Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2019) – Are you ready to make a DASH for it? Are you ready to do it in downtown Fort Myers? Then, the Lee County Bar Association has an event for you. The first-of-its-kind Downtown Dash 1 Mile Run/Walk is Friday, Sept. 20.
This is a timed event for participants of all ages to test their speed in a 1-mile run or simply enjoy a casual stroll next to the Caloosahatchee River and between the historic buildings of downtown Fort Myers.
The event is the brainchild of the LCBA’s new Health and Wellness Committee. “We wanted something that was accessible to anybody of any fitness level,” said John Miller, co-chair of the committee. “We wanted to pick a distance that was unique. You don’t see a lot of mile runs.”
The event is also a way to bring awareness to the physical and mental struggles facing those in the legal profession, Miller said. “The legal profession is struggling with physical and mental health issues among its practitioners, and it’s a priority of the state bar to promote health and wellness of its members. John Webb has made it a priority this year as president of the LCBA to promote health and wellness.”
The run will start at 6 p.m. by the Lee County Regional Library, 2450 First Street, in Fort Myers. Participants will head down First Street, go through Centennial Park and finish on Hendry Street. After the event, there will be a concert near the finish line, featuring Deb & the Dynamics.
The cost is $20, increasing to $22 on race day. Proceeds go to the Lee County Bar Foundation for promoting health and wellness in the community. On race day, registration and packet pick-up will start at 4:30 p.m. at the library. Online registration is available at leebar.org, while a printable mail-in application is also available. The application and fee can be mailed to the Lee County Bar Association, 2077 First Street, Ste. 207, Fort Myers, FL 33901.
Among the overall awards are Top Male and Top Female winners, Top Lawyer (male and female), Top Court Staff (male and female) and Top Legal Staff (male and female). There are 15 age-group male and female divisions. The event is sanctioned by the Fort Myers Track Club.
All participants will receive a T-shirt, and food and drink will be available.
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].

NAPLES, Fla. (September 13, 2019) – Two years after Hurricane Irma made landfall in Southwest Florida and inflicted severe damage to the docks at Tin City, the restoration and rebound process continues. Businesses at Tin City, including Pure Florida, suffered for weeks  after Irma’s winds and storm surge compromised the sea wall and the entire complex nearly sank. The storm also caused catastrophic damage to the dock where Pure Florida’s historic sightseeing vessel, M/V Double Sunshine calls home. Dozens of employees were out of work for weeks during the initial recovery effort.
Although Tin City officially reopened for business in October 2017, the long term engineering project of sea wall restoration had just begun. In March 2019 Tin City completed its major 10 month post-Irma restoration featuring a modernized, wider walkway with plenty of space along the new waterfront boardwalk, and the complex rebuild of the seawall that supports it.
Throughout these challenges, Pure Florida continued to make significant investments in its operations at Tin City.  Boat engines were upgraded, new roofs constructed on all buildings and new signs installed throughout the complex and a covered seating area constructed for guests. The next evolution of Pure Florida’s investment at Tin City is underway. Now docked next to the historic M/V Double Sunshine, Pure Florida’s new M/V Sea Flight is a state of the art high speed fishing vessel coming into service soon.
Digital Media Assets
Download Sea Flight Photo: https://drive.google.com/a/ipartnermedia.com/file/d/0Bz9nhxhfvfLnMVBFVlRhUGQxenl6VURoWkxTNWlubGg3WkxZ/view?usp=sharing
Photo Credit: Pure Florida file
About Pure Florida
Pure Florida is an award winning water attractions company helmed by father-and-son duo Captains Lance H. and Harry Julian since 2008 who give their guests access to a variety of unique eco-excursions that incorporate sightseeing, maritime history and entertainment. Pure Florida operates 20 vessels from marinas in Naples and Fort Myers for sunset and specialty cruises as well as boat and jet ski rentals, fishing charters, group events and educational field trips for schools and students. For more information, visit www.PureFL.com or call
(239) 263-4949.
About Pure Image Productions and Marine Team International
In addition to owning Pure Florida, Captains Lance H. and Harry Julian are also partners in Marine Team International and Pure Image Productions, providing professional marine consulting, television and video production and photography services. With a long history in maritime productions, Lance and Harry Julian have helped to create some of the most memorable water scenes in film production, with credits including “Titanic”, “The Hangover II” and “Waterworld,” and television credits such as the reality show, “Survivor.” As the fourth and fifth generation working within the maritime industry, Lance and Harry Julian enjoy sharing their passion and expertise with fellow adventurers in the Southwest Florida area. For more information, visit www.marineteam.net.

FORT MYERS, Fla., (Sept. 12, 2019) – Bell Tower’s highly anticipated Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour on Oct. 11 will feature the pet-friendly destination’s largest costume contest of the year.

Dog owners are encouraged to dress their pooches in creative, original Halloween costumes. For a $5 minimum donation to the Gulf Coast Humane Society, dogs can compete in a lively costume contest for a chance to win a special prize package. All well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Celebrity judges for this year’s costume contest include Lee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Castellon; Gulf Coast Humane Society Executive Director Jennifer Galloway; Radio Host Jason Drew of 96.9 WINK FM and South Trail Fire & Rescue District Assistant Public Education Specialist Amy Bollen.

Deputy Chance, an abandoned dog whose story of neglect and survival made national news, also will be attending Yappy Hour. Chance is the official “spokesdog” for Deputy Dogs – Pets on Patrol, a new volunteer program asking pet owners to be law enforcement’s eyes and ears in the streets while walking their dogs. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will be registering pets and their owners during Yappy Hour.

The Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11 at Center Court, and is presented by Bell Tower, Gulf Coast Humane Society, 96.9 WINK FM and Deputy Dogs – Pets on Patrol. Yappy Hour is weather permitting. Follow Bell Tower Shops on social media for weather updates impacting special events.

Bell Tower, Southwest Florida’s dog-friendly shopping, dining and entertainment destination, holds Yappy Hour on the second Friday of each month. The area’s largest pet-friendly social hour provides an evening of fun for pet-lovers and their four-legged friends, and visitors will have an opportunity to stop by dog-friendly sponsor stations and meet adoptable dogs from the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

DJ Robert McDonald will be providing Yappy Hour entertainment, and a bounce house, sidewalk chalk station and lawn games will be available for guests to enjoy. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria will present beer and wine for the evening, and will donate a portion of sales at Yappy Hour to the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

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, 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 and World of Beer. 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 www.TheBellTowerShops.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.

BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE RESERVATION, Fla. (September 12, 2019) – The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum has installed new EV charging stations in its public parking area.
“This is an exciting addition to our amenities,” said Carrie Dilley, Visitor Services and Development Manager for the museum. “The electric vehicle market is growing by the day, so we need to be able to take care of our guests who have these type of vehicles.”
The museum has already added its new EV charging stations to the popular EV Network “PlugShare” app. PlugShare is a mobile application and online tool that allows electric car owners to locate and optimize the use of EV charging stations. It provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of electric vehicle charging stations in North America, Europe, and Asia.
“Anyone using this app will be able to see our charging stations and the hours of operation right from their phone,” said Dilley.
About the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Situated in the Everglades on a 66-acre cypress dome on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, the Museum offers more than 5,000 square feet of gallery space. Exhibits feature rare artifacts and lifelike dioramas that depict Seminole life at the turn of the century. In 2009, the Museum became the first tribally-governed museum to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the museum is located 17 miles north of Interstate 75 at Exit 49. For more information, visit www.ahtahthiki.com or call 863-902-1113.

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Sept. 12, 2019) – Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with country music legend Tanya Tucker live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $87.50 and are available at the casino, on moreinparadise.com or by calling 800-514-ETIX. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
A defining voice of country music, Tucker inspired many female artists who still top the charts today. From the signature classic songs to the unforgettable sass and soul of her voice, Tucker has paved a path in country music and beyond through an unprecedented level of success and continues her longevity today due to a natural, undeniable talent. Her style has proved to be timeless ever since she recorded her debut single “Delta Dawn,” at age 13. The single earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” and launched Tucker into the national spotlight.
In 1972, she earned the “Top New Female Vocalist” award by the Academy of Country Music. With a wildly growing career at such a young age, the Tucker craze continued with her first number one single in 1973, “What’s Your Mama’s Name.” As additional hits continued, Tucker added an edgy rock image, which she still embraces, to her musical taste with the album T.N.T, which was released in 1978. The gold certified album peaked at number two on the album charts. Through a collaborative relationship with Glen Campbell, Tucker transitioned to a new label in the early 1980s and was back in the Top 10 with “Can I See You Tonight.” Just a few years later, Tucker experienced another hit with “One Love at a Time.” With four additional number one charted hits between 1986-1988, Tucker’s career was proving to be one for the record books.
The 1990s gave rise to some of Tucker’s most recognizable and career defining songs, “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane” and “It’s a Little Too Late.” New albums, along with multiple versions of greatest hits and live compilation projects, propelled Tucker to become one of the best-selling female artists in country music.
About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,400 slots and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and the recently renovated and 24-hour EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call, as well as the new Corner Bar. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with private cabanas, 24-hour fitness studio and free Wi-Fi.
Located at 506 South 1^st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida via I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the casino. Located between Miami and Naples, north of Alligator Alley on Highway 846, it is five blocks south of Highway 29. Approximately 30 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers, the casino is a 90-minute drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Seminole Casino Hotel participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.
 

Public facilities that want to create exhibits about invasive lionfish are in luck. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has a Lionfish Educational Exhibit Program that provides one-time financial assistance to help build or update a high-quality lionfish exhibit. 
Since the rapid expansion of the lionfish population in 2009, the FWC has recognized this issue as a high priority and has made significant strides in educating the public about the potential negative impacts of lionfish. 
Effective control of the lionfish invasion is highly dependent on cooperative efforts by government agencies, partners and stakeholders. 
All participants must be facilities open to the public and committed to encouraging public awareness of coastal issues in Florida. Participants are required to apply for the program and exhibits must display FWC-approved information about lionfish and their invasion of Florida waters.
Learn more at MyFWC.com/Lionfish and apply today. 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 10, 2019) – Sarah Owen, president and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, brings a face of hope and powerful words of encouragement to every event where she shares a vision. She will bring that same energized message to the podium as the keynote speaker for the Hope Clubhouse “Faces of Hope Who Give” Mental Health Luncheon Oct. 28 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers.
The “Faces of Hope Who Give” event is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale for $100 and available at hopeclubhouse.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available on the website.
Hope Clubhouse is a non-profit which provides a pathway of hope for hundreds challenged by mental health issues.
Among the mental health areas Owen plans to address are:

• The economic impact mental health can have on local businesses.
• The perception of mental health and its impact on those suffering from it and those trying to understand the challenges.

Owen remembers an email, which went viral several years ago, profiling an employee, who told her boss she wanted to take a “mental health” day. Owen said the fact the boss was supportive of the employee using the day to address her challenges, just like he would be for an employee using time for a physical illness, was embraced by thousands of people who understood the need.
“That really resonated with people,” Owen said.  Businesses need to support individuals experiencing mental illness. “It goes to the vitality of the community.”
Owen’s leadership the past eight years at the community foundation has helped bring communities and organizations together through conversation and building partnerships that create a stake in the issue and find solutions. Under Owen, the foundation continues to award thousands in grants to non-profits each year. Last year, the foundation moved into the historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot in downtown Fort Myers, where a massive renovation project resulted in the Collaboratory, creating a gathering place for many organizations in the community to share ideas and build futures.
Her tireless efforts have built an eye-popping resume. She is the past chair of the Community Foundations of Florida. She is a Florida Delegate for the National Vision 20/20 Initiative, a board member of the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance and serves on the Healthy Lee Steering Committee. The 2016 News-Press Person of the Year also advises many other successful non-profits.
About Hope Clubhouse
Hope Clubhouse is a community of support for adults living with a mental illness that provides opportunities for paid employment and access to education, housing and wellness. Hope Clubhouse is a 501(c)(3) organization located at 3602 Broadway, Fort Myers, Florida 33901. Call 239-267-1777 or visit hopeclubhouse.org to donate or for more information.

Join us at the for the  – September 26, 27 & 28, 2019 for 3 Days and Nights of Seminars and Performances!  For more information or to register, visit www.jerryfierro.com.
Who:      Holiday Inn Ft Myers Airport @ Town Center
What:     Paradise Coast Harmonica Workshop
Where:    9931 Interstate Commerce Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
When:     September 26, 27 & 28, 2019 for 3 Days and Nights of Seminars and Performances
 
In the Spirit of Hospitality,
 
Nicole Logan, CGSP
Sales Manager
Holiday Inn – Ft. Myers Airport @ Town Center
239-561-1550 (main)
239-322-1355 (direct)
http://www.hiftmyersairport.com

September 25th:   Fort Myers, 8-9AM,  Alliance Financial Group,  14021 Metropolis Avenue, FM, 33912
 
October 10th:         Naples, 8-9AM,  Bigham Galleria, 2425 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 215, Naples,FL 34103
 
October 23rd:        Fort Myers, 8-9AM,  Alliance Financial Group,  14021 Metropolis Avenue, FM, 33912
 
Learn about new technologies and techniques to help maximize entity value and network with other business owners at they year’s BUILD BUSINESS OWNERS SUMMIT.

• Join retired Attorney Michael Blumenfeld and CPA Steve Phillips for a workshop  that will cover:
  • Strategies to help maximize the growth of your business.
  • Current tax laws pitfalls and strategies all business owners need to know.
  • How to exit your business and maximize value when you decide it’s time-all while reducing your tax bill.

RSVP by contacting Michael Blumenfeld  at 262-894-6040