2020-12-09 E-Edition
By | on December 09, 2020
Florida’s quick rebound
A close look at our state’s 2020 gross sales figures provides insight into economic growth
By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 09, 2020
BY LAURA TICHY
Laura.tichy-smith@flfloridaweekly.com
AS EXPECTED, THE PANDEMIC PUMMELED STATE sales revenue the first few months it hit Florida, but in time some areas of the state reported sales even greater than last year. Ordered lockdowns, shutdowns and weakened consumer confidence during phased reopening sent statewide sales on a nosedive, dropping 23.9% in May, the worst month, and down 4.3% for the eight months […]
SWFL’s Marcus Jansen’s star continues to rise
By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 09, 2020
BY ROGER WILLIAMS
rwilliams@floridaweekly.com
Lady Luck had nothing to do with it, but the four horsem*n of the ascending artists did, perhaps: experience, talent, suffering and truth-telling in paint. One of the most highly regarded art galleries in the world, Almine Rech, based in Paris, announced last week it would represent the 52-year-old American painter, Marcus Jansen, in Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia, […]
Eight burning candles
COMMENTARY
By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 09, 2020
Roger WILLIAMS
rwilliams@floridaweekly.com
Their surname was Rosenthal — the father and son carried Philipp and Philip as given names. The family prospered, making exquisite porcelain china in Selb, a Bavarian town near Germany’s border with Czechoslovakia. Until they didn’t. One day in 1934, their fellow Germans, members of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, stole the business. Although a practicing Catholic, Philipp had […]
Rescuing voting rights in Florida
GUEST COMMENTARY
By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 09, 2020
BY HOWARD L. SIMON
Special to Florida Weekly
The injustice inflicted on the voting rights of the people of Florida by the federal appeals court cannot be allowed to stand. The U.S. Court of Appeals (with Trump appointees making up five of the six judges in the majority) overturned U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle’s thoughtful 125-page ruling that Florida’s “pay-tovote” system is unconstitutional. That the majority included decisive […]
Edison grand parade scrubbed; smaller events to take place
By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 09, 2020
The Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, known as the largest night parade in the Southeast and held for more than eight decades, has been canceled. The annual February tribute to Thomas Alva Edison has become one of Southwest Florida’s largest events with estimated spectators of more than 250,000 and participants of nearly 2,000. It brings the community together like […]
Children’s center nets $10,615 with Rescue Runway event
By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 09, 2020
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida recently held its second annual Rescue Runway, raising $10,615 with the online fundraiser benefiting children in need. A Rescue Royalty Queen and King were crowned. After weeks of fundraising, the winners were Chloe for Rescue Royalty Queen and Barnaby for Rescue Royalty King. Best Pet Costume Winner was Micky, dressed as “Tiny Santa.” […]
10th annual CAN IT! drive shatters food donation goal
By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 09, 2020
Pushing the Envelope Inc. has completed its 10th annual CAN IT! Campaign, a food drive benefiting those less fortunate in Southwest Florida. The campaign collected 4,571 nonperishable food items for Community Cooperative Inc., the most collected since the campaign’s inception and more than doubling this year’s 2,000-item goal. From restaurants and apartment communities to daycares, salons and gyms, Pushing the […]
LARC event to benefit Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund
By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 09, 2020
The Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens has announced plans for an inaugural fundraiser benefiting The Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund. The event will take place Saturday, April 17, at Misty Morning Barn in Fort Myers. Guests will enjoy breezes flowing through the barn doors, among a backdrop of oaks, pines and cypress trees. The evening will include a five-course dinner created […]
Generosity, giving promotes physical and mental health
By Florida Weekly Staff | on December 09, 2020
Is there a way to “spark joy”? No, I’m not talking about the KonMari Method, (although it definitely has its merits). I’m talking about creating happiness within. The coronavirus pandemic has certainly brought to our attention how important it is for us all to monitor our mental and physical health. And, as we approach the holiday season, it’s the perfect […]
