For decades, Jeannine Reed has been bending glass — a time-honored craft that involves the careful heating and hand-shaping of slender glass tubes into luminous works of art. Her custom neon signs, with their unmistakable glow, have become part of the visual identity of Fort Myers. Locals may recognize her handiwork in the art deco brilliance of the Arcade theatre’s marquee or the iconic “God is Love” sign that lights up McGregor Boulevard.

Reed began her work in neon artistry in 1983, learning the trade through a traditional apprenticeship with a seasoned sign maker on Florida’s east coast. Originally from Michigan, she ventured south in search of something different. “I was always a little more artistic and adventurous,” she says. “I decided to come to Florida and try to find my way. As I like to say, I went to the ‘school of life.’”

By 1986, Reed had settled in Southwest Florida, eventually taking over a small sign shop. She renamed it Tropic Neon and now operates primarily out of her garage — a humble but fitting workshop for a craft so deeply rooted in hands-on skill. Over the years, the demand for neon has fluctuated. The 2008 financial crisis caused a steep drop in business, and the rise of LED lighting — which can mimic the look of neon with greater energy efficiency — further disrupted the traditional market.

Still, Reed has witnessed a resurgence. “We’re seeing a bit of a neon revival,” she says. “Everyone wants neon at their wedding or fundraiser. We live in a world of selfies, and everyone wants that perfect backdrop. That’s opened up a new avenue for me. There’s a real nostalgia for neon.”

What was once a staple of mid-century commercial signage has found new life in the digital age, where the vivid glow of handcrafted neon offers both an artistic statement and a visual nod to a bygone era.