Posts by Jacob Ogles
Lee Commissioners vote to request using some BP/Deepwater Horizon recovery funds for pier
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted to submit a request to use $7 million awarded following BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010 for the planned restoration and expansion of the Fort Myers Beach Pier. The Fort Myers Beach Pier, an iconic tourist destination and recreational fishing asset, was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.…
Read MoreHBK CPAs & Consultants announces leadership appointments
HBK CPAs & Consultants announced the appointment of Michael DeLuca as National Head of Industry and Advisory Services and Elena Ramos as Naples Market Leader, marking significant leadership moves as the firm evolves its organizational structure to better serve clients through specialized industry expertise. The appointments are part of HBK’s strategic transition from a traditional…
Read MoreThe Inn at Pelican Bay Earns 10th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Designation
The Inn at Pelican Bay ihas earned the distinguished AAA Four Diamond designation for the 10th year in a row. This award adds to the growing list of accolades the 100-room boutique hotel at 800 Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples, FL, has received recently from AAA and TripAdvisor. “This milestone achievement is a true testament…
Read MoreCRA announces storm mitigation and resiliency grants
Applications are now open for the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Storm Mitigation and Resiliency Grants for downtown Fort Myers businesses. The new program is designed to strengthen the economic heartbeat of Downtown Fort Myers by equipping local businesses with tools and strategies to withstand and recover from severe weather events. The grant will…
Read MoreFort Myers Beach reminds property owners of deadline for permit extensions
Temporary Placement Permits (TPPs), originally issued in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, are set to expire on Sept. 23, 2025. Recognizing that recovery timelines differ for each household, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council adopted Resolution 25-251 on Aug. 18, creating a pathway for property owners facing certain hardship situations to apply for a permit…
Read MoreNaples Players Academy receives $1 million gift from Patty & Jay Baker
The Naples Players Academy of Dramatic Arts (TNPA) officially welcomed its first class of full-time students on Sept. 2, marking a milestone moment for arts education in Southwest Florida. The innovative full-time performing arts school began its inaugural year with 28 middle and high school students enrolled, blending academic studies with intensive theatre training in…
Read MoreLee County Tourist Development Council welcomes new members
The Lee Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) recently appointed John Lai and Lori Fayhee to the Lee County Tourist Development Council (TDC). Lai will serve as a nonvoting member of the TDC representing the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) and Fayhee will serve as a nonvoting member of the TDC representing the Village of…
Read MoreState releases Hurricane Milton & Helene recovery update
Highlights: As of Sept. 15, more than 500 FEMA staff are on the ground in Florida to help survivors recover from Hurricanes Milton and Helene. FEMA continues to process applications, receive and manage appeals, conduct inspections and assist applicants and local officials with questions and information about recovery programs. FEMA may call Floridians who applied…
Read MoreAmerican Heart Association’s Southwest Florida Board earns national Gold Standard recognition
The American Heart Association announces its Southwest Florida Board has achieved the Association’s prestigious Gold Standard Board designation for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. It’s an honor earned by Association markets that exceed ambitious benchmarks in leadership engagement, revenue generation and mission impact. This recognition is accompanied by a milestone achievement: the Southwest Florida Board has…
Read MoreSuncoast Credit Union earns Qualified Public Depository designation
Suncoast Credit Union has earned designation as a Qualified Public Depository (QPD) by the State of Florida, marking a historic and prestigious step forward for the largest credit union in the state and the communities it serves. Suncoast is the largest credit union in Florida and the only one headquartered in Tampa to achieve QPD…
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