My Lehigh Acres

Lee County Community Canine Parvo Virus Outbreak

2013-05-21T17:40:00.003-04:00

Lee County Domestic Animal Services is warning pet owners to vaccinate their pets against highly contagious and deadly diseases. This warning comes after a spike in puppies that tested positive for Parvo Virus this past week. These puppies were brought to Animal Services for veterinary care by their owners receiving government public assistance.

“It is heartbreaking that our tax dollars must be used to euthanize canines exposed to Parvo Virus due to irresponsible owners who do not vaccinate their pets against deadly diseases. A $10 vaccine is much less expensive than treatment or euthanasia if the pet cannot be saved, not to mention the extreme pain and suffering the pet experiences. If you truly care about your pets, you will ensure they are protected through vaccination,” stated shelter director Donna Ward.

Animal Services protocols include fully vaccinating animals upon intake. Dogs less than one year of age are tested for Parvo Virus. “These protocols ensure the health of all animals housed in our shelter and pet owners acquiring puppies and adult dogs should follow the same protocols,” stated shelter veterinarian, Dr. Suzanne Vazzana. Dr. Vazzana also recommends pet owners limit their pet’s exposure to other animals by not visiting pet stores, dog beaches and dog parks until their pet has been fully vaccinated.

Parvo-virus is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces or passed along to puppies from unvaccinated nursing mothers. Common signs include severe vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. The virus can live in organic matter, such as soil, and on other hard surfaces within the household for over a year.

More information about proper pet care and a list of local veterinary, emergency, and low-cost clinics, is available at http://www.leelostpets.com/.

Safe Kids Day Today at Gulf Coast Town Center

2013-05-18T07:20:00.001-04:00

Lehigh Regional Appreciation Day and Blood Drive May 30th

2013-05-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

LEHIGH ACRES TEEN NIGHT FRIDAY MAY 17TH

2013-05-15T11:58:00.000-04:00

Project Youtube: Harlem Shake in Lehigh Acres (Video)

2013-05-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Harlem Shake in Lehigh Acres featuring Eloy Gonzalez

CLICK HERE for more Lehigh Acres videos

Lehigh Acres’ Groups Work to Cleanup Lehigh

2013-05-10T07:37:00.001-04:00

In an effort to beautify Lehigh Acres and help improve water quality, East County Water Control District (ECWCD), the Lehigh Community Initiative, Lennar Homes, and V Ventures have joined together to host a cleanup event at Halfway Pond on Saturday, May 11 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30p.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at Milwaukee Blvd. ¾ mile west of Homestead Rd.

Community members and organizations are invited to participate in a cleanup event at Halfway Pond.

“We have seen an increase in ATV use, illegal dumping, partying, and littering in the Halfway Pond area,” said David E. Lindsay, ECWCD District Manager. “This cleanup is the first step in a long process to clean up the area, prevent illegal activity and help restore the natural balance to the property.”

The District’s preserve acres at Halfway Pond provide great water quality enhancements and ground water recharge. According to Lindsay, the removal of trash and debris from this will enhance water quality in both surface and groundwater. The Halfway Pond area is comprised of properties own by Lennar Homes, V Ventures and ECWCD.

ECWCD is dedicated to preserving and protecting water resources in Lehigh Acres.

“We are currently working on a plan with private property owners in Halfway Pond to ensure this area is no longer used for illegal activities such as ATV use and illegal dumping as these are both concerns for public safety,” said Lindsay.

The Lehigh Community Initiative is dedicated to beautifying the Lehigh Acres Community. The group of dedicated volunteers works year round to help change the image of Lehigh Acres by removing trash, monitoring code enforcement violations, creating Neighborhood Watch groups, informing residents and assisting with self-sufficiency as well as creating quality programs for the youth in Lehigh Acres.

Lennar Home and V Ventures along with local area businesses like Vision Ace Hardware and Sweetbay have helped support the event through donations of items such as trash bags, dumpsters, etc.
Individuals and groups are welcome to join in the volunteer effort. Registration for the free event is requested. Call 239-477-1485 by Friday, May 10, to sign up.

Lehigh Acres Jobs: Bank Teller at Wells Fargo

2013-05-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

Wells Fargo
1130 HOMESTEAD RD N - LEHIGH ACRES, FL

Tellers introduce customers to new products and services, and generate leads for other members of the sales team to close. Every teller has her/his own scorecard with goals. Our best tellers constantly go the extra mile to greet customers, make them feel welcome and also engage customers to learn about their financial needs. An excellent teller processes between 20-25 customer transactions each hour with no mistakes through patience, attention to detail, and the ability to follow procedures.

Tellers at Wells Fargo: Every teller is responsible for maintaining and balancing a cash drawer. Under direct supervision, a teller processes customer transactions within established guidelines. Identifies and makes sales referrals, recommends alternate channels, cross-sells bank services and products for Wells Fargo partners, provides excellent customer service. Duties may include safe deposit, merchant/vault, ATM processing, bonds and coupons, foreign currency and night drop.

At Wells Fargo, we have an outstanding diverse team. We want people who pitch in and help others without being asked and want team members who are committed to the success of the team. Tellers will develop and improve their skills through training programs and regular feedback discussions with supervisors, which will help further their professional experience and improve their chances for even greater roles in the future. A teller position is the start of something really big. With an organization the size of Wells Fargo, there is no limit to what a truly motivated person can become with a little dedication and time. Wells Fargo believes in developing people!

Basic Qualifications
1+ years experience interacting with people or customers

Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated skill in use of computers. Demonstrated ability to achieve individual and team goals. Positive approach in interactions with customers and team members. Reliable attendance. Good communication skills. Ability to work a schedule that includes working weekends and some holidays.

Preferred Skills
Spanish Speaking/ Bi-Lingual REQUIRED
5/7/13

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Lehigh Acres Community Initiative Meeting May 9th

2013-05-08T14:18:00.001-04:00

The Lehigh Acres Community Initiative invites you to attend their first evening meeting of the year on Thursday, May 9th, at 5:30pm.

The meeting will be held at the Bravo District Community room at 1301 Homestead Road in Lehigh Acres. enter through the glass door at the back of the building.

This is a public meeting and your input is greatly appreciated.

Road Work on Colonial Next Week from S.R. 82 to Treeline

2013-05-05T08:30:00.000-04:00

Colonial Blvd. – From S.R. 82 to Treeline Blvd. - Effective Monday 5/6 through Friday 5/10
there will be intermittent daytime lane closures (9am-4pm).

The work will be median widening
and closures will include east and westbound lanes.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive May 11, 2013

2013-05-05T07:12:00.000-04:00

Every second Saturday in May letter carriers in more than 10,000 cities and towns across America deliver much more than mail when they walk and drive along their postal routes. They also collect the goodness and compassion of their postal customers who participate in the NALC Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive – the largest one-day food drive in the nation and probably the world.

Carriers collect non-perishable food donations left by mailboxes and in post offices and deliver them to local community food banks, pantries and shelters.

All citizens need do is to place a box or can of non-perishable food next to their mailbox before their letter carrier delivers mail on Saturday, May 11th. The carrier will do all the rest. The food is taken back to a postal station, sorted, and then delivered to an area food bank or pantry. There it is available for needy families.

Project Youtube: South Pacific Senior Style at Lehigh Acres Senior Center (Video)

2013-05-04T07:36:00.000-04:00

Honey Bun
South Pacific - Senior Style
Lehigh Acres Senior Center
March 10, 2013

Lehigh Acres Jobs: Customer Service Rep at Family Dollar

2013-05-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

As a Family Dollar Customer Service Representative you will be responsible for providing exceptional service to our customers. Key priorities include greeting customers, assisting them with selection of merchandise, completing transactions, and answering questions regarding the store and merchandise.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities :
Provides customer engagement in positive and approachable manner.
Assists in maintaining a clean, well-stocked store for customers during their shopping experience.

Helps in the unloading of merchandise from delivery trucks, organizes merchandise, and transports merchandise from stockroom to sales floor.
Independently stocks shelves and recovers merchandise in the store.
Accurately handles customer funds and processes transactions using the POS system.
Remains constantly aware of customer activity to ensure a safe and secure shopping environment.
Performs all other duties as assigned in order to maintain an effective and profitable store operation.

Position Requirements :
Education: Prefer completion of high school or equivalent. Ability to follow directives and interpret retail operational documents as assigned.

Experience: Prefer experience working in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery, or drug store environments.
Physical Requirements: Ability to regularly lift up to 40 lbs. (and occasionally, up to 55 lbs.) from floor level to above shoulder height; must be able to meet demands of frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, climbing, pushing, pulling, and repetitive lifting, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Availability : Ability to work flexible, full-time schedule to include days, evenings, weekends and holidays.
Skills & Competencies: Customer Focus, Developing Potential, Results Driven, Strong Organizational Skills, Communication Skills, Problem Solving/Decision Making, Job Knowledge and Relationship Management.

Job : Customer Service Team Members
Primary Location : Fl-Lehigh Acres-02838/1 FL LEHIGH AC
02838/1 FL LEHIGH AC
1111 Homestead Rd N
Lehigh Acres 33936

Job Level : Entry Level
Education Level : High School Diploma/GED (±11 years)
Shift : Variable
Travel : No

Background Check Required : Yes
Drug Screen Required : Yes

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

5/2/2013

Animal Medical Center of Lehigh Acres: Thundershirt

2013-05-03T07:26:00.000-04:00

It's storm season! If your dog suffers from thunderstorm phobia, come in today to try a Thundershirt. Thundershirt's gentle, constant pressure can eliminate fear of thunder, fireworks, separation anxiety, car anxiety, problem barking and more.

Pictured here is our very own model, Bart. ;)

BINGO at First Community Congregational Church in Lehigh Acres May 6th

2013-05-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

First Community Congregational Church on Leeland Heights will be having Bingo on May 6th.

Cost is $15 for 1 set of cards or $20 for 2 Coffee and hot dogs will be served for free.

Doors open at 4:30. Early bird game at 6 and Bingo will be begin at 6:30.

Catch Spring Fever at Animal Services

2013-05-02T07:19:00.000-04:00

Weather Forecasters Predict It Will Rain Cats & Dogs!

It's raining cats and dogs this April at Lee County Domestic Animal Services and the showers are bringing deep discounts on pet adoptions at the shelter. Dogs and cats that have been at the shelter for more than a month can be adopted for only $35. The promotion is aimed at bringing awareness to the numbers of pets that end up in our county shelter due to pet overpopulation and the need for all owners to spay and neuter their pets.

April is when LCDAS begins to see a rise in the number of cats and kittens entering the shelter. During the 2012 kitten season the shelter’s intake of cats doubled from a monthly average of 267 to 491. The intake of dogs is consistently high with an average of 400 dogs entering the shelter monthly.

“Don’t delay,” says Donna Ward, LCDAS Director, “spay and neuter your pets now before shelters begin to fill up and the likelihood they will all find homes is impossible.” “If you are looking for a new pet, please adopt and save a life,” she adds.

All adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, flea treatment, de-worming, heartworm test for dogs six months and older, feline aids and leukemia test for cats, Lee County pet license for pets three months and older, microchip ID, 10-day health guarantee, and Pet Behavior Helpline.

Pets available for adoption may be viewed online and adopters can submit an application online as well. The website updates hourly. Volunteers and staff will be available to help individuals and families select the pet that best suits their lifestyle.

The shelter is located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, next to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office off Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. Adoption hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Award Nominations for Foster Parent, Case Manager, or Community Partners

2013-05-01T13:30:00.000-04:00

In recognition of May being National Foster Parent Appreciation Month, the CNSWFL is hosting our Annual Appreciation Dinner for Poster Parents and other caregivers. Even though this event is primarily for foster parents and caregivers along with some foster care staff, this year the agency has added a new competent that allows each of you to get involved by recognizing people who have gone over and beyond their call of duty!

As part of this dinner, the CNSWFL will be awarding the Foster Parent of the Year Award, the Child Welfare Case Manager of the Year Award and the Community Partner of the Year Award (can be anyone in community-volunteer, stakeholder, GAL, judge, donor, etc…). The award criteria and nomination form is attend. Anyone can nominate someone for any or all of the awards. Also, please feel free to pass this email onto others that may wish to submit a nomination. This email has gone out to all of our foster parents, CNSWFL staff, CMO staff, FC providers and community stakeholders (including GAL, judiciary, donors, community providers, and partners…). Please share with as many people as possible.

An internal committee will review and select the winners. See attached forms for categories and specific criteria for each along with submission information. I hope everyone will take the time to think of whom they work alongside each and every day and take the time to recognize them for their efforts!!!

General Criteria (applies to all categories):

· Person submitting and nominee must reside within the SWFL, Circuit 20 Area.

· The award recipient agrees to be present at the May 24th Foster Parent/Caregiver Appreciation Dinner at the Holiday Inn at Ft Myers Airport to accept award.

· Separate Typed Narrative must be included with Nomination Form to be considered. Maximum of 500 words.

· Nomination Forms/Narratives must be received no later than May 17, 2013 to be considered.

· All nominations will be reviewed by a committee for consideration.

Submit Nomination to:

David Brown, Director of Programs
dbrown@cnswfl.org
Fax to 239-226-1115 attn. David Brown
Mail to:
Children’s Network of SWFL
2232 Altamont Ave, Ft. Myers, FL 33901

*** Separate Narrative must be included with Nomination Form (attached) to be considered. Nomination Forms/Narratives must be received no later than May 17, 2013

ECWCD Hosts Free Speaker Series to Celebrate History

2013-05-01T10:14:00.001-04:00

Please join ECWCD at free speaker series entitled, A Look Through the Ages, to celebrate our 55th Anniversary. The free speaker series will run Wednesdays, from May 8 – May 29 at 601 East County Lane, Lehigh Acres, 33936 from 1 – 3 p.m.

Take a journey through the history of southwest Florida, environmental changes, and the development of Lehigh Acres - from the early years, the boom, current resources and a look forward.
Seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your seat, please contact Carla Ulakovic at 239-368-0044 x17 or via email at carlau@ecwcd.com. Staff will confirm your reservation.

Wednesday, May 8, 1 – 3p.m. - Southwest Florida, Early Life (1800’s – 1930’s)

Take a look at early life along the Caloosahatchee River, the roots Fort Myers, and environmental concerns of the developing area.

Speakers Include: Amy Bennett Williams – Author , Along the Caloosahatchee River, Kevin Erwin, Ecologist, Jim Hull, descendant of one of Southwest Florida's pioneer families and CEO of AIM Engineering and Surveying

Wednesday, May 15 – 1 – 3 p.m. – A Corporation Town is Born (1940’s – 1970’s)

Take a look at the impact of Buckingham Airfield on southwest Florida and will visit the roots of the Lehigh Acres Community. Local experts and enthusiasts will share their knowledge of the town’s early development. Speakers Include: Matt Johnson, author of the Buckingham Army Airfield; ECWCD Commissioner David Deetscreek; Ruth Anglickis, Vice President of Landex.

Wednesday, May 22 – 1 – 3 p.m. – A Growing Community (1980’s – 2000’s)

Take a look at the growth and development of Lehigh Acres. Speakers Include: Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann, ECWCD Commissioner J. Nathan Stout; Bob Howard, former ECWCD manager/engineer; Wayne Daltry former director of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council.

Wednesday, May 29 – 1 – 3 p.m., Lehigh, A Look Forward

Local government and agency representatives will share insights and their efforts to improving the local community. Speaker's include: Representative Matthew Caldwell.Captain Haberman from the Lehigh Acres Sheriff's office, David E. Lindsay, ECWCD Manager.

John Patrick wins "Best Weathercast" by Associated Press

2013-05-01T10:03:00.000-04:00

John Patrick, a Lehigh Acres resident and Chief Meteorologist at ABC-7 news attended the Associated Press Broadcasters awards banquet in Orlando.

We are pleased to announce that he won an award for the Best Weathercast!

Kentucky Derby Party in Lehigh Acres May 4

2013-04-23T08:43:00.000-04:00

Your blood pressure is rising and your heartbeat is racing but everyone is laughing! Think there is something wrong with this picture? No… of course not at all, when it comes to people having tons of fun at the Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Majestic Golf Club.

It's all about our four-legged friends (or when it comes to one of our great "side games", one legged), even though the ladies think it is about the hats. At this party, the length of a nose can really make a difference (photo finish!). Food, drinks, games, raffles, lots of fun and laughter are a perfect recipe for an afternoon in style and with great excitement.

The fun starts at 4:00 pm. For ticket prices, please see the attached flyer. RSVP your seat "in the box" for the race at 239-369-3322 or ibaker@LehighAcresChamber.org. Run horse, RUN!!!

Fight For Air Stair Climb with SWAT April 27th

2013-04-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Free Better Hearing Seminar in Lehigh Acres April 29th

2013-04-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Free Seminar about hearing loss, ringing ear and hearing aids. Seating is limited to the first 30 seniors 498-7142. No hearing aids will be sold at this seminar. Lunch and learn presenters: Dr. Rob Morrison, Au.D. from Starkey Hearing Technologies, and Aaron Bilovecky, CCC-A and John Hoglund, BC-HIS, ACA from Hoglund Family Hearing.

Monday, April 29 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
2700 Lee Blvd Lehigh Acres, FL

Shredder Day in Lehigh Acres April 22

2013-04-20T18:43:00.000-04:00

Shredder Day

Monday, April 22, 2013
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Florida Lung & Sleep Associates
2625 Lee Boulevard, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

Recycle, Reduce, Replenish, Restore, Reuse

GREAT GIVEAWAYS

Come and join the Greater Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce celebrating Earth Day by shredding old papers, donating cloth, cleaning out old medication and much more.

Here are the different “Spring Cleaning” services we will offer on Shredder Day:
Paper shredder for private and business ($5 per file box incl. certificate of destruction)
Medicine drop box by Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Clothes collection by Kiwanis Thrift Store

Information on Recycling, Energy Savings, Water Conservation and more…
We will have a drive through set up so it can be as easy as going to get a burger to recycle your old materials if you are in a hurry.

For more information call 239-369-3322 or ibaker@LehighAcresChamber.org

Lehigh Acres Great American Clean Up April 20th

2013-04-19T08:18:00.000-04:00

Lehigh Regional Medical Center Here to Stay

2013-04-18T07:24:00.000-04:00

Last February, officials from Health Management Associates, who own the Lehigh Regional Medical Center announced plans to relocate the 88-bed hospital away from Lehigh Acres to another portion of Lee County.

A letter of intent was submitted to the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration to initiate the process.

The existing hospital, which currently has over 300 employees, would have been converted into a freestanding emergency room and primary care service center.

There was speculation that negotiations were underway with several landowners, including one site in the Alico Road area for the new hospital.

A detailed application with financial and patient projections would have to be submitted by April 10, with the state issuing its decision in June.

Instead, Lehigh Regional Medical Center announced this week that they have decided not to pursue a certificate of need from the state to leave Lehigh Acres.

Project Youtube: "Unforgiven" at Mugs and Jugs in Lehigh Acres. (Video)

2013-04-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

"Unforgiven" Band playing at the St. Jude Benefit at Mugs-n-Jugs (Lehigh Acres, FL).

For more information on "Project Youtube" click here.