Florida Weekly

THE LIVING GULF COAST

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:25 +0000

charlesSOBCZAK

livingsanibel@gmail.com

With a name that is derived from the Creek Indians and is all but impossible to pronounce, everyone, including the Florida Division of Forestry staff, simply calls this state forest the OK Slough.

KOVELS: ANTIQUES

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:26 +0000

terryKOVEL

news@floridaweekly.com

Presidents Day, still officially named George Washington’s Birthday, is celebrated on the third Monday in February. But it has not always been celebrated on that day. George Washington’s birthday, Feb. 22, was first celebrated as a federal holiday in 1880.

Florida has second biggest share in foreclosure case

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:27 +0000

Homeowners in Florida, along with those in California, will get more than half of the $26 billion settlement the nation’s attorneys general reached Thursday with the nation’s biggest banks over foreclosures abuses, because the state has so many delinquent loans and underwater properties.

Series to examine Southwest Florida’s Civil War past

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:28 +0000

The Southwest Regional Center of the Florida Public Archaeology Network hosted at Florida Gulf Coast University, presents a speaker series, “More than a Trifling Affair: A Tour of Southwest Florida in the Civil War,” in celebration of Florida Archaeology Month throughout March. Lectures are free and open to the public.

Menus unveiled for Taste of Love 9

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:29 +0000

Special Equestrians is bringing together the area’s most successful restaurateurs for Taste of Love 9 – Sip and Dine, the annual food and wine extravaganza to be held from 5-9 p.m. Sunday, March 4, at The Design Studio by Raymond.

The event brings together 10 of the area’s most successful culinarians and pairs their creations with wine by Masciarelli Wine Company.

CYBER PROTECTION

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:29 +0000

BY DET. FABIO NAHMENS

Special to Florida Weekly

While many online criminals come looking for you, sometimes, you can become a victim simply by engaging in voluntary online activities.

Lawsuits fly after Senate approves redistricting plans

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:29 +0000

BY BRANDON LARRABEE

The News Service of Florida

The war over the state’s political boundaries entered its next stage Thursday, as final passage of the Legislature’s redistricting plan for the state’s congressional delegation was met with a lawsuit backed by the Florida Democratic Party and the threat of more to come.

Hispanic Chamber to host job fair

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:29 +0000

The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites the community to its 2012 Spring Job Fair from 1-5 p.m. Thursday, March 15 at Hodges

University Fort Myers Campus, 4501 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

FWC adopts new seasons for gag grouper

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:31 +0000

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted Feb. 8 to change how gag grouper is managed in Gulf of Mexico state waters (excluding Monroe County).

The decision will achieve consistency with federal management efforts while potentially providing a region-specific recreational season in four counties.

Drowning deaths decline in Lee

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:32 +0000

New data from the Florida Department of Health reveals a reduction in drowning deaths in 2009-10 for children ages 1 to 4 in Lee County. As a result, Lee County no longer ranks among the top 10 counties in the state of Florida for drowning deaths.

Save money on airfare

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:33 +0000

Travelers are bombarded with offers, deals and price fluctuations on a day-today basis, Consumer Reports magazine recently came up with some helpful tips to cut costs and lock in the best rates.

Learn smart tips on estate planning

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:33 +0000

Board-certified attorneys Craig Hersch and Michael Hill will conduct a seminar on estate planning, advantages of declaring residency and why all residents need to have their wills and trusts updated following recent law changes. There will be two identical presentations on separate dates. The first workshop takes place from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb.

Investment managers share retirement strategies

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:34 +0000

Durand & Gallentine Investment Management Group will host a free seminar to discuss strategies for retirement planning and wealth management, as well as other general investment topics. The seminar, titled “Will You Outlive Your Retirement Income? Investment Strategies for Today’s Retirees,” will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb.

IMA hosts Business of Baseball summit

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:35 +0000

Following a rousing success from last year, the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, in conjunction with The Corridor and Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, has announced the return of The Business of Baseball seminar Thursday, Feb. 23.

Land Sea Air event to benefit CCMI

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:36 +0000

The second annual Land Sea Air event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva.

Arriving in style or in a unique way is the idea for this fundraising event where guests choose their method of arrival by land, sea or air and enjoy cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, a live and a silent auction.

Cheney Brothers expansion brings 380 jobs to SWFL

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:37 +0000

Riviera Beach-based food distributor Cheney Brothers Inc. has announced plans to begin construction in 2012-13 on a 250,000-squarefoot distribution center in Charlotte County. The project represents a nearly $30-million capital investment and will bring 380 jobs to Punta Gorda, with wages averaging $36,000 annually, a 17.6 percent increase above the county’s average, plus benefits.

Two dozen businesses nominated for ethics award

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:37 +0000

There are 24 businesses from Southwest Florida vying for the seventh annual Business Ethics Award, presented by the Uncommon Friends Foundation. The winner will be recognized at the Uncommon Evening to be held on Thursday, June 7, at Harborside Event Center, downtown Fort Myers.

Uncommon Friends solicits scholarship applications

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:37 +0000

Applications for 2012 Uncommon Friends Foundation scholarships, honoring deserving individuals who have a financial need and the potential to succeed in school, are available now. Students in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties are eligible to apply. Completed applications are due by Sunday, April 1.

Junior Achievement to induct new members in Hall of Fame

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:51:54 +0000

Local businesses, educators and community volunteers are invited to join Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida in honoring forward-thinking entrepreneurs and accomplished community leaders Scott Fischer, owner and chief executive officer of Scott Fischer Enterprises, and Barbara Watt, founder and owner of Century 21 Sunbelt Realty.

ISLAND HOPPING

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:52:01 +0000

ellaNAYOR

enayor@floridaweekly.com

Any time I get to spend a significant time on the islands I am a happy girl.