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The Fort Myers Film Festival, to be held May 14-18, 2025, is celebrating its 15th year of indie film! This milestone event promises an exciting lineup of films, screenings, and engaging activities, including the highly anticipated Red Carpet Opening Night Party on May 14.
Festival Highlights:
Opening Film: “Curveballs” by John Biffar
The festival kicks off with the Opening Night Film, “Curveballs,” a documentary by local director John Biffar. This powerful film tells the inspiring story of America’s only amputee baseball team, The Louisville Sluggers. “Curveballs,” directed by 9-time Emmy Award winner John Biffar, is a documentary that follows the journey of the Louisville Slugger Warriors, a national amputee baseball team, showcasing their resilience, competitive spirit and ability to overcome adversity. Filmed at FGCU, Biffar hopes the film will inspire viewers by demonstrating that, despite their disabilities, the Warriors are determined to win and change perceptions about amputees and people with disabilities. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with members of the team, who will share their experiences and insights. Jim Abbott, the legendary one-handed pitcher who famously threw a no-hitter against the New York Yankees, is featured in the film.
In case you miss the opening, there will be a second screening of Curveballs on Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 PM at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, with the entire amputee baseball team in attendance for an in-depth discussion after the film.
Films at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center:
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center will host screenings from May 14-18, showcasing a selection of narratives, documentaries, and shorts. This renowned venue will serve as the central hub for the festival, offering a rich cultural experience for all attendees.
Screenings at BIG ARTS on Sanibel:
BIG ARTS on Sanibel will screen films on May 16 and May 17. Each screening will be followed by discussions with filmmakers, giving attendees an opportunity to engage with the creative minds behind the films.
Full-Dome Shows at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:
The Calusa Planetarium will present exclusive, cutting-edge full-dome shows, curated by Eric Raddatz. These immersive, world-class shows are a rare opportunity to experience high-tech cinematic art in one of only a few venues globally offering this type of presentation. Don’t miss this extraordinary experience during the festival! Dates of screenings at Calusa Planetarium are May 15-16.
Proud to Screen at Babcock Ranch:
This year, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be screening films at the eco-conscious Babcock Ranch. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Babcock Ranch is the perfect location to combine the power of film with the serenity of nature. We are thrilled to include this scenic venue in the festival lineup.
Award Ceremony and Filmmaker Panels
The FMFF will also host an award ceremony and a panel of filmmakers during the festival. The full lineup of films, along with panel discussions and award categories, will be announced in April, so be sure to stay tuned for updates.
Special Feature: The Eric Raddatz Show
In addition to the festival, Eric Raddatz, Executive Director of FMFF, is launching The Eric Raddatz Show—a new streaming series on Zeam. This innovative channel will feature indie film discussions, live interviews, and behindthe-scenes content, offering a unique perspective on the world of independent cinema. Stay tuned for its premiere later this year!
Festival Tickets and Additional Information
Tickets for the Fort Myers Film Festival are available for purchase through the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s website at www.sbdac.com. For full details on the festival schedule, ticketing, and sponsorship opportunities, visit the official FMFF website at fortmyersfilmfestival.com or contact Eric Raddatz at eric@ fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
About the Fort Myers Film Festival
The Fort Myers Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating independent cinema by providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival has become a must-attend event in Southwest Florida known for its vibrant screenings, intellectual crowd, and support of both local and global filmmakers.
NORM’S TASTING NOTES
by Norm Bentley • The North Georgia Wine Advisor
FEATURED WINE:
2021 Predator old Vine Zinfandel lodi Uno March - 2025
We opened a bottle of 2021 Predator Zin to serve with our Saturday night steak dinner, and it was a real “winner”! The Predator hails from Lodi, California, where they source the grapes from 50+ year old vines to produce a heavy hitter “Old Vine” Zinfandel. This is a big jammy wine which keeps pace with your steak all the way to the finish line.
The nose bursts into a dark starry night with a bright shower of big dark fruits. The flavors explode on your palate with Blackberry, Black Raspberry, and Black Plum marching all the way through to a finish of tannin and spice clamoring for attention. The alcohol content is 14.5%. and Norm’s score is 90.
This is a big wine with a velvety texture, which will stand up to any hearty dish you may care to serve, and a bargain at below twenty dollars a bottle!
Gates open at 5 p.m.
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades and the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are teaming up to hit a home run for United Way’s more than 90 partner agencies and over 260 programs. United for a Cause will be held Saturday, May 10 at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers. Mighty Mussels players will wear custom jerseys that will be auctioned after the game to benefit United Way. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/UfaC_MM25. For every ticket sold through the special link, $5 will be donated to United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. Enjoy a great night of baseball under the lights with family and friends, all for
a worthy cause.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this family-friendly event. Please contact Marissa Crawford at 239-600-6994 or Marissa@ UnitedWayLee.org.
About United Way
In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies, helping them to work together focusing on issues that continue to improve lives. United Way’s mission as a volunteer-driven organization is dedication to improving the quality of life for all people in our community. United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades was established in 1957 and over $232 million has been raised and distributed since that time. For more information, please call 239-433-2000 or visit UnitedWayLee.org.
Elite Health Care Services Offered:
• Full Comprehensive Care
• Annual physical exams and recommended screenings
• EKG & full range of laboratory work
• Guaranteed 30 minutes face-to-face time in a rush free environment
• Patients may fill their prescriptions at our convenient on-site pharmacy
Southwest Florida has become a melting pot for different cultures and regions to make their mark on the area’s cuisine. When Fort Myers and Cape Coral residents crave something sweet and flaky to go with their morning coffee, there are a variety of regional options from which to choose. If you have a hankering for a Cuban croquette, German pastry, Sicilian cake or Central European kolache, we can tell you just where to go. Here are four choices to get started...
There are a variety of regional options from which to choose
photo: Vicky Bakery
Vicky Bakery, Fort Myers
Vicky Bakery was founded in Miami in the 1970s. From selling single pastries to locals to a food truck to a brick and mortar store, the bakery has expanded to Florida’s west coast and across the Sunshine State.
Co-CEO Alex Santiago said the specialty pastries are made with a Cuban family recipe that has been passed down through generations.
“We bake everything the same way, produce it the same way and with good customer service,” Santiago said. “We had great success and it blossomed from there.”
The location in Fort Myers at 4429 Cleveland Ave. opened last December with a location in Cape Coral in planning for 602 Del Prado Blvd. N.
Vicky’s Bakery is known for its delicious breakfast croissant sandwiches, croquetas, lunch sandwiches and flaky pastries. A croqueta is a deep-fried, breaded roll or ball, typically made with some type of filling.
“Our pastries put us on the map,” Santiago said.
One option on the menu is the guava pastry, pastelito de guayaba, and who doesn’t want a flaky puff pastry with sweet guava filling paired with a Cuban coffee.
The Cuban coffee is a strong, sweet and frothy espresso-based drink that normally comes in small cups. It can come with or without milk and as a cafecito or single espresso shot.
The sandwiches are prepared on the spot.
Lunch could include mojo-style pork, chicken, ham, a classic Cuban sandwich, and more.
“Nothing is pre-done,” Santiago said. “We still proof the bread overnight. You’re getting freshly baked bread everyday.”
Maddie’s, Cape Coral
Maddie’s Artisanal Bakery, at 2924 Del Prado Blvd. S., brings a Central European vibe.
Founder Tom Nozka opened Maddie’s Artisanal Bakery last November with his wife, Radka, but they’ve wanted to open a bakery for a long time.
Radka worked in the baking industry in Europe and the couple moved to Cape Coral in 2020.
“Cape Coral was growing and we thought it was missing a bakery like this that combined different baking traditions,” Tom Nozka said.
“We try to combine artisanal bread and playful desserts.”
When Tom and Radka travel, they seek out cafes and bakeries.
“When we really like a product, my wife tries to emulate it,” he said.
They discovered kolaches while traveling in Texas.
When Tom and Radka travel, they seek out cafes and bakeries
The typically Czech pastry is one of their best-selling menu items.
“It’s a yeasty breakfast pastry or afternoon tea pastry,” Nozka said. “They look like doughnuts but are not fried, they are baked.”
They also like to incorporate specialty items for big holidays like doughnuts for St. Patrick’s Day or Mardi Gras.
“We aim to become a community place,” Nozka said. “Where you can step in with confidence and be sure you’re getting great customer service and a welcoming atmosphere. We’d love to become more of a meeting place for people.”
“We aim to become a community place.”
Bread
Bread Pete German Bakery and Cafe, at 4402 Del Prado Blvd. S., features German pastries and great breakfast and lunch sandwiches
Melanie Wassink owns Bread Pete along with her husband, Gerhard.
The bakery was originally founded in 2011 with the goal of bringing the traditional art of German baking to Southwest Florida. The Wassinks built on that tradition when they moved to the United States from Hamburg, Germany, taking over ownership last year.
“I love to bake at home,” Melanie Wassink said. “I wanted a new challenge.”
They had family in the U.S. and had visited before.
“We love the people,lovethe community.”
“We love the people, love the community,” she said. “We thought we needed something new.”
Some of the most popular things on the menu are the croissants, German cheesecake and schnitzel.
“We want to offer natural, healthy food,” Melanie Wassink said. “In a nice, cozy atmosphere.
For their baked goods, Bread Pete uses European ingredients that are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), additives, bleaching agents, or any artificial colorants. They also consciously avoid added sugars or other sweeteners and the ingredients are as natural and pure as possible, ensuring the best taste and experience for all.
Pete, Cape Coral
Amore Italian Market and Bakery, Cape Coral
Amore shares Italian sweet treats and more and has been open in Cape Coral for five years.
Located at 4703 S.W. 16th Place, it used to be called Cannoli Bakery, so it’s only fitting that it’s continued to offer Italian fare.
Francesca Ferrara owns the bakery along with her sister, Giovanna Lafata.
“We were friends with the owners and one day he asked me if I wanted the bakery,” Ferrara said. “I thought of my sister who loves baking. I said I’m going to do it and asked if she wanted to do it with me. I gave her two days to think about it.”
And the rest is history.
Lafata has always been a chef.
“She brings her own flair into the bakery,” Ferrara said.
The eclairs, cake slices, cream puffs, lemon mascarpone cake, lobster tail cookies and cassata cake (a Sicilian treat) are among some of Amore’s best sellers.
They also have some amazing sandwiches on homemade focaccia bread.
Get to know the Southwest Florida community, go out and explore, and reward yourself with something warm and flaky. Try all of these spots for regional sweet treats and let us know which one you like the most!
BAKERY BREAKDOWN
Vicky Bakery
Where: 4429 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers
When: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday Information: 239-270-5133 and vickybakery.com
Maddie’s Artisanal Bakery
Where: 2924 Del Prado Blvd. S., Suites 7 and 8, Cape Coral
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday; Closed, Sunday and Monday Information: 239-470-6703 and maddiesbakery.com
Bread Pete German Bakery and Café
Where: 4402 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral
When: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday Information: 239-471-7420 and www.breadpetebakerycafe.com
Amore Italian Market and Bakery
Where: 4703 S.W. 16th Place, Cape Coral
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday Information: 239-800-3938 and amoreswfl.com
LadyCakes Bakery
Where: 447 Cape Coral Pkwy. E., Cape Coral
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; Closed, Sunday Information: 239-549-2253 and iloveladycakes.com
Mon Paris Coffee Shop and Bakery
Where: 13550 Reflections Pkwy., No. 4-401, Fort Myers
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; Closed, Monday and Tuesday Information: 239-437-1988 and www.monparisbakery.com
photo: Bread Pete German Bakery and Café
The Dish: Chicken Wings Galore.
The Bill: $40.
The Details: Just like Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton that hit off the Gulf of America, this Hurricane Grill & Wings doesn’t mess around. It swoops in with wings numbering 32 flavors to keep your fingers, hands and mouth occupied while your eyes focus on games left, right and center on big screens inside and on the patio. This is simply the coolest sports bar and sells itself as strictly a restaurant.
This place was positively flying for the college football national title game in January. Ohio State fans especially flocked in, led by Brian Abbey, sporting a Buckeye T-shirt and talking up his spot as regional head of Browns Backers Worldwide. On this night, he was all about his state’s top-flight university team, which beat Notre Dame for No. 1. How to celebrate? With a pile of wings. The spice rub lemon pepper and blackened Cajun hit the spot something fierce. I had no trouble tackling
all 10 of them while my Missouri college pal devoured a bacon burger.
Two weeks before that, I gobbled another plate of wings: Mango habanero and traditional BBQ.
This time my buddies included Bob Hilliard, a star on all fields. He heroically fought at the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. He wrote a stack of books and a musical, “Piccadilly,” that played just after Christmas in Fort Myers.
At our Hurricane table, I lauded Bob for his show, all the while munching on the wings. I also pondered where to watch the Super Bowl and other big sporting events with friends. March Madness? Baseball’s All-Star Game? The NFL’s opening weekend?
They’ll all be before or amid hurricane season. Perfect for Hurricane food and cheer.
“Polly Parker Meets Her Shadow”
‘Celestine Prophecy for Teens’ Offers Empowering Insights About Intuition and Trusting the Universe
Bestselling author and spiritual therapist
Victoria Lowery turns her passion for advancing emotional intelligence toward young audiences in her new book, Polly Parker Meets Her Shadow, a story about essential inner wisdom, listening to one’s heart and allowing one’s own life purpose to unfold.
“I had a knowing as a teen about a very special book I would write someday, without any idea then what that book would be about. This is it,” Lowery explained. “If I could give a gift of enlightenment and strength to the world, Polly Parker’s story would be it.”
Written with young adults in mind, the book introduces readers to Polly Parker, who has waited 14 years to meet her shadow and learn the six secrets that are prophesied to save the world from ancient, evil bloodlines — a pursuit that cost her grandparents their lives. The six secrets have been kept hidden for millenniums by a small group of so-called Freethinkers who wish to keep the rest of the world uninformed and underprivileged. The time has come for the seers to demand fairness and a new world of unity for all. But this directly affects the Freethinkers way of life, and they will stop at nothing to stay in control.
The Higher Realm School of Exploration and Reintegration offers Polly a safe place — or so she thinks — to seek out the six secrets hidden in her shadow. It’s not long before danger finds her, and Polly and her friends must work together to outwit those
BOOK REVIEW
who want to keep the secrets hidden. With the prophesied end of the world looming, could one more person discovering the secrets tip the scales of change?
Polly is left to question everything in a world where each thought becomes reality, and holographic games are known to be deadly. She will need her new friends to find a destiny generations in the making.
Caroline Shearer, author of Raise Your Vibration and Dead End Date: Adventures of a Lightworker, calls Lowery’s book a “Celestine Prophecy for teens,” and Susan Pohlman, author of Halfway to Each Other and A Time to Seek, said the book is “a clever tale of discovering wisdom and bravery. Readers will root for Polly as she discovers the courage to stand up for herself while finding true friendships and uncovering the six secrets.”
“At its core, this book is about finding purpose in life. It’s about listening to your heart, sharpening your intuition and trusting the universe,” Lowery added. “Polly’s story introduces the concept of the shadow self to a new generation and welcomes them into a magical world — only this magic is very real!”
About the Author
Victoria Lowery is a bestselling and award-winning author whose book, Polly Parker Meets Her Shadow, engages young readers to explore their inner space as a final frontier of human consciousness. With an avid interest in interpersonal relationships, Lowery was inspired to leave her business career, return to her first love of writing, and utilize her creative skills to advance emotional and metaphysical knowledge. She hopes Polly Parker leads readers to the most mysterious truth of all — the purpose of life. Over the years, she has been a radio host, a cable talk show host, a newspaper columnist and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio. She also earned the title of Mrs. Ohio and served as a Make-A-Wish Ambassador. For more information, please visit victorialowery.com/, or connect with her on Facebook (LoveVictoriaLowery), Instagram (LoveVictoriaLowery) or X (LoveVictoriaML). Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Polly-Parker-Meets-Shadow-Secrets/dp/B0CVQ983K4/
BfollowsWaitressJenna, a waitresssmall-town with a passion for baking pies
roadway Palm Dinner Theatre is proud to present the heartwarming musical Waitress, running from April 11 through May 24, 2025. This powerful and inspiring story features a deliciously original score by Sara Bareilles and a tale of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness.
Waitress follows Jenna, a small-town waitress with a passion for baking pies, who is stuck in a loveless marriage and dreaming of a better life. When she unexpectedly finds herself pregnant, Jenna embarks on a transformative journey, supported by her quirky coworkers and a new doctor who may just be her ticket to a brighter future. With memorable songs like “She Used to Be Mine” and “What’s Inside,” Waitress
Show Details:
Dates: April 11 – May 24, 2025
Location: 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers
Tickets: Available at BroadwayPalm.com or by calling 239-278-4422
Prices: $65 – $85, with special rates for groups of 20+
Content Guide: Waitress contains mature content, including strong language, domestic violence, and sexual situations. Rated PG13.
celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the importance of finding one’s own voice. This production is currently running at Broadway Palm’s sister theatre, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, PA, before making its way down to Florida. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Broadway Palm website, by calling the box office, or in person at the theatre. Show and meal prices start at $75, with show-only options available. Group discounts are also offered for parties of 20 or more. And of course, you can definitely expect pies on our dessert menu—just like Jenna’s sweet creations! Don’t miss out on this heartwarming musical that’s sure to leave you inspired and ready to bake your own dreams!
About Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre:
Located in Fort Myers, FL, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre has been entertaining over 170,000 guests annually for over 30 years with exceptional dining and high-quality performances. The theatre offers a variety of productions, including Broadway musicals, musical revues, children’s shows, and concert series, while also hosting community events. Broadway Palm is dedicated to “providing exceptional entertainment and customer service that creates a fun and memorable experience while enriching the communities we serve.”
2025 BBQ, Bands & Brew raises over $114,000
Lee BIA Builders Care’s popular BBQ, Bands & Brew fundraising event raised more than $114,000 to support the nonprofit in its mission to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means.
The 14th annual festival, held March 30 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers, featured a lineup of live performances, food vendors and fun-filled activities for all ages, including a children’s play area with a bounce house, balloon artist, face painting, games and more. All proceeds from the event will stay local to provide emergency construction services to Lee County homeowners in need.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we are incredibly grateful to all who joined us for a day of fun in support of our mission,” said Leigh Cloud, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care. “The funds raised will have a meaningful, lasting impact on deserving homeowners right here in Lee County, and we thank all who contributed to making this year’s event such a success.”
Riverside, Soapy Tuna and Ben Allen Band were this year’s featured entertainers. Southwest Florida’s top pitmasters competed for the title of “Best BBQ in Town,” including Big Smoke BBQ & Catering, Gator Creek BBQ Company, Herb’s BBQ and Rubs, Not Your Mama’s Kitchen, Smokin’ Crow’s BBQ and That BBQ Place.
To learn more about Builders Care and its mission, visit LeeBuildersCare.org or call 239-938-0056.
Best Overall “Best BBQ in Town”: Herb’s BBQ and Rubs
People’s Choice: Big Smoke BBQ & Catering
Best Chicken: Herb’s BBQ and Rubs
Best Pork: Gator Creek BBQ Company
Best Ribs: Gator Creek BBQ Company
Best Brisket: Herb’s BBQ and Rubs
Best Side Dish: Not Your Mama’s Kitchen
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.1 In addition, an aging, more diverse population, along with a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors among younger people, is expected to nearly triple the nation’s price tag on cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050, according to new published projections from the American Heart Association.
On Friday, March 21st, the 2025 Southwest Florida Heart Ball brought together community leaders, volunteers and survivors working to change that statistic. The gala showcased how research, discovery, advocacy, equitable health and the knowledge to make an impact can change health outcomes in Southwest Florida. The more than $850,000 raised will help support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, which has been advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere, for more than 100 years.
“We are immensely proud of the impact the Heart Ball has on our community,” said Wilfredo Emanuel, chairperson for the 2025 Southwest Florida Heart Ball. “This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful statement of what we can achieve when we come together for a vital cause.”
“Because heart disease and stroke remain the No. 1 and No. 5 threats to our health, it’s critical that we support the lifesaving research, education and advocacy efforts of the American Heart Association,” said Pamela Calligaro, co-chairperson for the 2025 Southwest Florida Heart Ball. “Together we can create a vision for brighter tomorrows free from heart disease and stroke.”
The event was a culmination of the year-round Heart of Southwest Florida campaign that works to equitably improve and save lives from heart disease and stroke. The Southwest Florida Heart Ball marks a moment in time to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through the discovery of groundbreaking research, advancements in equitable health, advocacy efforts at local, state and federal levels, and equipping communities with lifesaving knowledge.
American Heart Association annual event raises hope by generating funds and awareness to fight heart disease and stroke
Photo Credits: MDRN
Studio Creative Media
The Association’s future is about improving yours
NCH served as the Platform Sponsor for this year’s event held at The Naples Grande Beach Resort, which was hosted by Corey Lazar, WINK News Anchor. More than 550 local guests were moved by the story of 7-year-old Oscar Stuebe, who was hit in his chest by a baseball and collapsed. Thanks to the quick actions of his mom,
Sarah, who called 911 and performed CPR, Oscar’s life was saved. Throughout the event, seven local volunteers shared their stories of how they have come alongside the American Heart Association to help build a healthier Southwest Florida.
“We are deeply grateful to our guests, sponsors and volunteers for making this year’s event a tremendous success,” said Jessaca Rodriguez, executive director of development and community health at the American Heart Association. “Their generosity and support are instrumental in driving the American Heart Association’s mission to combat heart disease and stroke. The Association’s future is about improving yours. We invite the entire community to work together so we can advance health and hope for everyone in Southwest Florida.”
The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization that focuses on heart and brain health. For more information on how to support the American Heart Association visit heart.org/ swflheartball.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
