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The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s (VCB) weekly newsletter is your resource for news and best practices to help you navigate COVID-19 in the days and weeks ahead.
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Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine update
Dear Industry Partners:
The VCB is tracking Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine and is in regular communication with Lee County’s Emergency Management Team, which is monitoring its potential severe weather effects.
It is still too early to know exactly where the storm is headed and what the impacts will be; however, regardless of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine’s strength, there is a chance for this system to impact our area as early as Saturday morning.
We will continue to keep you updated as new information becomes available.
Tamara Pigott
Executive Director
Lee County VCB
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Island Hopper Songwriter Fest postponed until 2021
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The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, iHeartMedia and BMI announced today that they have postponed the 7th annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.
“After extensive consideration, and in light of the COVID-19 virus, we felt this was the most prudent way to proceed,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director for The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. “We are just as disappointed as our songwriters and fans but we’re looking forward to next year.”
The new dates will be Sept. 17-26, 2021.
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United Way Houses offer application help for LeeCARES Individual Assistance
United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee Counties is partnering with Lee County to offer application sites for Lee residents seeking help with rent, mortgage or utility payments through the LeeCARES Individual Assistance Program.
Documents needed to apply include:
- photo ID for head of household
- income documentation
- proof of loss of income
- lease or most recent mortgage statement
- most recent utility bills (water and electric only)
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July 12-18 STR Report for Lee County
Occupancy: 46.5%, down 32.6%
ADR (Average Daily Rate): $133.07, up 4.5%
RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room): $61.90, down 29.6%
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Miromar Outlets debuts local arts & crafts showcase
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The Local Showcase, debuting Aug. 1 at Miromar Outlets, gives the public a year-round indoor location to shop local arts, crafts and handcrafted items.
The showcase will offer an array of handmade merchandise, from paintings, fused glass, coastal crafts, woodwork, jewelry, wearable art, soap and artisan food. Vendors and products will change daily at the year-round market, the first of its kind in Southwest Florida.
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Right Turn Cafe donates meals to Bonita Springs Fire Department
Newlyweds and new owners of Right Turn Cafe, Michelle and Stephen Dubrey, have been challenged by the pandemic but have also helped first responders in Bonita Springs.
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Shangri-La Springs earns FRLA Seal of Commitment
Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs was the first property in Lee County and one of the first businesses in the state to be awarded the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Seal of Commitment.
This designation acknowledges enhanced sanitation standards designated by FRLA to ensure the safety of guests and employees. FRLA’s Seal of Commitment program began July 1.
In a post-COVID-19 atmosphere, FRLA’s goal when guests see an FRLA Seal of Commitment on the door is to feel confident that the business is sanitary and safe and that staff are well-trained. The Seal of Commitment is for the entire property, including The Spa at Shangri-La Springs, the on-site restaurant, Harvest & Wisdom, and the organic garden.
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How can the VCB help you with social media?
In place of an in-person social media boot camp this year, the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) plans to host a series of virtual webinars to discuss the most current social media resources and information available to you and your business.
Please complete this brief survey to help us better prepare the material we include in our series. Stay tuned for additional information regarding the upcoming series of virtual webinars.
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Hyper-local, hyper-fast to drive visitor demand
and economic recovery
11 a.m. Thursday, July 30
To assist local tourism and hospitality businesses to fast-track visitor demand, join this free Zoom webinar.
You will learn:
• Current hyper-local travel trends and market intelligence
• Why DMOs must facilitate and promote point-of-sale packages
• Potential hyper-local visitor segments
• The skills and tools travel suppliers need to build compelling products
• How to create package sizzle that attracts customers
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Women in Business: Career development & small business resources
4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5
Guest speakers Janeth Castrejon of CareerSource Southwest Florida and Nadine Kramarz of the Fort Myers Regional Library will discuss solutions for the new norm related to job searching and career development. Topics include evolving to online interviews and meetings, and the free and varied resources both organizations provide for individuals and small businesses.
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Cover photo: Caloosahatchee Manuscripts, one of two etched bronze drums at the entrance to Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center in downtown Fort Myers.
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