Business Notes
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank hosts holiday stocking stuffer drive benefiting A.N.A.’s Friends
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is hosting a holiday stocking stuffer drive to benefit A.N.A.’s Friends, a Southwest Florida nonprofit that supports foster children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment.
Donations will be accepted at all bank branches through Friday, Nov. 20.
Community members are invited to donate new, unused stocking stuffers that will help make the holiday season brighter for children and teens in foster care. Requested items include small toys, games, puzzles, fidget toys, crayons, markers, stickers, mini craft kits, cozy socks, hair accessories,
journals, gel pens, activity books, lip balm, nail polish, travel-size toiletries, individually wrapped candy and $5 to $10 gift cards for fast food or coffee.
Donations may be dropped off at any Sanibel Captiva Community Bank location:
• Main Office Branch, 239-472-6100, 2406 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
• Periwinkle Branch, 239-472-6150, 1910 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
• Bridge Branch, 239-274-6250, 9311 College Parkway, Fort Myers
• McGregor Branch, 239-210-7100, 15975 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
• Winkler Branch, 239-274-7400, 7040 Winkler Road, Fort Myers
• College Parkway Branch, 239-274-6200, 7500 College Parkway, Fort Myers
• Downtown Branch, 239-274-6205, 1533 Hendry Street, Fort Myers
• Gateway Branch, 239-274-6210, 11691 Gateway Boulevard, Fort Myers
• Fort Myers Beach Temporary Office, 239-274-6240, 100 Lovers Lane (third floor, inside Access Title Agency), Fort Myers Beach
Those who prefer to shop online can purchase items through the organization’s Amazon Wish List by scanning the QR code featured on promotional materials displayed at each branch. Items purchased through the wish list will be shipped directly to A.N.A.’s Friends.
Sanibel & Captiva Realtors host 2026 annual meeting
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) convened its 2026 annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22, receiving key reports from leadership and officially announcing its elected 2027 Board of Directors following an electronic vote.
The newly elected slate features President Kelly Huguenin (Pfeifer Realty Group), President-elect Janka Varmuza (Royal Shell Real Estate), Treasurer Ted Benjamin (Royal Shell Real Estate), Secretary Melanie Holaway (John R. Wood Properties), Past President Tina DiCharia (Pfeifer Realty Group), Two-Year Directors George Kohlbrenner (Royal Shell Real Estate) and Milissa Sprecher (McCallion & McCallion), alongside new Three-Year Directors Marvell Bradley (Pfeifer Realty Group) and Cecilia Liichow (John R. Wood Properties).
Industry Appreciation Awards announces 2026 winners
The Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office have announced winners of the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards.
The 34th annual awards program was held Oct. 23 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers, where local dignitaries joined business and community leaders in honoring Lee County businesses and individuals that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries.
The program recognized 21 finalists across seven categories before honoring the following winners:
• South Seas was honored as Large Business of the Year. This award recognizes a large business with 51 or more employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years. Opened in 1946, South Seas is a 330-acre world-class resort on the shores of Captiva Island offering villas, beach homes, world-class amenities and beautiful Gulf views. In the wake of Hurricane Ian, South Seas has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to recovery, investing significantly in the restoration and enhancement of the iconic Captiva Island resort. As accommodations, amenities and experiences continue to be revitalized, the resort is reclaiming its role as a premier destination for travelers while strengthening its position as a major employer and economic driver for Lee County.
• Bob Dean Supply Inc. received the Lee Trailblazer Award. This award recognizes a business founded in Lee County that has demonstrated exceptional growth while embodying values that strengthen the broader business community, expand opportunities, cultivate local partnerships and promote long-term, inclusive success.
• Southwest Florida Proton was awarded Startup of the Year. This award celebrates a business founded in Lee County that has launched within the past three years and is already demonstrating strong momentum and community impact.
• ADDMAN Group won the Tech Catalyst Award. This award recognizes a company with a strong and sustained presence in Lee County that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to strengthening the technology ecosystem in Southwest Florida.
• NORTHSTAR Technologies Group was recognized as Small Manufacturer of the Year. This award celebrates a small manufacturing business with 50 or fewer employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years.
• PRAVADA Private Label was awarded Large Manufacturer of the Year. This award celebrates a large manufacturing business with 51 or more employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years.
• Sun Harvest Citrus won Small Business of the Year. This award recognizes a small business with up to 50 employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years.
“These outstanding businesses are making a meaningful impact in our community,” said Ben Spence, chair of the Horizon Council and president and CEO of Lee Health. “Their commitment and contributions help make Southwest Florida one of the premier places to live, work and play, and they are truly deserving of today’s recognition. These remarkable businesses and their leaders reflect the dedication and innovation that keep our community moving forward.”
Additionally, Dr. Larry Antonucci was awarded the Horizon Council Lifetime Achievement Award for his tremendous contributions to health care in Lee County. Antonucci was the president and CEO of Lee Health from 2017 until his retirement earlier this year. He spent 40 years on the Lee Health medical staff, including 24 years as a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN). He was a driving force in Lee Health’s patient safety program, which has won numerous awards and consistently ranks high in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service’s Five-Star Quality Rating System. Prior to joining Lee Health, Antonucci co-founded Physicians’ Primary Care in Lee County in 1995.
To learn more about the Industry Appreciation Awards, visit IndustryAppreciationAwards.com.
Roque Medina joins South Seas as director of food and beverage
South Seas Resort has appointed hospitality veteran as director of food and beverage, bringing a globally recognized culinary and luxury hospitality leader to one of Southwest Florida’s premier resort destinations.
With more than three decades of culinary experience shaping exceptional dining offerings and luxury service cultures, Medina has built an impressive career with some of the hospitality industry’s most acclaimed brands, including Fontainebleau, Solage and Woodside Hotel Group. During his tenure with The Ritz-Carlton, he played an instrumental role in opening 18 hotels across Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East and the United States, helping establish world-class food and beverage programs that reflect the unique character of each destination. At South Seas, Medina will lead the resort’s expanding food and beverage operations, oversee a diverse collection of dining venues and advance the property’s vision to deliver elevated culinary experiences that rival the resort’s renowned waterfront setting. His leadership will support a portfolio of restaurants and outlets including Harborside, Redfish Grill, Beach House, Scoops & Slices, Tarpon Bar, The Clutch Clubhouse, Provisions and Flippers.
“Roque’s career has been defined by creating memorable dining experiences that blend exceptional cuisine, genuine hospitality and a strong sense of place,” said Shawn Farrell, general manager of South Seas. “As South Seas continues its transformation, his expertise in luxury resort dining and passion for service excellence will help further elevate our culinary offerings and create experiences that keep guests returning to Captiva year after year.”
Most recently, Medina served as director of food and beverage for a luxury beachfront resort in Encinitas, California, where he oversaw multiple dining concepts and guest experience initiatives. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for cultivating high-performing teams, driving operational excellence and delivering innovative food and beverage programs that enhance the overall resort experience.
At South Seas, Medina will focus on further enhancing the resort’s collection of dining experiences, creating distinctive culinary moments for guests and owners while continuing to establish the resort as a sought-after destination for exceptional food, beverage and hospitality on Captiva Island.
South Seas is at 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva Island. For reservations, call 866-565-5089 or visit SouthSeas.com
RSW offers remote parking this Thanksgiving
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is offering passengers RSWRemote, a reserved and remote parking option located on the north side of the airport, this Thanksgiving.
The RSWRemote parking lot will be open from Monday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026. The cost is a flat $60. The fee is non-refundable and cannot be used at any other airport parking location. Individuals must reserve and prepay for a parking space prior to coming to the airport. Reservations can be made at rswremoteparking.com.
The Transportation Security Administration recommends getting to the airport at least two hours prior to your flight departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The administration recommends adding 30 more minutes to travel time to use RSWRemote. Shuttles will operate from the remote lot to the terminal from 3 a.m. until 7 p.m. starting Nov. 23. On the return, shuttles will take parkers from the terminal to the RSWRemote lot from 8 a.m. until the last daily flight arrival on Nov. 29.
How it works
• Reserve and prepay for spot
• An email confirmation with a QR code will be sent
• Arrive at the RSWRemote lot and show the parking attendant the QR code
• Park car and board the complimentary shuttle
• The shuttle will drop you off at the upper level (departures) terminal curb just prior to Door 1.
• When you arrive back at RSW, you will take the shuttle to the RSWRemote lot from the same location where you were dropped off (upper level, prior to Door 1). Please look for shuttle signage.
The RSWRemote parking lot is located at 11861 Regional Lane on the north side of the airport property in the Skyplex area.
For questions or more information, call ABM Parking at 239-768-1818 or email RSWParking@abm.com.
The Lee County Port Authority expects a busy Thanksgiving and still encourages travelers to consider alternative ways to get to the airport, like being dropped off by friends and family or using commercial transportation. If necessary, LCPA will post parking updates on the airport’s website and Facebook to keep travelers informed on availability.