Lee BIA Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), has received a donation of $8,463 from the GulfShore Mustang Club of Southwest Florida. Funds will support the nonprofit’s efforts to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who [...]
Strayhorn continues her family’s law legacy at the venerable firm Megan Strayhorn has joined her father at the Southwest Florida law firm started in 1915 by relatives. Her journey to the firm included undergraduate studies in Alabama and North Carolina, volunteer work in Uganda, living with a Maasai family in Kenya, and backpacking throughout Thailand, [...]
SalusCare’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee have authorized a phased rebuilding of the Crisis Stabilization Unit, which has been closed since Hurricane Ian due to storm damage. Construction is scheduled to begin once the permit is issued. “We have explored our funding options and we are rebuilding. We made this decision because there are [...]
To help expedite recovery following Hurricane Ian, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has established a Recovery Distribution Program with PODS container locations set up around Lee County. Through its Gifts in Kind Program, United Way has partnered with PODS, Lee County government and local social service agencies to distribute new furniture and home [...]
Nine FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Southwest Florida are collecting toys to help brighten the holidays for local children and teens. Through Dec. 6, FYZICAL patients, community members, local businesses, civic organizations and residential communities can drop off donations of new, unwrapped toys or gift cards during regular business hours at select FYZICAL clinics [...]
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, has hired Jessica Racine as program assistant to coordinate administrative, fundraising and operational tasks. In this role, Racine helps facilitate communications between donors, volunteer child advocates and the children they represent. She also assists with social media content development, event planning, database monitoring, bookkeeping, maintenance of records and [...]
Pace Center for Girls is seeking donations, gift cards and volunteers to help provide necessary resources to Pace girls and staff directly impacted by Hurricane Ian in Lee County. In the weeks following the storm, the center collected supplies from local individuals, agencies and businesses and distributed them to students and their families at home [...]
Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, recently hosted a Back-to-School Supplies Drive that collected 4,200 items of school supplies to help area students prepare for the new school year. The month-long collection was held at Elite DNA’s more than 20 offices across the state and gathered an array of [...]
Pace Center for Girls, Lee’s popular fundraising event, Love That Dress!, has raised $130,000 to support Pace Lee programs. “We thank the many shoppers, sponsors and volunteers who joined us at Love That Dress! this year to honor the female spirit and shop for a cause,” said Jennifer Cellitti, executive director of Pace Center for [...]
It is time to lasso up your tickets and prepare to mosey on over to The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon for Community Cooperative’s 16th Annual Becoming Cosmopolitan “Gone Country” fundraising event. Community Cooperative, along with presenting sponsor FineMark National Bank & Trust, will host the return of the popular annual fall fundraiser on Thursday, [...]
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM) has recognized State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka with the organization’s inaugural Community Impact Award. HACFM’s Community Impact Award recognizes someone who goes above and beyond to enrich lives within the greater Dunbar region, advocating for and effecting change in order to create a better community for all. [...]
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce announces a schedule of brewery events and beer releases for the second annual SWFL Craft Beer Week on Sept. 1-5. A weeklong event celebrating Southwest Florida’s brewing scene, SWFL Craft Beer Week begins with a kickoff party at HeadPinz Fort Myers on Thursday, Sept. 1, where attendees can [...]
The Horizon Foundation has appointed Rachel Busch, CEcD, to the position of business development director. In this role, Busch will establish and strengthen relationships with Southwest Florida businesses that are committed to the region’s economic vitality and future growth. The Horizon Foundation raises private-sector money to support economic development initiatives and invest in the long-term [...]
Fort Myers Brewing Company is celebrating National IPA Day from 2 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4 with the release of a new 10-beer flight board and specialty beers on tap as well as food trucks and live music. Fort Myers Brewing’s flight boards offer beer-lovers a sampling of 10 craft beers served in [...]
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced Commissioner Brian Hamman as the organization’s new president and CEO. In this role, Hamman will direct all business, programs, projects and events of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation to promote the growth of businesses and the community. He will continue to [...]
Pace Center for Girls, Lee will host its popular Love That Dress! fundraising event on Wednesday, Aug. 24 in Estero. Described as the ultimate feel-good shopping spree of the year, Love That Dress! features shopping, music, silent auctions and cocktails with all proceeds benefiting Pace programs and services. The shopping event kicks off at 6 [...]
The Industry Appreciation Awards, which celebrate Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ our workforce and shape their industries, has extended the nomination deadline for the 2022 awards program to July 15. The awards program is coordinated by the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation, and Lee County Economic Development Office. There is no cost [...]
The School District of Lee County is hosting a Virtual Connection Event from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12 that will provide insights on teaching and non-instructional positions within the District. The informational event will provide candidates an opportunity to meet virtually with District representatives, learn about the variety of career paths available [...]
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County has received a $30,000 grant from Bank of America to support its summer enrichment programs. The grant provides funding to enhance educational offerings, including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. Funds also will bolster reading programs to help bridge the summer learning loss, health and wellness [...]
Pace Center for Girls, Lee recently celebrated the graduation of eight Pace students with a special ceremony at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers. Surrounded by their families, friends, staff and fellow Pace girls, graduates Dallise C., Madison C., Alicia F., Destiny F., Alexis G., Ciera P., Piper S. and Ava T. were honored during a [...]
Pace Center for Girls, Lee announces the return of the Love That Dress! collection event, “Sunset at St. Charles Yacht Club,” on Thursday, May 12. Taking place at the exclusive St. Charles Harbour Yacht Club, guests can enjoy an evening of live music, silent and live auctions, hors d'oeuvres and refreshing cocktails. The live auction [...]
Lee Health awarded four “Heart of Caring” scholarships to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at Lee Health April 29, putting them on the path to getting their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Hunter Fields, Jennifer Guevara, Amber Newborn and Ana Vieira received full scholarships to pursue and obtain their nursing degrees. Mark and Carolyn Ain [...]
BSSW Architects is designing a major renovation to the South County Regional Library in Estero, which opened in 1996 as Lee County’s first regional library. The renovations include design, mechanical and technological upgrades to the one-story, 32,343-square foot facility. BSSW is providing complete architectural, engineering and interior design services for the project. Interior renovations will [...]
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds toured several Boys & Girls Clubs locations in Fort Myers to learn about the nonprofit’s mission and expansion plans in Lee County. Congressman Donalds (R–Naples) said he wanted to an opportunity to learn more about how the Boys & Girls Club is changing lives for area children and teenagers. The Boys [...]
United Way of Lee County has extended the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Intent to Apply, Risk Assessment and Application deadlines to 5 p.m. May 6. The extension allows applicants an additional two weeks to complete the Intent to Apply and Risk Assessment, and an additional week for the programmatic application. During this time, United [...]
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, raised $85,766 at its second annual Voices of Hope Gala to support programs benefiting children in the foster care system. The foundation also presented philanthropist Jerry Galeana with its prestigious HOPE Award. Held March 3, the gala was a virtual event livestreamed into supporters’ homes and watch [...]
AJS Realty Group, Inc., which offers sales, leasing and comprehensive property management services for property owners and tenants, has announced the following sales and leases in Southwest Florida. SALES Gardena de Flores at Livingston, LLC: 7.58 acres on Livingston Road just north of North Collier Regional Park in Naples for $4,750,000 from KASE PUD, LLC [...]
The School District of Lee County is hosting Social Lee: Careers & Conversations, an informational event that will provide insight on teaching and non-instructional positions within the District, on Thursday, March 31 in Fort Myers. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet District representatives, learn about the variety of career paths available and walk through [...]
Pace Center for Girls, Lee has announced its 14th annual Grande Dames Tea, taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 17 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. In celebration of Pace Lee’s 15th anniversary, the nonprofit has named Pace Lee founder Gail Markham as honorary chair of [...]
Fort Myers Brewing Company is celebrating its ninth anniversary with a four-day family-friendly event Feb. 24-27 that features a variety of live music, food trucks and more than 50 specialty beers. Throughout the anniversary party, guests can experience 11 different food trucks serving up specialty dishes that range from tacos to barbecue and more, eight [...]
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, has extended the registration period for its Superpower 5K through the morning of the race on Feb. 19. The “What’s your Superpower 5K Walk/Run & Kids Fun Run” will be held on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers. Three races comprise the fundraising [...]
Lee BIA Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), recently presented its annual awards that honored community partners and volunteers for their commitment to Lee County homeowners in need. Awards include: Volunteer of the Year, presented to Ken Solmonson of Beattie Development; Partner of the Year, recognizing Raymond Building [...]
Grisel Brewster has joined Community Cooperative, taking the role of development director. Brewster most recently served as Senior Director of Operations for IMAG History and Science Center, a neighboring nonprofit organization located in Fort Myers. Brewster not only brings nonprofit operational experience to Community Cooperative, she also has over 15 years of event planning experience [...]
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 27 will provide valuable insight on tourism in Lee County. Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) Executive Director Tamara Pigott will provide an update on the current state of tourism and latest data, and share a behind-the-scenes look into how the VCB [...]
FineMark National Bank & Trust and its Fort Myers clients donated $13,400 to Community Cooperative’s annual Full Plates Project to provide Thanksgiving food packages to families in need. FineMark offered to collect items and donations from clients for the drive, as well as to match financial donations from the bank’s Fort Myers clients up to [...]
James Stephens Elementary School is hosting a Fall Fest to celebrate the season with food, entertainment and family fun. The free community event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 at James Stephens Elementary, 1333 Marsh Ave. in Fort Myers. Attendees will enjoy fresh food prepared and provided by local restaurants and [...]
For the 15th year, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. offices are collecting toys to be distributed by the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. Toys will be collected until Dec. 15, when they will be picked up and distributed by Toys for Tots to approved local social welfare agencies, church groups and [...]
Community Cooperative has added a second monthly mobile food pantry for veterans and their families on Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lee County Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic in Cape Coral. The second monthly date was added to meet the growing need for area veterans for food assistance. The mobile food [...]
Informational event to provide insight on teaching positions within the District The School District of Lee County is hosting Social Lee: Careers & Conversations, an informational event that will provide insight on teaching positions within the District, on Thursday, July 29 in Fort Myers. Ideal for prospective career-changers and working professionals, attendees will have the [...]
The School District of Lee County is seeking a professional leadership search agency to identify a highly qualified superintendent for its growing school system. The agency should offer a broad range of expertise and services with a proven track record for successfully placing leaders in education. The consultant team’s scope of work will include working [...]
The School District of Lee County is seeking an interim superintendent of schools to lead the District while it conducts a broader search to fill a permanent position. The interim superintendent will lead the administrative, instructional and support staff of Lee County schools in the continued implementation of its strategic plan, designing, developing and maintaining [...]
Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has announced the sponsors of its virtual 2021 Grande Dames Tea on March 11, when Pace will honor three local women – Naomi Bloom, Mariel Goss and Robin Krivanek – for their significant impact on the community. The 13th annual event is presented by the Gunterberg Charitable Foundation and [...]
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce will host a panel discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 17 to review the latest on business development for Fort Myers and surrounding Lee County. The panel will include guest speakers John Talmage, director of the Lee County Economic Development Office, Michele Hylton-Terry, executive director of the Fort Myers Community [...]
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce hosted U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on Oct. 28 for a virtual roundtable with Lee County business and community partners. The roundtable featured discussion on the local economy, the challenges of doing business in the wake of COVID-19, and ideas for revitalizing industries and communities, generating more [...]
The mental and emotional effects of COVID-19 are impacting well-being in significant ways amid the pandemic, with 40% of U.S. adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression, in addition to increases in substance use and thoughts of suicide. To address this urgent and increased need for support on a local level, 17 behavioral health organizations [...]
Shangri-La Springs was the first property in Lee County and one of the first 10 in the state to be awarded the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Seal of Commitment, which acknowledges enhanced sanitation standards designated by FRLA to ensure the safety of guests and employees. FRLA’s Seal of Commitment program began July 1. [...]
The School District of Lee County anticipates the need to fill hundreds of teaching vacancies heading into the 2020-21 school year, and its recruitment efforts are extending beyond colleges of education into the community. On June 10, The School District will host two webinars over Zoom titled “How to Become a Teacher in Lee County.” [...]
Prospective teachers are invited to register to attend The School District of Lee County’s Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair, which will be held virtually on Monday, April 27 and Tuesday, April 28. Principals and assistant principals, along with members of the District’s human resources team, will be conducting virtual interviews with candidates seeking full-time teaching employment [...]
Sarah Owen, William T. Prather to be inducted into Business Hall of Fame Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s 2020 Business Hall of Fame, Lee County, which will induct Sarah Owen, president and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, and William T. Prather, owner and executive producer of [...]
Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida is pleased to announce that Sarah Owen, president and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, and William T. Prather, owner and executive producer of Broadway Palm, will be inducted into the 2020 Business Hall of Fame, Lee County. The prestigious award recognizes Owen and Prather as outstanding entrepreneurs who [...]
