Developers have formally filed plans to build a second Costco in Collier County at Rattlesnake Hammock and Collier Blvd.
In February, approximately 250 residents turned out for a neighborhood information meeting on the subject with most opposed to the project.
When the project comes up for approval, a waiver will need to be granted. There is a gas station less than 200 feet from the proposed site. Collier’s land development calls for a 500-foot separation between service stations.
‘Science Nite – Archaeology’ at Rookery Bay
Rookery Bay Research Reserve will host a “Science Nite” focused on the “rich archaeological history” of Southwest Florida.
The event will feature a panel discussion on the “importance of preserving historical sites and cultural material, offering insights into how the past shapes our future.”
The event is designed for students interested in archaeology, history or museum careers.
Archaeologists, historians and conservationists from the Seminole Tribal Historic Preservation Office, Lynn University, Mound House – Town of Fort Myers Beach and the Marco Island Historical Society will be on the panel.
The event is from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m., April 30, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. You can register at RookeryBay.org/events.
Cost is $5 for students; $10 for community members.
Calusa Waterkeeper’s April event
“Seagrasses, crucial to Florida’s ecology and economy, are facing rapid decline in Southwest Florida,” reads the press release.
Calusa Waterkeeper has invited Kate Rose of Florida Sea Grant to speak at its quarterly “State of Our Water.”
Rose is a marine scientist with a background in fisheries and aquatic sciences. She will share how communities can support the stewardship of seagrasses.
Calusa Waterkeeper Rangers will also deliver the State of the Water Address, providing an update on the health of local waterways and efforts to protect Florida’s coastal environments.
The event will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, April 12, at the Iona House at Calusa Nature Center.
To reserve your seat or for more information, visit calusawaterkeeper.org.
CREW presentation
Ever wonder what CREW stands for? It’s short for the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. And if you want to know more, you’ll want to attend the Tuesday, April 8, meeting of Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife.
Janet Windisch, our friend at Friends, informs us that the guest speaker will be Piper Jones, education coordinator at CREW.
“Established in 1989, the CREW Land & Water Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to coordinating land acquisition, land management, and public access for the 70,000-plus acre Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. CREW’s mission is to preserve and protect the water resources and natural habitats within this vital ecosystem,” Windisch writes.
Jones will guide the presentation through the diverse habitats of Florida, “highlight the significance of water flow and take us on a journey through the expansive CREW Trails.”
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with registration and a social. The presentation will start at 7. The meeting will be held at Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral.
This event is open to all.
The meeting will also include the election of new officers CCFW.
For more information about CCFW, to donate, or to learn about membership and volunteer opportunities, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org or call 239-980-2593.
Orchid Symposium, rare plant sale
Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold its first historic and rare plant sale in conjunction with the annual Orchid Symposium on April 12 and 13.
The theme for this year’s event is “Grow Fort Myers.” Experts will give presentations and share insights on cultivating rare plants.
“The Estates’ horticulturists have spent two years propagating the most unusual and historic plants specifically for this event,” said Karen Maxwell, horticulture specialist. “Orchid and rare plant enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn cultivation and propagation techniques and best practices from rare plant experts during the two days of free presentations.”
Admission to the event and presentations is free (does not include tours, museum or laboratory). The show is from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days.
For more information about the organization, visit EdisonFord.org.
‘An Evening of Swashbuckling STEM’
IMAG History & Science Center is inviting families, friends and “mateys” to “IMAG At Night” and their next presentation, “An Evening of Swashbuckling STEM.”
It’s from 5 until 7 p.m., at 2000 Cranford Avenue, Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-243-0043 or visit theIMAG.org.
Etiquette class offered at Edison and Ford
From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., May 17, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host an etiquette class for children ages 6-12. It’s a two-hour session in manners, where children will learn how to conduct a proper introduction, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three-course meal.
Suzanne Willis, a graduate of the Protocol School of Palm Beach and a Fort Myers native, teaches the class. She is. Willis started the classes to honor her grandmother, Florence “Mimi” Black, who was active in the community and served on the Estates’ advisory board for more than 30 years.
Student will receive a workbook and certificate of completion. Registration is required at EdisonFord.org. The cost of the class is $85 for Estates’ members; $95 for non-members.
More: Now You Know: New Spring, Summer slate at the Arts Center Theatre
And: Now You Know: ‘Landmark sale’ for waterfront villa
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Now You Know: Costco moves forward; Rookery hosts ‘Science Nite’
Reporting by Will Watts / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
