MARCH 2020
The
Home Issue
LifestylePubs.com/FortMyers
CLOSETS TO DIE FOR
PHOTOGRAPHY THAT MOVES US
CURB APPEAL TRENDS
FORT MYERS' DREAM HOME
★★★★★ Absolutely amazing!!!! I never knew I was going to be this happy. Dr. Garramone and his team are absolutely amazing and are there for you every step of the way. Would highly recommend! Go and do it for yourself. — JESSICADDEAN1
|
realself.com
LIFESTYLE LETTER
MARCH 2020 PUBLISHER
Rob Hannon | rob.hannon@lifestylepubs.com 239.250.0222 EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
There’s No Place Like Home THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR HOME IS IT’S THE ONLY ONE EXACTLY LIKE IT. Sure, your neighbors’ homes may have a similar style or paint color. But the way you decorate each room and the memories you create make it uniquely yours.
Aubrey Sewell | aubrey.sewell@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Miranda Williams LAYOUT DESIGNER
Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue G. Collins
Maybe you’re in the market for a new home and are ready to build new memories. We have a phenomenal real estate property to show off to you along with the realtors
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matt Barnhart
that have it listed who can also help you find your perfect home. We also included some beautiful interior designs to give you inspiration for your closet space. If you love your current home and want to do some small things for a little refresh, this issue includes simple, easy tips for updating the exterior of your house as well as some suggestions for make-at-home food delivery services to provide you with more time to relax in the space you love best! Happy March, Fort Myers!
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Rob Hannon, Publisher
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY COMPLIMENTS OF MIKE MCMURRAY OF MCMURRAY AND MEMBERS OF ROYAL SHELL REAL ESTATE 4
Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
LifestylePubs.com/FortMyers
Proverbs 3:5-6 Fort Myers Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fort Myers areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fort Myers Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
2020 JAGUAR F-PACE
STUNNING. PERFORMANCE.
The 2020 Jaguar F-PACE takes the idea of a performance SUV to a whole new level. Available with a 550 hp supercharged V8 engine, it can go from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 176 mph.‡ The Jaguar F-PACE doesn’t stand apart. It stands alone. Visit Jaguar Fort Myers to experience the 2020 F-PACE. Jaguar Fort Myers 15875 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers, FL 33908 (888) 523-4915 FtMyersJaguar.com
2020 Jaguar F-PACE S with optional equipment. ‡Always follow local speed limits. *For complete details on vehicle pricing or Jaguar EliteCare coverage, including the new vehicle limited warranty and maintenance coverage, please visit JAGUARUSA.COM, call 1.800.4.JAGUAR / 1.800.452.4827 or visit your local authorized Jaguar Retailer. Class is cars sold by luxury automobile brands and claim is based on total package of warranty, maintenance and other coverage programs. © 2019 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2020
FEATURES 14 Front Porch Impressions 5 Ways to Update Your House’s Curb Appeal
16 The Mansion on Coconut Drive A House to take Your Breath Away
22 Nature Through the Eyes of Joey Waves Fine Art Photography
16 14
26 Everything in its Place Designing calm from commotion
22
26
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
14 DIY 16
Open House
22 Inspired By 26 Trend Setter 30 Lifestyle Calendar 31
Reatly Report
32 Culinary Creations
COSMETIC | GENERAL & RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY | SMILE MAKEOVERS
Signature SMILES BY DR. JARED FORD 7630 Cambridge Manor Place, Fort Myers
(239) 936-5252 smilesbydocford.com
HOURS Mon-Wed: 8am-5pm, Thur: 8am-3pm, Fri: 8am-12pm (By Appointment Only)
B V
GOOD TIMES
Jaguar Land Rover & Teddy Bears Jaguar Land Rover Fort Myers was happy to sponsor the Annual Teddy Bear Toss for the second year in a row held at Hertz Arena to support SWFL’s Children’s Charities. Jaguars and Land Rovers were displayed and driven on the ice to pick up over 10,000 Teddy Bears for the Golisano Children’s Hospital of SWFL.
‘Mighty Mussels’ Baseball Team Launch Held at Hammond Stadium and co-hosted by the Fort Myers Miracle and Minnesota Twins, Zawyer Sports CEO Andrew Kaufmann announced that the Miracle have been rebranded as the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, with a new mascot, Mussel Man, and three uniform designs reflecting a half-dozen colors commonplace in Southwest Florida: Twins Navy, Gulf Purple, Sunset Lavender, Golden Sun, Yellow Sand and Sky Blue. The Mighty Mussels’ season opener is April 9.
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Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
When only the finest finishes will do.
R E F I N I S H I N G • R E FA C I N G • M I L LW O R K • M O D I F I C AT I O N S • C U ST O M B U I L D S
CO N TACT U S
for a no-obligation, on-site consultation & estimate
239.561.1119 • abernathyfinishmaster.com 1 2 0 1 1 A M E D I C U S L A N E • F O RT MY E RS, F LO R I D A
AROUND TOWN the Authors! Attendees will enjoy dockside cocktails, a buffet dinner, and a dessert reception with an opportunity to participate in drawings to be named in one of several authors’ next books. Mary Honey B Morrison will also be honored as the 2020 Reading Festival’s Distinguished Author at this event. Tickets are on sale now at the "early bird" rate of $55 per ticket before January 15 and proceeds will support the Southwest Florida Reading Festival scheduled for March 7, 2020.
MERCY ME Christian contemporary group, MercyMe burst out of Greenville, Texas in the early 90s with a
24 HOUR FESTIVAL
brand new worship sound. Over the years the band has explored a range of genres from pop to
For this free event on March 1st, visual artists,
rock, with a whole lotta gospel and hymnal music
filmmakers, theatre artists, dancers, musicians, and
thrown in for good measure. By experimenting
poets will race against a 24-hour clock to create
with current trends but staying true to their roots,
unique works based on prompts given by Artistic
they're able to garner new young fans without
Director of Ghostbird Theatre, Barry Cavin. Cash
alienating the old guard. Catch the Dove Award
awards of $500 will be given to best artwork, best
winners as they bring their tour to Southwest
video, best live performance, and best musical
Florida at Hertz Arena on March 6th, at 7:30 pm.!
performance. Artists must register through the online registration process where all guidelines are posted. Prompts will be given on February 29th at 5 pm at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Participants will have exactly 24 hours to create the artistic pieces and to report back to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
READING FESTIVAL AT FT. MYERS REGIONAL LIBRARY There is something for all ages to experience at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival-multiple stages with the celebrity authors who share ‘inside scoop’ about their latest books or what makes a story
AN EVENING WITH THE AUTHORS AT THE MARINA AT EDISON FORD
idea click for them, authors personalizing the books you buy, crafts and storytellers for kids, food trucks, Jason’s Deli, and Chocolatte’s Coffee & Roasting.
On Friday, March 6th, from 5:30-8:30 pm,
The City of Fort Myers Main Street Parking Garage
meet, mingle, and dine with 20+ New York Times
will have a Special Event Garage Parking flat rate fee
best-selling authors at the annual Evening with
of $5 for the March 7th event, from 10 am-4 pm. CONTINUED >
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Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
W E MA K E BA N K I N G AB O UT Y O U!
“WE’RE A COMMUNITY BANK...
that serves the community!”
— Robbie Roepstorff, President and Geoff Roepstorff, CEO
Like Thomas Edison, we believe there is
always “a better way.” We believe our Bank’s success depends on our community’s success. So we, as a business, as a team and as individuals, give back to those who need it most. We are proud that our Bank was named the 2019 Small Business of the Year by the Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office.
For a better way of banking, join Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands. Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands customers enjoy:
• free online and mobile banking • no-fee access to their account funds • • •
at any Publix® Presto! ATM free bill pay services for personal account holders courier and cash management services for business clients streamlined processing for all loans including commercial and residential mortgage loans
To learn more about our customer services and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800. An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.
AROUND TOWN
BENEFIT DINNER 2020 AT MCGREGOR BAPTIST CHURCH
festival grounds at Lynn Hall Memorial Park from 10am-6pm on Saturday, March 14th &10am-5pm
The Benefit Dinner at 5:50 pm on March 12th is
on Sunday, March 15th. Official festival tee shirts,
an annual fundraiser for Lifeline Family Center, a
tank tops, golf shirts, caps and more on sale at the
non-profit outreach ministry whose mission is to
entrance of the festival grounds.
offer a positive alternative to abortion, giving both mother and baby hope for the future. This year we are privileged to have Dr. Tony Evans as our Keynote Speaker, Christy Sawyer, who will be sharing her survivor story, and special music brought by Sarah Dodge who has a beautiful story of redemption and will be joined by the daughter she almost aborted.
FT. MYERS BEACH SHRIMP FESTIVAL AT LYNN HALL BEACH PARK Starting with the Shrimp Festival Parade at 10 A.M. on Saturday, March 14th, the Fort Myers Beach Lion’s Club hosts the two-day celebration of our local shrimp industry at this annual
MARCH 14TH'S 5K RUN
Elementary School and end at Lynn Hall Park with
The Cypress Lake High School Athletic Booster
the crowning of this year’s Shrimp Queen. There
Club in conjunction with the annual Fort Myers
will be over 100 vendors selling all different kinds
Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival, we are proud
of interesting things, plenty of “pink gold” or pink
to announce the return of The Shrimp Run 5k. The
gulf shrimp, with the highlight being the Lion’s
Shrimp Run has historically been one of the most
Club famous shrimp dinners!
popular races in Southwest Florida, starting and finishing at Doc Fords on Fort Myers Beach. The festive 5k course takes you over the Matanzas Bridge twice
THE LIGHTS WATER FEST AT SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL PARK
while thousands of on-lookers cheer runners on!
The Lights Water Fest is an experience where
The race starts at 9 am for both runners and walkers
thousands of friends and families gather to listen
and precedes the ever-popular Shrimp Parade.
to live music, fill up on great food and light up life by
ART FAIR & FOOD EXPO
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event. The parade will begin by Fort Myers Beach
sharing personal wishes, dreams and goals. At the perfect moment, everyone will gather at the banks of
More than 100 great Vendors will hit the beach!
water and send their led candle lantern into the blue
A sampling of art’s and craft’s vendors include:
lagoon of hope. It creates a surreal ambiance, where
Stone Candles, Corn Hole Game, Metal Sculptures,
time slows down as your single lantern floats with
Tie-Dye Clothing, Sun Catchers, Jewelry, Paintings,
thousands of others. Come float with us and see what
Railroad Spike Sculptures, Tiki Bar Signs, Fused
lights you on Saturday, March 28th, from 10am-6pm.
Glass Art, Air Plant Gardens, Copper Art, Honey
This is an event that is for everyone but cultivates indi-
Based Skin Products, Hand Made Apparel,
vidual experiences. Whether you’re commemorating or
Wind Spinners & Jelly Fish Paperweights. Don’t
celebrating, you’re creating a special memory that will
miss these great vendors on the beach inside
last a lifetime. https://lightswaterfest.com/
Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
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Fort Myers | Naples | Cape Coral | Lehigh Acres | Punta Gorda
DIY ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL
PA I N T A B O L D FRONT DOOR Painting is one of the easiest tasks that can create one of the most dramatic changes. Historic hues like soft coastal blues or greens create more classic, conservative looks while bold, eclectic colors like mustard yellow or vibrant red are eye-catching and command attention. Changing the color of your front door can be the finishing touch that really pulls your house together.
FRONT PORCH IMPRESSIONS 5 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOUSE'S CURB APPEAL
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Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
DESTROY DIRT
I N C O R P O R AT E C O L O R F U L P O T S
Less expensive than a paint job, pressure
Planters are accessories to change with the seasons. Choosing new
washing your house is easy, inexpensive, and
types or new colors easily peps up walkways, porches, and entrances.
satisfying. In a short amount of time, your
From ceramic planters with unique designs to ladder planters with
dingy exterior will look fresh and new‌and
multiple levels for a variety of greenery, there are options to enhance or
your house will be the cleanest on the block!
contrast your home’s exterior to bring it the attention it deserves.
LIGHT IT UP The right light fixtures can bring your charming out of the dark and set a welcoming tone. Hang a stylish lantern from the ceiling, flank the door with matching sconces, or edge the walkway with decorative landscaping lights to illuminate the beauty of your house once the sun sets.
C R E AT E O U T D O O R COMFORT If space is available, make your porch a place where people want to stay awhile. Set up a bistro table and chairs, install a porch swing (or splurge on a trendy Bed Swing), add a glider or wooden rocking chairs, and top it off with colorful pillows and a patterned outdoor rug.
March 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle
15
OPEN HOUSE
the mansion on
c o c o n u t d r i ve
A HOUSE TO TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED BY MCMURRAY & MEMBERS OF ROYAL SHELL REAL ESTATE
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Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
AS YOU ROLL DOWN A DRIVEWAY PAVED OF GRANITE IMPORTED FROM CHINA, YOU WILL BE MESMERIZED BY THE FOUNTAIN ERECTED OF WHITE MACEDONIAN MARBLE FROM MEXICO AND BISAZZA MOSAIC FROM ITALY, ENTHRALLED WITH THE LUSH LANDSCAPING BY KIRBY KIRWIN DESIGN INCLUDING 42 MATURE PALM TREES AND MORE THAN 200 VARIOUS SPECIES OF FLORA FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND IN AWE OF THE MASSIVE ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY THAT RISES BEFORE YOU. Michelangelo Custom Designs and John Cooney of Stofft Cooney Architects joined forces to construct this masterpiece at 1240 Coconut Drive in Fort Myers in 2013. Entering the foyer through
CONTINUED >
March 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle
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OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)
18
2-ton heavy custom design iron doors from Cantera,
DESIGN out of Munich. This home comes fully furnished
you will set your feet upon 1 ½ inch thick Perlino Bianco
with all its original, custom furniture designed purposely
Marble floors imported from Viareggio, Italy. An old French
for and proportionately to each room, valuing over two
lamp from 1980, bought in New Orleans, converted from
million dollars, plus a variety of wall art and paintings
candles to electric will light the 24-foot-high ceilings that
from Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The
soar above. The concrete staircase will lead you upstairs
top-of-the-art kitchen is one for the ages! It consists of
once you have completed your tour of the first floor which
2 ½ inch thick Perlino Bianco marble countertops, Miele
includes three panties, a wine room, his and her offices,
Appliances, aspecial CERAN stovetop from Germany,
and a vestibule that leads to an additional remodeled 3
Teppanyak hot stone to grill, a built in induction wok, 2
Bedroom Guest or Caretaker House. Interior designer
ovens, a walk-in cooler refrigerator, a ventilated towel
Birgit Schnasse of Hamburg, Germany, didn’t miss a sin-
cabinet next to the raised dishwasher and a large cen-
gle detail as she touched every room. From custom made
ter isle for gathering & socializing. Storage space is
silk curtains to Swarowski light fixtures, this home is the
found in abundance with the 1st butler’s pantry only for
definition of sophistication and wealth as no expense was
glasses, the second butler’s pantry containing a massive
spared. Interior doors, arches, and hardware of highest
deep freezer, and a walk-in dry pantry. Plus, the dehu-
German quality were custom made in addition to the light-
midified, climatized, electronically controlled wine room
ing design, built-ins and loose furniture crafted by ARVE
is a dream right out of Napa Valley. It holds over 2000
Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
bottles, with crates below for potatoes, onions, and garlic; it’s also the exact climate to be used for a humidor. With a herringbone design floor made from old Chicago clay bricks, tinted glass windows into the dining room/great room area, and illuminated with 1-watt LEDs, it’s quite eye-catching, especially at night. Both the living and family room are outfitted with top of the line lighting and technology and the living room houses a gas fireplace replica of that of an antique from Pompeii, Italy. The dining room and breakfast nook both seat guests on chairs from POLTRONA FRAU and light the room with Swarovski crystal light fixtures from Austria. His and her offices contain built-ins from Germany and gorgeous mahogany and walnut tables; and an “archive room” with hard copy file storage, a BROWN brand fire grade safe from L.A, and a sliding library style ladder to reach higher shelves is protected by 12 foot chrome magnetic close doors. Along with four luxurious bedrooms, six bathrooms, and three and a half bathrooms, come a specialty game room and indoor cinema. The game room contains a billiards table, a bar with a fridge, a real zebra rug, a storage room, and controls to all the TV/music throughout the house. A Swarovski crystal chandelier hangs over the pool table and liquid marble covers the walls. The elevator with marble floors and German wallpaper opens into this room, and a large West-facing terrace directly off it rounds out this room. The cinema is a contrast to the rest of the house with it’s completely black, specially insulated walls-which are actually loud speakers- for sound control. With a star ceiling including a shooting star, strip lights to illuminate the stairs and large seating pieces instead of individual seats, and a private cinema bathroom, there is no need to visit mainstream movie theaters. Strolling outdoors is a treat in itself as you enter a private island retreat. There is a fully size jacuzzi that fits up to 16 people and overflows into the infinity edge pool, both of which are
CONTINUED >
March 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle
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OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)
MIKE MCMURRAY 239-850-7888 Mike@McMurrayandmembers.com @McMurrayandMembers for all social media www.McMurrayandMembers.com
surrounded by Date Palms. The infinity pool has a uniquely designed BISAZZA Mosaic Hibiscus flower on the bottom and looks out to the sandy beach spotted with FIJI Island
20
palms containing edible coconuts. On the beach there are
(three are climatized and air conditioned) and an 1100
two docks, one of which has a 35,000lb lift for at max a
sq. ft. gym room. It is furnished with Technogym and
42-foot boat, the other for sitting on the water watching
Life Fitness equipment, a bar and fridge, and a full
ocean life, and two gas fired pits. The pool cabana has
bathroom. It has cherry wood floors sewn from Canada,
a specially designed patterned ceiling, floors of Perlino
custom lemon wood cabinets made in Lebenon, a slid-
Bianco and Rosso Verona marble, a fire table, speak-
ing glass spider web door, and a TV. It can easily be
ers for entertainment, and a huge screen that can be
converted into an apartment, in-law suite, or music stu-
rolled down for outdoor movies. The outdoor kitchen
dio. Fully gated, this estate has total privacy, even with
sports all Viking appliances, electric mosquito screens,
two separate private access roads. Listing realtor of
electric roll down hurricane grade shutters, and a room
this home is none other than our own Mike McMurray.
for storage. The breezeway is a feature all its own with
McMurry and Members of Royal Shell Real Estate is
hand painted tiles from Portugal, massive shell stone
Southwest Florida’s most accomplished, knowledge-
columns from Mexico and a water table made of four
able, ethical, and respected real estate group. They go
different stones. Completing this property are a guest
the extra mile to surpass their client’s expectations, and
house, a hobby garage, at least 5 other garage spaces
with this property they have done just that!
Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
C u s t o m c l o s e t s , wa l l u n i t s , l a u n d r y a r e a s , p a n t r y, g a r a g e s , h o m e o f f i c e s a n d m o r e .
All About Closets is all about innovative design, impeccable craftsmanship and flawless service. Our installations reflect your dreams and your personality, while enhancing your home. Our team works from Port Charlotte to Marco Island.
Call for a Professional Design Consultation! 239.303.5829 www.allaboutclosets.com
INSPIRED BY
NATURE THROUGH THE EYES OF
JOEY WAVES FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY
FINE
ART
PHOTOGRAPHER,
JOEY
WAVES
DISPLAYS
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AND HIS PASSION FOR THE BEAUTY OF NATURE IN ITS RAWEST FORM THROUGH HIS BOLD, BREATHTAKING WORK. While he wasn’t always enamored with photography, as his artistic talent bloomed and he became a notable spray can graffiti artist in Miami in his teens, his remarkable camera work attracted a worldwide audience and is sought after by art dealers and collectors alike. As a self-taught graphic designer, he spent a decade working as the lead designer for Southern Wine & Spirits (now SouthernGlazer), the nation’s leading wine and spirits distributor, creating ad campaigns, flyers, menus, and signage for notable brands such as Patron, Opus One, SKYY, Absolut, Tito’s, Malibu and Punzone Vodka. His keen sense of marketing vision and dynamic design style earned him a coveted and cemented position within the industry. About ten years ago, Joey redirected his artistic energy by picking up a camera. Shooting sunrises over the water and capturing light as it danced over the waves and across the horizon, he fell in love with the feel and the results of having a camera in his hands. Loving the natural beauty of Florida and understanding the
22
ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL
language nature speaks since he was a small child, he has allowed
PHOTOGRAPHY JOEY WAVES
his fascination and appreciation of nature to be expressed through
Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
this medium. “I want to portray the passion of nature
people or nature, he desires to capture the unique-
that not everyone sees the way that I do. I want to share
ness and authenticity through his lense.
my love for it with everyone,” says Joey.
One of the reasons he gravitates towards nature
And indeed he has.
is because he thinks the world is too saturated with
With his photography developing significantly over
material things and he “just wants to remind people of
the last few years, he has risen in the ranks of other
the natural beauty that we all can share.” He doesn’t
respected fine art photographers in our area, being
photograph anything to evoke political emotion nor
featured on WINK News, CBS Miami, WPTV in West
does he use materialistic or economic motivations to
Palm Beach as well as in publications such Marco
generate his work. He doesn’t like to over-think; he
Island SunTimes, Fort Lauderdale Magazine, The
likes to freestyle his photo sessions and working in
Marco Review and Experience Southwest Florida.
nature provides him the perfect atmosphere to just be.
He has even published a 100-page full-color coffee
He listens, he watches, he feels, and with one click of
table book that focuses solely on Southwest Florida’s
the shutter, he speaks.
CONTINUED >
stunning beauty. He also photographs engagements, weddings, families, individuals, real estate, and even food. When working with individuals and families, he likes to give them time to get comfortable so their personalities can shine through. He says that one of the best things about working with children is that they aren’t burdened by vanity or insecurities. Whether its
March 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle
23
INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)
His unbridled love for the environment draws him out into the world. His dream is to rent an Airstream indefinitely and travel across the United States discovering the hidden-in-plain-sight gems national parks have to offer. “Call it art by God, or art by the universe, there are magical visions out there that I think people can easily overlook or take for granted in their daily life. I just want to be within nature and share what I see with the world.” While he hasn’t quite secured that Airstream yet, he has begun his journey by being part of the small, hand-selected team of photographers assigned to The Big Cypress National Preserve, located about 45 miles west of Miami on the Atlantic coastal plain in Ochopee, Florida. At the end of the day, he rests in the quality of his work and the way it moves all who view it. “Art is emotion. I hope that my images evoke something in the people that see them. I hope that I can be an educator of the value of nature and the need for all of us to revere its beauty and importance.” He allows the world to experience nature through his eyes and it’s a view incomparable to any other.
24
Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
JOEY WAVES PHOTOGRAPHY / ISLAND MEDIA GROUP joeywaves.com / IslandMedia.group 954.232.0772 / ErinMiamilchman@gmail.com
March 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle
25
TREND SETTER ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE DESIGNING CALM FROM COMMOTION
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Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
FOR HEATHER HOLLAND, YOUR DISHEVELMENT IS HER DRAWING BOARD. Your heaps and piles are her pleasure. Heather and her fellow designers at All About Closets rub their creative hands together when a client presents a closet, garage, pantry or home office that needs help. They specialize in innovative designs with storage solutions, maximizing the space in a home that often is a high- traffic area, necessary to the homeowners but often overlooked. Tapping trends, proven strategies, and the highest quality materials, with a full array of finishes and colors in melamine and wood, the team at All About Closets turn mayhem into managed (and beautiful) spaces. We sat down with Heather who finds joy every day from helping homeowners organize and plan renovations and designs for a tidier and more productive lifestyle.
CONTINUED >
March 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle
27
TREND SE T TER (CONTINUED)
SC: YOUR STUDIO HELPS CLIENTS MAKE THE
more space, with perfect functionality. The compli-
MOST OF THEIR SPACE AND HABITS. WHAT ARE
mentary consultation continues with a presentation
YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR
of our color swatches, materials, hardware finishes,
CLOSET RENOVATIONS IN 2020?
countertop choices, drawer front styles and so much
HH: That is easy - drawers, drawers and drawers.
more. A few days after our first meeting, we will
Bulky bedroom furniture can be eliminated by adding a
present them with our design and bid. Suggested cli-
stack of drawers in your closet. Add in upper cabinets,
ent revisions can be addressed to tweak our design.
quartz countertops, mirrors and lighting and a drawer
Depending on the materials, the build and installation
stack will make your closet your new favorite room.
could happen within eight weeks or less. The majority
Having drawers in your closet makes it a one stop shop
of the custom build takes place in our manufacturing
for getting dressed and much easier to put laundry away.
facility. The size and complexity of the office dictates
how many hours are needed for the actual install.
SC: ALL ABOUT CLOSETS IS A LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS (WE’RE ALL ABOUT THAT!)
SC: MY GARAGE IS A MESS, PROBABLY AN
IMPROVING SPACES WITH CUSTOM CABINETRY
UNTAPPED SPACE FOR STORAGE AND ALL MY
AND ORGANIZATIONAL SOLUTIONS FOR
SPORTS GEAR. TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR
MORE 15 YEARS AND YOU LIKE TO STAY ON
RECENT SUCCESS STORY.
TREND. WHAT ARE GADGETS, PRODUCTS OR
HH: There are so many. Who doesn’t love a clean,
TECH SOLUTIONS WILL YOU BE USING WITH
organized garage? A good majority of our clients are
YOUR CLIENTS IN 2020?
new Florida residents and have left big basements
HH: We think functional simplicity is best in most
and attics up north. They are used to lots of storage
closets. Closets should be timeless in style. But, we
and we can help. Options include cabinets, shelves,
do offer modern conveniences like charging stations,
workspaces/work stations, places to wall mount
dimmable lighting, small home safes, keyless locks,
sports equipment, tools, decorations, beach chairs,
built-in ironing boards and jewelry drawers.
etc. We’ve even done golf cart garages that look like personal pro shops.
SC: WE KNOW GARAGES, HOME OFFICES,
PANTRIES AND SHELVING ARE ALSO YOUR SPECIALTY. WHAT IS THE PROCESS A CLIENT CAN EXPECT WHEN BUILDING OUT A HOME OFFICE? HH: Great question. One of our designers will meet the client at their home, our showroom or perhaps the construction site of their future home. Clients needs are first discussed. After measuring the future office space, we then take a thorough inventory of
28
what will be in the office. That could include this
ALL ABOUT CLOSETS
exact measurements of things such as the computer,
5606 6th Street West, Lehigh Acres
laptop, printers, personal memorabilia, anything that
239.303.5829
will need a space in the office. Our goal is to create
AllAboutClosets.com
Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
Taking Your Boat From Rack-to-Sea in Minutes!
OPENING
SOON!
World’s First Automated SMART Marina Introducing our new state-of-the-art dry storage facility, featuring automated storage and retrieval, concrete construction, hurricane wind ratings up to 175+ MPH, and protection from inclimate weather and environmental elements. A top-quality marina makes boating more enjoyable. Concierge Services Include: • Ice & Drinks • Onsite Fuel Station
• Ship Store & Captain’s Club • Adjacent Restaurant
• Free Month with Annual Contract
Gulf Star Marina is located near beautiful Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on Matanzas Pass, just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico! Look for us near the foot of the bridge, right next door to the Zagat-rated restaurant, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille!
Call 239-463-9552 to Make Your Slip Reservation! 708 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 • GulfStarMarina.com
In Every Season, For Every Reason,
LOVE ANSWER IS THE
LOVE can be part of every occasion with the gourmet chocolate creations of Norman Love Confections, from limited-edition collections to our signature chocolate gifts, artisan desserts, fresh-made bakery, gelato, chocolate novelties, gourmet coffee and more!
NormanLoveConfections.com | 239-561-7215 FORT MYERS, DANIELS
FORT MYERS, MCGREGOR
FORT MYERS, NAPLES WHOLE FOODS
ESTERO, MIROMAR OUTLETS
NAPLES, TAMIAMI TRAIL
SARASOTA LOCATION COMING SOON!
March 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle
29
MARCH
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
6
21
THE 4TH ANNUAL RESTORE CLEAN WATER GALA
SPRING TRAINING FOOD TRUCK & BEER FESTIVAL
Captains For Clean Water’s signature
Two American passions-food trucks
event supports the mission to advance
and baseball are being combined at
awareness, education, and solutions
JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. Taking
to Florida’s widespread water quality
place during the Red Sox spring
issues. Over 400 attendees including
training season, the festival will fea-
legendary anglers, preeminent out-
ture 20 of the region's most popular
door brands, fishing guides, conser-
food trucks for attendees to enjoy.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Fenway South Park
vation partners, elected officials, and the most passionate supporters and clean water advocates gather to raise funds for outreach initiatives and education programs.
8
26 SWFL GIRL’S NIGHT OUT: SPRING SOCIAL Holiday Inn Ft. Myers
For this month's social, the THEME is Spring has Sprung! This Happy Hour
TACO FEST 2020
+ Networking event is FREE to attend-
Centennial Park
you do not need to be a housewife;
Enjoy this family friendly event
all women are welcome! There will
featuring live local musical enter-
be giveaways from local businesses,
tainment with plenty of food trucks
networking and socializing oppor-
and restaurants offering delicious
tunities, shopping, and Swag Bags
food. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic
for the first 50 ladies to check-in.
beverages will be available as well
houswivesinthecity.com/swfl
as a kids area. And BEST OF ALL, for this event, every vendor will offer a $2.00 taco to taste!
28
21
GARLIC FEST 2020
ABUNDANCE! SWFL DAY OF JOY!
featuring live local musical entertain-
Centennial Park
Garlic Fest is a family-friendly event
Crowne Plaza Fort Myers
ment, food trucks and restaurants
Bring your girlfriends to a side-split-
offering delicious food featuring gar-
ting,
lic dishes, and a kid’s area.
spirit-lifting,
sister-singing,
daringly good time. This Christian Women’s Conference is a great day with a great purpose with profits purchasing school supplies for local
30
teachers. Speakers are sought after
We are always accepting submissions
Christian leaders from across the
for events you'd like to see included
country who are full of energy and
in our Calendar section. Submissions
laughter, and take inspiration, fellow-
are accepted via the Contact Us tab at
ship, and prayer to a whole new level.
LifestylePubs.com/FortMyers.
Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
REATLY REPORT REALTY REPORT
FORT MYERS
NEIGHBORHOOD
LIST PRICE
SOLD PRICE
%SOLD/LIST
DOM
BEDS
BATHS
Bonita Bay
$2,999,999
$2,825,000
94%
0
3
3.5
Cape Coral
$1,500,000
$1,400,000
93%
0
3
3
Loggerhead Cay Condo
$995,000
$960,000
96%
15
2
2
Bonita Beach
$7,375,000
$7,250,000
98%
51
4
5.5 +.5
Hidden Harbor
$1,295,000
$1,250,000
97%
53
4
4.5
Bonita Beach
$6,950,000
$6,900,000
99%
0
5
6.5 +.5
Metes And Bounds
$1,699,000
$1,600,000
94%
22
2
2
Island Shores
$1,300,000
$1,150,000
88%
0
2
2
Sanibel Estates
$995,000
$985,000
99%
50
3
3
Pelican Landing
$1,059,000
$942,000
89%
17
3
3.5
Bonita Bay
$2,145,000
$1,995,000
93%
0
3
3.5
Cape Coral
$1,875,000
$1,725,000
92%
56
5
5.5
Bonita Beach
$1,099,000
$1,050,000
96%
30
5
3
Sanibel Estates
$995,000
$995,000
100%
2
3
2
Intracostal Harbour
$1,795,000
$1,650,000
92%
21
4
4.5
Bonita Bay
$1,685,000
$1,685,000
100%
0
3
3.5
Cape Coral
$1,095,000
$1,000,000
91%
31
4
3
Compass Pointe
$1,195,000
$1,175,000
98%
12
2
3
Shadow Wood At The Brooks
$1,275,000
$1,000,000
78%
43
4
5
Bonita Bay
$1,775,000
$1,775,000
100%
0
3
3.5
This data is a sampling of sold properties since December, 2019. Source: Southwest Florida MLS.
Text: FMRR03 to: 239-360-5527 for more information
WHAT IS SELLING IN FORT MYERS?
“Your Real Estate Concierge” Barry Hoey PA, Realtor® CIPS, CLHMS, CRS, GRI, SRES
Full-Time Real Estate Broker Associate with the Hoey Team 251-504-5587 | Barry@SWFLLuxury.com www.SWFLLuxuryCollection.com
SWFLLuxuryCollection.com March 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle
31
CULINARY CREATIONS
Choos i n g a br a n d
1
choose your meals
When you sign up for a meal subscription box, ALL PLANT-BASED Purple Carrot
you get to decide if you want all of your food for the week delivered or just a couple of meals. You can pick the plan that is most compatible with what
FARM FRESH +
you are looking for, and with many companies, you
ORGANIC
can also decide whether your boxes ship weekly,
Sun Basket
FAST + EASY COOKING Gobble
CUSTOMIZABLE Imperfect Foods
bi-weekly or monthly.
2
ingredients + Prep
Depending on what you order, you may need some of your own supplies. When you select your meals, think about what you will need to cook the food in and if any other kitchen utensils would be helpful. Have them ready to go so you don’t have to make any last-minute trips to the store, defeating the purpose of getting your box delivered!
check your groceries at the door
3
cooking
If you’re a little less-experienced in the kitchen, meal kits are great for learning! Read the instructions carefully before you get started so you don’t feel frazzled while the heat is up high, and take your time. If you are a more seasoned chef, feel free to take your own spin on the recipes and add some extra flavor or swap out ingredients to make it perfect for your palate.
SPEND MORE TIME AT HOME + GET MEAL KITS DELIVERED FOR EASY COOKING AND HEALTHY LIVING
4
ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER
taste-testing. Make a note tab in your phone for
PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE MARTIN
tracking what you love and what isn’t your favorite.
let’s eat!
This is the really fun part! It’s time to start
That way, when it’s time to select more meals, you know what you have tried and what you absolutely have to try again. 32
Fort Myers Lifestyle | March 2020
A LEVEL ABOVE
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13300-56 South Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers, Florida 33919
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March 2020 | Fort Myers Lifestyle
33
GIULIA
GRAN TURISMO
MASERATI OF FORT MYERS 14401 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL 239-789-1011 MASERATIOFFORTMYERS.COM
ALFA ROMEO OF FORT MYERS 14401 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL 239-230-3563 ALFAROMEOUSAFORTMYERS.COM