This monthly newsletter is produced in effort to keep you better informed and engaged about the work of your Fort Myers CRA. |
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FY 2020-2021 Fort Myers CRA Budget Adopted
Fort Myers CRA's budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021 was adopted at the Board of Commissioners meeting on September 23, 2020.
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Far Above: Video of Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Above: CRA Leadership pose in front of the Luminary Board. L to R: Commissioner Randall P. Henderson, Jr., Commissioner Kevin Anderson, Commissioner Gaile Anthony, Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry, Chair Fred Burson, Commissioner Teresa Watkins Brown. Not represented: Commissioner Johnny W. Streets, Jr., Commissioner Terolyn Watson. (Video & Photo Courtesy of Luminary Hotel.) |
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Luminary Hotel & Co & Caloosa Sound Open!
The Luminary Hotel & Co officially opened on September 23, 2020. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on September 17, 2020. The Luminary Hotel & Co is home to the signature Silver King Ocean Brasserie, the Beacon Social Drinkery rooftop lounge, The Workshop culinary theater, an indoor and outdoor fitness facility, Ella Mae’s Diner and retail space at street level, and a pool area on the fourth floor overlooking the Caloosahatchee River. The hotel also offers more than 8,000 square feet of function space and is connected to the neighboring Caloosa Sound Convention Center.
The $91 million Luminary Hotel & Co., an Autograph Marriott Collection hotel, was built by Mainsail Lodging & Development. The 12-story hotel features 243 guest rooms, 210 parking spaces, and ground-level retail spaces. This project, located next to the Downtown River Basin between Edwards Drive and Bay Street, was awarded a $2.6 million tax rebate/loan agreement. Adjacent Caloosa Sound Convention Center, a rehabilitation of the former Harborside Event Center, was officially opened on September 19, 2020.
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Business Spotlight: Babyland Christian Academy |
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Babyland Christian Academy, located at 2329 Union Street, Suite 1, is a newer business located in the Downtown redevelopment area. They provide Early Learning Coalition (ELC), Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) education, and accept children from ages 6-weeks through 7 years old.
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Florida Repertory Theatre Moving Forward in 2020
The Florida Repertory Theatre presented a compelling presentation to the Fort Myers CRA, which described their year in review and their impact on the community. The CRA was thrilled to hear of their commitment to provide first-class regional theatre for Southwest Florida, despite the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Far Above: Before picture of Royal Palm Gardens Apartments, when it was known as Jones Walker Apartments. Above: Construction underway at Royal Palm Gardens Apartments. |
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Royal Palm Gardens Apartments
Renovation work at Royal Palm Gardens Apartments, formerly Jones Walker Apartments, is currently progressing on schedule. Third phase residents moved back to the property (24 units), and the fourth and final phase of unit work (24 units) is now underway. The fourth phase of unit work is expected to be completed in October. The community room/office area work has been completed, and the landscaping and site work will be starting in the next week or so.
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Above: Interior renovations at Royal Palm Gardens Apartments. |
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Bruce Grady Reappointed to Advisory Board
Mr. Bruce Grady has been reappointed to serve on the CRA Advisory Board. He has served the citizens of Fort Myers in this capacity since 2008.
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Shop Small for Fall!
Come on down to the River District and Shop Small for Fall! The River District Alliance (RDA) has coordinated an array of socially-distant non-events in October to help you enjoy shopping and dining as our weather cools.
It's Great! Enjoy The Great Artist Pumpkin Trail, Great Pumpkins, The Great Pumpkin Patch, The Great Selfie, and Great Tricks & Treats as you stroll Downtown in October.
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SWFEC Develops Home Base Businesses Outreach
The Southwest Florida Enterprise Center (SWFEC) has developed the Helping Your Home Base Business outreach to assist many home-run companies. These companies may not have been eligible for COVID-19 grant programs because they lacked a local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) even though being registered with the State of Florida. The outreach encourages home base businesses to use SWFEC services, to register their business with the City and County, and legitimize their business on Sunbiz.org. The Enterprise Center is also offering more virtual office rental, additional classes, and help initiate more BTRs through the City's Community Development Department.
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October: The Final Month to Respond to the 2020 Census
Don't miss your final chance to participate in the 2020 Census! October 31, 2020, is your deadline to make sure that you count. Your response can make a difference in your neighborhood - participating in the Census every decade ensures that Fort Myers receives its share of federal funding.
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