place in the Sabal Palm room, $10 entry at the door that goes to the rugby team’s non-profit charity, cash bar all evening. 21+ show.

• Sunset Sound Stage meet-and-greet with Afro B and 105.5 The Beat


Saturday, March 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.

105.5 The Beat, Southwest Florida’s Party Station is bringing the BUZZ Artist Afro B to the Lani Kai Saturday, March 21. Come out and watch the afrobeats superstar perform just in time to catch a sexy Southwest Florida Sunset on Fort Myers Beach with a performance from Afro B bringing the party to the 239 – followed by a meet-and-greet in the Lani Kai’s Sabal Palm room after that. No cost to attend, all ages welcome.
 

• Utopia Bash hookah afternoon in Key West Cove

Sunday, March 22, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Come out to the Lani Kai’s all-new Key West Cove for Utopia Bash featuring DJ Daddie Fresh and freshly packed hookahs by the Mystic Martian Hookah Company. This is a 21+ event with NO cost for entry.
Sunset Sound Stage meet-and-greet with Skip Marley and 105.5 The Beat

Saturday, March 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Skip Marley (grandson of Bob Marley) will perform live on the beach stage of the Lani Kai Saturday, March 28, hosted by 105.5 The Beat, Southwest Florida’s Party Station. This On The Verge artist Skip Marley will perform just in time for the beach’s legendary sunset, and then head up to the Sabal Palm room for a meet-and-greet. Admission is free for all ages.
And enjoy these continued daily events throughout the rest of March:
• Double DJs all day long from our beach stage, featuring DJ G-Ride and DJ TK and guest DJs from around Southwest Florida, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Double DJs all night long in our ground-level Club Ohana nightclub, also featuring guest DJs from around Southwest Florida, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Beach games and tournaments in the sand all day, including life-sized beer pong, hula hoop competitions, potato sack races, cornhole tourneys, water balloon contests, bean-bag and horseshoe contests, spike ball, life-sized Jenga tourneys and more –– all for prizes.
• Various strong-man and strong-woman competitions for prizes
• Tug of war competitions for prizes
• More live remotes from some of the most popular radio stations around
• Never a charge to get into any of our regular events or venues. If drinking, wristbands are needed with proper ID, 21 and up; please party responsibly.
For a complete list of ongoing Spring Break activities taking place at the iconic Spring Break Central resort on Fort Myers Beach, or for your very own official Lani Kai Spring Break merch, visit LaniKaiIslandResort.com or call 239-463-3111.

FWC staff is taking a precautionary step to help curb the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) by postponing the last 3 scheduled stakeholder meetings related to chronic wasting disease (CWD). The postponed meetings are as follows: March 23 in Milton, March 24 in Panama City, and March 25 in Tallahassee.
The FWC already has conducted 5 of the 8 planned meetings to seek feedback on a draft rule amendment, which if passed, would prohibit importing or possessing carcasses or certain carcass parts from all members of the deer family originating from outside of Florida. This rule amendment is being proposed to reduce the risk of CWD being introduced into or spread throughout Florida.
We’ll follow up with more information regarding the status of these postponed meetings. In the meantime, we invite you to share your feedback using the online commenting tool. Learn more about this proposal: https://myfwc.com/hunting/deer/cwd/
For updates about COVID-19, please visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/.

Agencies and designers recognized for creative excellence in advertising
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Mar. 13, 2020) — The local advertising industry’s best shined bright at the ADDY Awards Gala held on Saturday Feb. 29 at the Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport-Town Center. Nearly 150 people gathered to recognize the top submissions from the close to 200 projects entered into the American Advertising Awards competition.
The American Advertising Federation–Southwest Florida chapter hosted MAD MEN & WOMEN – Legends of Advertising to honor the region’s top agencies, advertisers, producers, and independent professionals. The organization also saluted the original “Mad Woman,” Southwest Florida’s own Myra Janco Daniels.
ADDY® Awards were given to the following agencies and designers:
Myra Janco Daniels Best of Show

• Sherri Morrison Creative Design
• Client: Naples Children & Education Foundation

People’s Choice Award

• Priority Marketing
• Client: SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.

Best of Print Award

• Conservancy of Southwest Florida
• Client: Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Judge’s Choice Award

• Conservancy of Southwest Florida
• Client: Conservancy of Southwest Florida

• Wilson Creative Group
• Client: Pete’s Pizzeria

• Wilson Creative Group
• Client: Wilson Creative Group

 
Best of Digital

• Vectra Digital
• Client: Rosati’s Pizza

 
Best of Electronic Award

• Priority Marketing
• Client: Captiva Cruises

 
Best of Public Service Award

• Celsius Marketing | Interactive
• Client: Cape Coral Animal Shelter

 
Gold Awards

• Celsius Marketing | Interactive
• Conservancy of Southwest Florida
• Mnemonic Agency
• Naples Zoo
• Priority Marketing
• Pushing the Envelope, Inc.
• Sherri Morrison Creative Design Group
• Vectra Digital
• Wilson Creative Group

 
Silver Awards

• AAF-Southwest Florida
• Celsius Marketing | Interactive
• CONRIC PR & Marketing
• Conservancy of Southwest Florida
• Hodges University
• House of Digital
• Local Guides Inc.
• Main Sail Video Productions, Inc.
• Naples Zoo
• NOISE Inc.
• Priority Marketing
• Quenzel & Associates
• Spiro & Associates
• Waterman Broadcasting
• Wilson Creative Group

Conducted annually by the AAF, more than 40,000 entries are submitted each year into the nationwide ADDY Awards. The local ad club phase is the first of the three-tier, national competition. Concurrently, across the country, local entrants vie to win ADDY Awards recognition as the very best in their markets.
At the second tier, local ADDY winners compete against winners from other local clubs in one of 15 district competitions. District ADDY winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national stage of the American Advertising Awards. Entry in your local ad club competition is the first step toward winning a national ADDY.
Entering the ADDYs supports the advertising industry. AAF uses the proceeds to enhance advertising through programs such as public service, internships, advocacy groups, advertising education and consumer awareness.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN ADVERTISING FEDERATION
Established in 1905, the American Advertising Federation acts as the “Unifying Voice for Advertising.” Commonly known as AAF, its membership comprises the nation’s leading advertisers, agencies, and media companies, a national network of local clubs representing 40,000 advertising professionals, and more than 200 college chapters with 5,000 student members.
The American Advertising Federation-Southwest Florida chapter is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization serving Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. This passionate group of advertising industry leaders better known as AAF-SWFL performs community service, support and education. The organization also exists to provide industry advocacy and knowledge sharing. AAF-SWFL hosts a number of programs and initiatives that support its membership through government relations, professional development, advertising education, mentorships, workplace diversity and inclusion, and recognition of excellence. To become a member, please email the AAF-SWFL membership team at [email protected] or visit aafswfl.com.
 

WASHINGTON – SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza issued the following statement today in response to the President’s address to the nation:
“The President took bold, decisive action to make our 30 million small businesses more resilient to Coronavirus-related economic disruptions. Small businesses are vital economic engines in every community and state, and they have helped make our economy the strongest in the world. Our Agency will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the situation. Additionally, the SBA continues to assist small businesses with counseling and navigating their own preparedness plans through our network of 68 District Offices and numerous Resource Partners located around the country. The SBA will continue to provide every small business with the most effective and customer-focused response possible during these times of uncertainty.”
Process for Accessing SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Lending
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.
• Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.
• Once a declaration is made for designated areas within a state, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to all affected communities.
• SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
• These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
• SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
• SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.
For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail [email protected].
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce urges Floridians and visitors to follow the facts, be cautious but not fearful when it comes to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Florida Chamber is the official state chapter of the National Safety Council, and we are committed to helping keep Floridians safe. The safety of our collective employees is paramount and they deserve the facts.

At times like these, it’s important to remember this is a global situation and misinformation and overreacting is causing a secondary impact on our economy. As I’ve said for years, Florida’s economy may be creating one-in-10 new U.S. jobs but our economy is a fragile balance of innovation, trade, tourism and economic diversification. Our Chief Economist is closely monitoring the situation and I’ll be back in touch on that later. For now, let’s focus on safety and the facts.

Florida is open for business, for travel and for spring break and we are in 24/7 contact with Governor Ron DeSantis’ office, state public health agencies, VISIT FLORIDA, the CDC and other important partners. If the CDC changes their recommendations, we will let Florida Chamber members know immediately. In the meantime, the Florida Chamber is still traveling and performing business as normal AND I KNOW MOST OF YOU ARE DOING THE SAME. In fact, I’m typing this memo from Miami during our national meeting of the top 100 chambers of commerce in America.

I would like to thank all our members who have called to share your stories, concerns and best practices.  This is one of those times when we’re all in this together and the infodemic that is happening as a result of the health concerns is having significant secondary impacts on our economy. Days before President Trump addressed the nation, our Chief Economist, Dr. Jerry Parrish, said, “…don’t panic, be smart.” He may have been the first to say it, but it was true then and it’s true now.

To help Florida Chamber members follow the facts of the Coronavirus, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today released our Florida Chamber Coronavirus resource webpage with information business leaders can use to prepare, both internally and externally, for potential impacts from the Coronavirus. This webpage includes important links from Governor DeSantis’ office, the Emergency Operations Center, Centers for Disease Control, Florida Department of Health and our partners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and it will be updated regularly.

Share this link with your executive leadership, local business partners, employees and friends.

For speed, and for your convenience, I have appointed Greg Blosé as our point of contact for information regarding Florida’s COVID-19 information. Greg is a veteran of the Florida Emergency Operations Center as he has staffed many hurricanes and served as our point of contact during the Zika virus as well. Should you have any best practices, suggestions or questions, please contact Greg Blosé at [email protected] or call 850-521-1243.

Again, we’re in this together and we will be in touch regularly.   

The Florida Chamber of Commerce urges Floridians and visitors to follow the facts, be cautious but not fearful when it comes to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Florida Chamber is the official state chapter of the National Safety Council, and we are committed to helping keep Floridians safe. The safety of our collective employees is paramount and they deserve the facts.

At times like these, it’s important to remember this is a global situation and misinformation and overreacting is causing a secondary impact on our economy. As I’ve said for years, Florida’s economy may be creating one-in-10 new U.S. jobs but our economy is a fragile balance of innovation, trade, tourism and economic diversification. Our Chief Economist is closely monitoring the situation and I’ll be back in touch on that later. For now, let’s focus on safety and the facts.

Florida is open for business, for travel and for spring break and we are in 24/7 contact with Governor Ron DeSantis’ office, state public health agencies, VISIT FLORIDA, the CDC and other important partners. If the CDC changes their recommendations, we will let Florida Chamber members know immediately. In the meantime, the Florida Chamber is still traveling and performing business as normal AND I KNOW MOST OF YOU ARE DOING THE SAME. In fact, I’m typing this memo from Miami during our national meeting of the top 100 chambers of commerce in America.

I would like to thank all our members who have called to share your stories, concerns and best practices.  This is one of those times when we’re all in this together and the infodemic that is happening as a result of the health concerns is having significant secondary impacts on our economy. Days before President Trump addressed the nation, our Chief Economist, Dr. Jerry Parrish, said, “…don’t panic, be smart.” He may have been the first to say it, but it was true then and it’s true now.

To help Florida Chamber members follow the facts of the Coronavirus, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today released our Florida Chamber Coronavirus resource webpage with information business leaders can use to prepare, both internally and externally, for potential impacts from the Coronavirus. This webpage includes important links from Governor DeSantis’ office, the Emergency Operations Center, Centers for Disease Control, Florida Department of Health and our partners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and it will be updated regularly.

Share this link with your executive leadership, local business partners, employees and friends.

For speed, and for your convenience, I have appointed Greg Blosé as our point of contact for information regarding Florida’s COVID-19 information. Greg is a veteran of the Florida Emergency Operations Center as he has staffed many hurricanes and served as our point of contact during the Zika virus as well. Should you have any best practices, suggestions or questions, please contact Greg Blosé at [email protected] or call 850-521-1243.

Again, we’re in this together and we will be in touch regularly.   

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters and personal watercraft operators to slow down and keep a keen eye out for manatees as they enjoy Florida’s waterways this spring.
During this time of year, manatees leave their winter refuges and are more likely to be found in rivers, canals and nearshore waters. The sunny spring weather also appeals to Florida’s boaters, meaning that they are likely to cross paths with the state’s official marine mammal.
“Spring is one of the best times to be out on the water but it’s also a very active time for manatees.” said Ron Mezich, who heads the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “Boaters can make a big difference and avoid injuring or killing manatees by slowing down and being alert this spring.”
Some of the same actions that keep manatees safe also keep people safe. Everyone on the water should be paying attention to surroundings and operating at safe speeds.
From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being struck by motorboats or personal watercrafts. FWC law enforcement officers are on patrol in state waters to remind boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take enforcement actions when appropriate.
Manatees can be difficult to detect when underwater, so it is important for operators of boats and personal watercrafts to be vigilant while out on the water. You can help protect manatees by following these simple guidelines:

• Wear polarized sunglasses to help spot manatees.
• Look for large circles on the water, also known as manatee footprints, indicating the presence of a manatee below.
• Look for a snout sticking up out of the water.
• Follow posted manatee zones while boating.
• Report injured, distressed, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or dialing #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone.

Resources for boaters, educators and other interested members of the public are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee. Click the page’s “Information & Guidelines” tab for helpful tips on respectfully viewing manatees, additional guidelines for boat and PWC operators, and information on what you can do to help these amazing aquatic mammals.
Those interested in supporting the FWC’s manatee research, rescue and management efforts can purchase a “Save the Manatee” Florida license plate, or donate $5 to receive an FWC manatee decal. Both are available from your local Tax Collector’s office.
Spring is an active time for many of Florida’s wildlife species. For more information on wildlife in spring visit MyFWC.com/News and click on “Spring Wildlife News”.
General boating safety information is available at MyFWC.com/boating.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 11, 2020) – Fort Myers Brewing Company won a pair of gold medals at the 2020 Best Florida Beer Professional Championship, a sanctioned competition for the state’s top brewers that helps promote the art of beer-making and the craft beer industry.
The brewery’s popular “Fort Myers Wheat,” one of its seven flagship beers, won top honors in the Wheat Beer category. Described as an “American wheat ale made for our warm Florida climate,” the brew has hints of orange and coriander and a light, but creamy, mouthfeel that quenches thirst.
Fort Myers Brewing’s O.Y.A. also earned a gold medal in the Double IPA category. With a “potent citrus hop character and a prominent sweetness that packs a knockout punch,” the Imperial India pale ale is a specialty beer that’s high on taste and alcohol content.
“Brewing isn’t just a job for our team; it’s a passion,” said Rob Whyte, who co-founded Fort Myers Brewing in 2013 with his wife, Jen. “We spend days, weeks and even months developing our beers and creating products that we know our loyal customers will enjoy, so it’s extremely gratifying to know professional judges also appreciate the flavors we are producing.”
The 2020 Best Florida Beer Professional Championship attracted 931 entries in 55 categories.
Fort Myers Brewing has medaled at the Best Florida Beer Professional Championship every year since the brewery was established in 2013, winning a total of 10 gold, five silver and eight bronze medals. Fort Myers Brewing also won the title of “Best Large Brewery in Florida” at the 2016 competition.
“When we opened seven years ago, we were the first craft brewery in Lee County,” Jen Whyte said. “It has been incredible to be part of this industry as it continues to grow locally and throughout the state, and we’re so appreciative to receive this recognition from our fellow beer-lovers.”
About Fort Myers Brewing Company
Established in 2013, Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Lee County and continues to lead Southwest Florida’s surging craft beer movement. Founded by Rob and Jen Whyte, Fort Myers Brewing carries a signature line of flagship beers in addition to seasonal brews and small batch specialties. Its ales, pilsners, stouts and IPAs are winners of multiple prestigious awards, including golds at the Best Florida Beer Competition, a silver at the 2018 World Beer Cup and a bronze at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival. Fort Myers Brewing was named “Best Large Brewery in Florida” in 2016. Its beers are poured at 1,041 locations, including 620 bars and restaurants, and are available for purchase in 421 retail outlets, including Publix, Costco and Total Wine. The brewery is located at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit FMbrew.com or call 239-313-6576.

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Media Contacts:

Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-887-9335 (cell)
Emily Golden, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-565-1595 (cell)