Final Week!
Help the Cape Coral Caring Center Help the Community
Hurricane Irma damaged the Cape Coral Caring Center, but that hasn't stopped it from working overtime to collect food for 600-plus families for recovery and for the holidays.
The Caring Center provides a food pantry for families in need, and those seeking help has tripled since the hurricane in early September. Please do what you can to help the Center help the community in this time of need, and through the holidays ahead, with your donation of nonperishable food and household supplies, or online donations.
The City of Cape Coral has opened City Hall and eight fire stations as additional drop-off sites. Donations can be dropped off through Friday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m.
Drop-Off Sites and Times
Cape Coral City Hall,
1015 Cultural Park Blvd., M-F 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Cape Coral Wellness Center, 609 SE 13 Court, M-F 5 am to 9 pm
Connect Hearing, 1722 Del Prado Blvd., M-F 8:30 am to 5 pm
Quality Automotive, 875 Cape Coral Pkwy. E., M-F 8 am to 6 pm
Premier Insurance, 1326 Cape Coral Pkwy. E., M-F 8 am to 5 pm
Raso Realty, 4812 Cape Coral St., M-F 9 am to 5 pm
Iberia Bank, 812 Del Prado Blvd., M-F 8 am to 4 pm
Miloff Aubuchon Real Estate, 1811 Cape Coral Pkwy. E., M-F 9 am to 6 pm
Experience Family Chiropractic, 2378 Surfside Blvd., A133, Mon., Wed., Thurs., 10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm; Tues. 3 pm to 6 pm
CC Fire Station 1, 4610 Coronado Pkwy., M-F 9 am to 8 pm
CC Fire Station 2, 701 Nicholas Pkwy., M-F 9 am to 8 pm
CC Fire Station 3, 1627 Everest Pkwy., M-F 9 am to 8 pm
CC Fire Station 4, 2007 Santa Barbara Blvd., M-F 9 am to 8 pm
CC Fire Station 5, 1029 Diplomat Pkwy., M-F 9 am to 8 pm
CC Fire Station 6, 4540 Chiquita Blvd., M-F 9 am to 8 pm
CC Fire Station 8, 707 SW 1st St., M-F 9 am to 8 pm
CC Fire Station 9, 4107 Pelican Blvd., M-F 9 am to 8 pm
The Center also accepts online donations. For every dollar donated, the Center is able to distribute $8 worth of goods. The Cape Coral Caring Center building suffered roof damage when high winds caused two rooftop A/C units to topple over. The A/C units need replacing and the fairly new roof still needs repairs.
The Center has insurance, though it's facing a deductible of $15,000, says executive director Julie Ferguson. "That's a huge expense for a non-profit like us," she says.
Find out more or to make an online donation for building repairs or general donations: Cape Coral Caring Center
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If you want to be in the know for the New Year, head to the annual Catch the Vision Real Estate Look Forward for 2018 to learn about new jobs coming to Cape Coral, as well as developments, trends and food and night-life establishments. Be inspired by success stories from local entrepreneurs and go behind the scenes with newscasts from different corners of the city.
Event: Tuesday, Nov. 14, Cape Christian Fellowship, 2110 Chiquita Blvd., Cape Coral. Trade show opens at 5 p.m. with programs beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Catch the Vision is open to the public. Residents are encouraged to attend and learn all they can about the city they call home. The $15 entry ticket includes a light dinner, goody bags, prizes, a resource book with sponsor and valuable City of Cape Coral information, including zoning and flood maps and city directories. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Cape Coral Caring Center Holiday Food Drive.
Contact Linda Biondi or Gloria Tate at (239) 542-2254 or linda@rasorealty.com and gloria@rasorealty.com.
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New Cape Coral Businesses
254
new businesses registered for Cape Coral
Business Licenses
in August and September 2017.
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Cape Coral Technical College Open House
Considering a new career or joining the workforce? Find out about all the offerings at Cape Coral Technical College during its open house on Nov. 4. Then mark your calendar for the Nov. 14 job fair featuring 30-plus employers in a range of industries. Job Fair Open House: Tuesday, Nov. 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
360 Santa Barbara Blvd. N. * Cape Coral * (239) 574-4440
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Stay Informed: Post-Hurricane Key Dates
Make sure you have covered all of the bases when it comes to your home and business. Here are key dates you need to know:
City of Cape Hurricane Irma Permit Fee Waivers: The Cape Coral City Council adopted a resolution temporarily waives base permit fees for permit applications related to repairing or replacing seawalls, pool enclosures, fences, sheds, roofs, or electrical systems damaged by Hurricane Irma submitted between Oct. 3 through Dec. 29. For more information: Cape Coral Permitting
FEMA Assistance: For disaster assistance from the FEMA, individuals can register online at Disaster Assistance, use the FEMA app or call (800) 621-3361. Applicants will receive a unique number once registration is complete-save this number. For information about what to expect after you register online click here. The registration deadline is Nov. 10.
Small Business Administration (SBA): Individuals may qualify for assistance from the SBA even if they are not a business. Register online at SBA Disaster Relief by Nov. 9.
Seawall Damage: For assistance, review this press release from Lee County Emergency Management. For information concerning PACE financing, City staff are reviewing providers and gathering information. Once finalized, interlocal agreements must be entered into with the providers and approved by Council. More information to come.
Mortgage Assistance: There may be mortgage assistance available to homeowners impacted by Hurricane Irma. Each lender is different. Contact your mortgage company for relief options and specifics. For more information, visit the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
North 2 Utilities Extension Project (UEP): The City extended the prepayment period for property owners in the North 2 UEP with no added interest costs. The initial prepayment period is extended to Oct. 31. The "second" prepayment period begins Nov. 1 and continues through July 31. Property owners can prepay any assessments or capital facility charges during this period; however, interest costs will be added to the assessments.
Cape Coral Parks & Rec: Some parks and athletic fields that remained closed or partially closed as of Oct. 10:
Arts Studio - Building #1 (gallery, kilns, clay & glass labs) is open and offering limited fall classes. Building #2 (main office, gift shop, supply store, jewelry and painting labs) are closed through October while repairs are made. Information: (239) 574-0802.
Bernice Braden Park - closed
BMX Park - Ballfields closed
Yacht Club Community Park - The boat ramp and pavilion remain closed. Open for regular business hours: Rotino Center, Yacht Club Main Building, Yacht Club Pool, Tennis Courts, Beach, Pier and Boathouse
Park updates: (239) 573-3128
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Mark Your Calendar for Fun
Mark your calendar to gather family and friends for Cape Coral's signature event, the weekend-long Cape Coral Coconut Festival at Sun Splash Family Waterpark.
Dates:
Thursday, Nov. 9 through Sunday, Nov. 12
Admission is free on Thursday; $7 for general admission, free child with paid adult, or $5 with a valid college ID for the rest of the weekend. The weekend features entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks, great food and national performers. Highlights include:
Friday is COCO Country Night: The Young Bucks of Country with Grayson Rogers and three national artists: Walker Hayes, Russell Dickerson and High Valley. Fireworks!
Saturday is COCO Rock Night: On the Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute; Refugee: Tom Petty Tribute Band, and Vince Neil: The Voice of Motley Crue. Fireworks!
Sunday is COCO Family Day: Bring the whole family and enjoy great food and rides.
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Contact Us
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Cape Coral Economic Development Office
Dana Brunett
Nita Whaley
Karen Ramos
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| Economic Development News |
Message From Your EDO Manager
The Irma Aftermath
Well, we're into that time of the year when visitors come to Florida. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma decided to pay us a visit and she was not a welcomed guest. She was loud and messy and created a large interruption into our daily lives. But, with all of that, Cape Coral made out fairly well compared to our neighbors to the south and the east.
Building damage was minimal and power outages and debris were the main results impacting our community. I understand that all was not rosy but, in the grand scheme of things, a good result considering we were bracing for a Category 4 hurricane at landfall.
The amazing thing to me, as a first-timer, was the way our citizens worked together before and after the storm to button up homes and secure worksites. Our first responders are trained for these events and it showed, and it was very heartwarming for me to see people stepping up to help complete strangers.
Post-storm, when our office was constantly posting updates and working to find open businesses, our community reached out with updates through our social media sites and emails. This communication was very important to us and to our audience as we were able to let you, the public, know what stores and restaurants were open so you could get access to essential goods and services.
We made it out this time, understanding that there is always the possibility for the next time. Nonetheless, it's good to know that Cape Coral, its first responders, its leadership and its citizens are ready to overcome these events with preparation and resilience.
Sincerely,
Dana Brunett
City of Cape Coral
Economic Development Manager
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Samaritan Health & Wellness:
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The low-cost medical clinic for the working poor is having an open house Nov. 4.
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Samaritan Health & Wellness is a primary care and behavioral health clinic in Cape Coral that offers affordable healthcare to the uninsured. It offers full primary care services, in addition to a wide range of counseling and prevention programs.
Samaritan Health & Wellness was founded almost three years ago by Dr. Susan K. Hook. Hook, who has an advanced Doctor of Nursing Practice, previously worked at Lee Health. During her career in a traditional hospital setting, Hook became concerned about healthcare costs and wanted to integrate holistic treatment into patient care. The center offers integrated health services focused on the mind, body and spirit, with Hook the primary care provider.
The Christ-centered nonprofit serves more than 4,000 patients through Samaritan's primary care services, in addition to seven mental health and prevention programs provided by licensed medical, mental health and pastoral professionals. Offering affordable care is the center's goal, with an initial visit priced at $55 and following visits at $50. The clinic offers SamariCARE, a healthcare plan available for the working uninsured and underinsured who struggle to access primary and behavioral care.
Board-certified advanced registered nurse practitioner Carmen M. Sylvester recently joined Samaritan following 18 years practicing in Lee and Collier counties, bringing her experience, compassion and broad knowledge to the center.
Samaritan is hosting an anniversary celebration with music, raffles and food on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Su Casa: 15 Years of Eclectic Décor
Su Casa, an eclectic furniture boutique in the South Cape, is celebrating its 15th year. Su Casa boasts a unique collection of coastal decor, ranging from stylish tables to quirky art pieces by local artists. Owner Judy Heller is on a mission is to supply Su Casa with new and interesting pieces that look good but won't break the bank.
After Heller moved to Cape Coral, she noticed that the stores where she shopped for décor seemed to carry the same things. The experience inspired her, along with her mother, Lucy, and her sister, Debbie, to open a vibrant Cape Coral boutique offering eclectic furnishings and accents with a nod to the region's coastal ambiance. And filling this niche has proven successful. When Heller brings in especially unique pieces, they usually sell quickly. "I found a three-foot-wide white metal cow with multicolored polka dots once," says Heller. "It lasted a day in the shop!"
Heller works with about half a dozen local artists who display and sell pieces ranging from canvas paintings of burrowing owls to whimsical fish on glass, wooden 'Cape Coral' signs, and shell art. Su Casa is also known for the colorful Adirondack chairs that are on display by the storefront.
When it comes to interior ideas, Heller and her sister are happy to give suggestions and a little guidance, helping homeowners work with what they have and fill in the missing pieces with unique items from Su Casa. "Sometimes, one fabulous piece is all that's needed to make a room," says Heller.
Running a business in Cape Coral has been a positive experience for Heller. "The people are unbelievably kind and customers are loyal," says Judy. "I love being by the water, but it's really the people. They are welcoming, down-to-earth and helpful."
1232 Cape Coral Pkwy E * Cape Coral * (239) 945-0606
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Gulf Coast Village Opens Palmview with Plans for Regional Expansion
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| Palmview dining room at Gulf Coast Village |
Gulf Coast Village has been a landmark continuing care retirement community in Cape Coral for 27 years, but its new Palmview residence is a new kid on the block heralding forward-thinking planning.
Palmview is a 128-unit assisted living and memory support facility that opened in April and was filled to half of its capacity by late summer. The 131,000-square-foot community is designed for adults aged 62 and older, with 80 assisted living and 48 memory care residences featuring one- and two-bedroom plans.
The geriatric healthcare industry is seeing growth nationally and locally in all sectors: independent, assisted and memory care. "The market certainly continues to telegraph to us that there's a need for housing on a campus like Gulf Coast Village," says Kevin Ahmadi, executive director of Gulf Coast Village. Palmview was built as part of a three-phase redevelopment project at Gulf Coast Village, and was designed with flexible space on the third floor. What is now memory care can be converted to skilled nursing if that need rises precipitously. "We're positioned for tomorrow's residents," Ahmadi says. "We wanted that flexibility. Three, four, five years from now, none of us can predict what the market will demand."
The $30 million project is just one piece of a larger, regional expansion plan, says Ahmadi. Plans are being ushered through the planning process to build a community in Fort Myers with 75 skilled nursing beds and 38 assisted living units, followed by an 80-unit independent living residence in the second phase. Gulf Coast Village, operated as a nonprofit by the faith-based Volunteers of America, is also building the 295-unit Colonnade of Estero for continuing care on 22 acres.
Even with this growth, the need may continue to outpace services in Southwest Florida. Ahmadi heard a recent estimate that "40 percent of assisted living units are currently under construction" in the area. To build a new nursing home or hospice facility, operators need to receive a "certificate of need" from the state. The retiring baby boom generation, coupled with the rapid rise in dementia and Alzheimer's diagnoses, means that the need for senior services will remain high.
Gulf Coast Village is the only provider of its kind that allows people to also sign up for its program to age in place at home, utilizing short-term assistance up to 24-hour in-home care, called Seniors Choice at Home. When all of Gulf Coast Village's communities are open, Ahmadi says they will have a combined 982 units and 750 employees, making it one of the largest employers in Lee County. "One thing I have always appreciated, is that as a nonprofit organization, the revenues we generate stay here in this community," says Ahmadi, who's been at Gulf Coast Village's helm for 14 years.
Gulf Coast Village
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1333 Santa Barbara Blvd
* Cape Coral * (239) 772-1333 *
Gulf Coast Village
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By Russ Winstead, CBA, CFM, CGBP
Florida Small Business Development Center
It's a time to be grateful for being spared some of the predictions Cape Coral was facing in the face of Hurricane Irma. While some areas of Southwest Florida were hard hit-from both a personal and a business standpoint-we all know that it could have potentially been much worse.
Nonetheless, we still have issues and unique challenges to deal with. We had about two weeks ripped out of our daily lives and replaced with storm preparation, evacuation of families or customers, business closure, and restoration and clean-up.
As I traveled around the region visiting and helping businesses recover, I met many people who were experiencing tremendous stress and were wondering, "What do I do next?" At the same time, those who experienced little damage jumped in and found a way to help others.
Today, we are a month and a half away from the storm, but here are some items you need to review:
* Did you inspect for damage, make a list and contact your insurance company?
* Have you registered with FEMA (fema.gov) and reviewed what support they offer against your specific needs?
* What do you need to get fully operational again? Make a list and a plan to address each item.
* Did you document physical property losses, financial losses and lost business?
* Do you need financial help to move forward?
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is offering an interest-free loan for small business and citrus owners who experienced physical and/or economic damage as a result of the storm. Small business owners can qualify for up to $50,000 and citrus growers up to $150,000. For details: Florida Bridge Loan Program
If you need longer-term financial support, consult the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a personal or business loan with terms up to 30 years. For details: SBA Disaster Assistance
In addition to helping you understand and apply to some of the loans listed above, the SBDC can consult with you on all the other things you may need to do to get back up and running again. Also, see Stay Informed: Post-Hurricane Key Dates in this newsletter.
Season is coming soon, so let's get the word out that Florida is ready. Let's make sure you are, too.
1020 Cultural Park Blvd. #3
(239) 573-2737
rwinstead@fgcu.edu
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Cape Coral Community Foundation Celebrates
Inaugural ENPY Awards
Several of the region's nonprofits and their leaders, supporters and partners were honored at the inaugural Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly Awards (ENPYs), presented by the Cape Coral Community Foundation on Oct. 18.
From a field of 27 finalists, one winner was named in each of seven categories:
Organization of the Year
, Community Cooperative;
Rising Organization of the Year
, Valerie's House;
Executive of the Year
, Samira Beckwith, Hope Healthcare;
Board Leader of the Year
, Dean Piccirillo, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce;
Employee of the Year
, Megan Feeney, Goodwill Industries of SWFL;
Volunteer of the Year
, Ingrid Fuller, Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida; and
Business Partner of the Year
, Smart Companies. In addition, the
Michel Doherty Community Impact Award
was presented to Jeanne Sweeney, and the
Paul Sanborn Service Above Self Award
went to James Gravedoni.
Congratulations to each of the winners, and to the Community Foundation for highlighting the hard work that local nonprofit leaders, donors and volunteers make in our community each day.
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Aubuchon Homes Wins Business Citizenship Award
When Gary and Jim Aubuchon accepted the 2017 Business Citizenship Award from the Horizon Council earlier this month, it was an especially meaningful award that spoke to Gary's personal philosophy as well as the Aubuchon Homes company culture.
Gary first became passionate about giving back in middle school, when friends asked him to take part in a March of Dimes Walk-a-thon. He had a paper route and asked all of his customers to give pledges based on how many miles he walked. When the day came, none of Gary's friends showed up, so he walked all 20 miles by himself. "At that point, the commitment was galvanized within me, not only to honor commitments, but when presented with an opportunity, to give back," he says.
The Business Citizenship Award is given to a company whose financial, volunteer and active involvement in community organizations and programs creates a better quality of life in Lee County.
Since this custom homebuilder got its start in 1992, Aubuchon Homes has raised more than $1 million for local charities.
Last year, the company built a home for a disabled Purple Heart veteran so he can live independently. More recently, Aubuchon Homes held a Builders Blitz for Habitat for Humanity, the first ever for Lee County. The team built the home in just one week.
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| Gary Aubuchon at a Habitat worksite |
Shortly after winning this Business Citizenship Award, Aubuchon Homes moved on to its next fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. "If anything, winning the Business Citizenship Award just propels our team to do even more," Gary says.
The other Cape Coral finalist for this award was The Florida Skin Center, founded by Dr. Anais Badia in 2001 with an office on Del Prado Boulevard, and offices in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres.
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Helping Hands for the Holidays
Aubuchon Homes is hosting "Helping Hands for the Holidays" for the 19th year. This special kick-off to the holiday season will be held on Monday, Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m. Funds raised will go to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Builders Care.
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| Resources |
Goodwill MicroEnterprise Program
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