Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2019) – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Messina as director of international education for FSW’s Center for International Education (CIE).
In his new position, Messina will lead the expansion of FSW’s international education programs, overseeing strategic planning, study abroad programming, faculty and student exchanges, and the coordination of international college partnerships and internship opportunities.
“We truly understand the value of international education, and Michael’s wealth of study-abroad experience will support our desire to offer a more robust selection of courses and programs, and to recruit students from this area and beyond,” said Jeffery Allbritten, president of Florida SouthWestern State College. “Studying abroad and being immersed in another culture can have a tremendous impact on a student’s life and the trajectory of their professional career, and we are thrilled to introduce more of these experiences to our students.”
Messina brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education, with an expertise in managing international study programs, having most recently served as director of recruitment, admissions and institutional relations for Syracuse University Study Abroad. A graduate of Syracuse University in New York, Messina earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1998 and a master’s degree in higher education administration in 2000.
The CIE at FSW offers a variety of international education programming for students, including a summer study-abroad opportunity available through a partnership with Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) in Italy. Through this program, students spend a month living in Italy and learning its history and culture while taking classes and earning credits at LdM.
Focused on expanding international education opportunities, FSW’s CIE has already grown its travel-abroad opportunities within the last year. In 2018, CIE began the partnership with LdM with 10 participants, and soon expanded to offer two courses led by five faculty members with close to 50 registered students in 2019.
About Florida SouthWestern State College 
Established in 1962 as Edison Junior College, Florida SouthWestern State College provides students with an affordable opportunity to fulfill their professional goals through a variety of degrees and programs. The college offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Baccalaureate degrees, in addition to a variety of certificate programs at four campuses located in Charlotte, Collier, Lee and Hendry counties. For more information, visit www.fsw.edu.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2019) – Fort Myers Brewing Company is celebrating its sixth anniversary with a four-day festival that includes 15 food trucks, 7 live bands, a beer mile fun run, hangover party and beer… lots of beer.
A trendsetter in the craft beer industry, Fort Myers Brewing is Lee County’s first brewery and has been recognized as the “Best Brewery in Florida” at the Best Florida Beer Championships, has been awarded a gold medal in the US Beer Open and won a silver award in the 2018 World Beer Cup.
The four-day anniversary celebration will be held Thursday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 3 at Fort Myers Brewing’s location in the Gateway community, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. The family- and pet-friendly event features the staples that patrons have come to love about Fort Myers Brewing – cold beer, hot food, local musicians, fun and friendship.
“We have been overwhelmed with the community’s support since day one, and it’s amazing to think how quickly we’ve grown in such a short period of time,” said Rob Whyte, who co-founded Fort Myers Brewing with his wife, Jen Gratz-Whyte. “In addition to serving our flagship beers, we’re brewing specialty ales, stouts and lagers exclusively for the anniversary celebration, so we’ll have something for everyone – from the savviest craft beer drinker to someone new to craft beer.”
A flavorful selection of more than 50 craft beers will be on tap throughout the weekend and Fort Myers Brewing has recruited 15 locally operated food trucks for the event, including favorites like The Nosh Truck, Gator John’s BBQ and Doc Ford’s. Seven music acts also will take the stage, including headliners The Freecoasters, Ben Allen Band, Soulixer and Them Hamilton Boys.
Fort Myers Brewing is bringing back its popular Beer Mile from last year’s anniversary celebration. The race begins at noon on March 3 and has a very simple set of rules: “Drink a beer. Run one-fourth of a mile. Repeat three more times. Try not to fall down.” The cost is $30 for individual runners, $25 per person for teams of two or $20 per person for teams of four, and includes a T-shirt and one beer per lap. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest individual male and female participants.
For more information about the event, please follow “Fort Myers Brewing Company” on Facebook or call 239-313-6576. To register for the Beer Mile race, search for “6 Year Anniversary Beer Mile” on EventBrite.
Festival hours vary each day. The schedule of events is as follows:
Thursday, Feb. 28 (Noon to 11 p.m.)
Food truck rally (starts at 4): Currywurst Truck (noon), Hungry Pony Foodcart, The Nosh Truck, Three Little Birds Breakfast Truck, Flavour Street, Currywurst Truck
Live music: The Freecoasters (6:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Friday, March 1 (Noon to 11 p.m.)
Specialty beer releases
Food truck rally: H-Anger Management, Gator John’s BBQ, The Sizzle Truck, Red Roc Cravings, The Folkswagen
Live music: Gator Nate (3:30 to 6:30 p.m.), Ben Allen Band (6:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Saturday, March 2 (Noon to 11 p.m.)
Main event: Specialty brews will be released throughout the day and only served until the keg runs out
Food truck rally: The Nosh Truck, Rollin’ Raw Bar, Wicked Streatery, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Vesuvius Wood-fired Pizza
Live music: Troublemakers (Noon to 3 p.m.), Real Deal Dueling Pianos (3 to 7 p.m.), Soulixer (7 to 11 p.m.)
Sunday, March 3 (Noon to 8 p.m.)
Beer Mile: Register online through Eventbrite or in person beginnging at 11a.m. Sunday, and the fun run begins at noon. Individual and team entries are available, and includes a T-shirt and beer.
Hangover Party: Speciality brews will be released throughout the day and only served until the keg runs out.
Food truck rally: Grumpy Goat Coffee, Bombin’Tacos, Currie’s Smokin’ Hot BBQ
Live music: Local DJ (noon – 2 p.m.), Them Hamilton Boys (2 to 6 p.m.)
About Fort Myers Brewing Company
Established in 2013, Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Lee County and continues to lead Southwest Florida’s surging craft beer movement. Founded by Rob Whyte and Jen Gratz-Whyte, Fort Myers Brewing carries a signature line of flagship beers in addition to seasonal brews and small batch specialties. Its ales, pilsners, stouts and IPAs are winners of multiple prestigious awards, including golds at the Best Florida Beer Championships and a silver at the 2018 World Beer Cup. Fort Myers Brewing was named “Best Brewery in Florida” in 2016. The brewery is located at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit FMbrew.com or call 239-313-6576.

February 12, 2019, Fort Myers, FL: Tickets are now available for “Lunch on the Lusitania,” a festive fundraising event for the Lee County Library System’s Summer Reading Program, is sponsored by Friends of the Fort Myers Library. The event takes place on Sunday, March 3 at 1:00 PM at Fish & Vine restaurant, 12901 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers.
Attendees will step aboard the “ship” in 1915, pick up their boarding pass, get a photo with Captain William Turner, and have a chance to chat with Lauren Willig and Karen White, authors of The Glass Ocean, a novel that takes place on the ship’s fated voyage. Inside the luncheon salon, attendees might also meet some of the book’s characters or perhaps some of the 1915 passengers. Inspired by actual Lusitania menus, the luncheon features a choice of five entrees. The afternoon also includes a silent auction, book signing by the authors, and some special surprises. Attendees have the option of coming in period dress. Cost for the event is $55. Reservations can be made through the SWFL Reading Festival website, or at http://bitly/FML0303.

CAN hosts annual luncheon to help local children and adults battling cancer
NAPLES, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2019) Rita has just returned home from a 10-day stay
at the hospital-only to find an eviction notice on her front door. Thomas, who has been unable
to work during his chemotherapy treatment, has just received a notice from his utility company
that his lights will be shut off. The Jones family is making the decision to pay their rent or save
their money to have pay for their son’s medication that he desperately needs. It is heartbreaking
to know that situations like this happen daily, and that some people do not have the
financial means, resources or support after a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. Sadly,
there are hundreds of stories just like Rita, Thomas and the Jones family. However, for these
families, CAN was able to be a safety net by helping to avoid eviction, keep the lights on
and pay the rent.
Now, imagine that for just one moment, you could make a difference in the lives of one
of these families. Each year, CAN helps hundreds of families with financial aid, free resources
and support in the wake of a devastating diagnosis. CAN helps to relieve the stress that comes
with this devastating news by relying on the community to help make a difference in the lives of
local children and adults battling this disease. Like many charities, CAN depends on events to
help sustain its work in the community, but unlike other charities, every dollar raised here stays
here to help our loved ones, friends and neighbors.
Women Supporting Women – men and children with cancer, is the largest fundraising
event of the year. With a goal of $150,000, CAN will be sure to continue in its mission to
help those battling cancer. Held for the second year at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort on
March 1, 2019 this event is sure to bring smiles, laughter and fun to help fund financial aid,
resources and support for local children and adults battling cancer. The event will go from 11
a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include lots of fun activites for you to enjoy. Lilly Pulitzer will host the
premier Pop-Up Shop, donating a percentage of the proceeds. Diana Jordan, comedian and
cancer survivor, will be sure to make you laugh and highlight your beautiful luncheon at the Ritz.
Grab your best girlfriends and shop the silent auction, visit the popsicle & prosecco stand, or try
your luck at winning a Bee & Pearl Studded Gucci Bag, or a pair of hand-made ruby hoop
earrings both valued at over $2500.  Only through this incredible event is CAN able to support
those in this community who need it most.
About Cancer Alliance of Naples
Cancer Alliance of Naples is a local nonprofit organization that is located at 3384 Woods
Edge Circle, Suite 102 in Bonita Springs that provides financial assistance to help local children
and adults battling cancer. The organization provides financial aid, free resources and support
toward funds that are mainly non-medical. For more information on Cancer Alliance of Naples,
call 239-643-4673 or visit cancerallianceofnaples.org.

FORT MYERS, FLA. – February 7, 2019 – Residents who attended Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers Tuesday (February 5) contributed plenty of food and funds to help The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative feed the hungry in Southwest Florida.
In excess of 1,300 pounds of non-perishable food along with generous financial contributions were collected at the 30th Annual Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, which was sponsored and organized by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.
“We are so thankful to the people of our community who stepped up to help others in need. It truly shows the impact that a few people can make in the lives of many,” said Organizer Sam Galloway, Jr. Galloway said the food will be distributed immediately to those in need in Lee County.
Attendees sang hymns with the 60-member Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church and friends, listened to soloists, and heard a song called “Edison’s Phonograph Polka” about Thomas Edison’s famous invention. The song was played by Pianist Barbara Peterson and Organist Eddygrace Bernhard.
In addition to Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, the Galloway Family of Dealerships also sponsors the very popular Christmas Carol Sing, which is set for December 3. Both events benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2019) – The fourth annual MarineMax Yacht Gala, held Jan. 25 in Fort Myers, raised more than $200,000 to support lifesaving medical treatments and services at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

With a theme of “An Evening under the Stars,” guests enjoyed a waterfront cocktail hour at sunset and leisurely strolls aboard a selection of premier, multimillion-dollar yachts before gathering for a spectacular dinner. Ryan West, principal and general manager of MarineMax Fort Myers, introduced keynote speaker Armando Llechu, chief administrative officer at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Following Llechu’s passionate speech thanking supporters for contributions that save the lives of local children, a silent auction helped push fundraising totals to new heights. Live auction items included an electric guitar signed by Paul McCartney, a Fender electric guitar signed by David Bowie and a limited-edition autographed Beatles “Abbey Road” album. Also up for bidding was a lunchtime cruise for three couples around Useppa Island with AC/DC’s Cliff Williams, a five-course dinner for eight, a daylong fishing excursion for four, a pig roast for 100 guests, exclusive access for a weeklong rental of a four-bedroom beach house on North Captiva, a sunset cruise for 10 aboard a MarineMax yacht and a luxury weekend getaway at South Seas Island Resort.

Emceed by ABC7 morning co-anchors Jen Stacy and Greg Parker, the gala featured additional items available through a silent auction. A special Fund-a-Need collection generated donations for Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Little Red Wagon Fund, which supports Southwest Florida’s most critical pediatric health care needs.

“The level of community support received by Golisano Children’s Hospital is unprecedented,” Llechu said. “It took an entire community of generous residents, businesses and organizations to build our new hospital, and those same philanthropic-minded individuals continue to step forward so local children and families have access to world-class health care right here in town.”

A portion of proceeds will support Kids’ Minds Matter, the mental and behavioral health fund of Golisano Children’s Hospital. Donations will help increase access to care, proper screening for youth and training for physicians, parents, educators and caregivers.

MarineMax Yacht Gala sponsors included ABC7, Artichoke & Company, Backwater Marine & Yacht Brokerage, Blu Sushi, Blue Coyote Supper Club, Bonefish Grill, Bradford Portraits, Captain Jerry Orlandini, Cary and Melissa Carter, Catering by Leslie Adams, Cibo, Cliff Williams, Cornell Balancing Company, Daniel Wolfe, Dave and Cheryl Copham, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Five Star Limousine, Friendly Faces, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Hair by Sharon B, Jaguar/Land Rover of Fort Myers, Joe and Terri Bryan, John Leddy, Lisa London Events, MarineMax Fort Myers, Maui Jim, Moxie Salon & Spa, Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery, Phelan Family Brands, Photo Magic Events, Poppy’s Pizza & Pub, Prawnbroker, Preppy in Paradise, Rick and Janice Atkinson, South Seas Island Resort, Southwest Airlines, Southwest Florida Neurological & Rehab Associates, Taylor Rental and Creative Events, The Comrie Cancer Foundation, The Kaiser Family Foundation Corporation, The Vine, Tom and Linda Crider, University Grill, Useppa Island Club and Webster’s Grill.

For more information about upcoming fundraising events, please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950.

About Lee Health Foundation

Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health, including Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The Foundation provides financial support for many service areas including the Regional Cancer Center, Lee Health – Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Shipley Cardiothoracic Center, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Hospital Specialty Clinics in both Port Charlotte and Naples. Over the past two years, the Foundation has distributed more than $53 million to Lee Health to support its lifesaving mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call (239) 343-6950 for more information.

Allyn International Coordinates Once in A Lifetime Viewing Experience as Antonov Plane Lands in Fort Myers
FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 5, 2019) – Seeing a glimpse of the Antonov is a once in a lifetime viewing experience. Employees from Allyn International’s (Allyn) Fort Myers location will observe one of the largest aircraft in the world, the Antonov An-124, unloads cargo at the RSW airport in Fort Myers today at 1:50pm.
The iconic Antonov plane was loaded in Gdansk, Poland on February 3. It stopped in Glasgow, Scotland, and Bangor, Maine before its scheduled landing in Fort Myers today at 1:50pm. The flight was globally coordinated by Allyn, a private 4^th party logistics consulting firm with global headquarters in Fort Myers, and 23 locations around the world.
“We are excited to offer our team members an opportunity to see such an awesome piece of equipment and witness first hand their role in moving critical, complex shipments internationally.” says Morgan Nicola, Allyn’s Brand Manager. “Our team acts as an extension of our clients supply chain, delivering critical product components that power cities and countries throughout the world. It is often hard to explain, but today team members will see firsthand, their role in ensuring the shipment casings, weighing just less than 80,000 pounds, arrive and are unloaded safely, for one of Allyn’s largest clients, a multi-national Fortune 500 power generation company.”
About Allyn International
Allyn International is dedicated to providing high quality, customer centric services and solutions for the global marketplace. Allyn’s core products include transportation management, logistics sourcing, freight forwarding, supply chain consulting, tax management and global trade compliance. Allyn clients range from small local businesses to Fortune 500 firms. Allyn conducts business in more than 20 languages and has extensive experience in both developed and emerging markets. Highly trained experts are positioned throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Allyn’s regional headquarters are strategically located in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A., Shanghai, P.R. China and Prague, Czech Republic. For more information, visit www.allynintl.com

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2019) – Former U.S. Marine and Army National Guard Sgt. Bryan Blackwell will officially enter the 2020 election for Florida House of Representatives, District 77. The seat is being vacated by term limited Rep. Dane Eagle. Blackwell, a longtime resident of Cape Coral, has spent a lifetime in service to our community and nation and will focus on supporting President Trump, safeguarding Florida from illegal aliens, working with Governor DeSantis on saving the Caloosahatchee River from toxic blue-green algae and investing in infrastructure and healthcare.
“My military career taught me the value of a life of service and giving back, and I want to continue giving back to the place that I’ve called home for the last 28 years,” said Blackwell. “We need leaders in Tallahassee who’ll fight for what we believe in here, and I am ready to answer that call.”
Bryan Blackwell is a Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives in District 77. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and Florida Army National Guard. For the last 28 years, he has lived, worked and played in Southwest Florida and is proud to call it home. Blackwell currently lives in Cape Coral with his wife and two daughters. He co-owns and operates Molloy Financial Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial that focuses on comprehensive financial planning, investment advice and estate planning. More importantly, he’s invested in his community, serving on several boards and committees dedicated to making Southwest Florida the best it can be.
About Bryan Blackwell for State Representative
Bryan Blackwell is a Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives in District 77. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and Florida Army National Guard. For the last 28 years, he has lived, worked and played in Southwest Florida and is proud to call it home. Blackwell currently lives in Cape Coral with his wife and two daughters. He co-owns and operates Molloy Financial Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial that focuses on comprehensive financial planning, investment advice and estate planning. More importantly, he’s invested in his community, serving on several boards and committees dedicated to making Southwest Florida the best it can be.
 
Political advertisement, paid for and approved by Bryan Blackwell for House of Representatives, District 77.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2019) – A celebration of life ceremony is planned in honor of Barbara Dell, founder and former CEO of Dress for Success SW Florida. Dress for Success Worldwide CEO Joi Gordon, Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson, Florida House Majority Leader Dane Eagle, and fellow recipients of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Apex Awards will be among those in attendance for the event organized by Dell’s family and friends. Guests are encouraged to wear red, white or black, Barbara Dell’s favorite colors, to the celebration on Friday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.
“Barbara Dell was a passionate advocate for the women in her community,” Gordon said. “She was a true inspiration to the women she served and the global Dress for Success network. She will be missed.”
Dell lost her courageous battle with cancer at age 66 on Jan. 1 while in the care of Hope Hospice. Born in Rochester, New York, on April 7, 1952, Dell had a passion for fashion and people. She owned and operated a successful New York modeling agency, inspiring and empowering countless men and women. After moving to Fort Myers, she continued to work in fashion as the event coordinator with Stein Mart until the Great Recession resulted in the elimination of her job.
Dell was determined to make lemonade out of the lemons she was dealt. Her misfortune led to her discovery of the nonprofit Dress for Success and its mission to empower unemployed or underemployed women. On March 19, 2010, Barbara opened the doors to Dress for Success SW Florida to serve women who were struggling to find employment in Southwest Florida. Barbara greeted each woman who walked through those doors as a long-lost friend and gave them her respect, a smile and a warm hug.
Throughout her eight years of leadership at Dress for Success, Dell impacted and empowered over 2,500 women, many of whom continue to pay it forward by volunteering their time to the organization. Dell was a visionary and always looking for innovative ways to educate, coach and mentor women. She would often take a client under her wing to guide them to success.
Dress for Success Worldwide recognized Dell for her accomplishments, including the launch of the Entrepreneurial Spirit Program, or E$P, which provided women with the tools and confidence to launch their own businesses. Hundreds of women locally have attended these seminars and learned from some of the area’s foremost women in business on topics such as accounting, banking, marketing and business law. Many operate successful companies today.
Dell was nominated for many professional and community awards over the years, but she was especially honored to receive the prestigious Apex Award in 2017 from the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business.
Dell retired in February 2018 to focus on her adoring husband of 33 years, Mel, along with her “fur-baby,” a Yorkshire terrier named Max, and her health. Dell is survived by her two stepchildren, Paul Dell and Lisa (Dell) Deluca. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made in her name to Dress for Success SW Florida or Hope Hospice.

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (February 4, 2019) – Seminole Shootout Battle Reenactments and concerts will highlight a three-day series of special events presented by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, March 1-3, in Immokalee.
The Seminole Shootout was first performed in the late 1990s and brings together reenactors in soldier and warrior attire with authentic weapons and tactics, plus pyrotechnics to simulate cannon blasts. They reenact a typical battle from the Second Seminole War, which ranged from 1835 through 1842 and is the longest and costliest Indian conflict in U.S. history.
Reenactment events are slated for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. Friday, March 1, is reserved for students and admission is free with advanced reservations.
On Friday and Saturday, a variety of music will be performed with the bands Bajo Zero, Hatley Band, Jordan Davis and One Night Rodeo scheduled in the afternoon and evening after the Reenactment.
Additionally, on Saturday at noon, there will be a special performance by Native American Hip Hop artist and motivational speaker Supaman. (https://supamanhiphop.com/).
This is the second year it will be held on the Immokalee Seminole Reservation. All events will be held at the John Jimmie Memorial Arena and the Immokalee Youth Camp, 1195 East Main Street, Immokalee, adjacent to the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee.
In addition, the Seminole Shootout will include alligator wrestling, craft and food vendors, historical and cultural displays, as well as Seminole and soldier camps.
Combo tickets, including the Saturday battle reenactments, concert and all other activities, are $30 and available on line at www.seminoleshootout.com. Tickets may also be purchased for just the reenactments at a cost of $10/$8/$6.
Tickets for the Saturday concert are $25 and tent camping is available for $15 per night on Friday and Saturday. Preferred parking is $5.
The Immokalee Seminole Reservation is located 30 minutes east of Naples via County Road 846 (Immokalee Road) or just over 30 minutes southwest of Fort Myers via State Roads 82 and 29.
For more event information please visit www.seminoleshootout.com or email [email protected].