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HONOR YOUR BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE
Is your business celebrating a future anniversary milestone in 2021-2022? Gulfshore Business magazine will be recognizing businesses that have helped make Southwest Florida a vibrant community through their success and longevity in our marketplace. Please send your business anniversary milestone dates to anniversary@
Friday, May 7
Video courtesy of WINK News
UNEMPLOYMENT TAKES TOLL ON MENTAL HEALTH OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDIANS
Although the jobless rate has dropped by more than half since last May, the effects of unemployment and underemployment weigh heavily on people. “Many people do go into depression, they have feelings of worthlessness,” said Dr. Alise Bartley, who runs the Community Counseling Center at Florida Gulf Coast University. “And, if you’re not in a good place, it’s really hard to put your best foot forward to be able to interview for a job.” A Pew Research survey shows 70% of people without jobs now say it has left them more stressed, 56% say they’re having to deal with anxiety and depression, and 81% say they feel lost, they’re arguing more with loved ones, and they’re experiencing other emotional issues, WINK News reports.
Thursday, May 6
DATA SHOWS PEOPLE FAVORING MOVE TO SWFL OVER OTHER PARTS OF STATE
The pandemic has created many challenges, but it also changed the way we live and work. Some are choosing to make their vacations permanent and move to Southwest Florida full-time to work remotely. CityLab found that most people moving to the state are moving to Southwest Florida. Mapping the percentage of change during the pandemic compared to the year prior, CityLab provided ratios for the number of people moving in divided by the number moving out of areas. The top areas in the region ranked by their percentage of growth include Clewiston (10.8%), Naples/Marco Island (9.7%), Punta Gorda (8.1%), Northport/Sarasota/Bradenton (7.3%) and Cape Coral/Fort Myers (6%).
Wednesday, May 5
HERTZ RECEIVES REVISED REORGANIZATION PROPOSAL FOR CHAPTER 11 EXIT
Estero-based Hertz Global Holdings Inc. confirmed Tuesday that it has received a revised proposal from affiliates of Knighthead Capital Management LLC, Certares Opportunities LLC, and Apollo Capital Management LP to provide equity capital required to fund Hertz’s exit from Chapter 11. The revised proposal contemplates funding Hertz’s plan of reorganization through direct common stock investments aggregating $2.9 billion, direct preferred stock investments aggregating $1.5 billion and a rights offering to raise $1.36 billion. The revised proposal includes an amended plan of reorganization that contemplates payment in full of all secured and unsecured funded debt and provides holders of common stock with 50 cents per share in cash and either 10-year warrants for an aggregate of 10% of the reorganized company or, for eligible stockholders, the possibility of subscribing for shares of common stock in the rights offering. The revised proposal is subject to a number of conditions including approval by the bankruptcy court. Hertz’s board of directors has not yet made any determination regarding the revised proposal, the company reports.
Tuesday, May 4
LEE HEALTH NOW OFFERS COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENTS TO AGES 16 AND UP
Anyone over the age of 16 can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Lee Health, as of April 30. The vaccination clinic is open to the community; you do not need to be a Lee Health patient to get the vaccine. Lee Health recently received a shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which is approved for use in those 16 years old and above. You can schedule your appointment by visiting here. A parent or authorized guardian must accompany a minor for vaccination. All self-scheduling appointments must be made online, and Lee Health asks that you not call the hospitals or physician offices to inquire about vaccine appointments as it overwhelms the phone system and keeps others from reaching the health system for their care. A mask is required to enter any Lee Health facility.
Monday, May 3
Video courtesy of WINK News
FGCU SET TO LAUNCH ACADEMY FOR STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
A first-of-its-kind program in Southwest Florida will help students with intellectual disabilities transition from high school to college. FGCU’s new Soaring Eagle Academy will teach them how to become independent in the real world, WINK News reports. A similar program offered in nearly 300 schools nationwide consists of 39 credit hours over six consecutive semesters. Students attend classes, have homework and learn how to live independently. Applications are being accepted now for the FGCU program, which begins in August. To apply, click here.
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