Gould ‘elected’ honorar y mayor of North Fort Myers
Story by Chuck Ballaro
It wasn’t too long ago that Matt Gould wasn’t thinking about becoming the face of North Fort Myers.
He was thinking about living.
Shortly after moving to the area, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 oral cancer that went into his lymph nodes and forced a radical surgery
Gould survived and, after a month delay caused by severe rains in January, he became the new honorary mayor of North Fort Myers, who will serve as the figurehead of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and represent the area at ribbon cuttings, Chamber events and other events
“I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m excited to give back and help out where I can I want to provide the voice for those who have questions,” Gould said
Gould, 35, served in the military as a satellite communications engineer for five years After being honorably discharged, he moved to Augusta, Ga with his family but never really felt “at home” there After several years they made their move to North Fort Myers
“We had family who lived close by and visited a few times and fell in love with the area,” Gould said “It reminded us of our time overseas in Okinawa, Japan and decided this was where we wanted to raise our family and give back to the community ”
Gould has been astonished by the continued growth in Lee County and North Fort Myers and is growing with the area He owns several small businesses, including a window and pressure washing company, and is a business consultant, as well as renting a couple cars to vacationers to make a few extra dollars
He has already made an impact in the community
He was named most engaged new member last summer at the Chamber Awards Luncheon and later that summer was sworn in as a Rotary member, where he is now sergeant at arms
He also has started a new group at the Faith Assembly Church, which has seen continued growth as the population increases.
However, all of this nearly didn’t happen because of a tumor that was discovered in his mouth shortly after coming here in 2021
“There was a 3 8-centimeter tumor in the center of my tongue and I had a 16-hour surgery where 70 percent of my tongue was removed and replaced with my thigh muscle,” Gould said “I had 81 lymph nodes removed where they say some was cancer as well ”
Remarkably, no cancer was detected after the surgery.
“The whole experience woke me up God gave me a second chance with my family As things come up I pray,” Gould said “When (Chamber executive director) Wendy Murray brought this up, I thought it could bring more awareness to the area and see what more we could do ”
The Chamber ’s honorary mayor program is a fundraiser, where candidates raise money Each
dollar counts as a “vote ” Whomever raises the most money gets the most "votes" becomes honorary mayor for a year Gould held a bingo night that was very successful He also got some networking groups to get involved, people in his neighborhood in Brightwater, local business owners and others
Gould said he looks forward to the challenge
“It’s an honorary position, but I’m a local ambassador If there’s a need or something required, I want to be able to address those,” Gould said
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North Fort Myers honorary mayor Matt Gould, his wife Kari, who is a teacher at Bayshore Elementary, and their boys , Greyson and Gavin./PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
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orth Fort Myers is a home to a number of resale and thrift store that offer an opportunity for a double benefit Shoppers and upcyclers get great prices whi e many organizat ons earn money to achieve their goals of supporting the community It s win-win for everyone and helps keep perfectly fine goods out of landfi ls, help ng the local environment as well. Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties Inc is among organizations operating a store The North Fort Myers ReStore was the first opened in Lee County by the nonprofit, which is now one of four ocations throughout the county accord ng to Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties Inc Director of Commun cat ons Cece Schepp The North Fort Myers locat on was closed for 16 months after Hurricane Ian due to catastrophic damage from flooding and roof damage It recently re-opened bigger and better than ever. “Through a lot of patience time and he p, we were able to open the store and we ust reopened last month, wh ch is so Story by Meghan Bradbury Win-win: Buy a bargain, help a neighbor Habitat for Humanity ReStore cut the ribbon at its North Fort Myers flagship store to celebrate its reopening./PHOTOS PROVIDED The North Fort Myers ReStore location was closed for 16 months after Hurricane Ian due to catastrophic damage from flooding and roof damage. Habitat for Humanity for Lee and Hendry Counties reopened its main ReStore just off Business 41, which was severely damaged in September 2022 by Hurricane Ian.
exciting because that store has such a tremendous impact on Habitat’s mission,” she said
ReStore has a variety of items for sale, including household goods, furniture, mattresses, appliances, hardware, building and remodeling materials
“That way people can go to a ReStore and find a variety of items while fulfilling quite a few needs,” she said
The building and remodeling materials can be anything from left over lumber to doors and tile
“That is what sets us apart,” she said, adding that some stores have new products, which is specific per store “We do have paint in some of our stores, as well as paint materials, paint brushes, some basics We have recycled paint as well ”
With one of Habitat for Humanity’s core values being integrity, their pricing system follows the same guidelines
“A lot of times you are going to be able to find items at the ReStore at a fraction of the cost in terms to the retail market,” Schepp said “Of course, sometimes we get brand new items that can be a little pricey There is a range of prices for all budgets ”
The store is also color coded, so if inventory has
been there for a while, it will be marked down
One hundred percent of the revenue/profits from ReStore goes directly into Habitat’s mission –to partner with local families and build affordable homes
“The amazing thing we like to tell people – anyone can make an impact in our community especially to address the critical need for affordable housing, donating an item to the ReStore, or even buying an item at the ReStore,” Schepp said
During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Habitat’s ReStore funded five brand new affordable homes
“Of the homes we built, five were strictly because of the amazing support we have from the ReStores,” she said “You’re really doing something regardless of what you are buying, donating ”
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, Inc. began 41 years ago and since has built 1,800 homes.
Habitat’s homeownership program partners with families that typically have an income level from 30% to 80% of the area’s median income to help them achieve their dream of homeownership
Schepp said they partner with qualified home-
owners and focus on a need for better housing, ability to pay a mortgage and make sure the family wants to partner with Habitat Once accepted into the program, that partnership includes 300 hours of "sweat equity," meeting regularly with a housing counselor and taking 20 hours of homeownership classes
“A lot of people are first-time homebuyers, and first generational home buyers as well,” she said
The family has to pay $2,000 towards closing cost once they close on the home.
“At closing we will make sure their mortgage payment is 30% or less of their income,” Schepp said, adding that is what defines affordable “It’s very life-changing for quite a few people It’s a critical need for affordable housing, especially in Lee County ”
They are able to set the mortgage at 30% or less of a person’s income because they are the mortgage lender, the developer, as well as the builder
The organization also offers home repair programs and a Hurricane Recovery Home Repair Program
“We are pretty humbled by all we have been able to accomplish because of the generosity and passion of the community in addressing this critical need,” Schepp said “We are empowering families and making sure they have the tools ”
She said the families are the ones achieving homeownership because of their hard work
“There is so much benefit that comes from affordable homeownership. It’s stability for them and their children and it has a generational impact. It not only impacts the family in their household, but impacts the community as a whole,” Schepp said
ReStore North Fort Myers is at 31 Willis Road For more information, call (239) 652-1699, or visit www habitat4humanity org
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Shoppers didn’t seem to mind waiting in line at the Feb. 2 Habitat for Humanity for Lee and Hendry Counties reopening of its main ReStore just off Business 41./PHOTOS PROVIDED
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc.
There are 27 Goodwill stores in the area operated by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc , with the latest opening in Bonita Springs, according to the organization's Communications & Marketing Director Debra Donatto, adding they incorporated in 1966
The closest Goodwill store is North Fort Myers Goodwill, 1919 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers.
Other nearby Goodwill stores include:
• North Cape, located in the Walmart Plaza, 2040 NE Pine Island Road
• Challenger, 4950 Challenger Blvd , Fort Myers
• Del Prado, 3226 Del Prado Blvd
• Chiquita, 4716 Chiquita Blvd
• Lehigh Acres, 2825 Lee Blvd , Lehigh Acres
“Stores in our territory have opened at various times over the past 57 years Of course, the older stores have had renovations and expansions over the years Or, we have just moved to a newer facility nearby Even our newer stores have had modifications to enhance the shopping experience and the demand,” Donatto said
Goodwill, a collection of 156 separate and autonomous nonprofits, all share the brand and concept, with nine Goodwill organizations in Florida alone
“Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida covers Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties here in Southwest Florida. Since there are already quite a few organizations supporting vet-
When someone shops at one of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc . stores , not only are they getting a great deal, but they are supporting their local community.
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erans in Southwest Florida, our focus is in areas of need where there are gaps in available services,” she said
When someone shops at one of their Goodwill stores, Donatto said not only are they getting a great deal, but they are supporting their local community
“Ninety cents of every dollar raised in our
stores goes right back out into the community to support our mission Each year, we provide training and assistance to about 25,000 people right here in Southwest Florida,” she said
To do their best in keeping within the community standard, they send secret shoppers to other thrift stores to compare pricing
“Of course, the more we make off the donations
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1 4 that people give us, the more we are able to do for the community,” Donatto said “We also want to honor the donation Many people donate to help the community So, we focus on how we can help the community first If shoppers think something is priced too high, the prices automatically adjust with our color-of-the-week sale and our $1 99 Sunday/ Monday sale Yes, sometimes there are pricing mistakes, and items with missed tears or damage. We just ask our shoppers to look at the items before making the purchase, and remind them that it’s all to help the community ”
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There are many avenues for which the money made at the stores is used
“We are the largest provider of accessible housing in the state of Florida where individuals’ with physical disabilities can afford to live independently with dignity in an apartment that is fitted with lower countertops and appliances, wider doorways, etc.,” Donatto said
Goodwill also supports adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities through its Pathways program
PROVIDED
assistance becoming work-ready through our Pathways to Work program ”
Goodwill SWFL, through the Workforce Development, focuses much of its resources to help people in the community who have barriers to finding work, Donatto said
“In Fort Myers we have a full-day program, Pathways to Opportunity, where participants learn life skills and maximize their ability to be independent,” she said “Not only does this training program provide opportunity after they age out of the school system, it also provides an opportunity for them to build friendships, increase their opportunity to be out in the community learning how to advocate for themselves, and provides caretakers respite Along with PTO, we also work with Voc Rehab throughout the area and provide OJT and one-on-one job coaching for individuals who need
They offer free digital skills classes, English as a Second Language classes, nutrition classes, employability workshops, as well as help with resume writing, online job applications, mock interviews, and interview coaching
“We also support people with language and technology barriers to help them fill out applications for assistance, jobs, file taxes…etc. We offer free workshops on ACCESS Florida We partner with Harry Chapin and Cape Coral Caring Center to make sure the most vulnerable in our communities have support,” she said
Help is also provided to older individuals who
are reentering the workforce because of the cost of living The assistance helps with many computer and online tasks, such as online applications, clocking in and out digitally and completing virtual training
“Additionally, even changes to Medicare now have to be done online, so learning how to use a computer is a requirement for independent living these days,” Donatto said
The last resource that Goodwill offers is for low-to-moderate-income individuals’ access to small business development through their MicroEnterprise Institute
“This small business class is hosted several times a year throughout SWFL to help aspiring entrepreneurs take their idea and put it down on paper to see if their idea is feasible This generates about three-fourths of a business plan Once they finish the class, we connect them with SCORE mentors who are able to help them launch. More than 600 local Southwest Florida businesses have started or strengthened through the program,” she said
With 25% of Goodwill’s 1,100 employees selfdisclosing that they have a disability, it’s another opportunity for the organization to provide an opportunity for them to work
“As an organization, we offer our employees training & upskilling opportunities, free ESL classes, nutrition classes we even have a program specifically to help them overcome their barriers, called GIVE – Goodwill Investing in Valued Employees When someone is able to work for Goodwill and gain the skills and ability to get a better job, we celebrate because that just means were helpful in enabling them to improve their life,” Donatto said
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Many people donate to help the community./PHOTO
All Souls Episcopal Church Thrift Store
All Souls Episcopal Church Thrift Store has been serving the North Fort Myers community for more than four decades
“We are a small little church with a large ministry outreach,” Manager Barbara Traylor said, adding the ministry includes a food pantry, hot lunch, clothing, and services such as helping with birth certificates
The outreach is always held on Wednesdays, which is why the thrift store is closed midweek
They help about 250 people every week, a number that is growing
The store is stocked with good quality, clean, working items.
“We are the best-kept secret in North Fort Myers,” she said “We keep our
prices low, considering our demographic less than Goodwill because we are nonprofit It all goes to the church and the church runs the ministry ” The store sells all donated items including clothes, furniture, small appliances, jewelry, shoes, books, and CDs
Traylor oversees the clothing outreach program, which is offered to those who live in North Fort Myers Individuals must be signed up through the food bank, which is held from 9 to 10:30 a m on Wednesdays, to participate
One person receives a $10 credit to the thrift store, two people in the family receive $20 and three or more people in the family receive a $30 credit.
The store is stocked with good quality, clean, working items .
“Everything is only $3 on Wednesday If you don’t use it, it will not roll over every month,” she said
Traylor invites the community to stop by the
store, as it is neat, clean, and staffed with wonderful volunteers who are there to serve the Lord
All Souls Episcopal Church Thrift Store is at 14640 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers The store is open from 9 a m to 3 p m
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with donations available to be dropped off is between 9 a m to 2 p m The store is also open from 9 a m to 2 p m on Saturday with drop off between 9 a m and noon.
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All Souls Episcopal Church Thrift Store has been serving the North Fort Myers community for more than four decades . /PHOTOS PROVIDED
Fort Myers Rodeo sees record attendance
cess, selling out to capacity crowds all three days with some of the biggest names in rodeo coming south to claim more than $20,000 in prize money
by Chuck Ballaro
This year ’s edition of the annual PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo was another great suc-
“We sold out every performance, we’re blessed to be here, we’ve had wonderful weather and resolved some early hiccups,” said Margo Crowther, who promotes the event along with her husband, Casey
“We’re grateful for everybody coming out for a fun rodeo weekend and have enjoyed growing this event ”
The crowd was into nearly every minute of the performances, from the events themselves to “rodeo karaoke ”
This was thanks to announcer Trey Windhorst, who has worked this rodeo most years and enjoys coming o see family and pick up a paycheck
“It’s become a tradition It’s become one of my stops on the tour Ten years of rodeo here The Crowthers have done a lot to bring this rodeo and preserve our western heritage,” Windhorst said “It’s nice to see the family and work at the same time ”
Clowns are big part of the rodeo circuit.
This year, it was Ronald Burton from Mississippi, who has been involved in rodeo for more than 30 years, starting as a bull rider before becoming a bullfighter and finally a clown
“This rodeo has been fantastic The crowds have been large and electric and the atmosphere is fun,” Burton
said “When I fought bulls I always loved to help the clowns with their skits In school I was the class clown, too, so the comedy became natural I love traveling the country and putting smiles on people’s faces ”
Also taking part was trick rider Dusti Dickerson, a specialty act who performed at the recent National Finals Rodeo.
Others attending have been at the NFR came to compete
Margo Crowther was one
Another was Taylor Broussard, who qualified in 2019 and 2021 in the bareback bronc competition
Unfortunately, he was DQ’ed for slapping the horse with his free hand Such is the life of a rodeo cowboy, especially in this event.
“Bareback is the roughest event in rodeo and most demanding on our bodies You’re going to take a beating whether you’re doing it right or wrong,” Broussard said “Entry fees come out of our pockets I won some money at other rodeos this weekend so it paid for my trip, but you can’t take many zeros if you want to do this for a living " The Lee County
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Kalgary Johns of Okeechobee competes in barrel racing at the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena.
From left, Hooters girls Hannah Ross , Emily Shaffer, Makenna Diogo and Emily Fowler at the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena.
Rodeo
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Ronald Burton performs a skit at the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena.
Posse Arena has been the home of the annual PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo since it first began in 2012, and every year the arena gets more and more packed
This year, more temporary bleachers were added, on loan from the fair board, and the arena still easily sold out all three shows with the 800 extra seats
The excellent attendance has left
those who promote the show to wonder if the rodeo has outgrown its original home, which has always been great because it’s so cozy and everyone is close to the action
Other speculation includes whether to add a fourth day or performance or add another rodeo in the fall
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Taylor Broussard, a two-time NFR qualifier, competes in the bareback bronc competition at the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena.
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Trick rider Dusti Dickerson carries the American flag into the arena at the start of the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena.
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