A Really Beautiful Bird Around Southwest Florida.

 Pileated woodpeckers, the largest woodpeckers in North America, hammer their heads into trees with a force of 15 mph, 20 times a second. So, how do their heads not turn to mush?

Thick muscles, sponge-like bones, and a third eyelid keep bird brains intact. For more information, go to: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/pileated_woodpecker/id/nc

Welcome to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

 This is a MUST SEE IN FORT MYERS

View photos and read more »

It Only Takes A Spark To Keep The Fire Burning. Warmth comes from having someone in your heart.

AND OH, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD……….

Holiday Last minute gifts…….If you are in a rush this can help. Check it out: http://www.fortmyersdaily.com/store/

Flowers blooming all over SWF………..(photo credit: Kevin Stahl)

View photos and read more »

WINNER OF 25th ANNUAL
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF
SAND SCULPTING ANNOUNCED!

Event Still Ongoing Through November 27th

 The World Championship of Sand Sculpting is underway and the winners for this solo division competition have been announced!

PHOTOS ATTACHED OF EACH, ADDITIONAL HIGH-RES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

The Sculptor’s Choice Award is one of the most prized, as it’s an award given by the sculptor’s peers. It signifies distinct creativity and skill demonstration.

Charlie Beaulieu, event director and a World Championship winner twelve times over, commented “This is the best venue the World Championship event has ever been held at. The sculptures are amazing which makes the judging very difficult.”

This is the first time the World Championship of Sand Sculpting event has ever been held in Florida. From today until the 27th, master sculptors will be on-site to create additional exhibition art, and answer questions about the masterpieces.. Guests will also enjoy a myriad of other activities including live music daily.

Event hours are as follows: Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For a more detailed schedule of activities and event information, please visit: http://www.worldchampionshipofsandsculpting.com/fmb/world_championship_of_sand_sculpting_ft_myers_beach_event_schedule.htm

Today, Tuesday, November 22nd, The Beach Arts Cooperative will host The Orpheus Players’ performance of an original play, “Sisters of the Sea” on a stage set in the sand behind the Holiday Inn. The opening reception starts at 6:00 p.m. followed by the performance at 7:00 p.m. $30 ticket price includes two drinks. For ticket information, please call 239-463-4461 or visit: http://www.beachartscooperative.org/

Discounted World Championship of Sand Sculpting event tickets are available for purchase at Costco in Fort Myers, Naples or Estero, any 7-11 store in Lee or Collier County and all Pinchers Crab Shack locations while supplies last.

Tickets at the event are just $6 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 17 years old and those 4 and under are free. For more information on the event, please visit: http://www.worldchampionshipofsandsculpting.com.

A designated portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the “Eliminate Project” sponsored by Kiwanis International and UNICEF. For specific details about this cause, please visit: http://sites.kiwanis.org/Kiwanis/en/theELIMINATEproject/home.aspx.

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION
The World Championship of Sand Sculpting will be held at the Holiday Inn located at 6890 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers beach. Attendees are encouraged to arrive from the south in order to avoid traffic congestion. Event directors have coordinated a revolving bus system to transport attendees from the Lover’s Key parking area to the site. Parking is also available in the Publix shopping center at Bonita Beach Road and U.S. 41 where the Lee County beach “Trollee” will pick up attendees. CLICK BELOW TO SEE MORE: 

View photos and read more »

SANIBEL MASTERS ART FESTIVAL FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WITH KATIE GARDENIA AND MANY OTHER GREATS

“Sanibel Turtle Garden,” an acrylic on wood painting by artist Teri Causey, has been selected as the poster image for the Annual Sanibel Masters Art Festival, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on FRIDAY Nov. 25 and SATURDAY the 26th at the Sanibel Community House. The festival features 75 terrific artists. The proceeds from the event benefit the programs at the Sanibel Community House and BIG ARTS, a home for all the arts.  Admission is free, but donations are accepted at the gates. As a special treat, the BIG ARTS Chorus will perform a preview of their holiday concert at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.  For more information, visit boulderbrookproductions.net or facebook.com/boulderbrookart.

Regarding this years poster art: The festival hs used a similar type of underwater sea turtle image for the past three years, and this year when we saw the vibrant colors of Teri’s painting, we immediately selected it. The color palette of the painting offered us a chance to freshen up the design. The new colors are so varied from the past that it allowed us to create a similar poster but something that really looks new and fresh. Sanibel Island has a fondness for turtles and we like to keep the poster for this event from changing too much, so that it is recognizable each year.  Many guests have started a Sanibel Masters Art Festival poster collection. Signed posters will be available for the first 50 visitors to Teri’s booth.

ALSO CHECK OUT THIS EXCITING NEWS:

She’s a baker, artist and former Bubble Room restaurant owner. And, now she’s an author.

Katie Gardenia, one of the most prominent Sanibel-Captiva area residents, recently released “A Bubble Moment,” a combination cookbook and coffee table book sure to delight residents and visitors to the area. She will sign her book, and sell her fabric sculpture and fiber art pieces, during the Sanibel Masters Art Festival being held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26 at the Sanibel Community House.

For years, Gardenia owned the whimsical Bubble Room restaurant on Captiva Island. It was famous for serving the biggest slices of homemade cake, with wedges that looked as if they were designed for an art gallery. In her book, she shares al her recipes including red velvet cake, bubble bread, and orange crunch cake. But, she emphasizes, it’s more than a cookbook. The four-color, hardcover, 117-page book chronicles the history of the Bubble Room building, the people who came in and out of its door, the people who helped create it, long and tall stories, local color, her original recipes, old photos, and page after page of handmade collages. As the reader travels through the story, they will come upon handmade paper pages that have “secret envelopes” that were artfully hand stamped, chalk colored, that are waiting unveil more information.

Hanging out on Fort Myers

View photos and read more »

Lakes Park announces winners of “Scarecrows in the Park” celebrity-judged contest,
invites the public to vote and help determine winners

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2011) – Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation announces the  winners of the “Scarecrows in the Park” contest chosen by local celebrity judges during the “Scarecrows in the Park” kick-off event held on Friday, Oct. 14. The winners were selected from three categories: Gulf Coast Orthodontics’ scarecrow “Scared Straight” was selected “Most Creative,” the award for “Best Company Correlation” was given to Coral Veterinary Clinic for their scarecrow “Walking the Doc’s,” and Girl Scout Troop 858, sponsored by Miller, Helms & Folk, swept the “Best Youth-Created Entry” with “Samoa-crow.”  Lakes Park invites the public to cast their votes to help determine the grand winners. The contest is part of the annual Lakes Park “Fall Festival and Halloween Extravaganza,” which continues through Halloween, Oct. 31. Celebrity judges and festival attendees vote for their favorite scarecrow to determine the winners.

“The contest and festival are off to such a great start,” says Marsha Asp, chairperson for the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation. “During our opening weekend, more than 1200 attendees cast their votes for their favorite scarecrow. That exceeds our vote total for the entire two weeks last year! We can hardly wait for next weekend.”

In addition to “Scarecrows in the Park,” the festival includes a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, hayrides, and a Halloween Express train.

The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation established in 2004 by a group of Lee County business leaders and dedicated citizens who recognize Lakes Park as an extremely important green area in Lee County. The foundation’s main focus is to assist Lee County Parks and Recreation in the continued implementation of the $30 million Lakes Park Master Plan, enhancing the park’s environmental aesthetics, wildlife habitat and recreational amenities for the community to enjoy for many years to come. Currently, the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is focusing its fundraising on creating a botanical garden at Lakes Park.  For more information on the foundation, visit www.LakesParkEnrichmentFoundation.org.

FORT MYERS, FL – Florida Gulf Coast University invites aspiring writers to attend the Sanibel Island Writers Conference, Thursday, Nov. 3 through Sunday, Nov. 6 at BIG Arts and The Sanibel Island Public Library.  Participants can attend a variety of workshops, panels, lectures and readings presented by celebrated writers and teachers. Registration is now open.

John Sayles, Henry Rollins, Dan Bern and John K. Samson will headline the conference.

Veteran filmmaker and novelist Sayles will deliver the keynote address Saturday, Nov. 5. Sayles’s most recent novel is the critically acclaimed “A Moment in the Sun” (2011, McSweeney’s). The address will begin at 6 p.m. in Schein Hall at BIG Arts, 900 Dunlop Road, and is open to the general public once all the registered conference attendees have been seated.  Author Steve Almond (“Candyfreak,” “God Bless America”) will open.

Henry Rollins brings “An Evening of Storytelling” to the conference at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 in Schein Hall at BIG Arts.

Registered conference attendees and FGCU students gain immediate admission. Tickets for the general public to Rollins’ event are free, but must be reserved in advance.  To reserve tickets, visithttp://henryrollinssanibel.eventbrite.com/.  Rollins hosts a weekly radio show on L.A.’s renowned NPR affiliate KCRW, is a regular contributor to VanityFair.com with his “Straight Talk Espresso” blog and recently joined forces with National Geographic as host of a series of television specials.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, acclaimed singer-songwriters Bern and Samson will perform solo concerts at 6 p.m. in Schein Hall.

Bern has released over a dozen albums, including the critically acclaimed “Fifty Eggs,” “New American Language,” and the children’s album “2 Feet Tall.”  Bern’s songwriting skills were used in the films “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” and “Get Him to the Greek.”

Samson is the singer and songwriter for The Weakerthans, an acclaimed Canadian rock band that has released five CDs, including the award-winning “Reconstruction Site” (2004) and “Reunion Tour” (2008). Samson’s poetry and prose have appeared in Matrix Magazine, Geist, The Believer, and Post-Prairie—an Anthology of New Poetry. He lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he’s also the managing editor and co-founder of a small publishing house, ARP (Arbeiter Ring Publishing).

The concert is open to the general public once all the registered conference attendees have been seated.

In addition to the artists mentioned above, the conference offers workshops, presentations, panels and readings from the following authors, editors and literary agents:

Lynne Barrett (fiction/editor), Nickole Brown (poetry/editor/publicist), Kevin Canty (fiction), Ron Currie Jr. (fiction), John Dufresne (fiction), Carmen Edington (editor), William Giraldi (fiction/editor), Barbara Hamby (poetry), John Hoppenthaler (poetry), Christopher Joyce (NPR-writing for radio), David Kirby (poetry), Christopher Phillips (Socrates Cafe), Robert Root (creative nonfiction/editor), Christopher Schelling (literary agent),  Laurel Snyder (YA lit), Darin Strauss (memoir), Jay Wexler (creative nonfiction), Thomas Williams (novella/editor), Tom Zoellner (investigative journalism).

For a complete schedule or to register visit www.fgcu.edu/siwc. Contact Tom DeMarchi at tdemarch@fgcu.edu or (239) 590-7421.

Rain makes beautiful things happen!

Beautiful pictures of Florida

View photos and read more »

Art Walk kicks off Labor Day weekend in the Fort Myers River District

Art Walk will jump start an active Labor Day weekend in downtown Fort Myers.

The next monthly Art Walk will be held Friday, Sept. 2 with local art galleries and art stops featuring new exhibits and shows.

Then on Sunday, Sept. 4, the River District Alliance will host a Labor Day Weekend Block Party featuring live music on three stages. Those festivities begin at 6 p.m.

The monthly Art Walk runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. The September Art Walk will include more than a dozen art galleries and art stops and will include new art shows, live music, and the traditional after party.

In October, Art Walk will celebrate its third anniversary. This monthly cultural event draws between 1,500 and 2,500 people each month.

Some highlights of the Friday, Sept. 2 Art Walk:

- Art of the Olympians: Table Tennis opening reception and exhibition match featuring former US Open & Florida State Champion Marvelous Marvin Leff.  Also, “21” featuring original works by 21 international Olympian artists. Vocalists Callie Atkinson, Sarah Daigle, and Jordan Pilant, winners of the 2011 Young Artists Awards competition, perform from 7-9 p.m.

- Art League of Fort Myers: Opening reception for Time of Transition exhibit.

- Arts for ACT Gallery: Opening reception for new show featuring artists Philip Heubeck, Sam Brough, and Annie St. Martin.

- Coloring The World: Opening reception for visiting featured artist Scott Guelcher.

- daas Gallery: Opening reception for Unfair: The Art of Alex Heria.

- Gallery Showcase and Information Center at IberiaBank (Bayview Court at First Street). Art Walk T-shirts are available at this location as well as buttons, maps and brochures.

- The Franklin Shops: Artwork on display by one of America’s greatest wildlife illustrators, John James Audubon.

- HOWL Gallery: Opening reception for a new exhibit featuring the fine art of Ohio based rock concert poster icon Derek Hess.

- In One Instant: Opening of Snap Flash Photo: Photography Portfolio of David Dack Maki.

- Leoma Lovegrove: “America America” showcases Lovegrove’s patriotic spirit and brilliant colors. Percentage of sales benefits local NYPD 10/13 in tribute to the fallen of the 9-11 attacks on America ten years ago.

- Sidney & Berne Dais Art Center: Opening for master artist Stacie Krupa’s “Sassy Spicy Soulmates – Seahorses, Sea Turtles & Salty, Socialite Friends.”

- Space 39 Gallery:  Group art show.

- Syzygy Gallery: Spiritual and religious art by Christina Jarmolinski.

Nearly 50 participants make Art Walk successful each month and they include the Alliance for the Arts, AmeriDry, Art League of Fort Myers, Art of the Olympians, Arts for ACT Gallery and Boutique, Browtopia, Cigar Bar, Coloring The World, Cool Hand Luc’s, daas Gallery, Downtown House of Pizza, Enjewel, First United Methodist Church, Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency, The Franklin Shops, French Connection Cafe, Green-n-Groovy Gallery & Boutique, Hampton Inn & Suites, Happenings A&E Magazine, Hideaway Sports Bar, Hotel Indigo, HOWL Gallery/Tattoo, Ichiban Japanese & Chinese Restaurant, IberiaBank, In One Instant Gallery of Photography, Legacy Harbour Hotel & Suites, Leoma Lovegrove, Mad Hatter Galleries, Main Street Antiques, Market America Realty & Investments, Morgan House Restaurant, The Oasis Luxury Condos, Potomac Bead Company, Red Door Studio, Red Rock Saloon, Renaissance Creativity Center, River District Alliance, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Select Transportation, Space 39 Gallery, Spirits of Bacchus, Syzygy Gallery, Twisted Vine Bistro, United Café, Bar & Bistro, The Veranda Restaurant, What’s Up Dogs?, Yanos Restaurant, and the Young Artists Awards Program.

Held the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m., Art Walk features local and national artwork in the downtown art galleries and several art stops in the Fort Myers River District. The evening culminates with an after party at 10 p.m. The September after party will be held at Spirits of Bacchus on Hendry Street.

Another highlight of the very popular evening is the weekly Friday Night Live free concert series which takes place in the Patio de Leon. Sista Sanjah (reggae) will perform from 6 to 9 p.m.

Always a collector’s item, new Art Walk buttons will be available at galleries that night. Art Walk has its own T-shirt (in red or black). Shirts are available for a $12 donation at the IberiaBank gallery showcase during Art Walk.

A free shuttle service courtesy of Select Transportation Inc., with stops planned near the art venues, and parking at the Harborside Event Center will be available for Art Walk patrons. Shuttle stops include The Oasis Condominiums, Art of the Olympians, and the Patio de Leon entrance at First Street.

In October, look for the return of the seasonal Saturday Art Fair along the sidewalks of downtown. This will be the third year for the monthly Saturday Art Fair which runs October through April. This year, the art fair is a juried event. To find out more about the Saturday Art Fair, contact Claudia Goode at 239-337-5050.

A map of Art Walk, transportation, and parking will be distributed by participating galleries. Art Walk is a rain or shine event. Art Walk was started by a group of art galleries and art enthusiasts and debuted in October of 2008. Art Walk is a River District Alliance event. For more information on Art Walk, participating galleries and links to gallery websites, visit www.fortmyersartwalk.com.

MUSIC WALK Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary

The monthly Music Walk returns August 20th to the downtown Fort Myers River District for its 1 Year Anniversary. Music Walk started in August of 2010 and was modeled after the extremely successful Fort Myers Art Walk. Over a dozen restaurants, bars, and galleries became Music Walk venues, and a massive outpouring of local musicians continue to perform month after month. The interest and attendance in the event has only grown since the first Music Walk in August of 2010, with the off-season summer months being just as busy as the traditional in-season months.

Music Walk founder and chairman of the event, Andy Howl, who co-owns HOWL Gallery/Tattoo, attributes the success of the event to the area’s need for more monthly entertainment options and a untapped grass roots music culture. “I think Fort Myers has the potential to be a magnet for art and music, it just takes the right timing and mixture of people to make it happen. Downtown Fort Myers has everything to be a state-wide destination for art and music.”

The first 400 attendants of the 1 Year Anniversary on August 20th will be able to get a free Music Walk guitar pick manufactured by Clayton Guitar Picks. Guitar picks will be evenly distributed among the venues. Additionally, a limited edition 1 Year Anniversary button will also be available at the venues. Blue Music Walk balloons will decorate the historic downtown streets. Visit the Music Walk website for a list of venues. www.fortmyersmusicwalk.com

The 3rd Saturday event features live music at over a dozen venues, including restaurants, galleries, and bars, plus street performers all over the beautiful downtown streets. Music Walk venues showcase a variety of music, from punk, rockabilly, indie, reggae, and folk, to piano, steel drums, and more. The event is the largest of its kind regionally. Music Walk is an all ages event that starts at 7 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. or close at many venues. Free parking available.

Music Walk partners and venues include: HOWL Gallery/Tattoo, Spirits of Bacchus, Space 39, Red Rock Saloon, United Cafe, French Connection Cafe, Enjewel, Happenings Magazine, Hotel Indigo, Twisted Vine Bistro, Indigo Room, Harborside Event Center, Coloring The World, City Tavern, Downtown House of Pizza, World Famous Cigar Bar, Hideaway Sports Bar, Morgan House, The Veranda Restaurant, Market America Realty, Syzygy Gallery, Main Street Antiques, WinkNews6, Classic Rock 94.5, Cool Hand Luc’s, and AmeriDry.

Each month brings more people to Music Walk, with an estimated 4,000 attendees to the July event. Music Walk is organized by Andy Howl with help from Dee Hohimer, Suzy Lewis, and Jamie Kuser of Happenings Magazine.  Music Walk is a River District Alliance event. The River District Alliance is a non-profit organization that manages events and unifies business owners in the Fort Myers River District.

Check out the big piece of coral.

Gotta love a good yard sale!

View photos and read more »

YARD SALE:

THIS IS HIGH QUILITY STUFF!! ANIQUITE AND COLLECTABLES, UNIQUICE/NATIVE ARITFACTES, CARS, HIGH END CLOTHING, AND MISC.  SATURDAY JULY 30^th AT 918 MAIN STREET, SANIBEL ISLAND FLORIDA 33957, 7 AM.  SHARP. BE SURE TO GET THERE EARY TO GET WHAT YOU WANT. THIS WILL GO VERY FAST. Click below to see more items:

View photos and read more »

Alliance for the Arts is going another great event…….be sure to check it out!

Who loves Photography? We love running into people with the passion. Send us your picturesWho loves Photography? We love running into people with the passion. Send us your pictures.

Great to see people out and about with camera’s. Pictures are worth a thousand words they say. Share you gallery with us. www.info@fortmyersdaily.com

The Joan Culver and her Art, Fort Myers FL

Local reading coach with the Lee County school system, passionate Caloosa Land Trust volunteer, is a well respected and loved artist with a wide variety of themes and techniques evident in her work. From eros to construction to environmental travel themes and a charming series on musicians at the Lincoln Center, Joan Culver Art offers just that perfect touch which resonates with the thinking persons sensibility.

TOURING VIBRANT ARTS SHOW BRINGS ART AND MUSIC TOGETHER AT HOWL GALLERY, DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

OPENING RECEPTION MARCH 4TH DURING FORT MYERS ART WALK

HOWL Gallery/Tattoo presents The Vibrant Arts Movement, a visual art exhibit and musical experience featuring artists Ronnie Ford, David Acevedo, Jonathan Jay Lee, and Marcello. Ronnie Ford is known for his highly textured canvases and bright colors. David Acevedo’s highly regarded abstract expressionist paintings are known for being “abstract in essence, but realistic in message”. Jonathan Jay Lee creates superbly drawn figurative illustrations and has done work for among others, Marvel Comics, EMI, and Hong Kong Magazine. Marcello is a Swiss graffiti artist that combines abstract elements with his unique graffiti lettering into designs inspired by hip-hop and jazz cultures.

View photos and read more »

Florida Art Fair, ROTARY CLUB OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA 28th ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR, Photos

Here are pictures from the 28th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair, Florida Art Fair from photographer Trevor Borchelt. As you can see from some of the pictures, the Florida Art Fair Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva did a wonderful job bringing people from all around to Sanibel Island. A HUGE SUCCESS! Many Artist sold out. The 2012 Arts & Crafts Fair will be super. Great site too. www.sanibelartfair.com Click below to see some of the booths and art that were there on this weekend, including Ikki Matsumoto!

View photos and read more »

ROTARY CLUB OF SANIBEL CAPTIVA TO HOLD 28th ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
February 19 & 20

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com. It truly has been a great week to be in and around Fort Myers, this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Fort Myers Daily. Take some time and enjoy.

• Jan 22 - Special Congratulations to Jess Telford on her first employment venture!
• Jan 22 - Minnesota Twins Spring Training
• Jan 22 - Fort Myers Daily Clothes, The Southwest Florida Store
• Jan 21 - Fort Myers Vacation
• Jan 20 - Fort Myers Wildlife, Sea Birds
• Jan 19 - Builders Care unveils home makeover for Elderly Dunbar woman, Lee Building Industry Association
• Jan 18 - Great Weather Fort Myers Beach
• Jan 17 - “Crimson Red”, Star Grapefruit, Sun Harvest Citrus, Fort Myers Citrus
• Jan 16 - 3rd Annual Surf & Song Festival, Downtown Fort Myers, Local Music

Sailing circumnavigation from Captiva Island Florida to Captiva Island Florida

Check out this great book written by long time local Scott McPhee about his 31,768 nautical mile circumnavigation of the globe! From ‘Tween Waters Marina , Captiva Island Florida to ‘Tween Waters Marina, Captiva Island Florida!

Most people just take a sailboat charter, and this trip was nothing like a sailboat charter! Locals remember reading all the articles Scott sent back to our local papers during his trip and have been waiting for a book! From the enchanting islands of the South Pacific to the high stress of sailing the Red Sea, this book has it all! Seeing this Sailing circumnavigation from Captiva Island Florida to Captiva Island Florida is wonderful. For anyone who loves sailing, sailing charters or Sanibel Island and Captiva Island this is a MUST!

Many remember the monthly articles Scott wrote to the Islander newspaper during his almost 5 year, 31,768 nautical mile trip. From swiming with sharks to pirate problems - this book has it all!

For 10% off  Click HERE and then click “Buy” and enter code ‘ READ2011 ‘ at checkout. Offer ends midnight on 1/31/2011. Or, if you live on or near Sanibel, you can contact Scott and get a signed copy and save the shipping! You can contact Scott through the website www.LifeAtFiveKnots.com

Click Below to watch a sailing video of Shadowfax sailing from Captiva Island Florida to Panama

View photos and read more »

Harry Chapin Food Bank, Fort Myers

The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida was one of the 200+ Food Banks born in the early 1980’s. At it’s inception in 1983, the Food Bank was known as the Lee County Food Cooperative. The Cooperative’s primary responsibility was to help distribute the huge surpluses of cheese and other dairy products held by the federal government. Almost immediately, the Cooperative began recovering other food products through food drives and by salvaging nutritious foods from retailers and growers. Throughout the 1980’s, the Cooperative grew in size and effectiveness, earning the reputation it deserves today as the #1 safety net for the hungry in Southwest Florida. In the late 1980’s, the Cooperative changed its name to the Southwest Florida Food Bank to reflect its regional service area.

View photos and read more »

“The Object Show – An Invitational”, Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers

YUPPER: New Fort Myers and Fort Myers Photographer for the www.fortmyersdaily.com!

YUPPER: New Fort Myers and Fort Myers Photographer for the www.fortmyersdaily.com: Perry Wilson. He tried, applied and failed horribly…Police academy declined him other the halloween for Reno 911………but we loved him! He is talented funny and look what we have done to him already:  He is actually exceptional and super skilled, and has the fun upbeat attitude we carry. Stay tuned for his real deal and his insane talent!!! You will also see him out and about with the other crew: Mr. Max Danger Soto shooting……..this could be scary.

Sanibel Masters Art Festival will feature the works of two new Artists

The show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday November 26^th and 27^th. – 70 national juried artisans to benefit the Sanibel Community House and the Sanibel Schoolhouse Theater.

Today and 27^th a holiday tradition that has lasted years will continue when The Sanibel Masters Art Festival is held on the grounds of the Sanibel Community House.  Professional juried artists both local and from around the nation will take part in the invitational exhibition and sale. Artisans skilled in oils, pastels, woodworking, sculpture, ceramics, metal, photography, fabric, glass and jewelry.

There will be two featured artists at this year’s event; Aquatic Image Watercolor Artist Russell Yerkes of North Carolina and Bronze Sculptor Ben Foster of Wyoming. This will be the first time either of them has displayed their work on Sanibel.

Ben Foster designs representational, commissioned, bronze sculpture that captures humorous or unique moments in life. His work can be viewed in public and private collections throughout the US and internationally. This year Ben will be displaying never before seen Bronze Seashells that he created specifically to debut at this years festival.

Ben attributes his success as a bronze sculptor in part to his unique approach with each design. Creating a lifelong relationship with each collector is Ben’s desire. He meets personally with collectors to discuss their needs and desires for a custom work of art. Bringing their dreams and desires to life in bronze is an incredibly fulfilling endeavor. “I enjoy getting to know my collectors and hearing the stories of how the sculptures have enriched their lives.”

Ben’s work, specifically his Bronze Bears, adorn several Jack Niclaus Golf Courses throughout the US. Ben Foster brings his sculptures to life at his studio, nestled in the foothills of the Wind Rivers Mountains in Wyoming. The other half of the year, Ben, along with his wife and three children, can be found at Fiddlers Creek near Marco Island. Observing native birds and local wildlife in their natural environment brings inspiration for Ben’s new sculptures. Meet Ben Foster personally at the Sanibel Masters Art Festival.

The second featured artist at this years event is Russell Yerkes. Russell was selected to be feature in this years festival poster. He will be signing free posters for the first 50 visitors to his booth.

Russell Yerkes exquisitely detailed image of undersea aquatic life. Sea Turtles, Clown Fish, Corral Reefs are all painted as if through the view of a scuba mask. His images of the undersea world are created by what we he sees when scuba diving or snorkeling with a mask on swimming with fish.  His paintings mimic  a an underwater view where you have no peripheral vision, the image is in your face. In that context we see fish swimming from side to side, intermingling colors and a repetition of patterns.

Early in the beginning of Russell’s career he owned a large salt water aquarium with many different species of fish.  He struggled like everyone does with After many power outages and other disasters as in water temperatures, etc. He claims to have worked as hard as the Dentist in Finding Nemo to keep his aquarium. During this period he began painting images of the different fish that interested him because of the bright colors and patterns within the species of the fresh and saltwater fish.

Almost 20 years ago he was able to take his first trip to the Caribbean whereas he was able to spend all of his time on a sailboat sailing and snorkeling around some of the different islands.  His first snorkeling trip was over whelming since owning an aquarium there he was swimming and seeing the many different fish in their  natural environment.  What he saw and felt was these under water creatures have their own personalities but also seeing and feeling the motion of the water, movement of all the sea life brought a whole new vision to him.

After many more trips staying months at a time and bringing paper and paints he began developing these intricate paintings. The paintings he is creating today are like images from a masked divers point of view.  Today he splits his time between his undersea world and his studio creating these paintings. Some can take a month to even three months to create depending on the size and format.

Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers

Over a million people have wept with laughter at arguably the best farce ever written. This sidesplitting comic romp follows the hilarious exploits of a hapless theatre troupe trying to mount a sex farce- while a real life farce is unfolding backstage!
239-332-4488 for tickets Venue: Florida Repertory Theatre Address: 2267 Bay Street Location: Downtown Fort Myers Website: floridarep.org

Fort Myers, Saturday Art Fair Nov. 6

The next Fort Myers Art Walk was Friday, Nov. 5 in the downtown River District with several new art exhibits, followed by the expanded Saturday Art Fair on Nov. 6 in the Patio de Leon.

Look for the seasonal Saturday Art Fair in the Patio de Leon. That event has new extended hours and now takes place from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It features 22 local artist vendors.

FGCU, Sanibel Island Writers Conference

It is the time of the year for the Sanibel Island Writers Conference. Each year, FGCU brings out talented writers from all around to speak and share experiences from their lives.  Below is a list of the exceptional people who are coming this year to Sanibel!

• Keynote Speaker:  Augusten Burroughs
• Steve Almond (creative nonfiction)
• Lynne Barrett (fiction)
• Stanley Brinks (songwriter)
• Bonnie Jo Campbell (fiction)
• John Dufresne (fiction)
• Denise Duhamel (poetry)
• Beth Ann Fennelly (poetry)
• Tom Franklin (fiction)
• Lisa Gallagher (agent)
• William Greenway(poet)
• Kristin Hersh (songwriter/memoirist)
• Karl Iagnemma (fiction)
• Walter Kirn (creative nonfiction)
• Nick Marino (magazine writing)
• Campbell McGrath (poetry)
• John McNally (fiction)
• Debra Monroe (creative nonfiction)
• Keith Lee Morris (fiction)
• Robert Olmstead (fiction)
• Margo Rabb (Young Adult Fiction)
• Christopher Schelling (agent)
• Danielle Sellers (poetry)
• Jeffrey Thomson (poetry)
• Martin Tolchin (journalism)
• Susan Tolchin (journalism)
• Robert Wilder (creative nonfiction)

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com. It truly has been a great week to be in and around Fort Myers, this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Fort Myers Daily. Take some time and enjoy!

• Sep 18 – Lee County Domestic Animal Services, BACK TO SCHOOL PET ADOPTION SPECIAL
• Sep 17 – Hotels near Fort Myers Sanibel Beaches
• Sep 16 – Fort Myers Camping Fishing, Koreshan Park
• Sep 15 – Fort Myers Art, John Coleman,”Piece by Piece”, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Downtown Fort Myers
• Sep 14 – New Moon Sailing, Sanibel & Captiva Sailing, Things to do on Captiva

Fort Myers Art, John Coleman,”Piece by Piece”, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Downtown Fort Myers

“Piece by Piece” showcases the stained glass creations of John Coleman. John Charles Coleman and his brother Robert have practiced law in Fort Myers for the last 30 years. John has worked with stained glass for over twenty-five years. He was introduced to stained glass by his wife Patsy, who has helped him learn all facets of the art — windows, mosaics, fusing. Patsy has created an “oasis of peace” from which springs inspiration, innovation, and imagination. John’s stained glass art includes windows, paintings – floral, landscape, and abstract, many in a diamond shape – and a wide variety of vases. Each painting, from the “canvas” to the completed frame, is the original work of John Charles Coleman. While in Fort Myers Art visit John Coleman’s “Piece by Piece”, showcased at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Downtown Fort Myers untill the 27th.

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center | sbdac.com

2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-337-1933

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com. It truly has been a great week to be in and around Fort Myers, this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Fort Myers Daily. Take some time and enjoy!

• Sep 12 - Fort Myers Sports Bar and Restaurant, Shoeless Joe’s Sports Cafe, Great place in Fort Myers to Watch NFL Games
• Sep 10 - Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach, Tips Expert, Indian Creek Pet Hospital
• Sep 09 - Things to do in Fort Myers! Fort Myers Beach
• Sep 08 - Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fort Myers Accommodations, Fort Myers Hotel
• Sep 07 - Fort Myers Body Building Competition, Fort Myers Health and Fitness
• Sep 06 - Fort Myers Fishing, 6th Annual McFlat’s Redfish Challenge, Ronald McDonald
• Sep 05 - Fort Myers Fishing, 6th Annual McFlat’s Redfish Challenge
• Sep 04 - 25th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival, Fort Myers Beach
• Sep 03 - Check out our FortMyersDaily.com store for great Fort Myers Beach and Fort Myers Logos

25th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival, Fort Myers Beach

Dolphins, great blue herons, giant computers, entwined lovers and Neptune, god of the seas: The intricate sculptures at the 25th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival takes “playing in the sand” to a whole new level in November on Fort Myers Beach. From nothing more than a beach of sand and 300 gallons of water, about 20 master sculptors will create complex works of art. Amateur sculptors are invited to create and learn from the masters during a Sandsculpting 101 workshop on Friday.

View photos and read more »

Can you take a better picture? Fort Myers Sunset Photo Contest

It’s that time again, we are having a photo contest for the best sunrise or sunset photo! The winner will get their photo shown on both the SanibelCaptivaDaily.com and FortMyersDaily.com. If you think you can take a better picture, send it in and we will have a group of our photographers judge all entries and the winner will be notified. Good luck and we look forward to seeing your best Fort Myers Sunset!

• Sign up for our “Get the Daily” and then fill out your info.
• Then Sent us an email with you picture, name and title of your work
• Next week Tuesday, we will post the winner!

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers

Last weekend was Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers. Photographer, Andrew J. Newton was there taking some great photos of one of the events held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Thank you so much Andrew J. Newton for the photos! If you haven’t been to Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers yet, make sure you do next month!

View photos and read more »

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com. It truly has been a great week to be in and around Fort Myers, this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Fort Myers Daily. Take some time and enjoy!

• Jul 04 – Happy 4th of July Fort Myers
• Jul 03 – 11th Annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, Fort Myers
• Jul 02 – Fort Myers Pets of the week from Lee County Domestic Animal Services
• Jul 01 – Great Commercials that the FortMyersDaily Loves

• Jun 30 – Fort Myers Lakes Park
• Jun 29 – Clean Waters in Fort Myers
• Jun 28 – Boating on Fort Myers Beach
• Jun 27 – Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Hotel, 50% off on all accommodations to service members and their families

Fort Myers Art Walk &  Art Fair, Southwest Fl Art

The monthly two-day art event continues in downtown Fort Myers in May.

The next Art Walk will be Friday, May 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. That will be followed by the new Saturday Art Fair on May 8, in the Patio de Leon from noon to 4 p.m. The Friday, May 7, Art Walk will include more than a dozen art stops and feature new art exhibitions, live music, and the traditional after party.

View photos and read more »