Member News

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will extend catch-and-release measures for snook, red drum and spotted seatrout for an additional year via an Executive Order. All three species will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2021, in all waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County.
These temporary regulation changes were made to help conserve these popular inshore species that were negatively impacted by a prolonged red tide that occurred in late 2017 through early 2019.
Learn more about regulations for these species by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations.”
View the Commission meeting presentation at MyFWC.com/Commission by clicking on “Commission Meetings” and the agenda under “February 19-20, 2020.”

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2020) – The Lee County Port Authority Airports Special Management Committee (ASMC) elected Robbie Roepstorff as chair and Noel Andress as vice chair during its Feb. 18, 2020 meeting. Other members of the Airports Special Management Committee include John Goodrich, Randy Krise and Fran Myers. The committee also includes two regional members, R. Scott Cameron and Dana Carr, who represent the interests of neighboring Collier and Charlotte counties.
The committee advises the Board of Port Commissioners on policy matters pertaining to Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers. Each Port Commissioner appoints one ASMC member, who serves without compensation.
Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 10.2 million passengers in 2019 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. Page Field provides services to corporate, commercial and private aviators and accommodated more than 116,000 aircraft operations in 2019. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used to run or expand the airports, which are funded solely with revenue generated from their operations. For more information, please visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.
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Please note:  Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from Port Authority employees and officials regarding Port Authority business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may be subject to public disclosure.
 

FORT MYERS, FL (February 19, 2020) – Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Lee Health to support LARC’s Wellness LAB (Learn, Achieve, Become).
 
LAB will offer an experiential learning environment for hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that transforms traditional program areas into spaces for innovation, vocation, demonstration and learning.  Five Labs will focus on skills for work and independent living and include Lab for Living, Wellness Lab, Smart Living Lab, Vocational Exploration Lab and Collaboration Lab.
 
The grant will support the Wellness Lab on LARC’s Fort Myers campus.   The Wellness Lab provides a place to learn about healthy living, fitness, nutrition, oral health, advocacy, skills for self-care; all paramount to success in every day work and life.
 
“The goal of LAB is to prepare individuals with IDD for success and meaningful inclusion in our community,” said Kevin Lewis, LARC Executive Director. “That requires important skills that build upon each other.  Not only vocational training, but self-care, managing their day to day environment, navigating technology, and interacting with others.  We recognize each of these layers as crucial components to increased independence and empowerment.”
 
“Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health.  LAB’s innovative, person-centered approach will empower more individuals with IDD to live healthy lives,” said Chris Simoneau, Lee Health Chief Foundation and Development Officer.
“LARC’s Wellness LAB reflects our goals and values and we look forward to this partnership.”
 
“We are honored to receive this grant from Lee Health, a respected health care leader in Southwest Florida,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director. “Lee Health’s generous support will allow us to better prepare the individuals we currently serve and future generations to live more independent, healthy, and fulfilling lives.”
 
To learn more about LARC and LAB, contact Angela Katz, Development Director at 239-334-6285 x229 or email [email protected] or visit www.larcleecounty.org.
 
About LARC
 
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c) 3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers 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.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, and has a satellite campus in Bonita Springs.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.   For more information, contact Angela at 239-334-6285 x229 or visit www.larcleecounty.org.
 
 
 
 
 

US Census Bureau is hiring HUNDREDS of Enumerators and Census Field Supervisors.  $15.50-$17.00/hr.  Flexible Hours, 12 weeks of temporary government employment.
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is hiring immediately!  Cage Cashier (4), Count Team Member (3), Cook (3), Busser (3), Cocktail Server (3), Restaurant Server (10), Room Attendant (2), Floor Attendant (2), Slot Attendant (2), Zig Zag Dealer Trainee (10).  Tuition Reimbursement, Lunch Provided Daily, Full Time Benefits, Leadership development.  Directions on how to apply will be given at the job fair!
City Furniture is looking to fill 8 Sales Associates positions for our locations in Fort Myers and Naples.  Apply online before coming to the Job Fair at jobs.cityfurniture.com.  Enjoy the perks!  We offer a Fantastic Benefits and Compensation Program!  Generous, competitive commission and monthly bonus plan with uncapped earnings potential, Hourly rate guaranteed or commissions, whichever is greater, Annual performance based bonus, Self-directed, blended learning program consisting of on-the-job training segments, computer based training (CBT) modules and classroom training, designed so that you can focus on learning and growing your abilities at your own pace, Continuous professional development and training, including a Tuition Reimbursement Program, Comprehensive Health Package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability benefits, including dependent coverage, etc.)
Paid vacation, Promote from within, Onsite (Tamarac) Health and Wellness Clinic, Family-spirited culture, Recognition and reward programs, Associate purchase discount program, 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching, A host of other excellent benefits (such as discounts on gym memberships, cruises, cell phone plans, etc.)
El Dorado Furniture is hiring Sales Associates in Ft. Myers and the Naples area and PT Receptionist for Ft. Myers.  Also, a Customer Care Associate in the Naples Showroom.  At El Dorado Furniture, being at work feels like home. We’re looking for a team of hard-working, talented people to join the El Dorado family. Come work for a company that’s committed to fostering your professional and personal growth.
 
How to GET HIRED:

1. Pre-register http://bit.ly/FTM-0219-JobFair  (you can also do this at the door). On the site you will be able to view the event directory so you can see whose hiring and what jobs are available.
2. Get a game plan and research companies of interest from the directory. Develop tailored resumes for the companies you want to apply with.
3. Have a clear career focus. Be prepared with an answer to one of the first questions each recruiter is going to ask you: “So, why are you here?”.
4. Sharpen and rehearse your elevator speech. Your elevator speech can be a great response to the typical interview question, “tell me about yourself”
5. Prepare and practice responses to typical interview questions. “Tell me what you know about our organization” and “Why do you want to work here?”
6. Sketch out a few questions to ask each recruiter.
7. Dress professionally! Clean-cut, well-fitting, conservative. Bring breath mints!
8. Make a good first and lasting impression! Wait patiently in line for your chance to chat with the recruiter and make sure you ask for their contact information before leaving.
9. Jot down notes as soon as you are done with the recruiter and include these notes in your thank you email that you will send when you get home.
10. Follow up!

 
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(Fort Myers, FL February 18, 2020) – The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center received a $10,000 grant on National Reading Day from the Scripps Howard Foundation to support literacy programs.  The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center was only one of five organizations in the United States chosen to receive a $10,000 grant.
Employees from WFTX-TV, a local television station owned by the E.W. Scripps Company, brought more than 600 books to the center as part of the Scripps Howard Foundation’s annual “If You Give a Child a Book …” childhood literacy campaign.  The campaign is a national partnership of the Scripps Howard Foundation, employees of The E.W. Scripps Company and members of the Scripps family.    Employees of The E.W. Scripps Company nationwide put more than 172,000 books into the hands of children in need across the country on National Reading Day.
After the books were presented, the staff and students of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center were surprised with the $10,000 check.
“We were thrilled and honored to be a recipient of the grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation,” said Dr. Debra Mathinos, Director of Education at The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center.  “Our students are also excited for the new reading opportunities provided by the books we received.”
“Minutes spent reading books at an early age is an important predictor of a child’s success – from their school years through adulthood, as they seek out and interpret information that helps them navigate the world around them,” said Liz Carter, president and CEO of the Scripps Howard Foundation.
“Studies show that every book generates approximately 180 reading minutes. That means children in poverty will spend nearly 31 million minutes reading books from this year’s campaign donations. We’re humbled by the incredible commitment of Scripps employees and the communities they serve.”
“The Heights Foundation addresses the challenges that may result from poverty, limited English proficiency and limited educational involvement,” said Kathryn Kelly, CEO and founder of The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center. “Our programs provide a safe and engaging place for kids. The Scripps Howard Foundation grant helps build successful students and a stronger community. We are grateful for their support.”
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. 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. The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center were created with the goal of building strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  Programs at the Heights Center include The Harlem Heights Community Charter School, after school, summer camp and GLAD Kids, a child care center.
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.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through fourth grade and will expand to serve up to fifth grade.
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.
 About the Scripps Howard Foundation
 The Scripps Howard Foundation supports philanthropic causes important to The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) and the communities it serves, with a special emphasis on excellence in journalism. At the crossroads of the classroom and the newsroom, the Foundation is a leader in supporting journalism education, scholarships, internships, minority recruitment and development, literacy and First Amendment causes. The Scripps Howard Awards stand as one of the industry’s top honors for outstanding journalism. The Foundation improves lives and helps build thriving communities. It partners with Scripps brands to create awareness of local issues and supports impactful organizations to drive solutions.

FORT MYERS, FLA., February 18, 2020– Award-winning Siberian Virtuosi, a group comprised of 10 female violinists and a pianist, will be in Fort Myers March 19, as part of the Fort Myers Community Concert 2020 season.
Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall are available by visiting https://barbarabmann.ticketsoffice.org or by calling the box office at 239-481-4849.
Prices are $35 for lower balcony and $25 for upper balcony seats.  A limited number of orchestra and mezzanine seating is available at $55 each.
Siberian Virtuosi replaces the previously cancelled January 27 performance by the Siberian State Symphony.  The Siberian State Symphony cancelled after it was unable to obtain visas to enter the United States.  Tickets from the January 27 concert will be honored at the March 19 concert.
“We are very fortunate to obtain a concert of the high caliber of Siberian Virtuosi with only a few weeks’ notice,” said Fort Myers Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.  “They are acclaimed for their energy, unique arrangements and vigor.”
Ten violinists and a pianist comprise the award-winning Siberian Virtuosi, the State Ensemble of the Republic of Sakha. The ensemble has gained increasing popularity in Russia and around the world since it was founded in 1994, winning numerous international awards in Russia, France, Italy and Hungary. Their eclectic repertoire combines Bach, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi with de Sarasate, Shor, Sibelius and many more.
Siberian Virtuosi is the fifth and final classical performances to be presented this season by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 71st concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, Violinist Itzhak Perlman, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.  For Community Concert Association membership information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org.
 

Friday, April 17, 2020 • 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
South Florida Water Management District Headquarters • B-1 Auditorium
3301 Gun Club Road • West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
2020 WATER CONSERVATION EXPO
Improving Water Efficiency at Commercial and Institutional Properties
Attendees will gain:

• Understanding of water use and the potential for savings at commercial and institutional buildings
• Familiarization with hardware, technology, and practices for water-efficient facility management
• Introduction to recognition programs that can effect water-use efficiency at your facility
• Opportunities to network with other industry professionals

If you would like to attend this FREE event, CLICK HERE to RSVP.
For more information, please contact Robert Wanvestraut, SFWMD, at [email protected] (561) 682-6615.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 16, 2020) – The eighth annual Hooters Fort Myers Pro Rodeo will be held Feb. 21-23, an expanded three-day format reflecting the rodeo’s growing popularity in Southwest Florida.
The professionally choreographed, two-hour premier event will feature bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing and more. The rodeo is sanctioned through the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and features nationally ranked cowboys and cowgirls competing for $20,000 in cash prizes. One of the nation’s top stock contractors, Arkansas-based Hi Lo ProRodeo, is providing top-of-the-line bucking bulls and horses.
“Our past rodeos have been sold out for both Friday and Saturday nights, so we added a Sunday matinee to allow more Southwest Florida residents and visitors, particularly families with younger children, to experience a professional rodeo,” said rodeo organizer Margo Crowther.
Experienced announcer Trey Windhorst is returning to the Fort Myers Pro Rodeo and is known for his energy, experience, professionalism and extensive rodeo knowledge. Joining Windhorst is rodeo clown Matt Tarr, highly regarded for his quick wit and ability to keep the audience engaged and smiling, and trick rider Dusti Crain Dickerson, who will provide her legendary horseback entertainment between events.
Attendees also will enjoy culinary options from local award-winning food trucks, showcase their riding skills on a mechanical bull, and purchase rodeo apparel and merchandise from multiple vendors. Youth who arrive early can participate in a kids’ calf scramble to help corral a calf.
The Fort Myers Pro Rodeo will be held at Lee County Posse Arena, 17401 Palm Creek Drive in North Fort Myers, on the following days and times:

• Friday, Feb. 21: 7 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.)
• Saturday, Feb. 22: 7 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.)
• Sunday, Feb. 23: 2 p.m. (gates open at noon)

General admission tickets are $25 for adults, $12 for children ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. Parking is $5. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75 and include preferred parking, access to a special VIP tent with unlimited food and beverages, and reserved seating areas.
Event tickets are being sold online at FortMyersProRodeo.com. Starting Feb. 1, a limited number of discounted tickets will be available at two area Hooters locations: 4411 Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers and 3120 Del Prado Blvd. South in Cape Coral. Seating capacity at Lee County Posse Arena is limited, so it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
Hooters has returned as the rodeo’s title sponsor and Certified Heating and Cooling again is the presenting sponsor. Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram also is a sponsor through the Ram Rodeo Series, and Ram trucks will be used to transport rodeo equipment during the event.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Margo Crowther at 239-848-5414 or email [email protected].
The Fort Myers Pro Rodeo has selected the Naples-based nonprofit Grace Works Unlimited as the beneficiary of the 2020 rodeo.
About Fort Myers Pro Rodeo
The Fort Myers Pro Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and held annually at the Lee County Posse Arena in North Fort Myers. The Pro Rodeo features bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing and more. The 2020 rodeo will be held Feb. 21-23. For ticket or sponsorship opportunities, please visit FortMyersProRodeo.com or call 239-247-2557.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2020) – Shell Point Retirement Community concludes the Concerts & Conversations program of its 2019-2020 Fine and Performing Arts Series with a performance by ragtime pianist Peter Bergin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Lane in Fort Myers. Tickets for this event cost $30 and can be purchased online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239-454-2067.

The Michigan-based ragtime artist has entertained audiences for over two decades. Classically trained, Bergin’s mission is to celebrate life through music and stories. He especially loves sharing the rhythms and history of ragtime piano, which brings him immense joy and satisfaction. Bergin looks forward to bringing ragtime to audiences everywhere as a testament to America’s original popular music.

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 – KICK OFF JOB FAIR OF 2020!
Help us spread the word to the community today!  Help job-seekers get their resumes ready for the SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MEGA JOB FAIR,THIS Wednesday, February 19th from 10a-2pm!          
20 Companies will be interviewing, Almost Every Industry, Loads of Opportunity!  Over 1,000 open positions!           
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MEGA JOB FAIR!  Brought to you by seminole Casino Hotel and B&I Contractors 
ONSITE INTERVIEWS + ON THE SPOT OFFERS!

Wednesday, February 19th 10am-2pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel: 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, FL. 33907
FREE EVENT – FREE PARKING
REGISTER AT THE DOOR or online http://bit.ly/FTM-0219-JobFair
This Job Fair will have positions available in ALL industries. Attending the event will give you the opportunity to meet face to face with some of the TOP Southwest Florida employers including:
Seminole Casino Immokalee, Massey Services, El Dorado Furniture, Scotlynn USA Division, Estate Landscaping, US Census Bureau, Banker’s Life, Truly Nolen, New Horizons Computer Learning Center, IHOP, B&I Contractors, Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Global HR Solutions, Orkin Pest Control, Scribe America, American House Senior Living Communities,  City Furniture,  and many more!