Lead Photo: Fort Myers-based independent insurance agency relocates to Alico Lakes Commons
VACCINES NOW AVAILABLE TO FLORIDIANS AGE 50 AND OLDER
Floridians age 50 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine beginning today, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday. Nearly 70% of Florida’s senior citizens have been vaccinated and demand is dropping for those already eligible to be vaccinated, DeSantis said, noting that the next step will be to open the vaccine process to everyone.
2020 FILING TAX DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR INDIVIDUALS TO MAY 17
With the recent passing of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a decision was made by the IRS to extend the 2020 filing tax deadline only for individuals to May 17, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co. P.A. (MNMW) reports. This provides an extension of time to pay 2020 income taxes, otherwise due on April 15. This extension does not apply to individual states at this time. This relief does not apply to estimated tax payments that are due on April 15. These payments are still due on April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments, MNMW says. Individual taxpayers do not need to file any forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the May 17 deadline can request an extension of time to file until Oct. 15. For more details, see the IRS Newswire Issue IR-2021-59.
SWFL COMPANIES RECOGNIZED IN INC. 5000 LIST
Thirteen Southwest Florida companies were named to the “Inc. 5000 Regionals: Florida 2021” list of the top 250 fastest-growing private companies in Florida. The list included 97% median growth, $403 million in total revenue, 355 jobs added, one newly founded company, and eight repeat honorees. For the full results, click here.
PARAGON FLIGHT TRAINING TO TRIPLE AIRCRAFT FLEET AT PAGE FIELD
Fort Myers-based Paragon Flight Training has signed a 10-year contract with Lee County Port Authority that will triple its aircraft fleet operations at Page Field and expand its training and aviation technology services. The contract clears the way for the nationally recognized flight academy to increase its available equipment from 15 aircraft to 45 to 55 within five years. It also includes the purchase and renovation of a 14,000-square-foot hangar that will be used as a maintenance hub for the growing fleet. Paragon Flight offers pilot training and education to people from around the world who want to fly for recreation or as a profession, including commercial, military and government pilots. The facility will bring education, employment, and economic development opportunities to Southwest Florida.
COLLIER AGRICULTURAL FAIR & EXPOSITION OPEN THROUGH MARCH 28
The Collier Agricultural Fair & Exposition opened the 45th annual fair on March 18, which continues through March 28, at the Collier Fairgrounds in Naples. The 2021 Collier Fair includes rides, a livestock exhibition, food and live entertainment. For more information including tickets, entertainment schedule and sponsorship opportunities, click here. The Collier Fair is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the community by promoting education and Southwest Florida agriculture while showcasing and rewarding youth achievement.
CAUSEWAY IMPROVEMENTS TOPIC OF VIRTUAL CHAMBER MEETING
Jesse Lavender, director of Lee County Parks & Recreation, will be the guest speaker at the next virtual business meeting of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, starting at noon on April 14. He will be informing chamber members about the upcoming beautification and enhancement projects that will follow erosion-control improvements on the Sanibel Causeway. The county and state will share the cost of the estimated $8.5 million upgrades, which will improve the safety and recreational value of the two causeway islands. The Sanibel-Captiva chamber will send its members Zoom invitations to register for the virtual event. When members RSVP, they will receive a link to the Zoom meeting in advance. The chamber currently seeks a sponsor for the meeting. For more information about sponsoring or registering for the April business meeting, contact John Lai at john@sanibel-captiva.org.
IRON RIDGE INSURANCE SERVICES ANNOUNCES MOVE TO LARGER OFFICE
Iron Ridge Insurance Services, a boutique independent property and casualty insurance agency, on March 3 moved to a larger office at Alico Lakes Commons at 17595 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 107, Fort Myers, in south Lee County. The new location will accommodate the agency’s recent expansion. “Iron Ridge’s business increased about 30% last year, and our team has also grown significantly,” said Norman Lutz, Iron Ridge CEO. “Our new office will allow for even more expansion so we can continue providing our clients a high level of customer service.” For the safety of Iron Ridge clients and staff, the office is currently open by appointment only.
GATES CONSTRUCTION COMPLETES THE HAMILTON AT LAKESIDE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY
Gates Construction has completed The Hamilton at Lakeside, a 144,539-square-foot luxury Green Certified residential community located at 2250 Blue Hesper Drive in Kissimmee, Florida. The Hamilton at Lakeside consists of two four-story buildings, totaling 108 units, that offer one and two-bedroom smart-technology apartment homes. In addition to the residential buildings, the new clubhouse features a meeting room, community lounge with a game center, fitness center with locker rooms and sauna, and rooms for weightlifting, aerobics, spinning, and yoga. Resort-inspired amenities include a multi-purpose sports court, swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor pavilion with kitchen, BBQ grills, seating area, and fire pits. The surrounding gardens offer benches, water features, a dog wash and dog park. Ample parking is also offered with 196 parking spaces, including 30 covered carports. Architectural design services were provided by GLA-ATL LLC.
CBIA HONORS 18 PARADE OF HOMES WINNERS DURING VIRTUAL PRESENTATION
The Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) presented 18 Overall Excellence in Construction, Design and Merit Awards at its Multi-Site Parade of Homes (POH) awards presentation held virtually at 4:30 p.m. on March 17. The 2021 CBIA Parade of Homes, which began on Friday, is continuing through March 26-28, from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Some models are available by appointment only. The 2021 Parade of Homes offers 39 fully decorated model homes constructed by 12 of Southwest Florida home builders located within 24 different communities. For the virtual awards presentation and more information, click here.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FGCU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Applications are open to join the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association Board of Directors. Board members promote and assist with programs and attend key alumni events, inspiring other graduates to give their time, talents and financial support to academic programs, research and service opportunities. Applications close on April 9. To apply, click here.
SANIBEL STEM CAMP OFFERS GIRLS HANDS-ON SCIENCE EDUCATION
Many girls spent spring break at a STEM camp in Sanibel focusing on science, field methods and learning how to use lab equipment. Two marine scientists, both women, run the free camp that they say gives the girls confidence they might not always have in the classroom. Last week, they collected sediment to study ancient hurricanes and studied plastic pollutants in water samples. The girls say it was a great way to try out a field they might want to pursue. The camp was a partnership between Florida Gulf Coast University and Sanibel Sea School, which hosts various camps during the summer, including one on marine science, WINK News reports.
DESALVO NAMED PARTNER AT FAMILY FIRST LEGAL GROUP
Family First Legal Group has named Terry DeSalvo Jr. as partner. DeSalvo has become the firm’s first partner. He has devoted most of his young career to solely practicing family law in Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties. DeSalvo was also recently selected to the 2021 Super Lawyers Florida Rising Stars list, an honor reserved for lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice and are under 40 years old. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida
CHARITABLE NOTES
Video courtesy of WINK News
Collier County Special Olympics able to continue thanks to help from businesses
The Special Olympics is all about overcoming challenges. However, it takes more than just grit to be able to participate. It also takes donations. Businesses are stepping in to help with funding after the pandemic garnered fewer donations than usual. Brent Pleeter of South Street restaurant in Naples teamed up with Naples Nissan to help the kids. The money raised with their “Just For Kicks” fundraiser through April 5 will help give the Special Olympics kids uniforms, housing and training so they can compete in the 2022 USA games hosted in Orlando, WINK News reports.
Bowling Management Associates supports SWFL veterans
Bowling Management Associates owners Pat and Lisa Ciniello presented a $30,000 check to help local veterans through the Home Base organization of Southwest Florida. The money was raised through a variety of efforts at the company’s six bowling centers in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties over a one-month period. The funds will support the Warrior Health & Fitness program operated by Home Base in Collier and Lee counties.
Charity Golf Classic scheduled May 6 at River Hall
Registration is now open for a player spot in the 10th Goodwill Golf Classic. The annual four-person scramble is slated for May 6 at the River Hall Country Club. Proceeds benefit programs and services offered through Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida that help people with disabilities and disadvantages remove barriers to independence. Players will tee off at 8:30 a.m. on the 18-hole course, which is a Davis Love III design. After golf, a BBQ lunch will be provided and trophies will be awarded. The top prize will be a $7,500 golf vacation to play at Pebble Beach. Dozens of other prizes will be available through course contests and raffles. The cost is $125 per player or $500 per foursome. A limited number of sponsorships are available. Players and sponsors can register online here.
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