Member News

Just days after the Minnesota Twins left their spring training home, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels kicked off the 2024 baseball season with an Open House for fans, season ticket holders and sponsors.

Held April 2 at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex, more than 300 guests attended a meet-and-greet with players, coaches and front office staff, as well as an opportunity to watch a team practice. Season ticket holders and corporate sponsors enjoyed an exclusive opportunity to sample culinary items from the ballpark’s upgraded catering menu, including pulled pork, chicken fingers, pretzels and a variety of desserts.

Mighty Mussels Manager Brian Meyer addressed Open House guests and expressed his excitement about the talent on this year’s team, including Walker Jenkins, the unanimous top prospect in the Twins organization and No. 10 prospect in baseball.

“Over the past decade, the Twins organization has done a tremendous job evaluating and building talent, and the Mighty Mussels have been the beneficiary of that success,” said John Martin, managing partner of the Mighty Mussels. “We have tried to create an equally outstanding product off the field. The gameday atmosphere – from fireworks shows and swag giveaways to mascot races and postgame concerts – has made Hammond Stadium THE place for affordable family fun in Southwest Florida.”

The Mighty Mussels will play 132 games during the 2024 regular season. Tickets start at $10 and are available at MightyMussels.com.

ABOUT THE MIGHTY MUSSELS

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are the Single-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. The franchise, which offers affordable family fun for all ages, plays in the Florida State League’s highly competitive West Division. The Mighty Mussels are led off the field by Majority Partner John Martin and President Chris Peters, and on the field by Manager Brian Meyer. Notable alumni include MLB All-Stars Joe Mauer, David Ortiz, Jose Berrios, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and Torii Hunter. For more information or to purchase individual, group or season tickets, please visit MightyMussels.com or call 239-768-4210. Follow the Mighty Mussels on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          Contact: Debra Donatto

April 5, 2024                                                              Director of Communications

Goodwill Industries of SWFL

(239) 995-2106, ext. 2254

Fort Myers Small Business class now accepting applications

Fort Myers, FL – Individuals thinking about starting their own business, but need some mentoring, are invited to apply to the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute, scheduled for April 15 – May 23, 2024.

The MicroEnterprise Institute is a six-week training program to help emerging entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow small businesses. Graduates complete a comprehensive training course and prepare a solid plan to guide their start-up.  They work with mentors who are successful businesspeople and hear from subject matter experts in areas of accounting, legal, marketing, insurance, and funding.

An easy-to-use workbook, used by organizations across America, assists in transforming vision into a plan for a successful business. Classes are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday and Thursday evenings at Keiser University, 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway, Fort Myers. 

A recent program graduate says, “This course helped me organize and plan the steps for creating my business. Coming in, I had no idea how to start a business that would lead to success, and now I have that.” 

To apply, visit www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise, or call (239) 995-2106 ext. 2215.  The session is $80; Volunteer hours can be substituted for the fee if income requirements are met. For more information, email Sandra Plazas at [email protected]. Attendance is limited, sign up now.

The nonprofit Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida administrates the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute. It is part of Goodwill’s mission of providing life-changing opportunities toward independence for those with disabilities and disadvantages. For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.

Experience the Vibrant Rhythms of FSW’s Spring Concert Series

April 3, 2024 – FORT MYERS, FLA – The Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Music program is delighted to announce a rich lineup of musical performances for its Spring Concert Series at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. Concerts are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., Jazz Ensemble

Join the FSW Jazz Ensemble as they rock the house performing an eclectic mix of jazz standards, both old and new!  This talented Big Band, under the direction of Dr. Scott Courtney, is made up of some of Southwest Florida’s finest student jazz musicians.  They will play works by a wide range of artists including Duke Ellington, Chick Corea, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Van Morrison, Justin Hurwitz and more.  Don’t miss this delightful evening of outstanding Instrumental and Vocal Jazz!

Tuesday, April 18, 7:30 p.m., String Ensemble and Choral groups

The String Ensemble and Choral groups at FSW are set to enchant attendees with and evening of classical music.  The FSW String Ensemble, under the baton of Professor Kayla Lisa will entertain the audience with John Rutter’s Suite for String and the timeless Eine Kleine Nacht Musik.  The FSW College Choir and the FSW Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. David Gomez, will present music of the Renaissance along with contemporary works.  The choir is accompanied by Professor Mary Seal.

For more information about FSW’s spring concerts, email Kelly O’Neil at [email protected].