Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2019) – SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is bringing a splash of color to the Southwest Florida community with the theme of its 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, “Painting a Difference.”

Celebrating its 12^th year, the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place Feb. 21-22, 2020. Held in the vibrant setting of Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, the colorful, paint-themed event will bring the community together in support of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s mission to save children’s lives and advance pediatric health care across the region.

Brooke Denson and Sandy Stilwell-Youngquist have been appointed chairpersons of the 2020 event, leading the wine fest in its focus of Putting Kids First.

“We are looking forward to another impactful event in support of our region’s growing pediatric health care system,” said Stilwell-Youngquist. “Through our annual wine fest and the boundless generosity of its attendees, SWFL Children’s Charities has donated nearly $23 million for health care services and education throughout Southwest Florida over the past 11 years. Together we can paint a brighter future for our children, one brushstroke at a time.”

The two-day Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will feature Chef Vintner Dinners on Friday, Feb. 21, creatively hosted in private luxury homes across the region. Guests will experience artful cuisine created by celebrated chefs and expertly paired with vintners from some of the finest and most exclusive wineries.

Festivities continue with The Grand Tasting and Live Auction on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, where guests will savor chefs’ signature creations and taste wines from participating vintners. Guests will raise their paddles during a spirited live auction for the opportunity to take home spectacular travel escapes, once-in-a-lifetime experiences or to help fund a children’s cause.

Funds raised at the auction will benefit SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s efforts to provide lifesaving care, educational programs and lasting solutions that enable a secure future for the children of Southwest Florida. Proceeds will support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital, as well as pediatric health care educational programs at Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College.

“It’s all about the children. They are the reason we are here,” Denson added. “We are all in this together, and if you have the same passion as we do for painting a difference for the children in our community, we hope you will raise your paddle and join us in making 2020 a great year.”

To learn more about the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, please visit www.swflwinefest.org.

About SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.

SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has donated nearly $23 million over the past 11 years in support of children’s health initiatives. The 2020 event will support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital, as well as pediatric health care educational programs at Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2019) – Cypress Pharmacy Natural Health Consultant Dr. Stan Headley will highlight community wellness as the guest speaker of Whiskey Creek Civic Association’s October meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

The community is invited to attend Headley’s program, “Self-Care 101 for the Best You…Naturally,” which will focus on the important role that taking care of oneself plays in being able to better care for one’s family and community. The 20-minute discussion will include why self-care matters for health, how to understand patterns of behavior and an overview of natural tips to get started on the path to self-care.

The presentation will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Whiskey Creek Country Club, 1449 Whiskey Creek Drive in Fort Myers.

Headley is recognized as a leading authority in functional and natural wellness, which seeks to determine how and why diseases, illnesses and pain are occurring. He attempts to identify the root cause of a health concern rather than just treating symptoms. Headley does not diagnose or treat disease but educates customers about lifestyle and behavioral changes that can promote optimal health.

As Cypress Pharmacy’s natural health consultant, Headley offers nutritional and lifestyle counseling, supplement recommendations, micronutrient testing and educational seminars, emphasizing options for those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

About Cypress Pharmacy

Cypress Pharmacy has been providing pharmaceutical and health care services in Fort Myers for more than 40 years and offers free local delivery, immunizations, medication synchronization and therapy management, customized compounding for patients and pets, personalized patient consultations, flu and strep throat testing, cholesterol and glucose screening, lab testing, Medicare Part D plan reviews, a broad selection of over-the-counter products, a full line of vitamins and supplements, and free vitamins for children and adults 50 and up. Cypress Pharmacy also offers Dispill, a medication packaging option that makes it easier to manage and take multiple medications on a precise schedule. Medication refills can be requested in person, over the phone, online and using the Cypress Pharmacy App. Cypress Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans and Medicare Part D. The entire staff, including pharmacists T.J. DePaola and Justin Ceravolo, are dedicated to providing the best possible service to every customer. Cypress Pharmacy is located at 9451 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers, Florida and is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.

FGCU Alumni Association named annual sponsor

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2019) – Leadership NEXT, a monthly program for advancing business professionals, has announced its 2019-2020 committee, led by committee chairs Amanda Soisson, director of college and career initiatives for the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, and Kimberly Wallace, director of alumni relations for Florida Gulf Coast University.

Leadership NEXT is a monthly program through the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce that offers unique educational and networking opportunities for advancing business professionals in Southwest Florida. Attendees represent a variety of businesses and industries throughout Southwest Florida.

Other members of the 2019-2020 Leadership NEXT committee include Debra DeHaven, events coordinator for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce; Megan Garner, account manager for Priority Marketing; Kelsey Griffin, partner/litigation support, forensic accounting and mediation services for Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A.; Jeffrey Jean-Jacques, executive director of AMIkids Southwest Florida; Mathieu Knapp, supervisor of Healthy Life Centers for Lee Health; Eric Lane, campaigns and corporate/strategic partnership manager for The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties; Sam Lewis, owner of WearTheFund; Chris Lopez, director of public policy for the Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association; Vanessa Santiago, education manager for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida; Danielle Seitz, attorney for Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan PLLC; and Melissa Vogt, director of marketing for Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. The committee is overseen by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s staff.

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Alumni Association remains as the annual sponsor for Leadership NEXT for 2019-2020.

The FGCU Alumni Association is dedicated to engaging graduates in a lifelong allegiance with FGCU and fellow alumni, cultivating opportunities for personal and professional growth after graduation, celebrating pride in the principles and achievements of FGCU and its graduates, and inspiring individual investment in the university’s future. As annual sponsor, the alumni association will support the continuation of Leadership NEXT programming and networking opportunities that educate and connect Southwest Florida’s young professionals.

Leadership NEXT’s monthly sessions take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month and offer opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills, establish working relationships with colleagues and engage in valuable programs and discussions to further enhance their careers.

To learn more, visit FortMyers.org and follow “Leadership NEXT” on Facebook.

About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.

Join us as we identify opportunities to improve water quality 
with this reservoir now under construction, 
one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ priority restoration projects  
FORT MYERS, Fla.– The public is invited to provide input and ideas to improving water quality as part of the C-43 Reservoir Project. Members of the public can be a part of this important effort to evaluate water quality opportunities to support the Caloosahatchee Estuary. The C-43 Reservoir will store approximately 170,000 acre-feet of local basin stormwater runoff.
Join us today, Fri., Sept. 27 for this important public meeting that will culminate in a final feasibility study in 2020. State agencies and local governments within the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary Watershed are partnering on the C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir Water Quality Feasibility Study. Participants include the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Lee County, Hendry County, Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (MSID), city of Cape Coral, and city of Sanibel.
Public participation is critical as we identify at least three options to provide additional water quality improvement for water that will leave the C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir, currently under construction. The study is one of the priority projects identified by Gov. Ron DeSantis in his Achieving More Now for Florida’s Environment Executive Order to restore the Everglades and protect Florida’s water resources.
We will hold a series of public meetings culminating in a final feasibility study and presentation in 2020. At the first public meeting on Sept. 27, we will discuss the goals and objectives of the study and review pertinent studies and technologies for water quality improvement.
 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking angler input for an economic study of fishing tournaments. The information provided will be used to better understand the economic impacts of tournaments at both the local and statewide level, and to inform lake management actions.
Anglers who fish in a tournament on Lake Okeechobee between Oct. 1, 2019 and Sept 31, 2020 should expect to receive a request for tournament-related voluntary information. Surveys will be distributed to tournament directors once a permit is requested from the PermitMe system, with a reminder email sent just prior to the tournament date. FWC is requesting tournament directors forward the email and survey link to participating anglers before the tournament, and that anglers respond as quickly as possible following their tournament. Responses will be kept confidential and will not be associated with any personal identifying information. After completing the survey, anglers will receive a product discount from Gambler Lures, which is providing an incentive for participating in this study.
If you are a tournament director or tournament angler and have questions concerning this study, email [email protected].

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking angler input for an economic study of fishing tournaments. The information provided will be used to better understand the economic impacts of tournaments at both the local and statewide level, and to inform lake management actions.
Anglers who fish in a tournament on Lake Okeechobee between Oct. 1, 2019 and Sept 31, 2020 should expect to receive a request for tournament-related voluntary information. Surveys will be distributed to tournament directors once a permit is requested from the PermitMe system, with a reminder email sent just prior to the tournament date. FWC is requesting tournament directors forward the email and survey link to participating anglers before the tournament, and that anglers respond as quickly as possible following their tournament. Responses will be kept confidential and will not be associated with any personal identifying information. After completing the survey, anglers will receive a product discount from Gambler Lures, which is providing an incentive for participating in this study.
If you are a tournament director or tournament angler and have questions concerning this study, email [email protected].

FORT MYERS, Fla., (Sept. 26, 2019) – Bell Tower has expanded its lineup to 27 craft breweries from around the country that will be offering beer and hard cider at Pumptober-Fest on Oct. 5.

Pumptober-Fest is a family-friendly fall festival that includes unlimited beer samplings, fresh food, carnival-style games and live entertainment. Most breweries will be offering at least two types of beer.

Local participating breweries include Bury Me Brewing (Fort Myers), Big Storm Brewing Co. (Cape Coral), Fat Point Brewing (Punta Gorda), Millennial Brewing Company (Fort Myers), Old Soul Brewing (Fort Myers) and Scotty’s Bierwerks (Cape Coral).

Additional Florida breweries include Big Top Brewing Company (Sarasota), Coppertail Brewing Co. (Tampa), Florida Avenue Brewing Co. (Tampa), Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park), Green Bench Brewing Company (St. Petersburg), Islamorada Beer Company (Islamorada), Motorworks Brewing (Bradenton), Swamp Head Brewery (Gainesville), Tampa Bay Brewing Company (Tampa), 3 Daughters Brewing (St. Petersburg) and Veza Sur Brewing Co. (Miami).

Ten out-of-state breweries also will be represented this year: Ace Cider (Sebastopol, California), Blue Point Brewing Company (Patchogue, New York), Elysian Brewing Company (Seattle, Washington), Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Goose Island Beer Company (Chicago, Illinois), Kona Brewing Co. (Kona, Hawaii), Shipyard Brewing Co. (Portland, Maine), Southern Tier Brewing Company (Charlotte, North Carolina), SweetWater Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia) and Woodchuck Cider (Middlebury, Vermont).

A special pumpkin-flavored beer will be served from a nostalgically decorated “Pumpkinade Stand” at the event.

Pumptober-Fest will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. Admission for guests 21 and older is $35 in advance, or $40 at the door, and includes unlimited tastings of ales, lagers, pilsners, stouts and hard ciders served in keepsake mini-mugs. Guests also will receive pretzel necklaces.

Pumptober-Fest is hosted by Bell Tower in partnership with Suncoast Beverage and benefits the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which provides college scholarships, grants for teachers, entrepreneurial education, internships and mentoring.

The Electric Mud, a nationally touring rock band from Fort Myers, and balloon artist and stilt walker Way Too Tall Torrie will be performing at Pumptober-Fest.

Local restaurants will be offering samples of their fresh and innovative cuisine on a first-come, first-served basis. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Dave & Buster’s, World of Beer, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Williams-Sonoma and Society also will compete for the title of “Bell Tower’s Best Mac and Cheese.” All food and dessert samples, including mac and cheese, are included in the price of admission.

To purchase advance tickets, please visit bit.ly/Pumptoberfest2019.

About Bell Tower

Bell Tower is a landmark shopping, dining and entertainment destination centrally located in Fort Myers, Florida. The open-air center offers fine retail shops including eclectic boutiques and shopping favorites Williams-Sonoma, Chico’s, White House | Black Market, Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Ocean View & 7^th, Talbots, francesca’s and Ulta. Exceptional shopping is complemented by distinctive restaurants: DaRuMa Japanese Steak House, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Cantina Laredo, Mimi’s Café, T.G.I. Friday’s, Society, World of Beer and Ice Spot. Bell Tower also is home to Dave & Buster’s, The Fresh Market, Bed Bath & Beyond and a 20-screen Regal Cinema complex. A community partner and pet-friendly destination, Bell Tower Shops hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, fundraisers, art fairs and more. Visit BellTowerFortMyers.com for more information.

About Madison Marquette

Madison Marquette is a leading private real estate investment manager, developer, operator and service provider headquartered in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1992, the company’s reputation is built on the successful development, repositioning and redevelopment of commercial mixed-use assets in major gateway and emerging high-growth markets throughout the United States. Madison Marquette partners with global institutional and private investors to achieve industry-leading investment performance across asset classes. In addition, the firm provides integrated management and leasing services to many of the most sophisticated institutional owners in the industry. On behalf of owners and investors, Madison Marquette provides insight, and often innovative incorporation of retail, that results in high-performing and unique real estate destinations that add long-term value to their communities. Current high-profile projects include The Wharf in Washington, D.C., the redevelopment of the Asbury Park waterfront in New Jersey and Pacific Place in Seattle, WA. The firm covers major U.S. markets through its primary offices in Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Fort Lauderdale.  Madison Marquette is a member of the Capital Guidance global group of companies. For more information, visit www.MadisonMarquette.com.

The Alliance for the Arts Encourages Southwest Florida Artists to Apply to Inaugural Fringe Fort Myers Festival
The four-day festival will host 48 performances on four different stages in April 2020
Contact: Bill Taylor, 239-939-2787
[email protected]
FORT MYERS, FL (Sept. 26, 2019) – The Alliance for the Arts, in partnership with the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, will present the first ever Fringe Fort Myers Festival April 22 – 26, 2020. Artist applications are open at ArtInLee.org/Fringe. Applications must be submitted no later than Thursday, November 15, 2019 at 5 p.m. EST.
Fringe Fort Myers invites emerging and experienced artists in all disciplines to apply. Categories include, but are not limited to, theatre, dance, magic, film, music, stand-up comedy, puppetry, performance art and more. Whether you are an accomplished singer, hilarious clown, emotive mime, or just want to stand up in front of a bunch of people with complaints about the weather, Fringe Fort Myers is your perfect venue.
One of the great things about Fringe is accessibility for anyone to perform.  The selection process for Fringe Fort Myers occurs via a November 22 lottery, where all applications are placed in a hat and the lucky ones pulled from the hat that night get into the festival.
Fringe Fort Myers kicks off on April 22, 2020 with the fun and frenetic Teaser Show. On April 23, full performances begin at each of the four Fringe venues, with stages located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre and the Alliance for the Arts.  The festival concludes on Sunday, April 26. Each performer or performing group is guaranteed 3 performances in the same venue and are given a 3 hour tech rehearsal before opening.
Artists applying to Fringe Fort Myers are encouraged to hit the Florida fringe trifecta. Tampa International Fringe runs April 30 through May 10, 2020, with Orlando International Fringe running May 12 through May 25, 2020. This is your chance for over a month of performances in sunny paradise!
Artist applications must be submitted online at  ArtInLee.org/Fringe. Completed applications must be submitted no later than Thursday, November 15, 2019 at 5 p.m. EST. For housing and performance details or for more information, visit ArtInLee.org/Fringe.
For more information, call 239-939-2787 or visit ArtInLee.org/Fringe.
About Fringe Fort Myers
Fringe Fort Myers is the newest Fringe theatre festival in the United States and maintains long-standing Fringe traditions of being 100 percent uncensored, 100 percent unjuried and 100 percent inclusive. Even better, 100 percent of ticket sales go directly to the artists. For more information, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org/Fringe.
About Alliance for the Arts
The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving our community through the arts. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ArtInLee.org),  Instagram (@AlliancefortheArts) or follow us on Twitter (@ArtInLee).

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2019) – Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach, Greater Fort Myers and Greater Naples chambers of commerce held ribbon cuttings Sept. 24 to mark the opening of Harvest & Wisdom, the organic restaurant at Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs.

The restaurant offers seasonal ingredients just-picked from the property’s nearly 5-acre organic, no-till garden; grass fed, pastured-raised protein delivered from nearby Circle C Farm, and organic spices expertly and lovingly crafted into innovative and delectable dishes.

The 86-seat restaurant has 44 seats inside and 42 more on the outdoor terrace. Up to 20-seat private dining is available for intimate occasions and events. Harvest & Wisdom’s chef and onsite catering experts can design custom menus, from light refreshments to full-course dinners. Special dietary requests are welcomed including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan. Harvest & Wisdom at Shangri-La Springs will be open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with plans to open for dinner later this year.

“Opening Harvest & Wisdom is an important step in our ongoing renovation plans for this historic treasure in downtown Bonita Springs,” said Lee Bellamy, general manager of Shangri-La Springs. “Renovations are underway to hotel rooms, which will open in the future, and we look forward to continuing to be the center of the community with popular art and music and charity events.”

Harvest & Wisdom his hosting an Italics Wine Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The event includes a four-course dinner with six wine pairings for $125 per person. To purchase tickets, click here. Seating is limited. Advance ticket purchase is required.

About Shangri-La Springs

Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, organic restaurant, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The Blue Zones Project recognized organization specializes in offering guests a nexus of beneficial practices, activities and engagement opportunities that include wellness classes, art shows and special programs. A range of natural and organic treatments and products including facials, massages, eucalyptus steam room, far infrared sauna and private garden lounge are offered at the Spa at Shangri-La Springs, which was rated SILVER for Day Spa in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The organic farm-to-table restaurant Harvest & Wisdom, with an ever-changing menu crafted with produce fresh from the on-site garden, locally sourced organic proteins and organic beverages, is open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch. In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel that will feature 21 guest rooms, outdoor dining area and conference room in the Great House. Renovations are also underway for six guest rooms located in Villa Ascona, a building positioned near the property’s courtyard, perfect for spa weekends or bridal party accommodations. Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-949-0749 or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com.