Blogs

Disaster Preparedness Events

In an effort to maintain community resilience and readiness, there are several events and initiatives that are set to take place locally and statewide.

Begin Hurricane Preparedness

The East Lee Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to begin hurricane preparedness as hurricane season begins on June 1st and ending September 30th.

Consolidated Plan Assessment Survey

Please take 10 minutes to complete a survey to help Lee County Human and Veteran Services determine funding priorities for the next five-year planning cycle.

Lehigh Regional Medical Center Earns ‘A’

Lehigh Regional Medical Center has earned an impressive grade “A” Hospital Safety Grade rating from The Leapfrog Group, a patient safety ratings organization.

2024 TECH Summit & Annual Meeting

You're invited to join SWFL Tech for its 2024 Tech Summit & Annual Meeting on Friday, May 17 from 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM at Florida SouthWestern State College.

Launch of Lee Health Mobile Health Unit

Lee Health is thrilled to announce the launch of a new mobile health unit, starting its operations at 55 Homestead Rd S, Lehigh Acres on April 29th.

Business Continuity Planning Workshop

The Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development invite you to an invaluable event on Friday, May 10th from 9 AM to 11 AM at 2201 Second Street #118

Rotary Means Business Fellowship Expo

This event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members to connect and discover what our local area has to offer.

SHRED-A-THON

The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary is running the SHRED-A-THON event where all sensitive documents will be shredded and safely disposed of on-site.

Doctor with Lee Health smiling as he is ready to assist you for your healthcare needs

When You Need Healthcare – Know Where to Go

Lee Health understands the importance of personalized, one-on-one interactions. That’s why our providers nurture your overall well-being in person.

SWFL Ag Expo Is Nearly Here

The Southwest Florida Ag Expo is coming up, which runs Feb. 29 - March 10 at the Lee County Civic Center Complex in North Fort Myers.

Executive Business Climate Survey

The Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) studies, analyzes and reports on Southwest Florida’s socioeconomic and demographic environment.

Way Out Community Dialogues

The Salvation Army Fort Myers Area Command is honored to have received a grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund this year!

Community Needs Survey

Healthy Lee still needs our help! They are excited about the current results of the Community Needs Survey. Still, we can do better!

Our Community Health Survey

Healthy Lee is excited to announce the launch of a vital initiative assessing, understanding, and addressing our community's health needs.

Lee County Resident Survey

We invite you to share your thoughts as a resident by participating in a 5-10 minute survey in part of an ongoing study.

Business Damage Assessment Survey

The Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) hopes you and your families fared well through Hurricane Idalia.

Post Ian Chamber Activities

I hope that you and your families as well as co-workers are now well and safe. Other parts of our county and region have not fared as well.

FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: PROPERTY FRAUD ALERT

As most property owners are unaware of property fraud, I'm recommending that property owners register for the free “Property Fraud Alert”.

Dr. Joe Restino, Vice – Principal – Harns Marsh Middle School

Through a generous set of donations from the East Lee County Chamber of Commerce, Harns Marsh Middle gave Arts themed lessons to students.

HEADING INTO THE MIDDLE OF STORM SEASON –PRIMARY ELECTION AUGUST 23

Calls and visits to our offices are peppered with questions and concerns from new residents on how to prepare for “high” storm season.

FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: VEHICULAR BURGLARIES IN EAST DISTRICT

Despite pleas and requests for residents to lock their vehicles, we continue to receive reports of vehicular burglaries and stolen property.

EAST LEE/LEHIGH REMEMBERS COMMISSIONER FRANK MANN (1941 – 2022)

Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann passed away on Tuesday, June 21,2022 at his home in Alva after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

A FOND FAREWELL!

We bid a farewell and best wishes for a great retirement for our financial director – Mrs. Doris Moore. We gathered to wish Doris the best!

FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: AGGRESSIVE DRIVING, ROAD RAGE ON THE RISE

The growth of population and the increased traffic that accompanies such growth appears to generate a rise in patterns of driver frustration.

LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER RAY SANDELLI: “EAST LEE COUNTY…. OUR TIME”

In one of my first calls when I assumed my role as a County Commissioner, I asked not where we were as a county, but where are we going?

SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: VEHICULAR BREAK-INS

Fifteen seconds, that’s approximately the amount of time to ransack the interior of your unlocked vehicle and to remove any and all valuables.

Celebrating The Stars In Our Community! Chamber Gala March 19th

This year the Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 59th year. It will be celebrating those who serve our community.

RISING IN THE EAST: A MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO

Nationwide, law enforcement is receiving a growing number of reports regarding stolen catalytic converters.

New Year 2022 with Commissioner Pendergrass

Although this past year brought some challenges, we've had many more successes, and I have no doubt 2022 will be a great year for Lee County!

School Readiness Program HB945

Representative Spencer Roach filed HB 945 to eliminate the skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs for childcare by foster parents.

Voices of Lehigh – Commissioner Brian Hammond

As January brings the past year to a close, we look forward to the blessings and opportunities that 2022 will bring for our Lee County.

Lee Health Seeking Blood Donations

Lee Health is experiencing an extreme blood shortage and seeking blood donations to help replenish supply levels.

Lehigh Acres Street Light Initiative

A community effort to add streetlights at Lehigh Acres intersections will expand this winter to include more than 2,000 streetlights.

County Commissioners Cut Taxes, Lower Debt & Improve Roadways

We've all been warned about higher inflation, and now we're seeing it first hand with higher prices at the gas pumps and grocery stores.

RISING IN THE EAST: A MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO

At times, I believe that people forget that driving a motor vehicle is a privilege…not a right granted by the Constitution.

Lehigh Acres Pioneer, Harry C. Powell, Jr. 12/17/1929 – 9/4/2021

Harry C. Powell, Jr. was born in Jacksonville in December of 1929 to Harry C. Powell (major architect in Jacksonville) and Mary Alice Martin.

COVID-19 and Vaccinations: What You Need to Know from Lee Health’s Experts

COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases continue to increase across Florida hospitals as the delta variant spreads.

Millage: Trim or Truth

Florida is unique in many ways from the rest of the nation, and our tax system is one reason why people choose this state to be their home.

The Emergency Department IS Not A Designated Covid Testing Site

The Emergency Department IS NOT a designated COVID testing site. A list of testing sites is available from the emergency department staff.

RISING IN THE EAST: A MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO

Construction sites are appearing. Undeveloped properties have increased in value and the demand for new homes has grown beyond expectation.

Summer 2021 Recap With Commissioner Pendergrass

We're still in hurricane season. Lee County remains steadfast in monitoring the weather to keep you and your neighbors informed and prepared.

Lehigh Regional Medical Center Has Been Named to the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals® List

Lehigh Regional Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, has been named to the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals® list.

The East Lee County Chamber of Commerce Requests the Pleasure of Your Company at the Annual Award Gala 2021

The Chamber’s mission is to “promote and advance the economic, civic, and social growth of East Lee County.”

The Chairman and Board of Directors Welcome New Board Members

The Chairman and Board of Directors of the East Lee Chamber are honored to announce the following addition to the Board of Directors.

Lee County Economic Development Southwest Florida to host a presentation on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund

Please join us as the Lee County Economic Development of Southwest Florida hosts a presentation on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Florida Governmental Utility Authority

FGUA Invites children in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades to enter the “Leak Sleuth Contest”

April is Water Conservation Month and an ideal time to consider smart water use to protect our water supply and your pocketbook.

ATTENTION LOCALS!! Springtime is here in Southwest Florida

We still need to reach our goal to make this special Easter event happen for the kids on Saturday, APRIL 3 from 10AM - 2PM. Don't miss out!

Marketing Opportunity: Chamber Sponsors Easter Egg Hunt at Christ United Methodist Church

Get a Game Table to Meet & Greet with the Community, or Sponsor the Egg Hunt. We need 10 sponsors at $225 each. Deadline is March 23rd.

East Lee County Chamber of Commerce to Host Kevin Williamson Classic

The tournament will be in honor of Kevin Williamson who was a well-known businessman and realtor in Lehigh Acres and Lee County.

Florida Department of Health and Lee County Government announce new vaccination site and launch reservation system

Florida Department of Health and Lee County government will launch a reservation system and a new, larger site for free COVID-19 vaccinations.

Annual 2021 Gala POSTPONED

Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to postpone our Annual Gala. We will keep you informed on any updates.

Count Your Blessings Lehigh Set For November 19th

A time to come together and reflect. Gather together, network and say a blessing, eat great food, hear from community leaders, and reflect!

Politics In The Park October 29th

The East Lee Chamber will host “Politics in the Park” at its offices where candidates running for election will be invited to set up tables.

Casual Bowling Night MEET UP – COVID can’t beat us!

Meet up with the East Lee Chamber of Commerce members. Let’s have a relaxed, fun evening of bowling. COVID can't beat us!

Lee County To Provide Additional Personal Protective Equipment to Businesses

Another round of distribution of Personal Protective Equipment is planned for local businesses, with the first pickup location set to open.

BEWARE possible scam – local business alert

A local business in East Lee County has reported receiving a scam email regarding a past-due fire inspection.

Lee Cares Round 2 Begins Monday, August 17, 2020

Lee County Government is investing in Human & Business Services to provide immediate assistance for individuals, families, and businesses.

Lee Cares Rehire Grant – UPDATES

This program provides grant funding to local businesses for rehiring a full-time position equivalent (FTE).

August Walk-up COVID19 Testing Schedule

Walk-up COVID-19 testing has NO FEE - NO APPOINTMENT and no doctor's order necessary. Walk-Up Testing is scheduled in Lehigh Acres.

Small Business Rehire Grant Application

Application for the Lee Cares Small Business Rehire Grant, which provides $5,000 in grant funding for rehiring full time position equivalent.

Resources Available For Peak Hurricane Season

New resources are now available online to help guide you and your family through the rest of hurricane season.

Residents Line Up For Farm Share Event

A first-come, first-served drive-thru food distribution drew such a heavy response that it surpassed the supplies.

CARES Act Application Process starts Tuesday May 26

Lee County Government is investing $57.5 million in Human & Business Services to provide immediate assistance.

CHAMBER OPENING UPDATE

Pursuant to the order of the Governor (20-91), the lobby of the East Lee County Chamber of Commerce has been closed to the public.

COVID-19 Testing Sites Available

At a time when COVID-19 testing is critical to the pandemic response, we want you to know that there is a drive-thru testing site available.

FGCU’s Needs Your Help!

The FGCU Regional Economic Research Institute is administering a follow-up survey to RERI’s Coronavirus Economic Impact Report.

FDEO: Re-employment Assistance Application Portal

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has been receiving many calls regarding applying for re-employment assistance online.

New $5000 Grant for Small Business Owners

The Save Small Business Fund is a grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the U.S. and its territories.

A Message from the Florida Chamber: COVID-19 Update

Restarting Florida’s economy is certainly weighing heavy we all work to strike a balance between staying safe, and keeping workers paid.

STATE OF FLORIDA UP-TO-DATE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT FORM

The State of Florida has released updated Unemployment forms to reflect the COVID-19 crisis and to respond to The CARES Act.

COVID-19 Webinars Hosted by SBA South Florida District Office

The U.S. Small Business Association BA South Florida District Office will host a series of Small Business Recovery webinars.

Important CoronaVirus Update from Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto

To keep Florida safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, The Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard.

Important Business Survey – Please Read Through

FGCU’s Regional Economic Research Institute has been asked to conduct a two-part impact study of the coronavirus on Southwest Florida.

Important COVID- 19 Updates and Info from Agencies and Organizations

In response to recent events regarding COVID-19, The Economic Development Department has mitigated as many community concerns as possible.

SBDC – Florida Emergency Bridge Loan – COVID-19

Short-term, interest-free working capital intended to "bridge the gap" between the time a disaster hits and longer-term recovery assistance.

Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Coronavirus Guidance for Businesses

No doubt that the present situation in regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a deep concern for all of us.

Greetings From The Chairman

I have the great honor of being elected by my colleagues in the business community as the current Chairman for our Chamber.

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