The Bonita Springs Veterans Advisory Committee is inviting the public to attend a Memorial Day Service at 9 a.m., May 25. The service will be located at the Liles Hotel Lawn, 27300 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs.
The guest speaker is US Navy Lt. Raymond Sandelli (ret). He was part of the Sixth Fleet operations during the 1973 war in the Middle East and the 1974 Cyprus conflict. He accumulated over 1,700 flight hours and 295 carrier landings. He also served as a pilot for the Blue Angels Demonstration Squadron from 1977 to 1978, flying the A-4 Skyhawk. He continued his service to the community as a Lee County Commissioner from 2019 to 2024.
The Memorial Day Ceremony will include traditional commemorations such as the posting of the colors, the presentation of the Blue/Gold Star Banners, a 21-gun salute, and the laying of the wreaths.
For more information, call 239-949-6262.
Bonita Bay Club approves $110M clubhouse transformation
Bonita Bay Club is moving forward with a $110 million clubhouse project, which will be built in two phases on the club’s 2,400-acre main campus.
The planned 140,000-square-foot clubhouse has been designed in a “Florida coastal style to elevate the members’ experience while improving operational efficiency and staff work environments,” according to a press release. Plans include a grand ballroom.
“This project is far more than a new clubhouse — it reflects our identity as a member-owned club and the commitment to continuous reinvestment in our amenities,” said Fred Fung, CEO and general manager of Bonita Bay Club. “At the same time, it underscores our dedication to the team by providing the resources and environment needed to deliver exceptional service now and in the future.”
This new project marks the final phase of a broader, multi-decade transformation. Since acquiring the club from its original developer in 2010, members have invested approximately $250 million in capital funds, upgrading all major amenities across the property.
Learn more at bonitabayclub.net.
Collier County’s first sea turtle nest at Barefoot Beach
The Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Team has recorded the first sea turtle nest on Barefoot Beach in Collier County on April 29. The loggerhead nest has been staked by the team and will be monitored until the eggs hatch.
The monitoring group started the permit-required daily nest surveys on April 15. The team patrols and records sea turtle emergences (nests and false crawls) along 22.5 miles of Collier County beachfront daily.
Sea turtle nesting season in this area runs from spring to the end of October each year. During this time, the Sea Turtle Protection Team’s environmental supervisor, Mary Toro, asks everyone living on or near our beaches to follow a few simple guidelines.
“Please remember to turn off or shade lights from illuminating the beach by 9 p.m. and remove all beach furniture from the beach by 9:30. We are hopeful for a good nesting season, and with the public’s help, we can make it a great season,” said Toro.
For more information, visit collierparks.com/sea-turtle-protection/.
Miromar Outlets welcomes Coco Art Gallery
Miromar Outlets recently announced the opening of Coco Art Gallery, a cooperative gallery of the Art Council of Southwest Florida.
“Coco Art Gallery brings an exciting creative energy to Miromar Outlets,” said Vice President Jeff Staner. “Their presence adds a meaningful cultural element that complements our diverse mix of brands and experiences, while offering guests something unexpected and inspiring centered around the incredible artists of Southwest Florida.”
The new space is designed to increase engagement between artists and visitors, featuring rotating exhibitions, live art experiences, and interactive programming.
Miromar Outlets is located at Exit 123 off I-75 on Miromar Outlets Boulevard in Estero.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: Bonita Memorial Day plans; Bay Club approves $110M project
Reporting by Will Watts, Special to The Banner / Naples Daily News
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