Taking Care of Family, Clients & Community for Three Decades
Let's Connect

August 2022 client headlines: 10 news stories to read, watch

Priority Marketing’s August 2022 Client Headlines report recaps 10 news stories that you should read, watch or hear. Our Public Relations Team combs through the headlines to keep you informed. 

Each month, our PR Team helps clients earn media coverage in newspapers and magazines, on television and radio, and on blogs, social media and websites. 

Below are just 10 of the many important stories that were published or aired in August. 

Music Education Center establishes new campus 

August 2022 Client Headlines - Southwest Florida Music Education CenterSouthwest Florida Music Education Center took a huge step toward solidifying its future by purchasing the Gaynor building on the former campus of Hodges University in Naples. The Music Education Center will be a post-secondary center for musically talented, neurodivergent young adults, with practice rooms, classrooms, recording studio, a practice performance stage and administrative space. Plans for the campus include adding a student dormitory, performance site and additional program space. 

Gulfshore Business: Southwest Florida Music Education Center finds permanent home 
Naples Daily News: Music like no other: Naples music school for special students to develop on Hodges campus 
Florida Weekly: Southwest Florida Music Education Center acquires Hodges University property in Naples 

The $10 million purchase also was featured in real estate transaction listings in the Naples Daily News, Gulfshore Business and The News-Press 

***** 

Fort Myers Chamber appoints new CEO 

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce announced former journalist and current Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman as the organization’s new president and CEO. In this role, Hamman directs all business, programs, projects and events of the chamber and its foundation to promote the growth of businesses and the community. 

Fort Myers Beach Observer: County Commissioner Brian Hamman named president and CEO of Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce 
Business Observer: Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce hires CEO 

***** 

Local nonprofit becomes Lee Health’s top donor 

The Lee Health Foundation recognized Southwest Florida Children’s Charities as the top donor – at more than $23 million – to Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lee Health in the organization’s more than 100-year history. Trustees, hospital officials and supporters celebrated the milestone with a check presentation, private reception and tour of the pediatric intensive care unit, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Lounge, and the child artwork created by patients. 

South Florida Hospital News: Southwest Florida Children’s Charities recognized as the top donor to Lee Health, Golisano Children’s Hospital 

***** 

SWFL rallies behind restaurant workers after fire 

An early August fire left The Island Cow restaurant, a favorite among locals and visitors, in ruins. The Sanibel Island restaurant will be rebuilt, but in the meantime, the community is rallying behind the cooks, servers and employees with fundraisers to help offset their loss of income. 

NBC2: Island Cow restaurant owners help out employees and attempt rebuild after fire  
The News-Press: Following iconic Sanibel Island restaurant fire, owners launch fundraiser to help employees 
WINK: Owners of fire-damaged Island Cow start fundraiser to help employees  
Sanibel Captiva Island Reporter: Fund started to support The Island Cow staff 
Santiva Chronicle: Island Cow launches fundraisers for employees 
FOX4: ‘Put It On Pete’s Tab’ is helping employees of the Island Cow restaurant 

***** 

Students return to school following summer vacation 

The School District of Lee County successfully launched the 2022-23 school year on Aug. 9. Students at two schools, Franklin Park Elementary and Fort Myers Middle Academy, enjoyed a special welcome from the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, which provided smiles, handshakes, high fives and human tunnels as students entered the building. 

The News-Press: PHOTOS: Franklin Park Elementary and Fort Myers Middle Academy start first day of school with a party 
The News-Press: VIDEO: First day of school 

***** 

Architect, college unveil designs for sports complex 

BSSW Architects unveiled preliminary designs for Florida SouthWestern State College’s new baseball and softball complex in Fort Myers. The first phase includes construction of adjacent turf baseball and softball fields, portable seating and batting cages. Future phases include covered seating 586 baseball fans and 311 softball fans. 

Gulfshore Business: Preliminary designs completed for FSW’s baseball, softball complex 
Naples Daily News: BSSW Architects complete preliminary designs for FSW’s baseball and softball complex 

***** 

Businesses partner to help SWFL homeowner in need 

Lee BIA Builders Care and community partners surprised a Fort Myers homeowner with the gift of a new air conditioning system. Celestine McClinton recently lost her husband to cancer and lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and was unable to install a new A/C system. Builders Care partners rallied to make sure McClinton can live in a cool, comfortable home. 

ABC7: Fort Myers woman receives free AC unit after 25-year-old unit stopped working 
The News-Press: After more than five years of agony, Fort Myers woman gets help from local nonprofit 

***** 

New 55+ community taking shape in North Fort Myers 

Seneca at Oak Creek, a 55+ residential community being developed by Sage Communities, is now accepting reservations for one- and two-bedroom apartment rental homes in North Fort Myers. Once completed, Seneca at Oak Creek will feature 184 one-story rental homes, each with full access to resort-style amenities tailored to an active lifestyle. 

Gulfshore Business: First of North Fort Myers’ Seneca at Oak Creek residence to be completed in fall 
Naples Daily News: Seneca at Oak Creek by Sage Communities now accepting reservations 

***** 

SWFL cancer treatment center continues expansion 

Southwest Florida-based Advocate Radiation Oncology continues broadening its presence across southern Florida, establishing a new cancer treatment center in West Palm Beach. Advocate also has an east coast location in Tamarac, in addition to west coast centers in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte and Bradenton. 

South Florida Hospital News: Advocate Radiation Oncology expands with West Palm Beach location 

***** 

Hertz donates minivan to youth program 

Hertz surprised Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County with the donation of a passenger van to help alleviate transportation challenges families face in getting their children to and from club locations. The local club was one of just three nationwide that received passenger vans through Hertz, and one of 16 nationwide that the rental car company supported through Back2School grants and employee volunteerism. 

The News-Press: Hertz Back2School Bash at Boys and Girls Club of Lee County 

Do you need a Public Relations Team to help tell your story? Please give us a call today at 239-267-2638 or send an email to LetsTalk@PriorityMarketing.com. 

Share now!

More To Explore

Client News

Stevens Construction begins Shalimar Beach Resort

Stevens Construction has started construction of Shalimar Beach Resort located at 2823 W. Gulf Drive on Sanibel Island, announced Dan Adams, executive vice president/partner, Stevens