Business Notes (4/15/15)

By Staff | Apr 15, 2015

Shoreline restoration to begin at county park

Restoration work along the shoreline of Caloosahatchee Regional Park was scheduled to begin on April 13.

The equestrian campsites, kayak/canoe launch, floating dock and portions of the Shoreline Trail will be closed while work is underway. The work is expected to continue through Aug. 31.

Caloosahatchee Regional Park is at 18500 N. River Road in Alva.

Cooperative effort helps restore natural areas

For more than a year, East County Water Control District coordinated a cooperative effort with Lee County and Hendry County sherriff’s offices, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and adjacent property owners to curtail illegal activity and put a stop to the destruction of natural areas at Halfway Pond, which provides water quality and storage benefits.

Environmentally sensitive areas were decimated by the use of ATVs – removing and killing natural vegetation with constant use of ATVs making trails and such.

The cooperative efforts have helped rehabilitate the natural areas as evidenced by nearly 50 percent regrowth of plants and grasses.

Some of the efforts included a community trash clean up in the spring of 2014. The effort resulted in the removal of approximately 25,000 pounds of trash, tires, furniture and such from the area.

The district then partnered with V Ventures and Lennar Homes to fence Halfway Pond and their adjacent properties on the north side and dig a canal on the south side to keep trespassers out and allow for sherriff enforcement.

Sherriff’s details were conducted throughout Lehigh Acres to target ATV use on public lands.

A brochure was developed and handed out educating people where they can legally ride ATVs and how to properly dispose of trash.

Lee County recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week

Lee County Public Safety this week recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week to raise awareness of 911 and the critical role the “first” first responders play in the safety of residents and visitors.

Congress and the National Emergency Number Association also have recognized April as National 911 Education Month.

The Lee County Public Safety Emergency Dispatch Center, also known as Lee Control, dispatches for the 19 independent fire districts and Lee County Emergency Medical Services.

Lee Control recognizes employees with awards for exceptional performance.

The award winners are:

– Dispatcher of the Year: Lourdes Rego and Jeanne Shadaram (tie)

– EMD Proficiency Award and EFD Proficiency Award: Nancy Pogue

– Impact Awards: Eric Schrader, Lt. Casey Allo and JC Meyer II

Cabana Palms Day Spa adds new staffers

Cabana Palms Day Spa announces the addition of some new staffers to the team.

The new therapists include Esther Dorsten, Rachel Rodriguez and Adam Rushing.

Cabana Palms Day Spa is at 45 N. Alabama Road, Suite 8.

It is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For information, call (239) 369-9986 or visit online at: www.cabanapalmsdayspa.com.

Lee County EDO announces hires

The Lee County Economic Development Office has hired Amy McQuagge as the new coordinator of marketing, sales and communications, and Daniel Toth as a business assistance specialist.

Raised in Fort Myers, McQuagge worked as a media buyer for companies in major markets in Florida and Michigan. In 2008, she co-founded a Fort Myers company that organizes fundraisers for public and private schools. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications/advertising from Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

Toth most recently was a real estate research analyst for Chico’s FAS. While earning his master’s degree in urban studies at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, Toth worked as a research intern with the university’s Center for Economic Development. Toth also worked for Milwaukee Downtown, a business improvement district that manages 150 blocks representing about 500 commercial property owners. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ now playing

The national tour of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is making its final stop in Fort Myers on the Broadway Palm stage now through May 23.

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is a high-energy musical combining the classic, physical dancing styles with fun and energetic situations.

Finding a wife in the 1850’s wasn’t easy for men in the Oregon mountain region, especially when there are seven brothers in one family – how the story begins in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. In May, performances are Wednesday through Sunday with selected matinees.

Ticket prices range from $37 to $60, with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more.

Tickets can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting: www.BroadwayPalm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Spring Job Fair set

The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host its 2015 Spring Job Fair on April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hodges University’s Fort Myers campus, at 4501 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

Participating companies include Latino 97.7, Hodges University, Lowe’s, Telemundo, BB&T, AAA Auto Club Group, The School District of Lee County, Cape Coral Police Department, CenturyLink, 21st Century Oncology, LYNX Services, Wells Fargo, Florida Blue, Take Shape for Life, MundoFox, Sunstate Academy, Univision SWFL, Fort Myers Broadcasting, Accion Hispana, Fifth Third Bank, Florida SouthWestern State College, Imagen Semanal, Juan 1200/1460AM, The Pendas Law Firm, Azteca America SWFL, HolaCiudad.com, Prudential, Nuevos Ecos, Lee Memorial Health System, Supervisor of Elections, United Way, Autos Trocas y Mas, Exitos Magazine and more.

Free and open to the public.

For information, call (239) 418-1441 or e-mail info@hispanicchamberflorida.org.

Culvert evaluation, potential road closures

East County Water Control District is continuing work on its in-house, culvert replacement project to evaluate and or replace infrastructure in its Facility Review.

On April 21, staff will evaluate the culvert on Parkdale Road in Lehigh Acres that crosses Bullfrog Canal – close to Jouferie Road.

Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, road closures may be necessary for the Parkdale culvert crossing. Staff will work with the Lee County Department of Transportation to notify the community of any road closures.

ECWCD will place temporary dams in the canal and begin a dewatering process to allow crews access to the culvert. If the structure needs repair or improvements, immediate action will be taken.

For details, contact ECWCD at (239) 368-0044.

For information on road closures, contact the Lee County Department of Transportation at (239) 533-8580.

Lee County offers summer job openings

Lee County Parks & Recreation is hiring about 60 summer camp counselors and 20 lifeguards.

These temporary positions run from June 8 to Aug. 14 at various county pools and recreation centers.

They are entry-level positions that require experience working with children ages 6-15 for camp counselors and current certification for lifeguards with a starting pay of $9.25 per hour.

Counselors will assist with leading youth groups in various activities, entertainment and education programs. Lifeguards are responsible for patrolling the pool to protect swimmers and maintain order.

All positions will also perform other duties as assigned. Work could involve odd and irregular work schedules that include weekends and holidays.

To apply and view the minimum qualifications, visit online at: www.leegov.com.

For information, call (239) 533-7275.