Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 9, 2019) – A police officer who feeds the homeless, a teacher who inspires her seventh-gradeFORT MYERS, Fla. (May 9, 2019) – A police officer who feeds the homeless, a teacher who inspires her seventh-grade students, and a beloved judicial assistant were among the recipients at this year’s Lee County Bar Association Law Week Awards Luncheon. Bar President John Webb served as host as the organization honored exceptional accomplishments in law enforcement, law-related education and citizenship on Friday, May 3, at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson, Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello, Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane, State Attorney Amira Fox and several members of the state, circuit and county judiciaries were among the dignitaries in attendance. The ceremony was the culmination of the bar’s 26th annual Law Week, a series of activities that included free legal consultations for the public, a blood drive and a live display of appellate court proceedings for high school students.
“The purpose of the Law Week Awards Luncheon is to reserve a special day of celebration by the members of the Lee County legal community in appreciation for the dedication and commitment from our law enforcement officers, teachers and every citizen who promotes the idea of ‘equality and justice under law,’” said the Hon. Judge John Carlin, Law Week Committee chair.
Joanne Atkins, judicial assistant to Carlin since 1992, received the Liberty Bell Award, which goes each year to an outstanding member of the community and is the most prestigious honor the bar bestows. The Hon. Judge G. Keith Cary read a heartfelt letter Carlin wrote detailing Atkins’ work to support the application of justice, the development of Law Week and the community at large.
Fox presented Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards to exemplary members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Sanibel police departments. Cape Coral Police Officer Jonathan Duffy was recognized as Officer of the Year for going beyond the call of duty to care for the city’s homeless population. Sheriff’s deputies Ryan Lynn and Brian Walkowiak were honored for their heroic apprehension of an armed man. Fort Myers Police Lt. Roger Valdivia was recognized for his lengthy service to the department and contributions to the funeral of fallen officer Adam Jobbers-Miller. Sanibel Police Officer Magdiel Bernier and Sgt. John Jakubowski received their awards for rescuing a drowning swimmer.
Jaclyn Baker, a civics teacher at Three Oaks Middle School, won the Dr. James A. Adams Lee County Teacher of the Year for Law-Related Education Award. She delivered a stirring speech about the challenges students overcome to connect in a lasting and meaningful way with the material they learn.
“The Law Week Awards recipients embody the intrinsic value of the rule of law in civil society,” said Lisa Poulin, executive director for the Lee County Bar Association. “They demonstrate the importance of cooperation and collaboration to a thriving community.”
Call Poulin at 239-334-0047 or email her at [email protected] to learn about all the services the bar performs for Lee County.
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 Lisa Poulin at 239-334-0047 or [email protected].
students, and a beloved judicial assistant were among the recipients at this year’s Lee County Bar Association Law Week Awards Luncheon. Bar President John Webb served as host as the organization honored exceptional accomplishments in law enforcement, law-related education and citizenship on Friday, May 3, at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson, Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello, Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane, State Attorney Amira Fox and several members of the state, circuit and county judiciaries were among the dignitaries in attendance. The ceremony was the culmination of the bar’s 26th annual Law Week, a series of activities that included free legal consultations for the public, a blood drive and a live display of appellate court proceedings for high school students.
“The purpose of the Law Week Awards Luncheon is to reserve a special day of celebration by the members of the Lee County legal community in appreciation for the dedication and commitment from our law enforcement officers, teachers and every citizen who promotes the idea of ‘equality and justice under law,’” said the Hon. Judge John Carlin, Law Week Committee chair.
Joanne Atkins, judicial assistant to Carlin since 1992, received the Liberty Bell Award, which goes each year to an outstanding member of the community and is the most prestigious honor the bar bestows. The Hon. Judge G. Keith Cary read a heartfelt letter Carlin wrote detailing Atkins’ work to support the application of justice, the development of Law Week and the community at large.
Fox presented Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards to exemplary members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Sanibel police departments. Cape Coral Police Officer Jonathan Duffy was recognized as Officer of the Year for going beyond the call of duty to care for the city’s homeless population. Sheriff’s deputies Ryan Lynn and Brian Walkowiak were honored for their heroic apprehension of an armed man. Fort Myers Police Lt. Roger Valdivia was recognized for his lengthy service to the department and contributions to the funeral of fallen officer Adam Jobbers-Miller. Sanibel Police Officer Magdiel Bernier and Sgt. John Jakubowski received their awards for rescuing a drowning swimmer.
Jaclyn Baker, a civics teacher at Three Oaks Middle School, won the Dr. James A. Adams Lee County Teacher of the Year for Law-Related Education Award. She delivered a stirring speech about the challenges students overcome to connect in a lasting and meaningful way with the material they learn.
“The Law Week Awards recipients embody the intrinsic value of the rule of law in civil society,” said Lisa Poulin, executive director for the Lee County Bar Association. “They demonstrate the importance of cooperation and collaboration to a thriving community.”
Call Poulin at 239-334-0047 or email her at [email protected] to learn about all the services the bar performs for Lee County.
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 Lisa Poulin at 239-334-0047 or [email protected].

Note to Media: The Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is working to solve a deadly problem that affects more children in Florida than in any other state. Club members are bringing the Josh the Otter Water Safety and Literacy Project to local kindergarten students with a simple message: Stay away from water unless accompanied by an adult, and always swim with a buddy.
The program aims to incorporate its lifesaving message into every educational curriculum in the U.S. Rotarians will distribute and read “Josh the Baby Otter” books to children to help them understand the importance of water safety. The book comes with a CD that includes a song called “Learn to Float,” along with a pledge about water safety and a coloring book.
We look forward to seeing you there.
WHAT: Josh the Otter Water Safety and Literacy Project
WHEN: Monday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 15, 8 a.m.
WHERE: Tanglewood Elementary School, 1620 Manchester Blvd., Fort Myers, 33919
WHY: To educate children about water safety.
CONTACT: Josh Milton, CONRIC PR & Marketing, 239-690-9840, [email protected]

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (May 8, 2019) – Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents country music icon Lee Greenwood live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $64 and are available by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com/florida. Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
Entitled “Lee Greenwood: A Tennessee Christmas,” the concert will be a holiday treat for fans of Greenwood, a country pop legend with more than 30 albums to his credit. The concert will showcase his warm interpretations of Christmas favorites as well as a rousing rendition of his signature hit “God Bless the USA.”
With seven #1 songs and 25 charted singles, Greenwood’s hits include: “It Turns Me Inside Out”, “Ring On Her Finger Time on Her Hands,” ”She’s Lyin,” “I Don’t Mind the Thorns if You’re the Rose,” “Dixie Road,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Going Going Gone,” “You Got A Good Love Comin,” “Fools Gold,” and “Mornin Ride.” Several crossover hits include “Touch & Go Crazy,” “IOU,” and the duet with Barbara Mandrell, “To Me.” An additional duet with Suzy Bogguss, “Hopelessly Yours,” was nominated for a Grammy. The CD “American Patriot,” recorded and released in 1992, went Platinum in three months.
Greenwood’s latest CD is “I Want to be in Your World.” He wrote three of the seven songs and plays saxophone on the original track, “Here Comes Love There Goes My Heart.” He also covered the Michael McDonald/Kenny Loggins ballad, “You Can Let Go Now.” McDonald is featured playing piano on the song.
Greenwood has won numerous industry awards including Male Vocalist of the year for the Academy of Country Music in 1983, two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association, 1983 and 1984, and a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance in 1985 for “I.O.U.”
He also won CMA Song of the Year in 1985 for writing “God Bless the USA.” The song has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America.
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/.
 

WHAT: Rotarians from across the globe are coming to Southwest Florida. They’ll join with local members for a weekend of events that reflect Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self.” Guest speakers will travel from as far away as India and Uganda and as close as Virginia and Fort Myers. They include Dr. Nischal Pandey, E-club Connect India; Grace Agwaru, Gift of Life, Uganda; Walter Hughes, Jr., Rotary Club of Rocky Mount, Virginia; and Patrick Nolan, Fox 4 news anchor, Fort Myers. District 6960, which encompasses dozens of Rotary Clubs from Bradenton to Marco Island, is the host.
WHEN: Thursday, May 9 through Saturday, May 11.  Media availability for the speakers and other Rotarians can be arranged through Connie Ramos-Williams at 239-848-0239 or [email protected].
WHERE: The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, 5951 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33914
WHY: To celebrate the success of the district’s activities and initiatives from the past year. To exchange ideas and discuss plans and initiatives for the coming year. Speakers will cover trending topics of the day, including hunger, the physically disabled, and Rotary’s continued support and leadership in the fight against polio.
 CONTACT: Connie Ramos-Williams, Chief Marketing Officer, 239-690-9840, [email protected]

BIG CYPRESS, Fla. (May 6, 2019) – Native American Hip Hop artist Supaman will replace Country music singer John Conlee at Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Big Cypress Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 11.
 
The event will take place at the Junior Cypress Rodeo and Entertainment Complex and will feature country music headliner Gary Allan.
 
Tickets for the event (which will include Native American Dancers and Freestyle Alligator Wrestling Competition) and the concert are priced at $40 per person and are now on sale at www.bccelebration.com. They will also be available at the Junior Cypress Rodeo and Entertainment Complex the day of the event. Parking is $5 and gates will open at noon.
 
Supaman’s one of a kind presentation combines Native culture, comedy and urban hip hop culture which dazzles audiences and captivates listeners. For this he has gained the respect of his community and generation. The communicative talent along with the compassion that exudes from his music allows him to connect with people from all walks of life. His uncanny ability to motivate, encourage, and inspire through dance, and hip hop music keeps him at the forefront among his contemporaries which gives him a platform to educate on Indigenous issues.
 
As a member of the “Apsaalooke Nation”, Supaman makes his home on the Crow reservation in Montana. Supaman is Christian Takes Gun Parrish, a Native American dancer and innovative hip hop artist who has dedicated his life to empowering and spreading a message of hope, pride and resilience through his original art form.
 
The California native released his first album, Used Heart for Sale, in 1996 and since then has released eight additional studio albums selling over seven million albums, been certified platinum on three back-to-back albums, and been certified gold five times. In addition to his five number one hits, he’s collected 14 top 10 hits and amassed over 1.4 billion total streams.
 
Supaman has been the recipient of the 2017 MTV VMA award for “Best Fight Against the System.” He is also a Nammy, “Native American Music Award,” winner, “North American Indigenous Image Award” winner, and seven “Tunney Award” winner. Additionally, he was awarded “The Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Award” in Canada for best video and was voted MTV’s new Artist of the Week. His 2018 nominations brought him home awards for Best Hip Hop Album and Best Producer for the Indigenous Music Awards. He is currently working with Taboo from the multi Grammy award winning group “Black Eyed Peas” looking to complete a project in the coming months.
 
For more information about the Big Cypress Anniversary Celebration, please visit www.bccelebration.com.
 
About Florida Seminole Tourism (FST)
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Indian Tribe. FST is a top Florida Everglades adventure, learning and camping destination. We share the excitement and wonder of the Florida Everglades with visitors from around the globe. Our award-winning Everglades attractions include Billie Swamp Safari, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, and Big Cypress RV Resort & Campground.
 
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Alina Maria Quintana | Production Manager
800 Corporate Drive, Suite 214
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
Office: 954.730.7730 x133
Direct: 954.703.7933
Fax: 954.730.7130
[email protected]
www.bitnergroup.com
 

Ft Myers, FL, Sept. 28 — Sixth Annual Chiropractic Awareness Day to celebrate families and children under Chiropractic care, and build awareness to the community about its effectiveness as a growing primary healthcare option. This event will be held at Lakes Regional Park in Ft. Myers, FL on Saturday September 28th from 9am to 12pm in Shelter D-1 area.  The FREE event offers a location close to Lakes Park splash pads & playground, a bounce house, face painters, photo booth, stilt walking balloon twister, music, grass games, food and information about Chiropractic care. This awareness event is completely free and open to all families in Lee County. Local businesses contribute great raffle prizes which have become a favorite to the attendees. This event encourages those under chiropractic care to come out and support the profession and bring friends and family, as this is a non-solicitation event.
For additional information contact Gindele Family Chiropractic at (239) 936-5545 visit or visit Chiroawareness2019 on Facebook.
Free family event to emphasize awareness of Chiropractic and its benefit to total family wellness and health to every individual in Lee County.
Dr.’s Brienne and Nathan Gindele and their associate are amongst many local Chiropractors that work toward total family wellness using Chiropractic care as their main source of health care for families encompassing all ages, needs and nervous system issues regardless of pain, without the use of drugs or surgery. Dr. Brienne Gindele holds a Certification by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics (CACCP) and specializes in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care. To learn more about this specialization visit ICPA4kids.org. Join Gindele Family Chiropractic, other local chiropractors and their staff at this celebration.

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (May 2, 2019) – Asian-inspired Lucky Mi Noodle House at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has added two exciting new dishes to its menu: a Thai-inspired bento box and wok fried lionfish.
The bento box originated in Japan hundreds of years ago as a convenient way for workers or soldiers to carry a single-serving meal. Traditional bento boxes contain all essential food groups including fruits, grains, protein and vegetables. Lucky Mi’s new Red Thai Curry Bento Box Curry features shrimp and chicken, bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, snow crab roll, and seaweed salad.
Lionfish, an invasive species, is a delicious menu addition, with a taste similar to snapper and grouper, and a firm white texture. The Lucky Mi Noodle House chef’s preparation includes a whole Lionfish, infused with citrus sake. It is accompanied by Asian inspired wok seared medley of tender bok choy, sliced carrots, Shiitake mushrooms and fresh broccoli with garlic ginger soy glace, atop steamed jasmine rice. The lionfish come from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean, and is available on a limited basis.
“We always endeavor to introduce innovative dishes to keep our menu fresh and interesting,” said Tariff Albakry, Seminole Casino Hotel Food and Beverage Director. “We added the Red Thai Curry Bento Box and Wok Fried Lionfish to the menu to offer our guests a unique and enhanced dining experience.”
Presented as an open-kitchen concept, Lucky Mi Noodle House features a noodle bar, dining room and private function area. Chefs blend traditional ingredients with contemporary influences to create new interpretations of Asian influenced dishes.
For more information, visit www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com.
 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/.

Note to Media: Prominent local dignitaries will be on hand Friday at the Lee County Bar Association Law Week Awards Luncheon. The ceremony will honor people who uphold, instill and embody the rule of law.
State Attorney Amira Fox will hand out Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards to exceptional members of the Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Sanibel police departments, as well as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. The Dr. James A. Adams Teacher of the Year Award for Law Related Education will go to an outstanding educator, and the Liberty Bell Award will recognize a deserving member of the community.
We look forward to seeing you there.
WHAT: Law Week Awards Luncheon
WHEN: Friday, May 3, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
WHERE: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers
WHY: To celebrate the rule of law in American society and cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession.
CONTACT: Josh Milton, Vice President of Media Relations at CONRIC PR & Marketing, 239-690-9840, [email protected].

At its May meeting near Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved early season closures for recreationally-caught greater amberjack and gray triggerfish in Gulf state waters.
The greater amberjack and gray triggerfish recreational closures are consistent with recent federal actions.
Greater amberjack will close May 3 to recreational harvest in Gulf state waters and will remain closed in both Gulf state and federal waters through July 31, reopening for the fall Aug. 1 through Oct. 31 season. 
Gray triggerfish will close to recreational harvest May 11 in Gulf state and federal waters and will remain closed until the federal season reopens.
For more on these changes, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings,” followed by the May 1-2, Tallahassee “Agenda” link.