ORDER TO SHUTTER NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES FAILS IN COLLIER COUNTY
An executive order to temporarily close non-essential businesses in Collier County because of the coronavirus unanimously failed Friday afternoon during a special emergency meeting of county commissioners. After more than 30 residents spoke against aspects of the order during the nearly four-hour meeting, commissioners talked about delaying a vote until next week before eventually shooting down the proposal made by county staff. The measure also mandated that residents stay in their homes, and would have closed the county to all tourists and leisure visitors for three weeks. State Rep. Byron Donalds of Naples was one of the public speakers against the executive order, telling county officials that he doesn’t think they have the authority to enact a stay-at-home order. He implied that the local order was eroding rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. Meanwhile, Lee County has an emergency meeting related to the pandemic scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday.
PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT DUE DATE EXTENDED
Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale has issued an emergency order to extend the final due date for property tax payments for the 2019 tax year. Order of Emergency Waiver/Deviation #20-52-DOR-001 applies to all 67 Florida counties. Property tax is normally due by March 31 in the year following the year the taxes are assessed. The Department waives the due date so that payments remitted by April 15, 2020, for the 2019 tax year will be considered timely paid. Property taxpayers can visit the official Lee County Tax Collector website to complete their payment online. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 16 directed the Department of Revenue to provide flexibility on tax due dates to assist those adversely affected by COVID-19. In addition, Zingale issued Emergency order #20-52-DOR-002 in relation to filing deadlines for Florida businesses. Taxpayers adversely affected by COVID-19 are encouraged to send questions to COVID19TAXHELP@floridarevenue.com. For more information, click here.
COLLIER AMONG PLACES WITH MOST PURCHASING POWER
Collier County ranked No. 6 in SmartAsset’s “Places with the Most Purchasing Power” study for Florida. The study compared median income and cost of living data to find the counties where people hold the most purchasing power. Collier County was listed with $37,855 in cost of living, $62,407. In median income, and a purchasing power index of 61.47. The full study results, methodology, and interactive map can be found here.
SUNSHINE ACE HARDWARE FEATURES SAFETY SHIELDS
Sunshine Ace Hardware has responded to a heightened awareness of social distancing and safety precautions by installing safety shields around registers at all of its locations along Florida’s west coast. The company challenged store managers and teams to develop an innovative solution that would help protect customers and associates from potentially spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19). Barriers used metal, PVC pipe and wood to support plexiglass and plastic shields. Shortly after Sunshine Ace Hardware launched the installation of its plastic barriers in mid-March, other major retailers, including Publix, Winn-Dixie and Kroger, began installing similar devices in their stores. Each of Sunshine Ace Hardware’s locations remains open to serve the community, with slight amendments to store hours that are allowing ample time for thorough cleaning and restocking. Additionally, Sunshine Ace Hardware has announced free pickup and curbside services at all stores, as well as online delivery options, to meet the needs of the communities it serves. For more details, visit AceHardware.com.
MILLENNIAL BREWING LAUNCHES DELIVERY SERVICE
Millennial Brewing Co. has launched a delivery service to select zip codes in Lee County. Effective immediately, this comes after discussions with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) about its interpretation of executive orders to include breweries. Millennial Brewing will deliver growlers, six-packs of bottles, merchandise, beer soap and all items listed on the ordering site to the following zip codes: 33901, 33907, 33919, 33916, 33903, 33990, 33904, and 33966. The microbrewery’s reach is expected to expand next week when canning equipment arrives, providing staff with more product for delivery. The minimum order for delivery is $30, with a $5 delivery fee. Delivery windows may vary from the confirmation, based on product availability and routes. Orders placed after 7 p.m. may be delivered the next business day, with some exceptions. All customers must be present to receive their delivery, as well as present a government-issued ID and the credit card used to purchase the order. For more information, call Millennial Brewing at (239) 271-2255 or visit its Facebook page.
NAPLES RESTAURANTS OFFER DISCOUNTS TO TEACHERS, HEALTHCARE WORKERS
The French Brasserie and Osteria Tuliain Naples are offering teachers and healthcare workers a 15% discount on take-out orders at either restaurant. For details, call (239) 325-4019, or visit the linked websites.
ONLINE HARASSMENT PREVENTION TRAINING OFFERED
The Sky’s The Limit Consulting Inc. in Estero has launched self-paced online learning programs. Its first eLearning course, “Harassment Prevention Training,” is being offered in two versions, an hour session for all staff, and a two-hour session for all supervisory staff. At the end of either version, each participant is awarded a certificate of completion. As of January 2020, five U.S. states have already legislated mandatory workplace harassment prevention training, according to a press release. This must take place at least once every two years for employers in both public and private sectors. Employers who must comply will vary among the jurisdictions based on the number of employees and other factors. For more information, click here.
CAPE CORAL DANCE STUDIO OFFERS CLASSES VIA VIDEO
Dance Dimensions in Cape Coral Owner/Instructor Misty Christopher is using video-conferencing technology to continue dance lessons. Classes continue using Zoom video-call software, allowing teachers to direct classes and offer personal instruction without endangering public health. Groups as big as 15 participate in the same virtual studio. The studio also shares recordings online through a private Facebook page. In addition, Dance Dimensions has partnered with CLI Studios in California to provide exclusive content for studio members. Content is also available on Dance Dimensions’ Facebook page.
CHARITABLE NOTES
The Salvation Army calls for donations
The Salvation Army is asking for help in resupplying its pantry. Supplies in high demand include any type of food, especially non-perishables; toilet paper; paper towels; hand sanitizer; cleaning supplies; diapers and wipes; and infant formula. The Salvation Army’s drop-off location is 2400 Edison Ave., Fort Myers.
Images from the Gator100 Awards on Friday, February 28, 2020 at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, FL. Photo by Brad McClenny/Matt Pendleton Photography for UF Alumni Association
ON THE MOVE
DeAngelis Diamond selected to Gator100 fourth year in a row
DeAngelis Diamond was listed on the University of Florida’s (UF) 2020 Gator100 for the fourth consecutive year. The company ranked No. 39, a 56-spot jump from its previous ranking of No. 95. The results were announced during a ceremony on Feb. 28 at UF’s Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The Gator100 recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UF alumni. Co-founders John DeAngelis and David Diamond graduated from UF’s M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management. For more information, visit deangelisdiamond.com.
Spoondrift Island Bowls celebrates one-year anniversary
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce on March 6 celebrated member Spoondrift Island Bowls’ one-year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting at its location in Bailey Center on Sanibel Island. Known for its healthy “fast food,” Spoondrift owners got their start at local farmers’ markets and decided to move into a brick-and-mortar storefront when the space opened last year, says Malia Samson, who operates the eatery with parents Jeff and Kathy and the assistance of five part-time employees. Spoondrift specializes in poke bowls that customers can tailor to their specific tastes by mixing and matching proteins, starches or greens, veggies and fruits, sauces, and other condiments. It also serves a selection of six signature bowls. The ahi tuna OG Bowl is most popular, says Samson. For more information, visit sanibel-captiva.org.
The Club at Gateway renovation nears completion
The Club at Gateway’s renovation project is nearing completion. Its new, resort-style swimming pool is awaiting finishing touches, which will be complimented by new landscaping, irrigation, lighting and sound components and pavers. The fitness center drywall has been completed, the flooring is scheduled to be installed and all the new aerobics and weight and TRX strength training equipment delivered the end of March. A large array of fitness and water aerobics classes will also be provided for members as part of the club’s new fitness program. The fitness center will include with a separate spinning and aerobics room. The drywall in the main dining room, outdoor dining and outdoor bar areas have been completed. All bar and service equipment are being installed along with all the lighting and audiovisual components. The outdoor bar will be tiled and include a bar top. The new exhibition kitchen with the pizza oven is almost complete. When finished, the renovation will also include a 1,600 bottle glass wine cellar in the lobby area and a private wine room for dining and entertaining. New fresh paint and roof tile stain on all the buildings has been added. Various club amenities have remained open for members during the renovations.
