NAPLES, Fla.  (June, 1^st 2018) – GATES Construction has been awarded the Make Space addition at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. Located at 15080 Livingston Road in Naples, the addition will include a 2-story glass wall, designed so visitors may view activities in the learning area and new mezzanine loft.  A new display wall will highlight recent projects completed by children. The renovation of the existing classrooms will make way for a collaborative work space for creating, making, learning and problem solving.  This new exhibit will provide hands on learning, build critical thinking skills and  foster the imagination of children of all ages. The Make Space is slated to start construction this summer. The design services are provided by Hlevel.
 
GATES Construction serves its clients from offices in Bonita Springs, Sarasota, and Palm Beach Gardens providing construction management, general contracting and design-build services. Their diverse portfolio of commercial, healthcare, multi-family, hospitality, institutional and special projects, showcases numerous landmarks successfully constructed over the past quarter of century. As Florida’s premier builder, GATES also operates throughout the Southeast United States and Latin America. For more information on GATES, please call (239) 593-3777 or visit the website at www.GATESinc.com.
 
###
 

29^th Annual Commencement Ceremony to be held June 10 at Germain Arena
NAPLES, Fla. – May 29, 2018 – Hodges University is proud to announce that world-renowned artist Gregory Crumbly will deliver its 2018 commencement address on Sunday, June 10. This year’s commencement will be held at Germain Arena in Estero at 4:00 p.m.
Crumbly is known for his portrait paintings of African American historical figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., Henry Osian Flipper, Malcolm X and Barack Obama. His talent for drawing and painting began at a young age after suffering a severe hand injury at the age of 12. Possessing a passion for art, he attended the Governor’s School for the Arts at Bucknell University and graduated with a degree in psychology and art history in 1980.
Joining the United States Army after graduation, he served in Panama, Nicaragua and Grenada as an Army Ranger. After his helicopter was shot down, he decided to leave the military in 1988 and join the Pittsburgh Police Department as a forensic detective, drawing sketches and helping police identify and apprehend criminals. In 1994, he was shot in the leg and underwent eight operations that left him unable to serve in the field. Traveling to Tampa to work a case, he opted to stay, retiring in 1999.
In addition to hearing from Crumbly, students and attendees will hear from faculty speaker Dr. Afsaneh Farhadi, who serves as the program chair of Hodges’ School of Liberal Studies. She recently earned her Ph.D. in informational technology and distance education from Nova Southeastern University. She possesses a bachelor’s degree in English literature and Russian studies from Wheaton College and a master’s degree in English language and literature from Northeastern University.
The commencement audience will also hear from student speaker Christin Olsen, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. A United States Army veteran, she spent 11 years as a military police officer, serving in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011 before being medically retired in June 2016.
Since the founding of Hodges University in 1990, the total number of degrees conferred is more than 10,000, which includes this year’s estimated 437 conferred degrees. For more information, visit www.hodges.edu/graduation or call (800) 466-0019.
About Hodges University:
Hodges University, a private, nonprofit institution of higher learning, was founded in Naples, Florida in 1990 as International College. In 2007, International College was renamed Hodges University in honor of its benefactors, Earl and Thelma Hodges, long-time residents of Naples and supporters of Hodges University. Hodges’ mission is to prepare students to leverage higher learning in their personal, professional and civic endeavors. To accomplish this mission, Hodges’ schools offer a variety of academic programs online and on the Fort Myers and Naples campuses. Hodges University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
###
 
 
 

Fort Myers, FL (June 1, 2018) – The News-Press Media Group is pleased to present the 5th Annual Summer Stroll of Homes – coming to SW Florida June 15-17 and 22-24. Take a self-guided tour of over 25 decorated models from Babcock Ranch to Bonita Springs. You will get a first-hand look at the latest innovations in home building and living in Southwest Florida.
FREE ADMISSION TO ALL MODELS – no tickets to buy!
You can tour a wide selection of homes Friday, June 15 and 22 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, June 16 and 23 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 17 and 24 at Noon – 5 p.m.
You will see the latest decorated models in SW Florida. So, whatever your pleasure – from outdoor living including kitchens, spas and pools to year-round outdoor recreation like golfing, tennis and family living – it’s all here.
Go to www.news-press.com/stroll to map out your tour.
The News-Press Media Group, a part of the USA Today Network, is a growing and diverse multimedia company that produces exceptional products 365 days of the year; serving Lee County and the SWFL region for more than 130 years.  The News Press Media Group publishes the daily print and online versions of The News-Press and news-press.com as well as a growing number of web sites, magazines, community newspapers and host several yearly special events.

On Friday, June 1 receive one free glazed donut while supplies last

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 29, 2018) – This Friday, June 1, Bennett’s Fresh Roast will celebrate National Doughnut Day by offering patrons one free glazed donut from 6 to 10 a.m. (limit one per customer) while supplies last.
National Doughnut Day occurs the first Friday of June each year, succeeding the Doughnut Day event created by The Salvation Army in 1938. National Doughnut Day started as a fundraiser for Chicago’s Salvation Army to help the needy during the Great Depression, and to honor The Salvation Army “Lassies” of World War I, who served donuts to soldiers.
Bennett’s Fresh Roast has also prided itself on its fresh-from-scratch donuts made daily and being the only Fort Myers donut shop to serve fresh roasted coffee from the finest beans, resulting in the most flavorful and freshest cup of coffee around.
In addition to fresh roasted coffee and hand-cut-from-scratch donuts, Bennett’s also offers packaged whole bean or ground coffees, breakfast muffins, oatmeal, Cajun grit bowls and breakfast sandwiches. On the weekends, Bennett’s Strata (a layered baked breakfast dish) is a regular sellout. Tea lovers may choose from a large variety of Harney & Sons Fine Teas. Lunch offerings, including paninis, soups, sandwiches, three signature salads and Bennett’s  ‘Lobster Roll’, ‘Chicken & Donut’ and ‘Donut Dog,’ are available Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bennett’s is located at 2011 Bayside Parkway in downtown Fort Myers and is open Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, visit www.BennettsFreshRoast.com.

RMHC is Cleaning House!
Yard Sale to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida

(Fort Myers, FL) May 29, 2018- RMHC of Southwest Florida is hosting a yard sale on Saturday, June 23^rd from 9am-12pm in the front parking lot of the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Myers. The House is located at 16100 Roserush Court.  Come early for the best selection of clothes, furniture, framed art, toys, crafts, books, furniture, linens, décor, purses, household items and much, much more!  All proceeds benefit RMHC of Southwest Florida!

For more information, please visit www.rmhcswfl.org or call Amy at 239-437-0202.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida
Since its founding in 1996, Ronald McDonald House has served thousands of families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties, and other states and countries.  Here, families find a “home away from home” while their children are undergoing medical treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.  Additional thousands are served by the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® program, two mobile healthcare units providing medical and dental services to underserved children, and by the Ronald McDonald Family Room®, located in Golisano Children’s Hospital.

4422. MYERS, Fla. – May 29, 2018– Dancers will take the stage at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre on Sunday, June 24, to honor the late Jeanne Bochette, the region’s pioneering dance teacher, woman entrepreneur, Grande Dame and performing arts advocate. The tribute features performers from her historic Fort Myers studio—including those she trained during her six-decade career—showcasing ballet, tap, modern, jazz and hip hop. In addition, professional guest artists will travel to Fort Myers for special appearances and contributions. The Festival of Dance, produced by Dance Bochette, its affiliated nonprofit Gulfcoast Dance Inc., and hosted by Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, will include a 12 p.m. brunch followed by a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for children, and $20 for the performance only. Tickets can be purchased by calling Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre at (239) 278-4422.

Performance highlights include:

• Carla Amâncio and Fhillipe Teixeria, principal dancers from Dance Alive National Ballet, performing the classic pas de deux from Romeo & Juliet as well as modern works.
• Broadway-inspired original tap choreography by area master teacher Ron Fucci.
• Dance Bochette director and former Mark Morris Dance Group member, Alyce Bochette will pay homage to her mother with her new work set to Beethoven’s enchanting Moonlight Sonata
• A re-staging of May O’Donnell’s classic Dance Energies taught to Dance Bochette students by Nancy Lushington, former O’Donnell soloist, Marymont Manhattan College assistant professor of dance and board member of the O’Donnell Green Foundation for Music and Dance.

About Dance Bochette
Founded by Jeanne Bochette in 1951, Dance Bochette continues to innovate each year while celebrating its roots as Fort Myers’ historic dance school. The studio today welcomes its third generation of dancers. To learn more visit dancebochette.com.
About Gulfcoast Dance, Inc.
The mission of Gulfcoast Dance, a non-profit organization founded in 1976, is to enrich the community of Southwest Florida through the art of dance. The organization works to develop, support, and sustain quality dance opportunities for children, teens and adults.

29^th Annual Commencement Ceremony to be held June 10 at Germain Arena
NAPLES, Fla. – May 29, 2018 – Hodges University is proud to announce that world-renowned artist Gregory Crumbly will deliver its 2018 commencement address on Sunday, June 10. This year’s commencement will be held at Germain Arena in Estero at 4:00 p.m.
Crumbly is known for his portrait paintings of African American historical figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., Henry Osian Flipper, Malcolm X and Barack Obama. His talent for drawing and painting began at a young age after suffering a severe hand injury at the age of 12. Possessing a passion for art, he attended the Governor’s School for the Arts at Bucknell University and graduated with a degree in psychology and art history in 1980.
Joining the United States Army after graduation, he served in Panama, Nicaragua and Grenada as an Army Ranger. After his helicopter was shot down, he decided to leave the military in 1988 and join the Pittsburgh Police Department as a forensic detective, drawing sketches and helping police identify and apprehend criminals. In 1994, he was shot in the leg and underwent eight operations that left him unable to serve in the field. Traveling to Tampa to work a case, he opted to stay, retiring in 1999.
In addition to hearing from Crumbly, students and attendees will hear from faculty speaker Dr. Afsaneh Farhadi, who serves as the program chair of Hodges’ School of Liberal Studies. She recently earned her Ph.D. in informational technology and distance education from Nova Southeastern University. She possesses a bachelor’s degree in English literature and Russian studies from Wheaton College and a master’s degree in English language and literature from Northeastern University.
The commencement audience will also hear from student speaker Christin Olsen, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. A United States Army veteran, she spent 11 years as a military police officer, serving in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011 before being medically retired in June 2016.
Since the founding of Hodges University in 1990, the total number of degrees conferred is more than 10,000, which includes this year’s estimated 437 conferred degrees. For more information, visit www.hodges.edu/graduation or call (800) 466-0019.
About Hodges University:
Hodges University, a private, nonprofit institution of higher learning, was founded in Naples, Florida in 1990 as International College. In 2007, International College was renamed Hodges University in honor of its benefactors, Earl and Thelma Hodges, long-time residents of Naples and supporters of Hodges University. Hodges’ mission is to prepare students to leverage higher learning in their personal, professional and civic endeavors. To accomplish this mission, Hodges’ schools offer a variety of academic programs online and on the Fort Myers and Naples campuses. Hodges University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Fort Myers, Fla (May 23, 2018) – Offshore Sailing School CEO and President, Doris Colgate, announced the company is running a Summer Sizzler with up to 20% off Learn to Sail and the popular Fast Track to Cruising® bareboat charter cruising courses at all four of its Florida resort locations. The Summer Sizzler special is available on new sailing course package enrollments made by May 31 for courses concluding by October 27, 2018.
 
Colgate commented, “This very special learning experience, whether you are enrolling solo or bringing your whole family, gives you a brand-new skill and an amazing sense of accomplishment.”
 
The Summer Sizzler sailing special is available at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach, the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral, and the downtown Hampton Inn & Suites in St. Petersburg. A sailing course package includes textbooks sent in advance, instruction by a US Sailing-certified instructor, resort accommodations with resort taxes and amenity fees, US Sailing certification, logbook and diploma, graduate lifetime discounts and benefits. Summer Sizzler promotion is available on the five half-day Learn to Sail course package and the Fast Track to Cruising course aboard monohulls, combining two days of learning on the Colgate 26, with a week aboard (or staying ashore) a 40’-50’ cruising yacht. In the Fast Track to Live Aboard Cruising course, all provisions are included aboard the boat for the week, except two dinners ashore. This popular combination course provides three US Sailing certifications, Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, and Bareboat Charter Cruising, enabling one to skipper a boat up to 50’.
 
Other Offshore Sailing School activities include, 2-hour sailing lessons for resort guests and the public, Women’s Weeks (women-only cruising courses), ‘Tweens & Teens family sailing packages where up to three children ages 7-17 can learn for free with two paid adult tuitions, special racing clinics and events. The company hosts several Colgate Sailing Adventures™ flotilla sailing vacations in exotic destinations around the world each year. In 2018, ports-of-call are in Belize, the Greek Islands, and Tahiti. Colgate Sailing Adventures will set sail in the Grenadines and Windward Islands in the Caribbean; Mallorca, Spain; and Croatia in 2019.
 
Offshore Sailing School and NorthU’s 18^th Annual Performance Race Week recently concluded on Captiva Island. The next special racing event is the company’s 3^rd Annual Southwest Florida Racing Clinic, December 2-6, 2018 on Fort Myers Beach, and a new Caribbean Race Week aboard 48’ yachts will embark from The Moorings base on Tortola, British Virgin Islands, February 23-March 1, 2019.
 
Offshore Sailing School was founded in 1964 by Olympian, America’s Cup Sailor and National Sailing Hall of Fame Inductee, Steve Colgate. The school provides a full range of sailing and boating instruction with US Sailing & Powerboat certification – from beginning sailing to racing, advanced cruising, and passage making – at six locations in Florida and the British Virgin Islands. In addition, Offshore Sailing School conducts team building programs for corporations and groups, and leadership development training for University MBA candidates. More than 140,000 adults and their families have graduated from Offshore Sailing School programs over the past 54 years.
 
For more information and hi-res images, contact Beth Oliver, Director of Sales and Marketing at 239-985-7516.
 
-30-

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 25, 2018) – Tina Munroe and Carolyn Romano have joined the Fort Myers Police Foundation Board of Directors as a trustees.
 
Munroe has 20 years experience in management of private country clubs in Ohio, Arizona and Indiana. She also served as regional food and beverage director for a national hotel chain, organized fundraising events for the Northwest Ohio Kidney Foundation and volunteered as a women’s counselor.
Romano is the wife of the late Larry J. Romano, original founder of the Fort Myers Police Foundation. The nonprofit’s annual golf tournament held each fall is named for her husband.
 
The Fort Myers Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose goal is to help build a stronger bond between the community and its local police department. All funds raised by the Police Foundation go toward purchasing life-saving equipment for the Fort Myers Police Department and the community it serves. Since its formation in 2014, the Police Foundation has raised more than $150,000 that has gone toward purchasing medical kits for patrol cars, ballistic shields, electronic ear protection for shooting ranges, a Meggitt FATS^® L7 compact training simulator, a K-9 and more.
 
For more information, visit www.fortmyerspolicefoundation.org.
 
 
-30-
 
 
Contacts: Terry Dillow, 585-455-3358, [email protected]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 25, 2018) – While other restaurants may be scaling back for the off-season summer months in Southwest Florida, Society is gearing up and is in immediate need of additional employees.
 
On Saturday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Society located at the Bell Tower Shops, will be hosting a job fair to interview potential employees. Fort Myers’ newest modern American restaurant featuring multilevel dining and bar options from al fresco dining on the patio, banquette seating in the main dining area and the vibrant rooftop Treehouse with live music will be hiring for all positions from management to bartenders, wait staff and kitchen support.
 
“With our expanded entertainment schedule and hours and our growing dining, private banquet and party business, we find ourselves in immediate need of additional friendly, qualified staff to help us meet the needs of our patrons,” said Brad Cozza, owner/partner of Society.
 
Society serves lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with light bites available from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a late-night-bites menu available on weekend nights.
Society features 14,000 square feet of dining and event space with seating for 250 and also provides private dining and event opportunities in the intimate Executive and West dining rooms.
 
For more information, visit www.societyfortmyers.com or call 239-334-0900.
 
–