Issuu

JULY 2020

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Summertime GOURMET HOT DOGS

DESTINATION ADIRONDACKS

BUCKET LIST BINGO

PATRIOTIC DECORATIONS

BREAST Breast Augmentation | Mastopexy – Breast Lift Breast Reduction | Mommy Makeover | Implant Options

SKIN CARE Skinceuticals | Revision | Obagi | Elta MD | Latisse

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2020 PUBLISHER

Rob Hannon | rob.hannon@lifestylepubs.com 239.250.0222 EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

What Time is It? Summertime! IT IS HEATING UP, FORT MYERS. Time for all of your favorite summer activities, foods and fashion. Let's say goodbye to Corona Virus and hello to poolside cocktails and ice cold, yummy treats—am I right?

Aubrey Sewell | aubrey.sewell@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Collins

Whether you are planning a Fourth of July party or attending one, we have some new recipe ideas for you to wow your friends, with options the kids will love, too (because what kid doesn’t like hot dogs?!). Plus, check out ways to show off your red, white, and blue décor. The holiday is going to be bursting with fun! If you’re worried about getting too hot this year, don’t be. With a travel destination to retreat from the heat along with some book recommendations you can read poolside in the sun or curl up with in the shade, we have all aspects of your summer covered. Enjoy being outside enjoying all that Fort Myers has to offer, and Happy Independence Day!

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

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEY WAVES WWW.JOEYWAVES.COM 4

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

CityLifestyle.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.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2020

FEATURES 12 Summer in the Adirondacks Escaping the Heat

16 Bucket List Season Summer Activity Ideas for the Family

22 It’s Not Just a Hot Dog Anymore Gourmet Grilled Sandwiches

16 12

24 Page Traveling Open a Book to Your Next Vacation

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Road Trip

Our Town

22 Culinary Creations 24 Page Turners 26 Local’s Choice 28 DIY 32 Renovate & Refine 34 Healhty Lifestyle

W E MAKE BAN KI N G AB O UT Y O U!

STANDING STRONG…

To gether

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bank, we’ve spent nearly 25 years

building relationships with customers

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Lending Team – From left back row: Geoffrey Roepstorff, CEO CEO;; John Ammons, Vice President, Cleveland Avenue Office Manager; Liz Aurensan, Vice President, Lending; Robbie Roepstorff, President. From left middle row: Darrin Grotrian, Asst. Vice President, Lending, Sanibel-Captiva Asst. Office Manager; Kim Nyberg, Vice President, Professional & Executive Banking; Greg Blurton, Vice President, Sr. Commercial Loan Officer. From left front row: Leah Kirby, Kirby, Vice President, River District Office Manager; Willy Ocasio, Vice President, Sanibel-Captiva To learn Office Manager; Pam Edwards, services Vice President, Lending.

more about our customer 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.

GOOD TIMES

Kids with Compassion Working in partnership with The School District of Lee County, Healthy Lee encouraged local children to create compassionate artwork and cards to send virtually to area seniors in assisted living, nursing homes, memory care and other senior facilities. The initiative was designed to deliver virtual smiles and warm the hearts of seniors who are unable to have visitors or interact closely at this time.

Matanzas on the Bay on Ft. Myers Beach Matanzas on the Bay has reopened with adjusted daily hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Indoor dining options will be offered at 25% capacity and outdoor dining at 50% capacity, with six-foot social distancing and extra sanitizing precautions in place to ensure guests remain safe. Their full menu of Dave’s Dockside pizzas is available for 25% off on Mondays.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

Donations to Cape Coral Hospital Locally-based Ecological Laboratories, Inc. set up a special production line to produce hand sanitizer for healthcare workers during the Covid-19 crisis. Recently, a team from the family-owned biotechnology firm donated 25 cases of 16-ounce hand sanitizers to Cape Coral hospital. “We are a community-minded organization and want to help where we can” said Ecological Laboratories CEO Michael Richter.

Business Owners Sewing Face Masks Elke and Brian Podlasek of The Island Cow on Sanibel Island, with their daughters, have sewn over 3,000 protective face masks for donation to the staff at Lee Health, fire and police departments and other first responders. To help fund this initiative and bring the masks community-wide, the family is making these masks available to the general public for purchase.

It’s time to think Inspired by Community

locally

ADVERTISE WITH US to deliver your message to the most affluent families in our community.

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GOOD TIMES

Collecting for a Community Fort Myers Brewing Company hosted “Gateway CAN do it: Food Drive Rally” and collected 3,000 pounds of food and raised more than $1,400 for Community Cooperative in April. The donations (food/money) were enough to feed approximately 525 people for a week to help out during this time of crisis.

Pace Center for Girls launches virtual dress collection campaign Pace Center is gearing up for its annual Love That Dress! shopping event in August with a virtual dress collection that encourages the community to #MakeSpaceForPace. To help build an expansive inventory of fashion-forward apparel for the highly-anticipated event, Pace is inviting Southwest Floridians to clean out their closets and donate new or gently-loved dresses, shoes, handbags and accessories.

Support Local. Let’s Take Care of Each Other. Our small businesses need us more than ever.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 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 .

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ROAD TRIP

SUMMER IN T H E ADIRONDACK S

The Boathouse, spacious (1,200 sq. ft.), room. An immense fireplace of native stone anchors the open space at one end, panoramic views over Upper Saranac Lake.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY SUE G. COLLINS, THE POINT

JUST AS THE BATH WATER IN MY SOAKING TUB

and can stay underwater noshing for up to five minutes).

WAS LOSING ITS STEAM, THE FIRE WAS CALL-

Alone with my thoughts, eyes lifted to the darkening

ING FOR ANOTHER LOG. Climbing out of the deep

horizon, I felt the boat slow then remembered to switch

tub and into a thirsty robe, I threw a few more logs

to the second battery in time to slink back to shore

into the big stone fireplaces in the bathroom and sit-

through a veil of soft June rain.

ting room. Every window in the Lookout Suite offered an expansive view over moody Upper Saranac Lake

Everything about The Point is soft, like a favorite pair of well-made leather gloves.

where a thick fog was hanging over the still water

Thoughtful and elevated touches welcome even the

and green peaks of the Adirondacks beyond. It was

most discerning guests at every turn. The game room

the perfect afternoon for a fire. And a long hot bath

bar is stocked with home made chips and cookies as

with a book. An ideal day at The Point, a charming

well as gin and whisky from Lake Placid and beyond.

11-room Relais & Chateaux property and former Great

The library offers old friends like Franny and Zooey

Camp of William Avery Rockefeller II located in the

and Anne Boleyn. Handmade wooden jigsaw puzzles

Adirondacks in upstate New York.

from Stave taunt from a neat cabinet and a grand old

Earlier in the day, I’d been out on the lake before

billiard table stands sentinel, adorned with birch bark,

the clouds rolled in, gliding across the glassy water

antlers and a hand-painted landscape of some dreamy

in a gorgeous 33’ 1933 replica Hacker-Craft named

Adirondack lake (nearby, likely). If you must, you can

“The Point of it All.” The hand-constructed mahog-

watch television here (your room won’t have one) while

any speed boat was driven by Bradley, who grew up

you pretend the news or football score is more inter-

not far from The Point and couldn’t imagine working

esting than the view or the company. The Point attracts

anywhere else in the world. He proudly pointed out

travelers who have honed the art of vacationing, taking

other Adirondack Great Camps, built by captains

pride in turning off phones and turning to the person

of industry in the 1930s - sprawling compounds of

next to them to carry on a conversation.

dark native timber and stone lodges with bright trim

Dinners are an affair, with black tie dress suggested

scattered across deep green lawns dotted with pots

two nights a week in keeping with the historic perspec-

of geraniums as big as a VW Bugs and proud boat

tive of the Gilded Age as no fewer than seven courses

houses full of vintage boats.

are served across tables set for a large party of your

Returning to the boat house at The Point, where one

newest “Friends in Residence” (their names will be

of five open bars sat stocked with snacks and local

printed on the nightly menu laid at your place). One

and international labels, I hopped in my own little craft,

evening, china by Versace and crushed velvet navy

a Budsin Electric Boat to putter through the winding

tablecloths paired seamlessly, framing a meal created

coves, watching for loons (they dive as deep as 250 feet

by Chef Loïc Leperlier and his team. Among the more CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

memorable dishes (though each and every one left an

lake, in your suite, on a boat, in the cozy lean-to up on

impression) were a delicate yellowtail snapper served

the hill in front of a roaring fire (there’s bar there too) or

with fava beans, avocados, wild rice, sea beans and

most anywhere you like on the 75 private acres.

preserved lemon and nilgai (antelope) with ramps for-

Change after dinner and take a walk down to the

aged the day before during a woods walk, Swiss chard

lake, look up at the stars and listen. You may hear a

from the kitchen garden, morels and rhubarb.

loon calling, the crackle of a nearby bonfire, a cham-

Meals can also be taken inside the kitchen at the chef’s table (my favorite), on the patio overlooking the

pagne cork popping or nothing at all. That’s the point of it all.

The Adirondack Great Camps are grand, historic, romantic log mansions built by Gilded Age magnates along the rugged lakeshores of upstate New York.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

Enjoy lake swimming, water-skiing, wakeboarding, SUP boarding, tubing, picnicking, walking, hiking, croquet, canoes, kayaks and mahogany electric boats.

EVERYTHING ABOUT THE POINT IS SOFT, LIKE A FAVORITE PAIR OF WELL-MADE LEATHER GLOVES.

Breakfast is fuel for golf, antiquing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, trout and bass fishing, scenic drives.

GETTING THERE From RSW, fly to Boston’s Logan International Airport, then transfer to Cape Air, the only commercial airline that flies directly to and from Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake (SLK) three times a day, year-round. Guests can also fly privately into SLK. Don’t rush! Stay overnight at the Ritz-Carlton Boston Common, a gorgeous hotel where you can walk through nearby Boston Common then enjoy a soak in the spa-like tub and enjoy your luxe room. ThePointResort.com | RitzCarlton.com | CapeAir.com

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

OUR TOWN

bucket list season MAKING SUMMER MEMORIES ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

SUMMER IS ALWAYS THE PERFECT TIME TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY-KIDS ARE OUT OF SCHOOL, VACATIONS ARE SCHEDULED, AND DAYS LAST LONGER. There is both time to slow down and sneak in those movie nights or lazy days by the pool and time to be productive and accomplish all those projects or “to do” lists. However, with our world dramatically slowing back in the spring, everyone had plenty of time to get a jump on those typical “at home” summer activities, check them off their lists, and start the process over again. As we are now fully immersed into summer and businesses are reopening, we are restless to get out and about and enjoy everything about our community that we have been missing. With so many options, its hard to decide what to do first, so here are the top ten items on our bucket list for our summer enjoyment and our emergence back into the wonderful life that is Fort Myers. We hope you’ll join us! 16

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

billy’s bike rentals Instead of exploring Sanibel Island by car, choose a faster and easier way that’s fun for the whole family. Billy’s Bike Rentals is loaded with options to take care of everyone in your family, even those who haven’t learned to ride yet. Choose from individual bikes, bicycles built for two, or covered surreys so the entire family can share in the peddling. Grab a map and enjoy all Sanibel has to offer on your own timetable: the historic lighthouse, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, an invigorating dip in the ocean, or island shopping.

bennett’s fresh roast Start everyone’s day (weekend, summer vacation, etc) off right with a trip to Bennett’s, where you will find the BEST donuts around! With good old fashioned service, fresh roasted coffee, and from-scratch, hand-cut donuts, this will hands down become your new favorite breakfast stop. Apple fritters or classic glazed, s’mores or maple bacon, Boston crème or keylime, every flavor of donut will be an experience you cannot forget and will leave your mouth watering for more.

calusa nature center & planetarium A place for learning that’s fun, Calusa Nature Center spans over 100 acres of land with elevated boardwalks, a museum, and a planetarium. Families can get up close and personal with some of Florida’s native creatures with the center’s interactive, educational activities. Guests can view stunning butterflies in the aviary and permanently injured birds of prey in the Audubon Aviary. The planetarium offers an exciting celestial experience as well as stargazing programs and nighttime laser light shows.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

pieces of eight pirate cruise Join Captain Jack, Peg Leg Meg, and Pick Pocket Pete in Estero Bay for some exciting pirate action. Beginning your adventure at Salty Sam’s Marina, you can dine at Parrot Key or Bootleggers. Then it’s time to set sail on the 65-foot Spanish Galleon-style ship to explore the Fort Myers waterways. The 90 minute cruise will entertain you with swashbuckling pirate antics, pirate paraphernalia such as eye patches, swords, water pistols, and hats, and the favorite drink of pirates-RUM!-for mom and dad.

the shell factory & nature park This one location offers so much, everyone in the family should be pleased! The Nature Center is full of exotic and native animals (one might go as far to say that it’s better than a trip to the zoo!), offers a petting zoo, and has a peaceful butterfly garden. The Fun Park features water activities such as bumper and paddle boats, a zip line, a mini golf course, and arcade games. Captain Fishbones can satisfy your food cravings with it’s local cuisine. And last, but not least, The Shell Factory is the perfect place to shop for authentic Floridian souvenirs.

lakes regional park Nothing is better than free, and Lakes Park offers more than you can imagine for the cost of nothing! There is a Miniature Railroad that offers a 15 minute ride past a small scale village. The small water park and playground is a favorite for kids. There are 158 acres of freshwater quarry lakes where you can see exotic vegetation and the occasional alligator and several gardens where vivid flora grows in abundance. Gazebos, covered picnic areas, and large trees provide shade for relaxing or picnics with the family. If you do have a few spare dollars, there are boats and bikes available for rent. In addition, many cultural and music festivals are held here along with the Farmer’s Market on Friday mornings.

magic wind adventure sailing Jump aboard “Star of Orion” with Captain Dan & Dian to enjoy a day at sea. Their 38-foot coastal cruiser will take you out into the Gulf of Mexico to see dolphins, sea turtles, and other incredible seat life. You can sit back, relax, and experience the wind and waves or you can try your hand at sailing by helping to set the sails and taking the wheel.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

flipper’s on the bay It’s time to head out to Lover’s Key, not for a beach day, but to check out the “best waterfront restaurant.” It overlooks the backbay waters of Estero Bay, not only providing an incredible ocean view, but offering exceptional cuisine at every meal. It is the only open-aired restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the island, so you can always dine for lunch and come back for dinner after a day of exploration. This is NOT your typical island food, but it’s fresh, classic items with flavorful sauces and perfectly cooked accompaniments will be the perfect meal for your family to bond over.

imag history and science center An incredible museum meets aquarium hands-on experience that will entertain, inspire creativity, and delight children and adults alike. Exhibits and interactive spaces include the Dino Dig where kids can look for real fossils, the Sporty Science Arena to test physical skills, and Tiny Town for kids under twelve to use their imaginations. Guests can run through rainstorms, experience tropical storm force winds, and become a weather forecaster on TV. There are opportunities to get up close and personal with sea creatures and learn about marine life in Fisheye Lagoon, as well as chances to touch reptiles, mammals, and fish in designated touch tanks and during programs.

love boat ice cream All anyone really needs is ice cream, so don’t let summer slip by without heading over to Love Boat. With locations on Sanibel and in Fort Myers, you can make your rounds and go multiple times a day if you want; serving the best ice cream around, no one would judge you! Their premium homemade ice cream has been a favorite for over 50 years. More than 85 flavors are offered, with both classic and season flavors, so you can count on them having exactly what you’re craving on a steamy Florida day.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

summer bucket list bingo devour a donut

look at the stars

walk in n a t u re

d re s s l i ke a p i ra t e

go on a b i ke ride

play in the water

f re e space

go on a picnic

f re e space

try a new ice c re a m flavor

dine ocean side

observe w i l d l i fe

e x p e riment with science

hug your fa m i l y

i n t e ra c t with ocean l i fe

sail the seas

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

A LEVEL ABOVE

13300-56 South Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers, Florida 33919

(321) 710-5507 AMPSHOTSMEDIA.COM

READ

DINE

SHOP

L O C AT E D AT

C O N TA C T U S

PHOTOGRAPHY · VIDEOGRAPHY

PLAY

During this time, we’ve brought our print publication to you. Now, we’re adding a new way to share good news! + INTRODUCING +

CityLifestyle.com YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

CULINARY CREATIONS

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN A HOT DOG RIGHT OFF THE GRILL WITH SEAR MARKS AND THAT SMOKEY FLAVOR TOPPED WITH KETCHUP OR MUSTARD, RIGHT? Well, the verdict is still out as hot dogs are being made over into gourmet sandwiches with toppings that may seem surprising, but will having you firing up the grill all summer long!

INGREDIENTS + shredded lettuce

+ chopped tomatoes + crispy bacon + ranch drizzle

INGREDIENTS + celery leaves

+ buffalo wing sauce + ranch drizzle

+ crumbled blue cheese + chives + scallions

T h e B LT Dog The Buffalo Dog

I t ' s N ot J u s t a

UNIQUE TOPPINGS AND FLAVORS TO CHANGE UP YOUR HOT DOG GAME

Hot Dog Anymore 22

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

Onion & Cheddar Dog C h e e sy Mexican Dog H awa i i a n Dog Banh Mi

INGREDIENTS + white cheddar + caramelized onions + ketchup

INGREDIENTS + tomatoes + serrano peppers + cheese sauce + cilantro + queso fresca

INGREDIENTS + grilled pineapple + BBQ (or teriyaki) sauce + diced shallots

INGREDIENTS + fresh cucumber + pickled carrots + cilantro + spicy mayo

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

HOW DO YOU GO OUT INTO THE WORLD TO EXPERIENCE NEW CULTURES, EXPLORE NEW PLACES, DISCOVER AMAZING TREASURES, AND ENCOUNTER NEW, INTRIGUING PERSONALITIES WITHOUT ACTUALLY GOING ANYWHERE? “That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” (Jhumpa Lahiri) Just as you can take books anywhere, books can take you anywhere. They are a form of magic in that way. You can go any place you want to go; you can be anyone you want to be; you can do anything you want to do. The front cover of the book is your departure, the back your return, and the ink in between will take you as far as your imagination will allow. Not being able to travel because of financial issues, a health crisis, or the everyday responsibilities of life is completely understandable, but just because you can’t

BOOKS THAT TAKE YOU PLACES

page traveling

PAGE TURNERS

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

go somewhere physically doesn’t mean you can’t go there mentally. Authors have an incredible talent for taking you on journeys that you won’t soon forget. So whether or not you are traveling this summer, you can choose your destination, pick up a book, and go on a great adventure. Here are some great travel memoir suggestions for you to start with, but there are thousands of other books, fiction and non-fiction, that can take you on a trip through the desert, drop you on a tropical island in the middle of the ocean, across Asia, up north to Antarctica, from the East coast of the United States to the West, or wherever you have the desire to visit whenever you want to escape the world you live in.

THE YEAR OF LIVING DANISHLY BY HELEN RUSSELL Join journalist and archetypal Londoner, Helen Russel, as she uproots her life and moves to Denmark for a year to discover why it is the world’s happiest country. She shares various

DESTINATION

cultural aspects from childcare and education to food and

Denmark

interior design as she tries to understand the secret to their happiness. Immerse yourself in Russell’s uncanny wit, humorous self-deprecation, and English sensibility to see where the Danes get it right, where they get it wrong, how we might benefit from living a little more Danishly ourselves.

THE LOST GIRLS BY JENNIFER BAGGART Approaching their thirtieth birthdays, three friends who are feeling the pressures to meet certain societal norms, decide to quite their jobs, leave their normal lives behind,

DESTINATION

and embark on a yearlong journey across four continents.

South America,

Traveling 60,000 miles across Australia, New Zealand, South

Asia, Australia,

America, and Asia, these three friends step outside their

New Zealand

comfort zones, embrace adventure, and forge an even stronger bond of friendship than they ever could have imagined.

IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY BY BILL BRYSON Travel down under in this deliciously funny, fact-filled, and adventurous novel. With Australia’s adoring guide, you will head off the beaten tourist path to meet friendly inhabitants,

DESTINATION

enjoy cold beer and constant sunshine, discover peculiar

Australia

wildlife, and come face to face with creatures and nature that could kill you in extremely nasty ways. This immense and fortunate land will come to life through Bryson’s humor, wonder, and curiosity

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

LOCAL’S CHOICE

our local 4th! CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY IN SWFL **Subject to change due to Corona Virus restrictions.

4TH OF JULY ON FORT MYERS BEACH Come celebrate our great nation and town pride as the Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July parade makes it way down Estero Blvd. with its colorful floats and costumed participants! The parade starts at Bay Oaks Recreation Center at 10 a.m. and continues down the boulevard to Times Square. Don’t miss this Fort Myers Beach tradition! Be aware the Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. until Noon for the Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July Parade. The Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July fireworks show begins at approximately 9 P.M. at Times Square. You can bring a beach chair and and enjoy the show as the beautiful fireworks light up the night sky! Closing time for the Matanzas Pass bridge is 9:30pm-11pm.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

4TH OF JULY IN CAPE CORAL The City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department is proud to bring you the largest single day event in Southwest Florida. Join us for the 2020 Red, White, and Boom. Over 30,000 people come to the heart of Cape Coral and see Southwest Florida’s best fireworks display. The event takes place on Cape Coral Parkway at the foot of Cape Coral Bridge and will include the traditional Freedom 5K, entertainment, music by Cat Country 107.1 and local musicians, kid friendly activities including Kids Patriot Park, delicious food and drinks and a VIP section for the grand finale, the largest musically synchronized fireworks display around. To ensure everyone’s safety, please remember; no pets, no fireworks, and no outside alcohol will be allowed.

4TH OF JULY ON SANIBEL ISLAND Come out to the island for a full day of events. A free pancake breakfast will kick off the day at Sanibel Community Church followed by the Independence Day Parade down Periwinkle Way. Continue to enjoy the festivities by taking part in the celebration at Jerry’s Shopping Center and shopping the sidewalk sales. Then jump in line to participate in Sanibel’s longest running 4th of July event, the Optimist’s Clubs Road Rally. Grab your family or gather a team and prepare to rally against others as you follow a predetermined course around both islands while solving puzzles and guessing for clues. Round out the holiday by catching the fireworks display near the Causeway.

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

DIY

COOL OFF THIS SEASON WITH CHILLING ICE POPS, NO-BAKE SWEET TREATS + HOW TO USE HEALING ALOE

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

beat the summer heat

AS THE WEATHER STARTS HEATING UP, WE’RE ALL ABOUT COOLING DOWN. And what’s more refreshing than ice pops filled with your favorite fresh fruit? Don’t get in a rut—here are some options that you can enjoy all summer long. Don’t be afraid to try your own! Simply freeze your favorite fruit juice and chunks of fruit in popsicle molds and enjoy. Here are some of our favorites.

frozen fruit pops P E AC H Y K E E N .

S T R AW - B R R -Y.

H 2 0 M E LO N .

+ Combine simply peach juice

+ Puree strawberries with your

+ Combine watermelon,

and sliced peaches

favorite fruit juice

cucumber and lime

TEA TIME: Change it up by

LIME IT UP: Combine pureed

HYDRATION STATION:

using sweet tea and peach juice

strawberries with homemade

Did you know watermelon

as your base and some ginger

limeade (water, limes + simple

and cucumber are two of

ale for a little fizz or add some

syrup) for a frozen twist on a

the most hydrating fruits +

lemonade for a tart twist!

summer classic.

veggies? Load it up!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

DIY (CONTINUED)

F R E S H E N U P. Put your plants to use by harvesting aloe gel from the leaves of your window plant rather than option for store-bought.

Thereâ€™s some yellow sap that will come out of the leavesâ€” this is the aloe vera latex. Go ahead and just dispose of it.

Choose thick, healthy leaves from the

T I P T W O.

outside, trim the edges with a knife, then

Store your fresh aloe longer by transferring the gel to ice

separate the interior gel from the exterior

cube trays. Then use the frozen cubes anytime on sunburns

of the leaf.

or dry skin.

awesome aloe 30

TIP ONE.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

no-bake icebox cake

INGREDIENTS + 3 cups heavy cream, cold + 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp. vanilla extract + Chocolate ice cream + Cookie crumbles, pre-made cake, chocolate candies, crushed graham crackers and anything else you want to layer your cake with

1. In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar and vanilla with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form in the mixture. 2. Start with a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a springform pan (determine the size by how large or small you want your icebox cake to be). Then top with an even layer of chocolate (or your favorite kind of ice cream). 3. For the next layer, top with an even layer of cookie crumbles, cake crumbles, chocolate candies, crushed graham crackers or anything else you want to layer your cake with. 4. Continue with layers of whipped cream, ice cream and toppings until you have reached the top of your pan. 5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, top with more cookie crumbles or chocolate sauce, slice and enjoy!

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

RENOVATE & REFINE

PATRIOTIC PORCH DESIGNS

FREEDOM'S DECOR RED, WHITE, AND BLUE IS SPRINGING UP EVERYWHERE FROM WINDOW FRONTS TO FASHION AS INDEPENDENCE DAY FEVER ONCE AGAIN TAKES HOLD. It’s not unusual to pause this time of year and remember the freedom we have and how it was obtained, but with the path we have all had to walk this year, freedom seems to have taken on an even greater meaning. Displaying American pride is something that never goes out of style and one of the easiest places to show off our love for our country is the front porch of our home. This patriotic look doesn’t have to be limited to the month of July, however; it can become a true American tradition that lasts all summer long. There are so many ways to spruce up your porch to celebrate the holiday or to create a lasting, classic all-American look. These ideas can work for both those who like to go all out with decorating or those who prefer subtler touches. Regardless of personal taste, the staple colors of a patriot porch are red, white, and blue, and the most common patterns of stars and stripes come from Old Glory herself. Make use of all the things around you-red flowers in white planters, blue and white gingham pillows, or mini figurines holding a flag or dressed in those symbolic color. Hang up red, white, and blue banners along porch rails or mount an eyelet to display a larger flag. Create unique items like wreaths to hang on the front door; grab some paint and old pieces of wood to make your own outdoor artwork ; gather items from around the house in those patriotic colors and group them together on outdoor benches and steps. There is no correct or incorrect way to present your American pride when it comes to adorning your porch and this is the perfect opportunity to freely express the freedom we all have!

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

LADDER

PILLOWS

MASON JARS

Use an old wooden ladder and wide ribbon in a variety of textures and patriotic colors to create a unique porch display.

Choose outdoor pillows in red, white, and blue combinations in different sizes and shapes.

Paint patterns on empty glass jars to create vases or centerpieces.

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

HEALHTY LIFESTYLE

Summer Wellness

BEING HEALTHY SEEMS TO HAVE MOVED TO THE TOP OF THE LEADER BOARD ON MOST PEOPLE’S PRIORITY LISTS. While this is definitely a positive thing, having a strong immune system and

a healthy lifestyle should be a consistent part of everyday life instead of just a reaction to a health crisis. Here is a list of common sense habits that can be easily implemented during these summer months to increase the well-being of your mind, body, and soul and put you on a path to being holistically healthy.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 34

HYDRATE. HYDRATE. HYDRATE. Water is important all year long, but drinking plenty of it during our extremely hot summers is crucial to preventing dehydration.

APPLY SUNSCREEN DAILY. Protect yourself from sun burns, sun poisoning, and skin cancer with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which also helps slow down the skin’s aging process.

ENJOY NATURE’S BOUNTY. Take advantage of delicious, ripe, seasonal fruits and vegetables that will nourish and replenish your body with all the things it needs to stay strong and healthy.

MOVE. Exercise in the heat of the day is pretty much tortuous, so take a walk in the morning or a bike ride in the evening when the temperature is more tolerable and you can enjoy being in nature.

RELAX AND REST Summer is exciting, but less rushed than other times of the year. Take this chance to relax, add some extra hours to your night, and catch up on all the sleep you’ve been missing out on and craving.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | July 2020

5 TIPS TO BOOST YOUR HEALTH ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

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