Gulf Star Marina opens new ‘smart marina’ on Fort Myers Beach. Details below.
GOV. DESANTIS EXTENDS FLORIDA EVICTIONS, FORECLOSURES MORATORIUM UNTIL OCT. 1
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday extended his executive order for the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures in Florida until Oct. 1. The previous extension deadline was Sept. 1.
LEADERSHIP LEE COUNTY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Chamber of Southwest Florida has reinvented Leadership Lee County to allow a select group of residents the opportunity to participate virtually or in-person while adhering to health guidelines necessary during the pandemic. Leadership Lee County is a proactive series of retreats, seminars and site visits designed to expose current and emerging leaders to Southwest Florida’s greatest challenges and opportunities. The 12-week intensive program begins with a look at our community history followed by a retreat. Full-day sessions follow every other Friday for the next 12 sessions ending in May. Due to changing times, the chamber is offering two ways to take part in Leadership Lee County. This fall for the first time, a virtual program will be offered. Additionally, a hybrid class will be available, where the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines for social distancing will be followed. Information and applications are available at chamberswfl.com/leadership-lee-county.
GULF STAR MARINA OPENS NEW ‘SMART MARINA’ ON FORT MYERS BEACH
Gulf Star Marina, Southwest Florida’s first fully automated “smart marina,” according to a news release, is now open on Fort Myers Beach. Developed by Carroll Properties, Gulf Star Marina is the first in the world to feature Austrian-based LTW’s stacker crane technology that delivers vessels from storage racks to the water within minutes, a news release states. Boat owners can use an app to schedule their estimated arrival time, and a computer-operated system will safely transport boats from storage to the water using lifts and a rail system, similar to a high-tech vending machine. The automated storage and retrieval (ASAR) technology replaces forklifts traditionally used in dry dock storage marinas. The 29,000-square-foot, multi-level marina is built inside a reinforced concrete structure. In addition to secure dry storage, Gulf Star Marina’s concierge services include boat fueling and cleaning, as well as access to the Captain’s Club that features a lounge, big-screen TV, computer station and fully equipped locker room with showers. Located at 708 Fisherman’s Wharf, adjacent to Doc Ford’s restaurant, Gulf Star Marina began accepting reservations while under construction and anticipates reaching capacity in the coming months. Pricing is based on vessel size and availability. Monthly rates start at $20 per foot with full concierge services. GCM Contracting Solutions of Fort Myers was the project’s general contractor. MHK Architecture & Planning of Naples provided design services.
Lozano’s Mexican Restaurant
LOZANO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT LAUNCHES LOCATION IN AVE MARIA
Lozano’s Mexican Restaurant launched a colorful new location Monday in Ave Maria’s Town Center, 5080 Annunciation Circle. Lozano’s original location has operated in Immokalee for more than 20 years. This family-owned business has a long tradition of serving a Tex-Mex menu of recipes that have been handed down for generations. The eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. The new 2,500-square-foot restaurant, which occupies the former space of Gino’s Trattoria Per Tutti, includes seating for up to 110 diners as well as an outdoor patio with seating for more than 40 patrons. Dine-in and takeout are offered now and delivery service will be available starting this fall. For more information call 239-455-0200 or go to lozanosmexican.com.
NONPROFIT AGENCIES PARTNER ON DIABETIC EDUCATION
Help a Diabetic Child Foundation, a not-for-profit public charity dedicated to helping families and individuals who are dealing with diabetes, is partnering with Drive for Diabetes Awareness (DFDA) to highlight the symptoms of ketoacidosis and the need for medical supplies and insulin for at-risk kids. Based in Sarasota, DFDA is a nonprofit organization with the mission of educating the public on the symptoms and dangers of unknown or untreated diabetes, particularly in young children. It was started by Brent Kuehl and his family after his son lost his life due to being misdiagnosed with a virus. The partnership with Help A Diabetic Child Foundation will help educate the public on the early warning signs of Type 1 diabetes.
RENT A DAUGHTER SENIOR CARE SERVICES LAUNCHES IN NAPLES
Rent a Daughter Senior Care Services has opened its Naples location. Rent a Daughter’s mission is to ensure a better quality of life for seniors and their families by providing dependable and affordable care at home where they are most comfortable. Home care also provides respite for caregivers. Rent A Daughter Senior Care Services include companionship and socialization; light housekeeping; meal planning, shopping and preparation; laundry and linen changes; assistance with moving and estate sales; transportation, escorted outings and errands; the transition from hospital to home care; medication reminders; and assistance with bathing, hygiene and grooming. Nadine Glatley is the owner and founder of Rent A Daughter. For more information, visit rentadaughter.org.
COLLIER COUNTY BEGINS E-LEARNING IN THE PARK
On Monday, Collier County Parks & Recreation Division started a new program, E-Learning in the Park, offered in East Naples, Golden Gate and Immokalee to families who have chosen online learning and need a safe place for their school-age children with adult supervision and academic support. The program runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for a fee of $85 per week. The E-Learning Aftercare program is available from 3 to 6 p.m. for an additional $15 a week. Children will use their own, family provided, laptop, or iPad to complete their schoolwork. Children must be able to work independently at their own workstation, using their personal device with experienced childcare staff assistance. Families must provide snacks, lunch and transportation to the park. For more information, call 239-252-4000.
IN THE KNOW
Museum of the Everglades hosts exhibit on Trading Posts of South Florida
The Museum of the Everglades presents Trading Posts of South Florida, a historical overview of the people and places that shaped our region’s commerce and culture at the turn of the last century. The new exhibit launched Tuesday and will be on display through Nov. 28 at 105 W. Broadway in Everglades City. Trading Posts of South Florida focuses on locations in Collier County: the Storter General Store in Everglades City, the McKinney and Smallwood stores in Chokoloskee, Brown’s Landing in Immokalee and the W.D. Collier store on Marco Island. For more information, visit CollierMuseums.com or call 239-252-8476.
Dr. Thomas Norman
FSW welcomes new vice provost for workforce programs
Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has welcomed Dr. Thomas Norman as vice provost for workforce programs. Norman will provide leadership and strategic direction for FSW’s schools of Education, Health Professions, and Business and Technology and FSW’s Corporate Training and Continuing Education programs. In addition, he will provide leadership in aligning collegiate programming with emerging workforce needs in partnership with area businesses and community-based organizations. Norman has a doctorate in education policy and a master’s in public administration. Prior to joining FSW, he served as dean of University Extended Education at Minnesota State University. He also served as state director for Workforce Development in Minnesota; senior director for research, innovations and outreach; director of continuing professional education at the University of Minnesota; and the director/dean of community-based services at Dakota County Technical College.
James Williams
Angelina’s Ristorante welcomes Williams
Angelina’s Ristorante welcomes James Williams as the new general manager. In his role, Williams will oversee operations, development, and the guest experience. Williams has 18 years of experience in hospitality management, leading teams in restaurants, bars, and nightlife destinations nationwide. This includes experience at upscale-dining establishments including The Ritz-Carlton’s Burlock Coast in Fort Lauderdale and Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants’ B&O American Brasserie in Baltimore, Maryland. Angelina’s is currently open for dine-in service, operating in compliance with capacity rules and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines. For more information, visit angelinasofbonitasprings.com.
Inn on Fifth Rolls Out ‘Peace & Quiet’ packages for remote workers
The Inn on Fifth in downtown Naples is offering new “Peace & Quiet” packages for remote workers who need a break from their sometimes distracting, makeshift work-from-home settings during the ongoing pandemic. Available Sept. 6 through Oct. 29, the packages allow remote workers to utilize one of the hotel’s guest rooms as temporary “office space,” either just for the day (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.), overnight, or for a multi-day retreat. Each package option includes benefits such as complimentary Wi-Fi and valet parking, use of the rooftop pool and fitness center, and other amenities. For more information on the “Peace & Quiet” package, call (239) 403-8777.
The Alliance for the Arts presents Food Truck Grab-and-Go event on Wednesdays
The Alliance for the Arts, a nonprofit visual and performing arts center in the heart of Fort Myers, presents Food Truck Grab-and-Go event each Wednesday, from 5-7:30 p.m., now through Oct. 28 at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Food trucks rotate weekly. Pre-order for pickup is available for most trucks. For a full schedule and more information, visit ArtInLee.org/FoodTruck.
CONRIC pr + marketing announces rebrand
CONRIC pr + marketing is unveiling a brand refresh after 13 years. The brand refresh incorporates a new logo, color palette, brand guidelines, website, podcast and more to come. The CONRIC team consists of graphic designers, content writers, brand strategists, digital marketing specialists, web developers, and media relations specialists with more than 280 years of combined industry experience. CONRIC’s #SWFLStrong podcast is an addition to the agency’s new brand. The podcast will build on CONRIC’s #SWFLStrong Facebook group, which the agency created to unite the community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the social community, the #SWFLStrong podcast will feature local businesses, nonprofits and local influencers with the goal of connecting people and promoting our region. The biweekly podcast will air the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. on conricpr.com and the SWFL Strong Facebook Group page. The premiere episode will debut on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Vi at Bentley Village introduces newly redesigned website
Vi, a developer, owner and operator of 10 luxury senior living communities across the U.S., has launched a new website highlighting its unique properties, lifestyle opportunities and approach to health and wellness. This new site now also offers tools and expert resources designed to help seniors make informed decisions about their senior living options. Vi’s senior living community in Naples, Vi at Bentley Village, has a fresh website located here. Designed to address the core questions and concerns of today’s seniors, the site features comparisons of industry models, multiple resources, easy user experience, and a modernized look and feel. To learn more, visit viliving.com.
CHARITABLE NOTES
Total Wine & More launches customer appreciation event
Total Wine & More has launched “Points with a Purpose,” a customer appreciation event that rewards customers for certain purchases while turning those purchases into monetary donations for local charitable organizations. In greater Fort Myers, Total Wine & More has partnered with Community Cooperative. The event, which runs through Sept. 13, allows Total Wine & More customers to collect five times loyalty points on thousands of wines and spirits. At the end of the event, Total Wine & More will donate to Community Cooperative an amount equal to the value of all points that customers have accrued at Total Wine & More’s Lee County stores. Total Wine & More branded stores in 20 states are participating in the Points with a Purpose event and have committed to donating up to $2 million across 25 states during the event. For more information, visit here.
Vineyards Country Club’s charity golf tournament a success
Vineyards Country Club’s July 4 golf tournament raised $3,000 to benefit St. Matthew’s House. In addition to cash donations, matching donations and food pantry items, the country club provided more than $6,300 for the agency throughout the months of June and July. Donations will be used to help St. Matthew’s House continue its 30-plus year mission of providing innovative solutions to fight homelessness, hunger, substance abuse and poverty in Southwest Florida.
Home Base SWFL receives COVID-19 relief grant
Home Base SWFL, a local nonprofit founded by the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and military families impacted by the invisible wounds, received a $15,000 COVID-19 relief grant from the Collier Comes Together Fund, a charitable fund of the Community Foundation of Collier County (CFCC). The grant will respond to the needs of local veterans facing increased levels of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and co-occurring substance use as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by funding evidence-based trauma therapy training for up to 15 Southwest Florida clinicians.
