Lead Image: Zoomers Amuseument Park in Fort Myers
CINIELLO FAMILY TO PURCHASE ZOOMERS
Pat and Lisa Ciniello, the couple behind the Bowland and HeadPinz Entertainment Centers concepts in Southwest Florida, have announced their company is buying Zoomers Amusement Park in Fort Myers. The Ciniellos are purchasing the property and all its contents from Mike Barnes, who opened the park in 2012. The Ciniellos plan to turn the 18-acre property into their new Fast Trax concept, complete with brand new OTL Electric Go-Karts (replacing the old gas-powered karts), and other upgrades to the arcade, kitchen, outdoor bar and party areas. A number of lanes of “duckpin bowling” are also planned. Zoomers, which has been closed since March, currently features two different outdoor go-kart tracks, mini-golf, 10 mechanical carnival-type rides, bumper boats and an indoor arcade with more than 80 games. Pat Ciniello said there will be changes to the current set-up but it’s too early to say exactly how the transformation will take place. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Ciniello said the closing should take place by mid-July. He expects to re-open as Fast Trax in early December.
‘RSW CARES ABOUT YOU’ PROGRAM LAUNCHES
The Lee County Port Authority is introducing the Stay Safe – RSW Cares About You program to let the community know about initiatives taking place at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to keep travelers and the airport community healthy and safe. There will be differences in the experience at RSW that were put in place to make passengers feel more comfortable and confident about traveling from our airport. Measures include the addition of hand sanitizer stations; social distancing signage, announcements and floor markers throughout the terminal; Plexiglas shields at all customer touchpoints and the use of masks in public areas. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, LCPA implemented increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in high-traffic areas of the terminal and car rental facility to include ticket counters, baggage claim and restrooms, as well as the concourses and gate hold areas at Southwest Florida International Airport. Janitorial staff also performs disinfectant fogging several evenings a week at security checkpoints, ticket counters and gate hold areas. For more information, click here.
SWFL BILLIONAIRES NAMED BY FORBES
Disinfect Group USA provides sanitization solutions.
SWFL ENTREPRENEUR HELPS BUSINESSES REOPEN
When the pandemic forced Vinny Antonio to temporarily close his national events-staffing company, he quickly pivoted and launched a firm that helps businesses and events reopen safely. Disinfect Group USA provides mobile disinfection units and sanitizing tunnels that let employees return to their offices, sports fans cheer inside arenas and customers shop at familiar neighborhood businesses. For example, a sporting event or concert could process thousands of people through disinfection tunnels positioned at the entrance of a stadium or convention center. A restaurant or shop can install a panel at the entrance to monitor employee and patrons’ body temperatures and spray disinfectant onto their hands before they enter an establishment. Antonio’s Victory Marketing business was one of Florida’s fastest-growing companies and ranked in the Inc. 5000 before COVID-19, according to a news release. Disinfect Group is a Belgian company and Antonio purchased the license in March. All the equipment and product is manufactured and assembled in the U.S. For more information, visit disinfectgroupusa.com.
BLACK SHEEP PIZZA LAUNCHES ON U.S. 41 IN EAST NAPLES
Black Sheep Pizza and Brew, a local artisan pizzeria, recently launched on U.S. 41 East in East Naples. Chef Michael Voorhis, formerly of Lake Park Diner and The Bevy in Naples, has joined forces with Calvin Joiner, owner of Red’s Pizzeria and Red’s Pizza on Wheels in East Naples. Their new pizzeria is in the former space of I Burnt Mine Barbecue and Empire Bagel Factory in the Sherwin-Williams plaza across from Naples Towne Centre South. Black Sheep’s name lets you know they are here to stand out, not fit in. “We just kind of wanted to say it’s OK to be different. If you’re unique, it’s a good thing,” Voorhis said. Black Sheep shows off its uniqueness with buttermilk fried chicken or Kobe smash burgers towering atop the center of pizzas, just a sampling of 10 craft pies. Other casual menu items include small bites, salads and sandwiches with a drink menu offering beer and wine. Black Sheep Pizza, 3802 Tamiami Trail E., is open noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and closed Sundays. For more information, call 239-919-3287 or go to blacksheeppizzanaples.com.
VASCULAR & VEIN CENTER NOW OFFERS ALTERNATIVE CAD SURGERY
Vascular & Vein Center is now offering a new treatment for Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) called Transcarotid Artery Revascularization, or more commonly, TCAR. TCAR is a clinically proven, minimally invasive, advanced procedure that delivers a stent into a blocked carotid artery to treat CAD and prevent future strokes. Some of the benefits of utilizing the TCAR procedure over the formative procedure, Carotid Endartectomy or CEA, include a smaller incision and a faster recovery on top of it being a closed surgery. Additionally, it reduces the risk of stroke during stent insertion, according to a news release. For additional information on the TCAR procedure, click here.
IN THE KNOW
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CHARITABLE NOTES
Golisano Foundation awards third round of COVID-19 response grants
Golisano Foundation has awarded $416,000 to 11 organizations in Southwest Florida and western New York in its third round of COVID-19 response grants. This brings the foundation’s total COVID-19 grant funding to date to more than $1.1 million. In Southwest Florida, Golisano granted $45,000 to STARability in Naples and $39,000 to LARC in Fort Myers. The grants will help organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with urgent needs stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Through the end of October, the foundation is redirecting about $2 million in grants to assist these organizations. Grants may help cover items such as short-term operating expenses for essential programs, safety net and specialty services; the purchase of personal protective equipment and other supplies/equipment; new technology and technical assistance for virtual commuting and telemedicine; cleaning supplies for health and hygiene; efforts to ensure safe distancing in group homes and facilities among others. The next round of grant decisions will be made by July 22. Application eligibility and guidelines may be found here.
Publix Super Market Charities $362,860 donation supports shared mission with United Way in Collier and Monroe Counties
Publix Super Markets Charities has donated $291,790 for Collier and $71,070 for Monroe Counties with the United Way of Collier and the Keys. Publix runs a robust workplace giving campaign for United Way throughout its seven-state footprint, including its Monroe and Collier stores. Ten percent of the Publix Super Markets Charities’ annual donation is designated for an Emergency Fund. These funds directly provide emergency assistance to community members who are employed and in need of temporary assistance due to an unexpected life event. This aligns with Publix and United Way’s shared mission serving working families throughout Collier and Monroe Counties. United Way of Collier and the Keys efforts collectively support thousands of paycheck-to-paycheck ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) residents across Collier and Monroe Counties. For more details, visit uwcollier.org.
Grant call open for emergency funding for artists, arts organizations
