SWFL RANKS AMONG LEAST AFFORDABLE HOMES IN U.S.
Southwest Florida regions were ranked in LendEDU’s report of “Cities with the Most & Least Affordable Homes in the U.S. for 2020.” Punta Gorda ranked No. 253, with 70.41% of recently sold homes with affordable monthly payments and median income of $54,788; Cape Coral-Fort Myers ranked No. 272 with 65.45% of recently sold homes with affordable monthly payments and a median income of $60,109; and Naples – Immokalee – Marco Island ranked No. 290 with 42.9% of recently sold homes with affordable monthly payments and a median income of $76,954, making it the 11th least affordable area in the U.S., according to the study. Using data from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and the U.S. Census Bureau, the study looked at which major metropolitan areas had the highest and lowest proportions of affordable homes for families living there. A total of 300 areas were included in the report, which is available here.
YP NAPLES’ HOLIDAY GALA HELD TONIGHT
Young Professionals of Naples (YP Naples) will host the Silver & Gold Holiday Gala from 6-9 p.m. this evening at the Naples Grande. This event will also serve as a toy drive collection for the Salvation Army. Attendees are encouraged to support the children of Collier County by bringing a toy to the event. YP Naples members can purchase tickets for $15. Non-member tickets are $25. Tickets include one drink ticket, hors d’oeuvres, complimentary valet, and photo booth. Purchase tickets at ypnaples.com. “Glitzy Holiday Cocktail” attire is requested.
Glass Animal Hospital at Naples Zoo
NAPLES ZOO ANIMAL HOSPITAL COMPLETED
GATES Construction has completed the new Glass Animal Hospital and Smith Animal Commissary at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. The one-story, 9,144-square-foot building was funded through the support of lead donors Tanya and Denny Glass, Vickie and David Smith and many other donors. The hospital features a full surgical suite, hospitalization and treatment rooms, hospitalization holding areas, diagnostic lab, necropsy examination room, pharmacy, commissary, and administrative rooms. The $4.4 million animal hospital will fully address the Zoo’s veterinary needs and provide space to potentially care for injured or abandoned Florida panthers in collaboration with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The hospital will also be utilized for shelter for over 100 animals in the event of a hurricane. Design services were provided by Architects Unlimited.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP COLLIER PROGRAM
The Leadership Collier Foundation of the Greater Naples Chamber is now accepting applications for the Class of 2020 Youth Leadership Collier program. The mission of Youth Leadership Collier is to develop ethical leaders committed to active community involvement. The program empowers students to become effective leaders through hands on experiences and field work with key organizations, while encouraging returning or staying in Collier County to begin careers and community leadership. Youth Leadership Collier is a week-long intensive program that begins with a weekend of team-building activities. Participants interact in daily sessions designed to give them first-hand experience in various aspects of the community. Topics include local government, health care, law enforcement, business, agriculture, media, human services, environment and the arts. The 2020 program will take place from June 6 through June 12, 2020. Tuition is $500. The deadline for applications is Jan. 31. To apply, visit www.napleschamber.org/youthleadershipcollier.
OUR MOTHER’S HOME CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Our Mother’s Home is kicking off a year-long 20th-anniversary celebration with an Open House on Jan. 11. The nonprofit organization has a variety of events planned in 2020 to help reach its goal of raising $220,000. In addition to its annual events, Our Mother’s Home has several new events and activities planned. Community members can learn about the Our Mother’s Home Mentored Living Program, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and drinks and take a tour of the home during the 20th Anniversary Celebration Open House from noon to 5 p.m. on Jan. 11 at Our Mother’s Home in Fort Myers. The celebration continues from 5-10 p.m. on Jan. 25 with the 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and Dance at The Plantation Golf and Country Club. Tickets are $100. Our Mother’s Home will have its annual Chair-A-Tea Party at Bonita Bay Club at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 20. Tickets, which are $50. A Family Fun Fishing Day is planned from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 4. Tickets, more details and other events that will be scheduled throughout the year can be found at ourmothershome.com. To RSVP for the Open House, call (239) 267-4663.
PHYSICIANS’ PRIMARY CARE EMPLOYEE EARNS CERTIFICATION
Staci Mihm of Physicians’ Primary Care (PPC) of Southwest Florida has earned certification as a Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC). The certification is awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders to professionals who have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to analyze clinical statements and accurately assign standard codes using a classification system. Mihm completed a 5.5-hour exam assessing her knowledge of code classification. Mihm is celebrating 31 years in healthcare with Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida and Associates in Ob/Gyn. She is PPC’s compliance and education manager. She attended Edison Community College (now Florida SouthWestern State College) and earned certification as a Certified Professional Compliance Officer in 2016.
CHARITABLE NOTES
First Florida Integrity Bank raises $110,000 at Charity Golf Tournament
First Florida Integrity Bank raised $110,000 at its 11th annual Charity Golf Tournament held at Hideout Golf Club on Oct. 5. The proceeds will be split evenly between Children’s Advocacy Center and Gargiulo Education Center. Last year’s tournament raised $110,000 for Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee and Blessings in a Backpack of SWFL. During the nine previous tournaments, $695,000 was raised for a number of nonprofit organizations and charitable endeavors. A ceremonial check presentation for the charities took place on Dec. 4 at First Florida Integrity Bank’s corporate headquarters. Executive Director Mary Asta accepted the check on behalf of Gargiulo Education Center, and Chief Executive Officer Jackie Stephens accepted the check on behalf of Children’s Advocacy Center.
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