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FloridaCommerce announces the Rebuild Florida 2023 and 2024 Storms Infrastructure Repair Program
FloridaCommerce announced the opening of the Rebuild Florida 2023 and 2024 Storms Infrastructure Repair Program (IRP) application cycle. A total of $400 million is available in funding to assist local governments to strategically rebuild and harden infrastructure in order to prevent or mitigate losses from future disasters. The application cycle will be open for 90-days,…
Read MoreState arts funding announced, applications open
Article submitted by United Arts Collier After last year’s total statewide veto of arts funding, this year’s Florida state budget marks restoration of support for arts and cultural organizations across the state. The 2025–2026 budget, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, includes significant arts and culture funding through the Department of State’s Division of Arts and…
Read MoreGoodwill hosts annual Breakthrough Awards
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida (SWFL) hosted their annual Breakthrough Award ceremony at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center on Friday, May 30, 2025. The event recognizes individuals and businesses who have advanced the Goodwill Mission throughout the prior year. The fundraiser brought in $71,590 to support Goodwill programs and services. We even offered a sneak…
Read MoreCollier County announces the elimination of 24 local specialty contractor licenses
In compliance with Florida Statute 489 and Senate Bill 1142, Collier County has officially discontinued the requirement for 24 local specialty contractor licenses effective July 1, 2025. The following specialty contractor licenses are no longer required in Collier County: Acoustical Cabinet Decorative Metal Dredging Epoxy Excavation Exterior Covering by Artificial Stucco System Floor Covering Insulation…
Read MoreElite DNA Behavioral Health expands with new center to serve North Port, Venice communities
Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, has opened a new clinic to serve the North Port and Venice communities. Located at 8026 South Tamiami Trail in Venice – with close proximity to Wellen Park – the new center offers a range of in-person and virtual mental and behavioral health…
Read MoreSanibel Captiva Community Bank extends hours at temporary Fort Myers Beach office
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has extended the hours of its temporary Fort Myers Beach office to better serve local residents and businesses ahead of its permanent branch opening in 2026. Located on the third floor of the Access Title Agency building at 100 Lovers Lane, the temporary office will be open every Wednesday from 9:30…
Read MoreLee Commissioners approve HUD grants to rehabilitate 644 affordable rental units
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted recently to approve agreements to rehabilitate 644 affordable rental units at four multi-family affordable housing developments. This is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery allocation to Lee County. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County on Sept. 28, 2022.…
Read MoreCity of Fort Myers awards $150,000 in arts and culture grants
This June, the City of Fort Myers is awarding $150,000 in grants to arts organizations, groups and individual artists advancing arts and culture within the City. Fort Myers City Council unanimously approved the item at the June 16 meeting. The City recognizes the importance of the arts to the cultural, economic, educational and well-being of…
Read MoreEdison National Bank/Bank of the Islands giving program hits $150,000 milestone
Bank of the Islands has reached an important milestone in its “We Love Our Islands” corporate philanthropy program. The “We Love Our Islands” program has funded donations to 45 nonprofits, houses of worship, first responders and service organizations working to enrich our island community. With the most recent gifts, the “We Love Our Islands” program…
Read MoreFort Myers CRA announces live request for statement of qualifications for Innovation Walk Master Plan
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) launched Request for Statement of Qualifications for the Ft. Myers Walk of Innovation. In the same spirit of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford sparking the genesis of innovation in Fort Myers, the Innovation Walk will reignite their legacy of human genius, melding the past with future-forward thinkers. The…
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