Free community health care program to address medicine and genetics

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2020) – Shell Point Retirement Community continues its fifth annual 2020 Medical Breakthroughs & Discoveries series on Feb. 4 with a presentation by Julie A. Johnson, Pharm.D., dean and distinguished professor at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy.

Free and open to the public, the presentation, entitled “What Is It and How It Can Improve Healthcare,” will discuss the latest advances in medicine, considering individual factors, especially genetics, in making decisions about a person’s health care. Johnson will address these advances especially as they relate to helping select the right medications for individuals based on their genetics.

The program will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in the Village Church Auditorium on The Island at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd. in Fort Myers. Registration is requested by calling 239-433-7936.

In addition to serving as dean of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Johnson is also a distinguished professor of pharmacy and medicine. She received her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Ohio State University and her Pharm.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship in cardiovascular pharmacology and pharmacokinetics from Ohio State University.

Johnson’s research focuses on cardiovascular pharmacogenomics and genomic medicine implementation. She is an internationally recognized leader in pharmacogenomics and genomic medicine, with more than 290 peer-reviewed publications and nearly $45 million in research funding as principal investigator. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, she was named as a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Scientist in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and in the Cross Discipline category in 2018, indicating that Johnson is in the top 1% of the most highly cited scientists in the field globally.

Johnson has served on the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA, the XNDA Study Section at National Institutes of Health (NIH), and in numerous scientific capacities with NIH’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. She has held leadership roles in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, the American Heart Association and the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, for which she completed her term as president in 2017.

Shell Point’s 2020 Medical Breakthroughs & Discoveries is a community speaker series designed to share updates on the latest advances in medical research and health care practice.

About Shell Point Retirement Community

Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing for its 2,500 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, and other recreational and educational activities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.

Fort Myers, FL — Hughes, Snell & Co., P.A., Certified Public Accountants and Consultants, (HSC) announces that Catherine Palmisano, CPA, has been named a shareholder in the firm.
Palmisano joined HSC in 2005. She has been the senior manager responsible for the firm’s financial reporting services area with more than 15 years of experience helping clients understand and meet complex compliance requirements.
Recently named one of the “40 Under 40” to watch by the Business Observer, Palmisano graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) with a Master of Science degree in accounting and taxation. She is a certified public accountant in the State of Florida, and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She is past treasurer of Gladiolus Learning and Development Center. She currently is a United Way Allocation team member and runs HSC’s United Way Pacesetter Campaign.
Hughes, Snell & Co., P.A. is a full-service accounting firm that has been providing tax, accounting and business advisory solutions to Southwest Florida clients since 1974. The firm is a member of CPAmerica International, one of the world’s largest networks of independent CPA firms. Corporate offices are located at 1470 Royal Palm Square Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida. For information, call (239) 939-2233 or visit hughessnell.com.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 20, 2020) – Lee County Tax Collector is introducing another quick and easy way to renew vehicle registrations. Digital self-service kiosks will allow vehicle owners to enter their information safely and securely to renew registrations quickly. Kiosks will be located in downtown Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres service centers and will be available for use in February.
This keeps with Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart’s vision of improving customer service through technology, especially in one of the key service areas – vehicle registration.
“We want every experience in the Lee County Tax Collector offices to be satisfying for those using our services, including vehicle registrations,” Hart said. “These kiosks are an innovative way to keep wait times short and allow for a quick and easy way to renew tags.”
In addition to the kiosks, Lee County residents can also renew their registration online using the TagsToday® program or at any of the seven convenient Lee County Tax Collector service center locations.
For more information on the new kiosks, visit flmvexpress.com.
About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates seven service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the
growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.
 

Bonita Springs, FL – Literacy Council Gulf Coast is hosting its annual Passion for Fashion fundraising event on February 5, 2020 featuring clothes from Chico’s FAS and keynote address by FGCU’s Vice President, University Advancement and Executive Director, FGCU Foundation, Kitty Green. The event will include lunch, a glass of champagne, a fashion show and silent auction featuring some of the best items from across Southwest Florida.
“This fashion show is something the community looks forward to every year,” said Sue Holman, President & CEO of Literacy Council Gulf Coast. “We believe that literacy is the key that unlocks a person’s ability to learn, and our programs are the tools that help them get there. This event supports our programs. And, our students and donors have fun doing it!”
 
“Literacy benefits everyone,” said Holman. “Our economy, our schools, and our society.”
 
Celebrating over 30 years of excellence in education, Literacy Council Gulf Coast (LCGC) helps adults and children acquire the literacy skills necessary to improve their quality of life. Students with effective English language skills are more likely to obtain their GED or continue to higher education, gain meaningful employment, and better provide for their families. With programs offered in GED and U.S. Citizenship preparation, worksite literacy, and family literacy, LCGC serves students across Lee County, North Naples and LaBelle. In 2018-2019, nearly 2,700 students attended Literacy Council classes.
 
Studies show that salaries of adults with below-basic literacy skills are on average $28,000 less than salaries of adults with proficient skills. Read the full Literacy Council Gulf Coast 2019 Impact Report here: http://bit.ly/2019-impact-report.
 
To purchase tickets to the event, please visit: https://passionforfashion.eventbrite.com
 
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About Literacy Council Gulf Coast
The mission of Literacy Council Gulf Coast (LCGC) is to assist adults and children to acquire the English literacy skills and education necessary to improve their quality of life and enhance the entire community. LCGC is a 501©3 nonprofit educational organization committed to improving the English and reading skills of adults and children throughout Lee County, Hendry, and North Collier County, including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, LaBelle and Naples. The Council was founded in 1989 and has been offering literacy services in southwest Florida for 30 years. LCGC receives no federal, state, or local government funding and relies on the generosity of foundations, and individuals to teach its students.
 
About Kitty Green
Kitty Green serves as Vice President for Advancement and FGCU Foundation Executive Director. She was hired to lead Florida Gulf Coast University’s advancement efforts in June 2019.  She is responsible for the Foundation fundraising team, Alumni Association, University marketing and communications, and WGCU public media.  In making that somewhat untraditional choice, University and Foundation leadership acknowledged the critical role of community support in the growth of FGCU, and cited Kitty’s deep connection to the local business and civic community as well as her proven leadership abilities.
 
A lifelong resident of Fort Myers, Kitty received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in business from the University of South Florida.  She spent 20 years developing master planned communities in Bonita Springs for Westinghouse Communities and Bonita Bay Group, with wide-ranging responsibilities over the years, including marketing, sales, operations, business development and creation of new planned communities.  Her development career culminated as CEO of Bonita Bay Group, where she was responsible for 1,300 employees, seven active master planned communities, and nearly 15,000 future residential units.
 
When the Great Recession devastated the local development industry, Kitty stepped down from the Bonita Bay Group and took the helm of her longtime favorite charity, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties in 2010.  She rebuilt that organization, taking advantage of the recession by acquiring homes and land at affordable prices, increasing Board engagement, expanding to four ReStores to help generate income for the mission, and helping more than 60 families acquire homes annually.  Habitat Lee/Hendry is in the top 1% of producing affiliates nationally, and held the top Charity Navigator rating for accountability and transparency during her entire tenure.

(Fort Myers, FL – January 20, 2020) –Jennifer’s women’s boutique is celebrating 37 years in business by giving back to local charities at “Fashion Forward Friday” events through April.   Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) will receive 5% of all sales on Friday, February 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Shoppers will enjoy champagne and cupcakes and will receive 15% off all tops.
 
Jennifer’s will also be collecting art supplies for LARC’s art therapy program.  Wish list items include buttons (mix and match), scissors, wood glue, Elmer’s glue, non-toxic acrylic paints, paintbrushes, felt and foam craft sheets, large size crayons and pencils and yarn.
 
LARC’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers youth programs, vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.    Jennifer’s will also be collecting art supplies for LARC’s new art therapy program.
 
Jennifer Williams opened her Fort Myers boutique in November of 1983.  Her unique and timeless sense of style and personalized service has created a loyal following.  Jennifer’s is located at 13251 McGregor Boulevard in The Design Center and is open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.  Call (239) 481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com or on Facebook or Instagram.
 
About Jennifer’s
 
The Fort Myers women’s boutique was founded by Jennifer Williams in 1983.  Jennifer’s offers subtle and timeless pieces that can be worn every day as well as sophisticated and simple fashions for the evening and special events.  Jennifer’s is located at 13251 Suite 111-1 McGregor Boulevard in The Design Center, between First Watch restaurant and Norman Love Confections.  For more information call 239-481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com, on Facebook or Instagram.
 
 

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Named One of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World
 
FORT MYERS, FLA., January 16, 2020– Dr. Tony Evans, one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles, who was named one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world by Baylor University, will be the guest speaker at the 24^th Annual Benefit Dinner for Lifeline Family Center Thursday, March 12.
About 800 community leaders are expected to attend the annual benefit dinner at McGregor Baptist Church on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $90 each or $560 for a table of eight. Sponsorships, which include a VIP reception with Dr. Evans, are available from $1,000 to $15,000.  Tickets may be purchased at www.BenefitDinnerLFC.org  or by calling 239-242-7238.
The Breeze Newspapers and CTN10 Southwest Florida are the media sponsors for the event.  Other major sponsors are Jerry and Delores Horne and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.
“We are very pleased that Dr. Evans will be coming to Southwest Florida to spread his message of the joy and healing qualities of faith,” said Lifeline Family Center President and Founder Kathy Miller.  “We can all benefit from his teachings, which are heard daily on radio stations throughout the world.”
Dr. Evans is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Tex., and president of The Urban Alternative, chaplain of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, and author of more than 100 books, booklets and Bible studies.
His radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 1,200 United States outlets daily, including Moody Radio, and in more than 130 countries.
He is the first African American to earn a doctorate of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and has been named one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-speaking world by Baylor University.
Dr. Evans launched the Tony Evans Training Center in 2017, an online learning platform providing quality seminary-style courses for a fraction of the cost to any person in any place.  His goal is to increase Bible literacy not only among lay people but also among those Christian leaders who cannot afford nor find the time for formal ongoing education.
Lifeline Family Center provides a home in Cape Coral for homeless young women in crisis pregnancies to help them become self-supporting through education, job training, parenting classes, professional counseling and spiritual guidance. It is the only residential program in Lee County for homeless young women in crisis pregnancies who are not part of the foster care program.
In the residential program, Lifeline Family Center serves up to 12 young women, ages 16 to 25, and up to 24 babies at a time. In the Outreach Ministry program, more than 6,000 women have received assistance with material needs, adoption counseling and resource referrals. The non-profit also operates a 24/7 Pregnancy Helpline, provides free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds by appointment, and does outreach to all areas of Lee County, including all college campuses.
 
About Lifeline Family Center
Founded in 1996, Lifeline Family Center provides young women in crisis pregnancies a safe home in Cape Coral and a learning environment.  They receive education, job training, professional counseling, parenting classes and spiritual guidance.  The two-year residential program prepares young moms and their babies to become self-supporting, contributing members of society.  Lifeline Family Center receives no government funding and is wholly dependent upon donations from generous individuals, churches and corporations that believe in Lifeline’s mission. For more information about Lifeline Family Center, visit www.lifelinefamilycenter.org/benefit-dinner.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 17, 2020) – Lee BIA Builders Care will host its 11^th annual BBQ, Bands & Brew fundraising event on April 5 at Centennial Park in Fort Myers.

The annual event features Southwest Florida’s top pit masters competing for the title of “Best BBQ in Town,” as well as live music from local headlining bands, numerous vendors and fun-filled activities and games for all ages.

Proceeds from the event support Builders Care’s 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. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has helped more than 425 Lee County households and provided in excess of $4.75 million in construction services and materials at no cost to families.

BBQ, Bands & Brew will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 5 at Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St. in Fort Myers.

The annual event attracts thousands of guests each year, and since its inception in 2010, the event has raised over $590,000 in support of Lee BIA Builders Care. Jonesez BBQ, which was named “Best BBQ in Town” last year, is returning in 2020 to defend its title.

All Star Equipment Rentals & Sales is the Presenting Sponsor for BBQ, Bands & Brew. Additional sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $6,500 and include recognition in marketing and promotional materials, event tickets, preferred parking, barbecue lunch and more.

A complete lineup of performing artists and vendors will be released in the coming weeks.

To learn more about ticket and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.BBQBandsAndBrew.com or call 239-938-0056.

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.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 16, 2020) – On Jan. 8, Shell Point Retirement Community held a “topping off” ceremony to mark the major construction milestone on the Tribby Arts Center, a two-level, 44,000-square-foot performing arts center dedicated to visual and performing arts as well as educational programming.

The celebration included more than 20 Shell Point residents along with members of Shell Point’s executive team. Each of the attendees signed the final steel beam that was hoisted into place to signify that the structure had reached its maximum height. Additionally, a guided tour through the semi-complete building offered Shell Point’s residents a chance to experience the new spaces firsthand. Representatives from the building contractor, Gates Construction, also joined in the celebration.

“Today marks a special day as we celebrate the tremendous progress that has been made on the Tribby Arts Center,” said Shell Point President Martin Schappell. “This is going to be a wonderful addition to the many amenities that we have at Shell Point. With all of the available arts programs, the 400-seat auditorium and more, the potential for this building is limitless.”

A catered lunch was provided for the Gates Construction team to thank them for their efforts.

“Gates Construction is doing a wonderful job,” said Adam Hinds, vice president of operations at Shell Point. “On average, there are 60 to 70 guys out here each day working hard through the heat, rain and all kinds of weather. Everyone is focused on the same goal as we look forward to the grand opening in fall 2020.”

When complete, the Tribby Arts Center will include a grand entrance and atrium gallery, full-time art gallery, practice rooms for musicians, dance and theatre arts studio, literary lounge and arts library, and numerous studios for painting, crafts, pottery, quilting, stained glass and photography, plus a 400-seat, tiered theatre.

Additionally, the art gallery and shop will display and sell residents’ artworks and host a wide variety of exhibitions, and the Collectors’ Gallery will rotate art from residents’ own collections. Bonus features include a gift shop featuring artists’ works, a French bistro and a sculpture garden that will surround the arts center offering delightful spots to relax, read, stroll, create and enjoy art and music.

The Tribby Arts Center will join the long list of lifestyle amenities at Shell Point, which includes a championship 18-hole golf course with an elegantly appointed clubhouse, free boat docks with deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico, coastal-inspired restaurants, charming outdoor cafes, luxurious salon and spas, fitness centers, tennis and pickleball, and miles of scenic walking and bike trails. Shell Point Retirement Community is located along the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida, just two miles before Sanibel Island. A nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry, Shell Point is the largest single-site continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Florida and the second largest in the country with 2,500 residents and more than 1,200 employees. For further information about the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, go to www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.

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