Artful Missions, The Emerging Artist Charity Art Show 2013  is a juried fine art and photography competition March 16 – 24, 2013 held in the lobby of First Assembly of God, Fort Myers. Awarding excellence by helping others, a portion of art sales (designated by the artists) go to help Project Rescue and free International rescue and restore victims of human trafficking. The opening reception and award ceremony is March 15 at 7:00 PM. The show hours vary. They are posted on our website www.artfulmissions.org. We have 16 artists participating in this show. And five of the artists are from Lehigh Acres Kiki Brewsaugh, Sarah Fritchey, Emily Starbuck, Ezequiel Ortiz and Ruben Ortiz Jr.

www.projectrescue.com and www.free-international.org.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services is encouraging residents to be proactive and prevent pet overpopulation during the 2013 kitten season.  In 2012 over 5,000 cats and kittens entered local shelters with over 3,000 euthanized due to serious injury and illness.  These tragic statistics could easily be prevented by spaying and neutering.

“We’re seeing an alarming number of pregnant felines entering our shelter earlier than usual causing quite a concern because there just are not enough homes for all these animals.  The senseless deaths of domestic animals in Lee County needs to stop, especially when there are free services being offered to solve pet overpopulation in our community,” states Executive Director Donna Ward.

Regardless of income there is an option for every owner to have their pets sterilized in Lee County.  There are many full services veterinarians as well as low-cost clinics for those who do not qualify for free programs but need affordable alternatives.  A list of Lee County veterinarians and low-cost clinics is available atwww.LeeLostPets.com.  Residents receiving government assistance are eligible for free spay/neuter services through Lee County Domestic Animal Services by calling 533-9234 or emailing spay@leegov.com. (more…)

Charlie Crist

Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist will speak at the Democratic Women’s Club of Lee County on Saturday, March 9, along with Carmen Rey-Gomez, Director of the Hispanic Institute at Hodges University. Governor Crist will speak about his views on issues facing Florida today, and will share his reasons for joining the Democratic Party. Carmen Rey-Gomez will speak about issues facing the Hispanic community and ways that we can develop a more culturally inclusive society. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, in South Fort Myers, at the NE corner of College Parkway and Summerlin. Reservations to attend the meeting may be made with Patricia Fish, 466-8381 or fishpatricia@yahoo.com.

Beasley Broadcasting in participation with 96 K Rock are broadcasting recovery in real time. Fletcher P. Henderson and Joy Thomas are hosting the Sunday Morning talk show which airs from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM. With over 20 years combined in the recovery and addiction community, these hosts bring a modern, spirit-filled, thoughtful and honest approach to this historically  taboo subject. (more…)

Bumble Bee Foods Issues Voluntary Recall On Specific Codes Of 5-Ounce Chunk White Albacore And Chunk Light Tuna Products Due To Loose Seals

March 6, 2013 – Bumble Bee Foods, LLC, has issued a voluntary recall on specific codes of 5-ounce Chunk White Albacore and Chunk Light Tuna products. The recall has been issued because the products do not meet the company’s standards for seal tightness.

Loose seals or seams could result in product contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens and lead to illness if consumed. There have been no reports to date of any illness associated with these products.

To see list of products click here

Before Disney World, beach resorts, and golf clubs, Florida was a wild and rugged state, full of scrub, marshes, cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks.  Today, highways take us where we need to go, and our weekends are spent on the golf course or by the pool.  We see wildlife at the zoo and trees as they are landscaped at the local shopping center.  The real wild Florida still exists, and stays protected and preserved in Florida’s award winning State Parks.  The parks feature trails back into time before all of the modern amenities and highlight the natural beauty of Florida’s unique habitats.  Another thing the parks feature is opportunity: opportunity to get out of the urban areas, opportunity to get off the pavement, and opportunity to get active and enjoy the scenery. (more…)