Lee County FL
June 2025
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Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com
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Laurie Ragle lragle@breezenewspapers.com
executive editor
Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com
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Rhonda Odum rmarble@breezenewspapers.com
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Lyn McElhaney lmcelhaney@breezenewspapers.com
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The Tommy Bohanon Foundation recently recognized two outstanding contributors to its organization during the annual Playmakers Tailgate Party at The Ranch in Fort Myers.
James Markovits and Extreme Companies of Florida were honored at the April 11 event for their commitment, support and advocacy of the foundation. Markovits was awarded the 2025 Player of the Year award while Extreme Companies of Florida received the 2025 Most Valuable Player Award.
Markovits has been an advocate for each event hosted by the eight-year-old foundation, never missing an opportunity to volunteer. From coaching at the summer football camp to serving as a mentor for the Man Up seminar, he’s Tommy’s right-hand man. Additionally, Markovits utilizes his network of business associates to promote broader support of the foundation.
Extreme Companies of Florida has supported many Southwest Florida nonprofits over
the years, but none more so than the Tommy Bohanon Foundation. The company has not only supported the organization financially, as Presenting Sponsor of the Playmakers Tailgate Party for several years but has also funded other programs organized by the foundation. Further, Jami Hagy, a founding partner of the company, encourages her girls’ soccer team to volunteer at foundation events.
“The support we have received from James and Extreme Companies of Florida has been amazing,” said foundation President Tommy Bohanon. “Their commitment and dedication have allowed us to help so many student-athletes across Southwest Florida and continue our mission to making sure they reach their highest potential both on and off the playing field.”
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation serves children and adolescents ranging from ages five to 18
• Presenting Sponsor - Extreme Companies of Florida
• All Pro Sponsors - Lee Drywall, Custom Pools by Design, Bright Ideas Trophies & Awards, LCEC, Big Events Florida, Big Mama Radio, Millennial Brewing Company, The Mackey Team, Unique Exteriors, SWFL Health & Hydration, Wilbur Smith Law and Rocky’s Exterior Wash
• Player of the Year Sponsors - Barry Goettemoeller ReMax; Taylor Carpet One; Garramone Plastic Surgery; Personal Touch Catering; Johnny Prevatt & Sons Paving; Advanced Seamless Gutters; Specific Care Chiropractic; Goliath Fishing; Jaimes Towing & Recovery and United Digestive Health
• Hall of Fame Sponsors - Lee County Sheriff’s Office, ABC Septic, Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats, Priority Marketing, Arthur Printing and Thomas Family Charitable Trust
• Bar Sponsor - Baystate Financial
• VIP Cocktail Sponsor - Off Duty Fishing Series
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation serves children and adolescents ranging from ages five to 18 and develops high school athletes into future leaders in our community through volunteer and scholarship opportunities.
For more information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org or call 239-671-0441.
by Norm Bentley • The North Georgia Wine Advisor
Sometimes we have the occasion to have a “Special” dinner at home during the middle of the week, as we did last Wednesday. A special meal deserves a good bottle of wine, and we chose the Simi Sonoma Chardonnay as a companion for our Steamed Artichokes with Avocado-Cilantro dip, and our Shrimp and Avocado salad topped with Hot Chili Pepper Ranch dressing. Wednesday night became a Saturday as soon as we uncorked the bottle!
The nose is fragrant with the scent of fruit fresh from the orchard, with a bit of floral undertone. The flavors are mostly mellow apple and ripe pair, with some citrus freshening things up. The wine is on the lighter side, but with good character and a pleasing finish, with mineral and light oak lingering until the next sip. The alcohol content is 13.5%. and Norm’s score is 90.
This pleasant Sonoma County offering will be a great choice for your springtime picnic basket, or that summer salad luncheon later on.
Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation presents over $1.6 million in grants to serve at-risk children in
The Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in grants to six designated charities of the 23rd annual Nichols Cup tournaments and auction gala, bringing its total fundraising to date to $20 million for children’s charities in Southwest Florida.
“This milestone reflects not just the success of our events but the heart and commitment of our board members, volunteers and Fiddlesticks residents,” said Bryan Simmering, president of the Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation. “Their generosity over the years has allowed us to touch countless lives and transform our vision for Nichols Cup into a reality for local children in need.”
Since 2002, Nichols Cup has supported local children’s charities in helping more than 100,000 abused and neglected children. Funds from this year’s event were distributed at Fiddlestick’s annual Piper’s Meeting on March 25 among the foundation’s two primary charity partners, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida and Abuse Counseling & Treatment, and additional beneficiaries Blessings in a Backpack, Liberty Youth Ranch, Pace Center for Girls, Lee and Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice.
The foundation’s first and primary charity partners, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida and Abuse Counseling and Treatment, were each awarded $575,000. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida aims to provide a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect and improve the lives of at-risk children and their families through prevention services. Abuse Counseling and Treatment supports victims of domestic violence and their children, along with survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties.
Blessings in a Backpack received a $175,000 grant to support its ongoing mission in Southwest Florida. With the funds, the nonprofit provides backpacks filled with kid-friendly, ready-to-eat food items to more than 1,200 underserved children at Colonial Elementary and James Stephens Elementary to take home every weekend during the school year. Liberty Youth Ranch, a charitable residential program based in Bonita Springs, received a $140,000 donation. The long-term children’s residential group home provides a safe home, education and family to abused, neglected and homeless children.
The Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation was founded in 2002 by a group of Fiddlesticks members, known as Pipers, who volunteer to organize and run the annual Nichols Cup Pro-Am Golf & Tennis Tournaments. The annual tournament recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of golfer Bobby Nichols, a longtime resident of Fiddlesticks and winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments including the 1964 PGA Championship and 1974 Canadian Open. Since the formation of the Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation 23 years ago, more than $20 million has been donated to local children’s charities. To learn more, visit NicholsCup.org or call 239-633-4579.
The foundation awarded a grant of $56,000 to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, to support its Anti-Human Trafficking Program. Serving ten counties in Southwest Florida, the program provides intensive case management and mental health counseling to victims of severe human trafficking as they attempt to integrate into society after being rescued. Pace Center for Girls of Lee County also received a $56,000 grant to support its Reach Program. Through Pace Lee, Reach therapists bring mental health support directly to girls ages 11 to 17, meeting them in their local schools, within their communities, or even at home at no cost to families.
For 23 years, Nichols Cup has transformed into a four-day fundraising event.
Founded by longtime Fiddlesticks resident Bobby Nichols, winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments, the PGA recognizes the Nichols Cup golf tournament as one of the most successful community sponsored pro-am tournaments in the U.S. For 23 years, Nichols Cup has transformed into a four-day fundraising event that includes tennis and pickleball tournaments, a neighborhood fundraiser, an auction gala, and culminates in a pro-am golf tournament. To learn more about the Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, email info@nicholscup.org or visit NichosCup.org.
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Whether you’re looking to paddle the ball in the kitchen, serve up an ace, or are apt to yell “fore!” while hitting the links, sunny Southwest Florida is the perfect place to perfect your craft while keeping up a healthy lifestyle.
Pickleball, tennis, and golf are three of the most popular sports locally, and all provide a way for players to stay in shape while getting to enjoy the beautiful climate the region has to offer.
There are no shortage of courses, courts, and facilities throughout Southwest Florida, where residents and visitors alike can spend the day fine-tuning their game while toning their body.
There are no shortage of courses, courts, and facilities throughout Southwest Florida
One of, if not the fastest-growing sport in the world is pickleball. A scaled-down version of tennis using a perforated ball and paddles on a smaller court, this game has boomed across Southwest Florida and beyond.
The best part? Anyone, of any skill level or age can take part.
Cape Coral is home to one of the most decorated pickleball players on the senior circuit, Mike Welter.
Welter, 72, has accumulated multiple medals of all varieties, singles and doubles, over his career. He was named a Humana Game Changer at the 2022 National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, an award given to athletes who exemplify healthy aging and provide encouragement, motivation and inspiration for all seniors to start living healthy lifestyles.
Welter, a former Marine, transitioned to pickleball after being an avid tennis player. The first day he was introduced to the sport, he bought a paddle, and in his first Florida State Senior Games, took a silver medal.
The best part? Anyone, of any skill level or age can take part. Welter, 72, has accumulated multiple medals.
“The more we played, the more people started playing,” Welter said. “You didn’t have to have three other people with you, I could just go myself, fit in, and play.
“I can go get a workout and get my cardio in. And it’s such a social game. To me, that makes a happier person, and a happier, healthier person is what we all want to be. I can play with my kids, my grandkids, my wife. It’s just different from any other sport I’ve played.”
Welter unfortunately suffered a stroke in 2018 while on vacation. When he returned home, his doctors asked him what he was doing for exercise because he was making a tremendous recovery. He told them he played pickleball.
“The doctor’s said, ‘Keep playing pickleball,’” Welter recalled. “It was doctor’s orders to keep my heart healthy and to help my muscles recover after my stroke.”
Welter said it’s amazing to see the growth of the sport, and how many players show up with their paddles to play everywhere he goes. Welter plays roughly five times per week, and meets people from all walks of life.
“I
“It’s the best sport I’ve ever seen because it’s something you can do just by showing up,” Welter said. “People from ages 7 to 107 can go out and play and compete together and have fun. You’re getting the friendships. It’s easier to play than tennis. It’s great for retirees to play.”
Pickleball games don’t last particularly long, ranging from five to 15 minutes depending on skill level. Welter said people will put their paddle in line, and rotate the partners they play with.
Professional pickleball just held its first tournament in Cape Coral, as the Pro Pickleball Association held the Veolia Cape Coral Open at a brand new facility named “The Courts, Cape Coral” this past March.
One of the best workouts you can get in any sport is that of tennis.
Running baseline to baseline, using your arms and hips in a striking motion, and chasing down a variety of shots, the sport has served as a way to get in a workout while playing an enjoyable game.
The venue is expected to become a key destination
For a brand-new facility in Cape Coral, avid tennis players have a myriad of opportunities to work on their forehand, backhand, and serve in the beautiful climate of Southwest Florida.
“The Courts, Cape Coral” opened last August
and is home to state-of-the-art tennis and pickleball playing surfaces.
The facility includes 32 pickleball courts and 12 tennis courts, designed to host large-scale tournaments. The venue is expected to become a key destination for local and national sports enthusiasts, according to Cape Coral staff.
Located in the heart of Cape Coral, officials say the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center is “redefining excellence in racquet sports, both in Florida and across the nation.
“Boasting cutting-edge facilities tailored for top-tier tournaments, this center is one of the grandest outdoor court parks in the state, establishing itself as the ultimate hotspot for pickleball and tennis lovers alike.”
Jason Smith, The Courts, Cape Coral director of operations, said tennis is the perfect sport to stay in shape and spend a day in the lovely climate Southwest Florida often provides.
“Tennis is physical fitness,” Smith said. “It improves cardiovascular health, and strengthens muscles. It helps keep your reaction time sharper as you get older. If you keep playing the sport, your reaction time keeps up.
“It’s got a ton of social interaction. You meet new people. I read that people who play racquet sports live happier, longer lives.”
The Courts has seen its tennis surfaces get plenty of love since it opened, hosting USTA leagues, and roughly 20 tennis clubs and associations.
“For tennis players, we have all the way from tiny tots juniors all the way up to people
eighty-plus playing,” Smith said.
The Courts offer plenty of shaded benches and other shaded seating for when temps climb, and have a cafe on-site to find refreshments, including protein smoothies for those needing that recovery boost.
Smith said oftentimes, members of The Courts partake in both tennis and pickleball.
General Manager Lisa Zuk said while the physical aspect of the sport is most definitely part of the game, the social aspect and how it can improve mental health is at the heart of the sport as well.
“On both sides, not only are they getting the physical benefits, there’s a mental benefit to get out there and escape from the world and do your own thing,” she said. “Socially, it’s huge. People join teams and make lifelong friends. Often it becomes the basis of most people’s lives; tennis and pickleball have a huge impact. Having friends and enjoying the sport is a huge plus for mental health.”
The Courts, Cape Coral, is at 420 S.W. 2nd Ave.
Hitting the links for a round of golf is one of the most popular pastimes across the Sunshine State, with courses-a-plenty to choose from.
While traditionally golfers use a cart to get from tee box to tee box, there are a few courses around Southwest Florida where players can also walk.
Located on historic palm tree lined McGregor Boulevard in the city of Fort Myers, Fort Myers Country Club gives golfers the option to walk the course year-round. The beloved course opened for play in 1917, and was designed in 1916 by the great Donald Ross. It is one of the
oldest golf facilities on the west coast of Florida located just one mile south of the Edison/Ford Winter Estates. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford frequently played the course during the 1920s.
“It was designed to walk,” said Head Golf Pro and Director Golf at Fort Myers Country Club, Kari Phenix. “It’s in the city charter. It also gives kids a place to play, because you have to be eighteen to drive a cart here.
“A lot of people enjoy walking, not only because it’s less expensive, but, the average player here playing eighteen holes is getting between five to six miles in.”
Fort Myers Country Club gives golfers the option to walk the course year-round
“As long as you stay active and moving and mobile, it’s good for the whole body – mental and psychical.”
Walking Fort Myers Country Club is quite the popular option, Phenix said. While the summer months may be warm, walking from November to March gives players a great way to add a bit of cardio to their golf outing to keep fit.
“It’s a great activity to do,” Phenix said. “We hear a lot of different reasons why people like to walk. Yes it’s the exercise, but it gives them a chance to talk to their friends while they’re playing versus riding in a cart, they don’t necessarily get to have the camaraderie.
“You can have four generations walking down the first fairway, which is kind of a cool thing. It can be a family affair.”
Phenix said the majority of those that walk the course are over 50. Swinging the club, the turning of the hips, the arm action, are all
components of keeping physically sound.
“It’s the classic saying, ‘use it or lose it,’” Phenix said. “As long as you stay active and moving and mobile, it’s good for the whole body – mental and psychical.”
In a time where there are push carts, pull carts, and just the standard carrying of clubs, Phenix said the most effective way to burn calories while walking a course is to push them.
“It actually takes more energy than carrying your clubs,” she said.
Walking the course also gives golfers a way to disconnect and tune in to nature and the Florida climate and wildlife.
Tee times can be reserved online, up to seven days in advance, at www.cityftmyers.com. Tee times may also be reserved one day in advance with phone lines opening at 8:00 a.m.
Fort Myers Country Club is at 3591 McGregor Blvd.
The Dish: Lemon Pepper Wings
The Bill: $25 The Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The Details: You enter the Burnt Store Tavern and know immediately you’re in Minnesota Vikings headquarters.
A Justin Jefferson poster screams from one of the walls to celebrate the outstanding receiver for the purple and gold. Other memorabilia cheering the National Football League team fill the rest of the restaurant.
All of it makes for a happy atmosphere even if you’re a fan of enemy teams. Paul and Jenny Trcka make sure of that. They took over the tavern a few years ago and help you cheer with their myriad TVs, drinks and food.
Our table was packed with followers of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos and New York Jets. And we couldn’t get enough of the Burnt Store Tavern excitement.
Maybe the secret was the chicken wings. My wife made the wise choice of Lemon Pepper
Wings. No messy sauce. Just delicious spice. This fare almost made me root for the Vikings to finally win a Super Bowl.
Our friends considered all sorts of menu items, namely pizza, Philly cheesesteak, patty melt, fish & chips, shrimp basket, pretzel bites with queso.
We were too busy devouring our wings to notice what else landed on the table.
The cool thing about Cape Coral, our booming town near the Gulf of America, is it’s jammed with sports bars flavored with favorite NFL teams: Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills.
I’m yearning for a Jets hangout. That’ll take a long time.
Meanwhile, I’ll head to Burnt Store and at least watch a winning team amid champion food.
and photos by Bucky Fox • Buckyfoxmizzou@gmail.com
United Through Reading announces “Sometimes Apart Always in My Heart” by Tish Rabe as 2025 Book for the Military Child. Annual designation part of Month of the Military Child celebration.
United Through Reading (UTR) today announced “Sometimes Apart Always in My Heart: Helping military families send love from far away” by acclaimed children’s book author Tish Rabe as the 2025 Book for the Military Child, an annual designation by UTR that coincides with Month of the Military Child.
Launched in 2023, Book for the Military Child rallies the entire military community around reading the same book to unite and celebrate military children across the globe.
Thirteen Thousand copies of “Sometimes Apart Always in My Heart” will be distributed to military families around the world.
The book has a heartfelt, rhyming story, loveable characters and beautiful hand painted illustrations by award-winning artist Gill Guile. The book introduces the Bear Family, who are serving their country while Daddy Bear is away on a military assignment. This heartwarming story will help every family know what it means to count the days until they are all together again.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Tish Rabe’s ‘Sometimes Apart Always in My Heart’ as this year’s Book for the Military Child,” said Dr. Sally Ann Zoll, Chief Executive Officer (Interim) of United Through Reading. “Tish’s story is the perfect way to celebrate the resilience and courage of military families and their children, and it offers these children a source of comfort while their parents are away. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices these young heroes make and
a touching tribute to the strength they embody every day.”
“I am proud and honored to be the author of ‘Sometimes Apart Always in My Heart,’ the 2025 Book for the Military Child,” said Tish Rabe, author of ‘Sometimes Apart Always in My Heart.’ “I was inspired to write it when I first met United Through Reading and learned that they video-record service members reading to their children and then send each child a new, free copy of the book. I spent months interviewing military families and took their experiences and created a gentle story that I know will capture the hearts of young readers everywhere, especially those who wait at home while their parents work to keep our country safe.”
The book has a heartfelt, rhyming story, loveable characters and beautiful hand painted illustrations
Tish Rabe is the bestselling author of over 200 books for Sesame Street, Disney, Dr. Seuss and many more, with over 11 million copies sold. She is also the Founder and Content Creator of Tish Rabe Books, a company that creates books, songs, and animations that make a positive difference in the lives of children parents, teachers, and caregivers. To learn more, visit: TishRabeBooks.com.
United Through Reading keeps military families reading ready, no matter the distance between them. Families stay connected through storytime video recordings and books sent to military families. These stories ease the stress of time apart due to military duty, maintain positive emotional connections, and cultivate a love of reading and early childhood literacy. Service members and veterans can record a story for their family at more than 400 United Through Reading recording locations worldwide and on their mobile devices with our free and secure reading app. Since 1989, over 3 million military family members have benefited from the program. Learn more at unitedthroughreading.org.
Family Initiative, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families across Florida, celebrated its fifth annual Autism Acceptance Awards Gala on Saturday, raising more than half a million dollars.
The annual event welcomed more than 400 guests and raised $633,500 for the autism community.
The gala honored the thousands of dedicated individuals working to support children, adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. The evening, which wrapped up Autism Acceptance Month, featured dinner, drinks, and both live and silent auctions. Guests celebrated heroes who often go unnoticed — but within families, they are superstars: loving, guiding and caring for those they support.
Family Initiative and the autism community are humbled by the ongoing support and generosity of sponsors and attendees. As the prevalence of autism diagnoses continues to rise, the need for support across Florida continues to grow.
Awards were also presented at the gala to four honorees selected by a panel to celebrate the everyday champions of those on the autism spectrum.
Honorees included:
• The Champion Award: Lee County Government
• The Partner Award: Minnesota Twins
• The Dylan Award: Margie Mitchell
• The Believer Award: Ginny Meyers, Sarasota County Schools
Since the last gala, Family Initiative has expanded Thrive Academy, a private autism specialty school, by opening a new campus and launching several new programs.
The gala honored the thousands of dedicated individuals
Proceeds from the gala will directly support children and families on Family Initiative’s waitlist, expanding its network of clinicians and offering free or low-cost, community-based programs. The nonprofit offers a range of social skills programs, clinical services, and community education for children and families across Florida.
Major sponsors include: Hogwash, EZ Boat Fenders, Fabri-Tech, J Van Hart Provisions, MacKoul Pediatrics, Pristine TLC, Siesta Pebble, The Luminary Hotel and Tito’s.
Other sponsors include: American Metals Supply, Barraco and Associates Inc., Berner Construction, Coastal Building Construction, Coastal Building Consultants, Cook Homes, DeAngelis Diamond, Finemark National Bank & Trust, First Horizon Foundation, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fuse Appliances, Gavin’s Ace Hardware, Hardesty & Hanover Construction Services, Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt P.A., Independent Marine Surveyors Inc., Insurance Management, Integrity Electric, Jersey Girl, Lee Health, Minnesota Twins, Quality
Philly Steaks, REI Siding LLC, Sanibel Captiva Bank, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, Steven’s Construction, Studio +, Suncoast Beverage Sales, Super Screen, TR Transportation and Unique Technologies.
About Family Initiative
Established in 2015, Family Initiative Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting children, adolescents and young adults with autism and strengthening their families. Its team of clinicians serves families through a compassionate, personalized approach using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy (OT) services and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). The organization offers social skills groups for all ages, caregiver supports, community trainings, private school education, vocational training & more. FI also provides child welfare support and services across Florida through its Family Impact Program.
Visit FI-Florida.org, or find Family Initiative on Facebook and Instagram @FamilyInitiative, and on X
By CJ HADDAD • cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
This season will be the last
ASouthwest Florida staple is saying goodbye after more than six decades of presenting orchestral performances for the community.
The Southwest Florida Symphony announced Tuesday its decision to permanently close, with operations continuing through June 30.
As Lee County’s only professional orchestra and one of the oldest symphony orchestras in Florida, the Southwest Florida Symphony created a legacy in Lee and Charlotte counties. The symphony played a substantial role in helping community members discover and enrich their love of music.
“We are so proud of the countless joyous experiences and treasured memories that the Southwest Florida Symphony has provided to residents, visitors and music lovers across our community over 64 years,” said Tom Uhler, president of the board of trustees for the Southwest Florida Symphony, in a release.
“We are honored to have the longtime support of many donors, supporters and concert goers
who have shared our love for orchestral music over the years. While we bid farewell to this chapter, the Southwest Florida Symphony team remains committed to preserving the rich legacy of orchestral music and its impact on the community.”
Established as the Fort Myers Symphony in 1961 as a community orchestra consisting of 24 volunteer musicians, the symphony spent its early years performing a handful of concerts in community centers, schools and churches, growing a following throughout the region. In 1981, it merged with a chorus and became the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Association.
Over time, the symphony grew to a roster of 70 world-class musicians. Each season, the orchestra presented a series of Masterworks Concerts, Pops Concerts, and Holiday Pops Concerts at various venues throughout Lee and Charlotte counties. In addition to expanding its concert series to multiple communities throughout Southwest Florida, the symphony has also performed in cities across the state.
Southwest Florida Symphony officials stated the unfortunate fact is that classical music is struggling to thrive across the country, and that there are very few suitable, cost-effective venues in Lee and Charlotte counties and the costs of performances have grown to be very expensive. They also cite an abundance of live entertainment options competing for the community’s attention.
“As a nonprofit that relies heavily on donors and sponsors, with ticket sales covering a fraction of the orchestra’s budget, this reality has resulted in annual operating deficits,” symphony officials said.
“Despite financial prudence and tireless efforts to persevere, repeated annual deficits that the symphony experiences due to operational restrictions, increased performance costs and loss of state funding are no longer viable.”
“After much consideration and given recent leadership departures at the staff and board levels, the Board of Trustees has determined that the only course of action is to close the Southwest Florida Symphony,” Uhler said. “It was a difficult decision, and I’m proud of the board’s commitment to the Symphony with consideration for the staff, the musicians, the donors and community. We appreciate everyone’s support over the years.”
In a message to patrons and community sponsors, symphony officials stated that they are proud of the countless joyous experiences and treasured memories that the Southwest Florida Symphony has provided to residents, visitors, students and music lovers across the community over 64 years.
“It was a difficult decision.”
“While we bid farewell to this chapter, the Southwest Florida Symphony team remains committed to preserving the rich legacy of orchestral music and its impact on the community,” stated a message from staff and the Board of Trustees. “We’re grateful for our many years of support from the Endowment Foundation and are proud of our collaboration with them. They are positioned to ensure they can continue serving the arts community for years to come.”
Orchestra & Chorus Association.
Over time, the symphony grew to a roster of 70 world-class musicians. Each season, the orchestra presented a series of Masterworks Concerts, Pops Concerts, and Holiday Pops Concerts at various venues throughout Lee and Charlotte counties. In addition to expanding its concert series to multiple communities throughout Southwest Florida, the symphony has also performed in cities across the state.
Southwest Florida Symphony officials stated the unfortunate fact is that classical music is struggling to thrive across the country, and that there are very few suitable, cost-effective venues in Lee and Charlotte counties and the costs of performances have grown to be very expensive. They also cite an abundance of live entertainment options competing for the community’s attention.
“As a nonprofit that relies heavily on donors and sponsors, with ticket sales covering a fraction of the orchestra’s budget, this reality has resulted in annual operating deficits,” symphony officials said. “Despite financial prudence and tireless efforts to persevere, repeated annual deficits that the symphony experiences due to operational restrictions, increased performance costs and loss of state funding are no longer viable.”
“After much consideration and given recent leadership departures at the staff and board levels, the Board of Trustees has determined that the only course of action is to close the Southwest Florida Symphony,” Uhler said. “It was a difficult decision, and I’m proud of the board’s commitment to the Symphony with consideration for the staff, the musicians, the donors and community. We appreciate everyone’s support over the years.”
In a message to patrons and community sponsors, symphony officials stated that they are proud of the countless joyous experiences and treasured memories that the Southwest Florida Symphony has provided to residents, visitors, students and music lovers across the community over 64 years.
“While we bid farewell to this chapter, the Southwest Florida Symphony team remains committed to preserving the rich legacy of orchestral music and its impact on the community,” stated a message from staff and the Board of Trustees. “We’re grateful for our many years of support from the Endowment Foundation and are proud of our collaboration with them. They are positioned to ensure they can continue serving the arts community for years to come.”
