Greater Fort Myers Chamber Of Commerce: Fort Myers CRA Approves Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget

Press release from Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:

2021-09-28

Fort Myers CRA Approves Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget

The Board of Commissioners (BOC) has approved the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Revised Proposed Budgets for the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center, Central, Cleveland Ave., Downtown, Downtown Debt Service, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. Redevelopment Areas. The new fiscal year spans October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

Contact:
Fort Myers CRA
cra@cityftmyers.com
239-321-7100

Program Administrator:
Michael Mcguire
Catalyst Community Capital, Inc.
mike@catalystcd.com

Contact:
Fort Myers CRA
cra@cityftmyers.com
239-321-7100
Read more

CRA Revolving Housing Loan Program Approved

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) announces a Revolving Housing Loan Program available in the Cleveland Avenue and Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. redevelopment areas.

The fund is to be used exclusively for the purpose of supporting developers seeking to construct housing targeting individuals that make 100 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less.

“This is the final pillar of the Fort Myers CRA’s overall affordable housing strategy of services and we are excited to have it now available,” Executive Director, Fort Myers CRA, Michele Hylton-Terry said. “The revolving loan program is meant to incentivize the development of affordable housing options, something desperately needed in our district.”

$10,000 Forgivable Loans Available for Qualified Businesses!

Since the pandemic first began, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the Fort Myers small business community.

Recognizing the need to provide temporary assistance to the small businesses located within the Cleveland Avenue, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and Downtown redevelopment areas, the Fort Myers CRA created the City of Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Microenterprise Emergency Loan Program. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis intended to provide much-needed assistance to a limited number of businesses meeting the eligibility criteria.
Program Administrator:
Leigh Scrabis, Program Manager
Catalyst Community Capital, Inc.
leigh@catalystcd.com
239-209-4283

Contact:
Renee Turbeville, Redevelopment Specialist
Fort Myers CRA
239-321-7100

Business Spotlight: Studio 4:13

Studio 4:13, at 3903 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., is a new business in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. redevelopment area, sub-area 2 (in the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center). Studio 4:13 is a new innovative photography studio featuring Owner/Photographer Charlene De’Towe. They offer a variety of services, including personal and business photography, graphic design, and videography. Photography areas include couples, families, food, graduation, headshots, holidays, maternity, and special events.

Contact:
Studio 4:13
bookstudio413@gmail.com
239-464-2275

Business Spotlight: Applied Physics Laboratories LLC

Applied Physics Laboratories LLC is a legacy business located at 3905 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. redevelopment area, sub-area 2 in the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center (SWFEC). Operated by President Michael Gookin, five local employees, and a worldwide sales staff, the company has been open at SWFEC for 7 years and has been in business for 9 years altogether. GPS Timers began as GPS LightLock in 2011 as a student project in the engineering department of Florida Gulf Coast University in the Florida Everglades. Its objective was to remove the human element from lighting controls. When requests came from other industries for reliable timers to do more than switch lights, Applied Physics Laboratories LLC developed GPS Timers. Astrophysics algorithms are used to determine when to turn on and turn off lighting in parking lots, on signs, outside of homes, and for a number of other applications.”

Contact:
Applied Physics LLC
info@physics.us.com
239-848-6675

CRA Advisory Board Member Jami McCormick Recognized for Extraordinary Service

Fort Myers CRA Advisory Board Member Jami McCormick was recognized for her extraordinary service to the Agency and Advisory Board at the CRA’s Advisory Board meeting on September 1st.

Ms. McCormick served on the Board from April 2013 through September 2021. The Fort Myers CRA wishes to express their sincerest thanks for a job well done!

CRA Advisory Board Members Gerri Ware, Dr. Gerald Laboda, Advisory Board Chair Jarrett Eady, Advisory Board Member Jami McCormick, Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry, Advisory Board Member Michael Doyle.

Contact:
Fort Myers CRA
cra@cityftmyers.com
239-321-7100

Contact:
Fort Myers CRA
cra@cityftmyers.com
239-321-7100

Reappointed: CRA Advisory Board Member Gerri Ware

Fort Myers CRA Advisory Board Member Gerri Ware has been reappointed to for another three-year term, through September 30, 2024
Ms. Ware has faithfully served on the board since October 2014.

No-Cost Business Consulting at Enterprise Center

Southwest Florida Enterprise Center (SWFEC) and the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) have joined forces to offer no-cost business consulting Tuesday and Thursday mornings!

Businesses at SWFEC and those located within the City of Fort Myers can now schedule 30-minute to 1-hour business consulting sessions at SWFEC on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and Noon.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. – Noon
By appointment only
Southwest Florida Enterprise Center
3903 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Contact:
Southwest Florida Enterprise Center
239-321-7085

Let’s Get Back to Work Career Fair September 30

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida and Urban Strategies Inc. will hold a job fair on Thursday, September 30, at the Dr. Carrie Robinson Event Center.

Anyone seeking employment in Lee County is welcome. Several government agencies and private businesses will be on hand.

Participants are asked to dress professionally and bring resumes. Those needing help with resume writing or interviewing skills can make an appointment for assistance prior to the event at a Goodwill SWFL Community Resource Center (CRC) at www.goodwillswfl.org/CRCLocations or 239-693-9508 ext. 210.

Sept. 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dr. Carrie Robinson
Event Center
2990 Edison Ave.

Contact:
Tim Goodman
Employer Relations Specialist, Goodwill SWFL
timgoodman@goodwillswfl.org
239-995-2106 ext. 2501

Free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic – October 2

Premier Mobile Health Services will be hosting a free vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2856 Douglas Street. Free COVID-19 vaccinations will be by appointment only.

Getting vaccinated is easy as 1-2-3: Step 1 Call, Step 2 Set Appointment, and Step 3 Get Vaccinated. The public is encouraged to spread the word to friends, family and co-workers.
Oct. 2, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
By Appointment Only:
Call 239-222-1829 to Schedule
2990 Edison Ave.

Contact:
Nadine Singh, ARNP
Premier Mobile Health Services
premiermobilehs@gmail.com
239-222-1829

Studio 4:13 Grand Opening October 2

Join the red carpet event! Studio 4:13’s Grand Opening will be Saturday, October 2, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center. Ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 7:00 p.m. sharp, and the festivities will be topped off by prizes, raffles, and giveaways to those in attendance.

Oct. 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Studio 4:13 Photography Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Southwest Florida Enterprise Center
3903 Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd., Unit 7

Contact:
Charlene De’Towe, Owner/Photographer
Studio 4:13 Photography
bookstudio413@gmail.com
239-464-2275

Contact:
SoZo Wellness Pharmacy
info@sozo-pharmacy.com
239-488-2580

Congratulations IWMF Robotics Students!

The I Will Mentorship Foundation (IMWF) Robotics Team won First Place at the Global Innovation Awards for their design that assists the visually impaired.

Noting the lack of tools in this field, the IMWF developed PATHWAYS, an ultra-wideband (UWB) detector device with an integrated vibration motor module. When attached to the user’s cane, it automatically runs software that scans for UWB beacons. Pathways uses the detector built into the device to form a virtual boundary and safe path.

The three-person team was selected during the Global Innovation Awards international competition in June. The international event was held for students, ages 9-18, to present their ideas for real solutions to real-world problems. A total of 60 teams competed in the awards.

Contact:
I Will Mentorship Foundation
info@iwmf2.org
239-666-8171

Black Culture Center Proposed for Roberto Clemente Park

Learn the significance of Fort Myers’ proposed Black Culture Center planned for Roberto Clemente Park, along Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr. Boulevard in the Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. redevelopment area, sub-area 2.

Contact:
Lee County Black History Society
blackhistory@leecountyblackhistorysociety.org
239-332-8778

Save the Date:
United Way Campaign Kickoff on November 3

Mark your calendars! The 2021-2022 United Way Campaign Kickoff is going Back To The Future to raise $11.3 million for our community! Bring your friends and co-workers to the pre-show excitement, and find out who wins the two-year lease on an Acura ILX courtesy of Scanlon Auto Group. Purchase tickets now for individuals or a table of 10.

Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m.
Caloosa Sound Convention Center
1375 Monroe St.

Save the Date:
Dr. Gerald Laboda Celebration of Service on November 3

Join us in thanking Dr. Gerald Laboda for his decades of inspired leadership. Remember the milestones and accomplishments Dr. Laboda has guided since the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency began. The results of his insight and foresight will continue to shine a light over the City of Fort Myers for decades to come.

Contact our office if you would like to record a special memory or wish to Dr. Laboda for our video!

Contact:
Fort Myers CRA
cra@cityftmyers.com
239-321-7100

Nov. 3, 5:00 p.m. – No RSVP Required
City of Fort Myers City Hall, Council Chambers
2200 Second Street

CRA Leadership

#REDEVELOPMENTWORKS

Stay connected and learn more about your CRA!

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is an agency of the City of Fort Myers. Office hours: M – F 7:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 1400 Jackson Street, Suite 102, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Unsubscribe info@fortmyers.org

This press release was produced by Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.