What's New
News is listed chronologically starting with the most recent postings at top. You can also check out our Press Release Archive page to view all Public Service Announcements by release date.
Here’s a round up of what’s new at your Lee County parks, preserves and facilities:
Manatee Park announces winter program schedule
Manatee Park is a non-captive refuge for the endangered Florida Manatee. Optimum viewing for the Florida manatee is between the months of November – March. Visitors will enjoy walking the ADA accessible paths through the restored native plant habitats and beautiful butterfly gardens. Volunteer interpretive naturalists provide guidance along the walkways throughout the park. In addition to wildlife observation the park offers picnic facilities, playground, fishing pier, self-guided ethnobotany trail, and canoe/kayak launch to the Orange River. Click here for more info.
USTA Florida Volunteer of the Year is our very own Lyn Bruner (LCCTA Executive Director and Lee County Parks & Recreation Volunteer)
Slogan or song: "Act as if what you do makes a difference… It does."
With more than 35 years of experience volunteering for the USTA, Lyn Bruner is the person you want your beginning junior or adult players receiving an introduction to the game from.
Lyn, a tournament director for junior events and a volunteer for the Lee County Community Tennis Association, says "Running tournaments allows me to offer a positive competitive experience in an organized way. I enjoy working with junior players and parents. Tennis has been part of my life for over 35 years and I want others to enjoy as much as I do all that tennis offers."
Locally in Ft. Myers, Lyn spreads her love of the game as the volunteer vice president for the Lee County CTA, coordinating fellow volunteers for the organization. She has volunteered for the CTA a total of six years, including 2009 when it was named the top USTA Community Tennis Association in the U.S.
For the last two years she has served on the Florida Section's Volunteer Council; the last four years as the Lee County Community Representative for the Section; and the past six years on the Lee County CTA in various positions.
This year on the Volunteer Council she also assisted USTA Florida staff in implementing the use of a Microsoft SharePoint web-based application for USTA volunteers, increasing the flow of communication throughout the state. She says, "Involvement in USTA Florida has allowed me to expand my tennis family and provided me with new volunteer opportunities." Check out the video here.
Miami Dolphins Youth Football Camp
Thanks to all who attended!
Construction Ceremony for North Fort Myers Recreation Center
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners and Department of Parks & Recreation observed the Construction Ceremony for North Fort Myers Recreation Center December 10, 2012, 10:00 A.M. 2021 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903.
New deputy director joins Lee County Parks & Recreation
Lee County Parks & Recreation has welcomed A. Dana Kasler as its new deputy director. Kasler, who started work Thursday, Nov. 15, came from a position as parks and recreation director at Moon Township, Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh. Click here for more information.
JetBlue Park at Fenway South Earns Distinguished LEED® Certification
A forward-thinking collaboration between Lee County and the Boston Red Sox is expected to save Lee County more than $100,000 each year — or more than $3 million over the life of the Red Sox lease agreement – through the sustainable design of JetBlue Park at Fenway South, the team’s new 106-acre Spring Training and Player Development Complex. On Oct. 1, JetBlue Park was LEED® Certified. Established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Click here for more information.
Congratulations to Kyle Katzenmyer on being selected Gulf Coast League’s Sports Turf Manager of the Year
Winning your League’s top award makes you eligible for consideration for the Sports Turf Manager of the Year Award for Minor League Baseball. Minor League Baseball and the Sports Turf Manager Association want to recognize these professionals who have given the extra effort necessary to provide a safe and aesthetically pleasing playing surface that allows for the best possible game to be played. Click here for more information.
The Seventh-Annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival a success
The annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival is among the fastest growing paddling festivals in North America. The event ran Nov. 1 – 4 in Fort Myers-Sanibel. For more information click HERE.
4th Annual Lakeside Country Bash was a huge success
The 4th Annual Lakeside Country Bash held Friday, November 30 at Lakes Regional Park was a huge success. For more information click HERE.
City of Fort Myers implements new youth curfew
Effective September 1, 2012 the hours related to the youth protection ordinance in the City of Fort Myers have changed. For more information click HERE.
John Yarbrough Linear Park partially closed
A segment of Lee County’s premier linear park for cyclists, joggers, inline skaters and dog walkers is temporarily closed for expansion of an environmentally enhancing filter marsh. For more information click HERE.
Lee County Parks & Recreation 125th Anniversary Quiz
Thanks to all who participated in the Lee County Parks & Recreation 125th Anniversary Quiz. A winner was chosen and received a free Lee County Parks & Recreation annual parking sticker. If you would like to see the answers to the quiz click HERE.
Join “Lee County Town Hall” Online Public Forum
Want to make a positive impact on the community from the comfort of your home? Then check out the new “Lee County Town Hall” virtual public forum at www.leecountytownhall.com. This interactive website invites residents to share opinions and ideas on proposed county projects. The registration process is free and easy to share your own ideas and support those you like. Lee County decision-makers will be listening.
