Alliance for Florida’s National Parks to present conservation award at Wine & Wildlife Gala

The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks will award Aliyah Walker as the first-ever recipient of the Lisa Andrews Conservation and Education (L.A.C.E.) Award at the ninth annual Wine & Wildlife Gala on Nov. 4, 2025, in Naples, Fla. The L.A.C.E. Award is being created to honor the legacy of Ranger Lisa Andrews and her lifelong.

Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance awarded Non-Profit Impact of the Year

The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance was recently awarded Non-Profit Impact of the Year at the Immokalee Eastern Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Member Recognition Dinner on April 3. Over the past year, Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance has made great strides in providing safe and affordable housing for Immokalee’s hardworking farmworkers and low-income families, thanks to the.

Ryan Mejias named 2025 Youth of the Year in Lee County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County named Ryan Mejias, a member of the Pueblo Bonito Neighborhood Club, as its 2025 Youth of the Year. The annual honor is given to a club member who exemplifies the virtues of good character, academic excellence, community service and strong leadership. Mejias, a freshman at Bonita Springs High.

California Closets of Southwest Florida named 2025 Honoree by Ronald McDonald House Charities SWFL

California Closets of Southwest Florida was recognized by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida as the 2025 Honoree of the nonprofit’s 29th Annual Storybook Ball in February. Ronald McDonald House gives families the ability to fully focus on the healing of their child by providing a temporary home away from home in a secure.

Partners in Care leader Kathy Tolentino wins Cancer Care Hero Award 

The Lee Health Foundation has named long-time Southwest Florida patient advocate Kathy Tolentino as its 2025 Phoenix Award winner at the nonprofit’s annual Cancer Care Hero Awards celebration.  The Phoenix Award recognizes a community member who, through education or development of new resources, has contributed to reshaping cancer care in the region.   Tolentino, director of.

Christina Penuel of Mark Loren Designs brings home prestigious national jewelry award

Christina “Crissy” Penuel, a jewelry designer at Mark Loren Designs, was awarded first place for earrings in the Bridal Wear category at the 40th annual American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Gala in Tucson, Arizona on Feb. 8. Penuel’s winning design was 14 karat yellow gold earrings featuring Yangtze pearls, accented.

Christian Alonso of Studio A.D. Architect wins AIA Award

Christian Alonso, an architectural project manager at Studio A.D. Architect, was recognized with Merit Award for Architectural Graphics for his graduate study thesis: “Redefining a Building Envelope: Through Construction Details, Joints and Structural Details” at American Institue of Architects (AIA) Florida Southwest’s Design and Honor Awards Gala on Dec. 7 at Artis-Naples. The annual event.

Ocean Prime receives awards from restaurant industry website

Ocean Prime, one of Southwest Florida’s premier restaurants, was recently recognized as top in the region in two categories for the month of November.  OpenTable, a national restaurant reservations service, awarded Ocean Prime Diners’ Choice Awards for Best Seafood and Most Booked restaurant for the month. The award is based solely on OpenTable’s verified feedback gathered only.