FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 27, 2019) – The Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office seek nominations for the 2019 Industry Appreciation Awards, which celebrate the Lee County business community and recognize outstanding local businesses that have positively influenced Southwest Florida. The honorees and finalists will be recognized during the annual Industry Appreciation Award luncheon on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs. Applications must be received no later than July 12 at 11:59 p.m.
Businesses will be honored in five categories:
Community Steward of the Year – Awarded to a company that partners with nonprofits, community organizations and programs to improve the quality of business and civic life in Lee County through its financial or volunteer support.
Innovator of the Year – Recognizes a local business that develops innovative advanced technologies in its own business or in its industry and has had a positive economic impact in Lee County.
Manufacturer of the Year – Awarded to a Lee County manufacturing business that exhibits excellence in leadership, performance, profitability, and workforce relations.
Start Up of the Year – Awarded to a company founded in Lee County in the last 3-5 years that has overcome challenges and demonstrated continued growth in revenue and staffing to emerge as a business leader.
Business of the Year – Awarded to a small and large Lee County company that has been in business 6 or more years under the same corporate name and ownership. The companies must offer high-quality products and services, provide superior customer service, demonstrate strong ethical standards, be community minded, actively support employee development, and exhibit exemplary leadership within its industry and with its clients, contributing to the economic growth and free enterprise of Lee County. Awards will be granted in the small business (1-50 employees) and large business (51 or more employees) categories.
To access applications or for additional information please visit www.leecountybusiness.com/iaw.
The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain existing businesses, attract new businesses and encourage entrepreneurship to ensure Lee County has a strong economy, thriving communities and broadly shared prosperity.
The Horizon Council is a public-private advisory board established in 1991 to advise the Lee Board of County Commissioners on economic development issues. The Council’s mission is to improve Lee County’s business environment, retain and encourage expansion of existing businesses, and attract new and diversified employers. It is the only public-private partnership of Lee County Government and business leaders.
The Horizon Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization established as a fundraising vehicle enabling individuals and businesses to actively support the program of work of the Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office. For more information, visit http://www.leecountybusiness.com or call 239-533-6800.
 

Today at the Fort Myers Freedom Fest 4^th of July Celebration in downtown Fort Myers, 3 Pepper Burrito announces On the Run Chips & Salsa.
For the 4th of July Celebration, 3 Pepper Burrito (Downtown Fort Myers location), will have
On the Run boxes (chips, salsa, and queso) for $4 (or with a drink [water or soda] for $5) for sale in its courtyard.
“It’s going to be hot and we want to help people not get hangry (nor thirsty).”
said Dallas Brewer, General Manager at 3 Pepper Burrito.
 
Established in 2014, family owned 3 Pepper Burrito is a Quick Service Restaurant serving the best Burritos in town. We make our tortillas fresh from scratch and cook them to order! Visit one of our 9 locations in Southwest Florida today.

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (June 28, 2019) – Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with Wynonna and The Big Noise live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $87 and are available at the casino, on jaytv.com or by calling 800-514-etix. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide during her remarkable 34-year career. As one-half of the legendary mother/daughter duo “The Judds,” Wynonna was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline.” The iconic performer has received more than 60 industry awards, with countless charting singles, including 20 No.1 hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” and “Grandpa, (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”
Wynonna and her band The Big Noise, led by her husband/drummer/producer, Cactus Moser, released their debut full-length album in February 2016 via Curb Records to critical acclaim. Wynonna has described the new sound as “vintage yet modern” and a “return to the well.” It’s a rootsy work encompassing country, Americana, blues, soul and rock. The album features special guests Derek Trucks, Jason Isbell, Susan Tedeschi and Timothy B. Schmit.
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/.

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (June 28, 2019) – Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs specializing in fresh, organic cuisine, has hired David Robbins as chef de cuisine for Harvest & Wisdom, the property’s farm-to-table restaurant, set to open soon.

Robbins will work with Executive Chef Allen Fisher to train and supervise staff, as well as inspect and select only the freshest fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, fowl and other food products. Robbins comes to Harvest & Wisdom with more than 15 years of experience including most recently as consulting executive chef, director of food and beverage at Society, Fort Myers. He has also worked at Crave Culinaire; Stonebridge Country Club; The Dutch in the W Hotel & Residences in South Beach; Blue Hill at Stone Farms, rated one of the World’s Best 50 Restaurants in 2017; Malabar in Lima, Peru, where he collaborated with Chef Pedro Miguel Schiffiano, owner of two restaurants on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants; Mereday’s Fine Dining; Naples Grande Resort and Fiddler’s Creek Club and Spa.

“We are excited to add David to the team of Harvest & Wisdom,” said Fisher. “His passion for creating the freshest product for our guests fits well with our plans for the restaurant and Shangri-La Springs.”

Robbins was featured chef and lecturer at ECHO Farms international Food Festival, and featured chef at Southwest Florida Wine & Food Festival 2018 and 2019.  Robbins grew up in Waimea, Hawaii, and developed a passion for ecology working on his family’s flower and lei business and all-natural produce farm. He moved to Florida as a teenager and got a degree in cultural ecology at Florida Gulf Coast University.

“Working with communities and ecosystems in a sustainable format truly is a win for everyone,” he said.

About Shangri-La Springs

Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs currently offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The property 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. In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel that will feature 21 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, 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. Renovations to the hotel property are underway, with the restaurant opening during the summer. . 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.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 26, 2019) – The 5^th annual Grouper Slam benefiting Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) will take place on Saturday, July 13 at Royal Shell Port Sanibel Marina, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers.
Registration for the tournament is $500 per boat and there is a 100% payout to the winning teams.  There is a $2,000 prize for the biggest grouper and fun fish category payouts. Teams can register at www.fishgrouperslam.com.  Registration deadline is Friday, July 12 at 6pm at the captain’s meeting at The Lighthouse Restaurant, 14301 Port Comfort Rd, Fort Myers.
100% of the proceeds from the chance drawing and silent auction benefit LARC, whose mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential.  Tickets for the drawing and opportunities to bid on the silent auction are open to the public beginning Monday, July 8 at www.larcleecounty.org/events.  Bidders need not be present to win.
The weigh in will take place from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Royal Shell Port Sanibel Marina with the raffle and auction ending at 7:00 p.m.  The public is encouraged to attend.  Food and drink is available for purchase.
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 23 to 75.  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.
To learn more about LARC 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 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 Katz at 239-334-6285 x229 or visit www.larcleecounty.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 25, 2019) –Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) hosted the inaugural “Aiming for Ability” Clay Shooting Tournament on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Sarasota Trap Skeet & Clays.  The event raised $14,000 for LARC’s newest program – LAB: Learn, Achieve, Become.
Plaques were awarded to the first, second and third place teams.  The plaques were made by LARC woodshop and engraving enterprise participants.   The first place team was Brandon Wolf, Charley Carpenter, Josh Gidcumb and Jacob Mossholder.  Second place was Will Anderson, Garrick Carte and Jeff Robison.  The third place team was Dave Maxwell, Phil Gaylor, Jack Shelley and Don Ward.
“Shooters of all skill levels joined us for this fun morning benefiting LARC’s newest program, LAB,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director.  “LAB will offer 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 will 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 23 to 75.  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.
The event was sponsored by Mark Loren Designs, Miloff Aubuchon Realty, Creighton Commercial Development, Cape Closeouts, Myers Brettholtz & Co., Sunset Air, Iberia Bank, and Wear the Fund.  The 2020 Aiming for Ability tournament will be held on May 8, 2020.
To learn more about LARC, 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 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 Katz at 239-334-6285 x229 or visit www.larcleecounty.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla., (June 24, 2019) – Pace Center for Girls, Lee County’s next Love That Dress! collection event, “Stetsons & Stilettos River District,” will be held on Wednesday, July 17 at the Burroughs Home & Gardens in Fort Myers.
Co-chaired by Pace board members Brandie Fennell Duncan and Jennifer Nelson, Stetsons & Stilettos River District presents a western-chic soirée with live music, food trucks, raffle prize drawings, silent auction and a cash bar. Guests will boot, scoot and boogie the night away to the rockin’ country tunes of Whiskey Bent, accompanied by sunset views over the Caloosahatchee River. Food will be available for sale from food trucks Dynamite Street Eatz, with burgers and more, The Folkswagen with pizza, and BuddahBlends with vegan offerings.
Guests at the collection party also can be among the first to purchase tickets for a chance to win a 24-month lease on a new 2019 INFINITI QX50 SUV. Only 150 tickets will be sold, and the winner will be drawn at Love That Dress! on Aug. 21.
Stetsons & Stilettos River District runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17 at the Burroughs Home & Gardens, 2505 First St. in Fort Myers. Free valet parking will be available.
Per person tickets include a complimentary drink and entertainment and are $25. Bring one or more new or gently loved dresses to donate and admission is $20, plus receive a raffle ticket for each donation beyond one dress (up to 10). To purchase tickets, please visit www.LoveThatDressLeeCounty.com. VIP tables are available for $200 each and can be purchased on pacecenter.org/lee.
Love That Dress! is an annual campaign soliciting donations of new and gently loved dresses, handbags, shoes and accessories. A series of social events helps build inventory, and the campaign culminates with what’s described as “the ultimate feel-good shopping spree” in which supporters enjoy an evening of shopping, music, cocktails and a silent auction.
Proceeds from Love That Dress! events support Pace Center for Girls’ programs and services, which assist girls ages 11 to 18 who have multiple risk factors impacting their academic achievement, including family income, substance abuse, domestic violence, foster home placement, neglect, grief, incarceration of a family member and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
In August 2018, more than 450 fashionistas and community supporters attended the 10^th annual Love That Dress! fundraiser, helping raise more than $157,000 to support Pace Center for Girls, Lee County.
To learn more about Pace Center for Girls, Lee County and its programs, please visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee or call 239-425-2366.
About Pace Center for Girls, Lee County
Since 2007, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has been providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The gender-specific, strength-based program is one of 22 Centers throughout Florida, and is known throughout the nation as a best practices model for diverting girls from the juvenile justice system. Pace is a registered not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals, businesses, civic/community organizations and churches in Lee County in order to serve girls and their families. Since its inception, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has served more than 650 at-promise girls and young women, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee County, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.
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NBA Draft full of Culligan City of Palms Classic alums
Seven draftees came to Fort Myers for elite national showcase
FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 21, 2019) – Thursday’s NBA Draft proved once again that the Culligan City of Palms Classic is America’s No. 1 high school basketball tournament. Seven of the 60 players chosen appeared in the Culligan City of Palms Classic at least once, and R.J. Barrett, who went third overall to the New York Knicks, played in the event in both 2015 and 2016. The Culligan City of Palms Classic produced two top five picks, three top 10 picks and five first-rounders.
“If you want to see tomorrow’s NBA stars today, there’s no better place to go than the Culligan City of Palms Classic,” said John Naylor, the tournament’s executive director. “The amount of talent that comes through here year after year is simply remarkable.”
Thirty draftees in the past three years have been Culligan City of Palms Classic alumni, and one out of every seven players in the NBA last year took part in the tournament. Half of the players chosen No. 1 overall in the 2010s came from the Culligan City of Palms Classic.
Each Culligan City of Palms Classic player chosen in this year’s draft is listed below, along with his draft position, NBA team, high school and year of appearance in the tournament.

• • #3 R.J. Barrett, New York Knicks (Montverde Academy, 2015 and 2016)
  • #5 Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers (Brentwood Academy, 2016)
  • #10 Cam Reddish, Atlanta Hawks (Westtown, 2015 and 2016)
  • #17 Nickeil Alexander-Walker, New Orleans Pelicans* (Hamilton Heights, 2015)
  • #25 Nassir Little, Portland Trail Blazers (Orlando Christian Prep, 2017)
  • #35  Bruno Fernando, Atlanta Hawks** (Montverde Academy, 2015)
  • #46 Talen Horton-Tucker, Los Angeles Lakers*** (Simeon, 2017)
• *-From Brooklyn Nets via Atlanta Hawks
• **-From Chicago Bulls via Philadelphia 76ers
• ***-From Brooklyn Nets via Orlando Magic

The trend is poised to continue. Three of the projected top six picks in the NBADraft.net 2020 mock draft played in the Culligan City of Palms Classic, and many of them will be playing top-level college basketball starting this fall. Visit cityofpalmsclassic.com to keep up with all the past and future Culligan City of Palms Classic stars.
About the Culligan City of Palms Classic
 Founded in 1973, the City of Palms tournament began, like so many tournaments today, as a simple, local holiday basketball tournament. Over the years, the tournament grew and expanded its scope to include the nation’s finest athletes and teams, and during the past 23 years, it has set the standard by which all tournaments are compared. Classic Basketball Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation created for the purpose of managing the Culligan City of Palms Classic. For more information and to sign up for the eNewsletter, visit cityofpalmsclassic.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 20, 2019) – During May, 725,754 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla., an increase of 8.5 percent compared to May 2018. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 9.6 percent compared to last year.
The traffic leader in May was Delta Air Lines with 187,907 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (141,576), American (122,639), JetBlue (85,852) and United (83,586).
Southwest Florida International Airport had 6,018 aircraft operations, an increase of 3.7 percent compared to May 2018. Page Field saw 9,294 operations, a 29.8 percent increase from May 2018. In addition, slightly more than 3 million pounds of air freight moved through Southwest Florida International Airport in May 2019.
Southwest Florida International Airport served nearly 9.4 million passengers in 2018 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.

CAPE CORAL, FLA., June 19, 2019– Lifeline Family Center will break ground Thursday, July 18, for one-of-a-kind housing for single women with children graduating from their program.
The ground-breaking is set for 10 a.m. adjacent to Lifeline Family Center at 907 S.E. 5^th Ave. in Cape Coral.  Cape Coral leaders and other dignitaries are expected to attend the event, which represents the first affordable rental housing offered by Lifeline Family Center.
“This is the next step in helping our moms and their children toward independence,” said Lifeline Family Center CEO Kathy Miller.  “Accessible and affordable housing in a safe neighborhood is difficult to come by in Lee County.  As a single parent raising young children, it is almost impossible.  The availability for community housing programs is often years of waiting on a list.”
Lifeline Family Center provides a home on its campus for young women in crisis pregnancies for up to two years.  During that time, they learn skills to become self-supporting through education, job training, parenting classes, professional counseling and spiritual guidance.   It is the only residential program in Lee County for homeless young women in crisis pregnancies who are not part of the foster care program.
With the escalating cost of rental housing, Lifeline Family Center officials saw a severe need for affordable housing for graduates of their Phase I program and began a fund-raising campaign that now has topped $400,000.00. An additional $236,000.00 is needed to complete the project debt free.
The new housing will provide four two-bedroom apartments for their graduates so that they can continue to grow in their career path and utilize the on-campus day care facility while they work.  “Rents” will be just what it costs for insurance and to maintain the facility, about $500 a month, including water.
Within the two-year housing agreement, each mom will be encouraged to cultivate a relationship with Habitat for Humanity, a collaboration that will develop into home ownership for her family.
“This is how we can break the cycle of welfare and government dependency.  A successful, financially stable woman raising her family in a safe and loving environment creates a thriving community,” Miller said.
Since the non-profit organization was founded by Miller in 1996, 178 women and 117 babies have found a home at Lifeline Family Center.
In the current residential program, Lifeline Family Center serves up to 12 young women, ages 16 to 25, and up to 24 babies at a time. In the Outreach Ministry program, more than 6,000 women have received assistance with material needs, adoption counseling and resource referrals. The non-profit also operates a 24/7 Pregnancy Helpline, provides free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds by appointment, and does outreach to all areas of Lee County, including all college campuses.
 
About Lifeline Family Center
Founded in 1996, Lifeline Family Center provides young women in crisis pregnancies a safe home in Cape Coral and a learning environment.  They receive education, job training, professional counseling, parenting classes and spiritual guidance.  The two-year residential program prepares young moms and their babies to become self-supporting, contributing members of society.  Lifeline Family Center receives no government funding and is wholly dependent upon donations from generous individuals, churches and corporations that believe in Lifeline’s mission as well as United Way funding.  For more information about Lifeline Family Center, visit www.lifelinefamilycenter.org.
 
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