Eagle News Volume 20 Issue 1 by Eagle News

FGCU Swimmer follows her dreams all the way to the OLYMPICS!

A LETTER FROM

THE EDiTOR

Photo by Julia Bonavita

Hey there, Eagles! Hope you’re all enjoying the last few weeks of a muchneeded summer break. It’s no question that the past year and a half has been quite turbulent for all of us in one way or another. I think a lot of us are seeing this upcoming semester as a fresh start either academically, mentally or both. Throughout this July issue, you’ll see the majority of our stories aligning with the theme of “New Beginnings.” You will first see an introduction to your new Eagle Media staff who will be the ones responsible for reporting all things

Cover photo by Julia Bonavita Cover design by Erika Sauer

FGCU-related to the school community. In the body of the magazine, we are featuring a new hangout spot for students looking for Caribbean vibes between classes! Also being highlighted is FGCU alum Petra Halmai as she begins her journey as an Olympian. As we start to see the FGCU family awaken from the gloomy pandemic times, we also have some goodbyes to say. Dean Richard Behr of the Whitaker College of Engineering has retired, read more about Behr within this issue. My advice to you is to take this month before classes to gather a list of goals as we attempt to transition back to how life was before COVID-19. What is your new beginning going to look like?

Samantha Roesler Executive Editor

EAGLE NEWS

Table of Contents VOL 20 | Issue 1 | July 2021

EAGLE MEDIA

Our Mission

EM Advisor Justin Paprocki

Eagle News, the official student media group at Florida Gulf Coast University since 1997, represents the diverse voices on campus with fairness.

Executive Editor Samantha Roesler Marketing/Sales Manager Micheal Patella

EAGLE NEWS Editor in Chief Sabrina Salovitz News & Feature Editor TBA Opinion Editor TBA Sports Editor TBA Photo Editor TBA Graphics Editor Erika Sauer

ENTV Director Sarah Mankowitz Assistant Director TBA

EAGLE RADIO Station Manager Keyshawn Frazier

CONTENTS Roesler Hazel Author Author Burgess

5 7 9 11 15

Rosario

EM Staff Porter

19 23

Story Desantis Bill Story Story New FGCU COVID Restrictions COVID Opinion Piece Staff Bios SWFL Hotspot

Programming Director TBA

@fgcueaglenews

We select content for our publication and our website that is relevant to the student body, faculty, and staff. Members are committed to reporting the news with accuracy and truth. Our purpose is to encourage conversations about issues that concern the on-campus community. Eagle News views every culture with equal respect and believes every person must be treated with dignity.

@eaglenews

Eagle News

Logo by Erika Sauer

Have you ever wanted to listen to a couple of geeks talk about your favorite game, movie, tv show, or comic? Then you have come to the right place!

This is RAZZLE DAZZLE!!

A podcast that talks about video games and everything pop-culture (with an emphasis on the video games)! Tune in Mondays for brand new episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcast! Follow us on Instagram @razzledazzleshow for updates and chances for you to request a topic for 4 EAGLE NEWS MAGAZINE, SUMMER a future2021 episode!

NEWS & FEATURES

Samantha Roesler Executive Editor

For the Love of Cats

Scholarship

or the first time, FGCU is partnering with non-profit organization For the Love of Cats by offering a scholarship to biology students that have the intent to go into veterinary practice in SWFL. For the Love of Cats is a Marco Island-based organization with the goal of

ending pet overpopulation in Lee County. The organization was founded by Jim and Jan Rich in 2002 when “There is a crisis they realized the island was of the wellbeing of our overrun with homeless and community, and we need to abandoned cats. work together to overcome it,” Lanham said. “We tend to Debbie Lanham is the focus our beautiful beaches, Program Specialist at For the but we have hotspots here in Love of Cats, and she was the Collier County where you can one who initiated the idea of see cat carcasses.” a scholarship. Lanham is hoping that this scholarship will

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ERIKA SAUER

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NEWS & FEATURES raise awareness of the importance of veterinary technicians in the area while educating all students on the problem of pet overpopulation. “This is us investing in our future medical team that will be taking care of these animals,” Lanham said. “We would love for FGCU to partake more with vet techs and assistants, there is a big need so the more we can encourage animal lovers to go into that field the better.” All students regardless of their major can volunteer their time with For the Love of Cats while also learning about pet overpopulation. During the peak of the pandemic, For the Love of Cats donated 30,000 pounds of pet food to the community so people wouldn’t displace their animals due to financial difficulties. When surrounding shelters shut down, For the Love of Cats stepped up and did more spay and neuter surgeries than they had done 6

in past years. “We only have so many boots on the ground, so the more we can collectively work together to solve this problem, the quicker we will overcome it,” Lanham said. “Collier Count is kind of behind the 8-ball where some government positions view them as wildlife. They’re domesticated animals and the reason they’re roaming the county is because of

irresponsible pet owners not having them fixed and provided for.” The For the Love of Cats Scholarship Program started in May, and the recipient will be announced in the fall.∎

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If you are interested in volunteering your time to this non-profit or finding if you are eligible to apply for this scholarship, visit www.fortheloveofcatsfl.com. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FTLOC

NEWS & FEATURES

Riley Hazel

HB233 to ironically limit intellectual thought on campus

overnor Ron DeSantis signed legislation this past month that will require public universities and colleges to annually survey their students and staff about their beliefs, citing in the bill that these inquiries will further "intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity."

The bill is not clear on how the results will be used after they are published. FGCU President Dr. Mike Martin has expectations for the turnout. "I'm hoping that it leads to a useful conversation on how we better the communities we serve and not turn into some political sideshow," Dr. Martin said in an interview on Gulf Coast Live.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ERIKA SAUER

Those institutions that fail to release survey results by September 1, starting in 2022, will likely face repercussions, hinted DeSantis during a stop at Three Oaks Middle School in Lee County. "We obviously want our universities to be focused on critical thinking and academic rigor," he said. "We do not want them as basically hotbeds

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NEWS & FEATURES

for stale ideology. That's not worth tax dollars, and it's not something that we will be supporting." In an attempt to ensure a safe learning environment where thoughts are freely expressed, DeSantis has created an environment where attention is drawn to politics rather than brought away. Despite promises that the survey will be non-partisan, it will undoubtedly have some degree of partisan influence as it is proposed to be written by the Board of Governors, according to the bill.

bias to those that have a more liberal view on the world, students didn't feel like that had any impact on being accepted on campus or the ability to speak up," Dr. Martin reported. "Campus views did not statistically influence a student bias."

will they be indoctrinated, or will they actually be taught to think for themselves, challenge assumptions and be critical thinkers and learners?" DeSantis said at the bill signing. DeSantis failed to mention any specifics surrounding the legislation, and the lack of clarification throughout the bill for its use is worrying for students and faculty among public institutions. The news comes after he supported voting restrictions and banned critical race theory throughout K-12 schools without clear evidence of it being taught.

"I'm hoping that it leads to a useful conversation on how we better the communities we serve and not turn into some political sideshow."

In his interview, Dr. Martin discussed a similar law that was put in place in Colorado, where he served as Chancellor Emeritus and a Senior Fellow at Colorado State University. Colorado universities were required to survey the beliefs of students and faculty. "While there may be a

- President Martin

DeSantis promoted the bill by claiming that he knows of parents concerned for their children's education. "One of the things they worry about, is if you send a kid to a university

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It's clear what DeSantis's motive is here: to win over right-leaning media ahead of his reelection campaign in a political jab at public education.∎

Sabrina Salovitz Editor-in-Chief

Profile

Dr. Behr Retires from FGCU

t the end of this month, Dean Richard Behr will be retiring from his position in the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering. Behr has served as Dean at FGCU for the past eight years. He came to Florida after retiring from his position at Penn State University and he has had a substantial impact on the college during his time here. “I was head of architectural engineering at Penn State for 10 years, and I built that program out very successfully,” Behr said. “I moved here to Florida to be Dean and I followed the same operating mode, and that is, you know, retain the good things, get rid of the things that are problematic, and try to build up new initiatives that work to the common good.” Behr has been a force for change at FGCU. He led the planning and approval of a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA

program and he was heavily involved in the design, administration, and launch of the Emergent Technologies Institute. He was also involved in the design and launch of the outdoor Construction Methods Laboratory behind Holmes Hall, including securing financial support to have that facility named by the Wright Construction Group. These are just some of the developments that Behr has pushed forward. Behr says he owes much of his success to his experience as both a researcher and a leader. He has a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and over four decades of experience in the industry. Behr also credits his accomplishments to the support of the people who have worked alongside him. “I’ve been lucky to have an outstanding group of people working around me and that has enabled me to be successful as Dean,” Behr said. “You don't do anything

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NEWS & FEATURES by yourself as Dean, you're always working through other people and with other people.” Associate Dean Lisa Zidek has worked alongside Behr for the past eight years and while she hopes Behr enjoys his retirement, she says that he will be missed. “Rich has been a true advocate for our college, and he has definitely kept our college first and foremost in his actions and his words in terms of things that he has tried to fight for,” Zidek said. “He understands our different programs and is an advocate for trying to advance our programs and get the resources that the programs need to be successful.” Zidek’s sentiments were mirrored by FGCU President Mike Martin who spoke on behalf of the university when he said that Behr will be missed, but we wish him well as he launches a new era in his life. “Rich has been a valued colleague and an impactful leader at FGCU,” Martin said. “He has been instrumental in expanding and improving the Whitaker College of Engineering.” Zidek also emphasized Behr’s efforts to diversify the faculty. In his time here he has overseen a substantial increase in diversity in terms of women faculty and faculty from underrepresented groups “He's done a lot for the college in terms of diversity,” Zidek said. “Our faculty diversity is amazing if you look at the women in engineering, and the people from a multitude of different ethnic backgrounds that are part of our college, and that's been part of his hiring initiatives. Zidek called his departure a milestone, explaining how Behr has helped transition the new college into something that's more

established. Behr said that he chose to come to FGCU eight years ago because he saw a great opportunity to take a good thing and try to make it better. “He’s passing the baton to the next leader to grow and really expand,” Zidek said. “But it's going to be a loss, just in terms of the knowledge base, and the connections he has made to the engineering community.” Behr’s replacement has not yet been announced, but Huzefa Kagdi, currently a full professor and department chair of Software Engineering at FGCU, will be serving as interim dean starting in August. Zidek says she hopes that the new dean will be someone who understands the students and the programs and can advocate for them. She wants to see the college move into the next generation of engineering. “I think I'm leaving this college in a better position than when I came here,” Behr said. “And my advice to next Dean would be, try to move the thing forward as best he or she can, and continue building a good thing.” Behr plans to stay connected with the university after he leaves but he will be moving back to Pennsylvania where his wife’s family lives, and two of his children attend university. He’s looking forward to playing golf and getting active with Charlie, a beagle shepherd mix that he calls a good buddy. “I came here nearly nine years ago, and lot of people said, Oh, you're just going to Florida to retire? And I guess I did, but it took me nine years to do it,” Behr said. “So now I am going to probably try to learn how to relax more and broaden my activities beyond work.”∎

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SPORTS

F E AT U R E

FGCU Swimmer Petra Halmai to represent Hungary at the 2020 Olympics

BY TAY L O R W i L S O N

etra Halmai, a member of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Swimming and Diving team, will be performing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Halmai, a senior, is highly awarded and accomplished in her sport. She has performed and exceeded her own personal bests, reaching top times at FGCU, receiving high rankings in the US and swimming at international meets for Hungary, her home country. Halmai has been a part of the Eagles’ Swimming and Diving team since she was a freshman,

beginning her FGCU career by swimming personal bests in several categories. In her freshman year, her 200-breast time placed her the fourth all-time in FGCU history and she finished in the top three 24 times in her first season. Halmai continued to beat her own personal bests and make FGCU history through her sophomore and junior years. COVID-19 did pose some challenges for her junior season as the NCAA Nationals Championship was cancelled. COVID is a continued source of concern for Halmai, but she is relieved to be travelling to Japan and participating.

“It was stressful because everything was unsure, but I did not want to think about if the Olympics were going to be canceled again,” Halmai said. “I was motivated so I was following my dreams. I was sacrificing.” Halmai is going into this year’s Olympics as the sixth Eagle Swimmer to participate for the fourth consecutive games. Lani Caberra (Barbados) and Evita Leter (Suriname) are just two Eagle Olympian swimmers who participated in the 2016 games. “FGCU has such a deep history of Olympians in the pool,”

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NEWS & FEATURES

Head Coach Dave Rollins said. “Even though we have not been a program for as long as many other Universities. It is an honor to be able to play a part in continuing that tradition this year.” Rollins explained that the end goal for athletes is not always to go to the Olympics. Some participate just for the thrill of competition or to keep active. He has said that his goal is not to produce Olympians, but to work with and

develop a team that performs at the best of their abilities and continues to grow in and out of the pool. “Everyone is on a diﬀerent path in their athletic journey, however, if we are all working together to be the best us we can be, we will see tremendous growth both in and out of the pool,” Rollins said. “That growth is what helps us be the best team we can be.”

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NEWS & FEATURES

...

Halmai will also be representing Hungary in the 2021 European Championships. She secured a provisional spot on the Olympic squad by winning the 100-meter breaststroke at Hungary's National Championship this year, according to a feature article on the FGCU Athletics Swimming and Diving page. Coach Rollins has worked with Halmai for

PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA

some time and is confident in her abilities and willpower. She has used her athletic potential to reach her own personal goal of competing in the Olympics this year. “Every athlete that I have the pleasure of working with teaches me something and helps me develop as a coach each year,” Rollins said. “I would say that Petra has continued to teach me patience.”

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Swimming, like all sports, takes time and eﬀort to improve. Swimmers like Halmai are always working towards better times, new strokes and other athletic goals. The key is putting in the time and remaining focused on those goals.

“I have been working for this moment for 17 years. I don’t know what to expect from this Olympic Games,” Halmai said. “It’s going to be diﬀerent, but still, it’s the Olympics!”∎

“One cannot become an Olympian at a single practice, but over time, the consistent work put in helps get them there,” Rollins said. “Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that the statue of David wasn’t sculpted in a day. Petra’s development over the past four years reminds me that it takes time to reach our goals. But to never lose sight of how to reach them.” Halmai has worked long and hard for this achievement. She has been patient in perfecting and improving her skills, while also remaining consistent in training. This has all led up to a well-deserved Olympic debut.

FGCU's 30 credit-hour Master's Degree in Engineering (MSE) offers three exciting concentrations in Sustainable Water, Renewable Energy, and Construction. Program faculty are experienced teachers who guide and mentor your post-baccalaureate education. The program schedule serves full-time working students with classes held two days per week online or face-to-face between 4:30 pm -7:15 pm. Degree completion is possible in two years, and tuition support is available through waivers, assistantships, and scholarships! The application deadline for Fall 2022 is July 1, 2022, and for Spring 2022 is November 15, 2021. To learn more about the program, visit www.fgcu.edu/eng/mse. For assistance, please contact Dr. Danvers Johnston (djohnston@fgcu.edu) or Melinda Morra (mmorra@fgcu.edu).

EAGLE NEWS MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2021

PHOTO BY JULIA BONAVITA

NEWS & FEATURES

A RETURN TO NORMAL: FGCU'S NEW COViD RESTRiCTiONS

BY GRACiE BURGESS

ince FGCU’s spring 2020 semester, campus has looked quite different. Many students were taking classes remotely via zoom and, or a traditional online platform. It was a challenging transition for many students who were used to being on campus. “Going through the transition from in person to online classes was not an easy transition for me.” Senior, Amie Lofland said, “I learn and retain information better in person than I do online. I just had to find my own groove and do what’s best for me to help me learn material through my courses.” FGCU transitioned to an online form of learning in March of 2020. The university maintained online learning through the rest of the Spring

GRAPHIC BY ERIKA SAUER

2020 semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the summer semester, FGCU remained mostly online. Fall of 2020, FGCU opened a little more and started allowing some on campus classes. While Spring 2021 looked a lot like Fall of 2020, FGCU has begun to return to normal for Summer of 2021. Campus has opened up, and more students have been able to come back and enjoy the campus. “I am excited to be returning to entirely in person classes this fall and just to feel like life is getting back to normal.” Said Instructor Kira Lewis, at the Lutgert School of Business. “Interacting with students in the classroom and really getting to know them through those interactions is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. Trying to have that same

EAGLE NEWS MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2021

NEWS & FEATURES quality of engagement via the computer just wasn’t quite the same.” In response to successful vaccination efforts, FGCU has made the decision to lift all restrictions implemented due to COVID-19. FGCU has not mandated students get the vaccine to fight COVID-19. However, in President Michael Martin’s videos, found on the FGCU’s Protect the Nest webpage, he urges students to take every precaution they can and strongly suggests that students get vaccinated. “FGCU encourages students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and remain vigilant about their own health, hygiene and well-being.” Says FGCU employee Pamela McCabe. “We also want to remind everyone to remain tolerant of one another’s choices and to understand that we are in this together.” From all aspects around campus, many students, instructors, leaders, and all other FGCU staff are all excited to make a return to campus face-toface. Pamela McCabe recently took over for Susan Evans and has been connecting with students and faculty on the changes coming to campus in fall of 2021. “In tow with the State University System, FGCU is using the final weeks of summer to ease students, faculty and staff into a less restrictive environment.” Says McCabe. “Assuming we are not

faced with any setbacks relative to the pandemic, we will transition to pre-COVID operations for academics, athletics and campus-related events by the start of the Fall 2021 semester.”

...

Some of the changes coming to FGCU are removal of mask mandate, normal class sizes, regular campus activities, athletics, programs, and much more. FGCU will continue to COVID-19 symptomatic testing, share information on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine, sanitize and disinfect high touch areas around campus, and keep students and staff up to date on related changes at FGCU. “I urge students and employees to monitor FGCU’s Protect The Nest webpage, which contains the latest information about our summer and fall operations.” Says McCabe. “Any changes to programs, policies and procedures related to the coronavirus will be posted online, and we will continue to send out messages to campus via the covid@fgcu.edu email address.” Everyone here at FGCU is eager to get back to normal campus activities and classes. FGCU is working alongside with the state and sister institutions to ensure campus is opening safely and protecting students and employees. The most important thing is to stay safe and monitor your surroundings as this transition is taking place.∎

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Photo by Miriam Fischer from Pexels

OPINION

Delinah Rosario

Still wearing a mask in the ever-changing pandemic

earing a mask with these lifted protocols is interesting, to say the least. Every day I go to work and every day less and less people are wearing masks. I go to theme parks like Universal and almost no one has a mask on. Not only that, but hand sanitizer stations are empty. They even removed the ride dividers separating seats. The regulations are being lifted. The pandemic affected everything from how we live our day-to-day lives, to how often we can go outside. How we see the world, the economy, life this past year has been different. Now with the vaccine, everything is changing once again. It’s an evolution of the pandemic.

required to wear a mask, however, if you are not, it’s recommended that you wear your mask indoors and on rides.” I have gone to Universal a few times since the pandemic and often before. This time, the park was crowded. People were crammed together while waiting in line, however, most people were maskless. It’s a new normal that I am certainly not used to. Places like Sea World are still requiring reservations to enter but other parks no longer have the reservation spot on their websites.

Just recently I went to Universal and the moment I got into the parks the speakers said, “If you are fully vaccinated you are not

Even though people are getting vaccinated and don’t have to wear masks, people are still wondering whether or not they

GRAPHICS BY ERIKA SAUER

“I feel like people who have been vaccinated should still be mandated to wear masks,” Student Daniela Charris said. “Because it isn't 100% sure we won't get COVID.”

EAGLE NEWS MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2021

should. I think that is completely normal after more than a year of masks being the primary social expectation. More and more people are getting vaccinated and we have to adapt to the progressive changes in the pandemic. As someone who is not vaccinated, it feels odd to see so many mandates disappearing. I go to work and although I still wear my mask, the majority of the people I check out do not. I think it bothers me knowing that there could be a lot of unvaccinated people, that have COVID, and still won’t wear a mask due to the lifted restrictions. Although I am still unsure about the vaccine, others are certain that it is the best option. “I feel great because I’m protecting everybody that is not being vaccinated and everything is going back to normal,” Emergency room technician, Miosotis Ysaac said. “I’m just wishing that everybody gets vaccinated.” I don’t know if we have lifted restrictions too soon or if now was the right time, but what I do know is that things have changed and will continue changing whether it be for better or worse. The habit of sanitizing and washing your hands often has become as instinctual as wearing masks. Without those instincts being required, a lot of people are bound to be confused about what to do next. Some people like Charris feel more comfortable not wearing a mask in public compared to wearing it at work. According to Charris, because customers come in close contact with her she prefers to keep on her mask however when she is outside of work she barely ever uses it. She said she feels more confident without a

mask in public than at her workplace. “I have received the COVID-19 vaccine in the spring,” Robert Hawkes, director of FGCU's Physician Assistant Program said. “Being fully vaccinated, I do not wear a mask at work.” While some may just go with the flow surrounding the changes in the pandemic, others become curious and try to learn more about what’s going on. People want to know how effective the vaccine actually is and what the chances of getting COVID are. I sure do. As more people have received the vaccine and new cases have declined, the risk of the virus transmission has decreased. Even though the vaccines aren’t 100% effective at preventing cases, the virus is less severe for those who have been vaccinated. Some programs on campus have been looking into viruses and changes that can occur. “The physician assistant students have been studying viruses and how they develop and change over time,” Hawkes said. “Our students are taught personal protection when treating patients with COVID-19 in the hospitals.” This whole pandemic has been nervewracking, and as someone who doesn’t do well with change, I am just trying to adjust. I guess that’s all we can actually do. Adapt to what is going on around us. “The whole world has to adjust to the new changes and do their best to make it work,” ER Tech Ysaac said.∎

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GRAPHICS BY ERIKA SAUER

STAFF BIOS

MEET THE

Eagle Media STAFF

Here at Eagle Media, we are passionate about news, and we work hard to inform the public in a professional, reliable maner. As we roll into the new semester, take a moment to learn about the hard-working students that make this organization possible!

Samantha Roesler Executive Editor

Samantha Roesler is a (super) senior majoring in both journalism and legal studies. She’s originally from Minnesota but has lived in SWFL for nine years. When you can’t find Sam in the newsroom, she’s probably either playing tennis or working at Cattyshack Cat Cafe! Samantha’s passion is environmental reporting with dreams of being a writer for National Geographic. Fun fact: Sam has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!

PHOTOS BY JULIA BONAVITA

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STAFF BIOS

Sabrina Salovitz Editor-in-Chief

Sabrina Salovitz is a junior majoring in journalism with minors in interdisciplinary studies and political science. She fell in love with journalism in high school, during a TV Production class, and hasn’t looked back since. Sabrina is from Port Charlotte, Florida and when she isn’t covering campus events, writing or editing stories you can find her spending time with friends, reading or scrolling through TikTok. She will be graduating in 2022 and her goal is to become a political reporter. Fun fact: Sabrina has read over 600 books in her life!

Sarah Mankowitz ENTV Director

Sarah Mankowitz is a junior majoring in journalism and minoring in interdisciplinary studies. She is from Bradenton, Florida and has wanted to become an anchor or reporter either in news or sports since her freshman year of high school. When she isn’t in front of the camera, you can find her playing trumpet in the FGCU basketball band or working at an FGCU athletics sporting event. Fun fact: Sarah did figure skating for about 8 years!

EAGLE NEWS MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2021

PHOTOS BY JULIA BONAVITA

STAFF BIOS

Erika Sauer

Graphics Editor Erika Sauer is a senior studying as a marketing major. She has over ten years of experience with graphic design and has worked with Eagle Media for over two years. She actually designs the Eagle News Magazine! Her hobbies include singing, sewing, painting, playing video games, and, of course, graphic design! Erika was born and raised in Cape Coral, Florida, and she hopes to one day become a marketing manager or a professional graphic designer. Fun fact: Erika was asked by multiple television producers to audition for American Idol!

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NEWS & FEATURES

Keyshawn Frazier

Eagle Radio Station Manager Keyshawn, better known as K, is a current junior graduating in 2023. He loves to work on podcasts and music, hosting the Eagle Radio twice a week. When he’s not studying or working on a new project for Eagle Radio, he is worrying about the next piece of geek pop culture coming out. Fun fact: Keyshawn has six tattoos!

Michael Patella

Marketing/Sales Director Michael Patella is a junior majoring in communication focused in public relations. He has previously worked in a handful of other marketing positions, including Marketing Director for Boca Raton Laser Lipo and has since started his own PR and Marketing Firm: NSPIRE PR & Marketing Solutions. He is certified in both Social Media Marketing (Hubspot) and Google Display Advertising (Google). Fun fact: Michael is a published children’s book author!

EAGLE NEWS MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2021

PHOTOS BY JULIA BONAVITA

Alexandra Porter

SWFL HOTSPOT

From Wheels to Café:

new familyowned restaurant has opened in University Village in Fort Myers- the Food Rock Café. It is run by owner Chef JD, his wife and co-owner, Jennifer Damas, and their daughter, Cassidy Damas. It offers a wide variety of choices on its menu including burgers, salads, a variety of empanadas, an entire red snapper, freshly made sauces, non-fried foods like quinoa, and so much more. Most of these dishes come with their own Caribbean Island flare that will help the restaurant stand out from others in University Village. “It’s more unique, more with an island feature,” Chef JD said. “It has more of a Caribbean flavor with the seasonings used.” The Food Rock Café has come a long way from its founding as a food truck during COVID to a fullyfledged café. Both Chef JD and Jennifer Damas found that this was a challenge, but they believed it was for the best. Jennifer Damas quit her job as a registered nurse to pursue this new chapter in life. “I was a registered nurse,” she said. “And with COVID and seeing the stress my husband was going through and what I was going through as well, as a nurse, we felt like the love we once had for our careers was depleted because of the chaos. Because of the uncertainty and all that. So, we did a leap of faith.” The family works as a unit, which is a main foundation to the restaurant. Cassidy Damas helps Chef JD and Jennifer Damas in any way she can in the family business. “I quit my other job, and I’m trying to help them build something here,” Cassidy Damas said. “It’s nice and I enjoy working with them. I also get to spend more time with them.” Cassidy Damas hopes The Food Rock Café

can become part of the community by becoming a new hotspot in the area. As a new restaurant, this would be a challenge for the whole family. Cassidy Damas believes that the good flavors of the restaurant would make it a hit. “I believe that it will become a popular spot,” Cassidy Damas said. “The food’s pretty good, and I’ve always been a fan of it since I was a kid. My grandmother used to make all of the things on the menu for me.” Jennifer Damas hopes that The Food Rock Café can become a new, welcoming environment for the community. She said that both she and Chef JD wanted to bring more to the community and become a part of it. “I want to be able to touch everyone’s hearts, even if it’s one meal at a time, or one smile at a time while greeting them,” she said. “I want to make everyone feel welcomed.” The Food Rock Café has a specialty going on for FGCU students--20% off your order all day, every day. Jennifer Damas stated that she understands how much students go through. She and her husband wanted to help and alleviate the cost pressures that are put on many college students with things like tuition and dorm costs. “We don’t want to take advantage of our students, but we want to be a part of them,” Jennifer Damas said. “And just know that we are here. Like even if they were to come in and tell us, ‘Hey listen, right now I’m hungry and I’m going through some stuff.’ We will listen to you. We won’t question anything. We won’t doubt you.” Both owners also hope The Food Rock Café can do more with FGCU in the future and create more relations with the campus itself within its groups such as the wrestling group and more. The serving hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday.∎

The Food Rock Food Truck Gets its Own Café in Fort Myers

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FOOD ROCK CAFE

EAGLE NEWS MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2021

IS HIRING!

Questions? Contact executive@eaglenews.org