Today's Mailbag: Municipal Elections Nov 2, 2009
Business leader good for Fort Myers. I urge the voters of this great City of Fort Myers to please vote next Tuesday, Nov. 3, and for the voters in Ward 5 to vote for Forrest Banks for City Council ... Forrest and I came to Fort Myers about the same time, when Oscar Corbin was mayor. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
ESPNU 150 stats » Nov 2, 2009
CB, (Fort Myers, Fla. Cape Coral) Scouts grade: 82 ESPNU 150 rank (position rank): 47 (5) Jaylen Watkins, who projects as a college DB, passed for 124 yards and passed and rushed for touchdowns for Cape Coral (Fla. (ESPN -- Recruiting)
Fort Myers Police Chief Douglas Baker: Police Department, review board already responding to citizen concerns Nov 2, 2009
Fort Myers Police Chief Douglas Baker - Guest Opinion October 31, 2009 ... Our mission at the Fort Myers Police Department is to provide the most effective and efficient law enforcement services in Florida ... With that said, the Professional Standards Bureau at the Fort Myers Police Department investigates all complaints, including anonymous complaints, made against any employee of the department. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Editorial: Dunbar group makes great strides Nov 2, 2009
Its a daunting task in this central and east Fort Myers area with disproportionately high rates of dropouts, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, poverty, and incarceration ... Becoming a part of the Fort Myers Youth Coalition ... These include State Attorney Steve Russell, Lee County Manager Karen Hawes, Fort Myers Councilman Johnny Streets, Fort Myers Police Chief Doug Baker, Lee County Health Department Director Judith Hartner and Florida Gulf Coast University President Wilson Bradshaw. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Chapter 8: Decision, decision Nov 2, 2009
In April 1997 Coach Smith, Coach Guthridge, Coach Fogler, and I met in Fort Myers, Florida, for a two-day golf vacation. During that trip, Coach Smith brought up the idea that he was thinking of retiring before the start of the next season. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Business briefs: Fort Myers firm offers more energy efficiency Nov 2, 2009
RJ Vann Mechanical, a Fort Myers plumbing and air conditioning company, is focusing on how to use energy more efficiently to power area homes and businesses. The company's new Solar Tech Energy Systems division offers a range of energy-saving packages, including photovoltaic systems, solar hot water and high-efficiency air conditioning systems. (The News-Press -- Business)
Real estate briefs: Associate joins Alliant Realty Group Nov 1, 2009
Norma Allen joined Avalar Gulf Coast Properties in Fort Myers as sales associate ... She is active in the Women's Council of Realtors, Fort Myers chapter ... Fort Myers Realtors council elects officers. (The News-Press -- Business)
Homes selling in northeast Cape Nov 1, 2009
The family looked at more than 100 houses in Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Fort Myers before settling on their three-bedroom, two-bath ranch that is north of Diplomat Parkway and east of Andalusia Boulevard. They paid about $140,000 for the 1,800-square-foot home that never had been lived in and also includes a study and covered pool. (The News-Press -- Business)
Men's Swim Team Records First Dual Meet Victory with Triumph over Tampa Nov 1, 2009
Winning 10 of 16 events, the Florida Atlantic University men's swimming and diving team picked up its first dual meet victory of the season with a victory over the University of Tampa on Friday in Fort Myers. The Owls recorded a 163. (Fausports.com)
Commercial property transactions Nov 1, 2009
- NYFL Commercial Holdings LLC purchased Palm Professional Terrace, a 30,019-square-foot retail/office building at 7001-11-51 Cypress Terrace, Fort Myers, with U.S. 41 frontage that includes a 0 ... - Lamar LLC has signed a long-term lease for 6,535 square feet of industrial flex space in the International Business Center at 13881 Plantation Road, Fort Myers ... - SW Florida Building Group leased 5,880 square feet at Jetport Commerce Park, 13881 Treeline Ave., Fort Myers. (The News-Press -- Business)
Get the latest on Gov. Crist Oct 31, 2009
Crist introduced the Democratic president at a Fort Myers event in February, when Obama s approval rating exceeded 60 percent in the state. But with Obama under 50 percent in Florida and Republicans criticizing Crist s support of the stimulus package, Crist is staying away. (The Palm Beach Post)
Mindy McCready starting from square one Oct 31, 2009
By the time she graduated from high school at 16, with honors she was working in a Fort Myers sports bar. At 17, she took her karaoke demo cassette and moved to Nashville. (MSNBC -- Music)
Lee, Collier counties have a big voice in show biz Oct 31, 2009
At least six prominent voice-over artists live in Naples, Fort Myers and south Fort Myers ... Its just a great place to live, said Randy Thomas of Fort Myers, the first woman to announce the Academy Awards, the Tony Awards and the Miss America Pageant ... If I hadnt met somebody like Randy, said Clark, 37, of south Fort Myers, I wouldnt be doing what I do today. (The News-Press -- Business)
Jacksonville properties to be auctioned Oct 30, 2009
The auction will also include four properties in Panama City, four properties in Fort Pierce, nine properties in Miami/Fort Lauderdale, 12 properties in Orlando, seven homes in Fort Myers, nine homes in Tampa, one home in Gainesville and one in Trenton. This is a reserve auction, meaning sellers have the right to accept, reject or counter any bid. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Bulls ready for fun rivalry Oct 30, 2009
He and Washington attended North Fort Myers High School -- about two hours south of Tampa -- and have known each other since their youth football days. "We're both busy, but here and there I call him to see how he's doing and check up on him. . . . We've been knowing each other since I first started playing when I was 12," Devine said, recalling a conversation the friends had earlier this week. (Florida Today)
Health bill no hit in Lee County, SW Fla. Oct 30, 2009
Competition against the government is never fair, said Bert Hamilton, owner of Fort Myers-based Harvey Software, which provides health insurance for its 10 employees ... The bill is very confusing even for those of us in the business, said Gray Davis, chief operating officer for Oswald Trippe an independent insurance agency based in Fort Myers. (The News-Press -- Business)
Prep football primer Oct 30, 2009
Fort Myers SW Florida Christian at Trinity Christian. Father Lopez at Orlando First Academy. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Sports)
Buybacks Show Recession Didn't Make CEOs Any Wiser Oct 30, 2009
To contact the writer of this column: David Pauly in Fort Myers, Florida. Last Updated: October 29, 2009 21:00 EDT. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Young chocolatier builds Fort Myers-based company from ground up Oct 30, 2009
Fort Myers-based Irresistible Confections creates hand-made chocolates more than 20 different types for gift baskets, special occasions, baby showers, weddings and anniversaries for commercial, wholesale and retail customers ... Schaffer built the business slowly, honing his production techniques and creative ideas, and ramping up marketing, while operating from small quarters in the Beacon Executive Suites in south Fort Myers ... His creations can be found at local stores, such as In Bloom... (The News-Press -- Business)
Business Digest: The Princeton Review recognizes FGCU Oct 30, 2009
Beautifully decorated Christmas trees are showcased at the Sidney Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers ... Fort Myers-based Stevens Construction Inc. has been awarded a contract for work on the Gorovoy Cornea Laser Center in south Fort Myers. (The News-Press -- Business)
Bizz Buzz: Tourism, hospitality leaders say 'ciao' to summer Oct 29, 2009
Technology was the focus of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours held at Harborside Event Center. Exploring the latest trends were Kyle Petrie, Kirk Fagan and Allan Jones, Jean Vogel and John Naylor. (The News-Press -- Business)
Full Story Oct 29, 2009
Police said the pair would drive to Palm Beach County and once to Fort Myers to commit their crimes. Once there, Hooper wold calmly walk in and hand the teller a withdrawal slip demanding money. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
FAU Swim Teams to Travel to Florida Gulf Coast University Oct 29, 2009
The Florida Atlantic University men's and women's swim teams look to continue their successful starts to the season on Friday, October 30 beginning at 5 p.m. in a dual meet with Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Tampa in Fort Myers. The teams also will host an alumni meet on Saturday, October 31 as part of the university's Homecoming festivities at the FAU Aquatics Center, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus. (Fausports.com)
It's important to handle condo budget decision well Oct 29, 2009
- Joe Adams is an attorney with Becker koff P.A., Fort Myers. This column is not a substitute for consultation with legal counsel. (The News-Press -- Business)
Palin Lights Match at the Republican Bonfire: Margaret Carlson Oct 29, 2009
It shows the governor in a man-hug with Obama at an event in Fort Myers to rally support for the stimulus bill. Imagine what Palin could do had there been a new photo. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Libero Lau gives Linfield a lift Oct 29, 2009
Furman (S.C.) junior Jackie Hilea (Moanalua '07 of Kaneohe) shot rounds of 75-70-80 to finish at 9-over in a tie for 27th at the 32nd Annual Florida International University Pat Bradley Invitational in Fort Myers, Fla. Furman won the team competition. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Cost of holiday flights soars on lighter load Oct 29, 2009
Sharon Conners of North Fort Myers booked her and husband Franks Christmas Eve flight to Boston back in July. She started shopping in June, checking the Bing. (The News-Press -- Business)
Once all-mighty dollar taking a backseat to euros, Chinese products Oct 29, 2009
Fort Myers Realtor Nils Richter said there is an uptick of interest from across the pond ... Jeanne Bigos, sales and marketing director at the Outrigger Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach, said foreign visitors are holding steady, about 28 percent each year. (The News-Press -- Business)
Real estate briefs: Fort Myers architect nationally accredited Oct 29, 2009
Gilmore has worked at Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects Inc. in Fort Myers for 13 years. He earned the accreditation to consult on green building for the firm's environmentally sustainable buildings. (The News-Press -- Business)
Consumers too scared to spend on Halloween Oct 29, 2009
"We haven't seen any sign of a slowdown here," said Stephen LaRosa, manager of the Halloween Megastore, 5120 S. Cleveland Ave., in Fort Myers ... Frank Gleason, owner of A Partyworld, 12879 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, said traffic is holding up ... Locally, there are stores in a former Circuit City location on U.S. 41 in Fort Myers and a former Linens 'n Things location at Gulf Coast Town Center. (The News-Press -- Business)
Business digest: Exporting seminar coming to FGCU Oct 29, 2009
7:44 A.M. Learn about boosting sales through exporting at the "International Exporting 101" seminar Nov. 5 at Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers ... You can help fund college scholarships for eligible North Fort Myers High School students and be served by local notables at a lunch event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Faith Assembly of God Church, 6950 Bayshore Road. (The News-Press -- Business)
Saturn dealers optimistic about future of businesses Oct 29, 2009
Bob Goodman said he is negotiating with other manufacturers to locate a new dealership where Saturn of Cape Coral is now and is considering other options for the Saturn of Fort Myers store ... Plans for the Fort Myers location on Fowler Street may change depending on plans for the Cape Coral location, but Goodman said he is considering locating a used car business there. (The News-Press -- Business)
Lee County Department of Transportation purchases 1.5 acres Oct 29, 2009
9 acres at the northwest corner of Daniels Parkway and Treeline Avenue, Fort Myers, for a RACETRAC Gas and Convenience Store from DP-TA Associates, Ltd., for $1 ... 52 acres of land at 826 Ortiz Ave. in Fort Myers, from Viera-Menendez for $550,000 ... - NMAR LLC purchased a 4,054-square-foot office building in Gateway at 11928 Fairway Lakes Blvd., Fort Myers, from Bayview Loan Servicing for $390,000. (The News-Press -- Business)
Lee County, SW Fla. United Way kicks off ambitious season with party Oct 29, 2009
The organization started its 2009-10 campaign by hosting a gathering of more than 700 volunteers and community leaders at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers on Wednesday. During the 2008-2009 year, the organization raised $8,019,701, exceeding its $8 million goal. (The News-Press -- Business)
Business briefs: Gulfcoast Consulting wins top 2009 award Oct 29, 2009
1:10 A.M. Gulfcoast Consulting Group Inc., a Fort Myers design and build firm, has received the 2009 Summit Award for Contractor of the Year ... GCG also won for the Best Design-Build Project in the $5 - $8 million category for its project, Pacaya Bay, located at 13981 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers, and the Best Tenant Build Out in the $1 - $2 million category for its build-out of the John D. Ritrosky, M.D., Plastic Surgery tic Arts office in Fort Myers ... The Lee County Medical Society has... (The News-Press -- Business)
Real estate pros faced reality and enjoy new careers Oct 29, 2009
Shes president of the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach ... I passed with flying colors, said McNulty, now 57, who works in the Lee County Jail in downtown Fort Myers. (The News-Press -- Business)
Editorial: Water area plan strikes right balance Oct 28, 2009
Where: Old Lee County Courthouse Commission Chambers, 2120 Main St., Fort Myers. To watch: Comcast Channel 97 or lee-county. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
FAU Women's Golf Places 12th at Pat Bradley Invitational Oct 28, 2009
The Florida Atlantic University women's golf team was unable to make up any ground during Tuesday's final round to finish in 12th place at the 32nd Pat Bradley Invitational in Fort Myers, Fla. Senior carded an 80 score during the final 18 holes on the 6,193-yard, par-72 layout at the Pelican Preserve ry Club. (Fausports.com)
Jennifer Norton's Even-Par Round Highlights FAU Women's Golf at Pat Bradley Invitational Oct 28, 2009
one-over-par score highlighted Florida Atlantic University women's golf team's performance over the opening 36 holes of the 32nd Pat Bradley Invitational on Monday in Fort Myers, Fla. The tournament features NCAA Division I teams from the South and Midwest. (Fausports.com)
Instant Editorial: Renew commitment to alternative energy in Florida Oct 27, 2009
Talk of green jobs is the rage, yet politics apparently will overshadow the presidents visit tomorrow, with Crist refusing to meet Obama and with Rubio Crists Senate opponent mocking the governor for having embraced the president in Fort Myers earlier this year. This 25-megawatt solar plant is the largest in North America and is a testament to forward thinking and American ingenuity. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Rev. Jim Boler: Publix involved in tomato-pickers fate, like it or not Oct 27, 2009
On Oct. 18, farmworkers and their allies held a vigil on the steps of the Federal Courthouse in downtown Fort Myers ... This is the Publix that received a $50,000-per-month rent subsidy from Fort Myers ... He lives in Fort Myers. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Michael Jackson's This Is It Opens in Select IMAX(R) Theatres for Limited Engagement Beginning October 28, 2009 Oct 27, 2009
UNITED STATES Arizona Mesa - Dickinson Gateway 12 IMAX Theatre Phoenix - AMC Deer Valley 30 with IMAX Arkansas Little Rock - Dickinson Chenal 9 IMAX Theatre California Aliso Viejo - Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20 & IMAX Arcadia - AMC Santa Anita 16 & IMAX Burbank - AMC Burbank 16 & IMAX Camarillo - Edwards Camarillo Palace Stadium 12 & IMAX Covina - AMC Covina 30 with IMAX Cupertino - AMC Cupertino 16 & IMAX El Dorado Hills - Regal Cinemas El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Emeryville - AMC Bay... (Primezone Releases)
Cities, volunteers fight blight caused by foreclosure crisis Oct 27, 2009
By Terry Allen Williams, The (Fort Myers, Fla. News-Press. (USA Today)
Stats » Oct 26, 2009
CB, (Fort Myers, Fla ... The nation's No. 47-rated prospect passed for 90 yards and two touchdowns for Cape Coral (Fort Myers, Fla. (ESPN -- Recruiting)
Instant Editorial: Obama's coming to Arcadia, so should Crist Oct 26, 2009
Hopefully Crist wont cave in to critics who still ride him for appearing with Obama in Fort Myers earlier this year. But Crist is running for the U.S. Senate in the GOP primary and conservatives arent too pleased with him. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Personally Yours: Airport tip: If you have to go, better skip the cell phone lot Oct 26, 2009
Dan Warner never leaves his south Fort Myers home without peeing. He invites you to take his column personally each Sunday. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
David Plazas: Domestic violence plagues Lee County, SW Fla. Oct 26, 2009
What led to this focus on domestic violence was the recent murders of the Damas family Guerline and her five children, allegedly at the hand of her husband and Martha Torres formerly of Fort Myers, whose husband chased her to Ocala and killed her and then himself ... Christine Kobie of the Abuse Counseling ment center in Fort Myers says 70 percent of domestic violence-related homicides occur when the woman is attempting to leave the relationship ... Purple light bulbs are on sale at Second... (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Editorial: Holding office brings with it great scrutiny Oct 26, 2009
The cases of Cape Coral City Councilman Tim Day and Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Mike Becker remain under investigation. Days relations with former tenants at one of his rental properties are being looked at, as are complaints from an employee of his at the Southwest Florida Institute for Public Service. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Dr. Joseph Walker: Health care reform needs clear detail, honest funding Oct 26, 2009
- Dr. Joseph P. Walker of Fort Myers founded Retina Consultants of Southwest Florida in 1980. In your voice. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Today's Mailbag Oct 26, 2009
DAVID HAUENSTEINFort Myers ... WALT BRISCHLERNorth Fort Myers ... BRUCE BLACKMANFort Myers. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Kevin Jursinski: Commercial real estate foreclosures next big crisis here are suggested solutions Oct 26, 2009
Kevin F. Jursinski is a Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate Attorney in Fort Myers. In your voice. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Editorial: Get help to deal with foreclosure Oct 26, 2009
The Florida Chief Financial Officer's local office has sponsored home budgeting classes and meetings with HUD-certified counselors in Fort Myers ... WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at North Fort Myers High School, 5000 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Robert Kretschmer: Retreat Center in Alva was previously Catholic enough Oct 26, 2009
Robert J. Kretschmer of Fort Myers is the widower of the founder of the Mother of God House of Prayer Retreat Center in Alva, which is open to all. Bishop Frank Dewane recently severed ties between the Diocese of Venice and the retreat, which he said no longer had a strong enough Catholic identity. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Keeping an eye on spring training ball (3) Oct 25, 2009
Gandy praised Fort Myers and Lee County for agreeing recently to use local tourism money to build the Boston Red Sox a bigger stadium after demand increased following the team s first World Series win in almost 100 years. They re being very aggressive down there, Gandy said. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Experts at North Fort Myers forum provide advice on who to trust in housing crisis Oct 25, 2009
Fana today joined experts in mortgages, foreclosures, real estate, law and fraud at a forum in North Fort Myers: The Housing Crisis: Who to Trust and Where to Turn ... Non-profit agencies, such as HUD, Home Ownership Resource Center of Lee County and Housing Authority of Fort Myers, provide a range of financial assistance and housing options ... Lehigh Acres resident Colleen Greenway, left, listens as Michael Puchalla, counselor with the Housing Development Corporation of Southwest Florida,... (The News-Press -- Business)
Bounce N Glow entertainment center to hold opening in December in Fort Myers Oct 24, 2009
Zoomers, a fun park off Summerlin Road south of Fort Myers, was almost completed but ran into financial problems and never opened ... The Fort Myers location is the only Chuck E. Cheeses in Southwest Florida ... Williams and his wife Sabreena are new owners of the business Bounce N Glow in Fort Myers. (The News-Press -- Business)
Five Guys opening sixth Southwest Florida location Oct 24, 2009
Five Guys has six locations with two each in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Naples. In your voice. (The News-Press -- Business)
Pointe Royale, Shadow Wood associations honored Oct 24, 2009
It was recently announced that the journal's highest award, 2009 Community of the Year, went to Pointe Royale Condominium Association of Fort Myers ... Nestled in downtown Fort Myers on the Caloosahatchee River, Pointe Royale consists of three high-rise buildings, accounting for 141 residential units ... - Joe Adams is an attorney with Becker koff P.A., Fort Myers. (The News-Press -- Business)
Business Digest: Florida Shores agrees to buy Naples-based Shamrock Bank Oct 24, 2009
It will be the second in the SRMA series of presentations on "How to Obtain New Business." The event is being hosted by Entech Computer Services, located at 6338 Presidential Court, Suite 201, Fort Myers. Admission to the 1:30 p.m. luncheon is free for SRMA members and $5 for non-members. (The News-Press -- Business)
13.9 percent jobless in Lee County Oct 24, 2009
Mike Cannington of Fort Myers is glad to leave the world of unemployment behind ... He worked there for 19 months after leaving the same post at LTP Management in Fort Myers, where he worked for 16 years ... Hotel Indigo in downtown Fort Myers and the Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport@Town Center in San Carlos Park have added workers this year. (The News-Press -- Business)
Florida Shores Bancorp obtaining controlling interest in Naples-based Shamrock Bank Oct 24, 2009
Robert Vice will continue as president of Florida Shores Bank, Fort Myers ... We view Naples and Fort Myers as key to our success and so are pleased to find such astrong partner as Shamrock Bank to introduce us to this important market ... Established in 2006, Florida Shores Bank is a full-service, community-based commercial bank with locations in Pompano Beach, Venice, Englewood, Fort Myers, Naples, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale. (The News-Press -- Business)
Punta Gorda redfish tourney off for 2010 Oct 24, 2009
Fort Myers Capt. Ozzie Lessinger and Englewood Capt. Jeff Totten won $40,000 in the Punta Gorda event in early May, and finished third in the national championship finals in Lake Charles, La. Sept. 26. (The News-Press -- Business)
Fort Myers Beach resort offers service with a touch Oct 24, 2009
8:56 A.M. Hotel living just got a little bit easier for guests of one Fort Myers Beach resort ... to Fort Myers to visit family ... Hotel manager Neil Hopgood operates a touch-screen concierge computer Wednesday morning at the DiamondHead Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach. (The News-Press -- Business)
Business briefs: Lee receives awards for planning studies Oct 24, 2009
Kristina Carroll of Waldrop Engineering in Fort Myers has earned her LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation through the United States Green Building Coalition ... Brenda Haschak, a senior project designer for Focal Point Interiors in Fort Myers, recently received the CBIA's 2009 Sand Dollar Award for Best Clubhouse Interior. (The News-Press -- Business)
Real estate briefs: Calling all builders for Parade of Homes Oct 24, 2009
The Parade of Homes awards ceremony will be held Feb. 6 at the Golf Club at Miromar in Fort Myers. Complete details, entry packets and sponsorship opportunities are available at bia. (The News-Press -- Business)
