Tuesday, June 30, 2009

2 Naples heroes honored with national Carnegie Medal recognition http://bit.ly/14ymjD
Have a boat in Southwest Florida? Show thanks for the troops and take them out for a day on the water http://bit.ly/3wYcXA
Looking forward to the Art Walk downtown Fort Myers, SWFL this Friday. Free apps at Veranda 5-7pm! Are you going?
Clerk's office in Cape Coral FL closes, Ft Myers now accept e-filings to help with additional volume from Cape residents http://bit.ly/eOe6o
Is your family hungry? CCMI's Mobile Food Pantry is in your area & can help! Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, and Ft Myers http://ow.ly/geG5
Cape Police participating in "Operation Chill": Cape Coral Police officers will be “ticketing” youth http://bit.ly/4gRAe
Emotions high at Cape Coral utility expansion meeting - Winknews.com: http://fenje.com/1ks
4th of July Celebrations in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers Area and Beyond

With so many different events, celebrations, and parades going on around Southwest Florida this 4th of July, it's hard to keep track. We thought we would bring you the basics about several popular Independence Day events for 2009.

http://ping.fm/Uc3HY

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Four Naples Daily News articles mention twitter: http://ow.ly/fX8v http://ow.ly/fX8V http://ow.ly/fX8O http://ow.ly/fX8S
Humane Society Naples urges public to save Domestic Animal Services' adoption program http://ow.ly/fX6s
4th of July - Veterans to be Honored in Mass Memorial Photo at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers http://bit.ly/TO30f
Great ART Preview for Arts for ACT 2009 Masquerade of the ARTS...Fort Myers, FL Auction Aug 15 Call 239-939-2553 4 tix
Bikers ride for injured Cape Coral motorcycle policeman - The News-Press: http://bit.ly/Jjryr
The Who's John Entwistle Foundation Fundraiser July 17/18/19 http://ow.ly/fYgD Classic Rock Cares - Fort Myers, FL
Holy cow! Could the Chicago Cubs ever end up in Naples? http://bit.ly/zQXSC
Event draws Naples crowd to help girl, 7, who needs heart transplant http://bit.ly/DjsO5
Collegiate High School Planned for Edison State’s Lee Campus

Edison State College, Lee Campus plans to open a Collegiate High School in the Fall of 2010.

http://ping.fm/su5pZ
Cape Coral-Fort Myers Kids Honored by “Kids Who Care Scholarship Program”

Congratulations are in order for six of Cape Coral and Fort Myers' youngsters. From Cape Coral: Rachel Barnes, age 10; Brittany Kawa, age 12; Tristan Miller, age 13; and Reno Williams, age 11; and Fort Myers' Brittany Idlette, age 18; and Sammielynn Zipperer, age 10, were among more than 2,000 honorees for the Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program on Thursday.

http://ping.fm/r6sKg

Friday, June 26, 2009

Cape Coral Water Main Break http://bit.ly/E6Kjb
Loyal customers sustain Cape Coral eatery - The News-Press: http://bit.ly/dAF6L
Thomas Edison's botanical gardens in Fort Myers are a living laboratory Tampabay.com http://bit.ly/Dgqxh
Tonight Howl Gallery Book signing with artist Chad Beatty from 6-8pm! Refreshments! 1514 Broadway #101 Fort Myers FL 33901
Our largest local radio station in Fort Myers, B103.9, is shutting down the station on Monday in remembrance of Jackson.
Southwest Florida 4th of July - Veterans to be Honored in Mass Memorial Photo at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers http://bit.ly/TO30f
Humane Society Naples urges public to save Domestic Animal Services' adoption program http://ow.ly/fX6s
Remembering the “King of Pop”

Michael Jackson will be most remembered for his music -- the winner of 13 Grammy Awards and sales in the many billions of dollars.

http://ping.fm/SAQap
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Participating in “Operation Dry Water”

The U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and state and local law enforcement agencies are participating in "Operation Dry Water" this weekend. "Operation Dry Water" is a national, coordinated effort aimed at reducing boating under the influence (BUI) and the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities.

http://ping.fm/u8VZR
Several Species of Sharks Face Extinction

A third of the world's open water sharks -- including the great white and hammerhead -- face extinction, according to a major conservation survey released on Thursday.

http://ping.fm/nTaWn

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Gain exposure for your local Cape Coral-Fort Myers business for free while we're still in beta! http://ow.ly/fMll
Keep up with local events, entertainment, and more in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area. http://ow.ly/fNIE
Sip of Style benefits American Cancer Society of Lee County's Cattle Baron's... tonight at 6 pm at Bell Tower Shops #SWFL http://ow.ly/fQxq
Saks Fifth Avenue (@ Bell Tower Shops) is hosting Make Waves from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 2 http://ow.ly/fQxY
Queen of the Swamp set free: Amy Chesser out of jail on bond http://bit.ly/wzYDf
Free HIV tests offered during Saturday’s National HIV testing day http://bit.ly/FRYIo
Peter Pan & Captain Hook; to Visit Sun Splash in Cape Coral on Saturday The News-Press: http://bit.ly/191j2o
Cape Coral Schools Get Top Grades ... read the full article here http://bit.ly/ux9o9
Book signing tomorrow with artist Chad Beatty, 6-8pm Refreshments 1514 Broadway #101 Fort Myers FL 33901 http://ow.ly/fSC2
River District Riverfront Redevelopment Draft Report Pres. on 6/29 5:30-7:30pm; City Council Chambers, Fort Myers City Hall
National Take Your Dog to Work Day

First celebrated in 1999, Take Your Dog To Work Day was created to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs.

http://ping.fm/7QnBI
USA Defeats No. 1-Ranked Spain in 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup

In one of the greatest matches in U.S. Soccer history, the U.S. got goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey to stun No. 1-ranked Spain 2-0 and advance to the finals of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.

http://ping.fm/dfg52
Annual Citrus Conference Comes to Southwest Florida this Week

The Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs from June 24th through June 26th.

http://ping.fm/kPOzD

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Summer Nights at the Linger Lodge Restaurant & Campground

More summer fun can be found just around the corner at the Linger Lodge Restaurant & Campground. If you haven't been there before, you are in for a wacky and wild experience.

http://ping.fm/VbSxT
Search for Boys Seen Kissing Rapid Bat Continues while Bat Colony is found at Beach Pier

Earlier this week five boys were seen playing with and kissing at bat on Fort Myers Beach. Two of the boys were found, but the search for the other three has been going on for several days.

http://ping.fm/Bd5ua
Summer Safety Day in Fort Myers Saturday

Summer Safety Day will be held by the Fort Myers Police Department on Saturday, June 27th, at the Edison Mall from 11 am to 4 pm. The event is being held to remind children and parents to enjoy summer activities while keeping safety in mind.

http://ping.fm/56R6E
Election could bring major changes to Cape Coral leadership http://bit.ly/3fetp7
Nearly 5 inches of rain hits Cape Coral in 2 hours - The News-Press: http://bit.ly/E1Lqd
Cape Coral Florida utilites expansion information can be found here. http://ping.fm/5Djbl
Cape Coral officer Garcia showing positive signs - The News-Press: http://bit.ly/KAJBx
Help Sandals Realty feed hungry children by donating PB&J (jars) at our Ft Myers office. Everyone is invited + it's a great cause.
FGCU invites community to memorial service for late professor http://bit.ly/ljRQC
Artificial reef to be built off Doctors Pass http://bit.ly/FlWn0

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Cape Coral Hospital Employee’s Husband Saves Child In House Fire....http://ping.fm/FXgt7
Driver in Cape Coral fatal crash has a long record - The News-Press: http://bit.ly/18n3AG
Don't forget United Way House in Cape Coral is serving free pizza daily for hungry families http://is.gd/1adgb
Ladies Night Every Friday @ CapeCocos En Downtown Cape Coral Ladies Drink Free Till 11pm No Cover All Night Music By Dj Gero
Council to educate CCCIA members on 'green' building: The Cape Coral Construction Industry Assoc... http://bit.ly/15Ms9C
Senior center to host health, wellness seminar - Cape Coral Daily Breeze http://ping.fm/1yNOD
Benefit this Friday from 6-8 at Edison College in Fort Myers for ACT (Abuse Counseling and Treatment).
Nice Feature on "Millie" in the Fort Myers News-Press: http://bit.ly/NVILm
Junior League of Fort Myers annces 09 Taste of the Town, Nov 8, Centennial Park. For more info...tasteofthetown@jlfm.org & http://www.jlfm.org
Dharmata has a show coming up on 06/27/2009 at 08:00 PM @ RICOCHET w/ Skin... in Fort Myers,, FL http://ow.ly/fHdT
Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking's Poster Campaign currently targeting SWFL http://ping.fm/H5cQN
Fire safety report finds 26 serious safety issues in Lee County School District http://bit.ly/OPy5g
Former band director in Southwest Florida submits not guilty plea to sex with student charge http://bit.ly/gom6L
Updated list of Bank Owned Homes in SWFL - Naples / Bonita Srings / Estero. So many good deals.. http://bit.ly/XmFqD
Want to know the best budget day for bowling, mini-golf, and going out to eat with kids in SWFL? http://ping.fm/zbiWY
Help Feed the Cape

The Shops at Surfside shopping center held an event this weekend called "Help Feed the Cape!" It was all an effort to get residents to donate canned goods for the Feed the Cape program, which is a summer initiative of the Cape Coral Community Foundation to help those in need.

http://ping.fm/7Wq5C
What is the “Cash for Clunkers” Bill?

The program will give drivers vouchers for trading older cars and trucks to buy newer, more fuel-efficient automobiles. The program aims to take gas-guzzling clunkers off the road and to help the struggling auto industry at the same time.

http://ping.fm/RZwcH

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Tobacco tax going up - Cape Coral Daily Breeze http://ow.ly/fgcC
Installation Dinner, The Rotary Club of Cape Coral, FL USA, June 26at Gulfcoast Village, 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd Cape Coral, FL
What Do You Want Cape Coral-Fort Myers?

What do you want to read about? What kind of stories are you interesed in? Let us know what types of stories peak your interest and we will write more about them.

http://ping.fm/UTc8Y
Teen from Cape Coral Charged of Killing his Mother to be Tried as an Adult

The 15 year old from Cape Coral, David Joel Hankins, who was charged with killing his mother, will be charged as an adult. The State Attorney's Office filed second degree murder charges against him. His is currently in a juvenile detention center.

http://ping.fm/DcJO0
Lee County Sheriff’s Office Summer Youth Program

The Lee County Sheriff's Office is trying to make a difference in kids' lives this summer with their Summer Youth Program. It is free for Lee County middle school aged children between 11 and 13 years old.

http://ping.fm/oistq
A Tribute to Fathers

Father's Day is a time to celebrate Dad and all he does and has done. Fathers play an integral role in their childrens' lives; an importance that often cannot truly be expressed through words and certainly cannot be replaced.

http://ping.fm/k17ja

Friday, June 19, 2009

Cape Coral starts to camp it up: Summer Scuba Camp life changing challenge for ages 10-15. http://bit.ly/3nUilr
Kerentech NeoGenomics, a Fort Myers biotech firm plans to add 75 employees: By DICK HOGAN... http://ping.fm/bI2ge
Fort Myers health care expo offers advice, free screenings http://bit.ly/jKO6g
Search on for boys who played with rabid bat on Fort Myers Beach | news-press.com | The News-Press http://ow.ly/fa2X
Come join the fun this Sat @ 5:30pm at Cape Coral Yacht Club! Cape Dance will be dancing Swing with the Cape Coral Social Club till 10 pm
"True Until Death" opens on Saturday! Reception from 7-9pm. 1514 Broadway #101, Fort Myers FL 33901
Fort Myers DUI Checkpoints scheduled for this weekend - Drive Safe Lee County
New playground being built in Fort Myers http://bit.ly/iQBLL
Beatles Tribute Band "Let It Be" playing at Crowne Plaza , Fort Myers,Fl. sat June 20th, 8:00pm fun for all !!
Helicopter Crashes at Naples Condo Complex http://ow.ly/ePyB
FATHERS EAT FREE for Father's Day @ Pinchers Crab Shack w/print-out of this msg. and a purchase of $30+Fresh Seafood SWFL
Hey all you SWFL Boaters! Be aware Sanibel Boat Ramp will be CLOSED June 22 - June 26 for Dredging http://ping.fm/wzsAJ
Cape Coral's Trout leads EZ-GO South Florida PGA Open Championship: Cape Coral's Chris Trout shot a 7-un.http://bit.ly/qzjgE
Paddle for Sharks Teeth in Southwest Florida

Peace River has been voted the best river/lake for canoeing in Florida for twelve years in a row and is full of fossils. It is also considered to be Florida's most popular State Paddle Trail.

http://ping.fm/iQBZ7
Florida State Parks Increasing Fees

Many of Florida's state parks will be increasing entrance fees this summer. The increases are between $1-$3 per car and annual passes for some parks will go up as much as $40. 160 state parks are set to increase fees starting July 1st.

http://ping.fm/3a7VY
FGCU Tuition Increase

Tuition will be going up next year for Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) students, but they aren't alone. Nearly every Florida state university has similar plans for next year.

http://ping.fm/1sgdd
4th of July Fireworks a Go in Fort Myers

The 4th of July fireworks display in Fort Myers is back on! The display was previously canceled due to funding issues, but after a $30,000 donation from Sandbill Realty Group the Fort Myers City Council voted to bring it back.

http://ping.fm/AD6kX
Cape Coral’s Michelle Shin Qualifies for the U.S. Women’s Open

Michelle Shin, an 18 year old from Cape Coral, qualified for the biggest championship in women's golf this week. She shot rounds of 74 and 72 to finish 2-over par in the 36-hole sectional qualifying tournament at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach. She won a sudden-death playoff for the final berth in the U.S. Women's Open.

http://ping.fm/PvT6J

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Have hungry children this summer? Free pizza each day at the Cape Coral United Way House. http://bit.ly/Yrmf6
Cape Coral teen qualifies for Women's Open http://tr.im/oEzS
Be aware of this consumer scam. From WINK in Fort Myers, Fla.: http://ow.ly/etna
Sobriety checkpoint planned in Fort Myers this weekend http://ping.fm/IhYkP
Florida Man falls from cruise ship http://ow.ly/etoj
Attentionn teens in Fort Myers area. Acting classes for you. Saturdays 2-4pm at Bay Oaks Rec Center, Fort Myers Beach
Real Estate CAREER NIGHT is TOMORROW June 17 in Fort Myers 6:30pm-7:30pm. $150 Scholarship available

http://ping.fm/prMFt
Southwest Florida Regional Strategic Planning Forum June 17, FGCU http://ping.fm/fPIPP
Lee County Commissioners approve funds for Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida at today's meeting! 3-2 vote.
New Mentors Party w/prizes!! Aug 20 Hotel Indigo Rooftop 239-337-0433 x212
Cape Coral Utility Expansion Project and Your Options

The Cape Coral Utility Expansion Project will soon be underway and Cape residents will have to begin paying for it. New sewer and water service will cost many residents 17,000 dollars and many homeowners will have to pay more than 6,000 dollars for a capital facility expansion charge.

http://ping.fm/puK9k
Amusement Parks are Offering Great Deals this Summer!

With the current economic problems that Americans are facing, summertime visits to amusement parks are less likely to be in their in plans. But, you may want to reconsider attending your favorite thrill parks. Many are offering incredible deals to visitors this summer in order to stay afloat during the recession.

http://ping.fm/1ejRw

Monday, June 15, 2009

Gain exposure for your local Cape Coral-Fort Myers business for free while we're still in Beta. Submit your listing today... http://ping.fm/q0KQW
You can keep up with all the latest news and events in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area with one click. Check out The Directory of Cape Coral Blog.

http://ping.fm/fAz1D
What in the World is the World Naked Bike Ride?

Why would anyone want to ride their bike naked? Well, the World Naked Bike Ride has many answers to that very question. The WNBR is a world wide effort to promote cycling and save the planet at the same time that is being supported and organized by many different groups.

http://ping.fm/sBEbl
Overheating in Southwest Florida? Hit the Park

The waterpark that is.

One of my favorite things to do during the summertime is to go to the waterpark. Residents of Southwest Florida are lucky to have great waterparks just a stone's throw away. What better way to cool off and have some fun with friends and family?

http://ping.fm/F5Lr6
LA Lakers Defeat Orlando Magic for another NBA Championship Title

The LA Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic last night 99-86 to clench their 15th NBA title. They ended the NBA Finals with a 4-1 series win. Kobe Bryant was named NBA Finals MVP and scored his fourth Finals win, the first without Shaquille O'Neal.

http://ping.fm/n4eWS
Flag Day History

The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'.

http://ping.fm/i80kU
National Flag Week

President Barack Obama is extending the observance of Flag Day through the week by declaring National Flag Week.

He is urging Americans to display Old Glory wherever possible. He has ordered flags to be displayed on all federal buildings during the week.

http://ping.fm/eZsZT

Friday, June 12, 2009

Open Water Festival Begins on Fort Myers Beach

The 2009 Open Water Festival takes off this weekend at the Lynn Hall Memorial Park and Pier on Fort Myers Beach and will involve more than 400 swimmers.

http://ping.fm/ufSkG
MLB Drafts Six Southwest Florida High Schoolers

Lee County's highest ever Major League Baseball Draft pick went to Bobby Borchering, recent grad of Bishop Verot, in the first round as the 16th pick overall. The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Borchering on Tuesday; he is considered by some baseball experts to be the best hitter in high school baseball in the country.

http://ping.fm/0iXz0
Guided Beach Walks on Sanibel Tuesday Mornings

Sanibel's Tuesday morning guided beach walks have begun and will continue through July. The walks are family oriented, but you don't have to be a family to partake.

http://ping.fm/tQOmS

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Changes to Seat Belt Laws in Florida

Seat belt laws will change in Florida after June 30th; it will then be a primary offense, meaning you CAN be pulled over and ticketed for not wearing your seat belt.

http://ping.fm/WwZj2
The first World Oceans Day was on June 8th, but it's not too late to do your part. Learn the 7 C's for Ocean Conservation.

http://ping.fm/fzMCh
License Needed to Fish from the Shore Starting August 1st

Florida’s resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore will need to buy a $7.50 (plus administrative and handling fees) shoreline fishing license by Aug. 1, unless they have a regular resident saltwater fishing license.

http://ping.fm/DcbHX
Are Free Meals for Kids Summer Programs a Necessity?

After recent press releases regarding summer programs offering free meals for kids went out in Collier, Charlotte, and Lee counties, controversy has begun to stir.

http://ping.fm/rk2IT
Kids All-American Fishing Derby in Cape Coral this Saturday

The Kids All-American Fishing Derby is on Saturday, June 13th from 9 am to 12 pm at the Cape Coral Yacht Club Pier. It is sponsored by Cape Coral Parks and Recreation and is open to children ages 5 through 15.

http://ping.fm/UUTFJ
GreenMarket Brought to you by Lee County Alliance for the Arts

GreenMarket will be taking place every Saturday morning from 8am to Noon at the Alliance for the Arts Campus (between the main building and the Edwards Building) in Fort Myers.

http://ping.fm/FarA4
Apple’s New iPhone

Apple Inc. slashed the entry price for an iPhone in half and lowered some laptops by $300 Monday, the company’s first dramatic price cuts since the recession began a year and a half ago.

http://ping.fm/nD2rf
SummerJazz on the Gulf Starts this Weekend

SummerJazz on the Gulf is back for another year, this being the 24th! The Naples Beach Hotel & Gulf Club will be hosting the event once again.

The free concerts take place once a month and this Saturday, June 13th marks the first event for the year. Alan Darcy and band will be playing from 7 pm to 10pm on the Watkins Lawn at the resort.

http://ping.fm/lX9ok

Friday, June 5, 2009

Be Prepared, Hurricane Season is Here

Monday marked the start of the official 2009 North Atlantic Hurricane Season, which is considered to be June 1 through November 30th.

All Floridians are encouraged to make the final preparations necessary to keep their families, homes, businesses, and communities safe for the season.

http://ping.fm/KvOw1
Bluegrass Invasion Festival Saturday, June 6th

The first ever Bluegrass Invasion Festival will take place this Saturday, June 6th for a full 12 hours from 10 am-10pm at North Park in the town of Ave Maria in Collier County.

You can expect to see 10 different musical groups with roots in Bluegrass at the family friendly event. There will be a supervised play area for children and kids 10 and under are free.

http://ping.fm/WBFmc
Press Conference for Cape Coral Officer Damien Garcia

Officer Damien Garcia of the Cape Coral Police remains in critical condition after being involved in a motorcycle accident on Tuesday.

http://ping.fm/HTHEt
Changes to Fireworks Displays in Southwest Florida for 2009

There will be a few changes for Fourth of July Celebrations this year in Southwest Florida mostly due to the economy.

The Riverfest and fireworks show in Fort Myers will not be happening at all this Fourth of July. The city cannot foot the $80,000 bill.

But a Fort Myers resident, Derrell Gardner, is planning a daytime celebration he calls, "We the People". It will include a parade down First Street, a stage and grandstand in front of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, and more.

http://ping.fm/O3KDg
Teen Accused of Killing His Mother Has Quite a Past

The 15 year old who was arrested Wednesday for stabbing his mother to death, David Hankins, has had quite a few run ins with the law (especially considering his young age).

With multiple charges including grand theft auto and battery (against his mother), how is it that nothing was really done to stop this criminal behavior?

http://ping.fm/TLR7a