Member News

Offshore Sailing School President and CEO Doris Colgate announced special savings of up to 20% on the company’s most popular sailing course packages in Florida now. Colgate said, “With increased health concerns around the world, and travel delays/cancellations occurring, Offshore Sailing School offers an experiential staycation at premier resorts on Florida’s Gulf Coast, surrounded by nature, not people.”
America’s #1 Sailing School® is offering an unforgettable getaway where shore birds, dolphins and manatees are an everyday attraction; and time will be spent focused on learning a new skill, not on more bad news.
Pack your swimsuit, shorts and tees and drive to St. Petersburg, Fort Myers Beach, or Captiva Island, Florida, for a learning vacation guaranteed to give you a lifetime of sailing adventures. You’ll be rewarded with pristine beaches, calm blue waters and warm breezes, laid-back island-hopping, and vacation vibes, all while learning to skipper a 26’-44’ sailboat. Savings of up to 20% are available on 2-day or 5-day Learn to Sail, 8-day Fast Track™ to Live Aboard Cruising, and 6-day Live Aboard Cruising Courses with resort accommodations. Book by March 14, 2020 to save 20% on your total course package. Book between March 15 and 31, 2020, to save 15%; or book anytime in April 2020 and save 10% on your sailing course vacation. Discounts available only on courses taught in Florida on Colgate 26 and monohulls (not catamarans). Course dates must end by December 19, 2020. Call 800-221-4326 or 239-454-1700 for details, availability and a personalized quote. Earn US Sailing certification and start your sailing lifestyle today!
Offshore Sailing School was founded in 1964 by Olympian, America’s Cup Sailor and National Sailing Hall of Fame Inductee, Steve Colgate. The school provides a full range of sailing and boating instruction with US Sailing & Powerboat certification – from beginning sailing to racing, advanced cruising, and passage making – at six locations in Florida and the British Virgin Islands. Offshore Sailing School continues its decades-long commitment to the national Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by supporting 24 Leukemia Cup Regattas across the country and LLS Fantasy Sail weekends. In the past ten years, Offshore Sailing School has generated over $175,000 to help LLS find the cures for blood cancers. The company also supports several other philanthropic causes and organizations located in the areas where its employees live, work and play. Visit https://www.offshoresailing.com/.
For more information and hi-res images, contact Beth Oliver, Director of Marketing at 239-985-7516.

On behalf of Dr. Greg Adkins, Superintendent of The School District of Lee County, and Marshall Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, we invite you to join us for a morning of EnVisioning the Future.
Who:  The School District of Lee County and The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
What:  EnVisioning the Future
Where: Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., FM, 33907
When:  Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 a.m. – noon
Hear personal stories of the work that is happening in our schools and how it impacts our community.
Speakers include:

• Gary Griffin, President, B&I
• Dr. Mike Martin, President, FGCU
• Harlan Parrish, President, FIneMark National Bank & Trust
• Robbie Roepstorff, President, Edison National Bank and Bank of the Islands
• Mike Wukitsch, Chief Human Resources Officer, Lee Health

Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 a.m. – noon, at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.  Please RSVP by March 13th, 2020 to
[email protected]
[email protected]
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LEE COUNTY
Please feel free to forward this invitation to others.

Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW
Join Tony Award Winner Debbie Gravitte (Les Mis, Chicago), Scarlett Strallen (Mary Poppins, Gentleman’s Guide), and Hugh Panaro (Phantom, Sweeney Todd) for an evening that features the music of giants from the Broadway world – Andrew Lloyd Webber, Leonard Bernstein and others.  This program includes Broadway favorites “Send in the Clowns”, “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”, “Memory”, “Phantom of the Opera”, and many more!
This performance is sponsored in part by
Chuck Bergstrom
Island Resident, Award Winning Realtor
Additional Support by Co-Producers Brian & Alexandria Speers
PRE CONCERT DINNER
Join us for a delicious pre-concert dinner catered by Gloria’s La Trattoria Cafe Napoli prior to Webber, Bernstein & More, March 7 at 5 pm. The dinner is held in Building J, Room 117 on the campus of Florida Southwestern College, just across from the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall lobby.
A Taste of Cuba – Catered by Chef Gloria 
House Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Sherry Dressing (on the side) * ^
Vegetarian Paella (Valencia Rice with assorted roasted vegetables, drizzled with a garlic aoil) * ^
Authentic Cuban Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce (on side) * ^
Black Beans and Rice * ^
Plantain Fries * ^
Bread and Butter
Flan *
(* indicates gluten-free  ^ indicates lactose-free)
Pre-concert Dinners are catered by local restaurants, with proceeds benefiting the Gulf Coast Symphony’s education and other community outreach programs.  Tickets are $35 and include dinner, drink and dessert. Separate concert ticket required.
Includes buffet dinner and dessert, plus wine, coffee, or tea.
Seating is limited to 100 people!  This is a separately ticketed event, but you must have a ticket for the concert to participate. $35 per person.
 

State record fish require proper certification 
That largemouth bass you’ve been battling with is now in your boat. It’s huge. Could it be the new state record? And if it is, how do you certify it?
The present state record for largemouth bass weighed 17.27 pounds and was caught by Billy O’Berry in Polk County in 1986. Although that record has stood over 30 years, recent submissions of giant 15- and 16-pound bass to FWC’s TrophyCatch citizen-science program has anglers and biologists alike asking when the next state record will show up.
This is what that lucky angler will need to know: To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species, and an FWC employee—usually but not necessarily the same individual—must witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record,” and should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Contact information for FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC.com/contact by clicking on “Contact an FWC office” then the “Regional Operations” tab.
Biologists urge anglers not to confuse the state record certification with the FWC’s TrophyCatch program. TrophyCatch is a citizen-science program that partners with industry leaders, such as Bass Pro Shops, to offer rewards for the catch, documentation and release of largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds or more. Nathaniel Scott Kicklighter has just become the current leader for TrophyCatch’s eighth season with a 14 pounds, 11 ounce bass from an unnamed Putnam County lake.
“It’s important to note that while all that is needed to submit a fish for TrophyCatch is a photo of the entire fish on a scale with the weight clearly visible, that photo is not enough to certify a state record,” said Allen Martin, FWC’s North Central Regional Fisheries Administrator.
 “A state record catch is an amazing angling accomplishment,” said Martin. “However, if the fish isn’t certified in person by an FWC biologist, the angler won’t get credit for a new state record.”
The Florida largemouth bass is the state freshwater fish and is the best known and most popular game fish in Florida. Found statewide in lakes and rivers, they are commonly located along vegetation, or underwater structures. The species draws anglers from around the world who contribute to the 25.7 million days spent freshwater fishing in Florida annually.

FORT MYERS, FLA.,  March 5, 2020 – Country music stars Carrie Underwood and Billy Dean are among the celebrities who are donating items for the return of Handbag Happy Hour Wednesday, March 25, at The Standard Restaurant in downtown Fort Myers.
Underwood has donated two personally autographed handbags for the event while Dean has donated an autographed bottle of Schramsberg Sparkling Wine and Amici Wine along with a collection of his famous songs.
Also participating is rocker-artist-designer Steve Luongo who has donated two of his high-end designer shirts for the men’s accessories portion of the event.
Local NBC-2 Anchor Kellie Burns has donated one of her gently-loved handbags and NBC-2 Anchor Nate Foy and NBC-2 Morning Meteorologist Jason Dunning have donated men’s ties for the men’s accessories portion of the event.
They are among more than 100 handbags and men’s accessories to be offered for silent and live auction to benefit Valerie’s House and The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation at The Shell Factory.
“We are so happy with the community’s response to the return of this fabulous event after a 13-year hiatus.  We have gently-loved designer handbags by Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and others,” said Pam Cronin, event chair and owner of The Shell Factory and Nature Park.  “We are still collecting handbags and men’s accessories from celebrities and loyal supporters.”
Cronin emphasized that Handbag Happy Hour is a fund-raising event for both men and women.
Donated items can be delivered to The Standard Restaurant at 1520 Broadway, next door at the Seed & Bean Market and at The Shell Factory on U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers.  Pick up of items also can be arranged by calling 239-410-1929.
“Havana Nights” is the theme for this year’s event with Flamenco dancers, bongo drummers and Cuban cigars setting the mood for the evening.  Mojitos and Cuban appetizers are included in the ticket price of $50 per person or $800 for a reserved table of eight.  Sponsorships also are available at $1,000 to $3,000.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.shellfactory.com
Downtown Diva Stephanie Davis and Wine Aficionado Gina Birch will share emcee duties for the live auction of a few select celebrity handbags.  The majority of items will be offered in a silent auction.
Event sponsors are Storm Smart, The Standard Restaurant, Seed & Bean Market, The Shell Factory and Nature Park, Florida Weekly and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.
All proceeds will benefit Valerie’s House, which helps grieving children heal after the loss of a parent or loved one, and The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, which provides transportation funding for Lee County school children to visit the park.  Both organizations are not-for-profit and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
About Valerie’s House
Valerie’s House is the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission to help children grieve the loss of a loved one.  With locations in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda, Valerie’s House is a special place where children connect with one another and learn the tools to heal after they have experienced the death of someone they love.  At Valerie’s House, children know others their own age, and they learn that loss doesn’t have to limit their dreams.  In addition to a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Valerie’s House is a family of others grieving.  Many have also gone through the same journey and help children see that there is hope.   Valerie’s House is fully supported through community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.
About The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation
The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation is located at The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers and provides new and enhanced habitats, nutritious meals and enrichment for the animals, birds, reptiles and fish that call the Nature Park home. Contributions also provide funding for transportation for Lee County School students to visit the park.  The organization’s mission is to provide an educational and fun experience for local school children by providing the opportunity to learn about and explore the animals and the environment.  For more information or to make a tax-deductible gift, visit www.shellfactorynaturepark.com .

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Mar. 5, 2020) – The recently established Rist Family Foundation continued making an impact in Southwest Florida as it donated $1 million to Florida Gulf Coast University.
Rist Family Foundation President and Storm Smart Executive Chairman Brian Rist officially presented the check to FGCU President Dr. Michael Martin and other school officials on March 3.
$750,000 of the donation will go to the FGCU Center of Entrepreneurship & Innovation for construction of an on-campus building the institute will call home.
The center focuses on providing FGCU students the resources and skills to develop their ideas of innovative services and products, creating the next generation of entrepreneurs. The center currently offers 34 courses in entrepreneurship and has seen 400+ businesses started by FGCU students since August 2016.
Since 2017, FGCU’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation has increased its enrollment by 30%, bringing the total number of students enrolled in the program to 522 at the end of 2019. Also, the center has gained national recognition and ranking. According to the Princeton Review, FGCU’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation ranks 30th in the nation and has the highest ranking in Florida.
The center’s Runway Program which is an incubator program
Rist has been involved with the institute over the past few years and has seen first-hand the growth and impact it has on the students. That was a driving force in why he felt compelled to donate to the program, “It is amazing how this program has grown. To see these talented students turn their dreams into reality has been a fantastic experience for me.”
Thanks to the Rist Family Foundation, the funding is now in place to relocate the center from its current location off Alico Road nearly five miles from FGCU to a new on-campus building, which they hope will plant the seeds of future growth and success of the Center of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, “This has really put us over the top for a major investment in one of the fasting growing programs on our campus,” said FGCU President Dr. Michael Martin. “Brian and Kim’s generosity and investment in FGCU will be meaningful for years to come.
In addition to the Center of Entrepreneurship & Innovation donation, the Rist Family Foundation is donating $250,000 to FGCU’s Newton Ethical Leadership Initiative (NELI).
NELI was established to provide FGCU an opportunity to offer a leading think tank on ethics, leadership, and related subjects to FGCU students. NELI includes an “Organizational Ethics & Values” course required for all Management majors at the university.
NELI also hosts its annual Distinguished Speaker in Ethics series, “Celebrating Ethical Leadership in Southwest Florida” luncheon, and annual High School Ethics Case Competition for area high school students.
In honor of the Rist Family Foundation’s donation, the High School Ethics Case Competition will now bear the foundation’s name.
“Much like the Center of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the Newton Ethical Leadership Initiative teaches FGCU students crucial skills for success in the business world. Many times, ethics are a forgotten aspect of being in business. These programs and courses bring ethics to the forefront and ensures these students understand the value of ethics in business,” explained Rist.
Rist concluded by sharing his hopes the foundation’s donation will play a role in creating the next generation of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, “I am fortunate to be in a position which I can give back. It is so crucial for all of us to provide these young men and women the resources and skills needed to make them successful, upstanding members of our community as they begin the next phase of their lives. I am just happy I can play a part in that process.”
For questions, interview requests, or more information, contact Jeff Koehn, Chief Brand Officer, Storm Smart at (239) 274-2761 or [email protected].

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 5, 2020) – Dress for Success SW Florida reveals Christina Harris Schwinn, partner with Pavese Law Firm, as the Honorary Chairwoman for A Recycled Night in Black and White taking place at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa on April 3.

As a partner with Pavese Law Firm, Schwinn’s primary practice areas in employment law, business transactions, community association law and real estate law. Over the years, Schwinn has served in numerous leadership roles in a number of trade organizations and on the boards of many not-for-profit entities, including Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, the Human Resource Management Association of Southwest Florida, Inc., a SHRM affiliate, serving as its Legislative Director, the Advisory Board for the Small Business Development Council at Florida Gulf Coast University, Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s Women’s Legacy Fund and the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations. Schwinn has also served as a volunteer attorney for Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. in Sarasota and performs pro bono work for Dress for Success of Southwest Florida, Inc.

This year marks A Recycled Night in Black and White’s fourth year at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point and its ninth year overall. This year’s fashion show is in honor of Dress for Success SW Florida’s 10-year anniversary serving in Southwest Florida. A Recycled Night in Black and White will highlight 14 local designers who will showcase runway-ready ensembles crafted from bags of recycled clothing and accessories generously donated to Dress for Success SW Florida. A panel of judges will select first, second and third place winners along with a People’s Choice award. All with cash prizes.

In addition to a fantastic recycled fashion show, the evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, champagne, a three-course seated dinner, live and silent auction, dancing and cash bars. This event is a fun, haute couture fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds will benefit local women who are working towards economic independence. Guests will be immersed in the night’s theme, “making marvelous out of the discarded.”

Tickets for the event may be purchased for $125. A table (10 seats) may also be purchased at $1,200. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To purchase tickets or a table, please visit: http://blackandwhite2020.eventbrite.com.

About Dress for Success SW Florida

Founded in 2010, Dress for Success SW Florida is headquartered in Fort Myers. A nonprofit organization with a mission to empower women to achieve economic independence, Dress for Success SW Florida provides a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success SW Florida serves job-ready women by referral only. For more information, visit swflorida.dressforsuccess.org or call 239-689-4992. Dress for Success SW Florida is located at 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 153, in Fort Myers.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 5, 2020) – Shell Point Retirement Community presents the Shell Point Retirement Roadshow, a series of informational seminars that will be held in Sanibel, Naples, Sarasota, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs in March and April. The meetings will offer guests the opportunity to learn about the resort-style retirement options and comprehensive lifecare available at this award-winning waterfront community located in Fort Myers.
Residents from Sanibel, Naples, Sarasota, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs are invited to attend one of the following seminars:

• Wednesday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. – Sanibel

Sundial Resort, 1451 Middle Gulf Dr. in Sanibel

• Tuesday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m. – Naples

Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. in Naples

• Thursday, March 26 at 9:30 a.m. – Sarasota

Hyatt Regency, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts in Sarasota

• Wednesday, April 1 at 9:30 a.m. – Port Charlotte

Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St. in Punta Gorda

• Thursday, April 2 at 9:30 a.m. – Bonita Springs

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Road in Bonita Springs
During these presentations, Shell Point’s experienced retirement counselors will explain the benefits received when becoming a resident at Shell Point, the advantages of lifecare, the numerous retirement options available and an overview of the community. Once the presentation is complete, guests will have the chance to ask specific questions and schedule a visit to the community for a personal tour.
“We understand that people may want to learn more about Shell Point before driving from their communities,” said Ronette Icso, vice president of sales and marketing for Shell Point. “By bringing the presentation closer to their current homes, we are able to educate them on the many benefits of choosing to live at Shell Point. From this, they can determine if it is an option they would like to consider for their life planning, and if it is, they can take the next step to come for a tour of our beautiful campus and see it for themselves.”
Admission to these seminars is free and refreshments will be served. Seating is limited, so reservations are requested by calling 239-454-2071 or registering online at www.shellpoint.org/roadshow.
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 2,500 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.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 5, 2020) – Norman Love and his award-winning team of pastry chefs at Norman Love Confections will share baking and cooking tips during an upcoming series of fun, interactive cooking classes.

“Cooking with Love” consists of 14 hands-on cooking classes in which participants will learn how to bake classic pies, pastries, cookies, cakes, chocolate confections and more. New for 2020, Norman Love Confections’ talented chefs will show participants how to make French Macarons and Sweet Tarts. Introduction to Chocolate Décor is another new class that teaches different techniques to make chocolate twists, petals, triangles and colored transfers, and gives participants the opportunity to decorate a chocolate mousse cake with their own created décor.

“What better way to spend an evening than learning to make gourmet desserts in our world-renowned kitchens?” said Norman Love, founder and owner of Norman Love Confections. “Our master chefs will guide you step-by-step through a fun-filled three- hour course where you’ll learn to create decadent masterpieces of your very own to take home.”

Ideal for individuals and groups of friends looking for a unique social experience, “Cooking with Love” features five classes centered on artisan chocolates and nine courses focused on pastries.

Classes begin March 27 and continue through September. Each class begins with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by classes from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Myers Chocolate & Dessert Salon, 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The cost is $95 per person, plus tax.

Class sizes are limited, so early reservations are encouraged. For more information or to make reservations, please call Norman Love Confections at 866-515-2121 or visit https://www.normanloveconfections.com/classes/.

CHOCOLATE CLASSES

Easter Eggs: Create your very own Easter egg chocolate sculpture filled with delicious Swiss milk truffles. Our chocolatiers will guide you in hand painting your own dark chocolate egg and teach you how to cast and assemble them. You will also learn how to create modern shell filled Swiss truffles and hide them inside your egg. Finally, they will all be beautifully packaged and ready to give or enjoy yourself!

Dates: March 27, April 3

Truffles: Learn why the name “truffle” holds such an elegant and delectable place in the hearts of all. In this class, you will master the 100-year-old art of truffle making. From the luscious dark chocolate hand formed to the modern Swiss shell filled, you will create these treats all yourself with the guidance of our chocolatiers and bring the finished treasures home to enjoy.

Dates: May 15, June 12, Aug. 21

Molded Candies: Be a chocolatier for a night. Let the Chocolate Masters at Norman Love Confections teach you how to make the jewel-like treasures we are so famous for. You will be able to make everything yourself with the guidance of our staff, from hand coloring to casting liquid chocolate and mixing the custom ganaches to fill your candies. Enjoy a night of sweet success and take home all your treasures when you are done.

Dates: April 24 (SOLD OUT), May 29, July 10

Chocolate Confections: Watch and learn to make some of our all-time favorite confections. Students will learn to make luscious truffle pops, fudge, chocolate caramel squares and delicious fruit and nut-studded chocolate bark.

Dates: June 26, July 24

Introduction to Chocolate Décor: Start your understanding of chocolate and chocolate décor. Class will begin with an introduction to tempering chocolate and demonstration. Using different techniques, we will make chocolate twists, petals, triangles and colored transfers, and decorate a chocolate mousse cake with the décor you made.

Date: Aug. 7

PASTRY CLASSES

Cookies: Learn techniques for creating cookies that are classics as well as some new recipes you can add to your repertoire. Master the perfect chocolate chip cookie, the yummy thumbprint cookie, the unique but undeniably delicious coconut macaroon and the classic cut-out sugar cookie.

Date: May 15

Cupcakes and Cake Pops: Learn to create fun and festive decorated cupcakes and cake pops. Students will be shown how to make buttercream and create cute and playful cupcakes using various piping techniques, as well as make the surprisingly simple but popular cake pops.

Dates: June 26, Aug. 21

Classic American Pies: Learn how easy it is to make some all-time American classics. This hands-on class lets you make your own crusts and fillings for the favorite key lime pie, banana cream pie, chocolate cream pie and a rustic apple tart.

Date: June 12

Thanksgiving Pies: Usher in the magic of the holiday season with the mastery of your favorite holiday pies! Learn to make fresh pie dough, and then use it to make the famously popular pumpkin pie, the nostalgic and comforting apple pie and scrumptious pecan pie.

Dates: Sept. 11, 25

Layered Cake: Learn how to make the popular chocolate layered cake, including the super moist chocolate cake with a rich baked chocolate ganache filling and decadent chocolate frosting, all layered to make an attractive, delicious masterpiece.

Date: April 24 (SOLD OUT)

Cream puffs: Learn how to make the light and airy Pâte à Choux, then use it to make the ever-popular vanilla cream puff as well as some savory delights like salmon, cream cheese and Béchamel.

Date: July 10

Sweet Breakfast Pastries: Learn how to make brioche. Our instructors will show you the many varieties you can create from this simple recipe, including fruit filled, cheese filled and even doughnuts.

Date: July 24

Sweet Tarts: Learn how to make classic French Sable Breton, then use it to create three delicious tarts: a fresh fruit tart with vanilla pastry cream, a zesty lemon meringue tart, and a sweet apricot and almond tart.

Date: May 29 (SOLD OUT)

French Macaron:  We’ll start with a demo on how to create the perfect French Macarons, then perfect the art of piping it full of delicious fillings like ganache, buttercream, and Chantilly.

Date: Aug. 7

About Norman Love Confections

Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love was named the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.

Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.

MOORE HAVEN, Fla. – In an effort to manage vegetation and restore habitat in Lake Okeechobee, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are planning two prescribed burns on the southwest shore of the lake this week.
On March 4, the agencies plan to burn 15,884 acres from Grass Island to Cochran’s pass near Clewiston.
On March 5, the agencies plan to burn 19,618 acres near Moore Haven Marsh.
To help protect the public health and safety, the agencies plan to conduct the prescribed burns under weather conditions that minimize smoke impacts to nearby communities and roads. Access to navigational trails through the marsh may be limited temporarily during the burns for safety reasons. If weather conditions are not conducive, the prescribed burns will be postponed.
Application of prescribed burning is part of an integrated management approach on Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest lake. Lake Okeechobee is managed in partnership by SFWMD, FWC, the USACE and Audubon Florida.
Prescribed burning is a safe way to apply natural processes, ensure ecosystem health and reduce the threat of wildfire. Ecologically responsible prescribed burns help improve habitat for fish, waterfowl, wading birds, the Everglades snail kite and other wildlife population.