NEWS BRIEFS

Slaw Dog golf tournament helps fund FGCU scholarships

The 27th annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog invitational golf tournament and major sponsor Rockstar Harley-Davidson donated $35,000 for the Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship program at Florida Gulf Coast University. The program funds scholarships for outstanding students pursuing degrees in real estate, finance, engineering, and construction management. The presentation took place at the Real Estate Investment Society Feb. 13 luncheon.

The scholarships each provide $2,500 toward tuition and books. These outstanding scholars also receive honorary membership in REIS for one year and may attend meetings on a complimentary basis.

A portion of proceeds from the annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog invitational golf tournament are added to the scholarship fund each year. In 2006, REIS also established the REIS Scholarship Foundation, a not-for-profit, registered 501(c)3 corporation that provides an opportunity to make charitable donations. REIS provides management of the Foundation, allowing 100% of donations to be awarded as scholarships.

Lee County Public Safety launches “Heart Smart”

Lee County Public Safety has launched the “Heart Smart Lee County” campaign, a community-driven effort to improve cardiac arrest response and outcomes. This initiative uses Hands-Only CPR and emergency response procedures to educate the public on the importance of immediate intervention in cardiac arrest incidents. The campaign includes:

¦ Hands-Only CPR training: A short video, printable flyers and other educational materials help to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and its warning signs.

¦ CPR class sign-ups: Lee County encourages residents to enroll in its partners’ CPR and Hands-Only CPR classes to educate residents and visitors on effective intervention during cardiac emergencies.

¦ Community AED Registry: Local businesses and organizations should register AEDs (automated external defibrillators) with the 911 dispatch system. Once an AED is registered, 911 operators can help a witness locate the AED and provide life-saving care.

¦ Community Partnership: Lee County works with several community partners such as Lee Health, the American Heart Association, Florida Department of Health, Florida SouthWestern State College and other local organizations and businesses.

For more information, visit www.HeartSmartLee.com .

Domestic Animal Services celebrating “St. Pawtrick’s Day”

Lee County Domestic Animal Services invites you to celebrate “St. Pawtrick’s Day” throughout the entire month of March with reduced adoption fees. All dog adoptions are just $20 and cats/kittens $30 with an approved application.

The adoption package includes spay or neuter, microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, county license and a 10-day health guarantee. That is a $600 package. A team of staff and volunteers are waiting to introduce a new four-legged family members. Stop by the adoption center Monday through Saturday between 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The shelter, located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, is open for adoptions Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information call 239-533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or visit www.LeeLostPets.com .

EsteroFest offers free family fun, Ben Allen Band concert

Mark your calendars and get ready for family fun at EsteroFest 2024. The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce announced the return of the community event on Saturday, March 16, at Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. With free general admission for everyone in the family from 1 to 9 p.m., enjoy live music, Kids Zone, and Business Expo showcasing the unique products and services of local organizations. You can also enjoy the beer and wine garden, learn from displays by Estero Fire Rescue and the Lee County Sheriff ’s Office, and indulge in delicacies from a wide variety of food trucks.

The Kids Zone is back from 1 – 6 p.m. and it’s bigger and better than ever before with everything your kids could want — bounce houses, games, crafts, face-painting, storytelling and kid-friendly food trucks.

At 6 p.m., nationally acclaimed Ben Allen Band, a locally grown sensation, will perform live. With VIP packages available at EsteroFest.org for a premium seat, easy parking and a free drink, you can enjoy the show in style. Don’t worry if you don’t have a VIP package, just bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an unforgettable night of music and fun.

A Business Expo from 1-5 p.m. showcases the unique and local talent, services, businesses and organizations that make Estero such a great place to live. If you’d like to showcase your business or organization to attendees in the Business Expo, reserve a vendor table or sponsorship, or see updated on the event, visit EsteroFest.org .

Petting zoo joins annual Bonita Fest

Peaceluvin’ Farm, a 100-year-old historical property in Estero, will operate a petting zoo at the second annual Bonita Fest on Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita Springs. The petting zoo will include a variety of goats, llama, alpaca and other small furry animals.

Admission to Bonita Fest is free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy live music, food trucks and meet more than 25 local businesses exhibiting in the park. A variety of local craft beers and domestic favorites will be on draft and available for purchase from a beer truck provided by Sun Coast Beverage.

A family play area with bounce houses and the petting zoo is sponsored by Sunshine Ace Hardware. Live music will be performed by DJ Memphis On Air, Edith Diamond and The Yabo Brothers. Food trucks on site will be Viet Yum, Pansardo, Alligator Creek BBQ, Cocktails and Things and Between the Bunz.

Event proceeds will be donated to the Rotary Club of Bonita Beach Sunset and the Northside Naples Kiwanis Club.. For more event details follow GOATs of Bonita at facebook.com/goatsofbonita. ¦

The post NEWS BRIEFS first appeared on Bonita Springs Florida Weekly .