SANIBEL, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2020) – Stevens Construction has completed construction of a new, two-story complex for BIG ARTS located at 900 Dunlop Road on Sanibel Island, announced Mark Stevens, company president.

Stevens Construction provided construction management services for a new 27,000-square-foot facility, which houses a 3,800-square-foot performing arts center with a 414-seat theater. The first floor features a spacious lobby, green room, box office, gift shop, piano storage, catering kitchen, two dressing rooms with showers and an expanded art gallery.

An education center is situated on the second floor to host lectures as well as painting, drawing, photography, music, dance and pottery workshops and classes. The second floor also includes an administrative department with conference rooms and offices. The conference rooms have video conferencing capabilities enabling BIG ARTS to stream in lecturers or conference participants.

BIG ARTS features an expansive, impact-resistant, reflective glass façade at the front of the building, which overlooks an outdoor veranda while reducing the heat load of the building. A broadened driveway for guest drop-off, landscaped walkways and ample parking provides convenience for guests.

Stevens Construction constructed BIG ARTS with energy efficient elements such as a metal roof to reflect heat, chilled water heating and cooling system to provide energy efficient climate control, spray foam insulation to provide a thermal barrier from the exterior to interior and LED lighting.

Stevens Construction demolished the existing approximately 18,000-square-foot building, which housed the auditorium, gallery and offices within four days.

Stevens Construction provided pre-construction services for a year offering recommendations and constructability reviews to ensure that the project could be achieved within their budget and tight schedule.

The Stevens Construction team includes Mike Waskiewicz, project manager; Jim Ruby, superintendent; Tate Hernly, project engineer; and Sue Ziegenfus, project administrator. The project was designed by Amy Nowacki Architect, LLC.

About Stevens Construction

With offices in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, Fla., Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

About BIG ARTS

BIG ARTS, established in 1979, is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing quality artistic, cultural and educational experiences to Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors. Visit www.BIGARTS.org to learn more about our 2020 Dream Season and to purchase tickets. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 239-395-0900.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2020)  – Hemp is emerging as a potential financial powerhouse for the agricultural industry and the ramifications for Florida and within the legal community could be significant.
That’s why the Lee County Bar Association is presenting a very special open-to-the-public luncheon on “Hemp: The legal and economic ramifications.” The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers.
Holly Bell, the Director of Cannabis for Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will lead a panel of experts discussing the economic, agricultural, retail and health impacts of hemp. Also on the panel are:
Cole Peacock: He was appointed to the first Florida Hemp Advisory Committee by Nikki Fried, Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He also is co-founder of Seed and Bean Market, which sells the hemp product CBD.
Chris Marrie: He is principal in the Naples office of HBK CPAs & Consultants. He also is director of the firm’s Cannabis Industry Group in the southern tier of the firm’s service region.
Scheril Murray Powell, Esq.: She is president of the cannabis consulting firm Green Sustainable Strong, LLC and managing partner at Scheril Murray Powell, P.A.
Michelle Suarez, Esq.: She Is CEO and managing attorney for Florida Entrepreneur Law, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale.
The sponsor for the luncheon is Michael F. Hornung, who established the Law Office of Michael F. Hornung, P.A. in 1996.
                                            
How hemp is grown, sold and regulated and how attorneys, judges and other stakeholders come to grips with it puts the product in the hot-button category as 2020 rolls into a crucial election year.
 “You are going to see a lot of people try to be an early entrant into the market,” LCBA President Matt Roepstorff said. “You will see a lot of hemp CBD sales at specialty shops, holistic shops, gas stations, general retailers.”
Hemp could prove to be a valuable crop for Florida farmers, struggling from losses of their citrus crop due to greening and canker and tomato crop losses because of the hot market for the vegetable in Mexico. Hemp provides an economic solution that could be worth billions. The plant is known to grow well in the Florida panhandle, but seed testing continues in southwest and south Florida to determine how well it will grow in this region.
Hemp has thousands of uses, but the money is in CBD, which stands for Cannabidiol and is a compound extracted from the hemp plant. CBD is known to promote health and is showing up more frequently in a variety of retail stores. Hemp is often confused with the marijuana plant and THC.
Testing and regulatory monitoring will be essential as the demand for the product grows. State reports indicate there could be as many as 8,000 applicants for state-approved cultivation permits, with about 3,000 farm operations qualifying.
“We haven’t seen this type of excitement in agriculture in decades,” Fried said in an interview. “Hemp is going to be a tremendous marketplace for Florida – $20 billion to $30 billion.”
Among hemp’s other uses are in personal care products, for industrial use in making rope, as well as textiles and supplements. In 2017, retail sales of hemp were estimated at $820 million, with 23 percent of those sales in CBD products.
But understanding the guidelines of this emerging industry will be critical, Peacock said. “We have to have a clear understanding of what we can and can’t do with the guidelines set forth by the feds,” he added.
The cost of the luncheon is $25 to the public and free for members of the Lee County Bar Association. Reservations are required and space is limited. To register and buy tickets, go to leebar.org. For more information about the luncheon or to become a sponsor, contact Lee County Bar Association executive director Lauren Baugh at 239-334-0047.
About the Lee County Bar Association
The Lee County Bar Association, a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, has served the citizens and legal community of Lee County since 1949 and has a current membership of almost 800. Its purpose is to further the education of its member attorneys and create meaningful interaction among them, and to inform the community on important legal matters. The bar strives to serve as a leader in advancing ethical conduct, excellence and the professionalism of its members. For more information, visit leebar.org or contact Executive Director Lauren Baugh at 239-334-0047 or [email protected].

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2020) – Fort Myers Brewing Company is celebrating its seventh anniversary with a four-day family-friendly festival featuring more than 50 specialty craft beers, 12 local food trucks, seven performers and a friendly-but-competitive beer mile.
Fort Myers Brewing’s Anniversary Party will be held Thursday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 1 at Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers.
More than 50 flavorful craft beers will be on tap, including Fort Myers Brewing’s Anniversary IPA, a tropical IPA brewed with mandarina bavaria, mosaic and vic secret hops. The specialty beer will be poured all weekend long and sold in 16-ounce four-packs beginning Feb. 27.
Foodie favorites will be dished up throughout the weekend from 12 local food trucks, including The Nosh Truck, Rollin’ Raw Bar and Wicked Streatery. Seven local bands and musicians will take the stage over the four-day event, including Ben Allen Band, Soulixer and Them Hamilton Boys.
The ultimate sporting event for beer lovers, Fort Myers Brewing’s anniversary Beer Mile begins at 1 p.m. on March 1. The rules are simple: Drink a beer. Run one-fourth of a mile. Repeat three more times. Try not to fall down. The cost is $30 for individual runners, $25 per person for teams of two or $20 per person for teams of four, and includes a T-shirt and one beer per lap. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest individual male and female participants.
Below is the full schedule of events:
Thursday, Feb. 27

• Event hours: Noon to 11 p.m.
• Music: The Reality (6:30-10:30 p.m.)
• Food Truck Rally: (starting at noon) Motor City, and (starting at 4 p.m.) The Nosh Truck, El Local, Rollin’ Raw Bar and The Schnitzel Express

 
Friday, Feb. 28

• Event hours: Noon to 11 p.m.
• Music: Gator Nate (3-6 p.m.), Ben Allen Band (7-10 p.m.)
• Food Trucks: (starting at noon) Wicked Streatery, and (starting at 4 p.m.) Mobstah Lobstah, Dave’s Cosmic Subs, The Folkswagen and Sweet Cheesus

 
Saturday, Feb. 29

• Event hours: Noon to 11 p.m.
• More than 50 specialty beers on tap throughout the day
• Music: Them Hamilton Boys (2-5 p.m.), DJ Memphis (on air 5-7 p.m.) and Soulixer (7-11 p.m.)
• Food Trucks: The Nosh Truck, Wicked Streatery, Kings Tacos & Burritos, The Folkswagen and Rollin’ Raw Bar

 
Sunday, March 1

• Event times: Noon to 8 p.m.
• Kick the Keg Party (all day)
• Beer Mile: Register online through EventBrite or in person beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, and the fun run begins at 1 p.m. Individual and team entries are available, and includes a T-shirt and beer.
• Music: DJ Memphis (on air noon-2 p.m.) and Charlie Moon Band (2-6 p.m.)
• Food Trucks: Philly T’s Cheesesteaks and Wicked Streatery

 
For more information, please visit Facebook.com/FMBrew or call 239-313-6576.
About Fort Myers Brewing Company
Established in 2013, Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Lee County and continues to lead Southwest Florida’s surging craft beer movement. Founded by Rob and Jen Whyte, Fort Myers Brewing carries a signature line of flagship beers in addition to seasonal brews and small batch specialties. Its ales, pilsners, stouts and IPAs are winners of multiple prestigious awards, including golds at the Best Florida Beer Competition, a silver at the 2018 World Beer Cup and a bronze at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival. Fort Myers Brewing was named “Best Large Brewery in Florida” in 2016. The brewery is located at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit FMbrew.com or call 239-313-6576.

Fort Myers— February 6, 2020  – 45^th Annual Greek Fest Fort Myers to be held this year  February 21 – February 23, 2020 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Live Music, Traditional Dancing and Greek FOOD all weekend long!  “Celebrating our 45^th year of Greek Fest Fort Myers, we know that our parish can entertain Southwest Florida with our rich heritage. We host a great display of authentic Greek Food & Wine, Music, Dancing & share the beauty of our Greek orthodox Faith”. Festival Chairs- Mike Stamatopoulos, Deb & Nick Stamos & Rev. Dean Nastos

Details:
8210 Cypress Lake Drive Fort Myers, Florida 33919
Friday & Saturday 11AM – 11PM

    Sunday 11Am – 7PM
Taverna & Yassou Tent – Lunch, Dinners & Pastries available dine in or take out –        Live Music – Traditional Greek Dancing – Carnival Rides -Free Parking & Shuttle from Redeemer Church – Adults $5 for the Entire 3-day Weekend  Children under 12 are FREE

For more information, press only: Lisa Osorio
518-281-3253   [email protected] – [email protected]

FORT MYERS, FLA., February 3, 2020– The Russian National Ballet will be in Fort Myers March 2 to perform Sleeping Beauty at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall as part of the Fort Myers Community Concert 2020 season.
Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert are available at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 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.
“This is a very rare opportunity to see world-class ballet dancers in person,” said Fort Myers Community Association President Mary Lee Mann.  “The Russian National Ballet is known for their luminous costumes and elaborate sets that complement the graceful movements of these gifted Russian dancers.”
The Russian National Ballet is one of Moscow’s finest ballet companies and will perform the timeless fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and invigorates the tradition of classical Russian ballet with developments in dance from around the world.
The Russian National Ballet is the fourth of five classical performances to be presented this season by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.
The remaining concert is the Siberian Virtuoso, a group of 10 violinists and a pianist, who will be in Fort Myers March 19.  This performance replaces one by the Siberian State Symphony Orchestra January 27 that was canceled due to a problem obtaining visas to travel to the U.S.  Ticket-holders may use their same January 27 tickets for the March 19 performance.
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.
 
 

Folks at the Lani Kai Island Resort are proud to offer not only one very special gathering on Valentine’s Day (Friday, Feb. 14) but two: Our annual Sweetheart Soirée in the award-winning Island View, the perfect gathering for lovebirds – and for those still looking for love, our very first Singles Mixer taking place in the all-new Key West Cove lounge.
Island View hosts Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Soirée
Gather your sweetheart and come up to our fabulous award-winning Island View restaurant Friday, Feb. 14, for a spectacular Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Soirée, featuring a very special menu catered to romance and the celebration of amoré.
 
This perfectly-crafted, four-course fixed menu of options include:
 
Choice of one appetizer:

• 
 Tender escargot, topped with Asiago cheese and fresh parsley, served with garlic crostini
• Jumbo shrimp cocktail, served with fresh-made cocktail sauce and lemons

 
Choice of soup or salad:

• Either homemade lobster bisque or house Italian salad

 
Choice of entrée:

• Chicken Cordon Bleu: Two chicken breasts layered with ham, Swiss cheese and breadcrumbs, topped with a mushroom cream sauce. Served with grilled asparagus and homemade whipped mashed potatoes.
• 
 Wood-fired, cedar-planked 10 oz. cold-water lobster tail stuffed with lump crab meat, served with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted broccolini.
• 16 oz. ribeye bone-in steak, grilled to perfection, served with grilled asparagus and homemade whipped mashed potatoes.
• Stuffed shrimp scampi, featuring fresh jumbo Gulf shrimp, stuffed with Alaskan crab meat, fresh garlic and sweet Fontinella cheese, oven-baked. Served with angel hair pasta, spinach and our famous light tomato basil sauce.
• Lobster ravioli topped with fresh grilled gulf shrimp. Our large ravioli is stuffed with Maine lobster meat, topped with fresh grilled Gulf shrimp and a homemade savory cream sauce.

 
This four-course special, which also includes dessert, is $50 per person, or enjoy the Sweetheart Surf & Turf Special: a 10 oz. Cold Water Lobster Tail and Petite Filet Mignon, served with homemade whipped mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, for $60 per person. Patrons may add a 10 oz. cold-water lobster tail to any of their entree selections for an additional $20.
Complimentary roses will be handed out to all of the sweethearts that evening, enjoy the many signature cocktails and spirits from our full bar, and a very special performance by Angela Hicks and Chuck Courtenay Jr. will perform throughout the soirée.
RSVPs are highly recommended, as our tables fill up even quicker than usual on the most romantic evening of the year, with seating available from 3 to 10 p.m. Call 239-463-5550 or 239-463-3111 to RSVP, or do so online at IslandViewFMB.com.
Facebook Event page: facebook.com/events/568551650391722/
Singles Mixer in Lani Kai’s all-new Key West Cove lounge
Finding yourself single on Valentine’s Day this year? Don’t let that get you down – at ALL! Come out to Key West Cove at the Lani Kai Friday, Feb. 14 for our very first Singles Mixer from 8 p.m. to midnight and have fun with fellow Southwest Florida singles.
MC-ed by “The Love Doctor” Wicks Robinson, earlier in the evening, enjoy some rounds of speed dating, hosted by Robinson, who will keep the mixer light and fun.
DJ Cease will keep the music vibes on point all night. Drink specials will help with some “liquid courage,” including $5 Sex on the Beach martinis, crafted with Absolut vodka.
This is a 21-and-up event, and there is no cost for entry or to participate, and feel free to participate as little or as much as you’d like – this is just a fun evening out for those looking for love on V-Day – you never know who you’re going to meet!
Facebook Event page: facebook.com/events/474463839882912/
Fun throughout the resort
Our other bars and restaurants will be open during normal operating hours Valentine’s Day, offering live music and more. That evening, enjoy the sights and sounds of Chris Topher on the Sun Deck from 5 to 9 p.m., and live band Beach Fuzz from the ground-level Club Ohana nightclub, 8 p.m. to midnight, with club music thereafter. There’s never a cover to get into Club Ohana, and always 21 and up after 9 p.m.
About the Lani Kai Island Resort
The Lani Kai Island Resort is a true staple of life on Fort Myers Beach, at 1400 Estero Blvd. With a number of fantastically unique amenities, it truly offers something for everyone. Choose from a delicious selection of restaurants, cafés and eateries on site, including the award-winning Island View restaurant. Comfortably perched on the top floor of the resort, this “casually upscale” fine dining restaurant with private glass elevator entrance serves signature dishes by Executive Chef Angel, offering traditional Italian/Mediterranean dishes that boast fresh flavors, fresh seafood dishes and one of the only Italian-imported wood-burning ovens in Florida.
The resort’s Casablanca Café is the only spot on Fort Myers Beach to serve Starbucks coffee creations, available to guests as a Room Service amenity, as well as any visitor of the resort from the first-floor cafe, with special parking available for quick-sippers on the go. Latest additions to the menu include Starbucks coffee cocktails, Refreshers and the ever-popular Medicine Ball tea.
For further information on the Lani Kai Island Resort, or to RSVP with your choice of bay-side and gulf-side rooms, call 239-463-3111 or visit LaniKaiIslandResort.com.
For further information on anything the 
Lani Kai Island Resort has planned in the 
near future, feel free to contact Melissa Schneider, Marketing Director of the resort.
Call 239-463-3111 or email [email protected].

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2020) – Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida is pleased to announce that Sarah Owen, president and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, and William T. Prather, owner and executive producer of Broadway Palm, will be inducted into the 2020 Business Hall of Fame, Lee County.
The prestigious award recognizes Owen and Prather as outstanding entrepreneurs who serve as role models for youth through their professional accomplishments and commitment to the community.
As the president and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Owen leads a passionate and diverse team dedicated to cultivating regional change for the common good. Through her leadership, the Foundation has become laser-focused on regional issues affecting the quality of life in Southwest Florida, gathered hundreds of community leaders and stakeholders around these issues, and has grown the Foundation’s assets to become one of the largest funding organizations in the region.
A graduate of Florida Southern College and the University of South Florida, Owen holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education as well as certifications in environmental engineering from University of Florida’s TREEO Center. Her journey into the nonprofit sector followed a career in investor relations, public relations and corporate communications working for publicly traded companies on the New York Stock Exchange as well as private companies throughout the Southeastern United States.
Owen shares her leadership at the national, state and regional level. She serves as immediate past chair of the Community Foundations of Florida, is Florida delegate for the National Vision 20/20 Initiative and serves on the Healthy Lee Executive and Steering committees. In 2016, The News-Press also named Owen as its Person of the Year.
Owen is married to David Owen and they are proud parents of three adult children Britt, Court and Sam.
Prather is the owner and executive producer of Broadway Palm, a well-known Fort Myers dinner theater celebrating its 27^th season of entertaining more than 180,000 guests annually with fun and memorable live productions.
Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Prather graduated from the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University before making his way to Southwest Florida in 1993. In addition to operating Broadway Palm, Prather is also the owner and executive producer of Prather Productions, which operates the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, Penn., as well as Prather Touring and Apex Touring, national touring companies that bring productions around the country and across the world.
Prather’s impressive community involvement illustrates his strong commitment to Southwest Florida and dedication to causes that increase public awareness about the arts and tourism in the region. Prather is a member of the Fort Myers Rotary Club, a senior advisor for the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, an advisory board member for Florida Gulf Coast University’s Resort & Hospitality Management Program and previously served as past president and board member of the Alliance for the Arts.
Prather is a proud father to his son, TJ, and a loving fiancé to his future wife, Maureen Green.
The laureates will be honored during a dinner and awards ceremony on Thursday, April 16 with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs.
For more information on the event, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities and purchasing tickets, please visit www.JASWFL.org.
About Junior Achievement:
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in more than 107 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations over 100 other countries worldwide. Locally, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with more than 270 classroom business volunteers during the 2018-2019 school year to provide nearly 70,200 hours of instruction to nearly 12,500 students in 520 classes throughout Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. For more information on Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, visit www.JASWFL.org, call 239-225-2590 or email [email protected].
– END –
 
Media Contact:
Emily Golden, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-565-1595 (cell)
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 31, 2020) – Get ready to take aim, Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) will host the second annual “Aiming for Ability” Clay Shooting Tournament on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Sarasota Trap Skeet & Clays, 3445 Rustic Road, Nokomis.   All proceeds will benefit LARC’s newest program – LAB: Learn, Achieve, Become.  Last year’s event raised more than $14,000 for the organization that works to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Registration begins at 8:45 a.m., a mandatory safety meeting is at 9:30 a.m., and at 10:00 a.m. shooters will head out to take their best shot in support of people with disabilities.  Lunch and awards will immediately follow.  The entry fee is $600 per foursome or $150 per person and includes breakfast and lunch, ear protection, 100 targets, 3 boxes of ammunition and golf cart.  Participants must be 18 years old.  Shotgun rentals are available for an additional fee.  Trophies will be awarded to 1st through 3rd place teams.
“We are encouraging shooters of all skill levels to join us for this fun morning benefiting LARC’s newest program, LAB,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director.  “LAB offers an experiential learning environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  LAB transforms traditional program areas into spaces for innovation, vocation, demonstration and learning. Five Labs focus on skills that maximize independence and employment success.”
Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually and participants range in age from 14 to 76.  LARC 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.
Sponsorship opportunities that include shooting foursomes and event recognition are available.
To register or learn more about sponsorship opportunities visit www.larcleecounty.org or contact Angela Katz, Development Director at 239-334-6285 x229 or [email protected].
 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 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.  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, visit www.larcleecounty.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2020) – Nadege Pierre understands the enormous value of connecting with people and building relationships. She will apply those values in her new role as community relations specialist for the Lee County Tax Collector.
Her life’s journey – from previous academic achievements to building a successful nonprofit – has prepared her in extraordinary ways for being the connecting voice and face between the Tax Collector’s Office and the community.
“I will plant seeds and grow relationships in the community to help change perceptions of what the Tax Collector’s Office does,” Pierre said. “Everyone comes in contact with the Tax Collector’s Office in one way or another. We want to engage with customers in a very positive way and build those relationships.”
Pierre understands the power of relationships and resources. She earned multiple academic degrees, including an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, and pledged her talent to a non-profit ministry, The New Beginnings, dedicated to empowering single mothers to get an education while also providing them with housing and life skills.
Pierre’s work earned her the 2018 Young Professional of the Year award from The News-Press and a 2019 Women of Distinction award from the Republican Women of Cape Coral.
In her new role, Pierre is focused on using her community connections to advance the mission of the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office and educate Lee County residents through speaking engagements and events as she visits various city and county chambers, civic groups and other organizations.
“I am a people person and I want people to feel like the Tax Collector’s Office is there for them,” said Pierre. “We want to connect with the community and do a lot to educate as well.”
Pierre sees building collaborative relationships with other government departments, like the property appraiser’s office, to help people understand the different roles and responsibilities of each office.
“Nadege has tremendous communicative skills and will be a strong voice connecting our office with the community,” Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart said. “She will have an extensive role to meet and educate people in all parts of Lee County.”
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.