Naples, FL September 2023

ONE YEAR LATER: Honoring Community Leaders

“ D u r i n g t h e t h r e e d a y s a f t e r H u r r i c a n e I a n , t h e s o l a r a n d b a t t e r y s y s t e m o n t h e r o o f t o o k o v e r . I t i s a r e v o l u t i o n a r y T e s l a p o w e r p a c k s t o r a g e s y s t e m , t h e f i r s t o f i t s k i n d f o r c o m m e r c i a l u s a g e . I t p r o v i d e s p o w e r d u r i n g a n o u t a g e w i t h i n s t a n t a n e o u s e l e c t r i c i t y t o p o w e r t h e b u i l d i n g i n d e f i n i t e l y .

- B i l l J o h n s o n f r o m B r i l l i a n t H a r v e s t L L C

• Professional Management

• State-of-the-Art Security

• Solar-Powered Storm Protection

• Inventory Management Solutions

• Restaurant Wine Storage Facilities

•Wine Auction House Storage

• Curated Service - Pickup and Delivery

• Current Market Valuations

• Spirits & Wine Storage Solutions

• Flexible Wine Cellar Storage Sizes

DiGiorno Wealth Management Group

Extraordinary Naples

Dear Neighbors,

I'm so humbled and honored to share this special Hurricane Ian First Anniversary issue with you all.

I reached out to our community through social media to deliver feelgood stories from that extraordinary time... and you delivered.

Holly and Jake Maulin and the team at Cyclebar Naples, rescued a community that lost everything in the storm. They brought food, toiletries, linens, towels, and most of all, love to Sheltered Pines.

Kalan Admire stayed on Captiva Island during the storm. Heartbroken homeowners learned he was on the island, and reached out to Kalan to ask him to visit their treasured homes for peace of mind. He did so for hundreds of requests.

I reached out to Collier County First Responder Leadership to help me with stories, and to grace our cover. I feel incredibly lucky to live in Naples and blessed to have Naples' finest on our cover this month.

Thank you to Collier Country Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Kevin Rambosk and Undersheriff Jim Bloom, Greater Naples Fire Chief J. Nolan Sapp and Battalion Chief Aaron Fly, NCH Hospital System President and CEO Paul Hiltz and Director of Emergency Response Jennifer Smith.

The teams behind these departments worked so hard to create stories and pictures and schedule a photo shoot. Special thanks to Kara Down, Patrick Dearborn, Nicole Chesser and Stephanie Spell. As always, I could not accomplish any of this magazine without the efforts of Samantha Bloom, Sue Collins and Lauren Rossi.

We will be announcing an ONLINE sweepstakes with over $30k in prizes to raise money for local first responder nonprofits. Watch our Instagram!

Our September issue theme is Design and Style ... from the way we decorate our homes to local architecture and landscape design, style permeates every facet of our existence, especially in Naples.

Style is deeply personal to me. It is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world, and what we value. We have a collection of stories to share our love of design, including a photo shoot of Naples born and raised Lauren Wilmering, always stunning and with her own breathtaking style.

My appreciation and love always. Thank you, Naples. GREGORY DODGE,

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Gregory Dodge | Gregory.Dodge@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Stacy Conde | stacy.conde@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Samantha Bloom | ohsnapnaples@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS

Naples Media Company | Meri@karenovna.com

Melia Creative | elenamariadavis@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Vikki Locke

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Alex White

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Proverbs 3:5-6

PUBLISHER @NAPLESLIFESTYLEMAG

City Lifestyle Naples would like to thank our sponsors for making the One Year Hurricane Ian Anniversary issue possible.

Meredith & Jeff Gibbons

Patrick Dearborn

Steve & Maria Hagenbuckle

Ralph & Jennifer Garramone

Cristina Levon

Eric Schwartz

Stacy Maczulis & LuAnn Vizzone

Marea Apartments

International Diamond Center

Blake Renda & Julie Koester

Chris Bowers & Anna Catherine Block

Hannah Vogel

Classiche Motorcars & Haute Living Naples

Photography: Samantha Bloom

From left are Greater Naples Fire Rescue Chief J. Nolan Sapp, Battalion Chief Aaron Fly, Undersheriff Jim Bloom, Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, NCH Healthcare System Emergency Manager Jennifer Smith and NCH CEO Paul Hiltz.

Our multi-specialty dental office focuses on both the health of your teeth and gums as well as skin aesthetics. Our doctors, med spa providers and on-staff ceramic and acrylic laboratory experts are knowledgeable and take pride in providing attention to the finest details.

DENTISTRY

DENTAL IMPLANTS

GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES

DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS

HYGIENE AND GUM RELATED THERAPIES

INTRAVENOUS SEDATION

FINANCING AVAILABLE

MED SPA

WRINKLE RELAXERS & FILLERS

MORPHEUS8 FACE/NECK/BODY SKIN

TIGHTENING

EVOKE FACE RECONTOURING

IPL SKIN REJUVENATION

DERMAPLANING

HYDRAFACIAL SKIN TREATMENTS

LASER HAIR REMOVAL www.EngleRenu.com

city scene

1: Grand opening of Freeze Play Wellness Center, chiropractic and cryotherapy experience in Naples 2: Moonrise Martinis and Music, every last Thursday of the month at Bayfront Inn 3: July 4th silent DJ party. Thank you Jake, Xaviar and Memphis 4: July magazine launch party at Engle Dentistry 5: Karaoke at Whiskey Park, held the first Tuesday of every month 6: Twinsies...three ways 7: Happy Hour with Naples Brunch Club at JW Marriott Marco roof top

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Meet your team: From left to right: Diego Menendez, Dajna Nuredini, Serge Ecityan, Jade Tywang, Jill Hendry, Kristin Philips, Jay Rasmussen, Rich Gale, Amy Hale, David Sweigart, Brian Herrick, Michael Rubenstein, Linda Wilkinson, Jeff Gershen, John Patterson.

Maximizing

8: Sand Dollar Awards cocktail party with Norris Furniture 9: Acupuncturist Dr. Alik, I Am

to

Naples. He

help you! 10: Party time!

Real Estate is a powerful thing. Your home is where memories are made and when chosen correctly, it becomes a source of much happiness. I have built a solid foundation in this community through professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to always putting my client’s needs first.

My enthusiastic, can-do attitude and knowledge of the Southwest Florida real estate market is ideal for identifying each client’s desires to help fulfill their needs. I enjoy helping others by guiding them through one of the biggest investments of their lives.

Whether you are ready to buy, sell or curious about ever changing market in Southwest Florida, please feel free to reach out to me. If I don’t know the answer, I will be more than happy to find it for you!

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Board Members Step Up

The Gulfshore Playhouse Board of Directors provides valuable insight on strategic communications, financial and cultural initiatives drawing from their varied industry experiences. With these additions, Gulfshore Playhouse now includes 25 board members, representing a diverse range of generations, backgrounds, and industries—all who believe that theatre of the highest caliber is an essential component of a thriving community. Welcome to: Gerry Moss, Community Leader; Rick Rondinelli, President/ CEO of InTouch Pharmaceuticals; Cynthia Scholl, Community Leader.

Is Your Home Fighting Back?

Every home is a Feng Shui home –it is only a matter of how good the Feng Shui is. A poor Feng Shui home attracts only low vibrational energies. A good Feng Shui home makes you thrive. Optimize your living environment and create a personalized Feng Shui home with the one and only traditional Chinese Feng Shui consultant in town – Jun Feng Shui. Visit NaplesFengShui.com or call 866.819.9998 to schedule a consultation.

Passion Fruit Art Gallery

A beautiful capsule art gallery is located in the heart of Olde Naples— Passionfruit Art Gallery. The name speaks for itself, passion for art and passion for life through bringing the Old World into Olde Naples. When opening the Passionfruit Art Gallery, owner Natalia Stepina made sure to curate the artwork so that the tastes and preferences of her clientele are always recognized. 1100 6th Ave S, Ste 5. PassionFruitArtGallery.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Naples

ELEVATING DESIGN AND STYLE

The Power of High-Value Art Collections

Naples is known for its sense of style, luxury living, and the diverse personalities who live here. When it comes to living your best life, high-value art collections are becoming recognized as more than just investments. These curated treasures possess the transformative ability to enhance our personal sense of design and style, embody our unique identity, and elevate the very essence of our homes.

A carefully curated high-value art collection can capture and complement the essence of one's personality and taste. It can also become a defining element of interior design. The juxtaposition of classical masterpieces or contemporary works against stylish surroundings can create an ambiance that evokes admiration and sparks conversation, ensuring your home is infused with sophistication and charm.

ARTICLE BY MARLISSA GARDNER

Each piece in a high-value art collection carries its own history and story, allowing owners to forge a deeper connection.

Each piece in a high-value art collection carries its own history and story, allowing owners to forge a deeper connection. By searching for and handpicking these valuable artworks, you can reflect your passions, interests, and cultural appreciation, providing “a window into the soul,” revealing a person’s story and aspirations while making an indelible impression on guests and visitors.

Typically, high-value art collections offer the perfect opportunity to complement your style and personality at home. From grand entrances to intimate corners, these exquisite artworks command attention and create a sense of drama, transforming living spaces. Their intricate details, vibrant colors, and impeccable craftsmanship harmonize with architectural elements, furnishings, and lighting to create an unforgettable ambiance, elevating the home to new heights of beauty and allure.

At Emillions Art, we believe that investing in a high-value art collection is an investment in self-expression, identity, and creating a home that epitomizes sophistication and personal style, truly setting it apart in the world of fine living. We are here to help you master yours. We are international art advisors specializing in rare and exclusive fine art. We provide access to fine art from top contemporary artists and have extensive experience sourcing and authenticating works from old and modern masters to contemporary master artists. Our art advisors support clients with a full range of fine art services, prioritizing trust and relationship-building every step of the way.

Emillions Art Emillionsart.com

405 5th Avenue South, Suite 7, Naples  239.687.3101

Our knowledgeable in-house management and vertically integrated team provide added value to your investments.

Our high-quality funds help diversify risk by offering multiple projects within each fund.

Our team prides itself on building personal relationships with our investors that allow us to best meet their individual needs.

September is all about extending the summer vibe, turning the corner into fall while holding on tight to the brightness and lightness that make Naples so special. Freshen your look with color, texture and playfulness. See you around town, gorgeous!

COLOR AND CHARISMA

Fashion file:

picks for September

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA BLOOM

Luara is wearing the Farm Rio Copacabana green mini knit dress (opposite page) and the Loveshack Fancy Norma dress from Coco y Cabana.

Coco y Cabana

795 5th Ave S CocoYCabana.com

Model: Luara Maximo CONTINUED >

Express yourself head to toe with colors that inspire you to skip and even strut. Elena is wearing the colors of the Naples sunset, with accessories that are the icing on the cake from the Alice Simone Shop.

Alice Simone Shop

797 5th Ave S

AliceSimone.com

Model: Elena Griffin

Playful and comfy. The Pistola denim Adela jumpsuit, Alohas boots, Mod & Jo jewelry from R Council. Top right: Loveshack Fancy Emberlynn silk pants and Casa De Coco cashmere sweater from Coco y Cabana. Soludos Yin & Yang sneakers from R Council.

R Council

1100 6th Ave S #1

ShopRCouncil.com

Commando faux patent leather leggings, By Together cardigan and tank, Soludos Yin & Yang sneakers, Mod & Jo jewelry from R Council. Below, the High Tie Dumpling bag from Alice Simone.

Creativity and Quintessential Style

FOUR BUSINESSES THAT MAKE NAPLES A MORE STYLISH PLACE.

ARTICLE BY NAPLES CITY LIFESTYLE

STAFF

Dining: Your Menu, Your Style

Unique, private dining experiences are rare to find. With an expanding network of decorators, entertainers, and culinary masters, Rose House Naples is excited to produce events that are nothing short of remarkable. We talked with Matt Young, director of operations at The Rose House, about his perceptions of the quintessential Naples style. We love his poetic reflections.

“The Naples bespoke aesthetic fuses southern coastal living with comfort, beauty, and color. A simple walk around town can stimulate all the senses. Feel the sun on your skin. Smell the fresh pastries. See the royal palms blowing in the wind. Taste the gelato. Hear the murmur of people and music from the beautiful patio of our many outdoor spaces. Southern fashion is challenging norms set in northern, cooler climates where trench coats and slacks rule. Space is further integrating the outdoors while becoming more sustainable. And the food is evolving to merge countless influences from around the world here in our town.”

The Rose House offers cooking classes, private dining experiences in your home, and catering. Their chefs infuse every dish with thought, style and finesse.

RoseHouseNaples.com

Once Upon a Time

Imagine, a successful global marketing executive and an executive at Hilton Worldwide create a new company, only to have the doors open on March 1, 2020. Great idea, horrible timing. The name Virage means to turn or shift, and that is exactly what William and Carolyn Gullion have done for the past three years; both personally and professionally. It has not been easy, but starting in a global pandemic added a new set of challenges that they have overcome through hard work, honesty, exceptional creativity, and supporting clients through some of the most difficult situations.

Virage Creative is an agency committed to developing and implementing strategic marketing and branding solutions, architecture design services, project development, and franchise documentation to create unique solutions that elevate brands. Their clients are global hospitality companies such as Sonesta International Hotels and Resorts, Reside and Jordan Young International, as well as health and wellness, sports franchises, and local development companies in Naples.

“We relocated to Naples in June 2022, after visiting one time. We fell in love with this beautiful gem of Southwest Florida and we were excited to start a life here. After living and working out of our home in Royal Harbor for three months, we lost everything to Ian,” says Carolyn, owner and CEO of Virage Creative. “To add insult to injury, I found out that my father had terminal cancer. We took care of him while trying to rebuild our new life here in Naples until he passed away.”

She could never guess the magnitude of what Virage would mean and the impact of the decision. “We had no choice, just like everyone affected by tragedy, but to turn and shift. We count our blessings daily and we always say, we turned lemons into margaritas.”

VirageCreative.com

“We had no choice, just like everyone affected by tragedy, but to turn and shift. We count our blessings daily and we always say, we turned lemons into margaritas.”

Six Years of Style

Cypress and Palm Boutique at The Pavilion Plaza on Vanderbilt Beach Road is celebrating six years of dressing Naples. In addition to exciting new fall fashion, they recently collaborated with local candle maker, Nokomis Home Fragrance, to design a custom blend scented candle in honor of their anniversary. Think palo santo, coconut and sandalwood. It’s the perfect Naples candle.

Owner Katy Harwick was born and raised in Naples and has always appreciated the relaxed, yet upscale style here. She brings a variety of pieces into the store that can be dressed up or down to match the Naples lifestyle. Dresses are a consistent customer favorite. “I think that’s a testimony to the style here - a trendy dress that can be worn with flats to brunch or dressed up with heels for a night out. We feature all of our new arrivals on social media and style them so you can get an idea of what’s popular in Naples right now. Make sure to follow along for all things new in-store and online!”

CypressAndPalmboutique.com

A Smooth Transition: The Importance of a Tailored Home Before You Live in It

Moving into a new home, whether it be a vacation home or main home, is an exciting chapter in life. Although a new home is exciting, the process of designing that home and then moving into it can be overwhelming, costly, and chaotic. Moving presents an ideal opportunity to declutter and rid yourself of unnecessary possessions.

OCDOrganized understands that each home and individual has unique needs. By organizing and sorting through your belongings before the move, you can identify items that are no longer needed. This process helps streamline the packing and unpacking process, ensuring that you only bring along what truly matters to you. OCDOrganized specializes in helping clients make decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard, saving you time and energy in the long run. Imagine stepping into your new home and finding everything in its place, ready to be enjoyed. By arranging for a pre-move setup, OCDOrganized ensures that your new home is fully functional and welcoming from day one. From personalized linens and fully stocked kitchens to meticulously organized bathrooms, every detail is taken care of. This allows you to settle into your new environment with ease, saving you valuable time and energy. All you have to do is open the doors, and enjoy your new space.

OCDOrganized.com

GWT Outdoors brings high style to patios, terraces and luxury homes. We talked to founder, Stuart Sheppard about recent projects and the Naples market.

OUTDOOR LUXURY LIVING

ARTICLE BY NAPLES CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

WHEN YOU'RE WORKING WITH A NAPLES CLIENT, WHAT DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ARE UNIQUE TO THE MARKET?

We always approach each project from a needs basis. We ask what the primary intended use for each space is - dining or casual outdoor living and/or both. We can add in TV walls with fireplace inserts. We use decorative plantation shutter options for privacy and factor in climate control with heaters, fans, and misters. For our Florida-based clients, we recommend the Renson pergolas, which have earned the Miami-Dade Hurricane Rated Certificate. This is the most stringent wind load testing requirement in the country. Our pergolas can now withstand winds over 190 mph.

Since the pandemic, outdoor living has become an extension of indoor living space. From motorized custom pergolas, awnings, and umbrellas, to lighting, heating, and exterior wall cladding, our products not only lengthen the duration of enjoying the outdoors, but they also enhance it with their timeless design and cutting-edge technology. That said, our local clients are looking for luxurious designs with superior craftsmanship that meet all of their outdoor lifestyle needs. We are refining the next step in the evolution of outdoor living.

TELL US ABOUT A RECENT PROJECT THAT REQUIRED BOTH CREATIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY.

For a project in the Naples Luxury RV park, we were tasked with creating a unique outdoor living space for the RV owner to entertain friends and family without having them enter into their personal living space in the RV. Most of the neighborhood residents have been using tiki huts and small mini-homes or casitas to entertain, but the results look dated. Our louvered roof systems are designed to allow sun and fresh air in when you want it and to offer shade and rain protection when the elements call for those comforts. We used a combination of motorized drop-down screens and operable loggia plantation shutters as side elements for design and privacy needs. The client can further control their outdoor environment with Big Ass Outdoor Ceiling Fans and Heatscope infrared ceiling-mounted outdoor heaters. Lastly, we deployed a Renson powder-coated aluminum Linius wall to create a backdrop for the wall-mounted TV and bar area backdrop.

WE LOVE OUR OUTDOOR SPACE AT HOME. TELL US ABOUT THE PROJECT AT THIS GORGEOUS HOME IN PORT ROYAL.

We wanted to marry the Renson contemporary pergola design with a more traditional country-style

CONTINUED >

Naples Luxury RV Park

waterfront home. We didn't want the transition from traditional to contemporary to clash or look forced. We achieved that by color-matching the oiled bronze dark tones with the existing colors of the window mullions and copper gutters. We further softened the look by adding in loggia plantation shutters around the outdoor kitchen grille space. We used Renson LED blade lights to create a halo atmosphere at night when the louvers are open, which provides an inviting soft glow at the roof lines. Additional custom third-party dimmable puck lights were added over the dining area and as task lights for cooking mounted over the grille. For days when the waterside breezes are hard to find, we mounted a Big Ass outdoor-rated ceiling fan to provide steady air circulation. Motorized side drop-down screens on the open sides allow for a screened-in, bug-free dining experience.

YOUR TOOLBOX OF SKILLS AND SERVICES IS IMPRESSIVE.

The team is always looking to add to and improve its suite of product offerings. If a client brings something to our attention that we do not currently sell, we will spend the time researching and vetting the product on their behalf. And, when the product passes our stringent standards, we will become a dealer for the new line. We want to be the answer for all outdoor living needs and are constantly searching the globe for the best products in all outdoor living categories. We have partnered with the world's leading outdoor manufacturers to offer a broad suite of unique, highly customized products with superior craftsmanship, the latest technology, and a timeless design.

In addition, we have a team of fully certified design experts in outdoor luxury solutions. From the initial consultation and outdoor design recommendations to the international shipping logistics and white glove delivery and installation, our highly experienced team provides a seamless experience with acute attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards.

GWT Outdoors

111 10th Street South Naples

239.330.4838

GWT-Outdoors.com

The 411 on 911

An interview with Jennifer Smith, NCH Emergency Manager

ARTICLE BY NAPLES CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY SAMANTHA BLOOM

“We successfully increased our surge capabilities to handle an additional 300 hundred patients, which could be used to assist other hospitals in the harder-hit areas and to allow us to better serve the patients coming to our Emergency Departments from the community. ”

JENNIFER, TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE DURING AN AVERAGE DAY, AND HOW THAT CHANGED DURING AND FOLLOWING HURRICANE IAN.

As the NCH Emergency Manager, I am responsible for the overall planning and response to emergencies that could possibly impact our critical operations. The key to emergency management is analyzing how we responded to an event and identifying opportunities for improvement. This would include conducting both internal and external exercises or drills, facility rounding, identifying trends, and meeting with community partners daily.

After Hurricane Ian, we have enhanced our emergency plans, processes, and overall understanding so we can be better prepared for the next potential event. This year we conducted a town hall with NCH Department leaders to review changes to our plans and to help ensure they were ready to lead their staff through the upcoming 2023 hurricane season.

HOW MANY ARE IN YOUR DEPARTMENT AND HAVE YOU DONE MUCH HIRING OVER THE LAST YEAR?

The role of Public Safety and Emergency Management is growing here at NCH. Currently, we have a team of approximately 60, and are continuing to grow.

With NCH leadership’s support, we are building a new state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center that will serve as the hub for our Emergency Management responses. This EOC will be operational 24/7 and allow for real-time monitoring and information sharing to all NCH hospital campuses.

TELL US ABOUT ONE OR TWO UNIQUE CASES THAT THE STAFF WAS FACED WITH AND HOW THEY HANDLED THE EMERGENCY.

It came to the leadership’s attention that staff were having difficulty in obtaining fuel post-storm.

Our staff resides in all parts of Collier and Lee counties, which created a challenge for staff attempting to get to our NCH campuses for their shifts. During our ongoing assessment of our needs post-storm from the NCH EOC, leadership was able to purchase fuel that was provided to staff, allowing them to continue to serve the community.

When the models were showing that we were at risk for direct impact, we began our pre-storm preparations which allowed us to increase our potential surge capacity. We successfully increased our surge capabilities to handle an additional 300 hundred patients, which could be used to assist other hospitals in the harder-hit areas and to allow us to better serve the patients coming to our Emergency Departments from the community.

YOU'RE THE EXPERT, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT THE HOSPITAL AND ITS EMERGENCY SERVICES?

The biggest message to convey is the importance of creating a personal preparedness plan. Our NCH Emergency Departments are open during the storms, but they should not be used as hurricane shelters. It is important that we reserve our available staff, beds, food, and other critical resources for patients. We have emergency provisions and plans designed to ensure the hospitals remain operational, providing life-saving care both during and after the storm.

We partner closely with Collier County Emergency Management and encourage everyone to listen to your local officials regarding evacuations, sheltering, and other stormrelated information.

ARTICLE BY NAPLES CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADORN ARTISTRY

Earning Trust with Love and Patience

Meet Lauren Wilmering, a Naples native with roles as a Realtor and interior designer. She lives on a horse ranch with her dogs, chickens, ducks, and her cherished horse, Cosmic Flight.

Lauren's journey began with helping her neighbors with their rescued racehorses. During this new partnership, she formed an exceptional bond with Cosmo, who was once said to be lame and unrideable. Through patience, training, and love, Lauren earned Cosmo's trust and he earned hers. While they are both still learning every day, they now ride together harmoniously with a special bond that will forever be cherished.

Naples wedding and event pros, Adorn Artistry, Pure Bridal, and Bianca Chevallier Photo wanted a city-country fusion shoot. They choose Lauren and Cosmo to showcase their talents.

Hair and makeup: Adorn Artistry

Photographer: Bianca Chevallier

Dresses: Pure Bridal

Hat: The Haute Hatter

Giving Is the Mission

COLLIER COUNTY 100 CLUB

Immediately following Hurricane Ian one year ago, the Collier County 100 Club distributed $1,000 assistance checks to more than 50 deserving first responders. Additional grants have since been distributed, exceeding more than $172,800 in total aid.

Whenever a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in Southwest Florida, our first responders stand with an unwavering commitment on the front lines to courageously ensure our personal safety and security, but have you wondered who is there to support them in their time of need or tragedy?

In 1985, the Collier County 100 Club was founded with this mission: to financially assist first responders and their families in times of tragedy. Over time, the Collier County 100 Club broadened its mission to include all first responders serving in Collier County. That includes not only the sheriff’s office, local police and fire departments, and emergency medical services, but also Florida wildlife officers and tribal police.

Recently, the organization’s board of directors further expanded the mission to acknowledge that many financial burdens were placed on first responders by tragedies other than line-of-death duties, such as natural disasters and medical care.

The Collier County 100 Club raises funds from the community through annual memberships, generous donations, and corporate sponsorships throughout the year. If you would like to support the cause, please visit Collier100Club.org .

Russell A. Budd is the Founder of PBS Contractors in Naples and President of the Collier County 100 Club.

ARTICLE BY RUSSELL A. BUDD

When the Ordinary Is Compelling

QUIDLEY & COMPANY

ARTICLE BY NAPLES CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

Quidley & Company is proud to feature the brilliant works of artist Greg Haynes, a realism oil painter who lives and works in Wenham, Massachusetts. Glass bottles, candy, and metal are just a few of the subject matter that Greg has been exploring in his paintings over the last two decades since he graduated from art school in 2003. Larger-than-life explorations of scale and visual distortions are common themes throughout Greg's work. Seeing these works in person is ideal due to the scale and detail.

"The idea of taking ordinary objects and showing them in a way that is visually compelling has long been one of the challenges of the realism painter. This challenge is one of the main drivers of my work and something I have spent many hours contemplating.

Lately, more and more time has been spent on the planning, photography, and layout aspects of my work. I've realized that the more complex, three-dimensional works are not only a fun challenge for me, but also receive a strong response from viewers. One of the most important aspects of any project is to have fun creating and not take any subject matter too seriously."

The larger works, such as "Big Glass" (4 x 8ft), take hundreds of hours to complete. A universe of detail can be explored when viewing these pieces, from the crackled glass to the raised writing on the bottles.

Quidley & Company proudly features Greg Haynes in their Naples Gallery at 375 Broad Ave.

QuidleyAndCo.com

Conrad Geis

ARTICLE BY VIKKI LOCKE

The Centro is a state-of-the-art development with 264 resort style multi-dwelling units.

Family, By Design

THE GEIS COMPANY

Conrad Geis grew up on a farm in Streetsboro, Ohio where he spent much of his youth shoveling cow manure and feeding chickens. He says his parents wanted him to learn the value of a dollar early on. “My grandparents came to America from Germany with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a goal of building the American dream.” They did just that. Erwin and Katherine Geis launched a small construction company in the Buckeye state in 1967. Today, Geis Companies is a multi-million dollar development and construction business. Their son Greg is now the owner, grandson Conrad, is president of development, and granddaughter Alexandra heads marketing and hospitality.

The company is headquartered in Ohio but has offices in Bonita Springs, Los Angeles, and Hackensack. Geis builds in 43 states and as far south as Mexico with a staff exceeding 500 nationally, which includes 57 architectural engineers.

Conrad moved to Bonita Springs in 2018. “My grandparents had a home in the Naples area and I spent a lot of time there as a kid. There wasn’t a lot going on in the 70s and 80s, which would be a stretch to say today!”

Geis has several major projects going on in SWFL like The Centro Apartment community in Fort Myers located at the premier intersection of Alico and I-75. The property features 264 upscale units with amenities like a community garden with fresh fruits, a two-story fitness center overlooking the Olympic-sized pool, a barbershop and hair salon, a high-end movie theatre, dog and car wash stations, beach volleyball, bocce, and outdoor pool.

“Geis brings a full cycle approach to building. All our departments work together from day one of a project, specifically related to the design/build aspects. We work diligently in providing not only a cost-effective solution to design but also a much faster, smoother process due to us being a vertically integrated, all-in-house company. We’re a unique solution to many common issues when it comes to development.”

Asked if he always wanted to be part of the family business, Conrad says there was never a question. “I started pushing a broom on a job site from a very young age. Geis will remain a family-run business for years to come.”

GeisCompanies.com

Behind the Scenes

At our photo shoot for this issue, we headed to Del Mar and the lovely 5th Avenue to photograph our professional medical and safety community leaders. We are forever grateful to them for leading us through the most challenging times.

Jim Bloom, J. Nolan Sapp,  Nina, Aaron Fly, Kevin Rambosk 02. Photographer Samantha Bloom working her magic 03. Kara Down and Tina Hallet 04. Many thanks to our friends at Del Mar for hosting the shoot 05.  Undersheriff Jim Bloom 06. Battalion Chief Aaron Fly

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA BLOOM | GREG DODGE

01.

Left: Samantha Bloom, Oh Snap Media

Not Your Average Facial Bar

Imagine this: you walk into a beautiful modern space and are instantly greeted by a friendly face and a luxurious smell. You get taken to your service area and settle into a cloud-like bed while your esthetician provides an in-depth consultation so you feel heard + taken care of. Then you begin with a neck and shoulder massage with deep breathing. You’re in complete bliss and we haven’t even touched your face yet.

ARTICLE BY GREG DODGE AND LAUREN ROSSI PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA BLOOM, ALEX WHITE, AND PROVIDED

Hurricane Ian

FIRST ANNIVERSARY STORIES

Stories From Collier County Sheriffs Dept:  Dispatcher Above and Beyond

Collier County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers might call it a routine part of their job, but a Wisconsin man said one CCSO dispatcher went “above and beyond” the call of duty when she reached out to a neighboring jurisdiction to help him find his missing family members after Hurricane Ian.

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your entire team for the response after this most recent storm,” John Priester of Kieler, Wisconsin wrote in a message to Sheriff Kevin Rambosk after the September 28, 2022 storm struck Collier County. “I would also like to send out a special thanks to a dispatcher (I did not catch her name) who went above and beyond to help me and my family locate our aunt and uncle who were lost on Fort Myers Beach. I know that area is not your county and again, that is what makes this so great.”

Priester called the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency number, but was unable to get through. He then called CCSO’s Communications Center due to its proximity and knowing the agency could potentially help.

“Your dispatcher took the information, sent it over to Lee County and they then were able to successfully locate my family,” Priester wrote.

Priester explained that his family had lost contact with the couple during the storm during their third attempt to find safety after their house flooded and the second house they took refuge in started to collapse. Priester was contacted by a Lee County deputy, who said his family members were found safe with needed provisions until they could leave.

CCSO dispatchers answered thousands of phone calls in the days after the storm. Many of those calls required contact with other jurisdictions. CCSO and its law enforcement partners all work together in times of crisis. It’s what first responders do.

Story Sponsored by Meredith and Jeff Gibbons

Alex White

Stories From Collier County Sheriff’s Department:  A Message from Sheriff Rambosk

As a public safety professional, I can tell you that hurricane recovery becomes priority one as soon as life/ safety rescues and initial needs have been met in the aftermath of a major storm. Immediately after Hurricane Ian, we created an enhanced safety and security plan specifically for the areas of Collier County that were heavily impacted by the storm. We called it the Coastal Safety and Security Operation. The goal: to protect storm-ravaged areas from looters and other criminals, while still providing law enforcement services throughout the county. I am proud of the results.

Thanks to our dedicated CCSO deputies and Naples police officers, dozens of people with nefarious intentions were arrested before they could victimize anyone locally. Many of these individuals were convicted felons from outside the area who traveled here specifically to commit crimes.

From the air, water and land, during daylight and throughout the night, we detected and prevented criminals from preying on our community during storm recovery. The innovative technology we have available to protect you and your property is extraordinary. The men and women of our agency are trained, committed and dedicated to safety and security.

We are fortunate to have exceptional first responders throughout our county who are steadfast in their duty and devoted to the safety of our residents, businesses and visitors. The bottom line is this: if you come to Collier County to commit crime, we will arrest you. You will be held accountable for your criminal activity.

Story Sponsored by Patrick Dearborn

Jake Holly and Claudia of Cyclebar Naples and friends

Undersheriff Jim Bloom, Sheriff Kevin Rambosk

Stories From Collier County Sheriff’s Department: Corporal Carver

As the water rolled in, so did the swamp buggies, airboats and marine boats.

The winds from Hurricane Ian were lessening and now the storm surge was coming in. Corporal Jerrod Carver was monitoring the rising water from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s special operations building. He and the other deputies began preparing the agency’s high-water vehicles and other assets on the ground. They were needed. The area where Cpl. Carver was stationed on September 28, 2022 got three to four feet of storm surge, while parts of coastal Collier County got nearly 12 feet. Over the next several hours CCSO deputies would enter areas of flooding and perform hundreds of rescues, many of them people trapped in their homes who were brought to safety.

As the water reached the door handles of some of the low-riding vehicles, Cpl. Carver, an 18-year CCSO veteran including the last 10 years in the Agriculture Bureau, mounted an agency swamp buggy and deployed to high-priority rescue calls with the other deputies. They were barely getting underway when they encountered a family of six walking in high water along Airport-Pulling Road, trying to get to higher ground. The deputies brought the family aboard the swamp buggy and transported them to safety.

Similar scenes played out over the next few hours as Cpl. Carver and his fellow deputies traveled by swamp buggy and later by airboat, going house to house knocking on doors, pulling people from stranded vehicles, and responding to 911 calls.

“It was mayhem for a while,” Cpl. Carver recalled.

They carried people and their pets from flooded homes. The memory of many of the storm victims carrying the salvageable contents of their lives in a single shopping bag still lingers. “There was an elderly lady who was so grateful for what we were doing, but she had lost everything,” he recalled. “She was so thankful to get out.” Then there was the man who told Cpl. Carver he had no food or water. Cpl. Carver gave him some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches his wife had made, along with some of his crackers and water. He shrugged off the gesture, saying that it feels good to help others. After a long and difficult week, Cpl. Carver was able to return to his home and see his wife and children who had evacuated during the storm.

“My kids came out and gave me a big ol’ hug,” he said, adding that his wife is the real hero in his household. “It’s because of her, and all that she does for us, that I can do my job.”

Stories From CC Sheriffs Dept: Sargent Solomon

An unlikely friendship was formed when a good-hearted CCSO deputy went above and beyond the call of duty after Hurricane Ian. Sgt. Chris Solomon is normally assigned to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Youth Relations Bureau. But in the days immediately after the storm pummeled

Collier County with strong winds and record storm surge, Sgt. Solomon was one of many deputies responsible for checking on residents whose family and friends hadn’t heard from them to make sure they were OK. Wyella Gaymon’s family was unable to reach her and requested a CCSO welfare check.

Sgt. Solomon remembers going to Gaymon’s house. She didn’t have any power, so he let her use his cell phone to call her family. She needed a few things, so he went out and bought her ice so her food wouldn’t spoil, and some other items. He figured she was probably hungry on account of not having any power, so he stopped off at Jersey Mike’s and bought her a submarine sandwich.

He returned the next day to check on the retired school teacher. He brought her some more ice and another sub and they chatted.

He stopped by a third day. He handed her a sub and she handed him a letter. He opened the letter in his patrol car. It began, “Sgt. Solomon, this is not much, but I just wanted to say thank you for your loving kindness towards your fellow man (me).”

The letter went on to say that the first time he visited was also her 74th birthday. She was sad because she was alone. And then he showed up with a “special gift” - the sub.

“You have no idea how that made me feel,” she wrote. “We didn’t officially celebrate, but my heart did.”

She signed her letter “Mama G” with her name in parenthesis. Since that time there have been more visits. A lot more. Sgt. Solomon says he stops by Mama G’s every couple of months. They chat and catch up. He recently texted her to say that he won’t be by for a few weeks. He’s got a new baby to look after. But he’ll come to see her as soon as he can. The circumstances that brought them together created a bond. “She’s a very nice person,” Sgt. Solomon said.

Greater Naples Engineer / Paramedic Hurricane Events

By Daniel Garretto

I am an engineer/paramedic with Greater Naples Fire District. Some of my specialty roles for GNFD include Marine Emergency Response Team (MERT), Urban Search and Rescue team (USAR) and rescue/recovery diver.The week of September 23-28, 2022 was one to remember. I, along with half the state of Florida, was in complete turmoil with Hurricane Ian and its potential threat. Prior to my next shift, I scrambled to prepare my family and home for a possible direct hit. I secured most of my outside belongings and threw up as many shutters as I possibly could in that short period of time. Luckily throughout the year my wife and I stock up on goods for an event just like this one. We were well prepared in the event of food shortages, fuel shortages and power outages after the storm. I was ready to leave my family behind, as I left for work.

My shift began at 0800 Wednesday morning on September 27. I was scheduled to work station 90. During the day, we prepared our station per our guidelines in the event of a

“MY KIDS CAME OUT AND GAVE ME A BIG OL’ HUG,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT HIS WIFE IS THE REAL HERO IN HIS HOUSEHOLD. “IT’S BECAUSE OF HER, AND ALL THAT SHE DOES FOR US, THAT I CAN DO MY JOB.”

storm hit. Hour after hour, Hurricane Ian’s track was changing little by little, leaning more towards the SW Florida coastline. By early evening, it was confirmed! Hurricane Ian was going to be a direct hit. The Battalion Chief reached out to my Lieutenant to move me to Station 72 to be placed on Attack 60 due to my marine operations specialty. I arrived at Station 72 to receive my orders from the officer in charge. Acting Lt. Matt Stoller and I were to run calls out of Attack 60 as a supplemental apparatus if it were to get busy. Throughout the night, we didn’t have many calls. During the late night/early morning hours we sat in our station and listened as Hurricane Ian approached. High winds and rain bands hitting the station was a strong indicator that it made landfall. Hours later, morning approached, and the sun began to rise. Our shift was to end at 0800, September 28. With the storm still in sight we were held over for another 24 hours. We were ready for our new assignment.

Matt and I were moved to Boat 601 for any Medical Emergency Response Team responses within the district. Shortly after, we were assigned to Everglades City for surge flooding in the neighborhood. We hooked up the trailer with Boat 601 to Attack 60 and responded to Everglades City. There were still strong winds and rain on our drive down south. We had to constantly maneuver our apparatus side to side with the torrential downpours. We felt the trailer sway back and forth. Luckily, no one was on the road at that time and our apparatus handled very well in those conditions. As we approached the entrance to Everglades City, the road was less and less visible. Water was rising and we found ourselves in another obstacle. The long stretch of road was underwater, which was the only way to reach the city. We found a spot off the side of the road to launch the boat. Just ahead the engine was high and dry on the bridge, the only area that was dry. Matt and I jumped in the boat and picked up Lieutenant Rob Mayberry. From there, the three of us started to venture off into the neighborhood. The sight was surreal. Homes, vehicles, and other objects were completely submerged underwater. Just the tops of boat lifts, basketball hoops, electrical poles, and gas pumps were visible. In the middle of all this chaos, I was on and off the phone with my wife. By this time, Ian had made a direct hit at Cape Coral, where I reside. My wife, who is in the medical field, understands my schedule and knows that I will be on shift during these deployments. She was home with my mom, dad, sister, and niece for the storm. I can tell you that she is a strong, independent, fearless woman, but talking with her on the phone throughout the storm, I could hear some fear in her voice. As I was trying to help these citizens, I was worrying about what was going on back home. She was in disbelief about the damage to our house from Ian. As I talked with her, our house was flooding, the roof was ripped off and water was coming in from the ceiling. We lost every free-standing object in our yard, not to mention our entire fence and tiki hut. The sliding glass doors, double doors and windows were

CONTINUED >

buckling, bending, and bulging with the intense winds pushing against the house. Pavers sunk in, vehicles were severely damaged in the driveway, and the water system was ripped out. So, yes, that was not a comfortable feeling, knowing that I was 80 miles away and there was nothing I could do.

Within 10 minutes of being on the water, we were waved down by two residents in their homes. Just next to their house was their shop. Black smoke started to pour out of the building. We tried to gain access, however, it was nearly impossible to get to it. We rushed over to the two ladies as they were frantic. I leaped off the boat onto the stairwell of their stilt home. I ran inside with them to collect all their important documents and/ or anything else of value. We placed everything in duffle bags and moved it to the boat. As we were packing their goods, conditions in the shop were getting worse. More and more thick black smoke started to push out of the eaves and windows. We placed the ladies on our boat and took them over to a friend’s house just down the street. We were able to get them off safely along with their valuables just before their house went up in flames. Unfortunately, there was nothing more we could do. However, the ladies were very grateful that we were there.

As the day went on, we traveled throughout the neighborhood checking on families in need. Fortunately, there were no other major issues. Everyone was very happy to see us and seemed to be in good spirits after this horrific event.

Later that night we were assigned to the generated light trailer for scene lighting on a staging/command post. Throughout the night, units that had been working nonstop were being cleared to return to quarters. We returned to Station 72 for decon and clean up to be ready for our next assignment. During the night we were able to have some downtime in between calls. The next morning, we were briefed on our new assignments. Fortunately, those of us who had been working the last 48 hours and sustained any damage to our home from Ian had the opportunity to go home to check on things if needed.

As you can see, my experience with Hurricane Ian... well, I guess you can say, it was “one for the books!”

Story Sponsored by Blue Horse Agency

Stories from NCH Hospital: Hurricane Babies

The NCH BirthPlace was busy and safely welcoming very special hurricane babies throughout Hurricane Ian. Please help us wish a happy birthday to a couple of our babies delivered during the storm, Nayla and Brian! Brian was born on Wednesday, September 28 at 10:30 a.m. and Nayla was also born on Wednesday, September 28 at 12:01 p.m. Both babies and moms are doing well. Congratulations, on your new additions to the family!

Story sponsored by Cristina Levon Aesthetics

Stories from NCH Hospital: Logan at Marco Urgent Care Marco Urgent Care is open!

We want to give a big shout-out to Logan J., radiology, who went above and beyond to make sure the Marco Urgent Care was spruced up and ready for patients less than 24 hours after Hurricane Ian. Not only did Logan clean up the debris in the employee and patient parking lots, but he also removed the storm shutters from the front lobby and created a makeshift “Marco Urgent Care Is Open” sign so patients could see that we were ready to take care of them. Thank you, Logan!

Story sponsored By Hanna Vogel and Vogel Roofing

Stories from NCH Hospital: NCH staff receives shipment of water, work uniforms from Miami Hospital

The community response to help our NCH Healthcare System staff impacted by Hurricane Ian has been remarkable. Our friends at Nicklaus Children’s Health System in Miami, who collaborate with NCH in providing exceptional pediatric care to our patients here in Collier County, donated nearly 20 pallets of bottled water and scrubs for distribution to NCH staff members in need. Those donated scrubs were added to the work uniform and shoe donations already generously contributed by  United Uniforms / Sew Shore and those collected by our NCH employees for their colleagues. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital President & CEO Matt Love along with Congressman Byron Donalds, State Representative Lauren Melo, and Global Empowerment Mission were all on hand to deliver water, scrubs, and shoes. Thank you!

Story sponsored by Collier 100

Hometown Heroes: Marco Patriots

By Annalisa Sawick

When Hurricane Ian hit, I think anyone that wasn’t familiar with the devastation a hurricane can potentially cause, was taken off guard, but not the Marco Patriots. Despite the fact that this time it was their hometown, the Marco Patriots were on it faster than you could say “Ian.” There is so much to say about this crew - hearing their stories about heroic rescues with Hurricane Harvey, sustaining damage to personal property, missing persons search and rescues, then rushing back to Florida to help their fellow citizens. These guys are nothing short of amazing.

Based on Marco, the crew consists of Ron Hagerman, Matt Melican, Dana Coote, Allan Gary, and Owen Maynard. They team up with EMS, the national guard, local organizations, and civilians to deliver supplies and provide rescues in otherwise hopeless situations. In the midst of the storm, they assist when no one else can and they never turn down

“AS THE DAY WENT ON, WE TRAVELED THROUGHOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD CHECKING ON FAMILIES IN NEED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO OTHER MAJOR ISSUES. EVERYONE WAS VERY HAPPY TO SEE US AND SEEMED TO BE IN GOOD SPIRITS AFTER THIS HORRIFIC EVENT.”

a rescue call. Being in SWFL, we are part of a unique community where everyone wants to help. These guys take that energy and channel it towards the areas with the biggest need, partnering with local outreach programs for disaster response. They may be the boots on the ground, but Matt and Ron agree, that one of the most inspiring things they saw was the wave of volunteers who came in after them to provide essential relief. And who could forget about our beloved furry friends? Rachelle Gruber was crucial in animal rescue efforts. The team recognizes that with each storm, they become better organized and more effective. They have a Facebook page where people post about local citizens that may need some form of assistance. The most heart-warming part is the huge number of people who commented on how they can offer their services. If that’s not community at its finest, I don’t know what is.

If you feel as compelled as I did after my conversation to assist in their mission, they have a website where you can join their email list to help when needed: MarcoPatriots.org. Community is everything and the Marco Patriots embody the whole concept. I can’t think of a better group to highlight.

Giving Hope on Captiva

By Kalan Bishop Admire

Following the destruction of Hurricane Ian, a low-income community received life-changing help from neighboring communities. Sheltered Pines is a low-income trailer park community in Fort Myers. The residents of Sheltered Pines were left with very little. Debris crowded the already narrow streets. Some mobile homes lost their roofs. Some had caved-in walls.

“Our neighbor’s home down the street filled with water,” says Anthony Villa-Vanegas, a Sheltered Pines resident. “I heard that she tried to breathe for as long as she could, but she couldn’t anymore. She let go.”

The community itself was already small, but the overcrowding of debris made it even smaller. Clean-up and restoration efforts were made by other surrounding community members. Husband and wife, Jake and Holly Maulin, the owners of Cyclebar Naples, turned their studio into a donation drop-off. Their members brought in all sorts of supplies, from necessities to games and toys for kids. At first, they operated the donation station as “take what you need,” but after receiving a tip on Sheltered Pines, they knew what they had to do.

“Well, we received a tip from one of our riders that this community in San Carlos was in need of desperate help,” Holly Maulin says. “My husband and I gathered some supplies and headed up there with a few of our staff members.”

When they arrived at Sheltered Pines, Maulin said the community was in ruins.

Marco Urgent Care open for business

Greater Naples Fire Rescue Chief J. Nolan Sapp and Battalion Chief Aaron Fly

“Homes were already filled with mold and the people were still living in them,” she says. “They were trying to salvage whatever they could from their homes because they didn’t want to go to a shelter, and they couldn’t afford new things.”

After seeing the devastation firsthand, the Maulins shifted the goal of their donation table. They dedicated the donations solely to Sheltered Pines. They drove up supplies four times a week. Through their efforts, they met and became friends with the residents. They formed personal relationships with the families. They began taking some of the children to the mall to purchase new clothes and shoes for them. Other organizations like Laces of Love became involved and donated bags of new, unused shoes.

“Jake and Holly changed my life,” Villa-Vanegas says. “I remember when I first met them, I asked for one pair of shoes. Instead, they took me to the mall and bought me clothes and shoes.”

Story sponsored by International Diamond Cent er

From Devastation to Inspiration, Ocana Family Journey

The year 2022 was one of change and surrender for the Ocana family. After spending nearly 17 years in corporate leadership, Kimberly was burnt out, with her health declining. In order to support Kimberly’s well-being, the family decided the time had come for her to leave corporate. To make this happen, the family sold their long-term home and downsized, moving into a quaint home in Bayshore. Within six months of moving into their new home, it was flooded by Hurricane Ian. The family was devastated and turned to family and community for support. Jason, a 12-year paramedic/ firefighter with the City of Naples, spent the aftermath of the hurricane supporting the community, working day and night to help those in need. Two weeks after the landing of Hurricane Ian, Jason found himself in a very similar position to that of his wife six months earlier. He was tired, weary, and looking for meaning. While Jason very much enjoyed being of service to the community, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the work had gotten increasingly difficult, putting an extreme emotional toll on his well-being.

“It was one night I will never forget,” shares Kimberly. “We were in a home that was not ours, with the remainder of our things scattered. Our life was literally in pieces. I looked over at Jason and saw the exhaustion and deep sadness in his body. I asked him, ‘What can we do to make you happy?’ The answer that followed shocked me. He said simply, ‘to move to Costa Rica.’ Taken aback, I said, ‘Are you serious’”

What followed was a deeply emotional sharing of the internal struggle that Jason took on every day as a firefighter. He shared

the difficulties only known by First Responders. “As his wife, my heart broke. I knew we had to make a change,” says Kimberly.

Jason and Kimberly decided to follow a very personal calling to open a healing center in Costa Rica. Having lost much of what defined their life up to this point, together they will forge their passion for healing and being of service to help others who are in need. Ananda Lodge Costa Rica will open in the early summer of 2024. Follow their story on Instagram @AnandaLodgeCR or Facebook @Ananda Lodge Costa Rica. Donations of support are greatly appreciated. Story sponsored by Anna and Chris Bowers

Heroism and Bravery Abound

There are countless stories of acts of heroism, bravery, and kindness that came from one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the state of Florida since 1935. One of those stories is the heroic water rescue operation that took place in the East Naples area. At 12:58 p.m. GNFD crews were advised to respond to Smugglers Cove for a trapped elderly female confined to her home with rising flood waters. Crews responded to the KOA campground located at 1700 Barefoot Williams Rd. to utilize their boat ramp. This was the only available option in order for the crew to have a chance to reach the reported victim due to access issues. Upon their arrival, it was determined the boat ramp was inaccessible. Boat access was ultimately gained in the area south of Barefoot Williams Rd. and Tower Rd. Then, crews were able to reach the initial dispatched address and successfully rescue the trapped elderly female, as well as two others at nearby addresses. Driver/ engineer John Pipitone, and driver/engineer Chris Mercier, accomplished this by dividing responsibilities. One member was the boat operator and the other dove into the water and brought the victims to a submerged vehicle in order for them to step onto the car and then onto the vessel.

The department established a command post behind the Home Depot on Airport Rd. South. Due to the rising flood waters, this was the most accessible location to rescue, triage, and transport victims. During this time, numerous calls were taken by communications with reports of victims trapped due to rising flood waters with no escape. By 7:30 p.m. all marine operations were ceased due to the receding water level and the inability to operate vessels inland. However, all land-based units continued to respond to reported addresses and rescue victims. Next up, a reported structure fire located off Mango Dr. and Tamiami Trl. E. Crews responded and began a fire attack in knee-high water, where they were able to suppress the fire until the water receded enough for an engine to make access. At 11:30 p.m.,

JASON AND KIMBERLY DECIDED TO FOLLOW A VERY PERSONAL CALLING TO OPEN A HEALING CENTER IN COSTA RICA. HAVING LOST MUCH OF WHAT DEFINED THEIR LIFE UP TO THIS POINT, TOGETHER THEY WILL FORGE THEIR PASSION FOR HEALING AND BEING OF SERVICE TO HELP OTHERS WHO ARE IN NEED.

all addresses that were received by command had been searched and considered cleared. There were a confirmed 38 rescues made throughout the operation.

The acts of heroism displayed during this operation, as well as many others, should be recognized. The Greater Naples Fire units went above and beyond the call of duty with immediate dangers to their safety. There is no doubt that lives were saved during this response. We applaud the heroic actions performed by the first responders involved in this operation.

Story Sponsored By Steve Hagenbuckle and Live Fest

Giving back and delivering award winning, best in class music festivals, while supporting national and local charities drives Live Fest founder and executive producer Steve Hagenbuckle’s passion for creating and growing Southwest Florida’s largest outdoor music festival – Live Fest @RitzCarltonTiburon.  Steve and Maria Hagenbuckle have sent hundreds of thousands of dollars in event proceeds to charities such as CureSearch for Children’s Cancer Research, St. Mathews House, St. Jude Hospital, Smile Train Tunnel to Towers and Greater Good Music. Live Fest fed over 1,200 local families for weeks in the wake of Hurricane Ian, as well as supporting the underprivileged in other countries such as Colombia and South America. “Your attendance matters,” says Steve.

Boat Rescue: Downtown 5th Avenue

By John Pipitone

On September 27, I was called to Station 72 for boat operator overtime. The night was slow and the crew and I reviewed the forecast and started making plans. The next morning everyone had breakfast and we started the day like we always do. We made sure the boat was ready for the day and checked the rescue gear and tools. Attack 90 and Boat 901 were fueled up and ready to go when the hurricane hit. It was a nervous

morning as we all didn’t know what to expect now that the path was heading toward Ft. Myers. It was around 2 p.m. when Mercier and I got the call from Chief Diaz that a boat was needed for rescue in the downtown 5th Avenue area. We started heading south, and Chris and I spoke about where we could possibly put the boat in the water. As we arrived by Station 23, the water was a foot or more over the road, and we knew we would not be able to access the 951 boat ramp. I knew there was a boat ramp by the KOA campground that might work, but as we came down Price Street the water was so high, some of the boats on trailers from the campsite were floating in the road. So, getting to the KOA ramp was impossible without flooding the truck.

We decided that on Barefoot Williams Road, the side swale would be deep enough to back the trailer in and get the boat launched. I jacked the trailer 90 degrees and put Chris right into the swale. As he idled on the road, he waited for me to put the truck on high ground over in front of Artesia, which was the only high ground for the truck. We didn’t know how much higher the water would get. I grabbed my rain jacket and gear and waded through 2 feet of water to get to the boat.

We were then off to downtown Naples.  As we were heading out, the water was so high in Rookery Bay that we had to use GPS to get through the channel. The channel markers were underwater. It took us about an hour to go through Rookery Bay, then the Keewaydin Channel, then to Naples Bay. It was a rough and wet ride, but we made it.

The first address we went to was on the south side of the bay. We had to jump the dock at the end of a canal, then onto the main road to get to the houses. The mailboxes were underwater and the addresses were hard to see. Google Maps on my phone was a blessing. As we pulled up to the first house, we had to pull the boat in between two cars that were fully submerged, and we held onto the gutter of the house. Chris quickly hopped out of the boat and went to the door to find the victims. The ladies at the residence were very scared. We ended up with three patients on the boat and made quick work of getting them to safety. We thought a perfect drop-off point would be Kelly’s Fish House by the 41 bridge, because the water was so high.

Kelly’s was a perfect drop-off, as there was shelter from the wind and high ground by the building. After a quick drop-off of the patients, we headed back to the second address. It was unbelievable to see how high the water was in the street, and we were driving a boat where cars should have been. We couldn’t take it all in, it was like something out of a movie. We ended up getting a total of eight patients out of their homes and condos. On the last try, Chief Andy Krajewski got on board to see if he could

Paul Hiltz, NCH CEO and Kara Down

IAN AFFECTED SO MANY PEOPLE’S LIVES AND THEIR HOMES. AND IT DEFINITELY AFFECTED ME EMOTIONALLY AS CAPTIVA IS WHERE I CAUGHT MY FIRST WAVE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE TWEEN WATERS RESORT. IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHY I WAS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT IAN, IT’S BECAUSE AN UNPRECEDENTED STORM EQUALS UNPRECEDENTED SURF. I CAN TRULY SAY IT WAS THE BEST WAVE I HAVE EVER SEEN ON CAPTIVA. AN IAN SURF SESSION WAS LOGGED.

give us a hand. As we jumped the dock to get to the street we could see the water was regressing, and it was getting too shallow on the road to do any more rescues. We then headed back to Kelly’s to see what else we could do. Since the water was regressing, we tied up the boat for the night at the marina next door because it was dark, and we didn’t want to drive all the way back to Rookery to get the truck and trailer.

We sat and told stories to Andy. Nixon got there and we all loaded into his truck. On the way to Home Depot where everyone was positioned for rescues, we headed down Davis Blvd. and we saw cars and boats floating all over the road. CCSO airboats and buggies were passing us as well, heading to town. It was crazy to see all the resources we have in the county being utilized. After a restless night’s sleep, I went home to find that my house had four feet of water in it, and I also lost a vehicle in the storm. I had a lot of friends who helped me gut my house and load garbage onto the street.

I’m thankful for my friends and family through that tough time. I’m also happy to be a part of a great department that is ready for disasters like hurricanes and high water.

Story sponsored by Eric Schwartz and Transcend Capital

Giving Hope on Captiva

By Kalan Bishop Admire

I was on Captiva Island helping a friend get a few properties ready for the storm by getting boats out of the water and such. I kept my eye on the radar. I was not expecting the storm to take a turn. However, my storm intuition was telling me to be prepared. At this point, I knew the storm was unprecedented and that I was one of the few people on the island, so I started documenting the day with my GoPro and Nikon camera. I created as much content as I could release with the limited internet connection. I was in the eye of the storm. I was going live and sharing captivating moments. I received so many messages from people who had their best memories on Captiva Island, whether they were property owners or couples who got married 20 years ago on the island.

People were worried about me. They sent prayers and love and asked if I was OK. One of those people was Bronwyn Bergen, a well-known Captiva resident who shared my stories on Twitter. She spotted my location on the island and reached out to me. She said I was two doors away from her house and asked that, if it was safe, would I check on her property. So I did and I took videos and pictures of her beautiful property that held strong. For them to be out of town, but be able to see their property when there was no news out there yet, was an amazing feeling. I realized I wanted to help as many people as I could with

visual relief. Words from Bronwyn Bergen: “OUR HOUSE IS STILL STANDING after surviving Ian. It looks pretty good.  Our boat made it even though the dock blew away. I want to thank Kalan Admire for the photos and videos of our property while braving the storm. Words can not express how thankful we are to get a glimpse of the damage. We are counting our blessings, as so many people lost their homes or lives.”

The organic following that was created by the content I was releasing was magnified by Browyn’s beautiful words on her Twitter post. From that point, anybody who was connected with Captiva started to reach out to me - from people who got married at the Chapel by the Sea, to relatives who had beloved ones buried at the Chapel by the Sea Captiva cemetery, hoping that their family’s memorial headstones were not washed away with the storm surge.

A week or so later, another prominent Captiva resident reached out to me from Chicago. Dina Mansour offered a jet ski and hurricane-ready jeep to continue the good work we were accomplishing. At this point, the bridge was still down and the only way to get to the island was by helicopter or vessel. This was a major turning point for me to continue this journey. From there my partner Maral joined me on daily expeditions to Captiva. There were so many messages coming through. She was filtering the messages and pinpointing the places and the properties that were being requested to receive visuals. The owner of Serenity, one of my favorite properties, messaged me once again with the simple request to flip off the main breaker to the house, because they were going to roll power on Captiva and that creates a risk of fire.

One of our most lasting memories was the day that Maral and I worked hand and hand together to deliver cases of water to workers. We visited the Chapel by the Sea, as many people requested the visuals of the iconic historic place. It was absolutely an emotional experience for both Maral and me as we walked through the cemetery with caution of the headstones covered by sand. We cleared headstones and paid our respects by reading some of the quotes. One that made us smile was David Lawrence Viglione’s headstone, “ When I walk with you I feel as if I have a flower in my buttonhole.”  Ian affected so many people’s lives and their homes. And it definitely affected me emotionally as Captiva is where I caught my first wave right in front of the Tween Waters resort. If you are wondering why I was so passionate about Ian, it’s because an unprecedented storm equals unprecedented surf. I can truly say it was the best wave I have ever seen on Captiva. An Ian surf session was logged. Story sponsored By Jennifer and Ralph Garramone

Inside the Vault

This space is designed to protect your most valuable wine.

As hurricane season approaches, it's important to take the necessary precautions to protect your valuable wine collection.

To keep your wine safe from the storm, consider storing your wine collection in a secure location that is not prone to flooding or damage from high winds. This can include a dedicated wine storage facility or a secure area in your home or business that is elevated and away from potential flood areas. The last hurricane caused a massive amount of damage to the food and beverage industry, with many restaurants having to throw away thousands of dollars worth of wine.

Rachel Keller, the founder of Carl’s Wine Vault, is a true wine lover, and her passion for wine has led her to dedicate her life to the protection and preservation of wine collections.

Keller's commitment to providing her clients with the best possible service is evident in her attention to detail. She recognizes that wine is a delicate product and takes great care to ensure that it is stored in the ideal environment. This attention to

detail is especially important in the wine industry, where environmental factors can greatly impact the quality of the wine.

Keller is able to trust in the backup systems at Carl's to protect the wine with a commercial-grade Tesla battery powered battery pack, the only one of its kind in the industry, handling whatever mother nature throws its way. Even during Hurricane Ian, when the electricity was down for three days, Carl’s Wine Vault never lost power. This level of reliability is essential in the wine industry, where power outages can have a significant impact on the quality of the wine.

Keller advises, “Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art climate control systems that ensure your wine is stored at the optimal temperature and humidity levels. Additionally, our vault is equipped with top-of-the-line security measures, including 24/7 video surveillance and access control systems, to ensure the safety of your wine.”  CarlsWineVault.com

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