Member News

(Fort Myers, Fla. – December 21, 2017) – The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center, non-profit organizations that work to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood, announce new officers and welcome four new members to their board of directors.
Jan-Erik Hustrulid, Business Development Coordinator at Owen-Ames-Kimball Company, was reelected chair of the board. Kenny Brewer, Manager, Non-Merchandise Procurement at Chico’s FAS, Inc. was elected vice chair, and Susan Ryan, Chief Financial Officer at Canterbury School, was reelected secretary/treasurer.
Four new members have been selected to serve on the board of directors. The new members are Jim Dwyer, Vice President, Strategic Development, Interop Technologies, Bryan Filson, Financial Planner, CRPS® with Mutual of Omaha, Armando Llechu, Chief Administrative Officer for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, and Kevin Shimp, President, Thomas Marine Construction.
Returning board members include Tracie Bagans, Cindie Barker, Richard Fain, John Grey, Luis Insignares, Li-Su H. Javedan, Teri Palmer, Richard Pitbladdo, Steven Sizemore and Terri Wade.
“Serving on the board of thriving non-profits like The Heights Foundation and the Heights Center requires dedication, time and a commitment to improving the community,” said Heights Foundation President and CEO, Kathryn Kelly. “We are grateful to our new, current and past board members for providing their time and talents to make a positive impact on the lives of families in Harlem Heights.”
For more information about The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.
About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.

CAPTIVA ISLAND, FL — Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, the leading hospitality marketing organization in Southwest Florida, has announced its support of Community Housing and Resources, with a $5,000 “Fat Tuesday” sponsorship of CHR’s 2018 Mardi Gras Fundraiser.
The 2018 Mardi Gras Fundraiser, hosted on Saturday, February 10, is the sole annual fundraising effort for the important work that Community Housing and Resources provides. Community Housing and Resources, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing to families and individuals who work on and (or) serve the community of Sanibel. CHR-served individuals work at your local bank, grocery store, favorite retail stores and restaurants. CHR assists these and other persons by overseeing 74 rental units in 11 complexes, as well as 14 limited equity ownership homes throughout Sanibel Island.
In addition, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts has offered to host the CHR “Sponsorship Party” at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva. Scheduled for January 24, the party includes a variety of fun-filled activities and events, including a “swim relay race” to be staged at the resort’s all-new Serenity Pool — which the ‘Tween Waters team won in 2017.
“Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts is proud to once again be a major sponsor of CHR’s Mardi Gras,” says Doug Babcock, Chief Operating Officer. “We are committed to many local and regional non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life, both here on the islands as well as throughout Southwest Florida. We encourage others to join as CHR sponsors and — as Swim Relay Race winners last year — we look forward in a lighthearted way to taking on any challengers to our awesome group of swimmers!”
For more information about sponsorship or tickets, contact Executive Director Melissa Rice at 239.472.1189 or visit www.sanibelchr.org.
About Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts LLC
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts LLC is among Southwest Florida’s top and most experienced hospitality marketing organizations. SCBR operates four of Sanibel and Captiva Islands’ top beach resorts that comprise more than 300 quality accommodations, from beachfront suites to classic seaside cottages, including: ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa of Captiva Island, Florida; West Wind Inn of Sanibel, Florida; Beachview Cottages of Sanibel, Florida; Castaways Cottages of Sanibel, Florida (at Blind Pass); and ‘Tween Waters Island Vacation Rentals of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida. The organization also excels in food and beverage service with five dining outlets, plus outstanding banquet services and facilities for weddings, corporate meetings and family reunions. In addition, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts manages and markets two marinas, numerous recreational amenities (discounted golf, tennis, water sports and more), retail outlets and a day spa.
Learn more at www.SanibelCaptivaBeachResorts.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 23, 2017) – Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC (ARLM)—a leading, SWFL personal injury, business litigation, civil rights, family law, and real estate law firm is proud to announce that ARLM partners, Ty Roland and Evan Lubell, won a $23.75 million settlement in the wrongful death case of Tricia Dominguez versus Florida Power & Light. “This is one of the largest verdicts in Lee County History,” says, attorney Frank Aloia.

In 2008, FPL’s own inspectors warned the company that bamboo near the Dominguez home was too close to power lines and should be removed. Three years later, 15-year-old Justin Dominguez was playing with other children at a neighbor’s home when the bamboo stalk he climbed struck the high-voltage power lines and he sustained catastrophic injuries. He died two weeks later in a hospital after he was declared brain dead and removed from a ventilator.

“FPL had more than ten opportunities, since 2008, to eliminate the danger to the children living adjacent to this 13,000 volt power line, and failed to act each and every time. They broke the law. They broke their own rules. They blamed a boy for climbing a tree, instead of apologizing and trying to stop it from happening again,” said Ty Roland. In addition, Evan Lubell said, “The Jury had the rare opportunity to see in the light of day the behind-the-scenes decision-making that multi-billion-dollar companies like FPL make when their failures are challenged by regular people.”

ARLM partners, Ty Roland and Evan Lubell, showed the jury an FPL work order to remove the bamboo at that exact address from three years before the boy died. FPL knew for years that the highly conductive bamboo posed a serious threat to the people living in the area, and yet the Florida utility did nothing to address the danger. A six-man jury found for Mrs. Dominguez and awarded her $8.75 million for pain and suffering for the loss of her first-born son. The jury took the further step to award Mrs. Dominquez punitive damages of $15.0 million for FPL’s gross negligence. The purpose of the punitive damages is to punish FPL for their gross incompetence and to prevent this from ever happening again.

The impact of this case is more than just monetary.  “This verdict will save lives,” said Ty Roland. The bamboo near the power lines was finally removed, nine years after its discovery as a hazard, and six years after this teen’s death. Roland adds, “We just received word that another clump of bamboo was removed just yesterday off of McGregor. Hopefully, this verdict will serve as a warning and prevention of any future deaths in relation to overgrown bamboo near power lines.”

A complete account of this case and trial, along with other insights from Mr. Lubell and Mr. Roland on this case, can be can be found online at Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC’s website at www.floridalegalrights.com.

About Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC

Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC is a leading SWFL law firm with offices in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. The firm concentrates on areas of serious personal injury and wrongful death, defective products and drugs, first-party insurance claims, civil rights violations, general business/construction litigation, family law, real estate, and corporate transactional matters.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 26, 2017) – Pamela Van Nest has joined Sanibel Captiva Community Bank as a teller at the McGregor branch. She is responsible for assisting customers with personal and business banking transactions.
Van Nest has more than 40 years of banking experience in Ohio and Florida, including previous positions as head teller, branch manager, merchant services and ATM supervisor, branch coordinator, head bookkeeper, IT department supervisor and operations officer.
A Fort Myers resident since 2009, she is an active Harry Chapin Food Bank volunteer.
Founded in 2003, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has two locations on Sanibel and five additional locations in Fort Myers. The bank is nationally ranked in the top 20 as a best-performing community bank by S&P Global Market Intelligence out of more than 4,500 banks with assets under $1 billion. It is well-capitalized, with $383 million in assets, and generates the highest return on equity of all Florida banks in excess of $155 million in total assets.
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s professionals provide customized individual and business banking services and specialize in residential loans. The bank offers free personal and business checking, deposit accounts with competitive interest rates, safe deposit boxes, and a full array of online banking products and services, including electronic statements, mobile banking apps, CardValet, online bill pay, Positive Pay and ACH Manager. To learn more, visit www.SanCapBank.com.

Tickets on Sale Now for March 24 Concert
IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Dec. 27, 2017) – Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents An Evening with entertainment legend Tony Orlando live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $65 and are available at the casino, online at www.jaytv.com/florida, or by phone at 800-514-3849. Attendees must be 21 years of age.  For more information call the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee at 800-218-0007.
Orlando is one of America’s most endearing and enduring iconic stars. His performance at Seminole Casino Hotel is part of his tour of live concert shows across the nation as he celebrates more than five decades as a beloved entertainer. In 2016, he won numerous awards, including the Casino Entertainer of the Year Award; the “Best All Around Entertainer” Las Vegas, which he has won a total of four times and previously three times in Atlantic City; Jukebox Artist of the Year Award from the Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York; The Ellis Island Medal of Honor, one of the nation’s most prestigious awards; and The Bob Hope Award for excellence in entertainment from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society honoring his efforts on behalf of our nation’s veterans.
Few entertainers have excelled in so many realms as Orlando has: a top selling recording artist, songwriter, concert headliner, network television star, motion picture actor, Broadway performer and author. A Grammy nominee, Orlando has sold millions of records, including five number one hits: “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree,” “Knock Three Times,” “Candida,” “My Sweet Gypsy Rose” and “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You).” “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” was the number one Billboard song of 1973, became Orlando’s theme song, and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming, reunion and renewal.
Orlando has two Platinum albums, three Gold albums and 15 Top 40 hits. Tony Orlando and Dawn rank among the Top 100 Billboard Magazine artists of all-time. The enormously popular Tony Orlando and Dawn television variety show ran for four seasons, from 1973 to 1977, on CBS. The show catapulted Tony Orlando and Dawn from popular recording artists into major stars, and they were the first multi-racial singing group to star in a network television series. Orlando is still one of the most popular live concerts artists, and has headlined around the world and entertained for five U.S. Presidents.
About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,300 slots, including Tarzan, Wheel of Fortune and Crazy Money, and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and The EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Nightly entertainment is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system designed by Technomedia Solutions. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with adjacent private Seminole Chickee cabana huts, 24-hour fitness studio, free Wi-Fi, and desk concierge services.
Located at 506 South 1^st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida via I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the casino. Located between Miami and Naples, north of Alligator Alley on Highway 846, it is five blocks south of Highway 29. Approximately 30 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers, the casino is a 90-minute drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.

Saturday morning sightseeing cruise is free for children

NAPLES, Fla. (December 27, 2017) – Pure Florida’s Naples location at Tin City Waterside Shops, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., is offering children a free ride  on the M/V Double Sunshine for a Sightseeing Cruise every Saturday at 10 a.m. when accompanied by a paying adult. Children can participate in the “Kids Cruise Free” program year-round. The 1.5 hour children’s cruise provides an entertaining environment for children to learn about the Southwest Florida environment. While Pure Florida cannot guarantee animal sightings in the wild, the captain will alert passengers to wildlife such as dolphins, pelicans, eagles, manatee, native birds and more.
As a special treat offered during the cruise, Pure Florida offers a sightseeing scavenger hunt for the children to participate in to win a prize.

While registration for the children’s cruise is free for youth 12-years-old and younger, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Adult tickets are $37.50 per person. Additional child tickets are $18.75.  Reservations are required. For more information or to book your ticket, call 239-693-4949 or visit www.PureFL.com.

About Pure Florida
Pure Florida is a water attraction company helmed by father-and-son duo Captains Lance H. and Harry Julian.  The company offers a variety of unique eco-excursions for its visitors that incorporate maritime history, tourism, sightseeing and entertainment. Pure Florida features 19 vessels for sunset and specialty cruises as well as boat and jet ski rentals, fishing charters, group events and educational field trips for schools and students from marinas in Naples and Fort Myers.
In addition to Pure Florida, the founders are also partners in Marine Team International and Pure Image Productions, providing professional marine consulting, television and video production and photography services. With a long history in maritime productions, Lance and Harry Julian have helped to create some of the most memorable water scenes in film production, with credits including “Titanic” and “Waterworld,” and television credits such as the reality show, “Survivor.” As the fourth and fifth generation working within the maritime industry, Lance and Harry Julian enjoy sharing their passion and expertise with fellow adventurers in the Southwest Florida area. For more information, visit www.PureFL.com or call its Naples location at 239-263-4949 or its Fort Myers location at 239-919-2965.
 

Dog owners invited to cruise with their dogs to beach at Picnic Island

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 27, 2017) – Pure Florida presents Bark on the Ark cruise from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 20 aboard the M/V Edison Explorer which departs from The Marina at Edison Ford, located at 2360 W. First St. in Fort Myers. Guests will have the opportunity to bring their dogs for a sightseeing cruise along the Caloosahatchee River to Picnic Island, located between Sanibel and Pine Island that exhibits the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. At Picnic Island, passengers will enjoy a playful time socializing with man’s best friend. During the excursion, dogs and owners can run, swim and play catch while enjoying the sunshine, water, sand and fresh air. Water, tennis balls and dog treats are included for the canines. Soda, wine and beer will be available for purchase. While Pure Florida cannot guarantee animal sightings in the wild, the captain will alert passengers to wildlife such as dolphins, eagles, manatee, native birds and more. Registration for the tour is $44 per person. Groups of six or more can call for discounted group rates. Reservations are required as room is limited to 25 passengers and their pets. All dogs that can follow basic commands are welcome. For more information or to book your ticket, call (239) 919-2965 or visit www.PureFL.com.
Bark on the Ark Facebook event page: http://bit.ly/2BKtOLT

FORT MYERS, Fla – December 28, 2017 – Broadway Palm proudly presents the longest running American musical CHICAGO from December 30, 2017 through February 10, 2018. With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, CHICAGO is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards and the Grammy® for Best Musical Cast Recording.
Set in 1920s Chicago and based on true murders and trials, CHICAGO follows Roxie Hart, an aspiring vaudevillian who murders her lover and is arrested. In jail, Roxie meets her hero, the double-murderess and nightclub entertainer Velma Kelly. When both vixens obtain the same lawyer, tensions run high as they fight for the spotlight. This tale of fame and fortune includes incredible dancing and one show-stopping song after another including All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, When You’re Good To Mama, Roxie and more!
Directing CHICAGO is M. Seth Reines, a member of the Society for Directors and Choreographers with credits that include national tours of All Shook Up, The Wedding Singer and South Pacific, to name a few. Choreographing CHICAGO is Southwest Florida favorite, Amy Marie McCleary. In addition to choreographing, McCleary, after a four year absence, will be making her return to the stage in the role of Velma Kelly which she has previously portrayed.
CHICAGO is playing at Broadway Palm from December 30, 2017 through February 10, 2018. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $45 to $70 with discounts for children and parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 3, 2018) – Shell Point Retirement Community continues the Concerts & Conversations program of its 2017-2018 Concert Series with a performance by cellist Evan Drachman at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25 at the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point. As part of the Concerts & Conversations program, guests can enjoy fellowship and a dessert reception with Drachman following the concert. The event is open to the public, with tickets available for purchase online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239-454-2067.

Drachman possesses in abundance two qualities for which his grandfather, cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, was revered: the ability to make the cello imitate the human singing voice and, even more importantly, the ability to tell a story.

Born in Boston, Drachman studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music. Since graduating from the Curtis Institute of Music in 1998, Drachman has appeared regularly as a soloist with orchestras, as well as giving recitals and chamber music performances across the United States. Internationally, he has performed in India, Great Britain, Sweden, Italy and Canada, also touring the Far East as a soloist with the Chinese-American Symphony during recitals in Hong Kong and Macau.

For this performance, Drachman will be accompanied by Victor Santiago Asuncion on the piano. Victor serves on the chamber music faculty of the Aspen Music Festival and School.

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 care for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access, six public restaurants, a championship 18-hole golf course, and many other recreational and educational activities. Learn more at www.shellpoint.org or 1-800-780-1131.